Hotels are on a mission to differentiate themselves; whether it’s creative food and beverage concepts or day camps for kids, the better and more unique the offerings, the more appealing the hotel. Today, hotels are constantly perfecting the “experience”. It’s not just about perfectly decorated rooms or one-of-a-kind art prints; it’s about providing an experience [...]
Luxury Travel
Around the World: 2013 Travel Hotspots
It’s a new year. The world is your oyster. If you need some help narrowing down your options, I’ve pulled together some of the top destinations to visit in 2013, based on my own research and travel, and with the help of some of my expert travel friends. Whether you choose to stay stateside or [...]
Lifestyle
How Pinterest is Influencing the Way We Travel
As a travel writer, I’m always inspired by the photographs other travelers take on their trips; I love seeing the world through their eyes — how the ocean looks from their room, how the food looks on their plate, how the luggage looks when it’s packed to the brim and ready to go to the [...]
Hotels
The New Trend in Travel: Heart-healthy Hotels
More hotels are getting into a healthier travel space; just a few weeks ago, InterContinental Hotels announced they are launching a new brand, EVEN, that will be specifically designed for exercise fanatics and guests who want a more heart-healthy hotel experience. IHG’s healthy hotel announcement, other brands have arrived at the forefront offering a glimpse [...]
Europe Travel
Destination: Berlin
Germany’s edgy capital offers wine and culinary experiences that push the envelope. Berlin’s progressive disposition is driving its trendy art and fashion scene. Just as controversial to some are its cutting-edge restaurants and bars, which attract visitors with a flair for wine and food. The richness of Berlin’s history becomes apparent within seconds. Immerse yourself [...]
People & Culture
Closing out the Year at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Before we entered the ancient burial ground on Kapaula, Clifford Naeole offered a chant introducing me to the 400-plus Hawaiian ancestors who lay 40 feet under in the lush gardens overlooking the Hawaiian islands. He touched my arm gently midway through the chant – a signal for me to make my introduction. “Melanie Nayer, from [...]
Lifestyle
Tutto va bene…
Sydney, Australia; Los Angeles, California; New York City; Shanghai, China; Hong Kong; Miami; Santa Monica; Bermuda; New York City (again); Toronto; Vancouver, Canada; Austin, Texas; Newport, Rhode Island; and back home again to Boston, Massachusetts. This year has taken me around the world and back again, and while not without its complications, this year has [...]
Lifestyle
Traveling To Your Center
I travel to experience new things, meet new people and offer a glimpse of the world that might not be easily viewed for others. My life’s work is a labor of love, but from time to time I forget about the simple pleasures and need a little ‘centering.’ I was speaking to a friend on [...]
Travel Journal
Travel…Through the Eyes of a 12-Year-Old
As adults, we inherently worry about everything. We make things more complicated and often spend too much time analyzing something as simple as why he won’t call, why she said what she did, or whether forgetting where we put the car keys means early signs of Alzheimer’s. We take the easiest task and over-complicate it, and [...]
Travel Journal
In-flight Observations: Breakups and Bad Flights
The Annual Airline Quality rating survey was released earlier this week and it got me thinking – with so many complaints about the airline industry, what happens to all the complaint letters? Do the airlines ever read the letters? Do they care? Maybe there is a person who is hired specifically to read complaint letters [...]
