Thom Meintel 
Elounda, Crete Every now and then a hotel comes along that defies predictability and shakes a fist at standards. Nestled in a cove on a steep hill plunging down to the Bay of Mirabello in Elounda, Crete, The Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort is one of them. A big stylized “E” … Read more
A large open air patio cooled by swirling ceiling fans lures you into Landhuis Daniel, a stunning tropical setting that appears at the end of a drive down a long country road. Chirping crickets and the bling of an occasional firefly provide the perfect setting for romance, along with world … Read more
A striking amber chandelier leads the way into Selene’s dining room. It definitely belongs in the Dale Chihuly school of art glass fixtures but it has a freeform composition that can only be the representation of the Greek spirit. It’s also emblematic of the restaurant’s inventiveness, the glow casting a … Read more
A gleaming disco ball under a neon canopy greets you at Cabana Beach along with a “friendly” beach person. After all this is a beach restaurant and guards are down. Groovy retro sounds from the sixties, seventies and eighties se the mood and the lounge atmosphere fits perfectly with the … Read more
If someone came up with the wild idea to start rating hotels by their gyms, Hotel Avila would be at the top. How many times have we suffered through vacations with only a stationary bicycle in a hot room with no air conditioning? Too many, I’m afraid. Guess what? Get … Read more
*With contributions by Sarah Meyer The town of Oia on the Greek island of Santorini is the new kid on the block. A beautifully scenic 20 minute drive north from Fira, the capital of the island and the major draw, it’s the Malibu to Fira’s Beverly Hills. Smaller and more … Read more
A steep winding climb from the town square of Oia leads to the magic of Skala, hugging the sea in this tiny village on the island of Santorini. Verticality is part and parcel to this island where hotels and restaurants seem poised to fall into the ocean. Not Skala. The … Read more
Of the many restaurants that line the main drag of Santorini’s famous town of Fira in the Greek islands, Sphinx stands out. The flamingo pink color of the entire restaurant which is situated on numerous levels leading down to the sea, each one different from the other, is unmistakable. Pink … Read more
Vinsanto, the restaurant at the Vedema Resort, knows a thing or two about making an entrance. Housed in a former 19th century winery, it’s (hands down) a world away from anything else on the island. Situated in the tiny town of Megalohori, 15 minutes’ drive from Fira on the island … Read more
The music at the pool bar is in a deep eighties groove. From David Bowie to the Thompson Twins, Alpha Ville to Bananarama, the sounds of the era of excess are taking center stage at the Aressana Hotel’s pool, that is, along with a gurgling waterfall and the occasional clink … Read more
Wow, talk about an entrance. After a breathtaking drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway out of Miami to Key Biscayne, the landmarked Rusty Pelican creates big drama. Like most restaurants hugging the water, the approach sets up expectations for a true waterfront dining experience. As one of the Florida Keys … Read more
EDGE, Steak & Bar @ The Four Seasons Hotel A Zen waterfall greets you as you pull into Miami’s Four Seasons Hotel. It’s a welcoming touch … water soothes the body and the soul especially in a tropical destination like this. Past a massive female sculpture by Bottero that leads … Read more
It was almost summer in Finland and our plan was to spend the longest day of the year in Helsinki. The line from Great Gatsby flashed in my mind when Daisy plaintively asks Jordan and Nick, “What shall we do on the longest day of the year?” Take my word … Read more
A lilting riff on a grand piano greets the lucky guests that enter the temple of design and culinary excellence that is Savoy. Clearly a place where deals are made and hearts are won, Savoy is one of those experiences that’s talked about. Perched on the 8th floor of … Read more