Why merely relax when you can transform? The Muluk Spa at Hotel Xcaret Mexico is your gateway to the ancient traditions and healing practices of the Mayan culture. As you enter the spa’s expansive, open-air lobby you immediately connect with the lush topography of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Excavated from a … Read more
Christopher Isherwood famously wrote about the debauchery of early 1930s Weimar Berlin in his book, “The Berlin Stories,” the basis for the movie “Cabaret.” I decided to keep a diary of my recent visit to the hugely popular German city. While my experiences were nowhere near as racy as Isherwood’s, … Read more
Switzerland’s Lake Geneva Region is a perfect puzzle of graceful cities such as Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux, punctuated by dozens of fairytale villages. This Francophone swath is marked on the sophisticated traveler’s map thanks to its stunning Alpine scenery, clear blue waters of Lake Geneva and acres of chocolate so … Read more
New York’s Catskill Mountains have always been a destination for breathtaking views, cascading rivers and dramatic fall foliage. In addition to outdoor attractions like skiing and hiking, local distilleries and farm-to-table eateries are opening in record numbers in this newly revitalized area. With the recent addition of Resorts World Catskills, … Read more
The Broadway musical Come From Away, is one of the hottest productions being performed today, not only in New York City but also in London, on tour in theaters across North America and soon in Melbourne, Australia. It’s set in the town of Gander on the Atlantic-facing island of Newfoundland, … Read more
If Loreto doesn’t ring any bells, don’t worry — most people have no idea where this dot of a town is in Baja California Sur. However, with the jade expanse of the Gulf of California stretching out before it and the Conan-the-Barbarian landscape of the Sierra de la Giganta coming … Read more
I’m holding fast to the brakes of a roller coaster that races above the treetops of the winter wonderland that’s Copper Mountain, a Colorado ski resort. My 15-year-old daughter speeds ahead of me, more of an adrenaline junkie than me. I hurl expletives at the track as my car careens … Read more
I’d seen the Grand Canyon once, and in fairly grand style. I was in Vegas with a friend and booked a helicopter flight that landed inside it with a sunset flyover of the Vegas strip on the return. It was a fabulous, unforgettable experience but I still had a hunger … Read more
The Litchfield Hills have been attracting visitors for generations. Situated in Connecticut’s northwest corner, a patchwork of mountain lakes, laurel-covered glades and pine-scented woods act like a magnet for anyone craving an immersion in nature. The landscape is straight from the pages of a New England fairytale, with white clapboard … Read more
Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, Aspen’s snowy slopes attract skiers from all over the world. While avid skiers and snowboarders rarely leave the slopes, other Aspen visitors may need a break. That’s not a problem here—this picturesque little mountain town offers much more than great skiing. Beyond the Slopes Art … Read more
If you’ve ever stepped foot inside a duty-free shop anywhere in the world, you’ve certainly noticed the fragrance Angel, by Thierry Mugler. The striking bottle shape and distinctive packaging usually stands out among the many perfume brands on the shelf. The well-known French fashion designer was at the pinnacle of … Read more
“Gstaad is the last paradise in a crazy world.” These words from the lovely and talented Julie Andrews capture the essence of this charming Swiss village in the heart of the Bernese Oberland in southwest Switzerland. Gstaad is one of 10 unique villages that make up the district known as … Read more
Half-timbered houses, red-tiled roofs, cobbled lanes, medieval clock towers and an abundance of charm await in the picturesque villages and towns of Bavaria. Here’s a look at some of the loveliest.
At first glance, the middle-aged woman with glasses and greying hair is just wrapping little balls of clay the size of marbles but within seconds shapes appear – a head, legs, arms, then finally a fully developed figure. Together with her sister and nephew, Maria Inácia Fonseca runs the craft … Read more
When dreaming about Italy, the magnificent cities of Rome, Venice and Florence usually come to mind. Of course, Tuscany is a must see too. But I wanted to get off the well-worn tourist path and explore beyond those bucket list spots. Nestled in the shadow of the Alps, I found … Read more