Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago

The Radisson Blu brand has arrived in the U.S. and landed in downtown Chicago in the Aqua Tower, an 18 story building designed by environmentally conscious architect, Jeanne Gang, of Studio Gang Architects. The building was designed with a lot of open space that is immediately noticeable in the public … Read more

Avila Hotel, Curacao

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

Katikies, The Hotel, Santorini

*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

Little Mermaid Lands Her Man

She has been twice beheaded, lost an arm, been blasted off her rock, and covered in various colors of paint.  It’s safe to say that Denmark’s iconic Little Mermaid statue has been through a lot.  Yet, whether being displayed abroad in an exhibition or viewed from her native home perched … Read more

The Arizona Biltmore

Jewel of the Desert Phoenix in the summer cackles with dry heat, lingering in the triple digits.  Gloriously situated in the blinding sun is the Arizona Biltmore, offering shade and luxury.  The Biltmore is often incorrectly attributed to renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who consulted in four months of its … Read more

Urban Travel

Monotonous: usually the last word associated with travel. But sometimes, visiting a city can be just that. Once you’ve visited the must-sees, like historical sites, best restaurants, shopping centers, and museums, it’s hard to remember which city you’re in, exactly. The noisy traffic, the busy people in heels and dark … Read more

Barbados, England of the Caribbean

Barbados, situated in the southern Atlantic, is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands, set off on its own as though wanting to be different. It surely is, this “Little England,” as some call it. After more than 300 years of British rule, Barbados, independent since 1966, is a delightful … Read more

Silverpoint Hotel, Barbados

“Secluded, but not removed, private, but not regimented” was how the Silverpoint manager described the hotel’s charms to me as I stood on the balcony staring at the azure Caribbean Sea.  A few blissful days later I realized that his description perfectly captured the essence of this intimate property. If … Read more

Skala Restaurant, Oia, Santorini

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

CLEAR Lands in San Francisco

Travel mavens rejoice!  CLEAR, the nation’s premier biometric secure ID program, is now available for use at San Francisco International Airport.   Boasting to have saved CLEAR members more than 17 million minutes in waiting time, CLEAR lets you take control of how you spend your time.  Instead of anxiously waiting … Read more

Big Apple Downtown Drink Tour

Everybody knows New Yorkers know how to drink.  This summer, play like a local and try out one of these famed rooftop bars without missing out on the sights that make this city great.  Skip the cab tab, and instead hop on and off at any of the CitySights bus … Read more

Sculpture at the New York Palace Hotel

Most New Yorkers know that some of the best works of art aren’t in the museums.  They’re either public works (Hello, Lady Liberty!) or, are on display semi-privately at many of New York’s finest hotels and galleries … free of charge! This spring and summer take in a new exhibit … Read more

Adventure Travel

Butterflies in your stomach, pulse racing, agitated breathing. No, we’re not exactly falling in love; it’s merely all the adrenaline rush from adventure traveling. This summer, it’s time to tap in to your wild side. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. Backpacking – The Inca Trail to … Read more

The Other Side of Macau

Travel assumptions can often be misguided and my recent trip to Macau is one such example. But a happy surprise is a traveler’s true gift. Although I thought I knew the characteristics of this island, I was glad to discover a deeper and more complex, hybrid culture. While many of … Read more

Sphinx, Santorini

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