Preferred Travel Issue 28 2025

The Magic of Mexico

American Adventure

Traverse the beautiful Atlantic Coast

Cycle Friendly Cities

Explore these urban centers by bike

Family Vacations

Delightful destinations for everyone

Anoushka Shankar

The life and work of the classical musician

Summertime

Just saying the word “summertime,” your mouth can’t help but curl up into a smile. There is something magical about the lightness and pleasure of summer that we learn in childhood and it never leaves us.

Spring brings a time of anticipation with buds and blossoms, but summer is an entire symphony of color. This is the season where warm-weather clothing finds a new home, tennis rackets, golf clubs, and beach gear are all dusted o , and we embrace our calendar for what is to come. We are reminded that the new year was a commitment to time together as well as time for self and new adventures.

One of the pleasures of producing Preferred Travel magazine is capturing inspirational destinations and unique experiences. In this issue we feature Mexico, a destination known for o ering a welcoming climate, and also a rich history, diverse population, creative expression, tantalizing cuisine, and a range of opportunities to journey in many di erent directions. Delving deep into its neighborhoods and barrios (districts) reveals a wonderful cultural uniqueness. Local immersion leaves a lasting impression.

Spring brings a time of anticipation with buds and blossoms, but summer is an entire symphony of color

This is indeed a family time. The chorus from the clan is about the where, when, and how long. There’s always a mix of “I hope we get to go to Hawaii again,” along with “Can we go back to India?” and “Could we stay longer in Paris?” We are fortunate to take a journey with grandchildren starting a few days into summer holidays. An international journey (sans parents) begins at age 9. We consider destinations that they might not experience even as young adults. Some of the best memories are well-crafted plans gone astray. There are surprises in so many ways – museums that enthrall, a sunrise worthy of an early rise, and people who reach out to share their home.

At Preferred Travel, we embrace the “what else, what next, and why not?”

We wish you a magical summer of new adventures with a generous helping of “what else.”

Gail Ueberroth Editor-in-Chief, Preferred Travel

Chief

Creative Officer, Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Family time in Colorado over the holidays

THE LONDONE II R

PREFERRED TRAVEL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Gail Ueberroth

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Brooke Ueberroth

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS

Adam Babashoff

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Nena Ryder

VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLICATIONS

Elizabeth Allerton

EDITOR

Deanna Murphy

IMAGE RESOURCES

Brittney Garland

THINK

EDITOR

Emily Rodway

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Angela McManus

MANAGING EDITOR

Rica Dearman

PROJECT MANAGER

Fidi Wittmer/Federika Petersen

ART DIRECTOR

George Walker

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

John Innes

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Justin Masters

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Alex Wilton

PREFERRED HOTELS & RESORTS

CHAIRMAN

John A. Ueberroth

VICE CHAIRMAN & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER

Gail Ueberroth

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Lindsey Ueberroth

ON THE COVER Cenote Suytun is located near the city of Valladolid on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

Photograph © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Charlie Allenby, Susannah Skiver Barton, John Brunton, Caroline Eubanks, Annika Hipple, Ocean Malandra, Nick McGrath, Chase McPeak, Isabella Noble, Sarah Notton, Fabiana Owens, Sarah Pascarella, Fiona Rose, Ashley Ryan, Katy Salter, Michaela Trimble, Clarissa Wei

All rights reserved. Preferred Travel magazine is a registered trademark of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or part, without the express prior written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions therein. Views of contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the policies of Preferred Hotels & Resorts nor those of the publisher.

This issue we asked our writers…

WHAT DOES SUMMER FUN LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

MICHAELA TRIMBLE

Beaches and Beyond

Summer fun looks like being outside, roaming along a quaint street, grabbing wine at an outdoor bistro, and walking with an ice cream cone. It feels easy, fun, and romantic.

JOHN BRUNTON

VivaMexico and Rediscover Mexico City

This year my summer kicks o with an exciting voyage to the foothills of the Gobi Desert in China to visit vineyards and join the jury of an international wine competition.

SUSANNAH SKIVER BARTON

The Tantalizing Taste of Tequila

Summer fun is long mornings burying my feet in the sand, a pitcher of cold sangria in the afternoon, grilling dinner as the sun sets, and finally relaxing under the stars with my friends and family.

ISABELLA NOBLE

Little Black Book

My ideal summer involves switching o on the Andalusian coast where I grew up, walking out to quieter coves along dusty cli side trails, and snacking on slices of watermelon on the sand after swimming in the Atlantic.

Photographer Credits

Front cover: Marco Bottigelli/Getty. Page 12: Alonso Reyes/stock.adobe.com. Page 13: Susanne Kremer/4Corners Images; Lanmas/Alamy Stock Photo; Lucas Vallecillos/Alamy Stock Photo; Fabian Montano Hernandez/Shutterstock. Page 14: Kertu Saarits/Alamy Stock Photo; Danny Ye/Shutterstock. Page 15: Godong/Alamy Stock Photo; David Hockney, Jonathan Wilkinson; Dilchaspiyaan/Shutterstock; Ristovski Dragan/Shutterstock. Page 16: Peter Phipp/Travelshots.com/ Alamy Stock Photo; imagoDens/Shutterstock; Graham Tarrant/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 17: M.Brodie/Alamy Stock Photo; Southwest UK Imaging/Alamy Stock Photo; fotohunter/Shutterstock; Danilo Strino/Shutterstock. Page 21: Adisorn/ stock.adobe.com. Page 22: Marco Bottigelli/Getty. Page 23: Brandon Williams/iStock. Page 24: Alonso Reyes/stock.adobe.com. Page 25: Richie Chan/Shutterstock; Diana Hoffman/stock.adobe.com; FG Trade Latin/iStock; Hemis/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 28: WitR/Shutterstock; Hemis/Alamy Stock Photo; mure3496/Shutterstock; Jon Arnold Images Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 29: Suzuki Kaku/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 32: Frederick Millett/Shutterstock; Page 33: Ian Dagnall/ Alamy Stock Photo; Polly Dawson/Shutterstock; Findlay/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 34: Richard Ellis/Alamy Stock Photo; eskystudio/Shutterstock; Pandora Pictures/Shutterstock. Page 36: Frida Kahlo/Album/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 37: Anton_ Ivanov/Shutterstock. Page 38: Frida Kahlo/IanDagnall Computing/Alamy Stock Photo; Vintage_Space/Alamy Stock Photo; Bridgeman Images. Page 40: Yulia Furman/Shutterstock. Page 41: Monticello/Shutterstock; Carlos Garrigos Saucedo/ Shutterstock. Page 42: Conrado/Shutterstock. Page 43: Image Professionals GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 44: Kim Petersen/Alamy Stock Photo; Images-Europa/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 45: Michael Brooks/Alamy Stock Photo; Allard One/Shutterstock; StefaNikolic/iStock; Serhii Chrucky/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 46: Ian Dagnall/Alamy Stock Photo; Andrew Watson/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 50: MatthieuCattin/Shutterstock. Page 51: rjankovsky/Alamy Stock Photo; Mark Pitt Images/Shutterstock; Image Leaks/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 53: valkird/Shutterstock. Page 54: Oleksiy Mark/Shutterstock. Page 55: WR7/Shutterstock; sofie Frydenlund/Shutterstock; Mistervlad/Shutterstock. Page 56: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock. Page 57: Conchi Martinez/Shutterstock; f11photo/Shutterstock. Page 58: FenlioQ/Shutterstock. Page 59: ESB Professional/Shutterstock; leungchopan/Shutterstock. Page 61: Brian Jannsen/Alamy Stock Photo; LademannMedia/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 64: Susanne Kremer/4Corners Images. Page 65: EcoPhotography.com/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 66: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock. Page 67: Manuel Balesteri/Shutterstock. Page 68: Ian G Dagnall/Alamy Stock Photo; Laurent Grandadam/4 Corners Images. Page 70: CO Leong/Shutterstock; Marco Simoni/4 Corners Images. Page 73: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty. Page 74: Tsuni/USA/Alamy Stock Photo. Page 75: UPI/Alamy Stock Photo; Joseph Barrak/Getty. Page 77: Santorines/Shutterstock. Page 78: Anastasia Kamysheva/Shutterstock; Stefano Scatà/4 Corners Images; MariaKovaleva/Shutterstock; rahmi ayu/Shutterstock.

DESTINATION MEXICO

Embark upon an adventure in a country with a colorful culture and extraordinary attractions

MEXICO CITY

36 SELF-PORTRAIT

Learn about one of Mexico’s most famous artists, Frida Kahlo, by visiting her former home in the country’s capital

Unwind in luxury at one of these seven refined hotels in Europe and North America that have recently joined the Preferred

portfolio

Explore the art, architecture, and culinary havens of this capital city

BEACHES AND BEYOND

Seek out Mexico’s best spots from its shores to inland treasures

THE TANTALIZING TASTE OF TEQUILA

Discover the di erent styles of this celebrated spirit made from the agave plant and its growing popularity around the globe

DESTINATIONS

42 CYCLING CITY CENTERS

The best cities to meander by bike

50 IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Usaquén in Colombia’s capital, Bogotá

53 72 HOURS IN . . .

Stockholm, Atlanta, and Taipei

61 LITTLE BLACK BOOK: MALLORCA

Relax in pretty Palma de Mallorca

64 ALLURE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST

Journey along the beautiful Eastern Seaboard in the United States

LIFE AND ARTS

74 NOTE PERFECT

An interview with Anoushka Shankar

76 A TASTE OF SUMMER

Indulge in some of the best seasonal dishes found around the world

PREFERRED LIFE

80 JOYFUL JOURNEYS

Create memories on a family vacation

84 DESTINATION WELLNESS

Enter the new era of mindful travel

90 MY PREFERRED WORLD

Discover the four distinctive collections of Preferred Hotels & Resorts

92 WORLDWIDE HOTEL DIRECTORY

Plan your next memorable stay

98 WHERE IN THE WORLD

Necker Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean

The Insider

New Rainforest Park

INSPIRING EVENTS AROUND THE GLOBE FOR SUMMER

WRITER: SARAH NOTTON

SINGAPORE

Rainforest Wild ASIA

Singapore has long been renowned for its world-leading attractions showcasing the wonders of the natural world such as Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Zoo. Joining this list is Rainforest Wild ASIA, the nation’s fifth zoological park which opened in March. Aiming to imitate rainforest treks, visitors can explore ten fully immersive zones, where 36 species of animals roam. Highlights include The Karsts, where jagged limestone formations peek through the canopy and François’ langurs can be spotted, or visitors can descend into The Cavern inspired by the Mulu Caves in Sarawak.

ITALY

Rome Jubilee 2025

UNTIL JANUARY 6, 2026

The 2025 Jubilee is a special year-long celebration that takes place once every 25 years in Rome and the Vatican City. The tradition of the Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, dates back to the 14th century, when Pope Boniface VIII declared a universal festival for the Catholic Church. Attracting pilgrims from around the world seeking spiritual enrichment, special events include passing through the Holy Doors of the four Papal basilicas, including Saint Peter’s Basilica, and walking the 15-mile Seven Churches circuit around the city. giubileo-2025.it/en

Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum

A spectacular example of Mughal architecture, many travelers to Delhi visit Humayun’s Tomb as an introduction to the style before continuing to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Opened last year, Humayun’s Tomb now has an equally spectacular underground museum to accompany the World Heritage Site. Described by travel writer William Dalrymple as “dazzling” and “probably the best new museum” in India, it showcases the life, loves, and travels of the Emperor Humayun. nizamuddinrenewal.org/conservation/humayun-tomb

PARIS

David Hockney Exhibition

UNTIL AUGUST 31

One of the most influential and loved artists of our time, David Hockney has created a new exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris featuring more than 400 of his new works and previously unknown works. Taking over the entire Frank Gehry-designed building, David describes the show entitled Do Remember They can’t Cancel the Spring as “exceptional in scale.” While the core of the exhibition focuses on the past 25 years, it also offers a rare insight into David’s creative oeuvre spanning seven decades including iconic early works such as A Bigger Splash and the more recent iPad series of Normandy paintings. fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/events/ david-hockney-25

Soccer Showcase

With just a year to go before the FIFA World Cup takes place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this summer has plenty to keep soccer fans entertained. As a precursor to the World Cup, the United States is also hosting the FIFA Club World Cup from June 14 to July 13. Featuring 32 of the best club teams from around the world, this is a chance to see some of the greatest players in action. Meanwhile, women’s soccer is enjoying a surge in popularity and Europe’s best players will converge on Switzerland for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 (July 2–27). Will England’s Lionesses defend the title they won in 2021?

DELHI

The Insider

Opening of New Time Out Markets

Since the launch of the first Time Out Market in Lisbon in 2014, this highly successful concept of curating the best of a city’s food and drink under one roof has expanded to many more locations all over the world, including Barcelona, Cape Town, and New York. New openings for 2025 include Abu Dhabi, Prague, and Vancouver, each offering visitors an authentic –and satisfying – snapshot of the destination’s culinary scene. Meanwhile, Time Out Market Budapest will open in the neoclassical splendor of the Corvin Palace, a former department store in Blaha Lujza Square. timeout.com/time-out-market/coming-soon

VENICE

Historic Venice Regatta

SEPTEMBER 7

Venice is magical at any time of year, but for a truly spectacular experience try to organize your visit to coincide with one of the city’s historic boat races. Since 1300, the citizens of Venice have been arranging boat races and between April and September, there are more than 120 colorful regattas that celebrate local culture. This year, September 7 marks the most famous race of all, the Regata Storica. Get up early to secure your spot along the Grand Canal to watch the historic procession of gondolas and traditional boats complete with costumed characters. It is a truly impressive sight.

ENGLAND

Love Supreme Jazz Festival

JULY 4–6

Just a short hop from the world-famous Glyndebourne opera house, this beautiful part of the South Downs in East Sussex is also home to Love Supreme Jazz Festival, a three-day festival inspired by jazz, R&B, and hip-hop music. First held in 2013, the festival has attracted such greats as Herbie Hancock, Lauryn Hill, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Set against the historic backdrop of Glynde Place, an Elizabethan manor house, this is the U.K.’s only camping jazz festival. This year’s headliners will include Smokey Robinson, The Roots, Maxwell, and En Vogue. lovesupremefestival.com

ABU DHABI, BUDAPEST, PRAGUE, AND VANCOUVER

Up, Up, and Away! Balloon Festivals

Visually spectacular and magical in equal measure, balloon festivals are a great way to experience a destination, either on the ground or with a bird’s-eye view. Here are some of the best in the world taking place this August

INTERNATIONAL

BALLOON FESTIVAL OF SAINT-JEAN-SUR-RICHELIEU, QUEBEC, CANADA (AUGUST 8–10; 14–17)

The largest hot-air balloon festival in Canada takes place over seven days every August about 40 minutes southeast of Montreal. Alongside watching the beauty of the balloons, enjoy concerts by international and Quebec artists or experience the magical “Nuits magiques,” where music and hot-air balloons harmonize. en.montgolfieres.com

CAPPADOCIA

BRISTOL

INTERNATIONAL BALLOON

FIESTA,

U.K. (AUGUST 8–10)

Famous for its suspension bridge, the city of Bristol in the west of England is the proud host of one of Europe’s largest hot-air balloon festivals. Get there at dawn or dusk for the chance to see the ascent of more than 100 hot-air balloons, or stay beyond nightfall to witness the Night Glows, where hot-air balloons use their burners to glow in time to music. bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

BALLOON FESTIVAL, TURKEY (AUGUST 3–11)

The unique, photogenic landscape of Cappadocia’s rock formations of “fairy chimneys” attracts visitors from around the world, many of whom take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride. For the ultimate visual feast, visit Cappadocia during its annual three-day balloon festival for the mesmerizing sight of massed colorful balloons creating an unforgettable panorama. hotairballoons-cappadocia.com/festival

ECK IN

New Preferred Hotels & Resorts destinations epitomizing ultimate luxury, exquisite landscapes, and the pinnacle of service

Bearing the iconic name synonymous with timeless sophistication, Armani Hotel Milano envelops guests in the Italian designer’s signature style in the global fashion district of central Milan. Incomparably sleek, contemporary spaces look out on the stunning city and its noted landmarks. For those who want to truly personalize their experience, book an exclusive bespoke tailoring appointment for custom Armani apparel in the privacy of your guestroom.

Steeped in more than 100 years of history and tradition in the verdant Virginia countryside, Keswick Hall radiates all the grandeur and elegance of a regal European villa. The luxurious former private home welcomes guests to bask in resort life with every stay, be it a grand family gathering or an intimate getaway. Its Full Cry golf course is renowned as one of the best in the United States, and dining at Marigold Restaurant by Jean-Georges, created by the Michelin-lauded restaurateur, is exquisite.

Award-winning Andronis Luxury Suites is a haven of privacy and refined luxury on the dramatic Greek island of Santorini. When you’ve indulged at the resort’s Mare Sanus Spa, soaked in unrivaled volcano and Aegean Sea views from your private outdoor pool or hot tub, and savored wines hand-selected by a sommelier to accompany every delectable bite of each meal, elevate your experience even higher –literally – with a private helicopter excursion to nearby islands and the iconic capital city of Athens.

Surrounded by historic treasures and itself housed in a landmark building, Al Habtoor Palace Budapest blends classic, Old World European elegance and modern luxury with grand spaces, globally influenced gastronomy, and unparalleled service. The stunning Chairman Suite, an expansive pied-à-terre with private floor access and handsome

Clockwise from far left: An immaculate Armani Hotel Milano suite in Milan, Italy; romantic alfresco dining at Andronis Luxury Suites on the Greek island of Santorini; indoor lounge with pool views at Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort in Austria; one of Hotel Number Nine’s luxurious guestrooms in Florence, Italy; relaxing outdoor spaces at Fontsanta Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness in Mallorca, Spain; sublime suite at Al Habtoor Palace Budapest in Hungary; Keswick Hall’s spectacular infinity pool in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

contemporary furnishings, is the perfect place to relax after a stroll along the legendary blue Danube or exploring the UNESCO-listed Buda Castle.

Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort is a pristine family-owned retreat that began as a project of pure passion for its founder. Now helmed by a third generation, the Austrian mountainside resort overlooking picturesque Alpine valleys and pastures is both the ideal family retreat and a couples’ sanctuary with exceptional cuisine, a separate adults-only spa, and

romantic experience packages including a horse-drawn carriage ride for two.

Invitingly intimate at just 40 guestrooms, the boutique Hotel Number Nine is an elegant-yet-eclectic, artful urban destination just steps from the landmark Duomo in Florence. Intricately detailed spaces blend history and modernity, with rich textiles, ornate ceilings, and unexpected touches throughout. The hotel’s SPA offers a luxurious respite for wellness-minded guests, with a hydromassage tub, sauna, Turkish bath, Ice Bath, and counter-current swimming pool.

A wellness-seeker’s paradise, the adults-only Fontsanta Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness embraces Mallorca’s hot springs, long believed to hold healing and medicinal powers. The waters are at the heart of the experiences in the spa, where every treatment is accompanied by one or two 15-minute thermal baths. To enjoy waters of a different kind, the hotel offers private transport to the sparkling white sands of Es Trenc beach, where a charming stone cottage, Es Refugi d’Es Trenc, awaits for hotel guests’ exclusive use.

DESTINATION

THE BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD ARE WAITING FOR YOU

Experience the Magic of Mexico

• Explore the Beauty of the Atlantic Coast

Colorful colonial architecture lines the cobblestone streets of Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende

Viva Mexico

A regular visitor to Mexico for more than 25 years, writer John Brunton never fails to fall under the spell of this exuberant, colorful, and truly mesmerizing nation

Magical moments. I have so many unforgettable souvenirs of traveling the length and breadth of Mexico, a destination whose sheer variety of remarkable attractions never ceases to amaze. My vivid, barely glimpsed snapshots range from a joyous parade of costumed giants, brass bands, and mariachis playing in the fiesta of a dusty pueblo village surrounded by tall, spiky, blue agave plants, just outside the grand Baroque city of Guanajuato, to climbing the 365 steps to the summit of the massive Maya pyramid of Chichén-Itzá.

Then there’s watching elegant couples dancing salsa and merengue in the historic Zócalo Square of Veracruz, one of the places where Hernán Cortés and his Spanish conquistadores first set foot in New Spain, or trekking through the Yucatán’s lush jungle and emerging opposite the cascading Misol-Ha waterfall. Wandering through Oaxaca’s teeming Indian market, where patient ladies –their long hair tressed with brightly colored ribbons –expertly roll and press corn tacos in a ritual unchanged for

centuries, or more recently, touring the vineyard of a magnificent colonial hacienda, just on the outskirts of the modern metropolis of Guadalajara in Jalisco, and tasting exceptional Mexican wines, now becoming as well-known internationally as tequila.

Even after regular trips over 25 years, I still immediately fall under Mexico’s seductive charm each time I return, not just because of the spectacular cultural and nature sightseeing, but for the irrepressible good humor and welcome from locals, exceptional locavore cuisine from the land that gave the world chilies, tomatoes, chocolate, vanilla, and avocados, and a crazy new discovery each visit. Take the latest trend in sophisticated Mexico City of drinking pulque – milky, fermented maguey sap, once a sacred drink of Aztec priests, that today is like sipping from a glass filled with Mexican history.

Many visitors’ trips begin by flying into Mexico City, and the nation’s fascinating, pulsating capital has so much to see and do that it is a destination in its own right. Away from the capital, I advise friends to embark first on an almost spiritual journey into the soul of Mexico by tracking down the wondrous ruined cities, temples, and pyramids of the highly cultured Indigenous civilizations that flourished for centuries in pre-Hispanic times: Aztec, Maya, Olmec, and Zapotec.

Tulum’s ancient Maya ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea

Opposite: Parroquia San Miguel Arcangel in the historic streets of San Miguel de Allende

DESTINATION: MEXICO

ICONIC HISTORICAL SITES

Nothing quite compares to when first-time travelers arrive in the Yucatán Peninsula and come face to face with the immense monuments of the enlightened Maya people: the soaring Pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal, Tulum’s dramatic ruins overlooking the azure waters of the Caribbean, and the ancient Chichén-Itzá with its Great Ball Court. These are the unmissable sites on every travel itinerary. I always arrive in the first hazy light of early morning, long before the crowds, to soak up a mystical dreamlike atmosphere. Mexico changed irrevocably when the Spanish arrived 500 years ago, defeated the Aztecs of

Above: The setting sun paints a radiant glow over Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco Opposite, clockwise from top left: The towering Pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal; Aktun Chen Cenote near Tulum features ancient caves with extraordinary rock formations; the Construction Deconstruction exhibition by Mexican sculptor José Villavicencio Anaya in Mérida; dancing in traditional Mexican attire

I always arrive in the rst hazy light of early morning to soak up a mystical dreamlike atmosphere

Emperor Moctezuma, and set about creating a glorious colony, New Spain. They built fabulous Baroque palaces and mansions, noble piazzas lined with grand arcades, and, above all, churches, monasteries, and cathedrals, each one more sumptuous and ornate. The incredibly preserved heritage that remains today, a glittering necklace of resplendent cities stretching across the whole country, many recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are guaranteed to take your breath away.

I once planned a whole trip around Mexico devoted to these unique cities, which are exquisite illustrations of European Baroque architecture, but crafted by Indigenous artisans to create a distinct Mexican style. Search out the remarkably elaborate façade of Oaxaca’s Santo Domingo church, and look carefully to identify tiny animi creatures and symbols subtly introduced by the 16th-century masons, while even the Capilla del Rosario in Puebla, a masterpiece of flamboyant Baroque style, features mystical native geometric designs and patterns.

Each of these colonial settlements, be it Querétaro, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, or Morelia, have their own charm and unique attractions, but these are still vibrant, living cities today. A palatial mansion is now a chic boutique hotel with an art gallery or craft boutiques; an ornate inner courtyard is transformed into a gourmet restaurant, the tables set out under shady arcades along the zocalo; while a central food market – maybe designed by Gustave Ei el, as in Guanajuato – pulses with life as live chickens and turkeys are traded, and enticing aromas waft in the air from bubbling cauldrons of chocolate mole sauce or smoky chicken, beef, and jalapeño peppers grilling over red-hot charcoal.

SPECTACULAR NATURAL SURROUNDINGS

Between archaeological ruins and Baroque cities, it is easy to forget that Mexico also boasts a panoply of unspoilt landscapes, from jungle to desert, beaches to wild volcanoes and mountains.

Much of Mexico’s extensive coastline is marked by some of the world’s most famous beach resorts, from Cancún on the Riviera Maya over to Jalisco’s Puerto Vallarta or up to Los Cabos in Baja California. A favorite beach destination is on the Pacific Ocean in the state of Guerrero. For years, the sleepy fishing village of Zihuatanejo was the local insider secret for a weekend getaway from Mexico City, just an hour’s flight away. Then, a nearby coconut-fringed beach was slowly transformed into Ixtapa, a paradise resort playground of luxury hotels, golf courses, and watersports.

TRADITIONAL MEXICAN FARE

As someone who travels the world writing about food and wine, I have always been seduced by the complexity

Even a er regular trips over 25 years, I still immediately fall under Mexico’s seductive charm each time I return

of Mexican cuisine, an insider’s culinary secret that is a whole world away from the global image of fast-food nachos and cheese, tostadas, and giant torta sandwiches. While the street-food scene is dazzling here, what fascinates me is that each region of Mexico has its own specialties and traditions.

From Puebla, try chiles en nogada, poblano chilies stu ed with meat and fruit and smothered in a creamy walnut and pomegranate sauce; a tangy sopa di lima, lime soup from the Yucatán; freshly caught red snapper, huachinango, baked in olives and capers from Veracruz; and steamed Oaxaca tamales, banana leaves filled with spicy mole negro sauce and shredded pork.

Fortunately, you can find gourmet restaurants in all major cities o ering visitors gastronomic tasting menus to discover many of these unique dishes. What’s more, the meals are paired with excellent wines grown in local vineyards, made by a new generation of Mexican winemakers. Don’t be surprised if the sommelier suggests a chilled Chardonnay from Baja, Syrah and Merlot grown in Guanajuato, and elegant Pinot Noir from high-altitude vineyards in Querétaro. To end on a traditional Mexican note, instead of ordering either cognac or armagnac, try one of the new small-batch, single-village mezcals being distilled now, like the wonderfully named Burro Loco, the “Crazy Donkey.” You won’t be disappointed. ●

Above left: A young charro at the 23rd International Mariachi & Charros Festival in Guadalajara

Above middle: The Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Homeland) in Mérida

Above right: Enjoying traditional Mexican cuisine with a drink

Rediscover Mexico City

With grandiose architecture, lush green spaces, and booming art and food scenes, writer John Brunton explains why it’s no wonder the city’s residents wouldn’t want to live anywhere else

Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe and Mexico City skyline views

An 1874 candy store in the Centro Historico district

Traditional Mexican trajinera boats on the Xochimilco canals

A bicycle path runs down the middle of tree-lined Reforma Avenue

Atrip right now to this large Latin American metropolis promises an exhilarating blend of surprises as Mexico City reinvents itself as a cutting-edge destination for contemporary art, design, and architecture, and the latest global hotspot for gourmet fine dining and creative mixology cocktail bars.

This is the new, unconventional CDMX (Ciudad de México), as everyone calls the Mexican capital, and these innovative trends perfectly complement the beloved historic attractions of one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Here, savvy travelers have long marveled at ancient pre-Hispanic ruins, sumptuous Baroque churches, and palaces of the Spanish Colonial era alongside the simpler, local pleasures of feasting o juicy tacos, spicy tortillas, and fiery tequila in traditional tavernas

Initially, the sheer physical size and immense population of the city can be daunting, but exploring is unexpectedly easy as the bus and Metro systems are e cient and safe, while Uber is always just a call away.

Downtown is a good place to start a trip, with a pilgrimage to the landmark Zócalo, a public plaza and the heart of the city’s Centro Historico. Stepping into this immense square is an instant immersion into the history of Mexico, symbolized by the nation’s proud bandera of independence flying atop a soaring flagpole over the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor ruins of the original city of Tenochtitlan, founded 700 years ago by the Aztecs.

A short stroll away, plunge back into the present with the teeming crowds in dazzling, chaotic La Merced Market, as old as the Zócalo itself. Be prepared for a wonderfully intoxicating assault on the senses with rickety stands stacked high with smoky multicolored chilies, exotic tropical fruits, and irresistible food stalls.

Downtown is also full of hidden gems that tourists often walk straight past, such as the grandiose 18th-century Palace of Iturbide, now an eclectic arts venue, the tiny Templo de San Bernardo, filled with ornate Baroque decor, and spectacular Palacio de Correos, the central post o ce.

ROAMING THE CITY’S COLONIA

What makes exploring the city so enticing is that surrounding the Centro Historico, travelers can discover a whole series of very di erent neighborhoods, each one known as a colonia, with its own personality and

attractions. Wandering through the grand boulevards, parks, and avenues of chic Polanco, you will pass luxury boutiques, seeing elegant waiters serving delicate macarons at Ladurée and exclusive fine-dining restaurants like celebrity Chef Enrique Olvera’s Pujol, where a table needs to be reserved weeks in advance.

A very di erent world awaits over in romantic Coyoacán, a seductively arty colonia since Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera made their home here a century ago. Sit upstairs at funky diner Los Danzantes, order the signature Mulato cocktail – mezcal, vermouth, bitters – and enjoy the view over the lively tree-fringed zócalo, where Mexico City locals promenade on the weekend. Like each colonia, Coyoacán has its own covered market. This one specializes in artisan crafts, colorful masks, and handwoven textiles, while San Juan Bautista parish church is a peaceful oasis dating back to 1560 and is decorated with exquisite Baroque frescoes.

For a very di erent vibe, head for the pastelpainted Art Deco villas lining the shady streets of La Condesa. Here, cosmopolitan digital nomads sip cappuccinos and barista-made cold brews at co-working cafés, fashionistas browse boutiques like Mutuo that showcase Mexican stylists whose creations are sustainable and locally produced, while over

Savvy travelers have long marveled at ancient pre-Hispanic ruins, sumptuous Baroque churches, and palaces of the Spanish Colonial era

at España Park, hipsters walk their dogs and take outdoor exercise classes. And don’t miss a lazy stroll through the adjacent Roma colonia, which is more bohemian and studenty than La Condesa. Be sure to join the line of foodies patiently waiting for the wickedly irresistible guava rolls, creamy tres leches cakes, and decadent chocolate banana conch freshly baked at the cult Panadería Rosetta.

EXPLORING CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

Mexico City’s museum scene is remarkable, and an essential element in everyone’s itinerary. The big problem is choosing between the crucial but busy must-sees and the quieter under-the-radar venues. For a journey of discovery through the preHispanic art of Mexico’s Indigenous Aztec, Maya, and Olmec people, the National Anthropology Museum is unparalleled. Take a guide and be prepared for a marathon tour.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a Belle Epoque jewel, and viewing Diego Rivera’s monumental murals is like taking a walk through Mexico’s tempestuous soul. From the newcomers on the arts scene, the futuristic Museo Soumaya rivals the Guggenheim Bilbao for architecture. The soaring minimalist interiors showcase the private collection of Carlos Slim, who donated his personal collection to the nation: Monet, Manet, Gauguin, Titian, and dozens of Rodin sculptures.

After the city’s museums have closed their doors, adventurous visitors can spend an evening plunging into the world of popular culture. Three times a week, the Arena Mexico hosts the country’s famed Lucha Libre masked wrestling. Up to 10,000 fans turn up for three hours of thrilling competitions performed by incredibly athletic masked male and female stars. It is an unforgettable experience.

SAVORING MEXICAN CUISINE

CDMX has always been a paradise for food lovers. And today the city is finally established on the world’s fine-dining stage, recognized by the revered Michelin Guide, publishing Mexico City’s first edition last year, and revolutionary restaurants like the elegant Quintonil breaking into the top ten of the more avantgarde World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Michelin has recognized tradition, too, awarding one of its precious stars to the humble street-food stand El Califa de León, cooking up a storm with a single, impeccable dish: grilled beef tacos. Be prepared for long lines, though the satisfied look of most happy diners shows it is worth the wait. ●

Metropolitan Cathedral in the city’s Zócalo

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Beaches and Beyond

Venture past Mexico’s golden shores to discover tropical sanctuaries and the traces of ancient civilizations

BY MICHAELA TRIMBLE

From the cactus-studded desert and remote surf breaks of Los Cabos in Baja California Sur in the north to the tranquil, windswept bays of Huatulco along Oaxaca’s Pacific coast in the south, Mexico has some of the world’s most stunning beaches. No matter the region, there are unique experiences and big adventures to be had.

Los Cabos, located on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, has long been a beloved seaside retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The region o ers peace, space, and thrills in droves. For surfers, there are plenty of waves to enjoy, from the left-hand point break at Monuments Beach near Cabo San Lucas or the gentle righthand point break at the remote Nine Palms in the East Cape. Divers head to Cabo Pulmo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that o ers a thriving coral reef with plenty of marine life to spot. During whale migration season – which peaks between January and March – there’s no better place to be than on a sunset catamaran ride near El Arco, Los Cabos’ famed granite arch formation, for the chance to see humpback whales breach.

There’s no better place to be than on a sunset catamaran ride near El Arco, Los Cabos’ famed granite arch formation

Farther south along the Pacific Coast is Puerto Vallarta, impeccably located on the expansive Bahía de Banderas, one of the world’s largest natural bays with the backdrop of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. To get the lay of the land, begin with a casual stroll along the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta’s oceanfront promenade with art installations and bustling shops and restaurants. Then visit the Marietas Islands, a natural area located about an hour by boat from the Marina Vallarta. The islands are home to coveted species such as bluefooted boobies and the renowned Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach), a secluded sandy patch accessed by swimming through a water tunnel. Near Manzanillo, the ruins at La Campana might not be as well known as those in the Yucatán, but that means fewer visitors and more time to explore the ancient city away from the crowds. A refuge for at-risk species like the jaguar, Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve has diverse landscapes that include dry tropical forests, coastal wetlands, and coral reefs. Home to puma and ocelot, UNESCO-protected Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve’s scenery comprises waterfalls, canyons, and limestone karsts. ▷

This page, clockwise: A Maya Chac Mool statue at the beach in Cancún; Puerto Vallarta resort town on the Pacific coast; snorkelers spot a green sea turtle at secluded Akumal Bay in the Riviera Maya area Opposite: The Arch of Cabo San Lucas sits in pristine waters at the tip of Baja California Sur

Huatulco, meanwhile, is more revered for its rustic charm. With its nine stunning bays and dozens of pristine beaches, the region, situated along the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca, feels like a forgotten paradise. You could potentially be the only person at a stretch of coastline there. Though each beach has its appeal, Playa Cacaluta is a tranquil sanctuary located within Huatulco National Park, a protected area spanning almost 30,000 acres that includes a mix of tropical forests, mangroves, and coral reefs.

TURQUOISE WATERS AND HISTORIC SITES

While the majority of Mexico’s most stunning northern beaches are located on the Pacific Coast, its Caribbean coastline is at its most beautiful in southern Mexico, as is the case of Riviera Maya. South of the once-sleepy fishing village of Cancún and extending to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve near Tulum, this region is located along one of the most idyllic stretches of the country’s Caribbean coast.

Cancún – a formerly uninhabited coastline until the 1970s, when the Mexican Government established it as a burgeoning tourist destination – is the first touchpoint for many visitors to Mexico and it can be hard to pull yourself away. Beyond the pristine beaches, dig deep into the region’s roots by visiting historical Maya sites. Begin at Cobá, where the towering Nohoch Mul pyramid, one of the tallest in the region, is on display, as are sacbeob, causeways that once connected cities in the Maya Empire.

To cool o , there are plenty of cenotes (natural limestone sinkholes), including Cenote Escondido, located just south

Clockwise from below: Basalt stone Olmec heads at Xalapa Museum of Anthropology; the beautiful Cenote Casa Tortuga near Playa Del Carmen; Encanto Cantina in Tulum features retro and vintage decor

of Tulum, and Cenote Sac Actún, known for its impressive display of stalactites and stalagmites. For an ocean adventure, travelers can snorkel or dive in the waters along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s secondlargest coral reef system, for chances to see species such as reef sharks, manta rays, leatherback turtles, and parrotfish.

Follow the coastline around the tip of the Yucatán peninsula and along the shores of the Bay of Campeche to the state of Veracruz, which has more miles of coastline than anywhere else in the country. Step inland and this is the place to explore the history of the Olmecas, the earliest-known Mesoamerican civilization, which flourished here thousands of years ago. Standing serene with a truly magical presence, marvel at the Olmec heads carved from basalt stone now housed at Xalapa Museum of Anthropology.

Mystery surrounds the origins of El Tajín, once a mighty city of more than 20,000 people. One of the best preserved pre-Hispanic cities, the extensive ruins include a beautifully proportioned six-tier pyramid, ball courts, and the remains of buildings decorated with geometric stone mosaic patterns.

These days, the region is synonymous with the aromatic, smooth, and mellow flavors of its co ee. Explore the state’s plantations dotted with colonial haciendas by first visiting Coatepec, a small pueblo known for its co ee culture. Whether travelers prefer big adventures, getting closer to wildlife, or a remote paradise away from the crowds, Mexico has a captivating getaway for everyone. ●

WHERE TO STAY / MEXICO

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Montage Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

dreamy resort sanctuary where the desert meets the ocean.

Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa, Ixtapa, Guerrero One of Mexico’s finest five-star ocean-side escapes.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

all-inclusive ecological resort built into the Maya jungle.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit

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luxury in Oaxaca’s vibrant city center.

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adultsonly hotel set on the peaceful Puerto Vallarta hillside.

NIZUC Resort & Spa, Cancun, Quintana Roo

A secluded retreat on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline.

Self-Portrait

An

enigmatic and brilliant artist, Frida Kahlo’s rebellious nature was the driving force for a life of pioneering courage

BY FIONA ROSE

Frida Kahlo was a 20th-century artist who had a truly uncompromising life, one of passion, love, laughter, creativity, strength, and defiance. A trailblazer, she was a courageous outlier who was a force for good: for women and for art.

She was only 6 when she contracted polio. A bright student, she wanted to become a doctor, but the course of her life changed at 18, when a tram crashed into the bus she was traveling on, causing catastrophic injuries.

Frida underwent the first of 32 operations and was never pain-free again, often having to wear orthopedic corsets for support. Incredibly, this was the stimulus for her remarkable art career. To relieve the boredom during a long recovery, Frida’s father bought her a set of paintbrushes, and with a mirror cleverly attached to the underside of her canopy bed, she started to paint the subject she knew best: herself.

LUST FOR LIFE AND LOVE

As an adult, Frida fully embraced life. She loved to dance, sing folk songs, cook, and be surrounded by a lively circle of artistic friends. If she rarely smiled for photos it wasn’t because she was an unhappy person, rather that she had bad teeth due to her fondness for candy.

A deeply passionate person and a rebel, Frida joined the Communist Party, chainsmoked, drank tequila straight out of the bottle, and fell in love with Diego Rivera, Mexico’s most famous – and infamous –artist who was twice her age. Taking him to meet her parents, Frida’s father pulled Diego aside and said: “She is a devil. I’ve warned you.”

Diego was attracted by her natural artistic talent, quick mind, and mischievousness. The couple married and Diego encouraged Frida in her ambition to be a painter. She adopted a distinct way of dressing, taking

on the traditional Tehuana dress. Coupled with ribbons and flowers in her hair and an abundance of jewelry, she became her own work of art.

The tumultuous marriage was often tempestuous with frequent infidelities by Diego. Frida countered this by taking lovers of her own, including exiled Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky. She longed to have a child, but her damaged pelvis made this impossible and she had a series of miscarriages, most powerfully portrayed in her 1932 painting, Henry Ford Hospital: The Lost Desire

The all-consuming romance meant everything to Frida, but when it led to separation and divorce, she expressed her

sadness in one of her most powerful works, The Two Fridas (1939). The European Frida in the painting shows her heart is not complete; while the Mexican Frida has in her hand a mini portrait of Diego and her heart is whole.

Just a year after divorcing, the couple’s love was rekindled and they remarried, moving to Frida’s childhood home, La Casa Azul, named for its vibrant cobalt-blue color. How that separation and reunion a ected Frida can be seen in the dining room, where two clocks sit side by side. One has the date in which “the hours were broken,” when she divorced Diego. On the other is the date the couple remarried.

They shared a passion for collecting Mexican folk art and pre-Columbian

From nods to Aztec and Indian mythology to embracing pop culture and Surrealism, Frida’s work is acknowledged as bold, un inching, and groundbreaking

sculptures, creating a lush and colorful garden filled with native plants. Frida acquired lots of unusual pets who all appeared in her paintings, such as Self Portrait with Monkeys (1943).

INSIDE LA CASA AZUL

Having the opportunity to get to know an artist’s lifespan is rare, but that’s exactly what you experience at Museo Frida Kahlo, a museum set in Frida’s La Casa Azul home. Located in the charming and bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán, just south of Mexico City, the house o ers an intimate encounter with one of the most important artists of the 20th century.

The house has been preserved to be just as it was during Frida’s lifetime. Wander the rooms and see the artist’s brightly colored clothes, jewelry, shoes, orthopedic corsets, personal letters, and photographs on display.

La Casa Azul was Frida’s refuge and an expression of her creativity, filled with her beloved collection of folk art and preHispanic artifacts. Walk through the house and see how she lived, how the sun filled the bright yellow kitchen where she loved to cook, and glimpse inside her painting studio with easel and paints just as she left them. Then marvel at how much Frida packed into the 47 years of her life. Book tickets to visit Museo Frida Kahlo well in advance and you won’t be disappointed.

Frida was born in La Casa Azul in 1907. Her photographer father was a German immigrant and her mother was of Spanish and Mexican heritage. As an adult, in an emphatic a nity with her Indigenous roots, Frida dropped the Germanic spelling of her name, removing the “e” from “Frieda,” and claimed she was born in 1910 at the start of the Mexican Revolution. That link to her history was a two-way love story: the people of Mexico adored Frida as much as she did them.

ARTISTIC MASTERY

From nods to Aztec and Indian mythology to embracing pop culture and Surrealism, Frida’s work is acknowledged as bold, unflinching, and groundbreaking.

During her lifetime, her paintings expressed experiences about being a woman that had not been seen before in Western art, paving the way for later female artists to more fully express themselves. For those fascinated by the human story

This page: The bright cobalt-blue Museo Frida Kahlo Opposite: Self Portrait with Bonito (1941)

behind artistic endeavors, Frida is a spellbinding study.

Famous for her self-portraits long before selfies and Instagram, the artist’s choice to paint self-portraits was a form of cathartic self-expression; her canvases, filled with vibrant colors that articulated both her

More than 70 years later, Frida’s unique and groundbreaking way of expressing herself continues to inspire and stir us. There is much to admire in her joy for life

joy and pain, were an autobiography of her life. She pointed out: “I never painted dreams or nightmares. I painted my own reality.”

During Frida’s lifetime, Georgia O’Kee e, Joan Miró, Wassily Kandinsky, and Pablo Picasso were all admirers of her work. When viewing a drawing by Frida, Pablo told Diego: “Look at those eyes: neither you nor I are capable of anything like it.”

The Surrealists Marcel Duchamp and André Breton arranged for an exhibition of Frida’s work in Paris in 1939, claiming she was one of their own. She firmly rejected this label, writing to a friend: “I detest Surrealism. To me it seems to be a decadent manifestation of bourgeois art.”

DECLINING HEALTH

No longer able to sit or stand, Frida had to permanently wear the supportive orthopedic corsets. After an operation in New York to strengthen her spine, she painted The Broken Column (1944). In the painting the corset literally seems to hold Frida together and upright. Although her face is covered in tears, her look is one of defiant stoicism: I will not let this beat me.

In the early 1950s she painted mostly still life. Her reliance on increasingly strong pain medication meant her painting style became much looser and less precise. She said in an interview: “I am happy to be alive as long as I can paint,” and she did, right up until her death in 1954, a week after her 47th birthday. Her last painting was Vida la Viva (“Long Live Life”), a vibrant still life of watermelons, finished just eight days before she died.

More than 70 years later, Frida’s unique and groundbreaking way of expressing herself continues to inspire and stir us. There is much to admire in her joy for life and courage under adversity. Frida would be fiercely proud that her legacy has brought a greater interest in art and culture from her beloved Mexico. ●

LEARN MORE ABOUT FRIDA KAHLO, HER LIFE, AND INSPIRATIONS AT THESE MEXICO CITY MUSEUMS

Museo Frida Kahlo

Formerly La Casa Azul, Frida’s birthplace and home is now a museum containing a collection of her paintings plus personal objects, folk art, pre-Columbian sculpture, photos, documents, books, and furnishings. museofridakahlo.org.mx

Museo Mural Diego Rivera

This museum honors the work of Frida’s husband. museomuraldiegorivera.inba.gob.mx

Museo Trotsky

Close to La Casa Azul, Leon Trotsky’s House Museum is dedicated to the Russian revolutionary who had an affair with Frida, opening a window to her politics, which influenced her work. museotrotsky.org.mx

Clockwise from below left: Frieda and Diego Rivera oil painting by Frida (1931); a photograph of Frida at 32; Diego and Frida in Frida’s Mexico City studio

The TasteTantalizing of Tequila

Mexico’s most famous spirit offers a surprisingly broad variety of flavors, suitable for every palate

BY SUSANNAH SKIVER BARTON

Tequila has much to o er the connoisseur and evaluating it is just like tasting wine or whiskey. Start at the nose, taking in the aromas and identifying those that are especially pleasing. Then sip gently, and allow the spirit to roll slowly over the tongue. Assess it for flavor as well as texture and balance. An excellent tequila has weight and silkiness, with each note working together toward a cohesive whole.

Comparisons across di erent tequila styles, or even several tequilas within the same category, can be illuminating and help drinkers dial into the flavor profiles they most enjoy. Mixing it up by trying this premium drink

in di erent ways – sipped neat, on the rocks, or diluted with water – reveals additional layers of flavor and aroma. It can be thrilling to discover a tequila you thought you knew is hiding untold depths. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this drink, and finding the one you like best is nothing but a pleasure.

There are three main styles of tequila. Blanco is unaged or minimally aged (up to 59 days) and highlights the purest agave flavors: everything from peppercorns to pineapple. It is typically used for cocktails, but also enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or topped with soda and a lime wedge in a ranch water cocktail. Some of the most delicious blancos include Alma del Jaguar, El Tequileño, Valor, and Lalo.

Reposado tequila has been aged for at least 60 days and up to a year. It o ers a middle ground between the sharp clarity of blanco and the richness of añejo, balancing agave notes with the sweetness and spice of oak. Standout reposados include Cazcanes, El Tesoro, and the striking pink Komos.

Añejo tequila has spent at least one year in a barrel, and up to three. It may closely resemble other aged spirits like bourbon, Scotch, and cognac – though always with the distinct underlying character of agave. Among the many excellent añejos are ArteNOM, Ocho, and Partida.

There are also extra-añejo tequilas, which are aged more than three years, as well as an emerging style called cristalino, which is aged tequila that has been filtered to remove its color. It retains some of the flavor notes from aging and often boasts a lighter texture. Some exceptional cristalinos are Mijenta and Código. Don’t forget about mezcal, a cousin of tequila, often smokier and with a wider range of flavors.

CULINARY COMBINATIONS

Pairing tequila with food only adds to the pleasure – Mexican cuisine is an especially apt match. What grows together goes together, after all. Mexico is a leading citrus grower, making variants like lime, grapefruit, and orange perfect matches. Smoked salt, sea

Spicy margarita with pineapple and jalapeño

salt mixed with tajin seasoning or, for the adventurous, sal de gusano – salt mixed with ground agave worms – also pair well.

Tequila makes a surprisingly excellent partner for many cured meats and cheeses. Blanco tequila, with its clean palate, is an excellent foil for strong-flavored cheeses like Roquefort, but also works well with a creamy Brie or mild cheddar. Reposado and añejo tequilas stand up nicely to aged Gouda, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and smoked cheeses. And it’s downright perfect for chocolate and creamy desserts, its bright flavors and acidity providing a foil for the rich sweetness.

COCKTAIL BLENDS

Of course, tequila has a natural home in the cocktail canon. How about a smoky margarita? Simply sub in your smoky mezcal of choice to a traditional margarita recipe with fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and triple sec. But tequila, especially añejo and extra-añejo, is equally at home in an old fashioned, where the spirit is front and center.

Tequila’s popularity is leading to many creative uses, like swapping it in for vodka in an espresso martini – add some Licor 43 to make it a carajillo – or in a Bloody Mary, making it instead a Bloody Maria. Bartenders are becoming wildly creative with tequila, using it in every type of cocktail from simple

AGAVE-BASED BEVERAGES

The roots of tequila are in the agave plant. The Indigenous people of Mexico made alcohol from agave thousands of years ago, fermenting its sap into a low-octane drink known as pulque

spritzes to complex tiki drinks. Highlights include the Destroyer – a mix of tequila, Dubonnet Rouge, and blood orange liqueur – and the Buena Fortuna, which combines tequila, apple brandy, lemon and lime juices, ginger, and pomegranate-piloncillo syrup.

Tequila can be herbal and sharp, earthy and round, spiced, sweet, and even smoky. Dedicating time to exploring the array of tequilas can be a worthwhile hobby, but even casual pursuit is rewarding.

When traveling to Mexico and wanting to take tequila home, look for Maestro Tequilero, Reserva de los Gonzalez, and Aha Toro. Pour a glass and add some ice . . . tequila is the drink to enjoy at the end of the night, savoring those wonderful rich flavors. Salud! ●

When Spanish colonization began in the 16th century, Europeans brought knowledge of distillation. By the early 1600s, large-scale distilling was taking place, eventually growing into one of Mexico’s biggest and most profitable industries. Today, tequila production – like Champagne in France and Scotch whisky in Scotland – is geographically limited to certain parts of Mexico and is governed by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT).

By law, only the blue agave can be used for tequila. It takes five to seven years for the plant to mature before it can be harvested. Nearly all blue agave is farmed, which helps the farmer and distiller better ensure the plant’s quality. Although some tequilas, called mixtos, start as a combination of agave and other fermentable sugars, the best tequilas are made only with agave and showcase the pure notes derived from the plant.

Mezcal is a cousin of tequila, produced in several Mexican states, and also made from agave – but not blue agave. Mezcal distillers may use more than 30 varieties of agave, many of which are wild grown. Artisanal mezcaleros use traditional methods, such as cooking the piñas (the heart of the agave plant) underground, grinding them with a stone wheel called a tahona, and fermenting with wild yeast in wooden tanks. Ancestral mezcaleros go even further, distilling the spirit in clay pot stills rather than copper.

Mezcal is often, but not always, smoky, and showcases an even wider array of flavors than tequila, thanks to the diversity of agave it can use. Nearly all mezcal is decidedly nonindustrial, making it more limited and usually more expensive than tequila. Mezcal may be offered in blanco, reposado, and añejo variants, as well as the far less common, but intriguing, pechuga, which is distilled with fruits, herbs, and meat such as rabbit, chicken, or iguana.

Some well-regarded mezcal brands include Del Maguey, Montelobos, Ilegal, and Rey Campero.

A selection of tequila brands

The traditional way to make tequila and mezcal is by using a stone wheel to grind the heart of the agave plant

Cycling City Centers

Two wheels are all you need to escape the tourist trail and experience cities around the world like a local

BY CHARLIE ALLENBY

With accessible rentals and networks of userfriendly cycling routes, it’s easy to explore a new destination by bike. From memorable rides in San Francisco to Copenhagen’s dynamic cycling culture, here are our recommendations for amazing cities well worth discovering from the saddle.

AMSTERDAM

The Dutch capital is renowned worldwide for its bike-friendly status, so grab a set of wheels and join the throng of locals. Stretch your legs on a ride to the Vondelpark – a 116-acre green space in the southwest of the city that’s a stone’s throw from Museumplein. Hunt down the park’s 69 sculptures – including one by Pablo Picasso – from your saddle, and stop to take in a free show at the open-air theater.

BERLIN

The Berlin Senate has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure over the past five years,

and getting around by bike has boomed. Take advantage of the new dedicated cycle lanes aboard one of the various rental bicycles (Nextbike/Donkey Republic) and head to Prenzlauer Berg, an old East German neighborhood in the northeast of the city crammed with chic restaurants and vintage stores. If it’s a Sunday, Mauerpark is a must; search for hidden gems at the flea market before joining the crowds at Bearpit Karaoke, one of the world’s largest open-air karaoke shows.

CHICAGO

Escape the Loop’s hustle and bustle and pick up the Lakefront Trail aboard a Divvy rental bicycle. The bike path hugs Lake Michigan’s shoreline for 18 tra c-free miles and is a great way to get around, but if you’re after a destination, Lincoln Park is worth a visit. The Windy City’s largest park is home to a free zoo, where you can watch the animals against the backdrop of the city’s skyscraper-filled skyline. If you prefer your nature out in the wild, rejoin the Lakefront Trail and continue north to the dunes and bird sanctuary of Montrose Beach.

Relaxing with a lakeside picnic in Wannsee, Berlin Opposite: Urban exploration by bike

COPENHAGEN

Another cycling-mad city, Copenhagen often pips its Dutch rivals to the top spot as the world’s best place to ride a bike. Find one on the Donkey Republic app and sample the city’s highlights on the eight-mile Harbour Circle – a loop that takes in a smorgasbord of the city center and whisks you from the pastel townhouses of tourist hotspot Nyhavn to gentrified urban neighborhoods (Islands Brygge and Vesterbro) and Naturpark Amager, a protected natural expanse that is nearly half the size of the city.

HELSINKI

The Finnish capital has 745 miles of bike paths crammed into its small city center and its flat terrain is ideal for cycling. If you want to take the guesswork out of where to go, the Seurasaarenselkä Waterfront Trail is a nine-mile highlight of the city’s comprehensive bike path network. The loop steers riders around five islands to the west of the city center and takes in further-afield gems like the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum and the Didrichsen Art Museum’s free-to-access sculpture park.

LONDON

The U.K. capital has a list of landmarks longer than the river that runs through it, so why not tick o a handful in one short spin? Pick up one of the red public rental bikes and join the Cycleway C3 path at Waterloo Bridge heading west. From here, you’ll hug the banks of the River Thames, passing the London Eye and Houses of Parliament before the trail continues to Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. It’s not just about sightseeing; there are plenty of opportunities for pit stops in St James’s Park, Green Park, and Hyde Park.

Clockwise from top: Copenhagen Classico is an elegant bike race in the city; enjoying Valencia by bike; Berlin Beer Bike is a sightseeing tour where participants pedal their way through the city

OSLO

Purchase a pass for Oslo’s Bysykkel (city bike) and unlock another side of the Norwegian capital. The city center is compact with multiple cycling routes. Pedal along the Harbour Promenade or catch the ferry from downtown to Bygdøy – home to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. If the sun is shining, the peninsula is also home to some of Oslo’s best beaches: Huk, Paradisbukta, and Bygdøy Sjøbad – simply spin your way around the leafy trails until you find a quiet spot.

PARIS

On the first Sunday of each month, Paris’ first four arrondissements go car-free, but don’t worry if your stay in the City of Love doesn’t coincide with this cycling love-in. Head to Place de la Bastille, once home to the fortress that kick-started the French Revolution, undock a Vélib’ rental bike, and make a beeline for Promenade Plantée. The world’s first elevated park – which inspired New York’s High Line –is three miles of bucolic bliss all the way to Bois de Vincennes, a sprawling, leafy park where you’ll find Europe’s biggest statue of Buddha.

SAN FRANCISCO

Riding across the Golden Gate Bridge is a must for most first-time visitors to San Francisco, but don’t just turn back once you reach the other side. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue north onto the trails of Marin County – the birthplace of mountain biking – or wind your way along Alexander Avenue into the scenic waterfront town of Sausalito, home to a charming houseboat community. From downtown, catch a ferry back to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy amazing views of landmarks like Alcatraz Island.

Clockwise from top left: An underground bicycle parking station in Amsterdam; one of Chicago’s many cycle paths; the whole family can explore some city centers by bike

SYDNEY

If you’re looking for an alternative experience during your stay in Sydney, rent a bicycle and jump aboard the Manly Ferry, where you’ll be able to take in the sights of Sydney Harbour en route to the beachside suburb of Manly. Once there, pedal your way down to North Head and complete its Scenic Drive, stopping at the numerous lookouts for spectacular views across the Pacific and back toward the Sydney skyline.

VALENCIA

Famed for its cathedral and coastal location, the Catalan city is perfect for exploring by bicycle thanks to its flat terrain and 124 miles of bike lanes. While the Cycle Ring –a 2.9-mile loop of the Old Town – is a good place to start, the six-mile-long Jardín del Turia is a great way to get to the heart of the city. The park runs west to east and its cycle path makes it possible to see highlights such as the Palau de la Música and the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. ●

Family cycling adventures in San Francisco at the Golden Gate Bridge Below: Riding beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge

fxperience ARIZONA

Embracing the Southwestern Spirit

Golf,Dining,and Desertfun

Life's a balancing act-family, career, kids, and even coaching youth basketball. Every now and then, though, you need to step back, take a breath, and treat yourself. This trip was my chance to do just that: a little time to recharge and a lot of time to savor the finer things in life. Arizona, with its mix of serene landscapes and vibrant energy, offered the perfect setting.

- Mike Osgood

Vice President of Alliance Partnerships for Preferred Travel Group

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Arrival & Day One

The escape began with a direct flight from Palm Springs International to Phoenix's Sky Harbor where I picked up a BMW X5 rental car from SIXT. It was an indulgent upgrade that made the drive to Tucson feel even more special. The road stretched out in front of me, flanked by endless desert views that seemed to clear my head with every mile.

Arriving at Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge felt like stepping into a peaceful sanctuary. Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the property strikes the perfect balance between refined luxury and natural beauty.

Dinner that night set the tone for the rest of my visit. The Ventana Bar and Grill welcomed me with twinkling string lights, fire pits crackling in the cool evening air, and mountain views that seemed to glow in the fading light. The food was as inviting as the atmosphere-simple yet elevated.

Day Two

Explore incredible Arizona with Preferred Hotels & Resorts

The day started bright and early with a round at Ventana Canyon's Mountain Course. As a 12-handicap golfer, I was excited for the challenge of this Tom Fazio-designed masterpiece. Built into the mountains of the Sonoran Desert, the layout blends fun, challenge, and breathtaking scenery. It's easy to forget your score when each shot feels like a postcard moment.

The par-3 3rd hole stole my heart-it was impossible to resist hitting a few extra shots just to watch the ball soar against the stunning mountain backdrop. My lone birdie of the day came on the 548-yard par-5 12th, a beautifully designed hole where strategically placed bunkers and trees tested my long game. Every hole here delivers an unforgettable experience.

Post-golf, it was time to explore Tucson's legendary Mexican cuisine. I started with Carne Seca at Mi Nidito-a dish that

lived up to its reputation-followed by El Molinito's #1 Special, a platter that was as colorful and flavorful as the city itself. The margarita and chips at The Grill at Lodge of the Desert were the perfect way to wrap up a midday feast.

In the afternoon, I set out to clear my mind and take in some fresh air. A drive up Mount Lemmon took me to 9,000 feet of cool mountain breezes and breathtaking views. I stopped at scenic turnouts, explored a few trails, and let the quiet reset my thoughts. On the way down, I made a quick stop at Beyond Bread for a coffee and pastry-small moments that felt like luxuries in their own right.

The evening's dinner at Hacienda del Sol's Grill was the kind of experience that stays with you. Watching the sunset paint the desert in hues of gold and rose while enjoying a perfectly cooked Pork Tomahawk and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon was a fitting end to a day that felt like a gift.

Day Three & Departure

The morning began with a quick coffee from Dutch Bros before an easy drive back to Phoenix. By midday, I was checking into The Global Ambassador, ready to trade solo reflections for a couples' getaway.

The Global Ambassador is a destination, seamlessly blending modern luxury with Phoenix's vibrant energy. My wife and I started the day with some shopping at a local outlet before heading to The Wigwam Resort's signature The Red Course. Playing from the championship tees, I scored a birdie on the par-5 4th, going for the green in two on its well-designed layout.

As I neared the end of my round, the 454-yard par-4 16th tested my momentum. A solid drive left me 170 yards out, but a misstep into the pot bunker beside the green resulted in a bogey. On this hole, though, even a par feels like a win.

For dinner, we headed to Thea, The Global Ambassador's crown jewel rooftop restaurant. With 360-degree views of Phoenix and a menu that offered one delicious surprise after another, the evening felt like a celebration. We shared dishes like lamb chops, hummus (fittingly named the Goddess of All Dips), and roasted Branzino. Dessert-a Lemon Olive Oil Cake paired with an Espresso Martiniwas a sweet finish to a meal that lingered in all the best ways.

This Arizona getaway delivered everything I could have hoped for: world-class golf, extraordinary cuisine, and moments of pure relaxation. Whether you're traveling solo, with your partner, or with friends, Tucson and Scottsdale have a way of making you feel like you've truly escaped. For me, this journey was a reminder that taking time for yourself isn't just indulgent-it's essential.

And sometimes, the best memories are made when you let yourself lean into the good life.

Clockwise from left: Sunset dining at Hacienda del Sol; the natural beauty of Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge; the author taking a bunker shot at the Mountain Course; the author at The Wigwam's Red Course; a scenic vista of The Gold Course at The Wigwam

Colombian Gem

Usaquén is an upscale yet bohemian neighborhood of Colombia’s capital city of Bogotá, where artists, street performers, and locals mingle

BY OCEAN MALANDRA

SUNDAY MARKET

Every weekend (and on holiday Mondays) the historic streets of Usaquén fill with the booths of local creatives showcasing their talents and wares. The largest artisan fair in Latin America, expect to hear languages from all around the world, while the smell of freshly brewed high-end Colombian co ee permeates the air. It’s a pleasure to casually wander, checking out colorful handknitted woolen scarves, oil and watercolor paintings by local artists, and stylish hats and handbags made from caña flecha, a palm tree native to the Caribbean coast.

USAQUÉN PARK

Fronting Usaquén’s glorious 17th-century whitewashed colonial church and shaded by ancient trees, lively Usaquén Park is the beating heart of the neighborhood. During the day it draws families, couples, and picnickers – enjoy a guarapo, freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, from a street vendor and relax on the gentle grassy slopes – and in the evenings acoustic musicians play. On weekend market days look out for tango dancers, hip-hop performers, and street theater groups taking over the central pavilion.

EL ALTILLO CAFÉ

From a vintage sofa in the garden patio, order a velvety-rich cappuccino and enjoy the people watching. Always buzzing, this charismatic art-adorned café has been at the center of Usaquén’s social scene since it opened more than 30 years ago. Lightly grilled-to-a-crunch croissant sandwiches make for a breakfast or afternoon quick bite, while a mug of steaming vino caliente, a tongue-tingling cinnamon and clove-spiced hot red wine, is the perfect afternoon treat, even on summer days when temperatures are moderate here, at 8,858 feet above sea level.

The colonial Church of Santa Barbara sits near Usaquén Park

LA MAR RESTAURANT

The Bogotá outpost of Peruvian Chef Gastón Acurio is an architectural and gastronomic wonder. Natural light floods the high-ceiling dining room, which is circled by a sleek bar with views over the restaurant. Take a seat and dive into sliced-to-order tiradito, Peruvian-style sashimi, before feasting on bubbling hot parihuela de mariscos, a stew based on seafood flown in from the Pacific coast, thickened with ripe tomatoes and turbo-charged with rocoto chilies.

PEDRO MANDINGA RUM BAR

Learn the di erence between dark, light, and spiced rums the best way – by sampling them all – at this swanky rum bar situated in a beautifully restored brick casona (historic mansion) right o the main park of Usaquén. The first rum distillery founded by women in Latin America, the Pedro Mandinga Foundation is devoted to sustainable practices, buying sugar directly from small family farms and

La Mariposa (“butterfly”) is an area in Usaquén that is dotted with colorful buildings

using a unique distilling method that saves water to produce fine rums. Chat to the friendly sta in the warmly lit bar on the first floor, take a bottle up to the plush couches of the second level to sit back and enjoy, or hit the thirdstory rooftop deck with views over the city.

HACIENDA SANTA BARBARA SHOPPING MALL

Built in the late 19th century, the Hacienda Santa Barbara was once the home of a rich cattle baron and exudes a majestic colonial ambiance. That makes it the perfect setting for a highend shopping mall for Colombian luxury brands such as Vélez (for leather jackets and shoes) and Chevignon (for denim). Leafy inner patios open under breaks in the century-old redtile roof to house cafés and lounges. Try a carajillo, co ee with a shot of rum, to refuel between shopping trips. Declared a National Monument by the Colombian Government in 1985 and frequented by local actors and politicians, it’s a must-visit.

WHERE TO STAY / BOGOTÁ AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

93 Luxury Suites & Residences, Bogotá

An upscale boutique hotel in prestigious Zona Rosa neighborhood.

EK HOTEL, Bogotá

A chic boutique hotel near dynamic nightlife.

Hotel Las Islas, Cartagena

An eco-friendly jungle escape reachable by boat from historic Cartagena. Capellan de Getsemani, Cartagena de Indias

A beautiful Spanish colonial hotel on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Bluedoors York Luxury Suites, Medellin

A 23-story modern marvel in the middle of Medellin.

Explore more Preferred Hotels & Resorts in Colombia →

The Peruvian seafood dish of sudado de mariscos

Tango dancing in Plaza Usaquén

Ceramic wares at Usaquén market

72 Hours in...

SAVOR A WEEKEND IN STOCKHOLM, ATLANTA, AND TAIPEI

Stockholm stretches across 14 islands at the point where the Baltic Sea meets Lake Mälaren

72 hours in . . .

Stockholm

Each island on the sprawling Stockholm archipelago has a personality all its own. Take a deep dive to experience Scandinavian sophistication

BY ANNIKA HIPPLE

Blending history and tradition, Stockholm has a hip creative spirit that’s reflected in its lively arts scene and top-notch restaurants emphasizing farm-to-table cuisine. Here, we outline some of this remarkable city’s best parts that you can experience over three days.

DAY 1: EXPLORE THE COLORFUL CAPITAL

10 a.m. Cruise around Djurgården or farther out into the archipelago, dotted with forest and brightly colored cottages, for a sense of how much Stockholm’s character is defined by water. For a more active option, a kayaking tour o ers a unique perspective of iconic sights such as City Hall and the beautiful old town, Gamla Stan.

12 p.m. While the Danish have hygge – the concept of coziness – the Swedes have fika, a social co ee break that’s a cornerstone of everything from personal friendships to workplace culture. The nearly centuryold café Vete-Katten, on Kungsgatan, is the perfect fika spot to savor classic Swedish pastries – be sure to try the marzipancovered princess cake. Wander the boutiques around Hamngatan and Biblioteksgatan, home to Scandi minimalist Filippa K and luxury lifestyle experts J Lindeberg.

2 p.m. After visiting the bigger names such as the Swedish History Museum and Nordic Museum, check out the nearby Army Museum, a lesser-known gem with three floors of exhibits covering centuries of Swedish military and civilian life. At Strandvägen, Stockholm’s grandest waterfront boulevard, elegant 19thcentury buildings overlook a lively harbor. Stop at the century-old interior design store Svenskt Tenn, famous for its brightly patterned Josef Frank textiles and pewter products.

7 p.m. Hantverket means “the craft” and accurately describes the philosophy of Restaurang Hantverket, where every dish is finely honed in an open-kitchen atmosphere. Order several dishes to share from a menu that includes salmon tartar, green tomato soup, and citrus-marinated cod.

DAY 2: DISCOVER THE HEART OF STOCKHOLM

10 a.m. Spend the morning wandering Gamla Stan, a delightful warren of cobblestone streets and squares lined with narrow houses. Look for quirky details such as the city’s smallest statue, the 6-inch-high Iron Boy behind the Finnish Church, and the Viking Age rune stone walled into the foundation of a medieval house on the corner of Prästgatan and Kåkbrinken.

Sweden’s capital city features waterways including the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren

12 p.m. Along Skeppsbron, past the Royal Palace, Skeppsbro Bageri is an awardwinning organic artisan bakery sitting on the waterfront with mouth-watering views of the Baltic and a menu to match.

2 p.m. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage in Södermalm, a former workingclass district that has been transformed into one of Stockholm’s most popular neighborhoods. After visiting Stockholm City Museum, linger to admire the panoramic views from nearby Monteliusvägen, overlooking Lake Mälaren, City Hall, and the church spires of Gamla Stan.

7 p.m. Combine dinner with art at Fotografiska, a museum of contemporary photography with eclectic changing exhibits housed in an old customs building on the Södermalm waterfront. It has a casual bistro and upscale restaurant options, both with large windows framing views of Djurgården and Gamla Stan. The menus emphasize plant-based cuisine alongside sustainable meat and seafood.

DAY 3: VISIT GARDENS AND GALLERIES

10 a.m. The downtown waterfront runs past the National Museum to peaceful Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen, two small islands that were once the preserve of the military, as evidenced by the small castle atop Kastellholmen. Admire the spectacular views here as well as historic ships and

museums dedicated to modern art, architecture and design, and toys.

12 p.m. The passenger ferry from Skeppsholmen is a quick ride to Djurgården – yes, it’s worth stopping at the entertaining interactive ABBA Museum – where you can go on to Rosendals Trädgård, a biodynamic garden that’s a favorite urban oasis for Stockholmers. Treat yourself at the cozy greenhouse café, whose pastries and breads are baked in a wood-fired oven on-site, as well as weekly lunch menus spotlighting seasonal ingredients from the garden.

2 p.m. At the eastern tip of Djurgården, the Thiel Gallery is a palatial early 20th-century mansion housing an exquisite collection of paintings by Scandinavian greats Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, and Anders Zorn, along with contemporary European masters. Art fans can carry on to Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde, the former home of Prince Eugen, a royal prince, painter, and art collector, who left the waterfront property and his impressive art collection to the Swedish state.

7 p.m. Dine on classic Swedish cuisine at Ulla Winbladh, the site of a steam bakery at the 1897 Stockholm World Fair set in rolling parkland near the Skansen open-air museum. Take a table on the patio to enjoy the long Nordic evening, while sampling local specialties including fish roe and sweet and sour herring. ▷

At Strandvägen, Stockholm’s grandest waterfront boulevard, elegant 19th-century buildings overlook a lively harbor

WHERE TO STAY / STOCKHOLM

From top: Cozy café Kaffekoppen in Gamla Stan; a tasty Scandinavian breakfast; colorful

Square is the oldest main public square in Gamla Stan

At Six, Stockholm

A chic urban escape in the heart of Stockholm.

Hotel Diplomat, Stockholm

An Art Nouveau masterpiece overlooking Stockholm harbor.

Stortorget

72 hours in . . .

Atlanta

Steeped in history, dynamic Atlanta is also the place to come for wonderful food, a vibrant arts scene, and top-level sports

BY CAROLINE EUBANKS

Discover some of Atlanta’s highlights, including its surprisingly eclectic arts scene, walkable neighborhoods, abundance of green spaces, and unmissable restaurants, with this itinerary that spans three days.

DAY 1: EXPLORE THE SOUTHERN CAPITAL

10 a.m. Visit the 1996 Olympic Games venue of Centennial Olympic Park near sporting venues Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, both world-class sporting spaces that host local events and global extravaganzas. Nearby is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, a museum honoring multiple movements through its exhibits. At an interactive lunch counter, hear what the Civil Rights sit-ins were like from the people who experienced them.

12 p.m. Make your way to Sweet Auburn, where a young Martin Luther King Jr. grew up. The National Historic Park-managed neighborhood includes Martin’s boyhood home and the church where he served as preacher. He and his wife are commemorated in a reflection pool across the street at The King Center. Exhibits include his key from Lorraine Motel, where he was assassinated in 1968, and the Grammy he received for Best Spoken Word Recording.

3 p.m. In summer, the Municipal Market in Sweet Auburn, the city’s oldest food hall, is the place to find juicy Georgia peaches. Use this as a chance to try a little bit of everything that the city’s diverse cultural background has to o er, like traditional Southern grilled fare from Fire in Smoke BBQ, jerk chicken from Afrodish, and a vegetarian banh mi spicy sandwich from Mattchews.

8 p.m. An easy way to navigate the city is to follow the Beltline, 22 miles of former railroad tracks circling the heart of the city. The paved path, used by pedestrians, cyclists, and skaters, has restaurants with walk-up patios and, intriguingly, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar – The James Room – with a secret entrance behind a daytime co ee shop. Vibe out to the live music and DJ-spun tunes over an Old Fashioned.

DAY 2: SAMPLE THE ARTS AND OUTDOORS

10 a.m. Start your day with a brew from Portrait Co ee in the historic West End. It features blends inspired by the city’s heritage, including Atlanta-based politician and lawyer Stacey Abrams and writer Toni Morrison.

12 p.m. Stop by the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, which honors the longest-living president, who hailed from

Downtown Atlanta’s historic landmarks and modern buildings glow with color at dusk

Georgia. Highlights include his Nobel Peace Prize and a replica of the Oval O ce to snap photos in. Then head to the Old Fourth Ward and check out the shops at Ponce City Market, a retail and dining complex in a former Sears warehouse with food hall and local boutiques. Quintessential Atlanta bar Manuel’s Tavern o ers a warm Southern welcome and is the place for a casual lunch. Enjoy the French dip with a local brew and Manuel’s special ambiance.

3 p.m. Rent a bike in Midtown’s Piedmont Park or step into Atlanta Botanical Garden, set inside the park, for its orchid collection and Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures. Midtown is also home to the High Museum of Art, a world-class institution with more than 20,000 works. Don’t miss the regional folk art, including pieces from Georgia’s own Howard Finster.

8 p.m. Holeman and Finch is the place for fine dining and craft cocktails. The restaurant merges classic steakhouse fare with Southern dishes, sourcing ingredients from local farms. Tucked behind a door at the back

WHERE TO STAY / ATLANTA

of a food hall, Jojo’s Beloved is a cocktail bar and lounge with intimate booths and neon lights. Here, you’ll enjoy a great soundtrack and a creative drinks menu.

DAY 3: EXPERIENCE THE PAST AND PRESENT

10 a.m. Dive into city’s earliest days at the Atlanta History Center. Rotating exhibits from the permanent collection include 1996 Olympics memorabilia and the original zero-mile post from the railroad, marking its end point and where the city was founded – hence, its original Terminus name. Give yourself plenty of time to see Swan House, the Southern belle of a beautifully restored residence of a local family until the 1960s. Browse antiques inside, then step out to the terraced gardens, a favorite spot for photos.

12 p.m. Blandtown’s Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours serves up Michelin-recommended Southern soul food from James Beardnominated Chef Deborah VanTrece. Try the hot favorites on the decadent brunch menu: etoufee crawfish frittata and hoisin oxtails.

3 p.m. Spend time in the fresh air while diving into the city’s connections to the world of TV and film production at Westside Reservoir Park. Set in the site of a former quarry, its accessible paved trails o er the chance to learn about locations that have featured in well-loved movies and TV shows, including Stranger Things and The Walking Dead.

8 p.m. Westside is bursting with sushi and omakase restaurants, including several highlighted by the Michelin Guide. Hayakawa is among them, open since 2008 with the finest ingredients sourced straight from Tokyo. Reservations are hard won, but you won’t regret it.

Give yourself plenty of time to see Swan House, the Southern belle of a beautifully restored residence

Chateau Elan, Braselton

A grand château experience with its own vineyard.

FORTH Hotel & Club, Atlanta

The High Museum of Art features Renaissance triptychs, early American furnishings, and contemporary photography

The exquisite Earth Goddess plant sculpture overlooks Cascades Garden in Atlanta Botanical Garden

72 hours in . . .

Taipei

History is tightly woven into the Taiwanese capital, a place where you’re never far from mouthwatering food, ancient traditions, and green spaces to enjoy

BY CLARISSA WEI

We have put together a three-day itinerary so that you don’t miss the best that Taipei has to o er, from its historic neighborhoods with an eclectic mix of influences to a Michelinrecommended street-food scene.

DAY 1: ENJOY HOT SPRINGS AND A MUSEUM

10 a.m. Take a dip in a bathhouse. The mountainous district of Beitou is dotted with hot springs and locals refer to the experience as “steeping in soup,” a nod to how the hot, swirling waters envelop bathers like a rich, simmering broth.

12 p.m. A winding, sulfuric spring weaves through the landscape at Thermal Valley, which is veiled in steam, and a raised wooden footpath guides visitors. Have lunch at Minhan Beitou, a sleek sukiyaki restaurant with a jet-black interior and produce from local farms. Ingredients are simmered tableside in a sweet soy-based broth.

3 p.m. With paintings, ceramics, jades, bronzes, calligraphy, and rare books, the National Palace Museum has one of the largest collections of Chinese relics in the world, o ering an insight into Taiwan’s historic links with China. Most people

come to look at the cabbage-shaped jade and pork belly carved out of stone, but there is so much more to discover.

7 p.m. Wander around Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, a former tobacco factoryturned-shopping destination with pop-up art galleries, flanked by a bucolic community garden. Le Duet Modern Kaiseki o ers an artistic progression of Japanese-style bites with flavors inspired and sourced from the subtropical abundance of Taiwan. Try the delicate sashimi, elevated with the zesty bite of indigenous prickly ash and desserts infused with local oolong tea.

DAY 2: EXPLORE RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS

10 a.m. Scallion pancakes are a common staple throughout Taipei, but the ones at Tian Jin Onion Pancake on Yongkang Street command daily lines. Folded like a taco, the pancake is stu ed with a choice of fragrant Taiwanese basil, cheese, or ham. A drizzle of thick, sweet soy paste ties it all together.

12 p.m. The nation specializes in elegant oolongs, a semi-fermented tea with flavor profiles from bright and flowery to deep and milky. At the Stop By Teahouse, the owner is always eager to share his passion for tea

Picturesque cherry blossom adorns the city of Taipei in spring

The National Palace Museum has one of the largest collections of Chinese relics in the world

and guide you through each flavor profile. His hospitality and array of eclectic teapots makes it feel like you’ve stumbled across someone’s personal tea collection in their home.

3 p.m. Head to the largest green space in Taipei, Daan Forest Park, to spot Taipei wildlife making a home in the city, such as the vibrant Taiwan blue magpie or the plump Mikado pheasant. There’s an outdoor amphitheater with regular performances by the local symphony orchestra. Then make your way to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, a striking landmark known for its grand bluetiled roof and towering white walls. Inside the main hall, watch the changing of the guard ceremony, every hour until 5 p.m.

7 p.m. Rechao in Mandarin translates to “hot stir-fry” and Baxian Grill is a rechao specialist, a unique genre of restaurant, where family-style dishes are whipped up on a large wok and diners sit with an icy lager in hand.

DAY 3: IMMERSE YOURSELF IN HISTORY

by local tailors. This century-old market is packed with rolls of fabric in every color, texture, and print. Stop for lunch at Mukuchi Kitchen, a vegan ramen specialist.

3 p.m. Dadaocheng Pier Plaza hugs the Tamsui river, a major artery that flows through Taipei. Rent a bike and cycle along the riverside paths.

WHERE TO STAY / TAIPEI

10 a.m. Taipei’s oldest neighborhood of Dadaocheng is a charming blend of history and modernity with a mix of Baroque-style architecture and ornate vermilion temples. Traditional tea shops sit next to hip cocktail bars and herbal pharmacies are alongside bubble-tea stands. Don’t miss Xiahai City God Temple, packed with local Taoist folk deities, where young singles pray for true love.

12 p.m. Yongle Fabric Market is an old-school gem and one of the few places left in Taipei where you can have custom garments crafted

7 p.m. Stroll the food stalls of the bustling Ningxia Night Market to work up an appetite, where many of the businesses are owned by second-generation proprietors. Enjoy an exquisite dinner at Ad Astra, a one-Michelin-Star restaurant that serves a tasting menu utilizing hyperlocal ingredients. End the night at Kavalan Whisky Bar, where you can savor award-winning whiskies crafted in Taiwan. ●

A cosmopolitan hotel centrally located in Taiwan’s dynamic capital.

Colorful Bishan is one of Taipei’s largest temples

Hotel Metropolitan Premier Taipei, Taipei

Palais de Chine,Taipei

French sophistication and global cultures meet Taipei luxury.

Bustling Keelung Night Market is a famous culinary destination

LITTLE

BLACK BOOK

Palma de Mall ca Spain

BY ISABELLA NOBLE

ORIENTING YOURSELF

Though Palma faces the sea and has a beautiful waterfront, its historic center deserves exploring. The medieval streets around the cathedral, the Baroque palaces and mansions, and the multitude of churches and convents make a stroll around the old city unforgettable. The barrios (districts) of La Bonanova and El Terreno, at the foot of the Castell de Bellver, conceal intriguing Modernista architecture. The renewed Sa Gerreria neighborhood has bars and restaurants much loved by locals such as design-led Guindilla and Es Pes de sa Palla, which has a sunny terrace.

GASTRONOMY VENTURES

The Wine Side, on Passeig de Mallorca, is a tranquil, urban restaurant with a New York-like

energy. The grilled squid and prawns are incredible. Botànic is one of the island’s prettiest restaurants. It has vegetabledriven menus and is ideal on summer nights. With gardens under tall trees in the old Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden, it’s a real hidden treasure. The sea bass en papillote (in foil) with seaweed is excellent. A classic spot for traditional seafood in the port is Ca n’Eduardo, popular with local professionals and couples. Look out to the cathedral from the indoor dining room, and across the bay from the terrace. I adore the lobster paella.

LOCAL ART SCENE

Palma has a vibrant contemporary art scene with well-established independent galleries. For me, Xavier Fiol and Pep Llabrés Art Contemporani on Carrer de Sant Jaume stand out for their strong

selections of local artists. From mid-July 2025, the Fundació Miró will host a celebration of Joan Miró in collaboration with Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma, Casal Solleric, and La Llotja galleries.

QUIET ESCAPES

The center of the island captures the essence of authentic Mallorca. You can feel how rural life hasn’t changed much in recent years. The Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unites mountainous landscapes with traditional Mallorquín architecture. You can see this in small stone-built villages like Fornalutx and Biniaraix. In the north, Platja de Sa Canova is a beach with white sand and transparent water, near Son Serra de Marina village. It tends to be very quiet as you can only reach it by walking.

WHERE TO STAY

The director of the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a Mallorca, Antònia Maria Perelló Ferrer was born in Palma and shares her love of the island and its coastal capital

Pleta De Mar Luxury By NatureGrand Hotel Son Net

Nixe Palace

Lush greenery and old stone walls line the pretty Canal Torrent de Sa Riera

The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma overlooks the town’s harbor

ONE

UNFORGETTABLE ESCAPE

DESTINATION: THE ATLANTIC COAST

Allure of e Atlantic Coa

Local writer Sarah Pascarella uncovers the region’s charming villages and captivating natural beauty

The Atlantic Coast in summer and fall is brimming with abundance and variety. Explore that cobblestone alley with mouth-watering aromas of chowder and lobster rolls. Leash up your dog for a leisurely stroll on a nature trail, stopping to browse the farmstand’s just-gathered honey and juicy stone fruit. Go barefoot across a cli side overlooking the glittering ocean.

With long days and plentiful sunshine, friendly locals, and world-renowned artists, this region truly comes alive from May through October. Whether adhering to well-scheduled itineraries or opting for impromptu discoveries, travelers visiting the Atlantic Coast will find a vivacious spirit of fun and festivity that infuse every activity.

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A word before you go: the Atlantic Coast can have a boomerang pull. Make the trip once, and you’ll likely want to come back again and again, year after year. Many returning visitors become part of the fabric of summer and fall life, their arrivals as anticipated as the seasons themselves, and are welcomed back warmly as family.

CHASE GIANTS IN MAINE

catch the 17-minute ferry to Peaks Island; hop on a golf cart to explore the neighborhood’s seaside trails and artist galleries, or relax with a waterfront pint. Back downtown, good food and strong drinks await at Central Provisions on Fore Street. Yes, that’s caviar on the lunch menu and foie gras parfait for dessert.

About an hour north of Portland, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay o er a bit of whimsy against a contemplative setting: tucked within the gardens’ trails are the Guardians of the Seeds, Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s giant troll sculptures crafted from recycled wood. It’s approximately three miles to see all five trolls, with plenty of gorgeous woodland, floral trails, and Back River waterfront views to admire along the way. Bring the scenic views back home with you with a print or co ee-table book from photographer

Nicknamed “Vacationland,” Maine, the northernmost state on the east coast, draws in visitors with craggy coastlines, daily-catch seafood, and nature-inspired art.

Portland, a bustling coastal city on Casco Bay, features lovingly preserved 19th-century architecture (now often housing gourmet restaurants and boutiques), cobblestone streets, and maritime landmarks. One is never far from a lighthouse – there are six within 20 minutes of the city – or a just-caught lobster.

Start with breakfast at Hot Suppa, a beloved bistro on Congress Street, where Southern fare gets reinterpreted with New England ingredients. Then

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Peter Ralston, who’s been capturing the region’s landscapes and local characters since 1978. His Rockport gallery is open six days a week during peak season, or by appointment.

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Finally, Maine has more than 100 craft breweries, with most using locally sourced waters, hops, barley, and oats to create truly unique flavor profiles. The Maine Brewers’

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Portland, a bustling coastal city on Casco Bay, features lovingly preserved 19th-century architecture

Opposite: Stunning Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Maine

Above: Kayaking is a popular activity in Maine’s Acadia National Park

DESTINATION: THE ATLANTIC COAST

Guild’s Beer Trail has a complete listing of which participating breweries are open for tastings across the state; summer and fall visitors will likely find a festival or two showcasing the latest on tap. Travelers near Portland in late June, for example, can check out the Wavy Days Beer Festival, hosted by Mast Landing Brewing Company, to try more than 60 beers from select North American breweries.

ELBOW INTO CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS

Like a mighty arm, the Cape Cod peninsula extends from southeast Massachusetts. Known for picture-postcard villages and stunning beaches, it’s also teeming with wildlife in the sea (whales, seals, and sharks) and sky (osprey, whimbrels, and Great Blue Heron, among many other birds). With so many outdoor attractions, it’s a great destination for our four-legged friends, with dogs welcome at many beaches, trails, parks, and restaurants all along the Cape.

While there’s no shortage of summer and fall tourists – abundant sunshine and crisp surf are hard to resist –discerning visitors can make the most of peak season by choosing the mid-Cape, also known as the elbow. Chatham and Harwich, two neighboring mid-Cape towns, beckon with less-crowded beaches, antique shops on historic main streets, and seafood joints that locals love.

Chatham’s Municipal Airport doubles as a gourmet destination with Hangar B Eatery. At breakfast, go for red

flannel hash with beets and horseradish crème fraîche, or opt for smash-up cultural decadence with an egg-andarancini burrito, complete with sriracha aioli. Satisfy a sweet tooth with brioche bread pudding French toast and potato buttermilk donuts.

After filling up, relaxing seaside with a good book may be next in order. With lapping waves, crisscrossing tides, and soft sands, Chatham’s Cockle Cove Beach on Nantucket Sound is perfect for young families wanting a laid-back day at the shore. For those preferring to raise their heart rate, hop on a bike, lace up your sneakers, or saddle a horse on the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Harwich. Twenty-five paved miles stretch north to Wellfleet or west to Yarmouth, passing through or by nature preserves, state parks, and waterways, including Long Pond, the largest freshwater pond on the Cape. Two local breweries are also right along the trail – the Devil’s Purse tasting room in South Dennis and the Hog Island tasting room in Orleans. Want something sweeter? Pull your bike up to the Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans, known for frozen hot chocolate, hot fudge milk with espresso, and salted caramel crunch cake, among other indulgent desserts.

In the evening, follow the music to The Chatham Squire, a downtown institution since 1968, known for pub fare, live bands, pool, and karaoke. Craving classics like lobster rolls, clam chowder, or fish and chips? This is the place. While any summer night will have a lively scene,

Above: Main Street in Annapolis, Maryland, has many wellpreserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings Opposite, top: Humpback whales can be seen off the Cape Cod coast Opposite, bottom:

A fisherman’s cottage on Mount Desert Island in Maine

try to catch the local Dune Billy All-Stars band. Michael Gabriel’s laid-back steel pan playing creates extra-beachy vibes. Or, for dinner-and-a-movie night, head down the street to the Chatham Orpheum Theater, a non-profit community cinema showing new releases, art films, and local productions.

BE FREE AS A BIRD IN RHODE ISLAND

Mention Newport, Rhode Island, and most visitors picture dramatic seaside cli s against elegant Gilded Age mansions (or summer cottages, as their first owners called them), a bustling harbor, and a well-preserved downtown dotted with church steeples and clapboard structures. It’s easy to spend a few days browsing the many shops, restaurants, and historic venues along Thames Street and Bellevue Avenue, the main thoroughfares, as well as the Brenton Hotel Dog Walk, a.k.a. the “Hydrant Trail,” a dog-friendly 1.4-mile loop traversing Second and Washington streets. Venture beyond downtown, however, to find unique outdoorsy activities and in-the-know bistros that o er unforgettable flavors.

At Le Bec Sucré in Middletown, bakers whip up delectable breads and pastries. Make a point to try the flaky and buttery croissants, crispy baguettes, and perfect fruit tarts before they sell out – early birds get the best selection.

Speaking of birds, more than 200 species have been spotted at the 300-acre Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown. Seven miles of trails are spread across farms, forests, and wetlands; several tranquil beaches also abut the nature preserve.

Try a wine or beer ight

paired with the Newport sea salt pretzels and ooey gooey roasted apple grilled cheese

Grab fixings for a picnic lunch, then head to Portsmouth for a unique outdoor excursion. Using railbikes, or pedalpowered vehicles that run along (inactive) railroad tracks, Rail Explorers USA o ers self-directed six-mile tours along coastal trails and groves, featuring stunning views that are inaccessible any other way. Choose from two routes: The Northern Ramble (six miles straight) meanders along the waterfront railway of Aquidneck Island, including a pass by the Newport Mansions’ Green Animals Topiary Garden, while the Southern Circuit (three miles out, three back) traverses the Aquidneck woodlands. Southbound pedalers are encouraged to stop at the midway point, Bayside Station along Narragansett Bay, for a waterfront picnic.

Happy hour calls for a glass of wine. In Middletown, the picturesque Newport Vineyards, set on more than 100 acres of farmland, serves up local vintages plus craft brews and tavern fare. Try a wine or beer flight paired with the Newport sea salt pretzels and ooey gooey roasted apple grilled cheese. Dogs are invited to join their owners on the patio and across the property.

For dinner, hop over to Saunderstown for fresh seafood and house-made pasta at Plum Pt. Bistro, owned and operated by veteran Rhode Island restaurateurs Ralph and Elisa Conte and their children, Zoe and Raphael, since 2012. Venture beyond lobster – here, diners feast on cornmealcrusted native cod, sautéed local fluke, fisherman’s stew, and Rhody littlenecks over spaghetti, all in a hip vintage setting that’s Instagram-ready.

SKIP ALONG THE CHESAPEAKE BAY IN MARYLAND

The country’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed covers 64,000 square miles across the mid-Atlantic, intertwining six states and Washington, D.C. In particular, the tri-state Delmarva region (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia) o ers a glimpse of quintessential life along the

Above left: Alfresco dining in DePasquale Square, Providence, Rhode Island

Above right: Freshly caught fare at Mabel’s Lobster Claw in Maine’s Kennebunkport

DESTINATION: THE ATLANTIC COAST

water; here, locals are just as enthusiastic to fish, sail, and go crabbing as the visitors. Easton and St. Michaels, Maryland, are especially noteworthy: head to these towns to spend days out on the bay, sample local produce and seafood, and toast special occasions with the finest spirits.

Get a good sense of the area with a ride on St. Michaels Harbor Shuttle; private tours and public taxi service are available. Dogs are welcome on board and even get their own ice and water service.

Retail therapy awaits on and around Talbot Street in St. Michaels. Stop at Woodcraft Artisans for a stunning wood-carved map souvenir, showcasing how the bay branches along the surrounding states.

Farm-to-table restaurant T at The General Store in Royal Oak o ers tea-inspired dishes and a menu sourced from local farmers, fisheries, creameries, breweries, and distilleries. Try the fish of the day, shrimp and grits, and the eclectic variety of teas. Order the Get up and Go! blend to boost stamina, then take a kayak or canoe out on the St. Michaels Water Trail, featuring routes designed for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Trails span 2 to 8 miles across coves, creeks, and rivers. For those preferring a less strenuous tour, book a ride on the historic skipjack H. M. Krentz oystering boat, originally launched in 1955 and one of only 16 skipjacks still operating. Bring your own picnic or arrange onboard cocktails and refreshments in advance.

After a day on the water, it’s time for something more refined. The Stewart, an Easton bar and lounge serving fine champagnes and Scotch varieties, also features small plates and entrees including Eastern Shore crab cake, wild diver oysters, and sushi. Splurge and order the French fries and caviar, accompanied by a glass of Dom Pérignon Rosé. ●

WHERE TO STAY / THE ATLANTIC COAST

Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels, Maryland

An idyllic Chesapeake Bay escape.

Sagamore Pendry

Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland

Contemporary design meets modern luxury in Fell’s Point.

Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

A cozy, warm, and awardwinning oceanfront getaway.

Brenton Hotel, Newport, Rhode Island

Nautical heritage and heart in Newport’s newest hotel.

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, Harwich, Massachusetts

A coastal retreat on Cape Cod’s Atlantic shores.

Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, Massachusetts

A luxurious seaside retreat on New England’s famed Cape Cod.

Below left: The tranquil Cape Cod coast at dusk

Below right: West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubec, Maine

RANGE ROVER SPCJAT

(409.4).

LIFE & ARTS

INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE IN CULTURE, FOOD, MUSIC, AND MORE

Musician Anoushka Shankar

Seasonal Summer Dishes

Anoushka Shankar’s music blends traditional Indian melodies with a range of musical genres

Note P fect

Musician Anoushka Shankar shares her reflections on family ties and how her international upbringing shaped her life

BY NICK MCGRATH

Anoushka arriving at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California

She has played at some of the world’s most iconic venues and collaborated with the biggest names, but music was always in Anoushka Shankar’s blood. Her father, Ravi Shankar, was The Beatles’ favorite sitar player and Anoushka took up the same instrument from a young age. By 15, she was touring with Ravi and appeared on the George Harrison-produced Chants of India album.

Anoushka signed her first solo record deal at 16 and was nominated for a Grammy for her third album, Live at Carnegie Hall. Ten more Grammy nominations have followed, and she has since worked with artists including Sting, Lenny Kravitz, and Nitin Sawhney.

A passionate advocate for women’s rights and refugee support, Anoushka was the first Indian ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme, has fundraised for humanitarian relief e orts, and spoken out against sexual violence and gender inequality. She says that working with global campaign One Billion Rising was a turning point, when she started to be more direct about her life, professionally and privately.

Anoushka grew up between New Delhi, London, and California and is the half-sister of American singer Norah Jones. She was married to British director Joe Wright for eight years and lives in London with her sons, Zubin, 14, and Mohan, 10.

When did you first pick up a sitar? I’d begun learning from my father when I was 7 or 8, then started performing and touring with him in my early teens.

Do you have a favorite memory of playing with your father? We performed together thousands of times, so it’s more like a distilled memory of moments. Sometimes something would happen and we would lock eyes on stage. I’d catch an idea he was improvising, and we’d end up playing in tandem.

For most of your childhood you were raised as an only child, though you do have half-siblings. How has that shaped you? I grew up knowing I had an American sister who had a di erent mum, but we didn’t meet until Norah [Jones] was 18 and I was 16 – it was like a fantasy come true. We now have a beautiful sisterhood that’s tight and close.

Who do you most admire? My mother, Sukanya. She is a hero, a rebel who forged her own path when everything was against her. She chose to have me as a love child, as an Indian woman living in the U.K., which is pretty renegade.

How has being raised internationally impacted your personality? It creates openness and adaptability, which has shaped not just me as a person, but also the work I make.

What is your most distinctive characteristic? I can be childlike and goofy, but also capable of great depths and sincerity, which translates into my work.

What other talent would you like to have?

I wish I was more naturally organized. I put so much of my energy and brain space into being organized; I’ve got lists everywhere.

What is your life mantra? Play as I am played, be as I am made. It’s like thinking about playing my instrument or playing my life the way I’m being played by something greater than myself.

What moment has most defined your path? When I graduated from high school, I was torn between going to university or touring, and I decided to take a chance on touring. That a ected the next decade of my life.

What do you feel is left to accomplish? So much. What do I want to say through my work, what do I want to grow toward, what can’t I do with my instrument that I want to learn?

What is your favorite genre of music?

I listen to a wide range: classical, nonclassical, electronic, pop and rock, a little bit of metal – not quite death metal –alternative rock.

Do you have other talents besides the sitar? The spoken word or the written word come naturally. I’ve always loved writing. It’s an apt counter to playing instrumental music. ●

Chapter III: We Return to Light – the final installment of Anoushka’s album trilogy – is out now. She performs at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam in July. northseajazz.com

With her half-sister Norah Jones at the 65th Grammy Awards

Performing with her father Ravi at the Beiteddine International Festival in Lebanon

A Taste of Summer

The top seasonal dishes to indulge in around the world during the warmest months

BY KATY SALTER

From sparkling seafood to fruit-laden desserts, every destination has its own beloved warm-weather dishes made with the best, freshest seasonal foods

Britain

A beloved summer dish of the Brits is ripe, scarlet strawberries with a swirl of fresh cream. Sometimes the simplest desserts are the best. Strawberries and cream are synonymous with London’s Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament (June 30 to July 13, 2025) and this delicious duo has been eaten at the event since 1877. The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club serves a glossy, intensely sweet variety of strawberry called Malling Centenary, grown in nearby Kent, and chefs top the berries with Chantilly cream (whipped, with a hint of vanilla).

When the sun comes out, nothing beats a glass of Pimm’s accompanied by Eton mess, where freshly picked strawberries are mixed with crunchy meringue and whipped cream. This indulgent dessert is synonymous with summer days in Britain.

Spain

Chilled gazpacho soup is the perfect dish for a heatwave, made with raw tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, onion, garlic, olive oil, and crusty bread. For a bowl of this classic dish, duck out of the sun and into a favorite Seville spot, Las Teresas, a traditional tapas bar dating back to the 1870s.

Seville resident and tapas tour guide Shawn Hennessey recommends trying some of gazpacho’s lesser-known relatives. “The Andalusian trifecta is gazpacho, salmorejo, and ajo blanco,” she says. “Salmorejo is made from just tomatoes, garlic, bread, and olive oil. The result is a thicker, creamier soup, served with chopped jamón and a hard-boiled egg on top. Ajo blanco is made with almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil, and served with white grapes. A couple of my favorite salmorejos are served at Casa Román and La Azotea.”

Greece

Greek food is the very taste of summer: fresh fruit and vegetables, salty olives, and sizzling grilled meat and fish. It’s easy to see the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, absolutely packed with sunshine.

In Greek, yemista means “stu ed” and this classic summer dish has variations with tomatoes and peppers generously filled with rice, meat, olive oil, pine nuts, and raisins, baked until tender and slightly caramelized, with mint and parsley for that herby aroma.

For memorable beach eats, steps from a secluded stretch of shoreline in the north of the island of Mykonos, family-run Fokos Taverna grills the catch of the day, while in the town of Chora, Katrin stu s cabbage leaves, grape leaves, peppers, and tomatoes yemista-style with rice, minced meat, and herbs.

Peru

Ceviche is the go-to summer snack in Peru. In fact, the marinated white-fish dish is so integral to Peruvian life and culture that in 2023, UNESCO added ceviche to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. “Great ceviche starts with the freshest fish, expertly balanced with lime juice, fresh chilies, and a touch of red onion for sweetness,” says Gabriele Di Girolamo of Señor Ceviche in London. The zingy marinade called tiger’s milk “cooks” the fish so the flesh becomes opaque and its flavors intensified.

“When Peruvians head to the seaside, they always bring ceviche with limes and onions to add just before serving,” says Robert Ortiz, Culinary Director of Lima London. “You’ll also find cevicherías on almost every corner along the beachfronts. Here, you can get a large viandas (platter) of ceviche, often served with Inca Kola or cold beer.”

Peruvian chefs are giving ceviche a creative twist: the dish is accompanied with tropical fruits such as mango or pineapple and it’s being stylishly served in martini glasses, garnished with avocado mousse or black garlic aioli.

Portugal

The Portuguese love octopus so much, they consume more of it than any other country in Europe, chilled in appetizers or grilled. Atlantic coastal towns and villages have countless variations of dishes featuring octopus, but whether grilled or baked, one thing they all have in common is that the octopus is always frozen first to tenderize the meat, then boiled with the basic ingredients of garlic and onion.

Bursting with summer flavors, salada de polvo (octopus salad) uses small pieces of octopus meat boiled until tender and served with in-season vegetables marinated in olive oil and white wine vinegar.

Polvo à lagareiro (roasted octopus with olive oil) is a classic dish consumed by generations of fishermen and found on menus around the country. A full tentacle is boiled, then added to the grill for a smoky taste, then covered in Garlic-infused olive oil and served with batatas a murro (lightly smashed potatoes cooked with their skin on). At O Velho Eurico in Lisbon, a classic example of Portugal’s much-loved tascas (local eateries), polvo à lagareiro is a mainstay of the menu of Chef Zé Paulo Rocha.

Vietnam

Rice-paper rolls stu ed full of herbs, vegetables, shrimp, chicken, or pork continue to be a Vietnamese summer staple. They’re served cold with a delicious dipping sauce, and the combination of crunchy veg, zingy herbs, and protein inside an al dente rice-paper roll can’t be beaten on a sultry day. “Gỏi Cuốn are popular throughout Vietnam, and di erent regions will do their specialty combinations,” says author of Quick & Easy Vietnamese, Uyen Luu.

Fancy assembling your own? “At restaurants in Vietnam, diners are given baskets of dripping wet herbs, and these are used like paintbrushes to moisten triangles of rice paper and fill with the herbs yourself, alongside steamed fish or other dishes,” says Uyen. ●

REGIONAL SUMMER BITES FROM THE UNITED STATES

Lobster – East Coast

Lobster rolls are dished up along the Eastern seaboard with variations. In Connecticut, the shellfish is served warm and doused with melted butter in a warmed bun. Maine-style means chilled lobster tumbled in a mayo salad, often with celery and scallions in a split bun.

Cherries – Michigan

Michigan cherries are bright, sweet, tart, and juicy. You have to be quick to get a taste of them in the short season from late June and early July, when the state’s cherry orchards are fully loaded with fruit. Find them at farmers’ markets and roadside stands.

Peaches – Georgia

Peach season runs from May to August and you’ll find these juicy fruits on the menu in Georgia all day long. Choose from peach French toast and peach cookies to peach doughnuts and everyone’s favorite, the classic dessert, peach cobbler.

Key Lime Pie – Florida

The distinct tart and zesty flavor of key limes are needed for this dish, rather than common Persian limes. Baked in a graham cracker crust with a creamy condensed milk filling, all it needs is a dash of sharp key lime juice and a generous swirl of whipped cream.

Gazpacho Ceviche

Eton mess

WE ARE Digital r y

We are delighted to announce the arrival of Preferred Travel magazine’s website – a new space where readers can discover and explore all our inspiring content, from in-depth articles on top destinations to long-weekend itineraries, global cuisine showcases, and so much more.

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The Library Suite’s attic bedroom in The Emblem Prague, a boutique designer hotel in the center of the city’s Old Town

Joyful Journeys

Delve into family vacations with all the bells and whistles

BY ASHLEY RYAN AND FABIANA OWENS

The quintessential family vacation has traditionally been about keeping kids entertained during spring break or summer vacation – whether by packing up the car for a camping adventure in the wilderness or heading straight for the United States’ iconic theme parks. But, at its essence, family travel has the chance to be so much more. From sun-drenched getaways at oceanfront resorts to thrilling destinations that will spark conversation for years to come, embark on a journey that unites everyone and truly captures what it means to travel as a family.

Seaside Serenity

The California coastline exudes relaxed luxury, combining some of the best shopping and dining in the United States with picture-perfect settings. Don’t miss Balboa Bay Resort, an elegant waterfront escape nestled by the Newport Beach marina.

Embrace the carefree spirit of California throughout your stay. Cruise the harbor in style aboard an iconic Du y boat or charter the resort’s exclusive 42-foot yacht, Host of the Coast, complete with its own captain. Kayaks and paddleboards allow adventure-seekers to explore their own way, while a pristine swimming pool surrounded by private cabanas o ers space to lounge. Join the members-only Balboa Bay Club next door to indulge further, with a private beach and children’s programming.

Its prime location allows for exploration beyond the resort as well. Rent a bicycle to zip over to Balboa Island, where boutique shops, frozen banana stands, a museum, and intimate beaches – often adorned with intricate sandcastles created by a Newport local –await. Return to the hotel for a relaxing meal at A&O Restaurant | Bar, where a dedicated children’s menu o ers favorites like chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and ice cream sundaes, or settle in for fireside fondue on the patio during sunset.

On the opposite coastline, Wequassett Resort and Golf Club welcomes travelers to Massachusetts’ Cape Cod peninsula. Known for rolling dunes, seaside villages,

Above: Family frolics at Mexico’s Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Below: Kids making a splash at the Alisal Ranch pool in Southern California

and historic lighthouses, this area has a reputation for cultivating memorable traditions.

The resort houses an award-winning Children’s Center, where little ones between the ages of 5 and 12 can delight in innovative programming. From a pirate ship-themed playground with a splash pad to tailored activities and culinary experiences, the center o ers endless opportunities for younger travelers to expand their minds. Older children can learn a new skill through Wequassett’s fly fishing school or the falconry experience.

Located on marshes and woodland overlooking Pleasant Bay, visitors of all ages can also enjoy golf and tennis lessons, cycling along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, clamming excursions, kayak tours, art workshops, lighthouse visits, whale watching, and more. Cape Cod also hosts an array of family-friendly events, including the Fourth of July Gala, the Cape Cod Jazz & Arts Festival, and traditional New England clambakes.

Into the Wild

Those seeking wide-open spaces, awe-inspiring scenery, and the chance to disconnect from the digital world need look no further than the all-inclusive The Brush Creek Luxur y Ranch Collection

The spirit of the American West shines at this Wyoming ranch, highlighting the beauty of the natural world through private access to the North Platte River, nearby forest land, and more than 100 adventures.

Set on 30,000 secluded acres amid prairie land and sagebrush-covered hillsides, The Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection o ers a respite from daily life. Unwind at the rustic Lodge & Spa, glamp in luxury at French Creek, or book the Magee Homestead, a guest ranch that is adults-only but allows children with full buyouts. Explore together through archery, morning cattle drives, ice fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, sledding, zip-lining, a llama experience, and much more. Additionally, The Farm has a seed-to-table restaurant,

bakery, greenhouse, creamery, and wine cellar. Guests can also dine by the campfire under clear, star-filled skies. Immersive programs for youth, Li’l Buckaroos and Li’l Wranglers, are also available, and age-appropriate experiences range from pond fishing and gold panning to short hikes. By night, babysitting services can be booked and the ranch hosts a Kids’ Cookout.

Alisal Ranch brings the same sense of adventure to Southern California with a luxury dude ranch experience that families can enjoy together.

Nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, the retreat prides itself on its unspoiled beauty. More than 50 miles of horseback riding trails wind through tranquil meadows and rolling hills. Aside from horseback experiences, which range from breakfast rides to corral lessons and wrangler programs, travelers can

Above: Enjoying s’mores around a campfire at The Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection in Wyoming Left: All the family can enjoy a Western experience at Alisal Ranch Below: Private cabanas surround the pool at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach

EXPERIENCES

try ax throwing, attend weekly rodeos, visit with barnyard animals, sing karaoke, play Family Bingo, cool o in the pool, and wander through the treetop ropes course. Grilling enthusiasts will also enjoy the BBQ Bootcamp, designed to help guests perfect their at-home cookouts.

Just a short drive away lies the town of Solvang, a Danish-inspired enclave that boasts authentic bakeries, windmill-centric architecture, horse-drawn carriage rides, wine tasting, whimsical shops, and a Hans Christian Andersen Museum.

Escape to Paradise

Vibrant culture and unparalleled hospitality await in Mexico, where Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit greets visitors with radiant ocean views and all-inclusive luxury.

Your children aren’t simply along for the ride at this Puerto Vallarta resort. You can all rent kayaks and paddleboards, go snorkeling, play tennis or beach volleyball, splash around in the kid’s pool, or venture to nearby courses for world-class golf with a view. By night, delight your senses with an artistic fire show and resort dining with child-friendly menus.

After you’ve had your fill of fun in the sun, retreat to the spa, where even the smallest guests can enjoy a bit of pampering. These transformative therapies are designed to put children as young as 3 in tune with their well-being. Additionally, an on-site beauty salon o ers baby’s first haircuts.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit also hosts clubs to keep kids and teens busy while parents enjoy alone time. Here, children can boost creativity and enjoy thoughtprovoking play through storytelling, rock climbing, crafts, Twister, air hockey, and more.

Guests awaken to the sound of gentle waves lapping the shore before setting out to check thrills o their bucket list

Another tropical escape awaits in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Visit Half Moon for the ideal family getaway in the Caribbean. Find comfort in the upgraded Eclipse guestrooms, Founders Cove’s luxury cottages, or spacious villas, complete with a private pool, outdoor living area, cook, and butler.

Guests awaken to the sound of gentle waves lapping the shore before setting out to check thrills o their bucket list. The use of kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and snorkeling equipment is included in every stay, while sailing, scuba diving, and windsurfing experiences can be organized as well. In addition to watersports, youngsters can enjoy tennis clinics or pickleball lessons. The Equestrian Centre also o ers a range of options, from pony rides to swimming with horses in nearby waves. A conservation program for the hawksbill sea turtles also gives visitors the chance to watch as these creatures make their way to the water.

Don’t miss the Anancy Children’s Village during your stay. This space, inspired by Jamaican folklore, encourages play, learning, and connection among children between the ages of 3 and 12, with halfand full-day programs available. ●

Children will experience unforgettable horseback riding adventures on the beach during a stay at Half Moon in Jamaica

Families can explore Cape Cod’s stunning scenery by boat while staying at Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

Destination Wellness

Indulge, recharge, and reconnect in a new era of mindful luxury

BY FABIANA OWENS

Picture a journey where every moment is an invitation to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect.

Wellness is no longer just about a spa day – it’s a way of life. Today’s travelers seek more than traditional pampering; they yearn for mindfulness hikes in breathtaking landscapes, longevity practices in Blue Zones, and transformative retreats that unlock their fullest potential.

As the Global Wellness Institute’s Future of Wellness 2025 Trends reveals, travelers are embracing two distinct paths: some gravitate toward a relaxed, natureimmersed lifestyle, while others explore cutting-edge innovations that enhance both lifespan and health span. With more choices than ever, wellness travel is evolving into intentional escapes, where ancient traditions meet modern therapies to create deeply restorative, lifeenhancing experiences.

Regenerative travel is now a movement, where travelers return home not only rejuvenated but physically stronger, mentally clear, and emotionally balanced. From hydrotherapy circuits, personalized sleep retreats, cold plunges, and red light therapy to forest bathing and sound

Above: Private infinity pools and a perfect view at Andara Resort & Villas Right: Blissful relaxation in Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel’s hammam Far right: Palmaïa – The House of AïA in Playa del Carmen is a jungle sanctuary by the sea

healing, today’s most sought-after wellness retreats are designed to heal the body, enrich the mind, and nourish the soul. Whether immersed in mountain serenity, surrendering to ocean waves, or embracing renewal on rolling vineyards, these destinations transform every journey into a path of true well-being.

Therapeutic techniques

With an explosion of advancements in biohacking, longevity science, and personalized wellness programs, travelers can now access:

• Infrared therapy to boost cellular repair and reduce inflammation

• Cryotherapy for muscle recovery, improved circulation, and increased metabolic rate

• Saltwater float therapy for stress relief, pain management, and enhanced cognitive function

• Oxygen therapy to combat altitude fatigue, improve energy levels, and support cellular rejuvenation

• Hydrotherapy and thermal bathing to detoxify the body and stimulate the immune system

• Epigenetic testing and personalized nutrition plans, tailored to extend your health span

Andara Resort & Villas, Phuket, Thailand

A Thai island paradise for total well-being on the sun-kissed shores of Phuket, Andara Resort & Villas is a tropical wellness sanctuary that e ortlessly blends traditional healing with modern luxury.

Guests can immerse in the ancient art of Thai healing by experiencing energy-balancing massages, herbal compress treatments, and Ayurvedic therapies that align the body’s natural rhythms. The resort’s personalized wellness programs incorporate daily yoga, guided meditation, and holistic fitness training to create a full body reset.

For those craving movement and vitality, the resort o ers Muay Thai training, private strength coaching, and invigorating beachside circuit workouts. Guests can also embrace the healing power of water with sunset paddleboarding, deep-sea snorkeling, and private yacht excursions to explore Thailand’s hidden islands. Guided sunrise meditation by the ocean also activates mental clarity.

A commitment to nutritional wellness is woven into every experience, with a farm-to-table culinary program that fuses organic ingredients with Thai-inspired flavors, ensuring that each meal supports both health and indulgence.

Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel, Mendoza, Argentina

Palmaïa – The House of AïA, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Nestled within a lush jungle and overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Palmaïa – The House of AïA is a sanctuary for the soul, where ancient wisdom meets modern healing.

At Atlantis: The Spa, holistic therapies blend ancestral Maya techniques with natural elements. Energy healers, sound baths, and Indigenous-led rituals provide an immersive journey into self-discovery and deep healing.

Tucked among the rolling vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina’s Malbec region, Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel o ers vineyard retreats in a unique blend of vino, wellness activities, and breathtaking scenery.

The resort is home to Latin America’s only authentic hammam, a six-step ritual designed to purify the body and mind. Guests are guided through a series of steam rooms, invigorating scrubs, and essential oil-infused massages, creating a deeply detoxifying experience inspired by ancient Turkish bathhouses.

Beyond the spa, Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel invites guests to immerse in vineyard wellness with sunrise yoga sessions among the vines, wine-infused spa treatments, and sound healing sessions overlooking the Andes Mountains. The signature vinotherapy treatments use grape seed extracts to nourish and rejuvenate the skin, harnessing the antioxidant power of the region’s worldrenowned wines.

Culinary wellness is also at the forefront with seasonally inspired menus featuring local, organic ingredients and expertly paired wine tastings.

The resort’s sacred cenote, a revered freshwater sinkhole, invites guests to partake in meditative rituals or immerse themselves in the crystal-clear waters for purification and renewal. For a deeper transformation, partake in a temazcal ceremony – within a traditional Maya sweat lodge – that o ers a powerful detoxifying experience through heat, herbal steam, and guided meditation, mirroring the rebirth process within the womb of Mother Earth.

Through the Architects of Life program, guests can experience more than 30 weekly wellness activities, from cacao ceremonies and Tibetan bowl healing sessions to various styles of yoga and meditation – all curated in harmony with nature.

With integrative, plant-based culinary experiences, Palmaïa – The House of AïA also redefines wellness dining with a delicious, nourishing menu that supports optimal health while honoring personal preferences and showcasing creativity.

EXPERIENCES

Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, Gargnano, Italy

Perched above the shimmering waters of Lake Garda, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda is a wellness haven that merges nature, science, and holistic healing to o er a complete wellness transformation.

The resort’s signature Lefay SPA Method blends classical Chinese medicine with cutting-edge longevity science, curating personalized wellness journeys focused on detoxification, vitality, and emotional balance. The hydrotherapy circuits, thermal grottos, and saltwater floating treatments create a deeply restorative atmosphere, while bioenergetic therapies, acupuncture, and reflexology sessions further enhance relaxation and healing.

With meditation gardens, scenic hiking trails, and outdoor yoga decks overlooking the lake, guests can reconnect with nature while indulging in transformative practices. Personalized detox and vitality programs created by in-house wellness experts are also o ered to ensure you get exactly what you need out of your visit.

Nemacolin, Farmington, Pennsylvania, USA

In the rolling hills of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin is a bespoke retreat for total renewal and a luxury wellness destination, where cutting-edge healing, immersion in nature, and holistic therapies come together.

At the Woodlands Spa and Holistic Healing Center, guests can indulge in saltwater float therapy, infrared light treatments, and NovaTHOR PBM therapy, designed to reduce inflammation, enhance vitality, and promote relaxation. The resort also o ers hydrotherapy circuits, sound therapy, and meditation gardens for a comprehensive wellness experience.

Beyond the spa, Nemacolin integrates movement and mindfulness into its wellness philosophy. Guests can explore forest bathing, labyrinth walks, private yoga and Pilates sessions, or even experience equine therapy for emotional balance. For those seeking a high-tech wellness edge, the Nemacolin Golf Academy blends mindfulness, biomechanics, and performance coaching to refine overall health. Wellness extends to the dining experience with farm-to-table cuisine, customized meal plans, and nutrient-rich gourmet dishes that support longevity.

Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast, Rapallo, Italy

Overlooking the Italian shore, the Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast hotel o ers a riviera escape of wellness and refinement with elevated wellbeing experiences in the form of a reimagined spa and fitness retreat. With an exclusive design by Studio Marco Piva, the spa went through an impressive transformation, bringing together contemporary luxury and healing. The wellness space’s elegant blend of elevated experiences and holistic therapies includes a hypersaline floating pool, salt relaxation areas, and year-round access to the Beauty & Wellness Club, lymphatic drainage treatments for detoxification, and personalized fitness coaching overlooking the Ligurian Sea.

Final thoughts

The new era of wellness travel is no longer about relaxation – it’s about transformation. Whether embracing the healing power of water, reconnecting with nature, or discovering a creative outlet, the question isn’t just where you’ll go next, but how you’ll feel when you get there. ●

The stunning view from the infinity pool at Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast

The relaxing indoor saltwater pool at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda

Enjoying peaceful yoga and meditation at Nemacolin

WORLDWIDE HOTEL DIRECTORY

My Preferred World

Preferred Hotels & Resorts features the world’s finest and most diverse independent hotels. Four distinctive collections across 80 countries deliver a singular hospitality experience that meets the life and style preferences of discerning travelers on every journey

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy

SOPHISTICATED

Exceptional hotels and resorts in the world’s most desired locations o er luxurious accommodations, unique activities, sensational spas, and diverse dining options, delivering memories that will last a lifetime.

UNFORGETTABLE

Experience the ultimate in luxury and service at extraordinary destinations around the world. With personalized, intuitive service, renowned dining, exquisite accommodations, and spectacular scenery, you can expect a legendary stay.

SPACIOUS

Make yourself at home with this collection of apartments, studios, villas, cottages, and bungalows with culinary space, separate living areas, and en-suite bedrooms, plus all the amenities and services of a luxury hotel.

STYLISH

With approachable luxury and local flair, this diverse collection of chic and engaging hotels in cities and resort destinations around the world delivers friendly service, stylish accommodations, and the allure of an independent hotel experience.

The K Club, Straffan, Ireland

Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA

Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Mukul Resort, Tola, Nicaragua

THE FULLERTON HOTEL SYDNEY, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

THE CLARIDGES, NEW DELHI, NEW DELHI, INDIA

ANDARA RESORT & VILLAS, PHUKET, THAILAND

CONDADO VANDERBILT HOTEL, SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

ASIA & PACIFIC

AUSTRALIA

LEG Fullerton Hotel Sydney, The, Sydney

BRUNEI

LEG Empire Brunei, The, Jerudong

CHINA

L.V.X. Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, The, Hong Kong SAR

LEG Wynn Macau and Encore, Macau SAR

LEG Wynn Palace Cotai, Macau SAR

LIF Artyzen New Bund 31 Shanghai, Shanghai

LIF Parkyard Hotel Shanghai, Shanghai

L.V.X. Primus Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai

PRR Primus Residence Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai

L.V.X. Longemont Hotel Shenyang, The, Shenyang

LIF Archipelago, The, Taipei, Taiwan

LIF Hotel Metropolitan Premier Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

L.V.X. Palais de Chine, Taipei, Taiwan

INDIA

LIF Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa, Bengaluru

L.V.X. Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru, The, Bengaluru

LEG Leela Palace Bengaluru, The, Bengaluru

LIF Zuri Whitefield Bengaluru, The, Bengaluru

LIF Feathers-A Radha Hotel, Chennai

LEG Leela Palace Chennai, The, Chennai

LIF Turyaa Chennai, Chennai

L.V.X. Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, The, Delhi

L.V.X. Leela Gandhinagar, The, Gandhinagar

L.V.X./PRR Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, The, Gurugram

LIF Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa, Haridwar

LEG Leela Palace Jaipur, The, Jaipur

L.V.X. Park Kolkata, The, Kolkata

LIF Aurika, Mumbai International Airport, Mumbai

L.V.X. Leela Mumbai, The, Mumbai

LIF Resort, Mumbai, The, Mumbai

LIF Claridges Nabha Residence, Mussoorie, The, Mussoorie

LIF Express Inn, Nashik, Nashik

L.V.X. Claridges, New Delhi, The, New Delhi

LEG Leela Palace New Delhi, The, New Delhi

LIF Kinwani House by Aalia Collection, Rishikesh

L.V.X. Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel, The, Trivandrum

LIF Aurika, Udaipur - Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels, Udaipur

LEG Leela Palace Udaipur, The, Udaipur

INDONESIA

LEG Sanchaya, The, Bintan

L.V.X. Ayana Midplaza Jakarta, Jakarta

JAPAN

LIF Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto

L.V.X. THOUSAND KYOTO, THE, Kyoto

LEG Capitol Hotel Tokyu, The, Tokyo

L.V.X. Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Tokyo

LIF Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, Tokyo

L.V.X. Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, Tokyo

LEG Hotel New Otani Tokyo, “EXECUTIVE HOUSE ZEN,” Tokyo

L.V.X. Hotel New Otani Tokyo, “The Main,” Tokyo

LIF Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, Tokyo

L.V.X. Prince Park Tower Tokyo, The, Tokyo

LIF Royal Park Hotel, Tokyo

LIF Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome, The, Tokyo

LIF Hotel New Grand, Yokohama

MALAYSIA

L.V.X. Borneo Eagle Resort, KotaKinabalu

L.V.X. Bungaraya Island Resort, KotaKinabalu

LIF Gayana Marine Resort, KotaKinabalu

L.V.X. EQ, Kuala Lumpur

LIF RuMa Hotel & Residences, The, Kuala Lumpur

L.V.X. One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya

MONGOLIA

LIF Blue Sky Hotel & Tower, The, Ulaanbaatar

NEPAL

LIF Sanctuary – Chitwan National Park, Nepal, Chitwan

PHILIPPINES

L.V.X. Discovery Primea, Manila, Makati

LIF Discovery Boracay, Malay, Aklan Province

LIF Dusit Thani Manila, Manila

SINGAPORE

LIF Amara Singapore, Singapore

LEG Artyzen Singapore, Singapore

LIF Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, Singapore

LEG Fullerton Bay Hotel, The, Singapore

LEG Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The, Singapore

L.V.X. One Farrer Hotel, Singapore

LIF Royal Plaza on Scotts, Singapore

SRI LANKA

LIF Marino Beach, Colombo, Colombo

THAILAND

LIF Dusit Thani Bangkok, Bangkok

LIF Lancaster Bangkok, Bangkok

LIF Landmark Bangkok, The, Bangkok

LEG/PRR Andara Resort & Villas, Phuket

VIETNAM

LIF/PRR Sherwood Suites, Ho Chi Minh City

CARIBBEAN

ANGUILLA

L.V.X./PRR Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, Rendezvous Bay

BAHAMAS

L.V.X./PRR Pink Sands Resort, Harbour Island

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

LEG Peter Island Resort, Road Town

LEG Branson Beach Estate, The, Virgin Gorda

LEG Necker Island, Virgin Gorda

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

LIF Ocean El Faro, Punta Cana

LIF Catalonia Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo

JAMAICA

LEG/PRR Half Moon, Montego Bay, St. James

PUERTO RICO

LEG Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, San Juan

SAINT BARTHÉLEMY

L.V.X. Hotel Manapany, Anse des Cayes

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

LIF/PRR West Bay Club, Providenciales

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

ARGENTINA

LIF Pinares Panorama Suites Spa & Convention Center, Cordoba

L.V.X. Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel, Lujan de Cuyo BELIZE

L.V.X./PRR Las Terrazas Resort and Residences, San Pedro BRAZIL

L.V.X. Fera Palace Hotel, Salvador

LEG Hotel Unique, Sao Paulo

LIF NÓR Hotel & Spa, Sao Paulo

L.V.X. Pulso Hotel, Sao Paulo

CHILE

L.V.X. Hotel Magnolia, Santiago COLOMBIA

L.V.X./PRR 93 Luxury Suites & Residences, Bogota

LIF 100 Luxury Suites, Bogota

L.V.X. EK HOTEL, Bogota

L.V.X. Hotel Las Islas, Cartagena

L.V.X. Capellan de Getsemani, Cartagena de Indias

L.V.X./PRR Bluedoors York Luxury Suites, Medellin

LIF Poblado Plaza Hotel, Medellin COSTA RICA

L.V.X. SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, Bahia Drake

LIF/PRR Santarena Hotel, Las Catalinas

LIF Azul Hotel & Retreat, Santa Cruz GUATEMALA

LIF Porta Hotel Antigua, La Antigua NICARAGUA

L.V.X. Mukul Resort, Tola

L.V.X./PRR Rancho Santana, Tola PANAMA

LIF Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, Gamboa PERU

LIF Delfines Hotel & Convention Center, Lima

EUROPE

AUSTRIA

LEG Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort, Grossarl

L.V.X. Hotel Kitzhof – Mountain Design Resort, Kitzbühel

L.V.X. Burg Vital Resort, Lech am Arlberg

L.V.X. Hotel Stein, Salzburg

LEG Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol, Telfs-Buchen

L.V.X. Hotel Sans Souci, Vienna BELGIUM

LIF Tangla Hotel Brussels, Brussels CROATIA

L.V.X. Hotel Bellevue, Mali Lošinj

L.V.X. Hotel Ambassador Split, Split CYPRUS

LIF Annabelle, Paphos CZECH REPUBLIC

L.V.X. Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa, Prague

LIF Emblem Prague, The, Prague DENMARK

L.V.X. Villa Copenhagen, Copenhagen FINLAND

LIF Hotel Haven, Helsinki

LIF Hotel Lilla Roberts, Helsinki

LEG Hotel Maria, The, Helsinki

LIF Klaus K Hotel, Helsinki FRANCE

LIF Hotel Les Terrasses D’Eze, Eze Village

LEG/PRR Le Logis, Juillac-le-Coq

L.V.X. Maison Albar – Le Victoria, Nice

L.V.X. Castille Paris – Starhotels Collezione, Paris

LIF Hotel Dame des Arts, Paris

LIF Hotel des Grands Voyageurs, Paris

L.V.X. Hotel Keppler, Paris

LIF Hotel Mayfair, Paris

L.V.X. Hotel Napoleon Paris, Paris

L.V.X. Hotel Regina Louvre, Paris

LIF Le Belmont Paris, Paris

L.V.X. L’Hotel du Collectionneur Paris, Paris

LIF Les Jardins du Marais, Paris

L.V.X./PRR Majestic Hotel-SPA Champs-Elysées, Paris

L.V.X. Hotel de Paris Saint-Tropez, Saint-Tropez GERMANY

L.V.X. Hotel Maximilian’s, Augsburg

LIF sly Berlin, Berlin

L.V.X. Das Achental, Grassau

LIF east Hamburg, Hamburg

L.V.X. Grand Elysée Hamburg, Hamburg

L.V.X. BEYOND by Geisel, Munich

LIF EXCELSIOR by Geisel, Munich

LEG Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Munich

L.V.X. Hotel München Palace, Munich GREECE

L.V.X. NJV Athens Plaza, Athens

L.V.X. Myconian Naia, Mykonos

LEG Myconian Villa Collection, Mykonos

L.V.X. Mykonos Blanc, Mykonos

L.V.X. OROS LUXURY BEACH RESORT, Rethymno

LEG Andronis Arcadia, Santorini

LEG Andronis Luxury Suites, Santorini

L.V.X. Lesante Classic Luxury Hotel & Spa, Zante

HUNGARY

LEG Al Habtoor Palace Budapest, Budapest

L.V.X. Mystery Hotel Budapest, Budapest

IRELAND

L.V.X./PRR Kilkea Castle, Castledermot

LEG/PRR Castlemartyr Resort, Cork

LEG Hayfield Manor, Cork

L.V.X. Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin, The, Dublin

LEG Europe Hotel & Resort, The, Killarney

LEG Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus

LEG/PRR K Club, The, Straffan

ITALY

L.V.X. Hotel Villa Cipriani, Asolo

L.V.X./PRR Locanda Rossa, Capalbio

L.V.X. Villa Marina Capri, Capri

L.V.X. Casa di Langa, Cerretto Langhe

L.V.X. Hotel Sassongher, Corvara

L.V.X. Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Courmayeur

L.V.X. Bernini Palace Hotel, Florence

LIF Hotel Number Nine, Florence

LIF Sense Experience Resort, The, Follonica

L.V.X. Grand Hotel Imperiale, Forte dei Marmi

LEG Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, Gargnano

L.V.X. Hotel Bristol Palace, Genova

L.V.X. Excelsior Belvedere Hotel & SPA, Ischia

L.V.X. Almar Giardino di Costanza Resort & SPA, Mazara del Vallo

LEG Armani Hotel Milano, Milan

LIF Milano Verticale UNA Esperienze, Milan

L.V.X./PRR Rosa Grand Milano – Starhotels Collezione, Milan

LIF Square Milano Duomo, The, Milan

LEG Passalacqua, Moltrasio

LEG Castelfalfi, Montaione

LIF Grand Hotel Santa Lucia, Naples

LIF Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort, Naturno

LIF Castello Dal Pozzo Resort, Oleggio Castello

LIF SAVOY HOTEL & SPA, Paestum

LIF HOTEL EXCELSIOR SPA & LIDO, Pesaro

LEG/PRR Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti, Pinzolo

L.V.X. Covo Dei Saraceni, Positano

LEG Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast, Rapallo

LIF/PRR Corso 281, Rome

L.V.X. DOM Hotel, Rome

L.V.X. First Musica, The, Rome

L.V.X. First Roma Arte, The, Rome

L.V.X. First Roma Dolce, The, Rome

HOTEL DE PARIS SAINT-TROPEZ, SAINT-TROPEZ, FRANCE

ALMAR JESOLO RESORT & SPA, VENICE, ITALY

MYCONIAN VILLA COLLECTION, MYKONOS, GREECE

THE EMBLEM PRAGUE, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

L.V.X. Palazzo Dama, Rome

L.V.X. Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa, Rome

L.V.X. Umiltà 36, Rome

LIF Bellerive Lifestyle Hotel, Salo

LIF Borgo Scopeto Wine & Country Relais, Siena

L.V.X. Ara Maris, Sorrento

L.V.X. Boutique Hotel Stresa, Stresa

L.V.X. Grand Hotel San Pietro, Taormina

LEG Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Tremezzina

L.V.X. Principi di Piemonte UNAEsperienze, Turin

L.V.X. Almar Jesolo Resort & Spa, Venice

LIF Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice

LIF Hotel Savoia & Jolanda, Venice

L.V.X. Splendid Venice Venezia – Starhotels Collezione, Venice MALTA

L.V.X. Grand Hotel Excelsior, Valletta

LEG/PRR INIALA HARBOUR HOUSE & RESIDENCES, Valletta MONACO

LIF Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Monte-Carlo NETHERLANDS

LIF Park Centraal Amsterdam, Amsterdam

L.V.X. Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin, Noordwijk aan Zee NORWAY

LIF Amerikalinjen, Oslo

LEG/PRR Sommerro, Oslo

LEG THIEF, THE, Oslo PORTUGAL

L.V.X. Farol Hotel, Cascais

LIF Altis Avenida Hotel, Lisbon

LIF Editory Riverside Hotel, Lisbon

L.V.X. EPIC SANA Marques Hotel, Lisbon

L.V.X. MYRIAD by SANA, Lisbon

L.V.X. One Palácio da Anunciada, The, Lisbon

LIF Editory Boulevard Aliados Porto, The, Porto

LIF Pestana Douro Riverside, Porto Premium Hotel, Porto

LIF Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel, Sesimbra SPAIN

LEG Son Bunyola, Banyalbufar

LIF Catalonia Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona

LIF H10 Cubik, Barcelona

LIF H10 Metropolitan, Barcelona

LIF/PRR Hotel Balmes 4*, Barcelona

LIF Hotel Condes de Barcelona, Barcelona

LIF Hotel España, Barcelona

LIF Hotel Granados 83, Barcelona

L.V.X. Hotel Miramar Barcelona, Barcelona

LEG Monument Hotel, Barcelona

L.V.X. One Barcelona, The, Barcelona

LEG Serras Barcelona, Barcelona

LIF/PRR Tembo Barcelona, Barcelona

L.V.X. Artist Grand Hotel of Art, The, Bilbao

LIF Hotel Miro, Bilbao

LEG/PRR Finca Cortesín Hotel, Golf & Spa, Casares

L.V.X. César Lanzarote, La Asomada-Lanzarote

L.V.X. Santa Catalina, A Royal Hideaway Hotel, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

LIF Catalonia Las Cortes, Madrid

LIF H10 Villa de la Reina, Madrid

L.V.X. Hotel Villa Real 5*, Madrid

L.V.X. Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid, Madrid

L.V.X. Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid, Madrid

PRR Leiro Residences, Malaga

L.V.X. Only YOU Hotel Malaga, Malaga

L.V.X. Fontsanta Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness, Mallorca

L.V.X. Pleta De Mar Luxury By Nature, Mallorca

LIF BOHO CLUB MARBELLA, Marbella

L.V.X. El Fuerte Marbella, Marbella

L.V.X. Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden, Palma de Mallorca

L.V.X. Hotel Convent de la Missio, Palma de Mallorca

LIF Nixe Palace, Palma de Mallorca

L.V.X. Morvedra Nou, Menorca

LEG Grand Hotel Son Net, Puigpunyent

LIF Hotel Catalonia Ronda, Ronda

L.V.X./PRR La Esperanza Granada, Saleres

LIF Hotel Catalonia Donosti, San Sebastian

L.V.X. Only YOU Hotel Sevilla, Seville

L.V.X. Royal Hideaway Corales Beach, Tenerife

L.V.X. Royal Hideaway Corales Suites, Tenerife

L.V.X. Only YOU Hotel Valencia, Valencia

L.V.X. Hotel Hacienda de Abajo, Villa y Puerto de Tazacorte

SWEDEN

L.V.X. At Six, Stockholm

L.V.X. Hotel Diplomat, Stockholm

LIF Nordic Light Hotel, Stockholm

L.V.X. Villa Dagmar, Stockholm

LIF Villa Dahlia, Stockholm

SWITZERLAND

LIF Hotel Metropole Geneve, Geneva

LIF Appenzeller Huus – Huus Loewen, Gonten

LIF ASPEN alpin lifestyle Hotel, Grindelwald

LEG/PRR Alpina Gstaad, The, Gstaad

LIF/PRR Deltapark Vitalresort, Gwatt

LIF Hotel Angleterre, Lausanne-Ouchy

LIF Hotel Château Gütsch, Lucerne

LIF Hotel Palafitte, Neuchatel

L.V.X. Capra, The, Saas Fee

L.V.X. Hotel Waldhaus Sils, Sils Maria

LIF art boutique Hotel Monopol, St. Moritz

LEG 7132 Hotel, Vals

LEG Lodge, The, Verbier

L.V.X. BEAUSiTE Zermatt, Zermatt

L.V.X. Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Zermatt

L.V.X. Storchen Zurich, Zurich

TURKEY

L.V.X./PRR Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet, Istanbul

LIF Opera Hotel Bosphorus, Istanbul

LEG Ajwa Cappadocia, Ürgüp

UNITED KINGDOM

ENGLAND

L.V.X. Northcote, Blackburn

LEG Beaumont Mayfair, The, London

LEG BoTree, The, London

LEG/PRR Grosvenor House Suites, London

L.V.X./PRR Guardsman, The, London

LIF Hotel Saint, London

LEG Londoner, The, London

LIF Mandeville Hotel, The, London

L.V.X. Middle Eight, London

LEG Newman, The, London

LIF Pelham London – Starhotels Collezione, The, London

L.V.X. Royal Lancaster London, London

LIF South Place Hotel, London

LEG Stafford London, The, London

L.V.X. Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch, London

LIF Sopwell House, St Albans

L.V.X. Grand York, The, York

NORTHERN IRELAND

L.V.X. Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast, The, Belfast

SCOTLAND

L.V.X.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Edinburgh

LEG Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews

HOTEL WALDHAUS SILS, SILS MARIA, SWITZERLAND

SERRY BEACH RESORT, HURGHADA, EGYPT

THE NEWMAN, LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM

NIXE PALACE, PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

EGYPT

LIF Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, Cairo

L.V.X. Serry Beach Resort, Hurghada EQUATORIAL GUINEA

L.V.X. Grand Hotel Djibloho, Ciudad de la Paz GHANA

PRR Fiesta Residences, Accra ISRAEL

LIF Carlton Tel Aviv, The, Tel Aviv KENYA

L.V.X. Glee Hotel, Nairobi

LIF Social House, The, Nairobi

LEG Mahali Mzuri, Olare Motorogi Conservancy

LEG Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp, Tsavo West MADAGASCAR

LIF Hotel Carlton, Antananarivo

MAURITIUS

LIF Sands Suites Resort & Spa, Flic en Flac MOROCCO

LEG Kasbah Tamadot, Asni

L.V.X. Kenzi Tower Hotel, Casablanca QATAR

LIF Dusit Doha Hotel, Doha SAUDI ARABIA

L.V.X. Vivienda Jeddah, Jeddah

L.V.X. Vivienda Al Hada 1, Riyadh

L.V.X. Vivienda Al Hada Residences, Riyadh

L.V.X. Vivienda DQ, Riyadh

L.V.X. Vivienda Hotel Villas, Granada, Riyadh

L.V.X. Vivienda Turki Al Awal, Riyadh

SOUTH AFRICA

L.V.X. Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, Cape Town

LIF Last Word Constantia, The, Cape Town

LIF Last Word Franschhoek, Cape Town

LIF President Hotel, Cape Town

LEG Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek

LIF Last Word Long Beach, The, Greater Cape Town

LIF Last Word Madikwe, Madikwe

LIF Last Word Kitara, The, Mpumalanga

LEG Ulusaba, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

PRR De Zalze Lodge, Stellenbosch

TANZANIA

LIF Hotel Sea Cliff, Dar es Salaam

LIF Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Zanzibar, Zanzibar

LIF TOA Hotel & Spa, Zanzibar

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

LIF Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi

LEG Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai, Dubai

LIF Dusit Thani Dubai, Dubai

NORTH AMERICA

CANADA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

L.V.X. Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria

NOVA SCOTIA

L.V.X./PRR Fox Harb’r Resort, Fox Harbour

ONTARIO

LIF ARC The.Hotel Ottawa, Ottawa

L.V.X. SoHo Hotel Toronto, Toronto

PRR SoHo Residences Toronto, Toronto

QUEBEC

L.V.X. Hotel Gault, Montreal

LIF Hotel Monville, Montreal

LIF Hotel 71, Quebec City

MEXICO

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

LIF Bahia Hotel & Beach House, Cabo San Lucas

LIF/PRR Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences, Cabo San Lucas

LEG/PRR Montage Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas

L.V.X. Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos – A Tafer Resort, Los Cabos

LEG Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, Los Cabos

LEG Grand Velas Los Cabos, Los Cabos COLIMA

LIF Las Hadas by Brisas, Manzanillo GUANAJUATO

LIF Galeria Plaza Irapuato, Irapuato

LIF HS HOTSSON Hotel Irapuato, Irapuato

LIF Galeria Plaza Leon, Leon

LIF HS HOTSSON Hotel Leon, Leon

LIF HS HOTSSON Hotel Silao, Silao GUERRERO

LIF Las Brisas Acapulco, Acapulco

LEG Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa, Ixtapa

LIF Las Brisas Ixtapa, Ixtapa

JALISCO

LIF Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta

L.V.X. Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta – A Tafer Resort, Puerto Vallarta

MEXICO CITY

LIF Galeria Plaza Reforma, Mexico City

LIF Galeria Plaza San Jeronimo, Mexico City

LIF/PRR HS HOTSSON Hotel CDMX Condesa Sur, Mexico City

L.V.X. VOLGA, Mexico City

MICHOACAN

L.V.X. Hotel & Spa Mansion Solis by HOTSSON, Morelia NAYARIT

LEG Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta NUEVO LEON

LIF Galeria Plaza Monterrey, Monterrey OAXACA

LIF Las Brisas Huatulco, Huatulco

L.V.X. Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca, Oaxaca QUERETARO

LIF Hacienda Jurica by Brisas, Queretaro

LIF HS HOTSSON Hotel Queretaro, Queretaro QUINTANA ROO

L.V.X. ATELIER Playa Mujeres, Cancun

L.V.X./PRR Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun –A Tafer Resort, Cancun

L.V.X. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun All Inclusive Spa Resort, Cancun

L.V.X. Haven Riviera Cancun, Cancun

L.V.X. Hotel Mousai Cancun – A Tafer Resort, Cancun

LIF Live Aqua Cancun All Inclusive Adults Only, Cancun

LEG NIZUC Resort & Spa, Cancun

LIF Generations Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen

L.V.X. Hotel Xcaret Arte, Playa del Carmen

L.V.X. Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Playa del Carmen

L.V.X. Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, Playa del Carmen

L.V.X. Palmaïa – The House of AïA, Playa del Carmen

LEG Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen

UNITED STATES

ALABAMA

LIF Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, The, Auburn

FOX HARB’R RESORT, FOX HARBOUR, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA

PLAYA MUJERES, CANCUN, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO

VOLGA, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

ATELIER

THE LAUREL HOTEL & SPA, AUBURN, ALABAMA, USA

THE DUPONT CIRCLE HOTEL, WASHINGTON, D.C., USA

EAU PALM BEACH RESORT & SPA, MANALAPAN, FLORIDA, USA

THE WINDSOR COURT, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, USA

WEQUASSETT RESORT AND GOLF CLUB, HARWICH, MASSACHUSETTS, USA

L.V.X. Laurel Hotel & Spa, The, Auburn

LIF Elevation Convening Center & Hotel, Montgomery

ALASKA

L.V.X. Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage ARIZONA

LIF Wigwam, The, Litchfield Park

LEG Global Ambassador, The, Phoenix

LIF Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas, The, Scottsdale

LIF Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, Tucson

LIF/PRR Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge, Tucson CALIFORNIA

LEG/PRR L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills

LIF Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills, The, Beverly Hills

LEG Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur

LEG Farmhouse Inn, Forestville

LEG/PRR Montage Healdsburg, Healdsburg

L.V.X. La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla

LEG/PRR Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach

L.V.X. Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach

LIF Hollywood Roosevelt, The, Los Angeles

L.V.X. Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, Los Olivos

LIF Silverado Resort, Napa

L.V.X. Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach

L.V.X. Pendry Newport Beach, Newport Beach

LEG/PRR Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai

L.V.X. Clement Palo Alto, The, Palo Alto

L.V.X. Casa Palmero™ at Pebble Beach®, Pebble Beach

LEG Inn at Spanish Bay™, The, Pebble Beach

LEG Lodge at Pebble Beach™, The, Pebble Beach

L.V.X. Pendry San Diego, San Diego

L.V.X. Rancho Bernardo Inn, San Diego

LIF Hotel Nikko San Francisco, San Francisco

LIF Marker Union Square San Francisco, The, San Francisco

L.V.X. CordeValle, San Martin

L.V.X. Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara

LEG Hotel Casa del Mar, Santa Monica

L.V.X. Huntley Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica

LEG Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica

LEG/PRR Cavallo Point, Sausalito

LIF Alisal Ranch, Solvang

L.V.X. MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, Sonoma

L.V.X. Pendry West Hollywood, West Hollywood COLORADO

LIF Aspen Meadows Resort, Aspen

L.V.X. MOLLIE ASPEN, Aspen

LIF Benson Hotel & Faculty Club, The, Aurora

LIF Woolley’s Classic Suites, Aurora

L.V.X. St Julien Hotel & Spa, Boulder

LEG/PRR Broadmoor, The, Colorado Springs

LIF Source Hotel, The, Denver

DELAWARE

LIF HOTEL DU PONT, Wilmington

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

LEG Dupont Circle Hotel, The, Washington, D.C.

L.V.X. Pendry Washington D.C. – The Wharf, Washington, D.C.

LEG/PRR Salamander Washington DC, Washington, D.C.

L.V.X. Watergate Hotel, The, Washington, D.C. FLORIDA

LIF Altair Hotel Bay Harbor, Miami, The, Bay Harbor Island

L.V.X. Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables

LIF/PRR Visions Resort and SPA, The, Davenport

LIF Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort, Daytona Beach

L.V.X. Seagate, The, Delray Beach

L.V.X. Henderson Beach Resort & Spa, The, Destin

LIF/PRR Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key

L.V.X. Camp Creek® Inn, Inlet Beach

LIF Oceans Edge Resort & Marina, Key West, Key West

L.V.X. ette hotel – Orlando, Kissimmee

LIF Flats Orlando Resort, The, Kissimmee

LEG Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Manalapan

LIF/PRR EAST Miami, Miami

PRR Elser Hotel and Residences Miami, The, Miami

LIF Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, Miami

LIF Esmé Miami Beach, Miami Beach

LIF Palms Hotel & Spa, The, Miami Beach

LIF Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando

LIF Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando

LIF Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando

L.V.X./PRR PGA National Resort, Palm Beach Gardens

LIF/PRR Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Palm Coast

LIF Innisbrook Resort, Palm Harbor

L.V.X./PRR Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences – Singer Island, Riviera Beach

LIF/PRR Trump International Beach Resort Miami, Sunny Isles Beach

L.V.X. Alfond Inn, The, Winter Park

GEORGIA

L.V.X./PRR FORTH Hotel & Club, Atlanta

L.V.X. Hotel Phoenix Centennial Yards, Atlanta

L.V.X. Chateau Elan, Braselton

HAWAII

LIF Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, Honolulu

L.V.X. Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, Honolulu

LEG/PRR Montage Kapalua Bay, Lahaina

ILLINOIS

L.V.X. Pendry Chicago, Chicago

LIF SOPHY® Hyde Park, Chicago

L.V.X. Virgin Hotels Chicago, Chicago

INDIANA

LIF French Lick Springs Hotel, French Lick

L.V.X. West Baden Springs Hotel, West Baden Springs

IOWA

LIF Hotel at Kirkwood Center, The, Cedar Rapids

LOUISIANA

LIF Bienville House, New Orleans

L.V.X. Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans

L.V.X. NOPSI New Orleans, New Orleans

L.V.X. Virgin Hotels New Orleans, New Orleans

LEG Windsor Court, The, New Orleans

MAINE

L.V.X. Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth

MARYLAND

L.V.X. Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, Baltimore

LEG Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels

MASSACHUSETTS

LIF Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront, Boston

LEG/PRR Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston

LIF Colonnade Hotel, Boston, The, Boston

LIF Eliot Hotel, The, Boston

LEG XV Beacon, Boston

L.V.X. Charles Hotel, Harvard Square, The, Cambridge

LEG Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham

LEG Encore Boston Harbor, Everett

LEG Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, Harwich

LIF Beechwood Hotel, Worcester

MICHIGAN

LIF Atheneum Suite Hotel, Detroit

MINNESOTA

L.V.X. Saint Paul Hotel, The, St. Paul

MONTANA

LEG/PRR Montage Big Sky, Big Sky

LIF Northern Hotel, Billings

NEVADA

LIF Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa Casino, Henderson

LIF Durango Casino & Resort, Las Vegas

LIF Red Rock Casino Resort Spa, Las Vegas

LEG Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, Las Vegas

L.V.X./PRR Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Stateline NEW HAMPSHIRE

LIF Grand at Bedford Village Inn, The, Bedford

L.V.X. Hanover Inn Dartmouth, Hanover NEW JERSEY

L.V.X. Pendry Natirar, Peapack and Gladstone NEW YORK

L.V.X. Lake House on Canandaigua, The, Canandaigua

L.V.X. Garden City Hotel, The, Garden City

LEG Baccarat Hotel New York, New York

LEG Dominick, The, New York

LIF Maritime Hotel, The, New York

LIF Michelangelo New York - Starhotels Collezione, The, New York

LIF ModernHaus SoHo, New York

L.V.X. Park Lane New York, New York

L.V.X. Pendry Manhattan West, New York

LIF Prince Kitano New York, The, New York

LIF Royalton Park Avenue, New York

L.V.X. Sherry-Netherland, The, New York

LIF Smyth Tribeca, New York

LEG The Mark, New York

L.V.X. Virgin Hotels New York, New York

L.V.X. Wall Street Hotel, The, New York OHIO

LIF Summit Hotel, The, Cincinnati

LIF Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center, The, Columbus OREGON

LIF Retreat at Silvies Valley Ranch, The, Seneca PENNSYLVANIA

L.V.X./PRR Nemacolin, Farmington

LIF Hotel Rock Lititz, Lititz RHODE ISLAND

L.V.X. Brenton Hotel, Newport

L.V.X./PRR Preserve Sporting Club & Resort, The, Richmond SOUTH CAROLINA

LEG Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton

PRR Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton

LEG/PRR Cooper, The, Charleston

LEG Hotel Bennett, Charleston, Charleston

L.V.X. Inn & Club at Harbour Town, The, Hilton Head Island

LEG Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The, Kiawah Island TENNESSEE

LIF Guest House at Graceland, The, Memphis

L.V.X. Peabody Memphis, The, Memphis

LIF Bobby Hotel, Nashville

LEG Hermitage Hotel, The, Nashville

L.V.X. Virgin Hotels Nashville, Nashville

TEXAS

L.V.X. Virgin Hotels Dallas, Dallas

L.V.X. Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, The, Houston

L.V.X. Lancaster Hotel, The, Houston

LEG/PRR Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, The, Houston

LEG Hotel Emma at Pearl, San Antonio

UTAH

L.V.X./PRR theSTELLE, Heber City

LEG/PRR Montage Deer Valley, Park City

L.V.X./PRR Pendry Park City, Park City

VERMONT

L.V.X. Woodstock Inn & Resort, Woodstock

VIRGINIA

LEG Keswick Hall, Charlottesville

L.V.X. Boar’s Head Resort, Charlottesville

LEG Salamander Middleburg, Middleburg

LEG Jefferson Hotel, The, Richmond

LIF Liberty Trust, The, Roanoke

WISCONSIN

L.V.X. Pfister Hotel, The, Milwaukee

WYOMING

L.V.X. Wort Hotel, The, Jackson

LEG/PRR Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection, The, Saratoga

Clockwise from top left:

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Manalapan, Florida, USA; The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China; Kasbah Tamadot, Asni, Morocco; The Alpina Gstaad, Gstaad, Switzerland; Montage Healdsburg, Healdsburg, California, USA; NIZUC Resort & Spa, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico; The BoTree, London, England, United Kingdom; Grand Hotel Son Net, Puigpunyent, Spain

THE SANCTUARY AT KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT, KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, USA

SALAMANDER MIDDLEBURG, MIDDLEBURG,VIRGINIA, USA

HOTELS PICTURED ON PAGE 89

BRENTON HOTEL, NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, USA

THE WALL STREET HOTEL, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, USA

Endless Horizons

Arriving by boat, a guest’s first sight of Necker Island is as it emerges from the electric-blue Caribbean like an emerald mountain. The private island retreat of Sir Richard Branson, this British Virgin Islands paradise embodies the perfect balance of natural seclusion, luxury amenities, and sun-soaked adventure. Amid its 74 acres, colorful coral reefs teem with marine life, pristine white sand beaches open onto turquoise bays, and a lush interior landscape chatters with exotic wildlife from flamingos to lemurs.

Embracing its perfect sun-drenched location, the island is home to an array of airy Balinese-style houses with deep shady terraces, o ering a wide range of accommodations. Couples can enjoy quiet retreats in suites boasting plunge pools and panoramic sea views, while larger groups can reserve multi-house compounds set apart, ensuring privacy and seclusion.

Days unfold at each guest’s pace, with activities comprising sailing the Caribbean, kitesurfing across the waves, or indulging in beachfront spa treatments. When hunger strikes, gourmet dining is tailored to the whole family’s desires with fresh seafood feasts under the stars and poolside cocktails at sunset.

YOUR PRIVATE ISLAND PARADISE

You can be the temporary ruler of your own slice of Caribbean paradise thanks to Necker Island’s total buyout option. Reserve the entire resort and enjoy every villa, house, beach, activity, and amenity. Whether you’re planning a long-awaited celebration, a destination wedding, or simply seeking an extraordinary vacation with your loved ones, Necker Island provides the ultimate in privacy and sophistication on one of the world’s most sought-after private islands.