Let's start with something the hotel industry doesn't exactly advertise. When you book a hotel through a travel advisor, the property knows. And when you book through Booking.com, Hotels.com, or any third-party booking site, they know that too. The difference in how those two reservations get treated — which floor you land on, which direction you face, what's waiting when you check in — is bigger than most people realize. Not every room in a hotel is created equal. And not ev

I spent three days at 1 Hotel South Beach in mid-January, and it immediately redefined my standards for what sustainable luxury looks like. Not the performative kind that talks a good game—the kind that's woven into every corner without compromising an ounce of comfort. About the Property: A 600-foot beach, skyline views, and a calm vibe, the nation’s largest hotel gym, four pools—rooftop adults-only, Bamford spa, Seedlings kids’ club, bikes, an electric Audi house car, and s

Where Adventure Meets Comfort in Utah's Red Rock Paradise May 2025 As we arrived at Under Canvas Moab for our two-night stay, I was almost instantly obsessed. This isn't your typical camping experience—it's luxury glamping that perfectly captures the spirit of Moab's incredible landscape while providing comfort after long days exploring Utah's red rock country. The Setting Nothing will ever compare to stepping out of your tent to front-door views of Arches National Park and t

Notes from Vanessa: Our 6-day Backroads bike adventure through Santa Barbara County exceeded every expectation. Sharing this "Dolce Tempo" experience with my sister was the perfect way to discover active luxury travel—thoughtfully planned adventures that balance challenge with comfort. As a beginner cyclist, I loved how Backroads made the experience accessible. Their philosophy means you participate at your own pace, cycling every mile or taking the support van when needed, o

The number of vacations that we take with our family is limited. A unique, beautiful, and adventurous trip to Iceland creates memories that won’t be forgotten. The diverse landscape and the geological wonders create magic and excitement and excellent opportunities to see things that they have learned in the classroom. Spend a lot of time outdoors and epic adventures – eat and drink with the locals, Iceland is a well-rounded trip that provides new experiences. Easily accessibl

Vacation Wrap-Up Reel Notes from Vanessa: Our 16-day journey was packed with excitement, visiting 14 cities across 5 countries and experiencing nearly every mode of transportation. Sharing this adventure with my husband, kids, brother, and sister-in-law was truly magical. My family enjoys cruising as a part of our travel adventures, and cruising with friends and family enhances the experience even more. We love cruising because it combines multiple vacations into one and allo