Category Archives: Hospitality

Tropical Photography: ‘Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’ – Gray Malin (February 2021)

Inspired by the timeless and unique spirit of Hawai’i, Gray photographed this collection at the beloved Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Vintage props, striped beachside umbrellas, and more decorate eye-catching locations throughout the property celebrating the island lifestyle and transporting you to a tropical paradise.

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Rainforest Views: ‘Hotel Das Cataratas’ At Iguassu Falls In Brazil (HD Video)

Restored to its original 1950s charm, Hotel Das Cataratas hacienda-style exterior is matched by its warm, inviting interior design. Step outside and explore the sprawling, sculpted grounds. Spot a kaleidoscopic array of tropical flowers as howler monkeys call in the distance. Nestled in the center is an elegantly designed pool. Flanked by orchids, it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing dip after a day full of adventure.

Iguazú National Park covers an area of subtropical rainforest in Argentina’s Misiones province, on the border with Brazil. Within the park on the Iguazú River, the renowned Iguazú Falls encompasses many separate cascades, including the iconic Garganta del Diablo or “Devil’s Throat.” The surrounding park features diverse wildlife including coatis, jaguars and toucans, plus trails and viewing platforms. 

Views: ‘Octola Lodge & Private Wilderness’ In Lapland, Finland (Video)

The Most Exclusive Lodge In Lapland

Having hunted for the right place to accommodate the discerning guests of our Luxury Action travel company, I eventually realized the the right property did not exists in the right location. That’s when I decided the only option was to build our very own log chalet. Traditionally, we have managed or rented private chalets in various locations around Lapland, then refurnished them to meet the individual standards of our guests.

As fun and instructive this concept has been, implementing interior design on a one-by-one basis is costly and time consuming. In addition, regardless of our efforts to upgrade the existing chalets in Lapland, although of excellent quality, tend to have very small rooms and only a few properties have en-suite bedrooms with shower and toilet. I felt it was time for a revolutionary change to provide exclusive accommodation in the Arctic that meets the needs of our experiential guests.

Caribbean Island Views: ‘Belmond La Samanna’ Resort, St. Martin (Video)

Perched beside one of the most spectacular private beaches in the French West Indies, La Samanna is as dazzling as the crystal clear waters that lap the sand. Sink into a chic suite, designed to reflect the hypnotic shapes and colours of sea life. Then dress to impress and sample the world-class restaurants, before diving into the island’s vibrant social scene.

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Travel Guide: Great Places To Stay & Eat In San Diego

Travel may be changing but that does not mean you can’t experience a little adventure. San Diego has a lot to offer and we explore some of the top places that are still eagerly awaiting your visit. From the best places to stay like the Tower 23 Hotel named after lifeguard post 23 to the modern Pendry San Diego Hotel. We also explore some of the best restaurants that are sure to please.

Video timeline: 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Tower 23 Hotel 01:36 Little Italy Food Hall 02:42 The Baked Bear 03:25 Pendry San Diego Hotel 04:39 Born & Raised Restaurant 05:15 The Lodge at Torrey Pines 06:13 George’s Ocean Terrace

Analysis: Can Cheesecake Factory Recover From Covid? (CNBC Video)

Americans love The Cheesecake Factory. The restaurant known for its massive 21-page menu, dozens of dessert options and ancient Egypt-inspired decor was ranked as one of the top casual dining restaurants in the U.S. in 2019. But the eatery popular with everyone from NBA stars to cheesecake aficionados has fallen on hard times as the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the restaurant industry. In October, The Cheesecake Factory reported third-quarter sales fell by 12% and same-stores sales were down 23% from a year earlier. So after 40 years in business will The Cheesecake Factory be able to regain its momentum and will the chain’s takeout and delivery service be enough to offset the decline of the dine-in restaurant experience?

Tourism & Covid: 300-Year Old ‘Caffè Florian’ In Venice Faces Closure

As the oldest café in Italy—and the world, in fact—Caffè Florian recently celebrated its 300th anniversary on December 29 with no fanfare. It was a far cry from the 290th celebration in 2010, with cakes, an enormous party, and a live concert. The café famed for its celebrity clientele—from Charles Dickens to Andy Warhol—now faces closure since the pandemic has taken a toll on tourism.

The café was opened in San Marco Square in 1720 by Italian entrepreneur Floriano Francesconi (locals knew it as Floriano’s). It has been a gathering place for locals, a place to woo tourists, and a hot spot for A-listers for hundreds of years.

In 1895, the idea of the Venice Biennale was born here, to pay homage to King Umberto and Queen Margherita, and scenes from Hollywood films have been shot here, such as The Talented Mr. Ripley (starring Matt Damon) nd Summertime (starring Katharine Hepburn). Marcel Proust and Charles Dickens were frequent visitors, as well as Friedrich Nietzsche, Casanova, and Charlie Chaplin. Ernest Hemingway would sit out on the patio drinking coffee in the sun, while Claude Monet charmed the pigeons into standing on his head in the same spot.

Read more at Architectural Digest

Tours: The ‘Château de Montastruc’, Dordogne, Southwest France (Video)

Château de MontastrucThis splendid residence, the Château de Montastruc, is registered in its entirety as a Historical Monument. It is ideally positioned on a rocky promontory, and combines grandeur and simplicity, character and serenity, history and modernity. An ancient troglodyte site and fortress built during its 1500 years of history, the Château de Montastruc in Périgord is today a large and luminous family home and a warm haven of peace, close to major tourist sites of the Dordogne.

Château de Montastruc is offered in its entirety for seasonal rental and can comfortably accommodate up to twenty people for a romantic and perfect holiday in a large residence. It’s an ideal location for beautiful family occasions, holidays with friends, notable events, or a French wedding, the château can be yours for a whole week with daily service. Ten rooms and many common rooms on more than 1,000 square meters, a pool of 15 x 6 meters, a large park and forests are at your disposal.

The Périgord is a natural region and former province of France, which corresponds roughly to the current Dordogne département, now forming the northern part of the Aquitaine région. It is divided into four areas called the Périgord Noir, the Périgord Blanc, the Périgord Vert and the Périgord Pourpre. 

Travel: Switzerland’s ‘Castle Hotels’ (HD Video)

Gstaad Palace – A Fairy-tale-like Property in the Alps, the 115-year-old Gstaad Palace Was Built in the Swiss Chalet Style Architecture on a Hill Overlooking the Town of Gstaad. With It’s Amazing Historic Architecture, You Couldn’t Build a Hotel Like This in Gstaad Today, Given the Strict Architectural Code That Dictates a Chalet Style, the Gstaad Palace Effortlessly Combines Old World Sophistication and Glamour With Modern Convenience and Comfort Boasting Breathtaking Views of the Swiss Alps

The Dolder Grand – Towering Above Lake Zürich, Celebrating Its 120th Anniversary in 2019, Since Its Opening in 1899, the “dolder Grand Hotel & Curhaus” Soon Become the Destination for Relaxation and Rejuvenation, Although the Resort Looks Like a Centuries-old Castle, the Property is Fully Renovated and Also Offers Two Modernized, Tech-forward Wings, With Sporting Options Ranging From Golf and Tennis to Ice Skating, Ice Hockey, and Curling on the Property’s Own Rink.

Badrutt’s Palace – Opulence Reigns at Badrutt’s Palace, a Neo-gothic-style Architecture Castle Overlooking Lake Saint Moritz in the Engadin Valley. The Badrutt’s Palace is a Legendary Hotel Built at the Very Beginning of International Tourism in the Alps, With It’s Extravagant Décor and Fantastic Architecture It is the Defining Landmark in Saint Moritz and Host to Many of Its Most Iconic Events and Visitors, Don’t Expect Low-key Here, This is the Type of Place Where Guests Wear Their Best Furs and Stroll Through Le Grand Hall Dripping in Jewels.

Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina – The Grand Hotel Kronenhof, a High End Luxury Hotel, the Neo-baroque Style Building is One of the Most Architectonically Important 19th Century Hotels in the Alps, Dating From 1848, the Hotel’s Status as Registered Landmark is Evident in Many Neo-baroque Details, Historic Architecture, Modern Light-flooded Rooms and Suites, One of the Best Spas in the World and the Prime Location in the Heart of the Swiss Alps – This Unique Mix Exuding of the Magic of a Bygone Era.

Beau-rivage Palace Lausanne – The Beau-rivage Palace Lausanne Has Been an Iconic Stay on the Sparkling Shores of Lake Geneva Since 1861, the Main Building Was Constructed in Art Nouveau and Neo-baroque Style Architecture in 1908. It is Registered in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National and Regional Significance. A Legacy of the Generous Architecture of the Late 19th Century, the Suites at the Beau-rivage Palace Are Notable for Their Spaciousness, Each One Has a Unique Colour Scheme and Its Own Particular Ambience.

Unique Travel: ‘Scattered Hotels’ In Italy – Designer Rooms In Medieval Towns

The ‘Albergo Diffuso’ is a concept of hospitality that was launched in Italy as an attempt to revive small, historic villages at risk of abandonment and historic buildings at risk of crumbling. 

A number of separate buildings make up an albergo diffuso, with a central unit corresponding to the reception within a 200-meter distance. They may feature rooms and apartments, with or without kitchen. There is also often a space for dining, and there may be other services and amenities as well, such as a pool. 

Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a fortified medieval village built in the mountains of Abruzzo at over 1250 meters above sea level, within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. 

The current urban configuration of the village was established in the middle of the Middle Ages when the phenomenon of fortification developed: high-altitude settlements, surrounded by a fortified wall perimeter that still remain today one of the most characteristic historical-topographical elements of the imaginary of the Italian landscape The integrity between territory and historical buildings has been residually preserved in some villages set in the Apennine mountains precisely because of their depopulation, in the more general context of impoverishment of the south, abandonment of the mountain and emigration of its people.

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