Our Regent Seven Seas Mariner group enjoyed an unforgettable voyage — look for my GT Tested review in the February Wave issue. The Regent Seven Seas experience is truly exceptional, from the elegant ship to the attentive crew. For this sailing we expanded our group beyond the Globility Board to include Advisory Board members and other subscribers, bringing the total to an even 20. The spirit of our gatherings is summed up in the definition of “Globility”:
Globility \glo ‘bility\ n:
1. The quality of being open to a world of cultures and experiences
I’m pleased to announce that we will host the Leisure Lifestyle Awards for the second consecutive year at InterContinental Miami on April 20, 2026. We have also confirmed The Peninsula Chicago as the venue for The Trazees and Wherever Awards on August 3, 2026. Plans are progressing quickly, and it’s great to secure these locations well in advance for next year.
Before turning fully to 2026, we will hold the final event of 2025 — the GT Tested Reader Survey awards — on December 17 at Loews Coral Gables. While touring the Loews event space, I had the pleasure of meeting Nadim Barrage, the hotel’s general manager. Nadim gave Carrie Cox, our senior account executive, and me a tour of The Plaza Coral Gables, a vibrant area just outside the hotel that will add several noteworthy dining options to complement the property: Mika by Chef Michael White; Mottai, offering Japanese cuisine; and CVI.CHE 105, among others. (See Nadim’s One-on-One interview in our August 2025 issue.)
The Loews meeting rooms and ballroom are impressive, and there is an excellent outdoor area opposite the ballroom suitable for pre-function gatherings. The space is large enough to host a substantial reception with views of the hotel’s frontage.
On this brief trip to South Florida I flew into Fort Lauderdale and departed from Miami. My experience at the Fort Lauderdale rideshare area was frustrating: I faced two canceled Ubers and ultimately took a taxi after waiting in a long line. Miami’s airport felt more efficient overall, though I’ll note drop-off is typically simpler than pickup at most airports.
I spent time in the American Airlines Admirals Club at MIA, which provided a comfortable spot to check email and relax before my flight. I attempted to access the American Express Centurion Lounge en route to my gate, but they were turning away guests and had a roughly 20-minute wait. I upgraded from an American Express Gold to Platinum card this year largely for lounge access; unfortunately, my experiences have been mixed. On a May trip from Philadelphia to Dublin, I found the Centurion location cramped and warm, making it difficult to work despite the staff’s best efforts to accommodate travelers.
On another recent trip, I visited the British Airways lounge in Newark before flying to İstanbul via Heathrow. The lounge presented an interesting shift: the bar, formerly self-service, is now sectioned off with velvet ropes and staffed to limit overconsumption — a change I heard about directly from the team. By contrast, the South Lounge at Heathrow does not have the same restriction.
Wishing you smooth travels, and I hope to see many of you at Loews Coral Gables on December 17.
Francis X. Gallagher, CEO and publisher