Faces streaked with white silica mud, we look like a troupe of mimes—only noisier. We laugh and splash in the warm, cerulean water, then drift toward the swim-up bar where steam curls around us and we order a bright blue cocktail. The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s best-known geothermal spa, conveniently located about 45 minutes from … Read more

Brazil is moving to welcome more visitors. The Brazilian government has announced visa-free entry for citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan. The change will take effect 90 days after the announcement, officially beginning on June 17. Until that date, travelers from those countries should continue to use the existing e-visa process. This … Read more

Hilton Hotels has expanded its partnership with Playa Hotels & Resorts, the all-inclusive resort operator, to grow Hilton’s presence in Latin America and the Caribbean. As part of the agreement, Hilton will assume responsibility for and renovate two Playa-owned resorts, which will be rebadged under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts name. The first property, Hilton … Read more

Almanac Barcelona Almanac Hotels is a new luxury hospitality brand that blends historic architecture with contemporary design. Each property occupies a landmark building thoughtfully converted into a hotel, so every Almanac location is unique. The group emphasizes local culture and history by preserving original architectural details while introducing modern comforts and refined interiors. The first … Read more

An old church in the eclectic Washington, D.C., neighborhood of Adams Morgan has been transformed into the city’s newest boutique hotel. The Line, part of a small collection that includes locations in Los Angeles and Austin, occupies a lively Adams Morgan block known for late-night spots, diverse restaurants and a creative, arts-focused scene. With 220 … Read more

It was late, and there had been some drinking. As I trudged across frost at the edge of the taiga, the sharp cold was softened by the lingering warmth of a few shots of akvavit, the fiery Scandinavian spirit. The hotel lights picked out the first rank of trees; beyond them the forest became a … Read more

American Express has introduced an updated version of its Premier Rewards Gold Card, now called the American Express Gold Card. The redesigned card emphasizes dining and travel benefits, delivering enhanced rewards and credits for everyday food purchases and trips. “We designed the new Gold Card to reward our card members’ growing appetites for dining out, … Read more

Have a day to spend in Auckland? Start with an early breakfast and head to the Sky Tower to get your bearings. This observation tower offers sweeping panoramic views across the city and surrounding harbors, including the iconic Twin Harbours. For the adventurous, the SkyWalk lets you don a full-body harness and walk the tower’s … Read more

China Southern Airlines and Finnair have launched a reciprocal codeshare agreement that places each carrier’s flight code on selected services between Helsinki (HEL) and Guangzhou (CAN) and on a range of routes operated by both airlines across Europe and China. This collaboration strengthens connectivity between northern Europe and multiple Chinese cities, offering passengers more seamless … Read more

WHILE MOST CRUISE LINES “sail” the seven seas propelled by engines, Windstar Cruises made its name with ships that truly move under sail, updated with modern computer controls. Windstar’s first sailing vessels, the Wind Star and the Wind Spirit, are 148-passenger boutique ships each equipped with four 204-foot masts. The line’s largest sailing vessel, the … Read more