Hotel Brands Bullish on China As Sofitel opens the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich in Guangzhou’s central Tianhe district, the brand adds its fourth property in the city. The new hotel’s 493 rooms and suites join thousands of additional rooms being opened or planned across China by international hotel groups this year. Sofitel’s expansion—this is its 20th … Read more

Whatever brings you to Saudi Arabia, it’s unlikely to be for a vibrant nightlife. The kingdom is not known for late-night entertainment, and after work many visitors limit themselves to hotel facilities. Leisure choices are generally limited in the more conservative cities, but Jeddah is different. This major Red Sea port has long been Arabia’s … Read more

Waldorf Astoria Beijing, in collaboration with Italian design studio SELETTI, is presenting a galaxy- and Mars-themed afternoon tea through Nov. 22. The immersive tea experience features 3-D projections at each table setting, centered on space travel and high-tech exploration. The food menu is given a space-age reinterpretation: guests can sample crispy fish-skin “craters” with black … Read more

A superb way to take in the landscape that produces some of Portugal’s most distinctive wines is to view the grape-draped hillsides from the Douro River. Cruises along its stately course range from luxury riverboats to smaller private vessels, and many operate year-round, traveling eastward from Oporto toward the Spanish border. Beyond the cities of … Read more

Evolve Retreats, the company that pairs experienced retreat leaders with carefully chosen resorts, has announced three new wellness experiences for 2025. Each program offers a chance to rest, reset and rejuvenate in beautiful settings around the world. Below are the details to help you pick the right retreat for your needs. The Pause with Sonia … Read more

Two historic Craftsman-style homes, joined by a newly constructed third addition, will reopen in 2024 as the 19-room The Chloe Nashville. Developed to harmonize with Nashville’s architectural past and evolving future under the guidance of Remick Architecture, the property preserves a residential atmosphere while incorporating contemporary and traditional design touches that reflect the city’s character. … Read more

The Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, part of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, has introduced a curated lineup of hospitality packages for the Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover, running from December 12, 2014 to January 3, 2015. These specially designed experiences cater to corporate guests, event planners and watersports enthusiasts seeking premium access … Read more

A group of Japanese men in black business suits sat patiently, palms resting on their knees, while musicians under a nearby portico tuned wooden instruments. A Shinto priest shuffled forward on his platform clogs and began a steady chant, the monotone incantation weaving with the plaintive sounds of lyres and flutes. My husband and I … Read more

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS Egypt’s ancient wonders have fascinated travelers for generations. With one of the world’s longest continuous histories, Egypt is widely regarded as a cradle of civilization. Settlements along the Nile date back to the end of the last Ice Age, and the unification of Upper and Lower … Read more

This is the final installment in my reviews of the courses at Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Earlier installments covered the Dye (July 2013), Love (August 2013) and Fazio (January 2014) courses. The Norman Course, the fourth in popularity, was designed by “The Shark” to encourage strategic “bump-and-run” shots around the greens. Located … Read more