HTC Vive Samsung Gear VR and Google Cardboard introduced many consumers to virtual reality, but the HTC Vive advances the experience with precise body tracking and room-scale VR. Using two handheld controllers—reminiscent of motion controllers like the Wii Nunchuk—you can interact naturally with virtual objects, whether swinging a racket or aiming a tool. Room-scale tracking … Read more

Brasserie VietNam, the newest culinary destination on Bleecker Street in New York City’s West Village, blends French elegance with the warm, tropical spirit of Vietnam. French influence in Vietnam dates back to the late 1800s and continued through 1954 after the Geneva Accord. That history left a lasting mark on Vietnamese culture, most clearly visible … Read more

The Spaniards introduced sugar cane to the Caribbean centuries ago, and today the region remains the world’s leading producer of rum in both volume and variety. Made from fermented sugar cane juice or molasses, rum appears in an impressive array of styles—New York City alone offers more than 400 different bottlings. Despite that diversity, most … Read more

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco has partnered with acclaimed winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset to open a refined tasting lounge in the hotel lobby. The new JCB Tasting Lounge offers exclusive wine tastings, thoughtfully paired small plates, and a boutique retail area in an intimate setting. “We’re excited to be joining with world-renowned winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset,” said Bruce … Read more

FlightStats, a worldwide authority on flight and airport data, has named Alaska Airlines the top on-time major carrier in North America for the third year in a row. In 2012 Alaska posted an average on-time arrival rate of 87.26 percent, compared with a North American carrier average of 79.62 percent. During that year the airline … Read more

Benchmark Hospitality International and Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, two global leaders in the management and marketing of resorts, hotels and conference centers, have announced a merger that creates a combined portfolio of more than 70 distinctive properties. Villas of Grand Cypress The merger responds to a market shift toward independent and soft-branded hotels that prioritize … Read more

Dubai’s World Islands archipelago is a striking collection of manmade islands arranged to resemble a world map. Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas opened the first luxury resort on this unique development: Anantara World Islands Dubai. Anantara World Islands provides a variety of accommodation options, from suites to private villas, each thoughtfully designed with a balcony, … Read more

A beach escape might not be the first image that springs to mind when you think of New York City, but ONE UN is redefining expectations with its City & Sand retreat. Available through Sept. 8 and starting at $329 per night with a two-night minimum stay, this package blends urban luxury with a seaside … Read more

InterContinental Hotels Group is expanding its presence in London with a third property opening in a new development beside the O2 arena in Greenwich. Scheduled to welcome guests in 2015, InterContinental London The O2 will offer 452 guestrooms and suites, multiple restaurants and bars, a spa, and flexible meeting and event facilities. The new hotel … Read more

British Airways will introduce a new spring/summer route that makes it easier for South Carolinians to fly to London for a short getaway, while giving Londoners direct access to Charleston’s warm hospitality and historic charm. Starting April 4, 2019, British Airways will operate a twice-weekly service between London Heathrow (LHR) and Charleston International Airport (CHS). … Read more