To borrow the chorus of that irresistibly catchy 1970s yacht rock tune: if you love piña coladas and the feel of the ocean, make a pilgrimage to the place where this iconic tropical cocktail was born. In 1954, bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan mixed Coco López — a recent … Read more

The August 2024 opening of Banyan Group’s flagship Banyan Tree hotel in Japan marked an important milestone for the brand. Situated in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama neighborhood, the property features 52 elegant guestrooms, a respected Banyan Tree Spa, a natural onsen (hot spring), and two distinctive dining venues. It is also the only hotel in Kyoto … Read more

Just a short drive from San Francisco yet feeling like an entirely different world, California’s Diablo Valley provides a distinctive, off-the-beaten-path setting for memorable meetings and retreats. Consider hosting an event at the Mount Diablo observatory: after daytime sessions, let your group relax with stargazing and live music beneath the night sky. From the observation … Read more

SUNSET SAILING AT WHITE BEACH ON BORACAY ISLAND, PHILIPPINES © GONCHAROV2006 | DREAMSTIME Boracay Island’s White Beach is one of the Philippines’ most iconic shorelines, known for powdery white sand, clear tropical waters, and spectacular sunsets. As the day winds down, traditional paraws—local outrigger sailboats—take to the horizon, their triangular sails catching the golden light … Read more

Foreign travelers arriving at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport may notice several welcome changes in the customs process designed to make entry faster and less stressful. The airport is piloting a new approach to streamline baggage screening and passenger processing. Previously, arriving passengers faced a red light/green light system that required pressing a button … Read more

Starwood’s SPG Keyless system launched in 2014 as one of the hospitality industry’s earliest mobile key solutions, enabling guests to unlock their rooms with a smartphone. Last week, Starwood announced an expansion of the program and the rollout of the next generation of its keyless technology. Select Le Méridien, Westin, Sheraton and Four Points hotels … Read more

In honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month in September, InterContinental Los Angeles is presenting an exclusive bourbon blend available only at the hotel. The property collaborated with Angel’s Envy—renowned for its high-rated bourbons and led by master distiller Lincoln Henderson—to create a bespoke expression through the distillery’s “Art of Blending” program. During September, the hotel’s … Read more

After a series of terrorist attacks and an attempted coup this summer, Turkey’s tourism industry has suffered significant setbacks. As a result, major cruise operators have revised their 2017 schedules: Carnival Corporation’s Cunard Line and P&O Cruises announced they will cancel all port calls to Turkey next year, citing ongoing security concerns. Both cruise lines … Read more

Ride-hailing company Lyft reached a major milestone last month, celebrating its one billionth ride as the service continues to expand into new cities and regions. Lyft hit the 500 million-ride mark in October 2017 and has since entered 20 new markets, including Canadian cities such as Toronto and Ottawa, contributing to that rapid growth. Founded … Read more

The luxury boutique hotel The Plaza Seoul, an Autograph Collection, celebrated its 40th anniversary on Oct. 1. To mark the occasion, the hotel unveiled a new commemorative logo and adopted a fresh motto: “Global No. 1 Luxury Boutique Hotel.” The new identity underscores the property’s commitment to enhancing its brand and elevating service standards. Situated … Read more