Marriott International has announced plans to open a new Westin Hotels & Resorts property in Darwin, Australia, with an anticipated opening in 2020. Situated in Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers, offering easy access to the region’s expansive natural attractions and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The proposed Westin Darwin … Read more
Few places match the raw beauty of Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state. Its geographic isolation has produced unique wildlife found nowhere else, including the infamous Tasmanian devil. The island’s geology and plant life also reflect a time when it was part of Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent that once included Antarctica, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, … Read more
The Economist Intelligence Unit has released its ranking of the world’s most liveable cities. In a comparison of 140 destinations, the report evaluated cities across safety, healthcare, education, culture, environment and infrastructure to determine which places offer the best living conditions. No U.S. city made the top seven, but several outstanding global destinations emerged that … Read more
The Hard Rock Hotel Davos will open this winter in the Swiss Alps, following a partnership between Hard Rock International and Hospitality Service AG. The new hotel is housed in the recently renovated Spenglers Hotel Davos, a building with more than 130 years of history. Hard Rock’s redesign pays tribute to both the building and … Read more
Travelers planning a trip to Australia can now preview the country’s highlights through an engaging virtual experience. Qantas teamed up with mobile developers and Start VR, an Australian virtual-reality studio, to produce an app that lets prospective visitors explore Australia’s sights, wildlife and natural landscapes before they arrive. The app presents immersive video experiences that … Read more
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the global cruise company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, announced last week that the Cuban government has approved cruise visits to Cuba. The company said it will reveal its first Florida–Cuba itinerary at a later date. Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises will offer … Read more
Drawing on the ancient healing traditions of salt therapy, Hawaii’s first Himalayan Salt Room is now a standout wellness feature at Hoola Spa within Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. The room’s walls are lined with authentic Himalayan pink salt crystal panels, hand-mined from prehistoric seabeds. Rich in more than 80 trace minerals, … Read more
Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the Public after a tense taxi ride from Chicago Midway Airport and was relieved when a hotel valet greeted me at the entrance. The lobby is striking, with a classic chandelier, antique mirrors and a front desk whose curved design calls to mind Chicago’s famous Cloud Gate sculpture. Check-in was quick … Read more
Name: David Canty Title: Vice President, Loyalty Programs Company, city: InterContinental Hotels Group; Atlanta, Ga. Number of employees: More than 300,000 globally, including hotels Recent project: Last year we launched a Stay Preferences program that gives members a simple way to tell us what they prefer when they travel, helping hotels prepare for arrivals and … Read more
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. has announced the upcoming opening of Cloud Camp, a high-elevation wilderness retreat on Cheyenne Mountain scheduled to open later this summer. Perched at 9,200 feet, Cloud Camp will offer sweeping views of The Broadmoor, Pikes Peak and the Colorado Rockies. About a 25-minute drive from The Broadmoor, Cloud Camp … Read more