Okay, maybe Charlie Trotter’s isn’t back yet, but they’re back soon. We just got so excited that the OG of fine dining (and the first restaurant to put its prime table right in the kitchen) is reopening. What’s more is poetically, the famed restaurant will re-open under the watch of Chef Trotter’s son, Dylan. He’s also the carbon copy image of his father, exactly as I remember from my visits 25+ years ago. On a recent visit to the restaurant,…
You know the saying: Give a man a fish, and you will feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, and you will feed him for a lifetime. While the saying was probably meant in the context of more basic needs, let’s take that and apply it to Michelin-level culinary schools. Because making food and eating it is as good a reason as any to get on a plane. These are the top cooking schools that are worthy…
Some of the world’s most inventive and progressive culinary scenes are emerging across Africa, where chefs are drawing on deeply rooted traditions while pushing cuisine in exciting new directions. And Cape Town is just the beginning. From Marrakech palaces to Rwandan volcano views, some of the continent’s most compelling restaurants are making a strong case for planning entire itineraries around dinner. Photo courtesy of Curate at Ellerman House. Restaurant: Curate at Ellerman House Location: Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. …
Good things come to those who wait. But when it comes to beauty advent calendars, the opposite might just be true. Each year, the biggest names in beauty outdo themselves with increasingly extravagant collections of skincare, makeup, fragrance, and more, all tucked behind 12, 24, or 25 little doors. And while they’re technically designed to count down to Christmas, the best ones tend to sell out long before December rolls around. From cult-favorite products to exclusive holiday treats, the most…
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the global wellness economy is projected to reach nearly $9.8 trillion by 2029. So it’s no surprise that new spas and wellness centers are unveiling across the world at rapid speed. These new spas and wellness centers are in a different league: some come with doctors and therapists on staff. Some offer specialized tech insights to your sleep efficiency and cortisol levels. Others are just really really good at making those of us…
No matter how many places you’ve been to, the beauty of travel is that there’s always something new to experience. As we head into the last stretch of 2026 (we can’t believe we’re saying this, as it just went by so fast), the year of the fire horse still has a slew of new hotels on the horizon. We did the digging for you. These are the newest hotels opening this November and December. Whether you want to be the…
We love ourselves a reboot – especially, when it involves Sandra Bullock, who is like a national treasure. The gang got back together for a sequel to the hit movie, and these are the iconic spots to which they threw it back, as well as new places where they filmed. Photo courtesy of The Royal Stand of England The Royal Standard of England Location: Beaconsfield, UK Transporting you back to the world of Practical Magic 2, just 40 minutes outside of…
They had us at Airelles. The brand that is crushing it from Courchevel to St. Tropez has a new hotel, and this one is all about the wine. Set deep in Provence territory, with just ten rooms – we’re thinking a group trip is in order. Photo courtesy of Château d’Estoublon. What is Château d’Estoublon? Tucked into the Alpilles, since 1489, this estate of over 200 hectares runs on the rhythm of the olive and grape harvests. Most châteaux ask…
If you travel regularly, you know that there are Mandarin Oriental properties just about everywhere. In fact, the luxury hospitality brand has over 100 properties (hotels, residences, and exceptional homes) peppered all around the world. From Asia to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, the brand has a presence in 30 countries and territories. But there’s one destination where until recently, you couldn’t find a Mandarin Oriental hotel: Egypt. Now, there are three in the works – and…
Luxury hotels all around the world have one single ambition in mind: keep their deep-pocket guests happy. For most properties, that means impeccable facilities, a top-of-the-line concierge service, and sometimes even small gifts. But for a smart few, that’s simply not enough, especially if they want to stand out from their competitors. As such, they go above and beyond to satisfy their guests by offering next-level amenities. And no, we’re not talking about high-quality linens and fancy in-suite coffee makers.…
