Out of Africa

Housed in a Romanesque Revival building from 1890 at the corner of Mercer and Prince Streets in Soho, Hotel The Mercer is in one of the buzziest and best Manhattan locations, abounding with luxury boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Discreet, iconic, and unapologetically chic, this gem plays host to famous guests and elite travelers. Behind its brick façade are 61 rooms of quiet rebellion—airy, artful, achingly intentional. The design is a testament to the hotel's unique character, with lofted ceilings, linen beds, and light that seems to be frozen in a film still…

From all-expenses-paid beach getaways to immersive cultural adventures abroad, travel rewards are transforming how organizations recognize achievement and inspire motivation. More than just perks, these unforgettable journeys are emerging as strategic tools for driving engagement and boosting performance and team spirit, fostering customer loyalty, and creating brand awareness. Travel incentive trips have a long-term impact on building high-performing teams.  So, why are more companies trading cubicles for coastlines when it comes to employee incentives? Let's take off and explore. It i…

In today's experience-focused world, where it is a daunting challenge for hotel companies to differentiate themselves, the Andaz brand makes its mark in a crowded marketplace. Getting its name from a Hindi word meaning “personal style,” Andaz celebrates the individuality of every guest and the uniqueness of its properties while providing an excellent value proposition.    Global in scale, but local in perspective Located in lively urban neighborhoods and leisure destinations, Andaz hotels are boutique facilities unique in design and amenities. They are characterized…

But while thousands of music lovers come here every year to dance and party like there is no tomorrow, many visitors come to the island to connect with nature and to experience its laid-back, Bohemian atmosphere. Beyond the dance beats and beaches, tucked away on the peaceful northern tip of Ibiza, lies a place where you can step back from the demands of everyday life, re-energize and reset.  Its location, Cala Xarraca, is a secluded slice of paradise, surrounded by lush green pine forests dotted with white houses, rugged red cliffs, and rocky pathways. Six Senses Ibiza is a…

So many of us are in search of it, whether it be taking a moment to enjoy an al fresco coffee on a sunny day, sitting down to a candlelight dinner for two, or escaping on an extravagant holiday with no luxury spared. And there is no better time to pursue La Dolce Vita than in the summer when long days and balmy temperatures make the search for happiness so much easier to fulfill. But the summer is not the only ingredient you need. Location is everything, and of all the places I have traveled to in search of the good life, Italy's Amalfi Coast fits the bill like none other. Photo by silv…

For many, its allure is probably linked to a collective imagination in which the stories of the “Thousand and One Nights” from childhood memories are interwoven. For others, it is the place that captures all the senses, seduces you with its intimate charms, strikes you with its shimmering colors and the intoxicating fragrance of spices that fill the air, and transports you with the chanting of the daily Muslim call to prayer and keeps you coming back for more.   The legendary fashion designer Yves St Laurent considered Marrakech the “Venice of Morocco, a place out of time”. H…

Formentera’s allure lies in its unique beauty, a blend of simplicity, peace, and harmony with nature. With unspoiled landscapes, sun-kissed paths, and crystalline waters, the island beckons soul-seekers to reconnect with nature and their inner selves. “Small islands are geographically pleasing, appealing to a human disposition towards ‘containedness.' It is possible to visualize, in satisfying detail, the coastline of an island, to know where it begins and ends, to picture where you are spatially at a given point in time.” Pam Allen There are no airports here. No sprawling resort…

Masterfully blending Baroque grandeur with theatrical flair, L'Oscar London will astound you. Its design is a unique blend of seductive, unconventional, and unapologetically opulent elements, making it a standout masterpiece by celebrated French architect Jacques Garcia. His signature touch, also gracing icons like Hôtel Costes in Paris, La Mamounia in Marrakech, and New York's NoMad, is evident in every corner of L'Oscar London.Once a 19th-century Baptist church, the building has been transformed into a temple of indulgence, a metamorphosis that will leave you intrigued and amazed. Garci…

For anyone dreaming of the day when the love of their life says “I do,” the institution of marriage still holds a strong fascination. In recent years, the legalization of same-sex marriage in many countries has meant that the LGBT community can now plan romantic weddings like never before. At present, sixteen countries worldwide allow same-sex marriage, along with seventeen of the US states. So let's get all romantic and look at some of the world's most romantic destinations to tie the knot for a gay wedding. The power of love is that it sees all people. San Francisco, Califo…

In the verdant hills of Umbria, where mist curls through vineyards and time walks at a gentler pace, lies a village unlike any other — part sanctuary, part atelier, and entirely unforgettable. Most travelers to Italy flock to the grand halls of Florence, the canals of Venice, or the drama of Rome. But just outside Perugia, nestled amid olive groves and golden fields, there exists a place that defies the usual itinerary: Solomeo — a tiny medieval hamlet, a hidden gem, brought back to life by one of Italy's most quietly influential visionaries. This is not merely a story of restoration, b…

Chedi Al Bait, a jewel of the Emirates, is GHM Hotel Group's newest destination for a dreamlike escape beyond compare. Once abandoned and lost to the world outside, the Al Bait Sharjah, now the Chedi Al Bait, has been beautifully restored into a boutique resort. Meaning ‘The Home,' the hotel is part of the UAE's preservation project called “Heart of Sharjah.” It is located in Sharjah's cultural heart, making it its most astonishing resort. The Chedi Al Bait is a unique property built on the original foundations of old 19th-century coral stone houses. It features historical pathways to souq…

Amid the beautiful Myeik Archipelago, a cluster of 800 islands off the southernmost tip of Myanmar, you will find the perfect place to unplug and zone out. Intimate, unpretentious, and luxurious, the privately owned Wa Ale hotel sits in a beautiful protected cove, overlooking a pristine beach and majestic rock formations. It was entirely built with reclaimed and sustainably sourced materials, ensuring an exclusive and unique experience for its guests. The tented villas have acres of living space, private teak terraces, king-size canopy beds, and outdoor showers, and they blend in seaml…

Too often, Marbella, the glitzy enclave of the Costa del Sol, is looked upon as a jet-setter's paradise, confused for the superficial attractions of yacht-filled, boutique-lined Puerto Banus. Yet Puerto Banus, constructed from scratch by José Banús in the 1970s, is but one new addition to the ever-sprawling suburbs of this renowned town in Southern Spain. Attracting party-goers from around the world and even inspiring a “Marbella Sessions” soundtrack from the famous Ministry of Sound, Marbella is quickly gaining a reputation akin to the party paradise of Ibiza and Magaluf. Yet that reputat…

This c. With striking scenery and captivating wildlife, only a handful of experiences are on par with an African safari. But Africa is not a country; it's a continent made up of 54 culturally and geographically diverse countries with different climates and offering different experiences. Whether you are planning your next vacation or your honeymoon, the most critical decision you'll need to make is where to go. While African safaris can generally be broken down into three seasons: the dry season (June to October), the mixed season (November to March), and the wet season (March to May)…

Steeped in the heart of Rome’s historic district, the Singer Palace Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s a revival. An invitation to step into a story where centuries-old elegance is reimagined through the lens of contemporary design. Located just moments from the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps, the hotel sits at the crossroads of Rome’s eternal grandeur and its present-day pulse. Originally the prestigious headquarters of Singer Sewing Machines in the early 20th century, this dignified building has been masterfully restored by Roman architect Potito Michele Giorgio. H…