Luxe Beat Featured Articles

When most cruisers consider a Croatian sailing around the Adriatic, they opt to visit the country’s southern coast gems: exuberant Split, the country’s second-largest city and probably the best place to view buzzing Dalmatian life, or Dubrovnik , the ancient walled fortress with its stately baroque buildings.  I venture north to the chic Adriatic seaside resort town of Opatija , located at the foo...

Vancouver is an international playground for every season and every reason under the sun. It’s sophisticated, funky, fashionable neighborhoods and unparalleled natural beauty attract travelers from around the globe. Whether you are extending your cruise vacation or visiting Vancouver for business or leisure, the Fairmont Pacific Rim , a Forbes Five Star hotel, will raise your bar on luxury level a...

Always seeking to push the boundaries of innovation and design, the entry model from Ferretti Yacht’s INFYNITO series, the INFYNITO 90, aims to chart a new course for the Italian yard. Making her global debut at the 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival, this ingenious 26.9-meter flybridge yacht combines advanced design, enhanced functionality, and sustainable innovation into one bold package. Featuring a...

A hunting party rides into camp across the lake through the rising morning mist. Red and blue tents are assembled. Meat is roasting on a spit. Food and wine are abundant—Fletchers’ ready bows, arrows, and quivers. A king and his queen arrive on horseback with their entourage. Imagine the scene surrounding Hever Castle in the 1530s. This castle, steeped in history, witnessed the rise and fall of dy...

Whether you crave winter sports or summer’s splendors, bold and modern architecture, or historic landmarks, nature’s moments or cultural treasures, the sophisticated bilingual island-city of Montreal will not disappoint you. Named one of only three cities to ever receive a UNESCO “City of Design Designation” and repeated high rankings for livability by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Montreal is...

The Hyatt Regency Irvine is wrapping up a $55 million renovation, including upgrades to the lobby, guestrooms, suites, meeting spaces, pool, and other public areas. Located at 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614, the hotel is an ideal stopover between Los Angeles and San Diego for travelers and families. Rooms and Renovations Whether you’re on a business trip or traveling with kids, the hotel has...

Mexico is a country of 32 states; each comes with its unique culture, traditions, and gastronomy. While many travelers are drawn to the coastal beauty and sundrenched beaches of Cabo San Lucas , Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta, those seeking a different kind of adventure head inland to Puebla, a city 80 miles east of Mexico City in a state by the same name. Puebla’s rich history, vibrant art scene, an...

As I opened the window on our first morning in Gozo , I felt the excitement building. The white Maltese Lace curtains danced lightly in the Mediterranean breeze. The sun was beginning to rise over the island of Malta , casting a red-orange streak between the night sky and the sparkling sea. The day held countless possibilities waiting to unfold. We were warmly welcomed daily with freshly squeezed...

Burov Square made us think of Paris. The architecture was so similar. We sat in a sidewalk café in a quiet Varna neighborhood, sipping wine and chatting about our last day on the coast of the Black Sea in Bulgaria . Then, one of the buildings caught our attention — Hotel Royal. It was similar to the others on the square but stood out. Perhaps it was the color or perhaps the balconies. Maybe it was...

Tenerife , the staggering grand dame and largest of Spain’s seven Atlantic archipelago Canary Islands , located west of the mainland of Africa, might be considered a tale of two islands. While the volcanic Island attracts over six million annual visitors, most arrive from the UK searching for an all-inclusive sun-drenched beach vacation with pulsing karaoke, happy hour, and brimming nightlife on i...

When arriving at Phoenicia Malta , you sense the history of this legendary hotel. Phoenicia sits alongside the 16th-century bastion walls of Valletta , built by the Knights of St. John. The historic city teems with history and beautiful baroque architecture. As you enter Phoenicia’s polished brass doors, it becomes apparent why dignitaries, heads of state, kings, and queens have graced Phoenicia’s...

Arizona’s wine country is no longer the secret it was ten-plus years ago. Some of the finest wines in the country come from the state’s American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Sonoita/Elgin is the first and one of three AVAs in Arizona; you can easily find it by driving I-10 E, which is about 45 minutes south of Tucson . You won’t miss the signs on the highway for the designated grape-growing region....

If you left your heart in San Francisco , it’s time to go back for a cardio reboot that will get your blood pumping in this city by the bay. That’s exactly what we did recently on an extended weekend getaway. With so many distinct neighborhoods, your first decision is where to stay. Nob Hill comes to mind as one of the quintessential enclaves in the city and The Fairmont San Francisco is the locat...

You’re right if you think Washington , DC has amazing luxury hotels. The trick is finding the best luxury hotel to meet your needs. Your luxury expectations will be met by staying at The Hay-Adams or the Pendry Washington DC-The Wharf . Each of these two hotels delivers world-class accommodations and a view. Read on to decide which fits your plans for a luxurious stay in the Nation’s capital. The...

Due to its proximity to  Washington , DC, the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant is an excellent choice for a getaway. On a blustery day in mid-November, my wife and I brought our dog along to experience a one-night stay at the Inn. History runs deep on this land. The Leith Family owned the property in the late 1700s that would become the Goodstone Inn. Two successive families owned this land before M...

Thailand is a treasure trove of experiences for travelers, offering a unique blend of culture, adventure, and opulent relaxation. The people are also very nice – hence the nickname “Land of Smiles”, which the country has become known for. During my visit I explored Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the idyllic island of Koh Samet. I immersed myself in the vibrant culture while indulging in some luxurious s...

Castles are the stuff of fairy tales and legends that most of us only dream of staying in. Castello di Albola in the Chianti region of Tuscany is a place where those dreams come true. Castello di Albola is said to have ancient Etruscan origins, if only in its name. Back in the 14th century, When Radda in Chianti was the capital of the League of Chianti, Castello di Albola was well known. Many impo...

The Mid-Atlantic region is getting a lot of attention for high quality wines. Thanks to the state of Virginia and Maryland leading the way, wine lovers can find great wine-tasting experiences. With 16 years of Mid-Atlantic wine and dining exploring, it’s time to show off my favorites. First, I want to pay homage to Thomas Jefferson , who spent significant time and money trying to grow European win...

As we entered the grand wooden lodge that reminded me of the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone , I knew this was a special place. What I didn’t know was how amazing the meal was going to be. The first hint of the feast that was about to begin was our walk to the table. We passed by the dessert station and held an ice cream bar, three hot pots of fondue, fruit and pound cake for fondue dipping, a cra...

EXPERIENCE THE SPA CITY’S RICH HERITAGE Saratoga Springs is fondly referred to as The Spa City , or the Queen of the Spas , with good reason. During the Paleozoic Era , Saratoga Springs suffered a series of faults that split open a good deal of underlying rock. These events created crevices and allowed water to make its way to the surface. Interestingly enough, these springs are the only naturally...

This might just be the ideal time to: “Press the green button and go to Ireland.” The emerald isle rolls out its verdant green carpet to greet every visitor who sets foot on its lush terrain. And so it was, as we began our tour of cool Northern Ireland. Let’s begin with Belfast , the capital of Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The city is a compact, dynamic, vibrant metropoli...

If Bali is the island of the gods, then surely, they reside at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. As you make your way into the valleys, rivers and rice fields that are so distinctive to Bali, you will arrive at this hidden treasure through a small country lane that gives rise to the splendor of the lush interior landscape and the exclusive entry gates to an otherworldly par...

Bordeaux , France gets better every time you visit. With over 350 registered historic monuments, it ranks only behind Paris in its cultural importance. The city has received numerous awards and deservedly so! After being voted “Best European Destination 2015” and then “Number Two” in the New York Times’ “Cities to Visit in 2016,” Bordeaux was the Lonely Planet guide’s top pick for 2017 and the Los...

Austria , this scenic, strategic, centrally located country has a long and illustrious history as a powerful, pivotal force in shaping European and world events. It remains a significant player on the international scene and it attracts visitors from across the globe. Let’s explore awe-inspiring Austria . To read the full article by Diane Sukiennik and Michael Reiss visit Luxe Beat Magazine .

THE PERFECT VACATION RENTAL FOR ANY OCCASION When traveling for a long weekend or week-long vacation, people have many choices of places to stay. Today, there are hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, RV trailer sites, and more.  Vacation rentals offer a unique experience as well. They can accommodate any number of guests, from a single visitor to a girlfriend getaway, wedding parties, and g...