Travel

By Narbeh Minassian

As you will have already seen just a few pages to the left, the Salviatino collection of hotels has a philosophy that marries the legend of the past with the beauty of the present. The Palazzo Victoria in Verona, Italy is no different. Theirs is not just a hotel; but a museum with traditional artwork, décor, and even the building is north of two hundred years old. All in all, The Palazzo Victoria offers a first-hand and altogether unique experience of a city that champions one of the most unmistakable and richest cultures in the world.

By Anja Mutić

We arrived to a rain shower in Cochin. It was the second monsoon season in Kerala, one of India’s southern states, when each afternoon brings a few hours of rain. We drove south, first along busy roads of Cochin’s suburbs, lined with flashy roadside ads and car dealerships. As we veered off the main strip and into the back roads, the surroundings became more lush and scenic, offering glimpses of the waterways through dense foliage. We were, quite clearly, in the tropics.

By Travelin’ Gal Maxine Albert

Ischia:
My fascination with Ischia began when a native Tuscan raved to me about the island’s thermal waters, top spas and delicious cuisine. Ischia also offers sandy beaches and a culture with authentic flavor. You’ll find picturesque villages like Sant’ Angelo and a medieval castle, Il Castello Aragonese. Americans have yet to discover this favorite haunt of Europeans in search of curative springs. Located in the Bay of Naples an hour ferry ride from Capri and the Amalfi Coast, a visit to Ischia will not disappoint.

By Narbeh Minassian

As a city of high skylines and vibrant urban presence in a country of rainforests and sandy beaches, it is little wonder why São Paulo attracts the tourist’s attention with such regularity that it has virtually become an obligatory destination for those passing through Brazil or South America. As the leader in international aviation, American Airlines flies directly from New York JFK to this magical city twice a day. With them, get there safely and in comfort and style. And say, “Cheers!” too when flying in the Main Cabin on American Airlines on your way to Brazil because you can enjoy complimentary beer and wine – the perfect way to start a journey.

By Christopher A. Pape

The Carlton hotel, part of the Autograph Collection’s distinctive portfolio, is an iconic property located on Madison Avenue and 29th Street in the heart of Manhattan. The 317-room historic hotel, which originally opened in the early 20th century as the Hotel Seville, is paying tribute to its early beginnings with the creation of three new specialty suites and the revitalization of its two penthouse suites, all debuting this fall.

By Narbeh Minassian

Nestled between the green mountains and clear waters of the Pacific Ocean in Ko Olina, Hawaii is Aulani Disney Resort and Spa. Secluded but not isolated; Aulani is far away enough from the crowds but close enough to be a shuttle ride away from the wonders of O’ahu. Aulani was opened in September 2011, with the aim of becoming a center for Hawaiian culture, a celebration of Hawaiian customs, traditions, and history, with the magic touch of Disney to make the stay there all the more unique. Wherever you find the fingerprints of Walt Disney’s handiwork, you know beyond any doubt that you are in the presence of quality and the fantastical.

By Hillary Latos

It was in this gorgeous region of the Riviera Maya that the Mayans predicted the end of the world by December 2012. If you ask inhabitants of the region about the doomsday prophecies they merely brush it off in their laid back manner and use it as a marketing tool for tourists or as an excuse to “Party like it’s the end of the World.” Much more than just a beach town, Playa del Carmen is a perfect place to start the party to end all parties. What was merely a sleepy fishing village 6 years ago and a port to get from Cancun to Cozumel has quickly blossomed into a lovely 2 mile long pedestrian strip on Fifth Avenue with international restaurants, luxury hotels, and luxury shops sitting alongside tourist shops selling Mexican handicrafts and souvenirs, all within walking distance. Even though it earned the title of the fastest growing city in the Western Hemisphere in 2008 by the Guinness Book of World Records, developers are careful to retain the charm and quaintness that differentiate Playa from its larger overdeveloped cousins in Quintana Roo, like Cancun.

By Marianne Belmonte

New England has it all! Looking for a place to go not too far from NYC? Are you tired of the hassle getting to Long Island or the Jersey Shore? Well then try turning your sights north. As a child growing up in Brooklyn, this cluster of northern states was my parents’ vacation of choice. Away from the bustling crowds of the city nature at it’ best; God’s country is what I always remembering hearing when my family spoke about New England.

By Demetra M. Pappas

I spent a good deal of time at Brighton Beach – easy to access by subway. As a young woman, my first full-time job was in Manhattan, this island surrounded by water and ports, containing history, also accessible by trains from the boroughs, Long Island’s bedroom communities and the Hamptons, New Jersey and Westchester (and parts north).

By Narbeh Minassian

At Poipu Beach, on the south shore of Kauai, you will find one of the most relaxing places in the world. Koa Kea Hotel and Resort harnesses the beauty and tranquillity of this sun-swept corner of Hawaii. Having opened in April 2009, this hotel offers all the latest luxury amenities while offering spectacular beachfront accommodations.