DOWNTIME: THE MALDIVES

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, along with Singaporean developer Chiu Teng Enterprises today announce the opening of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, marking the Paris-born brand’s debut in one of the world’s most captivating destinations. Located on Thilamaafushi, the southern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll, the 141-villa resort […]

DOWNTIME: THE BAHAMAS

The Bahamas Shines Bright in Top Consumer and Travel Trade Awards As The Bahamas reopens its border, recent awards in top consumer, travel trade and niche vertical publications prove the island nation hasn’t missed a beat. From Condé Nast Traveler’s and Scuba Diving Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards to Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards, The Islands of […]

LAKESIDE LIVING

Marco Island Lakeside Inn Approaches 60th Year with a Fresh New Look Nearing its 60th anniversary of delighting guests, Marco Island Lakeside Inn today unveiled a new brand identity that brings modern appeal to its storied history. The Inn first opened its doors in 1960, offering a peaceful oasis beside the island’s only freshwater lake. New […]

Frustration- Free Vacay

DOWNTIME: FRUSTRATION-FREE VACATIONS Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is rolling out an unprecedented wave of digital innovations touching every aspect of its business, charting a course for a world where travel frustrations have disappeared, erased by technology that is transforming cruise ships from stem to stern. Most visible to consumers through a guest-empowering app […]

Downtime

REJUVENATION NATION:  PALM SPRINGS BY FRANCESCA MERCED Just over 100 miles east of Los Angeles is one of my favorite destinations on the planet: Palm Springs.  During the hot summer months, temperatures regularly soar into 110’s in this quiet resort community– which makes for delightful nighttime swimming. (Imagine having your own 10-foot deep outdoor bathtub!) […]

Downtime

SALT-AIR-KISSED SOPHISTICATION The finest Santa Monica, California beach hotel Experience a metropolitan beach rendezvous for a weekend, staycation or day trip – night out at Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel.  Viceroy Santa Monica fuses classic sophistication and contemporary chic to create a thoroughly modern and uniquely luxurious Santa Monica, California boutique hotel. Whether for business or […]

Downtime – August

Hotlanta! By Francesca Merced As the hometown of hotties like Usher, TLC, and “Miss Keri, baby,” it’s no wonder that we’re highlighting Atlanta, GA for this month’s hip, hot Downtime! Nicknamed “Hotlanta” some twenty-plus years ago, Atlanta is a vibrant city that offers visitors a diverse historical experience coupled with some of the trendiest nightlife […]

Downtime – July

El Capitan Canyon By Ramona Wright Last summer I finally took my first vacation. I decided to do something I would not normally think to do and something totally out of my character. A colleague recommended I go to El Capitan Canyon. A great place to relax north of Santa Barbara up the California coastline. […]

Downtime – June

Down-Home Down Time By Francesca Merced One of my favorite memories from my childhood is my Dad out in the backyard starting up the fire for the grill.  Even now, he rules as king of the ’cue in our family; and every summer he reigns on the patio over his charcoal dominion.  Want to spend […]

Downtime – May

Tea for Two By Francesca Merced   I remember an episode from the hit HBO series The Sopranos where mama “Carmela” and daughter “Meadow” argued over going to tea at the Ritz Carlton in the City. The bratty “Meadow” thought that going to tea was “lame;” and a visibly hurt “Carmela” was disappointed that her […]