Of the many amenities that define luxury living, a private rooftop deck or garden belongs to an exclusive category. Whether dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing, anything that is typically enjoyed al fresco in a backyard or on a patio feels even more refined when taken to new heights. In the midst of a cosmopolitan capital or at a vacation home on the beach, stepping onto a private rooftop evokes a singular feeling. That atmosphere of fresh air, height, and wide-open sky, paired with exceptional views never fails to inspire. ... (continue reading)
Cue the Romance! How to Spend a 3 Day Honeymoon in Paris (Brides)
At once cosmopolitan, historic and effortlessly chic, Paris remains an unparalleled destination for romance — and honeymoons! The key to planning a mini honeymoon in the City of Light — whether it's your first visit or your fifth — is to not try to do it all. Instead, create a list of "must sees" together with your fiancé. Plan on getting to a couple of sites each day, but also take time for the small stuff: appreciating the views from your Parisian flat; lingering over un café au lait at a sidewalk cafe; strolling arm-in-arm on the Seine, and through the city streets, soaking it all in. Before you know it, Paris will have you swooning. ... (continue reading)
10 of the World's Most Bikeable Cities
While some destinations have always had a robust bicycle culture—Amsterdam and San Francisco come to mind—more cities around the globe have followed suit in recent years, introducing or expanding bike-sharing programs, upgrading bike routes, and adding measures that help ensure cyclist and pedestrian safety. As a result, residents and travelers around the world are embracing cycling in ever greater numbers.
The benefits are universal: Whether for fitness or recreation, transportation or sightseeing, or even commuting to work, cycling is adding a new dynamism to city living. ... (continue reading)
Honeymoon Inspiration: Taste of the Grand Circle, an Epic Southwest U.S. Road Trip
If the idea of wide open spaces, national parks, and unforgettable scenic vistas sounds like an incredible vacation, why not plan an epic road trip for your honeymoon? Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Route 66 — for an adventurous honeymoon with Southwestern twist, it doesn't get much better than the Grand Circle road trip.
Inspired by this iconic route, this itinerary focuses on the natural wonders of southern Utah and northern Arizona. Plan for 7-10 days, including one or more nights in Las Vegas, where the route begins and ends. ... (continue reading)
The Perfect Itinerary for Your Oahu, Hawaii Honeymoon
There's reason a Hawaii honeymoon is a classic! And, Oahu affords honeymooners the greatest variety of experiences, including the cultural and cosmopolitan appeal of Honolulu, the Hawaiian capital; the white glove service and stunning grounds of Ko Olina, a resort community on the island's western shore; and the beautiful, remote North Shore, legendary for its big wave surfing. We're narrowing it down and laying out the perfect romantic itinerary for your Oahu honeymoon, between Honolulu, Ko Olina, and the North Shore. At a minimum, split seven days between Honolulu and either Ko Olina or the North Shore; if time allows, plan 10 or more days to see all three. ... (continue reading)
In Queens, Astoria’s Culture, Coffee, and Creativity on Tap
A vibrant food scene, a melting pot of people and cultures, a palpable sense of local pride—Astoria has long flown under the radar as a community that’s got a whole lot going on and is just 10 minutes from Midtown Manhattan by subway or car. And with WeWork Studio Square celebrating its grand opening in the center of Astoria’s creative hub, there’s no better time to visit. One piece of advice: Come hungry. These local joints are definitely worth checking out. ... (continue reading)
How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Aspen, Colorado
A mountain town with a penchant for luxury, Aspen is at once scenically stunning, charming, rustic, and refined. At an elevation of 7,890 feet, against a backdrop of mountain peaks rising even higher, Aspen always dresses to impress: Summer is marked by lush green foliage and an abundance of wildflowers; each fall the Aspen trees put on a spectacular color show; and Aspen decked out in winter whites is truly the epitome of a "winter wonderland." ... (continue reading)
Destination Wedding Decisions: The Perks of the Caribbean 'Off-Season'
Let's start with the basics: The peak time for travel to the Caribbean is, generally speaking, December into April/May. While the region's rainy season technically begins in May, its full impact isn't usually felt until later in the summer, as the heat and humidity rises. (August through October, the heart of hurricane season, see the least visitors.)
There are a few golden months in between, however — May, June and July are often the "shoulder season" or "summer season" — when airfares and room rates begin to drop, coveted resorts are more likely to have availability and the crowds at popular beaches begin to wane... (continue reading)
Honeymoon Inspiration: Ultimate Wellness Oases for the Health-Conscious Couple
Relaxing, destressing, blissfully unhurried days with your (newly hitched!) partner in crime— your honeymoon should be the "yin" to that "yang" of emotion, excitement and frenzy of activity that's also known as wedding planning. Why not make your newlywed retreat a destination worthy of your travel bucket list? ... (continue reading)
How to Honeymoon in Cuba
Vintage Havana, Hemingway haunts, live salsa music, those azure ocean blues—what could possibly be more romantic than a honeymoon in Cuba? The vibrant island nation is more accessible to American travelers than it has been in decades (it was just announced that commercial flights from the U.S. to Cuba will be restored starting Summer 2016), but there are still rules for travel. Most importantly, Americans must obtain a travel visa to visit Cuba and individuals traveling solely for leisure aren't yet allowed. ... (continue reading)
A Guide to Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s Hippest Neighborhood
Brooklyn’s epicenter of cool has no shortage of indie coffee and tea shops, quick and delicious lunchtime eats, and a host of other meet-up worthy destinations. Wandering is encouraged: Detour off the main thoroughfares and you’ll find that many blocks are home to tucked-away shops and restaurants just waiting to be discovered. ... (continue reading)
RCI Ventures Magazine Q3 2015
In this issue of RCI Ventures magazine I authored:
Message from RCI: Upping the Table Stakes
By the Numbers: Sustainability Case Study: Best Practices in Hospitality
Travel Trends: Keeping It Local
Destination marketing organizations are increasingly turning to digital and social channels to tell their uniquely homegrown stories.
In Depth: Talking Generations
Boomers, Gen Xers, millennials: Research sheds new light on what motivates these prospects to take vacations.
In Development: Sunny Days Ahead
Emerging from a drawn-out economic recovery, the U.S. Virgin Islands are poised for growth.