Aileen Chan

In December 2024, I went on a Western European vacation with my family. We relished the holiday festivities, with Berlin, Germany as the final stop on our journey. After two weeks on the road and visits to five countries, I was looking for a place where I could both enjoy myself and recharge for the last leg of our trip. I found it at the Grand Hyatt Berlin. Grand Hyatt Berlin seamlessly blends elegance and ease, offering the signature Grand Hyatt hospitality with refined sophistication. From the attentive staff to the superb culinary delights, the serene rooftop pool and the spacious, supremely comfortable rooms, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to allow guests to fully enjoy their stay and the unique history of this city.

Singapore, a cosmopolitan island nation in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its striking skyline, cultural diversity, and blend of modernity and tradition. Spanning just 720 square kilometers, it’s a global financial hub with a reputation for cleanliness, safety and efficient transport. From lush gardens to bustling urban areas, Singapore offers a rich array of experiences.

Singapore holds a special place in my heart. Having visited over a dozen times for both work and leisure, I’ve become deeply familiar with this destination. Its proximity to my hometown, Hong Kong, has strengthened business connections and fostered lasting friendships with many Singaporeans. Each visit to this prosperous and rapidly advancing nation continues to impress and create cherished memories.

In November 2024, during a trip to London to visit my family, I had the privilege of enjoying a Thanksgiving meal at the Bulgari Hotel London at their renowned restaurant, Sette. The hotel had considerately created a stunning international fusion Thanksgiving menu. Welcoming not just American travelers but guests from around the world. The meal was nothing short of perfection, earning a well-deserved 10/10.

As someone who has long admired the Bulgari jewelry brand, experiencing the Bulgari hotel experience felt like stepping into a dream. It was an artful unity of fashion, luxury and hospitality brought to life. After the meal, I did a site tour of the property and was captivated by every corner — impeccable rooms, a serene spa, versatile event spaces and exquisite dining options. Each space radiated a dedication to detail, embodying Bulgari’s legendary design ethos.

Reykjavik will always hold a special place in my heart — it’s where I went for my honeymoon and my first destination after two years of travel restrictions during COVID. Growing up, Iceland, the land of ice and fire, was a dream destination for me, and I made it a reality. Despite its mysterious allure, Iceland is closer than many realize — just about five and a half hours from New York and three hours from London. Making it the closest European and Nordic destination to America, even easier to reach than many domestic locations! I’ve promised myself that I’ll return to Reykjavik to celebrate one of my wedding anniversaries.

In August 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting the stunning Cayman Islands for the first time, where I stayed at the newly-opened Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, which made its debut just a few months earlier in May. While the Cayman Islands are famed for their lavish five-star resorts, Hotel Indigo truly sets itself apart. Beyond its vibrant oasis of style and comfort, it offered me one of the most remarkable customer service I've ever had. The hotel's art and design is masterfully curated, and the cuisine is nothing short of extraordinary. A short walk takes you to its exclusive beach club, and the property boasts the island's first rooftop bar, offering stunning sunset views over the iconic Seven Mile Beach. Hotel Indigo felt like a home away from home, leaving me eager to return again and again.