Anjali Augustine

Aressana Spa Hotel and Suites captures the essence of Greek warmth and hospitality in the heart of Fira. With caldera views right outside of the hotel’s doorway, the Aressana is in the center of Santorini’s energy, while exuding a calm, refined atmosphere. More than its location or design, it’s the sense of care and attention from the team that defines the experience and leaves a lasting impression.

For families traveling with older teens, Greece strikes a unique balance between ancient and modern. Days naturally balance iconic history with experiences that feel engaging rather than instructional—wandering ancient ruins, swimming in clear blue coves, and exploring walkable neighborhoods filled with cafés, boutiques, and street life.

The Barnett is a boutique hotel with a rooftop pool that efficiently pairs style with functionality. Housed in an Art Deco building dating back to 1928, the building was converted into the Ace Hotel in 2016 and joined the Hyatt family in 2024 as part of the JdV (joie de vivre) collection. Its location in New Orleans’ Warehouse District is a standout: You’re within walking distance of nearly every major neighborhood, with the iconic St. Charles streetcar and key bus lines right outside. For travelers who prioritize exploring the city over lingering in their room, The Barnett delivers a well-placed home base with effortless access to everything New Orleans does best.

I learned the meaning of the Danish word "hygge"—a feeling of warmth, connection, and contentment in life’s simple pleasures—years after my first trip to Copenhagen. But once I understood it, I realized I had already experienced it. It was the genuine smile from locals, and a calm pace of life that was neither rushed nor too slow. Fast forward to today, when more travelers are seeking experiences that feel unhurried, uncrowded, and deeply immersive. Tourism in Denmark and Sweden has evolved thoughtfully, with a notable focus on hygge-inspired travel during the mid-June Midsummer season—a beloved Swedish holiday marked by outdoor gatherings, folk music, flower crowns, and sharing the joy of the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. This seven-day itinerary begins in Copenhagen before crossing into southern Sweden’s Öresund region for a guided journey through its most charming coastal towns. The highlight is celebrating Midsummer alongside local Swedes in the seaside village of Arild—an experience that feels authentic and far removed from mass tourism. Think dancing around the maypole to Swedish music (including ABBA and Avicii crowd-pleasers) and feasting on herring, schnapps, and strawberry cake. Then it’s back to Denmark, via the picturesque coastal village of Helsingør, for a final night in Copenhagen.

If you’re looking for a destination that blends sun, history, and a little glamour, Mallorca and Menorca are hard to beat. These islands balance the charm of hidden coves and ancient towns with the energy of beach clubs and fresh, creative dining. Families with older kids especially love it here—the hiking, sailing, and exploring feel adventurous but never overwhelming. And even if you only have a week, you can cover a lot: think coastal hikes, centuries-old cathedrals, and long lunches of just-caught seafood and local wine.

I’d dreamed of the Maldives for decades, and when I finally arrived at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, it was every bit as magical as I imagined. Warm welcomes, genuine hospitality, and a natural, understated beauty define the experience. Unlike the sprawling, glitzy resorts of the region, Vabbinfaru offers something quieter: a barefoot, peaceful kind of luxury.

There’s something effortlessly elegant about the Kempinski Hotel Cancun. My teenage daughter and I spent a sun-drenched weekend here in February 2025, and from start to finish, it was pure bliss. Just 25 minutes from the airport in the Hotel Zone, this resort is an ideal quick getaway for families with older teens and young adults.

Luxury rail travel is experiencing a renaissance—and for good reason. As a much-needed alternative to flying or driving, it’s a modern way to experience the vastness of the Canadian Rockies, hiking shoes optional. With the help of Railbookers, one of the world’s top brands for luxury rail expeditions, I discovered the perfect eight-day journey aboard The Rocky Mountaineer. It is Canada’s top rail operator that runs four routes in Canada and the US.