usa, travel, travel news, hotels, first look, santa monica, california Contributing Writer usa, travel, travel news, hotels, first look, santa monica, california Contributing Writer

First Look: The Georgian Santa Monica, Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Set along iconic Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, The Georgian, Unbound Collection by Hyatt, has reemerged as one of the West Coast’s most captivating boutique stays—an oceanfront landmark where 1930s glamour meets modern California ease.

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usa, travel, travel news, hotels, first look, asia Contributing Writer usa, travel, travel news, hotels, first look, asia Contributing Writer

First Look: La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Opening in October 2026, La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, will be one of Luang Prabang’s most iconic hilltop retreats. Tucked into lush tropical gardens with sweeping views of the UNESCO-listed old town, gilded temples and the Mekong River, the estate has long been celebrated as a peaceful sanctuary in Laos’s former royal capital.

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Madrina in Webster Groves, Missouri: Meet the Chef

We sat down with Executive Chef Tim Adams of Madrina in Webster Groves, Missouri. Madrina celebrates the spirit of Italian family dining with a contemporary menu rooted in time-honored recipes. Plates are crafted for sharing, inviting communal meals around tables built for conversation. A warm, neighborhood atmosphere completes the experience.

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Othello’s in Norman, Oklahoma: Meet the Chef

We sat down with Executive Chef Tammy Weiss of Othello’s Italian Restaurant in Norman, Oklahoma. Othello’s has stood on Campus Corner since 1977, when Pasqual Benso opened the cozy Italian spot that became a Norman institution. Celebrated for authentic family recipes and wallet-friendly prices, it’s a local favorite.

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Brunello Ristorante Italiano in Seattle, Washington: Meet the Chef

We sat down with Executive Chef Jonathan Ruiz of Brunello Ristorante Italiano in Seattle, Washington. Brunello Ristorante anchors Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood with the quiet confidence of a beloved local institution. Warm and inviting, the restaurant specializes in handcrafted pastas that showcase traditional Italian techniques and seasonal ingredients.

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usa, travel, travel news, hotels, first look, mexico, riviera maya Contributing Writer usa, travel, travel news, hotels, first look, mexico, riviera maya Contributing Writer

First Look: Alila Mayakaoba Riviera Maya, a Hyatt Hotel

Alila Mayakoba, a Hyatt Hotel, is a nature-first beachfront sanctuary. The resort marries tranquil Caribbean shoreline with shimmering lagoons to create a unique coastal escape. The resort’s open, flowing architecture blends seamlessly with lush mangroves and native landscaping, while living Mayan traditions and a holistic approach to wellness infuse every guest experience.

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usa, travel, travel news, hotels, first look, sweden Contributing Writer usa, travel, travel news, hotels, first look, sweden Contributing Writer

First Look: Sibbjäns, Gotland Island

Sibbjäns, a regenerative farm stay set on the windswept landscape of Sweden’s Gotland Island, transforms a former horse farm into a sustainable retreat. Guests sleep in thoughtfully handcrafted suites, enjoy hyper-seasonal farm-to-table dining and “Viking wellness” rituals rooted in local traditions.

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Shakti Prana Lodge in Kumaon, India: Meet the Chef

We sat down with Executive Chef Yeshi of Shakti Prana Lodge in Kumaon, India. Perched at 7,000 feet, the solar-powered Prana Lodge is an architectural jewel of stone, glass, timber and copper, designed to frame the Himalayan panorama. True to its name—Prana, or “breath” in Sanskrit—the lodge offers sweeping vistas of Nanda Devi and a program of seasonal guest chefs.

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