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Emma John dodges Brits, looks for Russians, and goes beneath the surface in this ever-changing Baltic country.

From coastal retreats overlooking the ocean, to large and luxurious properties surrounded by some of California’s best wineries and vineyards, these are the best luxury hotels to check into while exploring California’s central coast (ranging from Santa Barbara to Monterey).

Ocho Rios and Jamaica’s north coast offer lagoons, bays, rivers, and waterfalls—and even a drive through a lush fern gorge. Thanks to its resorts and nearby water parks, the Ocho Rios region is popular with families; this part of Jamaica has plenty of outdoor adventures, too. Honeymooners also find their bliss here among luxurious boutique escapes such as GoldenEye and Jamaica Inn.

Berlin: Off the Wall

Experience a hotel stay made for royalty.

A visit to Switzerland wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some of its most luxurious local experiences. High-end eateries dot the streets of Geneva and Zurich, while hidden in the stunning Swiss mountains are some exquisite Michelin-starred restaurants. Think it’s time to purchase one of the world’s best watches? Switzerland’s affluent cities boast a plethora of opportunities to find your perfect luxury timepiece—maybe an Omega, Rolex, or Tag.

Sprawling resorts and boutique hotels dot Curaçao’s southern shore, many with international restaurants and private, man-made beaches. Some even have on-site dive centers for exploring the island’s tropical fish. Stay just up the hill from Jan Theil beach, or choose something in the middle of Willemstad’s Dutch Colonial architecture and UNESCO World Heritage buildings.

A new generation of tastemakers puts Beijing on the fashion map.

So you love the outdoors, and you really enjoy a good day of hiking. But at the end of that day, you’d rather treat yourself to a little post-hike pampering at a luxe hotel than camp or simply return home. If this is your style, there are plenty of destinations in the U.S. that offer superb hiking trails alongside posh lodgings. After all, you just climbed a mountain, you earned that spa treatment and Michelin-starred dinner.

Every now and again, travelers just need to stay in one place and leave the running around to the rest of the world. That’s where resorts come in. Though most of these resorts on the Philippine Islands are within easy reach of other grand adventures, these properties serve up a world all their own. They all serve memorable meals and have snap-worthy views.

Rebecca Walker embarks on a spontaneous journey to Bulgaria, guided by locals she connected with both virtually and in real life.

Forget about generic buffets and cheesy nightlife options, or destinations solely located in a region’s tourist zone. Today’s best all-inclusive resorts can be mega but still feel intimate—thanks to fine dining restaurants with a la carte menus and perks like designer fashion shows and top shelf liquor. Our list also highlights some less traditional, boutique picks both on and off the beach, offering eclectic and exclusive all-inclusive adventures.

Not too long ago, the Palms Casino Resort, just west of the Strip, was synonymous with “Oops! I Did It Again”-era Britney Spears and the Playboy Club that attracted porn stars from all over the world. That changed when the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians bought the place in 2021, and the property became the largest Native American–owned hotel-casino in town. Since then, the San Manuel have restored the coolness factor the Palms enjoyed in its early aughts heyday. The Playboy Club is gone, but the famous themed suites got a refresh and are as mind-boggling as ever. The Hardwood Suite famously has an NBA-caliber basketball half-court and a full locker room, while the Kingpin Suite is designed around two bowling lanes. The Cinema Suite contains a screening room with theater-style seating and a full movie screen.


In addition to the specialty suites, Palms has 1,365 guest rooms, all recently renovated. Accommodations in the Fantasy Tower were designed with muted tones, while the ones in the Ivory Tower are more colorful and feature modern art on the walls. Ghost Bar, a cocktail lounge on the 55th floor, offers epic views of the Strip; it’s not as hopping as it was in the 2000s, but it still offers live entertainment every weekend.


Related: 7 Hotels to Book for “Non-Vegas” People

AFAR chose a destination at random—by literally spinning a globe—and sent Meghan Daum on a spontaneous journey to Peru.