The Finger Lakes’ Best Kept Secret: How Red Wines Are Redefining the Region

When you hear "Finger Lakes," your mind probably jumps straight to Riesling. For decades, this glacially carved region in Upstate New York has built a world-class reputation on its electric, terroir-driven white wines. But if you only stick to the whites on your next tasting tour, you’re missing out on the most exciting shift in the region's modern history.

A quiet revolution has taken root in the shale-rich soils surrounding Seneca, Keuka, and Cayuga lakes. Today, the Finger Lakes is proving to be an exceptional incubator for elegant, cool-climate red wines that are capturing the attention of sommeliers and wine lovers alike.

Here is a look at how red wines are stepping out of the shadows and redefining the Finger Lakes.

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The Magic of the Cool Climate

The Finger Lakes region is defined by its extreme weather, but the deep, plunging lakes act as massive thermal regulators. They store heat during the summer and release it through the autumn, extending the growing season just long enough to ripen red grapes without losing their essential acidity.

While global warming and shifting weather patterns have caused many traditional wine regions to produce heavier, higher-alcohol fruit bombs, the Finger Lakes naturally produces exactly what the modern wine drinker is craving: balance. The reds here are marked by lower alcohol, mouth-watering acidity, and complex, savory aromatics.

The Holy Trinity of Finger Lakes Reds

While local winemakers are known for their experimental spirit—dabbling in everything from Austrian Zweigelt to Georgian Saperavi—three primary red grapes have emerged as the defining pillars of the region:

• Cabernet Franc: If the Finger Lakes had to nominate a signature red, Cabernet Franc would be the undisputed champion. Unlike the dense, jammy versions found in warmer climates, Finger Lakes Cab Franc is celebrated for its nuance. Expect bright cherry and raspberry notes layered with subtle earthiness, peppery spice, and a hallmark herbaceousness. It’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly food-friendly.
• Blaufränkisch (Lemberger): Often bottled under its German name, Lemberger, this Austrian native thrives in the brisk New York climate. It yields a beautifully structured wine bursting with dark berries, cracked black pepper, and lively acidity. It's a favorite among local growers because of its winter hardiness and its ability to consistently offer a rustic yet sophisticated flavor profile.
• Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is notoriously finicky, but the specific microclimates along the lake slopes provide a perfect home for it. Finger Lakes Pinot Noir leans heavily toward Old World elegance. Rather than heavy oak and high extraction, these wines showcase delicate red fruit, floral aromatics, and a distinct, earthy minerality.

The "Chillable Red" and the Culinary Chameleon

The rise of Finger Lakes reds aligns perfectly with shifting consumer tastes. Wine lovers are increasingly seeking out "chillable reds"—lighter-bodied, unoaked, or lightly oaked wines that can take a slight chill in the fridge. The bright acidity and moderate tannins of Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc and red blends make them incredibly versatile year-round.

Furthermore, because these wines aren't masked by aggressive, mouth-drying tannins, they are culinary chameleons. They pair beautifully with a wide array of foods, cutting through the richness of a mushroom risotto, complementing the char of a wood-fired pizza, and serving as the perfect companion for a classic Thanksgiving turkey.

The Future is Red (and White)

Riesling will always be the historic beating heart of the Finger Lakes. The region's pioneering winemakers built their legacy by proving European vines could survive the brutal New York winters. Today, a new generation of winemakers is building on that foundation, dialing in on the specific clones, vineyard sites, and sustainable farming practices that make red varietals shine.

The next time you're stocking up your wine rack, don't stop at the whites. The Finger Lakes reds are calling, and they have a delicious story to tell.

No More Free Business Class: American Airlines Caps Elite Upgrades On Long-Haul Domestic Routes

American Airlines is rolling out a significant update to its AAdvantage® loyalty program that directly impacts elite status members flying on flagship transcontinental and Hawaii flights.

Beginning August 25, 2026, complimentary upgrades for status members booked in the Main Cabin on three-cabin domestic aircraft will no longer bump passengers directly into lie-flat Business Class. Instead, coach passengers will max out at Premium Economy.

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What Is Changing?

Under current rules, AAdvantage elite members booked in coach could clear complimentary upgrades straight into lie-flat Business Class on premier coast-to-coast and long-haul Hawaii routes.

Under the updated policy:

• Main Cabin to Premium Economy: Elite status members who purchase a Main Cabin ticket will now be placed on the upgrade list for Premium Economy only.
• Premium Economy to Business Class: To get a complimentary upgrade into Business Class, travelers must either purchase a Premium Economy ticket upfront or purchase an Instant Upgrade to Premium Economy after booking.
• Flights Without Premium Economy: On aircraft where Premium Economy is not offered, coach passengers remain eligible for direct complimentary upgrades to Business Class.

Affected Routes

The policy shift targets premium, long-haul domestic routes operated by widebody aircraft or specialty transcontinental sub-fleets (such as the Airbus A321T and A321neo/XLR):

• New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) & San Francisco (SFO)
• Boston (BOS) to Los Angeles (LAX)
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), & Kona (KOA)
• Phoenix (PHX) to Honolulu (HNL)
• Chicago (ORD) to Honolulu (HNL) & Maui (OGG)

What Remains Unchanged?

While complimentary upgrades are getting tighter, certain upgrade avenues remain intact:

• Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs): Confirmable Systemwide Upgrades earned by high-tier elites are unaffected by this change. SWUs can still be used to move directly from Main Cabin or Premium Economy into Business Class.
• Existing Confirmed Upgrades: Any complimentary Business Class upgrades confirmed prior to August 25 will be honored for travel on or after August 25, provided no itinerary changes are made.

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The Big Picture

This change aligns with a broader trend across major U.S. airlines looking to protect premium cabin revenue. As demand for paid lie-flat seats and Premium Economy cabins remains near record highs, carriers are increasingly limiting double-cabin "sweet spot" upgrades in favor of passengers willing to buy into higher fare classes upfront.

United Airlines Elevates Long-Haul Travel With The All-New 'Polaris Studio'

United Airlines has officially taken its long-haul business class experience to the next level with the rollout of United Polaris Studio, a brand-new "business-plus" product debuting as part of the carrier’s updated United Elevated interior fleet. Positioned at the front bulkheads of business class cabins on newly delivered Boeing 787-9 aircraft, Polaris Studio sits in the sweet spot between traditional business class and a classic first-class suite.

Here is a breakdown of what travelers can expect from United’s most luxurious cabin offering yet.

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1. 25% More Space & Sliding Privacy Doors

By taking advantage of the expanded footprint at the front row of the cabin, each United Polaris Studio suite offers 25% more living space than standard Polaris seats. The suites feature full-sliding privacy doors, warm wood-grain accents, inlaid quartzite tables, and soft wool-blend lie-flat seating designed for maximum comfort on ultra-long-haul flights.

2. Social Dining & Companion Seating

One of the most unique additions to Polaris Studio is the companion ottoman with a built-in seatbelt. This design element allows a fellow business class passenger to join you inside your suite during the flight—whether for a shared meal, a casual chat, or a mid-flight strategy session.

3. VIP Inflight Dining & Premium Amenities

Polaris Studio elevates soft-product dining beyond standard business class fare. Guests in these suites enjoy:

• Ossetra Caviar Service: An exclusive amuse-bouche paired with Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé champagne.
• Pre-Order Menus: Access to exclusive pre-order gourmet entrée choices and premium takeaway snack boxes.
• Upgraded Amenity Kits: Clinically formulated Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ skincare products, new noise-canceling headphones powered by Meridian, and hoodie-style lounge pajamas with matching slippers.

4. Cutting-Edge Tech

Entertainment and connectivity get a massive boost inside Polaris Studio:

• 27-Inch 4K OLED Touchscreen: The largest seatback screen offered by any U.S. airline.
• Wireless & Multi-Port Charging: Equipped with induction wireless charging pads alongside high-speed USB-C ports and standard universal power outlets.
• Direct Bluetooth Audio: Seamlessly pair personal wireless headphones directly to the inflight entertainment system.

5. VIP Ground Services

The elevated treatment begins well before stepping onto the aircraft. Travelers holding a Polaris Studio reservation receive:

• Access to United Polaris Lounges or United Club spaces.
• Dedicated Global Reception check-in desks where available.
• Preferred pre-boarding alongside United Global Services members.
• Tarmac transfers in luxury vehicles for tight connections at select hubs.

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Where to Fly It: United is actively deploying the new Elevated Boeing 787-9 fleet featuring Polaris Studio on select long-haul international routes. Expect at least 30 aircraft equipped with the new cabin by 2027–2028.

Travelore Tips: The Advantages Of United Airlines Bringing Polaris To Domestic Routes

For years, the United Polaris experience—with its lie-flat seats, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and premium dining—was a luxury reserved almost exclusively for long-haul international travelers. However, United has increasingly deployed Polaris-equipped aircraft on key domestic transcontinental routes.

Adding this international-grade product to domestic flights is a game-changer for frequent fliers. Here are the primary advantages of United's decision to bring Polaris home.

1. A True Lie-Flat Sanctuary

The most obvious benefit is the hardware. Traditional domestic "First Class" usually consists of wider leather recliners. Polaris, however, offers:

180-Degree Lie-Flat Seats: Essential for catching sleep on "red-eye" flights from the West Coast to the East Coast.

Direct Aisle Access: The 1-2-1 configuration means no more "climbing over" a neighbor to reach the aisle.

Enhanced Privacy: Higher suite walls and "do not disturb" indicators create a private office in the sky.

2. Seamless Productivity for Business Travelers

For those traveling between financial hubs like New York (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), and Los Angeles (LAX), a domestic Polaris flight turns travel time into billable hours.

Expansive Workspaces: The large console and sturdy tray table easily accommodate a 16-inch laptop and documents.

Multiple Power Points: Universal AC outlets and USB ports ensure your devices are fully charged upon landing.

3. Access to Premium Ground Services

Booking a domestic Polaris-marketed flight often unlocks access to United's most exclusive lounges.
Lounge Type - Domestic Polaris Benefit

United Club - Standard access for most transcontinental premium passengers.

Polaris Lounge - On specific premium transcon routes, passengers may gain access to the highly-rated Polaris Lounges, featuring spa-like showers and a-la-carte dining.

4. Competitive Edge in the "Transcon Wars"

The domestic premium market is incredibly competitive. By deploying Polaris aircraft, United maintains a significant edge over competitors:

JetBlue Mint: While Mint is highly praised, Polaris offers a larger global network and more robust lounge infrastructure.

American Airlines Flagship: United’s consistent 1-2-1 seating often beats American’s older 2-2-2 configurations on certain domestic widebodies.

5. Consistency for International Connections

There is nothing more jarring than flying 10 hours in a luxury suite only to connect to a cramped, narrow-body plane for the final 5 hours of a journey. By using Polaris aircraft on domestic legs that feed into international hubs, United provides a seamless premium experience from the first takeoff to the final landing.

Final Thoughts

While you won't find Polaris on every hop from Chicago to Denver, its presence on transcontinental and hub-to-hub routes represents a major step forward for domestic aviation. It transforms the flight from a "necessary evil" into a highlight of the trip, allowing travelers to arrive refreshed, recharged, and ready to work.

Travel Tip: When booking, look for aircraft types like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, 777-300ER, or the specially configured "high-J" 767-300ER on domestic routes to ensure

Nayarit’s Jungle Coast Redefines Luxury Travel On Mexico’s Pacific—Now More Accessible Than Ever

Along Mexico’s Pacific coast, a new expression of luxury is taking shape—one that trades excess for immersion, privacy for connection, and traditional resort experiences for a more profound relationship with nature. In the state of Nayarit, the jungle-meets-ocean landscape is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers in high-end travel—now supported by a new era of seamless access.

Where Jungle and Ocean Converge

Here, the Sierra Madre mountains descend dramatically into the Pacific, creating a rare environment where lush tropical jungle, secluded coves, and pristine coastline exist in near-perfect balance. This geography defines the experience—where mornings begin with wildlife sightings and end with uninterrupted ocean sunsets.

A New Definition of Luxury

Luxury in Nayarit is no longer defined by scale but by experience. Travelers are seeking privacy, authenticity, and environments that blend seamlessly into nature. Along this stretch of coastline, open-air living, organic design, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape have become the new standard.

This evolution reflects a broader shift in global travel—where meaningful experiences and environmental integration are as important as comfort and exclusivity.

A Gateway to the Jungle Coast

The emergence of the Riviera Nayarit International Airport (TPQ) is transforming how travelers access this once-remote region. Located just outside Tepic, the airport has undergone a major expansion and modernization, offering a streamlined arrival experience and direct international connectivity.

With new routes connecting key North American markets, the airport provides a less congested alternative to traditional gateways—placing travelers within reach of Nayarit’s coastline in under an hour via newly upgraded highways.

This proximity is redefining the destination’s appeal, opening access to previously underexplored areas of the state while maintaining the sense of seclusion that defines its luxury positioning.

Infrastructure Designed for Exploration

Nayarit’s transformation is also being driven by a significant investment in road infrastructure. A new network of highways—including Tepic–Compostela, Compostela–Las Varas, and coastal connectors—has dramatically reduced travel times between inland and coastal destinations.

Key routes now cut travel between Tepic and the coast by half, while new corridors linking Tepic to Puerto Vallarta reduce travel times to 75–90 minutes, creating a more fluid, multi-destination journey across the region.

These improvements not only enhance accessibility but also elevate the overall travel experience, turning the journey itself into a scenic exploration through jungle, mountains, and coastline.

Immersive Outdoor Experiences

The jungle coast invites both adventure and stylishness. Visitors can hike through dense tropical forests, explore hidden beaches, paddle along quiet coves, or surf uncrowded breaks—each experience grounded in the natural rhythm of the region.

Culture, Craft, and Connection

Beyond its landscapes, Nayarit’s identity is deeply tied to its cultural heritage. Indigenous communities, including the Wixárika, continue to shape the region’s artistic and spiritual traditions, offering travelers meaningful opportunities to connect with living culture.

Sustainability as a Guiding Principle

As development accelerates, sustainability remains central. Low-density planning, conservation initiatives, and environmentally integrated design are guiding the region’s growth—ensuring that its beauty remains intact for future generations.

The Future of Pacific Coast Travel

With its rare combination of untouched landscapes, cultural depth, and a reimagined approach to luxury—now supported by enhanced airlift and modern infrastructure—Nayarit is redefining travel on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

The result is a destination that feels both exclusive and accessible: where jungle meets ocean, and where the journey—now easier than ever—is as transformative as the destination itself.

About Nayarit

Located along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Nayarit is a fast-growing tourism destination known for its blend of luxury, nature, and cultural authenticity. Home to the Riviera Nayarit, the state features more than 300 kilometers of coastline with world-class resorts, boutique hotels, surf towns, and protected natural areas, alongside nine Pueblos Mágicos and rich indigenous heritage.

With expanding air connectivity through Tepic International Airport and a strong focus on sustainability, Nayarit continues to position itself as a global destination offering diverse, high-quality travel experiences.

American Express Platinum Lounge Access Update: Lufthansa Partnership Changes

The landscape for premium travel perks continues to shift. For American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders, a significant update has arrived regarding access to Lufthansa Lounges.

What’s Changing?

For the past few years, one of the "secret" weapons of the Amex Platinum card was the ability to access Lufthansa’s business and senator lounges when flying with the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines). However, American Express has officially announced a reduction in this specific lounge benefit.

While the partnership isn't dissolving entirely, the access criteria have tightened:

Restricted Locations: Access is being phased out at several secondary hub airports, focusing the benefit exclusively on major international gateways like Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC).

Fare Class Requirements: Previously, some flexibility existed for various economy fares. Moving forward, cardholders must be on a confirmed qualifying international itinerary with more stringent "Basic" fare exclusions.

Guest Policy Tightening: Similar to the Centurion Lounge changes, complimentary guest access for Lufthansa lounges is being removed for standard Platinum members unless a specific annual spend threshold is met.

Why the Change?

This move follows a broader trend in the credit card industry: crowd control. With the surge in premium card memberships over the last few years, lounges have reached capacity limits. By narrowing access, Amex and Lufthansa aim to:

Prioritize Business Class Passengers: Ensuring those who paid for premium seats have space.

Reduce Overcrowding: Maintaining the "luxury" feel of the lounge experience.

Encourage Spend: Pushing users toward the $75,000+ annual spend mark to unlock guest privileges.

How to Check Your Access

Before you head to the terminal, don't rely on old habits. Use these tools to verify your entry:

Amex App: Check the "Find a Lounge" tool within the American Express mobile app.

Lufthansa Website: Cross-reference your flight's fare class with their current partner access list.

Better Alternatives for Cardholders

If you find yourself locked out of the Lufthansa lounge, remember your Platinum card still offers:

The Centurion Lounge Network: Still the gold standard for Amex-owned spaces.

Delta SkyClubs: (When flying Delta).

Priority Pass Select: Access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide (though often crowded).

Pro Tip: If you frequently fly through Germany, consider checking if your specific flight allows for a "buy-up" to lounge access at a discounted rate via the Lufthansa app—sometimes the peace and quiet are worth the small fee if your card no longer covers it.

Smithsonian Journeys Launches DISCOVER Getaways

A New Collection of Weeklong, Small-Group Travel Experiences Offering Exceptional Value. Itineraries in France, the Galápagos, Italy, Japan, Malta, Morocco, Turkey, Switzerland, Jordan, and the United States.

Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian’s travel program and a recognized leader in enriching small group exploration, has launched DISCOVER Getaways, a new collection of 11 weeklong, all-inclusive journeys to exciting destinations across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. Each multi-city journey is enriched with a robust schedule of guided activities and excursions, expert lectures, hands-on learning experiences and cultural encounters, all blended with free time for travelers to explore at their own pace.

Designed for discerning travelers with busy schedules, the itineraries create an environment of discovery, connection and shared learning, hallmarks of Smithsonian Journeys programs for over 55 years. Bookings are now open for departures beginning in February 2027. Each journey is limited to no more than 24 travelers, features convenient weekend departures and is accompanied by a Smithsonian Journeys Expert, a dedicated tour director and a team of knowledgeable local guides.

“Many of our guests, both longtime travelers and those newly discovering Smithsonian Journeys, tell us that the demands of work and family can make it challenging to find time for a truly meaningful escape,” said Walter Littlejohn III, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys. “In response, we distilled the very best of our guided land journeys into thoughtfully crafted, weeklong itineraries that deliver exceptional value, seamless planning and an extraordinary level of enrichment. With nearly every detail included, even airfare, these journeys feel effortless yet deeply rewarding. They invite travelers to step away from the everyday, even if just for a week, and immerse themselves in the richness, access and perspective that only Smithsonian Journeys can provide.”

Each DISCOVER Getaway includes:

A Smithsonian Journeys Expert, a distinguished scholar, scientist, or cultural specialist–who brings essential context, insight and depth to each destination.

International and/or internal airfare, incorporated for exceptional value and ease.

Distinctive accommodations selected for exceptional quality, comfort, and location.

A dedicated tour director, who ensures a seamless travel experience from start to finish.

Well-paced daily activities and curated excursions, led by dynamic and knowledgeable local guides, complemented by thoughtfully planned free time for independent exploration.

Most meals as noted in the itinerary (B-breakfast; L-lunch; R-reception; D-dinner).

Group airport transfers and on-tour transportation.

Pre-tour educational materials, including a curated reading list to enrich the journey.

Destination taxes and most gratuities.

Post-departure medical and dental coverage ($250,000 per person) and emergency assistance and transportation coverage ($1,000,000 per person)

2027 Itineraries

Discover Japan: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto

March 20–28; April 17–25; May 8–16; Sept. 18–26; Oct. 2–10; and Oct. 23–31, 2027.

Nine days starting at $8,184 per person, double occupancy. Includes air, taxes and fees.

Guests will explore Japan’s thrilling mix of old and new—bullet trains and Zen gardens, ancient temples and futuristic city streets—on a journey to two iconic capital cities and the tranquil mountains of Hakone. They will visit Tokyo’s oldest temple—and its eclectic markets—and gain insight into the culture of sumo. They will encounter timeless traditions of art and hospitality while staying at a ryokan near Mount Fuji, then experience Kyoto’s serene beauty from the Fushimi Inari shrine to the historic streets of Gion.

Discover the Galápagos: Historic Quito to Santa Cruz Island

May 1–8; May 8–15; June 5–12; July 3–10; Sept. 18–25; and Oct. 16–23, 2027

Eight days starting at $6,784 per person, double occupancy. Includes air, taxes and fees.

Guests will explore the incomparable Galápagos Islands by private yacht on a weeklong journey that begins in the historic heart of Quito. They can discover the charming churches and colonial architecture of this World Heritage site, then fly to the Galápagos to spend four unforgettable days encountering unusual species on nature walks and snorkeling excursions and sail to unique volcanic isles.

Discover Provence and the Côte d’Azur: France’s Mediterranean Charms

April 16–24; April 30–May 8; May 14–22; Sept. 24–Oct. 2; Oct. 8–16; and Oct. 22–30, 2027

Nine days starting at $5,997 per person, double occupancy. Includes air, taxes and fees.

A celebrated retreat since the Romans passed through, the South of France is famous for its pastel-colored towns, thyme-scented hills and stunning coastline. Participants will spend a week discovering the historic highlights of Provence, from the Papal Palace in Avignon to the ancient (and elegant) Pont du Gard. They will venture to the limestone crags of Les Baux and van Gogh’s haunts in Arles, then head for the Riviera to explore the delights of Nice and the glittering enclave of Monaco.

Discover Malta: Historic Treasures and Local Life

March 20–28; April 10–18; April 24–May 2; Sept. 25–Oct. 3; Oct. 16–24; and Nov. 6–14, 2027

Nine days starting at $5,774 per person, double occupancy. Includes air, taxes and fees.

Poised strategically between the eastern and western Mediterranean, the island nation of Malta is graced with sun-warmed stone cities, vivid reminders of ancient and medieval history, and a thriving local culture. Travelers will crisscross the archipelago, enjoying private palace tours, local cooking classes, jeep tours and harbor cruises. They will encounter baroque gems and megalithic tombs, then venture to stunning seaside cliffs as they discover the allure of one of Europe’s lesser-known gems.

Discover Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya

April 10–18; May 8–16; Sept. 11–19; Oct. 9–17; and Oct. 23–31, 2027

Nine days starting at $5,992 per person, double occupancy. Includes air, taxes and fees.

Guests will experience some of Turkey’s most captivating corners on a journey that begins with a three-night stay amid the iconic mosques and bustling bazaars of Istanbul. They will continue to Cappadocia to explore its intriguing moonscape of rock-hewn villages and whimsical fairy chimneys. Capping off the adventure in Antalya, they will discover ancient sites and picturesque medieval streets on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.

Discover Morocco: Enchanting Medinas and Ancient Capitals

Feb. 20–28; March 13–21; April 10–18; Sept. 25–Oct. 3; Oct. 16–24; and Nov. 6–14, 2027

Nine days starting at $6,479 per person, double occupancy. Includes air, taxes and fees.

From its lively medinas to its enduring traditions, Morocco radiates with enduring traditions and graceful artistry. On a journey to all four of its imperial capitals, guests will weave through the bustling souks of Marrakech and Fez, where the modern and ancient intersect. They will venture into the medieval kasbah of Rabat, the Roman city of Volubilis and encounter vestiges of imperial grandeur in Meknes. They will meet artisans plying timeless crafts and spend time with local families, experiencing legendary Moroccan hospitality.

Discover Italy: Tuscany and Umbria

April 10–18; April 24–May 2; May 15–23; Sept. 18–26; Oct. 2–10; Oct. 16–24

Nine days starting at $5,074 per person, double occupancy. Includes air, taxes and fees.

Guests will settle into countryside properties in the cypress-dotted hills of Tuscany and Umbria and venture out to experience the world-renowned cities of Florence and Siena as well as medieval hilltop towns where time stands still. They will come face-to-face with art and architecture that changed history, from Michelangelo’s David to the ideal Renaissance town of Pienza. Guests will step into another century in San Gimignano and Perugia and sample local vintages along Chianti’s wine route.

Discover Jordan: Petra, Jerash, and the Dead Sea

Feb. 27–March 7; March 13–21; April 3–11; Oct. 2–10; Oct. 23–31; and Nov. 13–21, 2027

Nine days starting at $4,797 per person, double occupancy. Includes air, taxes and fees.

Steeped in history from biblical times to the Byzantine Empire, Jordan is home to ancient treasures and a vibrant modern-day culture. Guests can travel from the bustling streets of Amman to Jerash to wander its remarkably preserved Roman ruins. At Mount Nebo, they can marvel at intricate mosaics and sweeping views, then continue to the incomparable Petra, where a narrow canyon leads to a mystical city carved out of red rock. They can cap off the adventure with a float in the Dead Sea.

Discover Switzerland: Across the Bernese Alps

May 15–23; June 5–13; June 26–July 4; Aug. 28–Sept. 5; Sept. 11–19; and Sept. 25–Oct. 3, 2027

Nine days starting at $7,592 per person, double occupancy. Includes air, taxes and fees.

Home to iconic peaks like the Jungfrau, Switzerland’s Bernese Alps harbor timeless mountain villages set amid spectacular scenery. From lakeside Lucerne, guests will ascend to fabled Grindelwald to take in extraordinary views from the “top of Europe” and hike through the dramatic Lauterbrunnen Valley. They will encounter glaciers, waterfalls and pristine Alpine lakes and ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train. Then they will descend into Swiss wine country on their way to Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Discover Alaska: Fairbanks Under the Northern Lights

Feb. 24–March 2; March 3–9; March 10–16; March 17–23; March 24–30; and March 31–April 6, 2027

Seven days starting at $6,297 per person, double occupancy. Includes air, taxes and fees. Travelers will experience the pristine wilderness of America’s northern frontier as they travel from Anchorage into Alaska’s interior in pursuit of nature’s most spectacular light show: the aurora borealis. Between nighttime viewing sessions, they will cruise Prince William Sound alongside otters and sea lions, don crampons for a glacier walk and ride a train past the peaks of Denali National Park. They can walk among reindeer outside Fairbanks and strap in for a dogsled ride pulled by Iditarod huskies.

To book DISCOVER Getaways, visit the Smithsonian Journeys website or call 1-855-330-1542.

Lufthansa’s New Premium On-Board Experience: FOX Launches In First Class

Lufthansa’s new premium onboard experience, FOX (Future Onboard Experience), was successfully launched in First Class on March 29. FOX represents one of the largest investments in the onboard customer experience in Lufthansa’s history. The program was developed over a two-year period, involving more than 110 test flights, and incorporating feedback from over 500 crew members and more than 9,000 guests. With its new service concept, Lufthansa is revamping all service elements and processes on board across all long-haul flights and throughout all travel classes, with First Class leading the way.

“To mark our 100th anniversary, we are redefining onboard service with FOX – in all classes and on all long-haul flights. We are investing more than 70 million euros in our long-haul service and, with it, in the customer experience. Our new offering combines outstanding comfort with the highest degree of individuality, creating moments that are truly unique. Every detail of our new onboard experience has been designed with the aim of setting new standards in premium travel – not only in First Class, but in all four travel classes,” said Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines.

New in First Class:

In addition to new tableware, a varied gourmet breakfast – including caviar upon request – and an expanded beverage menu featuring new cocktails, long drinks, and mocktails, the First Class menus are designed to deliver a memorable experience. They showcase modern, light fine dining – created by two-Michelin-starred chef Christoph Kunz. With his restaurant Komu in Munich, he is one of the defining voices of modern and creative haute cuisine. With FOX, First Class travelers enjoy a curated selection of smaller courses, presented as trilogies for the amuse-bouche, the appetizer, and the dessert. For the main course, guests have a choice to opt between a single dish or a tasting menu. Together, Christoph Kunz and Lufthansa have created a high-quality, yet surprising concept.

Aside from the new FOX menus, First Class travelers on Lufthansa will continue to enjoy the popular caviar service, which has been one of the “Lufthansa Signature Moments” since the introduction of First Class. In addition to the premium caviar served with the traditional accompaniments of lemon, egg, shallot, and crème fraîche, blinis are now also served – traditionally presented on a mother-of-pearl spoon, which is also new on board.

Lufthansa is also offering First Class guests an even more premium champagne selection. For the first time, the airline is serving the exquisite Prestige cuvée La Grande Dame from the renowned Veuve Clicquot. In addition to the rotating selection of premium champagnes, which will continue to be offered, First Class guests can now enjoy the exceptional quality of La Grande Dame on every flight.

The innovative amenity kit from BABOR completes the premium travel experience in FOX First Class. With the amenity menu, guests can individually select cosmetics and skincare products that best suit their preferences and their skin needs. The crew then brings guests the chosen products directly to their seats.

The new FOX Premium Service is now available on all long-haul flights.

United And Chef's Table Bring Together World-Renowned Chefs To Create New, Exclusive Inflight Meals

United is teaming up with Chef's Table, the brand behind the award-winning Netflix series, to introduce 10 new, exclusive meal experiences to its United Polaris® international business class menu. The airline has enlisted 11 world-renowned chefs from four continents – representing United's seven U.S. hub cities and key international gateways in London, Tokyo and São Paulo – to curate regionally-inspired meals.

"United's network spans many of the culinary capitals of the world, allowing us to authentically bring together acclaimed chefs from around the globe," said Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer, United Airlines. "Our collaboration with Chef's Table shows how we're leveraging our unique position as the world's largest airline* to deliver restaurant-quality moments in the sky. Our United Polaris international business class travelers are going to love the new dishes coming later this year."

"This collaboration represents an unprecedented look at how we can elevate the inflight dining experience, bringing the culinary brilliance featured on Chef's Table to the skies," said Justin Connor, President of Chef's Table Projects. "By partnering with United, we are turning a global culinary journey into a reality for millions of passengers. Many travelers around the world will be able to experience firsthand the artistry of these 11 world-renowned chefs on their plates at 35,000 feet. Together we'll create incredible, regionally-inspired meals and unforgettable experiences for travelers from takeoff to landing."

Starting August 1, United Polaris international business class travelers can taste recipes from Chef's Table culinary talent. Each chef will create complete meal experiences, including an appetizer, salad and entrée, for flights departing from the chef's home city that inspired the recipes. The line-up of chefs includes:

Los Angeles – Nancy Silverton, Osteria Mozza

A James Beard Award-winning chef and author, Nancy Silverton is a culinary icon and the co-owner of Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles, where she brings her passion for Italian cuisine and artisan ingredients to life.

New York/Newark – Fariyal Abdullahi, Hav & Mar

Chef Fariyal Abdullahi is the Executive Chef of Hav & Mar in New York, where a convergence of her travels and Ethiopian ancestry comes to life with an infusion of European technique in the unique flavors of her meals.

São Paulo – Manu Buffara, Manu

Chef Manu Buffara is the culinary force behind Manu in Curitiba, where she cooks with a keen sense of stewardship, elevating the bold, vibrant flavors of Brazilian cuisine with a modern sensibility and responsible agriculture practices.

Chicago – Jenner Tomaska, Esmé, The Alston and Petite Edith

Chef Jenner Tomaska is a three-time James Beard-nominated chef and co-owner of Michelin-starred Esmé in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood where he blends classical French cooking techniques with artistry, as well as steakhouse, The Alston located in the Gold Coast district, and French-Midwestern bistro, Petite Edith, in River North.

Houston – Justin Yu, Theodore Rex

A native Houstonian, Chef Justin Yu is a James Beard Award-winning chef and the owner of Houston's Theodore Rex, a relaxed fine dining restaurant with a French touch.

Denver – Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton

Denver native Chef Penelope Wong celebrates the diversity that has helped shape Denver's food scene, bringing the flavors of her Asian American childhood with memories of her family to her eatery, Yuan Wonton.

San Francisco – David Barzelay, Lazy Bear, JouJou & True Laurel

Chef David Barzelay, a visionary for unpretentious American fine dining, owns the two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Lazy Bear, in San Francisco's Mission District, JouJou in the Design District and True Laurel in the Mission.

Washington, D.C. – Isabel Coss & Matt Conroy, Lutèce

Chefs Isabel Coss and Matt Conroy combine French technique and Mexican sensibility into Michelin-starred Lutèce, creating refined seasonal dishes that highlight bold flavors.

London – Tomos Parry, Mountain & Brat

Chef Tomos Parry is the founder and co-owner of three open-fire restaurants in London, including the Michelin-starred Mountain in Soho and the Michelin-starred Brat in East London. Inspired by his Welsh and Celtic heritage, his cuisine combines the traditions, techniques and cooking styles of northern Spain.

Tokyo – Tashi Gyamtso, Jimgu, Enowa Yufuin

Chef Tashi Gyamtso is the acclaimed head chef of Jimgu, the farm-driven restaurant featuring menus solely based on what the land provides.

Chef's Table is an Emmy Award-winning documentary series that spotlights the world's most extraordinary chefs who are redefining the culinary landscape. The series is available only on Netflix.

For more information, visit united.com.

Travelore News: Marriott's Ritz-Carlton Reserve Is Getting An Urban Offshoot

Even the brand offshoots are getting brand offshoots these days in luxury travel.

Marriott International's Ritz-Carlton Reserve, an even more experience-led, ultra-luxury offshoot of the Ritz-Carlton brand, is getting its own brand extension, according to the head of Marriott's luxury division. Tina Edmundson, president of luxury brands at Marriott International, revealed the Ritz-Carlton Urban Reserve (a working title, we’re told) concept during a press conference at the Forbes Travel Guide Summit in Monaco late last month.

"We're looking at several urban locations at this point," Edmundson said, adding that the concept is a natural evolution given where the luxury market is heading. "We think that will be a wonderful extension for us."

Further details on specific potential locations or the overall development pipeline were not provided.

The news follows the recent announcement at ILTM Cannes of St. Regis Estates, a residential-focused brand extension of the St. Regis portfolio, the first iteration of which — currently known as The Resort at Pelican Hill in California’s Newport Beach — is scheduled to rebrand later this year. The combined expansions signal that Marriott's luxury division has plenty of runway, stretching its most storied nameplates into new formats and experiences rather than simply adding traditional hotel rooms. It also shows the increasing versatility of the Ritz-Carlton flag, which also encompasses The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Edmundson used the occasion to paint a broader picture of where the luxury portfolio stands today. The company now has 555 luxury hotels open, with 270 in the pipeline. Among the most anticipated openings slated for 2026: an Edition in Cape Town, an Edition in Dali, China, a W in Sardinia, a JW Marriott in Costa Rica, a Luxury Collection property in Japan, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Morgan Valley, Australia, and new St. Regis hotels in London as well as in Budapest.

Beyond the portfolio news, Edmundson offered a window into how Marriott's luxury division is thinking about the guest of today and tomorrow. The overarching framework she described is a shift from "high net worth" to what she termed "high life worth" — the idea that the wealthiest travelers are no longer primarily motivated by acquisition, but by experiences, self-development, and meaningful connection.

Three pillars anchor this philosophy: longevity, connections, and experiences. On the longevity front, she noted that affluent guests have moved well past the spa-and-yoga era into more active wellness: biohacking, red light therapy, and "checking in with your body rather than checking out." Edmundson cited the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch as an example, where skiers are now using red light therapy after a day on the slopes to reduce inflammation and recover faster.

On connections, she pointed to the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as well as the brand's roughly 1,500 branded residential rentals, which are increasingly being designed with communal spaces that encourage a sense of community among guests.

Regarding experiences, she reinforced that the luxury traveler today wants what can only be found in a specific place. Edmundson highlighted the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain's stargazing program, which teaches guests why Tucson is considered the birthplace of the dark sky movement, as a model for the kind of hyper-local, education-infused programming her hotels are being encouraged to develop.

"It's never been easier to move people physically," Edmundson said. "It's never been more difficult to move them emotionally. We want our hotels to really focus on that."

https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/person/cameron-sperance-1

Tickets Now Available For United's First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner With Elevated Interior Flights

Travelers can book seats on United's most premium international aircraft yet – the 787-9 Dreamliner with the United Elevated interior. Unveiled last May, this new aircraft has been redesigned from nose-to-tail with 99 total premium seats – the highest of percentage among U.S. carriers – and marks the introduction of the airline's new United Polaris Studio℠ suites: eight, lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats that are 25% larger than standard United Polaris® seats with privacy doors*, an extra ottoman seat, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, new amenity kits with elevated skincare offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a huge 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen – the largest among U.S. carriers.

The aircraft will take its inaugural international flight for customers from San Francisco to Singapore, UA1, on April 22. It will launch its second international route from San Francisco to London, UA901, later next month on April 30. Over the next few weeks, customers may see the plane flying on select domestic routes between San Francisco and Houston as the plane prepares for international service.

"The new era of premium air travel is coming soon with our first Elevated aircraft taking flight next month. Our new aircraft redefines international long-haul flying, providing travelers upgraded amenities and experiences in every cabin," said Andrew Nocella, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at United. "We're constantly pioneering new ways to differentiate our customers' experience in every seat, and we're confident they will love it."

An Elevated Experience at Every Seat

Whether flying up in United Polaris or in United Economy®, customers will notice thoughtful upgrades designed to make long-haul travel better, including:

Eight new United Polaris Studio suites

United's most spacious business class seats

Fully lie-flat seats

Ottoman with a seatbelt for companions in six of the eight seats

Massive 27-inch 4K OLED seatback screen – the largest of any U.S. airline – with Bluetooth connectivity

Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, including duvet, day blanket, large pillow and cooling gel pillow

Exclusive hoodie-pajamas and slippers

New noise-cancelling headphones powered by Meridian technology

Amenity kits featuring clinically formulated Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ elevated skincare products

United-branded playing cards – perfect for passing time with someone in the ottoman seat

56 United Polaris® seats

Fully lie-flat seats

Choice in seats that face the window or center of the aircraft for individuals or joint travelers

19-inch 4K OLED touchscreens with Bluetooth connectivity

United Polaris snack bar

35 United Premium Plus® seats

Roomier seats with added privacy dividers and built-in reading light, a first for United Premium Plus

16-inch 4K OLED touchscreens with Bluetooth connectivity

Wireless charging

Upgraded dining and amenities

39 Economy Plus® and 84 Economy seats

13-inch 4K OLED seatback screens with Bluetooth connectivity at every seat

6 power outlets per row

Larger overhead bins

To celebrate the inaugural flight, United will hold a gate event in San Francisco before the first international departure for customers. United will also be hosting tours of the aircraft for media next week ahead of the first commercial flight.

United plans to have at least 30 787-9's with the Elevated interior flying around the globe by the end of 2027.

Customers can view the seat map and purchase tickets at united.com and on the United app later today.

*Privacy doors are temporarily unavailable

Travelore News: Amex Opens Its First Sidecar Lounge In Las Vegas With A Restaurant-Style Dining Experience

The issuer’s first-ever Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge location opened March 4, 2026, at Las Vegas International Airport (LAS). This newest lounge concept reimagines the traditional Centurion Lounge experience with an “express” format designed just for travelers short on time.

It’s also the tiniest airport lounge in the entire network. With space for just 33 guests, the emphasis on express is huge.

However, it’s a worthy stop instead of the nearby Centurion Lounge the next time you’re visiting Las Vegas. Rather than a traditional buffet, guests can enjoy a restaurant-style dining experience, with menu items ordered via QR code served both quickly and efficiently.

Here’s a first look at what travelers can expect inside.

Amex Sidecar by Centurion Lounge at Las Vegas (LAS)

The very first Amex Centurion Lounge debuted in Las Vegas in 2013. And just a lucky 13 years later, the issuer is returning to its roots to launch something new to its portfolio.

“Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge was born out of the fact that a significant portion of Centurion Lounge visitors stay for an hour or less,” said AmexTravel.com’s president, Audrey Hendley. “This is not only an exciting return to LAS, but a new approach we created for those travelers looking for an upscale and efficient respite — even when they have a short window before boarding their flight.”

Measuring at just 1,500 square feet, the new Sidecar lounge is easily the smallest outpost in the Centurion Lounge network. In fact, it feels more like an elevated Escape Lounge, though with food and drink taking center stage here.

Sidecar is designed as an ideal stop for cardmembers who want a quality bite and a crafted drink without committing to a full lounge visit. Through its dining platform Resy, American Express tapped into top James Beard-award-winning chefs to curate the menu for this new lounge concept.

Location

The new Sidecar lounge is located near Terminal 1’s D Gates, joining an already competitive lineup that includes the flagship Centurion Lounge, the Capital One Lounge, a United Club, and The Club LAS.

The new Sidecar lounge is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific Time. Notably, Sidecar is less than a 5-minute walk from the Centurion Lounge — a smart move that gives eligible cardmembers an alternative when the main lounge is crowded, or vice versa.

In fact, the new Sidecar Lounge at LAS is only available to eligible cardmembers within 90 minutes of their departing flight, helping maintain the steady flow of its quick, in-and-out dining concept. That’s a notable change from traditional Centurion Lounge locations, which allow entry up to 3 hours before a scheduled departure.

Guests are personally greeted and ushered to their bar seat or table. However, with room for just 33 guests, only time will tell whether waitlists prevail or if Amex can nail down the timing to satisfy each guest.

Food and Drink

The shredded lettuce paired well with the panko-breaded chicken cutlet.

If you’re tired of lounge buffets with a seemingly stale menu, this isn’t what you’ll find at Sidecar.

Sidecar is where you’ll want to visit instead of the traditional Centurion Lounge, if only for the food and drink alone.

The Sidecar by Centurion Lounge is very reminiscent of the Capital One Landing concept — the first major credit card lounge network to introduce true restaurant-style dining in late 2024.

Despite the express nature of this space, there’s no grab-and-go offering like you’ll find at other competing lounges.

Upon entry, guests are seated at the bar or a table. They can place orders for complimentary, made-to-order hot dishes, small plates, and beverages via a QR code powered by the popular restaurant ordering platform Toast.

The experience feels far more like a restaurant than a lounge. Food and drinks are delivered by a server, creating a seamless, sit-down atmosphere. Even better, you can order craft cocktails, small-production wines, and nonalcoholic beverages that are intentionally paired with the dishes.

All dishes are made to order and are all intended to come out in 8 minutes or less.

I started with a couple of appetizers: avocado toast with black sesame seeds, a refreshing cucumber salad with crispy rice pearls and (optional) chili oil, followed by mushroom and egg bites with hints of garlic and mustard greens.

Sidecar aims to bring a fresh new menu. Each month, it will rotate a new “Chef Signature Sandwich.” This month, guests will get to savor a unique take on a slider with chicken parmesan.

All of the dishes (and desserts!) I sampled were tasty, fresh, and full of flavor. I loved how diverse the menu was, offering something for every dietary restriction.

Amenities

Though Sidecar is a much smaller space, it still offers amenities you’d expect from a traditional lounge. This includes private restrooms but no shower suites.

Power outlets and updated USB ports are plentiful throughout the space, so you’re never far from a place to plug in.

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is also available and performs reliably.

How To Access Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge at LAS

This newest Sidecar lounge is another addition to the growing Amex Centurion Lounge portfolio and broader Global Lounge Collection. While the entry times are slightly different for Sidecar, the lounge access policies are the same as for any other Amex Centurion Lounge.

A digital waitlist will be available to guests, just as it is at the main Centurion Lounge. However, cardmembers can add themselves to only 1 waitlist at a time.

The following cards will give you access to the Sidecar Lounge and other Centurion Lounges: Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Centurion® Card from American Express*, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (when you book your same-day Delta flight with your Delta Reserve card), and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (when you book your same-day Delta flight with your Delta Reserve Business card).

By Stella Shon

Travelore News: Lufthansa’s Allegris Business Class Seats In The Boeing 787-9 Are Now Available For Booking On Flights Departing From March 29

As the partial certification of the new Allegris Business Class in the Dreamliner has made further significant progress in recent days, the seats – with the exception of three seats in the second row – are now expected to be approved even earlier. For travel from March 29 – and thus in time for the start of the summer flight schedule – bookings are now possible for 25 of a total of 28 seats.

On February 16, the Lufthansa Group announced that the seats would be available for booking from April 15. Now, Business Class on the Boeing 787-9 can be booked, with virtually no restrictions, for flights from the end of March. At least ten Dreamliners are expected to be in service from Frankfurt at this time. With 25 Allegris seats available for booking starting today, over 200 additional business class seats in the state-of-the-art and successful Allegris class will be available for purchase every day.

From Frankfurt, Allegris will fly to Austin, Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá, Cape Town, Shanghai, Hyderabad, and Hong Kong at the start of the summer flight schedule. From June, the destinations will be New York JFK and Los Angeles, followed by Delhi in July. The Dreamliner will also fly to Toronto, Montréal, Lagos, and Malabo, initially with some flights featuring Allegris and others without.

The Boeing 787-9 has been flying with Allegris from Frankfurt since October 9, 2025. Nine brand-new aircraft have already arrived in Frankfurt, and 20 more Dreamliners have been ordered. Lufthansa Airlines plans to have a total of 29 Boeing 787-9s by the end of 2027.

Exclusive Sky Garden Floor Opens At Four Seasons Philadelphia With Eight Ultra-Luxury Suites

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center announces the official opening of Sky Garden, unveiling a residential-style floor that redefines luxury living in the sky. Designed by award-winning 1508 London, Sky Garden brings together three defining pillars—art, wellness, and epicurean—into a deeply personal, immersive experience available exclusively to guests of this floor.

More than a collection of amenities, Sky Garden was envisioned as a composed environment—where proportion, materiality, light, and landscape work quietly together to shape emotion. This residential-style floor privileges calm over spectacle and intimacy over scale, inviting guests to experience luxury in a way that feels personal and unforced.

Featuring four guest rooms, two one-bedroom suites, a two-bedroom suite and an expansive two-bedroom penthouse, each accommodation is tailored to the discerning traveller and delivered with Four Seasons signature hospitality and intuitive service. The garden-in-the-sky concept draws inspiration from the floor’s Wildflower Green Roof, offering a lush backdrop to city views and enhancing the expansive private terraces featured in select accommodations.

Art: A Curated Collection Above the Clouds

Curated by Hanabi: Art and Artists, a premier art consultancy, and drawing on inspiration from Philadelphia’s design heritage and cultural identity, the Sky Garden art collection was conceived to evoke the feeling of a private home. From eclectic groupings in the foyer to tranquil spa works and bespoke pieces in every guest room, the pieces express a dialogue between past, present, and future—reinforcing Sky Garden’s role as a refined sanctuary in Philadelphia.

Featuring works from both local and internationally sourced artists, the collection draws on themes of geometry, natural materials, and bold line work, blending timeless elegance with unexpected details. Central to the artistic narrative is the influence of Alexander Calder, whose legacy is deeply rooted in Philadelphia. Inspired by Calder’s dynamic exploration of movement, form, and balance, the collection incorporates strong lines, vibrant contrasts, and unexpected forms—creating a modern interpretation of his iconic style within an elevated residential setting.

Wellness: A Sanctuary in the Sky

Nestled on the floor is an exclusive treatment room designed as a private refuge where mind, body, and spirit are nurtured—empowering guests to restore clarity, replenish energy, and elevate vitality in everyday life. The concept, High Vitality, is guided by three curated pillars—Reset, Rest, and Rise—offering restorative journeys that go beyond a traditional spa visit to deliver personalized treatments focused on longevity, resilience, and sustained vitality.

Partnering with leading wellness experts and select brands, High Vitality gives guests access to tools, techniques, and rituals that can be continued long after their stay—offering not just a moment of renewal, but a blueprint for balanced living. Guests may enhance treatments with advanced wellness technologies including a PEMF mat, red light therapy, and an infrared sauna blanket, supporting optimal performance, recovery, and long-term well-being.

To further integrate the wellness experience, the Sky Terrace Penthouse accommodations also feature a private studio, equipped with a Peloton bike, Echelon Reflect Fitness Mirror and a Technogym Home workout bench.

Culinary: An Elevated In-Room Experience

The floor features exclusive culinary experiences that redefine in-room dining. Guests staying in the Sky Terrace Suite and the 4,000-square-foot (375 square metre) Sky Terrace Penthouse will have access to menus curated by Philadelphia’s celebrated chef partner restaurants—Vernick Fish and Jean-Georges. Bespoke touches, such as curated flatware and custom glassware designed by a local glassblower, transform the suite into an intimate stage for exceptional gastronomy, blending world-class artistry with the privacy of a sky-high setting.

Select accommodations also include spacious kitchens and a dedicated butler’s pantry, offering ease and flexibility for those traveling with private chefs, hosting lavish dinner parties, or enjoying extended stays with full kitchen amenities.

An Intimate Expression of Four Seasons Luxury

With its residential sensibility, curated art collection, exclusive wellness concept, and bespoke culinary moments, Sky Garden represents a new expression of luxury at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia—one that prioritizes a residential-inspired lifestyle, personalization, and purposeful design.

“The Sky Garden floor commands a new standard of luxury in the region,” says Cornelia Samara, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. “Every element was designed to anticipate our guests’ desires—offering personalized touches, elevated comforts, and a sense of home that reflects the warmth and care at the heart of Four Seasons hospitality. The concept of Sky Garden lies not in what is added, but in what is carefully composed, creating an experience that feels deeply residential and effortlessly refined.”

Sky Garden unfolds as a sanctuary above the city—an environment where art, wellness, and culinary excellence converge in harmony, prioritizing calm over spectacle and intimacy over scale.

Be among the first to discover the newest accommodations by calling +1 215 419 5000 or emailing res.philadelphia@fourseasons.com to reserve.

Lufthansa Allegris Business Class Seats In The Boeing 787-9 Now Available For Booking

With Allegris, Lufthansa introduced a completely redesigned cabin concept for long-haul flights in the summer of 2024. The Allegris cabin has been flying around the world from Munich in the Airbus A350-900 for over a year and a half, and since October 2025, Allegris has also been flying from Frankfurt in a brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

After further important milestones in the certification process were reached in recent weeks, nothing now stands in the way of the approval of Allegris Business Class in the Boeing 787-9 – with the exception of three seats in the second row of the compartment. As of today, 25 of a total of 28 seats in Business Class can be booked for travel from April 15.

When booking, travelers have the option of selecting special Allegris seats in Business Class. Reservations for Classic Seats remain free of charge and offer all the benefits of the new travel class. Passengers can also book seats with additional comfort (the Business Class Suite, the Extra Space Seat with extra legroom, the Privacy Seat by the window, and the Extra Long Bed with a 2.20-meter lying surface) in advance via seat reservation for an additional charge.

From Frankfurt, the Boeing 787-9 with Allegris will fly to Austin, Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá, Cape Town, Shanghai, Hyderabad, and Hong Kong at the start of the summer flight schedule. New York JFK and Los Angeles will be added in June, followed by Delhi in July.

Jens Ritter, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Airlines: “Our guests love Allegris. More than one million passengers have traveled in the new cabin since summer 2024. We are delighted to be able to offer significantly more passengers this top-of-the-range product for bookings from Frankfurt starting today. Allegris is an experience in all classes; the approval of the majority of seats in Business Class on the Boeing 787-9 is an important milestone for Lufthansa – and above all, great news for our customers!”

Allegris has been flying in the Boeing 787-9 from Frankfurt since October 9, 2025. Eight brand-new aircraft have already arrived in Frankfurt, and 21 more Dreamliners have been ordered. Lufthansa Airlines plans to have a total of 29 Boeing 787-9s by the end of 2027.

American Express Platinum Card Access To Lufthansa Lounges Extended To All LH-Group Flights

Lufthansa has made a vital change to the lounge access policy for American Express Platinum Card members who are seeking to utilize select Lufthansa lounges in Germany under the mutual agreement.

From now on, customers who have a same-day flight with the Lufthansa Group (Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss Air, Eurowings, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa, Lufthansa City Airlines, SWISS) are eligible to use the lounge.

Previously, the issue was that the official rule said only flights operated by Lufthansa, Austrian and SWISS were eligible to enter the lounge with the Platinum Card (Business or Personal) and other LH Group airlines would not be considered.

The cooperation between American Express and Lufthansa is going on for roughly seven years now and has been a really valuable tool for travelers who travel on Lufthansa tickets as other lounges are rather rare at German airports, at least in the departure zone.

Both companies have extended their partnership on a regular basis:

Previously, only lounges in Frankfurt and Munich participated in the system, but now Lufthansa has opened the countrywide network of Lufthansa Lounges at other airports as well.

In recent years, Lufthansa has started to push more and more of its routes to be operated by other airlines such as Eurowings and Discover, so the change was more than necessary.

At least now, passengers finally have access to the lounge, no matter what airline of the Lufthansa Group they travel on. Only ITA is not listed, so either that was an oversight or has to be added later.

Conclusion

American Express and Lufthansa have expanded the rulework for Lufthansa Lounge access in Germany when presenting a Personal Platinum or Business Platinum Card.

Now all flights of the Lufthansa Group are eligible for access which means that a boarding pass of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss Air, Eurowings, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa, Lufthansa City Airlines and SWISS is sufficient.

Keep in mind that the access rules differ for Economy flights (access to the Business Class Lounge), Business Class flights (access to the Senator Lounge) and Centurion Card members even have access to the excellent Lufthansa First Class Lounges, however not to the First Class Terminal.

Airport Lounge Access Is Tightening In 2026 For Capital One And Chase Cardholders

For years, airport lounge access was considered a straightforward benefit of premium travel credit cards. In 2026, that perk comes with more strings attached. New guest limits and fees are rolling out, making access less automatic for many travelers.

Here’s what’s changing, when it takes effect, and whether you need to adjust your strategy.

What’s Changing for Lounge Access in Early 2026?

The biggest lounge access changes in 2026 focus on one thing: guest privileges. Both Chase and Capital One are tightening who you can bring with you, how much it costs, and whether authorized users still get access at all.

This move is largely driven by overcrowding, which has become one of the biggest complaints among eligible lounge visitors. While limiting guests and adding spending thresholds is intended to protect the lounge experience, there’s little evidence so far that these measures actually reduce congestion — especially as more travelers than ever have some form of lounge access through credit cards, airline status, or partnerships.

Airline-run lounges such as Delta Sky Club and United Club have already implemented lounge access restrictions for guests based on their annual spending. Now, credit card–backed lounge programs are following a similar path.

Ritz-Carlton Card: Unlimited Guests End January 15, 2026

For holders of The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card (only available by changing to it from another Chase-issued Marriott credit card), one of the most generous Priority Pass benefits is being scaled back.

Starting January 15, 2026, unlimited guests for no additional cost will no longer be included. Instead, cardholders will be allowed to bring up to 2 guests per visit, with additional guests charged the standard Priority Pass fee.

The good news is that this change doesn’t completely eliminate flexibility.

Though tricky to get, the Ritz-Carlton card still offers Priority Pass access with up to 2 guests at no extra charge. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

You can still add authorized users to the Ritz-Carlton card for no additional cost, and each authorized user receives their own Priority Pass membership. That means, as a workaround, each authorized user can still bring 2 guests of their own, making this card one of the few remaining ways for families or frequent group travelers to maintain broad lounge access without paying per-visit fees.

Capital One Lounges Add Guest Fees Starting on February 1, 2026

Capital One is also pulling back lounge access, and the changes affect both guests and authorized users of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Beginning February 1, 2026, guests at Capital One Lounges will incur a fee of $45 per adult and $25 for children ages 2 through 17. Guest access to Priority Pass lounges will also come with a per-person charge.

Authorized users are impacted as well. Going forward, authorized users will no longer receive lounge access unless the primary cardholder pays an annual fee of $125 per authorized user. This replaces the current setup, where authorized users receive full lounge access at no additional cost.

Capital One is scaling back lounge access for guests and authorized users. Image Credit: Katie Corrigan Seemann

Cardholders who want to preserve guest access at no extra charge will need to spend their way back into it. This requires spending $75,000 or more on the card in a calendar year, which unlocks complimentary guests at Capital One Lounges, along with limited guest access at Capital One Landings.

There is one notable exception. Holders of the Capital One Venture X Business Card will continue to receive Priority Pass access with 2 complimentary guests, without needing to meet a spending threshold. However, these cardholders will still have the same guest restrictions at Capital One Lounges and the option to either pay $125 for additional users or spend $75,000 on their card to unlock Capital One Lounge access.

Airport lounge access is getting more restrictive in 2026, with new guest limits, fees, and spending requirements rolling out across major credit cards. Capital One is adding guest fees and changing authorized user access, while the Ritz-Carlton card is ending unlimited guests but still offers flexibility through authorized users.

For travelers, the takeaway is straightforward. Lounge access now depends more on how you travel — plus who you travel with. Understanding your card’s rules ahead of time can help you avoid surprise fees and decide whether adding authorized users, adjusting spending, or rethinking your card setup makes sense before your next trip.

Juan Ruiz

The World’s Tallest Hotel Has Just Opened In Dubai

Dubai has a new record-breaker on its skyline — almost by accident. The world’s tallest hotel, Ciel Tower, has officially opened, stacking 377 meters of glass and ambition above Dubai Marina. Its height was never planned — it grew unexpectedly as blueprints were torn up and redrawn.

The building features a large void known as the "eye of the needle," which helps it cope with high winds. Ciel Dubai

“We knew we wanted to build something spectacular,” says Rob Burns, CEO of project developer The First Group. “But we certainly didn’t plan on building the tallest hotel in the world.”

Despite its record proportions, Ciel’s creators were still forced to think small. The whole structure rises from a footprint of about 3,600 square meters, or about 40,000 square feet —a little smaller than a professional soccer pitch. Not exactly tiny, but a tiny sliver in Dubai terms.

That meant the tower’s architect, Yahya Jan, needed to show constraint and rely on some clever tricks.

It’s a tower built for spectacle that keeps having to remember the size of its own footprint. Almost everything inside ends up shaped by the tiny plot that launched this accidental record.

The entrance, for example, is luxurious but not quite what you’d expect from a Dubai record-breaker. You walk in anticipating something grand — large enough to host a convention or festooned with statues and water features. Instead you get soft lighting, curved lines and the sense of a space designed by someone who appreciates how little there is of it.

“It was a very challenging project for us,” Jan says. “It’s an irregularly shaped property. For a tower of this size the property could have been bigger. But I always say, you do your best work when you are challenged the most.”

The lobby, in other words, is compact because it has to be. The grandeur is deferred upward, unveiled floor by floor, until the moment when the building finally has enough altitude to get dramatic.

The rooms stick to this theme. They’re clean-lined, with neutral tones and smooth textures — modest compared to Dubai’s typically sprawling resort suites, but the floor-to-ceiling views of the Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and the Gulf do some heavy lifting. With 1,004 rooms across its 82 floors, however, the hotel enters a market already bursting with beds.

Burns is aware of the numbers. “I think a thousand rooms is definitely a challenge. And we knew that when we started,” he says. Still, he insists they’re “very, very bullish on the hospitality market,” with plenty to set the hotel apart. Like “360-degree views, the wonderful rooms, the amenities, the facilities.”

Higher up, Ciel’s signature flourish appears in the form of a void — something that Jan calls the “eye of the needle” — that’s there for function as much as design.
>br />Super-tall towers like Ciel must make a deal with the elements. The higher the building, the stronger the wind blows. Stand here even on a calm day and you can feel it funneling through the gap. “If you want the height that is great, but how can you shape the building to minimize the wind load? So, by having the cutout we let the wind go through the tower.”

The infinity pool on level 76 vanished into the sky. Ciel Dubai

A dozen atria punctuate the height, spaced six to eight stories apart, filled with trees and plants. They’re both aesthetic and practical, offering daylight, cooling and giving guests a place to gather.

What Jan calls “social community spaces where people can come together,” will be used for yoga and fitness sessions, or as restaurant overspill areas. “We’re vertically creating small parks,” he says — breaking up the tower into “smaller neighborhoods.” They also help with cooling and energy use, using computer-controlled glass louvers to “bring the sea breeze in.”

“Future towers are going to be different than towers of 50 years ago,” Jan says. “They’re going to be porous, you’re going to bring nature into these towers.”

Perhaps the most Dubai thing about Ciel is that they didn’t set out to build a record-breaker, it just sort of happened. They kept adding amenities and the building kept rising because there was nowhere else to put them.

It was Jan that informed them that they were drifting into record territory as the design edged within range of previous title-holder Gevora Hotel, also in Dubai, which stands at just over 356 meters.

“Yahya came to us and notified us, ‘hey guys, you’re close to building the tallest hotel in the world,’” says Burns. “And we said ‘wow, okay. Let’s make that happen.’”

Ciel’s dining and pool spaces follow the same logic as the rest of the tower, making the most of what’s available. The hotel spreads eight restaurants across its upper floors, with the UK-based Tattu brand occupying the most dramatic positions — the House of Dragon on 74, the House of Koi encircling the Skypool on 76, and the House of Phoenix perched in the Skylounge on 81, where the 360-degree views do most of the decorative work.

There are three pools, but the one that matters is the infinity pool on Level 76, placed inside the tower’s wind-channeling void. It isn’t large, but it doesn’t need to be when the visual trick is that the water seems to vanish straight into the sky.

Ciel is not Dubai’s most extravagant hotel. It doesn’t have the epic lobbies or the beachfront sprawl of the Palm resorts. But it shows what can happen when a city, more used to living it large, decides to show some restraint.

The public spaces are elegant without being excessive. The rooms are comfortable. And the views — especially from the upper floors and the sky pool — lend logic to the decision to build a 377-meter hotel such a relatively small patch of earth.

Ciel adds another shape to a skyline that rarely stays the same for long. Whether it holds the world-record title long is unclear. Dubai seems to see even its own superlatives as challenges.

https://www.cnn.com/profiles/bijan-hosseini

All The Stars And Bib Gourmands In The First MICHELIN Guide To Philadelphia 2025

The best restaurants in the City of Brotherly Love, according to their Inspectors.

There was a time when Philadelphia was overlooked by cities like New York and Washington, D.C. but anyone who knows this city can attest, nobody puts Philly in a corner. From its rebellion history to its enthusiastic sports fans, this is a city brimming with vitality, and its food scene is as exciting as Broad Street after an Eagles game.

The MICHELIN Inspectors discovered plenty to LOVE about Philly, with three restaurants earning a Star for the first time. Plus, in a city synonymous with cheesesteaks and casual eats, the Inspectors awarded Bib Gourmands to ten spots doling out everything from sandwiches to Mexican, pizza and hummus.

See all of their favorite spots around the City of Brotherly Love below.

One Star

Friday Saturday Sunday

Cuisine: American Contemporary

And Wednesday and Thursday. Chef Chad Williams and his wife Hanna, both Philadelphia natives, took over this veritable institution in 2016 and then pivoted to offering a set multicourse menu. It works well, as it allows the chef to provide a balanced, varied and consistent experience to all. Thanks to skilled technique, just the right amount of innovation and an innate understanding of the luxury ingredients he uses, his dishes fill the mouth with flavor and succulence. His delicious crispy sweetbreads will convert any skeptic; quail with pâte plays with texture, and the New York strip is a lesson in expert seasoning. Expect an atmosphere as spirited and enjoyable as the food; there’s also a great cocktail bar on the first floor.

©Clay Williams/Friday Saturday Sunday

Her Place Supper Club 


Cuisine: European Contemporary


The name says it all, as Chef Amanda Shulman’s cozy little spot was born out of her love for cooking for friends and has that warm and welcoming supper club vibe. Diners may get their own table but there’s a real communal feel at play here; everyone is served at the same time after each dish is explained to the room. Her multicourse set menu changes every two weeks, and the accomplished and balanced cooking comes with French and Italian accents. It also boasts a welcome lightness of touch, so you leave feeling sated rather than overwhelmed, although you can choose some extra dishes as add-ons if you wish. Saucing is a real strength, whether a barigoule served with brioche-crumbed trout, or the beurre blanc that accompanies the homemade chitarra pasta with clams.

©Bre Furlong/Her Place Supper Club

Provenance 


Cuisine: Contemporary


Chef Nicholas Bazik and his team know exactly what they’re doing in this historic row house. In full view of the counter, they deliver a high-wire, high-stakes performance defined by precision, harmony and, of course, taste. Korean and French influences come and go with this elaborate tasting menu where special soys, vibrant oils and glossy sauces give wonderful dimension to pristine seafood and dry-aged proteins. Think Japanese tuna with whipped tofu, puffed sorghum and chili oil or brown butter hollandaise with country ham, caviar and cauliflower. The ideas are original, the flavors bold. Such creativity hews closely to the seasons, and even a salad can arrive as a revelation. All the while, service is seamless and warmly choreographed.

©Nate Cluss/Provenance

Bib Gourmands

4th Street Deli

Cuisine: Deli

Angelo's

Cuisine: American

©Al Gamble/4th Street Deli

Dalessandro's


Cuisine: American

Del Rossi's


Cuisine: American

©Mike Prince/Del Rossi's

Dizengoff


Cuisine: Israeli

El Chingon


Cuisine: Mexican

©Nayla Polohovich/El Chingon

Fiorella


Cuisine: Italian

Pizzeria Beddia


Cuisine: Pizza

©John Troxell/Fiorella

Royal Sushi & Izakaya


Cuisine: Japanese

Sally


Cuisine: Pizza

©Jesse Ito/Royal Sushi & Izakaya

Green Star

Pietramala

Cuisine: Vegan

“Plants on a pedestal” is the tagline of this cozy vegan restaurant in Northern Liberties. Largely self-taught, Chef Ian Graye seeks out foragers and small local suppliers for those plants, herbs and fruits and also does his own fermenting and preserving. His menu offers a selection of around 10 dishes designed for sharing – around three per person should more than suffice when ordering – and his cooking comes with a slight Italian accent. "Golden beets" is a clever riff on a New York deli, while the pappardelle with morels impresses with its creaminess. The open kitchen takes up half the space of the main room, where greenery is juxtaposed with exposed bricks and ducts; there are also some tables in a smaller room at the back. The restaurant is always busy and the atmosphere contagiously convivial, so do book ahead – and remember it’s BYOB, with a corkage fee.

©Steve Boyle/Pietramala

Editor's note: There were a few interesting snubs including no recognition of Jean-Georges Philadelphia, when the New York location has two Michelin stars, and just recognizing Vetri Cucina.