Virgin Atlantic Trims Long-Haul Routes To North America: What Travelers Need To Know

Travelers relying on Virgin Atlantic for transatlantic crossings may need to double-check their upcoming itineraries. The U.K.-based airline is making notable adjustments to its North American network for late 2026, driven by seasonal optimization and shifting customer demand. Whether you're flying for business or planning a winter getaway, here is a breakdown of the latest schedule changes.

Temporary Route Suspensions

In a significant move for Pacific Northwest travelers, Virgin Atlantic is temporarily suspending its route between London Heathrow (LHR) and Seattle (SEA) for the entire Winter 2026 season. The airline plans to resume daily service on this route in March 2027. For the time being, joint-venture partner Delta Air Lines will continue to offer daily flights between London and Seattle.

Frequency Reductions Across Major U.S. Cities

Beyond the Seattle suspension, Virgin Atlantic is also reducing flight frequencies to several major U.S. hubs in September and October 2026. While these routes are not being canceled entirely, passengers will see fewer departure options. The affected destinations include:

• Boston (BOS): Frequencies are dropping to a single daily A350-1000 service. Delta Air Lines will continue its daily service on this route as well.
• Miami (MIA): Flights are being reduced to one daily A350-1000 service.
• Las Vegas (LAS): Service is dropping to a daily 787-9 flight.
• San Francisco (SFO): Flights will be reduced to a daily A350-1000 service.

What This Means for Your Travel Plans

Virgin Atlantic emphasizes that these are seasonal schedule adjustments to balance capacity during quieter travel periods. However, with fewer weekly flights available, popular departures around the holidays may fill up faster than usual. If you are holding a ticket on an affected flight, Virgin Atlantic or your travel agent will typically rebook you on an alternative service, often via partners like Delta.

As always, we advise staying proactive. Log into your booking to verify your flight status and explore your options early to ensure a seamless transatlantic journey.

Travelore News: United Bringing New Luxury 787-9 To Zurich

For travelers flying between the tech-heavy Bay Area and the global financial hub of Switzerland, the long-haul experience is about to get a major upgrade. United Airlines has confirmed that its new "ultra-premium" Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the "United Elevated" interior, will begin daily service between San Francisco (SFO) and Zurich (ZRH) this fall.

Starting September 1, 2026, Zurich will become the third international destination to host this specialized aircraft, following successful launches to Singapore and London earlier this spring.

What Makes the "Elevated" Dreamliner Different?

Unlike the standard 787-9, which typically seats 257 passengers, this reconfigured luxury version holds just 222 seats. By removing 35 seats, United has created one of the most premium-heavy aircraft in the sky.

1. The Debut of Polaris Studio℠The star of the show is the United Polaris Studio, a new class of service located at the very front of the aircraft.The Suite Life: There are only eight of these exclusive suites, featuring sliding privacy doors and approximately 25% more space than standard Polaris seats.

Companion Seating: Six of the eight suites include an integrated ottoman with a seatbelt, allowing a companion to sit with you during the flight.

Tech Upgrades: Each suite boasts a massive 27-inch 4K OLED monitor—the largest of any U.S. carrier—along with wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity.

Exclusive Dining: Studio passengers will enjoy a tailored menu that includes an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche.

2. A Massive Premium Footprint

Beyond the Studio suites, the aircraft is designed for those who value comfort and productivity:

56 Polaris Business Class Seats: Redesigned suites with 19-inch 4K screens and direct aisle access.

35 Premium Plus Seats: For the first time, these seats include privacy dividers and built-in reading lights, along with wireless charging.

The Polaris Snack Bar: A dedicated walk-up area for premium passengers to grab snacks and refreshments throughout the flight.

Why Zurich?

The decision to bring the Elevated 787-9 to Zurich underscores Switzerland’s importance as a key hub for high-yield business travel. As a global center for banking and pharmaceuticals, Zurich consistently generates the demand for the high-density premium seating this aircraft offers.

By September, United expects to have every daily flight from San Francisco to London, Singapore, and Zurich outfitted with this new cabin concept.

How to Book Your Seat

If you’re looking to experience the new cabin, here’s how to spot it during the booking process:

Check the Seat Map: Look for the 222-seat configuration rather than the standard 257-seat layout.

The "Studio" Tag: When selecting your fare, look for the "Polaris Studio available" tag under the United Polaris options.

Flight Numbers: The SFO-ZRH service is typically operated as UA44 (Eastbound) and UA45 (Westbound).

With at least 30 of these reconfigured aircraft expected to be in the fleet by the end of 2027, United is making a clear statement: the future of long-haul travel isn't just about getting there—it’s about how much space you have while you do.

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

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.

Travelore News: Lufthansa Launches New Premium Onboard Experience In Every Travel Class On All Long-Haul Flights

One airline, two years of development, three guiding principles, and four cabin classes – FOX (short for Future Onboard Experience), Lufthansa’s new long-haul service, launches on Wednesday, May 6th.

The new service concept represents one of the most significant investments in the airline’s premium onboard customer experience to date. With a strong focus on the guest, every aspect of the onboard service has been redesigned. The concept spans every travel class and applies across all long-haul flights and across every aircraft type, whether equipped with Allegris or not. The new First Class service was already launched at the end of March, with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class set to follow on May 6.

At its core, FOX focuses on three key areas: personalization, comfort, and Signature Moments. The new onboard service sets new standards for personalization. In all classes, guests enjoy more choices and greater flexibility. Numerous details create thoughtfully designed moments of well-being and a more comfortable travel experience throughout all classes. With Signature Moments, FOX sets distinctive accents on board that are not simply synonymous with a “better” product but are unmistakably Lufthansa.

Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines, said: “Lufthansa is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To mark this special occasion, we are redefining the service on board our long-haul flights. Our goal is clear: We want to be the number one premium airline in Europe. To achieve this, we are investing over 70 million euros, this year alone, in the new premium service across all classes for our guests. These enormous financial investments during challenging times demonstrate how sustainably and resolutely we are renewing and transforming Lufthansa. I thank the entire team for their tremendous efforts over the past two years, and I am proud of what our customers can enjoy on board with us.”

Business Class Highlights

In Business Class, the new premium service offers guests a particularly memorable experience with a focus on culinary. New menus by Johann Lafer, who has previously created dishes for Lufthansa on short-haul flights, will continue to treat passengers to the highest culinary quality and exciting combinations in the future.

The new breakfast menu allows guests to pre-select their morning meal the evening before, choosing from a varied menu ranging from smoothies to French toast and omelets.

FOX Business Class features completely new tableware. As a Lufthansa Signature Moment, a classic coffee and cake service will be offered on board. Also, a brand-new offering is “Sky Selection.” Guests can now order their second meal on long-haul flights whenever they like—from a wide selection including tapas bowls to currywurst to macarons.

Highlights of Premium Economy Class

For guests in Premium Economy, FOX is all about enhanced comfort. The entire first service has been significantly upgraded from a Business Class-level appetizer to a choice of three hot main courses, alongside fresh, warm bread. Guests can also enjoy pastries or a slice of cake alongside an expanded beverage selection featuring more frequent service, greater variety, and a new digestif service.

For an extra touch of comfort, travelers will now receive cozy slippers.

Highlights of Economy Class

FOX also offers numerous innovations for travelers in Economy Class. For the first time, Economy Class passengers will receive an amenity kit featuring a sleep mask and earplugs for an improved rest. Additional upgrades include new and modern tableware—across all classes, with new cutlery and trays, and a printed menu. The beverage selection is being significantly expanded. On flights longer than ten hours, passengers can choose from three hot main courses, as opposed to the previous two. Greater choice and personalization now define the Economy Class as well.

Fun facts about FOX

The launch of the new premium service at Lufthansa is a logistical achievement. Here are some facts and figures to prove it:

New tableware and cutlery: 187 million individual pieces must be replaced or introduced within a short time. The individual pieces have been flown to all our departure airports worldwide in recent weeks, so they are available there for return flights to Germany.

Incredible dimensions: Approximately 300,000 Business Class main course plates are being procured just to launch FOX.

Stacked, the plates would reach a height of 2,400 meters = 6.6 times the height of the Eiffel Tower.

The new service was tested on more than 110 test flights.

Over 9,000 guest feedback responses and over 500 different crew feedback responses were considered.

There were 28 menu presentations at 57 airports worldwide for employees in preparation for the rollout.

Travelore News: Dubai's Landmark Burj Al Arab Hotel Will Shut For 18-Month Refurb Amid Tourism Decline

Luxury hotel Burj Al Arab in Dubai will shut during a major 18-month renovation, a ​staff member confirmed, its first since ‌opening in 1999 and at a time when tourism in the region has slowed due to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

The ​hotel's owner Jumeirah said in a statement on ​Tuesday the work would be carried out in ⁠phases over some 18 months and would be ​led by Paris-based interior architect Tristan Auer. It did ​not specify that the property would be closed during the renovation.

The staff member said the hotel is offering alternative accommodation ​in nearby hotels to guests with bookings during ​the work. The period of closure is subject to change, the ‌person ⁠said.

The sail-shaped hotel, one of Dubai's best-known landmarks and the flagship property of the Jumeirah group, suffered some damage when debris from an interception of an Iranian ​drone attack hit ​its facade ⁠in early March.

The "long-awaited" work is not linked with the incident in March, the ​employee said. The United Arab Emirates-based Jumeirah did ​not ⁠link the project to the war in its statement.

The timing, however, is notable because the conflict has hurt ⁠travel to ​Dubai, with flight disruptions affecting the ​UAE and luxury groups warning of pressure on profits as visitor demand weakens.

Reporting ​by Mireia Merino; Editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak and Keith Weir

Lufthansa Now Serving La Grande Dame by Veuve Clicquot In First Class

Champagne and First Class: two things that simply belong together. Lufthansa has been serving the exclusive sparkling wine on board ever since the introduction of First Class. Starting in April, the airline started serving the exquisite Prestige cuvée La Grande Dame from the renowned Veuve Clicquot winery on all long-haul flights for the first time, thereby once again underscoring its commitment to premium service.

La Grande Dame is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a significantly higher proportion of Pinot Noir, which gives the champagne an intense character. On the palate, La Grande Dame is robust and rich, with a pleasant balance of fruit, acidity, and complexity. Guests can taste citrus aromas of lime and yuzu, along with white peach and pear, underpinned by floral notes, chalk, and a hint of toasted almonds. La Grand Dame is considered exceptional and, for many, is champagne for special occasions.

“With La Grande Dame, we are bringing a truly special champagne on board. The opportunity to enjoy this exceptional champagne as a permanent feature in Lufthansa First Class is a real highlight for our guests. This new champagne also reflects our uncompromising commitment to quality. Culinary excellence is an essential part of our hospitality, and for us, an outstanding champagne is naturally part of that. In First Class, every moment should be a pleasure,” explained Olaf Mauthe, Head of Hospitality Catering Management.

To mark its 100th anniversary, Lufthansa is offering its guests a completely redesigned travel experience on long-haul flights: With FOX, the “Future Onboard Experience,” all onboard service elements and processes are being revamped this year. In addition to upgraded cuisine in all travel classes, new tableware, and new amenities, the exclusive First Class champagne La Grande Dame is also part of the premium experience on board Lufthansa.

Travelore News: American Express Reduces Lounge Access For Plantinum Card Holders

The golden era of "bringing the whole squad" into the airport lounge is officially winding down.

American Express has announced significant updates to its Global Lounge Collection that will affect how Platinum Card Members travel starting in 2026.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional vacationer, these changes—which prioritize reducing overcrowding—will likely change your pre-flight strategy. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming "trimming" of lounge perks.

1. The Big Guest Cut: Two Becomes One

For many years, the standard for the Amex Platinum and Platinum Business Cards was the ability to bring two guests into lounges for free. That is changing to align more closely with global standards.

Centurion Lounges: Starting July 8, 2026, the complimentary guest allowance drops from two guests to one for Personal and Business Platinum Card Members.
Plaza Premium Lounges: A similar change takes effect on October 1, 2026, reducing the guest limit to one.

The Exception: Corporate Platinum Card Members generally retain their two-guest allowance.

2. Priority Pass: Only for the Primary Member

This is perhaps the most significant "trim" for families and business partners. Currently, many Additional (Supplementary) Card Members enjoy their own Priority Pass membership.

Effective October 1, 2026, only the Primary Card Member will be eligible to enroll in the Priority Pass program.

Additional and Employee Card Members will lose their complimentary Priority Pass memberships entirely after this date

3. Stricter Access Rules: "Same Flight" and Time Limits

Amex is also tightening the logistical rules for who can enter and when.


Same-Flight Requirement: Starting July 8, 2026, all guests must be traveling on the exact same flight as the Card Member to gain entry to Centurion Lounges.Layover Window: If you are visiting a lounge during a transit, you must now arrive within five hours of your connecting flight (previously, there was often no specific time limit for transits).

Departure Only: As a reminder, "arrival access" (entering a lounge after your flight has landed at your final destination) remains unavailable.

4. Why the Changes?

If you’ve visited a Centurion Lounge in a major hub like New York or London recently, you’ve likely seen the "Lounge at Capacity" signs. These trims are designed to:

Reduce Overcrowding: By limiting guests, Amex hopes to ensure that the primary cardholders who pay the hefty annual fee actually have a place to sit.

Standardization: These rules bring international cards (like those in Australia and New Zealand) more in line with the U.S. version of the card, which moved to a "spend-to-earn" guest model years ago.

Strategy Tip: How to Keep Your Perks

If these changes disrupt your travel style, you have a few options:The $75,000 Rule: In the U.S., you can still "unlock" two complimentary guests by spending $75,000+ on your card in a calendar year.

Paid Guests: You can still bring extra friends or family for a fee (typically $50 per adult or $30 for children aged 2-17).

Delta Sky Club: Remember that Delta Sky Club access is still available when flying Delta, though it remains restricted to the Card Member only (no complimentary guests).While these "trims" are a tough pill to swallow for some, they may ultimately lead to a quieter, more premium experience for the Card Members who remain. Pack light, check your flight times, and enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts!

Note: These updates are based on current policy announcements for 2026. Always check the American Express Global Lounge Collection for the most up-to-date terms for your specific region

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.

Where The Wealthy Are Buying Second Homes In 2026

Luxury homeowners are treating second, third and fourth homes as extensions of their primary residences, and buyers are remapping where they invest in real estate. Guided by remote work flexibility, lifestyle-driven priorities, favorable tax structures and long-term investment potential, a new generation of buyers looks beyond legacy markets like Aspen, Miami and the Hamptons. Second-home purchases now account for 28% of luxury real estate transactions globally, according to Sotheby’s International Realty's 2026 Luxury Outlook Report.

The view of the Wastach Mountain Range in Utah. getty

"What has changed most heading into 2026 isn’t just where people are buying second or third homes, it’s how intentionally they’re using them," says Mauricio Umansky, founder of global brokerage The Agency. “We’re seeing a clear rise in younger high-net-worth buyers, often founders, executives, and global entrepreneurs in their 30s and 40s, who are building real estate portfolios around flexibility. These homes are no longer occasional escapes. They’re part-time primary residences, remote work bases, and long-term lifestyle investments rolled into one.”

As legacy destinations face inflated costs, seasonal congestion and limited inventory, buyers are turning toward markets with better investment value, year-round livability and elevated cultural offerings. Here are four locations reshaping the luxury second-home landscape.

Salt Lake City, Utah

The Salt Lake City region is one of the country’s fastest-growing real estate markets, fueled by a booming tech sector, proximity to Park City's world-class skiing, strong property appreciation, and year-round lifestyle. The region's appeal, from downtown Salt Lake City to Park City and nearby areas like Heber Valley, is nothing new but continues to grow among buyers and investors from New York, California, and Texas, reports The Agency in its 2026 Red Paper. Molly Jones, managing partner at The Agency Salt Lake City, says that buyers are purchasing properties ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics in anticipation of high rental income, similar to the 2002 games.

A rendering of Deer Valley East Village. Deer Valley East Village

"Buyers are picking homes in downtown Salt Lake City for themselves and as an investment because our tax basis is low," Jones said in the report. “They expect to benefit from a huge boom eight years from now.”

Park City, home to two world-class ski resorts Park City Mountain (the largest in the U.S.) and Deer Valley Resort, continues to drive demand for the area. Once an accessible alternative to Aspen or Jackson Hole, Park City has evolved into one of the country’s most expensive ski towns both for travel and real estate. Wealthy buyers aren’t deterred by increased home prices; more than 60% of luxury transactions closed in cash in Q3 2025. At the center of Park City's transformation is Deer Valley East Village, the first new public alpine ski village built in North America in over 40 years. The roughly $2 billion development has doubled Deer Valley's skiable terrain to over 4,300 acres, with 10 new chairlifts and nearly 100 new runs.

Within the greater Park City area, branded residences from Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria are rising alongside ultra-luxe boutique developments like Velvaere, a ski-in/ski-out wellness community, Marcella Landing, and Sommét Blanc, the latter both designed by Olson Kundig. Buyers are drawn to the rare combination of resort-level skiing, a walkable downtown with a serious dining and arts scene, and proximity to Salt Lake International Airport just 35 minutes away.

Just outside Park City, Heber Valley is capturing buyers who want mountain proximity and turnkey homes and five-star amenities but without resort-town intensity. The Lodge at Blue Sky, part of Auberge Resorts, recently announced plans for a residential community tailored to this audience.

Naples and Pompano Beach, Florida

Naples has long attracted discreet wealth, but the Gulf Coast city is no longer just a haven for Midwestern snowbirds. Buyers from the East Coast and beyond, driven by Naples’ understated luxury, have transformed it into one of the country's most dynamic real estate markets. Forbes reports a few billionaires call Naples home. In 2025, a 15-acre compound on Gordon Drive, Naples most prestigious address, sold for $225 million, setting the record as the largest residential transaction in Florida history.

The Agency's $7.95 million listing at 256 Trade Winds Avenue in Naples. Premier Media Group

"After the pandemic and then the hurricane in 2024, Naples experienced tons of new development and buyer demand from across the country," says Brittany Skotak of Douglas Elliman. “Buyers from the Northeast and across the country were attracted to its quietness, charm, and peaceful nature.”

Global luxury brands are betting on its potential. Branded residential projects from Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Ritz-Carlton are entering the market alongside boutique luxury condo developments like Olana and 3300 Gulf Shore.On the opposite side of the state, Pompano Beach, located between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, is emerging as a quieter alternative to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Developments like W Pompano Beach Hotel and Residences and Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach, both designed by architect Sohith Perera, founder of Kora Architecture, are drawing buyers who want high-end hospitality without the flash or density.

“What makes Pompano Beach particularly attractive as a second- or third-home market is the balance it strikes between accessibility and escape," Perera says.

Charleston, South Carolina

One of the country’s oldest cities is emerging as a compelling second-home market. The National Association of Realtors named it as a top housing hotspot for 2026. Charleston appeals for its Lowcountry lifestyle, centuries-old architecture, Michelin-starred dining, walkability, beach access, art scene, and sense of community that's hard to replicate. Buyers are arriving from New York, the Midwest, Texas, and the Mountain West, drawn by its soul and charm, and its growing reputation as an economic hub for aerospace and manufacturing companies, among others.

On the opposite side of the state, Pompano Beach, located between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, is emerging as a quieter alternative to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Developments like W Pompano Beach Hotel and Residences and Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach, both designed by architect Sohith Perera, founder of Kora Architecture, are drawing buyers who want high-end hospitality without the flash or density.

A $7.4 million listing at 169 Wentworth in Charleston by Maison Real Estate. Nick Cann Photography

"Charleston punches way above its weight in terms of its cultural and culinary offerings, so second-home buyers coming from major metropolitan areas don’t feel like they have to give up a vibrant food, music, and art scene," says Mary Lou Wertz, founding partner of Charleston-based brokerage Maison Real Estate.

Strict preservation laws safeguard the city’s historic architecture; it's known for its diverse architectural styles, like single house style, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architecture. Most homes in Charleston date back more than 200 years, and today's buyers are paying premiums for these authentic homes with soul and charm. Case in point: a 225-year-old estate recently sold for $21 million, a record for the city. Charleston is a low-lying city with well-documented flood and storm exposure, but that hasn't deterred luxury buyers, who look to architects and engineers to find solutions through innovative materiality and technology.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Desert living has never been hotter. Scottsdale has long appealed as a second-home destination for its nearly 300 days of sunshine, concentration of top-ranked golf clubs, private aviation access, and upscale wellness and dining scene. Arizona’s lack of estate and inheritance taxes and low property taxes only sweeten the deal.

Summit by Olson Kundig, which sits at the base of Camelback Mountain. Olson Kundig

What’s accelerating demand is new money. The $165 million TSMC investment in North Phoenix, which includes Scottsdale, is transforming the market into a global semiconductor industry and creating thousands of high-paying jobs and driving executive housing demand in the city's gated enclaves. Scottsdale is now one of the fastest-growing wealth centers in North America, according to Henley and Partners, with its millionaire population up 125% in the past decade.

Compass reported that real estate sales over $10 million increased by 30% from 2024 to 2025. Ultra-luxury condo developments are also gaining traction among both primary and secondary homebuyers seeking top-tier amenities, turnkey living, and high-quality finishes. These include Summit by Olson Kundig at Ascent by The Phoenician, Ritz-Carlton Residences in Paradise Valley, and Icon at Silverleaf.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/emmareynolds/

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

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.

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.

Bahia Principe All‑Inclusive Resorts Join World Of Hyatt: What Travelers Should Know

A quiet ripple just rolled through the travel world—and if you’re a fan of sun‑splashed beaches, sprawling all‑inclusive resorts, or maximizing your loyalty points, this one’s worth paying attention to. Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, known for its Caribbean‑forward portfolio and generous all‑inclusive offerings, is officially joining World of Hyatt.

For many travelers, this partnership feels like two complementary worlds finally meeting: Hyatt’s global loyalty ecosystem and Bahia Principe’s beloved beachfront escapes. Let’s break down why this matters and what it means for your next getaway.

A Big Win for All‑Inclusive Fans

Bahia Principe has long been a favorite for travelers seeking value-packed vacations across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Spain. Their properties range from family‑friendly mega‑resorts to adults‑only hideaways, all built around the idea that vacation should feel effortless.

By joining World of Hyatt, these resorts are stepping into a loyalty program known for its flexibility, elite benefits, and global reach. For Hyatt loyalists, this means something simple but exciting: more places to earn and redeem points—many of them on some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines.

What World of Hyatt Members Can Expect

While full integration details will roll out in phases, here’s what travelers can look forward to:

More All‑Inclusive Choice

Hyatt has been steadily expanding its all‑inclusive footprint, and Bahia Principe adds dozens of new options across the Caribbean and Europe. Think beachfront suites, sprawling pools, and endless dining—all bookable with points.

Earning & Redeeming Points

Once integration is complete, members will be able to earn World of Hyatt points on stays and redeem them for free nights at participating Bahia Principe properties. For anyone who loves stretching points for maximum value, all‑inclusive resorts are often a sweet spot.

Hyatt’s elite members may see perks like room upgrades, premium check‑in, or other on‑property benefits. The specifics will depend on how each resort aligns with Hyatt’s all‑inclusive brand structure, but the potential is promising.

Why This Partnership Makes Sense

Travelers today want flexibility—more destinations, more styles of travel, and more ways to use their loyalty rewards. Hyatt has been leaning into this trend, especially with its growing Inclusive Collection. Bahia Principe brings:

• Strong presence in the Caribbean, especially the Dominican Republic and Riviera Maya

• A loyal guest base that values affordability without sacrificing experience

• A diverse portfolio, from family‑centric resorts to adults‑only escapes

For Bahia Principe, joining World of Hyatt opens the door to millions of new travelers who may not have considered the brand before.

This partnership is a win for travelers who love sun, sand, and simplicity. Whether you’re a Hyatt loyalist looking to expand your horizons or a Bahia Principe regular curious about loyalty perks, the future looks bright

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

Capital One Is Building Its Biggest Airport Lounge Yet—14,000 Square Feet Coming to Charlotte

Capital One signed an agreement to build a lounge in Charlotte. It will be on the mezzanine level of the Concourse A expansion. At ~ 14,000 square feet it will be Capital One’s largest lounge to date. New York JFK is 13,500 square feet.

We don’t know much about the specific offerings at the lounge beyond “expansive tarmac views, locally inspired menus, a full-service coffee bar, and dedicated workspaces.”

Capital One currently has lounges at:

Dallas – Fort Worth

Denver

Las Vegas

New York JFK

Washington Dulles

Washington National (“Landing”)

And a Capital One Landing is expected to open soon at New York LaGuardia.

What we know so far about Charlotte is simply a concessions lease. There’s no timing available yet. They’ll work on concept and schematics, airport approvals (design standards, security, mechanical/engineering/plumbing tie-ins), permitting, and buildout. That won’t happen quickly. Phase II of the airport’s Concourse A Expansion opened in September 2024. Delta’s Sky Club is 14,000 square feet on the mezzanine there.

While some might hope to see this lounge before the end of 2027, and Charlotte should be an easier building environment than LAX or New York JFK, we could also be looking at 2028.

I’m excited to see the development, though, and it means the experience in Charlotte is going to get a lot better. American is building a new Admirals Club and Flagship lounge, and they’ve opened their Grab ‘n Go market (“Provisions”). There’s a The Club and a couple of Minute Suites as well as a Centurion lounge. But nothing there today is particularly attractive today. In fact, I avoid Charlotte connections when possible. But I much look forward to seeing Capital One there.

https://viewfromthewing.com/author/viewfromthewing/

The New Oneworld Lounges Coming To New York JFK

Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways will unveil new JFK lounges in 2026.

Cathay's new JFK lounge will boast the 'signature look' already established at The Pier, among others.

Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways will cut the ribbon on flagship JFK lounges in 2026 – and with modern design, a contemporary menu and no shortage of comfortable seating, they’ll be the perfect pit-stop ahead of flights to Asia and the Gulf region.

The Cathay Pacific New York JFK lounge will be at the transformed Terminal 6, which will host CX flights after the airline moves across from its current home at Terminal 8.

Cathay currently flies out from T8, along with many other Oneworld airlines, and directs its passengers to the shared American Airlines & British Airways lounges.

“But it was always on our wish list to have our own lounge because it’s such an important port,” Cathay Group Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau has previously told Executive Traveller.

“JFK is a very strategic location (with) a lot of premium passengers flying on that route... so when we decided that we are going to move to this new Terminal 6 and they offered us a location where we can have our own lounge, we basically jumped at the opportunity.”

Cathay is planning a decidedly premium lounge spanning some 10,000ft2 (930m2) – making it close to half the size of The Pier First Lounge in Hong Kong – which will likewise adopt that same elegant “signature” design which has become a Cathay trademark.

Visitors can look forward to familiar elements such as the Noodle Bar, plush furnishings and high-end finishes.

It's not a Cathay Pacific lounge without a Noodle Bar.

However, Cathay has also teased that its JFK T6 lounge “will feature a number of exciting developments that will put it at the forefront of our lounge proposition.”

Also on the move is Qatar Airways, which in the second half of 2026 will relocate from JFK Terminal 8 to Terminal 1 – or “The New Terminal One”, as JFK T1 styles itself.

JFK's The New Terminal One is slated to open in mid-2026.

The Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at New York JFK T1 will be the airline’s first in the USA, sprawling across 15,000ft2 (1,400m2) and boasting direct access from the lounge to the boarding gates used by Qatar Airways flights to Doha.

Visitors can expect everything from “VIP check-in services” and premium à la carte dining to relaxation zones, children’s play areas and even a duty-free shopping outlet.

Qatar Airways is bringing its Doha lounge experience to New York.

However, as with most other Qatar Airways Premium Lounges, this one is expected to be exclusive to business class and first class passengers of Qatar Airways and other Oneworld airlines flying out of T1, with elite-tier frequent flyers being sent to one of the terminal’s independent lounges.

By David Flynn

This Iconic Jamaica Resort Is Back Again, With Ralph Lauren-Designed Rooms, Staffed Villas, And Timeless Charm

One of Jamaica’s most storied hotels is officially back. Round Hill Hotel and Villas has reopened, welcoming guests once again to its private peninsula just west of Montego Bay and marking the return of a property that has long set the standard for charming Caribbean luxury. The reopening brings a full revival of the resort’s accommodations, dining, beach and wellness offerings, restoring a landmark that has shaped Jamaica’s tourism identity for decades.

A villa pool at Round Hill.

The announcement was shared with a message that reflected the significance: “The moment we have all been waiting for is finally here: Round Hill Hotel is officially ready to welcome you, our doors are open, and our hearts are full.” It signals not just a reopening, but a return to form for a resort whose appeal has always rested on continuity, discretion and place.

And yes, it really is open — the property even hosted a wedding this past weekend, a sign that it’s firing on all cylinders.

Set on a secluded stretch of coastline, Round Hill resumes operations with the same low-density layout and emphasis on privacy that have defined the property since its early days. The reopening reinforces Jamaica’s position at the high end of the Caribbean market, where legacy resorts are increasingly valued for their authenticity, heritage and restraint.

The Resort

Round Hill’s accommodations include oceanfront rooms and a collection of private villas spread across the hillside above the bay. While the historic buildings themselves reflect the resort’s original architecture, the interiors of the guest rooms were designed by Ralph Lauren, giving them a residential feel defined by clean lines, crisp palettes and an enduring sense of ease. The focus remains on the setting, with wide views of the Caribbean anchoring nearly every space.

The villas are a defining feature of the resort and have long been part of its allure. Each villa is fully staffed, typically including a cook, housekeeper and gardener, allowing guests to experience a level of privacy and service that feels closer to a private estate than a traditional hotel stay. Many of the villas come with private pools, expansive terraces and sweeping sea views, making them ideal for longer stays and multigenerational travel.

Over the years, these villas have hosted a remarkable list of guests, contributing to Round Hill’s quiet celebrity legacy. Past visitors have included figures such as John F. Kennedy, who famously spent time here before his inauguration, along with writers, musicians and actors drawn to the resort’s discretion and sense of remove. The atmosphere has always favored privacy over spectacle, allowing notable guests to blend seamlessly into the rhythm of the property.

So how do you choose between the rooms and the villas? Honestly, it’s hard. I will admit that on one trip my family and I actually started in a villa and then extended our trip to stay in one of the rooms for a few days. We loved both.

What We Like

Round Hill’s reopening restores a version of Jamaica that feels increasingly rare. This is a resort defined by proportion and permanence, where space, privacy and service take precedence over trends. The fully staffed villas remain one of the strongest draws, offering a deeply personal experience that works equally well for couples seeking seclusion or families traveling together.

The beach continues to anchor the stay. Sheltered waters, a gently curving shoreline and a setting framed by palms give the property a sense of continuity that regular guests recognize immediately. Dining, spa and wellness offerings round out the experience without overwhelming it, reinforcing the idea that Round Hill succeeds by knowing exactly what it is — and by staying true to it.

How To Get There

Round Hill is located approximately 30 minutes from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (which is open and operating again, too). Transfers are straightforward, and the drive along Jamaica’s north coast provides a clear transition from the bustle of town to the resort’s private peninsula.

What It Costs to Stay Here

Rooms are about $1,312 per night right now, according to Google Hotels, in line with what you’d expect for mid-December.

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/karenudler/

New Wave Of Boutique Hotels Enhances Outer Banks Lodging Landscape

The Outer Banks of North Carolina continues to diversify its accommodation offerings with the opening of several distinctive boutique hotels throughout the past year, riding a significant wave of rebranding, renovations and new construction in the hotel industry on the Outer Banks. “It's an exciting time to book,” says Lee Nettles, Executive Director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. “Travelers can enjoy a host of choices for their overnight experience in 2025, from historic hotels to new independent properties, in addition to vacation rental homes, inns, cottage courts and campgrounds that have become calling cards for the destination. Couple this trend with our new direct booking partnership with Ripe and we're anticipating an exciting year ahead at outerbanks.org.” Beginning early 2025, visitors will be able to book their hotel stays directly from the official tourism website with other lodging types to follow.

Manteo's charming town waterfront has emerged as a hub for boutique lodging, welcoming three unique properties. The Pearl Hotel, opened in 2024, features 16 individually designed rooms and two luxury family suites, crowned by an exclusive rooftop greenspace overlooking Roanoke Sound. Each room showcases curated global design elements, from Italian touches to themed experiences including bridal, garden, and nautical motifs. Hotel Manteo, a 2023 transformation of the historic Elizabethan Inn, blends coastal Carolina inspiration with contemporary amenities. The property expanded its offerings in 2024 with the addition of Firetender Grill, enhancing Manteo's dining scene. Completing the town's boutique hotel triangle, The Manteo House opened in 2023, offering corporate retreat space and luxury accommodations in a preserved historic setting along Shallowbag Bay. Manteo and surrounding Roanoke Island is highly regarded as cultural and artistic community, being home to several attractions and museums, satisfying waterfront shopping and restaurants serving a range of palettes.

In Nags Head, the iconic Owen's Hotel has been reimagined as Mia's Boutique Hotel, featuring three distinct buildings with oceanfront luxury suites equipped with full kitchens. Further south, the Jonathan Adler-designed Pamlico Station Edgecamp opened in 2024, bringing national recognition through features in Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. The property offers a fully equipped residential-style experience in Cape Hatteras. Looking ahead to summer 2025, Kill Devil Hills will welcome at least one new flag hotel rebrand, adding to the beach's expanding hotel options. Lighthouses, national and state parks and several fishing piers and bathhouses for accessing the best beaches on the East Coast, along with restaurants only found on the Outer Banks serving locally caught seafood can complete your perfect OBX getaway when paired with the right accommodation for you.

Visitors are invited to check out the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau event calendar to build out their preferred travel weeks with vacation ideas for 2025.https://www.outerbanks.org/events/. For more information about visiting the Outer Banks, visit www.outerbanks.org.

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