Sunset in Antigua
Gorgeous sunsets can be found all year-round, but summertime is a particularly nice season to take in a beautiful dusk view with a mai tai in hand. We’ve shown you some incredible sunsets before, but we’ve created a second edition of amazing views we’ve seen more recently. From Caribbean beach destinations to bustling metropolitan cities, we found 10 more incredible sunsets from our travels around the world.
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Father’s Day is less than a week away, and after impressing mom last month with some delicious brunches and unique gifts, we can’t forget about dad. More often than not, it can be pretty tricky to find him the perfect gift — fortunately, we have some ideas… Of course your dad is a family man, but this Father’s Day why don’t you give him a little break from the tots and chaos by sending him on a mancation? After all, nothing says “I love you, Dad” like sending him away for a long weekend, right?! We picked out awesome mancations for every type of dad — check ‘em out!
The James New York
He hasn’t been able to get away in a while? If you’ve got some extra dollars to spare, now’s the time to put it to good use. This SoHo boutique — with a stunning rooftop bar and pool, on-site restaurant by David Burke, and hotel art curator — embodies the hip, creative neighborhood it inhabits. Its bright, minimalist rooms are full of thoughtful details to make Dad feel at home — just without the noise. Treat him to luxury, trend, and a happening New York neighborhood for a good dose of relaxation.
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Kim Kardashian and Kate Middleton are ready to pop (both have June due dates), and the world has been mesmerized by their growing bellies and beautiful (and, um, innnnteresting) maternity fashion choices. And we know that once those bundles of joy arrive, they’ll be getting tons of attention — not only from the paps and fans, but also from their doting parents. So we did a little research to figure out just how Kim and Kate will spoil their spawn. We made a list of the five most over-the-top, kid-friendly hotel amenities out there that these celebrity (and royal) moms will definitely approve of — and will probably take advantage of during their many travels. If Kimbryo will love these kid-friendly amenities, so will you!
Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
It would be wise for newbie celebrity tots to take notes from Suri Cruise — after all, she is the most watched, and adored, celebrity offspring of all time. And back in 2007, when she was just 18 months old, Suri hosted an over-the-top Madeline-themed tea party in the iconic Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, complete with live musical accompaniments, tasty treats such as mac ‘n cheese and mini burgers, and about 25 guests. The event reportedly cost Katie and Tom a whopping $100,000. We’re sure the Kardashians and the royal family could also afford to throw such a lavish affair, but us mere mortals can enjoy tea in Bemelmans (where the walls are covered with Madeline illustrations) with our tots as well. The afternoon tea starts up again in October, and includes tea, hot chocolate, pastries, finger sandwiches, a pianist for sing-alongs, and Madeline books on-hand for reading, all for a reasonable prix-fixe price.
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We're ready to zip down this slide!
Who doesn’t feel like a kid again when at a water park? Whether you’re visiting with your own kids, or are just trying to revive your inner kid, a water park can be just what you need for a little fun this summer. We’ve visited tons and tons of water parks during our travels, and have seen all kinds of slides, waterfalls, pirate ships, lazy rivers — you name it! But we whittled them down to the best of the best to show you. So check out our slideshow of the best water parks in the world!
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Some hotel weddings are gorgeous, some not so much, but they often all kind of feel the same. That’s where we come in — we’ve discovered some of the most beautiful and unique wedding venues in hotels around the world. Whether you want to say “I do” on safari, in a cloud forest, or at a Gatsby-esque mansion, these hotels deliver on the romance. Check them out here, and get inspired for your own big day (or vow renewal)!
Chapel in the middle of a rainforest? Check that off your list.
For outdoorsy couples looking for an authentic eco-lodge experience on their wedding day, Selva Negra is the real deal. This family-run organic farm and coffee estate in Nicaragua has accommodations ranging from hostel rooms to private bungalows, as well as a lush, cool mountain setting that’s rich with wildlife (expect howler monkeys, lizards, agoutis, and all types of birds). Couples can get married at the on-site chapel — which the owners built for their own daughter’s wedding — beneath Selva Negra’s cloud forest. Read More »
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Who doesn’t love a beach vacation? The sun, the sand, and the ocean all come together to make for a relaxing getaway that, when complete, will send you home rested and relaxed – and hopefully with a tan! Where you stay, however, can make a big difference on just how fabulous your beach trip is. That’s why we’ve found the 15 most decadent hotels on the sand to ensure that you enjoy the ultimate beachfront luxury.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana
The Eden Roc, opened in 2012, is one of the most high-tech properties in the Dominican Republic, and is located in the gated Cap Cana community — which has a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, marina, and beach club. The 34 colorful suites are clustered around a small, man-made lagoon and feature elegant decor (picture four-poster beds, intricate floor tiling, and spacious bathrooms). Up-to-date amenities include iPad-controlled lights, sound systems, and TVs with numerous channels in Spanish and English. Suites also come with small pools and golf carts for getting around the property.
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The dry desert air may not be for everyone. Then again, neither are humid, tropical climates. While the desert offers its own exciting adventures (gorgeous sand landscapes and an array of impressive creatures, anyone) tropical getaways boast lush greenery and exotic wildlife all of its own. So which one would you prefer — a Desert Destination or Tropical Travel? Take a look at the options below and then enter your adventure pick in the comments section.
For a true desert escape, Tucson's Tanque Verde Ranch is hard to beat.
Tucson is one of the most popular destinations in the Southwest, attracting outdoor enthusiasts with its expansive desert terrain and year-round warm weather. With countless golf courses, hiking and biking trails, and endless rock-climbing opportunities, Tuscon makes for a great desert getaway almost any time of year. But visitors take note: temperatures reach into the 100s during the summer months — and watch out for scorpions!
For those in search of a great desert retreat, the Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson has everything you’d expect from a true Western ranch, with horse stables, a nature center with tons of native creatures, and trails for hiking and biking. Read More »
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Staying fit on the road is never easy, particularly when it comes to eating well. Many of us let our diets go out the window when we travel, partly because there simply aren’t any healthy options to be had. After all, if the only edible-looking option on the room service menu is the burger, what is one to do?! Luckily, hotels are starting to recognize the demand for more healthful food options, and a handful of chains are taking action. Hyatt, Fairmont, and Westin are among the brands paving the way, working with health experts and organizations to come up with some tasty, guilt-free menu options. Here’s hoping other hotel chains get on board with this trend!
Hyatt, which has 492 hotels worldwide, is one of the largest chains to introduce healthy food options at its properties. The “Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served.” initiative launched in 2012 has brought cage-free eggs, hormone-free beef, and sustainable seafood options to all of its hotels, among other health-conscious food options. Hyatt also teamed up with Partnership for a Healthier America (Michelle Obama is a Chair!) to make its kids’ menus healthier in support of the effort to combat childhood obesity. In addition, all Hyatt hotels have on-site fitness centers, so no excuse not to hit the gym either!
Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle
Oyster.com’s Pick for a Standout Hyatt Hotel: Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle
You almost can’t go wrong with the Hyatt at Olive 8, which is known for its exceptionally high customer ratings, environmentally conscious design, and easy, walk-to-everything location. If you’re looking for a romantic lobby in which to have cocktails, you might want to head across the street to the dark and elegant Grand Hyatt; otherwise, be prepared to stay happily put.
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Summertime will soon be upon us — this week has already seen highs of 82 degrees in NYC! — and we can’t wait for long days spent strolling along the boardwalk. From Atlantic City to Santa Cruz, beach bums will strut their stuff down those sandy pathways, either taking in the views or letting loose on beachside coasters (or both!). Foodies will delight in summer treats such as saltwater taffy and Nathan’s hot dogs, and visitors can also play games, have their fortunes told, hit up unique shopping grounds, or just people-watch as the summer heat brings out some truly interesting characters. So bust out your flip-flops, spread on the SPF, and head to one of these boardwalks near you for some spring and summer fun in the sun.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the oldest in the United States and the longest in the world.
First opened in 1870 and now spanning 5.5 miles, the Atlantic City Boardwalk is both the oldest in America and the longest in the world, garnering plenty of attention from East Coast visitors. Travelers fantasize about the Art Deco glamour and glitzy shows of Nucky Thompson‘s heyday while munching on saltwater taffy from the James Candy Company (in business since the early 1900s) or indulging in an order of deep-fried oreos. Others may try their luck in one of the many casinos that dot the boardwalk. Though Atlantic City was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, loyalists are helping this shore spot bounce back with a vengeance.
Where to Stay: Mainstays such as Caesars bring back loyal guests, while boardwalk newbie Revel has been a hot topic in the tabloids (Beyonce performed her first post-baby show here, and Kanye announced that baby momma Kim Kardashian was expecting during his performance at the resort).
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Ackee and saltfish in Jamaica
If you’re a foodie, cuisine plays an important role in your vacation. We can relate. Luckily, we’ve gotten to sample a lot of great food while off investigating hotels across the globe, and we’ve particularly enjoyed discovering various destination’s specialties, from smoked salmon in Norway to macarons in France. There’s a lot of food out there, to be sure, but these seven local dishes ranked among our favorites.
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