Favorite Hotels

Big & small, near & far, populated or remote; islands hold a special fascination for me and we know that many won’t be here forever! I have visited many types of islands around the world and am sharing some of my favorites with you.

Santa Monica's Best Hotel: A Hidden Gem

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Being a local resident in one of the most famous beach towns in the world is quite a special position. I know a LOT about Santa Monica and have a lot of advice and recommendations for those coming to visit. I have been on almost every street in Santa…

Winter in Vermont at the Woodstock Inn and Resort

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Each time I go back to my little Vermont hometown, I am reminded that I basically grew up in a storybook. Woodstock, Vermont is a bucolic little village nestled amidst rolling hills, hugging a charming center green and a briskly flowing river.  Stone,…

A Sky High Dinner Party at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown

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It's not difficult to find the brand new InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. All you have to do is look up. Soaring 73 floors high, in the tallest building west of Chicago, this sky scraping hotel has a bird's-eye view over Los Angeles. And in a city where buildings are usually shorter than the palm trees, the InterContinental LA Downtown literally stands out above the rest.

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

Hotel Snob: Four Seasons Chiang Mai

I have stayed at some of the world's best properties. Here's my review of the Four Seasons Chiang Mai in Thailand. I profile the rooms, pool villa, spa, activities, dining and overall experience so you can assess.

Papua New Guinea Luxury Lodges

Cool Lodges of Papua New Guinea

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The lodges in PNG are more than just hotels--they are your basis for experiencing the country and interacting with the locals. Sustainable and true to their environments, each one that I stayed on my experience with Swain Destinations had a unique personality…