California

The Best Mom Ever deserves The Best Weekend Ever. But you don’t need months of planning to make it a memorable Mother’s Day, you just need a good idea and we’ve got five. City, country, beach, desert or mountain—pick her fave setting and set off.

For those living in the low slung islands of the Seychelles the realities of climate change strike perilously close to home. Roughly 80% of the population and economic activity is located in coastal areas, while the main airport and fishing port are both at risk to even a small rise in ocean levels. It’s an issue that resonates at the highest levels of local government, with the Seychelles taking the dramatic step of naming an Ambassador for Climate Change, Ronald Jumeau, who is based at the United Nations in New York. Unlike other countries, the Seychelles doesn’t have the resources to invest in defenses against the rising tides, so a policy of education and enlightenment was deemed the best path forward. With most in close proximity to the coast, many of the nation’s hotels and resorts are playing a leading role in the charge for sustainability, championing eco-friendly practices and conservation. One resort showing remarkable results is Constance Lemuria, where a resident Turtle Manager presides over an innovative preservation program.

Inexpensive and good for both one’s health and the environment, cycling has never been hotter. The rise in ridership has lead to bike share programs and dedicated lanes, making many cities much easier to navigate on two wheels rather than four. In tune with the trend, innovative hotels are offering bike-friendly amenities and services to help guests better explore their surrounds—be it beach towns or wine country.

Gathering 800,000 properties in 33,000 cities across 192 countries, Airbnb’s growth has been staggering—add to that a recent valuation of $16 billion US dollars. This meteoric rise has sent ripples through the hospitality industry, and hotels are scrambling for a method to combat the noisy newcomer.

Anonymous hotel rooms just won’t cut the mustard anymore, ushered out for more personalized, residential-style experiences. This week, we highlight a number of hotels who have perfected this formula, prompting that all-important home-away-from-home feel.

No matter how low the bar is set, having zero expectations for New Year’s Eve is a near-impossible feat. But, good news, science (more like personal trial-and-error) has concluded that the greatest equation for NYE happiness is to get out of town, because going somewhere new is innately exciting. Now, where to go? Easy, herein, seven atypical experiences to celebrate another calendar year.

Selling seasonal baubles and providing a festive atmosphere, Christmas Markets have been around for nearly a millennium. The tradition originated in German-speaking Europe, and as German immigrants spread throughout the world, so did the Christmas Market. Nowadays, most major cities will host one, and herein we highlight eight around the globe, with a corresponding dash of hotel inspiration.

’Tis the season to be jolly, and some hotels don’t just deck the halls, they go all out. In honor of Santa Claus, we’ve made a list (and checked it twice) of 9 Kiwi Collection hotels making this an extra special holiday season. So whether you’ve been naughty or nice, the festive travel inspiration herein applies to everyone.

Even though they live at one of the most iconic addresses on earth, the life of an American President is a transient one, clocking up the miles both at home and abroad in their role as Commander-in-Chief. Comfort is of utmost importance during these forays, beginning with the plush interiors of Air Force One, and extending to their choice of hotel. With almost limitless resources, the President and their entourage are free to choose from any hotel on earth, with considerations like security and convenience usually ranking highly on the list of criteria. With election day imminent, we take a look at eight iconic hotels where American Presidents have stayed.

In her heyday, Mariah Carey reportedly wouldn’t check-in to a hotel until they guaranteed a new toilet seat and gold faucets in her suite. While demands like this aren’t commonplace, the world’s best hotels have long understood going the extra mile. In this week’s blog, we take a look at 10 Kiwi Collection hotels that offer head-turning VIP amenities whether one enjoys celebrity status or not.