Europe

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.

Millennials have earned scorn for their impact on a number of institutions. They’re killing soap, they’re disinterested in The Olympics, and they’re even guilty for declining fabric softener sales. While these accusations may or may not be true, this generation has also been earning plaudits for their love of experiential travel, a trend reflected in their eschewing of the stereotypical hard-drinking Spring Break vacation.

Instead, this week-long rite of passage is undergoing a renaissance, bolstered by the desire for more substantial vacations in more culturally rewarding locales. We’re all for this development, and this week on the blog we’re taking a look at seven destinations for a cultural Spring Break getaway.

Each year, staff at the Oxford Dictionary sift through the cultural morass to deliver their shortlist for Word of the Year. 2016’s lineup reflected a tumultuous period globally, with nomenclature like Alt-Right, Brexiteer, and Woke front and center. Somewhat cheerier, the word Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) was also present on the shortlist, and it’s a term that came roaring into fashion in 2016. If you’re unfamiliar with the word, it’s becoming increasingly ubiquitous with the concept of coziness and togetherness. Unfortunately, it has no literal translation in English making it difficult to pin down exactly what it means. Hygge was developed as a way of living by the Danish in the 18th century, and is often credited with helping Scandinavian people maintain their cheery disposition despite their long winters. Just like the concept of Feng Shui, hygge has begun to inform interior design choices everywhere from IKEA, to hotels we feature in Kiwi Collection. This week on the blog, we take a closer look at hotels where hygge is central to the guest experience.

Whether you’ve steadfastly maintained those resolutions or they’ve been consigned to the scrap heap, 2017 can still be the year to affect positive change. One of the most effective ways to kick start this process is a wellness vacation. Once considered niche, this industry has boomed over the last decade to encompass holistic spas, hiking getaways, weight management programs and even spiritual retreats. We take a look at 10 hotels that help guests cleanse and renew to work toward a new ending.

To most, Christmas dinner at KFC doesn’t sound particularly appealing, but it’s a holiday tradition dating back several generations in Japan. In this week’s blog, we’ve clad ourselves in the tackiest of festive sweaters to take a look at fascinating folklore and holiday traditions around the globe, as well as where to stay along the way.

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.

Though last week’s blog offered a little tropical respite from winter’s clutches, we’re not averse to embracing the chill with a ski escape. Fresh powder, roaring fireplace and waxed skis rank high on most people’s list of requirements, but Kiwi Collection hotels usually exceed expectations with some unique offerings. Herein, 10 hotels with out-of-the-ordinary winter activities this season.

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.