Ireland

As summer spreads good vibes and rays of sunshine across the northern hemisphere, it means it’s time to dust off the trusty outdoor furniture and fire up the barbecue. One welcome trend we’ve observed in 2017 is the growing number of hotels promoting remarkable, one-of-a-kind patio experiences. This week on the blog, we take a look at nine hotels that are decked out.

The venerable game of golf originated on the rugged links of Scotland, but nowadays over 50% of the world’s courses are located in the United States, and there are courses set in diverse locales such as deserts, mountain passes and tropical rainforests. With such a buffet of options, it can be difficult to hone in on the best venue, but we hone in on ten hotels where spectacular golf is central to the guest experience.

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.

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.

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.

When it comes time to plan out a Euro vacation, major locales like Rome or Paris are a given. However, the eclectic continent has over 50 countries, so there’s plenty to discover for those inclined to meander off the beaten track. With this in mind, we decided to devote attention to some of Europe’s hidden gems in this week’s blog.

For decades, Jack Nicklaus ruled the roost on the PGA Tour, amassing an unrivalled collection of 18 major championships. In retirement, "The Golden Bear" has perhaps been even more prolific, parlaying his on-course career into a lucrative sideline as the world’s eminent golf course designer. Nicklaus and his team have become the standard bearers of course design, using an area’s natural environment to craft courses that are both challenging and enjoyable. So successful has this venture been, that over 400 courses in 35 countries sport the Nicklaus moniker, ranging from Muirfield Village in his native Ohio, to courses in emerging golf markets across Asia. Savvy hotels clued in to the benefits of adding a Nicklaus-designed course, and several of these are part of Kiwi Collection. Read on, as we take a look at The Golden Bear’s input into the luxury hotel world.