South America

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.

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.

Responsible tourism continues to gain popularity. In certain countries, it’s borne out of necessity, as the realities of climate change leave their mark. Scores of resorts have placed themselves at the forefront of this effort, focusing on sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. Herein, five destinations where hotels are making a difference in their local environment.