I took a $30 ferry ride to Shell Island, an unspoiled 7-mile beach in Florida. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

I have two teen sons — 13 and 14 — and my husband and I have always prioritized travel and experiences over material possessions. This means we drive an older, mediocre car but spend money on nice vacations. Traveling allows us to connect outside our daily lives, and I also believe it reinforces cooperation and teamwork.

While North America is home to fascinating destinations spanning from the high Arctic tundra to the Florida Everglades, few can match the spectacular biodiversity of the Caribbean. Biomes across the region span from tropical rainforest to xeric scrubland, and its large number of isolated islands have spurred a high degree of endemism—and to sweeten the deal, the Caribbean is also home to its fair share of high-end resorts that are perfect for wildlife-watching. With summer on the horizon, these idyllic islands are perfect for a foray into some of the Caribbean’s most underrated gems for ecotourism.

Ahead of World Oceans Day on 8 June, fresh additions to the Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail pass are helping visitors to connect with, and protect, the natural environment of the 125-mile-long island chain. The free, mobile-exclusive digital pass enables travellers to find and check in at local businesses while exploring the Keys’ environment and wildlife. Launched in January and created by the Florida Keys Tourism Council and technology company Bandwango, the Eco-Experience Trail pass includes more than 60 geo-tagged, bookable activities and sustainability initiatives.  After accessing the pass, users can explore state parks and nature tours, wildlife centres and refuges as well as eco-adventures in the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which protects the continental United States’ only living barrier coral reef.

For years, the Costa da Caparica—a long stretch of Atlantic beach just across the Tagus River from Lisbon—was something of an afterthought; Lisboetas saw it merely as a low-rent suburb. But about a decade ago, that started changing, when the surfers caught the waves and a group of bohemian, mostly international scene-makers caught onto the region’s potential. Since then, one beach club after another has opened, some with sophisticated food, some with chilled-out afternoons and others with booming parties that last until sunrise.

With summer just around the corner, beach lovers are eager to find the best sandy spots in the U.S. The person with the answers: Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach.

In October 2023, as the races at the Mexico City Grand Prix electrified track-side spectators, a quieter but no less meaningful moment unfolded at the city's Gota de Leche School. Associates of The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City and members of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team came together to create a bright, cheery, and well-stocked arts and crafts room for its students, with a view to improving the quality of arts programming as well as creating capacity for creative enrichment. As another gift to the students, the volunteers also packed school bags filled with new art supplies, including a handwritten letter from each of them.

The Prelude, a luxury concierge company, leverages cutting-edge technology to provide unparalleled service to ultra-high net worth individuals. Offering a dedicated mobile app and client-focused teams, The Prelude fills a critical gap left by traditional travel agents, enhancing the booking experience and ensuring personalized, efficient service tailored to the demanding schedules of executives and high-net worth families.

Five-story, 45,000-square-foot meeting and events destination set to transform South Florida’s convention industry

Former General Manager of Black Diamond Ranch to join the iconic Florida resort.

Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa appoints Verdell Ekberg as the new Director of Sales & Marketing, bringing over 30 years of luxury segment experience to enhance brand and revenue growth.

Patricia Affonso-Dass, honored as Caribbean Hotelier of the Year, is recognized for her transformative impact on the hospitality industry and her leadership during pivotal industry challenges.

VIVA Cruises introduces enchanting Seine River cruises for winter 2024, featuring visits to Versailles and Chantilly, with cultural excursions and luxurious onboard amenities on the VIVA Gloria.