Art tips

The Peninsula Tokyo is synonymous with impeccable service, spacious rooms and tasteful luxury, however in addition to this elegant guest experience, there are also many one-of-a-kind amenities and experiences that might surprise you. You’ll turn the corner in your hallway to see something unexpected or find a nook in your room that offers more than the eye perceives at first glance. For gourmets, there’s also a room service experience that gets a modern update for the discerning culinary traveler. Here are five things to experience at The Peninsula Tokyo that you won’t find elsewhere.

While the downtowns of many American cities have stagnated since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Las Vegas Arts District is staging an impressive comeback. The area, once known for bail bonds, pawn shops and wedding chapels, boasts artist studios, bars, clubs, tattoo shops, bookstores, coffee roasters, vintage clothing shops, and now a $4 million restaurant from Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, 1288 Main.

Chicago is that unique city that marries rich history with contemporary marvels. Renowned for its diverse neighborhoods, stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and delectable culinary experiences, Chicago is a city that never fails to captivate its visitors.

Ask A Local is a new series where we ask clued-up insiders to share their top tips for the place they call home.

Vintage travel posters remind us of a time when travel was glamorous — and they make for some really attractive artwork for your home or office.

Dreaming of an expedition to Antarctica? Even at the literal end of the Earth, you don’t need to go without art and culture. MS Roald Amundsen, a 530-passenger expedition ship launching in 2019, will sail to the Poles with a collection of nearly 600 works of art onboard—many chosen by Queen Sonja of Norway.

Between avocado toast (thanks, millennials) and avocado ice cream (thanks, Tom Brady), you’d think that we’ve reached peak avocado—but you’d be wrong. This June, an entire 6,700-square-foot avocado museum will open in San Diego.

Many people use Genoa as an entry point to explore the Italian Riviera, including the famous (and often crammed) Portofino and Cinque Terre. But missing out on the charms of the city by rushing beyond it too soon would be a mistake.

The late great Anthony Bourdain once said “without Montreal, Canada would be hopeless.” Of course this isn’t true as Canada has many charms but it’s fair to say that the Anglo francophone city is a sheer delight, from both a culinary and cultural perspective. This unique melting pot of cultures, set on an island in the St. Lawrence River, is the birthplace of Leonard Cohen, Mordecai Richler, Arcade Fire, Cirque du Soleil and jazz legend Oscar Peterson.

Seen from the outside, Red Jane, a new bakery in the center of Chania, a Greek port city on the island of Crete, looks like a Berlin nightclub, with no obvious sign and a concrete facade covered in graffiti. Inside, it might pass for a New York boutique: There are Italian tiles on the floor and an exposed-brick ceiling and on a long red marble counter, lit by minimalist pendant lamps, pastries are laid out like jewels in a glass vitrine. Owned by Nikos Tsepetis, the hotelier behind the nearby beach resort Ammos (a favorite of the art and design crowd), the space is the first fully realized interiors project overseen by the London-based lighting and furniture designer Michael Anastassiades. Eyal Schwartz, the former head baker and co-owner of London’s E5 Bakehouse, created the menu. On its opening day this month, Red Jane sold out of its chocolate-filled croissants, koulouri (Greek sesame-topped bagels) and baklava swirls by noon. Locals lingered for an hour after, despite the fact that Tsepetis and Anastassiades designed the space without tables.

With its Golden Age canals, treasure-filled museums and cutting-edge art, entertainment and design scenes, Amsterdam is one of Europe's jewels, but it can be pricey.

Some call him a genius, others a mad scientist. But mostly, he is one of the world's most revered and respected architects and environmental designers. The first time I met Eduardo Neira (known to most as Roth), we were at his compound deep in the jungle of Tulum, Mexico. He entered the room barefoot, wearing all-white flowing attire adorned by numerous large necklaces. He is was a soft-spoken, brilliant man who immediately lit up the room, and I was transfixed.

You don’t need a booming bank account to revel in Chicago ’s cultural coolness. Accommodation will cost you, but oodles of free things to do, discount ticket schemes, and relatively low cost of food and transportation help keep overall expenses in check. 

Croatia is an endlessly appealing destination with sun-drenched beaches, picturesque hilltop towns and atmospheric streets.

The fall season is already looking to be a busy one for culinary, with a number of exciting food festivals taking place at various cities, islands and resorts.

The master weaver stands up and starts to sing. His voice echoes around the carpet warehouse, a high warble pure and true, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and goosebumps ripple along my arms. Below him, cross-legged on the floor, three members of his family work as one, their fingers knotting hundreds of threads in a hypnotic dance of hands. A carpet of incredible intricacy stretches away from the little group, oranges mingling with reds and ochres, set within a border of midnight blue and tassels the colour of tea.

Often described as the most romantic river in the world, the Seine in Paris is poised to open a new chapter in its mythology with the revival of an old heritage: the return of public swimming.

Right in time for (yet another) chaotic summer travel season, a brand new United lounge has arrived at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport.

In our 5 Shops series, we’ll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world's best cities. From food markets and bookshops to vintage and homegrown design stores, we’ve found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces.

Denver is one of the fastest growing cities in the US, a one-time "cow town" turned Rocky Mountain powerhouse. At the core sits LoDo, the city’s oldest neighborhood with historic buildings, boutique shopping and some of Denver’s best hotels. Just west of there is LoHi, a leafy Victorian-era neighborhood and foodie’s haven. South and east are the Golden Triangle, Capitol Hill and City Park neighborhoods, home to museums, edgy urban life and big green spaces. And north is RiNo, Denver’s heart of cool, with street art and hipster nightlife.

Grupo Xcaret is excited to introduce the inaugural Xcaret Culinary Festival, a first-of-its-kind event in Riviera Maya. In a groundbreaking culinary festival, distinguished chefs from around the world, including internationally renowned and Michelin-starred chefs, will join forces with the finest Mexican culinary experts to celebrate the art of Mexican cuisine. The event will showcase a captivating array of dinners, tastings, pairings, and presentations, blending innovation with the rich traditions of Mexican gastronomy.