Art tips

Tucked away on a quiet corner in Shinjuku, a stone’s throw from the venerable Park Hyatt Hotel, lies Tokyo’s most unlikely 5-star property. More Manhattan than Tokyo, the Kimpton Shinjuku Hotel is nothing like most traditional Japanese luxury hotels. Inspired by New York’s art and fashion scene, and housed behind an art deco-style façade reminiscent of the skyscrapers of the Big Apple, the Kimpton is a breath of fresh air in a mostly staid luxury market – modern, youthful, stylish, whimsical, and edgy. It is everything a New York boutique hotel would want to be, only it is located in the heart of one of Tokyo’s most popular areas.

Located on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is the capital city of what is, geographically, Australia’s largest state: Western Australia. With a population of about two million, Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, wet winters. It’s culturally diverse any time of year, with a mix of both modern and indigenous art alongside galleries and museums to rival Sydney and Melbourne, and its west coast remoteness means the city is far less touristy than the cities on Australia’s eastern seaboard. Perth saw 5.7 million arrivals between July 2018 and June 2019 compared to the 16.1 million visits to Sydney in the same period. If you do make the trip here, these are the cultural attractions to see.

Long in the shadow of Rio de Janeiro in certain circles of international tourism, São Paulo is ready for its moment. The city is artsy and vibrant, with shopping and dining that rivals any Latin American capital — not to mention with the uniquely Brazilian bravado of late nights and hot, dance-fueled parties. Positioning yourself well is key when visiting this vast and geographically widespread city of nearly 13 million. These 10 São Paulo Airbnbs put you close to the action happening around the city.

Not only is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel one of the most standout landmarks in Singapore, it’s also an architectural masterpiece. A towering icon of modern luxury, the hotel features 2,561 luxurious rooms and suites that offer a stunning view of the city skyline, and is known for its rooftop infinity pool and “Rain Oculus” art installation.

Compared to Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is just a blip on the tourist circuit. It’s a shame that Queensland’s capital tends to get overlooked, but that’s also what makes it so great for travelers who know better than to skip the city located 500-plus miles north of Sydney between the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Proximity to famous beaches is one reason to visit Brisbane, but there’s plenty to love within city limits, from Brisbane River cruises to museums and street art tours, park outings, and a thriving food and bar scene. The Brisbane Airbnb scene has grown, too, and these seven Brisbane Airbnbs are at the center of the action.

A port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira has been a popular tourist destination since the 1960s when it began to attract laid-back bohemian types. In the decades that followed, Essaouria’s popularity continued to grow as more people discovered its stunning beaches, UNESCO-protected medina, fresh seafood, and vibrant arts scene. Ask today’s travelers, and most will tell you that Essaouira is now a Moroccan must. If you plan on visiting, make sure to cross these five experiences off your bucket list.

Are you seeking an artful escape in one of the world’s most beautiful cities? Then check out the Art Studio On The Bay Airbnb inCape Town, South Africa. This Airbnb offers its guests a unique and luxurious experience, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind while exploring all Cape Town offers.

Choosing the perfect hotel for your stay in Buenos Aires can significantly enhance your vacation to Argentina. With a city as diverse and vibrant as the Argentine capital, your accommodation can serve as more than just a place to rest your head — it can be your gateway to the culture, history, and lifestyle of Buenos Aires.

Pasadena, California, really does have something for everyone. Food lovers, sports fans, those who travel for live entertainment, and history buffs will all find something to love in this city. Pasadena provides options for both families, couples, and even solo travelers.

Casper is the second-largest city in Wyoming. In the least populated state in the country, that translates to just under 60,000 people. But don’t let the population size fool you. This centrally located city is a paradise for outdoor lovers that also has a thriving urban center, a diverse economy, and a rich historical and cultural heritage.

Situated on the Douro River in Northern Portugal, Porto is one of Europe’s most underrated cities. From the medieval Ribeira district, with its narrow cobbled streets, modern buildings and bustling arts scene, and stunning coastline, there’s a lot to do in Porto. It’s, of course, home to world-renowned Port wine and an exciting food scene. When it comes to accommodation, there’s a lot of hotels in Porto to get excited about. The city is adorned with historic properties and cool boutiques from luxurious five-star establishments to more quirky budget-friendly options. You can explore Porto fairly easily on foot, or if need be public transport, so these hotels have been selected for their location. They are also some of the most top-rated in terms of service, amenities, and over-all guest experience.

Nestled into the mountainside at the gateway of Gustavia, St. Barths, an extraordinary villa re-imagines the essence of luxury on an island renowned for its opulent vacation experiences. Boasting a magnificent 12,000 square feet of awe-inspiring interiors, and an equal expanse of exclusive exterior terraces and gardens, Villa Embrace presents a sanctuary for the discerning visitor, blending seamlessly with the picturesque backdrop of this iconic island.

When the very first Helsinki Biennial launched in 2021, it was a pretty local affair as the world was just emerging from the Covid 19 pandemic. So this year’s biennial, that runs until the fall, is in effect the first one to attract the world’s art lovers. And it’s free, in part to promote Helsinki’s visual art scene at home and abroad. While Helsinki has a long history of design and architecture, contemporary Finnish art is not as well known. The biennial aims to redress this and it has done so by transforming the Finnish capital into a vibrant hub of creativity. From awe-inspiring sculptures to mind-bending installations and captivating performances, this new biennial embraces both established and emerging artists in a mesmerizing showcase of artistic excellence.

A Rocky Mountain megastar, Denver is a thriving city that blends its rich Old West history with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Here you’ll find dynamic arts and cultural options woven with a booming food, craft beer and cannabis scene. And with endless sunny days, green spaces galore and a spectacular mountain backdrop, outdoor play is always part of the local ethos. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll find Denver is buzzing with activity.

If you imagine the world as a network of roads, Nigeria is one of less traveled.

Summer has arrived in Paris, and the world with it. By day, international hordes pile into the Musée d’Orsay to catch the final month of the blockbuster “Manet / Degas” exhibition as throngs surround the closed, fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral to snap any possible selfies. By night, the available picnic space quickly disappears on the lawns of the Champ de Mars and its direct view of the Eiffel Tower.

When Ariel Stark-Benz looks back on his time living in Tokyo in 2015, he has no idea how he got so much done: “Tokyo is a relentless workday that turns into a dinner that turns into a party, and somehow a lot can materialize at the end of it,” says Stark-Benz, who spent his stint in the city overseeing brand marketing duties for The New Order Magazine and helping the team at Son of The Cheese—an Americana-inspired Japanese streetwear brand—with a coinciding summer collection and the opening of their flagship store and sandwich shop, Buy Me Stand.

A historic store in Barcelona has become so frustrated with tourists snapping selfies rather than spending money, it has imposed an entry fee.

Home to the world’s largest naval base and the North American headquarters for NATO, Norfolk, Virginia is renowned for its Navy presence. Here you’ll find a plethora of historical maritime attractions, from the Battleship Wisconsin to an iconic three-masted topsail schooner. With 144 miles of shoreline, Norfolk is perfectly situated for water activities like kayaking, sailing, boating and sprawling on the sand for a relaxing beach day.

This month sees a series of exciting safari lodge openings in wilderness areas across Africa and more are on the horizon for debut by early 2024.

Newmarket in Suffolk is the home of British horse racing, with equine attractions aplenty. There are the two race courses, the Rowley Mile and the July Course; the gallops where the horses are exercised; the National Stud, where they are bred; and Tattersalls, where they are bought and sold. There is plenty of art, too, but it is largely of a horsey nature – the Packard Galleries of British Sporting Art are full of paintings by George Stubbs and Alfred Munnings, and depictions of hunting, hawking, shooting and, of course, racing.