Epic Stays tips

One of England’s most legendary, legally protected prehistoric landmarks, Stonehenge, is believed to date back at least 4,000 years. Today, this cultural icon still stands as a prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. Although there’s an air of mystery that surrounds the monument, it’s said to be aligned towards the sunrise on the summer solstice and sunset on the winter solstice. Here’s where to spend the night nearby while checking out this unforgettable and unique attraction.

Seoul is the capital of South Korea, perched on the Han River in the northwestern part of the country. Travelers will encounter contemporary technology like modern skyscrapers and an extensive subway network, blended with well-preserved historical cultural landmarks such as Buddhist temples, palaces, and markets. Top attractions include Namsan Mountain, Seoul Tower, Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Gwangjang Market.

Zagreb is Croatia’s historic northwestern capital, boasting many impressive 18th- and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architectural buildings and landmarks. Travelers should check out attractions like the main square, the Zagreb Cathedral, and the city’s pedestrian district, Tkalčićeva Street — which is a great place for shopping and dining. It’s a historic city featuring many educational and cultural exploration opportunities, including museums, art galleries, and diverse entertainment.

Founded as recently as 1886, Johannesburg went on to become the largest city in South Africa. It was the long-time home of the country’s first Black president and is now a burgeoning student hub with a progressive mindset. Nelson Mandela’s House and the Soweto township along with the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill are vital components of any Jo’burg itinerary before heading to Kruger and beyond.

Abu Dhabi tends to play second fiddle to Dubai when it comes to luxury and lavish associations, but the emirate is quickly catching up to its neighbor thanks to hotels like the Shangri-La. Situated in the heart of the city of Abu Dhabi, the Shangri-La Hotel offers a blend of contemporary comfort and traditional Arabian charm, making it one of the best places to stay when visiting the city for the first time.

Singer, songwriter, philanthropist — it seems like there’s nothing Dolly Parton can’t do. The same can be said of her success with her theme park, Dollywood, and resort, DreamMore Resort and Spa. Now the singer has further expanded her hospitality empire with the opening of her latest hotel, Heartsong Lodge and Resort.

As I sat under the waning sun, eating a traditional Bedouin meal of fire roasted lamb and rice with my fingers and watching the twinkling stars begin to appear in the sky, our host said, “You have to earn visiting AlUla,” and he was not wrong. It’s a place that insists upon admiration of its natural beauty and remarkable history, and with that comes a luxury price tag that is well worth saving for.

Founded by the Romans in the 1st century, Bath originally went by the Latin name of Aquae Sulis after the Celtic deity of healing and water. The setting was chosen for its thermal springs which later saw Bath evolve into a fashionable spa resort. Grand terraces were constructed during the Georgian era using honey-colored limestone from the surrounding downs. Nowadays, Bath remains a stellar destination for romantic getaways, family vacations, spa weekends, and bachelor/bachelorette parties (locally known as stag and hen dos).

Soaring 828 meters over Dubai, the Burj Khalifa has clung to its status as the world’s tallest building for more than a decade. Levels 124 and 125 are dedicated to 360-degree observation decks although the viewpoints from the waterside parks will leave you equally agog. Even better, how about from the balcony or rooftop pool of your accommodation in Downtown Dubai? These dazzling Dubai Airbnbs near the Burj Khalifa are worth shelling out for – especially when they come with a view.

Bristol’s maritime past is superseded by its legacy as the hometown of Banksy whose murals have inspired waves of activism since the 1980s. Expressed through its cyclable neighborhoods, second-hand shopping, and plant-based dining scene, Brizzle’s green philosophy makes it a mint destination in the United Kingdom for couples, families, and nomads.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a dynamic city that blends old-world tradition and contemporary elegance. And this is mirrored in the hospitality scene. Here, you’ll find hotels renowned for their opulent design, where grandeur is a given and superior service is a standard. So whether you’re seeking panoramic views of the glistening Persian Gulf, access to exclusive shopping precincts, or state-of-the-art wellness facilities, there is a wealth of options in the capital. Here are the top Abu Dhabi hotels for an unforgettable vacation.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, floats off the western coast and is bordered by the Andaman Sea. Comprising alabaster-white beaches, snorkeling in crystalline waters, and a splash of cultural sights, Phuket is a Thailand-in miniature destination with something to offer revelrous backpackers as well as honeymooners, and families. These Airbnbs in Phuket with private pools and million-dollar views give you a preview of the third outing of White Lotus.

NEOM is central to Saudi Arabia’s push to encourage tourism and emerge as one of the world’s leading vacation destinations. Al’Ula and mega-projects inside of NEOM such as The Line and a new island destination called Sindalah have been the biggest locations to make headlines lately, but there are other moving pieces equally worthy of getting excited about. Take, for example, Leyja, a mountainous region within NEOM slated to be developed as a major tourism hub with three new futuristic hotels built right into the mountains.

Perched above the Ionian Sea on a rocky promontory, the iconic San Domenico Palace welcomes guests to a world of unparalleled luxury that’s not only reminiscent of the TV show “White Lotus” — it actually served as the filming location for Season 2. This beautiful hotel in the heart of Taormina, Sicily, is a 14th-century convent reimagined, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern opulence. A testament to Sicilian elegance, the hotel’s lush gardens and stunning sea-view deluxe rooms give guests intimate spaces to unwind in a place that feels more like a sanctuary than a hotel.

Hanoi is the bustling capital of Vietnam. This storied city is known for showcasing a stunning array of centuries-old buildings with impressive architecture, and a rich culture blending Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences.

Sitting on the shores shores of the Caribbean, the Hyatt Regencyis a stunning hotel located in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. Combining modern elegance with breathtaking views and world-class amenities, this property is the perfect destination for both leisure and business travelers, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history that Cartagena is known for.

One hundred miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is the choice weekend destination of Angelenos. The Sonoran Desert oasis has seen a star-studded population; Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and most recently the Kardashians have put roots down in Old Las Palmas. Fortunately, Airbnb opens up the hot springs, hiking trails, and golf courses to us B-listers. We’re still waiting for Leo’s villa to hit the platform but until then these Guest Favorite Airbnbs in Palm Springs grant a taste of the superstar lifestyle.

Nothing says “happy holidays” like an extravagant Christmas display. Hoteliers know this. That’s why every winter hotels across the country get dressed in their holiday best, with twinkly lights and holly wreaths and maybe a reindeer lawn ornament or two. But only a handful of hotels truly go all out. From stories-high Christmas trees to beachfront ice skating rinks, these nine US holiday hotels take seasonal cheer to a whole new level.

No first trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle. The world-famous icon of Scotland is part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the country. Dominating the skyline of the city, the fortress looms over the streets below from its position on the Castle Rock. Due to its strategic location, it has been a royal residence, a military stronghold, and a focus of countless sieges and battles. It also offers stunning panoramic views over the city of Edinburgh. Due to the size and walkability of the city center, the best way to explore Scotland’s capital is on foot. That means, if you are looking for a central Airbnb, you’ll be no more than a 30-minute walk from the Royal Mile — the main street leading to the castle gates. The Airbnb near Edinburgh Castle rentals we’ve selected here are steeped in history, have views of the iconic site, Superhost status, and five-star reviews from past guests.

The upscale but unpretentious 120-room boutique Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection, is an elegant and approachable hotel at the edge of historic downtown Grapevine, Texas. Grapevine is known as a prominent wine-producing region, and home to the largest wine festival in Texas — GrapeFest® — and the hotel encompasses this aura in a classic, discreet (but not unnoticed) way. It’s a wine lover’s dream hotel.

There’s never a bad time to visit Germany’s 2,000-year-old city. Cologne straddles both banks of the Rhine and is lined with riverside botanical gardens and sculpture parks. With over 100 museums exhibiting everything from perfume to chocolate, there’s little wonder Köln is considered the German cultural capital. Winter kicks off in November with the annual Cologne Carnival which takes a brief hiatus when the yuletide markets claim the limelight before resuming and going out with a bang in February.