Hospitality and leisure industry
Can a robot give a decent massage? We tested one at a luxury hotel in New York City
One step inside a spa’s dimly lit room, and I’m already anticipating a serene, therapeutic experience: an hour-long full-body massage that leaves me relaxed and revitalized. But a recent appointment at ila Only Spa at the luxurious Lotte New York Palace hotel didn’t resemble past spa experiences. Although a human escorted me into the room, […]
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‘The World’ is a luxury ship that travels the world full time — here’s how much an apartment on it costs
A floating apartment. A residential yacht. A holiday home that travels the globe. The World, a luxury liner, has many descriptions, but “cruise ship” is not one of them, said resident Jim Minarik. “The only thing that’s similar between the world and a cruise ship is they float on the water,” he said. “If our […]
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‘Travel is too expensive right now’: Americans are spending less or skipping trips altogether
Travelers may have finally had enough. With revenge travel over and pandemic savings depleted, travelers say they’re planning fewer trips this summer, or skipping their vacations altogether. “After two straight years of strong gains, the number of Americans planning to take leisure trips is taking a dip,” states a summer travel report from Deloitte Insights. […]
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Planning a luxury trip to Singapore? Here’s what to do and where to stay
For many, Singapore — the city that inspired “Crazy Rich Asians” — is synonymous with luxury, with everything from top-tier accommodations to high-end shopping and restaurants. For the ultimate stay, Marina Bay Sands has an exclusive, invitation-only Chairman Suite, while Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island is a tranquil escape, known for hosting high-level international meetings. […]
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A $1.4 million vacation? Take a look inside a yacht that costs that much per week
The 255-foot superyacht Malia sold in 2023 with a price tag of $120 million. But she can be yours for a fraction of the cost: $930,000 per week. But with many large yacht charters, surcharges — for fuel, food, drinks, marina fees, onshore activities and special requests — are usually an additional 35% of the base […]
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A $1.4 million vacation? Take a look inside a yacht that costs that much per week
The 255-foot superyacht Malia sold in 2023 with a price tag of $120 million. But she can be yours for a fraction of the cost: $930,000 per week. But with many large yacht charters, surcharges — for fuel, food, drinks, marina fees, onshore activities and special requests — are usually an additional 35% of the base […]
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North Korea to reopen for international visitors, tour operators say
North Korea will resume international tourism this winter, ending a COVID-era ban on travelers, according to operators that organize trips to the country. Travel companies KTG and Koryo Tours, which organize trips to North Korea, said on Wednesday that their partners in the country had informed them about government plans to allow travel to some […]
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UNESCO uses emergency procedure to name Gaza site to both its ‘World Heritage’ and ‘In Danger’ lists
UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee named a site in the Gaza Strip — Saint Hilarion Monastery, or Tell Umm Amer — to both its “World Heritage” and “World Heritage In Danger” lists in late July. The decision, made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, reflects the ancient monastery’s […]
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No passports needed: Singapore launches biometric immigration processing at Changi Airport
From Monday, some passengers arriving in Singapore’s Changi Airport won’t need to show their passports to clear immigration. As part of a trial, Singapore residents arriving in Terminal 3 who use the lanes designated for the country’s new “token-less clearance” program can enter the country using eye and facial biometric processing, rather than passports, according […]
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Trying to cut back? These 10 places are deemed the ‘best’ places for an alcohol-free trip
Years ago, the manager of a hotel in Koh Samui, Thailand told me about an unusual booking that he once received during the middle of the night. A traveler had flown his entire family via private jet from Brunei to the Thai island after learning upon landing in Brunei that it is a “dry country” […]
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