Tripexpert is excited to announce the winners of the 2021 Experts’ Choice Awards. This year, the award will be received by 5,000 hotels, restaurants and attractions in 126 countries. These are, quite simply, the best of the best places to stay, eat and visit in 2021, according to professional travel reviewers.
What’s new this year
The emergence of COVID-19 halted travelers in their tracks. Over 18 months, as the world went into lockdown after lockdown, it became clear that travel would have to be reinvented for a post-pandemic world. Throughout, businesses have shown amazing resilience and creative thinking. Michelin-starred restaurants became takeaways. Hotels took the opportunity to renovate or extend. Museums, galleries and other attractions went digital and innovated to engage visitors stuck at home.
Because of the pandemic, we decided against awarding Experts’ Choice in 2020. Instead, we used the time to overhaul the site, which is now faster and easier to use. We also improved our coverage of remote destinations that have been especially popular with travelers in the last year, such as national parks and nature reserves.
About this year’s winners
Many of our Experts’ Choice winners are notable for how they responded to the pandemic. In the restaurant category, the three Michelin-starred 11 Madison Park in New York was not above designing meal kits so diners could recreate their gourmet experience in their own homes. The Crane Resort in Barbados, another Experts’ Choice winner, is allowing guests who test positive for coronavirus to self isolate at the resort for free, rather than paying for a government hotel.
Other winners include the New Acropolis Museum in Athens, an outstanding museum which recently made its entire permanent collection of 2000-plus artefacts available online, and Astrid & Gaston, a pioneering restaurant which helped put Lima on the tourism map.
The New Acropolis Museum in Athens
Despite the hardships involved in opening new businesses in the past 18 months, our list of winners includes an impressive 849 places that have not previously received the award.
As in previous years, Europe and the Americas performed very strongly; this year, it’s a virtual tie between the two continents in terms of total number of winners (about 1,900 each). They are followed by Asia (about 900 winners) and Africa and Oceania (about 250 winners each).
Selection criteria
Tripexpert is unique in relying exclusively on professional reviews in determining our award winners. Every place we cover has a Tripexpert Score — the result of aggregating reviews from travel guides, magazines, newspapers and blogs. Our sources include publications like Travel + Leisure, Frommer’s, and The New York Times.
Experts’ Choice is awarded to the highest rated places in each destination. In general, no more than 2% of businesses receive the award, making it a distinctive honor.
Next steps
If you’re a winner, we’ll send you an email. You can use our collection of Experts’ Choice badges on your website to show that you are top-rated by experts. Additional resources are available on our Experts’ Choice page, and we’re happy to help you with media outreach — please contact Chris Blume with any queries you may have.
If you’re a traveler, keep an eye out for Experts’ Choice badges on the pages of winning venues on Tripexpert.com and around the internet when you’re planning your next trip. You can also look for winners on our Experts’ Choice page.
Ready to plan a Hawaii vacation? Oahu is the ideal place to start — home to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, the legendary North Shore and world-famous Waikiki Beach. Often called “the heart of Hawaii”, the island enchants millions of tourists annually with its natural beauty, historical sites and fun activities.
While there, expect to experience the aloha spirit just about everywhere — with beautiful beach days, surfing, hiking, culture, luaus and traditional Hawaiian music.
Most of Oahu’s hotels are situated in Waikiki. Here are few exceptional options.
One of most elegant properties in Waikiki, the Ritz Carlton offers posh, residential style rooms and multi-bedroom suites with incredible views and upscale amenities. With floor-to-ceiling windows and private, spacious lanai, the rooms are stylish, modern and luxurious. There are gourmet kitchens and kitchenettes with professional appliances, washers and dryers, and oversized bathrooms and closets.
You’ll love the hotel’s expansive outdoor deck (the highest in Waikiki), and the multiple swimming pools and hot tubs. There are great dining experiences; award-winning restaurants like Quiora for Italian cuisine, La Via for modern-French food, and Sushi Sho, an intimate, ten-seat Japanese experience.
Although the hotel is not directly on the beach, you have access to everything you might need for a lovely day, including free chairs, towels and coolers.
Known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, the Royal Hawaiian is a stunning landmark on the beach in Waikiki. Built in 1927, this luxury hotel has picturesque views of the ocean and Diamond Head, and more than 500 beautifully designed rooms and suites in the original structure as well as in the newer tower.
The hotel’s restaurants and cafes are considered the best in Waikiki. There’s Surf Lanai, a delightful beach cafe, Azure, a gourmet experience, and the famous Mai Tai Bar, for tropical drinks and casual fare overlooking the ocean.
History buffs will love the free walking tour, guided by a cultural expert who brings the past to life with descriptions from days gone by. There are many fun shops on site too, and a spa. On the beach, you can rent surfboards and take surf lessons, ride in an outrigger canoe, cruise on a catamaran or just lounge by the pool — under a pink umbrella, of course.
On Waikiki Beach, Halekulani is a sophisticated resort with a tranquil ambiance and abundance of jaw-dropping waterfront views. With nearly 500 luxurious and spacious rooms, the breezy property was established in the early 1900s and has been modernized over the years.
The resort’s picturesque hibiscus pool deck is simply breathtaking, with unobstructed vistas of Diamond Head and the Pacific. You’ll love the fantastic restaurants and bars onsite, too, which include House Without a Key, a casual restaurant with nightly music, Orchids, which has an elegant al fresco patio and serves food throughout the day, and La Mer, a truly special experience, and the only Oahu restaurant with five stars from the Forbes Travel Guide.
With a name that means “house of welcoming waters,” the Halepuna has beautiful views from light-filled, ocean-facing rooms and sleek, modern interiors in neutral tones.
One of the newer, high-tech hotels in Waikiki, it has many perks, including a spacious urban escape pool deck overlooking the ocean, with plenty of lounge chairs, cabanas, a hot tub, and food and drink service.
There’s also an art collection, gym and onsite restaurant called the Halekulani Bakery which has lovely patio seating. The food here is fantastic, with a casual menu offering “something for everyone,” including freshly-made pastries.
A few blocks from the beach, the Shoreline is a fun and funky hotel greeting you with splashy color from the moment you step into the rainbow-hued lobby. This hotel offers rooms of different sizes and suites with private balconies, and free wi-fi. You also receive a generous welcome basket filled with locally-made goodies.
The rooftop pool deck is a hip hangout where you can soak in the city and mountain views without walking to the beach. The neighborhood is bustling — there are restaurants, bars and boutiques just steps away from the lobby.
Marla Cimini is a freelance travel writer and contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii Travel Guides.
No matter what you think you know about Georgia, from the food to the landscapes to the locals, the truth is—life here is so much better than anything you’ve heard. From the wine history, which dates back 8,000 years, to the beautiful courtyards and stained glass windows of the old houses, there are many reasons why Georgia has found its way onto every “must travel” list. It’s especially true of Tbilisi, the country’s lively and progressive capital, where there’s something new to discover around every corner. From crowd favorites to hidden gems, when you only have 48 hours to discover the best of the city, this is where to start.
Where to Stay
Tbilisi is full of great hotel, guesthouse, and hostel options—three stand out. The Communal Hotel Sololaki is a small, funky hotel in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Not only does it have a great central location, but any hotel with a negroni cart is worth staying at if you ask me! Another option is the even more centrally located Rooms Hotel. It’s a buzzing, well-designed hangout known for attracting the city’s coolest crowd—and for good reason. With great cocktails and a breakfast buffet that even locals take advantage of, Rooms is the coolest of cool when it comes to hotels in Tbilisi. Last but not least, if you’re on a budget, Fabrika Hostel is a steal, with bunks starting at $10. The hostel’s back courtyard is always full of people and is a great spot to make friends if you’re traveling solo.
Communal Hotel Sololaki
Day One
Morning
Put on some comfy shoes because today you’re exploring the city on foot. Your adventure begins in Sololaki, one of the oldest and coolest neighborhoods in Tbilisi—thanks to the traditional wooden houses lining the narrow streets. Start by grabbing a coffee and bagel sandwich from Co. Co. by Valiko, one of the few coffee shops that opens before 10 AM. It also happens to serve the best latte in the city. Fueled up on food and caffeine, walk towards Freedom Square, which is, and has always been, the heart of Tbilisi. This two-hundred-year-old landmark has seen caravanserais, theaters come and go, protests, bank robberies, and even an assassination attempt made on President George W. Bush with a grenade.
Freedom Square
From Freedom Square, continue your walk along Rustaveli Avenue, the main avenue running through the city, which is named after famous Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli. As you make your way up the avenue, you’ll need to decide which museum to explore—The Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, The Georgian National Museum, or The National Gallery—they’re all next to each other. If I had to choose just one to spend the morning in, The National Gallery would be my pick. Once you’ve had your fill of art, continue along Rustaveli Avenue. You’ll see the parliament building, and Tbilisi’s 170-year-old Opera and Ballet Theatre. At the top of the street is an abandoned cableway station. Urban explorers sometimes sneak inside to check out the beautiful architecture. Keep an eye out for Prospero’s Books at Number 34. One of the best book shops in the city, they have plenty of titles in English, as well as books about Georgia, and their own coffeehouse.
Afternoon
By now your stomach will be starting to grumble, and one dish you should definitely try is Khachapuri Adjaruli,a boat-shaped, cheesy, bready dish that Georgia is famous for. Café Stamba and Lolita serve excellent versions, along with other modern takes on Georgian dishes, including Kharcho (Georgian soup), Elarji (a kind of cheesy porridge), Lobiani (bread stuffed with beans) and Nadughi (a soft cheese dish). All these are worth tasting your way through! After lunch continue your walk into the beautiful Vera neighborhood, where you’ll fall even more in love with the city’s traditional architecture. While here, stop at Buka’s Bakery, where cinnamon rolls come out of the oven fresh at 1 PM every day of the week.
Try the classic Georgian dish Khachapuri Adjaruli
Now you’re officially full to bursting, it can only mean one thing—it’s wine o’clock. Take the metro or jump in a taxi back down to Freedom Square. It’s time for some wine tasting! Dadi Wine Bar and Shop, Vino Underground, Ezo, and CafeLittera are all good places to start your Georgian wine education. If it’s still daylight and you’re not tired of exploring for the day, Tbilisi Botanical Gardens (open until 7 PM) and Narikala Fortress are worth seeing. Otherwise, end your afternoon at ChaCha Time, where you’ll have a chance to taste the famously potent brandy all Georgians love. Tip: You canwalk between all of these stops, but taxis are cheap in the city. Use Bolt to get one right to your door.
Evening
After all that alcohol, a quick nap might be in order before heading to Shavi Lomi for an outdoor dinner in a charming Georgian courtyard. From Shavi Lomi pop down to Fabrika, or check out one of Tbilisi’s clubs like Bassiani, Café Gallery, Mtkvarze, or Khidi.
Popular restaurant Shavi Lomi dishes up creative Georgian cuisine
Day Two
Morning
Today you might be moving, how shall we put it? A little slowly. Okay, a lot slowly. Chacha does that to you! But if Georgians have perfected anything, it’s how to get over a hangover. And this means you should start the day with a sulfur bath. Book into one of Abanotubani district’s bathhouses and spend your morning detoxing the previous night’s indulgences. Two of my favorites sulfur baths in this area are Chreli Abano and Gulo’s Thermal Spa.
Afternoon
Now that you’re feeling human again grab lunch at Culinarium Khasheria. If you’re still struggling, try some Khasheria, a Georgian tripe soup, which is a famous hangover cure. From Abanotubani, call a taxi and head to the Dry Bridge Flea Market where you can find kitschy Soviet odds and ends. Afterwards, walk up to Althaus Tea House for afternoon tea in this cozy café.
Dry Bridge Flea Market
Evening
End the day by taking the funicular to the TV Tower on Mtatsminda Mountain to watch the sunset over the city. Grab a bottle of wine along the way—ending an epic 48 hours in Tbilisi deserves a toast! For your last Georgian meal, head to the underground Klike’s Khinkhali for the best Khinkali in the city, or the hilltop Keto and Kote for a more refined take on Georgian food in a beautiful old house. And if you don’t want to miss out on a cocktail, the best in the city can be found at Cocktail Factory, 41 Gradus, and Valiko Mansion.
Valiko Mansion is a quirky bar inside an old mansion house
COVID-19 update: Georgia is currently open to travelers from 18 European countries. You can find the full details here.
With year-round sunshine, and the most resort spas per capita in the country, Scottsdale is a mecca for spa lovers. As a wellness travel expert living in the Valley of the Sun, these are my favorites.
Phoenician Spa
Phoenician Spa
The three-story spa at the Phoenician is one of the newest resort spas in town and this year became one of Forbes’ Top Five Star Spas in the World.
It is easy to lull away the day here, preferably from a private cabana next to the spa’s rooftop pool. Take in the views of Camelback Mountain as you float your cares away. For lunch, enjoy a fresh shrimp ceviche paired with a glass of bubbles (Gruet Blanc de Noirs is my favorite).
For a more active day, you can use the state-of-the-art fitness centre or take an outdoor yoga class. There is a whole roster of classes, but it’s on hold until the pandemic passes. When classes return, aerial yoga is a must for a playful approach to mindfulness.
The spa has reduced its treatment menu, but there are still plenty of options, including the wildly popular Hydrofacial, Shea Butter Wrap, and Mineral Salt Glow.
My favorite is the Relief Massage. This customized massage adds CBD to the mix, which helps reduce inflammation and encourages my ridiculously tight muscles to relax.
Keep the zen vibe going by resting in the quiet room, or enjoy the jacuzzis and saunas which are regulated to ensure social distancing. COVID-19 UPDATE: Guests must wear masks other than when eating, at the pool, or facedown in a treatment. Temperature check on arrival. Steam and jacuzzi are limited to one party at a time. The fitness room is limited to four people. No reading material in the relaxation room.
The only destination spa in the Valley, CIVANA is also the newest. Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, it feels a world away from the city.
There is a long list of fitness classes which are free for spa guests. I like the wall yoga and myofascial release classes, and if you stay through the early evening the Sunset Sound Healing is a must.
A defining feature of the spa is the Aqua Therapy Circuit which has the only KLAFS Sanarium in the continental US. It is five experiences in one; a classic sauna, warm air bath, tropical bath, aroma bath, and steam. Studies show it lowers blood pressure and help circulatory problems.
The spa also has a Knepp hot and cold pool, a tepidarium therapeutic soaking pool, and if you’re bold, a cold deluge.
The Sonoran Sea facial is unique and perfect if, like me, you carry tension in your jaw or are prone to headaches. Massage techniques are woven into the facial, giving powerful, multiple benefits. I love that gemstones like rose quartz and amethyst are used to impart their energetic qualities.
I got a sneak peek of The Spirit of the Desert massage that is soon to be added to the menu. This 90-minute treatment uses poultices filled with healing herbs, inspired by the spa’s medicine wheel. Using the sachets and normal massage strokes the therapist coaxed my stressed-out muscles to relax. COVID-19 UPDATE: Guests must wear masks inside and outside when social distancing can’t be maintained. Health screening and a temperature check on arrival. Aqua Therapy Circuit must be booked in advance and limited to 30 minutes. Indoor fitness classes are limited to four guests.
Joya Spa
Joya Spa
The Joya Spa at the Omni Scottsdale Resort holds a special place in my heart and has one of my favorite relaxation rooms of any spa in the world. For a serious splurge, book the Grand Palace Spa Suite, which includes an area for couples’ massages, an infinity bath, a fireplace, and a bed that cost $22,000.
Even if you don’t book a VIP suite, there is so much to enjoy here. The terrace pool has unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain, and a water circuit in the locker rooms takes you back to the roots of the spa, when people used to “take the waters” to improve their health.
With so many unique treatments, it’s hard to pick one. Skip the standard massages and opt for the Neuromuscular Massage instead, which uses techniques to coax the body into better alignment while soothing aching muscles.
To counter the effects of desert living, I like the Signature Black Pearl Detox Facial. This powerhouse skin treatment detoxifies and restores with cool touches like a Shiatsu facial massage and luxurious black pearl collagen mask. COVID-19 UPDATE: Guests must wear masks in the spa and when face-up during a massage. A new seating arrangement encourages distancing. Guests can request disposable robes and slippers. No reading material in relaxation areas. The relaxation lounge is closed.
Spa Aviana
The Himalayan salt room at Spa Aviana
Spa Aviana at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort is the only spa in town with a Himalayan salt room. It is a great addition to any treatment you have. Salt rooms detox the system and boost your immune system, which is so important these days. Halotherapy, or inhaling the micro salt particles in the air, also helps inflammation, improves breathing, and promotes better sleep and clearer skin.
There is a mineral pool, which helps relieve chronic pain, improve circulation and reduce stress levels, and five garden side treatment rooms with private entrances.
Book the classic Swedish massage for sheer relaxation, or the Luk Pra Kob, which blends traditional Thai bodywork with steamed herbal poultices. COVID-19 UPDATE: Guests must wear masks inside the spa, including during treatments. No reading material in the relaxation rooms. Blankets and throws are available by request.
Valley Ho Spa
Pool at the Valley Ho Hotel
The mid-century modern Valley Ho hotel is a millennial favorite in Downtown Scottsdale, and the compact spa has a cheeky vibe that resonates with this crowd.
Jet-set treatments draw inspiration from the best wellness practices worldwide, from the Istanbul Hammam Experience to the Icelandic Moonflower Signature service, combining a scrub or hydrating wrap with a customized massage.
My favorite treatment is the Rock & Roll. It’s a spin on the typical hot stone massage, using hot stones and heated birchwood sticks to work on stubborn knots.
Any spa service comes with access to the resort pools. Come on a weekend and you can join the COVID-modified pool parties, with a DJ spinning tunes all afternoon long. Another ‘spa perk‘ is a voucher good for a free drink anywhere on the property. A Cucumber Collins poolside is a perfect end to your day here. COVID-19 UPDATE: Guests must wear masks during treatments. Temperature checks on arrival. No reading material in the relaxation room.
Dena Roché is a luxury wellness travel expert from the US.
Palm Springs has top-notch hotels and resorts, restaurants, shopping, and the best mid-century architecture in the state—all surrounded by a stunning landscape. There is great weather for most of the year (although summer can be hot), and best of all, the city is just a few hours from Los Angeles (depending on traffic) and San Diego.
Day One
Check into the recently opened Les Cactus, a whimsical boutique hotel with 27 bungalow-style guest rooms. In the Warm Sands neighborhood, the 1930’s property is ideal for anyone looking for a sophisticated ambiance without unnecessary contact or crowds. Already dubbed the “Instagram hotel” because of its chic aesthetic, entering the hotel feels like walking into a photoshoot. The lobby, rooms, and outdoor space feature gorgeous furniture and décor from some of the top names in design, including Gucci Garden, Serena and Lilly, CB2, and Zia Tile.
From the interior to the exterior—which has a pool and hot tub surrounded by pink and green striped lounge chairs, pink flower trees, and a dog topiary—it’s clear that LA-based hotelier and designer Matthew Kurtz was intentional about every single detail.
Les Cactus
Head to the main street, Palm Canyon Drive, for lunch at TrioCheerfully decorated, this bright orange-accented restaurant is a local favorite, with a patio ideal for people watching. Whether you are craving a juicy burger or a fresh salad, you will find something to please you here. After your meal, don’t miss paying a visit to the great furniture boutiques that the Uptown Design District is famous for. Whether you are looking for vintage pieces, a set of dining chairs you won’t find anywhere else, or home accessories to bring back with you, this stretch is a must for interior design geeks—or indeed anyone who loves an original piece. Next up is Trina Turk. This popular women’s clothing brand has a flagship store filled with apparel, swimwear, shoes, and accessories, as well as the “Mr Turk” men’s line. Turk, who is a local, stocks many interesting finds that are not carried at other locations, including decorative accessories, linens, pool floats, and coffee table books.
Trina Turk in Palm Springs
The Frippery is another eclectic Palm Springs spot, full of colorful second-hand clothing, as well as new items handmade from vintage fabrics. And if you have ever wanted to buy a caftan, you will find your dream one here. Palm Springs has plenty of options for dinner, but the award-winning Copley’s On Palm Canyon is truly spectacular. Located on Cary Grant’s former estate, it has a chic, old Hollywood feel. The large outdoor area is perfect for dining comfortably and safely. Start with a cocktail or glass of wine: the menu changes seasonally, but whether you want steak, fish, duck, lobster, or a plant-based dish, you will find something to indulge your taste buds.
Copley’s on Palm Canyon
Day Two
With French specialties including crepes, french toast, and Croque Madames, you will have no problem saying oui to brunch at Farma downtown café with outdoor seating that feels like a beautiful European garden. Just keep in mind that they don’t take reservations for brunch, so you will need to add your name to a list. There are plenty of great shops nearby to distract you until you get a text telling you your table is ready. Palm Springs is known for its architecture, so do not miss out on a walking tour with Palm Springs Mod Squad. They offer two COVID-safe, socially distanced tours of architecture and interiors. Participants follow the Mod Squad van from the safety of their own cars while the tour guide conducts the tour via cell phone. The “Essential Palm Springs Tour” focuses on six of the area’s most renowned architects, while the “Interior Tour” takes you inside several mid-century homes. Other tours will resume in the future. All tours need to be booked in advance.
The Palm Springs Mod Squad offers tours around the area’s mid-century homes.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, sit down for a meal at Roly China Fusion (reservations advised). This dim sum restaurant has both rooftop and poolside dining. The menu features everything from traditional dishes like mongolian beef to newer creations like miso-glazed seabass, as well as vegan options.
Dinner and cocktails at Roly China Fusion.
If you’d rather dine on your own right now, the restaurant is currently collaborating with Tommi Rose’s to offer a “Drag & Dine Delivery” service. On Friday and Saturday nights, get your food delivered by a drag queen with the option to add a short performance or even a twenty-minute show. If you’re missing shows and live entertainment right now, this is a fun way to get your fix.
Amanda Lauren is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles.
Winter is coming, and people are no more aware of this than in Denmark, where the sun shines for a mere six hours a day for much of the season.
But something that makes Danes feel content on even the dreariest solstice is food. And Denmark’s capital, especially, is a fantasy for food-lovers. Noma voted Best Restaurant in the World four times, is often described as the highlight of Copenhagen’s restaurant scene, but is only one of a whole feast of choices: the city has over 1500 restaurants, and Michelin awarded 23 stars to 17 of them in 2020. And although Copenhagen is an international city, reflected in the variety of kitchens, you also can’t go wrong with traditional Nordic cuisine.
The motto of two Michelin-starred restaurant Alchemist is “Expect the Unexpected” and that is how you should approach this seductive dining experience. From the moment you enter through the bronze doors, you’ll be whisked into an alternate reality.
The concept is the brainchild of Danish chef Rasmus Munk, whose aim is to tantalize more than taste buds. Each dining experience includes a set menu of fifty “impressions” which include art, theater, sound, light, and music, and are choreographed to deliver messages about pertinent political and social affairs. Munk has expressed that the experience leads to thought-provoking conversations and “transcends time and space.”
Of course, it is the gastronomic experience that makes Alchemist a worldwide sensation. Flavor, high-quality ingredients, and skillful preparation are paramount.
Step into Vækst, even on a dismal winter evening, and you’ll be transported to an outdoor springtime sanctuary. A striking two-story greenhouse sits in the restaurant’s center, and the light and welcoming ambiance draw people in much like mosquitoes to a lantern. It’s no wonder that even on weekdays, Vækst is buzzing with energy.
If the atmosphere draws you in, the carefully curated menu will ensure you return. Dishes are based around fresh Nordic vegetables and herbs, but meat and fish are central too. The two set menus include an apéritif, three courses, a three-glass wine pairing, coffee, and water. The menus change around once a month, and reflect Scandinavia’s current seasonal offerings. Salmon for the baked salmon starter is sustainably sourced from Hirtshals, at the top of the Jutland Peninsula. Even the wild green gooseberries decorating the baked cod dish are picked from forests outside Copenhagen. Vækst also offers a three-course, ‘green menu’ which incorporates Danish harvest foods, like chanterelles and cowberries, into delicate yet filling dishes.
Kontrast
Kontrast opened in conjunction with the cosmopolitan Villa Copenhagen hotel, in the hip Vesterbro neighborhood, during the pandemic. It may be the new kid on the block, but it has already created quite a five-star reputation.
The diverse menu combines traditional Scandinavian cuisine with a zesty international flair. The contrasting flavors (hence the name) of local ingredients and spices from Southern Europe and North Africa create innovative and memorable dishes.
Kontrast prides itself on using only locally sourced, sustainably-produced meat and fish, like organic Danish dried pork cheek from Refshaleøen. A popular main dish is roasted chicken from the Bjäre peninsula, with hummus, harissa carrots, and tahini for a tangy touch.
Høst, the Danish word for harvest, is a fitting name for a restaurant that uses fresh seasonal Nordic ingredients to create a bold and elegant menu. You can enjoy a three or five-course set menu and can expect to be treated to many additional “surprise dishes” throughout the meal.
Complex flavor profiles give new life to traditional Nordic dishes. Each course is as visually impressive as it is delicious, like the smoked scallops with blueberries and kohlrabi which are served in a half shell. Høst exudes hyggevibes even from the outside. A tribute to Danish design, with exposed brick walls and mid-century furniture, the restaurant has won several international design awards, including World’s Best Designed Restaurant and was named World’s Most Beautiful Restaurant by Travel + Leisure.
COVID-19 UPDATE: At the time of writing bars and restaurants in Copenhagen were closing at 10 PM and face masks were mandatory in public areas.
Olivia Liveng is a freelance travel writer from the US living in Denmark.
After the tribulations of this year, who doesn’t want to relax, get outdoors and rejuvenate? Enter Colorado, with an antidote for the mind, body, and soul: hot springs. Famous for their immune and respiratory system boosting powers, hot springs were considered sacred by the indigenous people of Colorado, who would travel for days to soak in them. Hike a mountain to the remotest ones, or socially distance in one of the large, outdoor complexes in the State’s small towns.
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Called “Yampah” which means “Big Medicine” by the Ute people, Glenwood Springs has one of the largest hot spring pools in the world, so you can social distance while soaking up the good mojo. The 15 different minerals in the 90° F water soothe the skin, mind and body.
There is a football-field-length pool, a smaller and hotter (104° F) therapy pool, diving area, lap lanes, kiddie pool, restaurant, gym, and spa (and check out the Yampah Vapor Caves adjacent to the parking lot). Open from 9 AM to 9 PM, entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. You must wear a mask unless you are swimming.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Chiseled into the side of a mountain valley, Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers multi-tiered pools of varying temperatures, healing massages and swim nights. In the day, the springs are full of families, but after sundown, it’s adults-only and optional bathing suits. The pools towards the top are the hottest (102° F) and get cooler as you descend the stone steps.
To make the most of these pools, stay at the Highmark Steamboat Springs or book an overnight stay in one of the cabins, covered wagons, or train caboose, which are surrounded by lush forests. Reservations are required for the pools and massages. Masks must be worn any time you are not in the water.
Conundrum Springs
Conundrum Springs
Accessible only by hiking the 18-mile Conundrum Creek Trail in White Forest National Park, Conundrum is one of Colorado’s most remote hot springs. Aspen groves, pine trees, creeks, and a waterfall greet you along the path as you ascend 2,792 FT to rustic stone-lined pools. The largest one seats about 15 people and has a 360-degree view of the surrounding valley.
Although the trailhead is only seven miles from Aspen, the vibe here is very different – more hippie than posh. Most visitors choose to stay overnight at the tent camping site, for which you’ll need to get a permit in advance. If camping isn’t for you, consider staying at the Aspen Mountain Lodge. With an early start, you can hike to the springs, spend three hours there, and hike back before dark.
Ouray Hot Springs
Ouray Hot Springs
Surrounded by the snow-capped San Juan Mountains, Ouray Hot Springs were used by the native Ute people, who would trek for days to soak in the zinc and manganese-rich pools which they called “miracle waters.” More a local hangout than tourist attraction, there are five geothermal pools here, a lap pool, two water slides, a volleyball court, and polar dipping pools.
There are separate areas for conversations and silence, as well as an adults-only soaking section. Famously sulfur-free, the pools maintain a temperature of 75 ° F. Masks are mandatory, except when you are in the water. Reservations are not required.
Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs
The Springs Resort and Spa in Pagosa Springs has the most geothermal-fed pools in all of Colorado (24 to be exact, along the edge of the San Juan River). Native people, the army, and even John Wayne have all soaked here. Best experienced during quiet, misty mornings, the various pools range in temperature from 83 to 114 °F. Luxuriate on the adults-only Relaxation Terrace with five pools and a fire pit, or visit the onsite spa which offers facials and massages for even deeper relaxation.
Currently, the resort is using UV light sterilization and other types of disinfectants to sanitize the surroundings, and has hired extra cleaning staff. Guests must wear masks when indoors and engaging with staff.
Christine Gilbert is a freelance travel writer from the US.
Singapore’s history as a thriving trading post collides with its ultra-modern design scene, giving it a vivid palette. Many of the city’s hotels have unique stories and facilities, which will keep you entertained if you want to stay in on a rainy day.
While room rates are much higher than in other cities, standards are also extremely high. Experts are still evaluating new entrants like Andaz Singapore and The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, but in the meantime, here are the top seven of the remarkable number of expert-rated hotels in Singapore.
This ultra-luxury hotel in Marina Bay is all about the views; even the bathtubs are set right next to windows. Forbes recommends rooms ending in the number 26, which overlook the Singapore Flyer for “a view that you won’t forget”. During your visit, pause for a moment in the lobby to admire some of the hotel’s monumental 4,200-piece contemporary art collection.
Glamourous through and through, the Fullerton Bay Hotel rooms are decked in velvet and warm lacquered wood, with views that create the impression you are floating on Marina Bay. The prime location is just a short walk away from the Asian Civilizations Museum and the nightlife along Boat Quay.
This architectural icon is best known for its 57th-floor SkyPark and infinity pool, but the rooms are just as decadent with cream-colored interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows. Down at The Shoppes, an assortment of celebrity-chef restaurants, including Waku Ghin, await.
If you want luxury and to spend your evenings gazing at the shining lights and space-age architecture of Marina Bay this is where to stay. Rooms are plush, with granite bathrooms, and many have floor to ceiling windows that make the most of the view. There is a glamorous cocktail bar, several restaurants, a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool and full spa.
The grande dame of Singapore’s hotels hosted the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Ernest Hemingway and is still a favorite haunt of artistic greats. Open again after extensive restoration works, the Long Bar – where the famous Singapore Sling cocktail was born – remains, and suites are lavishly updated, blending classic colonial design with modern comforts.
The standard of all the hotels in this area is exceptionally high, but the Four Seasons has that special something, with unrivalled service and an air of exclusivity. Rooms are decorated in light airy tones with marble bathrooms and lots of natural light. There is a swimming pool on the 20th floor and an air- conditioned walkway to Orchard Road.
Housed in the former General Post Office building, this hotel has some standout features including the landmark buidling itself which is fronted by grand neo-classical columns, a ground floor cocktail bar and an outdoor infinity pool. Rooms are tastefully decorated and the hotel is currently offering a family-friendly staycation package.
A visit to Paris hardly needs an explanation. Sunset strolls along the Seine and evenings spent in perfect Parisian bistros beckon tens of millions of travelers every year.
Post-Covid, Paris remains the standard-bearer for luxury hospitality, with hotels debuting renovations, high-end spa treatments and Michelin-starred dining experiences to entice travelers in 2020 and beyond.
The best hotels in Paris are diverse, and include opulent ‘palace’ hotels (a distinction bestowed on the finest hotels in France by the Ministry of Tourism) like the Four Seasons Hotel George V and Hôtel Plaza Athénée, and intimate boutique properties like L’Hotel .
Open for more than a century, Hotel Plaza Athenee has strong links with Paris haute couture—Christian Dior set up his couture house next door in 1947. In a prime location on Avenue Montaigne, today the hotel is near luxury boutiques including Fendi,Valentino and Dior.
A renovation completed in 2014 included a refresh of 208 guest rooms decorated by Marie-José Pommereau and an iconic 1960s-inspired redesign of the three Michelin-star Alain Ducasse restaurant.
The hotel’s Dior Institut Spa, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2018, has opulent treatments including micro-abrasion with sapphire crystals.
The first hotel in France to be awarded the ‘palace ‘ distinction, Le Bristol is one of our experts’ favorite grand dames in Paris. The location on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is central, and the hotel’s three Michelin star restaurant Epicure is one of the city’s top tables.
A six-year renovation completed in 2018 brightened public spaces and guestrooms with a lighter green, blue and grey color scheme, but the things that set Le Bristol apart include the beautiful antiques in the 188 guestrooms (wing chairs and Louis XVI-style beds), works of art from the owner’s private collection, and the indoor rooftop pool.
Our critics heap praise on this hotel, calling it ‘one of the world’s most impressive hotels’ (Star Service) and ‘arguably the city’s most luxurious and spacious hotel’ (Rough Guides).
This intimate boutique hotel tucked away on a charming street in Saint-Germain-des-Prés has just 20 unique and cosy guest rooms decorated by designer Jacques Garcia in a wide range of styles, from Baroque to Art Deco. Every inch of the hotel seems to seduce, from the spiral staircase to the bar decorated with floor-length silk drapes.
The building was once a 19th-century mansion and the last home of writer Oscar Wilde—who passed away there in 1900. The suite that bears his name has a well-worn writing desk and a sunny terrace.
In Le Bar, visitors can sip on American-style cocktails such as an expertly mixed old fashioned, while listening to live jazz. There is also a subterranean spa with a hammam and steam room.
Le Meurice was opened in 1835 by the first hoteliers in Paris. Located moments away from the Louvre it has been a bolthole for artists and writers for more than 100 years. Modern and traditional clash (in a good way) with furniture, art and interiors by Philipe Stark and inspired by artist Salvador Dali, who was a regular.
Expect your jaw to drop at the flamboyant ceiling murals and frescoes, gold leaf, Italian marble bathrooms, and exquisite creations by world’s best pastry chef Cédric Grolet and look out for the interesting contemporary art pieces dotted around the lobby.
The George ‘cinq’ needs little introduction. One of the most famous hotels in the world, our critics have endless praise for this ‘temple of modern luxury’ (Black Book), with Condé Nast Traveler observing that ‘the lobby alone is worth the trip.’
The historic art deco landmark is ideally located a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées. Its three restaurants have a combined five michelin stars, with ingredients coming from a kitchen garden at Versailles. The classical decor includes flamboyant flower installations and the spa is a marble-clad haven with expert-trained staff.
A post-Covid reopening is being marked with new customised experiences including cooking classes with chef Simone Zanoni of Le George, and wine tasting with sommelier Éric Beaumard.
Wedged between Paris, Amsterdam and London, Brussels doesn’t hog the spotlight. Many travelers skip over the Belgian capital, or spend a couple of hours hitting the landmarks before moving on. But for any curious soul willing to linger, Brussels has some nice surprises, from indulgent libations to quirky artists. Spend 36 hours here, and you’ll leave wanting more.
Day One
La Grand-Place, Brussels
Start your day big. La La Grand-Place, the heartbeat of Brussels, pulses with activity. Take in the powerful solemnity for a few minutes before setting off to wander the back streets at whim. The cobblestone alleys are where you’ll find the city’s most famous spots, like the beloved Manneken Pis, the cheeky if underwhelming statue of a little boy peeing in a fountain. A local treasure, depending on the day you’re in Brussels, he may be dressed up in a particular costume (fireman, soccer player and Elvis Presley are some favorites). You’ll come across Gothic churches like the Eglise Saint Nicolas and Cathédrale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule where the weddings and christenings of the Belgian royal family take place. And you’ll find yourself in charming squares, like Place Sainte-Catherine, and lively alleyways like Rue des Bouchers.
Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Grab a quick lunch Brussels-style, at one of the multiple friteries in the area. Worth the detour is Maison Antoine in Place Jourdan, where you can join residents in gorging on fricadelle (a minced meat hot dog) and frites al fresco, as is the local custom. Finish off in style with a café au lait and a sugar-powdered waffle at Mokafe under the glass arch in the classy Galeries-St Hubert. There are myriad ways to get your culture fix in Brussels. The city has dozens of interesting museums, galleries and historic buildings, and you can have your pick depending on what you’re in the mood for. Fancy looking at some quirky art? Explore surrealism master Rene Magritte’s work in his old house, which is now the René Magritte’s. Musically minded? Head to the Musical Instruments Museum.. Serious about art history? Visit the Horta Museum.
Brussels’ has some great restaurants and a pavement-cafe culture
Belgian cuisine may not be as famed as others in Europe, but it can definitely hold its own and the city has thousands of restaurants to choose from. For dinner, head to a traditional brasserie such as La Roue d’Or where you’ll find quintessential Belgian dishes like fricassé de lapin (rabbit stew) and stoemp (mashed potatoes), and Brussels’ perennial favorite, moules et frites (mussels with French fries). Or, dine like a local at a neighborhood restaurant with a loyal following, like Chabrol. To drink, it has to be a local beer (ask what they have on tap).
Day Two
The Atomium outside Brussels
Start the day bright and early with breakfast at Maison Dandoy. This patisserie is a Brussels institution, and a bite into one of their cakes or cookies will be enough to wake you up and energize you for the day ahead. After breakfast, gear up up for a short train ride. The Atomium is a little out of town, but is an unmissable sight. The unique construction of glistening spheres and sticks, built for the 1958 International Fair, is like nothing else you’ve seen. It is also worth exploring the interior, a winding museum that leads you from sphere to sphere, with panels showing you how the Atomium was built and taking you on a journey through the city’s past. If you have time to linger, take in the views from the rooftop, and stop for lunch at the restaurant on the terrace. By the time you’re on your way to your next destination, you’ll be planning another, longer visit to Brussels.
