Luxury Trips – Trips To Discover

Best Places to Travel in 2024

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 19:27:26 +0000

Almost everyone seems to be traveling this year, but with nearly an endless list of enticing places around the world, the passion for exploring or just enjoying a relaxed getaway among spectacular scenery continues in 2024. In fact, a recent OnePoll survey found that Americans are planning to visit an average of four different destinations next year.

For those who still haven’t decided where to go, this list is sure to inspire you with the best places based on various interests and other factors with something for everyone from outdoor adventurers and nature lovers to solo travelers, couples, families, and retirees.

The Best Places to Travel in 2023:

Best for Outdoor Adventure: Iceland
Best for Nature Lovers: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Best for Arts & Culture: Barcelona, Spain
Best for Eco-Friendly Escape: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Best for Wellness: Sumba Island, Indonesia
Best for Relaxation: Kauai, Hawaii
Best for Foodies: Istria, Croatia
Best for Beach Bums: Seychelles
Best for Mountain Lovers: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Best for Small Town Retreat: Trinity, Newfoundland, Canada
Best for Families: Homer, Alaska
Best for Couples: Milos Island, Greece
Best for Solo Travelers: Edinburgh, Scotland
Best for Budget-Friendly: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Best for Luxury: Maldives
Best for Remote Getaway: Longyearbyen, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway
Best for Big City Thrills: Mexico City, Mexico
Best for Large Groups: Napa Valley, California
Best for LGBTQ+: Melbourne, Australia
Best for Retirees: Alsace, France

10 Best Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts in the U.S.

Pavlo Fedykovych — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 19:26:16 +0000

F. Scott Fitzgerald mentioned it in his stories, Irving Berlin and Arctic Monkeys used the chain as a metaphor for an opulent life, and many Hollywood productions filmed inside the lavish hotels. Ritz-Carlton has cemented itself as an ultimate luxury accommodation brand. With large sophisticated suites, exclusive locations, and impeccable service that is. You know you made it if you’re staying at the Ritz. Currently, the brand operates more than 40 locations in the United States. Here’s the list of the best Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts in the US for you to get to the highest heights of sumptuousness.

11 Best Luxury Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey

Georgie Darling — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:00:49 +0000

I was intrigued by Istanbul when I learned that it’s the only city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. Ever since then, I’ve been captivated whenever I’ve returned, thanks to the city’s wealth of monuments, museums, mosques, churches, palaces, bazaars, and neighborhoods that reflect its diverse and colorful past. Istanbul is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lives to soak up the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures that run through the city to this day.

Not sure where to stay next time you check out Istanbul? We’ve rounded up all of the best luxury hotels here.

Top 11 Boutique Hotels in Paris

Pavlo Fedykovych — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:00:08 +0000

Going boutique is the best way to savor the delights of Paris aka the City of Lights. You’ve got an impressive selection of hotels here that offer superb views of Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, sublime historic interiors, a more intimate service, hidden spas, and a sense of inspired luxury. Choosing a smaller accommodation will make you feel closer to the neighborhood and bring a special atmosphere to your holiday. The lodging scene of the French capital is universal too and can cater easily to couples, families with children, and business travelers.

Here are the best boutique hotels in Paris for you to have the most rewarding time in this spectacular city.

Top 12 Luxury Vacations in Italy

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:00:03 +0000

Italy offers many opportunities to experience the ultimate in La Dolce Vita as a country renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine, fine wine, beautiful works of art, rich history, and stunning natural history. While there are budget-friendly destinations, for those looking for a luxurious Italian vacation, you’ll find plenty of exclusive spots for tailor-made experiences, fine dining, and unforgettable stays in high-end hotels and resorts. From well-known places like Venice and Lake Como to some that you probably haven’t thought about, these are some of the best for a getaway of a lifetime.

Top 13 Luxury Hotels in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Alyssa Ochs — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 14:00:04 +0000

During the time I lived in Chicago, I would occasionally take weekend trips up to Milwaukee to visit the local breweries, kayak on the river, watch baseball games, and attend festivals. Milwaukee is also home to the Harley-Davidson Museum, the Milwaukee Museum of Art, beautiful parks, and iconic food centered around cheese and sausage. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a special weekend getaway, you might consider staying in one of the city’s upscale hotels, where you’ll be treated like royalty.

Here are some of the top luxury hotels in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to choose from.

12 Best Luxury Hotels in Cartagena, Colombia

Georgie Darling — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:00:55 +0000

There were multiple points when I fell in love with Cartagena: while wandering through the vibrant and colorful streets of Getsemani, listening to a saxophonist while watching the sunset, and when exploring the colonial architecture of the Old Town. This must-see destination in South America offers the best of both worlds – the ocean on one side and bustling city life on the other. Luckily, there is also an endless array of incredible places to stay in Cartagena, and we’ve rounded up all of the best hotels in the city below!

12 Best Hotels in Mayfair, London

Georgie Darling — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:00:59 +0000

It doesn’t matter how many times I wander through Mayfair; it’ll always remain somewhere I find almost overwhelmingly impressive. Bordered by four famous streets – Park Lane, Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly – Mayfair is one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods and comes with the clientele to match. Here, you’re within easy distance of beautiful spots like Hyde Park or luxury shopping stores down Bond Street. You’ll also find a magical range of hotels in Mayfair – and we’ve rounded up the best ones below!

Top 9 Luxury Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Pavlo Fedykovych — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:00:34 +0000

Central Coast is at its most alluring at Carmel. It’s a small California coastal town that beacons with moody Pacific beaches, a long inspiring promenade, a plethora of galleries, and a vibrant scene of prime dining establishments. This corner of Monterey County has been a mecca for artists since the beginning of the 20th century. Writers, poets, actors, and painters were flocking here to find blissful refuge among the cypress trees and crashing Pacific waves.

These top luxury hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea will gift you with moments of tranquility paired with superb service for an ultimate Monterey County break.

Top 25 All-Inclusive Resorts Worldwide, According to Guests in 2023

Noah Holtgraves — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:04:36 +0000

Welcome to our exclusive list of the world’s 25 top-rated all-inclusive resort destinations. Our analysis of over 2,000 all-inclusive resorts worldwide reveals the finest vacation havens that captivate travel aficionados and guests.

We undertook a detailed two-part investigation, including a statistical and a qualitative review sentiment analysis, to rank and identify the most cherished experiences and top-praised amenities that set these resorts apart. Our findings also reveal the common critiques guests have about these vacation paradises.

Join us on this luxurious journey as we showcase the unmatched offerings of these elite vacation spots.

These jump links breakdown everything you will learn on this page:

Categories: Top All-Inclusive Resorts by Type
Understanding All-Inclusives: Definition & Features
The Elite 25: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Globally
Visual Guide: Interactive Map & Table of Top Resorts
Research Process: Our Methodology & Approach

Categories: Top All-Inclusive Resorts by Type

Best Overall: Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico
Best Adults Only: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Mexico
Best Luxury: Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
Best Family-Friendly: Moon Palace The Grand – Cancun, Mexico
Best Adventure/Sport: Voyage Belek Golf & Spa, Turkey
Best Couples: Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Dominican Republic
Best Wellness: Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort, Mexico

Understanding All-Inclusives: Definition & Features

What is an All-Inclusive Resort? Also sometimes called a resort with “everything included,” or referenced by the ellipsis “all-inclusive(s),” these destinations try to offer everything you might want on a vacation, typically in one complex. You will find a range of onsite amenities at each resort. According to the EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland, most all-inclusive resorts are like full-service resorts, including multiple onsite restaurants, exercise spaces, spas and meeting places and are frequently luxurious properties. All-inclusives bundle everything into one “package” or bill.

What Does All-Inclusive Mean? According to EHL, the main difference between full-service and all-inclusive resorts is how you pay for them. With an all-inclusive resort package, your room, unlimited food and most drinks, services, amenities, gratuities and all the extras are bundled together in one bill instead of separate bills for all the amenities, experiences, activities, meals, spas and more. One of the main benefits of selecting an all-inclusive package is knowing what you will spend at the resort without being surprised by all the added-up charges during your stay.

What Countries Have All-Inclusives? We found a total of 2,163 all-inclusive resorts across 77 countries worldwide. Egypt tops the list with 265 resorts, followed by Mexico with 237, Turkey with 215, Spain with 103, and Greece with 86. Our analysis shows that Mexico has the most top-rated all-inclusive resorts worldwide, with 15 on our top 25 list. Turkey has two best globally. The Dominican Republic, on the other hand, may only rank #18 for the most all-inclusive resorts globally, but it has eight of the world’s best ones.

The Elite 25: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Globally

We used two types of analysis to evaluate all-inclusive resorts: a statistical analysis and a qualitative review sentiment analysis. The statistical analysis counts and rates customer reviews from Tripadvisor to calculate a Customer Review Score. On the other hand, the qualitative review sentiment analysis extracts customer feelings, emotions, and nuanced points of view from reviews with the highest Customer Review Scores through natural language processing. Together, these analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of customer satisfaction and a holistic evaluation of the highest-rated resorts worldwide.

Visual Guide: Interactive Map & Table of Top Resorts

Credit: Trips to Discover

Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts as rated by ‘Trips to Discover,’ featuring destinations from Cancun, Mexico to Belek, Turkey.

Research Process: Our Methodology & Approach

Independent: We conduct our research independently to recommend the best destinations using data analysis. Our top recommendations are based solely on data extraction and a ranking formula. Our research is editorially independent, but we may earn a commission for any purchases made through links on this page.

Data Source: We conducted a comprehensive search for all-inclusive resorts worldwide, one country at a time, by using the property type filter on Tripadvisor and selecting only all-inclusive resorts. Out of the 195 countries globally, we found that 77 countries have all-inclusive resorts for 2,163 all-inclusive resorts worldwide. We sought to see which resorts are statistically objectively the favorites among those who stay there.

Data Extraction: We used Web Scraper, a data extraction tool, to extract review data for the 2,163 all-inclusive resorts on Tripadvisor. We pulled all review data between 9/18/23 and 9/19/23.

Statistical Analysis: We based these rankings on an analysis of the 2,163 resorts. Our team has developed a unique algorithm to rank hospitality establishments called the Customer Review Score. The score considers the number of Tripadvisor reviews and the average review score for each location. The more reviews a resort has, the higher it will typically rank. However, to avoid over-emphasizing the impact of wildly high review counts, the algorithm utilizes an exponential function, giving diminishing returns for higher review counts. The algorithm thus balances review frequency with review quality. The final scores are presented on a 5-point scale.

Qualitative Review Sentiment Analysis: We take customer reviews seriously at Trips to Discover. To gather the most recent 100 customer reviews for each resort from Tripadvisor, we used Outscrapper, a reliable data-scrapping tool. We used ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis for qualitative review sentiment analysis, which knows how to write and execute Python code and can work with file uploads. Qualitative sentiment analysis is a method that uses machine learning, statistics, and natural language processing (NLP) to understand the underlying parts of guest emotions on a macro scale.

Human Authored: Our qualitative analysis focused on different perspectives, including what distinguishes the location for customers, shared perceived advantages and disadvantages for patrons, and crucial decision-making factors for those who choose to stay there. To ensure accuracy, we meticulously cross-checked the sentiment analysis output against the raw review data. We wrote each resort’s final customer review summaries (the “what guests are saying” section) based on the information from the fact-checked AI-generated qualitative review sentiment analysis.

Replicability: All the data used for this project is publicly available for study replication. The 2,163 resorts used in this analysis are on Tripadvisor with the latest customer reviews, where you can identify review scores, counts and more!

Data: You can download the data behind our research here in Google Sheets. It includes all 2163 resorts used in the analysis with direct links to their Tripadvisor pages. You will also find all the review tallies, ratings and Customer Review Scores for these resorts. This workbook also contains all 2,500 resort review samples used for our sentiment analysis in that book. We have removed all proprietary calculations from the books. You can view the raw qualitative sentiment analysis outputs based on these 2,500 reviews here in Google Docs; however, We are choosing to withhold the valuable and meticulously crafted prompts used to create these analyses. Please feel free to use or share this data with whoever may find this helpful — we ask that your purposes be noncommercial and that you link back to this page so its contributors can receive proper credit for their work.

Contact: The ranking algorithm is proprietary, but if you want to build a similar project or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact noah@strivemedia.com, and he can walk you through the process.

14 Best Hotels in Rhodes Island, Greece

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 13:00:22 +0000

Rhodes is an island that offers an ideal mix of attractions to suit nearly every kind of travel, from beautiful sandy beaches and lush mountains to rich history. In medieval Rhodes Town, you’ll find some of the most well-preserved Venetian architecture in Europe, including the Palace of the Grand Masters, which looks more like a castle you might see in a movie. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway at an all-inclusive resort, a boutique hotel in the historical center for a romantic stay, or something else, you’re sure to find the perfect fit on this list.

Best in the City Center/Old Town: Allegory Boutique Hotel
Best 5-star/Luxury/All-Inclusive: Mitsis Alila Resort And Spa
Best Boutique: S. Nikolis Historic Boutique Hotel
Best for Romance: Atlantica Imperial
Best for Families: Olympic Palace Hotel

Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Sicily, Italy

Pavlo Fedykovych — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:00:53 +0000

Sicily is the rough diamond of the European island destinations. Glamor and grittiness go hand-in-hand in this proud and irresistible corner of Italy. I always love to come here for the stunning nature, centuries-old culture, plenty of fascinating cities to discover, and the enticing melange that is local cuisine. The hotel scene is diverse, and you can find some of the most exceptional places to stay in the country; Sicily is the Med’s largest island, after all. Seaside resorts, high-end city hideouts, rural gems, and converted palaces. Here are the coolest luxury hotels in Sicily to book for your next trip to one of Italy’s most beautiful islands.

Top 14 Luxury Boutique Hotels in the U.S.

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:15:54 +0000

If you’re looking for a stylish, cozy stay with personalized service, boutique hotels are the way to go. They combine the amenities of an upscale hotel with what can feel like a well-curated Airbnb. Many are design forward, with lots of Instagrammable spots. Options abound across the country, but these are some of the best boutique hotels you’ll find, from the elegance of the South to several Big Apple boutiques and all the way over to the West Coast.

Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Genoa, Italy

Pavlo Fedykovych — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:15:04 +0000

Once one of the richest maritime republics in the Mediterranean and one of the best cities to visit in Italy, Genoa doesn’t hold back when it comes to splendid and breathtaking. Today, this city, nicknamed la Superba by Petrarch, lives in contrasts. Stunning frescoed interiors of UNESCO-protected palazzos neighbor the dark caruggi (narrow pathways of the Old Town) while the buzz of one of Europe’s busiest ports is ever present, and the quaint Ligurian Riviera towns are never far. The food scene, too, is an explosion of flavors. Book one of these top luxury hotels in Genoa for the perfect base for exploring the immense local urban heritage.

12 Best Spa Hotels in Boston, Massachusetts

Alyssa Ochs — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:15:51 +0000

When I’ve traveled to Boston, I’ve typically planned my itinerary around historical sites, unique neighborhoods, craft breweries, and seasonal events. But Boston is also an excellent place to plan a spa vacation because of the excellent venues around the city that specialize in pampering, rejuvenating, and soothing the mind, body, and soul. One idea is to plan a sightseeing trip combined with a relaxing getaway by staying at a spa hotel in the city. Some “spa hotels” have menus of treatments and services offered by professionals, while others offer relaxing pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and healthy food options.

Here are the best spa hotels in Boston, Massachusetts to choose from.

Top 13 Boutique Hotels in Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:15:26 +0000

Living in Mexico, I’ve had the opportunity to stay at a variety of boutique hotels, often providing a more authentic experience along with some fabulous perks. They offer a unique kind of experience, with a more intimate stay that typically has a distinct personality along with warm, personalized service. While many people envision sprawling resorts with pools when thinking about a vacation in Mexico, it’s well worth considering one of its impressive boutique properties, from magical Mexico City to Cabo, Tulum, and alluring destinations in between.

Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Bergen, Norway

Pavlo Fedykovych — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:15:41 +0000

You’ll quickly find yourself charmed by Bergen, one of the best places to visit in Norway. The colorful wooden merchant houses of Bryggen dot the picturesque harbor, the Fløyen mountain towers over the city, and the Hanseatic-era architecture is a delight for the eyes. The second largest city in Norway has a striking fjord location, and it’s also a perfect base for exploring the most famous of the country’s fjords, like Sognefjorden, Hardangerfjorden, and Osterfjorden. I have been coming to this town multiple times over the years for snug coffee shops, countless walking trails, and absolute harmony with nature. Here’s a collection of the best luxury hotels in Bergen to get a taste of Norwegian hospitality.

12 Best Spa Hotels in Paris, France

Pavlo Fedykovych — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:15:31 +0000

The City of Love is known for many things. Wellness at the numerous luxurious city hotels is one of them. Find your inner zen in hidden indoor pools, self-indulge in royal hammams, try facial treatments you’ve never tried before and get a variety of relaxing massages. Booking accommodation with a spa is the ultimate choice for a much more rewarding Paris experience. Your body and mind will appreciate it after sightseeing-filled days in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is a collection of the best spa hotels in Paris that will ensure that you have a superb well-being-centered experience.

Top 11 Luxury Hotels in Mykonos, Greece

Pavlo Fedykovych — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:00:05 +0000

Embrace the Cycladic dream in scenic Mykonos. You simply won’t find a more hedonistic, more luxury-oriented island in Greece. While it’s definitely a top spot for exclusive beach clubs, exquisite restaurants, and one-of-a-kind clubbing, Mykonos also has all the simple pleasures Cycladic islands are famous for. Its whitewashed historic Hora is a perfect place to get lost in history, its outdoors is fantastic, and the blue Aegean Sea is ever charming. These are the best hotels in Mykonos to have the quintessential break on Greece’s most coveted island destination.

Top 13 Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam

Georgie Darling — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:00:02 +0000

Amsterdam was the first city I visited that I decided I wanted to move to. Since then, I’ve been back close to 10 times, each time discovering something new about this incredible place. Amsterdam is a city of contrasts, where centuries-old architecture meets cutting-edge design, where traditional culture blends with modern innovation, and where history and art coexist with vibrant nightlife and entertainment. It’s also home to more than a handful of luxury hotels, ranging from stylish and modern boutique spots to historical palaces almost dripping with history. Not sure where to stay when you next head to Amsterdam? Read on for all of the best luxury hotels here!