Travel

By Narbeh Minassian

As a city of high skylines and vibrant urban presence in a country of rainforests and sandy beaches, it is little wonder why São Paulo attracts the tourist’s attention with such regularity that it has virtually become an obligatory destination for those passing through Brazil or South America. As the leader in international aviation, American Airlines flies directly from New York JFK to this magical city twice a day. With them, get there safely and in comfort and style. And say, “Cheers!” too when flying in the Main Cabin on American Airlines on your way to Brazil because you can enjoy complimentary beer and wine – the perfect way to start a journey.

By Christopher A. Pape

The Carlton hotel, part of the Autograph Collection’s distinctive portfolio, is an iconic property located on Madison Avenue and 29th Street in the heart of Manhattan. The 317-room historic hotel, which originally opened in the early 20th century as the Hotel Seville, is paying tribute to its early beginnings with the creation of three new specialty suites and the revitalization of its two penthouse suites, all debuting this fall.

By Narbeh Minassian

Nestled between the green mountains and clear waters of the Pacific Ocean in Ko Olina, Hawaii is Aulani Disney Resort and Spa. Secluded but not isolated; Aulani is far away enough from the crowds but close enough to be a shuttle ride away from the wonders of O’ahu. Aulani was opened in September 2011, with the aim of becoming a center for Hawaiian culture, a celebration of Hawaiian customs, traditions, and history, with the magic touch of Disney to make the stay there all the more unique. Wherever you find the fingerprints of Walt Disney’s handiwork, you know beyond any doubt that you are in the presence of quality and the fantastical.

By Hillary Latos

It was in this gorgeous region of the Riviera Maya that the Mayans predicted the end of the world by December 2012. If you ask inhabitants of the region about the doomsday prophecies they merely brush it off in their laid back manner and use it as a marketing tool for tourists or as an excuse to “Party like it’s the end of the World.” Much more than just a beach town, Playa del Carmen is a perfect place to start the party to end all parties. What was merely a sleepy fishing village 6 years ago and a port to get from Cancun to Cozumel has quickly blossomed into a lovely 2 mile long pedestrian strip on Fifth Avenue with international restaurants, luxury hotels, and luxury shops sitting alongside tourist shops selling Mexican handicrafts and souvenirs, all within walking distance. Even though it earned the title of the fastest growing city in the Western Hemisphere in 2008 by the Guinness Book of World Records, developers are careful to retain the charm and quaintness that differentiate Playa from its larger overdeveloped cousins in Quintana Roo, like Cancun.

By Marianne Belmonte

New England has it all! Looking for a place to go not too far from NYC? Are you tired of the hassle getting to Long Island or the Jersey Shore? Well then try turning your sights north. As a child growing up in Brooklyn, this cluster of northern states was my parents’ vacation of choice. Away from the bustling crowds of the city nature at it’ best; God’s country is what I always remembering hearing when my family spoke about New England.

By Demetra M. Pappas

I spent a good deal of time at Brighton Beach – easy to access by subway. As a young woman, my first full-time job was in Manhattan, this island surrounded by water and ports, containing history, also accessible by trains from the boroughs, Long Island’s bedroom communities and the Hamptons, New Jersey and Westchester (and parts north).

By Narbeh Minassian

At Poipu Beach, on the south shore of Kauai, you will find one of the most relaxing places in the world. Koa Kea Hotel and Resort harnesses the beauty and tranquillity of this sun-swept corner of Hawaii. Having opened in April 2009, this hotel offers all the latest luxury amenities while offering spectacular beachfront accommodations.

By Sarah Sekula

Any grand adventure in The Last Frontier involves plenty of time soaking up the stunning scenery and scoping out the resident wildlife. This epic trip had all of that, and then some.

By Narbeh Minassian

This oil-rich nation on the northern tip of South America is one of the more under-explored destinations in South America. With the longest stretch of Caribbean coastline, Venezuela enjoys some of the most beautiful sea in the world than any other nation. It should therefore come as no surprise that this country is home to some of the most incredible spectacles of nature that can be seen.

By Narbeh Minassian

As far as hotels go, the Four Seasons is as an assured stamp of quality as you can get. Couple this with a location at the heart of Tokyo’s central business district, and you have a very attractive holiday proposition. The Four Seasons Hotel Marunouchi is famed for its style and timeless décor; so timeless that it doesn’t even matter what time of the year you visit as the hotel suits both cold and hot, and both grey and bright. The impressively furnished building is matched by an equally outstanding service -standing as testament to that famed Japanese hospitality- that will personally greet and send you off at Tokyo rail station.