Stories, Places, and the Art of Travel

Perspectives, inspiration, and thoughtfully curated stories from our world of travel.

Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

London, England: The Lanesborough Hotel

The legend of the Lanesborough has been re-imagined through the efforts of a reinvigorating renovation. After closing its doors for 18 months, every crevice has re-emerged brighter and bolder, as an enhancement of the distinguished features of the iconic property. Epitomizing decades of tradition, it is the quintessential London experience with a historical context steeped in rich cultural heritage. Every inch of the estate is very beautiful, very proper, and very English.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Zurich, Switzerland: The Dolder Grand

A Swiss castle in the sky perched atop the hills of Zurich, The Dolder Grand consistently capitalizes on its beautiful unobstructed views of the city. One of the region’s most captivating attractions, the hotel is only a 10 minute drive from the city center, thus offering the convenience of an urban hotel but with the sensation of being secluded in the alluring Swiss Alps. On your ascent, the sprawling structure gracefully emerges from the hillside exposing its antiquated architectural grandeur flanked by two brand new modern wings. Though very distinct, the two merged styles complement each other in a fully integrated manner to form an intriguing yet pleasing visual composition. The new wings represent extensions to house the hotel’s world-renowned spa and golf programs. The park-like context also lends itself to outdoor activities like golf, hiking, jogging, and appreciation of nature.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Courchevel 1850, France: Les Airelles

Les Airelles can definitively be described as a fairy tale jewel box – a very special place with an authentic Swiss Chalet flair. Unmatched as one of the top resorts in Courchevel, your entrance through the front doors of the enchanting estate marks your transformation into a regal dignitary. The entire staff is dressed in traditional Swiss Mountain attire (bellmen are distinguished by being in all white), which similarly to the service, is simply over the top. Les Airelles’ hospitality sets high standards by which immense pride is taken in caring for their guests.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Milan, Italy: Mandarin Oriental

The vibrant city of Milan is attractive to elite global explorers for a myriad of reasons including its high fashion, exhilarating night life and the unique experience of Italy’s old world charm. A hidden gem among the bustle of this luminous city center, the top-rated and highly regarded, Mandarin Orientalis located off the main streets in a covert luxury oasis. It’s only a 10 minute walk from the renowned Duomo and adjacent to the best shopping Milan has to offer on Via Montenapoleone. The property is perfectly placed to take advantage of the city’s finest features no matter the purpose for your visit, everything is at your fingertips. Relatively new to the scene, the hotel opened its doors just under a year ago and has already garnered some of the industry’s highest accolades. The discrete location, pristine exterior, and scaled ornate gateway makes arriving at the hotel feel like you are coming home.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Bangkok, Thailand: Mandarin Oriental

The legendary jewel of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River skyline is a masterpiece both inside and out and has maintained its prime location for almost 150 years. The Mandarin Oriental is conveniently situated to provide easy access to all places of interest within the Chain Mai region. Subtly lit spiraling turrets welcome you to the radiantly glowing property, which upon entering, feels as though you’ve been transported to a heavenly oasis.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Phuket, Thailand: Amanpuri Resort

For decades, the island province of Phuket has been sought out as an elite destination for a myriad of travelers. Made popular by a high standard of quality, immaculate hospitality, and a dazzling environment that expertly fuses time-honored traditions. A modern luxury aesthetic, theAmanpuri Resort has consistently attracted guests from far and wide. The Aman brand is globally heralded as a purveyor of top-of-the-line services guided by ancient principles of comfort to create the perfect setting for exquisite experiences and the ultimate location for leisure. Upon arrival, you are greeted by traditional Thai imagery, an abundance of flowers, and beautiful local vegetation. Throughout the entire resort, the landscapes are manicured to perfection with pink lilies and overflowing greenery amid the architectural stone and wood articulations. To traverse the property’s impressive stretches of sand and lush gardens, transportation is generously provided by the hotel staff in a private buggy. A quick call to the front desk and you are then quickly retrieved and whisked to and from your quarters.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Dhara Dhevi

The holy region of Chiang Mai is laden with hundreds of gleaming Buddhist temples, cultural shrines and breathtaking natural wonders. Home to the majestic Pha Deang Mountain, Ping River, and numerous national parks, the area is heralded for its abundance of eco-tourism. To traverse the city’s terrain, tuk-tuk rides offer an authentic urban through-way across the wondrous stretches of the region from the renowned pristine food markets, conjuring every possible native concoction to the land’s most ancient sites and structures. The famed Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple was historically erected in the 1300’s and today serves as a golden beacon for worshipers and spiritual enthusiasts worldwide. The entire city thrives on cultural immersion and has an annual calendar brimming with festivals, culinary celebrations, adventurous journeys, wildlife attractions, live entertainment and bustling bazaars that are active throughout the day and night.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Myanmar: Hpa-An Lodge

For an authentic and unspoiled taste of Southeast Asia’s exotic flavor,the Hpa-An Lodge is the exclusive off-the-grid getaway nested at the base of the breathtaking Mount Zwe Kabin. The protective mountain looms overhead, piercing a dense cloud of tropical mist for an added aura of magic. Laden with winding nature trails, the land’s prominent wildlife is marked by tropical jungle animals, thick reeds of bamboo, lush palms and over 800 species of birds. This region of Myanmar has only recently become open to tourism, the property itself has been fully operational since 2014. Previously a completely untamed plot of dense forestry, the 18 residences of Hpa-An Lodge were conceived and carefully constructed within a year and a half by a collective of visionary Europeans and is currently managed by a hospitable French couple.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Barcelona, Spain: The Mandarin Oriental

One of my absolute favorite European cities is the timeless and tasteful,Barcelona. The beat of the city is electric, as the exciting energy of the vibrant culture flows through your veins, emulating the effortless elegance of this thriving destination. The region modestly holds nearly 5 million people however, the wide spacious boulevards ensure that the populous city always feels welcoming and leisurely. Adding distinct dynamic charm to this renowned setting, the city center is seated at the crown of the Mediterranean Sea and offers a striking contrast yet intriguing synergy as you seamlessly travel between the stunning streets and the seductive shore. In less than a 10-minute drive, you can enjoy Barcelona’s many architectural wonders, art exhibits and metropolitan attractions, and swiftly retreat to a beautiful beach promenade for seaside dining or outdoor relaxation. Barcelona in all its glory, is simply beautiful from the inside, out.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Paris, France: Four Seasons Hotel George V

The charm of Paris is characterized by its prim tree line, bold architectural facades and a sense of majestic antiquity. Strolling through this lavish historic neighborhood, it feels as though you have been transported centuries in the past. The timeless quality and meticulous maintenance of the city setting is a testimony of how Paris is, was and always will be immaculately beautiful. The stunning context radiates within, making you feel just as regal as your surroundings. The prominent sense of style is an aspect that I absolutely love as locals are all dressed very fashionably, no matter their age. The characteristic sophistication and elegance permeates throughout the city and is embodied by the exquisite cuisine, high-end boutique shops, fine art & architecture.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

St. Barth's: Villa Castle Rock

St. Barth’s captivating picturesque beauty is one of the qualities that has deemed it a place that many never want to leave, especially the Villa Castle Rock. The breathtaking views, fantastic cuisine, and the elegant cultural aura are only the beginning of the vast and diverse offerings for the most discerning travelers, as well as those looking for the pure joy of getting away to the Caribbean. Visitors are known to return numerous times to bask in the countless means of indulgence including an impressive collection of 22 pristine beaches over 9.5 square miles, a myriad of docked luxury yachts, high-end designer shopping in the city center and more than 70 restaurants, of which many boast top ratings and gourmet menus curated by celebrity chefs. The island’s culture and cuisine are heavily influenced by French flair yet also encompasses an unfathomable assortment of international variations. The sophisticated yet playful palate of St. Barth’s can be defined by leisurely seaside lunches of fresh fish, formal candlelit gourmet dinners as well as local lounges pouring sparkling cocktails. With an unlimited combination of unique attributes to explore, the island is prided by having much to offer.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Atlas Mountains, Morocco: Kasbah Tamadot

The Kasbah Tamadot is peacefully perched on a tamed hilltop within the extensive reaches of Atlas Mountain range. Though graced by the friendly presence of neighboring Berber villages, it is not too far from modern civilization since the property maintains an address that is only an hour ride from the bustle of Marrakech. Where the air is crisp and clear, the High Atlas Mountains have climbed in popularity by means of its magnificently positioned eco-tourism offerings where visitors are urged to maximize their exposure to the beautiful land and learn about the endangered wildlife. There is an abundance of exotic bird species, sheep, wild horses and Barbary leopards. Immerse in breathtaking views of the red-hued “basement rock,” which is rich in natural resources and visually tells the story of Earth’s history as it has evolved for millions of years into its final formation as seen today.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Marrakech, Morocco: Mandarin Oriental

Dynamically enveloped by the arid landscape of the Sahara Desert and the wild organic terrain of the Atlas Mountains, the vibrant city of Marrakech has garnered a reputation as an exotic and coveted global destination.

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Diego Ezequiel Bustamante Diego Ezequiel Bustamante

Puerto Rico: Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Dictated by the colorful story of its past, Puerto Rico’s Dorado Beach was originally settled by the artistically skilled Taino tribe, served as a historical “barrio” and was then named a “new pueblo,” distinguishing it as an escape for the elitist population. The beginnings of this region’s eminent presence commenced with its purchase by real estate investor, Alfred Livingston, who had a keen eye for undeveloped gems. Livingston purchased nearly 1500 acres of barren untouched coastal land and transformed it into a lush paradise by means of planting lofty palms, tropical flowers and manifesting a gorgeous jungle. At the age of 22, his daughter Clara Livingston inherited this magical development where she extended her father’s legacy through the continued development of countless amenities including an air strip dedicated to her passion for piloting where she notably hosted her close friend Amelia Earhart. The original house where Clara lived, aptly named “Su Casa,” remains to be immaculately maintained and is currently one of the most luxurious accommodations on the property.

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