Luxury Trips – Trips To Discover

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!

10 Best Luxury Hotels in Ibiza, Spain

Pavlo Fedykovych — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:15:37 +0000

A gem of the Balearic islands, Ibiza is a perfect place to come for a luxurious stay. You’ve got a superb scene of boutique accommodation with an irresistible Spanish flair, boho meets modern design, as well as magnificent sea and land views. This hedonism-filled corner of Meditteranean really understands beauty, party, and tranquility. Lose yourself among the narrow streets of the ancient towns, find peace in the charming countryside, taste the delicious traditional cuisine, and, of course, spend a night or two (or the whole week) dancing to the tunes played by the top DJs of the world at the clubs. Here are the best luxury hotels in Ibiza to make your sojourn unforgettable.

10 Best Spa Hotels in Toronto

Pavlo Fedykovych — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:15:23 +0000

The busier the city, the bigger the desire to rejuvenate in the spa. When in Toronto, this statement holds especially true. You’re going to have a blast sightseeing here, but you will also find fantastic wellness sanctuaries where relaxation is not an empty word – it’s a multifaceted concept. Ice facials, aromatic pools, full-body dry brushes, exfoliation procedures, whirlpool loungings, and skyline views. That’s what’s waiting for you in the wellness centers of Canada’s vibrant megalopolis. Book a stay at one of these best spa hotels in Toronto for a pampering stay.

Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts in Turkey

Pavlo Fedykovych — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 13:00:56 +0000

All-inclusive is such a great way to vacation. Turkey is among the top destinations for this kind of leisure in the world. The Turquoise Riviera stretches from Çeşme to Antalya and has a thousand miles of blue Mediterranean beaches, ancient towns, and plenty of first-class hotels to choose from. I enjoy coming here year after year to find total relaxation without needing to worry about anything – the accommodation covers all that. Would you like a hassle-free holiday for yourself too? Here are the top all-inclusive resorts in Turkey that will guarantee just that.

13 Luxury Beach House Airbnbs in California

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 13:15:10 +0000

Just think, no thin, confined walls where you can hear the guest next door snoring. Instead, indulge a myriad of luxuries with your very own beach house where the sand is just steps from your door. If you’re ready to treat yourself, and your family or friends, a vacation at a luxurious beach house Airbnb is sure to be unforgettable. These properties along the California coast from San Diego to Humboldt County come with all sorts of indulgent perks from sparkling private pools to fire pits and complimentary beach gear.

10 Best Luxury Hotels in Lake Garda, Italy

Pavlo Fedykovych — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:00:19 +0000

Lake Garda is in a league of its own, a crescendo of Italy’s beauty. The mighty Alpine peaks reflect in the blue waters, the historic towns and villages invite inspired exploration, and the scenery is irresistibly cinematic. The largest lake in the country, it is a destination to come to again and again to discover more sublime vistas, more culinary masterpieces at local restaurants, and more nature trails. Here you can find some of the most stunning accommodation choices in Italy too. These are the best luxury hotels in Lake Garda for a rewarding deluxe escape on the gorgeous shores.

12 Best Spa Hotels in London

Georgie Darling — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:00:09 +0000

Sure, I love the hustle and bustle and fast-paced nature of London. But, when you’re done with the crowds, there’s no better way to relax than checking into one of London’s best spa hotels. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing massage, a rejuvenating facial, a soothing sauna, or a refreshing pool to jump into, you’ll find plenty of places to choose from across this incredible city. London doesn’t hold back with the good views, either, which means you can admire the iconic landmarks, the historic buildings, the green parks, and the river Thames while getting pampered. Not sure which spot to check out first? We’ve rounded up all of the best spa hotels in London!

Best Overall: Sofitel London St James
Best for Couples: The Berkeley
Best Luxury: Bulgari Hotel London
Best for Families: Rosewood London

10 Best Luxury Hotels in Sardinia

Pavlo Fedykovych — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:15:44 +0000

Surprisingly vast, limitlessly beautiful, and irresistibly intriguing, Sardinia is exactly the Italian island paradise it’s famed to be. The waters on the beaches are as turquoise as it gets, the food is delicious to the max, and the road trips you can take are plenty. Pairing all the local delights with a fine hotel experience is a must for an unforgettable escape. That’s where these best luxury hotels in Sardinia shine. Embrace the chic ambiance of this Mediterranean island by staying in one of these handpicked properties.

10 Best Luxury Hotels in Mallorca, Spain

Pavlo Fedykovych — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:00:47 +0000

Imagine an island hugged by the blue waters of the Mediterranean where the mountains crash into the sea, mighty cathedrals stand tall in the centuries-old towns and villages, and the food is phenomenal. Welcome to Mallorca, Spain’s Balearic treasure. Rich in landscapes, beaches, and hotels, it boasts some of the most beautiful places in the country. With a long and colorful history of accommodating tourists, this island has many amazing upscale lodgings that will make your Mediterranean vacation memorable. Choose among these best luxury hotels in Mallorca for an ultimate Balearic break.

Kai Restaurant Shines in Comprehensive Michelin, Forbes and AAA Analysis

Noah Holtgraves — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:48:17 +0000

Credit: Kai Restaurant

Kai Restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona, far from the bustling culinary capitals of New York or San Francisco, is the unexpected location of a rising star in fine dining. Nestled in the mesmerizing desert landscapes, Kai Restaurant, a beacon of gastronomic brilliance, is breaking boundaries, earning high praise and prestigious recognition in a groundbreaking study of the nation’s finest dining establishments.

Kai Restaurant, elegantly set in the tranquil backdrop of Wild Horse Pass, is lauded by experts for its seamless fusion of Native American traditions with international culinary influences.

This haven of culinary excellence, recognized with 5-Star honors from Forbes Travel Guide and a perfect Five-Diamond rating from the American Automobile Association (AAA), has defied expectations, securing its spot among the top ten award-winning dining establishments in the United States.

“In form and function, Kai Restaurant’s menu is unlike any you’ve seen before,” according to Forbes.

Part of a more extensive study analyzing top-rated Michelin Guide and Forbes star-rated and AAA Diamond award winners, Kai Restaurant scored a remarkable 4.71 out of 5 Customer Review Score based on a statistically weighted analysis of over 800 reviews. The weighted analysis considers the review score and the total number of reviews for each restaurant on Google and TripAdvisor. Even when Kai was subject to a weighted analysis, its slender review tally is so overwhelmingly positive that it outshines countless award-winning restaurants with a significantly higher number of reviews. Kai’s unparalleled review score propelled it to the crème de la crème of Michelin, Forbes, and AAA award-winning restaurants.

Credit: Kai

Kai in Phoenix, Arizona

The second analysis in our more extensive study was a qualitative review sentiment analysis conducted by using natural language processing to analyze customer reviews and explore the feelings, emotions and nuanced points of view expressed by patrons of Kai Restaurant. This analysis provides valuable insights into the overall sensation surrounding the restaurant’s dining experiences.

The sentiment analysis of Kai’s latest reviews reveals a tapestry of effusive praise. Guests describe their experiences as “exceptional” and “one-of-a-kind,” highlighting the restaurant’s ability to captivate and enthrall. Patrons describe the harmonious and intimate ambiance, set against the backdrop of Wild Horse Pass, as adding an extra layer of enchantment to every meal. Even though reservations can be tricky, according to the analysis, Kai’s impeccable, exquisitely plated and presented creations continue to command spotlights from culinary experts and customers alike.

In a world where culinary excellence often seems synonymous with bustling metropolises, Kai Restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, stands tall as a testament to the power of exceptional cuisine in unexpected places. By seamlessly blending Native American traditions with global inspirations, Kai has crafted a dining experience that transcends geographical boundaries and leaves a lasting impression on all who enjoy dining there. So, if you find yourself in the heart of the desert, prepare to be whisked away on a gastronomic adventure like no other at Kai Restaurant.

Editor’s Note: Kai will be closed during the Summer of 2023 from July 2nd through August 15th.
Website: Kai Restaurant
Address: 5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85048

10 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece

Pavlo Fedykovych — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:30:58 +0000

As an ardent traveler, I learned to value a pure, unconditional break. Adult-only and all-inclusive have become my favorite features in resorts when I’m looking to relax from everything. It’s hard to find a better place to do it than Greece. With its crystal-clean beaches, impeccable service, world-class sightseeing, diversity of islands, and mouthwatering food, this country is my go-to for a child-free, picture-perfect vacation. These are the best adult-only all-inclusive resorts in Greece, guaranteeing you a self-indulgent Mediterranean retreat.

11 Best Luxury Hotels in Milan, Italy

Pavlo Fedykovych — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:15:58 +0000

Luxury is as essential for Milan as pizza Margherita for Naples, or Coliseum for Rome. The city lives and breathes tasteful, stylish, and opulent. A hotspot for the world of fashion, finance, and design, it’s a dynamic megalopolis, one keen on reinventing itself once in a while. Proximity to such striking de luxe lake destinations as Como and Garda also helps to keep things sparkling. The accommodation scene is as vibrant as you may expect from such a beauty-loving city. These are the best luxury hotels in Milan to feel the authentic character of Italy’s Northern powerhouse and spend an unforgettable time in the process.

Experts and Customers Agree: America’s Top Michelin, Forbes, and AAA Restaurants

Noah Holtgraves — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:44:42 +0000

Discover the best award-winning U.S. restaurants that captivate culinary experts and customers alike. In a comprehensive two-part analysis of 64 highest-ranking restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide, Forbes Travel Guide, and American Automobile Association (AAA) Diamond Awards, I bring you the country’s 10 highest customer-rated award-winning restaurants.

Through statistical and qualitative review sentiment analysis, I uncovered the most exalted experiences and highest-praised features that set these restaurants apart. My investigation even found the most commonly leveled criticisms of these gastronomic behemoths. Join me in delving into this epicurean journey as we explore the culinary prowess behind these crowned dining destinations.

Here is everything you will learn on this page:

Fun Facts: Award-Winning Restaurants
Roster: The 10 Best U.S. Award-Winning Restaurants
Visualizations: The Best U.S. Michelin, Forbes, and AAA Restaurants
Methodology

Fun Facts: Award-Winning Restaurants

Gourmet Grand Slam: 10 U.S. restaurants scored what I call a Gourmet Grand Slam 🏆 for acing all three guides; four are also fan favorites!
Michelin Magic: Michelin Star restaurants top all other award-winning gastronomies, clinching the highest ratings, averaging 4.5 on TripAdvisor and Google.
Full House: All ten restaurants are AAA Diamonds, seven are Forbes Star-Rated, and just four are Michelin-Starred.
King California: California is home to 23% of all U.S. Michelin, Forbes, and AAA top-rated restaurants, surpassing New York by two establishments.
Chef Star Power: Charleston restaurant’s Chef Cindy Wolf has the highest Chef Star Power, with the most mentions by name in customer reviews.
Happiest Customers: Victoria & Albert’s customers are most content, placing #1 in customer ratings and boasting an unmatched proportion of positive reviews.
Consistently Excellent: #1 for review count, Le Bernardin, with 6,354 Google and TripAdvisor reviews, boasts a 4.72 review score demonstrating supreme consistency.

Roster: The 10 Best U.S. Award-Winning Restaurants

This article utilizes two types of analysis to evaluate 3-Star Michelin, Five-Star Forbes, and AAA Five-Diamond-designated restaurants — a statistical and qualitative review sentiment analysis. The statistical analysis examines customer review counts and ratings from Google and TripAdvisor to calculate a weighted score I call the Customer Review Score. On the other hand, the qualitative review sentiment analysis of the restaurants with the highest Customer Review Scores extracts feelings, emotions, and nuanced points of view from customer reviews through natural language processing. Combined, these two analyses provide a powerful understanding of customer satisfaction and a holistic evaluation of the highest-rated establishments in the country.

While being featured on multiple guides did not grant restaurants additional points, we acknowledge and celebrate those that appear on Michelin, Forbes, and AAA guides simultaneously by recognizing them as a Gourmet Grand Slam 🏆.

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Visualizations: The Best U.S. Michelin, Forbes, and AAA-Rated Restaurants

Here is a table and a map of the ten highest customer-rated award-winning restaurants in the U.S.

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Methodology

Independent: My data analysis research is conducted with independence and impartiality to ensure the integrity of the findings. My research is editorially independent, but Trips to Discover may earn a commission for any purchases made through links on this page.

Preliminary Research: I gathered a list of restaurants in the U.S. from the 2023 AAA Five Diamond Restaurant Awards list, the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Restaurant Award Winners, and the 2023 list of 3-Star Michelin Restaurants. Between all three award systems, 64 unique restaurants remained. I sought to explore which of these restaurants, acknowledged by experts as the best, are the favorites among customers who dine there.

Data Extraction: These rankings are based on an analysis of 87,171 restaurant reviews for the 64 restaurants between Google and TripAdvisor. Google and TripAdvisor review scores and rating counts for all 64 restaurants were collected on 5/11/23 (4:05-4:43 PM MT) and 5/15/23 (10:05-10:30 AM MT), respectively. At the same time, I extracted the food, service, value, and atmosphere ratings on TripAdvisor and factored into my analysis.

Statistical Analysis Techniques: I used a proprietary ranking formula that, at its core, uses a weighted score analysis using a Bayesian average rating method to weigh each restaurant’s number of TripAdvisor and Google reviews against its average TripAdvisor and Google score separately. I call this the Lox Score in honor of the study it was first created for. We collected and utilized over 87,000 reviews between the 64 restaurants. Scores are on a 5-point scale. I then combined the TripAdvisor (40%) and Google (40%) Lox Scores with the TripAdvisor food (11%), service (3%), value (3%), and atmosphere (3%) scores into one weighted average “Customer Review Score” (CRS) also on a 5-point scale. My rankings are based on the ten restaurants, out of 64 total, with the highest CRS scores.

Qualitative Review Sentiment Analysis: Individual restaurant descriptions were created through qualitative review sentiment analysis using text mining methods and natural language processing. I used Outscrapper, a data-scrapping tool, to gather the most recent 50 customer reviews for each restaurant from Google and TripAdvisor. I used GPT-4 to conduct a qualitative review sentiment analysis of the 50 latest reviews for each restaurant focusing on various perspectives such as what sets the restaurant apart for customers, shared benefits and drawbacks for patrons, and essential decision-making factors for those who choose to dine there. All AI-generated analyses were thoroughly cross-checked for accuracy. Then I wrote the ultimate qualitative summary for each restaurant based on the information contained in the AI-generated qualitative review sentiment analysis.

Replicability: All the data used for this project is publicly available for study replication. The 64 restaurants are on the AAA, Forbes, and Michelin websites. All 64 restaurants are located on Google Maps and TripAdvisor, where you can identify review scores, counts and food, service, value and atmosphere ratings.

Contact Us: If you need assistance building a similar project or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at noah@tripstodiscover.com, and I can walk you through the process.

Data: You can download the data behind my analysis, including all 64 Michelin, AAA, or Forbes top-rated restaurants with their Google and TripAdvisor review scores and numbers at the time of this analysis, including our statistical calculations here in Google Sheets. This workbook also contains the other six Gourmet Grand Slams (top-rated by Michelin, Forbes, and AAA). You will additionally find the 500 restaurant review samples used for my sentiment analysis in that workbook without personally identifying information. I have also removed all proprietary calculations from the books. You can view the raw GPT qualitative sentiment analysis based on these 500 reviews here in Google Docs; however, I am choosing to withhold the valuable and meticulously crafted GPT prompts used to create these analyses. Please feel free to use or share this data with whoever may find this helpful — I ask that your purposes are noncommercial and that you link back to this page so I can receive proper credit for my work.

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10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in France

Pavlo Fedykovych — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:30:21 +0000

France is not particularly famous as an all-inclusive kind of destination. However, you’ve got a rich choice of accommodations here, a chance to strike a good deal, and elevated service. As a France-obsessed traveler, I had the pleasure of staying at the country’s resorts on many occasions, and every time it was a perfect kind of holiday. Geographical diversity is a huge advantage here. You’ve got the incredible Alpine peaks (where the majority of all-inclusives are), luxurious South, vast beaches of the Atlantic, and countryside wine-filled bliss. These are the best all-inclusive resorts in France to fully relax in this wonderful country.

13 Best Luxury Hotels in Bali

Georgie Darling — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 13:30:22 +0000

Contrary to what my family and friends back home think, not all of my time in Bali over the last three years has been spent in luxury hotels. But, as a travel writer with a taste for the good stuff in life (and a career that practically encourages new experiences), it seemed only right to check out some of Bali’s best luxury hotels during my time here. And what a lot of them there are: from the white sand beaches of Nusa Dua through to the surfing spots of Canggu and Seminyak and the dense jungles of Ubud, Bali really doesn’t hold back when it comes to luxury hotels. I’ve rounded up all of the best ones below!