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In the Valley of the Sun: Phoenix, Arizona

By Shandana A. Durrani Oct 26, 2016 6:56 AM

Visitors head there to golf. Or to catch some sun during the cold, dreary days of winter. But surprisingly, Phoenix has a bit more to offer than just sun and a hole in one. The city has a thriving food and art scene and an increasingly diverse populace. Here are our favorite spots in town to escape to:

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Desert Botanicals Gardens — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Phoenix is not all fuddy duddy retirees. The city has a number of stellar cultural institutions such as the Heard Museum, which showcases Native American art and history. The Desert Botanicals Gardens are still a huge draw, thanks to the unique fauna. Head there at night to check out Chihuly in the Garden, a showcase of artist Dale Chihuly’s studio glass works set amid the landscape. Music and drinks are on hand to get you in the mood. If golf is what you came here for nothing beats heading to the legendary Boulders resort for a round. You’ll get a stunning desert setting and much needed space on the fairway.

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Eat & Drink

Bink's in Midtown Phoenix is one of the hottest new restaurants, thanks to dishes such as chicken karaage with lemon pickle and cilantro. — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Last Spring, James Beard Award–nominated chef Kevin Binkley opened Bink’s, an upscale American joint in Midtown. We loved the Chicken Karaage with lemon pickles and cilantro and the paella with squash and corn. The Henry opened to much fanfare in December and is known for its friendly vibe and comfortable setting. Grab a coffee here in the morning or come back to sit by the fireplace as you dine on authentic Swedish meatballs. Don’t forget to grab a drink at The Gladly, which crafts unique cocktails and has an extensive list of wine, beer and spirits.

Stay

Omni Montelucia — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Phoenix and Scottsdale are home to many world-class resorts but we love the Omni Montelucia in Scottsdale. The expansive Mediterranean-style resort sits at the base of iconic Camelback Mountain and offers 293 luxe suites and rooms, several swimming pools, Prado restaurant—which has some of the best appetizers and service this side of the Mississippi—and the top spa in town. Indulge yourself at Joya Spa, a behemoth of a space that offers classic services with a Southwestern twist—think holistic and life affirming. The Hammam alone is worth the price of admission. You’ll be in expert hands and leave town feeling thoroughly invigorated.

Shandana A. Durrani has been a magazine editor and travel writer for more than two decades. Her work has appeared in numerous… Read Full Bio

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Food

These 2026 island getaways are surging in popularity right now

Sandals St. Lucia Grande

Expedia just released its latest set of data: The 2026 Island Hot List, a trending list that compiles the emerging islands travelers are searching for before they become the next big thing. According to the newExpedia data, interest in these rising island destinations is up 55% on average year-over-year, while social media mentions have climbed 20% as travelers look for new experiences, better value, and fewer crowds. If you ask me, this is pretty surprising to hear it’s up 55%, especially when I thought islands were already one of the most popular year-round travel destinations.

Ranked #1 on Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List is St. Lucia, an island I first fell in love with back in 2023 when I went on my honeymoon there. Once you visit here, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s ranked the best for romantic escapes. This destination has been a popular spot for anniversary and honeymoon trips for a long time now — and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. As travelers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, many are willing to take the extra trek to destinations like St. Lucia for it’s dramatic scenery, romantic resort options like Sugar Beach, and soft adventure focus.

Six Senses Rome is a peaceful retreat in a beautifully chaotic city

the lobby at Six Senses Rome

Rome is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and by all accounts, it gets crowded. But considering that it’s one of the world’s most important epicenters for history, culture, food and architecture, we can forgive the crowds. After all, complaining about tourism when you’re a tourist is not the way. But booking yourself a peaceful respite to start and end each day most certainly is.

I chose Six Senses Rome as my home base during a recent four-day trip to the city. The property opened in 2023 in the restored 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini. The historic building sets the tone before you even check in, with restored 600-year-old columns in the main entrance, pale travertine floors, a light-dappled lobby overflowing with greenery, and a massive marble staircase that’s almost comically regal. And its neighbor is the gorgeous San Marcello al Corso Church—so you can start your sightseeing by literally going next door.

5 Tips If You’re Traveling With Cigars: I Learned No. 2 the Hard Way

Wood, Hardwood, Accessories

Traveling with cigars can be challenging if you’re not prepared. The lack of preparation can lead to your favorite cigars getting smashed from inadequate storage, or they can peel because they weren’t kept at the proper temperature, among other issues. Sometimes you do all the right things, and still come away shaking your head.

I’ve been smoking cigars for two decades now, and it’s not beneath me to admit that I’ve made plenty of cigar travel mistakes in that span, and as recently as two weeks ago. You live, you learn, and hope you don’t waste a stogie on the next trip. My most recent cigar travel mistake is what inspired me to share these tips. Sure, there are plenty of articles out there offering similar advice. But this list comes from a cigar smoker and writer who has visited six countries and about a dozen states in the last year alone. And in that time, mistakes were made, and lessons were learned.