An Architectural Statement for a Global Elite
Nestled within Gstaad’s Oberbort district – a discreet haven for royalty, visionaries and cultural icons – Chalet Oberbort occupies one of the most sought-after addresses in the Swiss Alps. The site offers panoramic mountain views, unrivalled privacy, and immediate proximity to Michelin-starred dining, luxury boutiques, and international schools. With nearby private airfields, the residence is accessible year-round for both winter and summer alpine seasons.

A Design Rooted in Landscape and Legacy
Inspired by the vernacular architecture of the region and shaped by contemporary sensibilities, the chalet’s design language blends aged timber, brushed bronze, locally quarried stone, and tactile natural textiles. The interiors reflect Unica Capital’s philosophy, prioritizing warmth, proportion and depth, where soaring ceilings and subtle lighting engage bespoke joinery, artisan finishes and carefully curated spatial rhythms to create a haven for the senses.
The architectural vision embraces both permanence and poetry: a retreat built to endure, while honoring the fleeting beauty of alpine light, snow and silence.
At Unica Capital, design and wellness are not merely aesthetic, but essential principles shaping every element of luxury living. Guided by a commitment to sustainable architecture, the use of natural and locally sourced materials, and profound respect for the landscape and privacy.
A Sanctuary of Wellness and Restoration
At Chalet Oberbort, wellness is more than a feature – it’s a way of life. Anchored by 1,500m² spa and fitness center, the chalet offers an immersive retreat where restoration is woven into the everyday. From thermal pools and snow showers to a hammam, sauna and treatment suites, each element is designed to rebalance the body and mind. This philosophy extends throughout the home, where organic gardens, indoor-outdoor.

A New Standard of Ultra-Luxury Living
Helmed by Swiss billionaire entrepreneur Byron Baciocchi, Unica Capital understands the evolving expectations of today’s most discerning clientele – those who seek more than design, but a lifestyle elevated in every dimension. At Chalet Oberbort, luxury is deeply personal. The residence combines the privacy and comfort of a home with the curated experiences of a private resort. A dedicated entertainment wing features a private cinema, Formula 1 simulator, dance floor, bowling alley, wine cellar, cigar room and ski room – all thoughtfully designed for effortless enjoyment. For Byron, luxury is about anticipating desire – and delivering it with precision, purpose and a sense of play. Chalet Oberbort – Gstaad is the embodiment of that vision.

“With Chalet Oberbort, we set out to create more than a residence – we wanted to evoke a sense of quiet majesty. It’s a space where architectural form, emotional atmosphere and material integrity come together,” said Byron Baciocchi, Chairman and CEO at Unica Capital. “It reflects our belief that true luxury is how a space makes you feel – not just what it contains.”
Features at a Glance
• 7,000m² of refined interior living across three interconnected chalets – the world’s largest private chalet
• 11 ensuite bedrooms, each with walk-in wardrobes and 8 premium staff bedrooms
• 1,500m² wellness spa featuring dual thermal pools, a hammam, alpine sauna, cold plunge, and a private treatment suites
• Dedicated entertainment wing with private cinema, Formula 1 simulator, dancefloor, bowling alley, wine cellar, cigar room and ski room
• Landscaped terraces, library and cigar lounge, tasting room, and art display spaces integrated throughout

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Crafted entirely from gingerbread, icing, and candy, the life-sized cabin features more than 2,000 pounds of ingredients, including:

• 450 pounds of gingerbread dough
• 172 pounds of flour
• 108 pounds of molasses
• 100 pounds of powdered sugar and 65 pounds of granulated sugar
• 1,000 gumballs (stretching nearly half a football field)
• Over 50 pounds of ground coconut flakes for snow

The display includes sugar-sculpted poinsettias and holly, sugar and gingerbread lanterns, a cookie wreath, and skis—a nod to Executive Pastry Chef Brielle Fratellone, head of 5280 Pastry. The project began in July 2025 with concept design, moved into engineering and construction in September, and transitioned to gingerbread baking on Oct. 1.

“This gingerbread mountain cabin is the result of months of hard work and creativity from both the pastry and engineering teams,” said Fratellone. “Our pastry cooks truly enjoyed baking and decorating this edible artwork. I hope coming to see the Gingerbread Mountain Cabin becomes a yearly tradition for guests at Gaylord Rockies.”

More than 25 pastry cooks contributed to the project, which spanned 4.5 months from concept to completion, including six weeks of dough production and a three-day final assembly. The team even created spreadsheets to track thousands of cookies, including the 425 gingerbread shingles adorning the roof.

Guests can experience the cabin up-close—and smell it from across the lobby. “We keep the spices in the dough to ensure the house fills the air with a warm gingerbread aroma,” Fratellone added.

The Gingerbread Mountain Cabin will remain on display through Jan. 1, 2026, marking the resort’s second major gingerbread installation, joining the gingerbread city window display in Mistletoe Village. Each pastry cook creates their own gingerbread house or building within the window display, offering a unique showcase of team talent.

More Culinary Experiences at Gaylord Rockies Resort

The gingerbread masterpiece is part of the larger Christmas at Gaylord Rockies celebration, featuring beloved and new seasonal dining experiences:

• NEW: Feast with the Grinch – A spirited dining experience hosted by everyone’s favorite green and grouchy character, complete with appearances from Max and plenty of Who-ville whimsy.
• Resort Dining – Holiday menus, themed cocktails, Auntie Anne’s pretzels, and Cinnabon favorites.

Gingerbread Decorating Corner – Guests can personalize their own gingerbread cookies made fresh by the Gaylord Rockies pastry team, and meet Nutmeg, the resort’s jolly gingerbread man.

The dining experiences complement ICE!, Gaylord Hotels’ signature holiday attraction, along with Candy Cane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing and other festive activities. Guests are encouraged to book early, as many ticketed experiences sell out on peak weekends. For tickets, packages, overnight stays or more information, visit ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.

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Chiang Mai’s highest bar, Meliá Chiang Mai’s 360-degree rooftop bar dubbed MAI The Sky Bar affords sweeping views of the Ping River to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. Perched on the 22-floor, the bar features rooftop terraces at varying heights, with a spectacular glass bridge connecting the bar’s highest seating areas. Surrounded by glass balustrades that give way to stunning views of Chiang Mai at sunset and by night, the bar’s entertainment includes live bands and DJs. Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish roots, the city’s most happening venue’s menu serves a variety of tapas and pinchos, grazing boards and desserts under sections dubbed “Para Picar”, “Tableros” and “Postres” respectively. The mixologists craft a selection of beverages including imaginative cocktails that reference Chiang Mai’s forests and mountains.

The bar will host an exciting line-up of events including a ‘Beats and Baubles’ Christmas Eve Party, a New Year’s Eve Countdown Party, and its Spanish Gastronomy Series. From Jan. 5-9 and Feb. 2-6, the Spanish Gastronomy Series will feature visiting chefs Alejandro García Martín and Manuel Robles Cons respectively. Each chef will host four-day culinary showcases culminating in lively Sky & Vine Finale nights with curated menus, wine pairings, and live entertainment on the Upper Deck.

Bangkok Rooftop Bar with Transparent Infinity Pool Commands 34th Floor

Together with INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s jewel in the crown, a transparent infinity pool, The Giant Swing Pool Bar commands the 34^th floor. Nestled between bar and pool, a compelling contemporary interpretation of Bangkok’s Brahman structure The Giant Swing makes for a dramatic photo backdrop. Adjacent to the infinity pool is an expansive rooftop terrace, dotted with outdoor lounges and sunbeds, that evokes an Ibiza mood accompanied with panoramic vistas. Open from 10am until midnight, the open-air pool bar serves Mediterranean, Thai and international snacks and dishes such as INNSiDE’s Burger and cool beverages including imaginative cocktails. By night, the pool bar becomes an upper-floor extension of the hotel’s 33^rd floor LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar. A spectacle unlike any other in Bangkok, tapas bar guests peer into the bottom of the infinity pool.

Replete with guest DJs, live percussionists, a giant pan of paella, and sweeping views of Bangkok’s skyline by night, ‘Viva la Fiesta’, which means ‘long live the party’ in Spanish, is staged every Wednesday from 7 pm until late on INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s 33rd and 34th floors. Revellers will bid farewell to 2025 and count down the new year at the Giant Swing Pool Bar for a night of rooftop fun and music from live DJs from 6pm on Dec. 31 until 1am on Jan. 1.

New Pattaya Sky Bar Soaks Up Gulf of Thailand Vistas

Perched on the 12^th floor of the newly opened Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Yitong Sky Bar makes for a chic rooftop space that pairs sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand with imaginative cocktails. The venue is part of Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar that serves Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine promoting health and sustainability; food and beverage menus have a prime focus on “goodness for the body, mind and soul”. “Kuaile De” made up of gin infused with goji berry, honey, lemon juice, topped with cava, “Chun Hou” with brandy, orange curacao, lime juice, rosella tea, and rose syrup, and “Tian De” featuring Campari with ginseng, Chinese liquor, and brown sugar syrup are among Yitong’s innovative signature cocktails. Paying homage to the longstanding Chinese communities of Chonburi and their shrines and markets, the name Yitong translates to “together”, with dishes served family-style to encourage shared meals and connectedness.

High above the shoreline, Yítong Sky Bar will ring in 2026 with its ‘New Year’s Eve Countdown’ party to a backdrop of Pattaya’s skyline by night. Gourmet canapes, free-flow house wine, local beer, and a midnight flute of sparkling wine are on offer. Meliá Pattaya Hotel, which debuted February 14 this year, also offers a “Chill & Cheers Escape” stay package that includes a welcome cocktail at Yitong Sky Bar.

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The Hotel Guide’s 2025 Awards Edition celebrates the most exceptional luxury hotels across the United States—properties that define excellence through elevated design, world-class service, and unforgettable guest experiences. This year’s Top 10 Luxury Hotels showcase destinations that continue to raise the standard for refined travel.

Leading the list is Acqualina Residences & Resort, a coastal sanctuary renowned for Mediterranean-inspired architecture, impeccable service, and lavish oceanfront accommodations that make every stay feel restorative and indulgent.

Amangiri, set in the untouched landscapes of southern Utah, remains a benchmark of modern minimalism. Its dramatic desert surroundings, holistic wellness programs, and unparalleled privacy create a transformative luxury escape.

In New Mexico, Four Seasons Resort Santa Fe blends timeless Southwestern culture, culinary artistry, and handcrafted luxury. Its adobe-style casitas and serene desert setting offer an elevated retreat with authentic regional charm.

The Boca Raton earns recognition for its iconic waterfront presence, vibrant redesigns, and expansive dining and wellness offerings that make it one of Florida’s most dynamic luxury destinations.

Hotel Crescent Court in Dallas marries refined European influence with Texas hospitality, offering sumptuous suites, an acclaimed spa, and walkability to the city’s cultural heart.

A historic favorite, The Brown Palace in Denver captivates with its century-old architectural beauty, majestic atrium, and legacy of personalized service rooted in timeless luxury.

Chicago’s beloved The Drake continues to shine with its grand lakefront views, storied elegance, and legacy as one of America’s most iconic luxury hotels.

In Arizona, The Phoenician Resort delivers desert luxury at its highest level—complete with expansive pools, championship golf, curated dining, and artful modern design.

Rounding out the list is The Thompson San Antonio, a contemporary urban retreat known for its sleek design, rooftop experiences, and elevated boutique-luxury atmosphere.

Together, these hotels represent the very best of American luxury travel—destinations where craftsmanship, culture, and comfort converge to create unforgettable stays.

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Armenia’s festive season will officially begin on 14 December, when Yerevan’s Christmas tree lights up the city center and signals the start of one of the most atmospheric periods of the year. The ceremony opens weeks of celebrations leading up to Armenian Christmas on 6 January, a time when the capital takes on a cinematic glow.

Each December, Yerevan transforms into a winter postcard. Streets lined with warm golden lights reflect against crisp evening skies, while the city’s cafés and restaurants release the unmistakable aromas of traditional soups, spiced teas, slow-cooked meats and festive pastries. Visitors wander through Republic Square and the surrounding boulevards, where live music, seasonal markets and cultural performances draw crowds into the heart of the celebrations.

The Tourism Committee noted that the Christmas period brings together rich traditions and a vibrant atmosphere, positioning Armenia as an increasingly attractive winter destination for travelers.

Yerevan is also easily accessible throughout the season, with multiple flight options providing convenient routes for visitors looking to experience the city’s winter charm, culinary flavors and Christmas atmosphere.

The 14 December tree lighting ceremony remains one of the landmark moments of the season, inviting guests to step into a vibrant cityscape filled with culture, hospitality and festive spirit.

For more information and travel inspiration, visit the official Armenia Travel website (armenia.travel/).

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At Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, the holidays never really end. The resort’s one-of-a-kind Christmas Suite – Las Vegas’ only year-round holiday-themed hotel suite – lets guests step into a cozy winter wonderland in any season, from peak December celebrations to Christmas-in-July escapes and festive weekends “just because.”

This 1,500-square-foot specialty suite is brimming with holiday spirit: three beautifully decorated Christmas trees, twinkling garlands, a crackling electric fireplace, festive in-suite bar, and the suite’s whimsical “elf-on-the-shelf” bathrooms. Designed to feel like a luxurious holiday lodge tucked just off the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, the Christmas Suite blends nostalgic décor with the comfort and service of a lengenday Las Vegas resort.

“Our Christmas Suite keeps the magic of the season going long after the decorations come down everywhere else,” said Dawn Rawle, SVP of Marketing & Entertainment. “It’s perfect for holiday purists who never want Christmas to end, families looking for a memorable celebration, or content creators and couples who love a festive backdrop any time of year.”

The Christmas Suite is part of Westgate’s broader collection of signature themed suites, each offering an unforgettable, story-worthy stay.

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Hamilton Island CEO Nick Dowling said the result reflects a defining period of transformation on the island and the expanding range of experiences now available to guests.

“This is a wonderful endorsement from travelers across Australia,” Mr Dowling said. “It shows just how often Hamilton Island is on people’s minds when they start dreaming about their next holiday. Over the past year, we’ve been focused on elevating every part of the island experience – from where you stay, to where you dine, to how you explore the reef and the Whitsundays – and it’s exciting to see that resonate.

And we’re not finished… Our ambition is to keep building on this momentum and continue to remind people why Hamilton Island is Australia’s Tropical Island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.”

The past 12 months have seen a series of major upgrades across accommodation, dining and guest experiences. In 2025, Hamilton Island welcomed The Sundays, a new boutique hotel offering laidback family-friendly luxury alongside Catseye Pool Club, a restaurant and bar helmed by acclaimed Australian culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland.

This weekend, the island’s iconic Sails restaurant and pool precinct will also reopen following a complete reimagining.  The refreshed venue introduces a contemporary take on relaxed poolside dining overlooking the Coral Sea, including the new Sails Sunbed Series, with bookable beachfront sunbeds and curated food and beverage options. The transformation also extends to Beach Club, with refreshed spaces and a new menu at the boutique adults-only beachfront retreat.

These enhancements join a growing collection of nature-based, wellness and adventure experiences, including the island’s newest signature offering, A Cultural Island Discovery with Robbie Congoo, to e-mountain biking, Reformer Pilates and a refreshed dining scene featuring the AGFG chef-hatted Bommie Restaurant, island favourite coca chu, and a wide collection of casual restaurants and bars.  Further upgrades across the island are planned for 2025 and beyond.

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island offers a diverse range of stays for every style of tropical escape – from private luxury at qualia to boutique beachfront stays at Beach Club and The Sundays, through to relaxed getaways at the Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and self-catering holiday homes.

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Exploring the Park on E-Bikes

Renting e-bikes turned out to be one of the best decisions of the entire trip. It was a phenomenal way to get around the park, letting us breeze along the scenic roads while taking in the towering red cliffs and peaceful stretches of forested trails. With the fresh air in our faces and the freedom to stop whenever a breathtaking view appeared—and that happened often—e-biking became both a convenient and exhilarating way to explore Zion.

The Narrows: A Hike Like No Other

Of all the unforgettable moments, hiking The Narrows stands out as something truly magical. Wading between sheer canyon walls with the river running at our feet felt like stepping into another world. We were especially impressed by the gear we rented; it kept us warm and dry the entire time, making the experience comfortable despite the chilly water. The combination of adventure, beauty, and surreal atmosphere made The Narrows one of the highlights of the trip.

Angels Landing: Worth Every Step

And then there was Angels Landing—the iconic trail that earns its reputation with every steep ascent and breathtaking overlook. The climb was challenging but entirely worth it. Reaching the summit and looking out over the sweeping views of Zion Canyon was a moment of pure awe. It’s the kind of hike that imprints itself on your memory and leaves you feeling both humbled and triumphant.

The Charm of Springdale

Just outside the park, the town of Springdale added its own special touch to the trip. We loved the welcoming atmosphere, charming shops, and especially the great places to eat after long days of exploring. Whether it was grabbing a hearty meal or simply strolling through town, Springdale provided the perfect balance of comfort and character.

A Trip to Remember

Looking back, this trip to Zion was everything we hoped for—beautiful, relaxing, and filled with incredible moments. From the scenic e-bike rides to the unforgettable hikes and the small-town charm of Springdale, every part of the journey left us grateful and inspired. It’s a destination that stays with you long after you’ve returned home, and one we’d happily revisit in a heartbeat.

Written By: Brandice Mueller

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This edition takes readers across continents and cultures, showcasing the very best in luxury travel, wellness retreats, culinary journeys, hotel design, outdoor adventure, and international experiences.

From iconic U.S. cities to far-flung tropical islands, groundbreaking wellness sanctuaries, next-level cruise experiences, and award-winning resorts, this issue is your guide to where to go next—and how to travel deeper, better, and with intention.

What’s Inside This Edition

Global Destinations Worth Exploring

Wander cobblestone streets in Savannah, absorb the artistic pulse of Berlin, relax on the beaches of Sunny Isles, or escape to the peaceful Austrian Alps. Discover inspiring locations perfect for leisure travelers, families, digital nomads, and dreamers seeking their next adventure.

Luxury Resorts & Iconic Hotels

This issue spotlights some of the most celebrated hospitality brands in the world, including:

• Acqualina Resort & Residences

• The Boca Raton

• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

• Thompson San Antonio

• Resorts World Las Vegas

• Atlantis Paradise Island

• Omni Barton Creek
  …and more destinations redefining modern luxury.

Wellness, Mindfulness & Restorative Retreats

Unwind inside the serene worlds of:

• The Golden Door

• Le Monastère des Augustines

• Amansala Resort

• Transformational travel programs and women-led retreats designed to restore, empower, and inspire.

Culinary Experiences

Taste your way through chef-driven cities and emerging culinary hotspots. From family-friendly flavors in Buena Park to elevated dining in Texas and beyond, this issue delivers food-focused recommendations readers will want to bookmark.

Championship Golf Destinations

Fairways meet luxury at:

• Fairmont St Andrews (Scotland)

• Omni Barton Creek

• Tapatio Springs Resort
  Perfect for golf enthusiasts seeking world-class courses combined with resort-level pampering.

Cruises, Adventure & Festival Culture

Explore:

• Riverside Luxury Cruises

• The iconic Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival

• A Kilimanjaro & safari mastermind retreat
  Adventure and culture await at every turn.

Why This Issue Matters

This edition is built for travelers who crave more than a vacation—those who seek deeper meaning, richer experiences, and luxury that feels personal. With immersive editorial storytelling, stunning imagery, and trusted guidance, The Hotel Guide continues to be a leading resource for discovering the best in travel and hospitality.

The post Introducing The 2025 Awards Edition appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

A Destination Made for Romance
The powerful energy of the Iguassu Falls sets the tone for an intimate getaway. Rainbows rising from the mist, full moons illuminating the cascades, elegant hotels, and an increasingly sophisticated culinary scene all contribute to an environment ideal for two. Couples visiting Iguassu Falls can enjoy sunset dinners, exclusive attractions inside the National Park, wine tastings, casino visits, dance performances, and even scenic helicopter flights—creating the perfect backdrop for memorable moments.

Three-Day Romantic Itinerary in Iguassu Falls

Day 1 – Immersive Views of the Falls & a Special Dinner
Couples are invited to begin their journey with a relaxed check-in at one of the city’s most charming properties. Highlights include the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, located inside Iguassu National Park, and Las Hotel Boutique, an intimate retreat featuring 21 elegant bungalows.

A walk through the Iguassu National Park allows visitors to experience the Falls from multiple viewpoints, surrounded by mist and natural beauty. On Saturdays, partners seeking an elevated experience can join Céu das Cataratas (Sky of the Falls), a stargazing activity held under a pristine night sky right beside the waterfalls.

The evening continues with a romantic dinner at La Rueda 1975 in Puerto Iguazú, known for river fish specialties, handcrafted pastas, premium Argentinian-style grilled cuts, and an exceptional wine list of 700 labels.

Day 2 – Helicopter Views, Nature Encounters & a Tri-Border Sunset
The day begins with a thrilling helicopter flight over the Falls—an unforgettable perspective of one of the world’s great natural wonders. In the afternoon, couples can explore the Bird Park, home to flamingos, macaws, toucans, and more than 1,400 birds in a preserved Atlantic Forest environment.

As the sun sets, the Three Borders Landmark offers a panoramic view of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, accompanied by cultural dance and music performances held from Tuesday to Sunday. For an even more intimate evening, a sunset catamaran cruise along the Paraná and Iguassu rivers includes dinner on board while navigating the tri-border region.

Day 3 – The Surprisingly Romantic Side of Itaipu
The itinerary concludes with a visit to the Itaipu Dam, a site known for its monumental scale and unexpectedly romantic appeal. Couples can enjoy the panoramic tour of the dam, followed by a walk through the Bela Vista Biological Refuge, featuring native wildlife encounters, a 2 km trail, and opportunities for tree planting.

At night, the iconic Rafain Churrascaria Show brings together an extensive buffet and vibrant performances representing nine Latin American countries, providing a celebratory finale to the trip.

For More Information

Travelers interested in planning a romantic getaway to Iguassu Falls can explore additional details on the destination’s official website and social media channels on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

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