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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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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Originally inaugurated in 1862 as the Politeama Fiorentino, the theatre – later relocated in 2014 to a new venue nearby – was a cultural beacon that hosted legends including Maria Callas and Franco Zeffirelli. Now the building, which has just undergone a regeneration project, restores value and beauty to a strategic area that had stood idle for years. Starhotels, born in Florence and recognized for its Made-in-Italy hospitality, has been selected to manage the property, opening next October 1, 2025, bringing the brand’s signature style and service to a contemporary residential setting.

“The Teatro Luxury Apartments bring a new chapter to Florence’s cultural story. By reimagining this historic theatre as a place to live, we invite residents and visitors alike to experience the city’s art, history, and architecture in an entirely new way,” said Elisabetta Fabri, Starhotels’ President and CEO.

The regenerated complex now hosts the Teatro Luxury Apartments across three buildings – Verdi, Rossini and Puccini – named in homage to the former theatre’s cultural legacy; at their center, a newly created square open to the community, Piazza Maria Callas, established by the City of Florence, provides an open civic space that reconnects the site with the neighborhood for residents and visitors alike.

Design & Living

The apartments, offered in a range of sizes and typologies, are designed for flexible stays, from short visits to extended periods, with a warm, residential atmosphere that encourages guests to experience Florence at a gentler pace and in closer connection with local life.

Drawing inspiration from Italy’s great theatres, interiors are defined by Art Deco influences, rich materials, and sweeping layouts. High floors feature panoramic city views, while balconies, terraces, designer showers, and Turkish baths elevate everyday living. Thoughtful storage, flexible layouts (studios to three-bedrooms), and fully equipped kitchens adapt to both short-term travelers and long-term residents.

Family Program

Starhotels also extends its renowned V.I.K. – Very Important Kids Family Program to Teatro Luxury Apartments, making it easy for families to experience Florence together. With spacious, multi-bedroom apartments and thoughtful amenities such as baby gear, toys, and exclusive partner perks, families of all sizes can find the ideal home base. From personalized welcome gifts to curated city experiences designed with little travelers in mind, the Family Program ensures every generation feels at home.

Lifestyle & Amenities

Guests benefit from a full suite of services, including 24-hour reception, concierge, housekeeping, luggage storage, laundry facilities, and secure digital connectivity. Highlights include:

• A collection of social spaces, such as communal lounges and co-working areas, designed for connecting, collaborating and meeting with friends and colleagues;
• A panoramic terrace with solarium and hydropool;
• A Guest Relations team with Signature Experiences, offering curated activities to enrich your stay in Florence, including hot air balloon rides over the Tuscan hills, Ferrari drives along scenic routes, private wine tastings in charming estates, and more
• Exclusive access to the Circolo del Tennis Firenze 1898, including clay tennis and padel courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and private club facilities

In addition to the residences, the broader project includes a new wellness and lifestyle hub to Florence’s community: a Wellness Center with fitness area and dining venues – managed by external operators – will serve the neighborhood and guests of Teatro Luxury Apartments.

Sustainability & Community

On track for LEED Gold certification in 2025, the redevelopment recycled 97.5% of demolition waste and incorporates rainwater harvesting, smart energy management, and advanced climate control. Italian-made finishes and infrastructure improvements reflect Starhotels’ commitment to sustainability and neighborhood revitalization.

With its unique combination of history, design, sustainability, and lifestyle, the Teatro Luxury Apartments Firenze – Starhotels Collezione marks a new era in Florence’s hospitality landscape. The property offers residents and visitors a cultural landmark reimagined for modern living.

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Dine, Lounge and Explore Across Eight Resorts

From world-class restaurants helmed by celebrated chefs and restaurateurs to casual food hall outlets and grab-and-go coffee shops, guests can experience more than 100 dining and lounge venues across Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas resorts.

“There’s no better time to visit Vegas, and this package is an incredible value in the heart of The Strip,” said Dan Walsh, SVP and General Manager of the three resorts. “From upscale dining to convenient, fast-casual meals, this offer gives guests the opportunity to try a wide range of options across all our Las Vegas resorts.”

Additional Offer: All You Can Spa at The LINQ Hotel and Harrah’s Las Vegas

Visitors looking to treat themselves to an ultimate day of indulgence can take advantage of the All You Can Spa package at Harrah’s Las Vegas or The LINQ Hotel. For $475 at Harrah’s and $500 at The LINQ, spa enthusiasts can enjoy up to four hours of treatments from a curated menu, including signature facials, massages, body scrubs and mud wraps. For more details and to book, guests can visit The Spa at Harrah’s website and Spa at The LINQ website.

Booking Information

Reservations are bookable now for immediate stays through Dec. 31, 2025. To book or for more information, including participating venues, blackout dates and exclusions, guests can visit caesars.com/las-vegas/hotels/deals/the-caesars-300.

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“The prime location of our hotel allows guests to experience the best of Jacksonville,” said Kate De Master, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. “With access to our beautiful rooftop pool, updated rooms, and panoramic views of both downtown Jacksonville and the St. John’s River, guests can enjoy a night in, or take a stroll through the city just steps away from the hotel entrance.”

The Sip, Stay and Play promotion provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy Hyatt Regency Jacksonville’s riverfront location and delicious onsite restaurants. From now through January 30, 2026 guests who book the Sip, Stay and Play package will receive daily breakfast at SHOR Seafood Grill and a $40 Market credit. Guests also receive two Riverwalk Cups that allow them to order alcoholic beverages to enjoy on-the-go as they walk along the riverfront.

The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront features stylish and modern rooms, many of which offer floor-to-ceiling views of the downtown area and riverfront. The hotel is home to the city’s largest rooftop pool, which overlooks the city’s skyline, as well as a fitness center and the Regency Club Lounge. Its central location places guests within walking distance of the lively Elbow District, known for its local bars, music venues and nightlife, as well as Jacksonville’s theater and entertainment district, which features year-round performances and events.

For more information or to book a stay at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, please visit hyattregencyjacksonville.com, or call (904) 588-1234.

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So, what exactly makes a destination “hot” this year?

1. The Rise of Micro-Trends: Niche is the New Norm

Instead of following the crowd, travelers are now following themselves — and destinations that cater to hyper-specific interests are thriving. Think:

• Astrotourism: Stargazing destinations like Chile’s Atacama Desert or West Texas are trending.
• Regenerative Travel: Not just eco-friendly, but experiences that leave the place better — from coral restoration in Belize to reforestation in Costa Rica.
• Quiet Luxury: Travelers want understated elegance — think boutique mountain lodges, private island retreats, and service-first hospitality that whispers rather than shouts.

These micro-trends are helping shape the travel landscape with more depth and nuance than ever before.

2. Overlooked Regions Are Having a Moment

Travelers are looking for the next “it” place before it gets flooded with influencers and tourists. This shift has turned attention to second-tier cities, hidden coastlines, and culturally rich interiors.

• Northern Portugal instead of Lisbon.
• Yucatán’s inland towns instead of the overbuilt Riviera Maya.
• Montenegro instead of Croatia.
• Oaxaca’s coast instead of Tulum.

These destinations offer what today’s traveler craves: authenticity, affordability, and fewer crowds — without compromising experience.

3. Digital Detox & Cultural Reconnection

While Wi-Fi is still essential for many, more travelers are seeking places that encourage disconnection and deeper connection — to nature, to culture, to self.

Hot destinations are leaning into:

• Local storytelling and guided immersion.
• Heritage crafts, food, and rituals.
• Off-grid lodges and unplugged itineraries.
• Smaller, curated group travel with purpose-driven themes.

4. Authenticity Over Algorithms

In a world ruled by viral trends and curated feeds, travelers are craving realness. What makes a destination desirable in 2025 isn’t how “Instagrammable” it is — it’s how real it feels.

That means:

• Fewer filters. More folklore.
• Less fabrication. More flavor.
• Not trying to be the next Bali or Paris — just being proudly you.

Destinations that hold true to their roots while embracing thoughtful evolution will win hearts — and return visits.

How to Ride the Wave Without Losing Your Soul

Whether you’re a tourism board, resort, or small business, staying relevant in 2025 means walking the line between trendy and timeless.

Here’s how:

• Tell your story, not someone else’s.
• Elevate what’s unique — not just what sells.
• Invite travelers into your world — not just into your hotel.
• Build with your locals, not just for your visitors.

Bottom Line: Hot destinations in 2025 aren’t just “new” — they’re meaningful. Travelers want to go where they feel something. Where they return home not just with selfies, but with stories.

And that kind of desirability? It doesn’t fade with a season — it defines a legacy.

To share your story with the world, let The Hotel Guide be your vehicle. Message Edward R. Leos, publisher, at erleos@thehotelguide.com.

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Top 10 Travel Trends:

1. Eco-Luxury Travel:
   The demand for guilt-free indulgence is on the rise. Discover how high-end hotels, resorts, and tour operators are blending luxury with green practices—like carbon-neutral stays, renewable energy use, and wildlife conservation efforts—to redefine what it means to travel responsibly.
2. Work-from-Anywhere Escapes:
   With remote work now a permanent lifestyle for many, destinations are adapting by offering coworking retreats, extended-stay packages, and community-driven digital nomad hubs. From Bali to Lisbon, we’ll explore the top spots to balance productivity and play in 2025.
3. AI-Powered Personalization:
   Travel tech is going beyond convenience to create hyper-personalized experiences. AI tools can recommend activities based on your preferences, optimize travel routes, and even curate entire vacations tailored to your personality—think virtual travel agents, redefined.
4. Regenerative Tourism:
   It’s not just about minimizing your footprint anymore; it’s about leaving places better than you found them. Learn how travelers are participating in efforts like coral reef restoration, community projects, and rewilding programs, ensuring future generations can enjoy these destinations.
5. Immersive Cultural Experiences:
   Travelers are increasingly seeking deeper, more meaningful interactions with local cultures. From joining indigenous-led tours to taking part in traditional ceremonies, we’ll discuss how the trend is fostering mutual respect and understanding across the globe.
6. Slow Travel Movement:
   In a fast-paced world, slow travel is becoming the antidote. We’ll explore how travelers are savoring the journey itself—whether through scenic train rides, extended stays, or focusing on just one region at a time—to foster a more mindful, enriching experience.
7. Wellness Getaways:
   Beyond spa treatments, wellness travel is expanding to include mental health retreats, digital detox escapes, and destinations focusing on holistic healing practices like sound therapy, meditation, and traditional medicine. We’ll highlight the hotspots redefining self-care in 2025.
8. Tech-Enhanced Journeys:
   Innovations like virtual reality pre-travel tours, luggage with GPS tracking and built-in chargers, and apps that translate languages in real time are making travel more seamless and exciting. We’ll also discuss the rise of biometric check-ins and AI-driven concierge services.
9. Off-the-Grid Adventures:
   As overtourism impacts popular destinations, more travelers are venturing to remote locales. From the Arctic Circle to secluded tropical islands, discover how off-the-grid adventures are satisfying wanderlust while embracing tranquility and untouched beauty.
10. Luxury Train Travel:
    With growing concerns over carbon emissions, train travel is making a stylish comeback. From Europe’s modernized sleeper trains to Africa’s opulent rail safaris, we’ll explore why these scenic and stress-free journeys are captivating the imagination of travelers worldwide.

For more, read at www.thehotelguide.com.

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With its oceanfront location, The Ellie Beach Resort allows guests to indulge in the quintessential beach experience. The iconic Springmaid Pier is one of the longest piers on the eastern seaboard and the resort provides endless opportunities for sun-soaked fun. From aquatic activities to locally inspired dining, The Ellie Beach Resort embraces a nearly century-long tradition of excellence and invites visitors to create unforgettable memories with loved ones.

The resort pays homage to its storied past, intertwining unique military heritage with textile innovation. The first accommodations on the site were built in 1948 under the leadership of Colonel Elliott White Springs, the namesake of The Ellie Beach Resort, who established the site as a retreat for textile mill workers. Today, The Ellie Beach Resort stands as a testament to this legacy, offering guests a glimpse into the vibrant history of the region while providing unparalleled hospitality.

Every room at The Ellie Beach Resort boasts a spectacular ocean view. From spacious guest rooms to family-friendly bunk beds, each space is meticulously crafted to ensure comfort and relaxation. Dive into the new pools and expansive aquatic area, including a brand new 5,000 square foot resort pool or take a ride down our three 35-foot water slides. Indulge in the coastal-inspired fare at Ocean Blue Restaurant and Southern Tide or grab a quick bite at our Market. With a plethora of wellness activities and special events at Springmaid Pier, The Ellie Beach Resort offers an unforgettable experience for all.

For those seeking a venue for social events, meetings, or weddings, The Ellie Beach Resort offers an exceptional setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Featuring three oceanfront ballrooms, expansive function spaces, and dedicated event services, The Ellie Beach Resort is perfectly positioned to host meetings and events. With its easily drivable location from major cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Richmond, The Ellie Beach Resort is a convenient destination for events.

Locals are also invited to experience The Ellie Beach Resort, which has three-, five-, and seven-day memberships and regular events tailored for Myrtle Beach residents and tourists alike. Enjoy the tranquility and fun that await at Myrtle Beach’s newest resort, whether for a day or a week.

For more information about the resort and to book, visit www.hilton.com/en/hotels/myrobup-the-ellie-beach-resort-myrtle-beach/.

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