Antigua and Barbuda – Where Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams Come to Life

Robin Leach had a taste for the finest in luxury accommodation. And for many years, he shared the fantasies of a luxury lifestyle of champagne wishes and caviar dreams to millions who watched his popular ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’ television show.

A few of us living in Antigua and Barbuda at that time knew from where he drew his inspiration. For several years of his life, our beautiful destination was Mr. Leach’s home, and he became a cherished member of our community. He was a familiar face among the scores of locals making their rounds at a leisurely pace at the public market to fill his basket with choice fruits and vegetables on a Saturday.

Mr. Leach moved seamlessly between his lifestyle of luxury and the authentic island spirit, both of which are available to the discerning traveler, especially those craving a touch of lavishness and prestige from their vacation experience. It’s that rare combination of exclusivity together with affluence and the simple island lifestyle together with the warm hospitality of its people that make Antigua and Barbuda the idyllic destination for a luxurious escape. The very best of both worlds.

Hopping on to a flight and jetting through the cloud filled sky of the Caribbean until the majestic shores of Antigua and Barbuda greet your eyes can be an experience unto itself. Private jet and charter travel are quite accessible these days to anyone fancying a luxurious upgrade for their journey into paradise. The Fixed Based Operator facility at the V.C. Bird International Airport offers premium service to the discerning traveler. Chauffeur-driven leather-seated sedans and limousines are on call, should you wish to get your first up close look at Antigua in style.

The V.C. Bird International also provides a fast track service that takes away all of the usual immigration and customs processing out of your hands. The executive lounge on departure is available to holders of major international access cards, including Lounge Key, Diners Club, Priority Pass, and Dragon Pass. The lounge provides a comfortable sanctuary of luxury and tranquility, complete with sophisticated amenities and a panoramic view of the island’s east coast from a balcony that overlooks the runway.

Whether it’s over to Mr. Leach’s former residence of the ultra-exclusive luxury escape of Jumby Bay by helicopter or a limousine ride around the stunning coastline to an oceanfront villa estate with all of its lavish amenities, your vacation fantasies are coming to life.

Your journey has brought you to Antigua and its sister island of Barbuda, in the very lap of luxury, where impeccable service and unmatched elegance in the midst of Caribbean charm are available to the discriminating tastes of the modern day traveler.

Jumby Bay is probably the pick of the bunch when it comes to five-star accommodations in Antigua. It is home to the very rich and famous, but not at all inaccessible by those who wish to have a taste of the jet-setting lifestyle. Jumby Bay is off Antigua’s stunningly beautiful east coast and is a few minutes away by boat. Stepping off the vessel will introduce you to the world of the discerning traveler who is treated to personalized service in refined tropical elegance beyond any Caribbean comparison.

If your desire is to stay on the mainland, then the island’s south coast offers a few top choices in luxurious accommodations, beginning with the ultra-luxury villas of Tamarind Hills. The property offers stunning views of two world-famous beaches, Frryes on the north, where the placid calm of the Caribbean Sea is a tempting prospect, and the world-famous Darkwood Beach with the volcanic island of Montserrat rising from the horizon in the distance. Accommodations are chef’s kiss. Ranging from bedroom suites, villas, and townhouses, the luxurious hillside property promises unforgettable sunsets and memorable views to last a lifetime.

A mere ten minutes away from Tamarind Hills is Carlisle Bay, a Leading Hotel of the World, nestled among the hillsides of Antigua’s lush rainforest. The posh and elegant suites of the resort are mere steps away from one of the most tranquil and serene beaches in the world. The resort offers world-class dining at a diverse array of restaurants and luxurious suites with a world of classy amenities that are simply out of this world.

There is more to come. On Antigua’s sister island, the unspoiled Caribbean jewel of Barbuda, an international airport which was opened a few months ago, is now taking private jet aircraft in readiness for the opening of the Nobu Beach Inn in 2026. Like Mr. Leach, Antigua and Barbuda has another famous adopted native, who fell in love with the beautiful islands many years ago. International film star Robert DeNiro, is leading the development of the exclusive property on a beach famously named after the late Princess Diana,  but now will be home to an exclusive boutique hotel along with private beach front residences.

Clearly, Antigua and Barbuda offer much more than a timeless escape into the typical vacation of sun, sea, and sand. Both islands are living proof that authentic and luxurious travel are truly a part of the vacation experience in the Caribbean.

Plan your next trip here: VisitAntiguabarbuda.com

Banner photo: Shirley Heights

The Spirit of Aloha: 4 Ways to Experience the Rich History & Culture of Maui

By Patricia Harrison

In August 2023, a devastating fire destroyed the historic town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui. While recovery efforts are ongoing, particularly in parts of Lahaina, Maui is open and welcoming visitors. Supporting tourism now matters more than ever— nearly 40 percent of Maui’s gross domestic product depends on it, and spending your dollars at locally owned businesses can make a real impact.

If you’re planning a trip, there are plenty of ways to explore the island respectfully and meaningfully. Here are four must-have experiences celebrating the rich history and culture of Maui to add to your itinerary.

Maui Ocean Center

Located in Wailuku, southeast of Lahaina, Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium and oceanography center that offers a deep dive into Hawaii’s unique ecosystems. In addition to mesmerizing exhibits with kaleidoscopic coral reefs and hundreds of free roaming marine life, Maui Ocean Center offers two new immersive evening shows celebrating local culture. Check out “Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience” at the Maui Sphere Theater, a 360-degree visual extravaganza honoring iconic music traditions. Or get tickets to “Migrations: A Cultural Dinner & Dance Experience,” a show that celebrates modern Hawaii’s multicultural roots through song, dance, storytelling and an international dinner buffet—all amid stunning views of Maalaea Harbor.

Maui Gold Pineapple Co.

Fresh Maui Gold Pienapples | eqroy - stock.adobe.com

Since the 1990s, pineapples have been Hawaii’s top export and are a symbol of the state’s tropical spirit and resilience. To learn more about the industry, book the Pineapple Planting Experience at Maui Gold Pineapple Co. in Makawao. On the guided tour, visitors can be a pineapple farmer for the day, plant their own pineapples and learn about every stage of the cultivation process. Or go for the Farm & Feast Experience, a tour of the working farm followed by a farm-to-table meal at Haliʻimaile General Store. The outing includes a free pineapple, expertly packed for your plane ride home.

Museums, Historic Sites & Events

Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens Park

Delve into Hawaiian history at Hale Hoʻikeʻike at the Bailey House. Operated by the Maui Historical Society, the small museum has the largest collection of pre-Western Hawaiian antiquities on the island. Find out how missionaries influenced Hawaii’s Indigenous communities by viewing rare photographs and artifacts such as tools, accessories and furniture. Then take a stroll through Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens Park, a public park featuring structures and sculptures honoring countries that shaped Maui’s modern culture, such as Portugal, China and the Philippines. Also be sure to attend a luau to sample famous Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pig and kulolo and see traditional hula dancing. The Old Lahaina Luau, which reopened in 2024 after shuttering briefly for repairs after the fire, has been a popular option since 1986.

Local Flavors

One of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to experience Maui’s vibrant culture is to explore the local food scene. Don’t miss the many beloved restaurants that have reopened after the fire closed their doors in 2023, such as Star Noodle, known for its freshly made noodles and Asian-inspired plates, and Mala Ocean Tavern, a must-visit for exquisitely prepared seafood dishes and breathtaking oceanfront views. Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina, a must for house-made pasta and pizza, was one of the first restaurants to rebuild and reopen in Lahainatown. In July 2025, owners Michele and Qiana Di Bari also expanded to Whalers Village, where they serve pizza by the slice, pastas, and salads at fast-casual Via! by Sale Pepe.

Where to Stay

Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Situated on the soft white sands of Wailea’s Polo Beach, Fairmont Kea Lani is Hawaii’s only luxury all-suite and villa resort. Guests love all of the property’s features, including three pools (the adults-only option is popular with couples), pampering spa and the breakfast buffet at Kea Lani Restaurant. Plus, the resort is only 25 minutes from Maui’s main airport. 

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
This recently renovated oceanfront property is nestled on 40 acres of peaceful beachfront. Groups of all sizes, particularly multigenerational families, appreciate the Hyatt Regency Maui’s plentiful activities and amenities. Kiddos can spend hours at the lagoon pool, equipped with a 150-foot waterslide and splashpad, while adults enjoy yoga on the oceanfront and the elegant dining options.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
If you want to relax in a tucked-away setting, The Ritz-Carlton Maui is the perfect pick for your getaway. The expansive property, located in the quiet resort community of Kapalua, is surrounded by two nature preserves and a marine sanctuary. Learn more about the area's natural beauty on a guided excursion with the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, which partners with select Ritz-Carlton hotels, or hike one of the trails along the coastline.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: Beach in Maui, Hawaii

San Francisco’s Comeback: A Golden Opportunity for Travel Advisors

By Jessica Montevago

After a few challenging years, San Francisco’s tourism industry is expected to maintain a steady rebound this year and into the next. Once overshadowed by stories of store closures and safety concerns, San Francisco is writing a new narrative of renewal and investment. Helping change the public perception, crime rates have dropped compared to last year—thanks in part to the city’s efforts to prioritize public safety in key commercial district and tourist areas. The number of visitors in 2025 is projected to hit 23.49 million, up from 23.06 million in 2024, according to the city’s official destination-marketing organization.

Fisherman's Wharf

From world-famous icons like Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Chinatown to cultural enclaves such as the Castro and Haight-Ashbury, travelers are rediscovering what makes the City by the Bay so special. San Francisco has poured resources into revitalizing public spaces and attractions. Fisherman’s Wharf now boasts the SkyStar Ferris wheel, soaring 150 feet above the waterfront. A new public plaza at the popular tourist destination is planned to debut next summer. Both Presidio and Ocean Beach have undergone park upgrades; and the Transamerica Pyramid has reimagined itself with new exhibition spaces, a restaurant, and even a pocket redwood forest in the heart of the Financial District.

For travel advisors, this resurgence represents a chance to reintroduce clients to San Francisco during the holiday season and beyond. In December, the city glows with festive lights along the Embarcadero, Union Square’s outdoor ice rink buzzes with energy, and Pacific Heights homes dazzle with elaborate displays. Illuminate SF Festival of Lights runs from Thanksgiving to the end of January, and sees different neighborhoods set up elaborate displays of light art. Looking into the New Year, 2026 will bring major events like Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup matches, set to be held at Levi's Stadium.

Union Square on New Year's Eve, featuring the Ice Rink

Now is the perfect time for agents to highlight San Francisco’s fresh appeal—where classic landmarks meet exciting new experiences.

Where to Stay

San Francisco Proper Hotel
The reimagined historic flatiron landmark turned design-forward luxury hotel stands in the city’s vibrant Mid-Market district. Stepping foot into the lobby, guests are greeted with an eclectic interior filled with art and brightly colored furniture. La Bande serves up Spanish tapas next to Villon’s California menu, highlighting the state’s signature farm-to-table ethos. Perched above Market Street, Charmaine is an indoor-outdoor rooftop spot, a favorite among locals for sunset cocktails and weekend brunches.

Hotel Spero, Vignette Collection
When IHG opened Hotel Spero in early 2025, it was the brand’s first hotel on the West Coast under the luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Originally built in 1924, Hotel Spero has kept the property’s historic charm. Spanish Colonial Revival architecture is showcased in elements like the hand-painted ceiling beams and travertine floors throughout the lobby—cementing its spot on the National Register of Historic Places. This all encapsulates 236 guestrooms and 23 suites, a gastropub, expansive meeting space, and a gym.

The Clift Royal Sonesta
Although it’s over a century old, The Clift maintains classic vibes while incorporating modern touches. One of those spaces is the lobby, where a neutral color scheme is accented with driftwood, rich charcoal grays, and metallic bronze. Off the lobby is the Clift’s famous Redwood Room, named, as legend has it, because of the floor-to-ceiling wood paneling from a single redwood tree. Redwood is also the base of the enormous bar at the heart of the Art Deco-inspired bar and lounge. Across the 372 guestrooms, guests will discover Philippe Starck-designed English sycamore custom king and 300-count linens. At the hotel’s kitchen and bar, guests will find honey made on-site with 10 hives and over 10,000 honeybees that live on the roof of the hotel. It also has bikes that its guests are welcome to borrow.

Omni San Francisco Hotel
Sitting in-between Chinatown and North Beach, this 362-room luxury hotel is perfectly positioned for a quiet overnight stay. It’s easily connected to most anywhere in the city, with the California cable car line nearby and main metro and bus lines on Market Street. Inside, the hotel’s former days as a bank in 1926 can still be found at the high marble countertops that now serve as check-in desks. Classical touches in the lobby include a chandelier, marble flooring, and two staircases leading to the balcony. Omni's sole restaurant, Monte’s Restaurant, serves both breakfast and dinner. Thanks to wrap-around windows, it’s a great spot to watch the cable cars pass by. For Omni’s smallest guests, the hotel’s special Junior Chefs program includes special lunch bag, healthy snacks, to-go cup, activity book and crayons.

As San Francisco continues its resurgence, there’s never been a better time for travel advisors to spotlight the city’s ever-evolving hotel scene that blends history with modern luxury.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: Aerial View of San Francisco Skyline at Sunrise