Nothing about these impeccably designed hotels is ordinary. With their architecture, decor and aesthetics, each property welcomes you into a thoughtfully curated world. Every detail tells a story and enhances your stay.

Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland

Go back in time at Ashford Castle. Built in 1228, the estate was purchased by the Guinness family in the 1800s and used to “entertain guests — among them, George V — and display the family’s wealth and influence,” said Country Life. Now part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Ashford Castle remains “luxury personified,” its common spaces filled with “rich fabrics” and “glittering chandeliers.” The 83 guest rooms each have their own individual designs. A standout is the King’s Room, featuring “plush” seating, a “sumptuous” velvet four-poster bed, dramatic floral wallpaper and a fireplace.

Hotel Château Du Grand-Lucé, Loire Valley, France

This “impressive” 18th-century chateau is a shining example of neoclassical architecture, where “grandeur is still the order of the day,” said the Michelin Guide. Think extravagant toile and damask wallpaper, limestone and French white oak flooring, crystal chandeliers and heavy curtains tied back with impressive tassels.

No two rooms are alike, with the Barron Suite being the crown jewel. It boasts 17-foot-tall ceilings, a private library filled with classic French literature and the marvelous Salon Chinois, a sitting room named in honor of the chinoiserie-style paintings by prominent French artist Jean-Baptiste Pillement that adorn the walls.

La Valise San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Tucked away in a “vibrant” corner of San Miguel de Allende is La Valise San Miguel, a “surrealist sanctuary” designed to “pay tribute” to the city’s history of art and culture, said Condé Nast Traveler. The property’s bold blend of “psychedelic installations and famous furnishings” by Mexican artist Pedro Friedeberg mixes seamlessly with mid-century furniture and “rich textiles.” Guests have six “completely unique” suites to choose from, and each one has a “standout” design feature, like a domed shower or white-stucco fireplace “adorned with Aztec monkeys.”

L'oscar, London, England

With Oscar Wilde serving as his inspiration, French interior designer Jacques Garcia gave new life to an old Edwardian baroque-style church, turning it into an exquisite boutique hotel dripping in gilded decor and rich silk, damask and velvet fabrics. Both Wilde and Garcia are “known for decadence, in different ways,” and L’oscar is “nothing if not decadent,” said the Michelin Guide.

The 39 guest rooms and suites and common areas are decorated in “hyper-saturated jewel tones,” with objets d’art on every surface and gorgeous Lalique bird-shaped lights illuminating the corners. Some original details remain, like opulent plastered ceilings and terra-cotta panels.

Leela Palace Jaipur, Jaipur, India

The attention to detail at Leela Palace Jaipur is extraordinary. Inspired by “Indian royal heritage,” the property is all about “opulence,” with marble corridors, hand-painted ceilings, frescoes and “impressive” flower displays” in the rooms and common spaces, said The Independent.

Even dinner is an extravagant affair. Jamavar (formerly known as Mohan Mahal) is the hotel’s signature restaurant, filled with 3,500 hand-cut mirrors that make the candlelight dance. The menu focuses on traditional Rajasthani cuisine with a modern twist, and between the food and ambiance, dining here is a “truly spectacular experience.”

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

When you arrive at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, expect to “nearly strain your neck trying to take in all the splendor,” said Condé Nast Traveler. The hotel opened in 1876 as The Oriental, and over time the property has expanded while retaining much of its original charm.

The lobby alone is a dream, with its “lattice woodwork, cascading florals, giant birdcage-style chandeliers and printed sofas.” Inside the rooms, you’ll find a “British East Indies aesthetic” based on “Bermuda pink, sea green or creamy yellow,” along with teak and leather furnishings and fresh orchids.

Romeo Roma, Rome, Italy

Rome’s past and present blend together beautifully at Romeo Roma. Zaha Hadid Architects transformed the 16th-century patrician mansion into a “striking” hotel where materials include “polished Macassar ebony,” and steel and glass are “teased into a riot of swirling, curving and overlapping forms,” said The Telegraph.

Contemporary art work, frescoes and artifacts discovered during the property’s restoration, including a marble head of the Roman empress Livia Drusilla, are also on display. You can get a glimpse of ancient times in the pool — it has a transparent base so swimmers can look down at the archaeological remains of Ripetta port.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix, Arizona

Desert decadence looks different at Royal Palms Resort and Spa. The 1929 Spanish Colonial mansion anchoring the property “stands in sharp contrast” to the “bland, corporate architecture” of area chain hotels, said the Michelin Guide. Hand-painted tiles, antique furnishings and oriental rugs “defy the usual pastel Southwesternisms” and give the resort a “distinctly Mediterranean feeling.” The grounds are just as stunning, and even on the hottest summer day guests feel at ease walking through the lush, shaded gardens planted nearly 100 years ago.

Spier Hotel, Stellenbosch, South Africa

The recently renovated Spier Hotel puts a chic spin on farmhouse style. It’s clear the design “prioritizes comfort,” with “plush linens” and gas fireplaces in rooms plus a “curated selection of artworks” like “delicate botanical drawings” and “mosaic murals,” said Travel and Leisure. Nearly every item and material, down to the jacquard throws and table placemats, was made in — or sourced from — South Africa. Spier Hotel is part of the Spier Wine Farm, and check-in takes place in its wine bar.

‘In monster snowstorms or blistering heat, workers need protection’

Terri Gerstein at The Hill

As “climate change causes ever more dangerous storms, workers need protection in extreme weather of all kinds,” says Terri Gerstein. “Very low and very high temperatures both present serious dangers,” but in “most of the U.S., however, there are no specific rules requiring employers to take basic and common-sense measures to keep workers safe. This needs to change.” With the “Trump administration’s hostile approach toward worker safety, state and local governments will have to take the lead.”

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‘The real revolution is not giving up on democracy — or on each other’

Kerry Sautner at The Philadelphia Inquirer

This is “not a season for rose-tinted nostalgia, nor is it a time to ignore the difficulties of the past year,” says Kerry Sautner. The “challenges we have faced have been real and impossible to dismiss,” but “cynicism is not a solution, and disengagement is not patriotism.” American democracy is a “glorious, unfinished experiment,” but it “does not sustain itself. It requires constant care, tension, participation, and belief.” Not “giving up on democracy looks like staying in the game.”

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‘Three things to remember if US bombs Iran’

Ted Snider at The American Conservative

There are “three things to remember if the U.S. goes to war with Iran: It was never about nuclear weapons, it was never about helping the Iranian people, and Iran was genuinely negotiating a diplomatic solution,” says Ted Snider. Iran “reportedly indicated a willingness to compromise,” and there is a “clear diplomatic path to peace with Iran.” If that “path is not taken, it will not be because Iran was unwilling to negotiate and compromise.”

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‘There is no military solution to Mexico’s cartel problem’

Antonio De Loera-Brust at Foreign Policy

Mexico “killed El Mencho at President Claudia Sheinbaum’s orders,” but in “taking action against a major cartel leader, Sheinbaum is walking a tightrope,” says Antonio De Loera-Burst. The White House “welcomed Mexico’s attack” on El Mencho and “was quick to claim its share of the credit for El Mencho’s elimination,” but the “benefit to ordinary Mexicans is far less clear.” As “long as money can be made selling drugs, eliminating one cartel boss merely means ensuring his replacement.”

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Mexican security forces struck a major blow against international drug traffickers when they killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes over the weekend. Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and one of Mexico’s most ruthless drug kingpins. But while his death leaves a power gap in the cartel, there could be even greater effects domestically and internationally.

What did the commentators say?

The most immediate effect of Cervantes’ death was a surge in violence, as “almost immediately, Guadalajara, Mexico’s third-largest city and the capital of Jalisco State, was plunged into chaos as the cartel retaliated,” said The New York Times. The carnage began “spreading to cities and beach resorts across Mexico as gunmen torched stores and banks and blockaded highways.” The U.S. Embassy ordered Americans to “take immediate shelter in their homes or lodgings” amid the “wave of high-intensity violence,” said The Arizona Republic. The blockades set up by the cartel became particularly troublesome as they “paralyzed different points of the state” of Jalisco.

Despite this violence, some across Mexico celebrated Cervantes’ death, as he had “built the Jalisco cartel into one of Mexico’s most feared criminal organizations,” said the Times. The cartel’s violence and brutality are notable “even among the country’s landscape of beheadings, dismemberments and bodies hanging off bridges.” Cervantes’ demise is the “most important blow that has been dealt to drug trafficking in Mexico since drug trafficking existed in Mexico,” said Eduardo Guerrero, a former Mexican security official, to the Times.

There is also likely to be an effect on Mexico’s drug trade, as the Jalisco cartel is “one of Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations, with significant cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine distribution networks,” said Al Jazeera. There is additional evidence that the cartel played a “major role” in recent fentanyl trafficking into the United States. Many who follow the cartel’s doings say the group’s “growth has been driven as much by strategy as by brutality.”

What next?

Most experts say it is unlikely the Jalisco cartel will simply go away. U.S. officials “consider the cartel to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, with a presence in all 50 U.S. states,” said The Guardian, referencing the infamous trafficking organization led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Given that the Jalisco cartel “earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines,” production appears primed to continue.

The long-term effect in Mexico will largely “depend on what succession plans Jalisco New Generation had in the event of Oseguera Cervantes’ capture or killing,” said The Independent. Beyond the current carnage, there is usually “longer-term violence associated with any succession.” How bad things will get depends on the cartel itself, but typically, operations where a “cartel boss is removed lead to more violence and fragmentation of criminal groups.”

There could also be ongoing political ramifications, as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s move to target Cervantes “represented a hard policy turn following a year of intense pressure” from President Donald Trump, said CNN. But a “permanent cartel crackdown would create new dilemmas and political risks.” And while Sheinbaum has said she is focused on restoring peace and coordinating with security forces, historical killings of drug lords “don’t stop drugs flowing to Americans or temper cartels, which seed corruption throughout Mexican business, law enforcement and politics.”

What happened

Mexico’s military Sunday killed the country’s most-wanted drug kingpin, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during an operation to capture him. The killing sparked a wave of retaliatory violence and arson attacks in Jalisco and other states across Mexico.

Who said what

Oseguera, 59, was wounded during his capture and died while being airlifted by helicopter to Mexico City, Mexico’s Defense Department said. The “forceful reaction” from his cartel left “at least 14 dead, including seven National Guard troops,” The Associated Press said. Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital and a World Cup host city, “was turned into a ghost town” last night as civilians “hunkered down” amid burning vehicles and shops.

President Claudia Sheinbaum “has criticized the ‘kingpin’ strategy of previous administrations that took out cartel leaders only to trigger explosions of violence as cartels fractured,” the AP said, but she has been “under tremendous pressure” from President Donald Trump to crack down on drug trafficking. Oseguera’s “power and control of the underworld rose after the U.S. pressured Mexico to crack down on the Sinaloa Cartel,” where he got his start before splitting off in 2009, The Wall Street Journal said. The “Sinaloans pioneered the manufacturing and smuggling of fentanyl,” and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel is now one of the top traffickers of that and other drugs to the U.S.

What next?

Oseguera’s death is a “major victory for the Mexican government and could help reduce pressure” from Trump, The New York Times said. But “criminal empires in Mexico have a track record of outlasting the authorities’ best efforts to weaken them,” and whether Oseguera’s cartel survives or splinters into a bloody power struggle may depend on whether its leaders “have established a clear line of succession.”

‘Tomb raiders pose a challenge in preserving Mexico’s history’

Jude Webber at the Financial Times

Two “major pre-Hispanic discoveries came to light in Mexico last month that have both stunned and stung local archaeologists,” says Jude Webber. The “problem with the first discovery” was that the “tomb was full of artifacts — but they had been removed by locals.” The “problem with the second” tomb was “that it was empty.” Mexico is “replete with still undiscovered treasures from its ancient civilizations,” but “keeping them intact can be a challenge.”

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‘Make lifesaving care affordable for new moms’

Gwen Moore at Newsweek

Nearly “every family in America has experienced the ravages of addiction or mental health struggles,” and “during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, too many mothers face these battles alone,” says Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.). While society “broadly accepts the premise that children are our future, America is failing to keep mothers healthy.” Congress “should play a direct role in helping to build a society where every mother receives the care she needs, where no one suffers in silence.”

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‘Most insurance claim denials are due to clerical error. The system needs to be simplified.’

The Boston Globe editorial board

Adjudicating “what health care services are necessary and paying for them is a core function of an insurance company,” but insurance claims are “mostly rejected for what amount to clerical errors,” says The Boston Globe editorial board. Resubmitting them is a “waste of time and money. Even worse, the delays caused by the need to fill out more forms can harm patients, who may need to wait for the treatments they need.” Insurers and providers “need to work together.”

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‘Cuba is in crisis and it’s time for Canada to help’

John Kirk at the Toronto Star

There are “many reports on the dire situation in Cuba,” says John Kirk. But “why should Canada get involved? There are several reasons.” Canadians “travel there annually and have close friends on the island. Canadians are the single largest group of tourists to the island.” Many Canadians “also know what it is like to be the object of U.S. bullying and threats.” Canada “should now turn to humanitarian assistance along the lines of Mexico.”

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Mexico has amended its constitution to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes and vapes. The move has led to legal sales plummeting as vendors close up shop, leaving the $1.5 billion industry in the hands of the country’s infamous cartels. A lack of clear legislation is enabling criminal organizations to strong-arm their way into the industry.

Ban leads to organized crime takeover

In 2022, former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, an “outspoken critic of vaping,” banned the import and sale of e-cigarettes, said The Associated Press. When Mexico’s Supreme Court declared the ban unconstitutional, López Obrador pushed for a constitutional amendment, which passed in January 2025 under his successor, President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The move put e-cigarettes and vapes on the same level as fentanyl, “something many lawyers see as totally out of proportion.” However, the “lack of a law to implement the ban left a loophole,” and vapes continued entering the country from China and the United States. In December, the legal loophole was closed by a new law that “prohibits virtually everything about vapes except consumption, imposing fines and prison sentences of up to eight years.”

In the vacuum left by the end of the legal vape industry, an “illicit market for vapes and tobacco” has become one of the most “dynamic sources of financing for organized crime,” said Forbes Mexico. Seven cartels are currently vying for control of the market in the country, according to a report, “Smoke, vaping and power: the new business of organized crime,” compiled by civil organizations and Mexican journalist Oscar Balderas.

At least seven organizations — CJNG, Sinaloa Cartel, Nueva Familia Michoacana, Gulf Cartel, Northeast Cartel, United Cartels and La Unión Tepito — have turned the illicit nicotine products into a strategic “slush fund,” the report said. The market “finances weapons, criminal logistics and clashes in at least 16 high-risk states,” Balderas said.

A ‘vague legal cloud’

By banning vapes, the government is “handing the market to non-state groups” in a country with high levels of corruption and violence tied to the cartels, said Zara Snapp, the director of the Mexico-based Instituto RIA, which studies drug policy in Latin America, to the Associated Press. The ban could also strengthen the cartels by giving them “another revenue stream that is not a high priority for the United States government because vapes are still legal there,” said Alejandro Rosario, a lawyer representing vape shops, according to the AP.

The ban was “sold as a win for public health,” but months after it was enforced, “nothing works,” said the Latin American Post. No “enforcement guidelines,” “criminal statutes” or “defined penalties.” Just a “vague legal cloud.”

Mexico passed the constitutional amendment but “failed to write the rulebook,” said Julia Anguiano, the research director at Instituto RIA, to the Latin American Post. “Now we’re living in a dangerous vacuum.” The law “benefits no one — not the users, not public health, not even law enforcement.” Instituto RIA has spent years analyzing international data on vaping, urging Congress to “regulate, not prohibit,” said the Post.

Instead, Mexico “lumped vapes into the same legislative conversation as illicit fentanyl,” stirring “public fear and equating fruity nicotine pods with deadly opioids.” They “rode the fentanyl panic to push a nicotine ban,” Anguiano said. It was a “political calculus, not a public health decision.”

“At your service” really means something when you hear it at these hotels. Each one is known for offering exquisite hospitality, with talented teams that go above and beyond to impress grateful guests.

Capella Bangkok, Thailand

This “hush-hush hideaway” offers a “sleek and ultra-private” escape on the edge of the Chao Phraya River, said Condé Nast Traveler. Rooms have “heaps of space” and “fabulous” views, with select accommodations that include a private plunge pool. Each room is also assigned a Capella Culturist dedicated to ensuring guests fill their days with special experiences. That might mean booking a “meditation session with a monk from a nearby temple” or arranging a “chef-led street-food tour.”

Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Offering “unparalleled” service is a hallmark of the all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Maya, said Travel and Leisure. Every guest has a personal concierge they can “text at any time,” either with questions or to set up activities, dinner reservations, housekeeping and taxis. There are also “specialized” staffers to assist parents and guests at the pool and spa, “actively” helping by delivering drinks and snacks and moving umbrellas. Grand Velas Riviera Maya blends “old-world elegance” with “first-class luxury,” and the spacious rooms and hotel common spaces feel “upscale and chic without being stuffy.”

La Maison Favart, Paris

As one of the “prettiest — and wittiest — hotels around,” La Maison Favart in the 2nd Arrondissement “might be as close as you’ll get to heaven on Earth,” said Time Out. The “endlessly photographable” rooms are “sophisticated” with an “unapologetically feminine touch,” and many have views of the Opéra Comique. The 24-hour concierge team provides tailored hospitality, working with guests before they arrive at the property to ensure a perfect stay, and once a month posts a blog on the hotel’s website with restaurant, activity and experience recommendations.

The Leela Palace Jaipur, India

You can’t help but feel like royalty at The Leela Palace Jaipur, and that’s not just because of its grand nature. From arrival to departure, guests receive spectacular service that is “seamless and professional,” said The Independent. It starts by being greeted with “drinks and flowers,” and throughout your stay staff will continue to surprise you with special, personalized treats left in the room (once they find out what precisely you enjoy, expect to find it waiting for you). This is part of the regal hotel’s “classic Indian charm” and why so many guests are return visitors.

The Mark, New York City

At the glamorous Mark on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the service is “razor-sharp and friendly,” said The Times of London, and “small, innovative touches” like the “posh” Haute Dog Stand and express shoeshine from John Lobb “propel the Mark to the top of its game.” The concierge team is led by Maria Wittorp, who often tells guests, “our only limitation is your imagination.” They can set up just about anything, including a private Gilded Age Mansion Tour and Champagne-soaked after-hours shopping trips on Madison Avenue.

San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito, California

Ask, and you shall receive. Guests at the historic San Ysidro Ranch are encouraged to make the most out of their stay and let staff know their needs, whether that means a private boat charter or a special dinner inside the stunning wine cellar. The “five-star service” is one highlight of this “top-tier” retreat, where the beautiful gardens are “impeccably groomed” and visitors stay in “thoughtfully decorated” cottages, said Sunset. The attention to detail, right down to the customized letterhead waiting for guests in their bungalows, makes San Ysidro Ranch a “legendary” spot.

Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco

Every riad at this Marrakech “icon” comes with round-the-clock access to a personal butler happy to secure reservations, arrange tours and fetch necessities, said Condé Nast Traveler. In an “interesting” twist, staff move through the property through a network of “hidden tunnels and elevators,” which lets them respond to requests in a “magically discreet fashion.” This is exactly what you’d expect at such an “opulent” hotel, where “no detail was overlooked, from the sumptuous stucco work to manicured walled gardens.”

If you are going to set one New Year’s resolution, make it this: Try new things. If you are down for a second resolution, why not go with spending more time in the great outdoors? Combine both intentions by visiting one of these brand-new hotels opening in 2026 where being in nature is one of the built-in amenities.

Alila Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Nature surrounds Alila Mayakoba, a secluded hotel situated on 60 acres of mangroves and freshwater canals in Riviera Maya. Guests will be able to choose between 182 rooms, suites and villas, including several that have interior gardens and private plunge pools. Expect a focus on wellness and outdoor experiences rooted in local traditions, like sunrise cacao rituals on the beach, temazcal ceremonies led by healers and lagoon-side paddle meditations. (opening in February)

andBeyond Sandibe Under Canvas, Okavango Delta, Botswana

At this intimate and immersive safari camp, guests will be in the middle of the action. Three solar-powered luxury tents, complete with super king beds and showers, sit in the Okavango Delta, where wildlife like lions, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs roam year-round. Activities will include going on game drives and walking safaris, and with a maximum of six guests at any time, it will feel like you have the whole place to yourself. A nearby sister property, andBeyond Nxabega Under Canvas, is also debuting in early 2026. (opening in March)

Chesa Marchetta, Sils Maria, Switzerland

Chesa Marchetta fits right in with the splendor of the Alps. This 13-room hotel is a renovated 16th-century guesthouse from Artfarm, filled with antiques and decor made from Swiss stone pine, a “fragrant high-altitude wood known for its calming properties,” said The New York Times. Rounding out the property is the restaurant, where “Northern Italian and Swiss specialties” shine, and a “weathered barn turned lounge” offers “elaborate cocktails.” (now open)

Eha, Hiiumaa Island, Estonia

Eha is a wellness retreat like no other. It sits on unspoiled Hiiumaa Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, right where “pine forests meet the Baltic Sea,” said Forbes. Eha’s retreats will be guided by the “energy and rituals” of each season and include Estonian healing traditions and activities like nature immersion, breath-led movement and foraging. The kitchen will “follow the seasons,” with meals showcasing fresh ingredients from the chef’s garden and local growers. (opening in summer)

The Lake Como Edition, Cadenabbia, Italy

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lombardy at The Lake Como Edition, owned and developed by Omnam Group. The building is a “light-filled” 19th-century palazzo featuring “floor-to-ceiling glass walls” offering “sweeping views of the water,” said Travel and Leisure. Outside, guests will enjoy a floating pool and lake activities (ask the concierge team to set up a sunrise sail), while inside they can experience the Longevity Spa, a “high-tech retreat” with plunge pools, an herbal sauna, Turkish bath and thermal pool with Lake Como views. (opening in March)

Mailena, Loreto, Mexico

Mailena is ready to change the game in Loreto. This adults-only, luxury wellness resort is set inside Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Galápagos of Mexico. Guests will have the chance to explore gorgeous beaches, canyons and cliffs outside, then relax by Mailena’s pool or in the Wellness and Longevity Center, featuring saunas, sensory deprivation tanks and biohacking suites. (opening in late fall)

Nihi Hospitality Academy Rote, Rote Island, Indonesia

The art of hospitality can be learned and practiced at this one-of-a-kind resort. A training school will be the heart of the property, with students learning the ropes from Nihi Hotels employees and getting hands-on experience with guests. Initially, 21 villas will open on Bo’a Beach, giving guests gorgeous views and easy water access. They will also be able to take advantage of a Beach Club and a selection of ocean-connected adventures curated by staff. (opening in April)

Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort, Thailand

You can only get to Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort by boat, and the destination is well worth the journey. Guests will appreciate the elegant suites and villas, decorated in soothing greens, blues and purples to evoke feelings of calm. The property sits on Laem Tong Beach on the Andaman Sea, and adventure awaits for those who want to spend all day in the clear water kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and paddleboarding. (opening in spring)

The Sunny, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Find both vitamin D and sea at The Sunny. This 339-room oceanside resort has a private beach for guests and offers easy access to the Newport Fishing Pier, where diners can enjoy a meal above the Atlantic at the Sandbar. The hotel’s concierge will also be happy to set up outdoor excursions, including visits to Everglades National Park, bike rides and picnics in the park. (opening Feb. 4)

Under Canvas Yosemite, California

Experience Yosemite National Park the Under Canvas way. This is the company’s first camp in California and will be set on 80 acres of “pine-dotted forest” near the park’s west entrance, said Afar. Each tent includes West Elm furnishings, a king bed and en suite bathroom, with a select few also having stargazing windows. An Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) stop is across from the camp, giving guests easy access to Yosemite and its “giant sequoias, waterfalls, two remaining glaciers and dizzying granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.” (opening in April)

White Elephant Aspen, Colorado

White Elephant Aspen will be a hotel for all seasons. The boutique property, the third White Elephant in the U.S., is sure to draw skiers and snowshoers during the winter, cyclists in the spring, white water rafters and fly fishers in the summer, and hikers in the fall. Amenities will include private shuttles to and from the slopes and use of bikes to cycle around town. The 54-room property brings the outside in, with leather, wood and stone details and large windows showcasing mountain views. (opening in 2026)

A new year means new trips and new places to explore. That might be heading to Egypt to wander a museum thousands of years in the making, visiting Guadalajara for tortas, tequila and a World Cup match, or diving along the Sardinian coast. A trip to any of these increasingly hot spots is certain to be a highlight of the year.

Botswana

Considering a safari in 2026? Book it in Botswana. The country’s landscapes span from “delta to desert,” and because light pollution isn’t an issue here, each “star and comet blazes in the dark sky,” said Lonely Planet. On your journey, you could spot elephant herds, “majestic” lions, cheetah and meerkats. Botswana is also known for the quality craftsmanship of its artisans, which is “most apparent” when you see its “functional and stylish” woven baskets.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Visitors have long been captivated by the “distinctive” landscape of Cappadocia, best viewed from one of the “region’s famous hot air balloons,” said The Independent. The “rose-tinted valleys” and craggy ancient rock formations are beautiful, and the wine culture, vibrant dining scene and “wealth of outdoor activities” make it a “destination of a lifetime.” Add to the experience by staying at Argos, a monastery turned luxe hotel with rooms carved into the cliffs. Its heated pool overlooks Pigeon Valley and offers a stunning new perspective of Cappadocia and the hot air balloons.

Egypt

The brand new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is a “gift to Egypt and the world,” said Vogue Arabia. The 5,400,000-square-foot space is filled with 100,000 artifacts from across eras, including Tutankhamun’s gold death mask and an 83-ton statue of Ramses II. Make this your first stop, then continue the adventure on a luxe tour with Inside Egypt. Expeditions are led by local Egyptologists, taking travelers to iconic spots like the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and monuments rarely open to the public. Tours run from 7 to 17 days and include sailings down the Nile.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Over the last few decades, Gothenburg has emerged as “one of Europe’s greenest destinations” and a “cultural hot spot with an eco-friendly spirit,” said Lonely Planet. The city was recently named a U.N. Global Hub for Sustainable Lifestyles, and its vast public transportation system runs on renewable energy. Visitors are drawn to modern attractions like Karlatornet, the tallest building in Sweden, but also appreciate Gothenburg’s many historic areas, like the boutique- and cafe-filled Haga district. To get an even fuller picture of the city, head to the World of Volvo museum to learn about Gothenburg’s industrial past and find a “splash of seaside history” at the Sjofartsmuseet maritime museum.

Guadalajara, Mexico

The third-largest city in Mexico is the “epicenter” of such cultural traditions as mariachi and torta ahogada, said Condé Nast Traveler. In 2026, it will also host an array of “world-class events,” like the Guadalajara International Film Festival, four FIFA World Cup matches and the 40th edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair. Leave plenty of time in your schedule to sip on tequila at El Gallo Altanero and paint ceramics at the Cerámica Suro factory.

Mongolia

This East Asian country, filled with remote, untouched landscapes and one of the world’s last nomadic cultures, stands apart. Mongolia is a “rare example” of how a country can “embrace tourism without compromising its identity,” Nomadic Expeditions CEO and Founder Jalsa Urubshurow told Travel and Leisure. That means offering visitors authentic experiences like riding reindeer with the Tsaatan community, witnessing the speed and agility of Kazakh hunters and their golden eagles, and crossing the Gobi on a camel.

Sardinia

A “wild island escape” can be found on Sardinia, where “pristine beaches” and “cultural riches” are plentiful, said Lonely Planet. Active travelers will jump at the chance to go diving, swimming, caving and snorkeling along the coast or hiking on the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara long-distance trail, while “archeology enthusiasts” focus on sights like the massive nuraghi stone structures built during the Bronze Age.

Uluru, Australia

In 2026, there will be a new way to experience Uluru, the sandstone monolith sacred to the Anangu people. They are the traditional owners of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and spent the last decade working with the Tasmanian Walking Company to develop the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk.

Over five days, visitors trek from the “soaring domes” of Kata Tjuta to the base of Uluru, going through “desert oak forest, spinifex plains and red-dune country normally closed to the public,” said the BBC. This is also the only way to sleep inside the national park. Top off the adventure by checking out the Field of Light installation and Wintjiri Wiru, a “storytelling experience above the desert” featuring lights and drones.

Being able to work remotely opens up the world — as long as there’s an internet connection, you can turn anywhere into an office. This is especially enticing for those who love to travel or have always wanted to spend a few months (or years!) abroad. Here are six countries that offer digital nomad visas, making it a little easier to try out your expat dreams.

Costa Rica

The Costa Rican saying “pura vida,” or “pure life,” is “more than just a simple catchphrase,” said the BBC. It’s a “feeling of optimism and a uniquely positive outlook on life” ingrained in the culture that also extends to visitors. This focus on wellbeing attracts those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, especially if they want to live in a “paradise for outdoor adventure,” said Architectural Digest.

Between deadlines and Zoom meetings, explore Pacific and Caribbean beaches and hike past waterfalls and through rainforests. Affordable housing and a “robust” health care system also “boost” quality of life.

What to know before applying for a visa: Costa Rica’s digital nomad program extends a 90-day tourist visa to a full year, with the option to renew for one more year. Applicants must work remotely for a foreign company and earn a minimum of $3,000 USD per month.

Ecuador

Affordable housing and gorgeous scenery make Ecuador a “rising star” for foreigners looking to live in a new locale, said Travel and Leisure. Cuenca shines brightest, as the “picturesque” city is filled with the country’s “best colonial architecture” and boasts a “temperate, spring-like climate” during a majority of the year,” The Independent said.

Ecuador is perfect for the digital nomad who wants to experience a little bit of everything. The cities are lively, but quiet can be found in the Amazonian rainforest, the Andes and the beaches on the Pacific Ocean.

What to know before applying for a visa: You must demonstrate earnings of at least three times Ecuador’s unified basic salary per month for three months prior to applying for the visa. That total is a minimum of $1,410 USD. The visa is valid for up to two years and can be extended for another two years.

Mexico

Know that wherever you roam in Mexico, you will be eating well. Mexico is a “feast” for both the eyes and stomach, and the tacos al pastor, mole, pozole and enchiladas found in tiny restaurants and street corners are “some of the best food in the world,” said Lonely Planet.

The country beckons more than just epicures; the warm weather year-round is also a draw. Lively beach towns dot the coastlines — Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific and Playa del Carmen on the Yucatán Peninsula are both gorgeous choices — while Mexico City offers “constant action” and “surprisingly green neighborhoods” for those seeking big-city living with a side of nature.

What to know before applying for a visa: Mexico does not have a specific digital nomad visa but does offer a six-month tourist visa.

New Zealand

Being able to spend more time soaking up the natural beauty of New Zealand is one reason to “break free from the chains of our desks,” said Condé Nast Traveler. When choosing a home base, consider the climate and what you want to experience during your off-hours.

The “volcanic” and “lush” North Island is home to Auckland, the country’s most diverse city, while the “rugged, mountainous” South Island has dramatic scenery and fewer people, said Afar. Together, they offer “just about everything you could ask for in a destination.”

What to know before applying for a visa: Applicants need to be employed by a foreign company or self-employed with clients outside of New Zealand. The visa is good for up to 90 days.

Portugal

When it comes to picking a place to settle in Portugal, there are no bad choices. The country is known for its “pastoral landscapes punctuated by dazzling, old-world cities,” as well as “incredible” beaches, said Travel and Leisure.

Housing prices are more affordable compared to major cities in the U.S.; rent in Lisbon, for example, is on average 36.9% lower than in Seattle, according to Numbeo. When not at work, take advantage of the vibrant culture by seeing a fado performance at a cafe, sip local wines and enjoy pastel de nata (custard tarts) and arroz de marisco (seafood rice).

What to know before applying for a visa: The D8 visa is for digital nomads who can show proof of a $4,000 USD monthly income. The visa is good for one year but can be extended for five more years if certain requirements are met. Applications can require up to 60 days to process.

Thailand

Thailand calls to those seeking an “utter paradise,” said Travel and Leisure. It’s easy to feel at home here, thanks to the “tropical beauty” and “warm hospitality,” with the bonus of affordable housing across the country.

For a cosmopolitan experience, head to Bangkok, a “megacity incarnate” where Buddhist monasteries mingle with “towering skyscrapers” and “teeming markets,” Lonely Planet said. Chiang Mai affords a more laid-back life, as it is “blissfully calm” while still “firmly Thai in its atmosphere and attitude.”

What to know before applying for a visa: The Destination Thailand Visa, or Thailand Digital Nomad Visa, is for freelancers and remote workers employed by companies outside of Thailand. You must be able to show proof of having at least $16,000 USD in a checking or savings account and a professional portfolio. The visa is valid for five years and multiple entries, with each visit lasting no more than 180 days.

A few things to remember

Be respectful of your temporary home. In some places popular with digital nomads, like Mexico City, local residents are “resentful” that several of their “most storied neighborhoods” are viewed as “playgrounds” by people who “live with dollars and don’t pay local taxes,” said the Los Angeles Times. Show your gratitude by supporting nonprofits in the area, shopping at small businesses, donating to charities and paying local taxes if you stay long enough to qualify.

“Please do not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino before the last men’s World Cup in Qatar. That didn’t stop Qatar being accused of using the tournament to sportswash its poor human rights record.

Next up is Donald Trump, who is showing every intention of exploiting the 2026 World Cup – to be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico – to push his Maga agenda. Ever the showman, “Trump will make sure he is front and centre at this tournament”, said Alexander Abnos in The Guardian – even “in spots where he has no business or where his involvement may be seen as uncouth or inappropriate”.

Host cities threat

Having claimed credit for securing the tournament for North America back in his first term, the US president has repeatedly sought to insert himself into the World Cup narrative since returning to the White House.

He has recently used “safety concerns” to suggest he may ask Fifa to relocate matches away from Democratic-run US host cities, including Boston, Seattle and Los Angeles. “The governors are going to have to behave. The mayors are going to have to behave,” he warned.

Moving World Cup games away from a selected host city would be an “extraordinary decision that has little, if any, precedent”, said CNN. All the host cities were announced in 2022 and they have already lavished “time and money” on “infrastructure improvements, security planning and extensive plans to host an influx of millions of visitors”. Trump’s suggested alternative, against the background of his sending federal law enforcement agencies into Democratic-controlled areas “to crack down on illegal immigration and crime”, is for the host cities to “invite the National Guard” in now.

At a conference with Infantino in the White House, to discuss World Cup plans, Trump also told reporters he would be “OK” about ordering strikes against co-hosts Mexico as part of his ongoing war on drug trafficking. “They know how I stand,” he said.

Peace prize

Trump has struck up a bromance with Infantino – and critics say they share the same megalomaniac traits. This week’s visit to the White House was Infantino’s sixth this year, and he surprised many by accompanying the US president to Egypt for the signing of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Infantino will use next month’s World Cup draw in Washington D.C. to award the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize, conceived to reward “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and, by doing so, have united people across the world”. Fifa have disclosed no details about the process for choosing the winner and, if Trump receives the award, as expected, “it’s likely to add to the perception that it’s been created in response to the US president not winning the Nobel Peace Prize”, said The Associated Press.

The timing of the award and Infantino’s “proximity to the president” have “raised questions about whether FIFA is adhering to its own rules on political neutrality”, said The New York Times.

“Indelible, sublime moments will still happen” at next year’s World Cup, said Abnos in The Guardian. “But those moments will be punctuated by Trump – eternally encroaching on even the most elevated of emotional experiences.”

The public groping of its first female president has placed Mexico’s epidemic of violence against women into sharp focus.

Claudia Sheinbaum was speaking to a group of supporters in Mexico City on Tuesday when a man approached her from behind and tried to kiss her on the neck and touch her chest. The president moved his hands away before a member of her staff stepped between them, and the man was later arrested. Video of the incident “quickly ricocheted across the internet”, said Reuters, “underscoring for many in Mexico the insecurity women face” there.

Sheinbaum said that although it was something she had experienced in the past, when she was 12, she had decided to press charges because the suspect had allegedly harassed other women in the crowd. “My view is, if I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women?” Sheinbaum said at a news conference on Wednesday. “If this happens to the president, where does that leave all the young women in our country? No man has the right to abuse women’s personal space.”

The femicide capital

Rights groups say the incident shows the “extent of ingrained machismo in Mexican society, where a man believes he has the right to accost even the president if she is a woman”, said the BBC. Femicide is a “huge problem” – a “staggering 98% of gender-based murders” are estimated to go unpunished.

Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, pledged as a candidate to tackle the problem, but since she was elected last October there has been “no discernible improvement in that area of violent crime”.

Mexico has one of the highest rates of femicide in the world. In the first seven months of this year, more than 500 women have been killed because of their gender. That’s almost 40% fewer compared with the same period in 2024, according to figures from the Federal Security Secretariat cited by Sky News.

And from a policy standpoint, Sheinbaum “has made clear progress” on women’s rights, said The New York Times. But “non-lethal violence against women has hardly budged”.

A personal affront

The incident has “sparked outrage” among Mexican women, who “saw their own fears and experiences reflected in her plight”, said The Guardian. For some, watching the country’s first female president being groped in public was a “personal affront”.

“If the president suffered assault with that level of protection and those guards it means that all of us women can be assaulted at any moment,” said Patricia Reyes, a 20-year-old student.

“It was really humiliating,” said María Antonieta de la Rosa, a feminist activist and artist. “I felt angry, enraged and impotent.”

“The issue of assault is like the base level on the violence thermometer and it culminates in femicide,” she added. “So living in a femicidal country, the issue of assault is always there.”

The situation has also turned a spotlight on the country’s anti-sexual harassment laws. Out of Mexico’s 32 federal entities – Mexico City and 31 states – “only 16 criminalise sexual harassment”, said Al Jazeera.

On Thursday, Sheinbaum unveiled a new national initiative against sexual abuse, including a push to make harassment punishable in every state, education for prosecutors and judges on crimes against women, and a new public campaign to encourage women to report crimes. She called for all states to come together “beyond politics…defending the integrity of Mexican women”.

If you are a chocolate fan, eating delicious truffles, fudge and bonbons should be part of any vacation. But why stop there? Take a tour of a factory to learn how bars are made, indulge in a chocolate-based spa treatment and attend a sacred cacao ceremony. Here are seven ways to incorporate confections into your getaway.

Attend a cacao ceremony at W Punta de Mita, Mexico

At the blissful W Punta de Mita in Riviera Nayarit, guests can take part in a cacao ceremony, an ancient ritual “honoring the Mayan ancestors of the region,” said Forbes. Cacao beans were sacred to the Maya, with chocolate considered food for the gods, and this ritual is meant to stir “self-reflection and spiritual awakenings.”

Led by a shaman, the ceremony takes place outside the hotel on the white sand beach, with participants drinking the cacao before relaxing with a sound bath meditation. The experience leaves guests energized and renewed.

Chocolate Laboratory at Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia

Chocolate is part of St. Lucia’s culture, and has been since the first cocoa trees were planted here during the early 1700s. At the luxe Jade Mountain Resort, guests can learn more about the island’s sweet side while visiting the Chocolate Laboratory. There are over 2,000 cocoa trees at the property and its sister estate, and at the lab, guests can taste the “incredible” chocolates made from those beans, said Food & Wine.

Other interactive activities include truffle making and tempering chocolate. Book the Chocolate Alchemy package for extras like a chocolate-infused spa treatment and excursion to the resort’s Emerald Cocoa Estate.

Cacao-centered spa day at Rancho La Puerta, Mexico

Rancho La Puerta, a wellness resort spanning 4,000 acres only an hour’s drive from San Diego, is a “special place,” said Travel and Leisure, and the magazine’s readers have named it “one of the best destination spas in the world” for 10 consecutive years. The legendary spa offers a native-inspired Xocolatl Skin Replenishment treatment that uses nourishing, antioxidant-rich cacao butter and sugar to soften the skin, followed by a body mask and massage using cacao-infused products. This treatment is reason enough to grab your passport and book a stay.

Lindt Home of Chocolate, Switzerland

This “shrine to sweets” also happens to be one of Zurich’s “most impressive contemporary buildings,” said The Sydney Morning Herald. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of chocolate, from its global origins to how it became a vital part of Swiss culture. Visitors can also make their own chocolate during workshops led by Lindt master chocolatiers, pick up souvenirs in the world’s largest Lindt shop and see a 30-foot chocolate fountain.

Hot chocolate from Park Terrace Hotel, New York City

Walking around New York City, seeing the sights with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, is one of the best ways to spend a winter trip in the Big Apple. At the inviting Park Terrace Hotel, the Cocoa + Go perk lets guests grab an insulated mug of hot chocolate from local favorite Chocolat Moderne, so they can have a nice, warm beverage at all times.

Park Terrace is right by Bryant Park, so you’ll be “right in the midst of all the typical NYC action,” said Time Out. The hot cocoa will fuel your walk to Rockefeller Center to see the giant Christmas tree and the sparkling storefronts of Fifth Avenue.

Hershey’s Chocolate World, Pennsylvania

The candy epicenter of the U.S. is Hershey, Pennsylvania, home of the Hershey Company and Hershey’s Chocolate World. Here, visitors can take a ride through the chocolate factory to learn about the manufacturing process; create their own candy bar; go on a chocolate tasting journey during the interactive Hershey’s Unwrapped show; and take a trolley ride around town. Taking a stroll around the nearby Hershey Gardens is a sweet way to end the day.

Since Donald Trump began his second term, he has put increasing pressure on multiple Latin American nations – including US allies. And the seemingly haphazard nature of his attacks is raising questions about his motives.

The US president has imposed 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico, the US’s largest trade partner. He has threatened to seize the Panama Canal and has carried out mass – allegedly unlawful – deportations of Latin Americans. He has tried to use punitive 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, in an attempt to influence the outcome of the trial of Brazil’s former president and Trump ally, Jair Bolsonaro.

The US military has sharply increased its presence in the southern Caribbean, deploying 10,000 troops and multiple warships and aircraft. It has struck at least seven Venezuelan vessels that Trump claimed were trafficking drugs – without offering evidence. At least 32 people have been killed as of Friday. Trump has slammed Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and admitted to authorising covert CIA operations against him.

And on Sunday, Trump escalated his feud with Colombia, one of America’s closest allies, slashing aid and increasing tariffs on its exports because it “does nothing to stop” cocaine production. Trump called Colombian president Gustavo Petro an “illegal drug leader”, after Petro accused the US of committing “murder” in the Caribbean. He warned that Petro “better close up” drug operations or the US would “close them up for him”.

What did the commentators say?

One “lament often heard from Latin America” is that the US has “paid insufficient attention to the region”, said the Center for Strategic and International Studies. But now Trump has given it “more attention in nine months than many past administrations of either party have since the Cold War” and those countries may well “regret getting what they wished for”.

The US pivot stems from a fear that, for too long, it has “prioritised power projection and policing global hotspots over attending to its ‘shared neighbourhood’”. This has led China to “expand its influence” in the region, and allowed organised crime, drug trafficking and migration to “threaten US security”. In response, Trump “seems to be adopting a ‘Monroe Doctrine 2.0’”: abandon soft-power initiatives in favour of threatening (or deploying) military force, while “relying on economic coercion” in the form of tariffs.

The problem is that the tariffs and the cutting of “already-slashed levels” of US development and aid to Colombia will “make it harder” for Bogotá to combat the cocaine trade, said Keith Johnson on Foreign Policy. Colombia is, by far, the primary source of cocaine in the US, and, historically, “the biggest chunk” of US aid “has come in the form of counternarcotics and law-enforcement support”.

“If the US were truly interested in countering drug trafficking, the last thing you would do is to alienate the one military in the region” capable of fighting drug traffickers, Elizabeth Dickinson, senior Colombia analyst at the International Crisis Group, told Johnson.

US military assets in the Caribbean “are not much use” in fighting the drug trade, said The Guardian’s foreign affairs commentator Simon Tisdall – especially if their focus is on Venezuela, through which only small quantities of cocaine are trafficked to America. So what is Trump up to here?

President Maduro claims the White House is attempting to “forcibly impose regime change” on his country and is waging “undeclared war”. Analysts suggest Trump “covets Venezuela’s abundant oil, gas and mineral resources”. And there’s a personal aspect: Marco Rubio is “a long-time critic of left-wing rulers in Cuba and Nicaragua” – for him, Maduro is “unfinished business”. But, given Trump’s “hapless blundering on other key foreign issues”, the most likely explanation is that “he hasn’t got a clue what he’s doing – in Venezuela or Latin America as whole”. There is no plan.

What next?

America is Colombia’s biggest trading partner, so Trump’s threats of further tariffs have “some potential leverage”, said Johnson on Foreign Policy. But “the pain will be felt as much by US consumers as by Colombian exporters”.

In Venezuela, the Trump administration thinks “its campaign against Maduro is working”, and that increased US military pressure will convince the Venezuelan leader “he can’t remain in power”, said The Wall Street Journal. “The idea is to make him miserable enough to go away,” a senior administration official said. But, far from weakening Maduro, it might “achieve the exact opposite”, said Tisdall in The Guardian. Maduro is using the crisis to increase his grip on power.

More broadly, Trump’s “bullying of other left-leaning Latin American countries”, including Colombia and Brazil, and his “presumptuous cheerleading for right-wing populists in Argentina and El Salvador”, is “spurring a regional backlash”. Trump’s efforts to “reprise the role of Latin American neighbourhood policeman” are ultimately “self-defeating”. Long-term, the “big winner” will be China.

Mexican music is facing a crackdown. Local authorities are banning public performances of narcocorridos, popular ballads that romanticise drug cartels.

As the country wrestles with the “effects of organized crime” and “pressure from the Trump administration to crack down on cartels”, politicians are keen to show they don’t condone songs that glorify criminal activities, said The New York Times.

Corridos about local bandits have been popular since the “early 20th century”, said the Financial Times but, since the 1970s, a hugely successful subgenre – narcocorridos – has celebrated drug runners and ”become a key element of propaganda for cartels”.

Heavy fines, even prison time

At a time when they are “more popular than ever” in Mexico, narcocorridos are “increasingly under attack”, said the Los Angeles Times. “A new generation that came of age during the ongoing drug war has embraced songs that recount and often glamorize both the spoils and perils of organized crime.”

Although there is, as yet, no nationwide law prohibiting narcocorridos, around “a third of Mexico’s states and many of its cities have enacted some kind of ban” on their performance. These mostly take the form of heavy fines, but can also trigger a prison sentence.

When Aguascalientes state “banned songs inciting violence” earlier this year, the well-known band Grupo Firme announced that they would not play narcocorridos any more, said The New York Times.

But fan reactions to artists abiding by state rules have, ironically, led to violence. When Luis R Conriquez – who has over 23 million monthly listeners on Spotify – said on stage that he was joining the “cause of zero corridos”, he was “booed” by the audience, who then “threw punches” at each other and “caused significant damage to the venue”, said Billboard.

Upsetting US authorities

Ignoring the crackdown has already had consequences, said The Times. When the band Los Alegres del Barranco sang a song “dedicated to El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco cartel”, and projected his face “onto a giant screen behind them”, they were not only charged with “promoting crime” by the local attorney general, they also found their American visas revoked, forcing them to “cancel dozens of shows in the US”.

There are increasing signs that, even where there are no local narcocorrido bans in place, bands are starting to “self-censor”, fearing that “upsetting US authorities” could affect their ability to tour”, said CNN.

“The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists,” said US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on X. “I’m a firm believer in freedom of expression but that doesn’t mean that expression should be free of consequences.”

The bans and the visa-revoking may be having the opposite effect to the one intended, however: figures show that Los Alegres del Barranco have “gained over 2 million new listens on streaming services”, said CNN. It seems a genre “that has long romanticised outlaws, outcasts and underdogs” still has an “enduring modern appeal”.

They are known as the victims of Mexico’s long-running “invisible war”.

Since the then president Felipe Calderón launched his "war on drugs" in 2006, more than 130,000 people have gone missing.

“In many cases, those disappeared have been forcibly recruited into the drug cartels – or murdered for resisting,” said the BBC. But “while drug cartels and organised crime groups are the main perpetrators, security forces are also blamed for deaths and disappearances”.

‘Delirium of necrophilia’

Cases of people reported missing or snatched from the street at gunpoint never to be seen again “were once rare in Mexico”, said The Washington Post. This began to change 15 years ago when huge numbers of disappearances “began to flare into global news, with the discovery of mass graves filled with putrefying bodies”.

By 2023 more than 5,600 mass graves had been recorded in Mexico, said A Dónde van los Desaparecidos. In March this year, a cartel training and extermination camp was discovered on a ranch in the western Mexican state of Jalisco, complete with burned human remains and 200 pairs of shoes.

Strikingly, the discovery – labelled “a human tragedy of enormous proportions” by the UN – was not made by state authorities but by informal search teams of family members known as “buscadores”.

These groups “scour the countryside and the deserts of northern Mexico, following tip-offs, often from the cartels themselves, as to the whereabouts of mass graves”, said the BBC. They carry out searches and campaigning for justice “at great personal risk”, with several themselves disappearing in the aftermath of the Jalisco find.

The “official narrative” is that Mexico’s violence is “entirely the fault of drug cartels, period”, said author Belén Fernández on Al Jazeera. “This rationalisation conveniently excises from the equation the Mexican state’s established track record of killing and disappearing – not to mention the lengthy history of collaboration between Mexican police and military personnel and cartel operatives.”

This is perhaps why the authorities have been hesitant to acknowledge the scope and scale of the crisis, with former Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador even going as far as to accuse Mexicans involved in the search for the missing of a “delirium of necrophilia”. According to Mexico’s National Register of Missing and Disappeared Persons, for a year while Obrador was in office, between May 2022 and May 2023, an average of 27.6 people went missing per day, or more than one person per hour.

Amnesty International now estimates the rate of disappearances stands at 30 per day.

‘Systematic and widespread’

Last month, thousands of people took to the streets across Mexico in protest at the lack of action on the issue by officials.

“The wide spread of cities, states and municipalities where demonstrations were held illustrated the extent to which the problem of forced disappearances affects communities and families across Mexico,” said the BBC.

For the first time, the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances has opened a procedure for the case of Mexico. For the committee’s experts, who have been studying the case for a decade, there are indications of a “systematic and widespread” practice, said openDemocracy.

“As has pretty much been par for the course with all ostensible global anti-narcotic endeavours orchestrated by the US, the Mexican drug war did nothing to curb international drug traffic but much to render the country’s landscape ever more blood-soaked,” said Fernández.

That has not stopped the US government from adopting ever more extreme measures. It has already labelled six Mexican cartels terrorist groups and now the Trump administration is weighing possible military action against them.

“But Mexican cartels aren’t dependent on a handful of high-profile extremists,” said The Washington Post. “They’re among the country’s top employers and often have relationships with local politicians and police. Disappearances are a sign of their hidden control. Killing or capturing a few leaders is unlikely to destroy their structures.”

“As Mexico’s invisible war rages on, disappearance may have already become normalised,” said Fernández.

One of the deadliest chemicals on Earth is being smuggled across Latin America – and is poisoning the environment along the way.

Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin and its use is banned or heavily restricted throughout the world. But it's "essential" to illegal gold mining, one of the Amazon's "most destructive criminal economies", said The Associated Press,

Once extracted from the Earth's crust, mercury "persists in the environment indefinitely", said The Guardian. Those who drink water and consume food contaminated by it are gradually poisoned. But, with the current record-high gold prices, the mercury trade has become "so lucrative that one of Mexico's deadliest cartels has entered the business".

The 'gold-mercury-drug trifecta'

Last month, Peruvian authorities seized about four tonnes of mercury hidden inside gravel sacks in a Mexican container on a cargo ship bound for Bolivia. It was the largest mercury seizure made in South America. Mercury mining in Mexico is "spinning out of control", according to a recent report by the non-profit Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA). More than 180 tonnes were trafficked from Mexico to Colombia, Bolivia and Peru between April 2019 and June 2025, as part of what the Washington-based organisation calls a "gold-mercury-drug trifecta".

Miners mix mercury with sediment and heat it until it vaporises, leaving the pure gold ore – and releasing toxic vapour into the air, water and soil. Leftover mercury washes into rivers, where it transforms into methylmercury: its most dangerous form. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining releases 800 tonnes of mercury into the rainforest every year.

In 2013, 128 countries signed up to the Minamata Convention and committed to restrict the production and export of mercury, before phasing it out by 2032. But "legal loopholes" in the UN-based treaty "benefit traffickers and illegal gold miners", said the EIA, warning that the trade is "fuelling violence, forest destruction", human rights abuses and "environmental devastation".

In Latin America, governments and law enforcement agencies have struggled to stem the flow. Peru and Brazil banned mercury imports in 2016 but, "in Bolivia, it is easier to import mercury than to import books or medicines", said Oscar Campanini, director of the non-profit Centro de Documentación e Información Bolivia.

'Profound impact'

The surge in mercury trafficking has been driven by soaring gold prices. According to World Gold Council estimates, 30% of gold mined around the world comes from "untraceable" sources – a $12 billion (£9 million) black market that has "created a toxic web of environmental degradation and public health risks", said AI Invest.

It's having a "particularly profound impact" on the health of Indigenous people, said Mongabay, a non-profit environmental media organisation. Communities that live near mining sites in the Amazon have been exposed to high concentrations of mercury. In Peru's Madre de Dios region, an "epicentre of illegal mining", mercury contamination has been detected in drinking water and even breast milk, said AP. Long-term exposure can cause "irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system, particularly in children and pregnant women".

There are equipment and methods that can replace mercury in the gold mining process, and reduce the risk of contamination – but there is currently little market incentive to adopt them.

The issue is "expected to take centre stage" at the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention in November, where advocates "hope to eliminate legal loopholes" and enforce phase-out timelines. Authorities say last month's bust "marks a turning point in efforts to dismantle the supply chains".

'The new Cold War is between countries and super-cartels'

Paulina Velasco at The Hill

Mexico's "drug cartels are so tenacious, so powerful, that under intense pressure, they forge diamonds," says Paulina Velasco. A "seismic shift in global organized crime demands that the U.S. urgently rethink its approach." The White House "must take the cartels and their insidious grip on power seriously." Heavy "U.S. military incursions risk triggering exactly what cartels thrive on: chaos." We can "out-organize, out-resource and out-strategize the cartels by treating them like the geopolitical actors they've become."

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'In turbulent economic times, professionals benefit from forming unions'

Jennifer Dorning at Newsweek

Professionals can be "passive recipients of change or to actively shape our future," says Jennifer Dorning. By "joining together in union with our coworkers we can assert some measure of control and predictability over our work lives." Union "membership offers a proven path not only to enhance economic standing but also to build a crucial sense of security and predictability." Exploring the "benefits of unionization and reaching out to an organizer today is a powerful step."

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'Sydney Sweeney's ad shows an unbridled cultural shift toward whiteness'

Hannah Holland at MSNBC

American Eagle "debuted an advertisement campaign starring actor Sydney Sweeney," and the "internet has been quick to condemn the advertisement as noninclusive at best and as overtly promoting 'white supremacy' and 'Nazi propaganda' at worst," says Hannah Holland. The ad "reflects an unbridled cultural shift toward whiteness, conservatism and capitalist exploitation." Sweeney is "both a symptom and a participant." It "isn't just that far-right ideology is proliferating on the fringe; our entire cultural ethos has moved further right."

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'Put the Quad to work on energy security'

Larry W. Schwartz and Narayan Subramanian at Foreign Policy

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue of the U.S., Australia, India and Japan has "struggled to define a clear purpose beyond counterbalancing China," say Larry W. Schwartz and Narayan Subramanian. The "grouping has largely fallen short of delivering tangible economic cooperation." The Quad "now stands out as one of the few platforms where energy security and economic resilience continue to draw bipartisan urgency." It "must move beyond fragmented supply chain coordination and articulate a shared vision for energy cooperation."

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A sunny beach getaway, a quiet lakeside escape and camping off the beaten path are all great ways to spend the summer. Sometimes, though, you crave all the action and want to be surrounded by things to do, places to go and people to see. When that urban urge strikes, head into the hustle and stay at one of these big-city hotels.

Andaz Mexico City Condesa

This colorful hotel in Mexico City's "hip" La Condesa neighborhood retains many of the building's original touches, including mosaic murals and "eye-catching" tile floors, alongside new installations like Andaz's "signature pink escalators," Travel and Leisure said. The rooms are "sleek and modern," and the heated rooftop pool boasts "one of the best views of the city and the mountains." Still, the hotel's "biggest strength" might be its location within walking distance of "countless" restaurants, "trendy" boutiques and art galleries and "bustling" bars.

Gansevoort Meatpacking, New York City

Neighborhoods change. It's an inevitability of any city — but especially the behemoths. The smartest and best hotels know to shift alongside those metamorphoses. The Gansevoort in New York City's Meatpacking District began its life in 2004, when popular culture bestowed the area with "'Sex and the City'-anointed 'it' neighborhood status," said Condé Nast Traveler. In the ensuing decades, the Meatpacking District shifted into a high-end shopping hub, with an Apple flagship and endless boutiques.

Beginning in 2021 and finished for the hotel's twentieth anniversary in 2024, the Gansevoort debuted a complete overhaul "gutted down to the studs" and the 186 rooms given new life with "blue and grey ombré wallpaper" and "subway-tiled bathrooms," plus Lululemon full-length exercise mirror panels. Feast on lively French-inspired dishes at the hotel's anchor restaurant, Le Coin. The patio is the place to be when the weather cooperates.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin

A "Berlin institution," Hotel Adlon Kempinski is "arguably" the best five-star property in the city, said Condé Nast Traveler. Its "light-filled" signature suites offer "iconic" views of the Brandenburg Gate, along with "total soundproofing" for a good night's sleep. The Adlon is in the "nerve-center" of Berlin and within walking distance of museums, monuments and parks. Or you can opt for borrowing a bicycle or reserving the hotel's limo service to get around.

L7 Chicago by Lotte

L7 Chicago By Lotte, right by the Magnificent Mile, caters to the "creative class," said Afar. The bold space is filled with curated works from local artists, and guests that book the Artist's Suite receive tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago and a signed limited edition print by artist David Heo, among other perks. Rooms and suites come equipped with luxuries like Frette linens, but there is also a "subtle industrial aesthetic that feels just right in this busy part of town."

Malmaison Edinburgh City

The vibrant Malmaison Edinburgh City is in the heart of St. Andrew Square, where the capital's "shopping, social life and sightseeing intersection," The Telegraph said. It is easy to get to and from the boutique property — the tram and bus stops and Waverley train station are all within a five-minute walk — and once inside you instantly feel welcome, thanks to the "jolly staff" ready to answer questions and point you in the direction you seek. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring "entertaining, eye-slapping examples of graphic art."

The Middle House, Shanghai

In the heart of Shanghai's Jing'an District is The Middle House, a "hushed private space that's upped the city's design game," Condé Nast Traveler said. Windows stretching from the floor to ceiling "make even the smallest rooms feel larger," and guests appreciate the "gorgeous works of photography." For a slice of history, the famed French Concession is a few minutes away, offering a "glimpse at what's left of Shanghai's legendary libertine epoch of the 1920s and 1930s."

1 Hotel Toronto

With its "cutting-edge sustainability measures" and "ultra-stylish interiors," 1 Hotel Toronto is perfect for travelers seeking an elevated eco-friendly stay, said the Michelin Guide. Stepping inside, you feel at one with nature. The furniture is made of local and reclaimed timber and driftwood, and the "surprisingly sunny" rooms are "warmed by plenty of organic textures and living houseplants." 1 Hotel Toronto is in the King West neighborhood, once an industrial part of town that today is home to flourishing bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

New York is not the only city that never sleeps. In Berlin, Rio, Seoul and Accra, the night never has to end. Clubs, bars and restaurants are open until the wee hours — if they even close at all. For entertainment from sunset to sunrise, these seven destinations are tops.

Accra, Ghana

The parties start outside in this coastal city, with revelers flocking to "rooftop bars, open-air concerts, live DJ sets and art festivals," Accra expert Kofi Dotse said to Time Out. Every night of the week, Accra's "vibrant" streets are "buzzing with food vendors and music," and those wanting to dance under the moonlight know to visit Labadi Beach for its all-night bashes. For "high-energy clubbing," visit "iconic venues" like South Village for its warehouse parties and Alley Bar.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is where "anything goes," the BBC said, with clubbers bouncing from "techno temples" to "hedonistic hideouts" to "multi-day raves in former Cold War bunkers." There are often rules in place to protect the sanctity of partying, like no phones allowed inside, and brace yourself for bouncers who strictly control who enters. There is no official closing time for venues in Berlin and buses are always running, making a night of revelry easy.

Budapest, Hungary

For an only-in-Budapest experience, head to a "ruin bar" — an old, dilapidated building transformed into an establishment offering "drinking, dancing and socializing in a slightly shabby but always charming setting," Lonely Planet said. In the Jewish Quarter, these bars, each one with its own character, can primarily be found behind the Great Synagogue. The "granddaddy of them all" is Szimpla Kert, the first to open and "arguably the best and bawdiest of the bunch," with multiple rooms offering different vibes.

Guadalajara, Mexico

In Guadalajara, you can do just about anything once the sun goes down. A night out may include "world-class cuisine or bacon-wrapped hot dogs, a symphony concert or a raucous lucha libre (wrestling) match," Lonely Planet said. Find a traditional cantina like Cantina La Fuente, the oldest watering hole in the city, order a beer or tequila and then see where the evening takes you. Guadalajara is also "one of the most accepting and inclusive" spots in Mexico for LGBTQ+ people, with an annual Pride festival and many gay bars.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal is "unapologetically modern," Condé Nast Traveler said, for an "incredibly historic" city. Nightlife can be found most everywhere, from Quartier des Spectacles, the "beating heart of arts and culture," to Gay Village and its famed Cabaret Mado drag bar, both of which are "a little gritty, a little sparkly and utterly fabulous." Sports fans can also get in on the action, attending a Montreal Canadiens hockey game at Bell Center before dinner and a bar crawl. Night owls, take note: Plans are in the works for the city to have an all-night district where venues can stay open and serve alcohol 24/7.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Of course the home of the world's biggest Carnival celebration is going to be a nightlife hotspot. Rio de Janeiro has a well-earned reputation as "one of the most epic party cities on the planet," Travel and Leisure said, with the "beats of samba de rodas, the country's best-known musical form," echoing across neighborhoods.

Lapa's bohemian bars "still enchant locals and visitors alike," and travelers who like to be ahead of the curve should check out the trendy Morro do Pinto. The Botafogo district melds food and entertainment at "up-and-coming gastronomic hotspots like Alba and Vian Cocktail Bar" that turn into "dance floors on the weekend," said Time Out Rio de Janeiro editor Renata Magalhaes, who noted the city's street scenes are "livelier" than ever.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul "truly comes alive at night," Cosmopolitan UK said, with bars, karaoke spots, restaurants and shops open "well into the early hours." The city has "distinct pockets boasting a different vibe," with Hongdae featuring "themed photo booths on basically every corner" and Seongsu-dong "packed with edgy cocktail bars." Go to any section of Seoul and you will find "throwback dive bars and strobe-lit nightclubs," Lonely Planet said. It is not unusual for partiers to stay out until morning, "rallying outside convenience stores at 7 a.m."

What happened

President Trump threw U.S. trade policy into chaos when he slapped steep tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, shaking financial markets and drawing promises of retaliation from America’s biggest trading partners. Defying hopes for an eleventh-hour reprieve, Trump put 25 percent tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports and doubled an existing 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hit back, vowing duties on more than $100 billion in U.S. goods, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford pulled U.S. liquor from stores and threatened to cut off electricity exports to the U.S. “This is a very dumb thing to do,” said a visibly angry Trudeau, accusing the U.S. of pulling its “closest friend” into a fight that will “have no winners.” China imposed 10 to 15 percent tariffs on U.S. farm exports, including wheat and corn, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said countermeasures were forthcoming.

CEOs at Best Buy and Target warned of rising prices, and economists said consumers will quickly feel sticker shock from price spikes on goods from gas to avocados. A day after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Trump would “probably” meet Canada and Mexico “in the middle” on import duties, Trump approved a one-month pause on auto tariffs. But he held firm otherwise. “Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it’s our turn,” Trump said in his speech to Congress. “A little disturbance” lies ahead, he acknowledged, “but we’re OK with that.”

What the columnists said

Trump’s tariff blitz defies “common sense,” said The Wall Street Journal in an editorial. He thinks tariffs will “usher in a new golden age.” But “he’s whacking friends, not adversaries.” Canada and Mexico account for a third of our exports—more than $650 billion of American goods last year—and we rely on theirs: Mexico supplies 30 percent of our produce, and Canada 85 percent of the potash needed to fertilize U.S. farms. The tariffs will equate to a $150 billion annual tax increase on Americans. Is this how Trump “plans on helping working-class voters?”

This is “Trump’s most inexplicable decision yet,” said Rogé Karma in The Atlantic. There’s no strategy at work here, “or even political logic.” Trump says he wants to force Canada and Mexico to address illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking. But just 0.2 percent of the fentanyl seized here last year came from Canada, and illegal southern-border crossings have hit “near-record lows.” Meanwhile, there’s no visible upside — and the prospect of renewed inflation poses a great political risk for Trump.

The chaos hits at a time when the U.S. economy is “already flashing yellow lights,” said Elisabeth Buchwald and Matt Egan in CNN.com. Spending is down and layoffs are up. Consumer confidence is sinking, and the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank just projected a 2.8 percent GDP drop for the first quarter. Many voters picked Trump to steward the economy — but right now, its health “is looking less and less stable by the day.”

What happened

President Donald Trump Thursday suspended some of the 25% tariffs he imposed on Mexican and Canadian imports two days earlier. The one-month pause applies to imports that comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade pact he signed in his first term. Trump gave automakers a similar monthlong reprieve on Wednesday.

Who said what

Trump's "on-again, off-again tariff threats have roiled financial markets, lowered consumer confidence and enveloped many businesses in an uncertain atmosphere that could delay hiring and investment," The Associated Press said. Yesterday's pause did not calm the jittery markets — the S&P 500 dropped another 1.8%, leaving it "below where it was before Trump was elected."

The suspension "effectively abandons many of the tariffs" Trump just imposed on America's top two trading partners, The New York Times said, but it wasn't clear exactly how many. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said "practically all of the trade" between the U.S. and Mexico was now duty-free again, while the White House said about half of Mexican imports and 38% of Canadian imports were compliant with the trade deal. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would "continue to be in a trade war that was launched by the United States for the foreseeable future." U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Trudeau a "numbskull."

What next?

Canada said it would keep its 25% retaliatory tariffs in place regardless of Trump's pause, but not implement a second wave of taxes on U.S. imports. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he would maintain his province's 25% surcharge on electricity exported to the U.S. until Trump "removes the threat of tariffs for good," and, along with other provinces, keep U.S. alcohol off Canadian shelves.

What happened

President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico went into effect early Tuesday morning, as did an additional 10% tax on goods imported from China, sparking a likely trade war with America's top three trading partners. Stocks plunged after Trump affirmed Monday that the tariffs would take effect Tuesday. China and Canada quickly announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports.

Who said what

Trump initially said the import taxes were designed to force Canada and Mexico to crack down on cross-border immigration and fentanyl smuggling, but Monday he "appeared to change his terms," The New York Times said. "What they have to do is build their car plants, frankly, and other things in the United States, in which case they have no tariffs," Trump told reporters.

"Tariffs will disrupt an incredibly successful trading relationship," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, and they violate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement Trump negotiated and signed in his first term. Trudeau said Canada would immediately slap 25% tariffs on $21 billion worth of targeted U.S. goods, rising to $107 billion in 21 days if Trump's tariffs are still in effect. China said it would add 10% or 15% taxes on several agricultural products, including beef, soybeans and chicken.

The tariffs are an "extraordinary political gamble by a president who was returned to power by voters angered over years of high inflation," The Washington Post said. Prices are likely to go up on everything from Chinese-made smartphones and gaming consoles to "Mexican tequila, beer and avocados" and "Canadian crude oil and lumber, testing consumer patience with Trump's approach." Trump has "shown a willingness to buck the warnings of mainstream economists and put his approval on the line" to enact tariffs he has long believed "can fix what ails the country," The Associated Press said.

What next?

Mexico is expected to outline its retaliatory measures Tuesday. Trump's "blistering pace of tariff actions" was likely to continue, Reuters said, with more planned this month and next. The tariffs could be "short-lived if the U.S. economy suffers," the AP said, but a feature of the "disorienting volatility" Trump has "injected" into global markets is that nobody knows "what he'll do next."

During your travels, you don't have to go to the Louvre or The Met to see a masterpiece. At these 9 hotels, art is everywhere and in all forms, including original sculptures that greet guests in the lobby, hands-on photography workshops and full-on museums that are open to the public.

Almanac Barcelona, Spain

Almanac Barcelona gives you the chance to play the ultimate game of hide-and-seek. Through the Hidden Art package, guests stay in one of the hotel's Art Suites, which feature works by emerging Spanish creatives. In every suite, artist Catherine Parra conceals an original abstract piece of art, and if you find it, you can take it home.

Hotel Ranga, Iceland

Nearly every wall tells a story at Hotel Ranga. Murals by local artists depict scenes from Icelandic sagas, like the Story of Burnt-Njal, but the focus is not just regional. Several suites are also "designed with themes inspired by the world's continents," Travel and Leisure said, "adding a fun, unique flair."

One Aldwych, UK

Art is an "integral" part of One Aldwych in London, Condé Nast Traveler said, the common thread that ties together the suites, the grounds and even the Lobby Bar's Gallery Cocktails menu. The hotel's impressive modern art collection includes 400 pieces, with an original work in every room. As part of One Aldwych's Curator program, guests can tour Covent Garden with royal silhouette portraitist Charles Burns and walk away with their own paper silhouette as a keepsake.

Quintessence Hotel, Anguilla

The Haitian art collection at Quintessence Hotel rivals any you could find in a gallery. Carefully curated by owner Geoffrey Fieger, this colorful assembly of more than 600 artifacts and works is spread across the manor and on-site art gallery. The view of Long Bay Beach's "white sands and sparkling blue waters" also wows guests, Forbes said.

Solaz Los Cabos, Mexico

The art at Solaz Los Cabos is not confined to Gabinete del Barco, its museum and gallery filled with Indigenous artifacts, tool replicas and a suspended grey whale skeleton.

Mexican visual artist César López-Negrete created more than 400 pieces that dot the property, including massive marble forms and gold sculptures. They take inspiration from Baja California's natural beauty and history.

The Memphian, US

The Memphian Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, was a blank canvas for artist Mary Loeb. With her team, she selected its playful art and decor, amplifying the work of 15 local creatives (with some of her pieces sprinkled in). The result is a "one-of-a-kind lodging experience," National Geographic said, with "nods to the city's heritage." Example: The chandelier in the lobby made of bobbins acknowledges the Mississippi River and Memphis' "love for fishing."

The Siam, Thailand

All of The Siam in Bangkok is infused with art. Every suite is "furnished around one specific theme and outfitted with artwork, antiques and other decorative pieces," Forbes said, and guests can even get a traditional Sak Yant tattoo at the on-site tattoo studio. For a different type of permanent memory, sign up for the collodion wet plate photography experience. This process dates to the 1850s and results in a photo that lasts forever.

21c Museum Hotel Lexington, US

Come here to live out your "Night at the Museum" dreams. Housed in a former bank building, 21c Museum Hotel Lexington has 88 rooms and a contemporary art museum with more than 2,000 works. Accommodations in the Lexington, Kentucky, hotel are "adorned with original artwork that's well-lit with natural sunlight," Condé Nast Traveler said, and guests can take free guided tours of the museum or do a yoga session in the main gallery.

Villa Bokeh, Guatemala

Villa Bokeh looks like a work of art. The "palatial" villa is in the middle of a six-acre garden, Elle said, with a "glittering pond" in the backyard. The owners' art collection is on display throughout the property, with paintings, photographs and sculptures in every room. Guests can unleash their own inner artist during Paint and Sip events held outside, with French wine serving as a conduit.

What happened

Mexico Thursday flew 29 accused drug cartel leaders and operatives to eight U.S. cities to face criminal charges. The unprecedented mass extradition was carried out as Mexican officials were in Washington to try to fend off President Donald Trump's threat to hit Mexico and Canada with 25% tariffs next week, purportedly over drug smuggling.

Who said what

The extradited cartel suspects included "two leaders of the hyper-violent Zetas cartel" and Rafael Caro Quintero, a "prized target long sought in the killing of a U.S. narcotics agent," Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, in 1985, The Washington Post said. Caro Quintero, 72, was considered "one the founders of Mexico's international drug smuggling industry," The Wall Street Journal said. Getting ahold of him has long been "all but an obsession" for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, The New York Times said.

The dramatic handover of alleged drug kingpins and killers was "all part and parcel of the package the Mexican government is putting on the table to avoid the 25% tariffs," Brookings Institution drug policy analyst Vanda Felbab-Brown told the Post.

What next?

Trump said Mexico and Canada would get hit with 25% tariffs March 4, telling reporters that fentanyl and other drugs "continue to pour into our country, killing hundreds of thousands of people." U.S. federal data show "Canada plays almost no role in the smuggling of fentanyl or other deadly street drugs," and fentanyl trafficking from Mexico has "plunged," with a 50% year-over-year drop in January, NPR said. U.S. overdose deaths have "also fallen at an unprecedented pace," with a 30% decline in fentanyl deaths alone.

In Mexico, there are an array of beachfront experiences. Oaxaca has its Pacific coastline of secluded coves and queer destinations. Cancún and Puerto Vallarta have their raucous party-tastic sands on the Caribbean and Pacific coast, respectively.

Just south of Puerto Vallarta, stretching for some hundred-odd miles to the port city Manzanillo, is Costalegre. Its name is a Spanish portmanteau of "coast" and "happy." It is not that Costalegre is undiscovered, its thousands of residents would beg to differ. Still, Costalegre remains somewhat undeveloped. As Puerto Vallarta resident Meagan Drillinger said at Travel and Leisure, whenever "I need some peace from paradise, I find myself turning to the rugged, rawly beautiful Costalegre."

Over the last few years, more development has been transpiring. New properties have debuted, and the new Chalacatepec airport is due to open by the end of 2025, "designed to tie in with a host of new projects and act as a detonator for further tourism investment," said The Guadalajara Reporter. "What makes the Costalegre different is that the developer families who own the land have tremendous heart," said Drillinger. The focus is on protecting this section of Mexico from overdevelopment. "For all the tens of thousands of acres that each family owns, only a small portion will ever be developed. The rest is protected in preserves, allegedly, forever."

What to do

Nature plays a vital role here, as you might expect. The luxury travel company Journey Mexico can shape your ideal trip, based on insider intel. "Hike to the petroglyphs and waterfalls of Cajón de Peñas, learn to surf, go deep-sea fishing or relax on a yacht cruise," said Afar.

If turtles make you squeak with joy, a visit to Campamento Tortuguero Chalacatepec, a sanctuary just off the coast, is worth a wander. This stretch of sand is one of Mexico's important migratory zones for some of the six species of turtles that migrate and hatch in different parts of the country. "As sunset reddened the horizon, we all rode golf carts to the Chalacatepec turtle sanctuary a few minutes away," said Ingrid Rojas Contreras in Travel and Leisure Asia. "In Costalegre, nests have to be protected from both animals and humans," and "hundreds of hatchlings in large crates were climbing all over one another, ready to brave the waves, which I noticed were breaking with force. In the crate, there were loggerhead, green and leatherback hatchlings — all endangered species."

Where to stay

Careyes staked its presence at Costalegre decades ago, during the 1960s. Its luxury approach features "more than eight miles of private shoreline," casitas in the style of Positano, guided tours of nearby hiking trails and the "largest polo fields in Mexico," said Travel and Leisure.

A "hand-built stone road leads" to the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, said Contreras in Travel and Leisure Asia. The property opened in 2022 and was built to "exist in harmony with its surroundings." Mexican architects, including Victor Legorreta and Mauricio Rocha, "created an open, inviting spectacle of nature" with a resort that covers 3,000 acres but "only 2% of the land has been developed." The remaining acres will be "left as nature intended." Dine at Coyul, from the celebrated chef Elena Reygadas of Rosetta in Mexico City fame, when a craving for chilmole and octopus tagliolini or plantain enmoladas strikes. Alternatively, eat fresh fish at Sal or pop by Nacho, a taquería that features an array of snacks made with masa, including thin oval tlacoyos and, of course, tacos.

Ready to take your night to the next level? Ascend to one of these seven rooftop bars, where you can enjoy fresh air and exquisite views along with your favorite drink and snacks.

Aer, Mumbai

This "luxurious" rooftop restaurant at the top of the Four Seasons provides an "immaculate view of Mumbai," Travel and Leisure India said. With its white lattice, yellow couches and brass lighting, Aer has a "unique charm," and that extends to its Gimlet Garden menu. Pick your botanical poison: There are cocktails like the aromatic Saunth Bloom, made with dark rum, maracuja, guava, milky oolong, angling ginger and sparkling wine, and mocktails, including A Floral Delight with elderflower, rosemary, thyme, jasmine and non-alcoholic bubbles.

The Court, Rome

The Court offers unmatched views of the Colosseum, giving visitors "front row seats" to the "world's most amazing arena," Afar said. Nestled in a courtyard at the Palazzo Manfredi, the bar overlooks the "archaeological ruins of the Ludus Magnus," where gladiators once trained, and is the "perfect place to wind down in Rome." For a true night to remember, order a drink based on one of the city's classic dishes: the Cacio e Pepe Vesper with Roman Pecorino gin, vodka and mancino secco.

Penthouse Bar + Grill, Bangkok

Bangkok hotels have "upped their rooftop bar game," the Michelin Guide said, and the Park Hyatt proves the statement. Here, you can choose between five bars and restaurants spread across three levels, but to "feel the breeze," head outside to the garden lounge on the 36th floor. This chill space is "ideal for sundowners" who want to take in the views while listening to jazz and imbibing "classic and refreshing cocktails" like mojitos and palomas.

Rooftop 360, Cabo San Lucas

Rooftop 360 is the "tallest terrace in town," the Observer said, "serving up craft cocktails alongside sweeping ocean views." This "trendy bohemian" retreat is the hub of the Corazón Cabo hotel, and guests spend their days hopping between the infinity pool, the bar and the restaurant (try the fresh ceviche or spicy tuna roll). Once the sun sets, the twinkle lights turn on and DJs start spinning.

Sugar High Rooftop Lounge, Palm Springs, California

When Golden Hour hits, the best place to be in Palm Springs is at Sugar High, the rooftop lounge at Azúcar. Look in any direction and you're in for a treat. On one side, the towering San Jacinto Mountains; on the other, vast city views, and down below the La Serena Villas boutique hotel.

Grab a seat in front of the fireplace, order a cocktail (the blood orange margarita is a favorite) and pair it with the patatas brava-stuffed poblano or Brandt beef tenderloin. The kitchen and bar "consistently serve delicious food and drinks" that utilize the "freshest seasonal and local ingredients," SFGate said.

The Vick, Cincinnati, Ohio

Getting from the ground floor up to The Vick is an art-filled adventure, with guests passing colorful murals, handpainted wallpaper, iridescent chandeliers and neon lights before making it up to the open air terrace. This brand new lounge on the seventh floor of Hotel Celare has panoramic views and "boasts a colorful, retro vibe," the Cincinnati Enquirer said. Its menu is split between savory options like beef carpaccio and chilled noodles and sweets, plus fun "sharing is caring" cocktails for parties of two and four.

Vintage Green, New York City

At the tip top of the Shelburne Sonesta Hotel is Vintage Green, a rooftop bar and restaurant with striking views of the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, East River and One World Trade Center. The "chic" space is filled with plants and other greenery, a lovely "homage to the beauty of New York" and its many parks, Forbes said. Once the temperatures start to drop, Vintage Green does not shutter. Instead, it has a retractable glass atrium for year-round festivities.

Catherine Garcia was a guest of Azúcar

With 13 Oscar nominations this year, "Emilia Pérez" is easily one of the most talked-about films of awards season, boasting major Hollywood star power in lead actors Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez and earning an 11-minute standing ovation at its 2024 Cannes Film Festival premiere. The story of a Mexican narco-kingpin who undergoes gender-reassignment surgery and escapes cartel life, this Spanish-language musical has earned accolades from cinephiles and garnered its share of controversy — not least due to incendiary and offensive past social media posts by star Karla Sofía Gascón, who plays the titular protagonist. Beyond Gascón's online polemics, however, "Emilia Pérez" has become a cultural flashpoint thanks to its subject material and the broader political climate into which the film has been released.

'Profoundly retrograde' or 'realistic and relatable'?

Much of the substantive controversy surrounding "Emilia Pérez" has centered on the film's portrayal of trans-ness. It seemed as if writer-director Jacques Audiard was "painting trans women as liars" and people who "can't tell the truth" and "don't know who they are," said critic Reanna Cruz on NPR's "Pop Culture Happy Hour" podcast. Citing lines from one of the film's musical numbers, the notion that "what individual people choose to do with their bodies redounds to 'societies' and 'souls'" is the "driving logic behind nearly every brand of bigotry under the sun, and transphobia especially," Jack Hamilton said at Slate. "What are we really doing here?" The movie is a "profoundly retrograde portrayal of a trans woman" and a "step backward for trans representation," said GLAAD.

Criticism over the film's trans subject matter has not been universal within the trans community. "Emilia Pérez" offers the sort of "complex, flawed trans characters and narratives" that "trans film lovers and critics have been begging to see," said Mey Rude at Out. As a "Mexican-American trans lesbian, I find Emilia is one of the most realistic and relatable trans characters I've ever seen in a movie." The film is a "compelling depiction of a morally complex character" that "puts trans issues at front and center," said Julie River at Out Front Magazine.

Gascón is the "first out trans actor to be nominated for an Oscar," said Clarisse Loughrey at Independent — a milestone that makes it "important that any critique of 'Emilia Pérez' recognizes her work and her contribution." At the same time, "what is the point of rallying around a representation that doesn't serve those it's representing?"

A 'trivialization' of Mexico?

The other main vector of criticism against "Emilia Pérez" is the film's portrayal of Mexico, depicted as an "inescapably violent and miserable place," said Kyndall Cunningham at Vox. Despite being a "supposedly unconventional tale," the movie fails to "challenge any of the stereotypical narratives about the drug trade that are already rampant in popular Western media and politics." The film instead turns Mexico's "biggest security crisis into a musical where the protagonist is one of the perpetrators," María Meléndez said at Mexico News Daily. It's a "trivialization" that's "deeply painful."

The film succeeds in creating a "sensationalist and deeply retrograde depiction" of Mexico as a "violence-ridden failed state," made particularly awkward by "Audiard's seeming disinterest in anything resembling cultural authenticity," said Hamilton at Slate. Moreover, Mexico has for years been the "second most deadly place in the world for transgender women," said Berenice Bautista at The Associated Press — a "reality not reflected in the film."

"I don't know if 'Emilia Pérez' is a good reflection of Mexican culture," said director Audiard at a recent screening of the film. "Because we shot the whole thing in Paris in a studio." But Mexico City native Adriana Paz, who costars in the film, has come to its defense. "I have heard people saying it's offensive to Mexico," Paz said at IndieWire. "I really want to know why, because I didn't feel that way."

What happened

President Donald Trump paused his 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada Monday after speaking with their respective leaders, but his additional 10% import tax on Chinese goods took effect at midnight. China said it will retaliate with 10-15% tariffs on U.S. energy products, agricultural machinery and large passenger vehicles, plus restrictions on exports of critical minerals. Beijing also announced an antimonopoly investigation into Google.

Who said what

Trump backed off taxing imports from America's two closest neighbors for 30 days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced measures to beef up security on their U.S. borders to curb immigration and fentanyl trafficking. But it doesn't appear "any of those measures were major concessions," The New York Times said. Mexican National Guard troops have been patrolling the U.S. border for a year and Sheinbaum was already cracking down on fentanyl. And while Trudeau promised a new "fentanyl czar" and cross-border task force, the biggest part of Canada's border plan was announced in December.

This wasn't "some genius power play" by Trump, The Wall Street Journal said in an editorial. But "if the North American leaders need to cheer about a minor deal so they all claim victory, that's better for everyone."

What next?

Trump called the China tariffs an "opening salvo" and said he "would be speaking to China, probably in the next 24 hours." He also said he planned to levy import taxes on the European Union "very soon."

What happened

U.S. stock futures were down sharply, oil prices were higher and Asian markets were lower Monday morning, the first trading day since President Donald Trump's Saturday orders for 25% tariffs on most imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% import tax on Chinese goods. Oil imports from Canada will be taxed at 10%. Canada quickly announced targeted retaliatory tariffs and Mexico and China said they will unveil their responses soon.

Who said what

"Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe," Trump said in all-caps on Truth Social Sunday. But "it will all be worth the price that must be paid." The tariffs on America's top three trading partners are expected to raise the prices of everything from gas, cars, consumer electronics and homebuilding to avocados, tomatoes and Mexican beer and tequila. Trump has "framed his latest actions as leverage on immigration and drugs," The Associated Press said, though tiny amounts of fentanyl and migrants enter the U.S. from Canada.

"Tariffs are simply taxes," Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said on X, and "taxing trade will mean less trade and higher taxes." If other congressional Republicans agreed, The New York Times said, "they kept it to themselves." This is "the dumbest trade war in history," The Wall Street Journal said in an editorial, and that may be "an understatement."

What next?

The U.S. and Canadian tariffs are scheduled to go into effect Tuesday. "What comes next is highly uncertain because Trump's motives are difficult to discern," the Journal said.

What happened

President Donald Trump Thursday affirmed that he will impose 25% import taxes on all goods from Canada and Mexico, America's top two trading partners, starting Saturday, though he said he "may or may not" exempt oil imports.

Who said what

"I'll be putting the tariff of 25% on Canada, and separately, 25% on Mexico, and we'll really have to do that," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He said those tariffs could rise if the two countries don't meet his demands on blocking migrants and fentanyl. "We don't need the products that they have," Trump said. "We have all the oil you need. We have all the trees you need, meaning the lumber."

"There would undeniably, indisputably be a negative economic impact if tariffs were to be enacted," Glenn Hamer, CEO of the Texas Association of Business, said to The Texas Tribune. Importers typically pass the added import taxes on to consumers, and tariffs on Canadian oil in particular "could undermine Trump's repeated pledge to lower overall inflation," The Associated Press said. Canada and Mexico said they have prepared retaliatory tariffs.

What next?

Trump's advisers are "considering several offramps" to avert enacting "universal tariffs on Mexico and Canada," The Wall Street Journal said. Options include more targeted tariffs or a grace period to allow further negotiations.

"With 13 Oscar nominations and at least three probable wins, Jacques Audiard's 'Emilia Pérez' hardly needs additional praise at this point," said Tim Robey in The Telegraph. "That's lucky, since most people would rather be caught dead than bestow any."

The French director's musical crime drama tells the story of Mexican cartel boss Emilia (played by Karla Sofía Gascón) who fakes death, then undergoes gender-transition surgery and campaigns for victims of the drug war. The film, set mostly in Mexico, is the most nominated foreign-language film in Oscars history, and Gascón is the first openly transgender actor to win an Oscar nomination. But the film has also been "roundly discredited from every angle you could imagine".

'Tour de force of disaster'

If it wins Best Picture, it would be "the lowest critic-scored movie to do so since 'Crash'", said Paul Tassi in Forbes. The film has become "nothing short of a meme". And rightly so, said Jack Hamilton in Slate. Its 132 minutes "unfold like a glittering and garish tour de force of disaster, a relentless procession of terrible ideas, terribly executed". In both content and form, the film is an "abomination".

It's also been deemed "wildly offensive". Queer critics are "concerned if not completely baffled", said Kyndall Cunningham in Vox. Even LGBTQ advocacy organisation GLAAD called the film "a step backward for trans representation". Mexicans have denounced the "regressive and lazy" depiction of their country, and the film's inauthenticity. None of the stars were born in Mexico while the film was shot mostly in Paris. Mexican screenwriter Héctor Guillén called it a "racist Eurocentric mockery".

'Ostensibly inclusive credentials'

This film is "objectively poor", said The Economist. So why is Hollywood "besotted"? Firstly, money: Netflix has spent "tens of millions of dollars" on its awards campaign. Secondly, the Academy's "liberal self-image": the film's "ostensibly inclusive credentials" no doubt contributed to its nominations.

With Donald Trump's administration "resuming the demonisation of Mexican and LGBTQ+ people", perhaps the Academy intended to "hit back with its 'Emilia Pérez' love", said Peter Bradshaw in The Guardian. All the criticism also risks "downplaying" Gascón's hard work to "shape her character", said Clarisse Loughrey in The Independent. "But in the end, what is the point of rallying around a representation that doesn't serve those it's representing?" Hollywood "wants to be seen as a liberal haven" but "only money really talks".

A public showdown between the leaders of the US and Colombia has rippled across Latin America, increasing the anxiety many nations felt about the return of Donald Trump.

On Sunday, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on trade with Colombia after President Gustavo Petro turned back US military flights carrying deported Colombian migrants. The "dramatic clash" unsettled a region already reeling from Trump's threatened tariffs on Mexico, his anti-immigration policies, and his threat to take control of the Panama Canal, said the Financial Times. China will likely view Trump's unpredictability as "an ideal opportunity".

What did the commentators say?

The "dust-up" showed yet again that Latin America will "bear the brunt" of Trump's policies, said CNN's Patrick Oppmann. The rift "immediately galvanised" the region, with some leaders "quick to cheer Petro on".

Latin America accounts for 21.3% of the US's foreign trade, according to the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean: more than $1 trillion. By treating Latin American nations as if they were "still banana republics that would bend over backward to fulfil the US government's wishes", wrote Cruz Bonlarron Martínez in The Hill, Trump "gravely underestimates their power as a united bloc".

But it's not a united bloc, said Flavia Bellieni Zimmermann in the Australian Institute of International Affairs. Trump can call on two "key strategic allies", including Argentina's Maga-adjacent Javier Milei and Brazil's former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who is seeking a comeback.

So far, Brazil's centre-left President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has taken a "cautious approach" towards Trump, said Andre Pagliarini in The New Republic. There is currently "no clear coordinated strategy among Latin American leaders" for dealing with Trump.

Perhaps, but most "do not like how the US government is behaving", said Quico Toro in The Atlantic. "Trump's hyper-aggressive approach to Latin America risks tying up the region with a bow and leaving it on Beijing's doorstep."

What next?

Xiomara Castro, the president of Honduras and head of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac), called an emergency summit of the region's leaders following a request from Petro, which takes place tomorrow. The summit of the "leftist" regional body could "revive a unified anti-Trump block", said CNN's Oppmann.

Regardless of Trump's threats, Latin American leaders are unlikely to defer to Trump, said Michael Shifter, a fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue think-tank in Washington.

"Celac is the platform for China in Latin America," he told the FT. The summit is "a kind of proxy for showing [Washington] that if [it is] really going to punish us, then China's willing to fill the gap".

It is easy to get lost in daydreams about a romantic getaway with your partner, being that Valentine's Day is around the corner. Make those pinings a reality by booking a stay at one of these five stunning hotels that are perfect for a joint escape.

Bliss at the beach: Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Most staff members at Round Hill Hotel and Villas have worked at the property for 30 years or more, and this "delightfully friendly" crew treats guests like they are at their own vacation retreat, Condé Nast Traveler said. There is an "undeniable chic" feel to the hotel, with its Pineapple House rooms designed by Ralph Lauren and spacious villas featuring delightful extras like "bookshelves crammed with novels and almanacs." Enjoy the private beach and all the activities that go along with it, like paddleboarding and jumping on the water trampoline. Break for the "fabulous" Caribbean breakfasts, lunches and dinners made with ingredients grown on property.

Centuries of history on display: Abbaye de la Bussière, Burgundy, France

Once a monastery, today Abbaye de la Bussière looks like "something from a fairy tale," the Michelin Guide said, and is surrounded by vineyards, parkland and a lake. The estate was originally built during the 12th-century as a Cistercian Abbey, and its 20 rooms and suites are "lavishly decorated in antique woodwork and rich fabrics." There are reminders everywhere of the property's past, like the sharp Gothic arches and beautiful stained glass windows. Guests are encouraged to check out the vineyards of Burgundy and take advantage of an only-at-the-Abbaye experience: a visit to the nearby home of British sculptor Paul Day, who regales callers with stories of his art and how he created sculptures of Queen Elizabeth and Fred Rogers.

A charmer near the city: The Inn Above Tide, Sausalito, California

Right across San Francisco Bay sits The Inn Above Tide, a boutique hotel in Sausalito with "jaw-dropping views" from its patios and "giant picture windows," Forbes said. The seven suites and 26 rooms all look out over the water, but the penthouse "stands apart" with a double shower for two and freestanding spa bathtub "positioned strategically" so you can see the San Francisco skyline and "whatever adorable sea lion or dolphin happens to splash into view." The Inn Above Tide walks the perfect line of offering "thoughtful" touches of romance, like flowers and sparkling wine in the rooms, without becoming saccharine.

Over-the-top in all the best ways: Royal Mansour Marrakech

Opulence is the name of the game at Royal Mansour Marrakech. This hotel is an "icon," Condé Nast Traveler said, with guests staying in their own three-story riads with plunge pools and 24/7 access to a personal butler. Ensure at least one dinner takes place at La Grande Table Marocaine, known for its "legendary" lamb shoulder tagine and "regularly hailed as one of the best restaurants in the world." Guests also have access to "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunities like visiting the lavish nearby home of perfumer Serge Lutens, normally off limits to the public.

Embracing tranquility: Naviva, Punta Mita, Mexico 

Bird calls and ocean waves are the soundtrack to every stay at Naviva, an all-inclusive, adults only resort in Mexico spread out across 48 acres of jungle. In this "secluded setting," there are 15 bungalow-style luxury tents, Afar said, so there are never more than 30 guests on site. It is an ideal place for a "true relaxation retreat," where you and your partner can connect while sitting on the white-sand beach or taking a yoga class. Rates include all food and drinks, plus one 90-minute spa experience and activities like a snorkeling safari, distillery trip and sunset gratitude meditation.

The warmth of the desert is exactly what you need to ease into the new year. Check into any one of these properties, like Tucson's sunny Arizona Inn or the secluded Nayara Alto Atacama in Chile, and you will leave feeling rested, rejuvenated and ready to take on 2025.

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia

Deep in the beautiful, barren Namib Desert sits andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, a stunning resort surrounded by "craggy canyons" and "khaki desert," Condé Nast Traveler said. The 10 air-conditioned stone and glass suites offer private plunge pools and verandas, floor-to-ceiling windows with "unfettered views of the passing wildlife and sparse flora," and "subdued" decor to "match the exterior environs." Because of its remote location, the stargazing is unrivaled, and an in-room retractable skylight provides a "view of the Milky Way from bed."

The Arizona Inn, Tucson, Arizona

Owned and operated by the same family since 1930, the "charming" Arizona Inn in Tucson is known across the state for its "ambiance that feels truly and authentically Southwestern," Travel and Leisure said. The comfortable casita-style rooms and suites are filled with antique furnishings for a historic feel, along with modern comforts like iPads. Stop by the heated pool for a swim and afternoon tea service (a sundae bar is swapped in during the spring and summer) and while away the rest of your day playing ping pong and croquet, visiting the sauna or borrowing a bike to tool around town.

Kimpton Mas Olas Resort and Spa, Todos Santos, Mexico

This boutique, adults-only resort an hour north of Cabo San Lucas is where the desert meets the sea. All rooms come with private terraces, which offer spectacular views of cacti, sand dunes and the "dramatic silhouette" of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, the Michelin Guide said. Inside, the decor is "modern but down-to-earth," with locally-sourced "ceramic tiles, native wood and colorful textiles." Soak up the natural beauty at one of the four pools or the outdoor wellness center featuring a massive 25,000 square foot spa and hydrotherapy, yoga, pilates and meditation spaces.

Nayara Alto Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Situated in a desert valley and surrounded by the rugged Salt Mountains, Nayara Alto Atacama provides pure seclusion. The "inspired" rooms take their cues from nature, Forbes said, with thoughtful details like locally handwoven throws in earth tones. Private patios in each room have views of the Salt Mountains and the Andes, which are also visible when receiving a service in one of the spa's outdoor treatment rooms. Guests can pick from a wide selection of "curated activities" ranging from "stargazing and desert sundowner cocktails to guided hikes of the Valley of the Moon and sunrise excursions to the Tatio Geysers."

The Parker Palm Springs, Palm Springs, California

The mid-century modern Parker Palm Springs puts its own cheeky spin on desert luxury. Designed by Jonathan Adler, the 13-acre property is both "posh" and "kitschy," Condé Nast Traveler said, with rooms featuring red lacquer front doors, colorful glass sculptures and "fun '70s-style fabric wall art." There are plenty of pools to dip your toes in, including the Gene Autry Residence, named after the Singing Cowboy and former property owner, with a private one. Four red clay tennis courts guarantee a rousing afternoon match or two.

'This New Year's Eve, take a moment to appreciate your regrets'

Ryan Teague Beckwith at MSNBC

New Year's Eve "may as well be the day of regrets," as we've been "conditioned to look back on our actions and wonder what we should have done differently," says Ryan Teague Beckwith. But as we "spend this day reliving our past mistakes, it's important to remember that regret also has a purpose" as an "unavoidable aspect of the human condition." Regret is "only possible when you have the freedom to make your own choices."

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'Mexico's immigration crackdown mirrors the United States'

Ángel Escamilla García at The Progressive

The "concept of using Mexico as an arm of the U.S. immigration enforcement is not new," says Ángel Escamilla García. The "criminalization and persecution of migrants by Mexican authorities at all levels forced them to wander the streets." Mexico is being "pushed into treating migrants from other countries" in the "same way that the U.S. has treated undocumented Mexicans for decades," and is "allowing the same abuses of migrants that occur on the U.S. side of the border."

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'Trump's tax cuts were good. A flat tax would be better.'

Steve Forbes and Stephen Moore at The Wall Street Journal

Making the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent would be a good start for Congress in 2025," but it's "time to take an even bigger step: creating a simplified flat tax for all," say Steve Forbes and Stephen Moore. Shrinking the "personal income and corporate tax rates to 15% would have huge economic benefits," and "America would suddenly have one of the lowest tax rates in the world, resulting in trillions of dollars of new capital flow."

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'What critics get wrong about the Ivy League'

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Philip J. Hanlon at Time

Universities have become "scapegoats for both good and bad reasons," as "populist political leaders from both the far left and far right now target higher education as a common enemy," say Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Philip J. Hanlon. But the "value of higher education should be appreciated for more than winning awards and creating wealth but also for quality of life," and colleges "must address the ideological orthodoxy of political correctness which has diverted tolerance for original thought."

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The world is the solo traveler's own special oyster. With no one else on the journey, you can stop and see whatever you want, eat when you want and spend the night where you want. Take full advantage of this freedom in 2025 by planning a trip that is all about your interests. Consider one — or all — of these four paths. They lead to the same ending: a fulfilling solo experience.

Focus on wellness

Staying at a wellness retreat ensures the quiet necessary to "reflect and connect" with yourself, Essence said. Rancho La Puerta, an immersive wellness resort and spa in Mexico's Baja California, gives guests exactly that. This "serene" sanctuary has been "rejuvenating body and soul for over 80 years," Locale Magazine said, with workshops, activities, evening entertainment and dining included in the rate. Situated at the base of Mount Kuchumaa, Rancho La Puerta's "vast property" is a "playground" for visitors, who can hike along the trails and meadows, practice yoga and swim in one of the resort's four pools.

The Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai in Thailand offers the best of both worlds. It is within Chiang Mai's city limits but located in the foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain. The location achieves a "rural-resort atmosphere," the Michelin Guide said. This resort is perfect for yogi, with guests able to attend mindfulness yoga and Vipassana meditation sessions, and the luxurious poolside spa pavilion is "key to the Aleenta's appeal." Thai healing treatments, like the traditional lanna massage, are among the spa's comprehensive offerings, alongside ayuravada therapies and body wraps and scrubs.

Experience the great outdoors

Exploring the wilderness as a solo traveler can be an incredible experience — being alone in a vast space is humbling. There are a few safety tips to keep in mind when going off the beaten path, and the first is to let family and friends know where you are going and when you expect to be back (and when you get to your destination, drop them a location pin). Read up on how to stay safe in the area you are visiting and the exact items you need to pack, based on the weather, time of year and the area's security needs. Once you arrive, "listen to your intuition," travel writer Lauren Gay said to National Geographic. "If something doesn't feel right or doesn't feel safe, pack up and go."

Being a solo traveler does not mean you have to do everything alone. If you want to witness nature's grandeur in a more remote place, like the colorful Vermillion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona, but have concerns, join a small tour group. If the sea is calling your name, even smaller beaches have visitors year-round, so you will always see other people. Because of cooler temperatures, the Point Reyes National Seashore near San Francisco is not for those seeking days of sunshine but still offers a "perfect, mellow escape," Afar said. Hike along the coast, stop at the Point Reyes Lighthouse and cap off the day with bivalves and sparkling wine at the Hog Island Oyster Company on Tomales Bay.

Escape to the big city

Bring on the bright lights. The beauty of spending time in a major metropolitan area like London, Tokyo or Mexico City is there is something to do at all times, and you can easily fill your days and nights with concerts, theater, parks and all types of cuisines. No place does this better than New York City, which "might be full of crowds," Travel and Leisure said, but is also a "welcoming hub for parties of one." Solo travelers can explore at their own pace "some of the best art and shopping in the world, and more food and drink options than you can fit into a month-long trip."

Paris is another city where a companion is unnecessary. Here, you can "binge on some of the world's best museums" and indulge in a "long meditative sit in front of centuries-old paintings," Thrillist said. Book a hotel "somewhere central and walkable" so you can see the sights by foot, especially the "architecture that makes Paris, well, Paris." It is one beauty after another, like the Museum of the Army, an impressive palace built by Louis XIV for injured veterans that is across from the Rodin Museum, which sits on the grounds of a "grand, 18th-century mansion that the artist himself took over in 1911."

See history come alive

Every city, town and village has a story, and if you dig deep enough you can find it. Prefer to go where the history is already front and center? Head to Washington, D.C., where it is "impossible to get bored," Good Housekeeping said.

Stroll by the White House, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument and take your time wandering the halls of the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the International Spy Museum. After all, you are flying solo and can take your time soaking it all in. D.C.'s pull extends beyond monuments and museums; there are countless culinary institutions, like Union Market, Eastern Market and Ben's Chili Bowl, where diners line up for the legendary half-smokes: half-beef and half-pork smoked sausage covered in chili.

Offering a "veritable feast of museums and historical hotspots," Berlin is an "excellent city for entry-level solo travel," Thrillist said. A guided walking tour will take you past landmarks like Brandenburg Gate and such sobering sites as the Topography of Terror Museum. Be sure to visit East Side Gallery, the "spectacularly painted remains of the Berlin Wall," and visit Bauhaus-Archiv to view items from the "iconic design school." Between stops, grab a doner kebab and enjoy it while people watching.

'Not everyone is benefiting from drops in overdose deaths'

Maia Szalavitz at The New York Times

A drop in drug deaths "might reflect what epidemiologists call a depletion of susceptibles, a grim term that can describe the waning of an epidemic because the most vulnerable people have perished," says Maia Szalavitz. The U.S. "urgently needs to identify which factors beyond the tragedy of mass death are causing fatalities to fall." This "could not only help prevent rises in overdoses but may also explain why some groups continue to experience sharp increases in overdose deaths."

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'The Christian case for Happy Holidays'

Elizabeth Bruenig at The Atlantic

There are "plenty of reasons even devoutly conservative Christians should consider wishing others 'Happy holidays' this season," says Elizabeth Bruenig. There are "other holidays at the end of the year — not just of other faiths but also within Christianity." There are also "more ecumenical Christian reasons for keeping 'Happy holidays' on hand." Most "important is the fact that a friendly greeting is a kind of charity" that "constitutes an offer of hope for another's happiness."

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'Mexico's growing flirtation with China poses challenges for Trump 2.0'

Mauricio J. Claver-Carone at The Hill

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum must "curate Mexico's balancing act between the U.S. and China while avoiding a spat with the incoming Trump administration," says Mauricio J. Claver-Carone. Mexico is "sitting on a real opportunity but it needs to play its cards right." It is "urgent to de-couple China from our supply chains," and "Mexico should work closely with the Trump administration to fend off China and to ensure a more stable and secure future for the Americas."

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'My visit to one of Ghana's notorious "slave castles" was a haunting reminder of the not-so-distant past'

Jenice Armstrong at The Philadelphia Inquirer

"Everyone who had visited one of the stone forts in Ghana where enslaved Africans were held before making the journey to the Americas told me to prepare myself," says Jenice Armstrong. But it is "unclear what will happen to the teaching about this chapter in American history once President-elect Trump takes office." Not "acknowledging the impact of 400 years of chattel slavery, and even more of racial segregation, is a way to deny the country's ugliest chapters."

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Whales seek warmer weather in the winter, just like snowbirds. After spending their summers in Alaska, humpbacks trek down to Mexico and Hawaii to give birth in subtropical waters, passing by gray whales who frolic off the California coast. The winter whale-watching season typically runs from December to April, and for your best chance of spotting the majestic creatures, head to these locales — or travel even further, to Costa Rica, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

In Cabo San Lucas, the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet, resulting in a biodiverse area that "transforms into a spectacular theater during the whale migration season," Fodor's Travel said. Gray, blue, humpback, sperm and fin whales take over, and those eager to see them book tours in fast-moving zodiac boats and catamarans. These excursions often double as sightseeing tours, so get your cameras ready to snap photos of Cabo landmarks like the Land's End arch.

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Thanks to the Earth's tilted axis, when it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. That means starting in December, whale watching in gorgeous Kaikoura, on the South Island of New Zealand, is a warmer affair. Right off the coast is the 37-mile long Kaikoura Canyon, which attracts blue whales, humpbacks and hundreds of resident sperm whales. Several tours are given by Maori guides, who view whales as magnificent creatures and ancestors. "In Maori mythology, we see ourselves as the younger brother of the whale, so the connection is very special," Whale Watch Kaikoura Chairman Thomas Kahu said to CNN.

Marino Ballena National Park, Costa Rica

Lush and vibrant, Marino Ballena National Park is a "small but important marine park," Lonely Planet said, protecting coral and rock reefs. It is also one of the best spots for whale (and dolphin) watching in Costa Rica, with humpbacks and their babies settling in the area for the winter. Book a whale watching tour, or see what you can spot from the Whale Tail, a stretch of sand that looks like its namesake during low tide.

Maui, Hawaii

There are no bad ocean views in Maui, and that goes double during the winter, when thousands of humpback whales call the island home. One of the most relaxing ways to see them is by staying in Kaanapali Beach and booking a hotel room with a balcony. That way you can sit outside with a drink of choice and watch the whales go by (the truly lucky will see them breach). This is "one of the best beaches in Hawaii," Travel and Leisure said, and a "favorite spot for swimming in clear water, sunbathing on soft white sand, snorkeling and kayaking."

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Migrating blue whales flock to the warm and calm waters of Mirissa, where in recent years boat tour operators have stepped up to ensure they "respect welfare guidelines about cetaceans," Lonely Planet said. An ethical tour will have a small group on board and stay a good distance from the whales, putting the boats' engines in neutral when near the animals and avoiding "groups of mothers and young completely." When your tour is over, Mirissa Beach, a "vision of tropical bliss," awaits.

Monterey Bay, California

A "uniquely cold and very deep submarine canyon" in Monterey Bay makes the area a "hotbed" of whale activity, Travel and Leisure said. You could take a boat tour — be sure to book one with a marine biologist who can field your questions — but whale watching is also possible from land. Head to a high clifftop for the best vantage point, and prepare to sit a spell, as "spotting whales from the shore takes patience." If you happen to run out of patience, move on to the Monterey Bay Aquarium where you are guaranteed to see adorable sea otters, African penguins and jellyfishes.

San Juan Islands, Washington

Gray and humpback whales may migrate, but not every marine mammal is on the move during the winter. Pods of killer whales, or orcas, stay around the San Juan Islands year-round. Orcas are actually dolphins, but these beloved black-and-white creatures typically top the list of wildlife people want to see while on a whale-watching tour. On San Juan Island, the second-largest island in the archipelago, Lime Kiln State Park is a "notable spot in the inner Salish Sea for whale watching," AARP said, and "easily accessible via car and ferry from Seattle." The islands may be close to the bustling city, but during the winter they get about half of the city's rainfall.

Mexico has shattered its glass ceiling, as Claudia Sheinbaum was inaugurated on Oct. 1 as the country's first woman president. As president, Sheinbaum is expected to largely follow the mandates of her predecessor, former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Both are members of the left-wing Morena political party, and López Obrador was considered one of the most progressive Mexican leaders in decades.

Sheinbaum will have one major difference from López Obrador, though, as Mexico's new president will have a nearly unprecedented level of power at her disposal. This comes as the result of several factors, including the weakening of Mexico's judiciary and sweeping congressional control by the Morena party. Despite this, Sheinbaum may still be facing an uphill battle to fix the many problems facing her country.

Why will Sheinbaum be such a powerful president?

It is partly because she is taking over a "government utterly dominated by the ruling Morena party," said The Conversation. The party has existed for just over 10 years, but "has exploited pervasive public disillusionment with the more established parties." As a result, the party has solid majorities in both chambers of Mexico's Congress; Three-quarters of the country's 32 state governors are also from the Morena party.

This gubernatorial and congressional consolidation, completed by the still-popular López Obrador's coalition, means Sheinbaum "begins her term in an extremely powerful position," said The Conversation. The Morena party is "now so dominant that Mexicans are likening the new government to the one-party system that ruled for most of the 20th century," said The Washington Post.

Sheinbaum's power will also be boosted by López Obrador's "judicial overhaul that will over the next three years replace all of the country's judges with new jurists elected by popular vote," said Reuters. This could lead to a highly politicized judiciary that works in Sheinbaum's favor. Mexico "will be transformed, for all practical purposes, into a one-party autocracy," former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo said at The Economist.

Can Sheinbaum address Mexico's challenges?

Sheinbaum campaigned on a continuation of López Obrador's progressivism. But she takes office at a "time when the nation faces pressing problems, including spiraling organized violence, a slowing economy, and tensions with the United States" because of the judicial overhaul, said Time.

The new president "won't face the kinds of checks and balances that her predecessors did," but she "faces a national security threat in the growing political and economic clout of organized crime groups," said the Post. The country is also seeing an epidemic of femicides that will undoubtedly be at the top of Sheinbaum's to-do list.

But despite her seemingly large swath of power, Sheinbaum "will take office with empty coffers" and growing uncertainty because of the judicial reforms, pro-democracy advocate Carlos Heredia said to The Wall Street Journal. Beyond this, one of her most pressing issues — securing the U.S.-Mexico border — could "be upended if Trump wins the election," said the Journal, as Trump "has vowed to deport millions of migrants and threatened military strikes against drug gangs in Mexico."

And while power has been consolidated, Mexicans remain split along ideological lines regarding their new president. As Sheinbaum took office, hundreds of people in Mexico City "marched against a controversial overhaul of the judiciary," while thousands of Morena supporters "filled the main square, waving flags and chanting for the outgoing leader," said the Financial Times. Sheinbaum's election is "history in the making," and "we're counting on her to give us all her support," Sheinbaum supporter Graciela Hernández said to the Financial Times.

What happened

Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, took office Tuesday, becoming the first woman and first Jewish person to lead the country. The a 62-year-old environmental engineer and former Mexico City mayor was sworn in for her six-year term at a ceremony in Mexico's Congress.

Who said what

"It's time for transformation, it's time for women," Sheinbaum said, flanked by women soldiers. "I'm a mother, a grandmother, a scientist and a woman of faith, and from today, by the will of the Mexican people, the president." Hundreds of people changed "Presidenta!" — the feminine form of her new title — as she was handed the red, white and green presidential sash by Ifigenia Martinez, president of the Chamber of Deputies.

Sheinbaum, who "grew up in a Jewish intellectual family" and holds a PhD in energy engineering, is "more cerebral and less folksy than her charismatic predecessor" and mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, The Washington Post said. She won in June elections with the "largest margin of victory since Mexico transitioned to democracy" and an "effective supermajority" in Congress, The New York Times said, but she isn't a "transcendent political talent" like López Obrador, and there are "questions over how much influence" he will "exert over his protégé."

What next?

Sheinbaum offered 100 pledges at a celebration yesterday afternoon at Mexico's Zócalo plaza, including expanding health care and enacting reforms to battle violence against women, Reuters said. But she takes office with "the largest budget deficit since the 1980s and lagging economic growth," as well as growing cartel violence.

What happened

Mexico has amended its constitution to make all judgeships elected positions, a controversial judicial overhaul pushed by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The Senate approved the amendment early Wednesday, after an opposition lawmaker defected and protesters stormed the Senate chamber, and a majority of Mexico's 32 states then ratified it over the next 36 hours. "With now 18 approving it, well, now it’s legal," Lopéz Obrador said yesterday morning.

Who said what

The constitutional amendment is the "most far-reaching judicial overhaul ever attempted by a large democracy," The New York Times said, and it puts Mexico on an "untested course whose consequences for the courts and the country are nearly impossible to predict."

Supporters of the amendment — including López Obrador, a "populist long averse to independent regulatory bodies who has ignored courts and attacked judges" — argue it will make judges accountable to the people and "crack down on corruption" and nepotism in a judicial system "most Mexicans agree is broken," The Associated Press said. Critics say it will "deal a blow to checks and balances and make it easier for cartels and criminals to influence the courts."

What next?

López Obrador said he will sign and publish the constitutional amendment on Sunday, the eve of Mexico's Independence Day. His successor and protégé, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, takes office Oct. 1. The plan is for Mexicans to elect all nine Supreme Court justices and about half of the country's 7,000 judges next June.

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Full-fledged dishes are a swell way to learn to cook. Sometimes, though, making boeuf bourguignon when you can hardly brown beef is a bit like putting the cart before the cow, er, horse. Yet many cookbooks are devoted to unabridged endgames.

A less-common approach is to shape a cookbook around the DNA of a cooking style or culture. Starting at the baseline, with building blocks rather than a neoclassical mansion, is a sublime way to learn to master — or even dabble in — a cuisine. Such is the import and impact of Roberto Santibañez's 2011 cookbook "Truly Mexican."

Four chapters, four keystones

There are 31 states and one federal district, Ciudad de México, in Mexico. The country's cooking is heterogenous, but there are filaments that connect the different regions' ways of feeding themselves. Santibañez, a native of Mexico City, is the chef of the Fonda restaurants in New York City and of the Mi Vida restaurants in Washington, D.C. In "Truly Mexican" he pares the essence of Mexican cuisine to four requisite categories: salsas; guacamoles; adobos; and moles and pipianes.

Each section, in its comprehensiveness and loyalty to regional authenticity, dispatches any clichéd notions of Mexican cuisine's sameness. The salsa chapter, of course, opens with pico de gallo. Santibañez interrogates our understanding of the border-crossing staple: "the key to this salsa is adding plenty of lime juice and salt, and not skimping on the chiles. Because without a burst of acidity and hear, you're just eating chopped tomatoes." Preach, Roberto. 

He tours a collection of salsas, both fresh and cooked. Fruits such as peaches, papayas and pineapples appear in both salsas and guacamoles. Fusion frippery, this is not. Each salsa and guacamole has a point of regional origin or a personal genesis tale. 

Where salsas and guacamoles are condiments, the adobos, moles and pipianes Santibañez extols are the Spanx that shape and accentuate all manner of protein. Shell-on shrimp, for example, are blanketed in a choice of three kinds of adobo, each fortified with a lone chile or a mix of them: guajillo adobo; ancho adobo; or three-chile adobo. He shows you not only how to cook a range of adobos but demonstrates how versatile they can be. A kinetic wardrobe of mix-and-match essentials. 

Adobos are simple compared to the complexities of moles and pipianes. "Most likely derived form the ancient Nahuatl word molli — which means, essentially, 'a bunch of ingredients ground up' — mole is simply a mixture of ingredients that typically includes some combination of chiles, spices or herbs, tomatoes or tomatillos, and sometimes seeds or nuts," Santibañez writes. Pipanes are the seed-centric siblings of moles. 

The notion of assembling a mole can be daunting to the uninitiated, so the book divides the moles by texture: recipe for thins come first, followed by thicks. Pipianes are splintered by main component: a handful of recipes for pumpkin seed pipianes before mini-sections on encacahuatados (peanut-sauced), almendrados (almond-sauced) and then other nuts and seeds. Cumin-spiked pumpkin seed and cascabel chile dip, anyone?

Two bonus chapters

Santibañez is a chef, after all, which means he wants to feed you. So the final eighth of the book includes two mini chapters, "More Ideas for Using Mexican Sauces" and "Sides." In the first, you put those shrimp in adobo sauce to handheld use in a recipe sketch for shrimp tacos, topped with one of three salsas from the book: mango and pineapple salsa; peach salsa; or fried serrano salsa. Or you can make enchiladas. Or tamales. You get the idea. 

The "Sides" chapter demands your meal go holistic, with four bean recipes and vegetable dishes like zucchini and corn with cream. You blinked, and you can now assemble not only a mean tomatillo salsa and black mole, but also a rounded Mexican meal. 

'Mexico's rule of law is in danger. The US is right to weigh in.'

The Washington Post editorial board

Mexico and the U.S. have "mutual interests in issues spanning commerce, migration, organized crime and national security," so the U.S. had "every right to weigh in" on Mexico's judicial reform, said The Washington Post editorial board. The Mexican president's plan "includes a scary expansion of the list of crimes for which the government can impose mandatory pretrial imprisonment," and he is "likely to get his way." Mexico's judiciary is "dysfunctional and corrupt. But judges are the wrong target."

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'Housing is the sleeper issue of the 2024 campaign'

Michael Solon at The Wall Street Journal

The Harris campaign has "proposed a housing agenda of more government cash and greater command-and-control. The economic harm will far exceed any benefit," says Michael Solon. The Federal Reserve "could cut interest rates or home construction could rise," but "housing markets can't recover if the Justice Department's radical trustbusters interfere with the recent Realtors' settlement." Harris "would fix the damage of too much government by gouging homeowners with even more government."

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'With TV drug ads, don't believe your eyes'

Elisabeth Rosenthal at Bloomberg

In the early 2000s, few "thought drug advertising would take hold," says Elisabeth Rosenthal, but the FDA "underestimated the wiliness of the pharmaceutical industry, which created a new art form: finding ways to make their wares seem like joyous must-have treatments, while often minimizing lackluster efficacy and risks." The "common sense and the sort of truth-in-advertising standard we apply in other sectors could be a suitable first step" for medical advertisements because it is "an issue of public health."

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'Why do we find it so hard to accept coincidences for what they are?'

Jemima Kelly at the Financial Times

What "makes it so hard to get our heads around the idea that some things are really just a coincidence?" says Jemima Kelly. That we "should be astonished when coincidences do happen is understandable, even reasonable." We "might like to imagine that we all have control over our lives and what goes on around us, but in reality we live in a complex, messy, often inexplicable world." But "coincidences do and should make us ask questions."

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'Of course schools are day care'

Jerusalem Demsas at The Atlantic

The "end of summer marks the beginning of freedom," because "school isn't just about educating kids; it's about watching them," says Jerusalem Demsas. Parents "know the dread of scrambling for sitters or rearranging their own schedule when school is unexpectedly out of session." The "problem isn't merely what school closures have done to kids; it's also what they've done to parents." Extending school "would be helpful to mothers and to the broader community."

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'We need smart laws, not fewer laws'

Jefferson Adams at Newsweek

While "deregulation is often touted as a catalyst for economic growth, the consequences of reducing the number of laws can be catastrophic, as seen in numerous recent disasters," says Jefferson Adams. Although the "rhetoric of deregulation is politically expedient, the realities of its consequences are far more complex and often detrimental to public safety and welfare." The "importance of laws in safeguarding health and welfare has been evident for years," as "disasters often prompt calls for stronger laws."

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'Dear DNC — where are the Latinos?'

Sabrina Vourvoulias at The Philadelphia Inquirer

The "hope for at least four Latino headliners at the DNC this year — which would be the most modest sign of incremental growth since the party's last quadrennial gathering — may be a bridge too far," says Sabrina Vourvoulias. Latinos "are 19% of the U.S. population," but "what was once considered a slam-dunk for Democratic Party gain, has become far less certain as the 21st century wears on." The "invisibilizing of Latino Democrats certainly doesn't help."

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'Mexico flirts with dictatorship'

Mary Anastasia O'Grady at The Wall Street Journal

Mexicans who "want to live in a pluralistic and free republic are on edge about September," says Mary Anastasia O'Grady. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador "plans to pass a set of radical constitutional amendments" before leaving office. If "he succeeds, Mexico will return to a one-party state," and "things could get a whole lot uglier considering the power of Mexican cartels." A "nation that relies on greater integration with the global economy will go backward."

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August is when the end of summer sharpens into view. This is the time to enjoy a sunny escape, before the leaves start to change and warm weather retreats to a distant memory. From an island getaway in Moorea to a nature retreat in Southern California, there are myriad hotels where you can bask before summer sets.

Almanac X Alcron, Prague

The stylish Almanac X Alcron Prague, equal parts modern and traditional, is close to the action, being located mere steps away from Old Town and Wenceslas Square. Filled with onyx fireplaces, marble pillars and paintings by local artists, the heart of the hotel are the Alcron Restaurant, where the chef puts a new spin on classic Czech dishes, and the Art Deco-inspired Alcron Bar. All of the rooms and suites are comfortable, but for something special, book the Almanac X Castle View Suite, where you need only look out your window to gawk at Prague Castle.

Fare Tiaia Beach, Moorea, French Polynesia

This hotel provides a new tier of privacy. Fare Tiaia Beach sits on its own white sandy beach, the glassy water so clear you can view fish and coral from shore. With only seven bungalows, there is a spacious, air-conditioned accommodation for all types, with couples drawn to the more intimate Faré Suki and families opting for the two-story, thatched-roof Faré Kautinaki. Breakfast is included in each stay, and all guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen, terrace with covered dining table and two beach cabanas. 

Huttopia Paradise Springs, Valyermo, California 

Get that camping fix without having to rough it. Up in the Angeles National Forest, this hideaway is tucked back in a canyon, with a creek running through it. Guests at Huttopia Paradise Springs can stay in solar-powered tents with decks and kitchenettes or the historic one-bedroom Chaplin Cabin. This newly restored accommodation is surrounded by trout ponds and has a private patio and hot tub and stairs that were constructed by — you guessed it — Charlie Chaplin. On site, there is also a spring water swimming pool dating back to the 1920s and a bistro serving homemade pizzas, burgers and salads.

Las Alcobas, Mexico City

The energy of Mexico City is palpable, especially when staying at a boutique hotel in the Polanco neighborhood. Once a private residence, this property is now Las Alcobas, home to 35 luxe suites, the lively Anatol restaurant and Aurora Spa. Because of the hotel's smaller size, the concierge is able to work with guests on personalized itineraries, guiding them to sights and restaurants based on their preferences. Experiences could include a private tour through the Teotihuacán pyramid complex or a trek to the best taco and tequila spots in Mexico City. 

Romazzino, Sardinia

If you live by the motto "treat yourself," consider booking a suite at Romazzino. This jewel overlooks the Costa Smeralda coastline and offers precisely what you want from an Italian summer escapade: gorgeous seaside views; access to a private beach; grilled seafood, pasta and Aperol spritzes at the ready. Guests can also take advantage of activities like private tennis lessons with the in-house coach or a mixology class, or hit the road in a Fiat 500 and cruise around, seeing the sights and stopping for gelato and coffee.

Sand Valley Resort, Nekoosa, Wisconsin 

Plan on spending most of your time here outdoors. Guests at Sand Valley Resort can do just about anything on this 12,000-acre property, from playing matches on one of the 16 grass tennis courts to sledding down the sand dunes to angling with the resident fisher. Golf is the main attraction, with five great courses on-site, including the brand new Sedge Valley inspired by classic links courses on the English coast. The resort is pet-friendly, and accommodations run the gamut from comfortable lodge rooms to eight-bedroom estate homes with private putting greens. 

Mexico is a diverse country, in both culture and geography. It has an abundance of distinctive areas to explore, from the jungles of Veracruz to the mountains of Puebla to the beaches along the Pacific coast. The Indigenous and Spanish influences on art, architecture and monuments are always present. In every corner, there are thriving cities that preserve and highlight Mexico's spirited cultural and historical heritage, with many officially named as Pueblos Mágicos, or magical towns.

Guanajuato 

The houses here are painted in bold and brilliant colors, but it was silver that put this central Mexican city on the map. Founded in 1559, Guanajuato was the largest silver-extraction center in the world during the 18th century, and there are reminders everywhere, like at the Boca del Inferno mineshaft. On the cultural side, visitors who time their travels well can experience the International Cervantino Festival in the fall, a massive celebration of cinema, literature and performing and visual arts featuring thousands of participants from around the world. If a performance is scheduled at the palatial Teatro Juárez theater, grab a seat, or sign up for a tour of the opulent space.

Izamal

This colorful town (one of its nicknames is the Yellow City) on the Yucatán Peninsula  is home to ancient Mayan structures and pyramids, including one honoring the sun god Kinich Kak Moo, and Spanish Colonial buildings like the golden-hued Convento de San Antonio de Padua, built in 1561. This mix of Mayan, Spanish and contemporary architectural styles and influences are behind another one of Izamal's nicknames: the City of Three Cultures. It is one of the "most picturesque pueblos" on the peninsula, Condé Nast Traveler said, and visitors enjoy strolling down the cobblestone streets and taking in the sights from a horse-drawn carriage. 

San Cristóbal de las Casas

In San Cristóbal de las Casas, there is a "comfortable blend of city and countryside," Lonely Planet said, "with restored century-old houses giving way to grazing animals and fields of corn." Up in the central highlands of Chiapas, this "dreamy" city is filled with opportunities to "visit weavers, ceramists and markets," Travel + Leisure said, and travelers can also "witness ceremonies in the Indigenous municipalities of Zinacantán, Chamula and Tenejapa." San Cristóbal de las Casas stays lively throughout the year with concerts, processions and festivals in its main plazas, like the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Día de los Muertos and Festival de la Primavera y la Paz.

San Pablo Villa de Mitla

Tucked away in the mountains near Oaxaca City, San Pablo Villa de Mitla is home to archeological wonders. The Zapotecs settled in the area in about 1500 B.C., and there are five major ruin sites in Mitla, including what was once this culture's most important religious site and ancient structures filled with famed geometric mosaics that "have no peers in ancient Mexico," Lonely Planet said. "The 14 different designs are thought to symbolize the sky and earth, a feathered serpent and other important beings, in sophisticated stylized forms." Local artisans sell their wares near the ruins, including hand-woven and embroidered rugs, clothing and tablecloths. 

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende "may just be the most charming small town in Mexico," Travel + Leisure said, with "one of the most impressive gastronomic scenes" to boot. Its baroque architecture gives the city a romantic feel, and the town's centerpiece is the 19th century Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a pink parish church with elaborate towers. Not too far away is Santuario de Atotonilco, known as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico due to its elaborate ceiling murals. Following a lunch of tacos, enchiladas or tortas (be sure to grab a churro from a churrería for dessert), walk it off at the La Esquina Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano toy museum or Mercado de Artesanías, a market filled with handmade crafts from local artisans.

Getting from your hotel room to the links in a matter of minutes is everything a golfer on vacation could ask for, especially when the courses offer views so incredible they might distract you from the game itself. Here are 10 beautiful hotels with golf courses on property — or a few steps away — that will thrill any player. 

The Bushmills Inn, Northern Ireland 

The area around The Bushmills Inn is a golfer's dream. Historic clubs are abundant, from the Royal Portrush and its two majestic championship courses to the Portstewart with three emerald courses boasting views of the Atlantic Ocean, Donegal hills and River Bann. The inn offers transportation to the courses, among other amenities like a boutique cinema and traditional Irish breakfast served in the morning. The rooms and suites are charming, with features like four-poster beds and heated towel racks. After a day on the green, unwind at the legendary Bushmills Distillery for a tour and whiskey tasting.

Cabot Cape Breton, Inverness, Nova Scotia 

High on the cliffs above the Gulf of St. Lawrence stands Cabot Cape Breton and its three exceptional golf courses. Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs both made Golf Digest's World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses list, thanks in part to their stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and rolling fairways. The newer Nest is a 10-hole, par 3 course designed for a quicker game. Stay in one of the comfortable rooms at the Cabot Links Lodge — each one has an ocean view — or upgrade to a plush golf villa overlooking the greens. 

Coeur d'Alene Resort, Idaho

This is a golf course with a twist. At the Coeur d'Alene Resort, the 14th hole is a floating green, with a tee that changes positions every day. You get two opportunities to land the ball on the island (if you miss, it gets dropped down) and then hop on an electric-powered boat to finish the hole. The views as you play are just as memorable, with Lake Coeur d'Alene in the background and geraniums, petunias, wildflowers and junipers dotting the landscape. The resort has five different kinds of accommodations; the 2,500-square-foot Hagadone Penthouse, complete with two private terraces and a glass-bottom swimming pool, is the most impressive. 

Half Moon Montego Bay, Jamaica

Golf carts are available to rent, but you are going to want to walk this one. The 18-hole championship Half Moon Golf Course stretches across the grounds of a former sugarcane estate, surrounded by native trees that almost always seem to be swaying in the breeze. Guests also have access to the nearby Cinnamon Hill and White Witch courses and can book private lessons with visiting pro instructors. All of Half Moon's rooms, suites and villas come with private balconies or patios, and there is an option to book a dining plan that lets you explore the hotel's 11 restaurants and bars.

Kawana Hotel and Golf Course, Shizuoka, Japan

You have two courses to choose from at the Kawana Hotel: Fuji and Oshima. The challenging Fuji Course is legendary, with 18 holes surrounded by deep bunkers. It is in a picturesque setting above the Pacific Ocean and in sight of Mount Fuji and must be walked with a caddie. Oshima, one of the oldest golf courses in Japan, is just as gorgeous, but golfers are allowed to use carts, do not need caddies and can play at their own speed. The hotel's spacious rooms make it easy to unwind after a day of golf, as does the Main Bar, where guests can enjoy a drink in a moody space filled with leather and wood.

The Lodge at Sea Island, Georgia

Sea Island entices golfers not only with three championship courses but also enchanting accommodations. Serious players can hone their skills with expert help at the state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center, while those looking to spend quality time with their kids will find it at the 18-hole Speedway putting course. A boutique experience awaits at The Lodge, with its 43 elegant rooms and suites that come with 24-hour butler service and nightly turndowns. The highlight of every evening occurs at sunset, when a bagpiper serenades guests from the Lodge's veranda, heralding the transition from day to night. 

Marine Troon, Scotland 

Put your golf skills to the test in Troon, Scotland, where the rugged Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club awaits. A striking spot to play, with 18 holes that get more and more challenging, this is one of several courses near Marine & Lawn's Marine Troon. The property makes golfing easy, offering club storage and rentals, an expansive putting green for practicing and a concierge team ready to assist with scheduling tee times. Rooms here are warm and inviting, with colorful wallpaper, traditional artwork and velvet touches.  

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Whitefield, New Hampshire

Make Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa your family's summer playground. Covering 1,700 acres, this immense property in the White Mountains offers a little bit of everything. The lovely nine-hole Mountain View Golf Course, originally built in 1900 and redesigned in 1938, can be played by novices and pros alike. To switch approaches, hang up your clubs and try your hand at disc golf. Afterward, visit the Mountain View Farm and its goats and llamas, play a round of tennis on one of four clay courts with views of the Presidential Mountain Range or jump in the outdoor pool. To ensure there is room for all your guests, book the Presidential Suite with a sleeper sofa and two bathrooms.

The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California

When designing the Ocean North and Ocean South Golf Courses at The Resort at Pelican Hill, architect Tom Fazio wanted every round to feel like "once in a lifetime, every time." He succeeded, as all 36 holes perfectly complement the majestic scenery, with the Pacific Ocean or lush greenery viewed from every tee. For a memorable experience, book a time early in the morning and another at sunset, to see the courses through fresh eyes and at golden hour. Accommodations at the resort include bungalows outfitted with limestone fireplaces and terraces and fully furnished villas featuring gourmet kitchens and marble bathrooms.

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, Mexico

Perched above the largest marine preserve in Mexico, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto seems unreal. Dazzling views of the Sea of Cortez and Sierra de la Giganta mountain range are two perks of staying at this all-inclusive resort, with another being able to play on the 18-hole TPC Danzante Bay Golf Course. It is a remarkable spot, with valleys, dunes, foothills, cliffs and arroyos. Choose one of the resort's premium suites to get a view of the course plus amenities like a mini-bar stocked daily and access to the spa's hydrotherapy circuit.

The U.S. and Mexico are experiencing another border dispute, and this one is about water. The conflict stems from an 80-year-old treaty where the countries agreed to share water from the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. However, because water is in more demand but scarcer than ever, sharing has not been going to plan. 

What is causing the conflict?

The U.S. and Mexico signed a treaty in 1944 stipulating that Mexico send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. every five years from the Rio Grande, and the U.S. send 1.5 million acre-feet of water to Mexico from the Colorado River each year. But water levels are lower than ever, and Mexico has "sent only about 30% of its expected deliveries, the lowest amount at this point of any four- or five-year cycles since 1992," said Reuters. 

Mexico is supposed to deposit the water in the Falcon and Amistad Reservoirs, both of which had record-low water levels in June 2024. Climate change is causing a dearth of water, making it nearly impossible for Mexico to fulfill its part of the deal. Ninety percent of the country is currently experiencing a drought as a result of extreme temperatures and below-average rainfall. "I just don't see a means by which sufficient water could be delivered right now in time to save the agricultural production for this year," Carlos Rubinstein, a former Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Rio Grande watermaster and consultant, said to Inside Climate News. "So the water is going to have to come from Mother Nature this year, which is a bad spot to be in."

What are the consequences?

Mexico is rapidly heading toward a "day 0," when water will run dry altogether. "You have treaties that were meant for a stable climate but now are trying to be enforced in a climate that is not stable," Vianey Rueda, a researcher at the University of Michigan, said to CNN. The country argues that current conditions make upholding the treaty extremely difficult, if not impossible. "If there is no water, what can we realistically be expected to pay with?" Salvador Alcántar, a congressman in Chihuahua, Mexico, said to CNN. "No one can be forced to give away what they don't have." 

The effects are far-reaching. "Mexico's lack of timely water deliveries puts all Texas agriculture at risk," Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas)  said in a press release. Texas, in particular, is home to sugar and citrus farms struggling from a lack of water. On the other hand, farmers in Mexico are protesting sending water to the U.S., as they are also suffering from scarcity. "A lot of the nation, especially the state of Texas, but also across the eastern part of the nation relies on the Rio Grande Valley to supply the fall and winter vegetables," Brian Jones, a farmer in the Rio Grande Valley said to Nexstar. "It will start impacting customers in the grocery store quickly." 

Will there be a resolution?

The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), which oversees the treaty between the two countries, is looking to make amendments to the treaty to account for the current circumstances. "Amendments are agreed between the countries through a 'minute' process," said CNN. "Minutes can encompass issues from data-sharing to water delivery changes." Tensions between the two countries are already high, especially regarding immigration, and the water problem is adding fuel to the fire. Texas politicians have been pressuring the Biden administration to take more decisive action to make Mexico deliver, including instating sanctions. 

Mexico recently elected climate scientist Claudia Sheinbaum as president, which has reopened discussions about the water treaty. "We've asked Mexico for a plan on how they're going to meet their deficit right now," Maria Elena Giner, the U.S. commissioner of the IBWC, said to CNN. However, the U.S. could potentially elect a new president in the coming months which could once again alter progress on treaty negotiations. "The incoming U.S. president will also appoint the IBWC commissioner," said Inside Climate News. "The tone of binational negotiations could change dramatically." 

Despite the political motivations, not much can be done regarding the lack of water. "If there's no water to distribute, there's nothing we can do," Giner said. 

The avocado's wholesome image is being tarnished by the arson, threats and killings involved in its production in Michoacán, Mexico.

The country supplies around 80% of the avocados eaten in the US, and most come from the western state, which also provides nearly a third of global supply, so if you eat an avocado there's a good chance it's from "one of the most violent and complex" places in Mexico, said Forbes.

'Blood diamonds'

Avocados have been consumed for thousands of years in the region, where the "temperate hillsides of porous volcanic soil offer optimal growing conditions", said the New York Times, but producing the berry "on an industrial scale" for export only began in the 1990s when the US opened up to the market.

Internal US government reports warned that the approval of the Mexican state as a producer "would likely increase deforestation" in the area. This has proved correct, as a "combination of interests", including "criminal gangs, landowners, corrupt local officials and community leaders", started clearing forests for avocado orchards, said the New York Times, in some cases "illegally seizing privately owned land".

Using environmental geographers, satellite images and Mexican government estimates, the NGO Climate Rights International estimates that the area deforested for these plantations is between 16,000 and 28,000 hectares.

Meanwhile, illegal wells transport water to the new orchards through a "labyrinthine system" of plastic pipes that often "pilfer" the water supplies of farmers growing traditional crops like tomatoes or corn.

Attempts to stop these crimes have been met with some brutality. The NYT spoke to farmers, government officials and Indigenous leaders and discovered that local people fighting deforestation and water theft have become targets of "intimidation, abductions and shootings".

Five years ago, 19 people were found "hanging from an overpass, piled beneath a pedestrian bridge, or dumped on the roadside" in "various states of undress and dismemberment", said The Guardian. Experts believe the incident emerged from cartel clashes over the multibillion-dollar trade.

Then, in February 2023, the Indigenous leader and defender of the Purépecha forests of Michoacán, Alfredo Cisneros, was "shot and killed after reporting illegal logging", said El Pais.

This has led one Michelin star chef to describe avocados as "the blood diamonds" of Mexico. There are "a lot of issues with cartel involvement in the ownership" and also the "pressure placed on avocado farmers", JP McMahon told the BBC.

Highway thefts

Meanwhile, avocado shipments are being stolen in ever growing quantities. Last month, highway thieves stole 40 tonnes of avocados in Mexico, according to the attorney general's office.

Armed men stopped freight trucks in two separate robberies in Michoacan and around 20 tonnes of avocados were taken in each incident, as the robbers "transferred crates containing the fruit into a van and fled the scene", said Sky News.

Although avocado farmers have "long been targeted by drug cartel extortion demands" in the western state, and thefts of fruit straight from trees in avocado orchards are also known, hijackings of entire shipments had previously been "rare", said the broadcaster.

There is no end in sight for these problems because amid all this theft and violence, the avocado trade is expected to continue booming. A study last year predicted that the amount of land in Michoacán used for avocado crops could increase by more than 80% by 2050.