Forbes Travel Guide announces a new Star Rating

During the summer of 2024, more people visited Philadelphia than ever before, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today. Bolstered by large events including WrestleMania XL, Alzheimer's Association’s International Congress, and new nonstop transatlantic routes from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), convention attendance and international visitation spend during the crucial spring and summer seasons exceeded pre-pandemic levels. At the Bureau’s Annual Luncheon event celebrating Philadelphia’s hospitality community, PHLCVB President and CEO Gregg Caren announced that between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day 2024, more than 1.6 million room nights were sold in Center City Philadelphia, an 8.2% increase over 2023, and the highest number ever recorded in the city, according to Tourism Economics. In addition: The record number of room nights sold is largely driven by the two-week period where Philadelphia welcomed: The Alzheimer's Association International Conference with over 12,000 people from over 100 countries. The Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the Wells Fargo Center with over 3,000 delegates from nearly 30 countries. The Liverpool/Arsenal soccer match at Lincoln Financial Field, which drew both international and domestic fans. Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) grew 51% over 2023 during Summer 2024, with significant growth on the dates with overlapping demand from all three events. Inbound arrivals at Philadelphia International Airport were up close to 7% during May-August over 2023. International visitor spending grew 8% over 2023 during May-August over 2023. Year to date in 2024, international visitor spending is trending up 27% over 2023. This reflects longer stays and greater engagement with our city’s attractions, dining, and experiences. Caren praised the over 850 hospitality professionals gathered at The Franklin Institute for “bringing the city to life” for convention attendees and international visitors. “This city is a tapestry of history, culture, art, and innovation—and every single one of you plays a part… Philly is more than just a city—it's an experience that calls people back time and again,” Caren said. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker added that tourism, conventions, and events support over 80,000 workers in the region. Mayor Parker thanked the PHLCVB and said that record-setting numbers come at exactly the right time. “Thanks to the work of the PHLCVB, Philadelphia’s profile around the world has been raised by hosting major conventions, sporting events, and international visitors. All this hard work is essential as we gear up to welcome the world in 2026 — inviting everyone to experience our city’s history, culture, and hospitality.” As America’s birthplace and First World Heritage City, Philadelphia will be at the center of the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence) celebration on July 4, 2026. In addition, the Philadelphia area will host several major international sporting events and conventions, including: Six matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ The 2026 Major League All-Star Game The 2026 PGA Championship PMCA Convening Leaders 2026 In addition to attracting large events, Philadelphia has also benefitted from American Airlines’ investment in PHL as a transatlantic gateway. In 2024, American debuted three nonstop seasonal routes from Philadelphia: Copenhagen, Nice, and Naples. The airline recently announces that all three routes would return in 2025, alongside new seasonal routes to Milan and Edinburgh, giving international travelers more opportunities than ever to enjoy the City of Brotherly Love.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is enhancing its culinary landscape with the recent appointments of a new Director of Food & Beverage, Jonathan Hernandez, and Executive Chef, Andrea Montuori. These dynamic additions to the leadership team, alongside the debut of renovated dining venues Sails and Coconut Cove, underscore the luxury resort’s commitment to delivering elevated, innovative dining that celebrates the rich flavors of the Caribbean. Photo credits: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas “We are thrilled with the expertise, passion and commitment to excellence Mr. Hernandez and Chef Montuori are bringing to enhance our food & beverage experiences, leading our Ladies and Gentlemen in the culinary space with a fresh energy,” says Laura Jarvinen, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. “The creativity and dedication they are adding to our island paradise and newly renovated eateries is sure to shine and provide our guests with authentic Caribbean flavors with a sustainable lens.” Bringing a dynamic background in food and beverage leadership, Jonathan Hernandez is stepping into the role of Food & Beverage Director at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas with extensive experience under his belt. In his most recent role as Director of F&B Operations at Lost Boy & Co., he managed all operational aspects for a luxury Miami hotel while mentoring new leadership. Previous to that role, Hernandez was the Multi-Unit Director of Operations at Bar Lab from 2019 to 2023, where he oversaw multiple venues across Miami, Washington D.C., and Madrid, handling all responsibilities from menu development to successful venue launches. In his various leadership roles, he oversaw many notable milestones, including driving $13 million in annual revenue for the Jean-Georges’ Matador Room as General Manager and improving beverage revenue and guest satisfaction through innovative menu strategies and service standards at the Renaissance Vinoy. Photo credits: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas “I’m most looking forward to reconnecting with the notable Ritz-Carlton brand in this role and re-energizing the Ladies and Gentlemen for the new and exciting growth we have in store for The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas,” says Hernandez.  As the Executive Chef, Chef Andrea Montuori brings a deep passion and global perspective to his new role at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. With more than 20 years of experience in luxury restaurants and hotels, Chef Montuori has shaped his craft across iconic destinations around the world, including Hotel Hassler Roma, The Chedi Kuda Villingili, and most recently The St. Regis Vommuli Maldives, where he generated over $10 million dollars in annual revenue across the seven dining outlets. Chef Montuori first discovered his love for cooking through the fascination he felt when watching his parents cook and the process it took to create dishes. As a teenager watching the iconic Italian Chef Gualtiero Marchesi on television further solidified his goal of becoming a professional chef one day. Chef Montuori worked his way up the ranks, starting in roles such as Chef de Parti at Brambols Restaurant in Limerick to becoming the Executive Chef of multiple five-star properties, including Baglioni Resort in Maldives and Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Malta. Originally from Sardinia, his Mediterranean roots and island experiences inspire his philosophy: each island holds a unique cultural and culinary identity that deserves to be celebrated on the plate. In his new role, Chef Montuori will be incorporating local ingredients to honor the spirit of St. Thomas and create an authentic connection between the island’s vibrant flavors and the menus he will be introducing throughout the property.  In line with the recent culinary appointments, Sails will unveil a fresh new look and menu, bringing guests closer to the beauty of St. Thomas. Inspired by the serene hues of a Caribbean sunrise, the redesigned space features soft pastel accents and natural materials, creating a tranquil beachside retreat. The refreshed menu will include Caribbean Spiny Lobster Salad, Tuna Burrata Carpaccio and Reef Fish Tartar, while re-introducing the Sea to Sails experience, where one can choose their fresh catch and savor a customized four-course Caribbean-inspired menu. In addition, Coconut Cove has been refreshed with an updated menu highlighting more locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, including Spiny Lobster, Reef Snapper and Charred Baby Octopus. Overlooking the tranquil waters of Great Bay, Coconut Cove now offers a relaxed atmosphere with newly refreshed flooring, furniture, and fresh paint, creating the perfect setting to enjoy a true taste of island life. As the property embraces a new era of culinary innovation, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas invites guests to explore a renewed culinary journey that blends the flavors of the Caribbean with refined, creative cuisine and The Ritz-Carlton’s legacy of excellence. For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/st-thomas.

From southern Thai islands to coastal Vietnam, and from the Indonesian archipelago to the cultural heart of Cambodia, Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s most celebrated travel destinations. Luxury resorts in the region increasingly entice travelers with exclusive private villas offering unparalleled opulence and seclusion. Here is a look at some of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive private villas. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group A Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa Used recently as the location for a finale of US hit TV show The Bachelor, this majestic villa enjoys pride of place directly in front of tranquil Tubkaek Beach, some 30 minutes’ drive from the popular town of Krabi. It can be reserved as a three-bedroom unit or combined with two adjoining family beachfront villas to create a 7-bedroom wonderland of saltwater pools, canals, and balconies. Designed as a retreat for multigenerational family vacations and intimate wedding celebrations, Banyan Tree Krabi’s Presidential villa commands no less than 466 sqm and a palatial 1,240 sqm as a seven-bedroom arrangement. Among the additional amenities, guests will find four Smart TVs, a fully equipped kitchenette, a Nespresso coffee machine, a safety box, a Bluetooth clock radio, pillow menu, wine fridge, private pool and jet pool, as well as private gardens, terraces and balconies galore. Among several luxury options for guests - a private barbecue on the terrace of the beachfront villa with one’s own chef! Photo credits: Balcony Media Group The Ultimate in Privacy in Southern Vietnam Azerai Ke Ga Bay, an elegant and sophisticated beachfront resort in southern Vietnam, offers three extraordinary private villa options for guests. The 130sqm Pool Villas and 145sqm Pool Deluxe Villas feature private plunge pools (larger in the Pool Deluxe Villa), writing desks and spacious bathrooms with views to a private garden and a tub for soaking. The spacious Ke Ga Bay Villa is the ultimate couples retreat, boasting 185sqm of space with a master bedroom upstairs with ocean glimpses and multiple relaxation areas below including a large pool and terrace. The tasteful décor of the villas display a muted color palette of whites and granites echoing the shades of local sand and stone of the bay. Azerai Ke Ga Bay, situated 2.5 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City, overlooks an expansive 5km stretch of white sand along the East Sea. This lush and private resort is nestled in 4.5 hectares of verdant gardens and its distinctive location provides a tranquil setting, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group French-Cambodian Style, Luxuriously Updated for Modern Tastes The two-bedroom Royal Villa at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor offers the ultimate in residential luxury, with a butler, pool access, master king and twin bedrooms, a spacious living and dining room and private terrace, three bathrooms, and a kitchen with views of the landscaped gardens at the historic heritage hotels’s iconic swimming pool. The 318sqm villa can accommodate up to six guests and, like all of the rooms and suites at the hotel, it is elegantly decorated in the French-Cambodian style of a bygone era, luxuriously updated for modern tastes. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by the industry-leading Travel + Leisure magazine in April for a third straight year. Originally opened in 1932, the hotel was built as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group Spacious Oceanfront Luxury Villas in Da Nang, Vietnam Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang launched earlier this year in central Vietnam. The spacious beachfront resort overlooking the East Sea is spread across more than 15 hectares, with the palatial Five Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa standing as the epitome of coastal bliss. Spanning an expansive 717sqm of indoor space, the villa comprises a majestic two-story main house featuring four king-size ensuite bedrooms and a twin room, complemented by large dining and living areas. The villa also offers a 150sqm private lounging area and pool, providing the utmost in tranquility on Non Nuoc Beach. Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang offers 85 upscale private villas in addition to a 157-key hotel tower. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group Paradisiacal Privacy in Phuket One of Phuket’s most desirable properties, Trisara is renowned for its paradisiacal privacy. Its collection of residences perched directly over the resort’s bay — which range in size from two-bed units to multi-bedroom configurations—rank among the most spectacular in Thailand. The pick of the residences is Villa Sawan, an eight-bedroom “resort within a resort”. Home to ocean-facing views, lush gardens, and use of a cove with a private beach at the foot of the property, Villa Sawan is the ultimate exclusive escape. Guests can take a dip in the Andaman Sea or unwind by swimming laps in the 25-metre swimming pool. Staff are available and on-call throughout the stay. The villa also features a home cinema, a well-equipped gym, and spa facilities. Expansive suites, sea-facing verandahs, and extensive swimming pools are prominent in all the residences’ blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that lend themselves to intimate gatherings. Adding lustre to the proceedings is the fact that all the villas are catered for by a dedicated maid and chef who prepares home-cooked Thai and Western dishes on demand and by request. With privacy guaranteed, the residences are also perfect for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, marriage proposals or celebrations with extended family or with groups of friends. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group Infinity-Edge Pools With Mesmerizing Sea Views Laguna Lang Co has burnished its status as one of Vietnam’s most alluring integrated destinations courtesy of its recently launched three-bedroom Banyan Tree Seaview Pool Villas. Laid out along a jungle-clad mountainside at the northern end of the property and perched at an altitude of 45 to 75 meters above sea level, the ultra-luxe villas rank among the most desirable accommodations in the nation. The villas, each of which spans an expansive 260sqm, offer three bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass that optimizes the mesmerizing sea view. Private living spaces feature tasteful, contemporary furnishings, carefully chosen artworks and subtle exterior and interior design influenced by the traditional architecture of Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, which is an hour’s drive north of Lang Co. Each unit has its own outdoor heated infinity-edge pool. Long views over the ocean towards Laguna’s 3km-long stretch of private beach are arguably the most outstanding feature of the villas. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group A Famous Indonesian Architect’s Former Abode in Ubud Once the private retreat of one of Indonesia’s foremost designer-architects, the Hadiprana Estate at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, is a sanctuary within a sanctuary. The 570-square-meter (6,135-square-feet), two-bedroom villa features private en-suites, with the master bath anchored by a secluded, sunken outdoor Jacuzzi. A spacious deck and bale surrounds a 10-meter long swimming pool. A museum-worthy collection of art and artifacts, collected by the late Hendra Hadiprana himself, graces the white-washed brick walls and complement the modern Balinese furnishings of this completely private residence. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group Multigenerational Travel a Breeze at Cavernous Oceanfront Pavilion Alma’s crisp and contemporary three-bedroom oceanfront pool pavilions each command some 224sqm on the buttermilk sands on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula. The luxurious pavilions each afford a private pool with an infinity edge, four bathrooms, a vast living room and kitchen just a few steps from Long Beach’s aquamarine waters with islands strewn offshore. The design of the oversized accommodations caters to multigenerational travel for up to four generations; there’s a bathroom and toilet each for the children, the parents, the grandparents and either the great-grandparents or the in-laws. A big fold-out sofa and a large table in the living room encourage families to come together to talk, share a meal and play board games. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group Dreamy Villas For The Honeymooners The Anam Cam Ranh, a luxurious 12-hectare resort overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula, is home to two exquisite villas just for honeymooners, each replete with a private pool, jacuzzi, steam and sauna room and daily afternoon tea. With a design inspired by Vietnam’s Indochine era, the 180-square-metre ‘Honeymoon Villas’ are both set on 400 square metres of lush hillside land located adjacent to the grounds of the resort’s tranquil 10-treatment room spa. The picture-perfect one-bedroom villas each feature a separate living room, jacuzzi, steam and sauna room and private terrace with sun loungers overlooking a glassy-surfaced 40-square-metre private pool. The villas’ romantic appeal draws on the Indochine period with the likes of imperial style roofs, big-bellied water vases, lanterns, and customized mosaic tiles.