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Traveling down the long driveway, through the moss-covered forests that edge the peaceful Loch Corrib in Western Ireland, you can’t help but wonder what might be worth such a dramatic arrival. Around the final bend, you see the stately castle, imposing and beautiful in so many ways. Over a small bridge that crosses a raging river, leading out to the loch, you finally slow to a halt. And, as if you had been transported to the most magical moment possible, you realize you’re about to experience something incredibly special. Ashford Castle is a five-star, luxury hotel that is owned by the respected Red Carnation Hotel Group. A royal residence originally built in the 1200s, the castle has been completely transformed into a destination for comfort, luxury and an opportunity to disconnect. From the moment of check-in, guests never want for anything. The staff, most of whom have been working at the hotel for over 10 years on average, make it their priority to take excellent care of you. As a guest at Ashford, you are family. Some may think that staying at a castle built in the 13th Century might mean dealing with amenities that are, well, dated? Not at Ashford. It just went through an incredible renovation that completely modernized every square inch. The rooms, the restaurants, even the window shades – all brand new. Flat screen televisions with unlimited channels, electronically operated blinds, cooling systems, marble bathrooms, the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sleep in – this is all at your fingertips. The main castle is huge, hall after hall filled with period antiques and artwork lead you to rooms bright with colors, rich textures, interesting fabrics and flowers. You can stop at any corner and admire the details. Carved moldings, etchings, nooks and crannies to explore. The inspiration is endless. You can simply get lost for hours in the castle itself without setting foot outdoors. But what a mistake that would be. Ashford is surrounded by hundreds of acres of park-like grounds littered with water features, statues, gardens and secluded woods. Walking through you stumble upon the castle’s equestrian center which provides riding lessons or personalized rides through the property and beyond. You can even bump in to the renowned School of Falconry. Here you can work with expert guides who have trained hawks, falcons and owls to hunt and fly through the local forests on “missions”. The birds will disappear and then return to land on your arm when you call them. Pure magic. Ashford castle is nature’s theme park. On the property, there are three restaurants to indulge in both local and international cuisine. They’re all fabulous. The food at Ashford is headed by chef Stefan Matz, and he’s a magician. For fine dining you can indulge in perfect tasting menus at George V restaurant. For something more casual, you can head to Cullen’s at the Cottage or the Drawing Room. There is a large variety of offerings at each establishment and menus are well-curated and utilize only the freshest, local ingredients. Overall, I don’t think I’ve experienced an environment as grand and luxurious, yet intimate and inviting as Ashford. The entire time, you feel as if you’re staying at the home of a loving, wealthy aunt and uncle that you see only once a year. The Ashford staff is genuinely happy you’re there and happy to serve, they want nothing but the best for you in so many ways. My only regret is not spending a longer period of time at Ashford. What a shame I had to depart after only two days. I would have stayed two months if possible. But, not to worry. This is one of those places you come back to year after year. Your name will be remembered and Ashford will never leave you – even after returning home.

The Burren is an area in Southwestern Ireland that is covered in green meadows, limestone rock formations and an azure Atlantic coastline. The merging of the rocks, the sea and the greenery make for an incredible sight. The roads curve and hug the coast as you drive through, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Around every corner is a heard of sheep, a quaint stone house or a little village to explore. It feels very “healthy”, for lack of a better term. The salt air, the energy from the rocks and the smell of grass growing after a soft rain – it’s heaven on Earth.

There are many luxury hotel options in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. But the grand dame among all of them is the Copacabana Palace Hotel on Copacabana beach. Sitting just across from the creamy sand directly in-front of the azure blue waters, the imposing white building, which was built in 1923, serves as an icon for the city. Its status as iconic is is not disputed as it has played host to celebrities, royalty and nobility from around the globe since it opened. Today, the hotel is elegant and formal, yet never “stuffy” – this is Rio after all. By day you can lounge beachside in the well-attended beach chairs, sipping on cocktails and snacking on fresh food. By night, you can cozy-up at the piano bar or the Italian import, Cipriani Restaurant. The crowd at the hotel ranges from young to old – but they mostly have one thing in common. They have money. Staying here isn’t cheap but it’s worth every dollar. A stay to remember is what you’ll have and you’ll want nothing but to return, time after time.

Loch Corrib is Ireland’s second largest lake. It straddles two counties in Western Ireland and it’s shores are dotted with meadows, cottages and the impressive Ashford Castle. The lake is clean and clear, one of the best fishing lakes in Western Europe. It’s also serene and one of the most peaceful lakes I’ve ever visited. The lake has 365 islands and bountiful wildlife including birds, mink, otter, deer and more. Being at the edge of Loch Corrib you can’t help but reflect on the moment and be completely and utterly present in the stillness.

JetBlue Airways, the well-known New York City based airline founded in 1999, is one of only two airlines that serve Cartagena, Colombia non-stop from New York’s JFK airport. The four hour and 32 minute flight is easy, especially with JetBlue’s commitment to transporting passengers from point A to point B as quickly, safely and comfortably as possible. Departing from the airline’s newly built T5 terminal, you are able to make your flying experience the best it can be with 36 food and beverage options and 29 retail shops to enjoy before takeoff. Even connecting to one of JetBlue’s other flights within the terminal is swift with a well-organized structure, which allows you to easily locate the connection. This is rare in many airport terminals across the country. From New York’s JFK, La Guardia and Newark Liberty International airports, JetBlue serves destinations throughout the United Staes, the Caribbean, South America, Central America and Mexico. The airline makes an effort to select destinations which speak to both practicality and fun. Many of the locations JetBlue serves act as vacation spots for those craving warm weather, sun, culture and something new. Cartagena offers all of the above. JetBlue knew there was a need to serve the destination before any other carrier in the Northeast and saw a gap in the market a few years ago. They will soon also offer non-stop service from Fort Lauderdale’s International Airport to Cartagena, as well. On board, especially in the “Even More Room” rows one through five, wide leather seats offer comfort and plenty of room to stretch-out and relax. As many know, JetBlue provides passengers the option to utilize free WiFi and Direct TV on-board. There are plenty of opportunities to keep busy and entertain yourself for the duration of the flight. JetBlue truly understands what passengers need and want on-board. Like any other low-cost carriers in today’s aviation market, JetBlue does charge for blankets, headphones and other “extras” – but we can’t expect to have it all, sometimes. You can always avoid those charges by planning ahead. Overall, JetBlue is a pleasant flying experience. It’s familiar, friendly and easy. It’s not often that many low-cost carriers can claim these characteristics. JetBlue feels like a family airline, approachable and one you can trust. If you’re taking advantage of one of their many new and existing routes, make sure Cartagena is one of them – the airline serves the Caribbean city every day of the week but Wednesdays. You won’t regret the choice to zip-down to one of the most sexy and charming cities South America has to offer. And, to boot, you’ll enjoy getting there just as much as the city itself.

The Bukchon Hanok Village sits peacefully in central Seoul, waiting for visitors and locals to explore its picturesque and serene alleyways. While visiting this vibrant South Korean city, I was told that the village was an absolute “must” for any first-time visitor. It is, but it’s also a place I’d come back to, over and over, due to its charm and calm allure. During the Joseon Dynasty, the village represented a traditional urban area where families lived and worked. The homes, called “hanok”, are part of the North village, which was where nobility and high-ranking officials lived. The village was built strategically between two palaces on a mountain with fresh water and positive yang energy. Hanok are typically single-story structures made of clay, wood and stone with ondol heated floors topped by curved tile roofs called giwa.  In this part of Korea, they usually take the shape of the Korean letter “geok” (ㄱ) or “deegut” (ㄷ), which create a nice central courtyard. In the cold North, they are often square shaped to help retain heat, while the warmer southern region’s hanok can have an open “I” shape. Not only is the history interesting, but families still live in these quarters today. It stands as a testament to how Koreans seamlessly blend the old and new. Don’t miss the chance to see it while visiting.

In the upscale Gangnam district in Seoul, Korea, sits a museum dedicated to handbags. Now, that is quite the niche in a city loaded with museums – but, for the fashionable set, it’s an absolute “must”.  The SImone Handbag Museum – which is housed in an architecturally stunning structure that mirrors a handbag itself – features 300 bags from year 1550 all the way up to present day. The bags come from every corner of the world and illustrate the progression of how this necessary accessory has evolved over time. Don’t miss it.

Sometimes, after a long and hectic New York Fashion Week, it’s always nice to get away someplace warm and calm –  running away from the snowy and bustling streets of the city as fast as you can. And, where would one want to go that would allow for a quick flight and maximum sun this time of year? Miami! I decided, in an effort to make the travel experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, to fly privately with a new and innovative company operating in the private jet market, JetSuite. Now, flying on a private jet can be very costly and not everyone has the resources to pay the average $7,000 per hour price tag that can come with the luxury of having an airplane all to yourself. But, with JetSuite, flying in style and comfort is now much more feasible. Unlike many private jet brokers and companies, JetSuite is a self-contained operation, owning their own new aircraft fleet and employing their own pilots. They manage every detail of your experience from their easy-to-use website, travel concierge, bookings and more. On my flight, I flew the new Citation CJ3, which has been rated as one of the most efficient and comfortable jets in its category. The airline also operates Embraer Phenom 100s, which offer speeds of up to 480 miles per hour and can fly well above commercial aircrafts at 47,000 feet. This allows for a smoother and quicker ride to your final destination. From the moment I arrived at the private Landmark Aviation hangar at the small White Plains airport 30 minutes outside of New York City, I was kept abreast of my plane – where it was, when it was expected to arrive for me and how long my flight to Miami would be. When the new plane touched down in White Plains from Baltimore, I was met in the lounge by my pilot who checked my identification – no laptop removal necessary! He escorted me out to the jet which was waiting a mere 20 feet from the lounge door. I boarded easily and explored the small but luxurious cabin which was equipped with 6 seats, a bathroom and a bar stocked with wine, liquor and snacks for my flight. In no time flat, the boarding door was secured and we were up in the air. JetSuite offers the typical jet charter option which will allow people to book a flight, to most any destination, with one simple phone call. Plus, JetSuite also offers a unique and innovative option for those with more flexible travel plans. In an effort to make flying private more accessible, the company releases a handful of “Suite Deals” which offer one-way, private jet travel on select empty legs, for travel the following day. For a price of $536.43 or 1073.93 – depending on the duration of the flight – you can have the entire aircraft to yourself. And, depending on the aircraft, you can bring up to 5 friends. So, in essence, for a spur of the moment trip, this option can be cheaper than jumping on a major carrier. My flight from New York to Miami ran $1073.93 on a 6 passenger Citation CJ3. Had I brought 5 others, that would make my flight cost about $179 per person. You cannot beat that. In just under 3 hours, I landed safe and sound at Miami’s International Airport. My pilot and co-pilot helped me out of the plane and handed me my bag. Within 5 minutes, I was in a car headed to my beachfront hotel. The experience couldn’t have been easier or more enjoyable. All of this, and the JetSuite brand, is headed-up by JetBlue founder and current JetSuite CEO Alex Wilcox. Below is my interview with the aviation innovator. IC: How is JetSuite operationally different from other private airline companies currently operating in the United States? AW: Unlike most operators, all JetSuite pilots are employed full time and are all type-rated in the airplane in which they fly. Our airplanes are all exclusively used by JetSuite; we do not use third party airplanes or fractionalize them among several owners the way virtually all of our competitors do. IC: What does JetSuite offer its customer that no one else does? AW: JetSuite offers an exclusively company-owned and operated fleet, as well as completely transparent pricing. JetSuite is the only jet charter provider who offers a GUARANTEED online quote, where you know to the penny what you will pay BEFORE you fly. We also maintain the most fuel-efficient jet fleet in the sky. IC: Describe what a SuiteDeal is and what it means to an everyday person who travels. AW: A JetSuite SuiteDeal is a way for us to market and sell our empty legs. For example, if we need an airplane in Miami for a trip but don’t have one there at that time, we may have to fly it there empty to pick up the passengers. We call those “SuiteDeals” and post them to www.jetsuite.com/suitedeal andwww.facebook.com/jetsuiteair every afternoon for only $499 + tax for the WHOLE plane! With a SuiteDeal, you can charter a next-day flight onboard a 6 passenger JetSuite Edition CJ3 or 4 passenger Phenom 100 for the cost of many commercial flights. IC: After years in the corporate airline arena, why launch a start-up in the private jet sector of the market? AW: We started JetSuite because a new category of airplane had been invented. The Phenom 100 enabled us to provide rates half of the competition in a more reliable airplane. We took that new technology and put it into a new model focused on being the best at what we do and offering all the features described above without any of the encumbrances of the fractional and managed fleet models of private jet charter. IC: Who is the JetSuite customer? AW: JetSuite clients tend to skew male and travel for both business and pleasure. The average age of a JetSuite client is 54, but we see all types, genders and ages onboard and are pleased to welcome each of them. IC: Why did JetSuite choose the CJ3 and Phenom 100 airplanes as its flagship carriers? AW: We are equally proud of both our aircraft; each has its own niche. The Phenom is the ultimate short-haul jet and the CJ3 has the range and power needed to serve east coast and mountain markets. IC: Where do you see JetSuite growth in the next ten years in the airline marketplace? AW: JetSuite will become the biggest brand in private aviation, and we will figure out how to fulfill our vision of making private jet travel available to more people than ever. IC: What advice would you give to a young person who may have an idea, may believe in it, but is constantly told “no” by those who think it’s too outlandish or impossible to make reality? AW: Give it your best shot. And when you succeed, make sure you fly JetSuite!

Arriving in Dublin, there are a shocking number of luxury hotels to choose from. So, when picking  a place to hang your hat through your stay in the capital, where should you choose? Good question. Personally, and especially for a fist-time visitor, I require a place that has it all. A little history, a little elegance and five-star amenities that will keep me in my comfort-zone throughout my entire stay. With this criteria, there is only one option. The Shelbourne Dublin. The Shelbourne is not only a beautiful and luxurious hotel, it’s deeply embedded in the history of Ireland. Built in 1824, it sits in the heart of Dublin, on the expansive and gorgeous St. Stephen’s Green, a large park that stretches endlessly just outside the hotel’s front door. In 1922, The Shelbourne played host to the first drafting of the country’s constitution. In fact, the hotel maintains a small museum within its walls that displays everything from a draft of the original document, photographs with celebrities and royalty who’ve enjoyed stays at the property over the years and original, handwritten guest log books that were used at the front desk over 100 years ago. It’s really quite special. In terms of rooms, The Shelbourne does not disappoint. They are done in a traditional, Victorian-style decor, and this adds to the elegance of the place. Sumptuous beds, marble bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, glorious views over the green and cozy corners all help make your personal space at the hotel that much more comfortable. Upon check-in, the hotel makes it clear that they are there to make your stay as comfortable as possible. This statement does not get lost in the shuffle. I was upgraded to the fabulous, duplex JFK suite – named in honor of the American president who stayed at the hotel. I never wanted for anything for the duration of my stay – my needs were met and exceeded. At The Shelbourne, you can enjoy a large swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center, lounges, bars and the famous Saddle Room restaurant. The hotel’s lobby is constantly buzzing as The Shelbourne is a place to see and be seen by locals and visitors. Although the decor and feel is classic and reserved, I promise that the friendliness and genuine down-to-earth nature of the Irish staff make for a nice balance. Overall, a stay at The Shelbourne is noteworthy. It’s not a place you will easily forget but, instead, one where you will make memories of your time in Dublin and it will find itself a part of your history and experience, just as much as it has for the entire country for almost 200 years.

When flying from the United States to Germany, and beyond, there are many options at the fingertips of discerning passengers. Each airline markets themselves in a way that caters to the perceived lifestyle of their passenger, aiming to strike a chord with the ideals and experiences that are important to them in the travel sector. Some live up to their promises and some do not. And, some exceed their word. This is what I found to be true in the new business class on Air Berlin non-stop from New York’s JFK Airport to Berlin’s Tegel Airport. Air Berlin recently overhauled their business class cabins in an effort to compete in the ever changing airline industry, as well as to provide passengers with a special experience in the sky. The airline, whose tag line is, “Air Berlin: Your Airline”, truly believes in their own marketing. They have created a cabin that is by the passenger and for the passenger, with their comfort and joy at highest priority. The redesign succeeded and, today, I would recommend the business-class experience over and over again because of the near perfect experience I recently had as a passenger. Boarding my 5:30 pm flight from JFK to Berlin was uneventful. Business class passengers are called first and a special line allows them complete access to gate agents at the airport – making sure of their priority when it comes to boarding. Once on board, I was escorted to my seat which was an aisle seat in the front of the cabin. Air Berlin designed the cabin, and its seats, to allow passengers privacy for an intimate in-flight experience. I was seated in an ergonomically correct, comfortable chair which provided a large space for my legs in the seated position, storage just under the second part of the seat in front of me and storage on my side. I easily put my large bag in the overhead compartment, handed my jacket to the flight attendant, stowed my wallet and passport in a compartment to my right and ordered a glass of champagne. Directly in front of my seat was a large flat screen which would serve as my entertainment and information center throughout the flight. A tray table was neatly positioned against the wall of my seat which separated me from the other passengers. I drank the champagne and it was soon time to take-off. I quickly ordered from the diverse and well-curated menu for dinner. A starter of ahi tuna with a side salad of fresh vegetables hit the spot. For my main course, I ordered a grilled snapper in lemon sauce and finished with a blueberry tart for dessert. I must say that of all the airlines in which I have traveled, the food on Air Berlin was outstanding. Fresh. Beautifully presented. And, the ingredients were all of the highest quality. After dinner, I scanned through the easy-to-navigate entertainment system and watched several new releases that were available in a variety of languages. This is very important to me as many airlines don’t invest in a wide selection of films and television for passengers. Air Berlin does and it made a difference. After two films and an episode of “Breaking Bad”, I reclined my seat into a completely flat bed which, by the way, felt as if it had a pillow-top mattress. I was pleasantly surprised as to how comfortable it was and how easily I could rest. Throughout the 7 hour and 20 minute flight, the attendant came to me with snacks, chocolate, a tea menu, cocktail offerings and more. I felt incredibly looked after and entertained. The flight went quickly and we were soon descending for Berlin’s Tegel Airport, just as I awoke for breakfast. A dish of yogurt and a plate of fresh fruit later, I was on the ground. I exited quickly and was on my way to the hotel. To me, a successful flight is an uneventful flight. Safety and comfort are what I’m seeking. Air Berlin delivered and the attention to detail in their new business class only elevated the experience from basic to truly incredible. If my travel plans include Germany or any of the other destinations they service in Europe, Air Berlin will be my choice. After just one flight with them, I really do feel like they are “my airline”.

Designed by Oscar Niemeyer with the assistance of structural engineer Bruno Contarini, who had worked with Niemeyer on earlier projects the Niterói, as it’s lovingly called, is 48-feet high; its cupola has a diameter of 150 feet and the building consists of three floors. The museum projects itself over Boa Viagem, which translates to “Bon Voyage,” “Good Journey”. It features a 8,790 square foot reflecting pool that surrounds the cylindrical base “like a flower,” in the words of Niemeyer. A wide access slope leads to a Hall of Expositions, which has a capacity for sixty people. Two doors lead to the viewing gallery, through which visitors can see the entire city. The saucer-shaped modernist structure, which has been likened to a UFO, is set on a cliffside, at the bottom of which is a beach. The museum is filled with contemporary art from around the world and showcases various exhibitions of Brazilian and international artists from the most famous to the relatively unknown. For art and culture lovers, it’s a “must-do” and gives you an opportunity to break away from the beach for a moment.

There’s only one airline that will take you non-stop from New York’s JFK airport to Helsinki, Finland. Sure, there are many options if you look at connection possibilities or alternate routes, but we all know, non-stop is better. On many routes, airlines that fly direct might not be considered “the best” or the most comfortable. But, between the United States and Finland, you won’t want anything more than what is offered and provided in Finnair’s incredible business class. Finnair, founded in 1923, has always been ahead of the curve. Maybe it’s simply the way of those who hail from Nordic countries, or maybe it’s just good business practices. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter. The product speaks for itself. Arriving on Finnair’s pristine A330-300 jet, you instantly know that the next eight hours are going to be good. Warm and genuinely friendly flight attendants, dressed to the nines in their crisp navy and white uniforms, offer you a fresh glass of orange juice or champagne. Why not? Storing bags overhead, you notice points of bright color and patterns that dot the inside of the clean, white cabin. Marimekko, the renowned Finnish fashion and homeware brand, has outfitted the entire space in tasteful pillows, blankets, mugs and amenity kits. The combination of wares from the beloved Marimekko collection and the stark aircraft interior, makes for an exciting and visually arresting moment while on-board. This is perfect for any design lover. Shortly after takeoff, Finnair flight attendants meet your every need. Preparing for dinner is easy as you change into your wool socks, provided by the airline, and get lost in your personal, flat-screen entertainment system, outfitted with the latest TV shows and films. Menus, designed by Pekka Terävä, are handed out and warm towels are provided to clean the day away, freshening your hands for the gourmet meal ahead. The cuisine aboard Finnair’s flight is uniquely Finnish. Of course you can pre-order personalized options online ahead of your flight if you so choose or if your dietary needs require, but, if you don’t have time, there’s nothing to worry about. Baked Nordic cod, filet of reindeer, roasted chicken and more delight your tastebuds with each well-executed bite. There’s nothing but pure, clean food here. It’s obvious that only the best of ingredientes are used, as one would expect from a country where the environment has been an integral part of the culture for centuries. The baked cod fish is incredible, served with seasonal vegetables, cheeses, fruit and a selection of French and Austrian wines. After a dessert of raspberry mousse, Finnish chocolate and tea, it’s the perfect time to turn your seat into a flat bed and drift away into the clouds. The seats in Finnair’s business class easily convert into large, comfortable beds that allow you to rest for the last hours in-flight. Warmly covered with a Marimekko comforter, sleeping here is easy. The flight attendants are well-trained and don’t raise their voices above a dull whisper during evening hours. This is something not common, even on many of the best airlines. But, here, it’s standard. As the sun slowly rises and the flight prepares to descend into Helsinki’s Vantaa airport, you’re gently awakened for your last meal of the flight, breakfast. Yogurt, pastries and smoked salmon are available to give you energy for the day ahead. Touching down in Helsinki, you almost wish the flight would last just a few more hours. The entire experience, is truly magic. Even the most spoiled traveler will find charm, comfort and details aboard Finnair that show the care and thought they’ve put in to their luxury product. In a world filled with bad airline experiences and passengers who are getting increasingly impatient with lackluster service, it’s nice to know there is still a company in aviation who know how to “do it right”. Finnair is worth your time – even if your final destination is far from Helsinki.