Microsoft’s Ongoing Efforts to Close the Disability Divide
Microsoft recently celebrated Disability Pride Month, marked annually in July, aligning with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enacted on July 26, 1990. The company emphasizes its commitment to closing the disability divide—addressing the disparities in opportunities for individuals with disabilities in education, employment, and civic engagement...
Aqua Expeditions Expands Fleet into East Africa
Aqua Expeditions, known for its luxury small-ship expeditions, is set to expand its fleet with a sixth vessel, marking its debut in East Africa. Supported by financing from the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, the new ship will offer immersive itineraries exploring the Seychelles and Tanzanian islands starting in December 2025...
Mandala Resort: Eco-Luxury on Tonga’s Private Island
Mandala Resort, located on the private island of Fetoko in Tonga's Vava'u island group, offers travelers a unique blend of luxury and sustainability. Catering to the growing demand for eco-conscious travel, this off-the-grid resort features biophilic design, integrating nature with its architecture to provide a serene and environmentally friendly experience...
Chef Kwame Onwuachi Returns to D.C. with Afro-Caribbean Restaurant
Chef Kwame Onwuachi is making a highly anticipated return to Washington, D.C., with the launch of Dōgon, an Afro-Caribbean restaurant located in the Salamander hotel at The Wharf. Known for his innovative culinary work and cultural influence, Onwuachi’s reputation has grown with each new venture...
Travel with Aspect Expands Partnership with Escapia for Luxury Rentals
Escapia, a significant vacation rental management platform, has expanded its strategic partnership with Travel with Aspect, a luxury travel marketplace that caters to High Net Worth Individuals. This partnership allows property managers to effortlessly publish and administer luxury vacation rentals on travelwithaspect.com, thereby simplifying the experience for both hosts and affluent travelers...
Bloomberg Philanthropies Invests $600 Million in Black Medical Schools
Bloomberg Philanthropies is making a monumental impact on the future of healthcare with a $600 million gift aimed at supporting the endowments of four historically Black medical schools: Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. This funding, which is a component of the Greenwood Initiative, is intended to address systemic underinvestment in Black institutions and contribute to the diversification of the medical field...
Castell de Vallgornera Offers Luxurious Medieval Escape
Nestled in the hills behind Costa Brava, Spain, Castell de Vallgornera has been transformed into a five-star resort that offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury. Originally dating back to 1123, the castle has seen centuries of transformations, but it has maintained its medieval essence despite extensive renovations...
Surge in American Travel Spending
American travel spending continues to surpass pre-pandemic levels, with international trips leading the trend, according to a new report from Bank of America. Although overall travel spending is slightly down from 2023, it remains 10.6% higher per household compared to 2019. International travel has emerged as a major area of growth, with 17% of Americans planning to vacation abroad in the next six months, an increase from pre-pandemic years...
Hilton Expands Luxury Footprint
Hilton has declared its intention to substantially broaden its luxury hotel portfolio in the Asia Pacific region, with the objective of surpassing 150 hotels in the near future. This growth will see the number of Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties more than double, with key signings in cities such as Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, and Jaipur...
Michelin-Starred Innovation: Restaurant Yuu
Restaurant Yuu, located in New York City's Greenpoint neighborhood, has quickly earned a reputation for excellence since its opening in 2023. Within six months, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star, thanks to its 16-course French omakase tasting menu infused with Japanese influences. Executive Chef Yuu Shimano leads the culinary experience alongside Chef de Cuisine Simon Ek and Executive Pastry Chef Masaki Takahashi...