Maui, Hawaii

Hawaiihasbeeninthemidstofamulti-yearrethink about how tourism impacts the state. “We seek to balance the economic vitality of our industry with thehealthofournaturalenvironmentandthewellbeing of our communities,” is how Hawaii Tourism AuthorityPresidentandCEOJohnDeFriesputitthis pastsummer.OnMaui,thatbalancehasbeenstruck recently in efforts to renovate and reimagine some of the island’s most popular resorts. The 54-acre Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, to take one example, is finishing up a major overhaul that includes a reimagined aquatic complex (with three “zeroedge”swimmingpools),anexpandedClubLounge, andprogrammingthatwillincludenotjustcocktail classes and cooking demonstrations but also lei making and musical performances by Hawaiian artists. On the southwest coast of the island, The GrandWailea,aWaldorfAstoriaResortisinthemidst of its own refresh of all 776 guest rooms and suites; someare,happily,alreadygoodtogo.There’sother progress beyond hotels: e-bikes are now plentiful on Maui, thanks to a recent rule change that allows them on island roads. Companies like RideSmart Mauilendoutwheelsthatmakeexploringabreeze, whether your interest lies in the historic sites of Lahaina or the beautiful beaches around Wailea.

Following these packing tips and tricks could make or break your trip.

The Spanish capital may finally, thankfully, be shaking off its reputation as the country’s somewhat stuffy business hub. A flurry of tony hotel openings throughout the city has helped, by bringing plenty of personality to what had been a staid scene. It began in 2021 with the arrival of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz; Rosewood Villa Magna; and Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Then came the Edition in April 2022. Breathing new life into the former Monte de Piedad de Madrid building, the hotel has 177 rooms, 21 suites, and two penthouses, plus two restaurants with food from chef Enrique Olvera and the culinary team behind Mexico City’s acclaimed Pujol. Elsewhere in Madrid, an already electric food scene has only gotten better — particularly in the glamorous Salamanca neighborhood and architecture-rich Chamberi district — with new offerings representing everything from Middle Eastern falafel and Argentinian asado to Spanish-Indian fusion and globally inflected vegan fare.