For the quintessential Greek island experience, minus the glitz (and the English-speaking crowds) of Santorini, head to Milos.MILOS, Greece – Mention a trip to the Greek Islands, and people nod knowingly. Mention Milos and people say, Oh Mykonos? Most people havent heard of the place — and neither had I until I started doing the research for a two-island holiday in September. I was keen on Santorini because, well, it’s Santorini, and

Shabbat isnt just about going to temple. Especially in Tel Aviv. We asked local journalist Lotte Beilin for a look at how Israelis usher in the Jewish day of rest in Israels secular second city.TEL AVIV – Often thought of in a purely religious sense, Shabbat is special in Tel Aviv, in that it’s celebrated in many different ways by practicing and secular Jews alike. Whether it’s spent in observance or kicked off with a night on the town, the

Freehand Los AngelesLos Angeles, CaliforniaTrendy, $ (private rooms from $169, shared rooms from $49)Housed in the historic Commercial Exchange building in Downtown LA, the new Roman & Williams-designed Freehand Los Angeles is an original in a neighborhood of rapidly changing needs. When it comes to design, the nearby Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles and The Line may be just as stylish, but none have accommodations that can compete with

Budget-friendly doesn’t always mean drab and dreary. There is such a thing as the boutique budget hotel, and some of the best cases exist in Barcelona, Spain. Bespoke modern furniture, partnerships with hip local purveyors, and a curated wellness space are a few of the perks you can find — if you know where to look. Luckily for you, we have a handle on such things. Here are four of our favorite boutique hotels in Barcelona, all of whi

The 2017 holiday season is just around the corner. Give yourself a gift — firm up your holiday travel plans.  From a quintessential New England ski getaway to a stylish London boutique hotel, we’ve rounded up a handful of our favorite hotels that cater to groups of all ages and sizes and still have availability.Cant deal with the hassle of arranging a group trip? Email The Fathom Travel Desk and well take care of it for you.

With the dark days of winter quickly approaching, the hygge trend of 2017 is top of mind. But maybe on its way out. This year, we’re adding a new Scandinavian concept to our vocabulary: lagom. The everyday Swedish philosophy promotes happiness by seeking balance in all aspects of life. Pronounced lah-gom, it loosely translates as everything in moderation or not too much and not too little. My Scandinavian Home blogger Niki Brantmark, author

The SaguaroPalm Springs, CaliforniaTrendy, $$ (starting at $109)Within moments of your arrival at The Saguaro in Palm Springs, it will become very clear why the desert hotel is an Instagram sensation. Splashed with fourteen popping colors reminiscent of desert wildflowers, the hotel’s playful, sunshine-y vibes immediately draw in guests. After a refresh this past September, the colors are especially vibrant. The structure is an incredible c

Corso 281 Luxury SuitesCentro Storico, RomeModern, $$Overlooking bustling Via del Corso and Piazza Venezia in the heart of Rome is a quiet bolthole that strikes an artful balance between old and new, much like the ancient metropolis around it. Corso 281 Luxury Suites, a thoughtfully composed, family-run hotel, combines sleek contemporary design, personal service, and an air of privacy in a collection of apartment-like suites in an 18th-cent

COMO The HalkinBelgravia, LondonModern, $$$COMO The Halkin is a quiet refuge perched in the leafy neighborhood of Belgravia, at the corner of serenity and discretion. The classic city escape has a modern spirit, merging sleek contemporary design and personal service to create a distinctly grownup and residential feeling. With an offshoot of Elena Arzak’s famous San Sebastian restaurant on the first floor, you may be tempted to hole up

The Saguaro ScottsdaleScottsdale, ArizonaTrendy, $$ (from $149)The Saguaro Scottsdale, emblazoned in all the colors of the rainbow, is a welcome break from the beige hues that drape the greater desert city. Set among the retro kitsch and nightclub happenings of Old Town Scottsdale, the fun-loving hotel stands out thanks to its central location, Instagram friendliness, slew of recently refreshed rooms, and poolside party scene popular with t

COMO Metropolitan LondonMayfair, LondonModern, $$$Located within walking distance of Bond Street, Knightsbridge, and Piccadilly Circus, COMO Metropolitan London lies at the confluence of some of the city’s best luxury shopping, quite literally in the middle of the action. Yet it doesn’t feel that way. The hotel’s inward-facing approach to hospitality means quality, discretion, and service are prioritized over fleeting and in-your-face fads

We named the Azores one of the top ten places to travel in 2018 in no small part because it offers charming, nature-filled getaways like this one. Need yet another reason to go? Its only four hours from the East Coast of the United States. Take that, jet lag.TERCEIRA, The Azores – As we approach the cottages of Pico da Vigia, we see rabbits frolic on the grass beside meticulously constructed, rustic volcanic stone walls that separate o

Encanto AcapulcoAcapulco, MexicoModern, $$$At Encanto Acapulco, perched atop the highest point in Brisas del Marqués (just twenty minutes outside of Mexicos vibrant coastal city), there’s no room for distractions. The walls inside are all but bare; the interiors sparse and streamlined. The bright white, angular facade, though breathtaking in its own right, is just a prelude to the main attraction — the beautiful, blue Pacific, which i

Beat the summer crowds and book your European getaway for spring, the season when the continent hits its stride in the looks departments, when the sun-speckled landscape, buzzing outdoor cafes, and historic architecture are the backdrop of your excellent vacation. We’re focusing on Europe stories this week, which should inspire you to get up and go. And to book your trip through the Fathom Travel Desk. A primary perk of booking with us is t

Milan may be a city that never stands still, but the Baglioni Hotel Carlton is a classic that stands out. Rome-based contributing editor Erica Firpo shares a favorite.MILAN – Without a doubt, Milan is Italy’s It city, a fabulous melting pot of fashion, design, tech, finance, and art. The latest addition to its pantheon of awesomeness is the hotel scene. Whether beautiful boutiques or curated chains, Milan’s hotel vibe is evolving, much like

At the Hotel Chaco in Albuquerque, the spirit of early Pueblo architecture mixes with modern design and Native American art that stay true to regional roots.ALBURQUERQUE, New Mexico – I visited Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos last May with my sisters to explore New Mexico’s rugged landscapes and its mix of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo-American traditions. The just-opened, newly built Hotel Chaco in Old Town Albuquerque, with its foc

Bare feet, bare necessities, and barely any light. This eco-friendly Mexican resort in Tulum is the ideal getaway for couples seeking a quiet weekend with nature.TULUM – After an hour-and-a-half drive from Cancun Airport, down a road dotted with resorts and lit by roadside restaurants, pulling in to Azulik is like entering a different world.The reception is quaint and candlelit, with a single lamp on the wooden check-in desk. Cheerful recep

A reluctant cruiser sets sail for the first time in search of the best Vietnam has to offer.SOUTH CHINA SEA - Despite a lifelong love of boating, cruising never really interested me. (See: all-day buffets with mediocre food, contagious viruses, honeymooners gone missing.) But, as with most things I’ve sworn off (like brussel sprouts and Brooklyn), curiosity eventually got the better of me after spending an afternoon on a Silversea crui

Grand Hotel CentralBarcelona, SpainModern, $$At Barcelona’s five-star Grand Hotel Central, the name says it all. Like many of its neighbors on Via Laietana, the property was built in the 1920s in the elegant rational style. (Not familiar with the look? Grand pretty much sums it up.) When it came time to turn the former office building into a hotel, modern touches were built around original elements. The place evokes a stylish second home. T

Were totally smitten with Bembien, a collection of woven handbags from artisan communities around the world. Founder Yi-Mei Truxes gave us the scoop on how she spends her Sundays in Greenpoint, the Brooklyn neighborhood she calls home.GREENPOINT, Brooklyn – Since launching Bembien a little over a year ago, my work and home lives have blended into one. With just four blocks separating my apartment from the office, Brooklyns Greenpoint neighb