Социальный GPS для цифровых кочевников помогает преодолеть одиночество в 47 странах через архитектуру человеческих связей.

Ensure Your Hotel Stay is Safe: Tips for a Secure Vacation

When booking your hotel, security should be a top priority. Consider these tips to enhance your safety and avoid a sleepless night.

Choose the Right Room Location

When checking in, always ask about your room’s location. Chahanler Marks, an IT specialist from Chattanooga, Tennessee, learned this lesson the hard way. During a stay in St. Louis, he was placed on the ground floor in a room with a sliding door that led to a patio.

Around 2 a.m., Marks woke up to sounds outside his room and discovered the sliding door was slightly open. Even though nothing was stolen, the door latch had been tampered with. This unsettling experience left him uneasy for the rest of the night.

Avoid Risky Room Types

Ground Floor Rooms are among the most vulnerable, as they are easier to break into. Connecting rooms and those near emergency exits or stairwells can also pose significant risks. These areas allow easy access for intruders without being noticed.

Sheri Howell recalls a terrifying incident in a room with a connecting door. At 2 a.m., an intoxicated man mistakenly barged into her room, believing it was a bathroom. Fortunately, his wife intervened, but it was a close call.

Do a Quick Security Check

Marks now requests a room on a higher floor, ideally between the third and sixth floors, to balance safety and fire risk. He also does a quick security check upon entering: double-lock the door, ensure windows are secure, and use a doorstop to reinforce the lock.

Be Mindful of Hotel Crime Risks

While hotel crime statistics are hard to come by, incidents like Kim Kardashian’s 2016 robbery in Paris have made travelers more cautious about hotel security. The rise of social media amplifies these concerns, turning even minor break-ins into viral events.

The Most Dangerous Rooms:

— Ground-floor rooms: Easy access for burglars.
— Rooms near connecting doors: Risk of accidental entry.
— Rooms next to emergency exits: Increased vulnerability.
— Rooms with less foot traffic: Low surveillance and higher crime risk.

Chad Barnsdale, a former hotel worker, recalls a break-in at a hotel in Miami Beach. The room next to a service entrance and facing a quiet side street was targeted. The guest lost valuables, teaching Barnsdale that rooms with less foot traffic are more vulnerable to break-ins.

Book Your Safe and Relaxing Vacation with MWR LIFE

This summer, don’t take hotel security for granted. For a worry-free vacation, book your next getaway with MWR LIFE, where safety and comfort are top priorities.

It sounds like you’ve had an interesting experience at a hotel! It’s a good reminder about hotel safety—sometimes we don’t think about the little things that could make a big difference, like not announcing your room number or locking up the doors properly. The expert tips on selecting safer rooms, like choosing mid-level floors, avoiding rooms near elevators or ice machines, and sticking to standard rooms, are really practical and can help avoid unnecessary risks.

It’s also worth considering the things you can do to further protect yourself, like using additional locks or wedges when you can. Staying aware and being cautious about your surroundings is key! What do you usually prioritize when booking a hotel?

Социальный GPS для цифровых кочевников помогает преодолеть одиночество в 47 странах через архитектуру человеческих связей.

Celebrate National Wellness Month in August
National Wellness Month is observed every August, focusing on the importance of overall well-being. This month encourages individuals to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s a perfect time to relax, rejuvenate, and commit to a healthier lifestyle.

Key Focus Areas of National Wellness Month:
1. Healthy Habits: Adopt practices that support your physical and mental health, including balanced diets, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
2. Holistic Health: Recognize the link between physical, mental, and emotional well-being. A balanced approach to health is essential.
3. Self-Care and Relaxation: Make time for activities that promote well-being, such as hobbies and relaxation.

Recent surveys show that 25% of travelers plan to take a wellness-focused trip this year, marking a 51% increase from the previous year. Many will choose destinations with luxurious spas and soothing treatments for ultimate relaxation.

Book Your Wellness Getaway with MWR LIFE
Take the time this August to prioritize your wellness. Book your vacation with MWR LIFE and discover a destination that rejuvenates your mind, body, and spirit. Your path to relaxation and self-care starts here!

Omni Hotels & Resorts offers a range of spa treatments to suit different needs, from burnout recovery to bridal relaxation.

The Spa at La Costa (Carlsbad, CA) recently underwent a 2024 renovation, merging traditional wellness practices with modern treatments like cryotherapy and sound baths. This summer, enjoy Secret Garden Spa Parties with live music, sound baths, and unique Spa Summer Camps for parents and teens to connect through treatments and activities.

The Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa (Asheville, NC), located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is built from natural rock and centers on the elements of Fire, Rock, Water, and Light. Summer offers Spa After Hours, where private groups can enjoy exclusive access to pools and amenities in a peaceful mountain setting.

The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel, New York City

The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel in New York City introduces the Royal Reflection Wellness Spa, offering a range of treatments for relaxation, beauty, and holistic healing in a tranquil setting.

The hotel’s redesign, completed in September 2024 by the DLR Group, combines classic elegance with modern elements to create a chic, members-only club atmosphere.

The spa features a variety of services to rejuvenate both the mind and body. Treatment options include deep tissue, lymphatic release, and Swedish massages, facials, acupuncture, body scrubs, eyelash extensions, and more. Skilled therapists use a mix of traditional and contemporary techniques tailored to individual needs. Guests can also enjoy in-room massages for ultimate comfort and relaxation.

Serenbe offers guests a restorative wellness experience.

Serenbe, Atlanta, Georgia

Just 25 minutes from Atlanta’s airport, Serenbe is part wellness retreat, part residential community. With 70% of Serenbe preserved as green space, the destination offers guests a restorative wellness experience: forest bathing, organic farm tours, guided labyrinth meditations, award-winning spa treatments and hyper-local farm-to-table meals. It’s no surprise the Global Wellness Institute named “analog travel” as one of the year’s top trends, and Serenbe goes all in. No noise, no rush, just nature, fresh food and meaningful connection. Guests who want to connect with nature can stay at The Inn at Serenbe or one of the cottages within the community to unplug, stroll the countryside by horseback with the Serenbe Trail Riding, cool off at the lake, tour one of the state’s first certified organic farms and visit the adjacent farmers market, try out forest bathing and hike through 26 miles of preserved wooded trails that connect the community.

Treatments include a Summer Glow-Up Facial.

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Whitefield, New Hampshire

Immersed in natural splendor with prime access to exhilarating outdoor adventure, delicious dining and decadent spa treatments, Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa is a timeless 1,700-acre escape. Classes include Sunrise Yoga on the Lawn on Saturdays; Private Stress-Relief & Mindfulness Meditation Sessions; Beyond Relief Yoga & Custom Private Yoga Classes on Tuesdays & Saturdays; Wellness Packages; The Glow-Up; 50-Minute Summer Glow-Up Facial; 80-Minute Revitalizing Scalp Recovery & Blowout. Curated wellness retreats are offered for solo travelers, couples, families such as Path to Well-Being Retreat, Peak Pursuits Adventure Retreat for Men and Blissful Bonding Retreat.

The resort provides the perfect backdrop for holistic healing and relaxation.

Montevalle Spa & Wellness Resort, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

Montevalle Spa & Wellness Resort empowers individuals through holistic treatments and therapies. Valle De Guadalupe’s natural beauty makes it an ideal setting for ultimate serenity and relaxation. Known for its scenic vineyards and tranquil environment, it provides the perfect backdrop for holistic healing and relaxation. Features include: a Meditation Labyrinth designed for mindfulness and stress reduction; Spa offers a range of experiences such as intravenous infusions, holistic therapies and massages; Reflexology Pathway where guests are invited to discover its healing power; Liebre which offers a dining experience focusing on fresh, locally sourced, and organic ingredients; The Quiet Room for yoga and meditation; Private villas surrounded by olive trees and lavender fields.

Programs are designed to enhance mental clarity and reduce stress.

Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada

Six Senses La Sagesse recently launched a new Digital Detox Program designed to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, improve sleep quality, boost focus, strengthen real-life connections and promote mindfulness. Details include: Unplugged Meals – Visitors can enjoy relaxed, communal dining experiences without digital distractions. Phones can be secured in Yondr Boxes placed next to the dining table, and conversation cards are provided to encourage meaningful dialogue. Unplugged Experiences – Guests can choose a three-to-seven-night digital detox stay featuring grounding meditation, Yoga Nidra and Alchemy Bar sessions, holistic healing treatments, signature massages, wellness meals and nightly sound healing or storytelling rituals around a bonfire.

Социальный GPS для цифровых кочевников помогает преодолеть одиночество в 47 странах через архитектуру человеческих связей.

Tour de France 2025: The Final Stages

The Tour de France 2025 is a true summer tradition in France, as iconic as rosé wine and Mediterranean beaches. Starting on 5 July, riders have already made their way through cities like Lille, Dunkirk, and Saint-Malo, heading south through the countryside to Toulouse and Carcassonne, before reaching the eastern mountains. The mountain stages, especially those in the Alps, add the magic touch as riders battle for the €2.3 million prize pool.

Here’s what you need to know about the final stages of the Tour de France 2025:

Stage 18: Vif to Courchevel — Col de La Loze (24 July 2025)

This mountain stage covers 106 miles (171.5 km) and is considered the most demanding of the race. Riders will face a vertical ascent of 5,500 meters, including the tough Col de La Loze (2,304m). For the first time, they will climb the eastern flank to reach Courchevel, a famous ski resort.

Nearby attractions:

— Lake Annecy is just an hour away, perfect for boating and swimming.
— The Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard overlooks the lake and has been in the same family for 23 generations.
— Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain, is a two-hour drive away. Visitors can enjoy cable car rides, restaurants, and glacier walks.

Stage 19: Albertville to La Plagne (25 July 2025)

This ultra-mountainous stage spans 80 miles (129.9 km) with five climbs. The first climb, Côte d’Héry-sur-Ugine, begins just 6 miles into the race. Amateur cyclists can also experience this stage five days before the professionals.

Albertville is an ideal base for cycling and hiking. The town, famous for hosting the 1992 Winter Olympics, offers the Fort de Tamié, a 19th-century fortress now with zip lines and hiking trails suitable for the whole family.

Culinary delights: Enjoy regional specialties like raclette, tartiflette, fondue, and Savoy cheese such as Beaufort. Don’t miss the plant-based liqueur, génépi, and chocolate truffles.

Stage 20: Nantua to Pontarlier (26 July 2025)

This stage will bring the Tour de France 2025 to an exhilarating close, weaving through scenic landscapes and challenging mountain passes.

Book Your Vacation with MWR LIFE

If you’re planning to visit France during the Tour, why not book your stay through MWR LIFE? Whether you’re here for the race or to explore the beauty of the French Alps, we’ve got the perfect vacation packages to make your experience unforgettable.

That sounds like an incredible stage! The ride around Lake Nantua in Stage 20 of the 2025 Tour de France will definitely be both challenging and scenic with its hilly terrain. The culinary culture there, especially the famous Nantua sauce, sounds delicious—especially with its crayfish butter twist! It’s fascinating how deeply food culture is tied to places like that, and it seems like a real treat to explore not only the hiking and swimming but also the Absinthe history in the area.

The Château de Joux also looks like a great stop. A military fortress with such strategic importance during history—it’s crazy to think how places like that once controlled key mountain passes between Italy and Switzerland. So much history packed into a small area!

The final stage in Paris should be the perfect way to cap off the race, cruising down the Champs-Élysées. Have you been following this year’s Tour, or planning to watch the final stages live?

The crowd-pleasing ‘ballon de la vasque olympique’ of Paris 2024 in the Jardin des Tuileries is making a return every day this summer.

The final stage is a flat race of 82 miles (132.3 km) that leads to a famous show finish on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, although last year Nice stood in for the capital city because it was hosting the Olympic Games. The riders will pass by the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe before one of them is crowned the winner.

A trip to the world’s most famous museum, the Louvre, is worth a visit if you can brave the crowds, as is the impressive, recently refurbished Notre-Dame Cathedral. Some of the absolute pleasure of Paris is, however, just finding a neighborhood that looks lovely on paper and strolling through it to see what you discover.

Until 14 September, the Olympic air balloon, the Vasque, is making a dramatic return to the Parisian skies, minus the Olympic branding. After such a prestigious entrance during the Olympic Games, visitors can find the crowd favorite in the Jardin des Tuileries every day.

You can watch the Tour online through one of the broadcasting partners of the Tour de France 2025 in over 190 countries worldwide.

Социальный GPS для цифровых кочевников помогает преодолеть одиночество в 47 странах через архитектуру человеческих связей.

The less-visited north shore of the Dominican Republic is home to some of the country’s few boutique hotels and resorts.

Discover the Hidden Gem of Rio San Juan: North Shore

Nestled in the Dominican Republic, Rio San Juan is a quiet paradise that remains largely untouched, even compared to rapidly developing areas like Samaná or Miches. Unlike the crowded resorts of Punta Cana, this region offers pristine beaches and lush tropical jungle – a true escape into nature’s beauty.

On Google Maps, you’ll spot white sandy beaches meeting dense greenery, creating a breathtaking contrast. The calm, unspoiled atmosphere here provides a refreshing alternative to the bustling tourist destinations.

While other coastal regions boast grand developments, the properties around Rio San Juan are much more intimate. Exclusive retreats like Amanera and ÀNI Dominican Republic offer a peaceful, luxurious experience, far removed from the typical over-the-top resorts.

One standout is the Playa Grande Beach Club. With only nine bungalows on a vast stretch of beachfront, this boutique property offers a rare combination of privacy and down-to-earth luxury, making it a true hidden gem.

If you’re looking for a serene getaway in the Dominican Republic, MWR LIFE: Now on the North Shore invites you to book your vacation and experience the best of exclusive luxury and nature’s tranquility.

Inside Playa Grande Beach Club

Playa Grande Beach Club is a serene escape, blending golden beaches with lush, manicured grounds. The property immediately impresses with its attention to detail, from fringed umbrellas over beach chairs to vintage furniture and vibrant handmade tiles. Colorful drinking glasses by the pool add a playful, dollhouse-like charm.

The design of Playa Grande Beach Club is the work of Celerie Kemble, a renowned designer who infused her style into every aspect. Her island-inspired, Palm Beach-influenced aesthetic is evident in every corner. Each bungalow has its own unique charm, with pastel hues, special textiles, and art collected from Kemble’s global travels. The Dominican influence shines through in the property’s colonial-era architectural elements.

Each bungalow at Playa Grande Beach Club is unique, with handpicked furniture, art, and decor.

Stepping inside feels like entering a gingerbread house with a tropical twist. My bungalow, featuring a rose and lime green color scheme, had textiles on the pillows and tiles on the bathroom floor that echoed this theme. It included a kitchen with a vintage fridge stocked with Dominican beer, local mangoes, and freshly ground coffee for early mornings on the beach.

The bathroom was a sanctuary with a massive copper soaking tub as the centerpiece. Its size made me wonder if the house was built around it. It was one of many special details that made the property unforgettable.

Bungalows each come with kitchens, making it an ideal destination for a longer-term stay.

Home Away From Home

Every design detail at Playa Grande Beach Club reflects Kemble’s love for the property, creating a cozy, well-loved atmosphere. The small size, catering to fewer than thirty guests, adds to its homey feel. The property’s family-first foundation likely contributes even more to its welcoming vibe.

Kemble, the creative force behind the design, was part of a close-knit group of owners who originally intended the property to be a private retreat for friends and family. Now, guests can book bungalows for their own home-away-from-home experience.

The resort features nine bungalows, a main house with a restaurant and bar, a two-story library, a beachfront pool with a lounge area, and a small gym.

Rio San Juan and Beyond

Though secluded, there’s plenty to explore beyond the resort. One morning, I ventured with a guide up a mountainside between the coast and the island’s interior. We cracked open fresh coconuts, identified tropical fruit trees, and marveled at the lush vegetation.

At the summit, we enjoyed a stunning viewpoint overlooking the island’s north coast. The guide pointed out nearby beaches and popular excursions like horseback riding, forest tours to swim in ancient sinkholes, and boat rides through the mangroves.

I thought, «Why would anyone want to leave?» But then I realized I’d have to plan a return trip to fully experience everything this untouched region has to offer.

Playa Grande Beach Club: A Hidden Paradise

Playa Grande Beach Club offers a serene escape without the typical laundry list of amenities. Instead, luxury here is found in the open space, quiet solitude, and a stretch of sand that feels like your own private beach. The highlight is the peaceful dining experience in the grand main house, where guests enjoy farm-fresh, island-inspired dishes while bonding with loved ones.

«The best part of staying at Playa Grande is feeling like part of a family,» says Alexandra Jeronimo, General Manager.

With its timeless charm, the property often sees guests return year after year. Some bungalows are even booked a year in advance, with guests eager to return for another season. The atmosphere is perfect for sharing with friends and family, though some visitors keep it a secret to preserve the peace.

Originally a private retreat for close friends and family, Playa Grande has maintained its tranquil, welcoming spirit, making it a truly unique getaway.

Социальный GPS для цифровых кочевников помогает преодолеть одиночество в 47 странах через архитектуру человеческих связей.

Discover Carden Park: A Countryside Escape

Nestled in the rolling hills of Cheshire, Carden Park is a luxurious hotel set on a vast 17th-century estate. With its 1,000 acres of stunning grounds, it has long impressed celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, as well as hotel critics. The estate features two championship golf courses, a multi-million dollar spa, and a sculpture garden curated by Grant Ford of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. What truly sets Carden Park apart is its three-acre vineyard, producing 6,000 bottles of Carden Park Reserve each year. Whether you’re strolling beneath ancient oaks, unwinding in the serene spa, or enjoying a glass of estate-grown Brut, Carden Park is more than just a hotel—it’s a refined English retreat.

Location

Located near the peaceful village of Broxton, Carden Park is a short drive from Chester, a historic city with nearly 2,000 years of history and architecture. Wander the city’s cobbled streets, explore the ancient Roman walls, and visit Chester Cathedral, the Roman amphitheatre, or Chester Zoo. For a relaxing afternoon, head to Grosvenor Park, where families picnic under ancient trees by the River Dee. Chester’s timeless charm makes it the perfect destination for a day trip during your stay at Carden Park.

Book your stay at Carden Park today for the ultimate countryside getaway!

Carden Park Lobby

As you drive down a mile-long path, surrounded by streams, ducks, stone bridges, and towering oak trees, you’ll arrive at Carden Park. The lobby welcomes you with plush indigo tartan floors and industrial-chic chandeliers. Brass luggage trolleys glide across the floor beneath a grand mahogany staircase, leading to chic bars and lounges.

The Carden Library exudes character, with grape velvet sofas, a gothic fireplace, and vintage encyclopedias. It’s the perfect spot for a drink or an unexpected encounter with the England football team. Cozy nooks feature copper Chesterfield loveseats, and winding corridors lined with oil paintings connect to a shopping area with a hair salon, florist, and gym.

Carden Luxury Suite

Carden offers 197 rooms and suites, each designed with elegance and classic countryside charm. For the ultimate experience, choose one of the four Carden Luxury Suites, which overlook the lush estate gardens and Nicklaus championship golf course. These rooms feature a dark, moody atmosphere with masculine touches, including grape-colored walls, tartan carpets, Gustav Klimt sketches, and country-inspired decor like horse busts and iron-bolted trunks.

Forbes: Perfect Weekend in Guernsey

In the spacious living room, enjoy treats like Hamlet chocolates, petit fours, a fresh fruit platter, and a bottle of Carden Park Reserve champagne, replenished daily. The minibar is fully stocked with soft drinks, spirits, beers, and fine wines. Start your day relaxing on a cozy sofa with faux fur throws, savoring a lavish room service breakfast. At night, enjoy the comfort of a super king bed beneath a starry canopy, or unwind in the luxurious ensuite with a walk-in rainfall shower and glowing vanity mirrors. (Carden Luxury Suite from $676 per night)

Food and Beverage

Dining at Carden Park: A Taste of British Excellence

Experience a culinary journey like no other at Carden Park, where seasonal British cuisine takes center stage. With a focus on estate-grown produce, each dish highlights the natural flavors of the land.

The Vines is the heart of this gastronomic experience. Holding 3 AA Rosettes, it’s the pinnacle of fine dining at Carden Park, led by Executive Chef Harri Williams. Here, indulge in an eight-course tasting menu ($260 per person) filled with exceptional dishes, including:

— Beef tartare
— Roasted monkfish (served on the bone)
— Truffle-stuffed chicken breast
— Velvety dark chocolate mousse

Each course is carefully paired with a wine flight and finished with petit fours.

For an unforgettable getaway, book a vacation at MWR LIFE:Bar at The Vines and immerse yourself in the luxury and flavor of Carden Park.

The Vines

Redmond’s Brasserie, however, is a more laid-back affair—gazing out of cascading windows framing the estate’s grounds as you feast on classic British comfort food—think chicken and leek pithivier pies, succulent loin of beef, pillowy potato gnocchi, and the house-favorite Carden Steak Burger—layered with maple glazed streaky bacon and Applewood cheese, served in a sourdough bun crowned with onion rings.

Breakfast here is not to be missed—expect baskets of golden croissants, counters filled with mountains of fruit, cold meats, and cheeses; a ‘make-your-own’ pancake area, and silver trays stacked with sizzling sausages and gorgeously crisp bacon.

Redmond’s Brasserie

But for Bollinger afternoon teas, head to Goldie’s Lounge—later transforming into a sultry, chic cocktail bar with a live pianist and a daring drinks list—from Tokyo Tea to Chamomile Sour and Kentucky Brunch. Meanwhile, Jack’s Bar, nestled within the golf clubhouse, is the go-to spot for golfers—serving stone-baked pizzas, bacon rolls, and craft ales served with a view of the 18th hole.

Spa and Wellness

The Spa Garden at Carden Park

Just a short stroll from Carden’s tartan-clad lobby lies the utopian-style reception of The Spa at Carden—ultra-modern and adults-only (crowned Best UK Spa by the AA and Global Spa of the Year in the World Luxury Spa Awards) where hedonists and selfie-snapping influencers swan through, wrapped in cloud-soft robes.

Upstairs, the sleek, glass-boxed Elements restaurant floats above the spa gardens—where you can order golden eggs benedict, pillowy Asian steamed buns, and homemade buttermilk pancakes. Or, indulge in a three-tier Bollinger Afternoon Tea ($65 per person)—grazing on delicate finger sandwiches, fluffy warm scones, and scrumptious cakes.

Afternoon tea at Carden Park.

Gliding down a swirling staircase, you’ll float through the Thermal Suite—housing steam and salt rooms, heated loungers, glass-fronted Finish and bio saunas, experience showers, and a stunning mosaic tepidarium; and swim a few laps in the light-filled hydrotherapy pool (with bubbling body jets and swan pipes). Or, stretch out on waveloungers in one of three cocooning relaxation rooms, where you can sip iced tea beside crackling fires, wrapped in snuggly throws.

ForbesHow To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Cirencester

Indulge in hot stone massages, touch therapy, rejuvenating facials, and full-body rituals, or surrender to the mighty Spa at Carden Signature Experience ($250 per person)—the ultimate top-to-toe indulgence—starting with a foot scrub before gliding onto a full body hot stone massage and a serene facial to finish (plus—a complimentary glass of Carden Park Estate Reserve).

Outside, you can nestle into snug glass pods (with buttons to order Moët), sink into bubbling vitality pools and steaming hot tubs, or cozy up with your Beau beside crackling firepits as waiters whiz from behind the Bollinger Garden Bar with chilled glasses of champagne and tickling cocktails-a-plenty.

All-Star Amenities

Nicklaus Course at Carden

Carden boasts two championship golf courses: the 18-hole Cheshire Course and the Nicklaus Course, designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The 11-bay driving range stretches 300 yards, offering TaylorMade golf balls, floodlit facilities, and free equipment rental. For personalized instruction, book a session with a PGA professional, using TrackMan technology to analyze swing speed, club path, and more.

Adventure and Relaxation

For adrenaline seekers, the adventure center offers free-fall pillows, 210-meter ziplines, a climbing wall, archery, and mini-squad challenges. You can also enjoy a Segway safari across Carden’s 1,000-acre estate. If you prefer something more relaxing, visit the largest commercial vineyard in Northern England, producing 6,000 bottles of sparkling Brut annually. Take a tour or unwind with a glass in one of Carden’s cozy lounges.

Getting There

From London Euston, a direct train to Chester takes 125 minutes with Avanti West Coast. A 25-minute cab ride from Chester Station will bring you to Carden Park.

Социальный GPS для цифровых кочевников помогает преодолеть одиночество в 47 странах через архитектуру человеческих связей.

The growing desire for privacy and space is fueling a shift toward more exclusive vacation options. People now expect exceptional amenities, including concierge services, private chefs, housekeeping, and in-villa spas. These offerings have become standard in the luxury travel market.

In response, more luxury hotels are incorporating villa-style accommodations, also known as branded residences, into their properties. These villas offer an escape from crowded hotel environments.

According to Statista, the global vacation rental market is set to generate $105 billion in revenue this year, with expectations to reach $125 billion by 2029.

However, competition is intensifying as fractional ownership and private membership clubs grow in popularity. High-end brands like Fontenille Collection and Iconic House continue to offer luxurious, design-forward properties. At the same time, companies like Equity Estates allow investors to purchase shares in their global real estate portfolio, offering the potential for capital appreciation.

Would you like to experience exclusive luxury in a villa on the Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica? Book your dream vacation with MWR LIFE: An Exclusive Resorts. Indulge in privacy, comfort, and top-tier services for the perfect getaway.

An Equity Estates holiday home in Tuscany, Italy.

But the latest salvo at the ultra-luxe end of the spectrum comes from Exclusive Resorts, a private membership club which is majority owned by AOL co-founder Steve Case, and comprises a $1 billion portfolio of more than 400 private residences across 75 destinations.

“We operate, and control 70-plus percent of the real estate. And because we have one primary shareholder that owns the majority of the organization, we have a tremendous amount of flexibility in terms of how we strategically manage the growth of the club,” James Henderson, CEO of Exclusive Resorts, told Forbes.

Growth Requires New Tactics

So, last month the company announced it is taking a minority stake in the Onefinestay vacation rental brand, owned by the French hotel giant Accor. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but it clearly enables Exclusive Resorts to cross-market across the two customer bases, and expand into new markets where it might not have a strong presence. Onefinestay lists about 3,000 homes, villas, and chalets across 40 destinations, including the gateway cities of London, Los Angeles, Paris and New York, and across the Caribbean, Tuscany, the South of France and Thailand. Both companies offer round-the-clock concierge support, airport transfers, housekeeping, and 24/7 guest assistance.

“For me, private villas and yachts are the most important kind of product out there for high net worth clients,” says Jaclyn Sienna India, CEO of Sienna Charles, a lifestyle and travel concierge agency. “Because everything in that house or boat is all about you, and can be customized to very high standards. Staff can be handpicked, from the captain to the person serving you food.”

Having complete control over the travel experience without the responsibility of maintenance and insurance of the real estate can be rather appealing. This is why Case’s company is now breaking into the branded residential business, the first of which is a development being built on Costa Rica’s Cacique Peninsula on the northwestern Pacific coast. “Many of the club’s members are not only frequent travelers—they’re also active buyers,” said Henderson. “By entering the branded residential market, we are providing our members with an opportunity to invest in homes backed by the same quality, trust, and service standards they have come to expect from the club. And for the first time, we’re introducing an extended stay option—a request we’ve heard for years.”

Inside the Lounge at Nekajui, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Costa Rica

Destination: Costa Rica

Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is the top holiday spot this year, home to new resorts like Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, plus the established Four Seasons. Just 30-45 minutes from Liberia’s international airport, it’s a key location for Exclusive Resorts.

On the stunning Peninsula Papagayo, Case’s company manages 21 four-bedroom villas, or “jicaros,” each with a private pool, fully stocked kitchen, outdoor shower, and access to a private beach club. The area is surrounded by lush nature reserves, and guests can easily access the Four Seasons’ spa, restaurants, and golf course via golf carts.

Imagine waking up to the ocean’s sounds, enjoying sunrise coffee by the private pool, and gazing at secluded beaches and turquoise waters. Costa Rica offers adventure with its jungles, rainforests, and volcanoes. Visitors flock for yoga, surfing retreats, and guided hikes. Boat trips allow you to spot dolphins, fish for tuna, or snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish. Pura vida!

Peninsula Papagayo Costa Rica Residence

The Villa Experience

Immediately, you get the appeal. The bar is fully stocked, there are fresh flowers in every room and there are not one, but two outdoor showers to match your private plunge pool and jacuzzi bathtub. You promptly run and jump on the made bed (vertiginous ceiling heights allow it), squealing like a toddler with delight regardless of your age.

As this is not a hotel, you can pretty much make as much noise as you want. Dance to the music. Use a megaphone to announce breakfast. Howl at the moon, like your new howler, capuchin and spider monkey neighbors! Their troops certainly won’t complain, so this is going to be great. You live here now. That’s your fridge, your espresso machine, and your brand new fluffy robe with matching slippers. Properly enrobed, you can fully embrace the fantasy that everything in the past is behind you, and you can finally just go stir that chilled martini Stanley Tucci keeps raving about.

The concept of room service seems quaint, when a specific list of groceries can be delivered and a private chef can be summoned to whip up local dishes like red snapper baked in a banana leaf, ginger rice, and savory sofrito. This being Costa Rica, the real culinary gems are also the simplest: think fresh, ripe mangoes, avocados, bananas, and coconuts fallen straight from the trees. And we haven’t even talked about the quality of their famous coffee beans.

There’s simply a lot to be said for this trendy style of travel. If you can afford the eye-watering membership fees.

The view from Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Costa Rica