Cindy Rhee

The islands of Hawai'i keep calling me back, year after year. The abundant natural beauty throughout the islands, the people and culture welcome you with the Aloha spirit, giving you a sense of being welcomed back to a place you belong. I’m often asked which is my favorite Hawaiian Island, though I can never answer this question without giving the reasons why every island is my favorite. Hawai'i can be done so many different ways but doing a mix of luxury resorts and islands to soak in this magical destination fully is my idea of a Hawai’i dream trip.

Kauai is one of the Hawaiian islands that keeps drawing me back. I've been there three times this year and I just can't get enough of this lush, green island with beautiful beaches and the stunning mountains along the Nā Pali Coast. It's the island where you most feel you are in sacred Hawaiian land, and where you can find some great local mom and pop restaurants you can't find anywhere else.

Aspen is a luxurious mountain escape like no other - stunning scenery, world-class skiing, and a touch of nostalgic glamour. With so many incredible hotels, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. I'm here to guide you through the best Aspen has to offer!

The island of Bali whispers promises of serenity, adventure and breathtaking beauty. For the discerning traveler, paradise extends beyond its beaches. Unlock a Bali where luxury meets cultural immersion, discover hidden gems and the best spots to witness Bali’s vibrant spirit.

Imagine yourself cocooned in a private plunge pool villa overlooking the Indian Ocean. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments inspired by ancient traditions. Then, delve into the heart of Balinese culture with private tours, artisan workshops and bespoke adventures crafted just for you. Immerse yourself in unparalleled luxury at hand-picked resorts renowned for impeccable service, stunning settings and world-class amenities.

Africa is a bucket-list dream trip for travelers. It’s a destination you’ll never forget, with breathtaking vistas and unique experiences you won’t see anywhere else in the world. Untamed beauty and rich cultures collide in South Africa, where you find the sophistication of Cape Town, world class wine regions and Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo). Botswana's pristine Okavango Delta is a vast watery paradise teeming with wildlife, for unforgettable safari experiences by canoe or Landcruiser. This adventure promises unforgettable encounters with wildlife, breathtaking scenery and the warmth of southern African hospitality.

Los Cabos is located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula where the mountains meet the desert and sea. From stunning views to ocean activities and a lively food scene, this area of Mexico offers something for everyone. Cabo San Lucas is both busy and crowded, with a well-established restaurant and bar scene and a starting point for many ocean and land activities. San Jose del Cabo has a more local vibe, also with good restaurants, and is closer to the even more quiet Eastern Cape, known for great fishing and marine reserve Cabo Pulmo. North of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific side, you'll find the quaint and artistic town of Todos Santos. It's easy to explore one region or all three on your trip to Los Cabos.

South Korea is a unique and captivating destination. A land of ancient temples juxtaposed by high-tech modern cities, South Korea offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Explore millennia-old Buddhist monasteries shrouded in serene mountain mists, then be dazzled by Seoul's ultramodern skyscrapers. Delve into the rich tapestry of Korean history, from the Joseon Dynasty's royal palaces to the sobering existence of the Demilitarized Zone. Hike through breathtaking volcanic landscapes or relax on pristine beaches, all while indulging in the country's phenomenal culinary scene — from fiery kimchi stews to delicate noodle soups. South Korea truly is a land of unexpected wonders and one of my favorite places on the planet to explore.

Three of the most popular destinations in South Korea for travelers are Seoul, Busan and Jeju-do. Seoul is the largest city in the north. Busan is the largest port city in the South, and Jeju is an island off the southern coast of South Korea. Each of these regions offers unique sightseeing, culture and cuisine.

Nestled in a valley below towering mountain ranges, Zermatt is a charming car-free village full of unique boutique hotels, restaurants, shops and cafes, and stunning views of the Matterhorn.

Rich in history, Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan and is home to thousands of Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples. Walk through bamboo forests, find some “zen” moments at the shrines, temples and gardens of Kyoto. Experience the festivals, exquisite keiseki meals and Japanese traditions in this ancient and beautiful city.

A vibrant metropolis situated along the St. Lawrence River, Montreal is welcoming. It is rich in diversity and a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary, European and Western, city and nature. As a nod to this city with dual personalities, you’ll hear both French and English spoken here.

Iaorana! This is the warm greeting of hello you’ll hear throughout the islands of Tahiti. Bora Bora is breathtaking - truly a dream destination for paradise seekers. The palm-fringed, white sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation and clear turquoise waters teeming with ocean life will draw you to this gorgeous island. Tahitian culture and French-inspired food will make you want to return again and again. It's a short 50-minute flight from Papeete on Air Tahiti and if you are staying in a luxury hotel on a smaller islet (a motu) you will be whisked away on a boat to get to your hotel. If this is your first time, you will want to stay in an overwater bungalow where you can jump off directly into the crystal-clear waters from your deck. Many of the luxury properties also have larger gardens and beach villas and suites with incredible views of the island.

While Oahu is the most populated Hawaiian island and can be touristy, there is a myriad of beautiful spots and things to do. Honolulu is heavily influenced by Japanese culture and that’s another reason I’m drawn to this island. Skip the chain restaurants you find in every big city on the mainland and go local all the way for meals. There are serene white sand beaches that will make you think you are in Tahiti and the marine life is bountiful. There are many different kinds of land and sea experiences on Oahu, from crowded and sometimes boisterous Waikiki to the quiet upscale resorts of Ko Olina and the chiller North Shore. There is something for everyone and that is why this island is referred to as “The Gathering Place," where you will find the warm welcome of Aloha everywhere you turn.

Okinawa is a Japanese prefecture comprising over 150 islands in the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean. It’s closer to Taipei than Tokyo and known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, comfort food and rich history and heritage. The main island, also called Okinawa, is known for being one of the “blue zones” where a larger percentage of the population live past age 100. Okinawa is also influenced by American culture as it was a fierce battleground at the end of World War 2 and was placed under the control of the US for over 25 years. Okinawa is a unique way of life for locals and a wonderful slice of paradise for Tokyo-ites escaping city life or western tourists who want to venture beyond Hawaii and the Caribbean or who are exploring beyond other Asian destinations.

Taipei is a vibrant, bustling and highly populated city on the main island of Taiwan, just a few hour flight from Japan, Korea or China. Mountain ranges and hills in varied shades of green and a tropical climate make for lots of gorgeous scenery throughout the region. Mandarin is spoken in Taiwan and you'll find English spoken as well in this tourist friendly city.

Chinese traditional culture and history is heavily influenced by Japanese culture after 50 years of Japanese occupation. Welcoming locals, great street food, temples, hikes, shopping, easy transportation and day trips make Taipei an amazing destination!

Mexico City is a cultural and foodie destination not to be missed! From street food to internationally-acclaimed meals and everything in between, CDMX has so much to offer. A city of over 20 million people, Mexico City is bustling, but you'll soon appreciate the warm hospitality and kindness of people in this sprawling metropolis. I love that Mexico City has so much greenery in every neighborhood and parks everywhere. I love the neighborhoods around Chapultepec Park, Polanco, Condesa and Roma. There are so many charming stores, restaurants, cafes and museums to explore. More exploring can be done just outside the city as well as this destination has so much to offer.

Tokyo is a vibrant, sprawling and highly populated modern city deeply rooted in tradition and history, where shrines, temples, gardens and the Imperial Palace are juxtaposed against soaring skyscrapers, luxury hotels, amazing restaurants, cute cafes and all kinds of shopping. Even the most seasoned traveler will want to keep coming back to this cultural powerhouse of a city to discover more.