Peter Alejandro

The best time to visit Milan is in November. Temperature is down from the oppressive summer heat, and the stylish Milanese are out & about rocking their Fall attire. The city is starting to feel festive in anticipation of the coming Holiday Season. A trip to Milan in the Fall is still an insider's secret.

I recently returned from a five-night stay last week at the very cool Mondrian Condesa.

I was warmly welcomed and subsequently taken care of by the staff; greeted daily and checked in as to how my stay was going. Highly recommend.

Just got back from a great stay at Loews on Miami Beach. I was given a VIP welcome and upgraded to a partial ocean view king room on a higher floor. The staff and service were extremely exemplary and excellent.

Istanbul, as per Euromonitor International, claimed the top spot for most visited city in 2023; with 20.2 million visitors. I was part of that visitor demographic last Spring, when I made my first trip there, incentivized by the strength of the US Dollar versus Turkish Lira. Istanbul, with its amazing setting, a blend of the historical & modern, incredible cuisine and hospitality did not disappoint. I am already planning a trip back for more immersion in this fascinating city.

The Thonburi District, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, was the location of the ancient Kingdom of Siam's capital after the fall of Ayutthaya. It is now Bangkok's coolest destination for both tourists & locals alike. The recent opening of the ultra-mega luxury mall IconSiam (retailers ranging from H&M to Hermes, plus a Rolls Royce dealership) sparked the rebirth of this district. 5-Star Hotel Resorts line both sides of the banks of the Chao Phraya, adjacent to IconSiam.

The Athens Riviera, located on the coast 30 miles from Athens, was the "place to be" for the 60s jet set; its epicenter being the Astir Palace. During the pre-covid summer of 2019, the revival of the Astir Palace as the Four Seasons Astir marked the revival of the Athens Riviera. I discovered the amazing Athens Riviera that summer, via a lunch at the Four Seasons Astir, succumbing to its magic; so much so that I returned for a stay the following June.