SUMMER TRAVEL SOIRÉE
A SPECIAL-EDITION SUMMER TRAVEL GUIDE
A travel writer explores some of the world’s most unforgettable hotel bars, from Bemelmans at the Carlyle to Peponi’s in Kenya, highlighting each one’s unique charm and atmosphere.
Ah, the hotel bar Some are mere lobby fixtures: convenient yet forgettable, and then there are the ones that become destinations unto themselves, serving up a sense of place along with an ice cold martini or a frosty piña colada. As a travel writer, I’ve pulled up a seat at my fair share of stunners: the Schloss Bar at the Rosewood in Salzburg, the Connaught Bar in London, Fifty Mils at the Four Seasons in Mexico City These are the kinds of bars that travelers seek out and locals return to again and again.
To spotlight a few of the world’s most memorable hotel bars, I tapped trusted advisors from Fora (including co-founder Henley Vazquez) for their personal favorites
My Pick: Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel, New York, NY
A gilded jewel box of old New York glamour, the walls of Bemelmans were hand-painted by Madeline illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. In the background, a pianist plays standards on a baby grand, while tuxedoed bartenders bring you ice cold martinis. It's like its own little universe, where everything is fabulous. A tip: Arrive early to snag a coveted table, as seating is first come, first served, and the bar fills quickly. Make sure to dress the part as well, leaning into the timeless elegance of it all
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Fora Co-Founder Henley Vazquez’s Pick: Treetop Bar, One&Only Mandarina in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
“It’s small, feels like a magic garden perched up above the sea, and it has incredible views,” says Vazquez of her favorite hotel bar. “You almost can’t see it from the restaurant that’s nearby. It’s the perfect place for a preor post-dinner cocktail.” With panoramic views and a menu rooted in sustainability, this tucked-away bar is known for agave spirit cocktails that illustrate the flavors of Nayarit. Vazquez’s advice? Skip the menu, share your preferences with the bartender, and let them create something bespoke with locally sourced ingredients.
Fora Advisor Nicole Campoy Jackson’s Pick: Peponi’s in Lamu, Kenya
At the heart of the dreamy Swahili coast, the Peponi Hotel’s bar in Lamu overlooks the Indian ocean. Jackson calls it her favorite for good reason, explaining that “it’s the heart and soul of its ‘neighborhood,’” and that everyone passes by at some point in the day, whether for a light lunch by the beach or for a dawa (Kenya’s signature honey-lime cocktail) at sunset. “Peponi sets the pace in Lamu. In our first few days, my son and I recovered from long haul flights on the terrace, watching the waves. Outside on that sandstone terrace, under fragrant tellises of bougainvillea and a smattering of palm trees, we slowed way down.”
IBIZA MALLORCA MENORCA
The Balearic Islands are considered some of Spain’s most visited destinations, and for good reason. Each of the four inhabited sister islands offers something for every type of traveler, from hiking or prime nightlife to the best untouched beaches on this side of the Mediterranean Sea.
We caught up with our favorite travel advisors, Fora Travel, the best source for all the happenings on the islands and beyond, and picked their brains on why you should head there this year (and possibly the next)
Pick Your Own Adventure
Like the Balearic Islands, Fora Travel caters to all different types of travelers with different sensibilities. Here’s how Fora Travel broke it down for us:
“The Balearic Islands are like siblings all related, but each has a personality,” says Yarden Shuminer, a Senior Travel Advisor at Fora Travel.
“For active families with younger kids, I usually start with Mallorca. It has this incredible topography that offers something for everyone: beaches, hiking, cycling, and fantastic food ”
The largest island, Mallorca blends mountain trails and hidden calas with buzzy towns and cultural gems Mallorcan-owned hotels like Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá are perfect for exploring a different side of the island. They are close to Palma (the capital) and offer an authentic coastal Mallorcan experience.
“The island of Ibiza is also excellent for families. Yes, it has a party reputation, but hotels like Six Senses and 7Pines have redefined what it means to vacation there. Formentera is for those who don’t mind a little extra lift to get there It’s the smallest of the islands and is only accessible by boat from Ibiza. But the boho-chic vibe is magnetic ” Shuminer adds.
Traveling Thoughtfully
As Shuminer mentioned, beyond its raucous nightlife scene, Ibiza is surprisingly serene: whitewashed villages, pine-covered hills, and a flourishing wellness scene.
“Menorca is the quietest a dream for nature lovers and those looking to slow down. It’s home to UNESCO-listed prehistoric sites, pine forests, and some of the most beautiful, untouched beaches, many only accessible by foot or boat ”
Traveling to the Balearic Islands should be on everyone’s bucket list, but if you plan on making a trip, travel responsibly, especially considering Spain’s current housing crisis. Booking with a reputable agency like Fora ensures that everyone is clued in. This type of transparency is needed in a global world where tourism’s impact can be negative or positive, depending on the context
“The list of what these islands offer travelers can go on for miles, and they’re becoming more popular with North American audiences. We recommend traveling here soon (responsibly) and beating the crowds ”
We might be in an age where tech innovation floods headlines, but against all odds, nostalgia has come to shape the current zeitgeist. From a ‘90s fashion revival and the Gen Z rejection of smart phones, to the triumphant renaissance of print magazines (much like the one you’re reading right now), it’s easy to see: there’s a cultural craving for analog eras of yore. And this longing extends to travel just look to the growing contingency of experiences that transport one back to simpler times. Ahead, three trends that feel like a welcomed blast from the past.
Retro Motor Lodges
Once considered a fusty relic from the mid-20th century, retro motor lodges now rank among the hottest hotel bookings across the US. “It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia for the ’50s with modern conveniences and subtle luxuries of now,” Cathy Boufford of Fora Travel points out
The mass restoration of these properties lets travelers relive the halcyon days of the Golden Age of Motels but with current design and amenities. Hotel Wren’s recent arrival in Joshua Tree is a testament to this, with designer Jessica Pell reviving a 1940s roadside motel with atmospheric details like a wooden fireplace with hand-carved motifs. Or Hotel Willa, a newcomer to the Taos hospitality scene, which enriches an adobe-style motor lodge with hand- troweled terracotta walls and poolside popsicles
Communal Dinners
Calling to mind memorable meals savored with friends and family, the travel industry has picked up on how the dinner table is imbued with nostalgia
Ready to pull up a chair? Drop in for a bite at The Point in New York’s remote Adirondack Mountains, where each day concludes at a hosted communal feast with fellow guests in the exquisite Great Hall. You’ll feel just like its original owners, the Rockefeller family.
If a rustic agriturismo is more your speed, check-in to Follonico in the Tuscan countryside, where a tri-weekly, home-cooked dinner is served to a communal table of strangers who reliably end the evening as friends.
Nostalgia Trips
First came heritage tourism, now there’s the nostalgia effect however you want to spin it, a yearning to reconnect with the past through travel is timeless. For some, this means spending summer PTO at a lakeside hideaway where your family used to vacation, recalling pleasant memories of boat days and barbecue nights
For others, a nostalgia trip might translate to an overseas adventure to reconnect with relatives. At its heart, this trend highlights our innate desire to tap into the comfort of old memories, while creating new ones in the process.
Follonico Hotel
Hotel Willa
Hearing “Cabo” and “spring break” in the same sentence is about as common as spotting flip- flops on the beach. But, beyond the party scene, the oft-pigeon-holed destination offers a rich artistic and cultural side for discerning travelers. Swapping tequila-fueled pool parties for mezcal tastings, San José del Cabo is the place to be. We tapped Sara Wilcox a Fora Travel Advisor to curate a grown-up weekend getaway.
Where to Stay:
Drift San José Del Cabo
Stay at Drift San José, a minimalist 29-room stay with Baja-sourced decor, perfect for travelers craving a mix of culture and art. “The beach is just a 15-minute walk, with cafes and galleries right at your doorstep,” says Wilcox.
Where to Eat:
Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Farm-to-table restaurants are the name of the game here. Head to Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, where the dishes transform produce from Acre’s own farm to contemporary Mexican cuisine with international flair. After dinner, Wilcox suggests heading upstairs to Colibri for a mezcal tasting guided by in-house experts.
Lumbre
For a vibrant flair, check out Lumbre. Housed in a renovated 1960s warehouse, the open kitchen puts the fiery energy of the chefs on display, while dark, moody interiors provide a respite for diners. Top tip from our Fora advisor: it is the perfect dinner spot before the Art Walk, but you should definitely book in advance.
Where to Drink:
La Botica at Las Ventanas
Skip the tiki bars, and head straight for our expert’s favorite speakeasy piano bar, La Botica at Las Ventanas. With a vintage apothecary ambiance and Prohibition-era classics, all signs point toward a swanky night.
What to Do:
Ganzo de Playa at Hotel El Ganzo
Cabo isn’t known for swimmable beaches, but it is not impossible. Ganzo de Playa at Hotel El Ganzo is a rare gem Get a day pass and enjoy a variety of fresh seafood with a margarita in hand. And for the music lovers, there’s a beach vinyl session every Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
ATV Tour with Wild Canyon Adventures
For the adventurer, Wilcox suggests an ATV tour with Wild Canyon Adventures out in the desert to satiate the speed field. Feel the surge of adrenaline as you dominate sandy dunes, beautiful beaches, and rugged trails.
San José del Cabo Art Walk
THE PERFECT ANTI-SPRING BREAKER CABO WEEKEND ITINERARY: SUN, CULTURE, AND CHARM —WITHOUT THE PARTY CROWDS.
From November to June, the San José del Cabo Art Walk takes place every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. Wilcox recommends En Blanco, where you’ll be greeted with colorful paintings against stark white walls, making each piece more eyecatching.
So, to anyone who thinks Cabo is only for spring breakers and head-pounding hangovers, think again. Head to San José del Cabo for a weekend filled with sun, adventure, culture, and quality mezcal.
In Hawaii, seeking an experience rooted in conscious travel practices isn’t just a trend, it’s a necessity. Long portrayed as a “sun and sand” destination defined by beaches and resort culture, the islands are far more complex: home to a rich native heritage, a fragile ecosystem, and communities deeply affected by the impacts of mass tourism. Traveling here with care means slowing down, asking questions, and seeking experiences that foster reciprocity rather than consumption.
That’s why her company offers pre-trip resources that introduce visitors to foundational Hawaiian values like mālama, which means to care for others, the land, and the ocean. “These aren’t just words. They’re guiding principles,” Berthelsen emphasizes, encouraging visitors to respect sacred sites, refrain from entering off-limits areas, and engage in local customs, like removing shoes before entering homes.
Courtney Berthelsen, Owner of Salt Sanctuary Soul and Fora Travel Advisor, helps travelers engage with Hawaii in a way that’s immersive, respectful, and rooted in local values.
She also dispels the myth that Hawaiian culture is something to observe passively. “Hula is not just a show at a luau—it’s a ceremony, a language of the land,” she says. “And aloha is not just a greeting. It’s a way of being.”
To help guests engage more meaningfully, Berthelsen recommends boutique stays like The Palmwood on Kaua‘i, family-run Makoa Resorts in Maui, and community-driven experiences such as Imu Mea ‘Ai on the Big Island, Common Ground Farm on Kauai, and Deep Blue Eco Tours on O‘ahu. Each option uplifts local voices and contributes to the islands’ cultural and ecological preservation. When possible, it also serves the local community to intentionally seek out native Hawaiian-owned businesses, from restaurants to tour operators.
“For me, [Hawaii] embodies everything I seek in travel and day-to-day life: a deep connection to nature, vibrant and nourishing food, the rhythm of the ocean always nearby, and a culture rooted in respect for the land and community.”
Berthelsen defines conscious travel in Hawaii as “arriving with a respect for the land and the spirit,” and encourages her clients to see beyond the white sand beaches to recognize Hawaii’s rich culture, which calls for care and humility. “Tourism has deeply impacted Native Hawaiian communities— environmentally, economically, and spiritually.”
For visitors looking to tread more lightly, Berthelsen offers simple guidance: “Learn before you go. Stay small and local. Bring less, listen more, and ask yourself: who benefits from my visit?”
In a neighborhood better known for power suits than boutique style, The Wall Street Hotel has established itself as a refined and inviting presence in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District. Nestled within the historic Tontine building, the hotel has continued to blend understated luxury with a welcoming atmosphere since opening its doors.
The interior designers at Rose Ink Workshop crafted a polished yet approachable aesthetic that still holds strong. From the moment you walk in, the lobby feels both elegant and cozy: a white- marble check-in desk and calming oat-toned palette set the tone for the rest
The hotel’s 180 rooms & suites are thoughtfully designed with layered textures and curated details. Think steel blue and celadon tones, tufted headboards inspired by Mother of Pearl, and accents that nod to the hotel’s pearling heritage, courtesy of its owners, the Paspaley family.
Just off the reception area is the Lounge on Pearl, an all-day social space defined by its soaring double-height ceilings and rich interior textures. Jewel-toned fabrics and playful animal-print furniture add flair to a lounge that walks a fine line between old-world glamour and contemporary boldness. A hand-painted New York City skyline graces the walls.
For those seeking a more elevated dining experience, La Marchande, the hotel’s French brasserie by Michelin-starred chef John Fraser, continues to impress with its inventive menu and refined execution. Whether it’s a leisurely brunch or an indulgent dinner, La Marchande is a destination in its own right.
For a rooftop bar moment on the hotel’s 15th floor, Bar Tontine’s indoor-outdoor blueprint will win you over. of the stay, offering an escape from the city’s bustle.
Needless to say, The Wall Street Hotel serves as one of the most stylish and well-appointed places to stay in the Financial District (even in NYC, for that matter).
AFew Takeaways
City & Neighborhood: NYC’s Financial District
Any personal neighborhood recs?
Hmm… either Printemps, the neighborhood’s sleek new French department store that radiates Parisian chic, or The Tin Building by Jean-Georges, a stunning culinary destination and perhaps the most elevated food hall you’ll ever experience.
Our favorite thing about the hotel?
While there’s much to choose from, we will have to say Bar Tontine on a summer evening or the lobby’s palpable elegance, from the bucolic-esque motif lathering a portion of the walls to the exquisite marble check-in desk.