The world waits for no one.
But travel waits. There are countless countries fully alive right now and just as many hotels to rest our heads. I live to explore – don’t all young professionals (YPs)?
There really is nothing else out there that offers more excitement than jetting off to a new destination and embracing the experience with open arms and an open mind.
No cubicles necessary.
With my Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express. I can use my everyday spend to get me closer to the countries and cities I crave to explore. For every one dollar I spend on my card, I’m able to get one Starpoint, add in booking travel on the same card, and I can get to my dream destinations even faster. The list of options is endless – Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) hotels and resorts are everywhere.
A really unique feature of being a part of the SPG family of hotels and resorts is that there’s something for everyone. For example, Aloft offers longer stay options with a kitchenette in each loft. Sheraton/Four Points can be found in virtually every large city centre, offering a pretty versatile advantage that you can count on no matter where your travels take you. On the über luxury side of things, St. Regis is amongst the very best, and if you’re into a fun, stylish, lounge-meets-art-deco vibe, the W is exactly where you want to be.
I’ve managed to narrow down some places I’d love to see and give you my top five destinations to visit this year:
1. The Grand Canyon
One of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon in style is to hop on a flight to Scottsdale and check in to the luxurious Phoenician. The Grand Canyon is waiting just three hours away. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like you have to leave the hotel. You may not want to, as this property has nine swimming pools and a 27-hole championship golf course alongside many other notable amenities.
2. Waikiki Beach
Everyone needs to go to Hawaii at least once in their life. It’s considered part of the U.S. but in so many ways it’s a country all by itself, with a mixture of all of the best parts of the States combined with Hawaii’s uniquely original hospitality. Part of Starwood’s 48 beach properties within North and South America, the Mona Surfrider will not disappoint. This hotel provides an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and easy access to the beach where you can shred some waves. Like every Westin property around the world, it’s perfect for anyone – romance, business, and fun all in one.
3. South Beach, Miami
Light up the night inside Wall (W’s very own night club) and soak up the day on the beach. W South Beach is a destination in and of itself even amongst locals. It’s a place where jetsetters and entrepreneurs all come together to live it up from sunrise to sunset – something I wouldn’t miss out on.
4. Bal Harbour
The trip to Bal Harbour from Toronto or Montreal will only take you around three hours flying time. While there, the St. Regis Bal Harbour will give you a weekend of serenity and stillness mixed with the glitz and glamour of the city. Even though it’s only a 20-minute drive to South Beach, the two places feel like total opposites. With the St. Regis’ over 30 luxury accommodations, complete with butler service, it’s hard not to feel like you’re in paradise.
5. Los Angeles
La-La Land. In the middle of the action, celebs, and the party is the W Hollywood. This property brings together luxury, and just the right amount of the “scene” that you can expect on a trip to LA. From day parties to evening dinners, the W Hollywood deserves a place on every jetsetter’s “home away from home” list.
From luxury to adventure and all that’s in between, with the Starwood Preferred Guest Card from American Express I’m able to test out a variety of different hotels and hot spots around the world. I’m not sure where I’ll be travelling this year yet… only time (and weather) will tell.
But I’m open to trading recommendations for duty-free.
This post was sponsored by Amex Bank of Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this article, however, are purely my own.
Cover image: Bal Harbour