East Europe's Richest Woman Seeks Key Share of Prague Top Hotels
Investment company PPF Group NV, owned by Kellnerova and her family, is seeking to take over the Four Seasons in the city's Old Town, the Czech anti-trust office said on Monday. The facility, owned by Northwood Investors, offers 157 rooms, with some overlooking the iconic 14th century Charles Bridge.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Condé Nast Traveler
6 hours ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
An All-Seasons Guide to Big Bear, California
While Southern California conjures images of endless sunshine and sandy beaches, just two hours from Los Angeles lies a striking contrast: Big Bear, a high-altitude hideaway that offers a true four-season escape. Tucked into the San Bernardino Mountains and wrapped around a namesake lake, this alpine town trades highways and palm trees for snowy slopes in winter, wildflower-strewn trails in spring, colorful foliage in fall, and breezy lakeside afternoons come summer. At 6,700 feet above sea level, Big Bear is more than just a mountain getaway. It's a rare ecological marvel known as a 'sky island,' where mountainous ecosystems sit isolated above desert lowlands. Here, lush forests and glittering lakes sit overhead the Mojave's arid sprawl, creating a biodiverse sanctuary. In fact, the San Bernardino Mountains rank as the seventh-most biologically diverse region in the US, home to rare flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. For all its wild beauty, Big Bear remains remarkably accessible. Whether you're carving fresh tracks, biking scenic trails, paddling across a glassy lake, or strolling through the storybook downtown lined with mom-and-pop shops, the pace here invites you to slow down. Though close to LA, Big Bear doesn't buzz with influencer crowds. Instead, expect couples on romantic escapes, families roasting marshmallows, and friend groups unwinding beneath a sky full of stars. Ready to make the trip? Here's where we suggest you eat, stay, and explore during your time in Big Bear. FAQ How do I get to (and around) Big Bear? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Like most destinations in and around LA, driving is the most convenient way to reach Big Bear. Be prepared for winding mountain roads, and try to avoid the usual traffic crunch on Friday and Sunday evenings (at one point, the route narrows to a single lane and results in a bottleneck). If your schedule allows, plan to leave early—or stay late—and carve out time for a scenic detour or a quick hike in the San Bernardino National Forest. Don't have a car? It's possible to reach Big Bear via train or bus, though it does require more coordination and flexibility. Once you've arrived, however, everything eases up. The Village is entirely walkable, and bikes are a great way to explore the lakeshore or nearby trails. That said, if you're traveling with kids or toting gear, there's ample parking for your car, and rideshare services are also available throughout town. When is the best time to visit Big Bear? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron The best time to visit Big Bear depends on what type of vacation you're after. For snow lovers, late December through March delivers reliable powder, endless runs, and a surprisingly lively après-ski scene. Come spring (late April to early June), the mountains transform into a hiker's paradise, with crisp air and trails framed by blooming wildflowers. Summer ushers in the golden season of lake life—July through September is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sun-drenched afternoons along Big Bear Lake's tranquil shoreline. And from late September to early November, the region puts on a spectacular show of fall foliage, making it a go-to for cozy cabin getaways and scenic drives under a canopy of crimson and gold. The official Visit Big Bear site is a great resource for seasonal highlights and insider tips. From an adrenaline-pumping motocross competition to the laid-back summer concert series, Big Bear's calendar is packed with events that cater to every kind of traveler. Tinned fish with crackers, homemade giardiniera, and fresno hot sauce at the Hotel Marina Riviera Laura Austin/Hotel Marina Riviera Where to eat For a modest mountain town, Big Bear punches well above its weight in the culinary department. With everything from grab-and-go cafés to charming sit-down spots, you'll find a low-key but delicious dining scene. Mornings here are best kept simple, as most visitors are headed out for a hike, a paddle, or a day on the slopes. Amangela's Sandwich and Bagel House is a local favorite for bagels, veggie wraps, and hot chicken sandwiches to go. If you're craving something sweet, swing by Café Crêpe, the town's only espresso bar and crêperie, or Dank Donuts, known for homemade donuts, plus loaded breakfast burritos if you need something more substantial. Pair it all with a seasonal latte from Moonridge Coffee Company. Midday, grab a table at Old German Deli, a quaint spot serving sandwiches piled high with meats and cheeses, or head to Tropicali, which serves delicious poke bowls—a surprising but welcome twist in the heart of the mountains. For a fresh and light alternative, Frusion Juice and Coffee Bar offers cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and veg-friendly meals. Dinner here is unfussy but still full of flavor. 572 Social stands out with its broad menu of elevated comfort food—think char-grilled salmon, ahi tuna steaks, and artisan pizzas—best enjoyed on the sprawling outdoor patio, ideally with a craft cocktail in hand and live music in the background. For a different kind of ambiance, venture down toward the lake to De La Nonna, a buzzy pizza spot originally from LA's Arts District known for its oversized pies and delicious dips. It's the only lakefront restaurant in the area, offering beautiful views and an upscale dining experience. Try the frozen spritz and the hot honey pepperoni pizza. Make sure you save some room for dessert—it's half the fun here. The Village Sweet Shoppe offers old-school charm with bulk candy bins and nostalgic treats, while North Pole Sweets is another great spot for your sweet tooth fix. North Pole Fudge and Ice Cream Co. is the go-to for hot chocolate in the winter and handmade fudge year-round. And don't forget to stop at An Ran Ju Gelato & Teahouse, a small spot that serves silky gelato and refreshing boba teas that hit the spot after a day in the sun or on the slopes. The pool at the Hotel Marina Riviera Patrick Chin/Hotel Marina Riviera Where to stay Big Bear offers a range of stays to suit just about every type of traveler—from slope-chasers to lake loungers to those looking for a peaceful forest retreat. Vacation rentals are the go-to for many visitors, and there are a wide variety of Airbnbs in Big Bear: think midcentury A-frames tucked among the pines, rustic-modern cabins, and sprawling lakefront chalets with hot tubs and firepits. Need help narrowing down the list? Prioritize location. Stay closer to the slopes if skiing or snowboarding is on your agenda, or near The Village for walkable access to shops, dining, and nightlife. For those craving a bit more service and style, a handful of boutique hotels offer comfort with a laid-back mountain twist. The recently reimagined Hotel Marina Riviera blends midcentury-modern design with cozy alpine charm and boasts an unmatched location. The lakeside lodge offers some truly excellent amenities: a heated outdoor pool, barrel sauna, cold plunge, and a private beach with direct lake access. Just steps from The Village, it's also home to the best pizza in town, served at De La Nonna.
New York Times
7 hours ago
- New York Times
Small, Luxurious Ships That Cater to Never-Cruisers
It can seem to a casual observer that in the cruise industry, ships only ever get bigger. Case in point: Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas, with a capacity of 5,610 passengers, recently made its maiden voyage, joining its sister ship, Icon of the Seas, in holding the title of the world's largest cruise ship. But a less talked-about movement is taking place in its shadow: a surge of ocean liners that are compact and sumptuous enough to be branded as yachts. It's a fairly fungible term, to be sure, but in a cruising context, 'yacht' is generally used for opulent vessels holding fewer than 500 passengers. Many of these newer small ships operate under the auspices of luxury travel brands like andBeyond and Ritz-Carlton. Both Four Seasons and Orient Express plan to launch their first ships next year, while Aman's Amangati is scheduled to set sail in 2027. And they're attracting passengers who've historically avoided cruises. Jack Ezon, the founder of the travel planning agency Embark Beyond, says that 78 percent of the clients his company has booked on the Ritz-Carlton's ships have never cruised before. Even if these passengers are new to cruising, many are not new to yachts, says Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal, president of Fischer Travel. One client, she said, is planning to spend about $340,000 for a week in the nearly 10,000-square-foot Funnel Suite of the Four Seasons I. Why not just charter his own yacht? Fischer-Rosenthal says that most don't tend to have suites that large. While the suites may be amply sized, the relative smallness of the vessels has its own set of advantages. Some cities, like Nice and Cannes, mindful of over-tourism, have placed size restrictions on the vessels they allow to dock. In other words, these yachts can visit ports that larger ships can't access. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Forbes
13 hours ago
- Forbes
8 Most Luxurious New Suites In Las Vegas
This Four Seasons stunner and other over-the-top spaces are redefining the Strip. Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas Las Vegas has the most hotel rooms of any city in the world (more than 154,000) and counts among that number an impressive selection of luxurious mega suites. From penthouses to villas to movie-famous accommodations, each resort tries to outdo its neighbor with sumptuous design, an array of amenities and impeccable service. These palaces in the sky are forever undergoing modernization and revamps to impress the most discerning guests. Here are eight new sublime suites that have caught our eyes lately in the Strip. When the Four-Star Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas opened in 1999, it set a new standard for luxury on the Strip, bringing all the elegance and recognition of the internationally renowned brand to the hospitality industry's Land of Oz. Twenty-six years later, the accommodations remain timeless, fresh and serene, thanks in large part to a reimagining by KES Studio inspired by the soft colors of the desert's morning light. The 3,400-square-foot Penthouse Suite on the 38th and 39th floors is one of 15 specialty suites. Custom furniture makes the living room feel as if it belongs to you. There's also a pool table, a fully stocked bar and pantry, an eight-seat dining room, a boardroom for 10 and a private gym. Interior accents and finishes in ivory, sand, blue, gray, bronze and gold almost seem carved from the desert landscape. Outside, floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of Allegiant Stadium, the Las Vegas Valley and the Mojave Mountains as you watch the desert sunset display its vivid colors. This suite is perfect for both work and play: all four 55-inch LED TVs come with media hubs and surround-sound systems with in-room speakers, and there's onsite tech support. This Venetian suite has mosaic flooring, a dry sauna and 65-inch TVs in every room. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas The all-new, palatial Meyer Davis- and Richmond International-designed penthouse suite in Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Venetian Resort Las Vegas' North Tower uses classic Venetian motifs with modern touches, such as carpet that mimics Scarpa mosaic flooring, upholstery made from Italian fabric, walls adorned with Venetian-inspired photography and bedside tables with metal finishes that shimmer like the canals. This sumptuous accommodation also houses a formal dining table for eight that's backed by a bas-relief wall, a living room, a powder room and two bedrooms. For those seeking a spa-like retreat without leaving the suite, the primary bedroom offers a king bed, a dual-head waterfall steam shower with a bench seat, a Roman tub and a cedar-wood dry sauna. An additional bedroom has all the same features, plus two beds. Smart wall control panels allow you to adjust the music, lights, curtains and the 65-inch televisions in every room. Wynn Las Vegas' course-facing villas score well with golf fans. Robert Miller Fairway Villa at Wynn Las Vegas Four-Star Wynn Las Vegas design visionary Todd-Avery Lenahan recently unveiled a stunning renovation of a premier section of the resort's most sought-after real estate: the 34 Fairway Villas at the Wynn Golf Club. As the only remaining golf course on the Las Vegas Strip, the club's villas with views of the 18th hole waterfall are coveted by VIPs. A few of these one- and two-bedroom, residence-style accommodations — ranging from 2,411 to 3,224 square feet, respectively — are available for booking. Others are reserved for invite-only guests. Butler-serviced and featuring private pools or gyms, these villas showcase a color palette that draws from the desert's golden glow. Other amenities include early and late checkout; rides to and from the airport in the Wynn Rolls-Royce; a breakfast credit; access to the Four-Star spa; priority reservations for shows, dining, spa and salons; as well as expedited entry to nightclubs. In the great room, there is a full bar and a dining table for eight, while outside, the patio or balcony provides lounge seating and a dining area for alfresco meals. The most notable feature, however, is the dual master bathrooms. One has a soaking tub and hand-painted chests while the other is equipped with a steam shower. They both have great lighting and spacious closets to ensure you are red-carpet ready for whatever is on the night's agenda. The dramatic bar is the centerpiece of Villa 66. Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resorts Villa 66 at Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resorts When checking into Villa 66 at Four-Star Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resorts, you will never forget which floor your suite is on. The 66th-floor Celano Design Studio Co. dazzler promises an unforgettable stay across 3,300 square feet featuring two bedrooms, one with an Alaskan king bed and a second bedroom with two queens. The centerpiece of Villa 66 is a bar with a dramatic chandelier whose crystals cascade from the ceiling, creating the illusion of stepping into a shimmering disco ball and having the Las Vegas Strip as your dance floor. Surrounding the bar area is a hangout lounge with a water vapor fireplace with color-changing LED lighting. Other in-room amenities include a show kitchen with a butler pantry and kitchenette, Bvlgari bath products and butler service with curbside meet-and-greet. Outside the suite, enjoy a gated entrance to a private porte-cochere, a lobby experience with complimentary snacks and beverages and access to the Crockfords bar. SkyVilla 18 is 6,500 square feet of splendor. Anthony Mair SkyVilla 18 at ARIA Sky Suites Available by special request or invitation, Villa 18 (which is part of the SkyVillas enclave at ARIA) flaunts a revamped design by KES Studios. Measuring 6,500 square feet, the villa encompasses three bedrooms, an office, a gym, a game room, a loft and two bars. Upon entering the two-story unit, a self-playing acrylic piano greets guests. Other diversions include a humidor and stocked wine cellar, which dramatically ups your entertaining credentials as you host 10 of your best friends in the dining area. There's even a secret entourage room for high-profile guests who travel in packs. When staying in Villa 18, take advantage of the 24-hour butler and concierge services, private in-room fine dining, access to the SkyVilla lobby and pool, transportation services and priority show bookings. Additionally, custom touches include specialty robes, embroidered pillowcases for returning guests and full-size bottles of fragrance in each bathroom. The fun never ends at this Fontainebleau Las Vegas escape. Connie Zhou Fleur de Lis Crown Penthouse at Fontainebleau Las Vegas Many of Las Vegas's top suites can only be accessed through private lounges with dedicated elevators for VIPs, allowing them to go directly from check-in to their accommodations. Fontainebleau Las Vegas welcomes guests of its Fleur de Lis Suite Collection this way. And that's just the beginning of the white-glove service. Your butler will escort you to one of the five floors atop the 67-story tower that houses the Fleur de Lis Collection and show you around the 2,056-square-foot, one-bedroom Crown Penthouse, where you can shoot a game of pool while gazing out upon the Strip or toast with a cocktail from the fully stocked bar privé. Play 'Find the Morris Lapidus Fontainebleau bow tie' by seeing how many of the brand's signature flourishes you discover in the flooring and custom-made furniture. In addition, there are other nods to the original Fontainebleau in Miami Beach with the oceanic blue hues and ripple-patterned glass features that mimic water. Custom linens from Rivolta, alpaca throws, spectacular floral arrangements, personal valet services, a butler on call with everything from chocolates to Knesko face products and a private fleet of Rolls-Royces for transportation needs complete the experience. Bellagio's new suites are breathtaking. Steve Freihon Penthouse Suite at Bellagio After a multi-year renovation by Champalimaud Design, all the suites at Bellagio are new, as is the VIP check-in lounge with an awe-inspiring blown-glass Wisteria lighting fixture. For those lucky enough to spend the night in a Penthouse Suite (available with either a fountain, Strip or sunset view), go directly from the lounge to the dedicated suite elevator. Once on your floor, stroll down the bright hallway adorned with nods to Northern Italy's flora to your suite. Enter the 1,536-square-foot escape through a midnight blue door. On the other side, you'll find a vibrant suite infused with pastel colors found around Lake Como. There's a bedroom, dual master bathrooms, living and dining areas, and a wet bar. Accents include custom furnishings, abstract expressionism art, wallcoverings inspired by traditional Italian craft paper, bas-relief plaster wall art and mood lighting that drenches the room in sunset shades. Caesars Palace's two-story suites are filled with luxe amenities. Lewis Phan The Colosseum Flavian Sky Suite at Caesars Palace Caesars Palace has probably received more screen time than any other Las Vegas Strip resort over the last few decades, thanks to blockbuster movies like Rain Man and The Hangover . Many of their iconic scenes were shot in the 24-story Colosseum Tower (formerly Forum Tower), which includes 10 two-story Flavian Sky Suites. Michael Medeiros of RDH Interests, Inc., recently redesigned these two-bedroom stunners spanning approximately 3,000 square feet from top to bottom, incorporating various nods to their cinematic history. Once you place your dinner order for Nobu or one of Caesars Palace's other restaurants with the butler, you have several seating options: a large sofa that follows the curve of the two-story-high window or a dining table that seats eight. Adjacent to this is an alcove with a pool table. It was in front of these windows during Rain Man that Tom Cruise's character taught Dustin Hoffman's Raymond how to dance. Now, guests can enjoy views of the ever-changing Sphere. To enhance the interior design, Cleopatra's jewelry informed the use of high-contrast black and white, accented with emeralds and splashes of Roman red in the bedrooms and bathrooms. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes 27 Hotels With Luxury Car Collaborations By Melinda Sheckells Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's Best Hotel Bars For 2025 By Jennifer Kester Forbes 5 New U.S. Golf Courses To Play Today By Katie Sweeney Forbes 4 Reasons To Visit Reno Right Now By DeMarco Williams
