
Hotel del Coronado: Grand Seaside Victorian
Known over the decades as 'The Del,' the beachside Hotel del Coronado is situated on 28 oceanfront acres in San Diego, California. The original segment of the hotel, referred to as 'The Victorian,' was built in 1888 and offers 404 guest rooms. This spring, a renovation project resulted in a total of 938 guest rooms across five hotel 'neighborhoods.' Besides The Victorian, The Cabanas, The Views, villas and cottages at Beach Village, and 75 new seaside villas at Shore House now make up the resort property.
Add-ons and renovations have preserved the hotel's Gilded Age magnificence in its Victorian-style architecture, showcased by distinct turrets, gables, and cupolas. Also known as 'The Grand Lady by the Sea,' the structure's steep pitched, red-hued roof distinguishes it against an aerial view of the metropolitan city's contemporary skyscrapers.

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9 hours ago
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Where to find the perfect gelato in Rome
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). There's never a wrong time for gelato in Rome. But nothing beats the sensation of cooling down with a deliciously fresh scoop on a hot summer day. With hundreds of gelaterie (ice cream parlours) across the Eternal City, the challenge isn't finding gelato, it's finding the best one. But what, exactly, is gelato? This is one of the most common questions people ask when visiting Rome, and while both ice cream and gelato are beloved frozen treats, the difference between the two lies in the ingredients, texture and how they're served. Gelato contains more milk and less cream than ice cream, resulting in a lower fat content, which some people find easier to digest. It's churned at a slower speed, incorporating less air, which gives it a denser, silkier texture. And because gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, its flavours come through more vividly, delivering a more intense taste experience. And like ice cream, those flavours are as numerous as the people that create them: from time-honoured classics like zabaglione, pistachio and stracciatella to bold, seasonal creations like peaches and white wine, or wild strawberries and basil. Here are our top choices of gelaterie in Italy's Eternal City. Topping the list is Gelateria Fassi, a true Roman institution that has been serving gelato since 1880. While a few popular gelato spots in the city have leaned into a more touristy feel, Fassi has stayed refreshingly true to its roots. This family-run gelateria in Esquilino, east of the centre, blends a simple, old-fashioned ice cream parlour setting with a forward-thinking array of flavours, drawing a loyal mix of locals and tourists. Apart from the classic cones and cups, there are also indulgences including a Sicilian-style brioche filled with gelato, or one of Fassi's signature creations: the sanpietrino, a bite-sized chocolate-covered semifreddo dessert named after the famous cobblestones that pave most of the city. Cup/cone with two scoops from €1.80 (£1.50). Tucked into one of the Trastevere district's many alleys, this innovative gelateria hasn't even hit its 10-year mark (modern by Roman standards), yet it's already earned a cult-like following among locals and even a top spot in the coveted rankings of the Gambero Rosso food guide. Otaleg (yes, that's 'gelato' spelled backwards) is where tradition meets wild creativity. Its classic flavours including pistachio, hazelnut and chocolate are exceptional, but the real fun lies in the more daring creations. White chocolate laced with mustard, a salty-crunchy version of pistachio, or an unexpected tomato-sausage-chilli concoction from Calabria known as 'nduja. The fruit flavours vary with the seasons, and you'll be able to find things like wild strawberries, loquats and sour cherries. Small cup/cone with one scoop, €2.00 (£1.70). Perfect after an afternoon shopping around the nearby Spanish Steps, Ciampini is located off the charming, pedestrian-only Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina. This family-run bar has roots going all the way back to 1943, and gelato isn't the only thing it serves; the venue offers the complete bar-cafe-restaurant experience and it's one of the best places in the city for people watching. You can grab a cone for a stroll or sit down and savour your gelato while taking in the scene on the piazza, maybe with a spritz cocktail in hand. Ciampini uses high-quality ingredients including organic milk and eggs, and every flavour is rich and carefully crafted. Don't miss the classic cioccolato, or raspberry with Nutella. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). After a visit to the Colosseum, head to the pretty Monti neighbourhood for some vintage shopping and a gelato at this tiny spot, which is beloved by both locals and tourists. The owners have recently renovated and (slightly) expanded into the next-door property but continue to serve extremely high-quality artisanal gelato year-round. There are both lactose-free and vegan options and the fruit flavours follow the season, which is always a great sign. It's not always available but seek out the vegan Nutella – it will be one of the best things you'll taste while in Rome. Small cup/cone with three scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). With three central locations in Rome, Gelato by Günther started in 2012 with a single shop, where the focus was (as it still is across this boutique franchise) on quality over quantity. Every element that goes into the gelato is meticulously sourced: organic milk from nearby farms, fruit chosen at peak ripeness, and pure spring water drawn from the mountains in northern Italy. This is gelato made with precision and purpose. Among the standout flavours, the 'mugo pine' is an Alpine-inspired scoop that's a must for those looking for something truly unique. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €3.50 (£3). Rome's Testaccio neighbourhood, also known as the meat-packing district, is a working-class area that's always had a strong sense of community, and Brivido has been a local favourite since 1986. This unassuming gelateria quietly keeps alive the art of traditional gelato-making, producing small batches each day with a strict no-additive policy: no artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives. The menu features a mix of traditional flavours and creative ones associated with regional Italian desserts that bring back childhood memories. For added extravagance, you can opt to dip your gelato in warm melted chocolate. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).


National Geographic
11 hours ago
- National Geographic
Where to find the perfect gelato in Rome
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). There's never a wrong time for gelato in Rome. But nothing beats the sensation of cooling down with a deliciously fresh scoop on a hot summer day. With hundreds of gelaterie (ice cream parlours) across the Eternal City, the challenge isn't finding gelato, it's finding the best one. But what, exactly, is gelato? This is one of the most common questions people ask when visiting Rome, and while both ice cream and gelato are beloved frozen treats, the difference between the two lies in the ingredients, texture and how they're served. Gelato contains more milk and less cream than ice cream, resulting in a lower fat content, which some people find easier to digest. It's churned at a slower speed, incorporating less air, which gives it a denser, silkier texture. And because gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, its flavours come through more vividly, delivering a more intense taste experience. And like ice cream, those flavours are as numerous as the people that create them: from time-honoured classics like zabaglione, pistachio and stracciatella to bold, seasonal creations like peaches and white wine, or wild strawberries and basil. Here are our top choices of gelaterie in Italy's Eternal City. Gelateria Fassi Topping the list is Gelateria Fassi, a true Roman institution that has been serving gelato since 1880. While a few popular gelato spots in the city have leaned into a more touristy feel, Fassi has stayed refreshingly true to its roots. This family-run gelateria in Esquilino, east of the centre, blends a simple, old-fashioned ice cream parlour setting with a forward-thinking array of flavours, drawing a loyal mix of locals and tourists. Apart from the classic cones and cups, there are also indulgences including a Sicilian-style brioche filled with gelato, or one of Fassi's signature creations: the sanpietrino, a bite-sized chocolate-covered semifreddo dessert named after the famous cobblestones that pave most of the city. Cup/cone with two scoops from €1.80 (£1.50). Otaleg Tucked into one of the Trastevere district's many alleys, this innovative gelateria hasn't even hit its 10-year mark (modern by Roman standards), yet it's already earned a cult-like following among locals and even a top spot in the coveted rankings of the Gambero Rosso food guide. Otaleg (yes, that's 'gelato' spelled backwards) is where tradition meets wild creativity. Its classic flavours including pistachio, hazelnut and chocolate are exceptional, but the real fun lies in the more daring creations. White chocolate laced with mustard, a salty-crunchy version of pistachio, or an unexpected tomato-sausage-chilli concoction from Calabria known as 'nduja. The fruit flavours vary with the seasons, and you'll be able to find things like wild strawberries, loquats and sour cherries. Small cup/cone with one scoop, €2.00 (£1.70). Order your gelato in a Ciampini waffle cone for a stroll or sit down and savour your gelato while taking in the scene on the piazza. Photograph by Ciampini, Gianmaria De Luca Ciampini Perfect after an afternoon shopping around the nearby Spanish Steps, Ciampini is located off the charming, pedestrian-only Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina. This family-run bar has roots going all the way back to 1943, and gelato isn't the only thing it serves; the venue offers the complete bar-cafe-restaurant experience and it's one of the best places in the city for people watching. You can grab a cone for a stroll or sit down and savour your gelato while taking in the scene on the piazza, maybe with a spritz cocktail in hand. Ciampini uses high-quality ingredients including organic milk and eggs, and every flavour is rich and carefully crafted. Don't miss the classic cioccolato, or raspberry with Nutella. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Fruit-flavoured gelatos change according to each season at Gelateria dell'Angeletto, with both lactose-free and vegan options available. Photographs by Francesca Martino Gelateria dell'Angeletto After a visit to the Colosseum, head to the pretty Monti neighbourhood for some vintage shopping and a gelato at this tiny spot, which is beloved by both locals and tourists. The owners have recently renovated and (slightly) expanded into the next-door property but continue to serve extremely high-quality artisanal gelato year-round. There are both lactose-free and vegan options and the fruit flavours follow the season, which is always a great sign. It's not always available but seek out the vegan Nutella – it will be one of the best things you'll taste while in Rome. Small cup/cone with three scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Gelato by Günther started in 2012 with a single shop, where the focus was (as it still is across this boutique franchise) on quality over quantity. Photograph by Aromi Group Günther With three central locations in Rome, Gelato by Günther started in 2012 with a single shop, where the focus was (as it still is across this boutique franchise) on quality over quantity. Every element that goes into the gelato is meticulously sourced: organic milk from nearby farms, fruit chosen at peak ripeness, and pure spring water drawn from the mountains in northern Italy. This is gelato made with precision and purpose. Among the standout flavours, the 'mugo pine' is an Alpine-inspired scoop that's a must for those looking for something truly unique. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €3.50 (£3). Brivido Rome's Testaccio neighbourhood, also known as the meat-packing district, is a working-class area that's always had a strong sense of community, and Brivido has been a local favourite since 1986. This unassuming gelateria quietly keeps alive the art of traditional gelato-making, producing small batches each day with a strict no-additive policy: no artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives. The menu features a mix of traditional flavours and creative ones associated with regional Italian desserts that bring back childhood memories. For added extravagance, you can opt to dip your gelato in warm melted chocolate. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
When "Just for Fun" Meets AI Tech: Singapore Tourism Board and Mafengwo Explore New Ways to Travel in the Future
SINGAPORE, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 10th, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Mafengwo jointly hosted the "#AnywayIt'sFun Inspiration Renewal Journey" event in Beijing. Centered around the themes of "contrast, novelty, and social connection," the event showcased the diverse charm of Singapore travel through an immersive Nanyang-style experience, a friendly roundtable discussion, and stories shared by travel influencers. Mafengwo unveiled its latest AI-powered cultural and creative product, powered by its self-developed AI model for travel industry, offering tourists a glimpse into the future of "smart travel." In recent years, Chinese travelers have increasingly sought deeper, more personalized travel experiences rather than chasing popular attractions. According to user data from Mafengwo's "AI Travel Assistant for Singapore", travelers' preferences to Singapore are becoming more nuanced and segmented. Families with children care about "queue times at attractions" and "stroller rentals," young travelers seek out "trendy cafés" and "Peranakan culture check-ins," while seniors prioritize "barrier-free facilities." "To meet these needs, Singapore has introduced five themed travel profiles," explained Mr. Andrew Phua, STB's Chief Representative and Executive Director of Greater China, during the roundtable. "Health-conscious travelers can explore Sentosa's rainforest ecosystem through immersive guided tours. Food lovers may try the uniquely flavored coffee pork ribs. Urban explorers can marvel at prehistoric wonders at the new Jurassic World: The Exhibition at Gardens by the Bay. Experience-seekers can feel the pulse of Formula 1 and enjoy live performances at the Singapore Grand Prix. Meanwhile, senior travelers may enjoy the tranquility and joy of traditional embroidery workshops. By combining AI technology with tourism products, we can provid endless possibilities aligned with the "Just for Fun" spirit. " "AI travel assistants—whether in the form of digital itineraries or creative cultural products—are more than tools. They are triggers for travel inspiration," said Chen Gang, CEO of Mafengwo. He elaborated on how AI is reshaping travel in the era of hyper-independent travel and introduced "AI XiaoXinxin," an AI assistant in plush doll form. It could seamlessly answer Singapore-related travel questions from both the host and guests, while also acting as a fun companion for photos and emotional support on trips. The AI Travel Itinerary tool ("AI Roadbook") offers exhaustive pre-trip planning support. Chen Gang demonstrated when prompted with "a 5-day in-depth cultural trip with parents," the system generated a thoughtfully balanced itinerary including Chinese heritage tours in Chinatown, local coffee culture, traditional crafts, and old-school cafés. Each section comes with budget allocations from economical to premium tiers. Especially for senior travelers, it introduces features like Singapore's "Green Man+" system and Silver Zones—facilities designed to enhance elderly convenience—thus easing planning anxiety. "Additionally, the newly launched real-time translation tool by AI Xiaoma eliminates the hassle of typing; users can simply press and speak into two microphones alternately on the same screen for seamless multilingual interaction." Two Mafengwo's influencers (Feng Shou) shared what "Just for Fun" means to them in Singapore. Geotechnical engineer and super dad Ren Yuan Tai Shan reflected on how he once fixated on rigid itineraries, but now treasures spontaneous moments—like chatting with local elders while enjoying fish ball noodles with his child near HDB flats. Meanwhile, first-time visitor and ski coach Yi Yun looked forward to zoning out, sipping Kopi, and strolling around the vibrant, sun-soaked streets, hoping to stumble upon delightful surprises. Beyond savoring local dishes at the Peranakan Flavor Remix Booth and creating handmade crafts at the Nanyang Mini Workshop, the appearance of the AI-powered "Xiaoma Robot" dressed in Singapore-themed outfits brought the event to a peak. Like travelers just back from Singapore, these robots offered guests a quirky, smart, and whimsical travel encounter. As long-term strategic partners, STB and Mafengwo have previously precisely reached family and young traveler segments through campaigns like "The Best Summer Homework" and "Jackson Wang's Itinerary," pioneering the integration of the latest technology into travel as the first overseas destination AI partner. The launch of this AI travel companion marks a significant transition in their collaboration from "content marketing" to " intelligent services." It is understood that both parties will continue to upgrade the AI companion's features to empower the "Just for Fun" philosophy, enabling travelers to enjoy both meticulous planning and unexpected discoveries around every corner in their Singapore journey. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mafengwo Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data