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Rakyat Post
20 hours ago
- Rakyat Post
The Forbes Five-Star Secret That's Closer Than You Think
Subscribe to our FREE In the rarified world of luxury hospitality, where Forbes Travel Guide's five-star rating remains as elusive as it is coveted, consistency is perhaps the ultimate luxury. This year marks the ninth consecutive time that Solaire Resort Entertainment City has earned this distinction—a feat that places the Manila property in select company among the world's truly exceptional destinations. The numbers tell only part of the story. Sprawling across 8.3 hectares mere kilometres from Manila's storied districts, Solaire occupies that sweet spot of accessibility without compromise—close enough to the city's pulse, yet removed enough to offer genuine escape. For the discerning traveller, particularly those from neighbouring Malaysia, it represents something increasingly rare: world-class luxury without the ordeal of transcontinental flight schedules. The Sky Tower's rooms and suites range from 65 to 395 square meters—dimensions that speak to a different philosophy of hospitality, one where space itself becomes a luxury amenity. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Manila Bay's legendary sunsets, while the 72-meter outdoor pool stretches like a liquid horizon beneath the tropical sky. 'We are grateful for the opportunity to receive this The Sky Tower lobby at Solaire Resort features a luxurious and modern design, providing a welcoming atmosphere for guests. (Pix: Solaire) The Choreography of Choice Nineteen restaurants and bars might seem excessive until one considers the choreography required to maintain genuine variety without sacrificing quality. The triumvirate of signature establishments—Finestra Italian Steakhouse, Yakumi, and Red Lantern—anchors a culinary program that manages to feel both comprehensive and curated. Red Lantern at Solaire Resort offers a delightful array of traditional Chinese dishes that captivate with their rich flavours and textures. (Pix: Solaire) Its wine program, featuring 685 labels, alone suggests the kind of depth that separates serious hospitality from mere accommodation. The Theatre at Solaire, with its 1,740 seats and Broadway-calibre productions, represents something more ambitious than hotel entertainment—it's cultural infrastructure that has attracted Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning performances. For Malaysian visitors accustomed to Kuala Lumpur's vibrant arts scene, this represents the kind of authentic cultural programming that elevates a resort beyond mere luxury accommodation into genuine destination status. The Theatre at Solaire offers a contemporary setting for theatrical performances, making it a notable destination for entertainment in Manila. (Pix: Solaire) Luxury Retail and Recreation Behind the marble and mahogany lies a USD 1.2 billion investment—RM5.065 billion in Malaysian terms—that manifests in details both grand and granular. The pillar-less grand ballroom, Metro Manila's largest at 1,000 seats, speaks to the engineering ambition required for true luxury. The Shoppes at Solaire, with its roster of Rolex, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Polo Ralph Lauren, acknowledges that luxury travellers expect luxury retail. Even a shooting range finds its place in this carefully orchestrated ecosystem of indulgence. The Sky Range Shooting Club offers Malaysian visitors a unique recreational experience rarely found in regional luxury resorts—and for many, their first opportunity to handle real firearms in a controlled, professional environment. The club features a comprehensive selection, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, with expert instruction available for those discovering this sport for the first time The Shoppes at Solaire Resort offers a luxurious shopping experience featuring prestigious international brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior. (Pix: Solaire) The Persistence of Standards 'We celebrate this recognition together with our 12th anniversary. We remain committed to setting new standards in luxury hospitality,' says David Batchelor, Senior Vice President for Resort Operations. It's the kind of statement that could easily ring hollow, were it not backed by nearly a decade of consistent recognition from Forbes. As the flagship property of publicly-listed Bloomberry Resorts Corporation and the inaugural resort in the government-sponsored Entertainment City development, Solaire carries the weight of expectation that comes with being first. Nine years later, it continues to justify that early confidence—a reminder that for Malaysian travellers seeking Forbes-calibre luxury without the traditional barriers of distance, cost, or complexity, sometimes the best-kept secrets hide in plain sight, just three hours flight away. South Korean singer PSY has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Solaire Resort. (Video: Solaire) Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
Inside Jamaica's Billionaire Playground, The World's Best Bars And More Travel News
. Once a 19th century sugar plantation, the Tryall Club in Montego Bay, Jamaica has been a favorite hideaway of billionaires and celebrities for years. The estate, which is close to the airport, adds to the sense of privacy and luxury. Owners rent their villas on a weekly blocks, with rates ranging from around $400 per night to $8,000 per night for more spacious villas. In addition to having a beach club, spa and restaurant, the Tryall Club also offers golf and tennis. . If it seems like everyone is carrying a designer beach bag, eating on designer plates and sitting under a designer umbrella at your resort this summer, you're not imagining it. Luxury fashion houses are now going beyond small co-branded capsule collections to fully curating the European beach resort experience. Here's where you'll find Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and other famed fashion houses at the beach this summer. . Why rent a car on your next vacation when you can just stay at a property that offers the use of a luxury vehicle—and sometimes provides a personal driver? The editors of Forbes Travel Guide have put together of list of 27 hotels with luxury car collaborations—from Land Rovers at the Surf Club in Montauk to a fleet of Mercedes at Auberge du Soleil in Napa. 'Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car.' This is the published version of Forbes' Passport newsletter, which offers a first-class guide to luxury travel. Click here to get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. . Following the Transportation Security Administration's recent move to end passengers' removal of shoes from the security checkpoint process, TSA hinted this week that a change to another longstanding rule may soon be coming—easing the ban on liquids greater than 3.4 ounces. While no decision has been made yet—Homeland Security is reportedly reviewing the measure—here's what it would mean for airline passengers. And other rule changes may also follow, including one involving personal electronic devices. . Kumiko, the innovative dining bar serving up a taste of Japan in Chicago's West Loop, was named World's Best Bar last night at the 19th annual Spirited Awards in New Orleans. Cofounded in 2018 by acclaimed bartender Julia Momosé and local restaurateurs Cara and Noah Sandoval, Kumiko has been garnering accolades for its minimalist food and drinks from the start, including a 2019 Michelin star for its original chef, Mariya Russell (the first Black woman to be awarded a Michelin star) and the Exceptional Cocktails Award from Michelin in 2022. Amont the other big winners were New York's Sip & Guzzle, which was named Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar, San Francisco's Trick Dog, which was honored as the Best U.S. Cocktail Bar and Bar Leone in Hong Kong, which was named Best International Cocktail Bar. See the complete list of winners from the 2025 Spirited Awards.
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Discover The Hidden Gems Of Nairobi's Exclusive Giraffe Manor
We're wild about Giraffe Manor for a number or reasons. Giraffe Manor The thing about social media is that you don't really know what to believe. With apps and filters and AI software, you can make anything into a perfect post nowadays. Maybe that's what you've been thinking about the Safari Collection's Giraffe Manor, a beloved animal sanctuary and nearly-impossible-to-reserve resort in Nairobi, Kenya. Every Instagram post you've ever seen of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star getaway looks like a page from a Rudyard Kipling novel that's come to life. Giraffes duck into windows at the precise moment a camera shutter goes off. Animals strut by the second a swimmer lifts her head out the infinity pool. Nothing about this seems real. The stretched-neck stars of the show. DeMarco Williams The instant you step onto the 12-acre property you realize that the hotel wasn't embellishing on its Instagram feed. The place is pure magic. Between the lush greenery streaming along the walls or the hand-carved furnishings filling the rooms, the resort has an authentic aura. And after just a few minutes walking around, you also will discover that there's so much more than giraffe feedings and effortless IG posts. In fact, here are three aspects of Giraffe Manor that will most pleasantly surprise you during your visit. Relax and unwind in one of the Retreat's day rooms. DeMarco Williams It's well-documented how challenging it is to get an overnight stay at the boutique hotel. With only 12 rooms spread across two buildings, the Historic Manor and the recently refreshed Garden Manor, it makes sense that the property's waiting list would be longer than a giraffe's neck. But those who are lucky enough to score a reservation (or find themselves with a Nairobi layover while visiting other Safari Collection outposts) receive access to The Retreat at Giraffe Manor. Just a stroll from the manors, the Retreat is like a day club with a full-service spa, gym and a restaurant (more delicious details on it in a bit) open to guests with a day pass. The tranquil space is great for catching glimpses of the tall, hoofed residents or simply unwinding. The Retreat's snazziest amenities are the day rooms, which are essentially lavish suites (a living area, full bath, plenty of fresh juices and water) meant for visitors exploring at least one other Safari Collection property to rent for a few hours of relaxing, napping and snacking. While you can't stay overnight in these rooms — the giraffes don't come this far for their window feedings, either — the plush beds are brilliant detours on a busy travel day. Daisy's Café is a delicious highlight of the visit. DeMarco Williams The Food In just about every social post you've seen of Giraffe Manor, the photo subject has been at a table, feeding pellets to a giraffe. But have you ever paid attention to the human food on the plate? No. And that's a shame, too, because the cuisine here is wildly delicious. All-day restaurant Daisy's Café mixes global flavors with Kenyan flair, and the results are tremendous. From breakfast to burgers to tapas bowls, every dish comes out beautifully plated — not that you'd expect anything less from one of the most photogenic properties in the world — and wonderfully seasoned. The pappardelle chicken piccata is one of the kitchen's standout items. This symphony of lemon, capers, tomatoes and juicy chicken harmonizes with the smooth Pumba's Pombe (bourbon, maple syrup, soda water and orange zest) from the bar — oh yes, Giraffe Manor has a full bar, too. Warthogs wonder about the property like their taller roommates. DeMarco Williams The Other Animals A herd of Nubian and Rothschild giraffes visits the grounds, mostly for its famous feedings early in the morning. If you miss these 6:30 a.m. calls, make the short walk next door to the neighboring Giraffe Centre, where you can feed the outstretched mammals some pellets from your hand while also learning about conservation efforts to protect them. Back at Giraffe Manor, you'll notice that the most prevalent animal isn't spotty and 16 feet tall but rather has tusks and stands just 30 inches off the ground. Playful warthogs freely roam the property, photobombing and generally keeping up mischief wherever they can find it. When you're having lunch on the Daisy's Café patio, there's a great chance that a few of the wild pigs will harmlessly graze around a landing beneath your table. The resulting photo won't be an image you're used to seeing at Giraffe Manor, but it'll still be an impressive nature shot that'll wow your Instagram followers. 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 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways By Forbes Travel Guide Forbes From Anguilla To Australia, Forbes Travel Guide's 2025 Star Award Winners By Jennifer Kester
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Forbes
11 Best Hotel Bars In The U.S.
The St. Regis New York's King Cole Bar is one of the country's standouts. The St. Regis New York A hotel bar is often a reliable refuge for travelers, but the truly great ones are destinations in themselves. Crafting an excellent cocktail is merely the baseline. What elevates a great hotel bar is the ability to capture the essence of its location while providing a memorable experience. Forbes Travel Guide's incognito inspectors tasted their way through lounges spanning from the vineyards of Napa to the shores of Miami, and we found the 11 hotel bars in the U.S. that stand above the rest. These watering holes are part of Forbes Travel Guide's Star Bars, an inaugural list of the world's best hotel bars. To find the 58 honorees — the number pays tribute to FTG's 1958 founding as Mobil Travel Guide — expert inspectors visited each one multiple times and sipped cocktails. The winners were determined by data collected as part of FTG's 2024 and 2025 Star Ratings, based on several exacting standards. The top publicly accessible bars achieved the highest scores for their beverage program and presentation, as well as providing seamless service and an exceptional guest experience. New York proved to be the U.S. cocktail capital with three bars, more than any other city. Statewide, California and New York tied with three bars, Florida tallied two and North Carolina, Nevada and Philadelphia each had one. Here is the full list of America's best hotel bars for 2025: Head in the direction of 33 North for great drinks in Orange County. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club Orange County 33 North's name refers to the closest latitude line to its California base, halfway between the equator and the North Pole. X marks the spot for the newly renovated interiors, featuring soft sunset colors and coastal accents. The most-ordered drink is the Chile De Árbol, a spicy-sweet, black sea salt-rimmed concoction with agave, lime juice and Lalo Tequila infused with cinnamon and jalapeño, Fresno and habanero chilis. Add on bites like caviar and chips from famed chef Michael Mina's adjacent Bourbon Steak Orange County. The Bar Auberge du Soleil Napa Take in sweeping views of vineyards and olive trees from the sun-drenched terrace of The Bar, preferably with wine from the 15,000-bottle cellar (like the excellent local sparkler Domaine Carneros Le Rêve). If you prefer a libation, opt for the Olive Grove Martini, with olive oil fat-washed Jean-Marc XO vodka, Dolin dry vermouth and orange bitters. Charcuterie like Fatted Calf saucisson and California cheeses are natural pairings, but heartier offerings like the local halibut and Stemple Creek Ranch burger also hit the spot. The Bar Baccarat Hotel New York New York The Palace of Versailles' stables inspired the look of this stunning scarlet space, featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling with three ornate chandeliers, a 60-foot bar and black-and-white checkerboard flooring. The art on the walls spans important movements since 1764, the year the Baccarat crystal company was founded. In honor of the hotel's 10th anniversary in 2025, The Bar debuted the Decade of Decadence menu, which riffs on past memorable cocktails, like the Baccarat Rouge, with Cincoro blanco tequila, passionfruit, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Cardamaro, lime, tea and a hibiscus ice cube. Of course, all drinks come in sparkling Baccarat crystal. The culinary-inspired Hibiscus uses ingredients from The Umstead's own farm. The Umstead Hotel and Spa The Bar & Lounge The Umstead Hotel and Spa Cary, North Carolina At this Five-Star hotel's bar, sit on the terrace overlooking the expansive lawn, woodlands and a fountain shooting water into the private lake. Among the culinary-inspired cocktails, sip the light and refreshing Hibiscus. The popular drink mixes Cathead vodka infused with a housemade hibiscus syrup, St-Germain, lime and sparkling wine. The Umstead utilizes produce from its One Oak Farm for the seasonal food menu, like the snapper crudo with radishes, sea beans, basil seeds, cilantro and yuzu dashi vinaigrette. CUT bar has a colorful roster of drinks. Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown CUT bar Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown New York Next to Wolfgang Puck's first Manhattan restaurant, CUT bar conjures a sultry mood with crimson shading everything from the velvet chairs to the glowing neon thunderbolt-like lights flanking the bar. The drinks are just as alluring, like the Heart of Gold, a nuanced blend of herbaceous Botanist 22 gin, bright Contratto Bianco and bitter Suze and Italicus. Accompany it with bites like indulgent lobster roll sliders and pea hummus with warm pita bread or go for a juicy steak from the restaurant. King Cole Bar The St. Regis New York New York This icon demonstrates nightly why it's endured for nine decades, cementing its place in cocktail history by introducing the Red Snapper — better known as the bloody mary — in 1934. The beloved tomato and vodka drink remains the signature libation for the bar and all St. Regis hotel bars worldwide. Enjoy dishes like wild-caught shrimp cocktail and the New York lobster cobb salad while admiring the bar's other famous facet: artist Maxfield Parrish's iconic Old King Cole mural painted in 1906. Toast to the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco's Lobby Bar. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco Lobby Bar The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco San Francisco Perhaps no cocktail is more emblematic of San Francisco than this bar's Karl the Fog, an homage to the perennial fog that drapes the Golden Gate Bridge. Bartender Matthew Duda came up with the idea after first visiting the city. 'I crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and experienced the fog around it, which made quite an impression on me,' Duda said The Karl, a blend of Belvedere vodka, hibiscus grape syrup, St-Germain, lemon juice and aquafaba, is crowned with a mixed berry aroma 'fog' bubble. When you burst the bubble, it transforms to mist. In between sips, bask in the lush design of the Tampa EDITION's Lobby Bar. The Tampa EDITION Lobby Bar The Tampa EDITION Tampa The lush greenery enveloping the wood bar almost makes you forget you're in Tampa. So do the drinks — the Stonefruit Matador reimagines one of the earliest predecessors of the margarita, when tequila mingled with fruit. Crafted with Milagro Silver tequila, sun-ripened apricot and zesty citrus, the cocktail also adds a Mediterranean slant. In between sips, nosh on duck fat-roasted nuts dusted with Mediterranean herbs or olives soaking in oil, herbs, lemon and garlic and play a round on the canary-yellow billiards table. The views from SkyHigh are stunning. Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center SkyHigh Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center Philadelphia Soaring 60 stories above Philadelphia, this sky bar dazzles. A floral 'runway' entrance leads to breathtaking 360-degree skyline views through 40-foot glass walls. Among the list of bold flavored cocktails, the Ginger Margarita is a guest favorite, featuring Arette Artesanal Reposado tequila, fresh ginger, housemade ginger-lime syrup, Cointreau and a ginger salt rim. For the mouthwatering food, legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten combines Philly favorites (like the wagyu cheesesteak spring rolls) with his own classics (the egg toast with caviar and herbs). Sip on champagne or a citrusy cocktail at the St. Regis Bar. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort The St. Regis Bar The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Miami Gleaming black stone, antique mirrors and gold accents fill this Miami Beach stunner. Choose from cocktails like the Bloody Sunrise, a citrusy take on the bloody mary, or the Dynasty, with Suntory Toki whiskey, aromatic bitters, cinnamon, vanilla and honey syrup and a smoky finish. Or opt for champagne — the hotel bar performs an Art of Sabrage ritual at 6 nightly (a salute to Napoleon Bonaparte, who famously popped bubbly with his saber in both victory and defeat) and pours complimentary glasses for guests. Wynn Tower Suites' bar is its own Vegas attraction. Wynn Tower Suites Tower Suite Bar Wynn Tower Suites Las Vegas With so many bars in the Wynn complex, this cream-hued option feels like a hidden gem. The menu splits drinks into Classics, like the Old Fashioned, and Modern Muses, interpretations of the former, like The Mystic, with Casa Dragones Reposado tequila (aged in rare Japanese mizunara oak), Dos Hombres mezcal, Nightbloom No. 3 vodka infused with smoked dates, Nixta corn liqueur, Madagascar vanilla liqueur, a housemade spiced sangria tea syrup and Angostura bitters. More bar secrets: along with rare whiskeys, it serves espresso drinks all day long. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's Best Hotel Bars For 2025 By Jennifer Kester Forbes 6 Breathtaking New York City Rooftop Bars By Spencer Whaley Forbes 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways By Forbes Travel Guide Forbes From Anguilla To Australia, Forbes Travel Guide's 2025 Star Award Winners By Jennifer Kester
Metropolis Japan
15-07-2025
- Metropolis Japan
Café Lounge Pandora at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
To the right of the garden at Café Lounge Pandora at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, a placard reads: Forbes Travel Guide—verified as one of the finest properties in the world. Walk past 21 hand-carved panels, golden fans painted with bijin (beautiful women) overhead, and a floral-patterned kimono hung in elegant display. Follow an indoor stream beneath the gold tie-adorned Daimon gate into a glass-ceiling atrium. Cross a discreet footbridge and watch marble-colored koi swirl below. The in-house eatery, Café Lounge Pandora, doesn't accept reservations by phone; arrive at 10 a.m. for a window seat by the waterfall. Sunlight filters through the atrium glass as birds nest in the trees beyond. Many linger over ornate afternoon tea sets, but I'm content with Assam tea and financier cake, savoring the view. For a taste of Japan, try the premium gyokuro or the anmitsu with kuromitsu syrup. Even the powder room vestibule, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, is worth a pause—another quiet moment, perfectly placed.
