The March issue includes a recap of our annual award festivities, held at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills. We were excited to celebrate our 21st anniversary of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards in Los Angeles on Dec. 11. We continue to support the efforts to return the fire-ravaged areas to the way they were when our event took place. Our hearts go out to the victims in the Palisades, Altadena and other affected areas.
As travelers, you need to know Los Angeles is open for business, and nothing should keep you from visiting and enjoying the city. I completed a trip a few weeks ago, staying at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. I enjoyed its main restaurant, Esterel, which has been reimagined as a fusion of Asian and Latin cuisines. It was also great to catch up with Jason Ro, director of sales and marketing, who offered a tour and update, which I will cover in a future GT Tested review. Traversing from West Los Angeles to El Segundo most of the trip, I was pleased to land home at the Sofitel in the evenings.
A special shout out to the winners who have taken the awards for all 21 years — including United Airlines MileagePlus, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Asiana Airlines — and those who continue to shake up the voting results. Voting is taking place now for the 2025 GT Tested Reader Survey awards; you can either complete the form in this copy of Global Traveler or the digital version located at globaltravelerusa.com/gt-tested-awards- ballot.
Our next event — the 13th Leisure Lifestyle Awards — takes place May 22 at the beautiful InterContinental Miami. Join us as we award our readers’ selections for the best cruise lines, destinations and airlines in the luxury leisure sector. Weddings, weddings … it seems to be the year of weddings! We are traveling to Austin, Philadelphia, Ireland and the United Kingdom, all in a short period. It’s also time to start thinking about where to go for my October birthday — I will reveal that tough decision in a subsequent letter.
Happy traveling!
Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO
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FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
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May 27, 2025Plan a Legendary Gathering in Honolulu
Myths and origin stories form a powerful framework for the history of Hawai‘i. Marking the horizon behind Honolulu, the ancient volcanic formation of Lē‘ahi — technically a volcanic tuff cone more commonly known to the world as Diamond Head — provides a constant physical reminder of the tales that shaped the history of this location. While researching legends for my Hawai‘i-based Dark Paradise Mysteries series (Kensington Books), I learned the tale of the demigod Maui, who used his enchanted fishing hook to reach into the sea to heave the Hawaiian islands, including Diamond Head, above the surface of the water.
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Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
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May 27, 2025Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia Introduces Sky Garden Floor
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center recently announced plans for a new Sky Garden floor, set to open in December. With help from architecture firm 1508 London, the new floor will offer a unique experience complementing the hotel’s prestigious reputation.
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May 27, 2025Go Glamping at This Colorado Ranch This Summer
The snow has melted, the sun is out and fans of the great outdoors gear up for summer camping. Historic Arapahoe Valley Ranch in Granby, Colorado, is a great destination choice. The ranch has a fascinating history involving aviator Charles Lindbergh, who became a close personal friend of former ranch owner and pilot Harry Knight. During his tenure as president of the St. Louis Flying Club, Knight formed a personal friendship with Lindbergh, and went on to build a private airfield at his ranch, used by Lindbergh for his weekend visits to Colorado.
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Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
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May 27, 20256 Reasons to Put Wellington, New Zealand, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Wellington, New Zealand, with us.
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May 26, 2025Delta Air Lines Adds Flight to Kona, Hawai‘i
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May 23, 2025Up Your RV Game with All-Electric Luxury RV, New Gear
If you’re chomping at the bit to head into the wilderness and set up camp, we’re with you. For a dose of luxury, enjoy an off-grid adventure for up to seven days with the new Pebble Flow. With a sleek, aerodynamic futuristic profile, the Pebble Flow also boasts a dual-motor Active Tow Assist System to allow for pulling with an electric vehicle. Features include lightweight composite and sustainable materials; panoramic windows with a 270-degree view; convertible furnishings; and a modern, minimalist design aesthetic. The chef-inspired kitchen, silent HVAC system and spa bathroom provide travel comfort, and nature-inspired colors including Sky, Fern, Poppy and Sand add to the overall sense of serenity. Bonus: The Pebble Flow can sight, align and hitch all on its own, while The Pebble App and dual-motor drivetrain let you maneuver, reverse, park and position with ease.
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Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
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May 23, 2025Relax, Rejuvenate and Heal at StolenTime
At the namesake luxury, 5-star all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia, the concept of “stolen time” used to be reserved for couples escaping to canoodle, reconnect and perhaps rekindle in sumptuous accommodations during a romantic getaway on the lush Caribbean island. But when StolenTime by Rendezvous rebranded in late 2022 to welcome all adult guests and focus more on wellness, the philosophy expanded to encompass self-reflection, personal growth and enrichment. After all, time is our most precious commodity, one that’s finite and too quickly slips through our grasp; we need to find those moments that matter and make them count.
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