Irene S. Levine

Pleasantville

Contributor at Forbes

Journalist, award-winning travel writer, blogger, brand ambassador; SATW, IFWTWA; Publisher multi-authored magazine for the over-50 luxury traveler

Articles

Mah Jongg: An Easy Way To Make Friends While Traveling

1 week ago | moretimetotravel.com | Irene S. Levine

I remember my mother having weekly Mah Jongg games that rotated among the players’ homes. When it was her turn to host, she put out lots of yummy snacks, and I watched the women laughing and intermittently yelling, “Mah Jongg.” I went back to my room to finish reading a Nancy Drew mystery. They say that we often turn into our mothers when we reach a certain age, which may have happened to me.
Best Liqueurs For Extraordinary Mother’s Day Cocktails

1 week ago | forbes.com | Irene S. Levine

A special cocktail made with a French or Italian liqueur can make any Mother's Day gathering more festive, whether you plan to meet for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just spend time together. The Aperol Spritz, a cocktail made with Aperol liqueur, Prosecco, and sparkling water, is among the most popular cocktails worldwide. However, unique cocktails can be made with other liqueurs to add spark to her special day.
Best Liqueurs For Extraordinary Mother’s Day Cocktails

1 week ago | flipboard.com | Irene S. Levine

This is officially London’s best rooftop bar right nowSee which skyward drinking spot tops our list of the capital’s best rooftop bars right now It’s almost the first bank holiday of the year, and you …
The Breakers Palm Beach Opens New Mecca For Racquet Sports Enthusiasts

2 weeks ago | forbes.com | Irene S. Levine

Despite its legacy as one of the most storied properties in the U.S., The Breakers Palm Beach has never been known to rest on its laurels. In March 2025, the resort unveiled its latest makeover, a 104,000-square-foot complex with world-class racquet sports courts on its sprawling 140-acre campus.
Marriott Partners With Beyonce For ‘The Cowboy Carter Tour’

3 weeks ago | forbes.com | Irene S. Levine

Marriott announced it is the official hotel partner of “The Cowboy Carter Tour,” which shares its name with that of Beyonce’s Grammy-winning Album of the Year.
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week 2025: Snag Your Place At The Table

3 weeks ago | forbes.com | Irene S. Levine

The Hudson Valley has long been a top destination for food lovers, with the renowned Culinary Institute of America located there and many of its graduates choosing to stay and work in the area. The region also boasts an abundance of fresh, high-quality ingredients from local farms, artisanal producers, and boutique wineries and breweries. Although the first Hudson Valley Restaurant Week wasn't held until 2006, the area's rich culinary history and resources make it a premier food destination.
The Plaza Hotel New York Offers Exclusive Orchid-Themed Package

4 weeks ago | forbes.com | Irene S. Levine

The Plaza, the storied five-star Fifth Avenue hotel in New York City, has partnered with The New York Botanical Garden to offer guests a bespoke “Orchid Show Experience” package. The Orchid Show, with vibrant blooms and stunning displays, is one of the city's most anticipated springtime events, attracting over 150,000 visitors annually. This curated hotel package couples a pampered city stay at the hotel with an immersive experience at the 250-acre botanical garden, a National Historic Landmark.
5 Reasons To Pack Your Own Hair Dryer For Travel

1 month ago | moretimetotravel.com | Irene S. Levine

Travelers are divided on whether or not to pack a hair dryer. Most hotels, resorts, and even rental properties now provide hair dryers, which has led many travelers to stop packing them altogether. We all want to travel light, but at what cost? There can be drawbacks to leaving yours at home, even if you stay at the finest properties. I was recently at a five-star Florida resort with a highly-rated Buttercup Drybar Hairdryer in the bathroom vanity drawer. The bright yellow dryer was a beauty.
The $188,000 Four Seasons ‘White Lotus’ Private Jet Experience

1 month ago | forbes.com | Irene S. Levine

Four Seasons is offering a 20-day White Lotus Private Jet Experience inspired by Mike White’s award-winning HBO series. This wellness-themed journey, limited to 48 guests, promises to "enrich body, mind, and spirit."Travelers will visit eight different locales, including three breathtaking Four Seasons properties—in Maui (Hawaii), Taormina (Italy), and Koh Samui (Thailand)—that have played starring roles in the award-winning show’s three seasons.
The Roundtree: A Hamptons Hotel That Feels Like A Family Beach Cottage

1 month ago | forbes.com | Irene S. Levine

The Roundtree, Amagansett is a one-of-a-kind luxury retreat on Amagansett’s historic Main Street. A stay offers the experience of being at a private beach house— without the responsibilities of home ownership or financial commitment of a summer rental. This makes it an ideal Hamptons getaway for anyone who doesn’t own property at one of Long Island’s posh beach towns but wishes they did. Amagansett is a quaint 6.6 square-mile hamlet that is part of the larger town of East Hampton.