Samantha Coles

1 week ago | elitetraveler.com | Samantha Coles

“This is why we travel!” It’s a phrase I hear probably once a day, if not more — I’ve joined one of Abercrombie & Kent’s around-the-world private jet tours, and it’s a statement made with gusto by numerous guests on the trip, usually during a particularly spectacular moment. The journey I’ve joined, Africa: Across a Continent by Private Jet, sees a maximum of 48 travelers embark on a three-week-long voyage covering Tunisia, Kenya, Rwanda, Botswana, South Africa, Benin and Morocco.

1 month ago | elitetraveler.com | Samantha Coles

How often have you visited a spectacular hotel with all the bells and whistles and wanted to make it a more permanent address? Many of the world’s biggest hotel chains have branded residences for those wanting to own a piece of the pie for themselves, while still having access to a number of high-end amenities, from Michelin-starred restaurants to world-class spas. Many offer residents-only facilities such as cinemas, game rooms, conference and working spaces, and state-of-the-art gyms.

1 month ago | elitetraveler.com | Samantha Coles

As Marriott’s president of luxury, Tina Edmundson oversees the juggernaut’s eight luxury brands — familiar names like The Ritz-Carlton and St Regis Hotels. She joined Marriott in 2008 and was made president in 2023 since expanding the luxury side of things with ventures such as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. We speak to Edmundson about Marriott’s branded residences, including the new openings and her favorite project. How does Marriott define a branded residence?

1 month ago | elitetraveler.com | Samantha Coles

I arrived at Zem Wellness Clinic Altea, Spain, in a less than ideal condition: anxious, severely sleep deprived and generally quite frazzled. But as I was ushered into the grand gold-and-cream lobby, with its intricate 35,000-piece mosaic (which I’m later told is pieced together by hand, a process that takes months) and dangling chandelier overhead, I can already tell I’m in for a much-needed soothing.

Mar 28, 2025 | elitetraveler.com | Samantha Coles

Maybe you’ve discovered the wonders beneath the surface with a few spectacular dives, or perhaps you’ve already descended into the deepest ocean in a submersible. No matter how many times you venture, though, it’s always mind-blowing to uncover another world. Triton’s newest model, the 660/9 AVA, provides a remarkable view to everyone on board.