Tim Cotroneo

Chicago, IL – August 25, 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chicago office, is spreading the word that Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as of July 2026. Located in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province , the site's long name holds clues to its significance: “Mahathat” means it houses a relic of the Buddha, while “Woramahawihan” is one of the highest designations a Thai Buddhist temple can hold. Indeed, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan has stood as one of Southern Thailand's most revered Buddhist temples for the past 1,500 years–and is now recognized internationally.

With the final season of Netflix's hit show Outer Banks hitting the streaming service this past weekend, fans eagerly tuned in to find out how the Pogues' stories would end in the final installment – and more importantly, if any of the residents of Kildare Island would finally get a happy ending (honestly, most of us would settle for even a single moment of happiness).

With National Self-Care Month approaching (September), wellness travel is entering a new era, moving beyond the traditional spa getaway toward immersive experiences that support longevity, mental wellbeing, deeper connection and more intentional ways of living Today's travelers are increasingly looking for escapes that leave them feeling genuinely restored, whether through time in nature, nervous-system regulation, movement, mindfulness or simply the opportunity to disconnect from the demands of everyday life.

With 73% of travelers seeking opportunities to hike and 62% looking to interact with animals, according to 2025 data reported by Time Out , the allure of nature and wildlife is shaping where travelers want to go next. In Torres del Paine, offers an especially close connection to the region's wildlife: pumas roam within the property's own reserve, allowing guests front-row seats to the creatures and their habitats, all while remaining within the reserve.

ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND — August 25, 2026 — This winter, Sonas Collection is inviting travelers to experience Scotland's west coast at its most atmospheric with its Northern Lights packages , a collection of two-night escapes created for the quieter months at the family-run hotel group's four properties in Oban and on the Isle of Skye.

This October, The Ocean Club is bringing New York-based Physique 57 to Paradise Island for Physique 57 in Paradise , an immersive wellness weekend taking place October 23–25 . In celebration of Physique 57's 20th anniversary, guests can enjoy complimentary classes led by renowned instructor Torrey Harada , with sessions held on the Versailles Terrace and Beach Deck overlooking the turquoise waters of the Bahamas.

As travelers look beyond traditional sightseeing and seek more meaningful ways to connect with destinations, food and drink have become powerful forms of storytelling. Hotels are increasingly drawing on local ingredients, cultural traditions, wellness philosophies, and agricultural heritage to create experiences that give travelers a deeper sense of place.

Algarve, Portugal (August 25, 2026) – Octant Praia Verde , a boutique hotel sanctuary set among the pine forests and dunes of the eastern Algarve, today announces the completion of the most extensive renovation in its history. The transformation introduces the Praia Collection, comprising 19 new rooms and suites, alongside a new spa and wellness area, two new pools – including a dedicated adults-only outdoor pool – a new gym, reimagined dining and communal spaces, and a refreshed Praia Verde Beach Bar.

Posted by Tim Cotroneo The Nines Hotel in Portland, Oregon, is a downtown icon and longtime fixture of Portland's hospitality scene.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands (Aug. 25, 2026) — The Retreat Turks & Caicos has appointed Layvern Daniel as hotel manager ahead of the locally developed boutique hotel's opening in October 2026.