InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

There’s never a bad time to visit paradise, but Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s fall festival list makes it that much more seductive. Here are two of our favourites:

Festival Gourmet International
Chefs and foodies from the world round converge at the Festival Gourmet International. Going strong in its 14th year, this festival brings is a showing of delicious and innovative cuisine, not to mention interesting seminars and classes.

International Sailfish and Marlin Tournament
Whether participant or spectator, everyone will find this competition riveting. The schedule is jam packed with activities, from the welcoming ceremonies of the crews in the harbour, to daily weigh-ins to award dinners.

When travelling, sometimes it is fun to book a tour bus and see all the usual sights. But what about the more hard-to-find things that make a city unique, or even odd? Here is a bit of our favourite kitsch in Budapest:

Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum
See how alchemists and pharmacists worked in bygone eras. Housed in Budapest’s first pharmacy, this museum features fascinating bottles and equipment that date back to the Renaissance.

Cave Tours
Although Turkey is famous for its thermal baths, many travellers forget about the caves these waters have formed. You’ll find fascinating formations and colors, and a breathtaking view of nature in its glory.

Cotton Club
The Roaring Twenties are alive and well at the Cotton Club. The sultry ambiance, extensive liquor list, delicious menu, and rousing stage revues are not to be missed.

Whatever style of beach you’re looking for from stylish Miami to off-beat Los Cabos you’ll find an InterContinental Hotel nearby. Here are a few of our favourite beaches, just in time for summer holiday:

Los Cabos, Mexico
Definitely farther from beaten tourism path, Los Cabos is both charming town and a sun-bather’s haven. You’ll find delicious restaurants, fun local shopping options and some daily aquatic adventures, such as snorkeling and diving with sharks.

South Beach, Miami
See and be seen at the world’s most fashionable beach scene, placed against the backdrop of pastel Art Deco architecture. In addition to sand and surf, the colourful Miami residents enjoy fantastic shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic
Strategically located in downtown Santo Domingo, The InterContinental V Centenario gives you the option of enjoying not only the stunning nearby beaches, but the thriving city as well. Don’t forget to visit Puerto Plata, where you’ll find copious local shopping options including inexpensive silver and turquoise jewelry.

Sydney, Australia
Surfing is king in Sydney. Whatever experience level you’re at, you’ll find the perfect way to ride the waves. Your concierge can help set up lessons, if you so desire. Also, pack a few evening outfits and head to the famous Sydney Opera House for a show.

Atlanta, Georgia, the proclaimed capital of the America south-east, is a shopper’s paradise without the stress and cost of New York. The InterContinental Buckhead is directly across the street from two world-class malls and the surrounding neighborhoods are just teeming with unique boutiques. Here are a few of the options you’ll find when you’re searching for just the right thing.

Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza
These two malls, colloquially known as Phipps and Lenox, feature a combined 350 specialty stores and the whole range of luxury department stores. Find everything from sporting goods to china, cocktail dresses to denim. Word to the wise: head over to Lenox during the week, away from peak traffic days, and save the more spacious Phipps for the weekend.

Blue Genes
Blue Genes is the premier Atlanta spot to find all of the high-end trends, such as Juicy Couture, Rock & Republic, and Hudson.

2 Little Chicks
Self-proclaimed as “Big Style for Little Peeps,” this Atlanta-based boutique delivers adorable fashions for the young ones, from babies to older children.

Bill Hallman
Bill Hallman and his family, who you might find actually helping guests, hand-picks the men’s and women’s wear items for a truly unique look that can rival any LA or New York-based boutique. The store’s price-point varies, so you’ll find something for any budget. They also carry a great selection of vintage women’s clothing.

Chico’s
A national American brand interwoven with famous southern hospitality and charm. Their Virginia Highland’s location features the classic-yet-modern, mature-yet-breezy styles that Chico’s is known for. Really, though, it’s the customer service that can’t be beat.

Paris on Ponce
Don’t let the facade fool you: Paris on Ponce is a fantastic place to find great antiques. Whether it’s a little something for yourself, or a gift to take home, you’re sure to find a piece of Americana here. Be prepared to spend a while, as there is plenty of kitsch and glamour to look at.

Although many of Athen’s restaurateurs speak very good English, you’ll find a more authentic dining experience if you know the ingredients of a dish and can order in Greek. Here’s the scoop in some local fare:

Tzatziki is a delicious spread comprised of yogurt, cucumber and garlic, and salt.

Try Tiro Salata and you’ll find a flavourful, fresh, and sometimes spicy cheese salad.

Psito is a famed Greek lamb dishes: roasted leg which is generally served with potatoes.

For a great pork dish, have a taste of Kontosouvli, which is choice cuts roasted rotisserie-style.

Midia is fresh mussels steamed in white wine and generally served with lemon.

Rega is not to be missed, but is an acquired taste: strong smoked herring drenched in olive oil.

Film festival aside, Cannes is a little city with a big heart and big excitement. Whether it’s the beach, a dining or shopping getaway, or a romantic weekend, Cannes is a sampling of European charm. Here are a few great things to do:

Dinner at Au Bec Fin
This casual yet delicious cuisine is Provence done the old fashioned way. The portions are generous and hearty and the atmosphere is quaint. Make sure to make a reservation!

Sand and Sun
Rent an umbrella or cabana and enjoy the French Riviera’s sunbathing.

Watersport
Tired of lounging? Take some time off the beach and in the water. Your concierge can arrange a waterskiing, scuba diving, or parasailing excursion.

Shopping at La Croisette
This shopping district is not only a beautiful coastal stroll, but a great place to pick up your favourite designer items, like Coco Chanel. For a more unique experience, stop in a few of the local boutiques.

Adventure
For the more intrepid traveller, try one of Cannes gliding fields. You’ll see some of the most fantastic views of the Alps, urban areas, and the coast.

Experience Amsterdam from a private salon boat. Enjoy a complementary bottle of champagne and luxury canapés whilst you tour Amsterdam’s canals. Back on land, sit down for a 6 course dinner with beautiful paired wines in our fine French Mediterranean Michelin listed restaurant La Rive.