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NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Jaipur Voted World's 5th Best City By Travel And Leisure's 2025 Survey
Jaipur, known for its rich heritage, vibrant shopping scene, and warm hospitality, has been ranked the fifth-best city in the world by the Travel and Leisure's 2025 survey. Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur boasts not one but three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Walled City of Jaipur, where every building is painted in a signature pink hue, earned its UNESCO tag for its remarkably preserved medieval urban planning. The majestic Amber Fort and the iconic astronomical marvel, Jantar Mantar, are the other two UNESCO-recognised landmarks. With all three located within city limits, Jaipur stands among a rare group of global destinations to hold three World Heritage tags in one city. "Happy with the ranking its is a matter of pride not just for rajasthan but for the entire country," said Rajasthan Tourism minister Diya Kumari (Former princess of Jaipur). 'Jaipur is the only Indian city to receive this global ranking this year. Udaipur had achieved it once, but Jaipur continues to be a preferred destination worldwide. In fact, a city from Rajasthan often makes it to the list, which speaks volumes about the state's cultural and tourism appeal,' she added "It is also our duty as citizens to take ownership of our city and keep it clean. This is our city, and the responsibility lies with us. When people actively take pride and responsibility for their surroundings, Jaipur will not only become number one in cleanliness, but also in attracting investments and tourism," she further said. Diya kumari also gave credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for putting India on the global map, she also thanked the rajasthan government for its policies that preserve heritage and culture in the state. "It is indeed an honour for jaipur to get this award, jaipur is already known on the international tourism map but its still a valuable addition to the city," said Sanjay Kaushik of Rajputana Holiday Makers "Jaipur is my most favourite city in India, the culture and food is out of this world if I can come again I will come back to Jaipur," an Argentinian tourist at Jaipur's iconic hawa mahal area of jaipur told NDTV. Other cities who made the cut are Mexico's San Miguel de allende, Chiang Mai, Tokyo and Bangkok. While Jaipur came 5th it outpaced another popular historic city which is Italy's Florence that came 11th in the list of world's favourite destinations.
Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Gambler bets $250 on slot machine — then wins life-changing prize at Vegas casino
A gambler walked away from a Las Vegas casino with a life-changing jackpot prize. The guest sat at a Dragon Link slot machine at Circa Resort & Casino, the casino said in a July 13 Facebook post. The player bet $250, hit spin and watched as the symbols flashed across the screen until a jackpot message appeared. This player won 1,082,545.37. 'Last night, Dragon Link breathed fire…and left a million-dollar trail,' the casino said in the post. The visitor had a leftover credit of $2,164 when they hit the jackpot. Dozens of people commented on the post congratulating the gambler. 'If you can play 250 a pop more power to You! Congrats,' one person commented. '$250 a spin? I have to look for that just to pay a bill!' another person said. '$250 is my daily limit,' someone else said. Circa Resort & Casino is in downtown Las Vegas, and it's part of the Fremont Street Experience. The adult-only hotel opened in 2020, Travel and Leisure reported.
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Tiny Greek island dubbed 'a smaller Mykonos' named as best in the world
A charming Greek island just a stone's throw from the insatiably popular Santorini and Mykonos has stunning beaches, a rich history, and delicious seafood - but hardly any tourists Escape the bustling crowds of tourists on this idyllic Greek island recently voted the best in the entire world. Last year, a whopping 40 million international visitors flocked to Greece, marking an impressive 12.8 per cent spike compared to 2023. The sheer influx resulted in hotspots such as Santorini and Mykonos becoming so insufferably busy - swathes of visitors have vowed to never return. However, if you're desperate for golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, mouth-watering food and a ubiquitous history - you have to check out Páros. This tiny island, located in the Aegean Sea, boasts 120km of unspoilt coastline - complete with quaint cliff-top villages, rugged mountains, and a vibrant nightlife. If you're not satisfied with soaking up the rays on sugar-like beaches, head over to Panagia Ekatontapiliani, aka the Holy Shrine of the Virgin Mary. This Byzantine church complex is a must-see for history buffs, and is one of the best-preserved Paleo-Christian monuments in Greece. According to legend, the original church was either constructed by Saint Helene herself or Saint Constantine, the first Emperor of Constantinople, after the oblation of his mother. Staying in the charming villages of Naoussa, Lefkes, and Marpissa, is a great way to explore the island's whitewashed houses with blue windows and flowered yards. It's as Instagram-worthy as the domed buildings in Santorini, but comes without coachloads of selfie-stick-waving tourists. And if you're feeling extra boujee, explore Páros' wildlife-rich waters with a private boat trip or yacht charter. The island is also a great place for scuba divers, home to barracuda, groupers, and moray eels, as well as sea turtles and even dolphins and seals. With all of this in mind, it's no surprise that the island was voted the world's best in Travel and Leisure's most recent survey. "This Aegean isle has made the European islands list every year since we added the category to our 'World's Best Awards' survey," the publication said. "This year, it takes the top spot for the first time since 2020—and readers named Páros not only their favourite island in Europe, but also the best in the world. Travellers hailed the island's fresh seafood, shopping options, natural beauty and 'warm hospitality' from locals. "There's more to explore than I expected," said one survey respondent. "[There are] surprises around every corner." While there is an airport in Páros, it only operates as a domestic hub connecting the island to the mainland. This means Brits will have to first fly to Athens, and then hop on another flight to Páros - which altogether takes around six hours and 15 minutes. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return indirect flights for around £264 in August - if you're travelling from London. Flying from northern airports such as Manchester or Edinburgh increases the cost to £358 and £336 respectively. There is a wide range of accommodation types on Páros, from no-frill hotels to luxury resorts. For example, a week's stay (Monday, August 4-11) at the Surfing Beach Huts will only set you back £585. This is based on two adults sharing two single beds in a wooden cabin. If you're looking for something a bit more upmarket, you have to check out Paros Agnanti Resort & Spa. This five-star hotel is situated just 100 metres from the beach, and boasts a stunning spa, beautiful sea views, and excellent leisure facilities. Staying here on the exact same nights, in a Superior room which includes breakfast, will cost £2,358.
Time Out
10-07-2025
- Time Out
Two luxe Melbourne lodgings were just named among the best city hotels in Australia for 2025
One of our fave things to do is play tourist in our own city – and a cheeky staycation is a great way to do that. After all, Melbourne is home to a suite of fabulous hotels, ranging from swanky luxury lodgings to quirky boutique spots with plenty of personality. And now, two of the city's top hotels have been honoured in Travel and Leisure's Luxury Awards, which recognises Australia's best hotels, pools and spas. Both the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne and the W Melbourne have landed on the list of Australia's best city hotels for 2025, coming in at second and sixth, respectively. If you've stayed at either of these hotels, you'll know they have dreamy sky-high pools, world-class drinking and dining options (hello, Atria and Curious), excellent service and beautiful rooms you'll wish you could move into. But it was Sydney's Capella that took out the top spot, with Travel and Leisure saying "this regal hotel has upped the luxury factor in Sydney's heart". That's not the only category the Ritz-Carlton starred in though – the bougie hotel also got a mention on the best hotel spas list (coming in second, with Crown's spa landing at seventh), while general manager Rachel Harman was named among the country's best. Other local hotels to score a shout out include the InterContinental Sorrento and Jackalope, both located on the Mornington Peninsula, which took out seventh and eighth spots on the list of Australia's best country hotels and lodges for 2025. You can read the full list of award-winning hotels over here. These are the top ten city hotels in Australia for 2025: Capella, Sydney The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne Park Hyatt Sydney The Tasman Hobart, Tasmania Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay W Melbourne Shangri-La Sydney Pier One Sydney Harbour COMO The Treasury, Perth W Brisbane This magical floating sauna is opening soon in Melbourne
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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
The Top Resort in the Western U.S. Has Stunning Oceanfront Views and Fireplaces in Every Room—See All Winners
As the popularity of slow travel continues to grow, T+L readers are seeking out resorts that help them connect more deeply to a destination—and to themselves. The Western United States excels in unhurried days and unspoiled landscapes that invite just this kind of travel. This year, readers loved lingering at resorts whose settings stretch from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico to the Alaskan wilderness, but hotels in one Pacific Northwest state reigned supreme. The sun setting at Stephanie Inn. Bryan Daugherty/Stephanie Inn Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. T+L readers' favorite resorts in the Western U.S. prove that laid-back doesn't mean lazy. Several properties on this year's list pride themselves on facilitating outdoor adventures in pristine settings. Idaho's four honorees are well-situated for guests who want to explore the state's varied mountains and waterways. Take Sun Valley Resort (No. 9), a vacation hub that's known as much for its down-to-earth vibes as it is its all-season terrain. Snow bunnies of all skill levels are spoiled for choice between Bald and Dollar mountains; kayakers might spend an afternoon on Sun Valley Lake; and bikers can hit up more than 400 dirt singletrack trails or more than 30 miles of paved paths. Over in McCall, guests of Shore Lodge (No. 15) appreciate the hotel's proximity to both nature and modern conveniences. 'Right in town so you can walk to all the shops, and it's on the lake,' says one WBA voter. The three resorts in Washington State exhibit a similar ability to blend active pursuits with pure R&R. Located in the Snoqualmie Valley, Salish Lodge & Spa (No. 3) impresses with the area's iconic waterfall and hiking trails, as well as its culinary offerings. 'As a lifelong Twin Peaks fan, I've always dreamt of staying at the Salish,' writes one T+L reader. 'The valet and restaurant staff were incredibly helpful and kind. It was a quiet, relaxing trip despite staying during a wedding weekend. I still think about the tomato risotto! We are counting down the days until we can come back.' But the most honorees, including this year's winner, can be found in the state of Oregon, which snagged five spots on the 2025 list. Stephanie Inn: Cannon Beach, Oregon A look into the Ocean Front Carriage House. Gregor Halenda/Stephanie Inn It takes a truly special hotel to make you feel right at home and yet miles away from your ordinary life. But according to T+L readers, this oceanfront escape—which finally tops the category after coming in No. 2 in 2023 and 2022—nails that sense of elevated hospitality. 'Feels like you're at your family's beach house,' shares one voter. 'Highlights are the extremely thoughtful service, a stunning location directly on Cannon Beach, and a nightly happy hour. The restaurant is outstanding, and every room has a fireplace.' Whether visiting for a romantic getaway or a weekend with friends, guests can order a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach or during a day hike along Cape Falcon Trail. Regardless of how you spend your time, readers agree that the experience is nothing short of magnificent. Highlights are the extremely thoughtful service, a stunning location directly on Cannon Beach, and a nightly happy hour. The restaurant is outstanding, and every room has a fireplace. — T+L Reader 1. Stephanie Inn: Cannon Beach, Oregon Reader Score: 95.82 2. Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection: Santa Fe, New Mexico Reader Score: 93.50 3. Salish Lodge & Spa: Snoqualmie, Washington Reader Score: 92.91 4. Tu Tu' Tun Lodge: Gold Beach, Oregon Reader Score: 92.42 5. Brasada Ranch: Bend, Oregon Reader Score: 92.00 6. Sunriver Resort: Sunriver, Oregon Reader Score: 91.00 7. Allison Inn & Spa: Newberg, Oregon Reader Score: 90.83 8. Coeur d'Alene Resort: Coeur D'Alene, Idaho Reader Score: 88.69 9. Sun Valley Lodge: Sun Valley, Idaho Reader Score: 88.63 10. Cedarbrook Lodge: SeaTac, Washington Reader Score: 88.44 11. Suncadia Resort, Destination by Hyatt: Cle Elum, Washington Reader Score: 86.44 12. Tamarack Resort: Tamarack, Idaho Reader Score: 86.13 13. Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge: Denali State Park, Alaska Reader Score: 84.70 14. Alyeska Resort: Girdwood, Alaska Reader Score: 84.35 15. Shore Lodge: McCall, Idaho Reader Score: 83.56
