Travel Classics Media News
January / February 2025
Announcing: Travel Classics Quebec 2025
Travel Classics International kicks off October 13-16, 2025 at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, in Québec City, Québec. Now in its 31st year, this boutique networking conference will feature Kat Craddock, EIC of SAVEUR as keynoter, plus 17 additional editors, 45 award-winning journalists, and representatives from the world’s top tourism destinations. The conference is full but writers may join our waitlist. Sponsorship opportunities still available. For information, go to Travel Classics or email Maren Rudolph.
Colorado Celebrates 150 Years!
In 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and at the same time, Colorado will mark the 150th anniversary of its entrance into the Union. Throughout the year, Colorado will celebrate with a series of exciting events, historic preservation initiatives, educational opportunities, a new passport highlighting the state's incredible cultural institutions, travel deals and much more. Visit Colorado Tourism. Media contact: Caitlin Johnson, 720-233-8520.
Destination BC Acknowledges Indigenous Peoples throughout BC
Destination British Columbia acknowledges with gratitude the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) on whose shared territories we operate our main office. We respectfully recognize that we carry out our work on the territories of Indigenous Peoples throughout BC. We honour our ongoing and developing relationships with First Nations (status and non-status), Inuit, and Métis Peoples. We are on a path of learning and are committed to working together. Visit Destination BC. Media contact: Sabrina Robson, 604-953-6708.
Two Scottsdale Icons Are Transformed
Scottsdale's hospitality scene is getting a boost with major renovations at two iconic hotels. Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort has completed a $115 million rebrand and property-wide transformation, featuring reimagined rooms, new dining by Chef Richard Blais, and a redesigned pool complex. Meanwhile, the historic mid-century modern gem Hotel Valley Ho is undergoing an $18 million room renovation, its largest since its 1956 opening. Visit Experience Scottsdale. Media contact: Laura McMurchie, 602-625-1166.
Hotel Valley Ho Offers Solo Traveler Packages
Hotel Valley Ho just launched two new packages perfectly designed for the solo traveler. The Solo Serenity package costs $50 and includes a bottle of sparkling wine, gratitude journal, LUSH bath bomb, and aromatherapy with the purchase of any spa treatment. The Solo Sun + Fun package costs $65 and includes two cocktails, a chocolate cactus welcome amenity, Vacation sunscreen, and admission to the SMOCA. Visit Hotel Valley Ho. Media contact: Kianna Pitegoff, 480-421-7735.
Live-Fire Grilling Mastery at JW Marriott Scottsdale
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa will host an evening in partnership with live-fire Chef Jack Arnold at the iconic Camelback Golf Club on February 7. Open to both locals and resort guests, Jack will showcase his grilling mastery as he prepares mouthwatering BBQ on the impressive Kong Ceramic Kamado Grill. Enjoy the elevated grill fired-dishes and gourmet sides, signature dishes, and the breathtaking surrounding desert, for a night of flavor and ambience. Priced at $119+/person. Visit JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn. Media Contact: Joan Magtibay, 480-529-3069.
Uganda for a True Private Wilderness Experience
Uganda has become Adams & Butler's most exciting safari destination, with a collection of rustic & elegant camps, and lodges in the most interesting, remote parts of Uganda, ensuring a full range of wildlife sightings from gorillas, to chimps, elephants, kobs, shoebills, lions, leopard, hyenas & white rhinos. Fishing on the Nile is also a must. The best thing about these properties is that they are very private and rarely do you see other vehicles. Visit Adams & Butler. Media contact: Siobhan Byrne, +353 1 288 9355.
Phoenix Hosts Multiple Womens' Sporting Events
Just as Phoenix soars as a hub of community and innovation, women's sports are blazing a trail and redefining the status quo. Together, they represent the future: bold and always rising higher. Phoenix is a spectator's paradise, with the SheBelieves Cup, LPGA Ford Championship, Big Sky Golf Championship, and NCAA Women's Final Four joining the sporting fervor in coming years. Check out Visit Phoenix. Media contact: Sarah Doyle, 602-452-6249.
Escape Sunset Anxiety and Reconnect at Castle Hot Springs
At Castle Hot Springs, a serene 1,100-acre desert oasis in Arizona's Bradshaw Mountains, enjoy hot springs soaking, wellness activities, spa treatments, and the new Wellness Through Water Retreat with Watsu therapy. Explore outdoor painting, creating farm-to-bar cocktails, and nature immersion for the ultimate digital detox and relaxation, embracing the desert's soothing warmth and tranquility while banishing sunset anxiety in a serene environment. Visit Castle Hot Springs. Media contact: Tina Newman, 781-366-1802.
Uncover Desert Magic in Marana, Arizona
Ironwood Forest National Monument turns 25 in 2025! Named for the ancient Ironwood tree, it's home to a towering 80-armed saguaro, rugged ranges, and diverse wildlife like pronghorn and the last indigenous bighorn sheep in Southern Arizona. From the Silver Bell to the Sawtooth ranges, this desert treasure showcases breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.Visit Discover Marana. Media contact: Stefanie Boe, 520-279-4564.
Complimentary Overwater Bungalow Suite at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Designed with larger groups and families in mind, the Ashore-Afloat offer invites guests to discover the best of land and sea by enjoying a complimentary One-Bedroom Beach-View Overwater Bungalow Suite in conjunction with their stay in a two- or three-bedroom Beachfront Villa Estate. Visit Four Seasons Bora Bora. Media contact: Brad Packer, 310-634-2452.
The Hermosa Inn Offers Outdoor Art Programs
Built by cowboy artist Lon Megargee in the 1930s as his residence and art studio, The Hermosa Inn honors its artistic legacy with two art programs led by artist-in-residence Carrie Curran. The Mimosa & Monet Art Class series offers a memorable morning of mimosas and entertaining art instruction on the picturesque patio. A Plein Air Painting Workshop, held amidst the lush gardens, will be the focus of the Immersive Art and Culinary Retreat, offered March 22-24. Visit The Hermosa Inn. Media contact: Keeley Ast, 480-220-1061.
Guests Enjoy Lucid Vehicles at Four Seasons Resort Houston
Four Seasons Hotel Houston is proud to share its new partnership with Lucid. Program elements include: Complimentary driving experience -- hotel guests can reserve a Lucid vehicle for their own use around H-Town; Chauffeured Lucid house car -- hotel guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the comforts of a chauffeured Lucid house car around the local area. Visit Four Seasons Houston. Media contact: Brad Packer, 310-634-2452.
New Interactive Dining Experience at JW Marriott Phoenix
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa welcomes Copper Alley, the all-new interactive dining concept complete with a variety of arcade games and delicious selection of food and beverage options including an array of oven-fired pizzas, salads, root beer floats and more. Guests are welcome to head to the ticket redemption counter following a thrilling experience of competitive play and video games to trade in their tickets for amazing prizes. Visit JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge. Media contact: Tatum Luoma, 480-529-3069.
West Hollywood's Exuberance Defines Iconic Culinary
West Hollywood has defined culinary excellence for years, from Michelin-rated icons to hidden gems. New standouts like Stella's rare pasta offerings, Somni's Spanish tasting menu, the Austin-based sushi empire of Uchi, and the elevated French hotspots of Amour, Chez Mia and CouCou continue to impress. Come enjoy Eat+Drink West Hollywood, kicking off this March, to celebrate WeHo's vibrant 1.9-square-mile culinary + cocktail mecca. Check out Visit West Hollywood. Media contact: Eric Parker, 310-289-2525.