Dining at Andaz

Luna
A sophisticated restaurant with stunning views of the Gulf of Papagayo, Luna offers a menu inspired by fresh, local ingredients with a focus on Costa Rican flavors blended with international cuisine. It’s a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, featuring seafood, grilled specialties, and creative cocktails.

Pazzo
This lively Italian eatery serves up authentic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Guests can enjoy wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and flavorful antipasti in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for casual dinners with friends or family.

Iguana Bar
Overlooking the beach, Iguana Bar is a relaxed spot for cocktails and light bites. With a breezy, open-air setting, it’s great for enjoying fresh ceviche, tapas, and tropical drinks while taking in the ocean breeze.

Pool Bar
Perfect for a midday refreshment or a light snack, the Pool Bar offers a variety of beverages and small plates. Guests can unwind by the pool with refreshing smoothies, fresh juices, and casual bites.

Dining at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo highlights fresh, local ingredients and a blend of Costa Rican culture with global culinary influences, all set within stunning natural surroundings.

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort

…and, if airports, luggage, passports, and in-flight meals have no appeal, there is always domestic travel.

It’s a short flight — just about an hour and twenty minutes — and even better, you can depart from the easygoing Bob Hope (Burbank) Airport. Soon enough, you find yourself descending into the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, where wildflowers, cactus blossoms, and vibrant greenery flourish beneath the wide, endless sky. Iconic Saguaro cacti are silhouettes along the horizon. From there, it’s a short drive to the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort.

Opened in 1986 as part of the famed Gainey Ranch development — once a thriving Arabian horse ranch — the resort has recently emerged from a spectacular $115 million renovation. The grounds are lush, a paradise of tall, swaying palms and endless golden light. There’s an immediate sense of calm and quiet luxury that settles over you as soon as you arrive.

Wandering the expansive grounds, you notice playful stretches of astroturf where children laugh and run freely. Beyond that, a sprawling pool complex beckons, complete with private cabanas and even a white-sand beach area — a perfect playground for young adventurers.

The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort blends Sonoran Desert serenity with the polish of a high-end resort. It’s big, bold, and unashamedly resort-y—but in all the right ways. Think palm-lined pools, open skies, and just enough Southwestern flair to remind you you’re not in Florida.

The Setting

Located in the upscale Gainey Ranch neighborhood, the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort  puts you in one of Scottsdale’s most desirable pockets. It’s quiet, green, and ringed by mountain views. You’re about 10 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale—close enough for a dinner out, far enough to escape the traffic and tourists.

The resort itself sits on 27 acres of manicured desert landscaping. with a large canvas agaunst a blue sky. Yes, it’s a little theatrical. But it works.

Rooms

The rooms are comfortable and clean, though not cutting-edge. Expect classic Southwestern tones—earthy palettes, wood accents, and big windows. Many rooms come with patios or balconies, and mountain or pool views. If you can, go for a room that faces Camelback Mountain at sunset—it’s worth it.

Pools & Play

This is where the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort flexes: ten pools, including an adult-only area, a sandy beach for kids, a 3-story waterslide, and hot tubs tucked under palms. The pool scene is chill during the week and more lively on weekends.

The property also includes a 27-hole golf course next door, a full-service spa, tennis courts, and daily activities like yoga, Native American storytelling, and desert wildlife presentations. There’s plenty to do, but the resort doesn’t shove it in your face.

Food & Drink

Dining is solid across the board. Mesa Centrale, serves up breakfast and casual fare with regional flair. Grand Vista Lounge holds down the lobby scene with live music, cocktails, and a great fire pit area.

Who It’s For

This isn’t the spot for minimalist luxury or urban edge. It’s for families, couples, and conference-goers who want an easy, sun-drenched escape with everything in one place. You’ll see kids in the pool, golfers on the course, and couples at the spa—all coexisting comfortably.

Why Here?

The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort delivers a classic, full-service Arizona resort experience. It’s polished without being pretentious, relaxed without being dull. If you want to enjoy the desert without roughing it—and still have enough amenities to keep you busy for days—it’s a strong choice.

Summer Travel Update 2026

Where to Go, Where to Stay,

and What’s Trending Now

If there is one defining theme of Summer 2026, it’s purposeful travel. Travelers are choosing destinations that offer authentic experiences, cultural immersion, wellness, and cooler climates over crowded tourist hotspots. Whether you’re seeking a Mediterranean escape, an art-filled island in Japan, or a luxurious beach retreat in Mexico, these are the destinations defining this summer’s travel season.

London, England

London continues to top travel wish lists this year. The city combines royal history, cutting-edge culture, world-class dining, and some of the world’s finest hotels. Summer brings outdoor festivals, theater, and long evenings perfect for exploring neighborhoods from Notting Hill to Shoreditch.

Where to Stay

• The Peninsula London
• The Emory
• The Savoy
• Claridge’s

Naoshima, Japan

Japan remains one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, and design lovers are discovering Naoshima, the famed art island in the Seto Inland Sea. Home to museums, installations, and architecture by Tadao Ando, it offers a peaceful alternative to Japan’s larger cities.

Where to Stay

• Benesse House
• Roka Naoshima

Peloponnese, Greece

Travelers are increasingly bypassing the crowded Cyclades in favor of the Peloponnese, where ancient ruins, dramatic coastlines, olive groves, and luxury wellness retreats provide a quieter Greek experience.

Where to Stay

• Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino
• Euphoria Retreat
• Kinsterna Hotel

Mexico’s Summer Triple Play

For Southern Californians, few destinations offer the convenience, value, and diversity of Mexico. Whether you’re looking for Caribbean beaches, barefoot luxury, or urban sophistication, Mexico delivers.

Cancun

Cancun continues to evolve beyond its spring-break reputation into a luxury destination offering sophisticated resorts, wellness experiences, championship golf, and easy access to the Riviera Maya’s natural wonders.

Where to Stay

• NIZUC Resort & Spa
• Waldorf Astoria Cancun
• Atelier Playa Mujeres
• Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets

Tulum

Tulum remains one of the most desirable beach destinations in the Americas. Its blend of wellness, design-forward hotels, jungle restaurants, and white-sand beaches continues to attract travelers seeking a more relaxed luxury experience.

Where to Stay

• Nomade Tulum
• Be Tulum
• Casa Malca
• Habitas Tulum

Mexico City

One of the world’s great cultural capitals, Mexico City offers extraordinary museums, architecture, cuisine, nightlife, and creativity. Neighborhoods such as Roma, Condesa, and Polanco are filled with galleries, cafés, boutiques, and some of the best restaurants in the world.

Where to Stay

• Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City
• Sofitel Mexico City Reforma
• Las Alcobas
• The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City

Morocco

Marrakech and Fez continue to attract travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences. Historic riads, bustling souks, remarkable architecture, and luxury hospitality make Morocco one of the year’s most exciting destinations.

Where to Stay

• Royal Mansour Marrakech
• La Mamounia
• Palais Jamaï, Fez

The Coolcation Trend

As temperatures rise around the globe, travelers are increasingly seeking cooler destinations. Finland, Scotland, Norway, and Northern Europe are enjoying increased popularity among travelers looking for mild weather, stunning landscapes, and outdoor adventures.

Where to Stay

• Fife Arms, Scotland
• Lapland Hotels, Finland
• Britannia Hotel, Trondheim

California’s Central Coast

Not every memorable summer vacation requires a passport. California’s Central Coast remains one of America’s great road-trip destinations, offering scenic drives, coastal villages, wine country, and ocean breezes.

Where to Stay

• Alila Ventana Big Sur
• Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara
• Inn at the Pier, Pismo Beach
• The Ritz-Carlton Bacara

Travel Trends Defining Summer 2026

• Cool-weather destinations are replacing traditional hot spots.
• Travelers are prioritizing meaningful experiences over packed itineraries.
• Wellness retreats continue to gain popularity.
• Secondary cities are attracting visitors seeking authenticity.
• Shorter, experience-rich vacations are replacing extended trips.
• Luxury travelers are increasingly mixing city stays with beach escapes.

Final Boarding Call

The best destinations of Summer 2026 aren’t necessarily the most obvious. They’re places that offer connection, culture, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re sipping cocktails overlooking the Caribbean in Tulum, wandering through the galleries of Mexico City, exploring London’s historic streets, or discovering Japan’s art islands, this summer is about traveling smarter—not farther.

The journey isn’t simply about getting away. It’s about discovering somewhere worth remembering.

10 Travel Safety Tips

 1. Embrace Smart Travel Technology

• Digital IDs & Biometric Boarding: Many airports now support digital passports and facial recognition. Check if your departure and arrival airports offer this to speed up security and boarding.
• AI Itinerary Planners: Tools like Google’s AI-powered travel planner and AI-enhanced apps help personalize routes, suggest lesser-known spots, and optimize trip planning.
• eSIM Usage: eSIMs are now widely supported, making it easier and cheaper to stay connected abroad without changing physical SIM cards.

2. Focus on Sustainable Travel

• Carbon Tracking: Airlines and OTAs now show estimated carbon emissions for flights. Choose lower-emission options or carriers investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
• Eco-Stays: Look for hotels certified by credible sustainability standards like EarthCheck, Green Key, or GSTC.
• Slow Travel: Spend more time in fewer destinations to reduce environmental impact and enrich your experience.

 3. Use Advanced Travel Apps

• AI Travel Assistants: Tools like Hopper, Kayak, and Expedia now use AI to predict price changes, recommend destinations, and handle bookings.
• Language AI: Real-time translation (via apps or smart glasses) is more reliable than ever—perfect for navigating non-English-speaking regions.

 4. Be Aware of Evolving Entry Requirements

• ETIAS for Europe: Starting in 2025, non-EU citizens (including U.S., UK, Australia) need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before traveling to the Schengen Zone.
• Vaccine & Health Pass Updates: Some regions may still request proof of vaccinations (COVID-19 or others), so always verify entry requirements before your trip.

 5. Book Early – Especially for Popular Spots

• 2025 is seeing a massive rebound in travel, especially to Europe and Asia. Flights and accommodations are filling up months in advance, particularly in peak seasons.
• Dynamic pricing is more aggressive—booking 3–6 months ahead secures better rates.

6. Stay Informed on AI-Enhanced Customer Service

• Airlines and hotels are automating support using AI chatbots. Learn how to effectively communicate with these systems to solve issues quickly (e.g., lost luggage, flight changes).

 7. Travel Insurance is a Must

• Opt for policies that include:
  • Trip cancellation/interruption
  • Medical coverage abroad
  • Flight delays and lost baggage
  • Some providers now offer “cancel for any reason” options, ideal for uncertain times.

The Guide to Pick Pockets

Key Insights:

• Rome tops the list with 478 pickpocketing mentions per million visitors, particularly around major attractions like the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum .​
• Paris follows closely, with 251 mentions per million visitors, notably around the Eiffel Tower and Louvre
• Barcelona is renowned for pickpocketing, especially on Las Ramblas, with 111 mentions per million visitors .​
• London has seen a surge in phone thefts, with over 52,000 incidents reported in 2023, particularly in tourist areas like the City of Westminster.

Safety Tips for Travelers:

• Use cross-body bags with secure zippers.​
• Avoid displaying valuables like jewelry or large amounts of cash.​
• Stay vigilant in crowded areas and be cautious of distractions.​
• Consider using money belts or hidden pouches for important documents and money.

If you’re planning to visit any of these cities and need more detailed safety advice or information on specific areas, feel free to ask!

Founded in the 2015 by Randy Dunbar, SoCalMag was envisioned as a fresh, sophisticated voice highlighting the culture, style, and stories of Southern California. From the start, the magazine embraced a blend of in-depth features, striking photography, and insider perspectives on art, travel, dining, and design.

As Founder and Editor, Dunbar shaped the publication’s editorial tone—balancing local authenticity with global appeal. Under his leadership, SoCalMag grew from a regional lifestyle magazine into a platform that attracts readers from across the country, all drawn to its curated take on the people, places, and ideas defining life in the Golden State.

Whether covering emerging artists in Los Angeles, luxury travel destinations, or the shifting trends in design and cuisine, SoCalMag continues to reflect Dunbar’s original mission: to tell meaningful stories with style, substance, and a distinctly Southern California sensibility.

Check it out: socalmag.com