"Entering a hotel is an adventure in itself." Francisca Matteoli This new addition to Assouline's Hotel Stories series reveals the riveting and untold stories behind some of the world's most luxurious and exotic hotels. Over 80 hotels are featured, from New York City to Buenos Aires, Dubai to Phuket, no region of the world is left uncovered. Take a journey through time and read about the lavish party Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly hosted at the Castillo Hotel Son Vida in Spain, or the many artists and writers who stayed at the Hotel Danieli in Venice, or how the über-modern Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, Spain, designed by Frank Gehry, came to be located in the sleepy hills of Basque wine country. Also featured are a selection of notable tastemakers who offer their perspectives on the hotels they've visited, some of which include: Stanley Tucci on the Gritti Palace in Venice, Andrea Fazzari on the Hotel Cala di Volpe in Costa Smeralda, and Waris Ahluwalia on the ITC hotels in India. From royalty to celebrity to the beautiful and luxurious surroundings, THE LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL STORIES explores the ins and outs of these legendary hotels. Brimming with beautiful imagery, it is a must-have for travel and history enthusiasts alike. ILLUSTRATIONS: 200

From Sofia Coppola’s luxurious family retreat in beautiful Bernalda, Italy, to the beaches of Kate Winslet’s secret Scottish hideaway of Eilean Shona, to Kate Moss’s favorite beach in the Maldives, each of these thirty-six personal tales of the loveliest spots around the globe are packed with anecdotes and lyrical descriptions to transport readers. The photography bursting across each page—from the crystal waters and azure skies of UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, to the lush hillsides of Sri Lanka, to the hipster hangouts of Portland, Oregon—adds to the allure, inspiring a new desire to discover these beloved corners of the world. Condé Nast Traveller Britain has been setting the luxury travel agenda for almost twenty years, providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers looking for unique, unforgettable experiences. Editor Melinda Stevens, named BSME New Editor of the Year in 2013, began her career at Vogue, followed by roles at Tatler, The Sunday Times and the London Evening Standard. Fiona Kerr is features editor and Matthew Buck is photographic editor of Condé Nast Traveller.

The Luxury Collection Certified Indigenous is a collection of exceptional itineraries created by the concierges of the over ninety Luxury Collection hotels worldwide. Each itinerary comprises an extraordinary twenty-four hour stay in thier city, guiding visitors to the concierges' recommended cultural sights.

Like a theatrical backdrop, a breathtaking view sets the stage for an uplifting journey of the spirit. Featuring a room or suite in each of The Luxury Collection's more than ninety-five properties that frames an exceptional panorama, 'The Luxury Collection Room with a View' showcases the world's most beautiful and inspiring destinations. Notable tastemakers, including Valentino global brand ambassador Carlos Souza, art director Sofia Sanchez de Betak, and designer Margherita Missoni, reflect on their favourite views and relate their unforgettable travel experiences. From the pristine sands of Aegean Riviera in Bodrum, Turkey, to the bustle of San Francisco to the verdant Sacred Valley of Peru, at the base of Machu Picchu, this volume is a virtual adventure around the world that will leave readers dreaming of their next escape. 'The Luxury Collection' is an ensemble of more than ninety-five of the world's finest hotels and resorts, each noteworthy for its architecture, art, furnishings, and amenities. Sharing a dedication to immaculate service and comfort, each property has a unique heritage inextricably tied to its destination. Curated for their spirit of diversity and genre, each Luxury Collection property has a story to tell. AUTHOR Andrew McCarthy is an actor, director, and award-winning travel writer, and his travel memoir, The Longest Way Home, became a New York Times best seller. In 2015, McCarthy served as the guest editor of The Best American Travel Writing. He is an editor-at-large at National Geographic Traveler and has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, Trave and Leisure, and many others. He has received six Lowell Thomas awards, and been named Travel Journalist of the Year by The Society of American Travel Writers. He lives in New York. 100 illustrations

Early in the 1900s, one-time oil baron Henry Morrison Flagler took interest in the Southern coast of Florida and began developing an exclusive resort community. Establishing a railroad that would allow easier access to the area, he went on to build two hotels—his hope was that America’s first families would come to populate the area. This modest community would later evolve into an iconic American destination, hosting British royalty, American movie stars, and becoming the home-away-from-home to some of the country’s leading families. As the century continued, Palm Beach established itself as a luxury hideaway synonymous with old-world glamour and new-world sophistication. In this splendid volume, longtime resident and Palm Beach social fixture Aerin Lauder takes us through her Palm Beach. From favorite restaurants like Nandos and Renatos, to favorite houses like La Follia and Villa Artemis, she takes us to the elite shopping of Worth Avenue and the scenic walkways of the Lake Worth trail, all the while relating to us the histories, faces, and places that have become so identified with Palm Beach.

"In Curtis Dawkins's first short story collection, he offers a window into prison life through the eyes of his narrators and their cellmates. Dawkins reveals the idiosyncrasies, tedium, and desperation of long-term incarceration--he describes men who struggle to keep their souls alive despite the challenges they face. In 'A Human Number, ' a man spends his days collect-calling strangers just to hear the sounds of the outside world. In '573543,' an inmate recalls his descent into addiction as his prison softball team gears up for an annual tournament against another unit. In 'Leche Quemada, ' an inmate is released and finds freedom more complex and baffling then he expected. Dawkins's stories are funny and sad, filled with unforgettable detail--the barter system based on calligraphy-ink tattoos, handmade cards, and cigarettes; a single dandelion smuggled in from the rec yard; candy made from powdered milk, water, sugar, and hot sauce. His characters are nuanced and sympathetic, despite their obvious flaws. The Graybar Hotel tells moving, human stories about men enduring impossible circumstances."--