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The 5 Best Hotels in Seattle in 2022

In the Emerald City, T+L readers leaned toward hotels with artsy details in prime locations.

Seattle is one of those places that seems to strike the right balance, no matter what kind of experience a traveler is seeking. On the surface, its laid-back Pacific Northwest attitude may seem in stark contrast with its creative innovation, from its music and tech scenes to its culinary and cultural offerings. But the Washington metropolis seamlessly melds these contrasting qualities — so it's no surprise that this year's picks represent that perfect mix of cutting-edge and comfortable.

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. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

In myriad ways, the top properties aren't afraid to show their personalities, creating unexpected delights within each stay. The Edgewater (No. 3) takes its luxurious overwater location — built originally for the 1962 World's Fair, which also brought the Space Needle — and meshes it with a rock-and-roll attitude (after all, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, and Neil Young have all stayed there) in what one reader called "a super fun hotel." But what's most memorable are the little touches, like the record players for in-room use and jellyfish videos in the elevator. Add to that a view of the Olympic Mountains from the windows, and it's a winning combination all around.

Meanwhile, the W Seattle (No. 4) brings both downtown allure and endless entertainment. "We didn't have to leave the hotel all weekend," one guest said, because of the packed schedule , which includes the W Live Music Series and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. There's even an in-house recording studio, the first on the continent for the hotel brand, which doubles as a mini venue.The Thompson Seattle (No. 2), on the other hand, lets guests see the city's traditional Pike Place Market neighborhood through a modern lens, thanks to local design firm Olson Kundig. And the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle (No. 5) adds to the appeal of its prime location near the Seattle Art Museum with culinary delights at its upscale Ethan Stowell restaurant, Goldfinch Tavern, which channels inspiration from the city's pioneer days.

1. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle

Located in a historic 1924 building on the former site of the University of Washington , the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle carries the class of a bygone era, but is decked out with the style of today — a dichotomy that T+L readers appreciate. Though it's beloved for its "old world charm" and "grand staircases," its recent updates have been welcomed, especially the "outstanding redo" of the Olympic Bar, which debuted last spring and was called "absolutely glorious." The 450-room hotel's convenient location in the central business district was also lauded, as well as its "wonderful views from the upper floors" and dedication to cleanliness and service — the overall experience was best summed up as "classic splendor."

Score: 91.51

Book on Tripadvisor

2. Thompson Seattle

Score: 88.42

3. The Edgewater

Score: 86.31

4. W Seattle

Score: 85.65

5. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

Score: 85.62

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Review: Thompson Seattle

What struck you on arrival? Dividing the lobby from handsome all-day restaurant Conversation, a glass-lined floating staircase signals that here’s a hotel for Dwell-reading design fans who lust over notebooks from Leuchtturm1917 and mid-century chairs. Just ahead, an arc-necked floor lamps peeps over a pine-green, velour wrap-around sofa – creating a well-lit spot to relax with your morning coffee or wait for a friend.

What’s the crowd like? Designers and building buffs love the Thompson chain’s focus on architectural details, and its Seattle location, debuted in 2016, doesn’t disappoint. With an angular glass exterior by local firm Olson Kundig and modern-yet-friendly furnishings throughout, the hotel has quickly earned a reputation as Seattle’s most stylish stay.

The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms. Olson Kundig endeavoured to erase the division between indoors and outdoors via floor-to-ceiling windows that, on the west side of the building, make you feel like you’re floating over the Puget Sound. While these “Water View” rooms can run more than $100 extra, it’s a dazzling effect you don’t want to miss. Throughout, rooms are sharply furnished and understated, with dark woods, navy accents, and stately pin-striped duvets.

How about the little details? Any of that worth a mention? Free, fast Wi-Fi comes with the room, as do squat bottles of beauty products from Brooklyn-based D.S. & Durga. Minibars entice with tiny bottles of Hendrick’s gin and Glenlivet, crackers from Pike Place Market cheesemaker Beecher’s, and dark chocolate sea salt caramels – less-fleeting in-room offerings include Thompson-themed umbrellas, candles, and flasks.

Anything notable about the staff? You hear it over and over again, the Thompson has the friendliest staff in town. With an uncanny ability to remember every guest who books one of the hotel’s 150 rooms, the concierge crew always comes through with first-rate dining recs and offers to make reservations.

Any other features that we absolutely must check out? The hotel has a small fitness centre, but ask your concierge about group exercise possibilities, too. There's no shortage of yoga studios, gyms, and other workout opportunities nearby. On warm evenings, flocks of locals head to rooftop bar The Nest to share vodka-and-Courvoisier punch served from copper flamingos, or sip on locally brewed beers. The scene can lean a little bro-centric, but the spectacular panoramic views eclipse any obnoxious antics. If Nest is full, score one of the sleek bar stools downstairs at Conversation, a good restaurant that churns out excellent cocktails.

Bottom line: Why will we love it here? Between the epic design details, the dizzying views and the dangerous amount of good drinks flowing from its two bars, the Thompson offers one of the most delightful stays in Seattle.

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This Seattle restaurant was just named one of the top 12 best new restaurants in the world

Seattle’s Communion has been named one of the top 12 best new restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, and chef Kristi Brown is both excited and amused.

Brown and her son Damon Bomar opened Communion at the end of last year, moving forward with their pre-pandemic plans for a Central District space on the site of the first Black-owned bank in the Pacific Northwest. While in the beginning takeout was the only way to commune with Communion, Brown’s “Seattle Soul” cuisine still met with immediate acclaim , brightening the quarantine holidays and this bizarre new year by gracing tables at homes across the city and beyond.

More on Communion and chef Kristi Brown

• Food for the soul — Communion is open and the takeout is fabulous
• Why you need to try Communion’s corn chowder immediately (even if it’s not soup weather)
• 7 special occasion recipes from top Seattle chefs — including Kristi Brown’s Roasted Salmon Croquettes with Tangy Capered Remoulade

But Brown’s been cooking since 1993 — including at the beloved, departed Kingfish Cafe — so, she said by phone of the sudden worldwide renown, “It’s exciting — it’s interesting!” She laughed. “You’re working all your freaking adult life, and then, all of the sudden, somebody says ‘the world’? Really. ‘The world.’ And I think it’s so funny.” Condé Nast pays tribute to Communion’s deep roots, noting the historic location as well as Brown’s decades of catering and community work with her company  That Brown Girl Cooks! , calling her a “soul food master” and lauding her menu’s global crisscrossing cuisine.

Also on the list: Marcus Samuelsson, for his new Red Rooster Overtown in Miami — meaning Brown is keeping epic company. “I know!” she said and laughed again. “I know! I think that’s pretty awesome.” He’s “an amazing chef” whom, she noted, she’s been following for years, “because he was one of the first Black chefs to get a lot of publicity, which is super sad … just to think that it’s only been under 20 years that Black chefs have been getting recognized in spaces like this.”

Given the systemic factors lined up against Black chefs, Brown says, “It’s my time to shine! I feel super grateful for myself for pushing through. Because I could have quit. And I have quit a couple times. Not successfully!” She laughed.

“But I always … food just keep calling me back.”

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The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

Seattle Among Best Places To Go In 2023, According To New Ranking

Condé Nast Traveler recognized the exciting changes and reinvention happening in Seattle lately.

Condé Nast Traveler has released their list of “The 23 Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2023” and Seattle earned a spot on the list! We’re not surprised (although we may admittedly be biased) to hear that Seattle was named one of the best places to visit in 2023 . We can think of many reasons why Seattle is a great place to experience any year. Condé Nast Traveler had some very specific reasons for nominating Seattle as a place to travel to in the new year, however.

Read on for all the details!

According to Condé Nast Traveler, Seattle is one of the best places to go in 2023 because of one word: reinvention . “If you haven’t visited [Seattle] since the pandemic, you’ve got some catching up to do,” they say. They name three areas of Seattle in particular that are worth visiting in 2023 to experience all the change taking place: the Central District, the South Lake Union/Denny Triangle area, and the Seattle waterfront.

The Central District is a historically Black neighborhood in Seattle that “is busy reestablishing its African American heritage through art, culture, and gastronomy.” They recommend visiting the CD to experience murals, music, and Black-owned restaurants such as Simply Soulful, Métier Brewing Company, and Ms. Helen’s Soul Bistro (and we’ll throw in our suggestion of Communion as well!). Another exciting reason to check out Seattle’s Central District in 2023 is the long-awaited reopening of the Northwest African American Museum.

Condé Nast Traveler also called out “the dense, Amazon-led modernization of the high-rise Denny Triangle district” and recommended staying at Astra, one of the coolest new Seattle hi-tech boutique hotels located in South Lake Union.

Finally, they praised the “blossoming public spaces of the waterfront.” Seattle has been hard at work taking down the Alaska Way Viaduct, building a pedestrian walkway between Pike Place Market and the waterfront, adding green spaces and waterfront parks, and more. You can read our coverage of Seattle’s new waterfront for more details.

If you have been thinking about making a trip to Seattle consider this your sign! And if you’ve been trying to convince a friend or loved one to come to our beautiful city, send them this!

If interested, you can read the full list over on Condé Nast Traveler .

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Lotte Hotel Seattle named #10 hotel in the PNW one year after opening

Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards are here, and several hotels in Seattle made the " Top 15 Hotels in The Pacific Northwest " list.

This includes the Lotte Hotel Seattle , located downtown, which came in at #10. The hotel opened in September 2020, making it one of the newest hotels in Seattle to make the list this year.

"To be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers in tandem with our 1-year anniversary is the greatest gift we could ask for after a challenging year," said general manager Victor Caguindagan.

"We are humbled to receive this prestigious award in our first year. Our dedicated team has worked diligently to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience for locals and visitors alike, and we cannot wait to welcome first time and returning guests in the weeks and months to come."

More than 800,000 readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences for this year's Readers' Choice Awards. Lotte Hotel Seattle scored a 92.86. Other Seattle area hotels to make the list include:

• Thompson Seattle (#1)
• Cedarbrook Lodge (#6)
• Pan Pacific Seattle (#7)
• Fairmont Olympic Hotel (#9)
• Palihotel Seattle (#12)
• The Heathman Hotel Kirkland (#14)
• The Edgewater Hotel (#15)

View the full list online .

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The Best New Places to Eat, Stay, and Play in Seattle

Amidst the iconic features that have long made Seattle such a striking place—Puget Sound, where whales rise around water taxis; and wildflower-meadowed Mt. Rainier—the Pacific Northwest city has become home to some of the best culinary and cultural attractions in the country. And now a set of lauded restaurants and one noteworthy new hotel have made Seattle appealing for a visit in 2019. Considering it’s one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. , you might even, like many others, want to stay. Either way, here are fresh additions to your Seattle to-do list, and a couple of updated classics worth revisiting.

Where to Eat

Make haste for Chef Edouardo Jordan’s JuneBaby , the Southern restaurant that’s full of delicious surprises like pickled grapes, and crackly housemade saltines with pimento cheese. JuneBaby was named Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation last year, making Jordan the first African-American to receive the award. “[This menu] is from my heart,” Jordan says, and the natural flow is obvious. Jordan grew up eating these dishes—Momma Jordan’s Oxtails are on the menu—in St. Petersburg, Florida. Now, in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood, he’s developed a set of sought-after spots, with JuneBaby and his first restaurant Salare joined by Lucinda Grain Bar in December.

A server proclaims that Wednesday, with its turkey leg special, is “the best night” of the week—and likely easier to attend than Sunday’s chicken dinner, which typically sells out of fried chicken by 7 p.m . Any night you can get a table, the catfish with grits and perfectly pickled romanesco is the move (after a fair share of biscuits, and roasted red beets with pineapple, of course). Don’t forget to sample every hot sauce as you go, and to get the spiced apple betty with housemade vanilla-bourbon ice cream for dessert.

Downtown, Renée Erickson has expanded her Seattle Sea Creatures empire with two new places located in the Spheres, the plant-filled Amazon buildings that are mostly closed off to the general public . In a pink and teal-accented space, Willmott’s Ghost serves Italian pastries—heavenly pistachio custard-filled bombolini, olive oil cake—in the morning, with Roman-style pizza for dinner. Around the corner (or curve, as the case may be) and down a few stairs is Deep Dive , a place that Eater dubbed the “most dramatic bar” in Seattle. It’s a fair assessment, given the low lights, high velvet banquettes, and pages of cocktail offerings including the Rich & Famous, which includes white truffle.

After wandering Pike Place during the day, spend a moment in Paris (wooden furniture, chalkboard menu) at standby Le Pichet , where glasses of wine are affordable and bottles are available to-go—at a discount. A server at JuneBaby tells me this used to be his “charcuterie spot” before Jordan opened Salare . The cheese plate is equally worthwhile, and the check comes with homemade honey caramels.

In Beacon Hill, Homer serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired fare cooked over a wood fire. The flames are viewable from most tables, making the considered interiors all the more cozy. Dishes—a variety of pitas, grilled beets, marinated trumpet mushrooms—are best shared family-style. When the weather’s right, or just to get a sense of the space before you go, walk up to the soft-serve and cocktail window, where the ever-changing flavors are likely to be ones you’ve never tasted before, like nectarine, and winter pine.

Where to Stay

Palisociety’s first location outside of California opened this November in downtown Seattle, just across from Pike Place—my room had a view of the market’s famous sign, the ferris wheel, and blue water beyond. The Palihotel Seattle ’s landmark building contains 96 rooms in various king, queen, and studio arrangements (deluxe means it has at least a partial water view). Charming details include mini Smeg fridges, caramel leather upholstered couches, and floral cushions. And while umbrellas are something of a faux pas in the city (a good hood is preferred), visitors will be grateful for Palihotel’s large leather-handled ones that hang in every room. Downstairs, the coffee bar serves local Anchorhead brew, which should be sipped in the cozy public lobby amidst books and one particularly appealing alpaca portrait. The restaurant, The Hart and the Hunter, serves southern food, including a hearty option that will please vegetarians: the Smoked BBQ Mushroom Sandwich. On the comprehensive cocktail menu, try the Hunter Buck, made with local cult-favorite Rachel’s Ginger Beer, which has its flagship retail spot within Pike’s Place.

A block away, The Thompson provides more of a sleek business-traveler option, with stunning views of the Sound and a rooftop bar for sunset-watching. Parents of college kids will be pleased by the recent opening of the U District’s Graduate Hotel , with its Art Deco interiors, Malin+Goetz amenities, and another rooftop gathering place.

Where to Play

Most attractions are a walk or a quick car from downtown (or a ferry, if you’re wanting to visit Bainbridge Island ). 12 minutes east from Pike Place is Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, where coffee in the back of cozy Elliott Bay Book Company is a must. Just next-door is the original Totokaelo shop, which offers everything from Jacquemus slides to Dries jackets, but is most appealing for its shelves of sculptural home goods—a much wider selection than you’ll find in the New York location.

While it might be filled with other tourists, and you already went there on a family trip when you were 10, the Seattle Space Needle has gotten a few upgrades that make it worth another look: in August 2018, it unveiled newly clear views of the city—glass panels have replaced the cages that once enclosed the observation deck—and the world’s only rotating glass floor, which provokes very subtle roller coaster thrills. In October 2019, a glass art festival will take place at the Chihuly Garden below the Space Needle and in several locations throughout the city, celebrating the Pacific Northwest’s impact on the craft. The Seattle Asian Art Museum is also set to reopen this fall after a year-long renovation that will result in a new lobby and gallery .

The city has a number of cultural institutions to visit in the meantime, with the Nordic Museum as its newest (and cheapest) ticket. The museum’s ingenious architecture details the Scandinavian-American immigrant experience and Nordic history in separate rooms connected by footbridges; visitors are invited to cross back and forth between the two narratives. Exhibitions are tightly focused, making it a manageable experience for those with kids (or simply on museum overload). Afterwards, walk into the neighborhood of Ballard to check out the expansive Ballard Consignment , with its many rooms of quirky furniture—one beflowered lamp was tempting to take home—and Lucky , for vintage tulle dresses and jeans. If you’re not flying, wander by The Palm Room to buy a new houseplant for the road.

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The Best Airbnbs in Seattle for Solo Trips, Family Stays, and More

Posted: December 18, 2023 | Last updated: December 18, 2023

Seattle is a city made for activities: hiking opportunities abound, and there's no view like the one you can get from a kayak, inner tube, or boat, with Mount Rainier in one direction and the Space Needle in the other. Even for the less outdoorsy, there's plenty of meandering to be done—spend your days visiting top-notch restaurants, eye-catching museums ( MoPOP , anyone?), and lush sculpture gardens . After all that action, you'll want somewhere comfortable to rest your head. Below, we've rounded up 18 of the best Airbnbs across Seattle, from larger homes just outside the city to spots in the most central (and walkable) areas of town—South Lake Union, Capitol Hill, and Queen Anne included. Whether you're traveling in a group, solo, with pets, or kids, there's a vacation rental for you among the properties below.

Once you've got your accommodations sorted out, take a look at the city's best things to do , top restaurants and bars , and stand-out hikes .

We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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Airbnb 706385

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Gas fireplace, beautiful views, room-darkening shades Nearby attractions:  Lake Union, University of Washington, Capitol Hill

A bright, cozy apartment well-suited for a solo traveler or couple, this Eastlake rental boasts stunning views of Lake Union—which, conveniently, is just a block away. Rent kayaks or paddleboards there, or watch seaplanes from the shoreline. Back at your home-away-from-home, high ceilings and wood paneling create an airy, warm atmosphere. The bedroom has a queen-sized bed and room-darkening shades, and the bathroom has a heated tile floor. Dream about life on a houseboat from the outdoor deck, looking out on the water.

Airbnb 645930319652435337

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  Skyline views, washer/dryer, indoor fireplace, backyard patio Nearby attractions:  Bellevue Botanical Garden, downtown Bellevue

Bellevue sits across Lake Washington from Seattle, about a 20-minute drive away, and has plenty of attractions in its own right (Downtown Park, the Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue Botanical Garden, and KidsQuest Children’s Museum). Whether you find yourself there for work or are visiting family or friends nearby, this two-bedroom guest suite is a spacious option for up to four guests. Each of the rooms has a queen bed, there's a fireplace in the living room, and the full-size kitchen has everything you need for cooking a meal (or just reheating leftovers).

Airbnb 634189538914147215

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  Outdoor deck, bay views, room-darkening shades Nearby attractions:  Queen Anne Avenue, Kerry Park, Olympic Sculpture Park

Built in 1909, this cozy Queen Anne home has been restored by host Jill; past guests call it an “absolute stunner” and a “glorious and gracious home.” The first thing you'll notice: panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound from the open-plan kitchen and living room, outdoor deck, and breakfast nook. Each of the two bedrooms has a queen bed with room-darkening shades and calming, farmhouse chic decor (think pastel blues and floral quilts). From here, you're about a 15-minute walk from Queen Anne Avenue's restaurants, coffee shops, boutique stores, and bars, and around a 10-minute drive from Pike Place Market (make sure to stop at Ellenos !) and downtown Seattle.

Airbnb 52495083

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  WFH setup, washer/dryer, rain shower Nearby attractions:  Lake Union, Volunteer Park

If you're planning a weeklong trip, past guests have found this an excellent spot to post up for extended stays, as it's away from any busyness of the city but within walking distance of restaurants and coffee shops, and easily drivable to anything you want to see. The primary bedroom's projector is a fun touch, and each of the two bedrooms (one with a king, the other a queen) is well-designed and has its own desk should you need to work remotely. Of note, it is two stories, with steps up to the front door, too.

Airbnb 48979130

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 3 baths Top amenities:  Indoor fireplace, piano, sunroom, garden Nearby attractions:  In between Bellevue and Seattle; Pioneer Park hiking trails

For ample space in a residential neighborhood, this Mercer Island home delivers. It has room for up to 10 guests, including a bunk bed room for the kids, multiple living spaces, a fully-stocked kitchen, and a large backyard to boot. The sunroom with arcade games is another highlight. Despite its quiet location, you’re just a 15-minute drive from downtown Seattle (there’s parking on-site), where you can check out Pike Place Market , the Museum of Pop Culture, and Chihuly Garden and Glass . Parents, note that you can rent items like strollers and baby swingers from the host, and there are plenty of games and a playset out back for older kids.

Airbnb 17658016

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Airbnb Plus, private patio, parking spot, keyless entry Nearby attractions:  Volunteer Park, Lake Union

You’re in a prime location at this Capitol Hill Airbnb, but we’d forgive you for settling in—the abundance of natural light, charming patio, and well-stocked kitchen (one of the hosts is a trained chef) will make you want to kick back and relax. Each of the two bedrooms has a queen-size bed and its own bathroom, and there’s a gas fireplace in the living room. Once you’re ready to explore, though, you’re an easy four blocks from the light rail, in a super walkable neighborhood. There’s a parking spot if you’re coming with a car, and a Pack-n-Play crib is available for families traveling with little ones.

Airbnb 19893487

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Gas fireplace, hypoallergenic bedding, ADA-friendly, private garage Nearby attractions:  Burke-Gilman hiking trail, Third Place Books

Ideal for solo travelers or couples traveling by car (or willing to rent one), this studio offers a peaceful place to rest your head about 20 minutes north of downtown Seattle. It was designed with ADA integration in mind, with a well-lit, step-free path to the guest entrance, fixed grab bars for the shower and toilet, and a step-free access to the garage and washer and dryer. Inside, the layout makes it feel more spacious, with a galley kitchen separating the bedroom and living area. Past guests call it a “perfect place to stay” and “possibly the nicest, most thoughtful Airbnb I’ve ever slept in,” noting its new interior and fast internet.

Airbnb 6603376

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths Top amenities:  Lego-themed kitchen, backyard with outdoor furniture, washer/dryer Nearby attractions:  Matthew's Beach, Burke-Gillman trail

This A-frame cabin is an architectural beauty, with a kid-friendly twist: a Lego-inspired kitchen. While the primary color-blocked tiles may not be for everyone, the floor-to-ceiling windows, ample outdoor space, and room to spread across four bedrooms will likely win you over. Located in Matthews Beach, this Seattle Airbnb puts you near the water and in a more residential area, perfect for those who prefer a quiet home base.

Airbnb 47204529

Bed & bath:  3 bedrooms, 3 baths Top amenities:  City views, electric vehicle charging outlet, rooftop patio Nearby attractions:  Downtown Ballard, Woodland Zoo

While Ballard is slightly further from downtown Seattle, it has its own collection of great breweries, bars , and restaurants. And while it's very walkable, first-time visitors will likely want a car to explore the rest of the city. A perk of the three-story home's location, though? Excellent views of Seattle's skyline from the rooftop deck. Inside, you'll find three bedrooms, three baths, a fully equipped kitchen, desk for WFH days , and plenty of natural light.

Airbnb 9217030

Bed & bath :1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Private patio, treehouse feel, hand-crafted windows Nearby attractions:  Fremont Brewing Company, Fremont Sunday Street Market, Gas Works Park

One of Seattle's quirkier neighborhoods, Fremont is home to great seafood restaurants, the Fremont Brewery, and of course, the Fremont Troll . Stroll to it all from this one-bedroom guest suite in the trees. Ideal for a couple or solo traveler, there's a queen bed looking out onto lush surrounding greenery, a cozy living area, breakfast nook, and back patio. Past guests note the Wi-Fi was dependable enough for working remotely, too.

Airbnb 20696304

Bed & bath :1 bedroom, 1.5 baths Top amenities:  Room-darkening shades, elevator, communal roof deck with BBQ Nearby attractions:  Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass

An industrial part of town with lots of new apartments thanks to the Amazon influx, this sunny loft puts you close to Lake Union, where you can swim, kayak , or float on tubes, and in a central enough location to walk downtown and to Capitol Hill. The upstairs bedroom houses a queen bed and room-darkening shades, while the upstairs common area has tables for an evening cocktail and a BBQ for grilling that fresh fish you pick up from Pike Place Market (while you're there, make a pit-stop at Ellenos for creamy, delicious yogurt).

Airbnb 17575412

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Finnish sauna, complimentary cocktail bar, Carrera marble shower Nearby attractions:  Naked City Brewery and Chuck’s Hopshop, Taproot Theater, multiple parks

For a retreat from the city without going far, this colorful one-bedroom has it all: a Finnish sauna, private rooftop deck (shown above), indoor fireplace, and roomy walk-in rain shower (the heated floors are a nice touch, too). Situated in a more residential area, you'll want a car to explore the rest of Seattle. For parents traveling with a young one, a Pack ’n Play is available upon request.

Airbnb 1686930

Bed & bath:  3 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  Private patio, on-site parking, view of the Space Needle Nearby attractions:  Space Needle, Kerry Park, Cal Anderson Park, Seattle Center

If you're looking for room for a group while still being close to the action, consider this two-story Queen Anne home. You'll be near Kerry Park, which boasts the quintessential view of the city and Mount Rainier, and Queen Anne Avenue North, a main street with lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Inside, there are three bedrooms, one with a queen, one a king, and the last with two single beds, plus a fully-stocked kitchen and plenty of common spaces to lounge. (The only downside? Just one bathroom.)

Airbnb 9580021

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Tivoli Bluetooth stereo, clawfoot tub, shared rooftop Nearby attractions:  Vintage stores, 15th Ave's bars and restaurants, Volunteer Park

Seattle nightlife is centered in Capitol Hill, so if you're looking to be in an area that's easily walkable to some of the city's best bars and restaurants, this studio is in a prime location. (You can walk or take public transit to places like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle , too—the latter of which is visible from the apartment's rooftop.) Inside, you'll find one bedroom and one bathroom (complete with a clawfoot tub), a small dining table, and kitchen.

Airbnb 41274483

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths Top amenities:  Keyless entry, gas fireplace, Sealy beds with hypoallergenic bedding Nearby attractions:  Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Optimism Brewery, Wing Luke Museum

Among the largest homes on this list, this four-bedroom townhome has six beds total (two are pull-out double beds) and three and a half baths. You can also spend time in the open kitchen-living area or upstairs on the rooftop deck (featuring another view of Mount Rainier). Located in a more residential neighborhood, you're about a 10-minute drive from Capitol Hill, Pike/Pine, or Pike Place Market. The home has one parking spot to use, and past guests note street parking is plentiful.

Airbnb 17937341

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Simmons Beautyrest mattress with hypoallergenic bedding, a bedroom skylight, spacious walk-in shower Nearby attractions:  Golden Gardens Park, downtown Ballard, Ballard Farmers Market

This Ballard home feels like a cozy cabin in the woods thanks to sloped ceilings and lots of wooden accents, not to mention the gas fireplace in the living room. As an Airbnb Plus , it has all the amenities you could want, from a dishwasher and washer/dryer to strong Wi-Fi and bathroom essentials, plus plenty of pillows to choose from depending on your firmness preference. Past guests note how welcoming host Virginia is, often leaving a basket of welcome goodies.

Airbnb 8373832

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths Top amenities:  Ocean and mountain views, Bose Bluetooth sound system, gas fireplace, beach essentials provided Nearby attractions:  Alki Beach, water taxi, West Seattle Brewery

In Alki, you'll be treated to gorgeous views of the city, great seafood, and nice walking paths along the water. And while this rental is just a short walk from the beach , you don't actually have to leave to see the water, as evidenced by the two full walls of windows in the kitchen and living area, a portion of which you can see above. There's room for four inside across two bedrooms, plus two and a half baths, a chef's kitchen, and a laundry room.

Airbnb 47572415

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  Private backyard and patio, free on-site parking Nearby attractions:  North SeaTac Park, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, Moore Cafe

Dubbed the Three Tree Cottage, this five-star Seattle home is great for anyone traveling with a pet, thank to its spacious, fenced-in backyard. Past guests note how responsive host Anish is, and call the house “pristine” and “one of the cleanest places I've stayed.” To note, there is no A/C, but there is a ceiling fan in each room that guests say kept them cool. The house is a five-minute drive from the airport; take the bus or light rail to Downtown Seattle and Pike Place Market, or drive to the area less than a half hour.

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Fisker Went Bankrupt. What Do Its EV Owners Do Next?

It was the last week in June, and José De Bardi hadn’t gotten much sleep. The trouble had really kicked off on June 18, about a week earlier, when the electric vehicle company Fisker announced it had filed for bankruptcy protection . Now some 6,400 Fisker owners like De Bardi wondered: What will happen to their cars in the future?

The bankruptcy “lit a fire,” De Bardi says. “We had to get organized if we had any chance of representing owners’ interests.” Within days, he and a handful of other Fisker vehicle owners had established a nonprofit organization called the Fisker Owners Association , dedicated to keeping their cars running. (Hence, the lack of sleep.) By the end of the month, 1,200 owners—representing nearly a fifth of total Fisker cars sold—had registered through the group’s website, De Bardi says.

Fisker vehicle owners’ questions are mostly practical. Fisker began shipping the Ocean, its electric SUV—priced to start at $41,000 and ranging up to $70,000—last year. Immediately, the vehicles were found to have serious build quality shortcomings and software issues, including a less-than-responsive central touchscreen. (WIRED’s reviewer declined to rate the vehicle entirely , calling it “just not ready yet.”)

Owners reported that some of the most serious issues, including a difficult-to-use brake hold and Bluetooth connectivity problems, were ironed out through software updates. But owners sometimes complained that it was tricky to get their vehicles serviced or repaired, because there weren’t enough certified Fisker repairers and technicians. Fisker initially launched with a Tesla-like “direct to consumer” model that eschewed the traditional “middleman” dealerships often seen in the US. But in January, the company began to sign dealerships to a new Fisker network, citing ballooning costs associated with the direct model.

Even now, as the carcass of Fisker gets picked over, the EVs still have niggling problems—window cracks, dysfunctional key fobs, sudden connectivity blackouts—and will unquestionably need servicing and spare parts to keep them running into the future. Without Fisker, the company, to provide that, what are owners to do?

The FOA is still in the early stages of figuring it out. A small band of volunteers have worked around the clock to define the problems owners might face down the road—legal questions about their vehicle financing; issues with the car’s app; finding parts—and start solving them. These people have full-time jobs, too. De Bardi, for example, who lives in the UK and has headed up the European owners’ efforts, is also the CTO of a telecommunications firm.

Experts say Fisker owners’ situation is looking increasingly tricky. Automotive companies have a playbook to handle bankruptcies, developed during the 2008 financial crisis, which led General Motors and Chrysler to file for Chapter 11 protection, as Fisker has. Thanks in part to support from the US government, those automakers were able to honor their vehicles' warranties as the companies restructured.

But in legal proceedings in Delaware this month, Fisker’s situation looked more dire. Lawyers for the firm’s creditors argued that Fisker should have filed for bankruptcy late last year. And Fisker plans to sell its remaining inventory, some 4,000 vehicles, to a firm that leases electric vehicles to New York City Uber and Lyft drivers, lawyers told the court.

If the company is forced to liquidate this way, owners may not be top of mind for the court and Fisker’s creditors, says John A.E. Pottow, a professor of law who studies bankruptcy at the University of Michigan Law School. The company may simply not have enough money to honor its vehicle’s warranties. “If Fisker is bankrupt, they have no obligation to update their software,” he says. And the company’s assets—its cars, their parts, and its intellectual property—may be too piddling to attract another firm to take up the mantle of service and repair. “Bankruptcy is never good,” Pottow says. “The smaller the business, the worse the issues.”

Right now, Fisker owners should make sure they have great comprehensive insurance on their cars, says Justin Simard, an associate professor of law researching commercial law at Michigan State University College of Law. Without a functioning service and repair system, “you could get totaled out with a little fender bender,” he says. The worst-case scenario might also see Ocean insurance rates increase and the cars’ resale values plummet even further, he says.

Fisker spokesperson Matthew Debord declined to comment on issues related to vehicle repair and parts manufacture, and referred WIRED to the company’s statements related to its Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Fisker initially paused production of the Ocean in February, after warning investors it might not be able to see out the year. A month later, reported investment talks between the electric vehicle maker and Nissan collapsed, and the fate of Fisker became clearer. The automaker brought in some $273 million in revenue last year but lost $940 million and owes some $850 million to bondholders.

A handful of other electric vehicle makers, including Lordstown Motors , Arrival , and Volta Trucks , have also filed for bankruptcy amid a more-challenging-than-expected climate for electric vehicles and new vehicle development. A fleet maintenance firm agreed to provide service for Lordstown’s remaining fleet customers, while the assets of Arrival sold to another EV manufacturer, Canoo. Volta Trucks emerged from restructuring earlier this year with new ownership and says it will continue to manufacture vehicles.

Despite it all, José De Bardi, a Fisker Owners Association leader, says he wants to keep his black Fisker Ocean around for as long as he possibly can. “It’s now a fantastic car,” he says, acknowledging the EV’s initial “quirks.” Despite the challenges—and hard work—the group is feeling optimistic. “We’re feeling positive that we’re going to get some kind of good outcome,” he says.

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The 11 Best New Bars in the US

I’d heard the refrain about a million times: Queer bars are going extinct. The thinking goes they just aren’t needed anymore amid the rise of online dating and social media. Yet here I was, sipping a disconcertingly delicious concoction of Jägermeister, lime juice, and triple sec in the purple glow of Mother, a new lesbian bar in San Francisco. Good luck telling the regulars the golden age was over. Great bars like Mother do more than meet an obvious need. They bring new life to our neighborhoods, create portals to other worlds, and give meaning to the sometimes shapeless hours after 5 p.m. And there are so many great new bars.

A tiny Miami den with a monster obsession and trading cards for a menu? Why not? A pink-lit East Village hot spot turning out mole Negronis and adobada slushies? Absolutely. And how we ever lived without the Seattle bar blending imported teas with the eye-watering Chinese liquor baijiu, I’m not sure.

Some bartenders are taking this moment to reinterpret classic historic cocktails while others are charting entirely new paths. Whatever you’re into, these are boom times for bar lovers. So start with one of these 11 spots and see where the night takes you. — Elazar Sontag, restaurant editor

Bartenders are turning out inspired milk punch, going all-in on savory cocktails, and taking the zero-proof movement to new heights.

Equipment Room

1101 Music Ln, Austin Down some stairs and through a hallway padded with sound-absorbing foam is Austin’s most exclusive new bar. At Equipment Room, conversation exists at a respectfully low murmur as a DJ spins more than 1,200 records. The bar takes cues from Japan’s jazz kissa, where patrons gather to listen to vinyl and sip cocktails, but while Equipment Room may flirt with that tradition, it grounds itself in Texas; the voices of Willie Nelson, Beyonce, and other local legends fill the room. The menu is similarly two-pronged, offering A Sides—classics including a Martinez and New York Sour—and B Sides—inspired cocktails incorporating ingredients like green plantain and aged white tea. These drinks are whisked through the room and presented with panache: a smoldering piece of palo santo to go along with one, a cloud of mesquite smoke enshrining another. It’s easy to forget your hushed surroundings as all this plays out and let an audible gasp escape. — Elazar Sontag

The Coral Wig

In the alley, 2 E Read St, Baltimore This moody, tropical-but-decidedly-not-tiki lounge from Baltimore restaurateurs Lane Harlan and Matthew Pierce is a shapeshifter of the highest order. Meant to evoke the Manila officers clubs of Harlan’s mother’s youth, one’s experience of the meticulously curated space depends entirely on what time of day you visit. Duck in early, while the late afternoon sun still streams through amber-stained windows, and the Philippine mahogany-paneled walls and hand-painted checkerboard floor glow golden. Sip an Estate Martini—a rum-based riff on the ’90s pineapple martini, bearing the faintest kiss of Madagascar vanilla—and you’ll swear you can feel a warm, salty breeze at your back. A few hours later the tiny space goes thrillingly dark. Order something a bit more ponderous, like the aged rhum-based Carabao, and by the time it arrives, you’ll have given up on squinting, letting a single table votive circumscribe your world for a few intimate hours. Whether you’re here at happy hour or last call, you’re in the capable hands of Charm City’s preeminent vibesmiths, simultaneously far, far away and very much at home. — Amiel Stanek

Birds of Paradise

525 Western Ave #12, Brighton, MA Stepping into Birds of Paradise feels like entering the first-class lounge of some mythological airline. Fitting for a bar inspired by the heyday of mid-20th-century travel. Owner Ran Duan, who also opened Boston’s Blossom Bar, created the cocktails with managers Will Isaza and James Sutter. The menu is divided into two parts, the first inspired by a single location—currently Guadalajara, where Duan and Sutter recently traveled. Think cocktails like the Pare de Sufrir, a vegetal martini with notes of tomatillo and soursop, or the Pennies del Cielo, a drink inspired by the Mexican street food elote and featuring nixtamalized corn. The other half of the menu offers drinks meant to whisk you away to iconic cities around the globe. Each cocktail fuses influences and flavors from two destinations; cachaça and wasabi in Rio to Tokyo; rum, vermouth, and olive whey in the Kingston to Milan. A pressing question always hangs over an evening at Birds of Paradise: Where to next? — Sam Stone

216 W Cermak Rd, Chicago To enter Nine Bar, step through the kitchen door at the takeout-only Chinese restaurant Moon Palace Express. Except there’s no kitchen: Instead, you’ll find Lily Wang and Joe Briglio’s neon-lit, self-described Asian-ish bar. Before a remodel in 2022, this was the dining room of the original Moon Palace, a Chinatown mainstay Wang’s parents purchased in 1995 and passed down to her and her partner during COVID. Though the restaurant’s menu is relatively unchanged from the ’90s, Nine Bar is decidedly modern, a window into how a new generation is keeping the spirit of Chinatown alive but making it their own. A DJ streams hip-hop in the back corner under floating white umbrellas, and bartenders mix drinks like a mai tai fortified with an orgeat syrup. That sweet syrup, made with cookies baked at a local Chinese bakery, injects nostalgia into the classic drink. It’s one of many charming ways Nine Bar creates something new without boxing out the past. —Kate Kassin

Stay Zero Proof

425 Gin Ling Wy, Los Angeles Stay Zero Proof has all the markers of a nightlife magnet. You’ll find dim, vibe-y lighting, impossibly pretty regulars, and enough espresso martinis to render blinking entirely optional. But something is very different: There’s not a drop of liquor behind the bar. Those martinis are a combination of espresso syrup, foamy aquafaba, and brûléed brown sugar worked up by alcohol-free mixology wizard Derek Brown. Though the zero-proof movement has thoroughly gripped the country, this is LA’s first entirely no-booze destination, and founders Summer Phoenix and Stacey Mann don’t take that lightly. The drinks—which average around $20—are mixed with all the seriousness found at a craft cocktail bar, tapping an apothecary’s worth of herbs, shrubs, and aperitifs to achieve their complex, surprising flavors. Stay Zero Proof has a lot to say about divorcing “going out” from getting sloshed—and we should all listen. But don’t let anything distract from the main event: a legitimately great bar with cocktails you’ll want to drink all night. — Elazar Sontag

8300 NE 2nd Ave 2nd floor, Miami Tucked away on the mezzanine of a Little River food hall is a monster’s den: Bar Kaiju. Inspired by owner Derek Stilmann’s singular obsession with the world’s many strange beasts—“kaiju” in Japanese—the bar leans into the fantastical, from anime posters and projected monster movies on the walls to the 15 monster-inspired drinks printed on the trading card menu. Mechagodzilla—the nemesis of one similarly named iconic monster—takes shape here as a highball of Japanese whisky and cherry-blossom-infused vermouth. Meanwhile, Rodan, a giant fire demon, is embodied by a peppery margarita with a spicy lollipop finisher. Apart from the occasional whiff of pizza or jerk chicken from the food hall below, this watering hole will claw you into a mystical new world. — Kate Kassin

13 1st Ave., New York At Superbueno, a rowdy party is always around the corner. The Mexican American bar glows with moody pink light and is decorated with cactuses, the Mexican flag, a beach umbrella, and a winking piñata. Bartenders and rowdy regulars swing the hanging globe lights that hang like pendulums above the bar. If there’s a birthday, a staff member’s last day, or really anything worth drinking about, shouts break out over the din of salsa and reggaeton. Co-owner Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez himself is probably passing out shots. Don’t let all this playfulness give you the wrong idea: Superbueno takes its drinks seriously. The Vodka y Soda is deceptively simple in name but a thing of beauty: a highball of clarified guava purée, pasilla chile-infused vodka, and a splash of Velvet Falernum with a guava salt rim. It transforms the unassuming well drink into something complex and nostalgic—nodding back to Nacho’s favorite childhood refresher of guava nectar. If you make it until closing at Superbueno, you and a new friend might just end up raising a shot of mezcal. — Kate Kassin

The Houston Blacklight

2100 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR I still remember ordering my first martini, overcome by the anxiety of trying to figure out whether vodka or gin was “right” and if I’d get weird looks for requesting an olive and a twist. Sometimes that sort of prescriptive, solemn bar environment is exactly what I’m after. Mostly, though, I yearn for a place like The Houston Blacklight, where wrong choices don’t exist and it’s never that serious. The bar’s walls are painted with wonderfully odd murals of beasts in boxing matches and sexy luxuriating horses (you sort of have to see it). The drinks are every bit as quirky and upbeat: Jell-O shots come in rotating flavors like guava-Midori or peach-amaretto, and coconut-pandan slushies taste like something straight out of a beach vacation. The Houston Blacklight’s psychedelic more-is-more vibe isn’t without precedent in Portland. Owners Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly are also the brain trust behind maximalist Southeast Asian restaurants Gado Gado and Oma’s Hideaway. Now they’ve dreamed up exactly the sort of dangerously pleasant neighborhood bar we all pray will open on our corner. — Elazar Sontag

3079 16th St, San Francisco The moment I sidled up to the bar at Mother, the bartender offered a gentle but firm introduction to the space: “This is a lesbian bar, please be respectful of that.” There are fewer than 50 lesbian bars left across the US, and though this one welcomes queer people and their friends of all stripes, it is a space for women and femmes. That’s a distinction worth protecting. In the middle of San Francisco’s Mission District, the bar is relatively bare. With its worn wood floors, tasty but unfancy $13 cocktails, and a custom-built photo booth, the bar isn’t concerned with reimagining the old-school queer dive as a stuffy cocktail lounge or trying to update the concept for a new generation. Mother does something even more exciting: revive a precious piece of community that came too close to being snuffed out. — Elazar Sontag

Paper Fan Cocktail Bar

601 E Pike St Unit 100, Seattle Paper Fan Cocktail Bar evokes a 1960s speakeasy in Hong Kong, right down to the obscure location. Draped in red velvet curtains and tucked above a bustling noodle shop in Capitol Hill, the 18-seat space is a tribute to co-owner Alison Deng’s grandmother—Ms. Zhang, as she was known—who fell in love with an American soldier in the 1950s while selling paper fans in Hong Kong. When duty called, the soldier gave Ms. Zhang all of his money. She never learned what happened to her American love, but their tale is immortalized in this dimly lit space, adorned with ornate glass lamps and colorful fans. As you snack on Shin Ramen doctored up with mapo tofu or tongue-tingling mala beef, you’ll be transported out of the bustling Seattle neighborhood. Unique cocktails pair tea and baijiu; do not miss the Game of Ming, bursting with tangy passion fruit, jasmine green tea, lemon, fruity baijiu, and frothy egg whites. Weekend reservations are essential; space is as fleeting as the far-off encounter that inspired this intimate hideaway. — Ali Francis

11022 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS Everything at this suburban Kansas bar is just a little bit extra. A cotton candy cloud hovers over the Little Storm, a riff on the rum-based Hurricane. Banana-themed cocktails—when on offer—come in glasses resembling the fruit’s peels, brown spots and all. On the rare occasion the garnish or glassware is restrained, at least one element of the drink is likely to be clarified, toasted, or otherwise tinkered with. Owner Jay Sanders’s dedication to doing the most extends to a substantial zero-proof menu where classics like the Negroni and espresso martini feature spirits he strips of alcohol via atmospheric distillation. Consistently kind staff, warm wood paneling, and more than 50 pretty plants will make anyone feel welcome in this world of pure imagination. — Emily Farris

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The Condé Nast Traveller Beauty Awards 2024

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Just in time for peak travel season, our inaugural travel beauty awards offer the definitive list of the best travel beauty products to pack in your wash bag for the summer and beyond. To create this list our editors researched and tested over 200 of the top beauty and wellness products from a traveller's perspective to determine which are worthy of space in your luggage .

How we chose the winning products

Each product was tested by an editor over a period of time and given a score out of 20, after considering the following factors:

Efficacy:  Did you see results? Was it easy and enjoyable to use? Did something about it make you want to keep using it? It could be anything from how it smelled to the texture.

Travel-friendly:  Is it easily packable, compact, leak-proof? Maybe it's under 100ml too? Does it smell like holidays? Is it evocative of a certain place or location?

Innovation:  Does it feel novel, clever, new or different in some way?

Packaging:  What's this like? Did you find it easy to use? Is it innovative? Is it good or better for the planet in any way? Can it be composted or recycled?

This list features the top scoring products, along with quotes from our testers describing why we recommend each product for travel.

The ultimate travel must haves

This nourishing face mask uses skin-repairing ceramides to rescue flight-weary skin.

Our tester says “I tried it as a mask, night cream and regular moisturiser. It’s invisible, so I didn’t feel self-conscious using it on a flight.

The part of our brain that processes memory is right next to the part that processes scent. A single spritz of this warming fragrance is especially transportative, with creamy sandalwood, fresh Egyptian jasmine and earthy Italian bergamot notes that suit all climates. The set comes with a refillable gold bottle for extra travel style.

This monogrammable leather-like vanity case holds an array of beautiful travel-sized products such as a personalisable lip balm and a nourishing hand cream. Super useful, no matter where you’re going.

Our tester says “Every travel lover will adore this, whether they use it or admire it as a vintage inspired keepsake.”

Best innovative travel beauty buys

This fruity scent is infused with jasmine, sandalwood and berries. With an innovative and travel-friendly product design, each biodegradable capsule holds one application of fragrance: just twist and squeeze onto your skin.

With all the prowess of a regular serum, this wonder stick contains natural moisturiser squalane, plus Japanese lemon balm to reduce inflammation. You can apply it over or under make-up and as a top-up during the day to prevent dehydration.

This do-it-all moisturiser boosts radiance, lightens dark spots and improves skin condition.

Our tester says “I saw a huge improvement in my dull, dry skin – it’s like a daily spa facial.”

This genius kit gives you everything you need to apply small strips of false lashes underneath your own, making them undetectable and natural-looking. The technique requires practice but, once on, the lashes last for up to 10 days – ideal for travelling.

This classic SPF now comes with Mexoryl 400, a sun filter that targets the 380 to 400 nanometre range of UVA rays, which are hard to protect against. It’s lightweight, non-greasy and works on all skin types – key when snow can reflect up to 90 per cent of UV radiation.

Those with sensitive skin can struggle to find an SPF that protects and is enjoyable to use: this orange tube of wonder delivers so much. The water- and sweat-resistant formula is the consummate companion for water sports, plus it keeps skin hydrated for up to eight hours, all without leaving white streaks.

Our tester says: “For a thick-ish cream it absorbs very quickly without being greasy at all, and it’s ocean-friendly. Ideal for people with very fair skin, dermatitis or increased sun sensitivity.”

Australian sun protection is widely known to be the best in the market, and this weightless and invisible formulation is the best of the best. Like its more mattifying predecessor, this SPF seems destined for cult status, but this version has the added bonus of skin-regulating niacinamide, ideal for ensuring your skin doesn’t overproduce oil. It also uses subtle light-reflecting pearls that melt into the skin for a dewy finish with no white cast in sight.

This spray-on SPF contains soothing Australian botanicals and protective antioxidants, which give it an edge over the rest. A simple spritz of mist produces a gentle, non-greasy glow. It has high SPF protection, and the lack of white cast means you can use it over make-up.

This watermelon scented stick fits in handbags for on-the-go SPF touch-ups. Its brightening and hydrating formula gives a dewy finish, but isn’t greasy when used on the scalp.

Best travel skincare

A deep-cleansing gel that uses gentle salicylic and azelaic acid to sweep away sweat, salt water and SPF, which can clog pores.

Our tester says “This stuff is amazing. My skin looked noticeably brighter, clearer and fresher after just one use – it felt as if I’d had a facial.”

This clay-based mask, which comes in a handy recycled tin, helps to decongest your skin, making it an ideal salve for bacteria-laden flights. It’s easily washed off to reveal less visible pores and more matte skin.

Our tester says “My skin can get greasy on flights, but this left it calmer and less reactive.”

This fragrance free intense moisturiser is a must for cold climates. It’s deeply hydrating, prevents transepidermal water loss from the skin and protects against environmental aggressors such as pollution.

Using a combo of vitamins C and E to protect against environmental damage, this is the go-to serum for all skin needs.

Our tester says “My skin looked brighter, and a patch of redness was reduced. The small bottle is easy to slip into a carry-on too.”

Every adventurer needs an SOS skin remedy, and this tube contains moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid, skin-repairing ceramides and petrolatum that locks the ingredients into the skin.

Our tester says “I used this under socks at a festival and my usually sore feet were super soft and didn’t ache at all.”

Lyma is the only FDA-approved at-home laser out there. It promises to help stimulate collagen production and skin healing over a three-month period.

Our tester says “After a couple of uses, my skin looked fresher and plumper. It’s hand luggage size and has a useful travel pouch.”

Best travel make-up

Sleep helps you look well rested after a journey, but the other secret weapon is blush. This lightweight, easy-to-apply balm contains skin softening vitamin E, and uses micro-fine pigments that blend with the skin’s texture for a sheeny glow. It comes in nine gloriously vibrant shades and its pot is made with 43 per cent recycled plastic.

Some tinted moisturisers can feel a little greasy, but this formula is light, SPF 20 and comes in five adaptable shades for those with golden undertones – a space-saving moisturiser and foundation in one little tube.

Matte lipstick in arid temperatures can too often mean cracked lips, but if it’s too moisturising it becomes heavy in sweaty weather. This lipstick, in 23 shades, combines pigmented matte hues with a slight moisturising sheen.

Our tester says “It’s my new travel make-up essential, lasting all night without touch-ups.”

Best hair products for travel

Philip Kingsley’s expert trichologists created this heavy-duty mask for the US Olympic synchronised swimming team to protect their hair against the damaging effects of chlorine, salt water and UV rays. There’s nothing else like it on the market.

Extreme climates often cause dehydrated, crispy and frizz-prone locks. This moisturiser infuses wet or dry hair with strengthening ingredients and heat protection.

Our tester says “This compact cream is essential for reconditioning dry hair - it even gave my fine strands extra volume.”

If flying flattens your hair, this clever heatless curling tool should be your new travel companion.

Our tester says “It’s easy to use and lighter to pack than heated curlers or tongs. Plus, you never have to wait for it to cool down.”

Our tester says “Designed to keep your hair super sleek, this straightener is simple to use, doesn’t take up much room in your hand luggage and has a 10-minute turn-off function. Universal voltage and an extra-long cord for tricky plug points make it ideal for travel.”

A new generation of smaller-cylinder hairdryers do away with the need to have a separate travel version. This one weighs less than a can of Coke and is powerful yet super quiet, with changeable attachments and a padded case.

Best body products for travel

Created by professional West End dancers, this natural deodorant balm was designed to be planet friendly as well as effective. Elegant scents such as After Thunder and Orange Grove are perfume-worthy, and each recyclable tube lasts six to eight weeks, with a travel-friendly mini size also available.

This body balm is a must-have for intrepid travellers to lock in moisture and calm skin with camellia seed and apricot kernel oils.

Our tester says “Once it has absorbed, you’re left with super-soft skin that feels replenished. I used it to rehydrate my lips, hands and areas of dry skin.”

This bath and shower oil hydrates and perfumes using skin-softening mogra, a type of jasmine often found in Indian skincare.

Our tester says “I love the delicate scent, and my skin felt so soft after washing with it.”

The best travel tanning products

For those sunny UK days, this calming lotion – with buriti fruit oil for an even tan – cloaks the skin in a cooling velvety emulsion.

Our tester says “I love the gentle smell, and my tan definitely developed quicker and held for longer than usual.”

A few pumps of this silken bronze-booster in your moisturiser will produce a sun-kissed glow without the sun damage.

Our tester says “It feels nourishing and non-greasy, with a shade that looks incredibly natural: golden, not at all orange.”

The best travel fragrances

Citrus scents work well in coastal climates due to their lighter notes and mood-boosting effects, but they can be fleeting: not in this case.

Our tester says “The citrus blooms as soon as you apply it, but the warming cashmere wood helps it adhere to the skin, enveloping you in a gentle and balanced scent.”

An ode to the ancient incense trade route city of AlUla, this perfume combines notes of pepper, plum, cardamon and tobacco to create a sweet warming scent that becomes richer and darker over the day.

Our tester says “It’s complex and intriguing in equal parts.”

Laced with rose, iris and musk, this elegant scent is a love letter to the Spanish capital. Designed to celebrate the statue of Cibeles in the heart of the city, its complex, uplifting and takes you on the sweetest of journeys.

The best wellness products for travel

Need some post-ski physio on the go? This gadget targets muscular tension with six speed settings and up to 200 minutes cordless run time.

Our tester says “It’s so easy to transport and was really effective after skiing.”

There are a lot of LED masks on the market, but this one folds best for travel and comes with clever global adapters.

Our tester says “I noticed a positive difference after a couple of uses. The LED bulbs take up a large surface area so it’s very effective.”

Our tester says “This mask feels like a silk duvet for the eyes and keeps puffiness at bay. It’s stylish, washable and adjustable, so it stays in place and doesn’t let in any light – a must, given that I need total darkness for a good night’s rest.”

This science-backed probiotic is delivered by subscription in a recyclable glass jar (with mini travel container). Inside each capsule are 24 probiotic strains proven to support gut health.

Our tester says “This is the only probiotic that’s made a tangible difference to me. It’s a must for sensitive stomachs.”

Developed by a team of dieticians, neuroscientists and doctors, this all-in-one multivitamin is designed to fuel your body and feed your brain with 20 nutrients, such as DHA omega 3 and vitamins D3 and B12. It’s subscription based, so you won’t run out, and helps eliminate travel induced brain fog.

Early studies of collagen’s effect on skin health have shown promising results. Drinking from these travel friendly sachets of natural marine collagen, antioxidants and vitamin C can also aid collagen synthesis, keeping joints supple and boosting your overall immunity.

But sustainable travel beauty buys

Infused with omegarich oils, this silky shower formula cleanses and softens the skin unlike any other. It’s an essential in hard water areas and to hydrate the skin in dry climates. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, uses Braille on its refillable packaging and also comes in a mini size that’s perfect for a weekend away.

This smart toothbrush was a hit with several members of the team, partly for its eco credentials and focus on lifetime use.

Our tester says “I love this brush: it’s compact, innovative, progressive and sustainable – and the battery lasts a very long time, making it perfect for travel. And it looks stylish in the bathroom.”

Brimming with moisturise-boosting hyaluronic acid and skin-defending fruit extracts, this gel-creme is truly the travel moisturiser of dreams. It relieves parched skin in air-conditioned environments, is light enough for the hottest of climes and has clever refill pods.

The best airport beauty buys

Applying this serum, which is enriched with hyaluronic acid and minerals, helps to rehydrate parched and dry skin in arid and air-conditioned environments.

Our tester says “I felt that my skin was immediately softer after using this product, and I love the packaging and the price point too.

Created by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, this reinterpretation of the original 1947 scent combines jasmine, mandarin and woody accords that suit a variety of climates.

Our tester says “It’s not too strong yet lasts beautifully throughout the day, revealing an uplifting range of notes as time goes on.”

Retinol might be part of your daily ritual anyway, but these mini serum vials are especially suited to travel, with added ingredients such as soothing ceramides, which help to combat sun-induced sensitivity. The capsules are easy to use and pop into the smallest of cosmetic bags, so you can stick to your skincare routine no matter where you are.

The Most Beautiful Skylines in the World, From Shanghai to Panama City

The world’s most beautiful skylines are more than just collections of buildings placed close together: They’re the façades of entire cities, the front doors to many of the earth’s most vibrant metropolises. It’s these man-made horizons that often offer the first impression to visitors and imbue a sense of home to returning locals.

But what exactly makes a beautiful skyline? One that is immediately recognizable? Those that are the most harmonious? The cities with the greatest number of individually striking buildings? The answer, is of course, some collection of all of the above. Like when discussing most aesthetic disciplines, visual examples are far more powerful than description will ever be.

To that end, AD has rounded up 17 of the world’s most beautiful skylines, covering notable favorites like New York City and Shanghai as well as some lesser-known stunners that deserve more acclaim.

A version of this article originally appeared in Architectural Digest .

Manhattan, New York City

New York City ’s skyline, particularly Manhattan’s, has truly earned the adjective iconic. Its buildings offer a visual history of the five-borough metropolis, featuring Art Deco classics like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building and modern marvels like One World Trade Center. Making it even more striking is the collection of smaller skylines that appear around it, including those of Jersey City and Downtown Brooklyn, all connected by some of the world’s most beautiful bridges.

Many have argued that Hong Kong ’s skyline is not one of the most beautiful in the world, but rather the most beautiful. Featuring densely packed high rises contrasted with Victoria Peak, the view is particularly special at night when the city lights bounce off of the harbor water.

Chicago, Illinois

Hugging the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the third most populated city in the United States. The Midwest metropolis is made famous by many striking supertalls, such as Willis Tower, Vista Tower, and Marina City.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

If you’re a fan of contemporary design, perhaps no city is better to visit than Dubai . It’s home to some of the world’s most innovative and futuristic buildings like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world and the metropolis’ crowning jewel.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is without a doubt one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the world. It’s no surprise that its skyline is equally energetic. The Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, two supertall constructions used for telecommunications and observation decks, are beacons in the city and great locations to take in the rest of the skyline.

Perth, Western Australia

The capital of Western Australia , Perth sits at the convergence of the Swan River and southwest coast. Undulating bridges add a dynamic quality to the cityscape and include stunners such as the Elizabeth Quay Pedestrian Bridge, seen here, and the Matagarup Bridge.

Shanghai, China

Shanghai has one of the most recognizable skylines in the world thanks to buildings like the Shanghai Tower, which houses the fastest elevators in the world. The marriage of architectural and a geometric forms, such as spheres, prisms, and cubes, makes the view even more dynamic and visually intriguing.

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

If a city’s skyline includes one of the most spectacular structures of from the 20th century, it certainly deserves a spot on the list of the world’s most beautiful. Despite not being a skyscraper, the Sydney Opera House undoubtedly defines the waterfront horizon and offers visual contrast to the high rises behind it.

Singapore ’s skyline does not get its beauty from the sheer number of high rise buildings on its horizon, but rather from the unique and innovative quality of each. Moshe Safdie’s Marina Bay Sands and WilkinsonEyre and Grant Associates’s Gardens by the Bay , seen here, are such examples, which demonstrate contemporary influence and were crafted to provide a distinctive image for the waterfront.

Bangkok, Thailand

MahaNakhon in Bangkok appears almost pixelated, as if it’s materializing right in front of its viewers eyes. It’s this building in conversation with other beauties, such as Rosewood Bangkok and the Central Embassy, that make the Thai skyline so compelling.

Tianjin, China

One of China ’s 17 megacities (those with a population over 10 million), Tianjin’s skyline is made even more intriguing by the large Ferris wheel that straddles the Hai River. Named the Tianjin Eye, the ride is built over the Yongle Bridge and offers incredible views.

Toronto, Ontario

No review of the world’s most beautiful skylines is complete without mention of Toronto . The tall, sleek profile of the CN Tower next to the sinuous Rogers Center is a captivating juxtaposition in a forest of other skyscrapers.

Panama City, Panama

Though often overlooked in favor of more famous skylines, Panama City has certainly earned its place on this list. The ultramodern towers that make up the city’s downtown are exciting and creative. F&F Tower, which appears to twist as it climbs higher into the clouds, is one of the most special buildings in Latin America.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Petronas Towers designed by César Pelli in Kuala Lumpur are the tallest twin towers in the world. Designed in a postmodern style and drawing inspiration from Islamic architecture, the mirror sky-highs are defining additions of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Of course, they’re not the only ones, the city has 241 skyscrapers including Merdeka 118, the second tallest building in the world.

Seattle, Washington

It only took 400 days to build the Seattle Space Needle, one of the most spectacular landmarks in the United States. With the city’s other towers, the needle appears like the peak of a mountain, which juxtaposes beautifully with Mount Rainier in the background.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

If it’s not Chicago, the Midwest is often overlooked. But as Milwaukee so effortlessly demonstrates, this is a mistake. While on the smaller-side compared to some on this list, its proximity to Lake Michigan and buildings by heavy-hitters like Santiago Calatrava make it one of the prettiest in the United States.

Auckland, New Zealand

You’ll find New Zealand’s tallest structure, the Sky Tower designed by Moller Architects, in Auckland . Here, guests can take in 360-degree views of the city’s skyline from above it. You may also spot a collection of superyachts docked in Viaduct Harbor.

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