How To Rent An Island Resort, The World’s Most Powerful Passports And More Travel News

Four Seasons Bora Bora Offers an Island Buyout

Ever fantasized about having an entire hotel to yourself while on vacation? The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora can make that dream come true: For $2.75 million, guests can buy out the entire island property for a week, dining at its open-air restaurants, snorkeling in the lagoon, and playing tennis with the hotel’s pro. Or, you could invite up to 245 of your closest friends to stay with you in the resort’s seven villas and 108 bungalow suites.

World’s Most Powerful Passports 2024

The annual Henley Passport Index ranks all 199 global passports based on the number of countries a holder can visit without needing a visa. Once again, Singapore is the world’s most powerful passport for 2024—providing visa-free access to 194 countries—but this year, four European nations (France, Germany, Italy and Spain) are tied for No. 1. The United States is tied for seventh place this year with access to 188 countries.

This Former Convent In Rome Is Now A Luxury Boutique Hotel

In the Eternal City, even hotels have interesting past lives. Rome’s newly opened Palazzo Ripetta—a short walk from the Spanish Steps and Via del Corso—was built in the 17th century as a convent. For three centuries, the Conservatory of Divine Providence housed orphaned girls and young women, but last year the property was converted into a luxury boutique hotel. Today, Palazzo Ripetta has 78 rooms and suites, a rooftop bar, and the San Baylon restaurant, overseen by Marco Ciccotelli, one of the most talented young chefs in Rome.

TravelWise

Even though 2023 was one of the safest years for airline travel, can you ever feel too secure? And in case of an emergency, where is the safest seat on a plane? According to a recent study, the rear of the plane is generally safer in the rare case of an accident and—though it’s painful to admit—the middle seat does provide added protection.

Where to Retire in Europe for Less Than $2,000 A Month

Thanks to inflation and rising medical costs, the average American 65 and older spends more than $4,800 per month on living expenses. Yet the average social security check for 2024 is projected to be less than half that amount. For those interested in living in Europe, however, that check can stretch much further. From Valencia, Spain to Gascony, France, here are destinations in Europe where you can retire on less than $2,000 a month.