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Damon M. Banks

@damonmbanks

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Living life one story at a time.
✈️ Award-winning travel & lifestyle journalist
✈️ Luxury travel • hospitality • golf
✈️ Copywriter & brand consultant
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Thanks so much to @sharkindc for hosting us tonight! So much fun!
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Hotel of the Day: The Baby Grand, Coronado 🌴 Not every memorable hotel needs sweeping ocean views or hundreds of rooms. Sometimes, the most interesting places surprise you the moment you step inside. On Coronado, just across the bay from San Diego, a 1957 roadside motel has been transformed into The Baby Grand, a 31-room boutique retreat where a touch of theatrical imagination goes a long way. Created by the hospitality group CH Projects in collaboration with Brooklyn design studio Post Company, the hotel is a welcome departure from the understated coastal aesthetic. Think iridescent clamshell beds, tropical murals, vintage artwork, marble bathrooms with clawfoot tubs, and a library-like lobby filled with books and curiosities. Outside, a former parking lot has become a lush garden of palms, statues, winding pathways, and a lagoon-style pool. Even dining is part of the experience: Night Hawk offers open-air, Greek-inspired cooking beside a dramatic waterfall, while Fallen Empire is a hidden oyster and Champagne bar tucked behind the lobby. Beyond the hotel, Coronado offers its own escape, with wide sandy beaches, historic architecture, independent shops, and a relaxed seaside rhythm. Spend the afternoon exploring Orange Avenue or walking along the Pacific, with downtown San Diego just across the bay. What I find especially compelling is the approach to hospitality. Every detail invites discovery, conversation, and a bit of escapism. It’s a reminder that a hotel doesn’t need to be grand in scale to leave a lasting impression. Sometimes, personality and a strong point of view make a stay unforgettable. This hotel brings a ton of personality and is certainly unforgettable, but perhaps not for everyone… 🏨 @babygrandcrowncity #HotelOfTheDay #BoutiqueHotels #Coronado #HotelDesign #TravelInspiration ___________________________________________________________ TravelAmbassador HotelAmbassador TravelWriter TravelJournalist TravelAndHospitalityExpert AuthenticTravelExperiences DamonMBanks DamonBanks TheBabyGrand Coronado California SanDiego MaximalistDesign BoutiqueHotelDesign 📷 The Baby Grand, Coronado
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Hotel of the Day: The Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Cotton Bay Some of the most exciting developments in hospitality aren’t just about building another beautiful resort. They’re about celebrating a destination through architecture, design, thoughtful service, and a genuine sense of place. On Eleuthera in The Bahamas, I’m especially excited to follow the Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Cotton Bay as it prepares to welcome guests in 2027. Set along the island’s southern coastline, the resort is envisioned as offering intimate accommodations, private residences, distinctive dining, and a wellness sanctuary. Its organic architecture draws inspiration from Bahamian heritage and the surrounding landscape, with natural materials, open-air spaces, and tropical gardens shaping the experience. Golf is also central to the vision. A planned 18-hole course by Robert Trent Jones II will mark a new chapter in Cotton Bay’s golfing heritage, offering another reason to explore this remarkable corner of Eleuthera. What has always interested me about the Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection is its emphasis on intimate retreats, highly personalized service, and meaningful connections to place. The most memorable resorts don’t merely occupy extraordinary locations. They become part of those places’ stories. With Eleuthera’s quiet beaches, natural beauty, and relaxed island spirit, Cotton Bay feels like a development worth watching. Would a secluded Bahamian retreat with exceptional golf be your idea of a perfect getaway? #RitzCarltonReserve #Eleuthera #LuxuryTravel #GolfTravel _______________________________________________________ Bahamas CaribbeanTravel Travel Traveler Traveling TravelAddict DamonMBanks DamonBanks TravelAmbassador Getaways TravelGram TravelGuide TravelInStyle TravelJourney TravelJourneys Traveller Travelling TravelAdventures LetsGo Hotel Hotels BoutiqueHotel LuxuryHotels HotelAmbassador HotelGuide LuxeGetaways 📷 Ritz-Carlton Reserve 🇧🇸
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Getaway of the Day: Northern Norway 🇳🇴 Imagine watching orcas navigate Arctic fjords by day and the Northern Lights illuminate the sky by night. In Northern Norway, you can experience both in one extraordinary journey. Through January, @upnorway offers Autumnal Auroras & Wandering Whales, a thoughtfully curated six-day escape that connects the spectacular island of Senja with Tromsø, the lively gateway to the Arctic. What makes this journey especially appealing is the chance to witness two of nature’s most remarkable spectacles while discovering a side of Norway that remains wonderfully authentic. On Senja, one of Norway’s most dramatic and lesser-visited islands, days unfold among towering mountains, picturesque fishing villages, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Explore scenic routes, discover Ånderdalen National Park, or simply embrace the surroundings from a historic lighthouse or a sea-facing cabin with a private jacuzzi. Offshore, orcas and humpback whales follow migrating herring into Arctic waters from late October through mid-January. Aboard a hybrid-electric catamaran with @brimexplorer, travelers can observe these magnificent animals using a quieter, more responsible approach to whale watching. The journey continues in Tromsø, where Arctic wilderness meets a vibrant cultural scene. Northern Lights excursions, memorable local dining, and a tasting menu at Restaurant Smak add another dimension to the adventure. For me, the appeal goes well beyond the scenery. It’s the blend of thoughtful hospitality, authentic local connections, and experiences shaped by a destination’s natural rhythms that makes travel like this so memorable. If you could choose just one Arctic experience, would it be seeing the Northern Lights or watching whales in their natural habitat? #NorthernNorway #Norway #LuxuryTravel #TravelInspiration ________________________________________________________ TravelAmbassador TravelWriter TravelJournalist SustainableTourism Travel&HospitalityExpert TravelJourneys AuthenticTravelExperiences NorthernNorway ArcticTravel NorthernLights WhaleWatching Senja Tromsø 📷 Up Norway
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Getaway of the Day: Kinara | Maasai Mara, Kenya There is something extraordinary about waking to the sounds of the African wilderness, especially when the Mara River lies just beyond your private terrace. Set along a beautiful bend of the river in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Kinara offers a sophisticated new take on safari hospitality. This intimate retreat features just 21 tented suites and villas, blending contemporary African design, natural materials, and thoughtful details with an extraordinary sense of place. The accommodations are particularly impressive, featuring expansive interiors, indoor and outdoor showers, and private plunge pools overlooking the river. For families or friends traveling together, the three-bedroom Signature Villa includes its own spa, gym, wine cellar, and private safari vehicle. Of course, the Mara itself remains the greatest attraction. Expert-led game drives, sunrise balloon safaris, bush breakfasts, wildlife photography, and Maasai cultural experiences offer opportunities to explore the region beyond traditional sightseeing. Back at camp, locally inspired cuisine at Asili, evenings around the fire, and restorative treatments at Olgilai Wellness complement days spent exploring. There’s even a padel court for those who prefer a little activity between adventures. What I find most appealing about this evolution in safari travel is that beautifully designed accommodations and exceptional hospitality can enhance the experience without overshadowing the destination. At Kinara, the most memorable moments may still be the simplest: watching wildlife along the river, sharing stories beneath the stars, and experiencing the Mara’s remarkable beauty. ✈️ Plan your getaway: @kinara.mara #MaasaiMara #KenyaTravel #SafariTravel #LuxuryTravel #Kinara _________________________________________________________ Travel Hospitality Hotels Safari AfricanSafari Kenya MaasaiMara SafariLodge HotelDesign LuxuryTravel WildlifeTravel ExperientialTravel TravelExpert DamonBanks DamonMBanks TravelWriter TravelJournalist TravelAmbassador ApproachableLuxury LuxeGetaways 📷 Kinara 📍 Maasai Mara, Kenya
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Hotel Reimagined | Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa How does a hotel with more than 90 years of history evolve to meet the needs of the next generation of travelers without losing the character that made it special? That balance lies at the heart of the newly reimagined rooms and suites at Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, the landmark hotel that has been part of Lisbon since 1933. Designed by Rodrigo Izquierdo Studio, the transformation draws on both the hotel’s architectural heritage and Lisbon itself. Soft blues reference the city’s celebrated tiles, greens echo the trees lining Avenida da Liberdade, and warm terracotta recalls Lisbon’s rooftops. Natural stone, solid wood, brass, Portuguese art, and custom furnishings bring those influences together in rooms that feel residential rather than overly formal. The Presidential Suite especially caught my attention. Generous living and dining spaces, warm woods, sculptural lighting, and expansive city views create the feeling of a sophisticated Lisbon residence—exactly the direction I love to see historic hotels take. There’s more to see beyond the guestrooms. Cervejaria Liberdade, one of the hotel’s signature dining venues, has been refreshed while preserving the spirit of a classic Portuguese cervejaria. The new 1933 Wine & Spirits Collection brings rare vintages, Portuguese producers, private tastings, and masterclasses to the hotel’s ninth floor. For me, the most successful hotel renovations aren’t about making everything feel new. They’re about understanding what should remain, then finding thoughtful ways to move the story forward. After more than nine decades on Avenida da Liberdade, Tivoli seems to be doing exactly that... Plan your getaway: @tivoliavenidaliberdade | @tivolihotels #Lisbon #TivoliHotels #HotelDesign #LuxuryTravel ________________________________________________________ Travel Hospitality Hotels Lisbon Portugal LuxuryHotels TravelExpert DamonMBanks DamonBanks TravelWriter TravelJournalist TravelAmbassador HotelAmbassador Getaways LuxeGetaways HotelRenovation InteriorDesign HospitalityDesign TravelInStyle 📷 Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa
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Getaway of the Day: Borgo Pignano Florence There are trips built around seeing everything. And then there are places that remind you how rewarding it can be to simply stay a while. Borgo Pignano Florence offers something increasingly appealing in one of Italy’s most visited cities: a true escape that doesn’t require leaving Florence behind. Set on the city’s northern edge, this intimate Relais & Châteaux retreat feels like a Tuscan country estate, surrounded by gardens and greenery yet only minutes from the historic center. Florence has always been one of my favorite cities to explore on foot, and I love the idea of spending the day wandering its streets, stopping for a cappuccino at a favorite café, then retreating here for a quiet afternoon by the pool or in the gardens. The experience begins with just 32 rooms and suites spread across the historic villa and surrounding buildings, where preserved architecture meets quietly contemporary interiors. Outside, landscaped gardens, terraces, and a heated pool create spaces designed as much for doing nothing as for planning the next museum visit or afternoon in the city. For an even more private stay, five-bedroom Villa La Sosta has its own garden and plunge pool. Dining is equally connected to place. Essenza, led by Chef Stefano Cavallini, offers a contemporary take on Tuscan traditions, while seasonal Cedrus extends the experience into the gardens. What makes Borgo Pignano particularly interesting is its balance. Florence is still there—the art, architecture, restaurants, and history that make the city unforgettable—but returning here changes the rhythm of the trip… Plan your getaway: @borgopignanofi | @relaischateaux #BorgoPignanoFlorence #Florence #Tuscany #RelaisChateaux #Italy ________________________________________________________ Travel Hospitality Hotels HotelDesign LuxuryTravel Italy Tuscany Florence ItalianHotels BoutiqueHotels LuxuryHotels RelaisChateaux Getaways TravelExpert DamonMBanks DamonBanks TravelWriter TravelJournalist TravelAmbassador HotelAmbassadorTravelInStyle TravelJourney HotelGuide 📷 Borgo Pignano Florence
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Journey of the Day: TRAIN SUITE Shiki-Shima Japan’s TRAIN SUITE Shiki-Shima is among the world’s most exclusive rail experiences, offering an intimate way to explore eastern Japan through ever-changing landscapes, exceptional cuisine, and impeccable hospitality. Designed by renowned industrial designer Ken Okuyama, the train’s every detail reflects contemporary Japanese design while celebrating traditional craftsmanship, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a boutique hotel than a train. Departing from Tokyo’s Ueno Station, the train follows carefully curated seasonal itineraries ranging from one to three nights, passing through mountain villages, dramatic coastlines, historic towns, and cultural landmarks that many international visitors never experience. Each departure is intentionally different, allowing the changing seasons—from cherry blossoms to vibrant autumn foliage and snowy winter landscapes—to shape the journey. Life onboard is every bit as memorable as the scenery outside. Spacious suites, panoramic observation cars, beautifully prepared regional cuisine, a serene lounge, attentive, personalized service, and even traditional Japanese soaking baths transform every mile into part of the experience. It’s luxury that feels thoughtful rather than extravagant—immersive rather than indulgent. Perhaps that’s why securing a reservation has become part of the story. With limited departures, only a handful of suites, and application periods that fill quickly, a journey aboard Shiki-Shima remains among Japan’s most sought-after travel experiences. As travelers increasingly seek experiences that are slower, more meaningful, and deeply connected to place, trains like Shiki-Shima remind us that some of the world’s greatest journeys aren’t measured in miles—they’re measured in moments. Plan your getaway: @shikishima_official #Japan #LuxuryTrain #JapanTravel #LuxuryTravel #BucketList ______________________________________________________ Travel Hospitality LuxuryTravel Japan LuxuryTrain SlowTravel TrainTravel BoutiqueTravel TravelWriter TravelJournalist HospitalityExpert DamonBanks DamonMBanks TravelAmbassador LuxeGetaways 📷 JR-EAST
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Hotel Opening: Hôtel Bourbon Courchevel What makes a new hotel memorable isn’t always what it adds—sometimes it’s what it leaves behind. Opening in December in Courchevel 1850, Hôtel Bourbon Courchevel reimagines one of the French Alps’ most iconic ski destinations with a fresh perspective. Occupying the former Hôtel des 3 Vallées, the intimate 31-room boutique hotel trades the traditional alpine chalet aesthetic for something altogether different: rich dark woods, deep velvet, low lighting, and the warm atmosphere of a classic London private club. It’s a bold design direction that feels sophisticated, intimate, and refreshingly unexpected. Beyond its striking interiors, the experience is thoughtfully curated around everything guests love about winter in Courchevel. True ski-in/ski-out access puts the slopes of Les Trois Vallées just outside the door, while evenings revolve around a vinyl listening bar with a fireplace, the new Simonetta restaurant by acclaimed Italian chef Simone Zanoni, and a contrast-therapy spa designed for recovery after a day on the mountain. As mountain destinations continue to evolve, the most compelling hotels aren’t simply becoming more luxurious—they’re becoming more distinctive. Hôtel Bourbon embraces that philosophy by crafting an experience with its own personality rather than following familiar alpine traditions. It’s an opening that feels as much about atmosphere as accommodations, and one that will undoubtedly add another exciting chapter to Courchevel’s hospitality scene. Plan your getaway: @bourbonhotel_courchevel | @chapitresix_hotels #Courchevel #FrenchAlps #HotelOpening #BoutiqueHotel #Travel ________________________________________________________ Travel Hospitality Hotels BoutiqueHotel HotelOpening SkiResort MountainRetreat FrenchAlps Courchevel WinterTravel DesignHotels HotelDesign TravelExpert DamonMBanks DamonBanks TravelWriter TravelJournalist TravelAmbassador HotelAmbassador Getaways LuxuryTravel HospitalityIndustry DestinationDining SkiInSkiOut CozyTravel ContemporaryDesign LuxeGetaways 📷 Hôtel Bourbon Courchevel 📍 Courchevel 1850, France
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So much fun at “Dinner en Blanc” tonight @sgcc_springfieldcountryclub. Amazing times with great friends! @g0lfer18 @tyler.fitzz @sharkindc @damonmbanks @gregpowers @aliwebb24
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Lunch at Oribu reminded me why great hotel restaurants matter. The best hotel restaurants don’t just serve overnight guests—they become destinations in their own right, drawing both travelers and locals to the same table. That’s exactly the feeling at Oribu, the recently opened signature restaurant within the beautifully transformed Grand Hyatt Washington. Inspired by the historic Maritime Silk Road, the menu thoughtfully blends Japanese and Mediterranean influences, set within a space that feels contemporary, welcoming, and distinctly different. The restaurant is part of the hotel’s extensive renovation, elevating the guest experience and adding an exciting new dining destination to downtown Washington. Lunch is designed to be shared, with dishes arriving as they’re ready rather than in traditional courses—a relaxed approach that encourages conversation and the discovery of something new with every plate. The sushi was exceptionally fresh, the gyoza perfectly crisp, and the noodle dishes were a standout. Every dish reflected the same level of care and thoughtful execution. For me, one of the clearest signs of a successful hotel renovation isn’t just beautifully redesigned guest rooms or public spaces—it’s a restaurant that locals choose alongside hotel guests. When hotels invest in restaurants that stand on their own, everyone benefits, from overnight guests to the local community. Oribu is a great example of that approach done well… Plan Your Visit: @oribudc | @grandhyattdc #WashingtonDC #HotelDining #Hyatt #Hospitality #TravelDining _________________________________________________________ Travel Hotels HotelRestaurant GrandHyatt Hyatt WorldOfHyatt FoodTravel RestaurantDesign LuxuryTravel BusinessTravel TravelExpert DamonMBanks DamonBanks TravelWriter TravelJournalist Getaways WashingtonDC DCFoodie LuxeGetaways HotelAmbassador TravelAmbassador BeMoreHere 📍 Oribu at Grand Hyatt Washington
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Getaway of the Day: Rosewood Munich Some destinations deserve more than a hotel—they deserve the right home base… From September 19 to October 4, 2026, Munich comes alive as Oktoberfest transforms the city into one of the world’s most celebrated cultural events. While millions gather for Bavarian traditions, lively beer tents, music, and unforgettable energy, there’s another way to experience the season—one that balances excitement with exceptional hospitality. Just minutes from the festivities, Rosewood Munich offers a refined retreat in the heart of the city’s historic center. Housed in two beautifully restored landmark buildings, the hotel pairs contemporary luxury with a genuine sense of place. Start the day by exploring Munich’s elegant streets, spend the afternoon immersed in Oktoberfest traditions, then return for a restorative treatment at Asaya Spa, a handcrafted cocktail at the bar, or an evening that feels distinctly Munich rather than simply tourist-focused. It’s a reminder that memorable travel isn’t only about the destination—it’s also about choosing a hotel that elevates the entire experience. For travelers seeking to experience Oktoberfest without sacrificing comfort, design, or thoughtful service, this is one of Munich’s most compelling addresses… Plan Your Getaway: @rosewoodmunich #RosewoodMunich #Oktoberfest #Munich #LuxuryTravel _______________________________________________________ Travel Traveler Traveling TravelAddict DamonMBanks DamonBanks TravelAmbassador Getaways TravelGram TravelGuide TravelInStyle TravelJourney TravelJourneys Traveller Travelling TravelAdventures LetsGo Hotel Hotels BoutiqueHotel LuxuryHotels HotelAmbassador HotelGuide LuxeGetaways Germany Europe 📷 @rosewoodmunich | @rosewoodhotels 📍 Munich, Germany | @muenchen @germanytourism
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