michelle gross

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I’ve been thinking a lot about water lately after a recent trip to Switzerland, where something like 80 percent of the water stems directly from natural springs and groundwater and lakes. Not only is it safe to drink from the tap, but it’s also actually considered healthier than the bottled water you’d buy in the store.

Perhaps it’s the abundance of really good water that makes the Swiss take th...

Before 2019, it would have been hard to imagine that the area now known as Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s far west side would be a magnet for trendsetting urbanites. But this far-flung Midtown West spot has emerged not only as ...

Finland natives and co-founders of The Long Drink, Sakari Manninen, Mikael Taipale and Ere Partanen share their tips on what to see, eat and do in one of this year’s coolest destinations.
Finland has been making some serious power moves lately. Not only did the country just elect the world’s youngest head of state (a political coalition comprised almost entirely of women by the way), but the country—who came in at number one in 2019’s happiest countries report—is one of the fastest growing to...

As we make our way on foot along a sandbank in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, dozens of Carmine Bee-Eaters, a reddish bird sporting black eyes and a blue crown, cheerfully zip, dip and dive their way into the hundreds of tiny nesting holes carved into the cliffs. “On walking safaris, you see the small things and learn about the things that nature has left behind,” our guide, Abel, said as we made our way around the park that morning. “You see the big things, too, like zebras, giraffes,...

If you’ve ever wanted to profess your undying love for Nutella, well, now’s your chance. According to an announcement made this week, the world’s most popular Italian chocolate-hazelnut brand will be opening up a pop-up hotel in Napa Valley this January and you could be among one of three lucky winners to get in on all the action.
According to a press release, the ‘Hotella Nutella Weekend Breakfast Experience,’ includes roundtrip airfare for you and guest as well as accommodations for three d...

One of the Med’s most elusive island getaways, everyone from James Bond to Jay Z and Beyoncé have been taken by this Italian island paradise.

As we make our way on foot along a sandbank in of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, dozens of Carmine Bee-Eaters, a reddish bird sporting black eyes and a blue crown, cheerfully zip, dip and dive their way into the hundreds of tiny nesting holes carved into the cliffs. “On walking safaris, you see the small things and learn about the things that nature has left behind,” our guide, Abel, said as we made our way around the park that morning. “You see the big things, too, like zebras, giraff...

It’s been a gloomy, wet and overall murky week here in New York City so far, a fate far worse than the stifling heat everyone (this writer included) seemed to complain about just a few short weeks ago. However as I write that I take stock of the fact that rain is something we tend to take for granted, especially now as the fires continue to blaze out west and heartbreak continues for so many in Northern California. Rain or shine, wherever you find yourself in the world today, it’s as good a t...

A quick getaway to a glitzy metropolis can be invigorating, but really, you need a full week to truly experience America's biggest and best cities. And while we're all for a relaxing trip to a cute small town, there's only so much leaf-peeping and antiquing you can do before you get bored. So why not split the difference? America's small cities offer the best of both worlds: all the trappings of a small town -- don't worry, there will be many opportunities to use the word "quaint" -- with eno...

If you’ve ever daydreamed about what it's like to live in a luxurious apartment with doorman service on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, then you’ll love your experience at Hôtel Plaza Athénée New York.
The exclusive hotel ...

Harvest season is now well underway in California’s Napa Valley, and with an estimated 400-wineries that span across the region’s roughly 35-mile stretch between Napa and Sonoma, choosing where to go can be just as persnickety as the very grapes that grow here. From the cooler climates found in Carneros that turn out some of the areas best chard’s and pinots in the south to Calistoga’s fabled zinfandel’s, cab sauv’s and slight warmer climate to the north, there’s really no going wrong when it...

In an exclusive interview with Forbes, Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam discusses the importance sustainability on the high seas and why it’s imperative that cruise ship operators conform to more sustainable practices before it’s too late.
When it comes to sustainability, cruise ships have always been somewhat of a boondoggle. However, Norwegian cruise operator Hurtigruten is working to change that with the launch of MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid electric–powered expedition ship....

It was a warm night in late August as the Napa Valley Wine Train slowly made its way past the rolling hills and vineyards that dot Napa’s illustrious valley. On board, around a hundred or so of Beaulieu Vineyards wine club members and special guests were celebrating the launch of the winery’s 80th anniversary bottling of Georges de Latour.
Considered the area’s first cult Cabernet, BV’s reputation as one of Napa Valley‘s longest running wineries is reason enough to celebrate; but between this...

Even for the savviest of travelers, the journey to Antarctica is anything but easy. Best case scenario you're talking multiple flights and then there's the infamous Drake Passage. But once you're there, electric blue icebergs piercing through cobalt colored water and an entire continent dotted with hundreds of thousands of waddling penguins awaits you. It’s a bucket list destination like none other, however unlike other places, traveling to Antarctica takes a f...

After a devastating fire tore its way through the Bungalows Key Largo last May, the luxury, adults-only hotel will officially reopen its doors just in time for the holidays. The only all-inclusive resort in the Florida Keys, the hotel is back and better than ever, featuring 135 private bungalows each of which are outfitted with its own bougainvillea-laden veranda complete with oversized alfresco soaking tub and garden shower.
Located on the Northernmost part of the Florida Keys just 63 miles ...