Travel

Suite Escape: Aloft Houston

Got lofty expectations and a walk-up budget? Check in to Houston's brand-new Aloft hotel. You'll feel right at home (only better) amid the property's mod fixtures and urban-inspired rooms, which feature comfy signature beds, oversize shower heads, and custom Bliss spa products. Think of it as The W's fun younger brother. starwoodhotels.com.

–Larina Chen, JuliB  

Photo: Starwood.

Taking Off: Jeffrey Fashion Cares

Headed to Atlanta? It's almost time for the city's biggest annual fashion event, Jeffrey Fashion Cares. This year's special guest designer? Young phenom Jason Wu (who designed Michelle Obama's inauguration dress). Cocktails and an auction will accompany a fashion show of looks from Prada, Bottega Veneta, Wu and more. End the night with an after-party across the street at The W Atlanta Downtown, with DJ Fred Schneider (of the B-52s) on the turntables. August 31. jeffreyfashioncares.com.

–Emily L. Foley, JuliB  

Jason Wu, special guest designer at this year's Jeffrey
Fashion Cares event.

Book It Now: W Washington DC

What's located next to the White House and is one of the biggest things to happen to the Capitol since President Obama strolled in? Dubbed the place where "the congress of cool is in session," the new, 317-room W Washington DC hotel is home to the city's very first Bliss spa, plus Jean-Georges Vongerichten's J&G Steakhouse and a rooftop spot with views of the White House. What's the vibe? Distinctly W, of course, but with an Italian-Renaissance-meets-modern-cool aesthetic. Red is the color de rigueur, from the plush couches in the lounge and the booths at J&G to the tables at the destination bar, POV. It's all about life, liberty and the pursuit of luxury. starwoodhotels.com.

–JuliB  

Hot Spot: Miami Swimming Pools

Not a fan of sand? Skip the beach and hit up Miami's poolside paradises instead. Plunge is known for its late-night shindigs, but there's also a full bar and live DJ at the Gansevoort South's rooftop pool—even while the sun is out. The Fontainebleau, where dipping pools intersect with a large, free-form pool that wraps around the cabanas and tanning beds, is great for a swim (but avoid the weekend Euro dance party unless you're bikini-ready). Need to relax? The Standard is more holistic paradise than swanky splash pad. And the new W South Beach is launching Wet, a temp-controlled outdoor pool with over-the-top cabana service, specialty cocktails and personal sunblock applicators.

–Lauren Coto, Modern Luxury Magazines  

The pool at The Standard in Miami. Photo courtesy of the hotel.

Sales Scan: Heat of Haute Package at The W South Beach

The just-opened W South Beach’s Heat of Haute package is a well-heeled yet hip traveler’s dream come true. You may never want to leave once you've experienced the activities and perks—think DJ lessons, Jet Ski rides, cocktail tours, a Bliss hot salt scrub for two and dessert at Mr. Chow—that are included with your room rate. Book now for stays through December 24. whotels.com.

–JuliB  

Suite Escape: W Hotel Buckhead

It's only natural that an area crawling with posh boutiques and fine dining would need a swanky hotel to house visiting sophisticates, so it's no surprise that the W Hotel chain has found its way to the charming Buckhead area of Atlanta. The newly opened W Hotel Buckhead combines creature comforts like rainforest showers and plush beds with a sophisticated design by Thom Filicia, an infinity pool overlooking Peachtree Street and, of course, a bit of good old Southern hospitality. starwoodhotels.com.

–Kim Peiffer, ModernLuxury.com Contributor   

Suite Escape: W Doha Hotel & Residences

Traveling halfway around the world doesn't have to mean sacrificing those little indulgences we savor closer to home. Just minutes from the Arabian sea, the new W Doha Hotel & Residences in Qatar has the same Bliss Spa treatments, signature W beds, trendy nightlife and on-site dining you'd expect from your favorite Starwood property in the States. Dine at Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Spice Market or the prestigious La Maison du Caviar, then retreat to your suite, where you're sure to feel right at home. starwoodhotels.com.

–Kim Peiffer, ModernLuxury.com Contributor  

The Bliss Spa Lounge at the W Doha.