Think all-inclusives are old news? Wait until you see what’s blooming on the Dominican Republic’s quiet coast. Is it possible to bet on basketball, sip craft beer and tee off—all before dinner? In New Hampshire, it’s not just possible. It’s bookable. How do you combine Japan’s cherry blossom season with heritage sites and hidden gems? A new boutique cruise by Heritage Expeditions might be just the trick.
In this edition of Smart Travel, we’re highlighting a fresh batch of destination updates and hotel happenings—from a historic Parisian landmark joining Mandarin Oriental, to United’s global expansion at SFO, to new cruise itineraries timed perfectly with nature’s showstoppers. Whether you’re scouting your next meeting locale or just daydreaming of your next getaway, here is what you need to know:
New Resorts Coming to Playa Esmeralda in 2025
The Dominican Republic’s Playa Esmeralda is getting a major hospitality boost in summer 2025 with the debut of Secrets Playa Esmeralda and Dreams Playa Esmeralda, two new all-inclusive resorts set along the region’s coastline. These properties are part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection and are managed by AMResorts, a subsidiary of Apple Leisure Group. The developments are in collaboration with Inversora Playa Esmeralda and Fuerte Group.
Playa Esmeralda, located near natural attractions like Montaña Redonda, Samaná Bay and Los Haitises National Park, is still relatively under the radar—but that’s likely to change. The area’s lush scenery and uncrowded beaches make it a promising location for both leisure travelers and incentive groups looking for a laid-back alternative to more developed destinations.
Read More: The Caribbean: Crystalline Dreams
Secrets Playa Esmeralda will offer an adults-only experience with 500 suites and a focus on privacy, spa services and elevated dining. Expect 10 restaurants, six bars and a mix of activities from yoga to themed events.
Dreams Playa Esmeralda is built for families, with its own set of 500 suites, three pools, a waterpark and dedicated kids and teens clubs. Dining spans nine restaurants and seven bars, with entertainment and activities designed to keep all ages engaged.
These two openings follow recent additions to the Dominican Republic like Zemi Miches and Marriott Miches Beach, and with a Four Seasons slated to arrive in 2026, Playa Esmeralda is quickly becoming a destination to watch.
The Nash Casino Taps UrVenue for Seamless Sports Entertainment Bookings
New Hampshire’s largest charitable gaming venue, The Nash Casino, has partnered with tech company UrVenue to simplify how guests book everything from premium game-day seating to golf simulator bays. Just in time for the busiest sports betting season of the year, the venue is rolling out online booking capabilities for several of its key attractions, including the DraftKings Lounge, Stadium Social Sports Bar & Grill and the Topgolf Swing Suite.
With UrVenue’s commerce and booking technology, guests can now reserve seats at specific times, book golf sessions and other experiences—all in one go. The system also features a dedicated microsite where fans can browse upcoming games and events, including high-demand matchups like College Hoops Madness.
The Nash, which boasts New Hampshire’s largest wall-mounted video screen at 60 feet wide and 22 feet tall, is looking to elevate the guest experience by making it easier to plan an evening out without the hassle. The move also marks UrVenue’s continued growth in the gaming and hospitality space as it expands its footprint with integrated, guest-friendly solutions.
Mandarin Oriental Adds Iconic Hôtel Lutetia to Its Paris Portfolio
Paris just got a little more luxurious. Mandarin Oriental has officially taken over management of the historic Hôtel Lutetia, now rebranded as Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris. Located on the city’s Left Bank, the property becomes the only Palace-designated hotel on that side of the Seine and complements Mandarin Oriental’s existing address on Rue Saint-Honoré.
Originally opened in 1910 by the founders of Le Bon Marché, Lutetia has long held a reputation as a hub for artists, writers and political figures—past guests include Picasso, James Joyce and Charles de Gaulle. Following a major restoration completed in 2018, the hotel blends its Art Nouveau and Art Deco roots with contemporary design and amenities.
Under Mandarin Oriental’s management, the hotel maintains its classic Parisian identity while benefiting from the group’s signature style and service. Highlights include Brasserie Lutetia, the Akasha wellness space and suites that reflect a mix of tradition and modern comfort.
“Today marks a new chapter for Mandarin Oriental as we officially welcome this legendary Parisian landmark Palace into our portfolio,” said Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental. “With Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris, we celebrate not only the rich heritage of the Left Bank but also our vision for the future of luxury hospitality.”
United Expands at SFO with New International Routes and Major Terminal Upgrades
United Airlines is scaling up at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in a big way. The carrier plans to increase its flight capacity by 20% in 2025, offering nearly 300 daily flights to more than 100 destinations—its largest SFO schedule since 2019 and the most of any airline in the Bay Area.
With a focus on global connectivity, United is rolling out several new international routes from SFO this year, including the only U.S. carrier service to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Adelaide. A second daily flight to Manila is also coming in December. The expansion strengthens United’s position as a leading West Coast gateway to Asia, Australia, Latin America and Europe.
Read More: APEC and Dreamforce Showed Off Forward-looking San Francisco
“SFO is key to our global strategy,” said Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines. “We’re winning more Bay Area travelers because of our investments in the product, the experience and the places we fly.”
The airline’s growth is supported by a $2.6 billion modernization project underway at Terminal 3, which includes new gates, upgraded security checkpoints, expanded retail and dining, and new United Club locations. Once complete in 2029, the updated terminal will give United room to grow and improve the overall traveler experience.
The expansion isn’t just about flights. United is also adding to its workforce—more than 1,600 new hires in 2024, with another 1,200 planned for 2025—making it one of the Bay Area’s largest employers. With industry-leading tech partnerships, including Starlink Wi-Fi, Apple-powered tools for employees and a future electric air taxi service with Archer, United is also betting big on innovation.
Heritage Expeditions Launches New Japan Cherry Blossom Cruise for Spring 2026
In response to growing interest from travelers, family-owned Heritage Expeditions has announced a new Cherry Blossoms of Japan voyage for spring 2026. The 12-day small-ship cruise will sail from Tokyo to Osaka, timed to coincide with Japan’s beloved Sakura season and the vibrant Hanami celebrations.
Read More: Japan Guide: Your Ultimate Know-Before-You-Go
The itinerary features a mix of well-known highlights and off-the-beaten-path destinations, including Mount Fuji, Hiroshima, Miyajima’s floating Torii gate and the contemporary art haven of Naoshima Island. Guests will also visit Busan, South Korea, while cruising through the scenic Seto Inland Sea and along the coastlines of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu.
“Japan is rightly famous for its cherry blossoms and the incredible celebrations and festivals that surround Sakura season,” said Aaron Russ, commercial director and expedition leader. “Our guests really wanted to experience this with us.”
The cruise departs from March 31 to April 11, 2026, and pricing starts at just under $9,000 per person (with early booking discount through April 30, 2025).
Heritage Expeditions also announced new dates for its Kimberley Explorer voyages in Australia, running from Darwin to Broome in July and August 2026, following a surge in demand for the company’s growing lineup of authentic expedition-style journeys.
