Ayan Zalaat is a newly opened ultra-luxury hotel and spa located near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, designed as a secluded sanctuary for discerning travelers. Situated in a tranquil valley near the sacred Bogd Khan Mountain, the retreat seamlessly blends Mongolian heritage and natural beauty with sophisticated modern design. Guests can enjoy a wide array of high-end amenities, including diverse fine dining options featuring Italian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine, alongside a full-service spa, a private cinema, and a bowling alley. By balancing rustic serenity with cosmopolitan comfort, Ayan Zalaat offers a unique cultural experience without compromising on world-class luxury.
Discover P.J. Joseph's blog, your guide to colored gemstones, diamonds, watches, jewelry, art, design, luxury hotels, food, travel, and more. Based in South Asia, P.J. is a gemstone analyst, writer, and responsible foodie featured on Al Jazeera, BBC, CNN, and CNBC. Disclosure: All images are digitally created for educational and illustrative purposes. Portions of the blog were human-written and refined with AI to support educational goals.
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Monday, February 16, 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026
2026 World’s Safest Airlines Revealed
AirlineRatings.com has released its highly anticipated 2026 rankings, naming Etihad Airways as the world’s safest full-service carrier and HK Express as the top low-cost airline. This year’s evaluation of 320 global airlines placed a significant new emphasis on turbulence prevention alongside traditional metrics like fleet age, incident history, and pilot expertise. The 2026 list highlights a historic shift as Etihad becomes the first Gulf carrier to secure the number one spot, leading a group of elite airlines that maintain exceptionally high safety standards through rigorous audits and advanced cockpit technology.
Florence Vineyard
Established by the father-son duo Jack Florence Sr. and Jr., Florence Vineyard is a prestigious source for Zinfandel and Petite Sirah located in the Dry Creek Valley and Rockpile regions. The vineyard is famous for its high-elevation plantings in rocky, red soil, featuring the historic "St. Peter's Church" clone that produces exceptionally intense fruit. Jack Florence Sr. played a pivotal role in the official creation of the Rockpile AVA, a designation that celebrates the area's steep, fog-free hillsides and unique terroir. This distinctive environment ensures that the grapes harvested here provide a signature character and depth to some of the region's most renowned wines.
Aparium Hotel
Founded in 2012 by Mario Tricoci, Aparium Hotel Group is a private management and development firm that specializes in independent lifestyle hotels throughout the United States. The company is defined by its "translocal hospitality" philosophy, which seeks to transform each property into a purposeful community hub. By focusing on deep local integration, Aparium ensures that its hotels serve as vibrant reflections of the neighborhoods they inhabit.
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Sphalerite Gemstone
This 16.26-carat Sphalerite showcases the mastery of Ben Kho, an award-winning lapidary and founder of Kho International. A survivor of the Khmer Rouge who rebuilt his life in Georgia, Kho has earned over 30 AGTA Cutting Edge Awards for his ability to transform difficult, high-value stones into intricate works of art. This gemstone represents both a world-class standard of precision cutting and the remarkable legacy of a celebrated expert in the field.
Calabash Earrings Beige Aqua Mustard Tigers Eye
The Calabash Earrings are a standout piece from the latest collection, blending modern geometric style with handcrafted detail. Featuring a striking palette of beige, aqua, and mustard, these $65.00 accessories are constructed from durable polyester rope and wax cord accented by genuine Tiger’s Eye stones. Designed for both comfort and quality, they are finished with nickel-free, gold-plated hooks that make them a versatile addition to any jewelry box.
Silver Angostura Bitter
Theo Fennell offers a playful yet sophisticated way to elevate your barware with custom silver sleeves and lids for Angostura Bitters. These handcrafted pieces blend distinctive design with high-quality craftsmanship to create a truly unique accessory. Because each silver sleeve can be personalized to your specific requirements, they serve as an exceptional and thoughtful gift.
TripAdvisor 2026 Best Of The Best Destinations
TripAdvisor has revealed its 2026 Travellers’ Choice "Best of the Best" Destinations, honoring 270 locations across 60 countries based on a full year of global traveler reviews. This year’s awards highlight top-ranked spots, such as Bali, which was named the world’s #1 destination, and New York City, the leading choice in the United States. To help travelers plan their ideal journeys, the platform organized the winners into seven specialized categories: Top Destinations, Trending Destinations (led by Madeira, Portugal), Culture & History (topped by Singapore), Food (won by London), and dedicated lists for Honeymoons and Solo Travel. By analyzing millions of authentic experiences from its community, Tripadvisor aims to inspire and guide travelers toward the most unforgettable experiences and emerging hotspots for the year ahead.







