THE UNLOCKED COLLECTION

The most rewarding travel experiences aren’t rushed—and they aren’t accidental.

They happen in places with a strong sense of identity, where landscape shapes daily life, food reflects the land, and history and culture are felt rather than performed. Places that invite you to slow down, pay attention, and travel with intention.

The Unlocked Collection is a curated portfolio of destinations that embody this philosophy. Together, they form a point of view on how I believe travel should feel: thoughtful, intentional, and deeply connected to place.

Each destination in The Unlocked Collection is chosen deliberately. These are places that reward curiosity, invite exploration, and reveal themselves when a journey is carefully designed. They share a common set of qualities: a compelling sense of place; a balance of nature, culture, food, and history; and experiences that benefit from local insight and care.

Taken together, the collection reflects how I approach recommending destinations—and how I design travel for my clients.

I invite you to explore these places for inspiration. And if one resonates, let’s unlock it together.

YOUR HOST:

Naji Al-Awar is the owner of Ludlow Charlingtons, a coffee enthusiast, and community builder. He founded Ludlow Charlingtons in August 2021 to bring good people together over great coffee, support sustainable suppliers, and raise awareness for Chicago’s shelter dogs through partnering with Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control.

[No pressure here, Naji, but penciling this in in case you are open]

Hotel Casa Santo Domingo (5 stars) is built within the ruins of a 17th‑century Dominican convent. Part hotel and part museum, Casa Santo Domingo features beautifully restored colonial architecture, tranquil gardens, on‑site galleries, and a full-service spa — all within a short walk of Antigua’s central square.

El Convento Boutique Hotel (5 stars) sits on a cobblestone street opposite the ruins of an 18th-century convent. This boutique hotel has 26 well-appointed suites, a small outdoor pool, and roof terrace and is an ideal base for exploring Antigua.

*Hotels are subject to change based on availability.

ANTIGUA HOTELS: