Fine Traveling

Travelers heading to Southern California can get more than they bargained for by scheduling an adventure tour instead of simply seeing Hollywood. Southern California offers some of the best adventures tours in all the United States with options you wouldnt believe available to you if you can afford them. Here are some of the top. Indy Style Auto Racing is available for the race enthusiast, and allows you to drive your own Indy car around a track at speeds of up to 150 mph. You can even race your friends in 16 and 32 minute races with a pit instructor providing feedback while you race. If you have ever wanted to race Indy cars then this is the adventure for you. Cost ranging from $400 to $2000 In San Diego you can find yourself piloting a Glider plane reaching elevations of up to 5000 feet. These planes are designed to take either one to two people as they are small sleek planes, thus allowing them to do aerobatics normal planes cannot. These planes are not for the faint of heart as the

A sexy new sleeping spot has opened on the corner of Hollywood and Vine in Los Angeles , the Redbury Hotel, the latest addition to the sbe Hotel Collection . The decor is downright divine, featuring a kaleidoscope of colors, materials and eras - the eclectic energy is just right. While crimson is the predominant hue of the property creating a boudoir-esque flair, playful armchairs, throws and helter-skelter framed ephemera counter it perfectly. Be sure to swing by Redburys new bohemian-cum-chichi restaurant Cleo as well, which is serving up traditional tapas, nibbles from the raw bar, and creative cocktails. (Weve heard the Lotus Flower with crushed blackberries or the Honey Citrus Sidecar with Jack Daniels whiskey and agave nectar are downright delicious.) Helmed by executive chef Daniel Elmaleh , guests can nosh on everything from tuna tartar and grilled octopus to moussakah and pumpkin salad - satisfying delicate omnivores and toothy carnivores alike. Cleo echoes the famous 1917

If you enjoy all things luxurious and are particularly inclined to luxury air travel, you will be glad to know that luxury train travel boasts many advantages over traditional luxury air travel such as gorgeous scenic views, less monotony, ample space, spacious amenities, comfortable sleeping areas and bathrooms. There is no doubt that the plane is the fastest mode of transport out there, and its also true that a plane offers stunning panoramic views. Having said this, the amazing planes window views do not last long as they are often broken by the view of clouds, whereas on a train ride you can relish scenic views en route. Luxury train travel has truly come a long way and its popularity is on the up-trend. If youve never had the pleasure to enjoy a luxury train ride and are wondering about the worlds most luxurious trains, below we have a list of the most popular luxury train tour operators in the world. Trans-Siberian Express The Trans-Siberian Express is one of the largest and mos

For once, me and my travel partner decided, we would explore some new territory. As our season for vacations approached, we looked at the overwhelming trend of our past vacations: island hopping in the Pacific Rim, island hopping in the Caribbean, long stays in the Mediterranean and all of the surrounding countries. We had done all of these trips several times. Although they were all wonderful places and experiences, we felt like going to a completely foreign, almost untouched destination. To our surprise, our deliberations whittled down to one place: Alaska. Although we both are American and speak English, Alaska sounded like one of the most foreign places we could travel to. With the numerous options different cruise lines offer, it wasnt difficult to fill out our plans to see glaciers, whales, the frontier and the Aurora Borealis. We chose a relaxing, luxurious cruise with generous dabs of exciting scenery and experiences. Frankly, I was surprised at the level of quality and

Theres a new high-style, lower-price hotel brand on the block, reports the Los Angeles Times, and its pretty sweet. Called Modo Hotels, the global lifestyle chain will be all about the music. Not just memorabilia, but a full immersion in music; think turn tables and music downloads for guests. To quote the Los Angeles Times: With a mix of high-energy public spaces, moderate room rates ($90 to $150 per night) and tech-heavy room design, the full-service, 150-room Modo hotels may seem like a mash-up of Hard Rock Hotels and Starwood Hotels affordable Aloft brand. The chain will feature Bauhaus-inspired dcor. Hotels will include a restaurant, large lounge area, gym, courtyard and the centerpiece: a music center where guests may spin vinyl albums, CDs or download MP3s. On the Modo website, you can already download selections from the collection of independent musicians who will be featured in the hotels. Modo Hotels will first open in major Brazilian metropolises like Sao Paulo, Campina

Anyone whos ever stayed at lebua at State Tower the all-suite luxury hotel located in the second tallest tower in Bangkok on the banks of the Chao Phraya River has gleaned a thing or two about lebua Hotels & Resorts. The luxury boutique hotel operator specializes in creating new concepts in luxury hospitality; lebua at State Tower has Bulgari amenities and private balconies in every suite, plus mind-numbing views of the city from the Sky Bar and Sirocco Restaurant, one of the highest al fresco restaurants in the world. lebua also owns and manages the Tower Club at lebua (the pinnacle of luxury on the top floors of State Tower) and the award-winning Lake Okareka Lodge (an exclusive hideaway surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Rotorua, New Zealand). Just recently, lebua Hotels & Resorts welcomed a new addition to its elegant portfolio: The Eugenia < /a>, a refined Relais & Chateaux property in the heart of Bangkok. Situated in a graceful Colonial-style house,

Planning a trip to Paris this year? What could be better than a plush room at the Ritz and some cocktails by Colin Field, arguably the worlds best bartender, at the Bar Hemingway? Heres what: A free upgrade and complimentary Champagne! A stay at the iconic palace hotel on the Place Vendme in Paris is guaranteed to be memorable. And if you book the Hotel Ritz with Five Star Alliance and choose the special Five Star Alliance rates, youll score complimentary extras that will make your stay that much more special: a free upgrade to the next room category (based upon availability) and a bottle of bubbly in your room on arrival.

Darley Newman leading a horse in Belize during the filming of Equitrekkings third season. All photos courtesy of Equitrekking. Heather Carreiro talks equine culture and travel with Darley Newman, the creator and TV producer behind the Emmy award-winning series Equitrekking . I met Darley Newman at Equine Affaire , a regional event for horseback riders and equine professionals, in November 2010. My goal in attending was to rack up professional development hours to count toward my riding instructor certification renewal, and while browsing the seminar schedule, skimming over topics about barn manager liability, hoof abnormalities, and establishing better communicating with donkeys, one workshop caught my attention: The Importance of the Equine in International Cultures with Darley Newman. Hearing about Darleys experiences riding among the Bedouin in Jordan, along volcanic cliffs in Iceland and as part of a raucous party ride in Costa Rica, I knew she was someone I could spend hours talk

Sardinia, the dream holiday destination that appeals a lot of people, is an ideal choice even for golf enthusiasts and people who want to start playing golf.Sardinia, the splendid island in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, has a lot of golf hotels, hotels with a golf course or standing near a golf course.The offer is wide: golf courses for expert people, together with practice courses for people who is approaching the sport. One of the most famous golf hotels in Sardinia is the Golf Hotel Is Arenas .Located in Narbolia, province of Oristano, this five star hotel stands in a beautiful landscape made of pine forest, dunes, lagoon, lakes and, of course, the sea.Golf Hotel Is Arenas is perfect for golf specialists. It houses a 18 hole par 72 championship golf course, designed by three famous American architects, Robert Von Hagge, Smelek & Baril, and harmoniously inserted in the natural landscape.Golf Hotel Is Arenas is a good choice even for who wants a wellness holiday: it has a SP

If tasting fabulous wines, listening to knowledgeable wine experts, touring world-famous wineries and vineyards as you relax and cruise along the calm Rhine and Mosel Rivers in Europe sounds like the perfect vacation for you, I recommend you experience the same wine-tasting cruise from which I just returned. Boarding the luxurious yet wonderfully comfortable MS AmaLegro in Amsterdam in the cool dusk of a late fall afternoon, I immediately felt at home in the beautifully furnished river cruise ship which can hold up to 150 passengers but never felt crowded with its spacious lounge and large staterooms. Cruising up the Rhine River through Germany, we marveled at the virtually vertical vineyards which line the river banks and the ruined castles which loom over the meticulously groomed vineyards. A variety of delicious wines was presented with dinner and also with many of the lunches. At lunch one day,we had averyspecialmeal, presided over bya local vintner, Mr. Loewenstein,who gavea comm

A few months ago near my home in Washington, DC, I was sitting at the bar of the luxuriant W Hotel downtown. I started a conversation with another patron, both of us enjoying finely crafted cocktails which have become a signature of the worldwide chain. I eventually noted to my new companion that I was reviewing the hotel and would like his feedback. After a stream of consciousness endorsement that ran on for nearly 5 minutes, he paused, looked up at me and asked, What exactly does The W stand for anyway? I was thinking Washington at first, since were in DC, but then all of them are called that. I looked back, thought for a moment, and replied, The W stands for luxury and excellence. Truly there is no better answer, for wherever one finds the Starwood brand hotel, the accompaniment to each stay is just that, luxury and excellence. The trouble with having such high expectations is living up to them. In the hotel world, Ive often been disappointed by an inferior extension of the

Hot off the press. After opening a hotel on the top of the world a few months ago ( in the remote capital of Tibet ), St. Regis is now making a foray into the Middle East- with a luxury hotel planned for Jordans capital city of Amman. The St. Regis brand founded by John Jacob Astor IV over a century ago got its start in New York City, and has now expanded to prime locations around the globe, bringing its fabled butler service to nearby cities and far-off continents. Slated to open in 2014, the new St. Regis Amman will be situated in Ammans Abdoun district. The 270-room Jordan hotel will be among five St. Regis openings in the Middle East in the coming years, including properties in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In fact, the brand has more than doubled its portfolio of worldwide hotels and resorts in the past year. Amman serves as the gateway to Jordans rich touristic treasures including Petra , numerous religious sites (including the mountain from where Moses looked out over the promi

Carnival masks in Venice, Italy. Courtesy gnuckx on Flickr under CC. Known in the United States as Carnival, Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday, all such celebrations from New Orleans to Nice typically begin on or after Epiphany and end the day before Ash Wednesday. Though, many such festivals start well ahead the traditional week of reveling before Lent. Due to the popularity of this party the world over, when celebrants everywhere don colorful masks and costumes, its best to plan ahead if youre hoping to enjoy the spectacle in any of the following cities, famous for their exceptional Mardi Gras celebrations.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - One of the worlds top Carnival celebrations.Sydney, Australia - Three successive weekends of parties, plays, and more.Qubec City, Canada - Carnival in the snow!Mazatlan, Mexico - A local tradition for over 100 years.New Orleans, Louisiana - The biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S.Venice, Italy - Birthplace of the masked reveler and original

Luxe beach bums rejoice! Mandarin Oriental, Miami is unveiling a brand new private beach experience (think luxury beach cabanas, bespoke amenities, weekly happy hourshould we go on?). With the opening of the new Oasis Beach Club , sun bathers are flocking to the luxury hotel for a taste of the sand, sun and sea. The new furnishings include chaise lounges, cocoon daybeds, hammocks and cabanas that are outfitted with the latest technology. The private cabanas are available to rent for half or a full day and include a personal beach butler, welcome oshibori towels, Evian bottled water and fruit platters. Guests can choose the following packages: Mo Family Cabana includes welcome MO Cooler Drinks; a choice of beach game; pool floating devices; two beach cocktails for parents; choice of two tapas from the Oasis Beach Club menu; handheld video games for day use; and an assortment of Ben & Jerry ice cream bars. Spa Serenity Cabana includes an Aromatherapy massage for two; green iced te

Calling all foodies. Dublins Merrion Hotel home to Irelands only two-star Michelin restaurant and the countrys largest collection of private art outside the National Gallery is now letting guests have the key to the pantry, so you can take home all the hand-crafted culinary delicacies youve tasted on the premises. Created in the hotels kitchen by Executive Chef Ed Cooney and his staff, the selection of jams and preserves showcase the very best locally sourced ingredients. And not only are they delicious to eat, but theyre pretty to look at, all custom-packed to reflect The Merrions Georgian architectural style. The range of products includes Merrion chocolate and hazelnut spread, blueberry and raspberry jams, red onion marmalade, tomato relish, lemon oil, and festive items such as mulled wine and grape chutney, brandy butter and cranberry and orange sauce. The Merrion Pantry range is available for purchase year-round.

ESL Resource: Super Simple Song s During my time spent teaching ESL in Thailand , Korea and Turkey , Ive learned that even the most quality textbooks can use a little supplementing now and then. Thats when I hit the internet, hunting for worksheets and activities to keep my students busy. Theres a whole lot of teaching material to wade through online, but its worth it for those additions that make my lessons more engaging. Here is my master list of free online ESL teaching materials. The majority of these resources are for ESL teachers, but some would be helpful for ESL students as well. Grammar and Vocabulary 1. English Language Centre Study Zone This site, from the University of Victoria, has clear, concise grammar lessons. Readings come with interactive comprehension questions and tasks. 2. English Grammar in Use If you ask me, Raymond Murphys grammar texts for ESL learners are damn near perfect; they have clear explanations, lots of practice exercises, and are thorough. Ive b

Leave it to Morgans the luxury hotel group behind hip properties like Londons Sanderson and the Mondrian in West Hollywood to come up with an innovative new offering to stretch guests minds. As reported by The Independent , Morgans has partnered with The School of Life , an organization that runs programs to increase personal fulfillment, to ensure that the minds of its guests are as well exercised as their bodies. Theyre unveiling something called the Minibar for the Mind, like a Pandoras box filled with items to unleash your creative spirit and intellectual curiosity. Described as a midnight feast of intellect, inspirations and ideas, the Minibar for the Mind includes a box of 250 conversation starters, a volume of columns written by faculty at The School of Life, Reading Prescriptions designed to evoke moods of relaxation or seduction and a notebook and pencil set. Heres the skinny from The Independent: The set costs $56 (suggesting, perhaps, that minibars are extortionate whateve

Spain is renowned for its fantastic cuisine, from the classics such as paella and gazpacho to theheavily seafood influenced dishes such as suquet (seafood stew) and empanada (bread pies filledwith shellfish) there are thousands of new and exciting flavours to try while holidaying in Spain. If you are a bit of a foodie and are looking to try out some of the finest dishes while youre away,then take a look at our guide to 10 of the best restaurants to visit in Spain. 1. El Bulli El Bulli, the Michelin 3 star restaurant on the north-east tip of Spain, is regarded as being one of thevery best restaurants in the World. El Bulli has featured as the number one restaurant in the worldby Restaurant Magazine a record five times, and is run by head chef Ferran Adria. Typical dishes include: hot and cold trout roe tempura and tapioca of Iberian ham. 2. Mugaritz Mugaritz features head chef Andoni Aduriz, who was an apprentice at El Bulli. Situated in SanSebastian, and similar to El Bulli, has been

Looking for the perfect Valentines option in Miami? How about a night of luxury at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle resort in Aventura? The 300-acre tropical retreat one of the best kept secrets in South Florida is offering rosy room rates on February 13 and 14 starting from just $169 per room, per night, a savings of 62%. Take advantage of the Rosy Valentines Offer and enjoy deluxe accommodations in a Fairmont Room and a number of specials on dining, the spa, and pool cabanas. Get the romance on with a three-course gourmet dinner at BOURBON STEAK, Chef Michael Minas contemporary American resto, or play cupid by reserving a Green Tee romance dinner at the Cascata Grille restaurant, where an an aphrodisiac Valentines menu will delight your sweetheart. Subject to availability. Room tax and resort fee is additional.

Looking for the perfect Valentines option in Miami? How about a night of luxury at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle resort in Aventura? The 300-acre tropical retreat one of the best kept secrets in South Florida is offering rosy room rates on February 13 and 14 starting from just $169 per room, per night, a savings of 62%. Take advantage of the Rosy Valentines Offer and enjoy deluxe accommodations in a Fairmont Room and a number of specials on dining, the spa, and pool cabanas. Get the romance on with a three-course gourmet dinner at BOURBON STEAK, Chef Michael Minas contemporary American resto, or play cupid by reserving a Green Tee romance dinner at the Cascata Grille restaurant, where an an aphrodisiac Valentines menu will delight your sweetheart. Subject to availability. Room tax and resort fee is additional.

Many travelers dream of a luxurious holiday but believe they simply cant afford it. In fact, there are many easy ways to extend your vacation budget, enabling you to afford more luxury than you might think. Here are some insider tips to get you started. 1. Flexibility Be flexible with your travel plans. Consider traveling off-season when your vacation budget will go further. If you enjoy skiing, consider booking a holiday trip to Canada in March. There will still be snow on the slopes but far fewer tourists. Resorts will be offering special incentives to attract your business during the off-season. Likewise, look at tropical getaways and cruise holidays during the summer months. The prices drop substantially, allowing you to upgrade your accommodations or enjoy more entertainment for the same amount of money. If you can be flexible about which days you travel, you can also save a bundle on your airfare. Check out the Flex Search on Orbitz . Enter in a date span of one month to see whic

x Rocksure Property have partnered with Quintessentially , a world leading private members club and concierge service to create an exciting new investment fund The Quintessentially Rocksure Platinum Fund . This will be the fourth fund created by Rocksure Property, continuing to provide investors with shared ownerships in luxurious properties, exquisite destinations, notable service levels, reduced investment risk and the comforts of a five star hotel. Thepartnership symbolises the coming together of two market leaders to provide a lucrative lifestyle opportunity to a handful of the worlds most discerning individuals, Quintessentially for their ability to enhance the art of luxury living and this in turn benefits Rocksure investors with the highest possible service levels. The Quintessentially Rocksure Fund will comprise of five properties sourced by the Rocksure team, with both investors desires and potential for capital gain in mind. The first property will be a 5-bedroom villa loca

In 1969 it started with an idea and $500; this is the place, the place where it all started. Robert Redford Sundance is Redfords beautiful retreat in the mountains, a place of discovery and inspiration nestled at the based of 12,000-ft Mount Timpanogos. Its a place devoted to environmental conservation and artistic experimentation. Its also a spectacular place to ski, with beautiful accommodations and excellent resort amenities. And now a special offer lets guests ski for free when they stay at Sundance : with two complimentary lift tickets per room. The Washington Post describes the deal : Rates for a standard room with a queen-size bed start at $312 a night double, including $43 in taxes and fees. Lift tickets are worth $47 per person and cover day and night skiing. (Visitors can ski until 9 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays). The resort offers 41 downhill ski runs over 500 acres. Valid through April 2, except Jan. 20-30. Some other dates are sold out.

Approximately one sixth the size of neighbours Mozambique and Zambia and five times smaller than Botswana, relatively speaking, Malawi is a slither of a country. Despite this modest stature the region actually enjoys incredible natural and cultural diversity, a characteristic which is quickly establishing it as a rising star of African tourism. Many of those visitors who are lucky enough to experience Malawi only enjoy a transitory encounter with this colourful nation, spending a few days there as they migrate onwards to Africas big landmarks and more popular destinations. This partiality is a real shame but one that seems all too common. Malawi has an awful lot to offer the enthusiastic traveller; fantastic wildlife, fascinating culture and a landscape which encompasses grand lakes, grasslands, mountains and some of the best hiking and walking trails on the whole of the continent. The Great Rift Valley dissects much of the country with that unmistakable scar-like trench meandering fro

Visitors to Hong Kong in February 2011 can join locals in celebrating the biggest and most important festival on the Chinese calendar Chinese New Year. This year it will the Year of the Rabbit and festivities include flamboyant flower markets, a spectacular night parade, stage performances, fabulous fireworks and lively sporting events, as well as plenty of other attractions. Chinese New Year celebrations run from 28th January to 17thFebruary 2011, allowing visitors to discover all the wonderful events and attractions synonymous with Hong Kong. Some key dates to look out for are: 3rd February 2011 Joining the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade this year will be performers from the London School of Samba . The parade starts at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Spectator stands open at 7pm for ticket holders only. Tickets cost HK$350/ $300/ $220/ $180 per person. 4th February 2011 Lunar New Year Fireworks, Victoria Harbour, 8pm between

Located half-way between Darwin and dual World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, on the banks of the Mary River, a stylish new accommodation experience, Wildman Wilderness Lodge , opens its doors to visitors in April 2011. Offering guests world-class wildlife experiences, the new property comprises of 10 cabins (habitats) with fixed structures and 15 luxury safari tents allowing guests to feel closer to the beautiful surrounding environment. Families are catered for with five of the safari tents including extra beds. A central open-plan lodge provides excellent seasonal Australian fare in the relaxed dining facilities and an opportunity to kick-back in the air-conditioned lounge bar. The lodge and guest accommodation have been designed and built to view the pristine wetlands, billabongs and seasonal floodplains which are home to hundreds of bird and animal species. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities from a sunrise billabong cruise or a days touring of Kakadu to a walking

We all like to please our palette, while still keeping our tummies tucked. Fortunately Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles Executive Chef Ashley James is serving up a menu of palatable pleasures that will still keep that New Years resolution intact. His Healthy World menu at Windows Lounge includes: Baja Tuna Whole Wheat Sliders with sesame seared Ahi, roasted tomatillo salsa, avocado, jicama, cilantro and lime slaw Chefs Mix with mushrooms, roasted eggplant, currants, pine nuts, basil, tomato ragout, and little gem lettuce cups Jicama-wrapped Achiote grilled chicken tacos with cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, fennel, carrots and avocado salsa. Pair this menu with the existing Antioxidant and Energy Booster menu categories at the hotels Cabana Restaurant . Windows Lounge has received a makeover of its own, sporting plush sofas, armchairs and an extended outdoor patio. Need a little sultry on the weekend? Guests can enjoy live music Thursday through Sunday. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons

French cuisine celebrates elevation to UNESCO s World Intangible Heritages List by creating a National Festival of Gastronomy with restaurants across the country battling it out to offer outstanding dishes at mouth watering prices. France is the first country to be honoured by UNESCO for its national food and cuisine. It joins other cultural practices on UNESCOs World Intangible Heritages list such as the Royal Ballet of Cambodia and Mexicos Day of the Dead Festival. Its not just the cooking that has been recognised, but the very culture of close friends coming together and whiling away the hours over dinner. How French! To celebrate this achievement, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Mr Frdric Lefebvre, has announced the creation of La Fte de la Gastronomie Franaise (Festival of French Gastronomy). The very first Festival will be organised for 23rd September 2011, and will see restaurants all over France offering menus at exceptional prices in order to tempt hungry Frenchmen and tou

People head to Vegas to recoup with revelry, dividing their time between nightclubs, restaurants and casinos, steeping in neon lights, sequins and the tinny cascade of slot-machine coinsit can be exhausting. Lucky for revelers everywhere, Rumor , the boutique resort, has just opened four mega-suites, each boasting a different (yet equally over-the-top) personality. Formally the rather dilapidated St. Tropez Hotel, The Siegel Group spent $4 million converting the property into a 150 all-suite resort, which opened this past July. Designed by a collaboration with Mark Tracy of Chemical Spaces, the suites are well worth the wait, offering four chromatic visions for the wearied carouser. Each suite boasts 1,000-square feet of sexy eccentricity, facing into Rumors signature courtyard, dotted with swaying palms and pools. The first floor suites open up onto the patio, mere steps from the pool, while the second floor suites feature French doors leading onto an oversized balcony. (more)

You need a break from the frigid temperatures and wintry mix. Flee the sidewalk/driveway shoveling and bask in the sunshine on one of the prettiest beaches on earth. Though only 80 minutes by air from Miami, the Turks and Caicos feel like a world away. The Sands at Grace Bay is a secluded hideaway with pristine sand, turquoise water, and spacious balconied suites. Trade the winter for a little piece of heaven, and enjoy 25% off room rates for a limited time. ( Act fast to get these sweet savings ; discount available for stays through February 12, 2011.) Whether you end up relaxing in the free-form swimming pool or scuba diving the pristine reefs, youll appreciate a taste of the islands in the middle of the dreary winter. Psst. We hear that JetBlue will offer new nonstop service from New York and Boston to Providenciales and Continental Airlines will offer non-stop service from Newark starting in February.

Forget cupids, chocolate, and candy hearts. The Pierre the flagship of Taj Hotels on New Yorks Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park is going all out with a $80,000 package that will knock his/her socks off. (After a $100 million renovation, the hotel reopened in 2009 to much fanfare, and is now home to Londons famous brasserie, Le Caprice.) News of this exclusive package for Valentines Day 2011 has been making the rounds on the Internet , and we must admit- its one of the most indulgent weve seen. One spendthrift lucky couple will get spoiled rotten while bedding down for two nights in the Tata Suite, the lavish Presidential Suite named for the founder of Taj Hotels. Luxist has the skinny on what the package includes : cocktails in Two E Bar/Lounge with your choice of festive Champagne or a signature cocktail; dining at Le Caprice; a pre-celebration makeover for him and her at Madison Avenues Julien Farel Salon and a romantic evening just for two in the Pierre ballroom on Monday, Feb

Hawaii is full of color and aloha. Courtesy Kanaka Menehune on Flickr under CC. Yes, Hawaii is the perfect destination for a blissed-out beach vacation. But more than just a sun-soaked postcard getaway, Hawaii offers visitors plenty of local art and cultural to warrant a trip to its idyllic isles. Among the many top events in 2011 are the following festivals and celebrations.17th Annual Honolulu Festival - This colorful annual Oahu event is a celebration of the music, art, and culture of Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region. Look for a grand parade through Waikiki along with displays and liver performances this year from Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, the Philippines, Tahiti, Alaska, and - of course - Hawaii. March 11-13., 2011.Merrie Monarch Festival - Honoring the legacy of King David Kalkaua who inspired the perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions, native language, and the arts, including hula, this weeklong Big Island festival is a hit. Featuring an internationally acclaimed hu

Off & Away , a luxury hotel deals website is kicking off February 2011, the traditional month of love with gusto thanks to one of the highest-value auctions ever. The fun new auction site for travel connoisseurs seeking luxury travel experiences will auction off a special three-night stay in the ME Cancun Hotel s Suite ME prior to Valentines Day. The winning bidder will receive an all-inclusive stay in the luxurious 9,757 square foot, bi-level Suite ME, home to the cast of the 22nd season of The Real World, for up to 10 friends and family members. The ME Suite is the definition of luxury, offering numerous lavish features including four ocean-view bedrooms, six bathrooms, two Jacuzzis, three private balconies, a jellyfish aquarium, pool table, gourmet kitchen, bar, and much more. This all inclusive three-night stay in the Real World Suite is expected to be won in February for 80-95% off the retail price, the average amount of savings won by consumers of this site and provides a gr

Londons May Fair Hotel kicked off 2011 in a big way: by inaugurating a swanky new VIP bar called 150 at The May Fair. Whats the name about, you ask? 150 refers to the measurement of the featured menu item, the Champagne magnum (150 cl). Launched with Mot Hennessey UK, the bar specializes in pairing vintage Champagnes and canaps by celebrity chef Silvena Rowe. The idea: guests can host a private Champagne party, complete with their own mixologist for the night, with magnums that are personalized with the guests name in Swarovski crystals. For the ultimate indulgence, order the Dom Prignon Rose 1998 Experience, priced at 4,400 (approx. $6,800), which is for 12 guests and features four magnums of Dom Prignon Vintage Rose 1998 paired with four canaps for each guest: seared diver-caught scallops and sevruga caviar remoulade; crispy spiced jumbo prawns with avocado and tahini; West Mersea native oysters with sevruga caviar and szechaun button and pomegranate glazed foie gras.

New Zealand has always been a favourite destination of mine. Whether you are looking for family orientated structure, romantic seclusion or exhilarating adventure, Aotearoa has consistently maintained its reputation as one of the worlds most versatile holiday locations. A melting pot of cultures, the country promises an experience unlike any other; with a proud South Pacific lineage supplemented by strong European associations and a more recent Asian migration, New Zealand is nothing if not eclectic. The nations two constituent territories, the aptly named North and South Islands, are only separated by a short boat ride across the Cook Strait, but despite their close proximity manage to retain a distinctive sense of identity and independence. New Zealand seems to enjoy an endless catalogue of breathtaking scenic, architectural and cultural landmarks which will enchant, dumbfound and excite; from the Bay of Islands, Auckland Skytower and the Te Pa Pa Museum to Mt Cook, Milford Sound and