Fine Traveling

The foodie world is still reeling with todays news: the 2011 Michelin Guide for France contains no new three-star restaurants. But though the star-filled galaxy appears to be shrinking , another category of restos is expanding quickly: the Bib Gourmand restaurants, or those which offer a good value. (At these eateries, a full meal costs than 35 (US$48) in Paris and 29 (US$40) in the rest of France.) No doubt these new guide listings reflect the trend among diners to seek out more value-oriented dining options. And there are a slew of stellar, bistronomique restaurants in Paris where multi-course meals can be had without breaking the bank. Note: The new two-star restaurants in Paris are some of the hottest meal tickets in town: Jean-Franois Pige at LHtel Thoumieux , LAtelier de Jol Robuchon-toile , and Passage 53 . Pictured: The Michelin three-starred restaurant at Le Meurice in Paris.

Manhattanites rejoice:The Beauty and the Beast-inspired Mondrian SoHo - swathed in powder blues and polished silver - has just opened something decidedly different, Mister H . Channeling the opulence and decadence of an opium den in Shanghai circa 1930, the new nightclub looks like a Asian boudoir with velour beds and blood-red lighting coupled with antique mirrors, a jade and gold checkered floor and of course, a slew of flickering lanterns. Owned by Armin Armiri of Socialista and Bungalow 8, Armiri says he wanted to create a place where Humphrey Bogart would head for a nightcap - this fictitious establishment is embodied in Mister H, which will serve up 12 specialty cocktails amid an all vinyl, funk soundtrack. Weve even heard that every pillow-strewn bed has a phone and each phone is randomly connected to another bed to facilitate coquettish phone calls. Related Article: Morgans Hotel Group Plans to Open Delano Hotels in Mexico and Turkey

Manhattanites rejoice:The Beauty and the Beast-inspired Mondrian SoHo - swathed in powder blues and polished silver - has just opened something decidedly different, Mister H . Channeling the opulence and decadence of an opium den in Shanghai circa 1930, the new nightclub looks like a Asian boudoir with velour beds and blood-red lighting coupled with antique mirrors, a jade and gold checkered floor and of course, a slew of flickering lanterns. Owned by Armin Armiri of Socialista and Bungalow 8, Armiri says he wanted to create a place where Humphrey Bogart would head for a nightcap - this fictitious establishment is embodied in Mister H, which will serve up 12 specialty cocktails amid an all vinyl, funk soundtrack. Weve even heard that every pillow-strewn bed has a phone and each phone is randomly connected to another bed to facilitate coquettish phone calls.

The 6,000 plus travel advisors surveyed for Virtuosos annual Lux Report have selected Mexico as the number five international travel destination for 2011 and for good reason. Mexico has long delivered incredible value and rich luxury opportunities to travelers worldwide. Here are five lavish experiences in Mexico sure to surpass the expectations of even the most experienced and discerning of travelers. 1. Vacation in a Private Villa Exclusive, private villas offer a level of secluded luxury simply unattainable by hotels and resorts. Whether its the quiet Colonial countryside, the lofty cliffs overlooking the Pacific coast, or the lush plantations of the Yucatan Peninsula, the vast geography of Mexico is home to unique and distinct villas and haciendas that redefine the notion of getting away. 2. Tour by Private Plane/Helicopter Mexico is an enormous country covering 2 million square kilometers of land area, and has been home to hundreds of fascinating and historically significant cult

Looking for one last winter vacation spot for spring break? Revel in the sublime snow and peaks at The Canyons Resort in Park City- boasting some 4,000 acres of skiable terrain. With 176 trails, 19 lifts, six natural half-pipes (including the quarter-mile-long Canis Lupus), and two cutting-edge terrain parks, The Canyons is Utahs largest mountain playground for skiers and snowboarders. Check out some of the brand new lifts and gondolas, and ride the first-ever lift in North America with heated seats departing from The Canyons Grand Summit Hotel . While youre there, be sure to check out The Canyons Resort Ski Beach, a new gathering place at the base area where you can grab a hot drink and tasty eats and recharge your batteries. After a glorious day on the mountain, soak up the luxury at the Grand Summit Hotel or Silverado Lodge at The Canyons . Youll find beautiful slopeside lodging and no shortage of amenities: elegant dining, four season heated pools, childrens programs and more.

When does Wimbledon start this year? I asked the gent standing at the gates of the great complex, just outside of London. He looked back at me and replied sincerely, Whenever the strawberries are ripe. Indeed, The Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club would hardly begin without those delicious strawberries and cream at the ready. And if not ripe, how else would you serve the worlds finest seasonal fruit? Yet for those of us who prefer a more specific date, and since there are few people who plan around the harvest anymore, Wimbledon will be held from June 20 to July 3, 2011 in that South London borough made famous by the likes of Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer. The 2011 Wimbledon Championships will be perhaps even more exciting than the rest, with a host of players at the top of their game. Will it be a repeat for Rafa Nadal, a return to glory for Federer, or will the United Kingdom finally claim back its crown with the feisty Scot, Andy Murra

Versilia Riviera, set on the Northern Tuscany coast, has become a favourite retreat for celebrities and wealthy vacationers. Its reputation dates to the 1960s, when industrialists made wealthy by a booming economy chose Versilia as a place to get away followed soon thereafter by the Prince and Princess of Piedmont, who eventually chose Viareggios beach resorts for their summer sunbathing. Today Versilia is well known to travellers and investors from around the world. Visitors come from Russia, Middle Eastern countries, and China, joined by American and Japanese artists who have found a little Athens in the small medieval village of Pietrasanta. This rustic site hosts some of the most famous workshops in the world for artisans working with Carrara white marble, bronze, and Venetian Murano glass. The cosy village also is well equipped with charming hotels, located in luxuriously renovated historical palaces. The Albergo PIETRASANTA evokes a XVIII century Grand Tour, when noblemen and -

Waiting at baggage claim as a sea of same-looking suitcases roll past can often lead to confusion and at the very least anxiety. But luxury travel brand Tumi has created a stylish way to tell your suitcase apart from all the others. Enter Accent Your Alpha , a chic customization service that allows customers to spruce up their bags with colored components. Parts of the bag that can be personalized with a pop of color include the monogrammed leather patch at front, luggage tag, add-a-bag hook, bag guards, zipper pulls and zippered pouch so ideally you should be able to tell your bag apart from all others at any angle. Customers can have red, pink, green, blue, silver or brown accents applied to their bags upon purchase at Tumi stores. For those frequent fliers who already have a Tumi bag (or two, or three!), just bring it back to the store, buy the coloring kit for $50, and Tumi will put all the extra touches on your staple suitcase. Leave it to Tumi to come up with a sleek and simpl

Cologne, Germany is a gorgeous and ancient city, snuggled right next to the Rhine River so, like most of the German river towns and cities, it is extremely accessible by river cruise ships. You can tour the lovely cathedral, stroll the cobblestone streets, have a coffee at one of the cafes or shop for beautiful handmade linens in the shops. But make sure you save time to visit the wonderful Lindt World of Chocolate Museum because it is well worth a visit. You cant miss the huge and modern museum, which looks much like a ship, located right on the river front, just a short walk from the Cologne Cathedral. Pay your admission and begin your journey through the three exhibition levels which take you on a tour through 3,000 years of the history of chocolate, all the way from Aztec chocolate makers to the modern Lindt chocolate candies. The smell of chocolate permeates the building its probably the best-smelling museum in the world! There is a small but complete demonstration area of a choc

Art lovers traveling to Paris wont want to miss a stay at Le Royal Monceau , the legendary palace hotel that recently got a top-to-bottom makeover by design guru Philippe Starck. The hotel itself resembles a contemporary art gallery with fantastic pieces on display in the garden and public areas, and custom-designed decor and artwork in the guest rooms. Theres also an in-house cinema and a contemporary art bookstore, soon featuring screens broadcasting live feeds of international art auctions. But Le Royal Monceau goes one step further for art aficionados. The hotel also offers an Art Concierge to arrange personalized art-themed itineraries to Paris museums and galleries. And the hotel itself morphs into a gallery to showcase cutting-edge artists. Check out the hotels Art for Breakfast blog for the skinny on the latest happenings around town, plus interviews with leading artists.

Curious about the tallest hotels on the planet? Do any hotels in the Americas make the cut? Web Urbanist just published the Top 10 List, and its making the Internet rounds. Burj Al Arab the sail-shaped wonder soaring over the beach in Dubai lands on the list, along with two other Dubai properties: The Rose Rayhaan by Rotana and Jumeirah Emirates Towers . The rest of the buildings can be found in cities across Asia: The Baiyoke Tower II in Bangkok, The Cullinan I in Hong Kong, the Grand Lisboa in Macau, The Lanko-Grand Hyatt Hotel in Chongqing, Swisstel The Stamford in Singapore, Oasis Skyway Garden Hotel in Shanghai, JR Central Hotel Tower in Nagoya, and Ryugyong Hotel Tower in Pyongyang. Check out all the photos here.

Just when you thought Ludlow St. in Manhattan couldnt get any hipper, Hotel Chantelle (which is actually a bar and restaurant) goes and opens a new speakeasy, SGTs , rumored to be named after a French World II safe house. Try the first floor first - take a seat on the crimson-colored leather banquettes or take a gander at the 18th and 19th-century salvaged wood that serves as a cozy decorative mainstay. But then keep your eyes peeled for an illuminated exit sign inside Hotel Chantelles bar and descend the stairs to discover the hush-hush dance club SGTs, all 7,500 square feet of it. And just in case youre thinking of this bar as a the kind of place to hunker down in winter with a warm pint of Guinness, rest assured that come spring, all the scantily clad sirens of NYC will be flocking to the pending greenhouse rooftop garden with retractable roof.

Hurry! Youve just got a few more days to snag a deal at The Fairmont Banff Springs the majestic mountain resort known as The Castle in the Rockies. Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, the resort is set in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fairmont Banff Springs Spotlight Offer is available to book until February 27, 2011 and translates to 40% off room rates with a third night free, for travel until May 31, 2011. Prices start from CAD $179 based on double occupancy in a Fairmont Room. ( The fine print: A full non-refundable deposit (no cancellations) is required at time of booking. This offer is non-transferable and subject to availability. ) Psst. Could The Fairmont Banff Springs host the young royals on their honeymoon? From the website: With the approaching royal wedding, rumour has it that Banff National Park is a possible honeymoon location for William and Kate. Royal watchers agree that Fairmonts regal history King George VI & Queen

Foodies looking for fodder? The Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra in Cambodia has opened its eighth restaurant, Fu Lu Zu. The new dining digs joins the ranks of a Chinese restaurant, Japanese restaurant and Italian restaurant, as well as a chocolatiere, an Old World bar, two poolside eateries and La Coupole, which blends both Western and Asian flavors. We like the restaurants timeless theme, which takes diners back to the Golden Age of travel (think plush red seats and coffered ceiling). Here gourmands can feast on sharks fin and braised birds nest as well as lobster, crab and barbecued pork. Saturday and Sunday mornings are reserved for dim sum, and, as a nice touch, the restaurant will remain open into the wee hours for famished night owls.

Shoe shopping, Champagne, an iconic five-star hotel, manicures and pedicures and lunch in one of Londons hottest restaurants. What more can a girl ask for? Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and Christian Louboutin have joined forces to create the Paint the Town Red package the ultimate treat.Guests will be able to check in to their room at Londons most exclusive address, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in Knightsbridge before a mani/pedi nail paint and polish by the award-winning spa team. Then its a quick taxi ride to Christian Louboutins flagship London store on Mayfairs Mount Street where they will be welcomed into the hidden Library Room in the heart of the boutique, designed to be invisible to other shoppers through a series of mirrors and Perspex alcoves. There they will be able to to shop in private for those coveted red heels whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne and treats. Returning to the hotel, the concierge will be delighted to help with all those Christian L

What makes a holiday stand out from any other? Its probably a question of timing, circumstance,travel companions and above all, taste. Thats never truer than in the luxury end of the market, but what luxury travellers increasingly seem to want is not just opulent suites, glamorous destinations and extravagant restaurants serving first-class food, but holidays that make the heart leap. Even the cruise operators which have traditionally catered for the 5065+ age range report their clientele are also seeking something with a bit more adventure. Seasoned travellers demand real luxury with excellent food, superb service and accommodation andthe freedom to do as they please. They also expect their holiday to be as carefully crafted as anybespoke suit to fit their individual needs. Above all, they want to be transported to other worlds, indulge in activities that will lift the spirits and interact with local people who make them feel welcome. You would also imagine that they would want to put

Did you see the new comedy from Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston? ( Our correspondent Daniel Moses suspects youve seen Just Go With It at least a few times already.) If so, we bet you were curious about that spectacular oceanfront pool. Well, weve done some sleuthing around for you and weve found the place: The Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui . This gorgeous Hawaiian retreat gets serious props for its pool area, a sprawling complex of waterfalls and water slides facing one of Americas best beaches. In fact, the pool has been repeatedly named one of the top hotel pools in the U.S. Eager to check out the pool with your own eyes? Take advantage of the Best of Waldorf Astoria offer and get complimentary breakfast for two and an on-property credit for each night of your stay at the Grand Wailea .

Photo: Mark Heard Last week, we talked about some of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn. Round two: we take on the toughies. While the easiest languages for English speakers to learn have some syntactic common ground with English, the toughest ones are quite alien. Learners tackle writing systems, tonality, and grammatical systems so different, they can make an English-speaking head spin. If youre studying or have mastered one of these nine languages, Matador salutes youand we want to learn your secrets. 1. Arabic Arabic breaks down into families. One is the Modern Standard Arabic of print, media, and online content. The other is spoken Arabic, which encompasses many colloquial dialects which vary by region. This means that if you pick up conversational Arabic in Tunisia, it might still be tough to be understood in Kuwait. For all dialects of Arabic, pronunciation is difficult for English speakers, as many consonants are formed at the back of the mouth. Arabic, Phot

Its here. The Kerry Hotel Pudong has opened in Shanghai, marking the debut of a new five-star hotel brand by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts . Whats it all about? Kerry Hotels are aimed at the business traveler who prefers a vibrant and relaxed environment without compromising on service or quality. The hotels are contemporary in style and provide a seamless link between business, entertainment and recreation, says Greg Dogan, CEO of Shangri-La International. Were pleased as punch about the contemporary room amenities : 40-inch flat-screen televisions, iPod docking stations and complimentary broadband and wireless Internet access, custom-designed in-room consoles with high stools and mini-bars, and sweeping views over Shanghai. We also like the sound of the in-house craft brewery and enormous gym called Kerry Sports, billed as the citys largest hotel-based sports club. Inside youll find separate studios for spinning classes, Pilates and yoga along with a heated indoor pool, outdoor baske

August 2010 witnessed a soft opening for Gansevoort Park Avenue , the sexy urban resort with a happening rooftop pool scene. And now were getting word that the Gansevoort Hotel Groups newest luxury property is 100% open and all facilities are fully operational. Theres a lot to love at the corner of 29th Street and Park Avenue South in Manhattan: 249 sleek rooms averaging 462 square feet; a three-story lobby; a tri-level rooftop complex with a beautiful indoor/outdoor pool (and destination nightlife venues); and the recently opened Ristorante Asellina, a 10,000 square-foot Italian trattoria, operated by The ONE Group and featuring a James Beard Award-winning chef. Notably, the hotel has partnered with leading brands in the restaurant, beauty, and fashion industries to provide guests with top-notch amenities. So you can get a lift in a Porsche Panamera, pick up Gansevoort goodies at the Lacoste boutique ( all staff sport uniforms by Lacoste ), get fit with a Core Fusion yoga class at th

Organic is all the rage nowadays and we hear that The Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort in the Langkawi archipelago of Malaysia is jumping on the bandwagon. Never been? We say nows the time to go. We hear that the resorts V Botanical Spa has sharpened its image with the offering of 100 percent certified organic food grade products and treatments. Translation all-natural goods like hair and body oils, multi-functional aromatics, nutraceutical supplements and nutritional lip balms. V Botanical Spa is one of five pieces that makes up V Integrated Wellness. The other four elements consist of V Fitness, V Healthy Cuisine, V Retreats and V Beach Club, all of which will officially launch in March.

New York's Doughnut Plant in Japan. Courtesy istolethetv under CC. Like cupcakes, the donut has developed over time into a quintessentially American treat. But where to find the best of these deep-fried goodies? Thankfully, one has only to consult the list of Americas Best Donuts from Travel + Leisure or that of Bon Apptit Magazine. Here is a selection of the top shops across the country from these two delicious lists:Doughnut Plant, New York City - A true American original, now available in Tokyo, too.Voodoo Doughnut, Portland - From vegan donuts to a Bacon Maple Bar, Voodoo has it.Bobs Donuts, San Francisco - Order a giant glazed donut the size of a pizza pie. Literally.Top Pot Doughnuts, Seattle - Discover seasonal favorites like pumpkin.Sublime Doughnuts, Atlanta - Try the signature strawberry and vanilla cream cheese.Stans Donuts, Los Angeles - Serving 75 varieties of gourmet donuts since 1965.Bomboloni, New York City - If youre just having one, go for the crme brle.Caf du Mo

Fact: The Maldives is the most beautiful place on Earth. There, its been said. Minted and printed. For those that believe there is another place on this planet that compares, please feel free to comment below. In my opinion, you have a hard case to prove. And when youre lying on a hammock underneath the bright canopy of the bluest heavens, staring out across the clear turquoise waters, and breathing in the sweet scent of the trade winds wafting by, I think youll agree. The Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru , on the North Male atoll, is the perfect place from which to experience the worlds most beautiful place. The Banyan Tree is pure luxury, period. Guests stay in deluxe beachfront villas propped on stilts that plunge deep into white sand. The beaches are often empty, with some visitors reporting that they didnt see another soul all day while soaking in the sun and swimming in the warm, docile waters. The Banyan Tree also recognizes the importance of its location, as the Maldiv

Is a springtime trip to Rome in the cards this year? Before the summer heat (and crowds) descend on the city, jet to Rome to savor la dolce vita : sipping wine on the Campo de Fiori, picking up the latest fashions, trying every flavor of gelato imaginable. Why not go to Rome for Easter, one of the most anticipated events in the Eternal City? The holiday falls on April 24 this year, meaning a warm spring will already be in full swing. From the procession on Good Friday to the Popes Easter Sunday mass at St. Peters Basilica, Easter inspires festive excitement throughout the city. This year, the Hotel Hassler Roma is offering a special Roman pasqua (Easter) for guests looking for an extraordinary Easter in Rome. Perched atop the Spanish Steps with gorgeous views of the city, the Hassler has long been recognized as one of the finest hotels in the world. The package includes: * Three nights in luxury accommodations * Daily buffet breakfast at the Hasslers Salone Eva * Special Easter S

Art lovers visiting Manhattan will want to reserve a room at The Mark. Steps from Central Park, the award-winning hotel has recently partnered with the Neue Galerie New York to provide exclusive tours off the tourist track. Located on the historic Museum Mile just a few blocks from the hotel the Neue Galerie is a museum of German and Austrian art founded by philanthropist Ronald S. Lauder and art dealer and curator Serge Sabarsky. A former Vanderbilt townhouse is now home to their impressive collection of early 20th Century Austrian and German art. Not only can guests visit the Neue Galerie on closed days and after business hours, but they also get benefits usually reserved for museum membership: advance reservations at Caf Sabarsky plus access to Neue Galerie members programs including special lectures, gallery talks, exclusive breakfasts and Members Thursdays which provides extended viewing hours. Book the In the Art of New York package , starting at $800 in a Superior Courtyard

Taipei came a bit more tantalizing this month with W Hotels debut of its newest Asia property, W Taipei . The W Taipei offers 405 rooms spread over 31 floors. We hear that guest rooms overlook the Yangmingshan mountain range and are equipped with balconies. Were loving the style, which is true W (think warm-colored tones, burnished wood and floral carpeting, accented with subtle lighting from Chinese lantern boxes). All rooms feature high speed wireless, flat screen televisions, Bose 2.1 sound systems, and a W Taipeis signature W Zodiac Animal. When its time to wine and dine, guests can choose from an assortment of restaurants and lounges. The Kitchen Table serves up spicy tandoor dishes, wood-fired pizzas, salads and seafood. The WET pool sky deck is tops for al fresco dining (and we hear the views are pretty tasty, themselves). Here dine on barbecue goodies. On the 31st floor, check out the Ws Cantonese restaurant, Yen, which offers dim sum, seafood and desserts. Intimate touch: Th

The future is now: Visual search, via Google Goggles. With tons of travel apps out there to choose from, finding the gems can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. So rather than present you with a long list to consider, weve distilled our latest favorites down to the following five:Google Goggles - Snap a photo and let Google find the info on your image.CameraBag - Make good photos into great ones by applying special effects in a flash.iTrailMap - Trail maps for more than 750 ski resorts across the globe, at your fingertips.Urbanspoon - Hungry for something new? Find good eats on the fly, at home or away.Star Walk - Point your device at the sky and discover details of the universe instantly.Find great luxury hotels around the world on Perfect Escapes .

Head to the Emerald Isle for St. Patricks Day and experience the ultimate Irish celebration. Spend the night in your very own castle ( the 800-year-old Ashford Castle offers super luxurious digs), try your hand at falconry and other leisurely pursuits, partake in a soda bread cooking class, enjoy a traditional dinner in an Irish familys home, and visit the 5th century church of St. Patrick himself. Heres whats in store when you book either a two- or three-night package at Ashford Castle : DAY 1 (March 17) 7pm - Depart castle for short stroll to Cullens at the Cottage, accompanied by Benny the Piper, where guests join the Irish Cil (traditional Irish party) with an Irish-themed menu, music and dance. DAY 2 (March 18) Breakfast at leisure in the George V dining room 10:45am: Boat trip to the Island of Inchagoill and visit to the 5th-century Church of St. Patrick and the most precious stone of Lugnad. The story of St. Patrick will be explained on board by Patrick Luskin, historian and sh

Manhattanites have been in a tizzy about the latest hotel to open in New Yorks SoHo. The Mondrian SoHo is the fourth Manhattan property for Morgans Hotel Group , whose Morgan Hotel opened in 1984 is said to be the countrys first true boutique hotel. Premiering today, the Mondrian SoHo promises eye-catching interiors from designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, inspired by Jean Coucteaus 1946 film La Belle et le Bte . Now weve just gotten word about more expansion plans for Morgans Hotel Group. Three new hotels are in the pipeline, two of which will carry the Delano brand. Slated for 2013, the Delano resorts will open in Cabo San Lucas and on the Aegean Sea in Turkey. The third property will open in 2014 in Manhattan near the High Line park. Check out some other properties from Morgans Hotel Group: Mondrian in West Hollywood Delano , Mondrian (pictured) and Shore Club in South Beach Sanderson in London Clift in San Francisco

Nature giveth, and nature certainly taketh away. Case in point: Hayman Island Resort at The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. Adjacent to one of the worlds most incredible underwater marvels, Hayman Island offers guests the chance to snorkel and dive in a tropical paradise. The indulgent natural surroundings are only matched by the comfort and luxury of the beach front resort. Yet the beauty of the oceanic environment can sometimes mask the power of the waters and wind offshore. When two major cyclones rumbled through Queensland earlier this year, Hayman Island Resort was severely damaged. Knowing that their guests deserved only the best, the property was regretfully shuttered until repairs are completed. Yet just as the tide always returns, so too will Hayman Island Resort . The expected grand re-opening is set for August 1st, just in time to book for the Australian Spring and Summer beginning shortly thereafter. So dont fret! Hayman Island Resort will be back,

We stepped out of one of the ubiquitous Amsterdam canal boats onto the cobblestone path which ran beside the scenic canal. Many-leveled warehouses with big windows which had been converted to homes and apartments overlooked the canal and hundreds of bikes the transportation of choice in Amsterdam lined the streets. But we didnt pay much attention to these uniquely Amsterdam sights because we were on a mission. A cheese-tasting mission. Braving the icy fall rain and clutching a note with directions in my hand which included confusing words like Dam/Raadhuisstraat, we headed to the Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Rooms. Reypenaer makes some of the most delicious Dutch cheese you have ever tasted. They have a 100-year-old warehouse on the Oude Rijn in Woerden where the cheese matures naturally as it has done for three generations of the family, resulting in a distinctive and complex flavor and aroma. The historic ripening process of the Reypenaer cheeses is unique in the Netherlands and these

Nafplion could be the most beautiful town on the Greek mainland (or so the locals like to think). Its chock full of historic sites (and loads of charm): Ottoman buildings, Venetian fortresses, twisting labyrinthine streets and white-washed houses adorned with colorful bougainvillea blossoms. And it feels a million miles away from the tourist crowds. Jet to Greece in April to experience Greek Easter,* the countrys most important religious holiday, and discover the only hotel in Europe built within an archeological site. Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas is located in an acropolis dating from the 3rd Century BC. All 33 villas are individually designed with heartstopping views of the bay and old city. While bedding down in style at Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas , partake in the hotels traditional Easter lunch with live music. Outside the town will be witness to numerous processions on Good Friday, where epitaphs- symbolizing the coffin of Jesus- are draped in flowers and carried from

The time is now to book your summer vacation. Dont delay, as rooms are filling up fast and prices will soon rise to meet increased demand. And if youre like me and want only to lie on the beach this summer in total luxury, reserve a suite at the Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands. This 5 star palace will have your lounge chair and beach umbrella ready for your arrival, and will put the straw in your favorite rum cocktail as soon as you walk through the door. Named one of the Best Places to Stay in the World by Conde Nast Traveler , Peter Island is limited to only 52 rooms, so you wont have to compete for your spot in the Jacuzzi, on the beach, or in front of the steel drum band that plays the night away! When youre not dancing or splashing in the blue waters, you can relax at Peter Islands 10,000 square foot spa that has its own secluded beach. The spa will cater to your every need, and make you forget all those long meetings and stressful deadlines Peter Island R

The beach bunnies of Miami Beach are sure to rejoice with the opening of a sexy new sipping spot on 23rd street that channels one part cove, two parts ski lodge and one part all boogy: say hello to Treehouse Miami. The new nightclub boasts three different rooms each with their own sultry-lit vibe. The first room features teak-lined walls and a leather-studded bar draped with a cargo net, teak-lined walls and a blood-red, boudoir-colored atmosphere while another features a purple-soaked theme and black leather banquet seating. Owned by Jeremy Waks (previously of Heathrow Lounge) with interior design by Dave Glass, the eclectic club also boasts a 3,000 square-foot backyard garden space with synthetic grass carpeting, come-hither cabana beds and rattan lounges with pristine white cushions. The word on the street is that the backyard is also equipped with projectors to play videos and artwork long into the night.

My first trip to the Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National was during the final round in 1998. Mark OMeara went on to win the title that year, but I was kept rapt by Jack Nicklaus who was making a late charge up the leader board. Nicklaus was 58 at the time, and fell short in the end, finishing tied for 6th place, but oh what a feeling it was to watch the legend make a last valiant effort at glory. The amazing thing about this golf tournament, which is as prestigious as they come, is the proximity of the fans to the players. Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, OMeara, and everyone else, were often only a few feet away, occasionally even interacting with fans as they walked the course. A veteran of many baseball and football games, I was awestruck at the nearness of the athletes and the civility of the golf course, and it made me an immediate fan of the duffers. When I visit Augusta, I always stay at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation , a few miles down interstate 20 in Greensboro, Georg

The best digs in Bangkok? Try The Peninsula , the stunning riverside hotel thats a fixture on Worlds Best lists. Every one of its sprawling guest rooms and suites offers sweeping views over the city. Theres a three-tiered swimming pool, destination restaurants, top-notch Peninsula Spa by ESPA and fitness center all attended by doting staff. And heres something else that distinguishes The Peninsula Bangkok : a new program with The Peninsula Academy called The Siam Journey. The Peninsula Academy Programs were created to give guests a personalized introduction to key aspects of local culture, lifestyle, cuisine, arts, and history through individualized classes, tours, and activities in each Peninsula location. This particular program was designed to share the Thai heritage of wellness with guests, enabling them to take the experience home and practice it in their daily lives. Start off with The Peninsula Tea Ceremony paired with a relaxing foot ritual. Then learn the history and practice

When guests check into The St. Regis Rome , theyre quickly seduced by the sumptuous surroundings. From the silks and plush velvet fabrics to the Italian marble, this landmark hotel oozes opulence. Now theres another offering sure to set the mood while youre enjoying the Eternal City: Champagne evenings at Le Grand Bar. This watering hole is a favorite spot for Italians to see and be seen, serving up classic cocktails along with local libations (Bellinis, Negronis) And now, in exclusive partnership with Perrier-Jouet, Le Grand Bar offers the ultimate aperitivo. Every evening starting at 7 pm, enjoy a fine selection of Champagne accompanied by tempting appetizers and live piano music. Itching to get to Rome? Book the hotels A New Year, a new experience package and receive up to 30% off. You must book by February 28, 2011, for stays through August 31, 2011. Get 20% off a 3-night stay (from 270 euros per room per night) and get 30% off a 4-night stay (from 237 euros per room per night).

Two views at the Lincoln Memorial. Courtesy chadh and Abe K under CC. While President Washingtons birthday is commonly observed each year in the United States as Presidents Day, admirers of President Lincoln can look forward to a special celebration this year to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincolns inauguration.On March 5, the public is invited to attend a program at the Capitol Hill Visitor Center that will begin with a reading of the First Inaugural Address by none other than actor Sam Waterson, known for his portrayal of Lincoln in Gore Vidals Lincoln and his long-time role on Law and Order . Other events will include a reenactment of the swearing in ceremony and an inaugural banquet at the Willard Hotel Ballroom.If youre headed to the DC Area for this or any other Capitol Hill event, consider a stay at The Fairfax at Embassy Row or The Madison. Both hotels feature luxurious accommodations and special perks for Perfect Escapes guests like daily breakfast for two . Another

Fans of Hyatts Andaz brand will be thrilled to learn that Andaz is bringing its signature complimentary inclusions (think internet, local calls, and mini-bars) to Asia. The trendy boutique brand has quite the following for its smart hotels in London ( Andaz Liverpool Street ), Los Angeles ( Andaz West Hollywood ), San Diego , and New York ( Andaz Wall Street and Andaz Fifth Avenue ). The newest sparkling hotel to hit the scene will be the Andaz Shanghai, debuting this summer in the citys Xintiandi neighborhood. You can be sure that the 307-room hotel will have plenty to write home about: a restaurant, brasserie, bar, lounge, a spa and pool. Up next for Andaz? Properties in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Delhi, India; Papagayo, Costa Rica; Sanya, China; Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands; and Wailea-Makena, Hawaii. Pictured: Andaz Wall Street . Related Articles: More Press Love for Hyatts Andaz Brand Personal Cocktail Lessons with the Resident Bartenders at Andaz West Hollywood Buzz i

Photo: jfinnirwin Anne Merritt lists 9 languages with similarities to English. A Swedish friend of mine speaks English and German with near-perfect fluency. Theyre easy to learn, she insists with what I had believed to be sweet humility. I had always assumed the Swedes were just good at everything, hence their omnipresence on North American hockey teams. She firmly denied these superpowers. English is a lot more like Swedish than you realize. English is a part of the Germanic family, and is linked to many European languages by descent or influence. It was also a big mooch in its formative years, with over 50% of its vocabulary stemming from Latin or French. The result? There are a lot of languages out there sharing common traits with English, which is great news when it comes to language study. When familiar structure or vocabulary is in place, the learning process becomes faster and easier. Hence my friend, the nonchalant polyglot. Below are nine of the easiest for English speakers to