One of the most sought after destinations in Canada is Lake Muskoka and the luxury lake side resort, Touchstone on Lake Muskoka is the best place to experience this “Land of Lakes”.

Imagine shimmering lakes, thundering waterfalls, aromatic pine forests, sheer granite cliffs and pure clean air. This is what surrounds Touchstone and will surely give you an unforgettable experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday. Many of the permanent residence in the surrounding area are artists, musicians and craftsmen giving this area a wealth of culture that will only enhance your visit here.

Setting a new standard for premium accommodations, Touchstone offers intimate cottages and villas featuring full kitchens, fireplaces, full bathrooms, ensuite laundry, BBQ’s and lake-facing decks that have the most amazing views.

For a great night out, try their elegant restaurant, Taste which features the delicious regional flavors of Muskoka combined with European cuisine created by their Chef Joseph Waters. From decadent to simply outstanding, Taste has created a menu that is sure to satisfy every palette.

And for those who truly want to relax, a visit to Touchstone’s world class spa Touch will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. What makes the Touch spa so special? All of their services use ingredients that incorporate the healing properties of the plants and minerals indigenous to Lake Muskoka which gives you an experience you can’t get anywhere else.

Touchstone is one Canadian paradise that once visited, will have you longing to come back to again and again.

Staying at the Beach Village at the Del makes one feel as though they’re on vacation no matter what the reason for their stay. These luxurious oceanfront private villas sit literally right on the sand in front of 28 acres of pristine shoreline.

Located on the beautiful island of Coronado, right next to it’s famous sister property the Hotel Del Coronado- this newly built property has some of the most spectacular views in Southern California.

My private villa was stunning. It had gorgeous walnut flooring, a fully equipped top of the line gourmet kitchen and elegant designer furnishings. When staying at a hotel, two of the most important features for me are the bed and the bathroom. and in this case well, the linens were super soft with sumptuous 400 thread count and the large marble bathroom had a deep soaker tub. Heaven!

For dinner I dined at their restaurant, 1500 Ocean led by Chef de Cuisine Brian Sinnott. When the weather is nice, which is pretty much all the time, you can sit right outside on their oceanfront terrace.

I started with the Hiramasa Crudo, which is raw Australian Yellowtail Tuna, it came with Pomegranate, fennel and espelette. And for my main dish I went with the the main diver scallops with Zucchini fondue, baby squash, harissa spiced eggplant in a cherry tomato-clam vinaigrette. Both dishes were divine.

Moving on to dessert, the chocolate chipotle cake with caramel ice cream and banana intrigued me. I wasn’t sure what to expect but to my surprise, it was one of the most memorably tasty chocolate cakes I’ve ever had.

My whole experience made me feel like I was on vacation far far away, when in fact I was only 5 min from downtown San Diego! The Beach Village at the Del is truly the ultimate luxury oceanfront getaway without ever leaving the city.

The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is known for its rock-star vibe and prime location. During my recent stay there, I got a taste of exactly that!

The Hard Rock San Diego is situated right at the entrance of the Gas Lamp District of downtown. This is where all the trendiest cafes, restaurants and shops can be found. One of the world’s most recognized Japanese Restaurant, and one of my favorites, Nobu is right around the corner from the hotel.

The moment I entered the hotel, I felt like I was in Las Vegas. Upon check-in they asked what kind of music I enjoy and  when I arrived to my Hard Rock suite they were playing one of my favorite songs. Awesome!

My Hard Rock suite was super cool, with sleek, comfortable designer furniture, all the latest electronics, 42” HD flat screen with plug-and-play media hub to connect my iPod, laptop and video recorder. The large lounge area makes this room a fabulous spot for entertaining! I particularly loved my big rain shower right in the middle of the room.

Downstairs they’ve got Mary Jane’s Coffee Shop, which has a chic diner look to it and is open for breakfast and pretty much until the break of dawn on weekends.

My experience at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, well….Rocked!

The Gayana Eco Resort on Gaya Island, Malaysia is one of the few resorts that go above and beyond the standard sustainability practices that most eco-friendly hot-spots do.

Overlooking the China Sea, The Gayana Eco Resort pledges to protect its share of Mother Nature with a vision to provide guest with an exceptionally high international standard of hospitality in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner.

Located at the edges of a lush jungle forest on a coral reef island off the coast of Borneo, this resort has 44 tropical villas over the water that are architecturally designed to enhance the soothing sounds of the surf below.

Spend your days here relaxing in the sun, take a trek though the thick jungle or take a dive to view the oceans treasures. And after a long day, dine out at one of their three fabulous restaurants serving up some of the world’s best seafood along with special touches of Malaysian cuisine.

Devoted to marine ecology this resort has created an authentic simulated habitat of eccentric fish species, their very own laboratory, coral and clam holding tanks and an edifying auditorium. And because Gayana is home to 7 of the 8 Giant Clams in the world, they also run a Giant Clam Restocking Program. This type of work is extremely important and because of their efforts their Marine Ecology Research Center, the endangered Giant Clams are well on their way to further reproduction.

Not only is the Gayana Eco Resort great for a couple’s getaway, it’s also a wonderful place to bring the whole family.  This luxury resort also plays host amazing kid programs where they can get up close and personal with marine life hoping to create a future generation of marine lovers.

As a special treat to all guests, Gayana also has a Reef Regeneration Program, a nautical highlight where guests are given the honor or replanting replenished corals back to the reef of the China Sea.

I’d always heard wonderful things about the Peninsula Beverly Hills, so I was quite excited to be finally experiencing the hotel.

I checked into my suite late on a Friday evening, and to my delight noticed my pillow had my initials on it. Nice touch! Too tired to venture out, I spent my first night indulging in their extensive in-room dining menu, the large Italian marble soaker tub, and ultimately, my king sized plush bed.

Saturday morning, I headed to the Peninsula Spa for their signature organic custom facial and their custom signature massage. It was ultimate bliss. Next time, I’ll make sure to try their White Chocolate Body Souffle treatment. The all natural cherry exfoliate they used on my skin smelled good enough to eat. My skin was literally glowing when I walked out and I was so relaxed and content, I was ready for my next stop; shopping!

The Peninsula Beverly Hills is located minutes from Rodeo Drive and close to some of the world’s best shopping. I booked the hotel’s Rolls Royce Phantom to roll around Beverly Hills in style. This is a complimentary service for all hotel guests.

In the evening I dined at The Belvedere, the hotel’s triple AAA five diamond award wining restaurant. The grilled Thai Snapper Fillet with Charred mango, bok choy and Blood orange-green apple coconut dill sauce was sensational. And of course, I couldn’t leave without trying a few desserts. Now I’m not normally a big fan of chocolate mousse, but it was recommended that I try the Mousse Au Chocolat with Valrhona Chocolate Pearls. Well, what can I say.. there wasn’t a morsel left in the cup.

If I had to choose one word to describe my whole experience: flawless. The service was impeccable and  this hotel goes above and beyond to ensure every need is met as promptly as possible.

My verdict: Spectacular! The Peninsula Beverly Hills was everything I expected and more.

As we approach the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, a bride emerges from the entrance and jumps into a cream vintage car, to be whisked away to her wedding. For a moment I imagine I’m in one of those light-hearted romantic comedies set in London, in which double-decker buses, black taxi cabs and red coated doormen feature with an obligatory glimpse of Big Ben and the London Eye. At the heart of this quintessentially London scene is the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, one of the best luxury hotels in London, facing top designer stores on the Knightsbridge side and the country-comes-to-town of Hyde Park on the other.

I get my first experience of the legendary Mandarin Oriental service as three porters rush to carry my small bag up the few steps into the lobby of coloured marble and towering flower arrangements set above the chimneypiece. The hotel was originally built as an exclusive gentleman’s club and its history shows in the Edwardian entrance with marble columns, gilded plasterwork and grand wrought iron staircases.

As we’ve arrived early, we relax with a coffee in the Mandarin Bar with tan leather and gold velvet easy chairs, amber silk cushions and a tiger wood bar area decorated with colourful bottles behind a frosted glass wall. Through to the fine dining Foliage restaurant, there’s a glass wall with stacked bottles of wine and I wonder whether designer Adam Tihany was trying to recreate a club atmosphere for modern times.

Soon we are shown up to the first floor, where we are lucky to be staying in the Prince of Wales Suite favoured by pop stars and government dignitaries, overlooking Hyde Park. The suite is decorated in elegant, classic furnishings and antique style furniture, swags of damask and silk and an enormous bed that we feel tempted to jump on. No detail has been overlooked, from the yoga mat in the wardrobe to the iHome music station beside the bed to the Bang & Olufsen TV with a personalised welcome message. In the sitting room, we’ve been treated to a perfectly sweet bowl of strawberries that leads us to joke that they must have a chief strawberry selector on the staff.

In the marble bathroom with its classic fittings and vase of roses, we find my favourite Jo Malone products that are used in all the suites, although the other bedrooms have an equally delightful selection of Aromatherapy Associate products. There’s room for both a shower with giant head and a powerful flow that makes me feel I’m standing under a waterfall, as well as a bath so deep and large that my toes can’t touch the end, with a bowl of bath salts for good, old-fashioned pampering.

Although it’s tempting to sink into the luxurious sofas, we feel London calling us and step out for a mixture of culture and shopping. The temptations of Harrods for top brands, Harvey Nichols for designer fashion, Liberty’s for wonderful prints and accessories and Fortnum & Masons for foodie treats all detain us and we find we’ve run out of time to visit the Van Gough exhibition at the Royal Academy.

Later I consult, the Senior Concierge, Miko Selcuk for his recommendations and find that there’s a whole raft of other things to see and do, practically on the doorstep. In Hyde Park there’s plenty for families from feeding the ducks to boating on the Serpentine. In one direction from the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park you’ll find the South Kensington museums and in the other Buckingham Palace, where the state rooms open in the summer when the Queen’s on holiday. The Mandarin Oriental has always had Royal connections, hosting society balls and royal tea parties, with Kensington Palace, home of the late Princess Diana just across the park.

Of course it’s the job of the concierge to answer all your questions and make your stay as delightful as possible. Senior Concierge, Miko told me that a guest once asked him to procure a favourite product, telling him she’d heard that “if you ask the concierge at the Mandarin Oriental to find you a camel, he will find you a camel”. Fortunately Miko was able to meet the guest’s request within half an hour and so his reputation remained intact. He added that requests for restaurant reservations, helicopter rides or even private jets are more common than those for a camel!

That evening we eat in the Park Restaurant, a light and airy space overlooking Hyde Park where the design motifs of leaves and greenery bring the outside in, with touches of Oriental in the paintings, simple table settings and bonsai trees on the tables. In the summer, you can also take an al fresco lunch or afternoon tea on the popular Park Terrace overlooking Hyde Park. The menu combines Asian and European dishes and the meaty crab cakes that I enjoy for my starter were apparently also Princess Diana’s favourite. As I taste the complex flavours of my main course, I quickly realise that not all Thai green curries are the same, and the home-made ice creams in an unlikely combination of rhubarb crumble, blackcurrant sorbet and chocolate fudge are to die for. We feel thoroughly spoiled by the attentive and charming staff and round off our meal with their recommendation of a fragrant and delicious African Amber tea.

If you want to enjoy top class Asian food at the Park Restaurant, you’ll need to be quick because the Mandarin Oriental never ceases to dream up new ways to delight its guests. In May 2010, the French-born New York based chef, Daniel Boulud will open Bar Boulud, a wine bar and contemporary French bistro that draws on the seasonal French dishes, wines and charcuterie of Boulud’s childhood near Lyon. The Park restaurant will then close to be re-born in October 2010 with culinary magician Heston Blumenthal at the helm – I can’t wait to see how he plays with the best of seasonal English produce and the Mandarin Oriental’s Eastern traditions.

Before we retire we look in on the Mandarin bar where a live jazz trio is now playing and consider trying one of the cocktails such as the ‘Warm Blossom’ with lychee, strawberry puree or the ‘Conde Nast Traveler’ of Cuban rum, rhubarb puree, pomegranate juice and cinnamon sugar. Apparently, they’ve just recruited a new bar manager, Paul Stevens, a former mixologist (what a lovely job title) at Smirnoff who is busy dreaming up yet more exotic cocktails. Our luxurious suite beckons and we sink under the cosy but feather light duvet for sweet dreams on soft pillows. We awake the next morning, just in time to see the troop of red caped Household Cavalry riding past our window on their way to the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.

Before we leave I sneak down to have a look at the Spa, tucked away in its own little heaven on the ground floor. The Spa concentrates on a personal experience for a select number of clients and in a typical 3 hours session you can unwind in the gentle steam Sanarium and Vitality jet pool before your personalized treatment.

To the backdrop of gentle music and a waft of incense in the air, Treatment Manager, Alex Binns explains how each session is tailored to the needs of the guest and she talks me through the new range of Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa therapies and products. They have been developed with experts from the world of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and aromatherapy for a sensory as well as therapeutic experience. The products used are determined by the mood and personality of the client  and are based on the five elements of Chinese Medicine; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and each is matched to a blend of essential oils; Awaken, Bloom, Flourish, Release and Reflect. I muse on whether I might be joyful, sociable, uplifting Fire with the blend of ylang ylang, neroli, rose and chamomile or perhaps thoughtful, grounded Earth, with the oils of coriander, cardamom, lemon and lemongrass.

Sadly it’s time to leave the delightful world of the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park feeling thoroughly relaxed and pampered by the attentive service and luxurious surroundings – if only all hotels made me feel this special.

Our writer, Heather Cowper stayed as a guest of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Hyde Park in London though Kiwi Collection. You can find more travel tales, videos and podcasts from Heather on her travel blog at Heatheronhertravels.com

Vancouver, Canada is known to be one of the most beautiful cities on earth and when looking for a place to stay here, look no further than the Fairmont Pacific Rim. Opening just in time for Vancouver’s 2010 Winter Olympic Games, be the first to come and stay at this amazing luxury hotel.

Set in the heart of this city’s historic port at the edge of Coal Harbour directly across from the breathtaking views of the North Shore Mountains, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is the perfect starting point to discover all that the city has to offer.

Each of the spacious guest rooms offer all of the modern amenities, with sleek furnishings, expansive bathrooms, luxuriously comfy beds and of course amazing mountains and city park views.

Come and spend your days here exploring the fabulous shopping at the luxury boutiques of downtown, get inspired at the Vancouver Art Gallery, bike along the water’s edge on the sea wall, stroll though the world-famous Stanley Park or indulge in Gastown’s delicious restaurants all within walking distance from the Pacific Rim. Or if you feel like talking it easy, relax alongside the hotels roof top pool, compete with private cabanas and fire pits and take in natures beauty that surrounds you.

If you are itching for something a little more adventurous, the hotel is just minute away from a helipad which can take you on a tour of the surrounding mountains and ocean, perfect for the photographer at heart or just to take it all in.

After a long day of sightseeing be sure to rest up in the hotel’s Willow Stream Spa. In true Vancouver style, all of the treatments here are pure and natural using only the most organic of ingredients. The spa also offers a tranquil lounge, yoga studio as well as a boutique or Willow Stream’s signature products

Perfect for business or pleasure, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is the ultimate luxury oasis in the heart of this gorgeous city making it one trip you will never forget.

My very first time at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof was more than decade ago when I attended a party in the hotel’s impressive Ballroom. When I left the glamorous event that night, I remember stepping out into a mild summer night with clear star-filled skies.

Today it is a freezing, grey winter day as my taxi pulls into the Promenadeplatz, approaching the 168-year-old Bavarian Grand Dame in the heart of Munich. Among the great hotels in Munich, the Bayerischer Hof is the most historic. It was built in 1841 by appointment of HRH King Ludwig I. Damaged, partially destroyed and rebuilt several times, it has been family run for more than 100 years by the Volkhardt family with directrice Innegrit Volkhardt currently representing the fourth generation.

Not that I have been a stranger to the Bayerischer Hof since my first visit. The hotel has some outstanding facilities I have frequented on several occasions while in Munich: whether it’s falk’s Bar, the beautiful bar located in an impressive historic mirrored room with high stucco ceilings, Trader Vic’s, the hotel’s Polynesian restaurant and bar which, apart from great pan-pacific cuisine serves best Tiki Puka Puka between here and Papeete, or the rooftop icebar, this hotel caters to pretty much any social occasion you can think of.

As I get out of the taxi today and step into the warm lobby I am happy to hear the typical Bavarian greeting “Grüss Gott”, a pleasant reminder that I have arrived not only in Munich but in the heart of Bavaria. It feels good being back in Munich. This city makes you feel at home instantly.

My Junior Suite on the fifth floor is surprising: black backboards in front of red walls with photographic painted portraits and black and white striped furniture give the room a great cosmopolitan atmosphere. As a matter of fact, the Bayerischer Hof never stops surprising you. It’s the sheer variety that is so unique about it: African inspired guest rooms with elephant images and patterns reminiscent of the Serengeti, Art Nouveau rooms designed by Count Pilati with lacquered wood and strong earthy colors and very traditional palatial rooms in the secluded Palais Montgelas building part.

And then of course the variety of restaurants and bars is dizzying: apart from the above there’s the Bavarian Palais Keller, the Piano Bar, the Jazz Club and even a theatre.

September 2009 saw the introduction of yet another design concept with two restaurants by Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt. Finding the right designer took Innegrit Volkhardt three years of research and travel to Europe‘s finest restaurants in Paris, Milan, London, Barcelona. Eventually she discovered Axel Vervoordt following a private invitation.

Renowned for his private residences, chateaus and apartments, the Atelier and Garden restaurants at the Bayerischer Hof are two of very few public spaces Vervoordt designed.

It’s the clarity, warmth and authenticity that strike you as you walk in and look around. The Atelier really feels like one and the Garden gives you the feeling of sitting on a sun filled patio.

Make your way up to the top floor and another surprise awaits: the hotel’s pool features a glass roof letting plenty of daylight in. In the summer the roof may be opened fully, turning the top floor into an outdoor area.

The terrace is accessible in the winter as well and today it is covered in snow as I step out, admiring the fantastic views. They are the same views you have from the breakfast room.

The next morning, I’m up for an early breakfast and while I am sipping on my café latte the sun rises over a clear blue sky that is too cold for clouds. Like a wandering spotlight, it lights up one building after the other, making the city’s signature monuments shine: the beautiful Frauenkirche, Munich’s landmark dome, the Rathaus and the Alte Peter are all right opposite.

Once again you are reminded that it is the heart of Munich you’re in. It is hard taking your eyes off this majestic sight but it is time to leave, Munich is waiting! As I step out into the crystal cold morning I can’t think of a better way start into the day…

Come and explore nature’s untouched playground at the Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay and feel as though you have your own private Hawaii.

Perched above the Pacific Ocean at the center of the Hawaiian archipelago on the unspoiled island of Lana’i, this luxury coastal resort is perfect for golf fanatics or those who love to relax with a spa escape. Bordering a marine preserve with colorful reef fish and set along beautiful white sand beaches, this area is a distinctive Hawaiian location that once experienced, will never be forgotten.

Each of the spacious guest rooms and suites are exquisitely decorated offering views of either the lushly landscaped gardens or Hulopo’e Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The special highlight of all guest rooms is the deeply comfortable Four Seasons bed featuring a two-poster head board with a hand carved pineapple motif. This showcases Lana’i’s heritage, which is known for having Hawaii’s largest pineapple plantation and its fields of golden pineapples.

If you can’t wait to hit the golf course, get ready for two of the world’s most picturesque courses, each just minutes away from the resort. Imagine the crashing surf below the lava cliffs on The Challenge at Manele, a Jack Nicklaus creation or the Greg Norman masterpiece on a strategic highlands layout known as The Experience at Koele. And when you book your next stay be sure to take advantage of their Unlimited Golf Package which offers unlimited golf, use of a GPS-enabled cart, no resort fee and of course fabulous accommodations with the Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay.

After a long day on the course be sure to indulge at one of many restaurants and lounges the resort has to offer. Dine on the different styles of the Pacific Rim accompanied with fresh island ingredients prepared by chefs who turn food into an art from.

If soothing of the soul is what you need, the resort’s spa offers an extensive list of beauty treatments and classical massages. Incorporating traditional Hawaiian techniques and local island ingredients, the Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay makes sure that each guest will have the best spa experience imaginable.

With everything you have come to expect from a Four Seasons, great staff, fabulous food, amazing location and all of your desired luxury amenities, the Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay goes above and beyond the luxury status quo.

Just had a wonderful week in New York, and this time with my wife, my two year old daughter and 6 month old son.

After living in London for a year, New York still has the edge when it comes to the thrill of being in the ultimate cosmopolitan city. Everything you feel like doing is at your finger tips, just a call or a short walk or cab ride away.

I have lived in New York for a total of 16 years during many different times of my life, and it always seems that sooner or later I want to move back!

The highlight was a Sunday day trip by helicopter to my friend Daniele Bodini’s horse farm in Millbrook in upstate New York.

Priceless pictures of my two year old circling the Statue of Liberty at sunset. Lunched downtown at Balthazar (always good) and uptown at Geisha, Amaranth and Hatsuhana.

Dinners at La Esquina (always fun and relaxed), Waverly Inn (clubby and familiar), 15 East (great little Japanese), Shun Lee Palace (good old classic), Cipriani Uptown (back on top), Blue Ribbon (Delicious and late night).

This time I had a particularly enjoyable stay at the always good and a classic Peninsula Hotel right off Fifth Ave at 55th street.

The Peninsula recently underwent an extensive renovation. The rooms are very comfortable and the service super efficient. Perfect location. Intimate and cozy, yet sophisticated. The rooftop cocktail bar is outstanding, particularly when the weather is nice.

The Peninsula rooftop spa by ESPA a sanctuary. Whether alone on a business trip or with the family, I found the Peninsula an ideal choice in New York City.

Erik Wachtmeister is the founder of ASMALLWORLD.

If you are on the hunt for the perfect beach getaway to rest and relax in true Caribbean fashion, then look no further than the Victoria House located on the island  Ambergris Caye in Belize.

Victoria House is a small, exclusive resort surrounded by lush tropical gardens and beautiful white sand beaches. Activities here are in abundance from diving, snorkeling, cave tubing, helicopter tours or relaxing in a Mayan hammock between two swaying palms. And with an onsite activities director an itinerary can be created for you no matter how adventurous or laid back you may choose to be.

With only forty-two accommodations this area is perfect for a private, romantic vacation. Beach front villas and the Rainforest Suite are just steps from the azure Caribbean complete with vaulted hardwood ceilings and a spacious deck along with a private infinity pool overlooking the beach.

Dining here at the Victoria House can be as romantic or as causal as you desire and with three different restaurants to choose from, every pallet will surely be satisfied.  Using only the freshest local ingredients and delicious seafood the amazing chefs here make it their goal to offer a memorable culinary experience.  And all while overlooking the amazing reef makes a candlelit evening dinner something you don’t want to miss.

This fabulous beach hideaway was recently declared the Most Excellent Beach Hotel by Conde Nast Johansens and made the Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Hotel list for the last three years in a row! With a friendly atmosphere, great service and absolutely beautiful natural surroundings makes the Victoria House one destination you don’t pass up.

If stunning views of the mountains and ocean are what you’re looking for on your next trip to Vancouver, than the Pan Pacific Vancouver is definitely for you. Perched on a peer that reaches directly out to the Ocean, this hotel is one of the city’s major landmarks.

You’ll recognize the Pan Pacific on the skyline as those gorgeous billowing white sails. Right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, guests here are minutes away from the city’s best shopping, nightlife, restaurants and Stanley Park.

One of the best features of this hotel is the gorgeous and exclusive Pacific Club Floor and Lounge.

Here, you’ll get panoramic views from the 23rd floor, private check-in/check out and concierge services, west coast deluxe breakfast, evening Hors D’Oeurves, self-serve refreshments and wireless internet.

Rooms on floors 22 and 23 feature Anichini linens, L’Occitane personal amenities, plush bathrobes and slippers, iHome docking stations, complimentary internet and complimentary local and toll free calls.

You won’t want to leave without experiencing the spa and fitness/relaxation facilities. If you happen to be catching a sunny day in Vancouver, don’t waste it indoors. Head up to the 8th floor where you can enjoy the salt water pool and Jacuzzi outside, while enjoying a great view of the mountains.

Check out some photos of this stunning hotel in Vancouver:

Bali is one of the world’s most beautiful beach destinations. If you’re planning a romantic beach vacation in Indonesia this year, consider a stay at Intercontinental Bali Resort.

Blending traditional Balinese architecture and style with all of the modern amenities of today, Intercontinental Bali is a luxurious getaway right on Bali’s southern coastline (Jimbaran Bay). The resort is situated on 35 acres of land, packed full of lush, tropical plants.

And, of course, one of this resort’s most exciting features is its beachfront location. You’ll find what seems to be an endless stretch of sugary beach to enjoy right at the resort.

For the foodies and nighthawks there’s a lot going on at this gorgeous resort in Bali. Jimbaran Gardens Restaurant is a casual spot to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat while enjoying a fabulous view of the bay and KO restaurant is known as one of the city’s finest Japanese restaurants.

For a romantic meal, head to one of the tented canopies on the beachfront. You’ll hear the waves washing over the sand while enjoying the candle light with your sweetheart.
Check out some photos of Intercontinental Bali Resort below:

If you are craving to break away from the clutches of the modern world and are in need of simpler living, the Adrere Amellal Desert Ecolodge is possibly one of the most perfect escapes imaginable, especially for the culturally aware and environmentally sensitive global traveler.

Recently awarded as one of the top Ecolodges of 2009 by National Geographic Adventure, Adrere Amellal is an absolutely beautiful Nature Lodge overlooking Lake Siwa, built by hand with mud and salt brick blending into the foot of the White Mountain cliffs in Egypt.

Leading the way in sustainable development, this luxury lodge has been built with indigenous material using traditional Siwan building techniques and styles which have a proven minimal impact on the environment. Along with construction, the operations of the ecolodge’s goal is to provide no interference with the natural habitats of the area.

One of the most exciting features of Adrere Amellal is that is has an extremely low energy consumption mostly due to the fact that they have no electricity whatsoever. The rooms and surrounding area is lit up by beeswax candles and the starry desert sky, which make evenings absolutely breathtaking. On cooler evenings coal-filled braziers are used for heating and adequate ventilation is used for warmer days so no air conditioning is necessary.

Every spacious room here is unique and is decorated with local artisan furniture and crafts, paying tribute to nature and the native heritage.

Adrere Amellal also offers some of the most delectable cuisine imaginable. Food prepared at the lodge is organically grown on the grounds or is sourced locally allowing for food to be of the highest quality and bursting with flavor. Meals are served in a different location each day adding a special touch to your dining experience.

Being set among the desert sand dunes, this is an exciting area to explore. From the Siwa’s salt lakes, guided excursions, the ruins of Shali Fortress and the local market place with full of locally made handicrafts, you will surely be swept away by this areas amazing culture and heritage.

With a commitment to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the destination as well as the overall environmental sustainability of the location, Adrere Amellal is more than just a luxury getaway; it is a place unique unto itself and is one vacation that you will truly never forget.

Found near the Chao Phraya River, Lebua Hotel at State Tower is one of Bangkok’s most luxurious hotels. Stay here if you’re traveling to Bangkok on business, or if you’re a huge foodie.

Bangkok is one of Thailand’s most fascinating cities. Here, visitors get a true window into Thai life. Colourful, gritty and fun, no trip to Bangkok is complete without a great place to retreat to after a day spent in meetings or (if you’re lucky, and are staying here on vacation) wondering the packed streets and shopping.

One of our favourite luxury hotels in Bangkok is Lebua Hotel at State Tower.

Spacious suites that offer up exciting views of the city and river are a major feature of this hotel. Lebua Hotel has suites as large as three bedrooms. In fact, the three-bedroom executive suite has four balconies, perfect for enjoying the view.

This great hotel in Thailand is perfect for lovers of fine food as well.

Whether you’re in to Mediterranean, Italian, Asian, Indian or Lebanese cuisine, you’ll find it here. Sirocco (one of the hotel’s signature hot spots) is the world’s highest open air restaurant!

Check out some photos of Lebua below while you plot your next escape to bustling Bangkok.