Tequila is probably one of the best know liquors in the world and is the perfect accompaniment to any good time. Made from the fermented and distilled sap of the blue agave plant this fiery liquor is North America’s first indigenous distilled spirit.

This beautiful liquor is only produced in certain regions in Mexico and harvesting the agave plant remains a manual effort, unchanged by modern farming technologies….oh taste the love!

The best way to enjoy tequila is not the common party trick of lick the salt, take the shot, and suck the lime but to drink it like a fine scotch or whisky; straight up or over a few cubes of ice. But if your not quite the hard liquor fan and need a little sweetness for it to go down, a margarita is right up your alley.

Classically made with Mexican limes (key limes), there are many stories about who first invented the margarita, either way they are all made the same. Other fruits can also be added into the mix like raspberries, mango or whatever your heart desires.

How to Make a Classic Margarita:

-1 ½ ounces Tequila
-1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
-1/2 ounce Conitreau

Moisten the rim of a rocks glass and dip in salt. Fill the glass with crushed ice and the Tequila, lime juice and Conitreau; stir until chilled and serve immediately. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

The best places in Mexico to get a great shot of tequila or a delicious margarita:

One&Only Palmilla:
Experience the gracious style of old Mexico at the One&Only Palmilla in Los Cobos. This tropical hideaway is sure to cure your winter blues with every room’s private balcony offering expansive views of the Sea of Cortez or the Pacific ocean.

Distrito Capital:
This is the perfect place for a tequila straight up. Distrito Capital is a modern space right in the heart of Mexico City’s largest shopping areas. Causally luxurious this hotel is a gastronomic hot spot with amazing panoramic view of the city and the best starting point for a great night on the town.

Condesa DF:
Tucked away in one of Mexico City’s cool Condesa neighborhood along a tree lined avenue is the Condesa DF . Featuring custom made furniture and stone tile flooring this hotel is a designers dream. Sip your tequila and relax on their roof top patio or keep it cool in their basement bar.

Hotel Basico:
Throw some fruit in your margarita and check in at the Hotel Basico in Playa del Carmen. This is the place for the young and the young at heart taking trendy to a whole new level. This minimalist, uncluttered hotel is all about life and laughter. And when the sun sets good times always get started on their rooftop terrace and bar.

Las Brisas Acapulco:
While sipping your tequila and working on your tan, lose yourself in this hillside paradise in Acapulco. The Las Brisas Acapulco is one of the most exclusive and extraordinary vacation destinations in the world when you feel like you just want to get away from it all.

Habita Monterrey:
Exceptionally beautiful, exuding a slightly Parisian ambiance, the Habita Monterrey is a modern hotel with captivating architecture details including with a rooftop pool bar that offers a 360-degree view of San Pedro Garza Garcia. Margarita anyone?

El Careyes Beach Resort:
Surrounded by a lavish sub-tropical rainforest on a secluded cove on the Pacific Ocean in Costa Careyes, El Careyes Beach Resort exudes a spirit of tranquility and easy elegance. Sit back, relax and bath in the beauty of Mexico.

La Purificadora:
Housed in a former 19th century water-purifier center between Mexico City and Oaxaca in Puebla is the minimalist yet edgy La Purificadora. With spectacular view of the city, which has been names a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a great place to take in the history while sipping slowly on tequila over ice.

Capella Pedregal:
Encompassed in 24 mountainside and oceanfront acre in Cabos San Lucas, the Capella Pedregal is the perfect spot to experience “Cabo Culture”. This treasured waterfront haven offers intuitive world renowned service and will always make sure your margarita glass is always full.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba:
Considered the Venice of Mexico, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba in the Maya Riviera you are sure to experience uncompromised luxury. Perfect for a romantic getaway with intimate villas, you can take in the sun with your own private pool or outdoor terrace.

Visitors to Buenos Aires aren’t going to miss the Halloween action tomorrow as CasaSur Art Hotel is organizing a spooky city tour for its guests.

“Discovering Buenos Aires is to know the past and the contemporary nature of each of its spaces, said Luciano Fontana, General Manager of the hotel. “The goal set by CasaSur is to invite our dear guests to enjoy this experience.”

The personalized nightly City tour will start at the emblematic Recoleta Cementery.

The guide will explain the history and different stories “that are more than a rumors” in the neighborhood.

After, guests will be visiting characteristics areas of the city such as Puerto Madero, La Boca, San Telmo, Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Congress, Palermo and Recoleta, among others.

CasaSur Art Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in Buenos Aires. At 36 rooms and suites, guests can expect attentive service and an excellent atmosphere, indicative of an intimate hotel.

Boasting a sand, stone and cream palette, we love the elegant and modern design of this art hotel! We particularly enjoy the hotel’s location – close to some of Bunelos Aires’ best art, music and cultural venues!

Planning to be in London during Halloween? If so, make time on Halloween night to experience One Aldwych’s “Moët Movies on the Menu” package. This weekend’s screening of the exorcist will be a fun way to top off a delicious three course meal with bubbly.

Guests will sip on a glass of Moët & Chandon Imperial Champagne while relaxing over a delicious dinner at this hotel’s fabulous restaurant, Axis. Then, guests can grab their popcorn and head over to the hotel’s theatre for a scream of a time.

This excellent luxury London hotel is offering this event for £38.50 per person including VAT and service charge. Moët & Chandon Imperial is available to “Movies on the Menu” guests at a special price of £25.00 per bottle. Enjoy at your table or while watching the film!

Friday 30 October – Dinner served at 9pm, Movie from 11pm

Saturday 31 October – Dinner served at 6pm, Movie from 8.30pm and Dinner served from 9pm, Movie from 11pm

One Aldwych is located right in the heart of London in Covent Garden. At 105 rooms and suites, this boutique hotel is an excellent option for those who love their food and wine, romance seekers and vacationers who want to stay close to some of the best shopping in London.

Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies is the small exclusive resort and perfectly restored ghost town; Dunton Hot Springs . This all inclusive resort is the perfect place to bring you back to nature and explore one of North America’s most beautiful areas.  Soak for hours under an edgeless sky in their natural hot springs and dine on  absolutely fascinating cuisine. Once you experience the Dunton Hot Springs it can be guaranteed you may never want to leave.

Each of Dunton Hot Springs luxury cabins is an authentic, 19th century, hand-hewn log building, restored by local and Native American craftsmen who specialize in traditional building techniques. Although no two are alike, each bears a distinct individual character and history.

All cabins are furnished with custom luxury amenities and revel splendid views that change throughout the day with the shifting colors of sunlight on the mountains.

Indulge yourself at Dunton’s spa which practices the very best of holistic and therapeutic healing and specializes in totally natural treatments in surroundings that can only help relax and rejuvenate.

Food is prepared in the heart of the saloon for everyone to see and enjoy. The chef painstakingly sources local organic foods, lamb from the meadows that spawn fields of boletus and chanterelles, tree-ripe fruit and plump veggies from their own farm and vineyard.

Everyone eats together at a long, antique table in the center of the Saloon. A tradition from the big cattle outlaws that Dunton Hot Springs chooses to maintain.

The resort offers six ways to enjoy their wonderful hot springs that range in temperature from 85 -106 degrees fahrenheit: Under the stars at the source, inside the restored 19th century bathhouse, in the pool outside the bathhouse, in the pool behind the Dunton Store cabin, inside Well House cabin and out on the river at Christoph’s spring.

Dunton Hot Springs is open all year round with an abundance of winter activities to take part in from heli-skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country and back-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and ice climbing.

If you have a special event, why not rent the entire town? Dunton provides the perfect setting for a wedding, family gathering or memorable corprate event. The town can accommodate up to 42 people including meals and use of all facilities including the hot-springs, Saloon and banquet areas.

If you thought you were going to miss all of the action during this year’s Melbourne Cup because you’re in Sydney, think again. Visitors and locals in Sydney alike will be able to partake in some Melbourne Cup festivities at the Observatory Hotel in Sydney on Tuesday November 3.

Guests can enjoy a signature Deluxe High Tea (with delicious cakes, sandwiches and scones prepared by Michelin-star chef Masahiko Yomoda) complete with gorgeous French Champagne. Just before the main race, which will be shown throughout the hotel’s restaurant on large screens, guests will see the latest and greatest in couture headwear by celebrated millner Estelle Annabel!

And, of course, Day Spa therapists will perform La Prairie mini treatments while Sweepstake Stewards assist with main race flutters and give away more than $4,000 worth of door prizes.

Tickets to this Melbourne Cup event are $79 and include entry, high tea, event screening fashion parade and half a bottle of Champaign.

This gorgeous luxury hotel in Sydney is perfect for both business travelers and sightseers who want a traditional, boutique experience during their holiday. We love the sophisticated, colonial charm and atmosphere exuded by this hotel!

The Observatory has 100 rooms and suites and is located near Sydeny’s historic Rocks and central business district.

Check out some of Estelle Annabel’s work below, or check out her facebook page:

It all started 20 years ago; The Little Nell in Aspen Colorado began. And now in celebration of its 20th anniversary, The Little Nell has carefully selected 20 of its most memorable wines from the thousands of bottles served at the hotel over the past two decades for a commemorative list, available for a limited time beginning December 1, 2009.

Since its start in 1989 the hotel has worked with exceptional Master Sommeliers, each who have brought their extensive knowledge to this luxury hotel’s 20,000 + bottle wine cellar. This has earned The Little Nell the Grand Award from Wine Spectator each year since 1997.

The plan for this big even is to take guests and diners on a retrospective journey through the years with a sampling of wines that represent the finest vintages, producers, regions, treasure and great values from the cellar over the last 20 years.

These 20 bottles have been specially chosen by The Little Nell’s present Sommeliers with inspiration of past Master Sommeliers and are offering these top 20 wines to be available to its guests throughout the winter season.

What wines are on the list you might ask? A little bit of new and a lot of old. Let’s raise our glasses to The Little Nell. Congrats and here’s to 20 more. Cheers!

Raising a Glass to 20 Years

-Vega-Sicilia “Unico,” Ribera del Duero, Spain, 1989
-Henschke Shiraz “Hill of Grace,” Eden Valley, Australia, 1990
-Ridge “Monte Bello,” Santa Cruz, California, 1991
-Domaine Ramonet “Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet,” Burgundy, France, 1992
-Domaine Dujac Grand Cru “Clos de la Roche,” Burgundy, France, 1993
-Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, Hermitage, Northern Rhône, France, 1994
-Montevertine “Le Pergole Torte,” Tuscany, Italy, 1995
-Château Cos d’Estournel, Bordeaux, France, 1996
-Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone Classico, Veneto, Italy, 1997
-Domaine de Marcoux Châteuneuf-du-Pape “Vieilles Vignes,” Southern Rhône, France, 1998
-Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo “Monprivato,” Piedmont, Italy, 1999
-Château Gombaude, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France, 2000
-Tua Rita “Redigaffi,” Tuscany, Italy, 2001
-Domaine Roulot Meursault 1er Cru “Charmes,” Burgundy, France, 2002
-Torres “Mas La Plana,” Penedes, Spain, 2003
-Giacomo Conterno Barolo “Cascina Francia,” Piedmont, Italy, 2004
-Domaine Méo-Camuzet Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru “Aux Brûlées,” Burgundy, France, 2005
-Betts & Scholl Grenache “The O.G.,” Barossa Valley, Australia, 2006
-Knoll Gruner Veltliner “Kreutles,” Smaragd, Wachau, Austria, 2007
-Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko/Athiri, Santorini, Greece, 2008
-Krug, Grand Cuvee, Champagne France, Multiple Vintage

Also, in anticipation of this big anniversary, The Little Nell is also currently undergoing an amazing 18 million dollar renovation to all of its guests rooms, junior suites and corridors designed by residential designer Holly Hunt. You can read all about it here on our blog: Holly Hunt’s Latest Masterpiece.

*Due to this renovation The Little Nell will be closed until December 1, 2009

If you saw the Amazing Race yesterday night, you’re probably asking yourself “what WAS that resort with the insane water slide that runs through shark-infested waters” and maybe, if you’re somewhat more adventurous than Amazing Race Contestant, Mika, “Can I try it?”

Yesterday’s episode of the hit series kept the action hot in Dubai. The seven teams had to navigate a series of challenges that included rowing a rubber dinghy out to a yacht, using a watch to find the combination for a locked briefcase, assembling a hookah and measuring out $500,000 in gold pieces.

The final challenge, of course was taking a very wet “leap of faith” down a six-story water slide found at the über luxurious Dubai resort: the Atlantis Resort in Dubai. This is where things went wrong for Mika and Canaan.

Mika (who was wearing water wings couldn’t get over her fear of heights in time to take the plunge) and, after Canaan tried everything from coaxing her to physically trying to push her down the slide, she and Canaan were eliminated.

Too bad for Mika, because it looked like a whole lot of fun.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, has sunken aquatic chambers, a shark tank and 1539 rooms. Think huge, and over the top, and you’re just beginning to realize the entity that is this luxury Dubai resort!

This resort has no fewer than 17 restaurants, and a gorgeous spa with 27 treatment rooms. Guests will love the aquarium views from their rooms. And, depending on what room you stay in, a night here can cost you anywhere from $299 to $35,119. Wow.

Check out some photos below, or read our article about the Madinat Jumeirah on the Amazing Race:

Atlantis Resort in Dubai Appeared on the Amazing Race

Gorgeous Hall at the Atlantis in Dubai

Spectacular Sitting Room at the Atlantis Resort, Dubai

Aquarium at the Atlantis

Under the Sea View at the Atlantis Resort in Dubai

Atlantis Resort Aquarium in Dubai

Lounge in Luxury at the Atlantis Resort in Dubai

Looking for a good way to spend your evening in Chicago tomorrow? The Trump International Hotel Chicago is hosting Australian Winemaker Sergio Carlei starting at 7 p.m. on October 27, 2009.

Carlei will be showcasing his two excellent labels, Carlei Estate and Carlei Green Vineyards, and Chef Brunacci of Sixteen, the hotel’s famous restaurant, will be preparing a decadent five-course menu to accompany the wines.

Carlei’s philosophy is that environmentally responsible viticulture is the best course for winemaking: “Soil to a vine is like blood to a human being. We know that toxins in the blood lead to all sorts of health problems in people and the same holds true for plants – toxic soil leads to improper vine health. Most importantly, cleaner vineyards allow the true flavors in the fruit to be expressed, which results in better tasting, more balanced wines.”

Be sure to call the restaurant at (312) 588-8030 to make a reservation if you want to take advantage of this excellent food and wine event in Chicago!

Sixteen was designed by Ivanka Trump and Chicago-based architects Valerio Dewalt Train Associates. It’s found on the 16th floor of the Trumpt International Hotel and Tower Chicago.

The Trump is one of the best luxury hotels in Chicago, and is found right in the heart of the city. It opened in January 2008 and features 339 guestrooms. The hotel also has a spa, a health clab and a chic cocktail lounge called Rebar.

This November 18-23, 2009, Lisbon, Portugal, will be the place to be for any contemporary art lover to be. This is when the ninth annual Arte Lisboa will be held. Over 60 galleries, both Portuguese and foreign, will be in attendance featuring contemporary art and works from renowned and emerging artists.

Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) Pavilion 4 will be hosting this fair, located in Parque das Nacoes, near the Tagus River in Lisbon.

This will be a unique opportunity for any visitor considering the notoriety and recognition of the fair amongst the art sector and general public. Opening times will be in the evenings from 4pm – 11pm. And for a full list of participating galleries please check out the Galleries in Arte Lisboa 2009.

While in the city, Kiwi Collection offers you some of the best hotels in Lisbon to complement your experience at Arte Lisboa.

Tivoli Lisboa:

Tivoli Lisboa is an elegant five star hotel right in the center of the city on the famed Avenida da Liberdade, the main avenue of the city. The surrounding area is wonderfully elegant with many fountains and café tables shaded by trees, a great way to spend an afternoon before taking your short 20 min drive to FIL for Arte Lisboa.

Renowned for its business meeting facilities for top executives, and a well known meeting point in the city, the Tivoli Lisboa staff is always ready to exceed your every expectation and offers superb service.

While in Lisbon during Arte Lisboa, the Tivoli Lisboa offers a Seven Wonders of Lisbon experience package. This includes a three night stay in a Superior Double room, buffet breakfast at their Brasserie Flo restaurant and a Chauffer driven car for two days to explore the city.

Your first day will take you to visit the Lisbon Oceanarium and Parque das Nacoues, lunch in the VIII Colina restaurant, and ending with a visit to the Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Towner and the Belem Cultural center. On day two you will be taken to the Cristo Rei on the south bank of the River Tagus then onto the historic quarter of Alfama. After lunch you will then get to explore the Roman Aqueduct and finally the Chiado and Bairro Alto, the shopping and historical district. This is a sure way to complete your contemporary art experience.

Tiara Park Atlantic Lisboa:

A 20 minute drive from the FIL, and right in the heart of Lisbon, is the Tiara Park Atlantic Lisboa, which celebrates the life and history of Portugal’s capital city. This is the perfect place for both business and pleasure. Best known for its outstanding service, its restaurant “L’Appart and bar “Le Ganesh”, also greatly contributes to its charm.

It’s 331 rooms and suites are beautifully decorated and inspired by the four eternal elements, while the smooth touch of velvets and the quality of the woods further enhance the experience.
And when you come to Lisbon during Arte Lisboa, the Tiara Park Atlantic Lisboa has a special Tiara Romantic Getaway package, giving you no excuses to postpone your travel. This package includes buffet breakfast at L’Appart, a delicious bottle of champagne, flowers, your choice of fresh pastries or fruits and a late check out to 4pm, perfect for sleeping in!

Tivoli Placio de Seteais:

Perched on a hill side just one kilometer west of Lisbon, and only a 40 min drive from the FIL is the Tivoli Placio de Seteais. Housed in a formal National Palace, this luxury hotel will take you back to the days of the elegance and architecture of the XVIII century. The setting offers spectacular view of the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace and is surrounded by beautiful lush gardens that you can spend idle hours wandering their mazes.

Enjoy the extraordinary panoramic views at the Seteais Restaurant, where food is an art and sample the highly original cuisine, all while listing to harmonious piano music.

When you book your stay here during Arte Lisboa, bring your special someone and make sure to take advantage of their Sitnra Palaces Programme which includes a two night stay in a double or twin room, buffet breakfast, candlelit dinner with drinks included, a welcome glass of port at their bar, and visits to Capuchos Convent, Monserrate Palace and Gardens, Pena Palace and Park and the Moorish Castel!

For most of us in the Northern Hemisphere, we are all too aware that summer has ended and that the autumn’s sweater weather is upon us. That’s why it’s time to heat things up with a tall glass of rum punch and start planning your next vacation to the Caribbean!

Made form sugar cane, sugar cane syrup or sugar cane molasses, rum is the most popular drink in the Caribbean and when you throw in a little fruit juice magic happens.
Gather your friends, a big bowl and an even bigger bottle of rum and start dreaming of a tropical paradise (like the best luxury Caribbean hotels below!)

Your Caribbean Rum Punch Recipe: (Serves everyone)

1 cup fresh lime
2 cups simple syrup
3 cups light rum
4 cups orange juice
4 dashes of bitters
Freshly grated nutmeg

Combine in a punch bowl and served chilled over ice.

Luxury Resorts in the Caribbean that serve up a delicious Rum Punch:

One & Only Ocean Club :
With a legendary reputation for entertaining the world’s elite for more than 45 years, the One & Only Ocean club is beautifully settled between miles of pristine beach and exquisite gardens in the Bahamas. Come here and enjoy the elixir of Bahamian life.

Peter Island Resort:
If seclusion, privacy and incredible snorkeling opportunities are up your alley, Peter Island Resort on the very private Peter Island (in the British Virgin Islands) is exactly where you should be planning your winter escape.

Carlisle Bay:
Situated on the magnificent undeveloped south coast of Antigua, Carlisle Bay is a contemporary luxury to the Caribbean. With a back drop of rolling hills and lush tropical rainforest, it’s the perfect spot for outdoor water actives or just relaxing on the beach with your rum punch.

Jade Mountain at Anse Chastanet:
Grand sweeping spaces, amazing views and lovely infinity pools off of every room make Jade Mountain in St. Lucia a Caribbean paradise.

The Westin St. John Resort and Villas:
Perfect for active vacations filled with fishing, diving, parasailing, boating, snorkeling and – you guessed it – enjoying some fine rum punch, The Westin St. John Resort and Villas is a perfect resort in the US Virgin Islands.

Carl Gustaf Hotel:
Steps from the sea nestled on a hillside overlooking the picturesque city of Gustavia on St. Barthelemy; the Carl Gustaf Hotel is the epitome of luxury. This resort is the only of its kind in the Caribbean compiled exclusively of suites with private swimming pools, perfect to get away from it all.

The Regent Palms, Turks and Caicos:
Found on the world-famous Grace Bay Beach, The Regent Palms in the Turks and Caicos is one one of the nicest white sand beaches in the Caribbean. Kick back and relax with a rum punch here while you work on your winter tan.

Lone Star Hotel & Restaurant:
On a deck just above the waves with a view over the calm Caribbean is the Lone Star Hotel & Restaurant. Famously known for being the best spot to eat out in Barbados, it is sure to cure anyone’s winter blues.

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali has just unveiled the it’s recently renovated areas: Padi Restaurant and the Ballroom.

Padi, previously the resort’s Thai restaurant, has been completely renovated and expanded, and its dinner menu re-launched with an ‘Asian Spice’ concept offering Indian, Indonesian and Thai cuisine. The international buffet breakfast served at Padi every day has also been re-launched to offer a gourmet dining experience at six different food stations.

Padi’s dining area has been expanded to cater for up to 225 guests at any one time. It now features a magnificent open ‘hot’ kitchen where guests can watch native Indonesian, Indian and Thai chefs working alongside each other with fiery flair and fast-paced action, to prepare dishes from their homeland for the new pan-Asian dinner menu.

The Indonesian menu comes mostly from Java, complementing the Balinese menu available at Langit Theatre.

Padi’s design features a new entrance with a covered walkway adorned with Indonesian artworks, including a Balinese wood carving believed to emit positive energy to everyone entering the restaurant.

Inside, Indonesian heritage remains the main theme of the décor, with traditional textiles, magnificent wood carvings, and a thatch-roofed ceiling featuring an original painting from a Klungkung village, which depicts a scene from the Ramayana epic. Large lanterns suspended from the ceiling provide an art deco touch.

Padi now also offers private air-conditioned dining, with two dining areas on either side of the open kitchen that can be closed for up to 10 guests each, in a setting reminiscent of a cocoon.

When the folding doors to each room are fully closed, guests are completely surrounded by wooden ‘bee hive’ door panels and sea-shell walls and ceilings, creating a unique and cozy venue. The dining tables are equipped with built-in hot-plates to cater for ‘live’ cooking by guests and chefs.

“These renovations continue AYANA’s intensive upgrade program, which was launched following our rebranding in April this year,” said General Manager Charles de Foucault. “They follow several other upgrades recently, including the opening of the Rock Bar in July, and demonstrate the commitment by the resort’s owners since they built this property in 1996, to continually enhance the facilities, service and overall guest experience.”

Kiwi Collection has some of the best hotels in British Columbia and with all of them being so close to Vancouver, it’s is sure to make your 2010 Olympic getaway even better!

Sunshine Coast:

Found along the northeast shores of the Straight of Georgia (from Gibsons to Powell River and Desolation Sound), the Sunshine coast is only about a 40 minute drive away from downtown Vancouver and is one of the most naturally beautiful places close to the city! Think excellent scenery, cozy inns and peace and quiet. The only thing you can do here is relax. Our favourite hotel on the Sunshine Coast is Rockwater Secret Cove Resort. This boutique resort offers guests the opportunity to stay in tree-top tenthouse suites. Rockwater Secret Cove Resort combines luxurious accommodation with camping. Pretty cool.

Blue River:

If you are looking to experience one of  the best places for heli-skiing on the planet, Blue Rive is your best escape. Located in Western BC and about a 6-hour scenic drive from Vancouver, this winter wonderland is sure to leave all the Olympic business behind you. The small community in Blue River along with some of the landscape in Canada attracts visitors from all over the world. And if you are looking to get cozy in an old European style lodge, the Albreda Lodge on the edge of town is the place to be.

Salt Spring Island:

Half way between Nanaimo and Victoria, Salt Spring Island is just off of Vancouver Island’s East Coast. This relaxing and quaint place is perfect for kicking back and enjoy being “away from it all” without having to go too far from the city (making it a perfect “quick” Olympic escape!). Salt Spring Island is home to many artists, musicians and sculptors and is a great place to visit if you want to explore some of Canada’s best local talent and some of the most beautiful countryside on the west coast away from the hustle and bustle of the Olympics this February. The best way to get to Salt Spring Island is by float plane, which will take less than an hour. Check out Salt Spring Air, Seair Seaplanes, Harbour Air Seaplanes and Kenmore Air. In terms of accommodation, the best hotel on Salt Spring Island happens to be a quaint little inn! Hastings House Country Estate is tiny (only 18 rooms), and has an excellent restaurant and spa. President of Kiwi Collection, Philippe Kjellgren, stayed there recently and we wrote a review about his stay!

Jesmond, Clinton:

Located in the interior of British Columbia, Jesmond, Clinton, is the Echo Valley Ranch and Spa which has one of the best spas around. At a comfortable five-hour drive from Vancouver, visitors to Jesmond, Clinton can also get there by chartered flights. If you need a place to let go and relax after all the Olympic festivities, let their Baan Thai spa help get you reguvinated and refreshed with a wonderful scene of well being. Offering a wide variety of classic spa services as well as Asian therapies, you might never want to go home.

Check out part 2 of our Great 2010 Olympic Getaways close to Vancouver!

Kiwi Collections luxury online magazine Wow Travel has just put together a new photo feature. This is just a small sampling of some of the hotels beautiful landscapes.

Make sure to check out the full feature titled In the Middle of No Where.

Longitude 131 near the famous Ayers Rock in northern Australia

Amanpulo on Pamalican Island, Philippines

Cave B Inn at Sagecliffe along the Columbia River in Quincy, Washington, United States

Wilson Island at the Great Barrier Reef in beautiful Australia

Alila Villas Hadahaa Maldives in Gaffu Alif Atoll, Maldives

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve on the Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa

This just in: The PuLi Hotel and Spa in Shanghai was just awarded the “best new hotel” award at the TravelWeekly China Travel and Meeting Industry Awards 2009, held in Beijing.

Martijn Van der Valk, the hotel’s new GM, accepted the award and said:

“It is a delight to receive such a prestigious award. To be named ‘Best New Hotel’, is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.”

Hard work is a bit of an understatement in describing what this fabulous hotel in Shanghai has been up to this summer!

The hotel just opened this fall, and has an extensive health club and spa.

In fact, PuLi just announced its new Anantara spa, which is quite exciting for guests looking for an excellent new spa experience in China, and a new restaurant called Jing’An with New Zealand Chef Dane Clouston at the helm.

The spa opened in August, and draws on healing therapies from China, Thailand and India with “tea-inspired” treatments. Think about trying a detoxifying green tea or anti-ageing white tea treatment. Yummy and relaxing.

Jing’An, the hotel’s new restaurant, will be a real treat – especially for guests who enjoy home-cooked type cuisine with a twist. Chef Clouston is making it his mission to give guests three different types of experiences.

At breakfast, guests can enjoy a western-style menu with some Asian favorites and pastries prepared by German master baker Ralph Gottschalk. Lunch is casual an unpretentious bistro fare and dinner kicks it up a notch with some of Clouston’s more experimental dishes.

The TravelWeekly China Travel and Meeting Industry Awards recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to the travel industry in Asia Pacific. This year, more than 800,000 votes were cast by TravelWeekly China’s readers.

The awards were presented at the Raffles Beijing Hotel – one of our fabulous hotels in Beijing! (We love gross demonstrations of good taste).

The PuLi is located in the Jing An District in Shanghai and is right across from the Jing’an Temple (a gorgeous Buddhist temple in the city).

Check out photos of the new spa and restaurant below:

Swimming Pool at the PuLi

Jing'An Restaurant at the PuLi

Long Bar at the PuLi

Kiwi Collection President, Philippe Kjellgren, has joined the advisory board for The Bodhi Tree Foundation (TBTF), a non-profit organization that is charged with mobilizing support from the travel and tourism industry to protect places, help people and preserve culture around the globe.

The Bodhi Tree Foundation just announced its new campaign, the Power of One. The campaign’s goal is to unite travelers around the world to stand as one in order to make a difference.

The campaign aims to shine light on the power of adding one dollar to every trip booked in order to change lives and give back to the people and places that make travel so rewarding. With 100% of Bodhi Tree Foundation’s donations going directly to the programs it supports, one person and one dollar can be a powerful force of change.

Find out more about how to donate to The Bodhi Tree Foundation

Some of the charities that benefit from the work done by TBTF this year include:

• Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya
• The African Wildlife Foundation
• FXB International / Protravel Rwandan Village
• The Southern Environmental Association
• Heritage Watch

The Bodhi Tree Foundation was founded in 2008 by Jena Gardner and James Saleh, both philanthropy-minded business leaders and passionate travelers whose lives have been changed by travel.

Ms. Gardner and Mr. Saleh saw the possibility to harness the resources of travel and tourism, one of the world’s largest industries, to help protect nature, support cultural diversity and directly benefit local people in destinations around the world, and the travelers who gain immeasurable joy by visiting them.