The hardest part of traveling is usually picking just one destination that you want to go to. Why not make it easy on yourself and pick them all?

No epic journey is ever complete without a great cocktail to kick start it all. The around the world cocktail will inspire you to seek and discover all that the world has to offer and with Kiwi Collection, we bring you nothing but the best from every corner of the world.

How to Make your Around the World Cocktail:

-    ¼ oz Cognac
-    ¼ oz Crème de Noyaux
-    ¾ oz Dark Rum
-    1 ¼ oz Orange Juice
-    1 oz Sweet and Sour Mix
-    Crushed Ice

In a blender add all of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into a wine goblet and serve!

Some of the best places in the world to get your fabulous Around the World cocktail:

Regent Beijing:
Located just minutes away from the famous Forbidden City, Wangfujing Shopping and Tiananmen Square is the Regent Beijing, one of China’s best luxury hotels. Featuring five restaurants and lounges, a fabulous spa sanctuary, a huge adult pool and an exclusive selection of luxury boutique shops, this hotel is sure to satisfy any discerning traveler.

Tivoli Victoria:
Golf lovers rejoice! The Tivoli Victoria in beautiful Vilamoura, Portugal is home to one of Europe’s best golf courses designed by the ledged Arnold Palmer. This luxury five star resort is perfect for business or leisure with state of the art conference rooms, an exclusive nearby beach club, delicious gourmet cuisine by Chef Pedro Pereira and a touch of Far East at their Spa by Banyan Tree.

Jumeirah Essex House:
Since 1931 the Jumeirah Essex House has been the gem of New York. Situated on Central Park South and minutes away for shopping and Broadway this is the perfect spot to get a fabulous New York experience.

Sivory Punta Cana:
Craving a luxury Caribbean getaway like no other? Look no further than the Sivory Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Creating a harmony with its natural surroundings, this luxury resort takes relaxation to a whole new level and makes sure that your every need will be met. Here you can rediscover the pleasure of food and dine on world class delicacies along with a great glass of wine from there cellar featuring more than 8000 bottles.

Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver:
Set in the heart of the city surrounded by a neighborhood of luxury shops, amazing mountain views and the world famous Stanley Park is the tallest building in the city the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver in Canada. Offering spacious rooms, amazing cuisine from internationally acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and an indulgent holistic spa sets the scene for a truly unforgettable west coast experience.

Madinat Jumeirah:
Madinat Jumeirah is the famous Arabian Resort of Dubai paying tribute to its heritage and is styled to resemble an ancient Arabian citadel. Comprising of three separate properties with spas, restaurants, shopping and activities, your experience here will truly be like no other and will feel like a whole new world unto itself.

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago:
Located alongside the Chicago River is the city’s most enviable address, the Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago.  Sophisticatedly decorated with custom designed furnishings, floor to ceiling windows, fully equipped kitchens, and attentive service at your disposal makes this the ideal hotel choice for any traveler.

Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket:
Get ready to indulge in a private tropical escape in Thailand at the beautiful Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket. With ocean facing suits and floor to ceiling windows for breathtaking views, private pools and beach-side dining options, this one luxury getaway  that you will never forget.

The Standard, New York:
The Standard, New York is located in Manhattan’s thriving Meat Packing district of New York and is known as one of the city’s most fashionable neighborhoods full of exclusive clubs, hip restaurants and lovely boutiques. Showcasing unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan and the Hudson River this hotel is the place to see and be seen.

Tribe – The Village Market Hotel:
Take a cultural journey though the farthest corners of Africa at Tribe – The Village Market Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Every room at this hotel is a testament of world class comfort with a chic design with an emphasis on detail and luxury.

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If you’re visiting Beijing this year, you will definitely want to be close to some of the city’s most famous sights and shops. For visitors who want to be right in the thick of things, The Regent Beijing Hotel is one of the best places to stay.

Think of being mere minutes away from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Wangfujing Shopping – “location” is one of the many reasons why visitors will want to stay at the Regent Beijing Hotel, found in the city’s historical center.

This gorgeous 500-room hotel is new to our collection, so we’re excited to share it with all of our readers who are planning on traveling to China this year!

Guest rooms at the Regent Beijing are of a contemporary design. We really like the simplicity here, which gives guests a totally unpretentious and modern atmosphere. If you want an excellent view, be sure to ask for a room that overlooks the Forbidden City. (We think that view is a true sightseer’s dream).

And speaking of sightseeing – you can enjoy the view into your very own room from the washroom, which has a fun glass wall that looks out into the bedroom.

Nothing makes or breaks a stay like a good wash – and with a luxurious tub and separate shower, guests can enjoy their bathing method of choice to rinse away the day’s stress. We also enjoy the plush bath robes and bath products available to guests in each room.

If service and VIP treatment are important elements of your hotel stay, then you won’t be disappointed at this Beijing luxury hotel.

The staff here pride themselves on their attentive and personalized service. And, guests who book either the Executive Room or Executive Suites receive some additional value during their stays such as: express check-in and check-out, daily evening cocktails (from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.), complimentary internet access, complimentary pressing of one suit, butler service and more.

Guests who are health conscious can make use of the hotel’s Fitness Center during their stay, as well as the indoor swimming pools (one 216 square meter adult pool and a 15 square meter kid’s pool).

The hotel also has a spa, called “Serenity Spa”, which is one of Beijing’s finest. Relax, de-stress and re-energize here either by yourself, with your partner or with your friends.

You’ll find lots of treatment options available to keep you feeling fresh and beautiful.

The Regent Beijing also provides quite a few dining options as it features five restaurants and lounges. You can get a bit of a taste of home here since a wide variety of international cuisine is served in addition to traditional Chinese meals.

If you love great style and design then you know that every detail counts. At Hotel G, no detail is overlooked. Inspired by the retro chic of the 1960s, this luxurious boutique hotel is located in the heart of the district of Sanlitun – Beijing’s fashionable entertainment district. And if you book your stay 10 days in advance you, can get the promotional G Spot rate of a complementary upgrade, buffet breakfast and an array of other goodies!

Created by architect and designer Mark Lintott, Hotel G Beijing sets a new standard of luxury in boutique hotels for business and leisure travelers alike. You’ll feel pampered from the moment you walk through the door as the staff provide exceptional service and attention to all of their guests!

With 110 spacious, modern rooms, all featuring amenities such as strong high speed wi-fi, complimentary breakfast, iPod docking and 24 hour room service, it’s quite possible you might never want to leave……rumor has it that they have the most comfy beds in all of China!

Hotel G Beijing features two on-site restaurants. Scarlett, a wine bar and restaurant, is currently the trendiest meeting spot for young executives who like to have fun. The wine bar is extensive, and also showcases a large selection of imported cold cuts and a variety of cheese.

The second restaurant, Morio, is a contemporary take on Japanese fine dining with an international flair. It also has five private dining rooms that can accommodate between four and 30 people making it great for business lunches, dinner meetings or private parties.

All of the best shopping in Beijing is close by to Hotel G, and after a long day on your feet you can unwind in their indoor/outdoor wellness center, which is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

If you are heading to Beijing, make sure to book and pre-pay your stay at Hotel G at least 10 days in advance to receive their special G Spot rate! This allows guests to receive a complementary upgrade if available, buffet breakfast and a wide array of other goodies including complementary soft drinks from their mini bar.

As one of the best hotels in China, Hotel G Beijing is a must-stay. Trust us.

Geoffrey Grier is an American financier based in Hong Kong and Macau.  Mr. Grier has lived in the Orient for over fifteen years and enjoys visiting far-flung and exotic locales throughout South East Asia.  Grier is part of our Kiwi Insiders that travels the globe visiting properties in the Kiwi Collection, sharing his experiences.

Lana and I just returned from an exquisite Western New Year holiday to Beijing, China where we stayed at the Aman Summer Palace at Beijing.  Quite a few of you responded rather skeptically, and with raised eyebrows, to the news of our plan to travel to northern China in the dead of winter.  No doubt, the minus-ten to minus-fifteen degree frigid temperatures tend to dissuade most travelers from visiting Beijing at this time of year.  However, Lana and I have found over the years that traveling contrary to the high-season flows and avoiding the pitfalls of mass tourist migrations yields far better results and satisfaction.  Our recent trip to Beijing was a prime case in point.

Having just been to Beijing for the Olympics last August, I was really looking foward to returning there with Lana.  This was probably somewhere in the neighbourhood of my 15th or so visit to the Chinese capital during my fifteen-plus years in Asia, and the pace of development and progress continues unabated – noticeable to the casual observer even in the middle of the winter holiday season.  A couple of good friends – Philippe Kjellgren and Mark Swinton – played a large role in ensuring that we had the most delightful of holidays in Beijing – thank you both so very much.

I suppose I should be honoured, but Philippe refers to me as an Aman Resorts junkie – I imagine there are worse things to which one could find oneself addicted.  Aman is simply the FINAL WORD in luxury accomodation – they have resorts in only the most far-flung, exotic locales (for instance, Bhutan, Siem Reap, Sri Lanka, India, Java, Bali, Tahiti, Pulo, Phuket) and I’ve been hooked for more than a decade.
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With Olympic fever hitting the city of Beijing right now, I felt that it would be appropriate to put together a little top list of four favourite properties located in what is referred to by many historians as “…one of the world’s greatest cities”.

A little bit about Beijing: It is one of China’s largest metropolitan centres, with an approximate population over 14 million, and the city has served as the political and cultural hub of the country for over eight centuries. Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples and shrines, and its art treasures and universities have long made the city a centre for culture and art in China.

Here is a list (in no particular order) of some of my favourite luxury properties that make up part of the Kiwi Collection – ones that provide the discerning traveler with an experience beyond the norm, and will undoubtedly make a positive impact in travels while in this dynamic city.

The Opposite House – Eminent Japanese architect Kango Kama designed the Opposite House, a unique hotel embracing a modern lifestyle. The hotel presents contemporary style and abundant space perfectly complemented by refreshingly individual service, ideal for business or leisure travelers.

98 large studio rooms and suites plus a 2 level penthouse complete with roof terrace are designed with subtle touches of traditional Chinese décor intermingled with modern furniture to provide a sense of space, warmth and utmost comfort. Each room comes with natural wooden floors, King size down beds and the most luxurious spa bathrooms. Top shelf entertainment amenities, a Nespresso machine and premium toiletries enhance the guest experience.

Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski – The Commune by The Great Wall Kempinski is a private collection of living contemporary Chinese and Asian architecture, where modernism and tradition blend together. Offering an architectural experience with breath-taking views over the landscape of the Shuiguan valley and the Great Wall. This unique collection of architectural gems combined with an impeccable, personal service and attention to detail make the Commune an ideal place for business and leisure traveler alike.

A total of 46 bedrooms in 11 beautifully designed villas ranging in size from 300 to 700 m2, each with an average of four bedrooms, each villa offers dedicated butler service, available around the clock. All villas offer wireless LAN with broadband technology as well as computer data ports for easy Internet access. A wide range of the most unusual meeting space, featuring modern amenities is available to make every event an unforgettable success.

Raffles Beijing Hotel – Built in the 1900s, Raffles Beijing Hotel has long stood as an icon of Beijing’s historical heritage. Ideally situated at the crossroads of famous Chang An Avenue and the district of Wangfujing, Raffles Beijing Hotel is in the heart of the prestigious business and commercial districts and a few minutes from the mystical Forbidden City, historical Tiananmen Square, the Silk Market and other famous sights.

Raffles Beijing Hotel epitomizes elegance and exclusivity, as guests luxuriate in beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, which are some of the most expansive and decadent in Beijing. Guest rooms and suites are tastefully appointed with intricate Oriental accents and French elegance, providing exclusive accommodation for discerning travelers.

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street – The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street is located at the intersection of Taipingqiao and Jinchengfangdong, a magnificent focal point of China’s most significant business and financial center. Offering well-appointed guest rooms, comforting amenities and a wealth of high-tech conveniences, the hotel will be the ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Ritz Carlton Beijing, Financial Street offers 253 guest rooms including 33 suites and 34 Ritz-Carlton Club Level rooms. With contemporary design of glass and chrome defines the sparkling exterior, while the interior exudes elegance and warm hospitality. The Ritz-Carlton Beijing also offers their signature linens and featherbeds for extra comfort.