For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, we all know that winter is upon us complete with fluffy snow and cooling temperatures. And although this drink isn’t a Chinese native, we could think of nothing else that could warm us up more this time of year than a China White.

This drink can either be a mellow accompaniment to a gathering of friends or if shot back can get the party going. Whatever your style…tis the season.

How to make a China White:
-1 part Irish Cream (Bailey’s)
-1 part White Crème de Cacao
-1 part Vodka

There two options for putting this drink together. You can shake all of the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker and strain into a long stemmed shot glass or layer the liquids starting with vodka, crème de cacao then Irish cream and get a neat effect. For a festive touch garnish with ground cinnamon. Serve and enjoy!

Want to get a great China White? Check out some of to best luxury hotels in China:

Regent Beijing:
Classic, luxurious and huge – the Regent Beijing has one of the best locations in Beijing. Here, you’ll be stones through from the city’s main commercial shopping areas and tourist attractions. Make sure to get a room with a good view of the Forbidden City, so you can observe the comings and goings of this mystical area of the city while sipping on a China White.

Grand Hyatt Macau:
A high-end retreat for both business travelers and sightseers, Grand Hyatt Macau is a grand hotel of 791 rooms and suites. When you walk through the lobby, be sure to enjoy the enticing smells of Peaking duck. Also, be sure to spend some time taking in the fabulous décor here – the lobby has a great glass chandelier depicting rain.

The Upper House:
Maybe a boutique hotel is more your style. If so, The Upper House in Hong Kong is exactly what you’ll be in the mood for. The Upper House hotel boasts excellent views of historical Victoria Harbor and has an understated style that we really love here at Kiwi Collection. Check it out if you’re in the mood for a very special treat this season.

The Peninsula Shanghai:
Have a little art deco with your China White when you stay at the Peninsula Shanghai hotel. This gorgeous retreat recently opened in October 2009 and has 235 guest rooms of pure luxury. The design is inspired by the Art Deco period and the Golden Age, so if you’re a fan of this style you will absolutely love it here. And, another special treat you’ll get when you stay here is amazing views of the city – the historic Bund, the Huangpu River, Pudong and gardens of the former British Consulate.

The PuLi Hotel and Spa:
Right in the thick of things, the PuLi Hotel and Spa has a great, convenient location in Shanghai. The city itself is ancient and quite historical, and the PuLi Hotel and Spa is modern gem right in the middle of it. Think deep earth tones, luxurious fixtures, comfy beds and a streamlined design. Whatever you do, make sure to spend some time at the spa here. And, to top it off, this hotel was recently voted the best new hotel by TravelWeekly.

Pangu 7 Star Hotel Beijing:
Pangu 7 Star hotel, Beijing, is one of the city’s most unique hotels. This luxury hotel in Beijing is shaped like a dragon, and stretches the length of seven football fields. The hotel is awe-inspiring, that’s for sure, because it also soars 19 stories above ground. We love that every room has a traditional Chinese painting. One of the best features of this hotel is its location – right next to the Dragon Corridor Boutique Street filled with flagship stores and international brands. Last minute Christmas shopping anyone?

W Hong Kong:
Found on the famous Kowloon side of Hong Kong, the W Hong Kong is the perfect luxury hangout if you want to see and be seen in one of the city’s most interesting areas. Rooms are a spacious 420 to 2,000 square feet, which is definitely a luxury in Hong Kong where space is hard to find. You’ll find excellent shopping, great restaurants and lounges right on the premises at this hotel – so people who are only in the city for a short time can still live it up large here.

The Opposite House:
Located in the cosmopolitan district of Sanlitun, The Opposite House is a welcomed oasis from the hustle and bustle of Beijing. At this luxury hotel you will find an extraordinary mix of old and new wit a design and style unlike anything you will have seen. Complete with its very own art house and spacious studio suites, The Opposite House is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Park Hyatt Shanghai:
Best known for its incomparable level of personalized service, The Park Hyatt, Shanghai is a luxurious modern Chinese residence in the heart of Shanghai’s business district. Housed in one of the tallest buildings in the world each room offers breathtaking views of the city or the Huangpu River. Recently the Park Hyatt, Shanghai is also the recipient of Interior Design Magazines award for “Best Corporate Hotel Award”.

Mandarin Oriental Sanya:
Ever thought you could have a tropical getaway in China? Set on the southern tip of China’s only tropical island, Hainan, the Mandarin Oriental Sanya where you can indulge in a luxury beach resort where there’s always a cozy place to take a nap in the sun. Surrounded by the crystal clear South China Sea where every villa enjoys the view will is a tropical getaway you will never forget.

Sofitel Xian On Renmin Square:
Ideally situated on Renmin Square and close to many of the city’s historical sites, Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is perfect for those who would love to expose some of the great sites China has to offer. This luxury hotel integrates the best of modern living from stylish suites, restaurants, and a grand theater within the ambiance of historical treasures.

URBN Hotels Shanghai:
Say hello to China’s first carbon neutral hotel, the URBN Hotels Shanghai. This eco-chic, 26-room luxury hotel has been created with 100% locally made or reclaimed materials all while reflecting Shanghai’s unique and dynamic character. And before you leave the hotel, URBN give you the chance to offset you own carbon foot print by taking part in their Million Tree Project to plant one million needed trees in China by 2014.

Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16:
The Sofiel Macau at Ponte 16 is an ideal getaway spot for both business and leisure travelers alike. Close to the Ruins of St. Paul’s Church, A- Ma Temple and Macau Tower this is also a great location to seek out and discover the wonders of Macau. All rooms feature exquisite design with extraordinary views of the city or the Macau Inner Harbor complete with all the luxury amenities that on could ask for.

Who doesn’t love the beach, the sun and a delicious fruity cocktail while you are busy doing nothing? Don’t take the deliberate sexual double entendre lightly, Sex on the Beach goes down easy and is sure to help make a night to remember.

This relatively young cocktail was invented around the end of the 80’s for the promotion of peach schnapps, and since sex is often associated with cocktails, the name Sex on the Beach fix quite nicely. This drink is perfect for any location and a hip open mind is required.

Make your own sex on the beach:

-2 oz. Vodka
-1 oz. Peach Schnapps
-2 oz. Orange juice
-2 oz. Cranberry juice

Bring all of the ingredients into a shaker, shake and pour into a highball glass filled with ice.

Need a beach vacation? We’ve got some of the most luxurious places from around the world to enjoy that perfect Sex on the Beach:

Sivory Punta Cana:
Located in the fabulous Dominican Republic and situated on a private beach, Sivory Punta Cana is a Caribbean dream. Each luxurious suite is designed with privacy in mind along golden sand and clear water. Take time out for yourself and relax in their spa or dine on world class gourmet cuisine. Once you experience this luxury resort you may never want to leave.

Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket:
Indulge in a tropical escape at the Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort in Phuket, Thailand. Set on a lovely beach at Chalong Bay, enjoy sweeping ocean views from their roof top decks, rest up in their beautiful gardens or catch some sun in one of their beachfront lofts with private swimming pools. Be sure to take advantage for their Wellbeing Centre offering therapeutic massage, beauty treatments and holistic healing.

St. Regis Princeville Resort:
What could be better than a perfect island setting at one of the most beautiful hotels in Hawaii? The St. Regis Princeville Resort on the island of Kauai is world famous for its ocean views and is just minutes away from well known Napali and Waimea Canyon. Spend your days here soaking in the sun with your cocktail or play a few rounds on their golf course which is one of the best  in America.

Amanwella:
Situated amidst a mature coconut grove close to the village of Tangalle in Southern Sri Lanka, the Amanwella luxury resort is the perfect place to enjoy your sex on the beach. Each of its 30 beach front suites offer their own private plunge pool and open up on both sides to enjoy the cooling sea breezes off the Indian Ocean.

Conrad Bali:
Imagine seven hectares of secluded tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls, lagoons and a pristine 350 mile beach. This is Conrad Bali, one of the most beautiful luxury resorts in Thailand. And with a 24 hour personal assistant to cater to your every whim, you might just start to think you are in heaven on earth.

The Chedi Muscat:
Simple elegance and ageless charm is the perfect way to describe The Chedi Muscat located on the stunning Boushar Beachfront in Oman.  All of the rooms and suites offer exclusive access to the crystal Gulf waters, turquoise pools bordered by cabanas, a water garden and a private stretch of beautiful sandy shore. This is truly the perfect luxury oasis.

Pacific Resort Aitutaki:
Escape to one of the most beautiful islands in the world; Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Enjoy pure white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and coral atoll at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki. With just twenty seven luxurious beachfront bungalows, suites and villas all with their own personal panoramic view of this world-famous lagoon makes for a perfect romantic getaway.

Maia Luxury Resort and Spa:
Located on the main island of Mahe in the Republic of Seychelles, an archipelago nation of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is the beautiful Maia Luxury Resort and Spa. This area is widely considered to be the world’s most perfect, unspoiled islands. Bask in the lush green surroundings and savor the panoramic view of the ocean from their villas on the hillcrest. Maia also offers the most delectable Mediterranean cuisine complemented by Asian and Creole influences.

Mandarin Oriental Sanya:
Overlooking the South China sea from China’s only tropical island is the Mandarin Oriental Sanya. Every room has a perfect view of the sea, lush landscaped gardens and their pristine protected coral beach. Spacious interiors combine contemporary design with artistic touches inspired by Sanya’s ethnic minority culture. This is a place you won’t find anywhere else.

Hotel Punta Islita:
Come and get pampered with authentic Costa Rican charm at the Hotel Punta Islita in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Developed in full synergy with its neighboring communities, inter-weaved with nature and featuring local art, gives this luxury hotel a truly authentic feel. And if you are a spa lover you are in for a special treat at their Casa Spa which offers treatments in the traditional healing arts with herbal wisdom of the native Chorotega tribes.

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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.

Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese Moon Festival is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar. This year the festival falls on October 3rd and traditionally is spent admiring the bright mid autumn harvest moon and eating moon cakes with family and friends.

There are also many legendary stories that accompany this festival with the most popular is the legend of Chang’e, the Chinese goddess of the moon and is often referred to the “woman on the moon” (similar to the Western notion of a man in the moon)

With the whole country in Celebration this time of year is the perfect time to visit China, and with so many amazing places to stay all over the country, it will only make your getaway that much better.

Banyan Tree Sanya:

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This beautiful resort is located in the city of Sanya on the southernmost tip of Hainan Island. The Banyan Tree Sanya is designed as an exclusive hideaway escape from urban sprawl, and is the first all-pool resort in China. Each of Banyan Tree Sanya’s 61 secluded pool villas are exquisitely designed and set amidst a sculpted tropical lagoon, some with their own private gardens.

Weather in the area is often described as an “endless summer” making it perfect to enjoy the beautiful nearby beaches and the best air quality in the country.

The Moon Festival is also the perfect time for a romantic getaway. And if you book your stay between now and October 31, 2009, make sure to take advantage of the Banyan Tree Sanya’s Romantic Getaway Package. This package includes daily breakfast for two, a bottle of sparkling French Campaign upon arrival, one in-villa BBQ, 20% off a la cart spa treatments at Banyan Tree and a special Banyan Tree gallery gift.

W Hong Kong:

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With a skyline view from every room, the W Hong Kong sits among modern splendor, oriental markets and colonial cool. If you are looking for an urban escape this is the place to be. Whether for business or pleasure, the W Hong Kong will help you enjoy the best of both worlds.

Located in the famous Tsimshatsui area in Hong Kong, the hotel is close to great shopping, Kowloon Park, the Avenue of the Stars and the legendary Star Ferry Pier. World class arts and entertainment is also close by for a wonderful night on the town.

The W Hong Kong also features multiple restaurants and lounges perfect for indulging in cutting edge cuisine or relaxing with a couple of metropolitan cocktails. When you escape to the stylish world of Hong Kong between now and December 31, 2009, if you book a three night stay you will enjoy a fourth night free!

HOMA – Hotel of Modern Art:

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Calling all art lovers! Blazing the trail for design hotels in China is the Hotel of Modern Art. Set against the beautiful mountains of Gulini, Yuzi Paradise is a sculpture park completely dedicated to the promotion of contemporary art and culture in China.

The hotel’s founder, Rhy Chang Tsao, has contributed in setting a new course for a new kind of culture joining talents from China, Taiwan and other artists worldwide. By infusing cultural elements into the beautiful natural surroundings, HOMA offers a new experience of art and nature.

The facilities feature three restaurants with the option of dining in outdoor venues such as a stunning cathedral-sized cave. Rooms are simply decorated with mountain views and precious art work.

From now until October 31, 2009 when you book your stay consider taking advantage of their Gourmet Discovery Package. This is based on a two night stay for two people and features one gourmet dinner at their Lotus restaurant, a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, daily breakfast and VIP host service.

Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski:

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This is the place where modernism and tradition blend together. Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski is an amazing private collection of living contemporary Chinese and Asian architecture that is designed by 12 Asian architects set in a shared landscape.

Awarded “A New Architectural Wonder of China” by Business Week in 2005, the hotel features breathtaking views of the Shuiguan Valley and the Great Wall.  The Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski is perfect for those who are seeking something a little unique.

A wide range of leisure facilities are available including saunas, massages, Tai Chi, Yoga and lessons with your personal trainer. Hiking (on-site), biking and fishing are further possibilities while golf courses and ski resorts are close by. And, of course, guests are only 10 minutes away from a non-resorted part of the great wall itself. A site truly worth seeing.

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.

Kiwi Insider Erik Wachtmeister recently traveled to China. In the first part of this two part series, he recounts his experience at the Park Hyatt Shanghai, a perfect hotel for business travelers to China and vacationers alike.

Thanks primarily to the most extraordinary hotel experience in my life, Shanghai became one of the high points of my recent trip to China! The Park Hyatt Hotel in Shanghai, which just opened in December last year, is an extraordinary, exquisite and exciting place to stay.

It is situated on floors 77 to 91 in the tallest rooftop building in the world. Our “room” had 5 meter ceilings, and was 425 meters in size on the 85th floor. I have never experienced a jetliner view like this before.

There are not enough ways to praise this gorgeous Shanghai hotel. Every visitor to Shanghai should stay there. The service, the breakfast, the efficient staff and the architectural splendor really gives you a glimpse into what the next century will look like. The A Small World hotel (ASW) finder and booking engine contributed to a rather spectacular upgrade.

Restaurants of note are the Kee Club for British Colonial charm (by Dunhill), Vue restaurant and Park Hyatt’s 91st floor Century Avenue for the views, and Crystal Jade for a Dim Sum lunch. As well, Yu Gardens is great for shopping for high quality and reasonably priced goods.

A stroll down along the river by the bund is also a must.
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