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.

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.

If you are looking for a way to really let go and relax, take a trip down to the Dominican Republic for a taste of their national drink, Mama Juana. Mama Juana is rumored to act as an aphrodisiac.

Many Dominican Republic natives say that the drink has similar effects to Viagra, and don’t worry ladies – women also report that Mama Juana increases their sexual desire as well.

Mama Juana is a mixture of bark and herbs left to soak in dark rum, honey and red wine and tastes similar to port wine.

The local leaves, sticks and roots added to the drink vary from region to region but usually include:
-Star Anise
-whole clove
-West Indian Milberry
-Anamu
-Princess Vine
-Alabhaca
-Marabeli

It’s also common for individuals to spice up the drink by adding ingredients to their liking such as raisins, molasses, cinnamon and lemon or lime juice. Let it sit for a while to soak up all of the flavor, and then serve it at room temperature in a shot glass.

Luxury Resorts in the Dominican Republic that Make a Mean Mama Juana:

Sivory Punta Cana:
Known for its excellent wine cellar (which contains more than 8,000 bottles of wine), guests at Sivory Punta Cana can expect a luxurious sun vacation mixed with gastronomic adventure. (We bet that they know how to do a really great Mama Juana).

Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf and Spa Hotel:
This colonial-style resort is perfect for kicking back and relaxing with your sweetheart and or your family. This luxury resort in the Dominican Republic is family-friendly, eco-friendly, and perfect for fishing vacations too.

Tortuga Bay at PUNTACANA Resort and Club:
If first class service, brilliant views of the Caribbean Sea and many rounds of golf on a world-class golf course are up your alley, then you won’t want to miss a vacation at Tortuga Bay at PUNTACANA.

Casa Colonial Beach and Spa:
Perfect for honeymoons, romantic getaways and spa vacations, Casa Colonial Beach and Spa is located in Puerto Plata in the DR (the island’s north coast). This is one of the Dominican Republic’s most romantic hotels, perfect for sharing a few shots of Mama Juana.

Any seasoned traveler knows that food can make or break a vacation. With the recent introduction of Executive Chef Juan Pablo Islas and Sous Chefs Fernando Gutiérrez and Roger Parcerisa to the culinary team at the Sivory Punta Cana, the resort’s creative cuisine is sure to satisfy any pallet.

Sivory’s new Executive Chef, Juan Pablo Islas, started his cooking career early in life by growing up in his grandmother’s kitchen in Mexico City! He’s enhancing his skills though his new position with Sivory. He develops sophisticated and inventive cuisine through a variety of cooking techniques that incorporate fresh local ingredients.

The new Sous Chefs, Fernando Gutierrez and Roger Parcersia (both native to Barcelona) come from one of the most famous restaurants in the world, el Bulli. El Bulli is run by Spain’s most well known culinary figure! While both have similar backgrounds, they have very different approaches to cuisine.

The new chefs at the Sivoy Punta Cana bring a wealth of knowledge, and in the short time they’ve been at the property, have elevated the cuisine to an award winning level. Their hard work has put Sivoy Punta Cana on the map as one of the top culinary destinations in the Caribbean.

Earlier this year we wrote about Sivory Punta Cana on the Jetsetter featuring all that this luxury hotel had to offer. Sivory is known for its extensive wine collection as the resort carries more than 8,000 bottles of vino for guests to choose from.

With three restaurants at their disposal, guests at Sivory will never have a hard time finding a place that suits their mood or taste.

Treat yourself to the very best in Mediterranean cuisine at Laveranda where you can lose yourself in an ocean of flavors anytime of the day; breakfast, lunch or dinner. Indulge in French cookery at the Gourmond Restaurant or perhaps experience the finest fusion of Asian flavors at Tau Restaurant known as a culinary masterpiece.

Whatever your taste, you’ll find cuisine that makes your vacation in the Dominican Republic perfect.

Situated in the heart of a tranquil oasis, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa in the Dominican Republic is the ideal destination for a relaxing, romantic getaway. Book your stay Sunday through Thursday, anytime between now and December 23rd, 2009 and get a 20% discount and complimentary daily breakfast. Alternatively, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is rewarding guests booking in advance with a 35% discount on room rates throughout the year.

Accentuated by high ceilings, limestone floors and elegant furnishings all exquisitely fashioned in Spanish colonial style, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa features two dining venues, the cutting edge Bagua Spa and 18-hole Robert Trent Sr. golf course for you to enjoy at your leisure.

After a day filled with shopping, fine dining and recreational activities Puerto Plata has to offer nearby, there is no better place than a private terrace to indulge in soothing ocean views or the tranquility of surrounding tropical gardens.

From sports to fine dining and relaxation, you can see that this luxury hotel in the Dominican Republic caters to a myriad of interests and needs.

Haven’t been enticed yet? Well, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa has not one, but TWO special offers for you valid through the rest of the year.

If you are looking for a longer getaway that won’t break the bank, we suggest you take advantage of Casa Colonial’s Sunday through Thursday special offer. Book your stay Sunday through Thursday, anytime between now and December 23rd, 2009, and benefit from a 20% discount and complimentary daily breakfast. A two- night minimum stay is required.

Alternatively, if you like to book your vacations well ahead of time, we invite you to catch the Early Bird offer. Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is rewarding guests booking no less than fifteen days in advance with a 35% discount on room rates throughout the year.

These packages provide for an extraordinary, value-added experience, perfect for you to enjoy a luxury beach vacation in the Dominican Republic; based upon space availability, they cannot be combined with other existing offers or packages.

It’s not often that you get to mix sand and wine, especially if you’re vacationing in the Caribbean. That’s what makes Sivory Punta Cana so special, in our books. With more than 8,000 bottles of wine from all over the world, you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of some of the world’s rarest vintages on your beach vacation.

If you’re a wine lover, vacations in the Caribbean can be a little tough. Known for their rum, the Caribbean islands are not so spot on when it comes to wine. But this is what makes Sivory Punta Cana so unique (and what makes it one of the best hotels in the Dominican Republic).

Sivory’s owner, Manel Vallet considers wine one of his own personal passions. And, because of his love for vino, he’s established a wine library of more than 8,000 bottles from 300 vintages (of all types: red, white, rose, sparkling and champagne).

Guests at the hotel will truly love this global wine selection, with some of the most interesting labels including:
o    Chateau Petrus, 1992
o    Chateau Lafite Rothschild, 1998
o    Vega Sicilia Unico, 1989
o    Opus One Mondavi, 2001
o    Moet Chandon Mathusalem, 1998
(more…)

Tortuga Bay at Puntacana Resort is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a private beach getaway! Find yourself in the jewel of the Caribbean.

This was my first time visiting Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and much to my surprise it really is paradise – a place where postcard pictures are taken. The weather had more or less been amazing our entire trip – around 30 degrees Celsius.

I stayed at the lovely Tortuga Bay located just five minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport, although you would never know it (we never heard or saw any planes); as it has such a private secluded feel to it nestled in an exclusive residential neighborhood.

The entire property is surrounded by beautiful landscaping, a picturesque white sand beach and dotted with fabulous yellow villas. And of course, the service and staff are just as amazing as the resort itself.

My villa at this gorgeous luxury Punta Cana hotel was stunning with a large private deck, a view of what felt like our own private beach and the lush lawns. Designed by Oscar de la Renta the villas are inspired by the rich culture of the area. Guests are also given a golf cart for convenient travel throughout the resort – which was great. Another great idea from Tortuga Bay includes a cell phone in the room to keep in touch with your Villa Manager no matter where you are.

Dining at Tortuga Bay was absolutely scrumptious. Lunch at La Yola, which overlooks the shimmering Caribbean Sea and the resorts marina, was delectable. I indulged and ordered the Tropical Lobster Salad – with mango, avocado, parmesan cheese and a herb vinaigrette. It was the die for! My salad was accompanied by a small basket with a variety of different breads served with olive oil and shaved parmesan cheese. For a truly special dining experience, visit Bamboo. Dinner at Bamboo consisted of Grilled New Zealand Lamb with a spectacular cheese risotto. Again, to die for! Then there was dessert – pineapple shaved paper-thin with strawberry sauce, topped with strawberry ice cream.

I decided to try the room service for breakfast the next morning, French Toast on my balcony with the amazing view – what could be better?

Tortuga Bay is a premier Caribbean get-away location. But the only way to truly appreciate its breadth and luxury is to experience it for yourself!