This document provides a list of unique vacation destinations around the world organized by region. For each region, it lists a favorite hideaway destination, most unusual destination, natural wonders or sights to see, and best activities. Some of the most unique destinations highlighted include an ice hotel in Quebec, Canada, a hotel built within a former bullring in Mexico, and a resort located within a cave in Jamaica. The document aims to give readers ideas for unusual and luxurious getaways off the beaten path.
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Favorite Hideaway Vacation Destination:
---North America---
New York
*Crosby Street
Hotel, New York
http://www.firmdale.com/
*The Standard, Manhattan, New York
http://www.standardhotels.com/new-york-city/
California
*Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, California
http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumlosangeles/index.html
This octogenarian grande dame has never looked more beautiful—although,
she’s had some work done. The hotel’s 1923 Italian-Spanish Renaissance
interiors are textbook elegant, with refurbished hand-carved wood detailing,
ornate gilded ceilings, and magnificent chandeliers. Indulge in pure elegance at the Club Level (just an additional
$50).
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“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!
Live the life you’ve imagined.” ~Thoreau
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Maine
*The White Barn Inn, Kennebunk,
Maine http://www.whitebarninn.com/
The White Barn Inn & Spa is an award-
winning hotel, restaurant and spa that has
been a landmark in Kennebunk, Maine for
150 years. It is part of the exclusive Relais
& Châteaux collection of the finest hotels
and gourmet restaurants in the world.
The White Barn Inn was voted one of the Top 20 Hideaways in the United States
in the Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report 2008 Readers’ Choice Survey and has
been described by Condé Nast Traveler as “One of the great places to stay and
eat in the world”.
Florida
*The Setai, Miami http://www.setai.com/
Managed by Adrian Zecha's GHM group, the oceanfront Setai is one of the
most luxurious and beautiful hotels on South Beach. A sleek Asian look
(the brick, bronze and teak lobby is particularly beautiful) has been
fused with high-octane Miami style to spectacular effect.
North Carolina
*Grove Park Inn, Asheville, North Carolina
http://www.groveparkinn.com/Leisure/
Most Unusual:
---North America---
New York
*Casablanca Hotel, New York www.casablancahotel.com
Ever wanted to live like Bogey? The 48-room Casablanca Hotel in Times Square features a Moroccan décor
complemented by Rick's Café, named for the restaurant in the classic 1942 film featuring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid
Bergman. Rates, ranging from $219 to $459, include continental breakfast and wine each afternoon.
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-“Knowledge is the treasure of a wise man” ~William Penn
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*Library Hotel, New York www.libraryhotel.com
Appropriately located near the New York Public Library, the hotel has 60 rooms on 10 floors. Each floor is designed
after one of the ten categories of the Dewey Decimal System, such as Math and Science and Religion, and each room
houses part of the hotel's collection of 6,000 books. Rates range
from $279 to $525 a night.
Canada
*Ice Hotel, Quebec, Canada www.icehotel-canada.com
The Ice Hotel is created anew each year out of 15,000 pounds of
snow and 500 pounds of ice. The 34-room hotel features an ice
chapel, two art galleries and a host of outdoor activities. The
temperature inside the hotel ranges from 23 to 28 degrees
Fahrenheit and the beds are carved from ice.
Vermont
*The Pitcher Inn, Warren, Vermont www.pitcherinn.com
The nine rooms and two suites at The Pitcher Inn, also built by the Smith family, are designed on themes such as
"School," "Trout" and "Calvin Coolidge." We're not just talking variations in wallpaper--the "Stable" suite has a hay chute
opening into it. Guests don't rough it, however. The inn is a Relais and Chateaux property, and it includes a spa and
dining room that uses fresh local and regional ingredients. Rates range from $350 to $700 a night.
New Mexico
*Kokopelli’s Cave, New Mexico
http://www.ultimathulelodge.com/
Located north of Farmington, New Mexico, close to the Mesa
Verde National Park, guests at Kokopelli’s Cave can enjoy views
over four American states.
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“Go for long walks, indulge in hot baths. Question your assumptions,
be kind to yourself, live for the moment, loosen up, scream, curse the world, count your blessings, just let
go, just be.” ~Carol Shields
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Natural Wonders / Sights to See:
---North America---
Montana
*Glacier National Park, Montana
http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
You’ll spend 6-days in the park hiking through cedar forests,
biking alongside alpine mountains, and sleeping in timber
lodges that date to 1913. Half-day walks pass through the
Two Medicine area (site of the 30-foot-high Twin Falls and
mountain-shadowed Two Medicine Lake) and the North Fork
area, home to mountain lions, bighorn sheep, black bears,
and moose. The guide to provide you knowledge on the
local ecosystem and the professional outdoor photographer to instruct on how to shoot the perfect panoramic photo
http://www.austinlehman.com
Canada
*Canadian Rockies, Canada http://www.canadianrockies.com/
The Canadian Rockies house five national parks, out of which four of them along with other provincial parks form a
combination of a single UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of beautiful mountain landscapes, lakes, canyons,
waterfalls, glaciers, peaks, limestone caves as well as
fossils. Mount Robson is the highest peak of the Canadian
Rockies and climbing it is considered a challenge. These
beautiful mountains are a haven for hikers and walkers
alike.
*Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park,
Canada
Cathedral Grove is living proof that a beautiful rainforest
isn’t necessarily difficult to find. Part of Vancouver Island’s
MacMillan Provincial Park, it is essentially a stand of giant
Douglass fir trees, some of which are, astoundingly, more
than 800 years old. You’ll find ancient Western red cedar
trees in this old-growth coastal forest, too. You might spot black bears, woodpeckers and cougars, too.
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“In the path of our happiness shall we find the learning for which
we have chosen this lifetime.” ~Richard Bach
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New York
*DessertTruck, New York
Hawaii
*Hana Rainforest, Maui,
Hawaii
*Koke’e State Park, Kauai, Hawaii
New York: Context Travel & Big Onion Walking Tour
Best Activity Boston: Boston By Foot
New Orleans: Gray Line Tours
San Francisco: San Francisco Walking Tours
---North America---
Canada
*Western Canada Tour
Take a greatest-hits tour of British Columbia and Alberta’s rugged wilderness. Stay
in a tepee and a mountain lodge. http://www.apadventures.com
Pennsylvania
*Walking Tour of Philadelphia
http://www.preservationalliance.com/events/walking_tours_descriptions.php
Philadelphia was born to be a walking city. Four centuries of architecture spread
themselves out in a wide swath of blocks between two rivers, and because original
city planners such as William Penn set out to build a “green country towne,” five of
the major squares are city parks.
California
*Napa and Sonoma’s Vespa Tours http://www.winecountryvespa.com/
Imagine a drive down a two-lane road through golden hills and river valleys on a retro Vespa, followed by private wine
tastings and games of boccie ball. Wine Country Vespa tours (two-day tours from $1,000 per person, all-inclusive);
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“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you
have been, and there you will always long to return.” ~Leonardo da Vinci
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Favorite Hideaway Vacation Destination:
---Latin America & Caribbean---
Argentina
*Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina
http://www.alvearpalace.com/v3/eng/
Major renovations in 2008
Dominican Republic
*Paradisus Palma Real, Punta Cana, Dominican
Republic http://www.paradisus.com/paradisus-palma-real.php
West Indies
*Laluna, Morne Rouge, Grenada
http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/caribbean/grenada/morne_rouge/laluna_morne_rouge
Laluna is a discreet, romantic hideaway quietly nestled on
ten acres of untouched land.
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“Behold this day for it is yours to make.” ~Black Elk
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Costa Rica
*Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn,
Santa Barbara, Costa Rica
http://www.fincarosablanca.com/
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn is an organic
shade grown coffee plantation with a world class 13
room Inn located in the middle of lush colorful gardens
framed by awe inspiring views of the Central Valley
below. The recipient of numerous awards and accolades
for its extraordinary quality and as a global leader in
responsible tourism, Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation
and Inn is the perfect choice for discerning and
knowledgeable travelers who want to combine luxury with certified sustainability.
*Four Seasons Resort, Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica http://www.fourseasons.com/costarica/
Bill Gates has been seen frequenting here.
Jamaica
*Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay,
Jamaica http://www.roundhilljamaica.com/
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“Whatever you are, be a good one.” ~Abraham Lincoln
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Brazil
*Fasano, Sáo Paulo, Brazil
http://www.fasano.com.br/site_hoteis_en.php
The most elegant hotel in São Paulo has been a long-nurtured dream of
the Fasano family, who for over a century devotes itself to providing the
best in Italian cuisine with outstanding service. Ideally located between
the business districts of Avenida Paulista and Faria Lima, in the heart of
the exclusive Jardins neighborhood, the hotel is steps away from São
Paulo’s prime shopping area.
St. Barts
*Saint-Barth Isle de France, St. Barts http://www.isle-de-
france.com/
Overlooking Flamands Bay, one of the island's most beautiful beaches, this
small, privately owned resort has a chic, beach-house elegance. Designed Try restaurant Wishing Well, Chez
by Penny Morrison of Morrison Interiors, the breezy interiors have a relaxed,
Rolande on St. Barts. Ms. Rolande
sophisticated feel that sits perfectly with the island's upmarket charm.
There are 37 light and airy rooms, suites, villas and bungalows, some set in serves real creole food with style
gardens on the hillside, others on the beach, all with patios or terraces. and subtlety—try the fragrant
lobster. ~Condé Nast Traveller
Turks & Caicos
*Gansevoort, Turks & Caicos
http://www.gansevoortturksandcaicos.com/
The island of Providenciales (‘Provo’) is home
to Gansevoort Turks + Caicos, an opulent
escape from civilization located on 400 feet of
the purest white sand in the Caribbean.
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“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that
take our breath away.” ~Anonymous
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British Virgin Islands
*Peter Island Resort
http://www.peterisland.com/
Sugary sand beaches. Whispering breezes.
Tranquil, turquoise waters.Experience a private
island paradise that is truly unique.
Try Mango Tree, a lolo, or roadside
stand, outside Basseterre. Conde Nast
Traveler votes it as their Favorite Mexico
Restaurant Worldwide and best
stewed goat in the islands.
*La Casa Que Canta, Zihuatanejo, Mexico
http://www.lacasaquecanta.com/
If every resort looked like this, it would be singing too, La Casa Que
Canta (Spanish for the Singing House) sits high over the water, cut
into a Cliffside above Zihuatanejo Bay, offering an extraordinary sea
view as well as a splendid sense of seclusion, and classic traditional
architecture and outstanding service combine to create a sort of
private hacienda atmosphere.
*Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico
http://www.fourseasons.com/puntamita/
Did you know...The word Mita has been traced back to
ancient Aztec language as meaning "Gateway to Paradise"?
Most Unusual
---Latin America & Caribbean---
Chile
*Magic Mountain Hotel, Panguipulli, Region X, Chile http://www.uhotw.com
Or how about a stay underneath a cascading waterfall on a fairytale mountain that, legend has it, can grant you
wishes? An aerial ropeway takes you between tree-tops in the surrounding forest canopy.
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“Never never never give up.” ~Winston Churchill
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Jamaica
*The Cave Resort, Jamaica
http://www.mondrianscottsdale.com/#/home/
Drawing inspiration from the Garden of Eden, designer
Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz has created a unique sybaritic retreat .
. .his thoughtful interpretation reflects the youthful spirit of
the thriving city of Scottsdale, while celebrating the senses
with luxury, indulgence, and amusement.
Mexico
*Quinta Real Zacateca, Zacatecas, Mexico
http://www.quintareal.com/eng/idt/120/quinta-real-zacatecas/4-2-
5,5-8-28/
It seems so obvious--once a bullring, now a luxury hotel. Hotel
Quinta Real Zacatecas is built around a 17th century arena.
The beds are situated under stone and wooden arches, and
several overlook the main Plaza de Toros. The cellar bar is in
the old bull corrals. Rooms include amenities like satellite
television and Jacuzzi baths. Rates range from $167 to over
$900 per night.
Costa Rica
*Hotel Costa Verde, Costa Rica www.costaverde.com
Crash in a jet plane: Near a beach that's within Manuel Antonio
National Park, the Hotel Costa Verde doesn't lack for great
sights. But few are as amazing as its own 727 Fuselage Suite, a
salvaged 1965 Boeing 727-100 that looks as if it's crashed into
the Costa Rican jungle (it's actually mounted atop a 50-foot
pillar and reached via a spiral staircase).
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“Look to this day for it is life. In its brief course lie all the realities and truths of existence, the joy of growth,
the glory of action, the splendor of beauty . . . today well lived makes every yesterday a memory of
happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day . . .”
~Ancient Sanskrit Proverb
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Brazil
* Hotel Unique, Sao Paulo, Brazil http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/americas/brazil/sao_paulo/hotel_unique
A reference in modern architecture and originality, Unique's spacey,
green copper façade alone makes this hotel unlike any other. Located
in the well-heeled residential area of Jardins, and just meters from
Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo's largest green area, the building rises like a
gracious ocean liner in dry-dock. Shielding dark glass and a desert
garden of mini, sand-toned cubes of rock, palms and agaves are the
first impressions that the hotel offers.
*Ariau Towers Hotel, Brazil www.ariauamazontowers.com
Not for the acrophobic, this hotel lets you sleep in the treetops of
the Amazon Rainforest. "Tarzan's house," for example, is perched on
stilts, 80 feet above ground. Situated on the bank of the Negro
River, Ariau's apartments, suites and tree houses are linked by a
series of catwalks. Rates start at $280 per night and include meals
and tours.
*Exploranter Overland Hotel, Brazil
www.exploranter.com
On the road again: Imagine how much ground you could
cover if you took your bed with you. That's the idea
behind Exploranter Overland Hotel, a converted 25-ton
truck that's a true hotel on wheels. An awning extends out
from the truck's side to provide some al fresco shade at
lunchtime. The "kitchen" comes tricked out with fridges,
freezers, and a large convection oven — on this trip, the
restaurant comes with you too, and sometimes nearby cooks are brought in to give guests a taste of the local cuisine.
Your luggage and sleeping quarters are towed behind you, in a trailer that sleeps up to 24. With so much flexibility,
guests can see Brazil's back country, far from crowds and sometimes any other people at all. The tours, which last from
three days up to three months or more, have included horseback riding, vineyard tours, bird watching, and rodeos.
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“Wherever you are it is your friends who make your world . . .” ~William James
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Natural Wonders / Sights to See:
---Latin America & Caribbean---
*Amazon Rainforest, Amazon Basin, South
America http://www.amazon-rainforest.org/tourism.html
Amazon rainforest is the thickest rainforest that spans over a
billion acres and encompasses areas in Brazil (60%), Peru
(13%), Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Bolivia,
French Guiana and Suriname. The concentration of wildlife is
very high and new species or subspecies of existing species
continues to be discovered almost all the time. The majestic
beauty and timelessness of this awe-inspiring tropical
rainforest is indescribable in words and should be
experienced.
Brazil
*Amazon, Brazil, South America http://www.nature.org/wherewework/southamerica/brazil/work/art5079.html
Among rainforests, the Amazon reigns supreme: It comprises some 1.4 billion acres, predominantly in Brazil but
including parts of eight other nations. A fifth of the world’s birds and a
tenth of all species on the planet live in this steamy realm, where a single
square mile can pack upwards of 75,000 different types of trees. From over
a hundred types of frogs to piranhas, electric eels, pink dolphins and
clangorous scarlet macaws, Amazonia is the zenith of Earth’s biodiversity.
While deforestation continues, sustainable tourism can foster conservation
efforts. Tour operators such as National Geographic Expeditions and
Abercrombie & Kent offer Amazon River cruises.
*Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina-Brazil Border http://www.enjoy-
argentina.org/iguazu.php
Heralded as the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, the Iguazu
Waterfalls are a true wonder of nature. They are located at the border of
Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. While the Argentinean side allows visitors
to walk right around the water or explore the National Park; the Brazilian
side is known for its panoramic views and splendor.
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“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail.” ~Unknown
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*Rio De Janeiro, Brazil http://www.lonelyplanet.com/brazil/rio-de-janeiro
Meaning River of January, the city of Rio is situated between the Serra
da Bocaina mountains and the sea. It is filled with natural beauty
characterized by marked contrasts; spectacular mountains, sparkling
sea and lush forests, which form a landscape picture of rare beauty.
The two beautiful and the most famous vantage points are mountains
Pão de Acúcar (Sugarloaf) and Corcovado, atop which there is a large
statue of Christ the redeemer, which is world famous. The tropical rain
forest is all around the place and covers hillsides beautifully. The
dramatic setting framed by miles and miles of dazzling beaches and
jungle vegetation is unparalleled. Don’t forget the “caipirinha!”
Belize
*Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize http://www.travelbelize.org/attractions/rainforest-
inland/cockscomb-basin-wildlife-sanctuary-4.html
Costa Rica
*Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve, Costa
Rica
http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/
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“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” ~Unknown
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Venezuela
*Angel Falls, Venezuela
http://www.vivatravelguides.com/south-america/venezuela/angel-falls/
Angel Falls is a staggeringly beautiful place. Located in the
middle of dense rainforests, the sound of the water falling down
can be heard from a kilometer. The stream of water is very
powerful at the top but with the length of the drop being very
huge, most of the water turns into mist before reaching the
ground.
Best Activity:
---Latin America & Caribbean---
Argentina
*Tour of Argentine Patagonia’s Lake District,
Patagonia, Argentina
http://www.rei.com/adventures/trips/latin/argentina.html
*Watch a world class Tango performance in
Buenos Aires, Argentina http://www.teatrocolon.org.ar/
Costa Rica
*Costa Rica’s Eco-luxe Spas http://www.tabacon.com/
Aruba
*”Snuba” or Sea Trek on the floor of the ocean of
Aruba
http://www.depalm.com/de_palm_island/escape_route.html
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“Dance as though no one is watching you, love as though you have never been hurt before, sing as though no
one can hear you, live as though heaven is on earth.” ~Souza
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Favorite Hideaway Vacation Destination:
---Asia---
China
*Commune by the Great Wall, China
http://www.communebythegreatwall.com/
One of the most aesthetically dramatic properties in China,
the Commune by the Great Wall has lodgings created by
some of Asia’s best contemporary architects—set right
alongside the most stupendous building project of the
ancient world.
*The Peninsula, Hong Kong, China http://www.peninsula.com/Peninsula_Hotels/en/default.aspx#/Hong_Kong/en/
Since 1928, this Hong Kong institution has defined the luxury hotel experience, and although certain kinds of travelers
(especially lovers of sleek, high-tech minimalism) may find the Peninsula too old-world, there’s no denying it’s a
serious class act.
*The Lalu, Nantou County, Taiwan, China
http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/taiwan/nantou/the_lalu
The Lalu overlooks a panorama of the mystical Sun Moon Lake and
is named after the indigenous Shao aboriginal settlement that was
located on its site. Once the favourite summer getaway of
President Chiang Kai Shek, the hotel dates back to 1901. Recent
renovations and additions by Kerry Hill Architects have
resurrected the property to an new international level - a first for
this part of the
world.
Indonesia
*Uma Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/indonesia/bali/uma_ubud
The Uma Ubud is a cliff-top Indonesian resort located in the heart of
Bali. Its 24 rooms all come with either terrace or courtyard gardens,
and three of its four Uma Suites come with private, infinity-edge pools.
Uma Ubud is located in the centre of Bali. This extraordinary
Indonesian island is spliced by a volcanic mountain chain which divides
the quiet north coast, where the foothills fall into the Bali Sea, from
the busy south coast, where fertile rice paddies sloped gently down towards the Indian Ocean.
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“Do one thing every day that scares you.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt
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*Alila Manggis, East Bali, Indonesia http://www.designhotels.com/private_spaces/alila_manggis
Head away from the crowds for the unspoilt east coast of Bali to
Alila Manggis, where modern European shapes meet open, tropical
design. Demonstrating creative function, elegant luxury and pure
well-being, outdoors meets indoors throughout the resort,
comprised of four two-story buildings built around a palm-fringed
pool with perfect ocean views, simple forms and Balinese touches.
*Alila Ubud,
Bali, Indonesia
http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/indonesia/bali/alilaubud
If you were to rank the 50 most beautiful hotel swimming pools in
the world, then the Alila Ubud would be right up there at the top.
Moving from the pool bar into the cool depths, the water's surface
seems to flow endlessly through the terraced jungle and reach up to
the sky. The resort's rooms and suite villas stand above a ravine on
stilts like treehouses. The architecture makes use of traditional
Balinese design, but it is transformed into a strict modern geometry.
Smooth plaster walls and concrete meet with straw roofs; terracotta tiles meet gravel or crushed rock; wood meets
glass.
*The Bulgari, Bali, Indonesia
http://www.bulgarihotels.com/home.html?param_id_lingua=1
Blending the traditional Balinese style with contemporary
Italian design, the Bulgari Resort in Bali is located near
the village of Pecatu and the stunning clifftop site of the
Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, on the island’s far
southwestern tip. Uniquely positioned at more than 150
metres above the sea shore, the resort offers unrivalled
views across the Indian Ocean. Nestled between the cliff
and the ocean, a 1.5 kilometer long beach is accessible
only through the resort’s inclined elevator.
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“Travel is one way of lengthening life.” ~Benjamin Franklin
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Thailand
*The Library, Koh Samui, Thailand http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/thailand/koh_samui/the_library
An elegant minimalist structure set a lush environment on
Thailand’s Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui, The Library helps
preserve coastal heritage property, while impacting
minimally on its ecology. Divided into 26 suite/studio
cabins, the complex avoids the monolithic hotel-complex
look, scattering discreet buildings in lush vegetation.
The purity pays off: the old-growth forest and lively beach are there to be enjoyed without distraction.
*Metropolitan Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/thailand/bangkok/metropolitan_bangkok
A peaceful retreat in the middle of one of
Bangkok’s most bustling neighbourhoods,
Metropolitan Bangkok is perfect for those in
search of both relaxation and high-class,
cosmopolitan living. The hotel’s modern,
East-meets-West design encapsulates this
dualism, featuring calm, Zen-like spaces in
equal measure with sleek, sophisticated
ones. 171 rooms and suites
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“Get up and out – The Day is bursting with moments.” ~Tagore
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*Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Thailand http://www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai/
By blending architectural influences from Burma to Laos - and medieval Chiang Mai - local architect Rachen Intawong
has created a stunning resort. The Mandalay Palace-style spa, with its striking, seven-tiered roof representing the
seven steps to nirvana, is serenely beautiful.
*Anantara Baan Rajprasong Serviced Suites, Bangkok,
Thailand
http://rajprasong-bangkok.anantara.com/
Situated in the centre of vibrant Bangkok, surrounded by lush parks dotted
with lakes, Anantara Baan Rajprasong Serviced Suites Bangkok, Thailand
offers short- and long-term sophisticated stays in the city's most exclusive
neighbourhood. Venture out onto stylish Lang Suan or vibrant Sukhumvit
just around the corner - the city is literally at your doorstep.
*Aleenta, Thailand
*Amari Emerald Cove Resort & Spa, Thailand
*Anantara Resort Koh Samui, Thailand
*Sala Samui Resort & Spa, Thailand
*Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa at Samui, Thailand
*Veranda Resort & Spa, Thailand
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“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees
with your own reason and your own common sense.” ~Buddha
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Laos
*3 Nagas by Alila, Luang Prabang, Laos
http://www.alilahotels.com/3nagas
It’s not everyday that one can call a UNESCO World
Heritage site "home". But at the 3 Nagas by Alila,
guests can do precisely that. Each individually-designed
room at 3 Nagas has a distinctive character of its own,
but all are unified by certain shared elements: exotic
wood floors and
furniture, traditional
"torchis" walls, clay-tile
roofs, silk fabrics, traditional weavings, king-sized beds, sofas and wireless Internet.
Vietnam
*Evason Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa, Nha Trang, Vietnam
http://www.sixsenses.com/Evason-Ana-Mandara-Nha-Trang/
Inspired by Vietnamese villages, the resort is designed to blend into the beautiful
grounds, which are maintained by five full-time gardeners. The spa’s setting is
particularly beautiful, with coconut trees and lotus ponds.
The exclusive location of Evason Ana Mandara affords city-centre access to Nha Trang’s
only beachfront resort. It is surrounded by private tropical gardens, offering simplicity,
serenity and refinement together with spectacular views of Nha Trang Bay.
United Arab Emirates
*Burj al Arab, Dubai, United
Arab Emirates
http://www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-
and-Resorts/Destinations/Dubai/Burj-Al-
Arab/The-Resort/
A Billowing Sail-shaped Structure
Soaring 321 Metres Above The
Arabian Gulf Burj Al Arab Is A Dramatic Tribute To The Regions Seafaring Heritage.
Combining The Latest Technology With A Long-standing Reputation Of Arabian
Hospitality The Hotel Symbolizes The Very Essence Of Dubai Embracing The Best Of
New Alongside Traditions Of The Past.
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“Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts,
and we are never ever the same.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt
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India
*Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India http://www.tajhotels.com/Palace/RAMBAGH%20PALACE,JAIPUR/default.htm
The ‘Jewel of Jaipur’ as it is fondly called, remained the home of the Jaipur royal family until 1957, when it was first
converted into a luxury hotel by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. But it wasn’t until 1972 that Taj Hotels Resorts and
Palaces took over the reins. It is now the ‘jewel in the crown’ among the authentic palaces of the Taj in India.
Maldives
*Alila Villas Hadahaa, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Maldives
http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/maldives/north_huvadhoo_atoll/alila_villas_hadahaa
The Alila Villas Hadahaa resort, set on the tropical island of Hadahaa in the North
Huvadhoo Atoll, is believed to be one of the largest and deepest
natural Atolls in the world. Surrounded by a vast expanse of sea, this
all-villa resort offers the ultimate Maldivian experience, with
turquoise-azure waters and fine white beaches complementing the
tranquil setting. Guests at the resort can choose from one of 14
stilted, over-water Aqua Villas or 36 Island Villas, 20 of which come
with private pool.
*Kuredu Island Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
http://www.kuredu.com/
Exotic, thatched bungalows and spacious villas accommodate our guests.
Bungalows and Villas line the white sand beach, while Sangu Sunset Water
Villas are built on columns over the lagoon.
*The Rania Experience, Maldives
http://www.raniaexperience.com/lite/en/
*Soneva Gili Maldives, Maldives
http://www.sixsenses.com/Soneva/index.php
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Come forth into the light of things,
let nature be your teacher” ~William Wordsworth
24
25. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bhutan
*Uma Paro, Paro, Bhutan,
South Asia
http://www.uma.paro.como.bz/
The Uma Paro is 38 hilltop
hectares of natural beauty,
architectural sophistication and
impeccable hotel service nestled
in the heart of Bhutan’s Paro Valley. The resort’s 20 rooms and 9 villas with private spa
are comfortable and spacious. The hotel is located on a 38-acre site atop a gently
sloping tree-clad hill, overlooking the town of Paro in the valley below. The rich Paro valley is one of the main cultural
centres of Bhutan situated towards its western border. It is also where the nation’s only airport is located.
Most Unusual
---Asia---
Indonesia
*Luna2 Private Hotel, Bali, Indonesia http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/indonesia/bali/luna2
Luna2 Private Hotel has "touched down" on the prime beachfront of Seminyak in Bali, making waves of its own with its
retro-modernist design. Named after the first spacecraft to
reach the moon in the late 1950s, the Richard Neutra-inspired
architecture is the launch pad for owner and interior designer
Melanie Hall's James Bond-esque interiors - a feast of funky 60's
inspired custom-designed furnishings, paired with nostalgic
design classics and 21st-century innovation. Extravagant to the
last detail, Bisazza mosaics are featured throughout, even
down to the base of the 20-metre pool, where Marilyn Monroe
lies forever young in her renowned white dress. With just five
bedrooms, Luna2 boasts supernaturally good service, within the
privacy of a home. 5 rooms (only to be rented as a whole).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“To laugh often and much . . . to appreciate beauty . . . to know even one life has breathed easier because you
have lived. This is to have succeeded! ~ Emerson
25
26. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Kemang Icon by Alila, Jakarta, Indonesia
http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/indonesia/jakarta/kemang_icon_by_alila
From flavour of aromatherapy room scent to type of bed pillow,
guests at this all-suite hotel can chose the hotel amenities that
will best suit their individual needs and desires. Meals are
prepared to specific culinary preferences, bathrooms are filled
with personally-selected accessories and individually-designed
rooms are chosen according to personal taste; nothing about the
Kemang Icon is formulaic or impersonal.
In addition to the eight Courtyard and four Edge Suites, the hotel
offers a whole slew of impressive, inviting spaces for guests to
enjoy. These include a 16-metre, rooftop infinity pool and
sunbathing terrace, a multi-windowed yoga studio offering daily
classes and 360-degree skyline views and a rooftop restaurant
with alfresco, pool-side dining and much more!
Tokyo
*Hotel Everland, Toyko
http://www.everland.ch/
Hotel Everland is a one-room inn that will be in
Paris on the roof of the Palais de Tokyo museum
through 2008. It offers heart-swelling views of
the Seine, 100 feet below, and the Eiffel Tower,
in the near distance. (Courtesy Hotel Everland)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp,
Or what’s a heaven for? ~Robert Browning
26
27. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thailand
*X2 Kui Buri, Kui Buri – Hua Hin, Thailand
http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/thailand/kui_buri/x2_kui_buri
Situated on eight acres of virgin beachfront on the Gulf of
Thailand, the X2 Resort Kui Buri is unfussy yet luxurious, down-
to-earth, yet upscale. To that effect, the X2 is laid out on an
open plan dotted with spacious public areas so that guests are
constantly navigating around and reminded of the environment
around them. Beds are positioned towards floor-to-ceiling glass
doors that open onto the beach, and clean, understated furniture
– predominately pale wood or sleek black, white and grey – adds
to the resort’s overall atmosphere of unpretentious
sophistication.
India
*The Park New Delhi, New Delhi, India
http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/india/new_delhi/park_new_delhi
Updating Indian tradition with modern concepts of air and space, the Park
New Delhi is a high-end destination of its own. The hotel was conceived
around harmony between man and nature, based on a balance of the
elements; that these elements are mixed in a manner redolent both of
Indian tradition and modern minimalism is the triumph of designer Sir
Terence Conran and Partners. The 224 guestrooms feature contrasting
design touches: dark-timbered floors and pastel accents; on the two
“Residence” floors, private Jacuzzis and 24-hour butler service live up to the highest standards of Indian hospitality.
China
*Hydropalace, Qingdao, China www.crescent-
hydropolis.com
The Hydropalace in Qingdao, China, will be anchored in the Yellow
Sea in water that is 16 to 20 meters deep at low tide. Guests will
arrive at the hotel by yacht, which will also go to a planned land-
based hydrotower, scheduled to open for the 2008 Olympic Games
in Beijing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run
And climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.” ~Friedrich Nietzsche
27
28. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vietnam
*Hang Nga Guesthouse and Art Gallery
http://unusuallife.com/2009/08/29/hang-nga-guesthouse-and-art-gallery/
The official name is Hang Nga Guesthouse and gallery, but all locals
refer to it as the crazy house. And when you stand in front of its
entrance it is easy to see why: this house is indeed strange. Each
guest room is built around a different animal theme.
Singapore
*New Majestic Hotel, Singapore, Southeast Asia
http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/asiapacific/singapore/singapore/new_majestic_hotel
The "New Asia" style of hospitality finds one of its most One of a
rarefied expressions in the New Majestic Hotel, located in kind!
the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown…marriage of old and
new, or "heritage chic"…
Turkey
*Serinn House, Turkey
http://www.serinnhouse.com
*The Marmara Antalya, Antalya, Turkey
http://www.themarmarahotels.com/
This hotel features two dozen rooms in a building that slowly spins.
Guests are rewarded with ever-changing views of the Mediterranean
Sea.
*Gamirasu Cave Hotel, Cappadocia, Turkey
http://www.gamirasu.com/
"Truly a diamond in the rough of the
valley…Gamirasu is one of the best unique hotels
*Ellkep Evi, Turkey http://www.elkepevi.com of Turkey to stay ~Frommer’s Turkey Guide
Also found in Cappadocia, Elkep Evi offers cave rooms with modern facilities on a hill overlooking the town of Urgup.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or
anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” ~Buddha
28
29. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Wonders / Sights to See:
---Asia---
Qatar
*Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar http://mia.org.qa/
With a 4,500-work collection that spans 13 centuries and three
continents, this ambitious new museum is setting a precedent for
cultural celebration and preservation in a region known more for its
sometimes extravagant embrace of the future. Housed in an I.M. Pei-
designed building, the museum’s diverse holdings reflect the history
and vitality of the Islamic world: 10th-century gold-inked North African
Korans, bejeweled vases from 14th-century Egypt, Ottoman swords,
and Iraqi earthenware. Together they add up to one of the premier
collections of Islamic art-and testify to Qatar’s status as one of the
21st century’s emerging culture capitals.
Saudi Arabia
*The Burj, Dubai http://www.burjdubai.com/
Upon it’s completion, this will be the world’s tallest building.
India
*Taj Mahal, India http://www.tajmahal.org.uk/
The Taj Mahal in India is one of the wonders of the world and is one
of the most beautiful mausoleums constructed by the Mughal
emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite queen, Mumtaz
Mahal. Located in Agra, white marble is used in the creation of this
symbol of love and is considered to be the pinnacle of the famous
Mughal architecture.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“If music be the food of love, play on.” ~Shakespeare
29
30. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japan
*Yakushima Island, Kagoshima, Japan
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/featuredarticles/worldheritage/c_12_yakushima.html
Indonesia
*Bali, Indonesia http://www.baliblog.com/
Vietnam
*Halong Bay, Vietnam http://www.halongbay-travel.com/
The descending dragon bay is Vietnam’s most beautiful natural attraction with thousands of isles and limestone karsts
of different sizes and shapes. Legend goes that when Chinese invaders attacked Vietnam, God sent jewel and jade
spitting dragons and these jewels turned into islets and islands that
linked together to form a wall. Some of the islands are fishermen’s
floating villages.
*The Himalayas, Asia http://www.travel-himalayas.com/
This spectacle of awesome dimensions …the 3000 kilometer long
towering mountain range with tiers of rock, ranges upon ranges, sky
scraping peaks and canyons, is the planet’s highest mountain system
and includes the world’s highest peaks; Mount Everest and K2. It
stretches through Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and
Pakistan. This is where earth meets the sky!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Obstacles are those frightful things you see
when you take your eyes off the goal.” ~Henry Ford
30
31. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russia
*Lake Baikal, Southern Siberia, Russia
http://www.waytorussia.net/Baikal/
This 25-million year old, 1,637 meters deep lake is the deepest, oldest and also
the largest freshwater lake (by volume) in the world and contains much more
water than all the great lakes in North America put together. The lake plays host
to more than a thousand plant species and animal species. Mountains surround
the lake on all sides and with 22 islands on the lake; it offers a most exotic visual
treat and thrilling experience.
China
*Great Wall of China, China
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China is
a man-made structure that was constructed over two thousand
years ago and took about 100 years to complete. The vastness of
this project brings to light the immense capabilities of man.
*The Limestone Basins at Huanglong, China
http://www.chinahighlights.com/huanglong/
Mount Everest, Nepal, China http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Nepal/Sagarmatha_Zone/Mount_Everest-
2271981/TravelGuide-Mount_Everest.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” ~Albert Einstein
31
32. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thailand
*Phang Nga Bay, Phuket, Thailand
*Erawan National Park, Thailand
Turkey
*Natural Springs and Limestone
Cliffs of Pamukkale, Turkey
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/turkey/aegean-
coast/pamukkale
Best Activity:
---Asia---
Toyko
*Naka Meguro Cherry Blossom Festival, Tokyo http://tokyo-tokyo.com/Naka-meguro.htm
Naka Meguro Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry trees lining the river are illuminated. Paper lanterns are also hung on
the trees, giving a traditional feel to the festivities. The scene is beautiful in the evenings when the lights from the
trees are reflected in the Meguro waters. People come early during the day and picnic close to the river bank, hoping
to savor the beauty of the river at night. Festivities of the Matsuri (Festival) include folk music and dances, clown and
other entertainment performances. The cherry tree-lined Meguro River runs through the fashionable, artsy
neighborhood of Nakameguro, one of the most pleasant places in the city to spend an afternoon.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” ~Anais Nin
32
33. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India
*South India
Spend time birding and searching for the Bengal
tiger. Talk tigers (and elephants
and leopards) with Indian environmentalists.
http://www.sierraclub.org
Thailand
*Bangkok by Boat http://www.thailand.travelmall.com/travelmall/tour/Bangkok_By_Boat
Take a private tour of the klongs, or canals, that branch off from
the river by hiring a long-tailed boat at the Oriental Pier, next
to the famed Mandarin Oriental Hotel. These slim, long boats
are driven by entirely-too-powerful automotive engines mounted
above the water line and wielded by expert drivers who can turn
on a dime. You’ll cruise down serene waterways, past homes
built on stilts with lush gardens—and get a close-up look at how
many of the locals live. Negotiate a price of $15 an hour and
refuse a detour to a common rip-off stop, a pathetic snake farm.
Singapore
*Singapore Flyer Sky Dining
http://www.singaporeflyer.com/en/event-group-
packages/worlds-first-full-butler-sky-dining.html
Enjoy a wonderful 90-minute fine-dining experience with
panoramic views aboard the Singapore Flyer, the world's
largest observation wheel. It towers above Singapore's iconic
landmarks - Marina Bay, Singapore River, Raffles Place
financial district - and features the world's first full-butler
dinner service in the sky.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever.” ~M.K. Gandhi
33
35. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Favorite Hideaway Vacation Destination:
---Africa---
South Africa
*Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa
http://www.capegrace.com/
Two movable pedestrian bascule bridges provide access from the bustling
waterfront to this quiet, mansard-roofed hotel on its own private quay.
The sumptuous interiors here (all redone in 2008) include dark-wood
antiques, blue-and-white Dutch crockery, and richly patterned fabrics
that evoke the
region’s raw, exotic
blooms.
Morocco
*Anayela, Marrakech, Morocco
http://www.designhotels.com/anayela
Located in the heart of the Medina, or historic city, of Marrakech,
the AnaYela is surrounded on all sides by the bustling souks, cafes
and nightclubs of the lively Red City. Housed in a 300-year-old palace, the hotel is named for a former occupant, a girl
named Yela who left behind an intimate journal in one of its secret
rooms. The hotel name translates literally to “I Am Yela,” and
everything
in it Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan Retreat.
references
the life and times of its past dweller. One of Morocco’s most
renowned calligraphers even hammered the girl’s story in silver
onto the vast doors scattered throughout the premises.
*Kasbah Tamadot, Marrakech, Morocco
http://www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“At each stage of learning we must give up something, even if it is a way of life that we have always
known.” ~Ginevee, Australian Aboriginal
35
36. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most Unusual:
---Africa---
Cape Town
*Grand Daddy Hotel, Cape Town,
Africa www.granddaddy.co.za
Where the penthouse is a trailer park: Cape
Town's sleek Grand Daddy hotel has a surprise
on its roof: a fleet of seven Airstream trailers,
six of which were imported from the U.S. The
aluminum-clad "rooms," which sleep two people, have been done in playful themes that incorporate icons like
"Goldilocks and the Three Bears" (a blonde wig and a bear suit are available for dress-up), and John Lennon and Yoko
Ono (the room's white-on-white furnishings include an enormous bed, natch). If you don't want to stray as far from the
trailers' original looks, there's the Pleasantville model, an Eisenhower-era fantasia with chintz, harvest-gold curtains,
and flower-covered throw pillows.
The Grand Daddy hotel's aluminum-clad "rooms," which sleep two people, have been done in playful
themes. One is dedicated to John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
Kenya
*Giraffe Manor, Langata, Kenya http://www.giraffemanor.com/
The Giraffe Manor is an elegant, personally hosted, small and exclusive hotel, famous for its resident herd of giraffe.
The Giraffe Manor offers a rich blend of welcoming accommodation, highly trained and friendly staff, as well as one of
Nairobi's finest kitchens.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important
as what you become by achieving your goals.” ~Zig Ziglar
36
37. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Wonders / Sights to See:
---Africa---
Morocco
*Chefchaouen, Morocco http://www.morocco.com/
Travelers to Morocco usually check out the typical attractions: the ancient alleys of Fez,
the snake charmers of Marrakesh, the dunes of the Sahara. But you must make make
your way to relatively the little-known escape: the charming, blue-tinged village of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains
about four hours from Fez.
Cape Town
*Cape Town, South Africa http://www.cape-town.info/
Aptly called “heaven on earth,” this beautiful town at the tip of
the African continent, with small roads surrounded by huge
mountains, makes a person feel small; showing how marvelous
and dominating nature can actually be.
Egypt
*The Pyramids, Egypt http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pyramids/pyramids.html
The Egyptian pyramids are massive monuments with a square base and four triangular sides
rising up to a point. There was a lot of curiosity
associated with the pyramids as to their formation,
whether it was natural.
Madagascar
*Madagascar Expedition
http://www.geoex.com Journey to the world’s
fourth-largest island for wildlife seen nowhere else.
Volunteer Opportunities http://blueventures.org/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.” ~Dr. Seuss
37
38. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa http://www.mtkilimanjarologue.com/
Ernest Hemingway described this mountain as, “as wide as all the world, great, high and unbelievably white,” in his
book, “The Snows of Kilimanjaro.”
The roof of Africa as it is called is the world’s tallest free-standing
mountain and a dormant stratovolcano. The Kibo Summit at the top
of the mountain is one among the few peaks of Africa that still have
glaciers.
*Sahara Sunset, Sahara Desert http://realtravel.com/dg-37879-
sahara_desert_expert_advice
While the Sahara Desert is a wonderful place to see for the wide expanse of
sand dunes, the sunset there is sure to take your breath away. A night spent
camping on the sand dunes of this three-million year old desert, watching the
sky change colors at dusk, is a dream come true for any nature lover.
South Africa
*Victoria Waterfalls, Southern Africa
http://www.victoria.worldweb.com/Photos/Waterfalls/
These falls were named after queen Victoria, by a Scottish
Explorer, David Livingstone. Locally, they are called “Mosi-Oa-
Tunya,” meaning “smoke that thunders.” They are enormous
and most unusual in form. Their width of 1.7 km and height of
108 meters makes them the largest sheet of falling water in the
world; although, they are not the widest or the largest. The
breathtaking sight of these spectacular waterfalls has to be
seen from the air to view its glory.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” ~Dr. Seuss
38
39. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Namaqualand, South Africa http://www.e-
gnu.com/south_africa/namaqualand.html
Namaqualand in the Northern Cape Region of South Africa,
between the Orange River and the wild coast witnesses a natural
flower phenomenon that is regarded as a natural wonder of the
world. While this area is dry and arid for most of the year; with
the coming of spring in August and September, it transforms into
a vast expanse of wild flowers of every color. This extraordinary
beauty attracts people from all over the world during the spring.
Best Activity:
---Africa---
*Safari in South Africa
http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/us/full-
article?oid=12503&sn=Detail&pid=439
*Ostrich Farming in Oudtshoorn
*Garden Route Big 7 Tour
The Garden Route, offers a world of wonders and
allows you to see the Big 7 (lion, leopard, rhino,
buffalo, elephant, whale and great white shark). This
package gives
you a
combination of
bush and beach experiences, along the famous Garden Route, renowned for its
scenic beauty.
http://www.lathita.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=152&Itemid=65
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.” ~Mark Twain
39
41. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Favorite Hideaway Vacation Destination:
Europe
France
*Les Hautes Roches, Loire Valley, France
http://www.leshautesroches.com/
*Hotel de Crillon, Paris, France
*The Plaza Athenee, Paris, France
*Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal, Luxembourg City, Bayeux, France http://www.hotel-
luxembourg.com/
After Le Lion d'Or , this Best Western is the area's
finest hotel. The restored interior has terrazzo floors;
the decor combines neoclassical and Art Deco design.
Rooms range in size from small to medium and have
been overhauled with an eye to modern comfort,
including fine bed linens. All units come with small
bathrooms with showers, and more than half also have
tubs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Someone sent me a postcard picture of the earth.
On the back it said, ‘Wish you were here.’” ~Steven Wright
41
42. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Italy
*Hotel Sant’Angelo, Italy
http://www.hotelsantangelosassi.it
Hotel Sant'Angelo - in the southern Italian town of Matera -
features sixteen “historic dwellings” set amid a Unesco World
Heritage site.
*The St. Regis Bora Grand Hotel, Rome, Italy
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/index.html
*Hotel Caruso, Ravello, Italy
http://www.hotelcaruso.com/web/orav/hotel_caruso_ravello.jsp
The Amalfi coast is, and has long been, one of the world’s favorite
high-end destinations — in the middle of the last century, particularly, it was the escape of choice for much of the
luxury-yacht set. These days it’s got competition all over the world, but the fundamental attractions are still there:
the climate, the geography, views, the people, the culture. And the Caruso has long been one of the Amalfi’s
highlights. High on a cliffside in Ravello, the view of the coast from its terrace has been described as the most
beautiful in the world by no less an authority than Gore Vidal.
*Palazzo Sasso, Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy
http://www.palazzosasso.com/
Switzerland
The Dolder Grand City Resort, Zurich,
Switzerland http://www.thedoldergrand.com/en/
Since 1899, has been closed for renovation since 2004 and re-
opens in April 2008. What’s new? 173 luxurious rooms and
suites, a spa approximately 40,000 square feet, two restaurants
and banquet facilities. Over 440 million Swiss francs (approximately 400 million USD) have been invested in the
project.
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“Carpe diem - Seize the Day!” ~Horace
42