Editor’s Pick: Villa Rolandi Thalasso-Spa Gourmet & Beach Club

An exclusive Caribbean island escape on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, award-winning Hotel Villa Rolandi Thalasso SPA Gourmet & Beach Club offers luxury, relaxation and romance. Just 20 minutes by ferry from mainland Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a world apart with glistening views of Cancun from across the water.  Villa Rolandi is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Chaine Des Rotisseurs, as well as recommended by Conde Nast Johansen’s.

The resort’s Thalasso SPA features indulgent body therapies like mud baths, algae baths, marine water baths, showers, footbaths and more. Gourmands will delight in the exceptional cuisine of the gastronomic Casa Rolandi restaurant, perched above the lagoon with magnificent views of the lights of Cancun and the sun setting into the sea.

The boutique hotel’s 35 ocean view suites feature modern Mexican style.  Villa Rolandi provides a private beach and a private yacht  Cocoon for guests’ enjoyment. Dolphin Discovery is located a short stroll down the beach, or catch a glimpse of whale sharks migrating during the summer months. Golfers are invited to hop aboard the resort’s yacht  to the nearby Cancun Golf Club. Villa Rolandi offers a Honeymoon Package.

Editor’s Pick: Pousada Estrela D’Agua – Trancoso, Brazil

Pousada Estrela D’Agua was named “The Best Beach Pousada of Brasil” in 1000 Places to see Before You Die by Patricia Schultz.  The Pousada is also a proud member of the prestigious hotel group, Relais & Chateaux. Find your happiness in Trancoso where you’ll find historic architecture and kilometers of dreamy beaches. Pousada Estrela D’Agua faces one of the most stunning beaches and offers spacious and vibrant rooms – a mixture of all the colors of Brazil. The only dilemmas you’ll face here are “hammock or lounge chair?, turquoise pool or emerald sea?, golf or scuba diving?, spa or a stroll in the tropical garden?” The resort offers Honeymoon and Golf Packages: www.estreladagua.com.br

Why we love this hotel:
• Perfect days of sunshine and stunning beaches
• Delicious food and friendly service
• Mingle with the international jet set
• Park your jet nearby!
• Feel like you’re back in the 16th century when walking in the “Quadrado”
• Trancoso’s friendly local people
• Sunbathe on the beach, looking to the Atlantic and know that the nearest neighbor is Africa
• Atlantic preserved rainforest
• Play golf on the best course in Brazil

Editor’s Pick: Divani Apollon Palace & Spa

The Divani Apollon Palace & Spa is a luxury resort hotel situated in the exclusive area of Vouliagmeni on the Athenian Riviera, Greece. Enjoying a spectacular beachfront location, just 18 km from Athens city centre, the Divani Apollon Palace & Spa was the first hotel in Athens to become a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. View their Vacation Packages/Special Offers.

Top 10 Reasons to Book a Stay at Divani Apollon Palace & Spa:

- Explore the bustling city of Athens and then return to the Divani’s idyllic location by the sea.
- The Divani Athens Spa & Thalasso Centre, a member of the Leading Spas, is the only facility offering Thalassotherapy in the Athens region.
- Their beautiful private sandy beach with complimentary umbrellas, sun beds and chairs.
- Many swimming pools – outdoor sea water pool, outdoor fresh water pool, indoor pool, children’s pool.
- Glyfada, the most famous suburb in southern Athens for shopping and nightlife, is only 5 minutes away. The hotel provides a shuttle bus to Glyfada and to Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens.
- Outdoor tennis court with flood lighting
- Children’s pool and playground
- Extensive Gardens and Jogging route outside the Hotel
- Retail shops on property
- 24-hour Room Service

Editor’s Pick: Chan Chich Lodge, Belize

Chan Chich Lodge in Belize offers nature lovers award-winning luxury in the jungle. The lodge is carefully situated in the plaza of an ancient Maya city and is surrounded by pristine tropical forest. Here howler monkeys are your wake-up call and the first person to spot a jaguar gets bragging rights at the dinner table. The lodge consists of 12 individual thatched-roof cabanas and one beautifully appointed 2-bedroom Villa. With a screened-in pool and jacuzzi, fully stocked bar and excellent cuisine, your every desire will be fulfilled by the outstanding service and exceptional experience the lodge provides. View their Vacation Packages.

Top 10 Experiences at Chan Chich Lodge:

Walk the extensive trail system of over 9 miles, either self-guided or with one of the lodge’s knowledgeable local guides.
Superb birding with a bird list exceeding 350 species.
Horseback riding
Vehicle tours – day and night
Day trips to “Lamanai” Mayan ruins – can also be in conjunction with a boat ride down the New River.
Enjoy the flora and fauna and local Maya history.
Take a dip in the screened-in pool and jacuzzi.
Go Canoeing
Simply relax in a hammock
Chan Chich Lodge serves their own locally grown “Gallon Jug” coffee.

Editor’s Pick: Mezzatorre Resort and Spa, Ischia

This A-List hideaway on the northwest corner of the island of Ischia offers beautiful sunsets, one of the best spas in Italy, authentic local cuisine, vineyards and relaxation. To reach Mezzatorre Resort & Spa (about 18 miles off shore), you’ll take a hydrofoil from the tourist pier of Mergellina in Naples’ main harbor. Naples International Airport is about 45 minutes’ drive from the harbor.  View their Special Offers.

TOP 10 REASONS TO BOOK A STAY AT MEZZATORRE RESORT & SPA:

1. One of the best hotels in Italy and on the Island of Ischia.
2. One of The Leading Small Hotels of the World with just 59 rooms and suites.
3. Bask in the warm Mediterranean sun with amazing views of the sunsets and Mount Vesuvius.
4. Due to the hotel’s secluded location, it is a very quiet hotel great for relaxing.
5. Even though it is secluded, it is within walking distance of the pretty village of Lacco Ameno.
6. One of the best Spas in Italy.
7. The hotel has two restaurants, one offering local dishes and the other offers fine dining.
8. The hotel has a private cove not accessible to public.
9. Very romantic!
10. The hotel has an International clientele (including movie stars).

Editor’s Pick: lebua at State Tower, Bangkok

Thailand is one of the world’s best loved travel destinations and with calm returning to the country, it’s the ideal time to plan a visit and support the Thai people. In Bangkok, the glamorous 5-star luxury hotel, lebua at State Tower occupies floors 51-59 of the second tallest tower in Bangkok and all of its 358 suites have balconies! Marvel at the views of the Chao Phraya River and the bustling city below from this tranquil skyscraper; lebua is more than a destination; it is a world-class experience. Dine on the 63rd floor rooftop of lebua, at the chic Mediterranean-influenced restaurant, Sirocco. Or enjoy drinks at the Sky Bar also sharing the 63rd floor. lebua at State Tower provides every facility expected of a true luxury hotel — relax at their open air pool and Jacuzzi after a day of touring Bangkok’s exotic temples and market places. Their range of facilities also includes a fully equipped gymnasium and state-of -the-art business center.  View lebua’s special offers.  After your glamorous stay at lebua in Bangkok, consider a chic beach getaway at The Racha on idyllic Koh Racha Yai in Phuket, Thailand.

Editor’s Pick: The Fairmont San Francisco

The Fairmont San Francisco offers an inspiring view of historic San Francisco. The grandeur of the hotel coupled with its reputation for impeccable service promises a truly memorable experience. The hotel is located on Nob Hill at the only spot in San Francisco where each of the City’s cable car lines meet.  World-renowned, The Fairmont San Francisco recently completed restoration of the hotel which is highlighted by the re-emergence of the Main Lobby as a grand public space. Each of the hotel’s spacious guestrooms and suites were also redecorated in elegant style. The hotel also offers two fabulous restaurants and lounges. With a panoramic view of the City and the Bay from high atop Nob Hill, The Fairmont San Francisco holds an unmatched blend of elegance and superb service for an unforgettable stay.  Enjoy one of their many travel packages depending on your personal interests: Culture, Discovery, Food and Wine, Spa, Bed and Breakfast and more…