The 13th century explorer, Marco Polo, described the Chinese city of Hangzhou as the "City of Heaven" and "the most beautiful and magnificent in the world." Today, seven centuries on, keeping this cultural legacy intact in a city that is booming and growing is no mean feat, but it's one that several new hotels in Hangzhou are aiming to achieve - including the brand new Banyan Tree.

The Banyan Tree Hangzhou, which opened in January of this year, is designed in the traditional style of the Jiangnan region. Like the neighbouring XiXi Wetlands, the property is surrounded by channels and lakes, with picturesque bridges and a pagoda within the grounds.

Consisting of seventy-two suites and villas, The Banyan Tree Hangzhou feels almost like a (very luxurious) village. We stayed in a Premier Water Terrace - one of the suites within the main building - which with its own sitting room, balcony and spa treatment room, plus a bedroom with a free standing hot-tub, and vast bathroom, was both very spacious (120 sqm) and fantastically indulgent. I was able to view a Water View Villa too, which though more private in it's own mini-grounds and with better views, didn't feel as spacious as the suite.

All of the suites and villas in the hotel are themed according to the four seasons, with colour schemes to match. In terms of mod-cons, guests have access to free in-room WiFi, plus the hotel's DVD and CD collection.

The Banyan Tree's location, 15 minutes away from downtown Hangzhou and the famous West Lake within the Xixi National Wetland Park, should - and no doubt shall - spell complete tranquility. At the moment however, it's the first finished property amongst a number of new hotels going up in the Westbrook project, which means there's some construction noise. This was minimal during our three-night stay though, especially as visiting the city's famous sights keeps most visitors busy from dawn till dusk.

The hotel's concierge team can help to organise all sorts of tours and full- or half-day trips. Though these definitely do not come cheap (around 2,000 RMB for a full day) in the heat and humidity of summer, and with limited time on our hands, it was well worth splashing out on. Our guide spoke impeccable English and took us tirelessly from one hot-spot to another explaining the history and significance of each; no need to cart along a cumbersome guide book. Our day tour took in Hangzhou's main sights of Fei Lai peak, and its 300 limestone carvings; the Temple of the Soul's Retreat; Longjing tea village (pictured below) and the Dragon Well; Leifeng Pagoda; a private boat trip on West Lake; the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon; and a historic shopping street. Not bad for a day's work!

If you do get sightseeing weary, the Banyan Tree Spa is a great haven. The pages-long treatment menu is full of solutions to ease you from stone into butter, and there's also a large indoor swimming pool and daily yoga or tai chi sessions to help you unwind. If you have a spa treatment room within your suite or villa you don't even have to walk to the spa - they will come to you.

What is worth heading out for though is dinner. Perhaps due to teething problems, the Banyan Tree's food is not its strong suit. On our first evening we tried the Chinese restaurant, Bai Yun, where Hangzhou and Canton flavours take centre stage. It's impossible to judge the food here as I am no aficionado of Chinese cuisine; some of the dishes on our tasting menu were fantastic - especially the West Lake fish - and others less so. It is the resort's Waterlight Court restaurant that really lets the side down. The breakfast buffet is average, and the a la carte menu a disappointment. I ordered a Caesar salad with "grilled chicken breast" and was served romaine leaves with processed chicken slices. On another occasion we asked for a vegetarian pizza and received something that can only have come out of a freezer packet. Let's hope it was the head chef's weekend off...

Food aside, the Banyan Tree Hangzhou was a great place to spend a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong: scenic and indulgent with a young team keen to cater to your every need. Though Marco Polo's superlatives may not yet quite apply, they no doubt soon will.

Room rates start at RMB2,700 per night for a Water Terrace Suite and RMB3,700 per night for a Water View Villa (rates are subject to 15% tax and service charge).

Until 28 February 2011 enjoy the Romance in Hangzhou Package from RMB 5,998. Price includes a two-night stay in a Premier Water Terrace with daily breakfast for 2 people, plus:

- One set dinner at Waterlight Court for 2 people.
- One afternoon tea at Tea Lounge for 2 people.
- One 90-minute massage session (inclusive of a 60-minute massage and 30 minutes calm-time) for 2 people at Banyan Tree Spa Hangzhou.
- One in-suite Intimate Moments experience, inclusive of one bottle of red wine.
- Oriental bath experience in Onsen Treatment Room.

Banyan Tree Hangzhou: 21 Zijingang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310030, People's Republic of China; Tel: +86 571 8586 0000; Fax: +86 571 8586 2222; Web: www.banyantree.com.

Photo Credits: Pagoda on Lake by Mlq4296 (Creative Commons), Banyan Tree courtesy of Banyan Tree Resorts; Longjing Village by Simon Archer-Perkins.

By Christina Newberry

With so many vacationers booking their own travel packages online, or doing serious online research before contacting a travel agent, online review sites have become an essential part of the travel-planning process. But it can be frustrating trying to get a good picture of what a hotel is really like when there are great reviews mixed with terrible ones – leaving you wondering if the travelers could possibly all have gone to the same place.

When checking out vacation resorts in tropical destinations like Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, there are a few complaints that you can safely ignore, since they will not impact the quality of your vacation – or your tan. Here are the top 5 complaints you should ignore in any review of a tropical vacation destination.

1. My flight was delayed / the weather was bad

While a delayed flight and an unseasonable rainstorm will certainly impact how much you enjoy your holiday, these things are totally beyond your hotel's control. While the flight and hotel are often booked together for vacation packages, the hotel is not able to control the airline's scheduling or behavior (never mind the weather!). Reviewers' negative comments about flights and weather can be totally disregarded when choosing a hotel. For those who have had negative flight experiences, rather than take the problems out on the hotel, write a seperate flight review, contact your travel agent, tour operator, or airline for assistance or compensation.

2. There was a cockroach in my room
Welcome to the tropics! If you find a cockroach in an upscale hotel room in New York City, you should certainly call it to the attention of both hotel management and others who might be thinking of visiting that hotel. However, in warmer climates, cockroaches thrive outside, and often come in through open windows or doors. The presence of one in your room, while disturbing, does not mean the room is dirty or that the hotel has a roach problem. Giving a hotel a bad review because of a cockroach in your room in the tropics makes about as much sense as panning a hotel in Chicago because there was a little spider in the bathtub. Unless reviews mention entire families of cockroaches taking up residence in the hotel, this complaint is safe to ignore.

3. There were too many locals / the staff didn't speak enough English

If you want to be surrounded by your fellow countrymen, speaking your own language, you're best off traveling in your own country. It shocks me every time I see the "too many locals" comment in a review, but it pops up surprisingly often. Why not enjoy mixing with the locals instead of hoping for isolation from the culture you're visiting? In terms of English, any hotel catering to American, Canadian, or European tourists will have someone on hand with enough English skills to get you through any emergency situation. But for day-to-day interaction at the hotel, why not try to brush up on your abilities in the local language instead? Unless you want your vacation experience to be exactly like home, but warmer, this complaint can be totally disregarded.

4. The buffet was bland/repetitive (especially in Cuba)
There are two reasons why this common complaint can be ignored (and a third why it should be ignored if you're traveling to Cuba). First, a buffet is meant to serve a wide variety of tastes, and it's not reasonable to expect you'll like every item. Keep in mind that if things are a bit repetitive, you don't have to have every item you like every day – it's a buffet, so there are sure to be lots of choices, even with repeats. Second, no all-you-can-eat buffet is as gourmet as a formal restaurant – even at home. You should keep your expectations for gourmet dining in check at any all-inclusive. If things really are boring and repetitive, try some of the foods that are aimed at the local visitors – with new sauces, spices, and flavors to try, you should find the choices anything but boring.

Unless, of course, you're in Cuba, which is where that third reason comes in. When you travel to Cuba, you must remember that you are visiting a country that cannot get any goods from the United States, and lacks the infrastructure to transport perishable goods within its own borders. This situation, combined with a general lack of wealth in Cuba, means that many items you'd expect are simply not available. This is true across the board at Cuban resorts. If you can't handle a few green tomatoes and repetitive food, don't go to Cuba. If you do go, remember that no matter how bland your food may be, you are getting so much more than any local. Ignore this complaint and be thankful that you have so much at home that boring food on your vacation could possibly seem like something worth complaining about.

5. The bed was too hard
This is a cultural preference. Canadians and Americans seem to like their beds much softer than anyone else in the world, so when traveling we're often uncomfortable on hard beds. This does not mean, however, that the beds are cheap or the hotel is attempting to punish its guests – local visitors actually prefer the beds this way. Most hotels that cater to Canadians and Americans will have egg-crate-style foam mattresses available as mattress toppers. This softens the bed significantly, and deals with any discomfort for those used to soft beds. Just ask for one to be added to your bed on check in. Unless you have special chiropractic needs, this complaint can be safely ignored.

So there you have it – the top 5 reasons to ignore a bad hotel review. Use this list to help you get the real scoop on a hotel before you book, and know what to expect when you arrive. Keeping your expectations reasonable is the best way to ensure a happy holiday.

Photo Credits: iStockPhoto.com and ilhan gendron.

The gastropub phenomenon has inspired very mixed feelings amongst Brits. Some think it has reinvigorated pub culture and dining, whilst others believe it has stripped traditional boozers of their unique character.

One recent restoration that has been lovingly undertaken is that of The Orange on London's Pimlico Road. A year ago The Orange was a bit of a dark old flea pit; granted, it was atmospheric, but it was beloved of old timers who would sit embracing a pint for hours on end. Now it heaves with Chelsea's smart young things and you have to book in advance to guarantee a table in one of the bright and airy dining rooms.

The food at The Orange is simple and delicious. The wood fired pizzas are fantastically thin and crispy with delicious toppings such as spiced salami with artichokes and mushrooms, and torn chicken with pancetta, sage and pecorino. Salads are generous and come bursting with scrumptious ingredients. There is also a good selection of mains such as rib-eye steak, slow cooked shoulder of pork and herb crusted salmon.

Part of the restoration at The Orange included adding four simple and chic boutique bedrooms. Rates start at £155 + VAT per night, but that doesn't include breakfast. If you get well and truly stuck in of an evening it's good to know that you don't necessarily have to schlep home!

The Orange
37 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE; Tel: +44 207 881 9844; Web: www.theorange.co.uk; Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 8am to 11.30pm; Friday & Saturday 8am to Midnight; Sunday 8am to 10.30pm.

Photo Credits: Exterior shot by Emma Torry; Food shot via www.theorange.co.uk.

By Helena Iveson

Sometimes airports can be such a bore. What with crazy queues at security and cramped seats and cardboard food on the plane, it's no wonder that "staycations" are one of the travel industry's top trends.

For Singaporeans, the popular island resort of Sentosa, just a quarter of a mile from the mainland, is a very popular staycation destination, though up to now the attractions have been more family-friendly than fabulous. And while the newly-opened Resorts World is attracting all the publicity, the ultra-exclusive hotel Capella Singapore is where travellers in the know are heading, armed with Gucci bikinis and the latest copy of Vogue.

From the moment you glide up the meandering private driveway to the two colonial buildings that serve as the hotel's reception area, the hustle and bustle of Singapore feels a very, very long way away. Star architect Lord Norman Foster restored the dazzlingly white bungalows, and also added a stylish, undulating space behind them which houses the bulk of the hotel's fabulous accommodation and two restaurants. This earthy red building mirrors the contours of Sentosa's terrain, and guests enjoy spectacular views out to the South China Sea.

And it's not just the views that are dazzling: the Capella's spacious Modern Asian style rooms come with a state-of-the-art touch screen which controls every aspect from air-con to the blinds, iPod docking stations with Bose speakers, a wall-hung plasma TV, a Nespresso machine coffee machine, a private balcony and a open plan bathroom with a deep stone bath.

Staff are far too well mannered and discreet to name their celebrity guests, but when we were there, it looked as though a couple of local A-list celebrities, armed with huge sunglasses to keep out prying eyes, were lounging by one of the cascading pools. In fact, Capella Singapore, is the kind of place that you can picture someone glam like Beyonce sashaying past one of the resident peacocks that freely wander around the tropical gardens. Who needs Bali when an island paradise is just a ten minutes' drive away?

Capella Singapore
1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore
Tel: +65 6377 8888
Web: www.capellasingapore.com

Photo Credits: Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island by mrreynolds; Capella Singapore courtesy of Capella Hotels.

Have you got one of those friends whose taste you marvel at, whose style you envy, and whose life is über-chic; the sort of friend whose home makes you wish were making millions and pray you'll be asked to stay? If you're fed up of waiting around for a piece of the action, or if you're in dire need of a dose of glam, we suggest you check out newly opened hotel, The Upper House, in Hong Kong.

Designed by Hong Kong architect Andre Fu, The Upper House is an oasis of individual style, space and calm in the centre of the city's business district. The idea is to make guests feel as though they are staying in a friend's luxurious home – a clever concept given that Hong Kong is bursting at the seams with traditional 5* hotels already – and it is well executed. Coffee table books lie on tables in the hotel's common spaces, cosy Hermès throws dangle temptingly from sofa backs, and backgammon boards lie open inviting you to get stuck into a game. In the evenings guests can take their drinks out to the lawn and lounge in candlelight at tables or on beanbags.

In keeping with the home-away-from-home theme, The Upper House has eschewed the traditional hotel check-in and concierge desks in favour of a mobile Guest Experience team that cruises around the hotel with portable laptops checking guests in and catering to their every need. And, in a move that would impress the most fastidious of hosts and demanding of house guests, the Guest Experience team contacts you before your arrival to find out about your particular likes and dislikes. If you're a stickler for extra soft pillows, a fridge stocked only with Diet Coke, or if you want a list of the nearest bars or best beaches, everything you need will be awaiting you. One guest asked for a list of Hong Kong's best hikes and details of what was showing at the cinema, and had all the information tucked into an envelope in her room.

Even without this impressive personal touch, guests are guaranteed to be wowed by the hotel's rooms. Starting – yes starting – at 730 sq. ft (68 sq. m) The Upper House offers the biggest hotel rooms in Hong Kong. Categorised from smallest to largest as Studio 70 (pictured below), Studio 80, Upper Suite and Penthouse, even the "smallest" of the rooms feels pretty vast, but what you gain in space you lose in traditional amenities; The Upper House has no pool and no spa preferring to allocate the space into creating more luxurious guest rooms.

As soon as you walk into the huge bathroom (every room type has one) and clock the separate dressing area, walk-in rain shower and limestone clad bath, we're not sure you'll mind about the lack of pool. Delicious REN products line shower shelves, sinks and baths – kitting you out with everything you need to create your own in-room spa experience.

The rooms come chock-a-block with complimentary treats: internet access (available throughout the hotel), a fully stocked mini-bar (free with the exception of wines, champagne and spirits), and an espresso machine. Hotel information is loaded onto an iTouch docked in the desk, and you can even use it to order room service, check the weather, and access a local map. Pretty nifty.

The size of the Upper House suites would make almost all Hong Kong home owners jealous. Starting at 1,230 sq. ft (114 sq. m) they comprise of an entrance way, large reception room, bedroom and double bathroom. They are perfect for business travellers in Hong Kong with a significant other as there are two ways in and out of the bedroom: a door into the reception room and a door (dubbed the "girlfriend door") out into the hallway, thus the lucky other needn't disturb a meeting should they want to nip out for a splurge in swanky Pacific Place mall underneath the hotel.

Rooms have either harbour or island views. We recommend the island view rooms if you can forego the Hong Kong harbour skyline, they are quieter and more serene.

In terms of wining and dining, there's the longest bar in Hong Kong and a laid-back bistro style restaurant to choose from. The views are impressive, and the semi-private dining spaces perfect for either dinner-à-deux or a business tête-à-tête.

If The Upper House ticks your boxes now is the time to head to the home away from home: until the end of December you get two nights for the price of one. Bearing in mind how much you'd have to spend on a thank-you present for your über-stylish friend, perhaps it makes more sense to splash out on a couple of nights at The Upper House than to take up an invite from them...

The Two Nights for One offer is valid until 31st December 2009. Rates start from HK$3,388 for a 730sq ft Island View Studio 70.

The Upper House
Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong; Tel: +852 2918 1838; Web: www.upperhouse.com.

It might be 20 years since the Berlin wall came down, but if you check into The Ostel, Berlin's new GDR-designed hostel, you'd be forgiven for thinking time had stood still.

Full of details to delight even the most ostalgic (nostalgic for life in the former East "Ost" Germany) of visitors, The Ostel cashes in on the trend for recreating aspects of daily life and culture of the former GDR.

Housed in an original Plattenbau, a typical East German building constructed of large, prefabricated concrete slabs, The Ostel offers dorm rooms, private rooms and a GDR Holiday Apartment that can sleep up to six. Rooms cost from €9 per person per night.

We can see The Ostel's Communist kitsch vibe and its proximity's to some of the best of Berlin's nightlife making it a firm favourite in the Berlin stag / hen repertoire.

If stepping back in time is your thing make sure you take a tour of Berlin in an old Trabbi - another East Berlin icon - to add to the GDR experience. Visit www.trabi-safari.de for more information.

The Ostel
Wriezener Karree 5, 10243, Berlin, Germany; Tel: +49 30 25 76 86 60; Fax: +49 30 25 76 88 07; Email: contact@ostel.eu; Web: www.ostel.eu.

Photo Credits: The Ostel ©OSTEL GbR; Trabant by Genial23.

No matter how many miles you've travelled to get to The Napasai, as soon as you collapse into your enormous white bed, listening to nothing but the sound of lapping waves, rustling palms and humming cicadas, you'll know your journey has been worth it.

A few weeks after my own trip to The Napasai, the word that comes to mind when summing it up is serene. It is the perfect place for some serious R, R and R (if you feel like throwing in some romance to the old equation).

Unlike so many of Koh Samui's resorts, The Napasai is set in 17 acres of private tropical gardens and is blissfully free from irksome next door neighbours and their accompanying noise. Whichever room category you opt for, you're guaranteed unmarred views over Ban Tai beach and the Gulf of Thailand all the way to the horizon where Samui's sister islands, Koh Panghan (where the famous full moon parties take place) and Koh Tao rise up from the sea.

The resort is made up of Sea View Cottages, Beachfront Cottages, Garden Cottage Suites, Beachfront Cottage Suites and private villas, all of which are decorated in the traditional Thai style – like Jim Thompson's famous Bangkok house on a smaller scale – and dotted with clusters of fresh orchids. The cottages are spacious, quiet and comfortable, with private balconies where you can sit and soak up the incredible views. The bedrooms have both an enormous king-sized bed, and a Thai style day bed. The bathrooms come with big tubs, perfect for soaking in, and delicious Panpuri natural products that have been created especially for The Napasai (you'll want to fill your whole suitcase with them).

The real show stoppers at The Napasai though are its infinity pool, set just above the resort's private beach, and the beach itself, with those unbroken views across to Koh Pangnan and Koh Tao. The Napasai staff even equips you with a flag when you're relaxing on the beach so you don't have to stir yourself to fetch a drink – hoist the flag and they'll come to you. Sunbathing doesn't get much better than that. When we were there the little beach was so deserted it felt like a private slice of island paradise.

Despite our best efforts to try out the spa we couldn't get an appointment, which I suppose is a sign that the treatments are good. You can put the big tub in your room to use though and ask the spa to run you a special treatment bath to take the edge of jetlag or sunburn.

The in resort dining options are fairly standard. As we were only on Samui for two days we didn't have much time to explore other local options, although I can recommend Nikki Beach on Lipa Noi (approx. 20 minutes away from The Napasai) for fab sundowners and chic day-bed style dining.

The Napasai is one of those places that you don't want to leave, to the detriment of any Samui sightseeing plans you may have, but it guarantees you'll come away having indulged in low-key but luxurious R, R (and R) time.

The Napasai
65/10 Baan Tai, Maenam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84330, Thailand; Tel: +66 (0)77 42 92 00; Fax: +66 (0)77 42 92 01; Email: info@napasai.com; Web: www.napasai.com.

Nikki Beach
96/3 Moo 2 Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84140, Thailand; Tel: +66 (0)77 914 500; Web: www.nikkibeach.com/kohsamui.

All photos are ©Emma Torry except Seaview cottage at Napasai, which is ©Orient-Express Hotels.

Hotel prices in the UK currently stand at 13% above the European average*. Though this statistic doesn't come as much of a surprise it's still beat-the-system exciting when you stumble across a unique UK accommodation experience that won't break the bank.

For travellers visiting England, the cities of London, Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Canterbury and Newcastle all feature on the typical travel itinerary; a way to ensure your stay in these destinations is truly memorable - without having to cough up the average of £116 per night - is to book into a University room.

Pick from historic colleges in Oxford and Cambridge, plus the Universities of Newcastle, Nottingham, Leicester, Kent in Canterbury, Durham, Sheffield, University College London, Warwick, and Plymouth. Rooms are clean and many have en-suite bathrooms, internet access and power showers.

Indulge any Brideshead Revisited or Chariots of Fire fantasies you might have and from £40 per night stay in Oxford colleges such as Jesus, Balliol and Trinity College, or from £34 per night in Cambridge colleges including Christ's College, St. Catherine's and Corpus Christi. You can follow in the footsteps of famous real-life and literary Oxbridge alumni and eat in college halls, wander through the quads and college gardens, try your hand at punting, and drink in the college bar.

Things really have changed since I slept across the UK on friends' University bedrooms floors. Even as an impoverished student I would have happily paid from £28 a night to forego the sleeping bag on the cold, hard floor experience.

For more information on booking University bed and breakfast accommodation visit www.universityrooms.co.uk.

Photo Credits: Bodleian Montage by Daveybot; Oxford Punts by slack12.

*Source: trivago Hotel Price Index (tHPI), 6 August 2009.

By Christina Newberry

The Internet can be a fickle ally when it comes to planning adventures. You can find amazing deals, but you can also get yourself into hot water by booking with a shady company or hotel. Or, you can have your heart broken bit by bit as you discover perfect place after perfect place to stay that just happen to be way beyond your travel budget.

This last scenario happened to me when I came across the website for Azulik, an "ecoresort" in Tulum, Mexico. The concept is magical – large, private cabanas overlooking the roaring surf, with soaker tubs on every balcony. At Azulik the eco-resort concept means no electricity, no phone, and no air conditioning, but the indoor and outdoor tubs promise plenty of hot water. And you can summon a staff member to take your room service order by raising a flag at your cabana's front door. The online pictures are stunning. I was smitten.

The only problem? Rooms start at US$325 per night. On a trip that was built around hostel stays and self-catering apartments at a tenth of that price, Azulik was simply out of reach. I cursed at the picture of a woman lounging in an outdoor soaking tub, overlooking the sea below.

And then – oh, and then – I noticed the small link on Azulik's homepage pointing to current specials. Among other deals, I found the one that would cure my heartbreak – 60% off regular rates for booking a room within 24 hours of arrival. With a month in Mexico and no set plans of where I had to be and when, this option was workable. Yes!

Soon, my partner and I found ourselves settling in for three nights in the honeymoon suite. Regularly priced at US$350 per night, the 60% discount brought it to US$140 per night: still not budget accommodation, but within the realm of the reasonable. With a king-sized bed draped in a lovely mosquito net, plus hanging beds and soaker tubs carved from large trees both inside and outside, it was stunning. I got myself into that soaking tub as soon as I could – now I was the woman in the picture I had seen online. Bliss!

As we eased into the vibe of the place, I took advantage of the free morning yoga classes, got used to evenings lit only by candlelight, and continued to be blown away by our good fortune. I even came to appreciate the iguanas who were on constant watch on the cliffs below (except the one who skittered into the room to lick jam off the remains of a breakfast tray). As I relaxed, I started to warm up to the idea of leaving my swimsuit behind and hitting the beach below.

Ah, yes – Azulik has a clothing-optional beach (it is, in fact, a clothing-optional resort). Raised in a straight-laced protestant home, I never pictured myself frolicking naked in the waves (a long-time Vancouver resident, I've never even ventured near Wreck Beach, our local clothing-optional haunt). But as Mexican time took hold and the eco-resort atmosphere seeped into my soul, I found myself throwing caution to the wind. In the crashing surf, bare as the day I was born, looking up at our cabana on the clifftop, I realised – life is simple; life is good.

IF YOU GO

Azulik is the most luxurious of three properties that make up EcoTulum Resorts and Spa. Copal offers mid-range accommodations, and Zahra caters to the budget traveller. All have direct beach access. Copal and Azulik are clothing-optional.

Where: Tulum, Mexico.

Cost: High season (Nov. 15 to April 30 and July 15 – Aug. 31): US$40 per night for a basic no-bath cabana at Zahra up to US$350 per night for the luxurious honeymoon suite at Azulik. Online specials can save you 20% – 60%.

Contacts: The resort's main site, www.ecotulum.com, offers information on all three properties. For individual properties, visit www.azulik.com, www.cabanascopal.com and www.zahra.com.mx.

Photo Credits: Images by Christina Newberry, except 'Azulik, Doce' by jason_chinn via Flickr.

If you're aiming for the pinnacle of London luxury next time you travel to The Big Smoke, check out The Connaught hotel's hot new offering, The Apartment.

Designed by David Collins and located on the top floor of The Connaught, The Apartment mixes art, culture and literature to create the feel of a private collector's home. The space comprises of a double height sitting-room, dining room, a master-bedroom with a dressing room and en-suite marble bathroom, a guest bedroom with en suite bathroom, and two landscaped decked terraces with views over the rooftops of Mayfair.

David Collins said he intended to create "an iconic, unique home from home". The Apartment is design for "a discerning client: well travelled, informed and with an appreciation of design and the art of living. It is a private place for a chosen few and a very personal design statement".

Distinctive touches in The Apartment include a library of twentieth century novels, art history books and rare volumes; antique and contemporary artworks; lilac leather lined cabinetry; a bespoke card table; a four poster bed; a custom designed white marble fireplace and a capsule collection of Guerlain beauty products.

Fashionistas can brief The Connaught to scour the neighbouring designer shops for goodies and have them waiting in the dressing room prior to arrival. Foodies and hosts-with-the-most can have their personal Connaught butler arrange a private dinner party, with menus specially designed by two-Michelin star chef Hélène Darroze.

The Apartment's rates are upon request so you can bet your bottom dollar luxury this serious has a price tag to match.

The Connaught, Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL; Tel: +44 (0)207 499 7070, Web: www.the-connaught.co.uk.

By Andy Hayes

Visitors to England often spend most or all of their time in London and its surrounding villages and countryside, overlooking some of the more intriguing cities of the North, such as Manchester, which is experiencing a cultural boom. Here are just a few of the best things to see and do during a stay in Manchester, whether your trip is a quick weekend break or a longer stay.

WALK AND SEE MANCHESTER

Manchester's city centre has been transformed in recent years to entice locals to live and work in the area, so now you'll find art galleries, museums, shopping, and restaurants all within easy reach. Manchester's centre also provides access to the canal network, formerly the backbone of the city's industrial heritage but now a walker's haven with many workers using the route as a stress-free commute.

Don't miss stops such as the Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Town Hall - one of the most important Victorian buildings in England - and The Manchester Wheel. If you get tired of walking you can be anywhere in Manchester quickly with the easy-to-use tram and bus system.

EAT MANCHESTER

Like London, Manchester has a truly diverse population and the city's cuisine follows suit – so much so there is even an annual food and drink festival (1 - 12 Oct 2009). One of the most popular places to dine is an area of Rusholme called "Curry Mile". Resembling a subdued version of the Las Vegas strip, the street is lined on both sides with neon signs beckoning you for a beer and a curry.

You can't go wrong with a meal in this part of town – try the Royal Naz (18 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 256 1060) or Shere Khan (50-52 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 256 2624), a couple of Manchester's more famous curry houses. Manchester seems to have a penchant for Asian food, as you can always find good Chinese, Japanese, or Korean restaurants around the city.

PARTY MANCHESTER

For the city which spawned its own rock genre, "Madchester," it is no surprise to see partying at the top of the list. Mancunians of all orientations flock to the "Gay Village" for drinks, music, and fun. Eden Bar (3 Brazil Street & Canal Street, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 237 9852) is a top choice that caters to all lifestyles and it even has its own canal barge for the summer months. Many of the venues in the Gay Village are refurbished cotton warehouses, another reminder of how the city's industrial past turning into a cosmopolitan future.

Piccadilly Gardens is also a lovely place for a drink, as well as the Northern Quarter, where you can find Mancunian music and an off-beat crowd. The Roadhouse (8 Newton St, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 228 1789) is one of the more famous live music venues, or you can try Australian-themed Billie Rox (106 Portland St, Manchester; Tel: +44 161 228 2036) bar for fun down-under anthems.

SLEEP MANCHESTER

If you go to Manchester, your best bet is to stay fairly centrally, such as near Piccadilly Station – the Malmaison on Piccadilly is an excellent choice if your budget suits. To catch a glimpse of the local television stars, stay at the Victoria and Albert Hotel on Water Street, as often actors will pop in for an after-work drink in the bar. Budget seekers should head for the Hotel Ibis on Portland Street, which has fantastic rates given its central location.

Photo Credits: Canal Street, Manchester by Coradia1000; On Wilmslow Road by iwouldstay; Madchester by mikecolvin82 via Flickr (Creative Commons).

London's Claridges hotel has teamed up with iconic fashion house, Christian Dior, to offer guests staying in the hotel's Linley and Claridge's Suites the "Dior Dressing Table at Claridge's" experience.

The Dior Dressing Table is a bringing to life of the bygone boudoir era of 1930's and 40's Hollywood. Expect all the classic Dior fragrances on your art-deco dressing table, plus a Dior beauty kit of compacts, powders and ruby red lipstick and nail varnish.

You can float to your Dior dressing table in a cream silk Claridge's dressing gown personalised with your initials, high heeled marabou mule slippers and a rose pink cashmere eye mask (which might be better left for bed if you want to match the likes of Rita Hayworth and Greta Garbo in the style stakes).

As you make yourself up you can sip 1930s inspired cocktails served in Lalique glasses from Claridge's Fumoir Bar and listen to a playlist of songs from Josephine Baker and Fred Astaire.

If Mr. Right is running late novels by Evelyn Waugh and Nancy Mitford should distract you.

The "Dior Dressing Table at Claridge's" will be available in Linley / Claridge's suites at an additional price of £300 to the quoted room rate. The price includes all Four Dior fragrances, beauty gifts – lipstick / nail varnish / powder, personalised silk dressing gown, an Evelyn Waugh book, CD and cocktails from the Fumoir. For reservations, call +44 (0)20 7629 8860 or visit www.claridges.co.uk.

If travelling in style without having to pay 5* prices appeals (and who could say no to that?), then check out The Guardian's nifty / thrifty interactive tool that maps and details the world's best boutique hostels.

From Big Milly's Backyard in Ghana, where the £3 per night huts "sit by some of the finest stretches of beach in Africa" to NYC's The Gershwin an "East Side hotel-cum-hostel styled in Andy Warhol's image" where rooms cost from USD 45 per night.

This is the perfect booking buddy for luxury travellers on a tight budget. Check it out here.

Photo Credit: Gershwin Hotel by ewanmcdowall via Flickr (Creative Commons).

The Lost crew must be honoured that one of their set designs has seemingly spawned a look-a-like hotel suite in Quepos, Costa Rica.

The Hotel Costa Verde has refurbished a vintage 1965 Boeing 727 airframe into a unique two bedroom suite.

The airframe was shipped, piece by piece, from San Jose airport to the hotel's location in the jungles of Manuel Antonio National Park. The aeroplane suite sits on a 50 foot pedestal and enjoys views over the ocean and jungle canopy.

From USD 300 (plus tax) a night you can enjoy the plane's teak panelled interior, hand-carved furnishings, two bedrooms, kitchenette, dining area and ocean view terrace.

I suppose it's as close to a private jet experience as most of us mere mortals are ever going to get, but a Boeing 727 hotel suite in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle is about as bizarre as some of the Lost plot lines.

Photos via www.costaverde.com and abc.go.com.

Hidden behind an inconspicuous gate on Phnom Penh's Street 19 is a fantastic boutique hotel, The Pavilion.

The Pavilion has just 20 rooms and all the doubles and suites either have their own private patch of garden or a big, breezy terrace. With prices starting from just USD 40 per night, this hotel is a very affordable slice of luxury in Cambodia's capital city.

Built in the 1920s, the Pavilion is a French Colonial gem that sits in a lush, tropical garden. The 15th century Wat Botum is just across the road and many of the hotel's rooms come with views over this royal pagoda.

The hotel is quiet and calm, a real oasis from the heat and dust of the city. Big day beds are dotted around the swimming pool and garden and there's a restaurant serving both French and Khmer dishes in the grounds. There is free WiFi access throughout the hotel and four shared computers for guests who don't travel with a laptop.

We visited the hotel in a group of five; three of us shared a suite (which is two bedrooms separated by a door) and the other two booked into a superior double. The double had the edge over the suite as it is located in the old building and has a fantastic balcony overlooking the garden's coconut and frangipani trees as well as the Royal Pagoda. Both rooms were nicely decorated in the Khmer / French colonial style.

The Pavilion's staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and come armed with restaurant and sightseeing suggestions. They were great at letting us know how much we should be paying for tuk-tuk journeys, which was a real blessing as haggling with drivers in the 40 degree heat is not so much fun.

Phnom Penh's boutique-lined Street 240 is a stone's throw from the Pavilion as are the Royal Palace and the National Museum.

The Pavilion: 227, Street 19, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Tel: +855 (0) 2322 2280; Email: reservation@thepavilion.asia; Web: www.thepavilion.asia.

With three weeks to go until Easter, now is the perfect time to snap up a last-minute deal to one of the world's top Easter holiday destinations.

To inspire you, we've put together a guide to the top Easter breaks for 2009. So stop planning this year's Easter egg hunt and start packing your suitcase for a fantastic Easter holiday!

ANTIGUA, CARIBBEAN:

What: Join Eric Clapton, Oprah Winfrey and Giorgio Armani this Easter and holiday in style on the stunning island of Antigua. What better place to put your Lenten restrictions behind you than on beaches of soft white sand, under a hot sun and in perfect azure waters? The average April temperature in Antigua is a gorgeous 26°C / 79°F.

Why: Jaw-dropping beaches, colonial splendour, wonderful weather and a fantastic atmosphere. Stick around for the week after Easter and ogle open-mouthed at the big, fat classic yachts as they come out to play for the annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (16 – 21 April).

Where: Stay at the super-stylish Inn at English Harbour hotel for the perfect blend of Colonial style luxury and contemporary comfort.

Wow: LHR – Antigua: 2 roundtrip tickets and 6 nights at Inn at English Harbour from USD 6697; LAX - Antigua: 2 roundtrip tickets and 6 nights at Inn at English Harbour from USD 5018; JFK – Antigua: 2 roundtrip tickets and 6 nights at Inn at English Harbour from USD 4886.*

OMAN

What: From souks to ancient sights to snorkelling to sandy beaches, Oman offers opulence, indulgence, adventure and luxury. Muscat, Oman's capital, boasts some seriously impressive hotels in stunning beach locations. Fashionistas and bargain hunters can go crazy in the city's markets, culture vultures can spend days soaking up the impressive sights and adrenaline junkies can dune buggy and scuba dive.

Why: There's something for everyone: jagged mountains, lush valleys, dramatic dunes, empty beaches, superb snorkelling, vibrant souks, camel racing and incredible history and culture. Easter temptation indeed...

Where: Al Bustan Palace Hotel, Muscat. Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop on 200 acres of private beach and lush green gardens, the Al Bustan Palace Hotel has a reputation as the best hotel in the Middle East and one of the finest hotels in the world.

Wow: Return flights from LHR – Muscat from USD 494 per person; from LAX – Muscat from USD 1558 per person; from JFK – Muscat from USD 1077 per person.*

PHUKET, THAILAND

What: One of the world's best known beach destinations, and dubbed the "Pearl of the South", Phuket is swanky and seductive in equal measures. It's a place to dive in azure seas, lounge at chic beach resorts, sip cocktails and soak up the glitz and glamour.

Why: Bargains are easy to find at Phuket's glam resorts and beachside villas and can be bagged, last-minute for hundreds of dollars less than their normal rates. If you're after a luxury Easter break on a moderate budget, this is the destination for you.

Where: If you want glitz on a relative shoestring then opt for Indigo Pearl. The resort offers very decent accommodation, great hotel pools and is located on Nai Yang Beach on Phuket's northwest shore. For a chic boutique hotel and trendy vibe opt for the ever-popular Twinpalms Phuket. Located right next to Thailand's 'millionaires' cove', the hotel's beach is a great site to spot celebrities.

Wow: From LHR – Phuket: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 5463 at Indigo Pearl and from USD 8994 at Twinpalms Phuket; From LAX – Phuket: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 3722 at Indigo Pearl and from USD 6844 at Twinpalms Phuket; From JFK – Phuket: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 8094 at Indigo Pearl and from USD 11638 at Twinpalms Phuket*.

SANTORINI, GREECE

What: Arguably Greece's most romantic and spectacular island, Santorini offers a very local and authentic Greek Orthodox Easter experience. Spend the days leading up to Easter on a private yacht and exploring the Santorini's famous volcano "the caldera". Join in with the islanders' Easter celebrations and processions. Enjoy the Easter feasting and taste the incredible local lamb. On Easter Monday make the most of the local flora and visit Santorini's local vineyards.

Why: Stunning scenery, amazing hikes, beautiful beaches and fantastic weather, plus the experience of joining in with local Easter celebrations and traditions.

Where: La Meduse Santorini. Bang slap on Perivolos Beach, the island's longest sandy strip, this whitewashed boutique hotel occupies a Cycladic-style property and boasts crisp, fresh rooms.

Wow: From LHR – Santorini: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation at La Meduse (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 1817; From LAX – Santorini: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation at La Meduse (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 4938; From JFK – Santorini: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation at La Meduse (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 3145*.

SEVILLE, SPAIN

What: Passion and devotion combine in this fiery Spanish city and Semana Santa (Easter week) is one of the most exciting times to visit. Seville has hosted Easter celebrations for four centuries, and they are universally famous. Around 50,000 parade through the city's streets in traditional costumes during Seville's 58 organised processions. Expect to be wowed by religious statues, music, embroidered cloaks and velvet tunics.

Why: It goes without saying that Seville is one of Europe's most impressive cities. Moorish architecture, flamenco and bullfighting take centre stage in this stunning city. A long Easter weekend in Seville promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Where: Hotel San Gil. Housed in a restored 19th-century building, Hotel San Gil's preserved mosaics echo Seville's Moorish past. Just one kilometre from Seville's historic centre, Hotel San Gil is perfectly located for all the Easter action.

Wow: LHR – Seville: 2 roundtrip tickets and 4 nights accommodation at Hotel San Gil (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 2205; JFK – Seville: 2 roundtrip tickets and 4 nights accommodation at Hotel San Gil (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 2388*.

We hope this answers your questions about what to do at Easter, where the best Easter holiday destinations are and how to plan an Easter trip. Have a great time!

*All prices correct at the time of going to print.

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 all via Flickr (Creative Commons).

I was sent an email this morning asking for tips on travelling to the Sapa region in Vietnam. Sadly I've never been so deferred to a friend who went very recently and she came back with a goldmine of information. So good that it had to be shared!

So, here you go, the inside track on the stunning hill station of Sapa...

When to go to Sapa:

Avoid the winter months of January and February like the plague as the mountains are covered in fog making it impossible to see the surrounding area, which is the whole point of being there! April and May are meant to be good months as well as end of September and October. July and August is Sapa's rainy season so best avoided.

How to get to Sapa:

Fly into Hanoi and take the train up to Lao Cai, which is a nine hour overnight journey. On average there are three trains a night to Sapa departing from Hanoi station, so there are quite a few options to choose from.

If you are staying at the Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa, which is the best hotel in the area, then they have their own train which has a dining carriage and looks very comfortable. You can only book this if you are staying at the hotel.

The other option is the Fanxipan Express. This is a good and comfortable way to get to Sapa, although there's no dining carriage (the only train with a dining carriage on this route is the Victoria Express). There are four berths per carriage. If there are two of you travelling you will have to share with others unless you pay for all four berths to ensure privacy.

Pete Wilkes, Managing Director of Sapa Rooms, recommends the TSC train, the Livitrans train and the Hara train. He says these carriages all depart from Hanoi nightly between 7:30pm and 9:15pm, arriving in Lao Cai the following morning from 5:30am to 7:30am. These options are safe, secure, comfortable and clean, and come equipped with clean western toilets, air conditioning and lockable doors.

A four berth train ticket costs USD 37 per person one way and a two berth train ticket costs USD 85 per person one way.

Arriving in Sapa:

Once you arrive into Lao Cai there are people milling around to take you to Sapa which is about a 40 minute drive. Really watch out for touts and make sure that you buy your ticket from the driver once on the bus, otherwise you will end up paying over the odds.

Where to stay in Sapa:

Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa is a good hotel with swimming pool, spa and tennis court, as well as tour booking office on site. There is a restaurant and bar there (famous for its cheese fondue) so if you are looking to stay somewhere with all the comforts then I would recommend this, although the rates are a lot higher than anywhere else.

Tel: +84 43 9330318 (Speak to Ha – she is really helpful); Email: resa.sapa@victoriahotels.asia

Cha Pa Gardens is right in the centre of Sapa, by the market. It's very well located and a sweet place with just four decent sized rooms. The owner, Tommy, is married to a Vietnamese woman and they co-run it. Tommy can arrange for a local guide to take you on walks in the surrounding area, but as we were looking for a bit more depth to the tours and wanting to learn about the local culture, we ended up booking everything through the Victoria Sapa – but enjoy the lovely boutique style hotel.

Tel: +84 20 387 2907; Email: post@chapagarden.com; www.chapagarden.com

Sapa Rooms is the third recommended option. The hotel is run by Pete who was super helpful in sending through all the train options. He can book the train for you as well as all tours and activities. Sapa Rooms was closed when I went in January, but I walked past the hotel. It is right by the market and again in centre of town, but on the road and not set back like Cha Pa Gardens; I don’t think this would make any difference though and imagine service to be much better than at Cha Pa Gardens, which was a bit slack.

Tel: +84 (0)90 618 7883; Email: pete.wilkes@me.com / info@saparooms.com; www.saparooms.com

What to do in Sapa:

During the day, and if the weather is good, there is so much to do. There's lots of hiking, and although the trails can get quite busy with visitors we found a few treks that were less crowded. You are taken by local guides on these hikes, so also learn a lot about the local culture.

The top hikes are as follows. All of these hikes can be booked through Pete Wilkes at Sapa Rooms, who gives the profits back to the region's minority communities. All hikes can be customised to suit you, and his descriptions of them are as follows. Email pete.wilkes@me.com or call +84 (0)90 618 7883.

Cat Cat Village, 3km (difficulty - easy): This is the home of the H'mong minority tribe. During this hike you have the opportunity to meet and talk with locals to learn more about their daily life. There are many opportunities to purchase handicrafts direct from the local tribal community. The walk will take you to beautiful Cascade waterfall and the old French hydroelectric power station built over 100 years ago. You may choose to walk or catch a motorbike back to Sapa (2km). Cost: 180,000 VND per person.

Lao Chai and Tavan Villages (difficulty - medium): Walk along ancient buffalo trails between mountains and valleys and across rice paddies to arrive in the beautiful Lao Chai village. Along the way enjoy some of Vietnam's most breathtaking views of terraced rice fields. In Lao Chai village visit the H'mong people in their wooden and bamboo houses, experience daily life in the tribal villages which are set high in the mountains among pristine rice terraces and wild running rivers. Continue on to Tavan village home of the Day minority people. Meet the locals and pay a visit to the schools to distribute any gifts you may have brought from home. Here you will have many opportunities to purchase handicrafts direct from the local tribal community. Choose to return to Sapa on foot, jeep or motorbike. Cost: 420.000 VND per person includes lunch and your motorcycle ride.

Matra and Taphin villages (6 hours, 11km – includes home cooked lunch): First take either a jeep or motorbike ride 4km to visit the Black Hmong village of Matra which is set in a beautiful lush valley and famous for its picture perfect scenery. After this village, continue on the peaceful dirt road talking to locals until you reach the mountain village of Taphin - a traditional handy craft village and home to two different minorities; the Red Dzao and the Black H'mong. Have a picnic lunch in the village and take time to explore the village with your guide. Here there is an option to take a traditional Red Dzau hot bath with medicinal herbs. This is a great way to sooth tired muscles after trekking. Cost: 420,000 VND per person includes lunch and your motorcycle ride.

Ban Ho hot spring village (1 hour each way by jeep or motorbike, 4 hours trekking around Ban Ho village, includes home cooked lunch): If you want total isolation and dream of swimming in beautiful crystal clear rivers with local minority children surrounded by stunning scenery then this is the trek for you. Truly unforgettable, Ban Ho Village is worth the one hour jeep or motor bike journey to get there, as the village rewards visitors with stunning views and opportunities to discover the daily life of the ethnic Tay people. The trails and roads from Ban Ho also lead to the quiet Red Dao Village of Nam Toong and other ethnic communities, where you can enjoy the best of Northern Vietnam, such as deep valleys, amazing mountains and the friendliest people you can imagine. Cost: 650,000 VND per person, includes lunch and jeep or motorbike ride.

If you are going for longer than a weekend you may want to climb Fanxipan – any of the hotels can help arrange this for you.

Where to eat in Sapa:

There are some dodgy places and a few great ones; unfortunately we missed out on some as they were closed when we were there. My favourite, which is highly recommended, is Le Gecko. It is run by a great guy called Frederic. There is a pool table there, a terrace for eating outside, and if it's cold there is an open fire to sit next to inside. I recommend the mushroom pasta!

For more information about Vietnam, click here.

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. All via Flickr (Creative Commons).

By Helena Iveson

Not yet discovered by the travelling hordes, Hotel G, 5 minutes walk away from the bright lights and bars of Sanlitun, opened just after the Olympics and is a stylish and extremely well-priced Beijing bolthole.

Tucked behind the city's best known gay club, Destination, but not within earshot of the disco beats, the exterior looks best at night when the façade is lit up with an array of coloured lights. The reception area is a shade too moodily lit for it's own good, but persevere as the actual rooms are Beijing's biggest bargains – sleek and sexy is the theme du jour.

Happily, some of the best rooms are actually the cheapest – the 110 bedrooms are divvied up as good, great, greater or greatest, and the good rooms (from 1088RMB) have glamorous velvet drapes, darkly coloured 60s retro chic furniture and bathrooms complete with rainforest showers and L'Occitane toiletries.

In fact, everything about Hotel G combines to encourage you to stay in and skip the sights: from the complimentary entertainment options (iPod docks, DVD players, Nintendo Wii, free WiFi) to the two in-house restaurants, Beijing's best burger joint 25 Degrees (sister restaurant to the famed Hollywood version) and funky fine dining Japanese eatery Morio.

The staff speak great English and will arm you with Chinese addresses and maps should, for some reason, you happen to wish to venture outside.

Hotel G Beijing: 7 Gongtixilu, Chao yang District, Beijing, China; Phone: +86 (0)10 65523600; Fax: +86 (0)10 65523606; www.hotel-g.com.

If you're planning a trip to the Big Apple you are, no doubt, wading through masses and masses of hotel options trying to find the right place, in the right location at the right price. Why not let Forbes do some of the hard work for you? They've put together a list of the 10 Best Hotels in NYC.

Eight of the ten are within a three-minute walk of Central Park, while one overlooks the expanse of New York Harbour and another boasts massive loft-like rooms.

Sound good? Here's the list:

The Carlyle

Forbes says: The Carlyle, an unabashedly Upper East Side establishment on Manhattan’s Madison Avenue, appeals to those looking for a white-glove type of property in a world where luxury has become dominated by corporate five stars and boutique brands. With its history and reputation for discretion, it is a magnet for royalty, heads of state and old money. Not surprisingly, the old-school vibe can sometimes slip into just plain stuffy. However, the hotel sits in perfect proximity to Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum and the shops of Madison and Fifth Avenues.

Four Seasons New York

Forbes says: Although just 15-years-old, this 52-story, I.M. Pei-designed limestone hotel—New York's tallest—has already assumed its place as a midtown landmark. Located amid Manhattan’s best shopping and corporate headquarters, the hotel is popular with deep-pocketed visitors as well as locals looking for a midtown respite. Marble-floored from its soaring columned lobby onward, it is a lesson in dramatic interiors. And staying there is a lesson in superlatives; the Four Seasons leaves even the most luxurious competitors still playing catch up.

Hotel Plaza Athenee

Forbes says: Hidden on a tree-lined street in the tony Upper East Side, the 17-floor Plaza drips with sophistication. Hand-painted murals? Check. Antique furniture? Affirmative. Marble-lined lobby with Louis XVI furniture? Certainly. This French-flavored lodge’s hoity-toity trappings attract power-broker businessman and moneyed European travelers, who'd rather fly under the radar than make a fussy scene. Shopaholics will be thrilled to learn that Bloomingdale's and Barneys New York are a few blocks away. Also close are cultural riches like the Whitney Museum, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Central Park

The Lowell

Forbes says: In a city where "flavour of the month" rarely refers to ice cream, it's reassuring to know that one can seek refuge in a hotel that is no slave to fashion—and this Upper East Side classic certainly fits the bill. Understated elegance may be a cliché in the hospitality world, but The Lowell has it in spades. The inviting Old World décor, human scale and location five blocks up from the Midtown fray happily conspire to smooth out some of the harder edges of your typical New York City sojourn.

Mandarin Oriental New York

Forbes says: The tone is high drama from the moment you enter the 35th-floor lobby, from the large, circular marble floor to the Dale Chihuly glass sculpture in the center and the panoramic views of midtown and Central Park viewed through floor-to-ceiling windows. Offering Asian serenity within the hustle and bustle of New York, this branch of the Hong Kong-based company has been competing for top hotel in town since it opened in the Time Warner complex in 2003. While its location just west of Central Park affords those views, that has also been the hotel's only questionable point: whether the high rollers who stay here want to be on the West Side instead of the 57th Street/Fifth Avenue axis that is the center of Midtown—and the vortex of power.

The Mercer

Forbes says: The only hotel in the city to provide a taste of true loft living, the Mercer's lobby also offers some of the best celebrity-watching in New York. Yet despite its illustrious clientele, this Soho paean to minimalist chic knows that it's always better to feign modesty, so there's no sign on Mercer Street to announce it. Just look for the unfeasibly good-looking staff member standing beneath the clock.

The Peninsula New York

Forbes says: Sharing a corner with the St. Regis meant that the 20-year-old Peninsula New York has had to step up its game. With a great location and suave demeanour, the hotel treats business travellers to a quiet, unobtrusively elegant room, while its clubby atmosphere and landmark status allow the weekend guest to live it up in style. Entering the circa-1905 Beaux Arts building, a double-staircased grand foyer sets a mood that wavers on the aristocratic side of chic, but with the new addition of rooftop bar Salon de Ning — a nod to the Peninsula's Hong Kong origins — and newly overhauled fitness and spa areas, the hotel is poised to enter the next decade as a sleeker, less stodgy Midtown player.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park

Forbes says: Forget everything you think about Ritz-Carlton. This downtown hotel steps outside the chain's traditional comfort zone with an art deco interior reminiscent of a 1920s cruise liner. Like its uptown sister hotel on Central Park South, the hotel attracts its share of celebrities and executives, but here the vibe is low-key and the hip factor high with cool colours, pale woods, plush seating that begs you to dive in and contemporary art from 100 living New York artists. Down at the tip of Manhattan, you're out of the frenzy—but just a five-minute taxi ride from Soho or Tribeca. And the views are spectacular.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

Forbes says: As the flipside of its downtown art deco sister, this uptown Ritz-Carlton in a 1930s building has a New York townhouse vibe. Despite the sycamore-paneled walls and ceiling, antique French and Italian crystal chandeliers, early 1920s paintings by Samuel Halpert, and grand piano, the lobby floor Star Lounge is surprisingly casual—you can even order mini-burgers or mac and cheese. You can’t beat the central location, just blocks from 5th Avenue, the Time Warner Center and MoMA, and with views straight down the middle of Central Park.

St. Regis Hotel

Forbes says: John Jacob Astor built this beaux-arts masterpiece in 1904 to house his society guests in a manner to which they had become accustomed in Europe (including a white marble staircase that cost a whopping $1 million in turn-of-the-century dollars). That old-world grandeur is still on view in the intricate carved moldings, inlaid marble floors, gilded mirrors and doors, and crystal chandeliers that are the hallmark of this urban palace. Apart from the lavish style, though, every experience is a classic here, from formal afternoon tea in the Astor Court to a Bloody Mary (which was invented here) in the dark, inviting King Cole Bar with its famed Maxfield Parrish murals.

For more information about New York visit the main iloho website, www.iloho.com.

Photo Credit: A bird's eye view by statophere via Flickr (Creative Commons).

According to the Travel Intelligence team, these are the hottest boutiques of 2008. So pack your bags and get going - what better way to forget about the credit crunch?

The Zetter, London, UK

TI says: An affordable, kooky boutique hotel in edgy East London. Centrally located, it's just a stroll from the British Museum and St Paul's. Rates from GBP 89

www.thezetter.com

Hotel Patou, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

TI says: This sexy boutique hotel is a hit with Amsterdam's fashionistas. Rates from EUR 175.

www.hotelpatou.nl

Hotel Tres, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

TI says: A sophisticated bolthole in the heart of Palma's old town. Rates from EUR 160.

www.hoteltres.com

For more hotel ideas click here.

By Connie Motz

Picture a white-washed Moroccan villa with mysterious high arches. Notice the stark contrast when lush green palms sway gently over the building. Now imagine a series of eighteen Moroccan villas set like exotic jewels along a two mile pristine white sand beach. Imagine no more: this Moorish fantasy is a luxurious reality, Cap Juluca.

Located on the northern Caribbean island of Anguilla, the five-star Cap Juluca was rated by readers of Travel+Leisure as the number ten resort in the whole of the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

With no more than six units to a Moroccan villa, standard amenities at Cap Juluca include spacious rooms, gorgeous ocean views with direct beach access, striking marble bathrooms and separate showers. Suites at Cap Juluca range from 103 square metres (with beautiful covered terraces and inviting double tubs) to 232 square metres (these include a romantic private pool, perfect for honeymooners).

Cap Juluca offers three dining choices for guests: fresh seafood at Pimm's, Moroccan cuisine and endless views at Kemia while a more casual dining atmosphere is offered at George's, where the Friday night seafood barbecue cannot be missed.

Daily complimentary breakfast consists of an amazing array of fresh fruits and pastries either at George's or on your own private terrace. Contact the chef to arrange a private "wine room" dinner or a romantic beach dinner complete with bamboo tiki torches. Now, while you wait, will that be afternoon tea in the Main House or afternoon sorbet on the beach?

Unwind by attending a Pilates or yoga class or workout at the full fitness centre or aqua golf driving range. Play croquet or tennis, enjoy the pool, explore the island on a bicycle, snorkel or enjoy an invigorating morning of sailing. After a day relaxing or working out, Cap Juluca Spa Services are waiting to pamper and instil wellness through a selection of massage and skin therapy techniques.

If you ever decide to leave the resort the lush new 18-hole Temenos Golf Club, with its stunning views of the Caribbean, is only 10 minutes away. Scuba divers and snorkelers can enjoy the abundance of coral and sea life that Anguilla's turquoise Caribbean waters display.

International holiday makers can fly non-stop from major cities like London and Amsterdam, directly to Julianna International Airport on the neighboring island of St. Maarten. Vacationers can then travel to Anguilla via a small commercial aircraft or via a complimentary 25 minute ferry; either of these options can be pre-arranged by the Cap Juluca staff. To search for flights click here.

Cap Juluca: PO Box 240, Maundays Bay, Anguilla, Leeward Islands, British West Indies; Tel: 1-888-858-5822 or 1-264-497-666; Website: www.capjuluca.com. Click here for 2009 room rates.

About Anguilla Anguilla is a picture perfect hideaway in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. A relatively flat island, Anguilla is only 16 miles long by 3 miles wide. But don't let this tiny island deceive you. Anguilla is rich in history, culture, offers many art galleries and museums, along with fantastic duty-free Caribbean shopping. For travel to Anguilla, passports are required by most countries.

Photos: Published with the permission of the Zimmerman Agency.

As Asia's fast-growing gambling mecca Macau has it all: slick casinos, high-rollers, designer labels, jaw-dropping shows, chic restaurants and huge hotel complexes. In this city of superlatives however, something has been missing: the "boutique" factor. Large-scale, Vegas-esq experiences are easy to come by in Macau, but the more individual and unique factor is harder to find.

The Four Seasons Macau, which opened on the Cotai Strip in August of this year, is doing its best to fill this void. It has brought the promise of something different and more personalised, which is a breath of fresh air for the traveller seeking quiet, comfort and personalised service.

Granted, with 360 rooms the Four Seasons Macau hardly conforms with the traditional perception of boutique, but when compared with behemoths such as the neighbouring Venetian (3,000 rooms) and soon the to be completed Sheraton opposite (some 4,000 rooms) the hotel feels it. The design – contemporary mixed with colonial accents and hints of the orient – brings a unique edge and antique pieces of furniture, sourced from local markets and antique shops, add to the hotel's individuality.

Service reigns supreme here; staff are, without exception, friendly, polite and attentive. Your name will be remembered and your quirks indulged. As one Four Seasons restaurant manager underlined, the hotel is geared towards the discerning traveller seeking a haven of calm and top-notch service. Where many hotels in Macau compete on price, the Four Seasons seeks to differentiate itself by offering the best standard of hospitality.

Rooms are spacious and comfortable. They come kitted out with a 42" plasma screen, WiFi (at an additional cost), vast marble bathrooms with walk-in rain showers, L'Occitane products and deep bathtubs. Don't expect fantastic views, the Cotai Strip is still an eyesore of a building site, instead sink into the big bath and watch TV whilst sipping on something brought up to you by room service.

Guests seeking further peace and quiet should beat a retreat to Windows, which feels more like a country club than a bar / restaurant. Its leather wingback chairs, fireplace and big open-air verandah make it a great spot to enjoy a newspaper and afternoon tea far away from the hustle and bustle of the casino floors.

When it comes to eating, the hotel has a Cantonese restaurant, Zi Yat Heen, as well Belcanção, an extravagant international buffet bulging with European favourites and dim sum. The hotel's most hyped destination though has to be Bar Azul, a stylish spot with moody blue lighting and a slick bar serving wine, cocktails, champagne and fantastic complimentary canapés.

Visitors seeking retail therapy can sleep easy knowing that the new Shoppes at Four Seasons, Macau's first luxury mall, is just metres away. Guests after glitz and glamour have the Venetian's gaming floor on their doorstep, plus Cirque du Soleil's impressive US$150 million production, ZAIA, close at hand (the hotel concierge can arrange tickets or you can book online).

The Four Seasons also offers guests a big outdoor pool complex, plus a spa and fitness facilities.

For more information visit www.fourseasons.com/macau. Room rates start at HKD/MOP 2,700 per night.

Four Seasons Hotel, Macao, Cotai Strip: Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, S/N, Taipa, Macau; Tel. +853 2881 8888; Fax. +853 2881 8899.

To explore more hot hotels click here and to read more hotel reviews click here.

W Hotel, new kid on the Hong Kong hotel block, is injecting some serious style into West Kowloon. With its breed of non-traditional luxury it's helping to rejuvenate and glam up this burgeoning area. The hotel opens into Elements mall, the city's newest, and sits next to the ICC, which will be Hong Kong's tallest building upon its completion in 2010.

The hotel aims to create a nature-inspired oasis within Hong Kong's urban jungle. Treelike columns rise up through the hotel lobby and bar, their branches twinkling with fairylights when darkness falls. The 393 guest rooms, designed by Australian firm g+a and Japanese firm Glamorous, are adorned with pretty butterfly motifs or a more masculine wood, fire, earth and metal theme. Even waiting for a lift on the guest floors will leave you feeling like Alice in Wonderland amid large bookshelves.

W Hong Kong's commercial waterfront location makes for some fantastic, if somewhat gritty, views. No kicking back and enjoying the light show from these rooms: W guests can soak-up refreshingly different vistas from the traditional harbourside hotels – think docks and cargo ships rather than luxury cruiseliners and yachts – that cleverly offset the whimsical design theme of the hotel's interior.

The hotel's pool, with its views across the whole of the island, is the exception to this rule. When it is finished this will be one of the city's hottest spots – Hong Kong's highest pool (up on the 76th floor) with a cocktail bar and jacuzzi to boot. Just two floors below is Hong Kong's new Bliss spa, fresh from New York – a haven of tension-fighting treatments such as the Ginger Rub and Triple Oxygen Facial.

Another soon-to-be hotspot is Kitchen, one of the hotel's two restaurants. The chef's table is a nice touch; solo guests can mix and mingle with each other over dinner without the embarrassment of formal introductions or pre-arranged dinner dates. For more reticent guests, there's always the distraction of the restaurant's open kitchen at hand to provide food for thought or topics of conversation. Expect to pay around HKD 450 for three courses (excluding drinks).

All W Hong Kong guests can rest easy knowing the brand's signature Whatever/Whenever attitude applies – from the moment you arrive in the lobby to the time you check out you can have whatever you want, whenever you want it (so long as it's legal apparently). Sounds good to us.

W Hong Kong:

1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Hong Kong; Tel: +852 3717 2222; Fax: +852 3717 2888.

For directions and reservations call +852 2317 3303 or visit whotels.com/hongkong.

By Aaron Humphrey

In the forested mountains high above Kyoto, an enclave of temples and monasteries lies delicately arranged amongst the cedars. This is Koya-san (Mount Koya), home to Buddhist monks since the early ninth century and a serene retreat for devout pilgrims and curious travellers alike. As the centre of Japanese esoteric Shingon Buddhism, Mount Koya has seen the development of dozens of holy buildings over the centuries, and is now home to 120 temples; many of them are happy to host visitors for a night or two.

The journey from Kyoto takes about two hours, and as you pull further away from the city by train, the wait between stations grows longer. Time almost seems to go backwards, each station quieter than the last, as progressively smaller towns replace Kyoto's sprawling suburbs and metropolis. Where the train tracks end, a red cable car awaits to take you on the final, scenic stretch up the mountain.

It's best to book a temple stay ahead of time, and there are plenty to choose from, ranging in price from ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 (US$105-$210/£68-£135). Included in that price are two meals, dinner and breakfast, which are prepared by the monks. Meals consist of traditional vegetarian dishes, from nuts and lotus root to tofu soup and tempura leaves, the food is plentiful, and as delicious as it is unique. Sitting on tatami mats and sampling the food of Mount Koya ranks among the most memorable culinary experiences in a country bursting with them.

After dinner dusk begins to settle on Koya-san, casting an even more mysterious air to the sacred mountain, this is the perfect time to stroll through the cemetery, where thousands of graves and shrines fill the quiet, mossy forest. This is Japan's largest graveyard, home to stone jizo statues and memorials of all sizes, centred around the mausoleum where the founder of Shingon lies, not dead, according to the faithful, but merely meditating for the arrival of the Buddha of the Future. Here, many hundreds of small lanterns glow a colour between red and ginger throughout the night. Some of them are said to have remained lit for over a millennium, part of Mount Koya's timeless serenity.

Getting there: Travel by train to Gokurakubashi station at the bottom of Koya-san. From Gokurakubashi visitors take a cable car to the top of the mountain, which takes 5 minutes. For more detailed travel information, click here

Stay:

Many Buddhist monasteries on Koya-san function as hotels and provide traditional accommodation that includes an evening meal and breakfast. Try Shojoshin-in one of the oldest temples on Koya-san, which offers Japanese style guest rooms as well as a "hanare" (private guest residence with bathroom), Japanese-style gardens and a pond.

See:

Kongobuji temple: Koyasan Shingon Buddhism's headquarters. The temple boasts a stone garden that is said to outshine many of Kyoto's best.

Oku-no-In: the mausoleum of Kukai, the monk who first settled Koya-san, which is illuminated by thousands of lanterns.

Konpon Daito pagoda and the Garan temple: Garan Temple is one Mount Koya's most sacred temples and was designed by Kukai. The Konpon Daito pagoda sits within the temple's grounds and is said to represent both the central point Mount Koya and all of Japan.

Photos:

Lanterns #3 by mrlins via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Koyasan Mountain Rail by Sofia Brightsea via Flickr (Creative Commons).

koyasan - 高野山 by kanjiroushi via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Chic boutique, Naumi, sits right next to the grand dame of Singapore's hotel scene, Raffles. Where Raffles oozes colonial charm and splendour, Naumi flaunts cutting-edge design and contemporary cool.

The lobby houses big pod chairs in its blue-lit bar; the hotel's façade boasts a quirky steel and foliage sculpture; the small rooftop infinity pool offers more pod-like chairs to relax and admire the view in; every hotel guest has an "aide" to ensure that their stay in Singapore is as stress free and personalised as possible.

Naumi's 40 rooms are large and their huge double beds decadently luxurious. Every room is equipped with a free mini-bar that is restocked daily, a Nespresso machine, kitchenette or pantry, en-suite bathroom, iPod dock, 42" to 50" flatscreen TV that you can rotate to watch either in bed or on the sofa, desk area and yoga mat. Suites are well worth splashing out for: they come with a good sized living area, big bathrooms with free standing baths and, in some cases, a private patio. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel and local landline phone calls are complimentary.

Solo female travellers can sleep easy knowing that there's a women's only floor, separated from the rest of the hotel by a glass security panel. Here satin room accessories and Aesop skincare products abound. The hotel even offers special aromatherapy baths in the privacy of your own room. Heaven.

Naumi is located in the heart of the central business district on Seah Street, which has mercifully been spared the faceless corporate makeover that nearby streets have suffered. Many of Singapore's attractions are within easy walking distance (yes, even in the city's infamous humidity!).

Fitness fiends are in safe hands; the hotel offers three fitness rooms catering to yoga bunnies, runners and weights lovers alike.

Room rates start at 360 Singapore Dollars per night (£150 / US$240).

Naumi Hotel: 41 Seah Street, Singapore 188396 Tel: +65 6403 6000; Fax: +65 6403 6010; Email: naumiaide@naumihotel.com; Web: www.naumihotel.com.