9 Fitness Retreats to Whip You Into Shape for Summer 2013 |
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| With less than two months to go till swimsuit season, it’s time to start thinking about working off that winter chub and getting back into trim, fit and fighting form. If it’s hard to force your body back into the standard “fit body” routine of regular five-mile runs and cross-training sessions at the gym, we recommend kick-starting your program with a “pre-vacation” at a luxury fitness retreat. Resorts and fitness companies are coming up with innovative, fun and unique programs that combine strength training, dance, hiking, biking, meditation and more. |
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Pack A Lot of Europe Into One Trip: 10 Cruises You Need to Check Out |
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| With a blistery winter hitting most of the U.S., flowers blooming, birds chirping and clear blue skies start to feel like an impossibility. But soon enough the chill in the air will turn to warm breezes and spring will arrive—and with it comes European cruise season. Luxury cruise lines begin to roll out some great itineraries for exploring all corners of the continent, from medieval fortresses to UNESCO World Heritage Sites to former homes of dictators and emperors. Here are ten cruises to keep on your radar this spring when you're ready to trade the cold and snow for some culture and adventure. |
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Where to Go Wine Tasting Right Outside Paris |
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| Although often overlooked in favor of France’s more prominent wine regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux, the Loire Valley is fast gaining worldwide recognition for world-class wines and varietals; Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc are attracting devoted followers around the world. Once the playground of the French monarchy, the area boasts imposing chateaux and quaint villages tucked among the rolling hills. Only a quick train ride from Paris, the region is a great place for a quick daytrip from the City of Lights or a leisurely jaunt in its own right. |
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3 Amazing Road Trips in the U.S. |
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| With so many luxurious ways to get around these days, we shouldn’t forget the simple pleasure of hopping in the car and driving off into the distance—wind in your hair, music blasting, and nothing but open road ahead. Lots of travelers still embody the philosophy that ‘life is about the journey,’ appreciating that the destination is just a part of the adventure. We have mapped out a few routes around the U.S. that will have road trip junkies ready to get behind the wheel, take in magnificent scenery, learn local traditions, and get away from it all...even if just for a day. |
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Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun: All-Inclusive, Kid-Free & Romance Aplenty |
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| If there still are people in the post-recession world who managed to get away on a luxury Valentine’s mid-week mini-break, we salute them. It’s not easy to justify that kind of romance-before-work attitude these days. For most of us, spring is the first opportunity to take that romantic getaway...but we begin dreaming about it long before. |
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5 Reasons to Consider a Stay at Sri Panwa Resort in Phuket, Thailand |
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| Sri Panwa reminds me of Angelina Jolie in the sense that she’s gorgeous from every angle, so it's virtually impossible to take a bad picture of her. Because of that, it’s hardly surprising that just one of the property’s many awards is 'Hotel with the Best View in the World' from Beach Tomato. Before I tell you why I was so completely enamored with this family-owned hotel, however, let’s get the cons out of the way. |
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Touring Reykjavik, Iceland: Museums, Shopping, Dining & More |
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| Imagine walking over charcoal black volcanic stone with miles of untouched landscape in front of you, while hand-in-hand with your sweetheart. Imagine gazing at the sky and seeing mass lights dance across the horizon in a rainbow of colors, then stealing a quick nose kiss. Nothing short of magical, this place really does exist.
Welcome to one of the most unique landscapes on earth. Welcome to Iceland. |
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Our Favorite Cruise Trends for 2013 |
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| The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) had some intriguing and exciting trends to report during its most recent State of the Industry Press Conference in New York this year. From brand-name entertainment to celebrity chef-driven cuisine to a focus on small-ship experiential cruising, the future of this waterborne form of travel is far more diverse and adventurous than it was in the past. And it’s moving toward less-charted waters, as well. Here are the trends we’re most excited about, and the cruise line that currently is setting the standard for each trend. |
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Where to Stay, Eat & Play in Bali |
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| Bali has been called the island of the gods—and for good reason. The moment you set foot on this balmy Indonesian island you are enveloped in an aura unique to this place. The ubiquitous temples and sculptures, dressed in black and white checkered cloth, remind passersby of the balance between good and evil; offerings of flowers, rice and incense are placed at every doorway and threshold to appease the represented deities. Women in sarongs poise baskets on their heads, as motorcycles dart about like fireflies, flirting with the mass of vehicles, all in a congested contest to get to their respective destinations. |
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Luxury Villa Vacationing at Jamaica's Tryall Club |
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| Set amidst 2,200 acres of prime real estate near Montego Bay, The Tryall Club features 75 estate villas on the Caribbean waterfront. From the charming two-bedroom homes with classic Jamaican flair, to the modern eight-bedroom properties with private pools, the fully staffed luxury villas won’t soon be forgotten. |
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America's Coziest Firesides |
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| It’s sleeting, it’s freezing, it’s snowing...and we’re all tired of it. We want a cozy seat near a warm, crackling fire—preferably one with hot toddy service and some delicious desserts. Just in time for the Big Chill and Valentine’s Day around the corner, here’s a gallery of America’s coziest hotel and restaurant firesides—from the iconic Bowery Hotel in Manhattan to the snowy Rocky Mountain peaks. |
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7 of the Luckiest Places to Visit in Asia |
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| With people like Joan R. Ginther running around Texas winning four (yes, four) multi-million-dollar lotto jackpots, one can’t help but wonder how to get in on the action. So we sought out a few charmed Asian destinations to visit that might just bring the good fortune you're in search of; and if you're really lucky, some once-in-a-lifetime memories to boot. Plus, as the Chinese New Year looms ever-nearer, its a fitting time to see what the propitious Orient has to offer for the year ahead. |
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Where are the Supermodels Vacationing This Season? |
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| Still having trouble deciding on where to go for your winter vacation? We’ve put together a list of destinations, from Sun Valley to the Virgin Islands, favored by various supermodels this season that might inspire you to book a first-class ticket. |
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Guide to a Luxury Ski Vacation in Vail | Where to Stay, Eat & Shop |
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| Vail, the largest ski resort in the U.S., is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of special events, concerts, ski races and other exciting activities. There has never been a better time to visit Vail one of the most iconic, top-rated ski destinations in the world. A haven for skiers of all levels, Vail offers something for everyone, including non-skiers who simply want to enjoy the alpine experience, luxurious accommodations, great restaurants, spas and boutiques. |
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Find Romance in These Unusual "Hideouts" This Valentine's Day |
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| If you are tired of all of those typical luxury hotel “romance packages” including but a few chocolate-covered pieces of fruit and a glass of champagne, you’re probably not alone. These days, most people want a unique and exciting Valentine's Day experience that creates memories to last a lifetime—especially when they are trying to pamper, impress, or connect with the one they love. To help inspire some out-of-the-box romance this February, we found some pretty special, intimate, quirky, and over-the-top "hideouts" around the world. You may just want to disappear together to one of these private and opulent retreats, or find a secluded spot to call your own for years to come. |
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There's Snow in Stowe! Vermont's Powdery Mountains Welcome Ski Lovers |
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| This may come as a surprise to you, but January of 2013 is turning out to have some fairly unpredictable weather. But as low temperatures drive LA to near-panic and a bone-chilling, drizzly haze overtakes New York, the luxury ski resorts of the Northeast are happily open for business. Always an early-season go-to for East Coast snow bunnies, Stowe Mountain Resort opened in mid-November for 2012-2013, saw heavy snows in December, and currently has 300 acres open for skiing. |
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Perfect Your Downward Facing Dog on a Yoga Safari in the Serengeti |
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| Extraordinary Journeys is teaming up with ecotourism company Asilia Africa to offer a truly exhilarating, yet relaxing Tanzanian luxury vacation. During their Yoga Safari, you will experience the excitement of sleeping in close proximity to the River Mara, full of violently territorial hippopotamus and sneering crocodiles. Not to worry, twice-daily yoga should bring you back to center. Extraordinary Journeys tailors the yoga portion of your safari to fit your level of expertise, so that even beginners can enjoy a sun salutation or two, welcoming the orb as it blazes up from the Serengeti every morning. |
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8 Indulgent Valentine's Day Packages Over $10,000 |
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| Valentine’s Day can be a difficult time of year; whether you are trying to find the perfect gift for the love of your life, or trying to find the love of your life to give a gift to, it’s a turbulent day in most people’s lives. To make things a little easier-in the gift department, a number of luxury hotels are offering incredible romance packages over $10,000 to make sure that your love is expressed to its fullest extent. |
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Romance Awaits High Atop the California Coast at Big Sur's Post Ranch Inn |
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| I have been reading and hearing about—and wanting to visit—Post Ranch Inn for at least 10 years! For whatever reason, a stay there never fell into place until our last trip over New Year’s. Suffice it to say, upfront and center, it is for very good reason that this Big Sur property is known to be one of the very best in the world. It certainly is. Period. If time allows, stay for minimum three days. According to Business Insider, it is one of the USA’s most expensive places to stay and worth every penny. |
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Newest Luxury Cruise Ships of 2012 |
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| 2012 was an exciting year for the cruise industry as several new luxury cruise ships were launched to wow passengers during their extravagant vacations at sea. Some companies added to small fleets while others were outdoing, or revamping, previous models. But, whether guests are looking for historically themed voyages, foodie excursions, or over-the-top spa services, there are more than enough options for all. |
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Explore Chile's Patagonia Sur Reserves on an Exclusive A&K Adventure |
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| Patagonia Sur Reserves, host of many extraordinary wilderness adventures, welcomes Abercrombie & Kent’s Marco Polo Club this March for an 11-day, all-inclusive luxury vacation through Chile’s dazzling landscapes and culturally rich locations. Travel by land, sea and air, experiencing to the fullest of your ability the country's traditions and natural beauty, without sacrificing the comforts of home. |
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