Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu 
72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive | Kailua Kona, HI 96740

Just northeast of Kekaha Kai State Park, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu is one of the most luxurious resorts on the Big Island. Recent guests rave about the resort's deluxe spa services. And its seven unique swimming spots—from saltwater ponds with a few friendly manta rays to infinity pools straight off a movie set—get high marks across the board. The pampering at this Four Seasons property is of five-star caliber, and it's worth the hefty price tag.




Koa Kea Hotel & Resort
2251 Poipu Road | Koloa, HI 96756

For peace and quiet, it's hard to beat the Koa Kea Hotel & Resort. Opting for quality rather than quantity, the property hosts 121 rooms on a spectacular portion of Po'ipu Beach amidst fierce competition from larger brand-name resorts nearby. The Koa Kea's design is more urban chic than easy-going tropical, but visitors find plenty of relaxing solitude here. And the staff is very accommodating and personable; so don't hesitate to ask for anything from more linens to directions to the closest hiking trail.





The St. Regis Princeville Resort
5520 Ka Haku Road | Princeville, HI 96722

Walking into the lobby of The St. Regis Princeville Resort, you know immediately that you are at the top—the top of the hotel that is. That's where you'll find the lobby, affording jaw-dropping views to guests as they check-in. Between Hanalei Bay and Kauai's rugged mountains, the resort's stunning location sets this St. Regis property apart from the competition; travelers say that the exceptional service, two golf courses, and Halele'a Spa are just icing on the cake. Another perk? Starwood Preferred Guests can earn or redeem points here for additional stay benefits.





Halekulani 
2199 Kalia Road | Honolulu, HI 96815

Halekulani remains a traveler favorite for its über-luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Rooms come decorated in cool cream tones, and bathrooms have bath products scented with maile, a Hawaiian vine. And then there are those gorgeous ocean views available in all but the courtyard rooms. In addition, recent visitors have nothing but nice things to say about the helpful service staff.




Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk
223 Saratoga Road | Honolulu, HI 96815

The Trump International Hotel in central Waikiki isn't quite on the beach, but its quieter atmosphere and fully stocked kitchens win travelers over anyway. Suites are decorated in neutral creams and tans with Italian marble bathrooms. And each guest has access to the Trump Attaché; the service includes babysitting, personal shopping, an in-room personal chef (upon request), and lessons from the Ty Gurney Surf School, but all of these will cost you extra.




Mauna Kea Beach Hotel 
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive | Kohala Coast, HI 96743

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is one of the more historic properties on the Big Island. In the 1960s, the site was hand-picked by Laurance S. Rockefeller for its beautiful crescent-shaped shoreline. Although most of the original architecture was battered in 2006 by earthquake aftershocks, the modern and sweeping redesign lends a sense of fresh and airy luxury to the hotel. Each of the 258 rooms comes with loads of space for you to spread out, including your very own lanai (Hawaiian for "veranda") off of the bedroom.





The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui 
4100 Wailea Alanui Drive | Maui, HI 96753

Located in the posh Wailea neighborhood on the southeast coast of Maui, The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui is a laidback suite- and villa-filled resort. And those suites are spacious and well-stocked: There's a microwave and small refrigerator in the suites, plus a soaking tub and Miller Harris bath products in the marble bathroom. Recent travelers love this Fairmont property for its extra lounge area on the patios (overlooking Wailea Beach), as well as its in-room wet bar.





The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii 
1 North Kaniku Drive | Kohala Coast, HI 96743  

The Fairmont Orchid is all about immersing guests in a serene atmosphere. It's located on 32 acres of carefully-crafted grounds and pristine beaches; guests say the resort's layout is conducive to private (even romantic) moments. Naturally, this hotel is a popular spot for honeymooners. This Fairmont property also gets high marks for its Gold upgrade, which offers cost-cutting perks like a buffet dining option and ritzier digs.




Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
92-1185 Ali'inui Drive | Kapolei, HI 96707

Flanked by the white-sand beaches of Ko Olina on the southwestern coast of Oahu, Aulani brings your favorite Disney characters to life amid lush Hawaiian scenery. The resort's accommodations range from standard guestrooms to three-bedroom villas and include mini-fridges, Wi-Fi access, and deep soaking tubs. Aulani overlooks a landscaped swimming area complete with waterfalls, twisting streams, and crystal lagoons. While recent guests think the grounds at Aulani are gorgeous, some—especially Disney Vacation Club members—say the resort is not up to Disney Resort standards. However, through mid-2013, Aulani is undergoing renovations, so certain entertainment options (like the Starlit Hui and outdoor movie nights) may not be available.





Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive | Wailea, HI 96753

Directly overlooking Wailea Beach, the hulking Grand Wailea does everything big. Like its pool, a behemoth set of waterfalls and waterslides connected by a water-powered elevator. Or the super-scenic Humuhumunukunukuapua'a restaurant, which sits atop a saltwater lagoon that's filled with tropical fish and lobster. The Spa Grande's 50,000 square feet are devoted to Asian-, European- and ancient Hawaiian-inspired treatments. Recent travelers do warn that despite its size, the Grand Wailea can feel crowded at times, but most enjoyed this Waldorf Astoria's artfully crafted grounds and the private patios with ocean vistas.


Source: travel.usnews.com

Istanbul, capital city of three successive empires with over 2,000 years of history and fabulous turquoise blue water fronts, Welcomes you to share this amazing experience on the crossroads of Europe and Asia..
The former capital of three successive empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul still preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to a modern future. In Istanbul you can feel Orient on your one side and Europe on the other side or a wonderful mix of different cultures all around you. Enjoy the harmony of cultures, enjoy the harmony of people & enjoy the rhythm of diversities in Istanbul. Historical landmarks of the city are in harmony with the wonderful Turquoise blues of Bosphorus, which creates an unbeaten landscape. Istanbul is the only city in the world where you can enjoy your meal with the landscape of another continent.

Istanbul offers many attractions for tourists. Whether you're interested in shopping, history or architecture, you'll find plenty to fill your days in Istanbul. The city's moderate Mediterranean climate makes visiting Istanbul pleasant in any season.

As the waterway that divides two continents, the narrow Bosphorus has a notable place in history. With references to the strait in the Old Testament, the link between the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara and therefore the Aegean and Mediterranean, is impossible to ignore in Istanbul. For great views, book a day cruise.



At Blue Mosque lower levels and at every pier, the interior of the mosque is lined with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles, made at Iznik city (Nicaea) in more than fifty different tulip designs. The tiles at lower levels are traditional in design, while at gallery level their design becomes flamboyant with representing flowers, fruit and cypresses. More than 20,000 tiles were made under the supervision of the Iznik master potter Kasap Haci,and Baris Efendi from Avanos,Cappadocia. The price to be paid for each tile was fixed by the sultan's decree,due tile prices in general increased over time. Result is, the quality of the tiles used in the building decreased gradually. Their colours have faded and changed and the glazes have dulled. 



Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar harken back to a bygone age of more than half a millenium ago. The two largest covered shopping complexes in the world contain thousands of shops and draw well over 500,000 daily visitors.
Built in 1663 as a stop for camel caravans traveling the Silk Road. “Turkish delight to precious saffron, caviar to henna, almost anything can be found.”




Built in 1876 and decorated in Second Empire style, it housed a shopping arcade and apartments. The arcade is now known as the Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage) and is full of boistrous meyhanes (taverns).




Walk to Istanbul's three-in-one equivalent of the British Museum via the grounds of Topkapi Palace or through Gulhane Park. If time is tight, go straight to the large porticoed building housing the glorious sarcophagus of Alexander which depicts scenes from the life of Alexander the Great in vivid 3D. Kids will love the model Trojan Horse in the children's section. Then pop into the lovely Tiled Pavilion, one of the city's oldest Ottoman structures, beautifully restored to show off its finest ceramics. Finally, catch a glimpse of a peace treaty from 1269 BC preserved in the part of the museum nearest to the gate.





Photo: Hercules Milas
Source: istanbul.com

The islands are the main characteristic of Greece’s morphology and an integral part of the country’s culture and tradition. Greek sovereign land includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. This is a truly unique phenomenon for the European continent.
The Greek Archipelago takes up 7,500 km of the country’s total 16,000 km coastline, offering a highly diversified landscape: beaches stretching over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches with sand-dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark colored sand typical of volcanic soil and coastal wetlands.



Most of the islands are found in the Aegean Sea and are divided into seven groups (from north to south):

The Northeastern Aegean Islands
Just a breath away from the Asia Minor coast, in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea, we find an impressive collection of 5 big islands, Ikaría, Sámos, Límnos, Lésvos, Chíos, and 8 smaller ones, Áyios Efstrátios, Áyios Minás, Antípsara, Thýmaina, Oinoússes, Samiopoúla, Foúrnoi and Psará. Hot springs, fortress villages, rich history, delicious seafood, some of the best beaches in the Aegean are waiting to offer you memorable, and authentic experiences.

The Sporades
Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros
Explore the Sporades islands, in the northwest Aegean! Dense vegetation; rocky landscapes, and pure blue seas: a uniquely alternative destination. Go island-hopping in a paradise island complex!

Evia
The prefecture of Evia (which also includes the island of Skiros), is next to the prefecture of Viotia on the east and on the south touches the Aegean Sea, on the north and northwest to the Pagasitiko and Maliako Gulf, while on the west and southwest with the north and south Evian Gulf.
Evia, the second largest island of Greece and the third in the eastern Mediterranean, is located close to the Prefecture of Attica. However, it has a somewhat mainland character, since two bridges - the modern, suspended one and the older, sliding one - link it to mainland Greece, called "Sterea Ellada”.

Islands of Argosaronic
Aegina, Agkistri, Spetses, Hydra, Poros, Salamina and the peninsula of Methana form the island complex of the Argosaronic Gulf in southern Greece. Sprinkled over the Argosaronic Gulf and steeped in ancient mythology, these islands are small havens in close proximity to Athens. Daily ferry connection from the port of Piraeus makes them a lovely, easily accessible all-year-round destination for the Athenians. Visitors here will enjoy natural beauty, historical treasures, unique architecture, and glamorous, yet romantic atmosphere.
 
The Cyclades
A group of 56 islands, with the most important being Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Folegandros, as well as the “Minor Cyclades” comprising Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia and Schinousa.
The most famous island group in the Aegean Sea comprises some of the most beautiful islands in the world! Gorgeous sandy beaches, architecture in white and blue, traditional lifestyle, folk music, warm, hospitable people and barren landscapes with isolated chapels turn a trip to the Cyclades into a lifetime experience.

The Dodecanese
Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Chalki.
The island complex of Dodecanese in south-eastern Aegean is the sunniest corner in Greece. Twelve large islands and numerous smaller ones with crystal clear waters, sandy or pebbly beaches, important archaeological finds, imposing Byzantine and medieval monuments and unique traditional settlements are waiting to be discovered. If you are desperately seeking to discover lesser-known, unspoiled destinations visit Leros or Pserimos. But there is always Rhodes and Kos, larger and more cosmopolitan islands awaiting to offer you strong, and treasured memories.

Crete
Crete is divided in to four prefectures. From west to east there are Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi.
Crete is the largest island in Greece, and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, the visitor can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys and steep gorges, and become part of the island’s rich gastronomic culture. Crete is, after all, a small universe teeming with beauties and treasures that you will probably need a lifetime to uncover!



The Ionian Sea has only one island complex:
The Ionian Islands
Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefallonia, Lefkada, Paxi, and Kythira which is situated opposite the southern Peloponnese (Lakonia), the biggest islands in Ionian Sea, constitute the Eptanissa.
Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Kalamos, Kastos, Mathraki, Meganissi, Othoni, Skorpios, Strofades are smaller islands in Ionian Sea.
The temperate climate; the deep and cool sea waters; the mountains; the lush vegetation; the cultural heritage; and the cheerfulness of the inhabitants, make the Ionian Islands the ideal place for a holiday as well as rest and relaxation. 

Set in the residential/golf community of Marina Vallarta, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, this family- and couples-friendly resort has views of mountain-rimmed Banderas Bay and cruise ships gliding to a nearby terminal



Strolling among the hundreds of palm trees surrounding the four mammoth swimming pools impresses even those who eschew glitzy resorts. The rooms - all outfitted with deluxe mattresses and bedding - are breezy and chic, and the Nikki Beach Club gets a groove on during the high season.



This resort offers both all-inclusive and room-only rates. Meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments are included in all-inclusive rates. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities. Dining options at The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta include 4 restaurants. A swim-up bar, a poolside bar, and a bar/lounge are open for drinks. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, a children's pool, a health club, a spa tub, and a sauna. The property's full-service health spa has beauty services. This 4-star property has a business center and offers small meeting rooms, a technology helpdesk, and audiovisual equipment

Grand Deluxe Room

Located from the 7th to 10th floors, ocean view. All rooms are very spacious and feature Contemporary decor, private balcony with a large jacuzzi and, and (2) patio chairs with matching table. Exclusive "Heavenly Bed II", air conditioning with individual temperature controls, tropical ceiling fans, direct dial telephones, Internet access, coffee maker, ironing boards with iron, electronic safety locks, in-room safes, sprinklers/smoke detector system, color satellite T.V. in-room music, "Heavenly Bath" featuring full line of fine bath amenities, full bath tub, separate double head shower, hairdryer, well stocked mini bar. Rooms available with one king size bed or two double beds (Room and Floor location and bedding type requests are subject to availability upon arrival date).

Royal Beach Club Room

Located on the 12th and 14th floors with an exclusive Ocean View Premier Lounge. All ocean view rooms are very spacious and feature Contemporary decor, private balcony, exclusive "Heavenly Bed II", air conditioning with individual temperature control, tropical ceiling fans, direct dial telephones, Internet access, coffee maker, electronic safety locks, in-room safes, sprinklers/smoke detector system, color satellite T.V. in-room music, well stocked mini bar, "Heavenly Bath" featuring full line of fine bath amenities, full bath tub, separate double head shower, bathrobe and hairdryer. Rooms with one king size bed or two double beds. Guests are entitled to the Royal Beach Club Lounge where are provided with Continental Breakfast, daily newspaper, 2 hours of open domestic bar from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with hors d'oeuvres and concierge assistance (Room and Floor location and bedding type requests are subject to availability upon arrival date)

Hotel  is located in the exclusive Marina Vallarta Development, just 15 minutes drive from town center or a short walk to Marina Vallarta shops and dining, 5 minute drive to Puerto Vallarta International airport and at walking distance of the Marina Vallarta "Club de Golf" 18 hole course.

























Source: starwoodhotels.com

Photo: House of Travel, Miami

Nevis
This small Caribbean island has sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a volcano at its center




Maldives
Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives consists of 26 tropical atolls.
With its high-end resorts that have stellar service and private villas, it's the perfect place to relax.



Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is the quintessential exotic escape.
The remote island is famous for its high-end resorts that tout accommodations that are built directly over the water on stilts.



Bermuda
Located about 640 miles east of North Carolina, the island of Bermuda feels like it's worlds away from America's east coast.
The small and charming island embodies British culture with its pubs, historic sites and quaint English shops. The island is famous for its pink-sand beaches, turquoise waters and exceptional golf courses.



Maui, Hawaii
Maui has all the beauty of a tropical paradise with the modern amenities of American culture.
The Hawaiian island has gorgeous beaches, mountainous terrain perfect for hiking and waters teeming with whales and other marine life.

Source: Conde Nast Traveler

 Varlaam and Rousanou Monastery

 U.N.E.S.C.O has characterized the Holy Meteora as a "monument of Humanity that has to be maintained". They don't belong only to Greece but also to the entire world.

 
 Anapafsa Monastery, Rousanou Monastery
 


Apocalyptic Meteora




Rousanou Monastery


 The Great Meteoron, Varlaam Monastery, Rousanoy Monastery



 The Great Refectory, Great Meteoron


 The garden of Saint Stephen's monastery


Photo: Hercules Milas

The Cheval Blanc Randheli Hotel
Maldives, the small Asian country which allures tourist from all over the world, will get one more luxury resort at the Noonu Atoll. Maldives Promotion House - Cheval Blanc, the luxury hospitality brand developed by LVMH Hotel Management, a specialist entity of the LVMH Group in charge of the hotel activities, has confirmed the opening of its new Maison on the private island of Randheli, in 2013.


Designed by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, architecture of the hotel is combinations the traditional local culture with contemporary aesthetics, which resulted in a soothingly calm design with exquisite furnishing, warm color palettes and features that make you feel like at home.


Cheval Blanc Randheli will consists of 45 stunning villas, all arranged to ensure that the scenic setting is left unspoiled, while on the inside, plush décor, elaborate glass walls and a touch of natural green ensure that you are always connected with the spectacular setting outside.


Visitors to the Cheval Blanc Randheli will be treated to Michelin-class dining courtesy of chef Yannick Alléno at The 1947, an on-site restaurant offering fine French cuisine. Three other restaurants will offer seafood-fare with Japanese, Iberian and other dishes from around the world.

 



Read more on : luxurytopics.com