Set in a lush garden enclosure, Amansara glows with the nuances of its sixties conception; commissioned by Norodum Sihanouk in 1962, it is, today, a peaceful contemporary and warm sanctuary, a mere remork and driver ride from an ancient civilisation gripped in the roots of the jungle and in the minds of those it touches, Angkor.

A cool, earthy and sophisticated palette of grey, white, dark wood and ivory washes all the suites with subtle elegance culminating in a distinct serenity that serenades its sixties conception and complements its distinctive and astonishing surrounding culture.

The suites offer a breezy open-plan design balancing the tranquil sleep chamber with the subtle seating area on a floor of soft grey terrazzo. The bathrooms, clear-cut in white and dark wood are luxuriantly spacious with deep soaking tubs and generous twin vanities and an enclosed courtyard featuring a soothing water garden.

The Dining Room, near the swimming pool, is a focal point of the property and unique in design. It is circular in shape with a soaring seven-metre ceiling and has an informal ambience for dining or all day lounging. The menu offers both traditional Khmer and Western cuisines and features the freshest of seasonal produce.

The dining room also features a walk-in wine cellar where guests may make their selection. Guests may also dine and snack poolside, or enjoy their in-room complimentary minibar that offers a range of healthy alternative herbal drinks as well as the usual favourites.The Roof Terrace offers a seasonal alternative spot for early evening drinks or lunch, with cushioned seating and low tables shaded by trees. It is also an ideal place for yoga or quiet contemplation, especially at sunrise.

Imagine 36 days of adventure and luxury in Africa, complete with your very own private plane and expert guide to take you through some of the most breathtaking experiences some may only dream of: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Big Five game-viewing in the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti, a visit to Victoria Falls and South Africa’s Winelands.  Extraordinary Journeys offers the ultimate “Million Dollar Safari,” starting at $809,600 for four people, affording travelers with the utmost in luxurious accommodations at lodges and camps all throughout Africa and exclusive access to once-in-a-lifetime bush experiences.

Renowned private guide Mark Homan, who with 18 years of expert experience, will lead travelers on a full immersion safari, providing them with first-hand knowledge of life in the wild.  Travelers will visit exclusive areas where the ordinary dare not venture: Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Kingi), Kenya (Nairobi and the Maasai Mara), Tanzania(The Serengeti and Lake Tanganyika), Zambia (South Luangwa and Victoria Falls), Botswana (Linyanti and Okavango), South Africa (Cape Town and Winelands) and Mozambique (Quirimbas Archipelago).

Our favorite highlights include:

• Two-day gorilla trekking  through the Volocanoes National Park
• One-on-one with giraffe at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi
• Hot air balloon ride at Sasakwa Lodge
• Swim in the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls
• Tour of Robbin Island (where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison)
• Taste South Africa’s best wines on a visit to the Winelands
• Relax on your very own private beach on Vamizi Island

Pricing for the 36-day “Million Dollar Safari” begins at $202,400 per person ($809,600 for a family of four), and includes luxury accommodations at renowned lodges and camps, private plane from the U.S. and tour guide, all meals, drinks, game drives, activities per the itinerary, 4×4 vehicles and entrance fees to game parks.

For a detailed itinerary and additional information, visit http://www.extraordinaryjourneys.net/blog/million-dollar-safari/.

“Over the Top – Under the Radar” is how Hawaii VIP Concierge defines itself.  Their super personalized services specialize in Hawaiian luxury travel from start to finish. Hawaii VIP Concierge can help you arrange transportation services, actvities, additional home comforts, and meal plans.  Itineraries, adventures and your future memories are tailor made to your preferences and tastes.

For more information, please visit www.hawaiivipconcierge.com

The island is a veritable network of charming towns oozing character. This early morning view of Kerkyra, a town that is renowned for its views and beauty, perfectly captures the serenity and enchantment of the small towns. The dated architecture brings with it a sense of tradition, a window into the past, which really brings out the character.

Escaping the towns and hitting the coast is of course prominent in most holidaymakers’ thinking. Yet, eluding the lure of the soft sand beaches can be quite rewarding. Those prepared to trek a little ‘off-road’ will be able to discover and take in views like the above of a rugged coastline and turquoise waters that is a feature of Corfu.

The Old Fortress in Corfu Town is a perfect example of the kind of ancient monuments that stand proud as reminders of a rich past. Greece is practically unrivalled when it comes to evoking a sense of antiquity amongst it’s visitors. It seems at every turn there is a reminder of the Classic days, all this sympathetically merged into modern living.

Early evening is a great time for photo enthusiasts. Sunsets over the island are often quite dramatic and colourful. This image is taken from a hotel in Kavos. There are many great hotels in this particular area like the Island Beach Resort- Kavos, which offer verandas from which to capture some spectacular sights.

It is impossible to talk about the reasons why Corfu is such a charming island and not mention the beaches. Miles of soft sand are lapped by the cool waters and many of the beaches are also a great place to find boat hire for tours of the island by sea.

And finally, there’s nothing better than a chilled beer on the beach and Corfu has some tasty microbrewed beers to sample!

Namibia

15 Days inclusive of superior rooms in superior hotels and deluxe private camps, private pilot and aircraft with you at all times, all meals, wine, beer and spirits while in camps, daily game viewing and related activities while in camps, personally guided sightseeing and private car and driver while not in camps. International airfare is additional.

Private departures on your schedule based on a minimum of four and a maximum of six guests. Rates for private departures based on two persons available on request.

Highlights:

• Search for the rare black rhino in Etosha National Park

• View a floodlit watering hole without leaving your bed in Onguma tented Camp

• See the biggest elephants in Africa up to 12 feet high at the shoulder

• View the skeleton coast from your own plane

• Visit a Himba village in the Namibian desert

Summer comes for regular, conventional people, as well as for nighties. If you’re part of the second group, you might choose the Olarro instead of the regular destinations like the Caribbean, Thailand or Malaysia. Well, those boast with their own, individual charm, but maybe sometimes you want to get closer to nature, you just want to feel closer to Gaia. In this case, Olarro proves to be a staggering destination, deep in the heart of the Black Continent.

Situated in southwestern Kenya, in the Rift Valley, upon the greenery of the Masai Mara Reserve, the resort is as peaceful as it is gorgeous to admire. It is reachable from Nairobi via a 3-hour drive or from the Siana airstrip, one hour and a half away. Presented with the Best New Hotels in 2011 and the World’s Most Romantic Hotel in 2011 awards by Travel + Leisure, the Olarro provides an unforgettably gorgeous African experience and bespoke tranquility.

Wake up early and embark on a journey through the local surroundings, just to admire the beautiful flora and fauna, or opt for a game drive at night, just to enjoy that deep silence. Wining, dining, cultural tours and balloon rides are also available at any time, alongside truly enjoyable strolls and visits to the local spa.

There’s so much to see here, so many places to visit and so many things to enjoy that I’m sure everyone who comes here once will want to get here again. The staff members are superb as well, they add to the beauty and charm of this place in a very significant amount.

You don’t even have to bring your mountain bike with you – you can hop on one courtesy of the resort and head out into the bush. But don’t forget your binoculars at your room, as there are hundreds of species of animals and birds to watch, which you’ll only be able to see here. Dining-wise, the Olarro is as exquisite as any European citadin hotel.

In terms of accommodation, there are 7 cottages ready to offer you hostage, in Main Olarro, while Little Olarro is famous for the level of privacy it provides.

Nightly rates at the Olarro start at $930.

If you’re going to cruise around paradise you might as well do it in a suitably hedonistic style – and that means a small ship cruise on a luxurious Mega Yacht like the M/Y Pegasus. In these idyllic islands size really does matter – the bigger factory liners find it hard to get in close to the land. That makes small cruise ships the only way to travel, and the 45m mega yacht Pegasus is designed to get right onto the harbour sides and into the bays, making the most of snorkelling and diving opportunities in the shallow waters.

However just because you’re thinking small cruise Ships, doesn’t mean you need to compromise on luxury. The reason some people refer to this as a ‘Mega Yacht cruise’ is that Pegasus offers millionaire’s yacht style service in an ambience of comfortable and relaxed luxury. Once on board you’ll discover small really is beautiful as Pegasus has only 23 cabins (all air-conditioned and ensuite) and elegantly appointed dining room, saloon and sun deck still sparkling following a full interior refit in late 2009. Thos of you that have cruised with Variety Cruises on one of their famed Greek island Cruises; will know exactly what we mean.

For your Seychelles Cruise, you have a choice of 3, 4 or 7 night itineraries. Anse de Source on Coco Island – said to be the most photographed sunset beach in the world, La Digue and St. Anne Island, Mahe, Anse Lazio on Praslin – one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the bird colonies on Aride, the one-time leper colony and home to giant turtles at the aptly named island of Curieuse (now uninhabited), the itinerary explains why we call this the ‘Garden of Eden’ cruise. Certainly this is the absolute contrast from Mediterranean Cruises.

Take our advice – all things considered the Seychelles is not a place to come and be a tourist, it’s much better to come and be an explorer and get up close and personal small ship cruising fashion. There’s something about resort style liners that tends to spoil local people and places by changing the traditional economy and often the balance of nature. A Small cruise ship keeps all the sense of Mega Yacht luxury whilst being altogether more sustainable long-term

Antarctica is a dream destination but because of its nature (being the coldest place on Earth) it has some very unique requirements when it comes to packing for your trip. It is good to know that most recreational travel to Antarctica takes place in the austral summer (November to March), which is comparatively warmer than usual with average air temperatures that hover around freezing (32°F, 0°C). That’s a whole lot warmer than either Moscow or Montreal in the winter.

What causes discomfort in Antarctica is the wind and the wet, so preparing yourself against the elements is what matters most. The weather changes constantly, so like San Francisco or Scotland, the key to real comfort is wearing layers. Your packing list also depends on what you plan to do in Antarctica. Are you taking a cruise or are you going to live on a base? How much time will you spend outside?

This top five list will help you pack the most important things.

1. Pack appropriate Antarctica clothing. The number one thing to add to your packing list is winter clothing that you can layer to help you deal with the climate. You will need an inner foundation layer, an insulating mid layer and an outerwear shell layer to be ready for the worst weather that Antarctica can throw at you.

Remember there are four main activities that you will engage in on your trip so prepare your clothing accordingly – spending time inside on the cruise ship, going out on deck to look at wildlife and the scenery, cruising in the small Zodiac boat and landing on the ice for day excursions and sometimes a nights camping. Bring a lot of the same warm clothes as you may get wet or dirty and need to change or layer.

Don’t forget to add lots of waterproof clothing as well, because you will be wet and cold. An additional important piece of fashion to take with you is a bright colored parka. You should look for a lightweight, roomy, wind and weather-resistant shell with some insulation. Bright colors are more visible – and thus safer – in polar environments. That is why polar travelers traditionally wear red.

Rubber Boots: A pair of pull-on rubber, unlined and completely waterproof boots that are mid calf or higher (12-16″ high) with a strong, ridged non-skid sole is essential for landings. You may have to step from the Zodiac into icy water up to 10″ high on some landings. Also, expect poor footing on the ice and ashore.

Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk. Boots with waffle soles like those on a hiking boot or running shoe tend to give the best footing. For maximum warmth, wear loose-fitting boots and two pairs of socks. Try out your boots before the voyage.

The following tips should help you be comfortable and healthfully warm in cold weather.

• Avoid overdressing to reduce perspiration.
• Wear water repellent outer garments that will keep you dry on the outside and still “breathe” enough so that moisture from your body can escape.
• Body heat is most likely to be lost from parts that have a lot of surface area in comparison to total mass namely, the hands and feet. Keep them warm and dry. For hands, mittens are better than gloves.
• If the rest of your body is covered, as much as 90% of the heat you lose can come from your head, so be sure to wear a cap.
• Dress in comfortable, loose layers. For anyone out in the cold, it is far better to wear layers of relatively light, loose clothing than one thick, heavy item. Between each layer there is a film of trapped air which, when heated by your body, acts as an excellent insulator. Keep from overheating.
• Wool and silk are superior to cotton because they can trap warm air. Synthetic fabrics that spring back into shape after compression are also good. When damp or wet, polyester down is a better insulator than goose or duck down. Polar fleece is popular and recommended.

2. Add seasick pills and patches. Leave these behind at your peril. The Drake Passage is one of the roughest stretches of sea in the world and even though you might be lucky enough to have one calm crossing, two is pushing your luck a little. Being seasick won’t kill you but it’s not a lot of fun at the time and there are a few things you can try to avoid it but results will vary from person to person:

1) Scopolamine patches

2) Meclizine (Non Drowsy Dramimine, Bonine), Dimenhydrinate (Dramimine) or antihistamines (Benedryl)

3) Ginger tablets

4) Homeopathic remedies like Trip Ease and Oral Spray 5) If all else fails the doctor on board can give you a shot.

3. Always take a digital/video camera and binoculars/ Extra Batteries. How many photos do you think you will take in Antarctica? Use that amount and then double it to get closer to the figure it will probably be in the end. The landscapes and the wildlife are just so spectacular and unique that people can’t help themselves and take vast amounts of pictures.

Take as many memory cards as you possibly can or if you have space take a laptop with to download all your photographs daily. Most of the cruise ships have a computer on board but you will be sharing it with the rest of the passengers so burning a CD might not be a viable option. Your own pair of binoculars will be very handy for spotting wildlife and far off scenery.

Also something that most people actually forget about and is pretty important is to bring back up batteries! Battery life is severely shortened in Antarctica because of the extreme cold.

4. Pack sunglasses and sunblock. A good pair of sunglasses or even two in case one gets lost is essential. Snow blindness is a real possibility here when the sun is shining brightly and in the summer you have up to 20 hours of sunlight and they also protect your eyes from windblown snow. Make sure the sunglasses you choose have a U.V. filter and a good polarizing effect. An extremely good polarized pair of sunglasses. I can’t stress this enough.

5. Choose a good quality backpack. When you go out in the Zodiac to make a landing on the ice you are going to want to take a few things with you like your camera, binoculars, sunscreen, chap-stick etc and the best way to carry them all is in a waterproof backpack. Waterproof because things can get a bit rough in the landing craft and sometimes there is some spray thrown around.

The day pack will keep your hands free for things like photography and clambering around on the ice. If it is a warm day and you have too many layers on you can always remove something and store it in the backpack. Our money is on the Pelican backpack with a hard case for your computer built in and a camera case as well.

OTHER STUFF
Unless you’re trying to ski across the continent or circumnavigate by kayak, you don’t need a lot of specialized gear so leave the compass and MRE’s at home. What you do need is sunglasses (polarized), serious sunblock (30+ SPF), a day pack (small, light waterproof backpack with a dry pair of gloves and an extra layer), a water bottle, seasickness pills, chapstick and some intense skin moisturizer.

Last of all, be sure to bring a swimsuit. Most ships and bases will have a jacuzzi, and Antarctic plunges are a common tradition.

In conclusion–don’t fall prey to the ideology that you are going on some major, unprecedented expedition and that you need to special order a ton of gear. You don’t. Antarctica in the summer is far warmer than most people expect, and as long as you have the essentials, you’ll be fine.

Please let us know your thoughts on going to Antarctica? Is it someplace you might want to visit?

Q: How can I get a good seat on my flight if I don’t have elite status? —Anne R., Bozeman, Mont.

A: As airlines reduce their schedules and pack more people onto planes, economy passengers are increasingly feeling the pinch. Adding insult to (squashed-knee) injury, carriers also reserve covetable window and aisle seats for high-ranking loyalty-program members. But you needn’t get stuck in the middle. Here, some ways to find a better seat.

Choose your flights by cabin layout.

Seatguru, our favorite online airline-seat-map compendium, has recently added a new flight-search function that lets you filter results by comfort as well as the usual factors (price, duration, etc.). Mining the site’s trove of cabin data to assess both seats and in-flight amenities, Seatguru offers you an overall “G-Factor” rating of “Love it,” “Like it,” or “Live with it” for each flight—and tells you how much it will cost to trade up for a plane with more legroom or a seat-back entertainment system.

Buy a better seat.

Most major airlines have added (or are in the midst of adding) roomier seats in their main cabins. Called “premium economy”—or some variation—these seats come with extra legroom and other perks, depending on the airline. But are they worth it? It all comes down to how much you’re paying. The cost of trading up can range anywhere from $8 to $129 per flight, depending on the carrier and when you buy the upgrade. In recent tests of domestic airlines, we found that upgrading to premium economy at the time of booking usually tacks from 14 percent to 40 percent on to the cost of an economy ticket—well below the price of a business-class fare, but a significant outlay nonetheless. (Note that the price sometimes decreases as the flight date approaches.) On international carriers these seats are significantly nicer and more spacious—though considerably more expensive. As usual, loyalty pays off: most domestic airlines offer complimentary premium seats to elite fliers.

Check back—again and again.

Though some carriers, notably American Airlines, let you buy “preferred” seats (window and aisle seats near the front of the plane) at the time of booking, others (such as Delta) reserve a large portion for upper-tier loyalty-program members. As these frequent fliers get upgraded, however, their economy seats are released to the public. Check 24 hours before your flight to see if anything has opened up, again when you arrive at the airport, and finally at the gate. You may have to pay—but not always. You can also off-load this responsibility to the website Expertflyer, which will send you an alert when better seats become available.

Spend your miles.

You can upgrade using miles, but there are some hitches. Some lower-fare economy tickets are not eligible for upgrades, or require significantly more miles than full-fare tickets do. What’s more, you’ll often have to chip in cash as well as miles. American Airlines charges between $100 and $700, round-trip, to move up to business class; United’s co-pay ranges from $150 to $1,200, round-trip, depending on your fare class and the length of flight. Also, always keep your preferred carrier’s alliance partners in mind. You can often spend your miles to upgrade on their flights, too.

Purchase an upgrade.

Certain airlines let you simply buy an upgrade to another cabin. Fliers on US Airways can trade up from economy to first class for $100 to $200, round-trip, starting 24 hours before departure. Virgin America allows you to upgrade to Main Cabin Select or first-class seats for between $78 and $598, round-trip, beginning 24 hours (for Main Cabin Select) and six hours (for first class) before your flight. Just be sure to be among the first to call. These deals go quickly.

SOURCE: Travel + Leisure 

Welcome to a city over 500 years in the making. San Juan, the largest capital city in the Caribbean, is a place of ancient magic, modern luxury and tropical splendor.

It’s hard not to be captivated by the historic treasures of majestic Old San Juan, the charming walled city with its imposing fortresses, colorful colonial architecture and numerous attractions. A short taxi ride from the old city lie the world-class boutiques, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo, and restaurants of Condado, the inviting beaches and resorts of Ocean Park and Isla Verde and the bohemian neighborhood of Santurce.

Event planners and business professionals come for the state-of-the-art convention center in Miramar and the financial district of Hato Rey. And the city is one of the world’s most popular cruise ports.

With so much to see and do, the city caters equally to history buffs, adventurers, shopaholics, honeymooners and indolent sunbathers. And when the sun goes down, San Juan sizzles with a sultry nightlife, casinos that stay open until the sun rises and hotels that keep the party going in their lobbies.

There’s a reason why close to five million visitors come here each year to explore and play in the Caribbean sun. Join them, and discover why San Juan is the cultural, social, artistic and historic heart of Puerto Rico.

See El Morro

Built in 1539, El Morro was the military powerhouse of Old San Juan for centuries, guarding the entrance to the harbor and protecting the island against invasion from the sea. El Morro means “The Promontory,” and this fortress is perched on the eastern tip of the old city, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean like a proud battleship.

In over 350 years, it only tasted defeat once, when it was taken by a land attack. A visit to this iconic landmark is a step back in time to when the Spanish conquistadors ruled Puerto Rico. El Morro was built in a layered structure comprising six levels, including dungeons, barracks, ramparts, secret passages and storerooms—all of which are open to the public.

Bacardi Rum Distillery

Known as “the Cathedral of Rum,” the Bacardi rum distillery welcomes visitors each day with a tour of its sprawling facility across the bay in Cataño followed by a free sample of their world-famous rum.