Centrally located one block from the State Opera on buzzing Ringstrasse, the Grand Hotel Wien exudes traditional Viennese elegance. The Belle Époque hotel opened in 1870 to much fanfare, drawing the glitterati of Viennese society. Its grand reputation was cemented in 1894 when Johann Strauss took the stage during his golden jubilee celebration. Today, the hotel remains as vibrant as it was during the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The classically decorated guest rooms have silk-covered walls and antique furnishings. Dining options include Austrian, Japanese and French. Award-winning Le Ciel has panoramic views from its 7th-floor terrace. During the warmer months, the terraces of the Schanigarten are an ideal venue for Viennese coffee, Gugelhupf and people-watching.
Set on 850 acres of Perthshire countryside, Gleneagles is a dream destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Famed for the three championship golf courses (they will host the Ryder Cup in 2014), as well as facilities for, and instruction in, world-class archery, falconry, horseback riding, off-road driving, and a Gundog School. It is a great family destination, as children can join in with junior golf and off-road driving lessons, mini Highland games, and even a spy school. At the two-Michelin–starred restaurant, Andrew Fairlie @ Gleneagles, much of the produce is sourced locally. This commitment to the environment extends to an award-winning green program, which sees staff on bikes and corks reused in drainage—all to help to preserve the resort's awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
As the name suggests, the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa is a mecca for golf enthusiasts. The hotel sits alongside the world-famous “Road Hole”, the 17th on the Old Course. With exquisite views of the nearby university town and the North Sea, guests can admire these vistas from the acclaimed Road Hole Restaurant on the fourth floor. Less formal is the Jigger Inn, a cozy pub in the stationmaster’s lodge that has remained unchanged since 1850. For relaxation, there is the Kohler Waters Spa, the only one of its kind outside the U.S. Family packages feature a check-in exclusively for children, mini-robes and slippers, plus Nintendo Wiis and a menu of activities.
Fisher Island Hotel & Resort, located within the luxurious, private residential island community of Fisher Island, offers guests the ultimate exclusive vacation. Accessible only by auto-ferry or yacht, the 216-acre resort features a private beach and beach club, nine-hole professional golf course, world class tennis center, marina,
seven dining options, 4,000 square-feet of meetings space and a full-service spa. Complimentary golf carts are provided to guests for island transportation, as well as in-room Wi-Fi high speed Internet service and a 24-hour dedicated concierge.
Casa de Campo resort set the benchmark for luxury travel in the Dominican Republic in the early 1970’s. It continues to elevate the standard - recent developments include a glass pavilion lobby, a new swimming pool complex, and a Le Cirque – backed Beach Club. Pristine guestrooms overlook gardens and one of the resort’s driving ranges to provide a natural base for golfers to play the three renowned Pete Dye-designed courses. The most famous of which, the “Teeth of the Dog,” is considered the best in the Caribbean. Casa de Campo is a 7,000-acre resort with new hotel rooms and villas, a variety of restaurants, Cygalle Healing Spa, chic boutiques, private beaches, worldclass sports facilities, marina and the Altos de Chavon village –with museums, restaurants, an amphitheatre and church.
South Africa’s magnificent Garden Route stretches along the country's south western coastline and enjoys the world's second-mildest climate. Fancourt is located across 613 hectares of this natural paradise, in close proximity to the Outeniqua mountain range and the warm Indian Ocean. As Africa's leading golf resort, the property boasts three Gary Player-designed championship courses, including the world renowned Fancourt Links. The estate recently converted its national monument, the Manor House, into a luxurious boutique hotel. Fancourt has a holistic spa, three restaurants and many indoor and outdoor leisure facilities on-site. Retail options include a gourmet deli & café, exclusive women’s boutique, jewelry store, real estate office and two pro shops.
From glitzy Cancun to hippie beach town Tulum, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is in the midst of an allencompassing travel boom. The region is blessed with an embarrassment of riches, including picture-perfect scenery, palmed-fringed beaches, ancient Mayan ruins and near year-round warm climate. The Grand Velas features spacious suites and 280 have either ocean views or are ocean front. A butler concierge service, coupled with round-the-clock culinary delights, makes it the perfect choice when traveling to this family-friendly and luxurious resort. Guest can also tour the native cenotes (underground sinkholes) or snorkel in the nearby coral reef.