Good side trip from Beijing for architectural buffs, reachable by a "comfortable" overnight train. "Midway between Beijing and Xian, the town (Pingyao) is almost unique in China for having retained most of its vernacular architecture, neatly cocooned behind six kilometres of massive walls and a moat. Such is the concentration of traditional homes, shops, mansions and temples that Pingyao became a World Heritage Site in 1997." [FT]   The FT points out this hotel as a "characterful" one based in an old courtyard home.   Read all about the town in the attached FT article.

"Never was the middle of nowhere more desirable than at the 250 year-old Ahilya Fort in Madhya Pradesh.  It sits on a cliff's edge above a river, away from the madding crowds.  Explore local ruins, float on the river and unwind in rural bliss."  [Bazaar]

An FT "eco" pick, in one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa, the Skeleton Coast in Namibia.  Bazaar comments, "The luxury of the canvas and thatched chalets is all the more astonishing for the camp's utter remoteness." 

New, chic property on wildlife-rich Kangaroo Island, off Australia's southwest coast and just a 25 minute flight from Adelaide. 21 minimalist rooms, the best of which is the Osprey Pavilion "with its hand-sculpted, egg-shaped Japanese bathtub and private terrace. From its alfresco daybeds and plunge spa, guests have a prime view of passing kangaroos and whales out at sea." [Departures, American Express Platinum Members, July/August 2008   Rates begin at $900 (two-night minimum) and include meals.

Grand, 40-room inn in Vineyard Haven with a day spa. Elle Decor says its roof deck offers "stunning" views.

"From a remote wind- and solar-powered floating lodge in British Columbia, observe grizzly bears catching salmon and bringing up cubs. Infrared cameras relay the nightly activities of wolves and cougars, too." [Bazaar] Seven nights, from $3,600 a person full board, including all guided activities.

In July 2008, Elle Decor writes, "Chicago heavy hitters are flocking to Sixteen, the new Trump International Hotel and Tower restaurant...with sumptuous interiors by Ivanka Trump." "Diners feast on chef Frank Brunacci's modern American cuisine while taking in views of the city skyline through 30 foot floor-to-ceiling windows."

"Finnish chef Jouni Tormanen creates rustic meldings of Italian, Spanish, and French flavors." [Elle Decor]   Bazaar picked it as one of Riviera's "best lunches with a view" saying that this recently re-opened restaurant (it was closed for 18 years)  was once "the" restaurant of the Riviera, made to look like a liner jutting out into the harbour of old Antibes.  

Elle Decor advises, "Gather 'round a linen-dressed table and tuck into the wild-salmon Napoleon, the soufflés are mouthwatering."

"Seven rooms plus drop-dead-incredible ocean views equals unbelievable tranquility."  [Elle Decor]