"[Dinner] at Origin, a so-slick-you’d-never-know-it’s-new restaurant [in Toronto] from renowned chef Claudio Aprile, is our No. 1 pick, thanks to bold, bright dishes like shrimp ceviche with freeze-dried corn and a masterful mozzarella bar."[DailyCandy]       Learn about other trendy Toronto restaurants in the attached July 2010 article, DailyCandy Travels to Toronto.

If you're looking to escape the crowds on a good-value, low-key island holiday, Marettimo might be for you. "The most remote and rugged of the Egadi islands off the coast of Sicily, Marettimo makes few concessions to tourism. The mountainous interior is great for hiking and you can hire a boat to explore the beautiful sea caves, isolated coves and dramatic cliffs. Immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of a traditional fishing community, and enjoy the fantastic seafood. Marettimo Residence, the island’s only official hotel, is simple but attractive. Doubles from €75 a night." [FT] Learn about other low-key island hideaways in the attached, July 2010 FT review.

Cool spot for tea in Calcutta, revealed by Sarah Murray in her July 2010 Smooth Guide: Calcutta for the FT's How to Spend It. "Ignore the grim shopping centre in which Dolly's is located -- this delightful space, little bigger than a shipping container, serves delicate brews such as Darjeeling First and Second Flush and Assam Orthodox Leaf at low tables made from tea chests." Get other insider travel tips for Calcutta in her attached review.

An Elle Decor pick in the historic Hudson Valley town Rhinebeck. The Beekman Arms is the oldest continually operating inn in America. Cozy ambiance --perfect , romantic dining spot on a cold night. The Delamater is the sister property offering accommodations in several buildings. In the last week of July 2010, The Beekman Arms emerged as HQ for guests attending Chelsea Clinton's wedding in Rhinebeck.

"Paradise Island Villas are individual minimalist marvels with their own gorgeous grounds, scattered between mountains and Med on Crete. "  [Mr and Mrs Smith]

Calcutta's only boutique hotel, centrally located.  Learn more about this gritty, vibrant city in the attached FT Smooth Guide.

The FT's How to Spend It call The Oberoi Grand, Calcutta's most "opulent" accommodation. 130-year old stately hotel.   Learn more about Calcutta in the attached FT Smooth Guide.

"Contemporary American and European-inflected dishes crafted by chef Isaac Becker." [Elle Decor]    Off-duty chefs congregate at 112 Eatery.

Wallpaper announced the opening of this 80-room, super-stylish boutique hotel in Beirut's Solidere district, by hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray (One Aldwych in London). "One of the world's sexiest cities finally gets a destination hotel with real vision. [Wallpaper, January 2010]. In May 2009 The FT writes about Le Gray, "Although the rooftop swimming pool is purple, expect understated interiors in cool neutral shades, the palette favoured by The Gray's regular collaborator, May Fox Linton." Read a full review of Le Gray,  Beirut's "newest, swishest hotel," by Claire Wrathall for the FT in the attached, November 2009 article.  In April 2010, Tatler gossips about Le Gray, "The young concierges fall over themselves being helpful.  At night, the circular bar, ThreeSixty, is riotously popular -- a high octane spot, heaving with le tout Beirut, where the Mojitos flow quickly."

In the attached How to Spend It review on Austria's spa hotels, the FT points out that the Lanserof, in the Tyrol near Innsbruck, was chosen as the leading health hotel in Austria by the 2010 Relax Guide.