Luxury Travel Bucket List 2013

FEBRUARY - ROMANCE

Rising majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain St.Lucia is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St. Lucia's stunning scenic beauty. Expect grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living area and an extravagant private infinity pool glide into one another to form extraordinary platforms floating out into nature. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain's sanctuaries are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of St Lucia's Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea. More Romantic Escapes



MARCH - SKI

Whether your priority is being as close to the slopes as possible or having a warm hot tub to sink into after a hard day skiing, Abercrombie & Kent Villas & Chalets has got it covered. From chic chalets in the heart of Val d'Isere to luxury retreats in Verbier, they've hand-picked a range of irresistible luxury ski chalets in Europe that will have you wishing for snow every day. More Ski Escapes



APRIL - FIVE STAR CITY ESCAPE

Right in front of the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai is the Bund Promenade, the best vantage point for photographing the city's river-side scene, the modern skyscrapers of Pudong across the Huangpu River and of course, the many iconic landmarks that line The Bund. At dawn, witness or join the legions of Chinese who practice tai chi or qigong and ballroom dancing enthusiasts who practice the tango. At night, be enthralled by the illuminating glows of the heritage structures on The Bund and spectacular lights from the Pudong skyscrapers. Quaint alleys and lanes are dotted with interesting shops as well as trendy restaurants and reinvented glamour bars - A perfect blend of the old and new. For art and culture, guests will find that the area's most famous museums and galleries are just a stone's throw away. For a taste of local delicacies, the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is within walking distance, while the beautiful Yu Garden is just around the corner. Right across the Huangpu River is the famous Oriental Pearl Tower, offering a bird's eye view of the city. Of course, the hotel butlers can always offer suggestions, book reservations, or make arrangements for a cruise along the river. More 5 Star Escapes



MAY - YACHTING

Enjoy the Republic of Seychelles to the fullest with Seychelles Yacht Charter. Comprising 115 islands in the Western Indian Ocean, it represents an archipelago of legendary beauty that extends between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and which lies between 480km and 1600km from the east coast of Africa. Of these 115 islands, 41 constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the low lying coral atolls and reef islands of the outer islands. Seychelles' enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. In this tropical haven, the temperature seldom drops below 24°C or rises above 32°C. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt, making the Seychelles a year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers. More Cruises & Yachting



JUNE - GOLF

The Lodge at Torrey Pines has been awarded the AAA Five Diamond rating for 11 consecutive years including 2013, and for good reason. This San Diego luxury hotel is situated on the cliffs above the Torrey Pines State Beach, and located on the 18th hole of the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course, this breathtaking setting is home to this award-winning resort. The Lodge is modeled after the Gamble and Blacker houses in Pasadena, California, two of the best examples of early 1900s Craftsman-style architecture by Greene & Greene. More Golf Escapes



JULY - CRUISING

Tauck Small Ship and River Cruising is cruise travel at its best. What makes Tauck's Small Ship Cruising and River Cruising unique is the focus on the destination – in scenic ports of call that connect you with people and places... moving, compelling and heart-warming experiences onboard and ashore... inspiration through Tauck's cruise travel. Cast anchor in pristine bays, off island beaches and at docks accustomed to personal yachts... in small towns and villages along the great rivers of Europe... and in some of the world's favorite cities. Time ashore is enriched by in-depth cultural exploration and insider access that ensures up-close-and-personal connections with the locals and daily life. Cruise travel adventures include sightseeing with local experts such as naturalists, historians, and accomplished lecturers. You'll dine on regional cuisine on land and aboard ship that showcases specialties of the destination. More Cruises & Yachting



AUGUST - CULTURE IN THE COUNTRY

Blantyre is a renowned Relais & Chateaux and Forbes 5 Star property reminiscent of a gentler time of elegance and romance. Visit in the summer time to experience Tanglewood -- the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. This beautiful region of western Massachusetts is filled with stunning 19th-century architecture, as well as an abundant variety of art. Tour the intimate galleries at the Clark Art Institute and Mass MoCA, dedicated to both performing and contemporary arts. Wander the garden rooms at Edith Wharton's classical revival estate; visit the National Trust's Chesterwood, home to sculptor Daniel Chester French; and go behind the scenes at local studios and galleries, and much more. More Country House Hotels



SEPTEMBER - SHOPPING

September is one of the most beautiful times of the year to vacation in New York City. The final month of summer in NYC brings with it pleasant temperatures, and some of the best events all year including Fall Fashion Week. The chic NoMad Hotel provides a fresh modern take on the classic grand hotels of Europe with a distinct New York sensibility, located within walking distance of Bryant Park where all the Fashion Week festivities take place. The NoMad Hotel is a turn of the century Beaux-Arts building that has been masterfully restored to its original grandeur with interiors by world renowned French designer Jacques Garcia. Enjoy a taste of Paris in New York City. More Boutique City Hotels



OCTOBER - WINE

Meadowood, one of the true luxury resorts in Napa Valley, offers active vacations with golf, tennis, croquet, hiking, swimming, fitness, spa, wine education and a Michelin three-star restaurant dining experience...all on a private 250-acre estate. The enjoyment of wine is a part of life at Meadowood. Each afternoon resort guests are invited to come together for a tasting of outstanding Napa Valley wines. They typically feature two varietals, one red and one white. On Friday afternoons the tradition is to share a Napa Valley sparkling wine to welcome the weekend. You'll enjoy the company of fellow guests along with spirited discussions about the wines being tasted and colorful stories about the local vintners. More Wine Country Retreats



NOVEMBER - ADVENTURE

For discerning adventurers, Churchill Wild is the only Polar Bear Adventure Company on the planet specializing in "on the ground" or "in the bay" access to polar bears, beluga whales, Aurora Borealis and more. Churchill Wild is also the only Polar Bear Adventure Company in the world that owns and operates remote fly-in only polar bear eco-lodges. By connecting passionate travelers from around the world with unusual adventure opportunities, Churchill Wild provides guests with a genuine, personal, exclusive experience; through the development of sustainable, environmentally sensitive ecolodges that incorporate the local people and traditions of the destinations where they operate. More Adventure Lodges



DECEMBER - FAMILY VILLA VACATION

Mead Brown Costa Rica is a boutique vacation rental firm offering extraordinary private villas and homes plus premium condominiums for those who expect excellent value, personal service and supremely comfortable accommodations. Mead Brown provides concierge services; they can arrange sport fishing for sailfish and marlin, championship golf, massage and spa treatments, horseback riding, volcano, sea kayaking and other tours, plus rental car, golf cart, airport transfer by private Mercedes van or helicopter, chartered aircraft and yacht, private chef and virtually anything else you desire. Mead Brown Costa Rica is at your service. More Villa Escapes



JANUARY - HAPPY NEW YEAR! SPA VACATION

For more than 30 years, Canyon Ranch has empowered people to live healthier, longer, more joyful lives through fitness, nutrition, stress-management and integrative wellness. At Canyon Ranch's all-inclusive destination health resorts in Tucson, Arizona, and Lenox, Massachusetts, the spectacular Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach, and luxury SpaClub® facilities in Las Vegas and on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and the Oceania and Regent Seven Seas cruise lines, you'll relax and find greater balance in your life – and an unforgettable escape from the everyday. A great start to the New Year! More Spa Escapes