Affordable travel and top destinations in the world? South of central Lima and Miraflores, the suburb of Barranco has long been popular with artists and writers. Although not as manicured as Miraflores or as meticulously restored as Lima’s historical center, Barranco has some beautiful 19th- and early-20th-century architecture and the authentic feel that comes in a place where locals far outnumber tourists. You can join them as they sit on the park benches, walk their dogs, and shop or eat at the outdoor patios in front of the street vendors. The small inns and restaurants that line the seaside hills and cliffs are popular places to have dinner and watch the sunset.
Whether a lover of wine or a self-professed connoisseur, you will indulge in the variety of Tuscan vineyards with this personalized gourmet itinerary of Italy. Medieval towers crown the hilltops, cypress trees line the country roads, and vineyards blanket the verdant knolls. Sample the exceptional wines known as Super Tuscans or leisurely sip the excellent wines of Montepulciano. Savor the familiar flavors of a home-cooked Italian meal and wander the cobbled lanes of a charming, hidden medieval town. Your dreams of a gourmet wine, gastronomy, and art experience come to life in the grandeur of Tuscany with this one week Italy itinerary.
Ivory Lodge, which was recently completely renovated, offers its guests an African Bushveld experience in lavish comfort. Extraordinarily beautiful in its simplicity and texture, the lodge’s timeless design incorporates steel, wood, thatch, glass, water & sand enhancing the surrounding bush environment. A sophisticated contemporary theme defines the interiors, with bold furniture and edgy décor, ambient lighting, inferences of tribal design and highly textured finishes. Each of the 8 villas include a private rim flow pool, exquisitely appointed bedroom and lounge, and simply more of everything. The more adventurous may want to opt to stay at one of the ultraluxurious treehouses operated by the same management of in the same wildlife reserve, guaranteeing a once in a lifetime experience and the ultimate African bush experience. See additional info on Travel Forum.
A quiet alternative to San Francisco’s busy downtown hotels, the luxurious Inn Above Tide is within walking distance of the shops, restaurants, and ferry in quaint, ritzy Sausalito (the scenic ferry ride to the city takes about 30 minutes). The 31 sophisticated rooms here have sweeping bay views and most come with patios overlooking the water. While there’s a spa, free breakfast, and free wine and cheese receptions, its lack of a pool and an on-site restaurant may deter some visitors.
Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam: Luxury hotels are not all grande dames dripping with gold leaf and antiques. Amsterdam’s Conservatorium Hotel is a strikingly modern sleep housed in a century-old bank turned music school. Architect Piero Lissoni made a point of highlighting the meeting of old and new via eye-catching angular steel and full walls of glass and stuck to his signature pared-back palette of contrasting grays with occasional pops of color. Custom Italian furnishings by Kartell, Cassina and more lend elegance and softness to the hard interior lines. Many of the guest rooms are duplexes, taking advantage of the soaring ceilings of the former music classrooms, or show off the building’s historical details, from stone window frames to a latticework of structural supports. Downstairs, the all-glass lobby is the hub of activity, welcoming guests at check-in and to the casual Brasserie & Lounge for breakfast to Afternoon Tea.
The Westin Excelsior in Rome: Rome is a city with full of romance and elegance. No wonder sophisticated hotels can be found in Rome. Westin Excelsior has majestic rooms which will make you fall in love and don’t want to leave once you stay. Good thing some rooms are affordable to stay-in so even average people can manage to check-in. If you want a cheaper option, then Villa La Cupola suite is best for you. This two-story hotel has a perfect combination of indulgence and privacy. You can surely enjoy the blend of classical style with innovative technology gadgets when you’re in Rome. See even more information on this website.