During my stay at The W South Beach in Miami, I realized that just as that brand made standard hotels “boutique,” so did the hotel’s thoughtful design encourage me to make normal directions “artistic.” The environment had me unconsciously translating standard navigation into something more unexpected and unique. The desk clerk, Marc, said “Sir, you’ll find the lifts behind you on the first opening to the right.” But on that quick trip to the elevators, I translated it to “keep the slick dark wooden planks and white stone floor to your left, then hang a right at the Warhol halfway down the lobby.”
Beyond Warhol, the award-winning Anna Busta (Busta Studio) keeps the decor of W’s guestrooms and public spaces contemporary, unconventional and decidedly chic. The hotel boasts an impressive collection of works by Basquiat, Schnabel, Scharf, Sachs and Clinch, among other contemporary visual artists
W offers several studio suites; ours is the “Spectacular Ocean View Studio Suite.” After going up for a quick change to waterside attire, we make a left out of the elevator, sorry Lift, pass check in and make another hard left at the Warhol/Basquiat and head into The Dutch, where they specialize in American dining. Our server, John, rendered a brief history of both the lunch menu – a greatest hits of their most popular dishes from the five years they’ve been open – and the hotel’s deliberate overall Eurocentric design vibe. I ordered THE STEAK, which triggered his description of the handmade house steak sauce. Our meal on the patio began with a selection of tomato compote atop thick focaccia or jalapeño-infused cornbread and fresh pineapple juice, then peaked when we each had a 10-ounce filet mignon and the Florida Mahi.
After lunch, a slight left at the driftwood thrones gets us poolside, a waypoint en route to the beach; upon hearing splashing, split the difference between the DJ, yes, the DJ and the bar area for WET, the waterside bar, and you’ll see the path that winds to the sand. My reservation for two lounges is pulled up by Luke, who became my towel-bearing escort, as he explained beachfront food and drink service, I decided against making any Star Wars “I am your father” references and wondered if the pink and white striped furniture motif made me look skinner. The couple a few rows back sipping mimosas and shooting selfies didn’t seem at all concerned by the effect geometry and color combinations would have on them.
This waterfront respite gave me a chance to ponder my situation. While South Miami Beach offers a host of legendary options, thanks to the W’s location atop the edge of Miami’s Art Deco Preservation District, a four-square mile area comprising the largest collection of that architectural style in the US, there’s little reason to take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary car service which whisks you to any Miami Beach destination. The hotel has so much to offer: Possibilities extend from sitting on the balcony counting the shades of blue and green in the water to heading down to the hotel’s nightclub “Wall.”
I opt for the middle ground and walk two blocks to Baoli, where the entrance, a seemingly deliberately narrow hallway lined with dozens of party photos from this location and its sister restaurant in Cannes, renders a “this is what you’re in for tonight” vibe. Before turning left at the extremely serious “Jim Morrison, Rock God” portrait of the former Doors front man and a greeting by the host, Jeremy.
The dining experience – described as “High-end Mediterranean fare in a garden setting” – is an understatement. The actual effect on me is multi-sensory, being funneled down the hallway, past the Sean Penn party photo, ending in the explosion of leaves and nighttime sky with a tasteful supplement of pinpoint low-power lightbulbs that is the outdoor dining area. My meal began with plantain yucca guacamole chips and crackers and culminated with prime filet mignon. All I needed to finish off the generous delicious portions of truffle fries and a three-Wagyu-slider appetizer was fresh juice and imported vodka. Sundays are Jazz music events from 8:30-11; the guitar and vocal duo’s variety ran from “My Funny Valentine” to “All About That Bass…” yes, that “All About That Bass.” My musing on the thoroughly entertaining jazz version of that popular little number was interrupted by another diner who remarked “Oh my God, we were inside and now we’re outside!” as she walked past.
While I believe choosing the steak was my own idea, my server Donato, who said he works the seasons, alternating Miami and Ibiza, was so good he might have been part mind reader/controller and part futurist, divining my intention almost before I had it. A server so good he could spend the offseason as a hypnotist.
As my attention moved between the music and the meal, the host, Jeremy who seemed to alternate between gliding and teleportation around the dining area, making the perfect appearance at each table, arrived at mine. After explaining Baoli is an INDIAN Indian word for HAPPINESS (I later learn it’s actually a Hindi word meaning “stepwell,” a place for ritual bathing purification), he also explained Sunday nights feature jazz but Wednesday is “My boyfriend’s out of town” night – the nights the photos in the hallway were taken on.
Back in my suite, the place was filled with a blend of what you expect in a luxury hotel: excellent location, a friendly well-trained staff, flat-screen TVs, in-room Bose sound systems, spacious glassed-in balcony and Swedish shower, all set up with and lighting I can set to either moody, noontime or anything between. wsouthbeach.com
As for the unexpected, well… that is what keeps guests coming back.
We can Picture you here,
Andrew Innerarity and Danielle Krause
My first night in the bush I learned about the magic of the “Star Beds.” The staff of Loisaba Tented Camp greeted me with a warm cloth to wash my hands and a cold pineapple to sip while listening to the general manager brief us on the property. I can be easily distracted, which was the case as I took in the beauty of the region and the monkeys scampering by me. However, my ears perked up at a suggestion to sleep on raised beds under the sky.
South Africa is celebrated for safaris and Stellenbosch wines, not spirits, but Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky beautifully channels Scotland’s national drink. Warm amber hue, toasted nut and tropical fruit aromas, satin-smooth and spicy on the palate: You’d swear you were in the Scottish Highlands not the Capelands. $29.99
Birch Coffee, which opened two more NYC branches in March – bringing the total to eight, sports major eco-centric wood. Tree pits are turned into seating at the new Hunts Point outpost, for example, and counters recycled from local stores. But it’s really bred in the bean, with the finest estates sourced world-wide then roasted in New York. 
Don’t miss Hong Kong’s new hot spot for hot pot Kowloon-side: The Drunken Pot. Creative broths and quality ingredients combined with the requisite sake bombs give this chic and fresh new restaurant specializing in a time-old culinary tradition its cheeky name. 
ExoLens transforms your mobile device into a compact professional-grade camera, complete with interchangeable lenses and tripod mount. We Leica for almost any Canon-shot. iPhone 6s ExoLens Kit: $129.95; iPhone 6s Plus ExoLens Kit: $149.95; Samsung Galaxy S6/S6 Edge ExoLens Kit: $129.95. 
Drink in the panoramic views of the Chao Pharaya River and Bangkok skyline from Flûte: A Perrier-Jouët Bar, perched atop the 64thfloor of The Dome at lebua. Thai one on in style with Fleur and Petrossian caviar in the world’s highest alfresco Champagne bar. And that’s not just blowing bubbles out your…glass. 
Your new favorite swim-shorts: Brazilian-inspired, London-based beachwear by Frescobol. The tonsorial detail in their design give any guy a polished look. Rock these all around the resort… and anywhere you want to turn heads! $214.21 
At a whopping 110 proof – something only the most talented bartenders (and drinkers) – can appreciate, Herradura’s latest tequila retains more agave flavor, causing a stir… in every sense. Sip neat or prepare the perfect margarita: Herradura Colección de la Casa Reserva 2015 – Directo de Alambique, limited time availability. $89.99.
Immidia’s international platform smartphone app/website (available in English, French, Spanish, and more) offers “yachting at your fingertips,” providing immediate personalized luxury lifestyle interaction on the ground, in the air and at sea… with real live people. Telephone or type exotic destinations like Dubai and Mykonos for your travel preferences. 
Banish the days of tangled cords in your luggage: The seamless Bluetooth capabilities of the sleek JBL Everest ELITE 700 noise-cancelling headphones change the energy of any environment so you can travel in tranquil style. $299.95. 
Overlooking the fishing village of Port Soller and surrounded by the Tramuntana mountain range, the 
Mix it up at Le Soleil D’Or on Cayman Brac which now offers villas, rooms in its great house boutique hotel, two locavore restaurants and a kitchen for cooking classes. Known for its organic farm, the intimate yet luxe resort includes accommodations on a powdery beach paradise with excellent snorkeling. From $320.
Foodie alert! The new Mussels ‘N’ Sausages in Astoria, Queens serves up the titular ingredients in unique international flavors and assortments, presented in Staub casseroles from owner Francis Staub’s former company. Creative craft cocktails and killer made-to-order apple tart help make this a spot even the most jaded Manhattanites will appreciate. 718-606-6532.
Further energizing Sydney’s cutting-edge, inner-city suburb Chippendale, the Old Clare Hotel boasts a troika of top toques with its latest unveiling, Michelin-starred Brit chef Jason Atherton’s Kensington Street Social. The hotel’s unconventional luxurious yet raw design cleverly adapts and combines two iconic heritage-listed structures; expect anything from pop-up markets to neo-pop art exhibits within. 
The glam, glittery 3,000 square-foot Prohibition bar in downtown Vancouver transports imbibers to the deliciously decadent Roaring Twenties, adding 21st-century glitz and – thankfully – substituting updated retro cocktails for bathroom gin (try the namesake Hotel Georgia). 
Tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Clara mountains near world-class vineyards, Rosewood CordeValle offers a lifestyle experience well above-par, whether you prefer challenging golf with stunning views, poolside lounging, sensuous spa treatments, or farm-to-table dining. From $389. 
Luxury travel that frees body and mind – Be Here, Be Now – is more than great advice. Puerto Rico’s St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort offers a new meditation experience set amidst their tranquil and stunning natural environment. World-renowned Michael Miller’s expert Vedic Meditation tips and techniques will easily transfer back home. From $800. 
Wine lovers, if you take a taste of your travels home, consider this unique modular storage design for your bottles. STACT is a functional wall rack that installs on any drywall surface. The perfect pairing of your wines and design. From $129 – $149. 
Who says modesty can’t have pizzazz? Tatjana Anika’s slinky cover-up shows off just the right amount of skin. Don’t worry that your suntan is being upstaged by your kaftan as you indulge in an afternoon by the pool… simply bask in the glow. $299. 
Your chance to dance – well, sleep – with wolves, while admiring the Northern Lights, has arrived. The new, rustic, classically Scandinavian Wolf Lodge in Narvik, Norway comfortably sits inside a wolf enclosure at Polar Park. Four-day, three-night “Night with the Wolves” Narvik itinerary from £2,299 per person (approximately $3,150 USD) based on four travelers. 
Get your white-sand therapy at Anguilla’s new Zemi Beach House, where each suite boasts an oceanfront balcony. Relax in the spa set in a centuries-old imported Thai house on stilts and recharge island-style with locally caught and grown ingredients. From $699. 
