When you need a break from hectic city life, consider a stay among sun-soaked landscapes and vineyards in the Tolouse countryside near the Mediterranean.

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The soft opening of the 240-suite resort The Blue attracts both leisure and business travelers. Located within the city of Doral only minutes from Miami International Airport, the resort is surrounded by South Florida nature and world-class golf. Until Dec. 20, 2008, guests can enjoy the “Sneak-A-Peek” rate of $189* per night.

“We are delighted to open the city of Doral’s first luxury resort offering,” said General Manager Stephen van Hemert. “The Blue is designed to provide a high-end experience of service and product to business travelers that frequent Doral and leisure travelers visiting for golf and other Miami offerings.

Each suite offers large private verandas, fully-equipped kitchens, bathrooms with rain shower and Jacuzzi bathtub accompanied with a flat screen television, 42″ flat panel high-definition LCD televisions, wireless internet access, sound systems with DVD players and iPOD docking stations.

For more information about The Blue, visit www.theblue.com.

Another option for Miami visitors is the luxurious hotel Townhouse on South Beach’s Collins Avenue.

The result is calculated by HRG in UK based on the number of booked hotel rooms in the 50 leading business destinations during the first half-year of 2008, compared to the same period last year.

The number in parenthesis is the city’s place in 2007.

1. Moscow (1)

2. Bombay (10)

3. Paris (4)

4. Milan (7)

5. Geneva (13)

6. Dubai (3)

7. Abu Dhabi (-)

8. New York (2)

9. Zurich (11)

10. Stockholm (7)

Launched in May, 2008, darngooddigs.com is the place to find the best independently owned, reasonably priced inns, hotels and B&B’s around the globe.

“We get our content from travelers who nominate their all-time favorite places to stay, and through our own research we determine which of the nominations really deserves to be a Darn Good Digs,” said co-founder Michael Gonchar. “By the end of 2008 we hope to include between 50-100 hidden gems that are independently owned (and almost 100% are locally owned), and have rooms from US$1-$150.”

I was curious whether they had any favorite place among the current digs.

“I guess all the digs that we nominated are our favorites. One that stands out is Vento de Rose, in Le Marche, Italy - it has to be one of the best bed and breakfasts out there, and we thought reasonably priced too for Italy.”

I read about Vento di Rose under “Digs in the Spotlight”.

“Vento di Rose is a true labor of love. The owners, Emanuela and Emidio, are some of the kindest and most generous people we have ever met. Their home and bed and breakfast is a beautifully restored Italian country house with views of medieval hilltop towns in every direction. And as if this weren’t enough, Emanuela prepares an incredible, delectible breakfast for all her lucky guests.”

Can’t do anything else than agree. It certainly seems like a gorgeous B&B and I would gladly pay a visit during a future stay in Italy. Who wouldn’t like a place with that description?

To read more about Venti di More and nominate other digs, visit darngooddigs.com

TEXT: Valerie Mellema

Botswana is an amazing destination for travel. The Kalahari is a stunning sight, while the warm, welcoming people will help you feel right at home. No matter what you intend to do in the country, you will need to find the best accommodations for your needs. Botswana boasts numerous hotel and some of the best resorts in the world. Visiting HotelsCombined.com can help you find the best price for your stay.

Deception Valley Lodge

Located just outside of the Okavango Delta, this luxury resort offers you a unique way to experience an adventurous safari on the Kalahari. Bushmen guides, luxury accommodations and the best service in the area, you’ll find that this hotel is an incredible experience. Cultural walks to meet the Bushmen, hunting and training classes with native hunters, Victorian style suites and all the best amenities await you here.

Kubu Lodge

Located on the banks of the Chobe River, the Kubu Lodge offers you several chalets with thatched roofs and raised platforms. You’ll enjoy incredible vies of the river, as well as ceiling fans, mosquito nets, coffeemakers and a host of other amenities. The on-property restaurant serves the best local and international cuisine, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  There is also a bar located on property, as well as a small gift shop.

Muchenje Safari Lodge

If you are planning a safari in Botswana, you’ll find few better options than staying with the Muchenje Safari Lodge. This beautiful resort offers you lounges, bars and panoramic views of the area. Communal dining is done in a railway sleeper car, retrofitted to be an informal restaurant. You will enjoy walking safaris through the area, river cruises on the Chobe River and a wide diversity of African wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos, lions and a wide diversity of birds.

Walmont at the Grand Palm

This luxury resort has nothing to do with safaris, though you can find them easily from the hotel. Located in Gaborone, the hotel offers modern amenities to visitors, as well as numerous ways to enjoy your stay. Buffet dining is the rule in the hotel, while you can enjoy an outdoor pool. Watch out for the wildlife; monkeys enjoy visiting the pool for a frolic with unsuspecting travelers. Internet access is available in all rooms, as well as in-room safes, comfortable bedding and a location in the heart of the city.

“A truly good luxury hotel cannot hide its brilliance, no more than a fake one can mask its incompetence.”

Award-winning travel writer and journalist Matthew Brace knows what he talks about. As a five-star hotel reviewer, he has visited the most fascinating and luxurious places around the globe for more than a decade. We all have addictions, for Matthew it is luxury hotels. From Paris, London and Venice, to Bangkok, New York and Bali.

Hotel Heaven: Confessions of a Luxury Hotel Addict will transport you to far-flung destinations, deluxe hotel suites, stylish hotel lobbies, and glamorous jet-set life, where you sip cocktails with multi-millionaires, share lifts with movie stars and eavesdrop on celebrities.

Matthew gives an honest, personal account of 80-odd hotels which all encompass what a real luxury hotel should be: “memorable, character-filled, efficient, chic and fun.”

His hilarious stories include fashion crimes in first-class airport lounges, celebrity hunting in Beverly Hills, how he finds himself face to face with a hyena in Stanley’s Camp in Botswana. Not to speak of a funny incident involving ‘a smooth fluffy dog of toy’ in Buenos Aires. Or what really plays out by a hotel’s swimming pool.

“Australians think it bizarre and unnatural for a luxury hotel  not to have a swimming pool because it is such an integral part of their home culture. Germans really do like sneaking around shortly before dawn and spreading their towels on loungers by the pool to ensure they get a seat in the sun. English people like removing them.”

Matthew also finds answers to questions we can’t help but wonder about. Do real-life guests get the same service as celebrities and travel writers? Will you get a limo from the airport even though your name isn’t Pierce Brosnan?

History inclined readers will appreciate the chapters on traditional British hotels such as Brown’s, Savoy, Claridge’s, The Ritz and The Goring. Fans of Jimi Hendrix, Dylan Thomas, William S. Burroughs and Andy Warhol can enjoy tales from these legends’ former hang-out in New York - the infamous Chelsea Hotel.

Hotel Heaven takes in high-tech, future-lux, eco-luxe, the best pet-friendly hotels, romantic hotels, and my favorite part, the best butler in Bali. This butler’s excellent assistance speaks volumes about how a top-notch luxury hotel should be, because no matter the state of luxury, a guest’s experience very much rely on the service of the staff.

Travel Blissful recently contacted Matthew Brace to learn more about the world of luxury hotels and his work as a hotel reviewer.

E.J: I read that you first stayed in a luxury hotel during a family vacation at age 13. What made you decide to finally start reviewing them?

MB: I was a foreign correspondent for years, for the UK national newspapers, and often stayed in rather ordinary hotels while on assignments. I was also a travel writer but for the budget end of the market so it was one-star all the way. Then a great friend of mine, the London Evening Standard’s film critic Alexander Walker, told me to ‘upgrade’ myself and start writing travel and hotel reviews for the stylish magazines such as Tatler and Harpers & Queen. Suddenly the doors to the world’s most opulent hotels opened.

E.J: I know you get this question (too) many times, but I have to ask. Which is your favourite hotel? Or let’s put it this way, if you could return to any hotel suite in the world, which would you choose?

MB: I’m torn between a private villa at the Club at the Legian in Bali and a suite at the Hotel Bel Air in Los Angeles. Can I have both please, for about two weeks each!? These are the properties I really miss the most. I also adore Singapore, and long to check back in to a Palladian Suite at the Fullerton.

E.J: Have you ever considered reviewing hotels in the pretence of being a regular guest, without revealing you’re a travel writer?

MB: I have done this a lot in the past and still do occasionally. I cannot do it more often because a) budgets at magazines have tightened meaning editors rarely fund lavish hotel stays for reviewers, and b) I am not a millionaire so cannot afford to stay in them at my own expense. However, I have a problem with the whole ‘Truth in Travel’ philosophy that says all reviews must be anonymously conducted. It heavily implies that professional reviewers like me can be ‘bought’ by limos and expensive champagne. The real truth is that any genuine professional travel writer can see through the hype and examine the hotel at face value. I may get a Rolls Royce at my disposal and a much Krug as I can drink but if the hotel is not up to par I shall say so - or simply refuse to write a review at all. I have done that.

E.J: You write you have a cause of hotel kleptomania, but I must ask, what about your conscience? I once took an issue of Travel+Leisure, and another time a Crabtree & Evelyn shampoo bottle, from a luxury hotel in London and had such bad conscience about it I actually considered returning or replacing them. I never did by the way.

MB: Erica, come travelling with me and we’ll come home with a suitcase so full of soap and shampoo and gifts that we could open our own stand in Covent Garden market.

I don’t think many guests realise just what they can take from a hotel room. If you have a bathroom full of Hermes cosmetics they are yours to take. So take them, all of them, every day, and once the cleaners have been in, voila, a new set is there. You don’t need a conscience - you’ve paid for these things; it’s factored in to the room rate. Of course, if you are planning to steal paintings and furniture, then yep, you have a problem and should seek professional counselling immediately!

Atlantis on Paradise Island

E.J: How do you view the future for luxury hotels? I am mostly thinking about the popularity of the new minimalist design hotels versus the traditional, often extravagant luxury hotels.

MB: In my book ‘Hotel Heaven’ I have a chapter on design hotels and another on the extravagant ones. The concept of design hotels has been around for some time, since 1960 really when the first design hotel the Radisson SAS Royal in Copenhagen opened (designed throughout by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen). I love that hotel, especially the new corner suites with the swan chairs and the views over fabulous Copenhagen. I think design hotels will continue to be popular but the future lies in increased exclusivity - wealthy hotel guests want more and more privacy and personal service so expect to see more private island retreats and exclusive suites and villa resorts. You have all the luxuries you can hope for in a resort - now the trick is to have them all to yourself and banish the other guests.

E.J: Last, if you had all the time and money in the world, where would you like to travel?

MB: When I was researching ‘Hotel Heaven’ I had the great pleasure of interviewing the visionary Dutch architect Hans-Jurgen Rombaut who has designed (on paper) the first hotel for the Moon - called The Lunatic. I may be almost 90 when they build the hotel but I’d love to check in.

More down to earth - I would love to recreate the Grand Tour of Europe which I have always thought the height of elegant luxury travel. I would spend at least two months travelling with my wife by private jet, private train carriage and yacht through France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and the Mediterranean. We would explore the numerous layers of strata laid down by centuries of civilisation, fly in good friends for weekends and parties, and of course stay in the most glamorous hotels, resorts and private houses.

Editor’s note: For more information about Matthew Brace, visit his website at www.matthewbrace.com Hotel Heaven can be purchased through Amazon.co.uk or pre-ordered at Amazon.com.

TEXT: Valerie Mellema

A visit to South Africa offers you incredible ways to enjoy yourself.  This once war torn nation has become an economic powerhouse and provides visitors with a plethora of options for exploration and adventure. Whether you choose diving and swimming with the Great Whites off the southern coast or choose to adventure inland with a safari, you will find the best way to enjoy your stay in South Africa. Visiting South Africa can give you access to some of the finest, most prestigious resorts and hotels in the world.  A visit to HotelsCombined.com can help you find the best rates.

The Bay Hotel

The Bay Hotel enjoys a central location in the heart of Cape Town, with easy access to the Bay and stunning views of Table Mountain. This 5-star hotel offers guests some of the finest amenities and accommodations in the area.  Guests can find easy access to fishing, diving, surfing, inland exploration and more. Several bars and restaurants are featured on property, as well as a full service spa. Western travelers will find all the amenities to which they are used to.

De Oudekraal

Located at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and nestled in virgin forest, the Oudekraal hotel is an amazing place for adventure and enjoyment. A black water pool, whirlpool, ocean views, several dining and drinks options and more provide enjoyment. The rooms offer Internet access, premium TV programming and all other modern amenities. In addition, you’ll find that the hotel’s location is only a short drive from shopping and dining options in the city.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

If you are looking for exclusive, secluded accommodations in South Africa, this is an excellent choice.  The location provides you with the chance to view wildlife in their natural environment, unconcerned with the actions of humankind.  Several lodges offer you suites and rooms for your comfort and enjoyment; you’ll find authentic African décor and rich fabrics throughout all rooms.  In addition, you can enjoy picnic dinners outdoors under the stars.

TEXT: Valerie Mellema

Traveling to Egypt will transport you back into the storied past.  Tales of pharaohs, powerful Greeks and Romans, the remains and artifacts of long centuries past can be found everywhere.  This incredible nation is one of the top destinations in Africa, welcoming adventurous travelers from around the world.  However, you will need to find the best accommodations in the nation for your stay.  While your choice of hotel will hinge on the area you wish to visit, here are a few of the top hotels in Egypt. HotelsCombined.com can help save you money on these and more.

Helnan Palestine Hotel

The Helnan Palestine Hotel offers an incredible location in the city of Alexandria.  Located on the shore, the hotel enjoys access to the beach and provides stunning views of the Montaza Royal beach and gardens.  All of the 210 rooms, which make up the bulk of the accommodations, feature modern amenities and conveniences such as air conditioning, direct dial phones, private showers, premium TV programming and everything else that westerners need for comfort and enjoyment.  Numerous amenities are located on property, including a nightclub, several dining options and more.

The Mena House Oberoi

Located in Cairo, the Mena House Oberoi provides you glorious 5-star accommodations in the very shadow of the Great Pyramid.  Enjoy the amazing history of the city and of the hotel, itself.  The hotel was originally built as a hunting lodge by an Egyptian King.  Today, the hotel offers 40 acres of oasis in the heart of the city, 523 guestrooms and suites, pool cabanas and more for your enjoyment. All rooms at the hotel offer private balconies overlooking the glory of Cairo, as well as all the western amenities you need to make the most of your stay. 5 restaurants are available on property, as well as a jogging track, lake, fountains and shopping options.

El Gezirah Sheraton Hotel Towers and Casino

This hotel enjoys a fantastic location in stunning Luxor.  Enjoy your choice of 436 guestrooms and suites designed for pure enjoyment and comfort. The Sheraton offers convenience, value and a great stay.  Eight options for dining enjoyment, including a floating restaurant on the Nile, are available for your pleasure.  In addition, you will find that the hotel offers numerous perks, including in-room Jacuzzis, a sauna, live entertainment and an incredible swimming pool.

These are only three of the incredible hotels that you will find in Egypt.  Numerous other fine accommodations are available for your enjoyment throughout the nation.

Rome nightscene © Wojtek Kutyla

A great way to experience another culture and save expenses when travelling is to stay with locals rather than opting for an expensive hotel room. If you don’t already know people at your destination, check out these websites:

Couch Surfing: “CouchSurfing is a worldwide network for making connections between travelers and the local communities they visit.”

Global freeloaders: “GlobalFreeloaders.com is an online community, bringing people together to offer you free accommodation all over the world. Save money and make new friends whilst seeing the world from a local’s perspective!”

The Hospitality Club: “Do you love meeting people from other cultures? Do you love traveling? Do you love helping other people? Then this is the place for you to be!”

Free-Stay.com: “Why pay for a holiday hotel when you can stay for free in someone else’s home? Links to a great choice of holiday swaps worldwide.”

Travelroomers: ”This site offers you the chance to travel the world for a simple trade, become a part of the travelroomers community and it will will revolutionize the world of travel forever.”

Servas: “Open your doors to Servas International, a network of peace. Doors you will never close. Friends you will never forget.”

California Sunset

In June, 2008, The City of West Hollywood and the Los Angeles County Register-Recorder Clerk began to issue marriage licenses and carry out civil ceremonies for same-sex couples. Home to Southern California’s largest gay and lesbian population, West Hollywood offers Los Angeles’ most popular gay nightclubs and 14 gay-friendly hotels including The Ramada Plaza Hotel West Hollywood, The Le Parc Suites Hotel, and The Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas. The West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau promotes West Hollywood as a travel destination that is “Living Forward” in lifestyle, thought, and attitude.

“West Hollywood’s numerous venues, activities and resources for gay visitors, along with the City’s long-standing commitment to LGBT rights, make us an ideal destination for gay marriages and honeymoons,” said Amy Anderson, Director of Communications for the West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau. “The embracing energy of the city will contribute to making a couples’ marriage and memories very special, and fun.”

Three West Hollywood hotels offer gay marriage packages:

The Ramada Plaza Hotel West Hollywood

Honeymoon Special

• 2-night stay
• Upgrade to a newly renovated Loft Suite
• Complimentary Bottle of Champagne
• Complimentary Parking
• Complimentary Wireless Internet
• Complimentary Newspaper delivered to your room daily
• $599.00 + Tax

The Le Parc Suites Hotel

Honeymoon Special

• 1-night stay
• King size suite
• Bottle of Champagne upon arrival
• Breakfast in bed for two
• Late check out of 1:00pm
• $399.00 including tax & parking

The Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas

The Romance Package

• 2-night stay
• Deluxe one-bedroom suite or one bedroom villa
• Fresh Flowers
• Special welcome amenity
• Bottle of chilled Champagne
• Special four-course dinner for two paired with appropriate wines
• Continental breakfast each morning
• Complimentary valet parking and internet access
• Two plus Sunset Marquis bath robes
• Deluxe One-bedroom Suite, $620 per night (plus 14 percent tax)
• One-bedroom Villa, $1,275 per night (plus 14 percent tax)
• Available for wedding ceremony and reception
• Wedding rehearsal dinner accommodations available
• Group rates for friends and family of the couple

For more information or hotel bookings, visit West Hollywood’s gay-focused visitor web site GoGayWestHollywood.com