How to Spend A Weekend In Niagara Falls

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If spending a weekend in Niagara falls is on your adventure wish-list, you're not alone. Seeing Canada’s most famous natural attraction is one of those must-dos for thousands of Canadian and international visitors each year, and fortunately the surrounding area has loads more to offer to make a holiday break here worthwhile! Here’s how to make the most of a weekend in Niagara falls:

Design Hotels : Missoni Kuwait

Last March, following its debut in Edinburgh, Scotland, the second-ever Hotel Missoni opened its doors in Kuwait. Located on the Salmiya seafront, the hotel is outfitted with the fashion house‘s iconic boho-glam patterns and details as well as furniture from the likes of Philippe Starck and Hans Wegner. I tell ya, the Middle East is kicking some serious a** in the luxury and design departments. Don't you just love all the colors and details? 

15 Hotel Terraces with Unbelievable Views

A favorite vacation activity? Lounging, a gorgeous view, and a snack or two. Here are 15 hotel porches perfect for just that… (above: LE MEURICE Paris, France)

Design Hotels : Armani Hotel Dubai

Stylish, luxe, and debonaire are three words that come to mind when thinking of the Armani Hotel Dubai. There's a sense of covertness along the sleekly numbered guest room corridors, which I love, as if there are untold secrets behind each door. The design is peaceful and effortless, but in true Armani fashion, still conveys wow factor. The hotel also offers six restaurants choices, a swanky spa, three Armani boutiques and an outpost of Milan's upscale Privé night club. Wouldn't you love to just lounge in this plush retreat for a few days?

Exploring Morocco

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Morocco is split into different regions, each one with its own unique charm and appeal that makes it a perfect get-away spot. It has historical appeal, excellent shopping and souks, a collection of significant monuments and landmarks that dot its many regions and surround some of its most sacred cities.

Soneva Kiri Resort- Thailand

Daydreaming about Soneva Kiri, a peaceful retreat on the aptly described remote but accessible Koh Kood – one of Thailand’s largest yet most uninhabited islands. Set amidst a lush tropical rain forest, the 102 acre, eco-friendly and zero emission resort boasts 29 beautifully designed luxurious villas and private residences. Honestly, this place takes rest and relaxation to another level. The breathtaking dining pod floating high above eucalyptus trees is reason enough to visit let alone personal transfer on the resort’s own airplane from Bangkok. HeLLo. WTF. I'm there.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

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It's barely January but before you know it, bikini season will be upon us and Las Vegas will be back in full swing! If you're planning a trip there and need to narrow down the hundreds of hotel options, here are 5 luxe picks. Fret not if these don't fit your style or budget, luckily there's something for everyone in Vegas. Start with what you plan on doing and what your main interests are and take it from there to find most suitable choice. 

Design Hotels : Ferragamo's Il Borro

Salvatore Ferragamo left no stone unturned when restoring Il Borro, a Tuscan estate tucked in the  foothills of the Pratomagno mountains in the Valdarno region of Italy. Il Borro's deep medieval roots are evident, from the private countryside farmhouses to the Italian villas amid the vineyards. If you tire of your designer digs and infinity pool head over to the hotel's winery or the estate's medieval Italian village. And true to the Ferragamo design aesthetic, stylish simplicity and elegance blend seamlessly into this utterly gorgeous historical manor... Wouldn't you love to spend at least a weekend here?

World Glamping

 The Serai - Jaisalmer Desert National Park, India

That's right, glamourous camping. For all those, who like me, love nature and all it's beauty but can do without the multi-legged creepy crawlers, the discomfort of a sleeping bag, and zero potty facilities. Sometimes a wall or two really are worth the extra buck. A butler in my tent and design like a TriBeCa loft?... Sign.me.up.

Design Hotels : Oscar de la Renta's Tortuga Bay

Can I just be in Punta Cana right now? In Tortuga Bay's gorgeous luxe resort in the Dominican Republic with interiors designed by none other than Dominican-born fashion royalty Oscar de la Renta. Oh Tortuga, you're a'callin' my naaaame... 

Glen Oaks : An Eco-Friendly Hotel

After a good, long day we settled in at Glen Oaks, the next best thing if you don't want to spend on luxury accommodations but still want comfort. It's eco-friendly, beautifully designed, modern, uber- clean (very important!) and didn't cost $500 p/nt for such amenities. I loved the hints of retro and traditional outdoorsy decor and overall, was a fully modern hotel housed in cute lodge-like rooms. The best part? The fireplace and heated stone floor! And the delicious inexpensive brunch next door at Ripplewood's. 

Sunset Glow at The Mondrian South Beach

At the Sunday pool party at the Mondrian, overlooking the Miami bay. The hotel is beautifully designed by Marcel Wanders, highlighting my favorite color since childhood - red. The fabric textiles, patterns, colors and flowy waving drapes really came alive once the sun began to go down. If you guys are ever in Miami, definitely stop by their Sunday afternoon fiesta, which was refreshingly more like a siesta by the time sunset rolled around.

(And I must give a shout out to the iPhone my pal Jenn took these pics with! Can you believe you can get these images with a little camera phone theses days? Go Mac.)

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The Viceroy Miami : A Big Fat Disappointment

Don't let my smile fool you, lol. I just got back from a few days at the Viceroy and I was so disappointed! As far as design goes, the hotel is gorgeous, designed by none other than uber-talented Kelly Wearstler. Every detail was beautiful but unfortunately that's where it ended. First thing wrong with this place was the crowd – and to top it off annoying loud kids and families. Then there was the absurd $600 'incidental' fee which was automatically deducted – seriously, not even at the Four Seasons. The room service came in an hour and a half late, was cold and tasted awful – sent it back. Tried room service again but this time nothing on the menu was available. What? And last but not least, I arrive home to find that my card has been charged another $629 for the room when it was already pre-paid. I tried to take my cares away at the beautiful pool but oops!.. annoying jumping children everywheeere. So, if you ever thought to stay here because it appears young & chic? Don't. Stay at the Gansevoort or Soho House instead.

So what do you guys think?.. Should I send a letter of complaint to corporate and see what comes of it or should I just let it go and be satisfied that it was a beautifully designed hotel and not much else?

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Hellooo Miami

Gansevoort Hotel Miami Beach

It's been 10 whole years since I last visited Miami! So, away I go to check out the rooftop pools, the design district, shake my goods on the dance floor and indulge in all my Miami 'Vices'... weeeeee!

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Faena Hotel + Universe : Buenos Aires

If my personality could be designed into a hotel, the Faena Hotel + Universe in the art district of Puerto Madero would be it. Every. Single. Detail. was beyond – The food and atmosphere at El Mercado –  Even more perfect. The Poolbar scene – just the place for a red halter swimsuit and large black sunhat and El Cabaret, without question, showcases the best tango in Argentina. All designed by none other than genius interior designer /product designer Philippe Starck.

(Images via website)

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