In a multi-page October 2008 article on Tarifa, Tatler announces, "The smart set are getting wind of all the fun to be had in the low-key [beach] Spanish town of Tarifa." "If Sotogrande is a pair of lemon Hackett chinos, Tarifa is a pair of sun-bleached board shorts...It's all about the sea." La Sacristia is a 17th century inn, recently "restored by the eccentric Renaissance man Miguel Arregui, and run by Teresa, a bubbly Madrid matriarch." [Tatler]  Good value, rooms from 115 Euro.

"Chef Marco Stabile's creative menu includes in-season local produce."  [Elle Decor]

Ferragamo has several glam boutique hotels in Florence.  You can learn more about them on the web site.  Elle Decor recommends Gallery Hotel Art, "The chic rooms feature leather headboards and cashmere throws."

New, chic property on wildlife-rich Kangaroo Island, off Australia's southwest coast and just a 25 minute flight from Adelaide. 21 minimalist suites, the best of which is the Osprey Pavilion "with its hand-sculpted, egg-shaped Japanese bathtub and private terrace. From its alfresco daybeds and plunge spa, guests have a prime view of passing kangaroos and whales out at sea." [Departures, American Express Platinum Members, July/August 2008.   Wallpaper writes, "The focus is definitely on the local, and chef Tim Bourke has sourced the island's best produce for the kitchen... The spa treatments use locally produced Ligurian honey (made by the only pure strain of Ligurian bees, due to the island's isolation) and Li'Tya products."   [Wallpaper]  Bazaar says Kangaroo island is the "Best beach for wild beauty" and describes the lodge, "It's a marvelous springboard for exploring." Rates begin at $900 (two-night minimum) and include meals.

To escape it all, Bazaar recommends booking an ocean-front cottage at this boutique resort on 4,000 acres of waterfalls, beach and ranch on volcanic Maui, "Hawaii's most consistently stunning island... with pockets of wildness."  Rates from appx. $500. 

"A magnificently renovated monastery with a facade attributed to Michelangelo and a cooking school whose guest chefs include John Greeley of Manhattan's '21' Club." [Elle Decor]

Wallpaper praised the cutting-edge architecture and the well-appointed spa of this swanky, new resort on the north-west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Acclaimed architect Duangrit Bunnag "uses a palette of wood, limestone and subtle marble finishes to create a distinctively contemporary look. The spa continues this clean aesthetic ..." [Wallpaper]  Check out the web site.  Rates from $165

"A low-profile joint [in Florence] with the best beef in town," writes Elle Decor in its review of Florence.   Good value.

Bazaar describes this cool little hotel in Goa as a "splendid 17th century fortress that has been converted into a small heritage hotel with elegant rooms. Across the river lie the empty white sands of Querim beach, one of the finest in Goa." [Bazaar] In its 2008 review of the best beaches worldwide, Bazaar awards Goa, "Best for rural bliss." "Goa is so quiet that you can hear the dogs panting on the verandahs." [Bazaar]  Good value, room rates from 130 Euro.

Wallpaper says this "nifty new bistro [in Paris by Michelin-starred chef Christian Le Squer] is creating waves."  "Think slick and sophisticated decor complemented by excellent cuisine."  The magazine recommends the "super-light" mozzarella salad and the "cushion-like," hollow-centred gnocchi.  [Wallpaper]   Pricey.