POSEIDON UNDERSEA RESORT, FIJI

A mystery island, an intriguing underwater glass-enclosed world remniscent only of a James Bond film actually now exists, and not just in your wildest imagination. This mystical concept of an undersea resort comes to life at Poseidon in just a few months' time. Set within a 5,000 acre lagoon off the crystalline waters of the Fijian coast, this is an ultra-luxe paradise that delivers a sensory experience like no other property in the world. Picture entering an elevator above water, that propels you 40 feet below sea level, navigating through a tubular corridor, and arriving at a most spectactular glass-enclosed 550-square-foot pod of luxury. Complete with everything you'd expect from a five-star suite, from the high-thread-count linens, to leather furniture and plasma TVs, to even your own private luxury submarine for easy transfer through the calm seas and back to shore if you wish to indulge in the spa, or one of the "above water" dining experiences. Of course, if you didn't feel like surfacing just yet. there's even a library a wedding chapel, and restaurant on-site, or rather "under-site" as well. The arrival process is amost as fab and stylish as the resort itself, choose from either a private yacht or twin-engine plane and leave your cares behind as you submerge into another world.

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EARWORMS - MUSICAL BRAIN TRAINER LANGUAGE LESSONS

To all of the jet-setting, time-challenged Explorateurs out there who have ever aspired to be a multi-lingual rock star , have we got a find for you... If you have ever had a song stuck in your head that just wouldn't go away, then you'll love Earworms. The concept is so simple, yet so effective- key phrases in a variety of languages are carefully worked in with hip, funky beats. The result, indelible phrases etched in your brain, leaving you sounding as fluent as a local. Imagine sitting in a bistro in Paris and being able to order your meal with ease in flawless-sounding French, buzzing around the souk in Marrakech and being able to talk your way down to an incredible bargain in awesome Arabic, or navigating your way through the busy streets of Beijing via a series of Chinese catchphrases. You'll be amazed how quickly these phrases come to you once you've listened to the CDs a few times, and the best part is this can all be done at your leisure. In the car, on you iPod, while you're working out, or even packing your suitcase. No pressure of memorization, old-school tests or lengthy time commitments that leave you sitting in a boring classroom at night after work. Plus, Earworms are available in 11 different languages. Sound too good to be true? It's real- we promise, tried and tested and we love it.

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THE LONDON NYC

It began with a bulldog...strange as it may seem, this is what caught our eye the first time we took notice of this absolute gem of a property set in the heart of midtown Manhattan. The bulldog draws you in, makes you smile, and the rest is history. Cut to the arrival, you're met on the doorstep by beautifully dressed attendants and treated like royalty from the point of check-in. The accommodations (all suites) carry a bit of a mod decor with touches like a massive two-headed shower, way-too-comfy bed, and those views of New York spanning Times Square all the way to Central Park and beyond that you can't quite believe are real (but they are, and yours, temporarily). They seem to have thought of everything...the desks are actually big enough to work on with room to spare, there is a separate fridge from the mini bar, the aubergine-colored freeform-shaped sofa in your living room is actually comfortable and large enough to lounge on, and there is SPACE (yes, ample space, in a NY hotel room, we promise). The service is spot-on, the staff seems to know what you want even before you do, and the dining experiences at both of Gordon Ramsay's on site restaurants, Maze and London, are as flawless as you might imagine. A real find, and once you find it, you'll find it hard to stay anywhere else.

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PROPELLER ISLAND HOTEL- BERLIN, GERMANY

To all of our readers who ever wanted to sleep in a barn, lie hanging on suspended bed, sit in a coffin, or be surrounded by furniture that's hanging from the ceiling? To all of our readers that fantasized when they were a child about spending a day in Willy Wonka's factory....we have your Golden Ticket. Introducing Propeller Island City Lodge. We almost don't quite know what to call it, or how to explain it but suffice it to say, it is a most curious complex filled with various types of themed rooms. Aside from the more morbid areas, there's also a bunch of really interesting, intriguing rooms that we're sure you haven't seen before and probably will never see again. A Topsy Turvy room where everything is slanted, the Freedom suite which is fashioned like a prison cell, the Space Cube room with its ice-blue mystical lighting, or the Two Lions suite where your beds are of course set inside steel cages. Is it odd? Yes. Is it funky? Absolutely. Is it amazing and a definite must-see whilst in Berlin? Positively. Bring your camera and your sense of humor (and wonder).
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HOTEL DE GLACE, QUEBEC, CANADA

Every year around this time, the Explorateur gets a bit weepy, sort of like the way one feels at the end of the old Frosty the Snowman cartoon with Burl Ives, when "that time comes". For, it won't be long now before one of our favorite haunts disappears, never to be recreated the same way again. If you've never been to the Hotel de Glace, you're in for a real treat. It's a hotel constructed entirely of phenomenally crafted, sculptured sheets of ice. Impossible you say? Well, we thought so too at first but such a place really does exist. Each room within this magical wonderland of a complex are full of expressive innovation- with touches like Hockey-themed suites this year, a spectacular purple-lighting-infused Gothic style bar, the famous Ice Bar where you can "cool off" with your favorite libation, and even a Gaudi-inspired suite with creative carvings in the artist's quirky style etched into the icy walls. Perhaps the greatest creation this year is the fabulous toboggan-like Grand Slide, running twists and curves throughout the property and delivering child-like euphoria to one and all. The last day of the season is 29 Mar...so if you want to catch it you'll have to hurry. But fear not! If you miss it, don't worry- an entirely new , even more innovative reincarnation will appear in January 2010. Just like a snowflake, no two versions of this unique property are ever exactly alike...but that's the fun of it!

Obvious tip: Bring MANY layers of clothing...although the temps inside are warmer than one might expect, it's still pretty chilly!
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WILDERNESS SCOTLAND

Ah..the fresh air…the breathtaking vistas…the impossibly striking landscapes...sound good? Isn’t it about time you took a little distance from life’s hectic pace? We’ve got just the thing - an active holiday in beautiful Scotland and there is no better custom outfitter of all things adventure-related than Wilderness Scotland. Be it hiking, sea kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, or even photography, their experienced team has a deep passion for the destination. But this is no surprise as they are based in Scotland! Wilderness Scotland offers a wide selection of group tours which are open to anyone to join. They also orchestrate perfectly tailor-made itineraries in a seemingly effortless manner, all the while maintaining their overall commitment to sustainable tourism efforts which, lets face it, makes us all feel really good!

Want to be led? No problem, their team of expert guides not only keep you on track but impart the true spirit of Scotland into everything they do. Feel like going it alone instead? No problem - this award-winning company can create self-guided excursions as well, arming you with a full dossier of maps, tips and instructions to assist you on your way, along with with the comfort of a reachable staff any time day or night in case you change your mind.. On a visit to the Scottish Highlands and Islands you will experience Scotland's friendly culture, outstanding scenery and great outdoors. But, perhaps most importantly, it is also a place that makes you slow down and enjoy the serenity and tranquillity of it all and let’s face it, we all could use a dose of that right about now.

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Book a place onto a Wilderness Scotland scheduled trip and receive one free night's accommodation in Inverness - Book by 31 March for travel through in 2009.
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STRAWBERRY HILL, JAMAICA

It’s no secret that recessions, depressions, stress and the problems of everyday life take its toll and you need to find a place where you can give your soul a chance to catch up with your body and mind. It’s about finding a place where you can find the balance to your everyday life and that place is Strawberry Hill in Jamaica.
Set high up in the world-famous Blue Mountains of Jamaica, this classic retreat gently allows your mind, body and soul to come together again and lets your ying catch up with your yang. Fly into Kingston, and in less than an hour you’re a mile up in the mountains looking down on Kingston. The drive is not for the faint of heart, the rule of the road here is that the bigger vehicle always has the right of way-right or wrong- so you will probably need a nice refreshing libation upon arrival. But once you check into you own chalet and listen to the myriad of birds and wildlife your mind, body and soul are already scheduling a meeting to get together.
Simply put this is a Jamaica one rarely finds. First there is no beach, and you know what you don’t care. There are no vendors hawking souvenirs, it’s just you, the attentive staff, fabulous food and the best night’s sleep you have ever had in your life. And when you awake and have a cup of Blue Mountain coffee, really fresh Blue Mountain coffee and sip on some fresh OJ, you’ll feel that all is right with the world. At least for the number of days you’ll spend at Strawberry Hill.

Traveler’s Tip: Bring a sweater, as the thermometer drops to the low 50’s at night up in the mountains, so high above sea level and so far above it all.
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