TRIBE- VILLAGE MARKET HOTEL- Nairobi, Kenya

When you think Kenya, you think Maasai, you think Serengeti...but modern luxury? Well, we'd like you to think again. In a land where the contrasts are plenty, the Village Market Hotel is one of Nairobi's true standouts. Chic, sleek design, fusion cuisine, entirely diametrically opposed to anything you'll see anywhere else in this beautiful land. It's the perfect antidote for dusty treks through the bush, and since you've got to stop in Nairobi either before or after a safari, why not mix it up a bit and see something else that's completely unexpected. The hotel sits right in the heart of eclectic sophisticated yet rustic village-style surroindings - steps from shopping, museums, and everything else that you wouldn't expect in this intriguing city. It's beautiful proof that completely different scenarios can actually peacefully coexist. It's an one of the best example of  Exclusive Hotels. 

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night FREE! Visit http://www.africanpridehotels.com/tribe---the-village-market-hotel.html to book and be sure and tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

GLENBURN TEA ESTATE, India

There is no shortage of intrigue in India- with one of the world's most diverse terrains, the potential for new discoveries is endless. Our most recent Indian discovery is the charming Glenburn Tea Estate- that's right, a proper, active tea plantation that has remained in the hands of the same family for four generations who are proud to open their spectacular estate to visitors that dare to trek the heavenly Himalayan landscape on which it stands. What we find most impressive here beyond the absolute serenity are the following fun facts:

-Staff to guest ratio, 5:1 (!)

-The food on the estate is organically grown

-With almost 1000 people employed at the estate, it provides an amazing stream of support for the local residents

The Glenburn is like staying in someone's home that they have graciously opened up to you, with thoughtfully designed rooms, nostalgic-style hospitality and a hot cup of freshly brewed tea any time you like. Besides hiking, fishing, climbing, exploring, meditating, and just getting as far from the bustle of busy life as possible, the tea factory stands at the center of the activity circuit here and is most spectacular. You can literally spend days here learning to taste/brew/grow tea/prune leaves and probably even read leaves if you wander into the local village. India can be a very crowded place, but from this vantage point, you'd absolutely never know it. A well-worth-it break to weave into any India itinerary.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary visit to tea factory, tea tasting and special gift of Glenburn Second Flush brew, one of their best teas created with leaves that draw their succulence from mangoes.

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OPPOSITE HOUSE- Beijing, China

OK travel fiends, it's time to channel your inner George Costanza and take an OPPOSITE approach. Start here when next in Beijing with the fabulous Opposite House- the name says it all, a blend of unique contrasts that reside at extreme ends of the spectrum.

The Outside? Funky green glass and uber-modern design, yet is filtered from the inside

The Inside? Tranquil mosaics, sinewy structures yet no boundaries

The Location? Right in The Village of Sanlitun (aka "the village" to the locals), a vibrant innovative development centered on fashion, style, modernity, outrageousness and fun- diametrically opposed to its original state (aka Beijing's diplomatic quarter for half a century)

The Rooms? Probably some of the most mod out there- 400 thread count linen, mood lighting, French coffee press, super surround sound stereo system, rain shower, and signature deep soaking oak bathtub to name just a few of its stellar amenities.

Keeping with the theme, the F&B offerings here are not at all what you'd expect- rather, the themes here are centered on Mediterranean fare, Asian fusian, and naturally, 2 lounges (one for mellow moods and one with brisk beats). Go Opposite in Beijing, you'll be glad you did.

http://www.oppositehouse.com/

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LUGGAGE CONCIERGE

OK- we not only dislike checking luggage...in fact, we LOATHE it with a passion. It's the worst. We're the folks that have always been able to gallavant from one country to another with 4 pair of shoes, 5 outfits, a laptop & toiletries easily set inside a carry-on and with our "IT CAN TOO FIT IN THE OVERHEAD-JUST WATCH ME" attitude, we've always gotten around just fine. In comes the liquid ban and bam, our whole pattern was turned upside down. This is why we love the concept at Luggage Concierge. Yes, they ship your luggage for you and it's there when you arrive. Simple as that. If you can:

1. Log on & enter your info

2. Enter the sizes/shapes of your bags

3. Fill in the number of bags

4. Enter address of where you're going to be

5. Enter travel dates

Then you too can put an end of waiting for the carrousel to move & wasting precious moments at baggage claim that should clearly be used for more important things like exploring. They'll even provide baggage insurance. Sheer baggage brilliance.

http://www.luggageconcierge.com/

ANJAJAVY- L'HOTEL- Madagascar

There is no road to Anjajavy...as we're told. It's location, not mapped on any atlas, inaccessible by most means of travel save for signposts through the forest, and known only to those that are either locals or "in the know" (and now you know) This is not surprising in the least, as most of Madagascar is enigmatic, intriguing and not at all what you expect- rather, it's so much better. Sunshine year-round, incredibly verdant lush greenery, home to curious animal species and the seductive scents of vanilla and ylang-ylang. And then there's Anjajavy- the rewarding oasis at the end of a very long journey, a gorgeous eco-friendly resort set within a nature reserve housing so many unique species that it could qualify as its own ecosystem. Chic modern villas, dinner tables on the beach, water activities aplenty and true absolute seclusion. Now, to get there isn't quick or easy, but then again no place this private ever is. Connect in Paris via Air France and perhaps break up the journey with a bit of cityscape or head to Joburg and connect on Air Madagascar, then hop the Air Hotel private plane in Antananarivo to the private Anjajave penisula. Again, not rapid, not simple, but WELL worth the journey. Anjajavy- l'hotel- Madagascar is known as one of the best Exclusive Hotel in the world

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save an additional 5% off of rates plus receive a free massage on property. Click HERE for more information and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

THE GRAND RESORT BAD RAGAZ- Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

It's everything you imagine a Swiss spa experience in the Alps should be, a picture perfect, legendary grand style resort and the absolute epitome of grace, elegance and pitch perfect hospitality. Beautifully blending the old world beauty of the region outside, wtih contmporary design on the inside, this Leading Hotel of the World's true highlight is its To B. Wellbeing & Spa, a phenomenal oasis for revitalizing your body and soul.

How do we describe the Spa? Short question, long answer... let's start with the regiment of treatments centered around the healing benefits of the region's spring water in their "waterworld" with two thermal pools and gardens. Moving on, you've got "saunaworld", complete with a traditional Finnish Sauna and the world's first herbal steam bath created with Swarovski crystals. If the high temps aren't your thing, you've got the spectacular ice cave for cooling off, or an eclectic pool with continuously changing colors.

After all of thie pre treatment splendor, let's not forget the endless list of luxurious treatments inspired by regions aronud the world. Menu offerings include purifying Oriental Ice Soap Massage, a 5,000-year-old Tibetan singing bowl massage, European lymphatic drainage methods, Chocotherapy, Vinotherapy and more. Add in 7 highly acclaimed restaurants, 18-hold golf course, and an entire Medical Health Center with specialists in nutrition, rheumatology, plastic surgery and more and you've got one completely purifying experience.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save 10% off of spa & beauty treatments, and beauty products as well on property for stays through December 31, 2009. To book, call +41(0)81 303 30 30 or visit http://www.resortragaz.ch/, and be sure and tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

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RED MANGROVE LODGES- Galapagos Islands

Ah, the Galapagos Islands - fresh, captivating, and never short on surprises. This is perhaps one of the last remaining places on Earth where everything is as nature intended and discoveries are waiting to be found at every turn. About 175 years ago, poor Charles Darwin had no other option but to explore the islands by boat as there was no place to lay his weary head...fast forward to today, where amateur explorers from far and wide now have another option besides the standard cruise. Our Galapagos discovery is Red Mangrove Lodges, the only brand in the Galapagos featuring lodges on many of the islands, thus offering a multitude of land activities and completely eliminating the "disembark/slowboat/ground tour/back on slowboat/reboard ship" routine that always leaves you feeling as though you may have missed out on something when time on land runs out. Fear not, these lodges are about as eco-friendly as a lodge can get, never interfering with the natural state of affairs on these beautiful islands.

Packages at Red Mangrove Lodges generally include:
- Transfers IN / OUT to/from Baltra or San Cristobal Airport
- Welcome drink
- Accommodation at Aventura, Floreana and Isabela Lodges / San Cristobal
- All meals included on a fixed menu basis
- Snacks / Navigations
- Excursions with English speaking Naturalist guide
- Use of bikes in Isabela and Aventua Lodge
- Internet service in Isabela and Aventura
- 25% discount for children under 10 years old

More time on land means more time to discover...and explore.

EXPLORATEUREAN EXCLUSIVE- Save an additional 8% on all packages. Just be sure to save a copy of this email to send to the reservations team when making your booking. Visit http://www.redmangrove.com/ or call 888-254-3190, and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

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