DESTINATION GREECE
Greece is fabulous, Greece is gorgeous, and to even the savviest of travelers, navigating through a sea of potential itineraries when planning a trip to Greece is challenging. So many islands, so much to do, so little time in a jet-setter’s busy life to dedicate to creating the perfect itinerary. We say, put it in the hands of the experts and leave it to Destination Greece for what’s hip, hot, and positively fabulous in every port of call along the Aegean.

Simply put, they offer the best of Greece. From fabulous hotels to private luxury villas, Mediterranean island-hopping cruises to fascinating cultural and architectural expeditions with highly trained guides, they know how to do it right. They’ve been creating innovative itineraries for over a decade and are clued in to all of the best secret insider finds from the hottest restaurants to the liveliest bouzouki tavernas.

Have a group? Not a problem, they’ve got a fleet to accommodate small or large groups. Traveling solo or as a couple? Stand back and let them get super creative with ultra-romantic experiences. So, if you’re mad on Mykonos, curious about Crete, swooning over Santorini, divinely interested in Delos, or even teeming with excitement about Egypt and Turkey, let the experts handle it at Destination Greece.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Oh, in case that wasn’t reason enough, they’re offering $100 off per couple on a variety of fabulous packages across the region. Visit www.DestinationGreece.com/offers/EXPLORATEUR.htm for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

VILLA ARANJAYA- Sicily

Touch down in Catania, head south for about 20 clicks, make sure you pass Mount Etna on your right and head for the orange groves. See them yet? Good, that means you've arrived at our lovely new find, Aranjaya. Ensconced in its own organic citrus farm, it's a rustic yet chic charming villa-turned-boutique hotel, but don't let it's 8 rooms fool you. It's a vision in terracotta & whitewash and completely immersed in Sicilian character, offering its own infinity pool, tennis courts, lazy billowing palms, multi-colored flora, and ubiquitous views of the volcano.

After all, it's been run by an aristocratic family for over 300 years, who have preserved the tasteful, almost "lived-in" feel which makes guests feel like it's truly their own private home. Complete with gorgeous olive-oil bath products, Espresso machines, artistic touches and even an in-house chef (who happens to be Tunisian and produces the most incredible Mediterranean fare with a locavore flair). The lovely town of Catania sits just nearby, making this a beautiful, private spot to spend your stay in Sicily.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a week's stay and receive your choice of either 1 Complimentary night or an upgrade to an Orchard Suite. Click HERE for more information, and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

OPPOSITE HOUSE- Beijing

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 fusion, 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/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Receive a special pre-departure gift that is quite the opposite of what you might expect, to get you prepared for your visit to such a modern phenomenon. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

*valid for bookings through 31 Jan 2011

SUU MANUEL ANTONIO- Costa Rica
It began with a man named Xantos. Xantos Francesco Corleone to be exact- a man with a larger-than-life persona who has left his footprint on all 7 continents and over 100 countries (and still going). He’s a connoisseur, a self-made success, an explorer and might well be the cousin of “The Most Interesting Man In The World”. What does a man with this much admiration for world cultures and such passion for the unexpected do when he’s seen over half the world? He opens hotels of course…and his knowledge and experience becomes your opportunity to explore and indulge.

Meet the SUU Hotel Group, exclusive lifestyle resorts in some of the world’s most spectacular locales, all taking great steps to integrate each destinations culture, purity and perfection. The properties are designed to offer guests an exclusive personalized experience, whose soothing elegant ambiance and upscale unique amenities (including Xantos’s personal blend of bath and beauty products) are 100% focused on providing you with an unequalled experience.

Interested in a SUU experience? We’ve got just the thing at the SUU Manuel Antonio. 28 rooms with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and rainforest, minimalist stylish décor, butler service, gorgeous vodka & caviar bar, and fusion restaurant blend together to create Costa Rica’s most eclectic hotel experience. Get misted with Evian water by your lifestyle butler while enjoying a mid afternoon fresh fruit sorbet, and pamper yourself in the Spa, where perfectly crafted treatments are complemented by the products created from locally grown fruits & spices, and minerals from the ground.

Check out its sister property in Bodrum, Turkey and several more slated in the near future in places like Mykonos, Bali and beyond. SUU-N come!

EXCLUSIVE OFFER- Stay 4 nights, get 1 night FREE plus daily continental breakfast, room upgrade AND round-trip airport transfers from San Jose. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

ALILA VILLAS HADAHAA- Maldives
If panoramic views of a turquoise ocean are stretching towards infinity and every breath you take invokes a sensation of holistic wellness and rejuvenation, you must be in the Maldives. And, if you find yourself being pampered in stylish surroundings that embrace the stunning biodiverse landscape, with space to breathe on pillow-soft sand under the whispering fronds of coconut palms, then you must be at Alila Villas Hadahaa.

Boundaries do not exist here between you and the ocean, their signature Island and Aqua Villas have been created as intimate, private island homes reflecting the Maldivian sense of space. Graced with tranquil touches and soothing tones, and unique touches like a beautiful outdoor shower and bath in your own private garden, and outdoor sun beds where you can step down right into your own private plunge pool, or simply take a few steps further and head straight into the impossibly clear ocean waters. You can even opt to dine privately in the comfort of your own villa, or enjoy the fusion cuisine offered at their two signature restaurants.

Spa by Mandara at Alila Villas Hadahaa is not so much a spa as it is an experience, carefully built into the indigenous vegetation, with every treatment delivering an elevated sense of equilibrium and a healing sensation unlike any other. Be sure to try their exclusive White Hadahaa Tea blend post-treatment! http://www.alilahotels.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save 25% on room rates and an additional 10% on all Spa and Leisure Concierge services. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

*Valid for travel 01-16 Apr, 25 Apr – 31 Jul, 01 – 30 Sep 2011

BOINGO WI-FI

You know how you feel when you arrive at an airport, a hotel, or just about anywhere else when traveling and you just can’t get online, where each selection you try either doesn’t connect or brings you to that unwelcoming blank white browser screen? Well, we don’t. Do you want to know why? We use BOINGO.

Boingo is simply the best. It’s the largest wi-fi network in the world, which means that you can find connect just about anywhere there’s a signal from airports to hotels, restaurants to conventions and beyond. You can use it one of two ways- pay as you go, or secure an even better deal if you’re on the road frequently and pay by the month for as low as $9.95 for unlimited access domestically. Now THAT’S a deal these days. It’s so smart that it even has a little window that pops up on your laptop every time you run into an area that has a Boingo hotspot. Sauntering around Sao Paulo and need to connect? No problem. Visiting VietNam, zipping around Zambia? They’re there. They’re everywhere.

Here’s the best part- they’re giving away one 6-month Boingo Global Account which gives you access worldwide. A prize worth over $350! All you need to do is simply refer a friend to subscribe to The Explorateur to qualify. The winner will be drawn on Thursday of this week. Ready, set, BOINGO!