Hoteldorf Grüner Baum- Bad Gastein, Austria

Loved for so long by true connoisseurs, this family-run hotel has been somewhat of a best-kept-secret since 1925. What began as a small country inn constructed by the family’s great-grandmother has blossomed into a gorgeous high-altitude hideaway welcoming guests with traditional Alpine-style guest rooms, library, delightful restaurants and cozy open fires. Nestled quietly in a quaint pure valley outside the famed spa town of Bad Gastein, the hotel continues to be a spectacular draw for skiers in the winter, avid hikers in the summer, and spa enthusiasts year round. For, this is no ordinary center of wellness…its thermal indoor pool resplendent with water straight from the hot springs offers a wonderfully soothing sensation for the joints and a revitalization of circulation. It’s rumored that magical powers also exist in their special healing gallery caves, once providing an inexplicable cure for rheumatism for gold miners, and now boasting revitalizing cures for chronic illnesses countless times over via an amazing blend of altitude, air pressure, mineral concentration and a dash of mystical wonder.

Rooms and suites are charming and spacious, adorned with rich fabrics, hand-carved wood furniture and balconies offering stunning views of the magical mountains. A stunning feature to note is that the hotel offers a completely revitalized holiday experience each season! While winter brings with it the fabulous skiing, sledding and skating adventures, summer takes on a whole new life of its own in Bad Gastein. Guests here can indulge in a variety of unique experiences designed for outdoor adventure and plenty of family bonding. Consider rock climbing, a Jacob's Ladder rope climb in the forest, a visit to the petting zoo, rafting along the Gasteiner lake, and a delightful rustic mountain breakfast with the Blumschein family complete with sunshine, music and breathtaking scenery.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary horse-drawn carriage ride through the national park complete with picnic lunch in the forest, plus children 16 & under stay free in room with parents, or their own room for only 60 Euro per night. Click HERE for more info and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

*7 nt min required for carriage ride/picnic

AFRI-SKI- Lesotho

OK- you've conquered all domestic slopes, schussed the Alps, even trekked to Chile to add a bit of flavor to your well-worn skis. But, did you ever consider the possibility of skiing Africa? Most people don't even think it's possible, which is why it's all the more appealing. One of the best ways to conquer this ski-themed final frontier is over at Afri Ski, the top African ski experience. It's set in the mysterious kingdom of Lesotho...ok, so not so mysterious but it sounds good, doesn't it? Lesotho is a tiny nation surrounded completely by South Africa, so carry your passport on the drive which is just a few hours from Johannesburg.

We're talking a 1 KM ski slope, snow making equipment, kids club, ski school, ski rentals, challenging courses, lifts and more- it's the real deal in a place you'd never expect.

Needless to say, this is not a snap decision, a trip like this takes plotting out so
hurry now and you can still make it before the season ends in a few months. Plus, you can brag about just returning fresh off the slopes at a fabulous find when everyone else back home is still waiting for the season to begin. You are so ahead of the curve... www.afri-ski.net

NB- The resort runs STRICTLY on a cash basis only, be sure to hit up the ATM before trekking out.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save up to 30% at a selection of ultra-cool boutique hotels in Johannesburg to pair with a Lesotho skiing jaunt, along wiht special savings on private car transportation to Afri Ski. Click HERE for more information or to book and 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- Save 10% on your stay. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

AETHER MOBILE- Save up to 90% on international calls

Karma can be a you-know-what. My payback in life for being unabashedly, visibly amused over and over again upon disembarking from a cruise and seeing thousands of people staring at their bills that were discretely shoved under the door hours before, clutching their heads and saying “how the heck can I owe all this extra money!” is the dreaded ridiculously huge international cell phone bill. That which I’ve incurred far too many times from far too many trips, and far too many long unnecessary conversations or streams of text messages and is always enough of a buzz-kill to make me resolve to put down the Blackberry when I travel. OK- so we all know that’s never going to happen, and if you’re an Explorateur you know that’s not going to happen with you either. This is why you need to discover Aether Mobile.

We’re talking INCREDIBLE savings on international roaming. The service is brilliant, just one SIM card from them and you’re up and running right away, saving up to 90% as you globe-hop and chat/text to your heart’s content. We’re talking no fixed contracts, no expiration on credit, automatic top-ups, clear connections, free texts, and SAVINGS.

They cover 206 countries (76 of which are free roaming!) and 565 international network operators, plus you’ll get access to voice mail and efficient customer service- so, take that extra coin and spend it on something far more interesting and sensible- like that pair of chartreuse leather sparkly pointy-toed slippers in the souk. http://www.aether-mobile.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save an additional 14%! Use code ‘Explorateur’ when registering and voila, instant additional savings. No need to be afraid of the international call any longer. Gab on with confidence and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!