LASTARRIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL- Santiago, Chile

One of the most charming and memorable aspects about visiting Santiago was how surprisingly easy it was to feel like a local. All along the streets, friendly strangers said hello and smiled. Passersby who may have noticed we were a bit lost kindly offered directions, the food was so comforting at just about every restaurant that it felt we’d been enjoying the dishes for years. And when it comes to hospitality, the boutique hotels in the city have cornered the market on gracious service and one that you’ll certainly be hearing of on your radar is the stunning Lastarria.

Built in 1927, Lastarria maintains the bohemian, classic charm of the era yet modern enough to hold its own in the bohemian quarter, set in its own microcosm of cool, surrounded by the best museums, galleries, trendy shops, antique stores and innovative restaurants. The historic home is so private it feels as if its truly your own residence, complete with a beautifully hidden outdoor pool with manicured greenery, stylish bedrooms and suites all well appointed with the latest technology, and a personal gym and treatment room. There’s even a lift, if the stairs are becoming too much after a ridiculously hearty meal (see The Day I Ate Half A Cow for more on that)

A homemade breakfast served in the lounge along with high tea & wine tasting in the afternoon complete this circle of coziness, not to be outdone by the cultural infusion they can arrange for you ranging from Spanish classes to polo, excursions to wineries or the mountains, to ski resorts and even polo matches. It’s Santiago style at the top of its game.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a Standard Room and receive a complimentary guaranteed upgrade to a Deluxe Room. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

PERCHING BAR @ PARC ARBOXYGENE- Champagne, France

In France, there certainly is no shortage of absolutely fabulous ways for one to spend their time. However, the Perching Bar is truly the definition of haute fabuleaux (no pun intended), because you are, in fact, sipping a gorgeous selection of champagnes 18 feet above ground in a positively glamorous treehouse.

15 minutes from Reims (or 45 from Paris) puts you in the heart of Parc Arboxygene, which in itself is a bit of a haven for zip-liners and jungle acrobats alike. 10 more minutes of upward trekking which includes a stint on a suspended wooden footbridge and you’ve arrived at what is certainly one of the most unique outposts in the world. Inside, they’ve kept it classic rustic treehouse with a dab of chic- we’re talking stilts, comfortable furniture, modern designs carved into the wooden benches surrounding the perimeter, and sexy low-lighting at night which makes for a fairy tale-like setting. If your inner child isn’t convinced yet, they’ve even got rope-handle swings hanging from the ceiling.

Whether you sample the menu or simply want to soak in the incredibly lush views, entrance is 15 Euro (1 glass of bubbly included), and you definitely want to be there to see or be seen on Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights. Just delightful… www.perchingbar.eu

REEF VILLA- Sri Lanka

Beyond the brilliant fusions of colorful buildings and magnificently curious aromas that line the streets of Colombo, beyond the impressive British-influenced castles and Buddhist temples, and miles from the spectacular heritage sites sits a most brilliant oasis where exotic gardens run beautifully rampant, where the ocean shimmers, and where reflection pools and lily ponds create a most romantic setting. This luxurious haven is otherwise known as Reef Villa.

Here, service is effortless, design is luminous, and their 7 exclusive palatial suites are luxurious, enveloping guests in an elegant blend of soaring ceilings, magnificently decorative floors, Indian-inspired hand crafted furnishings and overall fabulous 19th century British Colonial grandeur. The 400-thread-count sheets are as cozy and blissful as the beautiful verandahs, and as spectacular as the en-suite bathrooms complete with overwhelmingly stunning hand-carved granite bathtub and vanity, gorgeous rain shower an exquisite selection of pampering Ayurvedic products. There’s even a personalized mini-bar. Try the Nelum Suite for ultimate privacy- gorgeous Burmese teak wood, significant space to breathe, and the glimmering Indian Ocean views aren’t bad either….

Round out this utterly serene experience by an extended stay in the Refresh Spa where revitalizing treatments are a way of life. Body pampering in the form of an incredible sandalwood/lime/tamarind exfoliating scrub or hot stone therapy treatment are best accompanied by champagne or fresh, cool brewed Ceylon tea. Stunning Sri Lankan splendor.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary herbal oil floral bath en-suite plus complimentary private yoga lesson for 2. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!