MONTAUK YACHT CLUB RESORT & MARINA- The Hamptons

Yes, we're kind of in love with the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina, and once you see it, you'll likely feel the same. Rich in history, steeped in Hamptons tradition and a veritable playground for 80 years for boaters, yachters, jet-setters and beach-lovers overall, the resort today is refreshed and renewed, welcoming guests to its private enclave on the South Fork of Long Island. What began as an elegant Tudor manor and freshwater lake complete with a landmark lighthouse and 20 suites housing the likes of the Fords & Morgans blossomed into the Hampton's premiere beachfront resort with an award-winning 232-slip marina reflecting the grace and elegance of yesteryear.

WE WANT YOU BE THERE...so don't miss your chance to win below.

It's not just all about the beach here...or the 3 pools, or the boats and yachts- Montauk Yacht Club offers a sporty array of activities to keep every member of the family engaged. Hang ten at Surf Camp, glide along the water in a kayak, try your hand at stand-up paddling, keep fit with yoga or on the tennis court or the gym, and enjoy adorable, quintessentially Hamptons family activities such as bonfires on the beach and movies on the lawn. Craving nightlife? Fear not, some of the area's best is just minutes away.

Rooms blend perfectly, with a nautical twist on décor- navy and white-accented furniture, balcony, lavish bedding, Keurig coffee makers, iHome clock radios and spacious bathrooms with deluxe amenities. For extra room and privacy, seek out the luxury villas which stand separately from the main building offering a serene, spacious private enclave steps from the heart of the property.

SPECIAL SPRING OFFER!- Rates starting at $149!* Travel any time between the season's opening date of 01 Mar through 15 May and take advantage of incredible rates, and mild weather before the crowds roll in! www.montaukyachtclub.com

WIN A 2 NIGHT STAY! Simply Tweet us @theexplorateur or post on our Facebook wall and tell us why you need a spring getaway. One lucky person will win 2 nights in a gorgeous room, daily breakfast and VIP service. Good luck!

WORLD'S MOST FUTURISTIC HOTELS

Nothing excites us more than the prospect of something innovative in the world of travel. We see quite a bit of cool stuff in our travels, yes- but nothing compared to these intriguing ideas that are in the works. Who thinks of these things? Enjoy these incredible feats and rest assured, once doors are open, we'll be checking them out and telling you every bit of scoop...

FULL MOON BAY-Azerbaijan

Chic, sleek & supermodern aren't usually the first words to come to mind when thinking about Azerbaijan, but this disclike structure set to overlook the Caspian Sea is set to become a household name. 150 meters high, 35 stories tall, 382 rooms large, and shaped like a crescent moon flanked by a 43 floor office building and residence. Some say it looks like the Death Star from Star Wars, we say it looks just plain cool.

LUNATIC HOTEL-The Moon

If you've ever dreamed of landing on the moon, it's your lucky day. Well, kind of...this incredibly ambitious lunar hotel is slated to appear in 2050, as things like launching steel and water to the moon are just slightly challenging at the moment.Architects envision that one day, construction will be possible from the Moon, and we'll have our lunar playground complet with a low-gravity interior, "habituation capsules", and an abjectly, ridiculously gimongous pricetag.

THE APEIRON HOTEL-Dubai

Rumor has it, this place will knock the Burj Al Arab out of first place in the world of 7 star hotels. 350 luxury suites with a jungle theme, private beaches, amazing shopping, dining, art galleries and spa on a private island. Mesmerizing to look at and we can't even imagine how incredible the service is with a projectied guest-to-staff ratio of 1:1. Seriously?

AEROSCRAFT FLYING HOTEL- In the air

This 400 ton hybrid airship must be the project of an engineer's dreams over at Worldwide Aeros Corporation. This is a full-on passenger hotel measuring 2 football fields in length, hanging suspended in the air via 14 million cubic feet of helium, electricity and hydrogen fuel. Up to 250 passengers at a time can enjoy flying in this coach of comfort while enjoying the on-board casino, restaurants and accommodations both on a day basis and overnight. It can land anywhere, fly anywhere and the sky is litorally the limit.

WATERWORLD- China

Designed focusing on aquatic elements, this complex will feature accommodations and public areas underneath the surrounding lagoon. 400 rooms underneath, activities like rock climbing and bungee jumping above sea level. Interesting...

Tell us about YOUR most futuristic hotel experience! Email us at info@theexplorateurportfolio.com and share it on Facebook.

THE BLUE TRAIN- South Africa
Dine, laze, gaze, sip, be spoiled, be pampered, relax, repeat. If this sounds like something you can handle, then a luxury rail journey is just the thing for you. There's something that is just so splendidly chic about train travel, especially when the train involved happens to be one of the most luxurious in the world. There is perhaps no finer example of opulent traveling five-star (plus) accommodations than the world-famous Blue Train, which travels across the magically scenic landscape of South Africa.

Guests aboard the train are spoiled from the time of arrival in the exclusive departure lounges in either Pretoria or Cape Town, where they're met with a libation and introduction to their personal butler who will be looking after them for the duration of their stay aboard.

Each of the lavish suites are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany wood, luxe linen atop supremely comfortable beds, TVs with movie channels and even a GPS channel so you know exactly where you are at any time of the day. Best of all, each suite has it's own gorgeous bathroom- no queuing in the corridor to brush your teeth at night. The train travels at a comfortable speed, allowing for hours of tremendous, ever-changing vistas as you traverse from one end of the country to another, stopping briefly along the way for an excursion. After that, it’s back on board for traditional high tea followed by a lavish, elegant dinner experience.

Feeling hungry? Not to worry, the train is equipped with a team of traveling chefs that produce gourmet meals morning, noon and night...and beyond. The staff is tremendously hospitable and truly makes you feel like royalty. Best of all, the overnight journey easily fits in to almost any South Africa itinerary. It truly is an experience of a lifetime, not to be missed whilst in this wondrous land.

SPECIAL OFFERS- Travel before 31 Mar 2012 and one person travels at 50% off, double occupancy. Or, opt for 2 FREE hotel nights in either Cape Town or Pretoria any time in 2012 at your choice of Westin Cape Town, 131 Herbert Baker in Pretoria, or Sheraton Pretoria. Contact info@theexplorateurportfolio.com for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

EVASON ANA MANDARA- Vietnam
Ana Mandara means “beautiful home for the guests”, and never were truer words more spoken at this quaint escape reminiscent of an old Vietnamese village, an exclusive enclave styled in native woods and rattan who proudly holds the title of Nha Trang’s only true beachfront resort. Its location, fabulous- directly off the area’s most famous dramatic thoroughfare. Its setting? Spectacular- resting beautifully on 20,000 sq. meters of private tropical gardens that brush against the sea. The service- absolutely outstanding and truly refined.

Accommodations here are as gracious and gorgeous as you’d expect, decked in fresh clean colors, flowing fabrics that catch the breeze that swirls through the verandah from the sea, and all the five-star amenities you desire. For an absolutely special treat, try the Deluxe Beachfront Villas, offering direct access to the shores, open timbered roof, absolutely enormous bath & rain shower, and private Jacuzzi.

Though you’re spoilt for choice in the culinary sense with several restaurants and bars on property, indulge in a Villa dining experience in the sanctuary of your own retreat, beginning the day with a surprise Champagne breakfast or ending your day with a private candlelight dinner for two on your terrace followed by cocktails overlooking the gardens or Nha Trang Bay. Chefs here create the most interesting blends of Vietnamese cuisine fused with contemporary influences, resulting in culinary journeys as individual as each guest’s palate.

Their Six Senses Spa is dedicated to creating sensory journeys of holistic wellness and delivers serenity and rejuvenation with their selection of Eastern and Western-inspired pampering treatments utilizing natural products and ancient methods. Test out a complimentary session of yoga or Tai Chi as well to complete the cycle of revitalization at this most stunning jewel.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- VIP room upgrade + complimentary 30 minute body scrub for 2. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

PALACE DEL PRETE DI BELMONTE- Venafro, Italy
Have you ever wanted to feel like a royalty? Seeking an experience just a bit different than the usual glitzy, touristic-high street-style hotel? The historical Palace del Prete di Belmonte is the place for you. There's no shortage of incredible locations in Italy, however, Palace owners feel they've selected the most prestigious and beautiful place that offers a stay that is one of dreams. (and we do too)

Their goal? To surprise guests by continuously revealing undiscovered Italian artistic gems of royal life. and to put this feeling into real life, giving them the opportunity to indulge in aristocratic Italian style and antiquity. Guests here have the chance to live in an enchanting estate rich in regal tradition and customs, with a fair amount of quirkines as well, so much so that one feels instantly transported to the truest sense of a bygone era.

Residing for several generations by the Marquis del Prete Belmonte, Mrs. Dorothy Volpe del Prete di Belmonte is now the sole ruler of the palace, which also serves as a private apartment for the family del Prete di Belmonte itself. The ground floor, once used to keep carriages, has been transformed into a beautiful hall available for small conferences, private meetings and other special events. On the main floor, guests enjoy breakfast in an elegant drawing room decorated with frescoed ceilings depicting views of the town and the Del Prete country estates. Outside, guests enjoy a delightful courtyard with charming central garden with old-fashioned fragrant roses.

The rooms in the upper floor of the palace are furnished with period furniture and are available for guests. All are air-conditioned, wi-fi, and have private bathrooms. Gastronomy is a celebrated revival of classical Italian recipes from the 17th-18th Century, a true sensory and intellectual experience, at times complemented by a classical Italian music concert under the direction of orchestra conductor Claudio Luongo.

The Palace is located on the edge of Italy's largest National Park, surrounded by ancient olive groves, vineyards and numerous pre-Roman archaeological sites. The 16th Century Historical Palace del Prete di Belmonte has been newly renovated in neoclassical style, and its privileged location provides easy access for tour options from Rome, Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi coast, and Capri.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE - 10% savings on 3 night stays or longer, 1 Free guided tour through the city of Venafro + free entry to the Archeological Museum of Venafro.

CHATEAU DE LA BARRE- France

And here we are, January- the holidays are over, we're back to work, resuming our schedules, and for most of us, it's pretty darn freezing outside. If you're like us and you're finding yourself already stuck in a constant Midsummer Night-style reverie, then we suggest you consider spending a sunny weekend in abject elegance at one of the luxe Chateau de la Barre's Exclusive Private Concert Weekends.

Imagine arriving at a stunning estate, being served a champagne cocktail in the Grand Salon on arrival, followed by an elegant Grand Siecle Dinner in the XVIIth century dining room, only to begin the next day with intricate tours of castles, private tea and wine tasting receptions hosted by French royals, before winding down the day and evenings to come with private chamber music concerts at the chateau performed by respected artists. You'll even have the opportunity to dine with them (that is, if you can fit it in between all of the spectacular regal outings). Chateau de la Barre is sheer elegance in its most inviting, welcoming form and if anyone knows how to welcome guests in style, it's hosts & owners Comte & Comtesse de Vanssay. They are always on hand to ensure each stay is absolutely perfect. Available select dates between July & August 2012, package inclusions vary by date. http://www.theexplorateurportfolio.com/continent/hotel.asp?idhotel=36

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Enjoy special add-ons to this, or any package including

-VIP welcome drink & private visit of the château with Comte de Vanssay
-Daily afternoon tea and English breakfast
-Port Wine and flowers from the garden in room upon arrival
-Wine tasting at nearby winery built into a Xth Century limestone cave
-Assistance with sightseeing maps, transfer arrangements and reservations at nearby restaurants
-Complimentary use of the internet office and onsite bicycles. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!