FASANO LAS PIEDRAS- Punta del Este, Uruguay
It's a beautiful thing when your destination is equally as stunning as the winding journey one must take to arrive, and in the case of Hotel Fasano Las Piedras, this has never been more true. One must really have a strong desire to reach this coastal haven, as it is an extensive distance from just about anywhere but once you arrive, you'll likely find it impossible to leave.
This is a destination for the jetsetter that years for adventure and luxury in abject serenity. Design lines are clean and angular here, farmstyle décor and upon first sight it seems as though it was completely carved right out of the landscape itself. The staff...discrete from years of handling celebrity clientele at sister properties. The service...multilingual, supersonically capable and intuitive down to the last detail. Design lines are sleek and angular, and the landscape is naturally Uruguayan with native flora and fresh vegetables used daily in the hotel's menus daily. Here, life is quiet amidst the inspiring scenery and rustic chic décor. This is where one goes to escape, ironically though you find yourself instead enveloped in the center of all that this region embodies. A natural stone outdoor pool beckons, a fabulous spa tempts, and the gorgeous cuisine served up at Fasano presenting Italian goodies and Las Piedras for more casual fare complemented by the ever-creative libations doled out at the bar ensure one is obtusely spoiled for choice. Bungalows here are intimate and inviting, all proffering phenomenal views of the greenery and the River Maldonado, while high-tech amenities and uber-comfortable bedding enshrouds you while you rest from a day of picnicking by the river, jet skiing and kayaking on the water, a complimentary session with a personal trainer, yoga session and spa treatment. The perfect antidote to the hypnotic hyper-active Punta del Este beach scene, impossibly close yet very far away from this stylishly remote retreat.
 
EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE OFFER- Complimentary breakfast for two people served in the restaurant, wireless internet access and 15-minute welcome massage in Spa Fasano. Connect with us for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Exploraetur sent you
ANTARCTIC ICE MARATHON
 
I see this and all I can picture is Jack Nicholson yelling "You can't handle the cold!" You may see this and get inspired to do something absolutely beyond the ordinary (if not a slightly bit mad as well) and if you can in fact handle the absolute freezing, bitter, bone chilling temperatures- you might just have a shot at winning the next Antarctic Ice Marathon this November 20th.
The race takes place in this coldest part of Earth, the foot of the Ellsworth Mountains just a few hundred miles from the South Pole to be exact. 

We're talking seriously treacherous terrain, windchills of -20C, fierce Katabatic winds...oh, and did we mention you'll be doing this all at an altitude of 700 meters in 24/7 daylight? Minor details at this point. Runners embark on a 5 day whirlwind journey that has them flying from Punta Arenas, Chile to Union Glacier on the frozen continent where the 26.2 mile journey will begin. There won't be anyone on the sides cheering you on or offering you ice cubes, not even penguins or any mammals for that matter. Just you, the wind, the ice, the cold and the drive to conquer this last frontier. Overnight in the bright sunny evenings at the Glacier Camp, featuring double-walled cozy sleeping tents, home cooked meals and solar powered electricity.
Did we hear you say this isn't tough enough? No problem, there's also the Antarctic 100K Ultra Race reserved for the fiercest of competitors- truly the world's most freezing route through mountains and massive expanses of ice beginning on November 22.
Registration starts at €9,900 including the flight from Punta Arenas, 5 days' accommodation and meals, plus entry in your race of choice. As for me, I chose to sit back and watch and congratulate the brave contenders- all of them winners in my book for even attempting such a feat. www.icemarathon.com