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When searching for luxury hotels in Seoul, it’s easy to get lost amongst the many choices. Across the city, on both sides of the river, there are plenty to choose from. What I love about Korea, Seoul in particular, is that there are many high-tech features incorporated into hotel rooms that make the experience even more enjoyable. One hotel, where this is on display more than anywhere else, is the new Conrad Seoul. Attached to one of Seoul’s newest and most decadent shopping centers, the IFC Mall, the Conrad provides a location that is perfect for those who enjoy serious retail therapy. Upon entering, either through the well-manicured drive or underground through the mall itself, you know you’re about to enter a very special environment. I stayed at the hotel, which is perfectly equipped to handle both leisure and business travelers, and was blown away by the comfort and services offered. My room had everything I needed for a pleasant stay. Plush bedding, a dream-like mattress, picture windows with city views, flat screen televisions both in the main room and inside the bathroom mirror, smart toilets, a mini bar and beverage station that featured an advanced tea maker and Nespresso machine. I was in my element. While exploring the rest of the hotel, I found myself on the executive floor, floor 37, for an exquisite buffet breakfast that offered American, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and European specialties. On this floor, hors d’ouevres, coffee, tea and juices are provided throughout the day. After breakfast and snacks, I made my way down to the “wellness zone” where I encountered the large and serene heated swimming pool, 24 hour fitness center and spa. The place is so inviting, you can’t help but want to take a dip in the pool – even if you’re not typically a pool person. Overall, the service was incredible, as it normally is in Korea. But, the Conrad tries extra hard to make guests’ stay special. They succeed. For a truly high-end, five star experience with technology as equally important as good service, this is a hands down winner.

“The Retreat”, in Tanzania, is a luxurious getaway in the vast and untouched, Selous Game Reserve. Beyond the thatched roofs, infinity pool and gourmet food, lies miles and miles of wilderness waiting for exploration. Watch this video – it gives you a snapshot into what it’s like as a guest at this adventure traveler’s paradise.

The Boca Raton Resort and Club, a member of the Waldorf-Astoria Collection, is a little slice of Europe in South Florida. Set right on the white sand beaches against azure waters, the resort makes the perfect place to come and relax for holiday. Enter the long, stately drive to see the original pink manor rise out of groves of palm trees and intricately carved stucco. Built in 1926 by architect Addison Mizner, the resort serves as both a luxury hotel and private club. A mix of old world charm colored in an iconic salmon-pink hugh, the resort received a 150 million dollar renovation in 2009. Guests and members can choose between sushi, Italian, dessert bars and seafood extravaganzas from some of the world’s most prominent chefs. An outpost of New York’s Serendipity, is even on property. A championship 18-hole golf course is at your feet in the morning while waiter-attended pools and beach cabanas call your name after lunch. Tennis? You bet. Water sports? Why not? There really is no reason to leave the resort when you think about it. If you’re a first time visitor to Boca or want an easy-breezy getaway within a three hour flight from New York, Chicago or Atlanta – this is the choice to make.

The Retreat is a surprise in the middle of nowhere. Aside from the fact that it’s located at the edge of The Selous, Africa’s largest and most untamed wilderness, it is one of only a handful of hotels that operate in the area. And, it operates at a level that will blow you away. You know you’re entering complete desolation when you fly in a small, five seat prop plane for miles over nothing. Not a light, not a building not a village – nothing. But, as soon as you land, you know you’re not alone. Fetched from the dirt Sumbazi air-strip by the hotel staff, you’re whisked away to the stunning buildings that make-up the compound. Thatched roofs, stilts and elegant furnishings – it seems you’ve stumbled into the luxury vacation home of Swiss Family Robinson. Each guest, or family,  is given their own villa with a good deal of space between yours and your nearest neighbor. Fine linens, cozy beds, billowy white fabric and well-curated decor paint the place with charm and character. The staff is all smiles and are truly happy to see you happy – in a genuine way. The food is flown-in fresh and each meal, served in villa or at the main house, is an experience. The presentation is outstanding. Game drives are thoughtful and time is taken to make sure the terrain is thoroughly explored so guests can go home with plenty of wildlife stories to share. I was privileged to be inundated with giraffe, hippo and lion during my stay. The unique forested land make the area fun to explore and the animals tend to stay close to the camp because of the thick grasses, trees and river. At the end you’ll feel altered a bit – in a good way. Seeing this part of the world reminds you that mother nature is strong and great and there is nothing that can outdo her beauty or majesty. And what makes her gifts even more appealing, is enjoying them poolside with a cocktail. The Retreat, in The Selous, is the perfect place to call your home away from home in Southern Tanzania.

Near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, sits a boutique hotel, The Villa Hotel Majestic, that is family-owned and run. A hidden property, behind a graciously historic facade on Rue La Perouse, you immediately feel like you’ve come home upon entering. I stayed at the hotel for two nights on my recent trip to Paris and had the delight of experiencing all it has to offer – on every level. When I arrived, I was met by the staff who took me straight to my suite which was outfitted like my own large and spacious Parisian apartment. The room had all the features one would need to be comfortable; a small kitchenette with coffee and tea, digitally controlled lighting, flat screen televisions, marble bathrooms and an incredible rain shower. But, to my liking, what it also had were the historical details and ambience that one comes to Paris to experience. High ceilings, crown moldings, stately fireplace mantles. It was the perfect combination of old and new – I could have stayed a month. Throughout the hotel, the designers have clearly had fun and not been afraid to integrate color. Reds, whites, pinks and other bright touches add to the friendly and cheerful mood of the place. On the lobby level is the restaurant which serves a hearty buffet breakfast in the morning. Below the lobby is my idea of heaven. The spa. The spa is outfitted with a large exercise facility, a squeaky clean indoor pool and lounge area. It also has several treatment rooms for the spa services. It’s clear to me why both businessmen and families feel equally comfortable in this hotel. It’s easy, effortless and just works well. I recommend it for any visitor who desires the opportunity to surround themselves with luxury and comfort, a sense of “home”, but in a non-pretentious way. Bon voyage.

21,100 square miles, That sounds large and vast, doesn’t it? It is. It’s the size of The Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. Located in Southern Tanzania, the park has been listed a UNESCO world heritage site since 1982 due its diversity in wildlife and its undisturbed nature. Oddly, it is one of the least visited and least famous parks when compared to the Maasai Mara in Kenya or even the Serengeti in Norther Tanzania. But, amid the tall grasses, baobab trees and winding rivers – there is so much to see. It’s places like this that should be protected, fiercely, because they are so rare. Here are a few of nature’s highlights from my three day visit.

Tucked away on the quiet but well-located street, Rue Frédéric Bastiat, Hotel Daniel is a place where you can hide away in luxury as a true Parisian. Just a stone’s throw from the lively Champs-Élysées and some of the best shopping on Rue Faubourg Saint Honoré, your home in Paris will allow you the ability to visit the important cultural attractions while still relishing in your proximity to neighborhood restaurants, pâtisseries and nightlife. As a  Relais & Châteaux property, you know there has been no detail overlooked. Upon entering, guests feel like they’ve stepped into someone’s well-appointed and private town home. You’re met by a discreet welcome where your check-in is expedited and you are shown to your room. The lobby stands as a social gathering place with elegant, classic furnishings, artwork and painted walls. Sitting just in the center of the room is a freshly baked tray of pastries for you to nibble-on while catching-up with email or reading the paper over tea. In the rooms (mine was deluxe) you find there to be large windows facing the streets, all with good light pouring through. Ceilings are high and the walls are papered with a Chinese motif. Throughout my room, I found a sitting area, the bedroom, a good sized bathroom and a welcome of two French financiaers (small almond cake). I was more than pleased as the rooms at Hotel Daniel are a good size – especially for Parisian standards. They are comfortable and inviting. The hotel offers a beautiful restaurant on site, Restaurant Daniel, and is headed by chef Jerome Bonnet. The kitchen features traditional gastronomic French fare, in a gourmet and elegant way. This, too, is where you may have breakfast. A dinner at the restaurant or even weekend brunch will allow you to engage with the staff and even learn their names through your decadent meal. They will personally escort you out of the hotel upon check-out, too, and send you off to your next destination with smiles and waves – as if they’ve been your friends for years. It is here where you can come and stay a while – in quiet, in solace, but with all that you need to make Paris yours.

Casa Gangotena, sitting in the heart of historic Quito, makes my top five luxury hotel picks for 2014 travel in South America. Perched atop the beautiful Plaza San Francisco, the Spanish architecture invites you in to the cozy interiors once used by Ecuadorian presidents and the illustrious Gangotena family since 1926. Greeted by the smiling staff, you can’t help but notice the entire place is outfitted with original plaster work, paintings and murals. Guests can’t help but be taken back to a time of elegance and civility, long-gone in many other parts of the world. Rooms are grand, many with views of the Andes mountains and the plaza. Most feature huge, comfortable beds with imported linens, large marble bathrooms, sizable picture windows and generous toiletries for the guests’ use. Once settled-in and your clothing unpacked into the large closets, head to the restaurant on the ground floor for a brunch fit for a king. Eggs and pancakes made to order as well as local dishes like arroz con pollo and seafood specialties from the coast all make delicious options. The hotel makes excellent use of the year-round fresh fruit and vegetables by integrating them into homemade yogurts, juices, pastries and quiche. The food with honestly blow you away. The hotel’s staff make it very clear that your happiness is their priority. No request is too large and they are happy to assist with anything from dinner reservations, historical city tours, car service, shopping suggestions and more. At just the mention of a birthday within our small group, we were happily surprised to find a beautiful Ecuadorian chocolate torte in the room with “Happy Birthday” written in chocolate too – no charge. This hotel knows that love is in the details. After a day out in the city, Gangotena is a respite for relaxation. I love the Quiteño (the word used to describe those from Quito) coffee break around 4:00 pm. Sit in the quiet lobby or in the back garden to enjoy Ecuadorian espresso, pastries and finger sandwiches from the chef. This is enough time to reboot and soak up some of the refreshing Andes mountain air. Choosing Gangotena is not and option, but a must for any first-timer to Quito. There’s no better or more luxurious home away from home in the city – I promise.

Now, I’m not the typical church goer but when a church looks like this…sign me up. The Church and Monastery of St. Francis, built between 1534 and 1604 in Quito, is a sight to see. It has the distinction of being the largest architectural ensemble among the historical structures of colonial Latin America and still serves as a place of worship today. What I love is that the “The Church of San Francisco” is an incredibly ornate structure and interior, decorated with Mannerist elements and gold for days. The central portion of the structure also houses 3,500 works of colonial art and a library with ancient manuscripts. Whether you attend a service on Sunday (Spanish only, so bring your pocket bible) or go simply to relish in the architecture and art – it’s worth the trip.

There are a lot of airlines that fly between New York City and Paris, France. Throughout the day, dozens of flights depart from JFK and Newark airports and glide over the Atlantic Ocean to the big, bustling Charles de Gaulle airport, located roughly an hour from central Paris. Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy the six (sometimes seven) hour journey in quiet, luxury and convenience – landing a mere 20 minutes from your final destination? Well, that is possible with British Airways subsidiary, OpenSkies Airlines. The airline sponsored our flights to Paris Fashion Week, making our interviews, experiences and show-attendance possible. They jetted us safe and sound from Newark Liberty International Airport to Paris’ much smaller and more convenient Orly Airport. Most of the time, to me anyway, flights are a non-thought and really have to step outside of the box for me to take notice. OpenSkies did just that. The airplanes are large and comfortable Boeing 757s and are outfitted with three classes of service; Economy, Premium Economy and Biz Bed. I flew Premium Economy. The first thing I noticed was that the airplane felt more intimate and had less seats – in anticipation for the customer’s comfort. You didn’t get the impression you’d be flying in a tightly-packed sardine can to the City of Lights – even in Economy. Instead, my cabin, billed as “Premium Economy”, felt more like traditional business class in every sense of the word. Plush pillows, warm blankets, a toiletry kit and bottles of water waited for me on the seat upon my arrival. My leather seat was comfortable and nicely positioned, allowing a truly huge space to stretch out and recline the seat into a state where I could comfortably rest, fully extended, for the duration. When I first sat down, the friendly flight crew welcomed me with orange juice and champagne, neatly dressed in their British Airways uniforms. I stowed my baggage above me in the overhead compartment and finally began to relax. Shortly after takeoff, my dinner order was taken (I had a surprisingly delicious chicken and pasts dish) and I was handed my own personal iPad pre-loaded with over 70 hours of television, movies and games for my enjoyment. I thought this might be a service strictly for my cabin and for those ahead in the Biz Bed cabin, but I was wrong. Everyone on the plane got an iPad. For a minute, I felt like I was an audience member at “The Oprah Winfrey Show”. I was tempted to look under my seat to see what other surprise might be waiting for me. The flight was safe, smooth and the captain generously refrained from announcements throughout the journey, allowing passengers to sleep and relax. After two movies, I dozed-off to wake in time for breakfast being served before landing at Orly Airport. Because the airport is less congested than Charles de Gaulle, the plane quickly parked and passengers were offloaded and quickly taken through immigration to collect their luggage. It was a snap. And, the best part, I was unpacking my bag in the hotel room 25 minutes after getting in a cab at the terminal. All in all, this is now my airline of choice when traveling to Paris. They also fly between JFK and Orly Airport, making that route another option for the New York area. The Biz Bed cabin has completely flat seats for those who really want to zone out and sleep from point A to point B. They also serve Laduree gifts in that cabin. Travelers can book their tickets at flyopenskies.com directly or at British Airways’ ba.com . OpenSkies is that special, boutique experience that rarely exists on flights nowadays between the United States and Europe. Once you’ve had it, it’s hard to go back. * Photos provided by British Airways

A relaxing and beautiful experience in Quito is fairly easy to find. But, one of the best, is the high tea and coffee break at 4:00 pm in the lobby of Casa Gangotena. This beautiful and historic hotel sets the perfect backdrop to enjoy traditional Ecuadorian coffee, mate de coca (tea made from coca leaf) and finger sandwiches. The chef prepares cascading tiers of pastries made with fresh fruit. Tropical flavors make their way into the mix as well. The food is enough to fill you up so be sure to book dinner around 9:00 pm. But, even if you spoil your meal, it was well worth it.

The Villa Hotel Majestic is a beautifully bright, light and luxurious hideaway near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. In every detail, you can see the attention paid to guests’ comfort. From the restaurant to the bar, the spa and the public gathering areas – you feel a sense of welcome, comfort and home. Here is a video to illustrate that point.