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South Korea consumes more luxury goods than any other country in the world. In fact, Incheon Airport, in Seoul, is the only airport in the world that has a full-sized Louis Vuitton store with a line full of people wrapped around it waiting to shop. So, with that in mind, it makes sense that the Hermès store in the heart of Dosan Park has a museum in its basement. As I made my way through the scarves, Birkins and bangles – I was lead down a glowing set of stairs that took me to an otherworldly, LED lit space. In the Promenade Museum, located in the first floor basement, is an imaginary forest that was designed to create an aura utilizing the motive of verticality and nature. This place encourages you to venture forward to the future while reflecting the past of the brand. It was made by a scenographer, poet and a partner of Hermès, Hilton McConnico. The trunks of the trees exhibit various collections that reflect the creative spirit of Hermès including pieces from its founding year of 1837.

The Tribe Hotel in the affluent suburb of Gigiri is the hot spot to be if you want truly Kenyan hospitality but with a modern edge. Surrounded by the United Nations and the homes of diplomats, Tribe is a place to kick back, escape the hustle and bustle of Nairobi’s central business district and relax. Mehraz Ehsani is the architect of the hotel and he did an amazing job of fusing nonconformist angles in the design with sand colored blocks, glass, steel and soaring open spaces. The property is meticulously decorated with tribal art worthy of a museum exhibition. As a guest, you couldn’t ask for better service. The hotel’s reception, bellmen, waiters and concierge are all there for your comfort. And it shows. I felt like I was truly at home, safe and sound, with not a care in the world. And breakfast, which is served poolside or in the restaurant, Jiko, offers American, European and African specialties that won’t leave you asking for more. Next to the hotel is a small mall with many shopping options and, on certain days of the week, the Maasai market rolls-in with treasures from Kenya’s bush country. All in all, I wouldn’t stay anywhere else.

What can I say about flying on Korean Air’s beautiful Airbus A380 airplane in business class non-stop from New York to Seoul? The one thing that comes to mind is heaven – and that is no exaggeration. Koreans are known for their attention to detail and warm hospitality – especially when guests are invited into their space. Flying on Korean Air is no different. Boarding the flight was seamless, with a separate boarding door for first/business passengers and economy passengers. I was escorted to the upper deck of the beautiful new airplane to find that my seat was large, comfortable and immediately put me at ease with the airline’s signature celadon blue color palette. Once seated, no less than two flight attendants hurried over to take my jacket, help me store my bag and offer me a pre-flight beverage. I knew this flight was going to be good. The non-stop flight from New York’s JFK Airport to Seoul’s Incheon Airport is roughly 14 hours, give or take, depending on weather. Immediately after takeoff, the procession began. Like a well choreographed dance, the flight attendants went through safety measures and instructed those in the business class cabin how to properly use their chairs which rotated, reclined and swiveled into a variety of comfortable positions. Menus were handed out which included both Western and Korean specialties. I opted for the traditional Korean Bibimbap simply because I was interested in how the airline would serve a lunch that normally requires a hot stone pot and many ingredients – all at 37,000 feet. Sans stone pot, the meal was served flawlessly. And, it was very tasty. After lunch, I wandered around the spacious business class cabin which included two lounges with bars for homemade cocktails, sofas and snack platforms where passengers could constantly pick at something if they happened to have a big appetite. I did. Around the corner, a bathroom big enough for cartwheels featured soft lighting and Jurlique skincare products. I was impressed. But, I hadn’t seen anything yet. As I made my way down the stairs in front of the lounge, I found myself inside an actual duty free store on the airplane. Everything from makeup, perfume and other items were offered with LED screens displaying Louis Vuitton ads behind the counter. Wow. If this was a snapshot of what I’d find in Korea, which it was, I was very excited. After my rendezvous with the duty free store, I went back to my seat for a nap. A few hours later, I awoke to find dinner being served. I ordered the roasted chicken which, amazingly, comes from the airline’s own organic farm on the Korean island of Jeju. Aside from this rarity not typically seen with most airlines operating in today’s market, the company also bottles their own spring water from springs on the island. It’s obvious Korean Air has a strong commitment to every sector of their product, relying on no one but themselves to deliver the best for their customer. After dinner and a few movies from the entertainment system, we were descending toward Incheon International Airport just outside of Seoul. As the plane touched down, 14 hours after it had lifted from the ground a world away, I didn’t want the flight to end. But, it was time to explore this exciting country. One thing I concluded after my journey, for myself, was that there really is no other way to get to Korea than Korean Air. The experience was one of the best I’ve had in the air in a very long time and would be hard to top. With safety and quality being their priorities, added to the fact that they have one of the largest route networks worldwide, any frequent traveler would easily make this airline their choice when passing through the Asian market and beyond.

Kenya is known for its wildlife. People come from across the planet to view the magic of the Maasai Mara and other national parks the country has to offer. I feel a strong connection with Africa (as cliche as that sounds) and Kenya is one of my favorite countries to visit. The savannah offers such a diverse spectrum of wildlife, you could easily spend months there and still overturn new things on a daily basis. Here are a few of my favorite sights from my two days on safari.

The historic Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, built in 1693, is located in a wealthy and picturesque suburb of Cape Town called Constantia. Surrounded by gardens, vineyards and huge camphor trees, there is not another, more picturesque hotel located this close to the action of the city. Just 15 minutes from the famous Victoria and Alfred waterfront, where shopping and fine dining reign, the hotel maintains a low profile for those looking to settle-in to ultimate luxury and beauty while in town. But, Cellars is not simply a luxury hotel. It’s a home away from home for those who know the difference. Part of the Relais & Chateaux collection and the gem in the esteemed group of hotelier Liz McGrath’s properties  – it is a sanctuary for those obsessed with details. From the elegant and well-appointed English country decor, and the spacious rooms with private gardens and terraces – guests can feel as if they’re in their own rented villa at times. Rooms boast large bathrooms with radiant-heated floors, as well as sitting rooms to enjoy an evening-in watching television or reading. At the center of the hotel lies The conservatory, which serves picture-perfect, tantalizing breakfasts, teas and lunches. The food is out of this world. Fresh pressed juices, fluffy pancakes, stuffed omelets and more – there’s something for everyone. For those interested in dining at one of South Africa’s most talked-about and esteemed restaurants, walk a mere 30 feet and land at The Greenhouse where chef Peter Tempelhoff will take you on a culinary expedition you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, on you’re honeymoon or just appreciate the finer things in life – Cellars-Hohenort is magic. It’s truly worth every dollar and every moment will be one for the memory bank.

Kenya truly surprised me and humbled me as a traveler. Not only did the people exceed my expectations in their warmth and hospitality, but the stunning landscapes will stay with me until my next visit. Spending my last day and evening in the Maasai Mara, I gazed out towards the horizon, comforted knowing that all of Mother Nature’s gifts were where they belong. Conversely, I also felt a sense of panic knowing, inside, that it ‘s only a matter of time before they vanish if human beings are allowed to continually encroach on their environment. I felt as small as an ant in this great wilderness but that’s okay. I soaked-up my last moments at the beautiful Cottar’s camp before saying goodbye to Kenya. See you next time.

Cottar’s 1920 is a safari experience that is incomparable in the Maasai Mara National Park in Southern Kenya. Aside from the fact that the family-owned operation pioneered the idea of tourism safaris almost 100 years ago, the experience is like being a guest at someone’s private game reserve. And, in reality, that’s exactly the case. Equipped with incredibly luxurious “tents”, leaning more toward a private canvas villa, guests are taken a world away from reality, without having to give up modern conveniences. Plush bathrooms, cozy beds, fireplaces and a personal butler – all make for a good time. In the main tent, is the communal sitting areas, dining room and views for miles over the Mara. Guests are treated to three gourmet meals daily, game drives, a swimming pool, spa treatments and interaction with the warm Maasai people who live in the area. Game drives are lead by expert guides who are among the best in the country. Watch the video for insights as to what makes this place so special. And, below, find the interview done with camp owner, Calvin Cottar. If you haven’t had the joy of seeing a lion up close or the great migration happen before your eyes, it’s best you choose Cottar’s 1920’s Camp to show you how. IC: What makes Cottar’s 1920’s Camp special amongst all the other options in the Maasai Mara? CC: Authentic history spanning 98 years in the area and no mass tourism in our area – therefore a better quality wildlife and wilderness experience and superior guiding. We have three of Kenya’s fifteen gold level KPSGA guides. IC: As someone who grew up in and around the Mara, what is the importance of the reserve to the country of Kenya? CC: 40% of Kenya’s tourism revenues (a billion dollar industry worth 12% of Kenya’s GDP), are generated by Maasai Mara in some form or another. It’s also the most important tourism brand name in Kenya. Also, 40% of the country’s wildlife population inhabits the Mara reserve and surrounding conservancies. It’s so important, it’s hard to put into words. IC: What is a common misconception of the safari? CC: That a safari is dangerous. No. Safari is actually one of the most safe things you can do with your family. IC: What does Cottar’s do as a business for the community in the Mara and the environment? CC: We started a non-profit trust, Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust, that pays for: bursaries for over 40 school kids in secondary school, building and staffing of a primary school and providing a free feeding program for over 190 children, aided in water supply to the school, built a bridge over a local river where dozens of people have drowned over the last few years and brought-in ambulances with international doctor groups. We also pay the community for a 6000 acre wildlife conservancy/easement to secure the land from subdivision and farming. We pay for anti-poaching units and training, aerial surveys and undercover operations to capture ivory traders. IC: What is your philosophy and ethos as a safari camp owner in 2013? CC: Safari is “experiential” and not just a hotel (though the camp has to be top notch). We don’t have a future if we don’t secure the land for wildlife. IC: In what state is the health of the Mara as an ecosystem now, in 2013? CC: The Mara is the top wildlife experience in the world today, and the best part is the non-mass tourism area where Cottar’s 1920 is located. However, there are threats of overdevelopment of hotels and domestic livestock. But we have faith the current government will sign the Maasai Mara Management Plan and that they will act to reduce the pressure on the Mara. IC: Who is the Cottar’s customer? CC: Anyone who wants to have a life changing experience in the best wilderness of Africa. Our clients come from all corners of the world, from old Europe to the New World and Asia. Wherever our clients come from they have common interest, language and culture to fit in seamlessly together at Cottar’s camp, often making lifelong friendships. We have four generations come on safari sometimes. IC: What legacy do you wish Cottar’s to have over the next several decades? CC: For the Cottar’s safari legacy to continue for many more generations, and, that we are the cause and reason for our Maasai landlords to choose wildlife and wilderness as their future land instead of farming, and to conserve wildlife into perpetuity!

The Taj Lake Palace is like a mirage set in the middle of Lake Pichola in Rajasthan. Never have I stayed at a property so unique in its setting, that the site of it alone stopped me in my tracks. Hovering like a cloud in the middle of the lake, the former residence of the royal family built in 1743 is now a luxury hotel that exudes “fantasy” from every direction. The marble walls, the gardens, the pools and the incomparable service all add to the ambiance of this magnificent hotel.

The Maasai people who inhabit the Maasai Mara National Park in Southern Kenya, are exceptionally warm people. They are always smiling, hugging and showing their affection to each other and new friends. On my first night at Cottar’s 1920s Camp, a group of them came to give us a traditional welcome dance around the fire. It was a beautiful assortment of color, texture, music, humming and other sounds that were quite unexpected. Here is what I saw.

Although the official residence for Sweden’s royal family is Stockholm Palace in the center of the bustling capital, their day to day is spent about an hour away via road or water. Pulling-up, or floating-up via boat in my case, is quite the experience. Flanked by acres and acres of manicured lawns and gardens, the pale yellow palace is striking. Drottninghom translates to “Queen’s Islet”, which makes sense because the palace sits on an island surrounded by pristine lakes and waterways. Built in the late 1600’s, Drottningholm is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sweden’s first family has opened it up for tours and allow citizens and foreigners to stroll through the grounds. You can even have lunch at the restaurant just off the boat dock. This is definitely a site not to miss!

Wiestbaden Town Germany - 1 Wiesbaden , a small town in the Frankfurt am Main region, has been attracting visitors for its wellness-oriented tourism and thermal springs since the days of the Romans. And, with riesling basically flowing through the veins of any traveler enjoying the local spirit, wellness is a necessity. Offering over 26 thermal springs bubbling-up around town, there are no shortage of hotels and facilities catering to those who are serious about their health. In fact, during the summer and autumn months, Wiesbaden attracts members of royal families from the Middle East as well as international celebrities. The town of Wiesbaden is beautiful, flanked with historic buildings, a stunning town hall, gardens and parks. It’s gentle hills allow visitors to get a perspective from varying points, admiring historic homes and green spaces from above. For those looking to visit Wiesbaden for the baths, the Kaiser Friedrich baths are a must. These baths sit atop an ancient Roman steam room and provide over 15,000 square feet of saunas to explore and unwind in. If baths are not your cup, or glass, of riesling, you can enjoy the area’s shopping and culinary delights. Visiting Wiesbaden is taking a moment to unwind and truly relieve yourself of any stress you might have. Here, you can let go and bathe in the beauty and tradition that surrounds you.

Marrakech is a bewilderingly colorful and textured place. Moroccans have a knack for art and craftsmanship – which has been a part of their culture for thousands of years. You can see this everywhere you look, from fabrics and tiles, intricate carvings and woodwork. As you stroll throughout the city and into the interiors of hotels, restaurants and private spaces, you can’t help but notice the beauty that surrounds you. If there’s one place you will be able to come that will leave you completely and utterly enchanted, visually, it’s Marrakech.