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Grand Pigalle Hotel is a new-ish property in the trending area of Pigalle – located in Paris’ 9th arrondissement. The hotel was created by Romée de Goriainoff, Pierre-Charles Cros and Olivier Bon, proprietors of well-known restaurants and cocktail bars. The hotel features “Wine and Dine” – a restaurant and wine bar at its lobby, run by the three proprietors and chef Giovanni Passerini. After opening the restaurant, their desire to expand further into hospitality grew, and the hotel was born. 37 rooms are simple and well done, all by designer Dorothée Meilichzon. With windows overlooking the charming streets and rooftops, light streams in and enlivens the small spaces, which offer comfortable beds and bathrooms for guests. A favorite of the fashion set, Grand Hotel Pigalle is a gathering spot for excellent cocktails and wine as well – relaxed and comfortable. Many hotel guests enjoy the delicious food at the base of the hotel without needing to step-out any further. This is not a place where service is the focus, but more a cozy locale to enjoy being in the heart of one of the city’s best locations. If location, charm and good food are important to you, this property does the trick.

Ruzizi Tented Camp is a nice tented camp in Rwanda’s beautiful Akagera National Park. Here you are able to locate yourself in the heart of it all, including sleeping in tents that lie on the edge of a hippo-filled lake. With elephant grazing nearby and monkeys in the trees above breakfast, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything more beautiful or natural during your stay in Akagera.

One of the most famous horse breeds in the world, Lipizzaner horses, are known for their extreme beauty, stature and milky-white hair that gives them an air of royalty. Not many people know that many of the studs, used to create Lipizzaner families across the globe – especially in Eastern Europe – come from the Lipik stud farm in Slavonia. On a recent visit to this pristine farm, I got the opportunity to see and interact with the horses. The farm lost many during the war in the early 1990s, but has since recovered. It was amazing to see them in their stalls, in the pastures and learn about their lives at the farm. I don’t know if there is another horse as beautiful as the Lipizzaner.

Rwanda is famous for its gorillas, but not many people know about the large population of Golden monkeys that live nearby in the Volcanoes National Park. At the edge of the park, tucked inside the green shrubbery and thickets of bamboo, troops of playful monkeys bounce from tree to tree, darting in and out of the low canopy. Offering visitors the ability to get up close and personal with these curious and cute little primates, Rwanda allows you to spend an hour watching and interacting with them. Golden monkeys are very rambunctious and invite you into their world to witness how they live. As an observer, I spent time on the forest floor watching countless members of the family around me. Some ripped into stalks of bamboo in a furious fever to satisfy their hunger, some wrestled playfully with their nearby friends. This particular experience is different than spending time with Rwanda’s gorillas. It’s a little lighter, a little more spontaneous. I edged very close to these creatures, snapping pictures and monkey selfies throughout my visit. You can’t miss the opportunity while in Rwanda – as it’s a very special and worthwhile experience.

A luxury lodge hanging off the ridge of a mountain, overlooking Rwanda’s Virunga Volcanoes and the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhonda, is the sight of the most spectacular view. The remarkable Virunga Lodge , its intimate and comfortable accommodations, is but the perfect place to take-in the splendors of the scenery and the majesty of the nearby Volcanoes National Park. As a base camp for any luxury traveler exploring the northern region of Rwanda, Virunga Lodge sits in a perfect location for those embarking on gorilla treks, golden monkey treks or mountain hikes. Ascending a bumpy road laden with potholes for several miles, the road narrowing the further you climb, a lodge suddenly emerges. Sitting amongst mature trees and flowering bushes, hummingbirds and butterflies fluttering about, Virunga Lodge is a welcome sight of relaxation and calm. Stepping out of your 4×4 vehicle, the staff greets you instantly with a welcome cocktail and cold towel. Luggage is swept away as you’re taken to your private stone “banda” – a little cottage where you will spend your evenings. There are 10 bandas on the property; each one built using local materials. Stone and wood serve as the main components, while interiors are decorated with white flowing cotton, colorful Rwandan prints and locally sourced handicrafts. Cozy beds, hot water and views for miles make your “home away from home” an incredible place to be. There is Wi-Fi at the lodge, but no television. Who needs television when you are surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world? The lodge offers delicious dining in their main building around a roaring fire, or in the elegant dining room. Local chefs concoct delicious meals using seasonal ingredients – with no detail spared. Serious foodies will be delighted with the offerings here. For lunch, the kitchen will pack you a bag with treats, as you will, more than likely, find yourself out exploring the area. After returning from a long day in the mountains, the staff is happy to clean your boots, preparing them for your next day’s adventure. For entertainment, Virunga Lodge invites locals to perform an “Intore” dance, which is native to the area and a beautiful sight to behold. Most guests spend two nights here, including myself, but I secretly wanted more. Waking every morning to fresh Rwandan coffee and cookies delivered to my room, and watching the sunrise over the twin lakes is an experience I will never forget. Virunga Lodge is the perfect choice for any luxury traveler in search of a truly special experience and surreal vistas that will imprint themselves in your mind and never fade.

Throughout the past several decades, Rwanda’s savannah-dwelling creatures have been slowly killed off. Elephants, lion, buffalo – all gone. This is due largely to the resettling of genocide refugees in areas where these animals once lived. But, the country has dedicated a considerable amount of resources and energy to bring them back. And, the future is beginning to look bright. Akagera National Park, located a mere three hours north of the country’s capital of Kigali, is where the focus lies. Here, amongst the plains that straddle the border of Tanzania, herds of elephant, buffalo and giraffe are beginning to reappear. Seven lions, a small pride, were relocated to Akagera from South Africa in hopes that they would breed and prosper. On my recent trip to the area, I spent two nights at the cozy Ruzizi Tented Camp, on the shores of a lake teeming with hippos. I spent my days in the hot sun driving through the wild and nearly untouched park to see the developments in the country’s effort to make Akagera a viable destination for those who yearn to experience Africa’s wild cats, elephant, zebra and giraffe. I was impressed. Akagera isn’t 100% there in terms of offering visitors guaranteed sightings of their favorite animals, but it’s on its way. I bore witness to elephant and giraffe, zebra and buffalo. Warthogs darted from bush to bush, trying not to be noticed by predators. I tried for two days to see one of the lions, but the park is big and it was hot. This meant they were likely hiding from the unforgiving sun under shrouds of foliage. After two days in Akagera I realized that it has the potential to be Africa’s next amazing game park. Today, it is primed to offer visitors a quiet and personalized look at Africa’s most famous creatures – without the crowds of other more known parks. I recommend you visit now, though, before it becomes too noticed. If your travel plans take you to Rwanda soon, you’ll have nearly the entire area of Akagera to yourself.

As the Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel was just redesigned and reimagined largely in part by Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, it’s fitting that their evening cocktail and snack experience has become one of the most memorable nights out in New York. The famed landmark has been through wars and a depression, and it still stands as a palace of luxury in the city. The beautiful Palm Court with its soft lights, gleaming marble and soaring palms offers evening cocktails that fuse modernity with heritage. Zakarian and mixologist Brian Van Flandern have created a decadent menu that puts visitors in a tough position – which direction do you want your evening to go? You can take a walk down memory lane to the days of Trader Vic’s restaurant in the hotel’s basement by indulging in a throwback cocktail like a Leche Dolce (rum, coconut water, milk and nutmeg) or Barbados Red Rum Swizzle (white rum, ginger beer, lime juice and cane sugar syrup). These cocktails were served in the restaurant between 1965 and 1995. Or, you can pour through the perfectly curated selection of wines or vintage liquors – with the help from the bartender and sommelier, of course. If you’re in the mood for food, choose from offerings like: oysters, Yukon chips with caviar dip, lobster rolls, citrus olives or sweet soy chicken wings. With choices like this, it’s easy to see why those who come turn their cocktail hour into a cocktail evening. If you’re interested in making your New Year’s Eve go from good to fabulous, you might consider the black tie event happening on December 31st at the Palm Court. It will be held from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am, and will include passed hors d’oeuvres, a grand buffet dinner and dancing. All of this will be accompanied by live music by the Mike Herman band. You can find more information on the hotel’s website. Photos courtesy of The Palm Court

Nyungwe National Park is a rainforest that sits in the southwestern region of the country. The park is a fairytale setting of ancient, moss-covered trees, hanging vines and colorful flowers peeking through on the forest floor. But, the most thrilling aspect of this forest lies high in the trees. Hands and feet dangle from the canopy, sounds of mothers calling their babies for snack time and adolescents swing from vine to vine overhead. Chimpanzees are the attraction and, as a visitor, you can take a guided trek through Nyungwe to spot these beautiful creatures. From the ground you can look up, high, and witness the pure spontaneity of it all. Or, you can do as I did and enjoy the scenery from the stunning canopy walk through the clouds.

The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge , located near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park on the slopes of Sabyinyo volcano, is the ultimate destination for luxury. With all the trappings needed for people who have absolutely no desire to camp or even come close to the concept, this lodge fuses five-star amenities and accommodations with the ability to connect with the glorious nature around you. On a recent stay, it was evident that the young couple from Kenya who manage the property accept nothing but the best for their guests, once guests actually reach the Promised Land. At the base of the lodge, visitors are handed walking sticks. This came as an immediate surprise to me. How far could the hotel be up this hill that we need a walking stick to get there? I thought we had arrived. No, we hadn’t. I was almost there, but was tasked with ascending a fairly steep ravine to get to the lodge and my private bungalow. The hotel bellman threw my bags (two of them weighing at least 15 pounds a piece) on top of his shoulders and bounded-up the slope as if it took no effort whatsoever. I realized, in that moment, that I needed to run, not walk, back to the gym once I returned home. But, that’s okay. The hike up the mini mountain was worth it. Once atop the hill, I had entered a zone of absolute bliss. The private bungalows that make up the “rooms” of the hotel are beautiful. Roaring fireplaces, large wooden beds, dream-like mattresses and huge stone bathrooms fool you into thinking you’re at the Four Seasons somewhere. But you’re not. You are in an even better place to truly unwind and enjoy the beauty around you. Butlers are assigned to every bungalow, and they are happy to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Turn down service, unpacking, complimentary laundry – the details shine here. Our favorite part of Sabyinyo was the food. The food cannot be compared to anything else in the area. Homemade pastas, delicate fish, and delicious local desserts – you could easily gain ten pounds here if it weren’t for all the trekking up and down mountains. My favorite dish is the lodge’s homemade pasta with shredded chicken and fresh mushrooms, heavenly. For anyone looking to reconnect with nature but not compromise on their level of comfort – You won’t find a better option than Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.

Strolling into Brussels Airlines’ new bright and light space across from gate A42 in Brussels’ National Airport – you might think that you’ve entered an alternate universe. Leaving the hustle and bustle of an airport behind, The Loft, as it’s called, welcomes you inside for a relaxing break pre-flight. I was recently in this new space during a layover on my way back to New York from Kigali, Rwanda. It was early in the morning and I had just landed after eight hours in the air. I was in desperate need of a shower and refresh before my connection. When I entered I was offered a Microsoft Surface tablet which allowed me to book a shower in one of the spacious private bathrooms. I was also able to book a nap box for a snooze or a meeting room (if I had been traveling with colleagues). It was all set-up beautifully. I spend nearly 30 minutes in the shower area and then made my way out to the lounge where breakfast was served. A few flaky croissants and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice later, and I felt as good as new. The Loft also offers a large variety of Belgian beers if you’re there and have a hankering for an ice-cold brew. 8:00 am was a little early for me to partake. The space also has an “inspiration” area where, time permitting, you can explore some of Belgium’s icons like Tin Tin and more. Staff at The Loft are wonderful and address you by name – a lovely touch. If you’re flying business class with Brussels Airlines or other Star Alliance partners, you will have access to the space. You can also gain access as an elite member with Star Alliance carriers or for a 25-euro fee on certain fares. The Loft has quickly become my new favorite lounge to relax in while in transit. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience it the next time you fly through Brussels.

Eltz Castle - 1 On the outskirts of the town of Vukovar, the beautifully restored Eltz Manor sits housing a museum in both its interior, storied facade and stunning grounds. The manor was built in the mid 1700’s by the House of Eltz – who were descendants of the Arch-chancellor of the Holy Roman Empire. The family lived here in the kingdom of Slavonia, which was part of the Habsburg Monarchy. After living in the manor for quite some time, the Eltz family was eventually forced out by the Communist government – and the manor fell into disrepair. In the early 1990’s, during the War of Independence, Eltz Manor was almost destroyed as the facade was riddled with bullets and the roof bombed. It stood as a shell of what it once was in its glory days and needed a great deal of love and care to bring it back to life. This is exactly what it received. Today, after reopening in 2012, the manor houses a museum of varied generations and time periods in the Slavonia region – chronicling everything from the Ice Age in the region to the war of 1991. You can walk from room to room, each fresco and work of art painstakingly restored, and literally walk through Croatia and the region of Slavonia’s past going back thousands of years. It’s truly remarkable.

Just off from the main harbor in Mykonos, lining the shore of the crystal blue Aegean Sea, are a group of iconic windmills that have stood silent in their beauty since the 16th century. The windmills have become a part of the local fabric and residents and visitors alike use them to mark where they are on the island. You can visit the windmills by day or by night, as they are within easy walking distance from Chora’s waterfront. To me, they remind me of Holland, but it’s amazing how they’ve withstood the test of time, weather and more, to remain as reminders of a life long ago.