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In the center of Brussels sits one of the oldest, most prestigious and most beautiful covered shopping streets in Europe – Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. The gilded carvings and glass roof that line the corridor make the perfect setting for luxury Belgian chocolate, leather and lace shops. This is THE street to shop in Brussels. It is, quite simply put, an icon. Just off Beenhouwersstraat , in the center of the Les Galeries, is a hidden hotel gem you’ll fall in love with. Hôtel des Galeries is a boutique property owned by the daughter of one of Belgium’s most famous publishing families. The space was put together by renowned designers Fleur Delesalle and Camille Flammarion. Attention to detail is seen throughout. Stepping in off the busy alleyway tucked just beyond the Neuhaus chocolate flagship store, you instantly find yourself in a place of calm, rest and high design. A smiling face greets you at the front desk and quickly checks you in – allowing an opportunity to take-in the shelves of artwork and design books. I was given a room on the 4th floor – one of the highest. I got off the small elevator and found myself in a hallway with wide-planked pine floors, whitewashed walls and beautiful windows facing the city. I opened the door to room 45 and was instantly at ease. The rooms are not big at Hôtel des Galeries, but they are big enough, and reminded me of an old European apartment that had been designed just for me. The only window in my room was a charming skylight on the slanted roof which opened and closed with a wooden hatch. The minimalist decor, reminiscent of what you might see in Stockholm or Copenhagen, was just enough not overwhelm the space, but fill it with essentials like a cozy queen sized bed with white linens, a writing desk, a wall-mounted flat screen television and a sitting chair. The colors were neutral woods, whites and a few bright pops here and there. The large bathroom, incredibly modern and spacious for European standards, was a delight. Glass and green Art Deco tiles lined the walls and floor. A glassed-in rain shower, soaking tub, porcelain vanity and heated towel rack were all luxurious touches. Down the narrow hall, near the entrance of the room, was a separate toilet area and a built-in bar with Evian, tea and a Nespresso machine available for use. Breakfast is included in most rates at Hôtel des Galeries. It’s served in a beautiful room at the back of the hotel and is called Les Comptoir des Galeries. You can sit in the well-lit dining area or out in the courtyard which is an inviting setting to enjoy morning coffee, eggs, pain au chocolat and fresh juice. Service at Hôtel des Galeries is good. Smiles and a willingness to help is the “MO” of the staff here. Don’t expect a slew of bell men greeting you at the door, this isn’t that kind of place. But, instead, a quiet respite and pleasant space to hang your hat while in Brussels. And, to boot, if you’re a shopper and want to see old Brussels, you won’t find a more ideally located property in the city. This hotl is definitely one of my favorites.

TAP , Portugal’s national air carrier, is a special airline. Aside from the fact that it flies non-stop between Newark and two of Portugal’s most beautiful and important cities, Lisbon and Porto, it has recently started service to Miami International Airport direct from Lisbon as well. The airline has been operating since 1945 and has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s best. In fact, it has won top prizes for being one of the safest airlines as well as the best airline to Africa. These accolades are not for nothing, they were earned through a series of on-board decisions, which were obvious on a recent business-class experience I had on their Airbus A330 from Newark to Lisbon. TAP offers two cabins aboard their international flights, economy and “Executive”, better known as business. Business class is tops and is comparable to some of the most highly-rated in the sky today. Boarding TAP’s evening flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Lisbon, everything run’s smoothly, like butter – all without hiccup. From check-in at the premium Victoria counter and access to SAS’s business-class lounge at Newark, pre-flight couldn’t get more comfortable. When boarding was announced, premium passengers were moved onto the aircraft swiftly and without delay. On board, TAP welcomed me into business class with soft Portuguese music, an amenity kit packaged cleverly in a colorful square tin as well as a pre-flight cocktail of champagne and orange juice. The Recaro lie-flat seats on-board are spacious, offering a 180-degree incline for sleeping during the flight and large flat-screen entertainment systems with an impressively large library of movies, television shows and games. The signature colors of the airline, Portugal’s white, red and green are accented on-baord with Navy-blue comforters and seats, as well as large white pillows in which to rest your head overnight. Shortly after take-off, dinner was served. TAP is known for their food and it’s clear why. A selection of five courses, designed by Chef Vítor Sobral, were offered including an amuse bouche, appetizer, entrée, dessert and after-dinner chocolates. The airline is known for their impressive soup selection – a rarity on-board most airlines. You’ll find a large selection of dishes on-bard inspired by both Portuguese and international cuisines – with an emphasis on Portugal’s products. The beautifully constructed menu might offer homemade rice with duck breast, cod fish salad or penne pasta with Portuguese sausage and cauliflower. And, for dessert, you could find Portugal’s signature custard pie – the pasteis de nata – all delicious. Flight attendants aboard TAP and attentive and congenial. They aim to please and help you make the most of your flight. They often stop to engage and even offer tips of what to do and see in Lisbon, should you be interested. I was. The service on TAP stands out because they’re concerned with the details. Dinner is served quickly so passengers can quickly get to sleep, lights are dimmed right at take-off for passengers’ comfort and no one mills about the cabin during late evening hours unless called. After dinner, I watched a new release on my screen and drifted off shortly after its completion. I felt very comfortable on TAP’s in-flight beds. Just before landing in Lisbon, I was awakened for a light breakfast. We landed safely and moved through Lisbon’s small airport effortlessly. The airport is right in the middle of town so most points of interest are within a 15-minute drive. TAP made my trip to Portugal easy and comfortable, two feelings that are hard to come by in these days of uncomfortable air travel. But, seemingly, that’s the Portuguese way. Niceness goes a long way and so does care for those on-bard. TAP does it well.

Spilling down the mountains surrounding Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is the world’s largest urban park, Tijuca Forest. Tijuca is a rainforest which stretches for 12 square miles. It’s protected by the government and offers visitors to this incredible city an escape, just around the corner. You’ll find everything here from hiking trails, waterfalls, exotic plants and cute little monkeys hanging from the trees. Tijuca is located just above the famous Botanical Gardens – making visiting both places in a day, very doable. Tijuca shouldn’t be missed.

There aren’t too many hotels in Lima, Peru that make an indelible impression on a jaded luxury traveler. But, luckily, there is one. And, what would you expect from a property which has been a part of the esteemed Orient-Express, now Belmond, collection for years? The Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel does not disappoint. In fact, it exceeds expectations in many ways. Lima’s most expensive and exclusive area is Miraflores. The manicured, palm-filled neighborhood sitting on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean is famous around town as the playground for those with disposable income. And, it’s the truth. At the epicenter of the residential homes behind massive gates is the Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel – a beacon of luxury and service in the Peruvian capital. Entering the hotel, doors fling open and you are greeted by a table overflowing with beautiful flowers – pink, purple and white. Warm smiles from the hotel’s staff instantly put you at ease as your luggage is collected and you are led to the check-in area and offered a pot of tea of espresso as a welcome. Check-in goes very quickly and the staff collects information as to document your preferences. These will surface throughout your stay as Belmond likes to keep its service as personalized as possible. I was escorted from the lobby to my room on the 4th floor, It was a junior suite with it’s own private terrace garden. A table with chairs and tiers of tropical shrubs and flowers created an urban oasis in which to enjoy coffee in the morning of a glass of wine in the evening. Rooms are large, especially suites, with cozy beds to put you in a state of deep sleep. Flat-screen televisions, ample closet space and huge bathrooms with rain showers where you can easily fit a family of six – it’s all standard. That is no joke. Rooms are an oasis. The Belmond Miraflores Park offers incredible amenities for its guests to enjoy. There is an executive lounge on floor10, a rooftop pool deck on floor 11 with a glass restaurant serving a gourmet breakfast and a heated swimming pool with views for miles over Lima’s skyline and the rocky Pacific coastline. The hotel also offers Zest spa and a restaurant on the ground level. Overall, service at the hotel is exceptional. Staff are willing to do whatever it takes to organize your stay, suggest activities and fill your days with only the best of what Lima has to offer. I relied on the concierge desk during my entire stay to customize my activities – and they did with pleasure. The Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel is a “must” for anyone visiting Lima. You can’t afford to miss it.

In the middle of El Centro Histórico in Cartagena, Colombia, sits a whitewashed building with a discreet gold sign that reads “LM”. Ringing the bell outside the large wooden door notifies those inside that you have arrived. As the door swings open, past the smiling doorman dressed in white, you are instantly taken by a three-story courtyard/atrium which is anchored by a turquoise lap pool, reception desk and lush vegetation that has taken over the nooks, crannies and walls nearby. You know, in that moment, you are about to experience something truly fantastic. Owned by an Italian investment group, Hotel LM is a boutique property that caters to those interested in pure romantic luxury matched with modern conveniences. With only X rooms in the entire hotel, the staff looks after each guest personally. You are greeted by name and it’s the staff’s priority to be sure your stay is as perfect as possible. Exploring LM is easy as a series of small staircases usher you through, floor by floor. You discover outdoor alcove sitting areas, a library, hidden suites and a rooftop terrace that puts many others in the area to shame. On the roof you find white cotton couches, day beds draped in linen and a small plunge pool surrounded by bright pink flowers. Beyond the terrace views of crumbling church domes, colorful buildings and the Caribbean Sea are enough to take your breath away. Throughout a typical stay at Hotel LM you may experience breakfast, lunch or dinner in the dining room. An immaculate open kitchen is visible to all guests from the lobby courtyard. You see women working throughout the day preparing freshly squeezed juices, arepas, delicious cooked eggs, gourmet sandwiches and more. The food they prepare is a part of most guests’ morning ritual, as breakfast is an opportunity to enjoy the home cooked cuisine. Locally brewed Colombian coffee is available all day, which is not only delicious but keeps you going while exploring the city. The details at Hotel LM are what make this property special. In the large rooms, many with views of the beautiful courtyard, you’ll find fresh flowers changed daily, fruit baskets, rain shows which look out into a jungle-like garden, flat screen televisions, wardrobes for storage and an evening turn-sown service that includes terry cloth robes and Colombian chocolates on your pillow. The experience is divine. Outside the room, in the evenings, lit candles in lanterns line walkways – only adding to the magic. Anyone planning on visiting Cartagena should consider Hotel LM. It’s discreet, private and one of the most romantic addresses in the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this fairytale.

A Large pink palace rests on top of one of Lisbon’s seven hills. From a distance it looks like a manor of a diplomat or even a president and, at one time, it was. The Lapa Palace Hotel , a part of Olissippo Hotel Group, was once the private home of a count. But, it has been the hotel choice to the stars since 1988. Presidents, kings and even Cher have all been guests here. Today, it offers visitors to Lisbon a five-star experience set in one of the most magical locations in the city. Lapa, as it’s simply known, sits on a large plot of lush grounds. Expansive grasses, palms, tropical shrubbery, fountains and a large pool all grace the area in tiers that gently gide down a steep hill. You can meander around here bumping into antique bird cages filled with colorful parakeets or lay quietly in the sun on a lounge chair by the glistening pool. There are plenty chances to find rest and relaxation here, all while being at the center of Lisbon. Check-in is easy at the Lapa Palace. Rooms are outfitted with tasteful furnishings which reflect the period of the hotel. You’ll even find Portugal’s signature blue and white porcelain, made by Vista Alegre, dotting the room in the form of vases, boxes and vanity trays. My room had a beautiful view of the grounds and out to the Tagus river – it was unprecedented. In my room, I was welcomed with a large fruit platter, a note from the general manager and a bottle of aged port wine – a lovely touch. My short stay at the Lapa Palace was a good one. I am an appreciator of history and the story that goes along with historic properties. The history is evident and rich here. For any lover of hotel properties that exude sophistication and charm – look no further.

Korea’s countryside is painted with temples from various dynasties. Some old and some new, each temple built is a work of art and houses communities of buddhists from the local area. I have visited many on various trips to the country, but love this one I came across roughly two hours from Seoul. It is so simple yet holds a great amount of inspiration as it sits perfectly against painted trees of yellow, red and orange during the fall season. Dead silence, with an occasional call from the area’s birds, filled the air. The experience was magical.

With beautiful hotels stretching down its coastline, Rio de Janeiro isn’t short of options when it comes to accommodations. But, as you begin to weed-out the good from the exceptional, the options grow fewer and fewer. In fact, you can narrow-down “the best” to just one. The iconic Copacabana Palace hotel. Sitting smack dab in the middle of the world-famous Copacabana beach, the Copacabana Palace has stood as Rio’s best luxury hotel for over 90 years. In 1923 the hotel rose through the hands of French architect Joseph Gire, and became a magnet for guests from Europe and the Americas, including celebrities like Rita Hayworth, Walt Disney and members of varying royal families, like Princess Diana and Queen Sonja of Norway. Throughout the years, the Copacabana Palace has retained the glamour and its reputation through innovation, renovation and more. Today, the hotel still remains on everyone’s list of top choices in Rio. That’s not surprising. With 216 rooms, including a bevy of oceanfront suites, each guest instantly feels right at home. The hotel offers a beautifully decorated interior lobby and ballroom spaces for events, an olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis court, as well as a three-story spa with fitness center, treatment rooms and steam/sauna options. There are three dining spots on-site which include Pérgula, poolside casual dining, MEE – A pan-Asian favorite, as well as the famous Cipriani, an outpost of the highly awarded Italian restaurant in Venice. Service at the Copacabana Palace is simple – whatever you want or need, the staff makes it happen. On a recent stay, I was in-need of clothes pins and didn’t know where to turn. The hotel hadn’t stocked them recently, so they had someone run-out and purchase them, delivering the items to my door within 30 minutes. This was just the beginning. Poolside, in-room and dining around the hotel – I found it consistent and impressive. Smiles. Willingness. The need to please, in the most generous way. For those looking for the right place to stay in Rio de Janeiro, it truly depends on your objective. But, without hesitation, it’s easy to say that the “Copa” delivers pure luxury, charm, historical importance and glamor – all in a beautiful glowing white package. It truly does reflect its name, Palace, because here you really do feel like a king.

Central Lima is an amalgamation of historic sights that find themselves piled upon each other in a few well-planed squares. Plaza de Armas is my favorite which sees a large central square featuring fountains and vendors selling everything from ice cream to street-side arroz con pollo. One can make an afternoon of walking around the stone floors stumbling through beautiful cathedrals, palaces and even the residential home of Lima’s archbishop. You’ll also see sights like the House of Oidor, House of Pilatos, Cathedral of Lima and more. There is a great deal in this small area and it will keep you entertained for hours.

Everywhere you look in Seoul, there is something of interest, visually. You can look up, down left and right and see something that will make your jaw drop. Don’t forget to look up. While visiting the traditional Korean village within Seoul, Bukchon Hanok, I noticed this incredible roof ceiling. It was so filled with color, intricate cavings and detail. I couldn’t help but smile as it brightened my day.

Museo Soumaya in Polanco, Mexico City, designed by FREE Fernando Romero Enterprise, opened to the public on March 29, 2011 after four years of development. The Museum is located on a former industrial zone dating from the 1940’s which today presents a very high commercial potential. It plays a key role in the reconversion of the area: as a preeminent cultural program, it acts as an initiator in the transformation of the urban perception. From the outside, the building is an organic and asymmetrical shape that is perceived differently by each visitor, w hile reflecting the diversity of the art collection on the inside. The work to be exposed contains amongst others the second biggest collection of Rodin sculptures in the world, several authors of medieval and renaissance art, as well as impressionist painters. The shell of the building is constructed with 28 steel curved columns of different diameters, each with its own geometry and shape, offering the visitor a soft non-linear circulation all through the building. Located at each floor level, seven ring beams provide a system that braces the structure and guarantees its stability. The building and its contents provide an incredible opportunity for anyone visiting the area to inspire their day with the magic of art and architecture.

The Dom Luís I Bridge is a metal arch bridge that spans the Douro River between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal. At the time of construction its span was the longest of its type in the world. The government held a competition for the construction of a metallic bridge over the Douro River on a site that was adjacent to an existing bridge that it would replace. Téophile Seyrig had engineered the D. Maria Pia Bridge project nearby, while working as a partner of Gustave Eiffel – designer of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. He now took sole responsibility for the new, major Luís I Bridge. The construction began in 1881 and the bridge opened in October of 1886. Today, it stands as an icon of the city.