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Walking through the village of Cong, you can see forests stretching out for miles. There are numerous trails that lead you off the beaten path and into an enchanted wonderland of oak, sequoia and more that are covered in moss. The moss grows everywhere. The stones. The tree trunks. The forest floor. it’s like the entire area is covered in a soft and pillowy green. The ground is slightly damp and rivers run wild between the trees – all leading out to the huge Loch Corrib. A walk through these woods is like none other.

It’s a known fact that the Scandinavian countries care for their environment, on both a literal and personal level. Finland is no exception. This is why it’s no surprise that Finnair has recently ordered 11 brand new Airbus A350 XWB aircrafts. Now, some might wonder why this is such a special announcement, and the question is absolutely legitimate. But, what one needs to fully comprehend is that the new A350 XWB is going to change the passenger’s experience on-board and Finnair is pioneering its introduction into the European market. The new Airbus A350 XWB is a plane worth talking about. With its expanded, “extra-wide” body and features like: an advanced pure air filtration system which refreshes cabin air every two to three minutes, lower cabin pressure, 25% less fuel consumption than a Boeing 777, 16-inch touch screen entertainment systems, more headroom, panoramic windows and a lower maintenance aircraft body composed of titanium, aluminum alloys and carbon fiber reinforced plastic, it’s no wonder it was an attractive choice for Finnair’s planned expansion. The aircraft is overall easier to maintain, healthier for passengers and can handle a long-haul flight up to 8,500 nautical miles – or Helsinki to Bangkok. The Airbus A350 XWB and its advanced features are only half of the celebration. What Finnair has decided to implement inside the cabin is as equally exciting. Designed by top Finnish design firm, dSign Vertti Kivi & Co., lead by designer Vertti Kivi, the planned interior inside the new Airbus order is stunning. Focusing on a bright and light color pallet, Mr. Kivi held fast to what makes Finnair uniquely Finnish – highlighting the nuances which make all the difference. Passengers on the new planes will find dynamic lighting reflecting the famed Northern Lights. Throughout the flight, LED lights will gently fade from orange to pink to blue. Attention is in the details.  There will be 297 seats on-board with 46 seats in business class and 43 economy comfort seats. Of course, Marimekko was commissioned to continue their partnership with Finnair through unique textiles and amenity kits provided to passengers during the flight. We had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Kivi, the aircraft’s interior designer, and it was clear Finnair’s reputation and integration into local Finnish culture has manifested itself into an ideal working relationship for him. IC: What was your inspiration in designing Finnair’s new Airbus A350 XWB aircrafts? VK: For me, it is all about emotions. How do I make something new and interesting, something people can connect to. This was my thinking when conceptualizing the new design. IC: What will passengers recognize as typically Finnish in design, on-board? VK: The design is functional. It’s simple and calm, very high-quality. The light on board is very nordic and evokes a mood for people, we will also introduce new graphics and logo for Finnair. IC: What new changes will we see on the aircraft? VK: Possible Wifi on-board could be an option and we are also considering iPads and IFC entertainment systems. IC: What does good design accomplish in your eyes? VK: It’s about the vertical surfaces, the moods, the attention to everything from the floors to the walls and the ceiling. IC: What does working with Finnair mean to you? VK: I have loved Finnair since I was a young boy and I could have never dreamed that this would be happening. It’s the highest place for design, up in the air, and there are different challenges. But, it’s been a great working relationship. I suggest ideas, they listen and we work together.

On the shores of County Clare in Southwestern Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher stand tall and proud. A huge tourist draw with over 1,000,000 visitors a year, the sheer natural beauty of one of Mother Nature’s most incredible creations bring people from all corners of the globe. A two-and-a-half hour drive from Dublin or an hour from Shannon, the cliffs rise out of the Atlantic Ocean at up to 720 feet. The country of Ireland has created a national park out of the area and visitors can stop and marvel and the sea crashing against the jagged rock and stony beach below. There is a stone lighthouse which was once part of a fort in the 1700s at the location. Now, there is a small cafe and gift shop to purchase refreshments and pieces of the sandstone and shale that make up the cliffs. Some even opt for the water cruise which will take you by boat along the shoreline to gain a different perspective of the cliffs. Whichever way you see them, they shouldn’t be missed.

The Botanical Garden, better known locally as the Jardim Botânico, shows the diversity of Brazilian and foreign flora in the most spectacular way. There are around 6,500 species, some which are endangered, distributed throughout an area of 54 hectares. There are numerous greenhouses and the garden also houses monuments of historical, artistic and archaeological significance. There is an important research center, which includes the most complete library in the country specializing in botany with over 32,000 volumes. A visit here allows you the opportunity to get lost for hours and find peace within the most beautiful natural surroundings you could ever imagine.

Tucked away on a quiet street in the middle of all that Cartagena, Colombia has to offer, sits a small, boutique hotel behind a beautiful and crumbling canary yellow edifice. Unassuming from the outside, Casa Pombo opens-up from behind a small intricately carved wooden door to reveal a paradise oasis of waterfalls, pools, fountains and glass-fronted apartments. As you walk into this magical space and glance up at the tropical plants that have taken over every nook and cranny of the internal courtyard, you can’t help but be enchanted by the history, charm and luxury that surrounds you. Owned by the same hotelier who runs Casa Pestagua , an internationally acclaimed and equally beautiful property around the corner, Casa Pombo serves as a respite from the hot streets of Cartagena. Once a private home owned by the Pombo family and built in phases between the 1500s and 1800s, the space is divided into five duplex apartments which offer between two and four bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, granite kitchens, stone patios and direct access steps away from the front door to the huge pool. Each apartment is totally private, and even when fully booked, you feel completely secluded and relaxed within the walls of the hotel. Beginning in the morning, staff allocated to your apartment will bring you a fresh Colombian breakfast of eggs, arepas, papaya juice, pancakes and more, straight to your dining room table. Piping-hot Colombian coffee is served and an opportunity arises to plan your day. There is no concierge at Pombo, but Casa Pestagua’s hotel team act as your surrogates and are happy to book and arrange any experience you desire while in town. But, the man of the house, Pedro, will look after you with diligence, tending to every need, personally. What is so striking about Casa Pombo is that it feels like home. No need to worry about hoards of other guests parading through your space, no need to wait in line to book a boat trip to the nearby Rosario Islands. Everything here, is extremely personalized. For all the luxury travelers with a bent for excellent service and undivided attention amongst the most beautiful surroundings central Cartagena, look no further. Casa Pombo is THE best choice for apartment-style hotel living.

In a modern city like Berlin, it’s not easy to find old-world charm within the city limits that also offers easy access to important sights, restaurants and cultural attractions. But, there is one property that does charm and glamour better than any other. Sitting a mere 10 minutes from the city center, in the upscale and leafy suburb of Grunewald, is the Schlosshotel im Grunewald, a renovated home that was built in 1914. Today, the home-turned-hotel is owned by well-known German designer Patrick Hellmann and boasts 53 rooms which were designed by Chanel’s creative director, Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld is German by heritage and added his own touches. Rooms feature spacious sitting areas, grand beds, large bathrooms and sweeping views of the hotel’s gardens and forest. They also offer wifi, minibars, robes and slippers, Malin + Goetz grooming products and bottled water for guests. I was welcomed with a lovely note from reception and German chocolate. Walking through the property, it’s easy to see why the space was a haunt of people like: Josephine Baker, Hildegard Knef, Romy Schneider and Jogi Löw. Every corner offers something new and interesting to admire. Period paintings dot the walls. Antiques and rare furniture decorate spaces like the library, the study, the cigar lounge and more. On the subterranean level of the hotel lies a spacious spa and pool area with changing rooms and saunas. It’s easy at the Schlosshotel to keep active and on your exercise routine with options available like jogging, swimming, running and bicycling. The hotel’s signature color is purple, as this is Patrick Hellmann’s favorite color. It pops-up everywhere from flowers to bedding. The strong color blends nicely against creams, pastels and stone which serve as the palette for the Schlosshotel. Even in the beautiful Vivaldi Restaurant, purple makes an appearance in the small flowers on the table set against the dramatic and intricately carved moldings on the walls and ceiling. Here you can have lunch and dinner after you’ve enjoyed breakfast in the garden restaurant with views of the centuries-old trees. Staying at Schlosshotel im Grunewald is an opportunity to reconnect with nature without leaving the comforts and luxuries of a five-star property. Being that the hotel is part of the esteemed Relais & Chateaux collection, you never have to worry about service being subpar. It’s perfection and some of the best I’ve experienced in Germany. I had no less than three people tending to me during my stay. It was heaven. Being here is like staying at the well-run home of a wealthy friend or a small castle that just so happens to be at the doorstep of one of Europe’s most exciting cities.

The Guinness Museum in Dublin sits quietly at St. James’s Gate, waiting to be experienced. It’s a natural tourist draw as Guinness is probably one of the most internationally famous names to come out of Ireland. The family’s beer has been consumed, dissected, studied and appreciated for centuries around the world. A “must-do” while in the magical town of Dublin – stop and spend an afternoon at Guinness’ brewery in the middle of the city. Throughout a guided tour, you can glide, from floor to floor, learning about the intricate processes in the making of Guinness. You can learn how the malt, barley, hops and other ingredients all come together to make this special brew. Inside the historical buildings you’ll find original details as well as new, steel and glass additions that make an interesting and architecturally beautiful mix to experience. And don’t think this is simply a boring lecture. On the contrary, you can touch the hops, barley and barrels. You’ll even hear from those who played an important role in the history of the brand through a talking art gallery. Of course, throughout the tour, you can stop and sample some of the award-winning beer. I recommend going in the later afternoon, when crowds are less and you feel as if you have the whole place to yourself. Even if you’re not into beer and its history in relation to Guinness, this is an experience that just makes sense. Would you visit Rome and not see the Colosseum?

Equador - Mountain-Volcano Since it’s a new year, shouldn’t we all use the opportunity to reach higher and challenge ourselves to move outside of our comfort zone? I think so. Ecuador is known for its high altitudes and tall peaks and volcanos. Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Cayambe are just a few. Like mountain climber Iván Vallejo, who physically climbs mountains for a living, pushing his body to its limit, we can do the same. Even if you live in the flatlands of Nebraska, you can look at your life’s goals as peaks and an opportunity to climb each one, conquering them one by one. Break each goal down step by step and only look ahead a few steps. If you stand back and see how far you have to go, you might become overwhelmed and quit. But, know inside, that once each “mini-goal” is accomplished, you are closer and closer to completing the quest. Once you get to the top, as Mr. Vallejo knows, the view is incredible.

Ft. Lauderdale has seen a surge in recent years of hotel development and a boom in tourism, but not every property built offers that of what the W Hotel can. The white structure sitting across from the beach and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean is a well-designed destination where guests can unwind, relax and, most importantly, have fun. W Hotels, a subsidiary of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, has its own unique brand of hospitality. Geared towards those who are young, or young at heart, affluent and seeking a little “cool” with their stay – W brands each and every area of their properties with one word names like “Wet” (for the pool) or “Fit” (for the gym). The Ft. Lauderdale property is no different but has brought-in attractions like New York-based Bliss Spa and Steak 954 (by creator of New York’s eateries Buddakan and Morimoto). Pulling-up to the valet from the street, you are immediately escorted-inside, up an elevator and to the check-in level. Attractive and pleasant front desk managers are happy to get you into your room quickly so you can begin exploring your new home away from home. Soft lounge music plays in the background of the bustling lobby with commanding views of the sea stretching from end to end. Through covered walkways filled with glass, echoing blues from the ocean, you’ll find restaurants, bars and entertainment areas (like “Living Room”) for your enjoyment. The vibe here is one of total relaxation and allows you to unplug quickly. All 430 rooms at the W Hotel are outfitted in neutral tones with splashes of color here and there. Most rooms have views of the sea and feature incredibly comfortable beds, oversized robes, W pillow menus, flat screen televisions, iPhone docking stations, Bliss Spa amenities as well as an amazingly stocked mini bar with branded goodies from various vendors. The hotel’s presidential suites are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in my travels. Guests can rely on the service at the W Hotel to be stellar. The staff at the pool, in the public areas and those servicing the rooms are very well-trained and manage consistency across the board. On a recent stay I was delighted at the attention to detail given to every one of my requests, including a request to have breakfast in my room later than the window of time originally offered. The W Hotel Ft. Lauderdale is the best choice in the area for luxury travelers. It will soon undergo a multi-million dollar renovation, which will make it even more of an attraction. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Ft. Lauderdale at an address you won’t soon forget.

The town of Vukovar, Croatia , on the Serbian border, has become famous worldwide, but not for a good reason. The town was the scene of a very famous massacre and, really, the focal point of the war in the early 1990s between Serbians and Croatians. The war, which was fought between two countries with opposing views of freedom, left thousands dead and a scar on the country of Croatia that will never be forgotten. Vukovar was the site where Serbians and Croatians, once living in relative harmony, turned on each other in an instant and left the town’s streets flowing with blood and riddled with bullet holes. Today, 25 years later, the town still bares the signs of war. Homes and buildings stand with bullet holes and large gapes where bombs once fell. The town’s water tower is a symbol of what happened here, and urges people to never forget how something so horrific can come from a small divide created over nothing. The town’s hospital, which was a haven for wounded people during the war, still functions as a medical facility today. But, part of it has been turned into a memorial to commemorate those who lost their lives. As a visitor to the hospital, you can watch a short film that explains the war. After the film, tour the rooms including the actual spaces where patient’s recovered, the dark room where children were kept in safety, their drawings still hanging on the walls. Bomb holes in the ceiling remain and names of those who died as patients, healthcare workers and citizens grace tiles on the hospital walls. It’s all so chilling and moving. But, an important sight in Slavonia. If you visit the region, it is essential to spend a couple of hours here. It will help you understand not only the war that happened in Croatia and Serbia, but those that are still happening today around the world.

Rwanda’s most famous hotel, Hotel des Milles Collines , has reclaimed its luxury hotel heritage while honoring its past and importance in the history of the country. As a focal point during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the Milles Collines sheltered over 1,200 people and, with the help of its then general manager Paul Rusesabagina, kept them from being killed by the opposing militia. Built in the 1970s by Belgium’s Sabena Airlines, now Brussels Airlines, the hotel has seen many incarnations – including the current as managed by internationally recognized luxury hotel group, Kempinski. Today, the hotel is the best in Kigali and offers its guests a hospitable and comfortable stay in Rwanda’s thriving capital. Hotel des Milles Collines sits quietly behind a gate – in the Central Business District area of Kigali. With stunning views across the hills of the city, you are at the heart of everything in town – yet, tucked away in an oasis of calm. The hotel has 112 rooms and suites, many with balconies and views. The rooms are comfortable and appointed with cozy beds and large marble bathrooms. Cable television and Wi-Fi are also available, making your evenings in-room enjoyable. My favorite part of this hotel is its pool area and outdoor restaurant, Le Terrasse. Here, you can indulge in the beautiful breakfast – which comes with the most magical buffet stocked with European, American and Rwandan delicacies. The yards of counter space overflow with pastry, tropical fruit, fresh pressed juices, homemade yogurts, meat and cheeses. The menu offers eggs and African rice dishes if you’re in the mood for something more substantial. I love early mornings here overlooking the city and sparkling pool. The Milles Collines also offers a fine dining establishment, Le Panorama, a business center, meeting rooms and other conveniences for business and leisure travelers. As a recent guest, I couldn’t help but think about all those who were housed here, those that were saved here in the 1990s. The hotel has hosted everyone from heads of state to refugees – and it has survived in the best and worst of times. Strolling through the property you can’t help but appreciate the staff’s dedication to the modern-day definition of service and the legacy of service that exists from the past. I paused many times in reflection and in wishing that the walls around me would talk. If they could, oh the stories they might tell.

Many come to Paris for its romantic atmosphere and seemingly endless corners to fall in love all over again. Many choose hotels that are romantic, but don’t always choose properties that are romantic and private. In the heart of it all, tucked away in the chic 8th arrondissement, Hotel Daniel brings a new definition to privacy and romance. Sitting on Rue Frédéric Bastiat, this Relais and Chateaux property has the details down pat, and compromises on nothing when it comes to their guests’ happiness. I was a recent guest at the hotel, as it’s one of my all-time favorites in Paris. Entering is like coming home – its small, cozy and elegant lobby filled with comfortable pastel furnishings and delicate antiques from around the world. The manager, Cécile, greets guests often with a warm smile and open arms. Tiers of fresh croissants and pain au chocolat wait for you to pluck them off their silver dish and into your mouth. Baskets of small oranges and water also wait, small snacks for your enjoyment. The 19 rooms and 7 suites are all decorated differently, but in harmony with one another. My favorite room, on the 6th floor, is private and inviting – featuring a beautiful windowsill that is outfitted with built-in seating. The bathrooms here are large and offer Molton Brown amenities, nail kits and handmade soaps. Upon arrival, guests often receive a knock at their door with a glass of champagne and small snacks served on silver as a welcome. My favorite part of Hotel Daniel is breakfast, as it’s an event. You can sit here in peace and quiet, virtually alone in the beauty of the lobby or restaurant. One of the staff members will bring-out a smattering of French pastries, homemade yogurts with fruit topping, coffee and, my favorite, scrambled eggs topped with bacon. I can spend hours with myself, or someone special, soaking in the beauty of it all. The hotel offers a restaurant, as well as Bar Daniel. Here you’re within an easy walk of some of the most romantic and beautiful parts of town – including the Avenue George V and Champs Élysées. For anyone looking for a truly private and special experience in the City of Lights, Hotel Daniel cannot be outdone.