While there is something magical about that first snow of the season, let’s face it, the rest of winter is spent dreaming about sand between your toes and a warm sea breeze. And now, thanks to the National Geographic Top 10 Beaches, we’re dreaming in overdrive. While any beach sounds amazing, we’ve got a couple that we can’t stop thinking about. In fact, we’ve already dreamed up our spring, summer, and next winters’ vacations there.

First on our list, and number two on NatGeo’s list, is the Maldives. With over 1,102 islands, forming 26 atolls, there is plenty of beach to go around. We’re dreaming of a nice long stay in an over-water bungalow at Cocoa Island. Not only does the crystal clear water make for some of the world’s greatest scuba diving and snorkeling, there’s also surfing, fishing, and other incredible water sports to keep you busy. Then again, we’d be happy just to sunbathe on the pristine beach all day.

After spring break in the Maldives, we’re heading to number six, Nantucket, for our summer vacation. This magical little island 27 miles off the coast of Massachusetts is the ultimate place to visit, whether for a weekend or the entire summer. While the island itself is less than 50 square miles, there are over 80 miles of beaches, but our desired beach is located at our favorite inn by the sea, The Wauwinet. There are actually two beaches to choose from – one at the head of the Nantucket Harbor, for shallow water and no waves, and the other on the Atlantic Ocean, with deep, soft sand and gentle waves. Don’t forget to collect some shells, you’ll find some beautiful ones to take home with you.

Next December, we want our early Christmas present to ourselves to be a luxurious cruise aboard Crystal Symphony. The “South Pacific Sojourn” will stop at several incredible ports, but the one we’re most excited about is Bora Bora, number three on NatGeo’s list. Dubbed the “Romantic Island”, this lush little slip of land is protected by a lagoon and has 18 miles of white sandy shore. The beautiful lagoon provides a wide array of activities, from windsurfing to scuba diving, and the two towering peaks of sheer black rock make an impressive backdrop to the dazzling blue waters. While some consider it the most beautiful island in the world, we can’t wait to find out for ourselves!

Photo courtesy of worldtennismagazine.com

It’s that time of the year again… time for lists. To-do’s, resolutions, and the New York Times 45 Places to Go in 2012, of course. So, if you’re resolved to travel more this year, use this to check a few things off your list. Here are some of our favorites!

#3 Myanmar – After the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from 15 years of house arrest and the lifting of the boycott against the authoritarian regime that kept the country isolated, Myanmar is ready to share cultural treasures and deserted beaches. Experience the remarkable beauty, romance, and mystery of Myanmar aboard the luxurious Orient-Express’ “Road to Mandalay” as it cruises down the Ayeyarwady River.

#4 London – Between the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Queen’s 60^th year on the throne, the summer Olympic Games, and the 200^th birthday of Charles Dickens, there is a bevy of reasons to visit London this year. For the ultimate posh location, we recommend the Metropolitan London with its incredible views of Hyde Park and award-winning Nobu restaurant. For a more sanctuary-like hotel, the 5-star Halkin in discreet Belgravia may be more up your alley.

#6 Tokyo – It’s no secret that Tokyo had a tough 2011, which is why there is no better time to travel there than 2012. Due to a decrease in tourism and business travel, rates are down without sacrificing luxury and attention to detail. Staying at the “Lost in Translation”  Park Hyatt Tokyo is now better than ever.

#11 Moscow – For those who love history and art, this is the city to visit. Between the reopening of the extravagantly renovated Bolshoi Theater in October and the opening of the Russian Icon Museum, you will find no shortage of things to do here. Located just yards away from the Bolshoi Theater, the five-star Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is in the prime location to explore this unique city.

#14 San Diego – If you’re looking for good times, good people, and great beer, San Diego should definitely be on your list of places to go this year. If you want to throw in a game of golf before or after your tastings, definitely stay at the Park Hyatt Aviara.

#27 Maldives – It seems that everyone is traveling to the Maldives now-a-days, and it’s no secret why. It’s necklace of 26 tropical atolls in the Indian Ocean make it a place where you can find something that everyone in the family wants to do – scuba dive, fish, surf, or just relax in the pristine sand. There are so many different resorts to choose from – here are our favorites: Park Hyatt Maldives, Anatara Dhigu Resorts & Spas, Anantara Veli Resorts & Spas, Anantara Kihavah Villas, Naladhu, and Cocoa Island.

If you like to “kill two birds with one stone”, you’ll need to check out Crystal Cruises. Their ships plan to drop anchor in each of these destinations in 2012: #1 Panama City; #22 Paraty, Brazil; and #36 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

COMO Hotels and Resorts is giving back to the community with your help! In 2010, COMO partnered with MasterCard for the Purchase with Purpose program which helps raise funds for local community projects. Last year, the project raised $35,580 and COMO has decided to bring the program back for 2011!

For every transaction made with a MasterCard card at a COMO property between 1 October and 31 December 2011, MasterCard will donate $30 to a community project with which the COMO property is closely affiliated. The money raised goes to educational and wellbeing initiatives as well as to local schools to improve nutrition and sanitation. In 2010, the funds helped stock the libraries of Tirta Kumara Kindergarten in Bali and the Maafushi and Guraidhoo schools in the Maldives. The program also helped deliver sanitary essentials to the nuns of Kela Goemba in Bhutan and improve sanitation and cooking facilities in the Wat Bangploeng School in Thailand.

With this program, guests have the opportunity to make a real difference in the communities they visit. As if you needed a better reason to go on vacation!

In the summer heat, what’s better than hitting the open waters for a high-speed adventure or a relaxing day cruise accompanied by a cool cocktail? Don’t be left high and dry. Instead, take part in a few fabulous boating adventures from some of our favorite getaways!

Wauwinet Lady at The Wauwinet, Nantucket
Ahoy, matey: For an unexpected and stylish ride to and from Nantucket Town, guests can board this launch from The Wauwinet’s 254-foot dock. Twice a day during lunch and dinner hours, the 26-passenger water taxi crosses Nantucket Bay and docks at the White Elephant in town, allowing guests staying at either hotels the opportunity to taste the other’s restaurant (award-winning TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet and Brant Point Grill at White Elephant).   Board right around sunset for a particularly memorable ride and receive a cocktail en route!

Venetian taxi at La Réserve Genève, Geneva
Ahoy, matey: This chic Venetian motoscafo offers complimentary transfers to and from Geneva’s City Center during the summer months. Businessmen crossing the lake get a taste of vacation, while those on vacation can get a bit of sun and take in the scenery while cruising across the water.

Catcher, Ocean Whisperer and Freebird at Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives
Ahoy, matey: Guests can rent Whisperer, the 82-foot yacht, for a private journey to explore deserted islands, hidden reefs and secret lagoons, soar behind the full-rigged parasail boat, Freebird, or snag some dinner on Catcher, the resort’s big game fishing boat. Let the experienced instructors take you out on traditional Maldivian dhonis to scuba dive or snorkel and hang with the crustaceans and sponges that call the coral reef home.

The Minor Affair at Anantara Phuket Villas, Thailand
Ahoy, matey: Cruise between Sia Kao and Phuket, or wherever the waters take you on this Anantara Phuket’s Sunseeker Manhattan 60, a luxurious motoryacht ready to take you to the horizon and beyond. The Minor Affair is the Maserati of yachts, so grab seven ladies and gents to join you, and don’t worry about a designated driver.

White Water Rafting at Shakti Ladakh’s Shayok River Journey, North India
Ahoy, matey: These rafts are too cool for names. Visit India’s north and raft down the Shayok and Upper Indus Rivers along the traditional Silk Route through the Karakoram and Ladakh mountain ranges. Along the way, stop for picnic lunches in scenic valleys and take in the natural beauty of India’s Himalayas, deserts, and plateaus.  

Sunset cruise at Cocoa Island, Maldives
Ahoy, matey: Embark on an unforgettable cruise around the Maldives as the setting sun reflects rays of orange and pink off the crystal clear water. Cocoa Island’s sunset cruise is the perfect opportunity to explore the open waters via speedboat and even make a few friends along the way – be on the look-out for dolphins playfully racing alongside the boat and flying fish skirting along the water’s surface.

Anantara Song and Dream – Anantara Cruises, Thailand
Ahoy, matey: Float along the Chao Phraya River aboard luxuriously renovated, hundred-year-old teak rice barges Anantara Song and Anantara Dream. The overnight excursions blend quintessential old-world charm and modern comforts, and the wonders of Bangkok that line the river will transport you back in time to the old Kingdom of Siam. Travelers can choose between set itineraries or privately charter the Anantara Dream.

CARIBBEAN 

Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

The private isle is the ultimate place to hide away from the cameras and unwind after all of the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding.

Royal Treatment: Rent out the COMO Shambhala Cottage for a night of Champagne, spa treatments, and candlelit dining.

Rosewood Mayakobá, Mexico 

Let loose after escaping to the beautiful Mexican Riviera hotel and test tequilas recommended by the resident tequila sommelier.

Royal Treatment: With Mayasutra, newlyweds can get intimate with a Moonlight Tantric Yoga class and a couples massage instruction session followed by 30 minutes of “alone time”.

Geejam, Jamaica 

No stranger to celebrities, the luxury property was originally a residential recording studio where the likes of No Doubt and Amy Winehouse laid down some tracks.

Royal Treatment: Stay at the amazing Sanwood villa designed by British architect Anthony Wade in the 60s and relax in the private pool or bask in the Jamaican sun and take in the views on the sun deck.

GoldenEye, Jamaica 

Next to the man in line for the throne, James Bond might be the most enviable Brit we know, so vacationing at this Jamaican hideaway where Fleming penned all the Bond books would be quite fitting.

Royal Treatment: Stay in the Fleming Villa for a private beach and the spirit of James Bond lingering in the air and compelling the swilling of shaken-not-stirred martinis.

The Caves, Jamaica 

Dodge the paparazzi at the romantic Caribbean resort where couple feeling like a dip can leap off a cliff for a private swim.

Royal Treatment: It doesn’t get much more private than a candlelit dinner for two in a hidden cave looking out on the water.

Strawberry Hill, Jamaica 

Following in his parents’ footsteps, William would love to vacation at this mountain resort where, besides Charles and Diana, the guests list boasts Mick Jagger and Bob Marley.

Royal Treatment: Get away from the photographers 3,100 feet above sea level and take in the sweeping views from the Blue Mountains.

Jakes, Jamaica

Kick off those shoes and lose the fancy cap; this charming seaside resort is the perfect antidote to structured courtly life.

Royal Treatment: Enjoy a private yoga session by starlight and listen to the waves.

NANTUCKET

White Elephant, Nantucket

What’s more fitting for English newlyweds than a trip to New England? This harborside Nantucket hotel is a classic (and classy) spot for postnuptial bonding.

Royal Treatment: Only on Nantucket (at Brant Point Grill) does a Bloody Mary come equipped with lobster.

THAILAND

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand

The luxurious Thai resort is tucked away in the beautiful Golden Triangle, away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

Royal Treatment: Take a romantic ride atop an elephant – sure beats a limo!

Anantara Phuket Villas, Phuket, Thailand

After the long awaited ‘I do,’ couples can celebrate the occasion with a wide selection of live entertainment – including a seven-piece band at this Thai property.

Royal Treatment: Hidden in the mangroves, the lavish villas have a 355 ft. sq. private pool, outdoor showers, and a terrazzo tub built to accommodate two (and only two).

MALDIVES

Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa and Anantara Veli Resort & Spa, Maldives

These romantic spots embody what a honeymoon should be – nothing but sun, water, sand, and a newlywed couple pampered and sunkissed.

Royal Treatment: Answer to only your whims on a private a romantic island getaway with Anantara Dhigu, Veli, Naladhu, and the soon-to-be, Anantara Kihavah Villas opening in early 2011. The best part about Anantara in the Maldives is that at whatever resort couples choose to stay, free transfer is available between islands to enjoy the benefits of all.

Cocoa Island, Maldives

The private island resort in the South Male Atoll is just over 1000 feet long and is surrounded by pristine, turquoise water.

Royal Treatment: Honeymooners get a complimentary sunset cruise with vino and an antipasti plate.

SOUTH ASIABhutan

Uma Paro,

No tabloid photographers here; the remote mountain lodge is a great spot from which to explore Bhutan’s monasteries and temples and get spiritually in tune before returning to palace life.

Royal Treatment: After trekking through the country by bike or raft, couples can be pampered in the COMO Shambhala Retreat.

INDONESIA

Uma Ubud, Bali
The luxurious retreat set in the tangled jungle is perfect for the couple that likes an exotic locale without giving up modern comforts.

Royal Treatment: The COMO Suite allows guests to have spa treatments in private in its private treatment area.

High Seas

Crystal Cruises

Couples can sail away on a luxurious cruise to spots around the globe – no need to pick just one. Romantic “must-sees” include Rome, Mykonos, and Casablanca, to name a few.

Royal Treatment: Enjoy a Couples Massage in the Feng-Shui inspired Crystal Spa or cozy up in the back row of the Hollywood Movie Theater and watch a first-run movie while sipping champagne.

This adage has been floating around the internet and boy lingo for a week or so in anticipation of the Discovery Channel’s famed Shark Week. Once a year, tons of shark footage is played every night for a week, terrifying and fascinating its many fans. Ever since Jaws came out, we’ve been scared of the water and mesmerized by this big, savage fish. While Shark Week might cut it for some, others may just want to dive into a cage and see the bad boys in action. Instead of the usual spots – Cape Town, Southern Australia, etc – take a trip to paradise. Felix Yeo, General Manager of Cocoa Island in the Maldives, takes guests into the sea to swim by Grey Reef Sharks and White Tip Sharks. Grab an underwater camera and you can have your own shark footage.

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa

• #12, Top 15 Resorts in Asia

Crystal Cruises

• #1, Top 10 Large-Ship Cruise Lines

Palacio Duhau, Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

• #2, Top 20 City Hotels in Central and South America
• #82, Top 100 Hotels Overall

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

• #44, Top 50 Hotels in the Continental U.S. and Canada

Park Hyatt Melbourne

• #4, Top 10 City Hotels in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

• #9, Top 15 Large City Hotels in Europe

Park Hyatt Sydney

• #3, Top 10 City Hotels in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific

Parrot Cay

• #23, Top 25 Resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas

Congrats to all the winners! While reading the August issue, watch out for Andaz Fifth Ave, Cocoa Island, and Geejam who are also mentioned in the magazine.

CARIBBEAN

Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
Getting married at a private island resort in the Caribbean is a fantastic kick-off to a new life.  Parrot Cay offers two beachfront setting for wedding ceremonies – a boardwalk aisle that leads to an unspoiled beach, or the beachfront of a private villa available for rent.  Parrot Cay also insists that stress need not be a part of the preparations; all weddings include the dedication of a planner to assist with all preparations, including reserving the dates, food and beverage details, music and entertainment, photography, and any other service requested.   Parrot Cay can accommodate small, intimate weddings, or can be bought out for larger weddings (up to 120 guests). 

Rosewood Mayakobá, Mexico
Weddings at Rosewood Mayakobá are all about choices – choose stunning outdoor venues like the white sand beach or the Plaza with views of the resort, lagoon, and tropical jungle.  Three different restaurants are available to cater.  Retreat to the privacy of a private plunge pool after the ceremony, or come down a day early with the wedding party and receive treatments at the resort’s spa, Sense, which is its own private island. 

NANTUCKET

White Elephant, Nantucket
The landmark White Elephant offers the perfect venue for an in-town wedding with 64 beautifully appointed rooms, suites, and stunning spa.  The hotel can also accommodate guests in the newly added White Elephant Loft, a luxurious three-bedroom, four-bathroom Loft complete with gourmet kitchen, gas fireplace, exquisite living room and dining room, sitting room, and massive skylights.  Also new this year are the White Elephant Hotel Residences – a collection of 25 one-, two-, and three-bedroom Hotel Residences just steps from the White Elephant.  At White Elephant, Nantucket Island Resorts can arrange for an array of ceremonies, from the sandy beaches of Brant Point Light to the green lawn overlooking Nantucket Harbor. The Sun Deck at the Brant Point Grill caters to up to 60 guests; for larger receptions of up to 300 people in the spring and fall, couples have the option of reserving the entire hotel and holding the reception under a tent on the lawn.   And if the soon-to-be newly-weds need to relax from all the hectic planning, guests can go off to town for shopping and biking, or the 32 miles of beach, while the couple can relax at the White Elephant Spa, complete with champagne and strawberries.


The Wauwinet, Nantucket
For those couples seeking a truly intimate experience, The Wauwinet offers an unrivaled location for the most elegant and classic weddings. Wedding season at The Wauwinet is in May or October, and the inn can accommodate up to 150 guests. Located nine miles outside of town on the peacefully secluded northeast tip of the island, guests can relax in one of the 28 guest rooms with bay or garden views or in one of the four garden cottages.. With a backdrop of Nantucket Bay at sunset, those who wed at The Wauwinet are hard-pressed to find a more romantic location. The Wauwinet offers the services of the highly-lauded TOPPER’S Executive Chef David Daniels who caters food to a pristine tent on the lawn overlooking the Bay.   Pre-wedding jitters can be taken care of with a couples’ massage at The Wauwinet Spa by the Sea.

THAILAND

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Perched amidst luxuriant tropical forests, Anantara Golden Triangle is culturally rich and naturally beautiful – a meaningful setting for an intimate garden wedding.  The resort offers two wedding packages that include everything necessary to make it a celebration to remember. The “Regal Elephant” wedding adds a Thai touch to the ceremony as the bride and groom share a memorable elephant ride.  

Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Thailand
The gentle lull of rolling waves and rose petals strewn on golden sand makes a wedding at Thailand’s original seaside resort paradise a favorite.  The “Western Wedding” at the Anantara Hua Hin provides a ceremonial cabana for the wedding, along with cake, decorations, and music.  For a more traditional Thai ceremony, The “Thai Wedding” includes sacred chanting by Buddhist monks during the “Rod Nam Sang” well-wishing holy water ceremony. 

Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand
Choose a stylish indoor ceremony or a beachfront exchange of vows at Anantara Bophut. Awaken to the sound of jovial drumbeats and the festive “Hae Khaan Maak” parade, as the groom escorts his bride from her chamber. Adorned in traditional Thai costumes and flower garlands, tie the knot in front of family and friends, followed by blessings from Buddhist monks and well-wishers during the “Rod Nam Sang” ceremony.

Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, Thailand
Glide into marital bliss on a catamaran weaving through the islands of the Andaman Sea off the coast of Trang. Anantara Si Kao offers these exotic options for exchanging vows.  For those looking for a more traditional approach, the resort also arranges for land ceremonies and receptions.

MALDIVES

Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa and Anantara Veli Resort & Spa, both in the Maldives, offer several different packages for unique destination weddings.  Wedding experiences offered include getting hitched aboard a yacht sailing through the sea, or walking down a torch-lit aisle to the beat of island drummers.  Both resorts provide for all the necessities of a wedding ceremony; from photographers to flowers and cakes to spa treatments for bride and groom.

Cocoa Island
A private island in the South Male Atoll, Cocoa Island has just 33 suites and villas – so forget about crowds of strangers peering in on the ceremony.  Weddings are Cocoa Island are purely ceremonial (not recognized by law), so maybe the perfect place to take those gorgeous wedding photographs after a less aesthetic wedding at City Hall.

SOUTH ASIA

Uma Paro, Bhutan
Take part in an intimate and spiritual marriage blessing ceremony at the magnificent shrine of the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Wed amidst the splendor of this 7th-century temple’s magic orange trees, bearing fruit year-round. During the two-hour ceremony, 20 monks will conduct prayers, accompanied by drums, horns, and cymbals.

INDONESIA

Uma Ubud, Bali
Choose a legal marriage, commitment ceremony, or even a simple, traditional Balinese blessing in the quiet, culture-rich countryside of Bali. Arrange for your ceremony to take place in the remote meditation bale, a site for some of Bali’s most inspiring views of the River Oos and the Tjampuhan Valley. Let the resort do the work for you, covering everything from table settings, to flowers, even traditional masked fire dancers and Balinese music.

“In many cultures, turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Here is a list of our favorite turquoise fantasies: Dream away!

Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

White sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, kaleidoscopic marine life, and flocks of brilliantly plumed tropical birds – no wonder Parrot Cay is where A-listers go to kick off their shoes and escape the world’s zoom lens.  

The beautiful view from Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

Inn on the Alameda, Santa Fe

Nestled in the heart of the city, the Inn on the Alameda is the perfect location from which to discover Santa Fe, the city that is home to beautiful handcrafted Native American turquoise jewelry.   Sip on the Inn’s signature drink- a turquoise margarita of course!- while you unwind in the tranquility of the 71 thoughtfully-designed rooms and suites, whose interior spaces, handcrafted finishes, graceful Pueblo-style architecture and authentic southwestern decor capture the timeless essence of New Mexico.

The turquoise margarita is Inn on the Alameda’s signature drink.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal’s signature turquoise seahorse logo is not the only shade of blue to see while cruising the world’s oceans. Escape to blissful tranquility, where gentle trade winds caress the senses and sandy beaches are wrapped in turquoise waters with Crystal’s Caribbean Voyages. Or set sail for the storied Mediterranean where turquoise is the color of the sea, the color in a brilliantly patterned rug in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, or the beautiful color of the sky over Santorini seen from your private verandah. 

Crystal’s signature turquoise seahorses logo

Crystal has made the deal even sweeter with 2- for-1 pricing on all itineraries in 2010 as part of the line’s 20^th Anniversary promotion.  What’s more, free business class or economy air for most sailings, so you can have your cake and eat it, too!

The Maldives, Indian Ocean

Almost everything you see in The Maldives is turquoise, cerulean, and azure, and the three Anantara properties are no different! In the South Malé Atoll, neighboring properties Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli offer overwater suites and beachfront villas, so you can take in the views of the surrounding Indian Ocean. Or, check out Naladhu on its private island for the ultimate romantic experience with only 19 beach-facing villas.  Lastly, never too early to plan for your upcoming summer vacation! If you find yourself headed to The Maldives, check out the soon-to-be-opened all-suites Anantara Kihavah on Kihavah Huravalhi, one of the most exclusive of all The Maldivian islands (opening July 2010).

Blue-sky view of the Indian Ocean from a room at the new Anantara Kihavah

Cocoa Island’s distant locale, intimate size, and striking surroundings (turquoise as far as the eye can see) impart a Robinson Crusoe feel to the atypical Maldivian getaway. Wake up to an empty horizon from your over-water bungalow at a small private resort designed for those seeking an easygoing, toes-in-the sand experience. The rich, warm turquoise waters and bountiful coral also promise some of the world’s best beaches, snorkeling and diving.

Ariel view of Cocoa Island in the Indian Ocean