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.

It’s the beginning of a new year, and a new you! If you’re resolving to be healthier this year, why not kick start your new fitness regimen on board an ultra-luxe cruise ship? Crystal Cruises is now offering complimentary Pilates and yoga programs on board both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity on nine sailings each throughout the year. Travelers can attend several classes per day during their cruise, or arrange private one-on-one sessions of either interest (for a fee), as well as men- and couples-only yoga instruction.

Every Crystal Cruise offers a host of complimentary classes such as stretch, spinning, abs, circuit training/boot camp, and more. Crystal’s state-of-the-art fitness center, the only Feng Shui spa and gym at sea, features Kinesis strength training equipment, LifeFitness® treadmills with individual flat-screen TVs, cross trainers, recumbent and upright life cycles and steppers, free weights, and other strength-training equipment. Golf instruction, tennis, Nordic Pole walking, WALKVEST® Training, personal trainers, and a bevy of dietary choices offer the perfect opportunity to kick-start, or comply with, your healthy lifestyle.

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2012 aboard Crystal Cruises!

For more information on Crystal Cruises, visit www.crystalcruises.com

Every year for four days in February, Brazil’s Rio de Janiero is transformed from extraordinary to astonishing. Cars and people on the streets are replaced by enormous floats and elaborate costumes, and so the pre-Lent celebration of Carnival begins. It is by far Rio’s biggest event of the year, with street and beach parties, masked balls, and parades that make other Mardi Gras celebrations look like Memorial Day. Uber-luxe Crystal Cruises has made it possible for you to join in the celebration in some amazing ways! Join Crystal Serenity on her 14-day “Copacabana & Carnival” journey, departing February 6, 2011. While overnighting in Rio, Crystal Cruises can make special arrangements for fully escorted tours, including tickets for grandstand seating, front-row box suites, or luxury VIP sky box suites. Or if an up close and personal experience is more your style, get a costume and grab a spot in the actual parade alongside performers from one of the samba schools!

Miami to Rio de Janeiro, February 6-20 (14 days)

Calls: Miami, Florida; Barbados/Bridgetown, West Indies; Devil’s Island, French Guiana; Maceió, Brazil; Salvador, Brazil; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Book Now Fares (by February 28, 2012): Starting from $4,520 per person, fares includes round-trip air with transfer from select gateways (or a cruise-only credit); $500 per person “As You Wish” spending credit toward spa treatments, fine wines and spirits, Vintage Room experience, Crystal Adventures shore excursion, gratuities, Internet, and onboard boutique purchases.

Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity rescued two rowers this morning while en route to St. Maarten from the Canary Islands.  The rowers’ small boat capsized 480 miles west of the Canary Islands after a large wave sunk their boat. Twenty-three-year-old Tom Fancett from the U.K. and Tom Sauer from the Netherlands, competitors in the 2011 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge Race to row across the Atlantic, were huddled on a tiny life raft for 10 hours before being picked up by Crystal Serenity at 6:00 a.m. local time. The ship was 120 nautical miles north of the rowers when it received the rescue assist call from the Falmouth (U.K.) Coast Guard.

Sailing at full speed to the boaters, Captain Økland maneuvered Serenity through the remaining Atlantic Challenge racers and worsening weather. With lookouts posted throughout the night, Crystal Serenity located the boaters’ flare five hours later, hoisting them directly onto the ship.  After a checkup in the ship’s medical center, the survivors appear to be healthy.  Crystal Serenity expects to arrive on schedule in St. Maarten on Sunday.

“Both individuals are in good spirits and, of course, very happy to be alive,” says Crystal’s President Gregg Michel.  “We are so proud of the quick reaction and skilled seamanship of our crew that enabled them to save these brave men.  While these young men hoped to cross the Atlantic in a most basic fashion, they are certainly experiencing the crossing in the most luxurious environment – an ironic, and heartwarming, turn of events.”

Mark Bittman knows food, and he’s picked Copenhagen as the newest breakout culinary city. Serious foodies will be already be familiar with Noma, the two Michelin star restaurant run by chef Rene Redzepi (and Restaurant Magazine’s Best Restaurant in the World the last two years running), but Bittman’s recommendations don’t stop there: there’s also Relae (run by Noma alumni), Geist, Paustian, Schonnemann, and Kodbyens Fiskebar. From the Robuchon-style mashed potatoes with pickled brown crab at Geist, to the herring smorrebrod sandwiches at Schonnemann, each restaurant serves up traditional Danish fare with a modern twist.

It’s not only the restaurants in Copenhagen that are cool—the city is also home to its very own Ice Bar, where everything from the walls and furnishings to the cocktail glasses the vodka libations are served in are made from ice specially imported from the Tome River in Jukkasjarvi, 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden. The bar’s kept at a crisp 23 degrees Fahrenheit—so bundle up!

If your appetite’s been whet for the latest in creative Nordic cuisine, Crystal Symphony will be making six calls to Copenhagen in 2012, including three overnights, giving you plenty of time to sample the best the city has to offer. Book Now All-Inclusive fares start at just $5,890/person, double occupancy, through December 31. And for an even greater in-depth tour of Scandinavian gastronomy, Crystal’s Wine & Food Festival-themed August 14 sailing from Stockholm to London will feature two renowned Nordic chefs on board.

If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising around the world, your dreams are about to get even better! Explore legendary lands and idyllic isles on Crystal Serenity’s 2012 World Cruise, a 94-day round-trip Los Angeles journey circumnavigating the world’s greatest ocean. Best of all, the sailing already has quite the guest list, and includes TV legend Regis Philbin, Hall of Famers Hank Aaron (baseball) and Don Shula (football), Olympians Dorothy Hamill (ice skating) and Kathy Rigby (gymnastics), and astronauts “Hoot” Gibson and Rhea Seddon. So start the New Year off right by making your dreams come true and booking your world cruise with Crystal Cruises.

With temperatures dipping below freezing and a snowstorm in October, it’s no secret that winter came much too soon. While we can’t control the weather, we can certainly run from it! Ditch the snow boots, pack your warm weather gear and escape with top luxury line, Crystal Cruises, instead.

Voted World’s Best more than any other cruise line in history, Crystal Cruises offers a diverse collection of itineraries exploring the Panama Canal, South America, Caribbean, and the Pacific Coast. Book before December 31, 2011 and receive up to $4,000 per couple in additional savings! But hurry, Crystal Cruises’ Book Now Fares don’t last forever.

Other exclusive offers, available for a limited time, include 2-for-1 fares, special savings for repeat Crystal Society guests, families and friends traveling together, new-to-Crystal savings, early full payment savings, and generous savings for back-to-back combination cruises. So, pull out your bathing suits and sun block, put away your hats and gloves, and book now to save!

Québec City was recently highlighted in The New York Times as an enchanting city well worth a weekend visit, and Crystal Cruises couldn’t agree more.  Crystal Symphony is scheduled to visit Québec City 5 times during 2012’s New England/Canada season, including an overnight in the Francophone capital of the Canadian province of Québec.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Québec City’s old town is the only city in North America (outside of Mexico) that is still surrounded by its original city walls. Built by French and British armies, the old town city walls give way to an abundance of historical sightseeing, perfect for history buffs and those who simply appreciate the many delightful attractions that are seamlessly incorporated into the city’s century’s old charm

While Québec City boasts an incredibly rich history, the local innovation is similarly striking, and the city oozes a chic and modern scene that is reflected by the lively, friendly locals. With festivals galore, a burgeoning art scene, and a plethora of fashionable restaurants, bars, and boutiques, Québec City is contemporary energetic.

Take a look at 2012 Crystal Cruises all-inclusive voyages that stop in Québec City.  Act fast and take advantage of these best available fares before they expire on October 31!

New World Discoveries, New York to Montréal on Crystal Symphony, September 19 – 30, 2012 (11 days)
Calls: New York City; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax; Québec City, and Montréal, Canada

Fares: 2-for-1 fares begin at $4,285 per person, inclusive of air. Fares do not include port, security and handling charges of $535.

Treasures of Canada, Round-trip Montréal on Crystal Symphony, September 30 – October 7, 2012 (7 days)
Calls: Montréal; Sept-Iles; Magdalen Islands, Canada; Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, France; Québec City

Fares: 2-for-1 fares begin at $3,055 per person, inclusive of air. Fares do not include port, security and handling charges of $340

New England Escape, Montréal to Boston on Crystal Symphony, October 7 – 14, 2012 (7 days)
Calls: Montréal, Québec City, Halifax, Canada; Bar Harbor, and Boston

Fares: 2-for-1 fares begin at $3,055 per person, inclusive of air. Fares do not include port, security and handling charges of $340

Crimson & Canada, Boston to Montréal on Crystal Symphony, October 14 – 21, 2012 (7 days)
Calls : Boston; Bar Harbor, Halifax, Québec City, and Montréal

Fares: 2-for-1 fares begin at $2,775 per person, inclusive of air. Fares do not include port, security and handling charges of $340

Autumnal Adventure, Montréal to New York on Crystal Symphony, October 21 – 31, 2012 (10 days)

Calls: Montréal, Québec City, Halifax, Canada; Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, and New York City

Fares: 2-for-1 fares begin at $3,290 per person, inclusive of air. Fares do not include port, security and handling charges of $490.

The holidays can be hectic with all that shopping to do and all those family dinners to attend. Give yourself a break this year and plan a festive vacation! Whether it’s a snowy escape, a sunny getaway, or an urban adventure, there’s something for everyone.

SNOW
Where: Palace Luzern, Lucerne, Switzerland
What: A Swiss winter wonderland
Why:  Taste world-famous Swiss Fondue and admire the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Alps from the windows of the oldest electric cogwheel-train as it climbs Mt. Rigi. Browse more than 45 stalls of holiday gifts and confections at the annual Christmas Market and wander the festively decorated medieval streets as carolers serenade in the distance during a winter escape to Lucerne, Switzerland. The Palace Luzern’s annual New Years Eve party will be the perfect start to 2012, and the hotel’s special New Years Eve package won’t break your budgeting resolutions for the new year!
When: The New Years Eve package starts at $844 (two nights, double occupancy) and is valid only December 30, 2011-January 1, 2012

Where: La Réserve Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
What: An enchanted holiday
Why: Spend the holidays at La Réserve Genève – explore the International Christmas Market, wave hello to Santa Claus at the Annual Electric Christmas Parade, and attend the annual Christmas Tree Festival where international artists display beautifully crafted sculptures and trees. For a special holiday evening, leave the kids with La Réserve Genève’s experienced babysitters, available for children aged 6 months to 13 years.
When: holiday rates start at $500 per night

SUN
Where: GoldenEye Hotel & Resort, Oracabessa, Jamaica
What: Who said the holidays had to be cold?
Why: Nestled on Jamaica’s north coast, GoldenEye Hotel & Resort was once the Jamaican home of author Ian Fleming and the site where he penned all 14 James Bond novels. Holiday festivities include dinner and entertainment on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a New Years Eve Extravaganza, Festive Afternoon Teas, and Champagne Cocktail Party. Guests can kick off the New Year in good health kindness of the hotel’s fitness and activity program, with offerings such as daily yoga, paddle boarding, and local runs through Oracabessa. Younger visitors can kayak, snorkel, or participate in the hotel’s coral restoration program.
When: Holiday rates start at $1,040 per night from December 15 – January 7

Where: Pacific Coast Holiday, Roundtrip from Los Angeles to the Hawaiian Islands
What: 14 days of culture, fun, and adventure aboard Crystal Symphony
Why: Leave the snow behind and tour the sunny Hawaiian Islands aboard Crystal Symphony. Sign up for private dance lessons, take a helicopter ride over Oahu, or discover the wonder of whale-watching near Maui. Children will love learning to snorkel, kayak, and surf in the beautiful, warm waters.
When: December 21, 2011 – January 4, 2012, two-for-one fares start at $7,050 per person, and include $500 per person all-inclusive “ As You Wish” shipboard credit, plus free, round-trip air and airport transfer from two dozen North American gateway cities (or generous air credit).  Restrictions apply.

CITY
Where: Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
What: A patriotic holiday
Why: Plan a Christmas visit to the Park, and start your stay with delicious homemade gingerbread cookies and Eggnog. For those revelers looking for the best place to bring in the New Year, the Park offers New Years guests two tickets to the hotel’s popular New Years Eve celebration in the Lounge. Extend the holiday cheer all winter long with the hotel’s Comfort and Joy package, which includes hot cocoa and fresh baked cookies to enjoy after braving the cold to attend the National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony on the White House grounds or visiting the National Christmas Tree, lit daily during December.
When: Christmas package rates start at $445 for the first night and at $245 for each additional night from December 22-26, 2011; New Year’s Eve package available December 27-January 22, 2012 (contact hotel for rates); and Comfort and Joy package rates start at $299 per night from November 28-February 29, 2012

Where: The Inn on the Alameda, Santa Fe, New Mexico
What: 26^th anniversary celebration
Why:  Escape for a weekend at the Inn on the Alameda in Santa Fe, a city known for its dazzling luminaria displays! The Inn is turning 26 this year, and Santa Fe’s beloved and charming hotel is celebrating by offering a special anniversary rate.  Guests who stay at the inn for three consecutive nights between October 30 and December 12 will pay just $26 for the third night! To get in the holiday spirit, travelers can attend a festive Santa Fe Desert Chorale winter concert or check out the shops of the historic Santa Fe Plaza area.
When: Special rates start at $336 from October 30-December 12 (excluding November 23-26 and November 30 -December 5) 

Where:  Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York City
What: A rejuvenating ‘spa-cation’
Why: New York City is never more alive than at Christmastime with tree-lit ice skating at Rockefeller Center, enchanting carriage rides in Central Park, and lavish window displays at Saks. For people looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city streets, the Peninsula Spa by ESPA is offering a day-long ‘spa-cation,’ including a 60-minute treatment, a special lunch, and complimentary use of the pool and fitness centre.
When: Spa-cation package is available Monday – Thursday weekly for $285