Since 1869, the Göta Canal is a place where the North Sea joins the Baltic is a waterway that takes one through a journey across Swedish history.

Take a leisurely cruise down the Gota Canal, which is one of the world’s most impressive waterways, stretching across Sweden, linking Göteborg (Gothenburg) in the west and Stockholm in the east.

The impressive Göta, nicknamed the “divorce ditch”, is a canal route that passes the archipelagos of thousands of islands and through 66 locks. The canal earned this nickname from the troubles that couples endured while trying to navigate the many locks by themselves.

This turned into an opportunity for the Göta Canal Steamship Company, who now offers old-fashioned extravagance aboard one of their three elegant steamers.

Your journey can vary in length. You can choose from a one-night ‘taster’ or spend a full week meandering down the Gota Canal.

There are many memorable sites along the way, which includes several stops en route. You will cruise past fortress ruins, medieval cloister, Royal Palaces, 12th century churches, picturesque hamlets and lush Swedish forests.

Göta Canal is member of the Romantik Hotels and Restaurants, and offers some of the finest cuisine in all of Sweden.

Food menus are based on fresh ingredients from local suppliers all along the canal route. Since food without wine is like a boat without an anchor, a sommelier will be onboard the ship to recommend the best wine to sip while enjoying your cruise and watching the sun set on deck.

The 2012 Olympic Games will be held in London this summer. Would you like the chance to attend the Summer Olympics as a VIP?

Charitybuzz is offering an exciting auction and the winner gets the opportunity to go to London, in addition to help raise funds for the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The whole world united every four years and the 2012 Olympic Games in London is expected to be possibly the best ever. Now get the chance to see the best of the games in luxury style.

Charitybuzz is the leading charity auction site and in partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee, is offering an incredible $50,000 Olympics package that features inside access and luxury accommodations to the 2012 Summer Olympics.

The auction’s winning bidder plus a guest has the opportunity to design their own unique Olympic adventure. Be front and center for all the gold-medal action with an all-expense trip to London, including event tickets, special access and more!

Auction package details:
Accommodations at the four-star Hilton London Metropole, conveniently located near the Olympic Games site
• Pre-selected tickets to a variety of popular sporting events that include swimming, basketball, track, beach volleyball and more
• Personal concierge service from a U.S. Olympic Committee staff member
• 2 five-day passes to USA House, the U.S. Olympic Committee’s official business and hospitality center
• Two passes to the exclusive CoSport hospitality center
• Access to a special reception with Olympians and Paralympians
• Commemorative Olympics merchandise

Proceeds benefit the U.S. Olympic Committee, supporting U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes in achieving sustained competitive excellence.

Bidding is open now through Thursday, January 19th, at http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/291955

Courtesy of: Hotel du Palais

The luxury Hotel du Palais in Biarritz was built in 1855. This five-star hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, and has been permanently restored boasting a glamorous five-story Guerlain Imperial Spa.

The legendary Hotel du Palais is well-known for its surfing spots and a glamorous jetset scene, and was once the palatial summer home of Napoleon III and Empress Eugenia.

This truly grandiose oceanfront villa in Basque Country, has interiors with restored nineteenth-century antiques and décor dating all the way back from the Second Empire.

This upcoming summer, Hotel du Palais will host a wide selection of both exciting and culturally enriching events, including a Dior jewelry exhibition, classical
musical and dance performances, art auctions and a special guest chef.

Art & Accessories – Hotel du Palais will host a DIOR Jewelry Presentation showcasing the latest collection from this legendary fashion house (July 28-August 14); French artist Maître Françoise Carayol will be auctioning some of his finest works including antiques and paintings (August 6-9), and local ceramist Joël Cazaux will display many of his signature pieces (August 9-18).

Sounds of Summer – Hotel du Palais is highlighting virtuosic concerts performances throughout the summer: a cello-piano duet featuring some of the Romantic Era’s greatest pieces (June 27), the world-renowned Ballet Flamenco de Maria Carrasco from Madrid (July 14), soprano Princesses Sophie and Catherine Galitzine of Russia (July 23), and a four-hand duet from piano prodigies Lidija and Sanja Bizjak (August 4).

Culinary Delights – In accordance with the annual Indian “Festival Namaste,” celebrated Chef Hemant Oberoi, Grand Chef of the Taj Group of Hotels and Executive Chef of the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai will be a guest chef to the hotel’s world-class restaurants (July 1-7).

For additional information, please visit: www.Hotel-du-Palais.com

Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of the most fascinating cities in all of Europe. A visit to Berlin will provide exciting sightseeing, superb gourmet food, the newest in modern art, and a fantastic nightlife.

During the many years World War II, many of Berlin’s buildings where heavily damaged. After the reunification process, almost all were rebuilt.

As World War II ended, the Allies had Berlin divided up into four different sectors. In West Berlin, the Americans, the British and the French controlled this sector.  In the Eastern part of Berlin, the USSR had control.

Since the fall of the infamous Berlin Wall in 1989, the city was incredibly merged together. Now, the united Berlin is once again the capital of all of Germany.

The landmark Brandenburger Tor, at 85 feet (26 meters) in height, was originally the main gate to Berlin. During the bleak years of the Cold War, the Brandenburger Tor was a forgotten icon in run-down East Berlin. Now it proudly represents the symbol of German reunification.

Another very important historical building is the German Parliament Building, also named the Reichstag Building.

After a 1933 fire destroyed the dome, Adolph Hitler used the accident to declare a state of emergency in Germany. But 12 years later the Red Army showed their victory by planting a flag on the roof.

After a major renovation, the building reopened in 1999. Significant improvements included a brand new, spectacular glass dome.

Visitors will find man many remains of the Cold War in Berlin. For one, Check Point Charlie is great example.

Originally, Check Point Charlie was a primary crossing point between East and West Berlin. Its museum showcases a reminder of difficult time in Berlin’s history.

In the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, view photos, and various memorabilia from the Berlin Wall and an assortment of devices that were used by citizens to escape from the East to the West.

Berlin boasts a variety of fine shopping. Here you can find Europe’s largest department store, called KaDeWe.

Make a trip to the sixth floor, where the food and beverage department is located. Gourmet lovers can rejoice and find approximately 1700 different cheeses, 1000 different sausages and 800 types of bread.

Berlin hosts a multitude of weekend markets. Several of the best ones include: Grosser Berliner Trdel- und Kunstmarkt at Strasse de 17. Juni in Tiergarten, Kunst-und Nostalgiemarkt at the Museumsinsel and Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz.

At Christmas time, indulge in the taste of sausages, waffles and the popular German Gluhwein at one of the many festive, Weihnachtsmarkt events around the city.

In the heart of the Mediterranean you will find an island both rich in history and finely tuned with the 21st century requirements – Cyprus. An outstanding cultural experience, never forgetting it’s ancient past and highlighting it’s presence in Europe.

Cyprus is a discoverer’s dream come true with spell bounding beaches, inviting mountain peaks, olive tree groves, as well as aromatic lemon trees and the remains of past cultures. It can only found in Cyprus.

There are so many villas to choose from in beautiful Cyprus, either near the beaches or inland. The holiday resorts offer quality surroundings, magnificent landscapes and a variety of cultural activity.

The luxurious accommodation alone will allow your family to share some unreal quality time together. You might decide to opt for one of the many exclusive apartments available as short term or long term rental, like those in Paphos which have great access to the many beaches there.

Also available are a complete choice of Cyprus villas as rentals. You will find Cyprus villas and immaculate apartments with rental properties also available in Coral Bay, Peyia, Kamares, and Aphrodite Hills. All of these villas offer a variety of amenities, air- conditioning, outstanding hygiene, 24 hour room service and virtually anything you could possibly ask for on vacation. The villas also overlook the sea and include a swimming pool, ideal for both adults and kids. Sporting entertainment includes both golf courses and skiing resorts.

Different Cyprus holiday villas have the following locations available: Sea Caves Villa: Sea Caves is a residential area located near Paphos on the island of Cyprus. Different villas are located here, which give the comfort of proximity from airport and easy access to restaurants, bars and shops. It also gives easy access from Akamas Peninsula and other swimming places.

Coral bay Area Villas: Excellent villas for anyone wishing to be really close to the beach. Kato Paphos Villas: You will be able to go for a swim in a luxurious pool close by the Hesperides Gardens. Pervolia: A wonderful landscaped pool with some of the best tavernas on the island. Secret Valley Resort Villa: A testing golf course followed a dip in a luxury villa. Peyia Village Villa: These luxurious villas are found between Peyia and coral bay. Central Paphos: Villas close by the city and offers an excellent choice of restaurants.

Every villa in holiday Cyprus is perfect for both holidaymakers and businessmen whether young or old. Find the surrounding peace and tranquility amidst the ancient villages. At the same time you at close proximity to the coastal resorts with the memorable nightlife. So step out of your rental villa’s front door and you will find everything you need to make a perfect holiday.

If you want to experience the joys of the most spectacular landscapes then rent a villa in Northern Cyprus. You are guaranteed the most relaxing of holidays with non stop fun and it suits all ages. Why not see the sights, go shopping at the local markets, try out a variety of aquatic sports or just good old sunbathing could be what you need on the unspoiled beaches of Cyprus.

Most people who have ever visited Benidorm in Spain, would find it difficult to believe that it was simply a small fishing village as recently as the 1950’s.

Many don’t realize that Benidorm’s rise as one of Europe hottest destinations has been rapid and spectacular one.

Modern day Benidorm is now the largest tourist resort area in all of Europe. More than four million people visit each year. Benidorm can be found on the Northern Costa Blanca, Spain between the cities of Alicante and Valencia.

Benidorm is one of the most vibrant and electrified vacation destinations in all of Europe. It’s close proximity to the Alicante Airport, along with multiple options for a wide variety of accommodations, make Benidorm a perfect travel destination.

A visit to Benidorm must include a trip to at least one of the many amusement parks in the area. Choices include the immense Aqualandia, the largest water park in Europe, with its slides, lazy rivers, pools and water rides is very popular.

There is also the educational Terra Mitica amusement park with its ancient civilization themes from ancient Greece, the Greek Islands, Rome, Egypt, and Iberia.

In addition, there’s Mundomar – an aquatic and marine animal park with dolphins, parrots, penguins, seals and sea lions all on display, along with Europe’s largest aquarium and an underwater dolphinarium.

Golf is another year round activity that is very popular in Benidorm. Golf enthusiasts who play these beautiful courses take full advantage of the fantastic climate, making Benidorm a golfer’s dream.

There are more than a dozen golf clubs located in and around Benidorm. In Chiva there is the Bosque Community and Golf Club. Mutxamel has the Bonalba Golf Club and the Alicante Golf Club is on the San Juan Beach.

The beaches in Benidorm are kept warm year round by the mountains on the border that both traps in the warm Mediterranean Sea air and blocks out the cold northern winds. The town of Benidorm is divided into two major sections and the beaches are divided accordingly. There are the Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente.

Both beaches are beautiful stretches of white sand that the Costa Blanca was named for, but Levante is much less crowded. Levante is also a topless beach. Levante is full of coves and areas of the Mediterranean Sea attract scuba divers as well as fishermen.

Benidorm is probably most well known above all else, is its nightlife. The town has more than 30 nightclubs for dancing and more than a thousand restaurants and bars located on or mere seconds away from the beaches. Party goers can enjoy both the fun in the sun and after dark in this city that stays lively 24 hours a day.

Paris is known all around the world as the “city of lights and “romance”. Visiting Paris can be a lifetime experience and is the ideal blend of civilization, travel, and cuisine.

There are a lot of wonderful places you can see in Paris, in addition to numerous other things you can do during your stay in Paris.

First of all, you should visit the Cathedral Notre Dame which is located in the heart of Paris. This is a truly a work of art when it comes to the French Gothic architecture. It has amazing rose windows and the interior is absolutely enormous. For those who love architecture, there is also the Sainte Chapelle, which is a beautiful attraction based on Gothic architecture.

Any trip to Paris must include a visit to the Louvre. Here you can find the most prominent works of art from all over the globe. There are also pieces of art that were formerly collected by the French Royalty and were later donated to the museum.

If you are an art enthusiast, you don’t want to miss the Musee d’Orsay, which houses a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and many other artistic items.

While in Paris, you can also experience the famous French cuisine which is exclusive. The finest restaurants in the city are the Les Fontaines, Au Bistrot de la Sorbonne, Les Degres de Notre-Dame, Au Jardin des Pates, and many others. In addition there are also great Paris bars and clubs including Batofar, La Locomotive, and Mustangs.

There are some very nice parks and gardens in Paris which have fantasy landscapes and open spaces where you can take a stroll, rest on a park bench, and also have an enjoyable picnic.

When it comes to shopping in Paris, it is one of the things the city is famous for. There are large designer shops as well as small shops that sell everything from antiques to other local products such as clothes, pottery, wine, and books.

Of course, one of the greatest attractions in Paris is the mighty Eiffel Tower. If you are lucky enough to stand on top of the Eiffel Tower, you are able to get a fantastic view of the city in all directions. Inside the Eiffel Tower is also a cinema, a bar, and several restaurants.

Another grand museum that is a must see is the Musee du Quai Branly, which has works from Africa, Oceania, America, and Asia. You can see costumes, music instruments, masks, and other artifacts from various continents.

There is also the National Picasso Museum which has all the phases of art by Pablo Picasso – from his preparatory sketches to large sculptures.

Andre’s Cigar & Cognac Lounge

Located upstairs from Andre’s Restaurant inside the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, you will find the warm and welcoming Cigar & Cognac Lounge.

Immerse yourself in the Cigar & Cognac Lounge and enjoy ultimate privacy while enjoying a fine cigar or spirit.

With the seductive aroma of fine cigars in the air, the cracking of the nearby fire, relax and enjoy a spirit, maybe an aged cognac, in luxury style.

Cigar & Cognac Lounge features rich leather decor and intimate lighting.

You will find an incredible selection of fine cigars and spirits to choose from. If you’re unsure what to choose, don’t worry. Allow the experts to help recommend a professional cognac and cigar pairing.

Cigar connoisseurs will be in for a royal treat. The majority of the cigar selection comes from Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

So no matter whether you’ve just finished a fine dining experience at Andre’s Restaurant, watched a show in the Monte Carlo Theatre or just want to unwind after a full day of sightseeing or gambling in Las Vegas,  it’s the perfect way to cap off a dinner at Andre’s, a show in the Monte Carlo Theatre or to simply wind down before turning in for the evening.

The Monte Carlo Cigar & Cognac Lounge houses an amazing selection of rare cognacs and Armagnacs in their ornate bottles that shouldn’t be missed.

For more info on the Cigar & Cognac Lounge in the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, please visit: Cigar & Cognac Lounge

The Blue Pool (also known by its Hawaiian name as Heleleikeoha Falls or Helele’ike’oha Falls as well as Blue Angel Falls) on the Hawaiian island of Maui, could very well be one of the most scenically located swimming pool waterfalls in the world.

The beautiful waterfall  faces the ocean as it’s sheltered by rocks protecting its picturesque plunge pool from the crashing waves. If there was ever a place you could take a dip and contemplate the scenery, this is it!

In Hawaii, it’s rare for a waterfall to fall right into the ocean (or almost). This is one of those rare occurrences where there is a waterfall on one side of you and the sea on the other.

The falls are typically light flowing. If it hasn’t rained for a while, it probably trickles. Nonetheless, the location makes it easy to forget whether the falls are flowing or not.

At one time, Blue Pool was known only to the local folks. Now it is written up in all the guidebooks, and is quite a busy place. Busy isn’t necessarily bad, but Blue Pool is just that – a pool. Small. I recommend that if you want to visit Blue Pool, try to go early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the sun at the best angle.

Blue Pool is located at the very end of Ulaino Road (about ½ mile west of airport road) on Maui. Ulaino Road is 3 miles long, and is wide and paved for about a mile, then becomes narrow and dirt.

There is a small parking area at the end of the road, with parking enough for about 6 cars.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant is contemporary, and offers a unique mix of internationally influenced cuisine and world-class German Lagers brewed on-site.

The restaurant has a open airy feeling about it. Dark warehouse type with a long open kitchen you can see from just about anywhere in the place. Plenty of large glass windows and a nice patio that is usually packed during warmer times of the year.

Large square bar is packed with a younger crowd. The restaurant section was also filled and several tables seemed to be after work parties. There’s a Private room in the back, that is often filled with parties too.

On tap were Dunkels, Marzen, Hefe, and Golden Export and the special was the Winterhook. The beers are of good quality and the Winterhook is quite tasty.

The food is reasonably priced and all their appetizers and meals will be enjoyed. Service is quick and friendly despite the crowds. Waitress seem to understand the wide variety of beer styles.

Spa & Salon at ARIA

The wild and craziness of another New Year celebration is over. Like most of us, we trey to start the new Year with a long list of resolution. Go on a diet, more excercise, save more money, do more charity work, etc….

Whatever the New Year resolutions you have come up with, maybe it’s time to throw them all away and indulge in the luxury that is Las Vegas.

We’ve offered an intriguing list of ultimate pleasures in Sin City. Beyond the slot machines and water-downed casino drinks, there is a world of luxury and pampering that only Las Vegas can deliver.

Forget the diet. AAA Five Diamond Chef Joel Robuchon has sixteen courses of his legendary French cuisine at MGM Grand. Treat yourself. Gift yourself with the exclusive items from brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and Tiffany’s in Crystals at CityCenter. Skip the workout. Get pampered with the luxurious Caviar Facial at Spa Bellagio or Spa & Salon Vdara’s Four Hands Massage with champagne… and more.

Forget the Diet
· As the only restaurant in Vegas to ever hold three Michelin stars, Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand offers a dining experience that’ll impress even the most refined of palates – the 16 Course Degustation Menu. The ultimate splurge in fine French cuisine, Gault Millau’s Chef of the Century’s menu evolves seasonally. The menu is currently priced at $425 per person and features countless delicacies, such as “Le Foie Gras,” a Carpaccio of foie gras and potatoes, covered with white truffle shavings. Indulge yourself in the Bread Cart, with more than a dozen types of breads pulled from the oven minutes before service begins; the eclectic Cheese Cart with 15-20 varieties available nightly; and the Mignardises Trolley, filled with more than 30 handmade delights – all at unlimited quantities with your meal.

· In the land of $100 margaritas and $1,000 shots of whiskey, there should be no surprise that Las Vegas is home to an extravagant and unrivaled burger-eating experience. Renowned Chef Hubert Keller of Fleur at Mandalay Bay serves up FleurBurger 5000, a gastronomic jackpot. The foie gras and black truffle-topped Kobe burger is accompanied by a bottle of Chateau Petrus 1995 poured in Ichendorf Brunello stemware, exclusively imported from Italy. After the meal, the team at Fleur by Hubert Keller will ship the glasses to the guest’s home at no additional charge. All this decadence for the price of $5,000!

· Chef Masa Takayama of barMASA at ARIA Resort & Casino offers a dish that epitomizes his style to the most indulgent degree – the Masa Toro with caviar. Delicate fatty Toro is topped with a mountain of Osetra caviar and served with crispy, buttery brioche. Just three simple ingredients create an epicurean experience that’s not of this planet, available for $240.

Skip the Workout
· The Spa & Salon at ARIA Spa Suites are 800 square foot private suites which offer an individualized spa journey that truly invokes a feeling of escape. Within the Aiji-stone walls, guest can indulge in any of The Spa &Salon at ARIA’s luxurious treatments beneath soothing natural lighting. Every element of the spa is provided in a private room, including a lounge area, vanity, lockers, personal steam shower, and three-person hydrotherapy tub. Each “spa within a spa” can accommodate up to eight people, to allow the exclusive package to be shared (it is the holiday season!); packages range from a 3-hour series of spa or salon treatments to a 12-hour VIP experience.

· Why enjoy a massage from one masseuse when you can have two?! Spa & Salon Vdara at Vdara Hotel & Spa in CityCenter offers the Four Hands Massage where two massage therapists work in tandem incorporating Swedish massage-style techniques with light to medium pressure. An enjoyable way and extravagant way to relieve stress and tension after the holiday season.

· Who said caviar was only for eating? Resolve to indulge and enjoy renewed skin with a facial cocktail of crushed pearls, marine caviar and hydrating botanical elements. With the Caviar Fusion Facial offered by Spa Bellagio, guests can start the year off right with more firm and younger-looking skin.

Treat Yourself
· An unmatched level of exclusivity is exactly what Crystals at CityCenter provides for guests looking for the perfect gift for themselves. Within this shopping mecca are an unprecedented collection of world-renowned retailers, including North America’s largest Louis Vuitton and the only North America location of Tag Heuer. Also featuring flagship location for Prada, Gucci, YSL, Fendi, Tiffany’s and much more… each retailer offers something new and unique whether it be an exclusive item or shopping experience at these locations.

Sky Sites – ARIA

· The Sky Suites in ARIA Resort & Casino are not your usual run-of-the-mill cushy VIP rooms. Everything from its Sealy posturepedic mattresses to the integrated guestroom technology system and its exceptional 24/7 customized concierge service will ensure stays are legendary. Each exclusive suite (though you can’t really describe it as just a suite) comes with unlimited complimentary limousine access; including airport pick-up so you can arrive in style to ARIA’s private Sky Suite porte cochere’s check-in and enjoy one of the exclusive full-service lounge. Just one small step up is the Sky Villas, featuring private massage rooms, fully-equipped exercise rooms, relaxing sauna and steam rooms, personal salon/barber rooms, and much more.

· You don’t need to be a celebrity to feel like one in Vegas! Start the off New Year in grand style by staying at SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand. With 24-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the city, this haven offers unmatched personal service that includes in-LOFT massages and 24-hour concierge.

Have Fun
· For thrill-seekers looking for the experience of a lifetime, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay provides a true adrenaline rush. Daredevils can dive into the 1.3-million-gallon, 22-foot-deep Shipwreck Exhibit that houses rays, sawfish, green sea turtles and seven different species of sharks including White Tip Reef and Zebra Sharks.

· Forget the workout while playing to win the ARIA’s exclusive Ivey Room. This high stakes room is in honor of seven-time World Series of Poker Champion and popular professional Phil Ivey. The Ivey Room offers poker players the opportunity to play some of the world’s highest-limit games and features direct player access to the Poker Room cashier cage where guests can utilize one of 480 safety deposit boxes. The Ivey Room provides guests 24-hour tableside dining, complimentary beverage service from the friendliest cocktail servers in the industry, an overhead state-of-the-art music system and three 42-inch television monitors for viewing sporting events or other programming.