 | Imagine if a group of artistically minded and communal living skateboarders renovated an old hotel and decided to make it the hippest place to stay. The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, California would be something like what you’d get. Known throughout the Pacific Northwest, The Ace is renowned for their stylish yet budget friendly boutique hotels in Portland and Seattle so when they decided to revamp an old hotel in Palm Springs, I was intrigued. Palm Springs always reminds me of retirement communities and golf courses, but the Ace Hotel definitely dispels all those preconceived notions. The interior walls are covered in a tent canvas for the illusion that you’re camping somewhere far far away (but with hot water showers!). The theme extends to the rest of the room with antique steamer trunks that store extra pillows and plenty of vintage National Geographic magazines that can help you plan your next getaway. Dine at the King’s Highway, formerly a Denny’s, where they serve roadside diner food with local and organic ingredients. Lastly, relax at their spa, by the pool, the stargazing deck or on your private patio. With rates starting at under $150 per night, it’s easy to get away from it all. Click on my slideshow to see more! |
 | How do you say luxury in Hawaiian? Mae e ho’ohiwahiwa ai ka noho ‘na. But while that may be a mouthful, finding a Hawaiian example of luxury is simple — just look to The Royal Hawaiian Resort. Located on Waikiki Beach, Starwood’s 529-room “Pink Palace of the Pacific” takes its cues from its luscious natural surroundings, as well as the history and culture of the island. Marvel at the property’s 1920s Moorish architecture, lounge in a beachfront cabana, sip a tropical cocktail at its oceanside Mai Tai Bar, or try an alfresco massage in the garden, courtesy of the on-site Abhasa Spa. And don’t miss ‘Ah ‘Aina, the Royal Hawaiian’s weekly dinner and show featuring local cuisine along with dancers and musicians telling the story of Waikiki. Aloha, indeed! Click “See Video” for a virtual tour, then check out what else the islands have to offer at Modern Luxury! |
 | In our fast-paced society of instant gratification and non-stop networking (we can’t even keep in touch with friends guilt-free on Facebook without calling it “networking”), it is easy to become stressed and harried. Even weekends, the lone couple of days we had to rest and recuperate, are now filled with playing catch-up for the office or partaking in fun, but taxing activities that don’t let our bodies just sit back, take a deep breath, and truly relax. The next time you get a some vacation time, treat yourself to somewhere that is fun, interesting and will also give you some time to really breathe a sigh of relief. Try Berlin, Germany and stay at the beautifully streamlined Lux Eleven hotel. Imagine Calvin Klein had designed the interiors and you have the modern minimalism of steel and hardwood in a clean and spacious area. Now imagine Hello Kitty completed a touch of the finishing details and you get the the hot pink lobby and roll out carpet, the pink and purple striped blankets atop starkly contrasting black and white, and the twinkling, spherical lights flanking the hallways- basically, de-cluttered glam in a minimalist setting. The rooms are amazing as well, with anything from value rooms to penthouses available, all of which come furnished with a seating area and kitchenette to make you feel even more relaxed and at home. Still a little stressed? The Lux Eleven provides a spa and healing center that uses different programs and treatments, as well as plant-derived Aveda products to put you at ease, mind, body and soul. Shopping more the name of your game? Their Ulf Haines store offers pieces straight from the collection from big name designers like Balmain and Ann Demeulemeester and if spa treatments and shopping leave you hungry, the hotel also houses a meticulously decorated restaurant and bar that serves the finest in food and beverage. Check out the slideshow for a closer look ar Berlin’s simply gorgeous Lux Eleven hotel and start planning your perfectly peaceful getaway today! |
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