Top 10 Luxurious Adventures of 2010

Top 10 Luxurious Adventures of 2010

And How to Perfect 'Em in 2011

by Alison Wellner

When people ask me for luxury travel advice, usually along the lines of "I want to plan a perfect trip to XYZ," I have two responses:

a) there ain't no such thing as perfect in this world, no matter how much money you spend;

and, b) you always know exactly how to make a trip as perfect as possible after you get home.

Still, the following trips I made in 2010 pleased me greatly, which is basically what I count as sublime perfection

-- and should you plan to follow in my footsteps in 2011, note the tips I've added for making terrific travel even better.

1. Sail French Polynesia Aboard the Paul Gauguin: This is the best way to explore the islands of French Polynesia -- obligingly beautiful sail-ins and outs, which you'll watch from your private balcony as your butler brings you beverages. Tip: Paul Gauguin is offering guest privileges credits of up to $1,000 on 2011 cruises.

2. High Lights Festival, Montreal: This arts festival goes on all night long -- and there's also always terrific culinary events. Like a dinner made up entirely of cheese. Tip: This year's festival theme is "Women". Stay at Hotel le St. James for gender balance.

3. Tasmania, Australia: It takes a long time to get there from the U.S., but this Australian state has wine, oysters, views and fresh berries most of the year. Tip: Stay at the new Saffire hotel on the Freycinet Peninsula.

4. Vieques, Puerto Rico: A Caribbean island retreat, complete with wild horses, and you don't even need a passport. Tip: Check out the new W Vieques.

5. Applewood Inn in Sonoma, California: Sometimes you just gotta kick back in wine country. Best night of sleep I had all year, and I'm sure that was only in part due to the wine I drank all day and the excellent dinner I had at the inn that night.

6. La Mamounia, Marrakech: My favorite cocktail hour of 2010 was at the incomparable hotel and resort La Mamounia, where a strong gin and tonic was made for me table-side at the bar La Marocain, as I watched the sun set over the Koutoubia mosque. Tip: the hotel exhibits the photographs of Carole Bellaiche through February 2011 in another jewel-like bar on the resort, L'Italien.
   

7. The Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia: Highest tides in the world. And you can raft 'em. (Watch this video and be amazed!) Tip: Stay at the Blomidon Inn, for dinners of expertly prepared game meats. And, unrelated to game meat, keep your eye out for Jason Priestly, who frequents the hotel.

8. Melbourne's Hidden Secrets Tour: I'm not much of a fan of organized tours, but I dropped a great deal of money at the one-of-a-kind boutiques that were revealed unto me on this tour. And every single one of the gifts was for me. Tip: Stay at the Langham Melbourne and you won't have to schlep your shopping bags far.

9. Vintage Charm: We all know that luxury isn't all about sleek modernity. Take a step back in time and stay at the Lexington House Bed & Breakfast which dates back to 1749. Or if you'd prefer a different era, hit the historic Hotel Burnham in Chicago, in a building which is a whippersnapper in comparison -- it was built in 1895.

10. Shakespeare Festival, Stratford, Ontario: If you watch Glee and fell all jealous of the gang's theatrical aspirations-- and admit it, you know you do -- this is where you want to go next year. It's not just Shakespeare. Tips: Visit the Costume Warehouse; stay at the Lofts at 99 to restore your sense of cool.