Travel

Arriving Now: Crosby Street Hotel

Hoteliers Tim and Kit Kemp have landed this side of the Pond with their brand-new Crosby Street Hotel, which sits on a dreamy cobbled street in Manhattan's hip SoHo district. Kit Kemp once again takes design duties, utilizing pretty colors and patterns in an inviting mix of modern and classic style to create delightful sweeping ceilings while wall-length windows allow for an abundance of space and light. Enjoy a meal (or afternoon tea, naturally) in the Crosby Bar or escape for a few minutes' peace and quiet in the guest lounge or the courtyard garden. 79 Crosby St., Manhattan, 212.226.6400, firmdale.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Firmdale.

Serene Getaway: The Spa at The Setai

You may be enjoying Miami's South Beach on the Atlantic coast, but a trip to the spa at The Setai Hotel will transport you to the Pacific. Opt for The Setai Indulgence Package ($300), which includes an hour-long ancient Balinese massage that improves circulation while easing tension as well as an organic, Ayurvedic-inspired refining facial or purifying body polish. Or, if romance is on the agenda, bring your companion and luxuriate in a Love Bath for two—aphrodisiac bath oils, Champagne and canapes await. setai.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: The Setai.

Pack This: The Terroir Guides

Seeking the most savory corners of each of your travel destinations? Then get an insider's view, city by city, courtesy of The Terroir Guides ($19.96 each). Designed with the foodie in mind, each tome tells gastronomes where to trawl for gourmet treasures. Take Food Wine Rome, for example. Listings are broken down by neighborhood and then further into three umbrella categories: restaurants, retail shops, and wine shops and bars. Finding the perfect torta di ricotta—at Bar Benito—is a piece of (cheese) cake. Budapest and The Italian Riviera & Genoa are now available; Tokyo and Burgundy will be out in early 2010. Available at littlebookroom.com.

–Caroline Rath,  Modernluxury.com   

Photo: Find Your Craving.

Suite Escape: Jade Mountain Resort

Paradise is not lost. It's just hidden away in St. Lucia. Poised above the breathtaking views of the cobalt Caribbean Sea and lush tropical forest of the Anse Chastanet beach resort is the equally stunning Jade Mountain Resort. Architectural wonders abound with myriad infinity pools that spill seamlessly into one another then into nature beyond and in-room terraces that offer views of the towering Pitons, which jut dramatically up from the ocean floor. Guests are encouraged to submit to the serenity by enjoying soothing spa treatments (like the Rainbow Body-Chakra Balancing Massage) as well as the Jade Mountain Club Restaurant's fine dining. jademountain.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Jade Mountain Resort.

Will Travel: Aspinal of London's Hepburn Vanity Case

Long before endless security lines and reservation snafus existed to reduce even the most seasoned traveler to a tired, disheveled mess, travel was a glamorous affair. Holidays were an occasion to collect beautiful new wardrobe pieces and ladies dressed to the nines for high-society airplane flights. Hearken back to that era with Aspinal of London's Hepburn Vanity Case ($475), made of soft croc-embossed calf leather. Measuring almost a foot tall and 8 inches in diameter, it is the perfect size for all of a lady's luxurious essentials. Choose from black, brown, pink or purple. Available at aspinaloflondon.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Aspinal of London.

Book It Now: The Roosevelt New Orleans

New Orleans is still on the mend after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, but like the legendary phoenix, aspects of the glorious city are rising from the ashes in spectacular fashion. Take The Roosevelt New Orleans, the newest luxury hotel under the Waldorf Astoria Collection brand. Formerly the Fairmount Hotel, the building was closed until this past July after undergoing a lavish $145-million restoration. To celebrate the hotel's official opening, a grand celebration is slated for the weekend of October 23–25, complete with music from the Neville Brothers as well as singer Irma Thomas. Book a grand-opening-weekend package ($1,750 per couple), which includes a deluxe suite for two and two tickets to both music shows, among other amenities. While you're there, be sure to dine at John Besh's Domenica Restaurant and visit the lush Guerlain Spa, both slated to launch that weekend to coincide with the festivities. therooseveltneworleans.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: The Roosevelt New Orleans.

Sales Scan: 40% Off Suites at The Langham London

Pack your white gloves, for you'll surely want to partake in an elegant afternoon tea at the London locale where the daily English ritual originated: The Langham London. Enjoy all the amenities of a charmed life at Europe's original grand hotel, which has catered to royals and dignitaries for generations. Steeped in history beyond tea, the 140-year-old hotel has reopened this year after an elaborate restoration. To celebrate, The Langham is offering a 40 percent discount on its suites as part of its Suite Dreams promotion, in effect through December 31. london.langhamhotels.co.uk.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: The Langham London.

Serene Getaway: Bernardus Lodge

Whether you're a oenophile, a foodie or a spa lover, you'll be pleased as punch to visit Bernardus Lodge, located in Northern California's picturesque Carmel Valley. Sample Bernardus wine from the on-site vineyards and feast at the celebrated Marinus restaurant, a popular epicurean event venue. Relax with any of the spa's singular offerings, such as vinotherapy or ocean-based treatments inspired by the diverse region. Then get cozy with your companion in one of 57 rooms at the lodge, where you can enjoy a long bath for two before curling up in front of a fire on your luxurious feather bed. bernardus.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Bernardus Lodge.

Sales Scan: Fourth Night Free at the Mandarin Oriental New York

Some might not think of bustling Manhattan as a place to relax and escape. But there is indeed serenity to be had at the Mandarin Oriental New York, where guests can enjoy an elegantly appointed suite directly above Columbus Circle and overlooking the vast terrain of Central Park. Book three consecutive nights before December 31 and receive a fourth night on the house, compliments of the hotel's Suite Temptations package. The promotion includes daily breakfast for two and a credit at the hotel's five-star, state-of-the-art spa, where you can lose yourself in the amethyst crystal steam room before indulging in a full-body massage. mandarinoriental.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Mandarin Oriental.

Will Travel: Balanzza's Digital Bag Scale

You just can't help it, can you? On the return trip home, your luggage always requires two people to close it: one to sit on top and the other to keep all those newfound treasures from bursting out at the seams as you struggle to zip the bag closed. This proclivity has led to numerous raised eyebrows at the check-in counter and copious fees from exceeding the per-bag weight limit. Something's gotta give. Although Balanzza's Digital Bag Scale ($25) can't exactly cure what ails you, it can ensure that you better proportion your packing—and perhaps ship some things home via Airmail—before getting slapped with those fines. Able to weigh up to 100 pounds, this clever gadget is small and portable but quite powerful. So go ahead and grab that extra teak-wood carving or vintage kimono—you know you can't resist. Available at sahalie.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Sahalie.