Travel

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.

Arriving Now: Yoshihiro Suda Exhibit at The Contemporary Museum

In his second U.S. exhibition, Yoshihiro Suda showcases his delicate and intricate sculptures of Japanese plant life at The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu. Carved from magnolia wood and meticulously painted with traditional Japanese pigments, these sculpted blooms (everything from roses and magnolias to common weeds) embody a quiet elegance. Exhibit runs through October 18. tcmhi.org.

–Lianne Bidal Thompson,  Modern Luxury Magazines  

Photo: The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu.

Hot Spot: The Nine Streets

While it might be more about the shopping than the food along The Nine Streets in Amsterdam, it's fair to say you can consume both. This famous strip of nine streets (naturally) boasts some of the best independent and small boutiques in the city. Located walking distance from the historical Anne Frank House, it's the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee and a homemade apple pastry from one of the many bakeries lining the streets. It's not your fault these foodie stops are housed next to stores selling gorgeous buttery-leather bags, sky-high heels and finds from famed Dutch designers Viktor & Rolf and Droog. theninestreets.com.

–JuliB  

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.

Taking Off: National Museum of the American Indian's 20th Anniversary Gala

Enjoy a night of indigenous culture, history and music at the 20th anniversary gala of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC. Catch a glimpse of Academy Award-winning songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie and actor Wes Studi, and hear music by the San Manuel Bird Singers, Metis Fiddler Quartet and others. October 7. nmai.si.edu.

–Leila Rafei,  Modern Luxury Magazines  

Photo: NMAI.

Pack This: Quirky's Split Stick

Even the worst mid-flight queasiness can't compare to the distress of a mistaken document disclosure. To prevent information leakage, travel with Quirky's Split Stick ($25), a double-sided USB drive. This single handy stick houses a pair of 2G retractable drives, so you can keep work and personal docs easily separated. Just flip the switch in the center to eject the drive you need and maintain your own digital divide. Available at quirky.com.

–Isaiah Freeman-Schub,  Modern Luxury Magazines  

Suite Escape: Castel Monastero

How about an Italian getaway to kick off fall? The Castel Monastero is a resort lost in time. Set in the restored ruins of a besieged 11th-century castle (nestled between rolling hills of Chianti grapes and chestnut forests just outside of Siena), the hotel has amenities fit for a Medici. There's a rustic cantina for those who want to escape modern complications, but the resort's real star is Gordon Ramsay's fine-dining spot (his first Italy-based kitchen). Here, Ramsay serves Italian country fare set in a wrought iron and wood-beamed space overlooking the tiny town's piazza. There are also classes for foodies and oenophiles, so take notes and impress your friends back home. Or ask the full-service concierge to set up a wine tour or a day trip to nearby Cortone and San Gimignano. castelmonastero.com.

–Christopher Luu,  JuliB  

Photo: Castel Monastero.

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.

Arriving Now: Gold Exhibit at Atlanta's Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Want precious knowledge? Starting this Saturday, gold is the star of a new show detailing the science and culture behind man's attraction to the heavy metal. On display at Atlanta's Fernbank Museum of Natural History will be gilt artifacts like ancient coins and jewelry along with more modern elements such as Oscar statues, Grammy awards and Olympic medals. And you can be sure that all that glitters here is actually the real thing. Exhibit opens September 26. fernbankmuseum.org.

–Emily L. Foley,  JuliB  

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.