The Peninsula Beverly Hills Offers Hollywood Bowl Picnic Baskets

Planning an outing to the Hollywood Bowl for a concert under the stars? Picnic in style with help from The Peninsula Beverly Hills, the sophisticated urban resort on Santa Monica Boulevard. Executive Chef James Overbaugh has designed a gourmet picnic basket with a mouthwatering menu. You can customize your very own three-course meal of culinary delights. You'll also get some Peninsula snacks for pre-dinner cocktail time: truffle popcorn or caramel popcorn.

Watch the Venice Historical Regatta from the Westin Europa and Regina

You can't beat this location for a bird's eye view of the Venice Historical Regatta on September 6, 2009. Situated directly on the Grand Canal, the Westin Europa & Regina occupies a position of privilege, housed in five centuries-old palaces, the oldest of which belonged to the Tiepolos. You'll be spoiled rotten at this five-star hotel, where the 24-hour Clefs d'Or concierge can take care of any request. But most importantly-- you'll be spoiled with the gorgeous views that inspired Claude Monet. Don't miss the Regata Storica which takes place on the first Sunday in September-- you'll witness a beautiful gondola parade, followed by fiercely-competitive races and an incredible fireworks display. Here's the skinny from the official website:

This unique sport has been practiced in the Venetian lagoon for thousands of years and today it is particularly well-known for the spectacular historical water pageant that precedes the race. Scores of typically 16th century-style boats with gondoliers in period costume carry the Doge, the Doge's wife and all the highest ranking Venetian officials up the Grand Canal in a brightly coloured parade. An unforgettable sight and a true reconstruction of the glorious past of one of most the powerful and influential Maritime Republics in the Mediterranean. The Regata Storica dates back centuries, probably as far back as the mid thirteenth century when the Serenissima needed to train the crews of its huge navy in the art of rowing.

Music and Wine Take Center Stage at Napa Valley’s 2009 Festival De Sole

California wine country's top summer festival, the Festival De Sole, runs from July 17-25. Taking place at venues throughout Napa, the festival combines classical music -including a recital by American Soprano, Renee Fleming- with wine tasting, five-star cuisine, and art exhibits. This highly-anticipated cultural festival has become one of the "hottest tickets" of the summer in Napa. If you want to partake in the festivities, Five Star Alliance offers wonderful lodging at top rated, ultra luxurious hotels in the Napa Valley region. Book a stay at The Carneros Inn (pictured above) or at any one of our seven recommended luxury hotels in Napa, and participate in the wonderful celebration of the "art of life" at the 2009 Festival De Sole.

Tomato Fight! La Tomatino Festival in Spain; Stay at the Eurostars Gran Valencia

Geared up for the world's largest tomato fight? Spain's La Tomatina festival is famous worldwide for its tomato-hurling merriment in Buñol, 30 kilometers from Valencia. This year's will take place on August 26th, and some 50,000 revelers are expected to descend on the town to throw 125 tons of tomatoes at each other. After getting sufficiently soaked in tomato juice, return to your luxe lodgings at the Eurostars Gran Valencia to clean up. Just don't do it in the sparkling outdoor pool.

Image Via USAToday

Aleenta Resort and Spa Gives You a Reason to Smile

This year marks a momentous occasion in Thailand, as the country will be hosting the World Comedy Film Festival 2009, the first ever of its kind in Asia. Featuring over 50 comedies from around the globe, there will be an heavy focus on Asia. In celebration, and in conjunction, the Aleenta Resort and Spa will be hosting its own red carpet event on Tuesday, June 10th. Hosted by Australian celebrity Bianca Dye, there will be a red carpet arrival, cocktails and dinner, and of course, a premiere of a film featured in the festival. Aleenta Resort and Spa calls this event "A Night With the Stars at Aleenta," and it promises to be a night filled with laughter as well!

Special Offer from Five Star Alliance: Guests who make their reservations through Five Star Alliance for Aleenta Resort and Spa will receive a 30 minute stress and tension relieving massage for 2 in Aleenta's KA Spa once during stay.

Rock Out In Luxury at Hotel Sax Chicago

Summer not only promises beautiful weather, but also signifies the beginning of the concert festival season, as apparent with many big shows happening around the U.S. Lollapalooza has really become the standard of the great American festival, with Perry Farrell organizing the massive music event in Grant Park, Chicago at the beginning of August. This year will be no different, with diverse headliners ranging from The Killers to Snoop Dogg. A great place to rest your head after a long day of music is the Hotel Sax Chicago. Formerly a House of Blues, Hotel Sax Chicago is the newest downtown Chicago luxury hotel. Intriguing settings mix with energizing spaces in this luxurious oasis located in the heart of the city. Come stay during Lollapalooza, taking place August 7th through the 9th, and you can book a lavish king room for around 200 USD a night.

Climbing, Fishing, and Hiking, Oh My! Activities at the Four-Season Capella Telluride Resort

Yes, the talked-about Capella Resort is steps from the gondola in Telluride for superb skiing in the winter. But the spring and summer months are just as exciting at this all-season resort. Your personal assistant at Capella Telluride-- a perk for every guest-- can arrange myriad excursions for you to get out into the wild. Grab a bike and hit the trails around Telluride. Try your hand at fly-fishing in the nearby lakes, rivers and streams just minutes away. Test your climbing skills on the Adventure Climbing Rock located in Mountain Village. Play a game of golf on some of the most challenging terrain in the world. Spend the day hiking through spectacular forests and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Take a Jeep Tour through the Wild Wild West, or explore the old town of Telluride on Segway. Or go on an exhilarating adventure white-water rafting. The choice is yours. Don't miss the Summer Sunset Concert Series in Sunset Plaza Mountain Village on Wednesdays, and a host of fun Telluride festivals throughout the summer.

Run with the Bulls in Pamplona: Stay at Hemingway’s Favorite, Gran Hotel La Perla

The running of the bulls takes place in July annually in Pamplona. The highlight of the San Fermin Festival, the encierro is not to be missed (though we'd suggest watching, rather than running). Follow in Hemingway's footsteps and reserve a room at the beautiful Gran Hotel La Perla, one of the oldest hotels in Spain. The star-studded guest list includes Orson Welles, Charles Chaplin and Pablo Sarasate, along with "Papa" Hemingway. Completely refurbished in 2007, the Gran Hotel La Perla overlooks Pamplona's main square in the middle of the action. Don't miss a meal at the hotel's Las Pocholas Restaurant, frequented by Hollywood stars back in the day. Tip: We hear Hemingway liked room no. 217.

Book Your Key West Room for Fantasy Fest Now!

It's never too early to get started on your costume for Fantasy Fest. For those who aren't acquainted with this Key West tradition, think Mardi Gras with even more elaborate costumes. The outrageous 10-day celebration features costume competitions, promenades, street fairs, and a grand parade with marching groups and lavish floats. The festivities run October 23-November 1, and rooms sell out fast. Santa Maria Suites Resort offers 35 luxury guest suites, a stunning pool, and the Ambrosia restaurant. Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, spans 1,100 square feet of private beach and is full of Old Key West charm. The Reach Resort boasts the only natural beach on the island, 150 elegant guest rooms, and attentive service. Sunset Key Guest Cottages are located just off the hustle-and-bustle of the mainland, for some serenity during an otherwise wild and crazy celebration.

Brazil is for Lovers: Celebrating Dia dos Namorados

Looking for a special way to show that special someone you love them, but think Valentine's Day is still nine months away? Well, you may just be in luck. Brazilians celebrate their version of Valentine's Day, "Dia dos Namorados," literally translating to "Day of the Enamored," on June 12th. This date is actually the eve of St. Anthony of Padua's Day. St. Anthony is considered to be the Patron Saint of those who want a loving companion, and he is also thought to bless people with a good marriage. While much remains the same in Brazil as it does in the rest of the world on Valentine's Day (i.e. the exchange of flowers and chocolates and love letters), there are also parades, carnivals, concerts, and parties. One of the most romantic and luxurious hotels to spend Dia dos Namorados is the Emiliano in Sao Paolo. Contemporary luxury with a boutique setting, Emiliano boasts a gourmet Italian restaurant, world class spa, and rooms and suites that are perfect for romance.