Ksar Char-Bagh in Marrakech: The World’s Coolest Hotels

Few destinations can beat exotic Marrakech for its opulence (gorgeous palace hotels!), excitement (a stroll through the sultry souk!), and setting (lush gardens of jasmine and orange blossoms set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains). Morocco is definitely on the traveler's radar screen these days, and there's little wonder why. Marrakech is home to a slew of new hotels, but one of the most dazzling in the world is the Ksar Char-Bagh, a marble palace inspired by 14th century Moorish architecture marked by pools and running water throughout the sprawling property. There are tennis courts and heated pools on-site. The library boasts an impressive 1,000 volumes.

Buzzworthy: One and Only Resort Cape Town Opens in April

Fans of One & Only Resorts, the collection of ultra-luxury properties in enchanting settings around the globe, will be thrilled to learn about One & Only's debut in Cape Town. Slated to open in April 2009, the chic One & Only Cape Town will be situated on the Victoria & Albert Waterfront facing glorious Table Mountain. The official website claims it will "set a new standard of luxury in South Africa creating an oasis of style amidst the vibrant playground of one of the world's most fascinating cities." Of the 150 guest rooms, the largest in Cape Town, rumor has it that two suites will have their own ensuite spa treatment rooms. The Times of London describes the place thusly:

Sol Kerzner, a man who likes to throw a party you can see from space, is opening another of his One&Only hotels on Cape Town's Waterfront in May. Like his latest project, the Atlantis, in Dubai, this will be an excess-all-areas extravaganza — rooms large enough to land a plane in, and not only the first Nobu restaurant in Africa, but also the first Gordon Ramsay.

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Celebrity Honeymoon Watch!

The Atlantis Resort Complex Opens on Dubai's Man-made Palm Island

Celebrity Honeymoon Watch!

Where in the world are Fergie and Josh? The celebrity couple, who married in a star-studded affair earlier in the month, embarked on a honeymoon to destinations unknown. But news reports have spotted the Black-Eyed Peas gone solo singer Fergie (aka Stacey Peterson) and her new hubby actor Josh Duhamel (late of NBC's Casino) in the Maldives at One and Only Kanuhura Resort. Of course, they have also been spotted at Dubai's Atlantis the Palm. No matter where they are, one thing is for sure. They have great taste in luxury hotels.

50 Percent Off Weekend Breaks at Conrad Hotels in Europe and Africa

2009 is turning out to be a boon for travelers as the tourism industry counters against the drop in consumer spending with some of the best deals we've seen. The big decline in hotel and airline bookings means there are some great travel opportunities out there, and if you have the money to spend now-- if you've been dreaming of that dream vacation-- now's the time to do it. Here's another example of hotels slashing prices: Conrad has announced a special offer where you'll get 50 percent off weekend breaks until the end of August. You must book by January 31, 2009. Participating hotels include the luxurious Conrad Brussels (boasting the most spacious guest rooms in the city), Conrad Cairo (a sophisticated property right on the River Nile), Conrad Dublin (smack dab in the city center), Conrad Istanbul (featuring stunning views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus), and Mount Juliet Conrad (Ireland's grand sporting estate). You'll also get some additional perks: breakfast, late checkout until 6 p.m., and double Hilton HHonors Base points (for stays until April 6th).

Catch the Early Bird Special at Cape Town’s Hotel Le Vendome

Early Bird specials aren't just for seniors at Florida seafood chain restaurants. Luxury South African property Hotel Le Vendome has gotten into the early bird game. As part of their early bird package running from January 12-March 31, 2009, guests will get a nest-full of treats for their timeliness. The package, which starts from R 2,464, includes a deal where you can "stay 7, pay 5" or "stay 4, pay 3 nights." It also includes complimentary shuttle to Waterfront, City Centre, and Camps Bay beaches every hour on the hour, complimentary use of the business center situated on the first floor, complimentary gym voucher and transport to the closest Virgin Active, complimentary guest parking facility, complimentary ADSL internet connection in all bedrooms, and a complimentary room upgrade to next available room type, subject to availability. Airport transfers can be arranged for an additional fee. We think this early bird special sounds much better than getting a worm.

Kids Fun in the Sun in South Africa at the Twelve Apostles Hotel, Cape Town

There are few settings as remarkable as this. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa stands at the very edge of the world, gazing out at breeching whales and playful dolphins in the rolling Atlantic. Table Mountain looms on the coast, just minutes from Cape Town. Now is the perfect time to visit the Southern Hemisphere, and the Twelve Apostles makes it fun for both kids and parents with the "Kids Fun in the Sun" package. The hotel's motto is "No request is too large, no detail too small"-- and this applies to the kids as well. Fancy a bowl of freshly-cooked popcorn while you settle in to the private 16-seater theater? No sweat. With this package, you'll enjoy a luxurious one-bedroom suite facing the sea for four days (three nights) and full English breakfast each day for the whole family. It's easy to roam free on the surrounding beaches, or explore Cape Town with the guide prepared by the hotel. You can also enjoy tickets to the Aquarium at the Waterfront. While Mom and Dad luxuriate in the Sanctuary Spa (voted best spa resort in Africa) and check out the hydrotherapy pools and flotation tank, the kids will be entertained by a professional baby-sitter (3 hours of babysitting is included in the package). The kids will get goodie packs, free in-room movies, plus a basket of toys to play with. Mom will get a survival kit. For a family of four, the package is priced at 5,735 South African Rands ($510 per night).

Luxury Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa at Ngala Private Game Reserve

You've heard about the incredible safaris in Kruger National Park, the largest wildlife sanctuary in South Africa and home to some of the most diverse wildlife in all of Africa, where herds wander freely across the savanna plains and riverbeds. This is where you can experience Big Five Game viewing, and see some elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, even feline hunters including lions and cheetahs. Stay at the safari lodges at the Ngala Private Game Reserve, the first private safari reserve to be incorporated in Kruger National Park. You can indulge in an extraordinary wildlife safari experience with world-class accommodations in the African bush. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Ngala consists of two properties: the Ngala Lodge (20 thatched chalets overlooking a waterhole) and Ngala Tented Safari Camp (six luxurious, romantic tented suites with ensuite bathrooms and outdoor showers).

Coming Soon: Treehouses and Infinity Pools at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Excuse us as we wax poetic about the turquoise sea, powdery beaches and infinity-edge plunge pools at the newest Four Seasons Resort. (It's cool and overcast today, and we've got our eye on the Indian Ocean's paradise isles: The Seychelles.) Opening on January 19, 2009, the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles will unveil tree-house villas perched on a hillside overlooking the lush coastline. Lifted on stilts in the jungle, the villas boast private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and wooden verandahs where you can relax on a daybed and breathe in the air fragrant with cinnamon trees and frangipani blossoms. Yoga on a hilltop plateau, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, massages in an open-air pavilion... This is barefoot luxury at its finest. Pssst. You can get a fourth night free with the resort's special introductory offer.

Around the World in 80 Ways: The Epic $1 Million Journey from Leading Hotels of the World

We recently spread the word about the incredible deal-- $19.28 room rates!-- offered by Leading Hotels of the World to celebrate its 80th anniversary. And now it's time to highlight another celebratory package from LHW-though this one is a tad more extravagant. Leading Hotels of the World has created an epic voyage, "Around The World in 80 Ways," to pay homage to both the 80th anniversary of the Academy Awards, and their own 80th birthday. The price tag for this amazing, glamorous journey? One million dollars.

Traveling in a private jet all the way, you and a companion will see everything in the world worth seeing and do everything in the world worth doing. Best of all, 10 percent of the USD 1 million price will be donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation for the global fight against AIDS. So, with that in mind, we invite you to open your hearts and wallets and get ready to set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

$19.28 Room Rates with Leading Hotels of the World

Celebrate the birth year of Leading Hotels of the World, 1928, with an unbelievable promotion. At 8 am EST on October 1, 2008, LHW will "release a limited number of the world's most-coveted hotel rooms at the unprecedented rate of USD 19.28 per night. For 80 minutes only, registered consumers will be able to secure the celebratory USD 19.28 rate." Participating member hotels include the iconic Langham Hong Kong (pictured), the Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires, the Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa in Sedona, Arizona, the Hay-Adams in Washington, DC, the Gran Hotel La Florida in Barcelona, and the Villa La Massa in Florence. Pre-register online today!