Click on photo for more information & booking.

I used to believe that a vacation in Hawaii would be like that Brady Bunch episode. You know, the one where all the Bradys (even Alice and Sam) go to Hawaii and get into goofy travel adventures galore, like Marcia misplacing Mike Brady’s briefcase or Greg accidentally breaking a cursed tiki. One thing was for certain: No matter how dire the Bradys’ situation seemed, things always resolved in a heartwarming “Oh Mom, now I’ve learned my lesson” group hug that only people in sitcom land seem to experience.

(Personally, my travel adventures are usually more along the lines of “Is the bottle of wine finished already? How do I ask for another one in Serbo-Croatian?”)

Now you can understand why Hawaii was never on my list of “must see” places, like Venice or Paris. But I must admit that I was mistaken in my prejudice. You see, several years ago, I was dragged to Hawaii for a family reunion — and I quickly learned how very, stupidly, intensely wrong I was.

Let’s cut to the chase. Hawaii is paradise — friendly people, stunning scenery, beautiful waterfalls, pristine beaches, and a climate that is just warm enough with a kiss of a breeze. And if you stay at the Princeville Resort, paradise becomes even better.

First off, the location for the Princeville Resort is superb. It’s set on 23 exclusive acres facing stunning, serene Hanalei Bay. As you enter the hotel’s airy and sophisticated lobby, you’re greeted by large skylights, graceful gilded columns, tapestries, sofas upholstered in salmon-hued fabric, all presided over by a spectacular view of the sea beyond. Outside, a private beach overlooks the Bali Hai of South Pacific fame.

While there are 252 guestrooms, each one feels like a separate world of pampering. They’re comfortably furnished with calm blond wood and tones of pale cream and gold, no doubt to contrast against the color-saturated tropical view outside. Some rooms feature Juliet balconies with wrought-iron railings that overlook gardens, Hanalei Mountain or Pacific Ocean views. The large marble bathrooms host dual sink granite vanities, showers and Roman-style tubs, lighted makeup mirrors and gold-plated fixtures. They’re bigger than many Manhattan apartments — and far more luxurious.

If you desire to leave your room, there is much to do. The Princeville Health Club & Spa boasts a sauna, steam room and jetted tubs, and pampering services including Hot Stone Massage and the Hanalei Tropical Body Treatment. There’s also fitness classes, yoga and Aquacise activities, two championship golf courses, a poolside beach activity center with water sports rentals and helicopter excursions. The outdoor pool, surrounded by garden greenery, includes a swim-up bar and a separate children’s pool.

Oh, and if you want to do the traditional Hawaiian thing, the Princeville’s luau is a notch above the rest. But that’s the way things are in paradise.

The Princeville Resort
Location: 5520 Kahaku Rd – Princeville, HI, United States 96722; 30 miles from Lihue Airport.

Luxury style: Calm, comfortable luxury located in an exclusive paradisaical setting. Great for honeymooners as well as families.

What we’ve heard: The sea view from the La Cascata restaurant balcony is spectacular, with warm and perfumed breezes. Make certain to enjoy the famed brunch and seafood buffet, featuring local specialties. Service is warm, personal and prompt — staff will spontaneously offer chilled fruit and ice water as you sun yourself on the private beach. Word to the wise: the Princeville’s luau is very popular, so be sure to book ahead.

See more luxury hotel profiles in Hawaii

See all good value hotels in Hawaii

Click on photo for more information & booking.

When I think of Amsterdam, I think of canals. Of course, that’s because I have a not-so-secret crush on canal cities. In fact, I think my ideal European tour would be a leisurely survey by water of Amsterdam, Venice, Bruges and Saint Petersburg, preferably while staying in hotels set upon canals. To complete the fantasy, it would help to somehow be propelled back in time, so I could lounge around in a long garnet-colored velvet dress without looking eccentric.

Though I’m still working on the time-travel-with-velvet-dress part of my fantasy, I have located the perfect place in Amsterdam to stay at. And it’s the five star Hotel Pulitzer, an extraordinary establishment constructed of 25 converted canal houses dating from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

What exactly is a canal house? According to the city of Amsterdam’s Municipal Department for Preservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings and Sites (now that’s a mouthful), “Canal houses, usually built as residences for wealthy citizens, determine the Amsterdam cityscape. They are characterised by narrow, relatively tall facades, often crowned by richly ornamented gable tops.” In other words, the canal house is what our mind’s eye gloms onto when we imagine architectural Amsterdam.

Overlooking the Prinsengracht Canal in central Amsterdam, the Hotel Pulitzer boasts 230 guestrooms decorated with exposed beams and timber flooring and canal, courtyard or garden views. The luxurious marble bathrooms are decorated with hand-painted Dutch tiles.

The lobby is filled with leather armchairs, plump sofas and fragrant flower arrangements. As you explore the hotel, you’ll find a wealth of passageways and courtyards revealing many original architectural details: baroque plasterwork, marble staircases and wooden beams. And, if you get really lucky, you’ll find George Clooney — Ocean’s 12 was filmed on location at the Pulitzer. (If you do see him, tell him I’ll always remember Vegas!)

Hotel Pulitzer
Location: Prinsengracht 315-331, Amsterdam 1016 GZ, The Netherlands; 20 kilometers from the airport.

Luxury style: Unique, historic and traditionally luxurious. You’ll feel transported back in time. (Tulip bulbs, anyone?) Also good for business travelers — the Pulitzer has 10 conference rooms, a business center and wireless Internet access in public areas.

What we’ve heard: The hotel has its own private boat launch, built in 1909. Sightseeing trips leave three times a day from its mooring in front of the hotel. Many attractions, including the Anne Frank House and Kalverstraat shopping street and Centraal Station, are within easy walking distance. For a tranquil night’s sleep, avoid guestrooms overlooking the street — the hotel across the street can be noisy in the morning.

See more Amsterdam luxury hotel profiles

See all good value hotels in Amsterdam

Click on photo for more information & booking.

Deep down inside, I think we all want to be royalty. Spout all you want about the ideals of democracy and equality, but what we really want is to live in a palace, eat off gold plates, sleep on feather beds. Oh, and be waited on hand and foot by loyal subjects — or at least I do.

I’m sure a childhood of too many fairy tales has led me to this affliction. But thankfully there’s Florence’s magnificent Palazzo Magnani Feroni to lead me to happily ever after.

The Palazzo Magnani Feroni is set in a fairy tale of a sixteenth century palace (palazzo = palace in English) in the city where Dante worshipped Beatrice and the Medicis wielded influence. With only thirteen air-conditioned suites, a stay at the Palazzo Magnani Feroni is the closest some of us can come to owning a Renaissance palace. (If you’re reading this and happen to be a famous musician or actor with a villa in Italy, you’re the exception to the rule. Please be assured that I envy you very much.)

But for us non-famous or famous-to-be, there’s always a private suite at the Palazzo to prove that fairy tales can come true. Each beautifully luxurious suite has separate bedrooms and living rooms. They bear noble, evocative names such as the Vittoria, the Esmeralda, the Beatrice (after Dante’s immortal beloved) and are adorned with marble doorways and bathrooms, objets d’art, Persian rugs, and antique furniture and oil paintings. Though the decor is classically Renaissance, modern amenities abound. These include CD and DVD players with extensive music libraries, and a hotel gym. Massages and hair and beauty treatments are available on site by appointment.

This five star hotel is decorated throughout with fine works of art. Antique frescoes are painted upon gracefully vaulted ceilings. There’s also a bar on site (as if you need additional inspiration!) with a roof terrace, open during the summer months, that overlooks a scenic vista. And all of Florence’s prime attractions are within easy walking distance, including the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and the Ufizzi.

Lorenzo Medici never had it so good.

Palazzo Magnani Feroni
Location: Borgo San Frediano 5 – Florence, Italy 50124; Florence Vespucci International Airport is eight kilometers away.

Luxury style: A hidden gem of a fairy tale palace with old world elegance. Renaissance-inspired luxury that gracefully incorporates modern day conveniences and comforts.

What we’ve heard: Though many people spend once-in-a-lifetime romantic getaways at the Palazzo Magnani Feroni, it’s surprisingly family friendly. The attentive and capable staff are praised for their warm treatment of children. Your little prince and princess will have the time of their life — and so will you. Breakfasts are fantastically delish.

See more Florence luxury hotel profiles

See all hotels in Florence