Lake Como: I think everyone at this point knows where Lake Como is thanks to George Clooney and his famous villa but I have to tell you, I now understand why he spends so much time on the beautiful lake. The third largest lake in Italy, surrounded by a scenic mountain range with small cities and villages, makes this destination a very special place to visit.

Florence: I can return to this city many times and never tire of its beauty. There are so many alluring attractions including the soaring Duomo with an unforgettable facade, the magnificent and revered statue of David at the Uffizi, and the spectacular Tuscan cuisine. Visiting Florence in October during the white truffle and porcini mushroom season is a must. The weather is perfect for strolling the narrow streets and getting lost in this beautiful city.

Tuscany: This region is characterized by the rolling hills as far as your eyes can see, the splendid cuisine, the wine, and the serenity. Val d' Orcia was one of the most scenic areas in Tuscany - a place where one forgets where they are or where they are going, captivated by beauty and simplicity of Tuscan life.

Barbados: I always consider Barbados as one of the larger islands in the Caribbean. Although only 21 miles long, nevertheless compared to some of its neighboring islands, it is double or even trip in size. Since Barbados is located way south in the Caribbean, it is the perfect destination any time of the year and out of harm's way of hurricanes. When I think of Barbados, it makes me think of an island that has great infrastructure, beautiful beaches, fantastic restaurants in abundance and an English flare with a laid back island feeling. And then - there is the Sandy Lane Hotel - the iconic grand dame of the Caribbean.

Anguilla is an island abundant in alluring natural beauty marked by never-ending shorelines of pristine vanilla-hued beaches lined with swaying palm trees and clear blue skies. Desired by most travelers who venture to the Caribbean in the cold winter months, I was greeted with the perfect tropical climate that erased my memory of the wintery winds I left in New York City. The pleasant climate was only surpassed by the warmth and comforting hospitality that radiated from each and every Anguillan native. All of these accommodating elements combined made me feel right at home.

Mykonos, atop one of Greece’s most lavish peninsulas, is home to Santa Marina’s collection of luxury villas and boutique resort. Of the many Greek islands that one can visit, I find Mykonos to be the most diverse, boasting options for both lavish celebration as well as plush relaxation. Upon my arrival, I was greeted with an alluring sight of seductive blue waters paired with ideal temperatures and uninterrupted sunshine every single day. Characterized by a very cosmopolitan scene, Mykonos is home to world-renowned restaurants and it is famed as a five-star party destination - if you choose to partake.

The Acqualina Resort & Spa is a luxurious tower that boldly ascends directly above Florida’s exclusive Sunny Isles Beach. Artfully influenced by modern Mediterranean glamour, the high-rise is accented by a calming palette of soft, soothing colors, combined with statuesque architectural design characteristic of a secluded seaside palace. Upon arriving, the entry instantly lures you into an intricately lavish lobby and through a picturesque procession that beckons you beyond the pristine pools and directly to the soft sands and glistening swells only steps away. Looking back at the Acqualina you will see a rhythmic series of suspended balconies that each capture sweeping views of the breathtaking horizon – that is, if you’ve requested an oceanfront setting. In addition to the grandeur and spaciousness of each room, many of the tower’s levels accommodate no more than 4 guest quarters, creating the perfect environment for extreme privacy and discretion.

One of my favorite Caribbean destinations, is the striking island of St. Barths. A swift scenic flight from neighboring St. Maarten whisks you through a picturesque gateway, framing glimpses of the surprisingly diverse terrain. The island’s quaint size (only 9.5 square miles) is brimming with an abundance of hills, valleys, boulders, cliffs, coves, sandy dunes and lush fields.

It is easy for me to recall the many reasons why I keep returning to Hotel Il San Pietro di Positano. Carved out of the majestic cliff side of the Lattari Mountains, the property is perfectly perched to afford guests a sweeping panorama of life on the Amalfi Coast. At a towering 90 meters above sea level, your eyes seem to play tricks on you when peering at the curvy coastline that takes new form with each lapping wave. During the day, the painted views of the beach village below are strikingly surreal. And as the sun sets, the lively town is transformed into a breathtaking beacon of lights that glitter and dance in the darkness.

Petit St. Vincent is the premier Caribbean escape to experience the essence of island life. Concealed within the southern bounds of the Grenadines, this privately owned hideaway encompasses a lush tropical forest and an immaculate coastline of a modest 2 linear miles. Though very small in size, this destination is praised for its serenity, solitude and sincere hospitality.

Barbados is home to “The Dream”, a villa perfectly named for its ethereal serenity, flawless glamour and alluring atmosphere drenched in Caribbean beauty. The island is enveloped on either side by the majestic Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, however coveted views from the estate frame the sun’s journey over the vast beachfront, illuminating the calm Caribbean. Located in “The Garden” region of Barbados, the landscape is abundant with swaying palms, native greenery and exotic plantings that engulf the villa in lush vegetation, also serving to veil the adjacent property for a naturally intimate setting. Boasting 5 extravagant bedrooms, deluxe baths and countless areas for elegant dining and leisure, the villa’s grand presence is pronounced by its striking architectural precision as it sprawls across an immaculate stretch of soft vanilla-hued sand. The rear façade is contoured by a privacy fence and divine infinity, pool seamlessly paired with the tranquil turquoise waters that are only steps away.

“The height of exclusive pampering amid serene natural beauty,” only begins to describe the epic extravagance of Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa embedded in the lavish hills of Baden-Baden, Germany. For those seeking refuge from the monotony of daily routines or searching for complete transformation from the inside out, you can customize a dossier for your stay, brimming with a range of activities infused with adventure, fitness, rejuvenation and leisure. Home to the world’s purest air, there is an abundance of restorative excursions to embrace the pristine natural setting inclusive of hiking, biking and exhilarating workouts curated by your appointed personal wellness team. Fascinating programming is available to cater to individuals or to guide unforgettable group experiences.

Kyoto, also known as the “Imperial City,” is centered on the Honshu island of Japan and home to 2000 religious sanctuaries, mystical temples, colorful shrines, sprawling palaces and sacred pavilions. Contrary to the bustle and clamor of cultural centers like Tokyo, this metropolis narrates the region’s history through tranquil scenery and its omniscient natural serenity.

Venice, Italy cradles a rich cultural experience brimming with literary treasures, architectural wonders, and artistic masterpieces all carefully preserved for generations on end. The Gritti Palace, formerly the residence of Doge Andrea Gritti, has been a haven for opulence, historical elegance and exclusive indulgence for centuries. The hotel’s regal interiors, which have been graced by an impressive host of noble dignitaries, elite socialites and highly respected celebrities, underwent a complete renovation with its doors sealed for almost a year and a half. At the onset of 2013, the 15th-century palazzo presented a highly-anticipated re-opening ingeniously timed in unison with the city’s annual Carnival.

Piercing the tropical waters flowing from the Gulf and bordering the depths of the Caribbean, the sultry haven of Mayakobá is perched at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and is home to the prolific Rosewood Resort. This destination can be described simply as one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited in Mexico. Upon arrival, you can instantly feel the permeating hospitality that is unique to the Rosewood and its international luxury brand. The immaculate service and generous accommodations at this particular location are literally “over the top.”

If you’ve ever been compelled to experience a genuine Japanese Ryokan Inn, there is no place to far exceed your expectations better than Hotel Gora Kadan. Embedded in the mystical mountains of Hakone, the area harbors a strikingly scenic Lake Ashi and sprawls inland under the auspices of Mt. Hakone’s volcanic peak. The unique environmental context gives way to numerous natural wonders and noteworthy landmarks including the serene Crater Lake, lavish hot springs and an unparalleled view of Mt. Fuji. Less than 2 hours from bustling Tokyo, this region was historically revered as a tranquil retreat for the imperial family. As a result, the region upholds a regal air of luxury and discreet extravagance by invoking the time-honored traditions of Ometenashi through which the practices of landscape integration, heartfelt human interaction and the spirit of personalized hospitality have thrived for over a thousand years.

One & Only Reethi Rah is prestigiously located on one of the largest resort island in Maldives where there is an abundance of international appeal. Your arrival to the exclusive destination can be experienced by one of two ways. The hotel’s private yacht whisks you to the island from the airport located on the nation’s capital of Male for a scenic 50 minutes – or you may choose a more dramatic approach by seaplane, which touches down onto the manicured jetty just within 10 minutes of travel. After your arrival from across the Laccadive Sea, you can expect a full staff reception to greet you. Raising the new standards for international tradition, we were driven in a buggy by our personal concierge over the sand-packed roads to a striking beachfront residence.

Based upon Dubai’s classy metropolitan appeal paired with a melting pot of world-class attractions, I consider it to be the “NYC of the Middle East.” The region has been cemented as a world-renowned destination for dining and touts its aspiration to perfect every aspect of luxurious living. From distinguished hospitality and over-the-top services to award-winning cuisine and architectural elegance, every possible experience has been fine-tuned for optimal pleasure. Globally ranked as having the third highest number of skyscrapers including the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, these superstructures adorn the city’s skyline and compliment the overwhelming glitz and glamour that is everywhere to be seen.

Velaa Private Island is situated amid a chain of 26 atolls that are strewn across the Southern stretch of the Indian Ocean to make up Maldives. Previously a patch of unsettled sand, this paradise was envisioned by a well-traveled individual who made frequent visits to the region and sought to curate the best of everything in one special place. Attracting discerning travelers for only about 2 years thus far, the entire experience is thoughtfully designed and can be best described as “luxurious yet uninhibited”. The main island of Male can be reached by a flight from Dubai in about 4 hours, less from Southern India and then there’s just a short trip by seaplane or boat to Velaa Private Island.

There are a trio of offerings procured by the Four Seasons brand within the stretch of islands that make up the resplendent nation of Maldives. Reachable by a short seaplane ride from the nation’s capital of Male, Landaa Giraavaru is located among the Baa Atoll and represents the height of organic beauty and flawless luxury. The island itself is situated in very favorable conditions as it is naturally enveloped by strikingly beautiful turquoise coves and populated by the colorful ecosphere of nearby coral reefs. The pristine powdery white sands pave the way for perfect access to snorkeling and aquatic exploration directly from the secluded shores.