Amangani, the first Amanresort in North America, located high above the Wyoming town of Jackson Hole, invites guests to join the most exceptional “ski club” in the West.  The only requirement for membership in the Amangani Ski Club is a stay of four nights or more at the sprawling resort, which is known for its exceptional décor, views and service. But the privileges are inviting, particularly for skiers: access to the Amangani Ski Lounge, two adult ski passes for three days of skiing, daily Continental breakfast and complimentary airport transfers.

Situated at the heart of the alpine Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, just steps from the Bridger Gondola and tram which provides access to some of North America’s most exciting ski terrain, the Ski Lounge provides ski-in/ski-out facilities as well as a ski concierge, storage for ski equipment, boot dryers…and of course, an après-ski hot toddy or hot chocolate.

For a break from skiing, guests can set aside a day for a Winter Wildlife Safari and discover the National Elk Refuge on cross-country skis or snowshoes.  Or spot wildlife during snowcat rides, dog-sledding, snowmobiling or sleigh rides.

For more information visit www.amanresorts.com

Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort, located on the southern coast of Belize, is welcoming guests this November with special savings that allow for extra time to explore.  From November 1 to December 15, 2009, guests who book four nights pay for just three (a savings of more than $300 per couple) and those staying for seven will pay for five (a savings of over $650 per couple).

This eco-sensitive resort, built where the forest meets the sea, offers guests a variety of excursions to experience the surrounding wildlife. Guided adventures include canoeing in the nearly uncharted Cabbage Haul Creek to see crocodiles, water birds and possibly manatees in the Sapodilla Lagoon, bird watching on the property, outings to the Cockscomb Basin, the world’s first jaguar sanctuary, scenic hikes to spectacular waterfalls and even a full day trip to see Mayan ruins.  Guests can explore the nearby coast with Hobie Cats and sea kayaks available at the resort.  Snorkeling and SCUBA diving excursions with certified dive masters can also be arranged directly at the resort.  Of course there’s always the option of relaxing in a swaying hammock or taking a refreshing dip in the pool.

Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort is situated on the southern coast of Belize, surrounded by 300 acres of pristine land teeming with wildlife.  The resort is located 18 miles south of Dangriga, the cultural center of the Garifuna people, and four miles south of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the 150,000 acre national park dedicated to the preservation of the jaguar.  Kanantik offers 25 secluded oceanfront cabanas, each designed with an ancient Mayan feel.  There are two daily rate options available – “Cabana Only” or “Deluxe Mayan Dream” all-inclusive daily rate.  Children aged 14 and older are welcome at the resort.  For more information visit www.kanantik.com

Steve Wynn is a name that is synonymous with luxury and opulence. On December 22, 2008, Steve Wynn unveiled Encore, the newest resort in his collection, which yet again reinforced the stereotype that he is the king of grandeur.

Located next door to his flagship property, Wynn Las Vegas, Encore is a distinct destination with its own selection of accommodations, dining, casino, and leisure activities. Central to Encore’s fanciful and intimate environments are sunlit corridors with flowering atria and sprawling pools visible throughout the property. Natural light floods the resort to reveal gardens, vibrant butterflies and signature mosaics.

Every room at the Encore is a suite, with a separate living and sleeping area. The resort’s rooms are divided into two collections, the Resort Suites and the Tower Suites. The Tower Suites are separated by a separate entrance and private check-in area.  Although the common areas of the Resort Suites are gorgeous and the service exceptional, the Tower Suites are a step up. While checking into a Tower Suite you are met with a warm towel and fresh water…and within seconds you are whisked away to your room in a private elevator lined in silk and accented by hand painted butterflies. Even though the Tower Suites’ most basic room is the same as the ones in the Resort wing, the Tower Suites feature opulent 2,261 square foot multi room suites as well, that include lavish touches like a dedicated massage room.

The magnificence does not end at the rooms…if it did, then this would obviously not be a Wynn Resort…the restaurants of the Encore set a new level of fine dining in Las Vegas. The first night I dined at Sinatra, whose head chef is Theo Schoenegger, from the Patina Group. When Sinatra’s family decided to open a restaurant in Las Vegas, it made sense that they teamed up with his old friend Steve Wynn. The timing was perfect as the family was looking to start the new venture around the same time that Wynn was opening his new opus. At first I found a restaurant named after a celebrity a bit kitschy, but again Wynn used his powers to take an idea that could easily be cheesy and make it elegant.

When you arrive at the restaurant Sinatra’s actual Oscar, Emmy and Grammy greet you, in addition to other memorabilia from the family’s collection. His timeless music fills the elegant dining room and his Italian roots are an underlying theme in the menu. Schoenegger’s relationships with California farmers allow him to bring the area’s seasonal and greenmarket ingredients to his restaurant at Encore. A cozy outdoor patio allows guests to dine al fresco, creating the feel of an intimate dinner party in a Tuscan garden.

The second night I dined at Switch, the Encore’s answer to a steakhouse. Helmed by Marc Poivedin, the former Executive Chef at Le Cirque at Bellagio. Poivedin brings a refreshing French twist to this steakhouse, which makes it the perfect place to bring a group that may not all be steak lovers. I highly recommend splurging for the tasting menu, as this is where you get a full perspective of Poidevin’s talents.  Highlights that evening were the citrus smoked swordfish carpaccio and the Kobe beef strip steak.

But the restaurant was not called Switch because of the food; it is the décor that landed the restaurant its name. Every 20 minutes the restaurant completely redecorates itself…I know that does not make sense and when the waiter explained it to me…I did not get it either.  While dining, the music suddenly raised and the walls started to disappear, which gave way to another completely different décor. There are other surprises in store, but I will let you go and find out for yourself…www.encorelasvegas.com

Mediterranean on Main is the new culinary motif of The Pitcher Inn, Vermont’s only Relais & Châteaux-designated establishment.

This summer owner Maggie Smith worked with Chef Sue Schickler to reposition the restaurant of this iconic hostelry. In so doing the name was changed to 275 Main at The Pitcher Inn. The menu has assumed a distinctly Mediterranean flair with attention paid to Vermont-farm-originated organic produce and grass-fed beef so readily available in the Green Mountains.

Ari Sadri, general manager and sommelier, has created an extensive wine cellar and assists with perfect pairings at every meal, drawing from an exemplary Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. The menu includes cuisine prepared in an authentic manner with local, regional or global ingredients meticulously sourced and selected for freshness and variety. Schickler changes the menu daily, allowing her to showcase and celebrate local and seasonal fare.

Starters might be a mortadella or choice Italian salamis. Chef Schickler’s pastas intoxicate the palate: think “Pappardelle with Braised Rabbit, Olives, Pancetta and Tomato” or “Linguine Fine with Bacon, Chiles, Basil and Mascarpone.”

Guests at 275 Main enjoy a tavern ambiance on a river setting. Two fireplaces, brick and stone walls, hardwood floors, warm colors and soft lighting mingle with the Inn’s signature collection of local art, antiques and collectibles.

The Pitcher Inn on the scenic and legendary Rt. 100 is just 45 minutes from the Burlington Airport and can also be accessed from Vermont’s I-89. Nearby activities include fly-fishing, downhill and cross country skiing, golf, gliding and hiking, among others.

275 Main is open from Wednesday to Monday nightly. Reservations are suggested. For information please visit www.pitcherinn.com or call 802-496-6350.

For more than 30 years, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica has served as the innovator and remained the only true luxury rainforest lodge in the Peruvian Amazon. Bringing a thrilling new experience to guests, Inkaterra has constructed a Canopy Tree House perched 90 feet above the rainforest floor which provides a new sky-high perspective to the 29,000-acre private reserve it currently protects.

Meant to complement a stay in one of Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica’s existing 35 cabañas, the Canopy Tree House is outfitted with two single beds, wash basin, limited electricity and a portable toilet. Its walls are created out of wood and removable mesh screens to provide natural light and 360-degree vistas of the surrounding flora and fauna. During the day, orchids, hummingbirds, toucans, monkeys and other wildlife are a mere arm’s length away; while at dusk, nocturnal species come to life and provide for exciting evening excursions and stargazing along Inkaterra’s hanging 1,130-foot-long Canopy Walkway.

Guests staying in the Canopy Tree house can rely on a dedicated Canopy Butler to arrange and oversee all excursions and special requests. The butler is at-hand on a nearby tower and is reachable by walkie-talkie.

A stay in the Canopy Tree House includes lodge transfers; sundowners with chilled sparkling wine or Pisco Sours; a Canopy Bar stocked with water, soft drinks and beer; light dinner and breakfast; a private bilingual interpreter/guide; and binoculars and flashlights for excursions along the Canopy Walkway and the recently added Anaconda Walk. If sleeping in the middle of the nocturnal action becomes too much to handle, guests can descend to pre-arranged ground-level accommodations. Rates start at US$300 per person per night (double occupancy), and are applied as a supplement to the regular program rates.

For more information, visit www.inkaterra.com