Here is a further selection of some of the cutting edge world class hotels. Read our earlier reviews of the best new hotels in Europe and new vacation resorts in India as well:

1. Banyan Tree, Bali
Open from Autumn 2008, this secluded resort lies at Bali’s southern tip but is still conveniently located for the beaches at Sanur, Kuta and Seminyak. The hotel has 73 villas ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms and each has a private landscaped garden, open air shower and indoor sunken bath plus infinity pool.

2. Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, China
This private beach resort, lies at the southernmost tip of the sole tropical island in China, Hainan Island, on a mile-long stretch of private beach, surrounded by tropical greenery. This is designed as a secluded chillout resort in harmony with the natural world. Low rise villas designed in northern Chinese style merge with the surrounding landscaped gardens, making maximum use of the natural light and benefiting from views of the South China Sea.

Soneva Kiri, Thailand
Opening in September 2008, 42 villas with pools on the beach overlook the Gulf of Thailand, all with a personal butler. It is located on Koh Kood, a remote island situated in the east of Thailand, known for its pure waterfalls, and turquoise sea. Ecological sustainable design and materials are used throughout. Further information from ITC Classics (01244 355527; www.itcclassics.co.uk).

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Here are more reviews of the new generation of hotels that are now opening up for travellers seeking hotels with character. We have already reviewed some of the best new hotels in Europe, here is the pick of places to stay in India and the Indian Ocean islands : Here are the current top places to stay in Europe:

1. Four Seasons Mumbai
The Four Seasons hotel group has now developed its first property in India, and it is going to make an impact on the city of Mumbai. The Worli district is the place to be in the fast expanding capital, central to the bustling heart of former Bombay. Spacious rooms overlooking the Arabian Sea in the 33-floor glass tower give a breathtaking first impression. The hotel offers its guests S-class Mercedes transfers around the city and helipad access close to the hotel entrance. Read more »

Making your travel arrangements can end up being very stressful but it does not have to be. What you need is a hero on your side, and that is exactly the aim of a company called Travel hero. They will help you find hotels using their vast hotels reservation database and make all the other reservations to ensure that your trip proceeds smoothly. If you are looking for hotel rooms at a discount and competitive rates on your car hire, this is the place for you. There is no point in going it alone when the professionals can save you a lot of stress and get your bookings cheaper as well. Check out the site today.

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If you are travelling to the United States on your next vacation you can benefit from the favourable exchange rates to invest some of your holiday spending money into a lasting and valuable souvenir - some gold or silver bullion. There is a company based over there called Monex Deposit Company who make the process of buying silver, gold or other precious metals very simple and safe. They have been in business for three decades and in that time the world price of silver and gold has risen to reach an all-time high this year. You do not have to carry the coins or bars back home as you can use the convenient storage facilities that are at your disposal. Imagine - your investment might even pay for your next vacation!

Anguilla, A Romantic Small Island For Travel, Vacation And Your Honeymoon

This friendly island invites you to relax, kick off your shoes and enjoy! Imagine a small island that provides a private, pristine retreat for all who seek one — Anguilla. Wrapped in a brilliant turquoise sea, thirty-three stunning, powder-soft white sand beaches await your footprints, friendly people anticipate your smiles, and a world-class vacation is only a short journey away. Here are two resorts one moderately priced and one for the bold, you decide.

The Arawak Beach Inn
For a sand between your toes getaway and a casual relaxed atmosphere, there can be no better place to stay than the Arawak Beach Inn - Anguilla. Comprising of just 17 accommodations painted in pretty pastel shades, at the Arawak Beach Inn a home-away-from-home atmosphere prevails, be it with a distinctly Caribbean flavor. This is a place to relax and unwind, surrounded by all the comforts you will need, in a glorious Caribbean setting. Here nothing is too much trouble and the best place to try this out is at the Arawak?s delightful bar and restaurant, where delicious home-cooked breakfasts are served, and throughout the day and into the evening, traditional Caribbean fare, tasty snacks and international cuisine is available. Priced at $73.00 dollars a day.
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There is a very good advertisement running on TV over here in the UK to attract us to the state of California. Nothing unusual there, you might think, but actually the ad. is aimed at enticing us to relocate to this sunny paradise. Any real estate agent will confirm that LA is a bargain at the moment for Foreign buyers thanks to the exchange rate, so there are sound reasons other than just the great climate, cool lifestyle and cheap wine to consider a move over there. For me, the most appealing piece of California that I saw in the ad. was Arnie - my hero is now governor of the State and he appeared in the film, extolling its virtues. For me that is the highest possible recommendation and I am intent on travelling over. Wait for me, my flight is booked!

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A new generation of hotels is opening up around the world. Here are the current top places to stay in Europe:

1. Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ Palace, Bruges

The historic World Heritage city of Bruges is the home of this magnificent new hotel, opened in February 2008. The Kempinski Dukes’ Palace is housed in the restored 15th Century Prinsenhof, built for the marriage between Philip the Good and Isabelle of Portugal. The building has been meticulously decorated, retaining original features including the collection of royal paintings. The 93 bedrooms are individually designed to make best use of this historic building. Tel 0032 50 447882.

2. The Four Seasons Firenze is housed in Florence’s Renaissance Palazzo Della Gherardesca. The earliest parts of this palace and former convent date back to the fifteenth century and the hotel will feature frescoes, sculptures and works of art that have been displayed here for hundreds of years. There are 117 guest rooms and suites, and no two are the same. The decor is a blend of Renaissance artistry with high-tech comfort, and the best rooms overlooking the romantic inner courtyard or the extensive private gardens.

Both hotels include state of the art wireless internet access in all areas, and tranquil health spas.
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If you want to travel to the destinations that are making headlines in 2008 - for the right reasons - here is a sneak peek into this year’s vacation hot spots.

• Argentina - the capital, Buenos Aires, is among the coolest world cities. Make sure you visit while it is still trendy
• Chile - here, several new hotels have opened of the beaten track, and are still relatively undiscovered
• India - the country is now much easier to tour thanks to lower cost air travel
• Laos and Cambodia - have shaken off the images of war to become the highlights of Southeast Asia vacation spots. The isolation that followed conflict has preserved traditional ways of life that are distant memories in neighbouring countries. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos offers stunning natural beauty to the visitor.
• Lebanon - Beirut has survived another bout of conflict and is rapidly returning to its rightful position as a desirable destination.
• Madagascar - now offers quality boutique hotels alongside fabulous flora and fauna
• Mozambique - fantastic island-hopping location
• New Zealand - an enduring favourite
• Oman - as Dubai becomes overdone, Oman is the less crowded option
• Panama - its natural attractions include palm-fringed beaches and astounding wildlife, offering some of the best opportunities for birding, snorkeling and hiking in the Americas.
• Zambia - becoming the top safari destination in Africa

If you want to be seen in the most desirable holiday destinations this year, now you have the facts!

Good news and bad news this week regarding limits on your cabin baggage, as almost every UK airport is now permitting passengers to take two bags in their carry-on luggage.  But your airline may still be applying the old rules so make sure you are fully informed.  Get the full story on the latest cabin baggage restrictions, and some sensible ways to keep your luggage weight down