Man, if there was somewhere just like this that charged, say, maybe one third of what this one does, I'd be a happy traveler.

"Pousada Maravilha is the first pousada to offer comfort and luxury still unknown in a forgotten island in the Atlantic. Pousada Maravilha operates in accordance with strict principals of environmental preservation, in perfect harmony with nature. The architecture of Pousada Maravilha is neither imposing nor aggressive towards its surroundings; it mingles with the geography of the island. The Pousada offers only eight bungalows.The eight bungalows are scattered along the privileged terrain and are the only accommodation on the island that face the ocean. Each bungalow belongs exclusively to the guest who occupies it and it is isolated enough to provide privacy and peace. Pousada Maravilha is totally integrated to the culture of environment preservation that guides dwellers to Noronha. It is a great choice for those who wish to dive in the rich ecosystem or those who simply want to retire from the world and rest in paradise."

[images via kiwicollection.com]

[posted by katie]

This is my kind of luxury hotel- take a look at the eclectic mix of furnishings. And don't lose hope if the price per night seems a bit out of reach...sometimes you can get a 'last minute' rate (just call to check).

"Soho House New York is a private members’ club and boutique hotel located in Manhattan’s fashionable Meatpacking District. Built over five floors of an old warehouse the house features many spacious areas and amenities for guests to enjoy whilst staying, including a Cowshed spa, sprawling lounge area, games room, restaurant and bar. The rooftop pool has views over the West Village and the Hudson River and guests can lie in loungers or sit at tables for drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, weather permitting."

[via kiwicollection]

[posted by katie]

If you're a frequent flyer and hate lugging your luggage around, there's a service made especially for you. FlyLite will store items you frequently travel with in your own private 'iCloset', where you can drag and drop items you need for your next trip into your virtual suitcase, which will then be delivered (via real suitcase) to your hotel, "fresh, clean and ready to go." Once you're finished and ready to move on to another city, you give them a call and they'll arrange for your suitcase to be picked up and returned, where your items will be cleaned and stored for next time. Luggage free travel sounds good, right? Of course it does: no waiting around the baggage carousel, no standing in lines to check in, not to mention less trips to the dry cleaners...all of that sounds spectacular, which is why it'll cost you $100 per trip.

[image via TripCart]

[posted by katie]

Perfect for your laptop, this special 1965 re-edition of that classic Samsonite briefcase certainly shows signs of a makeover. Thinner than the old version with a leather handle face-lift, it's most likely more comfortable to carry around on a daily basis and has the nifty added feature of a removable laptop sleeve. A divider panel and pockets help keep your papers and necessary electronic components organized.

Signat Attaches:
Mini Attache A5, 11” x 9” x 3”, $240.00, Buy it here.
Medium Attache A4, 14” x 11” x 3”, $300.00, Buy it here.
Large Attache, 17” x 12.5” x 3”, $360.00, Buy it here.

Also, I couldn't help browsing through some of the other 'Black Label' items- the faux crocodile shell of the AI2 I thought was especially eye-catching, along with the Hero, which treats the human form "just like an animal skin, with with the ribcage and sternum at the front of the case and backbone at the back." (Does anyone else find that very slightly disturbing?)

SBL Collection Luggage by Alexander McQueen: Available in bone or black
Crocodile AI2 Upright (lower left/middle), 14.5” x 22” x 8.25”, $775.00, Buy it here.
Hero AI 1 Upright (lower right), 17" x 22.75" x 10", $775.00, Buy it here.

(Thanks Adam!)

[posted by katie]

This pouch carries a sentiment worth noting, whether on your travels or on a daily basis.

"Cream naplak inspirational message on gabardine makeup bag. Zipper closure top. Signature Anya bow on exterior and printed on interior nylon lining. Black/cream."

Measures 15" x 10" x 2½".

[posted by katie]

This looks like a steal as far as I'm concerned.

"Durable Travel Bag in rich chocolate brown leather with dark brown suede details and contrasting chocolate brown topstitch. Roomy interior in sturdy black nylon with large interior pocket. Hidden compartment beneath opens with full round zipper closure. Antique brass hardware with leather pulls. Adjustable arm strap with shoulder pad."

Chocolate leather, Dark Brown Suede, Black Nylon

20 L x 12 W x 9 H inches

[posted by katie]

Lazing around here with nothing but books to read on the beach looks like it would be the perfect vacation.

"An elegant minimalist structure set a lush environment on Thailand’s Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui, The Library helps preserve coastal heritage property, while impacting minimally on its ecology. Divided into 26 suite/studio cabins, the complex avoids the monolithic hotel-complex look, scattering discreet buildings in lush vegetation. Each cabin consists of a suite space on the ground floor and a studio upstairs, complete with ocean view. All are within sight of old-growth trees that have been spared the developer’s bulldozer – the hotel’s extensive grounds cover 6400 m2. Designed as an outpost of casual elegance, The Library interiors are finished in a distinctive minimalist style with strong color palates. Studios and suites of this Koh Samui hotel are equipped with personal computer with broadband connection and plasma television; suites include Jacuzzis while studios sport bathtubs with rain showers. Rooms are finished in a bold color scheme that emphasizes red and gray elements against pure white walls and floor space, echoed by the red swimming pool and white library complex. The purity pays off: the old-growth forest and lively beach are there to be enjoyed without distraction." [via designhotels.com]

Rooms starting at 10,800.00 THB (= $342.019)

[posted by katie]

The good folks over at madeinearnest.com have started to produce some new city guides. Free to download and full of insiders' tips, they're sure to be handy for those of you planning a visit. First city: Helsinki. (various pictures above taken from wikipedia.)

"These will obviously be focussed more on the art and design side of each city, but they will also include anything else we find interesting or amusing. We are going to try to make these guides as useful as we can - with the relevant links wherever possible - so if you have anything to add to any Guide just let us know. Keeping them up-to-date and relevant will make them all the more useful. We are viewing them as invaluable companions to your travel books and the trips themselves and we hope you will do too." -madeinearnest.com

[posted by katie]

The transparent case (not shown) might look a little prissy, but overall this looks like a good trolley, and now that it's on clearance you can save up to 30% off.

"these trolleys feature the widest possible wheel base by placing the wheels on the outer extremities. the collapsible handle shaft is protected by retracting into its strong outer shell. comes with a stylish lock for non-airline travel. the high-quality name plate is attached to a chrome, leather-wrapped bar and inserted into the front of the bag. due to the color of this trolley, it comes with a complimentary, removable, durable transparent case to reduce any risk of scuffs or damage."

file 20" carry-on trolley by mandarina duck - CLEARANCE, $370.00, 30% off file 22" check-in trolley with suiter by mandarina duck - CLEARANCE, $395.00, 30% off

[posted by katie]

Not sure how well this works, but it's a nice idea for those of us that get tired of tiny keypads while on the go.

"Thin. Light. Wireless. This foldable, full-sized keyboard turns your PDA or smartphone into a mobile office. Simply sync it with your PDA, prop your device on the handy stand, and you’re good to go. Once you’re done, roll it up and stash it in its nylon pouch. Includes keyboard, two AAA batteries, phone/PDA stand, pouch, and an easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction card. Bluetooth® compatible. Neoprene."

2.4 oz. 12" x 4.5" (open), 5" x 2" x 1.2"(stowed).

[posted by katie]