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Granada, Spain
The ancient Alhambra. The narrow Moorish streets. Both are within walking distance of Palacio de los Patos, a 19th-century property redesigned with sparkling white modern interiors. Book a room in the old palacio, where contemporary touches (mirrored tables and mod-patterned rugs) are mixed with original detailing (elaborate wood moldings and mosaics).
Check In 34-958/535-790; www.hospes.es; doubles from $320.
Don’t Miss The hotel’s ambitious Senzone restaurant.
Hong Kong
Go a step beyond crossing Victoria Harbour on the iconic Star Ferry. Climb aboard a junk (
www.saffron-cruises.com) for a more intimate trip. The 53-foot Wing Sing has a boxy stern, three masts, and classic red sails; it bobs along gracefully, weaving between ferries and tankers. The vintage teak vessels can also drop anchor at an outlying beach, or circle twinkling Hong Kong Island while the crew serves a full Chinese banquet.
Check In The Peninsula Hong Kong has rooms with stunning harbor views.
866/382-8388; www.peninsula.com; doubles from $400.
Don’t Miss The rare Chinese teas served in the hotel’s spa.
Miami Beach
On the revitalized strip, flamboyant Midcentury Modern confections designed by Morris Lapidus are in vogue again with a fresh generation of vacationers. Rent a vintage tail-fin Caddy and cruise north on Collins Avenue to Sunny Isles Beach for pastrami and cheesecake at Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House, a classic 1950’s deli once favored by Sinatra and the Rat Pack.
Check In The Eden Roc hotel is pure Lapidus, with a circular lobby and oceanfront pools.
800/327-8337; www.edenrocresort.com; doubles from $495.
Don’t Miss Vintage looks at the Lincoln Road Mall Sunday flea market.
Marrakesh
Ignore the trendy scene and go for the classics: sunsets over Place Jemaa el-Fna, where acrobats and snake charmers perform; horse-drawn calèche rides that pass orange tree-edged boulevards; and the ancient city wall. Then retire to a riad, for rooms with polished plaster fireplaces and lantern-lit dinners.
Check In Riad Farnatchi has eight guest rooms, a hammam, and a small pool.
www.riadfarnatchi.com; 212-24/384-910; doubles from $404.
Don’t Miss La Plage Rouge, Marrakesh’s answer to a chic beach club.
Copyright © 2008, American Express Publishing. All rights reserved.
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