As luxe would have it

SAVUTE ELEPHANT CAMP, BOTSWANA

www.savuteelephantcamp.com

Luxury with a difference comes to the plains of Botswana in central Africa at the Savute Elephant Camp. This is the place to see herds of wild elephants and many other animals that come to the waterhole to quench their thirst each day. The fully furnished luxury tents are positioned on raised platforms and afford great views of the animals as they pass by. By day, join a Jeep safari and go in search of elephants, lions and leopards. Dinner becomes an exotic event and an opportunity to swap safari tales as you feast on African cuisine in a traditional boma hut around a roaring log fire. Prices from ¤5,000 (Dh24,150), for a four-night stay.

MARINA BAY SANDS, SINGAPORE

www.marinabaysands.com

Singapore swings, but nowhere more so than in the city within a city that is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and leisure complex. Take up residence in one of the many suites, including the beautiful 509-square-metre Presidential Suite, which comes with a S$22,000 (Dh61,913) per night price tag, and offers sweeping views of the Singapore skyline from its 55th-storey location. Downstairs, in the Marina Bay Sands complex, you'll find a world of entertainment, luxury and pampering. Dine in one of the five restaurants headed by celebrity chefs such as Santi Santamaria, Guy Savoy or Daniel Boulud, go shopping in the designer boutiques for haute couture by international designers, thrill to the musical The Lion King or relax in the luxury spa. On the 57th floor, the open-air Sky Park spans the three towers and boasts one of the highest infinity swimming pools in the world.

FOUR SEASONS, NEW YORK

www.fourseasons.com/newyork

This hotel brings all the glamour and excitement of the Big Apple to your doorstep. Boasting the Ty Warner Penthouse — the world's most expensive suite at $35,000 (Dh128,559) a night — this exceptional space covers the 52nd floor. Within the nine rooms, every item of furniture and decor was custom commissioned using precious materials including gold, silver and semi-precious stones. Downstairs, spoil yourself by dining at the restaurant, L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. This French culinary mastermind has been garlanded with the title of "World's Greatest Chef". The Four Seasons' prime position on 57th Street allows you to take advantage of all the shops on Fifth Avenue to start 2011 with a new wardrobe full of fabulous fashions.

DANIELI, VENICE

www.starwood.com/venice

For old-world luxury, there is only one place to stay in Venice. Dating to the 14th century, this lagoon-side palazzo was once the home of the Doge. Today the prestigious Doge Suite, within the Danieli Hotel, is made up of what were the Venetian ruler's private rooms and costs a cool ¤5,000 (Dh24,142) per night. Passing through the 18th-century oak doors, the palatial living room is revealed. The interior is furnished with gilded Baroque chairs, a grand writing desk and statues which stand next to the oversized marble fireplace bearing the distinguished coat of arms of the Dandolo family. Illuminating these adornments are three antique Murano chandeliers. The adjacent bedroom is truly a refuge from the modern world. Pure silk damask covers the walls, while overhead a delicate 18th-century fresco by the Venetian artist Jacopo Guarana provides a delightful vision each morning upon awakening in the antique bed. Spend your days cruising the romantic canals by gondola.

ÇIRAGAN PALACE, ISTANBUL

www.kempinski.com/istanbul

Discover the proud and colourful history of Istanbul as you stay in the only Imperial Ottoman palace hotel in the world. At 510 square metres, the Sultan Suite costs ¤15,000 (Dh72,447) a night and will have you in regal raptures as you gaze out over the waters of the Bosphorus from its lavishly decorated rooms. Hand-blown glass lamps, Ottoman rugs and ornate Izmir tile work create a 1001 Nights ambience. Treat yourself to the rich flavours the Sultans adored as you dine at Tugra, housed in one of the splendid rooms of this magical palace. From the Çiragan Palace, it's just a short boat trip to discover the majesty of the Aya Sofia, The Blue Mosque or the delights of the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Market.