X-Factor: Old world oasis

The Buzz: Located in Thailand’s buzzing capital, Bangkok, The Eugenia is brimming with 19th century style. Each of the twelve suites of this colonial residence is tastefully decorated with period furniture and fittings from British and French colonial Burma, India, and Indo-China. The decadent interiors include hand-beaten copper bathtubs and extravagant four poster beds.

Must-Do: Pick up a few books from the in-house library and head to the pool for a healthy dose of relaxation amidst the lush tropical vegetation.

Icing on Cake: Make sure you indulge in the scrumptious high tea offered in the Admiral Zheng He Lounge, named after the Chinese voyager who sailed the biggest fleet of ships to far flung corners of the world over 600 years ago.

Out and About: The hotel isn’t very central, but  it is well-connected and the efficient Skytrain is a short walk away. Must-see sights include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha).

Visit www.theeugenia.com for further information.

The Chancery Red Heart Bag is from next season’s collection and sure to win over style-conscious damsels. Made from sparkly perspex, the red hot accessory features a detachable shoulder strap and glittery Westwood orb.

For something a little edgier, pick up the Ebury Heart Bag. Inspired by an earlier Gold Label collection, this iconic tote features a digitally-imprinted floral motif and is made from 100% leather.

Die-hard fasionistas will fall head over heels for Vivienne Westwood’s unique accessories. Don’t be surprised if sparks fly — you have been warned.

For further information, visit www.viviennewestwood.com

X-Factor: Sustainable ski and mountain retreat

The Buzz: Hotel Terra is quite literally breaking new ground, redefining sustainable luxury in the hospitality industry. One of the few hotels in the United States to have been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, this boutique mountain hotel is big on luxury and the environment.

Eco Features: Highlights include 100% organic cotton bed linen, towels and bathrobes, as well as state-of-the-art energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Must-Do: Jackson Hole is home to one of the best ski terrains in the country and Hotel Terra is ideally located just steps from the new Aerial Tram, offering plenty of exciting experiences for snow lovers. From heli-skiing to snow kite boarding, there’s an adventure around every corner. In summer, whip on your trekking shoes and explore the beautiful natural habitat or embark on a customised wildlife safari.

Icing on Cake: Visit the Chill Spa and indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments featuring organic skincare products made from hand-picked natural ingredients.

Out and About: The world-famous Yellowstone National Park is a mere 1.5 hour drive away, whilst the nearby National Elk Refuge offers a rare glimpse into the home of the largest elk herd in the world. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, try white water rafting in Snake River Canyon or hot-air ballooning for a dramatic bird’s-eye view of the spectacular landscape.

Visit www.hotelterrajacksonhole.com for further information.

Annoushka’s new jewellery collection fuses romance, sensuality and magical fairytales with fun and femininity.

The Mythology Collection is inspired by Russian fairytales from Anoushka’s childhood and includes exquisite bejeweled pieces each with their own story. The Mythology Bumblebee Amulet is inspired by a traditional story in which a prince is disguised as a bee in order to see his father. This intricately detailed amulet represents love, friendship and loyalty. Crafted from 18ct yellow gold, the bee’s body is decorated with black rhodium, whilst the 18ct white gold wings are embellished with hand-set micro-pavé white diamonds.

Suspended from a diamond set bale, the amulet may be worn alone, on a chain or a string of pearls for a touch of romance.

Visit www.annoushka-jewellery.com for more information.

X-Factor: Castaway chic

The Buzz: A mere 12 km long and 1 km wide, crescent-shaped Vamizi island is fringed with crystal clear azure waters and pristine powdery white beaches. The 13 thatched villas are spacious and naturally ventilated, furnished with marble and mahogany. Four poster beds draped with muslin add a touch of romance and expansive verandahs overlook the shimmering Indian Ocean. Vamizi exemplifies the esoteric pleasures of island life, providing the ultimate barefoot luxury experience.

Eco Features: Opened in 2005, the Vamizi Island Lodge is part of the Menuake Project, pioneering eco-tourism with wildlife conservation and community development. The resort supports the local economy and is constructed from sustainable materials. A desalination plant provides thousands of litres of fresh water daily and sustainable fishing is practiced. Vamizi’s conservation projects include whale and dolphin research programmes and an undertaking to protect endangered hawksbill and green turtles.

Icing on Cake: Elevate your mind, body and spirit with Reiki, Shiatsu and Craniosacral therapies. Nurture inner and outer beauty with Ashtanga yoga sessions on the beach, guaranteed to put you at ease in the serene surroundings.

Must-Do: An oceanic Eden, Vamizi is home to Neptune’s Arm, one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Kaleidoscopic coral gardens cascade down a 1000m cliff buzzing with vibrant marine life including tuna, barracuda, grey reef sharks and giant groupers. With world-class diving and big game fishing, the Vamizi seas harbour over 180 species of unbleached coral and 400 species of reef fish.

Out and About: If an underwater sea safari is too adventurous for your taste, set sail and observe humpback whales and dolphins frolicking in the surf. Alternatively, discover an astonishing array of flora and fauna with 112 species of birds, Samango monkeys, turtles and giant coconut crabs at your doorstep.

Visit www.vamizi.com for further information.

X-Factor: Elegant countryside conversion.
The Buzz: This old converted post office is set in the heart of the quaint French village of Ménerbes. Its 5,000 square-foot structure includes a rooftop terrace, a separate rustic petite maison as well as stunning views of the Luberon Valley from every nook of the building. This charming retreat can house up to a maximum of 10 guests.
Must-do: Head to the nearby private swimming pool or book a massage with one of the finest masseuses in the Luberon, who will visit you at L’Ancienne Poste.
Icing on the cake: All beds are covered in hand-embroidered Frette sheets whilst the bathrooms are stocked with Provençal products courtesy of L’Occitane.
Out and About: If you’re in the area on a Saturday, head to the nearby town of Apt to visit their local market, or visit the infamous ochre cliffs of Roussillon.

Visit www.ancienneposte.com for further information.

It’s no secret that red is one of the hottest colour trends this season so turn things up a notch in a sizzling, yet classic scarf-embellished dress by Oscar de la Renta.

This figure-flattering dress has a buckle fastening belt that cinches the waist, gently accentuating every beautiful curve. And that’s not all! From the embellished scarf sewn directly on the neckline to a fringed finishing hem, careful detailing adds fabulous dashes of spice that heighten the elegance factor.

Whether you’re  talking shop or lunching with the ladies, this dress spells confidence and class. Not for the faint-hearted, the Lady in Red is guaranteed to stop traffic.

X-Factor: Exclusive all-pool villa resort
The Buzz: Featured on Condé Nast Traveller’s Hot List 2009, the Banyan Tree Sanya resort is tipped to becoming one of the hottest luxury hotels of the region. Each of its 61 private villas features a private garden and swimming pool set against the stunning tropical lagoon landscape.
Must-do: Chill-out at the Pool Bar located on the beach, but not before snorkelling in the tropical waters of Luhuitou Bay–it’s no coincidence that Hainan is known as the ‘Oriental Hawaii’.
Icing on the cake: Indulge in a holistic spa treatment at one of the 8 Banyan Tree Spa pavilions. Their hydrothermal treatments are a must-try.
Out and About: The resort is all about seclusion and relaxation, but if you tire of the beach life, head over to Hong Kong, a mere hour away by flight.

Visit www.banyantree.com for further information

Naomi Campbell joined the likes of Kelly Slater, Naomi Watts and Guy Ritchie at the opening of Morocco’s latest luxury resort, the Mazagan Beach Resort.

Located next to the traditional Portuguese port towns of El Jadida (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Azemmour, the Mazagan Beach Resort encompasses a 250-hectare site that includes an 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Player, a 7km stretch of beach, luxury boutiques, eight restaurants,  a spa and one of the largest conference centres in the region.

Over 1,500 guests were treated to lavish fireworks, performancs by fire eaters and snake charmers amidst thousands of roses and candles.

X-Factor: Luxury oasis
The buzz: Immersed within sweet-scented gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Mazagan Beach Resort is a veritable Moroccan haven. Guests are treated to the top in luxury hotel amenities, which include 8 diverse restaurants, a Moroccan spa complete with lush ESPA products and the glitzy Sanctuary nightclub.
Must-do: Soak up the sunshine at the hotel’s Grand Riad–with its date palm-lined swimming pool, green-tiled roof and ochre walls, this is as exotic as it gets.
Icing on the cake: Play a round of golf at the Mazagan Golf Club designed by Gary Player, considered one of the greatest golfers in history.
Out and About: Drive the 90km out to Casablanca for a spot of sightseeing and shopping.

Visit www.mazaganbeachresort.com for more information.

Every self-respecting trendsetter has a favourite pair of boots. But this Fall 2009, it’s time to try something new. If you normally like ankle-highs, zip up to your knees. Ditto if you always stick to neutrals – give purple suede a whirl! Fergie and Blake Lively put their best boot forward in these brights, while Cameron Diaz stopped traffic in quilted masterpieces!

If you have short legs but want to rock the ankle boots, pair deep coloured boots with similar leggings to create a slimming colour column. The right boots can work magic; knee-highs lengthen gams, while shorter boots balance out ladies with longer pins. Reflect a sensational space-age disco look with Thakoon’s mirror mosaic boots or Giuseppe Zanotti’s bold blue patent boots. Alternatively, combine two seasonal trends with animal print boots from Christian Louboutin and Yves Saint Laurent.

And if you need more inspiration, look to the runways. You can’t go wrong with Gaultier’s electric blue boots or Gareth Pugh‘s dramatic knee-highs. Positively bootylicious.

This fall is all about extremes, from the super sleek to billowing volume. Turn heads with bouffant texture by rocking fur, a style staple that earns double points for functionality. Unlike the pelts of previous seasons, designers such as Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, Emilio Pucci and Maurizio Pecoraro have teased and tousled pieces to increase the fur factor in fall fashion.

Ensure you’re on the cutting-edge of chic and choose real over replica. These days, faux fur is not so much fashion faux pas as fashion forward. Pull off the luxe look without a guilty conscience with Juicy Couture’s vintage-inspired fawn faux fur vest and Rebecca Taylor’s boho glam faux fur gilet. For more coverage, Diane von Furstenburg’s Indina Mongolian faux fur jacket will keep global nomads looking chic and feeling cozy.

A word of warning –  keep a leash on your primal instincts and choose key pieces to avoid looking like our furry friends. The only thing that should be roaring is your fierce fashion sense.