“This isn’t so heavy!” Sonya at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India

Sonya, TravelPlusWine’s Globetrotting Contributor, is currently jet setting around the globe. Her latest stop? The Taj Mahal in Agra, India. This gorgeous monument was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his third (and favorite) wife, who died giving birth to their 14th child. Construction began in 1632 and was completed in 1648.

This jewel of Muslim art in India is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, the Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture.

American novelist Bayard Taylor once said, “Did you ever build a castle in the Air? Here is one, brought down to earth and fixed for the wonder of ages.”

all images: courtesy of Singita

Looking for a taste of African luxury? The Singita Serengeti House in Tanzania is booked on an exclusive-use basis includes all staff, a private vehicle and a safari guide. Besides guided game drives in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle, guests can also do guided walks and horseback safaris.

The house accommodates eight people in two suites in the main house and two further guest suites on either side of the main house, connected by pathways from a central pool deck with an 82 foot rim-flow lap pool. There is also a private tennis court, mountain biking and archery.

Tough life, right?

Well, it gets better…

The private kitchen and resident chef caters exclusively to the needs of the party staying in the house, taking into consideration everything from individual food allergies to favorite cooking styles and flavors. Delicious food and an excellent wine cellar always forms an integral part of the Singita experience, and meals are carefully planned and orchestrated from candle-lit gourmet dinners to informal picnics in the bush.

Sign me up!

How about a quick getaway with a purpose? Are you ready for endless beaches, plentiful sunshine, and… movies? That’s right. Movies. Los Cabos is hosting the first annual Baja International Film Festival on November 14-17. Stay at your favorite resort (we’re always up for a stay at Las Ventanas!) and relax poolside in the morning. Then, spend the evenings living it up like a celebrity and previewing films next to your favorite stars! Say hello to Ed Norton.

Why will the Baja International Film Festival become an important player in the film and travel world? It will serve as a bridge between the Mexican and U.S. film communities by encouraging and facilitating communication and collaboration between them. As a bonus, it will further solidify Los Cabos as the top destination for Hollywood celebrities and the world’s cultural elite.

You know you want to be there.

Recently, the folks at the Mexican Tourism Board hosted a launch party with the Baja International Film Festival at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Here’s a glimpse:

TravelPlusWine was there to get the scoop!

Wine in hand.

Ed Norton in sight.

And the multi-talented Ricardo from TravelPlusWine chatting about Mexico and movies – his 2 passions.

November’s film fest promises great films and fun parties!

Interested in attending the Baja International Film Festival? Check out the festival website for more information on the films and travel.

Perched atop the French countryside and surrounded by vineyards of the Ventoux wine region in the heart of the southern Rhône Valley stands the breathtakingly beautiful Hotel Crillon le Brave.

Who needs A Year in Provence when you can spend a magical weekend at this luxury hotel.

After all, the views are amazing and the wine is plentiful. Swim laps in the heated pool, get competitive with a game of tennis, be pampered in the “mini-spa”, or take a cooking class from Hotel Crillon le Brave’s gourmet chef. If that’s not enough, their sommelier Cedric Demeneix can arrange vineyard visits to quench your wine-loving thirst.

The property itself is made up of restored stone mansions dating from the 16^th and 17^th centuries that are linked by bridges, cobblestone walkways, and hidden courtyards. The rooms, of course, offer every modern comfort and amenity. Suites at Hotel Crillion le Brave feature terraces with outstanding views and there’s even a small house with two bedrooms.

Hotel Crillon le Brave has a few favorite suggestions for your stay:

> Explore the picturesque villages in Provence

> Take a bike tour

> Wade and swim down the peaceful Toulerenc river in the summer

> Sip a glass of rosé at the hotel as you watch the sunset

> Visit in March for a week of truffle hunting, wine tasting, and culinary experiences.

If these options don’t offer enough wine and physical activity, the hotel runs a “Vendanges” program where guests can participate in the wine harvest, picking grapes, visiting the cellars and tasting the early stages of the new vintage!

It’s a TravelPlusWine destination at its finest.

Bon voyage!

Winter only just arrived and already, people are talking about how they can’t wait to escape sub-zero temperatures and paralyzing blizzards.

Allow us to provide you with this eye candy which we hope warms your soul and motivates you to plan your next trip… to Bali!

Today we’re featuring the St. Regis Bali for its luxurious elegance, beachfront location, and first class service. We can’t forget to mention that there’s a two-story wine cellar and a resort sommelier! So, don’t forget to make reservations at Kayuputi, a fusion restaurant featuring flavors from around the world with delectable vegetarian options.

The Strand Villa is a one bedroom suite decorated Balinese style with splashes of color, high ceilings, wood floors, and comfortable lounge furniture complete with throw pillows.

The suite comes complete with a private garden — perfect for reading or honeymoon R&R — as well as direct beach access.

Relax by your own private pool or enjoy a romantic dinner in the Bale Bengong, an Indonesian style gazebo and table.

Are you ready to escape to Bali?