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?

We’re so curious!

What’s your ideal vacation? Here are the options, vote below…

No matter where you are in the world, there’s nothing better than a birds-eye view of a city. At your next destination, instead of paying big bucks to ride the elevator to an observation deck, consider checking out a swanky sky-high wine bar.

Here are a few wine bars you might want to check out:

Shanghai, China

Set high above the modern hustle & bustle of Shanghai, a surreal experience awaits! The highest bar in the world is a must-visit destination.

Grab a drink and enjoy the awe-inspiring 360-degree view from Cloud 9 on the 87^th floor of the Jin Mao Tower. Or, if you want to take it higher, grab your drink and head up a floor to the Sky Lounge to check out the view from an open deck!

New York City, USA

If you can’t make it all the way to China, rub elbows with New York City’s crème de la crème when you enjoy a bottle of wine at the elegantly luxurious Salon de Ning, located on the rooftop of the Peninsula Hotel. The décor is East meets West and reflects the elegance of 1930’s Shanghai.

Grab a seat at the indoor bar or, on warmer days, comfortably lounge with friends al fresco as you check out the views up and down Fifth Avenue.

Sydney, Australia

Boasting a 360 degree view, 365 days a year with floor to ceiling windows, Orbit Lounge Bar can’t be missed when you’re in Sydney, Australia!

This rotating bar, 47 floors closer to the heavens above, offers stunning views and an equally as stunning wine list with labels from around the world.

How’s that for an evening in the Land Down Under!

Dubai, United Arab Emirites

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be treated as royalty in the Middle East?

The Skyview Bar in Dubai’s Burj Al Arab just might offer a slightly affordable excuse to visit the hotel. It’s the closest you’ll get to being treated like the rich and famous, unless, of course, you’re willing to pay a lot of money per night to sleep in the seven-star hotel’s swanky digs.

At this classy bar, it’s clearly all about location, location, location coupled with a good view because the interior design looks like a partnership between Carnival Cruise lines and Dutch artist Mondrian.

(Photo Credits: Salon de Ning- ClubPlanet.com)

TravelPlusWine always loves to seek out excellent wine bars at the world’s best travel destinations.

Clearly, Bangkok is no exception. As my ex-patriot friend who lived in Bangkok put it, “wine is hip, cool, and spendy in BKK” which means it can be found at just about any big, fancy hotel. So when in Thailand,  remember to kick back, relax, and enjoy the Thai hospitality!

Mandarin Oriental Hotel

This extravagant Bangkok hotel is the epitome of world-class. Lucky for non- hotel guests, anyone dressed like a jet setter can stop by to casually enjoy the swanky scene.

With so many restaurants and lounges to choose from, I personally recommend you take a seat at The Verandah Restaurant to enjoy views of the always-active Chao Phraya River.

The Mandarin Oriental only hires crème de la crème chefs who serve the best Thai food in Bangkok and the international wine menu won’t disappoint, I promise!

Banyan Tree

Pier 59 at the Banyan Tree Hotel has an exclusive wine tasting room. Ask your waiter for a wine recommendation as you dine on sumptuous seafood.

Is there more to life than this? Apparently there’s a lot more on the rooftop Vertigo & Moon Bar including canapés, wines-by-the-glass, and a breathtaking 360° view of Bangkok.

Lake House Wine Garden

If you’re looking for a different kind of wine bar, set far away from the swanky Bangkok hotels, the luscious surroundings of Lake House might be the place for you.

Once home to many well-known artists and writers, this place has been transformed into a secret concrete jungle getaway where great wine comes first and foremost.

Do you have a favorite wine spot in Bangkok?