Escape the ordinary with one of these exoticbrlocales
When it comes to summer travel, endless destinationbrpossibilities abound. But this time, instead of hitting up your go-to Texasbrbeach or hitting the road for the Colorado mountains like you've done everybryear, why not go somewhere new? Mix it up a little. Maybe even splurge abrlittle. Isn't that what summers are for? This month, we're spotlighting threebrexciting vacation hotspots that offer a total departure from the norm. Sobrbuckle up, and enjoy the ride.
Miami
It might not seem like an exotic environment, but thisbrpopular Florida metropolis is absolutely worth checking out if you've not yetbrbeen. White sand beaches, crystal-clear blue water and exceptional hotelbramenities will instantly make you forget your troubles and transport you to abrZen-like state of mind only summer vacation can incite. From the EvergladesbrAlligator Farm (housing 2,000 of the reptiles) to the Shops at Sunset Place (anbroutdoor piazza complete with restaurants, bars and upscale shopping), Miami hasbrsomething for everyone. For a family-friendly outing, we recommend Crandon ParkbrBeach. Located on Key Biscayne,brthe beach includes a family amusement center, cabana rentals and places to playbrbeach volleyball, grill and picnic. The Crandon Park Nature Center housesbrexotic plants, rare fish and wildlife and even offers educational naturalistbrtours. From sand dunes to sea grass beds, the lush landscape of the beach andbrpark will elicit hours of fun in the sun.
Miami is known for its luxurious,brfirst-class hotels, many of which dot the beaches where, let's face it, you'llbrprobably want to spend most of your time. Spanning 22 oceanfront acres, thebrFontainebleau Miami Beach hotel offers more than 1,500 rooms and suites, abr40,000-square-foot spa, pools with private cabanas and 11 nightclubs andbrrestaurants. After an expansive renovation in 2008, the hotel now combines thebroriginal vision of architect Morris Lapidus with glamorous, updated luxury. Forbran equally ritzy experience perfect for the entire family, the Ritz-CarltonbrCoconut Grove offers a boutique hotel experience nestled in a neighborhoodbrknown for good shopping, dining and sailing. With architectural elementsbrincluding Venetian stucco columns and a grand fireplace, this retreat is thebrperfect place for you to rest your feet after a day exploring all that Miamibrhas to offer. RitzCarlton.com, Fontainebleau.com, MiamiAndBeaches.com
Brazil
Site of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the country of Brazilbrwill be awash in activity this summer in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília and many other cities.brIf you happen to be heading here this June to watch your favorite footballersbrbattle it out for the title of world cup winner, then we've got the scoop onbrwhere to stay and what to do. The Grand Hyatt in Sao Paulo is the premier hotelbrfor travelers, offering more than 450 luxury suites, a full-service spa andbrindoor pool. Minutes from the hotel is the Daslu upscale shopping boutique,brwhich carries high-end designer labels, as well as the Ibirapuera Park, comprising four lakes, a plant nursery, Japanesebrpavilion and more that kids will love to explore. While in Sao Paulo, be surebrto pay a visit to the Morumbi Stadium,brone of the largest soccer stadiums in the country.
A trip to Rio de Janeirobrwouldn't be complete without a stop at the Corcovado Mountain, which stands atbrmore than 2,300 feet and is known for its 100-foot-tall statue of Jesus. Locatedbrin Tijuca Forest National Park, the mountain offers a phenomenal view from thebrtop, and visitors can take the electrically powered trains up every hour. For abrtrue traveler's experience, book a room at the Leblon, a hostel located just 15 minutes from the beachbrand the lake at the foot of Corcovado. Its spacious rooms, contemporary décorbrand natural color scheme will make you never want to leave this tranquil hideaway.brSaoPaulo.Grand.Hyatt.com, FIFA.com, LeblonSpot.com
Cape Town, SouthbrAfrica
Easily accessible via plane (fly to Johannesburg directlybrfrom Atlanta on Delta Airlines), Cape Town is one of this year's premier travelbrdestinations. Why? This vibrant city has been designated the World Design Capitalbrfor 2014, an honor bestowed upon a thriving town that recognizes the value ofbrdesign thinking and is dedicated to using design as a tool for social, culturalbrand economic development. To commemorate the honor, Cape Town is backing tonsbrof projects that celebrate different elements of design, including photography,brfashion, interior decoration, paintings and drawings. For example, AccidentalbrArt comprises several site-specific, public art interventions at prominent CapebrTown locations that offer selected local artists the chance to display their worksbron a larger scale.
During yourbrvisit to Cape Town, check in to one of the city's premier resorts, like the 12brApostles Hotel and Spa. Located minutes from the heart of the city of CapebrTown, this luxury boutique hotel is also nestled amongst the trails of TablebrMountain National Park, site of Cape Point, a scenic nature reserve full ofbrwild flora and fauna. Hotel rooms are equal parts luxury and practicality,brfeaturing elegant décor and sweeping views of the nearby mountain ranges. Thebrhotel prides itself on providing exceptional service for mom, dad and childrenbralike and is ready to inform you on all of Cape Town's attractions, like thebrTwo Oceans Aquarium, MTN Science Centre and Butterfly World.
Onebrsite that you cannot miss when you visit Cape Town during its reign as thebrworld design capital is its City Hall. Built in 1905 in Italian Renaissancebrstyle, the building features colorful mosaic floors, a marble staircase,brstained glass and a half-size replica of London’s Big Ben. WDCCapetown2014.com,br12ApostlesHotel.com, Capetown.Travel