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South Africa's Molori Safari Lodge Is Your Dream Getaway (Literally!)

by Amber Fijolek
Apr 7, 2010 3:32 PM PDT

In the South African language of Tswana, Molori means "to dream". Just a visit to the Molori Safari Lodge's Web site will whisk you away to dreamland. One on one with nature's most majestic of savanna wildlife, the resort is an intimate, 5-suite retreat that only houses a maximum of 10-12 people within its exquisite construction, consisting most notably of a rustic-African design that also models international style you might find at a budgetless Pier 1 Imports. The two-year old resort-sponsored "game drives" make it perfect for close-encounters of the jungle-cat kind. Each regally-decked suite's telescope (not to mention the resort's on-site planetarium) make it perfect for uncovering your inner-Galileo. The collapsible glass wall of the suites invite your vacation to the outdoors and, quite perfectly, your personal infinity pool indoors. This place is so perfect, A-listers like Nicholas Cage, Mischa Barton, Lily Allen, Kate Moss and Fran Cutler have been among the baller-guests who shell out over $4,000 a night to stay in this dream-like paradise. Money is of no object in dreams, and South African designer Stephen Falcke spared no expense in creating the five traditionally and internationally decorated, openly constructed abodes. As if being surrounded by the rugged reserve terrain weren't enough of an indulgence, guests enjoy some signature pieces like a Fendi daybed and a Phillip Plein swingbed in their room, and even first-class arrival options as the resort has its own airstrip and helipad. All the more, your tongue is treated to a retreat all its own with fine-dining crafted per your personal requests. On an intimacy scale, there's something to be said about a place where you feel more camaraderie from the beasts of the safari than you do other hotel inhabitants. Molori Safari Lodge is more than a triple threat in the middle of South Africa's brush. This main attraction brings danger and adventure alongside sexy extravagance in a way that makes even the Web browser not want to wake up from the dream!

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Live Like A Queen (Or King) At Turkey's Mardan Palace

by Amber Fijolek
Sep 9, 2009 4:19 PM PDT

In Antalya, Turkey, a beautiful city surrounded by mountains that sits right on the Mediterranean coast, there lies a resort fit for a king. Mardan Palace was made for those rolling in riches, and every penny has been invested into the development of such indulgent design that its majesty defies reality. And what better a location for such a world-class resort than Antalya, a city known for its proximity to great skiing, hiking, and shipwreck exploring as well as its important role in the history of the Greek, Roman, and Ottoman empires. The hotel boasts its own coral reef and lagoon, a spa so sweet it will make you salivate, and a vast swimming pool that appears bigger in area than the resort itself. Each room caters to this marvelous location with a view of either the Mediterranean Sea, the Taurus Mountain Range, or the pool encapsulated by a series of ornamented bridges. As if the beautiful view weren't enough, guests enjoy toiletries by Hermes and a 24-hour butler service. Excursions alone could occupy your entire stay, but guests are also entertained by 24 different spots within the resort to enjoy some luxury food and libations, including one with an all vegetarian menu, one with windows made of tropical fishtanks, one within the Palace's own waterfall, and one situated on the rooftop. It's a shame I've spent most of my lifetime without having considered Turkey an instinctual travel destination: It's now reached the top of my list! Click on the slideshow to experience Antalya's Mardan Palace!