Spending a night at the Fontana Park Hotel is like a one-night stand with a very handsome architect. The fashionable crowd is intrigued by this complicated cad's intelligence, good looks and even wit, to boot. But for some well-seasoned travellers, they will swallow the truth long before climbing onto his firm mattress, swathed in high thread count, and stacked with king-sized pillows: like last season’s architectural shoes, style overrides comfort.

Cult denim favourite Rag and Bone has just opened its first flagship store in (where else?!) New York. The new, serene space has opened just in time for Fashion Week, and is decorated with lots of antiques, polished wooden floors and old trunks. The shop features a wide range of denim – Charlize Theron and Blake Lively are fans of their jeans-  as well as their perfectly tailored clothes for men and women – we like the look of their jodhpurs as well as the crisp safari suits. Rag and Bone, 104 Christopher Street (between Bedford & Bleecker Streets), New York, NY. Phone: (212) 727-2990.

Park Hyatts are taking over the world! But not that we’re complaining. This chain of hotels is always stylishly designed, with great rooms and funky bars and restaurants. The latest and greatest hotel is the Park Hyatt Instanbul, located in the trendy Nisantasi neighbourhood. The hotel, which is slated to open in October, is housed in an Art Deco building where on the ground floor shoppers will find Emporio Armani and Gucci boutiques. There will be 90 rooms, each with huge limestone bathrooms, and 25 of the rooms will feature a Turkish bath. The hotel’s signature scent will be a delicate rose. Rates will start at €350. Park Hyatt Istanbul - Maçka Palas, Bronz Sokak 35, Tesvikiye Istanbul, 34367, Turkey. Phone: + 90 212 368 1234.

Berlin is a city of dualities.  A city formerly divided, there are at least two of everything: three airports, three opera houses, two zoos, and two television towers.  So, it seems somewhat fitting that I had two check-ins and two check-outs for a single night's stay at Hotel de Rome, a sleek hotel with compassionate service in Central Berlin. My first check-in was relaxed.  At 11 o'clock in the morning, my room wasn't ready, so the hotel's front desk attendant suggested that I hang out in the hotel bar and lounge. 

We’re on a bit of a shoe thing today but this news is too juicy to pass up. The super-swanky Liberty, one of our favourite department stores, has unveiled its new Shoe Boutique earlier this month, which is laid out like an opulent boudoir. Shoppers will find a pair of Vivienne Westwood shoes perched on a dining table, or some Alaia shoes suspended from the ceiling. All of the shoes are displayed like works of art in a setting which includes plenty of chaise longues, mirrors and chandeliers- there is also a garden room. Designers carried include YSL, Alexander McQueen, Giuseppe Zannoti, Prada, Stella McCartney, Chloe and more. The Shoe Boutique is on the 2nd Floor, East Gallery and Atrium. Liberty, Regent Street, London W1B 5AH.

Lucky guests of the lauded, exclusive and pricey (funny how those three things so often go together) Little Palm Island Resort & Spa  are welcomed into the elegant Shore Station where bags are whisked away, cars are parked (you won’t need them where you’re going) and hands are filled with a glass of champagne or a refreshing Gumby Slumber—the resort’s signature rum punch—made from coconut rum, spiced rum, pineapple, orange and cranberry juice topped with a “shot" of shredded coconut that’s been marinated in 151 proof rum.

With the Olympics kicking off today in Beijing, the entire world will be focusing on the city, and there is so much to take in. Beijing has been spruced up and now boasts some of the world’s most daring architecture, alongside ancient sites like the Forbidden City. The art scene in Beijing is buzzing as well; check out all the galleries and hip bars in the Dashanzi district. We’ll let everyone else cover the sports while we zero in on the city’s shopping. While Beijing doesn’t have the immediate appeal and buzz of Shanghai, if you dig a little deeper you’ll find the city’s charms, like the myriad of hutongs (the traditional alleys).

Whistles has always been one of those high street shops I never bothered to go into, because the clothes always looked a little too frilly and mumsy for my taste. But with new creative director Jane Shepherdson (ex Top Shop brand direcotr) at the helm, the brand is getting a makeover. The new Whistles collection looks more sophisticated and polished. We liked the look of this black key hole dress (£125) as well as the sharply tailored military pea coats (£195). The new collection of silky blouses looks chic without being sweet, and the range of silky tops (around £45 each) would look great paired with skinny jeans.

We’ve always been a fan of Auberge Resorts, and last year when we were sloshing through the mud and wine of Calistoga, we were lucky enough to indulge in a spa treatment at the super swanky Solage Calistoga. The newest Auberge in the family is the just-opened Encantando. It’s set on 57 acres, just steps away from the Santa Fe National Forest. Guests can choose from one of 65 casitas, and spend their days hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. To ease the aches and pains, the huge spa also features steam rooms and soaking pools. Encantando, 198 State Road 592, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506 Phone: (877) 262 -4666.

If you love supermodels, sand, sun and sea, check out the collection of Mario Testino’s work at the Phillips de Pury & Company's London galleries. Called “Obsessed by You,” the exhibition runs until 26 July 2008 and features plenty of pics on view and also for sale. So if you want your own pics of Kate Moss or Amber Valetta frolicking on a beach, get there now.  Phillips de Pury & Company, Howick Place London SW1P 1BB, UK. Phone: +44 20 7318 4023.