Awarded three stars in the Michelin guide since 2009, Aqua has made Wolfsburg, Germany a culinary destination. Helmed by Chef de Cuisine Sven Elverfeld, the emphasis is on simplicity. The menu features modern European cuisine, sourced locally from northern Germany whenever possible, and the restaurant's interior draws inspiration from nature. Savor your meal in the restaurant's private garden, where a large shell filled with water creates a quiet Zen-like atmosphere.

When you finally make time for a beach vacation, chances are you’re ready to embrace the island mindset as soon as possible. In Hawaii, this attitude is a deeper experience than you might think; the “spirit of Aloha” encompasses joyful energy, presence of mind and harmony with nature. Clifford Nae’ole, cultural advisor at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, guides visitors through the islands’ traditions through genuine cultural experiences such as a cleansing and awakening sunrise ceremony. This healing ritual incorporates the purifying power of the ocean and traditional Hawaiian chanting to wash away negativity as another beautiful Hawaiian day is dawning. “Once the sun has blinked its eye,” Nae’ole says, “you are free to begin life anew.”