Global Travel

Shopping in Milan. Dining in Hong Kong. Art appreciating in Sydney. Thanks to increasingly affordable air travel these days, having the world as your oyster is, literally, possible. But the reality is few of us fly across the oceans just to live it up and it's more likely the case that we attempt to squeeze a quick reprieve - in the form of a shopping spree or a social dinner or a quiet walk in a museum - into a business trip already cramped with meetings and conference calls, or a family holiday that's filled with less than chic activities. Enter this guide every stylish, time-poor global traveller needs. Have it all at your fingertips - the best restaurants to dine at in every city, the hottest designers each country has to offer, the best boutiques to zoom in on, the art galleries that'll take your breath away, must-see landmarks, must-go places, the coolest clubs, and off the beaten track things to do no one has ever told you about - complete with websites so you can do the necessary pre-travel research and telephone numbers to help you get connected once you're there. Whether you're headed for a hedonistic getaway with the girls at a sexy beach resort, or an urban shopping and clubbing experience in a major city, be armed with this guide that'll put you at the right place, at the right time.

Beijing China

The au courant Olympic city has been tidied up, making it the ideal time and place for fussy fashionistas to visit. The most iconic cultural and historical attractions are within a day's visit - the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China and the SummerPalace are all must sees.

Beyond the tourist traps, there is a more authentic China to be found. Explore little lanes hiding noodle and dumpling shops, and fresh meat and vegetable vendors. Best to wear your Lanvin flats for a full day of wandering. With Chinese art on the rise, spend at least a day canvassing for your piece. Try the 798 DashanziArtDistrict at Jiuxianqiao Road, which has a good selection of contemporary local artists' works. If gourmet entices you, dine in style at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant (22 Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District, Tel: +86 10 5169 0328), serving the city's favourite dish.

It's not exactly in Beijing, but Commune by the Great Wall is one of the most illustrious hotels in the world. This collection of 11 houses features some of the most statement making architecture in the world - 11 of the best architects were called in to design these houses. The result is an eclectic and provocative group of unique buildings. And with its own private backdrop of the Great

Dubai UAE

This is the land where bling rules and "over the top" is expected. Plus, Dubai is virtually tax-free, which makes it the perfect getaway for spendaholics (it's no fluke Dubai attracts three million visitors each year during the Dubai Shopping Festival). As such, there's no lack of extravagant malls and luxury shopping complexes to get your fix. For sheer size, nothing beats Mall of the Emirates named since it's the biggest shopping mall outside the US with over 400 stores, including the largest

Harvey Nichols outside the UK. Check out The Village Mall for multi label boutiques that carry eclectic accessories by names such as Vanessa Bruno

You've already heard of the Burj Al Arab and it is every bit as decadent as they say it is. Dripping with luxury, this Dubai landmark has 202 suites complete with private butlers. There's a helipad on the rooftop for VIP guests and its waterfront location offers

Paris France

This is one of the most beautiful places in Europe to explore on foot, whether strolling through Le Marais to gaze at the aristocratic mansions or shopping along the Champs-Elysee at flagship designer boutiques. For more wallet-friendly shopping, head to La Vallee Village, an outlet heaven. Don't forget to pick up the season's flavours of macaroons from Laduree (16 rue Royale, Tel: +33142602179) before you go. And no trip to Paris is ever complete without a visit to Colette (213 rue St-Honore, Tel: +33 155353390), the highly influential multi-disciplinary lifestyle shop that Karl Lagerfeld can't live without. Pick up cult literature and music, browse the latest limited-edition offerings and study its carefully curated collection of fashion, design and beauty for a sneak peek at next-big-thing trends. Here to st Located in Saint-Germain-de- Pres, Hotel Bel-Ami (7-11 rue St-Benoit, Tel: +33 142 615 353) is right along the shopping belt. The hotel's avant-garde design spells contemporary cool attracting a hip crowd of creative types.

Sydney Australia

This waterfront city has always been the most hedonistic destination Down Under. Summer evenings are perfect for cocktails along KingStreetWharf. First, head to Oxford Street or the QVB to be suitably dressed with brands like Oroton and Alannah Hill. Then, be seen before sunset at Bungalow 8 (www.bungalow8sydney.com. au) or Cargo Bar. If it's a Friday night, follow the suits and the glitterati in your newly purchased Scanlan & Theodore dress to the stunning Opera Bar right under the iconic Sydney Opera House - just remember to be as gorgeously decked out as the location. For more serious dancing, head over to Establishment where the tunes keep pumping till the wee hours. The converted warehouse of boutique hotel BLUE Sydney (6 Cowper Wharf Road, Sydney, Australia, Tel: +61 29331 9000) provides a funky and modern homebase right on the very wharf where Russell Crowe is reported to own an apartment and late tycoon Kerry Packer famously used to dine. Be sure to check out the cutting-edge interior design of the lobby and the Water Bar.

HongKong

Hong Kong is, of course, our region's It shopping destination. Stopping at Lane Crawford at IFC Mall is mandatory for every self-respecting globetrotter. But the Mid-Levels also provides a lively atmosphere worth putting your party shoes on for. People literally spill out into the streets till late chatting and drinking, making this the ideal location to meet new faces or to people-watch.

You might also like to try the award-winning cocktails at Thai-fusion restaurant Lotus (37-43 Pottinger Street, Tel: +852 2543 6290) or bask in the chic atmosphere of novel "dining bar" concept Tivo. Or for an elegant wine bar, slip into BOCA Tapas & Wine Bar.

Philippe Starck fans already know about hole-in-the-wall Jia. This teeny boutique hotel may not give much room to move but its ultra-cool furnishings make for a chic place to stay, not to mention its CausewayBay location, perfectly convenient for late night shopping. Plus, its Opia is one of the best restaurants in town.

London England

The ever-changing metropolitan scene in London makes it one of the trendiest and most exciting places in Europe. Start your night with a round of drinks - the city is teeming with the most creative mixologists in the world.

Try Annex 3 (6 Little Portland Street, Tel: +44 207 631 0700) for a mix of young stockbrokers and hipsters who come for the kitsch factor and seasonal cocktails, before heading to more sophisticated joints like Montgomery Place (31 Kensington Park Road, Tel: +44 207 792 3921) in Notting Hill and Bar at The Dorchester (Park Lane near the Marble Arch, Tel: +44 207 629 8888), both with impressive drink menus of classic and modern concoctions. Be sure to squeeze in some next day outlet shopping at BicesterVillage where discounted Mulberry bags and Agent Provocateur lingerie will ease any hangover woes.

Being part of the Christina Ong Empire guarantees style and luxury, and you'll get both at tiber-hip Metropolitan Hotel (Old Park Lane, Tel: +44 020 7447 1000. Not only does The Met Bar rake in a beautiful crowd nightly, the hotel also houses the London outpost of gourmand heaven Nobu. And if the Mayfair views and spacious rooms aren't enough, you'll be on cloud nine with a treatment at the world-renowned COMO Shambhala Urban Escape wellness centre.

Bali Indonesia

The lush greenery of Ubud, the white sands of its beaches, the cliff tops of Uluwatu - this is the perfect place to chill. Best of all, the luxury resorts here are exquisite enough that you need never leave them. If you do decide to venture outside, shop for curios, handicrafts and local artwork around the village boutiques of Ubud, opt for a leisurely bicycle ride through rice paddies and quaint villages, or otherwise sample a quiet dinner with the delicious chef's surprise menu at Mozaic restaurant where stay Privacy is the way to ensure you are able to fully unwind, so indulge at The Beach House, a private one-bedroom house at The Legian (Tel: +62 361 730 622. The beachfront offers glorious sunsets, and the walled garden will make you feel like you're in true isolation. To be shared with best gal pals only.

Turks & CaicoIslands

Find some of the world's best diving, powdered beaches and the playgrounds of the rich and famous - Donna Karan, Alicia Keys and Cindy Crawford, just to name a few. Indeed, it's the new destination for celebrities from every walk of life.

All the more reason to go on a shopping spree to ensure you're suitably glam. Get your camera ready for some I-spy moments.

The new private island of Dellis Cay is the hautest place to buy your next holiday home (just ask Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas - they've bought a villa here). With only 25 self-contained villas available for sale on the island (designed by leading architects such as Carl Ettensperger of Singapore-based C&C Studio), this is the ultimate luxe getaway. Choose from beachfront villas, treetop villas or marina villas to suit your lifestyle. Can't afford the US$2 million starting price to buy your own? Mandarin Oriental also has beachside residences for purchase and a hotel on the island, too.

Malaga Spain

Located along the Mediterranean coast in Andalucia and a stone's throw from the more touristy resort towns of Costa del Sol, the port city of Malaga is rich in history but still boasts plenty of relaxing options as well, taking advantage of its pristine climate. The beaches are good for sun-soaking as well as for tasting local paella and the sublimely fresh seafood. Teeming with both locals and out-of-towners, restaurant

La Posada De Antonio (Calle Granada 33, Tel: +34 95 221 7069), owned by Malaga's other famous local boy Antonio Banderas, serves surprisingly good tapas like fried eggplant and red pepper salad with fried pescaito. Take some time to see the PicassoMuseum, housing more than 200 of the master's oil paintings, sketches, sculptures and engravings. The brainchild of the team behind a modernist nueva cocina restaurant, the El Juncal Ronda (Tel: +34 95216 1170 ) is a state-of-theart minimalist hotel with a Zen-like interior that doesn't lose any of its Andalucian charm. Comfy sofas and plump beds make the space cosy; there's a sauna, Jacuzzi and outdoor swimming pool if you need a dip away from the masses; and the guests-only restaurant gives it an intimate, home-away-from-home feel.