Bed and breakfast under those famously dreaming spires allows a glimpse into how the other half thinks, writes Steve Braunias.

Shandelle Battersby checks into a remote Central Otago lodge that's worth the journey.

Diana Balham enjoys culinary masterpieces and vintage tipples in Hawkes Bay.

Luxury meets location at Singapore's Four Seasons, as Grant Bradley discovers.

Even the rain has a five-star edge at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, finds Bronwyn Sell.

Justine Tyerman laps up life at one of Sydney's most prestigious residences, but misses the cut for a celebrity soirée ...

This luxurious property on Sydney's waterfront is a favourite haunt of the rich and famous.

For further information see luxehouses.com.au.

The adults-only Palm Island Resort has holiday relaxation down to a silent art, writes Tori Mayo.

Bronwyn Sell stays at a family-friendly place with dramatic ocean views near Greymouth.

Andrew Alderson stays at a classic Kiwi cottage on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Winston Aldworth stays at New York's Quin, where style meets Central Park.

Shandelle Battersby enjoys a mini-break at a luxury city hotel.

If you are driving the Great Ocean Rd, stop at Merrijig Inn, says David Leggat.

Treat yourself to the best of the best this summer.

Eveline Harvey and her family check into a well-appointed apartment in Central Otago.

Winston Aldworth stays at a slick waterfront hotel in Canada's capital of cool.

Shandelle Battersby enjoys a luxurious stay at the Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown.

Andrew Louis lives like a king in a deluxe suite.

Patrick McKendry stayed in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to watch the boxing bouts of Kiwis Joseph Parker and Robert Berridge.

Leading travel guide places two NZ hotels in top 100 out of 4000 global entries.

Josh Burgess checks into a 'bohemian chic' studio apartment in Hollywood.

Belinda Henley visits a property that offers opportunities for physical exertion and relaxation in equal measure.

This property, less than half an hour's drive from Rotorua, is modelled on the game reserves which are big business in South Africa.

For further information see treetops.co.nz.

Winston Aldworth stays at a stylish Sydney property.

Hotels are now offering special packages for pampered pooches, writes Sarah Marshall.

The capital of the Netherlands is home to some of Europe's most stylish hotels. Here are five of the best.

Gayle Dickson stays in a luxurious overwater fale.

P.K. Stowers stays at a 700-year-old Spanish castle.

This 700-year-old Spanish castle will appeal to amateur historians, hikers and those who enjoy fine dining.

Whether you're on a tight budget or splashing out, the islands have it all.