It’s summer, it’s hot and you’ve been bitten by the travel bug. Where do you go? Where do you stay? Where’s the best spa? Where’s the best food? We asked Christine Gray, editor-in-chief of LuxuryTravelMagazine.com, to give us her selections for the world’s best luxury vacation spots—from the secluded white sandy beaches of Galápagos to the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Trust us…your sense of wanderlust will be inspired after reading this list.
Hottest Hotel
Pikaia Lodge, Santa Cruz Island in Galápagos, Ecuador
She says: “Pikaia Lodge is one of the most advanced green lodges built in the world, with its own private Tortoise Reserve right on the property! The lodge is nestled on top of an extinct volcano crater and hidden in a secluded location, offering a stunning new alternative for exploring the ‘Last Paradise on Earth.’ Pikaia Lodge is designed for the environmentally conscious, physically active eco-adventure traveler, who seeks close contact with the unique natural wonders of the Galápagos with the highest level of comfort and services possible. You experience active, quality guided land and marine programs by day and at night, rest in super-stylish, spacious and tranquil accommodations. The lodge even has a Spa and Wellness Center and a yacht, and offers a Private Pool Suite as its top accommodation. Some of the finest beaches in the Galápagos are near the lodge and just by taking a stroll, you can come face to face with a wild giant tortoise.”
Hottest Yacht Spot
Portofino
She says: “The top three yacht spots are Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez and Ibiza—but my favorite is Portofino. This marina is reserved for the enormously wealthy, as there is only room for 14 mega-yachts. The personal services, exclusivity and privacy are worth every penny to the celebrities and billionaires who come here.”
Hottest Beach
South Beach, Miami, Florida
She says: “This spot provides plenty of activities, but if nothing else, it’s a great place to watch the beautiful people walk by. Notorious for all the celebrities and models who hang out there, you will definitely see plenty of great sightseeing, if you know what I mean.”
Hottest Hotel Bar
The Bar at the Baccarat Hotel New York
She says: “With its glamorous, seductive scene, The Bar takes its inspiration from Paris, Versailles and the great American long bars of decades past. The room is a barrel vault painted in red with black-and-white painted wood floors, not to mention the Baccarat crystal chandeliers…oh, the chandeliers!”
Hottest Hotel Restaurant 
Felix at The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong
She says: “Felix at The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong sits on the hotel’s rooftop and offers the most stunning, heart-pounding views of the city’s iconic skyline. The room was designed by renowned French designer Philippe Starck, and the food is great, too!”
Hottest Spa
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Los Cabos, Mexico
She says: “I love the spas in Los Cabos. Las Ventanas al Paraíso takes its cues from the ancient healers of Baja for rejuvenation. The Resort at Pedregal and One&Only Palmilla also have wonderful spas. Each one of these luxury resorts has an immersive, one-of-a-kind spa that transports you to a better place. If you’re in Los Cabos this summer, you really must try out all three!”