Last week, AsiaSpa Magazine held the year’s biggest party for some 400 VIPs from the spa industry to recognize the recipients of AsiaSpa Awards 2008. Thailand had this year’s most awardees bagging 8 awards from the 26 categories; however, this year’s Spa Capital award went to Bali, Indonesia.

Here are some of the winners of this year’s AsiaSpa awards:

Holistic Spa at Kamalaya in Koh Samui, Thailand is the Destination Spa of the Year

The Oriental Spa at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, Thailand is the Urban Spa of the Year

Tamarind Springs in Koh Samui, Thailand is the Day Spa of the Year

The Mandarin Barber at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong is the Spa for Men of the Year

The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines is the Spa Retreat of the Year

Six Senses Resorts & Spas received the Eco-Spas of the Year award

The Shinta Mani Spa in Siem Reap, Cambodia received the Socially Responsible Spa of the Year award

The Barai at the Hyatt Regency in Hua Hin, Thailand received the Spa Design of the Year award

Spa Village Resort in Tembok Bali, Indonesia is the New Spa of the Year

Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand received the Spa Cuisine of the Year award

So the next time you want to go away and pamper yourself, you know where to go.

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For those still wondering how Moscow could have recovered from the ruble crisis a decade ago and be named the most expensive city in the world three years in a row now, this is the trip to take. The city has become THE luxury travel destination du jour and these highlights for the ultimate Moscow tour we’re showcasing will show you why.

While there are newer five-star accommodations in the city, we prefer the understated elegance and contemporary interiors of Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel. The Winter Garden Suite has a scenic view of The Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre, which are both just walking distance from the hotel. How’s this for in-room amenities: three dual-line phones, wireless Internet access, a Bang & Olufsen TV, an Italian marble bath and Blaise Mautin toiletries. A night at the Winter Garden Suite will cost you RUB 84,000 (approximately $ 3,050).

When in Moscow, have at least one authentic Russian meal. Red Square 1, located at the State Historical Museum, adapted traditional recipes of Russian aristocratic cuisine into their menu. For the ultimate gastronomic experience, take part in one of 1 Red Square’s historical dinners where ceremonial festivities of the 19^th century are recreated from the atmosphere down to the order by which the dishes are served. A regular 4- to 5-course dinner at Red Square 1 will cost you around RUB 6,000 (approximately $ 220).

For some retail therapy, head down to the city’s famous shopping arcade with the ornate neo-Russian facade, the GUM Department Store. More than 150 shops are housed in this glass-roofed 3-storey building including Dior Institut, Burberry, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.

Cap off your Russian escapade with a night at the Bolshoi Theatre where ballet classics like Swan Lake and operas like La Boheme are still part of the repertoire. The cheapest ticket for Swan Lake will cost you around RUB 26,000 (approximately $ 950).

Perhaps the cost of living in Moscow really has risen astronomically but a night or two spent in the world’s most expensive city probably won’t hurt.

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Who doesn’t want to live in a castle even for a night or two? There’s nothing more luxurious and romantic than staying in an estate that’s rich in historical value and teeming with chivalrous stories to tell. Many castles have been converted into hotels and resorts but we find these traditional properties more fascinating and filled with charm.

Chateau de Canisy is set on a 600-acre farming and forest domain at the heart of Normandy. With a total of 24 rooms within the property, the Chateau can easily accommodate up to 40 people. Rooms’ furnishings include authentic antique pieces that date back to the 18^th century.

The Culzean Estate in Ayrshire is one of Scotland’s best loved castles owned by one of Scotland’s oldest families, the Kennedys. Stay in the six-bedroom suite that was home to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower and his family when they were invited by the castle’s owners in 1945 to accept the tenancy of a flat that was specially designed for them.

Chateau de Brissac in Loire Valley only has a total of 4 rooms and suites lavishly decorated with period furniture. Experience serene chateau life like the French royalty and famous celebrities who sojourned here. The 28-hectare vineyard surrounding the Chateau produces 3 different wines, which you can buy as a souvenir of your stay in Brissac.

One of the most historically significant Chateaux in France is the Chateau de Villette in Ile-de-France, recently made popular by its appearance in the film Da Vinci Code. The Chateau, including its 18 bedrooms, is elegantly appointed in original 17^th century furnishings. Over 185 acres of garden surround the Chateau providing privacy and tranquility to its guests.

So book a suite at one of these estates and be king for a day (or two).

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While this isn’t exactly what Jules Verne had in mind, the Full World Cruise offered by Cunard for 2009 is close enough. For 99 days, you will be the pampered guest at Cunard’s newest luxury liner, Queen Victoria. Joining the fleet only last year, the QV is the second largest Cunarder ever built. Her interiors are quite dramatic. A three-tiered Grand Lobby, luxurious marbles, plush carpets and rich fabrics all exude style and splendor.

With the QV’s posh accommodations, impressive surroundings, endless amenities and impeccable service, you might just forget that you’re on a cruise of a lifetime. When you depart New York on January 10, you will visit 25 ports all over the world and have your choice of shore excursions to take in each stop.

Traversing the 50-mile Panama Canal will take approximately 8 hours but it will definitely be a highlight you will never forget.

From the Cabo San Lucas pier, head out onto the Sea of Cortez and discover whales in their natural habitat.

In Nagasaki, visit the centre of the atomic bomb explosion in 1945 and the Peace Memoral Park that was created to represent the wish that a tragic conflict like World War II will never happen again.

Spend 5-6 hours shopping in the bustling street markets of Hong Kong.

Join a full day tour of the Museum of Antiquities, the Pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx in Egypt.

Take a walking tour of Rome and visit the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Square before shopping for some souvenirs to take home.

Your journey around the world ends on April 20 in Southampton, England with its dramatic coastline and beautiful countryside. While you’re there, why not make a side trip to neighboring Salisbury to see the cryptic wonder that is the Stonehenge.

The rates for this Full World Cruise start at $ 20,955 for a 152 sq.ft. standard inside stateroom. While these accommodations are comfortable, if you’re going to be at sea for 99 days, just comfortable might not be enough. Cruising the world in an ultra-luxe and cushy 2,131 sq.ft. Grand Suite will set you back $ 206,775.

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With 135 hp and handcrafted Iconoclast, luxury and exclusivity is a guarantee with this 11-edition only motorcycle from American ECOSSE Moto Works, Inc.

“Engine: 2-liter, machined from solid billet aluminum for additional strength, cooling capacity and beauty, balanced and blueprinted to ECOSSE specs. Crankshaft is dynamically balanced for lower vibration. CNC ported heads are hand massaged for maximum flow. Polished finish.

Air intake and carburetor placed for maximum knee clearance and maximum torque (intake length adds 8 ft-lbs of torque). Air filter and shroud designed for maximum performance.

Exhaust system: Special custom racing exhaust for Iconoclast Series; machined from solid with ECOSSE logo machined on mufflers. Exhaust duplexer located for maximum torque.

Chassis: 4130 Chrome-moly TIG welded by hand. FEA tested. Oil circulates through 3” backbone and all four 1? down tubes for additional cooling. Trellis-style double-sided swingarm and subframe.”

The silver pin stripes on the outlines of the curves have been hand-painted and the color scheme is a classic and timeless look of black and silver, with carbon fiber bodywork.

Price: £44,000.00

• Source: 20ltd

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Skiing season has officially begun as Vail Mountain opened for its 46th season on Saturday with access to their Born Free trail and Beginner terrain. There are three areas of mountain in total, each with their own unique features and terrain.

The most luxurious part is that Vail terrain is incredibly vast. “On an average day, there are only two skiers per acre, and on a busy day, only four!”

There are beautiful scenic routes which also take you past lakes and views of Mountainous valleys. At the top of the Eagle’s Nest is on-mountain dining.

For exclusive places to stay on Vail Mountain, try the Arrabelle, located at Vail Square or the Marriott in Vail Valley.

Both hotels boast luxury amenities and world-class service. The Arrabelle promises personalized services, including a Butler on each floor of the hotel.

(Above: The Arrabelle at Vail Square)

(Above: The Arrabelle at Vail Square)

Vail Mountain Marriott has been the No. 1 ski resort in the US as voted by SKI Magazine for 14 of the past 20 years.

(Above: Vail Mountain Resort, Marriott)

(Above: Sitting area and gym, Vail Mountain Resort, Marriott)

• Sources: NewsMarket, Vail Mountain, Arrabelle, Marriott

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Here’s good news to those who swore off buying diamond jewelry after seeing Leonardo di Caprio’s Blood Diamond a few years back. Ruff&Cut recently launched its jewelry line that uses “conflict-free” rough and cut (hence, the name) diamonds and recycled gold and other metals in organic shapes. Because the company believes in transparency, each piece of jewelry comes with a certificate of specific origin. Ruff&Cut takes their corporate responsibility seriously which is why they re-invest 10% of each and every sale they make to nonprofit organizations that aim to improve the lives and lands of the people in Sierra Leone where their raw materials are sourced.

Luxury jewelry artists like Fifi Bijoux, Tracy Matthews, Todd Reed and Me&Ro were tapped to create signature pieces for the Ruff&Cut collection. Here are our favorite jewelry with a conscience from R&C’s line:

Designed by Fifi Bijoux, the Candor Ring (cover photo) showcases a 1.3 carat radiant octahedral rough diamond on top of a triple row band of recycled 18k gold. Cost: $ 6,000.

The Solitaire Medallion pendant designed by Tracy Matthews is of recycled 18k gold while the octahedral rough diamond insert is from Pride Diamonds in Sierra Leone. Cost: $ 7,760.

Seven rough diamonds (2.65 carats) set in 18k gold make up each of these earrings designed by Me&Ro. Cost: $ 8,525.

This beautiful ring by Me&Ro features a 1.6-carat rough diamond with a crown-like appearance hand-set in 18k gold. Cost: $ 16,090.

Is there anything more fabulous than “socially responsible luxury?”

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