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See my favorite spots in New York City at:SIMONSEEKS.COM

When it comes to the art of living, Italians are masters, and this talent extends to the seaside. Combing coasts in 8 regions—Tuscany, Sardinia, Puglia, Sicily, Capri and Amalfi, the Italian Riviera, Maratea, and the Veneto (tough job, but someone had to do it)—Ondine Cohane discovers 50 fabulous playgrounds. Herewith, your guide to la dolce …

A wave of creative development is remaking the Eternal City, yet again. With important new architecture, fashionable town house hotels, up-and-coming neighborhoods, and a popping art scene, there’s almost as much to see from this millennium as from those gone by. SEE FULL ARTICLE AT SHERMAN’S TRAVEL

Is it really already nearing the end of January? Time to think about some can’t-miss hotels, exhibitions and goings-on for 2010: * The Irving Penn exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery in London starting February 18th. Penn passed away in October, and the retrospective pays homage to one of the most unparalleled photographers in history. …

After living in Italy for several years and visiting Venice often, I’ve developed a few strategies for navigating the city’s clogged arteries and avoiding the tourist crush for which the city is so often maligned. FROM FINANCIAL TIMES, CLICK FOR ARTICLE DOWNLOAD ARTICLE:FT Venice 2010.pdf

I didn’t get to make my annual Paris expedition last year due to travels elsewhere and I really missed it especially for the killer shopping opportunities (among my favorite stops are Vanessa Bruno for dresses, Paul and Joe for chic separates and suits, Sabbia Rosa on the Rue des Saint-Peres for suitably silky lingerie, Christian …

Before looking ahead to the most anticipated destinations and openings of 2010, it is time to say goodbye to 2009 and ten of my favorite discoveries of the year: * The rocky island of Giglio off the Tuscan coast. The clarity and the beauty of the sea here makes up for the parts of Italy’s …

A decade ago, a hotel restaurant was mostly an afterthought, the sad stomping grounds of weary business travelers and harried families who couldn’t make it off site to somewhere better. But in the last few years particularly, an on-site eatery has become a property’s star attraction drawing both well-heeled locals as well as discerning out-of-towners. …

One of the main hotel trends I have noticed in the last few years is the revamp of the grand dame properties. Basically after these places become a little fusty the owners inject a good amount of cash, hire a hot shot interior designer, add a few funky details like a great spa or bar, …

It’s that time of year again, the moment to unveil my annual It List for Concierge.com that features the destinations that I think travelers will (or should be) keeping on their radars in the upcoming year. Some highlights: * A number of the places are spots that I would love to travel to myself, like …