In this issue: Aruba, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, and Shikoku Island...
Indulge: Deep-sea water therapy in Japan
For spa junkies who think they've seen it all, Japanese cosmetics guru Shu Uemura's Utoco Spa, on Japan's remote Shikoku Island, is the place for you. Uemura began using mineral-enriched deep-sea water in the 1990s to create his famous skin treatments. At his deep-sea therapy center, Uemura uses this same water, drawn from a depth of over 1000 feet, for water treatments. Too tired to leave? Stay overnight in one of the 17 beautifully appointed guest rooms. Rates start at 34,000 yen per night and that doesn't include treatments. (Puja Chugani)
Eat: New York fry-for-all
In New York, chef Josh DeChellis is turning heads with BarFry. DeChellis has spent time in Japan, where he studied the local cuisine's elaborate tempura rituals. So, he and Rick Camac decided to open a West Village tempura bar of their own, a modern space with subway-tiled walls and mirrors. DeChellis makes everything tempura style, from string beans to shrimp po' boys to chicken-fried steak with ginger-pickled onions. Health-conscious diners need not worry. DeChellis' recipe is light and crispy with minimal oil retention.
Shop: In London, a personal shopper
Do you really want to brave the crowds at London's Harvey Nichols just to try on a pair of jeans? Well, you don't have to. Enter Boutique 2 You. The city's new personal shopper service comes straight to your hotel room (or your apartment) laden with clothes in your size, from designers like Pocket Venus to Leni Braun and Donna Ida. You won't be charged a single quid for the service, unless you decide to buy something. Now if only we could get the Tate to come to us.
Drink: Bedside imbibing in Aruba
The Hyatt Regency Aruba is in the midst of a $20 million-dollar renovation, but you don't have to wait until early 2008 for the grand debut; a sleek new look is already evident at their Alfresco Bar. The open-air space is like something you'd find in South Beach. It's filled with sexy white beds for imbibers to perch on and sip quality margaritas -- the one made with 150-year-old Grand Marnier costs $34 -- while watching the sun fade. Rechargeable lanterns strewn about the place add an appealing "green" element.
Stay: Super-luxe in Toronto
Toronto's posh Yorkville neighborhood, close to the shops of Bloor Street, is the perfect setting for the new limestone Hazelton Hotel. Rooms have flat-screen plasma TVs, iPod docking stations, zebrawood dressing areas, and opulent bathrooms decked out in dark green granite with heated floors and a rain shower. Make sure to enjoy a meal on the grand patio at Restaurant One before the weather changes. Right now, with the Toronto International Film Festival underway, the Silver Screening Room is the place to be.
Play: LA's happiest Happy Hour
If you happen to be in LA at Happy Hour anytime soon, remember that $7 goes a long way at Abode Restaurant & Lounge. This new Santa Monica hang out, dedicated to sustainable cooking, satisfies pre-dinner appetites with its new "Seven 'til Seven" Menu -- small bites like lamb chop lollipops and flat-iron steak on crispy rice crostini. Another $7 splurge buys you a flight of global wines. Keep your eyes on that watch though. After 7 p.m., the discount treats stop coming.