Photos: Taiwan

Taiwan is a land of hot springs where steam billows over calm waters. A land of deep gorges and serrated peaks where wisps of mist float. A land of lakes where the sounds of cicadas cuts through the silence. And all of this can be experienced from a bicycle saddle. Taiwan is extremely bike friendly, with hundreds of miles of bike paths networking the country, and plenty of opportunities to rent bicycles. Among the numerous bucolic green spaces that are a must for cyclists is Sun Moon Lake that’s especially atmospheric if you visit in the early morning.

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A New and Uncreative Development in New York City

In Manhattan, the far West Side has a new addition, a sprawling development, and, after visiting it once, I prefer not to see it again. The almost 30-acre Hudson Yards has finally opened -- or at least part of it has opened -- to much fanfare. But, sadly, it’s a symbol of the disparity of income that’s become worse in the U.S. Visitors wait on long lines for a taste of paella or churros, or to climb the more than 150 flights of what’s referred to as the Vessel, that’s an ostentatious, interactive piece of art. Climbing the network of sometimes narrow stairways in this funnel-shaped installation, you shouldn’t expect to find anything except views of the Hudson River (and the mall and cultural center). Meanwhile, the high-end crowd browses the floor set up for the superluxe retailers, such as Gucci, Dior and Rolex in the multi-story mall. Those with less than stellar bank accounts may prefer to browse the floors housing more ordinary retail outlets. Yes, there’s a cloud-like structure, the Shed, that serves as a cultural center for dance, concerts and art exhibitions. But Hudson Yards feels cold, uncreative, and soulless with public spaces that offer little verdancy. (Maybe that will change with time.). Tens of billions of dollars were poured into Hudson Yards to attract wealthy businesses and condo owners. Let’s see whether the Hudson Yards is able to turn the far West Side into a must-see destination.

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Photos: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a multi-faceted city, where luxe hotels like the Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt displays contemporary art on the wall of an underground gallery, and where the rough-around-the edges La Boca barrio shows off its surprising street art with sculptures hanging from the colorful facades. Where the city that bustles with non-stop traffic also is home to the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve where the only sounds are the twittering of birds. Where neighborhoods are peppered with small art galleries showcasing the myriad works of Argentinian painters as well as museums highlighting the country's vast art heritage. Where one moment you can be dining in a fine sushi restaurant and the next, strolling a verdant Japanese garden -- the biggest outside of Japan -- with places aplenty that are ideal for meditation.

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Photos: Anguilla

I still haven't made it beyond St. Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport or ferry terminal. Instead, I took a ferry barely 30 minutes to Anguilla, an island where you have your choice of beaches. After all, the island is dotted with more than three dozen sandy beaches. Racing around the island, I managed to check out 20 of them. Though the island was significantly impacted by Hurricane Irma, Anguilla has come back better than before.

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Photos: Whimsy in a New York City Hotel

For me, so many of the hotels in Manhattan fall into two categories: luxury brands and low-end hotels that feel dark and dismal. So, imagine my surprise to discover the new Moxy Hotel in lower Manhattan that's bright, fun, and affordable. I was already in love with Marriott's Moxy brand after visiting their recently-opened property in Chattanooga, Tennessee. What makes the Moxy such a breath of fresh air is that each property has an immense, comfortable public space full of art, quirky design features, and games. Finally, a hotel where you feel like you actually want to hang out in a "lounge" and feel comfortable, even if you're traveling by yourself. Sure, the sunny rooms are minimalist -- but they've got art features as well -- and few places to store whatever you brought with you, including your luggage. But who's going to spend much time in the room when there's so much to enjoy on their third floor? These are some of the images from the Moxy that's on Ann Street just off Fulton Street, near the World Trade Center.

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Photos: South Korea

Networked with bike paths, South Korea is one of the most bike friendly countries in the world.  On a two-week trip, I pedaled on mostly paved dedicated bike path from Damyang to Mokpo, taking my bike first on a ferry to Jeju Island and then to tiny Udo Island.  Along the way, I found lush landscapes, verdant agricultural lands, primeval forests, and scenic waterfronts where older female divers freedive for abalone and conch and then serve the shellfish raw on a seaside table.  One morning, I walked through a Metasequoia Forest where only foot traffic is allowed. Another day, I hiked Halla Mountain, the country's highest peak that rises over 6,000 feet above sea level. (It's on Jeju Island, off the south coast.)  Udo Island , a wee island, can easily be visited on a day trip from Jeju Island. Cycling there is idyllic with nothing but seaside and verdant vistas interspersed with small cafes and accommodations.

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Photos: Southern India

In India, two properties, the Neeleshwar Hermitage in Northern Kerala and Evolve Back in the adjacent province of Coorg, together offer travelers numerous opportunities to connect with nature. While the Neeleshwar Hermitage is on the Arabian Sea, Evolve Back in Coorg is at altitude, set among acres of lush coffee plantations. But, both are eco-oriented properties, offering numerous opportunities for bird watching and educational naturalist treks. And, of course, the culinary delights and spa treatments are stellar.

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