From the far reaches of the globe, most of my readers know that I love the very contemporary - the very modern in design. So here are 2 hotels and 1 river boat which solidly fit into that category - From Mumbai to Shanghai to the Caprivi Strip on the Botswana/Namibia border.

Four Seasons Mumbai

Apparently this is the hot spot in South Asia. And here’s the reason to go there, even if India wasn’t exactly on your do list for 2010. Just check out the photo. I’ll meet you there for happy hour (they have personalized cocktails), which I’m told is nightly from 5:30 to 8:30. The house DJ keeps the high-energy buzz going with “modern Indian lounge music.”

Beyond this extraordinary roof top bar – called Aer by the way – the hotel itself is located in the Worli district. After drinks, just head downstairs to San-Qi, a contemporary Asian restaurant frequented by the who’s who of the City.

Zambezi Queen

With a name like that (it rhymes with Betsy), you have to try it.  Just pretend you’re either Katharine Hepburn or Humphrey Bogart and fly to Victoria Falls, and then it’s not too far. About a year ago I was actually on the Chobe River in northern Botswana, and it’s too bad this boat wasn’t yet sailing! It looks amazing and I can hardly wait to get some reports back. Boating is an awesome way to see the hippos , elephants and the other wildlife. And the crocs are a natural safety fence while you're sleeping!

The boat has 8 suites and 6 Master Suites, all with private verandahs and king size beds. Follow this link for more pix and info on the Zambezi Queen.

Park Hyatt Shanghai

This city has just an amazing number of ultra chic hotels, the latest of which is about to be the renovated Peace Hotel by Fairmont. But the Park Hyatt is already open and it’s a beauty. The whole chain is just so chic, from Chicago to Tokyo to Buenos Aires.  This particular hotel occupies the 79th to 93rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center, otherwise known as "The Vertical Complex City". Situated in the heart of the Lujiazui business district in Pudong, the Shanghai WFC is one of the tallest buildings worldwide and the hotel is the world’s highest. Just hope for a day without smog. [I can say that – I grew up in L.A.]

Josh Friedman is a travel agent specializing in luxury travel for small groups and individuals – particularly ultra-luxury cruises, customized vacations and food & wine inspired journeys.  Based in San Francisco, and with clients throughout the USA and abroad, his business is focused on 24/7 personalized service to the sophisticated leisure and business traveler and management of study abroad groups. Business services include high-touch reservations, exclusive hotel and airline offers.  His relationships with the world's top hotels, cruise lines and local agencies will ensure your successful business or leisure trip.

For more information, to learn about our exclusive benefits, and to book, please contact Josh at 415.248.5079 or 800.553.4777. Associated with Casto, a member of the prestigious Virtuoso Travel network.  Be a big fish in our small pond.