Patagonian splendor at Llao Llao in Bariloche, Argentina.

There are some destinations where the hotel kind of is the destination.

Sure, there are other places to stay. But to really have had the experience of being there, you have to stay at the hotel.

Llao Llao is one of those places.

Pronounced with the soft Argentine zh, Llao Llao is one of the most beautiful properties in the world - set in one of the most beautiful settings. Modeled after the great Canadian Pacific resorts and built in 1939, Llao Llao is set between two glorious Patagonian Lakes: Nahuel Huapi and Lake Moreno.

Art Nouveau elegance in Buenos Aires's Café Tortoni.

Most European capitals have a gorgeous fin-de-siecle coffee house. In Budapest, it's Gerbeaud. In Naples, it's Gambrinus. In Vienna, it's Café Demel.

Buenos Aires, whose mid-19th century movers and shakers were enamored of all things European, followed suit and opened their own sophisticated café. It has the requisite intricately carved woodwork, delectable pastries, and swirling, stained-glass panels. But it also has a smoldering, sexy something you won't find in a European café - tango.

Photo: Flickr bunnicula

Get surf conditions around the world with Surfline.

One of the great pleasures of travel is doing things you like someplace new and different – playing golf, tasting wine, shopping for antiques, whatever floats your boat.  Indulging in a favorite activity in another country or another part of the country can really enhance your enjoyment. 

Surfing is no exception.  And Surfline is a great resource for surfers on the move.  The site provides surf reports for 1,269 surf spots in North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, the South Pacific, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Indian Ocean.  

Surf cams in 132 of the destinations provide a 30-second live feed so you see the conditions for yourself.  That way, you’ll know if the crowds in Malibu are as big as the swells.