Modernism Week in Palm Springs.

Think of Palm Springs, and chances are, you envision a sleek, mid-century house with a sparkling, kidney-shaped pool.  It’s only natural.   Palm Springs and modern architecture go together like macaroni and cheese.

For the past five years, fans of mid-century architecture have been able to get their fix at Modernism Week.  And this year’s get-together -- which takes place from February 12 -21 -- is bigger than ever, with more than 40 events.  

Starwood offering big discounts in Hawaii.

Some of the finest accommodations in Hawaii belong to the Starwood Hotels & Resorts group.  And right now, they’re offering Starwood Preferred Guests (SPG) a great deal on 11 of their Hawaii properties. 

First off, they’ve discounted their rooms rates by 35%, and they’re giving SPG members double points.  When you stay the minimum number of nights -- five or three, depending on the property -- you’ll also get one night free.  And to top it all off, you’ll get breakfast for two each day and a free room upgrade.  Some of the properties are even offering a double room upgrade.

Save on Kiahuna Plantation Kauai vacation rentals.

When we visited Kauai last February, we stayed at Kiahuna Plantation and couldn’t have been happier with our choice.  Having a kitchen and lanai let us enjoy leisurely breakfasts and pre-dinner drinks “at home.”  The broad, golden-sand beach was perfect.  And we could walk to shops and restaurants at Poipu Village.

The 330 units are spread out over 35 beach-front acres that were once a plantation.  The low-rise buildings are surrounded by tropical foliage and grass lawn, and there are barbecue grills available for guests’ use.  There’s also a lovely restaurant, Plantation Gardens.