I’ll admit, somewhat shamefully, to preferring to leaf through People magazine rather than the Oxford Companion to British History. So the Gallery was just up my alley, bringing to life important British figures both past and present in an easily digestible form.

With over 160,000 portraits to look at, things might initially seem a little overwhelming. But the museum is well-organized with rooms representing varying themes and time periods (e.g. science industry in the 18th century), making it educational and easy to follow. The great self-guided audio tour (£2) also helped immensely to move things along. Each picture has a corresponding number that you press on your audio device, so you can hear descriptions of selected works.

It’s always good to eat your veggies before dessert, so I started with a bit of a history lesson. I loved stumbling upon iconic portraits of luminaries like William Shakespeare, King Henry VIII, and Mary, Queen of Scots. Man oh man, were those Tudors stoic! You’d think it wouldn’t kill them to crack a smile now and then.

But the contemporary collection was pure confection for these tabloid-trained eyes. I was a kid in a celebrity candy store, scanning for sightings of the biggest stars. Lily Allen! Alan Rickman! Helen Mirren! Such fun.

Since the Gallery is devoted to cultivating the public’s understanding of portraiture in all media, you’ll find contemporary portraits rendered in everything from oil paints to digital film. Some are dead-on realistic, while others are expressionistic renderings, demonstrating how our modern notion of portraits has shifted so dramatically since the time of the Tudors. My absolute favorites included a hotter-than-hot shot of Victoria and David Beckham by Dean Freeman, a regal profile of Nigella Lawson by Tom Miller, and a Picasso-esque depiction of David Bowie by Stephen Finer.

Being around all these faces for so many hours might inspire you to snap some portraits of your own. But before you run off to join the paparazzi, cowgirl, take heed: no cameras permitted in the museum whatsoever.

Read more about National Portrait Gallery in our London Guide.

National Portrait Gallery
2 St. Martin’s Place
London
(44) 020-7306-0055
Website
Map

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to London

Rachel Levin contributed to this post

Photo courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Counting down to the most romantic day of the year in the Big Apple? We are, too. And what’s a great perk to the city that never sleeps? Tons of sweet deals to keep you feeling the love all day and all night, of course. Below, some of our Purple Picks:

Spend a night at The London NYC, drink champagne, eat truffles, then have breakfast in bed by the Gordon Ramsay team. [The London NYC]

Indulge in the “Midnight Magic Over Manhattan” spa package at The Mandarin Oriental New York: a two-hour couples’ massage, followed by lobster, caviar, and champagne. [Mandarin Oriental New York]

Enjoy a six-course chef’s tasting ($135) at 15 East, featuring ingredients like toro, kobe, and uni. Now that’s romance. [15 East]

Watch a once-in-a-lifetime Romeo + Juliet performance by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. [Lincoln Center]

Dine at The Crosby Bar in the Crosby Street Hotel ($75 for a three-course meal), read a message in a bottle, then stand to win a free stay and a free dinner. [Crosby Street Hotel]

Single? Fret not. Hotel Gansevoort has you covered with a Single + Mingle Package that has extra benefits like bloody mary’s, a Bond No. 9 discount, and a deep tissue massage. Happy Valentines indeed. [Hotel Gansevoort]

Picnic in Riverside Park; Free
New York, NY

The Skinny: I’d say this is a summer, but with the recent temperate winter weather, it may very well work year-round. I like to go for dinner with two blankets and a packed meal–sandwiches; fresh bread, cheese, and fruit; or even a pizza pie works well. The views of the sun setting over the Hudson River are stunning. And as the temperatures drop along with it, it’s impossible not to end up cuddling with that special someone.

—Danielle

Villa 32; USD 500-800
Beitou Hot Springs, Taipei, Taiwan

The Skinny: This Relais & Chateaux property set in the mountains just outside of central Taipei is perfect for cozying up to your loved one. With only 5 suites, this hotel’s specialty is intimacy and privacy. With private indoor (and outdoor for the European suites) tubs, you can soak up the geothermal hot springs just the two of you. It’s pricey, but not only will your skin be glowing from the mineral waters, but your heart will be singing from the quiet time with your sweetie.

—Emily

Qasr al Sarab; Basic Room USD~ 250
Abu Dhabi; UAE

The Skinny: This picturesque hotel located in the largest uninterrupted desert in the world, is about a 2 hour drive from the city of Abu Dhabi. Most rooms have stunning views of the dunes, large tubs, terraces or balconies, and perfectly placed regional decor. With extras like a world class spa and couples treatments to boot (desert romance package, anyone?), you can’t go wrong. It is oh-so romantic that friends were recently engaged at sunset atop a dune. Wow.

—Jenn

The Cyclone, USD 8
Brooklyn, NY

The Skinny: Sure, it’s pretty scary, it’s rickety (making it even more scary), and it’s a bit grungy (ditto), but there’s definitely something romantic about taking a ride on the historic Cyclone roller coaster in Coney Island. (Those tiny cars give ample opportunity to snuggle up to your date for starters…) And even if antique roller coasters don’t put you in the mood, it’s certainly a surefire conversation starter on a blind date. (Word to the wise: The Cyclone is closed in the winter, so not ideal for a Valentine’s Day adventure.)

—Rebecca

Its pedigree may lead you to believe that it’s fancier than your usual ice cream shop. After all, not only is Palm Beach generally pretty darn posh, but Sprinkles also counts the likes of Donald Trump, Jimmy Buffet, and Susan Lucci as customers. Plus, its triple chocolate supreme was voted best ice cream in the country by People magazine. But for all that buzz, we’d say Sprinkles plays its pretty cool. It’s definitely popular but it doesn’t put on airs, preferring to keep things upbeat but surprisingly basic.

Here’s the scoop: the cheery lime green space has a handful of eat-in tables, light breakfast and lunch menus (cappuccinos, bagels, soups, sandwiches, and the like), and–most importantly–a hopping ice cream counter dishing up frozen delights ranging from sorbet to ice cream to soft serve to FroYo. If we’re feeling virtuous or need lunch on the fly, we grab a healthy sandwich but what we really like to do is order an extra large cone and lick our way to heaven.

The only dark spot on this cheery frozen treat extravaganza? As at most popular ice cream joints, the lines can be very long, particularly on Saturday afternoons during “The Season”. Still, it’s not uncommon for us to run into a friend or two (pretty much everyone in town stops by on weekends, so the line is always abuzz with chatting locals), so the waits go by quickly. Forget the celeb razzle-dazzle and the national rankings–if a cheerful community vibe is not the sign of a successful local ice cream parlor, we don’t know what is.

Sprinkles of Palm Beach
279 Royal Poinciana Way
Palm Beach, FL
(1) 561-659-1140
Map

Photo courtesy of Claridge's

LONDON, UK- In preparation for the Olympic Games, hotel prices in Londontown have sky-rocketed. And all the while, the allure of the cosmopolitan city across the pond refuses to falter.

The three-story spa is set in the architecturally renowned luxury hotel Commune by the Great Wall, and the stunning facilities take a design note from the hotel’s avant-garde exhibition villas. Across the single and double treatment suites, contemporary glass-and-steel whitewashed design is softened with rustic touches like cool azure tiles and deep bamboo soaking tubs. (This is a bright and modern spa–if traditional, warm-colored, cozy spas are more your style, this is not for you.)

While it looks great on the inside, the views outside are what make the Anantara Spa distinct. The gorgeous vistas of the mighty Great Wall are at once breathtaking and calming. Be sure to ask for a treatment room with a view when booking. As you take advantage of the cutting-edge facilities, you can stroll through the surrounding gardens in the fresh air and take in the harmonious scene of landscape meets architecture.  You’ll see the expanse of the Great Wall as it collides with nature (trees have fought their way through the Great Wall’s ancient paving stones, a case of jungle conquers concrete!).

The spa excels in treating not only sore eyes but also weary bodies. Treatment offerings focus heavily on Asian massage and aromatherapy, though the expert staff is well-versed in techniques from around the globe. Stop and smell the roses with their signature “Anantara Indulgence” aromatherapy massage, a botanical indulgence of a floral footbath, rose body polish, and an aromatic honey and milk bath, Ayurvedic steam, rejuvenating facial, manicure or pedicure and spa cuisine. You can also partake of the facials, steam and bath rituals, and hair and beauty services.

I really wouldn’t change a thing about the spa, except that the remote mountain location is a bit too much of a trek for just one treatment. It makes more sense to combine a visit with a stay at the hotel. Check out their menu of weekend retreat packages, which usually include luxury accommodation, hikes on the Great Wall, and yoga overlooking the mountains. If you’ve got children in tow, there’s a kids’ club for them to hang out in while you get pampered.

No matter how brief or extended your visit to Anantara Spa, you’re sure to feel relaxed and renewed long after your treatment is over. After all, in a spa where you can glimpse the Great Wall at nature’s mercy, you get to say bye-bye concrete, hello jungle.

Read more about Anantara Spa in our Beijing Guide.

Anantara Spa
Commune by the Great Wall
Great wall at Shuiguan
Badaling Highway, Beijing
(86) 010-8118-1888
Website
Map

Rachel Levin contributed to this post

Suffice it say any socialite worth his or her salt swings by this buzzing hive of see-and-be-seen action to “check in” immediately upon arriving on the island. Of course, charismatic Vespa-riding owner Michael McCarty has a lot to do with that. An NYC native and seasoned restaurateur, he knows just what makes the snowbird scene tick: strong drinks, a solid menu of American comfort food, and a comfortable, open space that makes for easy mingling. But while McCarty himself is certainly something of a draw (he can be found keeping the scene lively most nights), it’s the institution itself–particularly the lively, oh-so-preppie scene–that’s at the heart of it all.

The posh British colonial look is the kind of thing Indiana Jones might go for (think khaki stripped wallpaper, wicker furniture, lots of mahogany and bamboo, old school ceiling fans, and potted palms), but the hopping bar, mingle zones, and gaming tables recall a hero more along the lines of 007. If debonaire’s not you thing, private club room “Rory’s”, which turns the restaurant’s look on its head with the bubble gum pinks, neon lights, and copious amount of vinyl of “pop princess” décor, opens on peak night for more intimate schmoozing. That said, the best spot in the house, the one that draws the Palm Beach king (and queen) makers, is the terrace. Sure, it overlooks the parking lot, but it’s certainly a well stocked lot (Jags and Bentleys anyone?), and besides, everyone’s so wrapped up in the mature scenester antics that they don’t seem to notice. This is a stylish and wealthy crowd–all power-dining socialites, tycoons on the relax, and a smattering of celebs à la Ivanka Trump–and the resulting ambiance is lively, to say the least. (Later in the evening, the grown up crowd’s good-looking offspring trickle in, too.)

When we swing by, we definitely make sure we sport the Palm Beach “uniform” (preppie classics or understanding designer wear), brush up on our small talk, and do our best to get a seat outside. (It definitely helps to make a reservation.) If we’re coming for lunch, we munch on menu classics like shrimp cocktail, truffle fries, or meatloaf–and, if we’re feeling indulgent, Graeters Ice Cream. (A word to the wise, one thing we like about Michael McCarty’s is that it’s one of the few casual lunch spots in town that’s not a burger joint.) Otherwise, we’re happy to make like a suave scenester and swing by after sundown, settle down with a cocktail, and watching the cream of Palm Beach go by.

Read more about Michael McCarty’s in our Palm Beach Guide.

Michael McCarty’s
50 Cocoanut Row
Palm Beach, FL
(1) 561-659-1899
Website
Map

Click here for our full form mobile guide, The Purple Passport to Palm Beach

Rebecca Salois contributed to this post

Some of the best yoga spots in New York City. [Refinery29]

NYC restaurants week alternatives: 3-courses under $35. [Serious Eats]

On visiting a hidden New York Tea Salon (Lady Mendl’s, one of our fave spots!) [Jessie on a Journey]

Experience Brooklyn like a local writer. [Conde Nast Traveler]

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; Free
Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Skinny: This impressive mosque is an architectural wonder. It is the largest mosque outside of Mecca or Medina, and (unusually for the region) is open to non-Muslims for tours most days. From the beautiful grounds to the impressive interior (including the largest carpet in the world and multiple enormous chandeliers built with Swarovski crystal), visitors cannot help but be struck by both the magnitude of the space and the incredible attention to detail. Out of respect, all women must cover inside the mosque and fully laundered abayas are lent to each female visitor. The tours provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to interact with UAE locals, and guides are open to questions both about the mosque itself and more broadly about the culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi.

— Jenn

Larchmont Village
Los Angeles, CA

The Skinny: Aside from obviously touristy places like Hollywood Boulevard and the Santa Monica Pier, I love showing first-time visitors a slice of the “real” Los Angeles in Larchmont Village. It’s like a little Main Street, U.S.A. smack in the middle of the megalopolis. The strip of shops is full of unique, locally owned fashion and gift boutiques, yummy cafés and coffeehouses, and stylish salons. Even the chain stores here like Crumbs Bakeshop (cupcakes) and Bellacures (manis & pedis) have personality. The Sunday farmers market is always abuzz with activity, and–a real treat for first-timers–the celeb sightings are plentiful (my roommate just saw Harrison Ford!).

— Rachel

Brooklyn Bridge; Free
Brooklyn, NY

The Skinny: When visitors start to flag (lovely as NYC is, it certainly has its stresses), I take them for a sunset stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge. There’s something about that sparkling Manhattan skyline set against the iconic architecture of the bridge that pretty much never fails to deliver an “I love New York!” moment. (And if for some reason that’s still not enough to raise morale, a trip to Grimaldi’s – located under the bridge on the Brooklyn side – usually does the trick.)

— Rebecca

Smithsonian Museums; Free
Washington, D.C.

The Skinny: Since moving to DC, I seem to be mastering the art of guiding guests around my city. And in the nation’s capital, there are countless things to see. There are also countless friends passing through the city- which can add up to a lot of money. That’s where the Smithsonian Museums & other locations come in handy. The admission is free and the venues are great. I usually end up bringing friends and family to the Smithsonian National Zoo and at least one of the museums, most recently being the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, with its spectacular exhibits which are, quite literally, out of this world. And after an afternoon exploring space exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum, they’re usually ready for me to show them some tasty DC eats and call it a night.

— Shanen

Durham Bulls Ballpark; USD 7 (adults)

Durham, NC

The Skinny: While the movie may have filmed the old Durham Bulls ballpark, this new one is one of my favorite places to take visitors. (And as you can see into the ballpark from the highway coming into town, it’s the first landmark I point out to my guest.) The Durham Bulls games are not only great for baseball fans, but they’re fabulous fun for the family too, with Wool E. walking around the ballpark and fun diversions throughout the nine innings. And with the new food vendors (including the famed Raleigh bbq joint, The Pit, Chick-fil-a, funnel cakes, and Rita’s), this is a tasty excursion for all.

— Emily

It’s not hyperbole to suggest that the metropolis is, in fact, the cultural heart of America, if not the entire world. It’s a pulsing center for so many industries from finance to media, publishing, and fashion. With diversity flowing through its veins, the Big Apple is cosmopolitan to its core–newcomers from all corners of the globe bring a multitude of languages, cuisines, and forms of artistic expression. From food to film, much of the world’s finest can be found here. And New York never stops its rhythmic thump−in the City That Never Sleeps, nightlife doesn’t cease ’til dawn.

Though New York is full of heart-pounding excitement whenever you decide to come, the post-holiday winter season is actually an enchanting time to visit. The tourist throngs have ebbed but the seasonal delights like ice skating in Central Park and fabulous winter sales at classic department stores like Bergdorf Goodman remain. Though it’s chilly outside, there are ample opportunities to warm up, such as with the seasonal, locally sourced cuisine at Blue Hill, a cozy glass of wine at intimate, candlelit the room, and the toasty amethyst crystal steam room at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental. You can also work up a sweat on the dance floor at hot nightclubs like Tenjune in the Meatpacking District. Plus, when the weather’s sour, there are endless indoor diversions to keep you entertained. Peruse 5,000 years of history at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, catch a toe-tapping musical extravaganza with Broadway and Off Broadway Theater, or explore elegant architecture like the Grand Central Terminal.

However you decide to tailor your New York holiday, use our category headings to sort through our handpicked venues to fit your mood. Would you prefer a “Chic & Design” room at the immaculately sleek Setai Fifth Avenue or a nook in a 19th century brownstone at “Charming Find” The Inn at Irving Place? Feel like getting “Festive” amid the glamorous scene at Rose Bar, or keeping things “Well-Coiffed” with a Red Snapper at classic King Cole Bar? Our themed sorting tools will help you coordinate your itinerary (and your outfit! Check out the “What We Would Wear” tips in our Restaurant and Nightlife venue reviews).

Once you’ve settled on your New York picks, don’t forget to sign up for a free Purple Passport account in the upper right hand corner of the homepage to take advantage of our Passport tool. You can save your favorite venues in your very own customized “Passport,” email your picks to friends and traveling companions, and print a convenient map with venue contact information. When you sign up, you can also opt to be on the mailing list for our super-informative monthly newsletter. And because the best spots always fill up fast, be sure to book your hotel with us via the handy Tablet button (just look for it below the picture on many Hotel reviews on our site).

We hope you enjoy the city as much as we do! We’re firm believers that even the shortest and sweetest of trips to New York tend to end in the shortest and sweetest of phrases: “I♥NY.”