Experience the life of a Spanish landholder with groves of almond, olive, fruit trees and magnificent seaviews while staying in this classic finca on the Costa Blanca. The extremely private Benissa Villa sits at the end of a long driveway with a fully automatic gate on 1.5 acres of land set between the mountains and green valleys of the Costa Blanca region.

The small village of Benissa is less than 10 minutes away by car. The village is typically Spanish, with fiestas held on an almost monthly basis.Sights include a beautiful cathedral. You’ll discover Benissa to be more native than tourist which is rare amongst coastal towns. Benissa has several delightful beaches, but you will need to ask a local where to find them. Each Saturday morning there is a traditional market in the village, bustling and vibrant with a lush fruit and vegetable section, and the best olives and grilled chicken in the area. Benissa is a taste of the real Spain with friendly people and beautiful surroundings.

Lake Tahoe is an area known for all the good times it offers outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re traveling in the winter and ready for incredible skiing at one of the 18 world-class ski resorts, or in the summer and ready to hit the largest alpine lake in North America, there’s an unforgettable adventure to be had. Finding the right hotel is crucial in these parts, and every traveler should consider finding a hotel with a convenient location and all the extra amenities that cater to the season their traveling. 3 Peaks Resort and Beach club is the best hotel in South Lake Tahoe for every traveler during any season.

Skiers and snowboarders love the easy access to one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the area – Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort. When you’re traveling to Lake Tahoe in the winter, you probably came to ski, and 3 Peaks Resort is located right at the Heavenly Gondola, which zips right up to Heavenly for easy access to the slopes during your entire stay.

During the warmer months, every traveler should take advantage of the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe. Boating, fishing and water sports are all popular activities, so spending some time on the lake is a must. 3 Peaks has its own private beach access, so not only will you be right there in all the action on the water, but you’ll be able to enjoy the tranquility of a private beach when you need a little rest as well.

Convenience isn’t the only thing that 3 Peaks has to offer though. The 56 rooms are made up of standard hotel rooms and spacious suites. The rooms are decorated in comforting a cabin-style, and all of the rooms are a space where you can kick back and relax after a long day outdoors, getting plenty of rest for the days ahead. Not really into the hotel scene? They also have a few of the best vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe to choose from, which accommodate large groups with all the best amenities and entertainment in a luxury vacation home.

All of the rooms are pet-friendly too, and you and your dog will love hanging out by the beach or swimming in the lake, hiking in the Sierra Mountains or playing in the snow. Tahoe is a great destination for families vacationing together, and no family vacation is complete without the four-legged members!

The rooms aren’t the only place you’ll want to rest though – 3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club has a 2-level hot tub to ease all the aches and pains of the Lake Tahoe adventurers. The hotel is one of Tahoe’s hidden gems, so many of the amenities, including the hot tub and private beach, never get too crowded. Every guest can spread out, get comfortable and unwind. That’s what vacation is all about, and nothing seems to quite offer every aspect of vacation as well as 3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club does. From the convenient location to all of the on-site amenities, this gem of a resort is a great option for every traveler!

This article was written by Lizz Riggs, editor of TahoesBest.com.

In Chicago, when travelers want luxury, convenience and drinks with a view, there’s no better place to spend a vacation than the MileNorth Hotel. In a city known for pizza, shopping and famous architecture, this hotel offers the best of the best right outside its doors.

A luxury hotel in Downtown Chicago, MileNorth is just steps from the world-famous shopping, dining and nightlife on Magnificent Mile. Mag Mile is a Chicago destination throughout the year, and on top of the 460 stores, 275 restaurants and 5 unique museums, all the events, from shopping festivals in the summer to lights festivals during the holiday season draw in millions of visitors throughout the year. Why stay anywhere but here on a trip to Chicago? MileNorth puts vacations in a prime position right outside all the action.

Mag Mile is not the only attraction that MileNorth Hotel calls its neighbor though. Just a few steps outside is the famous deep-dish pizzeria, Gino’s East. Chicago pizza is a must, and you can have it at your convenience any day or night you please when you choose this hotel. Just a few blocks away from this Downtown Chicago hotel is beautiful Lake Michigan. Spend at least one day walking along N. Lakeshore Drive on the trip and enjoy the 18 miles of Chicago beaches, or take a tour to see it all. MileNorth provides the best location for city-lovers and those who admire the natural beauty in this city.

Enjoy the hustle and bustle just a block away on Magnificent Mile, or head up for a bit of tranquility and get away from the crowds on their rooftop bar, which provides one of the best views in the city for your evening cocktails. The C-View rooftop bar and lounge is a 29th floor gem that’s sophisticated, luxurious and secluded.

Many of the rooms also boast fabulous city views, letting in plenty of natural light with the magnificent floor to ceiling windows. The rooms are all uniquely decorated, with a mix of modernism, art deco, elegance and comfort. This is a hotel where guests can put their feet up and relax, but always feel like they’re traveling in style. Of all the Chicago hotels, MileNorth is one of the best to offer everything a Chicago traveler could possibly need, right at their fingertips.

This article was written by Lizz Riggs, editor of ChicagoTraveler.com.

Is the future of eco-friendly home design the houseboat? Ever since writing our article on cool houseboats, we've been intrigued by this simple form of residence and what it can offer us in terms of great design and sustainability. Above you see a concept by SolarLab for a free-floating, solar powered habitat that will eventually be found on Germany's Lake Constance as an example of integrated, green living spaces for the future.

Compare SolarLab's project to this most basic of "houseboats"–really just an RV on a pontoon–and you'll get an idea of just how far we've come (we still love trailers, though). But how about where we're going? We've discovered some amazing concepts for houseboats that might just be the homes of the future.

One reason why houseboats may indeed become the homes of the future is global warming, which has and is still severely changing the water levels in many places. This is a model for a houseboat on Lake Huron. The lake has experienced a rise in water levels over the past several years. By building the house not on an immobile foundation but on a steel pontoon structure, the architects sidestepped that issue and made it possible for the home to adapt to any changes in environment that may be coming down the line.

This is a pre-fab houseboat that takes just as much from the philosophy of mid-century modern design as it does from green building technology.

Even the commercial market is wants a piece of the houseboat action. Here is the "Kevell" model of eco houseboat from European company Aquashell. It is intended for a a family of up to 5 people –and should you want to purchase one, it is fully customizeable.

Who knows, perhaps in the future we will have entire communities of floating homes, like the concept above.

tubiQ is a particularly cool concept for future houseboats. It's totally modular, which means that different elements can be interchanged based on the needs of the occupants. Though it slightly resembles a fancy yacht, tubiQ is actually made of aluminum and fiberglass to make it worthy of the high seas.

This isn't a traditional houseboat, but the architects at Germany's Lausitz Resort were certainly inspired by ships when designing it. The lakeside property boasts a "sail side" to protect the inhabitants from harsh sunlight. The other side is open to the lake.

Another very futuristic concept for a houseboat. This one sort of looks like a whale. The open front would make for some great whale watching, anyway!

This houseboat has a name! Entitled "The Last Resort", it took first prize at RAFAA Architecture & Designs. It's a mobile floating home that will be going into production later this year. Perhaps houseboat communities will be the trailer parks of the future?

If so, we hope they look like this. These floating bubbles, entitled "The Oyster" and designed by Indian architect Shekhar Shinde, will house single families in style. And they will be eco-friendly: the roof of these houseboats are covered in photovoltaic panels to generate all the energy the house needs.

What do you think houseboats will look like in the future?

Float above

the sparkling blue Aegean, a cliffside villa done in the traditional style is the perfect place to drink in the beauty of Santorini. The interiors are just as spectacular: curvy, bright and breezy, with bold splashes of local art along the smooth walls.

But really, it's all about the view: multiple terraces and large glass windows offer vistas spanning from the famous caldera cliffs to neighboring villages nearby small islands, all cloaked in the bright blue hues of the infinite sea and sky.

Takushi! Takushi!

It's after midnight. The trains have stopped running and won’t start again until 6am.  I have rented a home in central Tokyo but I am standing on the sidewalk in the Roppongi district.  Takushi!  Taxi! I wave a tired arm at the animatronic mass of passing vehicles and hope something human will be alerted and come to my rescue. As my mind adjusts to the visual overload I start to get a sense of what's going on in the street.  The taxis all have a distinctive piece of neon signage on their roofs. If illuminated — the cab is vacant and available for hire. If not, keep waving.

The taxi signage is so dynamically J-Pop I get a blast of energy and start to enjoy the passing parade of neon art. What I am witnessing is the identification system for Tokyo’s 58,000 taxis.  The neon icon atop the taxi informs the (informed) viewer which of the 1,024  taxi companies this taxi is registered to.  But as seen from some of British photographer Alexander James’ nightscapes of taxi top art, the ultimate identification can remain wildly ambiguous. A big eyed puppy, a fisherman and his fish, a frog and a fat, raised forefinger each identify a different taxi company.  But who are they? What is the actual name of the company?  While some signs do display a name there are

even more with art you might expect to find on a Japanese candy shelf or in a child’s coloring book. As I ponder how this abstract system functions so perfectly that Tokyo recently placed first in friendliest taxi drivers and best taxi services (per TripAdvisor December 2012) a taxi pulls to a gentle stop at the curb in front of me. With robot finesse, the passenger door automatically opens and I look inside at the white seat covers and white gloved driver listening to a circa. 1968 transistor radio taped to his sunvisor.  He nods and I start to get in, but then step back and stare at the neon art identifying the taxi. I take a photo of the icon, then get in and close the door. A hushed geo-exchange with the driver and a flawless ride through night time Tokyo follows.  Outside the taxi the city is all go-go energy but inside I am still wondering about the translation.  The driver only smiles and nods when I ask what the art means. “Yes. This is our taxi. Welcome.”

Wellness tourism is a travel trend that's gained steam in the last few years. Instead of traveling simply for leisure or sight-seeing, travelers are seeking out destinations that offer health and spa treatments along with luxury accommodation and plenty of relaxation opportunities.

Many spa breaks can be far-flung and pricey (Fancy trip to rural Iceland, anyone? A yoga retreat on tropical island resort? What about a sojourn the wine region of Slovenia? Anyone?), but there's no need to undertake a long journey to seek rejuvenation. There are plenty of luxuriously low-key and affordable local spas that are perfect for when you need a break.

Take the United Kingdom

as example of a country packed full of beautiful spas offering a full range of health and beauty treatments in gorgeous surroundings. Most people wouldn't think of famously wet and chilly England as the ideal setting for wellness vacations, but the diversity of health spa breaks in the UK says otherwise.

It makes perfect historical sense: both the Celts and the Romans believed in the curative powers of a spa break, as evidenced by the rich history of the Roman baths in the city (yes) Bath. History aside, we can't think of anything more relaxing than gazing out over the famously beautiful landscape of the English countryside, drinking a warm cup of tea after an afternoon spent getting pampered by a professional staff. Depending on your budget, you can spend an entire weekend or just a day soaking in a sauna, trying out a new exercise course, enjoying a massage, and indulging in all manner of beauty and health treatments. 

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to forgo beautiful surroundings either either. Many modern spas are located in incredible places. Think historic homes, castles, converted 16th century barns, 4-star hotels, and beautiful modern buildings constructed solely with relaxation in mind. With a quick search, travelers can make the most of their stay without breaking the bank through booking a package deal, which can include accommodation, meals, tea, extra services, and more. Many of the spas allow guests to choose from several different treatment options and curate a totally customized spa experience.

Those in search of spa days in Scotland are also in luck. The Bannatyne Spa has several locations throughout the country that offer entire spa days for less than 50 GBP. We also love the elegance of the Stobo Castle Health Spa, housed in an authentic Scottish Castle in the Borders countryside. Services range from everything from health treatments like food allergy testing to beauty treatments such as manicures, facials, and hair removal.

This is only a small selection of cool spas that may be near your home. Those in search of an affordable mini-vacation are well-advised to check out the United Kingdom—you'll be surprised at how many options you have.

Hotel Indigo combines a modern appeal with “green” practices and functionality creating a hip hotel in the East Village neighborhood of San Diego.

As visitors approach Hotel Indigo, they’ll notice it’s just one block from the local baseball stadium and a few short blocks from the thriving Gaslamp Quarter scene in downtown. The building blends in nicely to the area with a distinct urban feel and modest exterior.

As guests step inside, they’ll experience the welcoming atmosphere of this boutique hotel. Its lobby is quaint and inviting with vibrant pops of color, a small business center and a stylish sitting area decorated with unique natural wood lamps and a semi circle waterfall serving as a barrier between the sitting area and hotel restaurant, Table 509. It’s sleek, modern and appealing.

Each guest room capitalizes on the vibrancy of California with tall functioning windows, hardwood floors and beautiful cream and orange bedspreads featuring California’s state flower, the California poppy. It’s spacious, airy and pleasingly simple with strong decorative accents and modern amenities like a Keurig coffee brewer and iHome docking stations. The room is refreshing and energizing, like breathing in fresh California air on a warm spring day.

What make this hotel really stand out are its pet-friendly policy, popular Level 9 rooftop bar and LEED certification. Pets are not only welcome, they are treated like members of the family, but Hotel Indigo isn’t just kind to pets, it’s also kind to the environment as the first LEED certified hotel in San Diego. Its “green” practices include a thorough recycling program, large functioning windows for natural light and even a planted roof to help with temperature control and storm run-off drainage. It’s recently renovated rooftop bar boasts a bird’s eye view of Petco Park, a beautiful tile bar, appealing fire pits and bright color accents for the perfect San Diego social scene.

Hotel Indigo, located in East Village San Diego, works to reduce its carbon footprint, maintains a beautiful modern appeal and welcomes four legged friends making it a new favorite for vacationers in San Diego.

Spring break is coming up and you know what that means: time for a vacation! Instead of opting to stay at a huge (and environmentally unfriendly) chain resort, why not choose an eco-chic destination for spring break 2013? If you think going green means forsaking luxury or convenience, think again. Here are 6 amazing vacation rentals from the Boutique-Homes.com collection that are stylish, affordable, and totally eco-friendly.

Airstream Safari, Big Sur, California

Quirky travelers will dig the retro vibe of the Airstream Safari Trailer in Big Sur, California, which is powered by solar energy and propane. Parked on the ocean side of Highway 1 and near to Pfeiffer Beach, the trailer is fully equipped with a galley kitchen, full bathroom, and lounge sofa that converts into a queen sized bed. The outdoors has a private seating area with patio furniture and great mountain views. It starts at $195 per night. Book .

V House at Verana, Yelapa, Mexico

Mexico might be the #1 spring break destination for college students, but you don't need to fight the teenage crowds to have a relaxing and totally sustainable vacation. The V-House at Verana can be rented as a private house on the hotel property. Made up of three individual houses, each holding a bedroom and outlook area, the V-House has amazing bay views from every room, giving guests the feeling of floating over the jungle. Best of all, it has a tiny footprint due to the innovative architecture. It starts at $260 per night. Book here.
 

Rio Eco House, Taos, New Mexico

Want to spend your spring break taking in the beauty of nature as it comes into bloom? Try a stay in Taos, New Mexico, at Rio Eco House, a 900 square foot sustainable rental located in a grove of 100-year-old cottonwood and willow trees. Constructed to be totally eco-friendly, the house makes use of green technology for insulation, appliance, and heating. The rental situated so near to the Taos de Fernando river, it's possible to drop a fishing line right out the back door. And when you're ready to return to civilization, the great restaurants and galleries of Taos are only 3 miles away. Starts at $140 per night. Book here.

Pranamar Villas, Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a popular spring break destination due to its many beautiful beaches and budget-friendly prices. Intimate and eco-friendly Pranamar Villas in Santa Teresa take relaxation to another level with friendly ambience and tropical beauty on one of Costa Rica's most spectacular stretches of sand. A great choice for wellness travelers, the property offers on-site yoga classes and an open-air restaurant and tea lounge specializing in healthy cuisine prepared from local ingredients. The green-friendly bungalows for amazing ocean views and start at $175 per night. Book here.

Eco Container Apartments, Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

A self-sustaining alternative to the mega-resorts of Punte Del Este, Eco Container Apartments in Jose Ignacio offer a cool combination of green design, fantastic location, and simple yet luxurious amenities. The 2-story property is made up of shipping containers that have been stacked on top of each other and transformed into chic, fully equipped apartments (each with private deck) and kitted out with chic modern furnishings. Each apartment is lit by low-energy LED lights, while a solar heater is used to warm up water. The outdoors is even better–a self-sustaining herb garden, dining area, jacuzzi, and fire pit. Starting at $120 per night. Book here.

Eco Cabanas, Rapa Nui, Easter Island

Looking to go further afield this spring? Check out Eco Cabanas in the fantastically unique landscape of Easter Island. These 4 pre-fab cottages are a stunning combo of modern architecture, green construction methods, and basic creature comforts. They were constructed with the aim of keeping their impact on the fragile ecosystem as minimal as possible, and make use of solar power and other green technologies to offer guests a high quality retreat. Each spacious cabana sleeps 6 guests and start at $130 per night. Book here. 

Can minimalism be luxurious? At Mallorca Villa, the answer is definitely yes. Designed by John Pawson and Claudio Silevstrin (responsible for designing stores for Calvin Klein and Armani, respectively), this peaceful holiday home elegantly combines clean geometric lines with natural materials for a totally harmonious integration with the surrounding environment.

The four-bedroom villa offers plenty of ways to unwind and relax in the Spanish sunshine. With an expansive inner courtyard, sunken tennis court, landscaped garden, and 30-meter infinity pool that culminates in a waterfall, Mallorca Villa offers plenty of ways to unwind and relax in the Spanish sunshine.