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From coastal retreats overlooking the ocean, to large and luxurious properties surrounded by some of California’s best wineries and vineyards, these are the best luxury hotels to check into while exploring California’s central coast (ranging from Santa Barbara to Monterey).

AFAR chose a destination at random—by literally spinning a globe—and sent comedian Jorma Taccone on a spontaneous journey to Nairobi, Kenya.

No trip to New Mexico would be complete without a stay in Santa Fe. If you only have three days in New Mexico, discover why so many artists have come to paint the stunning, stark, and bright New Mexico landscape. Three days easily affords you time to stroll Santa Fe’s historic Canyon Road, hike national parks, and experience the magic of New Mexico topography—from mountains to low-lying valleys and national monuments.

The Ocucaje Desert holds some of the most important fossils in the world. And their only defender is a renegade guide with an eye for shark teeth.

From a lakeside view, Afar writer reviews the first five-star hotel to open on Lake Como in a century.

In Japan’s capital, youth dress up—and let loose—in over-the-top themed establishments.

Passionate Mexico City foodies are rediscovering and reviving Mexico’s rural culinary delights.

AFAR chose a destination at random—by literally spinning a globe—and sent writer Jonathan Gold on a spontaneous journey to Prague with just 24 hours’ notice.

If eating huge plates of pork, deciphering local slang, and snowshoeing through the woods of Québec can’t bring two siblings together, what can?

At a working cattle ranch in Northern Patagonia, visitors can ride horseback, eat traditional Argentine asado, and yes, stay the night.

Spend your days in Costa Rica going from national parks to open air restaurants. Along with some of the best rice and beans in Latin America—they show up at breakfast, lunch, and dinner—there’s plenty of seafood and other proteins. Local ingredients include seafood, corn, beans, and root vegetables so you’ll see a lot of them on Tico tables. And the culinary scene is expanding quickly so expect flavors from Asia and Europe in the mix too.

Pastry chef, Michael Laiskonis, shares his favorite things to do, see, and (of course) eat while in Bogotá, Colombia.

One of the most dynamic conductors in the world of classical music, Alondra de la Parra, shares how music focuses her travel and informs her creative vision.

From the moment you step inside Carlsbad’s Park Hyatt Aviara, you feel like you’re on a retreat. A quiet soundtrack and the hotel’s signature jasmine scent permeate the airy lobby. And between the hotel and the ocean sits a garden that may lure you out before you even check in. Palm Court is a fantasia of palms, along with orange blossoms, jasmine, hibiscus, and parrot lilies. In keeping with the serene theme, the 329 guest rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with views of the local foothills, the LPGA-frequented golf course, one of the two pools, or the nearby Batiquitos Lagoon. The hotel offers plenty of ways to fill your days, with an upscale spa (try the Carlsbad Sea Stone Massage) as well as tennis, volleyball, badminton, and bocce courts. For a peak California experience, sign up for a private surf lesson—which wraps with a gourmet meal on the beach—or sign up for yoga under the palm trees. Pro tip: The hotel is so pet friendly—with “care stations” scattered throughout, plus extra plush dog beds—you’ll feel guilty if you leave Fido home with a sitter.