By Pamela Jacobs

I had been to Mexico several times in the past. I was actually a Cancun/Spring Break pro in my younger, more, shall we say, travel-naïve years. The most Mexican thing I had experienced during those trips was the many Caronas. I might as well have taken a trip to the neighborhood bar and added some palm trees out the windows for a look of authenticity.

By Lisa Loverro

A few weeks ago I was invited down to Barbados by Prince Harry…well, not really, but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Prince Harry of Wales and Prince Sessio of Lesotho (a small country located within the country of South Africa) were on the island of Barbados to host a charity Polo event taking place to raise money and awareness for an organization very near and dear to their hearts, Sentebale (www.sentebale.org). Sentabale meaning, “forget me not,” in the local language, was founded by both Prince Harry and Prince Sessio and named in honor of their late mothers to help the orphan and vulnerable children of Lesotho.

By Maxine Albert

The Wright Restaurant at The Guggenheim

Even more delectable than the art on the walls of The Guggenheim Museum is the gastronomic exhibition in its latest addition just off the rotunda, The Wright Restaurant.

By Lee Fryd

“So glad to hear you’re living la vida loca at the Pritikin Center,” my Miami sister-in-law said. She was expecting a “get me out of here” call. But, I didn’t even want visitors. I was making new friends, working out, running from lecture to lecture, enjoying three full meals a day (plus snacks) --and losing weight.

By Josh Engel

With the Oscar nominations set to be announced in February, interested moviegoers have already begun naming their picks. Here are some of our best bets for Oscar attention in 2010.

By Josh Engel

There may be no better city for restaurants than New York, and there’s none with more variety. Take advantage on Valentine’s Day and check out one of the many options that the city has to offer.

By Julian Velard

It’s that time of the year again. The long winter months that mark the run up to the Academy Awards. The season of golden backslapping. Come March 7th, most of us here in New York will sit slack-jawed, glued to our TV sets for four plus hours, staring at the procession of beautiful people telling each other how beautiful they are. And why not? 2009 was a record breaking year for cinema. Seven films made the top 50 list of highest-grossing films. It seems in this age of illegal downloading and streaming Netflix, movies are experiencing a cultural renaissance.

By Lisa Loverro

Most people would never consider a visit to the country of Colombia when planning a trip, and while this country has had its fair share of violence, it’s all a thing of the past. With its beautiful countryside, cosmopolitan cities and first class accommodations, Colombia is a viable, safe option for an exotic vacation. And as we all know, it has some of the best coffee in the world!

By Maxine Albert

I had not seen Daniel since its “spruce up” in late 2008 and must say that with its fresh décor and sleek design the transformation is stunning. Sharper lines highlight the neo classical Greek style columns and arches of the main dining room. The creamy white, silvery grey and rich brown hues with visually arresting paintings and chandeliers create an elegant and regal ambience. As I sat down and took in the gorgeous surroundings, I wondered if the food could possibly live up to this splendor.

By Rory Winston

Here in the shadow of minarets - where golden palaces wrestle for space amongst markets brimming with crimson, lime, and amber colored spices - I sit… all of Europe behind me and all of Asia ahead. The music of both worlds floats down the Bosphorus. To the right: the Aegean; to the left: the Black sea; underfoot: the many civilizations that had left their mark - Dorian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine… and, of course, the Ottoman age with its enduring legacy of religious tolerance. It’s been a year since Ataturk died but his spirit can still be felt. The secular republic remains free of ruling Sultans and caliphs. The scent of apricots, yoghurt, walnuts and melons fill the air. There are many of us here, many who have lived for centuries free of persecution. I implore you all, come!