Just a week into the official start of summer and most of the country is already experiencing record high temperatures.  If the heat has you yearning for an escape to a cooler climate, consider a getaway to Xelena Deluxe Suites Hotel in Patagonia–where it’s winter now in this southern part of South America.

Opened in May 2007, Xelena Deluxe Suites Hotel has an awesome location in the attractive village of El Calafate, the closest town to visit Los Glaciares National Park and its famous Perito Meoreno Glacier. Built along the coastline of Lago Argentino, all of the hotel’s 71 guest rooms have spectacular views overlooking the lake and the snow-capped mountains beyond.

All the rooms are equipped with the latest technology and hotel facilities include a 70 square meter indoor-outdoor heated swimming pool, health and fitness club and juice bar, sauna, massage room, relaxation room, Finnish bath, and Scottish shower. There are a variety of event and banqueting facilities, which can accommodate over 200 people, perfect for private parties, celebrations and business functions. The hotel also provides a shuttle service for guests to the city centre.

Dining options include the Coral Coffee Shop, where breakfast is served daily; Pierrot, a cozy bistro for light lunch surrounded by wonderful views and an inviting fireplace; and Mora restaurant serving a more formal menu of regional dishes and classical Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner.

Discover this paradise in Patagonia!

Luxe Worldwide Hotels has just signed the Elite World Istanbul as its first member hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, it was announced by Gonzalo Ocejo, Managing Director, Europe & UK, Luxe Worldwide Hotels.  This is the second hotel for the hotel representation organization in Turkey, the first being the Cappadocia Cave Resort and Spa.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to have the Elite World Istanbul become a member of Luxe Worldwide Hotels,” noted Efrem Harkham, CEO and Founder.  “Turkey has become such a popular tourism and business destination on the world stage of late, and we are thrilled to have such a prestigious property as part of our collection.”

The Elite World Istanbul is a five-star 245-room property located at Taksim Talimhane, the heart of metropolitan life and true center of Istanbul.  It provides everything a discerning leisure or business traveler to Istanbul would seek including luxurious and well-appointed guest rooms and suites; a choice of restaurants and bars; meeting space for up to 1,200 people; a business center; health club with indoor pool, children’s pool, fitness center, Turkish hamam, and spa services; and much more.

For additional information or to make a booking at the Elite World Prestige Hotel, please visit www.luxehotels.com.

Overlooking a quiet canal, just a short stroll from Piazza San Marco and the famous Rialto Bridge, the luxurious 4-star Aqua Palace Hotel offers the perfect welcome to Venice. If you want to be right in the heart of the historic city without forsaking privacy and tranquility, this is the ideal place to stay.

Through the passionate work of the Venetian Caputo family, the historic 16^th century Scalfarotto Palace has been transformed into the stunning Aqua Palace Hotel.  Striking the perfect balance between traditional and modern, the finely furnished rooms and suites interpret the distant past of Marco Polo’s Venice using soft lighting, fine curtains, precious marble, wood furniture, antique leather sofas and bronze and iron decorations, while adding contemporary touches and 21^st century conveniences.

With just 30 guestrooms and suites on four floors, the Aqua Palace offers an intimate ambience and warm hospitality, where the multi-lingual staff is always happy to assist guests with everything from sightseeing arrangements to dining recommendations, and beyond.

The Aqua Palace Hotel offers guests a complimentary buffet breakfast before they set out on a day of sightseeing. The convenient location is perfect for exploring the city by foot or via the waterbus lines. For dining, there are a wide variety of local restaurants within walking distance that will make it a delight to discover Venice’s culinary specialties.

Filled with beauty, history and charm, the Aqua Palace Hotel is the perfect way to experience the true flavor of this magical city on the water.

For Luxe Hotels’ Top 10 attractions in Venice, click here

Just because there’s no snow on the slopes doesn’t mean summer isn’t a great time to visit the Horseshoe Resort in Barrie, Ontario.  The year-round destination resort, just one hour north of Toronto, offers some truly spectacular summer attractions, including the grand opening of the Horseshoe Adventure Park in July 2010.

Situated on 1600 acres of beautiful countryside just steps away from the majestic Copeland Forest, the Horseshoe Resort is the perfect escape for those seeking outdoor adventure, pampering and relaxation.  The resort offers a wealth of warm weather activities including two award-winning golf courses, tennis, squash, tree trekking, Segway off-road adventures, hiking, biking, watersports and fishing.  When the resort’s Adventure Park opens this summer, guests will also be able to enjoy some fun and unique attractions including Southern Ontario’s longest zip line, climbing wall, zorbing (both harness and water), skate-park, downhill mountain biking and mini golf, just to name a few.

Renowned for its charming Inn, accommodations at the resort include 101 guestrooms, which consist of 8 Loft Suites, 36 Parlor Suites, 54 Standard Hotel Rooms and 3 Studio Suites. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in all the guestrooms and most common areas. All rates include full breakfast buffet at Silk’s Restaurant. All the rooms are non-smoking.

After a day of fun filled outdoor activities, guests can return to the resort for some relaxation and rejuvenation at the Shizen Spa, or enjoy the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tub and sauna.  For the truly dedicated exercise enthusiast, there’s also a fully-equipped fitness center.

Guests have a number of dining options, including the exquisite Silks Restaurant serving some of the finest cuisine in Ontario, or the more casual Crazy Horse Saloon with its nightly entertainment and lively atmosphere, the Fireside Lounge Cafe to enjoy a quiet drink while listening to some superb musical stylings, and the Snack Bar to grab a quick bite. Vintner’s dinners, Sunday brunches in the summer, tasting menus, vegetarian and heart-smart options are also available.

At Horseshoe Resort, there’s adventure waiting 52 weeks a year!