The 12 acre Hotel Bel Air, just above Sunset Drive, has reopened with a modern makeover after two years under construction. Having originally welcomed its first visitors in 1946 this legendary venue – all tropical plants, oval swimming pools and Swan Lakes no less – has retained much of its old Hollywood charm, with the addition of hi-tech gadegtry from Bang and Olufsen and slick interiors courtesy of designer Alexandra Champalimaud. More over here.

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“A Journey Like No Other” reminds us that, when possible, take the opportunity to explore off the normal path. In the latest installment video, we find ourselves with Max in the Andean plains of Peru exploring the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. As the only hotel located adjacent to the ancient Inca citadel, the Machu Picchi Sanctuary Lodge offers an experience of the site when the tour buses have passed. Heading off grid, Max continues his  journey in Peru by heading off the grid to Hotel Monasterio in the ancient Incan capital city of Cusco.

Find more at A Journey like No Other from Orient Express.

“A Journey Like No Other” takes us on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Lauren and Duke. Aboard the Art Deco carriages another chapter in the legendary train’s story begins to unfold. Discover more at A Journey like No Other from Orient Express.

“The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is pulling out of Paris’ Gare de l’Est as Duke and Lauren embark on their private getaway. What better way to discover Europe than through the windows of this magnificent train, with the added frisson of rediscovering each other?” Find more at A Journey like No Other from Orient Express.

Taschen have just released 4 Cities, the entire collection of their travel guides. Compiling12 books and focusing on, you guessed it, 4 cities, which are London, New York, Paris and Berlin. We’re pretty close to at least 3 of those 4 cities, with editors in London, New York and our HQ in Berlin (we refuse to call them towers). Some tips might be a little obvious, but it’s always nice to have a list of things to visit when in a new city. Especially when you inevitably end up not seeing half of them. Coming November 22. Available from Amazon.

See some spreads after the leap.

A nice little travel clock from the Paul Smith line. The travel clock features the brand’s signature hits and comes wrapped in a travel slip case for protection. Remember: “The World is your Oyster.” Beautiful numbering on this one.

More looks after the click.

Summer’s are for traveling. And, traveling requires a few accessories. Passport cases are important, and this on from Poketo manages to meld style and function with a sustainable back story. Each Poketo passport case is upcycled from vintage leather sofas. As a result, each is 100% unique.

View more Upcycled leather passport cases after the jump.

Some do beer koozies, Seattle’s Blackbird does vacuum sealed travel coffee presses. This 10oz press is perfect for working your own brew while on the road. While you could settle for the normal brews from the local offerings, you may, at some point, be far from a good barista. This will save you. Take it camping as it’s safer than the glass presses. #seriousbusiness.

More looks after the click.

Tired of those awful maps that are impossible to refold (or, more likely, spending hundreds on overseas data roaming charges)? The main trick with these is that they can be scrunched into a ball – hence the name – and will be perfectly reusable. Currently available for Berlin, London, Rome, New York and Paris, they’re destined to become the model’s map of choice. (Palomar)

London’s St. Martins Lane Hotel and New York City’s cult beauty lab MALIN+GOETZ have partnered to open a temporary apothecary in the hotel’s Front Room. Hotel guests and outside shoppers can experience the foodie-inspired, no fuss, advanced skincare products. And, in the Christmas spirit shippers can select items like Peppermint Shampoo.

You may remember that in year’s past such retailers as Dover Street Market have inhabited the space, this partnership serving as a nice continuation of a holiday tradition of well selected pop-up shops.

More images of the space follow.