We’d chosen Grodås as a base on the advice of a Norwegian friend, because it was ideally located between two of Norway’s most beautiful fjords.

Between two of Norway’s most beautiful places – Nordfjord and Geirangerfjord - Raftevold’s Hotel sits on the shore of Europe’s deepest lake.

I don’t believe I have ever before written a whole article on what my 13-year-old calls “underditties” – but believe me, these are no ordinary undies.

The concept of a restaurant using only ingredients native to or grown in its environment was irresistible. Talk about locavore!

The Boxer Boston gives a whole new meaning to “A Room with a View” as it reveals almost the entire Boston skyline from the corner room on its top floor.

Facing the ski trails of Bromont, near the Vermont border about an hour south of Montreal, Hotel Chateau-Bromont is perfectly located for a winter vacation, whether you ski or not.

There is something both comfortable and comforting about staying in a New England country inn “of a certain age”.

Set amid miles of rolling hills in Portugal’s Alentejo region, we found a wine estate whose restaurant achieves the perfect balance of localvore ideals with sophisticated and creative cuisine firmly rooted in regional traditions.

At Europe’s most southwestern tip, this beach resort was designed to fit the landscape, its low buildings set amid indigenous trees and grasses above a half-mile crescent of golden sand.

The warm hospitality of the staff, the luxurious rooms and flexibility of services to accommodate travelers on weird schedules were impressive – and certainly not what I expect from an airport hotel.