Looking for a lavish resort to get some rest and relaxation in Havana, Cuba? Layover Guide has the rundown on Havana’s nicest five-star resorts for your holidays in Cuba.

Parque Central

With two rooftop pools that provide an oasis from the bustling city of Havana, you can spend your days sightseeing and your nights relaxing by the pool or in the Jacuzzi. Parque Central has great views, spacious rooms, and a great central location near Old Town and Capitolio Nacional, and the famed Malecon Boulevard. The hotel also has a fitness center and a bar.

Hotel Saratoga

Located centrally just blocks aways from Capitolio, Plaza Mayor, and near the Old Havana town, Hotel Saratoga has free wi-fi, a rooftop swimming pool with 360 views of the city, and breakfast included. The hotel also offers a pub, three bars and two restaurants, 24 hour reception and a laundry service.

Melia Cohiba

A short taxi ride from Old Town Havana, Melia Cohiba overlooks the sea with views of Havana. The hotel has money exchange, shops, cigar shop, and a handful of restaurants. Melia Cohiba also offers tennis and squash courts as well as a gym, a massage area, a sauna, a Jacuzzi, a swimming pool, and more.

If you’re looking for some rest and relaxation at an exquisite Saint James resorts, perfect for holidays in Barbados, look no further.

In Barbados, the pristine Coral Reef Club and Sandy Lane Hotel don’t disappoint when it comes to delivering the beauty, atmosphere and amenities fitting of a luxury resort.

Coral Reef Club

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the Elegant Resorts of Barbados, the Coral Reef Club has it all – 12 acres of gardens, a white sand beach, on-site restaurant, tennis, and a spa. There is also organizing water-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.

Sandy Lane Hotel

Sandy Lane Hotel is located in the historical village of Holetown, and a short drive from many top Barbados attractions, and a half hour from the airport. All the bedrooms feature ocean views and private balconies, and the hotel features a huge pool, gym, private beach, and golf course.  

Gwyneth Paltrow is a big fan of Chicago, and has voiced her favorite picks of The Windy City’s restaurants, hotels and shops in her latest GOOP newsletter. Layover Guide has the breakdown of Gwyneth’s Chicago haunts, all great destinations for those stuck on long O’Hare layovers:

Elysian Hotel

The Elysian Hotel is a five-star hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Gold coast, featuring 188 rooms, a bar, two restaurants, and a huge spa and health club comprised of over 14,000 square feet! The hotel is also located walking distance from famed Oak Street and Michigan Avenue shops and the lakefront.

Hotel Palomar

Hotel Palomar is a luxury River North boutique resort in the area of Chicago that has the most art galleries in the United States. The hotel has 261 rooms, and is designed in contemporary style reflecting the vibrant and eclectic River North neighborhood.

Gwyneth’s other top picks for Chicago hotels included The James and The Peninsula.

CLICK HERE for the full Layover Guide to Chicago

Restaurants:

Schwa

Chicago’s Schwa restaurant is located in the Wicker Park neighborhood, and offers a range of fine cuisine including a nine course menu that is seasonally updated. For those who enjoy a top notch dining experience, Schwa is perfect for a memorable palate experience for those on Chicago layovers.

The Publican

The Publican restaurant is located at 837 W. Fulton Market and is a beer-focused eatery from the team that created Blackbird and Avec restaurants. The menu is presented in sections: Fish, Meat and Vegetables, each laid out from lightest to heaviest, and the menu also features pork, fish and seafood.

Gwyneth also suggests eateries including RL (for Ralph Lauren) and Riccardo Trattoria.

To see Gwyneth Paltrow’s complete list of Chicago hotspots, click here!

Want to get away, without breaking the wallet? The Caribbean offers some great steals and late holiday deals for the upcoming summer months. Layover Guide breaks down the best Caribbean locations to get the most bang for your buck:

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun Mexico has it all – the fun, the sun, and the great deals! On the north coast of the Riviera Maya, this top tourist destination in Mexico has white sand beaches, crystal waters and activities galore. Check out Barcelo Costa, Riu Yucatan in Playa del Carmen and more.

The Bahamas

With over 700 islands that make up the Bahamas, there is the perfect budget-free vacation ready and waiting. Just a quick hop from Miami, check out deals including the Treasure Cay, Nassau, Paradise Island and more.

Barbados

The Barbados is located in the Lesser Antilles and is an island vacation at its best. One of the Caribbean’s leading destinations, Barbados has pinkish beaches, light tumbling waves and offers everything from diving and golf to helicopter rides and cave exploration. For deals, check out the Amaryllis Beach resort, The Crane, and more.

Saint Lucia

With its rugged green mountains and bright blue waters, Saint Lucia is as picturesque as it is affordable. With a drive-in volcano, Sulpher Springs, rain forests and botanical gardens, Saint Lucia has something for everyone. Check out the Coconut Bay, Marigot Bay, Windjammer and more.

If you’re looking for a destination that doesn’t break the wallet, look no further than the Black Sea resorts of Bulgaria, Romania, and Russia. The Black Sea hosts many luxurious and affordable four-star and five-star resorts – the perfect solution for cheap holiday deals. Layover Guide selected these four eastern European locales as must-see Black Sea holiday destinations:

Varna (Bulgaria)

Considered the largest seaside resort city of the Bulgarian Black Sea, Varna is a major tourist destination thanks to its beaches, waterfront promenade, and rich history. Check out the five-star resorts of Varna (with rooms starting as low as $103 USD) including the Dallas Hotel Residence Varna, Grand Hotel Musala Palace Varna, the Grand Hotel Dimyat Varna, and more.

Constanta (Romania)

The oldest living city in Romania, Constanta was founding in 600 B.C. and is located on the Black Sea coast. With a rich history that dates back over 2,5000 years, Constanta has historical monuments and ruins, grand casino, and beach resorts. Constanta has four-star hotel rooms starting as low as $56 USD including the Golden Tulip Mamaia Hotel, the GMG Hotel Constanta, the Carol Hotel Constanta and more.

Yalta (Ukraine)

On the north coast of the Black Sea, you’ll find Yalta in the Ukraine. This ancient Greek colony separated from the Soviet Union in 1991 and offers blue flag beaches, a promenade, open-air markets, restaurants and historic sights. Four-star hotel rooms in Yalta start as low as $74 USD – check out the Royal Park Hotel Yalta, the Hotel Oreanda Yalta, the Palmira Palace Resort and more.

Sochi (Russia)

Sochi is located in Krasnodar Krai, Russia and has been chosen to host the XXII Olympic Winter Games. With both the Black Sea and the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains, there’s something for everyone in Sochi. Four-star hotels in Sochi start as low as $88 USD – check out the Radisson SAS Lazurnaya Hotel Sochi, Chebotaryov Hotel, Marins Park Hotel, and more.

Hollywood’s hot couple Amanda Seyfried and Ryan Phillippe stopped off in Paris while Ryan does publicity for his new movie Lincoln Lawyer.

The two reportedly stayed at the Hotel Shangri La in Paris and were seen leaving the hotel to stop off at Café Constant to meet up with friends for dinner last Sunday.

Layover Guide has the breakdown on these two Parisian hotspots that attract the Hollywood clientele:

Hotel Shangri La

The Shangri La Paris is a five-star centrally located hotel located at 10 Avenue D’iéna, just a short walk from the Trocadéro. Close to museums and with incredible views of the Eiffel Tower, the hotel has 81 luxury rooms and suites, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, bar and lounge, restaurant, spa and wellness center, and fitness room. For late deal holidays, check out the hotel’s offer page here, which lists the latest packages available.

CLICK HERE for Paris’ Top Ten Restaurants

Café Constant

Located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, at the corner of rue Saint Dominique and rue Augereau, Café Constant is a no reservation café that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The chef, Christian Constant, cooks food from his mother’s recipes, and the establishment prides itself as being a traditional local café.

CLICK HERE for the full Layover Guide to Charles De Gaulle

CLICK HERE for the full Layover Guide to Paris’ Orly Airport

“True Blood” hottie Alexander Skarsgard stopped off at L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills on March 31.

The five-star hotel, located on Burton Way in Beverly Hills, attracts many famous celebrities, including the 34-year old Skarsgard. The hotel is just a stone’s throw from Rodeo Drive, and nearby many of Los Angeles’ top notch restaurants. For nine years, L’Ermitage has received the Mobil Five Star and AAA Five Diamonds awards.

CLICK HERE for Los Angeles’ Best Rooftop Bars!

L’Ermitage Hotel offers a number of amenities including a fitness room, a rooftop swimming pool, sauna and steam room, tennis courts, business center, restaurant (Jaan Restaurant) and bar, and more.

Check out the featured monthly late deal packages at L’Ermitage (including one that comes with a complimentary Mercedes!) here!

CLICK HERE for Where The Stars Shop In L.A.!

Who doesn’t want their very own fairytale? We picked our favorite Italian castle hotels perfect for a layover adventure or a longer stay. These five Italian castles are certain to bring out your inner Cinderella.

Caruso Ravello – Ravello, Italy

Perched above the spectacular Amalfi Coast in Italy, Caruso Ravello is an 11^th century palace with panoramic views of the coast. The hotel castle has 532 rooms, many with balconies and ocean views, and the Jackie O. Suite has a private pool. There is also a general swimming pool, fitness center, and the entire Amalfi Coast to take advantage of during Italy holidays.

Danieli Palace – Venice Italy

The Hotel Danieli is a 14^th century palace along Venice’s San Marco Canal. The palazoo oozes luxury with silk covered walls, Murano glass chandeliers, and painted ceilings, the hotel has attracted celebrities including Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Taylor, and many more. There are 233 rooms, and the hotel is just a short stroll from San Marco’s Square, the Accademia museum, and the Basilica.

Click here for the full Layover Guide to Venice

Castle Rundegg – Merano, Trentino-Alto Adige

Bult around 1100, Castle Rundegg is located in the center of Merano in the South Tyrolean Alps, which is a train ride from Bolzano. With 30 rooms, most come to this region of Italy for the therapeutic baths, and renown hiking trails. At Castle Rundegg you can get massages, diets, beauty and health treatments and all the luxury you could want.

Grand Hotel Villa Cora – Florence

Grand Hotel Villa Cora is a 19^th century manor five minutes outside of Florence, Italy. This villa has 46 rooms, a swimming pool, gardens, a roof solarium with views of the city, and antiques throughout the property. Rates include breakfast, and a free shuttles goes into Florence from the estate.

Palazzo Belmonte – Santa Maria di Castellabate, Campania

Palazzo Belmonte is a 17^th century palace less than two hours from the Naples International Airport along the Italian coast, south of the Amalfi Coast, at the end of the Bay of Salerno with views of Capri. There are 22 suites in the main palazzo, and there are five acres of gardens, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, and more. Click here for Special Offers for 2011.

For additional suggestions of Italian palazzos and castles, click here!

The world’s highest hotel is now open for business.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, soaring at 490 meters high (1,600 feet), reaches up to 118 floors with unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island and the New Territories.

CLICK HERE for the full Layover Guide to Hong Kong

The five-star hotel has 312 luxurious rooms, all with views of the city. Accommodations including Deluxe Harbour Rooms, Grand Harbour Suites, the magnificent Ritz-Carlton Suite and Ritz-Carlton Club Rooms.

While a typical room will run you upwards of 4,500 HKD a night for a standard room – far from a cheap holiday – for those on tighter budgets, stop by one of the six dining venues on the 102^nd floor, a lobby lounge, tea lounge and alfresco rooftop bar. All of the restaurants and bars offer panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.

In addition, overnight packages including a Grand Opening Package can be found here.

CLICK HERE for Gwyneth Paltrow’s Hong Kong picks

Want an exotic destination wedding on a white sand beach, an awe-inspiring castle or an exotic locale? Hollywood couples have scouted out the best of the best, and here are the top and most incredible of celebrity destination weddings for your own nuptials, family holidays, or an unforgettable celebration:

Skibo Castle in Scotland – Madonna & Guy Ritchie

Although the wedding may not have lasted, the wedding location of this A-list duo was certainly picture perfect! Nothing says “dream wedding” quite like the 19th century Skibo Castle with 7,000 acres, 51 bedrooms and features including stained-glass panels, oak-paneled dinging room, the Great Hall, library and swimming pavilion. While the Skibo Castle itself may be difficult to book (it is currently Members Only), there are many additional estates in the area available for booking.

Sher Bagh Resort In Rajasthan, India – Katy Perry & Russell Brand

Singer Katy Perry and comedian Russell Brand said their “I do’s” at a luxury wilderness tent on the edge of a wildlife park in northern India. The couple reportedly held their destination wedding at the Sher Bagh resort in Rajasthan, north of Jaipur, where they were stayed in one of 12 luxury tents catered for royal visits. The couple later stayed at the Aman-i-Khas resort, a luxurious wilderness safari camp of 10 tents outside the Ranthambhore tiger sanctuary.

CLICK HERE for Top Celebrity Honeymoon Destinations!

Odescalchi Castle, Italy – Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes

Who could forget Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes 2006 wedding in the incredible Italian Odescalchi Castle? The converted 15th-century armory is located outside Rome on the southern shore of Lake Brancciano and is currently a museum, but also a place where wedding ceremonies are still held – either in the Hall of Caesars, the Secret Garden, the Ancient Tower and the Hall of Arms. Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise aren’t the only ones who can get married in a castle where Popes, Princes and Kings once lived!

Isla Mujeres, Mexico – Melissa Rycroft & Ty Strickland

Melissa Rycroft and her boyfriend Ty Strickland reportedly tied the knot in Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancun in Mexico in 2009. The beach front wedding, on the white sand beach with the warm Caribbean waters is about as picture perfect as destination weddings get. The island is home to a number of resorts that offer beach weddings just like Melissa and Ty’s ceremony.

The Wakaya Resort & Spa, Fiji – Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott

The Wakaya Resort & Spa on its own private island in Fiji was reportedly the location of Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott’s 2006 tropical destination wedding. The island resort rests upon a 2,200 acre island with a protected coral reef, stretches of beaches, lagoons, cliffs and the luxurious resort getaway’s oceanfront huts (known as bures).