Global hangout: Rest Detail, Hua Hin

Tucked away from the bustling centre of Hua Hin (which is where the Thai royal family vacations each year), this welcoming, laid-back hotel more than lives up to its name. The moment you arrive at the white and turquoise buildings that overlook the Gulf Of Siam you'll be given cold towels, herbal tea and a wristband to wear for your stay - all to remind you to relax. Book a room with a jacuzzi that overlooks the ocean and you'll find it hard to leave, especially when you hook up to the iPod filled with chilled-out tunes that they provide you with, and try out the day beds that are just made for lounging and the spa-worthy rain shower. Or opt for the slightly more luxurious Pool Village, where your room opens up directly onto a large pool with your own private loungers - that's the sunbathing sorted. While time spent in your room will put you in an almost catatonic state of relaxation, the hotel's so small and intimate you won't feel harried or crowded when you step out. Definitely try the spa, Restfully Yours, where you can have an authentic Thai massage in a luxurious environment, and eat at the poolside restaurant, Rest Scene, at least once - the Seafood green curry pizza sounds odd, but actually works and is truly moreish. While the hotel is about 10 minutes drive from town, there's a shuttle to take you there and back, and, if we're honest, we'd rather just rest up there for a few days without facing the real world. Families can stay before the end of May and pay just Dh1,370 for two nights' luxurious accommodation (two adults andt wo children), daily breakfast, a private cooking class - after which you eat the lunch - and 50 per cent off spa treatments. Details Amphor, Hua Hin restdetailhotel.com +66 32 547 733 Italy: Atomic Spa, Suisse, Milan The walls are awash with blue and pink lights, mirrored bubbles loom over the white pearl mosaic pool and rain showers occasionally just appear from the ceiling. Yes, this Milan spot - in the centre of town - is one of the most high-design wellness centres in the world, thanks to the self-proclaimed "architectural-hero" Simone Micheli being behind the look. The are treatment cabins, a humid area, a Turkish bath and a large pool with hydromassage, with an array of massages and facials on offer. They also havea garra rufa fish treatment for your hands and feet. +39 022 222 9702 | en.spasuisse.com USA: Brooklyn Flea, New York This sprawling market, founded in 2008, runs all year round and is home to creative vendors selling everything from antiques to clothes, jewellery, arts and crafts and plenty of artisanal foods (Asia Dog, which serves up gourmet hot dogs with an Asian twist is a fave). Held in Fort Greene on Saturdays, and Williamsburg on Sundays from April to November, and inside the Skylight One Hanson building when the cold kicks in, enjoy musicians setting up camp, performers showing off their skills and the creatives of Brooklyn chilling out there fora totally New York vibe. brooklynflea.com