An indoor lounge on the Aria.
CALL OF THE WILD
Aqua Expeditions brings five-star luxury to river cruising on the Amazon in Peru. Its 147-foot M/V Aria boasts 16 water-facing, air-conditioned staterooms plus an indoor lounge and outdoor seating areas. Up to 32 passengers enjoy haute cuisine, fine wines and guided nature tours in eight-person launches. Three-night itineraries are $2,685 per person. aquaexpeditions.com
RUSSIA DEBUT
Four Seasons recently unveiled its first Russian property in a restored 19th-century palace just two blocks from the Hermitage Museum. The Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg boasts 157 elegantly appointed rooms and 26 suites, including premium one-bedroom suites featuring marble baths and separate living areas with sofa beds. Rates from $312 through April 1, 2014. fourseasons.com
VIRGINIA RETREAT
Middleburg’s long-awaited Salamander Resort & Spa opened in late August to much fanfare. Sheila Johnson’s 168-room, LEED-certified retreat brings a new level of luxury to Horse Country, with 168 stylish rooms and suites, cuisine by Todd Gray of Equinox fame and a full-service equestrian center. Rates from $275. salamanderhotels.com
SPIT FIRE
Chef Mike Isabella salutes Northern Greek cuisine in his new DC restaurant, Kapnos. The menu features a variety of mezze. Don’t miss the spit-roasted meats that inspired the restaurant’s name: Kapnos is Greek for “smoke.” Bethesda’s Streetsense designed the interiors, which include a butcher-block chef’s table and distressed-wood bar. 2201 14th Street, NW; 202-234-5000. kapnosdc.com
TEST KITCHEN
Chef Richard Sandoval has launched his fifth Test Kitchen at Zengo in Penn Quarter. From now through December 31st, look for dishes and cocktails celebrating a fusion between the cuisines of Peru and Malaysia, including the pisco elevation made with lychee (left). 781 7th Street, NW; 202-393-2929. richardsandoval.com/zengodc
SPANISH STYLE
Jaleo Bethesda is fresh from a re-design. Chef José Andrés tapped Barcelona architect and designer Juli Capella to create an edgy, Spanish vibe in the space. It features a central display of the chef’s most popular tapas and distinctive artwork by prominent artists from Spain. 7271 Woodmont Avenue; 301-913-0003. jaleo.com