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Hot to Trot Blow away the winter blues and warm yourself with the prospect of jetting to our pick of the hottest spots
 WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN
Why it's hot: Egypt's Red Sea Riviera is one of the hottest places right now. The enchanting Technicolor
of the coral reefs has drawn snorkelers and divers for years, but the soft powdery sands of the beaches, the draw of the pyramids and other wonders mean that it will be an unforgettable stay.
What to do: Head for Luxor, described as one of the oldest tourist destinations in the world. The city has Luxor Temple as its focal point and the old town lies immediately behind it. For your cultural fix visit the Temple of Karnak, which is hailed as one of the world's greatest architectural achievements. Built over a period of 1,300 years, it is filled with immense stone pillars bearing painted and engraved inscriptions from the 12th century.
Another must see is the Valley of the Kings, which is the ancient burial ground of many of the ancient pharaohs. Among the 60 tombs is perhaps one of the most well known, the tomb of Tutankhamen.
The best bargains to be had are in the souks of the city where bartering is a necessity- the stall owner will be offended if you don't! Selling a colourful array of spices, food and carpets, they are ideal for a lasting memento of Egypt.
If you can squeeze in a day trip to Cairo it is well worth the effort. One of the top sights is the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, with over120,000 Egyptian artefacts, including the Tutankhamen collection with the famous gold death mask and the royal mummy room.
 Where to stay: La Residence des Cascades on the Red Sea Riviera is a fabulous retreat after a hard days sightseeing. Positioned on the highest point of the Soma Bay peninsula on the coast, it boasts spectacular panoramic views from all sides. The hotel houses the luxurious Les Thermes Marins des Cascades, one of the largest and best-equipped thalasso therapy centres in the world and the Soma Bay exfoliation treatment, which features brown and
red algae extract comes highly recommended.
Choose one of the suites for the best views and dine out on the terrace at the Dunes restaurant for a memorable evening.
For more information visit www.residencecascades.com
BACK WITH A BANG FOR SRI LANKA
Why it's hot: Back on the hot list after the devastating 2004 tsunami, Sri Lanka is back for 2007. The south west coast with its soft, sandy beaches and spectacular reefs makes it the island's latest jet set haunt.  What to do: Visit Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, situated north west of the town of Kegalle, outside Colombo. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka wildlife department it has the biggest herd of elephants in captivity in the world and if you're lucky you may even get the chance to wash the baby elephants too.
Easily explored by foot, head for the buzz of Colombo, the former capital of Sri Lanka and stroll down
Independence Square, commemorating the country's independence in 1948, with a leafy and palm tree lined promenade where it is a constant beehive of activity and sample the local cuisine.
Or if you fancy a hike, head for Ritigala Mountain, just outside Sri Lanka. The ruins there are some of the most distinctive and unusual you will ever see.
For bargains, the Pettah area of Sri Lanka hosts a hoard of different street merchants offering handmade crafts and souvenirs.
 A visit to the Colombo National Museum will leave you in no doubt that Sri Lanka has had a tumultuous and fascinating history. Full of wonderful treasures both historical and factual, it gives a great overview of the nation.
Once you have had enough of city life, head further into the country to the town of Kandy and visit the beautiful botanical gardens, which are ideal for a moment of respite.
Where to stay: The Lighthouse Hotel and newly opened Serena spa is the height of luxury with views
to die for. From the moment you arrive, up through the main staircase to the lobby, the floodlit drama of the waves crashing on to the boulders outside the hotel is simply amazing.
The spa is an absolute haven of tranquillity with impeccable staff and the long list of treatments mean you will be spoilt for choice.
Visit www.lighthousehotelandpsa.com for more information.
GOING LOCO IN MEXICO
Why it's hot: The ideal spot for a couple of go getters, it has a great mix of sun drenched beaches, welcoming small towns and heavenly countryside that means Mexico always has its finger on the pulse.
What to do: The hectic pace of life in Mexico city is something to get used to, but all of Mexico's best and worst ingredients are here. One moment the city is alive with the throb of Latin beats and the next you move into the darker side of town with slums and a way of life far from the tourist minds.
Around the city lies the relics of the pre-Hispanic culture of Mexico, the massive pyramids of Teotihuacan, the main Toltec site at Tula and Tenochtitlan, heart of the Aztec empire which is in the capital itself.
South of the capital the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas are mountainous and beautiful but in a far wilder way. The city of Oaxaca is a blend of colonial and indigenous life and fascinating archaeological sites and Chiapas contains two of the largest rivers in the country, Grijalva and the Usumacinta.
For another culture fix, visit the impressive Palacio de Bella Artes, the premier opera house in the city to catch a show and gaze at the spectacular art deco interior.
 On the Pacific coast, Acapulco is one of the best-known destinations, famed for its postcard beaches, exciting nightlife and the beauty of Acapulco Bay.
For a more laid back vibe, Playa Barra Vieja is more
of a day trip if you are based in the city but is worth
the visit. Sit under a palm thatched ‘enramada' restaurant, order a cool drink and people watch until your heart's content.
Where to stay: The One and Only Palmilla resort is an ocean front hacienda style resort with quaint red tiled roves and white washed walls. It's small enough to make you feel really special but never underdeliver's on service and style.
Rooms are spacious and inviting and with every room facing the sea, you get great views of the Pacific Ocean or Sea of Cortez from your private patio or balcony. An added bonus is the 24-hour butler service, which sees to your every whim straight away.
For a spot of dinner sample Charlie Trotter's C restaurant where the star chef reinterprets traditional Mexican seafood dishes and then retreat to your king size bed which is fitted with your choice of Egyptian cotton, pressed line or cotton sateen sheets.
Prices start from e373/£250. For more information visit www.oneandonlypalmilla.com
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Honeymoon 
