Eight Secret Spots for Vacationers

Provence, France

In stunning Les Baux, Provence, skip the beautiful but expensive hotels at the base of the village and opt instead for the more distinctive — and remarkably affordable — three-room Le Prince Noir, built into the rock at the top of the village. You will have the evocatively lit village to yourself at night (along with the cats and a few hundred residents), an incomparable view, a fabulous breakfast on the roof, and something truly priceless: the chance to sleep next to works of art by some of France's most famous 20th-century painters. The Black Prince's modest owners don't advertise this privilege, but if you inquire gently, they will regale you with the story of their parents' wartime bicycle escape to Southern France and their fashioning with their bare hands of this house of rock as a refuge for their artist friends — some of whom left behind tokens of their esteem. How incredible that the owners share these objects of love with guests.

Paris

Even Parisians haven't heard of the Musée des Arts Forains, located in the Pavillons de Bercy in southeastern Paris. Visiting the museum is like stepping into a 19th-century fairground, with the music, the artistry, and beautifully restored pieces from old fairs, including a gorgeous carousel. The museum is interactive and entirely enchanting — an incredibly visual experience, and one that also appeals to your other senses. It's also very close to terrific eating spots in the Parc de Bercy.

New York City

If you want fewer crowds and the best Italian food in New York City, go to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Mike's Deli in the market area has been featured on the Food Network and has the best eggplant Parmigiana that I have ever had. Madonia Brothers Bakery has 'to-die-for' cannoli. Arthur Avenue is where it's at for great New York Italian food at lower prices.

Barcelona

Recommended is the Hotel Costanza, a chic, modern spot conveniently located in the Eixample district, of Barcelona. Be sure to ask for a room with a terrace, where you can sip cava — a bargain at $5 a bottle — and nibble on olives stuffed with anchovies.

Mexico

You can charter a plane with Aerosaab from Cancún or Playa del Carmen airport to Isla Holbox, a small island north of Cancún. The island has secluded, pristine beaches and a charming small town square. Many of the bed-and-breakfast accommodations are family-owned. From June to September, you can snorkel with the whale sharks that visit the island this time of year to feed on the abundant plankton. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean. Have your hotel arrange this with a local tour operator. It's an experience you will never forget!

San Francisco

Most people who go to the Outer Richmond district of San Francisco go to Seal Rock or Golden Gate Park. However, one of the most delightful afternoons can be had in between. On Geary and 23rd, go to Ton Kiang restaurant for the best dim sum in the city. Not cheap, but worth it — don't miss the amazing desserts, like egg custard tart and mango pudding. When you're done, walk a few blocks to 27th and try Wonderfoot for the best foot massage you've ever had — at unbelievable prices. Do the 70-minute session for $30: They start at your scalp and do 15 minutes of head, neck, shoulders, and arms, then 15 minutes per foot. As if you aren't blissed out by then, they finish by doing some more work on your back and shoulders. After all that, just think how nice it will be to listen to the seals at Seal Rock or walk through the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.

Los Angeles

The Huntington Museum and Gardens is one of the best-kept secrets in Los Angeles. It's 207 acres of truly great art (including Blue Boy by Gainsborough) in a gorgeous turn-of-the-century setting (the Myron Hunt–designed home of Henry and Arabella Huntington), huge extraordinary gardens (Chinese, Japanese, English, Australian, Desert, and more), and probably the best English garden teahouse in America. In the brand-new Chinese Garden, you feel as though you are in the Summer Palace in Beijing. Don't forget the spectacular gift shop, filled with museum pieces, gifts, and books you will find nowhere else. Most important: the English teahouse, in the middle of the most gorgeous rose garden this side of England. It serves a sensational buffet of dozens of sandwiches, salads, cheeses, homemade scones, and the most amazing desserts in Los Angeles.

London

Near the British Museum, the world-famous James Smith & Sons Umbrella Shop was founded in 1830 and is still owned and run as a family business. For more than 175 years the company has been making umbrellas, sticks, and canes for both ladies and gentlemen, and its reputation as the home of the London umbrella is well justified. The historic and beautiful shop is on New Oxford Street in the heart of London's West End and is a stunning reminder of the Victorian period. The shop retains the original fittings designed and made by the master craftsman employed by the business and is a work of art in itself.