Foto Fridays: Recreating Balthus paintings through Photography (Japan)

Interesting photographs out of a Japanese exhibit of Hisaji Hara, recreating Balthus paintings (often surrealistic sexualized portraits of women) through black-and-white photography (an example below):

Travel Tuesdays: Starwood Luxury Collection Hotels: Worldwide List

Whenever I travel around the world, I travel as economically as possible. I don't have the money to travel how I'd like to travel, so I make compromises in my quest to visit every country in the world.

But sometimes I daydream. I've worked in top resorts and hotels before in both the United States and the Maldives. Through such work, I've sometimes been able to stay in some very upscale (5 and 6 star) hotel and resort properties worldwide that I wouldn't normally have been able to afford (like staying in a tented pool villa on Madivaru Island in North Ari Atoll in the Maldives with the Banyan Tree group.

Now that I've travelled a bit more, my daydreams have become more specific. I've started to wonder what a RTW trip in pure luxury would look like, and then I thought of The Luxury Collection by Starwood.

When many think of luxury, extravagence is often synonymous.

From the dictionary, extravagant |ikˈstravəgənt| adjective

• lacking restraint in spending money or using resources
• costing too much money
• exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate; absurd

I settled on the Starwood Luxury Collection as my standard for large, international hotel groups rather than magazine lists of Top 100, which are spread around different brands.

However, Starwood didn't have a clear list of all their Luxury Collection hotels, so I went through country-by-country to create the following "authoritative" list with links for those looking for spoiling that special someone.

The countries with Starwood Luxury Collection Hotels

90 TOTAL Luxury Collection Hotels (as of May 28, 2013) in 31 countries
Information = Hotel Name: Hotel Address // Hotel Telephone # // lowest price in local currency // link to hotel website and direct booking

Argentina (1)

Park Tower, Buenos Aires: Avenida Leandro N. Alem 1193, Buenos Aires 1001 // +54 11 43189100 // from $330 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=233

Austria (4)

Hotel Imperial, Vienna: Kaemtner Ring 16, Vienna 1015 // +43 1 501100 // from EUR 419 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=97

Hotel Bristol, Vienna: Kaemtner Ring 1, Vienna 1010 // +43 1 515160 // from EUR 230 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=89 

Schloss Fuschl Resort & Spa, Fuschlsee-Salzburg: Schloss Strasse 19, Hof bei Salzburg, 5322 Austria // +43 6229 22530 // from EUR 310 //  http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3566

Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Salzburg: Getreidegasse 37, Salzburg 5020 // +43 662 80840 // from EUR 345 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=98

Bulgaria (1)

Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan: 5 Sveta Nedelya Square, Sofia 1000 // +359 2 9816541 // from EUR 95 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=186 

Chile (2)

San Cristobal Tower, Santiago: Josefina Edwards De Ferrari 0100, Santiago // +56 2 27071010 // from $259 USD // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=206

Villarrica Park Lake Hotel & Spa, Villarrica: Camino Villarrica, Pucon Km 13, Villarrica // + 56 45 450000 // from $215 USD // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3614

China (6)

The Royal Begonia, Sanya: Sanya Haitang Bay, Hainan Dao 572013 // +86 898 38859999 // from CNY 1888 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3524

The 1958, Suzhou (Opening January 1, 2015): 245 Shiquan St, Suzhou, Jiangsu // # TBA // Price TBA // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3770

The Castle Hotel, Dalian (Opening December 1, 2013): Xinghai Bay Area, Dalian, Liaoning // # TBA // Price TBA // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3557

The Hongta Hotel, Shanghai: 889 Dong Fang Road, Pudong District, Shanghai 200122 // +86 21 50504567 // from CNY 952 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1365

Twelve at Hengshan, Shanghai: 12 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200031 // +86 21 33383888 // from CNY 1,530 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3565

The Astor Hotel, Tianjin: 33 Taier Zhuang Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300040 // +86 22 23311688 // from CNY 675 // https://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3522

Ethiopia (1)

Sheraton Addis, Taitu Street PO Box 6002, Addis Ababa // +251 11 5171717 // from $310 // https://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=149 

Finland (1)

Hotel Kamp, Helsinki: Pohjoisesplanadi 29, Helsinki 00100 // +358 9 576111 // from EUR 255 // https://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1157

France (1)

Prince de Galles, Paris: 33 Avenue George V, Paris 75008 // +33 1 53237878 // from EUR 528 // https://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=250

Germany (2)

Hotel Fuerstenhof, Leipzig: Troendlinring 8, Leipzig, 04105 Germany // +49 341 1400 // from EUR 87 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1359

Hotel Elephant, Weimar: Markt 19, Weimar, 99423 Germany // +49 3643 8020 // from EUR 131 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1358

Greece (7)

Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens: Constitution Square, Athens 105 64 Greece // +30 210 3330 000 // from EUR 250 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=101

Arion Resort & Spa, Astir Palace, Athens: 40 Apollonos Street - Astir Palace Complex, Athens - Vouliagmeni, 16671 Greece // +30 210 8902000 // from EUR 265 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1984

The Romanos, Costa Navarino: Navarino Dunes, Messinia, Costa Navarino, 24001 Greece // +30 272 309 6000 // from EUR 350 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3290

Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Elounda: P.O. Box 38, Elounda, Crete 72053 Greece // +30 2641 065500 // from EUR 349 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1487

Santa Marina Resort & Villas, Mykonos: Ornos Bay, Mykonos, South Aegean 84600 Greece // +30 22890 23220 // from EUR 441 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1194

Mystique, Santorini: Oia, Santorini Island, Santorini, South Aegean 84702 Greece // +30 228 6071114 // from EUR 588 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3022

Vedema Resort, Santorini: Megalohori, Santorini, South Aegean 84700 Greece // +30 2286 081796 // from EUR 441 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1288

India (10)

ITC Mughal, Agra: Taj Ganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001 India // +91 562 4021700 // from INR 3,420 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=422

ITC Windsor, Bengaluru: Windsor Square, 25, Golf Course Road, Bangalore, Karnataka 560052 India // +91 80 22269898 // from INR 5,771 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=429

ITC Royal Gardenia, Bengaluru: No 1, Residency Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025 India // +91 80 2211 9898 // from INR 7,088 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3526

ITC Grand Chola, Chennai // #63 Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032 India // +91 44 2220 0000 // from INR 8,400 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3726

ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad: 63-3-1187, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh 500016 India // +91 40 23400132 // from INR 5,400 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1119

ITC Rajputana, Jaipur: Palace Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006 India // +91 141 5100100 // from INR 4,950 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=492

ITC Sonar, Kolkata: JBS Haldane Avenue (Opposite Science City), Kolkata, West Bengal 700046 // +91 33 2345 4545 // from INR 6,412 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1463

ITC Grand Central, Mumbai: Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012 India // +91 22 24101010 // from INR 5,738 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1540

ITC Maratha, Mumbai: Sahar Airport Road, New International Airport, Andheri (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099 India // +91 22 28303030 // from INR 10,450 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1349

ITC Maurya, New Delhi: Diplomatic Enclave, Sadar Patel Marg, New Delhi, New Delhi 110 021 India // +91 11 26112233 // from INR 9,500 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=423

Indonesia (3)

Keraton at The Plaza, Jakarta: Jl. MH. Thamrin Kav. 15, Jakarta, Jakarta 10350 Indonesia // +62 21 5068 0000 // from $251 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3635

The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali // Kawasan Pariwasata Nusa Dua Lot N2, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363 Indonesia // +62 361 771327 // from $220 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=277

The Sarasvati, Bali // Jl. Sari Dewi No. 31, Banjar Basangkasa, Seminyak Beach, Seminyak, Bali Indonesia // +62 TBD // Price TBD opens Jan 1, 2014 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3708

Italy (6)

Hotel Excelsior, Naples: Via Partenope 48, Naples, 80121 Italy // +39 081 764 0111 // from EUR 200 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=56

Hotel Danieli, Venice: Castello 4196, Venice, 30122 Italy // +39 041 522 6280 // from EUR 400 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=72

The Gritti Palace, Venice: Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, Venice, 30124 Italy // +39 041 794611 // from EUR 567 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=73

Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda: Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, 07020 Italy // +39 0789 976111 // price TBD // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=59

Hotel Pitrizza, Costa Smeralda: Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, 07020 Italy // +39 0789 930111 // price TBD // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=66

Hotel Romazzino, Costa Smeralda: Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, 07020 Italy // +39 0789 977111 // price TBD // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=67

Jordan (1)

Al Manara, Aqaba: Saraya, Aqaba, Jordan // +965 2 414920 // opens Jan 2016 // price TBD // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3104

Kuwait (1)

Sheraton Kuwait Hotel & Towers: Safat 13060, Fahd Al-Salem Street, P.O. Box 5902 Safat, Kuwait City, 13060 Kuwait // +965 2242 2055 // price TBD // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=406

Malaysia (1)

The Andaman, Langkawi: Jalan teluk Datai, Langkawi, 07000 Malaysia // +60 4 959 1088 // from MYR 665 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3528

Mauritius (1)

The Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa, Mauritius: Balaclava, Turtle Bay, Mauritius // +230 204 1400 // from TBD // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3216

Mexico (5)

Hacienda Puerta Campeche: Calle 59, No. 71 por 16 & 18, Campeche, Campeche 24000 Mexico // +52 981 816 7508 // from $380 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1507

Hacienda Santa Rosa: KM 129 Carretera Merida Campeche, Santa Rosa, Yucatan 97800 Mexico // +52 999 923 1923 // from $190 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1381

Hacienda Temozon: KM 182 Carretera Merida-Uxmal, Temozon Sur, Yucatan 97825 Mexico // +52 999 923 8089 // from $190 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1378

Hacienda San Jose: KM 30 Carretera, Tixkokob-Tekanto, Tixkokob, Yucatan 97470 Mexico // +52 999 924 1333 // from $190 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1377

Hacienda Uayamon: KM 20 Carretera, Uayamon-China-Edzna, Uayamon, Campeche Mexico // +52 981 813 0530 // from TBD // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1376

Netherlands (2)

Hotel Pulitzer, Amsterdam: Prinsengracht 315-331, Amsterdam, 1016 GZ Netherlands // +31 20 5235235 // from 319 EUR // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=100

Hotel Des Indes, The Hague: Lange Voorhout 54-56, The Hague, 2514 EG Netherlands // +31 70 361 2345 // from EUR 165 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1924

Peru (2)

Hotel Paracas, Paracas: Av. Paracas S/N, Paracas, Peru // +51 56 581333 // from $210 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3513

Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado: Avenida Ferrocarril S/N, Sacred Valley, Urubamba, Peru // +51 84 581 777 // from $275 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3285

Poland (1)

Hotel Bristol, Warsaw: Krakowskie Przedmiescie 42/44, Warsaw, 00-325 Poland // +48 22 55 11 000 // from PLN 400 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1863

Portugal (3)

Pine Cliffs Residence, Albufeira: Praia Da Falesia, P.O. Box 644, Albufeira, 8200-909 Portugal // +351 289 500100 // from EUR 230 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3014

Sheraton Algarve Hotel, Albufeira: Praia da Falesia, Apartado P.O. Box 644, Albufeira, 8200 Portugal // +351 289 500100 // from EUR 110 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=199

Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa, Evora: Convento do Espinheiro, Evora, 7000 Portugal // +351 266 788200 // from EUR 125 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1553

Russia (1)

Hotel National, Moscow: 1 Tverskaya Street, 15 Mokhovaya Street, Moscow, 125009 Russia // +7 495 258 7000 // from RUB 8,721 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1864

Serbia (1)

Metropol Palace, Belgrade: Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 69, Belgrade, 11000 Serbia // +381 11 3333100 // from EUR 130 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3877

Spain (4)

Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego: Calle Torrea 1, Elciego, 01340 Spain // +34 945 180880 // from EUR 332 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1539

Castillo Hotel Son Vida, Mallorca: C/Raixa 2, Urbanizacion Son Vida, Mallorca, 07013 Spain // +34 971 493493 // from EUR 302 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3090

Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastian: Paseo Republica Argentina 4, San Sebastian, 20004 Spain // +34 943 437600 // from EUR 185 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=86

Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville: San Fernando 2, Seville, 41004 Spain // +34 95 4917000 // from EUR 247 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=88

Switzerland (1)

Hotel President Wilson, Geneva: 47 Quai Wilson, Geneva, 1211 Switzerland // +41 22 9066666 // from CHF 531 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1274

Thailand (3)

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok: 250 Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand // +66 2 6498888 // from 5,780 THB // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=357

Vana Belle, Koh Samui: 9/99 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, Surat Thani, Koh Samui Island, 84320 Thailand // +66 77 915555 // from 15,000 THB // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3024

The Naka Island, Phuket: 32 Moo 5, Tambol Pakkok, Amphur Thalang, Naka Yai Island, Phuket Island, 83110 Thailand // +66 76 371400 // from 9,750 THB // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3714

Turkey (1)

Lugal, Ankara: Noktali Sokak No. 1, Kavaklidere, Ankara, 06700 Turkey // +90 312 4576050 // from EUR 180 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3590

United Arab Emirates (2)

Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai - Al Ain Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates // +971 4 8329900 // from AED 3,200 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3081

Grosvenor House, Dubai: Al Soufouh Road, PO Box 118500, Dubai, United Arab Emirates // +971 4 3998888 // from AED 800 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1898

United Kingdom (2)

Turnberry Resort, Scotland: Turnberry, Ayrshire, Scotland KA26 9LT, United Kingdom // +44 1655 33100 // from GBP 178 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1109

Sheraton Park Tower, London: 101 Knightsbridge, London, England SW1X 7RN, United Kingdom // +44 207 2358050 // from GBP 309 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=412

United States (13)

Arizona (3)

The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician: 6000 East Camelback Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251 // 480 9418200 // from $559 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3544

The Phoenician, Scottsdale: 6000 East Camelback Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251 // 480 9418200 // from $469 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=103

Phoenician Residences, Luxury Collection Residence Club: 6000 East Camelback Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251 // 480 9418200 // from $1919 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=5652

California (3)

SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills: 465 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90048 // 310 2470400 // from $343 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3171

The US Grant, San Diego: 326 Broadway, San Diego CA 92101 // 619 2323121 // from $178 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1488

Palace Hotel, San Francisco: 2 Montgomery St, San Francisco CA 94105 // 414 5121111 // from $332 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=373

Washington DC (1)

The Fairfax at Embassy Row, Washington DC: 2100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20008 // 202 2932100 // from $207 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=245

Hawaii (1)

The Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki: 2259 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu HI 96815 // 808 9237311 // from $415 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=376

Massachusetts (1)

The Liberty Hotel, Boston: 215 Charles St, Boston MA 02114 // 617 2244000 // from $699 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3646

Minnesota (1)

Hotel Ivy, Minneapolis: 201 South Eleventh St, Minneapolis MN 55403 // 612 7464600 // from $161 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1721

New York (1)

The Chatwal, New York City: 130 West 44th St, New York NY 10036 // 212 7646200 // from $735 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3677

North Carolina (1)

The Ballantyne, Charlotte: 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte NC 28277 // 704 2484000 // from $189 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1558

Vermont (1)

The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, Vermont: 3567 Main St, Manchester Village VT 05254 // 802 3624700 // from $350 // http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3382