Hope and Glory Inn, Irvington Photo courtesy Hope and Glory Inn

When a ‘lil ol’ Virginia schoolhouse makes The Tatler Cunard Travel Guide’s list of "101 Best Hotels in the World," it’s worth heading back to the classroom for an education in relaxation.

The Hope and Glory Inn in Irvington (www.hopeandglory.com) is the brainchild of Bill Westbrook, president and creative director of Fallon McElligott, one of the top advertising agencies in America. Housed in an 1890s schoolhouse, Westbrook knocked four rooms into one large, airy lobby, whimsically decorated with model ships, garland-entwined pillars, shabby-chic furniture and other eclectic accessories that create a relaxed ambiance.

Bedrooms are equally unique and range from $110 to $155 per night at the inn, and $145 to $175 in the adjacent cottages. All rooms have private bathrooms and include a full breakfast.

The inn recently opened a restaurant — The Trick Dog Café — in a period-designed building that also houses three shops. Restaurant manager Joey Ajemian describes the food as "international, very eclectic and regional." The menu includes goat meat from a nearby farm and local produce and seafood such as rockfish, crabs and sugar toads. The restaurant seats about 75 patrons with seating for another 30 in the garden. Entrees typically cost between $11 and $16.

One of the inn’s new retail tenants, "Time to Cook," offers a variety of cooking classes in addition to kitchen gizmo for gourmets. There’s also plenty to do in Irvington and its surrounding towns: antique stores, art galleries, museums, fishing, golf and many other sports.

Art Deco buildings in South Beach Photo courtesy of Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

Mix a little 1920s glamour with some 21st Century glitz, throw in some sunshine, spicy salsa and the sparkling aquamarine ocean and you have Miami’s South Beach.

It may be only a bridge away from the big-city clamor of downtown Miami, but South Beach feels like a world away. Sure, people work there, but it’s hard to take life too seriously when people are rollerblading with their pooches, the buildings are a candy-colored Art Deco pastiche, and music fills the streets.

There’s a little fantasy here for everyone. Pick your hotel according to your hero: The Fontainebleau served as the location for Goldfinger, the 1964 James Bond film. The décor remains elegantly ’60s but, alas, there are few buxom beehives in bikinis to be seen today. The Fontainebleau has hosted every United States president since Eisenhower, and seen performance by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Room rates in February are $229 to $489. (www.fontainebleau.hilton.com)

If more modern heroes are your fancy, try the Philippe Starck/Ian Schrager-designed Delano Hotel. Totally redesigned in 1995, the hotel has a cool white palette, and an even cooler clientele. Facilities include a pool with underwater music, a roof top spa and solarium, a glamorous bar scene and the best table in South Beach. Located in the shallows of the Delano’s swimming pool, guests can play footsies in a couple of inches of water ... but go light on the martinis! Boasting 208 rooms and five stars, expect to pay from $475 to $2,600 per night to sleep with the beautiful people.

House of Parliament, London Photo courtesy British Tourist Authority

"When a man is tired of London he is tired of life ..." Even in winter. So why not visit in February when you can expect the weather to be dodgy? In return, the sun will shine on your wallet as you discover deeply discounted flights and hotels. As a bonus, you won’t have to contend with the madding crowds.

Dulles — London flights are a bargain early in the year. Expect to pay from $250 to $450 roundtrip, depending on the day of the week and availability. You can find cheaper flights, but do check the fine print. It’s also a great time to travel business or first class — expect to pay up to 50 percent less than in high season.

The pound is currently friendly to Americans, so enjoy the abundance of opera, ballet, plays and musicals on offer. For additional savings and convenience, Ellen LeCompte, a Richmond-based official "Brit Agent" of the British Tourist Authority, recommends traveling with friends and sharing a centrally located apartment. "You get more space than a hotel, plus a kitchen," she explains. Private clubs are another excellent alternative. Check with your club for reciprocal arrangements and expect a slice of amusingly stuffy old-school life.