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China is bursting with history at every turn, but to truly appreciate how it all fits together, it helps to have a basic knowledge of its art and culture throughout the ages. There are few better places to learn about Chinese history than the Shanghai Museum, located on the People's Square. With a collection of more than 120,000 pieces ranging from jade, bronze, and ceramic to calligraphy and coins, it tells the fascinating story of the Middle Kingdom, from the earliest household items of 5,000 years ago to the sophisticated oil paintings and sculptures of the early twentieth century. The Gallery of Ancient Sculpture, for example, contains the pottery and terracotta of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, Qin stone sculptures, and earthenware figurines from the Han dynasty. An especially impressive collection of sculptures of the Tang dynasty (618-907) represents the brilliant realism of the era, with human forms and Buddhist sculpture designed to bridge worldly and spiritual thought. It's an interesting perspective to have with you as you explore a city that's at once ancient and modern. Starwood has eight Shanghai properties, including the elegant Le Royal Méridien Shanghai.

Visitors to Monaco quickly grow accustomed to dramatic views of the yacht-filled harbor and pristine old town, but to get a sense of the cultural depth of the principality, pay a visit to the Salle Garnier. Home of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, this 19th century opera house represents not only the beauty of this gilded era, but nearly flawless acoustics as well. Completed in 1879, the hall has welcomed opera legends like tenors Enrico Caruso, Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti to perform works by Bizet, Massenet, and other composers. Highlights of the 2008-2009 season include Wagner's the Flying Dutchman, Haydn's Deceit Outwitted, and Tchaikovsky's the Queen of Spades. In addition to opera, the hall also hosts dance, music, and drama, and an evening at this historic hall is sure to evoke the glamor and sophistication that Monaco is known for. Guests at Le Méridien Beach Plaza might enjoy a performance that spans the ages in this magical destination.

I love big cities, especially when they incorporate welcoming green spaces into their urban cores. Such is the case with Casablanca, whose majestic Parc de la Ligue Arabe is a natural oasis amid the controlled chaos of the city. Casablanca's biggest park dates back to 1918, when the city decided a park open for all residents would provide a place for a hard-working population to rest and appreciate the toils of their labor in lush natural surroundings. It was a huge success, and now, 90 years later, it's still one of the best places in the city to retreat into a verdant world of palm trees, flowers, and fountains. It's easy to spend the better part of an afternoon meandering among the French-style gardens, jogging on nature trails, or taking a spin on carnival rides. But perhaps it's best to do what the locals do and simply have a seat at a charming outdoor cafe, order a cup of tea and a few sweet morsels, and enjoy the calming breezes of this pristine desert paradise by the sea. Starwood has two hotels in Casablanca: the Sheraton Casablanca Hotel & Towers and Le Royal Mansour Méridien.

The island nation of Mauritius boasts some of the most amazing sea life and coral formations to be found in the world, and visitors can explore it in a variety of different ways. Hearty adventurers can always don scuba or snorkel gear, but there are also some attractive options for those who don't want to get completely soaked. An outfit called Blue Safari Submarine, for example, has a couple of great ways to check out the undersea world without requiring sport diver certification or even the need to get your hair wet. Tours are available in a luxury submarine, where a guide points out some of the more interesting features of the seascape. And if you feel like driving your own submarine, so to speak, you can rent a "sub scooter" and dive to a depth of three meters all on your own. You don't even need to know how to swim! It's like zipping through outer space in your own person rocket ship. Starwood currently has two properties in Mauritius, Le Méridien Ile Maurice and the brand-new Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa (a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection), and will soon welcome a third property when the Four Points by Sheraton Cyber City in Port Louis opens its doors in November.