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The waterfalls have arrived in New York City, and they're a sight to behold. This summer the artist Olafur Eliasson is using the city's abundant water resources as a canvas for a project called The New York City Waterfalls, which involves the creation of four enormous waterfalls strategically positioned along the East River and New York Harbor. Powerful yet environmentally-advanced pumps unleash a torrent of water from more than 100 feet in the air, which crashes into the river and harbor in a spectacle of sight and sound. Visitors can enjoy great views of the waterfalls from both Brooklyn and Manhattan, but the best vantage point might be right in between the two. That's right, take a stroll across the pedestrian promenade of the Brooklyn Bridge and take in the falls and the city in all its artistry. The New York experience just doesn't get any better than that. The waterfalls are in operation from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. through October 13. Starwood has hotels throughout the city, including the W New York - Union Square, the St. Regis New York, and the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers.

In centuries past, the Emperor of China had many responsibilities. One of the most important was ensuring a good harvest. Twice a year, he ventured from the Imperial Palace, in the Forbidden City, to the Temple of Heaven for an elaborate ceremony that included fasting, the sacrifice of a calf, heavy prayer, music, and dancing. He was escorted by princes, soldiers, musicians, and others of royal rank, but commoners were forbidden to witness the procession, or enter the temple.

Today, the magnificent structure, which lies a mile and a half from the St. Regis Beijing, is open to all, and a visit to the city is not complete without a journey up to the Altar to Heaven, through the Imperial Vault, past the Echo Wall, along the 360-meter long passage, to the glorious Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Completed in 1420, the hall was constructed of wood without the use of a single nail. It burned down in 1889, was quickly reconstructed, and recently underwent a multi-million dollar facelift in preparation for this year's Olympic Games. Its three circular tiers are supported by twenty-eight pillars, each adorned with elaborate designs, and created from a single tree trunk. This majestic chamber inspires serenity with its vividly painted walls, and design based on the principles of numerology. But outside the hall, the atmosphere is just as enchanting. Lush parklands surround the temple enhancing the notion of "heaven on earth." Most every day the people of Beijing gather here to practice Tai Chi, play a graceful, dance-like game with paddles, or simply sit in the soft grass and sing the transporting folk songs of this ancient land.

The town of Dana Point, California is named after legendary 19th century seafarer and author Richard Henry Dana, Jr., whose book Two Years Before the Mast captivated readers with its descriptions of action, adventure, and hard labor on the high seas. Today, visitors to this charming Pacific coast town can connect with its maritime history in a number of ways at the Dana Point Ocean Institute. The Institute is more than just an aquarium with a few exhibits on plankton, it's an immersive learning environment with activities both on land and on the water that teach visitors about the natural creatures that populate the nearby harbor and ocean. During the week, the center is restricted to student groups, but on weekends, its hands-on marine science exhibits and environmental education and maritime history programs are open to the public. And after you've seen the facility, you can hit the high seas on one of the center's three research vessels. The R/V Sea Explorer has all the latest high-tech oceanographic equipment, and the topsail schooner Spirit of Dana Point is perfect for at-sea programs, for those afternoons of dolphin sightings. But you'll definitely want to catch a ride on the Pilgrim, a replica of Dana's ship that takes groups out on sailing journeys. The Institute is just seven minutes away from the luxurious St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach.

The island nation of Singapore is located just north of the equator, and its tropical rain forest climate makes it suitable for some of the most beautiful trees, plants, and flowers to be found anywhere. One of the best places to take in the scenic beauty of the place is Pasir Ris Park, a 71-hectare natural oasis in northeast Singapore complete with nature trails, landscaped gardens, and lush playgrounds. The centerpiece of the park is its six-hectare mangrove forest, which boasts hundreds of the salt-water slurping trees with tentacle-like roots. Raised walkways wind through the forest so you can get up close and personal with the mangroves without getting wet and muddy. If you've still got some energy left after a forest romp, hop into a kayak or canoe for a spin across the water, or rent a bike for a land-based workout. But a visit to Pasir Ris Park isn't exactly roughing it either, as it boasts plenty of alfresco dining options and all the amenities you'd want to make your afternoon in the "wilds" of Singapore relaxing and comfortable. Starwood has three properties in Singapore: the Sheraton Towers Singapore, the St. Regis Singapore, and Le Méridien Singapore.