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Lucy Williams is an Orlando-based writer for Starwood Vacation Ownership and thelobby.com's expert on the subject.

If you're seeking new ways to beat the heat this summer, consider slipping away for a refreshing vacation on St. John, a serene island that offers an array of water sports in its sparkling Caribbean waters. For a limited time, you can experience invigorating adventures amid the wonders of the Virgin Islands with a six-day, five-night vacation package at The Westin St. John Resort & Villas. A retail value of $4,500 during peak season, you can vacation at this resort for just $1,995. To learn more about this offer or to view the complete details of participation, please call 888.294.0616 or click here.Whether you prefer relaxing strolls along powdery white sand beaches, exhilarating underwater excursions or the culinary delights of tropical cuisine, the pleasures of St. John will renew your spirit when you stay at The Westin St. John Resort & Villas.

Lucy Williams is an Orlando-based writer for Starwood Vacation Ownership and thelobby.com's expert on Florida.

The Kapalua Wine & Food Festival returns this weekend to Maui for its 27th year. During this four-day culinary extravaganza, you may discover some of the world's top gastronomic trends and enjoy an array of exciting gourmet events. This year's festival brings together top master sommeliers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders for themed tastings, seminars and gala evening events. Cooking demonstrations, wine tasting seminars, winemaker dinners and a golf tournament are but a few of the highlights of this festival. The festival will be held through June 29, 2008, with tickets available here. After each day of culinary delight, unwind in spacious and inspired accommodations at The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas or The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas North.

Canada is the second-largest country in the world, which means there's an awful lot of it to explore. Whether you're looking for scenic beaches, snow-capped peaks, or cosmopolitan cities, you're sure to find it in this pristine nation in the great white north. Get started on your own Canadian grand tour this year with Starwood's Canada Day 2008 sale. Book by Canada Day (July 1) and save up to 40% off regular rates for stays at participating Canadian hotels and resorts between June 18 and December 30, 2008. Those fond of the great outdoors might enjoy a few days at the Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, which offers the best of Vancouver's urban delights along with panoramic vistas of the coastline, distant mountain ranges, and Stanley Park. Would you like to practice your French? Then check into the W Montréal, which is located in the historic Banque du Canada building, just steps from Old Montreal. For those who really want to indulge, the Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler (pictured) is hard to top. This four-season resort has it all, from the Avello Spa & Health Club to four stellar nearby golf courses and the fascinating Aubergine Grill, where diners have a fantastic view of the action in the show kitchen. The seconds are ticking away to lock in great rates for Canadian escapes this year, so visit Starwood's Canada Day 2008 page today and let your northern dreams take flight.

Auckland has it all, from a gorgeous sailboat-filled harbor to the majestic Mount Eden volcano, which affords dramatic 360-degree views of the city and surrounding countryside. Now that autumn is descending on the southern hemisphere, bringing with it mild and comfortable temperatures, you might consider a couple of days in New Zealand's biggest city. It won't break the bank to do so, thanks to Starpicks. The Westin Auckland, Lighter Quay is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. Auckland's a big place, but there's a lot you can do in a weekend. After checking out the natural sights, experience Auckland's intellectual side with a visit to the Auckland Museum. Situated in the Auckland Domain - the city's oldest park - the museum has extensive exhibits on New Zealand history and Maori culture, as well as a memorial to the country's fallen soldiers. Animal lovers might drop by the Auckland Zoo, which has an amazing collection of elephants and hippos, as well as the country's national bird, the kiwi. There's nothing better after a day of sightseeing than a satisfying meal, and you'll find that at the Westin's Q Restaurant and Bar, which offers contemporary international cuisine in an elegant indoor/outdoor setting. As you swirl a superb New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in your glass, you can begin to plan your next big adventure. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so be sure to check the list for the latest deals.

Starwood recently teamed up with American Express to offer a special experience for 150 SPG members lucky enough to snatch up a ticket: a private screening of Life in Flight at the Westin New York at Times Square during the Tribeca Film Festival.

Tickets sold out in three hours for the exclusive event, making it one of the hardest tickets to come at this year's festival of independent films. Each guest was given an SPG Amex branded cloth tote bag with customized M&Ms, a Tribeca Film Festival cap and the Zagat 2008 Movie Guide. After the film, a thoughtful relationship drama starring Patrick Wilson and Amy Smart, one of the executive directors of the Tribeca Film Festival did a Q&A session with the audience.

"This event totally fulfilled my expectations," said one attendee. "It was a way to have access to the film festival with an interesting discussion afterwards. As an average person outside the entertainment industry, I felt like I had a look in."