We’re on a bit of a shoe thing today but this news is too juicy to pass up. The super-swanky Liberty, one of our favourite department stores, has unveiled its new Shoe Boutique earlier this month, which is laid out like an opulent boudoir. Shoppers will find a pair of Vivienne Westwood shoes perched on a dining table, or some Alaia shoes suspended from the ceiling. All of the shoes are displayed like works of art in a setting which includes plenty of chaise longues, mirrors and chandeliers- there is also a garden room. Designers carried include YSL, Alexander McQueen, Giuseppe Zannoti, Prada, Stella McCartney, Chloe and more. The Shoe Boutique is on the 2nd Floor, East Gallery and Atrium. Liberty, Regent Street, London W1B 5AH.

Lucky guests of the lauded, exclusive and pricey (funny how those three things so often go together) Little Palm Island Resort & Spa  are welcomed into the elegant Shore Station where bags are whisked away, cars are parked (you won’t need them where you’re going) and hands are filled with a glass of champagne or a refreshing Gumby Slumber—the resort’s signature rum punch—made from coconut rum, spiced rum, pineapple, orange and cranberry juice topped with a “shot" of shredded coconut that’s been marinated in 151 proof rum.

With the Olympics kicking off today in Beijing, the entire world will be focusing on the city, and there is so much to take in. Beijing has been spruced up and now boasts some of the world’s most daring architecture, alongside ancient sites like the Forbidden City. The art scene in Beijing is buzzing as well; check out all the galleries and hip bars in the Dashanzi district. We’ll let everyone else cover the sports while we zero in on the city’s shopping. While Beijing doesn’t have the immediate appeal and buzz of Shanghai, if you dig a little deeper you’ll find the city’s charms, like the myriad of hutongs (the traditional alleys).

Whistles has always been one of those high street shops I never bothered to go into, because the clothes always looked a little too frilly and mumsy for my taste. But with new creative director Jane Shepherdson (ex Top Shop brand direcotr) at the helm, the brand is getting a makeover. The new Whistles collection looks more sophisticated and polished. We liked the look of this black key hole dress (£125) as well as the sharply tailored military pea coats (£195). The new collection of silky blouses looks chic without being sweet, and the range of silky tops (around £45 each) would look great paired with skinny jeans.

We’ve always been a fan of Auberge Resorts, and last year when we were sloshing through the mud and wine of Calistoga, we were lucky enough to indulge in a spa treatment at the super swanky Solage Calistoga. The newest Auberge in the family is the just-opened Encantando. It’s set on 57 acres, just steps away from the Santa Fe National Forest. Guests can choose from one of 65 casitas, and spend their days hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. To ease the aches and pains, the huge spa also features steam rooms and soaking pools. Encantando, 198 State Road 592, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506 Phone: (877) 262 -4666.

If you love supermodels, sand, sun and sea, check out the collection of Mario Testino’s work at the Phillips de Pury & Company's London galleries. Called “Obsessed by You,” the exhibition runs until 26 July 2008 and features plenty of pics on view and also for sale. So if you want your own pics of Kate Moss or Amber Valetta frolicking on a beach, get there now.  Phillips de Pury & Company, Howick Place London SW1P 1BB, UK. Phone: +44 20 7318 4023.

If you’re in Oslo (and summer is a great time to be there), then check out the fab boutique Freudian Kicks which opened a few months ago. Located in the Quaderaturet section, which has lots of museums, art galleries and boutiques, this independent store carries a mix of clothing and accessories. A lot of it is street-inspired, and plenty of Scandinavian designers are carried. Expect to find J Brand jeans, American Apparel, Gaspard Yurkievich and Sneaky Steve for cool trainers.  Freudian Kicks, Prinsensgate 10B, 0152 Oslo. Phone: + 47 22 42 93 00.

Bond excitement is reaching fever pitch this summer. The new Bond film trailer can be seen online here, and Penguin has just released a newly redesigned set of Bond books- along with a new Bond novel written by Sebastian Faulks. This summer, London’s Imperial War Museum will exhibit “For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond”, and to really soak up the Bond feeling, Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel is offering The Ian Fleming Centenary stay. So what’s the connection between Brown’s and Bond? It makes an appearance in ‘Icebreaker’ and the stylish Donovan Bar offers a wide range of decadent Bond cocktails.  A few of the Fleming Centenary package highlights include: overnight accommodation in a luxurious room or suite; two tickets to “For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond” at the Imperial War Museum London; two Bond cocktails in The Donovan Bar, and a hard-back copy of Sebastian Faulks new James Bond Novel. The package starts at £315 and is available until 28 December 2008. For more information call 0800 988 4040. Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BP. Phone:  +44 (0)20 7493 6020.

Compiled by The International House and Karen Catchpole (note that ** selections are recommendations by iTravel iShop writer Karen Catchpole)

Shopping

Pied Nu
You’ll find a little bit of everything at this lovely boutique, from homewares, jewelry and clothing as well as beauty products. Designers carried include Cathy Waterman, Emma Hope, Les Chemin and Schumacher.

Fans of quirky design duo Viktor & Rolf should head down to the Barbican for the just-opened “The House of Viktor & Rolf.” This exhibit showcases the history of the fashion house, from their days as students at the Academy of Arts in Arnhem, to the brand today. The exhibit, which runs through 21 September, also touches on their collaboration with H&M and the opening of their funky 'upside down' store in Milan in 2005. Workshops include doll-making and how to make the perfect scent, and Viktor & Rolf have also taken over the Barbican’s gift shop, which is sticked with limited edition scarves, perfumes and books.