Loyalists -- American colonists who sided with England during the Revolutionary War -- were run out of the soon-to-be USA. Some of them fled to Harbour Island in the Bahamas. When you see where they ended up, you can't think of them as losers.

Luxury Travel's guide to this patch of paradise is resident India Hicks. Once known as Princess Diana's 13-year-old bridesmaid, the native Brit is today a designer, entrepreneur, and creator of award-winning Crabtree & Evelyn potions. Allow India to...

• Show you where to sun, shop, dine, and dance on Harbour Island >>
• Tell you the love story that led to her Harbour Island life with five kids >>
• Reveal how she stays comfy on long international flights to her modeling and design gigs >>

Photos: Harbour Island pink sand beach at sunset. ©Larry Deack/Wikimedia. India Hicks ©Tim Monro. Cycling on Harbour Island ©The Islands of the Bahamas.

In the restaurant biz, energetic is a euphemism for noisy. So what does that say about the city famed for its 24-hour energy?

Yes, New York City is noisy. And its hubbub can intrude on hotel guests' peaceful slumber.

One Big Apple hotel, The Benjamin, has developed a comprehensive Sleep Program and guarantees sound shuteye.

• Find out what goes into The Benjamin's Sleep Program, and how you can snooze better on the road and at home >>
• Find out more about the exceptionally service-oriented, pet-friendly Benjamin Hotel (and its Top Chef Geoffrey Zakarian restaurant) >>
• In case you needed a reminder, reasons to visit The City that Never Sleeps >>

Photos from top: ©The Benjamin's Sleep Concierge, Anya, with her wares. Manhattan Bridge seen from Brooklyn ©Karen Tina Harrison. Sleeping dogs lie happy; 1927 Art Deco home of ©The Benjamin.

The Ritz-Carlton first became a legend in the early 20th century, and was revived by the Marriott hospitality company in 1983. Once again, The Ritz-Carlton is a beloved luxury hotel brand.

This top-drawer name now graces 82 hotels in 27 countries. Ritz-Carlton properties to open in 2014:

• Two in Morocco: at Marrakech's jet-set Jnan Amar Polo Resort (top); and on Rabat's famed golf course
• Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, on Kamogawa River near the Gion geisha district (left)

2011 marked the opening of the futuristic Ritz-Carlton, Toronto (below) and the first ultra-luxe Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Phulay Bay, Thailand (right). Two hotels, one word: breathtaking.

The takeaway: Ritz-Carlton remains charismatic and cutting-edge, like a true superstar.

• Find out more about the hotel label that inspired Puttin' on the Ritz >>
• See why other hospitality brands aspire to Ritz-Carlton's service standards >>

Photos from top: ©The Ritz-Carlton, Marrakech; ©The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto; ©Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Thailand; ©The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto; Kids' club at ©The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach.

The Caribbean is a competitive travel market. And St. Lucia has emerged from the pack.

This English-speaking, green isle has it all: breathtaking volcanic scenery, incredible outdoor escapes, fine dining. And more.

Prepare to be captivated by:

• St. Lucia's seductive ways >>
• St. Lucia's stunning resorts >>
• St. Lucia's chocolate scene >>

Photos from top: ©Jade Mountain resort; Sailing ©St. Lucia Tourist Board; ©Anse Chastenet resort; Horseback riding ©St. Lucia Tourist Board.