Travellers' checks

Developers in Dubai, with money to burn, have proposed the world's first refrigerated beach, so sun worshippers won't get their feet scorched on the sands outside the Palazzo Versace resort, due to open early next year. Computer-controlled coolant pipes running under the sand will lower the temperature of the ground in conditions that regularly climb past 50 degrees Celsius. A chilled pool, wind generators and white-gloved cocktail service will complete the ultimate cool experience for affluent holidaymakers. Not surprisingly, environmentalists are getting hot under the collar over the project. Go to www.palazzoversace.ae for more details.

Shanghai's billing as the New York of the East will be further justified in 2011, when Hilton Hotels opens a Waldorf-Astoria hotel in the city (below). The Big Apple's Waldorf-Astoria has been a landmark since its second incarnation opened its doors in 1931. Shanghai's version will have 266 rooms and the main entrance will be at No 2 The Bund, the former Shanghai Club, an exclusive gentlemen's hideaway in the 1920s. Hilton intends to open a series of Waldorf properties around the world over the next 10 years. Visit www.hilton.com to find out more.

Fashion and fine wine hit the high seas when Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the Italian fashion visionary and whose family owns the wine estate of Il Borro in Tuscany, hosts a cruise on Silversea Silver Wind in July. The Lisbon to Monte Carlo voyage is one of 11 wine-themed itineraries introduced by the cruise line, taking in ports in Alaska and along the North American Pacific coast, around the Mediterranean, in Northern Europe and in South America. Incorporating wine-matching dinners and special guest speakers with shore excursions to wine growing regions, other cruises will be hosted by makers from California's Wente Wineries, Italy's Castello Banfi and Chile's Santa Alicia Winery. Go to www.silversea.com for booking details.