New York state of mind

Since 1945, New York’s Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises has been offering one of the best views of the Statute of Liberty — from aboard its 75-minute Liberty Cruise. Passengers learn about the facts of the Lady Liberty from seasoned tour guides and are treated to unobstructed, close-up views with plenty of photo opps — without standing in long lines for a walking tour. The cruise sails down the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and back, featuring along-the-way sights such as Ellis Island, the historic immigration center and the World Financial Center. Fares: $28, adults; $20, children and $25, senior citizens. For reservations, call (212) 563-3200 or visit www.circleline42.com.

For the ultimate Valentine’s getaway, check out Hamilton Island’s ( www. hamiltonisland.com.au) “Be- spoke Trip” valued at more than $100,000. You’ll stay at the Qualia Resort on the island nestled in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. (The resort boasts 60 onebedroom pavilions and the massive Beach House.) The trip (which can be booked for travel at a later date) includes (among other amenities): private round-trip jet from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Hamilton Island; a seven-night stay at Qualia’s Beach House, including a la carte breakfast daily and dinner on property; a private dinner one evening prepared personally by Qua- lia’s executive chef; a private helicopter and gourmet lunch on Whitehaven Beach; a reef Comber Tour, including seaplane flight to Hardy Lagoon, glass-bottom boat and snorkeling experience; 18-holes of golf at the Hamilton Island Golf Club; a private luxury yacht charter for a day; Spa Qualia couples’ treatment, and a shipment of Robert Oatley wine to any address in the United States for six months after visit (six cases). For more information or to make reservations, visit www.qualia.com.au or email luxuryspecialist@ hamiltonisland.com.au.