CHILE: THE BIG DIPPER
If you like doing laps in the swimming pool, you might want to stock up on the energy drinks before diving into this one. Acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest, the saltwater pool at the San Alfonso del Mar resort at Algarrobo near Santiago is more than 1,000 yards long, covers 20 acres, has a 115-foot deep end and holds 66 million gallons of water. An Olympic size pool measures about 50 yards by 25 yards.
Details: www.sanalfonso.cl/ingles/main.html.
NEW YORK: STARRY NIGHTS
The latest role for Oscar-winning, tough-guy actor Robert De Niro is that of New York City innkeeper. On April Fool's Day, De Niro opened an 88-room hotel in the TriBeCa district, along with his son Raphael and two other partners, developers Ira Drukier and Richard Born. The actor says the eight-story Greenwich Hotel, which sports eclectic decor and a handmade brick facade, will offer ''sophistication and authenticity.'' And gourmets, take note: Its restaurant is the latest outpost of chef Agostino Sciandri's Ago empire. The Greenwich, whose debut was long delayed, is still a work in progress: a 2,500-square-foot penthouse and a spa have yet to open.
Details: Room rates start at $475. The price for the penthouse won't be announced until it opens, but the hotel's two duplex suites start at $5,000 per night, if that's any hint. 212-941-8900 ior www.thegreenwichhotel.com.
-- Los Angeles Times Service
NEW ORLEANS: BIG EATIN'The Crescent City is back as a culinary destination with more than 175 wineries and 75 of the city's restaurants joining forces next month for a five-day festival. Events include gala dinners, an auction, and seminars on wine and food, wine and chocolate, and simply wine. Participating restaurants include Restaurant August, Herbsaint, the Rib Room at the Omni Royal Orleans, and Cochon.
Details: The New Orleans Wine and Food Festival runs May 20-24. Costs vary, with several seminars priced at $75-$89. 504-529-WINE or www.nowfe.com.
-- Boston Globe
SPAIN: 100 YEARS OF MUSICIf you're headed to Barcelona, might be worth checking out the city's Palau de la Musica, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a year-long slate of art exhibitions, concerts and other cultural projects. The Modernist concert hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts events ranging from Bobby McFerrin (May 9) and Pat Metheny (July 8) to Ravi and Anoushka Shankar (June 1) and the China Philharmonic Orchestra (May 5). Even if you don't get in, Galician sculptor Francisco Leiro will display a series of giant sculptures out front from April 24 to June 24.
Details: For a schedule and to purchase tickets, www.palaumusica.org. For more information about Spain, www.spain.info or 305-358-1992.
