What defines something as the best? It all depends on your perspective. FIM's 2008 picks for the best the state - and the world - have to offer goes beyond the obvious to bring you GLOBAL indulgences with no boundaries, SMART ideas for body and soul, GREEN products, pastimes and places that embrace Mother Nature, EDGY endeavors that break the rules and up the ante, SPLASHY luxury from A through Z, and VIP must-haves that will get you LINKED and connected.

GLOBAL

World-flavored indulgences that know no boundaries

1. From India: Tiffany & Co. Elephant Brooch

Jean Schlumberger's collections for Tiffany

& Co. are often nature inspired - from birds perched on large stones to glorious pearl-clutching penguins. This majestic Indian elephant in full festival dress features diamonds, pink sapphires, tsavorites, turquoise, white agate and colorless sapphires all set in 18K gold. Price upon request; at Tiffany & Co. boutiques

2. Say It Again: Franklin Global

Speaking Translator Featuring 12 languages, over 400,000 words (115,000 of them recorded in human voice), and 12,000 common phrases, the Franklin Global Translator makes it easy to be understood. Languages include Dutch, English, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. A built in MP3 player keeps users entertained between conversations. $200; at The Sharper Image stores

3. Globe Trotter: Gucci's Fall 08 Collection

While a functional ensemble of layered separates may be ideal for traveling, Gucci understands the importance of marrying functionality with supreme style. The house's Fall 08 collection epitomizes this idea with ethnic-inspired designs in smartly tailored silhouettes to take jet setters from Point A to Point B. Black embroidered astrakan jacket with shaved mink and karakul detail, $19,750. Black rib medium cashmere high neck top, $1,160. Black stretch-velvet satin spat pant with buckle detail, $1,275; all at Gucci boutiques

4. Travel Light: Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoliere 55

From the Damier Graphite line by Louis Vuitton, the Keepall Bandoliere 55 is masculine in tone with shades of black and gray and proffers a modern approach to jet setting. A must even if your luggage collection is complete. $1,225; at Louis Vuitton stores

5. Flying Solo: Luxury Jet Charter, Talon Air Jets

Privately owned and operated, Talon's focus on flexibility allows clients access to any airport in the world with a paved runway. Flights and helicopter service can be booked with as little as an hour's notice. Over-flight permit capabilities allow members to clear customs midair. Pricing on a mid-sized jet, such as the Hawker 850 XP (pictured), starts at $250,000; 888/825-6624. www.talonairjets.com

International Spotlight: Slava & Miami Libre

South Florida is known as the melting pot of the United States and this month that description applies to stage entertainment as well. The Arsht Center is presenting two shows with undeniable global appeal. From Europe, Slava's Snowshow features the famous Russian clown and his kaleidoscope of comedy, music and images. Inspired by a place closer to home, Miami Libre celebrates Cuban music and dance as it tells the story of a musician's search for love and liberty. July 24 to August 15. 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, 305/949-6722

Reservations Required: Badrutt's Place

Former Le Mans racecar driver Johannes Badrutt has bestowed Brickell's financial district in Miami with some European luxury by way of Badrutt's Place, a lounge/restaurant hybrid that takes its cues from Ibiza and Wall Street. A Mediterranean brasserie-type menu and Davidoff Cigar Lounge complete the experience. 1250 South Miami Avenue, Miami, 305/415-0070

Around the World: Onboard the ResidenSea

Ever dreamed of sailing around the world? Who hasn't? Aboard ResidenSea's The World, the only private residential community at sea, your wildest dreams become a reality. The 165 residences onboard range in price from $825,000 for a studio to $7.7 million for a three-bedroom apartment. A continuous worldwide itinerary with an average stay of 2.5 days in each port enables the 644-foot ship to span the globe every two to three years. www.residensea.com

Foreign Tongues: Berlitz Language School

For 130 years, Berlitz has been the top rated foreign language program in the world thanks to its total immersion approach. Practical vocabulary and grammar are emphasized in the context of real-life situations. Berlitz also offers a study abroad program, which brings students to the country of their choice, enabling them to learn the language both inside and outside the classroom. Florida has language centers in Orlando, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Coral Gables. www.berlitz.us

Asian Delight: Tatáme Sake Lounge

Tatáme translates to "she's too beautiful" in Chinese. And that's exactly what you'll find here: hoards of hipsters in all their finery. The 1,200-square-foot lounge specializes in premium sake bottle service and outrageous saketinis. The décor is straight out

of SoHo, with a continuously changing series of local, independent artists' works available for purchase. 223 West Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, 407/628-2408

Lucrative Investments: Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund

Considered to be the leading expert on the closed-end fund industry, Herzfeld Advisors provides its clients with account management and consulting services. Most notable is the Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, which invests primarily in companies thought to benefit from economic, political, structural and technological developments in Caribbean Basin nations. Those interested in investing better be ready to pony up. The minimum account size is $1 million. For more information, visit www.herzfeld.com or call 305/271-1900

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