French Vogue March 2012
Nothing says vacation like a diving into a page-turner. Whether it’s light and fluffy like a sweet macaroon or sartorially inspiring like a masterpiece by a great, we love killing time with a good book. To help you out we’ve found 7 books we think should make your vacation shortlist.
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Surfing at Ocean Beach
San Diego is the kind of city that likes to have fun. Whether that’s partying into the wee hours of the night in the downtown Gaslamp District, surfing the waves in Ocean Beach or strolling through the 1,200-acre Balboa Park — the kind of fun you want to have is up to you. During our quick trip we had a chance to enjoy some of the best things this sunny city has to offer, so read on to find out just what to include on your next vacation.
The Botanical Building in Balboa Park.
1. Stroll Through Balboa Park
Be sure to carve out at least a few hours of your trip to visit Balboa Park. As the country’s largest urban cultural park, you could easily spend days exploring all of the 15 museums, listening to concerts, watching plays or simply enjoying the landscape. We popped into the San Diego Museum of Art, which happens to be the area’s oldest and largest art museum and contains everything from European to 20th century American pieces. After you’ve got your museum-fill, it’s worth your time to explore some of the gardens, including the Botanical Building, full of beautiful flower displays. READ MORE
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In addition to our new Frequent Flyer feature, this week we are introducing another fashion feature called The Packing List which puts the spotlight on a designer’s collection you’ll want to tote on your next trip. Today we’re launching with a swimwear designer who knows a thing or two about bathing suits, as she started her career off as a swimwear model. Not only that, but originally heralding from Hawaii, where a wardrobe of swimsuits is a year-round affair, it’s not surprising that Tori Praver knows a thing or two about stylish swimwear. READ MORE
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Maybe it’s the fact we’re off to Anguilla next week or we’re craving a warm weather escape, but whatever the case, we’ve been dreaming of what to pack for a beach vacation. We drew our inspiration from the bold shades and prints we saw dominating the Resort 2012 collections, choosing fun, yet chic accessories that you’ll definitely want to include in your luggage. READ MORE
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Planning to tie the knot anytime soon? If so, you may be thinking about where to take your honeymoon (in our minds, the best part of the whole planning — besides shopping for the dress of course) because unlike any other vacation you’ve probably taken, this one is going to be the ultimate. Choosing our top 8 honeymoon destinations for 2012 wasn’t easy. We wanted to include a variety of places to suit every couple — from the adventurous to the laid-back — and ended up with a list we think covers it all. Read on to find out what’s going to be hot for 2012.
Maia Luxury Resort & Spa, Seychelles
SEYCHELLES
A tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, royal newlyweds Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge jetted off to the Seychelles for their honeymoon about a week after they said “I do.” While the couple reportedly bought out an entire island for their 10-day stay, we think the next best thing to that is staying in an Ocean Front Villa at the Maia Luxury Resort & Spa. It’s laid-back living here on the island of Mahe, where you can indulge in spa treatments, practice yoga, explore the island or just sit with a book on the beach and relax.
Villa d'Este, Italy
ITALY
Located on what is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes, Villa d’Este on Lake Como was once a playground for royalty, eventually transforming into a luxury hotel in 1873. Set on 25 acres of lush gardens, this resort is not only full of art and history, but delectable cuisine, top-notch service and gorgeous views at every turn. Plus there’s an onsite spa, fitness centre, golf course and plenty of water activities to enjoy — like waterskiing, sailing and canoeing. With traditionally-styled rooms decorated with oil paintings, period furniture and brocade linens, you’ll really feel like you’ve stepped back in time the moment you arrive. Don’t worry, they’ve included modern amenities like satellite TV and Wi-Fi. And only 1 hour drive to Milan, you can get your shopping fix before you hop on the plane home.
Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley
NAPA VALLEY
Napa Valley is really the perfect destination to turn things down a notch and enjoy the good things in life — especially good food and wine. Nature lovers too, will appreciate the lush landscape and abundance of outdoor activities. When choosing where to settle in, Calistoga Ranch in Upper Napa Valley offers all of the essentials any honeymooning couple could want. They offer 48 free-standing lodges, perfectly styled in a rustic, yet modern fashion with floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplace, private outdoor garden shower, over-sized bath and outdoor deck. The resort also offers a spa, nestled into the woods, a gourmet restaurant overlooking the lake, yoga classes, an outdoor heated pool and 140 acres of land to explore. READ MORE
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Nothing quite says summer like setting sail on the water, walking along a boardwalk, relaxing at a beach or dining by a dock. There’s something about that cool, beachy breeze that forever reminds us of summer days. So we just have to add in pieces to our wardrobe each year that reminds us of that nautical setting. It’s a trend that never goes out of style once the warmer months roll around. Not to mention it’s always a chic choice for travelling. Here are a few of our favourite nautical-inspired items for this season — and if you’re not near the water, these pieces might help you daydream about a beach until your travels take you there.
Nautical Stripe 50s Sundress by Topshop, $72, topshop.com
Michael Kors Marina Large Shoulder Tote, $198, michaelkors.com
Kate Spade Lido Flat, $99, katespade.com READ MORE
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While we enjoy the snow as much as the next skier, there is something to be said about leaving behind woolen mittens, Sorel boots and toques for some sun and sand. Whether you’re looking to jet away next week or are planning for February/March, there are plenty of exotic and nearby destinations guaranteed to fill your warm weather wishes. Here are our top 5 picks for places worth escaping to during the dark and cold winter months.
The Jalousie Plantation
ST. LUCIA
Only a 3 1/2 hour flight from Miami, it’s not hard to score a great airfare even in the winter, thanks to the many airlines that service this beautiful Caribbean island. What makes St. Lucia so enticing is the majestic landscape, unspoilt beaches and rainforests, as well as the fantastic resort options. Our pick? The Jalousie Plantation set amongst 100 acres of rainforest, which was once an 18th century plantation. The property spans right down to the sandy shore, and the Caribbean Sea. We love the charming accommodations, which blend the old Colonial style with contemporary furnishing and amenities. The Luxury Villas offer stunning views of the Piton Mountains or the glistening waters, and includes a private plunge pool on the patio. Let’s not forget the personalized butler service included when you book a villa. When it comes to dining, you’ll want to have an elegant dinner in the Great Room, followed by drinks at The Late Night Bar. Not to be missed is of course the spa, found right amongst the lush foliage of the rainforest. Here the treatment rooms are above the forest floor, in a unique tree house setting. If rest, relaxation and some indulgence are what you’re craving, this is the destination for you.
L'Auberge in Punta del Este
PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY
Often referred to as the “St. Tropez” of South America, Punta del Este can be found on the southern tip of the Uruguay. It’s a favourite destination of the elite from Buenos Aires, thanks to being only a short flight from the city. Think of it as the Hamptons is to New Yorkers. You’ll find a great beachfront, fresh seafood being served up at the restaurants, and an active nightlife, including an ultra-popular casino. If a major night out is on the agenda you’ll find most of the bars and clubs on a strip in La Barra, located about six miles north.
When it comes to winding down, we suggest booking into Hotel L’Auberge a historic property, architecturally anchored by the 150ft Tuscan-style tower. While it’s not beachfront, travel time to the water is less than 20 minutes. Our favourite onsite feature is the quaint and cozy tea room, which serves up mouthwatering Belgium-style waffles and offers tranquil views of the well-manicured gardens. Other notable amenities and services include 24-hour room service, free Wi-fi in the rooms, an outdoor pool, musical events in the garden and a gym which can be found at the top of the tower. Plus if you’re dying for some great shopping, Buenos Aires is only a hop away.
Get our rundown of Where to Shop in Buenos Aires.
The Breakers, Palm Beach
FLORIDA
With average temperatures in February and March around 25°C (78°F), you’ll be able to throw on a sundress and sandals without a second thought. If images of snowbirds — we mean older travellers taken haven in the sunny state come winter, not the planes — are what you envision, don’t fret. You can absolutely find luxury, seclusion and first-class hotels. Both Miami and Palm Beach are two destinations that come to mind. We’re fans of The Breakers in Palm Beach, a legendary luxury hotel that has spent over $250 million in the past decade to ensure its quality facilities. You’ll also find 10 restaurants, two golf courses, an on-site spa and stunning beachfront accommodations. It’s pure luxury, relaxation and sunny shores, very close to home.
For those looking for a more adventurous getaway, taking a road trip down to The Keys is a fun way to spend a week. READ MORE
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Photography courtesy of Justin Harrington
With lush green land, hot sunny days and seemingly endless gorgeous beaches — Antigua truly is a tropical paradise. But if you can tear yourself away from the surf and sand, there are tons of things to do while staying on this amazing island. Here are some things that just can’t be missed.
Sailing
Sailing is a way of life on this island. Every April Antigua hosts a huge sailing competition that brings in sailors (both recreational and competitors) from around the globe. It’s the fifth largest regatta in the world and the largest in the Caribbean. Whether you’re in Antigua during Sailing Week, or not, there’s always the opportunity to take on the waters on a sailboat. You can do more casual, leisurely sailing excursions around the coastline (an amazing way to see all the beaches), or take a more serious sailing trip that gets your hands in the action (Warning: Be prepared to work hard!).
ondeckoceanracing.com.
Snorkeling
If you think the waters look beautiful from the beach, just wait until you get a sneak peek at the life below the surface. A short boat ride off the coast will take you to calm, clear water that is ideal for snorkeling. The island is surrounded by underwater shelves — this provides amazing shallow water snorkeling and diving opportunities and one of the most popular spots for snorkeling is around the Cades Reef. You won’t want to miss the multi-coloured coral, schools of brightly-hued fish and maybe even a dolphin or two. You can even take a dive around a shipwreck that sank in 1905. Most hotels on the island will offer snorkeling trips in small groups, so you get the best experience. READ MORE
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Carlisle Bay
The beautiful island of Antigua can be found in the West Indies on the Eastern side of the Carribean and is roughly 108 square miles, making travelling from one side to the other a relatively short venture. A hilly landscape, with Boggy Peak, being the highest point on the island, lush rainforests, surrounding coral reefs and 365 beaches (the locals boast they have one for every day of the year!) make this an exotic destination worth visiting. What we loved most about Antigua how warm and inviting the locals were and that the culture and environment were still intact. Sounds like a place you’d love to visit? Here are three resorts to consider:
1. Carlisle Bay
Tucked away in a cozy bay on the south coast of the island, just 30 minutes from the airport is the award-winning 82-suite resort. The property features two restaurants including the contemporary Asian restaurant East, three bars (one being on the Jetty) and serves a complimentary afternoon tea daily (not high tea, more like a bite-size snack). If you’re too tired to leave the room, that’s OK because they offer 24-hour room service. Other highlights include the nine tennis courts, four which are lit for night play, a full-service indoor gym, a modern library with complimentary Wi-fi, and a 45-seat screening room (the first ever in the Caribbean). Need to take your relaxation to the next level? Book a treatment at Blue Spa, a 17,000 square foot haven with six luxurious treatment rooms, including a couples room, separate women’s and men’s sauna and plunge pools and juice bar. We loved the beach, complete with beach butlers to hand out towels and bring by fresh water, and our ultra-friendly guides who took us out on the ocean. READ MORE
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A Key West Sunset
We already talked about where to stay and what to do en route to the southern most point in the U.S.A., so what do you do once you’re there? From exploring Old Town by bicycle to visiting historic sites like Ernest Hemingway’s house and experiencing the nightlife on Duval Street, Key West is a quaint but lively destination with plenty of things to do. Here are our top 10 things to do while there!
1. Stroll Through Mallory Square
At the heart of Key West’s harbourfront is Mallory Square. It’s a bustling place filled with street vendors and performers, open-air bars, and sidewalk cafes. Every night the Sunset Celebration begins on the dock, with local artisans, mines, jugglers and musicians and the like, entertaining the crowds. It’s a fun place to take in the atmosphere as you watch the sun sink into the Gulf.
2. Take a Sunset Cruise
After you watch the sunset on land, plan to see it also dip below the horizon on water. Dream Chaser Charters offers a private 2-hour cruise with magnificent views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean with refreshments and appetizers too for $65US/person (with a minimum 4-person booking). For a more luxurious experience try the Sunset & MOET cruise with Catamaran Eco, where you can sip champagne while watching the sun go down.
Ernest Hemingway's House
3. Visit Ernest Hemingway’s House
Literary lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to see the home of author Ernest Hemingway who wrote and lived at this address for over 10 years. You can self-guide yourself through his house and the property, or take a tour to learn more about this legendary author. Cat lovers take note, there are about 60 felines wandering the grounds (we saw one sleeping on the master bed!).
4. Dine on Fresh Seafood
Nine One Five on Duval
When you’re this close to the ocean you can’t leave without dining on fresh seafood. Nine One Five bistro and wine bar on Duval Strett is set in a century-old Victorian home, and features a tapas-style menu. Their signature dish, the Tuna Dome, is outstanding and we highly recommend it. For mains you’ll find local fare like lobster, grouper and prawns. And if you want to continue after dinner, head upstairs to their wine lounge Point5 with DJs spinning on the weekends. READ MORE
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