Inside the Shizen Spa.
What are you doing for lunch? You may want to swap the cafeteria for the spa — seriously — thanks to the Shizen Spa found in Toronto’s Pantages Hotel, offering a lunch deal too good to pass up.
From Monday to Friday between noon and 2 p.m. the spa is featuring the ultimate pick-me-up for busy women on the go (a.k.a. everyone): a Quick Fix Manicure or Pedicure, plus a healthy lunch for only $30. READ MORE
{ 0 comments }
The lobby at the Miraj Hammam Spa.
For us, the spa is a necessary indulgence, like cashmere or champagne — once you get a taste you can’t imagine your life without it. As avid spa-goers, we have visited our fair share of spas, with our most recent visit being the spa at the Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid. Thankfully close to home there is not shortage of amazing options. When we heard about the new Shangri-La Toronto opening we knew a spa wouldn’t be far behind, so when we were invited to experience the luxurious new Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris we said “Yes!” in a heartbeat.
The spa lives on the fifth floor, the same place where you’ll also find the hotel’s fully-equipped health centre. Upon the elevator doors opening, we were first greeted by sounds of trickling water and an over-sized medallion featuring the spa’s logo. We headed through the glass doors where we were pleasantly welcomed in. READ MORE
{ 1 comment }
Muskoka has always been on my map — thanks to a family cottage on Lake Rosseau that’s been around since the ‘50s — although it’s definitely become a destination for everyone from Hollywood celebs to NHL players and Torontonians looking for relief from the sizzling concrete jungle. For those who don’t have a cottage to escape to, we suggest booking in at one of these three incredible Muskoka resorts, which will give you a taste of the luxurious side of this beautiful destination.
Windermere House
Located on Lake Rosseau, Windermere House has quite a history to it. Built in 1870, it has been a landmark on the lake since it opened. A devastating fire occurred during the filming of the Hollywood movie The Long Kiss Goodnight (starring Samuel L. Jackson) and destroyed much of the resort, but they managed to rebuild the property to its original glory in 1997. Further modernizations have continued, including the introduction of The Cottages, which are available for fractional ownership, as well as Oliver & Bonacini, the resort’s exclusive foodservice provider. READ MORE
{ 0 comments }
Meads Bay Beach
Anguilla isn’t your typical Caribbean island. And it’s not just because it boasts an A-list guest list that could rival any red carpet, has a long list of luxury properties and beautiful beaches to swim at. Here you’ll find an island of warm and inviting people, delicious cuisine and a vibrant arts scene. If you’re hoping to get a bit of a taste of the local culture, be it music or food, we pick a selection of our favourite things to do in Anguilla.
Bayside Grill on Crocus Bay.
1. Dine Beachside
There is no shortage of waterfront on Anguilla and thankfully there are plenty of restaurants that take full advantage of this fact. Whether you’re looking for a light bite and a cocktail or a three-course candlelight dinner with a reserve bottle of wine, you’ll find options for every palette and every budget throughout the island. One of the best things about Anguilla is that you’ll be hard pressed to find a bad meal. The food is just really good. Ask any local what they’re favourite restaurant is and they’ll probably have a hard time narrowing it down to just one. Two restaurants that kept popping up in conversation time and time again were Mango’s Seaside Grill and Tasty’s. While we didn’t have the opportunity to try those two, we did come away with a few favourites. READ MORE
{ 0 comments }
Longitude 131 in Australia.
In the last few years luxury camping (also known as “glamping”) has become a chic new way to experience the wilderness. Unlike your typical camping trip that involves sleeping on the ground, eating dehydrated food and having a shower if you’re lucky, glamping combines the high-end comforts of a five-star resort with the outdoors. Often you’ll find these resorts in remote locations, allowing you to fully experience the best of what nature has to offer. Sound like your idea of camping? We’ve found 5 amazing luxury camping resorts around the globe. READ MORE
{ 1 comment }
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
{ 0 comments }
The Dolder Grand Spa Terrace
When we were in Zurich this past summer we had the chance to visit The Dolder Grand, a spectacular hotel perched high above the city, juxtaposed between the bustling centre and the surrounding nature. The hotel itself, it completely magnificent — recently undergoing a massive $400 million renovation in 2008, since its overhaul it has been honoured with countless awards many of which have been for its spa. If staying at the Dolder isn’t a part of your itinerary (although we highly suggest it should), the least you can do is book yourself for an afternoon at the spa.
The spa is a stylish oasis and at over 42,000 square feet isn’t short of amenities either. The centre of the spa really revolves around the pool area. Inside is a gigantic infinity-pool, with recliners and floor to ceiling windows with views of the terrace and the city peeking from amongst the tree line. Perfect for outdoor bathing in the summer, the adjoining terrace features a whirlpool, which is also a run and dip destination come winter. READ MORE
{ 1 comment }
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
{ 2 comments }
In the heart of the glamorous French Riviera is the extravagant region of Saint-Tropez, famous for its wealthy summertime guests. Yachts lined up along the waterfront, terrace cafes, strolling tourists and the chance to spot a celebrity, make it a perfect destination for the new Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez, which just opened this summer.
The 37-room hotel was conceived by architect Jean Jacques Ory and designer Christophe Pillet, resulting in a look that is both contemporary in design and architecture. The low buildings are centered around the main pool area, with each room containing a private balcony either looking onto the pool or into a lush garden. One of the main focuses of the hotel was for the feel to be “a hideaway full of light, air and wind” and the spacious and airy rooms achieve an indoor/outdoor feel. READ MORE
{ 2 comments }
Photography courtesy of Denver Four Seasons
While the temperatures in most of North America are skyrocketing and the humidity is thick, we’re helping beat the summer heat by planning trips for the cooler months. We’ve been dying to get to Denver and think it will be a great winter weekend getaway. Thankfully our choice of where to stay just got a bit easier as the new Denver Four Seasons is now accepting reservations for stays beginning November 13th, 2010.
READ MORE
{ 0 comments }
