Enter the Matrix, Edmonton’s bright and bold boutique hotel adjacent to Jasper Avenue.

Chic, urban and stylish, this spot has 184 rooms, a stunning designer lobby and easy access to all the theatre, dining and downtown nightlife you want. (Psst: If you’ve got a Travel Alberta card, get 30 per cent off your booking.)

And while you’re there…

Visit the Onyx Suite, a $2,000 a night luxury pad featuring a giant terrace with a built-in BBQ and fireplace.

Try the MZ Lounge for a delightful continental breakfast before evening wine and cheese tastings.

Check out the Wildflower Grill, a destination world-fusion, and thus, authentically Canadian cuisine restaurant situated beneath the hotel for city dwellers and hotel guests alike. Owned separately, but partnered with pride.

If the Matrix is all fabricated like its sci-fi name suggests, ignorance is bliss. —Caroline Gault

Matrix Hotel, 10640-100 Ave., Edmonton, 866-465-8150, www.matrixedmonton.com

Our last couch-surfing visit to the Big Smoke had us vowing never to sleep on a futon again.

Instead, we'll check in to Hotel Ocho, a new 12-room gem in prime downtown location. The rooms are lofty, spacious and bright and designed with hip, young travellers in mind. Ask for a third floor suite with views of the Spadina streetcar and the backstreets of Chinatown. Manager Kenneth McElheran and his team are so laid-back and friendly you almost feel like a guest in someone’s home.

Only you won't wake up with a kinked neck. —AT

Hotel Ocho, 195 Spadina Ave., Toronto, 416-593-0885, www.hotelocho.com

Forget the Orange County stereotype of bottle blondes and plastic surgery; Laguna Beach is the best of California cool. Herewith, our favourite boho beach town spots.

sleep
The Surf and Sand Resort defines laid-back luxury. With aqua-inspired decor, all of the spacious rooms have balconies with a spectacular ocean view (our bellboy even pointed out a dolphin on the horizon). After watching the sunset on the beach, head to the pool deck for cocktail hour in a cabana. Do make dinner reservations at Splashes Restaurant and be sure to request a table on the patio–the best spot to nosh on the fresh California fare, like Dungeness crab and apple salad. From $405, www.surfandsandresort.com

shop
Stocked with hard-to-find brands like Rodebjer, Suno and Vena Cava, 11th Moon's mix of ultra-stylish contemporary pieces will have you longing for one of each. But here's a fashionable silver lining: its online shop ships to Canada, so you can get your boho-chic fix any time you like. 1259 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, http://11thmoon.com

Curated to perfection, Laguna Supply carries a great selection of Isabel Marant (and her husband Jerome Dreyfuss' satchels), along with other big names Elizabeth and James, Rag & Bone and Trovata. This summer look for plenty of military pieces, stripes and pops of colour. 210 Beach St., Laguna Beach, 949-497-8850.

listen
One look at the windows of Sound Spectrum record shop and it's clear reggae reigns supreme. A Laguna Beach fixture since 1967, owner Jim Otto has his own Sunday afternoon radio show and Sound Spectrum's sales chart is published weekly in The Laguna Independent. Who knew listening stations and flipping through vinyl could make us feel so young. 1264 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, www.soundspectrumlaguna.com/

—MT

Overcast, rainy days call for bundling up with you honey and walking along the beach hand-in-hand. If you’re on the search for a romantic getaway, get to Tofino and brave the end of storm-watching season up close, or create your own action (wink, wink) behind closed doors. 

stay
Middle Beach Lodge’s original property, Lodge at the Beach, is also known as the “adult-only hide-a-way.” The cosy rooms have no distractions like TVs or phones, but when you do want to emerge back into the (somewhat) real world, the plush couches and oversized chairs around a large fireplace in a common great room await. Not to be missed: fresh-baked cookies are served nightly at 8 p.m. Rooms from $99, Middle Beach Lodge, 400 MacKenzie Beach Rd., Tofino, 250-725-2900, www.middlebeach.com

eat
Whether you need the aphrodisiac or not, start your candlelit meal at Shelter with fresh shucked Vancouver Island oysters ($3 each). Afterward, recreate the classic pet-friendly big-screen romance scene with the delectable smoked salmon and manila clam linguine ($24). Shelter, 601 Campbell St., Tofino, 250-723-3353, www.shelterrestaurant.com

relax
A couple’s massage like no other, the Cedar Sanctuary at the Ancient Cedars Spa is a quaint hut just steps from the spa that includes a fireplace and French doors that open onto the beach for the ultimate romantic R&R. Couple’s massage from $300. Ancient Cedars Spa at The Wickaninnish Inn, 500 Osprey Lane at Chesterman, Tofino, 250-725-3100, www.wickinn.com

This Spanish city is a dazzling mix of uptown chic and downtown cool.

stay
Location may be everything but there’s nothing like a little luxury. At Granados 83 you have the best of both worlds. A modern aesthetic runs throughout this hip hotel that’s just steps away from the famed shopping area Passeig de Gràcia. From €130, Granados 83, C/ Enric Granados 83, Barcelona, +34 93 492 96 70, www.derbyhotels.com

eat
The stylish guests and the glamorous décor you’ll find at Noti are instantly intoxicating but it’s the food that trumps it all (the zucchini gratin with parmesan sauce is a must-have). Tip: Add an extra hour, or even two, to what you already think is eating late before heading here or you’ll be finishing up just as others arrive. Noti, C/Roger de Lluria 35, Barcelona, +34 933 426 673, www.noti-universal.com

shop

Barcelona native Miriam Ponsa comes from a long line of textile designers. Her clothing’s rich details paired with minimalist silhouettes is a match made in fashion heaven. Miriam Ponsa, C/Princesa 14, +34 93 295 55 62 and C/Elisabets 20, +34 93 412 33 81, www.miriamponsa.com

see
There’s a long list of historic must-sees in Barcelona but don’t miss the Museu Picasso showcasing Picasso’s early works. It’s a fascinating look at the artist’s evolution and his style as a young man. Museu Picasso de Barcelona, Carrer Montcada 15-23, Barcelona, +34 93 256 30 00, www.museupicasso.bcn.es

Summer in the city and you have the landlocked blues?

Grab the bikini and head to the newly renovated poolside patio at Hotel Arts. Nosh on a crab and mango roll ($12) and sip a mojito before taking a dip in the inviting glass-tile pool. 

Although there’s no charge for using the pool, a minimum food and beverage cost does apply depending on the day and time.

The pool is a popular spot for private functions so check here for closures before heading out.

Cannonballs! (Just kidding.)

Hotel Arts, 119 12th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-266-4611, www.hotelarts.ca

One of the many Turks and Caicos Islands, Providenciales' (Provo to the locals) turquoise waters and white beaches make it the perfect place for some sun, swim, rest and relaxation.

sleep
Take island chic to a new level at the uber-modern Gansevoort Turks and Caicos, the sister hotel to New York’s Meatpacking District location. We loved the outdoor yoga area (catch a class early before the heat sets in) and that each of the 91 rooms (from $350) has a view of the pristine Grace Bay beach. But beware: it’s a daily toss-up between the sand and the hotel’s stunning 7,000-square-foot pool. Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, 888-844-5986, www.gansevoortturksandcaicos.com

sip
Drinking out of a coconut is fun, but when a refreshing brew calls, try the island’s own Turk’s Head beer. This lager is light in appearance but heavy on taste. Turk’s Head Brewery, Discovery Dr., Providenciales, 649-941-3637.

eat
Tucked away in the Village at Grace Bay, Lemon Café blends Morroccan cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Order the grilled calamari stuffed with merguez, olives and rice or try one of three tasty tagines. Village at Grace Bay,
 Providenciales, 649-941-4059, www.lemoncafe.tc

On a recent trip to the Big Smoke, we settled into the lovely Lesliville 'hood.  

sip
Head east on the 501 streetcar to sunny Red Rocket Coffee for an organic espresso and freshly baked goodies like Retro Cheese Danish and Caramel Tortoise Bars. Park yourself on the dog-friendly terrace and watch the red rockets wind in and out of the TTC yard across the street. 1402B Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-406-0880,www.redrocketcoffee.com

shop
Favouring wearable designs, Wilson Li stocks his Studio We! boutique with tailored-but-sexy clothes he displays by colour. We spotted a tony turquoise military-style blazer from Nick & Mo ($115), fabulous trouser jeans by !iT ($99) and a pretty, ruched Gaya clutch bag ($45). Boys can head one block west to Li’s men’s boutique (aptly named Me!). Me!, 1270 Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-463-0888; We! 1184 Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-463-4616, www.studiowe.ca

eat
We love the scent of smoked peat moss (flown in from the Emerald Isles) and the Irish dancers waiting tables at the cozy Ceili Cottage. Devour kettle chips with thyme ($3), buttery mac and cheese ($12) or rich mutton stew. This former garage also serves Galway Bay and Green Gables oysters shucked to order ($14/6), which taste just grand with a pint of O’Hara’s Stout ($8.50). 1301 Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-406-1301, www.ceilicottage.com

sleep
There’s no hotel in Leslieville (yet), but do head west along Queen Street to The Ivy at Verity. Located in a former chocolate factory, this luxurious boutique hotel is set in a private women’s club, and with just four rooms (from $329) the attentive service is impeccable. Wind down in the stunning library or book an in-room Sweetgrass massage (from $125). Who knew Toronto could be so zen? 111d Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-368-6006 x 300, www.theivyatverity.ca

The West just got a lot more luxe with the opening of Hôtel Le Germain Calgary.

The 143-room boutique hotel has the same modern esthetic as its sister locations in Toronto and Quebec, with volcanic stone floors, wood paneling, soft leathers and plenty of natural light throughout the downtown space. Admire the dramatic spiral wooden staircase leading to the conference area, get touchy with the felt wall by artist Kathryn Walter, and finally, have a seat at the Central 899 lounge where champers is served by the flute.

And the rooms—spacious and warm with high-end amenities and possibly the largest rain shower heads known to man—are laid-back luxury at its finest.

We’re booking in for a staycation.

From $279 ($199 intro special until the end of March), Hôtel Le Germain, 899 Centre St. SW, Calgary, 403-264-8990, www.germaincalgary.com

The greenest city in the U.S. is a perfect mix of laid-back cool and thrilling buzz. An ideal weekend getaway, here are our picks for the City of Roses.

sleep
The Nines is a chic space with an impressive modern art collection.You may find yourself sharing the elevator with one of the L.A. Lakers at this downtown hotel that’s popular among the It crowd. From $159 per night. The Nines, 525 SW Morrison, Portland, 1-877-229-9995, www.thenines.com

shop
A graduate of the Parsons School of Design, Portland-based Modi Soondarotok worked for Peter Som, Donna Karan and Armani before launching Idom, her line of colourful, vintage-inspired pieces. We swooned over every dress at her charming boutique.  Idom, 827 NW 23rd Ave. Portland, 503-477-6818, www.idomdesigns.com

eat
Named as one of the “Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America” by GQ, Ping lives up to the hype. Its menu is packed with mouth-watering “multi-Asian” fare. Start with a selection of the skewers (from $2) and you'll be dreaming about the laksa nonya coconut noodle soup ($12) long after the last bite. Ping, 102 NW Fourth Ave., Portland, 503-229-7464, www.pingpdx.com

sip
Portland is known for its coffee fanaticism and Stumptown Coffee Roasters indeed serves one of the best cups we’ve ever had. Stumptown Coffee Roasters, www.stumptowncoffee.com

swirl
When it’s time for a stronger bevy, head to the Doug Fir Lounge where you’ll find hipsters of all ages listening to live acts like Sloan or St. Vincent while enjoying local brews. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 East Burnside, Portland, 503-231-9663, www.dougfirlounge.com