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

Floating down the Bow River is a rite of passage during the city’s summer. But there’s more to the Bow than lounging on a raft, dipping your toes in the water and losing paddles.

A six-part public art series titled “The Celebration of the Bow River 2010,” launched in June to make people aware of the Bow’s indispensable role.

The latest in the series, “Sources: River of Light” includes three-foot illuminated floating spheres representing the Bow’s four water sources: rainwater, groundwater, glacier and snowmelt. The event culminates tomorrow at dusk with the highly anticipated release of 500 illuminated spheres into the river.

Float on, we say.

Detailed schedule here.

Sunsets be damned—a bocce game shouldn’t be cut short because the day decides to end.

With the Lighted Bocce Ball Set ($99.95) the tournament can go long into the night. Each ball has a switch to turn on, or off, the LED and when illuminated, the balls are visible from afar. The jack also has a white LED making it easy to zoom in on the target in the dark.

They’re no Chanel petanque balls but they’ve got a glow Karl would surely appreciate.

At Hammacher Schlemmer.

Looking to spend some time under the Provencal sun? Head to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region to soak up the rays, and the joie de vivre. 

getting there
There are a number of small towns and villages to visit around the area, so your best bet is to rent a car. Fly into Marseille and make the 30 km drive to Aix-en-Provence.

sleep
The 18th century bastide Le Clos des Freres Gris has only four guest rooms and is just minutes from Aix-en-Provence. Although there’s a lot to explore around the area, we recommend taking the time to just lounge poolside on the Lecomte family’s gorgeous property. From €130, 2240 Avenue Fortuné Ferrini, Luynes, (33) (0)4 42 24 13 37, http://freres.gris.free.fr

eat
Pick up fresh baguettes and olives for lunch but treat yourself to a delectable dinner at La Tomate Verte. The price of the meal depends on how many courses you choose. Just an entrée (called “plat”) is €20, while 3 courses is €29. And keep an eye out for celebs; while savouring our tomato tartine, we checked out the beautiful manes of fellow diners Frédéric Fekkai and his wife Shirin. La Tomate Verte, 15 rue des Tanneurs, 13100 Aix en Provence, 04, 42 60 04 58, www.latomateverte.com

do
Head to Cassis, a nearby town famous for its cliffs and sheltered inlets called calanques. Take one of the many boat tours to see the inlets up close, or nab a spot on the busy beach and cool off in the Mediterranean.

shop
When you’ve had your fill of sunbathing, take a stroll in the streets of Cassis where you’ll find a number of chic fashion boutiques including Lulli Sur la Toile. The small space is filled with lines like See by Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Givenchy. Lullu Sur la Toile, 21 Avenue Victor Hugo, Cassis, 04 42 08 17 14, www.lulli-sur-la-toile.com

Not everyone adheres to the joy of cooking philosophy, but when you’re learning insider info from renowned chefs while hanging out in the mountains, there can never be too many cooks in the kitchen.

Cooking in the Mountains is a monthly summer series of interactive evenings, bringing together chefs from all over Western Canada. Held at the show home of the Residences at Fairmont Ridge in Fairmont Hot Springs, the culinary experts share their skills in a casual kitchen setting.

The upcoming third installment features Kerri Wallin of the Opimian Wine Society, who will be showcasing wines from a variety of mountainous regions in addition to food pairing.

Individual tickets are $70; for packages including accommodation, call 1-877-646-5890, www.fairmontridge.ca

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

The city is overrun with tourists and it’s impossible to get a reservation at your favourite eatery. It’s time to make the great escape.

Head to Banff for a delectable dinner (think blueberry braised bison short ribs or a West Coast hot pot) paired with a breathtaking view of the Bow Valley at The Juniper Bistro. Tucked away just off the second exit to Banff, the bistro is located in The Juniper Hotel,  a historic space built in the 1950s and renovated just over five years ago.

Get to the bistro early (between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.) and enjoy the new Blue Plate Special, a three-course dinner for $30 ($45 with wine).

That’s worth the distance.

The Juniper Bistro, One Juniper Way, Mount Norquay Rd., Banff, 403-763-6205, www.thejuniper.com

If all of our Canadian history lessons included spending a day paddling the Bow River, checking out the mountain views and tracking ospreys, we’d be regular history buffs.

These days, kids, and us adults too, are in luck with the new Voyageur Canoe trips in Banff. Hop into a 14-person voyageur replica canoe and enjoy a one-and-a-half hour tour while a story-telling guide enlightens you with tales from the fur-trading days, stories of legendary mapmaker David Thompson and the history of Canada’s great explorers. Although your arms get a workout from paddling, there’s plenty of downtime to float and enjoy the views, and no canoe experience is necessary.

We feel smarter already.

Voyageur Canoe Tours, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. (in high season), adults $39; children under 12, $15; 403-760-5007 or www.banffcanoeing.com

See photos from our Voyageur Canoe trip on the Editor’s Diary.

Move over Drew and Juno (ah, we mean Bliss), Calgary’s B52 Bellas and the Thrashin’ Lassies are going to “Whip It” this Saturday.

The Calgary Roller Derby Association’s Summer Smackdown presents a bout between the kilt-wearing lassies, who say their secret weapon is their thick Scottish accent, and the “highly-trained corps of fighters” (a.k.a. The B-52 Bellas). Cheer the ladies on to victory and learn more about “blockers,” “jammers,” and “pivots.”

The association is always looking for new members so maybe it’s time to lace-up.

Summer Smackdown, Saturday, June 26 at the Triwood Arena, 2244 Chicoutimi Dr. NW, Calgary; Doors at 6 p.m., tickets $10 in advance here; www.calgaryrollerberby.com

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