Montreal
January 13th, 2012
Winter waterslides
Jay Peak in Vermont is already known for epic powder but thanks to the all-new Pump House Waterpark, it’s also about to be famed for its sweet surf.
The adrenaline junkies who rode black diamond glades all day long will want to keep the rush going by beelining for La Chute, a slide that drops 60 feet per second. (May we suggest a well-secured one-piece?)
More mellowed out intermediates, the blue squares of the bunch, will love to hang ten and do their very best Kassia Meador impression on The Double Barrel Surf Wave.
Green circle gal? It’s all about the Activity (read: lazy) river.
Finally, something with a retractable roof that we can love! —Christine Laroche
Pump House Waterpark, 830 Jay Peak Rd., Jay, Vermont, 802-988-2611, www.jaypeakresort.com
November 17th, 2011
Windham Hill Holiday
We knew we were in for a romantic weekend when we saw the website for the Windham Hill Inn in West Townsend Vermont, but when we arrived we fell head over heels in love. Here’s why:
The Rooms: Our lovely loft featured a king-sized four poster bed covered with luxurious linens, a gigantic Jacuzzi tub, and a warm fireplace. What it didn’t have? A television. So nobody got distracted by Sunday afternoon football.
The Grounds: Perched hillside with 10 miles of wooded trails, we roamed through lush greenery to find the stunningly secluded waterfall and pool.
The Food: We began the day with a 3-course breakfast complete with fresh muffins, hearty eggs, and healthy oatmeal and ended it with a 6-course tasting menu created by executive chef Graham Gill. Don’t leave without tasting the pumpkin bread pudding…divine!
The Spa: Book a 60- or 90-minute massage or request a butler-drawn bath complete with candles and fragrant essential oils. Or just use the luxurious Molton Brown bath and body products in your room to create a private spa experience.
The Common Areas: Read and relax amid walls of books and games lining cozy fireplace rooms, offering afternoon tea featuring fresh scones, whipped cream, cookies and hot cider. Stop in at the bar before dinner to chat with fellow travellers over a glass of spicy red wine and an array of delicious Vermont cheeses.
The Personalized Service: Innkeeper, Katja, welcomes every guest personally and ensures that every need is met, including booking activities (we went horseback riding at nearby Mountain View Ranch) and surprising guests with special treats, like the bottle of champagne that welcomed the couple celebrating their first anniversary.
—Jennifer Nachshen
Rooms from $255 per night, Windham Hill Inn, 311 Lawrence Drive, West Townshend, VT, 1-800-944-4080, www.windhamhillinn.com
See more photos of Windham Hill Inn on our Editors' Diary.
September 8th, 2011
Maine Attraction
Not a whole lot has changed about Ogunquit since we last visited when we were just a kid. But if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! We spent the last week of summer on the coastal town in Maine, visiting old favourites and finding new ones.
stay
Most hotels in Ogunquit offer simple, beachy motel-esque accommodations, but if it’s a view you want, head to the Beachmere Inn. The oceanfront property offers rolling lawns adjacent to the Marginal Way, as well as a wide array of room types and amenities (including yoga on the lawn!) to fit your every need. Beachmere Inn, 62 Beachmere Place Ogunquit, ME, 1-800-336-3983, www.beachmereinn.comdo
The Ogunquit Playhouse will be celebrating its 80th birthday next season, but the party has started already with this year’s lineup of shows including Avenue Q and Legally Blonde: The Musical, with guest star Sally Struthers, playing until September 17 (Miss Saigon starts soon after!). Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main Street, Ogunquit, ME, 207-646-5511, www.ogunquitplayhouse.orgdine
Roadside lobster rolls and clam shacks abound, but for the ultimate lobster experience head north to Wells to visit the Maine Diner to gorge on the rich seafood chowder and decadent lobster pie featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Maine Diner, 2265 Post Rd., Route One, Wells, ME, 207-646-4441, www.mainediner.comdrink
The cosmopolitan is strong enough to knock you off your feet, which is a good thing because you’ll need to get rid of your inhibitions to thoroughly enjoy the ‘round the piano show tune sing-along that goes down nightly at The Front Porch. The Front Porch, 9 Shore Rd., Ogunquit, ME, 207-646-4005, www.thefrontporch.net—Jennifer Nachshen
June 24th, 2011
Travellin’ Fam
The good news: your toddler has finally started sleeping through the night. The bad news: she’s accustomed to sleeping at home, and you’re about to head out on a family roadtrip.
Don’t fret. The inflatable Toddler Travel Bed by the Shrunks is designed to use her favourite crib sheets and blankets, so she’ll sleep just as soundly as she does at home (at least until the crack of dawn). With security rails so even the most active sleepers will stay put, it inflates with its own electric pump so your lungs don’t have to do all the work.
You just might find you’ll start taking it on all your trips. Even when the destination is grandma’s house. —KD
Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed, $84.99 at Baby’s World, http://babysworld.ca/
February 17th, 2011
10 things we love about the Mexican Riviera
When the icy winds of February threaten to put a chill on your love life, it's time to shed some layers and fly to warmer climes.
Our recent jaunt to the all-inclusive Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort, Riviera Maya in Mexico has us thinking, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."1. Our massive open-concept suite made entirely of cool white marble that felt grand, modern, and princess-like.
2. The complimentary bottle of high-end sipping tequila, ice and citrus welcoming us in our room, perfect for sampling on the ocean-view deck.
3. Spacious pool areas and beach cabanas, quiet customers, and porters equipped with mini-Evian facial spritzers. 4. A huge array of healthy juices at breakfast, including our favourite, "vampire juice" with beet and apple.
5. No need to miss your Americano—rooms are equipped with high-end Nespresso machines and a fully-stocked hosted minibar with snacks, should you wish a quiet retreat on your deck, watching the sunset.
6. Fresh mixed seafood ceviche, served poolside, with handmade chips.
7. Ultra-fine white sandy beach that feels like walking in baby powder, and warm, calm water, perfect for swimming or kayaking.8. Four high-end restaurants serving French, pan-Asian, Italian, Spanish, and traditional Mexican cuisine, plus numerous bars and bistros. Don't miss the huevos rancheros for breakfast at Azul.
9. A hydrotherapy spa like no other. Block off an entire afternoon for the Water Journey with hot and cool water experiences, a reflexology pool, massaging "water beds," a mud masque to refresh your skin, herbal steam, and sauna. Completely transformative.
10. And did we mention the weather?
Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort, 1-866-230-7221, http://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com
February 8th, 2011
Contest Call: Win a Three Night Stay in Miami!
Just in time for Valentine's Day, we have a gift to get you hot under the collar.
We've partnered with luxury hotel booking resource Kiwi Collection for a muy caliente getaway: a three-night stay at the uber-chic The Standard Hotel and Spa Miami! To make your vacation even steamier, elegant UK lingerie line Agent Provocateur will give you a $100 gift card and a flirty tulle and French Chantilly lace Fifi Slip (value $450).To win, tell us about your biggest Valentine's Day debacle in 140 characters or less (yes, we'll be counting). Enter over Twitter (use hashtag #VDAYSOS), on our Facebook wall or via email at promotions@vitamindaily.com (subject line: VDAYSOS).
We'll be posting responses on our Editors' Diary (don't worry, we won't publish your full name) so visit us here all week for updates.
So if your hair caught fire during a romantic candlelight dinner or your girls night out ended with a regrettable hook-up, turn your V-Day disaster into three hot nights in Miami.
Enter now: Twitter (use hashtag #VDAYSOS), on our Facebook wall or via email at promotions@vitamindaily.com (subject line: VDAYSOS).
Sign up for Kiwi Collection’s monthly newsletter to get the latest in travel insight and new luxury hotels here.
The fine print: must be 19 years or older to enter, open only to VitaminDaily.com subscribers (but do forward this along to your friends so they can get in on the fun!), contest closes on Friday, February 11 at 12 p.m. PST and a winner will be announced via Twitter (@vanvitamindaily), Facebook and on our daily dose Monday, February 14. Blackout dates apply to The Standard Hotel and Spa. One (1) entry per person. Airfare not included.
February 4th, 2011
Meet the Parents
Between your diet and your wardrobe, the little pea in the pod is already running your life.
Enjoy your last days of freedom with the Babymoon Bliss Package at Pacific Sands Beach Resort in Tofino, B.C. Customized for future baby slaves, aka parents, the package includes a spa gift basket (use those locally made bath salts while you can), a box of homemade chocolates, unlimited DVD rentals and popcorn (having time to watch a whole movie will soon feel like a holiday) and of course the spectacular natural setting perfect for romantic walks, whale watching and sunsets.Only another 18 years until you get this kind of peace and quiet.
Until April 30, 2011, from $254 pp/two nights, 800-565-2322, www.pacificsands.com
January 28th, 2011
Life's a Carnaval
Since we can’t beat winter, we’ll beat-back the winter blues by fêting the flurries at the Carnaval de Quebec in Quebec City.
celebrate
It’s a winter wonderland in la ville blanche from January 28 to February 13, with events every day, including everyone’s favourite, the Night Parades on February 5 and 12. It’s mostly free to play on the Plains of Abraham, but picking up an Effigy pass for $12 will get you into a few extra-exciting activities, including the zipline, giant slide, and ferris wheel. But only pure bravery will get you into the snow bath. www.carnaval.qc.ca/enstay
Past meets present at the ultra-stylish Auberge St. Antoine, built on and integrated with ancient city ramparts. Prominently displayed museum-worthy relics allow you to learn about the old city while sipping a creative cocktail by the fire in the Café Artefact. Come in from the cold to luxuriate in the well-appointed rooms featuring fluffy duvets and swimming-pool deep bathtubs. From $149/night, 8 St. Antoine St, Quebec City, 1-888-692-2211, www.saint-antoine.comsup
Warm up and refuel with decadent Italian food in a festive atmosphere at Savini restaurant. We started with a luscious prosciutto paired with summer sweet melon ($15) followed by a satisfyingly decadent risotto with foie gras and mushrooms ($25), with wines paired by the glass by our savvy waiter. After cracking the sweet shell of the creamy crème brulée ($7), we were ready to get back out there and be the snow angels that we are. Savini, 680 Grande Allée East, Quebec City, 418-647-4747, www.savini.cashop
Bundle up for the weather by creatively layering new togs from the fabulous Boutique Esther P. We took a brief sojourn from the snowy celebration to shop for stylish separates by Ella Moss, James Perse and Velvet. We may love the Bonhomme, but we don’t want to dress like him. Esther P, 873, St. Jean St., Quebec City, 418-704-7774, www.estherp.comFor behind-the-scenes photos of Carnaval, see today’s Editors' Diary.
January 13th, 2011
The Good Life on the Gulf Coast
The average age may be 65, but the average car is a Jaguar. So if you’re looking to find yourself a sugardaddy or just hang out with your parents, you can still find fun for the younger set in Naples, Florida.
stay
Lay your head in the lap of luxury at the the Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort. Spend your day on a chaise lounge on the three miles of white sand beach that borders the hotel, and sleep soundly on the plush feather bed between luxurious 400-count Egyptian cotton sheets. From US$250 a night, The Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, Florida, 239-598-3300, www.ritzcarlton.comeat
Named Best New Restaurant by Esquire in 2009, Sea Salt doesn’t disappoint, with dishes made from organic and local produce, including wild caught seafood and antibiotic-free meats whenever possible. We loved the tuna tartare with quail’s egg and ponzu citrus sauce ($15) and devoured the freshly caught Florida Hog Fish ($36). We couldn’t resist adding a side order of addictive white truffle and parmesan fries ($9) to complete our meal. 1186 Third St. South, Naples Florida, 239-643-7258, www.seasaltnaples.comshop
As one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S., Naples’ luxury shopping is nothing short of fabulous. Find Louis Vuitton alongside Lululemon at the Waterside Shops. But if you’re pinching your pennies you can luck out with labels like Marc Jacobs and Armani at the Sak’s Off Fifth at Miromar Outlets, just a few miles away.do
Wander along Fifth Avenue and Third Street South in the downtown core to stimulate your senses with galleries that feature local artists and some of the best people watching around (count the number of toy dogs in purses for giggles!). Go on a Thursday night to enjoy live music in the streets.See photos from our trip to Florida on today's Editors' Diary.
December 2nd, 2010
Exploring? There's an app for that
We’re not the sightseeing bus travel type, preferring to follow our own itinerary on our own time. But we still like to get a guided tour.
We downloaded the mTrip Travel Guides smart phone app ($5.99 per city) to create a customized travel itinerary for our next trip abroad. We indicated our interests (More museums! Less religion!), location and dates and the app used opening hours and ratings from other travelers to map out our tour. Best of all, we can update our itinerary using the hotel’s wifi and then use the app offline.We’re roaming large with no roaming charge.






