Posh Girl Peasant Girl Travelling

Bahama Mama

2011-12-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

In doing research on quick getaways, I decided to bite the bullet and head to Bahamas. It is not somewhere that has been high on my list, but with its close proximity I thought it would be good to scope out to keep in mind for a weekend getaway or even 4 days.

Flights to Freeport were dirt cheap, so my girlfriend and I packed up and headed to Grand Bahama Island for a little R&R! Not having high hopes, I wanted simple beach and sun. This is exactly what we got and more...

We decided to stay at the Radisson Grand Lucayan, since they were having a sale and we also had points to use. Knowing that the property is tired and Grand Bahama Island is not as touristy as Nassau, we were at ease with no surprises upon check in. Note: Posh`s...head straight to Atlantis to one of their premium rooms. Freeport is not for you.

At check in (we arrived at noon) we had fully expected to be told our room was not ready, and to kill the afternoon. It was a nice surprise to find that they had our room ready and we were able to get checked in and settled and head straight to the beach and pool! The grounds of the hotel are the selling point. A gorgeous infinity pool along with several other pools and a beautiful white sandy beach took our worries away about the dated room. In no time we were chilling under the sun and ordering drinks at the swim up bar.

The room itself was an upgraded ocean room with a beautiful balcony overlooking the pools and ocean. No complaints. The room was average size and definitely aged, in need of an entire overhaul. Still it was clean and the beds were comfortable so for the minimal amount of time we spent in there, we were ok with it.

Be sure to arrive to the larger infinity pool early as it fills up. My favourite was the loungers in the water overlooking the ocean where you could spend the entire day. Since we were there in the shoulder season, we were some of the only guests at the property and had the place to ourselves!

We dined at the Willy Broadleaf for breakfast and found it was not the most appetizing. The second morning we went to the Plantation cafe and ordered breakfast sandwiches and coffee which the sandwiches took almost half an hour to prepare. Service can be very slow here but you have to roll with it. We also ordered pizza and beer one afternoon at their pizza joint and not only was the pizza worse than some frozen ones I have had, but the beer was expired. The management here is super friendly and they made sure to replace our drinks immediately.

China Beach Grill was also a miss and after a forgettable lunch poolside, we decided to take our dining experiences off-property and across the street. At the Port Lucaya Marketplace where you will see many of the cruise passengers roaming, you will find the better dining options. We tried most of the restaurants and did not have one bad meal. Even the breakfast was great at several of the restaurants you will not miss if you take a walk through the small village of shops and restaurants.

The shopping here is definitely nothing to bring out the cards for. In fact, come here if you want a low key, low budget vacation where there are few distractions. My cards had time to cool off in the room of the hotel, and my bags weighed the same going home as they did on the way there which is unheard of for me! (Note: there is a small pharmacy across the street for water and snacks)

The only purchases we made were at the liquor store and cigar shop. The hotel does have a casino that is very small and not something I would recommend you waste your time or money on. Our evenings were filled with casual but yummy dinners usually consisting of fresh seafood, and sitting on our balcony or on the beach catching up. Just what we needed :)

Next up for me is to scope out Nassau for the best of the best! The people of Grand Bahama Island were so friendly and I felt so safe there, I will be back when it is time for rest, privacy, and relaxation again.

Lemon on the Go!

2011-12-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

My new favorite travel companion: TRUE LEMON! If you are a fan of lemon water like me, and hate trying to find a lemon slice while traveling; you have to try this out!
Individual packets containing the equivalent to a real wedge of lemon, with the same properties.
Cold-pressed and crystallized True Lemon has no added anything, and zero calories. I keep a box in my kitchen at all times and pack each purse and travel bag with a few packs:)
http://www.truelemon.com/

MGM Grand Spa Las Vegas

2011-10-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

The MGM has been around for a while and since things change over night in Vegas, I did not have high expectations for their spa. I booked in for a Chak-rock-ology 75 minute treatment to see what, if anything, the MGM spa still has to offer since her birth in 1998.

I was immediately impressed as I walked the serene hallway of greenery and buddhas, allowing me to almost step out of the hurried environment and down into my spa cave where I could focus on the treatments and relaxing this body that was polluted by the constant ring of slot machines, the extra oxygen in the casinos and the alcohol flowing like the lazy river outside.

The check in process was swift although the lady leading my spa tour was a little abrupt, but in no time I was robed and warm. Making the tough decisions of whether to sauna or jacuzzi, cold towel myself or sleep in the tea room were my only stresses for the morning. The earth and water elements were already soothing my soul and it took no time for me to sink in to this 30,000 sq ft relaxation mecca.

All the workout and fitness facilities you would expect are here, a small boutique selling the products I love, a salon, and the main spa area with separate areas for men and women. The jacuzzi was one of the largest I have seen but extra foamy, which cautioned me it may need to be cleaned-or have had too much cleaning product in it. Although dated, they have done a great job of keeping the spa tranquil and classy.

The attendants seemed to be attentive replacing the cold cucumber towels often and checking on the sauna and steam room. The tea room while small and lacking ambiance was also lacking- tea! Water, fruit, and granola bars were provided however. For a day pass of $25 you can access the spa- treatments not included.

Back to my Chak-rock-ology treatment, if you are familiar with chakra balancing, this is a fun spin on a hot stone massage. My attendant could have been more gentle on my abused Vegas body, especially given the nature of the treatment; but I digress...

The gem stone placement kept slipping off which I found funny, and occasionally broke my focus. It did not take away from the treatment however and I was able to root myself and enjoy the warmth of the stones. I could have drifted into sleep if my therapist was a little more in tune with the ayurvedic treatments, but I still came away from it like Jello and feeling at peace before returning to the pool and chaos outside.

Check out the Fall Specials at the Spa -they do an amazing job with staying current in services and offering fun twists on standard treatments http://www.mgmgrand.com/spaoffers/

A Treat For Your Face

2011-10-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I was in NYC in my hotel room and went rummaging through my bag for my face scrub. I was disappointed to see I had forgotten it, and was ready to run out the door to CVS down the street.
I walked by the wet bar and eyed a small packet of sugar next to the espresso maker, and got an idea! Why not mix the sugar in with my face wash and make a scrub!? Well, not only did it make a fine scrub, but it left my skin so smooth I've started doing this on the regular!

This is what I love about my travels, it forces me to think outside the box and try new things- even if only for a fresh face :)

App ALERT

2011-09-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

Lovin' this APP: AllSubway HD app, $1 on your Ipad or IPhone; contains zoomable subway maps of 137 cities across six continents. Since no wi-fi is needed, you can find your way even underground!

Scared of Yucky Hotel Room Remotes?

2011-09-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

If you are like me and are endlessly wiping surfaces down with cleaning wipes, either keep up the good work in hotel rooms OR make use out of the room's plastic dry cleaning bags and wrap that sucker around the remote! The bags should be thin enough you can still see and feel the control's buttons.

You can go ahead and click with ease knowing you don't have to touch the sketchy surface.

New Orleans

2011-09-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well y'all, another great time was had in N'awlins this past week! I decided to do something a little different this trip and volunteer some of my time to a great cause: C.A.R.E. Clinics http://freeclinics.us/

This clinic was held at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Centre-open to anyone who is uninsured. A very touching time, we were able to welcome 1,000 patients and let New Orleans know that they are not forgotten. I am a HUGE fan of volunteer vacations now, and cannot tell you how good it feels to come home knowing you made a difference in someone's life.

This stay we were at the Royal Sonesta Hotel http://www.sonesta.com/royalneworleans/ and loved it! The pool was a big hit in the sweltering heat and humidity, and the services in the hotel were so convenient. Located right on Bourbon Street, take note that if you are not up for the noise and chaos of Bourbon, you'll want to request an interior room with a balcony or patio. For those of you who love to hang off balconies during Mardi Gras with beads around your neck- party on.

The hotel featured 'Desire' Restaurant which had great food and service, and was easy to stroll down to dinner or lunch in between tall hurricanes and too-strong Mint Juleps. Also in the lobby was a PJ's coffee which was good for breakfast with their turkey and swiss croissants.

Our room had a great balcony over the pool so we were able to do cannonballs right into the pool...sometimes setting the pool alarm off after-hours. Or maybe that was someone else? Regardless, the rooms were well-appointed with IPOD docking stations, flat screens, ample size bathrooms, mini bars well-stocked, and comfy beds. This hotel has the perfect location right in the French Quarter, few stumbling steps from all attractions. If your trip is more refined, hop a cab to the cemetaries or Frenchman Street, stroll to Cafe Du Monde and the River, or take the St Charles Streetcar to the Garden District since you're not lighting up Bourbon Street.

This trip also had all the usual: late night visits to Cafe Du Monde for their yummy warm beignets, late night horse rides through the Quarter which is otherwise hard to navigate after so many 'to-go' cocktails, cemetary tours which are actually very historical and intriguing, a trip through a Voodoo shop to learn about this very mistaken religion, an afternoon in the Garden District, a bit of time by the pool trying to cool off in the ridiculous heat, and of course, a visit to my favourite NOLA artist Reggie Ford :) http://www.reggieart.com/

We also decided to hop in a cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking http://www.neworleansschoolofcooking.com/ where Chef Kevin Belton, Chef Extraordinaire taught us how to make that delicious jumbalaya, gumbo, and pralines. The class was SO worth it, he is highly entertaining and the best part was sitting down to a meal of everything cooked. They take drop in classes but be sure to get there early as this is one of the top rated attractions in New Orleans. As a side note, they DO ship so shop freely and leave it all at the check out for them to ship home! Bonus!

If you want to learn more about the ghosts and spirits inhabiting beautiful New Orleans, check out Bloody Mary Tours for reputable and informative tours http://www.bloodymarystours.com/ Also getting rave reviews, her tours vary from groups to semi private to private. She wastes no time and I guarantee you'll come home with a new outlook on this remarkably old city.

New Orleans is somewhere I will spend my tourist dollars time and time again. Each trip is different from the last, and the people just get friendlier and friendlier. In fact, it was so much fun I think I'll go back to check out Halloween New Orleans-style!

Miami- Loews Goodness!

2011-09-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

I've been to Loews several times recently and have been impressed with the quality of service and amenities it has provided me as I act a fool in this amazing city. A quick trip to South Beach, a spa weekend, an exciting culinary adventure..its all here waiting! I came and I played, I tasted and drank.

So what does Loews have to offer? For starters, a massive pool. A 24 hour pool with a great grill, pool service, cabanas, frozen grapes, cold towels, evian and tanning oil misting. Inside the hotel is Splash boutique for any extras you may need, an ice cream/candy shop, Sobe Coffee Bar, Sushi Sobe, and Hemisphere Lounge. Located on the beachfront on Collins Ave right near Lincoln Road, you are literally steps away from everything. If your mission is to come and chill- you can do just that without even having to leave the resort. If you are using the Loews as your base, be prepared to be entertained!

My room of choice is in the historic St. Moritz Tower with over sized suites and large balconies. The bonus to the Tower is that it is directly above the spa which has soothed my body with deep tissue and aromatherapy massages, facials, and other treatments I reveled in. Throw your robe on in your room and take the elevator downstairs for a soak in the jacuzzi or a sit in the steam room. Dine in Emeril's back upstairs afterwards and take a late night dip in the beautifully lit pool complex.

While I enjoy some of the more boutique type hotels in Miami, the atmosphere of Loews is on point. They have a beautiful stretch of the beach if the pool scene is not your thing. My favorite feature: the 24 hour option for late night dips equaling ...bliss!

http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Miami-Beach-Hotel/index

Paris

2011-06-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

After a warm and easy trip throughout Italy, it was time to pack up the bread and wine and head for Paris! Arriving at Hotel Le Six http://www.hotel-le-six.com/en/index/ I was intrigued and excited by this hotel and its many reviews. It lived up to its expectations upon check-in when I was greeted late night by a front desk agent, eager to help with my bags. This was only the beginning...the room itself was like a mirage when I walked in and saw the over sized bathtub and lush Molton Brown bath amenities, towels warming on a rack, Evian water complimentary, and Parisian nougat candies bedside. The room was a fantastic size for Paris. Very clean and stocked with slippers and robes, extra towels and blackout drapes. Lacking a view, the many other touches made up for it. The value for money on this mid-range hotel was incredible.

Located in a great spot just across from Rue du Montparnasse, the main crepe street (caloric overload), the hotel is situated on a quiet street in the Latin Quarter and close to the Saint Germain des Pres district. Equipped with its own spa and small lobby bar with ambiance, and a breakfast room with a fantastic buffet breakfast, the hotel although small is a real gem. I would say that this boutique hotel is operating at 5 Star service.

My Paris events included a trip up the Eiffel Tower which took about 3 hours, beginning to end. The lines were hard to deal with, and you have to have patience for the climb. The views from the highest point are well worth it, as on my previous trip to Paris I did not actually go up the tower.

The catacombs were the highlight of the trip for me. Odd I realize, but they are so fascinating and uncommon that I wanted to make the tour through the underground world to experience what happened here. If you are unfamiliar with the Paris catacombs, here is some basic info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catacombs_of_Paris

You really can't go wrong dining in the Latin Quarter or Saint Germain districts. Service can be real spotty and coming from Italy where the people are very warm and welcoming, it was a bit of a rude awakening in France. Tempers and patience can be short and brief, but don't let it ruin your trip. Tipping is not expected in Paris which to me- begs the question of 'where is the incentive for good customer service then?' If I felt that the service was good, I would add a tip at my discretion but it is something you really have to get a feel for.

The hotels were more pricey during this time as the French Open was taking place. Always check Paris events calendar ahead of time to see what you are in for and watch the prices fluctuate. It is a gorgeous and clean city where you will be walking a lot. Pack your walking shoes!!! Should you 'forget' them...stroll down the Champs Elysee and you'll have no issues purchasing :) It is also worth getting lost in the LV Headquarters where you can roam through floor upon floor of beautiful pieces. (And once again...take advantage of the tax refund) Also check out the Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marche, and Printemps department stores to feel like a kid in a candy store!

On my previous trip to Paris I had a great fondue and delicious crepes. This time I made it my mission to go back and find those places I had originally been to three years ago, and I was so happy to see them up and running as usual. If you head to Rue du Montparnasse, the creperie-lined street; you will see an endless line of small creperies bursting with big smells lining both sides of the street. Upon good reviews I found Creperie de Josselin (67 Rue du Montparnasse). Don't be fooled by others with similar names- this one is packed day and night and you may have to wait a short while to squeeze into one of their small tables.

If you're up for trying fondue, go for the bread and/or meat fondue with their variety of cheeses. Often served with potatoes and fries or salad, the cheese was so strong with the smell of alcohol but tasted just like it did three years ago. YUM!

If you want something a little different for dinner, check out Le Relais de Venise http://www.relaisdevenise.com/ If making decisions is a problem for you, it's time to relax. At this historic restaurant there are only two things on the menu: steak and fries. The steak is served to your liking, half to start and the other half kept warm while you are eating. Go for their house wine and sit back and relax while your dinner is served. The steak and fries come with a dijon-type sauce which seems to be a big hit, although I am not much of a dijon person myself. The restaurant has four hugely successful locations in New York, London, and Paris.

All in all I enjoy Paris as a city that has been designed with much articulate thought and pattern. The intensely manicured streets and well-maintained buildings look like a wonderland from the top of the Eiffel Tower. I cannot say I feel entirely welcomed in this city but I can still manage to enjoy myself completely, getting out of Paris what I wish.

Venezia!

2011-06-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Taking a car service back from Positano to Naples and catching a train to Venice, I arrived to my apartment rented through www.apartmentinitaly.com. I was somewhat skeptical as I had received spotty service up until checking in, but I had high hopes that this 'alternative' Venice stay would be enjoyable....

I have to say in hindsight, I do not recommend an apartment rental in Venice. The location of the apartment itself was decent, only a 10 minute walk to San Marco Square. Located on a quiet side street or walkway, it lacked the ambiance of the hotels that are usually located on busy canal ways. The apartment was well furnished and had the bonus of a kitchen which I really appreciated, however my next trip here will be back to a hotel.

My place was close to the Accademia Bridge, and had a few small shops and restaurants surrounding it; however Venice is a place for walking and exploring so you will be venturing out anyhow. Many warn about the price and quality of food in restaurants near the Square, however I feel like that is where the atmosphere is and I like to situate myself in this area. There are so many paths to explore you can spend a full day just getting lost, but I like to stick to the busier areas for dining.

The shopping is great in Venice. You'll find all the usual: Gucci, Louis, Hermes, Prada, etc. Take advantage of the tax refund and lower prices, and when you are flying out of the airport and file your refund- you will somehow feel like you just received free money! :) Venice is also known for Murano glass and lace, if this is of interest to you I suggest visiting the actual island of Murano to check out the factories. I have included other shopping details in my earlier post on Venice this past year.

In the past I was an anti-gondola rider, but this time I bit the bullet and hopped in. I always felt it was too impersonal, boating through the canals with many other tourists, people staring and taking pictures.... but late one night after dinner we couldn't help but feel the charm of mysterious Venice and decided to hop in for a little tour through the canals. The gondolier was actually an interesting tour guide and pointed out many of the known/historic buildings, and gave us more of a history lesson on the island. A far cry from the cheesy gondolas at the Venetian Casino Resort in Vegas!

I always like to say that with Venice sinking (as they say), or at least changing, it should be on your list of places too see sooner than later. If you are on a budget, check out sites like Expedia or read my older posts and get a grip on lesser hotels. There is a range, but you want to ensure you are not far from the main attractions as you'll spend too much time commuting.

Positano-Hotel Poseidon

2011-06-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhh my gem. The beginning and the end... I see why Hemingway fell in love with Positano- ".... It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone..."

I don't think I will ever tire of this place. Every time it feels like coming home and I really cannot pinpoint what is in the air here. Obviously, a vertical city that takes your breath away when you see if for the first time stays with you, not to mention the abundance of character this place holds. I come back here time and again to experience the same sacred place it's always been to me - a sweet spot on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

I set out from Sorrento to travel 30 minutes up the Coast to Positano, arriving at Hotel Poseidon http://www.hotelposeidonpositano.it/eng/index.html
I had known this hotel previously from staying next door to it at a villa. I knew the location was great considering Positano can be a very tricky place to navigate and to determine the distance from lodging to sea. I was aware of the walk to the beach, and the amount of stairs that are involved. Now I know this makes me sound like THAT girl that has her heels on and won't carry her own luggage, but truth be told, Positano can be difficult even for the most agile of travelers.

Upon arrival I was greeted by members of the Aonzo Family and welcomed to the room which was described as a "Funny Room". I was nervous booking this type of room, but it did not disappoint. It was in fact 'funny', but I LOVED the layout and the fact that it had a huge outdoor terrace overlooking the town. The term 'funny' refers to the fact that you have 5 stairs leading up out of the room onto the terrace. The door to the terrace is somewhat of an oversized window, but it makes for great light into the room when you want it, and a gorgeous escape to the terrace which there are only about 5 other rooms with the same.

The hotel itself is in am ideal location, right across from a great little grocery store which makes yummy panini, and a leisurely walk down into town. The hotel also features a spa which is hard to find in Positano, however, I was far too busy on this trip to lay down in relaxation :) Note: If you are looking for something in town, consider the Palazzo Murat Hotel however there is no pool and you may miss the great views you gain looking out over the town and Coast, as opposed to looking up all the time.

Let's start with the bathroom since this is of utmost importance to me in hotels. I had requested a bath tub which it did in fact have, however, it was so small I could barely stretch out in it! It was pretty much useless so I would have rathered a normal size shower next time. The rest of the bathroom is a good size, ample counter space and bathrobes, products stocked daily and slippers.

The room itself is not large. The bed is slightly hard and a double, the linens nothing to write home about. Keep in mind this is Italy and it is different than North America. My opinion is always that of 'you are in Italy- you are not there to make yourself too comfortable in your room but to enjoy what is outside'. I am a creature of comfort though and appreciate a soothing environment, so I will say that Poseidon is acceptable. The views alone from the pool and dining terrace take in the Coast towards Amalfi, and the live music at night was a nice touch.

The pool is a good size with many loungers and towels. Pool boy will also give you towels to take to the main beach should you need. My terrace was so large I had 2 loungers and a dining set to myself, and it couldn't have been more perfect at night. The sun was so hot the week I was there I had a hard time laying out for any length of time. Walking down to the beach gave me the breeze I needed; and even better, hopping on a boat over to Capri or Amalfi was the perfect day trip.

Capri is about a 30 minute easy trip from Positano by boat and about 30 euros roundtrip. If you head down to the beach you will see several stands offering boat excursions and boats to different places. I recommend seeing Capri, just make sure you check ahead to see if the blue grotto is open or not since it is more often than not closed due to choppy waters. Touring up above Capri to Anacapri is also an option, though most of the action itself is in Capri. Expect pricey meals and gorgeous shopping, this is one to bring the credit cards to! I found a hot selection of Louboutins on the island and the tax free perk keeps the guilt away after a little spending...the Louis V store is of no use here, they have very few items and you would be better off shopping in Venice or elsewhere. Missoni back in Positano is my favorite and always has the most beautiful pieces.

Back to Positano, I frequented a restaurant I found on my last trip called Da Vincenzo www.davincenzo.it which I LOVE LOVE LOVE! It is located just a few doors down from the Poseidon and is run by the owners who are exceptional people. The back of the restaurant is open to the cave it is built into, and has a great rustic feel to it which compliments the dishes. The food was so divine I ate many meals here, and got to know the owners and the son a little better than last time. All of their dishes are fresh and tasty, their seafood being the highlight.

If you are shopping for any of the typical Amalfian pottery, check out Maria Grazia Ceramiche, located not too far from the main intersection in town where the Tobacchi is located. Here, they will offer to ship your goods home for you which was perfect considering I was in no situation to travel with, or had the weight allowance. They have beautiful pieces you will see elsewhere on the Coast except the service here takes the cake.

For a great dinner check out Buca di Bacco, or rather the below portion of the restaurant. It is located in one of the best spots right on the beach and has a great patio which is open in good weather, right on the edge of the sea! Neighboring restaurants are Tre Sorelle and Chez Black, both which are 'ok'.

Note: If gluten is getting to you which it was for me, check out any of the deli's or small grocery stops and ask at the meat counters for a salad. They should have no problem whipping you up one. Panini, pasta, and pizza are going to be plenty but if you're here for any amount of time, your system can start to be affected.

Amalfi town is another great day trip, and if you want a little extra sightseeing take a bus up to Ravello which is said to be one of the most romantic places to stay, although a little too quiet for my liking. Amalfi Cathedral is interesting to walk through, you can sit at one of the many restaurant patios in the square and take it all in. The shopping is typical souvenirs, probably a better place to purchase than Positano however a few hours here is all you really need.

While Positano is more pricey to travel to and stay in, I think it is so worth the elevated costs. You are situated in one of the most breathtaking places in the world like no other; and waking up and falling asleep to the sounds, smells, and sights in Positano are priceless. Both villa rentals and hotels are a great choice, just be certain to check the distance to sea and town so you know what you are in for. I have stayed at some villas here that the climb was too much, especially for anyone who is older or out of shape. Great villa rental sites are: www.vrbo.com and http://www.renttuscany.com (choose Amalfi Coast)

Sorrento!

2011-06-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Wrapping up my week in Sorrento, and my week at Sorrento Lingue Language School; I have formed some new feelings for this town at the beginning of the Amalfi Coast that I did not previously have.

Hotel Bristol was amazing http://www.bristolsorrento.com/en/index.php It was the perfect place to relax and study, especially with my head full of the language of love! I ADORED the roof top pool terrace with many private loungers and spots to cuddle up with a book, every nook and cranny overlooking the Bay Of Naples.

I was more impressed with Sorrento this time around as I had more time to explore. I managed to find a small grocery store 'CONAD' just below The Bristol and Hotel Capodimante, but be aware they are some of the rudest people I've ever met. Get in, get what you need, and get out. There is also a small hole in the wall wine shop just across and down from The Bristol where you can grab panini during the day, beer, wine, and snacks. The main tourist area at Piazza Tasso is always busy, and on the weekend closed off to vehicular traffic which was nice.

At the water you will not see beaches as we know them. They are mainly rocky with some loungers, so if a soft sand beach is your thing- carry on. I like to use Sorrento as a starting off point to explore the neighbouring areas such as Positano, Capri, Amalfi, Ravello, etc. The hotel was actually full of British people when I was there and they mainly seemed to be staying on the hotel property relaxing, eating their meals in. I personally would rather explore, but if relaxation is what you're looking for- then do as you please. The flight is not long for them so it is an ideal spot to come and stay.

Some extra details regarding the Bristol- the coffee sucks. I know you come to Italy expecting great coffee anywhere you go...but it really is bad here. The safe: I had major issues when first trying to operate it, thankfully the hotel owner came and showed me how to work this tricky one. The street in front of the hotel: beware-its dangerous! The super busy road around a bend makes it difficult to cross, be prepared to wait a while when crossing. Cafe Veneruso- Once you get to the bottom of the main road from Bristol where town starts, you'll see the big red awning on the right side. Stop in for pastries and coffee. This was my morning ritual that I am now cursing it as I work off the extra weight. The owner behind the cash register was even so cute to try to teach me new words in Italian each day since he knew I was studying at Sorrento Lingue :)
The pool: unheated so even in the hot midday sun it is freezing. Be sure to tip the pool waitress. I unfortunately cannot remember her name (names are not my strong point) however she is there day in and day out and works her butt off. The sun stayed hot until 7pm at least so it made for a long afternoon at the pool, which around 4:00 or 5:00 turned into 'tea time' with my Brits!
Get to know Giancarlo (owner), Ercole and Salvatore. They are always at the hotel and would check in with me every day to make sure everything was ok.
Housekeeping: Grrrrrr.....I have a tiny issue here. Every day at turn down time, she would knock briefly and lightly and storm right in the room. The first 2 times she did this I let her know she did not give me enough time to get to the door, but she wasn't really understanding. By the 7th day I almost lost it. I also heard many other people at the hotel saying they had run ins with her as well, just walking into their rooms.
Bottle Opener: Bring your own! I asked several times and could not get one. Considering the mini bar is full of bottles that require an opener, I am not sure why they don't provide one. I considered going back to my high school days of keg parties and trying to pop the top off myself, but after breaking a few nails I just went and bought one at the grocery store.
In room dining menu: I could not get one. I asked and asked and they basically directed me to the menu posted outside the restaurant. I went the first day and wrote down the menu to keep in my room, but by Day 4 I just would call chef and ask him for what I felt like, knowing you can get away with this in Italy. Every kitchen has many pastas available, and the ingredients are fairly standard so he had no issue whipping me up tagliatelle with seafood, or roasted chicken.
TV: It did not work most of the time I was there. I did not bother making it an issue since ....well....I was in ITALY! I was not there to watch TV. I had a balcony jacuzzi and an amazing view of Mt. Vesuvius, not to mention all that walking and studying made me exhausted. I could fall into bed and care less about TV.
Transportation: I had the most amazing driver as of yet: Paolo Bellantonio car service at www.bellantoniolimoservice.com or +39 081 5342293, was a fantastic driver that picked me up from the airport, drove me to Positano, and from Positano back to the train station in Naples. He was so professional and funny, sweet and generous. He also offers day trips around the Coast and really does know it inside out. He navigates the curves and turns with ease and has a selection of vehicles to suit. A Mercedes from airport to hotel, and a van from hotel to train station after much shopping and heavy luggage :) I have used many car services and this one takes the cake.

I have to say The Bristol renewed my confidence in Sorrento as a destination. I am partial to Positano and make that my #1, but I have already decided to go back again and study, staying at the Hotel Bristol. The service is unparalleled, they pour their hearts and souls into their work and the property and it shows. For a week straight I felt a part of the Bristol family and enjoyed getting to know the staff. Best of all- my week was relaxing and easy and a perfect setting to study.

Italia Day 2-Sorrento

2011-05-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

I Completed my first language lesson today at Sorrento Lingue! It was far easier then I expected, thanks to the fun staff. I met people there from ages 20-75, and doing everything from a 1 week course to a month-plus intensive. The school also incorporates activities and excursions into the course if you wish, and tries to foster the student's growth not just in the Italian language but also within Sorrento and Italy as a whole. If you think it's just for 'students' - you are wrong. Everyone has different reasons for learning the language of love, but if you're going to do it right- I would head straight to Sorrento Lingue. The registration procedure was simple, and I even discovered that the Italian Institute in my home city was offering a limited number of bursaries to attend.

The school can also arrange your accommodation, whether it be a student apartment or boarding with a host family. Many of the people I met were boarding with an individual or family to save on hotels or to fully immerse themselves in the language and culture. This can be tricky if the host does not speak any English, but this can also be the best way to learn Italian and to have full immersion.

After class, the group of us went to a restaurant I would have never known existed called "The Foreigners Club" which as you may have guessed by the name, is full of ex-pats. The food is good and cheap, great for gatherings and drinks on the patio, and at night has live music. Right near the waterfront the view alone is worth it.

On return to my hotel I was speaking with the owner and expressed interest in doing additional cooking lessons, and he quickly whisked me off to the main kitchen with head chef to set me up with cooking lessons! I can't wait for tomorrow to see what we're cooking!

Italia Day 1-Sorrento

2011-05-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

I arrived to Sorrento this morning to begin my solo journey of eating (lots), praying (hard),and loving (myself first); and I couldn't have received a better welcome than the one I got at Hotel Bristol after a long flight from Toronto to Rome, and Rome to Naples. http://www.bristolsorrento.com/

The reason I went with this hotel, of the many reasons there are to choose from, was namely the copious amounts of positive reviews I came across on line. Normally I try not to let reviews skew my decision, but it was really hard in this case to come across anything substantially negative. Of course I didn't book solely on this regard, but for my second criteria being a POOL! With the amazing weather this time of year in Italy, I wanted to take full advantage and make sure I get some tan time in amidst the lemon and olive trees, vine and pastries. Oh yea, and Italian Language School!!!

The hotel is located a 10 minute walk into town or the main square-Piazza Tasso. I also needed somewhere close to the school I am attending 'Sorrento Lingue'. It is a 20 minute walk for my language lessons (sans heels...the cobblestone can really kick your ass), however the walk is beautiful winding through narrow streets and pathways down to Marina Grande, the whole time taking in beautiful views of Mt. Vesuvius across the bay.

I have visited Sorrento times previous for cooking classes or a day trip, and have loved the shopping in Piazza Tasso but I haven't spent much time in the city. I am a HUGE fan of Positano on the Amalfi Coast, and usually take the boat or hydrofoil back and forth, so this week should have me learning something new resting my LV's and Loubou's long enough to get to know the place.

Starting with the hotel front desk staff... whoa charmers! Upon check in (Grazie to Giancarlo AKA Mr.Hotel Owner) I was offered my choice of a junior suite with outdoor balcony jacuzzi and full view of the sea and Vesuvius, OR, the Bella Garden Suite hidden up in the ancient gardens behind the hotel, more for honeymooning couples. I decided to go with the jacuzzi suite as it was just a LITTLE too quiet for me up in the gardens, and the villa would have had me hiding in the closet all night with its size and stillness.

Back to check in...the second I walked thru the lobby door I was greeted by all 3 reception staff members instantly as well as the owner himself, who actually owns many notable hotels on the coast. They did not wait a second and whisked me off to choose my room while my luggage etc was taken care of. None of the usual signing in routine that makes you feel like a paying customer, they knew me by name upon arrival and treated me like a family member. When I asked about how to work the in-room safe, Giancarlo took me right away with the hotel manager to teach me how to use it. He also took me on a tour of the hotel showing me the various restaurants and bars, lounges, and amenities. The pool is gorgeous, probably one of the nicest I've seen on the Amalfi Coast-on the top of the 7th floor and overlooking the Bay of Naples. A poolside bar and lunch venue, gorgeous gardens, cabanas and loungers, a small exercise room and a sauna/hot tub combo all spot the property. These hotels have been in his family for years, and he shows so much pride working more often than not, and maintaining an impeccable staff.

The hotel itself has 3 restaurants. Most of the rooms are modern with flat screen tv's, English channels, mini bars, and bath tubs. As I mentioned before, having a balcony of this size WITH an outdoor jacuzzi bath tub is enough for me to book the room! Combine this with the indoor bath tub, I'm sold! Bath tubs in Europe can be hard to find, so I consider this a score.

The hotel also offers a pick up service, so whereas my flight was into Naples, a driver was waiting in a fresh new Mercedes to deliver me to the hotel- AND at a better rate than any of the other companies or the school I was attending! The driver was so friendly, kept me entertained the hour drive to Sorrento and gave me a history lesson about all the sights we were passing such as Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius.

Keep in mind like Positano in my earlier reviews, the town is in the cliffs and walking, especially on inclines, is common. Heels are going to be difficult, but I have devised a plan around this.... I simply wear a pair of stylish flip flops or flats where I'm going with my heels in my large purse or hand bag, and once where I'm going, I just switch! This actually works well as most of the time I have a larger purse or shopping bag anyways from all the splurging you MUST do here, or in this case I am equipped with a book bag coming and going from language or cooking lessons.

Another reminder, the streets are narrow and often times it seems there is only enough room for 1 car when in fact two will squeeze by AND many pedestrians on both sides of the street. Stay alert and mind the traffic, The main Square does close off to traffic on Sundays but it is otherwise a very busy spot and only seems to get more and more congested each year with growing notoriety.

As I settled in tonight, enjoying a candlelit outdoor jacuzzi on my balcony with a bottle of prosecco, I was sure I made the right decision to come to Sorrento and especially the Hotel Bristol. Especially traveling alone I feel safe and cared for, the staff remaining professional at all times and ensuring that everything is perfect. This is the best way to savour Italy, to make sure you are rested and ready when it is time to taste the food and drink the wine, living like the Italians do for a short while...

Camden Market London!

2011-05-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had the fortunate circumstance of MISSING all the Royal Wedding crap in my opinion, and attending something worthwhile of a serious BUZZ...the Camden Markets in London England!!

My new fav markets for sure, lead by the best tour guide in town- my sis! We trekked out on Saturday to Camden Town in North-West London, Camden is so much bigger than anything I could have ever imagined.
Camden encompasses the Stables Market, the Lock Market, Lock Village, Inverness Street, and the Main Streets, something for everyone here - for real.

Open most days of the week they are always buzzing with crowds of people, the wafting savoury smells from the food stalls flowing over the shops, pubs, stalls, bars, clubs, theatres and stores. Taking the tube here is the best way as the flocks of tourists and Londoners are too hectic to navigate. Heading there during the week is a good idea to avoid the weekend rush, but the rush is also a large part of the vibe and makes the weekend something to look forward to.

You'll find everything from vintage stores to tattoo parlors, bookstores and holistic centers, cafes and pubs, and every kind of food under the sun. If Latex Couture is your thing- they've got it! Micro-dermal anchor/implants and piercings (devil horns anyone?) yup-they've got that too! Happy herbs, sinister ceramics, Himalayan salts, soy honey porridge, and bacon chowder are just a few things you'll find in this maze of wonders!

Running through the markets is the Regent Canal, making a beautiful backdrop for this food lover/shopper's paradise. Take it all in, taste all the tastes, and savor London!

Ritz Carlton Toronto Spa

2011-05-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

While in Toronto this week I decided to be embraced by the new Ritz Spa on Wellington Street, and it did not disappoint!

I am a huge fan of the Ritz's spas, particularly their Eminence line of products and treatments. Not for the Peasant Girl...you'll be forking out good coin to be sloughed, buffed, massaged and oiled.

The facilities are expansive - 23 000 sumptuous space of relaxation. Included are men's and women's relaxation lounges, a co-ed lounge which is called the 'light room', and trust me, it is extremely bright. Definitely not a place to chill in with a hangover by any means, I myself preferred the coziness of the darkened women's relaxation lounge with reclining beds draped in cashmere throws, infused waters and a large selection of teas, dried fruit, and a delicious lunch menu.

I was so impressed with the cleanliness of the spa, and the detail oriented staff who did not miss a beat. I like to leave a water glass or tea cup sitting somewhere in the change room to see how long it takes to be cleaned up when first attending a spa to review: 5 minutes and my glass was gone! Not only was it gone, but there always seemed to be an attendant right around the corner offering me a refresher, or checking to see if I needed anything.

Upon entrance to the spa is the welcoming fragrance which is patchouli, which I am not a fan of. Not a problem. Entering into the women's change room, there is both a sauna AND steam room, both of which were immaculate and steamy hot. The jacuzzi was a full bubbling massage tub with loungers built in, however the temperature was not warm enough for most. Every detail is taken care of, including the great swim suit bags and dryer for your wet suits post-spa'ing. No one likes to leave the spa with a soaking bikini in their purse!

Bottled water and fluffy towels are plenty, and the robes were a thick cotton that you could fall asleep in. I was impressed and surprised when checking in as I am used to being asked what my shoe size is for my slippers, however, here I was not asked but pleasantly presented with my exact shoe size! The attendants took notice when I arrived and made their best guess. These are the kind of people you want on your team during a game of 'guess the jelly beans in the jar'!

To the important stuff: the massage was to die for. A 60 minute aromatherapy massage at $160 CAD, steep for some but to me, the all inclusiveness of the spa was worth every cent. You can make an entire day out of it relaxing, swimming in the lap pool, having lunch or drinks in the lounges or even a nap, steaming yourself or reading a book. Take advantage of your time here and just let it all melt away!

My therapist was considerate and professional, using every minute of our time together to tailor the treatment to my body. I walked out in a daze to a delicious light lunch in the lounge- still not a soul in the spa. The lounges did seem a little stark compared to the other Ritz's I've visited, and maybe with time they will fill out some more, but the peaceful atmosphere soon had more benefit to me than the little extras in interior decoration.

I am a HUGE fan of Ritz spa boutiques for they boast the newest and greatest products on the market. This one however was not well stocked and in time I have faith it too will fill out. Indulge in their bath and body products within the spa, and check out the boutique anyhow and grab a funky yoga CD, organic/Vegan bath products, or whatever happens to be the hot item of the month.

As soon as I get back from Europe I'll be hopping back over to the Ritz to soothe my body from all the stress of traveling!
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Toronto/Spa/Default.htm

Travalo!

2011-04-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

My new favorite travel toy! Travalo is a cutie of a container I recently picked up at London's Heathrow Duty Free, and I am going to be ordering more! I am so sick of lugging my heavy perfume bottle around, especially the one I wear is EXTRA heavy! Travalo is a tiny atomizer that just attaches on to any of your perfume bottles, pump it a few times, and its filled with your perfume or cologne!
http://travalo.co.za/

London in the Spring Time!

2011-04-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hippies and foodies unite! This weekend I'll be checking out the Portobello Market in Notting Hill, London England.

I can't wait to get out in the nice weather and see what's stirring up! I'll also be hitting up the infamous 'Travel Bookstore' from the movie Notting Hill to grab some reads for my next escapes...stay tuned!

Best Tan in Toronto! GLOW

2011-03-04T06:49:00.000-08:00

I don't usually speak to local store fronts in Toronto, however, this one I stumbled upon is just too good not to pass on...

If you are planning a vacation anytime soon it's no secret that you need a base tan before you hit the strong sun down south or in the islands. Your base tan will help you achieve a deeper and darker tan on the beach, and hopefully help you avoid burning. As a follow up to a vacation I normally continue a few sessions to extend the life of my tan.

Even if you aren't lucky enough to be jet setting, what could be better than gaining some colour in this long Canadian winter?! Looking like Casper the Ghost doesn't make anyone feel good!

GLOW Tanning in Toronto has won my #1 for tanning salons ANYWHERE. Their location on Front Street is across from the historical St. Lawrence Market and next to the Rainbow Cinema tucked in a bustling neighbourhood you should take time to wander. They boast the newest equipment and it is the CLEANEST tanning salon I have ever set foot in which to me is of high importance. The staff is incredible, not pushy, and have your best interests in mind. They sell lotions that are paraben-free, and they offer amazing deals all the time on tanning packages. If UV is not your thing, try out their UV Free Mystic Tanning.

http://www.glowtanning.com/

Language School In Sorrento Italy!

2011-02-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

Ever thought of combining a vacation with a learning experience? Previously I talked about Volunteer Vacations, and now I'll be exploring the world of learning another language!

Stay tuned- in May I will be attending Sorrento Lingue School in Sorrento Italy http://www.sorrentolingue.com/ to study the Italian language. They offer all kinds of programs at different levels, and can even incorporate other classes into your schedule such as cooking! What could be better than coming home with your language skills refined, and new recipes to share!?

Ciao!

Reading Terminal Market: Philly!

2011-01-28T06:34:00.000-08:00

So what's all the hype about the Reading Market? Recently featured on Andrew Zimmern's 'Bizarre Foods' as well as Adam Richman's 'Carnivore Chronicles', I am ready to hop a flight to Philly to check this place out.

A little bit of history for you: In the late 17th Century along the Delaware River; farmers, fisherman, and huntsman gathered here to sell their goods. As they were spreading out at a time where the city was growing and public markets were expanding, by the 19th Century this market district was now six blocks long. Taking up the main street for a mile, throughout the week this market was bustling.

In 1859 the district was dismantled as it created traffic and health hazards, and the result was two markets at Market Street and 12th Street. These two were the forerunners of Reading Terminal Market. By the 1980's, after a long struggle through the war and Depression, the market had a major turnaround and endured a great revitalization in the early 1990's.

Today, the market is home to more than 80 merchants some of which still highlight the original market stands. This market is considered one of the finest in the U.S., and is a major tourist attraction. Definitely worth the trip to Philly!

So, what is their to BUY there you are asking?? Fresh produce, meats, fish, flowers, baked goods, crafts, books, clothing, jewelery, and ethnic foods. Usual market items are the name of the game, but in a lively and charismatic atmosphere with history oozing out of its market stalls. Stay and dine, take in the crowds, and savor the smells. This is truly one of the best markets out there!

2011-01-08T18:16:00.001-08:00

My favorite spot in Florida!

2010-12-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

Siesta Key Island! An 8-mile long GORGEOUS barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, home to the "World's Finest Sand". This has been an annual favorite for me, and sometimes more :)

The sub-tropical climate is what really attracts me with all its added value of beautiful birds, exotic flowers, and the friendly dolphins and manatees that swim the waters here off of Sarasota. The sand is a cool, soft white that no matter how hot the beach, your feet will never sting from the burn of the sand! It is made of quartz, and makes Crescent Beach one of the nicest in the world. A long, wide beach that is perfect for walking, parasailing, jet skiing, playing football, volleyball, or just sunning. It is a big family spot so be prepared for the kiddies running wild, but you can always find a secluded spot to zone out from it all.

If you follow Midnight Pass Road you will see all the public beach accesses. There are many high rise condo rentals but the island still has its Old-Florida charm with the small, original hotel/motel complexes. At the Point of Rocks, you will find the best snorkelling on the West Coast of Florida. The dolphins and manatees will swim up close and you'll often see the dolphins jumping and leaping out of the water. It is common for fascinating objects to wash up on shore, and story is told that this was a hot spot for Pirates burying their treasure.

The Village is home to your typical island spots like the Daiquiri Deck patio, Oyster Bar, pizza and chinese food, 7 Eleven and Subway; but also has the famous Olaf's Ice Cream, and Lobster Pot Restaurant serving their specialty 'Lobster Thermidor'.

There's plenty of beach shops, and just over the bridge you have chains like McDonald's, Walgreens, Publix, Hooters, Marshall's, Bed Bath and Beyond, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Olive Garden, and Red Lobster. Five minutes down US 41 or Tamiami Trail there is a Westfield Mall with a theatre, or heading in the opposite direction on 41 is another Westfield Mall with a large Saks. Twenty minutes away are the outlets at Ellenton.

What I love about Siesta Key is you feel like you are on a quiet island in the tropics, yet ten minutes away are all the luxuries you may need. This works great in my opinion for covering all budgets as you can dine at my personal favorite "Ophelia's" at the quiet West end of the island, OR eat cheaply on subway, pizza, and fried grouper. Head to Publix and get all the groceries and booze you need for a great vacation and stock your kitchen at home. I follow my simple rule that if I am here for a week, I will eat out the majority of the time because there is too much good food to pass up, however if I am here for a month, I will cook more so and wow everyone with my amazing chef skills ;)

VRBO.com is your best bet for a rental. There are not many hotels on the island and a condo is a better option to have a kitchen, laundry, etc. I prefer the West end towards the elusive gated properties where its less stocked with ...what do you call those? Oh, children. Its an easy access point to the bridge in case a bad storm is hitting the island and I need to get to one of the malls. Also, my condo sits on the sand near Point of Rocks with a heated beach front jacuzzi and pool.

Next time you feel like a relaxing vacation without the sketchy bugs and questionable food, head for Siesta Key. Make sure you eat lots of Key Lime Pie and Grouper, and thank me when you get home :) xo

The BEST bang for your shopping dollar in Thailand!

2010-12-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

Alright- for those of you taking a trip to Thailand to full moon party it up, or chill out on an amazing beach, I'm about to brief you on the shopping adventure you need to have upon arrival or departure!

There are 4 markets in Bangkok you need to know about it. The first is Chatuchak Weekend Market: Designer knock offs and art, reptiles and Thai food. The stalls never end so arrive early!

Siam Paragon Market, this one is definitely for the Posh Girl. Glitz and sparkle around stalls of designer brands, trendy eateries and cinemas, and an underground oceanarium!

Thong Lor, also for my Poshy, an upscale shopping experience with hot cafes and spas. Ahhhh I'm already there in my mind :) Some fashionable clothing items and home decor ideas, make sure to eat at the Greyhound Cafe.

Pak Klong Talad, this 24/7 flower market highlights narrow lanes of gorgeous botanical gems. For a few dollars you can treat yourself to a bouquet of ginger flowers, orchids, roses, or Strelitzia. I love the idea of pretty flowers, similar to my brand new Louis Vuitton Fleur De Jais Speedy with black suede floral print..those are the flowers in my mind!!

JungCeylon Market in Phuket: New and fresh, out with the old and in with JungCeylon! Air conditioned and your usual food stops, newer 'young' brand items, and a basement full of Thai handicrafts. The A/C may be its selling point!

Nimmanheimin Road in Chiang Mai: The road beginning at Amari Rincome Hotel is bestowed with designer boutiques, tailors, and swanked out galleries. Ceramics, art, jewelery and handicrafts are some of the best around.

A TRUE Vacation

2010-12-20T16:29:00.000-08:00

We're coming into a new year, and with the new year and cold weather brings vacations!!! Everyone has their own agenda, resolutions, and wishes for rest and a break away. However, so often we take a vacation only to come home feeling like we need a vacation from the vacation!

For 2011 if you are looking for a serious 'vacation' from the ordinary, think about heading to Sedona, Arizona to truly zone out and dump all that nasty, negative energy that's been wearing you down for 2010. My stay here this summer had me wanting more and more of it...I couldn't believe how easy it was to relax and not forget, but clear out old stuff weighing me down. Don't just vacation ignoring your stresses and willing them away, DO something about them!

Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment Resort has the most fabulous therapists in the world to help you massage out aches and pains, fall into a cleansing hypnosis, mud wrap and clay coat your tired body, or just soak in healing waters taking in the Vortexes in Sedona while eating foods your body needs to repair itself.

I checked in for a week of solitude at Mii Amo following my week of being a tourist at Enchantment. The cozy accommodations are to die for and the spiritual journey programs are so personalized you will float quietly into heaven as the staff take care of your every need. I actually came home rested, rejuvenated, and detoxed, with a fresh approach to life. Something I always expect from a vacation but rarely accomplish.

Prices range, so book yourself the amount of time you can afford and be a guest of Enchantment or the more exclusive on site spa Mii Amo. Be prepared to change into your robe for your entire stay so let loose, forget the make up and heels, and get cozy!!

I'm packing for warmer weather- who wants to come?!

2010-12-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

Time to get back on the daily grind of .....reviewing. Reviewing beaches, tikki bars, the hottest swim wear for 2011, the coldest Coronas, and ....the thread count of my sheets! I'm packing my bags for a post-Christmas trip following my grande famiglia Christmas. The snow is falling hard in Canada which means I'M OUT! Buon Natale amici xxoo

3 fl Oz

2010-12-10T06:05:00.000-08:00

My all time favorite travel beauty site is HOT HOT HOT for the Holidays!
3floz.com has amazing gift packages for your hard-to-buy-for-friend or relative. Someone who lives abroad and you need to send a gift? A student taking a gap year? Traveling exec? All of these miniatures are great, they are not your standard from-the-bin WalMart cotton swabs, mini mouthwash, generic hand lotion... they've got Tocca gift sets, Alterna, Anthony for Men, Go Smile, Sprayology, and many many more!

Barbados is HOT!

2010-12-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

After my most enjoyable week in St. Lucia I hopped a $100 LIAT flight from Castries to Barbados. I booked the Crane Residence which is on the east side of the island, about forty minutes into Bridgetown. If you are already in the islands like I was, taking these LIAT flights makes sense to take advantage of your location. Barbados is only a twenty minute flight from St. Lucia or St. Vincent, also Grenada and Dominica are good spots although less touristy.

The Crane Residence has two different sections to book, and not be confused: the Historic Hotel and the Crane Residence. Be sure what you are booking when making reservations http://www.thecrane.com/

The historic hotel is in the original hotel dating back to 1887, is without air conditioning and has smaller bathrooms. It does boast beautiful views above Crane Beach, voted one of the best beaches in the world by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. The architecture is superb and it gives a completely different vibe from your average resort in the Caribbean. I would have no issues staying in this section but it is pretty dark and has a 'Casa Loma' feel to it, and with the heat on the island I didn't want to go without A/C after a hot week in St.Lucia.

I toured the rooms in both sections and although this Poshy loves a little history and age, she decided to go with the modern private residence. Although I was told I would not have an ocean view due to my last minute booking, my view was of the ocean AND a pool view which I took full advantage of, lounging on my balcony every night. These rooms have large bathrooms with walk in marble showers and large soaking jacuzzis, a small kitchen, and breakfast nook alongside the bedroom/living room combo. The room was beautiful, and I had no complaints overall about them. Even the housekeeping staff were attentive and made a point of making the stay special. Take note the wind is incredible on the East side of the island and at night it feels like a tornado is ripping through your room. Crane Beach is beautiful and secluded but small. Not a walking beach by any means. The pinkish sand is powdery soft, and keep an eye out for a guy named 'Ray' and his crew that run a small bar/hut. There are monkeys on the property and story goes they live in the caves behind the coconut trees backing the beach. They come out early morning if you're daring and want to go looking. We actually saw a few run through the parking lot while we were waiting for our driver.

If you decide to stay at the Crane I recommend renting a car, just learn how to drive on the opposite side! Since the resort is about thirty to forty minutes from anything, you will be hiring a cab every time you want to go somewhere, unless your purpose is to not leave the resort which isn't a bad thing. The drivers will take you around for about $35USD per hour should you wish to have them tour you. The taxis are regulated by the government and follow a fare sheet so don't be afraid of being taken. I didn't rent a car and probably spent the same amount of money being driven around which goes with one of my mottos...'Why drive when you can be driven?!' Or, 'Why hike when you can be helicoptered?!'....you get the picture.

The Crane overall is a beautiful resort without being too large. The Crane Village has some good shopping including Cave Sheppard for duty free items, sun items, souvenirs, beauty products, reading materials, and clothing. There is a local artist shop with some beautiful work, a jewelery store, the general store which stocks great wines and anything else you need (get the Magnum ice cream and Shandy is a refreshing drink made with beer and lemonade), many of the items are British as with the influence in Barbados. I did not find the duty free shopping to be a steal by any means. There is a fitness center which is decent, but you know how I feel about people working out on vacation. The spa is great, located in the historical hotel, and there are several restaurants which I was more than happy with.

The Italian restaurant which from here on forth will be referred to as the 'Italian One' as no one seems to know its name, was my favorite dinner on the island, period. The bread and oils to start did the trick as common in a restaurant, however the baked fish, gnocchi, pizza, and ossobuco were to die for. The wine selection was good and the tiramisu to top off the dinner was excellent.

Zen Restaurant is their Thai/Japanese restaurant, and was good all around except for the sushi I could have gone without. Appetizers, traditional pad thai, curries, and house specialties were all delicious, not large amounts but left you comfortable.

If you are on a tight budget check out Cutters which is just off the resort property. It's a deli with pizza, flying fish sandwiches, daily specials, and a strong rum punch. Ask anyone on the resort where it is and they will direct you. Since The Crane is further away from town, if you are trying to do Barbados on a budget make sure you hit up the supermarket when you first arrive. There will be limited options otherwise.

I had included the breakfast plan in my reservation so I had the buffet breakfast every morning at L'Azure, which had everything you would expect in a buffet breakfast. However watch out for the pricing as I booked it in advance thinking it would be somewhat cheaper as most of these pre-bookings make things, and when I would sign off to my breakfast plan each morning after dining, I noticed it was in fact cheaper on the bill each day as opposed to what I had already paid for! I took this up with the front desk upon check out and they could not understand my concern. I advised them if they are offering a pre-booking of the breakfast online it should at least be the same price as though you were paying as a walk in, if not cheaper! They first attempted to tell me maybe I was having a different breakfast-when all they offer is the buffet! They then put in a call to reservations as it seems everything at this hotel is solved through the reservations department, only to come back STILL confused about what I was trying to tell them. This is when my frustration really grew as they should know what breakfast is offered on the property, and I should not be having to advise front desk that they only offer one buffet breakfast at a fixed rate every morning, which would have been cheaper if I HAD NOT pre-booked it! Eventually the cost was adjusted but not without headache.

This is where I am going to complain about the service at the Crane. I am fortunate to have not had many bad experiences in my travels but from the beginning it seemed there was not much communication between staff members at this resort. Each meal we would have several waiters helping us, which meant we were always offered items TWICE. One would try to clear my plate before I was finished, and then the other would do the same. Every time I requested the bill both waiters would disappear for a long period of time. It seemed that they could not work as a team and assign respective duties without overlapping and forgetting. My biggest annoyance was upon check out, I had a late flight and two days in advance requested a later check out. Now I am used to being granted late check outs and so when I asked I did not think it would be a problem, as check in time at the resort was not until 4pm, thus allowing ample time for the room to be cleaned before the next guest. I was rudely told two days in advance that they would have to submit a request and would get back to me, and that she may not get back to me that day. By the next day I still had not heard anything and so I went to the front desk to inquire. Once again I was told they would submit a request to housekeeping and would get back to me, but it wouldn't be until the morning of check out. I have never seen such a convoluted, backwards process for a simple check out time agreement! The morning of check out I was irritated and needed to know what to pack, if I was going to be by the pool or on the beach for the day, with or without my belongings and room.

In the end I was told a quick 'no' by housekeeping to my request when I followed up, and when I asked why they then sighed a 'yes'. Where is the customer service and reasoning?! By the regular check out time however I had housekeeping banging on the door and I once again had to be the middle woman and communicate to them I was granted a later checkout.

Overall this resort is beautiful with the many pools, private relaxation areas, poolside bar/restaurant which is actually the old carriage house, the village, spa, and rooms. The staff members need additional training. Also-take the free shuttle into Bridgetown on Thursdays. We were advised Wednesday night to NOT BE LATE as it leaves promptly at 9am. By 9:45am there was still no driver and when he did show up, he did not utter a word except 'no air conditioning in the vehicle'. There was not much in Bridgetown to see or do except eat greasy chicken at Chefette, peruse the duty free stores which were no bargain, pick up some souvenirs, have lunch or dinner at the Waterfront Cafe with live jazz, and just 'see' the town. FYI the carrot cake at the Waterfront Cafe is delicious.

There are many beautiful resorts on the West Coast where the beaches are nicer and the water calmer, including The Fairmont Royal Pavilion, The House by Elegant Hotels, and The Colony Club by Elegant Hotels. The Hilton is in the South on Needham's Point. The South tends to have cheaper hotels as well.

For the lesser budget, check out the Tamarind by Elegant Hotels, Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels, Silver Point Hotel, Amaryllis Beach Resort, or Little Good Harbour. The West side is more lively and there will be more dining options if you choose to go off property, and many of the resort chains have a dine-around agreement so you can eat at other properties should you go with an all inclusive plan. Also, head to the St. Lawrence Gap area for night life, there is a yummy waterfront restaurant there called 'Pisces' that was delicious and Zagat rated, not to mention the view is the best here.

Barbados is more expensive than most of the other islands and not all resorts are all inclusive, but the sun is hot and the people are friendly. Most of all I felt incredibly safe here, unlike Mexico or the Dominican. I felt a sense of calm, and after much reading learned that because the island is composed of coral and home to incredible crystals, many people come here for healing and to truly relax.

If you are needing adventure in Barbados check out Harrison's Caves, plantation homes and rum factories, Oistins fish market is a great place to go on the weekend, and if you're really looking for a hot time-check out Crop Over in July/August.

The humidity was low and bugs were not biting as bad as they were on St. Lucia so overall I was a happy girl. Barbados is going down in my books as one of the best islands to visit overall!

St. Lucia

2010-11-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

This past week I had the opportunity to visit St. Lucia post-hurricane and am happy to say that the Lucians are getting back on their feet.
This was a good eye opener trip for me as too often we are so focused on the trip being 'perfect', and our critiquing skills can get out of hand. But this trip took me back to truly understand what adventure is all about- and I am glad I got to know the people of St. Lucia and share in their struggles caused by mother nature.

I am no way insinuating that I know what it is like to live through a major disaster or to live off of land so dependent on ideal climates, but being taken aback by lack of hot water or water period, floods and leaks, power outages and ruined infrastructure really put this Posh back to where she should be. Forgetting my clutch that matches the heels of the new dress I bought to go with the accessories from Holt that were bought following my facial at Stillwater in preparation for my night out on the town, could easily turn into a major disaster. But all you need is a refresher course in the true meaning of life to bring you back to what is truly important.

St. Lucia is not an island for laying around in the sun. There is a lot of adventure to be had and the interior of the island is where you need to head to. It offers ziplining, hiking, climbing of the Pitons, and scuba diving in the beautiful waters. West Indian life here is a gorgeous thing not to mention healthy for the soul.

I had the hospitality of Cotton Bay Village for a week and stayed amongst their beautiful Terracotta Villas, their Chateaux Mango, and the amazing Cotton House itself! http://www.cottonbayvillage.com/home/
This resort is ten minutes from Rodney Bay and is home to the only 18-hole championship golf course on the island. It is a boutique collection of villas and offers many amenities with the privacy of a luxury property. Since we were there post-storm we happened to be some of the only guests on the property as many had cancelled their vacations, unsure of the current situation. The resorts were really suffering losing out on tourist dollars, and working their a$$es off to put their lives back together.

If ballin' is your thang, you NEED to check yourself into the Chateaux Mango or Cotton House. Although most of the villas have private pools, these villas are 3-4 bedrooms and have very large pools in the back with ample party/lounging space, private gazebos, and even Butler's quarters! The furnishings were to die for, so check out the web site of these particulars and let them take your breath away. When we first arrived we were like little kids in a candy store!

First and foremost the people of St. Lucia are some of the nicest I've ever met. They were so grateful for us being there and never hesitated when we asked them for their assistance. They are willing to accommodate large groups easily, are respectful of your privacy if you are a couple wanting a quiet vacation, and are flexible. Some of the people in our party went out on a fishing boat and managed to reel in two very large Marlins, and the executive chef came out personally offering to fillet and prepare the fish for our party later that night back at one of our villas. These personal touches are what I really enjoy in a resort, the non adherence to all policy that allows them to really get to know their guests and make it feel like it is our home away from home. We had some late night/early morning pool parties after too many piton beers and rum punches and they never said a word to us. All in all they wanted us to have a good time and since we were remaining respectful to the other guests, they gave us our space. Margaret who works there what seems 24/7 is a sweet woman who puts guests needs first at all times.

The dining on the property consists of The Beach Club which is an open air restaurant directly on the beach where they host a weekly BBQ including a suckling pig, Piano Piano which is more upscale, and Bruschetta Deli and store offering baked goods, light items, and supplies. Since Rodney Bay is only a ten minute drive away, we often went out for lunch or dinner and to the two large grocery stores to cook ourselves in the villas. This is the upside to staying in the villas, full kitchens and ample prep space.

The prices are higher on the island, I much preferred the new Food Market grocery store over the older IGA, and couldn't believe the selection of food and liquor they stocked. Most cabs will drop you off in front of the IGA so don't be fooled, walk around first and look at where you should shop. There is a liquor store in town and many pharmacies, so anything you need you will have no problem finding. If you are looking for the restaurants in Rodney Bay, walk behind the new mall that is still unfinished at present, past the Burger King and around a corner. Vague I know but you will understand when you get there.

Since there was a large group of us, this meant there were many budgets. Those of us that wanted to eat out most of our meals really enjoyed all the food at the resort, and would order pool side lunches from the bartender 'Colin'. Sitting at the Beach Club is beautiful and many people lay around with a book and coffee most of the day. We were told that Amy Winehouse spent a lot of time at this resort AKA rehab, and stayed in the Cotton House. She apparently spent her days sitting down the beach at a bar ran by 'Marjorie' (at beach turn left, can't miss it) and I really can't blame her-its just too peaceful! Marjorie by the way is a very interesting person and owner of this small hotel/restaurant/bar/anything-you-want-dive on the beach. Go visit her, purchase some souvenirs, eat her food, drink her drinks, and be kind to her. She hosted Amy Winehouse amongst other well-knowns for a very long time and is a respectful woman who works her a$$ off to maintain the beauty of her place. You'll see all the wandering dogs, some of which she has taken in, and she's always willing to help you with what you need. Our last night under a full moon we wanted to have a big bonfire on the beach and she offered to do this for us. When someone mentioned having music she right away offered to make a call and have her big system brought down. It was one of the best nights there, everyone around the fire with the beach to ourselves. This is not something you will find in Dominican, Mexico, or Cuba. There are no neighboring resorts, crowded beaches, or building lights. Although the beach is narrow and short, its the tranquility of it that is so precious.

Those on a tight budget had no problem buying groceries in town and making their own meals in their villas. The jerk chicken and rotis in town are great after-bar food and the local Wings N' Tings has good, well you know, wings! Domino's is open late on weekends and deliver to the resort, and there is a Burger King in town as well for your grease fix-not that I recommend coming to St. Lucia to eat this crap.

The Spa was under repairs from water damage but we all enjoyed massages anyways. If you prefer an in-room massage they can accommodate. The facilities under normal conditions are beautiful and new, a nice way to spend a rainy day on the island.

The best day trip we had was renting a catamaran and taking it to the volcano and hot springs where much of the Bachelor was filmed. The catamaran was open bar all you can drink, we had the music pumping and stopped for a swim in the ocean. We were taken up to a cocoa plantation and had a typical lunch there, you'll be asked to peruse their small store and we purchased some cocoa, coffee, and rum cakes.

If you want to go to St.Lucia but can't dish out for the higher end hotels, check out Coco Palm Resort in Rodney Bay http://coco-resorts.com/, or the Bay Gardens Beach Resort http://baygardensbeachresort.com/

The mountains make St. Lucia very lush although there tends to be more precipitation, humidity, and bugs. In fact the bugs were so bad we were constantly spraying ourselves with repellant and almost everyone was covered in bites by the end of the week. There are not many screens on the windows so seal up your villa when you arrive unless you are game for the fresh air and insect guests. The humidity will keep the posh girl in check as you shouldn't even bother trying to do your hair. The second you walk out the door it will either be glued to your head or frizzy and huge! Just go with the vibe, relax, and enjoy all St. Lucia has to offer.

P.S. I highly recommend the helicopter transport from airport to resort, or just a fun ride to see the island. The company is St. Lucia Helicopters http://stluciahelicopters.com/index.html The best and only on the island!

St.Lucia and Barbados!!!

2010-11-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

I am writing from my ocean view balcony in the sunny Barbados and can't wait to blog all about it when I get back! The Crane Residence is just what I needed this week for some R&R.

We survived the hurricane in St.Lucia and had an amazing week. The sun is hot as ever now in Barbados!

xxoo

Amalfi Coast 2010

2010-10-31T16:07:00.000-07:00

This September I had the pleasure of making my rounds through the Amalfi Coast of Italy again! I don't think I will ever get less excited about coming here, as it gets better and better every time. I wanted to make this trip as exciting as my last, and gain new insight into the magical and beautiful place of Positano and the Island of Capri.

The same as last time, we decided to arrive into Rome and hire a driver to take us the four hour drive up the Coast, passing Pompeii and Naples. This was a wise decision as the drive is so beautiful you want to enjoy it, even though at times I found I was biting my cuticles off. It twists and turns until you finally reach the infamous town of Positano, which John Steinbeck helped to put on the map. Now if you can book a flight into Naples, that will cut two hours off your drive but like I said, the drive is enjoyable. Also, flying in and out of Rome gives you the additional option of doing as the Romans do, and adding some sightseeing on to your trip. This allowed those in our group who had not previously been to Rome, the opportunity to see the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and many other sights.

We rented our villas through Emma Villas this time, and they did not disappoint. You have to be careful when choosing a villa as some can be way up in the mountain, making it a difficult walk up and down to the town. And if your wardrobe consists of four inch heels as mine does, you may have some issues. Depending on your budget, you can rent a one bedroom well-furnished villa for under a thousand dollars a week, but this time we had a lot of family traveling and decided to rent a few large villas to accommodate. This option still works out to be cheaper than staying in a hotel, not to mention we have a full kitchen and laundry facilities at our disposal.

Our villa in fact advertised that it was '250 steps' from the beach, which we did not find too bad since last time our villa was closer to 300. The only problem we discovered here was that last time our villa was an estimation as you can actually walk the road up and down, while this time, the villas were reachable only by a steep narrow rocky set of stairs. 100 steps on this staircase would not compare to the the meandering and breezy walk we had last time! Although we cursed this trek the whole time we were there, upon returning home we all found we did not gain NEARLY as much weight as we thought we would, or did before! It was a blessing in disguise- all that we were eating and drinking was coming off in the walks to and from home. This also allows for more drinking if that's your thing as by the time you are well toasted down at the beach post-dinner, the hike up to your villa will sober you to oblivion so you are able to have a nightcap before retiring!

Upon our arrival to Positano we were greeted at the top of our stairs by an Emma Villas representative and porters to help with all the luggage. Not my luggage! This time I had my entire family in tow! They communicated well and versed us in the villa procedures, and left us to enjoy the magnificent view we had over the town and sea. We had a very large terrace, where we would spend many late nights listening to the music down below or just taking in the scenery. This is truly one place I could call my home and come to year after year. There are many villa rental companies out there with many of the different properties we have seen here, so be selective and peruse different sites to see which hosts the property you are interested in.

Our week consisted of a boat trip over to Amalfi to do some shopping and lunch, a trip to the Island of Capri, and a trip to Sorrento for cooking school. Also similar to last time, with a few twists thrown in for my excitement. As a side note: I would be equally as happy sunning myself on the terrace overlooking the water and cliffs, but with all that Positano has to offer, I kept busy the whole time. (Another reason I highlight Positano as a destination for the Posh and Peasant, because you do not have to spend money to see anything-simply walking the town is awe inspiring!)

If you are going to stay on the Amalfi Coast I highly recommend staying in Positano. Not only is it the most well-equipped with all the usual shops, restaurants, and hotels; but it is in my opinion the most beautiful. The pictures you see in Travel & Leisure are accurate, it really is this fabulous! Dramatic cliffs and the coastal scenery are some of the best in the world, and no matter what your view is here, its a great one! You can refer to my last review for a list of accommodations but two good choices for the Posh and Peasant respectively are the Hotel Palazzo Murat 4 Star hotel, and the Hotel Bougainville, a reputable 3 star hotel.

As for day excursions, heading to Amalfi for a few hours or the day will run you about $15 return. Boats depart often and the last one leaves Amalfi at 4pm, but if you are wanting to return later you can always hire a water taxi. Amalfi has some cute shops and good eats, a beautiful cathedral in the center named St.Andrew from the 11th century, overlooking the Piazza Duomo. The Chiostro del Paradiso is a burial ground for noble families of Amalfi, highlighted by Roman pillars and beautiful arches. A few hours here is all you need in my opinion, time to move on to either Revello or Sorrento.

Last time we did a cooking class with the infamous Chef Biagio Longo at his cooking school 'Mami Camilla' in Sorrento http://www.mamicamilla.com/, and this time we could not wait to see him again! He has a soft infectious personality for such a large sturdy man, and with his background as a well-traveled chef we could not pass up the opportunity to create with him. His menu is always different but he allows for input from the students as to what they would like to learn the most. He sources most of the food locally from his own farm, and teaches full time at the family run bed and breakfast on site. He welcomes small or large groups for even a half day class.

My manicure was SO worth dirtying for the amazing homemade pastas and sauces he taught us, not to mention the desserts! Many of the recipes and trade secrets he shared with us, I already had some knowledge of since my Grandmother was Italian and taught me how to cook, but I will always take a class from Chef when I am in Sorrento even for the entertainment value. He makes cooking seem so effortless and enjoyable, it also may have something to do with the size of his hands that can shred a zucchini in the blink of an eye!

Sorrento is a great day trip, the mornings spent cooking and the afternoons spent at the market shopping. I enjoy the shops here on the narrow pathway leading from the square, and in particular there is a great kitchen/food/liquor store tucked back in amongst the leather and limoncello liquor shops. Hard to find kitchen items and specialty foods are their main stock items and the service is outstanding.

Moving on to the next day we took the boat over to Capri. For all excursions and water transfers see the booths at the beach that cannot be missed. Simply arrive before departure time and purchase your ticket to wherever you would like to explore.

Capri is on the south side of the Bay of Naples, and home to the Blue Grotto. You may explore up to Anacapri to the west in the hills for better views. If luxury is your thing, well then- welcome home. Here you will find the best in Prada, Louis Vuitton, Etro, Burberry, Carthusia Fragrances, Chantecler Jewelery, and Limoncello di Capri. You will see the rich and famous here spending their cool bills, but the islanders are used to this and so be prepared to have noses turned up when browsing through the shops. Most of the shopkeepers and residents are very respectful however, and this is why celebrities make it their getaway. If Peasant is more of your thing, simply put on some large shades, and a floppy beach hat, and roam around looking like you are a resident. Treat yourself to a homemade gelato and waffle cone, you won't be able to resist the smell when walking by.

Unfortunately the water was too choppy when we arrived and we were not able to enter the Blue Grotto. Walking around the island and lunching kept everyone busy though, and it was a day well spent. Time for souvenirs and it is back to the villa!

The Amalfi Coast is one of those places where you want to stay put. If you don't have the extra cash to spend, don't worry about it! You don't have to be restricted to fine dining and lavish lunches by any means. We were traveling with a large group and while some wanted to go all out and enjoy, eating out every meal, others were satisfied with breakfasts at home, simple lunches, and salads and sandwiches from the delicatessen. No where else in the world can a fresh roll with buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, roma tomato, and select meats satisfy me the way they can here! These would run about $5 and were enough for two people to share.

The dining will not disappoint you in Italy. Even their WORST food is most often better than our mediocre food back home. We had to start our vacation off right and visit the best restaurant there, in my opinion, La Tagliata http://www.latagliata.com/ otherwise known as "Mama's".

Mama's is a once in a lifetime dining opportunity high up in the hills above Positano. This family run restaurant with Mama and Papa in the kitchen all hours, year after year, has created quite a name for itself! There is no menu, you simply sit down to eat with an appetite, and you will be served up some of the most delicious, fresh food you will ever have. They also come to pick diners up at their hotels and villas, as the drive is too risky.

Platter upon platter arrives to the table starting with antipasti. Carafes of homemade wine are bottomless, and just when you think you are at the end of the meal - another course will arrive! Mama's sons waiter the tables and are very enthusiastic with good English. We did however notice a difference in their personalities from the beginning of the tourist season as opposed to the end, but this is to be expected. They work very very hard here, and put their hearts and souls into their businesses.

The Amalfi Coast is one of those places I could write about all day long, and visit year after year. I am the type of traveler that likes to visit new places before repeating destinations, but I will always return to Positano. The people, the food, the scenery; it is everything I love and is in my blood.

In John Steinbeck's words from 'Positano', Haper's Bazaar, 1953; "...Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone."

Not sure what's appropriate abroad?

2010-10-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

Ok we've all seen Sex And The City and how fun it can be to dress the part while say in, Abu Dhabi? But you DO really need to be concerned sometimes about dressing properly in developing countries and male dominated cultures where women dress conservatively.

Always try to adapt your clothing to fit the country and if you aren't sure what the rules are, check out Journeywoman, www.journeywoman.com, an online travel resource especially for women.

Next Tip: Registration of Canadians Abroad

2010-10-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

IF you will be abroad for more than 3 months, traveling to or living in a foreign country that has security concerns or covered by an official Travel Warning, does not have a Canadian government office OR is prone to natural disasters; you really need to sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service so you may be contacted and assisted in an emergency. All information is completely confidential.
www.voyage.gc.ca

'Her Own Way'

2010-10-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

I was in the passport office the other day frantically renewing my passport in between trips and I grabbed a copy of the New guide to safe and successful travel for Women, by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

A lot of it is common sense, but the one thing I've learned is that common sense...is not so common. SO, that being said, I will share some tips with you. Keep in mind these can apply to men as well.

One of the things I'm asked the most about is luggage tags. My advice is the same as foreign affairs: You are putting your name and address on these tags, thus giving true predators the address of your home which MAY be empty while you are away. Don't attract this kind of attention. Make sure the information section of the tag is tucked inwards, and only with your name and phone number to be reached at immediately in case they need to deliver your lost bag to you.

Tip#2...when at resorts or hotels: when heading back to your room alone, before you fully enter the room try to enter slowly, making sure no one is waiting in the room. Some rooms now have the outer light on the door which flashes if there is movement in the room. Always use this, or leave the door open slightly to scan the room before going in fully and locking the door. Likewise, if you are entering your room alone, be aware of your surroundings and make sure there is no one following behind you.

PocketAroma -Instant relaxation while traveling!

2010-10-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Not so long ago I wrote about a product that I discovered in a spa magazine that I thought would help fellow travelers relax and unwind, and truly enjoy their vacation. PocketAroma was born by Maria Kolins, a flight attendant with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education. Maria was used to extensive travel and long hours, and needed something to give her tranquility and relaxation when working.
Maria's goal was to produce a high quality blend of French Lavender and other oils, all in a stylish and discreet little squeeze tube. Just one little 'squeeze' and 'sniff', and your nerves are calm with total body relaxation!
The best part of this purse/pocket must-have is that it slides into even the smallest purse or carry-on. I myself being a lover of aromatherapy and essential oils, know how difficult it can be to lug around messy oils and fragile glass bottles when on the go.
So proud of Maria and PocketAroma's!!
http://pocketaroma.com/index.php

Motion Sickness Friend

2010-10-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

Lately I have had a lot of friends coming to me about their issues with motion sickness, whether it be from pregnancy, flying, driving or boating.
If you are an avid traveler (and even if you are not), you know how this can really impact your life. I have one suggestion: Ginger Chews.

This ginger is amazing for settling the stomach whether it be real ginger pieces, usually coated in sugar OR yummy chewy candies by The Ginger People.
I always have them in my carry-on and purse, everywhere I travel to.

Up Next: St.Lucia!

2010-10-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

In a few weeks time I will be exploring the beautiful island of St.Lucia, checking in at some new resorts and spas. I am so excited to experience what St.Lucia has to offer and will be reporting back with details you'll need for your next trip! Can anyone say JADE MOUNTAIN!? xxoo

On My List of Travel Books:

2010-10-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Wishing Trees

by John Shors

A grieving father and daughter travel country to country to fulfill their deceased wife/mother's wishes. Along the way they gain healing and renewal.

Venice 2010

2010-10-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhh Venice. Where to begin? Is it the stench of murky lagoon water, the filthy pigeons forever landing on tourists in Piazza San Marco, or the often over priced food that has about as much taste as week-old bread? It's all of it. I love it all- because it makes Venice what it is. Dating back to a 'possible' 421, this old, gothic, mystical, playground to me is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, sinking into the Adriatic proudly, with only whispers of its gory and triumphant past.

But Venice is so much more than sinking buildings and museums, it can be a haven for the Posh Girl OR the Peasant Girl as I found out. Whoever tells you Venice can't be done on a budget doesn't know Venice. Staying for 5 days during the Venice Film Festival I was able to wind my way once again through back alley's and canals searching out all of Venice's nooks and crannies.

So to begin, if on a budget DO NOT go during the Film Festival. Prices will be inflated and businesses will not be vying for your attention. Ok done.

My choice of accommodation on this trip was the Splendid Venice, by StarHotels. Don't get it twisted, this is not Starwood so all you point collectors- settle down. BUT, be excited because this is a hot property! http://www.starhotels.com/hotel/splendid_venice_venezia/starhotels_splendid_venice.php?idalb=18&lin=2
Of course it is not easy to find upon arrival, but no hotel is in Venice. Arriving to the airport we took a water taxi to the hotel since the local water taxis were not able to get into our canal due to high tide. This meant a private boat transfer costing 100 euros for us with all our luggage. I don't so much mind paying this as I think of it somewhat of a tour- lots of sightseeing, boating by parts of Venice I will not see again during my stay. Reason #2- I tend to travel...eh hem...heavy. So anyone willing to allow me and my luggage in their boat, well, deserves that money.

Upon arrival to the hotel check-in was swift and easy. It is a small hotel adjoining several old buildings which makes for beautifully enclosed courtyards and passageways. The front desk is small with usually only 1 or 2 attendants who speak fluent english. The rate included breakfast served in the dining room, buffet style, or you could order to your room for a 7 euro charge. Although they stated that should you order to your room you would only receive continental breakfast, not full American, each morning but one we received a full American breakfast to our room.

The room was surprisingly roomy for a European hotel room. The bathroom actually having a BATH which is a definite bonus for this girl, and ample vanity space for this, well, vane girl. The bed obviously consisting of two twins pushed together as almost everywhere in Italy and probably Europe, and a flat screen tv which offered no english channels but I was not there to watch tv!! (SouthPark in Italian anyone?) The best part of the room was its shutter windows overlooking the canal, I fell asleep to gondoliers singing every night and in the morning. Nothing more Venetian than that!

The overall location of the Splendid was perfect. Right between St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, we were in the middle of all the action. Especially in Venice you want to be in the action since there is so much to explore. Should my feet tire from walking I could duck into the hotel and change in minutes.

OK so for the Posh Girl who is here to do some serious shopping OR attend Film Fest, understand that these 2 go hand in hand here. On the eve of the Fest I happen to be in a certain store by the name of Prada, I may or may not have also slipped in a certain store by the name of Louis Vuitton, and there may or may not have been a brief stop in Gucci. As I was doing my browsing the employees were more than happy to show me new collections they were closing the store early to put out for the arrival of the celebrities to the Fest. In fact, all of Venice was closing early that night to prepare, re-dressing the windows and unpacking the new collections to unveil. If you are a lover of all things fine, this is the BEST time to shop. Most of the items are not available in North America.

I know it seems I always forget the Peasant Girl but I'm trying here ok? So if you're looking for a hotel within reason and still want to be cockroach free, this is my advice to you: Best Western Hotel Villa Mabapa http://villamabapa.com/, Hotel Nazionale http://www.hotelnazionalevenice.com/, Carlton Capri Hotel http://capri.hotelinvenice.com/, and Hotel Panorama in Lido. All are within the $150-200 range, dependent on season of course. Always consult your Lonely planet as well as their suggestions are usually on point.

If budget is not in your vocab, then you need to stay here: Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa http://palladiohotelspa.com/ just be in the know this hotel is on Lido which I am not the biggest fan of, so you will be commuting back and forth to the main island. OR you can head to the Bauer Hotel near San Marco Square which to me has the ideal location http://www.bauervenezia.com/, the Hilton Molino Stucky http://www.molinostuckyhilton.com/, Palace Bonvecchiati http://www.palacebonvecchiati.it/, Colombina Hotel http://hotelcolombina.com/, Hotel Londra Palace http://www.londrapalace.com/, and Hotel Centurion Palace http://www.splendia.com/en/centurion-palace-venice.html.

Eating can be tricky in Venice. Many of the restaurants charge a 'tourist or cover charge'. Be sure to clarify before you sit down. Also, most of the time 12% gratuity is added on to the bill. The restaurants have a fierce hustle so be prepared to be harassed by the wait staff shoving menus in your face. Don't look too curious when walking by restaurants, casually look over the outdoor menus and stand strong to the waiter trying to seat you. The food overall in Italy is good, but you will have the odd disappointing meal. Don't get too strung out over it, just call it a loss and move on. The pizza and pasta for the most part sits around $10 a plate, but depending on the location it can be more or less. Back alleyways you will find cheaper gems, popular patios in the squares will be more. Factor in the ambiance and what you're willing to pay extra for a beautiful/romantic evening dinner or drink watching the world go by. If you are on a seriously tight budget, you can always resort to McDonald's! Paninis are good choices here and you can eat them all day long, lunch or dinner for a small price.

As for things to do in Venice, there is no shortage. Stand in Piazza San Marco and people watch, or pigeon watch, the later I find disgusting. (Also refer to my older posting on Venice and attractions) Enter the Doge's Palace and join the Secret Itineraries Tour, learn about Casanova, visit the many churches, galleries and museums, climb the bell tower and take in the view. Lido is good to explore, a short boat ride away or check out Murano and all its glass. You don't really need to spend much if you are not shopping. Just BEING in Venice is enough, pull up a chair with a gelato or get extravagant and sip champagne in Piazza San Marco at one of the many jazz bars/patios. They charge a lot because of the location but it may be worth it to you-especially at night when they are playing live music.

The fun part about Venice is taking a map and getting lost. And you WILL get lost. There are endless canals, bridges, alleyways, and the number system here is not at all effective. Many of the buildings have the same addresses, but because they are in different 'districts', they consider it different. Know your districts.

One of my favourite stores in Venice is LaLa Boutique. Its a cutesy, sparkly gem of a store, all fashion jewelery but there is not much in the store over $30. They have amazing pieces, very unique and sturdy. Surprisingly there was a location directly across from our hotel. Venice is known for its gorgeous stationary and it did not disappoint. I got some beautiful paper products and even an old fashioned hot wax stamping kit!

Murano glass is nice but can border on tacky, there are Venetian masks everywhere, decorative bottles of Limoncello, and some amazing pastries here. Just wander past the windows and look in...

Venice is highly romantic and mysterious. There really is no other place like it and it is always good for 3 or 4 days on an Italian vacation. Because it is sinking it puts it on many lists of critical places to see. The tourist season runs heavy June-August, but end of May and September are perfect times to go. Watch out for the day tourists that hop on and off the cruise ships, they can be completely annoying and classless, likewise the vendors near the water cater to them with their exorbitant prices and cheap items. Search out art and souvenirs before you purchase and know the closer you are to the docks and ships, the more chances there are for you to get ripped off.

Enjoy stunning Venice, I will until its gone. When only memories and photos are left...

Smart Spas- West Coast Italy

2010-09-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Check out these spas sourcing from their own local resources:

Verdure Golf & Spa Resort-Sciacca

Lemons, basil, olives are used in the properties 4 restaurants and bars. Designed in earth tones, the gorgeous spa's suites will leave you at your most relaxed state, combined with the spa treatments incorporating mineral-rich products from local areas.

Mahara Hotel-Mazara Del Vallo

Built from the ruins of an ancient winemaking building, olive oil is the prize here where it is used in spa treatments! See-Grandma WAS right!!

Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza-Mazara Del Vallo

Best known for its gorgeous pool, its underground spa sources salt for treatments from nearby

Marina Holiday Resort-Balestrate

Featuring a Turkish Hammam this resort overhangs the mediterranean which makes you feel like you are floating on the sea the whole while you're here

Anthony Bourdain 'Medium Raw'

2010-09-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

The thing I love about Tony is his love for travel and food, 2 of my favorite things in life. As I was sitting listening to him speak tonight in Toronto about his new book 'Medium Raw', my passion oozed out of me yet again for the insight gained when in new territory. There is nothing better than taking in an unexpected sight in a foreign country. There is nothing better than a menu where you recognize nothing on it. And there is nothing sweeter than returning home after a long trip to feel satisfied in a way that only traveling can do.

I just returned home from Italy and the UK and I am bathing in that satisfaction right now. That at the end of today I may not have saved away retirement funds the way I should have this year, I may not have even stashed away some funds for the holidays, but what I DID do was spend 3 glorious weeks eating and drinking whatever I wanted, meeting new people and living a different way of life that can only be done in the places I visited. I can rest now, content with my memories that still seem like current reality and not memories at all...

I was a little sad today to go to the giant Loblaws instead of wandering up the 200 stairs to a market stall for fresh food. I was uneasy getting in my SUV to run errands instead of hiking the cliff side or hopping a water taxi. But that will subside and I'll ease back into city life again for now, and look forward to my next adventure. Its finding the joy in all life- city life, country life, old worlds and new worlds. I want all forms of currency in my wallet, I want to eat all kinds of foods and I want to get my 'grazie' 'merci' and 'gracias' all mixed up, hopping from country to country... its people like Anthony Bourdain and 'No reservations' or Andrew Zimmern's 'Bizarre Foods' that inspire me and open doors for me and show me that the world is changing, changing into one that values travel more and more every day-where its no longer seen as a luxury but as something everyone can do no matter your career, income, or age.

Updates are coming!

2010-09-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

I have just returned home from Italy and England and I am gathering all my thoughts and memories to share... it was an amazing trip and I have so many tips to pass on. If you are thinking about going to the Amalfi Coast, Venice, or Rome ....check back soon for some great insight!

London England was a blast and the shopping nearly killed me. Not to mention the food! London has SO much more to offer than mushy peas and pies!

Singles Unite!!! Meet Market Adventures!

2010-08-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been spending a lot of time talking to friends through their break ups, their loneliness being single, or their unhappiness in their current relationship. They all share one thing in common, they fear the future and being alone. Why being single has such a bad stigma, I'll never know.

I am not here to have a therapy session but to remind each and everyone of you that you have ONE life to live, and you need to be your own creator. There is a huge world out there and there is no reason why you can't be a part of it. Its often easier to make excuses than it is to act, and that's just human nature. So I am here to help provide tools for your evolvement with respect to travel, of course.

I recently came across Meet Market Adventures
http://www.meetmarketadventures.com/singles-travel-solo-adventure-trip-group-tour-single-women-men-world-travel-agency.html
this company has been getting a lot of good press for good reason. They provide a safe environment for single men and women to meet, mingle, and have adventure- all for FREE! If traveling solo is not your thing, check them out and hook up with others in North America to make an adventure of a lifetime.

Its Almost Amalfi Coast Time!!

2010-08-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

Its like the night before Christmas... I can barely sleep with the excitement! Soon I will be kickin' it in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, chillin' on the Island of Capri, and doing cooking classes in Sorrento. After that I will be making my way to England to check out some new neighborhoods so stay tuned for some helpful tips and insight...I am armed with all the latest copies of Conde Nast and Travel & Leisure to see what their fuss is about and just how accurate it is... REAL tips for REAL people is what I'm after!

Eat, Pray, Love

2010-08-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

With the release of the new movie Eat, Pray, Love; we are yet again reminded about what travel can offer our souls. It can open our eyes to new worlds, refresh our memories of past lives, evoke a sense of calm in our hurried minds, and teach us new life lessons.

I am not saying we all need to check into an ashram tomorrow or rent a crummy apartment in Rome, but just feel fortunate that we have planes and trains to hop on and a vast globe to trek across. Take advantage of observing another culture or language, feel free to venture into unknown territory without your guidebook, and most of all- find your balance :)

Travel for me has always been a necessity, an urge flowing through my veins. While some were happy settling into their new homes or adjusting to their 9-5 routine, I needed to be on a plane.

This is what clears my mind, to make room for new thoughts and ideas. Don't wait for the 'right time'...it may never come. Whether you're single, divorced, young, or old; there is travel out there for you. Find a support group such as Hostels.com or AdventureWomen.com and tailor it to YOU. Take charge of your life and go get what YOU want. The world is there waiting, make what you wish of it.

Positano and the Amalfi Coast!

2010-08-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

In a few weeks time I will be heading back to my #1 spot which is Positano on the Amalfi Coast. I'll have new villa reviews as well as the latest info. on restaurants, cooking schools, the Island of Capri, and some other goodies!

This principessa is ready to wine and dine Italiano style! Ciao!

Here it is- Mii Amo Spa and Enchantment Resort SEDONA!

2010-08-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh where to begin? This place has been on my list of to-go-to's for a longggg time and, I can check it off.
Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo spa is often rated in the 'Best Of' lists in Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast and the like. Now I see why.

Set in mystical Sedona, directly in Boynton Canyon, this southwest resort honors the Native American culture it was founded on. The backdrop is to die for and the sun rises/sets are like no other against the red rock. This does fall under the 'Posh Girl' category but take my warning: you will not have cellphone service (at least for the next short while until the tower is completed)!

The drive in from Phoenix to Sedona was at night so we didn't get the full experience until we ventured back out on one of our many day trips. You will climb to an elevation of about 7,000 ft. so expect some ear popping and heavier breathing. It would also be wise to go with an SUV that can handle the climb and switchbacks, since you will most likely tour around to the various sites and possibly the Grand Canyon. Another warning to my Posh's- pack your casual gear! I found one or two nice outfits sufficed since Enchantment is home to the AAA Four Diamond restaurant Yavapai which requires nice dress. There aren't many high end restaurants in town so you should be ok in casual gear, and they also offer free laundry services on site which I found nice considering most higher end hotels would only offer their expensive laundering service. (Detergent and Softener free in laundry facility)

The view was so spectacular I couldn't stop taking pictures. The rock just hangs over the canyon and when the sun plays on it the whole place lights up like gold! The resort is built in typical southwest construct and decor with their casitas blending into the rock as per building code, and to preserve the desert. They take every opportunity here to respect the environment which gave itself to the Native people and location of Enchantment, and you can see the mindfulness all throughout the property from the locally grown foods to the reclaimed water.

Now I will stop here for a moment and say that Peasants are welcome too!!! If you can afford the basic casita (sign up for special web offers) then all the sightseeing, activities, and entertainment you want is free! Spring and Fall is best time to go as you will be outside the majority of the time and it gets so hot in the desert you need to be well hydrated and comfortable. The nights can be very chilly up there so plan differently from what you would wear in neighboring poshy Scottsdale :) With your $20 a day resort fee included are many activities such as stargazing, night walks, hikes, Vortex tours, yoga, fitness facilities, various pools and hot tubs, and the list goes on.

Now to explain, the resort is called Enchantment however the world class spa on site is called Mii Amo and they do offer stays on the Mii Amo side which has only 14 casitas. Should you choose to stay at Mii Amo (and I highly recommend you do), you will partake in one of their many 'journeys' that focuses on different healing principles. These journeys will seem pricey at first however they include all your meals for your stay plus access to all the spa facilities which are too many to name.

This spa is really and truly the nicest one I have been to yet, and that is saying a lot. The facilities are so calming and serene. Simple and elegant and blending the elements of nature, on first glance you will see the Crystal Grotto which is a cave like structure for meditation and daily intentions, where on the summer solstice the light through the ceiling will hit the crystals just right and light up the entire room! The red earth under your feet has not been moved and is the original earth which I found to be so fascinating.

The spa has a gym, a large outdoor pool with many sun chairs, sunscreen, towels, and poolside dining service. The indoor pool has a beautiful waterfall and large lounging area with day beds where you can snooze in your robe all day long. The change rooms are to die for! Teas and juices and fruit, a steam room and sauna that were so clean you could lick the floor, jacuzzi, many toiletries and cold lemon towels. They encourage you to stay in your robe for the duration of your stay, and most people adhere to that luxury.

So back to our plan: we did 4 days at Enchantment in our casita that had a large bathroom with massive sink in jacuzzi, fireplace, daily water and fresh juice, as well as a daily schedule of the many activities being offered. We took this opportunity to do our day trips to the Cathedral Rock Vortex, Red Rock Crossing/Crescent Moon park, Tulaquepaque Village, the bad town of Jerome, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Montezuma Castle, the Airport for a sunset, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Flagstaff, Slide Rock Park, Meteor Crater, the Grand Canyon, Lowell Observatory, and the Amithaba Stupa (Buddhist Shrine).

This seems like a lot, and it was. There is just so much to do in the 2 hours surrounding Sedona you need to take advantage and fit it all in. After the 4 days we were exhausted and ready to retire to Mii Amo for some hardcore pampering.

The grounds itself at the resort are amazing to explore. The main pool is open 24 hours so feel free to go have a hot tub or swim at night under the stars. The sky will be lit up like my hand in a jewelery store so just lay back and enjoy! Boynton Canyon is right on the vortex so feel the energy and whether you're into this stuff or not, wait and see with an open mind. Read up more on the Vortexes prior to going to gain the best understanding you can of them. The best book is called "What Is A Vortex?" by Dennis Andres. I will not go into vortexes too much as my beliefs are my beliefs and I know what resonates with me, but I want you to go have your own experience.

The first night there I recommend watching the 30 minute video of the history of Boynton Canyon and the resort to understand the Native people and how the canyon was formed. Most people say that visiting this site had a life changing effect on them and I now know for myself what they are describing. Many people will be seeking healing, overcoming cancers and diseases, relaxing, or starting a new spiritual journey. You will find that the staff are all so in tune to helping you with this and before you know it your mind and heart will be resting in a better place.

Ok so back to the details: our 4 day journey was incredible to come and go with. Meals can all be had in the dining area, poolside, or delivered to your casita ALL in your robe. The casitas at Mii Amo are newer and large with amenities you would expect in a place like this. The casitas on the Enchantment side are undergoing renovations this summer but still offer a beautiful room, just be aware and appreciative of the southwest decor and history, and don't expect the newest tv's here. You won't have time to watch it anyways so...get over it!

I have never met resort/spa staff like I did here. They were all so caring and compassionate to your needs and must have an intense training program to be so on point. Anything you want, ask for. They always try to make sure you are comfortable and relaxing. Stay in the pool all night, sit in the jacuzzi, sip tea or champagne under the stars, order dessert poolside, lounge by the fireplace and indoor pool, sit in the locker area with a magazine and juice, wander around the property and see all the wildlife (deer munching on grass below our casita) or just snooze in your king size fluffy bed by the fireplace!

The bellman all have golf carts to take you to and from the main lobby since the casitas are spread about the property, head down to the many gorgeous tennis courts, or sit out on the deck overlooking the canyon. You can't go wrong here it is just that beautiful.

The second night there we dined at Yavapai and it was delicious. It is pricey but we requested a table outside and we were the only ones there in front of Kachina Woman Rock and the canyon, dining by candlelight watching the sun go down and the full moon rise, with a double rainbow right in front. I would have paid for that view alone!

The main town of Sedona has many shops, mostly all New Age, many restaurants and tourist outfits selling you helicopter tours and Grand Canyon day trips. A few notable restaurants were Shugrue's Hillside Grill- atmosphere inside a little lacking but best view in town and food is amazing. Don't miss Wildflower Bread Co. which is a lot like a Panera Bread but dare I say...better? Located in the plaza next to ColdStone Creamery and Starbucks. The Secret Garden Cafe in Tlaquepaque village is great for breakfast and coffee. Of course the best restaurant in town at Enchantment itself is Yavapai which is fine dining and has a large outdoor dining section.

If you are on a budget there are many pizza places and Subway, as well as the usual other fast food chains, and some interesting vegetarian and raw food places. Frontiers natural foods store was one of my favorites and they have a hot and cold bar to get lunch or dinner.The Cowboy grill has 2 sides to it: one side pub atmosphere the other fine dining. Both are great. Also, Oak Creek brewery in Tlaquepaque village is good.

I won't go much into the sites since there is too much to say but must see's are the Vortex sites themselves, some you have to hike into others you can park relatively close. Jerome is said to be the wildest town in the west and you will definitely feel your ears pop as you climb up the mountain to this old mining town that was once run by its opium dens, whore houses and saloons. Lowell Observatory houses the telescope that found Pluto and is located in Flagstaff 40 minutes from Sedona. Meteor Crater is the site where 50,000 years ago a meteorite hit, 35 miles east of Flagstaff you can view this. Of course the Grand Canyon being one of the seven wonders of the world was jaw dropping. This drive is two hours from Sedona.

Chapel of the Holy Cross is an incredible church built into the mesas by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Sitting on the Coconino National Forest you can view all of Sedona from the church. Montezuma Castle national Monument had to be the most mysterious of the sites, a monstrous dwelling built into the side of the cliff by an unknown people. It is still not known why this group of prehistoric farmers built high up and how A.D.1100.

Slide Rock is great for swimming and escaping the heat in the river. Airport Mesa is where you'll get your best pictures in Sedona, aside from the resort property in the canyon. The hikes are endless and you really need to pack proper clothes and gear. For the Posh check out Body Bliss in Sedona, they have amazing natural body products- I got some body butters here I love and the spa uses many of their products as well.

Back to the resort, if you are tired of all the shopping, palm readings, hiking and daytripping; partake for FREE in Apache teachings, Aqua Flow, yoga, cooking demos, photography, pottery, mountain biking, medicine walks, stargazing, tai chi, vision board making, vortex lectures, or Zumba even!

If spa treatments are more your thing go for a Flower Essence Bath, Sacral Cranial Massage, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Hot Stone Massage, Clay Wraps, Lymphatic Facials, Hot Cinnamon Facials, any of the Ayurvedic experiences, Rosemary Body Scrubs, Reiki, InnerQuests, or Tarot Card readings. The therapists are all highly trained and specialized and come from all over the world. Every treatment I had was the best I have ever had, and they are generous in their treatments as well spending extra time here and there as well as giving you some product to take home depending on your treatment.

The small touches are what really got me here, like returning to the room at night with turn down service that included a nightly 'gift' on the bed. The bath products stocked generously each day in the bathroom were a treat, as well as the manager personally coming out to introduce himself and offer any services. On our departure day we were sad to leave and were invited to a farewell ceremony in the grotto that presented us with a departure gift after a great breakfast. Enchantment and Mii Amo truly lived up to their native saying which is "yah-ha-say" which means "you are welcome here".

http://www.enchantmentresort.com/index.aspx

2010-08-03T13:31:00.001-07:00

Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment Resort

2010-07-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

What is ALL the hype about this place!? I'll be traveling to Sedona tomorrow to let you all know.
Consistently rated as a top spa in the world, I will be spending a week there to get very familiar with its services and landscape.
Sedona is great for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts although I will be leaving the major treks to the professionals, and focusing on wellness...Red Rock here I come!!
P.S. Cell phone reception may be patchy in the canyon...wish me luck!

2010-07-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Its HOT in the Big Easy!! New Orleans and the W French Quarter

2010-07-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Call me crazy but this past week I was in New Orleans checking out a hotel I keep hearing about, the W French Quarter. I haven't felt heat like this in a long, long time and all I have to say is if you do go in the summer months, pack the smallest clothes you own and put your hair up!

Now I'm not talking the Westin or New Orleans Poydras Street, I'm talking the hot happening location of the W French Quarter right smack in the Quarter on Chartes Street. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=97508 You couldn't be in a better spot, a close walk to everything and their best feature which is their outdoor pool and sexy courtyard.

I've been to NOLA in the past, and just so you get a feel of my standards here I have stayed at the W Poydras Street (a further walk) as well as 5 star hotels like the Ritz Carlton, but the W French Quarter is my new favourite. The one thing that has become mandatory for me staying in this sweltering and most-of-the-time stinky city is a POOL. I also prefer to be close in the Quarter as I typically do not rent a car. We paid about $239 a night for a Mega Room that has a sun deck overlooking the pool. Using my Starwood Card I scored an upgrade, but their lesser Spectacular Room would be fit for this Posh as well. New Orleans can be a rough place to be so I tend to go for a nicer hotel when here.

Upon check in we discovered that the staff here is fairly young and somewhat lacking in customer service and the hotel industry, but we learned to overlook their shortcomings since we helped ourselves to the hotel anyways and were enjoying it so much. Don't expect amazing recommendations from the front desk, and room service from the infamous Bacco Restaurant in the hotel ends at an early 9pm. The courtyard is the selling feature of this hotel with the trendy purples covering sun chairs and big fluffy pillows, candles and lanterns everywhere as well as soft lounge music playing almost 24/7. Bottled water is usually stocked beside the valet stand, sun chairs beside the pool are few and it is a small pool, but the atmosphere is out of this world. There is a pizzeria on the corner just outside the hotel if you have late night cravings or just grab something on Bourbon. There is a Walgreens on Decatur if you have an emergency (late night munchies count as an emergency)

The room was a nice size and the bathroom large, however they only have showers and no tubs. The Bliss Spa products are a nice touch, the beds comfy and balcony was large enough for a full patio set. Advice: when booking your room be very specific about which room you are getting and location. We were on the 2nd floor overlooking the pool with a larger balcony, I wouldn't have wanted to be further down the building far from elevators and no/small balcony.

They are known for their Whatever Whenever Service, we didn't make any crazy requests although it did cross my mind to test the waters here :) We were so busy touring around, shopping and dining we didn't have time to be picky in our rooms.

Brennan's Bacco downstairs is a yummy restaurant, featuring mostly Italian dishes with some New Orleans flare http://www.bacco.com/ The desserts are awesome as well as the service by the younger waiters, and nothing beats rolling downstairs for your dinner when you don't feel like going too far!

I was so happy with the location of the W. Charters Street is 5 min from anything, the waterfront and Jackson Square, Bourbon street, dining and shopping, Harrah's Casino and The Shops at Canal Place(Saks for all the Poshes). Directly across the street is a little restaurant that boasts 'breakfast all day' and they do serve a great breakfast-huge quantities that is pretty cheap. To the right of the hotel is a small coffee shop where the service is downright odd and the pastries few, but a great place to grab a coffee or tea.

Bottom of the Cup is also directly across the street for those of you interested in some psychic guidance when you're here http://www.bottomofthecup.com/ it is featured in Frommer's and they had a lot of foot traffic because of this although apparently the address in Frommer's is incorrect.

My favourite dining experience was Emeril's NOLA restaurant, just a block over from the W. This was by far one of the best meals I've ever had, the menu had everything I love to eat and more, and the service by the young male servers had so much southern charm and graciousness (although they did sometimes forget certain items to table). http://www.emerils.com/restaurant/2/NOLA-Restaurant/welcome They overheard it was my birthday and brought me out a dessert with candles. Reservations should be made well in advance and they won't bend over backwards trying to fit you in.

We hit all the usual spots like Cafe Du Monde for beignets, Frenchman Street for some live jazz and soul food, Pat O'Brien's for a Hurricane and of course- a cemetery tour.

The cemetery tours are really cool if you have never seen one. They are above ground and date back to the 1800's. There is the St.Louis Cemetery just out of the Quarter and the Lafayette Cemetary in the Garden District which is the one we decided to explore.

The tour that was recommended to us was by the "Magic Tours" Company www.magictoursnola.com which offers the Garden District, Irish Channel, and Lafayette Cemetery Tour OR the Ghosts, Haunts and Voodoo Tour OR the St.Louis Cemetery #1 Tour. We decided to spend the day in the Garden District checking out the shops and having lunch, and since the Lafayette Cemetery was right there we decided to give ourselves our own tour! Lucky for us upon entering the grounds we ran into the head gravedigger named Sean and he showed us around for an hour giving us the most accurate tour and information possible. For this he accepts donations to the cemetery which go to help maintain the tombs and damage caused by grave robbers and vandals.

The Garden District is a nice area to get away from the craziness of the French Quarter. It reminds me a little of Niagara on the Lake and has some really nice shops and cafes. Very Bohemian and only a ten minute cab ride from the Quarter.
Make sure to check out Belladonna Spa- it has a huge gift shop with amazing spa and relaxation products as well as an extensive spa menu www.belladonnadayspa.com

Our final day here we made sure to spend the day in the Ritz Carlton Spa http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/NewOrleans/Spa/Default.htm
We pampered ourselves silly with salt scrubs and wraps, massages and facials. Their Sweet Magnolia package is a good way to ease into the south and wind down after a long night on Bourbon. Pedi's came in handy after lots of walking in heels on the cobblestone and crooked streets.

Well, that's the important information for you...the rest is "What happens in the French Quarter Most Definitely Stays in the French Quarter or Gets Washed Away in A Storm"! If you are thinking of visiting NOLA do it soon.......because of the human error which caused levies to break and NOT Katrina hitting it, as well as the fact it is sinking, the city could really benefit from your tourism dollars and may not be around forever.

There is more to NOLA than just Mardi Gras, other great times to visit are during Sugar Bowl, New Year's, Earth Fest, French Quarter Festival, Jazz Festival, Wine & Food Experience, Halloween, and at Christmas Time.

Day in the Life of ......

2010-07-12T06:08:00.000-07:00

This week I will be traveling back to New Orleans to check up on one of my favourite places and see how it is doing a year later.

I will also be scoping out the W French Quarter for those of you that keep asking what this hotel is like. Having one of the best locations in the French Quarter, as well as a trendy outdoor pool and bar, I will be bringing the details back to all the Poshes and Peasants that spend their hard earned money staying here.

The New Trump SOHO NYC!

2010-07-06T14:30:00.001-07:00

The Trump has done it again... he has opened up the luxurious Trump Soho in the hottest area of Manhattan and I have scoped it out for you!

This past weekend was July 4th and we all know how important that is to Americans, so I hopped a flight and went to see what all the chatter is about.

Booking into a basic room I was absolutely delighted by my arrival. The location is perfect on Spring Street in SOHO right near all the trendy restaurants and shops. The building is immaculate and fresh, soothing and earthy. As soon as we arrived we were greeted by our last name and offered the use of the 'house car' which is an S-Class Mercedes including driver! At check in the scented cold towels were a hit considering the ridiculous high temps.

Oscar at the front desk was awesome, genuinely friendly and offering his services for any of our wishes. We did need info. on finding a great spot to watch the fireworks with the millions flooding the Hudson River area and we were booked into a great Italian restaurant right on the water.

The rooms: spacious for a Manhattan room, electric shades, large bathroom with soaking tub and waterfall shower, Fendi dressing benches and a plush couch. The work area was perfect with ample closet space and flat screens. Plenty of bottled water, a great room service menu and bedtime chocolates. My only complaint is that the spa was not opened yet, but this will only bring me back again since the buzz is that this spa is IT, featuring New York's first Hammam spa.

There is an Italian restaurant off the lobby Quattro which although I did not try I hear is good and seemed busy enough. The doormen I give props to as they never forget your name and are always there offering any services. The staff is so friendly, there is nothing stiff about this hotel.

Make sure you are aware of your room, there are also people living here as it is a residence as well, which meant our next door neighbor was a record producer and there was a bit of a noise disruption with him making his beats. A simple call to the front desk took care of that when I no longer could stand hearing the same 'hook' over and over and over....

Rooms on average start at $350 USD a night but we scored a last minute deal on Expedia.

If you are looking for a Posh hotel to spoil you for a special vacation...you will love the Trump Soho! Tribeca and the West Village are only a short distance away...spend the days shopping, eating and sightseeing with the most comfortable base a Posh could ask for! http://www.trumpsohohotel.com/

St. Anne's Spa Grafton Ontario Canada

2010-07-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

Last week I stayed at the notorious St.Anne's Spa an hour outside Toronto and found out why it is Canada's Top Spa.

If quiet and relaxation are what you are truly seeking, then you need to book yourself in to this spa. Located an easy drive outside of the city, St.Anne's began as an Inn and was built in 1858 which expanded and evolved over the years. It is set on rolling hills and meadows overlooking Lake Ontario, and the clean air and quiet sounds of wildlife will leave you rested and rejuvenated. Now I am an avid spa-goer, but I have to say no matter what the treatment of the day is, I still rush out back into life and business and it only takes hours for the benefits of that treatment to wear off. This is why I am an advocate of this multi-day spa.

You will most likely want to do a multi-day package which they can help you arrange. The best part of this spa is its all inclusive so there is no tipping and all your meals including TeaTime are included! When checking in we were presented with our robes for the duration and that is all we truly needed. You can meander from your treatments to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to the pool, hot tubs, a walk in the hills or even Tea Time which includes cheese and fruit plates, scones and pastries, and their amazing selection of healthy teas. Thought Tea Time was just for the English and 'more mature' crowd?! WRONG! Tea Time includes Brownies and Cookies and Jams!!!!!

We stayed in the Dolls House which is perfect for the Posh that wants privacy and comfort. It was an amazing building off the main building which to be honest had us sleeping with the lights on, but the history and charm of it calmed our nerves in the end. Built as a small house for the tenants children in the 1800's this amazing loft 'cottage' has all the comforts you would need including a jacuzzi tub and fireplace, as well as full kitchen and king size bed, and a bathroom stocked with Aveda products which was my absolute favorite! Aveda is key for me and they did not let me down in the treatments or products. There is an Aveda store on site and most of the treatments include some sort of Aveda therapy.

St.Anne's truly believes you need to remove a person from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind so they do not encourage cell phone usage or tv's in the rooms. This was a little hard at first for us busy ladies but we managed to unwind and let the soothing surroundings take us over. That may also have been due to the wine that they encourage you to bring with you since they do not sell or serve alcohol. There is no corking fee in the dining area so bring it along and stock your own in-room fridge.

You do pay a pretty penny for these packages but it is well worth every cent. The food is healthy and delicious and leaves you feeling pure. The hot tubs, saunas and wellness classes are a treat, the outdoor pool gorgeous in the right weather. It is a small spa so you will not see many people and I highly recommend it to solo travelers as we saw many of these dining and reading in their own peace, and just escaping life for a few days.

If you are a more active traveler than you can walk the trails surrounding or work out in the small gym, or even play tennis. We chose to connect and enjoy each other's company and let the days fold into nights ....coming home more relaxed and refreshed than we ever have from a spa. Make sure you book your services well in advance as they book up quick and I mean QUICK, and it is next to impossible to get a last minute add-on or treatment. Thanks St.Anne's!!!

http://www.steannes.com/home.html

Best Spa in Canada!

2010-06-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

This week I will be traveling to St. Anne's Spa in Grafton, Ontario Canada. I have high hopes for this ultra-relaxing spa and can't wait to share my experience with you soon.......

Dew Shop Toronto

2010-06-06T06:20:00.001-07:00

I try to stick to more of the travel front but every now and then something will come along that I have to share. And we all know how much we love fab travel accessories!

While in Toronto, I came across this store called DEW as in Day, Evening, Weekend, on 1553 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Ave), 647.436.1232. They stock the coolest travel accessories not to mention comfortable, easy clothing. Dresses that you could roll up in your suitcase easily and still wear fresh off the plane! My favorite was this line called MY Tagalongs by 2 Montreal women who came up with the perfect travel accessories, all in small compact packs with cute colorful labels. I purchased some Onetime Anytime Towelettes perfect for my purse, or YOUR backpack.

They also stock HUE slip'r sox which are made of the softest material your piggies will ever touch. They are oh so perfect for the plane when you stretch out in first class, er', I mean, economy class and want something to wrap your toes up warm.

The Hollywood line had all kinds of bra tapes and inserts, oil blotting sheets, and my favorite- the 'Touch Ups' which are lint removing sheets. I love these because it allows you to leave your big thick sticky lint roller at home.

And on a final note, my pink VAPUR bottle, or known as the anti-bottle, is catching a lot of attention as it rolls up when empty and can slide into a little purse, or once again, you backpacking girls that are out of space!

DEW also stocks popular jean choices, fancier dresses, casual day wear, and hot accessories so if you're in Toronto check it out.

Hospitality Club

2010-05-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

Another forum, similar to Couch Surfing is The Hospitality Club http://www.hospitalityclub.org/ which allows you to search members and gain....FREE ACCOMMODATION! Hosts and travelers are able to exchange messages and send out the good will to those who want to see and experience other cultures.

Couch Surfing!

2010-05-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here's one for the Peasants.... http://www.couchsurfing.org/ is an international non-profit that started as a forum for travelers wanting to connect with locals in the destination they are traveling to, and bunk up with them! It has now turned into more than that, allowing you to reap some serious rewards such as cultural experiences, friendships, and learning.

It takes a lot of guts to do this but it's very popular and the testimonials are surprising.

PocketAroma! Lavender to the Rescue

2010-05-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

I have been anticipating my personal PocketAroma ever since I was sitting in Elmwood Spa Toronto reading a spa magazine.

This is the genius product from a leading lady in Boca Raton Florida, who like me needed some aromatherapy on the go. This unique and cute little dispenser easily fits in your pocket or purse and in one small squeeze you have instant relaxation from the lavender essential oil.

Being stuck on the plane, in a car, or even in a sticky situation like heels down cobblestone in Paris, PocketAroma is a sense of calm in a crazy world.

It took a while for lavender to grow on me but there's something about it now I just can't get enough of: in a bath, in a pillow spray and now in a squeeze! For under $10 I am so happy with mine, and will be ordering more. Note to Canadian customers: when I attempted to order to Canada it did not allow me to select the country, I simply emailed the company and they contacted me right away to arrange shipping. This may have been updated by now http://www.pocketaroma.com/index.php

JetSetter Get Set!

2010-05-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered a new site I'm trying out called JetSetter, a member's only site that (for free) allows you to make travel bookings at discounted rates (sales lasting 5-7 days).

Not only are you getting some great deals on vacations and hotels, but your bookings come with the expert knowledge by traveling correspondents who have checked out the locations and properties, and provided you with the feedback.

I can really appreciate this since surfing TripAdvisor for hours can turn out much confusion about the quality of your stay, and JetSetter gets right to the point. Underneath the destination or hotel you will see points about the location, size of room, what's REALLY included, etc. Plus, you get 50 free credits to start to take off the price of your stay. The only downside I am seeing so far is the 'no cancellations' rule. www.jetsetter.com

The Value of Travel

2010-05-16T08:11:00.001-07:00

I was browsing through Oprah's magazine this month and came across an article about the value of travel and vacations I thought rang true.

In fact, after I read it I was even MORE empowered to travel, and feel confident in the fact that getting away is not just a spare time indulgence. Of course I already know this, but thought I would share with you as you may be on the fence about taking those extra vacation days or even up and leaving to travel the world.

Ryan Howell, PhD, performed a study in which he asked 154 men and women about their recent purchases and discovered those who spent their money on experiences were happier than those who had spent their money on material goods.

This study goes hand in hand with the theory named 'Hierarchy of Needs' developed in the 40's by psychologist Abraham Maslow. Maslow believed that once a human has fulfilled their basic needs i.e. food, water, shelter; they seek to fulfill more complicated social needs.

Howell also reminds that we fail to become tired of our memories and experiences, 'like we do last year's cell phone model'.

So there you have it- next time you have that expensive coat or pair of shoes in your hand, maybe set it back down and think about a quick weekend getaway or a lavish European vacation. In the end I think you and I both know that jump 1 year later, those shoes and that coat will be dusty and unworn while you could be reminiscing of red wine and homemade pasta in Italy!

3 Flo. Oz

2010-05-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

I am still amazed by the confusion traveling with liquids has caused...years after the rule was first put in place. I remember being in the airport when they instituted this rule, and the mass chaos it was causing with passengers who could not get their heads around the liquid regulations!

Whether the rule has helped or not is up for debate, but fact of the matter is its not going anywhere so you might as well get used to it. In the meantime, I have something to help you out. Its called www.3floz.com, and I LOVE it. 3 Fl Oz is the genius idea of 2 special ladies who decided to sell your favourite brands and products, all in TSA approved containers and sizes!

Now, instead of having to settle for crappy travel items you find in WalMart and the like- you can have choice! xxoo

Green Your Thang??

2010-05-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

With the world becoming more eco-conscious, I thought I'd start to be a little more travel conscious here as well.

If budget and the environment are your Top 2 concerns, then here is something to consider for your next adventure: Hip Green Hostels Around the World

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/12-hip-green-hostels-around-the-globe.php

Att: POSH -Designer Luggage NO NO's

2010-05-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

Word to the wise Posh: Should you choose to purchase overpriced designer luggage, please keep in mind that this should NOT be checked at the airport. Working in the airport I have seen the luggage belt that leads to the pit of action on the runway in the bellies of the airports, and let me tell you it is NOT pretty!

The luggage can travel for 15-30 minutes until it reaches its sorting location and all along the way it is passing through 'kickers' which hammer away at the luggage to keep it moving. So you know when you received your bag that time and it was dented or had handles and straps missing? Well don't always blame it on the handlers. There is a reason why most airlines have exclusions about 'straps, zippers, pulls'. They really do take a beating and its not the airports fault. There is a system here to keep bags moving to where they're supposed to be, so take my advice when I tell you that new bag you just bought instead of paying your rent...? Don't do it! Its not worth it.

Instead, purchase an all round heavy duty piece that is known to last. I prefer the Samsonite roller bags with 4 wheels that you don't have to pull. These tend to take the beating of the airports quite well and have lasted me countless trips.

The Palazzo & Canyon Ranch Spa Las Vegas!

2010-05-03T13:14:00.001-07:00

So this past weekend my girlfriend and I got to thinking... why not have a "Treat Yourself kind of weekend"? And what better place to do it then LAS VEGAS!!??

So we packed our Loubout's and made our way to Sin City to check out the new Palazzo, built onto the already fabulous Venetian. The Palazzo in all its grandeur is home to well-appointed suites with all the amenities you would expect in a 5 star hotel: plush robes, sunken living rooms with work area and flat screens (sans IPOD docking station), luxurious linens, large bathrooms with separate tub, remote control roman shades and a delicious room service menu http://www.palazzolasvegas.com

We paid about $290 US per night, which did not include the $19 resort fee at check out but did include an upgrade to a Bella Suite. In my opinion this is the best hotel going right now, because of its location on the strip next to the Wynn and across from the Fashion Show mall. The casino dining couldn't get any better. You've got Emeril Lagasse's Stadium for casual dining and sports betting, the Grande Luxe Cafe by Cheesecake Factory with an incredible menu and large servings, LAVO for Italian, WOO Pan Asian, CUT Steakhouse, SushiSamba, Morels French Bistro, Carnevino Steakhouse, and Solaro casual American.

Just outside the elevators to your suite is Sweet Surrender candy and chocolate shop, Espressamente Cafe, and a gift shop selling all kinds of up-to-date snacks and drinks. It is so convenient to have everything at your fingertips, so should you not want to splurge on the room service breakfast- a bagel is only an elevator ride away!

The pools at Palazzo are connected to the Venetian so you can walk around all of them and choose your best seat. We did this and discovered we liked TAO Beach best of all, not to mention the VIP service we received! We strutted our stuff right past the line and were escorted to our private day beds which were reserved for us for the day with our own waitress. We got a little too much sun here and enjoyed lounging listening to the beats of the resident DJ's. Note: Get there at opening(10am) and you should be able to score yourself lounge chairs without too much hassle or line ups
*Remember, the sun in Vegas is SO hot, and you can forget what is happening to your skin when you are having fun out there so bring the sun screen if you burn

Now I have to add a sidenote here that we were unsure of whether to stay at the Wynn this time or Palazzo, and I have to say the bonus to Palazzo is that it just seems to have more going on in way of dining and casual shops. The Wynn is home to my favourite Louis, Gucci, etc, as well as some great pizza and other restaurants, but the Palazzo had a better feeling to it overall.

The shopping in the Palazzo was my favourite! Oh my goodness I panicked when I saw Catherine Malandrino, Diane Von Furstenberg, Christian Louboutin, Victoria's Secret, and so on, ALL in MY hotel!! Could I really run from room to store, room to store, room to store!?

But the most important highlight of this trip was to sample the Canyon Ranch Spa which I've heard so much about. After all, Vegas can be exhausting from all that sightseeing and partying and you need the relaxation element! So off we went for the day, booking ourselves for treatments with high expectations. While I can find myself relaxing at just about ANY spa, I will get down to fine details here for the sake of my Posh and Peasants who may choose to visit Canyon Ranch. This IS the purpose of PGPG anyhow! http://www.palazzolasvegas.com/crs.aspx

To begin, the booking process was quite simple. We didn't book our treatments until the day before and they had no issues finding us space on the busy weekend. On the day of, we had a light lunch outside the spa at the grill which I thought would be so much more convenient having it IN the spa, where you can dine in your robe. Anyhow, we were escorted into the facilities where we were given our lockers and slippers, and briefly told what therapies there were on site. Unfortunately, the lady working did not give us a detailed explanation so we were a little lost as to where everything was and how it worked. We asked another lady working and she gave us an excellent tour and explained all the therapies to us. These included: the Crystal Steam Room, Experiential Rains, Finnish Sauna, Herbal Laconium, HydroSpa, the Igloo, and in the Co-Ed lounging area there is the relaxation conservatory, the Salt Grotto, and the Wave Room. Have you booked your stay yet?!

These therapies are not common in most spas, and they are so great to try. You do pay a lot more for your service but you have to factor in these therapies along with the complimentary tea bars with fruit and coffee as well as cold beverages. A regular 50 minute massage will cost you $160 on the weekend. Slightly less during the week. You could make a day out of it, going from your booked treatments to the included therapies, but once again you would need lunch and this is where they fall short having the dining outside of the spa. In my opinion, getting dressed and exiting to eat is not the best idea when you could simply order drinks or lunch or both in your robe and the comfort of the spa. The pools are also located just outside the spa and I think it would be so much better to have a pool just for the spa alone like in many places. When you have the whole day at a spa and its beautiful weather outside, there is nothing better than grabbing some rays in between treatments and relaxing.

SO, onto ambiance. Ok, well, the single gendered environments leave some to be desired. They need to dim the lights as they have day beds for napping but too many windows with the hot Vegas sun beating in, NOT what I want to see when I'm inside for the day trying to relax. They are bland and lack luster while the co-ed relaxation room is far more soothing with gardens and nice private places to sit. This spa is so huge you wouldn't even know there was a co-ed relaxation area. I only encountered it on the good 10 minute walk to the massage room where the therapist pointed it out, passing by the spa boutiques and quiet sitting rooms. It was like a whole other world in this place! I have never been in a spa that is 134,000 sq. feet and has a 40 foot tall rock climbing wall- but hey its Vegas!

A note about the attire- the sandals they give you hurt the feet so bad! They have pokey things in the bottom that maybe were meant to be like acupuncture but mine hurt SO bad I could barely stand it. Also, the Hydrospa was WAY too hot. I mean so hot we could not get in it. The woman working there seemed to think it was normal and said we may be 'sensitive' but trust me, this body has laid under the hottest sun and sat in the hottest springs and there was NO getting into this spa.

I noticed the jugs of lemon water to be empty quite often, not good for a busy large expensive spa where people are detoxing themselves in the saunas and other therapies. On a positive note, the spa store had some amazing hard to find products, lots of products on different types of healing with a natural approach, and some great skin care products. They also offer to ship to you so if you don't have room in your luggage, you can go that route.

The facial was my favourite, except for the attendant that had terrible body odor as she leaned over me for more than an hour. The products they use are top of the line, and they offer 'add ons' to your treatment but be careful-during the treatment they will ask you if you mind a lip treatment for example making it sound like its included in the price but optional, only to charge you at the end. You have to be very specific with them about what you want and don't want, just as you need to ask them for a proper tour of the facilities beforehand. It is a huge place and I think they may get a little overwhelmed giving the same repetitive tour.

All in all this is a fabulous place to be. When people think Vegas they think party, loud, lights, and no sleep. But this Vegas can be something different too. It can be spa, elegant and cozy room, plush robes and fine dining. You can go from room to spa in your robe and keep the peace without the bells and whistles of the casino slots. The Palazzo is a definite for me from now on, well, until the next big thing comes along which in Vegas that means its right around the corner...

Volcanic Ash got you stuck?

2010-04-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

It is scary what is going on in the world right now- I am hoping people start taking Earth more seriously as it is capable of turning our lives upside down.

That being said, a lot of people have been inconvenienced by the recent spew of ash coming out of Iceland. Trips are cancelled, flights changed, and plans are really up in the air! Now is a good time to familiarize yourself with rail travel, specifically the European rail pass.

I know I will be using it in September- so I've provided you with a good link for first time users OR those who need to get better acquainted with the Euro Pass and its workings. It really is a convenient, reliable, easy and cost effective way of traveling.

http://www.seat61.com/Railpass.htm

Palazzo Las Vegas

2010-04-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

In about a week's time I will be heading to Vegas to review the highly anticipated Palazzo Casino Resort at the Venetian, and returning home with the goods for all my Posh ladies.

I am so excited to go and see what it has to offer, as well as a feature on the Canyon Ranch Spa and its treatments.

Viva Las Vegas! Stay tuned...

Drink your dinner ladies?

2010-04-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

Just an FYI if you're planning on cruising anytime soon... Celebrity Cruise Lines is now offering all inclusive beer and liquor packages! WOO HOO!

You can select a package that suits your drinking needs- fruity cocktails or fine wine. No more a la carte means good savings for all!

Disney Hotels for the Posh and Peasant

2010-04-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

So I have this thing with Disney Orlando, I like going there but I can only take so much of the kiddie stuff. With the hotels mainly being geared towards kids, I took it upon myself to scout out some not-so-kiddish places for the Posh and Peasant to stay.

My previous post was on the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes, just 10 minutes to Disney and a hidden jewel on some beautiful lakes and a supreme golf course. Well, the brother property to the Ritz is the adjoining J W Marriott.

Now the Marriott upon first glance is far less superior than the Ritz, and not just in the cost. It has more families (KIDS), and less, well- RITZ! But from time to time even this so called Posh will get caught up in a surprise and find out that sometimes less is really more....

When making my earlier decision to stay at the Ritz, I considered all the bells and whistles of a 5 star Luxury property: concierge, doormen who know your name, valet and bellman and complimentary bottles of water. I enjoyed the more private and quiet resort pool with dining at your lounge chair, less kids and screaming, more upscale dining, and more superior rooms including larger bathrooms, soaking jacuzzi tubs, large balconies and turn down service. I thoroughly enjoyed this property, but staying true to Posh Girl Peasant Girl, I decided to check out the adjoining Marriott and see what it had to offer, considering it was on average $100 a night cheaper than the Ritz.

Now I already highlighted the fact that these resorts are close to Disney and SeaWorld and all the best malls or Orlando. They are perfect options to feel like you are at a resort and not just in Orlando. If you and your other want to do an 'adults Disney vaca', then these are the hotels you should be staying at.

So right into it, this hotel has room packages starting at $249 a night which include free valet parking each night($20 value), free buffet breakfast ($25 pp), champagne and chocolate covered strawberries each night, and use of all the pools/activites. Altho you are not getting the quiet pool of the Ritz, this complex is absolutely amazing! Very similar to the MGM Grande Las Vegas lazy river and pools. You can grab an innertube and float your way around the pools thru waterfalls and foliage just like you're in Costa Rica. There are many pools and chairs all with poolside dining and service. There is live music and dj's every day, kids club activites, BBQ's, nightime bonfires with s'mores, and an amazing menu of cocktails. Yes-it is loud. Yes-there are a lot of kids. But I managed to find a more secluded spot by the river and just enjoyed the full sun and service. Don't forget, as a guest of either hotel you have the option to use either pool! The walk is maybe 5 minutes. My one major annoyance at the pool was the families that slather themselves with sunscreen (is the sun killing you or the chemicals in the sunscreen???) but they do it with spray cans! Now these spray cans get about 10% of the stuff on you, and 90% on others. I was constantly getting misted with someone else's sunscreen. *Remember to bring an IPOD, this will come in handy when you are sunning and pretending you are in Jamaica

The spa as previously mentioned in my Ritz post is heavenly, and yes I did make a return trip and it was 2 minutes closer to the Marriott then the Ritz. 2 minutes you say?! Trust me, after a long massage and relaxation session in the evening every minute you have to walk back to your room counts!

The rooms- ok well the rooms were not as impressive but had all the basic ammenities you would expect and more. Turn down service with bottled water and chocolates, flat screens and great toiletries, the washroom was an ok size but only 1 shower/bath combo. The balconies were very tiny, a smoker's balcony at best but still welcomed air and sun in the room. The room service was great with a good selection of food, the pizza is one of the best I've ever had (but greasy).

The lobby of this Marriott is gorgeous, just as nice if not better than the Ritz side. Complimentary waters as you enter, full concierge, valet parking, and a huge bar/open restaurant for lounging, dining, drinking, or gathering. TV's with games on, cigars for sale, and a tuck shop with all kinds of goodies. Another bonus to this side is that you get all the little eateries and shops like Starbucks, a healthy cafe, shop selling gifts and spa products, etc.

The breakfast included in our room package was better than the Ritz side! They offered everything from your omelette and egg station to a waffle and pancake station, a fruit bar featuring tropical and exotic fruits, a cheese bar with fish and antipastos, a bakery and cafe where they can make you any coffee drink you wish, not to mention the offering of breads including gluten free choices. The service is outstanding throughout the hotel, dining, and shops. The only annoyance was the man at the timeshare desk outside the convenience store who hastled you and would daily leave messages on your voicemail asking you to come get your 'free gift'(yea right).

All in all I was so impressed with the J W Marriott here, I could probably stand the abundance of kids and wee ones since all the other bonuses made up for it. It truly gives you the resort experience and makes you feel like you are far away on an island.

http://www.grandelakes.com/

Thailand!!!!

2010-04-02T05:02:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow PGPG followers!

I recently got back from Thailand and Cambodia and wanted to share my experiences. I went to Thailand in 2004 and while it’s the same beautiful country, many things have changed. The most noted being…tourists.

Thailand is one of my most favourite countries in the world, often referred to as the land of smiles. The scenery takes your breath away, the people are wonderful, and there’s a ‘happiness’ about the country that you always end up taking home with you, in the most unexplainable way.

Here are some tips for your travels:

THAILAND
I've been to 5 major 'hot spots' in Thailand, so I'll give ya the run down.

1. Bangkok

I wouldn't spend much time here if you're objective is to 'see the world', no more than 2 days. There’s a range of hotels here, more hotels than hostels, so peasant travelers; you’ll want to minimize your time here as you’ll likely be looking at spending at least $40-150 on a hotel. Posh travelers, good news for you! In the last 7 years, Thailand has become of the most popular travel destination in the world. Due to high demand and deep pocketed tourists, there are new ritzy hotels popping up left, right and centre. There’s even a 5-Star Bangkok hotel website! http://www.bangkok.com/hotels/5-star-hotels.html. I once stayed at the Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit, my goodness, one of the most beautiful hotel’s I’ve stayed at, great food & great service. http://www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com/, you’re looking at about $250/night.
People go to Bangkok to shop and see temples. The most famous monument being the lying down Buddha. The markets are quite an experience! There are beautiful textiles, paintings, statues, clothes, food, you name it- great for home furnishings. If you're there on a weekend check out Chatuchak Market - 1000's of stalls of everything you can think of, with the range of items to buy, so it’s great for either posh or peasant travelers! I think there's even a post office in the back, so you can mail stuff home! This website will give ya some more info:http://www.asiatraveltips.com/ChatuchakMarketBangkok.shtml
There's also the famous Pat Pong - the 'red light' district…I won't go in to detail here, but let's just say the images still haunt me today…lol! You’ll have to see it for yourself! (Probably not a top of the list place for posh travelers.)

2. Chaing Mai

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. During my previous travels to Thailand, I never had time to head north, but this time I made it and I’m so glad I did. Northern Thailand will leave you wanting more. It’s filled with lush greenery and stunning mountain views. You can get a flight from Bangkok to Chaing Mai for about $80.
There's lots of activities to do here - elephant trekking, living with the village people, white water rafting, ATVing, and the list goes on and on. You might want to rent a car, as it may be cheaper than taxi’s from event to event. The big piece of advice I have is to stay away from the city itself and get out to the country side. The city has really come up in the last 3-5 years, which really takes the essence of the north away. If you’re on a peasant budget I have good news for you. About an hour north of the Chaing Mai airport, mountain-top, there is a gem of a hotel called Panviman. It’s paradise, peaceful gardens, gorgeous views and a great place to just reflect. It’s about $60/night, much less than what you’d be paying in the city for a similar hotel. http://www.panviman.com/chiangmai/about.html.
We rented a car and drove to the following cities:
• Pai – Peasants, you would LOVE this town. It’s a backpackers heaven. A really cool, funky, town, where you can stay for cheap, cheap, cheap! The big activity here is white water rafting/bamboo rafting. With so many travelers loving this place, there are more tourists than locals, but it still works, it’s got a 'rasta' feel and just screams chill.
• Chaing Dao - there's only one attraction here, but worth seeing - a massive cave in the mountain, very cool
• Oh yes, you must go see Doi Sutep temple, it's a famous Buddhist monastery, gorgeous statues and peaceful ambiance
• If you're up for further adventure, you can travel further north-east, to Chaing Rai and head down the Mekong river - a very popular thing to do if you're in that part of the world

3. The islands - Ko Samui (ko = island)

I went to Ko Sumoi in 2004, this is where I first fell in love with Thailand! Both Ko Sumoi & Ko Phangan are stunning. Definitely a place for peasant travelers looking for cheap places to stay. The islands are known for their full moon parties and crazy bars/clubs. I have to warn you that if you stay on the busy sides of either island, you'll feel like you're in Cancun. There has been an influx of tourists over the last few years, as Thailand has become a popular vacation destination. While these islands exude beauty, they've become quite busy. You can still find places around the island that are quiet, we stayed for $15 a night at Tatawan Bungalow, some of my best travel memories are during this time - http://tantawanbungalow.com/. With a 10 minute walk to the edge of the island, we pretty much had a beach all to ourselves. I sigh every time I think about it. We rented motorbikes for $4/day and drove around Ko Samui. It was so…liberating.

4. The islands - Ko Phi Phi & Phuket

Brief history - Phuket is where the famous Tsunami happened, on December 26th, 2004. The entire island was impacted, and many lives were lost. It’s up and running now, more than ever! Posh travelers, there are some incredible spa’s & hotels in Phuket!
Ko Phi Phi is a small island a few hours away from Phuket. It’s beaches have attracted Hollywood producers, as Leonardo Dicaprio filmed the Beach here and apparently a famous 007 scene was shot on this island. Peasant travelers, unfortunately, with Thailand being as popular as it’s become, it’s not as easy to find cheap places to stay anymore. You’re looking at an average of $100/night for most of the bungalows. The one warning I’ll put out there is that this island has become extremely crowded. There are hotels and tourists everywhere you walk and long-tail boats that line the beach front. If you’re up for a good party, this is the place to go. If you’re looking for serenity and quiet time, cross this one off your list. I would recommend doing a snorkeling trip to ko phi phi le & ko phi phi don, which are smaller, uninhibited islands - you'll never see water this blue.

5. Railay

Words couldn’t describe the awe of Railay. With over 200 limestone cliffs, this place is known for its adventurous rock climbers and scenic views. There was milestone cliff after milestone cliff, it didn't even look real! Posh & peasant travelers, there’s room for both of ya. We paid about $100 at Railay Bay Resort, really great deal considering the caliber of the hotel. http://www.railaybayresort.com/. But there are plenty of really cool backpacker hostels or bungalows. It's got a laid back vibe and is much less crowded than the islands I mentioned above.
Overall, Thailand is one of my most favourite countries in the world. A couple of tips:
• If you’re vegetarian, be sure that you're clear on communicating no egg, no fish sauce
• If you plan on going to the islands, know that there are strict boat schedules, so make sure you plan the timings in advance of booking flights, so you don't miss a ferry
• You MUST have a street pancake…banana and nutella its my fav!
• Massages are incredible - $8/hour in some places!

Cambodia

I’ll preface by saying that I was only here for 3 days, so my knowledge is limited. We spent the whole time touring Angkor Wat. It broke my heart as much as it blew me away. There is so much history here. Cambodia is a very poor country, it’s still recovering from the Khmer Rouge rule in the late 70's. The sadness continues to live in the eyes of the locals.
This country is built for both posh & peasant travelers. There’s minimal selection for the nicer hotels, so book early. The posh hotels are beautiful - crisp green grounds, pools & hot tubs and lavish spas.
There are days and days of temples to see, many statues of Hindu Gods and Buddha's. The country’s history has lead to the defacing of many of carvings. Be prepared to stomach statues with missing heads and bullet holes. You must try catching the sunrise over Angkor - it was cloudy when we went, but it's supposed to be beautiful. A warning to peasant travelers that things were a lot more expensive than anticipated in Cambodia. It was $40/day to get into Angkor, $60/3 days. Little things ended up costing a lot, i.e. we took a boat ride to a floating city, which was awesome, but $20 each, something I’m sure was $2 just a few years ago. The country now relies on tourism and has gotten smarter about leveraging this opportunity. Things used to be dirt cheap, I assume Vietnam/Laos are still cost effective, as they're less popular, time to book my next trip!

Happy travels!!!

Tip of the Day!!! Trip It!

2010-03-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

TripIt.com is providing master itineraries to me to share with friends, family, or employees, and keeping my traveling self sane!

This free service allows you to email your travel plans in, and then the kind folks at TripIt will organize them into one master travel itinerary.

With TripIt Pro you can get automatic updates about your bookings and any delays that may occur.

Local Hot Spot 'The Mad Italian Gelato Bar'

2010-03-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

I don't usually feature local interests but Toronto Canada is becoming the go-to place, as recently featured in the NY Times as the best place for sports teams to travel to (highlighting the culture, nightlife, food, and women) Toronto is a beautiful city to check out and kick up your Posh heels. Peasants can kick up your runners here too as you'll both be able to afford a yummy treat from The Mad Italian Gelato Bar that will make you feel like you are in Rome.

If you are a resident or tourist, Toronto has so much to offer I will save it for another day with video highlights, but there is a new spot I am frequenting when in town that I just love to treat myself to that's got the ring of the Seinfeld Soup Nazi, without the intimidation! You won't get kicked out or yelled at here by the spunky and fearless Italian behind the bar- he will offer you to sample his homemade gelato or to sit on his patio as the weather turns. There is an assortment of authentic pastries and cakes, along with some amazing house brand coffee and ginseng coffee straight from Italy. The gelato comes in so many flavors you could go every day of the month.

Set in the trendy Leaside Area on Bayview Ave, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you strolling the streets all afternoon, but I always end with The Mad Italian. The service is fresh and sincere, the product of highest quality and ingredients. Just another little secret to let my Posh and Peasants in on.

1851 Bayview Ave (416)901-4556

Spring Break OR just a Break!

2010-03-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

This month I'll be hanging out on the idyllic island known as Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, making peace with the coconuts and manatees.

Just under an hour from Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico this quaint island is known for its laid back 'old Florida' style. Only 7 miles long with white sandy beaches it is the perfect place to kick off your Louboutins or strap on your helmet and runners. This island is a great place for Poshes and Peasants alike as it is truly a 'relaxation vacation'.

If you're looking for quiet uncrowded beaches and bungalo style homes, you will find it here. For my Poshes that require 5 Star hotels and luxurious spas, you will NOT find that here. The best way is to rent a house, going from on average $900-2500 a week. You can get away with a cute 'beach cottage' usually 1 bedroom, or team up with another couple or family and splurge on the gorgeous 4 bedroom homes that feature tropical pools in the back. I have done both and am happy to say that no matter which route you take, you won't be disappointed.

Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach don't have much in the way of shopping, dining or nightlife. You will have to create your own fun here. Head to Tampa, Orlando or Sarasota for your shopping, and typically you cook in your own house. Some great restaurants on the island however are the Beach Bistro, Banana Cabana Grill, or the SandBar Resturant. The Publix here is crowded, and the restaurants typically busy earlier as it is a very mature crowd on the island which goes to bed relatively early. I know you're thinking 'snooozzzzze' right about now but hey- you came to relax right!?

I recommend this vacation AFTER your Vegas vacation or mad shopping trips, to wind down and keep some money in your wallet for once. Rent a bike or scooter and explore the island, sit with a coffee at Ginny's and Jane's cafe which has an eclectic mix of knick knacks and island decor, or head to Joe's Eats and Sweets which has the best ice cream including cheesecake dipped in chocolate on a stick! There is the Red Barn Market about 15 minutes away where you can score fresh produce at an amazing price as I find the Publix to be pricey and has a poor selection.

This is also a hot spot for destination weddings as the beaches are beautiful (not as beautiful as Siesta Key in my earlier post) but they are the runner up. The island still has its raw nature to it and they have worked hard to keep out hotels and chains. Some of the bungalos are so cute while rugged you almost feel as though you are on the beaches of Hawaii, while the larger homes can be very lavish with flat screens, jacuzzis, and all modern ammenities. The sunsets are dazzling and when you have the beach right outside your door its such a good feeling to stroll onto the sand from your doorstep and breathe in that clean ocean air.

This is no Ft.Lauderdale or Panama City vacation! If partying is what you need then stay away unless you can make your own fun at home or a tiki bar!

PGPG has the scoop on "Oasis of the Seas"

2010-02-24T06:35:00.000-08:00

Are you a cruise gal? Is motion sickness not in your vocab? Well even if it IS, I have to say (from one fellow puker to another), I don't even think this ship could bring out the icky sickness in you for it is JUST TOO BIG!

So Royal Caribbean recently launched this 6,296 passenger ship- the largest to date. With all its glitz and glamour ($1.4 billion for Oasis), I am here to report YES you will have a fantastic vacation and YES this ship has everything to offer including karaoke bars and lounges, shows, bakeries, jewelery shops, wine bars and premium restaurants, pubs and gift shops, 4 pools, surfing simulators, a casino and zipline, spas offering acupuncture and botox, an aquatheatre, and a Coney Island Boardwalk. It weighs a mere 222,000 tons and has gorgeous cabins with new designs featuring interior rooms with balconies facing onto an atrium and open sky.

So Peasant Girls go ahead and book yours starting at $1249 for a week (inside cabin) and Posh Girls go get yours for $7069 for your double decker loft suite with an ocean view. You won't be disappointed as you roam their version of 'Central Park' they've created in the inside atrium with 12,000 plants, trees, pathways and shops.
Remember to factor in the 'extras' onboard such as booze and shopping, as well as the offshore activities. This will up your bill quite a bit.

The ambiance? Well Oasis has all the extras one would expect in a super mega ridiculous ship: pillow top mattresses, beautiful wood, flat screens, good closets and maybe a fridge or small sofa depending on your unit. Don't forget though, you are still on a ship so everything will be packed in like sardines that have been feasting on an all inclusive buffet. Your bathroom may be smaller than what you're used to, and your balcony may sit in close proximity to another to lose that romance (or gain it).

One piece of advice for my Posh's who want to take it to the next level and book the premium restaurants which require reservations is... do it online ahead of time.

If you happen to be one of our Posh's or Peasant's traveling with mini Posh's or Peasant's get this: they have wristbands for your kiddies embedded with an electronic chip so you can track their whereabouts on Iphones that can be rented for $18 a week!

AND, should you be a nervous Posh or Peasant, please know the ship has 18 lifeboats powered by twin engines WITH toilets! Now if that doesn't make you feel safe I don't know what will.

This ship is truly a milestone in cruising and if you have never experienced a cruise, now is the time. Only 3% of the population are cruisers but these people are repeat cruisers booking many trips a year, so how else will you know if you are a cruiser? They're no longer for the more mature clientele who like to eat dinner at 5pm and watch a show before retiring to bed. They have done an overwhelming job at offering something for everyone and keeping you busy all hours of the day and night if that is what you wish.

To check out more of this beautiful ship and watch some video head to http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/

New Orleans Hotels!!!!!

2010-02-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

OK so you have the time off, and you are ready to see what Mardi Gras is all about. Well, it is almost too late to get a hotel. But I've done the research and this is what is still available...

Posh Ladies, The Roosevelt New Orleans by Waldorf Astoria is gorgeous! I mean, everything you need in a luxury hotel complete with a Guerlain Spa. It is located in the business district, one block from the French Quarter. Rooms are starting at $230 a night http://www.therooseveltneworleans.com/index.php

The OMNI Royal Orleans has a divine rooftop pool to watch all the action in the French Quarter. Rooms start at $299 a night http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/NewOrleansRoyalOrleans.aspx

The JW Marriott French Quarter has an 8th floor pool and always gets good reviews. Rooms are starting at $309 a night http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msyjw-jw-marriott-hotel-new-orleans/

The Hotel Monteleone is a historical spot and home to the famous revolving Carousel Bar. Rooms starting at $289 http://hotelmonteleone.com/

The Crowne Plaza of course with its classic elegance situated on the corner of Bourbon Street has rooms starting at $287 a night http://www.crowneplaza.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/msyla?&cm_mmc=mdpr-_-googlemaps-_-cp-_-msyla&dp=true

OK on to the Peasants. If a luxury hotel is not in your budget and you could just as easily sleep on the sidewalk during Mardi Gras, then check out the Courtyard Marriott with rooms starting at $218 a night http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msycy-courtyard-new-orleans-downtown-near-the-french-quarter/

The Queen & Crescent Hotel is located roughly 2 blocks from the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. Even this 3 star is going for on average $229 a night http://www.neworleansboutiquehotels.com/queencrescent/

The Ambassador Hotel is located near the casino in the Arts District not far from the French Quarter. Rooms are around $209 a night http://www.ambassadorhotelneworleans.com/

The Baronne Plaza is a half mile from the French Quarter and has rooms starting at $200 a night http://www.baronneplaza.com/

Something to keep in mind is the cheaper hotels offer free wi-fi as well as a complimentary breakfast most times, so factor in these costs when booking. There are a lot of great deals at the 4-5 star hotels right now with the economy and they are not getting to capacity so it may be shocking to you to find a small difference in the price of a 2 star hotel as opposed to a 5 star one.

Have fun ladies!

Fat Tuesday Coming!!!

2010-02-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

The 'greatest free show on earth' is in the makings right now in New Orleans!
If you are lucky enough to get yourself to Louisiana, you know what I am talking about...

Here are some general tips for the ladies who choose to partake: first off, yes- it will be near impossible to get a decent hotel at this point, or one at all, even the kind a Peasant Girl stays in. But call call call! Some have waiting lists so its worth checking out.

Remember- the French Quarter is closed off to vehicular traffic during the festivities so don't even think of renting a car. Traffic will be so congested you better count on walking!

Watch the attitude Posh! The police there don't put up with anything. So mind your mouth and your actions and everyone will have a good time.

Maybe throw a bar or something to snack on in your purse. The restaurants and food vendors will be swamped so you don't want to get caught hungry! Especially when you're drinking.

I shouldn't even have to tell you this but...DO NOT bring kids here! It is not a place for kids. Get a sitter, leave them behind.

Masking is legal for everyone on Fat Tuesday, the final day of Mardi Gras so mask up!

Mardi Gras is FREE! So collect throws from the parade and enjoy.

Layer! It can be chilly and then warm. Take an umbrella too if you are at the parade.

Viva Italia!

2010-01-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

Time to hit the Coast! The Amalfi Coast that is!
I am currently planning and organizing a family trip back to our roots, so come the early fall I will have all new Posh and Peasant tips and tidbits for you on Italy! I can't wait to get back and explore new places including the Sicilian Coast. FYI did you know Venice is on the list of places to see SOON!? Well people, its sinking. So I may just have to get there again and experience some more of its mystery and allure before returning home from this fab trip.
Stay tuned and in the meantime I'll be chillin' on my little island bringing you all kinds of new wonders from the land of the Posh and the Peasant...

Outdoor Adventure your thing? (not mine!)

2010-01-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

This is for the Outdoor Enthusiast Posh and Peasants. This is clearly not me. I do not enjoy getting lost in the woods, bug bites, and flat shoes. Don't get me wrong I LOVE nature, I am a cancer and need to be near water but I just don't enjoy making a vacation out of hiking thru the woods.

But this isn't why I'm sharing this information with you. Some of you are into this kind of thing, so check out Wild Women Adventures http://www.wildwomenexp.com/index.html a group in Ontario, Canada that organizes group tours and retreats for women only. Lots of eco tours, sporting, adventure and even private getaways are planned for you all in the comfort of the women who know best. Whether your a single, group, or duo you can be sure to find some interesting Canadian trips here. These trips can be cost-effective for those who are not comfortable planning their own trip, and you are getting expert advise from those who have already been there. Well worth the money!

Literature Alert! Elizabeth Gilbert!

2010-01-17T14:59:00.001-08:00

What is this winter's hottest beach book? Committed!!!
Her follow-up to the #1 New York Times Bestseller 'Eat Pray Love'
As we speak I am laying between the beach and the pool with my copy in hand. I love her tales of travels and perspective on marriage too!
Just when you feel your home or city or even country is becoming 'too' familiar, Gilbert reminds you of the vast world out there and the travels to be had.

Cold Florida Weather Got You Bummed?

2010-01-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

So who ever thought it could get THIS cold in Florida? No one. I mean icicles on the orange trees? Palm trees all wrapped and tied? HEAT on?

Well what can you do. If you were one of those unfortunate vacationers who only had a week here in the glorious sun and, well, didn't get it...I feel bad for you. It really can ruin your vacation. Think about it- you've paid all that money for a nice condo or beach house + flights + car + fake pre-tan, only to go home as pale as the snow you were avoiding and Vitamin D deficient.

I can't get the sun back for you, or your vacation money, but I can tell you how to make the best of a bad situation. Vacations are, afterall, for relaxation. As the commercials they're running here are telling people a vacation every now and then can lower your risk of heart attack. Well, maybe it won't since you're gorging on drinks and fatty delicious foods, but we get the picture.

So I am sitting here on Crescent Beach in Siesta Key, on the Gulf of Mexico, one of the nicest beaches in the world. And well, the weather sucks. Yes it was bad for weeks, downright cold. It warmed up last week after all the vacationers went home and it was back to feeling like the Florida I know. But now we have a weekend of rain and so I'm taking the opportunity to think thru how I managed that utter cold and ugly spell.

#1 Shop. There's nothing worse than the Posh Girl ruining a perfectly day that could be spent on the beach in a mall. I despise knowing there's good shopping to be had, but wasting away a beautiful sunny day on the ocean. This time of year is perfect because there are all the after holiday sales

#2 Barnes & Noble. I am a fan of books, movies, music, coffee, and knick knacks. So I head to the friendly book store, get a soy latte and start roaming the aisles. I never really understood the people that hung out in bookstores. I was in and out, making my purchases. But hey when you have time to kill-you can sit and read for FREE! Magazines, travel books, cook books of yummy recipes- its all yours!

#3 Movies. I am really not a movie buff. In fact, the only reason I go is for the popcorn covered in fake butter- layered please. But this is the BEST time to catch up on movies. In fact, indulge and see 2 in 1 day! The other thing I despise is being on a beautiful beach or island and being indoors instead of on a patio or stargazing on the beach. So don't feel guilty, go star gaze at the show and eat some junk!

#4 Local Interests. All it took was one chance meeting with a nice couple in a restaurant with their guide dog in training, and they passed on the info. that there is a HUGE guide dog centre here called SouthEastern Guide Dogs School, and this is where magic truly happens. The dogs are bred here, raised, and trained into amazing guide dogs. Its a beautiful centre with a puppy kennel where you can go play with 8-10 week old puppies OR walk and groom the adult dogs. You're giving back to a community and the dogs, as well as feeling the love of a furry friend who appreciates it. Look around on the net to find out what's in your area you may not normally think of

#5 Unknown Adventure. Sometimes I love to just get in the car and drive. You usually find the best spots this way. We explored all kinds of keys, inlets, restaurants, malls, villages, markets, and beaches just taking a drive

#6 Refer to the Travel Channel. I seriously am addicted to this channel now. It started with Anthony Bourdain's 'No Reservations' show and went on to the less inticing Andrew Zimmern 'Bizarre Foods' and the funny Adam Richman 'Man VS. Food'. You get the low down on the best and weirdest places to eat and travel. I just happen to be watching Man VS. Food this week and 3 restaurants featured were actually nearby. It made a great day and dining experience going to check them out

#7 Start a Blog :) C'mon everyone's doing it...! But seriously, take the time to catch up on things you enjoy but can't seem to find the time for back home. At least you can go home with a sense of accomplishment

Something to think about...

2009-12-13T05:18:00.000-08:00

When booking your air travel some airlines may seem to be the same or a bit more expensive than Air Canada, however, now that they are going to be charging again for a second bag you may want to re-think that.
I felt this was important to take note of as all you POSH Girls out there tend to shop a lot or pack a lot, and this will cost you. I recently flew WestJet from Toronto Canada and was allowed 2 bags PLUS a piece of sports equipment (golf clubs, etc), while Air Canada charged me $75US for a slightly overweight bag(50-70lbs)! The reason I like to go with an overweight as opposed to a second bag is its alot easier to tote around one slightly heavier bag then two full bags. Also, Customs looks at you sideways the more bags you have...I can be like a palm tree in a snow storm coming thru Customs after being away for 3 days with two large suitcases amongst all my carry on items!
Now I'm sure other airlines will follow suit with this as well but for now, I haven't seen any constant with Air Canada- first allowing pets, then no pets, then pets, then one bag, then two, now one. Make up your mind already!

Sunshine, Fabulous Hotel, Great Spa, Posh-Style!

2009-12-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

This past week I found myself enjoying sunshine, GREAT shopping, and a world-class spa WITHOUT the hassles of the Caribbean.
I want to share this place with you as it was one of the LAST places I thought I would find myself for a week. I have been to Orlando before, driving thru on my way to elsewhere in Florida or to go to Disney, but NOT to unpack my suitcase!
With the threat of the first Toronto snowstorm coming we hopped a WestJet flight to the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes Orlando, and we weren't sorry we did... http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Orlando/Default.htm This hotel is AMAZING. The service is some of the finest you will ever experience. You constantly have staff waiting on you from the moment you arrive, 2 valet assistants for each car, the reception offers you cold hand towels and bottled water, and your bellman doesn't just tote your many bags around- he gives you a personal tour of the hotel and a run down on the hotel's finest dining options.
This hotel is JUST like a resort. They have fine dining (one of the best in North America "Norman's", and casual fair on the greens. The Ritz is attached to the less expensive JW Marriott that has Starbucks for all you coffee addicts. It has a HUGE pool with floaties and pool side waiters, the food here is amazing! They will bring you drinks all day long, and after the first day and a brief encounter they remembered my name the rest of the week! Sit out at night under the stars in the hot tub or have your dinner served to you pool side.
All the staff here are super attentive. If you need anything at all you just ask. All the restaurants are great and the servers are the cream of the crop. They do ask that you not wear complete athletic wear in the lounges and restaurants so Peasants remember to pack something nice.
The golfing here is what its known for really, but if you're not into golf then I know you're into the spa. I love Ritz's spas, they are always top rated in Conde Nast and Travel and Leisure. I indulged several times here and it is truly a spa you can spend the whole day at.
They have all the usuals: sauna, steam room, outdoor pool, gym, plus "Vitale" the in-house healthy cafe serving up wonderful smoothies and light lunches. They offer you waters and tea, plus a co-ed lounge which makes it cozy to snuggle up to your other before and after treatments.
My favourite of all is the "Tranquility Store" in the spa which always has the newest and hottest products. Many of the products are used in their treatments and are organic. They offer to ship any amount of products home to you for $10 so you don't have to pack them. If the sun isn't shining while you're there, run into the spa before you depart and grab a spray tan! The at least you'll feel like you were on vacation! (Here's a tip to Peasants: Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 12 and 5 treatments are 25% off and products are 10% off, on Fridays, the Tranquility Store has 20% off all products)
The rooms are mostly all lake view, large balconies and bathrooms, plush robes, and king size sink in beds. We happened to book a special rate which included free valet every day, free breakfast at the Vineyard Grille in house (value $60 per day) and turn down service which included many bottles of water, a bottle of champagne, and HUGE chocolate dipped strawberries EVERY night! It was like Groundhog Day. We couldn't stop laughing when every day around 5pm an attendant would knock with the iced bottle of champagne and platter of strawberries.
The best part about this hotel is you truly feel like you are at a resort minus the annoying tacky Dance Mix '95 music, bad food and diarrhea. When the sun is shining here-its incredible! If the sun isn't shining-you've got hot shopping within ten minutes of the hotel...
Damage was done evidently. The tsunami of shopping started from the Mall at Millenia. This mall is AMAZING with its Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Juicy Couture, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Betsy Johnson, Gucci, Tiffany's on and on and on.
If you aren't broke and tired after this, head to either the Prime Outlets OR the Premium Outlets which are also ten minutes from the hotel. The Prime is recently renovated and host to some great finds so Peasant Girls get your walking shoes on and head for the Juicy Outlet, Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Saks 5th Avenue OFF 5th.
The Premium Outlets are just as good with Etro, Fendi, LuLu Lemon, and Coach.
If you're not into all the theme parks, don't do it. They can be loud and you will have your heels run over by strollers. If its not in the budget to stay at the Ritz, go next door to the JW Marriott. Its attached to the Ritz so it shares facilities as well. You can walk a short 5 min. over to the Ritz and feel like a Queen for the day :)
If you're looking for a Girls Getaway this is a great place. The shopping is endless and dining is as well. In the Dr.Phillips neighbourhood you have Ruth's Chris, Morton's, The Melting Pot, amongst many other reliable chains, plus some new Italian Trattorias.
The hotel is ten minutes from the airport, a car rental for the week cost us about $250 USD.
If you have the option to head to the Gulf in Florida then I would suggest you head there for the ocean breeze and better temperatures, but overall this is a great place to stay, eat, shop, and play.

Giddy Up Cowgirls!

2009-11-24T14:39:00.001-08:00

So normally we talk about girlfriend getaways that include things like spas, shopping, fine dining, etc. But there's a new CowPosh in town! Dude Ranches are attracting women from all over, offering getaways just for women.

Why not deviate from the norm and learn how to ride a horse, run the farm, and even throw some yoga and culinary lessons in there? These women-friendly programs range in price and will offer you and your girlfriends something out of the ordinary. Please leave your heels at home!

For more info. check out this RanchWeb Blog http://blog.ranchweb.com/2009/05/22/a-hot-new-girlfriend-getaway-at-the-ranch/

Tips!!!

2009-11-20T06:21:00.000-08:00

You're mid-travel and realize the dirty soles of your Louboutins are going to dirty up the rest of your clothes in your suitcase....you have no dustbag.........what to do? You know those shower caps in hotels people never use!? Stretch them around each shoe and now not only are your shoes more protected, but your clothes too!

The Poshest of the Posh

2009-11-16T07:47:00.000-08:00

So you're a Posh Girl looking for a venue to host your next over the top soiree? I've got just the place for you....

Necker Island is Sir Richard Branson's personal private island. For only $36,000 a night, based on 3 night stays or longer and 16 people in your group, you can dance the night away all over your very own island! There is a staff of 60 and a flock of flamingos to welcome you- but you won't be any Gilligan type gal! Service will be utmost and plenty, and you will have all the luxuries you could dream of. Casino nights, galas, BBQ's, water sports, Bali Leha Spa, its all here!

So if you've even got a credit card with that high of a limit- go ahead and book yourself into Necker along with the likes of Mariah Carey. Check it out at http://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/necker_island

Canadian Woman Traveller!

2009-10-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

"Canadian Woman Traveller's passengers are women of all ages and from varied backgrounds. They are single, married, divorced and widowed. These women appreciate their special style of looking after the passengers, and the camaraderie of travelling with other women that often results in life-long friendships"

I came across this company and feel it is completely on the mark with what PGPG promotes- women traveling! One more resource to aid us in our adventures is beneficial in countless ways. Check out http://www.cwtraveller.ca/index.html if you are interested in pre-arranged tours for single, married, divorced women of all ages. If you are not into the going solo and planning all alone trips, then put your confidence in these kinds of tours that can provide you with peace of mind.

Please Excuse Us!

2009-10-26T10:00:00.001-07:00

We are renovating! Making Posh Girl Peasant Girl Traveling more worthy. Check back soon for final updates including a submissions area to earn yourself travel goodies, our online store, and more goodies!

Tip Tip Tip!

2009-10-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

When traveling the last thing you want to do is lose any of your documents! Before departing, scan all your documents including passport, driver's license, credit cards, and tickets, and then email them to yourself. From anywhere in the world you should be able to access internet and have your documents at your fingertips.

Tip! The rise of bedbugs...

2009-10-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Startling new information is telling us that bedbugs are on the rise, and that you should be changing your pillows up for new ones a lot more often than what any one of us ever would have thought!

These nasty critters have been found in popular and expensive hotel chains which frankly gives me the crawlies. SO, this tip is going to apply to both our Posh AND Peasant ladies...

The minute you walk in that hotel/hostel room, take the comforter off! If it is not a duvet with sheets covering it that have been freshly changed, take it off so fast and stash it in the closet. It most likely has not been washed.

Next, bring your pillow cover! It will provide an extra barrier between you and that not-so-fresh pillow. Sleep sacks can be purchased online or at places like Mountain Equipment Co-op and are required in most hostels. You will be sure to sleep tighter!

The importance of this forum

2009-10-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

During the age of sites and blogs that discuss everything from french recipes to the best places to buy vintage, it can be tedious to find one that caters to your personality. When it comes to traveling, TripAdvisor is a great resource to get the DL on your next travel destination, BUT, do these people really know you and your likes/dislikes, requirements, and budget? Of course not. That's why I feel it is so important to get the input of fellow Poshes and Peasants who can help guide you with appropriate information and reviews.

For example, I was at work one day at the airline and a co-worker approached me knowing I had just returned from the Dominican and a popular resort. She was semi-worried because she is a bit older and going on this trip with her new bf. She wanted to make sure she was going to a place where it wasn't going to be all spring breakers drunk around the pool but somewhere she would feel comfortable. I advised her it was, as she wasn't sure whether to take the advice of other co-workers who tend to be younger and party more as well as biased. She finally felt at ease to go off on her trip and enjoy her time with her new bf.

This is something I see a lot of woman fret about. If you're going on a trip with a bunch of girlfriends to get rowdy, you don't need the chastising eyes of people with children or people trying to have quiet. If you are going on your honeymoon and are looking for quiet romance you don't want to end up on a college break beach feeling like you're Grandma to everyone. We oftentimes address budgets of Poshes and Peasants but we also address character. We have the ability to ease into quiet sophistication from a night of Mardi Gras drunkeness, and better yet- we understand it. That is the true beauty of travel. Experiencing moments whether soft and serene or loud and fun, and noticing all the ways a foreign country or culture can entice your spirit.

Posh Girl Peasant Girl is for all, share what you will, take what you will. In the end we all get a better handle on the travels that lay before us and all they have to offer.

2009-10-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

We have put together some amazing travel accessories for women who appreciate themselves, their comfort and independence with a PGPG flare. Regardless of your travel budget, every woman finds something in our Swag Shop that eventually proves to be a vital essential to their travel carryon.

Stay Tuned! The store will be up soon!

Contact us

2009-10-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the fabulous content on the site feel free to contact us at info@poshgirlpeasantgirl.com

About Us

2009-10-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

Travel at times is a luxury and at others necessity. There are indeed two sides to every story. The Posh Girl Peasant Girl Travel Diaries are far from an authority, but we do provide a resource for women who enjoy the sassy, fun and flirty side of traveling …regardless of budget. From two very different perspectives, we find a balance between the needs of the adventurous spa loving, shopping enthusiast and the culture fanatic who enjoys the grass roots approach to learning about different cities, towns and even countries on a dime.

We thoroughly enjoy new experiences in a variety of settings. Although our experiences vary in budget from time to time each has given us unforgettable memories with an undoubtedly genuine adoration of travel like no other.

We are the lovely ladies of leisure and these are our stories!

PLEASE EXCUSE US!

2009-10-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

Peasant(or Posh) girl's weekend?

2009-10-19T15:10:00.001-07:00

Well Toronto is known for great things other than the amount of snow we get. So if you're from here, or visiting here, all girlfriends need a getaway.

Right now SeeTorontoNow.com is featuring some girlfriend getaway deals that can land you a hotel, dinner, and a show for a great price. If you're from here- you may want to make it a sisters and mom weekend, or an old University roommates weekend. If you're not from here- why not spend the weekend checking out all the culture we have to offer in this great city? I know its getting cold but the food and entertainment is great-and the air a little fresher.

Toronto is a great city to visit if you're on a budget- and its also a great one if you aren't. For the Posh, you're trip will include a visit to Yorkville with some shopping and spas. For the Peasant, there's plenty of free sightseeing to be had with cheap eats. Check out the many different districts including Kensington Market, ChinaTown, Little India, and Little Italy.

Bring on the Ginger!

2009-10-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

So I've been speaking to so many ladies who find themselves queezy on a flight. Maybe it was the extra glass of wine pre-departure, maybe an early morning flight, or maybe even plain old motion sickness. Whether its on the plane, boat, or long winding drive up the mountain- the one thing to pack is Ginger Gravol. I have relied on this time and time again - it cannot be purchased in the USA, they will try to sell you Dremamine that is definately NOT the same thing. Ginger Gravol is more natural and will not make you drowsy.

Top 5 Wild Swims!

2009-10-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

I love this magazine out of the UK called Wanderlust. Its got all ranges of travel and interesting articles for the thirsty traveler. It will run you about $13 an issue- but I'm all about sharing the wealth and the info.. In the Sept. issue Daniel Start breaks down the best places to plunge a dive including pools, waterfalls, and rivers:

Top 5

1. Mt. Rinjani Crater Lake, Lombok Indonesia
2. Waterfall Woods, Brecon Beacons UK
3. White Nile Rapids Uganda
4. Pachmarhi Waterfalls, India
5. The Pitons, St. Lucia

The thing I love about these articles is that they blend our favorite ladies: the Posh and the Peasant. Its either free or cheap to take a plunge so why not grab your WalMart bathing suit OR your Burberry 'sunning' one, and jump on in!?

Posh Girl AKA Affluent Traveler

2009-10-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

So the Gods have listened to me and made me a magazine. Its The Affluent Traveler. Well, the Mazza family who conceptualized this profound booklet of goodness did. 'The World's Finest Travel Experiences' are housed in this mag that promises to be 'Your Guide to the Good Life'.

So I got my rather pricey copy ($15) and started to daydream... It features such pish poshy destinations as Anguilla, Tortola, Sonoma, and Antigua, has the usual rundown on spas, hotels, cruises, villas, and dining in the area- all on the high end. I consider it mostly ads, however if this is your budget then its great advice for your pickings.

So the next time you Posh Girl's get up to planning a vacation, make sure you pick up a copy of this ultra-rich glossy mag before booking.

Escaping the Cold??

2009-10-15T05:03:00.000-07:00

So this past Thanksgiving we actually had snow north of Toronto. This is so, so sad. 2 years ago we were out by the pool swimming and on the beach playing beach volleyball! After a terrible summer and a rainy, cold fall, I find myself thinking more and more about why I live in Canada at all.

I was simply not meant for this climate. I hate snow, I hate cold, I hate boots and coats, my limbs freeze up and I hibernate, I hate driving in snow, I hate walking in snow, I don't like outdoor sports in the winter, and I can't walk along the harbourfront by my house the same way I do in the summer. It sucks.

This is why I love Florida so much. Close to home, yet you can BBQ all year, throw on shorts or a dress and be out the door, kick on flip flops, swim, walk, jog, lay on the beach, and get that good Vitamin D! We are so lacking of it in Canada people are depressed and they don't even know it! Look up Seasonal Affective Disorder People! I get energy from the sun like you wouldn't believe.

SO, if you are one of 'my people', whether its Posh or Peasant, check out this web site I peruse: www.escapeartist.com and plan YOUR escape. They give you lots of info and advice on relocating or working overseas. I was on the site for only 10 minutes and decided where I would like to live short term next. You don't have to have a lot of money, some people make excuses all day about why they can't do this or that when it comes to traveling. If you make excuses, then you're holding yourself back and don't mention it when you're 80 and have regrets!

Why not consider getting out of the routine and making it happen!? Whether you're calling for an outback experience, to be an adventure guru in Costa Rica, a bartender on the beach in Spain, or an ESL teacher in China, take a step forward out of the comfortable familiar shoe and on to a new adventure you can look back on and be glad you did it.

Queen of the Road!

2009-10-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

My book of the month is Queen of The Road by Doreen Orion. This romantic memoir tells the story of a pampered Long Island princess who refuses to settle and takes off with her husband in a bus for a year. You get a look into their marriage and all that changes as they travel thru 47 states. I don't know what's more motivating then the story of 2 professionals going out into the world traveling! It confirms to me and many there is more to life then an office. http://www.queenoftheroadthebook.com/