Archive for the ‘Vacation’ Category

May 3rd, 2010 | Author: christie

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April is a month I look forward to every year — it’s the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler. With free outdoor concerts, such as the nostalgic 90’s group Arrested Development, the hot EXPOSED fashion show, tasty Tuscan treats at Trattoria, thanks to local gals (pictured above) for taking me, a soak in the jacuzzi at the Summit Lodge, apres on a patio at the foot of the mountain after shredding some pow (I’ve learned that lingo recently) and listening to MTVs Peak Season’s Dre Morel spin at the Savage Beagle, there’s an infectious buzz in the village.

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This year I did something I’ve never done during the festival or in my life…downed 4 shots of ice cold vodka at the Belvedere Ice Room, Canada’s first permanent vodka ice tasting room at the Bearfoot Bistro (as if you need another reason to love this five star restaurant). Step up to the ice bar in this glowing, blue arctic room and sample a range of 50 vodkas from around the world. Each bottle is displayed in individual ice sculpted boxes and with a chilling temp of -24C, it’s the coldest ice bar in the world. Keep warm, cozy and stylish in Canada goose down parkas and fur trimmed hats.

As the weather warms up, here’s a new way to cool down.

April 30th, 2010 | Author: christie

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For my recent birthday my beau and I decided to indulge in a little spa getaway at Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort. If you’re like me, who had never heard of the place until now, you’re in for a treat. Nestled in a secluded beach just outside Parksville on Vancouver Island, it’s a true diamond in the rough. The resort boasts two restaurants, a lounge, and a first-class spa. Upon checking in we wandered over to our seaside cabin to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean framed by sprawling cedar trees and sandy beaches. The cozy log cabin felt like a home away from home with its stone-built fireplace and Jacuzzi tub, both of which we took full advantage of! After settling in we headed over to the Grotto Spa where we took a dip in their mineral pool, said to contain over seven healing and purifying minerals, before pampering ourselves with a side-by-side couples massage- oh so relaxing. As if that wasn’t enough to put me in a perpetual state of bliss, the luxury continued as we dined in our spa robes at the Treetop Tapas & Grill where we indulged in their endless tapas menu. The gourmet menu tantalized our taste buds with West Coast-inspired cuisine such as steamed local halibut, Peppered Ahi Tuna, and Tamarind marinated lamb. I opted for pure relaxation this time around, but for all you adventure seekers the area also offers Oceanside hiking, mountain biking, and cave spelunking. Sometimes time or money doesn’t always allow for a trip to some exotic locale, but with a gem so close to home, it’s nice to know a heavenly escape is just a ferry ride away!

1155 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC, Reservations: 1-800-663-7373, Info@tigh-na-mara.com

By: Chloe Berge, Vancouver

February 1st, 2010 | Author: christie

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Escape to Whistler pre and post the Olympics. With the road improvements, the scenic drive only took an hour from Vancouver this weekend. I slept at the Adara Boutique Hotel, a contemporary stay for style lovers with sleek designs such as the red chic couches, wire circle chair and orange antlers in the lobby and a modern plush king size bed and funky chair in the room. Bring your bikini for a late night dip in the hot tub (pool is closed for the winter). And being only a few steps from the heart of the village, it took 30 seconds to get to the liquor store, allowing me to start the weekend with a toast of Liberty School Chardonnay. Rooms from $100.

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For mouthwatering Scallop Risotto and Ahi Tuna Poke, a melody of ahi tuna, white truffle oil, sambal oelek, sesame and wasabi (above), I stopped in at The Mix by Ric’s for dinner and sipped on a tasty martini from the extensive and impressive list to wash it all down. Delish.

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After a night in Whistler, chances are you’re a bit foggy the next day. I headed to Elements, a brunch hot spot, to spoil my taste buds and fill my grumbling belly. I shared the Carmalized Pecan and Banana Stuffed French Toast (above) and the newly added Healthy Hash Bowl, a mix of mushrooms, butter squash, red peppers, pesto and tomatoes toped with two poached eggs, with my pal. It was the perfect combo of savory and sweet.

Stay tuned for more on my trip to Whistler, including a brand new spa opening this Saturday and me sabering some bubbly!