Why Go?
Old and new – Toronto. Towering skyscrapers & modern architecture nestled with churches, castles & historic English architecture makes for an ideal getaway. Home to 70 nationalities, 100 languages, all w/ diverse neighborhoods. Major museums, 7,000 restaurants, the worlds tallest free standing structure (the CN Tower), major sport teams Maple Leafs, Raptors, Blue Jays & Argo (heaven for women,) theater, outdoor sports for winter & summer, a perfect destination. Best of all? The people – Canadians are the nicest, friendliest people – just ask for directions.) They would actually walk you there!
No matter which corner you turn, street art everywhere!
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Location, cost, size & child friendly all play a part. Do you want your hotel, hip & modern with sexy dark lounges, a DJ spinning “singles” on the roof? Or do you prefer a quiet, elegant & romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two which is the hardest to find. You will see an M (married), S (Single), or an MS (married/single) next to each hotel.
Where2Stay –
Park Hyatt– Could this hotel be in a better location? In the middle of the fashionable Yorkville Area , surrounded by designer shops, chic restaurants, clubs and let’s not forget within walking distance of the Babaluu Salsa Club. Understated, sophisticated & elegant like all Park Hyatts. Renowned for its Stillwater Spa, Annona Restaurant and the best feature – their sultry rooftop lounge w/outdoor seating overlooking the city. ( (MS)
Ritz Carlton Toronto – Conde Nast Gold List – not only one of the best places to stay in Canada but voted top business hotel as well. Floor to ceiling windows, a Clarins Spa (second in the world), huge ballroom for weddings and fabulous Ritz Service. Not to mention plush, lush rooms. (M)
Four Seasons – Want to say you slept with “The Stones?” This newly remodeled Four Seasons is the place to play and stay. Located in the ritzy Yorkville District – a gorgeous hotel. From the rooms, flower arrangements to the expansive bar with great art, best people watching around. Martinis aren’t too bad either. (MS)
Thompson Toronto – The first foray into Canada for this hip NY based boutique company. Located downtown near clubs & great bars this chic hotel has a yoga studio, screening room, 24/7 diner for those late nights, rooftop infinity pool (not for use in winter) & extra large marble baths. Home to hip Scarpetta Restaurant. Definitely for those ready to party (S)
The Drake – Laid back, retro but w/ a modern bent – this is our value find. Located on revitalized West Queen West, the art & design district is the hip place. With room names like Crash Pad, Solo & Den, a sky yard patio, live music and changing art work, this is another version of Toronto (S)
Shangri-La -From the famed Asia based company this is the new one. This sexy chain (note the golden entrance below) gets it right on so many levels. State of the art fireplace in the lobby is the perfect meeting place. Couple that with a live piano player & floor to ceiling windows in the modern calming rooms (largest rooms in Toronto). Attached is David Chang’s Momofuko, with a great entrance. See below (MS)
Where2Dine
From formal to funky Toronto has it all. Our favorites… Bucca for Italian, Brassaii, Westlodge on Queens Street, romantic Canoe & Sotto Sotto, Woodlot Bakery, David Chang’s Noodle Bar, Cafe Boulud, Globe & the controversial glass & aluminum c5 for lunch (designed by Daniel Libeskind) and don’t forget House of Poutine (fries & gravy) Toronto’s signature dish.
Where2Play
Pravda Vodka Bar, Babaluu for Salsa, Fifth St. Social Club, The Boiler House in the Gaslight District and The Cocktail Bar
Where2Shop
Stroll down Bloor Street for major shopping including our favorites – Intermix, Roots, & Holt Renfrew, wander the streets of Yorkville, Stroll Queens St. West and the Eaton’s Mall. Our best find for designers under one roof – TNT in Hazelton Lane
What2Do
Historic St. Lawrence Market (don’t miss Carousel Bakery), historic Distillery District with its art galleries, & pubs, BATA Shoe Museum, Casa Loma, AGO & ROM Museums, stroll the Harbourfront
The Toronto Girls
Why Go?
Unlike any other place in the world, Dubai is a land of contrasts. Culture & tradition clash with futuristic buildings, designer hotels, the world’s largest malls, dining inside an aquarium under a canopy of Swarovski crystal or on the sand in the desert. Where else can you buy gold out of an ATM machine? Yet the Arab women still wear burkas. Knees and shoulders must be covered when outside. The juxtaposition of modern vs old world traditions. Why Go? Warm weather, beaches, jeep safari’s, gold souks, Arabian markets, international dining, nightclubs and gold everywhere. A once in a lifetime must see.
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Location, cost, size & child friendly all play a part. Do you want your hotel, hip & modern with sexy dark lounges, a DJ spinning “singles” on the roof? Or do you prefer a quiet, elegant & romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two which is the hardest to find. You will see an M (married), S (Single), or an MS (married/single) next to each hotel.
Click on Hotel to Reserve
Burj Al Arab – This “7 star” hotel will take your breathe away. Covered in Teflon the building is white by day and rainbow colors by night. All duplex suites come with private butlers & start at 1800 square feet. Have cocktails above the clouds where the bartender brings the bar to your table or dine subterranean with the fishes in their aquarium restaurant. If you have to ask the price… (M)
Park Hyatt Dubai – An oasis of calm next to the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Book a Spa Room, splash in the pool nestled amidst palm trees or pamper yourself at the Amara Spa. (M)
The One & Only The Palms– Ironically there is more than one but we love The Palms located on Palm Dubai. Moorish in style ( think huge palace) it’s a mini city on the water with fountains, gardens and pools. The kids will be thilled w/their kid camp ( think camel rides & belly dancing lessons). Like nothing you have ever seen (MS)
Jumeirah Beach Hotel -Shaped like a hugh wave, 26 stories high, with 20 restaurants, private beach villas & a Sinbads Kid Club. Don’t miss the 360 Club, one of the hottest outdoor bars for a cool drink. Jutting out over the water you gain entrance by walking down a private broadwalk & climb upstairs for the awesome view.
Raffles Hotel Dubai – The hotel shaped like a pyramid offers enormous over sized luxury rooms all w/ private balconies. Splurge on a club room complete w/ butlers and espresso makers. The newest bar to hit Dubai is their Red Lounge Terrace. This sleek and contemporary Chinese bar (echos of the meat packing district) is the only bar to serve alcohol until 3 AM. Choose between an ” in house tea master” or their signature “Code Red” drink with “secret ingredients” (is there a choice?) A sleeper five star hotel (S)
Where2Eat –
Armani/Ristorante. The new Armani Hotel offers up their signature Italian restaurant. Just like Armani clothing, decor is sleek, understated and elegant. Everything is designed by Mr. Armani himself from the fork to the furniture. Dress up -the men and women are gorgeous. Located in the tallest building in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa with the iconic dancing fountains (five football fields long) right outside your door. . (MS) Reserve admission to the over the top Armani Prive Nightclub .
Traiteur – Most people work half day on Friday’s and then head out for brunch (what a great idea!) Traiteur, located in the Park Hyatt is an extravaganza of endless champagne, outside stations for fresh lobster, oysters, Middle Eastern delicacies w/additional food served inside their state of the art kitchen. Settle back, dance & watch the yachts. It is one big party that goes on into the night!
Cavalli Club – No one does it better marrying zebra, personalized vodka & dripping crystal than Roberto Cavalli. An absolute must!
Where2Shop
Dubai Mall – The world largest w/over 1200 stores, an aquarium, Lego Land, an amusement theme park & Gold Souk. Not enough? Cab it over to the Mall of the Emirates with Ski Dubai, Magic Planet & every designer in the world represented there. Luckily, it’s too hot to be outside!
What2Do
Arabian Adventures – Climb into a 4 wheel vehicle, fly up & down sand dunes ending w/an Arabian feast on the sand. Low couches, belly dancers, henna tattoos & a hookah complete the picture.
Head up to the Sky Bar at the Burj (reservations required) & Shyan, their master mixologist will create a cocktail from his movable cart of endless ingredients. Barb’s “Thai Twist” involved passion fruit, pineapple, lime juice,leaves, vodka and flaming rosemary sprigs. We’ll drink to that!
Coming up for air!
Antarctica, Antarctica, Fashion
Canada Goose, Cannon Camera, DKNY, fashion, Jeffrey Campbell, Kayla down Parka, Koolaburra, Typhoon
Wear2Where
Wrap yourself up! A ribbed creme cashmere sweater bundled with a Love Quotes bright red over sized scarf, puffy red Canada Goose Jacket & cozy Koolaburra fringe boots – a very cuddly look. Wear it to the W Hotel, Santiago. In freezing weather start with multiple layers, and slowly reveal your curves as you dance late into the night at Whiskey Blue. (S)
Does being married or single influence fashion selection? Can you relax more if married & not chasing your next date, or do you love looking sexy for your husband? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two. Look for M (married), S ( Single) or a MS (married/single) next to the fashion looks.
Wear2Where
Wear coral arm warmers under a fox cropped jacket and wrap a Love Quotes creme fringe scarf around your neck. Throw on jeans or leggings and tuck your jeans into cool looking quilted Jeffrey Campbell black boots. This look has just the splash you need to keep your husband focused on you all night long. Wear it to the Aubrey Hotel in Santiago and look chic as you enter the lobby! (M)
Wear2Where
Wear tight red leather pants layered with a fox hooded vest and topped with a faux fur DKNY Jacket. Slip on Jeffrey Campbell tall leather boots that have enough weight to balance the look. Wear it to Ritz Carlton as you stroll around the hotel day or evening. Single or married you will look hot while in “cool” attire. (MS)
Packing for Antarctica
How do you pack for Antarctica? It means traveling via Buenos Aires, Santiago or Ushuaia. Think hot and cold weather. It means layers, various pieces of clothing that can be used interchangeably for both climates. (i.e. dress or pants that can be a staple, layered with sweaters and jackets or peeled back and worn with a t shirt) You need: waterproof “Typhoon “rubber rain boots, waterproof rain jacket, waterproof pants, thermal underwear, 2 pairs of gloves, 2 pairs of sturdy polarized sunglasses, our favorite Cannon Camera, lots of batteries, mini binoculars, Kayla Down Parka ( on sale too) and Z Shade Organic Sun Block by Simple Radiance. Looking like a fireman may not be the most flattering – although we do love how they look! The challenge is traveling from Buenos Airs or Santiago where the weather will be hot and you are in a city environment. Bring a bathing suit, casual lightweight shoes, t shirt, skirt or cotton pants, a sexy sundress and throw in your heels – you may decide to dance all night and go directly to the ship.