Asia, Europe, Middle East, Travel
360 Istanbul, Beyoglu, Istanbul, New City, Park Hyatt, Shangri-La, Turkey
WhyGoNow?
After touring the historic Old City, get ready to party all night and shop all day in modern day Istanbul. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or a singles’ vacation, take the city by storm in your chicest travel outfits. Peruse the many nightclubs and bars as well as chic, cutting edge restaurants. Influences from the East and the West are present wherever you’ll go.
What2Do
Cruise up the Bosphorus from the Golden Horn to the Black Sea with Europe on your left, Asia on your right. Explore Beyoglu, nightlife central. Climb the steep hills of Cihangir (San Franciscans should have no problem) and immerse yourself in the community of artists and writers. Wear you fur beret to blend in. For more art, try the Istanbul Modern museum. Take a romantic vacation within a vacation and go to Fransiz Sokagi (aka French Street) and feel like you’re walking the streets of Paris amidst the pink buildings.
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M))? Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).
Where2Stay
The House Hotel – In Nisantasi or Ortakoy, the epitome of modern design. Recommended by Vogue, small, very cool, you feel as though you’re at a private party. (S)
Park Hyatt – Nestled amidst the best shopping. Modern, leather accented rooms, Turkish hamam (call for your own personal bathmaster) and end the day perched at their rooftop pool sipping cocktails for the perfect romantic getaway. (M)
Shangri-La – Newly opened and by the Bosphorus. Great restaurant paired with amazing view. There is nothing more romantic than a room by the sea. Perfect for an all inclusive honeymoon. How about fur ankle shoes to show him how sexy you can be? (MS)
Where2Play
Waterside nightclubs like Angelique stay open until dawn, perfect for the single’s vacation. 360 doubles as both a restaurant and a hot club. All things Middle Eastern, from food to harem design, Al Jamal not only offers a gorgeous view of the Bosphorus, but enticing belly dancers (maybe get some ideas for later that night). Billionaire Nightclub located in the new EDITION Hotel is adorned with crystal, gold and a very chic crowd just like your purse – great for a single girl’s night out.
Where2Dine
Head to Zuma for Japanese (other locations in London, Hong Kong, Dubai and Miami), or 360 Istanbul for fusion (order the Sultan’s Aphrodisiac, who knows what will happen next?) Award-winning Changa is neither on the water or on a rooftop, but in an art nouveau building. It combines classic & modern food w/ an open interactive kitchen. For more authentic cuisine head to Alem.
Where2Shop
Nisantasi is the trendiest shopping area – a posh residential district infused with cafes, restaurants and historical buildings. Don’t miss Abdi Ipekci Avenue for all the luxury brands and local designers. Atil Kutogna is a boutique that mixes bold Turkish & Ottoman patterns with modern European influences. Men & Women! Vakko is Turkey’s answer to Barneys’ New York. Five floors of their own designs, scarves that rival Hermes, & unique custom handbags all at unbeatable prices. Indulge in their own line of chocolates & champagne while shopping. Cocktails always enhance shopping.
Stay clean, warm, and comfy…but keep your mind dirty! Click on Items to Purchase
Co-authored by: Tiffany Do , Google Images
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