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Europe

Small Luxury Hotels: Pousada de Lisboa – Praça do Comércio

No matter whether you are a avid or infrequent traveller, the one thing that we can all agree upon is that finding the right accommodation during your trip matters. After hours of touring around the city, this becomes your haven to relax and unwind after a busy day. But lucky for you, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) has done the research for you picking out the perfect Lisbon hotel. Compiling a curated list of over 520 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world to offer guest the best locations and highest quality of service. And that is why for my latest voyage to Lisbon, Portugal, the Pousada de Lisboa – Praça do Comércio was the perfect choice when looking for somewhere to stay. Centrally located in the main square of the Praça do Comércio, this Lisbon hotel is a tranquil haven just steps away from some of the most historic sites…

Caribbean

This Is Not A Shoe

Since their creation in 2014, T.I.N.A.S. have made craftmanship appeal to a younger generation. Created by Willem Germany, T.I.N.A.S. (This is Not a Shoe) are a new form of shoes that hail from a more traditional artisan roots making rope soled espadrilles in the same age old techniques to create shoes in a modern and vibrant way. Founder: Willem Germany Since their launch in 2014, they have been seen all over France and are credited to helping popularizing Martinique and Creole craftsmanship. Over the last year and a half, it is thanks to his immense optimism that he is showing local French Caribbean talent around the world  to help promote T.I.N.A.S. and Martinique as a whole on the international level. Born in Martinique, made in Mauleon. Quickly being the it shoe on this island, T.I.N.A.S.  are taking the Martinique fashion scene by storm bringing back such classic prints as the colourful Madras plaid in a contemporary way. Made by hand, T.I.N.A.S.  are not currently…

Canada

The National Gallery of Canada

Last week when I was in Ottawa, I decided to get out of the heat and cool off in the National Gallery of Canada. With stunning views of Parliament Hill, this spacious gallery is the perfect spot to wander through years and years of exceptional Canadian art. Boasting a large rotating permanent collection of Canadian and Indigenous Art, the National Gallery of Canada celebrates Canada’s rich cultural history. The Canadian collection includes famous work from Emily Carr, The Group of Seven, Christopher Pratt and many more in the world’s most comprehensive collection of Canadian art. The Indigenous Art collection celebrates the work of historic and contemporary Aboriginal artists from Canada and around the world. The National Gallery of Canada also has a European and American Art and Contemporary Art collection that is part of their permanent display which celebrates artists from around the globe and transporting you through the decades…

Design

Design Forward: Canada’s Sustainable Fashion Award

1. First off, can you tell us a little bit about Fashion Takes Action? How did you first get involved? Fashion Takes Action is Canada’s only non profit organization devoted to sustainable fashion. For the past 10 years we have worked to change the way we CREATE and CONSUME fashion. This means we work with both industry and consumers. To date we have worked with more than 400 designers, brands and retailers, and we have hosted more than 50 events. FTA grew out of a fashion show fundraiser called the Green Gala, that was intended to raise awareness for sustainable fabrics available at that time. Pandora’s box was fully opened up following the first Green Gala, with designers from across the country contacting us to help them source fabric and understand what “green” or sustainable fashion was. A post shared by Fashion Takes Action (@fashiontakesaction) on Jun 5, 2017 at…

Travel

City Guide: 72 Hours in Philadelphia

Known as the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Just under an hour and a half by plane from Toronto, a few weeks ago I packed up my bags for a girls getaway to enjoy the sights, sound and delicious eats in Philly. Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the USA and was once the capital city. Today, it has become a vibrant cultural hub home to some of the best art museums in the country. To help you plan your weekend escape, here are some of my suggestions things to do in Philadelphia when exploring the “birthplace of America.” Where to Stay Located just steps away from the main museum promenade along Benjamin Franklin Promenade, The Logan Hotel is part of the Hilton Curio Collection of that has created a living gallery spaces within the hotel. The Logan Hotel has curated…

Canada

Plan your summer vacation in The Kawarthas at the Viamede Resort

The Kawartha’s are an idillic area of eastern Ontario known for their lush forest, crystal clear lakes and quaint little towns bustling during summer vacation season. For a peaceful weekend, we drove up to the century old Viamede Resort on Stony Lake. The Viamede Resort is laid out on 165 acres of unspoiled wilderness  where guest can relax by their lakefront views. This pet friendly resort attracts families, couples and friends in search of tranquility staying in either one of the guest rooms in the main lodge or in one of their cabins that are perfect for families or larger groups. What to do at the Viamede Resort There is also 6km of private forest hiking trails for guests to enjoy taking you through the natural landscape of the area and up to the summit of Mount Julian on your summer vacation. They also have canoes, disc golf, paddle boats, pools, a tennis…

Canada

Let’s Go to the EX

For Torontonians, the end of the summer is always signaled by the Canadian National Exhibition. Year after year, The Ex rounds up some of the best carnival games and rides, craziest fair food and a wide range of exhibitions for visitors of all ages to enjoy. This year, I took my young nice and nephew to explore the Kiddie Midway where seeing their reactions on the ferris wheel made the whole day worth it. To help get you excited, I’ve rounded up some of my favourite snaps guest have shared from their time at The Ex. Can’t wait to see your posts! #LetsGoToTheEx A post shared by Caleigh. (@caleighalleyne) on Aug 20, 2017 at 5:13pm PDT A post shared by lyss (@lysscalv) on Sep 2, 2017 at 5:26pm PDT A post shared by Janna (@jamesy_j14) on Sep 2, 2017 at 5:24pm PDT A post shared by Cleo Haber (@cleojh) on…

Hotels + Resorts

Stay at a luxury property in Ottawa at a boutique price at The Alt Hotel

Ottawa is gearing up to get ready for Canada’s 150th birthday celebration and for the many Canadian and International guests flocking to the city, the Alt Hotel is the place to stay. Only a few months old, the Alt Hotel is part of the Quebecois Le Germain Group of hotels known for their upscale amenities in a boutique hotel. The newest Alt Hotel in Ottawa is in a prime downtown location just steps away from the Parliament. When you first walk into the Alt Hotel, you are transported into a contemporary art gallery furnished with vibrant and interactive art pieces and are welcomed by a playful and colourful #selfie wall that is the perfect backdrop to your pre-sightseeing photo shoot. Just steps away you’ll find the bar and breakfast nook creating an open seating area for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Their daily breakfast menu is made fresh and is a…

Travel

Small Luxury Hotels: Hotel Chandler in NYC

Finding peace and quiet in Manhattan can be tough. But when you do, those are the moments that you savour. During my last jaunt to New York City, I had the pleasure of staying at the Hotel Chandler, part of the Triumph Hotel group. Set on a quiet street off Madison Ave just steps away from the FlatIron building, Hotel Chandler is elegant and luxurious hotel in Midtown Manhattan. One of my most trusted sources for picking a hotel, is through the Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH). Compiling a curated list of over 520 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world to offer guest the best locations and highest quality of service. And that is exactly what you will find at Hotel Chandler in Manhattan.  The hotel has preserved the antique charm and architectural beauty from when it was first built with modern luxuries and amenities. Upon your arrival you are…

Travel

Relax at Ste. Anne’s Spa

Only a two hour drive outside of Toronto, Ste. Anne’s Spa is a stunning retreat in Grafton, Ontario. Whether you are looking to spend the morning, the day or extend your stay overnight, let Ste. Anne’s Spa help you customize your experience to relax fully. This casual, yet rustic, atmosphere transports you to a laid back country setting to let go of all your city worries and unwind. With our pre-book schedule, all we had to do is show up to be taken care of by the caring country staff. We began our day with a short hike to the stables to feed the horses. There are three well groomed hikes on Ste. Anne’s property for guests to enjoy that their leisure to take in a bit of fresh air in the countryside. We then returned to the main areas for a Hatha Yoga class led in their activities room. Ste.…