As a frequent spa-goer, Vancouver is my top pick for a city with super spas. I know, it’s rough research trying to figure out what the top spas are, but somebody’s gotta do it! I recently compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Day Spas in Vancouver for About.com (pictured here is the Spa…
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is offering a rural, holistic retreat in the comfort of luxurious surroundings in the heart of London. The 2007 Wellness Weekend is a two-night program that incorporates yoga, tai chi, personal training, nutrition advice and a two-hour Advanced Time Ritual at The Spa At Mandarin Oriental, voted one of the…
It’s probably one of the few hotels in the world where guests are given tips on how to prepare for a good night’s sleep. But this isn’t your typical hostelry — this is the Ice Hotel Quebec-Canada. Now in its seventh season, it’s North America’s first ice hotel, made entirely of ice and snow. I…
On the northwest corner of Jamaica, about 30 miles north of Montego Bay, lies a luxurious, all-inclusive Caribbean resort that offers a haven of retreat for its guests –– the Grand Lido Braco. In the heart of the small, practical and recently renovated Sangster airport, immediately next to the rental cars, you will easily find…
Every day over Lake Union in Seattle, there’s an unmistakeable local spectacle best viewed from the grassy hills of Gasworks Park. A seaplane flies in from the north gliding lower and lower over the water, sail and motorboats be damned, and touches down in a tumble of foam as it taxis into harbour. Any local…
Thirty-seven of Canada’s most respected foodies had a tough task: coming up with Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2006. But at the end of the meal(s), Vancouver, BC’s Nu ended up with the distincition of being the top table. The fifth annual survey, conducted by Air Canada’s enRoute magazine and its contributing editor Chris Johns, included…
It’s fun to say and even more so to visit. Walla Walla, located in the southeast corner of Washington, is home to the state’s exploding wine industry. Chef Mike Davis, owner of 26brix restaurant, has put a group of partners together and come up with some terrific packages being offered through Blue Stocking Tours of…
The best thing about the Northern California coast past Bodega Bay is definitely the Pacific Ocean. There isn’t a whole lot else that far up the coast. There are tiny beach towns deep in tsunami country scattered along the highway, but most of them have little more than a diner, a gas station, or a…
Garfield flies high in NYC. Photo by Sue Frause. Living with a turkey farmer has resulted in many a memorable moment. But flying with one of our homegrown birds from Seattle to New York City was an all-time high. First, a clarification. My husband is not a full time turkey farmer. He owns a public…
Cavalia, the spectacular equestrian odyssey, is heading to Las Vegas as part of its North American tour. Now on the road for three years, the spectacular show will be presented under its familiar White Big Top at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. The show opens November 16, 2006 for a multi-week engagement. I saw…
Children of Chief Mukuni’s Village. Photo by Sue Frause. Author’s Note: My family and I recently returned from Africa. The three of us visited South Africa, Zambia and Botswana and I’ll be sharing some of my stories and photographs from the road with Vagablond readers. It was an amazing adventure! VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA — Yasim…
Oregon Wine Country is a scenic and romantic destination for wine tasting. And fall is the perfect time to escape to the Willamette Valley. Every year at Thanksgiving, Oregon’s wineries host special events during the long holiday weekend. A number of wineries that don’t usually open their doors and cellars to the public welcome visitors…