Innkeepers Judy and Trevor welcome you with a wonderful warmth and make it clear that you will enjoy first-class hospitality. Judy is a vibrant, energetic hostess whose cheer is infectious and who makes you feel immediately well-cared for. Despite the enveloping friendliness of your first moments at the Inn, you will not find the service at all intrusive. Your will feel treated as honoured guests with your privacy respected, and all of your needs met.

The Officers Wardroom

Our accommodations were on the second floor of the Inn. The Officer’s Wardroom, is a spacious suite with a large lounging area, a very comfortable bedroom with a private deck, and generous master bathroom complete with luxurious air tub. The décor theme had an intriguing Eastern flair, with Japanese furnishings, lamps and collectibles. The room’s signature antique piece was the king bed’s headboard, made from the home’s original doors, a testimony to Judy and Trevor’s efforts to preserve the building’s unique heritage.

Bedroom with King Bed

Being a bed and breakfast, we also enjoyed a wonderful breakfast menu each morning, including delicious fare such as Belgian waffles, eggs and ham, fresh baked muffins with lovely local jams always on the table, fresh juice, good coffee, and of course, friendly, attentive service. A scrumptious and relaxing way to begin the day!

The Shipwright Inn is in a quiet, safe neighbourhood within walking distance of Charlottetown’s major attractions, such as the harbour front, boardwalk, Victoria Park, the Arts center, shopping, and a myriad of wonderful restaurants. We highly recommend it if you plan to stay in Charlottetown.

Overall Experience
We give the Shipwright Inn 4 and 1/2 Stars- Outstanding!

The Shipwright Inn is located at 51 Fitzroy Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. For hotel reservations call 888.306.9966, or visit http://www.shipwrightinn.com/

We fell in love with Prince Edward Island in the summer of 2007. On that trip, we based ourselves in Charlottetown and explored the central and eastern side of the island, discovering the charm of its red, sandy beaches, sleepy villages, and awesome ocean views. On one of our last daytrips, we discovered St. Peter’s Bay, a picturesque inlet and home to beaches, forest trails, and a sense of quiet solitude. We vowed to return here next time.

Two years later, we booked a stay at the Inn at St Peters, an intimate hotel on the St Peters Bay waterfront. A short drive from Charlottetown, the town of St Peters is a lovely, quiet and inviting place. The approach to the town is dominated by the bay itself, and a great, white church across the water, on the same side as the Inn. Head toward the church, turn left, and you are almost there.

Waterfront King Suite at The Inn at St. Peters

Our King Suite was also very pleasing. Spacious, and spotlessly clean, we enjoyed a comfortable sitting area, fireplace, TV and DVD player, as well as a deck overlooking the water. The Suite is a single room, so there is no private bedroom/lounging space. However, this did not affect our enjoyment as we spent our days outside enjoying hikes and scenic drives, and our evenings lingering over delicious cuisine at the Inn’s dining room.

The Beautiful Waterfront Property of The Inn at St. Peters

We stayed at the Inn for five nights; a rejuvenating amount of time. Our particular vacation package included a nightly three-course dinner, as well as a full, hot breakfast. It was too much food, really, but far better than leaving you wanting. Other packages at the Inn include first-class golf, cycling day trips, and a “City and Sea” package where you share your holiday between the Inn at St Peters, and the attractive Shipwright Inn near Charlottetown’s harbour front. We opted for the dining package, and chose our recreational activities depending on our mood day to day.

Beautiful Views Overlooking St. Peters Bay

A note on nature – at the time of year we visited (mid-June), we found the mosquito population thriving. Apparently mosquito fogging is not done on the Island. Especially on hiking expeditions in treed areas, we recommend that you bring along bug spray for maximum enjoyment. Beach excursions are another matter – but if you are heading for the trees, be aware that you might have some irritating company.

Charlottetown is a beautiful place to stay, and hardly a big, bustling city. However, for an even deeper sense of peace and seclusion, consider beautiful St Peters Bay.

Overall Experience
We give the Inn at St Peters 4 and 1/2 Stars – Outstanding!

The Inn at St Peters is located at 1668 Greenwich Rd, St. Peters Bay, PEI. For hotel reservations call 800.818.0925, or visit http://www.innatstpeters.com/

Though Las Vegas may be synonymous with cheap flights, cheap rates, and cheap buffets (and other things that we shall allow to go unmentioned), it has also become an unparalleled center of world-class accommodations, dining, and entertainment. If you haven’t been to Vegas for a while, just check out any of the films in the “Ocean’s” franchise for a taste of the heights of luxury Vegas can offer. And be aware that even since the making of the latest of these films, the most decadent of the hotels depicted has more than likely been eclipsed by another, even grander one by now.

For incredible accommodation possibilities, consider the Signature at the MGM Grand, a series of luxury condominium towers off but not far from the strip. The Wynn and its newest sister, the Encore, are gorgeous inside and out, and promise a five star experience. While not “cheap” in the absolute sense, the value for your dollar is unheard of almost anywhere else in the world. This is an indulgence that even the more reluctant indulgence seeker can enjoy.

As for food and wine (always at the heart of our quest) you will be beyond satisfied by the options available to you in Las Vegas. Let your sense tingle and your mouth water as you merely contemplate the menus offered at Alex (Wynn), Picasso (Bellagio), Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand), Nobhill (MGM Grand) and Daniel Boulud (Wynn).

Vegas has and always will be what you make of it. However, the possibility to make it an experience of luxury to such a great extent is more real than ever before.

The décor of the main dining room is fresh, modern and inviting. Warm, earthy, and peachy tones are complemented by wood accents that reflect the glow of the open stone fireplace. (There is also a fireplace outdoors for al fresco dining in the summer months.) Everything at the Four Seasons Whistler, including the Fifty Two 80 Bistro (named, incidentally after the 5280 foot elevation of Whistler’s famous Blackcomb Mountain), is attractive and in impeccable shape at this relatively new hotel.

Fifty Two 80’s a-little-bit edgy menu is seafood-inspired, with daily creations served up from the bounty of the Pacific Ocean. We were urged to begin with a taste from the “live-action seafood bar” featuring prawns, freshly shucked oysters, lobster and other tasty bites. We sampled crab and lobster “raw shots” – amazingly tender morsels of these tender shellfish were actually served in a shot glass on a tiny bed of frisée lettuce. These tasty teasers are also served with homemade specialty sauces - I definitely recommend the  tantalizing, fresh, green goddess sauce.

Seafood is king at Fifty Two 80. Sure, the daily changing menu serves up share of chicken, prime rib(and even turkey with stuffing on the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday which occured while we were there), but restaurant specialties here revolve around things with gills or some mode of breathing under water. We visited the Bistro twice during our stay at the Four Seasons and sampled several items from the menu. Between those two visits, for first-courses (following seafood “raw shots”), we enjoyed a Golden Beet Salad with lightly breaded, warmed goat cheese and a tarragon dressing, House Smoked Wild Salmon on potato blinis with dill cream, and steamed mussels accompanied by frites and a spicy mayonnaise dip. Seafood reigned for our main courses. Generously sized garlicky prawns with a refreshing tomato salsa served with a mixed green salad was one evening’s choice – and then the highly recommended Black Cod with sweet corn and chanterelles. Desserts were rich and indulgent, such as the simply and aptly named “Chocolate” – a medley of chocolaty treats such as a Bailey’s and chocolate fudge morsel and sour cream and chocolate chunk ice cream.

We found the wine list to be rather small and quite focused upon British Columbia wines. It provided an interesting  rather than stellar selection. We had the Cedar Creek Platinum Reserve Chardonnay, 2002 on the first night, which was notable for its light, non-oaky taste. The next night, being in an eclectic and celebratory mood, we began with Sumac Ridge Brut from the Okanogan Valley – not exactly a creamy Champagne, but a still a nice beginning to a meal. We then took advantage of the half bottle offerings and had both the Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2001 and the Cedar Creek Estate 2002 – the second better than the first.

Service was quite good – very friendly, and servers had good knowledge of the menu. As for dress code, think presentable (change out of your ski gear), but not overly formal.

Overall Dining Experience
We give Fifty Two 80 4 Stars – Excellent!

For more information or to make reservations, call (604) 935-3400 or visit http://www.fourseasons.com/whistler/dining.html

There are many ways to indulge while in Honolulu and on the island of Oahu. There is, of course, the “natural way,” by strolling the gorgeous beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and simply soaking in the heavenly warmth of the sun.

Then, there are luxury accommodations to enjoy. For instance, Halekulani, an upscale hotel located in Waikiki, whisks you off the busy streets and into a center of tranquility and calm. A luscious, open-air courtyard and impeccably-trained staff greet you upon arrival, and set the tone for the rest and relaxation that await. Unwind in your gorgeously appointed room, and then stroll to the House Without A Key lounge, opening up onto a spectacular ocean view. Sipping your Mai Tai, you will have a particularly memorable experience when the sun sets to the sounds of live, traditional Hawaiian music and dance.

World-class food and wine are also offered Honolulu. We recommend especially a visit to Alan Wong’s, who’s creative Asian/Fusion dishes will thrill the senses. And of course, an outstanding wine list is available, sure to please even the most particular wine connoisseur.

For the jet-set shopper, the streets of Waikiki will not disappoint. Though the obligatory Hawaiian shirt and plastic hula-girl peddling gift shops abound, you will also find Tiffany, Coach, BOSS, and more in Waikiki’s “Luxury Row”.

Consider Honolulu in your upcoming vacations plans. Paradise certainly awaits.

Blackberry Farm, reached by a meandering country road and charmingly enclosed by a white wooden fence, is in fact a majestic 4200 acre property bordering on the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. With these famous mountains as a backdrop, Blackberry Farm itself boasts gorgeous rolling hills, babbling streams, thick clusters of trees and wide meadows where horses graze. Accommodations and services are housed in elegant, country style buildings that blend perfectly into these idyllic Southern surroundings.

Upon arrival for our week-long, early December holiday, we drove up to the tree-bordered entrance road to Oak Cottage where we were promptly and warmly received under a porte-cochere. The impression given by the courteous staff upon welcome is that any and all needs will be met with attentiveness and pleasantness. We found this impression to hold true from the start to the finish of our stay. 

After checking in, we and our luggage were chauffeured in one of Blackberry Farm’s motorized carts to our lodgings. (Because of the size of the property, and the hilly terrain, these vehicles are a handy way to get from place to place. By phoning the reception desk at Oak Cottage, you can arrange to be picked up and delivered promptly to other locations on the property.) Luxurious rooms are available in the Main House, a stately, county manor style building, where the dining room is also found. There are more rooms in the neighboring Guest House, both just across the way from Oak Cottage. More private cottage suites are also available in Holly Glade, a secluded, treed space at the bottom of the hill descending from the Main House. Each cottage in the Holly Glade contains two separate units with their own private covered porch. A Holly Glade cottage suite is particularly impressive with its king sized canopied bed, spacious sitting area, large bathroom complete with roomy whirlpool tub, and a generous walk-in closet. Though quite large, the overall impression of the cottage suite is one of cozy luxury due to the rich, colorful fabrics of the furnishings and draperies, the homey antiques and, in no small measure, the wood burning fireplace. A generous woodpile is located just outside of your door should you wish to build a fire. (Of course, a staff member will gladly light the fire for you !) Even the small touches throughout the suite reflect the attention to detail characteristic of Blackberry Farm. The fridge and pantry are well-stocked with complimentary gourmet snack fare, and high-end Aveda beauty and bath products grace the bathroom.

Little could be better than sitting by a roaring fire on a pillowy soft sofa gazing out at the Smoky Mountains from the cottage’s picture window. However, should you manage to leave the comfort of your room, there is plenty to do at Blackberry Farm. You might explore the property by following the paved path, either by foot or by renting a motorized cart for a modest hourly fee. We decided on an initial driving tour, to get a sense of the magnitude of the property as well as spectacular vantage points for future strolls. As well, we noted the occasional hammock and pairs of adirondack chairs placed strategically for your repose during a pleasant walk of the grounds.

For those guests seeking more movement than rest, several unpaved hiking trails have trailheads leading off of the main paved road. Their level of difficulty is noted on the property map, and you might choose to take along your gourmet boxed lunch, provided each day, for refreshment.

Besides exploring Blackberry Farm by foot, a host of other activities are available. Horseback riding and fly fishing on the picturesque Hesse Creek can be done year round. (Fly fishing lessons are available, but should be booked prior to your arrival.) Tennis courts and a heated outdoor swimming pool are open, weather and season permitting.

If you have come to Blackberry Farm for relaxation, you will find it in its ultimate form at the Farmhouse Spa (an Aveda Concept Spa). Massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, makeup consultations and other treatments are offered with superior service in the most incredible surroundings. The converted farmhouse is outfitted with cozy couches, wood burning fireplaces in private treatment rooms, and huge windows looking out onto the mountains. And, of course, only scrumptious, all-natural Aveda products are used. (Again, it is wise to book spa treatments well ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment.)

At the center of any stay at Blackberry Farm is fabulous food. We took our meals in the welcoming, genteel Main House Dining Room. An incredible view of the valley can be enjoyed through the large window at breakfast, where freshly squeezed orange juice and hot buttermilk biscuits are also highlights. In the evening, we enjoyed a roaring fire in the massive stone fireplace, chasing away the chill of the cooler December days.  Sumptuous five-course dinners were served with impeccable presentation. Besides excellent beef, lamb and chicken dishes, the chef skillfully incorporates local recipes and ingredients such as grits, fresh trout and, of course, blackberries into the gourmet menu. Our knowledgeable sommelier breathed life into the impressive wine list, drawing from their 8,000 foot wine cellare, making excellent wine suggestions to highlight each of our exquisite meals.

Overall, Blackberry Farm is well worth visiting for those seeking serenity in their surroundings, luxurious amenities and excellent service. 

Overall Experience
We give Blackberry Farm 5 Stars – Outstanding!

For more information or to make reservations, visit www.blackberryfarm.com

The lobby is immaculate, with floors of highly polished marble decorated gorgeously with huge arrangements of exotic flowers. Magnificent stone sculptures here and there add to the sense of history permeating the hotel. The reception desk and concierge desk face each other on either side of the room so that your first view is of flowers and the lushly-landscaped courtyard restaurant just beyond the lobby. You are immediately transported from the busy Paris streets just beyond into a world of high-class serenity. 

Though many guests stay at George V, there is a sense of openness and spaciousness about the hotel. High ceilings and elegant yet never fussy decorative details add to this feeling. Our particular room had a large balcony overlooking the verdant courtyard. Though you never feel away from city life, the hotel spares no effort to make the city a luxurious experience for their guests.

Just outside the hotel doors are some of the world’s most luxurious shops. Designer names that almost anyone would recognize – Hermès, Versace, Armani, Louis Vuitton – are mere footsteps away. And at George V, you are in the very heart of the Paris the whole world imagines. The Champs Elysées is mere moments away, and you can easily walk to many of Paris’ most renowned attractions including the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre.  As for navigating Paris from George V by foot, metro and train, we had very few problems if any, thanks in great part to the superb map supplied by the concierge.

As for our particular accomodations at the hotel, there is no doubt in my mind that Louis XIV never had it so good. In fact, all I wanted to do while day-tripping at hot, sticky, overly ornate, stuffy Versailles was get back to our soothingly coloured, perfectly acclimatized, tastefully decorated room with its massive bathroom, and pillow-soft bed with gazillion-thread- count sheets. Our room was absolutely gorgeous with the best of everything, including a huge bathroom outfitted mostly in marble and providing deliciously scented designer bath products from Italy.

Comfortable furniture welcomed us for an afternoon of reading and relaxing. An elegant writing table served as an inspiration for scrawling memoirs and “wish you could see this” postcards. There was even a miniature library of books either about or written at George V – a fine touch for the literary connoisseur.  And that portrait of Gene Kelly beside our bed? Could it mean that the most famous “American in Paris” stayed here? Perhaps or perhaps not… imagination is enouraged by the romance of the room’s surroundings.

Service is, not surprisingly, second to none at this world-class five star hotel. It is said that almost no wish is impossible to fulfill at George V, and you can believe it from the thoughtful, first-class treatment you receive. Your needs are all anticipated, even the ones you didn’t know you had. Service is prompt and expertly executed, whether you need one-hour laundry service, an elaborate in-room meal, tickets to any of Paris’ many attractions, even (so we’ve heard and can readily believe) a pet puppy to commemorate your stay! Housekeeping visits your room twice a day with turn down service, refreshing and replenishing your linens and designer amenities daily. 

During our stay, I enjoyed a wonderful manicure at George V’s beautiful spa. The main reception area overlooks the hotel’s indoor pool which is flanked by cozy, comfy lounge chairs and walled by a “trompe d’oeil” garden scene. My aesthetician was friendly and very professional; alternately talkative and silent when I wanted to be. All treatments are performed in private rooms, which I very much appreciated. Soft, glowing lighting and soothing music created a relaxing atmosphere. 

Treatments are, not surprisingly, quite expensive here. The emphasis on privacy, relaxation and the use of very high end products does go a long way, however, in justifying the price.English was spoken by all of the friendly staff that I encountered. My only negative comment is that while the spa staff will attempt to accommodate any request, I did find it difficult to secure an appointment at the time of my choice. If you know that you will want to visit the spa during your stay, I would recommend booking any treatments as far ahead as possible to avoid disappointment.

And now, to business. If Paris is the epicenter of food and wine, then George V and its neighborhood is the epicenter of the epicenter. Le Cinq is the shining culinary light of the hotel, having earned three prestigious Michelin stars. The menu, which combines traditional French cuisine with contemporary dishes and influences, is exquisite and accompanied by an encyclopedic wine list. Renowned establishments like Taillevent, a restaurant that has inspired novels as well as palettes,  are also close by. Excellent, if more casual, dining can be had on the Champs Elysees as well.  What could be more delightfully Parisian than an al fresco dinner and bottle of wine in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe? Be aware that many restaurants and shops do close for several weeks in the summer (particularly August). Tourists may converge on Paris in summertime, but Parisians need their holidays,too!

Our hotel package included the option of having breakfast in our room or in the restaurant. Our first morning, we chose the restaurant. If truth be told, this was our only disappointment with the hotel – our orders were incorrect, and service was slow and surprisingly inattentive. We chose to dine in our room for the other mornings of our stay, and enjoyed this immensely. The beautiful spread is brought to you and laid out by a thoughtful attendant, who is in and out as quickly as possible. Breakfast is anything but just functional when served with crisp white table linens, plates covered with gleaming silver domes, and your own personal attendant to prepare a comfortable eating space and then whisk it all away.

We took advantage of the In-Room dining menu one evening for a fine dinner of French onion soup and lamb with vegetables Provencale style, and sipped wine on our outdoor terrace. The meal was wonderful, although we were rather surprised at the somewhat limited menu offerings. Likely, you can get whatever you request, but we were surprised at the apparent dearth of choice on the menu.

Overall, our experience at George V more than exceeded our highest expectations. The service and luxury were so tremendous, our time in Paris seems almost to be a dream. One that we would not mind having again and again…

Overall Experience
We give George V 5 Stars- Outstanding!

Four Seasons George V is located at 31 avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France. For hotel reservations, call 33 (1) 49 52 70 00. For more information, call 33 (1) 49 52 70 00 , fax 33 (0) 1 49 52 70 10 or visit www.fourseasons.com

There are many ways to enjoy this incredible site, day-tripping being a popular option for those staying in Banff, Canmore, or nearby campsites. Simply strolling around the paved area in front of Lake Louise to take in the view is an immensely enjoyable experience. You can also rent a canoe in the summer and take a casual paddle around the blue-green water. If you want a more vigorous walk or a different perspective of the area, you can choose from a number of hiking paths with trailheads beginning at the lake. Take an easy walk down the paved path at the lake’s edge, or hike one of the more challenging sawback trails that take you into the forest, some passing smaller alpine lakes along the way. Two tea houses, undetectable from the lakefront, are nestled in the mountains that border the lake. Refreshment paired with spectacular bird’s-eye view of Lake Louise is certainly worth the climb.

Speaking of refreshment, another way to spend a most pleasant afternoon is to take afternoon tea in the famed Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s Lakeview Lounge. The lounge overlooks the lake and provides an amazing view of Victoria Glacier. First-class elegance and an unparalled view will create lifelong memories.

Day trips are just the beginning of what you can do at Lake Louise. You can certainly make Lake Louise your Rocky Mountain vacation base. World class accommodations, fine dining, and elegant spa services are available at the Chateau and the nearby Post Hotel (located in the town of Lake Louise, not a five minute drive from the lake itself). Other hotels and accommodations are also available nearby. Lake Louise is a popular ski destination in the winter months. And there are nearby alpine lakes to explore, such as Moraine Lake.

Whether Lake Louise is your base or a must-do along your Rocky Mountain path, getting there can be just as breathtaking as visiting the lake itself. If you are driving from Banff, you might consider taking the Bow Valley Parkway, which runs parallel to the Trans Canada Highway. This quieter, meandering highway follows the Bow River, and offers more opportunities for scenic views, wildlife spotting, and mountain hikes.

Despite the crowds that you may find on a day trip to Lake Louise, the beauty of the location seems to inspire calm and wonder in everyone. Though you may be surrounded by others, you will also find a sense of peace and solitude, which is certainly worth the trip.