Travel | ariane c design

Travel

Jun4

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Pampered Luxury at Hastings House

Posted in: Dining, Fine Art, Lodging, Nature, Resorts, Travel

I recently came back from several days of pampered luxury with a two-night stay at Hastings House on Salt Spring Island. While I’ve been to Salt Spring several times, I had yet to enjoy this corner of the island, close enough to downtown Ganges yet far enough away to appreciate the solitude and nature that helps define this Relais & Chateaux property.

The welcoming hotel grounds are filled with fragrant flowers and colourful birds, all with a view to Ganges Harbour. The rooms are quiet and warm, with a super comfy bed and lots of sitting space to relax and do nothing.

Salt Spring Island is a place to escape from daily stress and the bustling city pace. The locals are super friendly and know how special this place is. The big ‘to-do’ list of daily life quickly gives way to where to go for a hike, enjoy a freshly-brewed organic coffee, check out one of the numerous studios on the island or simply breathe in the sea air.

Hastings House is named after the Barbara and Warren Hastings, owners of the Salt Spring Island property from 1939 to 1980. The newly-married couple from the UK lived in the original farmhouse and continued farming while planning their new home.

They’d decided to move their goods from England to Canada to settle permanently, however their timing was poor: England was preparing to go to war. They made a pact that if their belongings arrived safely, they’d build a home similar to the 11th century English manor home in Kent that they’d left behind.

Luck was on their side; had their furnishings been lost at sea, a log home would be standing in the same spot as the beautiful country home is in today.

The history, recounted in a book inside the Manor House living room and lounge, tells of lost loves, horsemanship, and the house’s various periods of construction. The property was purchased by Donald Cross and Shan Cross in 1980, with the goal of creating a country-style resort. Former guests/current owners Bonny O’Connor and Jerry Parks later purchased the property in 1995 after learning that Donald and Shan were planning on selling it.

[Post Cottage]

I was happily settled into the Post cottage, the property’s inaugural building. It also served as the first Hudson’s Bay Trading Post on Salt Spring Island!

The Post was later finished in stucco to match the Manor House and Farmhouse, yet it retains its original floors from the 1800′s.

Wood beams and fresh flowers greeted me at the Post cottage for my two night stay.

Once the rain let up, I wandered around the garden, walking along the manicured veggie patch and into the moss-covered forest. Within moments, I’d landed in a lush forest solitude, the only sounds coming from the birds.

[Yummy afternoon treats to go with the teas]

Completely enveloped in my own serene space, I joined a few fellow guests for afternoon tea, scones, and cookies by the wood-burning fireplace. The Manor House living room is stocked with books of local interest, the hotel’s history, and nature. On one afternoon, a couple was set up at the window table playing a game of Scrabble.

A lovely trail on the property leads to a sculpture garden. Several locals artists have their works displayed around the property, including Robert Bateman, Michael Hames, Louise Woodward and Jill Louise Campbell. Many pieces are for sale.

Days can be spent simply relaxing with a book or exploring Ganges town, a 10-minute easy walk down the road.

[Hastings House is an enchanted place to hang out, but don't just take my word for it!]

Warm muffins are brought to your door early in the morning, and coffee and tea are in the room to start the day prior to a fantastic full English breakfast served in the dining room.

The breakfast menu also features a daily special. I’ll be posting a separate dining feature later today.

[A great start to the morning: breakfast at Hastings House]

With three days filled with relaxing moments in the heart of nature, it was hard to tear myself away from the cozy Post cottage to head home to Vancouver. Everything about Hastings House is top-notch, from service to food.

An experience on Salt Spring Island can be anything from being out for the day on hikes and studio tours to curling up with a book in one of Hasting House’s many cozy nook and garden spaces.

I arrived by Salt Spring Air, an easy way to get to Salt Spring in 30 minutes, with a driver from the inn waiting for you on the other end. Returning to the Salt Spring Air terminal or to one of the ferry docks is also easily arranged.

Whatever your chosen mode of transport, make sure to block off plenty of time to enjoy Hastings House.

Guest amenities:
- 18 suites and rooms located in the main house or nearby historic outbuildings
- Guest parking
- Flatscreen TV equipped with lots of cable channels
- Molton Brown skincare and bath products in bathroom
- Turndown service
- Wake-up morning hamper with baked goods at 7:30 am daily
- A full English breakfast served in the dining room from 8 to 10 am daily
- Picnic menus and lunch with advance notice can be accommodated.
- Afternoon tea from 3:30 to 4:30 daily in the Manor House living room
- Suites equipped with coffee machines, coffee pods, and tea
- Housekeeping begins when you ‘Put out the cat’, a fabric kitty with one side for ‘privacy’ and the other to ‘service the room’
- The spa at Hastings House offers massage and body treatments, aromatic steam showers, body wraps, manis and pedis (with advance booking).

My stay at the Hastings House was courtesy of the Hastings House Country House Hotel. My return flight to Salt Spring was graciously provided by Salt Spring Air, a friendly travel service I’ve used on previous trips to the island.
May29

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Hotel Design: Features + Flaws

Posted in: Lodging, Travel

Book any major hotel online and you’re bound to receive a guest survey post-visit. While these can be helpful (if actually read), it got us thinking about what we do and don’t like in a hotel room.

After our recent US travels (staying in five properties), we were faced with several surveys to fill out. Most of the questions dealt with service, cleanliness, and prompt attention to any problems incurred. I think there’s so much more that hotels can look for in a hotel room’s overall design.

Let’s begin with the electronics around the room. Countless times we’ve taken a piece of paper or hotel signage to cover glaring red power dots on the TV, current time on the microwave, and dimmed (or simply turned) clocks.

A mini fridge is great to have in a room, but let’s face it: no one wants to hear the humming sound. Can phones be muted or set to low volume?

Green-minded hotels often include a counter top notice asking guests to reuse towels if possible. However, do some of these hotels even bother to include enough towel racks to make that a reality?

How about hotels with pools? Is there bathroom space to hang a bathing suit to dry after a dip?

This could be taken as a laundry list of complaints, but newer hotels actually pay attention to some or all of these concerns by including iPod docking systems with built-in dimmers, long towel racks with plenty of space, a TV that sits inside a closed cabinet hidden from view, and microwaves put in another area of the room where you won’t encounter the insomniac special.

So far our favourite hotel chains include Loews and Kimpton, two standouts that really pay attention when designing a hotel room. Our room at the Loews Ventana Canyon in Tucson, Arizona had twin long towel bars, perfect for getting more use out of the towels, as well as a smaller rack right below the sink that held three hand towels. Smart design that goes a long way in keeping the hotel’s green responsibility in check.

We also noticed that mini fridges too are starting to get their own closet, further dimming the occasional sound made to keep them properly cooled.

Hoteliers: lay on the bed in the room and look around. What would potentially disturb you from having a fitful sleep is something we travellers also see.

What are your favourite hotel design features? Flaws?
May28

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Arizona Highlights Part 2

Posted in: Architecture, Dining, History, Lodging, Nature, Travel

Route 66 winds along Arizona, passing through Kingman, Flagstaff, Winslow, Holbrook, Williams, etc. This is the only state with the longest stretch of the Mother Road still in operation within its borders.

There’s portions of the road in poor condition; other parts of Highway 40 simply weave in and out of the historic road.

We caught up with it in Flagstaff, Winslow, Holbrook and even into the Petrified Forest, where a long-abandoned car sits near the site of the original road-tripping dream for many Americans.
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May27

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Adobe Grand Villas: A Deluxe B&B

Posted in: Dining, Interior Design, Lodging, Travel

The Adobe Grand Villas have a secluded feeling even though the Adobe-styled deluxe B&B is located a few minutes off roadway 89A leading into Sedona. The first thing that greets you through the archway is a fountain with sculptures and a pool/spa area.

The main lobby is a tastefully designed space to relax and enjoy fresh cookies, coffee, and tea (with savouries served late in the afternoon) as you ponder your next move.

A breakfast room and dining area are included in the main building. Each villa is unique and a retreat of its own. Our French Quarter villa made us feel as though we’d stepped foot into a quaint French village.

Faux windows with tiny awnings, a sitting area with pillows and blanket to cozy up in, right down to a kitchenette are detail-rich and make for a one-of-a-kind lodging experience.

Satellite radio as well as a TV and DVD player are well-hidden from view via a set of double doors meant to evoke another era. A guest computer in the main building is available free of charge, and free high-speed wifi is located throughout the property.

A sweet little wrought iron table for two is the perfect spot for enjoying freshly-baked bread in the afternoon. Yes, a bread machine is timed to your afternoon arrival/daily return from exploring the town, producing a mouthwatering smell as the bread nears its baking time. Gourmet jams, butter, a cutting board, knife, and ziplock bag are at the ready for taking the bread out on a late afternoon hike if desired. Other indulgences include a prix-fixe dinner prepared by chef Michael Merilli.

After a day exploring those amazing red rock formations, we greatly looked forward to coming back to our villa. One half of the villa contains the bathroom area with a spacious clothes closet, sinks, a walk-in shower, vanity table and separate toilet. At the end of the spacious area is the jetted tub and fireplace. We admired how much attention and inspiration went into creating this space.

Hanging lanterns above the bed and table add whimsy and atmosphere, especially at night. There are two gas fireplaces: one in the living room and the other near the jetted tub. So romantic! All the doors are of reclaimed wood; the villas are created by designer Steve Berman.

A balcony with table and chairs offers great Red Rock views.

The staff are very friendly and accommodating. All 16 villas vary in design and detail. I was led on a tour by Michael to check out some of the other styles.

[The Silver Spur Villa]

The 16 villas (each 850 square feet or larger) have seen their fair share of celebrities, counting Lenny Kravitz, Olivia Newton-John, Melissa Etheridge and Siegfried & Roy amongst its guests.

[Visions Villa]

A full service spa offers rejuvenating massages, healing sessions, reflexology, Reiki and other services all available by appointment.

This family-run B&B was one of the highlights of our stay in Sedona, especially with a mattress so difficult to leave in the morning, offering by far one of the best sleeps we’ve had in recent memory.

The only things to wake us up in the mornings were the Sedona sunshine and sweet sounds of yellow and red finches in the trees outside our door. And Chef Michael’s gorgeous full breakfasts, including French-born Jacqueline’s homemade croissants and muffins.

If you’re planning a visit to Sedona and truly want to enjoy a relaxing stay, this is the spot. Condé Nast has crowned Adobe Grand Villas with “One of the World’s Best Hotels” for the past two years running.

Adobe Grand Villas is located at 35 Hozoni Drive in Sedona. Our stay was compliments of Adobe Grand Villas for the purpose of writing this article.
May24

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Loews Ventana Canyon Resort: Oasis!

Posted in: Cafe, Dining, Fitness, Lodging, Nature, Outdoors, Resorts, Sports, Travel, Wellness

Nestled against the saguaro-dotted Santa Catalina Mountains high above Tucson, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, a spacious and welcoming property, served as our home base for three days of exploring the area.

With four restaurants, a pool and spa, gym, tennis, golf courses and nature trail, it was hard to leave the natural scenery, as this hotel has created a modern oasis in the Arizona desert.

[Loews Ventana Canyon's herb garden]

The Flying V Bar and Grill is the resort’s destination restaurant, one in which we enjoyed my recent landmark 50th birthday celebration. Chef de Cuisine Josh Willett offers a menu filled with seafood, steaks, and baby back ribs, all with a southwestern flair. Over 70 tequilas grace the bar’s shelves, and signature cocktails as well as local beer and a range of wines compliment an enjoyable meal.

Our dinner featured lobster tacos, Ahi tuna piled atop black quinoa and spaghetti squash, and sea bass prepared with seasonal veggies. A fruit-topped crème brûlée was brought out as a birthday treat.

[Pineapple upside-down pancakes]

The Canyon Café has a great weekend brunch offering with outdoor seating in the shade. As well, the Cascade Bistro and Bill’s Grill are on hand for various lunch and dinner items. Vista Barista is great for on-the-go iced Starbucks coffee (and sweets). Pets won’t feel left out either: a full pet menu developed by a licensed veterinarian includes Chow hound chicken and Kitt’s salmon supreme. There’s even a veggie dish with eggs developed to help travel-weary pets adjust to jet lag and altitude.

Your pet’s meal will be served will bottled mineral water on ‘appropriate pet ware’. In other words, your pet is pampered here as well.

Wifi charges are $10.95 (day), $32.85 (3 days), and $76.65 (week).

Local tours as well as mountain bikes can be arranged. A helpful concierge desk was staffed with two women (during our visit) who gladly helped out with maps, calling local businesses to ask for directions, and arranging dinner reservations.

We stayed in one of the 398 rooms, offering both a pool and mountain view.

The spacious rooms have TVs and sitting areas, a desk with convenient outlets for plugging in electronics, and the highlight— a square shower tub large enough for two people to float in.

With long towel racks at the back of the enormous shower space, this hotel gets it: a real way to conserve on their washing.

So many hotels we’ve stayed in aim to be green by asking guests to hang towels for reuse, but many offer nary a spot to actually hang them up on. Right under the sink is another long towel bar that accommodates three hand towels. Again, a small design detail that goes a long way to helping the environment.

The Kiva Ballroom was empty when we arrived, so I was able to capture this photo of the entrance; in total 10,800 square feet.

A full service spa includes a $10 daily fee that will entitle guests to fitness classes, cardio/workout areas, an adult-only lap pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam and locker rooms. The onsite Lakeside Spa at Loews is equipped to offer hair and nail services, makeup, facials, massages, collagen and exfoliation treatments.

While we’re not golfers, there are two Tom Fazio-designed PGA golf courses on the property. Two lit tennis courts, a fitness center, two pools, riding trails and kids activities are just a few of the hotel’s perks. Tennis rackets and ball machines can be rented; both semi-private and group lessons are offered by appointment.

This particular Loews offers several daytime activities for kids and adults alike, a tequila-tasting supper, and star-gazing nights with the resort’s own telescope. More events get added for long weekends and busy periods (we noticed that the hotel was ramping up for Memorial Day).

Once we did descend into Tucson (a 30-minute drive from the resort), we realized that while it does have a few historic areas of interest (as well as 4th Avenue, a cross between Vancouver’s Kitsilano and Main Street hoods), the view from above was much more enjoyable.

Colourful birds greet diners at breakfast, and the walking trail is a few minutes from the pool. Signs help point the way to various flora and fauna (and watch out for rattlesnakes – never touch beyond where you can see your hands). Mountain lions, road runners, lizards, hawks, and other wildlife grace the foothills above.

If only it weren’t so hot, we’d have done a lot more exploring as the local trail head starts next door to the property.

Loews Ventana Canyon is located at 7000 North Resort Drive in Tucson. We received a one night stay plus discount on subsequent nights for the purposes of writing this article and experiencing the resort.
May23

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CityScape: Kimpton’s Palomar Phoenix

Posted in: Cocktails, Dining, Lodging, Music, Tea, Travel, Wine

[Not for riding, but admiring: scooters in the lounge]

The Kimpton Palomar Phoenix is just under a year old, located in the heart of downtown. If you’re not familiar with the Kimpton chain, they’re an artful collection of hotels with all the amenities, in this case including a full-service Gold’s Gym next door for guest use. As we entered the Palomar Phoenix, a pair of loaner bikes greeted us (something we’d hoped to use, but with 99 degree heat, our bodies still needed time to acclimatize from a much cooler Vancouver).

The wifi is speedy; if you’re a Kimpton InTouch member, it’s free upon registration (as well as the $10 ‘raid the minibar’ perk). We were happy with the quiet airco system, a necessity in these parts.

Settling into our king bed room, we looked around to spot the design details that always make staying at the Kimpton a fun experience.

Little touches like a blanket with its own belt, a lamp with tree limbed-base, and quirky objects d’art add to the room’s character.

The Palomar Phoenix forms part of CityScape, a downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. You’ll find everything from Urban Outfitters and CVS Pharmacy, to the Arrogant Butcher (a wonderful local favourite) and a frozen yogurt shop all within walking range of the hotel.

Hotel parking is available (self or valet). There’s light rail around the block to get around the city. Phoenix’s downtown core is pretty walkable, even in the heat. And if you’re a sports/music fan, the Palomar is right next to US Airways Center, where the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Arizona Rattlers play, alongside major concert tours. We noticed that the Phoenix Convention Center and several theaters were also close by.

The next venue over is Chase Field, home of MLB team Arizona Diamondbacks.

[Blue Hound Kitchen]

A wine hour in the lobby (with free appies) leads to thoughts of dinner. We enjoyed a light meal and drinks at the Blue Hound Kitchen, where flatbreads and locally-inspired creations form the menu’s focus. Crafted cocktails and a good size gin selection left us spoiled for choice.
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May22

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Arizona Highlights Part 1

Posted in: Dining, Nature, Travel

There’s nothing quite like getting into a car and taking off for a road trip. With a rented Jetta, we packed our suitcases into its trunk and set off for two weeks of adventures through the Grand Canyon State. Our first stop was Phoenix, where we checked in for three nights at the Kimpton Palomar. I’ve become a fast fan of the Kimpton, having stayed at the Kimpton Monaco in Portland, Oregon last year.

Through the (nearly) triple-digit temperatures, we navigated on foot to explore the downtown area, checking out the landmark Hotel San Carlos lobby, showing off its wild history with photographs and news clippings from the 1920’s. The hotel is reportedly haunted.

A hot spot for breakfast is Matt’s Big Breakfast, a place we were recommended right off our plane. They’ve recently added a second larger location to handle the crowds. We were lucky to have scored a seat right away; local news carrier Channel 3 had just wrapped up a session with Matt’s owner as we arrived. By 11 am, there was already a line out the door for lunch.

Local products, excellent dishes, and ‘scratch cooking’ make it a fun stop on your way out of town. Scottsdale was our next destination, a suburb filled with art galleries, tourist shops, and plenty of dining. We spent an afternoon wandering the streets before heading to the air-conditioned relief of Scottsdale Fashion Square. In fact, we did the same thing in Tucson, and let me say this: it’s a great solution for taking the edge off the continual desert heat for a couple of hours! Iced coffees in hand, we wandered the shops for some retail therapy. Tucson Mall is even nicer and has an In-N-Out Burger just outside.

The Arrogant Butcher served up some tasty oysters and entrées for our last night in town. Just next door to the Kimpton, it’s part of the Fox Restaurant Company, with other dining establishments in Newport Beach, San Diego, Santa Monica, Denver, Las Vegas, Tucson, Austin, and Leawood, Kansas.

In Sedona, we buckled up for a wild ride with Arizona Helicopter Adventures. This was definitely a book, then breathe kind of moment, knowing we’d be flying in a helicopter without its doors on!

Once our pilot Jonathon had us secured in our seats (it’s a four-seater; my husband and I nearly had a private tour if not for another passenger from LA), the 25 minutes sped by as I grabbed my camera at every turn and watched the Red Rocks unfold in the morning sunshine.

There’s nothing allowed on the flights; any camera or smart phone must have a strap or you won’t be permitted to take it.

A perfect, windless morning gave us lasting memories of this trip, one we’d highly recommend booking if you’re in the area.

And for a real treat, the Adobe Grand Villas are a wonderful way to relax while in Sedona. The B&B’s 14 deluxe villas are located in West Sedona, just off 89A, tucked off the main road and away from the touristy part of town at the other end.

While in Sedona, try local craft brewery Oak Creek and put your name in at Elote Café, one of Sedona’s must-dine options. Expect a one hour wait from their 5 pm opening right through to closing (dinner only).

Red Rock country is impressive at any time of the day and it’s especially nice to simply drive along the road and look around at all the formations, many given names such as Cathedral Rock, Snoopy Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, Courthouse Butte, etc.

Third time’s the charm. After two earlier visits to Arizona over the years, I finally got my wish: to see the Grand Canyon. Booking into the rim hotels is an exercise in futility, as many are booked nearly a year in advance, particularly the cool kid on the ‘block’, El Tovar. This hotel is not only right near the South Rim, where sunrise and sunset are just a walk out the door, but it’s a registered national historic landmark. Have a walk through the hotel, or better yet, try your luck at at the restaurant for a last-minute cancellation.

[The rare California Condor makes an appearance overhead, Grand Canyon]

Famous guests include Theodore Roosevelt and Albert Einstein. Staying in nearby Tusayan offered us the chance to check out Sophie’s, a great little Mexican cantina with excellent sangrias by the pitcher. We spent three days in the area, did several rim hikes and enjoyed scenery from Desert View in the east out to Hermit’s Rest.

This feature continues with part two next week. View my Arizona photo collection on Flickr.
May8

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On Turning Half a Century

Posted in: Dining, Holidays, Nature, Outdoors, Travel

[Photo credit: Markusnl on Flickr]

For the past year, turning 50 has been looming in the back of my mind, a big part of it wondering where I’d actually be to ring in that landmark half century of living.

My husband and I bounced around ideas of a big party, perhaps a visit back to Europe, and then the thought popped up, “Hey, I want to be visually mind-blown for my birthday”. Where hadn’t we yet been where we could be wowed?

Though I’d been to Arizona a couple of times in the past (Tucson for a U2 concert filming in 1989, Lake Havasu for a waterskiing holiday with the London Bridge as a backdrop), somehow visiting the Grand Canyon hadn’t made it into the plans. So here we are, on our way to explore the desert beauty of Arizona, with stops in Phoenix, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, portions of Route 66’s faded glory, and then to Tucson, where we’ll actually be to ring in the big day.

While this isn’t a destination where one hopes for sunshine (we’ve already seen the hot May temperatures that will greet us thanks to our iPhone weather app), it will be one to relax and take several breathtaking moments of celebrating five decades of life on this planet.

So here’s to 50, anyone else turning 50 (or any other major milestone), and we’ll catch you back here in a couple of weeks. And a heartfelt thanks to all my readers for supporting me both via this website and in the online community. Cheers!
Apr17

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Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre

Posted in: Education, Exhibitions, History, Travel

The Beringia sub-continent may have vanished with the end of the last great ice age, but parts of this lost land can still be found in northern and central Yukon, Alaska, and eastern Siberia. Located on the edge of the Arctic, Beringia contained mostly ice, enormous mammals, and the First People of North America.

The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre brings a long-lost region back to life through full-size skeletons, educational dioramas, and its star attraction–a 26,000 preserved Yukon horse hide and hoof. This unique find was discovered near Dawson City in 1993.
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Apr17

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A Visit to Yukon Brewing

Posted in: Craft Beer, Sustainability, Travel

Imagine the serendipity of being able to tweet about craft beer taps while lunching at a popular Whitehorse restaurant and not an hour later, being approached at Yukon Brewing with a “that was YOUR tweet?”. I arrived just in time for the 2 pm tour, a 45-minute look behind the scenes of Yukon’s most celebrated (and only) brewery. 65% of all beer sold in the Yukon is produced by Yukon Brewing, with Yukon Gold the particular favourite of the bunch. The newest in the collection is Bonanza Brown (currently only available in mixed packs).

Yukon Brewery opened its doors in 1997, at the time calling itself Chilkoot Brewing Company. The company was conceived on a canoe trip, when owners Alan and Bob brainstormed at the campfire.
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