Summer Fun With Tremblant Living

One of the great things about living in Ottawa is how easy it is to plan a weekend getaway somewhere that's close to home—like Mont Tremblant. Skiing is the best part about Tremblant in the winter, but there are countless things to do in the summer months, too: golfing, cycling, go-karting, horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, tennis, swimming, zip-lining, gondola rides, sailing, canoeing, shopping, fine dining, and lake cruises on the water. (And if you love driving, you have to check out the Circuit Mont Tremblant, because it's considered one of the finest racing circuits in North America).

Summer in Tremblant is full of amazing festivals, sporting events, and music shows. The 24th edition of the International Blues Festival of Tremblant is taking place July 8th to 16th, and this popular event is perfect for music lovers who love R&B, blues, country, and folk music. This year's lineup is great, and most shows are free and open to the public, taking place in different venues all over the mountain, from the Place Saint Bernard to the Place des Voyageurs.

Even with so much going on in Tremblant, my favourite thing is staying at one of the luxurious Tremblant Living properties, where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings in a luxury condo or chalet, year round.

I had the privilege of reviewing the gorgeous Manor Chalet, just minutes from the village, this spring. It was my second time reviewing this property, and we loved it even more the second time around. The Manor Chalet is the most prestigious home in the Tremblant area, surrounded by a tranquil forest complete with a private mountain stream that the children love.

It's the perfect home for large groups—there were 14 of us enjoying this home, and there were even a few bedrooms left unoccupied. (The house sleeps 22 people comfortably).

The almost 12,000 square foot Manor Chalet has a large heated indoor pool with hot tub, a backyard BBQ and fire pit, a play structure for kids, a games room (with a pool table), a gym, a fully-equipped professional kitchen with lounge area, a dining room that seats 14, and a spacious living room. There are 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, so guests have ample room and privacy, as well. The house comes complete with free WiFi and an awesome Sonos sound system where you can listen to your favourite music while swimming.

When you book a stay with Tremblant Living, you'll be well taken care of; the vacation rental specialists and concierge team are at your service to help you plan your perfect trip, and will assist you with whatever you need, from restaurant recommendations and reservations to filling the fridge with items you desire. They'll also make spa reservations for you, arrange an in-house massage, and leave ski equipment rentals in your property.

As much as we loved venturing into the village from the Chalet, we enjoyed our time in the house even more, because there was so much to do. The children—all eight of them—played games of hide-and-seek, swam for hours on end, went for walks around the property, enjoyed the mountain stream and bridges, and played football outside, while the adults enjoyed cooking, relaxing, hanging out by the fire pit, and enjoying the view.

If you're looking for somewhere to get away this summer, I highly recommend booking a home through Tremblant Living. You will love every minute, and will probably start planning your return visit by the time you're driving home, heading back to reality.






Disclaimer: I partnered with Tremblant Living for my review of the Manor Chalet and received the home for three days in compensation for my review. All views and opinions are my own.

SHARE:

0 comments

The Jaguar I-PACE: Luxury And Sport Combined For A Sweet Ride Into The Future

I've always been a car girl. My father was in the car business his entire life and I grew up learning a lot about cars. I was most familiar with European vehicles, as they were almost exclusively what my father sold on his lot. I had a lot of fun learning to drive stick-shift in an old VW Rabbit when I was 17, and that began my love affair with driving.

One of the first question I ask people is what they drive. I like to find out why certain cars appeal to people, and if I don't like their answer, I try to sell them their next vehicle. A car is not just something that takes you from point-A to point-B. I think driving should be an experience that gets you excited; even if it's your morning commute to work. As we head into the future with the vehicles we purchase, a lot will be changing. Electric vehicles are where it's at—and I've got my eyes on the new Jaguar I-PACE.

I was invited to Portugal with Jaguar Land Rover last week to test drive the brand-new, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE. The entire experience was incredible, thrilling, educational, and fun. I'm so thankful I said yes to this opportunity to learn about this EV, and to put the I-PACE to the test in Europe.

Although the I-PACE has been in the making for four years, it beat other car companies like Porsche and Audi and it's already pre-selling at a rapid rate. Simply put, the Jaguar I-PACE is most definitely the leader of the pack, with its only competition being the Tesla.

"Where other companies talk about the future, we build it. We have torn up the rule book to create the newest member of the PACE family, the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE. With zero tailpipe emissions, no CO2, and no particulates, it moves us dramatically closer to our vision of a clean and sustainable future." Dr. Ralf Speth, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover

Over the course of two days, we drove the I-PACE on the highways, through tight, small village streets, up twisty mountain roads, and even went off-roading. All in a luxury SUV, no less. And let me tell you: this vehicle performs.

The Jaguar I-PACE is a true Jag. It's luxurious, comfortable, well-designed, and delivers sustainable sports car performance. This five-seat SUV is great for anyone who loves luxurious vehicles, and perfect for families (especially for parents who aren't willing to sacrifice what they're driving just because they have children).

It may look small on the outside, but it's what's inside that counts, right? The I-PACE has exceptional space inside, plenty of storage, (seriously, the storage!) and ample rear trunk space.

Since I'm a newbie to driving in Europe (I never drive in Greece, but I found the drivers in Portugal much more tame) I let my driving buddy take on the harder parts of our road trip—like the first half of our off-roading adventure. We started driving through water (yes, really) and then off we went, up our off-road course. The all-wheel drive system on the I-PACE handled this drive really well, and then our vehicle was put into Adaptive Dynamics, Adaptive Surface Response mode—kind of like cruise control, for getting through rough roads. All we had to do was steer, and thankfully, we didn't steer off the mountain.

Once we successfully completed our off-roading adventure in the I-PACE, we drove to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve for some more fun—this time on the race track, where we put the I-PACE to the test.

My only experience on a race track is watching F1 Grand Prix, so being behind the wheel of the I-PACE (and an F-Type vehicle) on the track was new for me. In my mind, I was an amazing race car driver, but once I was on that track, reality kicked in. I got over my fear around the second lap around the track, and drove as fast I felt comfortable. Thankfully, I had an amazing instructor beside me, helping me the entire time. Lesson learned? Not only is the I-PACE a sweet car for highway driving, (even long distances) the I-PACE can go off-roading and race around a professional track with sharp turns.

The details:

The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE joins the PACE family of Jaguar SUV's and is the first battery electric vehicle created by Jaguar.

The I-PACE is fast. It goes 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds; not something I put to the test on the highway, but definitely had fun with on the track.

All-wheel drive, 394-horsepower, all-aluminum body, with 50/50 weight distribution, which, I learned, is excellent for handling. Instant torque and the all-wheel drive traction gives the I-PACE the acceleration of a sports car.

The I-PACE comes equipped with an Amazon Alexa Skill, meaning drivers can ask an Alexa enabled device for information held in the Jaguar InControl Remote app.  You can Ask Alexa for any of the information held on the Jaguar Remote app. Things like "Is my car locked?" "What is the charge level?" "Do I have enough range to get to work?" One full charge, by the way, provides a range of 386 km in North America.

The I-PACE has a sleek, coupe-like silhouette influenced by the Jaguar C-X75 supercar with a short, low hood, aero-enhanced roof design, and curved rear windshield.

The Touch Pro Duo infotainment system in the I-PACE (new to Jaguar) utilizes an innovative combination of touchscreens, capacitive sensors, and tactile physical controls to operate key functions while reducing visual clutter in the car.

I-PACE owners can achieve 80 percent battery charge from empty in 40 minutes using 100kW DC fast chargers, and will also have the convenience of using both AC and DC power to charge their vehicle. (It'll take just over 10 hours to charge using a 230V/32amp charger).

The standard glass panoramic roof runs the length of the car and floods the cabin with light, giving the interior added sense of space. Both the roof and side windows absorb infrared light, keeping the cabin cool, even in the sunshine.

You can change the I-PACE's regenerative braking setting between high and low. As soon as you lift your foot from the gas pedal, the car will quickly decelerate, which was helpful on our drive through Portugal's many traffic circles.

The Jaguar I-PACE retails in Canada for $86,500. If you are anything like me (and basically live in your vehicle because you drive so much) it's a true investment, because of the money you'll be saving on gas alone. Plus, it's good for the environment.

All Jaguar and Land Rover models will offer electrification from 2020, giving customers the choice of what they want to drive.

My review

The I-PACE is an amazing and smooth ride, and I loved it. It's really quiet, too. I would absolutely recommend this vehicle to my friends and family. What really stood out for me was just how comfortable and well-designed the vehicle was. The back window is a little on the small side, but after a few minutes I got used to it. (The back windshield has no wiper because the wind swept up through the hood of the car puts enough wind to clear the rain off your vehicle while you're driving).

The navigation system was my favourite part. It was much better than some of the other vehicles I've put to the test recently; it's so simple and the GPS was so helpful. (Especially when you're in a European country and not familiar with any of the roads).

What's really great about driving the I-PACE? The enjoyment of the ride, and knowing you're doing your part to help the environment. You not only look stylish in an I-PACE, you look smart.






I was invited to Portugal to review the I-PACE with Jaguar Land Rover. All views are my own, and you can read more about the I-PACE in an upcoming issue of Luxe Ottawa Magazine. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact me.

SHARE:

0 comments

Luxury And Comfort At Four Seasons New York Downtown

New York City is always a good idea, no matter the season. As much as we love visiting NYC in December, it's even more enjoyable in the spring. My family and I just spent the most gorgeous weekend in New York City, and we were fortunate to be given the chance to review the Four Seasons New York Downtown once again. (I am writing a travel article for LUXE Ottawa Magazine about this incredible hotel, but I wanted to share some highlights with you here).

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown  received the AAA Five Diamond Award for 2018, one of only 11 hotels with this recognition in New York City—and it's no surprise that Vogue Paris calls the FSNY the best hotel in downtown New York City. There are so many reasons to love this luxurious hotel—and here are just a few:

Location: The Four Seasons New York Downtown in lower Manhattan is located in the city's hottest district. From the hotel, you can easily walk to the World Trade Centre, Oculus, (where you can enjoy some great shopping and dining options, like Eataly and Century 21) Greenwhich Village, the High Line, Tribeca, SoHo, and the Meatpacking District. It's a short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge, too.

Service: The service at Four Seasons New York Downtown is the best, simply put. From the warm welcome as soon as walk in the stunning front doors, friendly staff, and attention to detail throughout the hotel, you'll instantly feel welcomed, and made to feel at home. I love how well the staff treat my children. Despite the fact that it's a very luxurious hotel, it's also a very family-friendly hotel, which makes us feel much more comfortable when we're travelling as a family.

Accommodations: There are 161 guests rooms and 28 suites in the Four Seasons New York Downtown. We stayed in the 900-square foot Hudson Suite, a very spacious suite overlooking the Oculus and One World Trade. The suite is stunning—from the modern, large entryway, guest bathroom, dining room table for four (perfect for our family), large living area with plenty of seating, and a private bedroom with a huge walk-in closet—you'll never want to leave the luxurious comfort of this suite. The master bathroom is my favourite part—the oversized tub and in-mirror television is the perfect way to relax after a full day of walking the city.

Dining: We had the pleasure of enjoying in-room dining breakfast for two days, and the food was delicious. From an extensive menu featuring eggs, sausage, bacon, muffins, avocado toast, (Vogue Paris says: "The Four Seasons is the home of the best avocado toast in the city") smoothies, and Belgian waffles, it was the perfect way to start our busy days in the city that never sleeps. You can also dine at CUT by Wolfgang Puck in the hotel, one of the finest restaurants and bars in Downtown NYC—a place that's always buzzing late into the night.

The spa and pool: The hotel's huge 75-foot indoor pool is perfect year-round for everyone's enjoyment, and is considered one of the best hotel pools in NYC. My boys especially loved swimming in the pool first thing in the morning, or after a day of exploring. Make sure to take some time to enjoy the spa, as well; The Spa at Four Seasons New York Downtown blends "high-technology treatments with luxurious, natural products designed to indulge the body and the mind." I had an incredible full-body massage the last time I visited, and it was so relaxing. (And if you still have calories to burn after walking the city, you can always head to the hotel's 24-hour fitness centre for some exercise).

You'll find out more about this hotel in the heart of New York City in my upcoming magazine article. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email me. I'd be happy to help you plan your perfect stay in my favourite city, at this incredible hotel.

Thank you, For Seasons New York Downtown, for the most memorable experience and stay. We loved every minute, and appreciate all you did to make us feel so welcomed. We can't wait to return.

SHARE:

0 comments

Six Wines Perfect For Spring Entertaining

Warmer days are here again, and I couldn't be happier. With only a month left of school, we are already getting into summer-mode at home, making the most of our evenings with bike rides, soccer games, and swimming.

This season, it's all about making the most of our time outside—and hosting friends and family for backyard BBQ's. Tis the season, after all.

If you're not sure what to serve, perhaps start with a wine menu to set the tone and select the food after you've figured out the drinks.

Here are six wines perfect for entertaining this season:

Think pink! E&J Gallo White Zinfandel is an excellent choice. This refreshingly sweet wine is even yummier when you mix it with soda water, and garnish it with fresh berries. It's a perfect spring cocktail to enjoy in the sunshine, and a beautiful drink to serve your guests as they arrive.

Get your grill on. With grilling season upon us, having a delicious red wine like Alamos Malbec is a must for your wine rack—this red from Argentina has easily become one of my favourite red wines. It's not too heavy, and pairs well with food you're serving on the BBQ. (Try it with grilled burgers and rib-eye steak—delicious!).

Drink your dessert. I don't know about you, but I definitely try to skip heavy dessert when I'm in my bikini! Instead of serving a traditional dessert, end your meal with a glass of chilled Barefoot Moscato. This wine goes well with fresh fruit (my favourite summertime dessert) and cream for a simple and delicious treat.

Warm days, cool drinks. If you're too hot for red, go with white. A light, delicious white wine I love is Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc—a must for spring and summer. This is a dry, crisp wine from New Zealand, and pairs nicely with grilled fish and salads. The perfect white wine to sip as days get longer and warmer.

Cheers! There is always a reason to celebrate, so you should always have a delicious bottle of La Marca Prosecco ready to toast for those everyday moments worth celebrating. (Last day of school, upcoming vacation, work milestone, birthday, anniversary, girls night... you get the idea!). This Prosecco from Italy is a nice drink to enjoy along with some salty foods, like nuts or kettle chips.

Simple elegance. Although spring and summer makes me think cheerful and light, a more premium wine like Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County is an elegant choice to serve at your dinner parties this season. It's a beautifully balanced wine with dark fruit and a flourish of spice that pairs nicely with pasta dishes.

However you're celebrating this season, enjoy—and cheers to warmer days and summer nights with the people you love.




Disclaimer: I received bottles of wine to review for my post. All views and opinions are my own.

SHARE:

0 comments

To Mom With Love: A Mother's Day Tea

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend in honour of Mother's Day? This Saturday, May 12th, Koyman Galleries in Ottawa is hosting a special Mother's Day art show featuring the latest art work from local artist Katerina Mertikas–my mom. 

Enjoy a tea and special treats while browsing the two-floor, open-space gallery, while looking at the beautiful pieces of art. 

If you're stuck on what to buy your mom this year, might I suggest a beautiful new piece of original art? I love the idea of buying gifts that never lose their value, gifts that can be enjoyed for years to come, and gifts that can be passed down, to the people I love. 

The art show begins May 12th, and Katerina Mertikas will be present during the show. If you can't make it that day, not to worry–the art show runs until May 28th. 

Happy Mother's Day! 

SHARE:

0 comments

Club InterContinental Toronto Centre

We drove through five hours of pouring rain as the ice storm was starting on our drive to Toronto last weekend, to experience the renovated Club InterContinental. Although the weather was less than perfect, Club InterContinental definitely made up for that–especially with the very sweet welcome we received to our room upon arrival.

We had the pleasure of staying in one of the newly renovated suites, and enjoyed the sophisticated decor in our spacious room. A large bedroom, a separate living room with a very comfortable pull-out couch, two bathrooms (with Aveda products) and beautiful views of downtown Toronto, including the CN Tower, made our stay here memorable and enjoyable. (We also enjoyed the in-room dining, and were so pleased with the options and quality of food).

"The renovation of Club Intercontinental has been a very special project for the hotel," says General Manager, Alex Hakim. "It was important to provide our business and leisure guests with a luxurious and comfortable environment. We offer a vast amount of exclusive amenities and services at the Club InterContinental, allowing our hotel guests to feel at home with an extra touch of sophistication." 

Guests staying on a Club level floor can enjoy complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, as well as afternoon tea, evening hors d'oeuvres, (you can expect food like sliders, pizza, chips, salsa, guac, salad, fresh bread, and so much more) and all-day refreshments. All this can be enjoyed on the eighth floor, next to the Club Library, where you can relax in one of the plush chairs and couches, while browsing through a selection of magazines and newspapers. (The Club Lounge has some amazing Nespresso machines, too!).

When you stay at Club InterContinental, you can avoid the hustle and bustle of the main lobby and check-in privately on the eighth floor. Also included during your stay is complimentary pressing of two pieces of clothing, and personalized private shopping experiences for many fine retailers in Toronto, with limousine drop-off service downtown.

When you're not enjoying the Club Lounge and the delicious food, make sure you visit the third floor swimming pool–my youngest son loved the large pool, and the hot tub. There is also a luxurious spa on the third floor, where you can treat yourself to a facial, massage, manicure or pedicure.

If you're travelling to Toronto this spring or summer, either for business of pleasure, make sure you stay at the InterContinental Toronto Centre, connected to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

The hotel combines affordable luxury, an ideal location, fine dining at Azure Restaurant and Bar, spa treatments, and great service.

Thank you for making our stay so wonderful, InterContinental Toronto!

SHARE:

0 comments

Rediscover The Diplomat Beach Resort (And My Latest Article In Canadian Geographic Travel Magazine)

It's no secret that my family loves the Diplomat Beach Resort. We had the incredible pleasure of staying in their newly renovated property a few months ago, getting the chance to rediscover this iconic beach resort after its $100 million renovation.

I wrote about our recent stay in Canadian Geographic Travel Magazine. To find out more about my most recent stay, you can read my article here.

Everything we love about this resort has stayed the same; the oceanfront balcony views, the infinity and lagoon-style pools, the many delicious dining options, and the friendly service. Our ocean front corner suite was just perfect, and so spacious.

If you're looking for the perfect, family-friendly vacation spot a short plane ride away, where you'll instantly feel like you're a million miles from home, basking in the hot south Florida sun, look no further than the Diplomat Beach Resort. It's paradise. From the many incredible dining options, like Monkitail, and the spacious airy lobby, this resort is amazing.

Thank you once again, Diplomat Beach Resort, for welcoming us back, and making us feel at home. With each visit, we fall in love even more and can't wait to return.

SHARE:

0 comments

Ottawa Fury FC Home Opener Ticket Giveaway

You guys, spring is in the air! Well, not today, since we're recovering from that crazy April ice storm, but I can just feel it... this weekend calls for sunny skies and temps in the double digits. How exciting is that? Pretty exciting, but not as exciting as the fact that it's the home opener game for our very own Ottawa Fury FC! They'll be taking on North Carolina, and I can't wait to see our team in action again.

I had so much fun attending Fury games last year at TD Place with my children, nieces and nephew–it's always a blast, and a perfect outing for the entire family.

I'll be working closely with the Ottawa Fury FC this year promoting the games, doing some Instagram takeovers, and giving away tickets to soccer fans.

I'm giving away a family four pass to this weekend's home opener, too! If you love soccer and want to cheer on the city's only professional soccer club, just leave me a comment below telling me why you're looking forward to watching the Ottawa Fury FC play this year. I'll pick a winner randomly on Friday, April 20th. (The game takes place this Saturday at 2 p.m. at TD Place).

Can't wait to watch the Fury turn up the heat this weekend at TD Place.

Good Luck!

SHARE:

3 comments

Discovering The Charming Village Of Manotick

I love exploring new places near my city. I was a little familiar with Manotick, but I didn't know just how much this village had to offer. Manotick–Objibway for "Island in the River"–is a quaint little village 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa, and less, if you live in Ottawa's south end.

There is so much to discover in Manotick, including Watson's Mill, an 1860's grist and flour mill on the Rideau River. This working industrial heritage site is a wonderful place to visit with the family, where you can watch weekly flour grinds on Sunday's, and leave with a bag or two of fresh flour.

You can also head to the Watson's Mill Manotick Spring Craft Market taking place May 18th-19th, the perfect time to enjoy all spring has to offer while shopping unique items from local businesses.

There are over 125 unique and locally-owned shops in Manotick, restaurants that are some of the best in and around the Ottawa area, street front cafes, and plenty of small businesses to support.

I was given the opportunity to work with the village of Manotick to review some of their businesses, including Allure Hair Design and Spa, Mill Street Florist, and Black Dog Bistro. I loved all three businesses and would recommend anyone visiting Manotick check out these spots for themselves, too.

Allure Hair Design and Spa

As someone who gets her hair done at a salon a few times a week,  I was especially excited to try Allure Hair Design and Spa . This salon is located in a beautifully renovated building on Mill Street in Manotick, with a full-service hair salon on the main level, and a spa on the second floor, where you can enjoy a variety of services, including waxing, lash extensions, facials, microdermabrasion, reiki massage, botox, and make-up application.

Whether you're looking for a new set of highlights, a hair cut, or a fresh blow-dry, the staff at Allure Hair Design and Spa is experienced and very friendly. I touched up my blonde highlights and got a fresh blow-dry. The colour was exactly what I wanted, and the blow-dry left my hair looking full, shiny and fabulous. I can't wait to be back to try their other services.

Mill Street Florist

There's nothing lovelier than having fresh flowers in the home, no matter the season. I love having fresh flowers in my house all year, especially during the long winter months, so I can be reminded of warmer, sunnier days. On a dreadfully winter-like day in April, fresh fragrant flowers in the house is a lovely thing.

Mill Street Florist in Manotick is a delightful flower shop offering the widest selection of fresh cut flowers in Ottawa. This European style floral boutique has so many beautiful flowers to choose from, deciding what flowers to add to your arrangement can be a little difficult; however, the friendly, helpful staff makes the process easy and fun. Whether you're shopping for flowers for a birthday, wedding, or an anniversary celebration, it's worth a drive to Miss Street Florist. From timeless and classic, to tropical and zen, there is something here for everyone to fall in love with.

How stunning is the flower arrangement Mill Street Florists put together for me? This was such a beautiful flower arrangement in my home! 

Black Dog Bistro

Black Dog Bistro is a restaurant I've heard about time and time again, yet never experienced until recently–and I'm so glad I had the chance to review this restaurant with my husband and our friends.

Voted Ottawa's favourite restaurant by Faces Magazine in 2016, it's easy to see why everyone who dines here loves it. If you love beer, there is plenty on tap; if you're more of a wine lover like I am, there is an extensive wine menu. The food, however, is what I loved most; especially because of the fresh, local ingredients used. The freshly baked warm rolls with caramelized butter was a huge hit, and my filet mignon (with a side of scalloped potatoes and vegetables) was one of the best steaks I have ever had. It's an intimate, cosy restaurant, with a large patio, making it the perfect place to dine with friends on a summer day. From the service to the excellent, tasty food, Black Dog Bistro is just as excellent as I expected it would be.

I will be visiting the village of Manotick again, as soon as the weather improves so I can explore more of what makes Manotick so unique. There is still so much to discover.

Thank you so much, Manotick Village, for introducing me to so many great new establishments so close to home.

Disclaimer: I partnered with Manotick BIA to review Allure Hair Design and Spa, Black Dog Bisto, and Mill Street Florists. I have received compensation for this post. All views and opinions are my own. 

SHARE:

0 comments