Loulou's views

Ever since my 13 year old was two years old, we have been vacationing at the Diplomat at least once a year—in the winter, and many summers, too. It's a beautiful resort that's so familiar to us now, it feels like our home away from home. Fresh from a $100 million dollar renovation, the Dip is now better than ever, with new rooms featuring a fun beach vibe. You can choose sunrise rooms, with oceanfront balconies and spectacular sunrises, or sunset rooms, where you can enjoy city views and a killer sunset from your balcony. Whether you're travelling with family or friends, here's why a stay at the Diplomat Beach Resort is an excellent idea: Outdoor paradise The best thing about the Diplomat Beach Resort can be found outside. As soon as you walk out the doors passed the main lobby and hotel bar, you'll be in lush, tropical surroundings, surrounded by never-ending ocean views, comfortable seating around fire pits, and an outdoor bar. The infi...

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 ...

I'm back from my warm and sunny south Florida vacation, and I'm already planning my next trip back, because Bal Harbour is my happy place. Last year, I stayed at and reviewed the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour —and it was every bit as fabulous as you'd expect from a Ritz-Carlton stay. If you haven't been to Bal Harbour yet, here are four reasons why it should be on your travel bucket list. Four Reasons To Fall In Love With Bal Harbour: Bal Harbour Shops :  Bal Harbour Shops, named the world's most productive shopping centre, is paradise found for a shopaholic. Shopping in Bal Harbour is an experience like no other, and no matter what you're looking for, you'll find it. All the best designer stores can be found here: Balenciaga, Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., Valentino, Rag and Bone, Tory Burch, and many more. There's also Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, on either end of th...

I'm back from my annual family vacation to sunny, warm south Florida, and my 11th (yes, really!) stay at the beautiful Diplomat Resort and Spa . Right between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, it's a vacation getaway in the perfect location, whether you're traveling with young children, friends, or as a couple. The oceanfront views simply cannot be beat.    We love traveling to south Florida in the winter because it's a short flight to paradise—we're surrounded by tropical lush landscapes, the beautiful ocean breeze, palm trees, and two gorgeous pools we use for hours every day at the Diplomat Resort. The infinity pool and the lagoon-style pool at the Diplomat are two of my favourite pools in any resort I've stayed at. Something I truly enjoy about the Diplomat Resort is experiencing the Diplomat Spa . I love starting my day with a full-body massage, and just relaxing. It really rejuvenates me so I'm ready to take on my day—swimming with...

Florida is always a good idea—especially in the winter. This year, we decided to extend our winter vacation down south and drive to Orlando after a week of fun on the beach at the Diplomat Resort and Spa and at the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour in Miami. We took a road trip to Orlando, which was only three hours away. Planning was easy; we decided to fly into the Fort Lauderdale airport, rent a vehicle, and leave from Orlando once our vacation was complete. My children are expert travellers and are always ready for an adventure! I was on Daytime Ottawa talking about some great resorts for family travel, and I loved that I was able to share our experience with the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando. It is the perfect resort to go to with the family. The  Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress , which I've written about before, is paradise. We were treated to a complimentary media stay and we enjoyed every minute—my children are already talking abou...

Brr... it's been an incredibly cold winter and I'm over it already. Thankfully, my family and I are heading south to warmer temperatures, soon. I'm counting down the days—we all are, actually. I need the sun, the warmth, and the sound of the ocean waves waking me up every morning. I was on CTV Ottawa Morning Live talking about travel tips when you're travelling with the kids , and I had to mention three amazing resorts that I'll be visiting during my upcoming vacation to Florida. Having travelled to Florida many times with the little ones, I know what works, and what doesn't. These resorts are amazing, family-friendly, and very accommodating—and I know they'd be perfect for you, too—whether you're travelling with children, or not. 1. Diplomat Resort and Spa: We can't wait to be back at the beautiful Diplomat Resort and Spa . (For our 10th time!)  The Diplomat has been so kind to us over the years, providing us with amazing perk...

Every winter (and sometimes summer) we travel to south Florida to relax, spend time oceanside, and enjoy the fabulous  Diplomat Resort and Spa.   In a couple of weeks, we'll be heading back to our favourite south Florida resort,  and I can't wait to leave winter behind. Going on vacations with my boys and my family (and taking a break from the harsh, cold weather) is  important to me, and every new vacation gives us many new wonderful, lasting memories. This trip to the Diplomat Resort and Spa will be our TENTH, believe it or not. (That should give you some indication about how much of a great time we have at this resort.) The first time I stayed at this resort, I was pregnant with my second baby boy. (He considers that his first vacation!). I started travelling when I was a baby, and my boys have been travelling since they were infants, too. Because of this, travelling with them has always been pretty easy, no matter how far (Greece) or close (Florida) we go. ...