Loulou's views

Sometimes all you need is a road trip to help you recharge your batteries, and if you’re looking for a quick escape, Toronto is the perfect place to visit with friends or family because there is always so much going on, whether you’re a sports fan, museum buff, movie lover (hello, TIFF!) or shopping enthusiast. Here’s how you can spend a weekend in Toronto:   Check-in to St. Regis The St. Regis in Toronto’s financial district is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, and for the second year in a row, awarded Five-Star Hotel and Five-Star Spa ratings by Forbes Travel Guide. The St. Regis Toronto helped redefine the standard of five-start luxury hotel stays in Toronto —and because of its ideal location, the perfect place to stay if you’re sightseeing, enjoying the city’s finest restaurants, or catching a sports game. The St. Regis Toronto is close to the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, and the city’s premier shopping, theatre, and entertainment venues. My son and...

We are back from our month long annual summer vacation in Greece, and this year, we had the pleasure of staying at the brand new W Costa Navarino resort.  I was invited to the W to review the new property and surrounding areas and it was a wonderful experience! My entire family loved every minute, especially the pools, rooms, and dining choices. We stayed in two gorgeous and spacious rooms, both with a large, infinity-style shared private pool right off our back balcony decks. The W Costa Navarino is a beautiful escape for those looking for a getaway unlike any other. From the Navarino waterfront, to the vivid and bright design and architecture, the hotel prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming to everyone, in luxurious surroundings that include rooms with private swim-up pools, airy and modern one and two bedroom suites, and stunning beachfront villas overlooking the Ionian Sea. If you're planning on visiting Greece this year or next, you should definitely visit the W Cost...

Summer 2021 went by in the blink of an eye. After months of no travel and lockdowns due to Covid, we finalized our travel plans to Greece once we were fully vaccinated, and couldn't wait to get on the plane. We spent one glorious month in Greece, and had an incredible time.  While we usually do a lot of exploring in Greece, this year we had a busier itinerary than previous years--we travelled across the country visiting many ancient sites, museums, and beaches, putting over 5,000 kilometres on our vehicle--and it was totally worth it.  A highlight of our trip was visiting the island of Lefkada on the Ionian Sea, near the islands of Zakynthos and Kefalonia. Lefkada is a popular island in Greece, thanks to it's world famous beaches, though thankfully not as packed as Santorini and Mykonos. It's rich with lush vegetation, natural landscapes, beautiful mountains, and breathtaking blue-flag beaches, including Kathisma and Porto Katsiki.  My husband and I had the great pleasure...

As much as I love presents wrapped up under the Christmas tree, I prefer presents that have to do with travel—like a stay in a gorgeous luxury hotel. Sometimes, a weekend getaway is the perfect way to escape and unwind during the crazy holiday season, or in the new year, when you have more time. Giving gifts that have to do with travel—luggage, bikinis, sunglasses, airplane tickets or a surprise stay in a gorgeous hotel in a city you love—give lasting memories that'll last forever. I've had the great pleasure of staying at The Hazelton Hotel several times, and each time I stay there, I fall in love all over again. It's become my favourite hotel, and it's always hard to say goodbye. This luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Yorkville is all about excellent service, gorgeous, sexy  rooms and suites , (62 beautifully designed rooms and 15 exceptional suites) and incredible dining options, whether you're ordering to your room or enjoying the food and ambiance at O...

There's a new hotel in Ottawa that's getting some well-deserved buzz. Andaz Hotel recently opened its doors right in the heart of the ByWard Market, but first, there was a grand opening party that was the talk of the town. As a lover of fine hotels, I couldn't be more thrilled with this new opening. The grand opening party—complete with red carpet, of course, and champagne upon arrival—was a blast, as hundreds of invited guests mingled from floor to floor, checking out the sights of the new hotel and enjoying delicious food and customized drinks. This new luxury boutique hotel is the first Andaz hotel by Hyatt in Canada, with 200 rooms and 16 floors. It's clean, modern, and perfect for Ottawa. It'll be a hot spot for locals and tourists alike, especially the top-floor outdoor lounge and restaurant, Copper Spirits and Sights . And what a sight it is from the 16th floor, with views of downtown, Parliament hill, and Gatineau. (I suggest going there to eat and...

If you're looking for a luxurious hotel with incredible service in the heart of downtown Toronto, look no further than the Ritz-Carlton . Having stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal and the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour , I knew I was in for a treat when I was invited to join Toronto Tourism on a Luxury Press Tour and a stay at the Ritz-Carlton. The Ritz-Carlton Toronto opened its doors in 2011, and still looks brand-new. The hotel is not only beautiful, but the service is second to none—exactly what you'd expect from a Ritz-Carlton hotel. It's the little things that stay with me once I've checked out that make me come back for more—the attention to detail, the friendly service, and the special care given to children. This five-star luxurious hotel not only caters to adults, but to children, too, and this is important to me. Here's a bonus I loved: the hotel offers complimentary car service (a beautiful Audi) to take guests around town. A cheese cave, exceptio...