When traveling, I often take a “spa day” to relax and recharge but rarely use the hotel spa (usually too expensive) choosing instead to go to a local spa for a massage. Having arrived in Capetown at The Westin in need of a facial, due to a reaction of sunscreen […]
When I think Westin,the Heavenly Bed & Bath come to mind and after two weeks traveling on safari, I was looking forward to my stay at the Westin Capetown. Of the many Starwood brands, I tend to favor the Westin. My six night stay was paid with a (then SPG) […]
Turning off the dirt road toward the Inyati Private Game Reserve entrance gate, the anticipation was building – this was my South African safari, in Sabi Sands no less. The shuttle driver escorted me to the gift shop entrance which also serves as the check in desk. I was welcomed […]
Arriving in Toronto as I have so many times in the past (usually for the Toronto International Film Festival this time for TBEX), a switch flipped and i went into auto mode – going through immigration, stopping at the ATM and then purchasing my shuttle bus ticket to the city. […]
I’ve visited Toronto many times over the years to attend the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and pretty much only saw the inside of my hotel, the multiple movie theaters and the closest takeaway in order to get back in line. I was excited to visit for the Travel […]
Nothing about my “living like Oprah without her money” vacation was cheap. Despite the pay for 2 nights, get the 3rd free promo, the Peninsula Chicago was still an expensive stay but worth every penny! I wasn’t concerned that I was forgoing points by staying here, I wanted to treat […]
I often wonder if “it’s just me” with the crazy attention to detail when I visit and/or stay at hotels around the world. It’s hard to turn off my inner “hotel inspector” when I travel for vacation…for me. I’m constantly running through my due diligence checklist for hotels and I […]
At the top of my “to do” list was a unique Miraval experience – they have a few, but I was interested in the Equine Experience. The sign up sheet process was a bit complicated. As I arrived on Sunday, the session was full on Monday. So i had only […]
When you first check in to Miraval Spa in Tucson, you are seated in a leather chair that is quite comfortable. Your room is first explained to you and you are then shown the bedroom showcase – apparently, just like the Westin Heavenly Bed (I have the pillows) or Four Seasons […]
Leaving the cold behind in April, I boarded the first of two Southwest flights on my way to Tucson, Arizona. Changing planes in Chicago was easy enough in the terminal, I had enough time for a quick walk to get a snack before having to line up by number (quite […]