best bed:  Shangri-La Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada

Spread across 15 floors of the tallest building in Vancouver, the Shangri-La combines sleek, west coast design with traditional Asian accents reflecting the brands heritage. There are only 2 Shangri La’s in North America (the other is in Toronto).   Opened…

Ah Kyoto….6 things to do

Ah Kyoto… Japan’s capital for 1000 years, the cultural heart of the country and the city of 10,000 shrines. Largely ignored by the Americans, Kyoto survived WWII with more pre 1940 architecture preserved than the rest of Japan resulting in…

Stunning views from The Fairmont Pacific Rim

The Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver, Canada

The ‘Pac Rim’, so nicknamed by locals, opened just in time for Vancouver’s Olympic games in 2010. This luxurious James KM Cheng designed hotel has been racking up accolades ever since. With just reason…west coast cool blends with Asian sophistication…

Le Coucou, Meribel, France

best bed: Le Coucou, Meribel, France

I arrived at this gem of a hotel, deep in the French Alps (about two hours from Lyon, 1 ½ from Geneva,) completely worn out. I’d been at a hectic four-day trade show. Two days later, I left a new…

Michelin Guide, the big reveal, Toronto

Did Michelin get it wrong?

The Michelin Guide has long been my bible. As a kid my parents used it to pick every hotel, every restaurant when we traveled. We would stay several days in various towns throughout Europe Always on half board (breakfast &…

Borgobrufa Spa Resort

best bed: Borgobrufa Spa Resort, Torgiano, Italy

After staying at Borgobrufa I finally ‘get’ European Spa culture…and my life will never be the same. This is the most wonderful way to spend a long weekend, and this is the most wonderful place to spend it (only 15…