Winter Wonderlands

When it comes time to celebrate the snow, a few of us run for cover, and scarcely can be found outside our homes, where we are usually tucked under layers of blankets, and are nursing a glass of red wine, or a hot cup of cocoa. But there are a few things that can entice even those of us that hibernate for extended periods of time to emerge from our hideaways. This is a collection of some of those things:

The Hotel de Glace - Quebec

This unique hotel is made completely of ice. Before you spend the night, they invite you to come for a walkthrough, where they will take you for a guided tour of the hotel. When you decide that you are up to the challenge, you will find that the bed frame is made of solid ice, although the box spring and mattress are normal so to speak! When you are ready for bed, an artic sleeping bag is delivered to your room, for you to snuggle into for the night. Definitely a unique experience not to be missed.

Banff Springs Hotel - Alberta

This castle of the Rockies has long been a favorite of mine, with amazing service and a roaring fireplace around every corner in the depths of winter. This castle gets transformed into something out of the pages of a fairytale around winter, with garland strung from every staircase, and mistletoe hanging in quite a few doorways! An outdoor pool and large open concept lounge with floor to roof windows will help you get through those long winter days and nights.

Four Seasons - Whistler, BC

This 5 star resort is not quite like any other in Whistler. With sweeping walks and the hotel itself hidden among the base of Blackcomb Mountain, this is a hotel made for those that want to hide from winter, and those who want to revel in it. With some of the best skiing right outside your doorstep, and some of the most comfortable lodge like lounges and sitting rooms overlooking the mountains, this is a home away from home that you will never want to leave.

There are many more getaways that will beckon sun lovers out of their homes, but these are my favorite. If you have some that you feel I have missed, please let me know!

Viva Las Vegas!

Well it's that time.  Time for my trek down to the wonderful land that is known as Vegas!  The city that never sleeps, and doesn't apologize for it. 

While the last time I was here, I stayed at a shabby little place that had seen better days (whatever you do, DO NOT stay at Circus Circus) this time my luck has turned.  After booking a regular luxury suite at the brand new Palazzo, I was lucky enough to get an upgrade (always remember to ask) to a Fortuna Concierge Suite.

The rooms are amazing, spacious and tastefully decorated, the beds rival those at the Whistler Four Seasons, and the choice of restaurants is obscene.  Oh, and the concierge's work 24-7, and never once seem annoyed at my many calls, testing the fact.

After dinner at Wolfgang Puck's newest creation "CUT" a steakhouse in Palazzo, I'm off to go exploring.  A viewing of O from the splash zone tonight, then off to the Playboy club to see if it's really all it's cracked up to be.  (I think it might be from the boy's perspective, but I'm not so sure what it will be like for the ladies.)

Oh, and a must at the restaurant is the Maryland Blue Crab and Maine Lobster cocktail.  Absolutely amazing, although $12 USD for a side of herbed fries was a little outrageous, even for this restaurant.