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Vancouver Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Want to travel Canada? Montreal delivers luxury, glam and whimsy
Article content Montreal's Golden Square Mile is the launch pad to the city's wistful, whimsical sensory encounters — and Barbie like you've never seen. In the heart of the area is the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal: luxury base camp. From the rosé-hued velvet wallpaper in the reception lobby, to the cheeky photos of — and taken by — Margaret Trudeau that line the walls of the third-floor hallways of the lounge and Marcus restaurant, this five-star hotel is not one to satisfy decor requirements with the generic. Instead, there are ever-changing art installations on each floor, and whimsical touches, such as a crystal infinity crab sculpture that marks the entrance to the adjoining Holt Renfrew Ogilvy store. Executive chef Jason Morris helms the Four Seasons Marcus restaurant and is renowned for elevating Canadian cuisine. On this night, he's creating a personal six-course menu, served with wine pairings. This chef counter tasting experience — a concept popular in Asian markets — must be reserved and typically has the diner, or diners, at the bar with a front-row seat, but it can be reserved for as many as 12 people. From a bar stool at the counter, it's a culinary performance as Morris crafts each dish, such as a creamy potato latke topped with two types of caviar; sustainably caught tuna with Quebec horseradish cream; and cod with white asparagus and Champagne sauce. 'The kitchen is the stage everyone can see, it's like a performance,' says Richard Feldman, the restaurant's general manger. Need to get in touch with your chill side? Head to the Guerlain Spa Care and its Kneipp hydrotherapy, one of the oldest forms of treatment using hot and cold water and a reflexology path and one which is rarely found in North American spas. Start with dipping your feet into the hot bath that features a bed of smooth stones on which to carefully walk, before moving to the cold plunge. A gingerly walk on the reflexology path stimulates blood flow and boosts the immune system with a Zen-like calm. History through art and architecture The Four Seasons abuts Crescent Street, home to the iconic 21-storey wall mural — titled Tower of Songs — of the late Leonard Cohen, one of two murals honouring the Canadian singer and songwriter. Cohen often referred to himself as neither a Canadian, nor a Quebecer, but a Montrealer. You can sit in the Four Seasons' dining room with Cohen for company as he looks down through the windows. Within walking distance is Les Quartiers du Canal, which includes the up-and-coming Griffintown neighbourhood, Little Burgundy and Saint-Henri and is peppered with artistic murals, and 18th century architecture along the Lachine Canal. You can tour these neighbourhoods in an afternoon without breaking a sweat. Griffintown borders the canal on the south, and a biking and walking path snakes through a picturesque neighbourhood dotted with cafés, shops and antique stores. A favourite restaurant for locals is Nora Gray, ranked as one of Canada's 100 best with its take on southern Italian cuisine. And they serve ramps — an exciting surprise. Ramps are a delicacy unique to Eastern Canada and the U.S. and related to the wild onion and garlic family, or perhaps a cousin to spring onions and leeks. You can't buy this delicacy at a grocery store because it takes seven years for a ramp rhizome to become a shoot. Ramps' pungent, garlicky flavour is prized among chefs, and their appearance on menus heralds spring. Next to Griffintown is Little Burgundy, which was home to Black English-speaking residents, most of whom were labourers and sleeping car porters on railway lines and was known as Harlem of the North in the 1920s. The late jazz pianist Oscar Peterson was raised in Little Burgundy and a three-storey mural honours him and his contribution to jazz, as does another mural of Oliver Jones. Montreal's murals are stunning — all 3,500 of them and counting. Take a stroll over to the Atwater Market, housed in an art deco building from 1933 in Saint-Henri — another jewel in Montreal's crown of architectural enchantments. You could try to find some ramps, but local chefs will likely beat you to it. Nearby is the Atwater Cocktail Club — a very cool neighbourhood speakeasy-style bar whose entrance is from an alley on Atwater Avenue. The bar is dark and cosy but with shiny, banquets: brasserie style with sophistication. All dressed up The McCord Stewart Museum, a walk of less than 10 minutes from the hotel, is renowned for documenting the city's social history. Costume Balls, Dressing History, 1870-1927, is a sassy exhibit of more than 40 costumes that runs until Aug. 17 and tracks the lavish parties and skating carnivals of the city's elite. The costumes were created — or were ancestral outfits brought out to vamp at these events — more than a century before selfies took over this performance art. The crowning costume riff is at Expo Barbie, the largest permanent Barbie exhibit in the world with more than 1,000 dolls — and it's just three blocks from the hotel. The exhibit is the creation of a member of a company that owns Les Cours Mont-Royal mall, in which all the Barbies make their home. Admission is free. This is not everyday Barbie, but a glam gal in custom couture gowns and sometimes not even as herself: she is Jennifer Lopez Barbie; she is Rose, from the Titanic movie, Barbie; Mulder and Scully Barbie from the X Files; and Barbie decked out in Vera Wang and Armani, and then putting in an appearance with Daniel Craig, James Bond style. She also undertakes the cutest shilling for brands such as Coca-Cola, Pottery Barn and Ferrari that any mortal woman would be hard pressed to pull off. Go Barbie. Go Montreal.
Calgary Herald
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Want to travel Canada? Montreal delivers luxury, glam and whimsy
Article content Montreal's Golden Square Mile is the launch pad to the city's wistful, whimsical sensory encounters — and Barbie like you've never seen. In the heart of the area is the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal: luxury base camp. From the rosé-hued velvet wallpaper in the reception lobby, to the cheeky photos of — and taken by — Margaret Trudeau that line the walls of the third-floor hallways of the lounge and Marcus restaurant, this five-star hotel is not one to satisfy decor requirements with the generic. Instead, there are ever-changing art installations on each floor, and whimsical touches, such as a crystal infinity crab sculpture that marks the entrance to the adjoining Holt Renfrew Ogilvy store. Executive chef Jason Morris helms the Four Seasons Marcus restaurant and is renowned for elevating Canadian cuisine. On this night, he's creating a personal six-course menu, served with wine pairings. This chef counter tasting experience — a concept popular in Asian markets — must be reserved and typically has the diner, or diners, at the bar with a front-row seat, but it can be reserved for as many as 12 people. From a bar stool at the counter, it's a culinary performance as Morris crafts each dish, such as a creamy potato latke topped with two types of caviar; sustainably caught tuna with Quebec horseradish cream; and cod with white asparagus and Champagne sauce. 'The kitchen is the stage everyone can see, it's like a performance,' says Richard Feldman, the restaurant's general manger. Need to get in touch with your chill side? Head to the Guerlain Spa Care and its Kneipp hydrotherapy, one of the oldest forms of treatment using hot and cold water and a reflexology path and one which is rarely found in North American spas. Start with dipping your feet into the hot bath that features a bed of smooth stones on which to carefully walk, before moving to the cold plunge. A gingerly walk on the reflexology path stimulates blood flow and boosts the immune system with a Zen-like calm. History through art and architecture The Four Seasons abuts Crescent Street, home to the iconic 21-storey wall mural — titled Tower of Songs — of the late Leonard Cohen, one of two murals honouring the Canadian singer and songwriter. Cohen often referred to himself as neither a Canadian, nor a Quebecer, but a Montrealer. You can sit in the Four Seasons' dining room with Cohen for company as he looks down through the windows. Within walking distance is Les Quartiers du Canal, which includes the up-and-coming Griffintown neighbourhood, Little Burgundy and Saint-Henri and is peppered with artistic murals, and 18th century architecture along the Lachine Canal. You can tour these neighbourhoods in an afternoon without breaking a sweat. Griffintown borders the canal on the south, and a biking and walking path snakes through a picturesque neighbourhood dotted with cafés, shops and antique stores. A favourite restaurant for locals is Nora Gray, ranked as one of Canada's 100 best with its take on southern Italian cuisine. And they serve ramps — an exciting surprise. Ramps are a delicacy unique to Eastern Canada and the U.S. and related to the wild onion and garlic family, or perhaps a cousin to spring onions and leeks. You can't buy this delicacy at a grocery store because it takes seven years for a ramp rhizome to become a shoot. Ramps' pungent, garlicky flavour is prized among chefs, and their appearance on menus heralds spring. Next to Griffintown is Little Burgundy, which was home to Black English-speaking residents, most of whom were labourers and sleeping car porters on railway lines and was known as Harlem of the North in the 1920s. The late jazz pianist Oscar Peterson was raised in Little Burgundy and a three-storey mural honours him and his contribution to jazz, as does another mural of Oliver Jones. Montreal's murals are stunning — all 3,500 of them and counting. Take a stroll over to the Atwater Market, housed in an art deco building from 1933 in Saint-Henri — another jewel in Montreal's crown of architectural enchantments. You could try to find some ramps, but local chefs will likely beat you to it. Nearby is the Atwater Cocktail Club — a very cool neighbourhood speakeasy-style bar whose entrance is from an alley on Atwater Avenue. The bar is dark and cosy but with shiny, banquets: brasserie style with sophistication. All dressed up The McCord Stewart Museum, a walk of less than 10 minutes from the hotel, is renowned for documenting the city's social history. Costume Balls, Dressing History, 1870-1927, is a sassy exhibit of more than 40 costumes that runs until Aug. 17 and tracks the lavish parties and skating carnivals of the city's elite. The costumes were created — or were ancestral outfits brought out to vamp at these events — more than a century before selfies took over this performance art. The crowning costume riff is at Expo Barbie, the largest permanent Barbie exhibit in the world with more than 1,000 dolls — and it's just three blocks from the hotel. The exhibit is the creation of a member of a company that owns Les Cours Mont-Royal mall, in which all the Barbies make their home. Admission is free. This is not everyday Barbie, but a glam gal in custom couture gowns and sometimes not even as herself: she is Jennifer Lopez Barbie; she is Rose, from the Titanic movie, Barbie; Mulder and Scully Barbie from the X Files; and Barbie decked out in Vera Wang and Armani, and then putting in an appearance with Daniel Craig, James Bond style. She also undertakes the cutest shilling for brands such as Coca-Cola, Pottery Barn and Ferrari that any mortal woman would be hard pressed to pull off. Go Barbie. Go Montreal.
Daily Mail
25-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Hotel review: Andronis Arcadia, Santorini
Perched on a hillside in the picturesque village of Oia, Andronis Arcadia is a secluded resort with incredible views, capturing the essence of Santorini's natural beauty. With 114 suites and villas, this expansive yet intimate resort stands out as a tranquil retreat from the island's lively energy. Its combination of chic design, modern indulgence, and timeless charm makes it one of the most memorable stays in Santorini. Rooms and facilities From the moment I stepped into the hotel, I was mesmerised by the view: a seemingly infinite stretch of blue where the sea and sky blur into one. Each room at Andronis Arcadia faces west, so all guests can enjoy Santorini's famous sunsets. From my private terrace (every room has one, as well as a small pool), it was impossible to tell where the horizon ended, the deep blue waters of the Aegean merging effortlessly with the sky. Every aspect of the hotel's design feels intentional. The suites and villas embrace an organic, earthy aesthetic with natural tones of stone and wood, perfectly mirroring the landscape of Oia. Think clean lines, airy spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the rooms with light and showcase those incredible views. The resort has the largest infinity pool on the island: a spectacular centrepiece that feels as endless as the sea itself. It's one of the most peaceful places to take in the island's panoramic beauty and the swim-up bar and soothing beats of the resident DJ add even more luxury. Food and drink The culinary offerings at Andronis Arcadia take already fabulous Mediterranean cuisine to a new level, with inventive and often surprising twists. The hotel's signature restaurant, Pacman, offers Greek classics adapted into innovative sushi rolls for a unique fusion of flavours that you won't find anywhere else on the island. The fresh, local ingredients mean dishes are every bit as vibrant as Santorini's landscape. Wash it down with an expertly crafted cocktail while listening to live DJs. For meat lovers, the Beefbar restaurant is an absolute must. Specialising in anything protein, this upscale restaurant redefines the traditional steakhouse with Mediterranean influences – think quesadillas with wagyu beef and mash with jalapeños. Mornings begin with delightful breakfast spreads featuring fresh pastries, Greek yogurt with honey and other local delicacies, all served outdoors so you can take in the sunrise. Hotel highlights The Evexia Spa was one of the main highlights of my stay. It offers a range of treatments, all designed to restore balance and well-being. I opted for a full-body massage, and the therapist's expertise combined with the serene environment made for a deeply soothing experience, leaving me rejuvenated and completely at ease. The spa also has signature Kneipp pools: a special 'L' shape with one side cold, the other hot. Different shaped stones that ignite reflexology points in the base of the feet line of each pool's floor, for a unique water therapy experience. Blissful! What to do Nearby Try the local fine dining option Visit Lycabettus restaurant at the Andronis Suites just up the road for cliffside fine dining. There's a nine-course tasting menu packed with amazing ingredients from lobster and scallops to wagyu striploin and red shrimp tartare. With the restaurant's iconic views over Oia, it was by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever eaten. Hop on the ferry to Paros Andronis Minois, on the nearby island of Paros, is the perfect place to continue with the relaxation. While Andronis Arcadia offers dramatic caldera views and high-energy sophistication, the Paros retreat delivers a more laid-back, island escape. There's a second-to-none dining experience at Olvo, the hotel's renowned restaurant, while the nearby town of Naoussa is fantastic for an evening out. You can soak in the vibrant local culture, explore charming shops, and enjoy the buzzing nightlife.
National Geographic
27-03-2025
- National Geographic
Eat your way along this culinary hiking trail in Germany
As I meandered down the narrow dirt path of the Stausee-Tafeltour trail in Saarland, Germany, my eyes were drawn to the vibrant green moss that covered the forest floor like a shag carpet from the 70s. The thick grove of beech trees lining the pathway loomed over us, their smooth, gray bark reflecting the few rays of sun that broke through the dim light. A burbling stream that ran alongside the trail broke the silence. Rounding a corner, there were two large wooden crates in a small clearing by a picnic table. I opened the lid of one and it was surprisingly stocked with about six-dozen bottles of local Karlsbrau beer. The other was filled with bottled water and apfelschorle (sparkling apple juice). These crates are called GenussTrühen — food chests, also referred to as "supply stations" — and were recently introduced to the roughly 6.5-mile Stausee-Tafeltour trail, a circular route that pairs scenic hiking with curated culinary stops. This type of active vacation is currently trending, according to the 2025 Hilton Trends Report, with nearly one in five travelers seeking out culinary experiences, 69 percent enjoying being active while traveling, and 20 percent opting for outdoor adventures. And with the German Hiking Institute recently re-certifying the region as a premium hiking destination for the third time since 2015, now is the time to hike the Stausee-Tafeltour trail. The trail The Stausee-Tafeltour trail is one of more than 100 traumschleifen (dream loops), which are part of the larger eco-friendly Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, a long-distance hiking trail that spans roughly 250 miles in the western part of the country. To achieve certification as a premium hiking destination, the region must meet 34 criteria, including user-friendly trail markings, silence, untouched landscape, historic buildings and monuments, inns or huts, and benches and rest areas. Along the Stausee-Tafeltour path, hikers will find lush forests, wooden bridges, wide-open fields, scenic benches, trickling brooks, horse pastures, and charming villages. Points of interest include Scheiden — the highest village in Saarland — with views of nearby France and Luxembourg, the Kneipp facility (foot bath), and SeeGarten. The last stretch of the loop takes hikers through a shady area with a grove of dramatic green and copper ferns, with roots and rocks strewn across the path. Keep going until you reach a sweeping view of Losheim Lake. The trail continues, hugging the lake. Visitors can also purchase a ticket to wander through the whimsical SeeGarten with an array of flowers, shrubs and grasses, as well as a lily pond, nature pond, and water playground with interactive stations to keep children entertained for hours. What to eat In the U.S., when setting off for a day hike, I typically pack snacks and plenty of water. Along the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, look for the trail signs with the chef's hat and the word tafeltour (table tour) and you'll find gastronomy that is easily accessible for hikers. The Stausee-Tafeltour trail was recently awarded a RegionalGenuss (regional enjoyment) certificate, which means culinary offerings (nothing commercial) from the area can be found on the trail, such as in the chests, vending machines, and at local restaurants. Not only are these options a way for hikers to nourish themselves, but also a way for them to get to know the culture of the region through its specialty foods and beverages. The GenussTrühen are stocked by local residents and are kept full April through October. A sign is posted with pricing and there is a box where hikers can leave money, paying on the honor system. The person that provides the supplies keeps the money. My time on the trail ended at jovial Hochwälder Brauhaus, where I rewarded myself with a warm meal and a cold beer. I filled my belly with a regional favorite, homemade saaraländische kartoffelstippchen (potato dumplings) with mushroom sauce at a table overlooking the lake. Additional dining at the lake is also available at the SeeGartenBistro, Restaurant Maison au Lac, and Seehotel-Losheim. Where to stay For those who want to travel farther on the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, hotel accommodation is available in Losheim at the Seehotel-Losheim, Pension-Gasthaus Scheidener Stuben, Hochwälder Wohlfühlhotel, or camping at Wellnester Losheim am See. Keep in mind that for a multi-day hike, you'll have to carry your supplies with you, but at least you won't worry about finding something to eat and drink along the way. How to do it The start and end point of the Stausee-Tafeltour trail is at the Tourist-Information am Losheimer See. From Frankfurt, it can be reached by taking a The start and end point of the Stausee-Tafeltour trail is at the Tourist-Information am Losheimer See. From Frankfurt, it can be reached by taking a Deutsche Bahn train from Frankfurt to Merzig (about three hours), then take bus R1 from Merzig train station to Losheim train station, or take bus R401 from Mettlach train station to Losheim reservoir. Get off at Stausee Infostand, Losheim am See. This story was created with the support of the German National Tourist Board. Travel + Leisure, U.S. News & World Report, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, and USA Today 10Best. She focuses on adventure, wellness, luxury, and sustainable travel. Her work can be seen at Sharael Kolberg is a Southern California-based travel journalist with more than 20 years of experience. Her byline has appeared in, and. She focuses on adventure, wellness, luxury, and sustainable travel. Her work can be seen at
