All posts by Stefanie

The Ranch at Rock Creek. Montana

February 20, 2015Uncategorizedbest hotels in Montana, dude ranches in montana, Glamping, montana, The Ranch at Rock CreekStefanie

If ‘glamping’ is your idea of heaven (and if it’s not, it should be) look no further than The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana. With outdoor ranch activities for the whole family and 5-star amenities, this dude ranch is the perfect package.

Each cabin at The Ranch at Rock Creek captures the authentic, rustic feel, but does not lack in luxury. The Ranch offers 10 private, home-living cabins, and they all have many unique qualities, including their names: Eagle’s Perch, Bluebird, and Sara Jane’s Cottage, just to list a few. Occupancies range from 2-10 guests, depending on the cabin. All cabin’s have stunning views of the surrounding valley and hillsides.

In addition to the 10 cabins, the Ranch at Rock Creek also offers eight canvas cabins, which are all individually furnished in a rustic yet luxurious camp style with private bathrooms, amazingly comfortable beds, and the calming sounds of the creek running just outside your door. This experience will bring you all the joys of camping, and will leave the ‘roughing-it’ to someone else. The Brook & Cut-Bow cabins feature a king size bed in one room, and, separated by a large curtain, there are two twin beds and a trundle, making these the perfect accommodations for your family vacation. With 810 total square feet and an adorable reading nook, you will have no issue losing yourself in this heavenly, natural setting.

There is no shortage of activities and adventures for you and your family at The Ranch. Try your hand at target-shooting, horseback riding, Montana fly fishing, hiking mountain biking, wildlife viewing or archery. If you’re looking to pencil in a little more relaxation time, head down to the pool and jacuzzi, both of which overlook the vast valley, making this the perfect spot to soothe your riding muscles, splash around with the kids, or just enjoy the Montana sun.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Best Baby-moon Destinations

February 18, 2015Jet Set Babybest baby-moon destinations, luxury baby-moon vacationStefanie

Being pregnant is a wonderful experience in your life, you and your partner are bringing life into the world so why not celebrate that? As baby-moons become increasingly popular, the perfect destination becomes seemingly harder to discover. The perfect destination has to be relaxing, romantic, secluded, and easy to get to, because traveling pregnant is always a hassle (for what to pack when pregnant, check out our article!).

Here are our top picks for the best baby-moon destinations, all of which have direct flights to the nearest airport from many major cities across the country.

Rosewood Mayakoba

Located in the beautiful Riviera Maya, about an hour from the Cancun Airport, lies the Rosewood Mayakoba. This serene oasis is surrounded by lush jungle and miles of white sandy beaches. This resort knows how to protect a client’s privacy, the hotel is so large chances are you won’t see another guest unless you want to. Opt for the Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite or Oceanview Suite, both are extremely private and come with their own private plunge pool and lounging terrace. Sense, the Rosewood’s spa, also offers prenatal treatments upon request, and come directly to your suite to respect your privacy.

Coqui Coqui

Located on the Caribbean side of Mexico, in the lesser-known but still magical city of Tulum, lies Coqui Coqui. This hotel is the most rustic of the options, but still gorgeous. Its also so exclusive, it doesn’t even have it’s own website and is one of the best-kept secrets in Mexico. The hotel boasts beachfront limestone structures with a stunning double exposed spa and breezy bedrooms. Located just outside of the nearby ruins of Tulum, Coqui Coqui offers an unforgettable Caribbean experience. Opt for the Jungle or Beach Rooms.

Necker Island

If you are craving the utmost is privacy and seclusion, Necker Island is definitely the place for you? No budget, no problem! Located on it’s own private island, 30-minutes by boat from Beef Island Airport, this hotel is owned by the super-cool Virgin Limited Edition. You have the option of renting out the whole island or just a room, either way the hotel staff is dedicated solely to you. The restaurants are amazing, there is even a floating sushi bar, and you will never get bored on this small island. There is an abundance of wildlife, so if you’re an animal lover, you can go out and feed the lemurs and turtles. Stay in the Bali House, they have a required 7-night stay but you’ll be wanting to stay even longer by the end of it!

One&Only Ocean Club

Usually, when I picture Nassau or the Bahamas, I think spring breakers and places I would definitely not consider staying. But the One&Only Ocean Club, located 30-minutes from Nassau Airport, is not that. Once the private estate of A&P heir, Huntington Hartford II, is now a colonial-style beachfront resort. The ambience and style is the glamour of the 1920’s era. One&Only Ocean Club is a playground of world-class golf, tennis, spa, and of course, water-sports. The best part about the hotel is that it is the easiest hotel to get to, with direct flights to Nassau from all over the country and yet you are still transported to a tropical place. The hotel is split into the Crescent Wing, Hartford Wing, and Cottages & Villas. My favorite room to stay in is at the Crescent Wing in one of their Luxury beachfront Suites.

Parrot Cay

Also one of the most easily accessible, Parrot Cay by COMO is a 30-minute boat ride from the Providenciales Docks in the Turks & Caicos. Located on it’s own island in the Caribbean, the white sandy beaches and clear blue waters are sure to blow you away. Your trip to Parrot Cay would be filled with amazing food, snorkeling, and daily yoga. Arrange trips to other islands such as Iguana Island or Big Cay to feed the stingrays. The body care treatments at COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay are among the most indulgent in the Turks and Caicos. Designed to relax and renew, these treatments will leave you feeling refreshed from head to toe. Stay in the One-bedroom Beach Villa and you will not only have your own private pool to play in, you have private beach access and a personal butler!

Hôtel Plaza Athénée . Paris, France

February 13, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest hotel in Paris, France, Hotel Plaza Athenee, luxury hotel in Paris, ParisStefanie

The Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris recently underwent a major renovation and is now, and always has been, the quintessential Parisian luxury hotel. With spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower, your stay at The Hotel Plaza Athénée is sure to be an absolute delight. Located on Avenue Montaigne, guests find themselves in the heart of Paris haute couture.

Since 1913, Hôtel Plaza Athénée has been delighting its guests with the ever-present Parisian charm from an unbeatable location, which is now even more perfect thanks to an amazing renovation. The ambience creates a perfect escape and immersion into the Parisian lifestyle that everyone dreams of. The hotel has updated its interiors to be even more impeccably decorated, and the new event rooms, including the sprawling ballroom, are inspired by Paris haute couture.

The Hôtel Plaza Athénée has 154 rooms and 54 suites, each perfect in its own uniquely fashionable way. This is a perfect destination to bring the kids along too, as the renovation has perfected multiple kids’ rooms like the Barbie Room that will make your little ones go starry-eyed. 80% of the rooms are interconnected, making this hotel the ideal spot for the whole family.

Children get the VIP treatment at Hôtel Plaza Athénée – each child receives a stuffed animal to snuggle with, a cozy robe fit your your little prince or princess, or red slippers with teddy bears on them. The hotel also has a trustworthy nanny agency on hand in case Mom and Dad need a romantic evening in the City of Love. There are plenty of family-friendly activities around Paris, including Parc de la Villette, Jardin d’acclimatation, Vincennes (flower gardens and zoo), the Cité des Sciences, the Palais de la découverte, and the unforgettable Disneyland Paris.

The Dior Institut at the Plaza Athénée Paris will provide you with a world-class spa experience. Since the Spa opened in 1946, Christian Dior as maintained a strong relationship with the Hotel. The ambiance is elegantly relaxing and something out of a dream. Their philosophy, “the ultimate luxury experience for pure beauty,” epitomizes the Parisian spa experience that you will never forget.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Traveling Pregnant

February 11, 2015Jet Set Babycompression socks, how to travel when pregnant, Travel tips on what to pack when you're pregnantStefanie

Since I became pregnant last June, my traveling schedule did not stop for a second, on the contrary, I traveled twice as much due to fact that I had to cram in all my trips I had planned for the next 1.5 years in less than 8 months.

Traveling the world during my entire pregnancy was exciting, but it took a little more planning than I anticipated. From the exotic coasts of Brazil, to the breathtaking beaches in Hawaii, every trip had to be though-out more carefully. Between the fact that you cannot carry your heavy bags on your own, and that your prenatal vitamins need to be with you at all times, traveling alone and pregnant might seem like a scary thought.

In order to make every trip easy to manage, I have created a list of all the necessities that every future mommy should pack. These are the things I learned:

Stay hydrated and bring snacks

I have never been a fan of water, but this was probably the most important habit I had to drastically change once I found out I was pregnant. You might not be eating for two, but you are definitely hydrating for two. According to the American Pregnancy Association, pregnant women should drink eight to twelve glasses of water per day in order to ensure that their amniotic fluid is renewed and breast milk production is on track, among other health benefits. Remember that flying dehydrates you, so make sure you drink a bit more than you think you need. Don’t forget to stock up on plenty of water in the the airport store and try to bring some healthy snacks to resist the urge of buying out the newsstand’s candy bar selection. Our favorites: dehydrated fruit strips, almonds, and pita chips + hummus.

Exit row

I have luckily reached the status with American Airlines where if I do not get the upgrade to business I get placed on an exit row for extra leg room. This was a great alternative until I realized that pregnant women cannot sit in an exit row. When the gate agent realized I was pregnant, I started getting the worst seats on the plane because by the time I had checked in, all the good seats had be already taken. If you are pregnant and showing, make sure you check-in online 24 hours before and choose an aisle seat towards the front of the plane. Remember that when pregnant, you visit the lavatories much more often.

Permission to travel

All airlines recommend that you consult your doctor before traveling at any point in your pregnancy. My airline said that in order to play it safe, I should get a “permission-to-travel” letter from my doctor. Honestly none of the airlines I traveled with asked me for this. My doctor mentioned that unless you have a huge belly, which I never had, you will be asked for this letter. If you think your belly is big compared to others, take the letter from your doctor and take your due date into consideration for the return trip, too. Last thing you want is to be stuck in your vacation destination because you miscalculated the days! Most airlines do not allow you to travel internationally within 30 days of your due date (week 36) and domestic travel within 7 days of your due date (week 39) if expecting one baby. With multiples the rules are different.

Prenatal Vitamins

You should always pack extra prenatal vitamins bottle in a different bag in case you run out or you lose them. I didn’t follow this rule for the first couple months, and let me just say it was always a disaster to find a pharmacy and try to say prenatal vitamins in either Portuguese or German. When you know you will be needing something as important as this, make your life easier and pack a couple bottles for every trip.

Stay active

As I reached my 7th month, my doctor said that blood clots are very common in pregnant women that sit still for long periods of time. Since I was taking 10 hour flights up until my 8th month (week 35), I had no other choice than to wear ugly compression socks in every flight. No matter how ugly they are, use them because they might save your life. Compression socks keep the blood circulating in your feet and ankles. This will help you avoid blood clots, which can be deadly, and when they captain turns off the seatbelt-fasten sign, get up, take a stroll up and down the aisle, stretch in the bathroom (if you can manage to fit, I am 5’9 and I miraculously did) and pump your feet up and down every hour.

Time your trip

If you’ve had terrible morning sickness during your first trimester, then traveling is probably not for you at this moment. The second trimester (14-27 weeks) may be your best bet for a relaxing baby-moon. By now, your hormones should be giving you an energy boost so you should feel energized and ready to go. Also, try to pick a not so out-of-the-way destination, traveling at altitudes over 12,000 feet can be risky, and you can find exotic beaches and destinations that are only a few hours from your front door. Hint: We love the Villas at Ventanas al Paraiso. Such a romantic and private place for you and your loved one to get some well-deserved alone-time before person #3 comes along.

Take advantage

During my first couple of months I had a high-risk pregnancy, which meant I could not carry anything heavier than 10lbs. This of course was the biggest burden to my hectic travel schedule, but that didn’t stop me. Since telling fellow passengers in the TSA line or while boarding the plane that I had a high-risk pregnancy was a bit uncomfortable, especially when you do not look pregnant, I decided to put an elastic compression band in my arm and without giving my full story, everyone was more than willing to help me out (sneaky, I know).

TSA body scan

In most airports, passengers walk through metal detectors, which use a low-frequency electromagnetic field to look for weapons. At the low levels a metal detector emits, this exposure is considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women. However, there is a new kind of body scan that is becoming more common, the Backscatter. This is the one you need to place your hands above your head. If you see that is the one they are using, request a pat down so you and your baby can stay as safe as possible.

Four Seasons Disney World. Orlando, FL

February 6, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest hotel florida, best hotel in Disneyworld, Best hotel orlando, Disney World, Four Seasons, OrlandoStefanie

When parents think about Disney World, they envision character breakfasts, long twisting ride lines, and screaming children. While you can’t take away the ride lines, unless you’re willing to pay an arm and a leg for VIP tickets, you can definitely make your stay much more luxurious and adult-friendly at the brand new Four Seasons Resort in Orlando. The hotel caters to families that would like a child-friendly trip to Orlando, without having to sacrifice the amenities and class in a 5-star resort. The hotel has beautiful, modern, and hand-picked artwork adorning the walls and interior of the resort. You cannot miss the giant water-drop chandelier as you walk in the front doors, I started gaping!

Once you have checked in the front desk will take you up to your room where, depending upon whether or not you came with children, the room will come with gender-appropriate trinkets to get your kids hyped up. The rooms come with a teal, brown, and white color palette accompanying all the latest technology. Although each room comes with a balcony, try to request a park-facing room so you can see the fireworks. The staff’s favorite room would be the Grand Suite due to it’s spacious living room, kitchenette, and extra deep bathtub.

If you’re worried about dining, be rest assured the food is amazing. There are also 7 dining options to chose from. Ravello is the breakfast spot and I recommend the buffet, service can be a bit slow so if you’re with children it’s best to go serve yourself. The bar is also open late so you can sneak down there with your hubby for their specialty cocktail, A Spice of Life. Capa is their wonderful rooftop Steakhouse. If you decide to eat late you can enjoy dinner while watching the fireworks from Magic Kingdom. Plancha is the Cuban-inspired Golf Clubhouse restaurant, perfect for a guys’ afternoon or drink. Lickety-Split is the perfect place to take the kids for some afternoon gelato or to grab yourself that much-needed espresso.

The hotel also comes with 5 pools for your family to enjoy. There is the adults-only pool perfect for the afternoon rosé, family pool, splash zone, lazy river, and water slide. The lazy river is my personal favorite, you can take your drink and float merrily for hours. Their Spa is also amazing I recommend the treatment for two which ranges from mother-daughter facials to wife-husband massages in your own private suite. The hotel is sure to be packed pretty much year-round with a slight dip when schools starts in August, so make sure you book far in advance!

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Long-Haul Flights with Kids

February 4, 2015Jet Set Babyflying with infants, flying with toddlers, jetset kids, long-haul flights, long-haul flights with kids, Travel tips, traveling with kidsStefanie

This month’s theme comes in the midst of our founder giving birth to her first bambino in February, so we couldn’t think of a better theme than to showcase everything about traveling with the little ones. From tips on how to travel 8 months pregnant and traveling on a long-haul flight with a baby, to the best luxury hotels and cruises for kids. If you have a little one, you won’t want to miss.

This week’s travel tip is all about managing that long-haul flight with young children. We’ve all experienced crying babies on our flights (annoying when it’s not yours), but here are some tips on how to make it less unbearable and even enjoyable for you and the family.

Choose seats strategically

When you are traveling on a long-haul flight, make sure you book the best seat possible, which in this case is the bulkhead when you travel with infants. You can request the bulkhead seats and a bassinet when you book your flight. Remember to check-in early and make sure you reiterate that you need a bassinet because most of the airlines have a first-come, first-served policy regardless if you have a bassinet note in your reservation. If you are traveling with toddlers, make sure to check the seat rating on SeatGuru and find the seats with the most legroom in the back of the plane. You will need to have easy access to the lavatories either to change diapers, take them to the bathroom or ask the stewardess to heat the bottles for you.

*Remember, too, that emergency row seats are not an option when you’re traveling with a baby as you need to be 15 years or older (depending on the airline).

Apologize in advance

This has to be the best advice I have received from new mommies. Make in advance little Sorry Bags and bring them with you to the flight. Write a note inside apologizing for the loud noises your baby might make, together with cheap headphones, chocolates and other goodies that you might think people would appreciate. Once people take their seats, start handing them out to the passengers in front, next to and behind you. This way hopefully no one will give you evil eyes if your little angel throws a fit.

Diaper Bag Essentials

Make sure you pack Tylenol baby, a thermometer, extra diapers in the event of a delay and an extra change of baby clothes in case of an accident.

Take a late afternoon or evening flight

I’d say the best way to keep a child quiet is have them coincide with a nap time or bed time to have them be asleep during the the flight. That way you also have them waking up jet-lag free and ready for a few day’s activities, then an early night in your cozy hotel bed with room service.

Get them excited!

Chances are, if you get them involved by showing them beautiful photos of the places they will be traveling or cool facts about the destination, they’re going to be very compliant because they want to get there as badly as you do! Disclaimer: this may backfire, there is nothing as wild as an amped-up kid on a tiny airplane.

Bring cards and games

When I was little, I could not fly without a deck of cards. I would not let me poor parents sleep and I’d make them play endless hours of Go-Fish. Another great thing is cross-word puzzles, which I still vigorously play today. Cross-word puzzles are great because it not only teaches children interesting facts about the world, it helps build cooperation in a team setting. I Spy and Where’s Waldo are also two great other books.

Snacks, snacks, snacks

If you are traveling with an infant, make sure you feed the baby during take-off and landing, this will prevent their ears from hurting due to the aircraft’s change in air pressure. For toddlers, most of them eat every hour and meal service is only dolled out every few hours on long-haul flights. Bring healthy snacks low in sugar to make sure it doesn’t get the little ones too amped. For a great list of healthy snacks for kids, check out our healthy eating article.

Apps

Let’s face it, most kids these days either have some form of iPad or Laptop. However, these devices can often be put to good use when traveling with kids, it entertains them for hours. PBS Kids Video shows clips from children’s favorite shows like Dinosaur Train, Sid the Science Guy, Sesame Street, Curious George, The Electric Company, Martha Speaks and more. Draw and Tell by Duck Duck Moose is an interactive coloring and drawing app with 27 coloring utensils, stickers, and you can even use your voice for a greeting card.

The Bighorn Lodge. Whistler, Canada

January 30, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest home rental in Whistler, Big Horn Revelstroke, British Columbia, luxury chalets Whistler, WhistlerStefanie

The Bighorn Lodge is the perfect place for your next ski trip. Located in Revelstroke, British Columbia, Bighorn is Canada’s premier mountain home. A stunning 5-star ski chalet and heliski lodge, Bighorn sets a new standard for your mountain adventure.

Bring along 16 of your closest friends, and be ready to eat, drink and be merry. The fabulous staff will have you feeling like kings and queens all week, and an award-winning, on-site European chef will please your palettes morning, noon and night. The Lodge is classic-style winter lodge with touches of modernity in its appliances and decor, think glass fireplaces with large deer-antler chandeliers.

The private chalet boasts 8 state-of-the-art bedrooms, each with a balcony to lose yourself in the breathtaking views, a fireplace to warm your toes, or a dreamy bed to kick up your feet in front of a Blu-ray TV. It also offers the best in bespoke heli-skiing – equipped with a helipad, the property is ready and waiting for you to embark on your heliski journey atop some spectacularly fresh powder and glorious mountain ranges.

The chalet has the perfect sanctuary to heal your aching bones that worked hard all day on the slopes: an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor hot tub with views over the Columbia River and Monashee Mountains, and massage and sauna facilities. If those are not enough to relax you, enjoy a private cinema stacked with any movie you could ever imagine, or play a game of billiards with a tall glass of whatever-you-please.

If you ever make it out of this unbelievable abode, you’ll find yourself among some of the best skiing in the world. With the ultimate flexibility and customization of heliskiing, and the Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s access to 1,263 hectares of terrain at your beck and call, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to British Columbia.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

City Guide: 72 Hours in Whistler

January 28, 2015City Guidebest apres-ski in Whistler, best bars in Whistler, best hotels in Whistler, best restaurants in Whistler, Big Horn Whistler, British Columbia, City guide for Whistler, Ketel one ice bar, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, WhistlerStefanie

Having a little Canadian blood in me, my family and I would always make the trek up from Vancouver to Whistler every winter. I have extremely fond memories of learning how to ski as a kid and eating some truly amazing meals (this was even in my super-picky food eating phase).

Whistler is the perfect combination of homey and elegance. While it may be less modern, the skiing is second to none and the family-friendly atmosphere will put both you and the kids in a great mood.

Thursday:

11:00 am- Check into The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The hotel is full of classical beauty, whether you are staying there in the winter or summer, the hotel accommodates for each season in an elegant way. But, there is no place like The Fairmont during Christmas, the great hall is decked with wreaths and christmas lights everywhere.

If you‘d rather stay in a private accommodation, Big Horn Whistler is the best chalet around. The impressive timber-framed building was designed with indulgence in mind. The triple height great room, with its roaring log fire, is the perfect setting for canapés, or just for winding down after a day of skiing.

2:00 pm- Grab your ski gear and head to the slopes! Remember you’re only here for 72 hours, you can’t miss one minute of that new fluffy powdered snow.

5:00 pm- Stop at Merlin’s Bar & Grill for an après-ski drink, located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Merlin’s home-away-from-home vibe is just one small part of the reason that après sessions here can be so off-the-hook. Opt for the nachos and a beer on tap.

7:30 pm- Head to Bearfoot Bistro for the best oysters + champagne pairing in town. This is also great for après -ski where the oysters are $9.95 for the dozen. Or, if you’re in the mood for some chilled vodka and caviar, The Bearfoot Bistro has an amazing Ketel One Ice Bar, located right in the restaurant!

11:00 pm- Go to FireRock Lounge, where you can sip on a dirty martini and listen to a live jazz band. This lounge is cozy and intimate and a great place to spend a chill night.

Friday:

9:00 am- Breakfast at The Wildflower Cafe in The Fairmont, be sure to order the Alpine Frittata and their fresh-brewed tea.

11:00 am- Hit the slopes! To see what Posh Voyage’s favorite ski trends are, check out our Travel Tip.

4:30 pm- For après-ski drinks with the family, Black’s Pub is the perfect place. With an open sunny terrace, more than 100 different beers from around the world, and Whistler’s finest selection of scotches.

8:30 pm- Dinner at the best Sushi restaurant in Whistler, Sushi Village. Their Uni is as fresh as it gets and spoil yourself with their daily specials. If you have a larger party, call ahead and reserve one of their private tatami rooms.

Or, if you’re in the mood for cooked fish, eat at Araxi, resh seafood is a star here, including the multi-tiered seafood towers. Alongside the urban shine, Araxi offers a little ski town warmth, like the après-ski bar special fondue. Pair it with their bourbon on the rocks.

11:00 pm- Brandy’s at the Keg is the place to be on a Friday night. During the summer and winter, a DJ spins on Friday and Saturday nights. Try the Billy Miner Pie, an exquisite combination of mocha ice cream, hot fudge, caramel and sliced almonds, to satisfy the late night munchies. It’s a Brandy’s tradition.

Saturday:

10:00 am- Have breakfast at Pure Bread. Even those from Vancouver will make the trek all the way up to Whistler to have some of their freshly baked goods. Pair a cup-of-joe with one of their fluffy scones and you’ll be happy as a clam.

1:00 pm- Take a break from all that skiing try one of their fabulous snow-shoeing trails or if you’re a bit of a daredevil, head to their Whistler Sliding Center and try out bobsledding!

4:30pm- Saturday is perfect for Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC). Après-ski drinks is their bread-and-butter, and boy do they make an event out of it. World-renowned as “the” place to après, the GLC lounge bar relishes its location above the Whistler Gondola building. Every day should end with beers, tall tales, and the potential of watching an amazing wipeout from the riders and skiers charging down their final run.

8:00pm- Since it’s your last night in Whistler, have dinner at Alta Bistro, lit is one of the best high-end and modern restaurants in Whistler, with food you’d expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. Order: Alberta elk tartar and duck liver parfait arrives in a little jar, with cocoa nibs and molasses rye bread crumbs spilling onto the wood board below

10:00pm- Garfinkel’s is always jam packed on Saturday nights. Full of A-list celebs if you’re going to go, do it the right way with VIP bottle service.

Sunday:

12:00 pm- Ciao Thyme Bistro is a cozy brunch place, perfect for your last meal in Whistler. Order the eggs Benedict with crab cakes.

2:00pm- Time to head back to Vancouver to catch your flight out. But you’ll be back, Whistler is hard to beat for it’s fun lively atmosphere and classic beauty.

Chalet Zermatt Peak. Zermatt, Switzerland

January 23, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest chalet in Zermatt, best chalets in switzerland, Chalet Zermatt Peak, luxury chalets in Europe, Luxury chalets in Switzerland, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, ZermattStefanie

Imagine being wrapped up in the most luxurious of furs and stepping out onto your own private balcony over-looking one of the most famous mountain peaks in the world, The Matterhorn. Zermatt is the perfect place for beginners and advanced skiier’s and snowboarder’s alike. If you’re truly a thrill-seeker, you can try paragliding over the snowy mountains and down into the valley or heli-skiing from the top of le piste.

Chalet Zermatt Peak is a winner of a chalet for a number of reasons. The number one reason actually being that it won Best Ski Chalet 2013 in Switzerland at the World Ski Awards. Staying at Zermatt Peak is like staying in your own town, you have your own private Michelin-starred chef at your disposal, gym, wellness spa, library, and personal ski equipment rental. The chalet also comes with 24-hour chauffeur service so don’t worry about having to move those poor legs of yours anywhere.

The Chalet is very modern, yet in a warm and cozy way. The house is completely full of neutrals, both in the fur and nature aesthetics. Alpaca furs drape the couches and beds with the floor is lined with sheepskin and chandeliers drip down from every ceiling. Each of the rooms look out into the town of Zermatt, so you’ll never miss a thing. The Chalet also comes with an event planner/social chair so this is the perfect place to host large glamorous parties. Your 24-hour butler service will attend to you and your family’s every need.

I think my favorite room in the house would be the spa, where your private infinity Jacuzzi looks over the shiny bright town of Zermatt, although the kitchen would be a close second. How many people can say they have had a menu catered to their every whim and desire?

Photographs courtesy of the property.

City Guide: 72 Hours in Verbier

January 21, 2015City Guide72 hours in Verbier, best hotels in Switzerland, best hotels in Verbier, Switzerland, The Lodge Verbier, The W Verbier, verbier, Verbier City GuideStefanie

If you want to have a cozy yet posh getaway, Verbier is right up your alley. Known for it’s abundance of superstar vacationers, Verbier is more of a quaint town that happens to be located in the top of the mountain. There is no other place quite like Verbier, it is an exclusive town that combines grade-A skiing with some of the highest hospitality standards you’ve ever seen in a ski-town. Scroll down to the bottom to see some of our must-have items in Verbier.