Destinations

 I had the good fortune to find myself in Vancouver this past weekend and got to be one of the 1st guests at The Loden, a brand new hotel built from the ground up with a focus on being “Green”.  It is a boutique hotel with 77 rooms on 14 floors.  The entire top floor houses their penthouse and it is amazing.  It would be the perfect venue for an elegant cocktail reception!
 
The furnishings and the decor of the rooms are beautiful and the bathrooms are simply amazing - the bathroom appears to be 50% of the rooms square footage.  The rooms are wired to support the latest technology and high speed internet is free.  Every room can satisfy even the biggest geeks technological dreams, including IPod docking stations in very room.  They also have a huge gym for the number of rooms.
 
They are offering an introductory rate of 199.00.  It is centrally located and easy walking distance to most spots.  (2 blocks from Robson Street - for the shopaholics).

I recently visited Whistler, B.C., Canada, where I stayed at the Fairmont Château Whistler.  The hotels location was perfect for ski enthusiast looking for the ability to ski directly from the hotel on to the waiting lift. With spectacular views of the majestic surrounding mountains, I would wake every morning in awe of the natural beauty of this special destination.

Whistler is home to world class skiing and will be the home of the 2012 Winter Olympic games. Not a skier, but love the winter outdoor experience? No need to worry, there are many activities besides downhill skiing and snowboarding. Consider strapping on a pair of snow shoes for a cross country adventure, take the kids to the local ice skating rink for some family fun, or grab some hot chocolate and your sweetheart and bundle up on a romantic sleigh ride for two.

When thoughts of Whistler cross the mind most think of a winter destination, but did you know that Whistler has as much to offer in the summer as they do in the winter? There is a Robert Trent Jones golf course that is rated #1 in all of Canada. For those seeking a more physical challenge try hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, or my personal favorite, the zip trek. For the die-hard skier there is even glacier heli-skiing available.

After a day of extreme adventure or a spectacular day of shopping, kick back and enjoy all that the village of Whistler has to offer. With restaurants to suit all taste and budgets and nightlife for those looking to dance the night away, Whistler has something for everyone. Young and old, families and honeymooners, winter or summer, come find out for yourself the magic of Whistler.

Virtuoso travel advisors share their top island getaways, from tropical havens to cosmopolitan escapes in the March/April Islands issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE.

1. Hawaii - The 50th state was hands down the most popular choice for tropical bliss, with Maui the top individual island. “Love the beaches, the people, the ambiance, the closeness to other islands for day trips, the sun, the golf, the food - I love it all.”
2. Tahiti - Running a close second was this South Pacific paradise, with Bora-Bora - and its overwater bungalows - receiving the most raves. “The color of the water is truly amazing, and the people are wonderful, very friendly and welcoming. I fell in love with Bora-Bora.”
3. Anguilla - “On this island in the Lesser Antilles, the people are beautiful on the inside, the beaches are beautiful on the outside, and the food is great too. I love Anguilla so much I’ve brought a boyfriend and two husbands here - not at the same time, of course.”
4. Saint Bart’s - “It has terrific beaches, amazing restaurants, great live music, and the local people are eclectic and fun. I love to stay in a villa with a pool and visit a different beach each day. It is also a perfect island for celebrity spotting.”
5. Vancouver Island - “It may not be tropical, but it has so many opportunities to experience nature: temperate rain forest, fjords, wild sea life, storms blowing in off the Pacific. It is one of the world’s most diverse, gorgeous places.”
6. Fiji - “It’s so remote and romantic. You can walk out of your beachfront bure and hop into the water for a swim or snorkel. The Fijians make a stay very special and are truly the most friendly and hospitable people on earth.”
7. Barbados - “What better combination is there than white sand and blue sparkling water? Add to that luxurious resorts with fabulous spas and golf courses, loads of colorful festivals, and sunken ships to explore by tank or snorkel, and there’s no reason to go anywhere else.”
8. Tasmania - “With a third of the island designated as national parkland, the unspoiled scenery is spectacular. From lakes to beaches and forests, you can hike, ride horseback, swim, fish, kayak, scuba dive, and spot wildlife. The island’s cool-climate wines are excellent, and Tassie has some of the nicest people you will find anywhere.”
9. Easter Island - “The peace and serenity of the place are overwhelming. The guides are fantastic, the food outstanding, the scenery breathtaking, and the people wonderful. The sky is so blue and the ocean even bluer. It’s a great place for couples or families.”
10. Nevis - “It’s the kind of place where you don’t need those few days to unwind. You can relax as soon as you arrive. A hammock on the beach is all I need, but there are guided hikes, golf and spa at the Four Seasons, plantation houses to visit or stay at, and a ferry that visits nearby Saint Kitts.”
11. Aitutaki - “One of the Cook Islands, Aitutaki is one of my favorite places on earth. You can walk in the knee-high water for miles, find conches the size of a sink, feel like you are alone, and totally rejuvenate.”
12. Bali - “The Balinese radiate a spiritual beauty. I love the emerald green rice paddies, the haunting music of gamelan, and watching the women balance stacks of fruit on their heads as they glide gracefully toward a Hindu ceremony at one of the mini-temples on the island.”
13. Bermuda - “There’s so much to see and do, with scenery, history, charm, and year-round temperate weather. Everything is clean, the people are gracious, and it has a great economy.”
14. Capri - “I love Capri for its great views and Italian charm. If you spend time here, you discover places that entice you to return. It’s wonderful to sit in the piazza and sip an espresso or wander the narrow streets. The pizza here is the best anywhere.”
15. Santorini - “This Greek isle is always at the top of my list, with is whitehead cliffside dwellings overlooking the most unusual shade of blue in the caldera. Spend the day sightseeing and shopping; come late afternoon, trek to the village of Oia to watch the sunset, then enjoy a dinner of fabulous local food, topped off with a little singing and dancing.