Populated by hydroids, jellyfish-like predators with delicate tendrils resembling flowers and ferns, this glade is part of an ecosystem that scientists know very little about. With climate change making its most extreme impacts at the poles, however, the future of creatures living in undersea gardens like this one could be in jeopardy. That’s what makes Bardout’s latest mission, dubbed Deeplife, so important.

Along with his wife, Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout, Bardout is the co-founder and co-director of Under the Pole, a nonprofit organization dedicated to exploring the world’s oceans and spreading awareness about the unique ecosystems found there. With a host of factors threatening aquatic life, from acidification and rising sea temperatures to plastic pollution and overfishing, there has never been a more important time to undertake this work, the Bardouts say.

“If we cut down a forest on land, we lose the habitat of thousands of species that are essential to biodiversity,” explains Périé-Bardout. “Underwater, it’s the same, but the difference is we don’t see our marine forests. The idea of Deeplife is to make the invisible visible.”

With help from Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative, which promotes exploration to preserve the natural world, Deeplife is dedicated to expanding scientific knowledge of marine animal forests in the oceans’ mesophotic zone.

Located between the ocean’s brightly lit shallow waters and its deepest, darkest depths, a wide array of marine life makes its home here, and much of it can be found nowhere else. While shallower depths of the oceans have been explored for decades, it’s only recently, thanks to advancements in diving technology, that scientists have begun to explore this region.

The mission to Svalbard is the first of three such expeditions the Bardouts and their team will undertake between 2022 and 2023, and while each will present unique challenges, exploring under the Arctic ice pack requires particular skill. Adding to the complexity is the challenge of operating from an aluminum-hulled schooner sailboat, the WHY. While it’s able to accommodate 12 crew members and the supplies for an extended voyage, there is little room for error when navigating a small craft through such dangerous terrain.

“Compared to sailing in other parts of the world, each mistake can cost a lot,” says Emmanuelle. “It combines the most difficult things you can imagine; complicated weather, ice, and isolation.”

The dives themselves — which far exceed the recreational diving depth of 30 metres — require both extensive training and highly specialized gear. “These are really tough, really difficult dives,” says Bardout. “The cold is something that hurts, and that wears out the teams. It requires particularly substantial equipment.”

Among the equipment most crucial to their mission in Svalbard are rebreather suits, which extend the time divers can spend under the water by recycling exhaled CO2. Another advantage to the rebreathers is that, unlike conventional scuba gear, they don’t emit bubbles, which can disturb animals and their delicate habitats on the sea floor.

After discovering the arctic marine forest, the Deeplife team spent the next 10 days on-site, installing sensors, taking samples, and recording data. The specimens recovered from the forest were then packed aboard the WHY for their return journey to France, where they were handed off to scientists for further study.

The team’s next missions will take them to the Canary Islands and the Caribbean, where they will study corals. Then, they’ll sail back to the team’s headquarters in Concarneau, France in the summer of 2023.

Despite the success of their expedition in Svalbard, Deeplife’s larger mission only begins once they return home and share their findings with the world. By raising awareness of ecosystems like the Arctic marine forests and the existential threats that face them, the Bardouts and their team hope to create a future in which humans live in greater harmony with the planet.

“We have the obligation to work for this change for future generations, to leave behind a living world for them tomorrow so that they too have the possibility to be enriched by it, inspired by it, and dream,” says Ghislain.

The post Perpetual Planet Initiative: Rolex Supports Scientists On Arctic Adventure appeared first on Sharp Magazine.

The hotel’s corridors are lined with luxury.

Bulgari Tokyo Hotel lobby.

Symmetrical entryway on the 45th floor.

Ride up the Bulgari Tokyo Hotel elevator.

The Bulgari Tokyo Hotel takes up the 40th and 45th floors of the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu building.

Italian Luxury in the Heart of Tokyo

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The hotel’s corridors are lined with luxury.

Italian Luxury in the Heart of Tokyo

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Bulgari Tokyo Hotel lobby.

Italian Luxury in the Heart of Tokyo

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Symmetrical entryway on the 45th floor.

Italian Luxury in the Heart of Tokyo

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Ride up the Bulgari Tokyo Hotel elevator.

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The Bulgari Tokyo Hotel takes up the 40th and 45th floors of the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu building.

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The building is located in Tokyo’s Chiyoda district, a special ward containing the Imperial Palace as well as numerous parks and museums, making the location convenient for tourists and sightseers. The opulent Ginza and historic Nihonbashi shopping districts are also located nearby.

The two floors of the hotel are filled with many familiar cornerstones of Bulgari luxury – a 1,500-metre spa where visitors can indulge in the latest trending treatments and therapies, the signature Bulgari vitality pool, a fireplace lounge and outdoor terrace, the Bulgari Bar, and two different restaurants. Also present are two ballrooms and a wedding salon, for guests who’d like to host their events and celebrations in the hotel, as well as 98 different rooms and suites – all of it healthily doused in the warm, refined sophistication that the brand is known for. 

Signature Bulgari vitality pool.

Fireplace lounge.

Bulgari Tokyo Hotel’s terrace glows.

Outdoor terrace on floor 45.

Bulgari Tokyo Hotel bar.

Bulgari Tokyo Hotel bar.

Bulgari Tokyo Hotel ballroom.

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Signature Bulgari vitality pool.

Italian Luxury in the Heart of Tokyo

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Fireplace lounge.

Italian Luxury in the Heart of Tokyo

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Bulgari Tokyo Hotel’s terrace glows.

Italian Luxury in the Heart of Tokyo

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Outdoor terrace on floor 45.

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Bulgari Tokyo Hotel bar.

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Bulgari Tokyo Hotel bar.

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Bulgari Tokyo Hotel ballroom.

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The interior design was handled by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel of APCV Architects, who have worked on all Bulgari’s other hotels. “All Bulgari hotels have in common a reinterpretation of luxury based on a new perception of quality — quality that passes from the choice of materials to the design of each piece of furniture,” Viel says of what unites their work. Luxury doesn’t need to mean a brash lavishness; it can mean the simple opulence of an intentionally designed, high-quality space.

This idea of quality-based luxury is obvious within all of the hotel’s spaces. Inside a long ballroom, warm, earthy tones cover the panelled walls, carpeted floors, and pleated curtains. Strategically placed slim mirrors, along with lines of dark colour criss-crossing the windows and ceiling, make the room seem like it stretches on endlessly. Elegant golden patterns across the floor and curtains inject a definitive Bulgari tone into the room. “The aesthetic identity that distinguishes Bulgari is design that’s not interested in creating trophies — instead, it aims to create unique experiences,” says Viel. 

The rooms and suites are populated by furniture from well-known Italian luxury brands like Flexform, B&B Italia, and Maxalto. Select other items are crafted by local Japanese artisans. The furniture is effortlessly tasteful, at once contemporary and timeless — round end tables with slim legs triangulating outwards, pine-toned cabinets that blend into the wall, discreet armchairs and couches in appealing grey tones. The furnishings, rather than popping out aggressively, melt into the tones of the room and become seamless parts of the space’s luxurious flow.

Bulgari Tokyo Hotel bedroom.

Bulgari Tokyo Hotel suite.

Bulgari Tokyo Hotel suite.

Bulgari Tokyo Hotel suite.

Bulgari Tokyo Hotel suite.

Bulgari Tokyo Hotel guest bedroom.

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Bulgari Tokyo Hotel bedroom.

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Bulgari Tokyo Hotel suite.

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Bulgari Tokyo Hotel suite.

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Bulgari Tokyo Hotel suite.

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Bulgari Tokyo Hotel suite.

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Bulgari Tokyo Hotel guest bedroom.

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“We wanted to create a place of elegance where guests can find not just comfort and luxury, but also a sense of warm homeliness,” Viel explains. “Comfort is not only a physical sensation, but also an atmosphere — a sensation of being in the right place and the desire to stay there.”

The bathrooms of the suites are designed to dazzle. Sand-coloured tiles cover much of the walls and floors, presenting a bit of a lighter, refreshing contrast to the rooms. Two sinks are set side-by-side like marble pillars, spiderwebbed by beautiful dark veins. Giant mirrors that stretch across nearly an entire wall reflect a segment of the opposite wall, where abstract geometric patterns over off-white marble look simultaneously like stone seams and Rorschach tests, at once natural and artistic. The entire room brings to mind feats of classical Italian art as well as the Mediterranean coast — a perfect place to begin the day.

Both of the hotel’s restaurants are staples of the Bulgari hotel empire: Il Ristorante Niko Romito, present in all of their hotels, and Sushi Hoseki, which started at their Dubai resort. Three-time Michelin Star-winning chef Kenji Gyoten will be overseeing the latter, an intimate gastronomy-focused concept restaurant with only eight seats that look onto a private Japanese rock garden. After dinner, guests can relax in the vitality pool, held in one of the hotel’s most modernist rooms; the pool’s glimmering green waters are surrounded by dark-toned stones and woods, while bright white massage beds and candles line the floor – all of it speaking to relaxation and rejuvenation.

Il Ristorante Niko Romito

Private dining room.

Il Ristorante Niko Romito

Sushi Hoseki.

The pool’s glimmering green waters are surrounded by dark-toned stones and woods.

Italian Luxury in the Heart of Tokyo

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Il Ristorante Niko Romito

Italian Luxury in the Heart of Tokyo

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Private dining room.

Italian Luxury in the Heart of Tokyo

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Il Ristorante Niko Romito

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Sushi Hoseki.

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The pool’s glimmering green waters are surrounded by dark-toned stones and woods.

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To bring Bulgari’s signature style to international locations, the designers think it’s paramount to “establish harmonies and dialogues with the urban surroundings and local culture,” says Viel. In this case, that meant integrating aspects of Japanese aesthetics by using materials like elm and hinoki woods, and sourcing artisanal fabrics from Kyoto textile company Hosoo.

Though Bulgari’s hotels may incorporate aspects of the local culture, all of their locations are driven by the idea of Italian luxury. Viel says what this means is simple: “elegance, comfort, and gioia di vivere.” In the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, it’s clear that all three qualities abound.  

The post Tokyo Calling: A New Bulgari Hotel Brings Italian Luxury to the Heart of Japan appeared first on Sharp Magazine.

Art’otel Battersea, London

Art’otel Battersea, London

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Art’otel Battersea, London

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Art’otel Battersea, London

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Art’otel Battersea, London

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Art’otel Battersea, London

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Almost 50 years after being decommissioned, and less than a year after reopening as a major shopping, dining and entertainment destination, South West London’s iconic Battersea Power Station is now home to the 164-room Art’otel. The luxe property is set in Battersea Roof Gardens, a new 16-storey building designed by Foster + Partners that’s part of Electric Boulevard, a collection of homes, offices and a new pedestrian high street. The Art’otel’s rooftop bar, meanwhile, includes a heated infinity pool and hot tub from which to take in panoramic views of the British capital.

Bvlgari Hotel Rome

Bvlgari Hotel Rome

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Bvlgari Hotel Rome

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Bvlgari Hotel Rome

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Bvlgari Hotel Rome

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Bvlgari Hotel Rome

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Bvlgari Hotel Rome

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Bvlgari Hotel Rome

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Steps from its flagship jewelry boutique in central Rome’s Campaign Marzio neighborhood, luxury brand Bvlgari is opening a new 100-room hotel in a monumental building designed by architect Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo in the 1930s. Clad in traditional Roman materials such as Travertine marble and red brick, the hotel’s rationalist origins have been revamped by Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, which used large swaths of colour to emphasize existing flourishes such as a 70-square-meter Ferruccio Ferrazzi mosaic depicting the Roman foundation myth. The five-star property is also home to Il Ristorante, curated by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito, and The Bvlgari Bar, both of which provide panoramic views of the Eternal City from the hotel’s top floor.

andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Bhutan

andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Bhutan

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andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Bhutan

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andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Bhutan

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andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Bhutan

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andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Bhutan

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Set on the banks of the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley, andBeyond’s first Asian lodge draws inspiration from its glorious natural surroundings. Its six tented suites are inventively suspended within a traditional Bhutanese timber structure, while a two-room Family Villa and one-bedroom Villa both come with private pools. A nearby suspension bridge leads over the river to scenic walking trails — should anyone want to leave.

The Ned Doha

The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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The Ned Doha

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Originally designed in the 1960s by Lebanese architect William Sednaoui, the former site of Doha’s Ministry of the Interior has been spectacularly revamped by David Chipperfield Architects of London. Spanning five floors and facing the Al Corniche Waterfront, the building is now fronted by water features, contemporary sculptures, and a striking pergola. All 90 rooms feature balconies offering views of the city or Arabian Gulf, with six restaurants and a rooftop spa on hand to nourish and pamper.

The Homestead, South Africa

The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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The Homestead, South Africa

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Set as it is in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, the Homestead was designed by Dean Jay Architects to complement the surrounding natural landscape. Built using local ironstone, its central feature is an elevated 180-metre-long structure that connects to a natural escarpment and lake. The roof, meanwhile, is covered with the same grass growing in nearby grasslands.  The 12 luxury lodges within the property, half of which include private infinity pools, are complemented by a spa, fitness centre, communal infinity pool, various dining venues, and meeting and event spaces.

Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Habitas San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Situated amid hot springs and walking trails on the outskirts of this World Heritage Site, this new property’s 60 rooms are arranged around a gathering place called La Troje. Designed to host events ranging from concerts to weddings, the eye-catching “agora” can accommodate up to 700 guests. Enclosed in limestone, the 60 opulent guest rooms include private terraces and gardens. A stylish “beach club,” meanwhile, includes a second restaurant and dedicated wellness centre with natural swimming pools, hot springs, and a temazcal.

Mondrian Singapore

Mondrian Singapore

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Mondrian Singapore

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Mondrian Singapore

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Mondrian Singapore

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Mondrian Singapore

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With a terracotta roof and colonial-style window shutters, the first three floors of Singapore’s 300-room Mondrian hotel provide both a contemporary take on the city-state’s iconic shophouses and the property’s toniest accommodations in loft suites. DP Architects’ strikingly modern tower houses the remaining guestrooms, along with a rooftop pool, restaurant and speakeasy bar with a hidden entrance. The hotel’s two sections are connected by a terrace with lush landscaping that befits the Garden City.

Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia

Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia

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Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia

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Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia

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Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia

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Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia

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The GFAB Architects team pays homage to the eye-catching cone-shaped roofs that adorn traditional Sumbanese villages with their work on this eco-conscious haven on the under-the-radar island of Sumba. Comprising 47 rooms, 20 villas, and a three-hectare farm, Kap Karoso is set on its namesake beach, which must be one of the world’s finest stretches of sand. Other hotel amenities include artist ateliers, a Kid’s Club, an open-air cinema, spa, gym and yoga platform.

One&Only Aesthesis, Athens

One&Only Aesthesis, Athens

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One&Only Aesthesis, Athens

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One&Only Aesthesis, Athens

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One&Only Aesthesis, Athens

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One&Only Aesthesis, Athens

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This 21-hectare beachfront estate is set in a 6-hectare forest reserve on the dramatic Glyfada seafront. The work of A6Architects beautifully blends mid-century elegance with inspiration from ancient mythology and local culture, with the 127-room hideaway also home to a decadent Chenot Spa.

Bowie House, Fort Worth, Texas

Bowie House, Fort Worth, Texas

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Bowie House, Fort Worth, Texas

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Anchoring a 30-block promenade of acclaimed museums, restaurants and boutiques, Bowie House brought in the architects at BOKA Powell to incorporate traditional Texan finishes and traces of Spanish architecture into a four-storey boutique hotel featuring 88 rooms, 18 suites, and a 2,250-square-foot signature suite. At grade, a colonnaded lobby adds a touch of traditional classical architecture and welcomes guests and locals alike with an array of places to gather and socialize. Dining options will include a signature restaurant facing a private garden with outdoor seating, a lobby bar and lounge, and a terrace bar. A barn-inspired spa, fitness center and outdoor pool and bar unfurl across a second-floor terrace completely ensconced in nature.

Raffles London at the OWO

Raffles London at the OWO

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Raffles London at the OWO

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Raffles London at the OWO

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Raffles London at the OWO

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Fans of the James Bond film franchise may recognize Raffles’s first hotel in the United Kingdom. After all, the architectural masterpiece it calls home — the “Old War Office” in London’s Whitehall neighbourhood — has appeared in Skyfall, Spectre, License to Kill, A View to a Kill, Octopussy, and most recently, No Time To Die. Along with 120 suites and 86 residences, Raffles at the OWO will feature nine restaurants, three bars, and a Guerlain spa.

The post Singapore to San Miguel — 11 Stunning New Hotels Opening in 2023 appeared first on Sharp Magazine.

All that in mind, these better known destinations certainly aren’t “ruined” by having an economy fed by tourism; it’s quite the contrary, really. Bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues are cropping up more and more frequently in places where they previously may have been unlikely to survive.

Back in 2022 I was fortunate enough to return and explore the city after a decade of hiatus, prior to which, the city had been a regular and frequent destination. As a Torontonian, sitting at my desk facing as yet another winter blizzard takes settles in, it seemed as good a time as any to reflect on warmer times, and daydream of another trek to the Côte d’Azur. While not a tip-to-tail guide (we’d rather you embrace the adventure and explore unguided), consider this your handful of “must eat/drink/visit” stops on your next trip.

Plage Beau Rivage

Plage Beau Rivage

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Plage Beau Rivage

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Plage Beau Rivage

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Plage Beau Rivage

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Plage Beau Rivage

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One of the things you’ll immediately notice as you drive along the waterfront from the airport is the sheer volume of serviced beach properties in Nice. While some are standalone businesses, offering lounge chair rentals, drinks, and snacks, others — like the Plage Beau Rivage — are tied to hotel properties in the city. I’ve hopped from one beach to the other over many a visit, and without a doubt the Plage Beau Rivage blows its competition out of the water. Better food, better drinks, better service, DJs playing beach house sets on many afternoon/evenings, the Beau Rivage just does things different. It’s also one of the only beaches (perhaps even the only beach) that offers rentable private cabanas, which are absolutely worth the splurge.

Pablo Bar

Pablo Bar

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Pablo Bar

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Pablo Bar

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Pablo Bar

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Pablo Bar

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Pablo Bar

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Tucked into a space that almost looks abandoned on a corner of Rue de la Buffa, Pablo Bar was one of the best little surprises the city provided on my last visit. The covert cocktail bar takes the overplayed “speakeasy” model and flips it on its head, delivering a vibe you’d expect if it had been Pablo Escobar’s secret hideaway in Nice. Even though it runs adjacent the city’s tourist-laden pedestrian zone, Pablo Bar is more of a spot for locals.

Le Canon

Le Canon

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Le Canon

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Le Canon

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Le Canon

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Another relative newcomer, Le Canon delivers an impeccable locally-sourced farm to table menu paired with one of the more extensive organic and biodynamic wine lists I’ve seen in ages. Its small crew of staff are incredibly well-versed in what’s on offer, so don’t shy away from asking for recommendations — a lot of the wines don’t see export outside of France. It’s not especially easy to get a table, so you’re best to try for a reservation ahead of travel if you can.

Le Chantecler, Negresco Hotel

Le Chantecler, Negresco Hotel

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Le Chantecler, Negresco Hotel

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Le Chantecler, Negresco Hotel

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Le Chantecler, Negresco Hotel

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Le Chantecler, Negresco Hotel

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There’s no building more iconic on the French Riviera than the Negresco Hotel, and no more legendary a restaurant in Nice than Le Chantecler, which graces the hotel’s main floor. The room itself and the level of service it provides is a time capsule of a bygone era of luxury, and the dichotomy created between this and its modern fine dining menu makes for a remarkable and memorable experience. After a change in staffing, the restaurant moved from two Michelin stars to one, but under the guidance of Chef Virginie Basselot there’s little doubt the second star will be reclaimed before long.

Le Plongeoir

Le Plongeoir

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Le Plongeoir

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Le Plongeoir

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Le Plongeoir

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Making the case for Le Plongeoir is going to be debated by some, but the location and view combined with a healthy wine list and a great meal means it’s still deserving of recognition. Over a century ago, someone had the peculiar idea of building a fake ship on a little coastal rock spire. Much more recently (ahead of its opening in 2015), the iconic outpost was rebuilt into the stunning outdoor dining location that thrives to this day. It’s by no means a “hidden gem”, but rather an icon for good reason.

The post Eat, Drink, & Chill Like a Local in Nice, France appeared first on Sharp Magazine.

According to the Canadian Ski Council, participation in snow sports increased by 360,000 people over the 2021-22 season, with the 8.3 percent of Canucks who took part producing the highest participation rate in 20 years.

This impressive growth owes much to strong showings by Canada’s busiest and most accessible ski areas, which drew neophytes in droves. If you prefer your mountainsides to be drove-free, however, look no further than the nine under-the-radar options explored here.

Red Mountain Resort, B.C.

Red Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Red Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Red Mountain Resort, B.C.

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The southernmost stop on B.C.’s world-famous Powder Highway has come a long way since unveiling Western Canada’s first chairlift in 1947. Home to 3,850 acres of snowy goodness spanning five Monashee peaks, Red is now among North America’s 10 largest ski areas. It opened one of the most buzz-worthy slopeside hotels in North America in 2018 (more on that below), and two years later joined the multi-resort Ikon Pass program. That said, Red remains a literal and figurative outlier, with ramshackle ski club huts and defunct mine shafts dotting its slopes, and the nearest reliable Canadian airport, in Kelowna, being at least three hours away by car.

Visitors who want to take their skiing to the next level can stroll over to Big Red Cats for a full serving of guided off-piste adventure spanning eight nearby mountains. Encompassing some of the best glade and tree skiing on the planet, much of BRC’s 20,000-acre tenure is suitable for intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders.

Where to stay: Red’s world-class skiing and snowboarding has always been worth the extra travel time, with the opening of the Josie Hotel only adding to the rewards. Combine 106 upscale guest rooms and suites with the stylish Velvet Restaurant and Lounge and in-house ski valet service, and the Josie’s $40-million price tag sure seems like money well spent.

Where to après: Named after an ill-fated flying machine that crashed nearby, the Flying Steamshovel’s double-digit craft beer taps, B.C.-focused wine list, hand-crafted cocktails and menu of locally-sourced gastropub fare are welcome additions to Rossland, the lively mountain town five minutes from Red.

Le Massif de Charlevoix, Quebec

Le Massif de Charlevoix, Quebec

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Le Massif de Charlevoix, Quebec

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Le Massif de Charlevoix, Quebec

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An hour’s drive northeast of Quebec City, the Canadian ski area with the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies is as unusual as it is isolated.

For one thing, there’s parking at both the base and summit of Le Massif. For another, keen-eyed skiers can spot minke, beluga and humpback whales frolicking in the St. Lawrence River below. Le Massif is also home to Mount Liguori, a pristine peak that lacks lifts and is never groomed. Accessible on touring skis, split-snowboards or snowshoes, the untracked powder covering Liguori’s steep, forested terrain rewards those intrepid visitors who reach one of three summits under their own power. Think off-piste adventures only happen out west in Canada? Think again.

Last but not least, Canada’s first all-inclusive ski lodgings opened on its lower slopes in late 2021. On that note…

Where to stay: Home to 302 rooms and suites, including 25 extra-opulent Exclusive Collection digs, the $130-million Club Med Québec Charlevoix consolidates all the elements of a ski vacation in one tidy package. Lift tickets and lessons? Check. Wining and dining? Yes, at the all-day buffet and at four window-lined restaurants and bars. Resting and relaxing? The window-lined indoor pool and outdoor hot tubs help tick both those boxes.

Where to après: Located on the only road leading to and from Club Med, the restaurant in the adorable Auberge le Four a Pain serves a three-course table d’hote starring filet mignon, grilled salmon or seafood fettuccine.

Pass privileges: Mountain Collective pass holders receive two free days at Le Massif with no blackout dates.

Nakiska, Alberta

Nakiska, Alberta

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Nakiska, Alberta

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Nakiska, Alberta

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Nakiska, Alberta

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Nakiska, Alberta

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Nakiska, Alberta

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Nakiska, Alberta

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Nakiska, Alberta

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Nakiska, Alberta

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Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, this low-key resort in Kananaskis Country wins gold medals for scenery, fun and comfort. Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies, Nakiska offers a variety of terrain including superbly groomed Olympic-length cruisers, a beginner-friendly area, and the Monster Glades, the largest tree-skiing area in the Alberta Rockies. An hour from Calgary by car, the mountain is also close to the world-class dining, accommodation, and spas of Kananaskis Village.

Where to stay: The Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge combines the luxuries of an Autograph Collection property with roomy suites ranging up to 795 square feet and an indoor water park. Speaking of water…

Where to après: Steps from the Pomeroy, the 4,600-square-metre Kananaskis Nordic Spa offers various hot and cold plunge pools, saunas and steam rooms, a saltwater float pool, heated hammocks, and more. The in-house Two Trees Bistro serves locally-sourced sharing platters, small plates, herbal teas, and espresso drinks, as well as wines and craft beers such as a refreshing Rutting Elk Red Ale brewed in nearby Canmore.

Pass privileges: Epic Pass holders have access to seven days at Nakiska with no blackout dates.

Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C.

Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Panorama is an oasis of sorts. Its 1,152 hectares of skiable terrain and 1,225-metre vertical put it in the same league as North America’s largest ski and snowboard resorts, yet its uncrowded slopes are worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Banff to the north, or the Okanagan region to the west. There’s more to the oasis theme than serenity, what with Canada’s largest slopeside hot-pool complex on hand. It’s a wonder the place isn’t more crowded, with superbly balanced runs ranging from the beginner slopes of the Discovery Zone to the steep-and-deep exhilaration of Taynton Bowl. Panorama is also one of the few places in North America that serves up heli-skiing right out of its resort village, with RK Heliski giving guests access to 1,500 square kilometres of pristine mountain and glacier terrain.

Where to stay: Of the myriad slopside lodgings in Panorama’s village, Panorama Springs Lodge stands out for its upscale amenities and for providing direct access to the hot-pools complex.

Where to après: The mountaintop Summit Hut takes après-ski fondue to literal new heights. Dip baby potatoes, roasted garlic, steamed vegetables and baguette in a decadent Swiss cheese blend, and then do likewise with fresh fruit and rich melted chocolate. Sit with a glass of local riesling, watch the sunset, then click into your gear for a guided run down to the village below.

Pass privileges: Ikon Pass holders have access to seven days at Panorama with no blackout dates. Mountain Collective pass holders receive two free days with no blackout dates.

Owl’s Head, Quebec

Owl’s Head, Quebec

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Owl’s Head, Quebec

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Owl’s Head, Quebec

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Owl’s Head, Quebec

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While the mountain’s measurements are similar to those of other ski areas in the hilly Eastern Townships region south of Montreal — 50 runs, 540 vertical metres and 163 skiable acres — Owl’s Head stands out with a single high-speed quad that climbs to its scenic summit overlooking the serpentine Lake Memphremagog. From there, extensively gladed double-blacks intersect intermediate runs that meander down a peak named after an ancient Abenaki chief. The slopes serviced by two more quads on the resort’s sunny southern flank are ideal for catching some rays, with top-to-bottom snowmaking helping to keep the slopes powdery.

Where to stay: Set on the top floor of the base area’s main public chalet, the comfortably-equipped MTN Haus hotel provides guests with direct access to ski gear and equipment rental shops, and perhaps most importantly, to…

Where to après:  The MTN Haus Resto-Bar offers a casually stylish spot to bury yourself in the “Avalanche of nachos” or sip an “English Redhead” from the nearby Farnham microbrewery.

Marmot Basin, Alberta  

Marmot Basin, Alberta  

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Marmot Basin, Alberta  

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Marmot is conspicuously devoid of slopeside development owing to its spectacular setting in Jasper National Park. From the top of the Knob Chair to the base of the Canadian Rockies Express — the longest high-speed quadruple chairlift in the Canadian Rockies — Marmot’s high-alpine bowls, pulse-pounding chutes and tree-lined cruisers are about as pristine as it gets.

Jasper was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, and for good reason: its dramatic waterfalls, deep canyons, pristine lakes and shimmering glaciers are surrounded by snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks like the 2,612-metre giant covered with Marmot’s 86 trails — and no condos whatsoever. 

Where to stay: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s luxurious collection of cabins surrounds an aptly-named Great Hall where a towering central fireplace warms toes while the in-house gastropub does likewise to cockles.

Where to après: Tucked into the Fairmont’s lavish shopping concourse, Oka Sushi serves incredibly fresh seafood – given that the closest ocean is about 800 kilometres away – with their Jasper Roll combining crabmeat and shrimp with a spicy secret sauce.

Pass privileges: Mountain Collective pass holders receive two free days at Marmot with no blackout dates.

Sun Peaks, B.C.

Sun Peaks, B.C.

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Sun Peaks, B.C.

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Sun Peaks, B.C.

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Sun Peaks, B.C.

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Sun Peaks, B.C.

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Sun Peaks, B.C.

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A ski resort must be doing something right for a public school to open on its slopes. Such is the case with Sun Peaks, which in 2015 became Canada’s second-largest ski and snowboard destination after a 200-hectare expansion on two of its three mountains. The resort village, meanwhile, is a textbook example of how to arrange accommodations, restaurants, shops and more in a picturesque and convenient manner. Leave it to Mother Nature to do the rest, with 2,000-plus hours of sunshine and nearly six metres of snow piling up annually.

Visitors can also ski with Olympic champion Nancy Greene, a former Canadian senator and an Ambassador for Tourism Sun Peaks. Nancy takes part in the complimentary Sun Hosts program three days a week, so if you dream of skiing with a gold-medallist – and getting technique tips from one too – this is your chance.

Where to stay: With three outdoor hot tubs and an indoor entrance to a heated outdoor pool, the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Residences is the ideal venue for soothing tired ski legs.

Where to après: A lively mix of locals and visitors come to Bottoms Bar & Grill for local craft brews, oversized cocktails, and pub-style comfort food.

Pass privileges: Ikon Pass holders have access to seven days at Sun Peaks with no blackout dates.

Marble Mountain, Newfoundland

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Size matters when it comes to skiing, and with 39 runs covering 64 hectares Marble Mountain is by far the largest ski area in Atlantic Canada. It also ranks fifth in Eastern Canada in terms of vertical, with the 519-metre drop outclassing anything in Ontario. But personality goes a long way too, and that’s where Marble really shines. Where else, for instance, can you trade your skis for a harness and zipline from the crest of thundering waterfalls to the bottom of a colossal gorge?

Where to stay: Steps from the slopes and five minutes by car from downtown Corner Brook, which just happens to be Canada’s snowiest city, the Marble Inn & Suites overlooks the rushing Humber River and includes a soothing saltwater spa and two cosy eateries.

Where to après: Marble’s gorgeous post-and-beam base lodge is home to the Knotty Pine Lounge, where a shot of screech is pretty much required before clipping onto the aforementioned zipline.

Photos courtesy of redresort.com (Ryan Flett and Ashley Voykin), Le Massif, Adam Bisby, Marmot, Sun Peaks, and Marble

Apex Mountain Resort, B.C.

Apex Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Apex Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Apex Mountain Resort, B.C.

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Apex Mountain Resort, B.C.

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A 30-minute drive from Penticton on the west side of winery-lined Okanagan Lake, Apex combines sunny skies with an average of 600 centimetres of snow each winter. Beginner and intermediate runs abound, with double-black chutes and glades testing the skills of even the most experienced skiers and riders. No skills are required for the resort’s undulating Tube Park, while a kilometre-long skating loop through a picturesque pine forest provides a leisurely option for anyone taking a break from the slopes. The 56 cross-country skiing trails, meanwhile, add to Apex’s active, outdoorsy vibe.

Where to stay: The resort’s boutique (and pet-friendly) namesake lodge offers 10 ski-in/ski-out rooms of varying configurations, along with a self-contained (and fireplace-equipped) four-bedroom suite.

Where to apres: Just when you think the two-level Gunbarrel Saloon is just another extremely lively ski bar, someone orders its trademark Gunbarrel Coffee and out comes a shotgun, the barrels of which guide flaming Grand Marnier into a sugar-rimmed goblet of coffee, brandy, and creme de cacao.

Pass privileges: Indy Pass holders receive two free days at Apex with no blackout dates.

Photos courtesy of redresort.com (Ryan Flett and Ashley Voykin), Le Massif, Adam Bisby, Marmot Basin, Sun Peaks, Marble, Apex, Panorama, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, Owl’s Head, and Marriott Hotels & Resorts

The post Have the Mountain All to Yourself at These Canadian Ski Destinations appeared first on Sharp Magazine.

The Coziest Vacation Spot — Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta

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You don’t need to be a complete snow bunny or avid skier to appreciate Jasper in the wintertime but it certainly helps. There’s been some heavy snow accumulation in the Rockies this year, so it’s a good time to get out there. Immerse yourself in the Canadian Rockies and soak up everything it has to offer — specifically Fairmont’s Jasper Park Lodge, located amid the mountains of Jasper National Park. Put on a pair of fuzzy socks or slippers — and get ready to relax fireside — and/or mountain side, all weekend long at this luxurious and ultra-cozy hotel.

The Most Relaxing Spa — Strom Spa Nordique

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Nothing says romance quite like the gift of utter relaxation. Gift your partner the ultimate Zen experience at none other than Strom Spa Nordique — particularly their scenic Old Quebec location. With an extensive service menu, a rejuvenating thermal experience, and even special offers when you pair gastronomy and treatment packages, your partner is in for a real treat no matter what you choose. Get ready to let out a big, and necessary sigh of relief — a testament to your newfound relaxation, coupled with the feeling of satisfaction that comes with picking out the perfect gift. Ahhh.

The Wine Lover’s Lessons — Accredited Wine Courses from WSET

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Should both yourself and your beloved be wine aficionados with a thirst for knowledge, a thorough introductory course to the world of winemaking is an unorthodox yet clever gifting option. There are plenty of options out there, though our outlook has long been that if you’re going the route of education, it’s best to be trained by an organization that is nationally or internationally accredited. WSET is one of the few standards in North America when it comes to sommelier training, and their one-day Level One class covers all of the essentials. You’ll learn about tasting notes, pairings, different varietals, and other fundamentals of the wine world.

The Tastiest Cocktail Recipe — Rose Gin Negroni

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Maybe, between hectic work schedules and other life events, a grand adventure isn’t in the cards right now. Sometimes a quiet night at home with one’s partner, relaxing, throwing on a movie, and enjoying a well-crafted cocktail is all that’s really needed to say “I love you”. If that’s this year’s angle of approach, Dillon’s Small Batch Rose Gin brings a little hint of traditional Valentine’s Day vibes to the table. There are a few good ways to mix it, but we’d start out with this delicious Rose Gin Negroni:

• 1 ounce Dillon’s Rose Gin
• 1 ounce Dillon’s Sweet Vermouth
• 1 ounce Aperitivo (you could use Select for this if you want!)
• 2-3 dashes Dillon’s Ginger Bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Dried rose petals, for garnish

1. Add all of the ingredients to a mixing glass. Add ice and stir for 20 to 30 seconds.
2. Place a large cube in your rocks glass and strain cocktail into the glass.
3. Garnish with either a large orange peel or dried rose petals (or both).

The Sexiest Ski Getaway — Sun Peaks, B.C.

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Sun Peaks became Canada’s second-largest ski and snowboard destination in 2015 after a 200-hectare expansion on two of its three mountains. And its resort village has everything in the way of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and more in a convenient layout that’s also incredibly picturesque. For the ultimate V-day experience, be sure to stay at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Residences — with three outdoor hot tubs and an indoor entrance to a heated outdoor pool (and tons of dining options), there’s no sweeter place to après-ski.

The Diner’s Delight — Drifter’s Solace

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Sure, everyone’s immediate thought surrounding Valentine’s Day date nights involve a cozy table for two in a swanky little bistro somewhere, but we’re bringing something different to the table today. You see, what makes a fantastic dining experience is not only the food and the ambiance, but also the company and memories shared with others. That in mind, Chef David Salt’s private chef’s table is available for bookings of six to eight people, and delivers a culinary journey unlike most others available in Canada these days. Typically offering somewhere around eight courses, and are available with wine pairings selected by Master Sommelier Bruce Wallner (who owns Grand Cru Deli and The Sommelier Factory in the same building). Why crowd into a busy restaurant, when you have a private dinner with a handful of close friends, prepared by a chef whose resume includes residence as head chef of Michelin-starred Club Gascon in London?

The Ultimate Nature-Inspired Staycation — 1 Hotel Toronto

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With sustainability and nature at the forefront of everything they do, 1 Hotel Toronto offers a cozy and rejuvenating oasis in the heart of Toronto. With delicious dining options on-site (don’t forget to check out the Valentine’s Day specials at their 1 Kitchen) plus an incredibly chic and earthy lobby bar, they have everything and more needed to create a perfectly romantic night. Just wait until you see their guest rooms.

The post Give the Gift of Experience This Valentine’s Day appeared first on Sharp Magazine.

Palau

Palau Travel

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Palau Travel

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Palau Travel

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Palau Travel

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Palau Travel

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Learn more

When you picture a Pacific Island paradise, the azure waters and white sand beaches of this island nation are what come to mind. Located in the western Pacific, Palau’s swaying palms and Polynesian culture make it an attractive destination for anyone looking for a tropical adventure. Its leading commitment to sustainability, however, makes it a prime destination for eco-conscious travellers, too. Snorkelling among the islands’ reefs and exploring the wrecks of sunken ships and WWII aircraft are among the most popular attractions here, and the majority these waters are now protected thanks to a landmark commitment by Palau’s government in 2015. With 80% of its marine area off-limits to commercial fishing, and the remaining 20% reserved exclusively for low-impact use by locals, Palau’s pristine oceans will remain beautiful for many years to come. This, along with a pilot program that aims to make Palau the world’s first carbon-neutral tourism destination, should put it at the top of any sustainability-minded traveller’s bucket list.

Ljubljana, Slovenia 

Photo courtesy of Upsplash

Photo courtesy of Upsplash

Photo courtesy of Upsplash

Ljubljana, Slovenia 

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Photo courtesy of Upsplash

Ljubljana, Slovenia 

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Photo courtesy of Upsplash

Ljubljana, Slovenia 

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Photo courtesy of Upsplash

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Learn more

This capital of this small country nestled between Italy, Austria, and Croatia has all of the charm of old European cities like Prague and Amsterdam, including medieval castles and picturesque canals. These days, however, it’s also ranked highly among the most sustainable cities in the world for tourism. Part of this is due to the easy walkability of its car-free urban centre, which also boasts a system of free electric shuttles called “Kavalirs” that are available to cover short distances on demand. For longer distances, bike share and electric train systems ably cover the rest of the capital, keeping carbon emissions to a minimum. Thanks to a focus on sustainable growth for much of the last decade, 20% of Ljubljana is now designated as protected natural areas, and ambitious plans are in motion to transform more of the city into public spaces in the years to come. Ljubljana is also making a concerted effort to promote slow food and local ingredients in its restaurants and hotels, from traditional sausages and flatbreads to local beer and wine — all of which carry a smaller carbon footprint than foods imported from abroad.

Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado

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Vail, Colorado

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Vail, Colorado

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Vail, Colorado

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Vail, Colorado

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Vail, Colorado

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Learn more

The first rule of sustainable travel is to explore closer to home, making a trip to this famed Colorado ski town a lower-impact option than resorts overseas. Vail is known for its pristine powder and breathtaking alpine views, but it’s now making a name for itself as the world’s most sustainable mountain resort, too. The town of Vail’s path to becoming one of North America’s greenest communities goes back to the 1960s when open space was protected by its charter, and in recent decades their efforts to preserve their stunning natural surroundings have only accelerated. In 2018, Vail Mountain ski resort, in collaboration with the Town of Vail and the US Forest Service, became the first mountain resort in the world to achieve certification as a Mountain IDEAL sustainable tourist destination, and it’s now run by 100% renewable energy — much of it provided by a nearby wind farm. The resort is also on track to achieve a net-zero operating footprint by 2030. Among the other initiatives that set it apart is an innovative waste diversion program — the only one in the world of its kind — that utilizes custom gondola cabins to remove trash from the mountain, a more energy-efficient system than hauling it in trucks. It also relies on the most energy-efficient snowmaking system in the industry, using 85% less energy than conventional systems. Add in some of the best skiing in the Rockies, and you have a perfect destination for a sustainable winter getaway. 

The post Meet The World’s Most Sustainable Vacation Destinations appeared first on Sharp Magazine.

Traversing this circular coastline on the aptly named Ring Road is the best way to see Iceland’s best features, though for the sake of a weekend jaunt, you’d be advised to hone in on the southern region. It’s the equivalent of mindfulness meditation: compact and transformative. In a country of extreme contrasts, you might experience a windstorm and a sun shower on the same day — even in Reykjavik, which is located within the country’s comparatively temperate southern region. Pack warm and waterproof gear as you set off for adventure.

The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel

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The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel

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The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel

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The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel

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The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel

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The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel

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Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city, is a perfect home base, where a dose of vibrant culture can help offset long days spent outdoors. The Reykjavik EDITION is the city’s first modern five-star hotel, located in the city’s historical old harbour port, and is just steps from Laugavegur Street, the city’s vibrant shopping district. Known for its laid-back approach to luxury, the hotel’s cozy, well-appointed rooms are outfitted with faux-sheepskin throws and locally crafted accessories. Meanwhile, floor to ceiling windows boast views of the shimmering glass Harpa Concert Hall, a snow-capped Mount Esja, and even, on very clear winter nights, the famed Northern Lights (the hotel’s concierge offers to dial your room when they spot the auroras, no matter the hour).

The hotel’s spa offers a range of locally inspired treatments, such as Uruz, a hot and cold stone massage followed by exfoliations, thermal soaks, and steams inside a seductive hammam.  Icelandic cuisine, meanwhile, is on display in the hotel’s Tides restaurant — dishes include flatbread with créme fraiche and lumpfish roe, smoked potato skins and lamb backstrap with radicchio and mustard greens — as well as its secluded Tölt bar, which serves late night cocktails using Icelandic spirits.

Private drivers, many of whom are schooled in the country’s curious weather patterns, make getting around a breeze. We like VIP Taxi, an experienced fleet out of Reykjavik that offers tours of nearby attractions. Just over an hour outside the city, you’ll begin the famous Golden Circle route with a stop at Geysir, a cluster of hot springs nestled within the geothermal, iron-rich Haukadalur Valley, one of which shoots boiling water 40 metres into the sky every five to ten minutes. Nearby is Gulfoss Waterfalls, which is composed of two separate water gushes cascading down a milky blue river.

In Thingvellir National Park, one valley separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; walk alongside them both, which move approximately 2.5 centimetres apart each year. Their original separation is evident within the park, where lava fields and milky blue ravines are the result of magma welling up from the earth’s core. Incredibly, earthquakes continue daily in Thingvellir, although most are too minor to feel.

Veering off the Golden Circle and back onto the Ring Road, you’ll visit Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, two majestic waterfalls that flow softly over carved cliffs. Rainbows are frequent at Skógafoss, dancing from cliff to pebbled pools seemingly every few minutes. At Seljalandsfoss, you can view its majestic flow from behind, and with the new vista comes new perspective on life. We can’t overstate its transformative effects. Nearby, Reynisfjara, an otherworldly black sand beach, is abutted by enormous — yet climbable — basalt rock stacks that are truly breathtaking.

No trip to Iceland would be complete without a trip to the legendary Blue Lagoon, a spa known for its milky blue waters that are supplied by a nearby geothermal power station. The aqua hue is due to the water’s high silica, algae, and mineral content, which have incidental wellness benefits. Soaking in the bath-like lagoon with a drink in your hand and a lava mineral mask on your face is one of the highlights of an exquisite trip.

Hotel images courtesy of The Reykjavik EDITION.

Other imagery courtesy of Visit Iceland.

The post 72 Hours in Iceland, The Right Way appeared first on Sharp Magazine.

Empire Supper Club, Toronto

Empire Supper Club, Toronto

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Empire Supper Club, Toronto

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Empire Supper Club, Toronto

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Empire Supper Club, Toronto

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For revellers looking to splash out in a big way, the Empire’s Ball at this upscale culinary event space on King West will give them every opportunity. The $89 five-course menu won’t break too many banks, but bottle-service packages ranging from $1,000 to $1,400 — including three or four bottles and nine or 12 event tickets respectively — may well take proceedings to the next level. Other over-the-top diversions include a mesmerizing video wall behind a booth manned by DJ Wicked, pulsating LED screens lining Versace-print walls, and a seductively lit bar and dance floor. 

Hotel William Gray, Montreal

Hotel William Gray, Montreal

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Hotel William Gray, Montreal

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Hotel William Gray, Montreal

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Hotel William Gray in the Old Port is hosting its annual all-you-can-sip Grand Ball on Dec. 31, with the $295 price tag also including a four-course gourmet meal with wine pairings, all-night canapes, a DJ-powered dance floor, a glass of Champagne at midnight, and a photo booth to capture whatever mischief guests get up to. Accommodations packages, including all-important late checkouts, are also available.

Shangri-La hotel, Vancouver

Shangri-La hotel, Vancouver

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Shangri-La hotel, Vancouver

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Shangri-La hotel, Vancouver

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Shangri-La hotel, Vancouver

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Shangri-La hotel, Vancouver

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There are three notable ways to level-up your Dec. 31 experience at what is arguably Vancouver’s most luxurious hotel. After its 7:30pm seating, the in-house Carlino restaurant will unveil a special menu featuring butter-poached lobster, Canadian prime beef tenderloin with black truffles, and other extra-decadent fare (a $50 booking fee includes two complimentary glasses of Prosecco). After this meal, a “Festive Getaway Room Package” includes a one-night stay in a luxurious Shangri-La room, a $150 dining credit, a festive welcome amenity, a bottle of sparkling B.C. wine, breakfast for two, and valet parking. But the real show stopper can be a lunchtime affair, with an “Ice Caves Heli-Adventure” add-on whisking guests by helicopter, snowmobile and snow buggy to a stunning complex of natural ice caves near Whistler for a private five-course meal.

Thermëa Spa, Winnipeg

Thermëa Spa, Winnipeg

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Thermëa Spa, Winnipeg

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Thermëa Spa, Winnipeg

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For one of Canada’s steamiest NYE experiences, head to Winnipeg’s Thermëa spa complex, which is leaving its myriad outdoor hot and cold pools, scented steam rooms, saunas and plush rest areas open until 1am on January 1st. Combine this with a comfort food-filled dinner at Resto and a massage or body treatment, and you’ll start 2023 in spectacularly relaxed fashion.

LOUIX LOUIS, Toronto

This dazzling downtown eatery on the 31st floor of the St. Regis hotel is hosting a four-course “New Year’s Eve Dinner & Countdown Celebration” starting at 8:30pm. The $325 prix-fixe menu includes everything from roasted turbot with caviar butter sauce to Beef Wellington with truffle & wild mushroom duxelles, with optional add-ons including fresh-shucked oysters, Alaskan crab, and Kristal Caviar. Once the plates have been cleared away, the DJ beats will continue as party favours are distributed, glasses of Champagne filled, and as balloons tumble from the ceiling at midnight.

Fairmont Palliser, Calgary

Fairmont Palliser, Calgary

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Fairmont Palliser, Calgary

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Fairmont Palliser, Calgary

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Calgary’s historic Palliser is joining other upscale digs in London, Paris, Hong Kong, Amsterdam and Singapore this year in hosting Moët & Chandon’s “Effervescence Party.” As well as sipping from a Champagne pyramid, guests will be greeted at the doors of the opulent Crystal Ballroom with a cocktail, followed by a gourmet dinner, chocolate-forward dessert buffet, live DJ, and dancing under the ballroom’s soaring ceilings and glittering chandeliers.

The Beach Motel, Southampton, Ontario

The Beach Motel, Southampton, Ontario

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The Beach Motel, Southampton, Ontario

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The Beach Motel, Southampton, Ontario

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One of cottage country’s newest and most stylish lakeside boutique motels is following up on a sold-out summer on the shores of Lake Huron with a Dec. 31 dinner menu of plant-forward comfort foods and wine pairings from the in-house SandBar restaurant. Cocktails and canapés are also being served from 6 to 9pm, with other decadent diversions including aromatherapy treatments, barrel-sauna sessions, and s’mores platters around a wood-burning fireplace.

W Hotel, Toronto

For a single C-note, guests attending W Toronto’s “NYE Party in the Living Room” can sip curated Belvedere welcome cocktails while grooving to DJ beats in a “416 Night Market” dotted with gourmet food stations inspired by the eclectic neighbourhoods of Canada’s largest city. VIP booths are also available (Starting at $1,200 for five guests) with specialty bottle service including Lady Gaga x Dom Perignon Rose Luminous, Belvedere Luminous, and Hennessy VSOP Luminous. An NYE room package, meanwhile, includes a stay in one of the W’s theatre-inspired rooms or suites, two tickets to the Living Room party, a welcome amenity, breakfast for two, a 1pm check-in, and a 2pm checkout.

The post New Year’s Eve 2022 — Where to Get Your Party On appeared first on Sharp Magazine.

Air Canada Signature Class

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There’s no doubt that the last few years have left us all with a strong desire to travel, but it taken long for most of us to realize that traveling isn’t always smooth. Upgrade the experience for yourself or others by flying with Air Canada Signature Class, their end-to-end premium experience that removes all of the headaches of air travel and turns them into comforts. (Price Upon Request)

Away Hanging Toiletry Bag

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This hanging toiletry bag, designed by premium luggage brand Away, makes accessing your essential items while out of town a breeze. Three separate hanging compartments, including a smaller removable pouch perfect for liquids, can be hung from a door or shelf with a small metal hook, taking up little space but maximizing storage capacity. ($95)

Plaza Premium Lounge Airport PPL Pass

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Airport travel doesn’t have to be hectic and unpleasant, thanks to Plaza Premium Lounge’s PPL Pass, which offers à la carte access to comfortable, refined and private airport lounges across the world. The PPL Pass allows access to a network of 70 airport lounges, which offer spa services, luxurious showers and changing rooms, refined local cuisine and top shelf cocktails. Passes are available for two, four or six lounge visits and are valid for a year following activation, and use of Plaza Premium Lounges can be booked ahead of time, but walk-ins are also accepted. ($75 – $198 USD)

Louis Vuitton Neo Watch Trunk

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Although you may not have so many occasions in which it becomes necessary to transport up to 20 different watches in a traveling case of such epic proportions, you’ll be glad to know that this magnificent watch trunk from Louis Vuitton also includes a separate, removable carrying case designed to hold three watches for safe transport, making this perhaps the ultimate in watch storage solutions. (Price Upon Request)

Rimowa Essential Carry-On

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The German-designed polycarbonate suitcase by Rimowa is not just a beautiful object to behold — more than allowing you to travel in style, it will allow you to travel in ease, fitting safely in the overhead compartment and allowing you to skip the checked baggage line on takeoff and carousel upon landing. What could be better than that? ($1050)

The House, Great Barrier Reef Luxury Stay

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If it’s an unforgettable adventure you seek, look no further than The House, a new resort on a private peninsula of Lizard Island in Australia, surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. Its award-winning design, vast open vista views, and the best in food, drink, and service, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime stay. (Price Upon Request)

PKG Rosedale II Convertible Duffel Garment Bag

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Most frequent travellers will have their luggage system in check, but this duffel sets a new benchmark for packing efficiency. The combination of separate compartments for shoes, a laptop, and pressed garments is especially clever, not to mention its ability to open flat for improved packing organization. This is hands-down the ultimate weekender bag. ($200)

ON Ultralight Packable Weather Jacket

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There’s nothing worse than getting caught out by unpredictable weather, but being prepared doesn’t always align with packing light. This jacket from ON weighs next to nothing and takes up nominal space, yet it can provide the much needed cover from the elements when an unexpected storm pops up. The whole thing packs down to something smaller than a toiletry bag. ($300)

Swims Slide Loafer

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There’s no shortage of good travel shoes out there, but hear us out on this. The selling point of these Slide Loafers — and of Swims in general — is how well they balance casual style and comfort with a product that’s entirely waterproof and washable. Yes, you’ll want that pair of Gucci or Ferragamo loafers too, but if you’re going to be by the beach or pool you don’t need to risk messing up your leathers. ($168)

G-Shock Full Metal GMWB5000GD-1 Watch

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Status symbols aside, there are ample reasons why a G-Shock makes the perfect travel watch, regardless of whether or not its recipient is much of a “watch geek”. The combination of an alarm, timing capability, multiple time zone displays, and incredibly durable construction make any G-Shock perfect for travel. In addition, thefts of luxury watches have been on the rise, so depending on the destination you’ll be safer wearing one of these too. This particular example is part of the brand’s “Full Metal” series, so its not going to feel too light or flimsy if you’re used to proper luxury watches. ($700)

Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano Bank Spinner 53 Carry-On

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So often people default to Rimowa’s aluminum luggage when they think high end, however Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano easily gives the mainstay a run for its money (and yours). These durable aluminum units pair high level craftsmanship with inspiration from vintage trunks, delivering an aesthetic and build quality that’s meant to last a lifetime. ($1,850)

The post The SHARP List: Our 2022 Gift Guide for Travel Lovers appeared first on Sharp Magazine.

Even before you pass through the doors into the new hotel, its connection to the area is palpable. Through their glass, you may catch glimpses of massive concrete arches, left raw to convey a utilitarian and industrial feel. “The site location played a significant role in how the Ace Toronto design plan came together,” says lead architect Brigitte Shim. “We’re right in the garment district, and the area has many industrial buildings of another era. Brick with wood interiors, these robust structures are representative of the neighbourhood. We wanted to create real depth with the building. What we left exposed in the interior is real structure, and not a decorative veneer. In essence, the goal was to create an entrance and common space that makes first-time visitors question whether the building is new construction or an older retrofit.”

It’s safe to say that Shim’s vision has been executed flawlessly. Stepping through the doors, visitors face a floating bar, which is suspended from the ceiling with thick steel rods. One’s feet land on charming locally sourced end-cut Douglas fir flooring reminiscent of an old-school butcher’s block. These tile-like slabs, also used throughout the hotel’s 123 guest rooms, were chosen for their longevity and individually laid by hand. Laying the floor, we’re told, has taken the better part of a year. The intention behind this design is to let the wood weather over time, allowing heels and suitcase wheels to give it the appearance of the floors in an aged warehouse.

Ace Hotel Toronto Opening, 2022

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Though this is the first hotel designed by Shim-Sutcliffe during its illustrious career, wood has been — and remains — a constant in all its designs. Its appreciation for the material is on display on the hotel restaurant’s south wall in the form of an abstract depiction of Toronto’s lakefront built entirely from geometric plywood forms and designed by Howard Sutcliffe himself.

Anyone who’s stayed at an Ace property before will feel a sense of familiarity when they step into one of the hotel’s rooms or suites, albeit with a clear Canadian twist. Brad Wilson, partner and CEO of Ace Hotel and Atelier Ace, has always tried to contextualize each Ace Hotel in its surroundings. “Our hotels need to feel anchored in the destination in which they’re found. The design of Toronto needed to be different and purely Canadian. That said, there’s always a DNA that’s really Ace. We want to create a sense of emotional comfort and, in turn, create spaces that become community hubs that are welcome to everyone.”

Ace Hotel Toronto Opening, 2022

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Ace Hotel Toronto Opening, 2022

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The guest room interiors give off a modern Canadian cottage vibe, from the prominent use of wood and copper to the geometric quilts and quirky vintage-styled furniture. Even the millwork in each room has a rustic charm, using high-grade flat Douglas fir plywood rather than the typical modern gloss finishes found in more cookie-cutter properties. As a result of the physical depth of the building’s exterior structure, most guest rooms have cozy seating nooks built into the window frames. For furniture and fixtures, Shim-Sutcliffe worked closely with Atelier Ace, going so far as to custom design many of the lighting fixtures found throughout the property, as well as a signature end table. The latter combines a clay chimney flue with poured-in-place concrete, and is meant to echo the clay brick floor found in the hotel’s restaurant.

Every Ace Hotel’s bar and restaurant, whatever city it’s found in, has become a destination for tourists and locals alike. Toronto will be no exception, thanks to Ace’s partnering with the city’s Alo Food Group to run the restaurant, lobby bar, and rooftop with the goal of serving an upscale, polished, and creative menu steeped in Canadiana. The main restaurant, Alder (opening on August 9th) is located downstairs from the lobby. The 80-seat rooftop bar and lounge, Evangeline, will offer small bites and shareable plates. Keeping Toronto’s frigid winters in mind, the west-facing rooftop bar was designed to be a year-round destination, with outdoor seating (when the weather permits) enclosed and anchored by two large fireplaces on the north and south walls. Situated on the 14th floor, the bar is just high enough to catch views of Lake Ontario. From one corner of the balcony, the CN Tower even peeks into view.

As is often the case, the plan to build Ace Toronto was equal parts strategy and opportunity, says Wilson. “Toronto has always been on our radar as one of the major global capitals. When many people think of Toronto, they tend not to think outside of the concrete tower core. We’re always a bit fearful of being in an area that’s too pristine and polished.”

Perhaps this is a pot-shot at the multitude of luxury hotels sprouting up around Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood, but it’s safe to say that Ace Toronto would have seemed out of place in that ritzy neighbourhood. Known as the originators of the boutique hotel scene, the brand’s properties are among very few that can walk the line of refined yet casual, polished yet unpretentious. Setting up shop a block and a half from Queen West is about as good as it gets, and with a recently renovated park and soon-to-open Waterworks Food Hall directly across the street, Ace Toronto guests will be able to get properly immersed into the city it calls home.

Photos by William Jess Laird, courtesy of Ace Hotel

The post A Look Inside Toronto’s New Ace Hotel Through the Eyes of Those Who Brought It to Life appeared first on Sharp Magazine.

In the parlance of competitive surfers, the best breaks in the world are notorious enough to be known by a single name. Jaws. Mavericks. Sultans. Pipeline. Supertube. What these destinations have in common, aside from azure waters and picturesque sandy beaches, are massive waves worthy of the most skilled surfers on the planet. One name, however, stands apart. That name is Nazaré.

Unlike famed spots in California, Hawaii, South Africa, and the Maldives, Nazaré isn’t a destination known for sun, sand, and palm trees. Instead, this is where surfers come to do battle with a frigid grey ocean and risk their lives to ride some of the biggest, gnarliest waves on the planet. Each year in February, when winter storms churn the Atlantic into an angry frenzy, the world’s best surfers converge on this quiet Portuguese beach town in search of bragging rights and world records at the World Surfing League’s Tudor Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge.

Like most great breaks, Nazaré owes its fame to a unique confluence of geological factors, among them an immense underwater canyon that channels the full power of the ocean along a smooth, sandy bottom directly into the shore. With no rocks or reefs to slow it down, this results in waves of massive size and almost unimaginable power, rising up to 30 metres above the spume. Twelve years ago, however, almost nobody in the surfing world had heard of Nazaré. That was when American surfer Garrett McNamara rode a 24-metre wave, earning himself a world record for the largest wave ever surfed, and Nazaré a spot on every pro surfer’s bucket list.

To ride one of the massive waves rolling into Nazaré’s north beach, you can’t simply paddle out past the breakers — the surf is far too big. Instead, surfers at Nazaré, working closely with Jet Ski drivers and wave spotters on the cliffs above, are towed to the peak of a wave, launched onto it, and picked up again before they’re swallowed by the pounding surf. Surfing Nazaré requires serious skill from both drivers and riders, but even the most skilled surfers must bring their A-game. One such rider is von Rupp, who has recently partnered with Swiss watch brand Tudor. Awarded “European Surfer of the Year” in 2013, von Rupp has spent the past five years proving himself as one of the leading figures in big-wave surfing at Nazaré, as well as the other big-wave hotspots Mavericks and Jaws.

Following his wipeout, von Rupp is, fortunately, unharmed. He eventually reappears on the sea’s foaming surface as the safety drivers converge toward him on their Jet Skis, plucking him from the water and towing him back into position for his next ride. The fall, one of many during the Tudor Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge, is just a minor setback, and von Rupp’s performance improves as the day goes on despite a rib injury from a previous fall earlier in the week.

Later that day, von Rupp will be awarded Men’s Best Performance and Best Team Performance, both honours shared with his teammate, Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca. He didn’t break any records at Nazaré this year, but his performance nonetheless upholds his reputation as one of the world’s most talented big-wave surfers. At the world’s most challenging surf break, where the line between glory and serious injury is tenuous and in constant motion, any successful ride is a major accomplishment.

Photos courtesy of Tudor Watches

The post The Giants of Nazaré: A Surf Like No Other appeared first on Sharp Magazine.