hotel review

This is Southern California Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

October 14, 2014 By Lena

As a family travel contributor, I’m often asked about what I look for in a perfect family vacation. For the most part, my formula for making memories is pretty straightforward: take one part luxury travel, one part kid-friendly activities and add a stunning locale as the backdrop. The recipe is steadfast and undeniable; you’ll have created holiday magic.

Hence, it’s no surprise that The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Southern California is just my ticket.

A celebrated icon along the California coast, today The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel boasts a newly re-imagined and modern vibe. Perched timelessly atop a 150 foot bluff, against cascading views of the Pacific Ocean, the hotel is tailor-made for travellers who desire a playful approach to luxury.
Ritz Carlon Laguna Niguel I snapped the above photo during a tour of the hotel, one of the highlights of our recent #DisneyVacayCA adventure. Standing on a balcony, perilously hanging over the edge, I gasped in awe at the view from this celebrated Dana Point landmark. Squinting against the glare of the sun, I tried to decipher the figures below, wondering where my husband and boys could be. Were they squatting on the beach, building castles in the sand? Or dipping their feet in the cool Pacific Ocean? Our tour moved on, and I reluctantly tore my eyes away from the breathtaking scenery. …

Let’s Go: Family Travel at Four Seasons Toronto

June 24, 2014 By Lena

Last week, I had the distinct pleasure of being a guest of the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. We enjoyed family-friendly amenities without sacrificing refinement, and explored the city’s most lavish surroundings while making lasting memories. Our flawless stay included a romantic dinner for mom and dad (sans kids!) at Café Boulud; an in-room family movie night; breakfast in bed; an aromatherapy massage at The Spa for mom while dad and the kids enjoyed the pool; lunch at d|bar, and more.

And while I have so many aspects of our incredible stay that I’d love to cover, today, let’s discuss the little details that make Four Seasons Hotel Toronto a luxury family-friendly destination.

Stepping into their dazzling lobby, I was greeted by whimsical artwork and overflowing floral arrangements, lending a peculiar combination of warmth and chic opulence all at once. My instinct was to hush the boys, who, after a long car journey peppered with summer construction, were ready to stretch their legs (and voices).

Yet within moments of checking in, the friendly representative came from behind the front desk and took my boys to strategically hidden vending machines, where they were each offered a coin and a treat. If I believed for a second that Four Seasons Hotel Toronto was not geared towards young families, this one act of candy courtship effectively erased that doubt. We were presented with our room keys, and herded the boys (who were now blowing kisses to their new friend) into the elevator. …

Park Hyatt Toronto: Staycation in Style

April 3, 2013 By Lena

Years ago, when I first heard the term “Staycation”, I was confused. Why in the world would anyone want to vacation in their own hometown?, I wondered. Vacations were for jetting off to sunny destinations, packing your suitcases and leaving your cares behind. Obviously.

Of course, that was before I had children. And all of a sudden, the opportunities for jetting off to sunny destinations became few and far between, and I found myself caught up in an endless cycle of grocery shopping, mortgage payments and laundry. Oh, the neverending laundry.

But it was a wise person who once said change is as good as a holiday – and he was right, because any change or break in one’s usual routine is enough to revive the spirit. Hence, I quickly became a huge fan of the ol’ staycation, which allowed me to take a break from the mundane – all without leaving the city limits.

This past Easter weekend, our staycation adventures took us to the Park Hyatt Toronto. Nestled in the heart of the fashionable Yorkville area of Toronto, the hotel represents “an elite level of luxury marked by subtle contemporary influence.” And while one wouldn’t necessarily think to put the hotel at the top of the list for family staycations, please hear me out – because I’m about to show you why the Park Hyatt will always be at the top of our list.

Arriving at the hotel, we were greeted by a sight you can only see in Yorkville; a Cadillac Escalade, a Maserati and a Rolls Royce, all within a few feet of each other. Let’s just say I was thankful we had just been through a car wash with our decidedly mid-level SUV….