In my Princesss Cruise era
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I didn't want to do much more than lounge in a deck chair when I planned my cruise on Discovery Princess. Yes there were excursions I had to do – ride a trolly in San Francisco, visit the San Diego Zoo, and see the La Bufadora in Ensenada, Mexico, a blowhole that shoots water metres into the air several times a minute – but those outings were planned by or for my daughter. I just wanted to get away from the office, eat good food and relax.
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Discovery Princess proved to be worthy of the stewardship. Full disclosure: I sailed on the Sun Princess in 2023 and knew Princess Cruises was synonymous for — luxury, indulgence, pampering, and entertainment that didn't require I get out of a cushioned seat. Yes I was going to pack on a few pounds and be catered to while sailing along the California coast down to Mexico, at times just watching the horizon dip.
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The Lotus Spa is located on deck 5, just past customer service. I was welcomed by the sound of babbling water, offered a cucumber-infused water and given a tour by a friendly hostess.
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There are treatment rooms for: massages, facials, pedicures, manicures, wraps, exfoliating scrubs and more treatments than I needed. I was more enticed by the large hydrotherapy pool at the heart of the spa. This is The Enclave – which anyone can use even if you don't get a spa treatment. A pass is required to use The Enclave or you can get a package that allows you access every day of your cruise.
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I booked a deep-tissue massage for the next day. My massage involved a lot of kneading, and just the right amount of pressure to leave me feeling like Gumby. From the massage table I drifted to The Enclave's three steam rooms one after another. The Hammam for a steam bath, the Laconium for its dry heat and finally the Roman-inspired Caladium. By the time I dipped into the hydrotherapy pool I was stress-free and swooning. From there I gathered myself long enough to take the short steps to a heated stone lounger.
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I vacillated in the space between basking and dozing content to soak in the heat. It was only FOMO that got me off the lounger to check on happens elsewhere onboard.
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Vancouver Sun
20 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Epicurean delights and outdoor adventures await in this charming small town in Ontario
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Several years ago, I ran out of gas in the town of St. Marys. It was late at night. Gas stations were closed. I walked to the nearest Tim Hortons, and asked if anyone knew where I might be able to buy some gas. One man replied, 'I've got a fuel tank. I can give you some gas.' With that, we hopped into his truck, drove to his house where he filled a gas can for me, and drove me back to my car, so I could pour enough gas to get me to an ONroute on the highway. My Good Samaritan worked at a yogurt company, and so he also gave me a flat of yogourt containers. That kind of country hospitality does not happen every day, but this is St. Marys. On an early September morning, my son and I pull up to the historic St. Marys Public Library . The two-storey rough-cut limestone building was constructed between 1904 and 1905 in Greek Temple style for $10,000, which was donated by Andrew Carnegie. It's the most relaxing hideaway to sit and read a good book. But we're here for kayaks. In addition to books, the St. Marys Library rents out kayaks. They're free, but you have to sign them out — like books. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The librarian hands us the keys, and we head to the Yak Shack in The Flats by the river. There, we unlock our two vessels, named Arthur and Nora , and slide into the water. We've brought with us a beautiful smoked salmon bagel and freshly cut turkey sandwich from the Flour Mill. They make the most wholesome and delicious picnic lunches around. The river winds its way around the town. We pass by kids fishing. A dog jingles his collar as he follows us along the shoreline. We're immersed in a calm pastoral vibe, and we're not on the clock to get back any time soon. Just drifting lazily. Back on land, Queen Street is the main street. It's like an epicurean scavenger hunt. We stop at the Snapping Turtle Coffee Roasters , a family-run, micro-roaster of single-origin coffee. There's always some creative concoction listed on the chalkboard, and today it's a Salty Sea Turtle of nitro cold brew with salted caramel and hazelnut foam. I love all of those words, so, ya, I'll take one of those. Across the street is Chocolate Factory where we scoop up smoothies and truffles, and check out the seasonal novelties. Troyer's Spices is an imaginarium for a gastronome like me. Hundreds of ground herbs and spices from Spanish Smoked Paprika to Hungarian Smoked Paprika; Black Himalayan Salt to Smoked Sea Salt; Aleppo Pepper, Cassia Cinnamon Bark, Coffee Rub, Berber spices, and so many more that set my kitchen ambitions alight. The Flour Mill is a hub of activity run by mother-daughter team, Tracey and Alex Pritchard, who's aim is to make it easy for us to make delicious food at home. All their produce is organic and local, and the aromas wafting from the kitchen are seductive: quiche Lorraine with Gruyere, caramelized onion and bacon; Mixed Berry Galette and Blueberry Lemon Loaves . Their chicken pot pies and lasagnas sell out like hot cakes. They make their own granola, salad dressings like Lemon and Tahini, salads, sandwiches and frittatas. Clearly, there is a nurturing spirit here. 'We try to curate our favourite things and share them with people,' enthuses Alex. 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Calgary Herald
21 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
Epicurean delights and outdoor adventures await in this charming small town in Ontario
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content Several years ago, I ran out of gas in the town of St. Marys. It was late at night. Gas stations were closed. I walked to the nearest Tim Hortons, and asked if anyone knew where I might be able to buy some gas. One man replied, 'I've got a fuel tank. I can give you some gas.' With that, we hopped into his truck, drove to his house where he filled a gas can for me, and drove me back to my car, so I could pour enough gas to get me to an ONroute on the highway. My Good Samaritan worked at a yogurt company, and so he also gave me a flat of yogourt containers. That kind of country hospitality does not happen every day, but this is St. Marys. Article content Article content Article content On an early September morning, my son and I pull up to the historic St. Marys Public Library. The two-storey rough-cut limestone building was constructed between 1904 and 1905 in Greek Temple style for $10,000, which was donated by Andrew Carnegie. It's the most relaxing hideaway to sit and read a good book. But we're here for kayaks. In addition to books, the St. Marys Library rents out kayaks. They're free, but you have to sign them out — like books. Article content Article content Article content The librarian hands us the keys, and we head to the Yak Shack in The Flats by the river. There, we unlock our two vessels, named Arthur and Nora, and slide into the water. We've brought with us a beautiful smoked salmon bagel and freshly cut turkey sandwich from the Flour Mill. They make the most wholesome and delicious picnic lunches around. Article content The river winds its way around the town. We pass by kids fishing. A dog jingles his collar as he follows us along the shoreline. We're immersed in a calm pastoral vibe, and we're not on the clock to get back any time soon. Just drifting lazily. Article content Article content Article content Back on land, Queen Street is the main street. It's like an epicurean scavenger hunt. We stop at the Snapping Turtle Coffee Roasters, a family-run, micro-roaster of single-origin coffee. There's always some creative concoction listed on the chalkboard, and today it's a Salty Sea Turtle of nitro cold brew with salted caramel and hazelnut foam. I love all of those words, so, ya, I'll take one of those. Across the street is Chocolate Factory where we scoop up smoothies and truffles, and check out the seasonal novelties. Troyer's Spices is an imaginarium for a gastronome like me. Hundreds of ground herbs and spices from Spanish Smoked Paprika to Hungarian Smoked Paprika; Black Himalayan Salt to Smoked Sea Salt; Aleppo Pepper, Cassia Cinnamon Bark, Coffee Rub, Berber spices, and so many more that set my kitchen ambitions alight. Article content Article content The Flour Mill is a hub of activity run by mother-daughter team, Tracey and Alex Pritchard, who's aim is to make it easy for us to make delicious food at home. All their produce is organic and local, and the aromas wafting from the kitchen are seductive: quiche Lorraine with Gruyere, caramelized onion and bacon; Mixed Berry Galette and Blueberry Lemon Loaves. Their chicken pot pies and lasagnas sell out like hot cakes. They make their own granola, salad dressings like Lemon and Tahini, salads, sandwiches and frittatas. Clearly, there is a nurturing spirit here. 'We try to curate our favourite things and share them with people,' enthuses Alex. Locals come for groceries; the full table-service brunch includes the most revitalizing seasonal smoothies, and catering is in-demand. We'd purchase anything to stay here and, through osmosis, soak up all the good positive energy.
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Secret European destinations where you can fly under the radar like rich people
Published Aug 03, 2025 • Last updated 5 minutes ago • 5 minute read Aerial view of Lake Orta in northern Italy, island of San Giulio on a sunny day. Photo by Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. It wasn't long ago that luxury travellers planned their itineraries to see and be seen. Now the ultimate flex is receding entirely from public view. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Yesterday's hallmarks of status — a sun-drenched table at St. Tropez's Club 55, a front-row lounger at Cala Jondal in Ibiza, dropping anchor off Nammos Beach in Mykonos — have largely been overtaken by influencers. Which means anonymity and discretion have become prime commodities for today's most affluent travellers. Stealth wealth may have given way to flashiness in 2025, but stealth travel is still all the rage. 'We've noticed a shift away from the typical luxury hot spots toward destinations that offer a deeper sense of privacy and exclusivity,' says Jaclyn Sienna India, CEO of Sienna Charles, a travel consultant catering to billionaires and the global 1%. Clients are increasingly favouring places that require a genuine effort to reach, signalling a desire for experiences that are intentionally off the beaten path and unavailable to the masses: Lake Orta over Lake Como; Corsica over Cannes; Patmos over Mykonos; Menorca over Mallorca; and private island resorts throughout the Caribbean, such as Como Parrot Cay or Jumby Bay Island, over the high-profile hangouts of Saint Barth's. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The shift is trickling down to a wider swath of luxury travellers and affecting the expansion strategies of legacy hospitality brands. Not only are they building resorts in some of these next-great destinations, but they're also designing them to have the privacy-first blueprints that skyrocketed in demand during the pandemic. 'Hotels are creating more stand-alone accommodations, like cottages, so that people can have the privacy of a villa rental even within a resort,' says Melissa Biggs Bradley, founder of high-end travel company Indagare. Want to fly under the radar? Here are six European stealth-wealth havens that will still be great well into the fall. The picturesque village of Èze perched on a cliffside above the Mediterranean Sea. Photo by Getty Images Corsica and Èze, France For those seeking the allure of the French Riviera without its crowds, a more understated route is gaining traction. Corsica — rugged, cinematic and blissfully under-touristed — offers pristine beaches, remote coves ideal for private yachts and discreet escapes tucked into the landscape. Indagare's Bradley recommends Domaine de Murtoli, a 6,000-acre estate on the island's southwest coast, which has turned a clutch of shepherd's houses into secluded villas, each with private beach access. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. On the mainland, there are quaint villages just inland of the Riviera that trade glamour for character: Think stone alleyways lined with artist-run galleries, views that sweep across the Mediterranean and hyper-local restaurants. Historic Èze stands out among them — and not just because it's perched 1,300 feet above sea level. Stay at Château de la Chèvre d'Or, a hotel that occupies a handful of medieval structures. Its terraced gardens ramble down toward the shore, and 'tradition' rooms are carved into centuries-old stone, with arched ceilings and thick limestone walls. They feel a bit like luxury caves, with hot tubs and waterfront views. Yes, it's a great place to hide away. But keep your eyes peeled for A-list sightings while you're there — this is a spot beloved by Bono, the Obamas and Leonardo DiCaprio. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. How you get there: A roughly 90-minute flight will get you from Paris to Corsica or Nice; from Nice it's a short drive (around 25 minutes) to Eze. Scenic Jasna lake in Kranjska Gora, Julian Alps in Slovenia Photo by Getty Images Lake Jasna, Slovenia Tucked between the Alps and the Adriatic, Slovenia has quietly become one of Europe's most rewarding high-end escapes. Its cuisine combines a heady mix of Alpine, Mediterranean and Slavic flavors, while boutique winemakers in regions like Brda and the Vipava Valley are making the kinds of natural wines that you'd expect to find in Paris' best bars. And then there's the scenery: Glacier-fed lakes, dense forests and mountains as jagged and dramatic as anything in Switzerland. A growing number of travellers are catching on to its charms: Black Tomato says inquiries are up 34% year over year; the destination is particularly compelling to 'soft adventure' types who enjoy fly fishing, hiking and cycling. Those who book often end up in the Julian Alps, where Hotel Milka offers elegant minimalism with floor-to-ceiling mountain views. Its fine-dining restaurant is helmed by chef David Žefra, who whips up Danube salmon with kohlrabi and elderflower or venison with wild mushrooms and fermented cherries — Alpine ingredients prepared using Nordic techniques. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. How you get there: Flights to Ljubljana from Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich and other European cities are all under two hours. Then it's just over an hour by car to Hotel Milka. Lake Orta and the Dolomites, Italy As Venice draws Bezos wannabes and Amalfi approaches overexposure, Piedmont's Lake Orta is emerging as a serene alternative. Stay at the 11-room Casa Fantini, where you can rent an electric boat to zip around in seclusion. The staff sends you off with a full picnic basket so you can play your day by ear. Most days on the lake involve seeing the frescoed 12th century basilica on San Giulio Island — the small enclave, floating in the centre of the lake, is inhabited by only a couple dozen nuns. Because Lake Orta is so far to Italy's northwest, it still takes about four hours to drive east to the Dolomites — a pairing many travellers opt for, if only to indulge in one of the region's newest five-star stays. Yes, Aman Rosa Alpina is among the splashiest (re)openings in the area. But we'd pick the 35-room Ancora Cortina, a historic inn that's been brought back to life by Renzo Rosso, the founder of Diesel, and Aldo Melpignano, whose Italian hospitality empire includes Puglia's critically acclaimed Borgo Egnazia. It's smack in the historic centre of town and surrounded by family-owned businesses that have existed in Cortina for generations, like the 98-year-old Pasticceria Lovat across the street. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. How you get there: Fly to Milan, then drive 60 to 90 minutes to Orta San Giulio. If you're only headed to the Dolomites, it's a two-hour drive from Venice airport to Cortina. Historical part of Mahon, Menorca island, Spain Photo by Getty Images Menorca, Spain Long overshadowed by Ibiza's nightlife and Mallorca's five-star polish, Menorca has become the Balearics' unexpected standout — a place with endless walking trails, laid-back beach clubs and preserved wetlands that serve as rare bird habitats. 'It's far less frenetic than Ibiza or Mallorca,' India says. A pair of new properties in restored farmhouses — Santa Ana and Son Ermità — epitomize the island's low-key luxury vibe. You'll need to book all six rooms at Santa Ana for a single group; the 200-year-old finca is meant for exclusive use, which works well for a small group of friends or a large family travelling together. Son Ermità is more conventional. Its 11 rooms — many of which have elaborate exposed beams and terracotta tile floors — can be booked individually, with shared access to 800 acres of grounds and a seafood-oriented restaurant in the main building. Both make excellent launching pads for a range of relaxing activities, like hiking coastal trails, kayaking along hidden beaches or daytrips to Hauser & Wirth's trailblazing art gallery in the center of the island. How you get there: Menorca is an hour by plane from Barcelona and about 90 minutes from Madrid. Toronto Blue Jays Sunshine Girls Homes Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA
