Fairmont Vancouver Airport / April 5, 2016 by Jenn Chan

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport was the winner of #1 Airport Hotel in North America award in 2015; its third year in a row! Located only a convenient, 2-minute waltz to the departure gate it is a luxurious way to make an early morning YVR departure.

As soon as you cross the skywalk entry into the granite encrusted lobby you can see why the Fairmont Vancouver Airport is ranked a 4 Diamond hotel and why they have won countless international hotel commendations.

The fitness equipment is top notch and well maintained with a unique view of enthused, optimistic travellers starting the first leg of their travels. The accompanying pool and hot tub are each kept at an ideal temperature and the poolside lounge chairs offer a merry view of the aquatic activities and back onto floor to ceiling windows 20 some feet above the departure gates where passports and luggage alike are checked.

The lounge, open to hotel guests and their fellow travellers, beacons with immense floor to ceiling windows peering out onto the YVR runways and North Shore Mountains. Cypress Mountain, Grouse and Mount Seymour can be viewed simultaneously from the enchanted vantage the Fairmont enjoys. A well stocked menu fulfills the appetites of the wine connoisseur, spirit lover and beer enthusiast in addition to the toddler in search of chicken strips and orange juice.

Globe@YVR is a revelation! Microwave sandwiches, greasy burgers and fast food tacos are no longer synonymous with airport food. Now you can add Bison Tartar, Lobster Bisque, Ribeye and Sablefish to that selection. Wine pairings are expertly suggested by some of the most congenial service staff we've had the pleasure of encountering and the experience is topped off with a dessert menu large enough to satisfy even the most discerning of tastes.

Thank you so much for having us Fairmont Vancouver Airport! It definitely was an amazing way to start our vacation!

Words: Scott Allan
Photos: Jenn Chan

Whistler in the Spring / April 3, 2016 by Jenn Chan

Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and it isn't even close. Nearly 50% larger than their nearest competition with 39 different lifts and gondolas; 39! It's no wonder US Presidents, Canadian Prime Ministers, countless celebrities and even British Royalty have all been seen carving its massive terrain. Their lifts are capable of bringing up over 65,000 skiers and snowboarders every hour and they average 2,000,000 visitors per year yet it never seems overcrowded!

Originally 2 separate resorts their fierce competition during the 80's and 90's fuelled innovations and upgrades so by the time Whistler and Blackcomb resorts became Whistler Blackcomb in 2003 the result was a behemoth and mecca for powder hounds the world around.

Our spring visit started on a glaringly sunny morning. The line for the gondola was short and we were whisked up the mountain with a car all to ourselves. The snow was still deep and soft, even in April, and families, kids, seniors and pros alike were all enjoying the bounty of the final months of the season. Nearly all of the 200+ runs were still open and you could turn a corner and have an entire run to yourself. The runs were all well groomed, the parks still built for pro competition level and the terrain still as varied as in the middle of winter during a blizzard.

Looking down the Mountain from the Chairlift

Your adventure with Superfly begins in the heart of the picturesque Whistler Village, a stone's throw to the main gondola up the mountain. A beaming Superfly staffer whisks you off to an awaiting shuttle for a quick, 12-minute ride to beautiful Cougar Mountain.

Almost as enthralling as the 4 high-speed, high-adrenaline zip lines was the slow wind up the mountain to the first line in a tank tracked, customized 6-seater Polaris Ranger. As soon as you strap into Z1, the first zip line, 1 kilometre long and 500 feet off the valley floor you know you are in for a thrilling ride. Riding tandem, a mere 10 feet separating you and your zip line partner, you hit speeds of more than 100 kilometres an hour as you wiz past lush, green trees and and a meandering creek.

By the fourth zip line you feel as giddy as a second grader and the final line is only 5 feet apart so, with the help of the skilled guides, you can choose to hold hands as you descend; the perfect ending to a perfect day. Definitely the kind of adventure you would do again!

On our way up on the Polaris Ranger to the top with Superfly Zipline

Beautiful Milky Way seen over Nita Lake, Whistler

Thank you for having us Whistler & Superfly Zipline!

Words: Scott Allan
Photos & Videos: Jenn Chan

Wild Canyon Adventures, Los Cabos / March 24, 2016 by Jenn Chan

Only 20 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas lies a small, adventure-filled oasis in the middle of the Mexican desert. While the competition must truck their clients an hour each way outside of Cabo, and chooses to never breathe a word of these logistical challenges before their clients sign on, Wild Canyon chooses not to tout their clear locational advantage. That humility and goodwill resonate throughout the grounds.

Their incredibly friendly staff greet you curb side at your resort and your adventure begins. It's a short ride to their 100 acre park along the pristine coastline most of the way and then inland past large, multi-pronged cacti, roadrunners and coyotes.

Upon arrival at the Wild Canyon welcome desk you are met with a plethora of adventure options: ATV tours, zip-line adventures, animal sanctuary, bungee jumping, camel rides and a 200 foot tandem swing suspending 400 feet in the air. For a full day fee you can partake in all the activities and save hundreds of dollars!

The full day's activities start out with a majestic camel ride through a dried out river bed. The journey winds through a sun-parched desert passage atop a mythical beast few get a chance to touch let alone ride. Keen eyes are kept sharply on the look out for roadrunners and wily coyotes. After the ride, a friendly visit with the camels is next. There are pets and kisses and feedings and bonds are made.

Next on the agenda is a walk through the animal sanctuary. First stop is a walk through the lovebird cage where, with a handful of bird seed, you are descended upon by dozens of brightly coloured birds who gently pull the seeds from your palms. From there it is an interaction with almost 100 Iguanas, pregnant mothers and dozens of babies scamper about their habitat. After that a visit with their reptile cousins the crocodile and alligator beacon from an adjacent pool. Best friends, companions and lovers with hybrid crocogator offspring swim peacefully in a still pool. The small foot bridge places you in the center of the action, close enough to make eye contact with the prehistoric beasts.

There are ATV tours and then there are Wild Canyon ATV tours. Zig zagging through sand dunes and along hillside paths it is easy to get lost in time. After hauling along several straight aways and meandering through winding, custom made ATV trails you find yourself... At the ocean! Careening along the beautiful, white sand beach and past the crystal blue water you stop on a small cliff for a well deserved water break. After a short while, and with your adrenaline starting to come back to Earth, you jump back on the powerful Honda machines and it's back into a gated-off, custom ATV course. Unlike other Cabo ATV tours Wild Canyon's take place completely on private property ensuring you won't run into 2-3 other large groups as is the case with their competition. This makes the journey safer and more exclusive. The end of the adventure is absolutely breathtaking! You finish the excursion by traversing a 500 foot long, 400 foot high suspension bridge. Don't look down!

ATV Riding Across Los Cabos Canyon Bridge

Wild Canyon boasts the best cable-based adventure options in Los Cabos. Justin Beiber can attest to the quality and quantity of the attractions having been one of many celebrity guests! You start with 8 high speed zip lines zooming past vultures circling in anticipation of your high altitude demise. Beer and water stations are scattered throughout the scenic course.

Last, but not least, is the jewel of the Wild Canyon experience! After a few cervezas at the famous Lion's Den restaurant to build up your courage you are ushered to a small, open-air gondola which transports you to the large, cable-suspended, glass bottom gondola. There are 2 options from there to further invigorate your spirit: a 200 foot long, tandem swing suspended 400 feet in the air and an intense bungee jump straight towards the white marble valley floor.

Gondola transported us to the suspended Glass-bottom Gondola

Free-falling on the Sling Swinger - never been more scared in my life!

The moment before jumping off - Bungee Bomber

Thank you Wild Canyon Adventures for your hospitality and showing us an incredibly fun & thrilling day!

Words By: Scott Allan
Photos: Jenn Chan

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica - Los Cabos / March 21, 2016 by Jenn Chan

Immediately upon arriving at the luxurious Pueblo Bonito Pacifica a sense of calm quickly envelopes you. The spacious lobby, with its distinctive spa-like fragrance and serene, round wading pool mirrored by a large round skylight, is warm and inviting. It quickly becomes clear how Pacifica earned its 5-star rating as you are greeted by their warm, effusive staff. Each room boasts fantastic ocean views, are very well appointed and fully stocked with all the essentials. The view from the extremely comfortable deck chairs is nothing short of awe inspiring. Being lucky enough to watch the sunrise from the spacious patio will leave an indelible mark on you.

Each dish sampled at any of their 3 onsite restaurants exceeded expectations. From the New York steak or tuna tartare at Siempre to the divine nigiri and delicious sushi rolls at Pescados and even a simple ceviche poolside at Aire are all done with extra care and attention and with the highest quality ingredients. Top shelf liquor is included in the all inclusive price and a nice Crown Royal Whiskey neat was a welcomed treat after a long day of sun and sand.

One of the 2 pools at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica

The grounds are meticulously maintained and Pacifica boasts one the best swim-up bars in Mexico. The hot tub was kept at the perfect temperature and the fire pits proved to be a favourite meeting place for resort’s the well heeled guests. Calm permeates the grounds, relaxation ensues.

Perfectly rolled up towels on pool loungers

The Armonia spa is the heart of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica. As soon as you walk into the smartly decorated spa lobby you feel pampered. Low, tranquil music plays, friendly staff welcome you and large glass pitchers of iced tea are on hand as you hunker down into one of the very comfortable lobby chairs. The lobby is an oasis of unique, high-end beauty and health products and browsing them while you treatment room is prepared makes the time slip quickly away.

Once you pass the threshold of the gender-specific treatment area candlelight envelopes you and your eyes slowly adjust to the warm, castle-like ambience. The changing rooms are well appointed with beautiful private showers featuring rain shower heads and all the toiletries you would need to get back to the day. Around the next corner is a large jacuzzi tub, sauna and splash pool surrounded by Greek columns and beautiful art. Here you wait and loosen up for the massage or luxurious facial you have reserved with their wonderful staff.

Each treatment room is VIP and you will feel like a very important person. The staff are true professionals and I felt as loose and fluffy as a bright white cloud in the sky as I sauntered out a few hours later. Armonia is a true 5-star spa inside of a wonderful 5-star resort which will leave you feeling like $1,000,000.

Aerial of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica at Sunset

Balcony Views of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica at Night

Thank you so much Pueblo Bonito for hosting us in Los Cabos - we had an amazing time, and got our much needed R&R during our stay!

Words: Scott Allan
Photography: Jenn Chan

WINTER IN BC 2015/16 - WHISTLER / February 1, 2016 by Jenn Chan

Happy Pride Weekend up at Whistler! My weekend was filled with fun, adventure, and relaxation - sounds pretty perfect to me!

Whistler was named the best ski resort on Earth by Ultratravel for 2015 - 2016; Earth. The 30 year old bible of snow sports, Ski Magazine, named it best in North America and it takes all of 10 minutes to see why! With over 110 different runs you would have to go once a day, every day, forever, to learn them all by name. Even the charming Australian Lifties will scratch their head if you ask by name, "what does it look like?" they'll reply. The terrain is so diverse, the snow, especially in the alpine areas, so fluffy and inviting and the energy of the mountain so uplifting you will wish they stayed open past 3 PM so you could soak it in a all day and night.

Looking down from the Chairlift towards Whistler Village

Lots of Skiers & Snowboarders came out for some fun on the mountains!

Roundhouse Lodge & Peak2Peak at the top of Whistler Mountain

The Peak 2 Peak is a 4.4 KM long Gondola that connects Whistler & Blackcomb mountain. It's the longest and highest lift in the world with breathtaking views. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola isn't only built for the skiers & snowboarders, but also for sightseers in the winter and summer. There is 1 cabin every 49 seconds, and takes about 11 minutes to travel from one mountain to the other.

Snowing heavily on the Peak 2 Peak ride through the valley

Rendezvous Lodge at the top of Blackcomb Mountain proudly adorning a Pride flag

A snack hut brings many Whiskey Jacks close, hoping to dive in for a snack.

When night falls, the vibe of the village changes, and transforms into a vibrant town filled with party-goers.

Speaking of night... Even before the accolades for terrain and ski conditions were raining, sorry snowing, down on Whistler it was ranked, and high, in nearly every ski and snowboard publication on Earth for après ski activities. As soon as the sun goes down the music goes up and the sleepy town filled with charming shops gets a little bit Vegas - In a good way! Free community events, this past weekend Whistler's Gay Pride festivities, light up the public squares, bars and pubs glow with light and the action is taken indoors (when it's not also on many pubs' massive, heated, snow-licked patios).

Overlooking the hot tubs & pool at Cascade Lodge, looking towards the Village.  The little light spots at the top of the photo are Mountain Groomers heading up and down the runs. — Overlooking the hot tubs & pool at Cascade Lodge, looking towards the Village. The little light spots at the top of the photo are Mountain Groomers heading up and down the runs.

Christmas lights are up in Whistler - creating a fewtiv

After a night of partying, there's no better way to recuperate than to go up to the famous Scandinave Spa for a day of relaxing in their baths & massages.

Tranquil trail leading to the Scandinave Spa

Thanks for having us, Whistler! It was fun to play outside for the weekend for a mini-getaway! Happy Golden Anniversary, Whistler - Here's to another 50 years!

words: Scott Allan
photos: Jenn Chan Photography

Intercontinental Hong Kong / January 21, 2016 by Jenn Chan

As some of you might know, I spent 3 weeks recently in Hong Kong. I did a lot of exploring, dining, relaxing, and of course photo-shooting. I had an absolutely amazing time there, and in the next little bit, I will continue to show you some of my favourite spots to visit while on vacation!

Today, I want to share with you my time at Intercontinental Hong Kong. The Intercontinental Hong Kong is located in Kowloon along the waterfront, with panoramic view of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. We got there around sunset (which is always a great time for photos), and settled ourselves at their Lobby Lounge. They were serving Afternoon Tea at the time, so we ordered a set, and enjoyed it alongside a spectacular view of Hong Kong Island.

Intercontinental Afternoon Tea Set for Two

We were whisked away afterwards to check out their most luxurious room - the Presidential Suite. Not only is this suite the largest in Hong Kong, but is also recognised as Asia's most spectacular. The suite is a 7,000 sq. ft duplex, which includes a study, a gym, and butler service at your beck and call.

Overlooking the Living Room from the 2nd floor of the suite

Master Bathroom, complete with views of Hong Kong

My absolute favourite part of the Presidential Suite has got to be their 2,500 Sq. Ft. rooftop terrace, with an infinity swimming pool & jacuzzi - all complete with a panorama view of Hong Kong Island.

This has got to be one of my top 10 places to visit when in Hong Kong! What are some of your must-see landmarks in Hong Kong?

Thank you Intercontinental Hong Kong for feeding us and showing us around!