Private Tour with Oahu Spot Tours / April 20, 2016 by Jenn Chan

I glanced at the curb and there stood a slight, suntanned, long-haired Hawaiian gentleman alongside a gleaming, brand new, 4-door Jeep with a giant sunroof. Ron is a second generation islander of Chinese descent, but unmistakably Hawaiian! His hair hung just past his shoulders and he informed us, after much getting-to-know-you chit chat, that he had even recently cut off a further 12 inches of his locks to donate to charity; a very generous soul indeed.

As is apparently the case with much of his clientele we informed him that, before our private one-on-one tour with him, we had already taken a day-long tour that had circumvented much of the island of Oahu and had seen, if only for short 5-minute stops, many of the tourist traps. One might assume that this would make his job difficult, that he would be hard up to find us locations we had not yet seen, but you would be wrong! Our first stop was at Leonard's Bakery, a Portugese bakery and Honolulu must-see for over a half century. The malasadas did not disappoint. We took them to go and proceeded to Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park lookout. This spot will not be, ever, on any large group tour you will go on because it is not on the way to anything; you'll have to hire Oahu Spot Tours. It offered a very unique vantage of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head and the photographs speak for themselves.

Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park - Looking at Diamond Head & Waikiki

Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park - Looking towards Waikiki, Downtown, & Honolulu

Our next stop was the Punchbowl Crater. Borrowing from ancient Roman tradition the United States decided to place a large war memorial in the spot that was once a holy Polynesian, open-air temple; our monument trumps yours. Discipline under the ancient set of laws known as Kapu was once carried out on this lofty perch and the offenders, often executed for their offences, were dragged to the waters edge for an unceremonious burial at sea.

After Punchbowl we visited the Pearl Harbour memorial and revelled in the historical artifacts lucky enough to have visited during its 75 year anniversary of the tragic sneak attack on the U.S. by the Japanese in 1941. It was humbling to see the even-handed display of Japanese history and gallantry during the conflict.

Perhaps less hidden and out of the way, as we saw numerous large, impersonal cattle-moving tour buses in the lot, was our next stop; the Byodo-In Temple. Imagine the most beautiful Buddhist Temple you've ever seen and then place it at the base of a misty Hawaiian mountain. An incredible sight to behold and one that will leave an indelible impression upon you.

Koi Fish @ Byodo-In Temple, Oahu — Koi Fish @ Byodo-In Temple, Oahu

So enamoured were we with Ron's gracious hospitality and kind manner that we insisted, insisted, that he let us buy him lunch at our next stop. We pulled up to Fresh Catch, made famous by the Food Network's show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, just before noon and were lucky to avoid the out-the-door lineups that accompany being such a hot spot for both locals and tourists alike. The poke, raw seafood, with its many succulent sauces and preparations made us think of the many high priced sashimi of our native Vancouver, but at a fraction of the price. We bought a wide selection of tuna, salmon, octopus and rice and sat back for a much needed rest from our fast paced morning explorations.

Various Tuna & Salmon Poke @ Fresh Catch

Our final stop was, symbolically, the final stop for many others. The Nu'uanu Pali State Park was the sight of a voracious battle for control of Oahu Island and, in its capture, the uniting of all 5 islands into the Kingdom of Hawai'i. King Kamehameha I fought the last hold outs on this mountainous peak and, with the help of English guns, drove them off the cliff to their demise thus creating the amalgamation of the islands into one harmonious country.

Ron Wong is a very kind man, a gentle soul who sees the good in things and is very knowledgeable about his island. We happened upon him a few days later at a beach off the beaten tourist track and he welcomed us like friends and introduced us to his family with a warmth and kindness that really makes your feel the Aloha spirit. Do yourself a favour and book Ron for a tour as soon as you arrive on the island. You'll see the sights, learn the history and, if you're lucky like us, make a friend for life.

Words: Scott Allan
Photos: Jenn Chan

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

Easter Brunch at Arc Restaurant / March 27, 2016 by Jenn Chan

The Arc Restaurant at Fairmont Waterfront underwent a massive renovation in 2014 and as soon as you walk in you can see that it was money well spent. The sleek, curved interior, with its modern finishes and floor to ceiling windows offering spectacular views of the Burrard Inlet, North Shore Mountains and the bustling Canada Place Square and cruise ship terminal, is elegant and has a clean, upscale vibe. With the addition of a large patio it has become a fantastic place for dinner and drinks for tourists from the beautiful Fairmont Waterfront upstairs and locals alike.

The food is simply amazing! The crab is succulent and fresh and the meat was coaxed from the thoughtfully pre-cracked shell with minimal effort. The salmon tasted like it was pulled minutes before from the Pacific Ocean, a stone's throw from where you sit comfortably in your tasteful leather chair, the waters renowned worldwide for their salmon fishing. The sushi was a welcome surprise in its authenticity and expert composition and there was an extensive wine list from which to draw your pairings.

Got myself a plate of delicious seafood!

The desserts are rich and the options are plentiful. From the velvety, soft chocolate cake to the divine mousses there will be something for everyone.

The staff exuded professionalism, charm and dedication and truly go the extra mile to accommodate their guests. The Arc will welcome you and you will go back!

Thank you for having us Fairmont Waterfront!

Words: Scott Allan
Photos: 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