Category Archive for Fashion
My Grotto Spa getaway! Tigh-Na-Mara beach resort & mineral pools, Parksville BC. Léo et Violette leather backpack.
Sending out a siren call to you… from the enticing Grotto Spa on Vancouver Island!
This year has been a crazy one so far, with an enormous trip to Beirut, Paris and Egypt, and a freelance contract with Google’s Touring Bird. At this point, I’m ready to kick back and stick to shorter trips.
A weekend wellness getaway at Tigh-Na-Mara seaside resort was exactly what I needed to get recharged.
Let me take you for a dip in Grotto Spa’s mineral waters (located in Parksville, a 1.5 hour ferry ride from Vancouver). Read on for an exclusive photoshoot and story from what was voted the best spa in Canada!
First, I wanted to share my latest find… Le Petit Backpack, by indie Parisian designers Leo et Violette. The creamy, bleu-marine leather even matches the color of my hair. (I decorated the backpack with an ankh from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.)
A Paris-based couple started Léo et Violette to create handbags and leather goods with an innovative approach. The designs are handmade in small batches, using the finest full grain calf leather. However, they are able to offer remarkably fair prices, considering the luxurious materials and craftsmanship. That’s because Léo et Violette sells only through their site (there’s no middleman or traditional advertising costs).
It appears I’ve never left the 1990s… I styled my new backpack with this Tidal Moon Phases dress from Jawbreaker Clothing. It features an original moon print, pointed Peter Pan collar and chiffon overlay.
My red platform heels are from Lola Ramona, and my round sunglasses are Edwardson Eyewear. My hair is by Chad Evans at Kore Salon in Vancouver.
Leo et Violette’s baby backpack comes in three colors, and is handcrafted in their Naples workshop. The body is a smooth Italian calfskin, while the top flap is a full-grain leather suede.
On their website, you can see that they sell a wide variety of sleek, timeless, minimalist leather goods for both men and women. In addition to backpacks, Leo et Violette offer bucket bags, messenger bags, crossbody pouches, and small leather goods like wallets, card holders, and laptop pouches.
These photos speak for themselves: you can see the fine hand-stitching and depth of the full grain leather. Leo et Violette’s leather goods are made in small lots in Naples or Ubrique, Spain (where Hermes, Chanel and others base their productions, but with far higher price-tags).
As you know, I’m all about supporting independent designers with fair practices — so I’m thrilled with this mini backpack from Leo et Violette. You’ll be seeing many more photos soon, as it is my new go-to bag!
Continuing with my 90s Goth outfit vibes… I think I’m channeling Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice.
This summer, you won’t see me without this sunhat by Tenth Street Hats. The Scala New Port has a large brim and comes in many colors, but I chose black for a witchy “lewk.”
I’m holding a half moon bamboo bag from Lola Ramona. The vintage-inspired ark shaped purse is perfect for a beach day. My Ivy Sun glasses are from Edwardson Eyewear.
This Ethereal Nature Maxi Dress is by Jawbreaker Clothing. The intricate Gothic print stems from the third eye motif, and the collar has a marvelous choker style detail.
Living the vampire lifestyle in my Tenth Street Hat. The Newport is packable, and has a 5 inch brim and UPF 50 rating to protect me from the sun.
Adding a pop of color with my red sandals by Lola Ramona. Their ark / half-moon bag comes in several colors and materials, if you want to nab one like mine.
Now, let’s unwind at Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara! The resort is easy to reach from Vancouver, making it an ideal weekend escape.
I recommend reserving the ferry in advance; the ride takes 1 hour 35 minutes, from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay). Then, it’s an easy 35 minute drive to the hotel and spa.
Dress by Jawbreaker Clothing, star platform shoes Rocketdog Footwear, leggings Charli Cohen, Dolce sun hat Lack of Color
This is as close as I’ll get to camping… The suites have a log cabin feeling and are surrounded by nature. However, they’re equipped with 5-star amenities like a giant jet bathtub.
The name Tigh-Na-Mara is Gaelic for “House By The Sea.” Starting as a single tent in 1946, the property has evolved into a 22-acre destination resort, featuring luxury cabins under towering trees.
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort includes three kilometres of Pacific Northwest beaches, which are brimming with sea life. Keep reading to see the creatures we encountered on the sand…
But first, I’m ready for a soak in Grotto Spa‘s award winning mineral pool!
(Spinal skirt by Lip Service, red halter top by Charli Cohen,)
The indoor space is designed to emulate a natural stone grotto. The large pool is filled with warm water, which is rich with minerals.
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As you can see from this Insta video, it’s a joy to wade through the mineral pools. You can perch on the sides and enjoy the jets, or go under the two story waterfall.
Grotto Spa suggests that you take three 15-minute soaks in the mineral pools. In between, you can wake up your senses under the icy cold cascade, or heat up in the non-mineralized whirlpool.
The staff asks guests to “unplug” during the visit, meaning that you can’t use cell phones or cameras inside. In this plugged-in age, it’s a relief to simply focus on the moment. (We had special permission to shoot images before the spa opened for the day, so that we could share the experience with you).
Grotto Spa has a limited number of pool passes per time slot, which ensures that the waters are never crowded. From these images, you can see why this was named the top spa in Canada by Spas of America.
It’s fun to move around and float in this therapeutic pool. The minerals in the warm water help boost your circulation, reduce stress, and nourish the skin.
I took three soaks as they suggested, with hydration breaks in between. At the end, my muscles felt soothed, and my mind was calm.
Guests can also hang out in the Relaxation Lounge located on the 3rd floor. You can sit in front of one of the four fireplaces, and fuel up on unlimited fruit, specialty teas and coffee.
While at the Grotto Spa, it’s worth splurging on a spa treatment or package. The menu includes facials, body wraps, massages, manicures and pedicures, with a focus on soothing West Coast ingredients.
You can take part in a couple’s massage, which begins with a private soak in the copper tub along with fruit and bubbly. Or try a massage with soothing stones, or something geared to your needs (such as expectant mothers).
I had an outstanding one-hour massage by a trained massage therapist: Shari knew exactly which buttons to press! I felt the difference in having her work on me, as she has a scientific understanding of the muscles and nerve points. My masseuse incorporated a stimulating eucalyptus mist throughout the session, and worked out kinks that I didn’t even know I had.
I ended the day with a warm cup of jasmine tea in the lounge. As the Grotto Spa puts it: “With 20,000 square feet of spa bliss, we give relaxation a whole new meaning!”
Anyone who stays at Tigh-Na-Mara has access to an expansive, private beach. The water is relatively warm, and at low tide, the shallow sand expands by about 1 km! I’ve never seen a beach spread out as far to the ocean as this one.
As you take the long walk to the water, you’ll encounter fascinating creatures in the shallow pools and wet sand. These black sand dollars have a rather Gothic look. The dark ones are still alive, while white ones are dead and bleached by the sun. (We put this guy back after the photo).
Pacific Northwest beaches tend to have a feeling of drama. (My sun hat by Lack of Color had a long strap that I could tie around my chin, to prevent the wind from carrying it off. This Line Friends Brown bear jacket is from Hong Kong’s Chocoolate shop.)
Look down, and be amazed by the diversity of critters. Tiny crabs scuttle between the shells and seaweed. You might even be surprised by a large red crab.
Low tide creates shallow pools, which might soak your shoes as you walk through them. My Rocketdog disco platforms turned out to be appropriate footwear, as they kept me elevated above the water!
Time to relax inside my Spa Bungalow. Tigh-Na-Mara’s luxury log rooms are named after various BC Gulf Islands. The resort also has rustic cottages and oceanview suites, to suit all travel styles.
The bungalow has a back-to-nature rustic charm, while being outfitted with modern amenities (two sinks, two TVs, a kitchenette, private patio). At night, we rented a DVD player from front desk and watched a sci-fi movie.
We dug into stone-fired pizzas from Cedars Restaurant and Lounge, which paired perfectly with a red Catalunya wine. The restaurant features a seasonal, local menu. You can customize the pizzas with goat cheese from nearby farms, and take them out to enjoy in your room.
In the morning, we enjoyed a West Coast breakfast a-la-carte at Cedars restaurant. Eggs Benedict with avocado and wild smoked salmon, and waffles with Canadian maple syrup.
Such a pleasure to take a calming trip to Tighnamara and Grotto Spa. If you’re yearning for a relaxing vacation near Vancouver, then this Parksville spa & resort is exactly what the doctor ordered.
My 70s shoes reminded me of James Brown: “Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would. Now I feel good, I knew that I would, now. So good!”
Have you ever done a spa getaway? What was your experience like?
PS: Thanks for your fab feedback on Google’s Touring Bird so far! I wrote 15 local tips about Vancouver for the site (along with articles for dozens of other cities). If you’re looking for alternative, local things to do in Vancouver BC, I hope you’ll find my TouringBird suggestions helpful.
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Renting an apartment with Eiffel Tower view! Paris Perfect rentals review, Paris Pass museum passes, Le Corbusier house.
Paris, it’s been a while! I’ve visited the “city of lights” twice before, but this was before starting this blog. At long last, I got the chance to come back and share some alternative travel stories with you.
Of course, we’ll creep into the Catacombs, and look for vampires in Pere Lachaise cemetery. However, we’ll start with a photo diary of Paris’ beautiful museums and architecture. (Above is a stirring example, The Fontaines de la Concorde.)
If you’re an art / architecture / culture lover like I am, then you should consider Paris as a travel destination. I could spend hours walking through the various arrondissements, admiring the diverse styles from throughout the centuries.
From the ornate Art Nouveau doorway at 29 Avenue Rapp, to the shiny new Russian Orthodox cathedral, there’s so much to take in.
In this spirit, I looked for elegant accommodations straight out of a French fantasy. The moment I scrolled though Paris Perfect‘s apartment rentals, I knew I’d found my Parisian home.
The photo above captures the magic of my Chambertin apartment. The spacious flat is outfitted with carved fireplaces and chandeliers, and French balconies that open out to a view of the Tour Eiffel!
It’s a joy to browse the short-term vacation rentals at ParisPerfect.com: you can search by size and location, and see gorgeous photos of the interiors. Booking online is easy, and the company has an office near the Eiffel Tower where you can store bags if needed. A team member always greets you when you check in, and answers any questions you might have.
(I’m wearing a Valfre ballerina wrap top and blue En Creme skirt, both from Forest Ink.)
I settled into Chambertin with a glass of wine (Paris Perfect kindly left me a bottle and snacks). I ran a bath, and soaked in this claw-footed tub while looking out at the Eiffel Tower… “comme la vie est belle.”
(At night, you get a brilliant view of the Eiffel Tower, which twinkles with lights.)
The apartment rental has a fully equipped kitchen, so you have the option to cook meals at home. I caught up with an old friend in the cozy living room, and worked on my laptop at the dining table (every Paris Perfect apt has free and fast WiFi).
Ah, I miss having a morning coffee in this spot! My friend and I would go around the corner to get croissants or French onion soup, and stroll through the nearby parks.
If you’re looking for a special stay in Paris, seek out a local experience rather than a standard hotel. As you can see, my Paris Perfect accommodations were… perfect, and I’d book with them again in a heartbeat.
My apartment rental was near many metro stops, which was convenient for exploring the city. And it was only a few blocks away from the Eiffel Tower!
I dressed in French fashion for the occasion. My black and white Jolie dress is by Valfre, from Forest Ink (they carry many alternative, grunge and edgy designs by various brands). My leggings and silk bomber jacket are Charli Cohen.
With the kind assistance of Paris Tourist Office, I got a private architecture tour of Le Corbusier’s modern buildings. Anyone can visit Fondation Le Corbusier, an archive that honors the pioneering French-Swiss architect.
We began at Maison La Roche, which is a semi-detached house designed by “Corbu” and Pierre Jeanneret between 1923–1925. Originally the home of a banker / art collector, the villa is now a museum that holds thousands of the architect’s drawings and photographs.
I loved seeing the smallest details, such as the light switches and furnaces, designed for Maison La Roche. Le Corbusier’s custom furniture complements the horizontal windows, which fill the rooms with light. A steep, curved ramp swoops up from the avantgarde art gallery to the library.
Self portrait in the pink bathroom, wearing Valfre.
Wandering through the grid-like spaces of Villa La Roche truly lets you get a sense of Le Corbusier’s genius. There’s so much more to be said about this UNESCO site; if you’re intrigued, you can check out the Fondation’s detailed guide to the home here.
Our docent also took us to the nearby Paris studio-apartment, where Le Corbusier lived and worked from 1934 to 1965. Although Charles-Édouard Jeanneret (his birth name) is best known as an architect, he was also a prolific writer, artist, and urban planner.
Located on the top floor of Paris’ Molitor Building, the open spaces, supporting columns, and floating facades are quintessential Corbusier. The artist modified the wall colors over time, and added shade panels since the windows let in a bit too much light.
The pivoting wood door allows you to define the space. Walk up the curving staircase to the terrace, or enter the living room painted with unexpected blocks of primary colors.
Some of the studio-apartment’s elements are on the odd side, like a giant elevated bed designed to maximize the view when one is lying down. The bathroom features space-age curves, and the cramped shower looks like a cocoon.
Le Corbusier filled the apartment with art objects from his travels. He designed much of the furniture himself, such as these curving chairs and marble dining room table. According to his wife, he was inspired by a mortuary slab that he saw in a dissection room!
We walked up to the rooftop garden as the sun was setting. Concrete planes, surrounded by plants… Corbu was very much ahead of his time.
Here’s a detailed PDF from Fondation Corbusier for more details about the studio. Hail Le Corbusier!
Since I was keen to visit many museums while in the city, I got a Paris Pass. This sightseeing pass is well worth the value, as you get immediate access to over 60 travel attractions. The Paris Pass also includes a TravelCard for unlimited public transit on the metro, RER trains, and buses.
Since I had the Paris Pass, I could use the “fast track” line at top museums and monuments — like the Louvre. The world-famous glass pyramid always has a long line-up, but with The Paris Pass, you can go straight in.
I only had a short time in Paris (as I was here on my way to Cairo). The Paris Pass let me maximize my time and enjoy the sights, while saving on entry fees.
You can choose to get The Paris Pass in 2, 3, 4 or 6 consecutive day lengths. The booklet is mailed to you; simply activate the card by scanning it at the metro or at your first attraction.
When I saw the long line outside Musee D’Orsay, I was relieved I could simply waltz in — and no need to shell out the €14 ticket fee! (If you’re seeing a few attractions a day or taking public transport a lot, the Paris Pass more than pays for itself).
It was my first time at this art museum, which is set inside the glorious Gare d’Orsay. The railway station was built between 1898 and 1900 in the Beaux-Arts style. Today, these original glass and ceiling details have been painstakingly preserved.
Le Musee D’Orsay focuses on French paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photos from around 1850-1914. It contains the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist works, by artists like Manet, Monet, and their brethren.
I was especially intrigued by the station architecture (featuring long ramps and industrial staircases). I enjoyed seeing lesser-known large scale works, such as French Symbolist paintings with trippy themes.
You’ll find Mondrian, Degas, Delacroix, Rodin, and Gauguin among the Orsay artists. I got a kick out of the dramatic carved statues found throughout the open spaces — like this devilish detail.
Yes, you can see placid waterlilies here. Or you can find tormented poses, and a vampiric bite while Satan flies through the red sky!
The Paris Pass made it possible to cut the queues and save on ticket fees. On their website, you can see the full list of museums and activities that the sightseeing pass covers. The Paris Pass also includes a free hop on/off Big Bus day tour, and discounts at restaurants and shops.
You can make the rounds of Arc de Triomphe, Panthéon, Musée Rodin and dozens more with the Paris Pass. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit lesser-known museums, like the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. Since entry is included with the pass, why not check it out?
Next time, I’ll use The Paris Pass to go up the Eiffel Tower, and do a wine and cheese tasting…
The entire city feels like a museum. Even though Paris is such a popular destination, I was swept away by its charm.
Look up and admire the details found in each neighborhood.
It’s fun to people-watch. Check out the black and white outfit worn by the lady outside Saint Pierre de Chaillot church.
In Paris, sometimes the “tourist” things are the best things to do. Take a stroll along the banks of the River Seine, and duck into the Jardin des Tuileries.
And eat. Indulge in Laduree macarons, get fresh croissants from a local bakery, and try a sampling of cakes at Angelina.
Linger over a meal at Angelina’s cafe in Galleries Lafayette. Cheese and beet salad, cheesy pasta, and multiple glasses of red wine.
Paris, je t’aime. Merci Paris Perfect for the lovely stay in Chambertin apartment; I can’t wait to return.
But how about the Gothic side of the city? That’s coming up next. Catacombs, French absinthe and graveyard haunted by vampires… A bientot!
LA CARMINA
