Hotels for Adventure Seekers

Wild Canopy Reserve Hotel 



This Canopy Reserve Hotel, located in south India reminds me of the Swiss Family Robinson tree house! My 8 year old self would kill for this -- monkey butler and all. I even remember writing in my voice activated diary about how I wanted to live in a tree house of my own. Funny thing is...I still would if I could.




(pictures from busyboo)



Mirror Cube


The Treehotel is a new hotel in northern Sweden consisting of multiple tree houses designed by different architects. This Mirror cube allows you to enjoy nature from a bird's eye view. The refection of the forest gives you the perfect camouflage. The interior of the cube is simple and sweet -- you even have a little look-out deck on top.


(Pictures from Gizmodo)



 Ice Hotel




Situated in village Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden, this little gem turns a quaint arctic town into a world-renowned attraction. The whole hotel is carved out of ICE! With rates as high as $800 a night, you can stay in an artist suite complete with an  ice bed, hand carved ice sculptures and sparkling ice chandeliers. They even have their own ice Chapel and Absolute Ice Bar, offering a massive array of flavored vodka in glasses made of, yup you guessed it, ice. Guests sleep in thermal sleeping bag atop reindeer skin and are awaken in the morning with a cup of hot lingonberry juice by their bedside. How fun! Count me in!
(Pictures from Thisisliv)



Yunak Evleri







Yunak Evleri of Cappadocia has been dogeared in my travel file for a long time. This place is definitely on my list! Yunak Evleri has a combination of six cave houses with a total of 30 private cave rooms dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries and a 19th century Greek Mansion. I can see myself now...walking through a labyrinth of narrow passageways and lounging on the rooftop terrace with my mint tea in hand. YES PLEASE! 
 


(Pictures from Yunak)
The Giraffe Manor
            Knock  Knock  -- Good morning, may I come in?


  




Giraffe Manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest and is only 20 kilometers from Nairobi city centre. Built in the 1930s, this luxury boutique hotel has maintained all the charm of the era and is now famous for its resident herd of Rothschild Giraffe. Giraffe Manor offers you an unparalleled experience of the giraffes, with them vying for your attention at the breakfast table, the front door and even your bedroom window. I love it! I've always wanted to eat breakfast with a giraffe!
P.S. I've been to Kenya -- it's phenomenal (I will post on adventures from Kenya soon)!


(Pictures from Giraffe Manor)


Kakslauttanen





It’s hard enough to pronounce “Kakslauttanen” while sober—don’t even think about attempting it after a drink from their ice bar.  Kakslauttanen is a Finnish resort near the North Pole, popular for its glass igloos. These cute little igloos provide a one of a kind opportunity to admire the northern lights and millions of stars.  Each igloo is built from a special thermal glass so you won't freeze your toosh off.  Every igloo is equipped with a bathroom and luxury beds. Kakslauttanen has a variety of  log cabins, snow igloos, glass igloos and large log cabins to choose from. Too cute to boot! I want to cozy-up in that rocking chair with some hot cocoa and enjoy that stone fire place. Mmmm Heaven.




(Pictures from kakslauttanen)
 

Palacio de Sal






If you’re one of those people who believes you can never have too much salt, then this is the place for you. From floor to ceiling, including the walls, beds, and chairs, it’s all salt! This 16-room Salt Palace is located on Bolivia’s vast salt flats.

(Pictures from Tripadvisor)




Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island, Canada







These Free Spirit Spheres are set among the tall trees of the west coast rainforest of Vancouver Island, Canada. The five-acre property is an old-growth forest with three pods (made of cedar, spruce, or fiberglass, respectively) suspended 10 to 15 feet in the air and accessed by staircases that wind around the trees. In addition to overnight stays, Free Spirits will also sell you your own premade sphere! Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Ewok village!


(Pictures from Freespiritsphere)




-B

Vegetable Dinner Piled High

A vegan dish - sauteed, boiled, fried, and layered - homemade and healthy, it includes (from top to bottom) ...


  • a quick and easy raw tahini lime dressing made with tahini, fresh lime juice, water, cumin, salt and pepper
  • a bunch of organic and fresh kale sauteéd in balsamic vinegar
  • slice of tempeh pan-fried with a few dashes of tamari sauce
  • shredded broccoli lightly sauteéd in sesame oil
  • Organic quinoa cooked and kept plain as the base for this dish



    Let's digress just a little.

    To my delight, I recently (actually just a few minutes ago) got a request to blog about my favorite flats and bags.


    Well, I used to consider myself a (wannabe) bag fanatic, but i believe i got over that phase as fast as I got into it. These days I don't obsess over getting the hottest bag or the most expensive ones-- my decision to purchase depends on how in love I really am with it, regardless of trend and hype. I also rely on how laid-back or sturdy my totes are.

    With that said, my top totes are the ones that can carry all my stuff. and I mean ALL MY STUFF. Big, roomy and strong.


    This one bag I recently bought in my last trip to the states. Truth is, for me, the "summer-er" the look, the better. I dunno, I've always liked that whole cruise or hamptony feel. With my home interiors AND my clothes. and bags. and shoes. So this is my latest favorite. It's HUGE! And I carry it to wherever, whenever my outfit permits.

    Cabana Striped Tote, Kate Spade








    On days when I need to lug around less stuff, I use my giant Part-Time bag. I have this in a nice powdery blue with silver hardware, but I think this praline-colored one is kinda cute, too.


    Giant Part-Time, Balenciaga


    As for Tod's...They're the best for me. I won't even bother with the Birkin (sorry bag hags, this is blasphemy, I know. haha). My simple G-bags are my favorite! I take them with me everywhere! :) To the beach, out of the country, to the parlor, to the mall, to lunches, to work... you get the picture. They're the best toss-and-tote totes. Aaaaahhh... ❤





    G-Bag, Tod's

    This pink one in patent with leather straps is the best all-weather accessory. Trust me.


    Yeah, so I'm happy with the non-Chanel non-Hermes bags I have. :D the comfier, the better! Yes, I'm talking about bags. Hehe.





    As for flats...OKAY fine I like the forever and ever worn-out Tory Burch Reva flats EVEN IF THEY'RE REALLY PAINFUL. I once wore a half size too big and they still hurt. But nonetheless, they have colors that are just so pretty, you can't say no.
    The famous and worn-out Reva flat, Tory Burch. I like this color because it's perfect for my daily nude palette.







    Even this. I haven't purchased this one in particular, but I want it. Hahaha doesn't it look like a Bottega? 

    The Prescot Ballet flat of Tory Burch




    It also reminds me of caramel ice cream. YUM. Hahaha. Aaaaanyyyywaaaayyyy......
    http://www.gourmet.com










    ...You also can't go wrong with ol' reliable Tod's ballet flats. Maaaaan... they're comfortable and sturdy and can take any amount of walking and driving. Just don't get the suede. But these suede ballet flats are adorable. and go with any casual outfit.




    Soooo there. Those are my top flat and bag choices. Nothing too fancy schmancy... I realized that sometimes, more expensive isn't necessarily more tasteful. 

    Okay fine, all the time. 








    Mmmm Looks Good

    A Picnic in the Park

    Mountain goats at the High Park Zoo
    A lovely weekend for a picnic and with a long weekend coming up there will be plenty more time for picnics in the sun.  This picnic was in Toronto's beautiful High Park area.


    Our lunch came from The Big Carrot, an amazing shop similar to Whole Foods Market but on the east end of Toronto.  On the menu (pictured here): Vegan paella (bottom), Lentil Paté (to it's right) and Mary's raw gluten-free crackers.
    Vegan Paella from The Big Carrot

    Scarlet with her treats.
    A picnic wouldn't be complete without a treat for my sweet - okay, no more rhyming!  We did get Scarlet something yummy and fishy to chew on, mostly to distract her while we ate our own food and so she wouldn't feel left out.


    Community Garden in High Park
    High Park is a gorgeous, massive, very green and flourishing park on the west end of Toronto.  Within it there is a Zoo, Community Gardens, swimming pool, tennis courts, dog off-leash area, and much more.  Plus many events like concerts and plays are hosted there.

    Baby goat (I think) from the High Park Zoo

    A resting Bison from the High Park Zoo

    Scarlet, chillin'
    A relaxing puppy? She was actually eyeballing the chipmunks and squirrels, at least it kept her distracted.