DRIFT Travel Dec 2016

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL 

TRAVEL MAGAZINE 

CAMBODIAN 

TEMPLES 

5YOU MUST EXPERIENCE 

10 

ADVENTURES 

FOR SERIOUS 

TOP 

ADRENALINE 

JUNKIES 

ICELAND 

A PHOTOGRAPHER’S JOURNEY 

MALAWI 

THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA 

Exclusive 

ARCTIC EXPEDITION 

BREAKING ICE WITH ASTRONAUT CHRIS HADFIELD 

DEC 2016 

COME ALONG ON THE JOURNEY at DRIFTTRAVEL.COM

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2 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM

The Case for Better Travel. 

www.raden.com

DEC 2016 

COME ALONG ON THE JOURNEY at DRIFTTRAVEL.COM 

INSIDE this issue 

ISSUE'S TOP 10 8 Thrills of a lifetime. 

18 ARCTIC EXPEDITION 

Polar bears, glaciers and an astronaut. 

TRAVELLING EDITOR 

30 St. Regis Punta Mita, Mexico 

AT A GLANCE 34 Riomaggiore, Italy. 

36 CAMBODIA 

5 Siem Reap temples you must visit. 

46 BEAUTIFUL BALI 

Two locations, one lasting impression. 

62 WHISTLER, BC. 

Romancing the snow - without skis. 

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL 

ADVENTURES 

FOR SERIOUS 

TOP ADRENALINE 

JUNKIES 

10 

ICELAND 

A PHOTOGRAPHER’S JOURNEY 

MALAWI 

THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA 

Exclusive 


BREAKING ICE WITH ASTRONAUT CHRIS HADFIELD 

TRAVEL MAGAZINE 

CAMBODIAN 

TEMPLES 

5YOU MUST EXPERIENCE 

52 LIFE & STYLE 

How to pack stylishly for the tropics. 

54 SAN FRANCISCO 

Three restaurants we loved. 

56 MALAWI 

Warm heart of Africa. 

66 TRAVEL GEAR 

Pack more and spend less. 

68 ICELAND 

A photographic journey. 

80 

#WHERETONEXT 

Canouan Island, St. Vincent and 

the Grenadines. 

HOLIDAY 2016 

Whether your travel itch this 

season is adventurous, serene, 

frosty or tropical, it's all 

inside this issue of DRIFT. 

Come along on the journey. 


Cathay Pacific Airways Limited 

Travelling well 

means rest assured. 

Explore other travellers’ #lifewelltravelled experiences 

and share your own memorable moments. 

cathaypacific.com/lifewelltravelled


a travel note from the 

EDITOR 

For travel lovers like you and me, 

the cold weather doesn't mean 

hibernation. It means finding world 

destinations that embrace the season 

and introduce us to new experiences 

that broaden our minds and add to 

our passport stamp collections. 

30 

In this issue of DRIFT, our passionate team 

brings you a diverse range of travel stories that range from luxury to 

outrageous; from the comforts of home to the far corners of the earth. 

Whether your travel plans include a fun family road trip across the 

United States, or a grueling solitary trek across the desert, I understand 

how much you love to travel. I do as well and that is why I work hard to 

ensure that each issue of DRIFT travel magazine is beautifully curated, 

artistically crafted and chocked full of travel inspiration. Come along 

on the journey! 

30 

Travel often and live well, 

Tracey Drake 

Editor-In-Chief & Creative Director 

editor@DRIFTtravel.com 

Connect with me on 

Instagram: @TraceyDrakeEditor 

54 

Oh, the places I've been! 

30 

BEACH FRONT BEAUTY 

IN PUNTA MITA 

Forty minutes from Puerto Vallarta, 

St. Regis Punta Mita provides a 

Mexican luxury haven, far away 

from the pressures of everyday life. 

54 

CULINARY CRAWL IN 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA 

After spending three days in Cali's 

eccentric coastal city, I'm excited 

to share three amazing culinary hot 

spots you must try - and soon! 

80 

A SPECIAL LITTLE 

CARIBBEAN ISLAND 

In this issue, our #WhereToNext 

is Canouan, a tiny island in the 

Caribbean that got my attention, 

and it will grab yours too. 

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 5

PUBLISHER 

GLOSSY MEDIA 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

TRACEY DRAKE 

PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL TEAM 

BONNIE CONRAD, JANE CROSS, ELIZABETH DEAN, 

TRACEY DRAKE, LAURA FRIIS, KERI HARVEY, ERIC HIMEL, 

WILLIAM LAKE, PETER MANDEL, JOSIE SALDAT, TODD 

TALBOT, SYLVIA TENNANT 

CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY 

GALYNA ANDRUSHKO, ADOBE STOCK, SERGE 

BERTASIUS, STEVE DRAKE, FEATUREWELL, LAURA FRIIS, 

CHRIS HADFIELD, ERIC HON, DENIS KABANOV, KARIN 

KAMON, CHRISTIAN MUELLER, VADIM PETRAKOV, 

MICHAEL PICCAYA, EKATERINA POKROVSKY, MEGAN 

SCRAPER, SHUTTERSTOCK, DEBBIE STEEPER, ST. REGIS 

PUNTA MITA, DIETMAR TEMPS, BARRY TUCK, ANDREY 

VERGELES, JIXEN YU 

SALES & CIRCULATION DIRECTOR 

STEVE DRAKE 

ADVERTISING & PUBLISHING RIGHTS INQUIRIES 

sales@DRIFTtravel.com | www.DRIFTtravel.com 

Published by: Glossy Media 

All rights reserved. No part of DRIFT magazine may be 

copied or reproduced without permission. 

© COPYRIGHT DRIFT TRAVEL MAGAZINE 

GLOSSY MEDIA 

2015-2016 



Enjoy the Thrill of a Lifetime 

TOP 

10by: BONNIE CONRAD 

Ultimate Adventures for 

Adrenaline Junkies 


For some people, the perfect vacation means relaxing on the beach and reading a good book, but for 

the adrenaline junkie, that kind of staid getaway simply will not do. Whether you love to surf and 

kayak or climb and explore, the world gives you plenty of ways to indulge your love of adventure travel 

and get your fill of adrenaline rushes. Here are 10 great destinations for travelers who are not afraid to 

put themselves out there, in search of the next great adventure. 


1 

Diving the 

Great Barrier Reef 

If you love diving, it is hard to beat 

the beauty and drama of the Great 

Barrier Reef in Australia. You’ll 

probably want to stay away from the 

touristy places and book your trip 

with a local who understands your 

need for adventure. Once you n the 

Great Barrier Reef is the most popular 

dive spot in the world. 

2 Kayaking 

in Belize 

Belize is a land of natural beauty, with stunning rainforests and abundant 

wildlife at every turn. The water sports here are exceptional as well, and 

guiding your kayak down its raging rivers (Moho River is a fast water dream 

for kayakers) will certainly get your adrenaline pumping. 

3Rock Climbing 

Yosemite 

A favorite spot for rock climbing 

is Yosemite in California’s Sierra 

Nevada mountains. The stunning 

rock formations known as El 

Capitan and Half Dome are the 

most popular climbing locations, 

but there are hundreds of other 

lesser-known places to throw a 

line and get your fill of adrenalinefueled 

adventure. 




4Skydiving in Interlaken, 

Switzerland 

Can you imagine yourself leaping 

from a plane into the great blue 

yonder and enjoying breathtaking 

views of the Swiss Alps? That is 

exactly what you will experience 

when you visit Interlaken, an 

underappreciated part of the Swiss 

countryside that simply must be 

seen to be believed. Interlaken is 

truly a paradise for fans of fun, 

with skydiving and paragliding 

opportunities at every turn. If you 

love to fly, Interlaken is the place to 

get your wings. 

5Running with the 

Bulls in Pamplona 

Adult men and women can run in the footsteps of Papa Hemingway by 

fleeing from 1,000-pound bulls on the run through the streets of Pamplona, 

Spain. The 2017 Running of the Bulls is July 4-15, 2017 with daily bull runs 

and nightly street parties. 

6 

Volcano Boarding in 

Nicaragua 

If you are a true thrill seeker, you 

have gone dune boarding. Maybe 

you even traveled to locations in the 

Middle East and North Africa to 

indulge your passion. But have you 

ever boarded down the side of an 

active volcano? When you travel to 

the wilds of Nicaragua you can do 

just that. Nicaragua is one of the few 

places where you can sail down the 

side of an active volcano, and while 

it is not for the faint of heart, volcano 

boarding is an experience you 

will not soon forget. 


7 

Scaling the Top of 

Mount Everest 

For the expert climber, Mount 

Everest represents the literal and 

figurative pinnacle of the sport. 

The climb is arduous and the risks 

are quite real, and when you reach 

the summit, you will be part of a 

small and exclusive club. Even the 

Nepalese foothills around Mount 

Everest are filled with unique 

encounters, so plan to spend some 

time getting to know the area. A trip 

to Mount Everest is truly the thrill 

of a lifetime, perfect for anyone in 

search of stimulation. 

8 

Braving the Skywalk at 

the Grand Canyon 

Imagine walking out onto a ledge 

and stepping into oblivion. That is 

exactly what you can do on the west 

side of the iconic Grand Canyon 

in Arizona. The installation of a 

glass walkway extending over that 

massive canyon was big news, and 

now that it has been completed, the 

walkway is a big hit. The floor of 

the walkway is glass, but so are the 

walls. The Grand Canyon walkway 

is the perfect place for adrenaline 

junkies to test their mettle. 


9 

Hiking in 

Death Valley 

It would be hard to find a more 

extreme environment in which to 

indulge your love of hiking than 

Death Valley. Conditions in this part 

of Eastern California are extremely 

dry, and natural sources of water are 

almost nonexistent. As if that were 

not enough, there are poisonous 

lizards, dangerous snakes and all 

manner of scary desert wildlife. The 

average traveler would wonder why 

anyone would want to hike here, 

but for the adrenaline junkie it is 

all about pushing limits and seeing 

what they are capable of. 

10 

Surfing Big Waves 

in Hawaii 

If you have always wanted to ride 

the biggest waves, Hawaii should 

be your travel destination. The 

Hawaiian islands are renowned 

for their enormous waves, and 

the surfing here is outstanding. 

Whether you are an experienced 

surfer or a relative newcomer, you 

can find waves that suit your needs 

and abilities. Hawaii is also the 

perfect spot for solo travelers, with 

lots of new friends to make and 

pristine beaches to explore. 


every single day, more than 

EIGHT MILLION PEOPLE 

get on an airplane & travel 

Those who love to travel crave information on new countries to visit, exciting sights to see and once-in-a-lifetime adventures 

to experience. DRIFT covers all the travel bases for our readers; from hotels, airlines and cruises to city guides, culinary 

destinations, secret beaches and must-have accessories. 

Published six times a year, DRIFT is an exciting magazine that is a pleasure to read and an inspirational resource for travel lovers. 

Working with many of the best travel experts in the industry, each issue of DRIFT offers up articles on exotic destinations, city 

secrets, adventure meccas, resort reports, global hot-spots, grab-n-go technology and travel gear. Using our publication mantra 

“travel often, live well” as a launching point, DRIFT is filled with exclusive editorial on where to go, how to get there and what to do 

once you arrive; stories punctuated with meaningful, useful, expertly written travel guides and awe-inspiring travel photography. 

share your story 

with MILLIONS of 

travel lovers 

ADVERTISING, ADVERTORIAL & PRODUCT PLACEMENT: 

sales@DRIFTtravel.com 

TOURISM PR & PARTNERSHIPS: 

editor@DRIFTtravel.com 

TRAVEL WRITER & PHOTO JOURNALIST SUBMISSIONS: 

submissions@DRIFTtravel.com 


Tidal bore rafting. 

There’s nothing quite like that moment when the river shifts 

directions and goes from serene to exhilarating. And just think, 

rafting the most extreme tides in the world is only one of the 

things in Nova Scotia that will make your heart skip a beat. 

A real-life 

discovery 

channel. 

Explore all there is to do at NovaScotia.com 


18 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM 

Working icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov

POLAR BEARS, GLACIERS & AN ASTRONAUT 


Words and photography: Laura Friis 

M 

y polar obsession began in 2005, with my 

first trip to Antarctica. Perhaps because of 

my biologist background, my travels have 

taken me to the earth’s wild places, where 

the impact of human activity is less (but never absent) and 

you can escape the noise and trappings of civilization to 

some extent and see how the world once was. 

In the summer of 2016, there was a remarkable 

opportunity to do something truly special: the Kapitan 

Khlebnikov, a Russian icebreaker, was planning a 

circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean. Affectionately 

known as the KK, she had spent many years as a tourist 

ship with Quark Expeditions but had gone back to her 

regular icebreaking duties in Russia in early 2012. So 

top ice class expedition ships rarely go, and the helicopters 

gave us unparalleled access to remote areas. 

The KK, on this leg of the voyage, was going to try to cross 

into the Canadian Arctic along the north coast of 

Greenland. The Arctic sea ice is diminishing every year, 

but what thick multi-year ice there is tends to accumulate 

along the northeastern part of the Canadian Arctic and 

the top of Greenland, so we knew it would be a challenge. 

We encountered sea ice the day after leaving Svalbard, and 

spent two days trying to find a way west along the 

Greenland coast. As polar travelers know, the quickest way 

through ice is to go around it, so although we did a bit of 

ice-breaking, mostly we were just pushing our way 

through leads and between floes, eventually reaching a 

I BOOKED A TICKET TO GREENLAND 

and boarded Kapitan Khlebnikov, a working icebreaker, for an 

adventure to circumnavigate the Arctic Ocean. 

when I was informed of her return, “Book me to 

Greenland!” I said. And, not long after, “and the Canadian 

High Arctic too!” 

And so, at the end of July, I was on my way to 

Longyearbyen in Svalbard, to meet up with the ship. 

Icebreakers are a different design than regular expedition 

ships. The KK is a working icebreaker, 123 meters long, 

with 24,000 horsepower and a cruising speed of 15 knots 

in open water. In expedition mode, she carries a 

maximum of 110 guests, six zodiacs, and two helicopters. 

Her hull strength means she can venture where even the 

northern point of 81° 25’ N (about 500 nautical miles 

from the North Pole). Then, facing massive pressure ridges 

across nearly solid sea ice cover, and with no leads visible 

from satellite imagery or helicopter flights, the Captain 

made the decision to turn back. 

After the initial excitement of boarding the ship and 

learning our way around; the lifeboat drills, zodiac travel 

briefing, helicopter travel briefing, and polar bear safety 

briefing (“Can you run 100 meters as fast as Usain Bolt? 

Well, a polar bear can”), life aboard settled into something 

approaching a routine. The ship carried a full complement 

of specialists in the Arctic – culture, history, geology, 


KK anchored opposite Quttinirpaaq National Park 

headquarters, Tanquary Fjord, Ellesmere Island 

glaciology, wildlife biology, so no matter what the 

question, someone knew the answer. Most important, the 

goal of the expedition team was to get us off the ship as 

much as possible. 

We spent the first several days exploring Northeast 

Greenland National Park, the largest national park in the 

world – larger than British Columbia - and a UNESCO 

World Heritage Site. Then we continued on south, 

exploring all the fjords, glaciers, archaeological sites (both 

Thule and Norse), Sirius patrol stations and communities, 

from Ittoqqortoormiit to Tasilaq, Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq 

and Qaanaaq, that we could access as we traveled along 

the coast. 

We had two types of shore excursions, both preceded by a 

helicopter flight to check for bears and hiking routes, and 

then a few of the expedition team, appropriately armed, 

going in to set up a perimeter or to take groups hiking. If 

the weather was calm and a beach accessible, we would go 

ashore by zodiac (no docks here) and then go off in groups 

(chargers, who go for distance and elevation, medium 

walkers, and contemplative meanderers who are more 

interested in examining the landscape around them than 

going for distance.) I belong to the latter. The chargers 

may see more muskox, but we probably come out ahead 

with lemmings, wheatears and ptarmigan. 

Alternatively, the team would find us a nice open spot, 

usually elevated and with good vantage points and fabulous 

views of glaciers, fjords and ice, to fly us to, so we could 

meander at will while the gun bearers kept watch. 

In either case, I would often find a spot to just sit, 

experience the near total silence (something nearly 

impossible at home), observe the wildlife and just absorb 

the stunning landscapes around me. 

Because of the near-24-hour daylight, if an amazing 

opportunity presented itself, we could be off in zodiacs or 

helicopters at nearly any hour. In the end, this is an 

expedition, and ice and weather, and of course our 

Captain, are ultimately in charge. 

Greenland is 80% covered by an ice sheet with an average 

thickness of 1500 meters. Around the periphery of the ice 

sheet are innumerable glaciers, flowing inexorably 

downwards. Over millennia, the landscapes have been 


carved by the glaciers, revealing a geologist’s dream of a 

country, ancient rocks exposed by the irresistible power of 

the ice. As a glacier melts, vast quantities of rocks of all 

sizes are deposited in a jumbled heap along its edges and 

at the front. Huge rocks are left on the landscape randomly 

as the glacier retreats - and the glaciers are definitely 

retreating. As we sailed south along Greenland’s coast, we 

did see glaciers reaching tidewater, but many more just 

visible on the mountainsides. 

We could tell areas which had been recently glaciated by 

the presence and extent of lichen on the exposed rocks. 

Lichen grows very slowly, so the size of the patches on 

rocks can be an indication of when the ice retreated, and 

can easily be decades or hundreds of years old. 

Although we were far above the treeline, there were still 

trees. Arctic willow and birch are most common, but they 

grow along the ground rather than upright, and can also 

reach ages of many decades. Like their upright cousins to 

the south, these trees also change color in the fall, 

producing vivid splashes of red and orange across the 

landscape. As I walked over the tundra, I found myself 

Aerial view of lake on glacier, Scoresbysund 

Icebergs at Ilulissat with ground vegetation 


Photo credit: Chris Hadfield 

Writer Laura Friis (center) with astronaut Chris Hadfield (left) 

and son Evan Hadfield (right) 

apologizing to the lichens and old trees I was walking 

over, hopefully not damaging them with my passage. 

When, after three weeks, we reached Kangerlussuaq on 

Greenland’s west coast, it was time for most of the 

passengers to head home and a new group to join us 

aboard, to explore the rest of Greenland’s coast and then 

sail west into the Canadian Arctic. Among the joining 

passengers were Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield and 

son Evan, and with them, the team of Generator Arctic, a 

group of photographers, writers and musicians, none of 

whom had been to the Arctic before. Unlike the previous 

three weeks, when the passengers were all seasoned polar 

travelers, we now had an amazing group of very talented 

people experiencing all of this for the first time. And that 

in turn improved my own experience immeasurably, by 

seeing these incredible landscapes all over again, through 

their eyes. We heard fascinating space stories from Chris 

and some intriguing talks from the Generator team – 

AND they brought guitars making for memorable evening 

music in the bar. 

We continued north, exploring another UNESCO World 

Heritage Site: Ilulissat and the adjacent Sermeq Kujalleq 

glacier, which is flowing at several kilometers a year (up to 

45 meters a day), produces enormous numbers of icebergs 

(35 billion tonnes per year, more than any other glacier 

outside Antarctica). We spent an exhilarating few hours 

zodiacing among these massive icebergs with occasional 

humpback whales for company. Despite the volume of ice 

flowing from the main ice sheet, the active face of this 

glacier is retreating every year. 


CANADIAN ASTRONAUT 

CHRIS HADFIELD, 

SON EVAN AND THE GENERATOR ARCTIC 

TEAM JOINED US THREE WEEKS IN. 

Village of Uummannaq, NW Greenland 



WITH NEAR 24-HOUR DAYLIGHT, 

IF AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED ITSELF, 

WE COULD BE OFF IN ZODIACS OR HELICOPTERS 

AT NEARLY ANY HOUR. 

Big ice. 

That is part of what draws so many of us back. From the 

gigantic white blocks of ice calving from the glaciers of 

Scoresbysund or Ilulissat, maturing over the years as they 

roll and split and age, displaying incredible shades of blue, 

textures from pebbled to ridged to as clear as glass, every 

iceberg is different and beautiful. Their history can be 

traced through the layers, the number of times it has 

rolled by the “water lines”. The glacier ice from which the 

iceberg is formed is thousands of years old, but once the 

iceberg leaves the fjord and begins its journey south, its 

life is often only a year or two. Finding a particularly 

sculpted and weathered iceberg with infinite shades of 

green and blue can keep photographers happy for hours! 

A few glaciers and fjords later, we stopped for a visit at 

Qaanaaq, our last stop in Greenland, and then headed 

west into the Canadian Arctic. 

Our first stop in Canada was at Grise Fiord on Ellesmere 

Island, where Canada Customs and Immigration officers 

cleared the ship and all of us. At this point, two Canadian 

helicopters and crew joined us, having spent four days and 

14 refueling stops to reach us from their base in Quebec. 

We had planned a community visit, but the inclement 

weather (huge waves) made a shore landing difficult, so 

the helicopters came into play, ferrying some of the school 

children and townspeople to the ship to visit us, and 

taking the Hadfields into town to visit with the school. 

Zodiac and iceberg. Rodefjord, Scoresbysund 

Then we turned north again, sailing up between Ellesmere 

and Axel Heiberg islands and into Tanquary Fjord, where 

we reached our most northern point of this part of the 

voyage, over 81° N at the headquarters for Quttinirpaaq 

National Park, Canada’s second largest national park. The 

snow was now beginning, making hikes even more 

interesting because of the wildlife tracks we could easily see, 

and accentuating the geological formations of the 

mountains around us. Helicopter flights, charging and 


meandering continued each day, and we were also able to 

visit Eureka weather station, one of the few inhabited 

spots this far north (80°N). 

Eventually we had to turn our ship south again, having 

a final magnificent encounter with a polar bear on the 

sea ice, and then, once again blocked by ice, circling 

back around Devon Island (with a brief stop for a polar 

swim by the intrepid or foolish) to reach Resolute, the 

end-point of our voyage. More snow, fog and big waves 

hindered the zodiac landings a bit, but we made it to 

the airport, and eventually were winging our way south 

again, as the KK continued west through the rest of the 

Northwest Passage and its home port in Russia. 

Since our return, I’ve adjusted to the southern noise 

levels again, have been happily following the 

photographs and videos being posted by the members 

of Generator Arctic. 

And yes, I’m planning my next return to the ice. 

About the author: Laura Friis is a travel consultant 

at Departures Travel (departurestravel.com) specializing 

in adventure travel and helping others to experience 

these amazing destinations. 

For more information on arctic and antarctic 

expeditions visit quarkexpeditions.com 


Polar bear, NE Greenland 


the 

editor 

when was the last time you saw 

something for the first time? 

by: TRACEY DRAKE 

If you have never experienced St. Regis hospitality, 

you are truly missing out on something very 

special. On a trip to Mexico, I spent some time 

at the lovely St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, and 

experienced a tropical travel experience filled 

with luxury amenities, elegant dining, and white 

sand. While you may have traveled to Mexico 

many times, you haven’t been to this Mexico. 

Punta Mita – which translates to Gateway to 

Paradise - is off the beaten path, as it should be. 

As you leave Puerto Vallarta proper, you travel 

through authentic Mexican countryside, enter 

into the State of Nayarit and eventually arrive 

at the gates of this 1,500 acre master planned 

community; greeted by the smiling faces of The 

St. Regis staff, armed with pitchers of ice cold 

Margaritas. This welcome was a glimpse into what 

became four days of what I can only describe 

as “always attentive but never intrusive” bliss. 


ST. REGIS PUNTA MITA 


• Getting Here: Punta Mita is a 40-minute scenic drive from the airport in 

Puerto Vallarta. Limo, shuttle and taxi services are readily available and can 

be booked in advance. 

THE FINER POINTS 

• Packing: Bathing suit, beach sandals, shorts, sunblock and a good book 

should be the bulk of your suitcase contents but pack at least one nice resort 

outfit for dinner. 

• Attractions: Do not miss snorkelling to Hidden Beach on Marietas 

Islands (Vallarta Adventures) and board a helicopter at the St. Regis for an 

unforgettable aerial tour (Punta Mita Expeditions). 

FOLLOW 

@TraceyDrakeEditor 

on Instagram & Twitter 

or search hashtag #TheTravellingEditor 


Starting from the stunning decor in the hotel's open 

air reception lobby, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort 

has so much to offer including a collection of aweinspiring 

infinity pools, beach cabanas, Remède Spa, 

numerous casual and formal dining options, as well 

as access to two 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf courses. 

My beach front deluxe suite was well appointed, 

with Mexican charm and high end finishes. The 

suite was large with a very private ocean-view walkout 

terrace, and a spa bathroom with an oversized 

soaker tub and an incredibly private outdoor shower. 

As part of the long standing signature St. Regis 

Butler Service, you are assigned a personal butler 

who is just a quick call, text or email away to get 

whatever you may need - coffee, reading material, 

drinks, garment pressing or even a private party 

planned in your suite. They take care of everything, 

including packing and unpacking your suitcases. 

Here, you can do nothing at all - enjoying the white 

sane beaches and peaceful sounds of the waves 

washing ashore. Or you can do whatever you desire. 

The staff at St. Regis are happy to arrange yoga, beach 

activities, water sports, excursions to Marietas Islands 

where you can snorkel into Hidden Beach (which I 

highly recommend!) and even a private helicopter 

tour to see this spectacular region from the air. 

This St. Regis waterfront resort is casual elegance 

at its best. The sprawling property was carefully 

curated to maximize guest privacy; even with the 

hotel booked to capacity for large weddings or 

special events like the very popular Punta Mita 

Beach Festival (held in July each year), the private 

casita-style accommodation and lush landscapes 

meant it never feels busy or crowded or rushed. 

It is probably a good reason why celebrities love 

St. Regis Punta Mita. In fact, I spent an entire 

afternoon on the pure white sand beach, swimming 

and lounging in a hammock with my book and 

my thoughts, and never saw another person. 

Paraiso – yes, paradise. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: STREGIS.COM/PUNTAMITA 


AT A GLANCE: 

Riomaggiore, Italy 

by: ELIZABETH DEAN 


CINQUE 

TERRE 

by: JANE CROSS 

Situated right on the Gulf of Genoa, in the 

province of La Spezia in the Liguria region of 

Italy, and one of the five famous Italian fishing 

villages known as Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore 

is one of the prettiest villages in the world. 

Charming by day and breathtaking by night, 

the origins of Riomaggiore dates back to the 8th 

Century, when the inhabitants of the Vara valley, 

searching a milder climate to grow grapes and 

olive trees without the fear of pirate raids, moved 

to the coast. The town climbs steeply up along the 

ridges overlooking the sea and it is characterized 

by a multitude of colorful stone buildings, 

slate rooftops and open air balconies that 

welcome each day in the village of Riomaggiore. 



MUST SEE TEMPLES 

IN SIEM REAP, 

5C AMBODIA 

by: WILLIAM LAKE 

Siem Reap is the most popular tourist destination 

in Cambodia, and the temples of Angkor 

Archaeological Park attract millions of visitors every 

year. Most people will have heard of the legendary 

Angkor Wat, but there are many temples located in 

Siem Reap and surrounding provinces which are 

also worth visiting. 

The temples in Cambodia were built by kings 

during the Khmer Empire, or what is known as the 

Angkor Period. The Angkor kings built up a vast 

empire which covered Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia 

and Thailand. During this time, they built huge 

reservoirs, canals, large cities, and the largest 

religious monument the world has ever seen. 

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 37 

Koh Ker Temple

ANGKOR WAT TEMPLE 

The magnificent Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World 

Heritage site and is the largest religious monument 

in the world. It was built in the early part of the 

12th century by King Suryavarman II and was 

dedicated to Vishnu, a Hindu god. However, by the 

end of the 12th century, it had been converted into 

a Buddhist temple. 

Angkor Wat was built to represent Mount Meru, 

the home of the Hindu Gods. The five towers 

represent the five peaks of the mountain, the walls 

symbolize the surrounding mountain range, and 

the moat represents the ocean. 

Angkor Wat is famous for its extensive carvings 

which mainly depict stories from Hindu epics. On 

the east gallery, you can see the famous "Churning 

of the Sea of Milk" scene with carvings of 88 devas 

and 92 asuras churning the sea under the guidance 

of the great Vishnu. 

Angkor Wat Temple 


It’s an irritating reality that many places and 

events defy description. Angkor Wat and 

Machu Picchu, for instance, seem to demand 

silence, like a love affair you can never talk 

about. For a while after, you fumble for words, 

trying vainly to assemble a private narrative, 

an explanation, a comfortable way to frame 

where you’ve been and what's happened. In 

the end, you’re just happy you were therewith 

your eyes open- and lived to see it.” 

ANTHONY BOURDAIN 



KOH KER TEMPLE 

Banteay Srei Temple 

Located around 120km away from Siem Reap, Koh 

Ker is far less crowded than the temples near Siem 

Reap town. The peaceful surroundings and Koh 

Ker's unique place in Khmer history makes Koh 

Ker one of the most fascinating temples in Siem 

Reap province. 

Located deep inside the jungle in a sparsely 

populated area, Koh Ker was once the capital of 

the Khmer Empire. Much of the temple is closed 

to visitors as the area is completely surrounded by 

jungle. However, more than 20 monuments can 

still be explored by visitors. 

The most fascinating aspect of Koh Ker is the 

unique pyramid design. The seven tiers of the 

pyramid are unique for temples built during the 

Khmer Empire and many people note the striking 

similarities between Koh Ker and some of the 

ancient Inca ruins built in South America. This has 

led to some historians to believe that this wasn't a 

coincidence and is proof that temples all over the 

world were built by aliens. 

Koh Ker Temple 

BANTEAY SREI TEMPLE 

Banteay Srei is an early example of Khmer 

architecture and was built in the 10th century. 

This Hindu temple is unique because it was 

the only temple not to have been built by a 

king. Instead it was built by two of the king's 

courtiers. 

Buddhist monk at Angkor Wat Temple 

The name translates into English as the 

"Citadel of the Women" which historians 

believe is related to the intricate carvings on 

the red sandstone walls. Local legend says 

that the carvings are so beautiful that they 

could only have been carved by the delicate 

hands of a woman. 

This unique temple is a very popular choice for 

visitors and is located about half an hour away 

from Angkor Wat. 


BAYON TEMPLE 

Ancient columns at Bayon Temple 

The Bayon is another beautiful and extremely 

popular temple. It was built in the late 12th and 

early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII. The 

temple sits in the center of Angkor Thom which 

was once the capital city of the Angkor empire. 

This Buddhist temple was later changed to a 

Hindu temple before being changed back again. 

This means that you'll see a mix of Hindu and 

Buddhist carvings on the bas reliefs and walls. 

This unique temple features 49 towers, 37 of which 

remain today. Probably the most famous aspect 

of Bayon temple are the carved faces which are 

said to represent the face of King Jaravarman VII. 

Bayon Temple 


More than 200 faces were carved into the temple. 

Although Bayon temple has undergone some 

restoration work, it is still largely unrestored, 

which only adds to the charm of the temple. 

TA PROHM TEMPLE 

Ta Prohm temple was made famous as it was used 

as a backdrop for the first Tomb Raider movie 

starring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft. Due to its 

unique appearance, Ta Prohm is one of the most 

beautiful temples in the Angkor Archaeological 

Park. After the fall of the Angkor Empire, Ta 

Prohm was left to the mercy of the jungle and the 

trees are literally growing through the middle of 

the temple giving it a very unique appearance. 

Ta Prohm was built in the same style at Bayon 

temple. It's located just outside Angkor Thom and 

was built by King Jayavarman VII in the early 13th 

century to be used as a Buddhist monastery. At that 

time, it was home to more than 12,000 people with 

nearly 800,000 people living in the surrounding 

villages providing supplies and services for the 

people living in the temple. 

There are hundreds of temples located around 

Cambodia and the most popular temples are 

located around Siem Reap town. Angkor Wat is 

the main reason why people go to visit Siem Reap, 

but many of the smaller temples are also worth 

visiting. Take your time to explore Angkor Wat 

and the other fascinating temples built during the 

Khmer Empire. 

Ta Prohm Temple 


When asked about my travels to Bali, 

I always answer with an enthusiastic, 

“You MUST go!” 

words by: SYLVIA TENNANT 

photographs by: MEGAN SCRAPER 


I realize that there are countless 

breathtaking tropical islands on 

our planet, but given the vibrant 

spectrum of experiences offered by 

this destination, it has become my 

first suggestion for many, especially 

those who have never explored 

Indonesia. Wandering yogis, avid 

entrepreneurs, jet-set fashionistas, 

families with young children, and 

what seems like everyone in between 

are flocking to Bali, and have been 

for years. The luxury travel industry 

on this island is brimming with 

elusive properties, and I jumped at 

the opportunity to experience both 

Seminyak and Uluwatu through a 

bespoke artisanal journey with the 

Alila brand. World-renowned for the 

authentic character of their resorts, 

sustainable approach and awardwinning 

service, I knew that my time 

spent under their spell would be a 

treat for my senses. 


I began at Alila Seminyak, the beach 

front property that occupies prime 

real estate along the lively southwest 

coast of Bali. Marrying tropical luxury 

with minimalist design, the resort is 

a work of modern art and features a 

Balinese temple within its manicured 

grounds. Rooms are equipped with 

fine details, including floor-to-ceiling 

sliding doors that open to a soft ocean 

breeze and black sand beach view. I 

was quick to spot surfers from my giant 

bed and thrilled to discover that the 

bathroom amenities were locally made 

and organic. The multiple infinity 

pools, open-air candlelit dinners, 

and evening (I suggest the Bali 75, 

an innovative rose water concoction) 

made it very clear as to why this resort 

is renowned for exceptional design, 

service, and cuisine. 

Just steps from the front gates of Alila 

Seminyak, the sophisticated offerings 

of Bali’s hottest neighborhood await. 

The fashion, food, and nightlife lends 

to a cosmopolitan ambiance that feels 

glitzy but relaxed. Exploring beyond 

the bustle into more traditional 

surroundings was easy. The resort’s 

concierge planned a guided morning 

bike ride through the rice paddies and 

charming village of Canggu, topped 

off with a picnic on Cemagi beach. It 

was a truly special way to get a peek 

into daily Balinese culture, and just 

one of the many customizable ecoluxury 

experiences available to guests. 




From Seminyak, I traveled south 

along jungle-lined ancient roads to the 

expansive property of Alila Uluwatu. 

Perched high above the cliffs on the 

edge of the Indian Ocean, the opulence 

of this remote location is obvious at 

first glance. Architecturally, the resort 

seamlessly blends the dramatic natural 

landscape with a contemporary woodslatted 

design. Upon arrival, I asked a 

porter why the winding paths to the 

villas were unusually arranged. He told 

me that it was of utmost importance to 

work around the preexisting flora and 

fauna during the building process, 

which relied on locally sourced, 

recycled, and sustainable materials. 

in sight. As I slowly make my way 

back to my villa for the final time, 

I am in awe of how effortless this 

experience has been. The Alila brand 

has created sanctuaries for travelers 

who expect natural luxury in beautiful 

surroundings. There is nowhere else 

I would rather be, and I’m certain I’ll 

return again. 

The villas are light-filled, spacious, and 

supremely private, with larger-thanaverage 

plunge pools and day beds. 

Curated gardens are lush with tropical 

plants. The walk from my villa to 

breakfast at Cire, one of two in-house 

fine dining restaurants, made me feel 

as though I was within the grounds of 

a private estate. The morning market 

menu is filled with local, nutritious 

ingredients, which are served poolside 

under palm trees overlooking the 

incredible view. The main pool is a 

prime location to lounge, and there are 

plenty of private areas to do so. It truly 

feels as though you’re swimming high 

above the ocean within the clouds. 

Post-pool, I enjoyed a traditional 

Balinese massage with essential oils 

and ancient healing techniques at 

the Alila spa. Their holistic approach 

to relaxation is unparalleled and my 

spa experience was calming for both 

body and mind. For those who prefer 

to explore, the famed Uluwatu temple 

is only a 15-minute drive from the 

resort. Be sure to stay into the evening 

to catch the Kecak fire dance at sunset. 

At night, the walkways are softly lit, 

the air is fragrant with the sweet smell 

of frangipani, and there isn’t a soul 


Eric Himel’s 

LIFE+STYLE 

by: ERIC HIMEL 

Packing for a warm destination is one part identifying 

your style and one part having a plan. Just because 

you are going to a tropical island that doesn’t mean 

you have to dress like Gidget. Don’t be literal, be 

smart. Pack for the weather, comfort and of course - 

dress with style! 

IDENTIFY YOUR STYLE 

What’s your vibe? Nautical, boho, feminine, edgy, 

preppy? Pick a theme that is really you and stick to it 

when packing. 

CALYPSO ST. BARTH 

MOKRA CROCHET 

COTTON SHORT 

RADEN A50 BLUETOOTH 

LUGGAGE SET IN PINK 

THE ESSENTIALS 

You’ve chosen your theme, now make a list and check 

it twice. Pack only what you need and nothing more. 

Bathing Suit: For a one week trip, pack 3. One should 

be a one piece when you aren’t feeling your best. 

Shorts: To throw over your bathing suit or for day 

trips. 

Tops: To go with your shorts, natch! Both day time 

tanks and a sexy slinky one for evening. 

Day Dress/Cover Up: Interchangeable that will take 

you from pool to lunch and back. 

Night Wear: Whether you choose a dress or separates, 

this look should adhere to the three C’s: comfort, 

coordinated and chic! 

SUNNY SIDE UP! PACKING FOR THE TROPICS 

ERIC HIMEL (erichimel.com) 

is a widely known celebrity stylist, fashion expert and media personality. Himel attended 

Parson’s School of Design and trained under Project Runway’s Tim Gunn. Now based in 

Los Angeles, Himel’s roster of celebrity clientele has included Jenny McCarthy, Giuliana 

Rancic, Pete Wentz, Gabby Douglas and more,. Eric is best known for his signature Closet 

Purge and now offers Virtual Styling Sessions. 


VALENTINO 

ROCKSTUD SANDALS 

Shoes: Pack three pairs: sandals for the pool, laceups 

for excursions and dressy sandal or wedge for 

evening. 

Sunglasses: Polarized for ultimate eye protection. 

Bags: Pack two - a tote bag that you carry on the plane 

and doubles for the pool. And a clutch for evening! 

EDIE PARKER 

ANCHOR CLUTCH 

Accessories: two pairs of earrings, one day, one 

night. Bangles that go with literally anything. And a 

oversized soft scarf that doubles as a sarong. 

TRINA TURK 

RESORT WEAR 

ERIC'S EXPERT TRIPS: 

• DON'T pack the same day as your trip! 

• DO color coordinate. 

• DO try on outfits beforehand. 

• DON’T pack structured or constricting clothing. 

• DO get a pedicure. 

KENDRA SCOTT 

BANGLES 


#havefoodwilltravel 

SAN 

FRANCISCO 

by: TRACEY DRAKE 

If it's true that the way to the heart is 

through the stomach, then the adage 

"I left my heart in San Francisco" could 

never be more true. This hilly, quirky 

California coastal city is in the midst of 

a culinary revolution, and it is the best 

reason to visit (or revisit) San Francisco. 

DRIFT recently spent three days in 

San Fran, and came back with our 

three favorite spots to eat. Each offers 

up memorable ambiance, exceptional 

food and some interesting menu items. 


One Market | 1 Market Street | onemarket.com 

Fine dining San Francisco style pretty much sums 

up the understated elegant decor and world class 

menu offerings at One Market. One of the hottest 

culinary destinations in the city, Chef/Partner Mark 

Dommen and Sommelier/Wine Director Tonya 

Pitts offer a wonderfully symbiotic food and wine 

experience. The restaurant’s open kitchen offers a 

contemporary nod to a sophisticated menu that 

leans toward the classics. 

DRIFT RECOMMENDS: 

Main: Pancetta-wrapped Day Boat Scallops 

Dessert: Chocolate Caramel Pecan Tart 

Drink: Smokey Margarita 

Twenty Five Lusk | 25 Lusk Street | 25lusk.com 

The ambiance of Twenty Five Lusk is decidedly Mad 

Men Meets the 21st Century with just the right mix 

of cool, vintage and ultra modern. With a 130-seat 

main dining room, lower level lounge, and two bars, 

Twenty Five Lusk offers seasonally inspired creative 

cuisine, a worldly wine list and an inspiring variety 

of craft cocktails. Executive Chef/Partner Matthew 

Dolan puts an excellent spin on rustic food, tailor 

made for a modern, urban palate. 


Main: Sunchoke Risotto 

Dessert: Gingerbeer Cake 

Drink: SF Yacht Club 

Dirty Habit | 12 Fourth Street | dirtyhabitsf.com 

On the fifth floor of Hotel Zelos in San Francisco's 

bustling SOMA district, Dirty Habit is a chic 

escape from the city. The dramatic film noir decor 

immediately envelopes you. Dirty Habit is definitely 

for those seeking a hip, social dining and drinking 

atmosphere. Chef Thomas Weibull does a brilliant 

job making the shareable, seasonal cuisine shine in 

this bar-centric hot spot, that also offers a genius 

craft cocktail menu. 


Main: Camembert Ravioli 

Dessert: Foie Gras Ice Cream Sandwich 

Drink: Artist’s Fizz 


THE WARM HEART OF 

AFRICA 

by: KERI HARVEY 

When David Livingstone first clapped eyes on Lake Malawi, 

its surface danced with twinkling stars. He named it the 

Lake of Stars, though it's also called the Calendar Lake for 

being 365 miles long and 52 miles wide at its broadest, with 

12 big rivers flowing into it. It's a massive expanse of water, 

waves break onto the sandy beaches and on appearance 

it's a vast freshwater ocean stretching beyond the horizon. 

'Lake Malawi is quite unique," smiles local lake guide 

Johnson Nthenda. 'It's only the third largest lake in Africa, 

but it was the first lake in the world to be proclaimed a 


Kayaking and snorkeling on Lake Malawi 

national park to protect the marine life of a tropical, deep 

water, Rift Valley lake. Because nearly 1,000 species of fish 

mostly dazzling, brightly colored cichlid live in its waters, 

and new species are still being discovered every year.' 

Islands in the lake are boulder strewn and dotted with 

baobabs; wildlife is regularly seen on the lake shores. 

Zebra, bushbuck, klipspringer, baboons, monkeys and 

rock hyraxes live along the lake, otters frolic in the waters 

and in the quiet reaches are hippos and crocodiles. Tiny 

deserted beaches and coves are everywhere, giving the 

lake a island paradise appeal. This is also a favorite area for 

kayakers, who go island to island enjoying pristine nature. 

With goggles and snorkels, we slip quietly over the side 

of the small wooden fishing boat and into the tepid 

lake water. Before long we are part of an underwater 

Pied Piper scene, with clouds of neon colored cichlid 

fish following us through the clear water. As we turn, 

so does the cichlid cloud of yellow and blue behind us, 

and if feels like we are swimming in a tropical aquarium. 


'That's exactly what this spot is called,' laughs Johnson 

when we are back on the boat, 'it's The Aquarium because 

it always looks like that underwater.' The southern section 

of the lake around Cape Maclear is a proclaimed national 

park, yet over 7 000 local people still live on the shores 

here and use the lake for water and subsistence fishing. 

Here people live close to nature, so if there's no 

fish there's no dinner - though good catches of tiny 

silvery capenta are sun dried for leaner times. Stilted, 

wooden drying racks topped with grass mats dot the 

lake shore, some empty and some packed with drying 

capenta. Virtually everyone who lives in the area is a 

fisherman, bar a few freelance tour guides like Johnson. 

'Actually I'm from the capital Lilongwe,' says Johnson, 

'but there are too many people living there (780 

000), so I prefer to live here on the lake. It's quiet and 

beautiful.' But there are many more places in Malawi 

fitting this description too Mount Mulanje, the 

Zomba plateau and the Nyika plateau, Vwasa Marsh 

and Liwonde National Park, just to mention a few. 

At 3 000m, Mount Mulanje has the highest peak in southcentral 

Africa. The mountain covers 1 000km and looks 

more like an entire mountain range than a single mountain. 

It offers the longest roped climb in Africa 1 700m of it and 

the mountain is so high it has its very own climate. Ominous, 

though, is the tallest peak named Sapitwa, which means 

'Don't go there'. But if you do, the views are spectacular 

over vast tea plantations all the way to Mozambique. 

From the magical Zomba plateau Mount Mulanje is clearly 

visible. The bowl of the mountain top is a forest reserve, 

and down below the town of Zomba was once the capital 

and is now Malawi's university town. It has a colonial 

atmosphere and is threaded with streams and adorned with 

majestic mahogany trees. Just half an hour north of Zomba 

is Chingale, where craftsmen specialize in carving the 

uniquely Malawian 'chief 's chairs' from a single tree trunk. 

Also in southern Malawi, at the bottom tip of the lake, 

is Liwonde National Park, with the famous Shire River 

running through it. It's been a national park since 1979 

and has been restocked with wildlife that naturally 

occurred there, after it was shot out by trophy hunters. 

It was an ambitious conservation project that now draws 

nature lovers from around the world to experience 

African wildlife in thoroughly magnificent surroundings. 


Fish market in the village of Cape Maclear, Malawi 

Colorful wooden fishing boats on the beach in Cape Maclear, Malawi 


So too, the Nyika plateau in the north of the country. 

It's Malawi's biggest national park and one of the most 

unusual in Africa. High altitude rolling grassland, vast 

herds of eland, trout streams and prolific flowers, yet 

it's all dwarfed by the scale of the landscape. Ground 

orchids, proteas, irises and aloes grow here in a natural 

garden that is a wonderland for hikers, campers and 

cyclists. The eastern edge of the plateau forms a wall of 

the Great Rift Valley, though at times you may believe 

you have found a piece of Scotland. Nearby Vwaza 

Marsh Wildlife Reserve offers great sightings of elephant 

and buffalo, and guided walking safaris are offered too. 

Johnson's fire on the lakeshore has burnt to coals, and he's 

grilling fresh whole chambo on it. The pot of white rice is 

cooked and chopped garden tomatoes have been heated over 

the flames. 'This is what we eat most nights in the village,' 

he smiles, and we tuck in and eat in silence. Fresh and 

flavorsome, our fish dinner is superb, sitting on the beach 

of the Lake of Stars. Johnson smiles as we lick our fingers. 

In Chembe village in the distance, we can hear the chatter 

of fishermen over the glassy lake surface. They're preparing 

for another night out, fishing with paraffin lamps and 

moonbeams, from their dugout wooden canoes. They 

often fish in twos, dragging a net between them. Kampango 

and chambo are what they are after to feed their families, 

but everything caught is eaten. A couple of boats do have 

motors, but most are poled by hand for miles and miles. 

'The lake's not always this smooth,' says Johnson. 'In 

the windy season it gets very rough with big waves, just 

like the sea. But Malawians are good sailors, so it's not 

a problem and we still go fishing.' He smiles a flawless 

white teeth smile and puts more fish on our plates. 

'Please eat,' he says, with characteristic Malawian 

hospitality, 'there's no chambo in South Africa, 

and it's a long way to come back for seconds.' 

For more travel information: www.visitmalawi.mw 

Senga Bay Beach, Lake Malawi 


Simple made perfect 

Delta Hotels by Marriott TM Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort 

DeltaVictoriaOPR 

DeltaVictoria 

DeltaOceanPoint

There aren’t many places on this planet that offer as 

many mind blowing experiences as the mountain 

community of Whistler, British Columbia on 

Canada's rugged West Coast. Whether you 

live just down the highway or you fly around the world 

to get there, Whistler delivers. The natural beauty alone 

makes it hard not to be wooed into the romantic spirit. 

My wife Rebecca and I made Nita Lake Lodge our re'treat' 

for the weekend and it was ideal for a couple who rarely 

get a weekend for themselves. Quiet, friendly, and 100% 

West Coast in design and setting, Nita Lake Lodge was 

the perfect launch point for a whirlwind romantic 

weekend for two. We’ve had getaway experiences in 

the past where we just frittered the time away, but here 

we had a planned itinerary and it turned out to be just 

the right balance of fun and relaxation. The fun list 

included Superfly Zipline tours, the Peak 2 Peak gondola 

experience and a night at Basalt, one of the village's 

culinary hot spots. Relaxation was comprised of two spa 

visits as well as a little down time at the lakeside lodge. 


An Insiders Guide to a Romantic Getaway to 

WHISTLER, BC 

skis not required! 

by: TODD TALBOT 


THE SPA 

We had a couples massage at 

the Spa at Nita Lake Lodge. 

Equipped with a serene steam 

room, relaxation lounge and 

rooftop whirlpools which 

extended our massage into a few 

hours of pampered indulgence. 

Ironically one of the most talked 

about experiences in Whistler is 

a spot where you aren’t allowed 

to talk! Scandinave Spa is quite 

a draw for visitors to Whistler 

but we were still unsure of the 

hot/cold/rest method at first. 

Our one minute of cold started 

out as one second. But after 

three rounds of the treatment 

we were hooked, and Rebecca was stealing a little 

extra time in the cold pool when I wasn’t looking. 

>THE RESTAURANTS 

Basalt, Aura and Christine’s. We had three amazing 

meals that left us so satisfied, we just snacked for the 

rest of our visit. The food was fantastic at all three 

restaurants and the staff and servers took it to another 

level. Basalt impressed us with it’s intimate ambiance 

and bold decor: phallic sconces on the walls and 

copper pendants over a bar made of volcanic lava 

(the definition of basalt). Christine’s, at the peak 

of Blackcomb Mountain, is all about the view, and 

if you arrive in a thick fog you may want to wait a 

few minutes. We pushed back our reservation and 

waited out the fog which gave us not only a splendid 

view of the mountain but also the marmots playing 

outside. I was able to get a couple of amazing photos 

of our meal, enhanced with the naturally stunning 

mountain backdrop. At Aura, located overlooking the 

lake at our hotel, we enjoyed the 

offering of a trio which was over 

the top. We sat in the window 

indulging on the sunset and 

the deconstructed cheesecake! 

>THE ACTIVITIES 

The activities appear to be at 

the bottom of our list but they 

really weren’t. Everything about 

our weekend away was on 

point, including the experience 

at Superfly and the Peak 2 

Peak Gondola. Ironically, both 

endeavors have a treacherously 

deep expanse between two 

mountains to be crossed on 

cables. On the Peak To Peak, 

from those cables we were safely contained in a glassbottom 

gondola and were at ease to snap dramatic 

shots of the fog lingering over the mountain. At 

Superfly, we were balls to the wind and contained only 

by a harness and helmet. The guys at Superfly made 

our excursion for us. They injected the right amount 

of humor and information all the while ensuring 

everyone’s safety. They went above and beyond to 

solidify our opinion capturing what it is to experience 

the Whistler romance. From two opposing platforms 

they photographed our descent on the ‘romantic line” 

where Rebecca and I held hands while speeding between 

the trees to our final destination on the mountain. 

It did make me think about making a move to this 

mountain village. With one of the world’s greatest 

playgrounds at your doorstep, even the real estate 

savvy can be tempted! 



TRAVEL GEAR 

PRODUCTS FOR THE SAVVY TRAVELER 


It is increasingly harder to avoid paying checked baggage 

fees. Every airline charges them, and many are very strict 

about the width of your carry-on case. If you are a messy 

or unorganized packer, there are products on the market 

that make it easy to organize your suitcase and who knows - 

you just may fit everything into a carry-on and avoid costly 

baggage fees altogether! 

TUMI JEWELRY ROLL 

From Tumi's Voyageur collection comes this ultra-chic 

jewelry travel roll. Light as a feather and a must-pack to 

protect jewelry and accessories during travel, it features 

a smartly-organized interior with multiple pockets and 

special earring holders. tumi.com 

EAGLE CREEK PACKING CUBES 

Available in seven colors, the Pack-It Original Starter Set 

from Eagle Creek will help you organize the contents of 

your bag so you can travel with the assurance that you 

know where everything is. Sized perfectly to fit in most 

carry-on suitcases, it compresses 8-12 dress shirts or slacks, 

minimizing wrinkles. eaglecreek.com 

OUR TOP 

PICKS: 

PACK MORE IN 

LESS SPACE AND 

SAVE MONEY ON 

BAGGAGE FEES. 

ZIPLOC SUITCASE SPACE BAGS (NO VACUUM 

CLEANER REQUIRED!) 

The Space Bag Travel Bag by Ziploc is ideal for storing 

clothing and can compress up to 5 sweaters or shirts. It 

provides twice the storage and is airtight, waterproof, and 

reusable. No vacuum is required as compression is activated 

by rolling the bag. ziploc.com 

PACKING TIP: 

Disposable hospitalstyle 

shoe covers let 

you stuff footwear 

into any bag without 

getting clothing dirty. 


ICELAND 

a photographic journey 

Featured Photographer: Debbie Steeper 

Debbie Steeper, a 

photographer based 

in British Columbia, 

Canada, loves to 

photograph fashion, 

architecture and 

fascinating landscapes. 

With a 360 degree 

creative mind, Debbie 

continually seeks to 

find new places to 

explore and curate her photographic point of view in 

interesting ways. Debbie's work has been published in 

numerous fashion and lifestyle publications. 

CAMERA EQUIPMENT: 

Canon 5D MK III 

Canon 24 - 105 F4 

Canon 70 - 300 F4 

FOLLOW DEBBIE ONLINE: 

Website: www.debbiesteeper.com 

Instagram: @debbiesteeper 


The spectacular Gulfoss Waterfall, on the Hvítá River in Southwest Iceland, crashing to the canyon below. 



Skeletal remains of a US Navy cargo plane rest on a surrealistic landscape of black sand. 


Strokkur Geyser erupts every four to eight minutes, spewing boiling water up to 100 feet in the air. 


Spectacular waterfalls are a stunning backdrop 

for Icelandic homes at the base of the mountain. 


Pleasure boats moored in the harbor of Iceland's capital city, Reykjavík. 




Summer cottages, with views to the snow covered mountains, offer 

pastoral respite from city life. 

Outbuildings are protected by shoring them up with rocks and hay to 

help keep out the strong winter winds. 

Hardy Icelandic horses dot the frozen landscapes, with their manes 

blowing in the punishing winds as they stand without any shelter 

through the harsh winter weather. This breed stock has remained 

pure, as Icelandic law prevents horses from being imported into the 

country and once a horse leaves, it may not return. 


ICELAND WAS THE LAST COUNTRY 

to be settled in Europe, when emigrants 

from Scandinavia and the British 

Isles first came to live on the island 

in the ninth and tenth century. It 

remains the most sparsely populated 

country in the continent. Iceland’s 

harsh natural environment has bred 

a resilient nation that has learned 

to exist under extreme conditions, 

and harness the natural resources 

they create for its own prosperity. 

Today, Iceland is a progressive, modern 

society that continuously ranks at the 

top of measurement's for quality of 

life and its economy is one of the most 

productive economies in the world, 

per-capita, and it is considered one of 

greenest eco countries on the planet. 

Iceland also boasts a prospering music 

scene, a burgeoning film industry, 

and Icelandic design is coming of age. 


Iceland is a country of sharp contrasts. A place where fire and ice coexist. 

Where dark winters are offset by the summer’s midnight sun. A 

country where insular existence has spurred a rich and vibrant culture. 

ICELAND TOURISM 

Öxarárfoss Waterfall is easily accessible and lies within ÞingvellirNational Park. 


#WHERETONEXT 

CANOUAN ISLAND 

Unspoiled and virtually undiscovered, Canouan 

is the Caribbean's new found destination for 

discerning travelers. Located in the heart of St. 

Vincent and the Grenadines, and just west of 

Barbados, Canouan Island is only 3.5 miles long. 

This small oasis offers perfect weather and an 

abundance of natural beauty including calm water 

bays, scenic tropical coves, pristine white sand 

beaches and one of the Caribbean's largest coral 

reefs. A newcomer to the island is Pink Sands Club, 

a luxury resort that opened in October 2016. Watch 

for it in the Winter 2016 issue of DRIFT magazine.

DRIFT Travel Dec 2016

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