DRIFT Travel Spring 2017

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL 

TRAVEL MAGAZINE 

7 

OF THIS PLANET’S MOST AMAZING 

NATIONAL PARKS 

BALINESE BEAUTY 

A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY 

WEEKEND ESCAPE 

CANADA’S WEST COAST 

FOOD LESS TRAVELED 

STREET EATS AROUND THE WORLD 

SPRING BREAK IN MEXICO 

ONE WEEK - ONE FAMILY - SO MUCH FUN! 

SPRING 2017 

COME ALONG ON THE JOURNEY at DRIFTTRAVEL.COM

Baden-Baden 

– the elegant Spa-Resort in the Black Forest 

Discover the town in 360 degrees 

The modern Caracalla Spa 

The Museum Frieder Burda 

Baden-Baden city center 

Today, the town of Baden-Baden presents itself as a modern spa resort and cultural centre. 

Here, all relaxation needs are catered for thanks to the thermal baths with their 2000-year-old 

history and the magnificent parks and gardens. Besides these, attractions such as Europe’s 

Located 

second largest 

in in 

opera 

the 

house 

Black 

and 

Forest, 

concert 

Baden-Baden 

hall – the Festspielhaus, 

combines 

the Kurhaus, 

Mediterranean 

the Trinkhalle, 

flair with the elegance of the Belle 

Epoque the theatre and the Culture cosmopolitanism Mile traversing the of parks a major and gardens city. of Baden-Baden, the Lichtentaler Allee with its two thermal baths is an oasis for 

spa, 

enable 

beauty 

Baden-Baden 

and 

to 

wellness. 

position itself 

The 

as 

town, 

a refined 

where 

international 

everything 

hotspot. 

is in walking distance, is also a paradise for culture 

enthusiast. Join on a virtual The tour Festspielhaus of our town. Experience - Germany’s Baden-Baden biggest up close opera and in 360 house, degrees many museums and “the world’s most 

with the enclosed virtual reality viewer. Or scan the pictures in this brochure with your mobile 

beautiful casino”, according to Marlene Dietrich, are located in Baden-Baden. 

device for an impressive, 360-degree, augmented reality experience of the sights – and that’s 

without using the VR viewer. 

The world’s “most beautiful casino“ 

DOWNLOAD: Install the free virtual reality & 

360°- tour app on your mobile device. 

1. DOWNLOAD: install the free virtual & augmented reality app on your mobile device. 

2. Augmented reality experience using this brochure. SCAN: align the camera with one of the pictures in the brochure 

and explore the attraction in 360 degrees. 

3. Virtual reality experience with the VR viewer. Be a part of the action and visit our attractions in 360 degrees with 

the enclosed VR viewer. Open the packaging for more information. 

Have fun! 

For more information: 

Baden-Baden Visitors 

& Convention Office 

www.baden-baden.com/en 

info@baden-baden.com 

+49 (0)7221 275 200 

All photographs © Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH

INSIDE this issue 

NATIONAL PARKS 

10 Our Top 7 on the planet. 

16 TRAVEL GEAR 

Trending portable products. 


18 Street food around the world. 

24 AT A GLANCE 

Romantic universe in Bora Bora. 

44 BALINESE CULTURE 

An Indonesian photographic journey. 

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL 

TRAVEL MAGAZINE 

28 FAMILY SPRING BREAK 

Let’s take the kids to Mexico. 

56 MUSIC FESTIVALS 

Must attend festivals for 2017. 

BALINESE BEAUTY 

A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY 

WEEKEND ESCAPE 

CANADA’S WEST COAST 


STREET EATS AROUND THE WORLD 

7 

MOST INSPIRING 

NATIONAL PARKS ON THE PLANET 

VANCOUVER CANADA 

32 48 hours on the West Coast. 

36 WEEKEND PACKING 

Eric Himel’s getaway packing advice. 

64 TRAVELLING EDITOR 

Ovolo Southside in Hong Kong. 

68 ICONIC NY LANDMARK 

The Waldorf-Astoria closes its doors. 

SPRING BREAK IN MEXICO 

ONE WEEK - ONE FAMILY - SO MUCH FUN! 


COME ALONG ON THE JOURNEY at DRIFTTRAVEL.COM 


Spring is in the air and travel lovers 

like you are planning their next big 

adventure. From family and couple 

getaways, to adventure, foodie 

and cultural journeys, this issue of 

DRIFT brings you countries, hotels 

and events for every type of traveler. 

Come along on the journey! 

38 GIRLS WEEKEND 

Sharing time in Victoria, B.C. 

FASCINATING ECUADOR 

72 Quito and its many delights. 

76 #WHERETONEXT 

A Northern Ireland road trip. 

4 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM

The Ultimate 

America’s Cup Experience 

Fierce competition. Contagious excitement. Timeless 

tradition. It all ties together at the America’s Cup. 

As an official charter yacht supplier of the 35th 

America’s Cup in Bermuda, The Moorings welcomes 

you aboard this summer for a one of a kind spectator 

experience on your own all-inclusive Crewed Sail 

catamaran with expert captain and gourmet chef. 

Reserve your yacht today to claim the best view for the 

biggest sailing event of the year. 

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS 

on the water 

Call 800.669.6529 or visit moorings.com/americas-cup

a travel note from the 

EDITOR 

64 

Tolkien once wrote: 

NOT ALL THOSE WHO 

WANDER ARE LOST. 

So true! Once, we were all nomads; a 

race that was never meant to stay in 

one place for a lifetime. Perhaps that 

is why so many of us have an insatiable need to discover the world. I love 

to journey to new places. Don’t you? 

In this issue of DRIFT, we are off to explore the world with interesting 

articles and exquisite travel photography from more than 30 countries! 

Enjoy a photographic journey of Balinese culture, a family spring break 

trip to Mexico, and DRIFT picks for the seven most beautiful national 

parks on the planet! 

It is the season of fresh beginnings, 

and the perfect time to plan the trip 

of a lifetime. What is on your travel 

bucket list? I would love to hear about 

your travel plans as well as countries, 

events or cultures you would like to see 

featured in DRIFT. Email me or tag me 

on Instagram (below). I cannot wait 

to hear from you. In the meantime, 

turn the page and come along on the 

journey! 

Travel often and live well, 

Tracey Drake 

Editor-In-Chief | Creative Director 

email: editor@DRIFTtravel.com 

instagram: @TraceyDrakeEditor 

72 

Oh, the places I've been! 

38 

GIRLS ONLY WEEKEND IN 

VICTORIA, BC CANADA 

This vibrant coastal city on 

Vancouver Island is the perfect 

place to stay, spa, eat and shop. 

64 

WHERE THE COOL KIDS 

STAY IN HONG KONG 

Spacious, chic and affordable 

living in Hong Kong is hard to 

find and I uncovered a rare gem! 

72 

FINDING THE PAST IN A 

MODERN ECUADOR 

Unexpectedly modern, and 

unapologetically traditional - 

two reasons I love Quito. 


The Hidden Gem of 

the Med 

found at Avaton 

Avaton Luxury Villas Resort is a stylish 

and contemporary beach front escape 

overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of 

Komitsa Bay in Athos Peninsula, Halkidiki, 

Greece. 

Avaton consists of an exclusive collection of 16 

villas, providing a unique sophisticated lifestyle 

experience. Most of the villas include private 

pools, leading down to lush Mediterranean 

gardens and a pristine beach. 

Your personal butler and chef, upon request, 

and an exclusive mini bar and wine list add to 

the discerning pleasure. Luxurious massage 

treatments, private transfer with 

helicopter and limousine, and memorable 

cruises around Greek islands and along 

the breathtaking coastline complete your 

ultimate seaside experience. 

For more info, please visit: www.avaton.com

PUBLISHER 

GLOSSY MEDIA 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

TRACEY DRAKE 

PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL 

FRANK BURES, BONNIE CONRAD, JANE CROSS, 

ELIZABETH DEAN, LEE DRAKE, TRACEY DRAKE, 

ERIC HIMEL, JOSIE SALDAT, SARAH SMITH, SYLVIA 

TENNANT, RUSS WALSH 

CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY 

10 ACRES, ADOBE STOCK, BOOKING.COM, BURNING 

MAN FESTIVAL, STEVE DRAKE, DANA HUTCHINGS, 

MAGNOLIA HOTEL, NIKE, OLO VICTORIA, OVOLO 

HOTELS, SILK ROAD, SHUTTERSTOCK, DIMA 

SIDELNIKOV, TOMORROWLAND, WALDORF-ASTORIA 

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 

2015-2017

every single day, more than 

8 MILLION PEOPLE 

get on an airplane & travel 

every single issue, more than 

4.5 MILLION TRAVELERS 

are exposed to your marketing message 

BRING YOUR BRAND ALONG ON OUR TRAVEL JOURNEY... 

ADVERTISING, ADVERTORIAL & PRODUCT PLACEMENT: 

sales@DRIFTtravel.com

There is a deligh 

open. There are 

hidden spirit of th 

its mystery, its m 

1. Banff National Park 


2017NATIONAL 

PARKS 

7TO VISIT IN 

BY: JOSIE SALDAT 

Regarded as somewhat of a lost travel 

art, national parks have fallen from the 

peripheral of many travelers. However, 

the roots of why we travel, and the many 

wonders we hope to discover on our 

journeys, is deeply seeded in the world’s 

national parks. DRIFT is sharing our 

recommendations for seven outstanding 

national parks. You might want to 

include one of these in your travel plans! 

t in the hardy life of the 

no words that can tell the 

e wilderness that can reveal 

elancholy and its charm. 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT 

1BANFF NATIONAL PARK 

Canada 

Known as “The Canadian Rockies” 

or “the high backbone of the lower 

48”, the Rocky Mountains is a span 

of dramatic and diverse wilderness 

stretching 3,000 miles with peak 

elevation at Mount Elbert of 14,449 

feet. On the Canadian side of the 

Rockies lies its crown jewel, Banff 

National Park, which is Canada’s first 

National Park and the world’s third. 

Covering 2,564 square miles, the park 

consists of glacier mountains, lush 

forest, fresh raging rivers, valleys and 

hot springs. 

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 11

2. Iguaza National Park 

2IGUAZÚ NATIONAL PARK 

Argentina 

Located in the Northeastern tip 

of Argentina and bordering Brazil 

lies one of the world’s most visually 

stunning natural sites, Iguazú National 

Park. The heart of the park is a 

semicircular waterfall which covers 

2,700 miles in width and 262 feet 

in height and flows into the Iguazú 

River’s “big water”. Dense broadleaf 

forest covers a protected area of 259 

square miles. This park is home to 

an array of rare endangered species 

including the giant otter and anteater 

and was declared an UNESCO World 

Heritage to protect the environment 

and value as heritage to humanity. 

3GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN 

NATIONAL PARK 

United States of America 

Nestled between North Carolina and 

Tennessee is a magical mountainous 

region, The Great Smoky Mountain 

National Park. Not only is this the 

busiest park in the nation – over nine 

million visitors per year, but also 

one of the oldest mountain ranges 

in America. Spanning across 816 

square miles, this park is filled with 

hikers, campers, wildlife enthusiasts, 

bikers, horseback riders and more. 

With a large range of vegetation and 

old-growth and home to over one 

hundred native species, the park is an 

international biosphere reserve. 


4ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK 

Namibia 

Covering a vast total of 8,598 square 

miles in Namibia, Etosha National 

Park is one of the world’s greatest 

wildlife sanctuaries. Mirages blur the 

distant horizon on this enormous 

stretch of white sand that matches 

the size of Holland. During dry 

season, herds of animals flock to 

waterholes and visitors can experience 

the majestic scenery of wildlife on 

the savanna plains. Etosha is home 

to elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, 

leopards, cheetahs and many other 

game as well as 340 bird species. 

3. Great Smoky Mountain National Park, 

4. Etosha National Park 


14 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM 

5. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia

5GREAT BARRIER REEF 

MARINE PARK 

Australia 

Accessible by sea or sky, the 

Great Barrier Reef off the coast 

of Queensland, Australia is the 

largest living structure on Earth. 

This 1,430 mile long park is 

known as “Australia’s great natural 

wonder” and is visible from space. 

It is home to the world’s largest 

coral reef; this natural masterpiece 

is heaven to scuba divers and 

snorkelers wanting to study 

marine species. 

6FUJI-HAKONE-IZU 

NATIONAL PARK 

Japan 

It is no wonder why this National 

Park is one of the most sought 

after places to soak in mother 

nature. The park is divided into 

four large scale areas including 

hot springs and Japan’s tallest 

mountain, Mt. Fuji at 12,388 feet 

above sea level. Originating from 

volcanic activity, this park covers 

463 square miles and is noted 

for representing the true natural 

beauty of Japan. 

7 

FIORDLAND 

NATIONAL PARK 

New Zealand 

Occupying the southwest corner 

of the South Island of New 

Zealand is Fiordland National 

Park. 4,826 square miles of 

skyscraper fiords and wonderment 

of unexplored land with only 311 

miles of walking trails, which 

barley scratch the surface of New 

Zealand’s largest National Park. 

Mitre Peak, at 5,551 feet above the 

sea level is one of the numerous 

remarkable sights here. 

6. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan 

7. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand 


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#havefoodwilltravel 


THE FOOD 

LESS TRAVELED 

BY: FRANK BURES 

The best meal I ever ate was at a 

roadside restaurant in the middle 

of Nigeria. I was in a microbus 

heading north through an 

otherworldly landscape strewn 

with giant boulders. It was midmorning 

when we pulled over 

at an open-air restaurant. The 

counter where people were 

ordering was jammed. An old man, 

seeing my confusion, explained 

the menu and ordered for me. 

We sat down, and the waiter 

brought our food: a ball of 

pounded yam and a bowl of 

egusi soup, made with crushed 

melon seeds and containing a 

hunk of beef. The waiter asked 

if I wanted utensils. I looked 

around. No one else had them. 

The old man leaned over. ‘You 

know,’ he remarked, ‘they say 

your food tastes better when 

you eat it with your hands.’ 

So I waved the waiter off, broke 

off a piece of yam, dipped it in 

the soup, and scooped up a piece 

of the meat. It all melted together 

in my mouth, sweet, savory, and 

delicious. The meat was tender 

and rich from stewing in a sauce. 

Sometimes I still wonder why that 

meal was so transcendent. I was 

very hungry, but that can’t have 

been the whole reason. It must 

have had something to do with 

the experience with the people, 

the place, the journey itself. 


Of the 5,000 or so meals 

I’ve eaten in my life so 

far, only a few stand out 

in my mind. Most of those 

I’ve eaten while traveling. 

I remember, for example, sitting 

with my wife in a field next to 

the Cloudy Bay Vineyards in 

Marlborough, New Zealand, with 

some cheese and bread. In the 

tasting room, we’d emptied our 

pockets and pushed a pile of change 

across the counter for the cheapest 

bottle of sauvignon blanc they had. 

We lay in the grass, gazing at the 

mountains in the distance, sipping 

one of the best wines in the world. 

I can still taste its fruity crispness. I 

felt the same sense of perfection at 

a pizzeria in Italy and at a tiny holein-the-wall 

restaurant in Thailand. 

Some meals, of course, are 

memorable for less idyllic reasons. 

In Tanzania, where I was teaching 

school, we were once served rice 

with a kind of cow stew poured 

over it. Dora, the other American 

teacher, leaned over to me. 

‘Do you want these?’ she asked, 

pointing to some large meaty 

tubes and a bit of stomach lining. 

‘Sure,’ I said. When no one was 

looking, she forked them onto 

my plate. I ate them happily. 

Strange food can be one of the great 

joys of travel, but there’s an art to 

eating it. It has to do with letting go 

of what you think food should be, 

and being open to what it is. If you 

can do this, you will be rewarded 

with an expanded sense of what 


you can love. You will also, with 

any luck, develop a strong stomach. 

Even then, food may sometimes 

defeat you. On my way through 

Burkina Faso in West Africa, my 

bus pulled over near some vendors, 

and everyone climbed down to 

get something to eat. Cuts of goat 

and sheep sizzled on a grill. I got 

a packet of mutton wrapped in 

newspaper, which was salty and 

delicious. But I was still hungry, so 

I pointed to something else, which 

was half the price. This seemed 

like a bargain until I realized after 

a few bites that I’d ordered a kind 

of meat Twinkie: a creamy fat 

center encased in a golden layer 

of tripe. It remains one of the few 

things I haven’t been able to finish. 

The search for new and different 

flavors has long been one of the 

great joys of travel. In fact, the 

quest for flavors helped drive the 

age of exploration. When Vasco 

da Gama landed on the Malabar 

Coast of India, he was asked what 

he’d come for. He said, ‘Christ 

and spices.’ Columbus headed 

west for the same reason, and 

when Magellan’s ship arrived in 

Spain in 1522 (without Magellan) 

after sailing around the world, 

it was loaded down with spices. 

Travel is written in the 

food in front of you. 

If you go to Bologna, Italy, you 

might order lasagna in hopes of 

eating an authentic Italian meal. 

And it is one except that two 

of the main ingredients are not 

native to Italy. Pasta arrived from 

North Africa in the early Middle 

STRANGE FOOD CAN 

BE ONE OF THE GREAT 

JOYS OF TRAVEL 

BUT THERE’S AN ART TO EATING IT. 

IT HAS TO DO WITH LETTING GO OF 

WHAT YOU THINK FOOD SHOULD BE 

AND BEING OPEN TO WHAT IT IS. 



Ages, and the tomato which came 

from the Americas along with 

potatoes, corn, peppers, avocados, 

and squash didn’t appear in 

Italian recipes until the 1700s, 

and was originally called pomo 

di moro, or ‘apple of the Moors.’ 

Everywhere people have traveled, 

conquered, or proselytized, they 

have left culinary tracks. The 

baguette is sold all across Frenchspeaking 

West Africa, where it’s 

sliced open and slathered with 

meats and sauces. In former 

French colonies like Vietnam and 

Cambodia, you will find those 

same baguettes filled with cilantro, 

marinated meat, and vegetables. 

Across East Africa, corn is a staple of 

local diets, often ground and made 

into a kind of porridge. In Somalia, 

the Italian and Indian influences 

have led to dishes such as pasta 

with goat meat and mild curries. 

As I walk around Minneapolis, 

where I live now, I inhale the 

smells of kitchens from around 

the world. I stroll through Asian 

grocery stores and wonder at the 

fishballs and giant waterbugs. At 

a little Vietnamese restaurant, 

where no English is spoken, I 

stop in regularly for the banh 

mi sandwich. At an East African 

restaurant, not far from my house, 

the ugali (stiff maize porridge) 

and nyama choma (roasted meat) 

bring me closer to Tanzania 

than I’ve been in many years. 

And that is what I love most about 

food when opening my mouth 

means opening my mind, and I’m 

transported into another world. 

FIVE TIPS FOR STREET EATING 

You’ll find some of the best (and cheapest) food in the world at street stalls. Many travelers fear what their 

local health department might say, but the food is often at least as safe as your hotel buffet. Here are a 

few tips: 

1. GET IT HOT: Fresh off the fire is best, so look for food that’s prepared while you wait. 

2. FOLLOW THE CROWD: Local people know which food is the best, and the safest. 

3. HOLD THE MAYO: A condiment such as mayonnaise must be refrigerated. If a sandwich 

looks like it’s been sitting out for a while, steer clear. 

4. ICE? NOT SO NICE: Order drinks without ice, because you don’t know if treated water was 

used to make the cubes. 

5. LIVE A LITTLE: If you do get a stomach bug, it’s usually not a big deal and will pass in a day 

or so. If you’re worried about it, bring along some Pepto-Bismol or Imodium. 


AT A GLANCE: 

BORA BORA 


CENTRE OF 

THE ROMANTIC 

UNIVERSE 

BY: ELIZABETH DEAN 

On this mystical island with 

its necklace of white-fringed 

coral islets, Four Seasons 

Resort Bora Bora redefines the 

South Seas escape. Exotic overwater 

suites, sprawling beach 

front villas with pools and a 

cathedral-like spa immerse 

you in ultramodern comforts 

and the warm and welcoming 

spirit of French Polynesia. 

Romantics from around the 

world have laid claim to this 

island where castle-like Mount 

Otemanu pierces the sky and 

perfect white sand beaches give 

way to emerald waters. From the 

dramatic scenery to the privacy 

and amenities of the over-water 

bungalows, Bora Bora is the most 

romantic island in the world. 


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

SPRING BREAK 

LET’S TAKE THE KIDS TO MEXICO 


BY: TODD TALBOT 

Since attending a friend’s wedding 

in Playa Del Carmen a few years 

ago, our children have been missing 

Mexico. Many times, they have 

come up with the brilliant idea; 

“Let’s go to Mexico today!” So when 

my wife and I found ourselves with 

a week off, we jumped at the chance 

to take the kids back to the land of 

warm weather and all-you-can-eat 

Jell-O! 

With the stress of flying, living 

out of suitcases, sleeping in close 

quarters and eating out every 

meal in public, family trips may 

not always feel relaxing. An allinclusive 

resort can certainly take 

the work out of the vacation and 

most of the stress too. 

Turning the family vacation into a holiday! 


Our first step was choosing 

a vacation package through 

AirTransat. We went online and 

chose the ‘family’ option. Their 

website (transat.com) populates 

all the options for southern 

destinations in the Family 

Collection. These properties are 

geared towards families because 

they offer multiple activities and 

options for the kids which in 

turn provides a relaxing holiday 

for parents. All the resorts in the 

Family Collection accommodate 

families of four or more. 

Here’s what we loved about our 

family vacation in Cancun … 

WHITE SANDY BEACH 

Trading in the rocky shores and 

ice cold waters of the west coast for 

sand that you can sink your feet 

into and a tropical ocean can really 

set the mind at ease. We spent the 

first day of our stay at Dreams Playa 

Mujeres alternating between the 

surf and the sand; jumping waves, 

building sand castles or laying in 

the sun. By the time we finished 

our ultimate sand fortress we 

couldn’t believe it was dinnertime 

already. 

KID FRIENDLY DINING 

Our kids do not love eating 

out for the main reason that 

they have to be patient for 

everything. With the allinclusive 

buffet at our resort 

there was never a wait for 

a table and the kids could 

go straight to the food and 

choose exactly what they 

wanted to eat. And the 

promised reward of a 

wiggly-jiggly dessert, made 

healthy dinner choices that 

much more enticing. 


KIDS CLUB 

Because family vacations often 

turn into kid vacations served 

by parents, some adult time is 

the final step to really feeling like 

you got away from it all. The 

Explorer’s Club at Dreams Playa 

Mujeres really was a benefit. 

There were so many fun things 

for the kids to do including 

bungee trampoline jumping, 

a climbing wall, water park, 

smoothies, movies, arts and crafts 

and Lego-building. Our kids 

didn’t miss us at all. We were able 

to go to dinner or for a swim in 

the adult infinity pool and connect 

with each other. 

At the heart of it all, connecting 

with each other makes any vacation 

great but with all-inclusive meals, 

a kids’ club and the beach at your 

fingertips, a Mexican holiday 

makes it a dream…for everyone 

in the family. 


48HOURS IN... 

VANCOUVER 

BY: SYLVIA TENNANT 

There is much to discover in 

British Columbia’s largest city. It’s 

packed with trendy, sophisticated 

neighborhoods that deliver a 

combination of laid-back coastal 

vibes, multicultural diversity and 

tailored luxury offerings. Vancouver 

has consistently ranked in the top 

10 best global travel destinations 

and is one of the most livable cities 

on the planet. Hugging the Pacific 

coastline, one can easily get lost in 

the surrounding natural wonders 

and forget that a fully-loaded 

metropolis lies here. 

STAY 

The Rosewood 

Hotel Georgia’s 

outstanding downtown location 

and historical significance is my top 

pick for a stay in the City of Glass. 

Opened in 1927, this was the first 

hotel to bring luxurious ambiance 

to Vancouver and it has hosted a 

long list of royalty and Hollywood’s 

elite ever since. The Rosewood 

offers a glimpse back to that time 

with its opulent decor and swanky 

Prohibition Bar, where you’ll find 

live jazz and an impressive cocktail 

list. The rooms are spacious and 

elegant with plenty of specialized 

amenities (including a 24-hour 

fragrance butler). The hotel also 

features an extensive Canadian art 

collection sprinkled throughout 

the lobby and halls. If you’re an 

over-packer like me, do not worry, 

Marlene Dietrich once brought 40 

suitcases with her. 

EAT 

Start with breakfast 

and tea at Canada’s 

only TWG Tea Salon (1070 W. 

Georgia Street). Conveniently 

located just a few blocks from the 

Rosewood Hotel Georgia, this 

mecca of luxury tea culture boasts 

a collection of over 800 varieties of 

elegant blends and harvests derived 

from source gardens in every teaproducing 

country in the world. 

They also offer an incredible array 

of tea-infused gastronomy - I’m still 

dreaming of the Darjeeling Quiche. 

Wonderfully formal, yet warm and 

inviting, the TWG Tea experience is 

world-class. 

Or head to the ocean for dinner. 

On the edge of downtown is 

Ancora Waterfront Dining and 

Patio (1600 Howe Street, #2), a 

restaurant inspired by the Pacific 

Northwest. Their menu draws on 

Peruvian and Japanese influences, 

featuring sustainable seafood and 

local ingredients. Cultural fusion 

is a hallmark of Vancouver and the 

dining scene is no exception. 

TWG Tea Salon 


Skyline view - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 

The best 

WANDER 

part 

about Vancouver is that it caters 

to a variety of interests within a 

very localized area. Adventurous? 

Hike the Grouse Grind to be 

rewarded with awe-inspiring views 

and fresh mountain air. Love a 

good stroll? The Sea Wall around 

Stanley Park is easily accessible and 

wonderfully scenic, especially at 

sunset. Granville Island has been 

a top tourist destination for years, 

and for good reason. It is filled with 

the colors, smells, and energy of a 

fast-paced food market, and is lined 

with an assortment of artisan shops 

and locally owned eateries. While 

I do recommend a structured visit, 

leave some wiggle room in your 

schedule – you never know when a 

pod of whales will put on a show. 

Vancouver is 

SHOP bursting with 

great shopping. From South 

Granville’s long row of boutiques to 

Main Street’s colorful array of local 

goods, there is a district to suit 

Rosewood Hotel Georgia 


Eastside Flea Market 

taste. My advice? Have a game plan. 

If you happen to be in the city on 

a weekend, you may have a shot at 

experiencing one of Vancouver’s 

newest cultural hubs, the Eastside 

Flea. As a vintage-obsessed serial 

shopper, I can confirm that it 

doesn’t get any better than this. 

Some of Vancouver’s best pickers 

are curated among emerging local 

brands and artisanal foods to create 

what I believe to be the best kind 

of shopping: sustainably minded, 

community-driven and inclusive. 

Add old-school music playlists and 

a bar? Not. To. Be. Missed. 

48 HRS 

So there 

it is. My 

recommendations for your most 

amazing forty eight hours in 

Vancouver. Whether you’re passing 

through or a returning traveler, 

you’ll find a million reasons to fall 

in love with this vibrant coastal city. 

Granville Island Public Market 


The Case for Better Travel. 

www.raden.com

Eric Himel’s 

LIFE+STYLE 

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. 

We are all guilty of over packing. It seems to be almost 

impossible to figure out what you want to take and 

what you will NEVER use. Do you really need a 28” 

suitcase for two or three days? 

FOR HER 

What you DON’T need: 

1. MORE THAN 3 PAIRS OF SHOES: A pair for 

night with some height, a pair for day and a pair for 

activities or play (pack 2 + wear 1). 

2. MORE THAN 4 MAKEUP ITEMS: A lipstick that 

works day to night, mascara, a multi-stick and a 

sheer foundation with SPF. (*Leave the eye shadow, 

contouring kit and eyeliner at home). 

3. MORE THAN ONE PAIR OF JEANS: Pick a 

cropped medium wash with a little stretch that 

works with flats and heels. 

4. LOADS OF JEWELRY: Two pairs of earrings (one 

stud and one dangle for night), a cuff that goes from 

day to night and one necklace. Pick a metal: silver 

or gold. 

5. BULKY SWEATERS: They are not versatile and 

take up too much suitcase real estate! Think multitasking 

layers! 

HIS & HERS 

10 THINGS YOU DON’T NEED 

ON A WEEKEND AWAY! 


FOR HIM 

What you DON’T need: 

1. SHAVING GEAR: Go ahead - let it grow for the 

weekend! Beards have been proven to produce 

pheromones. Grrrrrrrrrr! 

2. RANDOM ITEMS: Think in terms of outfits that 

you will actually need. Men tend to under-pack 

and what they do pack is usually what they don’t 

need. Think Garanimals for adults. . 

3. YOUR FAVE SPORTS TEAM APPAREL: Unless 

you are headed to the Superbowl for your weekend 

away, save it for your buddies at home. You’re a 

grownup - dress like one. 

4. BAD SHOES: As in old, worn, out of date and not 

in style. A pair for night, a pair for day and a pair 

for activities or play (pack 2 + wear 1) 

5. ALL YOUR SPORTS GEAR: It’s only a weekend, 

you won’t have time to use it all and unless you are 

a scratch golfer with custom clubs, you can rent 

whatever you need. 

ERIC'S EXPERT TRIP TIPS: 

• Your skin is your biggest organ, protect it 

with a hat and sunscreen. 

• Leave delicate or items that wrinkle easily at 

home - you don’t need the headache. 

• A weekend trip demands a carry-on suitcase 

- no waiting time for your luggage and no 

chance of it getting lost. 



GIRLS WEEKEND 

IN VICTORIA ON VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA

BY: TRACEY DRAKE 

I have come to learn that weekend 

getaways are a necessary ingredient 

for sanity. A few days stolen from 

the chaos of everyday living. 

Somewhere not too far away and 

with someone you love spending 

time with. 

A few months ago, I spent a weekend 

in Victoria, BC on Canada’s West 

Coast, with my very good friend, 

Dana. Together, we planned the 

perfect retreat that included a 

lovely boutique hotel, amazing 

locally sourced dining, sightseeing, 

spa time and of course, shopping! 

With the mildest weather in all of 

Canada, and pretty as an English 

postcard charm, Victoria is a 

wonderful island city that hums 

with tourist activity pretty much all 

year. The historic downtown core 

hugs up against the beautiful inner 

harbor and almost everything is 

within walking distance. 


Dana and I were searching for a boutique hotel property 

that could live up to our much anticipated girls 

weekend. We chose Magnolia Hotel & Spa, located at 

623 Courtney Street in the downtown center, just one 

block from the water. It is a 64-room boutique hotel 

that offers elegant and spacious updated suites, onsite 

dining, a full-service spa, and genuine hospitality 

that did not go unnoticed. For the last four years, The 

Magnolia Hotel & Spa as been named Top Luxury Hotel 

in Canada by TripAdvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® awards - 

we were obviously in good hotel hands! 

It’s the little things... 

We each had our own hotel rooms (one of 

us is a night owl and one of us snores!). Our 

7th floor rooms overlooked the city and had 

a refined mix of dark wood furniture with 

modern touches, and raw silk inspired walls. 

The bathroom, which offered L’Occitane 

toiletries, was truly spa-like with a huge 

soaker tub and separate glass shower. The 

room details like the oversized plush 

“curl up with champagne for a girls talk 

marathon” armchairs, cozy gas fireplace and 

evening views of the twinkling lights on the 

BC Parliament buildings made our stay that 

much more memorable. 


Staff always remembered our names and nothing was 

overlooked; we reveled in being made feel special with 

nightly turn-down service, handmade chocolates on our 

bedside tables, fresh fruit and in-house filtered water. 

Hot breakfast was included, and Catalano’s Restaurant 

on the hotel’s main level, serves up a lovely morning 

menu with specialty coffees and eggs Benedict. 

Of course, a girls weekend is not complete without an 

indulgent trip to the spa and it was awesome that we 

didn’t have to leave the building to get pampered! We 

both opted for the Transformation Pedicure, which 

began with a luxurious foot soak, 

followed by customized exfoliation, nail 

shaping, cuticle grooming, lotion and 

polish. Feeling like royalty, Dana chose 

ruby red and I chose sapphire blue for 

our polish colors. 

We were relaxed, polished and ready to 

take on the city! 

Dana and I both appreciated that the 

Magnolia staff were so knowledgeable 

about Victoria, and provided us with 

insider tips on the best places to visit, 

suggestions on where to eat dinner, and 

even pointed us in the direction of a 


STORE ST 

4 

3 

FISGARD ST 

local pop-up trunk show and sale 

that featured a collective of three 

local fashion shops, happening the 

weekend of our visit. Although, I’m 

still not sure if we should thank the 

concierge for that last tip - Dana 

and I definitely did our fair share of 

designer bargain shopping! 

SUPERIOR ST 

MICHIGAN ST 

The Magnolia has custom local 

shopping and walking guides, 

curated bike trails and our favorite 

was the Tea-Riffic Trail which 

teaches you about Victoria’s unique 

tea culture and gives you a handy 

map in case you want to go on a tea 

crawl. We did. 

LEWIS ST 

MENZIES ST 

DALLAS RD 

OSWEGO ST 

QUEBEC ST 

COURTNEY ST 

GOVERNMENT ST 

Inner 

Harbour 

MENZIES ST 

WHARF ST 

BC 

Parliament 

Buildings 

SIMCOE ST 

NIAGARA ST 

YATES ST 

2 

6 

DOUGLAS ST 

GOVERNMENT ST 

1 

DOUGLAS ST 

DOUGLAS ST 

DOUGLAS ST 

BELLEVILLE ST 

PANDORA AVE 

VIEW ST 

BROUGHTON 

ST 

COURTNEY ST 

HUMBOLDT ST 

BLANSHARD ST 

Beacon 

Hill 

Park 

DALLAS RD 

ARBUTUS WAY 

BLANSHARD ST 

FAIRFIELD RD 

SOUTHGATE ST 

QUADRA ST 

CAMAS CIR 

QUADRA ST 

HUMBOLDT ST 

CIRCLE DR 

VANCOUVER ST 

HAMLEY ST 

JOHNSON ST 

VANCOUVER ST 

PENDERGAST ST 

SUTLAJ ST 

OLIPHANT 

ST 

COOK ST 

COOK ST 

FORT ST 

M C CLURE 

ST 

RICHARDSON 

ST 

COLLINSON 

ST 

PAKINGTON ST 

SOUTHGATE ST 

HILDA ST 

OSCAR ST 

MCKENZIE ST 

OXFORD ST 

CHAPMAN ST 

MAY ST 

LEONARD ST 

COOK ST 

FAIRFIELD RD 

LINDEN AVE 

HARBINGER AVE 

OSMOND 

ST 

RICHARDSON ST 

CORNWALL ST 

FORT ST 

MOSS ST 

MOSS ST 

MOSS ST MOSS ST 

DURBAN ST 

ROYAL TERR 

ROCKLAND AVE 

KIPLING 

ST 

MANOR 

RD 

THURLOW RD 

FAIRFIELD RD 

RICHARDSON ST 

BROOKE ST 

CLIFFORD ST 

ARNOLD AVE 

Ross Bay 

Cemetary 

STANNARD AVE 

FAIRFIELD RD 

ROCKLAND AVE 

MONTGOMERY AVE 

ST CHARLES ST 

DESPARD AVE 

WARREN GARDENS 

ST CHARLES ST 

RICHARDSON ST 

CHANDLER AVE 

EARLE ST 

FAIRFIELD RD 

WILDWOOD AVE 

BEACHWOOD AVE 

RICHMOND AVE 

GONZALES AVE 

RICHMOND AVE 

ROBERTSON ST 

RICHMOND AVE 

IRVING RD 

FOUL BAY RD 

FOUL BAY RD 

5 

Our favorite of the day was Silk 

Road Tea. We popped in (624 

Government Street) for a workshop 

and made decadent chocolate and 

matcha tea truffles - they were 

delicious! Silk Road also has a retail 

store filled with wonderful tea, body 

and lifestyle products. 

Dana and I had a few other favorite 

stops and shops including North 

America’s oldest Chinatown 

(Fisgard Street), Lore General Store 

(1322 Government Street), Violette 

Boutique (1303 Government 

Street), Little Gold (Market Square/ 

Johnson Street), Papery (669 Fort 

Street) and The Milkman’s Daughter 

(1713 Government Street). 

Time to eat... 

It is amazing how much food you 

can pack into a weekend, and true 

to most travel, culinary experiences 

were an important part of our 

Victoria getaway. There were a few 

stand-outs for us. 

Ten Acres Kitchen was outstanding. 

Tucked away (614 Humboldt 


Street) down a hall and through 

big doors, you will be blown away 

by its sophisticated ambiance and 

impressive menu. Ingredients are 

sourced from their own working 

farm and you can really taste the 

difference. Plates are created by a 

skilled chef with an exceptional 

palate. We recommend: 

Meat & Cheese Board: House cured meats 

and local cheese - house made jam, 

olives, pickled vegetables, ale and 

caraway mustard. 

Chicken Liver Pate: Sliced thick and 

served with toasted puff rice, freshly 

baked brioche. 

Grilled Celery Root: Wild mushrooms, 

potato chips, black pepper sauce. 

Duck Breast: Lentils, fennel, charred 

pear puree, pear duck sauce. 

If it is true that a change is as 

good as a rest, then it is also true 

that when you combine a quick 

weekend rest with a change of 

scenery, and share it with a good 

friend, it is doubly restorative and 

rejuvenating. Unfortunately, life 

doesn’t always allow for long trips 

and vacations. Think about packing 

your weekender bag and doing a 

little West Coast island hopping. 

Local Berryman Farm Pork Belly: N’duja 

croquettes, roasted parsnips, pickled 

apple, apple cider, n’duja gastrique. 

Chocolate Ganache: Chocolate ganache, 

house made farm sorbet, honeycomb, 

berry coulis, chocolate streusel. 

OLO Restaurant is another must 

try restaurant in Victoria (509 

Fisgard Street) that specializes 

in farm to table organic cuisine. 

It is small but the atmosphere is 

warm and welcoming. We highly 

recommend the following dishes: 



B A L I 

a photographic journey 

Featured Photographer: Steve Drake 

Steve has traveled more than 50,000 miles over the last 

twelve months, photographing people, places and events 

around the globe. In a recent trip to Indonesia, Steve’s 

lens was captivated with the rare authenticity and cultural 

richness of Bali and he captured a series of images that 

tell the stunning story of every day Balinese life. 



Photographer Notes (left, above and previous page): 

Tirta Empul (which means Holy Spring) temple is a Hindu Balinese water temple 

that was constructed around a water spring during the Warmadew Dynasty in 962 

A.D. Balinese Hindus consider the water to be sacred, and make the pilgrimage from 

all over Indonesia, to worship at Tirta Empul. 



Photographer Notes (left and below): 

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is a popular 

tourist attraction. However, it is also an important nature 

reserve and Hindu temple to the Balinese people. Capturing 

families of monkeys, including newborns, in their habitat 

was exceptional. 



Photographer Notes: 

Known as a Pura, Hindu temples are a place of worship for the 

Balinese people. Temples are constructed in accordance to rules 

and rituals rooted in Balinese architecture. As a photographer, 

it is an honor to be able to photograph and document the special 

religious temples in Bali. 



Photographer Notes (left and above): 

Frequent offerings to the Hindu Gods are part of daily living in Bali, and 

you quickly notice colorful flowers everywhere. It is customary in Bali, when 

praying or entering a temple of worship to wear a sarong and selendang (sash). 


BALI, INDONESIA is an island in 

Southeast Asia, known for its lush 

jungles, working rice paddies, volcanic 

mountains and amazing beaches. Bali 

is home to three million people as well 

as many temples and religious sites 

including Tanah Lot, Uluwatu and 

Tirta Empul. Arts, culture and wellness 

are alive and well in Bali, making it a 

favorite travel destination for those 

seeking authentic and immersive 

experiences. Seminyak, Sanur and Ubud 

are popular tourist towns. The island 

is also known for yoga and meditation 

retreats. To learn more about travel 

to Bali, visit balitourismboard.org. 

Photographer Notes: 

Rice is a staple food in 

the diet of all Indonesian 

people and rice farming 

holds an important place in 

Balinese culture. It also dots 

the distinctively Balinese 

landscape. 


Bali is one of the few cultures with origins in one of the great 

ancient cultures which is still alive. 

ARTHUR ERIKSON 



seven worldwide 

FESTIVALS 

you need to see 

BY: JOSIE SALDAT 

If your travel plans this summer include experiencing 

a music festival up close and personal, we’ve done the 

legwork for you. Here are seven of the best festivals on 

the planet, and oh - don’t forget to your gum boots! 

1GLASTONBURY 

Worthy Farm, Somerset, UK 

June 21-25 

Radiohead, Ed Sheeren and the Foo Fighters have 

been confirmed amongst this year’s line-up and you 

can always expect top-charting artists to grace the 

iconic Glastonbury stages. For festival attendees, this 

festival really does have everything. It is not only 

the largest greenfield festival, but is also has distinct 

socio-geographic regions with a Pyramid in the 

center of the grounds. Stretching over 900 acres in 

the Vale of Avalon, Glastonbury has steadily grown 

in popularity and size over the past four decades 

since their opening in 1970. 

FESTIVAL FACT: 

The festival will have a drive-in cinema this year. 

TICKETS: 

glastonburyfestivals.co.uk 


2EXIT 

Petrovaradin, Serbia 

July 6-9 

This award-winning summer music festival held at 

the Petrovaradin Fortress in the city of Novi Sad, 

originated as a youth movement. Known for their 

diverse selection of performers and enthusiastic 

crowds of youth, Exit continues to draw in unique 

international rock, pop and EDM sensations. With an 

incredible historic medieval setting and the positive 

energy of Novi Sad the festival has welcomed millions 

of people from over 60 countries over the years. 


Began in 2000 when a crowd of students fighting for 

democracy rallied against the Milosevic regime. 

TICKETS: 

exitfest.org 


3TOMORROWLAND 

Boom, Belgium 

July 21-23 & July 28-30 

Tomorrowland has become one of the largest and 

most unique electronic music festivals (EDM) with 

an emphasis on free spirit mentality and good vibes 

only. Priding themselves upon their other worldly art 

installations, Tomorrowland welcomes more than a 

quarter of a million people to dance and celebrate in 

their artistic valley. With 30 stages and over 400 DJ’s, 

this extravagant festival has been a front runner for 

the best vibrant and eccentric style. 

FESTIVAL FACT: Inside the main stage there is a VIP 

restaurant, fronted by a Michelin star chef, boasting 

some of the finest cuisine, Each plate of food can cost 

$1,000, but some of the proceeds go to charity! 

TICKETS: 

tomorrowland.com 

4PEMBERTON 

Pemberton, BC, Canada 

July 13-16 

Just north of Whistler, British Columbia, Pemberton 

Music Festival happens in the valley near Mount 

Currie. Dubbed as “Canada’s biggest camping and 

music event”, Pemberton has gained popularity 

quickly in the few years it’s been around. The festival 

grounds includes camping for over 40,000 attendees 

spread over several acres. Powered by top-charting 

headliners, crowds include a diverse group of 

generations. 


The festival gives back to its location. The Pemberton 

Music Festival Community Fund has given over 

$100,000 in grants to non-profits supporting 

community developments. 

TICKETS: 

pembertonmusicfestival.com 


5SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 

Byron Bay, Australia 

July 21-23 

Australia’s largest winter music festival attracts a new 

community into the surf hub of Byron Bay. Mixing 

contemporary artists and major headline acts, this 

festival has welcomed Coldplay, The Strokes, Kanye 

West and more - mixing top charting musicians with 

fashion and beauty pop-ups from Kiehl’s, Rimmel 

London and Aveda! So the answer is yes, you can get 

a pre-festival blow-out. 


Splendour in the Grass offers a stylish escape to the 

on-going music – a day spa and a mini mall! 

TICKETS: 

splendourinthegrass.com 

6ROCK EN SEINE 

Paris, France 

August 25-27 

If rock music is your genre of choice, Rock en Seine is 

for you! This three-day rock music festival in Paris is 

situated in the Park of “Domaine national de Saint- 

Cloud” a garden designed in the 17th century. The 

festival offers acts from rock, indie and rap mega- 

stars and since 2003 has grown to be one of the most 

anticipated musical events in Europe. Five stages will 

continuously host musicians – so with every turn a 

new genre of live music will grace your ears. 


There’s a mini festival on the ground outskirts with 

music and workshops for 6-10 year olds. 

TICKETS: 

rockenseine.com 




7BURNING MAN 

Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA 

August 27-September 4 

Festival-goers join forces and co-create “Black Rock 

City”, the temporary metropolis for the week long 

festival dedicated to art, community and radical selfexpression. 

Each year a new theme is set – 2017 is 

Radical Ritual. More than a music festival, Burning 

Man has become a cultural movement that digs 

deep into music, art, and fashion with an immersive 

atmosphere offering the experience of a lifetime. 


The festival is guided by ten principles that attendees 

are encouraged to embrace: radical inclusion, gifting, 

decommodification, radical self-reliance, radical 

selfexpression, communal effort, civic responsibility, 

leaving no trace, participation and immediacy. 

TICKETS: 

burningman.org 


the 

editor 

when was the last time 


My first time in Hong Kong and 

I wanted to make sure that I had 

a unique experience. I know that 

everyone stays in the Central and 

Kowloon districts, where you can 

find big brand hotels, fine dining 

and designer shops, but I wasn’t 

looking for that kind of Hong Kong 

memory. I went on a quest to find out 

where adventurous, urban travelers 

were staying in Hong Kong and I 

happened upon Ovolo Southside. I 

am so glad that I did. 

Set in the up-and-coming Southside 

neighborhood, this hip area is 

teeming with art galleries, coffee 

shops, and green spaces with easy . 


you saw something for the first time? 

OVOLO SOUTHSIDE - HONG KONG 


access to transit. Before I checked 

in, I knew that Ovolo Southside 

was formerly a warehouse, but I 

was so pleased to see that Ovolo 

Hotels had maintained much of the 

building’s original industrial charm 

- embracing its working class roots, 

which cleverly speaks to a whole new 

generation of world travelers. 

The loft-like rooms are trendy and 

well thought out, with great modern 

amenities, AppleTV, free mini-bar 

and room to stretch out after a long 

day of sightseeing. The main lobby 

(LoLounge) is uber chic, with a firstrate 

Italian coffee bar, pool table and 

Mid Century modern decor that 

doubles as a comfortable lounge and 

common work area. I wanted to live 

in Above, the rooftop bar lounge - 

like literally move in! It was the best 


place to just relax, order a cocktail 

and take in the stellar views. 

The artwork on and around the 

hotel is quite something. You could 

spend hours just taking it all in, and 

learning about the Hong Kong artists 

that created each piece. I had a few 

favorites - the Made In Hong Kong 

neon sign that was tucked away in a 

stairway, the wordy elevator interior 

and the graffiti murals on the walls 

outside Cirqle, the modern bistrostyle 

restaurant on the fourth floor. 

Whatever your Hong Kong day looks 

like, you can get everywhere from 

here. One afternoon, we walked 

down to Aberdeen Fishing Village - 

an unforgettable experience. Another 

day, we hopped on a bus, grabbed the 

MTR and headed to Tai Po Market 

with Hong Kong Food Tours for an 

exceptional day of authentic, local 

cuisine (including snake soup). If 

you’re a foodie, I highly recommend 

this tour. 

Hong Kong’s first warehouse 

conversion hotel, Ovolo Southside is 

a master-class in urban architecture 

and contemporary art, and a perfect 

option for those looking for a fresh, 

new take on a Hong Kong experience. 

Learn more about Ovolo Southside 

at ovolohotels.com. 

FOLLOW 

@TraceyDrakeEditor 

on Instagram & Twitter 

or search hashtag #TheTravellingEditor



THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT NEW YORK'S 

WALDORF ASTORIA 

BY: SARAH SMITH | BOOKING.COM 

N 

othing speaks grand Americana more than the Waldorf Astoria New York hotel. Home-away-fromhome 

to kings and queens, it is American hospitality royalty at its best. The curtain went down 

on the hotel’s historic 86-year run on Park Avenue in March, and the property will now undergo 

a multi-year renovation and partial condominium conversion. The hotel was sold in early 2015 to 

Angang Insurance Group for a whopping $1.95 Billion dollars - the most expensive hotel ever sold. Here are a 

few more things you probably didn't know about New York's Waldorf Astoria hotel. 

WALDORF SALAD, EGGS BENEDICT & RED VELVET CUPCAKES 

WERE INVENTED HERE 

Presidential 

U.S. President Herbert Hoover opened the hotel in 

October 1931. Every U.S. president since then has 

stayed in the 2,245-square-foot Presidential Suite. 

Historical Firsts 

It was the first hotel to offer room service in the 

U.S. and the first major hotel in the world to 

employ women as chefs, beginning in 1931. It was 

also the first hotel to feature electricity and private 

bathrooms in all its rooms. 

Tasty Fare 

The delicious truth is that the Waldorf Salad, Eggs 

Benedict, Red Velvet cupcakes and Thousand 

Island salad dressing were invented there. 

Secret Train Tunnel 

There's a hidden train tunnel that runs from 

Grand Central to the base of the Waldorf Astoria. 

President Roosevelt used this secret tunnel to 

enter the hotel so that people didn't know he was 

in a wheelchair. 

Star Power 

Celebrities have routinely stayed at the hotel since 

it opened including: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard 

Burton, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Charlie Chaplin, 

Ava Gardner, Liv Ullmann, Judy Garland, Edward 

G. Robinson, Gregory Peck, Carey Grant, Cole 

Porter, John Wayne, Tony Bennett, Jack Benny, 

Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Muhammad 

Ali, Ginger Rogers and Vince Lombardi. 


Marilyn Monroe Suite 

Hollywood legend Marilyn 

Monroe stayed at the hotel for 

several months in 1955. The 

suite was named in her honor. 

Largest Suite 

The Cole Porter Suite is a fivebedroom, 

five-and-a-half-bath 

suite that's roughly 4,300 square 

feet, and went for $150,000 a 

month. Porter lived there for 25 

years and wrote several famous 

songs in the room. His piano 

remained in the suite. 

Home Away From Home 

Frank Sinatra paid $1 million a 

year for the Cole Porter Suite, 

his personal home away from 

home from 1979 to 1988. 

3 in a Tub 

The Elizabeth Taylor Suite has 

the largest and most exquisite 

bathtub which can easily 

accommodate three people. 

Most Requested Room 

Room 42R, the Royal Suite, 

located on the top floor is the 

most requested room. It was 

the residence of the Duke (King 

Edward) and Duchess (Bessie 

‘Wallis’ Simpson) of Windsor 

for over 10 years. The Duchess 

had the suite painted light 

blue which was later named 

‘Wedgewood Blue.’ 

Quiet on the Set 

The Waldorf Astoria New York 

has been a filming location for 

numerous films and TV series, 

“THE DIFFICULT 

IMMEDIATELY, 

THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES 

A FEW MOMENTS LONGER.” 


including Coming to America, 

Serendipity, Maid in Manhattan, 

Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and The 

Pink Panther. 

Impeccable Service 

“The difficult immediately, the 

impossible takes a few moments 

longer,” is considered the hotel 

motto. They once had a request 

to raise a guest’s toilet seat by 

one centimeter which they did. 

Silver Medalists 

The hotel employed eight fulltime 

silver polishers. 

Rooftop Garden 

The rooftop was used to cultivate 

gardens of fresh vegetables and 

herbs and beehives for honey. 

On the 20th floor roof, there 

were six beehives with 350,000 

bees. The ‘Top of the Waldorf ’ 

honey was used in culinary 

specials, cocktails and at the 

Guerlain Spa located in The 

Towers of the Waldorf Astoria. 

100-Year Deal 

Hilton Worldwide will continue 

to operate the Waldorf Astoria 

New York under a 100-year 

management agreement. 

Thanks for the memories 

and the distinctive New York 

history. We can’t wait to 

see the reimagined Waldorf 

Astoria New York in a few 

years time. 


QUITO 

ECUADOR 



It is a land of multiple identities. Everywhere you turn, whether on 

the city streets or traveling through the countryside. Quito, Ecuador 

is evolving into a cosmopolitan city, without ever turning its back 

on its Andean roots. A well-dressed businessman walks alongside a 

woman in traditional Ecuadorian dress; contemporary glass encased 

structures dot the urban skyline, watched over by the Virgin Statue atop 

El Panecillo. 

With a population of 1.6 Million people, Quito is a city built in the 

sky, located 9,186 feet above sea level, and the highest elevation of any 

capital city in the world. When I first arrived, I often found myself 

breathless (from the beautiful scenery as well as the lack of oxygen), 

and was grateful that Pablo, my incredibly gallant and knowledgeable 

city guide, set a moderate pace for the first few days, allowing time to 

acclimate to the altitude. The geography of the city is long and narrow, 

just five kilometres wide and eighty kilometres long. Because of its 

geographical location and proximity to the equator, the sun rises at 6:00 

a.m. and sets at 6:00 p.m., every day of the year. Even if the day is hot, 

the evening usually requires a light jacket. 

In 1978, Quito became one of just two cities (Krakow is the other) to be 

designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, thanks to the well 

preserved historic center of Quito. That alone is worth the plane ticket; 

architecture in this city is awe-inspiring and in such wonderful repair. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TRAVEL TO 

QUITO, ECUADOR, VISIT WWW.QUITO.COM.EC 


There was so much to do and see 

in Quito and the surrounding 

areas that the week simply flew by. 

Spending time on the city streets, 

in the old historic centre as well 

as the modern business district, 

offered up a true sense of where the 

city had come from, and where it 

was headed. The trip to the Middle 

of the World was an absolute blast 

and a ‘must do’ lifetime experience. 

The food culture here was quite 

unexpected for me, with so many 

refined culinary delights, both 

traditional dishes and worldly 

modern fare. The markets were 

something I looked forward to 

and they did not disappoint; the 

churches and cultural buildings 

a sheer joy to discover, and the 

best part of this South American 

city is its people. Yes, I bought an 

Ecuadoran hammock and locally 

crafted trinkets, but the greatest gift 

I came home with is the memory 

of meeting so many authentic 

Ecuadorian people, who were so 

proud and boldly enthusiastic 

to share their home, history and 

culture with me. 

Ecuador was magnificent and I 

loved it all; every experience, 

every morsel, every moment. 

If it’s not on your travel bucket 

list, it should be. Write it down. 


FAVORITE PLACES: 

Tren Ecuador: I took an eye opening train ride 

through the Ecuadorian countryside and Andes 

Mountains. Traversing through small villages, we 

stopped in Boliche for a wonderful guided walk 

through Cotopaxi National Park and disembarked in 

Machachi to witness a traditional folkloric dance. 

Mitad Del Mundo: An unforgettable afternoon 

spent at the middle of the world, standing at 0-0-0 

latitude, with a foot in each hemisphere in front of 

the Equatorial Monument, and experiencing the 

gravitational effects of this locale. 

Otovalo Market: The outdoor Mercado in the Plaza 

de los Ponchos was captivating! Endless booths 

were brimming with colorful woven wool textiles 

for which the indigenous Otavaleños are known. 

Friendly merchants sold everything from textiles 

and leather goods, Panama hats and painted pottery. 

NEW FLAVORS: 

Biscochos Cayambe: In the rose gardens of La 

Compania Roses Hacienda, I was offered this rich, 

buttery flaky pastry, and it was love at first bite. Later 

that same day, we stopped in Cayambe, and I bought 

a half dozen for me! 

Canelazo: It is a delicious hot drink, the Ecuadorian 

equivalent of a Hot Toddy, but the South American 

version is made with sugar cane alcohol, sugar and 

cinnamon. They serve it up perfectly at El Pobre 

Diablo restaurant. 

Cherimoya: In English, it is Custard Apple – a 

delicious fruit that I first sampled on the streets of 

downtown Quito and then hunted it down at the 

Inaquito Market. The flesh is soft, sweet and tastes 

like a mellow blend of banana and pineapple. Mark 

Twain called Cherimoya “the most delicious fruit 

known to man”. 


#WHERETONEXT 

THE RUGGED BEAUTY OF NORTHERN IRELAND 

It is a place of diversity and contrasts. For the millions of tourists that visit Northern Ireland each year, 

it always surprizes and astounds. From the liveliness of Belfast, to the awe-inspiring Giants Causeway 

and the pristine landscapes, it is a place that everyone must visit - at least once in a lifetime. Watch 

for Northern Ireland - coming soon to the Summer 2017 issue of DRIFT magazine. 


DRIFT travel magazine 

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DRIFT Travel Spring 2017

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