Canadian World Traveller Summer 2019 Issue

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64 Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel Spa by Ilona Kauremszky Tucked away on a leafy street between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides in Paris lies this Haussmann-designed six-story building filled with Parisian charm and luxury. Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel Spa, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, is one of the French capital's best kept hotel secrets. Like the romantic Left Bank on which it resides, the five-star boutique property's interior is inspired by a mysterious muse named Cléo de Mérode whose spirited ways as a Belle Epoque ballet dancer became the 20th century's first “It Girl.” Cléo captured the imagination of artists, writers and composers like Degas, Proust and composer Reynaldo Hahn who gave her the loving nickname, “Pretty Little Narcissus.” Now one of the newest hotels to open in the 7th District, Le Narcisse Blanc is inspired by this beautiful muse. Immersed in floral motifs, the luxury hotel incorporates the energy, charm and the discreet hospitality that only the Parisian have perfected to a fine art. Experience fine service with a modern nod to the esoteric femme fatale. One of the finest places to imbibe in the Cléo theme is in the Petit Salon styled as a cozy sitting room. Flanked by fresh florals like blush pink tulips and other seasonal flowers, a demure female portrait overlooks patrons as attentive hotel staff ensure seamless service. The accommodations which are spacious by Parisian standards evoke a sophisticated timeless ambiance matched by the soaring ceiling and an exquisite window treatment framed by long lavish drapes as streams of sunlight reflect off the double beds. Guests enjoy bespoke ensuite amenities like the haute custom-made toiletries created by an expert parfumier and devilish chocolate petit fours upon arrival. Rooms are available in various categories. Dine in a sophisticated atmosphere at Cléo and sip on wines from Chateau Soucherie. The Loire Valley-based domaine owned by the hotelier stocks the upscale eatery with fresh light white, bold red and rose wines for dining guests. Other French vintages are available. The only boutique hotel in the area to house a pool and a hammam spa, robed hotel guests can arrive via a private elevator to the lower floor or use the spa's fully stocked change room. Relax in the hot tub, steam and dry saunas then take a dip in the pool and enjoy the Art-Deco inspired spa in gleaming white marble with furniture designed by Paris design firm, Laurent & Laurence. For sightseeing, veer off the side streets like the Rue Saint Dominique to enjoy local sumptuous fine dining and elegant boutiques. Cruise guests departing from Paris on a Seine River cruise will find the quais of the major cruises a short taxi drive away. For the ultimate Paris sleepover experience true Parisian sophistication and elegance in the heart of the capital, a night at Le Narcisse Blanc is a must. www.slh.com/hotels/le-narcisseblanc-hotel-and-spa Canadian World Traveller Summer 2019
65 The Hotel Rosita, Puerto Vallarta Article and photography by Steve Gillick It’s rare to have someone describe a hotel check-in as “magnificent” but that’s exactly how we felt when we arrived at the Hotel Rosita. A few people were ahead of us in line so the staff suggested that we relax in the lobby lounge for a few minutes. Having just arrived in the city, we opted to stand in the open section of the lobby under the deep blue, sunny sky. Overhead, several Magnificent Frigatebirds were floating, swooping and gawking at us as if they were checking out the newcomers. ‘Magnificent’ is actually part of the formal name of these huge seabirds, known for their characteristic tuning fork-shaped tails. It was a mesmerizing, almost surrealistic scene. Within minutes, Marcelo Alcaraz, the General Manager and Cezar Zepeda the Sales Manager came by to extend a personal welcome, and while standing in front of a painting that depicts the Hotel Rosita in 1948 when it became the very first hotel to be built in Puerto Vallarta, Marcelo noted that in those days, before the advent of indoor plumbing, each of the hotel’s eight rooms had a large container filled with water so that guests could take their showers. But a jump ahead to 2019 shows that the current 115 room, three-star property has enthusiastically responded to the demand for comfortable, tastefully decorated accommodation. Attached to our large ocean view room was a balcony that overlooked the hotel pool area and allowed for us to watch beachfront activities, listen to the sounds of soothing ocean waves and view stunning sun rises and sun sets. And then there is the Malecon, the ocean side boardwalk that pretty well begins at the Hotel Rosita and stretches one kilometer (roughly 3000 feet) south along Banderas Bay. Our greeting at the hotel included a personalized list of attractions and activities in the city, along with a guide to the famous sculptures that are part of the celebrated Art Walk along the Malecon. For travelers who love to immerse themselves in the energy of the city, the Hotel Rosita is perfectly located. Just outside the hotel entrance is, well…everything: souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, fast food, coffee shops, local art galleries and, not too far away, is the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the charm of Old Town. In the evening the crowds converge along the Malecon to stroll, eat at food stalls and pose with a host of colorful, creative buskers. But the hotel is also a short walk north around the curve of the Bay to Versailles, where delicious foods inspired by local street cuisine are a draw for locals and visitors. The Bahia Tostado at Lamara Seafood and the Shrimp al Pastor at Abulon are reason enough to explore the area. And in the nearby Zona Hotelera lies what is possibly the worst kept culinary secret in the city: the amazing smoked Marlin Tacos at Tacon de Marlin. The Hotel Rosita is a great place to stay with a relaxing ambiance that includes sunset bliss, Magnificent Frigatebird-amazement and very friendly staff who greet you as a friend. www.hotelrosita.com Canadian World Traveller Summer 2019
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Kyoto U S A Curacao Dubai China C A
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Destinations Crusing section 34 Kyo
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attention. You can virtually buy an
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parking as well as a 24-hour concie
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Page 30 and 31: 30 Tropical Tidbits by Sue C Travel
Page 32 and 33: 32 Curacao - Beyond the Handelskade
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Page 42 and 43: 42 The Gems of the Seine River aboa
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Page 46 and 47: 46 The Smooth Cruise on Victory 1 A
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Page 50 and 51: 50 Cruising in the New Year with Ca
Page 52 and 53: 52 When is the Best Time to Cruise?
Page 54 and 55: Trafalgar’s 10-day ‘3 Continent
Page 56 and 57: 56 Cruise Up the Lijiang River from
Page 60 and 61: 60 Luxury Hotels...Grand Resorts...
Page 62: Advertorial Accommodations Puntacan
Page 69 and 70: 69 The Magnolia Hotel & Spa Victori
Page 71 and 72: and tourists from around the world,
Page 73 and 74: Where to Eat: Midtown is home to so
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Canadian World Traveller Summer 2019 Issue

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