BEYOND THE VINE: EXPLORING SONOMA COUNTY BEYOND ITS WINERIES

August 11, 2020 Soheila Hakimi

My King Ocean View Room at Timber Cover Resort

Known internationally for its wine, Sonoma County is home to over 425 wineries and is the largest producer of wine in all of California. Located 30 miles north of San Francisco, I had a chance to visit Sonoma County last fall, and although it was the wine that originally piqued my interest, I quickly discovered that there was way more to see and do there beyond just visiting the wineries. Of course, where there is great wine there is also great food which is why I wanted to recommend some of my favorite restaurants along with favorite hotels and activities so that you can also make the most out of your time in Sonoma.

A Quick Pit Stop At The Golden Gate Bridge Is A Must On The Way To Sonoma County When Landing at SFO

HOT TIP: Since Sonoma County doesn’t have an international commercial airport (only a national one - Sonoma County Airport STS), you have to fly to either San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) when coming in from Toronto and then rent a car and drive the rest of the way (about 1 - 1.5 hours depending on traffic) or grab a connecting flight. Both airports are about the same distance away from Sonoma Country (give or take a few miles) however, if you land at SFO you have an excuse to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and stop at the observation lookout to take a quick photo of the iconic bridge before continuing on your way to Sonoma County.

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The first of many interior design decisions to come!

Now that we are half way through the last phase of our interior renovations (the basement) I am getting really excited about shifting my focus from renoing our Toronto Victorian home to styling a

No more scary basement! 🏡

Here is a little before and after of our basement underpin by @icy.reno We went from 6 foot ceilings to just under 8.5 and installed new drains, waterproofing and a radiant floor!

DYK that doing an underpin and finishing

On The Way Into The Town of Sonoma

While on the way into Sonoma I highly recommend stopping at Cornerstone for a bite to eat and a little wandering around to stretch your legs. Cornerstone is a mix-use indoor/outdoor complex full of boutique shops, tasting rooms, sprawling gardens, outdoor venue spaces, and even an eatery/gastro-pub with a large patio that you will happily allow to steal an hour or so of your time. Further, if you really want to play it smart, I would recommend checking their events schedule before you go and timing it with your visit. Apparently their Oktoberfest event is one of the best in the county and really attacks a crowd!

You are sure to pass by tons of wineries before reaching the town of Sonoma, but one spot worth a quick stop is The Olive Press. Nestled among the wineries, The Olive Press is an award-winning olive oil mill that uses natural and sustainable old-world milling practices to extract the best oil from their olives. Located only 10 minutes from town, The Olive Press has a beautiful courtyard where you can sit and enjoy views of the olive orchard as well as an expansive tasting room and store where you can pick up a few souvenirs or gifts for you and your friends back home.

While In The Town of Sonoma

Day 2-6.jpg — Got My Copy Of The Scavenger Hunt From The Tourism Office In The Town Of Sonoma

Once you reach the town of Sonoma I recommend making your way to the town plaza. Recognized for being the largest plaza in California, Sonoma Plaza anchors the entire town and is where you will find the Town Hall and Tourism office. Surrounding the plaza are numerous boutiques, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, boutique hotels, and tasting rooms to explore as well as the most northwest Mission in California, the Mission San Francisco Solano. Further, the tourism office is a great place to book local tours and request a copy of their scavenger hunt (pictured above) which makes exploring the area that much more fun!

Just Up The Road

Entrance To Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Just up the road from the town on Sonoma, no more than a 10-minute drive, you will find the beautiful sprawling property of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. This luxury hotel is one of the only luxury spa resorts in the country to be situated on a natural ancient thermal hot spring which makes it the perfect place to stay for anyone interested in a wellness getaway. Not only can you expect superior spa services from this hotel, but the hotels’ restaurant Santé is a recent recipient of the prestigious Michelin Star making it the perfect place to check out and stay for any epicurean.

I had the chance to spend one night at the hotel while in town and enjoy a dinner at Santé during my stay, both of which lived up to their hype and felt too short-lived. If I ever have a chance to revisit the region, I will definitely be heading back to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa for another dose of Sonoma luxury.

Head To The Coast

View Of The Sonoma Coast from Timber Cove Resort

One thing I think a lot of people forget or don’t take into account about Sonoma County is that they have over 50 miles of beautiful coastline with the most enchanting views of the Pacific Ocean. One spot I fell in love with while staying on the coast was Timber Cover Resort, a newly renovated, retreat-style, boutique hotel situated on top of a cliff that has the most breathtaking sunsets. The hotel itself is a member of Design Hotels and is located close enough to the small town of Jenner that it can attract a local crowd (especially at happy hour when there is live music in the lobby), but also far enough to feel/enjoy the solitude. A few things I loved about this resort were the communal games and fire pits sprinkled troughout the property, their library of records which you could take and enjoy in your room, and the hotel’s restaurant, Coast Kitchen, which offers delicious fare using locally sourced seasonal ingredients. We spent one night at Timber Cove during our time in Sonoma County and made sure to dine at Coast Kitchen during our stay, an experience I am still swooning over. If I was ever looking for a place to retreat to for a week so I could disconnect from the world, this would be it!

Kayaking the Mouth of The Russian River With Getaway Adventures

While on the Sonoma County coast, it would be a shame if you didn’t take advantage of all the outdoor activities the area has to offer. One activity we did which was easy and a lot of fun was a kayaking tour along the Russian River with Getaway Adventures. Our guide met us in Jenner with all the equipment and gear we needed for the 4.5-hour tour and gave us a quick lesson before we set off. The Russian River is a hot spot for seals and it didn’t take long for our group to spot a few playing near the banks. We had a lot of fun chasing after them as they played with each other and jumped out of the water. It was a great way to spend the day and it was really nice to get out on the water and experience the area from a different point of view.

Turn It Up A Notch in Santa Rosa

A Friendly Giraffe We Got Up Close And Personal With During Our Safari West Tour

If you want to take your time in Sonoma County up a notch and really get adventurous, I recommend heading to Safari West near Santa Rosa for the ultimate glamping experience. Unlike anything you would ever expect to experience in California, Safari West is the ultimate family-friendly, beyond-the-vine, Sonoma County experience. This animal sanctuary and wildlife preserve offers the ultimate luxury glamping experience along with group tours that get you up close to exotic wildlife like white rhinos, zebras, giraffe, cheetahs, monkeys, and much more. Located just outside Santa Rosa, Safari West promotes wildlife conservation, educational environmental concepts, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Tours and lodging at Safari West are by reservation only and Safari tours are two hours consisting of a walk through of their aviary followed by a tour of the surrounding grounds in an open-air safari vehicle. The luxury glamping tents that you can choose to stay in feature wooden floors, heated blankets, and ensuite bathrooms outfitted with full plumbing. Although Safari West is an amazing family-friendly experience, children under 4 cannot participate in the driving portion of the safari tours, and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Although I am not a huge camper, spending a night in a glamping tent was a lot of fun and it was crazy to hear all the animals at night. You really felt like you were in the wild. Further, it did get quite cold overnight and into the morning so I was really thankful they supplied a heated blanket, but I would also recommend bringing some warm clothes to sleep in for this experience.

All in all my time in Sonoma County was short lived but incredibly memorable. With so much to see and do beyond wineries, including our mini road trip around the county and the numerous towns we stopped in for a quick walk around and bite like Petaluma, I would recommend planning to go for 5-7 days if you really want to make the most of your time there without rushing the through the entire experience.

I hope you enjoyed reading this travel guide and found a lot of useful information to help you with planning your upcoming trip to Sonoma County. If you have any questions or comments about any of my recommendations, please feel free to leave them below and I'll be happy to answer them as soon as I can! Safe Travels!

MY SONOMA COUNTY RECOMMENDATIONS ON A MAP

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4 DAYS IN THE ALGARVE: OUR ITINERARY

November 4, 2019 Soheila Hakimi

Adam and I at Praia da Marinha in Algarve, Portugal

I stood waist-deep in water, a glass of rose in hand, allowing the waves to gently rock me back and forth as I looked around taking it all in. The day prior, Adam and I had caught a bus from Lisbon to Faro and now, on our first day at our first beach, I was a little stunned by how surreal and beautiful the Algarve really was. It was sweltering hot too, 37 degrees and the beach was full of locals despite it being early September. Luckily, Adam and I had the foresight to pack two wine glasses before leaving our hotel that morning and I was happily putting them to good use polishing off the bottle of wine I had ordered with lunch but hadn’t finished. Little did I know, this moment would only be the beginning of four extraordinary days exploring the Algarve.

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For those interested in tracing Adam and I’s footsteps, here is our 4-day trip itinerary which highlights all the amazing beaches, hotels and activities we would recommend to anyone heading to the Algarve.

Day 1 - Destination: Vila Monte Farm House

Adam and I knew we would need a car while in the Algarve. Both the cities and beaches we were interested in checking out were far apart and Uber-ing from one place to another was kind of out of the question. After researching our options (and hearing about how big of a nightmare it was to rent a car from the Lisbon airport), Adam and I decided the easiest and cheapest way to get to the Algarve was to catch a 2.5 hour express bus (€20 per person one way) from the central bus station in Lisbon. By the time we arrived in Faro it was just after noon and it wasn’t long thereafter that we found ourselves in an Uber driving up the beautiful winding drive to our hotel and being completely stunned by the landscape.

Vila Monte Algarve Portugal — Vila Monte Farm House - a boutique hotel property in Algarve, Portugal just 20 minutes outside Faro

Vila Monte Farm House is a small boutique property located 20 minutes outside Faro and is, in my opinion, the perfect luxury Algarve escape. I had found the hotel while researching places to stay in the Algarve and instantly fell in love with the hotel’s aesthetic and grounds. Now, having arrived, it was even more beautiful than I ever could have imagined and just being there instantly put me into a state of tranquility. Excited, Adam and I quickly checking into our room before heading out to explore the property. Vila Monte has two restaurants, a gym, a tennis courts, two pools (one of which is an adult-only pool), a spa room, a fire pit, and an outdoor theatre where guests can enjoy a 'movie under the stars’ every evening (weather permitting).

Prior to our trip, Adam had found out that the front desk was not only able to organize a rental car for us but could also arrange to have it dropped off at the hotel later that day. Knowing we would be spending the next couple days getting up early and heading out to explore the Algarve, we decided to use the remainder of the day relaxing by the pool and transitioning into a state of serenity - an easy task when staying at Vila Monte.

Day 2 - Sagres

The following morning Adam and I got up just as the sun was rising and did the hour and a half drive to Sagres, a small town near the westernmost point of the Algarve that is known for its growing surfer community. While there Adam and I saw many expats living the ‘vanlife’, camping out by the beach and surfing all day.

El Faro de Cabo de São Vicente - a lighthouse outside Sagres in Algarve, Portugal

One of the reasons why we were going to Sagres is because Adam had heard about El Faro de Cabo de São Vicente, a lighthouse perched atop a cliff which actually marks the south western most point of Europe. Although the lighthouse itself doesn’t offer much (only a cafe that makes delicious cappuccinos) it was still a cool spot to take pictures and get some incredible drone shots!

After about a half-hour of wandering around the lighthouse and taking in the beautiful views, Adam and I started to feel hungry and decided it was time for lunch. In the mood for some fresh grilled seafood, a local business owner recommended we try Armazem, a family-owned Portuguese seafood restaurant tucked away in a small courtyard in town. Adam and I LOVED our lunch here. Together we ordered a large plate of freshly grilled sardines, an octopus appetizer, a tomato salad, a huge side of potatoes, and a bottle of wine to share. Anything we didn’t finish we knew would make for a great snack for later and since we had come prepared with wine glasses and cutlery from the hotel, we didn’t feel bad about over-ordering.

THE BEST ALGARVE BEACHES & MORE

After lunch, Adam and I made our way to Praia do Beliche, a beautiful beach not even 10 minutes down the road. One of the best surfing beaches in the Algarve, Praia do Beliche sits in a small bay surrounded by 130 foot cliffs. Accessible by a steep stone staircase, hauling stuff up and down can get quite grueling which is why I would recommend you only bring what you can easily carry. The beach itself is dazzling and although the waves can get a little rough and the beach itself quite busy, it was so large you never felt overwhelmed by the number of people on it (unlike other beaches we checked out). Adam and I stayed here for the remainder of the day, sipping rose in the water and eating our leftover sardines until the sun started to set. Feeling a little tired and sandy, Adam and I decided to head back to Vila Monte for dinner and get a good night’s rest.

Praia do Beliche in Sagres, Algarve, Portugal

Day 3 - Albufeira

If ever it is possible for Adam and I to go sailing while on vacation, we always do it. Both of us love being on the water and experiencing the coastline from a different angle. While still in Lisbon, Adam had found a catamaran cruise (for €60 per person) that included a 6-hour sail and a BBQ lunch (beer included), leaving from Albufeira (a town about 40 minutes from our hotel) and quickly booked us on it for our third day in the Algarve.

Knowing first hand how crazy the beaches get in the Algarve and determined to get some amazing empty beach shots, I had asked Adam if we could wake up even earlier and go to Praia da Marinha before meeting the boat in Albufeira.

Praia da Marinha just outside Albufeira in Algarve, Portugal

Ranked one of the best beaches in Europe, Praia da Marinha is one of the most iconic beaches in the Algarve and always draws a large crowd. In hopes of avoiding them, Adam and I left our hotel early and arrived at the beach just before 8 am. To my great delight, there was only a handful of people on the beach and the further you walked away from the entrance, the more alone you felt. The beach was beautiful and offered so many cool inlets to take pictures in and beautiful rock formations to fill the background. It was so picturesque and felt surreal to be there all alone. This was definitely one of my favorite mornings and the photos we walked away with were some of my favorites from the entire trip. If you can bite the bullet and get up early to do this, I definitely recommend it! Praia Da Marinha is a beautiful beach that is worth every ounce of effort to visit.

Gleefully, after taking an hours’ worth of photos and going for a quick dip in the water, Adam and I headed to Albufeira to catch our boat. The catamaran Adam had booked for us was with Algarve Charters and we spent the rest of the morning sailing up and down the coast, learning about the area before stopping at a beach only accessible by boat for lunch around 1 pm. While the crew prepared lunch, passengers had free time to walk the beach, cool off in the water and relax. After lunch, the crew packed everything up, got us all back on the boat, and took us to check out the Benagil Caves before heading back to the marina. By this time it was around 4 pm and Adam and I felt a little faded from being in the sun all day that we decided to head back to Vila Monte to enjoy our last evening on the property.

DOES ALGARVE HAVE GOOD NIGHTLIFE?

When it comes to staying somewhere in Algarve with a good nightlife scene I would definitely recommend staying in either the town of Albufeira or Lagos. The reason for this is because in the last few years Albufeira has seen a boom in condo developments which in turn has brought an influx of British tourist and the demand for big nightclubs. As a result, some of the best and biggest nightclubs in Portugal are in Albufeira and its not unusual to see people in the streets partying their asses off late into the night. Lagos on the other hand is a small, historical walled town with lots of lane ways full of boutiques, restaurants, and bars that stay open late. Although the bars or clubs may not be as big as the nightclubs in Albufeira, they still offer a great casual experience and quaint ambiance that we love from small Portuguese towns. Lagos is especially great if you are travelling with a multi-generational group that requires nightlife activities appropriate for a range of ages because parents can hang out with younger kids in the town square after dinner while their older teenagers can pop in and out of the local bars.

Day 4 - Lagos

The following day Adam and I took full advantage of our late check out at Vila Monte to sleep in and hit up their complimentary breakfast buffet. Although we were still planning to stay on in the Algarve for one more day, Adam and I wanted to spend our final night in Lagos. Even though I absolutely loved our time at Vila Monte, the hotel was a 20 minutes drive to the closest towns which meant we always had to drive place and therefore couldn’t really drink. Since Adam and I wanted to have an Algarve nightlife experience, we decided to spend our final night at an inexpensive bed and breakfast in Lagos. Located about a 10-minute walk from Lagos’ walled old town Uptown Lagos Bed and Breakfast was a simple, almost utilitarian hotel that for one night was all we really needed.

Since we started the day late and were still full from our large buffet breakfast, Adam and I decided to use our first hour in Lagos to explore old town and get our bearings. The streets inside the walled old town were small, winding, and lined with boutique stores and restaurants. The area was full of tourists and after about an hour we had seen the whole thing and decided to hit the beach.

Praia do Camilo in Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

When it comes to public beaches in Lagos none is more beautiful as Praia do Camilo. Accessible via wooden steps, this small sandy beach extends across three small coves that you can access through hand-dug tunnels and caves found in the rocks. By the time Adam and I were ready to hit the beach, it was 3 pm and although the sun was almost completely gone, the beach was still so tightly packed with people that Adam and I only ended up staying for half an hour. Thank god we did too because we ended up heading to the point where we had heard there was a walking path and while exploring the area we came across a secret beach. To get to the beach you had to slowly hike down a rocky narrow pathway using both your hands and your feet, bracing yourself the whole way. By the time we got to the bottom, we still had an hour left of sun and the beach had maybe 6 people on it - a complete 180 from our situation at Praia do Camilo 30 minutes earlier. Adam and I spent the remainder of the afternoon there until the last couple rays of sunlight left the beach. Sandy and wet, we hiked back up the cliff, returned to our bed and breakfast for a quick shower before heading back to old town for dinner and a night on the town.

Although short, Adam and I truly loved our time in the Algarve. Had we known how much we would enjoy ourselves we probably would have tacked on two or three more days just so we could take advantage of a slower pace, and enjoy our time at Vila Monte more. But alas, there is always next time.

ALGARVE MAP

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM MY TIME IN THE ALGARVE

Colour Blocking in Albufeira

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THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

November 13, 2018 Soheila Hakimi

One of the many beautiful door ways in Cartagena, Colombia

If you are lucky you will one day find a place that fills you with wonder and happiness. A place that presents beauty around every new corner, can inspire you, and can make you feel a connection. For me, this place was Cartagena, Colombia.

Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena is truly Colombia’s hidden jewel. It is a vibrant city full of colonial history, beautiful architecture, and warm, friendly people. It is a city that can both charm and surprise you. A place that feels so real, so well preserved, and so authentic to its history and culture. It is a place that I dreamed for many years to one day visit, but no matter how much research or prep I did prior to going, I could never of imagined how truly beautiful and wonderful my experience would be.

This past October I spent four amazing days in Cartagena with Copa Airlines and wished I could of stayed on longer. If you are planning a trip to Cartagena, I am both super jealous and excited for you! If I ever have the opportunity to organize and curate a trip back with a group of my friends, here is a list of places, activities, and restaurants that I discovered and would want to share with them.

Things To Do In Cartagena, Colombia

The Walled City (or the Old City) - One of the most beautiful and historic parts of Cartagena is the walled city (essentially a city within the city). During the colonial era a wall was built around the wealthy area of the city to protect the homes of Spanish aristocrats and wealthy businessman from Caribbean pirates. Today the wall still stands and is an important symbol of not just the city but of the entire country. Most of the architecture in the walled city has been well preserved or restored and features bright colourful building facades with large beautiful doors and sprawling bougainvillea trees. It is completely walkable, pedestrian-friendly and is where you will find some of the most beautiful boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops.

If you can afford to stay in one of the many beautiful boutique hotels located in the walled city I definitely recommend it. If you can not, I would still try and jump on a walking tour or take time over the course of you trip to explore and hang out in the area. If you are a photography lover there are endless opportunities to capture beautiful photos in this area and you will absolutely love it!

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Getsemani Neighbourhood - Once a predominantly poor neighbourhood, Getsemani was the epicentre for the Colombian independent revolution in Cartagena. Today it is known as the trendy, bohemian part of town where you can find lots of hostels, bars, cafes, and young people hanging out. Located only a ten minute walk from the Walled City, the Gatsemani neighbourhood also features numerous beautiful, vibrant, murals that add further charm to the area. Since the area is both smaller and cheaper than the walled city, it is a perfect option for those money conscious travellers.

Cartagena Restaurants

While not entirely sure what to expect, the quality of dining options in Cartagena was definitely a pleasant surprise for me. Since the city is located on the Caribbean coast menus are full of fresh seafood options as well as meat, but prices for delicious, creatively executed dishes felt quiet reasonable.

Carmen - this was the first restaurant we went to during our four days in Cartagena and it may have spoiled me in terms of setting the bar for all other dining experiences while in town. The restaurant itself had beautiful tile floors, a small outside courtyards with tables and chairs, an enclosed bar area, and another enclosed and air conditioned seating area (a refuge for us from Cartagena’s heat and humidity). The restaurant offered contemporary cuisine inspired by local flavours, executed using modern preparations. The meal we had here was unbelievable and the presentation was amazing. If you are looking for a truly elevated dining experience while in Cartagena - this is it! After lunch I read over the menu once more and noticed that a five course tasting menu was available with wine pairing for the equivalent of approximately $110 CAD! For the quality of food and service you are getting that felt like a steal!

Restaurante Candé - Although Carmen was an amazing meal my favourite dish while in Cartagena was actually at a restaurant called Candé. Like Carmen, the cuisine at the restaurant was inspired by traditional Colombian flavours and both the service and presentation were amazing. Here I had the fresh fish cooked in coconut milk and served on a bed of veggies, which was so delicious I couldn’t stop eating it even after I was already full.

Alquimico - While in Cartagena I went out to a bar in the walled city called Alquimico that made delicious cocktails. I absolutely loved the vibe here and they had a DJ spinning everything from Calvin Harris to Lauren Hill. The bar spans over three floors with a rooftop patio at the very top. If you are looking for a cool place to go out at night where both visiting and local young professionals hang out - this is it! I will definitely be taking my friends here when we go, it’s just that cool.

Amazing Hotels In Cartagena

Rooftop Cabana’s at Tcherassi Hotel and Spa

Tcherassi Hotel and Spa - I had the pleasure of staying at this beautiful boutique hotel and spa for the first couple nights of my trip in Cartagena and absolute loved it. Located in a restored colonial building within Cartagena’s walled city the hotel is owned and designed by famous Colombian clothing designer Silvia Tcherasii. Tcherassi Hotel and Spa perfectly combines casual luxury and modern design together to create a beautiful, bright and spacious 42 room boutique hotel. I absolutely loved staying here and I totally recommend it to anyone looking for contemporary accommodations while in Cartagena. The hotel also has a great rooftop pool with a handful of cabanas as well as a bar and restaurant area - all of which offer incredible views of the city, so make sure to check those out. Also breakfast is complimentary with your stay making it even more worth the price tag (starts around $230 CAD a night for a Superior Room).

Hotel Casa San Agustin - On my final night in Cartagena I moved to another hotel called Hotel Casa San Agustin that was actually jaw-droppingly beautiful! Also located in the heart of the walled city this boutique hotel is the ultimate place to stay for those looking for luxury accommodations while in Cartagena. The hotel spread across three exquisitely restored 17th century Colonial homes and is comprised of only 31 rooms. The hotel has a Hammam Spa on site and offers complimentary bicycles, mini bar (replenished daily), breakfast, and cocktails and coffee in the library every day. My room was large and decorated in an authentic Colombian style, which being able to experience even for just one night, made me fall further in love with Colombia, its culture, and all it’s charm. Room rates start at around $500 CAD a night which seems like a pretty hefty price tag if you are travelling solo, but if you are going with a group of 4-5 people you can get a suite for $800-900 CAD a night which can be a more palatable alternative.

Things To Try in Cartagena

Coffee Tasting - Colombia is a huge exporter of Coffee which is why when you are visiting Cartagena (or really anywhere in Colombia) you HAVE TO do a coffee tasting. I did a tasting at Cafe San Alberto which is a satellite store front and cafe for the San Alberto coffee farm located in Buenavista, in the Quindío province of Colombia. During the 40 minute coffee tasting I learned about Colombia’s coffee regions, growing cycle, different coffee taste profiles, and brewing methods. Coffee tastings at Cafe San Alberto cost approximately $50 CAD per person and was definitely a culture experience I was happy I did not skip out on.

Salsa Dancing - One of the funnest activities I did while in Cartagena was Salsa dancing! I am not an experienced dancer but doing a 90 minute beginners class at Crazy Salsa was so fun and went by so fast! They have drop-in classes (schedule available online) for a variety of dances, available at all different levels, and intro classes start at the equivalent of only $11 CAD. The dance studio can accommodate up to 20 people in the largest room, but if you are a beginner looking for a more private lesson or travelling with a group of people, they offer packages to easily accommodated your group’s needs and/or individual skill level.

Sailing - Since you are on the Caribbean coast, getting out on the water is a must. While there we took a boat to checking out one of the islands off the coast of Cartagena called Baru and it was so nice to be on the water. Sunset Sailing Cartagena is a boat rental company I got to experience while in Cartagena and they offer everything from day tours to weekly rentals on beautiful sail boats.

Flying to Cartagena

With flights out of both Montreal Trudeau and Toronto Pearson, Copa Airlines makes travelling to South America easy and affordable for Canadians. I flew Copa Airlines to Colombia via Toronto Pearson and thoroughly enjoyed my inflight experience. The staff were friendly, the plane was on time, the seats were big and comfortable, and the food that was served was actually really good! The best part about flying with Copa Airlines though is their ‘24-hour layover in Panama’ offer that is available at no extra cost - an offer I completely took them up on. If like me, you are interested in visiting not just one but two countries on your next trip to South America, this is the perfect bonus offer for you. Panama has some beautifully renovated boutique hotels and I definitely recommend checking out the old city - a perfectly walkable area with lots of cafe’s, stores and restaurants to keep you entertained during your quick 24 hours visit.

Lady dancing outside the entrance to The Walled City, Cartagena

One thing I am also very happy to report is that Cartagena is very LGBT friendly. If you are traveling with friends who are gay, there are gay bars scattered throughout the city of Cartagena.

In terms of safety, I never felt scared, or threatened, or unsafe while in Cartagena in any way, even at night while out partying.

If you have any questions regarding my trip, please feel free to hit me up in the comment section below. If you are heading to Colombia I hope you have an amazing time and I’d love to hear your feedback on any of the experiences/places I recommend if you do end up trying them yourself! Safe travels!

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FROM SANTORINI TO MYKONOS: ISLAND HOPPING IN GREECE WITH BOOKING.COM

June 27, 2018 Soheila Hakimi

Watching the sunset from Iconic Santorini - A Boutique Cave Hotel in Imerovigli Santorini

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Every spring a sea of travel Instagrammers I follow seem to flock to the Greek islands and fill my feed with beautifully white cascading buildings accented with the quintessential blue domes you associate with Greece. Frankly, it’s enough to send a girl into a fit of envy. I have always dreamed of going to Santorini and Mykonos and finally this last June I was able to cross another big destination off my bucket list once and for all!

Prior to going, I knew that the trip was going to be expensive. Both Santorini and Mykonos are only really ‘open for operation’ between May and October and even then if you’re not there in the peak summer months (June - September) it can be a little too cold/windy, or kind of ‘dead’. Nevertheless, I was looking to do this destination the right way and quickly accepted the fact that I may have to pay a heavy price tag for it - sometimes you just gotta treat yourself!

Exploring the village of Imerovigli Satorini, Greece

Although I knew this trip was going to get expensive from takeoff I started my accommodation search the way I always do, with a scroll through Booking.com. I used this website on my last trip to Italy and quickly appreciated the vast variety of accommodations they offer. From hostel stays to people’s apartments to luxury Santorini villas and boutique cave hotels, they seem to have every type of accommodation under the sun at a variety of price points. My goal, however, wasn’t to find cheap accommodations. I wanted to experience true Hellenic hospitality and so I sought out those hotels that provided the picturesque caldera views I was envious of when seeing those Instagrammers photos. Something quintessential of the destination that would give me the full, real experience. Also, another great thing about this website is that every once and a while you do come across a hilarious review that makes the research portion of planning a trip so much more fun - LOLz!

After a deep dive into the best places to stay in Santorini, I found and secured two perfect places (Iconic Santorini and San Georgio Mykonos) to stay and booking our flight - Adam and I were ready to go. We didn’t bother planning too much ahead in terms of restaurants and activities, because the hotel we were staying at in Santorini said it isn’t really necessary in June - reservations can easily be made the day of or a day in advance at the most. Going with the flow is not my usual style, but we decided to take their advice and see how it played out. In the end, they were right and I was still able to comprise Two ‘Eat, Stay, Play’ survival guides for you so HERE WE GO!

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A beautiful church I found in the town of Imerovigli

SANTORINI, GREECE

Essentially Santorini is made up of 3 larger towns and villages - Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia. They are all situated on the steep cliffs of the island and face the caldera. To my surprise and what I didn’t know prior to visiting, is that Santorini is a volcanic island with all the beautiful towns you see in the photos are situated on the inner lip of the mouth of an ancient volcano! CRAZY RIGHT!?

Santorini Restaurants

Ammoudi Tavern in Oia - Recommended by the concierge at our hotel, Ammoudi Tavern is one of the best restaurants in Santorini. Adam and I had an absolutely sensational seafood dinner at this restaurant in Oia Santorini. Although it did involve having to drive there, we totally made an evening of it. We went early to catch the sunset beforehand (HOT TIP: Oia is the best place to watch the sunset in Santorini) and once the sun went down, made our way to the little cove below the city where the restaurant can be found. It was very romantic and I would have easily gone back again if we had the rental car for an extra day.

Argo in Fira - This restaurant was another beautiful hotel recommendation and I am so glad they did because it would not have been something I would of found on my own. It was one of the best meals we had while in Fira Santorini and I can still remember the delicious seafood plate for two Adam and I ordered. We spent the evening sitting on their second-floor deck overlooking the Caldera and tiny pathway filled with shops and people, drinking house wine and giggling. The food was spectacular and in very traditional Greek style. The service was friendly, fast, attentive and it easily became one of the best meals of our trip not to mention it’s a great spot to start if you want to experience the nightlife in Santorini or want to grab a bite before hitting up bars and clubs in Fira.

To Psaraki Tavern - A favourite amongst locals, this seafood restaurant gets busy at lunch and after eating there I can see why. The fish was fresh and very beautifully prepared. The restaurant was perched atop a cliff looking over the marina where the sailboat charters come in (you should definitely go sailing while in Santorini - more about this recommendation below) and provides a relaxing atmosphere away from the city crowds for you to enjoy your lunch. The staff was friendly and parking was easy. It is also smack in the middle of Eros and Perivolos Beach (more on this to come as well below) so it’s a great pit stop on your way from one beach to another.

Ammoudi Tavern

To Psaraki Tavern

Argo Restaurant

Our Hotel in Imerovigli Santorini

*use my discount code to receive 15% off your next accommodation reservation with Booking.com

Iconic Santorini - A Boutique Cave Hotel - situated in the small village of Imerovigli Santorini this hotel is what Santorini vacation dreams are made of. This 17 room boutique hotel offers comfortable, clean, cozy accommodations carved into the mountainside. The hotel recently underwent renovations in 2013 and has been completely modernized and redecorated in a natural, traditional Hellenic style. Each room comes with its own private terrace and two day beds - a perfect spot to enjoy your complimentary breakfast.

Enjoying breakfast at my hotel - Iconic Santorini in Imerovigli Santorini

Although the hotel felt very luxurious, the staff aimed to make you feel at home and comfortable. They were so very accommodating, greeted you every time they saw you, and even allowed for special dinner menu requests from guests. Chef Mattheos - a Santorini native - makes special trips to the market each day to gather fresh ingredients for his dinner menu and was kind enough to pick up an octopus especially for me one evening. His menus often reflect what is in season and is prepared in a traditional Greek manner. Many of the recipes and techniques he uses have been passed down through his family for many years.

The food at the hotel was sensational and very reasonably priced. Although we ate out several times, the view from the dining area at the hotel was one of the best we experienced during our time in Santorini! It’s honestly one of those hotels you could enjoy being cooped up in your entire trip and feel totally content about it.

Since the hotel is perched upon the highest cliffs in Imerovigli Santorini, it does have a 'no children under 14' policy (mainly because a 1000 foot drop off the cliffside is a dangerous risk), but for those who are interested in a quiet, calm, adult-only atmosphere, one will quickly realize it is the perfect honeymoon hotel. In the end, my stay here was hands-down the best hotel experience I have EVER had and I have nothing but great things to say about my stay at Iconic. I’ll definitely be going back!

Iconic Santorini - Room

Iconic Santorini - Coconut Bed

Iconic Santorini - Room Seating Area

Iconic Santorini - Private Patio with Day Beds

Iconic Santorini - Room Desk Nook

Iconic Santorini - Breakfast On Your Private Patio

Iconic Santorini - Living Room Space Within Room

Things To Do In Santorini

Santorini Sailing - one of the best activities we did while in Santorini was a 5-hour sail around the south side of the island. Adam and I were walking into Fira Santorini one night for dinner from our hotel (an easy downhill walk) when we passed the Santorini Sailing storefront and decided to step in out of curiosity to check out prices. At this point, it was 9 PM and we wanted to sail the following morning. Usually, the rates start as low as 90 Euro per person however in our case that boat was sold out. Lucky for us they bumped us up to the semi-private boat which included lunch and unlimited drinks for the same cost! BRILLIANT! The sailing company picked us up from our hotel at 8 AM the next morning and we were sailing by 9! It was such a beautiful day! The crew were so friendly and told us all about the different island formations and areas. The food at lunch was great and they were always offering to help take your photos, making sure you were having fun, and always had a cold beverage. If you are looking for things to do in Santorini Greece and you don’t get seasick, I highly recommend doing a day sail!

Tango Bar, Fira Santorini - If you are interested in experiencing nightlife in Santorini, this champagne and cocktail bar was recommended to us by a couple of people we met during our stay and so happy they did! Adam and I went and enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine at Tango after dinner one night (the party doesn’t really start to happen till after 11 PM so go late) and danced to some great house music. The bar to me has more of a nightclub feel but unlike many of the other bars we went to, it is cliffside and offers great views of the water and surrounding views of the city lit up at night. Most of the clubs in Santorini are located in Fira anyways so even if it’s not super busy, it’s super easy to walk from one club to another until you find one with an atmosphere to your liking.

Rent a car - Although our hotel was amazing and I could literally spend all day there (and be happy as a clam doing so), Adam and I wanted to explore all the island had to offer. The hotel was amazing at helping us arrange a car and for 60 euros and 24 hours of freedom we thought, why not. If you want to check out Eros beach or Perivolos beach - or even just go into Oia for dinner and watch the sunset, you are looking at a 40 Euro taxi ride each way so may as well rent a car for a day and do all of it! Navigation and parking isn’t difficult so it’s actually one of the best options if you want to be more mobile and explore the island further.

Oia - A lot of the Instagram photos you see of Santorini are actually taken in Oia. It is a beautiful town with many busy streets and is known as the best place to watch the sunset! Although it’s a bit of a distance from Fira and Imerovigli I definitely recommend checking it out at least once. There is a hiking path you can take from the hotel that is supposed to be about 2 hours walking or you can drive there within 15 -20 minutes. Since Adam and I rented a car, it wasn’t an issue getting to Oia Santorini and actually made for a nice drive. If you didn’t want to rent a car and just take a cab expect around a 40 Euro price tag for a taxi one way.

Eros Beach and Perivolos Beach - another great activity to do if you have the ability to move around the island and want to spend a day at the beach. Since we had a car for the day we were able to go explore both Eros Beach and Perivolos Beach (the black sand beach) and see the different landscapes of the island. These two beaches are both on the more flatter end of the island and are filled with beach clubs and restaurants - a much different vibe from the cliffside towns

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SANTORINI TO MYKONOS

The next stop on our Greek island hopping tour was Mykonos - the party island! Although we did look into flights from Santorini to Mykonos we figured the most viable way to make the journey was to swim. JUST KIDDING! We took a ferry for 70 Euro a person and within 2.5 hours we arrived in Mykonos! It was super easy and the hotel helped us arrange the booking of our ferry tickets and transportation to the Santorini to Mykonos ferry dock.

MYKONOS, GREECE

So what we quickly learned about the island was that all the big beach clubs and the majority of hotels are all located on the south side of the island. The north side of the island has picturesque secluded beaches with lovely restaurants, but for the most part, everything is happening on the south side. Also, the BIG party day in Mykonos is Sunday so if you can work your itinerary to be there on the weekend like we did, you can really get a taste of the party scene. Lastly, although we did rent a car for a day while in Mykonos, navigating was not as easy as Santorini. We did get lost and had to turn around a handful of times, not to mention I’ve never experienced so many blind corners in my life!

Restaurants in Mykonos

When it came to restaurants in Mykonos, prices were all over the map! Some places were so expensive and a total rip-off, while others offered great value for amazing food. To help you avoid getting stuck in a tourist trap or spending your entire meal budget in one shot (one place we went to was charging over 100 euro for a grilled fish) here are two restaurants in Mykonos I highly recommend adding to your list!

Kiki’s Tavern - When it comes to Mykonos Restaurant, this place is no joke! It was hands-down one of the best afternoons Adam and I had the whole time we were in Mykonos and it wasn’t just because of the food. Picture a little wooden restaurant next to a secluded beach with their own private swimming cove. You show up, add your name to the list (which will typically already have an hour-long wait), help yourself to complimentary rosé while you enjoy the beautiful view of the cove. The wine will start to hit you quicker than usual because 1) you’re hungry and 2) you’re in the hot sun, so you walk down to the waters and go for a dip to cool off. You do this several times until your table is ready and then you enjoy a beautiful meal in the shade with a picturesque view of the water. Beautiful! Since Kiki’s isn’t in town you will need to either rent a car like we did to get there or take a taxi which may even be your best bet considering we did get lost…. a few times. LOL

Nikolas Tavern - Loved this place! Mainly because it was a family-run and owned business and you could really see how they put their whole heart into operating it. There are family photos all over the walls inside and they are so welcoming and ready to offer you something to drink. The restaurant is right on the beach so you can go early to watch the sunset and then hang under their illuminating overhead string lights while you enjoy some traditional Greek food. They also had 14 Euro half-liter pitchers of wine which was a perfect way for me to get a little tipsy before going out. Adam and I loved it here and since it was only a short walk from our hotel we ended up coming back several times during our trip. The prices were completely reasonable and allowed us to eat until our stomachs were full and heart content for under 70 euro! With drinks!

Our Hotel In Mykonos

*use my discount code to receive 15% off your next accommodation reservation with Booking.com

San Giorgio - What really attracted me to this hotel was the bohemian aesthetic. When you see pictures of Mykonos you usually see pictures of the town – all the white buildings with blue windows and railings. What you don’t see is that the island is actually very rustic and when you get out of town, more bohemian, airy, and minimalistic. The land around the populated areas are used for farming and every once and awhile you will see small herds of animals. My hotel San Giorgio was on a beautiful point between two of the best beaches to party in Mykonos – Paraga Beach and Paradise Beach – making it a great location for anyone looking for that Mykonos party experience.

Olive tree at my hotel - San Giorgio Mykonos

The hotel itself is beautifully laid out and upon arrival we were ushered down to the pool, given a welcome glass of prosecco, and a breakdown of the hotel. We were informed that our stay included a complimentary breakfast, a free 30 minute training session with the hotel trainer Panos, and were encouraged to participate in one of their many free workshops, talks, and meditations that happen daily. The philosophy of the hotel is to be a communal space where creatives can come to meet and inspire one another. We met a lot of interesting people while we were there and everyone was so friendly and open to chatting, making it super easy to buy into the concept and make new friends.

San Giorgio is a member of the Design Hotel Collection which made it no surprise that the rooms were beautiful. Although not as luxurious as the Iconic Santorini, there was beauty in their understated, earthy, and airy simplicity. It really emulated bohemian chic perfectly with earth-tone painted walls, straw hat decorations, and lights made from natural material. This boutique hotel has only 34 rooms, but each one comes with a little terrace adorned with at minimum a small table and a couple stools. Although you can hear the echoes of the beach club a short distance off it was definitely a nice close haven to escape to when you get sick of the parties.

San Giorgio Entrance

San Giorgio - Room

San Giorgio - Room Decorations

San Giorgrio - Room Lighting

San Giorgio - Bathroom

San Giorgio - Terrace

San Giorgio - Kitten

San Giorgio - Poolside Hammock

San Giorgio - Day Beds

San Giorgio - Lounging Area

San Giorgio Mykonos

Things To Do In Mykonos

Mykonos Town - Mykonos Town is picture perfect. This is where you will see all the white buildings and stone-painted (it’s not real stone) ground. A lot of pictures of Mykonos are taken in town, especially by the windmills in Little Venice Mykonos! Go for an afternoon and get lost down the winding alleyways, in and out of small shops, and restaurants and bars - you won’t regret it.

Small alleyway restaurant - Mykonos Old Town

Scorpios - A contemporary take on the ancient Greek Agora, Scorpios is the best beach club in Mykonos and definitely more on the posh side. Drinks will run you between 9-12 Euros so unless you have money to blow come with your buzz already on. Since it can get quite expensive here I found that it attracted a 30+ crowd. Nevertheless, it was beautiful and I loved their ancient Greek tribal atmosphere. The music consisted mostly of techno tribal beats with it was a cool spot to hang out, dance, listen to music, and people watch. This place also happens to be the sister property for the San Giorgio Hotel so if you are staying at the hotel you get line bypass and priority access. A lot of the DJ’s that play at Scorpios also end up being put up at San Giorgio so don’t be surprised if you see them poolside at the hotel the next day ;)

Cavo Paradiso - If you want to party until the sun comes up then this is where you need to go. Scorpios and the beach clubs on Paraga beach usually close down around 1:30 am but the party is still going on at the beach on the other side of the hotel – Paradise beach. Cavo Paradiso is on the point just after Paradise beach (you can literally see it from the hotel) and takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to from the hotel. Here you will find a younger, hostel crowd who want to stay up all night and party! This is the only club we went to while in Mykonos where we had to pay cover (20 Euro) but we got what we paid for and were able to dance all night to a sick DJ (FULL DISCLOSURE: I was pretty tipsy and couldn’t tell you his name, but all I remember is dancing up a storm!) and had a great 'party night in Mykonos' experience. We ended up staying here until the sun came up and walked back to our hotel, totally ready for bed.

Faros Lighthouse - always a sucker for a good sunset, if you are interested in the best spot to watch it from, you just found it. Since it is located on the north side of the island though, you will only be able to do this if you rent a car because 1) there was no taxi stand so how would you get back and 2) it’s not walkable from town.

Although Santorini and Mykonos were two destinations I was dying to visit I really could not have pulled this trip together without my partnership with Booking.com. I have used their site in the past for many of my accommodations reservations and am happy to pass on a 15% savings to you on your next trip with my discount code. No matter where you want to go, whether the US, Europe, a festival or a weekend cottage getaway, Booking.com has such an array of properties and accommodations to choose from they are easily my #1 site. Be a savvy traveler like me! Save on your next reservation and spend that money on a dinner or activity instead!

If you have any questions about my Santorini/Mykonos trip feel free to hit me up in the comment sections below!

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HOTEL WILLIAM GRAY - MONTREAL'S NEWEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL

March 14, 2017 Soheila Hakimi

Montreal has always been a place I have held close to my heart. From Old Montreal’s charming 17th century architecture to the urban city feel of St. Catherine street and the Plateau, Montreal tastefully walks the line between keeping up with the times and appreciating its heritage.

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New to Montreal’s hospitality industry is the enviable Hotel William Gray. This newly opened (Summer of 2016) boutique hotel features 127 rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace, an upmarket grill restaurant known as Maggie Oakes, a multi functional living room lobby (an interior designers wet dream), a state of the art fitness center, 10,000 sqf of event space, a lifestyle boutique, and café. Located in the heart of Old Montreal overlooking Place Jacques-Cartier this luxury hotel is not only world class for its hospitality and spectacular views, but also for its timeless style!

The Hotel William Gray is part of the Antonopoulos Group who own and operate many restaurants, spas and boutique hotels in Old Montreal including the Place d’Armes. The namesake for this new venture comes from the acquisition and redevelopment of the Edward William Gray residence, one of the buildings the hotel is made up of today. Edward William Gray was an English merchant, notary, lawyer, office holder, and militia officer who settled in Montreal in 1760. His legacy and vibrant history in law and politics helped shape Montreal into the city it is today. The restaurant Maggie Oakes is named after Edward William Gray’s wife whose profile can be seen illustrated in the restaurants logo.

The hotel itself is exquisitely furnished to exemplify a warm and cozy haven. The rooms boost rich wood flooring, concrete ceilings and black metal light fixtures to create a minimalist modern setting that compliments the beautiful facade of the building itself. And if you are under the impression that there is nothing cozy about minimalist modern interiors, they have luxurious linens, plush pillow top mattresses, frette towels, and the coziest robes and slippers that will make you want to stay in and order breakfast in bed! A must!

The hotel’s restaurant Maggie Oakes is inspired by Montreal’s prevalent culinary scene and has modeled its menu after an American bistro and steakhouse. Chef Derek Bocking is known for his passion for garden vegetables and thick cuts of meat (the Tomahawk Steak featured on the menu is gargantuan!) which you can see on display in their impressive dry aged meat cooler and unique green wall of herbs and micro-greens. The restaurant itself was designed by Camdi and features a long gray marble bar which boosts an oyster and charcuterie station. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Maggie Oakes is the perfect spot and ideal location for a gathering of friends or a private event.

With plans to open a luxury spa and outdoor pool in Fall 2017 Hotel William Gray continues to expand on their luxury product and aims to provide their patrons with a dynamic and singular experience of world class hospitality. What lacks when it comes to Canada’s biggest city like Toronto can be found in this gorgeous remodeling of the William Gray house in Montreal. My weekend stay at the hotel was spectacular, I felt more at home then I do in Toronto. The concierge and staff made me feel so welcomed and presented me with handwritten notes, macaroons and recommendations of local bars and restaurants to venture to when I finally did decide to get out of bed! I am definitely happy to say that the Hotel William Gray will be my first and only recommendation for accommodations in Montreal and I cannot wait until I myself get to go back this summer.

To book a room at Hotel WIlliam Gray click -> HERE
To make a reservation at Maggie Oakes click -> HERE