EVANGELINE SPA @ THE EPICUREAN HOTEL - TAMPA BAY FLORIDA

Evangeline Spa @ The Epicurean Hotel in Tampa Bat

On my recent trip to Tampa Bay I got to experience my first ever HydraFacial MD® Spa Treatment! Before I talk about this breakthrough facial treatment that my head is still whirling over, let me give you some back story!

The Epicurean Hotel - Tampa’s upscale boutique hotel was voted one of Florida’s Top 10 Hotels by Conde Nast Traveler. From the ground floor up this hotel was made for food lovers! From the wine shop and theatre kitchen on the main floor to The Edge cocktail bar on the roof this hotel is the place to see and be seen. The Evangeline Spa located on the main floor of The Epicurean mimics the hotel’s passion for food by featuring food based materials, including coffee scrubs, to help guests relax. It’s no surprise then how excited I was when I got to experience their spa.

The Evangeline Spa is the best place in Tampa to spend a day relaxing and being pampered. The intimate spa setting makes you feel like a true VIP and their selection of treatments will have you walking out of there felling completely rejuvenated. Each product you will experience during your treatment has been carefully selected to awaken your senses. Their fresh fruit scrubs, buttery lotions and rich botanical oils are infused with fresh herbs to successfully relieve stress and leave you feeling revitalized.

One of the spa’s newest offerings is the HydraFacial MD® Spa Treatment. This 30 minute treatment cleans, exfoliates, extracts, hydrates and adds antioxidant protection all at the same time. The newest advancement in non-laser skin resurfacing HydraFacial MD® Spa Treatment is completely painless and is known to deliver clearer, more beautiful skin with very little redness, swelling or downtime.

Having never done a HydraFacial MD® Spa Treatment before I was surprised to see this state of the art skincare equipment in action. The non-invasive, multi-step facial procedure first exfoliates your skin using a serum that removes dead skin cells. The hand held instrument used to conduct the treatment drops serum onto you skin at the same time sucking it up again along with all the dead skin cells. It’s the weirdest sensation! Each step in the procedure is done in the exact same way where a small amount of serum is applied and suctioned off. This technique allows you to do a full peel without any irritation and clean on your pores using suction! How crazy is that!

The last step in the procedure includes an antioxidant protection serum that aims to nourish and protect the skin. I could instantly feel my skin soaking up as much of it as possible! The results were perfect – no irritation,  no redness from extraction just clean, smooth skin! After my procedure was over my technician showed me all the dead skin and dirt that was pulled off my skin - gross I know but also so cool! It was amazing how much he was able to remove even with consistent exfoliating and cleansing on my part!

If you are ever in the Tampa Bay area I greatly suggest you go check out the Evangeline Spa at the Epicurean Hotel for some relaxation and rejuvenation. After your treatment go next door and check out the amazing wine shop at the Epicurean Hotel or rooftop lounge for cocktails under the stars! A perfect way to end any day!

Have any questions about the HydraFacial MD Spa Treatmetn, Evangeline Spa or the Epicurean Hotel? Leave them in the comment section below and I will try my best to answer them!

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SAYULITA, NAYARIT MEXICO

Welcome to Sayulita – the perfect Mexican retreat. This sunshine coastline is often called the Crown Jewel of the Nayarit thanks to its many beachfront rentals. This seaside surfer town is filled with expats and will charm you with its quintessential Mexican small-town characteristics making it so easy to fall in love with Sayulita. The open-air eateries and bars, small boutiques, and beach hangouts give any new explorers to the area much to experience. It’s also not too far from the luxurious Nayarit town of Punta Mita making it easy to get the best of both worlds (bohemian and luxury) should you want it.

There are plenty of hotels, villas, and hostels in Sayulita Mexico but one of the most popular ones (especially for weddings and large groups) is Villa Amor. This boutique hotel is made up of 26 oceanfront villas, all unique and made up of a different combination of modern and old-world charm. Nestled into the lush jungle hillside the Villa Amor Sayulita is a leisurely 10 minute walk to the heart of town. As a popular wedding destination spot, the Villa Amor easily accommodates large groups and all those in need of a relaxing sunshine retreat. Not to mention you are steps from the best surf in Sayulita. Not into Sayulita surfing? There are also tons of bars and restaurants to lounge out on the beach too!


THINKING OF GOING TO MEXICO? CHECK OUT THESE OTHER MEXICO TRAVEL GUIDES


Every Friday there is a weekly farmers market in Sayulita, Nayarit Mexico where you can purchase organic groceries, artisan products, clothing, and other trinkets. If shopping is not your thing there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained in Sayulita like surfing, horseback riding, ATV tours, zip-lining, golfing, bike trails, yoga classes, spa treatments – and, well, drinking on the beach!

I’m going to stop myself there before I give it all away because part of Sayulita’s charm and fun is its small town feel and the ability to easily explore and navigate around it by foot. Of course, I encourage you to do just that when you visit this quaint little town and see where the day takes you.


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I hope you enjoyed the travel guide for Sayulita Nayarit Mexico! If you have any questions or comments about my time in Sayulita, feel free to leave them in the comment section below! Safe travels!


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PUNTA MITA, MEXICO

I recently (as you may of already noticed via my Instagram) went on a week long vacation to Punta Mita, a small village located 10 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. In the last 10 years Punta Mita has seen a lot of economic growth especially due to a huge private development that houses numerous estates, clubhouses, private restaurants, beach clubs, a medical centre and two luxury hotels. Although it may take me light years till I can afford to own a house there, Punta Mita is probably as close to heaven as I have ever been. Except in this case only those who own a house, know someone who does or are a guest at one of the two luxury hotels can pass St Peter’s pearly white gates. Even the hotel accommodations come at quiet a hefty price tag of $1,000+ USD a night for the smallest casita. This place could not be more luxurious – the Prime Minister of Mexico goes on vacation there for heaven sake!

While most of us could only dream about going to a place like this, I miraculously was invited to come explore the private compound and share my experience with you. So here we go >>>----->

ACCOMMODATIONS

The St Regis is probably the most expensive hotel I have ever come across with rooms starting at over $5,000+ USD in high season. I cannot imagine what kind of top notch, heavenly services you get for that price tag however from my first impression of visiting and dinning there it is probably pretty spectacular. The hotel itself is gorgeous and you can tell no expense was spared when they designed it. The hotels signature restaurant Carolina offers a fine dining experience of the very best in contemporary Mexican cuisine. Using fresh local ingredients and uncompromised cooking techniques Carolina captures the hearts and souls (should I drop the heaven thing yet lol) of all who eat there. With signature dishes like ceviche, suckling pig, and quail tacos there is something for everyone’s palate.

The Four Seasons in Punta Mita is actually owned by Bill Gates. This Mexican oasis is absolutely picture perfect and exactly how you would imagine a beachfront hotel. With white-sand beaches and turquoise waters there is no wonder that the area features some of the best snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, surfing and golf in the world.  Although I did not stay at The Four Season I did get to eat there! The Aramara restaurant in The Four Season features exquisite contemporary Asian cuisine made from the freshest product and seafood caught daily right off the shores of Punta Mita. With indoor and outdoor dining options Aramara offers zen-like touches to a wonderful dining experience. Get the crispy shrimp! They are unreal!

ACTIVITIES

The recently renovated Kupuri Beach Club is one of three intimate resident beach clubs that offers additional socializing, relaxation, and dining experiences for resident members and their guests. With valet parking, a concierge, spa services, an infinity pool, beach bar, water and fitness activities and of course lots of beach front – an afternoon at this beach club is an afternoon well spent.

Vista Paraiso offers a wide range of activities including ziplining, horseback riding and ATV tours. It is located about a 15-20 minute drive from Punta Mita. I went on a horseback riding tour through the small Mexican village of Higuera Blanca onto a small jungle trail and along a sunny beach. The ride lasted about an hour and a half and the horses were very well behaved. The ride is led by the ranch vaquero (that’s Mexican for cowboy – I say Mexican because I don’t think this is a word used in Spain) and is well documented by the resident ‘paparazzi’ who will print your photo at the end of the ride for a price.  I enjoyed myself at the ranch and everyone was very friendly however I would of probably preferred something a little more high pace like ATVing – ok I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, DON’T JUDGE!

Golfing in the Punta Mita estates is unreal! I may not be a very experienced golfer but the people I played with were and they were just as impressed by the 36 holes - Jack Nicklaus golf course as I was. The golf course and clubhouse is open to the residence of the estates and their guest as well as the St. Regis and The Four Season guests. Don’t get distracted by the ocean views and picturesque manicured landscapes because this course gets quiet difficult even for those well seasoned golfers. Check out this hole below!

The Pacífico, with eight holes directly facing or playing alongside the Pacific Ocean, features the “Tail of the Whale”, an optional par-three hole with the largest natural island green in the world.

I will admit that I am much more familiar with Tennis then I am golf which is why it is no surprise I found myself drawn to the Tennis Center in the Punta Mita estates. Nestled into a grove of palm trees the Tennis Center offers hard and soft sand filled synthetic grass courts to suit your preference and also features complimentary use of balls and shoes. Additionally, ice water and chilled hand towels that have a hint of lemon freshness are placed courtside to help you cool off after a game. Now that is classy! Rackets are available to rent for $8 so no need to lug yours all the way to Mexico!

If you win the lottery or are looking for a great luxury vacation Punta Mita is the perfect destination for you. The area is very safe and family friendly and offers tons of activities including great surfing (I wanted to surf so bad but there wasn’t enough time). If you’re in the market to purchase a vacation home or apartment I would urge you to consider looking at this development! The St. Regis and Four Seasons do maintain and rent properties in the compound on behalf of the owners when they are not occupied so there are also potential income benefits available to investing in paradise! So what are you waiting for? GO!


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LANGDON HALL HOTEL AND SPA - CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO

Have you ever had something great and completely unexpected happened to you? Did it make you pause for a moment in disbelief before cloaking you in happiness and gratitude? In June it happened to me. I won! I woke up one morning still dazed, nursing my morning coffee as I perused through my new emails when I saw the subject line, Congratulations! You're the Winner… Winner!? What did I win? What a great way to start of my day. A gift certificate to Langdon Hall from Branding and Buzzing's July giveaway! One of the most prestigious spas in Canada! Are you kidding me! Is this a joke? Is someone playing a huge trick on me? Is Ashton Kutcher going to jump out of my closet and punk me?

I literally had to read the email three times.  I have never won anything. ANYTHING. My next immediate thought was – who am I going to invite? Friends? NAW! Think Soheila, think! Family? Getting warmer. My mom!? Ding Ding Ding!!!!  I mean I owe the women my life. Not to mention she has probably invested a bazillion dollars in educating me, feeding me and making sure I have clothes on my body and a roof over my head. I think it’s safe to say she deserves a little getaway to Langdon Hall, especially with her favorite person in the world. Or at least I will be after this!


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So off we went last week! We jumped in the car and within an hour and a half we arrived at Langdon Hall! The Cambridge property is gorgeous and although it was my first time to the hotel and my mom is practically a regular, we still were blown away by the beautiful property and landscaped grounds.  Once checked-in we were also very happy to hear that the spa had recently been moved into a newly renovated space and our spa services would give us access to all their new amenities including a comfortable indoor sitting room, a sundeck with lounge chairs, an indoor exercise room and a whirlpool and sauna.  Wow!

After my mom and I indulged in much needed massages we continued onto our mani, pedi spa services. Now one thing that I am going to point out about Langdon Hall Spa that I absolutely loved was their product line. They have a variety of products and scents that make services easy to customize to your preferences! Weather you prefer citrus or frankincense or only like vegan/organic products, they‘ve got it! I was especially impressed with their SpaRitual line of products and nail lacquers that are completely vegan and free from 5 of the most harmful chemicals found in nail polish. Not only do they use such great products, but if you get a mani/pedi they send you home with two SpaRitual nail lacquer bottles! What!? Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

Once our spa services were complete and there was time for a small pause before dinner I took the opportunity to wander around the property. Curiously enough, as I poked my nose around the property I came across this gorgeous little secret garden door, a green house to die for, tennis courts, a pool and an expansive vegetable and flower garden I could of spent hours exploring.

However, I wasn’t about to keep my hungry mom from dinner. Back to the main house I went – very excited because Langdon Hall’s Executive Chef Jason Bangerter is known for combining ingredients that are grown and foraged on the property to create dishes and experiences so grand and captivating that they are impossible to forget. From the black trumpet mushroom amuse bouch to the summer fruit and foie gras appetizers (yes, I had two appetizers) my meal could not of started off on a better foot. To conclude the meal I chose the beef tenderloin –  so moist and flavorful it could make a vegetarian crave meat! To finish off my mom and I each ordered a desserts – the Chocolate Ganache and the Peanut Butter Sable with some Langdon Hall Honey Mousse. A symphony of flavors! Great dishes on their own but even better combined together!

It’s definitely safe to say that after the experience I had at Landon Hall, winning a Langdon Hall gift card is one of the best things that happened to me this year and the absolute best way to celebrate my one year blogiverssary! I definitely recommend anyone looking to celebrate an upcoming milestone or interested in a relaxing weekend getaway to look into Langdon Hall. Although I did not stay overnight they do offer many packages that include a mix of accommodations, spa services and dining options you should definitely consider checking out before booking your reservation.

If you are interested in visiting Langdon Hall or making a reservation visit their website -> HERE

 

THE UP EXPRESS, THE FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK & DINNER AT EPIC RESTAURANT

UNION STATION TO PEARSON AIRPORT

Only two short weeks ago I was graciously invited to try the UP Express and experience a stay at the newly renovated Fairmont Royal York Hotel. As with most happy surprises I was ecstatic by the news and knew the only way I could do the experience justice was to video document it for you.

The UP Express, for those of you who have not yet traveled to Toronto, is Toronto’s express airport train that runs between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Union Station in Downtown Toronto; Toronto’s busiest transpiration hub. Having opened its services less than a year ago the rail service has already lowered its cost to $9 for Adults with presto cards and $12 for those without (children 12 and under ride for FREE). With trains departing every 15 minutes they put the ease and convenience back in traveling to and from the airport and is a great alternative if you don’t want to take an expensive shuttle to and from Pearson Airport . Their trains are fully equipped with bag storage, power outlets and the WIFI is free! It takes a total of 25 minutes to get from the airport to downtown Toronto and the best part is that it’s completely traffic free.  If you don’t need to go all the way downtown do not worry, the train also makes two quick stops along the way at Weston & Lawrence and Bloor & Dundas West. For more information on the UP Express and to view the UP Schedule, feel free to visit their website.


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FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK - A HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN TORONTO

Upon arriving at Union Station getting to the Fairmont Royal York is literally just a hop, skip and a jump. Located across the street from Union Station the Fairmont Royal York Hotel is Toronto’s most historic hotel having opened in 1929. The hotel has recently undergone renovations, revamping room decor including new HDTVs in every room! They have also renovated the pool (that’s right, a Toronto hotel with a pool) and exercise room, have upgraded services on demand, satellite iPad check-in during peak hours, paperless checkout, and digital path-finding monitors. I also highly recommend checking out the Fairmont Royal York Spa during your stay as it is fabulous. To book your next stay in Toronto at the Fairmont Royal York feel free to visit their website for easy web-booking.

Once I was fully able to settle into my room and lounge in their plush bathrobes before getting ready for dinner, I received yet another happy surprise – a small pre-dinner amuse bouche.

The evening’s dinner was hosted at the Fairmont Royal York’s Epic Restaurant. Chef de cuisine Joshua Dyer provided us with a four-course meal perfectly complimenting each dish with wine selected by the house sommelier. Each course presented is available on the current restaurant menu, which changes seasonally. The restaurant’s reputation for innovation and quality was truly evident with each dish. They are known for placing importance on sourcing and using regionally grown premium ingredients; purchasing ingredients from only the best of Ontario's growers. Further, you may also be interested to know that all of the Fairmont Royal York restaurants takes advantage of the hotel’s rooftop herb garden and hand-harvested honey, which they incorporate in many of the dishes and cocktails.

After dinner I was also able to sit down with chef de cuisine Joshua Dyer of Epic Restaurant and learn more about his passion for cooking and what it’s like working for the Fairmont Royal York. Below is a video of that interview. To book a reservation at Epic restaurant please visit their website.

If you have any questions about my experiences please do not hesitate to leave a comment below! If you missed my SnapChats from the event I'll add the video below!

Here are the links to all websites for quick reference:

UP Express - https://www.upexpress.com/Home/index
Fairmont Royal York - http://www.fairmont.com/royal-york-toronto/
Epic Restaurant - http://www.epicrestaurant.ca/home

Fun Fact:
Honey Bees: In June 2008, the Royal York installed three beehives on its fourteenth-floor rooftop terrace to serve its in-house garden. Approximately 350,000 honey bees provide several hundred pounds of honey each year, including 800 pounds (360 kg) in 2011.

Many thanks to Una MacNeil, Sonya Singh, Jessica Bertolo, Brody Horne and Chef Dyer for hosting me!


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