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win a kobo ereader: a travel essential

April 23, 2010 2 Comments


I traveled to California two weeks ago and I carried a heavy old hardcover in my shoulder bag. I could honestly feel it weighing me down as I made my way through the airport but I had no choice. An avid reader, there was no way I was going to go away for a week and not bring a book with me. And I’m so glad I did. Jodi Picoult’s House Rules made perfect vacation reading. Of course, I finished the book halfway through my trip, so had to hit a bookstore to pick up another book.

When my vacation came to an end, I had to leave my hardcover behind. It was simply too heavy to cart back home, especially since I’d bought yet another book.

I’m complaining, I know. So what’s my point? My point is that if I’d had an eReader, none of this would have been a concern.

I just got the Kobo – the latest eReader to hit the market and I’m in love. I wasn’t sure how I’d fare, making the transition from paper books to an electronic reader but the Kobo proves its worth. Brought to us by Indigo Books, Kobo is set to hit the market on May 1 and book lovers everywhere are going to be impressed.

Here’s what I love most:

It’s so light. At just 221 grams, it is easy to hold in bed and weighs nothing in your bag if you’re traveling.

eInk Technology. Imitating the printed word on paper, books are easy to read on the glare-free screen. Fonts are customizable, too. You can choose from serif or sans serif.

It’s portable! I love that I never have to carry heavy hardcovers in my bag again. Traveling with Kobo means I can have a library of 1000 books at my fingertips. Which also means I have options. If I don’t feel like reading the book I’ve started, I can easily choose something else. Visit indigo.ca/ebooks to browse available titles.

The price. At just $149, Kobo is one of the most competitively priced eReaders on the market. Plus, eBooks are much cheaper than their paper counterparts. A new release which might run you $35 in the bookstore is often half that price when purchased as an eBook.

Want one? Click here for your chance to win a Kobo.

Filed Under: technology, travel Tagged With: , , , , , ,

spa chakra at the ritz-carlton, marina del rey

April 19, 2010 Leave a Comment


As you may have gathered by now, my trip to California was a lot of hard work … fabulous hotels, spa treatments and shopping on Rodeo Drive. Hey — someone’s gotta do it! Next up on my agenda: A delightful 90-minute massage at the Spa Chakra at the Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. Situated on the water’s edge, the hotel is a peaceful sanctuary and the spa inside was pure bliss. Click here to read more about the hotel and its design.

More information
Spa Chakra at the Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 USA
Phone: (310) 823-1700

Filed Under: hotel, spa, travel, vacations Tagged With: , , , , , ,

rodeo drive

April 15, 2010 2 Comments

As I mentioned yesterday, I was just in California (Beverly Hills, to be precise) and I was chilling at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. While I was quite content to amuse myself at the hotel (gym, spa, pool, not to mention my sweet suite), I was also looking forward to taking a stroll down the famed Rodeo Drive to do some window shopping and maybe catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two.

With my credit card trembling in my purse, willing me to be sensible, I jumped into a car at the Four Seasons. They offer a complimentary car service that’ll take you anywhere within a two-mile radius of the hotel. From the hotel, Rodeo Drive is walkable but, as my friendly (and utterly gorgeous) driver pointed out, you have to be prepared. “It all depends on what kind of shoes you’re wearing,” he said, glancing down at my cute but impractical sandals. He smiled. I blushed. I worried that I was going to get kicked out of Beverly Hills for not being good-looking enough.

Anyway, I digress …

Rodeo Drive was, well, it was disappointing. It was virtually empty, save a few tourists like myself, toting GAP, not Gucci, shopping bags. It was shorter than I’d imagined, so the long stroll I had anticipated came to an abrupt end. Sure, the stores were fun to browse through for a few minutes each but truth be told, it’s not all that exciting when you can’t afford a single thing. I did splurge on a pair of silver sandals from Coach but aside from that, even the adorable key rings that sparkled by the cash register were too pricey for my tastes.

I had my book in my bag, hoping I’d find a nice spot to grab a tea, read and people watch. Nothing. I’ve been shopping in New York, London, Paris, Sydney, Hong Kong and whether you’re burning the magnetic strip off the back of your credit card or not, the experience of walking through the shopping districts of those cities is exciting. The streets are filled with people and there’s a contagious energy around you. Not so on Rodeo Drive. Quel drag.

Filed Under: fashion, shopping, sightseeing, travel, vacations Tagged With: , , , , , ,

four seasons los angeles at beverly hills

April 14, 2010 1 Comment

I just got back from California and while I was there, I had the good fortune to stay at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills and I have to tell you, I sort of felt like a rock star. The hotel has just undergone a $33 million renovation and the result is a property that’s the perfect combination of comfort and luxury — no wonder it’s a haven for Hollywood’s elite. When I first walked into my plush suite, I immediately felt like I’d arrived home. It was warm and welcoming and featured all the creature comforts I could want, namely, the most comfortable bed ever and a huge flat screen television. (I won’t even attempt to deny the fact that I spent one evening sprawled out on the king-sized bed, watching back-to-back Kate Hudson rom-coms, while indulging in a yummy room service dinner.) From the luxurious guest rooms and suites to the spa and the incredible restaurant Culina, Modern Italian, the hotel’s facelift is totally gorgeous. Click here to read more about the hotel and its design.

For more information: Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

Filed Under: hotel, travel, vacations Tagged With: , , , ,

dune bashing with johnny jet

April 14, 2010 1 Comment


I don’t consider myself a daredevil but along my travels, I’ve had the opportunity to try different things that have made me a little weak in the knees. There was the 5.7-kilometre cable car ride up to see the Big Buddha in Hong Kong. There was the AJ Hackett Skywalk, 233 metres high, along the outer rim of the Macau Tower. (The walkway is just 1.8 metres wide and there’s no handrail.) And then there was that harrowing donkey ride up to the top of Santorini, which may not sound scary but is if you’re standing at the bottom, watching those donkey hooves slipping and sliding along the worn, slippery stone path.

What I haven’t had the opportunity to try is dune bashing. But watching this video, courtesy of travel expert Johnny Jet, sure makes me want to take a ride through the desolate desert sands of Empty Quarter Desert in the United Arab Emirates. Definitely not for the faint of heart but it sure looks like the ride of a lifetime! Click here to check out the full video!

Would you go dune bashing? Leave a comment and let me know!

Filed Under: middle east, travel, vacations Tagged With: , , , ,
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