November 26, 2019

Serenity Now

November 26, 2019

If you haven’t experienced the Caribbean’s Out-Islands, put it on your bucket list immediately. Out-Islands offer something different from a large resort vacation; the pace is slower, the beaches are quieter, the waters seem bluer, you breathe a little deeper.

Sailrock, an uncompromising, low density resort community on the Out-Island of South Caicos, Turks & Caicos, is a meticulously master-planned oasis of white sandy beaches, finely appointed villas, ocean-side bluffs, uninterrupted ocean views, quiet backwater bays, and the world’s third largest barrier reef system. For short-term vacationers looking for a luxurious Out-Island experience, there’s Sailrock Resort. And for connoisseurs of authentic experiences wanting to own real estate in this island paradise, Sailrock Living offers hassle-free home ownership.

REST AND RELAXATION
Offering both serene tranquility and soft adventure, Sailrock Resort is a boutique resort featuring unparalleled service and exclusivity in a secluded island setting. Uniquely situated between the Caicos Bank to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Sailrock Resort boasts two beaches and a carefully curated collection of activities for guests to experience and explore the surrounding ocean environments.

If you’ve been looking for total rest and relaxation, you’ve found it. Whether you want to rejuvenate at Na Spa, relax on the sun deck surrounding the infinity-edge pool, spend an afternoon snorkelling the expansive barrier reef, dine on seasonal Caribbean cuisine, watch pink flamingos dance at the nearby salt flats, or take in a spectacular sunset while sipping on a signature cocktail – it’s all here.

LIVING THE DREAM
Serenity, luxury, and natural beauty are core attributes of the Sailrock community. Designed as a low density and naturally preserved environment, Sailrock’s Peninsula Neighborhood offers a varying mix of homesites and floor plans across its 770 acres of unique topographies, vegetation, and shorelines. Luxury interiors offer a refined living experience with organic furnishings, open and airy design, and natural connections to the outdoor terraces, decks, and gardens. Homeowners enjoy the added benefits of hassle-free ownership via the turn-key management services offered by Sailrock Resort, which include a structured rental program designed to maximize your vacation home investment. As an added benefit, all Peninsula Villa owners have access to Sailrock Resort’s activities, luxurious amenities, and authentic dining experiences.

OUT-ISLAND ACCESS
There are over 90 international flights to Turks & Caicos every week, including direct flights from Toronto. South Caicos is just 40 miles southeast of the island of Providenciales, and is serviced by daily commercial flights that take just 25 minutes. Charter and private jets can also access South Caicos directly from the United States and beyond. Plus, commercial ferry service and charter boats are also available between Providenciales and South Caicos. Always careful and respectful of the island, Islanders, and their culture, the best of South Caicos and Sailrock await you. Visit sailrockliving.com.

Story by ASHLEY ROCHEFORT

Crowning Jewel

November 26, 2019

Luxury for the whole family at Tiara Exclusive Collection by Club Med Punta Cana

On the breathtaking island of Hispaniola, Club Med welcomes the whole family to their newly renovated, eco-chic TIARA EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION SPACE located inside the luxury, all-included Club Med Punta Cana resort.

Imagine waking up to the buttery pastries and sweet fruit of a continental breakfast brought to you in your private, pastel-hued bungalow. Before the kids get up, wrap yourself in a crisp white bathrobe and fuzzy slippers, and savour a freshly brewed cup of coffee while looking out on breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

Spend the morning working on your swing at the Corales 18-hole golf course. It is, after all, home of the PGA championship and one of the best courses in the world. Meanwhile, the kids are having the time of their lives, learning to juggle, climb silks, and do the flying trapeze with the experts at Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil, a must-try experience for every kid or kid-at-heart.

The entire family reconnects at lunch at La Samana. There is something for everyone at this international buffet. Spend the afternoon sunning and frolicking in the warm turquoise waters of this panoramic stretch of white sand beach. In the late afternoon sun, be welcomed back to Tiara with a glass of champagne at the private Tiara Bar and spend the remainder of the daylight with the family at the exclusive oceanfront infinity pool with full-service bar for afternoon drinks and snacks.

Before heading back to your room, stop by the private concierge desk to book an appointment for tomorrow at the luxurious, Provence-inspired Club Med Spa by L’OCCITANE. Let the sound of the lapping ocean melt your every worry away when you treat yourself to a signature oceanfront bath or massage.

Back at your bungalow, the kids rush to their room while you retreat to your bedroom with private bath and freshen up using the soothing in-house L’OCCITANE toiletries then enjoy an evening cocktail thanks to the fully stocked minibar at arm’s reach.

At the end of a long day filled with fun, sun and exploration of Club Med Punta Cana’s activities, it’s a relief to return to your private cottage perched on the edge of the beach and protected by lush vegetation. Every element of the updated design and decor – such as wooden accents, watery-toned linens, and wall sconces resembling a fisherman’s lantern – is a reflection of the local culture and helps to create connection between the outdoors and interior. Serene surroundings and plush beds with under-mounted lights give you the illusion of floating in the sea as you fall into a peaceful sleep, readying you for the next day’s adventure.

Make your next vacation a Club Med vacation. More at Clubmed.ca/Punta-Cana.

Story by ASHLEY ROCHEFORT

Historic Horsepower

November 26, 2019

Speed-seeking at sites around England

The days of piston combustion are numbered, as any owner of a hybrid or fully electric car will tell you. Luckily, petrolheads seeking some solace can get instant anxiety relief with a visit to Great Britain. It has a piston-powered heritage reaching back over a century, and offers plenty of sites that have been optimized for vacation visits.

Goodwood

Holiday self-drivers can start their tour at the horsepower mecca of Goodwood just 90 minutes southwest of London’s Heathrow Airport. With its historic racetrack and airport, Goodwood holds two famous festivals devoted to internal combustion – the Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival classic car show. Visitors who want to attend either event should start planning a year in advance for accommodations and tickets. On the other hand, those visiting at other times of the year can reserve a room at the charming Goodwood Hotel, which is generally fully booked up during the festivals. Goodwood resides within a countryside setting and presents an attractive option for dinner and a rest after arrival at Heathrow. The next day, guests can book a driving experience at the track, or even reserve a demo flight in a WWII Harvard warbird trainer priced from £499. goodwood.com

National Motor Museum

There are plenty of palatial heritage manors scattered about Britain that visitors can tour and gain a sense of old-world opulence. But none have an extensive, curated collection of historic automobiles and motorcycles, as is the case at the Beaulieu Estate, in the pastoral New Forest region of southern coastal England. On the rambling grounds of the estate is the National Motor Museum, which preserves and displays a vast array of vehicles across all eras of motoring, on both two wheels and four. There is a predominance of British machinery, but highlights from other nations (BMW, Ferrari, Ducati, etc.) are also displayed. beaulieu.co.uk

Biggin Hill

Those seeking more adventure in the sky can schedule a flight in a special two-seat Spitfire fighter aircraft at the historic Biggin Hill Aerodrome near London. Rates for these range from £2,750 for a 30-minute local Kent flight to £6,550 for the 70-minute Coastal Patrol flight. bigginhillheritagehangar.co.uk

Classic Team Lotus

From the scenic city of Norfolk, it is a short drive to see the spectacular race car collection at Classic Team Lotus. This is where a host of automotive concepts were conceived, built, tested and engineered to render world-beating sports cars and racing cars. Classic Team Lotus maintains an outstanding collection of Formula One race cars that were piloted by many of the F1 greats. A new larger museum is under construction now and is scheduled to open in 2020. Also coming is a new Customer Experience Centre, which will give visitors the opportunity to take the wheel of a current Lotus sports car on the company’s own twisty test track.

classicteamlotus.co.uk

Silverstone F1 Circuit

A racetrack driving experience might be the ultimate indulgence for a diehard motorhead, and potentially the peak opportunity for that is waiting at the Silverstone Formula One circuit. Now, visitors can put wheel to pavement on the storied circuit, by choosing from a selection of driving experiences. These include a Supercar Experience (£279), Racecar Experience (£219), Ferrari Experience (£179), Aston Martin Experience (£179), and a Caterham Drift Experience (£119), to name some. Shorter drives are billed as Thrills, and cost less. silverstone.co.uk

Story by TED DAVIS

Boutique Barbados

November 26, 2019

A great Barbados vacation starts with great hotel choices. Whether you’re opting for a grand hotel with sprawling grounds, a quiet and quaint bed-and-breakfast, or an easy breezy all-inclusive, you’ll always find personalized service, Bajan hospitality, and a boutique atmosphere at the heart of every stay.

The different types of vacation stays on the island are underscored by the three different properties owned by the OCEAN HOTELS Barbados group.

Ocean Two Resort & Residences is an 88-room, beachfront property set to become an all-inclusive resort in November 2020. Within easy reach of St. Lawrence’s Gap, known for its restaurants and nightlife, Ocean Hotels will always urge its guests to get out and see Barbados. “We really encourage our guests to explore the island,” says Melissa Defreitas, Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Ocean Hotels. “We don’t want guests to feel limited, we want them to have local experiences.” Guests will find both a ground-level pool and an adults-only rooftop plunge pool, and they can choose between rooms and suites. The sounding of a conch shell marks three daily happy hours. The hotel has a restaurant, room service, and multiple bars, including a swim-up pool bar. Other features include a fully equipped fitness centre with cardio and weight equipment, in-room spa services, and massages either in a private area of the Roof Deck Patio overlooking a bay or on the beach.

South Beach Hotel, a “very boutique” 49-room hotel just a minute’s walk from the beach, was inspired by the lively Miami district of the same name. On Barbados’ south coast, South Beach Hotel has a restaurant, poolside food and beverage service, pool deck bar with happy hour and evening entertainment, a meeting room, fitness room, and spa services.

Finally, Sea Breeze Beach House is a 122-room all-inclusive that boasts four bars, six dining options and nightly entertainment. Visitors will also find a kids’ and teens’ program, water sports, fitness room, a beach activities program, meeting room, and wedding and event services. More information is available on any of the three properties at oceantwobarbados.com.

Among CARIBBEAN COLLECTION Barbados’s three all-inclusive properties is Mango Bay (mangobaybarbados.com), a smallish retreat on the west coast. Guests will find 76 rooms, each with a patio or balcony, and a restaurant that features an open-air dining option and BBQ nights. A wide variety of amenities and activities include catamaran cruises, scuba diving demonstrations, glass-bottom boat rides, a pool, water-skiing, Hobie- Cat sailing, paddle boats, snorkelling, and kayaking. And, if that’s not enough to keep you occupied, activities available at an added cost include boat trips, golf, spa services, horse racing, and a trip to the popular Oistins.

Island Inn Hotel (islandinnbarbados.com) is a 24-unit hotel found within the Garrison area – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and features the Boardwalk Restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

The Sands Barbados (thesandsbarbados.com) is a new all-inclusive hotel located on a stunning white-sand beach on the South Coast of Barbados. The property boasts contemporary-style accommodation with 153 rooms within 87 apartments ranging from Superior Garden Studios to Two- Bedroom Oceanfront Penthouse Suites. It is ideal for those seeking a trendy all-inclusive beach holiday and is in close proximity to the renowned St. Lawrence Gap area in Christ Church. Key features include a spa, pool, two bars, roof deck restaurant, nightly entertainment, and water sports, including kayaking, snorkelling, body boards, and free scuba lessons.

Port Ferdinand resort offers laid-back luxury and personalized Bajan service that feels boutique. Set around a 120-berth marina, Port Ferdinand has one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, luxurious with marble and limestone finishes, coral stone walls, a fully equipped open-plan kitchen, living spaces, and grand master bedrooms and bathrooms. Port Ferdinand also has an array of amenities and services, including a fine-dining harbourside experience at 13/59 Restaurant and Bar Lounge, The Quarterdeck Poolside Bar & Pizzeria, The Sandbox Tree Spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, indoor and outdoor kids’ clubs, and an adult recreation centre and golf simulator. Partnering with Nikki Beach, Port Ferdinand’s beach club, set on 1.4 acres of beachfront near the mouth of the marina, consists of a restaurant, pool, and seating for up to 200 guests. Combining privacy and exceptional service and stylish living with world-class amenities, Port Ferdinand is sure to check all the boxes for your dream vacation. For more, visit portferdinand.com.

Story by IAN STALKER

Holiday Wine & Cheese Pairings

November 26, 2019

To take you through the season in style

Nothing is easier (and smarter) than serving a delicious wine with a fabulous cheese. It’s effortlessly chic and makes holiday entertaining a breeze. To set you up for success, here are five brilliant wine and cheese pairings to add panache to classic holiday gatherings…

Holiday Open House

WOODED CHARDONNAY AND GRUYERE2017 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay, California

Toasty and refined with creamy-crisp flavours of lemon meringue pie, toasted coconut and vanilla.

Available at LCBO | $19.95

One seriously compelling pairing is oaked Chardonnay and Gruyere, a hard cheese from Switzerland. The combination will dazzle your guests. Simple yet oh-so-good. Set a big wedge on a cheeseboard with crackers. Grate some onto thin toast points and broil it. Or bake some Gruyere, onion, mushroom tarts. Any way you slice it, you can’t go wrong.

Office Party

SAUVIGNON BLANC AND FRESH GOAT CHEESE2018 Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

A juicy attack of guava dappled with orange, lemon and lime, as well as coriander and parsley.

Available at LCBO | $17.95

The crisp, gently herbaceous flavour of Sauvignon Blanc tastes like it was made to serve with fresh goat cheese. Spread it on crackers, crumble and broil on flatbread, or bake it in thumbprint-sized phylo cups with chives sprinkled on top, and all you need is a bottle of the wine to bring finesse to the office party.

Hanukkah

MANISCHEWITZ WINE AND CREAM CHEESENV Manischewitz Blackberry, New York

Blackberry jam in a glass—but liquefied and gourmet—with a firm alcoholic backbone sustaining the vinosity.

Available at LCBO Vintages | $9.00

When observing Hanukkah, you can lift the festivities with Manischewitz wine and cream cheese treats. The combination of the sweet, jam-jar goodness of the wine works very well with cream cheese. Whether it’s rolled in nuts, cheese-ball style, baked into latkes, or just spread on toasted bites of challah—the pairing is downright delicious.

Christmas Day

BAROLO AND TRUFFLED PECORINO2014 Marchesi di Barolo La Tradizione Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Allusions of tar and roses underpin bright fruit—dusty cherries and plum purée—with hints of coffee, earth and chocolate.

Available at LCBO Vintages | $42.95

For a real treat at Christmas, pair Barolo, one of Piedmont’s most revered wine styles, with truffled Pecorino— otherwise known as pecorino al tartufo. The earthy elegance of Barolo pairs famously with the gamey goodness of truffles, especially when the truffles imbue hard, salty Pecorino. It’s a hedonistic combination. Truffled Pecorino needs no embellishment, so serve it simply with crackers or toasts and pour the wine.

New Year’s Eve

CHAMPAGNE AND GRANA PADANONV Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, France

Baked apple, white flowers and toast edged with warm vanilla and nuts. Delicate and elegant.

Available at LCBO | $74.25

New Year’s Eve calls for bubbles. And nothing is quite as celebratory as Champagne, with its hallmark cooked apple, brioche, and lemon curd character. But you can step up your game by serving it with Grana Padano—Northern Italy’s famous hard, crumbly cheese rich in umami. A large wedge of this honourable cheese really needs no embellishment—so serve as is, with fizz.

Story by CAROLYN EVANS HAMMOND