Easy Weekend Getaways
A hectic couple of months called for a relaxing weekend. And with driving just a few hours north to the beautiful Vancouver BC, my perfect escape at the very cosy boutique hotel, The Wedgewood awaited.
Checking in early at the hotel allowed time to step into the small (but perfectly adequate) spa. The one-hour Lavender Body Bliss removed the days travel and a months worth of worry; my skin glowed and I was pampered. I purchased a few products to take home to remind me that relaxation can be achieved.
After, I went down to the elegant Bacchus restaurant to keep the relaxation theme going with Afternoon Tea.
Served with my very own 2-cup tea press allowed the tasting of several different teas made by a local company. The flavourful tea accompanied by savoury sandwiches and far too many baked goods let me slip further into a state of bliss. I wanted this day to last more than twenty-four hours so upon returning to my room I used my high-speed internet connection to place large order for the teas I fell in-love as well as the same personal tea press. A souvenir that acts as a reminder to slow down and enjoy some time off.
Last month my stay at the luxuriously beautiful Four Seasons Henri V in Paris had me also purchasing a reminder from the hotel - a simple blue glass vase that held tulips (my favourite) in my suite. This stay was one of the best and the memories created at the Henry V were something I wanted to remember. For a mere 55EUR, I purchased the vase in the hotel's boutique, brought it home and now think of my fabulous stay in Paris every time I see the vase.
I'm not one to purchase gadgets and trinkets with a city's name plastered all over but I do bring home things from a trip that reminds me of somewhere I've been. The key is buying things I will actually use and give me pleasure.
For me, that means sipping fabulous tea to remind me of the decadent afternoon at the Wedgewood, the vase to remind me of the Four Seasons elegant furnishings or an indulgent body cream that reminds me of the pampering I received at the Ritz in San Francisco.
On your next escape, perhaps think twice about buying that tacky keychain you'll never use and instead, ask the hotel where they get their tea, creams or a furnishing you love. It'll not only be a reminder of your trip, but it'll give a feeling of being pampered just like on your vacation.
