Bridge of Memories

VANCOUVER

Vancouver is such a bustling seaside city with amazing nature around and vibrancy. It has everything you need, from mountains, beaches, large parks to shopping areas. Vancouver is pretty young metropolitan city, where you won't find as many historical sites compared to other big cities you may be used to. However, you won't be getting bored here.

The main Vancouver from downtown to uptown is fairly walkable, and doable on a nice day. Anywhere else you want to go, it is worth hopping on a bus or a skytrain to get there, as Vancouver is pretty spread out city. Depending on what you want to do and how many days you are staying in the city, you can plan your activities well. More on that in the upcoming posts, where I will share with you some of my insights on what to do in Vancouver.

THE LOCATION

Located in the heart of the bustling Vancouver city center, St. Regis hotel is a locally owned boutique hotel in downtown of Vancouver. Just few steps from the water front, shopping area or the Gastown. Hence the location is making it perfect to get from the airport, as the direct line will get you off just around the corner of the hotel, or other bus connections around the hotel. Moreover, the location of the hotel makes it easily walkable to anywhere you need to explore the main attractions of Vancouver, which is what I always seek for when I travel. The convenience of a location, so you don't spend too much time travelling back and forth.

THE ROOM & INTERIOR

On the first site, the hotel exterior looks very classical, but rooms are very well and modern equipped. St. Regis hotel offers various rooms options, from queen double rooms, to king rooms and executive rooms. During our period of our stay, we have stayed in an executive room which had a separate lounge area separated by a sliding room and a double sink in the bathroom, and two TV screens in each room.

The room overall was very spacious and came fully equipped, including iron and ironing board, which some hotels are missing. Not to forget to mention also little cute bathroom toiletry bottles from L'Occitane! Love that brand!

THE FACILITIES

The hotel concierge is open 24h with super friendly staff who are happy to help out their guests with any queries. Every stay in St. Regis hotel comes with a full breakfast option in their dining area. The breakfast in here was slightly different to buffet style of hotels. Here you had to chose your drink and meal from a fixed menu option, and they will prepare it for you. The hotel has an on-site restaurant as well as bar for guests. The Gotham Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar offers American cuisine. Seafood and vegetarian dining options are served daily at the St. Regis Bar & Grill.

* Thank you St. Regis hotel for a pleasant welcome and stay!

Checked in: St. Regis hotel, Vancouver

Beautiful heart-shaped travel destinations to warm up your heart

When you need some romance, searching for a breath-taking travel destination is the first step to achieving it. Although many destinations offer beautiful scenery and amazing nature, there are only a few in the world whose heart shape attracts couples from every corner of the planet for an ultimate romantic holiday.

Lake Ouler—Wicklow, Ireland

Lake Ouler is located in Wicklow Mountains National Park, which also offers you the chance to hike up the 33rd highest mountain in Ireland. The lake was formed during the Ice Age by glaciers and it's now comfortably tucked in on the side of the Tonelagee Mountain. Its heart shape attracts tourists who both want some adventure and romance on their holidays, and the surrounding nature will give them just that.

Lago di Tom, Switzerland

One of the main lakes in the Piora Valley, surrounded by the magnificent Ticenese Alps, Lago di Tom not only is a heart-shaped wonder but its surrounding green peaks create a scene usually seen in commercials. You'll have to hike to get to the lake but that's not the only attraction in the area. Tourists also visit the valley to try the local Alpine cheese, made from the milk of cows that spend the entire summer high up in the mountains, breathing clean air and feeding of the unspoiled grass.

Tavarua, Fiji

This beautiful heart-shaped island resort is also one of the best-surfing destinations in the world with its Cloudbreak, one of the most well-known breaks on the planet. The waves can reach range up to 20 ft, which attracts not only couples but also adrenaline junkies. Tavarua is located close to the main island, Viti Levu, and offers various activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and sport fishing.

Paleokastritsa Bay, Corfu, Greece

If you're thinking about a holiday in Greece, then Corfu may be your perfect choice. The rocky coastline of the western Corfu is filled with extraordinary beaches and caves but maybe one of the loveliests places there is Paleokastritsa Bay, famous for its heart shape, sapphire-blue waters and cute restaurants along the harbor. As a bonus, visit Corfu Town, which is only an hour away. This magnificent UNESCO-listed town will amaze you with 16-th century architecture, wonderful wine and people, as well as stylish bars and lively nightlife.

Heart Reef, Queensland, Australia

Heart Reef was discovered by a pilot in 1975. It is a beautiful natural mystery, 55 feet in diameter, where unfortunately, snorkeling, diving and swimming are prohibited. The only way to admire its shape is from a plane or a helicopter, making it a great opportunity for a unique proposal. Heart Reef is located in the Great Barrier Reef of the Whitsundays in Queensland, so the easiest way to get there is to get air charter in Brisbane and seize the opportunity to see the coral.

Trnovačko Lake, Montenegro

Montenegro is a true Balkan beauty - a small country with an amazing scenery, beautiful waters and nature. The place where you simply must go is the heart-shaped Trnovačko Lake, tucked in the depths of the lagoon, with green waters, surrounded by rocky mounds. It's a stunning backdrop for a selfie and the onus - only two hours away from the town of Dubrovnik on the Croatian coast. So, you'll get a lot to see and to be amazed in a short period.

Isla Corazón – Argentinian Patagonia

"Heart Island" or Isla Corazón in Spanish is a right on spot description of the island in Mascardi Lake in Nahuel Huapi National Park. The lake is perfectly still and quiet, giving opportunity for a relaxing reflection while kayakers and fishers do their thing. The lake stretches for some 14 miles, offering amazing views of the surrounding forests and mountains.

Coeur de Voh, New Caledonia

Coeur de Voh is a huge landscape formation of mangrove vegetation that can only be seen from high above. It was made by Yann-Arthus Bertrand and its beauty is in the fact that it is constantly changing. As the vegetation changes, the colors and textures change with it, too, making it a different and unique sight every time you go there.

There aren't many people who saw the Coeur de Voh up close but a couple of years ago, experts visited the site. They found out it's rich with wildlife and natural beauties. However, they believe that the shape won't last for long due to climatic changes, so you better hurry up.

Heart-shaped destinations bear a lot of symbolism, which makes them unique places on the planet. It’s amazing how nature can be so imaginative and special, making our hearts warm when we see a specific landscape. The mysteries of nature continue to amaze us and make us wonder, so allow yourself to be amazed in one of these fascinating places.

Written by Nina Simons.