Holy Hammam!

[trip style = spa + luxury]

{Editor's Note: On TS, we don't typically talk about micro experiences---ie, one treatment at the spa---but a recent Turkish hammam I had on the other side of the planet was too out-of-this world to keep to myself. If Dubai is on your immediate or one-day travel list, ladies AND gentlemen, I implore you to read on in the name of bliss!}

When I traveled to Dubai in December, my trip started at the spa. If you haven't tried this immediate relaxation method, I HIGHLY recommend beginning every trip this way.

The bliss session in question took place in the Middle East's largest Turkish Hammam spa---normally a deterrent but in this case a plus---at 9.30am Dec. 5th, 2012. It left me and the three other travel writers I was with in a state of shock and awe as we melted into a regal relaxation chamber, feasting on nuts and a salted yogurt bevvie {to replenish our electrolytes} in the bathhouse post-treatment.

Under a gold and red hand-painted dome atop a heated slab of moss-green marble, we tried the spa's signature Turkish hammam treatment at Talise Ottoman Spa in a hotel I profiled last week: the luxe Jumeriah Zabeel Saray. Surrounded by columns and arches, I sprawled out beside a huge copper jug of warm water on a peach towel in the center of the room. There was no spa soundtrack on replay. Instead the sound of splashing water echoed in the dome above.

The treatment started with a full-court-press scrubbing, supplemented by cleansing splashes of water. This scrub-splash process went on for 30 minutes until I was raw like a just-peeled carrot {normal in hammam treatments}. After the head-to-toe exfoliation was complete---the pain part of the gain---the soaping started. Aside from the spa's physical details---the Ottoman architecture and rich materials culled from the world over---this part of the treatment will be stamped into my mind for eternity.

On top of the octogonal platform my eyes were closed in 'spa mode' until the olive oil-infused soaping started. The second I felt what I'll call the 'soap pillow' on top of my left leg, my eyes flashed open. I could not process the sensation. Enveloped in a gazillion tiny bubbles, I raised my head and looked back to visualize what was happening, unable to place the sensation with my other four senses. As my Turkish towel-clad attendant ran the bubble bundle from my feet to my shoulders it was like I was floating, weightless, on top of the clouds. At that moment, I might have seen an angel or two flutter by.

A massage and more splashing followed until we ended up beside a mineral pool to relax post-treatment. I did not go to Dubai searching for a Sex and the City moment in the Middle East, but just short of a fan and grape attendant, I found it here.

Given the size of the spa's size, nearly 2 acres, there's more than just the hammams to keep you occupied. Outfitted with everything {and more} you could ever ask for, there's snow rooms, adventure showers, hot stone beds, mineral pools, steam and sauna rooms, etc... In other words, you'll want to spend an ENTIRE day---or four---at the spa.

*The cost for the Turkish Hammam treatment is approximately $90usd. *If you want a traditional hammam but don't want to travel 15 hours, visit the Cosmopolitan's Spa in Vegas---not the same level, but lovely. *As a guest of the hotel, you have access to the spa's facilities during your stay. Treatments are extra.

[photos by @tripstyler taken while as a guest of the spa]

Vancouver / Seattle Weekend Getaways

[trip style = weekend getaway]

Steeped in wild West Coast scenery, you don't have to escape far from Vancouver {BC} and Seattle for a cozy fall or winter trip style = weekend getaway. Plus, going in shoulder season, your getaway will be filled with peace and quiet and less $$$. Here are some not-so-obvious weekend getaway options for whatever trip style you’re feelin’ at the moment:

Last-Min Vacay It's friday afternoon or Saturday morning and in a fabulous fit of spontaneity you decide you want to get away that night. Applicable to most major cities in the US and Canada, enter Hotel Tonight, one of our fave all-time, last-min travel booking apps.

Storm Watch Pick any beachfront hotel along the upper West Coast and you've got pretty good shot at storm watching {with a cup of coffee and Baileys, of course} during the blustery days of late-fall and winter. Head to Tofino---one of the choicest, stormiest locations---on the westernmost side of Vancouver Island where you can find a romantic beachfront accom for close to $100/night.

Spa If the idea of being surrounded by millions of Swarovski crystals, bathing in a tub-for-two overlooking Lake Okanagan, or “refreshing yourself” in a -110 degree Celsius sauna appeals to you, then the $122-million Sparkling Hill Resort in Vernon, BC is right up your alley. By car it's about five hours from Vancouver or six hours from Seattle, and by plane it's about one hour {fly to Kelowna Airport}. {Don’t miss their current offer for two including 2 nights, breakfast for 2, 5-course dinner for 2, and 2 $150 spa vouchers from $930.}

Outdoorsy Glampers Something most people don’t know is you can rent vacation homes from the Washington State Government. Whether you want a lakeside retreat or beachside bungalow, they’ve got you covered. Accommodations like the red-roofed Lighthouse Keeper’s Residences at Cape Disappointment won’t … disappoint.

Wine + Diners Vines from three incredible wine regions thrive close to home. For those who like to “discover” the of-the-moment wine, or eat and drink their way through the Pacific Northwest, this weekend in wine country is for you:

• Vancouver – take a day trip and discover the wineries in your own backyard. Don’t miss Domaine de Chaberton, Lotusland Vinyards, Township 7 and others.
• Okanagan – internationally recognized for its perfect mix of mountains, lakes, fresh air and intense sunlight, the Okanagan’s wineries give Napa a run for its money.
• Washington – Did you know the Washington and France wine regions are situated along the same latitude?  Merveilleux! After Napa, Washington is the US’s biggest wine region with 650 wineries and vineyards to enjoy!

Train {or Bolt} Try out Portland’s famed food scene or shop ’til you drop {no sales tax} in Oregon’s biggest city. Amtrak Cascades rail service runs from Vancouver to Portland {return} departing twice daily {Seattle to Portland has more frequent daily departures}. For something a little cheaper and quicker, also check out the groovy and tech-savvy, BoltBus.

TS Picks If you're visiting any of these cities, also check out some of our fave hotels in: Whistler - Nita Lake Lodge Seattle - The Sorrento {boutique} Hotel, The Alexis Hotel, The Pan Pacific Seattle Vancouver - Fairmont Pacific Rim, Loden Hotel

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[photo by @tripstyler]

Vegas Spas {Part II}

[trip style = spa + weekend getaway]

Last Wednesday we showcased three spas in Vegas from our recent spahh-cation on the Strip alongside writers from Spa Finder, Glamour, Cosmopolitan Latin America, The Guardian, Metro News and The Globe & Mail. Here are four more exhale-worthy candidates channeling Morocco, Roman baths, precious gemstones and 1930s Shanghai. Proving Vegas is what you make it---foodie fest, shopping spree or spa-bbatical---file these world-class caves of calm into your travel folder the next time Lady Luck comes a-callin'.

Encore Spa at the Wynn A true escape for all five senses, the spa at the Encore is purposefully washed in white and cream hues to reorient guests from the Glitter Gulch's typical rainbow of strobe-light color. Walking in, it's as if I'm in a Moroccan king's desert hideaway. Everything is plush evoking the exotic: waist-height golden lanterns line the journey into treatment rooms, subdued butterfly-adorned fabric colors the walls and opulent mirrors Steve Wynn-ify the space. All that's missing is a fan boy, yet I'm quite certain that could be arranged. Who: Sex and the City fans with an appetite for adventure

QUA Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace A destination spa in every sense of the word, QUA Baths & Spa draws on Ancient Rome's bathing rituals to transport guests back in time. Waterfalls and 'social' mineral pools of varying temperatures make for an a-QUA afternoon that's a treatment unto itself. At the 51-room spa, the baths are only part of the draw. Before hitting the Laconium "ultra-heat therapy" Room and dousing myself in a snowflake shower in the Arctic Ice Room, I take a moment in the relaxation room staffed by none other than a tea sommelier skilled at pairing my treatment with a health-enhancing brew. Who: Social butterflies and water therapy buffs

The Spa at Trump Las Vegas The 11,000sf Spa at Trump Las Vegas rivals the best spas on the Strip. Without zen dens and piping pan flute soundtracks, there's a sophistication and elegance of Ivanka proportions. In keeping with his persona, the Donald's day spa is all about the best of the best: the best therapists, the best massages, the best facials and the best spa products. As I arrive, a Spa Attaché {Trump-speak for staff} asks me to fill out a questionnaire so my massage can be personalized with one of the following intentions: calm, balance, purify, heal or revitalize. I opt for balance. After I slip into my ultra-soft-verging-on-sexy sheets, I end up having one of the best massages I've had in a LONG time thanks to my therapist's skilled hands with a rose-infused ruby massage oil imported from Dubai. The bottle has floating gemstones {of course it does}. I wouldn't be surprised if the subdued crystal lights in the ceiling are actually diamonds. Who: Boutique spa-goers with a penchant for diamonds and pearls

The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas To say I was head over heels for the 27,000sf spa at the Mandarin Oriental is an understatement. One of the only spas in Las Vegas to overlook the Strip and feature floor-to-ceiling natural light, I was ready to propose based on the exotic concoction of 1930s Shanghai and Art Deco design alone. At this highly edited Eastern retreat, even the spa uniforms are specially sourced, designed by Fashion Week regular Vivienne Tam. After your signature detoxifying foot bath, you'll want to spend the rest of the day rotating between the ice fountain, vitality pools and temperature-controlled Tepidarium chairs. Nirvana in Nevada; don't say I didn't warn you. Who: Well traveled spaah-holics.

[photos courtesy of the mandarin oriental, the encore, caesars palace and trump las vegas, experienced as a guest of the LVCVA]

Vegas Spas {Part I}

[trip style = spa + weekend getaway]

Zen, quiet and rejuvenating are not words I'd typically associate with Las Vegas. The glitter gulch is a 24/7 destination devoid of downtime---or so I thought...

This past weekend I was invited into a trip style = spa world of lavender-infused pillows, Moroccan lanterns, heated stones, Turkish towels, eucalyptus inhalation rooms, tropical rain showers and willing hands on a spa marathon through Vegas. After six treatments in three days, it occurred to me that the world's entertainment capital doesn't do anything half way, e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g---including the 45 destination spas that dot the Strip---is full throttle. My post-treatment buttery and glowing skin concurs.

Of the nine spas I visited, here is part I of the Trip Styler-approved standouts! Stay tuned for part II next week.

Vdara Spa At 18,000sf, the Vdara's spa is the most boutique of the bunch, as well as the first spa in Las Vegas to become a member of the Green Spa Network. High-gloss white marble countertops adorned with a bevy of après-treatment beauty fixes define the dressing room and lead into a white-washed steam, sauna and whirlpool retreat with two heated and contoured chaises basking under the glow of 50+ faux flickering candles. And this is just the ladies waiting area! Once called for your treatment, you are led through rounded hallways, flanked with cherry-hued wood with an embedded tropical pearl motif, into one of 11 treatment rooms. Who: Singles, couples or small groups who are looking for high design and intimacy.

Cosmopolitan's Sahra Spa & Hammam At once earthy and elegant, the Sahra Spa & Hammam mimics the tones and textures of the desert landscape thanks to 420 tons of sandstone quarried from the local foothills. And since it's Vegas, there's a glimmer of glam with a few subdued crystal fixtures. Walking in, I breathe a sigh of relief. It's like I'm on a {posh} hike through Red Rock Canyon venturing toward a quiet pool of trickling water. Once inside, detoxify on a massive, heated stone slab {called motherstone} with a purifying Turkish Hammam treatment. Water is poured over the body in preparation for a soapy cleansing, followed by the crescendo: a percussion massage. After your treatment, the monsoon cave, vitality pool and micromist steam room round out your trip to Las Vegas' newest oasis of calm. Who: Men frequent this space as much as women because of the androgynous, non-girlie design and Turkish influence. Ladies, go here if you want to meet groups of men...

Aria Spa At Aria's 80,000sf spa, the elements---salt, stone, earth, fire and water---harmonize to create balance in the Japanese-imagined space. I start in the Shio Salt Room where I luxuriate in a lounger that vibrates to pan flute music. Breathing in an out in an almost middle-earth state, I get a glimpse at how the illuminated salt bricks aid respiration and reveal radiant skin. Next door in the dimly lit Ganbanyoku Stone Bed Room, heated black mineral stone slabs emanate infrared rays to soothe muscles, eliminate toxins, improve circulation and increase the metabolism---naturally, I want to stay here all day, but I limit myself to 20-minute stints. Post-massage, I dip into Vegas' first co-ed infinity spa pool and celebrate my wellness whirlwind biting into a green apple and drinking a glass of lemon-infused water. Who: With 62 treatment rooms, this one-size-fits-all mega spa feels approachable and escapist.

{Trip Styler Tip :: Most spas in Vegas allow all-day in and out access until close, so take advantage of the environment and stay awhile or come back later for round two.}

Related Vegas Uncork'd Go Fish With Costas Spilladis

[photos courtesy of Vdara, Cosmopolitan and Aria, experienced as a guest of the LVCVA]

Roam+Board :: Fairmont Banff Springs

[trip style = active/adventure + luxury + spa]

{Editor’s Note :: I was just a guest of the Fairmont Banff Springs and the iconic property is Trip Styler approved.}

What First things first. The Fairmont Banff Springs isn't just a hotel, it's a fairy tale scene right out of a just-shaken snow globe.

I don't think I've ever referred to a hotel as magical, but the 768-room castle {literally} carries a Harry Potter-level mystique with chandelier-covered ballrooms, arched grand entrances and a stone-clad exterior. Within seconds of pushing my way though the rotating wood and brass doors, it quickly becomes my favorite Canadian heritage hotel, and yes, the four-lane bowling alley helps sway my decision.

Whether or not you have any interest in history, you can't help but be taken by the 1888-built property. You'd be in good company, Marilyn Monroe liked it too, and if she were here today, I have a feeling she'd escape under the trio of cascading waterfalls in the spa's spring fed pool. This alone is worth writing home about. Fold in the stop-in-your-tracks views, and you've got a post card-perfect Canadian scene stealer.

Where In Banff, the heart of the Canadian Rockies, a one hour drive from the Calgary International Airport.

When Summers are warm like hot chocolate, winters are frosty like snow cones, and shoulder season could go either way. When I was there in mid-May, it went from a balmy +25 C one day, to a snowy -2 C the next. Dress in layers---from flip flops to snow boots.

Who/Why You're 30% adventurous 70% chic, and like an intrepid boy scout/girl guide you'll just as quickly march into the wilderness as you'll waltz into the wine bar for après. Lucky for you, both are much better enjoyed with views of the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cost Rates start at $299 per night Jan-May and Oct-Dec. During summer high season, rooms start at $449. Valet parking is $35+ tax/night and self-park is $25+ tax/night. Bark woof, Fido can come too for $25/night. Expect complimentary wifi and a $49 spa rate *if* you sign up for Fairmont's free {and fabulous} loyalty program.

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More Roam+Board Thompson - Beverly Hills The Sorrento Hotel – Seattle The LIT! Bangkok – Thailand Hotel De La Paix – Thailand X2 Kui Buri – Thailand Ecopod Boutique Retreat – Scotland From ice hotels to Anna Wintour’s steal-of-a-deal holiday escape, find all featured R+B properties here.

[photos by @tripstyler]