Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

Hard to believe it was two years ago that I took my Mom on a Spa Getaway to celebrate her birthday (February 15-17, 2018). We drove about 90 minutes from her home to Langdon Hall Country House Hotel (a Relais & Chateaux property) in Cambridge, Ontario. It's also about 90 minutes from Toronto and an hour from Niagara Falls. We went for the spa facilities and the gourmet dining . We had delicious cocktails at Wilks Bar .  In summer, they have beautiful gardens and wooden trails, as well as an outdoor pool and croquet lawn. Here are My Photos .  Mom says: My first time in a feather bed - no, not a feather pillow or feather comforter, but the entire bed!  Sleeping on a soft dreamy cloud must be discussed more frequently as an antidote to ordinary life doldrums.  Of course it enhances sleep to the nth degree, but what about the imaginative realm reaching up to the heavens?  I am not kidding when I say Nothing in my life has compared to it, and if that realiz...

Welcome to Rosewood Mayakoba Our visit to Rosewood Mayakoba started like an ordinary trip. After a quick four-hour flight from Newark, we arrived in Cancun. Customs and Immigration went smoothly, and our driver met us just outside the exit and escorted us to a waiting SUV. Cold-scented towels, bottled water and soft drinks refreshed us for the 30-minute ride to the resort in the Mayan Riviera. Check-in took place in their open-air lobby, and then we boarded the resort’s boat and left the familiar behind. The cruise along the verdant lagoon was tranquil, with exotic water birds taking flight on our approach. Modern, cube-like bungalows were scattered along the shoreline. Where are on earth were we? My heated plunge pool on the lagoon The boat docked right at my room, where steps led up to my private deck. First thing I saw was the private plunge pool (thank you) and double lounger overlooking the lagoon.  My butler met me inside to show off the Deluxe Overwater L...

We interrupt this South America coverage to review my night at the Waldorf Towers in New York on September 29, 2011. This is the residential part of the legendary Waldorf Astoria and is perfect for extended stays or when you want more space than the typical NY room (which can be as small as a “New York minute” is fast). Click here for my photos .  My Luxury Suite at the Waldorf Towers My  Luxury Suite was huge and had a Park Avenue view. The décor was traditional but with modern amenities: iPod docking station, flat-screen TV, etc.   A grand foyer complete with chandelier led to the living room, which had ample space for entertaining with a sofa and plush chair. There was also a desk and the dining area had a table for two.   Then a corridor led to the Bedroom, but closer inspection revealed a wet bar, full size fridge, and cabinets stocked with glassware, etc. The bedroom had a very comfortable King bed and an antiqu...

Hotel das Cataratas, Iguaçu Falls, Brazil The penultimate stay on our whirlwind tour of South America was at Hotel das Cataratas , an Orient Express hotel within Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls. Once again, we arrived late after a really long day of travel. It was too dark to see the falls upon arrival, but the elegant lobby and comfy leather sofas were immediately calming. Click here for my photos . Our Deluxe rooms were special. The décor was warm and bright with dark woods and tropical accents.  I especially admired the exquisite Orient Express closet. The bathroom featured traditional Azulejos painted tiles that were ever so pretty. After a quick change, we met our hosts on the veranda for Caipirinhas. (p ronounced 'KIE-PUR- REEN -YAH'). These Brazilian cocktails are made with Cachaca (sugar-cane rum), limes and sugar and taste refreshingly delicious. Click here for the recipe (but beware of the second caipirinha ). ...

Welcome to the Four Seasons Buenos Aires The final stay of our whirlwind trip to South America was at the Four Seasons Buenos Aires . We arrived late after a long day of travel and had very little time to freshen up for dinner at 10pm.  We went to our Junior Suites to discover a delicious chocolate welcome amenity, which was a needed pick-me-up. Sadly, there were no coffee makers in the room and I didn’t have time for room service.  It was a large room (646 square feet) with the bedroom separated from the living area by a large TV armoire thing. The room décor was attractive in a subdued hotel way, but there were evocative tango paintings on the walls. The furniture was comfortable and looked expensive. Thoughtful touches, like the electric converter in the desk drawer, were appreciated.  The walk-in closet was very well designed. After I surveyed the room and took some photos, I needed to quickly get ready. At that point of our journey, the dark c...

The Ritz Carlton Toronto lobby The Ritz Carlton Toronto welcomed my mother and me this past weekend. We made heroic efforts to experience all the facilities in two nights, and here is our review. Click here for my photos . DÉCOR: We both loved the décor (warm and contemporary) and the attention to detail (every single light fixture was attractive). Canadian touches were featured throughout the hotel, from the bronze maple leaves embedded in the lobby’s marble floor, to a stunning Inuit marble carving displayed by our elevators on the 16 th floor. THE SERVICE: Every staff member that we encountered was friendly (which I expected) but also seemed sincerely desirous to assist us in anything. Everyone offered concierge-like services in an effort to make sure we had a lovely time in Toronto (including the in-room dining staff!). Many staff members acknowledged us by name, which was impressive during such a short stay. Even the doormen were memorably charming.  ...