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Tag Archive for Niagara-on-the-Lake

Say Happy Mother’s Day With One-of-a-Kind Getaways!

May 10, 2013 / sniqueaway / Comments Off

Ah, Mother’s Day. The time of year when we try just a little bit harder to show how grateful we are for all the times she held our hand when we were sick, protected us from the monsters under our bed, turned simple pancakes into an iconic mouse, or magically made everything better with a kiss. Cards are wonderful (who doesn’t love letters?) and flowers are lovely, but is there really any better way to say thank you than with a memorable getaway you both will cherish for years to come. We think not.

With this in mind, we give you four escapes tailored to different styles that are sure to show your favorite lady just how much you care.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Spa Escape: Treat you mom to a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway—you know she deserves one. The Body Holiday LeSPORT in St. Lucia offers a tropical, all-inclusive stay that even comes with a 50-minute body treatment.

Wine & Dine: Toast to motherhood with a wine getaway. The Riverbend Inn and Vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, boasts a cozy escape in the heart of wine country. The inn also produces and serves its own varietals, so you don’t even have to leave the property to sample the local wines.

Adventure: Take mom for the adventure of a lifetime. The Parador Resort & Spa in Costa Rica sits on a 12-acre rainforest near the Manuel Antonio National Park and white-sand beaches like Playa Biesanz, making it a luxurious home base for exploring the countryside.

Cultural Getaway: Talk history, art and politics with your mom during a trip to the nation’s capital. The George, a Kimpton Hotel, provides an eclectic and artistic escape, with a prime Capitol Hill location ideal for seeing city sights.

Category: Noteworthy / Tags: Canada, caribbean, Costa Rica, culture, gift, hotel, Mother's Day, Niagara-on-the-Lake, SniqueAway, spa, Washington DC, wine

Chill Out with Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Trademark Ice Wine

January 14, 2013 / sniqueaway / Comments Off

Niagara-on-the-Lake is famous for a lot of things – picturesque scenery, a charming British manner. But the town is best known for its ice wine, a dessert wine made from grapes that have been allowed to freeze on the vine.

The Niagara Icewine Festival takes place every January (hey, that’s now!). Guests at the Riverbend Inn and Vineyard can and should check it out, but if you can’t make it across the border so quickly, fear not: ice wine is readily available everywhere.

And you know what? It’s Monday, so how about a little ice wine cocktail recipe courtesy of Food and Wine.

Photo courtesy of Food and Wine magazine

Ice Wine Martini

10 large seedless green grapes, plus 2 halved grapes for garnish
2 ounces ice wine
2 ounces vodka, preferably Ciroc
Ice

In a blender, puree the 10 whole grapes with the ice wine and vodka. Pour the puree through a tea strainer into an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain again into a large chilled martini glass and garnish with the grape halves.

Cheers!

Category: Exciting Events, In Season, Wine & Dine / Tags: hotel, Ice Wine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Riverbend Inn and Vineyard, travel, wine, winter

To: You, From: Niagara-on-the-Lake

December 18, 2012 / sniqueaway / Comments Off

It’s December so office gift swaps and holiday shopping are in the air. If you’re still scratching your head trying to think of a unique gift (perhaps for yourself?) that screams “Winter Wonderland,” then Shaw Club and Niagara-on-the-Lake are here to help.

When we think of Shaw Club, we think of their world-class spa treatments and the extensive Spa Boutique to go with them. But, what if you can’t stop by the boutique and want those spa treatments right now? Well, you’re in luck. You can order them direct from upscale names like Algologie and B. Kamins. We recommend the line of Maple-based treatments to channel that Canadian spirit.

And speaking of Canada, if you’re filling out the gift basket (or just want something to sip during your at-home spa day), try grabbing some of the finest Icewine the country has to offer. Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries like Ice House and Ravine Vineyard will ship them right to your door. Your Secret Santa will love it, even if your Secret Santa is you.

Photos courtesy of Ice House and Shaw Spa

Category: Fit & Fabulous, In Season / Tags: Algologie, B. Kamins, hotel, Ice House, Ice Wine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ravine Vineyard, Shaw Club, Shaw Spa, Shaw Spa boutique

Give the Gift of Canada

November 27, 2012 / sniqueaway / Comments Off

Black Friday came and went, but if you’re anything like us you still have some shopping to do. Instead of the average mall finds, why not pick up something a little more unique? Head up to Niagara-on-the-Lake, stay at Harbour House Hotel and swing over to the locally owned Landmark Shops.

This selection of galleries and boutiques presents some of Canada’s finest crafts, apparel and gifts. Think: everything from local artisan cheeses to hand-made jewelry to Scottish and Irish gifts. It’s like a mall, only without the chain stores and overnight lines. It seems that Niagara-on-the-Lake isn’t all about ice wine (but it couldn’t hurt to pick up a few bottles anyway…).