From spa to aah . . . there are many opportunities to slow down and relax at InterContinental Toronto Centre
Intercontinental as a word defines when you travel in between continents. But even if you aren’t traveling to Toronto from continents away, the InterContinental Toronto Centre hotel on Front Street acts as a hub for action in Toronto.
As you check in, you'll be given a long and friendly breakdown of what to expect. In case you're jet lagged when you arrive, we will break down the important fact that you should become an IHG member before you arrive.
This is a free membership, and it means you'll get free basic WiFi (or for $5, if you expect to do a lot of downloading). If you don’t become a member, then WiFi in the rooms can be close to $20. There is, however, a business center and free WiFi in the spacious lobby.
In Toronto’s competitive high-rise culture, a hotel with only 25 floors doesn’t seem too lofty. However, the windows expansively grant the Toronto equivalent of beach or ocean views: city or CN Tower views?
This choice may lead you to rightfully conclude that the InterContinental is incredibly central for the business traveller. It's even directly connected to the Toronto Convention Centre. (Be careful not to exit around 5 p.m., as there will likely be a swarm of suits on cell phones rushing home.)
As if the spa weren't relaxing enough, try the terrace — Photo courtesy of InterContinental Toronto Centre
The third floor has a basic gym, with modern equipment, including treadmills. It's open 24 hours a day. Right beside the gym is the state-of-the-art spa with a pool and all the markers of serenity.
At the spa, they offer lush bathrobes with weight to them to wear while you flip through magazines and down coconut water. Therapy rooms have floors that are designed to look like stonework and massage tables that can also be chairs.
You can schedule a massage with a RMT (registered massage therapist). If you're getting a treatment, no need to use your core to get up. They will do that for you for the ultimate in lazy luxury.
The massages are a good excuse to ask for late checkout — Photo courtesy of InterContinental Toronto Centre
Azure restaurant in the lobby is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. It specializes in contemporary Canadian cuisine made from local, seasonal ingredients. Toronto’s famed St. Lawrence Market is a mere 10-minute walk away, so you can’t get much more local than that!
The restaurant also works as a good place for a cocktail, should the traveller’s lifestyle be catching up with you.
Whether you're a jet-setter or a jet lagger, the InterContinental will keep you both comfortable and connected in the heart of Toronto.
Azure restaurant is ready to feed you at (almost) any time — Photo courtesy of InterContinental Toronto Centre
Courtney Sunday wants every massage therapist to know that she would gladly offer her time if they need to practice.
Passersby of all ages are encouraged to play Forsyth Park's new xylophone — Photo courtesy of Amy Pine
Forsyth Park has always been a great place to catch live music. Now guests who visit the 30-acre park in Savannah’s Historic District can make music of their own, thanks to the installation of a life-size xylophone.
The interactive instrument, located on the central walkway to the west of the park’s performance stage, is available for anyone to use and is handicap accessible. The City of Savannah installed the eight-note xylophone as part of an ongoing effort to provide area youth with unique cultural and recreational experiences.
The xylophone is one of many attractions at Forsyth Park. The popular green space also features two playgrounds–one for younger children and one for older ones–tennis courts and basketball courts. The perimeter of the park is fully paved and a popular spot for walkers, runners and cyclists.
Forsyth Park also boasts a fragrant garden with dozens of plants, several historic monuments and the iconic fountain, a three-tiered, cast iron masterpiece that’s one of the most photographed attractions in the city.
The park’s café features a touchscreen information center, free Wi-Fi, indoor and outdoor seating, clean bathrooms, beer and wine, Starbucks coffee, and a menu with breakfast items, sandwiches, salads and more.
The park also serves as a hub for the city’s music scene. From street musicians who play on the park’s benches to internationally known artists who have graced the stage under the park’s band shell, music is always in the air at Forsyth Park.
Plaza Fiesta has every type of Mexican souvenir that you can imagine — Photo courtesy of Kristin Busse
If you want to shop for Mexican souvenirs, but you don’t like to haggle, head for Plaza La Fiesta. Located in Cancun's Hotel Zone on the lagoon directly across the street from the Convention Center, this expansive space of 20,000 square feet houses more than 100,000 different Mexican products including handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, tequila, leather goods, souvenirs, vanilla, spices, coffee and swimwear, just to name a few.
The best thing about Plaza la Fiesta: no dickering. The prices are all clearly marked on the merchandise. In addition, you don’t have to run all over town searching for that coveted item; they literally have anything and everything you are looking for. Oh, and unlike the open air markets, it’s air-conditioned!
If you are looking for something in particular, don’t hesitate to ask the non-pushy sales staff; they know their stuff. If you purchase pottery or something else that’s breakable, the cashier will wrap it nicely for you so that it will be easy to pack for your return flight.
If you ride the bus at any point during your vacation, check the back of your ticket, and you may find a Plaza La Fiesta coupon. There are smaller versions in Forum by the Sea, La Isla, Plaza Flamingo and Plaza Kulkukan, but the Party Center location is the best place to go for one-stop souvenir shopping.
Kristin Busse has been living in Cancun for over 11 years and likes to shop for Mexican handicrafts in air-conditioned comfort.