Archive for the ‘ Travel ’ Category
“Christmas waves a magic wand around the world, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
– N. Peale
Stunning lighting outside of the Naples Theatre.
Elegant decor outside of the Waterside Mall in Naples, Florida.
Gorgeous, traditional holiday decor in a family home in Naples, Florida.
After having our Breakfast delivered to the room, we were off to start the day with “Yoga on the Lake”. Floor to ceiling windows revealed a gorgeous view of the Bay, allowing nature to enhance the experience. After, we treated ourselves to a little shopping at The Yoga Shop.
We then headed to The Club House, shown above of The Straights Golf Course, which is the flag ship course at Whistling Straights. The course borrows from the ancient seaside links courses of the United Kingdom and Ireland. It features 3 km. of shoreline on Lake Michigan, with three stone bridges. The course is now home to the PGA Championship, U.S. Senior Open and the Ryder Cup.
The day was slightly over cast, so we opted for 9 holes! We then headed to meet some friends at the Horse and Plow for some savory Wisconsin Cheese.
And then back to our room to end the day. How can one plan to leave such a room, when you arrive to such a beautiful setting! Our room at The American Club, shown above was a true “home away from home” experience. Gracious turn down service paired with a robe and slippers offered a perfect way to end the day.
The Italian Restaurant, Cucina was a delightful part of my recent American Club experience. Incredible food and wine pairings along with impeccable service! From the Raw Bar – the oysters were sweet and plump. Then onto the Sushi Grade BigEye Tuna, which left little room for dessert, but how could I resist the Chocolate Diplomatico Torta with Raspberry and Chocolate sauce? Simply delicious!
Upon arrival at The American Club we were greeted with graceful hospitality and delighted to see that the grounds were in full bloom. We found ourselves surrounded by glorious colour and a magnificent fragrance in the air.
The American Club is a place where charm meets old-world elegance. It once provided housing, meals, as well as recreational facilities for immigrant employees who could not afford housing. Today the luxurious decor creates a singular experience room by room.
Photo – Wikimedia
The Kohler Headquarters, shown above is located in Kohler, Wisconsin. The company was founded in 1873 by Austrian immigrant John Michael Kohler. Early products included cast iron and steel farm implements, castings for furniture factories, and ornamental iron pieces. In 1883, enamel was applied to cast iron to create the companies first bathtub. – Wiki
KOHLER products are recognized for both beautiful form and reliable function.
Photo – Wikimedia
In 1888, Kohler trademarked the “Bubbler”. Other companies then began to follow the lead by developing similar products under the generic name “drinking fountain”. Today the Bubbler continues to be part of Wisconsin’s vernacular.
photo: Rex Larsen | The Grand Rapids Press
The Fox Jewelers Building on Monroe Center is being renovated into a boutique hotel by the owner of the CityFlats hotel. The hotel will be LEEDS certified, just as the Cityflats hotels is. No two rooms will be alike, which is one of my favourite features of the Cityflats Hotel in Holland.
Here are some more photos of my recent visit to the Cityflats hotel, to get you as enthusiastic about the project as I am!
The walk in shower in our room was simplistic, featuring a fabulous rain head. The provided bath products were energizing and all natural.
These bathroom features shown above may inspire you to get started on that bathroom makeover that you have been longing for…
This room made great use of the hot accent colour, turquoise. The inserts of glass concealed the lights and created a very soft, relaxed atmosphere.
Cork flooring was used throughout the room, paired with a desk/dresser constructed of Bamboo.
City Flats Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Holland, steps away from the boutique shops, galleries and dining district. Using as many green products as possible, it is the first hotel in the United States to achieve LEED silver certification. Absolutely worth putting on your list of things to see and do!
The Bar area was a great place to meet up with friends to enjoy Tapas and Cocktails before we headed to the Shops and Local Galleries.
You should not be expecting typical when you walk through the door of this Hotel, it is very unique. The design is fresh and inviting.
The Lobby boasts a large wall of neon inset glass with ever changing colour. All furniture is from Hathaway, who design office furniture as well.
The fixtures in the Lounge Area are simple swirls of metal that cast a soft glow on the ceiling.
All 56 rooms display a different foot print for the design. The track door slides smoothly to close off the bathroom area.
This is one of the interior rooms that we experienced, to see more you will have to make a visit! You will not be disappointed! Visit the City Flats website for reservations > http://cityflatshotel.com/
Recently I had the pleasure of visiting a friends cottage in Muskoka. While there we golfed at Taboo, which is shown above. The sun was shining and the wind was gentle, a perfect day. “The harder you work, the luckier you get” – Gary Player.
The following day we headed to the Muskoka Bay Club. I must say, this is the most gorgeous course that I have ever experienced. Before leaving we had lunch at the Cliffside Grill. I will be returning here sooner than later, imagine how stunning it will be in the Fall!
The Macy’s July 4th fireworks display originally made its debut on the Hudson River in 1958 before becoming an East River tradition in 1976. This year, Macy’s will once again stage a glorious pyrotechnic show over the Hudson River. Hope you enjoyed the Long Weekend!
Photography source : Internet
I recently had the pleasure of touring the Miromar Design Center in Southwest Florida. Some of my absolute favorite Showrooms were the Ann Sacks Bathrooms, B & B Italia, Bontempi Casa and Brunswig & Fils. There are three floors featuring Showrooms, and you are sure to find inspiration throughout the building. To view the Interactive Floorplan click here.
Laura Swallow's innovative design and commitment to the neighborhood at large have put her at the forefront of the design community. Both peers and clients recognize her for her niche portfolio, prestigious design awards and international magazine publications.
A master of precision, Laura's vision and attention to detail span the spectrum of her projects. Her repeat client base and team of long time collaborators are an attest to this, and have allowed her to continue to make a positive impact on commercial and residential projects across North America.
Laura Swallow + Associates, Inc. 