“Tree houses are the ultimate return to nature.” -Pete Nelson- There is something synonymous about children and building forts. Pulling out the meticulously folded sheets and strategically draping them over couches and chairs. Adding a magical glow with string lights and sleeping on a floor of popcorn and pillows. The motivated gathering of boards and […]
Author: AmyButterfield
Elevating Expectation: A Stay at the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel
“At Marriott Hotels, everything we do is guided by the principle that travel expands the mind and triggers creative thinking.” -Marriott Hotels- With Rocky Mountain views, a winding river valley and a 191 meter tower from which to observe it all, Calgary, Alberta is a city that embodies everything it is to be Canadian. Home to […]
Mexico’s Mayan Riviera: An All Inclusive Week at the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort
“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” – Khalil Gibran – The Mayan Riviera, Mexico, is 120 unique kilometers of eastern coast along the Yucatán Peninsula, stretching from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen. It is a destination steeped in rich history, with […]
Dominican Republic: Discovering your Idyllic Corner of this Caribbean Island
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” – Wyland- Turquoise water framed by pristine white sand and a brilliant blue sky. Palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze, dancing to the invisible vibrations of island life. Grass roof palapas, stark seaside cliffs and award winning golf courses […]
Sirena Serena: A Boutique Oasis in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.” -Anonymous- The ocean is an expansive vault of memories, a current that carries with it moments of footprints, castles, collected shells and sunsets. The salty smell […]
Kelly’s Surf Shop: A Day on the Waves of Tamarindo, Costa Rica
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” -Jon Kabat-Zinn- Situated along the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, lies a beach town with a vibe of surf and soul, a place of fire dancers and flip flops, body boards and open air patios with a view. It is a place to […]
Pasión Costa Rica: An Exceptional Education in Monteverde
“Unless we are willing to encourage our children to reconnect with and appreciate the natural world, we can’t expect them to help protect and care for it.” -David Suzuki- Pasión Costa Rica At our simplest level of global appreciation, we walk thru nature. We admire a looming canopy, listening to the symphonies of wildlife conversation […]
Casa Mia: A House in the Clouds of Monteverde, Costa Rica
“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.” -John Muir- Mother Nature is a force of beauty and power, a swirling palette of color and texture, her breath both a safe haven and a trail of destruction. On earth there are places that whisper to the heart, places that cause one to […]
Kids Saving The Rainforest: Family Friendly Volunteering in Costa Rica
“Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall they be saved.” -Dr. Jane Goodall- ‘When faced with the question, “What is your dream?”, ‘Littlest B’ replied, “I want to volunteer with the sloths.” After landing in San Jose, Costa Rica, we wound our way […]
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald: Staying in the Jewel of Edmonton’s Skyline
A HOTEL WITH HISTORY: In July, 1915, the doors to a seven storey limestone and copper, chateau-inspired castle were opened. Luxury and charm spilled into the streets, enticing newcomers of Canada to settle in this Northern Alberta community. Guests dined beneath twinkling chandeliers hung from an ornate 24 foot ceiling, as notes of an invisible […]