JUST BACK FROM NEW ZEALAND'S NORTH ISLAND

The stunning colour and cloud formation flying to Auckland on Air New Zealand / K&S Media

The Auckland skyline/ K&S Media

Notable New Zealand Chef Peter Gordon; A Table setting at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards/ Dr. Rookmin Maharaj

The stunning landscape of Waiheke Island, a short ferry from Auckland/ Dr. Rookmin Maharaj

Flying into Napier with Air New Zealand/ Dr. Rookmin Maharaj

Wine bottle display at Napier Airport, North Island New Zealand/ Dr. Rookmin Maharaj

The charming Mangapapa Hotel in Napier; A ride in a historic car Hooters Vintage and Classic Vehicle Hire  / Dr. Rookmin Maharaj

Exploring Napier's historic art deco buildings/ Dr. Rookmin Maharaj

CSL is just back from beautiful New Zealand with  Air New Zealand to attend the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, celebrating the best in the wine industry and to explore one of the North Islands wine regions, Napier. From exploring the quaint Auckland districts of Ponsonby, to navigating the beauty of Waiheke Island, meeting innovative Kiwi Chefs, and sipping world class wine in Napier, the country's North Island has plenty to offer.

Thirsty for more?  Read the full article on New Zealand's North Island in the Spring2017 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.

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***A friendly reminder, all photography on City Style and Living Magazine, Facebook Page, Twitter, website and Blog are copyright 2007-2017 K&S Media. Please do not use elsewhere without the written consent of City Style and Living Magazine. Thank you kindly! 
 
You may visit the New Spring 2017 issue of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

 http://www.citystyleandliving.com/magazine

A TASTE OF THE OKANAGAN FALL HARVEST TOUR

Harvesting grapes at Noble Ridge Vineyards

A spectacular sunset at Summerhill Pyramid winery

One of the courses for the winemakers’ dinner at Tantalus Vineyards

CSL had a delicious and innovative winemakers’ dinner at Tantalus Vineyards catered by Executive Chef Mark Filatow of Waterfront Wines, featuring a five course meal pairing BC VQA Wines from:

CedarCreek Estate Winery (Kelowna)

Clos du Soleil Winery (Similkameen Valley)

Laughing Stock Vineyards (Naramata Bench)

Little Farm Winery (Similkameen Valley)

A selection of wines at Cropped by Valley First

Cropped by Valley First:  BC’s Largest Wine Tasting (with over 80 wineries) and farmers market at Penticton Trade & Convention Center, is fully inspired by the terroir of the Okanagan and was truly a celebration of Canadiana.  Dairy Farmers of Canada was also on site, with seminars introducing dairy cheeses, while five musical acts at 4 different busker stations kept the lively vibe flowing.

The vineyards at Nk'Mip Cellars

A young Chef prepares plates for Alexis de Portneuf Presents: The Young Chefs wine tasting and culinary competition at Okanagan College Center for Learning, Kelowna

One of the other events on the Taste of The Okanagan Fall Harvest Tour was the Alexis de Portneuf Presents: The Young Chefs wine tasting and culinary competition at Okanagan College Center for Learning, Kelowna. Twelve apprentice chefs from British Columbia competed to create unique small plates that contained at least 20% cheese from Alexis de Portneuf (Quebec). Each apprentice chef was paired with an Okanagan winery whose wines were carefully chosen to match each dish.

CSL visited dozens of wineries, met enthusiastic winemakers got awe inspired by the landscape and most of all, celebrated The Okanagan region, one of the Canada's (and the world) true gems.  Cheers!

Plan your visit, and discover British Columbia's wine region with Wines of BC

Read the full article in the Winter 2016/17 issue of City Style and Living Magazine now

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***A friendly reminder, all photography on City Style and Living Magazine, Facebook Page, Twitter, website and Blog are copyright 2007-2017 K&S Media. Please do not use elsewhere without the written consent of City Style and Living Magazine. Thank you kindly! 
 
You may visit the New Winter 2016 /17 issue of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

 http://www.citystyleandliving.com/magazine

THE LINCOLN MOTOR COMPANY OF CANADA'S #ELEVATETHEEVERDAY WITH THE BLOCK KITCHEN AND LOUNGE

The Lincoln Motor Company invites you to a unique culinary experience at The Block on Monday, October 17th 2016.

Experience Lincoln’s line-up of vehicles and receive a complimentary 3-course meal created by Chef Kai Salimaki. Space is limited so reserve your spot today by calling 403.282.1339

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***A friendly reminder, all photography on City Style and Living Magazine, Facebook Page, Twitter, website and Blog are copyright 2007-2016 K&S Media. Please do not use elsewhere without the written consent of City Style and Living Magazine. Thank you kindly! 
 
You may visit the New Fall 2016 issue of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

 http://www.citystyleandliving.com/magazine

HOW CSL'S TRAVEL EDITORS BEAT JET LAG

City Style and Living Magazine's editors are frequent flyers- they've learned to conquer jet lag with a few simple tricks/ K&S Media

One of our most favourite parts of being travel editors is just that, the travelling.  Experiencing a new place is like a fresh adventure every time that opens you up to discovering things you never knew.  

However, the downside of overseas travel (if there is such a thing) is the change in time zones and the havoc it can create on our system through pesky jet lag.  Sometimes we get super charged on adrenaline from the excitement that comes from exploring a new exotic locale, and for a few days (more like hours) we can fool ourselves into thinking we’re ok.  Then the jet lag hits you like a ton of bricks, out of nowhere.  You’re at a beautiful restaurant and mid-meal, all of a sudden you feel as though you could bury your head in your bowl of spaghetti. Or, you're up and ready to go at 3:00am making scrambled eggs for breakfast but feel exhausted and want to sleep by 4:00pm.  

From time to time, the only solution that we’ve found that keeps us on a sleep schedule while travelling, is a natural sleep aid like Dream Water.  Think of it as the opposite of an energy drink, with a mild blueberry/ pomegranate taste, similar to flavoured water.  So what exactly is in it? The liquid is a combination of GABA (or Gamma-aminobutyric Acid) that helps calm the mind, and Melatonin which helps regulate the sleep cycle.

Drink the non-prescription single serve (2.5oz) liquid 30 to 40 minutes before bed. Slowly eyes become heavy and like magic fall into a peaceful rest, just like Sleeping Beauty.  We carry a few bottles with us in our suitcases whenever we travel for long distances so that we can stick to a sleep schedule and be more productive for work.

Do you have trouble sleeping?  Here are a few of our favourite natural sleep tips that you can try yourselves for a better sleep:

10 Natural Sleep Tips for a Great Night's Sleep:
1. Set a sleep schedule and stick with it, even on weekends.
2. Limit your nap to 30 minutes and don't nap too close to bedtime.
3. Exercise regularly but not within 4 hours of bedtime.
4. Avoid caffeine within 6 hours of going to bed.
5. Make your bedroom dark and quiet.
6. Keep your bedroom cool: between 15 and 20 degrees celsius.
7. Ban pets from the bed.
8. Avoid alcohol, nicotine or sugar after 800 pm.
9. Make your bedroom an electronic-free zone.
10. Power down an hour before bed. Dim the lights and turn off all your devices.

Dream Water is available at London Drugs and Save on Foods


Look for much more Healthy Living in the Summer 2016 issue of City Style and Living, and check out the latest photo's from the trip on CSL's social media channels:

**When sharing on social, please use the hashtag #CityStyleandLiving

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***A friendly reminder, all photography on City Style and Living Magazine, Facebook Page, Twitter, website and Blog are copyright 2007-2016 K&S Media. Please do not use elsewhere without the written consent of City Style and Living Magazine. Thank you kindly! 
 
You may visit the New Summer 2016 issue of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

 http://www.citystyleandliving.com/magazine

 *NOTE: Remember to consult your healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions or are currently taking any medications before taking Dream Water®.  Consumption with alcohol, other medications or health products with sedative properties is not recommended when taking Dream Water®. Do not drive or use machinery for 5 hours after taking this product. None of the products/services offered on the Dream Water web site are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Dream Water is a partner for this post.

51 WAYS TO RECONNECT TO NATURE AND PAMPER YOURSELF ON KAUAI HAWAII

A living wall at the  National Tropical Botanical Garden – Allerton Garden. /Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj 

Near the airport, the Kauaʻi Marriott Resort  is an oasis within an oasis, with one of the largest family friendly pools in Hawaii.
/Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj 

Aboard Capt. Andy’s Sailing Adventures & Raft Expeditions, we were fortunate to spot a pod of spinner dolphins, green turtles and amazing natural landscapes with plenty of waterfalls and the stunning Nā Pali coast as our background. /Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj

CSL was awe struck (as was the captain) when we spotted the tail of a humpback whale out of the water for almost an half hour.  The female was actually nursing her baby - a true wonder of the natural world!  Whale season on Kauai usually starts in December and ends in April so this was a true surpise. /Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj

CSL was fortunate to be invited by Kauaʻi Marriott Resort  Executive Chef Guy Higa to his home and farm at Wailua Homesteads.  Chef Higa is down-to-earth, has a passion for freshness and knows flavours.  Chef Higa took us around his farm and introduced us to many exotic plants, fruits and herbs, which he then brought back to Kauaʻi Marriott Resort  and transformed into a delicious dinner for CSL. Pictured here is a take on a panzanella salad. /Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj

Part garden, part art exhibit and entirely unique, CSL got a guided tour of the Allerton and McBryde Gardens at the  National Tropical Botanical Garden one of the most spectacular gardens we have seen. Expertly crafted garden rooms feature exotic plants, sculptures, and water features. CSL visited two of the five rooms (the garden was divided into five rooms, each with a unique individual experience and designed by amateur landscape architect Robert Allerton ). At the Thanks Giving Room we were struck by the white building with spires and pyramid shapes that allows onlookers to be transported to any part of the world they wish to be – walls of trees of different heights and textures, the garden is watered via gravity fueled  from sugar cane era pumps (and the water is not recycled, always fresh). The Mermaid Room was inspired by Italian L. Andreotti’s sculptures of Two Mermaids which Robert Allerton saw and decided to to have the only known plaster castings made into bronze. The brown patinaed surface made from these original plasters brought to Allerton Gardens stand at opposite ends of a scalloped aqueduct. The gardens have also served as the location of many Hollywood films including the Moreton Bay fig trees featured in Jurassic Park. /Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj   

Kelly Corbett of Kayak Kaua‘i was an exceptional guide - very knowledgeable and friendly.  CSL went on the Sacred Falls experience - a combination of half hour Kayaking on the Wailua River with a mile of hiking to Uluwehi waterfalls and another half hour Kayaking to return to the Wailua River marina.  Kelly even made a bracelet from sea hibiscus bark for CSL, during the  hike, presenting it as a gift at the end of this fantastic experience. /Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj   

Firsthand, closeup view of the breathtaking landscape of Kauai with Island Helicopters. We had nearly every kind of weather during our trip, and, of course spotted several rainbows. The helicopter takes off for amazing views of Nāwiliwili Harbor,
Hanapepe Valley, Manawaiopuna Falls, and Olokele Canyon. /Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj   

Many of the views of Kauai may be familiar as the island has had a starring role in several films and television shows including South Pacific, Jurassic Park, and Gilligan's Island but this is the view that, in many ways, defines Kauai - red soil, towering cliffs, lush vegetation, white sand beach and miles of ocean. The rain stopped just in time for us to witness this magnificent scene of Kauai aboard Island Helicopters. /Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj   

Welcoming sunset at the Sheraton Kauai Resort with hula dancing, tiki torches, and the sound of conch shells. /Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj   

A single frangipani (plumeria) is typically worn in the hair in Hawaii, making for a beautiful and elegant ritual. Even more impressive is the haku lei - a flower coronet worn like a tiara. Elvrine Chow, owner of Heavenly Haku is the instructor of  haku and leis (flower garlands). CSL enjoys flower arranging so making our own haku and lei this was great fun, we even invented our own haku making technique (named after its inventor, CSL's own Dr. Rookmin Maharaj). /Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj   

There is lots of colour on Kauai and this is true even in its delicious treats. We headed to Kukui‘ula Shopping Center for a taste of local favourite - shaved ice - think a snow cone with exotic fruit flavourings, condensed milk and ice cream. Uncle's Shave Ice & Smoothies in Poipu is said to make the best on the island, served by smiling, friendly faces (see above). /Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj    

Sunrise from the beach at Courtyard Kaua‘i at Coconut Beach 
/Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj   

Koloa Landing Resort, features some of the largest and unique villas on Kauai. Our three bedroom villa was luxurious (free wifi; a flat screen television in every room including the living room; and each bedroom has an adjoining full bath), spacious (3600 square feet) and provided us with a feeling of a home away from home. With a full gourmet chef's kitchen, laundry room, and an ultra cool wrap around open air lanai (balcony), tables and chairs for outdoor dining, it was easy and quick to settle in and feel comfortable.  Best of all, our three-bedroom villa spanned an entire floor - personalized elevator opened right at our door. The villas are modern, with touches of the tropics woven into the decor. This property combines the best of hotel and vacation home living - a true gem on Kauai!

Pool time at Koloa Landing Resort -  it was really lovely to see all of the families connecting with each other while enjoying their vacation time at the resort.

Koloa Landing Resort is in the process of expanding, and will soon include a restaurant, event space, studios and one bedroom villas, great for business travellers, weddings and meetings (in addition to the families who already adore the resort).  We loved the landscaping throughout the property, with enormous hibiscus flowers, palms, colourful plants and a giant lawn where we saw children playing games with their parent.

A look at one of several lovely flowing water features throughout the 25 acre Koloa Landing Resort.  CSL loves the proximity of the resort to shops, restaurants and Poipu beach (great for snorkeling). There are also lots of free activities on property including 'smores nights, yoga, and even a putting green.

One island, many peoples, all Kauaians - this was a message we saw on signs throughout our travels. Hawaii has welcomed people from around the world for centuries. Each brought their food, religion and customs to enrich the already vibrant Hawaiian culture. Today, churches and, temples stand beside ancient heiau (Hawaiian temple). The Koloa Jodo Mission in Kauai feels like a touch of Japan transported to the island. We met the friendly Rev. Kosen Ishikawa who was planting water lotus in the gardens and invited us inside the Buddhist Temple which dates from 1910. 

Koloa Rum Company is award winning, premium, single-batch Hawaiian Rum made on Kauai from the pristine mountain water and sugar from cane. The first batch was produced in 2009.  Kale (pictured above) leads a tasting tour showing guests how to create their own mai tai shot - carefully layer the liquids so that the dark rum, sits atop Koloa Rum's mai tai mix. During the tasting, CSL's team also sipped the white, coconut, spice, and gold rums. CSL's team finished with a bite of moist and delicious rum cake. 

CSL was fortunate to try the newest creation, Koloa Rum Company Kaua'i Coffee - deep, dark , and earthy, this well balanced rum is not too sweet and is in a league of its own. The bottle is slightly different from the other rums in the line and it is gorgeous - a piece of art! This was definitely one of the best sips of our entire trip.

An endangered Hawaiian monk seal catching some rays on the beach at Poipu.  This cute little creature stayed ashore for almost 12 hours (we were told by locals), basking on the warm sand. CSL's team felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe the  monk seal.

CSL drove a 2016 Dodge Journey SUV from Hertz Kauai.  With easy airport pick-up (just look for the punctual shuttles at arrivals), friendly staff and lots of vehicles to choose from Hertz Kauai got us driving soon after landing in Kauai.  With over 640 miles covered, this was the perfect size of vehicle for driving around the island's varying terrain, and for carrying oodles of camera equipment, snorkeling gear and heavy luggage. Pictured here is our Hertz Kauai rental at Salt Pond Beach.

The owners of Living Foods Market  Howard Warner, (left) and Jeff Sacchini (right).  The market provides the best local produce, freshly prepared food and products that Kaua'i offers and also handpicked imports from around the world (we sampled Jeni's ice cream from Ohio which was truly out of this world). The market is neatly laid out, but with plenty of selection: wines and spirits, fresh produce, snacks, cheese and butchers case (on the day we visited, we saw a glistening piece of freshly prepared tuna).

The cafe at  Living Foods Market  (which also includes a juice bar), serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

After chatting with chef Jason; the chefs in the kitchen, & owners Jeff and Howard, CSL’ s team got very excited to try a few items from the menu.  This was one of the most delicious, tasty and flavourful lunches we had on Kaua'i.  We tasted a selection of fresh pressed juice (living juice, orange, and jetset), and locally made kombucha, every one was a blast of verdant, bright flavours.  Jeff insisted that we try the poke bowl, a new item added to the menu courtesy of Chef Jason.  This turned out to be hands-down the best on the island - ultra fresh tuna, well cooked rice, a punchy sriracha mayo topped with fresh jalapenos, fried onions and tobiko - all of the flavours of Hawaii in a bowl, plus loads of texture.  The salad bar was a sight to behold, with over a dozen different preparations, all well seasoned and fresh.  Another standout was the pizza created with roasted vegetables on a thin crust in the market's very own pizza oven. (Also pictured, the fish tacos, and spicy chicken sandwich)

Spouting Horn blow hole in Koloa, Kaua'i

Once a sugarcane plantation, Castle Resorts Kiahuna Plantation and The Beach Bungalows  is now a 35 acre an oceanfront condo resort. The grounds here are spectacular with large trees, flowers and ponds.

 Also on the grounds, and a pleasant stroll are the Moir Gardens and Plantation Gardens restaurant (see below).

A view of the beach at Castle Resorts Kiahuna Plantation and The Beach Bungalows.

A coconut grove on the East Side near Kapaa, known as the Coconut coast.

Kauai's Hindu Monastery with views of Mount Waialeale and the all-granite, hand-carved Iraivan Temple in the right. Self-guided and guided tours of the monastery founded in 1970 are available.

Enjoying dinner at Merriman's Fish House Kauai.  The restaurant is known for being pioneers in the "Farm to Table" movement in Hawaii with 90% of the ingredients being locally sourced, as our waitress Jordan told us.   The restaurant was bustling with diners, as we watched the golden sun set over the horizon.  We began our meal with the Coconut, Sweet Corn & Clam soup followed by enjoyed the Crispy Kunana Dairy Chevre salad with Kula Strawberries, Sweet Local Onion, Hirabara Farms Earth Grown Lettuce, Cassis Vinaigrette and then theOlive Oil Seared Ono (caught near Niʻihau by Nathan Berg) served with Umi Farms Kale, Lemon, Local Squash, Fresh Tomato–Garlic Sauce,Kona Lobster & Crab Cakes with local Orange, Avocado, Watercress, Salsa Verde.

A waterfall emerges from the red basalt rock of Waimea Canyon.

Waimea Canyon State Park with a waterfall barely visible in the distance. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this is a great destination for picnics, hiking, or relaxing.

Kōke’e State Park affords some of the most spectacular views of the Kalalau Valley.

In old Koloa town, Pizzetta Kauai serves Italian-inspired fare including of course, pizza. CSL's team  ordered the bruschetta, hot crab and artichoke dip, the islander (salad), chicken marsala, ono picatta, grilled ono and shrimp puttanesca pizza. Hawaiian fish is undeniably delicious and ono (wahoo) is one of our favourites. We were still surprised at how meaty the ono picatta was – a blend of Hawaiian ingredients with Italian roots. The staff here is excellent – incredibly friendly, warm and knowledgeable about the menu.

Bartender Anthony at Pizzetta Kauai serves the Glitterati cocktail the restaurant's signature drink, which tasted like a lemon tart with caramel drizzle (another of CSL's  favourite sips on the entire trip). The restaurant also has a kiosk serving Papalani Gelato - do try the salt pond flavour!

Scenes of pastoral bliss are all too common on Kauai.

Chef Ken Morikawa at Plantation Gardens Restaurant.

Pa'u a Laka,(Moir Gardens) on the grounds of the Castle Resorts Kiahuna Plantation and The Beach Bungalows (in front of Plantation Gardens restaurant), features plants that require little rain, such as orchids, bromeliads and succulents as well as koi ponds.  This is one of the most unique, colourful and beautiful gardens CSL has ever seen, and overhearing the audible gasps of passersby we know we were not the only ones!

Sometimes you can literally taste cooking that comes straight from the heart which is what happened while CSL's team enjoyed dinner at Plantation Gardens Restaurant. Born and raised on Kaua'i, Chef Kenneth Morikawa has a skilled touch with both presentation, and dynamite flavours -  from the well seasoned poke to the traditional lau lau (seafood cooked in ti leaves), served with rice and stir fried vegetables. This young chef impressed us with his quiet modesty and with skills that cannot be taught - an understanding of flavour combinations that represent Hawaii at its finest. That is the mark of a true chef.

Walking the first quarter mile of the legendary Kalalau Trail looking down upon Ke'e Beach.  The grueling 11 mile trail along Nā Pali Coast is one of the most scenic trails in the world.

Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach is a modern and luxurious property on Kaua'i.  Relatively new on the scene, this boutique resort offers luxury amenities (like valet service), modern rooms fit with marble tile bathrooms, and ocean views that exude a modern warmth and Hawaiian hospitality. Part of the prestigious Meritage Collection, it also happens to be one of the most romantic hotels on the island!

Dinner at Red Salt at Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach - stunningly beautiful, picture worthy presentation with delicate flavours.  Our waiter Kris was attentive, knowledgeable and very friendly and made CSL's teams' meal extra special. At the end of the meal, our eyes lit up when we were presented with a towering mound of lilikoi (passion fruit) cotton candy, what a treat!  Red Salt restaurant excels at creating a luxurious and intimate dining experience, one of CSL's favourite spots on Kaua'i.

Another warm sunrise from our room window at Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach. On a late afternoon another day, CSL enjoyed a relaxing and rejuvenating lomi lomi massage in an outdoor cabana, with the crashing ocean waves as background noise.  Kipi, our therapist (originally from the Big Island of Hawaii), had an incredible technique and was able to ease our sore and jetlagged muscles.

North Shore Beauty: Hanalei Pier originally built in the 19th century.

Waioli Huiia Church in Hanalei  is one of the most photographed buildings in Kauai.

Wetland taro fields in Hanalei. This plant was revered by ancient Hawaiians - the roots are used to make poi and leaves to make lau lau.

A bartender mixes a cocktail at the cantina at Tortilla Republic.  Specializing in inventive modern Mexican fare, we hear from locals that 'this is the place to be', and at a busy lunch time, CSL's team can see why.

CSL's waiter Drew (a transplant from Oregon), carefully divulged some of his favourites from the menu at Tortilla Republic., we ordered a few of the best: tortilla soup, chicken tinga burritos stuffed with rice, roasted corn salsa, cilantro crema and topped with tomatillo and ranchero sauce, nachos de la casa, amazingly craveable flautas de pollo (rolled crispy chicken tacos, flour tortilla, pulled chicken tinga, monterey jack cheese, cilantro crema, guacamole) and the ensalada sabrosa topped with grilled shrimp.  CSL's team sipped 'skinni' margaritas made with Herradura Silver, Agave Nectar, Fresh Squeezed Lime, Orange, Ruby Red Grapefruit and cold Maui Brewing company coconut porter.

Another scene straight out of a movie at the amazing, dreamy grounds at the  Grand Hyatt Kauai.  This pair of black swans swam right up to us.  Another day, CSL enjoyed an invigorating garden massage from masseur Mark at Anara Spa at Grand Hyatt Kaua'i.

Surrounded by a well-stocked koi pond, we had dinner at Tidepools at Grand Hyatt Kaua'i.  This was another delicious dining experience- the chefs here are exceptionally talented, and CSL's team loved the use of Hawaiian ingredients, techniques and flavours. Shown above:taro root croquettes, tempura stuffed ahi, Mahi & Prawn Satay- all were on point.  A highlight of our dinner was watching the fireworks (thanks to a conference being held at the hotel), just overhead - a true spectacle in the sky.

CSL's team visited the hydroponic gardens located in the former tennis courts at Grand Hyatt Kaua'i..  We met Devora and Arthur, both of whom care for the lettuce garden. All the lettuce harvested is used at the hotel's various restaurants.  Tours of the hydroponic lettuce garden is held weekly and is a nice way to see some behind-the-scenes of the hotel. Later, we came across head landscaper/gardener Gary Lopez (pictured above), who has been working at the hotel for twenty six years and is a fount of knowledge about tropical plants.  It was a pleasure to speak to him and also about leading the reconstruction of the gardens after hurricane Aniki in 1992, 'we sometimes worked 10 hour days, but they were worth it', he said.

A team from City Style and Living magazine just returned from the beautiful garden isle of Kaua'i, enjoying the serenity, natural beauty, and adventures that this oldest of the Hawaiian islands has to offer.

From a helicopter tour of the Nā Pali coast with it's Jurassic Park cameos, undulating green cliffs and waterfalls, to the taro growing fields of Hanalei and the lava rock lined beach of Poipu, there's enough splendid scenery and exciting adventure to keep the entire family happy and plenty of romantic views for couples.

Not only did CSL enjoy boundless natural landscapes, but we also tasted some of the best cuisine the island has to offer. CSL's highlights included some of the best poke (Hawaiian raw fish salad) we've ever had, colourful shaved ice (like a snow cone), innovative twists on Hawaiian classics like lau lau (fish cooked in ti leaves), silky smooth caramel 'salt pond' gelato, and a few mai tai's overlooking the gentle waves crashing ashore at sunset.

By the time of our last day, we did not want to leave. Kauai is a wonderful island to rejuvenate and will keep calling you back!



Look for much more on Kauai in the Summer 2016 issue of City Style and Living, and check out the latest photo's from the trip on CSL's social media channels:

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***A friendly reminder, all photography on City Style and Living Magazine, Facebook Page, Twitter, website and Blog are copyright 2007-2016 K&S Media. Please do not use elsewhere without the written consent of City Style and Living Magazine. Thank you kindly! 
 
You may visit the New Spring 2016 issue of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

 http://www.citystyleandliving.com/magazine