WHEREmail

// April 2006

Dear Subscriber

Spring is here and it's time to rejuvenate with a fabulous spa treatment: our regional editors tell you the best options in cities from coast to coast. Also, advice on smooth sailing through airport security, and great events ranging from chocolate festivals to Lord of the Rings on stage. Plus the latest travel news, specials and contests.

What's Hot in April:

Toronto

The hottest ticket in Toronto continues to be the world stage debut of The Lord of the Rings; the lavish production cost a whopping $27 million at last accounting. It plays at The Princess of Wales Theatre.

Edmonton

The wonderful world of wildlife in all its majesty and mystery is the focus of the Royal Alberta Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition on display until Apr 23.

New York

Megastar Julia Roberts headlines in Richard Greenberg's dramatic mystery Three Days of Rain. Previews began Mar 28 for an Apr 19 opening at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. After the show, visit Morimoto, the new 12,000 square foot Japanese eatery in Chelsea, created by the "Iron Chef" himself, Masaharu Morimoto.

Winnipeg

Sample delectable chocolate desserts at Ciao!'s ChocolateFest, running through April. Chocolate sushi that perfectly mimics the classic rolls of Japan is just one of a dizzying array of cocoa confections that local restaurants and cafes have created for the festival.

Canadian Rockies

Try a unique dining experience at Quarry Bistro with their Winter Dinner Series, where guest chefs cook a 5-course dinner paired with specially selected wines; discover Weird Wines with Unpronounceable Names Apr 27. April is also the best time to stock up on ski and snowboard equipment with off-season sales; visit our ski and snowboard shop listings.

Vancouver

Tobin Stokes' original jazz score adds heat to Ballet BC's sensuous drama, A Streetcar Named Desire. Artistic director John Alleyne and playwright John Murrell create this adaptation of Tennessee Williams classic play which runs Apr. 6 - 8 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Calgary

Professional cowboys on raging bulls, live entertainment at Western saloons, and an exhibition featuring large agriculture displays are just some of the things you can expect to see at Roughstock. Called the "next best thing to the Stampede," the festival runs Apr 6 - 9 at the Stampede Grounds.

Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria presents ItuKiagatta! April 7 to June 11. Meaning "how it amazes us!" in the Labrador Inuktitut dialect, ItuKiagatta! is an exhibit of Inuit sculpture that features 91 fine stone, ivory, bone and ceramic pieces representing an early, vital period in the development of Inuit art.

Halifax

Experience that fabled East Coast sense of humour this month at the Halifax Comedy Fest, running Apr 24 - 29. Mark Critch hosts, with comics like Elvira Kurt (Popcultured), Cathy Jones (This Hour Has 22 Minutes) and Steve Patterson (CBC's Madly Off in All Directions) taking the stage.

Ottawa

Like the ever-popular 'Stomp', Scrap (Show Concept for Recycling and the Art of Percussion) creates magical music from everyday objects. Inspired by South American, African, and world music beats, Scrap's performers use wheel hubs, metal buckets, air filters, shopping baskets and tennis rackets to create an unforgettable sound. Runs April 22.

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The WHERE List:

Fantastic Spa Treatments

Whatever city you're in, there's a spa treatment for you: Our regional editors give you their picks of the most relaxing and rejuvenating spas and spa treatments you can experience.

New York

More sensual than any Turkish bath in Istanbul, the exotic "Red Flower Hammam Treatment" at Great Jones Spa is the ultimate escape. Silt and clay are used to exfoliate, while a fragrant Oriental garden of black olive oil, hibiscus, Moroccan mint, lemon blossom, sandalwood and white sage penetrates and warms the skin. Combined with a masterful massage, this extraordinarily relaxing ritual detoxifies, invigorates and smoothes the body. The spa itself is an immaculate three-story nirvana featuring cascading sheets of water, ice-cold plunge pools and a sauna crafted from 45 tons of river rock.

Halifax

Nestled in a historic building in the heart of downtown Halifax, Spirit is a full-service urban day spa. Its specialties include the Sweet Skin Facial: a tasty tune-up for your face using a selection of fruits, flowers and herbs blended for your skin type. Also try the extravagant "Life's a Bowl of Cherries" treatment, an almond sour cherry body scrub and hydrating wrap topped off with a mini organic facial.

Toronto

Both Hammam Spa and Novo Spa offer unique Eastern-inspired scrub/rub treatments. The full Hammam experience includes time spent in the essential-oil-infused steam room, full body exfoliation and a 90-minute lymphatic drainage massage with nutmeg, ginger and cedar wood essential oils. Novo's Thai Thermal Bed Therapy is the only of its kind in North America, and includes dry brush exfoliation, sugar rub, full-body mud wrap and steam, head and foot massage, Thai body stretching and hot stone massage. See our "Spa Bliss" feature for more on Toronto spas.

Vancouver

Ever had a gommage? How about an orientale? Both exotic treatments (and more) are available at Miraj Hammam Spa, which specializes in Middle Eastern pampering techniques. After a gommage (full-body exfoliation using Moroccan black soap) and orientale (full-body relaxing massage), you'll feel like you've travelled to a foreign country...called Relaxation.

Edmonton

For a soothing and decidedly relaxing indulgence make haste to the nearest EvelineCharles Spa & Salon. Aesthetically calming surroundings combined with a bevy of beautifying and rejuvenating treatments will surely put a little spring in your step. There are three locations in the city: Edmonton City Centre (downtown), Southgate Centre (South), and West Edmonton Mall.

Winnipeg

Ten Spa at the Fort Garry Hotel is the latest high-end luxury spa to pop up in the city. Indulge in some well deserved pampering at this ultimate urban oasis. The Hammam Turkish bath, the only of its type in the city, is a must-visit: massage and scrubs are performed in a modern take on the ancient hot-air bathing ritual.

Canadian Rockies

Rimrock Resort Fitness & Spa puts the 'awe' into spa with their Rundle Mountain and Spray Valley view—best enjoyed from manicure/pedicure stations and between relaxing treatments in large comfy chairs in their intimate lounge.

Victoria

From specialties that include diabetic and arthritic hand and foot care to relaxing manicures and massages, Victoria's Fingers and Toes European Health Spa offers a full range of services based on a European philosophy of health, wellness and stress relief. With a comfortable, inviting atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable staff, your visit is sure to be a pleasure.

Calgary

The perfect antidote to daily stress and our city's dry climate is Stillwater Spa's Body Quench Massage. The relaxing massage is customized using your choice of hydration formulated body butter essences, such as pomegranate & cranberry, mango & mandarin, and green tea & lime leaf. Located in the Hyatt Hotel, Stillwater is immaculately detailed, with serene surroundings and professional service creating a total spa experience.

Ottawa

Doing away with the ravages of an Ottawa winter can be daunting—central heating, biting winter winds, and lack of sun take their toll. One of our favourite places to get renewed is York Street Spa, which offers a full menu of treatments. Try the Primary Facial, which rejuvenates the skin while offering an hour of complete peace.

TRAVEL SPECIALS

As a service to readers and our tourism partners, here's a selection of special travel deals. For more information or to book, please contact the providers directly.

Taste Culinary Series

If you're planning a trip to Winnipeg in the next few months, try out a few events from the Taste Culinary Series. These one-day events put on by the top restaurants in the city offer a unique tasting of the cuisines in Winnipeg, and a behind-the-scenes look at where the food comes from and how it is prepared. There are three Taste Culinary Series; Part 1: May/June, Part 2: July/August, and Part 3: Sep/Oct.

Delta Hotels - Check In to Win Contest

Your odds are fantastic as Delta is giving away more than 2 million dollars worth of guaranteed instant prizes. Each time you check-in, you can collect a key card. Then, it's as simple as entering your code to unlock up to 7 doors. Every door is a guaranteed instant winner! You can visit www.deltacheckintowin.com to find out more and register for this incredible promotion.

(All prices in Canadian dollars. WHERE accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or availability of these packages. Please contact package supplier directly.)

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