A Tokyo Coffee Crawl

[trip style = food/wine + urban + steals]

Living on the West Coast of Canada a mere three hours from Seattle {aka: coffee Grand Central}, I'm predisposed—by osmosis—to caring A LOT about coffee. Obsessed with all things coffee, coffee shop and coffee culture, I seek it out every day AND wherever I travel.

To me, a good barista bar is a prime connection to a city's soul; a window into its creative side; a place to wind up or wind down. And, when you find your place and your people: it's a great avenue to ask "what's cool?" in the city you're visiting.

Trip Styler Tip: Many coffee shops in Japan don't open until 10 or 11am. 

Recently I was in Tokyo—one of my favorite cities in the world—and made it my mission to seek out the java-scape. Fortunately, over the past 10 years, Japan has been going through a craft coffee coup, so tapping into the caffeine scene wasn't too difficult. Here are the standouts:

Omotesando Koffee
Tucked into the narrow backstreets of Omotesando, the koffee shop bearing the same name, is minimalist to the max stationed in a 60-year-old house. In this indoor/outdoor space, the wood-adorned and seatless interior is highlighted by two bonsai trees, while the rock- and tree-encased outdoor area is an ode to the traditional Japanese garden. Order the cubes of baked custard. When you taste them, you'll understand why they're the only non-brew on the menu {and my newest epicurean obsession}. 

Café Kitsuné
Benches, bamboo and bonsai set the tone for this international java stop. Doubling as a chic, Paris-based retail store selling sweatshirts and lifestyle wear that redefine casual, plan on spending much more than a few yen on a cappuccino at Café Kitsuné, especially if you fall in love with the J'adore Paris sweatshirt like I did. Fun fact: Baristas are trained by the gent behind Omotesando Koffee. 

Shozo Coffee Store
Just a few blocks from Cafe Kitsuné, we came across another steamy stop for joe. Unlike the others we'd met, Shozo was fully open-air {protected by a canvas roof}, and offered a treasure trove of treats from scones to cookies to shopping totes. It's also part of Tokyo's homage to food trucks and pop-up shops in a space called 246 Common {where we ate dinner the night before but failed to notice this place because it's waaaay in the back}.

Nui Cafe and Bar Lounge
Situated on a side street near the the Kuramae Metro station, Nui is a hostel {a word you don't often read on TS, except here} and local hangout for denim- and fedora-wearing cats looking for a woodsy whereabouts to crunch a croissant and express themselves through espresso. Cafe by day, lounge by night; there's no bad time to stop by, partly because the area is a one-stop-shop for wised-up eateries.

[photos by @TripStyler + @MrTripStyler]

Roam+Board :: Villa Samadhi

[trip style = luxe + urban + sun + food]

What
Tucked between embassies and expat-dwelling mid-rises, Villa Samadhi is a 21-room hideaway that's more guest house than hotel.

Here, service is highly personalized; the upkeep is as if the owner himself is sweeping and scrubbing, while the design harmoniously straddles styles; think: Thatched-roof tropical, lantern-lit estate and modern muse.

Enroute to Bali in April 2014, the flight path Mr. Trip Styler and I took stopped in Kuala Lumpur. Never having touched Malaysian soil, we decided to spend three days acclimatizing to the time zone and exploring the city-in-shift full of ingenue restaurants {that would put the dining scene in many other metropolises to shame}, record-breaking twin towers, copious shopping and greenery-filled parks {avec jogging paths}!   

After exhaustive research, we chose Villa Samadhi—a four-minute cab from downtown—because we wanted a leafy base to sample both urban and villa life without enduring a time- and cash-intensive commute to/from the city.

In keeping with the retreat theme, most rooms come with either a plunge pool or indoor jacuzzi. Our indoor jacuzzi was the size of a lap pool, and every day at 7pm it automatically heated up and the jets lured us in. Just as splashy: The hotel's six-person rooftop Bumbung Bar with views of the Petronas Towers {a much more pleasing perch than Kuala Lumpur's popular SkyBar}.

When you pick a hotel in a foreign country based on photos and the odd review, you NEVER know what you're going to get, but this quickly climbed into the realm of trip styled stay. Trip Styler approved. 

Where
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, about an hour by taxi {$30 usd} from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport {KUL}. Note: Whether you take a cab or the KLIA Ekspres train into town, your journey will be about an hour, especially since reaching most of the city's hotels requires boarding an additional train. For two people, it is about the same price to take a cab or the train. Also note, all cabs charge a nighttime rate {a 50% premium over day rates}.  

When
Only a few degrees north of the equator, the weather in Kuala Lumpur is humid and hot, its heat exaggerated by the traffic and concrete-clad contruction. Expect heavy tropical rainfall in Oct, November and December, and frequent spurts of moisture outside of these months.  

Who/Why
Instead of staying in a bland tower, you're the sultry sanctuary type seeking somewhere small-scale and personalized. Amenities like a lagoon pool with a waterfall, fresh-pressed juices and the resort's watermelon-eating turtle are just bonuses.    

Cost
Rates start around $200/night and include WiFi, glass-bottled water, a drool-worthy breakfast spread, daily canapé delivery and a nightly shuttle to and/from town.

Trip Styler Tip: If you are arriving at the hotel before 8am or after 8pm, make sure to email or call them to ensure someone will be at the front desk when you arrive. 

Photos

Room

The hotel restaurant, Mandi-Mandi

Day beds beside the lagoon pool

The resident turtle {who LOVES watermelon} 

The scene at dusk

Kuala Lumpur's most famous landmark: Patronas Towers, a 25-minute walk from the hotel

More Roam+Board
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Four Seasons Hong Kong
Korakia Pensione - Palm Springs 
La Gazelle d'Or – Morocco
Mandarin Oriental – Las Vegas
Hotel Lone – Croatia
Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay - Lanai

[photos by @tripstyler—except the room and restaurant via the hotel]

Video: Vancouver's Trip Styled Bites, Bevs + Boutiques

[trip style = foodie + urban]

I should feature my hometown of Vancouver, BC more than I do. After all, it's constantly voted one the world's top cities. But alas, this is a travel blog, so I'm often wooed by what's afar versus near. Today this changes.  

Two months ago, my friend and fellow travel aficionado, TravelwithKate, visited Vancouver. As an accomplished videographer {and a fellow Expedia Viewfinder} with a penchant for uber-local travel, we hit the town and she made a video. 

Given our mutual love of food, drinks and shopping, we consumed croissants, clothes, coffee and craft brews at my go-to cafes and shops throughout the Glass City. Here's the play-by-play: 

{Can't view this video?}

Featured Shops + Cafes {in order of appearance}

Beaucoup Bakery
Go here for Vancouver's best baking rolled and meticulously prepared in a white marble-clad space. Whatever you do, make sure you order a peanut butter sandwich cookie—my food nirvana. Address: 2150 Fir St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3B5

Oliver & Lilly’s
Just a one-minute walk from Beaucoup Bakery, stop by this gallery-like boutique for Clare Vivier bags, classic-meets-on-trend pieces from Heidi Merrick and a conversation with gracious store owner, Leighann. Address: 1575 W 6th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6H 3G1

Board of Trade Co.
A seven-minute cab or 20-minute bus ride from Oliver & Lilly's, find Board of Trade Co. on the outskirts of Vancouver's historic Chinatown and the forefront of Vancouver fashion. Here, score killer basics for guys and gals and browse the store's own label, Priority of Ten. Address: 227 Union Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 2B2

Charlie & Lee
Located directly beside Board of Trade Co., Charlie & Lee is a hang-out-worthy shop full of wares for ladies and gents like Filson Luggage, Karen Walker sunglasses and a stunning selection of jewelry. Address: 223 Union St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2B2

Vincent Park
Run by the loveliest sisters in town—who special-order sizes and styles when you need 'em—Vincent Park carries everyday lifestyle pieces that have become my wardrobe staples; think Cheap Monday denim, Jeffrey Campbell shoes and Super sunglasses. Address: 4278 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9

33 Acres Brewing Co.
About 20 blocks north of Vincent Park, 33 Acres is a triple-threat sporting a white-washed space worthy of a Kinfolk photoshoot, craft brews and a menu featuring food collabs with my happy-place cafes all over the city (Matchstick Coffee Roasters, Nelson the Seagull, Bestie, etc.}. Address: 15 W 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1M8

*Google Maps link for all locations listed

[Photo and video via TravelwithKate]

Roam+Board :: Four Seasons Hong Kong

[trip style = luxe + urban + food & wine]

Editor's Note: This R+B is part of a series on my luxury jaunt to Asia. Earlier posts: flying Cathay Pacific's business class, and exploring Hong Kong. 

What
The Four Seasons Hong Kong exists at the cusp of business and pleasure, boasting the streamlined efficiency of a Fortune 500 company and the escapism of a far-flung retreat. Graced with a soothing blend of Asian hospitality and Four Seasons' signature service, I felt at home the minute I walked into the sleek and daylight-drenched lobby.  

Not holding anything back, each room features floor-to-ceiling views and a marble ensuite flaunting fresh flowers and separate spaces to soak and rinse. The pillowy-firm beds, seemingly outfitted for the long-haul traveler, mean sweet dreams quickly overtake jet lag. 

Completely content with the lure of the Spa, Pool Terrace and Michelin-star restaurants, there were moments when I second-guessed walking out the front door into the waterfront metropolis. There's a distinct retreat quality to the urban tower.

Intent on experiencing the hotel with all five senses, every day, I did two things: Swim in the infinity pool perched over Victoria Harbour {pictured above}, and visit the Spa's water therapy circuit, complimentary for guests and the ULTIMATE way reinvigorate the body after flying.

At night, it only seemed fitting to delve deeper into the hotel's global allure and toast the city, where I started dating my husband, at Caprice, home to Asia's largest selection of artisanal French cheese. In the discreet and dark-hued bar-lounge, I sat in a velvet settee with a glass of Bordeaux, a wooden board of cheese and the hope that my trip styled stay could one day be repeated. Trip Styler approved.

Where
In the heart of the Financial District on Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, 25 minutes from the airport via the Airport Express train or 35 minutes by car/taxi.

When
Hong Kong's weather is sweetest in spring and fall when precipitation is at a minimum and temperatures are warm like a West Coast summer.

Who/Why
You're looking to make a splash in Hong Kong, both in the rooftop infinity pool, as well as in the Michelin-starred restaurants.

Cost
Rates start around $545 a night and include free WiFi and access to the Spa's vitality lounge, thalassotherapy pool, steam, infrared sauna. 

Photos

Pool terrace

My room

My bathroom

Bathroom orchids

Tai Chi with master William

Dim sum in Lung King Heen, the world's first three Michelin star restaurant

Caprice Bar

French cheese board at Caprice Bar

Thalassotherapy pool with chi water in the Spa

More Roam+Board
Korakia Pensione - Palm Springs 
La Gazelle d'Or – Morocco
Mandarin Oriental – Las Vegas
Hotel Lone – Croatia
Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay - Lanai

[photos by @tripstyler, except lead image and Caprice Bar via Four Seasons Hong Kong, taken as a guest of the hotel]

Hong Kong

[trip style = luxury + foodie + urban]

Editor's Note: This is the second post in a series I'm writing about my March trip to Asia. Look for continued coverage over the next few posts, and don't miss the first instalment: Vancouver to Hong Kong Business Class. 

Taking an inventory of the 48 hours I spent in Hong Kong, I came to the conclusion I could be writing for days—I mean, how do you summarize Asia's glitziest gateway in a Haiku? There's a saying that goes "two is better than one," so with this, I'll tell you about the city today, and gush about my hotel, the Four Seasons Hong Kong, on Thursday.  

Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart. It's the metropolis where Mr. Trip Styler and I found our spark. We were in China to study international business; neither of us foresaw getting an A+ in Coupling 101.

Fast forward a decade, or so, and the city is precisely how I remember: Highfalutin and polished with a democratic sensibility. Everyone meets on the street. Skyscrapers rule—all 7500+ of them. Neon signs pulse. Beaches abound. And nature isn't that far off {spoiler alert: there's a huge hiking scene}, in fact 80% of Hong Kong is covered in foliage.

While I didn't get to tie up my hiking boots or suntan in the sand—been there, done that and got a sunburn at Repulse Bay—I did get to put on my lucite-rimmed spectacles and explore the art, restaurant and street food scene, as well as make time for one of Hong Kong's fondest pastimes: Shopping {evidenced by the fact that there's a two-month Hong Kong Shopping Festival}. 

F & B
LUNG KING HEEN - It's a crime to visit Hong Kong and not indulge in a traditional dim sum feast. And since you're there, why not ensure China's first three-star Michelin chef prepares it at Lung King Heen in the Four Seasons Hong Kong. My multi-course meal mingling vegetarian hot and sour tofu soup with wontons, and roast Chilean sea bass with sweet fermented bean sauce was exquisite, but it should be noted that my well-traveled friend, Chad, who has lead dining teams at top restaurants around the world, told me Chef Chan Yan Tak's fare is the best dim sum he's ever tasted. 

Vegetarian hot and sour tofu soup with wontons at Lung King Heen. 

YARDBIRD - The new and now tide shifts very quickly in this major metropolis, but one restaurant has remained hot since the day it opened in 2011, Yardbird. Helmed by Chef Matt Abergel who hails from Masa in NYC, Yardbird offers a mod take on yakitori {skewered, grilled chicken}, in a an urban, loft-like environs. Don't miss the inclusion of Portland-based Stumptown coffee in the form of housemade shochu {a Japanese distilled liquor}, or the fact that you can BYO dessert with no cutting fee. 

Yardbird

STREET FOOD - I hit up the Jordan district for my street food fiesta starting with one of Chef Tak's top stops: steamed rice rolls topped in soy sauce, and a peanut and sesame paste. The neutral taste of the rolls subdued the sauce's sweet and salty into luscious perfection making me wish I'd ordered more.

Street food: steamed rice rolls in soy sauce, and a peanut and sesame paste.

FOOD INSTITUTION - Also in Jordan, start your day with scrambled egg and a slice of cheese on thick white toast at the Australian Dairy Company. While this seemingly non-exotic concoction sounds blasé, both the restaurant and the dish have reached cult-status since the proprietor went to work in Australia at a dairy farm, discovered milk's charms, and moved back to bring his pairings to the masses. Pair your scramble with a milk tea, and finish with custard.    

Australian Dairy Company

Shopping
Witness Hong Kong's shopping craze first-hand along Canton Road, home to some of the highest-grossing stores in the world. And in case you're wondering how Dubai got the idea to place skating rinks and such in malls, look no further than Hong Kong, home to awe-inspiring shopping meccas—try Harbour City or IFC Mall—so large, you need a map to navigate. If you're pining for the traditional, browse by the Jade Market for the precious stone in all shapes, sizes and forms. 

Jade Market

Sightseeing
While I love Victoria Peak because it's the one vantage point in town you can actually tower over skyscrapers, one of the best {and most wallet-friendly} ways to see the city is on the Star Ferry, criss-crossing between Kowloon and Hong Kong a zillion times a day. 

Street Scenes

[photos by trip styler (except for Austrlian Dairy Co via Daniel Food Diary) snapped while a guest of Cathay Pacific and Four Seasons Hong Kong]