Heading off to the red carpet during TIFF? Or want to just live the experience? You can get TIFF ready all in one spot. A-listers like George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are rumoured to be calling The Ritz-Carlton Hotel home base during TIFF. But you don’t have to be an overnight guest to gain access into the hotel and have a little deserving indulgence!
PAMPER: Book into the Ritz-Carlton Hotel’s gorgeous spa. The TIFF Ready, Breathe, Glow package has been designed with the celebrity in mind but you too can book it (includes private yoga session) for $1000+. The men’s package Take 5 is also available for $300+. And by the way, ask for Elizabeth, she’s voted for the best facial in Toronto! Their products are all Canadian sourced including seaweed farmed from BC, Sage from Quebec, and Lavender from the Niagara region. They also use skin care products sources from Toronto brand Euoko. Their blissful massages incorporate hand-crafted scents by Canadian Aromatherapist, Marina Featherstone. But you can stretch an afternoon by booking a couple of treatments and enjoy some time relaxing in their sanctuary, lounge, sauna/steam rooms, city view pool or book into a yoga session. Or make a romantic weekend of it and get the couples treatment room for a Cloud 9 Massage for two. Very romantic! If you need to relax and focus, Alexandra Leikermoser is the Yogagurl’s studio director. Ask for her unique chocolate yoga session…doesn’t that sound intriguing?
PUCKER UP: If you’re like me and don’t know how to really put together your hair & make up, book into the Beauty Bar and Hair Salon where the staff have been personally selected by JACKIE GIDEON, a make-up artist who is well-known and respected in the magazine and fashion world. Her award winning touch and amazing philosophy in life transcends into her work. Jackie believes make-up isn’t indulgence but a tool to empower women. Her staff is well-trained in her direction for enhancing each person’s features. And beauty tip: if you’re going bold, bright lips then soften your eyes. OR the opposite, go dramatic with eyes and then lighter or nude on the lips. Both will give a fresher approach.
PRIMP- If you don’t have a party dress, you’re in luck! During TIFF, Canadian Designer, DIANE KROE, has set up her trunk show right in the spa boutique where you can pick up a gorgeous red carpet ready outfit. Known for her versatile bubble dress, Diane is a very hands-on designer that will fit you into one of her designs. As a mother herself, she considers the ease and transition of her design lines and fabrics. Diane began in the fashion world at the age of 18 and has studied fashion arts at Ryerson University as in Bologna, Italy.
PRE-PARTY: Who actually eats during TIFF? If you’re doing the TIFF party circuit chances are you don’t have too much time to eat. Best thing to do is grab a light bite to eat at the DEQ Lounge. If it’s nice out, head out to their secluded outdoor patio. This lounge is a favourite amongst celebrities because of the intimate setting. Order one of their TIFF signature cocktails! Late, like past midnight late, you have a good chance of seeing some stars and not just those in the sky!
POST-PARTY: After all the screenings and schmoozing you may want to head over to TOCA restaurant and bar. Head Chef TOM BRODI has created a delicious late nite menu for guests to enjoy. They also have a proscuitto station in the Ritz!
If you do happen to be chillaxing poolside with George or Brad remember that the hotel has strict policies of camera usage. No photos are allowed without permission at anytime. And don’t ask the staff if any celebrities are there. Like all the upscale hotels the staff are not permitted to say. But tweet me if you spot anyone okay?
It definitely feels comfortable from the moment you walk into the lobby. The feeling of “I have arrived” is reflected in the Canadiana theme that carries through in every element of the hotel, spa and restaurants. The Ritz-Carlton Toronto has definitely shown the world that “Canada has arrived” and has graciously taken its place in the world of design. The hotel does a brilliant showcase of what Canada has to offer.
Follow Sonya as the Toronto International Film Festival 2011 (TIFF) mayhem collides with back to school. This mom of two boys dubs herself as “the right place, right time gal” and will be hitting the circuit running from movie screenings to events for our readers. Sonya will get chatty with tweeps and peeps in the industry and report on celebrity sightings. Who knows…she may be able to swing some swag for our readers! Follow us on twitter and facebook to find out! @sdhypertweets @urbanmomsca #TIFFmoms
The Ritz looks really REALLY nice!!!!! Maybe I can convince my hubby to take me there for a romantic weekend!