Hello Darlings, The beauty, history and elegance of Europe is simply calling my name. As much as I would love to put my life on hold and take a month-long European vacation, but sadly, it’s hard to get enough time off with my schedule. Between the meeting, shoots and events the closest that I will get to Europe right now is browsing Instagram or Google Maps.

Since Quebec is probably as close to Europe as one can get without leaving the country, I opted for the next best thing: a short trip to Montreal. A city I called once a home and an escape that I love to indulge in every few months. This time around I had the pleasure to stay at Montreal's historic pride and joy, the stunning Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The crown jewel recently underwent a $200 million restoration, which included enhancing many of the existing features and adding a new residential wing, led by the city’s local architects, Provencher Roy & Associés.

The Ritz-Carlton has been Montreal’s most glamorous destination since it was built in 1912 with royalty regularly frequenting and Elizabeth Taylor getting hitched withR Richard Burton. From the get-go, the founders wanted the hotel to be associated with luxury and exclusivity: they convinced Cesar Ritz, the founder and owner of the famous Ritz hotels in Paris and London, to let them use his name in the building’s title for $25,000 and under the conditions that there was a kitchen on every floor, a bathroom in every room, and that the hotel would offer ‘round the clock valet and concierge services.

Today, they offer a whole array of five-star amenities like their Mason Boulud restaurant, owned by internationally known Chef Daniel Boulud, and their new Dom Perignon champagne bar! The champagne bar is one of the hotel’s newest additions, and the first in Canada. The extensive drink menu is overwhelming, offering signature cocktails, spirits and wines, and champagnes that is sure to delight any taste pallet. The ambience is charming with regal appeal and indulgent appeal. From the lobby champagne delights to Luminosity Restoring Oxygenating Facial and the luxurious Spa St. James, it's a great weekend of indulgence. After an incredible summer, nothing prepares a girl for fall like spoiling herself to a weekend of indulgence.

The Ritz is so lavishly decorated that I was impressed to learn they’re eco-friendly and were granted a “Green Hotels Global” certificate in 2013. Let’s face it, luxury is seldom associated with going green. For starters, the lighting and temperature are regulated according to season and hotel occupancy, and can remember each guest’s room temperature preferences. The hotel’s indoor rooftop swimming pool is salt water (which is great for your hair, btw!) and uses reclaimed energy to stay heated.

One of my favourite features was the hotel’s wake up call service: when guests request a wakeup call, they’re offered a coffee, which is brought right up to their room! Also the concierge service is sure to please any whim or craving from last minute restaurant reservations, to night club arrangements and to the best bars in the city they got you covered. Just let them help you out with the itinerary and enjoy the hassle free stay. The Ritz-Carlton’s amenities and staff really do go above and beyond to provide the utmost comfort and upscale experience for their guests, and felt me feel like goddess.

With Love...

Marta