100 Things We Love: Part 4
It’s the second last edition of our 100 things we love, celebrating our 100th newsletter. Here we cover number 40 down to 21.
40. The Boatshed on Waiheke Island—Just a short ferry ride away from Auckland, New Zealand’s capital, The Boatshed is a tiny retreat we’ve loved for years. In fact, our New Zealand planner, Mike, is staying there right now.
39. The Spotted Pig—Our brother in name, this New York restaurant is more than just a cute sign. It’s a gastropub that’s well worth the (inevitable) wait.
38. Pain au chocolat—This is where our French side comes out. And our sweet tooth. If you ever have a breakfast meeting at our office, now you know the direct route to our hearts.
37. Djemaa el Fna Square—If you’re a people watcher, this is the ultimate location to stop and stare. In the centre of Marrakech’s bustling medina, Djemaa el Fna is nothing short of a daily circus. It must be seen to be believed.
36. Rawla Narlai—In a small rural town between Jodhpur and Udaipur, there is a magical hotel where we’ve been known to take refuge when India gets too overwhelming. If you don’t believe us, ask Mick Jagger, he can vouch for it.
35. Podere il Casale—Just outside of Pienza, Italy, there is a small, organic farm where you’ll be fed home-cooked Tuscan dishes until the cows (or donkeys, sheep, goats and pigs) come home.
34. Our tickle trunk—Since yesterday was Mr. Dressup’s birthday, it’s only fitting to give a nod to our very own office tickle trunk. The many costumes come in handy when we need a Halloween disguise or we’re auditioning for a new international dance troupe.
33. PEI Oysters—Some things are just better closer to home. We’d never turn down fresh oysters from any part of the world, but on the beach in Prince Edward Island, they just seem to taste better than anywhere else.
32. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust—The preservation of all Africa’s endangered species is not to be taken lightly. Your afternoon hanging out with the orphaned elephant or rhino you adopt, however, is.
31. Minaret Station—New Zealand’s scenery doesn’t get much more epic that this. Arrive by helicopter only to New Zealand’s first tented luxury lodge, nestled among the mountains. Then try to remember to call to tell us how much you love us.
30. Beaches—We just love them. Each and every one of them. Maybe it has something to do with our landlocked (and wintry) Toronto office.
29. Vintage tractors—Sure we love our technology over here, but we also have a weakness for all things old-timey. Thankfully, the summer fairs in small French towns know just how to hit the spot.
28. Remodelista—A love of hotel design means home decor isn’t far behind. Remodelista gives us our daily fix of design ideas, and often means someone’s bringing out the hammer in the TP office.
27. Pack for a Purpose—A little extra space in your suitcase (come on, you can do it) can make a big difference to charities around the world. Check out Pack for a Purpose before you depart to see what’s needed where you’re headed.
26. Haven in Paris—Why stay in a hotel room when you could be relaxing in your own villa or apartment? These lovely folks are our private rental experts in Paris.
25. Impostors—What’s in a name? Well, sometimes a lot of prestige. Unless you’re the restaurant or hotel ripping off someone else’s trademark. In which case, we still love you, because you make us laugh.
24. Secret hole-in-the-wall restaurants—In our opinion, a restaurant has achieved its pinnacle when dining there feels like eating at the home of a local family. There’s a certain gentleman named Marko who lives (and cooks) on an island in Croatia; we urge you to take him on as an adopted father.
23. Underwater photography—The only thing that could make us more photography obsessed than we already are is to add a waterproof casing to our camera. You could be the next National Geographic photographer and you don’t even know it.
22. Kiva—We were once a teeny tiny business working out of a car (changing location frequently helped us steal, ahem, borrow, wifi signals), so we love seeing other entrepreneurs the world over receive loans that will change their lives. You can pitch in with just $25.
21. Swimming with whale sharks—Bust out that underwater camera right about now—these gentle giants take the fear out of swimming with the sharks. It’s all awe, all the time.
Check out parts 1, 2 and 3 of the 100 things we love, and check back tomorrow for our final 20 picks on the list.
