The Bartesian Experience - Until we travel again

Experience a cozy rainy winter dinner at Café Gilou at The Sands Hotel in Sauble Beach featuring French onion soup mussels mariniere pan fried scallops and chocolate mousse cake.

A winter night in Sauble Beach becomes something special at Gigi’s Dining Series. Our experience at A Night in India featuring Chef Dhrumil Shah with elevated flavours, warm hospitality, and shared plates.

A pride of lions walks calmly along a safari road in Kruger National Park as vehicles pause at a respectful distance.

Some places you visit while travelling stay with you long after you leave. Not because they are polished or modern, but because they carry generations of skill, patience, and pride in every detail. This traditional oxcart workshop in Sarchí, Costa Rica, is one of those places. Sarchí is widely recognized as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s iconic painted oxcarts. Originally built to transport coffee beans from the Central Valley to the coast, these carts became rolling works of art. Over time, they evolved into one of the most recognizable symbols of Costa Rican identity. Walking into this workshop feels less like entering a museum and more like stepping into a living chapter of the country’s history.

A visit to Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and a reflection on wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and the impact of human development.

Over the course of four unforgettable safaris through Kruger National Park, we had the rare opportunity to witness something extraordinary. Elephants simply being elephants. Wild, free, and deeply connected to one another. We stayed at the remarkable Shalati The Train on a Bridge, a luxury lodge uniquely perched over the Sabie River. From our elevated view, we watched herds pass beneath us. Calves stayed close to their mothers while elders stood watch, scanning the horizon with quiet authority. It was here, between early morning game drives and golden hour sightings, that the idea for this short film first took shape. In our new video, Giants of Kruger A Journey with Elephants, we bring together moments captured across all four trips. These are intimate glimpses into the daily lives of these remarkable animals. You will see mothers carefully guiding newborns across dry riverbeds. Young elephants learning to use their trunks through play and trial. Families caring for one another in ways that feel deeply familiar. And the commanding presence of matriarchs leading the herd with calm confidence. What stayed with us most was the elephants’ sense of community. In their world, a calf is never raised alone. Aunties, cousins, and older siblings all play a role in nurturing and protection. Their family structure is built on patience, empathy, and instinctive support. Our time in Kruger reminded us of the power of connection. Between animals. Between people. And between the wild places we all have a responsibility to protect. 📽️ Watch the full video now on YouTube: Giants of Kruger: A Journey with Elephants Whether you are a wildlife lover, dreaming of an African safari, or simply in need of a few quiet minutes in nature, we hope this story stays with you as it has stayed with us.

A refined French dining experience arrives at Sauble Beach. Café Gilou opens at The Sands Hotel, bringing Brittany inspired cuisine, thoughtful cooking, and quiet elegance by the lake.

When most people think of Sauble Beach, they picture sun-soaked summer days, sandy shores, and vibrant beachgoers. But those in the know understand that Sauble Beach transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a completely different kind of adventure—one filled with fresh snowfall, thrilling winter sports, and cozy escapes that make the most of a great Canadian winter.

Last night, the Sauble Sands Hotel welcomed its culinary partner, Clementine’s , a restaurant destined to become the next best addition on Lakeshore. Brought to Sauble by the same talented crew that gave us Heydays at The June Motel—Freddy and Katie Laliberté — Clementine’s drew a packed house of eager guests excited to experience this latest standout destination. The ambiance set the tone for the evening. With window seating, stunning design, and the buzz of lively conversation, the atmosphere struck a perfect balance. Every table was full, the bar seating completely occupied—a clear sign that Sauble is ready for another exceptional dining establishment.