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Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - EXchange Hotel - Hydra - Salad
Food & Drink Travel

Birthday Treats & Luxury Suites in Vancouver

August 15, 2019

Celebrating your birthday with a bang doesn’t have to mean throwing a huge party with all of your friends and family. This year I decided to keep things low key and relaxing with a weekend getaway in Vancouver, checking out the nicest spots and of course indulging in some delicious bites.

Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia
Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia

I knew that I wanted to make this trip extra special by picking the most perfect place to stay. The newly renovated EXchange Hotel offered a luxurious atmosphere without breaking the bank. EXchange promises that guests will experience “history re-imagined” during each visit, and it’s easy to see why. The hotel resides in what was once the home of the original Vancouver Stock Exchange, featuring exquisite details such as marble bathrooms and 20th century artwork, yet also has the honor of being Vancouver’s first LEED™ Platinum Heritage Conversion—that is, it is certified by LEED™ as one of the world’s greenest buildings. This has been achieved through the most innovative technologies including carpet made from recycled plastic bottles and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. You can read more about EXchange’s eco-minded strategy (as well as book a room!) on their website. Unfortunately, I did have one bad experience during my stay at EXchange: When I returned to my room at one point, I discovered there was some money missing from my coat pocket. It’s important during your stay at any hotel to utilize the room safe if there is one (a step I wish I had taken!), or to be mindful of where you’re keeping valuables if a room safe isn’t an option.

Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - EXchange Hotel - Front Desk
Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - EXchange Hotel - Lounge`

Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - EXchange Hotel - Bed
Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - EXchange Hotel

The hotel is also home to Hydra, a new mediterranean restaurant that is a perfect spot for lunch or dinner whether you’re a guest of EXchange or staying somewhere else in town and looking for a trendy spot to eat and drink. Serving the freshest fish, tender chicken and lamb platters, and tasty shareable sides, Hydra focuses on serving food family style so that you can try a little bit of everything. Some highlights from the menu include the forno roasted whole leg of lamb, spanakopita (or traditional spinach & feta pie), and the “Chill Platter” featuring prawns, oysters, ceviche, sashimi, pickled octopus, tartare, and accoutrements. If you’re not looking for a huge meal but would like a taste of Greece during happy hour of pre-dinner drinks, the Hydra Bar offers bite size portions of some of guests favorite foods along with an extensive list of specialty cocktails. In addition to the delectable food and refreshing drinks, I loved the bright and elegant atmosphere it provided—the perfect way to kickstart a weekend of celebrations!

Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - EXchange Hotel - Hydra
Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - EXchange Hotel - Hydra - Chicken

Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - EXchange Hotel - Hydra - Pita
Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - EXchange Hotel - Hydra - Salad

It wouldn’t be a perfect weekend away without a great brunch to kickoff our first full day in Vancouver. Honey Salt (located inside Parq Casino) boasts an atmosphere of “classic comfort with a relaxed sophistication,” which is evident through its menu filled with sweet and savory delights including monkey bread for the table, sweet potato pancakes, waffles with berries (my personal recommendation), smoked salmon, avocado toast, and steak and eggs. What sets Honey Salt apart from other brunch hot spots—aside from its farm-to-table locally sourced fare and large variety of offerings—is its make your own caesar cart. You may be thinking of a caesar salad, but this station is actually for caesar cocktails, which are similar to bloody mary’s but include clam broth. A Canadian favorite at brunch time!

Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - Parq Hotel - Honey Salt - Brunch - Sultan Sandur - Design
Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - Parq Hotel - Honey Salt - Brunch - Sultan Sandur

Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - Parq Hotel - Honey Salt - Brunch - Sultan Sandur - Cocktail
Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - Parq Hotel - Honey Salt - Brunch - Waffles

Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - Parq Hotel - Honey Salt - Brunch - Sultan Sandur - Build Your Own Caesar
Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - Parq Hotel - Honey Salt - Brunch - Flat lay

The rest of the weekend was spent sightseeing in all of the best spots that Vancouver has to offer. From the amazing high end luxury shopping (I stopped in at Hermès—it was my birthday, after all!) to the beautiful waterfront scene best enjoyed at Canada Place, our trip balanced the perfect amount of relaxing, indulging, and just admiring the world around us. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown and Stanley Park in the West End both provide beautiful backdrops to walk around and admire the scenery.

Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - Bridge - View
Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - View

Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - Stanley Park
Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - Totems - Stanley Park

Lastly, I would be remiss not to mention my favorite dessert of this birthday weekend, which was an artisan ice cream sandwich at Mister. This community-focused ice cream shop uses ingredients from local farmers combined with liquid nitrogen to create a richer, creamier, and denser product that was absolutely delicious. It was truly the sweetest way to celebrate!

Vancouver - Canada - British Columbia - Mister Ice Cream

Have you ever taken a vacation for you birthday in lieu of a party? Tell me where you went in the comments below!

 

 

TAGS:birthdayBritish ColumbiaTravelVancouverVancouver BCVancouver Restaurants
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My name is Sultan and I am a POC content creator from Canada who is here to provide a diverse and fresh perspective. I am a dapper globetrotter, curious epicurean & killer storyteller. I created this site to serve daydreamers + trendsetters with lifestyle goodness, advice, and inspiration.

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Surrey Spice Trail: 5 stops. 5 moods. 1 delicious + local adventure. 🌶️ 

The Surrey Spice Trail is a curated collection of restaurants that highlight the bold, diverse, and evolving food culture in Surrey.

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Surrey Spice Trail: 5 stops. 5 moods. 1 delicious + local adventure. 🌶️ The Surrey Spice Trail is a curated collection of restaurants that highlight the bold, diverse, and evolving food culture in Surrey. 1️⃣ @GupshupSocialLounge is the fun extrovert. Loud, playful, and full of Indo-fusion snacks. 2️⃣ @CloveTheArtOfDining is the artistic perfectionist. French-plated finesse, global flavours, and standout cocktails. 3️⃣ @MaharajaHospitality is timeless glam. Elevated North Indian classics, warm lighting, and hotel-lobby elegance. 4️⃣ @TokyoMithaiwala.ca is the soft girl with an edge. Desi-style high tea, mithai parfaits, and a holiday thandai. 5️⃣ @64_Sweets is the reliable one. No-fuss, all flavour, and always hits the spot. Bonus 6️⃣ @WeAreCivicHotel is the calm after the spice. This is where I stayed, unwound, and watched the city glow from floor-to-ceiling windows. I love how the Surrey Spice Trail is all about eating local, supporting independent kitchens, and exploring everything from fusion street food to elegant fine dining. Save this for your next food crawl and tag your crew to plan it with you. @DiscoverSurreyBC #SurreySpiceTrail #surreybc🇨🇦 #surreybccanada #surreypind #discoversurreybc #surreyfoodies
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Civic called and said stay elevated.
A weekend @WeAreCivicHotel, Autograph Collection gave luxury, location, and a little main character energy. Between the floor-to-ceiling windows, brunch in bed, and front-row views of the @letshearitbc festival, this wasn’t just a stay—it was a whole vibe. Bonus points for enough hangers, a supportive desk chair (my back said thank you), and room service that actually slaps. Surrey, I see you.

#CivicHotelSurrey #SurreyStaycation #AutographCollection #DiscoverSurrey @marriottbonvoy #hosted @discoversurreybc
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Adding ‘cake decorator’ to my resume after this. 🎂👩‍🍳 Had the sweetest time at @thesweetspot.xxo’s cake decorating class at Yew Street Food Hall—and let me tell you, my cake got a serious glow-up! ✨ Chef Amanda is a total pro—so patient, so creative, and her cakes? Next level. If you’re in Kamloops and need custom cakes or sugar cookies, she’s your go-to. 🍰💖

Oh, and while I was there, I finally tried Taco Alley at @yewstreetfoodhall—taco ‘bout a masterpiece. 🌮🔥

#TheSweetSpotXXO #kamloopseats #kamloopscakes #kamloopsbcnow #kamloopssmallbusiness #kamloopsphotographer #ykastrong #yewstreetfoodhall
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Adding ‘cake decorator’ to my resume after this. 🎂👩‍🍳 Had the sweetest time at @thesweetspot.xxo’s cake decorating class at Yew Street Food Hall—and let me tell you, my cake got a serious glow-up! ✨ Chef Amanda is a total pro—so patient, so creative, and her cakes? Next level. If you’re in Kamloops and need custom cakes or sugar cookies, she’s your go-to. 🍰💖 Oh, and while I was there, I finally tried Taco Alley at @yewstreetfoodhall—taco ‘bout a masterpiece. 🌮🔥 #TheSweetSpotXXO #kamloopseats #kamloopscakes #kamloopsbcnow #kamloopssmallbusiness #kamloopsphotographer #ykastrong #yewstreetfoodhall
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Finally, a spot in Kamloops that gets it.🔥 @maaza.kitchen 

I was invited to the grand opening of Maaza Indian Kitchen & Bar last weekend, and let’s just say—this place understood the assignment. The bold North Indian flavors, the Indo-Chinese heat, and the vibe? All on point.

The food was a full experience. The Veggie Manchurian was crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor. The Chilli Chicken brought the perfect kick, and the Chicken Kebabs were smoky, juicy, and unreal. But the real scene-stealer? The Lamb Sizzler Platter—steaming, sizzling, and demanding all the attention.🔥

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📍 Downtown Kamloops | TRU students get 15% off

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justsultanto
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Finally, a spot in Kamloops that gets it.🔥 @maaza.kitchen I was invited to the grand opening of Maaza Indian Kitchen & Bar last weekend, and let’s just say—this place understood the assignment. The bold North Indian flavors, the Indo-Chinese heat, and the vibe? All on point. The food was a full experience. The Veggie Manchurian was crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor. The Chilli Chicken brought the perfect kick, and the Chicken Kebabs were smoky, juicy, and unreal. But the real scene-stealer? The Lamb Sizzler Platter—steaming, sizzling, and demanding all the attention.🔥 And the best part? Maaza is about to become even more of a vibe with live music on Saturdays. Kamloops, we needed this. 📍 Downtown Kamloops | TRU students get 15% off #MaazaKamloops #KamloopsBCnow #ykastrong #KamloopsLife
3 months ago
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4/4
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Surrey Spice Trail: 5 stops. 5 moods. 1 delicious + local adventure. 🌶️ 

The Surrey Spice Trail is a curated collection of restaurants that highlight the bold, diverse, and evolving food culture in Surrey.

1️⃣ @GupshupSocialLounge is the fun extrovert. Loud, playful, and full of Indo-fusion snacks.

2️⃣ @CloveTheArtOfDining is the artistic perfectionist. French-plated finesse, global flavours, and standout cocktails.

3️⃣ @MaharajaHospitality is timeless glam. Elevated North Indian classics, warm lighting, and hotel-lobby elegance.

4️⃣ @TokyoMithaiwala.ca is the soft girl with an edge. Desi-style high tea, mithai parfaits, and a holiday thandai.

5️⃣ @64_Sweets is the reliable one. No-fuss, all flavour, and always hits the spot.

Bonus 6️⃣ @WeAreCivicHotel is the calm after the spice. This is where I stayed, unwound, and watched the city glow from floor-to-ceiling windows.

I love how the Surrey Spice Trail is all about eating local, supporting independent kitchens, and exploring everything from fusion street food to elegant fine dining.

Save this for your next food crawl and tag your crew to plan it with you.

@DiscoverSurreyBC #SurreySpiceTrail #surreybc🇨🇦 #surreybccanada #surreypind #discoversurreybc #surreyfoodies
justsultanto
justsultanto
•
Follow
Surrey Spice Trail: 5 stops. 5 moods. 1 delicious + local adventure. 🌶️ The Surrey Spice Trail is a curated collection of restaurants that highlight the bold, diverse, and evolving food culture in Surrey. 1️⃣ @GupshupSocialLounge is the fun extrovert. Loud, playful, and full of Indo-fusion snacks. 2️⃣ @CloveTheArtOfDining is the artistic perfectionist. French-plated finesse, global flavours, and standout cocktails. 3️⃣ @MaharajaHospitality is timeless glam. Elevated North Indian classics, warm lighting, and hotel-lobby elegance. 4️⃣ @TokyoMithaiwala.ca is the soft girl with an edge. Desi-style high tea, mithai parfaits, and a holiday thandai. 5️⃣ @64_Sweets is the reliable one. No-fuss, all flavour, and always hits the spot. Bonus 6️⃣ @WeAreCivicHotel is the calm after the spice. This is where I stayed, unwound, and watched the city glow from floor-to-ceiling windows. I love how the Surrey Spice Trail is all about eating local, supporting independent kitchens, and exploring everything from fusion street food to elegant fine dining. Save this for your next food crawl and tag your crew to plan it with you. @DiscoverSurreyBC #SurreySpiceTrail #surreybc🇨🇦 #surreybccanada #surreypind #discoversurreybc #surreyfoodies
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
Civic called and said stay elevated.
A weekend @WeAreCivicHotel, Autograph Collection gave luxury, location, and a little main character energy. Between the floor-to-ceiling windows, brunch in bed, and front-row views of the @letshearitbc festival, this wasn’t just a stay—it was a whole vibe. Bonus points for enough hangers, a supportive desk chair (my back said thank you), and room service that actually slaps. Surrey, I see you.

#CivicHotelSurrey #SurreyStaycation #AutographCollection #DiscoverSurrey @marriottbonvoy #hosted @discoversurreybc
justsultanto
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•
Follow
Civic called and said stay elevated. A weekend @WeAreCivicHotel, Autograph Collection gave luxury, location, and a little main character energy. Between the floor-to-ceiling windows, brunch in bed, and front-row views of the @letshearitbc festival, this wasn’t just a stay—it was a whole vibe. Bonus points for enough hangers, a supportive desk chair (my back said thank you), and room service that actually slaps. Surrey, I see you. #CivicHotelSurrey #SurreyStaycation #AutographCollection #DiscoverSurrey @marriottbonvoy #hosted @discoversurreybc
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
Adding ‘cake decorator’ to my resume after this. 🎂👩‍🍳 Had the sweetest time at @thesweetspot.xxo’s cake decorating class at Yew Street Food Hall—and let me tell you, my cake got a serious glow-up! ✨ Chef Amanda is a total pro—so patient, so creative, and her cakes? Next level. If you’re in Kamloops and need custom cakes or sugar cookies, she’s your go-to. 🍰💖

Oh, and while I was there, I finally tried Taco Alley at @yewstreetfoodhall—taco ‘bout a masterpiece. 🌮🔥

#TheSweetSpotXXO #kamloopseats #kamloopscakes #kamloopsbcnow #kamloopssmallbusiness #kamloopsphotographer #ykastrong #yewstreetfoodhall
justsultanto
justsultanto
•
Follow
Adding ‘cake decorator’ to my resume after this. 🎂👩‍🍳 Had the sweetest time at @thesweetspot.xxo’s cake decorating class at Yew Street Food Hall—and let me tell you, my cake got a serious glow-up! ✨ Chef Amanda is a total pro—so patient, so creative, and her cakes? Next level. If you’re in Kamloops and need custom cakes or sugar cookies, she’s your go-to. 🍰💖 Oh, and while I was there, I finally tried Taco Alley at @yewstreetfoodhall—taco ‘bout a masterpiece. 🌮🔥 #TheSweetSpotXXO #kamloopseats #kamloopscakes #kamloopsbcnow #kamloopssmallbusiness #kamloopsphotographer #ykastrong #yewstreetfoodhall
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
Finally, a spot in Kamloops that gets it.🔥 @maaza.kitchen 

I was invited to the grand opening of Maaza Indian Kitchen & Bar last weekend, and let’s just say—this place understood the assignment. The bold North Indian flavors, the Indo-Chinese heat, and the vibe? All on point.

The food was a full experience. The Veggie Manchurian was crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor. The Chilli Chicken brought the perfect kick, and the Chicken Kebabs were smoky, juicy, and unreal. But the real scene-stealer? The Lamb Sizzler Platter—steaming, sizzling, and demanding all the attention.🔥

And the best part? Maaza is about to become even more of a vibe with live music on Saturdays. Kamloops, we needed this.

📍 Downtown Kamloops | TRU students get 15% off

#MaazaKamloops #KamloopsBCnow  #ykastrong #KamloopsLife
justsultanto
justsultanto
•
Follow
Finally, a spot in Kamloops that gets it.🔥 @maaza.kitchen I was invited to the grand opening of Maaza Indian Kitchen & Bar last weekend, and let’s just say—this place understood the assignment. The bold North Indian flavors, the Indo-Chinese heat, and the vibe? All on point. The food was a full experience. The Veggie Manchurian was crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor. The Chilli Chicken brought the perfect kick, and the Chicken Kebabs were smoky, juicy, and unreal. But the real scene-stealer? The Lamb Sizzler Platter—steaming, sizzling, and demanding all the attention.🔥 And the best part? Maaza is about to become even more of a vibe with live music on Saturdays. Kamloops, we needed this. 📍 Downtown Kamloops | TRU students get 15% off #MaazaKamloops #KamloopsBCnow #ykastrong #KamloopsLife
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
Stop chasing dreams and start living them. ✨ @OSHhotel Cartagena is giving ‘if you know, you know’ energy. Poolside grooves, DJ drops, and unmatched vibes. It’s the kind of place that turns drinks into moments.🍹✨ @jhonruizdj #cartagenacolombia🇨🇴 #poolsideparadise #canadiantraveller #colombiaviajes
justsultanto
justsultanto
•
Follow
Stop chasing dreams and start living them. ✨ @OSHhotel Cartagena is giving ‘if you know, you know’ energy. Poolside grooves, DJ drops, and unmatched vibes. It’s the kind of place that turns drinks into moments.🍹✨ @jhonruizdj #cartagenacolombia🇨🇴 #poolsideparadise #canadiantraveller #colombiaviajes
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/5
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