The greenest city in the U.S. is a perfect mix of laid-back cool and thrilling buzz. An ideal weekend getaway, here are our picks for the City of Roses.

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The Nines is a chic space with an impressive modern art collection.You may find yourself sharing the elevator with one of the L.A. Lakers at this downtown hotel that’s popular among the It crowd. From $159 per night. The Nines, 525 SW Morrison, Portland, 1-877-229-9995, www.thenines.com

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A graduate of the Parsons School of Design, Portland-based Modi Soondarotok worked for Peter Som, Donna Karan and Armani before launching Idom, her line of colourful, vintage-inspired pieces. We swooned over every dress at her charming boutique.  Idom, 827 NW 23rd Ave. Portland, 503-477-6818, www.idomdesigns.com

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Named as one of the “Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America” by GQ, Ping lives up to the hype. Its menu is packed with mouth-watering “multi-Asian” fare. Start with a selection of the skewers (from $2) and you'll be dreaming about the laksa nonya coconut noodle soup ($12) long after the last bite. Ping, 102 NW Fourth Ave., Portland, 503-229-7464, www.pingpdx.com

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Portland is known for its coffee fanaticism and Stumptown Coffee Roasters indeed serves one of the best cups we’ve ever had. Stumptown Coffee Roasters, www.stumptowncoffee.com

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When it’s time for a stronger bevy, head to the Doug Fir Lounge where you’ll find hipsters of all ages listening to live acts like Sloan or St. Vincent while enjoying local brews. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 East Burnside, Portland, 503-231-9663, www.dougfirlounge.com

Confusion is the name of the game these days when it comes to carry-on luggage, so opt for the Lug Side-Kick Excursion Pack ($42).

Small enough to fit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority guidelines on what is an acceptable small purse, the pack has a removable zippered pouch for cash inside and pockets on the front, back and side to store your smaller items.

There are inner pockets for electronics and the side of the pack has a hidden water bottle pocket for the H2O you purchase post-security, of course. The adjustable strap can be worn across your body or around your waist like a fanny pack.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

At Land and Sea, 317 Seventh Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-264-9866, www.landandseagifts.com

Sure spring break used to mean cheap trips to Mexico with the girls, too many tequila poppers and questionable hookups with frat boys from a fly-over state.

For a more civilized spring break, book into The Modage, a charming and spacious townhouse in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood. Made for a family-size entourage, the eclectic and modern space has two bedrooms, a den, two-and-a-half baths (no screaming matches over the shower!) and sleeps six.

The eclectic and colourful decor mixes vintage pieces with modern must-haves (like flat screen TVs and free internet), and little add-ons like baby equipment rentals and ready-to-cook gourmet meals from Indishspensable make traveling with the clan easy breezy.

Break out the tequila!

For rates and Olympic booking inquiries visit www.modagevancouvervacationrentals.com

Sometimes charm trumps square footage. Herewith, our favourite boutique hotels.

With gold-leaf mahogany beds, French tapestries and Louis XV-glam, it’s impossible not to get the lovey doveys at Auberge Pierre du Calvet. Built in 1725, celeb fans include Aidan Quinn and Benjamin Franklin. From $295, www.pierreducalvet.ca
Marianne Wisenthal, Montreal editor

The perfect hotel for party people and culture vultures, Toronto’s Drake Hotel hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. In fact, it’s hipper than ever with ‘What’s in the Box,’ a Boxing Week music festival that celebrates the best of 2009. Five bands, five nights, five bucks. From $189, www.thedrakehotel.ca
Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor

The 15-room Hotel Deseo in Playa Del Carmen is beachy minimalism at its best. And it’s the little touches that make it magical, like classic Mexican movies projected on the exterior wall and the phrase ‘away from you’ that reflects up from the bottom of the pool. From US$178, www.hoteldeseo.com
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor

For understated luxury check into the Hotel Raya on Italy’s Aeolian Islands. Playing briscola and sipping Campari on a whitewashed terrace at sunset is pure bliss. From $450, www.hotelraya.it
Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor

For its warm ambiance and fine design, Le Petite Hotel is an ideal spot to hide away and forget about the world with your man. From $140, www.petithotelmontreal.com
Elsa Vecchi, Montreal editor

Trade winter’s chills for sunny thrills with our luxe (for less bucks) itinerary.

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With up to 1,900 square feet, a new private villa at The Hyatt Grand Champions may be bigger than your apartment—only it's got butler service, an outdoor Jaccuzzi, and mountain views. Two bedroom villa from $409, www.grandchampions.hyatt.com

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Explore the romantic grounds of La Quinta, a 1920s health ranch turned hotel (note the casita where Frank Capra wrote You Can’t Take It With You). Sit outside at the authentic Mexican Adobe Grill and sip one of their famous organic margaritas. It’s good for you, really. www.laquintaresort.com

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Plan to spend the whole day at the Spa at Desert Springs, with its own outdoor saltwater lap pool and loungers overlooking the golf course and mountains. Listen to classical music and order a light lunch from the spa restaurant between trips to the two steam rooms and spa treatments using local dates and cacti. www.spa.desertspringsresort.com

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Grab the girls and attend one of the daily $20 golf clinics at the soothing and scenic Westin Mission Hills. The strapping pros have the patience of Job as you hit dead air or divot their green, but it’s amazing how quickly you can improve with their simple pointers. www.westinmissionhillsgolf.com

Looking for more luxe for less bucks? Check out our recent Palm Springs itinerary.

Grab your bikini and your besties, we’re off to Palm Springs for a retro retreat!

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The Parker is where Angelina lays her head come film fest, noshing at French brasserie Mister Parker’s and perhaps bowling on the pea gravel boules court near the “adult” lemonade stand. Boasting a stately spa called the Palm Springs Yacht Club (PSYC) in Givenchy’s old haunt, this luxe, sprawling property feels more like the private estate it once was. “Parker Princesses” rate from $99. 4200 East Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760-321-4620, www.theparkerpalmsprings.com

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Art Style Innovation is a brand new design store opened by the L.A. event design duo behind The Oscars and Grammys. Find stunning creations in every shade of acrylic imaginable (think transparent fluorescent trays and vases) plus custom chairs that turn your house into gala central. 668 North Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760-322-3344,  www.artstyleinnovation.com

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Stock up on Minnetonka Moccasins at amazing prices ($25-$50) but beware the Japanese girls buying 20 pairs at a time. This season’s hot style is the “Tramper.” 182 North Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, 760-320-2339.

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Rent a beach cruiser from the new Bike Palm Springs and follow one of their free touring routes or explore the surrounding movie colony neighbourhood where mid-century star-chitecture abounds. Look for Frank Sinatra’s estate (now owned by Vancouver’s Jimmy Pattison). $25/day. 625 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-832-8912, www.bikepsrentals.com

The City of Bridges, or Toon Town as it’s affectionately called by locals, Saskatoon is enjoying a rebirth of cool with an invasion of young entrepreneurs who are making their hometown hip again.

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Take in a slice of Saskatoon history at Hotel Senator, the downtown haunt built in1908, rich with charm from bygone eras. Location is key as the hotel is only minutes away from the river and plenty of restaurants, pubs and lounges. From $100, Hotel Senator, 243 21st St. E, Saskatoon, 306-244-6141, www.hotelsenator.ca

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Head downtown to Dekan Clothing where it’s a mix of local designers and vintage, including tartan Vivienne Westwood blazers, loose Valentino frocks and bright tanks by Oscar de la Renta. Dekan Clothing, 214 First St. South, Saskatoon, 306-979-0299.

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The new Scratch Nightclub is creating quite the buzz with weekend line-ups down the street and a packed house filled with pretty young things showing their dance moves to the sounds of local and guest DJs including Calgary’s Smalltown DJs, Saskatoon’s The Gaff and Charly Hustle. Scratch, 215 Second Ave. S, Saskatoon, 306-477-3070.

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Famous for its delectable ready-to-go meals for busy Saskatonians, Sous Chef’s new second location downtown serves daily hot lunches like chicken parmigiana and beef brisket. 2-157 Second Ave. North, 306-664-3434, www.souschef.ca

With its hot climate and even hotter club nights, we had no problem getting friendly with Miami Beach.

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Clad in red, white and baby blue, a stylish suite at the Townhouse Hotel puts you steps from South Beach at a sweet price. Its cool touches like mini beach balls on the beds, bicycle rentals and a spacious rooftop terrace for daytime sunning and nighttime revelry make it a hot home base. From $95 a night, Townhouse Hotel, 150 20th St., Miami Beach, 305-534-3800, www.townhousehotel.com

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Once you’re done lounging up top, simply head downstairs to the BondSt Lounge. The Miami outpost of the lauded Manhattan resto by the same name serves up sushi and sashimi, like lobster tempura with yellow tomato dressing and chive oil, to satisfy your sea cravings. BondSt, 150 20th St., Miami Beach, 305-398-1806, www.townhousehotel.com/bond.asp

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With an abundance of design stores, we’d advise bringing back something to adorn your own townhouse. At Jonathan Adler, one of our faves, score whimsical white pottery, or a witty pink piece from his new Barbie-inspired collection. Jonathan Adler, 1024 Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach, 305-534-5600, www.jonathanadler.com

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Jump headfirst into the city’s opulent, glamorous nightlife at The Florida Room. The modern-day piano lounge designed by Lenny Kravitz, which boasts a Lucite Grand (a replica of the one Lenny has at home) and a roster of international DJs, kept us dancing till the wee hours of the morn (4 a.m. to be exact). The Florida Room at the Delano Hotel, 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-6152, www.delano-hotel.com

The sand is tinged with specks of pink coral and the houses are painted lilac, yellow and aquamarine. With its lush green vegetation and crystal blue waters, colour reigns on the island of Bermuda.

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The new Tucker’s Point Resort oozes colonial charm. Large, airy rooms are decorated in bold florals, soft stripes and pastel ginghams. Sip Rum Swizzles poolside, play crocket or have your fingers and toes painted pink at the spa. From US$300 a night, 60 Tucker’s Point Dr., Hamilton Parish, Bermuda, 441-298-4000, www.tuckerspoint.com

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Rent a scooter and explore the island’s glorious beaches; Horseshoe Bay, Elbow Beach and John Smith’s Bay are the best along South Shore for powder-soft sand and stunning waters. Tobacco Bay near St George’s is good for snorkelling.

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The Lobster Pot (6 Bermudiana Rd., 441-292-6898) is a local institution with a nautical décor and some of the best seafood in town, while the elegant Seahorse Grill at Elbow Beach (441-239-9303, www.mandarinoriental.com) is perfect for a romantic dinner à deux. Tip: Bermuda is pure old-world charm and locals love to get dressed up when they go out. Some restaurants have a dress code so pack a pretty frock or two.

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Don’t forget to stuff your suitcase with bottles of pink sand, Bermuda rum cake and Outerbridge’s famous Original Sherry Pepper Sauce.

Christened Europe’s new Riviera, the former Communist Croatia’s central Dalmatian Coast is hopping. The spectacular island of Hvar, known for its lavender, is a sun-blessed oasis with Venetian architecture, a rich history and a bustling nightlife.

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Away from the bustle of the Old Town (but still less than a 10-minute walk), Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort is the ultimate escape. For a dip, hop between the hotel’s cascading pool or opt to float in the adjacent Adriatic (tip: the sea is usually warmer) and sunbathe at the Bonj les Bains with the likes of Ivanka Trump. From $280 a night, Hotel Amfora, Majerovica bb, 21450 Hvar, +385 (0)21 750 750
.

eat
The fresh seafood options are endless but Restaurant Bounty, near the entrance to the Old Town and along the harbour, is a must. Always packed, stay near and you’ll eventually snag a table outside. Try the selection of fresh white fish (tip: it’s priced by the kg so ask for smaller portions) and the seafood spaghetti is divine. Restaurant Bounty, 21450 Hvar, +385 21 742 565.

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The booths set up at the entrance to the Old Town are packed with souvenirs like lavender oils, honey and other trinkets, but a piece by jewellery designer Vanja Mijac is a striking souvenir. Find Mijac's pieces at Bijou Art near the cathedral, Trg Sv Stjepana, 21450 Hvar, +385 (0) 21717 740.