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Business Travel, Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk

Toronto’s Business Travelers: Navigating Fitness and Wellness on the Go

April 24, 2024

As we overcome the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians are placing a renewed focus on their health and well-being. In fact, 97% of Canadians prioritize physical health, followed closely by mental health and financial stability.

This shift in perspective is shaping the way business travellers approach their trips, with an increased emphasis on staying healthy and secure along the way.

In response to this trend, we’re committed to providing safe and comfortable furnished rentals in Toronto. But we understand that your stay is about more than just a place to sleep – it’s about maintaining your overall wellness while away from home.

That’s why we’ve curated a selection of fitness and wellness options for business travellers in Toronto. From top-notch fitness facilities to relaxing spa treatments and mindfulness activities, we’ve got everything you need to stay healthy and happy during your time in the city.

Let’s help you make the most of your stay. With our dedication to your well-being, you can rest assured that we’ll go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling experience.

It’s time to dive in and explore all that Toronto has to offer for your wellness journey!

Hotbox Classes at Spokehaüs

Getting there: 70 Dan Leckie Way, Toronto

Nearby DelSuites Furnished Rental: Element (15-minute walk; 4-minute drive)

Spokehaüs stands out among Toronto’s fitness studios for its innovative approach to workouts, including the exclusive Hotbox class. This 45-minute session takes place in a heated room, set to an ideal 28 degrees Celsius.

The warmth is not just for exhilarating sessions. This temperature enhances your workout by promoting detoxification, increasing calorie burn, and boosting athletic performance.

But if you’re not keen on the heat, Spokehaüs also offers a range of standard 45-minute classes, each filled with engaging choreography and tailored to different fitness levels.

After your session, treat yourself to eucalyptus-infused towels and refreshing smoothies. Plus, newcomers can enjoy extra perks like bonus spins and the option to rent spin shoes, ensuring a seamless introduction to Spokehaüs’ dynamic classes.

Free Crop sportswoman wearing sneakers and black leggings standing with sport mat on wooden floor near dumbbells and water bottle before exercising indoors Stock Photo

Source: Pexels

Performance Unleashed at Equinox

Getting there: 99 Bay Street, Commerce Court West, Toronto

Nearby DelSuites Furnished Rental: Qwest (13-minute walk; 6-minute drive)

There’s more to Equinox than just a gym. This is a fitness sanctuary offering the ultimate collection of classes and amenities. From Pilates and Barre to intense MetCon sessions, Equinox has it all spread across three floors.

Members enjoy access to meticulously designed classes developed by industry experts and led by talented instructors who push boundaries and inspire results. And with advance booking and complimentary classes for members, your fitness journey is seamless and personalized.

Don’t miss out on the cycling studio and spa, complete with luxurious Kiehl’s products for added convenience. Get ready to unleash your potential at Equinox and experience fitness at its finest.

Group Sound Bathing in Kikospace

Getting there: 2104 Dundas St W, Toronto

Discover the transformative power of sound bath meditations at Kikospace, a tranquil oasis tucked away in Toronto’s Westside.

During a group sound bath session, you’ll lie comfortably on a mat, enveloped in darkness and cozied up with a blanket. Guided breathing exercises set the stage for an hour of immersive listening as Kiko plays an array of crystal bowls and chimes, creating soothing melodies that wash over you like gentle waves.

Kiko also has an impressive selection of sound healing instruments to choose from, including Alchemy Crystal Tones Bowls and Biosonics Tuning Forks, which ensure a deeply relaxing experience wherever you go.

Explore the healing potential of sound at Kikospace and enter a new level of tranquillity.

Infrared-Heated Yoga Studio at Sweat and Tonic

Getting there: 225 Yonge St. The Well – 486 Front St. W, Toronto

Nearby DelSuites Furnished Rental: 300 Front Street West (6-minute walk; 2-minute drive)

Sweat & Tonic is the holistic destination for wellness enthusiasts seeking a life-changing workout. With a new location at The Well, this sprawling facility offers a diverse range of classes, from running and boxing to weight training and yoga.

But what sets Sweat and Tonic apart is its state-of-the-art infrared-heated Yoga Studio – Canada’s first of its kind. Immerse yourself in a captivating audio-visual journey powered by a 445-inch projection screen and cutting-edge light and sound systems.

From Vinyasa yoga to candlelit meditation, each class offers a unique opportunity to sweat, connect, and restore amid breathtaking city skyline views. Prepare to elevate your yoga practice to new heights at Sweat and Tonic.

Float Therapy at Float Toronto

Getting there: 1159 Queen Street West, Toronto

The practice of float therapy at Float Toronto invites you to experience relaxation and rejuvenation. Step into a specially designed float tank filled with body-temperature Epsom salt water and let gravity melt away as you float effortlessly.

Known as Floatation Therapy or Sensory Deprivation, this immersive session induces a state of deep relaxation, relieving stress, anxiety, and physical tension. With insulated tanks that block out external stimuli and create a weightless environment, your mind is free to wander, your body to rest, and your senses to unwind. 

Discover the healing power of floating at Float Toronto and embark on a journey of profound relaxation and renewal.

Hot and Cold Treatments at Othership

Getting there: 110 Bloor St W, Toronto

Nearby DelSuites Furnished Rental: The Livmore (21-minute walk; 6-minute drive)

Othership invites you to experience emotional and mental wellness through the invigorating practice of hot and cold therapy.

Guided classes lead you through a series of therapeutic sessions, alternating between the dry sauna and ice baths kept at a brisk 0 to 4 degrees Celsius. Whether you prefer structured classes or a more relaxed approach, Othership offers options to suit your preferences.

Don’t miss their social events featuring music, performances, and access to all the studio’s hot and cold experiences. With the calming scent of essential oils infusing the sauna and the soothing effects of hot and cold therapy, Othership provides a unique opportunity to unwind, recharge, and connect with others in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Source: DelSuites

Wrapping Up

There are a wealth of fitness and wellness options available to business travellers in Toronto, ensuring that you can prioritize your health and well-being during your stay. From innovative workout classes to immersive relaxation experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.

But your journey doesn’t end there. During your time in Toronto, you’ll need a comfortable and convenient place to call home. You can count on DelSuites for quality serviced apartments within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). 

We offer a range of accommodations that ensure not only an enjoyable stay but also one customized to meet your specific needs. With our commitment to excellence and attention to detail, we’re here to make your stay in Toronto a seamless and memorable experience.

Discover the best of fitness, wellness, and hospitality across Toronto with DelSuites. 

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Lifestyle talk

The Best Cafes to Get Work Done in Toronto

April 10, 2024

Perhaps you are visiting Toronto on business and want to get work done during your stay – or maybe you are looking for a cozy place where you can write on your blog or work on your novel. No matter what you are working on – a comfortable and welcoming café can be a great place to use as an office on the go. You’ll have an endless supply of coffee, a pleasant environment to work in and a strong and steady Wi-Fi connection.

The great thing is that it offers a great selection of coffee shops and cafes to get work done in Toronto. Here are a few of the best options:

Dark Horse Espresso Bar

The interior of the Dark Horse Espresso Bar is sleek and modern and the long tables are ideal for group projects. The Wifi is strong, Cafes to get work done in Torontothe coffee is great and you can find a spot to settle all day long with your computer and a latte so that you can get plenty of work done.

Red Rocket

Working at Red Rocket feels like you are hanging out in the living room of your cool best friend. Awesome music is playing, the seats are comfy and the snacks are delicious. Try the Nutella sandwich cookie – which will keep you going through all of the work you need to do while you are staying in Toronto.

Dineen Coffee

If you want to get some work done early in the morning, head to this welcoming café that serves up delicious brews in aesthetic and convenient locations all over the city. Dineen Coffee is the perfect morning person’s retreat, with fast Wi-Fi and spacious and chic surroundings.

Cafes to get work done in Toronto

Balzac’s Coffee

This fantastic café has many locations throughout the city and is fantastic for getting work done. It is a popular place for students to do their project meetings and emergency cramming for exams.

5 Elements Espresso BarCafes to get work done in Toronto

This coffee shop has an excellent location in the heart of Yorkville, with several lovely comfortable couches and cushions. The cozy space is perfect for curling up by the fireplace with a latte and a good book or setting up your laptop and getting some work done.

These are just a few of the best cafes to get work done in Toronto so that you can type away on your laptop in peace and comfort and keep your brain energized with delicious coffee.

In addition, why not check out some of our other favourite top Coffee Shops in Toronto?

Experience A Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Looking to work remotely, try living in Toronto or staying for the coffee culture in the Greater Toronto Area? DelSuites offers 30-day minimum suites that are fully furnished with all if not more amenities than at home. We have suites everywhere from Markham to Etobicoke and everywhere in between. Explore our available suites today in Toronto.

Announcements, Business Travel, Corporate Housing, Relocation

DelSuites: Back and Better at the GBTA Trade Show 2024

April 10, 2024
DelSuites at GBTA 2024

A hearty hello from all of us here at DelSuites! Spring is in the air, but the excitement is just beginning for us. As we enjoy the unfolding beauty of the season in Toronto, we’re also gearing up for another key event on our calendar: The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Canada Conference 2024. 

An international gathering like no other, this prestigious assembly brings together professionals from all corners of the business travel world. As you can tell, we’re all aflutter about meeting again, sharing insights, networking, and catching up with them.

Each year, the event is set to take place in our very own city, making it all the more special. Without a doubt, you can expect the finest of Toronto’s hospitality and multicultural charm to flavour the conference. Stick with us as we journey towards this much-anticipated event.

A Brief Glance: The GBTA Defined

The Global Business Travel Association, GBTA, is more than an organization. It’s a powerful voice representing the business travel industry worldwide. By uniting people from different corners of the globe, GBTA forges a platform where members can learn, be inspired, develop, and advocate for shared interests.

Headquartered near Washington D.C., GBTA’s influence spans six continents. Its mission, fuelled by a global community, benefits from the following stats:

  • It has over 8,000 members
  • It embodies a booming $1.35 trillion global business travel and meetings industry.
  • It extends its reach to an impressive network of 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts.
  • It boasts a portfolio of world-class education, events, research, advocacy, and media.

GBTA is a powerhouse of resources and connections invaluable to every business travel professional. 

Why We’re Excited to Return to This Year’s GBTA Conference

There’s always a sense of unparalleled buzz and exhilaration that accompanies our return to the GBTA conference – and this time, it’s no different. According to the conference’s website, GBTA is all about creating and nurturing valuable relationships while generosity exploring new opportunities, something we at DelSuites truly resonate with.

Speaking of DelSuites, let us shed a little light on what we’re bringing to the conference. Serving a discerning “Fortune 500” clientele, DelSuites has emerged as a prominent player in the Greater Toronto Area.

Our impeccable Tridel brand condominiums, loaded with top-notch facilities and extensive convenient services, set us apart.

Setting foot in a DelSuites accommodation is an experience like no other – personalized service, prime locations, and seamless maintenance speak volumes about our dedication to our clients. This is the essence and value we’re excited to share at the GBTA Conference 2024!

What Does It Mean to Be a GBTA Member?

While we’re all excited about the conference, we’re also proud to say that we’re members of the GBTA. But what exactly does that entail? 

Being a GBTA member signifies our commitment to innovation, professionalism, and the highest standards in global business travel management. That’s why we are happy to be part of this community; an association that promotes strategic interaction and knowledge sharing, thus enabling us to serve our clientele better.

Last Year’s Data

Reflecting on our previous rendezvous at the GBTA Conference in 2023 brings back some fond memories and terrific milestones. As highlighted on the official GBTA website, the event demonstrated that it was a thriving marketplace and a gold mine of industry expertise. 

To grasp the magnitude of the strides we made last year, here are a few key figures:

  • A whopping 88% of buyers intended to establish connections with at least one new supplier they interacted with on the 2023 expo floor.
  • A majority of the attendees, 69% to be precise, had a significant industry experience of over 10 years, with almost half of that number holding a minimum of 20 years under their belt.
  • The conference was a global affair, with 65% of the companies coming from outside Canada. An additional 20% represented multinational corporations, and 15% were Canadian businesses.

The exhibitor lineup predominantly consisted of hotel franchises, airlines, and transportation firms. As you can see, there are lots of possibilities, plenty of potential connections and more lessons to learn!

What to Expect This Year 

Mark your calendar for three electrifying days of exhilarating experiences at the GBTA conference! This year’s schedule spans from April 22nd until the 24th and includes a perfect blend of main stages, expos, and education sessions, offering an enriching and broad spectrum of activities.

Let’s delve into what each day looks like based on what the GBTA has announced by far:

Day 1  

  • Start with the Connect First Orientation to get all the insights about the conference, enabling you to fully optimize this grand event.
  • Step into the Opening Main Stage, where we would convene with like-minded professionals and industry leaders.
  • Complete the day by exploring the innovative Opening Expo, where you’ll encounter the newest trends and solutions in the business travel industry, including us!

Day 2 

  • Attend two Main Stages that host groundbreaking dialogues and discussions led by illustrious speakers.
  • Be a part of two Education Sessions (three choices to choose from in the morning and afternoon) touching on a range of industry topics: offer and order management, marketing, technology and AI, and buyer relationships.
  • Spend more time on the 2nd day of the Expo, uncovering a wealth of opportunities.
  • Unwind in the evening at the Big Night Out, a 5-hour event promised to be full of fun, networking and relaxation. The theme is yet to be announced.

Day 3

  • Choose between four additional Education Sessions designed to provide insights on bidder proposals, security and safety, stakeholder relations, and the Duty of Care legislation.
  • Take one last tour of the expo to cement new partnerships and relations.
  • Saying goodbye doesn’t have to be sad! Join us one last time at the Closing Main Stage to wrap up your experience with key takeaways and memorable moments.

As GBTA 2024 is shaping up to be a highly enriching event, we hope you’re as excited as we are!

Join Us in Toronto 

Toronto is all set to welcome you. This year’s GBTA conference will unfold at the fantastic Beanfield Centre, making it a truly special occasion. Excitement is in the air, so why wait? Secure your spot today, make plans for your GBTA journey, and explore boundless opportunities. 

We at DelSuites would be delighted to chat with you, so feel free to reach out if you’re just as thrilled as we are. It’s time to make some memorable professional strides together.

 

Business Travel, Corporate Housing, Relocation

Making it Easy – HR to Relocate Employees

March 2, 2024

One of the main roles of an HR professional is to take care of the company’s employees, ensuring that they have everything they need to achieve success in their new role. When you send out key players to a new location, one of the best ways to support them and relocate employees is to set them up with a great place to stay.

Where Do Employees Stay When They Relocate?

Let’s say you are relocating an employee to Toronto on a short-term assignment or project. You can either doom them to a stay in a cramped hotel room where they will have to get work done on a tiny table in the corner and eat dinner in bed, or you can set them up with a full apartment so they can live comfortably. This is especially important when these employees are relocating for work with family and partners, as they will require more space and amenities.

When you offer high quality, comfortable and convenient accommodation for your employees, this will have a positive effect on your bottom line in the way of improved employee satisfaction and better retention. Plus, when employees have a comfortable place to live they will arrive at work happy, healthy, well-rested and ready to perform their best.

Relocate Employees

Advantages for HR to Relocate Employees into DelSuites Furnished Apartments

When you are relocating employees into furnished apartments in Toronto, they will be more comfortable than in a hotel room. Here are some of the features that a DelSuites fully furnished rental suite offers:

  • 24-hour customer service, secured parking and housekeeping.
  • A fully equipped kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, allowing for convenient self-catering.
  • A spacious living area with a separate dining and sleeping area.
  • Convenient locations close to the most important neighborhoods and transit in Toronto, so that employees don’t have to spend a lot of time commuting.
  • High-speed internet and free local and long-distance phone calls.
  • Underground, assigned parking with 24-hour building security.
  • En-suite laundry facilities.
  • Many of our properties are pet friendly so that employees can bring their beloved animal companions when they relocate.
  • A friendly team of experienced staff who will welcome all guests in a professional, helpful way.

These apartments allow employees to have a residential experience while remaining close to the office. Also, they will be able to have a social life, as this style of accommodation enables them to invite family or friends over to visit.  Plus, long-term corporate apartment rentals are much more cost-effective than daily hotel rates. When factoring in the benefits of amenities, there are significant savings.

These apartments are the ideal way to bridge the gap between onboarding and a permanent relocation. With comfortable surroundings such as these, employees can ease into their new environment when arriving for a position.

To find out more about our corporate furnished apartments in Toronto for human resources, click here to learn more about Employee Relocation.

Business Travel, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, toronto toursim

Work Hard, Play Harder: The Rise of Bleisure Travel

February 28, 2024
bleisure travel

The clock is always ticking in business; time is a precious commodity. Annually, corporate travellers find themselves spending an average of 22 days on the move, crisscrossing the globe for meetings, sealing deals, and attending conferences.

Perhaps you’re on the verge of closing a pivotal deal with a major international client. In the most critical of meetings, the knight in shining armour is often none other than business travel.

In the wake of the business world’s recovery from the pandemic, the business travel industry has seen a resurgence, signalling its enduring importance. However, this resurrection is more than a return to the past. This calls for a new era.

Enter “bleisure travel.” No longer confined to boardrooms and hotel rooms, bleisure seamlessly integrates work and leisure. The focus on bleisure is about creating an experience that is not only productive but also rejuvenating, offering a more stress-free short-term stay for those who find themselves on the road.

Discover how the business travel landscape is undergoing a transformation, creating an environment that fosters success without sacrificing the joys of relaxation.

What is Bleisure Travel?

As the term implies, “bleisure” is the clever blending of business and leisure travel. This turns what might be a conventional business trip into an opportunity to add a dash of exploration and relaxation. 

This emerging trend is gaining traction, with almost 42% of business travellers now preferring to infuse their work-related journeys with a bit of leisure time.

The concept of bleisure travel is extending business trips on either end to explore new destinations. It’s not just about the solo business traveller, either. This can also be done by bringing friends and family along for the journey, adding shared experiences that enrich the business travel experience.

The rise of bleisure travel is closely tied to the changing dynamics of work in the wake of the pandemic. With more people embracing remote work, individuals find themselves untethered from a fixed office location.

While digital nomads might choose to work from various destinations, bleisure travellers are motivated primarily by the business aspect of their trip. However, the desire to explore new places, reduce environmental impact, or simply savour the joys of a change of scenery drives them to extend their trips.

Source: Pexels

Factors Driving the Bleisure Trend

The rise of bleisure travel is a breath of fresh air. It’s a response to the changing dynamics of work and the quest for a more balanced lifestyle. The factors driving this trend reflect a collective desire to redefine the traditional boundaries of business trips.

Changing Attitudes of Business Travellers

The conventional perception of business travel often brings to mind images of packed schedules, back-to-back meetings, and minimal time for personal exploration. However, the tide is turning, and business travellers are adopting a more holistic approach.

Whether it’s extending a stay to explore local attractions, immerse in cultural experiences, or simply unwind in a new environment, the changing attitudes reflect a conscious effort to blend the lines between work and leisure.

Influence of Work-Life Balance Considerations

Work-life balance has become a cornerstone in discussions surrounding modern employment. Work-life balance is already important to 94% of employees.

The traditional notion of segregating work and personal life is gradually giving way to a more integrated approach. This cultural shift is especially pronounced in business travel, where professionals are seeking ways to infuse a sense of leisure into their work-related journeys.

The purpose of leisure travel is to break free from the monotony of conventional work models, allowing professionals to inject moments of relaxation and exploration into their busy schedules. Work-life balance considerations are driving the bleisure trend, which reflects a societal shift towards prioritizing well-being, both at work and at home.

Impact of Technological Advancements on Remote Work

Professionals are liberated from the constraints of mundane office setups thanks to advancements in technology. The advent of remote work, coupled with advanced communication tools, has redefined the very nature of work. 

This major shift in the way work is conducted has a direct impact on the trends in business travel as well. Professionals now have the flexibility to seamlessly conduct business from anywhere, be it a bustling city or a serene coastal town. 

It’s clear that bleisure travel is not just a shift in travel preferences, but a shift in mindset. The journey is no longer a linear progression from point A to point B. This type of travel offers a hybrid experience, combining work and leisure to enrich both professional and personal lives.

What Bleisure Travellers Look For

So, what exactly are bleisure travellers looking for? Some notable considerations include:

  • Work-Life Balance: Bleisure travellers seek destinations that offer a blend of business amenities and leisure activities, allowing them to transition from boardrooms to local attractions seamlessly.
  • Convenient Connectivity: Accessible airports, efficient public transportation, and reliable Wi-Fi are non-negotiables. These individuals want to stay connected to work while also being able to explore their surroundings hassle-free.
  • Flexible Accommodations: Bleisure travellers have shifted away from standard hotels in favour of short-term rentals that cater to both work and relaxation. Short-term rentals offer well-equipped business centers, ergonomic workspaces, and comfortable lounging areas, making them highly appealing.
  • Local Experiences: One of the main draws for bleisure travellers is the opportunity to experience the local culture. They seek destinations that offer unique attractions, dining experiences, and cultural insights.
  • Networking Opportunities: Business doesn’t always stop after office hours. Bleisure travellers value destinations where networking opportunities extend beyond formal meetings. A vibrant business community and networking events contribute to the overall appeal of a location.
  • Time Efficiency: Bleisure travellers are time-conscious. They appreciate destinations where they can efficiently manage their work obligations without spending excessive time in transit.
  • Health and Wellness Options: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a priority for many bleisure travellers. Access to fitness facilities, wellness programs, and healthy dining options contribute to the overall appeal of a destination.
  • Tech-Friendly Environment: Destinations that embrace technological advancements, from efficient transportation systems to smart hotel features, are likely to attract these tech-savvy travellers.

Offering the right combination of work amenities and leisure opportunities can help destinations position themselves as ideal choices for travellers seeking a seamless integration of work and relaxation.

Source: Pexels

Tips for a Successful Bleisure Trip

Embarking on a bleisure trip? Here are some quick tips to ensure your business-meets-leisure journey goes off without a hitch. 

  • Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible: Start by outlining your work commitments and key deadlines. Plan your leisure activities around these, but leave some flexibility. Unexpected work issues can arise, so having a bit of wiggle room in your schedule can be a lifesaver.
  • Choose Your Accommodations Wisely: Opt for furnished rentals that offer comfortable workspaces, reliable Wi-Fi, and amenities that cater to both business and leisure needs.
  • Stay Connected on the Go: Having the right technology can enhance both your work and leisure experiences. Ensure you have the necessary tech tools to stay connected while on the move.
  • Know Your Company’s Policies: Understand any limitations or guidelines to avoid any hiccups during your trip. Clear communication with your employer ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.
  • Explore Transportation Options: Consider factors like proximity to your accommodations, convenience, and the opportunity to explore the destination during your commute.
  • Prioritize Self-Care: Get enough rest, stay hydrated, and consider incorporating wellness activities into your itinerary. A balanced approach to your well-being contributes to a more enjoyable trip overall.
  • Network Strategically: Leverage the networking opportunities your destination offers. Attend industry events, conferences, or local meetups to expand your professional circle.

The key to a successful and enriching bleisure trip is to combine thoughtful planning with a flexible mindset.

In Conclusion

A bleisure travel approach to business travel lets you view your next trip not just as a business trip but also as an opportunity for combining work and play. 

Now, if you’re on the lookout for the perfect bleisure stay within the vibrant Greater Toronto Area (GTA), DelSuites is the perfect choice. Every stay with us is personalized, and the Canadian skyline outside your window becomes the backdrop to your unforgettable adventure.

So, whether you’re extending your business trip for leisure or seeking the perfect blend of work and travel, DelSuites leads you to a more fulfilling, balanced, and engaging travel experience.

Your journey across GTA awaits – redefine it with DelSuites!