From Almega Co and TREC Brands, to TerrAscend, serial entrepreneur Basem Hanna has founded several thriving businesses in the real estate, cannabis and capital markets industries. His next big project? Helping you program a different sort of date night.
Here are Basem’s five favourite creative options for your next evening out, be it a setup, the result of a Bumble swipe, or the result of a good ol’ fashioned meet-cute.
BOOK A CLASS TOGETHER AT TORONTO’S MODERN MEDITATION STUDIO.
It’s called Hoame. The Sound 60 option is a real trip for any pair. It’s a sound bath. Crystal singing bowls. Chimes. Other healing instruments. They also offer Himalayan rock salt cave sessions. A private infrared sauna, too. The infrared sauna is probably a little too intimate for a date. But the rock salt cave is fully-clothed, and quite a look. Check it out. My wife and I are always booking a quick hour there.
HIT THE VIP… CINEMA, THAT IS!
Any other point in time, and suggesting the movies as a date idea wouldn’t seem ‘different’ at all. Then the pandemic came. And now it’s been, like, two years since any of us has been to the movies. So these days, it’s different and daring in my book. The VIP screens at Cineplex Queensway and Cineplex Don Mills have seats that fully recline. Rather than sharing a bottle of wine, maybe try a Blissed edible before heading to your movie.
ENJOY A CANNABIS-INFUSED DINNER FOR TWO.
Before COVID-19, Toronto was breaking new grounds, hosting a never-been-done-before cannabis-infused, multi-course dinners in the city. Those will probably be starting back up again. Sign up. Dirt was a supper club that did a special one. Although, if you can swing it, a private chef can create something a little more custom. Hit me up if you need a good recommendation.
OR MAYBE HEAD OUT ON A NATURE WALK BY THE WATER.
For simple yet meaningful dates, a nature walk where we appreciate each other’s company and the nature around us is always a go-to. Especially if you bring a Blissed pre-roll with you. Enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature (or sounds of the city, whatever’s around you) and catch up with each other.
WEEKENDS AT THE DRIVING RANGE
This date idea will probably depend on your hangover from the night before. But at the Polson Pier Docks, you’ll get an amazing view while you’re hitting balls. Marina and I love to hit the range, we both like to let our competitive side show, so whether it’s a nice day where we can go to an outdoor range, or hitting an indoor simulator, it’s perfect for us to let off steam and have some fun.
