There’s an epic helicopter tour proposal in Los Cabos that costs $67,000

September 6, 2023 No Comments

Grand Velas Los Cabos introduces a new helicopter engagement, complete with a Michelin Dinner Under the Stars and expert-led stargazing session. Considered one of NASA’s top 20 places for night-sky research, the night sky of the Baja Peninsula is a region renowned for its celestial views.

The helicopter proposal begins with a pickup directly at the hotel on its rooftop, Terraza Del Mar, where couples are treated to canapés and drinks before embarking on a 75-minute helicopter tour.

Starting just before sunset, the golden-hour tour takes passengers  to the arch of Cabo San Lucas. As the helicopter tour concludes, couples are surprised with the view of a floral display on the beach that spells out “Will You Marry Me?”

Alternatively, the hotel can create an oversized  whale outline in candles, an ode to the destination’s annual whale migration. Then it’s on to an open-air beach dining experience with two Michelin star chef Sidney Schutte. The couple will be in full view of the stars, planets and constellations stretching over the Los Cabos Baja Peninsula where the open-air beach location is matched only by Chef Sidney’s open-flame dinner preparation.

A Michelin-worthy proposal

Influenced by the natural beauty of Baja Sur, Chef Sidney transforms traditional dishes with a contemporary vision. Signature cocktails and premium wines complement the meal inspired by nature. Following dinner, couples are invited to partake in an immersive stargazing session. Guided by NASA-certified astronomer, guests explore astronomy through a high-quality 127 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope.

In summer, approximately 75 per cent of constellations are visible and planets like Jupiter, Mars and Saturn rise earlier. In addition to scoping the Milky Way, Zodiac Signs, and many nebulae (star clusters), couples will play games together and learn about the Mayan Calendar and Native American moons.

A three-night stay in Grand Velas Los Cabos’ Presidential Suite is also included with the engagement experience. The 5,451 sq. ft. Presidential Suite provides an unobstructed ocean front view and boasts amenities like a private terrace, immersion pool, separate living and dining room, in-suite bar, and more. Additional inclusions are two 50-minute Therapeutic Massages per stay, VIP transportation, a private in-suite dinner, private tequila tasting in-suite, and unlimited Water Ceremonies at the award-winning SE Spa.

Grand Velas Los Cabos offers two distinct tiers for this experience, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Starting rates for the Helicopter Engagement Experience with Presidential Suite accommodations, Michelin Star dining and the astronomy session are $67,255. Alternatively, the proposal with accommodations in a Grand Class Suite,  helicopter tour, and private beach dinner with a solo musician begins at $11,700. B

oth tiers offer customizable elements such as photography or extra stargazing participants, allowing couples to personalize the experience to their preferences and budget. Gourmet meals, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, nightly entertainment, taxes, gratuity, and more are also included in the resort’s nightly rate.

In 2025, this cruise line is sailing to 112 countries

September 4, 2023 No Comments

Crystal Cruises recently announced its lineup of 2025 itineraries aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

Both ships will visit an extraordinary selection of guests’ favorites and approximately 144 new handpicked destinations such as the Faroe Islands, Haifa and Shanghai, for a combined total of 720 days over the course of 73 sailings visiting a total of 112 countries and 281 ports.

Crystal Serenity 2025 Itinerary Highlights

  • After completing the World Cruise in May 2025, Crystal Serenity will depart from Marseille and sail the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, visiting destinations like Pablo Picasso’s hometown of Málaga, the charming, half-timbered town of Ronne, Latvia’s capital, Riga, known for its pedestrian-only medieval Old Town and more.
  • Guests will have the rare opportunity to visit Longyearbyen, the largest inhabited area of Svalbard, Norway – famous for its incomparable views of the Northern Lights.
  • With calls to the Faroe Islands, and Iceland, passengers will discover dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views in the world’s most stunning Nordic destinations including Tórshavn, Djupivogur, and Reykjavik among others.
  • For a perfect leaf-peeping getaway, guests onboard from September to November 2025, will visit iconic North American ports of call such as Québec City, Gaspé, Newport, Boston, Portland, New York City and more.
  • For those who wish to partake in the holiday season at sea, sun-filled voyages include Caribbean and South American destinations like Montego Bay, Aruba, Cayman Islands, Cartagena, the Panama Canal and more.

Crystal Symphony 2025 Itinerary Highlights

  • Kicking off 2025 in Southeast Asia, the newly refurbished ship will explore remote destinations including Sihanoukville, known for having the best beaches in Cambodia, along with Sabang and Weh Island, the small active volcanic island to the northwest ofSumatra.
  • With multi-day port calls to the region’s top urban centers including Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, Laem Chabang and Shanghai,passengers will have even more time for in-depth cultural immersion. Guests can also visit Palawan, the Philippines’ ecological jewel with pristine beaches, and Brunei, known for its verdant rainforests.
  • Timed with the Grand Prix, the ship will visit Monaco and Villefranche-sur-Mer, allowing guests the chance to embrace their inner Formula 1 driver, as they watch the iconic race in two of Europe’s leading destinations.
  • Mediterranean highlights include calls to Haifa, Dubrovnik and Cyprus, in addition to Greece’s increasingly popular destinations ofZakynthos, Corfu and Santorini, among others.
  • The latter half of 2025 will be spent in the Middle East visiting a variety of destinations ranging from the small Egyptian port of Safaga (Luxor), to Dubai, known for luxury shopping and ultramodern architecture, to the more remote Salalah, the third-largest city in the Sultanate of Oman, known for its marine life.

These just announced 2025 voyages will be available to book on Sept. 27 at crystalcruises.com.

A new Hyatt hotel is opening in Panama next year

September 1, 2023 No Comments

Hyatt Regency Panama City will be the first Hyatt Regency hotel in Panama City and the third Hyatt hotel in Panama.

Perfectly situated for business and leisure travellers, the hotel will be in the heart of Panama City’s business district, less than 10 miles from Tocumen International Airport, near the Multiplaza shopping mall and the new Amador Convention Center.

About the hotel

Hyatt Regency Panama City will offer 382 guestrooms and suites spread across two towers, as well as a pool, state-of-the-art gym, variety of restaurants including a wine bar and coffee shop and 20,000 sq ft. of meeting and event space including two ballrooms, an outdoor terrace for events and a Hyatt Regency Broadcast Lounge, allowing guests the option to attend a live conference in a hybrid manner.

The hotel’s convenient location in the Panamanian capital will provide easy access to public transportation and area attractions like cinemas, restaurants, retailers, recreational activities and more.

Additionally, the hotel is located a short drive from downtown Panama City, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and local attractions such as the Panama Canal, the Casco Viejo neighborhood and the new Fuerte Amador cruise terminal.

Expected to open just in time for the 2024 summer season following an extensive renovation, Hyatt Regency Panama City will mark another milestone in Hyatt’s sustained brand growth strategy in the Latin America and Caribbean region.