OFFSHORE Travel Magazine’s fall issue is out now!

September 9, 2024 No Comments

OFFSHORE Travel Magazine, the luxury consumer publication from Baxter Media, has released its fall 2024 issue.

Distributed in print to subscribers via the Globe and Mail, OFFSHORE features the best in travel writing, from new hotel openings and luxury stays, to mini city guides and one-of-a-kind adventures in sought-after destinations around the world.

 is about purposeful travel encompassing everything from generational journeys to adventures both big and small. Embark on this journey with us, as we explore new places and create lasting memories.

In our latest issue, we’ve introduced a new column that highlights some of the best high-end properties to stay at, closer to home. Recently, we checked into the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa in the small town of Elora, Ontario. A luxurious escape just under two hours from Toronto, the property is renowned for its stunning riverside location, elegantly restored historic architecture, and indulgent treatments that provide a serene retreat from the everyday hustle, including a newly-introduced all-day spa package.

At the top of the world, our co-publisher finds himself on an eight-day trip through Western Greenland aboard the National Geographic Resolution in partnership with exploration company Lindblad Expeditions. The Arctic offers an unparalleled adventure, combining breathtaking fjord landscapes with opportunities to explore remote Inuit communities and encounter diverse wildlife, from whale watching to meeting sled dog pups. 

The latest issue of OFFSHORE is brimming with stories from around the world, from warm Caribbean climates to chilly Arctic waters.

Click HERE to read the digital version. To subscribe to a print copy of the magazine, click here.

Air Canada’s 2024 Best New restaurants list was just revealed

September 6, 2024 No Comments

The 30 nominees for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2024 were unveiled today, celebrating new culinary talent across Canada. Since 2002, Air Canada has championed the country’s distinct culinary scene through the longest running Canadian restaurant ranking and its signature program, Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants.

The 2024 highly anticipated longlist is out today on CanadasBestNewRestaurants.com.

Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants is the only cross-country restaurant ranking to use a single, anonymous reviewer who sets out to dine across Canada. Based on the recommendations of a coast-to-coast panel of food experts, Air Canada sends one undercover writer on a month-long culinary marathon to sample the offerings from notable openings across the country, all of which are now contenders for the coveted Top 10 list.

Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2024 highlights the top restaurants that have opened across the country between late spring 2023 and May 31, 2024, and deliver exceptional experiences through the quality of their food, level of service and commitment to culinary creativity.

2024 nominees for Canada's Best New Restaurants

The following restaurants have been nominated:

  • Ancestor Café, Fort Langley;
  • Bar Gigi, Calgary
  • Bar Henry, Edmonton
  • Bar Prima, Toronto
  • Bernadette’s, Edmonton
  • Black Cat Pizzeria, St. John’s
  • Bravo, Vancouver
  • Bread & Cheese Inn Restaurant, Bay Bulls
  • Buvette Daphnee, Ottawa
  • Café Malabar, Victoria
  • Caméline, Gatineau
  • Casavant, Montreal
  • Conjeo Negro, Toronto;
  • Contrada, Toronto
  • Crumb Queen/Andy’s Lunch, Winnipeg
  • Dovetail Restaurant, Vancouver
  • F&B Restaurant, Saskatoon
  • Fat Rabbit, St. Catherine’s
  • Gary’s, Vancouver
  • Heni, Montreal
  • Juliette Plaza, Montreal
  • Lila Restaurant, Vancouver’ Maison de Soma, Mont-Tremblant
  • Martine’s Wine Bar, Toronto
  • Mhel, Toronto
  • Osteria Elio Volpe, Vancouver
  • Parapluie, Montreal
  • Sabayon, Montreal
  • Takja BBQ House, Toronto
  • The Starlight, Stratford

This year’s Top 10 ranking will be unveiled in Toronto on Nov. 4, 2024. The winners will also be showcased on CanadasBestNewRestaurants.com and in the November issue of Air Canada enRoute magazine.

The 2024 edition of Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants is generously supported by Diageo Canada, our returning gold level sponsor. A special thank-you to Diageo Canada for their ongoing commitment to enriching Canada’s culinary landscape.

According to this study, one in four Canadians like to plan their vacations early

September 4, 2024 No Comments

Canadians are redefining what it means to go on vacation, with a new study from Flight Centre revealing that the vacation experience begins long before travellers board the plane.

According to data collected by YouGov, 25 per cent of Canadians feel that their holiday starts during the planning and booking stage, with those who use travel agents being almost twice as likely to experience this early surge of excitement compared to their DIY counterparts.

Key insights

Early Planners: One in four Canadians (25 per cent) believe their vacation begins the moment they start planning their trip. This early onset of vacation vibes is particularly pronounced among Millennials, with 29 per cent of this group reporting that their excitement kicks off during the planning phase, compared to only 19 per cent of Gen Xers.

Airport Enthusiasts: Nearly two in five Canadians (37 per cent) find themselves slipping into vacation mode as soon as they arrive at the airport. This sentiment is especially strong among women, 40 per cent of whom feel that their holiday begins at the airport, compared to 34 per cent of men.

Destination Arrival: For others, the journey truly begins upon arrival at their destination, with around 28 per cent of Canadians saying they only consider themselves on vacation once they’ve reached their travel spot. Gen Xers, in particular, are more destination-focused, with 33 per cent feeling the vacation vibes only upon arrival, compared to 24 per cent of Millennials.

Accommodation Check-in: Just under one in ten (seven per cent) believe their vacation starts when they check into their accommodation.

Where to next?

When it comes to choosing travel destinations, Canadians lean heavily on the opinions of friends and family (65 per cent), available sales and travel deals (52 per cent), and the advice of travel experts (36 per cent).

Plus, the current market dynamics also offer a golden opportunity for budget-savvy travellers. With exclusive deals and cheaper flights available online now, including savings of up to 20 per cent as summer demand wanes, Canadians can enjoy their dream vacation destinations while stretching their dollars.

Flight Centre travel experts offer more than just bookings. With the help of trusted experts, Canadians are extending their vacations into the planning phases, making every step of the journey—from the first connection to the final destination—a memorable part of their holiday.

Blue Diamond Resorts adds private island booking experience

September 2, 2024 No Comments

Blue Diamond Resorts has unveiled the latest in luxury with its new Private Island Diamond Experience, now available exclusively at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, in Jamaica.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Caribbean, the Private Island Diamond Experience offers an unparalleled adults-only retreat where privacy and personalization are at the forefront.

Guests staying in select Diamond Club suite categories at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters can book one of four luxurious beach cabanas on this pristine 111-square-foot private island, poised over the turquoise waters of Montego Bay.

How to book your private island experience

Upon arrival, guests can book this exclusive service at check-in, where they will then be introduced to their private island butler, who will cater to their every desire throughout the experience.

From refreshing cold towels infused with tropical aromatherapy to daily live entertainment capturing the vibrant spirit of Jamaica, every detail is thoughtfully curated to enhance relaxation and well-being. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments from The Royal Spa, savor gourmet meals and premium cocktails delivered directly to their cabana, or simply unwind with uninterrupted views of the azure waters.

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, guests staying seven nights in the exclusive Diamond Club™ Chairman Beach Walk Out Swim Out Suite receive full-day access to the private island, ensuring a completely secluded retreat. This all-encompassing experience is meticulously planned, offering personalized touches such as a custom music and a specially stocked cooler filled with premium beverages, all designed to create an unforgettable stay.

Enticing add-ons

To further elevate their stay, guests can explore a range of enticing add-ons at an additional cost, including curated cabana packages featuring authentic Jamaican cuisine, premium spirits, and personalized touches that make each moment unique.

The Private Island Diamond Experience reflects Blue Diamond Resorts’ commitment to crafting unique, all-inclusive experiences that reflect the distinct personality of its resorts. Perfect for a romantic getaway, a special celebration, or simply a tranquil escape, this exclusive offering promises total customization in an idyllic setting, making it the perfect canvas for unforgettable memories.

Reserve your Private Island Diamond Experience today by booking any participating Diamond Club™ suite category here. For more information, visit royaltonresorts.com

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