This hotel in Shanghai is home to the world’s largest indoor snow centre

January 10, 2025 No Comments

IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced Shanghai Snow World Hotel to its fast-growing Vignette Collection, a family of one-of-a-kind hotels in destinations to remember.

The property is now open within the Guinness World Records-certified “World’s Largest Indoor Ski Facility” – Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort – and has 272 rooms and 17 suites with direct access to more than 90,000 square meters of authentic indoor year-round snow.

Shanghai Snow World Hotel is the first new build Vignette Collection property in China and alongside Crowne Plaza Shanghai Snow is one of two IHG brands to open within the Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort development. Both hotels serve the rising demand for ‘ice and snow’ hospitality in China which continues to rise 38% year-on-year according to the China Tourism Academy.

About the Shanghai Snow World Hotel

Shanghai Snow World Hotel, Vignette Collection is a destination for year-round ski getaway inspired by the tranquility and invigorating spirit of the Nordic lifestyle.

Just 30km from Shanghai Disney and Pudong Airport, the hotel caterers to both skiing enthusiasts and snow seekers alike with fast-track access to ski slopes, indoor and outdoor water parks, and a tournament-level ice rink all within reach of its rooms.

Shanghai Snow World Hotel has four unique restaurants and bars, each serving a diverse variety of local delicacies and international flavors. Teppanyaki, located on the 18th floor, and The Peak on the top floor both boast panoramic views of the indoor winter wonderland.

The third-floor houses eight versatile meeting rooms ideal for corporate events and personal gatherings, complemented by a dynamic pre-function area fitting for hosting themed events.

For relaxation and fitness, guests have access to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an indoor heated swimming pool.   

For more information and to book visit www.ihg.com/vignettecollection.

Orlando is finally opening its first new theme park for the first time in 25 years

January 8, 2025 No Comments

Orlando is set to welcome more than 25 experiences for 2025, including its first new theme park in over 25 years. 

“For the first time in 25 years, Orlando is on the brink of welcoming an entirely new theme park — a milestone that underscores our position as a top destination this year for travelers worldwide,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “If it’s your first time or you haven’t visited in over a year, consider this your invitation to plan an unforgettable Orlando vacation, creating memories with our world-class theme parks, award-winning dining and new experiences slated to open in 2025.”

New theme parks and attractions

Universal Orlando Resort

  • Universal Orlando Resort‘s Universal Epic Universe will open May 22, featuring over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds
  • Celestial Park immerses guests in living gardens and architecture inspired by astronomy and mythology.
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Fantastic Beasts with the British Ministry of Magic.
  • SUPER NINTENDO WORLD features the iconic green pipes alongside beloved characters Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.
  • How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk offers a vibrant Viking realm inspired by the hit film franchise.
  • Dark Universe reveals Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments and a shadowy realm where monsters roam amid myth and mystery.

Walt Disney World Resort

  • This summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can enjoy two brand-new stage shows: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” inspired by the classic film, and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” with appearances by infamous evildoers.
  • Debuting at EPCOT, Test Track presented by Chevrolet will feature new scenes that highlight technological advances.
  • Two new Walt Disney World lounges will make their debut:
  • A Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge at Magic Kingdom Park.
  • A Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge at EPCOT overlooking the World Showcase.
  • Magic Kingdom Park will debut the “Disney Starlight” nighttime parade this summer.

Other attractions

  • SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers guests an oceanic adventure with diverse marine life and interactive exhibits.
  • Fun Spot Orlando introduces new rides this year at both its locations. On I-Drive, kids can whirl around on Tea Cups or experience high-flying twists on MACH FUN, while Kissimmee visitors can enjoy Swing Around in the Kids Spot area and the Up and Overboard inverted pendulum ride.
  • Gatorland debuted Sweet Tooth’s Candy Shop, a specialty candy store with over 60 varieties of handcrafted chocolates, confections and ice cream.
  • Blue Man Group returns April 3 with a new home at ICON Park featuring the show’s signature mix of art, live music, comedy and audience participation.

Go beyond the theme parks

New dining experiences 

  • East End Market welcomes a two-in-one concept: Rion’s Ocean Room, which opened in fall 2024, and Gyukatsu Rose, set to open in early 2025.
  • The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers opened in October at Disney’s BoardWalk and features savory and sweet options, along with afternoon tea service.
  • Epilogue, a new adults-only speakeasy, opened at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort in October. The intimate lounge features library-inspired decor and a variety of themed cocktails.
  • Moso Nori, a Japanese hand-roll bar concept by James Beard Award finalist and Michelin-recognized chef Henry Moso, opened in November in Winter Park.
  • Alien Treats, an alien-themed dessert shop in downtown Orlando, specializes in out-of-this-world space-themed and freeze-dried candies, milkshakes, and ice cream.
  • The Lake Nona Wave Hotel introduced Garni Café – an all-day French bistro – and The Nectar Room – a cocktail lounge – to the hotel’s award-winning dining scene.
  • Oza Izakaya is now open near SeaWorld Orlando, highlighting a blend of the Japanese izakaya setting and omakase style of dining.
  • Lorelai Wine Bar opens in February in downtown Orlando, offering European wines and shareable plates.
  • The Glass Knife opens its second location on Park Avenue in Winter Park this spring, serving elegant pastries and desserts, plus breakfast, lunch and brunch.

New and reimagined places to stay

  • Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, a Disney Vacation Club addition, opened in December offering villas with kitchens and patios, plus two-bedroom penthouses featuring lagoon and Magic Kingdom views.
  • Universal Stella Nova Resort, opening Jan. 21, and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening Feb. 25, will add 1,500 guest rooms to Universal Orlando, featuring 750 double-queen rooms, diverse dining, resort-style pools, game rooms and more.
  • Universal Helios Grand Hotel by Loews, opening in May, will have a dedicated entrance into the new Universal Epic Universe. The 500-room, 35-suite property features in-room tablets for digital controls, plus a rooftop bar, three-meal restaurant, pool bar and grab-and-go station.
  • Upon completion in early 2025, Villatel Orlando Resort will have 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes, plus an adventure waterpark with multi-story slides and lazy river, fitness center, full-service restaurant and playgrounds.
  • Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World Resort unveils 365 newly renovated cabins this spring.
  • The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin completes its remodel of Swan guest rooms and debuts refreshed meeting spaces boasting a modern design and upgraded event technology.

Are these the top luxury travel trends of 2025?

January 6, 2025 No Comments

Leading luxury tour operator Artisans of Leisure has compiled its latest Luxury Travel Trends List based on the company’s intimate knowledge of the luxury travel market.

“Private, luxurious, highly personalized travel continues to be a priority for affluent consumers,” said Ashley Ganz, founder and CEO of Artisans of Leisure. “They feel that travel brings joy and inspiration to their lives and that it is one of the best uses of their time and money.”

Artisans of Leisure arranges private, customized international tours for high-net-worth travellers. The company’s unique position in the travel industry—catering exclusively to affluent travellers—allows them unrivaled firsthand insight into luxury travel in the world today.

Luxury travel trends list for 2025

  • Mother-daughter trips
  • Trips inspired by social media
  • Big, multi-country trips of regions such as Central Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, the UK, Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean
  • Interest in unique collaborations among hotels, fashion houses, top chefs and illustrators and related activities and merchandise
  • Trips that create one-of-a-kind memories through special experiences such as exclusive access and VIP and behind-the-scenes tours
  • Wine tours in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Georgia, New Zealand, France, Spain and Italy
  • Safaris
  • Multi-generational trips with grandparents, parents and grandchildren
  • Design-inspired travel
  • Active and adventure experiences
  • Cultural interaction
  • Iconic experiences such as hot-air balloon rides over the Valley of the Kings in Egypt or the Serengeti in Tanzania
  • Genealogical travel to explore family history
  • Extending time in a destination to vacation before or after a work trip or a wedding
  • Bucket-list trips
  • Incorporating yacht charters and luxury train journeys into longer tours
  • Avoiding extreme heat
  • Avoiding crowds
  • Over-the-top luxury. High-end travelers continue to splurge on travel. They want to do it right—with exclusive, over-the-top tours that include ultra-luxury services.
  • Private travel at all times
  • Last-minute travel is popular, with many travellers wanting to travel frequently and thinking nothing of booking only a few weeks in advance.
  • Travel with friends
  • Travel inspired by films and TV shows
  • Returning to favourite destinations that feel relaxing

Artisans of Leisure arranges private cultural tours in more than 70 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.artisansofleisure.com.

Virgin’s $199,000 Annual Pass lets you sail unlimited for a year

January 3, 2025 No Comments

Virgin Voyages has debuted its 2026 iteration early, giving travellers ample time to plan.

Back by popular demand and more legendary than its predecessor, Virgin Voyages’ Annual Pass 2026 gives Sailors a taste of the high life with:

  • A complimentary, one-week stay on Necker Island, Richard’s stunning 74-acre retreat in the British Virgin Islands surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches (Valid during an Individual Stay week)
  • Round-trip, business-class flights and ferry transfers from anywhere in the continental US to Necker Island
  • Daily opportunities to Shake for Champagne with Moët delivered anywhere on-demand
  • Virgin Voyages’ signature red, Yellow Leaf Hammock to take home a little R&R and remind Sailors of the incredible #balconylife
  • Special birthday upgrade to a RockStar Quarters suite (i.e. Seriously Suite, Brilliant Suite, Sweet Aft Suite or Cheeky Corner Suite)
  • A $10,000 shopping spree in the High Street shops featuring renowned brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, MAC and more
  • One curated and privately hosted Shore Thing every quarter (or four per year)
  • A beach, grove or poolside cabana at Virgin Voyages’ exclusive Beach Club in Bimini (limited to 10x per year)
  • Personalized RockStar robes

About the 2026 Annual Pass

With the price tag of $199,000 USD, the ultra-luxurious Annual Pass 2026 redefines the meaning of bucket list travel.

Annual Pass 2026 includes options to sail aboard the brand’s newest ship, Brilliant Lady, which is set to make her Alaskan debut in May 2026 from Seattle. It’s available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pass holders can select a start date of Jan. 1, Feb. 1, March 1 or April 1, and the pass will be valid for one year from the desired start date. Sailors must book between now and March 31, 2026. Annual Pass is not combinable with other offers or Bar Tab. Sailors will also earn Deep Blue Extras upon booking.

To book the Annual Pass, inquire via the “Contact Us” page. To learn more about Annual Pass, or to view the terms and conditions, visit our webpage here.