July 2025 - OFFSHORE

Canada’s top-rated glamping resorts

July 29, 2025

With micro-cations on the rise, these luxe campsites prove you don’t need to go far to get away.

More Canadians are booking short, rejuvenating getaways close to home. According to a 2025 trends report, over 60% of Canadians say they plan to take a domestic trip this year, with many prioritizing two- to four-night escapes over longer vacations.

One big summer winner of this shift? Glamping. These upscale outdoor stays combine the immersive magic of nature with the comforts of a boutique hotel—think plush beds, private hot tubs, and well-designed shelters that take the hassle out of traditional camping. Whether you’re after forest bathing, coastal views or starry-night solitude, these Canadian glamping resorts should be on your radar.

Siwash Lake Star Camp

Lake Thompson–Nicola, British Columbia

Star Camp, perched on a ridge above Siwash Lake, is an ultra‑private dark‑sky sanctuary with only three to four tents available at a time. Each “Star Gazer” tent has a skylight over the bed, wood-burning stove, and either a private outdoor shower cabin or access to shared luxury washrooms. Evenings are for soaking in your cedar hot tub, while stargazing guides host guests by the fire. You may even glimpse the Aurora Borealis from your bed—nature’s five-star entertainment.

Fronterra Farm

Prince Edward County, Ontario

On a sprawling botanical farm in Prince Edward County, Fronterra blends Scandinavian minimalism with rustic elegance. Their luxury canvas tents feature king-size beds, hardwood floors, fire pits, private bathrooms with hot showers, and a summer kitchen with cookware and al fresco seating. Overnight guests can rent a canoe, swim at nearby North Beach Provincial Park (just 900 metres away), and soak up the full farmstead experience. Not staying the night? Day visitors are welcome to book a self-guided wellness ritual infused with botanicals grown onsite, or pick a colourful bouquet straight from the flower fields.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge

Vancouver Island, BC

This high-end, fly-in-only retreat sits deep in the UNESCO-protected Clayoquot Sound. Its 25 upscale canvas tents line the shore of a tranquil inlet, each outfitted with heated floors, king beds, and cedar rain showers or soaking tubs. Days here include heli‑hiking, tidal‑zone wildlife tours, and evenings dining on wood‑grilled seafood paired with local vintages. The lodge’s design aesthetic blends handcrafted rustic furnishings with refined comfort for a true luxury wilderness escape.

Elk Island Retreat

Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Just 45 minutes outside Edmonton, Elk Island Retreat is a peaceful, 60-acre woodland escape near Elk Island National Park. Its four geodesic domes are designed for two, each with a queen-size bed, plush linens, a gas fireplace, mini-fridge, and Nespresso setup. Outside, enjoy a private fire pit, picnic area, and access to the retreat’s newest addition: a stunning mirrored sauna imported straight from Estonia, which reflects the surrounding forest and offers a deeply tranquil experience. Add a deluxe charcuterie box and a bottle of wine (or sparkling juice) and you’ve got the perfect slow weekend in nature.

Dômes Charlevoix

Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, QC

Modern design meets alpine views at this forest retreat near Le Massif. Sleek geodesic domes come with floor-to-ceiling windows, queen beds, kitchenettes, and private terraces with hot tubs overlooking the rolling Laurentians. From your perch above the St. Lawrence River, you’re minutes from ski trails, waterfalls, and one of Quebec’s most charming artistic towns: Baie-Saint-Paul. In the warmer months, hike through the surrounding forest trails or take the gondola up Le Massif for sweeping river views.

‘Ome

Burlington, NL

On Newfoundland’s remote northwest coast, ’Ome blends wilderness and coastal charm with its handcrafted shoreline tents (plus a sleek wooden pod). Built from locally milled timber and dressed in home-sewn quilts, each tent is just steps from the sea. Spend your days paddleboarding in the bay, exploring nearby outport villages, or watching icebergs drift by (in season). Every stay at this eco resort supports the rural community.

Auberge Resorts just debuted its first Italian property, and it’s a Renaissance-era dream

July 28, 2025

Renaissance meets modern romance at Collegio alla Querce, the newest showstopper from Auberge Resorts Collection—and their very first in Italy. Perched in Florence’s north hills, this boutique property occupies a former convent and boarding school, with restored 16th-century frescoes, cloistered courtyards, and front-row views of the Duomo.

The 83-room retreat feels more like a private estate than a hotel. Expect old-world glamour and thoughtful indulgences: a vaulted spa, a wine program run by a master sommelier, and a serene cypress-lined garden perfect for post-museum aperitivo. Plus, there’s that pool.

There’s also a sense of cultural immersion baked into the experience—art and architecture tours can be arranged on request, and local chefs frequently collaborate with the kitchen team for intimate pop-up dinners. Even the rooms channel a sense of history, with curated antiques and views that feel like oil paintings.

Florence is always a good idea, but Collegio alla Querce makes it a great one. It’s intimate, cinematic, and full of soul—the kind of place where you unpack your bags and never want to leave. Andiamo.

Flight paths: where airlines are flying next

July 28, 2025

If you needed a sign to start planning your next trip, this is it. Several airlines have just dropped new direct routes to destinations that hit the sweet spot between off-the-radar and just-right. Whether you’re craving coastlines, culture, or something that feels like a total escape, these new flights make it easier (and sometimes more affordable) to get there.

New routes to watch:

Norse Atlantic is now flying from Athens to Los Angeles four times a week—the first-ever nonstop between the two cities.
Frontier Airlines is launching 15 new domestic routes this fall, including first-time service to Corpus Christi, TX and Richmond, VA.
Allegiant Air added seven new winter routes, like Des Moines to Fort Myers and Toledo to Sarasota, with intro fares from $49.
American Airlines is boosting access to quieter winter destinations, with new flights to Santa Maria, CA and Sun Valley, ID.

There’s also a buzz around Air Greenland, now flying Nuuk to Copenhagen on a fresh A330—finally connecting the Arctic capital with Europe in comfort.

Whether you’re a planner or a last-minute packer, these fresh flight paths are worth watching.

IV drips, cryotherapy and biomarker testing: Today’s wellness resorts go way beyond the spa

July 23, 2025

If your idea of a dream vacation includes IV drips, cryo chambers and gut microbiome analysis, you’re not alone. According to the latest ILTM Altiant travel survey, more than half of affluent travellers have already taken a wellness-focused trip, and 59 per cent are curious about how tech and AI can help improve their health. Booking.com’s 2025 travel predictions also show that 60 per cent of travellers are prioritizing health and well-being on their next escape.

Clearly, today’s travellers want more than just relaxation; they’re looking for transformative experiences that blend cutting-edge science with holistic well-being. From AI-driven sleep programs to genomic testing, the world’s leading wellness retreats are redefining what it means to rejuvenate.

From alpine cryotherapy to genomic profiling in the Mediterranean, today’s high-end health resorts aren’t just relaxing — they’re revolutionary.

Six Senses (worldwide)

With properties spanning from the vineyards of Portugal to the white-sand beaches of the Maldives, Six Senses is a wellness leader that continues to evolve with the times.

“Healthspan is the new wellness buzzword,” says Anna Bjurstam, Six Senses’ Global Wellness Pioneer. “It’s not just about how long you live, but how well you live.”

One standout initiative is Sleep With Six Senses, a brand-wide program developed with renowned sleep doctor Michael J. Breus. It begins with a pre-arrival assessment of your sleep habits. Once on-site, sleep trackers help trained ambassadors customize your plan, which includes yoga nidra, meditation, a personalized pillow menu, and sleep-supportive nutrition.

“Sleep tourism began trending at the end of 2022 and is only accelerating,” Bjurstam notes. “A holiday offers the space for rest, but also the pace to address deeper sleep issues.” Sleep, she adds, now ranks as the second-highest wellness priority for travellers.

For those looking to go even further, select resorts have biohacking amenities like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, body compression, and vibroacoustic treatments designed to soothe the nervous system.

Euphoria Retreat – Mystras, Greece

Tucked into the pine forests of the Peloponnese, this architecturally stunning sanctuary blends Hellenic philosophy with modern medicine and a side of soul work.

“Our 360-degree Euphoria Methodos programs use cellular therapy and hyper-personalized diagnostics to address imbalances at their source,” says founder Marina Efraimoglou. “We begin with biomarker testing, followed by lifestyle interventions, and prevention strategies. Plus, we offer a two-month aftercare program to help guests maintain their transformation.”

Even before arrival, guests complete metabolic and bloodwork testing at home, enabling the team to design a fully tailored retreat. On site, you’ll be guided toward one of their signature pathways — from Advanced Longevity to Emotional Harmony or Immunity Reset. Treatments span watsu and sound healing to chakra balancing and bioenergetic therapies, and they’re all delivered in a soaring, domed spa that feels more sacred temple than hotel amenity.

For those wary of clinical vibes: “This is, and will always be, a white coat-free zone,” Efraimoglou promises.

Hotel Krallerhof – Leogang, Austria

This modernist alpine retreat, run by the same family for five generations, has become an institution. It unveiled a sprawling new glass-walled spa in 2023, complete with a 50-metre infinity pool that appears to spill into the surrounding mountain meadows.

Inside, it’s all clean lines and curated calm, but the real magic lies in the tech: cryotherapy chambers to reduce inflammation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cellular regeneration, and custom movement sessions to boost energy and mobility. The resort’s Longevity Lounge integrates red light therapy, IHHT (intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia treatment), and micronutrient diagnostics.

But it’s the fusion of science and setting that sets Krallerhof apart. “Guests don’t just relax here, they recalibrate,” says owner Michaela Altenberger. “Here, wellness is not a rulebook. It’s an invitation to reconnect, rebalance, and rediscover what truly sustains you. Whether that means cold plunges at dawn, a walk through the forest, or simply doing nothing at all.”

Add in forest bathing trails and a hyper-seasonal, plant-forward menu, and you’ve got longevity programming wrapped in pure Austrian luxury.

SHA Wellness Clinic – Alicante, Spain & Riviera Maya, Mexico

What began on the sun-drenched shores of Alicante has grown into a global destination for next-gen wellness, with outposts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya and, coming in 2026, the UAE. Each multi-level, light-filled SHA property offers regenerative and genetic medical programs with more than 500 therapies, from NAD+ infusions to transcranial electrical stimulation (don’t worry, it’s just a gentle tingle).

“We see high-performing individuals, from entrepreneurs and creatives to athletes and executives, coming to SHA to extend their longevity, reduce stress, and optimize their performance,” says PR and Marketing Director Paulina Feltrin.

The experience is both results-driven and deeply holistic, led by a multidisciplinary team of clinical experts in more than 15 specialties, from brain health to women’s wellness and advanced diagnostics. It’s the kind of place for a full-body reset in between naps by the sleek infinity pools.

This story first appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to subscribe to the digital magazine.

Viking has added its very first river voyages through India

July 11, 2025

Viking has announced its first river voyages in India on the Viking Brahmaputra, a new 80-guest vessel designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River.

Currently under construction and scheduled to debut in late 2027, the Viking Brahmaputra will set a new standard for modern river voyages in India.

The ship will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam as part of Viking’s new 15-day itinerary, Wonders of India. In addition to an eight-day river voyage, the itinerary includes a fully-guided land program with overnights in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

“With its rich heritage, deep cultural traditions and fascinating natural wonders, India is a vast and vibrant country that has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “In recent years, our guests have particularly enjoyed visiting Indian ports on our ocean itineraries. We are now delighted to introduce a new way for curious travelers to explore the heart of this phenomenal country, in-depth and in Viking comfort.”

The Viking Brahmaputra

The new Viking Brahmaputra will host 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Featuring the signature Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, all staterooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a veranda.

Guests on the three-deck Viking Brahmaputra will also enjoy a range of amenities, including a Spa & Fitness Center and an open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck.

Wonders of India

The 15-day Wonders of India itinerary program will operate roundtrip from Delhi, with hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur that bracket an eight-day Brahmaputra River voyage, sailing east or west, respectively. With 13 included tours, guests will be immersed in India’s cultural treasures and will have the opportunity to experience as many as 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Guests will delve into the rich history of India’s Golden Triangle, exploring Agra’s fabled Taj Mahal, strolling through Old Delhi’s winding streets and glimpsing Jaipur’s ornate Palace of Winds. While sailing the Brahmaputra River, guests will see Guwahati’s temple, encounter the thriving villages along its banks, search for the one-horned rhinos and buffalos of Kaziranga National Park and discover the cultures of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.

For additional immersion opportunities, Viking is also offering a variety of new pre and post land extensions for Wonders of India, including Delhi (two nights), Dubai (three nights; fully guided), Kathmandu (four nights; fully guided) and Cochin & Mumbai (five nights; fully guided).

Booking details

From now through July 31, 2025, Viking is offering North American travelers savings of up to $5,000 per couple plus airfare from $999, with a $25 deposit, on Wonders of India.

Call Viking toll free at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or contact a travel advisor for booking details.

Air Canada just resumed non-stop service to Lima, Peru

July 9, 2025

Air Canada is further expanding its winter 2025-26 network by resuming non-stop service to Lima, Peru with twice weekly flights from both Montreal and Toronto.

The airline is also adding three new routes to Central America and Mexico including, Montreal-Belize, Toronto-Puerto Escondido*, and Vancouver-Tepic, Riviera Nayarit*, building on its recent Latin America expansion announcement.

Flights are now available for sale at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres, and via travel agents.

“Air Canada is further diversifying its global network this winter under its New Frontiers Strategy by capitalizing on strong leisure demand to sought-after vacation destinations in South and Central America and in Mexico’s Oaxaca and Pacific coast areas. Our new flights are designed to provide easy connections for both Canadian and European travellers, as well as to take advantage of cargo opportunities in the region,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada. “Customers will have even more compelling choices when planning vacation travel this winter. From Peru’s rich history and archaeological ruins, the legendary Belize Barrier Reef, or Mexico’s vibrant and rapidly emerging hidden gem vacation spots, Air Canada is proud to bring new and exciting destinations for our customers to explore. We look forward to welcoming you onboard our award-winning airline soon.”

Flights to Peru

Flight	From	To	Depart	Arrive	Days of Operation	Season
AC 88	Montreal (YUL)	Lima (LIM)	18:00	02:15 (+1 day)	Wed, Sat	Dec. 6, 2025 – Mar. 25, 2026
AC 89	Lima (LIM)	Montreal (YUL)	08:00	16:20	Wed, Sat	Dec. 6, 2025 – Mar. 28, 2026
AC 86	Toronto (YYZ)	Lima (LIM)	22:10	06:10 (+1 day)	Tue, Fri	Dec. 5, 2025 – Mar. 27, 2026
AC 87	Lima (LIM)	Toronto (YYZ)	08:00	15:55	Thu, Sun	Dec. 7, 2025 – Mar. 26, 2026

This 17-night Canadian Arctic expedition travels from Greenland to Newfoundland

July 7, 2025

Atlas Ocean Voyages has launched a brand-new polar expedition for 2026: the Canadian Arctic Discovery 17-night expedition aboard World Voyager, sailing September 21 from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to St. John’s, Newfoundland.

This journey offers explorers a rare opportunity to traverse the remote regions of the Canadian Arctic and Labrador, highlighting the untamed wilderness, rich cultural diversity, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

This newly unveiled Arctic itinerary offers adventurous expedition experiences, including Zodiac safaris in Disco Bay and the Button Islands—prime habitats for polar bears, walrus, and whales—along with scenic ice cruising and black bear sightings in Nachvak Fjord.

Travellers will immerse themselves in the rich cultures of Sisimiut and Qikiqtarjuaq, engaging with local artisans from diverse communities, including Greenlandic and Canadian Inuit, as well as Basque and French heritage groups. Highlights include ancient Inuit traditions, the historic Basque whaling station in Red Bay, and the unique charm of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

Wildlife sightings, particularly of polar bears, migratory seabirds, and seals, are common during remote landings and Zodiac cruises. Additionally, travelers will explore the ruins of Hebron’s Moravian mission and the geological wonders of UNESCO-listed Gros Morne National Park, with several Captain’s Choice days allowing for spontaneous landings in the wild Arctic.

This epic Arctic exploration is a highlight of the line’s polar collection, with limited Arctic departures still available this season:

World Traveller – Tromsø to Longyearbyen | 9 nights | August 17, 2025
World Traveller – Longyearbyen Roundtrip | 9 nights | August 26, 2025
World Voyager – Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavík | 10 nights | August 19, 2025

Availability is extremely limited for the 2025 Arctic season. Secure your stateroom now to be part of these unforgettable polar adventures.

For information and reservations, call a travel advisor or 1.844.442.8527 or visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.

Windstar’s newest yacht will sail the Med, starting next winter

July 4, 2025

Next winter, Windstar Cruises will debut its newest yacht, Star Explorer, and the return of its beloved winter sailings to Europe.

Launching Dec. 28, 2026, the 224-guest vessel marks the latest addition to Windstar’s Star Class fleet and brings a stylish new chapter to Windstar’s year-round European offerings—this time, with more immersive cultural experiences, off-season perks, and hidden harbors waiting to be discovered without the summer crowds.

Crafted for discovery, Star Explorer is perfectly built for exploring small ports and big stories. Her inaugural Local Season includes longer stays and local festivals that shine brighter in the off-season—from twinkling winter markets to colorful Venetian Carnevale celebrations. And with Windstar’s signature yacht-style warmth and comfort, it’s like having the Med all to yourself (with a chilled glass of wine in hand). Guests will enjoy overnight stays in Florence (Livorno), Barcelona, and Nice — plus lesser-traveled ports like Genoa, Catania, and Malaga. Seasonal highlights include Carnevale in Venice, Epiphany in Greece, and cozy winter markets lit by Mediterranean sunshine.

Early booking offer

Windstar Cruises invites guests to take advantage of a generous early booking offer available through July 31, 2025.

Travellers who book now will receive a complimentary All-Inclusive package, featuring Wi-Fi, unlimited select wine, beer and cocktails, and gratuities — a value of more than $1,300 per stateroom on a 7-day cruise.

Guests will also enjoy up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, redeemable for curated shore excursions, rejuvenating treatments at World Spa by Windstar, and other onboard amenities.

Itineraries include:

Star Explorer’s Inaugural Voyage: Southern Spain Winter Escapes (9 nights) – Wander through Gaudí’s whimsical architecture in Barcelona and master the art of paella in a cozy home kitchen in sun-drenched Málaga. Soak up the warmth of Europe’s mildest winter city, explore Picasso’s legacy, and gaze across the sea to North Africa from the historic rock of Gibraltar. Guests have the option to extend the experience inland with the Madrid & Southern Spain Cruise Tour for the best of both worlds.
Europe’s Winter Riviera (7 nights) – Indulge in the Riviera’s off-season charm with overnight stays in Florence (Livorno) and Barcelona. Enjoy unobstructed views of Renaissance masterpieces in Tuscany, discover Genoa’s golden-age grandeur, and sip sangria in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. With fewer tourists and more locals, this is “la dolce vita” at its finest.
Winter Italy & the Dalmatian Coast (8 nights) – Step behind the scenes of Europe’s most iconic sites—think Michelangelo’s frescoes, Venice’s serene canals, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii—minus the crowds. From learning to make pizza in Sicily to watching winter lights shimmer in Dubrovnik, this journey blends history, hospitality, and holiday magic.
Star Collector Voyages + optional Madrid Cruise Tours (13+ nights) – Dive deeper into Europe with extended itineraries that combine multiple voyages into one seamless adventure. Spend more time in more places with fewer repeated ports and rare perks like free daily laundry.

On board, Star Explorer offers 112 spacious suites, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with expansive wraparound balconies ideal for catching winter sunrises. Guests will enjoy Windstar favorites like the Yacht Club Café, the signature Marina deck, and the line’s famously friendly crew delivering personalized service that feels like home—only better.

This season marks Windstar’s fourth winter season sailing the Mediterranean—yet with the addition of Star Explorer, the experience is reimagined and elevated for returning guests and first-timers alike.

To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar, book online here, contact a travel advisor, reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 866-258-7245, or request a call by a Windstar vacation planner. For more information on Star Explorer‘s development, visit here.

A luxury, adults-only wellness retreat is opening soon in Loreto, Mexico

July 2, 2025

Danzante Bay, a 741-acre master-planned resort community set amidst the Sierra de la Giganta mountains and the Sea of Cortez, announces its latest development: Mailena.

Set to open in late summer 2026, Mailena will be Loreto’s first wellness resort and adults-only property, catering to couples, groups and solo travelers alike. The debut of the luxury beachfront resort will usher in a new era of elevated, experiential offerings for the growing community tucked away along the eastern coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.

The boutique oceanfront hotel will feature 96 upscale guest rooms including a blend of suites, casitas and one-bedroom penthouses, each carefully crafted to reflect the resort’s playful spirit and immerse guests in nature. Additional resort amenities will include an oceanfront pool, a panoramic restaurant and bar overlooking the ocean, a beach club and access to the award-winning TPC Danzante Bay, an 18-hole golf course from Rees Jones boasting some of the most striking holes in golf. Holistic dining will also be a highlight, with several on-site culinary experiences focused on whole ingredients, local produce and functional nutrition designed to support vitality and individual wellness goals. Standout activities include cultural city tours, hiking, snorkeling and exploring the “Aquarium of the World,” ATV desert tours, sport fishing excursions and surfing. The charming city of Loreto is rich with culture, beautiful colonial architecture and history dating back to 1697.

A sustainable escape

Designed by renowned Mexico-based firm Broissin, the architectural concept is rooted in sustainability, drawing inspiration from the native landscape, vegetation and climate. An earth toned color palette, locally sourced stone and soft wood accents will be used throughout to create a calming, organic aesthetic.

The property will be composed of three interconnected yet distinct zones, each anchored by a bespoke architectural focal point. The lobby, centered around a living olive tree, symbolizes resilience and longevity. The Wellness Center, located at the heart of the resort, will feature a cenote-style water element designed for introspection and renewal.

Lastly, the signature restaurant, set against panoramic ocean views, will feature an indoor/outdoor pool that blurs the line between land and sea.

At the heart of Mailena will be the Wellness and Longevity Center, an immersive space designed for rejuvenation. Guests will have access to science-based, personalized wellness programs and an impressive array of amenities including a central pool, sensory deprivation tanks, steam rooms, saunas, snow room for contrast therapy, biohacking technology suites and more. Specialty treatments, such as shiatsu massages in the pool, offer the soothing, therapeutic embrace of warm water. Guests will find additional spaces dedicated to health and fitness spread across the property, including a state-of-the-art gym and yoga and Pilates studios.

Perched on a secluded beach within the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Danzante Bay is also home to the award-winning Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto hotel and TPC Danzante Bay, the only TPC-designated course in Mexico. For guests seeking a longer-term, authentic Mexican lifestyle intertwined with nature and luxury, homes are available for sale starting at $1.4 million and lots are available from $650,000. In addition, residents of Mantarraya, an exclusive community of 43 luxury condos and penthouses, will have access to Mailena’s wellness facilities, dining and amenities.

Loreto is the only Pueblo Mágico—a special designation granted by the Mexican government to towns recognized for their cultural and natural richness—with an international airport. The destination continues to draw discerning travelers seeking unspoiled beauty, world-class golf, laid-back energy and abundant wildlife. Direct flights are available from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tijuana, Phoenix, Dallas and Calgary.

Reservations are expected to open in March 2026. For more information on Mailena, please visit http://mailenawellnessresort.com/ and @mailena_wellness_resort.