August 2025 - OFFSHORE

Keefer House: Vancouver’s Next-Gen Aparthotel Blends Design, Tech, and Neighbourhood Soul

August 26, 2025

Vancouver’s historic Chinatown will soon welcome a new neighbour — one that feels equal parts stylish loft, boutique hotel, and cultural hub. In October 2025, Keefer House, the latest project from Kalido Hospitality Group (the team behind Yaletown’s Smithe House), is set to redefine what it means to check in, drop your bags, and truly live like a local. Bookings are now open.

SipUnlike traditional hotels, Keefer House leans into the comforts of an extended-stay residence without skimping on polish. Each thoughtfully designed apartment comes with a full kitchen, in-suite laundry, and a curated interior aesthetic — natural woods, cool greys, soft neutrals, and cheeky pops of mustard yellow. The finishing touch? A gallery-worthy collection from Canadian art brand Opposite Wall.

Select apartments include private balconies, but the crown jewels are the Terrace and Rooftop Apartments, where oversized outdoor spaces meet elevated extras: vintage record players for spinning vinyl at sunset, and (coming soon) a welcome package from Vancouver’s cult-favourite Keefer Bar next door.

A Rooftop Sunset, A City at Your Feet

Keefer House is as much about what lies outside its doors as within. Perched at the nexus of Chinatown, Gastown, and the Arena District, the aparthotel drops you into Vancouver’s most electric grid. Sip cocktails at award-winning bars, wander through the tranquil Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, catch a stadium show, or grab late-night dumplings just down the block.

True to its ethos of embedding travellers in the community, Keefer House collaborates with beloved Vancouver makers and brands: Pallet Coffee for your morning fix, Tealeaves for a calming brew, Fable for elevated dining essentials, and TALLU for natural skincare amenities. Even the rooftop communal space and on-site gym are designed as gathering spots, encouraging connections among extended-stay guests.

The Future of Travel, Rooted in Place

Keefer House is Kalido’s second Vancouver aparthotel, following the success of Smithe House in Yaletown, and part of a broader vision for tech-forward, design-driven accommodations across British Columbia. For travellers — whether creatives settling in for a month-long residency, or business nomads balancing meetings with neighbourhood explorations — it offers a compelling mix: flexibility, character, and a front-row seat to the city’s cultural pulse.

Opening October 2025, Keefer House is set to be less about checking into a room and more about plugging into Vancouver itself.

Discover the Heart of Southeast Asia on This 20-Day Trip

August 25, 2025

To mark its 20th anniversary, luxury tour operator Remote Lands has unveiled a new itinerary that reads more like a cultural pilgrimage than a vacation. Listen Closely: A Journey Through Southeast Asia is a 20-day exploration across Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, designed to spotlight connection, cultural depth, and responsible travel — the very principles the company was founded on two decades ago.

Instead of racing through temples and ticking boxes, this trip slows the pace and leans into presence. Travellers are invited to look past the postcard-perfect scenery and immerse themselves in the people, stories, and traditions that define the region today. The focus is on experiences that feel intimate and transformative — the kind of moments that lodge themselves in memory long after the journey ends.

Imagine receiving a private blessing from the head monk at Wat Mai in Luang Prabang, then rising at dawn to witness the centuries-old alms procession in silence. Or sailing along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River after a twilight tour of Wat Pho, when the reclining Buddha seems even more otherworldly without the crowds. In Cambodia, guests meet Khmer Rouge survivors, war veterans, and social entrepreneurs whose voices give shape to the country’s complex history and its forward-looking resilience.

Unforgettable Encounters

Some of the most powerful encounters unfold in unexpected places. In Bangkok’s Klong Toei neighbourhood, a cooking class doubles as a social enterprise, where preparing a meal becomes a lesson in hope. In Hanoi and Siem Reap, artisans who are deaf or working with repurposed bullet casings show how creativity can transform lives — and futures.

Travellers also head into rural Cambodia, where they meet families whose daily lives have been transformed by access to clean water, supported by sustainable aid programs. And yes, there’s even a chance to meet Cambodia’s famous landmine-detecting rats — unlikely but heroic creatures that continue to save countless lives.

More Than a Milestone

Remote Lands conceived this anniversary journey as a celebration not just of its past but of the future of meaningful travel. By weaving in social enterprises, spiritual traditions, and personal storytelling, Listen Closely underscores how luxury travel can be about far more than indulgence.

For travellers craving a trip that pairs style with substance — and adventure with responsibility — this 20-day Southeast Asia journey offers an invitation to do more than just see the world. It’s a chance to listen closely, connect deeply, and step inside the soul of a region that rewards curiosity at every turn.

Sail to the North Pole Aboard This Luxury Icebreaker

August 25, 2025

For many travellers, reaching the North Pole sits at the edge of imagination—a destination that seems more mythical than real. In 2027, PONANT will make that dream a little more tangible with a new series of 12-night expeditions aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker.

Launching from Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago, the voyages (departing July 27, August 8, August 20, and September 1) are designed to shorten the epic journey north without diminishing its sense of wonder. Guests will push through shifting ice floes and sculpted fjords, following a route that culminates at 90° North—the geographic North Pole, where few humans have ever stood.

Days are dictated by the rhythm of the Arctic itself: the ship’s reinforced hull carving through vast ice fields, the possibility of spotting a polar bear pacing the floes, or watching a pod of whales slip across the glassy surface. Zodiac outings, ice landings, kayaking, snowshoeing, and even the polar plunge bring guests closer still, while a stop in Ny-Ålesund connects them with the stories of early explorers and today’s scientific community.

Life on Board

If the destination feels otherworldly, life on board is anything but austere. Le Commandant Charcot—the same ship that made history in 2022 as the first passenger vessel to reach the North Pole—balances frontier exploration with refined French style. Every suite comes with a private balcony or terrace, while public spaces invite lingering: the glass-walled Observation Lounge, the firelit Main Lounge, or the open-air Blue Lagoon deck, complete with heated benches.

Dining is a highlight, anchored by Nuna—the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea—where French culinary artistry meets the stark backdrop of the polar environment. After days on the ice, guests can retreat to the spa for Biologique Recherche treatments, unwind in the snow room and sauna, or swim in the indoor pool.

Purposeful Exploration

For PONANT, these journeys aren’t just about luxury in remote places—they’re also about responsibility. Le Commandant Charcot is powered by a hybrid LNG-electric propulsion system, engineered to reduce environmental impact while navigating uncharted ice. The ship also serves as a platform for scientific research, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship.

As Samuel Chamberlain, CEO of PONANT Explorations Group, Americas, puts it: “This journey to the Geographic North Pole offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Arctic as few ever have. Coupled with our French flair for hospitality, this is purposeful exploration at its finest—providing today’s time-strapped travellers with the rare opportunity for transformative discovery.”

Six Top Dog-Friendly Hotels Around the Globe

August 25, 2025

For many travellers, a getaway doesn’t feel complete without a wagging tail trotting alongside. Still, not every hotel rolls out the welcome mat for four-legged guests in equal measure. The properties below go far beyond “pet-friendly” to transform a stay into a genuine holiday for both you and your dog. From Canadian castles to Manhattan glamour and Cabo beach cabanas, here are six of the world’s best dog-friendly hotels.

Kimpton Saint George — Toronto, Canada

Toronto’s Kimpton Saint George embodies ease and inclusivity for pet owners. The brand’s famous motto applies here: “If your pet fits through the door, they’re welcome.” That means no size restrictions, no breed limitations, no deposits, and no hidden fees. Dogs are treated to loaner beds, food and water bowls, courtesy bags for walks, and even a concierge list of the best pet-friendly cafés, parks, and patios around the Annex neighbourhood.

It’s the kind of policy that puts guests instantly at ease. Whether you’re travelling with a Great Dane or a Chihuahua, the Saint George makes sure your companion feels just as welcome as you do.

The Plaza — New York City, USA

If ever a hotel embodied glamour, it’s The Plaza (pictured above). And that elegance extends to dogs through its famous Pampered Pup Package. Imagine your pup wrapped in a miniature Plaza-branded bathrobe, lounging on a plush bed, and nibbling on a three-tiered tower of dog-friendly macarons made with oat flour, coconut oil, and yogurt filling — all washed down with a chilled bowl of Evian.

The robe, available in sizes from XXS to XXXL, is more than a prop; it’s a tongue-in-cheek nod to The Plaza’s place in New York legend. For owners, it’s a moment straight out of Eloise at the Plaza — only this time, the star guest is on four legs.

The Little Nell — Aspen, USA

Aspen’s only ski-in/ski-out five-star hotel knows how to pamper. At The Little Nell, canine guests are treated almost as well as their celebrity owners. Dogs arrive to find house-made peanut butter treats, bowls, and beds waiting. They can dine from a dedicated pet menu, enjoy the services of professional dog walkers or sitters, and even benefit from a “Puppy Jet Lag Kit” designed to help them adjust to Aspen’s altitude.

Whether it’s après-ski or après-hike, pups curl up fireside or lounge on the patio while their owners sip fine wine. It’s five-star living, Aspen-style, with dogs included in every detail.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort — Los Cabos, Mexico

For indulgence, few resorts rival Las Ventanas — and that extends to its canine program. Here, a dedicated dog butler ensures every detail is handled, from beach walks to arranging “doga” sessions or a canine massage. Portable cabanas keep pups shaded by the pool or on the sand, while special menus feature freshly prepared meals. Planning a birthday trip? Staff will happily organize a paw-ty complete with cake.

It’s over-the-top in the best way, perfectly in tune with the resort’s reputation for luxurious escapism.

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas — Las Vegas, USA

Las Vegas is all about spectacle, and Encore at Wynn delivers it for pets too. The resort’s “Dog Companion” program greets pups with branded robes and toys, and offers a gourmet “Bone Appetite” room service menu — think Puppy Patty or Best in Show entrées. Guests can book dog-walking or sitting through the concierge, while pups sport a Wynn-branded neckerchief as a stylish keepsake.

Between people-watching on the Strip and sprawling in silky bedding, even the most pampered pooches will feel right at home in true Vegas style.

Fairmont Empress — Victoria, Canada

On Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the historic Fairmont Empress might be known for its turrets and afternoon tea, but it’s also quietly one of Canada’s most pet-forward luxury hotels. Here, dogs check in like royalty. Each receives a custom-sized bed, bowls, treats, a toy, and even a handwritten welcome note.

Better still, there’s no pet fee — a rarity at luxury properties. Outside, manicured lawns and a waterfront walkway make morning and evening strolls effortless. Staff are quick with suggestions for dog-friendly parks and cafés nearby, ensuring the experience is as seamless for four-legged guests as it is for their humans.

Going slow in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

August 25, 2025

There’s no sign for Tree House Bush Bar, only a narrow footpath climbing through dense greenery on a hillside in Bequia. But our guide walks with ease, ducking under branches until the trail opens onto a breezy clearing, where a raised wooden structure with a bright yellow roof sits tucked into the trees.

Inside, our chef grills fresh-caught lobster, which is currently in season, in a rustic open-air kitchen. We sip Hairoun, St. Vincent’s local beer, while taking in the sweeping, bird’s-eye view of the harbour. When the lobster arrives at our table, drenched in garlic butter, it’s every bit worth the wait. It’s a slower, more soulful kind of travel experience — unhurried, immersive and quietly unforgettable. And it captures the spirit of what travellers are finding across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Bequia, a seven-square-mile gem in this 32-island Caribbean nation, blends intriguing seafaring history with laid-back charm. Princess Margaret Beach — named after the royal who famously swam there in the ’50s — is one of the island’s most beloved stretches of sand. Pair a swim with a boat ride to Bar One, a floating cocktail bar bobbing just offshore. Inland, the Grenadine Salt Company offers small-batch sea salt harvested from the surrounding waters — a worthy souvenir.

From there, it’s on to the Tobago Cays, a string of uninhabited islets surrounded by a protected marine park, which is considered to be among of the best snorkelling spots in the Caribbean.

The shallow water is clear and teeming with life: sea turtles graze on seagrass beds while colourful fish dart between coral heads. After snorkelling, head to Petit Rameau island for lunch at Alphonso’s Lobster BBQ. Meals typically include local fish, coconut rice and plantains, served at shaded picnic tables right on the beach. It’s a castaway-style lunch, minus the roughing it.

Next, we arrive in Canouan, an island known for its luxury resorts and sugar-white beaches. It’s home to Soho Beach House Canouan, the only Soho House property open to non-members, which offers stylish suites, beachview dining and the brand’s signature effortless sophistication.

Visitors can also enjoy the soft stretch of sand on Godahl Beach or book a spa treatment at the hilltop Mandarin Oriental. Just five square miles in size, Canouan delivers high-end amenities in a serene, uncrowded setting.

Our last day brings us to St. Vincent, the largest and most naturally dramatic of the islands. While many visitors skip it in favour of the Grenadines, those who linger find a wilder, more unexpected kind of beauty. Rainforest trails lead to rugged waterfalls, black-sand beaches line the coast and panoramic views stretch out from Fort Charlotte’s historic perch.

The island is also evolving: the new Sandals Saint Vincent, opened in March 2024, is drawing more travellers to its shores. The trip ends with a final dinner at Buccan, the resort’s open-fire restaurant, where Vincy-grown ingredients are grilled and served family-style.

Smoke curls into the evening air, the hearth crackles softly and each traditional dish reflects the island’s soothing rhythm. It’s a fitting end to a journey through the islands: where barefoot ease meets thoughtful indulgence, and every moment unfolds at its own pace.

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

Explora Journeys Launches Ocean Wellness Retreats at Sea

August 12, 2025

For travellers who see the journey as just as transformative as the destination, Explora Journeys is setting a new course in seaborne self-care. This October and November, the luxury ocean travel brand will debut its Ocean Wellness Retreats — a series of immersive, one-day wellbeing programs offered exclusively on select Grand Journeys aboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II.

Designed to restore balance and inspire deeper connection, the retreats blend Eastern and Western traditions into a curated mix of yoga, breathwork, sound healing and guided reflection. Mornings might begin with Surya Shakti Yoga and pranayama practice, while evenings could unfold under the stars with a meditative Gong Bath, the ocean’s natural soundtrack in the background. Guests are welcome to join multiple sessions during their voyage, allowing the experience to evolve as the days and horizons pass.

“The Ocean Wellness Retreats exemplify how travel can nurture the mind, body and soul,” says Julanda Marais, Head of Ocean Wellness for Explora Journeys. “They invite guests to slow down and reconnect — within themselves, and with the vast, calming energy of the sea.”

The retreats will debut on two distinct sailings: EXPLORA I’s 26-day journey from Venice to Miami, weaving through Mediterranean cultural gems and Caribbean shores (October 18–November 12, 2025), and EXPLORA II’s voyage from Barcelona to Barbados via Tangier, Gran Canaria and lush Caribbean isles (November 11–22, 2025).

With the luxury of time, spacious oceanfront suites, and a bespoke program led by top wellness experts — complete with thoughtful touches like a lavender-infused eye pillow and Ocean Wellness booklet — guests can expect more than relaxation. They can expect renewal.

A Fresh Peak: Aman Debuts Rosa Alpina in Alpine Splendour

August 12, 2025

Tucked into the storybook village of San Cassiano in Italy’s South Tyrol, Rosa Alpina has long been a cherished retreat for those in the know — a place where alpine charm meets refined hospitality. Now, under the Aman banner, this iconic property reopens after a transformative renovation, offering a new chapter in Dolomite luxury.

The relaunch blends Aman’s signature serenity and sleek design sensibility with Rosa Alpina’s deep-rooted ties to the region. Interiors by architect Luigi Vietti and designer Bambi Sloane have been subtly refreshed, honouring the building’s heritage while adding a contemporary Alpine polish. Think warm timber, natural stone, and plush textures, all framed by sweeping mountain views.

Aman Rosa Alpina‘s 52 rooms and suites — including newly reimagined accommodations in the main lodge and adjacent chalets — are havens of understated elegance. For a more private escape, the property’s standalone three-bedroom Chalet Zeno offers the ultimate hideaway, complete with its own spa area.

Epicurean experiences remain a star attraction. The hotel is home to St. Hubertus, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Norbert Niederkofler, famed for his “Cook the Mountain” philosophy that champions hyper-local, seasonal ingredients. Guests can also dine more casually at the Wine Bar & Grill or savour traditional Ladin dishes in the intimate Fondue Stube.

Wellness is equally central to the experience. The newly enhanced spa features a pool, hammam, and saunas, alongside Aman’s holistic treatments designed to soothe and revitalise after a day on the slopes or hiking trails.

With direct access to the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, the property offers year-round adventures, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to mountain biking and alpine wildflower walks in summer. And after days spent in the crisp mountain air, evenings unfold in a world of candlelight, fine wine, and fireside relaxation.

By combining Rosa Alpina’s timeless soul with Aman’s meticulous eye for detail, Aman Rosa Alpina sets a new standard for European mountain escapes — one where authenticity and indulgence go hand in hand.

A New Luxury Link Between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende

August 12, 2025

For the first time, two of Mexico’s most celebrated luxury hotels — JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco (above) and Hotel Matilda — are joining forces to create a seamless escape that moves effortlessly between the cosmopolitan pulse of the capital and the artistic allure of San Miguel de Allende.

Launching May 2025, the From Polanco to San Miguel package invites travellers to experience the country’s cultural spectrum without sacrificing style or comfort. In one trip, guests can savour Mexico City’s high-energy sophistication and San Miguel’s intimate, art-filled streets — all wrapped in the five-star service of two properties that are, until now, rarely mentioned in the same itinerary.

“Mexico City delivers cosmopolitan energy and style, while San Miguel de Allende offers a more intimate, artistic rhythm,” says Bruce James, General Manager of Hotel Matilda. “This package lets guests immerse themselves in both.”

The journey begins with two weekend nights at JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco, a freshly renovated 314-room address at the intersection of glamour and green space. Steps from the boutiques of Presidente Masaryk Avenue and across from Chapultepec Park, the hotel’s offerings include three new restaurants (Sendero, Corsi, and Archiebald), cocktail lounges ranging from sleek wine bar Estación 29 to a traditional mezcal tahona, a panoramic outdoor pool, and a spa devoted to vegan, organic treatments.

From there, a private luxury SUV whisks guests to San Miguel de Allende in under three and a half hours. Here, Hotel Matilda — a Design Hotels member and long-time cultural tastemaker — blends modern design with colonial architecture. Guests might dine at the acclaimed Moxi restaurant, sip cocktails at the intimate Monkey Bar, unwind in the serene garden spa, or wander hallways that double as contemporary art galleries.

In Mexico City, days can be filled with world-class museums such as Museo Jumex and the National Museum of Anthropology, or detours into bohemian Coyoacán for the Frida Kahlo Museum and bustling markets. In San Miguel, the cobblestoned streets lead to landmarks like the pink spires of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the Fábrica La Aurora art complex, and rooftop wine tastings with views over the city.

The package includes breakfast at both hotels, private transfer between cities, and cultural experiences curated by Hotel Matilda — and for Marriott Bonvoy members, the added perk of earning points.

“This trip is much more than a transfer between cities,” says Daniela González, Director of Sales and Marketing for JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco. “It is an opportunity to connect with the rich culture of Mexico while enjoying the luxury, comfort, and impeccable service that characterizes these great hospitality brands.”

With its blend of urban sparkle, artistic spirit, and door-to-door ease, this new collaboration offers a fresh way to see — and savour — Mexico’s diverse charms.

Colony Club Returns: A Fresh Chapter for a Barbados Classic

August 12, 2025

Along the platinum sands of Barbados’ celebrated west coast, one of the island’s most beloved resorts is preparing to welcome guests once more. On September 1, 2025, Colony Club — now part of Marriott Bonvoy’s The Luxury Collection — will reopen after a thoughtful renovation, blending its signature colonial charm with a modern sense of sophistication.

Long a favourite for travellers seeking understated elegance, the reimagined Colony Club offers an updated vision of Caribbean luxury. Guest rooms and suites have been redesigned with bespoke furnishings, ocean-hued palettes and a breezy, contemporary feel, while the resort’s tropical gardens, lagoon-style pools and beachfront setting remain as captivating as ever.

New culinary experiences celebrate the island’s vibrant flavours, with menus built around locally sourced ingredients and Caribbean traditions. A revitalised spa and wellness program brings beachfront yoga, holistic treatments and serene garden spaces for quiet reflection, while enhanced pool areas create an even more inviting backdrop for leisurely afternoons.

For those eager to explore beyond the resort, Colony Club offers easy access to Barbados’ most alluring experiences — from sailing and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters to curated cultural and epicurean excursions.

Whether returning or discovering it for the first time, guests will find the Colony Club more beautiful than ever — a place where timeless elegance meets the easy rhythm of island life. Reservations are now open for stays from September 1, 2025.

Rediscover yourself at Santani Wellness in Sri Lanka

August 12, 2025

Nestled in the hills of Kandy and named after the Sanskrit word meaning, “in harmony with”, Santani Wellness is more than a resort; it’s a destination.

With its unique brand of human sustainability and seamless flow between interior and exterior, the Sri Lankan resort invites guests to rebalance, whether it be with a glass of wine or a personalized Ayurvedic tea.

“Peace of mind is luxury because nowadays it’s rare; it’s the rarest thing you can find, and that’s what we’re giving guests at Santani,” says the resort’s founder, Vickum Nawagamuwage. That luxury is intrinsically linked to sustainability, from the architecture of silence and locally sourced foods to the daily excursions led by the naturalist on staff.

After falling asleep to the sound of crickets, guests wake up in their private chalet or pool villa where they can linger on the terrace, looking out at verdant green mountains in the distance.

Serenity is built into every design element, with lines that direct the eye outward towards the floor-to-ceiling windows, merging the exterior nature with interior calm. Luxury and sustainability are woven into every detail, including the handmade and organic soaps.

Whether on a leisure stay or wellness package, guests are invited to unburden themselves from the stresses of modern life. From the restaurant’s no phones policy to the spa’s list of traditional and modern treatments, Santani offers the opportunity to recover from information overload.

Set on a former tea estate and with 116 acres of tropical jungle and rice fields, the resort has an infinity pool, yoga pavilion, spa, and elevated restaurant with premium dining and an excellent wine list. Guests can choose from morning and evening yoga or attend both group classes. There are also sessions in sound healing and meditation, and guests are invited on guided excursions, nature walks, and dips in the nearby river.

No thinking, just feeling

“Wellness is incorporated into the architecture itself. There’s no thinking, there’s just feeling,” says Nawagamuwage. “Anyone can have better amenities, but you can never replicate the feeling you have when you come here.”

Maybe anyone can have better amenities, but it’s unlikely. It’s also unlikely to find better hospitality. From the warm Sri Lankan welcome to the individualized attention, you can truly disconnect. Everything is taken care of.

Guests on a wellness package enjoy personalized Ayurvedic treatments—a holistic approach to medicine— beginning with a visit to one of Santani’s two licensed Ayurvedic doctors. During the consultation, guests discuss their history, goals, and discover their dosha, or Ayurvedic type.

At Santani, the treatment blends ancient wisdom and modern science, focusing on removing metabolic waste to increase longevity and vitality. Along with dietary and lifestyle plans, guests indulge in traditional spa treatments and herbal remedies. Because there’s also an educational component, the benefits last beyond the rich rice fields of Santani. It’s all about creating sustainable change, inside and out.

In a world of constant motion, Santani invites guests to pause, breathe in the sweet scents of tea leaves, and listen to the sound of silence.

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