Discover Authentic Mexico in Tepic

October 20, 2025

In Nayarit’s capital city, vibrant traditions meet Riviera luxury — and WestJet makes it easier than ever to experience both.

With its lively plazas, centuries-old artistry, and colourful markets, Tepic is Mexico at its most authentic. This capital city of Nayarit remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism, offering travellers a rare opportunity to connect with Indigenous traditions, colonial heritage, and a thriving culinary scene. And when it’s time to unwind, the Riviera’s golden beaches and luxury resorts are just a short drive away.

This winter, WestJet Vacations brings Tepic within easier reach than ever before, with new direct flights from Calgary.

A City Steeped in Story

Begin in Tepic’s historic centre, where leafy plazas open onto cobblestone streets lined with pastel façades and neoclassical architecture. The soaring Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption commands the skyline, while the Casa de Amado Nervo — birthplace of one of Mexico’s most celebrated poets — invites a quieter pause.

Culture here feels alive, woven into daily rhythms rather than packaged for visitors. In nearby Huichol villages, artisans create beadwork and yarn paintings of dazzling precision, each design a spiritual narrative passed down through generations. At the Centro Cultural de los Cinco Pueblos, you’ll see how Huichol, Cora, Tepehuan and Mexicanero traditions continue to shape the region’s identity.

Beyond the city, remarkable adventures await. The Islas Marías, once a remote penal colony, has been reborn as a protected cultural and natural reserve, where guided tours pair fascinating history with untouched beaches. Closer to town, Tepic’s bustling markets spill over with handwoven textiles, rustic pottery and culinary treats — from smoked marlin tacos to candied pitaya — each flavour and craft a direct link to Mexico’s heritage.

Part of Tepic’s allure is its easy connection to the coast. Within a couple of hours, the cultural capital gives way to Riviera Nayarit’s surf breaks, palm-fringed beaches, and luxurious resorts.

At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, expect AAA Five Diamond indulgence, including the SE Spa’s new Chakra Healing Sessions that blend ancient Mexican practices with contemporary wellness techniques. Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort offers adults-only tranquillity with a rooftop infinity pool gazing over Banderas Bay, while Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort blends family-friendly programming with sleek design. Multi-generational groups will find thoughtful extras at Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa, where the exclusive Family Selection program delivers personalized touches for every age.

A Culinary Crossroads

For many travellers, food is Tepic’s most unforgettable calling card. In its markets, cooks prepare recipes unchanged for generations, while contemporary chefs reinterpret regional flavours with creative flair. The city also provides a gateway to Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, one of Mexico’s premier culinary festivals, where Michelin-starred chefs share kitchens with local innovators. Hands-on cooking classes and artisanal tequila tastings offer another lens into the region — one where tradition, geography and craft converge in every bite and sip.

The Best of Both Worlds

What makes Tepic extraordinary isn’t only its cultural depth or its coastal proximity, but the way the two worlds intertwine. Here, a morning of Huichol artistry can flow into an afternoon of spa treatments by the sea, and evenings might mean sipping tequila in a buzzing plaza or watching the sun sink into the Pacific.

In Tepic, you don’t have to choose between authenticity and indulgence — you can have both, often in the very same day.

Plan your escape with a flight and hotel package from WestJet Vacations, and experience the best of Mexico’s heartland and Riviera luxury in one unforgettable journey.

Six Adrenaline Fixes in New Zealand’s Adventure Capital

October 20, 2025

On New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown proudly calls itself the Adventure Capital of the World — and with good reason. This scenic lakeside town has a knack for coaxing even the most sensible travellers into trying things they’d never attempt anywhere else. From carving a jet boat through a narrow canyon to plunging headfirst off a bridge, here’s a taste of Queenstown’s adrenaline buffet.

Bungy Jumping

Inspired by the land divers of Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island, bungy jumping was invented in New Zealand, and Queenstown offered the world’s first commercial jump in 1988. Today, the 134-metre-high Nevis Bungy holds the record as the country’s highest jump, but the 43-metre-high Kawarau Bridge remains the most popular. For extra bragging rights, ask to dip your head into the river below.

Canyon Swinging

Home to the world’s first canyon swing, Queenstown invites you to leap off a cliff, freefall for 60 metres, and then swoop into a 200-metre arc at speeds up to 150 km/h. The Shotover Canyon Swing, just ten minutes from town, offers an à la carte menu of jump styles — from solo or tandem leaps to backwards, seated, or the nerve-shredding “cutaway.”

Jet Boating

The Shotover Jetboat is a Queenstown institution, inviting passengers to skim over as little as 10 cm of water at 85 km/h through the narrow Shotover Canyon. Invented by Kiwi Bill Hamilton to navigate the country’s shallow rivers, the jet boat’s speed and manoeuvrability are extraordinary. The signature Hamilton Turn — a full 360° spin — sends spray flying, which is why complimentary waterproof ponchos are more than a courtesy.

Paragliding

From a launch area atop the Skyline Gondola, it’s clear why Bob’s Peak is regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular places to go paragliding. Snow-frosted mountains, the glimmering Lake Wakatipu, and views of Queenstown provide a stunning backdrop to this gentle ride of a lifetime. Tandem pilots do all the work, warm thermal air keeps you afloat, and the soft landing below is surprisingly easy on the nerves.

Skydiving

Few thrills match the rush of freefalling at terminal velocity. NZone, one of the busiest and most experienced skydive operators in the world, is known for helping nervous first-timers embrace the plunge. With the Southern Alps framing the horizon, even the scenic flight up is a thrill. Then the door opens, your tandem instructor signals it’s time, and you’re out in the open sky.

Skyline Lugeing

Another New Zealand first, the luge is a three-wheeled cart with a low centre of gravity and simple steering and braking controls. Push back on the handles to slow down or let gravity take over and race the track as fast as your nerves allow. A modified ski lift whisks you and your luge back to the start. The course is accessed via the Skyline Gondola, which climbs 450 metres above Queenstown — the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.

Stopover in Iceland

October 20, 2025

Editor-approved spots for a quick trip to the land of fire and ice.

With black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls and geothermal pools, Iceland is one of the few destinations where nature still feels raw and untamed. An ideal short trip blends culture and wilderness: spend a night or two in Reykjavík, browse markets and design shops, savour inventive Nordic cuisine, and venture out for experiences that range from the iconic to the quietly off-the-radar.

Where to Eat

Dill, Reykjavík’s pioneering modern-Nordic restaurant, was the first in Iceland to earn a Michelin star in 2017, regaining it in 2020 along with a Green Michelin Star for its sustainability practices. It champions seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and techniques rooted in Iceland’s foraging and preserving traditions. Book well in advance.

For something more laid-back but equally creative, Skál! began as a stall in Reykjavík’s Hlemmur Mathöll food hall and has since evolved into a convivial wine-bar-bistro. The frequently changing menu leans on local produce, pickling and fermenting, complemented by a strong natural-wine list and craft cocktails.

Natural Attractions

The Blue Lagoon (pictured) is Iceland’s most famous spa for good reason: its opaque, mineral-rich waters hover around 39 °C year-round, and its location between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík makes it an easy stop before or after a flight.

On the Golden Circle route, Friðheimar Farm showcases Icelandic ingenuity — its geothermally heated greenhouses produce tomatoes year-round despite the short growing season. Guests can tour the greenhouse, learn about sustainable farming and enjoy lunch among the vines.

For a less-visited wonder, head east to Stuðlagil Canyon, where turquoise glacial water flows between towering basalt columns. The canyon emerged only in recent years after a hydroelectric project lowered water levels, revealing the dramatic formations. Remote but rewarding, the views from the east bank are worth the trip.

Where to Shop

Kolaportið Flea Market, Reykjavík’s largest and most famous, is open on weekends near the Old Harbour. Stalls sell vintage clothing, records, books, antiques, handmade crafts and local delicacies like dried fish. It’s one of the few places in the city where bargaining is still part of the experience.

For a distinctive souvenir, visit Fischersund, a family-run perfumery founded by the lead singer of Sigur Rós. The downtown shop has the feel of an apothecary, with hand-blended perfumes inspired by Icelandic nature and often made with sustainably harvested botanicals. Scented candles and art pieces round out the collection.

Where to Stay

Opened on the Old Harbour beside Harpa Concert Hall, The Reykjavík EDITION is a luxury stay that pairs clean-lined Nordic design with warm lighting and curated artwork. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame harbour and mountain views, while multiple dining venues, a rooftop bar and a spa with a hammam make it tempting to linger — even though you’re just steps from the city’s best galleries, cafés and nightlife.

If you have more time, Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll is a destination in itself. Opened in 2023, this remote highland lodge is about four hours from Reykjavík, surrounded by rust-toned rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs. Accommodation ranges from hotel rooms to cabins and A-frame huts, all connected to the main lodge, which houses a restaurant serving hearty Icelandic fare.

Step Inside Black Lagoon, the Halloween Bar Popping up Across Canada

October 20, 2025

From Toronto to Vancouver, this immersive experience invites guests to don their costumes, raise a glass, and summon a spirit (or two).

If your idea of Halloween involves more mezcal than monsters, the Black Lagoon pop-up bar s might be your perfect haunt. What began as a goth-horror cocktail concept dreamed up by bartenders Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage has grown into a North American phenomenon — part theatre, part mixology, and entirely spooky.

Now returning to Canada for another season, Black Lagoon transforms ordinary bars into occult playgrounds draped in cobwebs, red light and rock-and-roll attitude. Each location features an original menu of fiendishly named cocktails — from Forever Midnight to Nocturna Colada — served by bartenders who look ready to headline a metal show.

At The Walrus Pub & Beer Hall, Toronto’s subterranean Black Lagoon kicks off the festivities with all the eerie trimmings: rubber severed heads dangling from the ceiling, a horror-film soundtrack (think Werewolves of London, Boris the Spider, and Thriller), and a crowd that embraces the dress-code suggestion: “Come as your spookiest self.”

“We’re expanding the Halloween experience,” says Jas Bowles, part of the Toronto team. Meanwhile, Bowles’ colleague Veronica Cox says bar visitors shouldn’t be nervous about ordering a Widow Maker, despite its foreboding name. “It was the only drink created for Black Lagoon that doesn’t have alcohol, she notes. “It sounds lethal, but it’s the one that’s going to spare you a hangover in the morning.”

A Cross-Canada Haunting

This year, Black Lagoon spreads its dark wings across the country. Here’s where you can raise the dead — or at least your glass:

Toronto, ON – The Walrus Pub & Beer Hall (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Vancouver, BC – Butcher & Bullock (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Whistler, BC – The Raven Room (Oct 3 – Nov 2)
Calgary, AB – Charlie’s Watch Repair (Oct 1 – Nov 1)
Edmonton, AB – Dolly’s Cocktails (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Ottawa, ON – The Standard Tavern (Oct 13 – 31)

Each city adds its own flair, but the spirit remains the same: a celebration of horror culture through handcrafted drinks and immersive design.

Four Spots for an Autumn Staycation

October 20, 2025

Summer might be over, but the best travel days aren’t. Fall in Ontario and New York State means fewer crowds, scenic drives, and resorts that feel made for sweater weather. Think fireside cocktails, forest hikes, and lake views tinted gold. If you’re craving one last road trip or just need a change of scenery, these four stays make a strong case for stretching the season a little longer.

Rawley Resort | Port Severn, ON

Just one-and-a-half hours from Toronto, Rawley Resort is a slice of paradise hiding out in Georgian Bay, formerly an old hunting lodge used during the height of pine logging in the region.

Last year, Rawley Resort redesigned their luxurious Lighthouse45 Restaurant — including a complete makeover of its menu, featuring delicious farm-to-table eats with foraged ingredients. To guide the creation of the new menu, Rawley recruited Chef Chris Locke, formerly of Toronto’s first farm-to-table restaurant, Marben. Enjoy live music in the dining room every Thursday to Sunday, or opt to dine al fresco and watch the sun go down.

Guests can choose to stay in spacious suites with king bed options, walkout terraces (these are pet-friendly) or two-level waterside lofts, complete with a private upper balcony.

Looking for a bit of added elegance? Request to have a bottle of chilled champagne and decadent chocolate covered strawberries brought to your room. Rawley Resort is also home to an outstanding spa that offers a number of treatments, but their signature service is the facials. Opt for a gemstone facial or try out a non-surgical facelift with one of the RMD structural remodeling facial treatments, done using electrotherapy technologies.

Rawley Resort is open for booking early May through late November.

Wander the Resort | Bloomfield, ON

Set on the shores of Lake Ontario, Wander the Resort is a sophisticated Canadian cottage experience quite like no other. Located in Prince Edward County, about two hours from Toronto, Wander is home to just 10 dreamy cabins, all decked out in a Nordic aesthetic. From pool and lakeside cabins to a massive A-frame treehouse, their interiors range in size from 500 to 1,400 square feet and feature homey accents, like sheepskin rugs and cool wooden decor.

Thoughtful amenities, like handcrafted bath and shower products, an indoor and an outdoor gas fireplace, organic cotton linens and heated floors make this spot feel like your home away from home for the weekend. And Wander recently introduced its own Nordic-inspired spa, complete with thermal circuits, tranquil treatment rooms, and sweeping views of Lake Ontario — the perfect complement to its cozy modern cabins.

The lakeside restaurant on site, Gather, offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu using locally sourced ingredients, and is open for weekend brunch, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Home to some of the province’s most stunning fall foliage, Prince Edward County is packed with outdoor opportunities, including sustainable farm visits, vineyard tastings, microbreweries and fall fairs.

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel | Celoron, NY

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is a luxury, four-season waterfront resort on the shores of Lake Chautauqua in the state of New York. Independently owned and operated, the property features generously-sized guestrooms and suites, many of which boast panoramic lake views and balconies, which make for the perfect autumn evening with the addition of a glass of wine.

At the lively Carousel Bar, guests can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and craft beers, while at the Lake House Tap & Grill, American fare and al fresco dining can be enjoyed on the patio.

Plenty of other amenities, like several indoor and outdoor pools, fire pits and an abundance of nature for outdoor activities make Chautauqua Harbor a fantastic place to visit year-round. Part of Lake Erie wine country, Chautauqua County is the largest grape-cultivating county outside of California, and is home to a number of vineyards and wineries that offer unique tastings and award-winning wines.

1000 Islands Harbor Hotel | Clayton, NY

Stationed on the St. Lawrence River, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel is the only AAA Four Diamond Hotel in the 1000 Islands region. It offers 105 handsomely appointed guest rooms and suites, many with panoramic river views and balconies.

There’s also an indoor heated pool and hot tub and a state-of-the-art fitness centre for guests. As the nights get cooler, The Riverside Patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine or a pint around one of the outdoor fire pits. Fine dining is also offered at the Seaway Grille and the 1000 Islands Bar.

Sailing Through the Senses

October 7, 2025

By Mitch McClung

A Riverside Luxury Cruise unveils the flavours, sights, and spirit of France.

“Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.”
Little by little, the bird builds its nest. The gentle French proverb captures the essence of a Riverside Luxury Cruise journey — an experience that layers moments, flavours, and sensations to create a lasting memory of the French Riviera.

Begin in Lyon, arriving a day before the cruise sets sail. France’s third-largest city is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. In the city centre, heritage architecture sits comfortably alongside contemporary hotels and bustling cafés.

Lyon is often called the gastronomic capital of France, home to many celebrated chefs. Bouchon restaurants spill onto cobbled streets, and if you’re unsure where to begin, head to the local food hall. There, you can graze on freshly prepared fish, meats, cheeses, and pastries — all crafted à la minute.

Behind Lyon’s culinary prestige lies a rich history. Its most iconic dishes originate from Les Mères Lyonnaises, an iconic group of women who once cooked for the bourgeoisie using simple, local ingredients. That ethos lives on aboard the Riverside Ravel: thoughtful, seasonal cuisine shared with friends, enhanced by regional wines and warm hospitality.

As the Riverside Ravel ship begins its southbound course, curated on-land excursions offer an ideal blend of activity, culture, and gastronomy. Explore the Fourvière hill and the Renaissance old town, where the legacy of the silk trade and Italianate architecture is still visible.

You’re also welcome to explore on your own. Hop on an e-bike and cruise alongside the Rhône. Let the famous southern mistral wind carry you past countryside trails, vineyards, and roaming sheep. At a hillside winery, enjoy a tasting and perhaps take a bottle of your favourite vintage back on board.

Flavours, Fields, and French Artistry

Every evening, Executive Chef Benoît brings the day’s region to your plate. With ingredients sourced at each port and dishes designed to reflect local traditions, his menus are thoughtfully curated. For something special, reserve a table in the Vintage Room, where Benoît finishes each plate in person and pairs it with hand-selected wines.

In Tain-l’Hermitage, discover how chocolate and wine elevate each other. You’ll learn how ethically sourced cocoa transforms into nuanced, luxurious creations — our favourite was the caramelized “blonde.” Further along, in Viviers, visit the Ardèche truffle farm. Accompanied by his dog Sophie, your host will recount the region’s truffle history and how sustainability revived a once-depleted harvest.

For art lovers, a visit to the Carrières de Lumières near Les Baux-de-Provence is unforgettable. Inside a former limestone quarry, the works of Monet are projected in brilliant detail across massive stone walls. At first completely dark, the space transforms into a moving canvas of brushstrokes and colour, perfectly synchronized with music. You don’t just see the paintings; you feel them.

Souvenirs of the South

Signature events aboard Riverside Luxury Cruises only deepen the connection to place. At Châteauneuf-du-Pape, guests are greeted by a violinist as golden light bathes the vineyard. Inside the cool cellars — walls aged for centuries — wine, cheese, and cured meats are savoured without hurry or pretence.

As the journey drifts deeper into the South of France, the terrain shifts — from manicured vineyards to wild, fragrant lavender fields. The farewell dinner takes place in a vineyard garden, under lemon trees strung with soft lights. It’s a meal shared among friends, rich in laughter, stories, and the scent of citrus blossoms. I reached out to touch a flower, just to see if it was real. It was.

And with that, the proverb returned: Little by little, the bird builds its nest.

For some guests, souvenirs meant a bottle of wine or a silk scarf. For others, an apron in the classic blue-and-white Provençal print. For me, it was this garden. Back in Toronto, after the last frost, I planted lavender and irises — a tribute to the purple hues of Provence. The blooms may only last a few months, but their scent takes me back. Again and again.

Türkiye Is Officially the World Leader in Sustainable Hotels

October 7, 2025

The country has surpassed 2,000 GSTC-certified properties — a global first in responsible hospitality.

When it comes to sustainability, destinations like Costa Rica and Iceland often dominate the conversation. But Türkiye has quietly achieved something unprecedented: it’s now home to more than 2,000 hotels certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) — the first country in the world to implement a nationwide sustainable tourism program recognized by the GSTC.

In 2022, Türkiye became the first nation to sign an official agreement with the GSTC, setting out to align its entire tourism industry — from boutique guesthouses to luxury resorts — with globally recognized environmental and social standards. Two years later, that vision is becoming reality.

“Sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s a journey,” says Dr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism. “We’re proud to lead a global movement that protects our natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.”

Unlike most voluntary certification programs, Türkiye’s Sustainable Tourism Program is mandatory. Every accommodation provider must meet clear benchmarks in energy use, waste reduction, community impact, and cultural preservation.

Certification happens in three phases:

Phase 1: baseline compliance
Phase 2: verified audits
Phase 3: full GSTC certification

More than 16,000 hotels have begun the process, with 2,000 already reaching the top level.

Across the country, the impact is tangible. Cappadocia’s cave hotels are switching to solar power, Antalya’s beach resorts are cutting single-use plastics, and properties like Six Senses Kaplankaya and Argos in Cappadocia are proving that luxury and low impact can coexist.

Meanwhile, the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) supports local businesses through training and awareness campaigns, helping make sustainability an everyday standard rather than an aspiration.

For travellers, this milestone means more than just green labels — it guarantees that every certified stay meets international sustainability criteria. The UN World Tourism Organization has already cited Türkiye’s model as an example for other nations looking to balance growth with responsibility.

From Aegean resorts to Istanbul boutique stays, Türkiye is showing how a destination can scale luxury and sustainability in equal measure.

Abercrombie & Kent Has Released Its List of Where to Go in 2026

October 7, 2025

From Kenya’s newest safari lodge to Peru’s hidden Incan citadel, these are the destinations luxury travellers will be talking about next year.

After years of shifting travel priorities, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of meaningful exploration. According to Abercrombie & Kent, the luxury travel company that pioneered adventure by day and indulgence by night, travellers are looking beyond bucket lists for journeys that connect them more deeply with culture, nature, and purpose.

“Our guests aren’t just seeking beautiful destinations — they want experiences that challenge perspectives and create lasting impact,” says Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about collecting moments that define a lifetime.”

From Africa’s untamed plains to the icy glow of the Arctic north, A&K’s experts have unveiled the destinations that promise the most transformative experiences in 2026.

Kenya: A New Chapter in Safari Luxury

Amboseli National Park, with its views of Mount Kilimanjaro and vast herds of elephants, continues to captivate travellers. In 2026, the debut of Kitirua Plains Lodge — a new A&K Sanctuary property featuring 13 organic suites within a private concession — will elevate Kenya’s safari scene once again. Together with Olonana in the Maasai Mara and Tambarare in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the trio offers a modern circuit for travellers seeking immersive wildlife encounters and hands-on conservation.

Peru: Machu Picchu’s Secret Sister

While Machu Picchu draws the headlines, Choquequirao — accessible only on foot — remains a rarefied destination for those willing to trek. Often called its “sister city,” the archaeological site receives fewer visitors in a year than Machu Picchu does in a single day. A&K’s new Peru: Trek to Choquequirao expedition blends challenge with cultural reward, tracing Incan history from the heights of the Andes to the Sun Gate itself.

Egypt: The Long-Awaited Reveal

Nearly two decades in the making, Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum is finally set to open in November 2025, housing 100,000 artefacts, including all of Tutankhamun’s treasures displayed together for the first time. A&K is marking the moment with the launch of Nile Seray, a sleek 32-suite cruiser offering rooftop pool decks and private access to the Valley of the Kings. For ultimate seclusion, the Zein Nile Chateau, an intimate dahabiya, channels the spirit of Cleopatra.

Lapland: Northern Lights and Nordic Wellness

The aurora borealis will reach its brightest and most frequent peak in over a decade in 2026, making this the year to head north. A&K’s Adventures in Lapland and Christmas in Lapland itineraries combine light-chasing with reindeer sleigh rides, glass cabins, and ice therapy — the kind of coolcation that restores body and spirit beneath a sky ablaze in green and violet.

Madhya Pradesh, India: Tigers Return to the Spotlight

Half a century after Project Tiger began, India’s wild tiger population has soared by more than 160 percent — a conservation success story best experienced in Madhya Pradesh, where new luxury stays such as Oberoi Vindhyavilas await. A&K’s Tailormade Tiger Tracking in India itinerary combines wildlife viewing with visits to tribal communities and rewilding projects, redefining what a modern safari can be.

Mongolia: Life on the Open Steppe

Thanks to new direct flights from Tokyo, Mongolia is finally on the map for cultural explorers. A&K’s small-group journeys — Naadam Festival & Gobi Desert Adventure and Golden Eagle Festival — offer a front-row seat to nomadic life, from wrestling tournaments and horse races to the centuries-old bond between Kazakh hunters and their eagles.

Okavango Delta, Botswana: Privacy, Perfected

In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, remoteness itself is the new luxury. The newly rebuilt Baines’ Lodge, with just six suites suspended above the floodplains, provides a front-row seat to the rhythms of the wild — from dawn safaris to starlit baths on private decks. Expect to see more elephants than people during your stay.

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica: The Wild Coast

Only accessible by boat, Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula offers one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet. On A&K’s Cruising and Wildlife in Costa Rica itinerary, guests explore this pristine region aboard a nine-suite luxury yacht — combining jungle treks, guided snorkeling, and slow mornings at sea.

Seoul, South Korea: Asia’s Next Capital of Cool

As Virgin Atlantic launches new nonstop flights from London in early 2026, Seoul is poised for a global spotlight. A&K’s South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies itinerary uncovers the real city behind the K-wave — from palace architecture and temple stays to cutting-edge design and Michelin-starred dining.

Dolomites, Italy: After the Games

With the 2026 Winter Olympics heading to nearby Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy’s Dolomites are seeing a luxury renaissance. New openings — including Aman Rosa Alpina, Mandarin Oriental Cortina, and the reimagined Hotel Ancora — will welcome guests long after the medals are awarded. A&K’s Venice and the Dolomites trip offers alpine adventure paired with Italian elegance, from cheese tastings to Prosecco picnics in the highlands.

The Hottest New Caribbean Resort Openings to Watch This Season

October 7, 2025

The Caribbean continues to expand its luxury portfolio with an impressive lineup of brand-new properties that deserve a place on your radar. These four resorts are among the season’s most coveted debuts — each offering irresistible inspiration to start planning your next escape.

Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic

Since its August 2025 debut, this adults-only escape has been one of the Dominican Republic’s most buzzed-about openings. Its 500 rooms start at a generous 592 square feet, with the showstoppers being the beachfront suites, where your private terrace leads straight to the sand. Expansive infinity pools seem to spill into the Punta Cana coastline, while 11 distinct restaurants keep every craving satisfied. Add in a full-service spa and a serene, grown-ups-only vibe, and you’ve got a sophisticated sanctuary made for unwinding in style.

Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

Since opening in February 2025, this property has made history as Cuba’s first resort featuring overwater villas. The adults-only sanctuary on Playa Pilar showcases 252 meticulously appointed rooms, including six overwater villas with private infinity pools suspended above crystal-clear waters. The 24-hour butler service and personalized concierge attention reflect a commitment to service excellence, while four restaurants and exclusive beach areas create an intimate luxury experience in Cuba. Managed by Gaviota, the resort marks an exciting new chapter in Cuban hospitality.

Princess Senses The Mangrove, Jamaica

This spectacular resort, which opened in September 2024, has quickly become a crown jewel of Jamaica’s luxury scene. Part of a larger complex with Princess Grand Jamaica next door, the resort encompasses 401 oceanview suites and 14 overwater villas with private infinity pools. The impressive 19,376-square-foot spa complex and six pools create an environment where wellness and indulgence converge beautifully. Guests enjoy access to 14 restaurants and 15 bars across both Princess Senses The Mangrove and the adjacent Princess Grand Jamaica, ensuring endless culinary options, while exclusive Platinum Club room categories elevate the experience through dedicated butler attention and VIP amenities and services.

Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Set to welcome its first guests by year’s end, this 500-room adults-only resort brings a refreshingly modern spin to Caribbean luxury. Embracing a “flexibility over formality” ethos, it caters to travellers who value authentic experiences and laid-back sophistication. Four pools — plus swim-out suites — pair with five specialty restaurants and a speakeasy-style jazz club, while activities like paddleboard yoga, kite-making workshops, and tours of the resort’s eco-garden blend indulgence with a genuine sense of place.

These standout openings reflect the Caribbean’s ongoing evolution as a premier luxury destination, each delivering fresh experiences, world-class dining, and exceptional amenities. With Sunwing Vacations, getting there is effortless thanks to all-inclusive packages from major Canadian gateways, complete with flights, transfers, and every detail handled for a seamless escape.

Stay: The Pearle Hotel & Spa

October 7, 2025

By Rafeena Baksh

A Restorative Stay by the Lake in Burlington, Ontario.

Staycations have become increasingly popular, especially for women trying to balance work and home life. While some involve a short drive for a change of scenery, mine lately have been spent at home — reorganizing kitchen cupboards, folding laundry, and tackling a running list of chores. The result? A Marie Kondo–level tidy home that somehow leaves me more exhausted than before.

In a world where caring for others has become second nature, I’ve realized how easy it is to forget what it feels like to be cared for — or to truly care for myself. So, I decided to ditch the guilt of leaving that overstuffed utensil drawer unorganized and treat myself to a weekend at The Pearle Hotel & Spa. As I drove down Elizabeth Street, glimpses of Lake Ontario’s calm waters set the tone for a tranquil escape. The hotel’s white stucco exterior gleamed in the sunlight, standing out against the deep blue of the lake.

At the front entrance, the valet attendants greeted me with a smile, unloaded my bags, and whisked them away — no juggling luggage through check-in or circling for parking. It was a small but meaningful touch that immediately signalled the start of something different.

Inside, the lobby welcomed me with soft light and a calming scent. Curious, I asked about the fragrance during check-in, and the concierge slid a small square of paper across the counter with a knowing smile: White Tea and Thyme by ScentAir. The aroma was so soothing that I almost missed the architectural showstopper — a spiral staircase that seemed to rise in gentle concentric circles, leaving me feeling perfectly grounded at its centre.

In the corridors, a display dedicated to the hotel’s namesake, Pearle, caught my attention: vintage photographs, a white-stained writing desk, a typewriter, and blue floral wallpaper. The vignette felt like a love letter to balance — a reminder that work and rest can coexist, and that taking time for yourself isn’t indulgent, it’s necessary.

Stepping into my room, I immediately felt the tension of daily life start to fade. The design was serene and modern, with natural white oak and cedar panelling, soft blue hues that mirrored the lake, and a spacious bathroom stocked with green tea, rosemary, and bergamot–scented toiletries. I threw open the curtains and watched a sailboat drift by, the sunlight glinting off the water. It was hard to believe that this calm oasis was less than an hour’s drive from home in Toronto.

Later that afternoon, I picked up a latte and almond croissant from Pearle’s Café, where a softly lit sign on the wall read, Have you eaten today? It struck me — that’s something I ask my family all the time, but rarely hear directed at me. With coffee in hand, I wandered the lakefront path, trading the sound of traffic for the hush of lapping waves. For those who find calm through movement, the hotel’s 24-hour gym is stocked with cardio and weight equipment, ready to fit any routine.

When I returned to my room, I found a handwritten note and a chocolate dessert waiting on the desk. The note, written on a Pearle postcard, was such a thoughtful gesture that it made me smile — and reminded me that I could send that same kind of care to someone else.

Dinner at Isabelle restaurant was a highlight. I arrived early for a cocktail and settled in as the room filled with laughter and conversation. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unobstructed lake view, and as the sun began to set, the whole restaurant seemed to glow. Every dish was fresh and beautifully plated, but the chocolate cake at the end stole the show — a generous slice I told myself I’d save for later (I didn’t).

After a long shower, I wrapped myself in the plush robe, poured a nightcap, and sank into bed for one of the best sleeps I’ve had in months. The next morning, instead of rushing into my usual routine, I ordered breakfast to the room and sat by the window as the morning sun filtered through the curtains. The teas arrived in individual silver pots, turning an ordinary breakfast into something that felt like high tea.

Check-out was effortless, and as I pulled away from the property, I caught a glimpse of the lake in the rearview mirror, the sunlight bouncing off its surface. Then I adjusted the mirror and caught a glimpse of myself — rested, restored, and ready to return home.

Now, when the scent of white tea and thyme lingers in my hallway, it brings me right back to The Pearle’s calm embrace. Luckily, Burlington is less than an hour away — and I’m already planning my return.