January 13, 2026 - OFFSHORE

Haute Couture Hotels

January 13, 2026

From Christian Louboutin’s red-soled retreat in Portugal to Missoni’s rooftop pool takeover in Texas, fashion’s biggest names are bringing their aesthetic to the world of hospitality.

By Erica Commisso

Fashion’s most recognizable houses are stepping beyond boutiques and ateliers, carving out a stylish new niche in hospitality. Whether through sun-splashed rooftop pop-ups, bespoke restaurants, or full-fledged hotels, these brands are crafting experiences as exclusive as their runway designs.

Armani may have been among the first to blur the line between haute couture and high hospitality—opening its namesake hotels in Dubai in 2010 and Milan a year later—but a new wave of labels is following suit, each putting its own spin on the idea of living the brand.

Take Christian Louboutin, whose first hotel, Vermelho (featured above), debuted in the quiet Portuguese village of Melides, just south of Lisbon. The 13-room property is an exuberant reflection of the designer’s signature flair: the iconic red heel reimagined through tiles, beams, and upholstery. Yet, for all its glamour, the space remains grounded in local culture, blending artisanal Portuguese craftsmanship with Louboutin’s playful sensibility—a European counterpart to Yves Saint Laurent’s legendary Marrakech oasis.

Meanwhile, Ferrari is channeling its racing-red prestige into fine dining. At Cavallino restaurant in Maranello, steps from the factory and Gestione Sportiva racing department, acclaimed chef Massimo Bottura’s Italian classics are served up with the precision of a Formula 1 pit crew. The tasting menu celebrates regional icons like Parmigiano Reggiano and Emilia Romagna wines, a far cry from the humble company canteen Enzo Ferrari opened in 1950. Since its 2021 redesign, Cavallino has become a destination in its own right for culinary-minded car enthusiasts.

This past year also brought a flurry of beach clubs and poolside collaborations. Longchamp landed in Forte dei Marmi, Italy, with a seaside outpost that captures the breezy elegance of the French Riviera. In Dallas, Missoni partnered with Hôtel Swexan to create a rooftop escape awash in the brand’s iconic zigzag prints. Guests sip Malfy Gin Spritzes poolside, enjoy curated in-suite gifts, and bask in the kind of effortless glamour usually reserved for the Mediterranean. “This partnership is the perfect fit since both Missoni and Hôtel Swexan are family-owned, devoted to craftsmanship and timeless sophistication,” says Hôtel Swexan general manager Julian Payne.

Elsewhere, designers made their mark from the Hamptons to Ibiza. Michael Kors and Chanel hosted posh summer activations in New York’s chicest coastal enclave. Dolce & Gabbana’s DG Resort returned to Taormina and Saint-Tropez, Jacquemus took over Monte-Carlo Beach, and Louis Vuitton debuted a Saint-Tropez culinary pop-up with Michelin-starred chefs Arnaud Donckele and Maxime Frédéric. Lacoste also entered the scene, opening a café in Monte Carlo that brings its preppy-sporty heritage to life, right down to the crocodile-green details.

As the lines between fashion, travel, and lifestyle continue to blur, one thing is clear: luxury today is about more than what you wear. It’s about where you stay, what you taste, and how you can live inside the brand’s world—even just for a night.

Discover Timeless Havana with WestJet Vacations

January 13, 2026

In Cuba's capital, colonial grandeur meets contemporary sophistication—and new direct flights from Toronto make this cultural treasure more accessible than ever.

With its baroque facades, vintage Cadillacs, and the infectious rhythm of salsa spilling from every doorway, Havana feels like stepping into a living museum where time moves to its own beat. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers an intoxicating blend of revolutionary history, architectural splendour, and refined experiences that few Caribbean destinations can match.

This season, WestJet Vacations makes Cuba’s crown jewel more convenient to reach with new direct flights from Toronto, opening the door to one of the Caribbean’s most culturally rich destinations.

Where Time Stands Beautifully Still

Havana’s magnetism lies in its remarkable preservation of five centuries of architectural evolution. In Old Havana, cobblestone streets wind past restored colonial palaces, now housing boutique hotels and world-class restaurants. The Gran Teatro de La Habana hosts world-renowned ballet performances, while the newly renovated Capitolio building stands as testament to the city’s renewed commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

Sophisticated Comfort Redefined

Cuba’s hospitality landscape has evolved dramatically, with historic properties now offering convenient modern-day amenities. Boutique hotels occupy colonial mansions, like the Mystique Habana by Royalton, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers impressive views in the city’s historic center. For a more modern experience in the historic city centre, stay at Royalton Habana, featuring five on-site restaurants and an infinity pool overlooking the sea.

Authentic Encounters Await

For sophisticated travellers seeking authentic cultural engagement, Havana delivers experiences that go far beyond typical tourist attractions. Private tours of Ernest Hemingway’s preserved estate offer insights into the Nobel laureate’s Cuban years, while exclusive access to recording studios provides encounters with musicians carrying forward Cuba’s legendary musical traditions.

The Perfect Escape

What sets Havana apart isn’t just its undeniable charm or its cultural richness, but the way refinement and authenticity intertwine seamlessly. Here, mornings might begin with expertly crafted café cubano on a private terrace overlooking the harbour, followed by guided explorations of architectural gems, and evenings that flow naturally from sophisticated dining to impromptu salsa sessions in atmospheric jazz clubs.

In Havana, premium experiences aren’t about opulence—they’re about access to moments that money can’t typically buy, delivered with the warmth and artistry that defines Cuban hospitality.

Discover this remarkable destination with a flight and hotel package from WestJet Vacations.

Checking In: Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

January 13, 2026

From overwater bungalows to beachside lobster lunches, this is Cuba done differently.

By Mitch McClung

Arriving in the dark might not seem ideal, but it’s actually the best way to experience Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo. When you wake up, sunlight streams through the windows and the ocean shimmers just outside your door. The resort is only a short drive from the airport, yet it feels tucked away from the rest of Cuba—quieter, calmer, and intentionally different. Instead of the usual resort soundtrack of mariachis and cocktails by the dozen, guests are greeted by the sound of a grand piano in the lobby.

Playa Luxury aims to redefine what a high-end Cuban stay can be. Its six over-water bungalows are among the only ones in the country, surrounded by nothing but sea and sky. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with light while keeping it private from the curious boardwalk passersby. Inside, the design is simple and soothing: natural wood tones, linen bedding, and a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub overlooking the ocean. Sunset baths quickly become part of the routine.

Each bungalow opens onto a private deck with an infinity pool, lounge chairs and a shaded cabana. It’s easy to spend the day there, swimming, reading, or just watching the waves. But it’s worth following the winding wooden walkway to Playa Pica Beach, a stretch of white sand framed by volcanic rock and gentle surf. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and proof that Cuba still has plenty of surprises.

Dining is another highlight. Lunch might be lobster grilled over coals and served with fresh fruit, or a casual burger and fries with a beach view. The four restaurants focus on fresh ingredients and flavourful simplicity, showcasing Cuba’s produce in a modern way.

Guests can (and should) explore beyond the resort. Take a jeep ride through the jungle, sail along the coast to snorkel with tropical fish, or stop at a sandbar for drinks in the shallow water. If you’d rather stay dry, the ocean is clear enough to watch from the deck.

On departure day, sip a final coffee on your terrace while your luggage makes its way to the lobby. Playa Luxury’s private airport transfer arrives right on time, but the feeling of serenity lasts long after you leave.

It’s in the Details: Bath salts, bamboo robes and refillable carafes of coconut water make each bungalow feel like a private spa suite.

On the Menu: Don’t miss the lobster grilled over coals and served with tropical fruit salsa and a cold mojito by the beach.

Room to Book: One of the six over-water bungalows with a soaking tub, private infinity pool and panoramic ocean views.

What to Do Nearby: Book a catamaran trip to snorkel the reef and stop at a sandbar for a drink in the shallow water.

The Art of the Stay

January 13, 2026

Canadian interior designer Lesley Wong on trends, travel, and crafting memorable hotel spaces.

By Erica Commisso

Since launching her eponymous studio in 2014, Lesley Wong has evolved from a one-woman operation into a full-fledged hospitality design team. With projects spanning both Canada and the United States, she’s shaped inviting spaces at properties like the Sparrowhawk Canmore and Hilton Whistler Resort.

Here, Wong shares what inspires her, the textures she’s loving now, and the magic behind creating hotels that feel both personal and transportive.

Q: Where do you find inspiration?

A: I draw inspiration directly from the character of the surrounding area, whether that’s the landscape, the local community, or the regional architecture. By weaving these elements into our designs, we create hotels that feel deeply connected to their setting. This not only allows guests to feel fully immersed in the spirit of the destination but also ensures that each property is truly one of a kind, reflecting the distinct identity of its area.

Q: How is designing a hotel different from designing any other space?

A: Designing a hotel is uniquely complex because it must function on many levels at once. Unlike a home, which is tailored to a single lifestyle, or a store, which is focused on a specific transaction, a hotel must serve as both a personal retreat and a communal space. Guests come from all over the world with different expectations, so the design must be welcoming, intuitive, and adaptable. At the same time, it needs to express the spirit of its location and provide a sense of discovery. It’s this balance between comfort and experience, function and storytelling that makes hotel design so distinctive and rewarding.

Q: How do you hope people feel when interacting with your designs?

A: I hope people feel a sense of ease and discovery when they interact with our designs. A hotel should flow intuitively, so that guests never have to think too hard about how to move through a space. It should just feel natural. At the same time, I want them to feel a spark of inspiration, whether it’s through a surprising detail, a thoughtful material choice, or the way a space encourages connection with others. For me, it’s about creating an atmosphere that both calms and excites, leaving guests with an impression that lingers long after their stay.

Q: How did you decide you wanted to be a designer? Why for hotels specifically?

A: Design has always been a passion of mine, even from a young age. As a child, I would spend hours decorating my dollhouses, rearranging tiny rooms until they felt just right. Later, while many of my friends were going out and socializing, I found just as much joy in staying home to experiment with fabrics and create things for my own space. That love of shaping environments never really left me. When I began my career, I worked at a hotel brand, and that experience completely opened my eyes to the world of hospitality design. I was drawn to the complexity and creativity it demands. Hotels aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re about how people feel, move, and connect within a space. From that point on, I knew this was the path for me.

Q: What are some textures and design elements you’re loving right now?

A: Lately, I’ve been inspired by biophilic design, bringing natural elements like greenery, wood, and stone into interiors to create spaces that feel calming and restorative. I love how integrating nature not only adds beauty and texture, but also enhances the overall well-being of guests, making the environment feel alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Q: What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about your work?

A: I love what I do so much I actually dream of hotel design—when I eventually fall asleep. Quirky, yes, but I still love it. I absorb ideas from all around me, so I think it’s my brain’s way of processing all the information and creativity.

Your Wildlife Travel Photos Can Support Biodiversity

January 13, 2026

Exodus Adventure Travels just announced a partnership with iNaturalist, expanding its global citizen science program.

In the early morning light of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, before the heat settles and the birds retreat into the reeds, a traveller raises their phone—not to frame the perfect safari shot, but to log a data point. A dragonfly hovers near the water’s edge. A photograph is taken, tagged, uploaded. Somewhere else in the world, a scientist will eventually see it. This is the new frontier of adventure travel: not just witnessing the wild, but contributing to its understanding.

Exodus Adventure Travels just announced a new partnership with iNaturalist, becoming the first travel company globally to integrate one of the world’s largest citizen science platforms into guided adventures. The collaboration represents the newest phase of Exodus’ Citizen Science program, designed to engage travellers directly in biodiversity research while exploring some of the planet’s most wildlife-rich destinations.

As part of the partnership, travellers are encouraged to photograph and document plants, insects, fungi, and animals encountered on their journeys. These observations are then added to iNaturalist’s global biodiversity database, which is used by researchers, scientists, and conservationists worldwide to better understand ecosystems and identify how species and habitats can be protected.

The initiative prioritizes destinations where biodiversity data remains limited, often remote regions that are difficult for scientists to access regularly. By contributing wildlife observations from these locations, travellers help fill critical data gaps that can support conservation efforts on a global scale.

Wildlife tourism has traditionally focused on charismatic megafauna—the lions, elephants, and giraffes that dominate brochures and bucket lists. But biodiversity science depends just as much on documenting the overlooked: insects, fungi, plants, and lesser-known species that quietly sustain ecosystems. Some of the species travellers may help document include globally threatened plants and wildlife, rare dragonflies, elusive mammals, delicate fungi, and lesser-recorded insects. These organisms often lack sufficient data to support their protection.

“Through our new partnership with Exodus, we’re excited to help more people notice and document nature, especially in places where more observations can make a real difference for science and conservation,” says Scott Loarie, Executive Director of iNaturalist.

For travellers, participation is designed to be seamless and optional. The experience remains rooted in immersive exploration, expert guidance, and responsible wildlife encounters. The addition of citizen science simply reframes how travellers engage with what they see, encouraging closer observation and a deeper connection to place.

In this evolving model of adventure travel, a photograph is no longer just a souvenir. It becomes a small but meaningful contribution to understanding and protecting the natural world.