April 2026 - Offshore

Quick Trip to Nassau & Paradise Island

April 7, 2026

The ultimate Bahamas travel guide: where to stay, eat and explore.

By Ann Ruppenstein

With powder-soft beaches and impossibly turquoise waters, Nassau and Paradise Island deliver the Bahamas most travellers imagine—but there’s far more here than a stretch of sand. Snorkel through an underwater sculpture garden, follow in the footsteps of James Bond, linger over long dinners in historic dining rooms, then retreat to one of the island’s landmark resorts or secluded villas. With new nonstop flights from Montreal and Toronto on Porter Airlines, alongside expanded service from Air Canada and WestJet, the capital of The Bahamas now sits firmly within long-weekend reach.

WHAT TO DO

Snorkel right off the shore at Clifton Heritage National Park, located on the western end of New Providence, to come face-to-face with a captivating underwater coral reef sculpture garden. The standout is Ocean Atlas, believed to be the world’s largest underwater sculpture, weighing 60 tons and rising 18 feet from the seabed. Movie buffs will also want to see the remnants of an old prop plane used in the filming of Jaws: The Revenge. Back on land, don’t miss Sacred Space, a powerful series of wooden sculptures dedicated to enslaved African women. The installation was created by Bahamian artist and sculptor Antonius Roberts and Tyrone Ferguson.

If you can’t make it for Junkanoo, the vibrant cultural festival that hits the streets of downtown Nassau in the wee hours of Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, the Educulture Junkanoo Museum provides deeper context. Founder Arlene Nash Ferguson shares the history, craftsmanship and community spirit behind the elaborate, handmade costumes.

WHERE TO STAY

Landmark resorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar continue to garner attention, but for a more tranquil escape, check into The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas. Spanning 35 acres on Paradise Island, the idyllic luxury property served as a prime filming spot for Casino Royale, starring Daniel Craig as James Bond. At the Martini Bar, order the Passionfruit Chili or a Vesper—shaken, not stirred—where longtime bartender Keith Cash has held court for more than three decades.

Book an indulgent spa service in one of eight Balinese-style villa treatment areas that come complete with a daybed, shower and outdoor jacuzzi tub. The soothing and skin-nourishing Coconut Poultice Massage features a heated coconut compress rich in vitamins E and K that’s applied to pressure points to release tension.

The resort’s 107 accommodations range from spacious rooms and suites to two-bedroom plunge-pool bungalows and private beachfront villas. Multiple pools, a long stretch of white sand and the Versailles Gardens, home to a 12th-century French cloister, lend the property a sense of scale and history. Artwork throughout includes large-scale abstract and contemporary pieces by mother and son Canadian artists Jane and Jonah Waterous.

WHERE TO DINE

Overlooking the Atlantic, DUNE by Jean-Georges features a menu by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten that moves from yellowfin tuna tartare to red snapper crusted with nuts and seeds. The banana cake with praline crunch and ice cream is a standout, so save room for dessert.

Outside the resort, head to Graycliff Restaurant for a fine-dining experience with nightly entertainment in a longstanding family-run establishment that has served the likes of Billy Joel, Beyoncé, Jay-Z and the late Sean Connery. For a romantic evening, request a spot in the garden under the stars surrounded by a canopy of foliage and string lights. The most coveted reservation is the private table inside its wine cellar, home to more than 250,000 bottles. From the fresh lobster ravioli to the rack of lamb with focaccia crumbs, garlic and parsley crust, the hardest decision will be narrowing down what to order.

Under Kenya’s Night Sky: The Ultimate Stargazing Safari Experience

April 7, 2026

Discover why Kenya is one of the best dark sky destinations for luxury stargazing safaris.

By Mitchell McClung

Kenya has always been synonymous with spectacle. By day, the drama unfolds across golden plains where elephants move in slow procession and escarpments glow in the late afternoon light. But when the sun drops below the horizon, another kind of theatre begins.

For travellers who believe luxury is defined not only by thread counts and wine lists, but by access to rare, humbling moments, Kenya is quietly becoming one of the world’s most compelling destinations for stargazing.

Thanks to its position almost directly on the equator, the country offers a remarkable celestial vantage point. Over the course of the year, both northern and southern hemisphere constellations are visible here. Orion rises high above the savannah. The Southern Cross arcs across the sky. On especially clear nights, Saturn can appear nearly overhead, sharp and luminous.

Just as important is what isn’t here: artificial light. Large swaths of Kenya — including Samburu, Laikipia, and parts of the Maasai Mara — remain far from urban glare. These regions fall at the darkest end of the Bortle Scale, the international measure of light pollution. On moonless nights, thousands of stars emerge. The Milky Way stretches across the sky in bright, textured bands. It is not subtle.

Safari camps are beginning to lean into this natural advantage. Open-air “star beds” allow guests to sleep beneath the constellations. Telescopes are set up near the fire pit after dinner. What was once simply sundowners and storytelling now often includes guided stargazing sessions, where guides point out planetary movements between the distant calls of hyenas. Some camps have even introduced astrophotography experiences, inviting guests to capture the night sky with the same reverence typically reserved for wildlife.

The movement is not only about tourism. Nairobi-based organization The Travelling Telescope, founded by Kenyan astronomer Susan Murabana Owen, has played a pivotal role in making astronomy more accessible across the country. Through mobile planetariums, laser-guided constellation tours, and community events, the organization blends science education with public engagement — often partnering with lodges to offer immersive guest experiences.

Murabana Owen’s work has earned international recognition, but its impact is perhaps best felt on a clear Kenyan night, when first-time stargazers tilt their heads back and realize just how much of the universe they have been missing. Her vision is simple and profound. The sky belongs to everyone.

In an era when light pollution dims much of the developed world, Kenya offers something increasingly rare: true darkness. The same stars that guided early navigators and pastoral communities still burn brightly above the savannah. And much like the wildlife that draws travellers here, the night sky is part of the country’s natural heritage, meant to be both experienced and carefully preserved.

Here, the safari doesn’t end at sunset. It simply continues overhead.

The List: Kenya

STAY
Set above the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu, Sasaab Lodge blends Moroccan-inspired design with wide-open Kenyan wilderness. Days unfold with guided game drives and camel treks; nights are made for lantern-lit dinners and, of course, extraordinary stargazing.

EAT
For something quintessentially Kenyan, try nyama choma – charcoal-grilled meat served with kachumbari tomato relish – a beloved staple best enjoyed communally.

DRINK
Order a dawa, Kenya’s signature cocktail of vodka, honey, lime and crushed ice. Created at Nairobi’s famed Carnivore Restaurant, its name means “medicine” in Swahili.

DO
Spend a day in Nairobi with a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Nairobi Nursery, where orphaned elephants are cared for before being reintroduced to the wild.

BRING BACK
A blown-glass piece from Kitengela Glass, which also offers glassblowing workshops so you can craft your own keepsake.

The World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship Takes to the Water

April 7, 2026

The Viking Libra has officially touched water, marking a pivotal step toward zero-emission sailing and a new era for ocean travel.

There are ship launches, and then there are shifts in the industry. The recent float out of Viking’s newest vessel falls into the latter. The Viking Libra has now entered the water for the first time, marking a key milestone in construction and bringing the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship one step closer to reality.

Scheduled for delivery in late 2026, the ship will debut with itineraries across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, but it is not the destinations that make this launch notable. It is how the ship will get there. Designed with a hybrid propulsion system that incorporates liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, the Viking Libra is engineered to operate with zero emissions, a breakthrough that could reshape how cruise lines approach sustainability.

The float out ceremony itself, held at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy, marks the transition from structural build to final outfitting. Over the course of several days, water is introduced into the dry dock, allowing the ship to rise and effectively come to life. From there, it moves into the final stages of interior construction and technical installation, where the guest experience begins to take shape.

In keeping with Viking’s small-ship philosophy, the Libra will carry just under 1,000 guests across 499 staterooms, maintaining the brand’s focus on intimate, destination-driven travel. But beneath that familiar framework lies a significant technological leap. The propulsion system, capable of producing up to six megawatts of power, will allow the ship to access environmentally sensitive regions that are increasingly off-limits to traditional vessels.

The Libra is not a one-off experiment. A sister ship, the Viking Astrea, is already under construction and is expected to follow in 2027, also powered by hydrogen. Together, they signal a long-term commitment rather than a symbolic gesture, positioning Viking at the forefront of a transition that many in the industry are still only beginning to explore.

For travellers, the shift may feel subtle at first. The same serene Scandinavian design, the same culturally focused itineraries, the same emphasis on thoughtful travel. But behind the scenes, the mechanics of how those journeys happen are changing in a meaningful way.

If the Viking Libra performs as intended, it will not just be a new ship entering the fleet. It will be a proof of concept for what the next generation of cruising could look like, one where luxury and environmental responsibility are no longer at odds, but part of the same experience.

Nikki Beach Sets Its Sights on Marrakech With New Resort and Spa

April 7, 2026

A new luxury development will bring the Miami brand’s signature beach club energy, private residences and wellness-led experiences to Morocco’s Red City by 2028.

Nikki Beach is turning its attention to Marrakech, unveiling plans for a new resort and spa that will expand its global lifestyle footprint into one of North Africa’s most compelling destinations.

Set to open in 2028, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Marrakech marks a significant evolution for the brand, introducing a fully integrated luxury experience just 20 minutes from Marrakech Menara Airport. Positioned along Route de l’Ourika, where the energy of the city meets the calm of the Atlas Mountains, the development is designed to reflect both its surroundings and the brand’s distinct approach to hospitality.

At the centre of the project is a resort featuring more than 100 suites, ranging from generously sized guest rooms to expansive signature accommodations. The design direction blends modern Moroccan influences with Nikki Beach’s signature aesthetic, creating spaces that feel both elevated and relaxed. Beyond the hotel, the development will introduce a collection of more than 50 branded villas, each conceived as a private retreat. Outdoor pools, landscaped gardens and dedicated parking are among the features, while residents will have full access to the resort’s amenities, creating a seamless connection between private living and shared experience.

Wellness is set to be a defining element. Plans include a comprehensive spa and wellbeing centre complete with traditional hammams, saunas, treatment rooms and a lap pool. A large fitness complex will feature yoga studios, squash courts and a golf simulator, complemented by outdoor offerings such as tennis and padel courts.

Dining and social experiences will anchor the lifestyle proposition. Multiple venues are planned, from all-day dining to signature restaurants and relaxed poolside concepts. At the heart of it all will be Nikki Beach’s iconic beach club, reimagined for Marrakech. Centred around a sprawling pool, the space will combine music, dining and design, creating a vibrant hub for guests, residents and visitors alike.

The project forms part of a broader expansion strategy for Nikki Beach Hospitality Group, with additional developments in destinations including Antigua, Ras Al Khaimah, Baku and Muscat. Together, they reflect a shift toward fully immersive destinations that go beyond the traditional hotel model.

In Marrakech, a city long defined by its contrasts, ancient and modern, vibrant and serene, this latest addition introduces a new layer to the experience, one shaped as much by rhythm and atmosphere as it is by place.

Orient Express Venezia Opens in a 15th Century Palazzo

April 7, 2026

Historic frescoes, canal views and Michelin-level dining define the Orient Express Venice debut.

Orient Express has officially entered the hotel space in Venice, opening Orient Express Venezia inside a restored 15th century palazzo in the Cannaregio district.

The property sits at the meeting point of two canals and, notably, marks the first time the historic residence has operated as a hotel in nearly 600 years . That sense of history is the main draw here. This is not a new build trying to feel old. It is the real thing, carefully restored. Original frescoes, carved ceilings, and grand rooms are still very much intact, but the overall feel is lighter and more livable than you might expect from a historic property.

The hotel has 47 rooms, suites, and residences, and no two are exactly the same. Some lean into classic Venetian style, while others feel more understated. The suites are the highlight, especially those with preserved ceiling details and canal views.

Food is a big part of the experience. At the centre is a fine dining restaurant led by three Michelin star chef Heinz Beck, bringing a more elevated, contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine. Even if you’re not staying overnight (though you really should), this is likely to become a reservation worth making. The hotel’s La Casati is a less formal option, still centred around Italian ingredients and seasonal menus.

Location plays in its favour. Cannaregio offers a different pace compared to the busiest parts of Venice. You are still close enough to reach the major sights, but far enough to feel like you are stepping into a more residential side of the city. The addition of canal views and garden spaces gives the hotel a quieter, more private feel.

For anyone who has already done Venice and is looking for something more distinctive, this is where the property really delivers. It feels less like a traditional hotel and more like staying in a beautifully restored home, with all the service and detail you would expect from a brand like Orient Express.