These private jet itineraries could cost you almost $200,000

Remote Lands, the ultra-luxe tour operator offering bespoke travel to 38 countries in Asia, unveils its 2025’s Private Jet Expedition itineraries with long-term partner, the preeminent luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand Aman.

These small-group adventures for up to 18 guests showcase diverse destinations from Morocco to Bhutan, highlighting the regions’ culture, history, cuisine and spirituality with an emphasis on experiences that can only be obtained through Remote Lands’ exclusive access.

Since 2013, Remote Lands and Aman have partnered to provide deep, meaningful jet expeditions unlike any other. Each trip includes accommodations in extraordinary Aman properties, private transport in an Airbus ACJ 319, and immersive, globe-spanning experiences such as a helicopter ride around Mount Everest followed by a Champagne breakfast at 14,000 feet, a hike to Bhutan’s resplendent cliffside Tiger’s Nest monastery, a private yacht excursion through the geological wonder of Phang Nga Bay, and a fashion show at the home of Cambodia’s top fashion designer.

About the itineraries

The highly customized itineraries offer the flexibility for guests to enjoy personalized touring with a private car, driver and guide for each couple or solo traveler, delving deeper into special interests and needs.

Remote Lands’ expert team of travel specialists ensure the once-in-a-lifetime experience is perfectly tailored to the individual, offering thoughtfully curated experiences with extraordinary people in special locations throughout the journey.

The Grandest Tour – April 19 – May 9, 2025 (21 Nights)

Rates start at $188,888 per person, based on double occupancy.

The Grandest Tour returns in 2025 offering guests lodging in six Aman sanctuaries across seven different countries, in just one three-week journey by private jet. Commencing at Aman Tokyo, guests will journey from the ultra-modern city to the ruins of the Classical Era in Greece where there will stay at modern day acropolis, Amanzoe. With stops in between to explore Vietnam’s stunning Vinh Hy Bay, to cruise through Thailand’s UNESCO-protected Phang Nga Bay aboard a yacht and experience a long-life blessing ceremony in Paro, Bhutan, this experience is a global journey of discovery. Guests will also enjoy a special touch down at the iconic Taj Mahal, and, new in 2025, have the chance to spend two nights in the ancient silk road city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan.

Around the World in Three Continents  September 7-27, 2025 (20 nights)

Rates start at $198,888 per person, based on double occupancy.

Spanning three continents, from Asia to Europe and concluding in northern Africa, Around the World in Three Continents is Remote Lands’ most diverse Aman Jet Expedition to date. Travelers will experience dramatic contrast, traveling through cities, deserts, tropical islands and ancient centers of civilization to see the palaces and temples of imperial Kyoto, the souks and medinas of imperial Marrakech, and more. The 20-night journey begins in Kyoto, with stops for relaxation on a private island in the Philippines; exploration of the world’s largest Buddhist temple in Borobudur, Indonesia; a private yacht excursion and dolphin quest in the Maldives; a visit to Al Alam Palace, the official residence of Sultan Qaboos in Oman; a tour of Venice with a private boat, captain and guide; and a sunrise hot air balloon flight at the conclusion in Marrakech, Morocco.

A Mindful and Cultural Journey – October 19 – November 2, 2025 (14 nights)

Rates start at $118,888 per person, based on double occupancy.

Travellers will learn about wellness and mindfulness on a journey through the spiritual heart of Asia to four Buddhist and Hindu influenced countries: Nepal, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka. Hosted by an ordained Zen Master (Dharmacharya), the trip begins in the Himalayas and concludes on the tropical beaches of Sri Lanka. Highlights include a helicopter ride around Mt. Everest followed a Champagne breakfast at 14,000 feet, mindfulness sessions with a spiritual leader, and tiger safaris in Ranthambore National Park in India.

Discover Southeast Asia  November 2-15, 2025 (13 nights)

Rates start at $74,888 per person, based on double occupancy.

Discover Southeast Asia is an in-depth two-week cultural journey through the heart of a compelling and diverse region, taking in ancient civilizations, UNESCO-listed old towns, dramatic coastlines and metropolitan areas. Breaking new ground on Aman Jet Expeditions, guests will stay at the highly-anticipated Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, which is set to open in late 2024, in the exuberant Thailand capital of Bangkok. Guests will see an ethical elephant sanctuary in Laos, a fashion show at the home of Cambodia’s top fashion designer, a Baci ceremony with a Lao Prince, and the ancient Khmer temples of Angkor from a private helicopter tour above Siem Reap, Cambodia, while staying at Amansara, just a stone’s throw away from the UNESCO-listed temples.

For more information, including itineraries and pricing, visit remotelands.com

Virtuoso reveals new luxury trends, from hot destinations to coolcations

Virtuoso has drawn upon its extensive network of travel advisors, preferred partners and high-net-worth/ultra-high-net-worth clientele to determine what’s new and next in luxury travel, while also revealing the data and insights that prove it.

Respected as the leading “Voice of Luxury” and industry trend forecaster, Virtuoso has based its findings on a data warehouse of (US) $80 billion in transactions and an ongoing series of surveys.

The results of the extensive research were shared at the 366h annual Virtuoso Travel Week, taking place Aug. 10-16, in Las Vegas at Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Vdara Hotel & Spa.

The key takeaway is that travel remains robust, even against a backdrop of global challenges. Year-to-date sales have surpassed those of 2023 for the same January-June timeframe by 14 per cent and skyrocketed 211 per cent over 2019, with future 2025-2026 sales already up 38 per cent over last year. The demand for travel advisors remains high, with a 76 percent increase in consumers seeking out travel advisors so far this year via the network’s site, virtuoso.com.

Adventures far and wide

While domestic travel dominates in fall 2024, travellers are venturing afar in record numbers, with Italy, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Spain, Saint Barthelemy, Portugal, Canada and Japan topping the list.

The largest growth areas year-over-year are Canada (+168 per cent), Japan (+160 per cent) and Saint Barthelemy (+155 per cent).

Major cities like Paris, London, New York, Rome and Tokyo are showing significant increases compared to 2023, while destinations such as Taormina (Sicily), Napa and Amsterdam are seeing rate declines, making this fall a great time to visit.

For the festive season, Mexico, Hawaii, Anguilla, Costa Rica and Saint Barthelemy are the most sought-after destinations, with Saint Lucia, the Dominican Republic and Grenada coming on strong with double- and triple-digit percentage increases.

Notably, Maui is up 66 percent for the holidays compared to last year. Fall and festive season bookings are expected to be strong, with fall bookings up 23 per cent and festive season bookings up 32 per cent compared to 2023. Additionally, Virtuoso’s preferred hotels are seeing rate increases of 46 per cent in the Caribbean and eight percent in Mexico.

Exclusive experiences remain hot

When it comes to the hottest travel trends, Virtuoso advisors have noted continued demand for exclusive-use experiences such as VIP transportation, luxury yachts and private residences, along with itineraries that incorporate next-level stimulation and engagement.

Requests for these exceptionally high-end experiences have increased for 89 per cent of Virtuoso advisors.

Leading trends in ultraluxe travel include expedition cruises, exotic destinations (such as Fiji, the Maldives and Thailand) and African safaris. Top motivations for ultraluxe travel are celebrations, passion-point experiences (like sports, arts, culture, concerts and festivals) and once-in-a-lifetime trips.

A focus on feelings

Of particular interest is a notable shift from focusing on a trip to-do list to an emphasis on how one feels during travel.

Virtuoso’s research has identified that travellers prioritize curiosity and exploration (77 per cent), joy and happiness (65 per cent) and awe and wonder of nature (57 percent) as the top emotional drivers for luxury travellers. The intangibles of a travel experience are more compelling than checking off bucket list items.

"Coolcations" heat up

Other trends include a rise in travel to cooler climates, or “Coolcations,” to destinations in northern Europe and Canada, which are up 44 percent this summer, while visits to warmer spots, including Italy, Greece and France, have decreased by .5 per cent.

Wellness travel is also expected to be a major trend this year and into the next, with a focus on “Silver Bullet” wellness – a sub-trend coined by Globetrender in a forthcoming co-authored report with Virtuoso – highlighting hyper-specific, targeted “cures” tailored to individual wellness needs.

A survey revealed that 70 per cent of travellers are seeking relaxation and disconnection through wellness travel, while half are interested in hyper-personalized experiences and mental resets.

Other key trends

Solo female travel, dubbed as “Wander Women” by Virtuoso and Globetrender, has also seen significant growth, with women making up 71 percent of solo travellers.

Additionally, as Gen Z begins having children in 2025 (Beta babies), the industry for the first time will see seven generations traveling simultaneously. Legacy travel, or the act of bringing all these generations together to celebrate milestones or to seek nostalgia and reconnection (24 percent according to the 2024 Virtuoso Brand & Travel Tracker study) is becoming increasingly popular. And Virtuoso shared that when surveyed, 32 percent of Gen Zs were planning to travel with children over the next year, with 42 per cent of them planning to do so under the guidance of a travel advisor.

Travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations and at off-peak times is growing in popularity, aligning with the trend toward more responsible and sustainable travel as a response to overtourism.

Please access complete findings here.

Photo: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg 

Sustainably-focused Four Seasons Mallora opens on a working vineyard

In the heart of a vast private estate with carefully restored gardens, seaside woodlands, rugged cliffs and secret beaches, a former hideout for the glitterati has reemerged as a sustainable and soulful luxury holiday destination that retains its glam-chic charm.

Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor is a 40-hectare (100-acre) resort is set amid a large estate that also includes a working vineyard.

With sustainable practices at the core of the Resort’s restoration effort, all 110 guest rooms and suites have terraces facing the sea, and some also offer private plunge pools. The décor of both private and public spaces is bright and airy with natural materials throughout, evoking a seaside glamour that is both nostalgic and very modern.

In the surrounding landscape, native plantings of fragrant flowers are now growing among towering pine groves, allowing for walking paths, exotic garden settings for weddings and other events, and quiet spaces for solitary reflection.

A foodie's paradise

The culinary experience at Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor begins with multiple on-site dining options overseen by Executive Chef Francesco MannelliMel offers a farm-and-sea-fresh Mediterranean menu for breakfast and dinner.

Quiosc is an open kitchen and terrace shaded by pines by one of the Resort pools, and down on the beach, Xiringuito serves up refreshing drinks and light fare. In the evening, guests will gather at the round bar at Cercle, where expert bartenders will shake up inventive cocktails and pour from the Resort’s exquisite wine list.

Oenophiles will love getting to know the grapes and the growers at the winery located within the same private estate as the Resort.

The concierge team at Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor has been busy creating a series of very special experiences around the island, including a morning spent browsing a farmer’s market with a local guide introducing guests to farmers, bakers and cheesemakers as they gather delicacies for a traditional aperitivo. For those who can’t resist stocking up, the Resort can arrange shipping as well.

Connoisseurs of fine olive oils will want to book the chauffeured Sa Balsa tour, which takes guests to a picturesque pond encircled by stone walls, originally designed to supply fresh water to olive groves.  Here, guests will learn the estate’s history before tucking into a Mallorcan buffet and open bar.

For a full-day experience like no other, the Ancient Finca Discovery tour takes guests to a private finca (a Spanish farm) to learn about Mediterranean agricultural techniques and the extensive estate’s habitat regeneration program. A hands-on cooking class at sunset in a 13th-century stone house sees everyone pitching in to prepare a rustic meal before a local astronomer guides a magical stargazing session.

More to come: Shima, a sophisticated Nikkei-style dining experience, will debut in 2025. Guests who return for the Resort’s second season can also pick up freshly baked pastries at Sospir and enjoy cool treats at Crocant ice cream parlour.

Relax and recharge

The Resort’s beautiful setting within a coastal woodland lends itself to the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing – the practice of immersing in natural sights, sounds, scents and textures under the guidance of a mindfulness expert.

Or, sign up for an oil painting workshop led by a local artist and capture the beauty of the surrounding landscape for a unique memento of one’s visit to Mallorca. Fitness buffs will find plenty of choice for an active vacation, including a state-of-the-art gym on site.

More to come: A pop-up spa with two treatment rooms is now open for the 2024 season, with a new, full-service spa debuting in 2025.

For more information, visit fourseasons.com/mallorca/

Some of Seabourn’s new ultra-luxe immersive itineraries are up to 48 days long

Seabourn has announced a new program of immersive itineraries available on Seabourn Quest as the ship explores Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii and the Panama Canal from December 2025 to April 2026.

Seabourn Quest will sail a total of 22 itineraries with 46 destinations in 13 countries, including a new series of 10-day voyages sailing roundtrip from Papeete (Tahiti) that provide a full immersion in French Polynesia.

With itineraries ranging from 10 to 48 days, Seabourn Quest will offer abundant opportunities for guests to take in new sights and scenes and experience authentic cultures through a combination of iconic destinations and smaller, less-explored ports.

In addition to the new 10-day roundtrip voyages from Papeete, the season includes a 19-day Panama Canal Passage from Long Beach, Calif., to Miami; 15-day voyages in Australia and New Zealand; overnight calls on select voyages at coastal Cairns and Melbourne in Australia, and Bora Bora and Tahiti in French Polynesia; and extended stays in Napier in New Zealand, Honolulu and Kona in HawaiiPuerto Vallarta in Mexico, and Cartagena on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

The Seabourn difference

Guests will experience the unparalleled Seabourn all-inclusive difference on board the intimate, yacht-like Seabourn Quest.

The ship’s dedicated onboard team provides intuitive and authentic service, ensuring that every guest enjoys a personalized and extraordinary experience. From the moment of embarkation, guests will have endless opportunities to create lasting Seabourn Moments.

In addition, the ship is equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink, the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, to provide guests with greater connectivity to share their experiences with friends and family. These new voyages will also include bespoke, curated onboard entertainment and Seabourn Conversations programs, featuring renowned performers and guest speakers.

For more details about Seabourn, including itineraries, pricing and departure dates, visit www.seabourn.com.

Explora Journeys offers a series of tropical Caribbean escapes

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group unveils a series of exclusive Caribbean destination experiences.

Guests can discover these meticulously crafted experiences during their Caribbean journeys, blending celebrated destinations with off-the-beaten-path ports.

With EXPLORA II arriving in the Caribbean in November 2024 and EXPLORA I in December 2024, guests will have unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the Caribbean’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, all while indulging in exceptional luxury.

EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II will visit a varied array of destinations in the Caribbean until March 2025.

These include Gustavia in St. Barts, Oranjestad in Aruba, and St. John’s in Antigua. Itineraries also feature ports such as Belize City, Bequia in the Grenadines, and Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico. Each destination is selected to provide a unique and enriching exploration experience.

Willemstad, Curaçao 

Guests can snorkel on the vivid reefs of Director’s Bay, encountering abundant marine life. They will learn from a marine biologist about his foundation’s work to restore endangered coral reefs. The journey continues aboard the Pura Vida yacht to discover Curaçao’s rich natural environment and includes a visit to a tranquil mangrove reservoir, accessible only by boat, for hiking, swimming, and immersion in nature.

 

Saint-Pierre, Martinique, Lesser Antilles, French West Indies

In a small group, guests will discover Martinican rum culture at Rhum Clément, the birthplace of ‘rhum agricole.’ This includes a guided exploration of the large estate and its lush gardens, a tour of three rum cellars, and tastings of barrel-aged rum paired with delicious chef-crafted foods.

 

Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy

Guests can spend the day at the five-star Rosewood Le Guanahani resort, savouring a three-course meal on a golden sandy beach. This experience includes lounging in luxury and snorkelling in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, providing the ultimate in beachside relaxation and culinary delight.

Progreso (Merida), Mexico

Guests will explore the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal, known for its stunning Puuc-style architecture and celestial alignments. They will see the Pyramid of the Soothsayer and the Palace of the Governor, enjoy an exclusive lunch of regional specialties in the open air of the former hacienda church, and partake in an authentic Mayan purification ceremony within the natural beauty of Xocnaceh.

Cozumel, Mexico

Highlights of this experience include a scenic 45-minute flight over the Caribbean Sea and Yucatán Jungle, landing minutes from the ruins. Arriving before the daily influx of visitors allows for a more intimate and immersive experience. A knowledgeable guide will lead guests through the history and architecture of this ancient city.

 

Guests can book these exclusive destination experiences via the Explora Experience Centre, their preferred travel advisor, or directly on the Explora Journeys website.

Marriott is bringing a new all-inclusive concept to Cancun

Marriott Hotels recently announced the grand opening of its newest property, Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort.

This debut marks a new era for Marriott Hotels as its first all-inclusive resort, inviting guests of all ages and generations to immerse themselves in enriching experiences, captivating entertainment, and vibrant local culture.

Marriott Hotels’ foray into the all-inclusive market underscores its dedication to meeting the increasing demand for multigenerational travel experiences.

About Marriott Cancun

Marriott Cancun features a comprehensive range of amenities and services designed to cater to every guest’s needs.

The resort features 450 newly redesigned guestrooms, including 124 premium ocean view rooms and 38 suites with balconies offering breathtaking vistas of the azure waters. For those seeking ultimate indulgence, the two Presidential Suites epitomize luxury, featuring a large balcony that overlooks Cancun’s pristine beaches to the east and a beautiful terrace with views of the Nichupte Lagoon and its nuanced sunsets to the west.

Each room showcases contemporary decor, well-appointed bathrooms, and daily replenished mini bars, ensuring a harmonious fusion of comfort and convenience throughout each guest’s stay.

 

Diverse dining

Guests can embark on a culinary journey with 13 diverse dining options, including everything from Mexican cuisine and innovative Japanese dishes to poolside pizzerias and refreshing ceviche served in a tropical oasis.

The heart of the resort, the Greatroom Lobby Bar offers stunning ocean vistas and a sophisticated ambiance for socializing over creative cocktails. Indulge at HANA Polynesian Grill, starting with a tropical breakfast buffet and culminating in dinner on an enchanting terrace featuring Polynesian-inspired delicacies.

For a taste of Tulum-inspired cuisine, Sacbé Beach Shack delivers flavorful dishes, perfect for enjoying under the sun or in the shade. The resort’s burgers and shakes spot serves up a taste of nostalgia with its classic counter seating and family-friendly atmosphere, while Alice’s Tamale Ritual makes its rounds throughout the resort daily with its mobile food cart, bringing guests together for a delicious and enlightening culinary experience.

To learn more about Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, click here.

New AI app helps travellers build an itinerary out of anything

 Mindtrip, an AI powered platform that empowers everyone to travel differently, today announced the launch of Start Anywhere, a powerful new functionality giving travellers, for the first time, the ability to instantly build their very own dream itineraries from any point of inspiration.

Be it content from a travel site, a Creator’s post on social channels, or a well-known publication, Start Anywhere empowers travelers to simply capture a screen grab or URL, upload it to Mindtrip and in seconds, Mindtrip processes the content and produces a full blown customizable list or an itinerary.

From leisure and adventure travel, to business and group travel, Start Anywhere breaks users out of the confines of a travel platform’s walls and caters to the fluid way that people plan and experience travel.

“People don’t plan travel in a linear fashion, yet the travel industry continues to offer only platforms that do just that,” said Andy Moss, Co-founder and CEO of Mindtrip. “However, at Mindtrip, we believe that planning for the adventure should be as fun as the adventure itself. We’ve developed Start Anywhere to enable people everywhere to turn all of the incredible travel content online into something actionable. You want recommendations for 36 hours in Miami? Now you have it. With reports showing that 75 percent of people find travel inspiration on social sites or online, we are excited to see what travelers do with this game-changing technology and how it will transform the way we all approach planning vacations.”

How to use Start Anywhere

Designed with a social savvy audience in mind, Start Anywhere’s functionality is incredibly easy to use. Users simply sign up for a Mindtrip account, capture either the URL of a travel website, blog post, YouTube video, or a screenshot of travel content on instagram, tiktok or from a favorite publication, and upload it to Mindtrip. In seconds Mindtrip’s AI platform translates the contents into a full-blown itinerary, with recommended things to do, where to go, and places to eat listed for each day, based on account preferences and the content provided.

Should a user have already booked a hotel or flight, Start Anywhere also delivers. Users just have to upload a screenshot of their receipt or forward a confirmation email to Mindtrip and the site will provide a robust itinerary that matches the receipts dates and locations of travel.

Start Anywhere also empowers Creators to generate additional revenue streams. In just a few steps, Creators simply sign up for the Mindtrip Creator program, generate their own Mindtrip magic link, and embed it into every piece of travel content they produce. Links can be placed wherever the Creator sees fit— in descriptions, posts, bios, comments and more. When someone clicks on the Creator’s Magic link, Mindtrip generates an individualized itinerary or list based on the Creator’s content, turning their valuable recommendations into customizable and actionable travel plans for their audience. Mindtrip pays Creators for each new registered user on the Mindtrip platform, delivering an opportunity for Creators to earn extra cash by doing exactly what they love, while generating more value for their followers.

For more information about Mindtrip and its Start Anywhere functionality, visit: Mindtrip.ai.

This small ship cruise company takes just 200 guests to the remote Arctic

Atlas Ocean Voyages‘ 2026 Arctic season will feature six and seven-night expeditions and include pre-cruise hotel stays for the first time.

Onboard World Voyager and World Navigator, the season will also discover new ports exploring the remote Skjoldungen Island in Greenland, the heart of Icelandic culture in Stykkishólmur, and “miniature Norway” from Senja, the island of adventure.

Reaching restricted areas for larger ships from Svalbard, Atlas’ small intimate yachts provide fewer than 200 guests with the opportunity to explore the remote region. All expeditions departing from Longyearbyen and Kangerluusuaq include the pre-cruise hotel.

 

Arctic season highlights

Shorter Svalbard expeditions

Guests embark on a seven-night expedition from Tromsø to Longyearbyen featuring ports along the stunning Norwegian coast, including Hammerfest and Skarsvåg (North Cape), Norway, before culminating in the breathtaking landscapes of Svalbard departing May 22, 2026, A six or seven -night expedition Longyearbyen roundtrip is available for departures May 29June 5 and June 11, 2026.

Iceland and Greenland

Expeditions will continue visiting Greenland in 2026, a favourite offering allowing travellers to explore Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland in one extraordinary journey. Whether it’s the towering icebergs, vibrant coastal villages, or the mesmerizing Northern Lights, each day promises a new and awe-inspiring experience. Choose from expeditions of 10 to 15 nights for an unforgettable experience: July 29,  July 31,  Aug 11 (solar eclipse) Aug 15Aug 20 Aug 30August 31 and Sept 10, 2026.

Norway

Two departures featuring the Norwegian fjords and Svalbard depart June 18, and July 19, 2026.

Included private jet service from Oslo or New York JFK

On expeditions embarking or concluding in Longyearbyen or Kangerlussuaq, guests will enjoy an inclusive charter flight inclusionExpeditions departing or ending in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, include charter air flights from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen, making it easier for guests to begin or end their expedition. Expeditions departing or ending in Kangerlusssuaq will include charter air flights from New York JFK.

New included pre-cruise hotel in Oslo or New York

For 2026 Arctic polar expeditions, a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night is included for all departures from Longyearbyen, with accommodations provided in Oslo, Norway, the night before the charter flight. Additionally, for the Aug. 31, 2026 departure from Kangerlussuaq, a pre-cruise hotel night will be offered in New York the night before the charter flight.

Exclusive cultural immersions

Every 2026 Polar Expedition by Atlas includes a free cultural immersion experience, offering guests unique insights into local communities. Examples include visits to Indigenous villages like Ittoqqortoormiit, Paimutt, or Ilulisat in Greenland, where guests can engage with local traditions, taste regional treats, and explore cultural nuances. In Longyearbyen, guests will enjoy a panoramic drive and a welcome aboard event featuring an insightful talk on local life, complemented by delicacies such as reindeer canapés, coal mine beer, and regional chocolate.

Adventure activities include free Zodiac sightseeing safaris, allowing for up-close-and-personal experiences with stunning landscapes and wildlife. Plus, landings ashore, where our world-class expedition team guides you, and for the daring, take the plunge with our exhilarating polar plunge opportunity, creating memories that last a lifetime. Each guest also receives a complimentary parka to take home with them.

For more information, visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.

Swan Hellenic reveals 10 Maris gourmet cruises with Michelin chefs

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer Swan Hellenic has just unveiled its 2025 Maris gourmet cruises aboard the elegant designer ships SH Diana and SH Vega.

Each of these exclusive Maris voyages showcases the outstanding creativity of one of the world-famous chefs in the gourmet organization JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs – all rising stars under 40 who have already won international accolades, including from Michelin.

 

10 curated culinary cruises

For 2025, Maris offers a choice of ten expertly curated cruises from the Arctic to Europe and the Mediterranean, nine on SH Diana and one on SH Vega, each a unique experience of exceptional fine dining and discovery.

Serving a different signature dish every night, the Maris chef surprises and delights throughout the voyage, leading up to an extraordinary Gala Dinner that displays their full creativity and skills, inspired by a passion for tradition, sustainability and quality local ingredients. Sharing their expertise, the Maris chef also puts on a cooking show that reveals secrets of their art, and leads gastronomic excursions ashore to explore the local hunting, fishing, farming, foraging and culinary traditions and specialties.

And of course, every Maris chef also mixes and socializes with guests throughout their voyage in the Swan Hellenic tradition.

It is this extraordinary combination that makes Maris an irresistible experience in high-end cruise gastronomy.

Star chefs for 2025

The JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs star chefs lined up for the 2025 Maris sailings include (in order of sailing):

  • Heribert Dietrich from Switzerland (Michelin Star – 9 nights on SH Diana exploring Europe’s Atlantic coast, departing Lisbon for Portsmouth on 12 May 2025)
  • Kevin Lejeune from Belgium (Michelin Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, leaving Portsmouth for Dublin on 21 May 2025),
  • Philippe Deslarzes from Switzerland (Michelin star – 8 nights on SH Diana, departing Reykjavik for an Iceland Circumnavigation on 02 June 2025
  • Herman Cooijmans from the Netherlands (10 nights on SH Diana, departing Tromsø for the fjords and on to Amsterdam on 21 July 2025)
  • Franco Körperich from Switzerland (8 nights on SH Vega, sailing from Reykjavik for an Iceland circumnavigation on 31 July)
  • David Goerne from France (Michelin Green Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, departing Amsterdam for Lisbon on 31 July 2025 to experience the historic ports of Europe’s Atlantic seaboard)
  • Federico Pettenuzzo from Italy (Michelin Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, sailing from Lisbon on 11 August to follow Africa’s north coast to Palermo)
  • Alberto Basso from Italy (10 nights on SH Diana, departing Palermo for Venice on 22 August)
  • Lukas Nagl from Austria (8 nights on SH Diana to explore the Classical World, leaving Venice for Piraeus on 1 September)
  • Steffen Disch from Germany (Michelin Star – 9 nights on SH Diana, departing Istanbul for Limassol on 17 September)

Two series of cruises in the 2025 Maris selection – all aboard SH Diana – can be daisy-chained to create unforgettable voyages of gastronomic exploration: a double voyage from Lisbon in May and a choice of double or triple culinary discovery from Amsterdam in August.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, visit www.swanhellenic.com.

Arizona’s first Grand Hyatt is opening this October

With a phased full property renovation under way, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch expects to unveil its highly anticipated $115 million property-wide renovation and rebrand to Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort in early October 2024, marking the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona.

Guests can choose from various room types to suit their needs, ranging from residential-style luxury casitas to king and queen bed accommodations and accessible rooms. Every guest room on property features a multi-purpose living space, a spa-inspired bathroom, and a private balcony or patio.

Optimal for groups of friends and families, the resort’s casitas offer separate living spaces for entertaining and gathering. They are also equipped with a kitchenette and dual bathrooms with sweeping views of the resort’s pool and surrounding golf course.

Culinary and more

Come October, the resort will debut four new food and beverage concepts – La Zozzona (Modern Italian Chophouse), Tiki Taka (global small plates), Mesa Centrale (Southwestern grill), and Grand Vista Lounge (lobby bar). The property has already introduced two new poolside concepts – Sandbar and H2Oasis.

The restaurants are spearheaded by celebrated chef and James Beard nominated cookbook author, Richard Blais.

Outside, guests will uncover a new aquatic wonderland with the resort’s upgraded 10-acre destination pool complex and expanded cabanas, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, excitement, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The 2.5-acre outdoor oasis features 10 unique swimming pools and a pristine sand beach. At the heart of the complex stands a thrilling three-story, high-speed waterslide, promising excitement for adventure enthusiasts of all ages, while a tranquil whirlpool spa offers a haven for relaxation seekers. For those looking for more activities, a beachside putting green provides a novel touch to this already exceptional escape.

To learn more about the property, visit hyattregencyscottsdale.com.