Christine Hogg – Page 34

See a new side of the Mexican Caribbean

August 1, 2022 No Comments

How to explore like a local on your next trip

Home to some of the best beaches, gastronomy, and culture in the world, the Mexican Caribbean is a popular destination for Canadian travellers. In recent years, a multitude of new tourist attractions and luxury boutique hotels have opened in the region. However, the destination is also home to untapped local experiences, which offer a new side of the Mexican Caribbean for travellers to explore.

Known for its status as a leading entertainment hub, Cancun’s allure extends to its restaurants, too. The centre of the city is home to the iconic El Parque de Las Palapas, an open-air park just a short walk from Tulum Ave. where diners can taste Mexican and regional dishes, like their famous marquesitas. A few steps away is La Ruta Nader, a street lined with restaurants ranging from Italian to more traditional Mexican food.

Riviera Maya hosts an endless array of unique experiences for visitors, however select places that are frequented by locals remain off the beaten path. One such local favourite is Xpu-Ha beach, home to Serenity Beach Club. For another beach club experience, the latest trend in Tulum is cenote clubs like Buuts’Ha’ – this space offers food, music, and activities inside some of the region’s most stunning cenotes.

Cozumel island is bursting with hidden gems, like the Benito Juarez Municipal Market. For over 30 years, this public market has sold fresh produce, regional treats, handmade tortillas and artisan souvenirs. The market is adorned by a large central mural displaying symbols of the island, like endemic wildlife, local garments, important historical figures, and more. Even more murals in Cozumel can be found at Cozumel Sea Walls, by the non-profit PangeaSeed Foundation. This urban ‘artivist’ project is a collection of 36 murals by contemporary artists from 12 countries, each looking to raise awareness of marine preservation through art.

Visitors can also walk the charming neighbourhood of El Cedral to experience authentic Cozumel island life. Once a worship ground for Mayan gods, today El Cedral is the site of the annual Día de la Santa Cruz festival held each spring, which celebrates the 21 founding families that established Cozumel after the Caste War in 1848. Cool down with a visit to Chempita Cenote, a cave located in Quintana Roo, which is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Art lovers can head to the State Congress in the Quintana Roo capital city of Chetumal for breathtaking murals. Walking along the boardwalk watching the sunset overlooking the Bay of Chetumal while eating a machacado is also a must in the area.

Why a trip to Canada’s stunning Northwest Territories should be on your summer bucket list

July 29, 2022 No Comments

Affectionately known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, the summer months present one of the best months to visit the Northwest Territories.

From June to August, the NWT sees clear blue skies, flanked by a shimmering sun that never truly sets. Divided by the Arctic Circle, on June 21, which marks the Summer Solstice, the sun never sinks below the horizon, meaning that until mid-July, the Northwest Territories sees a delirious amount of sunshine at all hours of the day. Depending on how far north travellers trek into the Arctic Circle, the constant sunshine can last for up to six months.

While darkness truly never comes to Canada’s far north from April to July, by August, the Aurora Borealis resumes visibility and paints the northern skies in brilliant shades of electric green, deep purple, and inky indigo.

The Northwest Territories are divided into six definite regions, each one distinctly beautiful from the next.

SOUTH SLAVE

South Slave, located south of Great Slave Lake, is the jumping point into the Territory, with direct access from the Alberta border. South Slave is home to Canada’s largest national park, Wood Buffalo, which spans 44,741 sq. km and is open for camping from now until Sept. 30.

NORTH SLAVE

To the north of Great Slave Lake lies North Slave, an area that’s home to the oldest rock formation in the world, the four billion-year-old Acasta Gneiss. North Slave is also home to the NWT’s largest Indigenous population, the Tłı̨chǫ (sometimes spelled Tlicho) people.

DECHO

Adventure travellers shouldn’t skip out on a visit to Dehcho, where breathtaking mountain backdrops and winding rivers abound. Dehcho is also home to the Nahanni National Park Reserve, which was designated as a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its incomparable geological land formations, which include deep canyons, thunderous waterfalls, and ancestral Dehcho First Nations sites.

SAHTU

Sahtu, which borders the Yukon Territory on its western side and Inuvik to the north, is a backcountry camping lover’s dream, and is considered one of the most remote places in NWT, meaning travellers are very likely to come across an abundance of regional flora and fauna, like wood buffalo, moose and grizzly bears.

WESTERN ARCTIC

The Western Arctic, a land of polar bears and sprawling tundra, is flanked by the Mackenzie River, and is where travellers can find a direct link to parts of the famed Northwest Passage.

YELLOWKNIFE

Finally, Yellowknife, NWT’s capital, provides endless fun year round, and is a “little big city” that’s buzzing with community and culture.

From paddling, rafting, cruising or fishing the dozens of lakes and rivers, to embarking on a road trip down one of many scenic highways, to camping out under the Northern Lights, playing a round of golf, or embarking on an Indigenous-led tour, there’s no shortage of things to see and do this summer in the Northwest Territories.

A collection of luxury villas that sleep 24 guests just opened in the Mexican jungle

July 25, 2022 No Comments

Located on an undiscovered stretch of coastline along the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico just 45 minutes from Punta Mita, One& Only Mandarina is a rare haven in nature, overlooking the Pacific Ocean with dramatic vistas and an awe-inspiring beachfront rainforest setting.

An ultra-luxury beach sanctuary, One&Only Mandarina stretches across a 33-hectare landscape of unspoiled nature, and nestled in the lush, tropical landscape lies an extraordinary collection of expansive Signature Villas, designed for the modern luxury traveller. Together with the resort’s majestic Grand Villas, such as the exceptional Villa One, the resort has an array of options for groups of families and friends that are seeking a place to gather with loved ones, relax and reconnect.

The collection of Signature Villas features sustainable design and ground-breaking architecture by Studio Rick Joy, sensitively built to integrate within nature and embrace the dramatic setting rather than reshape it with careful low-density planning, as well as harmonize eloquently with the surrounding environment.

Each villa is designed specifically to reflect its location, drawing the outdoors in via breath-taking views of rolling, green mountainsides fading into jungle canopies or the unspoilt vistas of the crystal-clear ocean meeting the horizon. Open structures capture natural light, filtered through the towering trees, while traditional Mexican design elements are reimagined, including pitched roofs with large overhangs, a nod to local palapas.

Earth-hued walls emerge from the ground with low visual impact, inspired by the historic buildings once constructed on the site by the Cora, an Indigenous settlement in the Western Central Mexico, who covered their buildings in earthen plaster. Terraces and courtyards are made from volcanic rocks directly sourced from the location while the tropical rainforest provides woods including Cumaru, Rosa Morada, and Tornillo.

Locally crafted custom woodwork, stone accents and earthy tones add rich, textural warmth throughout the interiors, complemented by intricate artefacts curated specifically for the space by local artisans. Designed to enhance the interior space, the villas showcase state-of-the-art Delos’ Home Wellness solutions with air and water purification, dehumidification, and circadian lighting systems to ensure a harmonious inner sanctuary and a wellness-focused living experience that is seamlessly in tune with its surroundings.

The Signature Villas introduce four- to eight-bedroom luxurious residences, with an expansive layout of multiple inter-connected buildings surrounding a central indoor/outdoor living area ranging from 758 to 1,725 total square meters that can accommodate from 12 up to 24 guests in different layouts
perfectly designed for multi-family travellers, groups of friends, and celebratory gatherings. Each villa is distinct, offering unparalleled bespoke amenities with a dedicated host service and preference planner to tend to guests’ every need, from pre-arrival shopping to booking private chefs, musical entertainment and more.

Wine studios can be outfitted with leading wines from the region and the world, while TV rooms, cinemas and casino rooms offer a multitude of entertainment options. Fully outfitted gyms allow guests to focus on wellness in the privacy of their villa, and offices allow for any work needs to be swiftly and professionally met. Expansive bedrooms with walk-in closets and ensuite bathrooms enhance a residential feel, allowing guests to linger for longer stays in ultimate comfort. Lush landscaping brings the rainforest into the gracious outdoor living spaces for gathering and entertaining, including spacious terraces, infinity-edged pools and jacuzzies. All Signature Villas feature additional facilities to ensure an easy stay, such as multi-car garages and laundry rooms.

This level of thoughtful design is matched with a warm hospitality and intuitive personalized service. One&Only Mandarina’s 24-hour dedicated butler service and an expert team of butlers, chefs, fitness instructors and spa therapists, create a dedicated team delivering a perfectly personalized level of
service tailored to each guest’s individual needs. Candlelit dining for two, an unforgettable family dinner under the stars, or an intimate barbeque with friends, One&Only Mandarina is designed to create special celebrations and memorable moments. Guests of the Signature Villa collection can
enjoy dining at Carao from globally celebrated chef Enrique Olvera, embark on a wellness journey at One&Only Spa featuring exclusive treatments from clean beauty guru Tata Harper, or spend an afternoon at the waterfront Jetty Beach Club. Guests can also explore the larger Mandarina community, visiting the Polo & Equestrian Center for weekly matches or soaring through the treetops on the zipline course.

These new villas are the first to join the growing Signature Villa collection at One&Only Mandarina, offering ultra-luxury accommodation for groups of friends, multi-generational families, or celebrations. They complement the existing Grand Villa collection – Villa One, Villa Banderas, Villa Tortuga, Villa Jaguar, and Villa Pacifico.

For more information and bookings, please visit oneandonlyresorts.com/mandarina.

This hotel chain just launched rooftop yoga classes that offer amazing skyline views

July 22, 2022 No Comments

Hyatt has launched a new collaboration between Thompson Hotels and the nation’s largest yoga studio brand, CorePower Yoga, to offer a series of not-your-average rooftop workout classes rooted in the mindfulness of yoga, designed to transform the minds and bodies of guests, CorePower Yoga members and locals. Starting summer 2022, classes are available complimentary to Thompson Hotels guests at participating properties and accessible to CorePower Yoga members and locals.

Participating properties, including Thompson Austin, Thompson Hollywood, Thompson Nashville, Thompson Seattle, and The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel in NYC, are offering a series of CorePower Yoga vinyasa-style C2 or high-energy Yoga Sculpt classes, led by local CorePower’s best-in-class teachers on each hotel’s show-stopping rooftop space with skyline views.

Going beyond a typical class experience with curated playlists that capture the essence and mood of each class, guests staying at a participating Thompson Hotel can also enjoy one complimentary CorePower Yoga studio class as well as 20% off an All Access Membership or 10 Class Pack, ensuring a truly comprehensive wellbeing experience that guests can take with them wherever they travel next.

To learn more about each property’s class offerings, see below. For more information on how guests and members can take advantage of this collaboration, visit: www.corepoweryoga.com/thompsonhotels.

6 of the coolest things to do in the Caribbean this summer

July 18, 2022 No Comments

For many countries in the Caribbean, this summer marks the return of many significant events that were postponed due to the pandemic. From music festivals to foodie experiences, and even self-care indulgence, here are six fun experiences to try in the Caribbean.

ANTIGUA

Running July 27 to Aug. 2, Antigua’s Carnival is back after a two-year hiatus. First celebrated in 1957, the week-long event kicks off with an opening celebration alongside the annual pageant, Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show. Aug. 1 is Carnival Monday, and it also marks Emancipation Day. Antigua and Barbuda have observed the abolition of slavery since 1834 and much of Antigua’s Carnival festivities commemorate the earliest abolition of slavery in the British Caribbean. A series of pre-festival events kick off in St. John’s, Antigua starting July 23, but the main event is the colourful Parade of the Bands which takes place on the last day.

https://visitantiguabarbuda.com

GRENADA

Deeply rooted in ancestral traditions, Spicemas is one of the largest summer festivals in Grenada. Starting with a month-long series of pre-carnival events, including soca competitons the Traditional Mas Festival (July 23) is a showcase and competition of traditional masquerade bands from all over the country. J’ouvert, from the French ‘jour ouvert’ meaning ‘day open’, is the pre-dawn parade (Aug. 8) and is the first of the street events. Gathering well before dawn on J’ouvert morning, revellers cover their bodies in paint, oil, tar, mud, molasses and even chocolate. Monday Night Mas is held that evening, and starting at dusk, large bands of revellers in brightly coloured or neon t-shirts and light-up paraphernalia parade through the streets. Spicemas 2022 concludes with the Parade of the Bands on Aug.9 puregrenada.com/events/spicemas-2022/

JAMAICA

Running July 18 to July 23, those who travel to Montego Bay, Jamaica this summer won’t want to miss out on one of the hottest events of the year. Reggae SumFest kicks off on July 18 with a free street festival at Harmony Beach Park. A series of pre-event parties follow until Friday, July 22 which marks the kickoff of the main festival, where a series of talented acts will perform over the course of two evenings. reggaesumfest.com

MEXICO

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, the redefined, adults only all-inclusive hotel located in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula, is back with its fourth annual gastronomy series, Superbia Summer. From July 11 to Aug. 21, the hotel’s multi-sensory experience will feature an all women roster of chefs, mixologists, and local artisans all coming together to showcase their talent from different regions of Mexico. Each week will feature one chef, one mixologist, and one artisan implementing their unique twist to transform the hotel’s experiences. https://www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com

ST. MARTIN

Located in Grand Case, St. Martin, Tijon Perfumerie specializes in hosting custom perfume-making classes. Run by owner John Berglund, and his wife, Cyndi, Tijon bottles all of its perfumes by hand, and houses a perfume organ that contains more than 300 pure, essential oils. Guests will select three essential oils that target the top, middle, and base notes required to craft a signature scent. There are a variety of classes to choose from, including private classes and group classes. After naming their perfect perfume, guests can also opt to have the fragrance added to massage oils, lotions and creams, and even home and linen mists. tijon.com

ST. LUCIA

Soak up the benefits of a detoxifying mud bath in Soufrière, St Lucia with a trip to the Sulphur Springs. Located at the site of a dormant volcano that last erupted in the 1700s, the mud baths are a popular tourist attraction thanks to the varying health benefits the mud provides. Said to alleviate a range of skin conditions including sun burns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints, and more, the sulphur springs are also conveniently located at the only drive-in volcano in the world! After visitors are finished soaking, they can wash off and enjoy a refreshing rainforest bath and a visit to a 15-metre tall waterfall. sulphurspringstlucia.com

ST. KITTS & NEVIS

Taking place from June 23 to June 25, the St. Kitts Music Festival is back after a brief hiatus last year due to the pandemic. This year marks the 25th annual version of the event. Over the course of three days, a talented list of international and regional acts including Ashanti, Sean Paul and Keyshia Cole are all set to take the stage. In addition to the music, festival-goers can enjoy plenty of activities like beach parties, boat rides, and unforgettable afterparties.

Stkittsmusicfestival.com

A tranquil, modern hotel just opened in Jakarta’s bustling business district

July 15, 2022 No Comments

The Park Hyatt brand has officially debuted in Indonesia, with the recent opening of Park Hyatt Jakarta.

Located in the tranquil Menteng area in the heart of Jakarta’s bustling central business district, the hotel offers a distinctive collection of culinary, leisure and wellness experiences as well as unique event venues for bespoke celebrations, delivering guests and locals the epitome of luxury in Jakarta.

Park Hyatt Jakarta occupies the top 17 floors of the 37-story Park Tower in the center of the city’s financial and diplomatic district. The hotel’s surrounding area, Menteng, was originally conceived in the early 20^th century as a garden city and is now known for its peaceful tree-lined streets, abundant greenery and elegant heritage architecture. Park Hyatt Jakarta offers easy access to idyllic parks and popular retail and entertainment venues as well as panoramic views of the nearby National Monument Park.

Contemporary design, with Indonesia at its core

The residential-style interiors of Park Hyatt Jakarta were designed by award-winning, London-based design practice Conran and Partners led by partner Tina Norden. Inspired by the beauty of the Indonesian rainforests, traditional crafts and indigenous natural materials, the design uses elements such as lava stone and copper as well as handwoven ikat textile motifs, intricate wood carvings and shields are used to create a welcoming oasis of calm and elegance for its guests.

The visual journey through the property symbolizes the layers of a rainforest, starting with a richer, darker color scheme on the lower floors that calls to mind the forest’s understory. Reflective of branches wrapped around the trunk with dappled light filtered through the canopy, the palette becomes lighter on the higher floors with warm tones incorporated throughout. Through the atmospheric transition and evocative design, guests will be transported from Jakarta’s urban bustle into a tranquil, sophisticated and comforting environment with a strong sense of location overlooking the city.

Stylish guest rooms

Park Hyatt Jakarta features 220 elegant, oversized rooms, including 36 suites. Guestrooms range from approximately 615 to 915 square feet (57 to 85 square meters), while the suites are from approximately 935 2,450 square feet (87 to 228 square meters). All rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing uninterrupted views of Jakarta and the National Monument landmark. Guests can also enjoy deep-soaking marble baths and large flat-screen TVs with an integrated media hub, while rooms are adorned with classic Indonesian decorative objects from jewels to paintings and shields. The hotel’s Presidential Suite offers guests understated contemporary luxury. Covering an expansive 3,230 square feet (300 square meters) and with its own VIP entrance, the suite includes a spacious bedroom with an 82-inch LED TV and a living area anchored by a work desk made from solid Trembesi wood.

Food & drink

Park Hyatt Jakarta’s stylish restaurants and bars create the ideal backdrop for local residents and visitors to socialize, entertain and relax in an enriching environment. Each dining outlet is adorned with natural daylight and numerous outdoor terraces and offer a collection of culinary experiences with one-of-a-kind menus.

The restaurants start on level 22, where the dining room which serves a collection of breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings that highlight Indonesian and Italian cuisines in an interactive live-cooking setting. On level 23, the conservatory provides a selection of spaces for different occasions, serving comfort foods from savoury snacks to sweet treats with specialty teas. The bar is where diners can enjoy light bites and crafted beverages alongside live entertainment as they admire magnificent views of Jakarta from the outdoor terrace.

Occupying the top two levels of the building and opening in the coming months, Kita喜多 Restaurant & Bar will be a choice destination for socializing and special occasions, where guests can enjoy elevated modern Japanese dining and creative cocktails amid spectacular views of the city, especially at sunset. Located on level 37, KITA 喜多 Restaurant will serve an array of authentic Japanese cuisines such as robatayaki, tempura, shabu-shabu, sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki. The authentic Japanese concept includes a series of private rooms, comprising tatami rooms and a large VIP room with private kitchen, while Japanese motifs, textures and artworks enhance this ultimate experience. Visitors can then take in the stunning rooftop views from KITA Bar on the broader dimensions of level 36, while enjoying live sets from the resident DJs.

For more information, click here.

Down the Danube with Avalon Waterways

July 11, 2022 No Comments

“From Vienna to Budapest, a river cruise showcases off-the-beaten path things to experience.”

There’s a fire in the kitchen! Sparks are flying after chef Karl Wrenkh pours a small vial of vodka into a simmering pan of oyster mushroom stroganoff and quickly takes a lighter to it — causing the liquid substance to instantly burst into metre-high flames.

But unlike some failed dinners that accidently transform meals into a charred crisp, his concoction is all about deliberately sealing some extra flavour into a mouthwatering recipe.

From the newly-remodelled cooking studio of Wrenkh Vienna Culinary School, the budding entrepreneur explained how he and his brother Leo followed in their parents’ footsteps to bring local, fresh and healthy cuisine to life in a destination that’s universally renowned for being the home of the Wiener schnitzel. It’s a rather interesting story too, considering the family isn’t vegetarian but rather, stems from a long history of butchering.

“Nobody in the family ever was [vegetarian] — we’re actually a family of butchers. We still feel there’s a lack of really good, quality vegetarian food in Austria. It’s great fun cooking vegetarian stuff because we can still always be creative with the recipes,” he said. “My parents were among the first vegetarian chefs in Austria in the 1990s, but then they divorced and we didn’t exist for a couple of years… then my brother and I opened up here in ’09. It’s 80% vegetarian with meat and fish [on the menu] — we say we cook what we hunt and fish.”

Today, the restaurant has not only become a trendy spot for lunch and dinner, but a cooking hub for visitors and locals alike to learn how to make mainly vegetarian meals with a twist during daily culinary workshops. The Wrenkh brothers, who have their own cookbooks, are also co-creators of Avalon Fresh, river cruise line Avalon Waterways’ selection of healthy and vegetarian menu offerings onboard.

“We had a need to elevate our vegetarian cuisine; we didn’t want to serve pasta every day,” noted Pam Hoffee, the president of Avalon Waterways, who was also on location for the cooking demonstration. “Originally, it was about vegetarian cuisine but then we saw a trend towards healthy eating as well. It’s helped us elevate that and it’s been evolving over time.”

The suite life

Recently christened by 15-time Emmy Award-winning host, executive producer and anchor Meredith Vieira, Avalon View is the newest ship to join Avalon’s fleet. The 166-passenger ship is mostly made up of 200 sq. ft. Panorama Suites with floor-to-ceiling 11-feet wide windows that slide wide open. There are also two large 300 sq. ft. Royal Suites, complete with two sinks and a powder room for guests for those seeking even more space.

Travellers looking to experience the ship firsthand can take part in a variety of Danube-based itineraries offered this year, including a special Gone Girl! departure on Sept. 15 with author Gillian Flynn.

After transforming the ship from Lot #02338024 to Avalon View, Vieira, well known for her time on television as the host of The View and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, admitted to having a slight fear of water before agreeing to take on duties as godmother.

“It’s so warm and inviting. I love the size of the ship. You feel like you’re part of a family,” she said, reflecting on her time on the ship. “There’s an intimacy to it that’s really lovely. I really feel like I’m immersed in the culture around me because of the fact that we’re constantly stopping and you have the opportunity to do so many different things in port. The food on this ship is really good and the wine is unbelievable. I would definitely do it again. I could see myself doing it alone, it’s definitely a great experience as a family or friends. You can make it whatever you want.”

Highlights along the route

Unlike ocean cruises where guests often wake up somewhere new every morning, the river cruise journey takes place during the day so that all those onboard can soak up the scenery as the ship moves past historic castles, stunning landscapes and picturesque buildings like Dürnstein’s blue Abbey. Another must on a river cruise down the Danube is an evening illumination cruise past landmarks in Budapest like the The Hungarian Parliament Building and Castle Hill.

While in port, a variety of daily tours ranging from active hiking or biking outings to classic city explorations are offered to give visitors the chance to have a deeper connection and understanding of the destination. These options allow travellers to customize their river cruise journey from start-to-finish based on personal interests. In Bratislava, for example, a classic option would be a city tour with a stop to enjoy Slovakian liquor tasting at the St. Nicolaus Distillery. Meanwhile an active option would be hiking through the forest and vineyards of Raca, followed by a wine tasting. There is really no wrong choice and it can be tough to narrow down which tour to choose. The convenient thing about being docked in the heart of the city is that it’s also easy to get on and off to explore. There’s ample free time built into each itinerary so that those who are torn between two daily excursions will be able to cross off some of those sights on their own.

A hip hotel with a vegan vibe just opened in Istanbul

July 8, 2022 No Comments

The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi, Istanbul’s hottest new hotel for 2022, is now open for bookings in the heart of the city’s refined fashion and cultural district.

The beautifully designed 82-room property is housed in an elegant building in the heart of Nisantasi and joins the established collection of luxurious and culturally connected properties.

the new hotel meets The Stay Hotels’ standards of excellence for sustainability, as part of Turkey’s first carbon-neutral independent hotel group. Recently awarded carbon-neutral status by the internationally recognised sustainability specialist Bureau Veritas, the brand plans to be zero waste by the end of 2022. The new hotel has vegan leather headboards graced with European Down and Feather Association-certified pillows, recycled room key cards and menus brimming with local producing including vegan and vegetarian dishes accompanied by Turkish wines.

A hip hideaway

In keeping with the rest of the collection, The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi will offer guests a unique blend of heritage, arts, culture, and stellar design. Acclaimed Turkish architect Mahmut Anlar has created a hip hideaway with rooms and suites guests will struggle to leave, from view-giving terraces to walk-in closets, grand marble bathrooms and kitchenettes. Many of them connect for extended stays or large family groups – and for all-out indulgence, The Stay Boulevard Suite includes a terrace just made for sipping sundowners as the sun sinks down over Istanbul.

After a day among the historical sights, buzzy bazaars and contemporary museums, guests will love retreating to the spa and wellness floor opening in the autumn for a dip in the indoor pool, a Pilates session or an authentic Turkish hammam. If the gym is their thing, guests can work out in the sleek fitness suite or book a personal trainer. Wellness experiences including indulgent couples’ massages in a dedicated treatment room will relax and renew our guests ready for their next adventure in Istanbul. Plants and foliage will be in abundance to add to the relaxing feel, including a zen garden within our hotel fed by a customized drip irrigation system.

Eat and drink

For now, the ground-floor Saint Pâtissier patisserie will offer guests French fancies, freshly baked bread, and Turkish treats. From the autumn, foodies will flock to the entertaining Italian rooftop restaurant, Marcello E Matteo, to dine on the signature focaccia di recco al formaggio or sip well-crafted cocktails as the chefs break into an operetta. Proud to promote local and international artists, The Stay Hotels will reveal a curated art collection hung in rooms and public spaces, including an AI video-mapping installation by the world-renowned duo OUCHHH. The icing on the cake for lovers of culture, will be a bookshop while fresh flowers will be on sale at Misk flower shop.

Fashion forward

The Nisantasi location puts designer boutiques from Louis Vuitton to Chanel, and Hermes, as well as local designers such as Begum Khan, within easy reach, as well as the neighborhood’s cosmopolitan cafe, restaurant, and gallery scene. True to The Stay Hotels’ sustainability pledge, they recently launched an eco-friendly fashion label, The Stay Line, which guests can buy at the hotel’s dedicated retail space, the Stay Line Corner. In addition, staff will wear uniforms designed by Turkish designer Begüm Yunusoğlu, who also has her own haute couture collection.

The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi is the group’s fourth Istanbul property. It sits alongside The Stay Nisantasi, which is also set in the heart of the Fashion Quarter, The Stay Bosphorus, a revamped 19th-century waterside mansion, and Bebek Hotel by The Stay Collection, a glamorous and storied hotel by the Bosphorus. The collection also includes The Stay Warehouse, a cool former industrial space close to the coast in Alacati.

Scotland is getting ready to host the world’s oldest golf tournament

July 4, 2022 No Comments

In a few weeks, St Andrews hosts the 150th Open, the oldest golf tournament in the world and part of an unprecedented run of major golf events in Scotland this summer.

No other venue has hosted more Opens than the Old Course and Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods are just some of the famous faces that have crossed the Swilcan Bridge on the way to clinching the Claret Jug in front of the Royal & Ancient Clubhouse, landmarks as iconic to golf fans as the players themselves.

Golf is one of Scotland’s major selling points to tens of millions of golfers around the globe. Written records of golf being played in Scotland date back to the Middle Ages and the country has some of the oldest golf courses in the world.

Scotland hosted the first Open Championship in 1860 at Prestwick and has hosted around two-thirds of the 149 Opens since, providing half of the current Open venues in operation. The Open returns to Scotland for the first time since 2018 and it’s always an extra special occasion when it is hosted where the game began.

A couple crossing the famous Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course, St Andrews, Fife.

A record-breaking 290,000 people will spectate over the course of the Open week, millions more will watch the coverage and follow the action on television and online giving St Andrews, Fife and Scotland unprecedented exposure. Visit Scotland invests more than £3 million annually to support golf events and to market Scotland globally as the Home of Golf. Colleagues are using the 150th Open and the major golf events this summer as opportunities to promote Scotland as a destination with key publications representing North America and Europe exploring what our regions have to offer.

The Genesis Scottish Open takes its revered slot in the week prior to The Open – a date secured by VisitScotland and The Scottish Government as part of a new long-term commitment to the event. The event is co-sanctioned for the first time by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour of America, guaranteeing the field is among the strongest ever – to date 7 of the Top 10 male players in the world will tee it up at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian.

Following The Open, legends of the men’s game will tee it up at Gleneagles for the first time, as the King’s Course hosts the fifth Major Championship on the Champions Tour schedule, as The Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex returns to Scotland for the first time since 2018.

Scotland continues to lead the way in its investment into women’s golf events, supporting the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire in late July while the AIG Women’s Open will break new ground, hosted at Muirfield in August, East Lothian for the first time.

More than 100,000 spectators are expected to attend the events in addition to The Open, with each event having its own unique message and positioning. These golf tournaments provide the perfect stage to showcase Scotland’s first-class golf regions and courses to the world as well as the wider scenery, attractions and our warm welcome.

Golf brings hundreds of thousands of visitors every year from all over the UK and Ireland, USA, Germany and Scandinavia to test themselves at some of these iconic venues they have seen as spectators and on TV.

Overall, it is estimated that golf tourism is worth £286m to Scotland annually, supporting around 4,400 jobs. As well as the tourism boost, the health and well-being aspect of golf was brought into sharp focus during the pandemic as one of the first activities to reopen after lockdown providing exercise and social interaction. Visit Scotland’s insights indicate that visitors are now prioritizing those pursuits that boost mental and physical health.

To find out more about making the most of visiting Scotland for golf events this summer go to www.visitscotland.com/see-do/active/golf/tournaments/the-open/.

This luxury hotel offers views of Munich’s old town from a private rooftop suite

June 27, 2022 No Comments

When it comes to the best city views, it doesn’t get much better than overlooking the iconic Frauenkirche — the landmark two towered church in Munich’s old town — while sipping on cocktails from the rooftop Blue Spa terrace at Hotel Bayerischer Hof while the sun sets.

That is unless you can soak up these views from the private penthouse suite of the historic hotel originally conceived by King Ludwig I, complete with a private fireplace, jacuzzi and a 124.5 sq m roof terrace.

“Our Penthouse Garden Suite, 350 sq m, was designed by Axel Vervoordt and meets the most exclusive living standards,” says Vanessa Longhitano, PR & Guest Relations Manager. “The suite can be combined with the entire seventh floor of the South and North Wings to the Penthouse Garden Ensemble, giving you an exceptional 575 sq m. The Panorama Floor, with its spectacular view over the city’s rooftops, will give you a beautiful, private retreat. Our luxury penthouse is a symbol of elegant interplay between luxury, modernity and peace.”

In total there are 337 unique rooms to choose from, including 28 deluxe rooms and 74 suites, one of which is a six-bedroom suite. There are also speciality rooms like romantic spaces designed by Laura Ashley with floral patterns and warm colours, as well as colonial rooms, which are designed to bring a touch of Africa to Munich.

“One of the many things that set the hotel apart is its location and grand appearance,” she says. “The Hotel Bayerischer Hof is located in the old town district of Munich. As soon as you walk through our door, you will sense the hotel’s history and experience the cordial welcome we extend to our guests. We have a long tradition of hospitality — the hotel has been owned and run by the Volkhardt family since 1897.”

Hotel Bayerischer Hof, which is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, is a short walk to Munich’s top sights like Marienplatz, the old town square that dates back to the 12th century. This is where visitors flock to the New City Hall (Rathaus) to take in the daily Glockenspiel at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and at 5 p.m.

Although the property first opened in 1841 (and was rebuilt after it was completely destroyed during World War II), it has constantly evolved since fourth generation owner Innegrit Volkhardt took charge in 1992. A major expansion was completed in 2018, debuting the present-day South and North wings.

“A total of 29 new rooms were created, which are divided into 23 Deluxe double rooms, five deluxe Junior suites and the Penthouse Garden Suite,” explains Longhitano. “A new eighth floor has been added, which is entirely taken over by the Penthouse Garden Suite… The rooms exude an incredible sense of tranquillity and comfort, and invite guests to stay longer. The design in the rooms partially includes the philosophical beliefs of Wabi (Japanese aesthetic concept) — beauty is found in imperfection and authenticity as well as the notion of ‘Artempo − where time becomes art’ and natural materials which are rich in spirit.”

Where to wine and dine: With five restaurants and six bars to choose from, you don’t have to venture far for a great meal. Notable options include Atelier, which has received many accolades including a two Michelin star rating, and Garden, awarded with 15 Gault Millau points, six pans in Gusto and three chef’s hats in the Grand Guide. For a taste of regional delights, Palais Keller offers a great tapas spread with six or eight appetizer options like mini schnitzel and Obatzda, a Bavarian cheese delicacy. Chef Tobias Heinze uses regional products from the surrounding area for his modern Bavarian specialties. For a night cap, head to Falk’s Bar, located in the famous hall of mirrors dating back to 1839, the only room at the hotel to survive the Second World War unscathed. Rounding out the experience is a lavish breakfast spread with made-to -order items as well as stations with eggs, salmon, fresh bread, fruit, spreads, cheese and more.

Relax and unwind: If you’re looking for a bit of pampering, the 1,300-square-meter rooftop Blue Spa features a pool, saunas, steam bath and a fitness studio, with panoramic views over Munich.