Christine Hogg, Author at OFFSHORE

This luxury hotel in Ibiza has an on-site spa devoted to anti-aging treatments

January 24, 2022 No Comments

This November, Six Senses Ibiza is launching a series of longevity treatments and programs in collaboration with RoseBar, with a view to opening a one-of-a-kind longevity center in May 2022. It combines diagnostics with nutritional guidance and anti-aging treatments to achieve greater vitality, clarity of mind, and a youthful appearance at any age.

Along with its own scientific advisory board, RoseBar has teamed up with a world-class biotech company and AI specialist. Using advanced diagnostic algorithms, RoseBar explores next generation anti-aging treatments and nutraceuticals.

“Working with RoseBar, we believe longevity does not need to be served in a clinical environment,” says Anna Bjurstam, Six Senses Wellness Pioneer. “That’s why our longevity programs are a mix of science and spiritual work that can be integrated into a client’s daily life or stay at Six Senses Ibiza. Not only does this mean you’re surrounded by beautiful nature, but you can also access complementary treatments and therapies within our Six Senses Spa, or bespoke menus to amplify the benefits. It’s a holistic way to stretch your prime years and maximize your strength, energy and love of life.”

With 116 guest rooms and suites, Six Senses Ibiza combines a secluded bay setting with a comprehensive range of amenities and seasonal programming, farm-to-table dining, music, art, sustainable fashion, culture, and wellness. Each experience is inspired by the traditions and values of the island’s north to deliver an intentional destination that provokes meaningful moments of community, spirituality and celebration.

The RoseBar Essential Diagnostic starts from EUR 1,050, with multi-day programs starting from EUR 2,550.

The 25Hours Hotel in Florence, Italy, forces guests to spend a night in Heaven or Hell

January 20, 2022 No Comments

A new opening by 25hours Hotels in Florence, Italy is anything but cookie cutter — giving guests the chance to stay in Heaven or Hell.

Inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, rooms at 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino are divided into two styles: Inferno and Paradiso. Milan-based designer Paola Navone created the red Inferno rooms with velvet curtains and black bed linen.

The Paradiso spaces are meant to be cloud-white retreats with ethereal blue accents.

The stylish 171 room property features a classic Negroni bar, a sauna with relaxation room, a gym, a seasonal Italian restaurant focusing on Tuscan cuisine, a typical alimentari – a grocery store for the neighbourhood, and a lively piazza that serves a small selection of food and drinks to suit the time of day.

The hotel, which represents the brand’s first property in Italy, is in close proximity to Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the main train station. Whether you opt for heaven or hell, the character of 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino makes for a memorable and highly photogenic place to spend the night.

To learn more about the 25hours Hotel San Paolino, click here.

Five post-pandemic travel trends you’ll see more of this year

January 17, 2022 No Comments

As we navigate our “new normal”, it’s obvious that so much has changed, including travel.

Here are five travel trends to watch in 2022.

Romantic travel

Hugely popular prior to the pandemic, destination weddings are expected to make a significant comeback, as countries around the world continue their trajectory towards a high vaccination rate. Many couples were forced to postpone their big day when countries closed their borders and cracked down on visitor arrivals, and as a result, some of these weddings are more than two years in the making! While destination weddings tended to be on the smaller side, now, most international wedding venues can accommodate anywhere from 50 to 250 guests and provide a selection of both indoor and outdoor venue options.

Revenge travel

After two years of staying home, travellers are now likely willing to pay more for the experience they want. Frequent travellers who were unable to travel as a result of COVID-19 related travel restrictions may be eager to splurge on luxurious experiences that include everything from boutique hotels, gourmet dining, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Richard Villeneuve, president of travel agency Voyages en Direct, says that price is no longer the most important factor driving bookings and his clients have a budget that’s 25-35 per cent more than they would have invested in holidays prior to the pandemic. After not travelling for such a lengthy period of time, those who can finally hop on a plane are eager to make the trip count!

Bubble travel

While group travel was often a popular choice, “bubble travel” is predicted to be the new way to travel with friends and family. Group travel could mean you are travelling with strangers from all over the world, but bubble travel ensures you’re with people you know, and who were likely in your social circles throughout the course of the pandemic.

Workation travel

In most workplaces, what started as a work-from-home model has evolved into a “work from anywhere” model. So long as an employee has the tools required to do their job appropriately, like a laptop, cell phone, and reliable internet connection, it really doesn’t matter if you’re working from your house in North America, or from a resort down in the Caribbean. Workation-style travel also allows employees to enjoy a destination without using up all of their vacation days, which are typically 10-15 per year.

Wellness travel

Prioritizing one’s mental health and practicing self-care has become increasingly important during the pandemic, especially in countries who continue to practice tough restrictions, lockdowns, and other COVID-19 health and safety protocols. In 2022, expect to see more vacations centred around personal wellbeing— think yoga retreats, solo travel, spa retreats, and even silent retreats.

A new luxury resort has opened in the southern hills of Bali

January 13, 2022 No Comments

Perched on the hills above Nusa Dua beach, Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua is a new resort that was inspired by traditional Balinese customs and design. The resort officially opened mid-December 2021.

Situated on the southern part of Bali, Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort is a short 15-minute drive away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. The resort features 310 stylish guest rooms, all of which were done with a Balinese mask pattern on the ceiling, a modern invention of ‘Balinese dancer’s head’ gobo light, and turquoise-accented walls.

An homage to the natural elements of the island, decorative ceramics adorn the walls in each room to enhance the look of the space, with a freestanding ivory bathtub as its centerpiece.

For added relaxation, guests can relax at The Spa wellness centre which offers a selection of treatments that were inspired by the art of the Balinese healing method. There is also a 24-hour gym, as well as four thematic pools. The main pool is located across the lobby whereas the jungle pool mimics the natural beauty that the island is renowned for – crowned in lush greenery and along a man-made waterfall. The lagoon-like jungle pool is also where The Cove is located, which is a stunning wedding venue with an aisle stretching right to the heart of the pool.

As far as dining goes, guests of the Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua can choose from six options. Backstage is the property’s all-day restaurant that offers cuisine from around the world in a buffet-style setting.

Nusantara by Locavore is where guests can go for an authentic Indonesian meal, while Tanah Liat is the go-to spot for fresh seafood, plant-based cuisine (it’s also a pottery atelier and cooking lab by day).

Other dining options include the pool bar, Atomic 17, Lion X, a contemporary Chinese restaurant, and the lobby bar, R Bar, which has both a mixologist and barista on site. In the evenings, R Bar transforms into an elevated venue where guests and locals can mix and mingle over a full cocktail program and live music every evening.

For more information, visit www.renaissancenusadua.com.

Here’s a list of all the places Canadians can travel to without a COVID test

January 10, 2022 No Comments

For the better half of 2021, Canadians faced severe travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While certain measures, like the mandatory three-day quarantine upon re-entry to Canada, have been lifted, severe restrictions remain in place.

Many countries now require a negative PCR test, proof of vaccination, or both, to enter. Effective October 30, 2021, the government of Canada enacted a mandatory vaccination requirement for travel within and to depart Canada, which remains in place for all Canadians, with only some exceptions to the rule.

For those who are seeking an escape to a destination that has not yet mandated proof of a negative PCR test, here are five places to consider.

Mexico

Mexico requires a tourist card from any visitors to the country, but this is a practice that began well before the pandemic. Other than this documentation, there are no additional COVID-19 documents required for your stay, and testing and quarantine upon arrival is not mandatory. Typically, the airline you’re flying on will hand out the tourist card (often referred to as the immigration form) and you can fill it out prior to landing. Once you’ve landed, simply show the card to the customs officer along with your passport. Make sure you keep your tourist card safe and secure for the duration of your stay–a lost tourist card will result in a fine, and could cause problems during your departure from the country.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Mexico, click here.

Colombia

International travellers, including Canadians, are not required to submit a negative PCR test to gain entry to Colombia. However, you must fill out the mandatory Check-Mig registration form at least 24 hours prior to your flight. Face masks and additional health and safety measures remain in place throughout the country, and visitors are expected to follow all health and safety guidelines during their stay.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Colombia, click here.

Costa Rica

The Government of Costa Rica does not require tourists entering by air, land or sea to present a negative COVID-19 test, nor quarantine upon arrival. However, all tourists are expected to abide by health and safety guidelines that have been put in place. All visitors must complete the digital form called Health Pass which can be accessed here. Vaccinated tourists must also attach their vaccination certificate to the Health Pass, and are required to provide proof of travel insurance with coverage for a minimum of five days during the duration of their stay.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Costa Rica, click here.

Cuba

Like Mexico, Cuba has a mandatory tourist card that’s required for entry and is handed out by the airline. A negative PCR test is not required for vaccinated travellers, and all Health Canada approved vaccines and mixed vaccines are accepted. Children under the age of 12 are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test. Upon departure from Cuba, Canadians can pay a fee of $30 USD to receive the mandatory PCR test that is required to re-enter Canada.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Cuba, click here.

Dominican Republic

Canadians are among the list of countries who do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry to the Dominican Republic. However, random aleatory breath testing is in place upon arrival at select ports, which could apply to Canadians who are exempt from Canada’s vaccination rule. While proof of vaccination is not checked by officials upon arrival, those who wish to leave designated hotels and resorts affiliated with the Ministry of Tourism must show proof of complete vaccination (two valid doses) to enter bars, restaurants, and other facilities on the island.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to the Dominican Republic, click here.

Escape to paradise at Naladhu, a private island in the Maldives

January 4, 2022 No Comments

Naladhu Private Island, an exclusive luxury island haven in the Maldives, has reopened this November with a sleek new look following a complete redesign by New York based designer Yuji Yamazaki.

Home to just 20 ‘houses’, Naladhu offers the ultimate in privacy and seclusion and ensures an unrivalled level of service to meet the needs of the most discerning traveller.

The public areas and all 20 houses in this intimate resort have been renovated during a six-month closure. The resort’s top suite, the Two Bedroom Beach Pool Residence, now boasts a 20-metre private beach and the resort interiors throughout have a contemporary feel using Indonesian teak furniture and high-quality materials such as Indonesian white stone for a lighter colour palette, creating a modern colonial style.

***The Ocean House with Pool and Private Beach Cabana.***

The island’s restaurant, bar, wine cellar and gym have been transformed and the new Coconut Grove offers a secluded area for private experiences such as cinema under the stars or private yoga and fitness classes.

The resort’s two categories of houses are surrounded by tropical vegetation and invite a total immersion in nature. The Beach House with Pool has direct access to the white sands and lagoon, whilst the ocean house with a pool and private beach cabana has a large terrace with panoramic ocean view, in addition to its own dedicated cabana, where guests can relax on their oversized day bed attended by their butler, known as a Kuwaanu.

Deriving from the Dhivehi word for storyteller in the Maldivian language, the Kuwaanu offers a refined and seamless service for guests 24 hours a day. Before guests have even departed for their holiday, the Kuwaanu ensures the in-house wine fridge is stocked with their choice of wine and champagne, whilst dive and snorkelling equipment is ready to wear in their exact sizes. As butler and guide, the Kuwaanu takes care of everything from unpacking and serving early morning coffee to organising a private island picnic and discussing each day’s dining requests for the chef.

The two bedroom beach pool residence, sleeping up to six guests, is a vast space guaranteeing peace and privacy. The Residence benefits from both sunrise and sunset views, with its pool and large deck facing the ocean, along with loungers, al fresco dining area and swing. Its new private beach, also with a beach cabana, offers direct access to the turquoise lagoon.

Dining is completely bespoke with guests curating a daily menu and choosing their favourite dishes and locations around the clock, whether it’s an all-day breakfast taken barefoot on the beach, or a ‘journey around the world’ dinner. Favourite dining spots include The Living Room with views over the lagoon, a Champagne floating breakfast in the pool and moonlight midnight snacks on the beach. Led by Executive Chef Philippe Wagenfuhrer, the resort’s culinary team is experienced in cuisines from around the globe ranging from Arabic to Italian, French to Sri Lankan and Japanese to Indonesian, in addition to local Maldivian flavours.

For more information on Naladhu Private island, click here.