Here’s why getting a Canadian passport might take a little longer

February 5, 2024 No Comments

In the winter months, Service Canada has traditionally experienced spikes in demand for passport services.

As Canadians plan for March break travel or other winter getaways, they may be experiencing longer queues for in-person service at passport offices.

“Passport offices are often busy at this time of the year as people consider warm and sunny getaways, which can sometimes lead to line-ups at passport offices. Service Canada offers several flexible options for people wanting to apply for their passport, including by mail, at a passport office, or a Service Canada Centre,” said minister of citizens’ services, Terry Beech. “We are making government services more convenient and accessible, which is what Canadians expect.”

How to get a Canadian passport

Canadians are reminded of the range of options available for passport service, in addition to passport offices, that can help them avoid lineups:

  • They can apply in-person at one of more than 300 Service Canada centres and scheduled outreach sites located throughout the country. The processing time is within 20 business days.
  • Applicants can also apply by mail, and it will be processed within 20 business days.
  • A select number of Service Canada centres offer service in 10 business days instead of 20 business days.
  • For passports needed in less than 10 business days, Canadians must visit a passport office that offers urgent or express pick-up services.

Canadians can also take advantage of the online Passport Application Status Checker, to find out where their application stands in real time. The status of the application submitted in person will be available after five business days, and 10 business days for those submitted by mail.

Quick facts about Canadian passports

  • The service standard for applications submitted at passport offices and Service Canada Centres offering 10-day passport service is 10 business days.
  • The service standard for applications submitted at regular Service Canada Centres, scheduled outreach sites and by mail is 20 business days.
  • The performance target for application processing is for at least 90% of complete applications to be processed within these service standards.
  • For 2023-2024, the total forecast volume is between 4.5 million and 4.7 million.
  • Passport program statistics are published online, and all data is updated monthly.

For all the details on passport offices, Service Canada centres, and scheduled outreach sites, including the estimated wait times at passport offices, visit the Find a Service Canada Office webpage.

Travel to Europe is almost at pre-pandemic levels

February 2, 2024 No Comments

Towards the end of 2023, European tourism continued its robust recovery, nearing pre-pandemic levels despite inflationary pressures.

Across reporting destinations, foreign tourist arrivals stand at 1.6 per cent below 2019 figures, with nights 0.6 per cent below, showcasing a resilient travel demand across the continent – a trend which is expected to continue into 2024.

This is according to the latest edition of the ‘European Tourism Trends & Prospects’ quarterly report released today by the European Travel Commission (ETC), which looks at the region’s tourism performance and economic indicators over the last months of 2023.

Long-haul arrivals recovering nicely

The recovery is fuelled by strong intra-European travel, primarily from Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Long-haul arrivals are also bouncing back, but at a slower pace and showing significant variations between regions such as the Asia-Pacific and North America.

“The high travel demand seen in 2023 provided a significant boost to European economies and will help improve the balance sheets of tourism companies, which were hard hit by travel restrictions,” said Miguel Sanz, ETC’s president. “However, the return to pre-pandemic levels will also put pressure to accelerate the sustainable transition of the travel industry.”

Value for money in demand

European travel remained resilient in the last months of 2023, with two-thirds of destinations reporting either a full recovery or recording arrivals and/or overnights within 10 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

Among these, Southern European destinations continue to be the frontrunners, boosted by favourable weather extending into the shoulder season.

Serbia saw the largest surge in arrivals (+15%), alongside Portugal (+11%), Montenegro (+10%), Türkiye (+9%), and Malta (+8%). They are also popular destinations for all-inclusive holidays and more affordable travel costs, which has been key to attracting price-conscious travellers.

Other countries also achieved a significant rebound compared to 2019: Iceland saw a 12 per cent increase in arrivals even amidst volcanic eruptions, while the Netherlands grew tourist nights by 16 per cent despite a smaller two per cent rise in arrivals, indicating longer stays.

In contrast, Eastern European destinations bordering Russia experienced a slower rebound, with countries like Lithuania (-32%), Latvia (-29%), Estonia (-27%), and Finland (-24%) lagging behind.

For the full report, click here.

Five-star luxury hotel will transform Toronto’s skyline

January 31, 2024 No Comments

An $800 million-dollar skyscraper is set to debut at Adelaide and Duncan streets in Toronto.

Dreamed up by real estate developer Peter Freed of Freed Developments, the first-ever Freed Hotel and Residences tower will bring both Katsuya by Sam Nazarian’s Disruptive Group by sbe and artwork by renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to Toronto. 

Designed by Chicago-based tall building experts Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, renowned for the next world’s tallest and most luxurious skyscraper Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, as well as  Central Park Tower in New York, the project will feature 100 five-star luxury hotel rooms and 400 luxury condominiums with a world class Skybar/restaurant on the 63rd floor, boutique spa, and a 10,000 sq ft Katsuya Restaurant on the 2nd floor.

 

Key features & design elements

Key features of the Freed Hotel and Residences project include:

  • Freed Hotel Debut: Freed Hotel and Residences marks the introduction of the first-ever Freed hotel in Canada, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, style, and sophistication through hotel-style living.
  • Multi-Functional Tower: The project will feature 100 luxury hotel rooms and 400 luxury condominiums with a world class Skybar/restaurant on the 63rd floor.
  • Katsuya, Contemporary Japanese Restaurant: The hotel will house the exquisite Katsuya Japanese restaurant by Sam Nazarian’s Disruptive Group by sbe on the second floor.
  • Takashi Murakami Art Integration: Takashi Murakami will bring forward his famous artwork, “Together with the flower parent and child,” that will be featured prominently inside the lobby of the first-ever Freed Hotel and Residences.
  • Amenities include: 62nd floor Sky Lobby with grand staircase leading to 63rd floor restaurant and bar featuring 70 ft tall space below a sloping skylight, boutique spa, terrace and outdoor garden, private spaces for entertaining and dining, fitness and yoga studio, private theater room, valet parking and full-service concierge, and more.

The Freed Hotel and Residences is scheduled to begin sales in March 2024 and will be located at 240 Adelaide Street West. 

Potential buyers can expect a diverse range of units ranging from 270 sq.ft. to over 9,800 sq.ft. For further information on Freed Developments, click here. 

Luxury beach hotel debuts in iconic Costa Rican surf town

January 29, 2024 No Comments

Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences, a sustainable, luxury hideaway with beach access, opened Feb. 1 in Playa Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica– bringing a new level of luxury to the iconic surf town.

Silvestre Nosara features just nine expansive residences; rooftop pool, bar and lounge; elevated family-friendly amenities; onsite surf school and studio set to host wellness sessions and a world-class speaker series.

About the property

Set on the iconic Playa Guiones, the property seamlessly blends luxury, connection and learning, steps away from Nosara’s restaurants, shops, bars, yoga studios and a surf break renowned for pristine waves 330 days a year.

The design-forward property reflects a commitment to sustainability through careful design, water conservation, insulation, and energy efficiency.

For more information, visit www.silvestre.cr.

A 507-room adults-only resort just opened in the Mexican Caribbean

January 26, 2024 No Comments

Hyatt Hotels recently opened the Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres in Mexico.

Part of the Inclusive Collection, the 507-room, adults-only resort further strengthens Hyatt’s leisure portfolio throughout the Mexican Caribbean, with continued growth expected throughout 2024.

Situated along the oceanfront coast, guests can choose to stay on property or explore the town, with only a short ferry ride to the nearby island of Isla Mujeres or Isla Contoy National Park.

Also within close proximity is the Playa Mujeres Golf Course, a Greg Norman signature 18-hole course with exceptional ocean and tropical views, as well as the Puerto Cancun Shopping Centre.

Opening in a three-phased approach over the next six months, guests can expect the spa, fitness center, and theatre to be fully operational by June of 2024.

Luxurious accommodations

Placing an emphasis on thoughtful architecture, suites are designed in a staggered configuration to showcase the breathtaking views the resort provides including landscape, serene pools, and the Caribbean Sea.

All guests will enjoy Unlimited-Luxury inclusions such as 24-hour room service, daily refreshed in-room mini bar, endless daytime and nighttime entertainment, pool and beach wait service, and more. For guests looking for an elevated stay, Preferred Club accommodations provide an extra level of luxury with elevated room categories including swim outs and a host of upgraded oceanfront suites, all touting an oversized soaking tub on the terrace, as well as upgraded amenities such as personalized check-in and checkout, upgraded mini bar and bath amenities, concierge services, and more.

Additionally, Preferred Club guests have exclusive access to the Preferred Club Lounge, an oceanfront Beach Bar, and an infinity pool.

Culinary offerings

Local and international cuisines take centre stage at Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres with nine dining establishments, including gluten-free and vegetarian menu options.

With options ranging from El Patio, offering a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine to traditional Japanese Tatami rooms serving handmade sushi and Pan-Asian cuisine, there is something for everyone to indulge in.

The Italian restaurant, Portofino, offers one of the most exclusive and extensive wine cellars with one of the largest wine selections in the destination.

Eight bars and lounges serving top-shelf spirits and premium brand domestic and international beverages offer guests the opportunity to socialize, while those looking for a varied and special dining experience can book an array of culinary experiences such as the Chef’s Table, tequila tasting, wine tasting, and romantic dinners for an additional cost.

To learn more about Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, visit the resort’s website here.

Seeing the Northern Lights is dream trip for most travellers

January 24, 2024 No Comments

Northern Lights tourism is on the rise, spurred by reports that the astronomical phenomenon will be extraordinarily visible in 2024.

According to a survey commissioned by Expedia, almost three-quarters of Canadians (71 per cent) aspire to see the Northern Lights in their lifetime but haven’t yet crossed the item off their bucket-list. Travelling to see the Aurora Borealis is more in-demand than going on an African Safari (44 per cent), exploring Japan during cherry blossom season (43 per cent), or visiting Machu Picchu in Peru (38 per cent).

Expedia searches are skyrocketing for winter trips to Northern Lights “capitals” like Lapland in Finland, Churchill, Manitoba, and Alta in Norway.

To help travellers plan, Expedia has released a Northern Lights Insider Guide packed with insights on trending destinations, booking hacks, photography tips and ideal itineraries.

Best places to see the Northern Lights

Here are the most popular places to chase the aurora borealis this year, based on Expedia traveller data:

Finland

For Canadian aurora hunters, Finland is an extremely popular destination with hotel searches increasing 197% in 2023 versus 2022. The Finnish Lapland region is most popular (+328%), home to popular Northern Lights locales Rovaniemi (+313%) and Levi (+128%), among others.

Canada

Top Canadian destinations for Northern Lights tourism included Churchill, Manitoba boasting a 173% increase in hotel searches in 2023 compared to 2022. Whitehorse, Yukon (+20%) and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (+18%) also saw increases.

Norway

Norway’s Northern Lights season stretches from fall to spring, but statistically the best times to see the lights are in March/April and September/October. Top destinations included Kirkenes (+189%), Tromsø (+109%) and Alta,the second northern-most city in the world (+115%).

U.S.

America’s largest state, Alaska, saw an increase of 104% with Fairbanks being the most popular destination (128%). Visit in late August through mid-April for the best chance of spotting the Northern Lights.

When to travel in 2024

Based on average daily hotel rates (ADRs) in 2023, these are the anticipated most cost-effective destinations for Northern Lights trips in the coming year:

  • February: Faroe Island, with ADRs around $162, more than $100 cheaper per night compared to the most expensive month, September.
  • March: Aberdeen, Scotland (ADRs $114), nearly 15% cheaper than ADRs in September.
  • April: Tromsø, Norway, with ADRs around $201, a $107 difference compared to February.
  • September: Finland (ADRs around $181), roughly $121 cheaper than December.
  • October: Lapland, Finland (ADRs around $141), less than half the cost of December, January, and February.
  • November: Yellowknife, Canada (ADRs around $188), around 10% cheaper than January.
  • December: Greenland, ADRs at $148, less than half the cost during March.

More more information and insider tips on how to plan your Northern Lights escape, ncluding the best times to travel in 2024 and how to take epic photography, visit www.expedia.ca.

Savoy Signature just opened a boutique hotel in Madeira

January 22, 2024 No Comments

The Reserve, an exclusive luxury hotel concept set within the renowned Savoy Palace in Madeira, Portugal. Opening its doors in December, The Reserve will redefine the meaning of luxury, delivering an unmatched experience where guests are immersed in a world of dedicated focus and distinctive hospitality. 

“The Reserve is the epitome of refinement and personalized service,” said Ricardo Madias-Farinha, chief commercial officer of Savoy Signature. “We have meticulously crafted every aspect of the experience to ensure our guests enjoy an unforgettable journey that exceeds their expectations. The Reserve is a sanctuary where attention to detail and individual desires are paramount, and we are excited to start welcoming our guests to this unparalleled haven of indulgence.” 

Brimming with nature, culture and history, Madeira is a gorgeous island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, closer to Africa than mainland Portugal. As a result of its unique geographical location, the destination enjoys sunnier, warmer temperatures.

Typically, most Canadians combine a visit to Madeira with a longer stay in popular parts of Portugal or additional destinations in Europe, as there are non-stop connections from more than 50 European gateways.

At The Reserve, every detail is carefully curated to create a truly exceptional stay. From the moment their booking is confirmed at this premier hideaway, they are connected with their own GEPA (The Reserve’s acronym for Guest Experience Personal Assistant), via Email and WhatsApp, which tailors and prepares the stay to the guests’ specific requests and requirements prior to arrival.

 

About The Reserve

To ensure a seamless visit, guests staying at The Reserve and Savoy Palace can enjoy the signature private car service (for an extra fee) upon their arrival and departure at Madeira International Airport, allowing for a smooth and hassle-free transition and being the perfect addition to the Meet & Greet service at the airport, which is complimentary to all guests at The Reserve on both arrival and departure.

Once guests arrive at the hotel, a dedicated private elevator will take them from the street-level lobby to the 16th floor of the Savoy Palace building where guests will find the Jacarandá Lounge & Club – the heart of The Reserve. Here guests will find a stunning rooftop pool, offering a panoramic view of Funchal, exclusive to The Reserve guests, which further enhances the already VIP experience. 

A suite escape

The Reserve presents an array of 40 elegantly appointed rooms designed to cater to various preferences.

The spacious pool suites offer a private sanctuary, with a personal terrace and very own plunge pool; while the deluxe rooms provide a cozy retreat with serene sea views of the breathtaking Funchal Bay.

Every suite is thoughtfully furnished with lavish bedding and contemporary amenities, assuring the highest degree of comfort and relaxation within an ambiance of unmatched privacy and luxury. The decor in the rooms consists of four different color palettes inspired by the colors and flora of the beautiful island of Madeira.

For more information about Savoy Signature and its hotel collection, click here. 

Checking out this week’s hottest new hotels and resorts

January 19, 2024 No Comments

Checking out the latest hotel and resort news from fresh renovations to brand new or upcoming properties to get excited about in 2024.

 

The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara

The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara in Zambia has revealed new Livingstone Junior Suites spanning 560 square feet. The classically furnished suites, which are accentuated with local designs, offer views of the Zambezi River. Set amid the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the hotel offers clients unlimited access to Victoria Falls and is surrounded by savannah.

Nayara Gardens

Nayara Gardens in Costa Rica has completed a major transformation. The renovations at the first property by Nayara Resorts saw all accommodations levelled and rebuilt as Arenal Casitas with individual decks and plunge pools surrounded by rainforest. Also new is the resort pool and adjacent restaurant, a boutique selling artisan goods, the spa and an on-site family education centre. Notably, the property is a sloth sanctuary.

Guests at Nayara Gardens have full access to sister properties Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp with their additional restaurants, bars, pools, hot springs, yoga pavilions. Since Nayara Springs is adults only, children must stay at Nayara Gardens and Nayara Tented Camp.

Club Med Cancun

Club Med Cancún is set to undergo significant renovations to its wellness and family spaces to create a premium offering. The improvements will see the addition of a sports & wellness island with a yoga palapa plus facilities for archery, bocce ball, mini golf, multi-sport courts, and the Circus School by Club Med, set to be completed by April.

Meanwhile, a dedicated Family Oasis and Children’s Clubs will be located next to the pickleball courts and Aguamarina family section, which features family suites, a dedicated pool and kids bar, is set to be completed by December. The Kids Club with new play facilities like a themed splash park, water park, mini pool & playground is relocating next to the family section to minimize travel distance from family accommodations. Club Med Cancún will remain open throughout the renovations.

St. Regis Red Sea Resort

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now open. The property Ummahat Island in the Al Wajh Lagoon is the first private island to open in The Red Sea.

Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane from the newly opened Red Sea International Airport, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort features a collection of 90 beachfront and overwater villas, offering one-to-four-bedroom accommodation, each with a private pool, sundeck and outdoor shower.

The luxury resort has five distinct culinary venues each offering alfresco beachside dining and serving produce sourced from local farms and fishermen. Restaurants include Gishiki 45, features an enticing Japanese-inspired menu, and Tilina, an overwater grill serving prime cuts infused with local spices and ingredients.

The resort offers a variety of fitness and wellness activities including a fully equipped gym, an outdoor lap pool and vitality pool, paddle and tennis courts, sunrise and sunset yoga, personal training sessions and nutritional consultations.

Six Senses Wadi Safar

Six Senses Wadi Safar is set to open in 2026 with a location 25 miles from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and 15 minutes northwest of the city. The property will feature 80 guest rooms spread across five clusters on top of a hill with panoramic views over the surrounding valley. 

This latest Six Senses project forms part of a 23-square-mile gated Wadi Safar community, a secluded, discreet, and peerless lifestyle destination for Saudi society and international visitors. Guest accommodations at Six Senses Wadi Safar will extend across 49 acres and the Six Senses Spa will feature treatment rooms, a hammam, a salon, a gym and studio, and a separate yoga studio.

From yoga programs, signature massages, and biohacking tools to multi-day retreats and brand standards such as Sleep With Six Senses and Eat With Six Senses, there will be a variety of offerings available to suit different interests.

The biggest cruise ship in the world just sailed into Miami

January 17, 2024 No Comments

Royal Caribbean International’s highly anticipated Icon of the Seas arrived in Miami for the first time on Jan. 22.

The first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation was welcomed with fanfare by air, land and sea, ahead of its official debut on Jan. 27.

Local residents and Royal Caribbean fans, executives and employees were on hand as the first to see Miami’s newest resident.

Icon arrived to PortMiami in style, with celebratory fireboat salutes, banner planes in flight and a community celebration at Pérez Art Museum to mark the new vacation’s first appearance of many to come in the Magic City. Icon will continue making its final preparations in Miami ahead of an iconic naming celebration and first cruise.

On board Icon

In store on Icon is an all-encompassing lineup of experiences that combines the best of every vacation – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure – making the first-of-its-kind adventure the way to get away for every type of family and vacationer.

Across eight neighborhoods are favourites for everyone day and night, including adrenaline-pumping thrills like six record-breaking waterslides at Category 6 and the Crown’s Edge experience at 154 feet above the ocean, and seven pools including the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

he game-changing experiences also include a stay-all-day neighbourhood designed for families with young kids, more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges; deck-defying entertainment across air, ice, water and theatre and more.

 

The perfect day

The game-changing experiences also include a stay-all-day neighbourhood designed for families with young kids, more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges; deck-defying entertainment across air, ice, water and theatre and more.

Starting Jan. 27, vacationers can get away on Icon and island hop in the tropics at any time of the year. Each seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventure from Miami features idyllic destinations in the Caribbean and an unmatched day of thrill and chill at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Plus, dialing up the perfect on Perfect Day in January 2024 is the private island’s first adults-only escape, Hideaway Beach, an all-day experience complete with a private beach and pools, new dedicated spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, live music and more.

For more details about Icon, including vacations now open to book, vacationers can visit Royal Caribbean’s website. 

ARHOME is a design-forward guest suite like no other

January 15, 2024 No Comments

Experiential hospitality brand arcana is excited to announce the launch of its infinite arcana experience with ARHOME, design-Forward guest dwellings delivered fully assembled, available for individual purchase.

To celebrate the launch, ARHOME is offering an introductory limited release of 25 guest suites starting today, built in Canada and delivered Spring 2024.

All elements of ARHOME are intentionally designed to orientate guests towards nature while ensuring complete comfort. The combination of fine craftsmanship, hospitality grade finishes, and materials chosen with sustainability at the forefront, results in a one-of-a kind, fully assembled, prefabricated alternative to those looking to add guest accommodations.

About ARHOME

ARHOME is 275 square feet and designed with hospitality in mind. It can be your very own private weekend hideaway, the perfect guest house or short-term rental and is custom built in Canada and arrives fully assembled. 

ARHOME starts at $225,000 CAD and can be delivered and shipped across Canada within eight to twelve weeks from purchase. Hookup to electrical, water and waste is required for use.

Canadian-designed and built, ARHOME is conceptualized with sustainability in mind by award-winning Vancouver-based architect, Michael Leckie of Leckie Studio and built by Oakville-based Hummingbird Hill Homes and Toronto-based Studio Morro.

 

About ARHOME

ARHOME highlights include:

  • Red oak interiors, heated floors and air conditioning
  • Premium kitchen appliances: Porter Charles stove-top, oven and hood range, complemented by a whisper-quiet, 4.1 cubic feet built-in Vitrifrigo fridge
  • Built-in Sonos speaker system, controlled through smart panels
  • Rain shower and private water closet
  • Lunos system that filters air and eliminates the need for in-wall ducting
  • Discrete storage solutions
  • Choice of three exterior finishes: Corten steel and natural or black stained wood cladding. The arcana iconic mirrored steel cladding is available upon request.

For pricing and additional information, visit findarcana.com.