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5 things to do in Israel this summer

May 31, 2023 No Comments

With tourist numbers exceeding 2019 statistics by 22 per cent, Israel is one of the hottest destinations to visit this summer.. As you think of your next vacation, Israel offers the ideal package – diverse landscapes, bustling culinary scene, and great weather.

Here are six recommendations from a much longer list of well known attractions and unique experiences for this summer:

1. Jerusalem

Take the high-speed train for a 25-minute door-to-door ride or experience a Sherut (shared taxi shuttle) straight to Jerusalem.

Drop off your bags and head straight to Jaffa Gate of “The Old City” and take a walking tour of Jerusalem’sdistinct 4 quarters – experience the Arab market that winds its way through the ancient walled city. It is recognized as a key UNESCO World Heritage site, where thousands of years of glorious history seamlessly intertwine with modern day life.

At the same time, the city’s strikingly modern attractions promise around the clock excitement and pleasure for all lovers of culture, arts, music, and culinary delights. Whether simply for the cultural experience, history & archaeology, street food bites exploration, or to experience true religious pilgrimage, Jerusalem offers something for everyone.

2. Israel National Parks Authority

Whether fans of history and archaeology, or simply to connect with the diverse geography and topography presented throughout Israel.

Hikers, mountain bikers, bird watchers, rock climbers, jeep safari or camel riders, and those choosing to simply connect with nature and camp under the stars. One of the major projects is The Ancient Sussita (Hyppos) archeological site, recently reopened to the public.

3. Culinary journey

From the vast array of street food inspired by ethnic flavors, or international fast-food chains, to larger culinary hot spots where innovative Israeli chefs are making their mark.

Where to eat is part of the buzz factor generated by the local population and for visiting tourists.

Most consider Tel Aviv as the food capital of Israel with its over 4,000 eating establishments just in greater Tel Aviv to choose from. As for line-ups around the block, in 2011, Israeli Chef Eyal Shani added another to that growing number. Miznon was opened in Tel Aviv, and in 2023, Miznon expanded into Canada’s upscale Yorkville, Toronto neighborhood location. Miznon is known to be a strong supporter of fresh local farm-to-table ingredients to create a new kind of Mediterranean street food experience, even in Toronto. Grabbing a connection to Israel via a unique Israeli inspired experience does work to inspire culinary foodie travel to the places where it originated.

4. Taste a non-Scottish single malt

In an off-the-beaten-path commercial building on the edge of Tel Aviv sits M+H (Milk & Honey) Distillery.

One of their popular spirits, M&H Elements Sherry, was recently voted the world’s best single malt whisky at by the 2023 World Whiskies Awards.

It is made using the finest sherry and ex-bourbon casks and is crafted with great care and attention to detail. The M&H Elements Sherry is the first and only single malt whisky in the world, aged in kosher sherry casks. This single malt reveals robust flavors of red fruit, dark chocolate, and oaky notes. M+H products are available at fine liquor merchants across Canada and around the globe.

5. Mediterranean Cruising

For centuries the Mediterranean coastline of Israel has been the landing spot for travellers and even conquerors. From biblical times to the Knights of the Crusades and centuries onward including Emperor Napoleon, Israel has been a hugely desired destination for all sorts of cruises. There is a growing popularity to explore the new nautical and land frontier for enriched travel.

Major international cruise companies landing or sailing from Israel’s two cruise ship ports at Haifa or Ashdod, offer pre-cruise and post-cruise options for multi-day or shorter tours. Such opportunities draw on carefully designed itineraries specially crafted to highlight the natural beauty and spectacular culture and uniqueness of Israel.

A new luxurious clamping experience just opened in Tibet

May 29, 2023 No Comments

Songtsam, a collection of boutique luxury Hotels, Resorts & Destination Management Company in the Tibet & Yunnan Provinces of China, announced the official opening of Songtsam Glamping Palpa, its first glamping property in Tibet.

Located in Baiba Village (home to just 37 houses) situated on the Niyang River in Nyingchi, the glamping property provides guests with a luxury outdoor camping experience, where they are surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests and pastures.

Accommodations

Songtsam Glamping Palpa has 30 accommodation tents, four dining tents and 1 public leisure tent. All tents in the camp are made of Tentipi, the top outdoor brand in Nordic. Tentipi tents have a unique patented ventilation design which features an opening and closing of the top ventilation cap that can also be adjusted according to the weather conditions, the wind resistant level can reach to level nine.

Accommodation tents

Aurum33 is a Swedish-made tent that reaches 33m² (approx. 355ft²), which ensures that guests never feel constrained inside.

Each tent is equipped with an outdoor table and two outdoor chairs on the balcony outside the tent, a private bathroom, 24 hours of continuous hot water, an exquisite copper wash basin, and the toilet not only automatically flushes, but also has heating and other functions.

Each tent is also equipped with a camping night light on the bedside table, a B&O portable Bluetooth speaker, multiple charging sockets, textured brass switches, matcha-colored soft leather sofas, Lhasa handmade wool carpets, and cozy bedding.

Dining tents

The four dining tents in Songtsam Glamping Palpa are the first four S72 (Stratus 72) tents in all of China. The S72 can accommodate up to 72 people dining at the same time. When the S72 is stretched open, it looks like a witch hat, earning the nickname “witch hat”.

The “witch hat” is known for its flexibility, allowing several tents to be set up together. The dishes served by the restaurant are all freshly prepared locally Tibetan ingredients including: fresh yak meat served with wild bamboo shoots and spices and local wild agera leaves; the steaming yak meat hot pot and the yak meat sashimi.

The camp also provides free afternoon tea, and welcomes guests to sit under a hawthorn tree, while tasting well-paired snacks and refreshments.

Activities

Songtsam Glamping Palpa has unique natural conditions and provides rich soil for adventurous outdoor activities.

Most of the villagers living in Baiba Village are Gongbu Tibetans. Guests are able to learn how to shoot a Gongbu sound arrow, and experience the daily life of “Gongbu people”, which has lasted for thousands of years.

In Tibet, horses are the locals’ inseparable companions. Under the guidance of professional coaches, guests can learn how to saddle and mount a horse, step by step. After proficiency in these steps, guests can also try the “Forest Ride” and explore the secrets depths of the Tibetan forest. About a 10 minute walk from Songtsam Glamping Palpa, guests will reach a flat river valley pasture where cattle graze leisurely. At dusk, guests may even encounter herdsmen milking cows.

In the coming months, more outdoor activities will be available at Songtsam Glamping Palpa, including the construction of a via ferrata (a protected climbing route), which will be the first via ferrata experience in Tibet. Other outdoor adventures soon to be added will include: rock climbing, ziplines, rafting, mountain biking, and off-road motorcycles.

A massive resort with more than 500 rooms is opening in the Dominican Republic

May 26, 2023 No Comments

Expected to open in 2024, this resort will bolster Hilton’s all‑inclusive presence in the Caribbean and Latin America to 10 properties across the region.

Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, will be the first all-inclusive Curio Collection by Hilton property in the Dominican Republic, when it opens in 2024.

Located north of Punta Cana in the coastal town of Miches, the brand-new 502-room all-inclusive resort will welcome travellers to an area known for its pristine beaches, sprawling mountain landscapes and natural surroundings. The property is owned by Zemi Hotels & Resorts, S.R.L. and will be managed by Hilton.

Opening in 2024

Expected to open in 2024 as Hilton’s 10th all-inclusive property in the Caribbean and Latin America, the signing of Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton cements Hilton’s plan to nearly triple its portfolio in the Dominican Republic over the next five years. Hilton currently welcomes guests at five hotels in the destination and has nine projects in various stages of development across the country.

Plunge pools & beach bungalows

Located approximately 60 miles from Punta Cana International Airport, the beachfront property on a half-mile stretch of pristine Esmeralda Beach will offer 502 guest rooms spread across six four-story buildings and 18 free standing beach bungalows.

This includes 123 ground level swim-up guest rooms featuring individual plunge pools that connect via a winding pool allowing guests to swim to other areas of the resort.

Drawing inspiration from the coast’s unique landforms, the hotel will feature a minimalist design with the natural tones and textures that reflect the destination. The four-story buildings harmoniously blend with the environment, while the design plan incorporates neutral wood and stonework, greenery, soft interior shades, and boho-chic elegance from furnishings to artistic structures and decor.

Amenities & more

With a commitment to health and wellness, the oceanfront resort will offer a sprawling pool complex with water park, a state-of-the-art fitness center and juice bar. A dedicated spa building will boast ten treatment rooms, a beauty salon, an indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and an outdoor terrace for yoga and meditation.

The resort will feature 15,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.

See the best of Europe this summer with Four Seasons

May 24, 2023 No Comments

Which will it be? Private surf lesson in one of Lisbon’s lesser-known beach coves, an early morning hike to Budapest’s Castle District or a private cruise on Lake Como after exploring the lakeside views from behind the wheel of an Italian car?

This summer, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts invites guests to explore the rich cultural, culinary and natural beauty of Europe through personalized discoveries across its iconic European properties.

Unforgettable Adventures

Stay in the heart of the city at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid to discover the local barrios (neighbourhoods) through the eyes of Leica as part of a newly launched photographic walking tour. This two-hour on foot exploration takes in every opportunity to both learn about and capture the local sights through the lens of a Leica camera, guided by a photography specialist. Four Seasons Hotel Baku is also providing guests with a unique way to discover the historical city and discover traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Adjoining to ancient walls and known as the “living room” of Icheri Sheher (Old City), Four Seasons Hotel Baku, is primely located to facilitate this private tour and hands-on, cultural experience under the guidance of a local skilled artisan, with the hand-woven carpet becoming a one-of-a-piece kind and a treasured keepsake for guests.

Further south in Sicily, guests at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel can embark on an adventure on the slopes of Mount Etna during a stargazing safari on a remote part of the mountain’s slopes to admire the night sky.

A Focus on Wellbeing

Venture into the wild beauty of the French Alps at Four Seasons Hotel Megève, where a guided, hillside yoga or meditation session within a geodesic dome allows guests to reset and refresh while soaking in the mountain vistas. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is also offering private yoga classes at the nearby beach in Costa da Caparica, just 30 minutes from the Hotel and a spot treasured by locals for its vast, sandy coastline that stretches for nearly 10 kilometres (6 miles). For those seeking a more adrenaline-filled activity, yoga can be swapped for a surf lesson in the same location, with each activity being followed by a lunch at a stylishly mellow, toes-in-the-sand beach bar that serves local favourites such as clams cooked in Portuguese Bulhão Pato sauce and grilled, line-caught fish from the Atlantic.

Early morning adventures go hand in hand with city-sightseeing at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest through the Buda Before Breakfast workout, where members of the Four Seasons management team accompany guests on a hike up Gellért Hill or the Buda Hills for the best city views and a chance to learn about must-visit locations during a stay in the historic city.

A Celebratory Summer

Following the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, Four Seasons UK Collection continues the wave of celebrations through a series of summer experiences designed to capture this momentous occasion. Indulge in the time-honoured British tradition of afternoon tea with the Crown Jewels Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square or celebrate summer at Bloom – the rooftop lounge in the Hotel’s elegant Crown Residence. This floral pop-up is abuzz with summer energy, offering unparalleled views over the River Thames and the city, light bites and refreshing beverages.

Alternatively, complement a discovery of the capital’s heritage with the serenity of the British countryside by combining a stay at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane with a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire as part of the properties’ Town and Country offer.

Take to the Water

From the Athens Riviera to Lake Como, cruising on the Bosphorus and the scenic shores of the Vltava River in Prague, there’s no better place for boating adventures than Europe in the summer. Depart from the jetty of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens for a full day exploration of the famous Greek islands of Hydra and Spetses. Journeying by the award-winning Praevado power cruiser, swim in crystal waters, have lunch at a seafood taverna and enjoy harbourside shopping, before a final dip at Zogeria Bay while recounting the day’s adventures.

In Istanbul – the city where Europe and Asia connect – hop aboard the Sea Shuttle to cruise across the Bosphorus river and take in the panoramic city views across the two continents while travelling from Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet in the city’s Old Town and the sea-front, former Ottoman Palace that is Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. Also offering guests the chance to capture the city panorama from the water is Four Seasons Hotel Prague, with a river cruise along the Vltava in a charming wooden boat. Sip a glass of prosecco and enjoy breakfast, lunch or a light snack with family or friends on this scenic excursion.

For a journey that spans both land and water, Four Seasons Hotel Milan provides an exclusive opportunity to take the driver’s seat of a of a 1961 Giulietta Spider or of a Lancia Fulvia Coupè Rallye on a drive out of the city to Lake Como. Cruise top-down for unparalleled views while zipping through scenic back roads, before pulling over for lunch at a Concierge-recommended restaurant near the lake and to browse the local shops before a private afternoon cruise on Lake Como.

Destination Dining with Four Seasons Europe

Just in time for summer, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel has launched a new Nomad Dining Experience overlooking the Cap Ferrat peninsula and the Mediterranean Sea. In this picturesque setting of the Hotel’s vegetable garden, guests can savour creative dishes prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Yoric Tièche while taking in sublime views of the French Riviera. Summer is also the ideal time to visit the Versailles vegetable garden of Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, which is cultivated with the composting from Le George restaurant’s food waste. Guests will be taken from the Hotel to the garden in a Porsche electric car and will spend time with the Hotel’s Green Michelin Star chef, Simone Zanoni. Together with Simone, guests will handpick vegetables and cook them in an open-air kitchen before enjoying a picnic-style lunch on site, all while learning more about Simone’s secrets of the trade and his passion for sustainability.

By evening, stylish rooftop restaurant Izumi at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva is the ideal spot to enjoy the warm summer nights and soak up panoramic lake views, while a golden-hour dinner on the Ponte Vecchio can be arranged for guests of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. Nestled in the heart of Florence with views over the Arno river, dine on the open-air terrace of the famous Ponte Vecchio with an unforgettable dining experience prepared by Executive Chef Paolo Lavezzini.

Air Canada now flying non-stop from Toronto to Yellowknife

May 22, 2023 No Comments

Air Canada is starting non-stop, year-round service between Toronto and Yellowknife in December.

The new, three-times weekly service will provide convenient connections between eastern Canada and the capital of the Northwest Territories.

Customers will also be able to seamlessly connect onward from Yellowknife on Air Canada’s interline partner, Canadian North.

Service between Toronto and Yellowknife will begin December 1, 2023, operated using Canadian-made Airbus A220 aircraft. It will be configured with 137 seats in a Business and Economy cabin, with onboard Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment systems featuring hundreds of hours of content and live TV at every seat.

Customers will be able to earn and redeem Aeroplan points and eligible customers will enjoy premium services where available, including priority boarding and baggage handling, and Maple Leaf Lounge access in Toronto.

Flight schedule

Flight	Departs	Arrives	Days of the Week
AC1169	Toronto 21:00	Yellowknife 23:54	Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
AC1168	Yellowknife 00:50	Toronto 7:20	Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Daily service for Vancouver and Edmonton

The new service will complement Air Canada’s existing twice daily service between Yellowknife and Vancouver and daily service between Yellowknife and Edmonton.

Customers connecting for travel beyond Yellowknife can take advantage of Air Canada’s bilateral interline agreement with Canadian North, which allows travel on a single, through-checked ticket that includes baggage transfer.

Destinations available via Canadian North include Cambridge Bay, Fort Simpson, Hay River, Gjoa Haven, Taoloyoak and Inuvik. Customers travelling on Canadian North can also earn and redeem Aeroplan points.

New travel program at Canadian airports could reduce screening times

May 19, 2023 No Comments

The Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra, announced that the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will soon be launching a new Verified Traveller program that will offer a faster and more efficient screening experience for eligible travellers at select airports across Canada.

About the program

This new Verified Traveller program will replace the current Trusted Traveller program.

By June 21, 2023, dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines will be available at select domestic and international checkpoints in the following airports:

Vancouver International Airport
Edmonton International Airport
Calgary International Airport
Winnipeg International Airport
Toronto-Pearson International Airport T1 and T3
Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

Easing congestion

The new Verified Traveller program will help ease congestion over time, as use of dedicated Verified Traveller lines grows.

The new lines provide eligible travellers with select benefits at security screening checkpoints, such as keeping laptops, large electronics and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on, and keeping their shoes, belt and light jacket on. Eligible travellers include:

Members of NEXUS and Global Entry;
Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces and US military, including reservists, with valid ID;
Canadian aircrew and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards;
International aircrew (in uniform) with valid airline ID; and
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, Canadian police officers and constables with a badge and proper photo identification issued by their respective organizations.

The Verified Traveller program allows children who are 17 years of age and younger, and adults who are 75 years of age and older, to accompany verified travellers through security, provided they are on the same reservation.

Additional benefits

Several airports will also offer verified travellers with front-of-the-line service and additional benefits at transborder checkpoints (flights to the U.S.).

For more information and a list of airports, visit CATSA’s website.

Discover Utah’s dark skies and starry nights

May 17, 2023 No Comments

Utah — which prides itself on easily enabling tourists to enjoy star power in the truest sense — is now eagerly promoting a temporary disruption of celestial rays.

A state that is home to more internationally accredited dark sky parks and places than anywhere else on the planet — 24 at last count — will offer prime locations to view the Great American Solar Eclipse on Oct. 14. The eclipse will pass over several national parks and monuments in Utah, creating distinctive viewing locations, such as from the famed hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park and through an arch at National Bridges National Monument – the world’s first Dark Sky park.

“It’s a full total eclipse so it should be quite phenomenal,” Rachel Bremer of the Utah Office of Tourism said during a recent Toronto event. “For eclipse enthusiasts, this is a big deal. People from all over the world travel to see this kind of thing.”

Hotel lodging will now be hard to come by in prime viewing locales for the actual eclipse but other accommodation options will be available, with some homeowners in those areas turning their homes into temporary AirBNB dwellings.

A Dark Sky venue

Utah has been enthusiastically promoting itself as a great Dark Sky venue, with Bremer stating that a combination of altitude, dry air and a somewhat smallish population of around 3 million people — resulting in little light pollution — enables visitors to easily spot star-studded nighttime skies, views that are denied to many people in other parts of the world.

“To be able to walk out of your hotel and see stars is pretty unique for many,” she said during the Toronto visit, billed as a Utah Star Party and which coincided with International Dark Sky Week.

The Utah delegation then continued to Calgary and Vancouver.

Utah tourism authorities are determined to help others see the constellations, with the Canadian tour not going the common route of giving event attendees gift bags, instead donating money that would have been spent on the swag to The International Dark Sky Association and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Bremer acknowledges that promoting the eclipse is a “little bit of the opposite” from her office’s more traditional Dark Sky tourism. “It’s kind of cool.”

More stars in Moab

Melissa Stocks of Grand County Economic Development, which includes the city of Moab, noted her area is among destinations that can leave visitors somewhat star-struck, thanks to regional parks.

“The parks and monuments of southeastern Utah share some of the darkest skies remaining in the contiguous 48 United States,” tourism authorities state. “In recent years, three of Moab’s most popular parks — Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park — have been recognized as International Dark Sky Parks. Park staff routinely provide programs celebrating the night sky, from walks under the full moon to gazing through telescopes at objects millions of light-years away.”

For more information visit: discovermoab.com/moab-night-skies .

Visit Cedar Valley

Becki Lewis of Visit Cedar City — found 250 miles south of Salt Lake City — in turn said that culturally inclined sorts can do some star-gazing while in Cedar City, home to the annual Utah Shakespeare Festival, which dates back to 1962 and this year starts in June and continues into October.

Three theatres are used for it, including a “replica of a replica of the Globe” theatre in London in which Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. That roof-less Cedar City theatre provides sightings of starry skies to those taking in nighttime performances, Lewis said.

More information about the festival can be found at bard.org.

Lewis added that Utah has plenty of venues for people to enjoy nature.

“Most of the state parks would be national parks in other states,” she said. “They’re just beautiful.”

See Salt Lake City

Meanwhile, Ryan Mack of Visit Salt Lake said those visiting Salt Lake City can get up close and personal with some of the same terrain as athletes who competed in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics did.

That includes both downhill and cross-country ski trails used for races.

“They (alpine trails that hosted races) won’t have the gates but they’ll be the same runs,” Mack said.

Skating and curling classes are available in the facility that hosted skating and curling competitions.

Mack said Salt Lake City’s successful staging of the Olympics boosted its tourism trade.

“In a lot of ways, it put Salt Lake on the international map as an outdoors destination,” he said.

Salt Lake City is expected to again host the Winter Olympics in 2030 or 2034, with strong community support, Mack added.

More information can be found at visitsaltlake.com.

The hottest new hotel and resort openings

May 15, 2023 No Comments

A look at the latest hotel and resort news from highly anticipated new openings to fresh renovations.

Bellagio

Las Vegas’ iconic Bellagio property is undergoing a US$110 million transformation across all rooms and suites within its luxurious Spa Tower. Following the AAA Five Diamond resort’s recent remodel of more than 2,500 guest rooms in its main tower, the Spa Tower redesign, which encompasses 819 guest rooms and 104 suites, is slated for completion in October. Meanwhile, the first collection of rooms available for guest stays will be available beginning July. The contemporary accommodations are inspired by the beauty and tranquility of Italy’s Lake Como.

Wynn Al Marjan Island

A new multi-billion-dollar integrated resort is coming to Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Wynn Al Marjan Island will mark the company’s first-ever beachfront resort and is inspired by the tranquil seascape of Al Marjan Island, a group of four islands.

Set in a pristine setting overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Wynn Al Marjan Island rises more than 1,000 feet above the sea and will offer a premium luxury experience, including exceptional entertainment and gaming amenities.

With an estimated project cost of approximately US$3.9 billion, Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature approximately 1,500 lavishly styled rooms, suites and villas.

Visitors can expect a wide array of entertainment options, a gaming area, 24 dining and lounge experiences, innovative spa and wellness experiences, a high-end shopping esplanade, a state-of-the-art events centre, a theatre hosting a unique production show, and other amenities.

Casa da Companhia

IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened the doors to the first Vignette Collection hotel in Europe. Casa da Companhia is a 5* boutique hotel located in Porto, Portugal.

The Vignette Collection, the newest brand in IHG’s fast-growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio, is a family of distinct luxury hotels connected by a shared vision that travel can benefit local people and places.

Casa da Companhia has 40 rooms including three suites, a luxurious spa featuring treatments from Holiclinica, a fitness suite, heated indoor and outdoor pools and an outdoor terrace.

Rosewood Ranfaru

Stretched across a striking chain of private islands around a pristine lagoon in the South Male Atoll, Rosewood Ranfaru will be situated less than an hour away from Velana International Airport in Male. From touchdown to toes in the sand, guests will be able to make the journey to the resort via either a 35-minute yacht ride or a ten-minute seaplane hop.

Rosewood Ranfaru will offer approximately 120 beachfront and overwater villas, ranging in size from one- to five-bedrooms, all with private pools and a select number located on private islands.

Thompson Palm Springs opening this year

May 12, 2023 No Comments

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has plans for the 168-room Thompson Palm Springs, which will join the luxury lifestyle Thompson Hotels portfolio and mark the second Thompson Hotels property in California.

Thompson Palm Springs is expected to open in late 2023 and will offer panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the city of Palm Springs.

Developed by Dallas-based Hall Group and designed by interior design firm B2 Architecture + Design and architect SMS Architecture, Thompson Palm Springs will feature modern, groundbreaking design in the heart of the city.

Unique guestroom bungalows will be surrounded by two outdoor pools, gardens, lounge areas and winding walking paths, immersing visitors in the natural landscape of Palm Springs.

Amenities & more

Guests can expect additional amenities including a signature restaurant helmed by a world-class chef, sought-after indoor and outdoor bar and lounges, a well-appointed spa and fitness concept, and approximately 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.

Thompson Palm Springs will also offer more than 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail and restaurant space along downtown’s iconic Palm Canyon Drive which will include HALL Napa Valley, a 3,400 square foot tasting room from owners Craig & Kathryn Hall showcasing selections from their family of wines: HALL, WALT and BACA. The hotel’s idyllic location will provide guests with access to the community’s thriving arts and culture scene including museums, art galleries, boutiques and bars and restaurants.

Thompson Palm Springs will build on Hyatt’s intentional growth strategy in key leisure markets, joining 18 Thompson Hotels properties worldwide, with four additional properties expected to open by the end of 2024 in destinations like Houston, South Beach Miami, and Monterrey, Mexico, as well as the brand’s entry into Asia Pacific in Shanghai.

To learn more about the Thompson Hotels brand, visit www.thompsonhotels.com.

Disney Cruise adds two new experiences on board Disney Magic

May 10, 2023 No Comments

From the magical mountains of Colombia to the bustling streets of New York City, the colorful worlds of two fan-favorite Disney films – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” and Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” – have come to life for the first time on the high seas with the debut of new family-friendly experiences aboard the Disney Magic.

In addition to “Encanto”-themed entertainment and a “Soul”-inspired lounge, the ship’s concierge accommodations were enhanced with new theming and spacious refurbishments during a three-week dry dock project in Freeport, The Bahamas.

An Encanto Celebration

Guests can join the fantastical family Madrigal during an all-new immersive experience, “An Encanto Celebration,” designed to engage families through music, crafts and storytelling.

The interactive experience gives guests an opportunity to meet and take photos with Mirabel and the family member we don’t talk about, Bruno, during their Disney Cruise Line debut.

Families can also join a spirited sing-along of beloved “Encanto” songs and create butterfly and flower crafts inspired by the film. During the show, guests can experience a true taste of South America thanks to a selection of local Colombian beers, cocktails and sodas along with film-inspired mocktails.

New Soul Cat Lounge

The heartfelt story of “Soul” was the inspiration for the brand-new Soul Cat Lounge designed to look like Joe Gardner’sfavorite music spot from the film, the Half Note Lounge.

The space, located on deck three near Rapunzel’s Royal Table restaurant, instantly transports guests to a classic New York jazz club appointed with decorative details like brick walls, wood accents and plenty of rich leather seating around a stage set for live music, so guests can grab their partner and head to the dance floor for a swinging good time each evening.

The Soul Cat Lounge is adorned with custom artwork from Pixar featuring nods to the film including record labels, concert posters and portraits of jazz legend Dorothea Williams and her bandmates. Thoughtful “Soul”-inspired details are subtly layered throughout the design including record players, instruments and Joe’s hat.

Adults can enhance their big city experience with table-side Manhattans and martinis or choose from a selection of native brews and cocktails made with New York spirits. A fun collection of mocktails, specialty coffees and sodas are also on the menu. In addition to new drink options, guests can take a bite of Little Italy with an order of zeppoles, the classic Italian pastry similar to a fried doughnut, while enjoying the live music.

Redesigned concierge

The concierge spaces aboard the Disney Magic have been elevated and enhanced. The concierge lounge was reimagined and expanded to feature a sophisticated new theme and tropical colour palate inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” and an additional outdoor covered seating area on deck 10 where guests can relax with a refreshing beverage while enjoying the ocean breeze.

All concierge suites, including one- and two-bedroom accommodations and the two signature royal suites, have been completely refurbished with fresh fixtures, furniture and elegant artwork, further elevating the premium experience for concierge guests.

Shore power technology was also installed as part of the ship’s dry dock project, continuing Disney Cruise Line’s longtime dedication to minimizing its impact on the environment. When available at the port, this will allow the Disney Magic to “plug in” to the port’s electrical grid, reducing the ship’s emissions.

The Disney Magic is currently sailing its first of three itineraries from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Beginning May 24, the ship will return to Miami for a summer of cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean including the “Silver Anniversary at Sea” celebration in honor of Disney Cruise Line’s 25th anniversary. This fall, the Disney Magic will head west for its inaugural season sailing out of San Diego.