Hyatt Hotels expands luxury and lifestyle brand portfolio across Americas

September 16, 2024

Hyatt Hotels continues the strategic expansion of luxury and lifestyle hotels with a significant development pipeline of more than 20 recent and planned openings across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean through 2025.

This planned growth will expand Hyatt’s brand footprint in several new regional markets, allowing Hyatt to care for guests and World of Hyatt members in more places and on more stay occasions.

Looking ahead, Hyatt will offer guests more iconic lifestyle brands and experiences through the planned acquisition of lifestyle pioneer Standard International.

Hyatt will launch a new dedicated lifestyle group that will include The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands, as well as many of its world-class restaurant and nightlife affiliates (The Boom Boom Room, The Standard Grill, Le Bain, and more). Following the transaction’s close, Hyatt is planning to welcome Standard International properties into World of Hyatt, bringing even more celebrated lifestyle options to its 48 million loyalty members.

Newly opened and coming soon

Hyatt plans to add several new hotels across prime leisure markets in Americas in 2024, from the first Andaz hotel in Florida and the debut of the Hyatt Centric brand in Costa Rica, to the first Grand Hyatt properties in Arizona and Utah. Recent and upcoming 2024 openings and renovations include:

  • The Legend Paracas Resort (joined the Destination by Hyatt brand on June 18, 2024) located on the coast of Peru, about three hours south of Lima, the 124-room resort is nestled between the Paracas Nature Reserve and the Pacific Ocean, offering panoramic views of the Paracas Bay and desert hills.
  • Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas (opened September 9, 2024) rebranded from Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa in California after an extensive $64 million renovation including transformed 531 accommodations, including 39 spacious suites which have completed, while 43 one- and two-bedroom private villas, are set to debut by November 2024. The rebrand ushers in a new era of luxury for the iconic desert resort with an expanded lobby experience, refreshed meeting and event spaces, two new dining concepts and a reimagined pool complex with extended cabana offerings.
  • Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica (opened September 18, 2024) marks the Hyatt Centric lifestyle brand’s sixth hotel in California and Hyatt’s 101st hotel in the Golden State, with 315 guest rooms. The hotel will undergo a design enhancement this fall.
  • Thompson Palm Springs (expected to open September 30, 2024) debuted with a collection of nearly all of its 168 bungalow-inspired guest rooms and suites in the heart of the city’s design district. The new lifestyle hotel features spirited dining concept, Lola Rose Grand Mezze and the first tasting room from HALL Napa Valley.
  • Hyatt Centric San José Escazú (expected to open in October 2024) will mark the Hyatt Centric brand’s first hotel in Costa Rica and serve as a homebase to explore San Jose, the country’s capital, and largest city. Located in Plaza Tempo, the hotel will feature 161 guest rooms and suites with artwork crafted by local Costa Rican artists.
  • Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo (expected to open in October 2024) will be the first Hyatt branded hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Located in the city’s central area within the thriving Ensanche Piantini neighborhood, the 130-room hotel will offer a rooftop bar, coffee shop, signature restaurant and lobby bar.
  • Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort (expected to rebrand in October 2024) will be the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona after undergoing a $115 million renovation inclusive of 496 updated accommodations, including 18 luxury Casitas, six elevated dining experiences, expanded pool and cabana offerings, a refreshed spa and more group meeting space capabilities to transform and rebrand from Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch.
  • Grand Hyatt Deer Valley (expected to open in November 2024) will mark the debut of the Grand Hyatt brand in Utah and will feature 436 luxury accommodations, multiple food & beverage experiences and one of the largest mountainside event facilities in all the U.S. that’s perfect for all seasons. The hotel is positioned with direct access to both Deer Valley’s existing and expanded ski terrain as well as the Jordanelle Reservoir.
  • Andaz Miami Beach (expected to open December 2024) has been transformed from The Confidante Miami Beach to the first Andaz hotel in Florida. This hotel features an industry-first, ocean-view check-in experience, 287 rooms, 64 suites, two reimagined pools and a historic beach house. The property will weave the rich cultural tapestry of the locale into every aspect of the resort, offering a dynamic mix of Miami-inspired programming and exclusive partnerships, including highly anticipated collaborations with the world-renowned José Andrés Group.
  • Maison Métier (expected to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in 2024) is a 67-room private luxury guesthouse serving as a luxury oasis in the heart of New Orleans, thoughtfully preserved in its architectural integrity from 1908 and will embody the story of a bygone era.

 

Strategic growth in 2025

In 2025, Hyatt plans to introduce several luxury and lifestyle brands in key markets across the Americas region, including the first Park Hyatt and Dream Hotels properties in Mexico, the first Hyatt Centric brand in Puerto Rico, and the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Grand Cayman.

New openings planned for 2025 include:

TROBBU Boutique Collection opens first-ever villa experience in Tulum

September 13, 2024

TROBBU Boutique Collection has announced plans for TROBBU Tulum, which will be the area’s first all-inclusive luxury villa experience and the company’s debut in the travel space.

Opening January 2025, there will be 10 villas located in an idyllic setting amidst the serene jungle where guests will find an unparalleled synergy between luxury and nature.

Each 2,745-square-foot villa will be an oasis of exclusivity offering refined luxury, spread throughout three levels and can accommodate up to eight guests. Each space is designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings and allow visitors to truly unwind.

About the villas

The villas will feature three bedrooms and three and a half baths, an infinity pool, decked terrace with sun loungers, bar & grill area, a living room area, and a fully-equipped kitchen. TROBBU will also offer a shared spa with various treatments that incorporate elements of nature into massages, a fully-equipped fitness center and a common area. The starting rate is $900 USD per night.

There will be an option of an all-inclusive menu daily which can be enjoyed in the villa. Throughout the week, there will be themed nights such as Taco Tuesday as well as menus offering Mexican, Italian and Lebanese cuisine along with fresh seafood and delightful pizzas. Pricing is complimentary for kids ages 0-3, $60 USD for children ages 4-17, and $80 USD for anyone 18 and over, per day, for breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner, and pizza bar. There will also be a grill package available for an additional cost.

Concierges will assist in creating tailor-made experiences during the trip within the villa and destination.

Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of activities including wine tastings paired with decadent desserts, cooking and mixology classes, karaoke, photoshoots, wellness classes, visiting cenotes, yacht rentals, water excursions, and more. Kids will also be able to partake in pizza making classes, art activities, yoga, and more.

TROBBU Tulum can be visited by guests around the world and will also have a real estate component where travellers can purchase a fraction of one of the ten villas and become part of the TROBBU Owners Club. Every year owners can choose to either use their week for vacation or let the property know they prefer to rent it. The TROBBU team will handle the rental and the owner will be paid. The starting rate for a fraction of a villa is $35,000 USD during low season and $42,000 USD during high season.

For more information, visit http://www.trobbu.com/.

Exclusive helicopter tour with Scenic lets you see Antarctica’s penguins

September 11, 2024
Ahead of the upcoming 2024/2025 Antarctica season, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has shared unique experiences available on its once-in-a-lifetime journeys, visiting some of the world’s most remote polar destinations and accessing pristine landscapes and unique wildlife.
 
A highlight of these is the opportunity to experience the iconic Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea, available only via exclusive helicopter excursions on board ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht Scenic Eclipse.
 
Snow Hill Island, located in the Weddell Sea on the Antarctica Peninsula, is home to one of the two largest colony of Emperor penguins, a remarkable sight which is reminiscent of the scenes in the film ‘Happy Feet’.
 
While visitors may have the chance to see a few of these majestic birds in the Weddell Sea at the start of the season, Scenic Eclipse’s two on-board helicopters offer an exclusive way for guests to witness this rare colony of up to 4,000 breading pairs of Emperor penguins. Landing approximately 1.5 kilometres from the penguin colony, Scenic’s custom-built helicopters feature the quietest engines in the sky, ensuring a serene experience that minimizes disruption to wildlife.
 
This exclusive excursion is only available on the 22-day Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands voyage departing on November 27, 2024, exploring these pristine destinations, along with the fascinating wildlife and history of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Breathtaking helicopter tours

In addition to exploring Snow Hill Island on Scenic Eclipse, join Scenic Eclipse II in East Antarctica with breathtaking helicopter flightseeing tours and unique landings at historic exploration huts and the stunning McMurdo Dry Valleys.
 
Guests on the 25-day Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast voyage, departing on 15 December 2024, will enjoy a complimentary helicopter transfer to Sir Douglas Mawson’s Hut, connecting them with the rich history of Antarctic exploration.
 
Other bookable flightseeing excursions include spectacular views of Mertz Glacier, Duke of York Island, and Cape Adare, home to the largest Adélie penguin colony in Antarctica.
 
What makes these journeys exploring the great white wonder of Antarctica so unique and unforgettable is Scenic’s team of expert polar Discovery Team specialists, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the local wildlife, geography, history and culture. Guests learn about everything from weather to how land and sea ice forms, marine biology and epic survival tales of early explorers. On the Snow Hill Island excursions guests will also be accompanied by Scenic’s ornithologist who will provide deep insights into the tallest and largest of all living penguin species.
 
The Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team crafts the landing excursions to provide guests with firsthand experiences of the unique landscape, extraordinary wildlife and the region’s incredible history of exploration via the unrivalled Scenic advantages of two state-of-the-art helicopters^ or customized Scenic Neptune submersible.

For more information visit www.scenic.ca/ocean/destinations/polar-regions.

OFFSHORE Travel Magazine’s fall issue is out now!

September 9, 2024

OFFSHORE Travel Magazine, the luxury consumer publication from Baxter Media, has released its fall 2024 issue.

Distributed in print to subscribers via the Globe and Mail, OFFSHORE features the best in travel writing, from new hotel openings and luxury stays, to mini city guides and one-of-a-kind adventures in sought-after destinations around the world.

 is about purposeful travel encompassing everything from generational journeys to adventures both big and small. Embark on this journey with us, as we explore new places and create lasting memories.

In our latest issue, we’ve introduced a new column that highlights some of the best high-end properties to stay at, closer to home. Recently, we checked into the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa in the small town of Elora, Ontario. A luxurious escape just under two hours from Toronto, the property is renowned for its stunning riverside location, elegantly restored historic architecture, and indulgent treatments that provide a serene retreat from the everyday hustle, including a newly-introduced all-day spa package.

At the top of the world, our co-publisher finds himself on an eight-day trip through Western Greenland aboard the National Geographic Resolution in partnership with exploration company Lindblad Expeditions. The Arctic offers an unparalleled adventure, combining breathtaking fjord landscapes with opportunities to explore remote Inuit communities and encounter diverse wildlife, from whale watching to meeting sled dog pups. 

The latest issue of OFFSHORE is brimming with stories from around the world, from warm Caribbean climates to chilly Arctic waters.

Click HERE to read the digital version. To subscribe to a print copy of the magazine, click here.

Air Canada’s 2024 Best New restaurants list was just revealed

September 6, 2024

The 30 nominees for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2024 were unveiled today, celebrating new culinary talent across Canada. Since 2002, Air Canada has championed the country’s distinct culinary scene through the longest running Canadian restaurant ranking and its signature program, Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants.

The 2024 highly anticipated longlist is out today on CanadasBestNewRestaurants.com.

Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants is the only cross-country restaurant ranking to use a single, anonymous reviewer who sets out to dine across Canada. Based on the recommendations of a coast-to-coast panel of food experts, Air Canada sends one undercover writer on a month-long culinary marathon to sample the offerings from notable openings across the country, all of which are now contenders for the coveted Top 10 list.

Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2024 highlights the top restaurants that have opened across the country between late spring 2023 and May 31, 2024, and deliver exceptional experiences through the quality of their food, level of service and commitment to culinary creativity.

2024 nominees for Canada's Best New Restaurants

The following restaurants have been nominated:

  • Ancestor Café, Fort Langley;
  • Bar Gigi, Calgary
  • Bar Henry, Edmonton
  • Bar Prima, Toronto
  • Bernadette’s, Edmonton
  • Black Cat Pizzeria, St. John’s
  • Bravo, Vancouver
  • Bread & Cheese Inn Restaurant, Bay Bulls
  • Buvette Daphnee, Ottawa
  • Café Malabar, Victoria
  • Caméline, Gatineau
  • Casavant, Montreal
  • Conjeo Negro, Toronto;
  • Contrada, Toronto
  • Crumb Queen/Andy’s Lunch, Winnipeg
  • Dovetail Restaurant, Vancouver
  • F&B Restaurant, Saskatoon
  • Fat Rabbit, St. Catherine’s
  • Gary’s, Vancouver
  • Heni, Montreal
  • Juliette Plaza, Montreal
  • Lila Restaurant, Vancouver’ Maison de Soma, Mont-Tremblant
  • Martine’s Wine Bar, Toronto
  • Mhel, Toronto
  • Osteria Elio Volpe, Vancouver
  • Parapluie, Montreal
  • Sabayon, Montreal
  • Takja BBQ House, Toronto
  • The Starlight, Stratford

This year’s Top 10 ranking will be unveiled in Toronto on Nov. 4, 2024. The winners will also be showcased on CanadasBestNewRestaurants.com and in the November issue of Air Canada enRoute magazine.

The 2024 edition of Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants is generously supported by Diageo Canada, our returning gold level sponsor. A special thank-you to Diageo Canada for their ongoing commitment to enriching Canada’s culinary landscape.

According to this study, one in four Canadians like to plan their vacations early

September 4, 2024

Canadians are redefining what it means to go on vacation, with a new study from Flight Centre revealing that the vacation experience begins long before travellers board the plane.

According to data collected by YouGov, 25 per cent of Canadians feel that their holiday starts during the planning and booking stage, with those who use travel agents being almost twice as likely to experience this early surge of excitement compared to their DIY counterparts.

Key insights

Early Planners: One in four Canadians (25 per cent) believe their vacation begins the moment they start planning their trip. This early onset of vacation vibes is particularly pronounced among Millennials, with 29 per cent of this group reporting that their excitement kicks off during the planning phase, compared to only 19 per cent of Gen Xers.

Airport Enthusiasts: Nearly two in five Canadians (37 per cent) find themselves slipping into vacation mode as soon as they arrive at the airport. This sentiment is especially strong among women, 40 per cent of whom feel that their holiday begins at the airport, compared to 34 per cent of men.

Destination Arrival: For others, the journey truly begins upon arrival at their destination, with around 28 per cent of Canadians saying they only consider themselves on vacation once they’ve reached their travel spot. Gen Xers, in particular, are more destination-focused, with 33 per cent feeling the vacation vibes only upon arrival, compared to 24 per cent of Millennials.

Accommodation Check-in: Just under one in ten (seven per cent) believe their vacation starts when they check into their accommodation.

Where to next?

When it comes to choosing travel destinations, Canadians lean heavily on the opinions of friends and family (65 per cent), available sales and travel deals (52 per cent), and the advice of travel experts (36 per cent).

Plus, the current market dynamics also offer a golden opportunity for budget-savvy travellers. With exclusive deals and cheaper flights available online now, including savings of up to 20 per cent as summer demand wanes, Canadians can enjoy their dream vacation destinations while stretching their dollars.

Flight Centre travel experts offer more than just bookings. With the help of trusted experts, Canadians are extending their vacations into the planning phases, making every step of the journey—from the first connection to the final destination—a memorable part of their holiday.

Blue Diamond Resorts adds private island booking experience

September 2, 2024

Blue Diamond Resorts has unveiled the latest in luxury with its new Private Island Diamond Experience, now available exclusively at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, in Jamaica.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Caribbean, the Private Island Diamond Experience offers an unparalleled adults-only retreat where privacy and personalization are at the forefront.

Guests staying in select Diamond Club suite categories at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters can book one of four luxurious beach cabanas on this pristine 111-square-foot private island, poised over the turquoise waters of Montego Bay.

How to book your private island experience

Upon arrival, guests can book this exclusive service at check-in, where they will then be introduced to their private island butler, who will cater to their every desire throughout the experience.

From refreshing cold towels infused with tropical aromatherapy to daily live entertainment capturing the vibrant spirit of Jamaica, every detail is thoughtfully curated to enhance relaxation and well-being. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments from The Royal Spa, savor gourmet meals and premium cocktails delivered directly to their cabana, or simply unwind with uninterrupted views of the azure waters.

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, guests staying seven nights in the exclusive Diamond Club™ Chairman Beach Walk Out Swim Out Suite receive full-day access to the private island, ensuring a completely secluded retreat. This all-encompassing experience is meticulously planned, offering personalized touches such as a custom music and a specially stocked cooler filled with premium beverages, all designed to create an unforgettable stay.

Enticing add-ons

To further elevate their stay, guests can explore a range of enticing add-ons at an additional cost, including curated cabana packages featuring authentic Jamaican cuisine, premium spirits, and personalized touches that make each moment unique.

The Private Island Diamond Experience reflects Blue Diamond Resorts’ commitment to crafting unique, all-inclusive experiences that reflect the distinct personality of its resorts. Perfect for a romantic getaway, a special celebration, or simply a tranquil escape, this exclusive offering promises total customization in an idyllic setting, making it the perfect canvas for unforgettable memories.

Reserve your Private Island Diamond Experience today by booking any participating Diamond Club™ suite category here. For more information, visit royaltonresorts.com

74% of Canadians have done a multi-gen trip—and would do it again

August 30, 2024

A new Censuswide survey by Beaches Resorts reveals every member of the family wants a seat on the plane.

The all-inclusive resort brand tapped into the ultimate experts in family travel, parents themselves, by polling more than 1,000 North American families with respondents ages 25-45. The results uncovered a growing desire to bring three or more generations together for more diverse and enriching family travel experiences.

Among the findings, 74 per cent of respondents who have taken a multi-generational vacation remain excited by the idea of extended family getaways, with 67 per cent of all parents prioritizing family travel to maximize time across generations.

 

Family first

Almost half of respondents are redefining their vacation preferences with a family-first mindset, prioritizing vacations that include multiple generations. In fact, 50 per cent of parents polled would prefer to take a multi-gen vacation over a vacation with just the kids – with 76 per cent agreeing travel is the ultimate way to make memories as an extended family.

Moreover, 57 per cent are interested in starting new family traditions centred around vacations with grandparents, with a resounding 69 per cent of parents eager for their children’s grandparents to join more of their family vacations.

While skip-generation trips have gained popularity, now more parents are eager to join the fun. In fact, 37 per cent of parents surveyed wished they could be part of grandparent-grandchild vacations, valuing the chance to create lasting memories together.

Travelling with grandparents

When it comes to grandparents, parents are connecting the tots: 70 per cent of respondents make the effort to facilitate time spent between their children and grandparents, with almost the same number of parents (67 per cent) wishing they’d spent more time with their own grandparents.

Of those parents who have taken a multi-generational vacation, 55 per cent are bringing their children’s grandparents along for the fun – a natural fit as 43 per cent said grandparents are traveling more than ever with almost half of them traveling internationally an average of twice per year, and 50 per cent of working grandparents taking PTO to go on vacation with their families.

According to the data, grandparents make the best travel buddies. Sixty-one per cent of respondents agreed that grandparents were more active than expected during travel, with 62 per cent citing they were more adventurous than expected.

When it comes to vacation planning, parents are tapping into this zest for adventure, with 63 per cent of parents saying vacations are more enriching when grandma is involved in the planning.

Seventy-two percent of parents said that grandparents are extremely helpful on vacation, with 59 per cent agreeing that having grandparents along for the trip eases stress. In fact, whereas a previous study by the Family Travel Association found that 50 per cent of grandparents covered all expenses on multi-gen trips, almost half of parents polled by Beaches Resorts (49 per cent) said they are willing to cover all expenses for grandparents to join their vacation.

On multi-gen vacations, 46 per cent of parents have booked/would book a second room for kids to stay with grandparents.

Parents and grandparents can rest easy that they are no longer cramping their kids’ vacation vibes. The data shows children are also placing value in spending time with family on vacation, with 72 per cent of respondents saying their kids have expressed an interest in travelling with their parents and grandparents.

Moreover, every moment counts, with 66 per cent saying their children would prefer family activities over the Kids Club at a hotel. This supports data uncovered in an earlier survey conducted by Beaches Resorts among parents of Gen Alpha children (those born in 2010 and later), where 70 per cent of traveling tweens preferred to enjoy activities with their parents while on vacation.

When presented with different criteria they look forward to when planning multi-gen vacations, the priority was on time spent together as a family, with options for activities (54 per cent), restaurants (54 per cent), large accommodations/connecting rooms (45 per cent) and the rare opportunity to have everyone in one place (36 per cent) valued most.

Ritz-Carlton’s super yacht debuts in Rome

August 28, 2024

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection proudly introduces Ilma, its second new-build luxury super yacht, to its distinguished fleet.

The yacht embarked on its maiden voyage, a seven-night journey from Monte Carlo to Rome, on Sept. 2.

As the first and only luxury hospitality company at sea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection advances its position at the forefront of the industry with a second yacht now sailing, illustrating a future-focused vision that keeps pushing the boundaries of luxury travel at sea.

Ilma measures 790 feet, offering 224 airy and intuitive suites, all with private terraces providing direct access to the sea. Stopping at signature and intimate ports of call, Ilma takes guests on enchanting itineraries to coveted destinations.

Ilma’s inaugural season in the Mediterranean includes ports of call visiting Santorini, Porto Cervo, and Valletta, before departing for the Caribbean, with stops in Virgin Gorda, Gustavia, and St. John. Ilma will additionally sail the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe—a first for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection—during the 2025 summer season offering immersive itineraries in dynamic and culturally rich destinations like Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavík.

The purposefully designed yacht accommodates up to 448 guests and offers among the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratios at sea.

On board the yacht

Ilma invites guests to discover five dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining program, sevens bars, and a signature wine vault.

Highlights include two dining venues conceptualized by MICHELIN-starred restaurant chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina.

The Beach House, designed by the Toronto-based luxury design firm Chapi Chapo Design, offers 180-degree views of the sea that seamlessly integrate with the coast, creating a daytime to nighttime experience where guests can relax and unwind.

The beach club-inspired venue draws from Peruvian and Pan-Latin cuisine, blending globally influenced flavors in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere.

Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton with the casual freedom of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers bespoke voyages in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, and Central America.

Calling on unique and distinguished destinations, voyages typically span five to ten nights with an all-inclusive onboard journey and curated excursions ashore.

Spanning 790 feet, Ilma will offer 224 spacious, light-filled suites of varying categories, accommodating up to 448 guests. Slated to make its 2025 debut, Luminara will join Ilma and Evrima on voyages to secluded harbors and iconic cities.

Reflective of The Ritz-Carlton on land, each yacht offers personalized service, elevated dining experiences, and exclusive amenities.

Private charter options are also available, allowing guests to craft a truly tailored journey. For more information, visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.

Windstar shows off newest ship with floor-to-ceiling windows

August 19, 2024

Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises is unveiling a first look at its Star Seeker – a 224-guest, brand-new ship that will debut in January of 2026.  

Star Seeker will have 112 spacious suites, all but ten featuring a full private veranda or floor-to-ceiling infinity window.

The ship also boasts five dining options (all are included in Windstar’s cruise fare), a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility, and a fresh take on the line’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by letting guests access the sea directly from the ship. 

“Guests aboard Star Seeker will experience a sense of tranquility in their suites; they are designed to be an oasis for relaxation,” says Stijn Creupelandt, vice president of hotel operations at Windstar Cruises. “We used light wood and a soothing color palette of light blues, greens, and natural browns – elements that reflect our Star Class style. Inspired by the sea, sky, and landscapes, these colours and textures create a serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. In the ship’s public spaces and restaurants, you’ll find more vibrant hues inspired by sunrises and sunsets, including warm yellows, golds, and oranges, ensuring a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort throughout the ship.”

Three suite categories

Star Seeker features two Horizon Owner’s Suites, a new suite category for the line, at the aft of the ship on deck 7, which can be combined with adjacent suites for more space and multi-generational families.

Each comes with a wrap-around balcony offering spectacular vistas — perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner. The two suites are Star Seeker’s most luxurious and spacious offerings; however, the ship has a full menu of suite offerings with 12 different accommodation types to choose from, many allowing triple occupancy. Star Seeker has 72 suites with large verandas where guests may sit outside and enjoy the view and fresh air.  New for Windstar, 30 infinity suites feature a large floor-to-ceiling infinity window that slides down half-way from the top to open the suite to refreshing sea breezes.

As on all Windstar ships, there are no interior cabins. Star Seeker’s 10 Oceanview suites have plenty of natural light and a view of the sea, a walk-in mosaic glass shower, and an inviting queen bed which can be converted into two twins if desired. All suites include a fully stocked mini-bar and refrigerator, interactive TV, safe, fresh fruit, and waffle weave robe and slippers. The four highest suite categories – Horizon, Star, Classic, Deluxe – add other amenities such as an Illy espresso machine, Canapes service, and fresh flowers.

Star Seeker is under construction in Portugal. The maiden voyage will be a Transatlantic sailing in early January from Malaga to Miami. After a christening event in Miami where the cruise line is headquartered, Star Seeker will sail its first voyage in the Caribbean and offer more cruises in the Caribbean before heading up the West Coast of the United States to Alaska for a full season of summer cruises.

From there, the ship will sail to Japan and bring back the line’s popular Japan itineraries before heading to Southeast Asia.

Details on Star Seeker’s Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan cruises will be announced first to Yacht Club members (loyalty members) and travel advisors – giving them priority access to book. In early September, Star Seeker’s itineraries will be announced publicly and available for all to book.  

Windstar will debut an additional new sister ship, Star Explorer, in December of 2026. 

More at www.windstarcruises.com/.