Nobu Hotel Manchester set to become the tallest building in London

March 10, 2025 No Comments

Nobu Hospitality, the globally recognised luxury lifestyle brand, has unveiled plans for a landmark development in Manchester, featuring a hotel, restaurant, and the UK’s first Nobu-branded residences. 

In partnership with leading, property developer Salboy, the project – currently named Viadux 2 – will introduce the Nobu Hotel Manchester as the tallest building outside London, standing at 246 metres. This development will bring the brand’s signature blend of luxury hospitality and world-class dining to the heart of the city. The Viadux 2 project represents a £360 million property development in a prime Manchester city centre location, subject to a positive planning outcome this spring.

The 76-storey tower will house 160 hotel rooms, sophisticated event spaces, and a signature Nobu restaurant and bar, each reflecting the brand’s signature minimalist design. The development will also introduce 452 Nobu residences, marking the brand’s debut into the UK’s luxury real estate market. Offering an exclusive opportunity to live the Nobu lifestyle, each residence will feature refined design with thoughtful Japanese details, premium amenities—including Nobu dining and room service —an exclusive swimming pool, spa, podium garden and gym, as well as unparalleled access to the city through a dedicated experience team.

Manchester has rapidly evolved into a prime destination for luxury hospitality and high-end real estate, attracting leading luxury brands and world-class restaurateurs. Nobu’s arrival marks a major milestone in this transformation, setting a new benchmark for upscale living and hospitality in the region.

Three new hotels to check out in Peru

March 7, 2025 No Comments

From a remote glamping site to contemporary urban hotels, Peru’s new accommodation options are sure to impress.  

In April, family-owned Andean will launch a new tented campsite in a secluded 370-acre nature reserve. Located along the route connecting Cusco with Puno and the Colca Valley, Tinajani comprises six upscale safari-style tented camps set within a spectacular stone forest (dubbed the ‘Canyon of the Guardians’) that formed following the erosion of an ancient pre-historic lake. Surrounded by towering rock formations, each luxury tent includes a bedroom, sitting area, private bathroom and hot tub. The all-inclusive property also provides excursions for guests to explore the remote Altiplano region, which is known for its stargazing skies and un-touched natural trails.

SOUMA Hotel Lima opened this month as the first IHG Vignette Collection property in South America.

Operated by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, the hotel is situated on Lima’s Miraflores boardwalk and features 214 rooms designed in a minimalist décor with light wood accents. The property offers three restaurants specializing in Peruvian and Nikkei cuisine, a heated rooftop infinity pool, and sunrise yoga sessions overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Motto by Hilton makes its much-anticipated South American debut this year with the opening of Motto by Hilton Cusco. 

Located in the centre of the Imperial City, the 58-room property pays homage to Cusco’s past with guest suites that feature modern amenities with historic design elements inspired by Inca culture. The hotel is steps away from Cusco’s popular attractions and landmarks, such as Plaza de Armas and the Temple of the Koricancha. 

Air Canada partners with Michelin-starred chef Masaki Hashimoto on Japan routes

March 5, 2025 No Comments

Air Canada has added Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto to its culinary panel.

Based in Toronto, Chef Hashimoto is the owner of Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, one of Canada’s only restaurants dedicated to the traditional art of Kaiseki cuisine. Since immigrating more than 40 years ago, he has devoted his career to mastering and sharing this multi-course culinary tradition. His exclusive creations debuted March 1 in Air Canada Signature Class, on all flights between Canada and Japan.

On these routes, Chef Hashimoto’s dishes will showcase a thoughtfully curated selection of traditional ingredients through a rotating menu. Six recipes will be introduced annually, including a Zensai (appetizer) such as sautéed lotus root; Komono (side dishes) like sesame tofu with wasabi sauce; and a Oshokuji (main course) featuring beef sukiyaki with simmered tofu, scallions, napa cabbage and red ginger, served with calrose rice and miso soup. A brunch casserole follows, served before landing. Beginning in the spring, Air Canada will further elevate the experience with traditional dishware and tray presentations curated by Chef Hashimoto, in partnership with Noritake dishware, featuring Japanese artwork.

Sake pairings by Kei Hashimoto

To complement the meals, a premium sake pairing will be offered, selected by Chef Hashimoto’s son, Kei Hashimoto, a certified Kiki sake-shi (sake sommelier) accredited by the Sake Service Institute in Tokyo.

The featured sake, Ninki-ichi Junmai Daiginjo Gold, is crafted from Gohyakumankoku sake rice, prized for its clean, crisp character. Filtered using the Yabuta system, it achieves exceptional purity with a balanced profile of floral and fruity notes and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.

“It has always been a lifelong dream of mine to bring an authentic Japanese in-flight dining experience to travellers. Partnering with Air Canada is truly an honour for me, as it brings together the two places I now call home—Japan and Canada,” said Chef Masaki Hashimoto. “This collaboration allows us both to bridge the rich cultural landscapes of each country and celebrate our shared values of care, respect, and connection.”

Now available for Air Canada's Signature Class

Chef Hashimoto’s creations are now offered as part of Air Canada’s Signature Class dining menu on all Air Canada flights between Canada and Japan. Air Canada offers the most flights between Canada and Japan, with up to six daily flights from three airports in Canada to three airports in Japan this summer:

  • Vancouver to Narita: daily flights
  • Vancouver to Osaka: four weekly flights
  • Toronto to Narita: daily flights
  • Toronto to Haneda: daily flights
  • Toronto to Osaka: three weekly flights
  • Montreal to Narita: daily flights

World’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian, takes to the waters June 2026

March 3, 2025 No Comments

Orient Express sets a new standard of excellence, bringing a spirit of quiet revolution to the world of exceptional sailing.

In June 2026, Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, will take to the open sea, tracing a course through the French and Italian Rivieras, jewels of the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas.

A triumph of engineering and artistry, Orient Express Corinthian is the product of a visionary collaboration between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a world leader in naval innovation. Designed with both grandeur and purpose, the vessel represents a seamless convergence of ultimate refinement and cutting-edge innovation, two hallmarks of French excellence.

About Orient Express Corinthian

Her dimensions are extraordinary—220 meters (722 feet) in length, with three towering masts supporting 1,500 square meters (16,145 square feet) of rigid sails. Yet beyond its sheer scale, she is a pioneer: Orient Express Corinthian is the first sailing yacht equipped with the revolutionary ‘SolidSail’ propulsion system.

Its three tilting, rotating masts optimize performance under sail, harnessing the wind with exceptional efficiency and reducing reliance on conventional fuels. This advanced system is further supported by a hybrid propulsion solution powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which offers a substantial reduction in emissions compared to traditional marine fuels, marking a meaningful step toward more sustainable navigation.

The commitment to sustainability runs deep. An AI-driven detection system minimizes the risk of marine mammal collisions, while dynamic positioning technology eliminates the need for anchoring, preserving delicate seabeds. Every aspect of the ship’s design is calibrated to protect the ocean it traverses.

Reservations open on March 25, 2025. Join the journey at orient-express.com/sailingyachts today.

This tour operator is offering a series of self-guided cycling trips through Italy

February 28, 2025 No Comments

Building on last year’s successful launch of self-guided cycling tours in Italy, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a trailblazer in cycling vacations and leader in active travel, is introducing three new extended itineraries for 2025, offering travellers a deeper dive into the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Italy’s la dolce vita.

These longer trips align with the growing trend of slow travel, combining multiple weeklong routes to create seamless adventures that prioritize immersive and sustainable experiences.

“We think that with the expense and time it takes to travel these days, a longer bike tour just makes sense,” said Maria Elena Price, co-owner of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours. “Not to mention, spending more time in a place – getting to know it in the more immersive and intimate manner that exploring by bike provides – is so much more enriching, rewarding, and overall, a more sustainable way to travel.”

Designed for travellers who love the freedom of choosing their own pace while enjoying the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing key details such as accommodations and route mapping are taken care of, these new adventures offer deep dives into three famed regions: The Dolomites, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany.

For details on all ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ guided and self-guided cycling adventures in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America, visit ExperiencePlus.com.

CroisiEurope’s newest luxury ship to offer eco experiences on the Amazon

February 26, 2025 No Comments

CroisiEurope is building a new luxury ship that will offer a unique eco-tourism experience on the Amazon. This new, as yet un-named ship, is CroisiEurope’s first new build since 2020 and its first to operate in South America.

The 32-guest, four-deck ship will measure 49 metres long by 15 metres wide and will feature plenty of wood, vibrant colours
and local arts and crafts inspired by Amazonian culture. Accommodation will comprise 16 suites with private balconies including two presidential suites suspended between the sky and water. There will also be a gourmet restaurant serving Brazilian inspired dishes, a spa, fitness room, sun deck and conference room.

As part of its commitment to protecting and preserving the Amazon, CroisiEurope is implementing the latest eco innovations including engines that meet the strictest environment standards, an advanced wastewater treatment system and solar panels which will allow the ship to shut down its generators at night and operate on batteries. Sustainable practices will be observed onboard while ashore, respectful tourism will benefit local communities through meetings with Amazonian communities in order to share knowledge and stories, supporting local initiatives and protecting bio-diversity and ensuring that each guest uses their experience to become an ambassador for the Amazon.

Starting in 2027, the new ship will home port in Manaus and offer 12-day itineraries that unveil the treasures of the Brazilian
Amazon, navigating the Amazon River, the Rio Negro, the Solimões, the Arapiuns and the Tapajós up to the Colombian border.

Various extensions will also be available. Itineraries will be open for booking soon.

Swan Hellenic opens bookings for enhanced 2026-2027 Antarctic cruises

February 24, 2025 No Comments

Swan Hellenic has announced its 2026-2027 Antarctic Season cruises, several of which sail further south into the Antarctic Circle than other expedition options.

Further attractions are Swan Hellenic’s much-praised guest service and elegant but informal, boutique ice-class vessels, the five-star sister ships SH Vega and slightly larger SH Diana, accommodating 152 and 192 guests respectively.

But this exclusive experience also means limited capacity. Even with a total of 24 Antarctic departures between them, only 4,777 guest places are available for the entire 2026-2027 season. Which is why wise adventurers book well in advance and Swan Hellenic has announced everything as early as possible.

At the heart of the season are 24 round-trip voyages from homeport Ushuaia, the “end of the world” in southern Argentina. Each follows one in a select series of five expertly curated itineraries exploring the Antarctic Peninsula in depth, three of which approach it from the lesser-visited Weddell Sea.

Special themed cruises

Special Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year of the Horse celebration cruises are offered, with SH Vega combining Christmas and New Year in the 13-night Roundtrip Cruise to Ushuaia from 22 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.

A long semi-circumnavigation voyage complements these round-trip cruises, the 20-night South Atlantic Cruise from Cape Town, South Africa, to Ushuaia aboard SH Diana.

This ocean discovery voyage explores Saint Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha, the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world, along with the South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia Island

New features on Antarctica cruises

A distinctive new feature of Swan Hellenic’s Antarctica cruises introduced for the 2026-2027 season will be the opportunity to walk on the wild side in included expert-led snowshoeing expeditions that enable beginner and experienced guests alike to explore further than a normal landing activity. Typically around one and a half hours long, each will be led by two experienced mountaineers and will of course be dependent on the snow conditions.

All Swan Hellenic cruises are fully inclusive and feature gourmet cuisine, specialist talks and hands-on, expert-led expeditions.

“We’re really excited about our new Antarctica offerings and the fantastic developments they introduce,” said Swan Hellenic Chief commercial officer Patrizia Iantorno. “From deep exploration of the Weddell Sea, one of the most pristine intact ecosystems on earth, to our new snowshoeing expeditions, they offer brilliant opportunities to see what others don’t on life-changing voyages exploring the world’s last great wilderness.”

Complete information is available on the Swan Hellenic Website and a full calendar of all the 2026-2027 Antarctic Season Cruises can be downloaded here.

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve opens in Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo

February 21, 2025 No Comments

Nestled within one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has officially opened its doors, offering discerning travellers a secluded, ultra-luxury retreat amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo.

Named after the Chorotega word for “lush garden,” Nekajui (NEK-ah-wee) marks a monumental milestone as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and the eighth addition to the brand’s exclusive portfolio.

Located on Peninsula Papagayo, a 1,400-acre canvas of dry tropical forest atop coastal cliffs, Nekajui’s collection of 107 thoughtfully designed ocean-facing rooms, suites, and three luxury treetop tents seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living while celebrating Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage. Owned by Mohari Hospitality and Gencom, and developed by The Athens Group, the resort’s accommodations range from expansive guest rooms, starting at 872 square feet, to one- and two-bedroom suites, the luxurious four-bedroom Nekajui Grand Villa, and 36 private residences featuring two to five bedrooms. For the ultimate exclusivity, Villa Guayacan is a 10-bedroom retreat set amidst a remarkable natural backdrop.

Stunning accomodations

Showcasing framed vistas of Playa Pochote and the Pacific Ocean, the resort’s elegant accommodations feature multi-panel, floor-to-ceiling glass doors unveiling sweeping seascapes.

Outdoor shower gardens, private plunge pools, and deep-soaking tubs invite guests into a sensory immersion fully enveloped in nature’s beauty. Contemporary interiors reveal artistic craftsmanship, showcasing local custom woodwork and traditional accents that reflect the vibrant colours of the region’s flora and fauna. Chorotegan-inspired décor—featuring gold works, clay pottery, and hand-crafted local wood, stone, and tile—add to Nekajui’s unique sense of place, transporting guests to a timeless sanctuary and enhancing Costa Rica’s tropical paradise.

For more information visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/lirrz-nekajui-a-ritz-carlton-reserve.

Oceania Cruises adds 12 tasty culinary tours for 2025

February 19, 2025 No Comments

Oceania Cruises has expanded its signature range of immersive Culinary Discovery Tours with the addition of 12 new gourmet excursions for 2025.

The new chef-led tours are in diverse locations spanning the globe from Europe and the UK with new excursions in Amsterdam, Belfast, Invergordon, Valencia, and Valletta; to Asia with three new options for Japan sailings in Kobe, Kochi, and Shimizu, plus Busan in South Korea; and North America where new tours are available in Halifax, Quebec City, and Victoria.

The additions mean Oceania Cruises now offers a total of 46 Culinary Discovery Tours, available on its four larger ships, Marina,  ships, Marina, Riviera, Vista, and Allura, which debuts July 2025.

About the Culinary Discovery tours

The Culinary Discovery Tours are an integral part of the line’s renowned food-focused enrichment program, which includes The Culinary Center, the first-ever hands-on cooking school at sea, offering unparalleled experiences for gourmands wanting to learn and to explore cultures through food.

Limited to 18 guests and led by Oceania Cruises’ team of expert Chef Instructors, each of the Culinary Discovery Tours goes beyond traditional sightseeing, providing access to local markets, acclaimed restaurants, and hands-on cooking classes, both on board and ashore.

From foraging for wild sea herbs on Belfast’s rugged coast to indulging in a plant-to-plate luncheon inside an Amsterdam greenhouse where ingredients are harvested moments before they reach a guest’s fork, these tours give travellers an intimate look at local life through the lens of food and its impact on the culture and community.

In Japan, witness the precision of traditional knife-making in Kobe before a teppanyaki feast of wagyu beef, or master the art of searing bonito over an open flame in Kochi. Uncover the secrets of authentic paella on a boat ride through Valencia’s rice fields, or explore South Korea’s famed seafood markets.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly refined travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.

Windstar’s newest ship shows off Southeast Asia experiences for 2026

February 17, 2025 No Comments

Windstar Cruises recently unveiled its 2026 Southeast Asia program for its newest yacht, Star Seeker, which debuts December 2025.  The line is offering two core itineraries combinable in 17 different variations including inland pre- and post-Cruise Tour programs.

Star Seeker’s Southeast Asia program offers an in-depth exploration of the cultures, cuisine and history of Thailand and Vietnam, improving on the typical cruise experience in the region. Unlike most cruises that start and end in Singapore or Hong Kong, make stops at industrial ports far from key attractions, and spend just two or three days in each country, Windstar will take advantage of Star Seeker’s small size to offer a more immersive experience.  

Itineraries begin in-country – in Hanoi, Bangkok, and Phuket – allowing guests to maximize their time on land before and after sailing, with options for pre- and post-cruise tours to inland destinations such as Angkor Wat. The small size of Star Seeker enables exclusive access to ports and docking locations that larger ships cannot reach, including sailing up rivers to dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, stopping at Ko Kood for the Windstar Signature Beach Party—a port visited by only select small ships—and traveling to Krabi and Ko Yao Noi.

About the Southeast Asia program

The Southeast Asia program features two core cruise-only voyages:

  • 10-day Vietnam, Cambodia, & Thailand – Vietnam country intensive cruise stopping at three to four Vietnam ports including overnights in Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi (Halong Bay), with an additional visit to Cambodia, where guests can book a three-day/two-night shore excursion to Angkor Wat.
  • 11-day Thailand, Singapore, & Malaysia – Thailand country intensive cruise stopping at six Thai ports including small destinations like Krabi and Ko Yao Noi, plus an overnight in Singapore, a highlight of the sailing.

The Southeast Asia itineraries can be enhanced by adding culturally rich Cruise Tours which extend the journey before or after the cruise:

  • Hanoi – three-night trip for cruises embarking and disembarking in Ha Long Bay, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local life of Hanoi with street food tours in the old quarter featuring traditional Vietnamese phin drip and Vietnamese coffee; morning tai chi lessons like the locals do; history tours of the Hanoi Hilton Prison and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; culture attractions like a traditional puppet show, cyclo tour, and a visit to a local pottery village.
  • Angkor Wat – three nights extension on cruises that start and end in Bangkok with a bucket-list visit to Angkor Wat; explore Siem Reap to learn about the Khmer people who were responsible for constructing the temples and see their modern-day craftsmanship; visits to the Tonel Lake Stilt village and floating markets.
  • Chiang Mai – three nights exploration of Northern Thailand’s cultural capital, available on cruises that start and end in Phuket. Visit the cultural capital of Thailand and explore the famous mountain temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and new and old temples with monk ceremonies; enjoy the opportunity to visit an Elephant Sanctuary where guests can interact with and help feed and care for the elephants, an animal that carries great significance to the people and country of Thailand; and explore lively night markets tasting local specialties like Khao soi.

Guests also have the option of combining cruises into back-to-back Star Collector sailings. Itineraries ranging from 20 to 41 days are available with the longest cruising between Tokyo, Japan and Phuket, Thailand. As a bonus, free daily laundry is provided so guests can still pack light.

To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar or learn about booking offers, contact a travel advisor, reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 866-258-7245, book online here, or request a call by a Windstar vacation planner.  Find more information on Windstar Cruises here.