The USVI’s newest adults-only hotel is a pink Barbie dream house

July 28, 2023 No Comments

On July 21, one of the most anticipated movies of this year hit the big screen – Barbie!

And with the iconic doll making her film debut, travellers around the world are looking to experience the pink side of life at spots like Pink Palm Hotel in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a new adults-only boutique hotel where you can soak in all of the pink, dreamy, Barbie vibes.  

This magnificent property opened in March 2023 in the heart of the islands’ capital city Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, and features one of the most magical and beautiful views of the city’s waterfront harbor.

The 28-room adult boutique luxury hotel renovates the famed Smith’s Fancy, popular in the 1940s as a destination guesthouse for those in the fashion, art, music, and film worlds. This unique spot offers gorgeous water views that can be enjoyed from many of the rooms and the poolside common area.

Pink Palm offers guests a relaxing, private oasis while being steps from local restaurants, bars, art galleries and St. Thomas’s famous shops. This exotic place offers guests a full-service cocktail bar, highly skilled bartenders & cocktail servers.    

Have twice the fun in Mexico with family-friendly & adults-only options

July 26, 2023 No Comments

Relaxation and rejuvenation, or fun in the sun, you decide! 

With its picturesque, turquoise waters, long, white sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife and culture, and a thriving food and drink scene, Mexico has long been a perennial favourite vacation destination for Canadians.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a fun getaway for the entire family, OFFSHORE recently checked into the adults-only Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya and the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun to find out what you can expect. 

A romantic escape

If head mixologist Misael Ruiz can sum up the concept behind the Social Bar in the main lobby of Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya using only one word, it’s the word “local.”

“We try to push Mexican local products,” he says in front of a table with multiple bottles of alcohol on display for a cocktail-making demonstration. “One of the secret ingredients we have here is that we make our own blends of salt and sugar.” The margarita, for example, is made using pink pepper, black pepper and Himalayan salt.

“We’re always trying to surprise you,” Ruiz says.

Try your hand at cocktail-making

Twice a week, guests can gather in the lobby to try a taste of the twisted cocktails made from local ingredients, while also attempting their own creations through a hands-on mixology class.

Following a recipe that dates back to 1927 that uses Ancho Reyes Chile, a Mexican herbal liqueur made from a dried form of ripe poblano peppers, Ruiz leads our class through a demonstration on creating a fresh take on a classic Negroni.  

For a lobby bar, the space has an intimate feel to it, but it’s fitting since the resort itself feels more like a boutique property with a total of 291 rooms. “Each hotel or resort has its own personality. This hotel is very unique,” says Anat Rosengaus, associate director of sales at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya. “We are surrounded by amazing nature so we always reflect that in the property.”

Captivating for couples

Formerly Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun, the adults-only Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya resort underwent a major transformation before reopening on Dec. 1, 2022. The makeover includes the addition of 46 swim-out suites, which line the sides of the horseshoe-shaped resort. 

Ideal for couples, the majority of the accommodations are oceanview king suites, but there are also some tropical view suites and higher room categories like six oceanfront junior suite plunge pool king rooms on the beach and a presidential suite spanning more than 1,500 square feet.

In total, the resort is home to nine restaurants, bars and lounges, including an oceanfront restaurant serving up delicious dishes like chorizo queso, fresh guacamole and fish tacos. There’s also a coffee shop offering baked goods and the best gelato I’ve ever tasted outside of Italy (the Ferrero Rocher flavour is a must try). 

From the pool-side swing bar to the striped umbrellas around the main pool, the resort is loaded with Instagrammable moments. The hacienda style resort is set on 1.5 acres of white sand beach roughly 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport. 

Fun in the sun

Complete with a gigantic oceanfront water park with tall slides and ample pools, Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is a great fit for multi-generational getaways appealing to both kids and kids at heart.

Formerly the Secrets Silversands, Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun opened in October 2021 and features 438 spacious suites. With nine pools to choose from and a splash zone for kids, the only challenge may be narrowing down where you want to swim for the day. 

Family-friendly vacations

Designed with families in mind, the size of the suites are another unique attribute to the resort. There’s ample space to hang out, with all suites coming in at 668 sq. ft. or larger. Every suite has rainfall showers and spa tubs. 

There are 10 dining options to pick from, like Habaneros, which offers fresh tacos and margaritas with views of the ocean. Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun has caught on to the hard seltzer trend, and mini fridges come stocked with local flavours in addition to the typical wine and beer offerings.

Since the property is big, there are many places for adults to escape if they’re craving some downtime. The two-story Zen Spa inspired by pre-Hispanic Mayan culture is a relaxing way to unwind and get pampered with massage services. There is also a dedicated adults-only pool near the spa, and another pool by buildings 10 and 11 that kids rarely use, for a quieter oasis. 

Along with a kid’s club for those aged four to 12, professional babysitting services are offered so that parents can dine out alone for a romantic meal. The hotel is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport.

—ANN RUPPENSTEIN

For the full story, click HERE to read the digital version in OFFSHORE’s Summer 2023 issue!

Four Seasons shows off private jet itineraries for 2025

July 24, 2023 No Comments

Today’s luxury travellers are looking to see and do it all – and to do so exceptionally. The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience is the ultimate opportunity to travel the world in luxurious style.

Here’s a look at some of the new 2025 itineraries!

2025 Four Seasons Private Jet 

The 2025 Four Seasons Private Jet calendar begins with African Wonders (Dec. 29, 2024 – Jan. 10, 2025), a shorter itinerary with minimal travel across time zones perfect for families travelling with kids and equally enriching for couples and individuals.

The itinerary begins in Greece and heads down the African continent with stops in Egypt, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mauritius, Zambia and South Africa, exploring ancient treasures, wildlife experiences and natural wonders along the way. 

Asia Unveiled (Mar. 3-18, 2025) offers an exhilarating mix of southeast Asia’s pulsing cities and idyllic islands, and includes immersive experiences in five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

These first two itineraries for 2025 are also shorter than most other Four Seasons Private Jet Experience itineraries, at 13 and 16 days, ideal for annual vacations, school breaks and coordinating busy schedules around honeymoon, anniversary or birthday celebrations.

Later this year, Four Seasons will roll out additional Private Jet Experience itineraries on the 2025 calendar.

A lounge in the sky

All itineraries are now aboard the new custom-designed Four Seasons Private Jet that debuted late last year with more space to stretch out, move around and socialize, in a Lounge in the Sky.

This communal area acts as both a social gathering spot, and the stage for on-board programming led by Four Seasons craftspeople ranging from educational presentations to sommelier-led wine tastings, wellness workshops and other surprises. Additional features include spacious bathrooms, and an enhanced in-flight entertainment system, customized App for passengers, and multi-connectivity at each seat.

Every Four Seasons Private Jet itinerary includes all flights aboard the fully customized, 48-seat Airbus A321neo-LR plus luggage coordination and ground transfers. Travellers can also enjoy the service from an onboard Four Seasons Executive Chef who creates meals inspired by itinerary destinations and celebrates the unique flavours to be found along the journey.

All accommodations are in Four Seasons hotels and resorts, or, in more remote locations, at establishments carefully selected by Four Seasons. All planned excursions, activities and meals are taken care of and guests enjoy 24/7 service by an inflight journey team that includes a concierge, journey physician as well as on-the-ground Four Seasons local experts and dedicated Private Jet Guest Services Manager.

To find out more and begin planning a Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, click here.

Explore these five nature spots in Lithuania

July 21, 2023 No Comments

Lithuania’s captivating natural wonders, including pristine lakes, enchanting forests, and massive sand dunes, offer a myriad of stunning landscapes for nature enthusiasts this summer.

As the summer season reaches its peak, Lithuania’s treasure trove of natural wonders are bound to captivate the hearts of visitors and locals alike. From over 3,000 pristine lakes, 90 kilometres of the Baltic Sea shoreline, and enchanting forests that blanket more than 30 per cent of the country, this Baltic gem offers a myriad of stunning landscapes for nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in.

Here are five nature spots not to miss during your Lithuanian summer adventure.

Silence of the dunes

Neringa is a top seaside location for every Lithuanian summer, mostly characterized by its massive moving sand dunes. Due to efforts to manage nature long ago, pine woods now dominate the area, yet parts of the historic dunes still remain entirely untouched.

On the 1.1 km walk of the Nagliai Nature Reserve, visitors may come to the peculiar natural phenomenon known as dead sand dunes. A few centuries ago, powerful winds formed a strange landscape of hollows and washouts that exposed the soil of a long-dead forest that was buried in the sand. The Curonian Spit — a UNESCO-listed peninsula with a carefully protected ecology —  is capped with unlimited vistas.

Nida’s Parnidis Dune is one of its most beautiful sites. At 52 m, it is one of Europe’s tallest dunes and provides a beautiful view of infinite sandy beaches that mingle with aromatic pine trees.

A therapeutic walk among junipers

The 1.3-kilometer-long Arlaviškių — or Juniper Valley — nature trail, located just outside Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, welcomes visitors to appreciate the wonderful vista of the expanded Nemunas river, Dabinta Island, and the picturesque surrounding outcrops.

The trail’s uniqueness is more readily apparent now that it has been renovated: naturally grown on a steep slope, with patches of steppe grassland between the juniper trees and in other parts of the reserve that are home to rare plants, mushrooms, springs with forming tuffs, and even hanging wetlands. Furthermore, the air here is particularly pure due to essential oils secreted by junipers. According to some folk medicine practitioners, the aireven has a therapeutic value.

Treetops at a touching distance

The Treetop Walking Path in Anykščiai was the first trail in the Baltic States and in the whole of Eastern Europe where it was possible to walk at treetop level. At the end of the trail there is an observation tower, the height of the observation deck is 34 m.

This unique architectural structure is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lithuania, as no other location offers the chance to walk among the tops of trees at an altitude of over 20 meters. From this height, the winding Šventoji River Valley unfurls in all its undisturbed beauty, with romantic peaks of the highest church towers — St. Matthew’s —  in Lithuania, popping up from the sea of green.

An ever-evolving landscape

Biržai’s surroundings are full of surprises. It is a one-of-a-kind land where the earth’s surface affects the landscape, with land collapsing in the most literal sense. This occurs when groundwater washes away gypsum deposits in the earth.

Above this special landscape and the local karst lakes looms the Kirkilai Observation Tower, which has a distinctive form — resembling a canoe or a sinking boat. The height of the tower is almost 32 meters, meaning visitors can take in the full-breadth of the surrounding landscape. In summer, under certain conditions, the lakes take on different colors — becoming painted with various shades of green and blue.

Mysteries of Lithuania’s pagan heritage

The Dūkštai Oak Grove Nature Trail meanders through one of the oldest and largest natural oak forests in Lithuania. Among the undergrowth of 200-year-old oak trees there are several species of rare and endangered animals, plants, fungi, and lichens that call the grove home.

As these trees were worshiped as gods several hundred years ago, wooden statues made in their honor can be discovered by those who wander through the area. Adding to the mystic energy of the park is the Airėnai Stone, with runes etched onto it whose meanings are still a mystery to mankind.

Explore new heights in New York City

July 19, 2023 No Comments

Let’s hear it for New York! Admiring the city from above is almost a right of passage for every first-time visitor to the world-famous destination.

While the Top of The Rock and the Empire State Building remain two of the most popular ways to participate in this time-honoured tradition, there are also some new ways to feel on top of the world. 

Brave the ASCENT

If you’re not afraid of heights and are looking to capture a memorable, bird’s eye view of NYC, step inside ASCENT, an all-glass enclosed elevator that travels 12 stories outside of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, a new multi-floor observation and art experience.

Soaring high above the city at 1,210 feet while overlooking the Empire State Building, the elevator quickly inches upwards for an elevated view…for anyone with an Empire State Of Mind. 

Scale the SUMMIT

More than just a regular observation platform offering iconic views of New York City, SUMMIT boasts a variety of unique immersive art installations spread across multiple levels, including a multi-sensory experience from Kenzo Digital featuring silver balloons that float effortlessly through the air, and glass sky boxes that jut outwards to suspend guests 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue.

Much like an après-ski experience, the onsite Après is a bar and cafe that leads to an outdoor terrace where you can experience views from the top with an Aperol Spritz in hand. 

In its first year, SUMMIT helped contribute to NYC’s pandemic recovery by welcoming 1.4 million guests from almost every country in the world.

The world’s first ocean pool just opened in Turks & Caicos

July 17, 2023 No Comments

Wymara Villas, perched on one of the highest points of the secluded Turtle Tail peninsula, a short drive from Wymara Resort is a community of one, four and five-bedroom modern masterpieces located on Grace Bay Beach.

Each villa offers guests a private pool, expansive ocean views, and exclusive access to a state-of-the-art sports club.

Recently, the property welcomed an ocean pool that measures 130 ft long by 30 ft wide, spanning nearly 3,900 square feet.

Now ready for guests to take a dip, the stunning swimming spot features a shallow end that is three-to-five feet deep (depending on the tide) and a deep end that plunges six-to-nine feet with a soft, sandy bottom throughout.

The natural swimming pool, which gets replenished with fresh seawater from the Atlantic, is carved out of the coastal rock and lined by an expansive timber deck that spans the entire length of the pool. Featuring a tiki bar and stylish sun loungers and umbrellas for shade, guests can take breaks from sipping spritzes to dip in and out of the refreshing, salty sea while soaking in the serene views. 

Its remote location gives privacy for swimmers, yet is close enough to Wymara’s five-star amenities offering something for everyone. Future plans call for the opening of a new beachside restaurant and the availability of day passes. But for now, the Ocean Pool at Sunset Cove Beach is for the exclusive use of Wymara Resort + Villa guests, with access to a poolside Tiki Bar from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. serving a variety of fresh cocktails, wine, and beer.

Azamara Cruises returns to Canada for the first time since 2017

July 14, 2023 No Comments

 Azamara has released 73 itineraries for 2025, including two brand-new voyages visiting Canada for the first time since 2017.

Along with these itineraries comes the debut of double night stays, giving guests two overnights to explore one destination at their leisure. 

With Azamara’s new double night stays, guests can spend three days and two nights in Bordeaux, France. Due to their small size, Azamara’s ships can dock in the centre of the city, allowing guests to explore the stunning architecture and renowned museums, as well as the world-famous surrounding wine region.

Azamara guests can also sail seven hours down the Guadalquivir River to enjoy an extended stay in the heart of Seville, Spain, where they can fully immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions of Andalusia by indulging in tapas, watching authentic flamenco dancers and bullfighters, and admiring historic palaces – all at their own pace. 

“We are thrilled to return to Canada in 2025, and we’re excited for our guests to experience these unique itineraries visiting lesser traveled ports in Quebec and Newfoundland as well as Iceland and Greenland,” said Michael Pawlus, Head of Itinerary Planning at Azamara. “As demand for our Country Intensive sailings remains strong, we’ve also added a range of these specialty voyages across Europe for 2025, so our guests can discover smaller ports and hidden gems within a single country.”  

New sailings 

Marking the cruise line’s return to the country for the first time in more than five years, Azamara’s new sailings will stop in six Canadian ports, including:  

  • Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec (maiden port): Known as the center of the Magdalen Islands, this small fishing town boasts incredibly fresh seafood, stunning coastal trails, and over 300 species of birds. 
  • L’Anse Aux Meadows, Newfoundland (maiden port): L’Anse Aux Meadows is the only authenticated Viking site in North America. Guests will be transported back 1,000 years as they explore the recreated Viking Encampment and discover original Norse artifacts.  
  • Harve Saint Pierre, Quebec (maiden port): With panoramic views and never-ending sandy beaches, Saint Pierre sits on the north shore of Quebec’s Saint Lawrence River and is the gateway to the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, home to an abundance of wildlife. 

2025 itineraries

Azamara’s signature Country Intensive sailings continue to see high demand, making up more than half of the newly released 2025 itineraries.

These specialty voyages encourage guests to dive deeper into countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Norway, Ireland, and Scotland by providing more time to discover the local culture and hidden gems. Two of the fleet’s four ships will visit Greece in 2025, a destination Azamara knows best as its ships visit more unique ports throughout the country than any other cruise line. 

Azamara’s 2025 itineraries include a record number of 15 golf cruises in collaboration with longtime partner PerryGolf. Golf lovers will want to book the 2025 British Isles Golf Cruise, which includes weekend attendance to the final two rounds of The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.  

To book one of Azamara’s immersive itineraries for 2025, please visit www.azamara.com/europe-2025.  

Here are some of the most rewarding experiences to have in Israel

July 12, 2023 No Comments

For a relatively small country, Israel punches above its weight when it comes to the diversity of the experiences on offer.

However, unlike Canada, it’s possible to drive from one end of Israel to the other in only eight hours — not that anyone would since there’s so much to see along the way. Whether you’re looking for unique experiences in the great outdoors or going back in time to explore ancient architecture, here’s a look at how Israel appeals to travellers with a wide range of interests.

For cruisers

As a major cruise hub, the port of Haifa is often the gateway to Israel for many international travellers. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and MSC Cruises all have Haifa on the itinerary this year. While excursions often focus on attractions outside of the city, the destination itself is also worth exploring.

At the top of the list of things to see are the Bahá’í Gardens, a stunning staircase of nineteen terraces extending all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. The UNESCO World Heritage is a spiritual focal point for Bahá’í pilgrims featuring the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, giving way to views of Akko in the distance. Israel’s under the radar, third largest city is also home to a German Templar Colony, founded in 1868.

For wellness and relaxation

Look no further than floating in the Dead Sea for the ultimate way to relax while crossing off a bucket list worthy activity in a spot known as the lowest point on earth — 428 metres below sea level — dating back three million years. The waters are believed to have healing powers so be sure to plan time for a lengthy float.

For the social media aficionado, pack a copy of your favourite magazine to personalize the moment. Many resorts in the Ein Bokek Beach area also offer spa services, making it a great choice for a bit of pampering.

For beach life in a city setting, Tel Aviv is an ideal choice. There’s a long stretch of beach (Gordon Beach) right next to many major hotels lined with beach bars and activities like volleyball nets. Even in the winter, temperatures range from 9-17°C. 

For millennials

With a thriving vegan food scene and renowned nightlife with a laid-back vibe, millennials will enjoy Tel Aviv. Those who crave a night out on the town can opt to go bar hopping with a local guide, including free shots and drink specials along the way. The trendy city frequently gets accolades like placing on top 25 lists as the best party city and as a top foodie destination.  

Another riveting option is Jerusalem, which has a vibrant night market and a growing food scene along with its historical side. Head to Thinkers Distillery to sample some locally produced spirits. The Israeli sunset gin is made with hints of strawberry and rose petals. Then head out to experience the nightlife at Machane (sometimes spelt ‘Mahane’) Yehuda Market, which even includes a craft beer bar.

As a city with a 3,000 year old history, there are so many historic and archaeological sites to discover along with modern attractions for culture, arts, music and culinary delights. 

For history buffs

With its Templar tunnels that were only recently discovered and an entire crusader city underneath the current street level, the city of Akko, also known as Acre, is fascinating for architecture and history buffs alike. Explore the excavated parts of the Old City of Akko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to get a sense of life over 4,000 years, including the ancient Knights’ Halls of the Hospitaller Fortress.

Akko’s Old City is walled off and remains intact, plus its seaside location makes for many great photo opportunities. Through its storied past, the city was shaped by the Romans, Ottomans, Crusaders, Mamelukes, Byzantines, and British.

Another impressive place to visit in Israel is Beit She’an National Park, an extensive archaeological site dating back 6,000 years with well preserved ruins including a large amphitheatre. So far only one tenth of the ancient city has been excavated. 

Of course, Jerusalem, where the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are located, and Nazareth, known as Jesus’ hometown, are also a must.

For the outdoorsy type

 

4×4 adventures and take part in many outdoor activities. 

Another natural option is to head to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve to discover waterfalls and hiking trails along massive cliffside formations. The biggest oasis in Israel offers more than nine different hiking trails.

For more information on planning your trip to Israel, click here!

Five new hotels and resorts you should know about

July 10, 2023 No Comments

Checking out the latest hotel and resort news from fresh renovations to brand new and upcoming properties ready to welcome you.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

The desert oasis of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in the United Arab Emirates is now offering travellers the chance to stay amid the dunes at the all-new four-bedroom Sahra Villa and two-bedroom Al Sarab Villa, complete with its own private majlis (sitting room).

Located a few minutes’ drive from the resort in a secluded area offering unobstructed views of the fiery-red dunes of the Empty Quarter, both villas are part of the exclusive villa compound. The 5,263 square-foot Sahra Villa can accommodate up to eight adults in its master bedroom and three twin bedrooms, each with their own private terrace. The villa also boasts a private swimming pool with a cabana and sprawling indoor and outdoor living spaces.

At the expansive and opulent 9,181 square-foot Al Sarab Villa, guests are surrounded by palm trees. In addition to two elegant bedrooms accommodating a maximum of four guests, the lavish villa comes with ample space to entertain both indoors and outdoors, including a grand reception majlis and a fireplace to enjoy starry desert nights. The outdoor terrace includes a dining table alongside a fully equipped barbecue area, with sun loungers circling a private pool overlooking the dunes.

Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek

Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek in Martinique will be undergoing extensive renovations highlighting significant changes to the rooms, reception area, main restaurant, and bar slated for Fall 2023. The property originally opened in 1969, making the property the first Club Med village to open in “the Americas.”

Tucked away in the large coconut groves of Martinique facing Diamond Rock, the property will undergo a significant refresh to rejuvenate the resort and enhance the overall guest experience which represents an important step in Club Med’s global commitment to evolving the brand to a more upscale experience. The resort will debut the first phase of this renovation by the end of 2023 with all-new interiors organically inspired by the vibrant colours of the surrounding nature and rich Creole culture.

Songtsam Glamping Palpa

Songtsam, an award winning collection of boutique luxury Hotels, Resorts & Destination Management Company has officially opened Songtsam Glamping Palpa, its first glamping property in Tibet. Located in Baiba Village 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.

Songtsam Glamping Palpa has 30 accommodation tents, four dining tents and one 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.

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.

Eywa Lodge Amazonas

Clients heading to the Peruvian Amazon can now experience Eywa Lodge Amazonas, a newly opened property near the city of Iquitos, next to the source of the Amazon River.

With a strategic location next to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Eywa Lodge Amazonas offers an immersive experience in the Amazon rainforest. The hotel is well connected through the Iquitos airport, where the Eywa Lodge team will great travellers to take them to the accommodations in the heart of the jungle.

Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai

The wellness-centric Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai is now open in northern Thailand, marking the third Aleenta branded property from Thailand-based luxury boutique hotel specialist AKARYN Hotel Group. Offering 44 rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre featuring tailor-made wellness programs and retreats, the resort focuses on providing authentic, premium, sustainable experiences.

The spacious rooms, one-and-two-bedroom pool residences and a four-bedroom teak villa with a private swimming pool merge traditional Thai design with a soothing palette of natural hues, sophisticated furnishings and tech-savvy facilities.

Embracing its spiritual location in the ancient city of Chiang Mai, the resort is home to one of the brand’s signature Ayurah Wellness Centres. Alongside complementary daily yoga, Qi Gong, meditation and mindfulness classes, there’s a  menu of holistic wellness retreats and tailor-made programs available for clients.

Meet the tour operators offering incredible wildlife encounters in Manitoba

July 3, 2023 No Comments

Travel Manitoba says tourists can see some pretty impressive critters in the northern part of Manitoba and much farther south as well.

The tourism promotion body’s Karin Schreiber told delegates at Rendez-vous Canada 2023 that those visiting the northern Manitoba community of Churchill can spot polar bears in a destination that bills itself as The Polar Bear Capital of the World, with guided tours providing sightings of the huge bruins.

Schreiber also told her late May Quebec City audience that Hudson Bay-fronting Churchill also has tours that enable people to spot some of the thousands of beluga whales that gather nearby in the summer.

Churchill-based Lazy Bear Expeditions has a “wildlife-viewing boat” that enables people to comfortably view belugas, and adventurous clients can opt for “beluga AquaGliding,” which sees people wearing wet or dry suits and masks and snorkels lie on floating mats tethered to Zodiacs on the Churchill River or Hudson Bay. Curious but harmless belugas often approach the mats, giving tourists close-up looks at them.

“The belugas come close to the mat and follow it,” Lazy Bear Expeditions’ Melissa Perry later said of the “naturally curious” marine mammals.

Perry said clients are “on top of the water, not in it” but the provided wet or dry suits prevent them from getting wet from splashing.

More information can be found at lazybearexpeditions.com.

Schreiber also said that northern Manitoba’s “cloud wolves of Kaska Coast” aren’t wary of people, which in turn leads to sightings of them by nature enthusiasts who venture to the Hudson Bay-fronting region they live in.

But she also noted that the “Prairie oasis” of Riding Mountain National Park — found in southwestern Manitoba — is home to such imposing creatures as bison, black bears and moose.

“Manitoba is best known for its compelling wildlife,” Schreiber said.

She said the huge province has over 100,000 lakes and can provide great winter sightings of the Northern Lights.

Glamping’s popularity increased during the pandemic.

But Schreiber also said visitors should experience urban Manitoba, adding “hustling and bustling” Winnipeg sees world-class performing arts performances.

Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s Royal Aviation Museum,  she added.

Winnipeg’s Qaumajug Art  Museum in turn has the largest Inuit art collection anywhere,  she continued.

Schreiber also noted that The Wyndham Gardens Ode Akiing Hotel (also called the Wyndham Gardens Winnipeg Airport Hotel) is Indigenous-owned. The hotel has Indigenous art and an Indigenous chef.

—IAN STALKER