Hyatt is opening a new hotel in the Maldives

September 20, 2024

Hyatt Hotels has confirmed that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with SingHaiyi for Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives.

Located in the picturesque North Male Atoll, Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives will mark Hyatt Regency’s brand entry into the Maldive Islands. Slated to open in late 2027, the new all-villa resort will join Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as the third Hyatt property in the Republic of Maldives.

About Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives

Located only 25 minutes away from Valena International Airport in Malé by speedboat, the resort’s prime location will be a large draw for sun-seekers, culture lovers and marine enthusiasts seeking an accessible yet tranquil retreat.

North Male Atoll is close to the capital and known for its proximity to popular diving and snorkeling sites where manta rays and hawksbill turtles are frequently spotted. Prime surfing destinations like Pasta Point and Sultans will also be seamlessly accessible from the resort.

Nestled across 24 acres (10 hectares) of picturesque land, the resort will feature 130 well-appointed beachfront, treetop, and overwater villas, all with a private pool. The architectural design by Park + Associates intersects traditional Maldivian architecture with a light and natural palette. Guests can look forward to enjoying a variety of culinary experiences at a sunset bar, a beach club, a Japanese specialty restaurant, and an all-day-dining concept.

World of Hyatt Globalists and guests who book villas with club access can also unwind with complimentary refreshments in the signature Regency Club lounge. A dedicated kid’s club, a marine and diving center, a fitness pavilion, a yoga deck, and a spa with eight dedicated treatment rooms will cater to guests of all ages and interests.

Fantastic fjords: a journey through Greenland with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

September 18, 2024

Waking up every morning onboard the National Geographic Resolution was always something pleasantly different. It might have been the sounds of the ice cracking against the ship, the midnight sun peeking through my window, or the captain announcing whale sightings. 

Once the blinds were open, I was presented with a view of Greenland that felt both natural and yet so unfamiliar to a first-timer in the Arctic.

With no inside rooms, every guest enjoys unrestricted views of the region. Suites, in a testament to Lindblad’s partnership with National Geographic, are adorned with National Geographic atlases, magazines, and maps. These spacious accommodations also feature large windows or balconies, and each suite is furnished with modern amenities, including a private bathroom, ample storage, and comfortable bedding. Guests can also enjoy exclusive services such as butler service, personalized concierge assistance, and access to private lounges, ensuring an exceptional and memorable expedition experience.

Discovering the Arctic

The 71-cabin National Geographic Resolution, which sails under luxury exploration cruise company Lindblad Expeditions, is like no other expedition ship in the water. You might find yourself in the Science Hub or in the Ice Lounge, listening to one of the many National Geographic experts on board giving a lecture or obliging questions about the daunting terrain.

I quickly settled into a routine: after a day exploring the natural beauty or visiting an Inuit settlement on the ship’s Zodiac boats, I would head to the Ice Lounge. There, I eagerly awaited National Geographic diver Pat Webster. One of the two divers accompanying us, Pat showed us videos of the diverse marine life encountered that day in the frigid Arctic waters. It was like watching our very own National Geographic documentary unfold before us in real time, and we were the stars of the plot.

After dinner, we typically found ourselves, cocktail in hand, enjoying the open Bridge, a section of the ship that offers a state-of-the-art command center with panoramic views, providing an unparalleled vantage point for navigating through some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking regions. There, we would see the captain, ice navigator, or first officers piloting the ship through the razor sharp ice fields and uncharted fjords in real-time. Initially, I felt like I was somewhere I shouldn’t be, but that feeling quickly faded as they engaged us, showed us the new equipment, and even let us sit in the captain’s chair.

Guests crammed the Bridge upon a whale sighting. Reaching for their iPhones or DSLR cameras, it wasn’t uncommon for one of the National Geographic photographers would graciously offer tips on getting the perfect shot with whatever equipment we had. Phil Schermeister, an award-winning photographer and published author of multiple photography books, spent many moments lining up a magazine-worthy shot on my own phone.

As photographers and conservationists in the field, the passion they have for their line of work is contagious, and sure enough, after years of wanting to try my hand at using a DSLR, I found myself photographing everything from sled dogs to icebergs with a newfound confidence. 

The expedition begins

Departing Kangerlussuaq we started our expedition. On either side of the ship, landscapes carved by glaciers adored the 190-kilometre fjord bearing the same name. We landed by Zodiac at an old whaling station, warmly met by our Greenlandic hosts. 

Our tour began in Dog Town, observing sled dogs and their handlers. A sled trainer explained the dogs’ role in Arctic living while playful puppies distracted us. Later, we tasted a  traditional muskox soup that rivaled my family’s own recipe of beef and barley version back home. In local shops, natural materials obtained through hunting had been carved by hands and heritage, their stories imparted by shopkeepers.

In the heart of Uummanaq, a prominent mountain stood overlooking the community. The ascent offered panoramic views of the town below, where houses painted bright shades of blue, yellow and red lined the coast – a nod to Greenland’s connection to Denmark. An afternoon excursion led us to Quilakitsoq’s archaeological site dating back to 1475 whose significance was shared by Lars, a local Greenlander Lindblad had hired for this particular voyage. He engaged us with Inuit storytelling and provided cultural insights into the artifacts we encountered.

The ship navigated the icy Davis Strait towards the UNESCO-sheltered Ilulissat Icefjord. Here, we found local fishermen on the other end of our sailors hold, a symbolic nod to the strong partnership Lindblad maintains with the communities its itineraries visit. The fishermen guided us amongst massive icebergs and tranquil waters. 

In Ilulissat, a hike took us into the icefjord where the view of green valleys filled with white flowers gave way to ice expanses—a juxtaposition of nature. A visit to the Ilulissat Icefjordscenter revealed historical scenes and arctic wildlife that were encased in clear sculptures resembling ice, a contemplative preservation of their way of life.

Upon my arrival back in Toronto, I switched my phone’s data back on for the first time since I had left and was immediately flooded with notifications, which made me miss the quietness of the Arctic. 

Yet unexpectedly, the polar expedition had left an imprint on me that I didn’t foresee—I noticed myself walking a little more lightly, paying closer attention to my surroundings, and feeling an increased responsibility towards environmental stewardship. It made me wonder if this was National Geographic’s purpose in partnering with Lindblad. 

Was it to reignite the curiosity we once felt as children watching their shows, and to instill a deeper sense of stewardship towards nature and each other?

—Story by Mitchell McClung



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.