Latest News – Page 25

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 153^rd 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

Five of the best cities for luxury shopping

June 30, 2023 No Comments

Few destinations can rival the grandeur and allure of metropolitan cities like Paris, New York City, London, Milan and Dubai.

According to Statista, the luxury goods market in Canada is projected to grow by 2.70 per cent between 2023 and 2028, resulting in a market volume of US$7.87B (CAD $10.7B) by 2028.

Luxury fashion, in particular, dominates the luxury goods market, with travellers going to international lengths to score a great bargain. For those seeking a more refined wardrobe, few destinations can rival the grandeur and allure of metropolitan cities like Paris, New York City, London, Milan and Dubai.

Milan, Italy

Fashion Week in Milan, Italy may only be held bi-annually in February and September, but strolling through the streets on any given day of the year, you’ll feel as though you’re in a fashion show of your own.

Italian fashion can be traced back to the Renaissance period, as early as the mid 1400’s, when some of Italy’s most famous cities, like Venice, Milan, Florence, Naples and Rome, began producing sought-after textiles like velvet, silk and wool. Italian fashion reached the height of its success in the 1950s and 1960s, when some of the biggest designers and fashion houses were born, including Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Missoni, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, Versace, and Armani among others.

Milan, a sprawling metropolis in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, is home to 1.3 million people and is an iconic, global destination for luxury fashion and shopping. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, located in the same plaza as the breathtaking Duomo di Milano, is Italy’s oldest active shopping centre, having opened in 1877.

Housed in a soaring, four-storey building complete with arched glass ceilings where blue sky peeks through, it’s home to some of the city’s oldest shops, as well as luxury retailers selling everything from haute couture and jewellery, to artworks and books. Of course, any good shopping trip requires a little pick-me-up, and the Galleria’s many restaurants, cafés and bars are sure to do the trick.

Paris, France

Paris, often regarded as the fashion capital of the world, offers a plethora of high-end shopping destinations that cater to luxury enthusiasts. The city’s Golden Triangle, nestled between Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Élysées, hosts the crème de la crème of fashion houses. Here, haute couture and high-end brands harmoniously coexist, enticing patrons with their meticulous craftsmanship and visionary designs.

You’ll find an exquisite array of prestigious fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy. The luxurious window displays and opulent boutiques in this area make for an unforgettable shopping experience.

Another must-visit location for luxury shopping in Paris is Le Bon Marché. Located in the chic neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Bon Marché is the city’s oldest and most prestigious department store. This shopping mecca offers a wide range of high-end brands, including Gucci, Prada, and Hermès.

From fashion and accessories to home decor and gourmet food, Le Bon Marché showcases an unparalleled selection of luxury goods, all housed within an elegant and stylish environment. Whether you’re looking for the latest designer trends or seeking timeless elegance, Paris has an abundance of luxurious shopping destinations that will surely leave you feeling indulged and inspired.

New York City, U.S.

In the cosmopolitan city that never sleeps, one of the most iconic places to find high-end fashion is Fifth Avenue. Amidst the glittering skyscrapers, luxury enthusiasts find themselves immersed in a world of unparalleled extravagance, as this legendary street is home to some of the world’s most prestigious designer flagship stores, including iconic names such as Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Louis Vuitton.

SoHo, another trendy neighbourhood that’s known for its cobblestone streets and cast-iron buildings, houses a variety of high-end boutiques and international designer shops. Brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Alexander Wang can be found nestled among independent designer stores, providing a unique and diverse shopping experience that ultimately suits every budget.

SoHo’s combination of luxury fashion, artistic ambiance, and charming cafes make it a favourite destination for fashion enthusiasts looking for a blend of sophistication and downtown cool. Whether you’re searching for avant-garde designs or classic elegance, New York City offers a wealth of luxury shopping destinations to satisfy every fashion connoisseur.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai has solidified its position as a luxury shopping destination, thanks in part to its tax-free shopping policy. Visitors can enjoy substantial savings on goods due to the absence of value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties, making it a particularly attractive destination for luxury shoppers hoping to score a bargain.

With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, excellent connectivity and a world-class hospitality industry, Dubai attracts millions of tourists each year. The city’s luxurious resorts, extravagant attractions, and vibrant entertainment options contribute to an overall experience that complements the thrill of luxury shopping.

One of the most renowned spots is the Dubai Mall. Not only is it the largest shopping mall in the world, but it also houses an extensive collection of luxury brands. Here, you’ll find flagship stores of iconic fashion houses such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada. The Dubai Mall also boasts The Fashion Avenue, a dedicated precinct for luxury fashion, where you can explore a curated selection of high-end boutiques and designer labels.

For a unique shopping experience, the City Walk is another noteworthy destination. Situated in a vibrant neighbourhood, City Walk offers a fusion of luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment. It showcases an array of international fashion brands, including high-end designers like Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and Dolce & Gabbana. With its pedestrian-friendly streets, contemporary architecture, and upscale boutiques, City Walk provides a chic and stylish environment for luxury shoppers.

London, England

London presents an enticing blend of regal charm and avant-garde innovation. One of the most iconic areas for luxury shopping in London is Bond Street. Located in the heart of the city’s prestigious Mayfair district, Bond Street is home to an impressive lineup of renowned designer boutiques. Here, you’ll find flagship stores of high-end fashion houses such as Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Alexander McQueen.

Another prominent location for designer fashion shopping in London is Sloane Street. Situated in the affluent district of Knightsbridge, Sloane Street offers a curated selection of luxury brands, including iconic names like Christian Dior, Prada, Burberry, and Tom Ford. This exclusive street is known for its upscale boutiques and upscale ambiance, attracting fashion-savvy shoppers looking for the latest runway trends and timeless classics.

London’s iconic department stores, such as Harrods and Selfridges, are also not to be missed. These renowned establishments offer a comprehensive range of designer fashion brands across multiple floors. From high-end designer labels to emerging fashion talent, these department stores provide an immersive shopping experience with their opulent interiors and vast selections.

Here’s where you can hike the highest sea cliff in Europe

June 28, 2023 No Comments

Hornelen Via Ferrata is a new and spectacular via ferrata up the highest sea cliff in Europe that offers stunning views of Norway’s coast.

Hornelen is located on the island of Bremangerlandet in Nordfjord, north of the Sognefjord and south of the city of Ålesund. From the top (860 metres above sea level) there is a magnificent panoramic view over narrow fjords and high mountains.

Hornelen Via Ferrata opened on June 18, 2023.

A landmark full of myths

The mountain was formerly an important landmark for passing ships, and in even older times a gathering place for witches (according to a legend) both at Midsummer and Christmas.

According to the saga of Olav Trygvason, he climed up the steep side of the cliff, and many people believe that is why Olav established the first climbing route in Norway. Now you have the chanse to climb the same route as Olav, but in controlled and safe and controlled conditions.

Guided hikes available

Hornelen Via Ferrata is now ready to welcome guests on guided hikes on Hornelen. The experienced and knowledgeable guides take care of equipment and safety, and bring the guests safely up the mountainside so they can focus on climbing and the powerful nature experience.

There are three different routes up to the top of Hornelen:

Ørnelia takes two hours and is the perfect introduction to via ferrata for beginners
The Hekseveggen takes about five hours and offers very varied and sometimes challenging climbing.
The Olavsruta is by far the fiercest rout, climbing the very peak of Hornelen. This route takes about eight hours and is really exposed and challenging.

There will be six available daily guided hikes, with a variety of group sizes.

Celebrity Cruises adds new stops to private island paradise

June 26, 2023 No Comments

Celebrity Cruises has revamped its Caribbean program for the summer 2024 season.

Starting next April, the Celebrity BeyondSM and Celebrity Reflection will sail to the Caribbean. Not only does the new program double the brand’s number of year-round Caribbean sailings and introduces the first weekend itineraries, but both ships will now offer guests with the exciting opportunity to experience Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Located in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay is an island paradise that offers miles of white sand beaches and clear waters, the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas, and a beach club that features a heated infinity pool, specialty restaurant, and 20 exclusive overwater cabanas.

Hideaway Beach, a new offering debuting in January, will offer an adults only paradise, with private cabanas and a new signature food outlet. Perfect Day is also home to North America’s tallest waterslide and has other thrill-seeking activities like the Up, Up and Away — an epic balloon ride that provides breathtaking panoramic views.

For more information, visit www.celebrity.com.

Baring it all in Baden-Baden at the Friedrichsbad bath house

June 23, 2023 No Comments

by Ann Ruppenstein

Not one to shy away from immersing myself in the real local culture firsthand, I decided to suck it up for the authentic experience.

To be or not to be naked, that is the question.

I’m in Baden-Baden, Germany, one of the UNESCO-listed Great Spa Towns of Europe, faced with the decision to bare it all — or not. There are two thermal baths in the historic spa town, a contemporary one built in 1985 and a traditional one with impressive Renaissance-style architecture dating back to 1877.

From the offset, the authentic Friedrichsbad sounds like the obvious frontrunner, but the caveat is that it’s textile-free, meaning no swimsuits are allowed. As tour guide Joachim Schadendorf puts it in simple terms, “this one is serious and that one is fun.”

Not one to shy away from immersing myself in the real local culture firsthand, I decided to suck it up (or more like suck it in) for the authentic experience.

It’s definitely not the most popular option, especially amongst North American travellers, who tend to be more hesitant to strip down completely amongst strangers, including members of the opposite sex.

By the numbers, at pre-pandemic levels, the modern Caracalla bath down the road — where swimsuits are worn — attracted an average of half a million visitors per year, whereas roughly only 70,000 people frequented Friedrichsbad. Here’s to the road less travelled!

The skinny on the dip

After paying the €35 entrance fee, I headed to the co-ed changing area with two others and was relieved to see a tiny sheet in the locker. After slipping out of my clothes, I wrap it around my body and strut to the main spa entrance with confidence.

That’s when a male staff member greets us — in full spa attire in case you were wondering — to explain that the space is divided into a circuit of 17 different stations. After showering before station seven, “you leave the sheet in the laundry pile,” he said, motioning to my short wrap.

Following an initial cleansing shower, the process began with various warm and hot air baths, providing an identical sensation to being in an over-sized sauna. I eased myself into the au natural experience by opening my sheet once I’d settled onto one of the wooden loungers.

This isn’t so bad.

A few steps later, at dreaded stop number seven, the time had come to commit fully to the nudist lifestyle before entering the first thermal steam bath in the circuit. I was determined to proceed in the name of research. “Alright, let’s do this,” I said out loud, more so to motivate myself, that this was indeed happening.

Trying to avoid eye contact with all the passing private parts, we ducked into a corner of the steam room, placing fresh hygienic matts underneath our bottoms before sitting down. Then, quite astonishingly, like the steam evaporating in the room, within minutes we were no longer phased by the fact that we were stark naked and quickly embraced the more liberal European views on letting it all hang out and feeling comfortable in our own skin.

It was either that, or the steam went to my head.

“I was nervous at first, but you realize that everybody just kind of looks the same,” one of my travel writer companions, whom I’d only met two days earlier, whispered.

The art of bathing, Roman and Irish style

Design wise, the centrepiece of Friedrichsbad is an intricate 17-metre high dome set above a circular pool. Before I knew I would muster up the courage to get to this point, I told myself that getting to see the architecture would make it worthwhile. Now, floating on my back while looking up at the elaborate ceiling, it didn’t disappoint, and I couldn’t help but think of the historic figures who swam in this very spot more than 146 years ago.

“Here at the Friedrichsbad, you lose track of time within 10 minutes and track of the world within 20,” wrote literary great Mark Twain after a visit in the late 19th century.

For me, the unexpected highlight of the experience was a visit to what’s called the relaxation room, a dark room filled with multiple beds. After laying down and wrapping myself in the warm blanket, I dozed off for a power nap, in deep relaxation mode.

I could have stayed for hours, but naturally, I also had to see what the other Caracalla spa was all about. Aside from the fact that visitors weren’t naked, which almost felt strange after fully embracing the other way, another key difference is that it’s family-friendly (meanwhile, Friedrichsbad is adults-only with a minimum age requirement of 17 years). A highlight of the Caracalla bath is the outdoor area, where a steamy mist layer appears above the rock grotto formation when the temperature outside is cold enough. This is also where to go for additional spa services, such as massages, and a variety of saunas and treatment rooms.

In my natural element

Notably, the thermal waters in both baths come from the 12 natural springs that push out roughly 800,000 litres of mineral-rich water a day at scorching temperatures as high as 68°C, first discovered some 2,000 years ago.

Friedrichsbad was, from day one, a huge success. It was the biggest and most modern bath in Europe. It is a so-called Roman-Irish bath, combining the Roman tradition of bathing in different temperatures with the Irish tradition of steam baths,” noted Baden-Baden based tour guide Katharina Koerner, adding that as a UNESCO listed building, it virtually looks the same as the day it opened. “In Roman tradition, it is, of course, textile-free to this day. Some people say, oh, I wanted to go in there, but in that case I prefer the Caracalla, where I can wear my bathers… We had an article about it once called ‘nothing but the comb’ because that’s one of the big advantages, you don’t have to come prepared.”

Just prepared to bare it all, that is.

For the full digital edition of this story, click here.

Read more stories in the new OFFSHORE Summer 2023 issue. Available now!