New river ship cruising the Nile has just 41 rooms

June 7, 2024

As North American travellers continue looking to Egypt as a bucket-list destination, the award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has launched its latest addition to the fleet, AmaLilia, on the enchanting waters of the Nile River.

Specially curated with upscale regionally inspired décor and 41 staterooms, including 13 suites, the luxurious new ship embarked on its inaugural journey in April 2024. The 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile cruise and land experience includes a seven-night round trip river cruise from Luxor and is paired with three nights pre- and one-night post-cruise stays in historic Cairo at the prestigious St. Regis Cairo, overlooking the Nile River.

 

About the AmaLilia

Newly designed to accommodate only 82 guests, AmaLilia features 41 luxurious staterooms offering panoramic views, including 13 suites measuring up to 522 sq. ft.

Onboard amenities include a sun deck bar and swimming pool, fitness room, hair and nail salon, a massage room and two restaurants serving locally inspired cuisine – The Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. Guests will be treated to authentic nightly entertainment and be accompanied by knowledgeable Egyptologists who will stay on the ship and join them on enriching excursions.

 

The immersive Secrets of Egypt & the Nile provides travellers with a unique opportunity to experience the ancient wonders of Egypt, guided by experts through UNESCO World Heritage Sites and legendary locations such as the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak, the mesmerizing Temple of Luxor, and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens.

While in Cairo, guests will visit the Egyptian Museum and come face-to-face with Egyptian treasures at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis.

They will have the opportunity to marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx, and the necropolis of Sakkara, home to the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid on earth; and enjoy a private tour and gourmet lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace, the principal workplace of the President of Egypt and one of the most luxurious palaces in the world.

AmaLilia will cruise this itinerary, sailing round trip from Luxor and offering a Cairo program with intra-Egypt flights between Cairo and Luxor, seasonally from September through June each year.

For more information, visit AmaWaterways.com. 

Air Canada offering free wine & beer on North American flights

June 5, 2024

Air Canada is introducing premium complimentary snacks, featuring homegrown Canadian favourites, to all customers on all flights.

The airline is also expanding its complimentary beer and wine offering to customers on flights within Canada and the U.S., alongside a selection of $5 spirits, through the end of this year.

Complimentary premium snacks are now offered to Economy customers on all Air Canada flights.

Whether travelling in Canada or across the globe, all customers on all flights can enjoy free sweet or savoury bites, including two Canadian favourites: buttery herb and garlic pretzels from Alberta’s family-owned and female-led TWIGZ, and Quebec-based Leclerc’s Célébration Cookie, a crafted sweet treat made with real milk chocolate and butter.

Free wine & beer on board

Air Canada has also extended its complimentary beer and wine offering to Economy customers flying within Canada and the U.S. just in time for summer, and through to the end of this year.

This adds to the existing complimentary offering in all International Economy and Premium cabins. Beer, wine and spirits remain available for purchase from the Air Canada Bistro menu on Economy flights to and from the Caribbean and Mexico.

Customers will enjoy a curated selection of exceptional beers, French wines, and customer favourite spirits. Featured flavour-forward craft beers include Hop Valley and Creemore Springs Premium Lager, as well as crisp and refreshing Molson Canadian and Coors Light. Two French wines from Paul Mas include a robust red or a fresh, dry white.

For cocktail aficionados, $5 spirits on offer include Baileys Original Irish Cream, Canadian Club rye, Bacardi Superior rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, Smirnoff vodka, Tromba Tequila Blanco, or Campari. There’s something everyone can cheers to with the largest bar offering of any airline in North America.

Additional information on Air Canada’s new drinks and premium snacks, and more, is available at: aircanada.com/bonappetit

These new flights go directly from the Azores to the Algarve

May 31, 2024

The two extraordinary Portuguese regions of the Azores and Algarve are now closer, with a new direct flight between Ponta Delgada and Faro provided by Azores Airlines.

Azores Airlines launched a direct connection flying between Ponta Delgada and Faro three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with departures from Ponta Delgada at 9 a.m. and arriving in Faro at 12:25 p.m.

In the opposite direction, flights depart from Faro at 1:25 PM and arrive in Ponta Delgada at 3:05 PM. The schedules provide conditions for connections via Ponta Delgada to the U.S., and booking can be made through the various Azores Airlines channels.

A luxury adult hotel in a Mexican mangrove opens soon

May 29, 2024

Marriott International and Playa Hotels & Resorts will work together to expand The Luxury Collection brand in the Mexican Caribbean, with Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort, Riviera Maya.

Set to open in late 2024, the resort will be situated on 14 acres tucked between a mangrove reserve and the Mexican Caribbean.

The property is located in Puerto Morelos, a picturesque fishermen village, which is just 20 minutes away from Cancun International Airport, yet a world apart from the popular and bustling tourist spots nearby.

The resort is anticipated to feature 100 oversized, stylish oceanfront suites, as well as an array of amenities, including an expansive 22,000 sq. foot spa.

Highlights of Paraiso de la Bonita

In line with the brand’s commitment to showcase local gastronomy and provide unique, locally inspired dining experiences, the resort is anticipated to have three restaurants, including one with a 5,000-bottle cellar, as well as a sushi and ceviche bar.

To provide an even more exclusive experience, there will be a separate building within the property that will act as a “resort within the resort” with 10 suites with private plunge pools and beach access, an intimate exclusive pool, and two dedicated restaurants with a private chef.

With this signing, Marriott International continues its expansion path in the Caribbean and Latin America and solidifies its position as a key player in the hospitality industry by redefining the all-inclusive luxury segment.

Hyatt is bringing new luxury hot spring brand ATONA to Japan

May 27, 2024

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Kiraku, Inc. are opening properties in Yufu, Yakushima, and Hakone under the modern hot spring ryokan (Japanese-style inn) brand, ATONA.

The ATONA brand was announced in 2022 under a joint venture between a Hyatt affiliate and Kiraku, a Japanese company dedicated to preserving valuable assets for future generations. The first ATONA ryokans are slated to open in 2026 across some of Japan’s top hot spring destinations and areas of natural beauty.

“Hyatt is a leading global hospitality company that is synonymous with elevated contemporary luxury. Aside from reaching valuable guests through World of Hyatt, the industry’s fastest growing loyalty program, this collaboration enables us to leverage Hyatt’s global expertise to deliver high operational efficiency and exceptional guest experience and focus on long-term capital appreciation and substantial investor returns,” said Kou Sundberg, founder and chief executive officer of Kiraku. “We are delighted to have identified prime locations for the first ATONA ryokans and successfully secured funding for the Atona Impact Fund. Having already partnered with Takenaka Corporation to restore a heritage sake brewery in Nagano, we are excited to expand our collaboration with more regional revitalization projects.”

“Through the ATONA brand, we look forward to introducing Japan’s hot springs and new destinations to our World of Hyatt members, and international and domestic travellers alike. With Kiraku’s expertise in deal sourcing, asset management and business development, the ATONA brand is poised to meet the rising demand for high-end ryokans,” said Sam Sakamura, Hyatt’s vice-president, Japan and Micronesia. “At Hyatt, we believe business is personal. We are excited to work with Kiraku and are grateful for the trust from Takenaka Corporation, with whom we have nurtured a long-standing relationship through various global projects, as we introduce fresh hospitality experiences to Japan.”

According to this survey, Canadians are spending large this summer

May 22, 2024

Sky-high costs and ongoing economic pressures aren’t dampening the mood this summer season.

According to the 2024 summer travel outlook: Canadian destinations in the spotlight, Canadians are eagerly making travel plans and are ready to get away and make up for missed travel time.

Overall, consumers plan to spend an average of $2,405 on transportation and lodging costs for their major summer trip, with three in four (74 per cent) planning to stay in the country and experience the very best it has to offer.

Canadian travel trends revealed

The report explores the travel trends of Canadians as they prepare for the summer travel season, and their impact on the tourism sector in Canada. Some of the key findings include:

  • Travellers from Central Canada (Ontario and Quebec) will spend more than those from the rest of the country ($2,459 on average).
  • Around three in four Canadians (74%) plan to stay in the country for their big summer vacation—and most plan to stay within their home region rather than make long treks.
  • The ‘shop small and local’ trend continues to shape tourism across Canada: Canadians want to support local, independent, and family-owned businesses (79%) rather than chains, multinationals, big box retailers, and large corporations (21%).
  • Prince Edward Island is expected to see the largest share of visitors from outside its region, with 78 per cent of its visitors coming from Central or Western/Northern Canada.

Canadians crave Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) travel experiences, such as cultural workshops and traditional lodgings. The report shows Indigenous-owned and -operated tourism is gaining traction, driving opportunities for Indigenous tourism businesses and communities.

Fifty-seven per cent of Canadians are likely to take part in those experiences in the future, Gen Zs (75%) and Millennials (68%) being the most eager to participate. Indigenous tourism organizations would benefit from partnering with national and provincial governments to raise further awareness and offer new experiences to travellers.

Gen Z spending the least on trips

While Gen Xs plan to spend the most on travel this year ($2,671), Gen Zs intend to spend the least ($2,100). The report also shows Gen Zs and Millennials are the biggest fans of sustainable and regenerative tourism, saying it’s important that their travel destinations and experiences demonstrate environmental sustainability in some form, such as low carbon footprints, renewable energy sources, and EV charging stations.

They are the most willing to participate in such travel experiences, and the most willing to pay for them.

“The demand for sustainable and regenerative travel is gaining momentum, but not all Canadians are willing to pay the price to help leave a place better than they found it,” adds Leslie Peterson. “Tourism businesses that can overcome greenwashing-related skepticism and explain the lasting value of sustainable travel by backing up claims with facts will foster trust in eco-friendly tourism offerings and position themselves at the leading edge of this burgeoning trend.”

Learn more about the 2024 Canadian Summer Travel Outlook here.

Four Seasons Private Jet shows off six more itineraries

May 20, 2024

Four Seasons has added another six itineraries to its lineup of 2026 Private Jet Journeys, offering discerning travellers new opportunities to explore the world’s most intriguing destinations.

These immersive itineraries go beyond onboard jet travel and luxury accommodations, encompassing bespoke local experiences from bold culinary to wellness offerings plus cultural and adventure expeditions. Delivered by a dedicated concierge, journey team, and local experts, these transformative travel experiences are designed to inspire.

African Wonders – December 29, 2025 to January 10, 2026 (13 Days) 
Set off on a family-friendly journey that combines some of the most interesting destinations in the region featuring majestic wildlife experiences, historical treasures, and natural wonders. Locations include Athens, The Pyramids, Serengeti, Mauritius, Rwanda, Victoria Falls, and Johannesburg. Price: USD 159,000 per person

Asia Unveiled – January 14 to 29, 2026 and March 28 to April 12, 2026 (16 Days)
Discover seven timeless destinations in Asia, starting with Japan’s eclectic capital and journey through ancient world wonders, dynamic cities, and idyllic islands. Locations include Tokyo, Bali, Angkor Wat, Hoi An, Bhutan, Maldives, and Bangkok. Pre/post trip stay options in Kyoto and Thailand are available to guests wishing to extend their trip. Price: USD 159,000 per person

Timeless Encounters – February 2 to 23, 2026 (22 Days)
Experience an around-the-world favourite featuring nature havens, city escapes, and a day stop at the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s iconic wonders. Locations include Kona, Bora Bora, Sydney, Bali, Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, Taj Mahal, Dubai, Prague, and London. Price: USD 224,000 per person

Ancient Explorer – March 4 to 26, 2026 (23 Days)
Experience an around-the-world adventure across legendary wonders of the world, featuring stops in UNESCO Heritage Sites along the way. Locations: Miami, Mexico City, Easter Island, Bora Bora, Great Barrier Reef, Bangkok, Amman and the Lost City of Petra, Taormina, and Madrid. Price: USD 229,000 per person

International Intrigue – April 14 to May 04, 2026 (21 Days)
This around-the-world journey deserves a spot on everyone’s wish list, offering the perfect balance of remote island paradises, vibrant cultural capitals, and the vast African savannah. Locations include Seattle, Kyoto, Hoi An, Maldives, Serengeti, Marrakech, Florence, and Paris. Price: USD 219,000 per person

To find out more and to start planning a Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, click here or email the jet experience team.

A gorgeous adults-only, all-inclusive hotel opened in Ibiza

May 17, 2024

 TRS Ibiza Hotel is the first adults-only all-inclusive retreat in Ibiza. Nestled in the heart of the enchanting Balearic Islands the hotel stands as a beacon of extravagance, tranquility, and sophistication.

Combining breathtaking natural beauty with world-class amenities, TRS Ibiza Hotel has earned its reputation as the ultimate destination for those seeking a refined and unforgettable escape. The hotel’s lavish accommodations blend contemporary design with traditional Ibicenco architecture, creating an ambiance of refined elegance, quality and comfort.

Beyond its picturesque setting, TRS Ibiza Hotel sets itself apart with its unparalleled all-inclusive offering. From the moment guests book their stay, the dedicated guest service teams are available to personalize their stay to fit their every need. The service team is there to assist guests in making requests, reservations, and inquiries. 

The Signature Level

As the premier adults-only and all-inclusive escape in the heart of the Balearics, TRS Ibiza Hotel offers “The Signature Level” a range of exclusive benefits to enhance the all-inclusive experience:

  • Dine Out: Guests can savor exclusive menus in a wide selection of Ibiza’s top-rated restaurants. Some of those include; 
    • TATEL Ibiza (Spanish cuisine) 
    • El Beach Club de Ushuaia in the Ibiza Beach Hotel (Mediterranean cuisine) 
    • Club Náutico de San Antonio (Spanish cuisine)
  • eButler Service: The eButler service at TRS Ibiza Hotel is a personalized concierge service where guests can make requests, reservations, and inquiries easier and quicker. 
  • Access to selected events at renowned venues such as Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, and the H Ibiza club.

In addition, the Signature Level includes access to five different pools, including Gravity, an infinity pool with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. They will also enjoy access to The Spa & Wellness centre, Zentropia, turn-down service, and a list of exclusive cocktails and complimentary minibar restocks. 

All-inclusive dining awaits

Guests are invited to indulge in an array of culinary delights and entertainment. With 3 à la carte restaurants and five bars showcasing a fusion of global cuisines and innovative culinary creations, every meal is an exquisite journey for the senses.

The hotel’s signature steakhouse, Gaucho, offers traditional steakhouse cuisine prepared with techniques of the past and present. Fresh and contemporary dishes are served at Helios, TRS Ibiza Hotel’s Mediterranean inspired restaurant whose subtle Asian touch makes the experience unique.

Capricho offers a wide range of excellent international dishes which are presented in a stylish cooking show with outdoor seating. 

Gravity Sky Lounge at TRS Ibiza Hotel is a rooftop bar that offers an exclusive experience for lovers of the famous Ibizan sunset. Here, guests can indulge in stunning views over the bay of San Antonio while savoring a curated menu of signature cocktails and enjoying diverse styles of live music.

Additionally, guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including daily yoga, pilates, and Zumba classes as well as poolside DJ sessions, ensuring there’s something for every discerning traveler. This season, TRS Ibiza Hotel will host several musical and artistic performances. A resident DJ will liven up the days at the Gaia pool with disco/house music. The CHIC Cabaret Sunset Edition evenings will be launched every Thursday from the end of June, offering a captivating atmosphere during sunsets, transporting guests into the magical world of cabaret, followed by a memorable show at sunset.

At TRS Ibiza Hotel, every detail is tailored to provide a five-star experience: from modern rooms and suites with whirlpool tubs to exceptional dining options, vibrant bars, and a diverse range of activities.

Whether it’s arranging bespoke excursions, organizing romantic dinners under the stars, or simply anticipating guests’ every need, the dedicated team goes above and beyond to ensure a truly memorable stay.

New route lets you finally fly from Calgary to Iceland

May 15, 2024

The WestJet Group today celebrated the takeoff of its highly anticipated service between Calgary and Reykjavik (Keflavik).

The exclusive service, linking the Group’s global hub in Calgary to Iceland, not only bolsters the airline’s efforts to enhance YYC Calgary International Airport’s connectivity but reinforces the city’s standing as the best connected mid-sized city in North America.

WestJet’s service to Reykjavik (Keflavik) will be propelled by its growing 737 MAX fleet, operating four times weekly through to Oct.13, 2024.

As WestJet executes upon its growth strategy, delivering an expansive network of convenient domestic connections into its global hub in Calgary, WestJet’s impressive European network, is made easily accessible for Canadians across the country.

With the inclusion of Iceland to its network, guests travelling from or through Calgary will gain access to seven transatlantic connections via WestJet’s network this summer.

For full details on WestJet’s service between Calgary and Europe, visit WestJet.com.

 

Hotels.com has a new program that lets you browse top 1%

May 13, 2024

Hotels.com has unveiled “Perfect Somewheres” 2024, a first-of-its-kind program celebrating a selection of the top 1% of hotels on the Hotels.com app.

Unlike other travel awards, Hotels.com Perfect Somewheres are based on a data-driven approach evaluating how hotels treat guests, with nearly 200 American hotels recognized on the list. Winning hotels were selected based on proprietary guest experience data, which factors in traveler reviews, interactions with staff and ratings on property facilities, and condition.

Select winning hotels are VIP Access partners, meaning they offer additional perks to members to elevate traveler stays.

Travellers should use this curated list as the go-to authority when searching for the best possible hotel experience.

“Perfect Somewheres 2024 recognizes the hotel industry’s creme de la creme,” said Expedia Group’s SVP of global communications, Lauri Metrose. “Most programs use only reviews, or focus solely on luxury — our new awards program spotlights hotels that craft extraordinary experiences and elevate the travel journey for our guests, regardless of the number of stars. This program fuels a powerful partnership: We showcase our partners’ excellence, and together, we connect travellers with their perfect somewhere. We look forward to these awards becoming a benchmark for excellence in hospitality.”

Narrowing down the choice

Research conducted by Hotels.com found that more than half (55%) of travellers admit to suffering from “vacation choice paralysis,” caused by too many options when deciding where to stay.

A quarter (27%) spend more than 10 hours researching which hotel to stay at, and 28% have given up altogether due to how time-consuming it became. Hotels.com’s awards aim to solve this issue for travelers.

Almost half (49%) of travelers are more likely, now than ever before, to use a credible hotel-grading program to source their stays. This list from the top 1% of properties acts as a one-stop shop for Hotels.com’s best properties across the globe.

Standout stays for 2024

From hidden gems to world-renowned destinations, these hotels are just a few properties representing the 700 that display the pinnacle of hospitality excellence across the globe in 2024:

Hotel Chapter Roma in Rome, Italy takes service above and beyond. The hotel offers services like a bespoke night out hosted by a nightlight editor, local market trips and dietary-friendly cooking lessons with their executive chef. Their services establish the hotel as an essential part of a guest’s experience in Rome, even upon return visits.

The Palmaïa House of Aïa in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico takes every angle of wellness into account at this all-inclusive retreat, including custom built nutrition plans, breath work classes, sauna/ice bath contrast therapy, yoga and meditation classes, energy healing and reiki, and an onsite shaman for ceremonies and spiritual wellness.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Sumai in Koh Sumai, Thailand not only is set to be one of the filming locations for the newest season of “”The White Lotus, but this hotel’s beautiful beaches are about to be a prime destination for set-jetters. The hotel offers every kind of beach activity and provides easy access to nearby diving reefs.

Hotel das Cataratas in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil with the perfect view as it is the only hotel within the Iguaza Falls National Park. While all other park visitors must adhere to the strict 9-5 opening hours, hotel guests get up to six additional hours of freedom to explore as well as private views of the falls from the property.

Ohla Barcelona in the historical center of Barcelona, Spain has an experience team that contacts guests before their arrival to offer them a menu of sheets, pillows of varying firmness, and bedding scents for free. Additional services include a bath butler and personal shopper.

Fingal – A Luxury Floating Hotel, located on Edinburgh’s waterfront in Scotland, this former lighthouse tender is now a 22-cabin boutique floating hotel. Its renovations have preserved historical design details from 1963, making it a destination for vessel-heads.

The Prospect Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, United States, where each Martyn Lawrence Bullard designed room was inspired by the property’s Hollywood history and former neighborhood residents. Bullard brings each room to new life with a Hollywood Regency foundation incorporating custom furnishings and vintage accents.

To book or browse the full list of Perfect Somewheres, click here.