Meet Tina Hrast, a travel director with Insight Vacations

April 10, 2023 No Comments

by Wendy McClung

Outgoing, energetic and friendly, Tina Hrast has met many travellers in her 18 years as a travel director with The Travel Corporation’s luxury brand, Insight Vacations.

Arriving in Zagreb, Croatia for the company’s first Christmas markets tour of Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Austria, our group was greeted by a welcoming Tina, who clutched a binder that looked too important to let out of her sight.

After a few important ground rules were laid out, Tina provided a brief overview of what the next few days had in store for us. Tina, who is fluent in more than one local language, is from Ljubjana, Slovenia and has led tours in the Central and Eastern Balkans (16 countries) as well as Christmas markets in Poland, Prague and Germany.

We were in good hands.

Planning the perfect trip

There’s so much more that goes into planning a tour than meets the eye.

Travel directors like Tina provide insight into what happens behind the scenes when we are back in our rooms at night, fully content from the day’s activities and experiences. An energetic leader who loves her job and is fascinated with the people she meets and the places she goes to along the route, Tina shows her gratitude with little gifts of chocolate, mulled wine from market vendors and samplings of local fare on the go.

Keeping things humming along, she has been known to break into song for her guests while travelling by comfortable motorcoach from city to city, country to country. These places, new to most on the trip, bring a host of heady aromas and unsuspecting sounds that feed our senses day and night. It’s just Tina preparing the next day’s spreadsheets that record every meal, attendance, record changes and endless notes.

Every colour coded page is enveloped in a clear, protective cover and slipped into ‘the binder where each section is separated by defined tabs. There are at least 40 in total, sometimes more, depending on the size of the group and length of the trip.

It is this seamless organization and a sometimes obsessive attention to detail that makes the tour run smoothly. It starts with the first outing on the luxury motorcoach as seats are assigned in a rotational manner.

A unique experience

Tina’s role as a travel director is one that her passengers rely on for comfort of travel. Each guest wants something unique from the experience, whether it’s historical reference points, culinary or cultural experiences or simply adventure and activity away from home.

Directors like Tina find the time to get to know each individual, what their wish list includes, and adjust their schedules accordingly. Just ask and she will personalize your journey with suggestions for your free time.

Booking restaurants and optional tours for the group are many times her responsibility. Her binder is full of lists of acceptable vendors complete with comments, allowing her to use it as a reference point for additional tours.

Local experts only

Tina feels the most at home in Croatia, Slovenia and Austria. Even though she could lead the local city tours, Insight has a policy to employ local experts who specialize in that area.

And Tina gets it; it’s just another indication of the company’s focus on servicing the client in the best possible way.

At the end of our eight days, we said goodbye to Tina and her binder as she went off on her much deserved two-week break to be with her family.

Time to refuel, relax and rehearse some new songs for her next unsuspecting group of travellers!

A luxury Thai hotel offering custom wellness programs just opened in Chiang Mai

April 7, 2023 No Comments

Allen Retreat Chiang May officially opened on April 6 in northern Thailand.

This is the third property under the Aleenta brand 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 manifests Akaryn Hotel Group’s ongoing dedication to providing authentic, premium, sustainable experiences.

About the rooms

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.

The four-bedroom Teak Villa is made from antique golden teak that was collected by the owner before being restored and carefully reassembled into a new structure that welcomes groups of family and friends to enjoy a traditional Thai living experience with modern comforts.

Signature wellness centre

Embracing its spiritual location in the ancient city of Chiang Mai the resort is home to one of the brand’s signature Ayurah Wellness Centers.

Alongside complementary daily yoga, Qi Gong, meditation and mindfulness classes, the menu of holistic wellness retreats and tailor-made programs include:

Mind Balance (5 nights from $342 per night) combining natural healing and Thai Holistic Medicine.
Detoxification (5 nights from $325 per night) to address the symptoms and underlying causes of burnout.
Total Immersion Yoga (7 nights from $352 per night) incorporating movement, mindfulness and coherence.
Healthy Living (from $360 per night) for those living with diabetes or who may have a tendency to develop the symptoms.
Self Love (3, 5, 7, 14 or 21 nights from $350 per night) to overcome personal barriers through coaching, breathing, balancing and guided meditation.
Mindful Vipassana Meditation (3 nights from $304 per night) trains the mind to improve emotion, awareness, concentration and happiness. There is also an option to practise this retreat at the nearby temple, Wat Ram Poeng.

Cooking classes & more

Retreats are enriched by healthy cuisine and a Wellness cooking class, as well as bespoke nutritionist-led plans with full plant-based options. Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai enables clients to work with a resident ‘master healer’, doctor, nurse and nutritionist to achieve optimum wellness and balance in this tranquil environment.

Elevated gastronomy is available at the resort’s restaurant ‘The Garden’ which offers breakfast, lunch and a refined menu in the evening to both nourish and spoil. Menus have been curated to provide nutritious dishes that preserve the flavors of traditional Northern Thai Lanna cuisine alongside Western cuisine with a Lanna twist.

The Garden refrains from using imported products and focuses on sourcing Thailand’s highest quality produce with plant-based, keto and low sugar/carb options also available.

At the 1892 Bar guests can relax on the balcony overlooking the resort’s spiritual blessing garden while enjoying a distinctive selection of specially curated snacks including vegan Khao Soi Gyoza and Wild Boar Teriyaki.

Sustainable focus

Aleenta, which means ‘a rewarding life’, has served as the hotel collection’s manifesto since its launch in 2006. Each resort is anchored upon spacious accommodations, premium design, exceptional F&B, first-class facilities, holistic retreat programs and a long-term commitment to sustainability.

As the first hotel group in Thailand to go single-use plastic free in 2018, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai continues this commitment to responsible hospitality. The resort was designed from reclaimed wood as a low-rise property, built to protect the local ecosystem, topography and maximize natural features.

There are many initiatives in place to source locally, recycle, conserve freshwater supplies, reduce their use of carbon-based electricity and engage with the community. Aleenta continues to seek and develop ways to further improve and support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals across the brand.

Celestyal Cruises welcomes newest ship

April 5, 2023 No Comments

Following an extensive, €20 million (approximately $21 million), refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul, Celestyal’s newest ship will set sail on September 2, 2023, taking over the Celestyal Crystal’s program, initially on its popular seven-night “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary.

The ship’s name symbolizes exploration, discovery and progress. The Journey embodies a spirit of ambition and adventure and a desire to take her guests further and get closer to the destinations she visits.

About Celestyal Journey

The Celestyal Journey is characterized by her abundant number of premium staterooms as well as their spaciousness.

The 1,260-guest mid-sized vessel offers 630 staterooms, 149 of which feature balconies – three times that of the previously available balcony staterooms on Celestyal’s seven-night offering. Of the 149 balcony staterooms, 120 are Junior Suites, 28 are Grand Suites and one is the spacious Penthouse Concept Suite. In addition, the vessel boasts 80 percent outside staterooms as well as a high guest to space ratio.

The Celestyal Journey offers guests a larger range of dining options as well, with seven one-of-a-kind venues including specialty and themed restaurants appealing to a wide array of tastes and cuisines from Mediterranean to European and Asian dishes.

In addition, the Celestyal Journey will have a cooking demonstration area and an exclusive Chef’s Table venue, ideal for celebrating special occasions with friends or for private group functions. Eight bars and lounges round out the food and beverage offerings, each with its own distinctive character, providing the ideal setting to indulge in Celestyal’s signature cocktails.

Features of Celestyal Journey

The Celestyal Journey features many open deck areas, creating an overall greater sense of light and space.

Expansive sundecks with two pools and two Jacuzzis offer spectacular views and connectivity with the sea, while a secluded and tranquil outdoor space, the Beach Club, will be created for exclusive use by all Grand Suite and Junior Suite guests. Guests booked in Grand Suites will also have access to Celestyal’s Concierge Service, which features a dedicated priority check-in counter, expedited embarkation and express luggage delivery service including assistance with unpacking.

A dedicated Celestyal Cruises’ Concierge will be available in the exclusive-use Poseidon Lounge to assist Grand Suite guests with tailored service requests.

On board amenities

There is also a large, comprehensive spa, fitness and wellness area offering ocean views and two, fully-equipped conference rooms and a multi-purpose amphitheater complete with a cinema, making The Celestyal Journey perfect for meetings and incentives.

The Celestyal Journey will set sail on October 14, 2023, with the “Steps of Paul” itinerary followed by the seven-night “Three Continents” itinerary, visiting Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus and. Turkey, from October through December, 2023.

This will be followed by an exclusive holiday sailing, the 19-night, special Christmas sailing calling on Thessaloniki, Volos, Rhodes and Crete (Greece), Izmir, Kusadasi, Antalya, Istanbul (Turkey), Limassol (Cyprus), Alexandria(Egypt) and an overnight visit in Haifa (Israel) to spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the “Holy Land.” This can also be split into eight- or nine-night itineraries.

Special launch offers will be announced shortly, along with more insight behind the branding evolution and how the Celestyal Journey comes alive for guests both onboard and onshore.

Guests currently holding reservations on the Celestyal Crystal from September 2, 2023, onwards will be contacted by Celestyal and reaccommodated on sailings on the Celestyal Journey.

Day & Night: See the best of Tokyo, Japan any hour of the day

April 3, 2023 No Comments

Tokyo is a world-class city known for its impressive culinary scene, endless shopping promenades and eclectic nightlife. You can feel the energy and excitement of Tokyo on the streets, but you can also find plenty of ways to relax, whether in the parks or way up top on sky-high roofs. We wander the neighbourhoods of Tokyo to unpack some of the best ways to explore Japan’s bustling capital city, day and night.

CHECK-IN

There are roughly 3,600 hotels in Tokyo that offer just about any type of accommodation you can imagine, from inexpensive, small capsule rooms to grand luxury in the form of massive suites. In Ginza, the mid-priced Marriott Courtyard is an optimal choice, given it’s a 10-minute walk to the Tsukiji Market and less than 10 minutes to the Ginza Metro (subway), the major shopping areas and the Kabuki Theatre.

For a five-star experience, indulge in Hoshinoya Tokyo, where sake tasting, hot spring bathing, luxury dining and attentive concierge services elevate the experience. For those who prefer elegant beauty and nature, request one of the suites at the Hotel Chinzanso overlooking the beautiful historic garden and the 700-year-old Pagoda.

ITADAKIMAS!

In Japanese, this literally means “I humbly receive”, but it’s the standard wish of “bon appetit” before enjoying a meal. Dining takes place in restaurants, called izakayas, which are informal eating and drinking establishments. Stand-up seafood bars and Yakitori stalls are also popular choices, and it’s not uncommon to find an eatery inside a chic department store!

In the early morning, visit Onigiri Marutoyo in the Tsukiji Market to pick up some fresh rice balls (onigiri) stuffed with cod roe, salmon egg, sea urchin, or shrimp tempura. For lunch, head to Toranoman Yokocho and walk the “alleyways” alongside 28 small restaurants featuring local and international cuisine. You can enjoy sushi at the counter in the food court at the Matsuya Ginza Department store or a more refined sushi experience at the famous Kyubey Ginza, which played a significant role in shaping the sushi scene in Japan.

EXPLORE

The best way to discover this city of nearly 14 million people is to immerse yourself in its neighborhoods. Daikanyama is known for its upscale, strolling vibe. It’s home to cafes, shopping and art galleries. Shimokitazawa features narrow streets, second-hand clothing shops, vinyl records and craft beer. Head to Shinjuku, (home of the 3D Calico Cat billboard), Ginza and Omotesando for high-end shopping and interesting architecture.

Other neighbourhoods to explore include Shimbashi, Rappongi, Ningyocho, Kappabashi, and Otemachi, each with its own unique personality.

DINE UNDER THE STARS

Tokyo shines bright at night time, and not just because of the abundance of neon signs. Start with a cocktail at one of the city’s best restaurants. In 2022, Michelin gave out 263 stars to Tokyo restaurants, more than any other destination worldwide. Three-star dining includes Joel Robuchon’s Chateau Restaurant in Ebisu. Two-star excellence can be found at Daniel Calvert’s Sézanne at the Four Seasons Hotel in Marunouchi, and 149 one-star restaurants include a range of cuisine: Japanese, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Italian.

As night falls, the yokocho, or alleyway, is an intriguing venue to eat and drink at. Traditional alleyways consist of a concentrated maze of small, kiosk-sized izakayas and bars. These include Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya, Omoida Yokocho in Ueno, and Harmonica Alley in Kichijoji.

ARTS & CULTURE

After dinner, head to the neighbourhood of Ginza and take in a play at the Kabukiza, a theatre that specializes in airing kabuki, which is a heavily-stylized, classical form of Japanese dance drama. Or, visit Suigian in Nihonbashi where you can dine on Kaiseki (multi-course) cuisine while watching noh theatre, another traditional Japanese dance drama that originated in the 14th century.

About a 10-minute taxi ride away from Ginza, in Ueno, one of Tokyo’s biggest tourist attractions, the Ameyoko Shopping Street, is open 24 hours a day. It’s crowded and noisy almost all the time, with lots of restaurants, bars and inexpensive shopping. Those energized by being with hundreds of others will enjoy Ginza at night time, with advertising signs, bright lights, stunning architecture, shopping, and traffic!

HEIGHTSEEING

Like any major city, Tokyo is sometimes best seen from above. Sunset helicopter rides are a popular choice, with many tour operators offering various routes over the city. Swoop down on the brightly lit Tokyo Tower, visit the Sumida River area, circle the Tokyo SkyTree and return to base near Tokyo Disney World.

But if helicopters are not your thing, you can find a place way above the crowds at the Tokyo SkyTree, which stands at a towering 634 metres. And there are other noteworthy observation decks including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo City View, next to the Mori Art Museum in Rappongi Hills, and at Shibuya Sky overlooking the famous street crossing, with great open air views of the city.

For more ways to experience Tokyo, or to plan your trip, visit www.japan.travel/en/ca/.

Intrepid launches trip to one of the world’s least visited destinations

March 31, 2023 No Comments

New for 2023, Intrepid is launching a specially designed itinerary to discover the local Timorese way of life and undiscovered land.

The new 9-Day Timor-Leste Expedition will be a fully inclusive trip, with provided meals, transportation, accommodations and activities. With a company mission to innovate beyond traditional tourism destinations and deliver travelers unique experiences in less-frequented parts of the world, Intrepid has created the remote trip to ignite new opportunities for adventure and connection.

Sustainable travel

Intrepid’s new trip was carefully developed in partnership with Market Development Facility (MDF).

The organization is a multi-country initiative promoting sustainable economic growth, with the purpose of supporting local communities, expanding the potential of tourism in Southeast Asia and delivering travelers alternative destinations for culturally rich and wildlife-dense adventure travel experiences.

Intrepid’s new 9-Day Timor-Leste Expedition (from $3,859 CAD) will depart for the first time on October 15, 2023.

Highlights include:

Hiking to the summit of Mt Ramelau, Timor-Leste’s tallest mountain, at sunrise.
Snorkeling from local fishermen’s boats at Atauro Island, a global hotspot for whales and dolphins with the most biodiverse marine protected coral reefs in the world.
Enjoying a local homestay to experience Timorese hospitality and daily life.
Discovering the capital of Dili, sampling traditional food, visiting the Tais market to learn about this traditional textile, and learning about the country’s complicated history during several tours, museum and cemetery stops.
Exploring local coffee farms, plantations and cafes to learn how coffee is produced here and understand its importance to local culture.
Visiting several social enterprises dedicated to supporting and empowering the people of Timor-Leste, including the Alola Foundation, an NGO aiming to improve the lives of women and children by addressing problems relating to education, economic development, maternal and child health, and gender inequality.

About Timor-Leste

In 2002 after centuries of colonialism, Timor-Leste, the only Asian country entirely in the Southern Hemisphere, gained independence.

Influenced by many distinct cultures, this developing nation is home to a unique set of traditions and beliefs. It is well known for its unmatched natural beauty, boasting stunning beaches, towering mountains, untouched coral reefs, and a wide range of endemic species including sea turtles, rare spotted cuscus, monkeys, and tokays, one of the world’s largest lizards.

Virtuoso lists 2023 travel predictions for Canadians

March 29, 2023 No Comments

Virtuoso has identified when, where and why upscale Canadians will be venturing in 2023.

In Virtuoso’s 2022 Brand and Travel Trends Research, conducted in collaboration with YouGov, more than 500 Canadian travellers were surveyed. The majority – 75 percent – listed relaxation and disconnecting as the primary incentive for taking a leisure trip, followed by adventure, which is almost twice as important for Canadians than for global travellers (41 percent versus 25 percent).

Additional revelations include an affinity for sunny destinations, expedition cruises and a willingness to spend big and stay longer.

Warm weather getaways

Virtuoso’s study showed 61 percent of travellers preferred beach vacations, followed by city exploration (47 percent). Canadians are equally as likely to travel to Europe as they are to travel within their own country, and they showed a preference for the Caribbean or West Indies (36 percent versus 20 percent globally) and Mexico (30 percent versus 16 percent globally), which is likely due to a desire to escape to warmer climates during the winter months.

Reasons for family travel

Canadians indicated the most popular ways to travel are with a spouse or significant other and multi-generational family travel.

Travelling with school-age children is consistently popular. Interestingly to note while heading into March Break, over half of those surveyed believe travel is important to the development of children under 18.

Spending big and staying longer

Relative to 2019, travellers plan to spend 12 percent more in 2023 and the anticipated annual spend for Virtuoso-advised travellers in 2023 is even higher at $20,000 CAD per person.

While Virtuoso clients took about the same number of trips in the past year as other travellers, Virtuoso-advised travellers took longer trips, spent more nights in hotels, rentals and cruises, and skewed more towards international trips.

Top travel destinations for 2023

Virtuoso tapped into its data warehouse of more than $63.6 billion (USD) in transactions to determine the top destinations of 2023, as determined by Canada-based travellers:

Mexico – Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos
Canada – Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary
United States – Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas
Dominican Republic – Punta Cana, Puerto Plata
United Kingdom – London
Jamaica – Montego Bay
Italy – Rome, Venice
France – Paris, Nice
Australia – Sydney
Portugal – Lisbon, Faro

For more information on how to connect with a Virtuoso travel advisor who can turn travel dreams into reality, visit www.virtuoso.com.

Four Seasons has a new collection of luxury private retreats in Los Cabos

March 27, 2023 No Comments

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is now reservations for its ultra-luxury Private Retreats collection.

Located within the exclusive Resort community of Costa Palmas on the less-travelled East Cape of Los Cabos, the new property is spread over 1,500 acres (607 hectares).

Four Seasons Resort and Residences are located on two miles (3.2 kilometres) of swimmable beachfront.

It also features Four Seasons’ first-ever private marina on the Sea of Cortez along the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, providing best-in-class access to national marine park and UNESCO World Heritage Site Cabo Pulmo, along with endless land and sea adventures singular to the East Cape of Baja.

About Marina Village

The Costa Palmas Marina Village, located at the heart of Costa Palmas international marina, adjacent to Four Seasons Resort and Residences, is alive from the earliest morning hours as fishermen set out, until the wee hours of the night as the late-night crowd heads in. 

The concept is designed to be a marketplace that works together as retail spaces, open pavilions, restaurants and cafes that open onto a central plaza to create a lively gathering place. 

Anchoring the community is Mozza Baja at Costa Palmas in partnership with James Beard Foundation Award winner, author and restauranteur Nancy Silverton. The Marina Village is also home to newly opened nightclub and lounge, Chiki. Designed by interior architecture and designer Martin Brudnizki, Chiki brings together rich Mexican culture with raw authenticity that extends itself into murals and mosaics that elicit an intimate and eclectic cantina vibe.

Guests of Four Seasons have direct access to sailing, fishing and cruising yachts up to 250 feet from the convenience of the Resort’s “backyard.”

The property offers a fleet of boats ranging from a 26-foot centre console to a 65-foot luxury cruising yacht. From direct access to Cabo Pulmo,, to nightly sunset cruises and guided sport and spearfishing adventures, Four Seasons is the only luxury resort in the market with seamless, private marina access.

Private retreats

Four Seasons Private Retreats offers more than 750 of the world’s finest luxury vacation homes.

The Los Cabos Private Retreats collection offers two to six-bedroom contemporary residences that seamlessly integrate indoor-outdoor living with flowing spaces, elemental design and native landscaping.

The collection offers a wide array of accommodations for up to 18 guests, each with private pools and expansive indoor-outdoor entertainment space.

For more information, click here.

Hyatt announces expansion plans into the Caribbean

March 24, 2023 No Comments

Hyatt recently announced a multi-property collaboration with Be Live Hotels that will include the growth of the Sunscape Resorts & Spas brand in the Caribbean.

Sunscape Resort & Spas provides all-inclusive family fun. Children 12 years of age and under can enjoy the supervised Explorer’s Club, while teens have their own space at the Core Zone. The Unlimited-Fun experience promises best-in-class service, gourmet á la carte restaurants with kid-friendly options and delectable drinks and endless day and nighttime activities for the entire family.

The deal is expected to expand Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, which was introduced following Hyatt’s acquisition of Apple Leisure Group in 2020, by nearly 2,000 rooms.

Two Be Live Hotels properties in the Dominican Republic, owned by Spanish hospitality company Globalia, will be renovated and transformed into Sunscape Resorts & Spas. The renovated hotels are expected to open in 2023, bolstering the family-friendly brand’s presence in the Caribbean.

Hyatt’s portfolio of all-inclusive brands brings exceptional and immersive experiences to guests and members with Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts and Sunscape Resorts & Spas brands.

To learn more about the Inclusive Collection, please visit www.hyatt.com/newbrands.

Tivoli just opened its first Dutch hotel in a 16th century property

March 22, 2023 No Comments

Tivoli Hotels & Resorts recently opened its first property in the Netherlands.

The Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel is a 16th-century property in the classicist style overlooking the Amstel Canal; it is considered to be the oldest hotel in the Dutch capital. The property was the original home to Rembrandt Van Rijn’s famous painting The Night Watch (completed in 1642), which hung on a wall in what is now one of the hotel’s bedroom suites until it was relocated to the city’s famed Rijksmuseum.

Centrally located in Amsterdam’s historic city centre and walking distance from the city’s main tourist attractions, the heritage property has 81 guest rooms including seven suites, most of them overlooking the canal. It also boasts the elegant new Omber restaurant and bar, which is inspired by the art of Rembrandt, who lived very close to the hotel.

Old world elegance

Inspired by the Dutch Golden Age and the unique atmosphere of Amsterdam, Tivoli Doelen’s interiors blend an old-world elegance with contemporary service and special Tivoli touches.

The guest rooms and suites offer views over the canals or the city, with the interiors featuring pastel tones with splashes of red for a relaxing but vibrant atmosphere, combined with touches of natural wood.

New beds and bed linens provide the best night’s sleep, while marble bathrooms feature amenities from the French luxury brand Lalique.

For an ultimate Dutch experience, guests can book the 506-square-foot Rembrandt Suite, where they can view a perfect replica of The Night Watch, in the same room and on the exact wall where the masterpiece originally hung for 70 years. Another interesting room is the Empress Suite, which was once the boudoir of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, most well-known as Sisi.

With a unique C-shape design to maximize views of the canal, the suite has a king-sized bed with Dutch shields on the ceiling, which are a symbol of protection.

A touch of Rembrandt

On the ground floor and overlooking the canal, Omber restaurant and bar now offers a Mediterranean-Dutch fusion menu. The restaurant’s name was inspired by the craftsmanship of paint making and the limited colors Rembrandt used in his works of art– omber, or amber in English, being one of his signature colours).

Every dish on the menu contains an element inspired by his color palette. The menu also takes inspiration from the artist’s favorite dishes, such as herring and pickles, which has been recreated by the team and given Dutch name “Rembrandt Pauze”. The restaurant’s slow-cooked Dutch veal with parsnip, Carrots and Purslane is perfectly paired with Portuguese Cartuxa wine from Alentejo, a nod to the Tivoli brand’s Portuguese heritage.

Omber Bar, which opens daily at 4:30 pm, serves several signature cocktails have been created with Jenever, a typical Dutch gin that was also Rembrandt’s favorite drink. Most of the bar’s gin cocktails are made with a local Jenever producer, Wynand Fockink, which operates a similar distillery process to that used in the Dutch Golden Age.

The star cocktail, “Night Watch” is based on an old recipe found in the hotel archives dating back to the 17th century and is made with old Jenever, coffee liqueur, syrup and cherry bitters.

Suites at Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel start from $643.00 including breakfast for two people. For more information on Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam, visit https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-doelen.

The ultimate hidden beach destinations to visit in 2023

March 20, 2023 No Comments

The tourism industry rebounded in 2022, reaching 70 per cent of its pre-pandemic levels globally. Airlines continue to add new international routes, hotel refurbishments and new builds are well underway, and now more than ever, travellers, especially affluent ones, are willing to pay more for a one-of-a-kind holiday. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up four of the best places to go for an unforgettable beach vacation.

While beach towns like Positano, Cinque Terre and Amalfi get plenty of attention during the summer months from tourists, on the island of Sicily lies a sleepy medieval town worthy of the same fanfare. Home to just under 15,000 people, Cefalù is a coastal town that hugs the Tyrrhenian Sea. Every summer, when blue and white-striped parasols dot the beaches and sun bathers turn golder by the hour, millions of tourists flock here.

The main draw is the town itself, which is home to architectural wonders that date back nearly 1,000 years. In Piazza del Duomo, visitors will come across the Cefalù Cathedral, a Norman structure built in 1131 characterized by two unmistakable bookended towers. A welcome escape from the sweltering sun, inside the church, visitors can marvel at an ancient mosaic depicting saints and prophets.

As the town itself is quite small, it’s easy to explore by foot. The Piazza del Duomo is an ideal spot to enjoy a glass of wine on a back terrace, or enjoy a gelato from one of the nearby cafes. There are several high-end hotels in the area, including Club Med Cefalù, which opened in 2018. Those up for a stroll can actually walk along the coast from the resort straight into town in roughly 45 minutes, either by following the seawall or sticking to the main road.

To reach Cefalù, Canadians can fly into Palermo, Italy. For travellers in Rome, non-stop flights to Palermo are available, at a duration of just one hour.

Geographically located directly across from Bari, Italy, at 2,500 years old, Budva, Montenegro, is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Sea. For travellers who have previously visited the medieval city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, Budva is surprisingly familiar—for starters, it’s a mere two-hour drive away.

Budva’s Old Town, characterized by its red clay rooftops, is enveloped by defensive, medieval stone walls and rests on a rocky peninsula. The rest of the city is characterized by multiple high-rise apartment buildings, plenty of public, sandy beaches and a backdrop of hilly green mountains found throughout Montenegro.

Budva’s Old Town is home to several beautiful, sandy beaches, but many are found outside of it. Jaz Beach, west of Budva’s centre, is home to many restaurants and is a popular spot for musical events, festivals and nightlife. Mogren Beach, perhaps the best-known one in the region, is less than a ten-minute stroll from the Old Town. If it’s architecture and history you’re after, all four medieval churches can be found in the Old Town’s public square, including Santa Maria in Punta Church which dates all the way back to 840 AD. There’s also a 15th century monastery roughly a 30-minute walk from the town square.

Part of a chain of 32 smaller islands, Canouan is a mere 5.6-by-2 kilometre destination that is part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In fact, the destination is so tiny, it’s not visible on Google Maps without zooming out significantly! Though the island’s population is less than 2,000, it’s home to a multimillion dollar marina, a runway for private jets, and plenty of luxury hotels and villas for the affluent clientele who flock here.

The easiest and fastest way to reach Canouan is from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines directly—the flight time is just 15 minutes. Ferries to the island also operate daily, and the journey takes roughly three hours.

Not too long ago, there were no paved roads or running water on the island, meaning wildlife flourished and at one point, Canouan was home to more sea turtles than people!

Adventure-seekers can enjoy crystal clear waters and protected reefs that offer incredible snorkelling opportunities. Canouan’s most popular beach is located at Carenage Bay, within Mandarin Oriental Canouan, the island’s most famous hotel. Along with lavish villas and a breathtaking swim out pool, the resort is home to the Jim Fazio-designed 18 hole championship golf course.

Once a humble fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now one of the busiest commercial port cities in Tanzania. With a population of just over six million, it’s the largest East African city and is situated right on the shores of the Swahili Coast on the Indian Ocean.

Though Dar Es Salaam has plenty of sandy beaches in the northern Msasani district, some of the best ones can be reached by ferry. Bongoyo Island, accessible by boat from the luxurious Hotel Slipway, is an uninhabited island that is a popular day trip option for tourists and locals alike. The journey from the mainland takes approximately 30 minutes.

With a distinctive elongated white sandbar peninsula surrounded by dense forest, the ultimate draw here is swimming, snorkelling or sunbathing for hours on end, interrupted by crowds. A handful of small restaurants provide refreshments and dining options, but the majority of Bongoyo is deserted with limited facilities, so be sure to pack the essentials before heading back to Dar es Salaam for the evening.