A Four Seasons resort is coming to Los Cabos this May

March 11, 2024

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol is open for reservations and will begin welcoming guests as of May 1, 2024.

Ideally located on the southern coast of the Baja in the heart of the Los Cabos Golden Corridor, the luxury resort community of Cabo Del Sol is home to a vibrant, Riviera-style village that includes the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences.

About the property

The resort offers 96 expansive guest rooms, casitas, suites, and villas plus 61 residences, villas, and estates ranging from 79 square metres (847 square feet) to 590 square metres (6374 square feet) – all with sparkling views of the Sea of Cortez, where whales visit annually November to April.

With clean lines and open, airy spaces, the architecture and design seamlessly blend traditional Mexican influences with contemporary luxury. All accommodations feature retractable glass doors that bring the outdoors in, as well as private terraces. Many suites also include private plunge pools and outdoor showers.

Just 30 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and 15 minutes from Cabo San Lucas International Airport (CSL), Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol is mere minutes away from Cabo’s famous shopping, dining, nightlife and sightseeing.

On property, guests will enjoy a swimmable beach ideal for snorkelling and water activities, three pools, three restaurant and five bar options, the on-site El Taller Artisan Art Studio, the full-service Tierra Mar Spa with fitness centre designed by celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak, Baja 360° Adventure centre, Papalote Kids For All Seasons, locally-driven retail experiences, a clubhouse-style wedding and event facility, and access to the Cabo Del Sol golf course.

For more information on Four Seasons Cabo San Lucas, click here.

30 female-led tours that celebrate International Women’s Day

March 8, 2024

According to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data, women in tourism comprise a significant portion of the sector’s workforce, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the total employment.

This marks a substantial increase from 2010 to 2019, highlighting a 24 per cent surge in direct female employment within the sector, increasing from 38.6 million to 47.8 million.

Key findings reveal that hospitality stands out as the leading employer of women within the travel and tourism sector, with more than half (52 per cent) of all female employment in 2019 attributed to this segment.

“As our sector continues to grow, women have a key role to play; we have the opportunity to make travel and tourism more resilient and inclusive,” said Julia Simpson, president and CEO, WTTC. “Putting women at the heart of travel and tourism will be critical to securing a sustainable future for the sector.”

In celebration of International Women’s Day (Mar. 8), here are 30 not-to-be-missed female-led tours to experience in 2024.

AAT Kings

On the 14-day Southern Spirit guided vacation offered by AAT Kings, clients have the opportunity to visit Real Country farm on a Make Travel Matter Experience near Queenstown, New Zealand.

The Real Countryfarm is founded and owned by Laura Koot, who is passionate about empowering women to join the agricultural industry in New Zealand. She offers the Southern Girl Finishing School workshop which was created to help build confidence in teenage girls.

Koot also partnered with the Fairlight Foundation to develop on-farm training programs that foster and support career advancement for women in the agriculture industry in New Zealand.

Fairlight Foundation aims to remove barriers for rural women and provide free professional farming courses and services to advance women in the farming industry. AAT Kings is committed to supporting and empowering women and donates funds to The Fairlight Foundation for every guest on the Southern Spirit journey.

African Travel Inc.

During African Travel Inc.’s 10-day Southern Explorer journey, clients can witness South Africa’s unique spirit of Ubuntu by visiting Uthando’s eKhaya eKasi Art and Education Centre, a non-profit organization located in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

Guests will participate in a Make travel Matter experience, where they’ll learn and experience the lives of these remarkable and courageous women by participating in various grassroots development programs. eKhaya eKasi serves as a community resource, providing skill training and entrepreneurship opportunities for women to promote economic development.

The centre also offers a range of community programs, including after-school activities for children, entrepreneurial skill development for women, and the sale of handmade crafts and art pieces available at the Art Boutique, which clients can purchase to support the artistic efforts of these women. African Travel, Inc. also offers private experiences with Uthando for clients interested in learning about Cape Town’s culture, history, and the philanthropic community.

Alpaca Expeditions

Featuring an all-female team of guides, porters and chefs, Alpaca Expeditions will offer a women-only, seven-day Salkantay & Sacred Valley Tour this June.

Participants will find themselves in a range of accommodations, including unique options like glass cabañas and charming hobbit houses, while embarking on an off-the-beaten-path trek along the Salkantay Trail, exploring the Sacred Valley, hiking to Humantay Lake and touring Machu Picchu.

Participants will also enjoy immersive culinary workshops, wine tastings, guided coffee tours and an educational excursion to an alpaca farm to learn about the traditional art of weaving.

G Adventures

G Adventures and its non-profit partner, Planeterra, have introduced five new community tourism projects designed to empower local women in the countries it visits, supporting the 444 women who help operate these five social enterprises.

Travellers can now experience the new women’s empowerment projects on the following G Adventures trips:

Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations invites travellers to join small, all-female groups on 11 expert-curated itineraries that span the world from North Africa to South America.

Created for women by women, each itinerary ranges in length from eight to 16 days. Insight’s first small-group Women Only Tours depart in 2025. For a limited time, Insight is offering an eight per cent discount on their Women-Only Tours, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid’s Women’s Expeditions, which first launched in 2018, are a collection of tours led entirely by female leaders that aim to break down barriers for female travellers, debunk misconceptions about gender norms and celebrate the similarities and differences of women around the globe.

They are designed for female travellers and guided by amazing women all over the world. The trips allow travellers to interact and engage with a range of amazing local women while respecting local values.

In 2023, Intrepid added two new trips to its beloved Women’s Expeditions trip category, launching its first ever female-only tours in Pakistan and Nepal.

There are currently six to choose from:

Lion World Travel

On the nine-day Kenya in Absolute Style journey, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a Make Travel Matter Experience with a visit to the Kazuri Bead Factory, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls in the villages surrounding Nairobi who are single mothers, facing socioeconomic challenges and in need of regular employment.

The founder started by employing two single mothers, and today, Kazuri has remarkably grown to employ over 340 women who are skilled in crafting ceramic beads into beautiful and artistic handmade jewellery.

Planeterra

Planeterra recently partnered with Evaneos, an online marketplace for tailor-made tours. Together, they are launching three community tourism enterprises in South America, Asia, and Africa.

Urpis de Antaquillkais a community association formed by 23 women. They ventured into tourism to gain recognition for their handicrafts and generate direct economic income for their families. Through their experiences, this female-led association aims to share ancestral knowledge with those seeking genuine experiences.

PKP Community Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering female empowerment and gender equality among vulnerable Balinese women and local girls. Through various initiatives, the centre offers programs focused on teaching essential skills like sewing, cooking, yoga, and community integration.

Razafindrabe is a women-led social enterprise on a mission to create sustainable livelihoods for women by promoting traditional Malagasy Raffia craftsmanship. They aim to empower women economically and socially through craft-making while also preserving Madagascar’s cultural heritage.

Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions recently rebranded, developed a new website, and launched two 2024 treks to Everest Base Camp trips.

In honour of International Women’s Day (March 8), Wild Women Expeditions is donating 100 per cent of profits from both 2024 departures of their Trek to Everest Base Camp expedition directly to the Canadian-based not-for-profit Ally Global Foundation.

The organization assists women and girls who have survived human trafficking with finding safe housing, educational opportunities and job training in Nepal and Cambodia, and provides training and trafficking awareness programs in Canada.

Eurail is adding more routes for those who crave “slow travel”

March 6, 2024

Eurail has partnered with its rail network to offer customers new cross-border routes, new partnerships with rail carriers, and new itineraries to explore.

In 2023, Eurail sold more than 1,000,000 passes for the first time in the company’s history. For travellers looking for an authentic, slow travel experience, Eurail is an increasingly popular choice.

Highlights for 2024

Some timely highlights include:

  • New night trains from Brussels or Paris to Berlin: The ÖBB Nightjet routes will now connect Brussels and Paris to Berlin, replacing the formerly known City Night Line train that last operated in 2014. Travelers can now experience this route again three times a week with the European Sleeper and ÖBB Nightjet through reservations.
  • New cross-border train connecting Vilnius to Riga: Cross-border rail services are back between Lithuania and Latvia, connecting Vilnius and Riga while passing through Siauliai. This development will allow passengers to travel efficiently and comfortably from Poland through all three Baltic countries.
  • A New, state-of-the-art night train, connecting Vienna, Innsbruck, and Hamburg: ÖBB Nightjet began their brand new ‘Nightjet of the new Generation’ connecting Vienna, Innsbruck, and Hamburg, featuring the first mini cabins designed for one person.
  • New cross border train, connecting Subotica to Szeged: This route fills a missing gap in the network connecting Subotica and Szeged and makes travel across the region more accessible, especially between Belgrade and Budapest.
  • The BOB (Berner Oberland Railway) is now fully included in the Eurail Pass: Travelers can now visit one of the world’s most beautiful valleys and discover the highlights of the Jungfrau region. From Interlaken to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, and further on to Wengen via the Wengernalp Railway (WAB), all in one Pass.

For more information, visit www.eurail.com.

Cayman Islands answers Canadian demand with more flights

March 4, 2024

As travel continues to rebound following the pandemic, the Cayman Islands continues to steadily climb back to 2019’s arrival levels and market share.

Last year the destination saw record-breaking arrivals including the destination’s best Q1 and best ever March on record for Canadian visitation.

The steady increase in Canadian visitation has also led to an increase in airlift to five non-stop flights a week to Grand Cayman thanks to augmented summer schedules.

More flights from Air Canada & WestJet

The heightened demand for Canadian travel to The Cayman Islands has resulted in boosted flight frequency by both Air Canada and WestJet.

Both airlines will increase the number of non-stop flights from Toronto to Grand Cayman to a combined seven a week from March to April 2024 and up to five a week through the summer.

Combined, Air Canada and WestJet will offer up to seven non-stop flights per week from Toronto to Grand Cayman in March and April.

An increased summer schedule will see up to five non-stop flights per week from Toronto to Grand Cayman on Air Canada and WestJet.

Last year, visits from Canada were 44 per cent higher than those from January to December 2022 and for the first time in a year, more than 4,000 Canadian visitors were welcomed in three months (February, March and December). Three of the best 10 performing months for Canadian visitation in recorded history were in 2023.

Canadian arrivals in December 2023 totalled 4,125, up 7.8 per cent from December 2019. Canada represented an 8.3 per cent share of total stayover arrivals in December 2023, compared to 7.1 per cent in December 2019.

In 2023, the destination welcomed a total of 429,284 stay-over visitors.

Contiki launches island-hopping trip to the Philippines

March 1, 2024

Contiki recently launched its first trip to the Philippines.

The new nine-day and 13-day Island Hopping tour visits some of the country’s most famous tourist hotspots and unique hidden gems on the Palawan Island. 

The nine-day version goes to Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, and El Nido, and includes many island adventures. Some of these include a boat ride through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Subterranean River National Park, an island-hopping day trip in Port Barton, a Jeepney ride to Nacpan Beach, and a unique Special Stay and Make Travel Matter Experience at the Isla Experience in Daracoton Island – which directly contributes to the welfare of the locals.

Among the included experiences is a Filipino-classic tricycle ride to Las Cabanas for a beach sunset, and a traditional boodle fight. Travellers will also have a chance to visit a local’s house for an authentic locally-grown Filipino meal.

The 13-day version includes a 4-day boat expedition, that takes travellers to some of the undiscovered gems in the Philippines, including Palawan Calamian’s Group of Islands (Northern Palawan archipelago) and famous attractions such as Coron islands, Cullion and Linapacan. It includes a private boat, the chance to go snorkeling in Coral Garden, seaside camping in Coron, and a visit to Turtle Islands.

For more information about the new Philippines Island Hopper trip, click here.

Winter Haven Miami Beach shows off new art deco rooms

February 26, 2024

Winter Haven Hotel Miami Beach, an iconic 70-room Art Deco boutique hotel, ideally located along Ocean Drive, has unveiled a renovation with fully re-imagined guest rooms.

The newly revamped hotel exudes retro charm and classic elegance, drawing inspiration from the 50s-style representation of leisure destinations and its iconic oceanfront location. Elevated by a warm palette with a predominance of pink and aqua colors inspired by the ocean and its corals, the hotel gracefully whisks guests away to an enduring haven of comfort and sophistication. 

About Winter Haven Miami Beach

Winter Haven Miami Beach features thoughtful room amenities, including cozy bathrobes, an in-room honour bar, Lavazza espresso machines, Malin + Goetz bathroom amenities and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. They are welcome to rejuvenate the senses with exclusive special pricing at K’Alma Spa, where relaxation takes on a new meaning amid soothing treatments and a tranquil ambiance. Daily passes are included with access to wellness perks like the exclusive off-site gym, Gymage, where every workout becomes an invigorating journey. 

Guests are invited to soak up the sun on the rooftop terrace, sip cocktails in the sophisticated lobby bar, enjoy a bike ride on a complimentary bike or take a leisurely stroll through Lummus Park to the sand, where two beach chairs await. Whether exploring the local art, dining, shopping, and nightlife scenes or simply relaxing at the hotel, this is Miami Beach at its finest.

Winter Haven Hotel Miami Beach’s culinary gem, Il Bolognese, seamlessly delivers the essence of the best in Italian and Bolognese cuisine, offering guests a journey to Italy through authentic flavors without ever leaving the shores of Miami Beach. All hotel guests enjoy exclusive special deals on all menu items at Il Bolognese. Guests also have the option to savor the delicious dishes from the comfort of their room with the hotel’s in-room dining service.

For additional information about Winter Haven Hotel Miami Beach or to book your stay, visit winterhavenhotelsobe.com.

Marriott Miches Beach to open in Dominican Republic

February 23, 2024

Marriott International will soon welcome Marriott Miches Beach, an all-inclusive resort, currently the Sunrise Miches Beach Resort in Dominican Republic.

Set to undergo a conversion process commencing in the second quarter of 2024, the resort is slated to open its doors under the Marriott Hotels brand in the first quarter of 2025.

Nestled on a sprawling 62-acre site in the enchanting locale of Miches, within a 60-minute ride distance of the Punta Cana International Airport, the resort boasts nearly 1,000 feet of pristine beachfront. It will feature 498 rooms, with balconies and terraces, and select accommodations offering private swim-up pools.

Following the announcement of the first Marriott All-Inclusive Resort, in Cancun (Mexico) in late 2023 (set to open in March 2024), the Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort, Dominican Republic, joins a portfolio of worldwide properties debuting into Marriott Hotels All-Inclusive flagship throughout 2024 and 2025, including Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort and Marriott Djerba, An All-Inclusive Resort – Tunisia.

 

There’s a mystery cruise happening in April 2025

February 21, 2024

Windstar Cruises just announced its first-ever “President’s Mystery Cruise” set to depart on April 19, 2025. 

The eight-day voyage is aimed at Windstar Yacht Club members (the line’s valued repeat guests) and their friends and will depart from and return to Athens. The rest of the port calls on the itinerary will remain a mystery to guests onboard Windstar’s 312-passenger, all-suite Star Legend.

The unannounced destinations will be kept a secret from guests until 24 hours ahead of arrival at each port. Once the exact locations are revealed, Windstar guests will be able to choose from a variety of different shore excursions at the destination. 

So where will the Star Legend be docking? Windstar says travellers can expect lots of new, thrilling, and exciting experiences during this voyage. 

“It’s going to be a lot of places—the majority of them, if not all of them—we haven’t been before,” said Windstar’s president Christopher Prelog.

For more details, visit www.windstarcruises.com.

 

Almost half of young Canadians are taking “bizcations”

February 19, 2024

In its Vacation Confidence Study, Allianz Global Assistance reports that Canadian professionals aged 18-34, are leading the rise in the bizcation trend with a growing desire to blend remote work and vacations.

The study revealed that almost half (47 per cent) of young professionals plan to work remotely while travelling in 2024.

Bizcations are an emerging trend in the workplace, where employees can work and travel simultaneously without taking time off. It can also include tacking on a few days before or after a business trip.

The increasing prevalence of remote work options has empowered young professionals to work virtually anywhere. Allianz’s Vacation Confidence Study found that 17 per cent of Canadians aged 18-34 say that the stress and time of planning to take time off work is a considerable barrier to them planning a vacation this year. This demographic’s enthusiasm for bizcations represents a paradigm shift in how work and travel are integrated, opening up new opportunities to enjoy a healthier work-life balance.

Work life balance

The bizcation phenomenon has reshaped the way individuals approach work and travel. Allianz’s Study found that roughly a third of those taking a bizcation this year plan to be away for a considerable amount of time – about three weeks or longer.

Popular takeaways from Allianz’s Vacation Confidence Study include:

  • Many Canadians will tie-in a vacation with work responsibilities either by working remotely from a vacation destination (30%) or by adding vacation time to a business trip (24 per cent)
  • Canadians with children (43 per cent) are also likely to blend work and vacation in the same trip
  • There has been a shift in Canadians’ destination preferences – beyond Canada, Mexico/Caribbean (24 per cent) and the US (21 per cent) are the most popular vacation destinations this year

 

Mid-century modern inspired hotel opens in the heart of Houston

February 16, 2024

Hyatt officially opened the Thompson Houston, Houston’s newest luxury lifestyle hotel offering a distinctive guest experience that celebrates the individuality of Space City overlooking the verdant Buffalo Bayou Park.

Set against the backdrop of rare unobstructed views of downtown Houston’s skyline, the hotel captures the vibrancy of the city with an unapologetically stylish design signature to the brand, a stunning spa sanctuary, world-class dining, and elevated spaces perfect for weddings and events.

Thompson Houston features 172 guestrooms, including 34 suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a residential feel designed to evoke the spirit of old Texas, with entirely custom-made furnishings and spacious en-suite bathrooms with marble vanities and custom wall treatments and tiling.

About Thompson Houston

The new-build hotel is housed within a sleek glass and exposed-steel building that displays curved lines designed by award-winning architect, HOK.  Interiors are designed by Houston-based architecture and design firm Abel Design Group featuring warm earthy colors, organic materials, brass fixtures, and hardwood floors paying homage to the hotel’s natural setting of nearby Buffalo Bayou Park.

Located on the seventh floor, the mid-century modern-styled lobby in the sky captures the spirit of Houston with an edgy spirit and sophisticated yet familiar contemporary design.

Thompson Houston offers one of the city’s largest outdoor rooftops, with a custom-tiled infinity pool boarded by cabanas, and a 2,500-square-foot greenspace, both providing views of downtown and creating an idyllic setting for outdoor weddings and events.

Additional hotel amenities include:

  • The hotel’s sixth floor is dedicated to the full-service Thompson Spa, featuring six treatment suites, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, saunas, a salon, and a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness centre.
  • Sol 7 is Thompson Houston’s signature all day dining restaurant located off the lobby, featuring rooftop seating where guests can enjoy creative cocktails and seasonal fare.
  • Opening soon are two additional restaurants operated by TableOne Hospitality: Chardon, a French brasserie that will debut in summer 2024, and Buck 40, an upscale supper club slated to open in fall 2024.
  • Thompson Houston is home to the first brick-and-mortar outpost of local coffee company, Maven Coffee Company, offering specialty coffees, pastries, and coffee-based cocktails.
  • More than 17,000 square feet of meticulously designed flexible indoor and outdoor event space to accommodate groups of up to 800 people.

Thompson Houston marks the fourth Thompson Hotels’ property in Texas, joining Thompson Austin, Thompson Dallas and Thompson San Antonio -Riverwalk, and is the 19th Thompson Hotels property globally.

For more information, visit www.thompsonhoustonhotel.com.