Step Inside Black Lagoon, the Halloween Bar Popping up Across Canada

October 20, 2025

From Toronto to Vancouver, this immersive experience invites guests to don their costumes, raise a glass, and summon a spirit (or two).

If your idea of Halloween involves more mezcal than monsters, the Black Lagoon pop-up bar s might be your perfect haunt. What began as a goth-horror cocktail concept dreamed up by bartenders Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage has grown into a North American phenomenon — part theatre, part mixology, and entirely spooky.

Now returning to Canada for another season, Black Lagoon transforms ordinary bars into occult playgrounds draped in cobwebs, red light and rock-and-roll attitude. Each location features an original menu of fiendishly named cocktails — from Forever Midnight to Nocturna Colada — served by bartenders who look ready to headline a metal show.

At The Walrus Pub & Beer Hall, Toronto’s subterranean Black Lagoon kicks off the festivities with all the eerie trimmings: rubber severed heads dangling from the ceiling, a horror-film soundtrack (think Werewolves of London, Boris the Spider, and Thriller), and a crowd that embraces the dress-code suggestion: “Come as your spookiest self.”

“We’re expanding the Halloween experience,” says Jas Bowles, part of the Toronto team. Meanwhile, Bowles’ colleague Veronica Cox says bar visitors shouldn’t be nervous about ordering a Widow Maker, despite its foreboding name. “It was the only drink created for Black Lagoon that doesn’t have alcohol, she notes. “It sounds lethal, but it’s the one that’s going to spare you a hangover in the morning.”

A Cross-Canada Haunting

This year, Black Lagoon spreads its dark wings across the country. Here’s where you can raise the dead — or at least your glass:

Toronto, ON – The Walrus Pub & Beer Hall (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Vancouver, BC – Butcher & Bullock (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Whistler, BC – The Raven Room (Oct 3 – Nov 2)
Calgary, AB – Charlie’s Watch Repair (Oct 1 – Nov 1)
Edmonton, AB – Dolly’s Cocktails (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Ottawa, ON – The Standard Tavern (Oct 13 – 31)

Each city adds its own flair, but the spirit remains the same: a celebration of horror culture through handcrafted drinks and immersive design.

Four Spots for an Autumn Staycation

October 20, 2025

Summer might be over, but the best travel days aren’t. Fall in Ontario and New York State means fewer crowds, scenic drives, and resorts that feel made for sweater weather. Think fireside cocktails, forest hikes, and lake views tinted gold. If you’re craving one last road trip or just need a change of scenery, these four stays make a strong case for stretching the season a little longer.

Rawley Resort | Port Severn, ON

Just one-and-a-half hours from Toronto, Rawley Resort is a slice of paradise hiding out in Georgian Bay, formerly an old hunting lodge used during the height of pine logging in the region.

Last year, Rawley Resort redesigned their luxurious Lighthouse45 Restaurant — including a complete makeover of its menu, featuring delicious farm-to-table eats with foraged ingredients. To guide the creation of the new menu, Rawley recruited Chef Chris Locke, formerly of Toronto’s first farm-to-table restaurant, Marben. Enjoy live music in the dining room every Thursday to Sunday, or opt to dine al fresco and watch the sun go down.

Guests can choose to stay in spacious suites with king bed options, walkout terraces (these are pet-friendly) or two-level waterside lofts, complete with a private upper balcony.

Looking for a bit of added elegance? Request to have a bottle of chilled champagne and decadent chocolate covered strawberries brought to your room. Rawley Resort is also home to an outstanding spa that offers a number of treatments, but their signature service is the facials. Opt for a gemstone facial or try out a non-surgical facelift with one of the RMD structural remodeling facial treatments, done using electrotherapy technologies.

Rawley Resort is open for booking early May through late November.

Wander the Resort | Bloomfield, ON

Set on the shores of Lake Ontario, Wander the Resort is a sophisticated Canadian cottage experience quite like no other. Located in Prince Edward County, about two hours from Toronto, Wander is home to just 10 dreamy cabins, all decked out in a Nordic aesthetic. From pool and lakeside cabins to a massive A-frame treehouse, their interiors range in size from 500 to 1,400 square feet and feature homey accents, like sheepskin rugs and cool wooden decor.

Thoughtful amenities, like handcrafted bath and shower products, an indoor and an outdoor gas fireplace, organic cotton linens and heated floors make this spot feel like your home away from home for the weekend. And Wander recently introduced its own Nordic-inspired spa, complete with thermal circuits, tranquil treatment rooms, and sweeping views of Lake Ontario — the perfect complement to its cozy modern cabins.

The lakeside restaurant on site, Gather, offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu using locally sourced ingredients, and is open for weekend brunch, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Home to some of the province’s most stunning fall foliage, Prince Edward County is packed with outdoor opportunities, including sustainable farm visits, vineyard tastings, microbreweries and fall fairs.

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel | Celoron, NY

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is a luxury, four-season waterfront resort on the shores of Lake Chautauqua in the state of New York. Independently owned and operated, the property features generously-sized guestrooms and suites, many of which boast panoramic lake views and balconies, which make for the perfect autumn evening with the addition of a glass of wine.

At the lively Carousel Bar, guests can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and craft beers, while at the Lake House Tap & Grill, American fare and al fresco dining can be enjoyed on the patio.

Plenty of other amenities, like several indoor and outdoor pools, fire pits and an abundance of nature for outdoor activities make Chautauqua Harbor a fantastic place to visit year-round. Part of Lake Erie wine country, Chautauqua County is the largest grape-cultivating county outside of California, and is home to a number of vineyards and wineries that offer unique tastings and award-winning wines.

1000 Islands Harbor Hotel | Clayton, NY

Stationed on the St. Lawrence River, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel is the only AAA Four Diamond Hotel in the 1000 Islands region. It offers 105 handsomely appointed guest rooms and suites, many with panoramic river views and balconies.

There’s also an indoor heated pool and hot tub and a state-of-the-art fitness centre for guests. As the nights get cooler, The Riverside Patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine or a pint around one of the outdoor fire pits. Fine dining is also offered at the Seaway Grille and the 1000 Islands Bar.

Sailing Through the Senses

October 7, 2025

By Mitch McClung

A Riverside Luxury Cruise unveils the flavours, sights, and spirit of France.

“Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.”
Little by little, the bird builds its nest. The gentle French proverb captures the essence of a Riverside Luxury Cruise journey — an experience that layers moments, flavours, and sensations to create a lasting memory of the French Riviera.

Begin in Lyon, arriving a day before the cruise sets sail. France’s third-largest city is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. In the city centre, heritage architecture sits comfortably alongside contemporary hotels and bustling cafés.

Lyon is often called the gastronomic capital of France, home to many celebrated chefs. Bouchon restaurants spill onto cobbled streets, and if you’re unsure where to begin, head to the local food hall. There, you can graze on freshly prepared fish, meats, cheeses, and pastries — all crafted à la minute.

Behind Lyon’s culinary prestige lies a rich history. Its most iconic dishes originate from Les Mères Lyonnaises, an iconic group of women who once cooked for the bourgeoisie using simple, local ingredients. That ethos lives on aboard the Riverside Ravel: thoughtful, seasonal cuisine shared with friends, enhanced by regional wines and warm hospitality.

As the Riverside Ravel ship begins its southbound course, curated on-land excursions offer an ideal blend of activity, culture, and gastronomy. Explore the Fourvière hill and the Renaissance old town, where the legacy of the silk trade and Italianate architecture is still visible.

You’re also welcome to explore on your own. Hop on an e-bike and cruise alongside the Rhône. Let the famous southern mistral wind carry you past countryside trails, vineyards, and roaming sheep. At a hillside winery, enjoy a tasting and perhaps take a bottle of your favourite vintage back on board.

Flavours, Fields, and French Artistry

Every evening, Executive Chef Benoît brings the day’s region to your plate. With ingredients sourced at each port and dishes designed to reflect local traditions, his menus are thoughtfully curated. For something special, reserve a table in the Vintage Room, where Benoît finishes each plate in person and pairs it with hand-selected wines.

In Tain-l’Hermitage, discover how chocolate and wine elevate each other. You’ll learn how ethically sourced cocoa transforms into nuanced, luxurious creations — our favourite was the caramelized “blonde.” Further along, in Viviers, visit the Ardèche truffle farm. Accompanied by his dog Sophie, your host will recount the region’s truffle history and how sustainability revived a once-depleted harvest.

For art lovers, a visit to the Carrières de Lumières near Les Baux-de-Provence is unforgettable. Inside a former limestone quarry, the works of Monet are projected in brilliant detail across massive stone walls. At first completely dark, the space transforms into a moving canvas of brushstrokes and colour, perfectly synchronized with music. You don’t just see the paintings; you feel them.

Souvenirs of the South

Signature events aboard Riverside Luxury Cruises only deepen the connection to place. At Châteauneuf-du-Pape, guests are greeted by a violinist as golden light bathes the vineyard. Inside the cool cellars — walls aged for centuries — wine, cheese, and cured meats are savoured without hurry or pretence.

As the journey drifts deeper into the South of France, the terrain shifts — from manicured vineyards to wild, fragrant lavender fields. The farewell dinner takes place in a vineyard garden, under lemon trees strung with soft lights. It’s a meal shared among friends, rich in laughter, stories, and the scent of citrus blossoms. I reached out to touch a flower, just to see if it was real. It was.

And with that, the proverb returned: Little by little, the bird builds its nest.

For some guests, souvenirs meant a bottle of wine or a silk scarf. For others, an apron in the classic blue-and-white Provençal print. For me, it was this garden. Back in Toronto, after the last frost, I planted lavender and irises — a tribute to the purple hues of Provence. The blooms may only last a few months, but their scent takes me back. Again and again.

Türkiye Is Officially the World Leader in Sustainable Hotels

October 7, 2025

The country has surpassed 2,000 GSTC-certified properties — a global first in responsible hospitality.

When it comes to sustainability, destinations like Costa Rica and Iceland often dominate the conversation. But Türkiye has quietly achieved something unprecedented: it’s now home to more than 2,000 hotels certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) — the first country in the world to implement a nationwide sustainable tourism program recognized by the GSTC.

In 2022, Türkiye became the first nation to sign an official agreement with the GSTC, setting out to align its entire tourism industry — from boutique guesthouses to luxury resorts — with globally recognized environmental and social standards. Two years later, that vision is becoming reality.

“Sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s a journey,” says Dr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism. “We’re proud to lead a global movement that protects our natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.”

Unlike most voluntary certification programs, Türkiye’s Sustainable Tourism Program is mandatory. Every accommodation provider must meet clear benchmarks in energy use, waste reduction, community impact, and cultural preservation.

Certification happens in three phases:

Phase 1: baseline compliance
Phase 2: verified audits
Phase 3: full GSTC certification

More than 16,000 hotels have begun the process, with 2,000 already reaching the top level.

Across the country, the impact is tangible. Cappadocia’s cave hotels are switching to solar power, Antalya’s beach resorts are cutting single-use plastics, and properties like Six Senses Kaplankaya and Argos in Cappadocia are proving that luxury and low impact can coexist.

Meanwhile, the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) supports local businesses through training and awareness campaigns, helping make sustainability an everyday standard rather than an aspiration.

For travellers, this milestone means more than just green labels — it guarantees that every certified stay meets international sustainability criteria. The UN World Tourism Organization has already cited Türkiye’s model as an example for other nations looking to balance growth with responsibility.

From Aegean resorts to Istanbul boutique stays, Türkiye is showing how a destination can scale luxury and sustainability in equal measure.

Abercrombie & Kent Has Released Its List of Where to Go in 2026

October 7, 2025

From Kenya’s newest safari lodge to Peru’s hidden Incan citadel, these are the destinations luxury travellers will be talking about next year.

After years of shifting travel priorities, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of meaningful exploration. According to Abercrombie & Kent, the luxury travel company that pioneered adventure by day and indulgence by night, travellers are looking beyond bucket lists for journeys that connect them more deeply with culture, nature, and purpose.

“Our guests aren’t just seeking beautiful destinations — they want experiences that challenge perspectives and create lasting impact,” says Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about collecting moments that define a lifetime.”

From Africa’s untamed plains to the icy glow of the Arctic north, A&K’s experts have unveiled the destinations that promise the most transformative experiences in 2026.

Kenya: A New Chapter in Safari Luxury

Amboseli National Park, with its views of Mount Kilimanjaro and vast herds of elephants, continues to captivate travellers. In 2026, the debut of Kitirua Plains Lodge — a new A&K Sanctuary property featuring 13 organic suites within a private concession — will elevate Kenya’s safari scene once again. Together with Olonana in the Maasai Mara and Tambarare in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the trio offers a modern circuit for travellers seeking immersive wildlife encounters and hands-on conservation.

Peru: Machu Picchu’s Secret Sister

While Machu Picchu draws the headlines, Choquequirao — accessible only on foot — remains a rarefied destination for those willing to trek. Often called its “sister city,” the archaeological site receives fewer visitors in a year than Machu Picchu does in a single day. A&K’s new Peru: Trek to Choquequirao expedition blends challenge with cultural reward, tracing Incan history from the heights of the Andes to the Sun Gate itself.

Egypt: The Long-Awaited Reveal

Nearly two decades in the making, Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum is finally set to open in November 2025, housing 100,000 artefacts, including all of Tutankhamun’s treasures displayed together for the first time. A&K is marking the moment with the launch of Nile Seray, a sleek 32-suite cruiser offering rooftop pool decks and private access to the Valley of the Kings. For ultimate seclusion, the Zein Nile Chateau, an intimate dahabiya, channels the spirit of Cleopatra.

Lapland: Northern Lights and Nordic Wellness

The aurora borealis will reach its brightest and most frequent peak in over a decade in 2026, making this the year to head north. A&K’s Adventures in Lapland and Christmas in Lapland itineraries combine light-chasing with reindeer sleigh rides, glass cabins, and ice therapy — the kind of coolcation that restores body and spirit beneath a sky ablaze in green and violet.

Madhya Pradesh, India: Tigers Return to the Spotlight

Half a century after Project Tiger began, India’s wild tiger population has soared by more than 160 percent — a conservation success story best experienced in Madhya Pradesh, where new luxury stays such as Oberoi Vindhyavilas await. A&K’s Tailormade Tiger Tracking in India itinerary combines wildlife viewing with visits to tribal communities and rewilding projects, redefining what a modern safari can be.

Mongolia: Life on the Open Steppe

Thanks to new direct flights from Tokyo, Mongolia is finally on the map for cultural explorers. A&K’s small-group journeys — Naadam Festival & Gobi Desert Adventure and Golden Eagle Festival — offer a front-row seat to nomadic life, from wrestling tournaments and horse races to the centuries-old bond between Kazakh hunters and their eagles.

Okavango Delta, Botswana: Privacy, Perfected

In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, remoteness itself is the new luxury. The newly rebuilt Baines’ Lodge, with just six suites suspended above the floodplains, provides a front-row seat to the rhythms of the wild — from dawn safaris to starlit baths on private decks. Expect to see more elephants than people during your stay.

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica: The Wild Coast

Only accessible by boat, Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula offers one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet. On A&K’s Cruising and Wildlife in Costa Rica itinerary, guests explore this pristine region aboard a nine-suite luxury yacht — combining jungle treks, guided snorkeling, and slow mornings at sea.

Seoul, South Korea: Asia’s Next Capital of Cool

As Virgin Atlantic launches new nonstop flights from London in early 2026, Seoul is poised for a global spotlight. A&K’s South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies itinerary uncovers the real city behind the K-wave — from palace architecture and temple stays to cutting-edge design and Michelin-starred dining.

Dolomites, Italy: After the Games

With the 2026 Winter Olympics heading to nearby Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy’s Dolomites are seeing a luxury renaissance. New openings — including Aman Rosa Alpina, Mandarin Oriental Cortina, and the reimagined Hotel Ancora — will welcome guests long after the medals are awarded. A&K’s Venice and the Dolomites trip offers alpine adventure paired with Italian elegance, from cheese tastings to Prosecco picnics in the highlands.

The Hottest New Caribbean Resort Openings to Watch This Season

October 7, 2025

The Caribbean continues to expand its luxury portfolio with an impressive lineup of brand-new properties that deserve a place on your radar. These four resorts are among the season’s most coveted debuts — each offering irresistible inspiration to start planning your next escape.

Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic

Since its August 2025 debut, this adults-only escape has been one of the Dominican Republic’s most buzzed-about openings. Its 500 rooms start at a generous 592 square feet, with the showstoppers being the beachfront suites, where your private terrace leads straight to the sand. Expansive infinity pools seem to spill into the Punta Cana coastline, while 11 distinct restaurants keep every craving satisfied. Add in a full-service spa and a serene, grown-ups-only vibe, and you’ve got a sophisticated sanctuary made for unwinding in style.

Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

Since opening in February 2025, this property has made history as Cuba’s first resort featuring overwater villas. The adults-only sanctuary on Playa Pilar showcases 252 meticulously appointed rooms, including six overwater villas with private infinity pools suspended above crystal-clear waters. The 24-hour butler service and personalized concierge attention reflect a commitment to service excellence, while four restaurants and exclusive beach areas create an intimate luxury experience in Cuba. Managed by Gaviota, the resort marks an exciting new chapter in Cuban hospitality.

Princess Senses The Mangrove, Jamaica

This spectacular resort, which opened in September 2024, has quickly become a crown jewel of Jamaica’s luxury scene. Part of a larger complex with Princess Grand Jamaica next door, the resort encompasses 401 oceanview suites and 14 overwater villas with private infinity pools. The impressive 19,376-square-foot spa complex and six pools create an environment where wellness and indulgence converge beautifully. Guests enjoy access to 14 restaurants and 15 bars across both Princess Senses The Mangrove and the adjacent Princess Grand Jamaica, ensuring endless culinary options, while exclusive Platinum Club room categories elevate the experience through dedicated butler attention and VIP amenities and services.

Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Set to welcome its first guests by year’s end, this 500-room adults-only resort brings a refreshingly modern spin to Caribbean luxury. Embracing a “flexibility over formality” ethos, it caters to travellers who value authentic experiences and laid-back sophistication. Four pools — plus swim-out suites — pair with five specialty restaurants and a speakeasy-style jazz club, while activities like paddleboard yoga, kite-making workshops, and tours of the resort’s eco-garden blend indulgence with a genuine sense of place.

These standout openings reflect the Caribbean’s ongoing evolution as a premier luxury destination, each delivering fresh experiences, world-class dining, and exceptional amenities. With Sunwing Vacations, getting there is effortless thanks to all-inclusive packages from major Canadian gateways, complete with flights, transfers, and every detail handled for a seamless escape.

Stay: The Pearle Hotel & Spa

October 7, 2025

By Rafeena Baksh

A Restorative Stay by the Lake in Burlington, Ontario.

Staycations have become increasingly popular, especially for women trying to balance work and home life. While some involve a short drive for a change of scenery, mine lately have been spent at home — reorganizing kitchen cupboards, folding laundry, and tackling a running list of chores. The result? A Marie Kondo–level tidy home that somehow leaves me more exhausted than before.

In a world where caring for others has become second nature, I’ve realized how easy it is to forget what it feels like to be cared for — or to truly care for myself. So, I decided to ditch the guilt of leaving that overstuffed utensil drawer unorganized and treat myself to a weekend at The Pearle Hotel & Spa. As I drove down Elizabeth Street, glimpses of Lake Ontario’s calm waters set the tone for a tranquil escape. The hotel’s white stucco exterior gleamed in the sunlight, standing out against the deep blue of the lake.

At the front entrance, the valet attendants greeted me with a smile, unloaded my bags, and whisked them away — no juggling luggage through check-in or circling for parking. It was a small but meaningful touch that immediately signalled the start of something different.

Inside, the lobby welcomed me with soft light and a calming scent. Curious, I asked about the fragrance during check-in, and the concierge slid a small square of paper across the counter with a knowing smile: White Tea and Thyme by ScentAir. The aroma was so soothing that I almost missed the architectural showstopper — a spiral staircase that seemed to rise in gentle concentric circles, leaving me feeling perfectly grounded at its centre.

In the corridors, a display dedicated to the hotel’s namesake, Pearle, caught my attention: vintage photographs, a white-stained writing desk, a typewriter, and blue floral wallpaper. The vignette felt like a love letter to balance — a reminder that work and rest can coexist, and that taking time for yourself isn’t indulgent, it’s necessary.

Stepping into my room, I immediately felt the tension of daily life start to fade. The design was serene and modern, with natural white oak and cedar panelling, soft blue hues that mirrored the lake, and a spacious bathroom stocked with green tea, rosemary, and bergamot–scented toiletries. I threw open the curtains and watched a sailboat drift by, the sunlight glinting off the water. It was hard to believe that this calm oasis was less than an hour’s drive from home in Toronto.

Later that afternoon, I picked up a latte and almond croissant from Pearle’s Café, where a softly lit sign on the wall read, Have you eaten today? It struck me — that’s something I ask my family all the time, but rarely hear directed at me. With coffee in hand, I wandered the lakefront path, trading the sound of traffic for the hush of lapping waves. For those who find calm through movement, the hotel’s 24-hour gym is stocked with cardio and weight equipment, ready to fit any routine.

When I returned to my room, I found a handwritten note and a chocolate dessert waiting on the desk. The note, written on a Pearle postcard, was such a thoughtful gesture that it made me smile — and reminded me that I could send that same kind of care to someone else.

Dinner at Isabelle restaurant was a highlight. I arrived early for a cocktail and settled in as the room filled with laughter and conversation. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unobstructed lake view, and as the sun began to set, the whole restaurant seemed to glow. Every dish was fresh and beautifully plated, but the chocolate cake at the end stole the show — a generous slice I told myself I’d save for later (I didn’t).

After a long shower, I wrapped myself in the plush robe, poured a nightcap, and sank into bed for one of the best sleeps I’ve had in months. The next morning, instead of rushing into my usual routine, I ordered breakfast to the room and sat by the window as the morning sun filtered through the curtains. The teas arrived in individual silver pots, turning an ordinary breakfast into something that felt like high tea.

Check-out was effortless, and as I pulled away from the property, I caught a glimpse of the lake in the rearview mirror, the sunlight bouncing off its surface. Then I adjusted the mirror and caught a glimpse of myself — rested, restored, and ready to return home.

Now, when the scent of white tea and thyme lingers in my hallway, it brings me right back to The Pearle’s calm embrace. Luckily, Burlington is less than an hour away — and I’m already planning my return.

Fusion Resorts Debuts Wellness Retreats Across Vietnam

September 23, 2025

Fusion Resorts has announced a trio of immersive retreats launching this fall at select Vietnam resorts. Designed to blend traditional healing practices with contemporary comforts, the properties aim to transform ordinary getaways into restorative journeys.

At Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang, opening Dec. 31, 2025, the spotlight falls on the “Healing Retreat,” a four-day program led by newly appointed wellness master Sanjay Rawat. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in yoga, pranayama, meditation and Ayurveda, Rawat introduces travellers to a holistic reset. Guests move from chakra balancing and re-energizing meditation to sound baths and daily yoga, punctuated by plant-based cuisine that nourishes body and spirit.

Further south, the Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion near Hue builds its practice around the soothing Phong Mai hot springs. The five-day “Pancharakarma Retreat,” available Sept. 7 to 13, 2025, draws from Ayurveda’s ancient detoxifying therapies, combining yoga, meditation and personalized consultations. Treatments such as synchronized full-body massages, Shirodhara warm-oil therapy and Swedana herbal steam are designed to reduce stress, restore inner balance and improve sleep quality.

Rounding out the collection, Maia Resort Quy Nhon will launch the “Full Moon Retreat” on Oct. 31, 2025. Set against the lunar glow of Vietnam’s central coast, the program blends meditation, mindful painting and chakra healing with kayak excursions and sunset yoga. Guests will also sample local cuisine, including nourishing plant-based meals, before winding down at the resort’s beachfront signature restaurant Vị Quê.

Fusion, which operates more than 25 properties across Vietnam and Thailand, is renowned for introducing wellness programming at every level of the guest experience. These new retreats underscore a commitment to helping travellers rediscover balance — whether that means floating in a thermal pool, finding focus through breathwork or simply soaking up the idyllic natural landscapes.

Intrepid’s 2026 Not Hot List Reveals 10 Under-the-Radar Destinations

September 23, 2025

In a world where 80 per cent of travellers visit just 10 per cent of destinations, Intrepid Travel is steering adventurers elsewhere. The company’s 2026 Not Hot List, developed with trend forecasters Globetrender, spotlights 10 places often overlooked but poised to welcome visitors—from Central Asia’s vast mountain ranges to North America’s least-visited national park.

Among the highlights is Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone, newly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2025. Here, travellers can overnight in rainforest lodges and embark on river cruises while supporting local communities that reinvest tourism revenues into conservation and development.

In Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan Mountains, the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail—a grassroots trekking network expanded to 2,000 km—opens up alpine valleys and glacial lakes. Trekkers stay in yurts and share meals with nomadic families, offering a rare glimpse into a way of life largely unchanged for generations.

Closer to home, Great Basin National Park in Nevada remains one of the United States’ quietest parks, drawing just over 150,000 visitors in 2024. With expanded campgrounds and new programming planned, a visit here is both a retreat into solitude and a statement of support for preserving fragile landscapes.

Other destinations on the list include:

Sierra Norte, Mexico, where Zapotec villages operate under a pioneering community-led tourism model.
Vis Island, Croatia, an antidote to overtourism with no airports or cruise stops.
Southeastern Anatolia (pictured in feature image), Türkiye, home to UNESCO sites and renowned culinary traditions.
Arunachal Pradesh, India, celebrating its first Sunrise Festival in 2026.
Via Transilvanica, Romania, a 1,400 km trail dubbed the “Camino of the East.”
Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador, a highland route famed for coffee and culture.
Oulu, Finland, the European Capital of Culture 2026, merging Arctic gastronomy with bold climate programming.

“While some places receive millions of visitors each year, many others go virtually unnoticed,” said Erica Kritikides, Intrepid’s General Manager of Experiences. “Our Not Hot List reflects an approach to tourism we’ve long championed: better tourism, not less tourism.”

For the curious and conscientious, the 2026 Not Hot List is an invitation to take the road less travelled—and to leave a positive impact along the way.

Stay: The Algonquin Resort

September 23, 2025

A fresh look at an iconic hotel in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick.

When The Algonquin first opened in 1889 on the shores of New Brunswick’s Passamaquoddy Bay, it was a grand hotel stop on the Canadian Pacific cross-country railway. The town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, where the hotel sits on a hill, was a place people visited from Quebec and northeast United States to breathe in the restorative sea air and slow down from busy city life.

More than 130 years later, in some ways, not much has changed. An afternoon spent on the resort’s wraparound porch, watching piebald deer wander across manicured lawns, feels as blissfully unhurried today as it did in the 19th century. But in other ways, The Algonquin is entering a new era.

While the hotel’s exterior exudes its historic importance, inside, rooms have been given a modern makeover. With seafoam green and cadet blue decor and wide-panel wooden floors, it’s like stepping into a private maritime cottage; open the window and you’ll have the breeze off the bay drifting in. Grab a complimentary bike or e-scooter from just outside reception and explore town, around the harbour or through the trails in the spruce forest of Pagan Point Nature Preserve. Or schedule a late afternoon game at the hotel’s award-winning golf course, where holes offer incredible views of the water, and catch the sunset while you’re there.

Come evening time, the hotel’s nightly ghost tours lead brave travellers underground through tunnels that connect different parts of the resort. Stories echo off the walls of a former night watchman whose jangling keys can still be heard, lights mysteriously dimming while staff are cleaning and dishes found on the floor of the dining room after tables were set the evening before. And while weather permits, the hotel lights bonfires and sets out blankets on Adirondack chairs, inviting guests to cozy up for a night of stargazing and making s’mores.

Next year, The Algonquin will unveil a two-storey Nordic spa, opening a new chapter in the story of this beloved seaside retreat. The past is rich, but the future looks especially inviting.

What to Do in St. Andrews by-the-Sea

Slip into a flotation suit then take a seat on one of Fundy Tide Runners’ zodiacs for whale watching. The season runs June to October, and while sightings aren’t 100% guaranteed, there’s a high chance you’ll spot a minke whale or two, plus porpoises and harbour seals. For retail therapy, head to Water Street to visit The Nautical Shop for coastal-chic homewares, art and accessories, and Marmalade for Canadian culinary treats, accessories and books.

On the Menu

The Algonquin-Style Classic Gin Martini served at Braxton’s Restaurant and Bar uses gin from First Light, a local small-batch distiller that forages botanicals to capture the essence of the region in its bottles. Paired with the cocktail is a freshly shucked oyster accompanied by dry vermouth mignonette.

It’s in the Details

Accent pieces in the hotel suites tell the stories of the Bay of Fundy’s fishing heritage. The warm glass globe table lamps were inspired by handblown glass fishing floats that help keep nets afloat. The standing lamps, designed by Canadian firm mackaywong, pay homage to the lighthouses that dot the province’s shorelines, with the base inspired by the breaching whale sculpture by artist Ryan Moyes found at Market Wharf.