This hotel in Shanghai is home to the world’s largest indoor snow centre

January 16, 2025 No Comments

IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced Shanghai Snow World Hotel to its fast-growing Vignette Collection, a family of one-of-a-kind hotels in destinations to remember.

The property is now open within the Guinness World Records-certified “World’s Largest Indoor Ski Facility” – Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort – and has 272 rooms and 17 suites with direct access to more than 90,000 square meters of authentic indoor year-round snow.

Shanghai Snow World Hotel is the first new build Vignette Collection property in China and alongside Crowne Plaza Shanghai Snow is one of two IHG brands to open within the Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort development. Both hotels serve the rising demand for ‘ice and snow’ hospitality in China which continues to rise 38% year-on-year according to the China Tourism Academy.

About the Shanghai Snow World Hotel

Shanghai Snow World Hotel, Vignette Collection is a destination for year-round ski getaway inspired by the tranquility and invigorating spirit of the Nordic lifestyle.

Just 30km from Shanghai Disney and Pudong Airport, the hotel caterers to both skiing enthusiasts and snow seekers alike with fast-track access to ski slopes, indoor and outdoor water parks, and a tournament-level ice rink all within reach of its rooms.

Shanghai Snow World Hotel has four unique restaurants and bars, each serving a diverse variety of local delicacies and international flavors. Teppanyaki, located on the 18th floor, and The Peak on the top floor both boast panoramic views of the indoor winter wonderland.

 

The third-floor houses eight versatile meeting rooms ideal for corporate events and personal gatherings, complemented by a dynamic pre-function area fitting for hosting themed events.

For relaxation and fitness, guests have access to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an indoor heated swimming pool.   

For more information and to book visit www.ihg.com/vignettecollection.

Orlando is finally opening its first new theme park for the first time in 25 years

January 8, 2025 No Comments

Orlando is set to welcome more than 25 experiences for 2025, including its first new theme park in over 25 years. 

“For the first time in 25 years, Orlando is on the brink of welcoming an entirely new theme park — a milestone that underscores our position as a top destination this year for travelers worldwide,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “If it’s your first time or you haven’t visited in over a year, consider this your invitation to plan an unforgettable Orlando vacation, creating memories with our world-class theme parks, award-winning dining and new experiences slated to open in 2025.”

New theme parks and attractions

Universal Orlando Resort

  • Universal Orlando Resort‘s Universal Epic Universe will open May 22, featuring over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds
  • Celestial Park immerses guests in living gardens and architecture inspired by astronomy and mythology.
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Fantastic Beasts with the British Ministry of Magic.
  • SUPER NINTENDO WORLD features the iconic green pipes alongside beloved characters Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.
  • How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk offers a vibrant Viking realm inspired by the hit film franchise.
  • Dark Universe reveals Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments and a shadowy realm where monsters roam amid myth and mystery.

Walt Disney World Resort

  • This summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can enjoy two brand-new stage shows: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” inspired by the classic film, and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” with appearances by infamous evildoers.
  • Debuting at EPCOT, Test Track presented by Chevrolet will feature new scenes that highlight technological advances.
  • Two new Walt Disney World lounges will make their debut:
  • A Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge at Magic Kingdom Park.
  • A Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge at EPCOT overlooking the World Showcase.
  • Magic Kingdom Park will debut the “Disney Starlight” nighttime parade this summer.

Other attractions

  • SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers guests an oceanic adventure with diverse marine life and interactive exhibits.
  • Fun Spot Orlando introduces new rides this year at both its locations. On I-Drive, kids can whirl around on Tea Cups or experience high-flying twists on MACH FUN, while Kissimmee visitors can enjoy Swing Around in the Kids Spot area and the Up and Overboard inverted pendulum ride.
  • Gatorland debuted Sweet Tooth’s Candy Shop, a specialty candy store with over 60 varieties of handcrafted chocolates, confections and ice cream.
  • Blue Man Group returns April 3 with a new home at ICON Park featuring the show’s signature mix of art, live music, comedy and audience participation.

Go beyond the theme parks

New dining experiences 

  • East End Market welcomes a two-in-one concept: Rion’s Ocean Room, which opened in fall 2024, and Gyukatsu Rose, set to open in early 2025.
  • The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers opened in October at Disney’s BoardWalk and features savory and sweet options, along with afternoon tea service.
  • Epilogue, a new adults-only speakeasy, opened at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort in October. The intimate lounge features library-inspired decor and a variety of themed cocktails.
  • Moso Nori, a Japanese hand-roll bar concept by James Beard Award finalist and Michelin-recognized chef Henry Moso, opened in November in Winter Park.
  • Alien Treats, an alien-themed dessert shop in downtown Orlando, specializes in out-of-this-world space-themed and freeze-dried candies, milkshakes, and ice cream.
  • The Lake Nona Wave Hotel introduced Garni Café – an all-day French bistro – and The Nectar Room – a cocktail lounge – to the hotel’s award-winning dining scene.
  • Oza Izakaya is now open near SeaWorld Orlando, highlighting a blend of the Japanese izakaya setting and omakase style of dining.
  • Lorelai Wine Bar opens in February in downtown Orlando, offering European wines and shareable plates.
  • The Glass Knife opens its second location on Park Avenue in Winter Park this spring, serving elegant pastries and desserts, plus breakfast, lunch and brunch.

New and reimagined places to stay

  • Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, a Disney Vacation Club addition, opened in December offering villas with kitchens and patios, plus two-bedroom penthouses featuring lagoon and Magic Kingdom views.
  • Universal Stella Nova Resort, opening Jan. 21, and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening Feb. 25, will add 1,500 guest rooms to Universal Orlando, featuring 750 double-queen rooms, diverse dining, resort-style pools, game rooms and more.
  • Universal Helios Grand Hotel by Loews, opening in May, will have a dedicated entrance into the new Universal Epic Universe. The 500-room, 35-suite property features in-room tablets for digital controls, plus a rooftop bar, three-meal restaurant, pool bar and grab-and-go station.
  • Upon completion in early 2025, Villatel Orlando Resort will have 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes, plus an adventure waterpark with multi-story slides and lazy river, fitness center, full-service restaurant and playgrounds.
  • Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World Resort unveils 365 newly renovated cabins this spring.
  • The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin completes its remodel of Swan guest rooms and debuts refreshed meeting spaces boasting a modern design and upgraded event technology.

The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok is now open

December 30, 2024 No Comments

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok is officially open, introducing a world-class hotel that offers unparalleled hospitality and immersive cultural experiences.

Part of the Luxury Group portfolio by Marriott International, the hotel is set in an alluring 216-meter-high tower at One Bangkok, the largest holistically integrated district and a world-class business and lifestyle destination in the heart of Bangkok.

Overlooking the serene lawns and lakes of Lumpini Park, this destination offers a refreshing retreat amidst the bustling energy of the city, transforming guest experiences through intuitive service and unforgettable moments.

About the Ritz-Carlton Bangkok

A seamless blend of classic Thai artistry and contemporary design, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok’s rooms and suites embody a spirit of cultural exchange. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views, while many guestrooms offer private loggias and terraces overlooking the lush expanse of Lumpini Park.

Guests are invited to choose from the spacious 50-square-metre Deluxe Rooms, the exquisitely appointed 102-square-meter Gardenia Suites, or the enchanting 127-square-meter Marigold and Amaranth Suites.

Atop the hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Suite crowns the property as a 389-square-meter penthouse, offering an unrivaled setting for the most luxurious of escapes.

Perched on the 23rd floor, The Club Lounge is an exclusive and inviting retreat adorned with locally sourced treasures, offering an atmosphere of privacy and sophistication. Featuring five daily culinary presentations in a serene setting, the lounge is a key element of The Ritz-Carlton Club experience, which includes seamless check-in with a dedicated Club Concierge and bespoke in-room amenities for an unparalleled level of personalized service.

Three exceptional dining experiences transport guests through distinct culinary worlds, each offering its unique take on flavour and atmosphere.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a haven of tranquility, where guests can rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul. The sophisticated sanctuary fosters well-being with five exquisite treatment rooms, a couple’s spa suite, and a relaxing pod, complemented by a state-of-the-art fitness centre designed for invigorating workouts.

Nestled amidst the lush greenery, two sparkling swimming pools – including a dedicated kids’ pool – offer refreshing retreats from the tropical climate. Meanwhile, young explorers are engaged and entertained at the Ritz Kids Club, where spirited activities await.

For more information, visit www.theritzcarltonbangkok.com.

St. Kitts Ritz-Carlton will break ground in 2025

December 27, 2024 No Comments
The St. Kitts Ritz-Carlton Resort Hotel and Residences is set to break ground in 2025.
 
This monumental development marks a new chapter for the island’s hospitality and real estate offerings, positioning St. Kitts as a premier luxury destination in the Caribbean.
 
Situated on the picturesque Southeast Peninsula, The St. Kitts Ritz-Carlton Resort Hotel and Residences will feature 125 guest suites, 10 branded villas, and 15 branded condominium residences. Amenities will include a luxury spa, multiple swimming pools, exceptional dining options, The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club, the Ritz Kids Club, and many other amenities designed within a ‘Kittitian Village’ concept.
 
This innovative layout blends modern luxury with the island’s natural beauty, creating an unforgettable experience for travellers.

 

Exploring St. Kitts

St. Kitts has something for every traveller, whether it’s hiking through lush rainforests, delving into history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, or soaking up the sun.

Visitors can enjoy scenic catamaran cruises, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or unwind by the sea. Adventure enthusiasts can get their adrenaline fix with zip-lining or ATV excursions, while food lovers can savor delicious Caribbean cuisine and immerse themselves in the island’s vibrant cultural experiences.

Construction on the property is anticipated to begin by the third quarter of 2025. The St. Kitts Ritz-Carlton Resort Hotel is expected to open in the second quarter of 2028.

Reaching St. Kitts is simple and convenient, with seasonal, non-stop flights with Air Canada and US airline connections through major gateways.

Visitors are reminded to regularly check the St. Kitts Tourism Authority website ( www.visitstkitts.com ) for updates and information.

Four Seasons is opening a flagship property in Puerto Rico

December 23, 2024 No Comments

Four Seasons and Paulson Puerto Rico have announced plans for the leading hospitality and branded residential company to assume management of a resort and residences in Bahia Beach, Rio Grande.

The opening will mark the entry of Four Seasons to Puerto Rico and the continued expansion of the renowned luxury brand in the Caribbean.

Located on 483 acres along Bahia Beach, the property is seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings, allowing guests and residents to immerse themselves in the beauty of Puerto Rico. The local surroundings will continue to be preserved, with interiors undergoing renovations before unveiling as Four Seasons Resort Puerto Rico in late 2025.

Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Puerto Rico will offer 139 reimagined rooms and suites and 85 Private Residences, with additional existing units that will join the residential portfolio upon the property’s reopening as a Four Seasons experience.

The property is ideally located a short 30-minute drive from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

Inside the Park Hyatt New York suite that costs $50,000 a night

December 18, 2024 No Comments

Park Hyatt New York unveils its latest masterpiece, the Manhattan Suite, located on the hotel’s 25th floor and now available for stays starting at $50,000 per night with a two-night minimum.

Representing a $10 million investment, this exclusive suite, complemented by two additional connecting suites, forms an expansive 3,500-square-foot retreat with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two powder rooms, and two balconies, accommodating up to 10 guests. With sophisticated furnishings and distinctive design elements, the Manhattan Suite offers an unparalleled residential experience, exuding refined elegance and showcasing breathtaking 180-degree views of Manhattan’s iconic skyline.

Debuting during the hotel’s 10th anniversary this year, the suite marks a significant milestone in Park Hyatt New York’s multi-million-dollar renovation, celebrating a decade of luxury and innovation.

About the suite

The Manhattan Suite features a bespoke art collection and over 50 New York and art-inspired coffee table books, meticulously arranged to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Curated by Tatar Art Projects, this ensemble includes works by renowned artists, authors, sculptors, designers, and artisans whose creations have graced prestigious venues such as the Guggenheim Museum.

Sawyer & Company, the New York-based boutique design studio, crafted the interiors to reflect the city’s creative spirit while paying tribute to the hotel’s rich artistic heritage. Nearly 18-foot floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of the striking skyline and Central Park allow natural light to fill the space during the day and the city lights to dazzle at night. The spacious living area is elegantly designed to host social gatherings or facilitate meetings, featuring a dining table for eight and a Bernardaud dinnerware collection. The kitchen is equipped with premium Miele appliances—including a built-in microwave and wall oven, induction cooktop, 24-inch fully integrated dishwasher, and a Master Cool fridge-freezer—bringing a sense of refined residential comfort to this luxurious setting. The primary bedroom in the Manhattan Suite also includes a private bar, complete with a renowned wine selection.

Guests can indulge in restful sleep with soft Sferra linens on Bryte Balance king-size beds, equipped with AI-powered, multi-sensory technology that helps combat jet lag, promote quicker sleep, and ensure deeper rest. The lavish bathrooms further enhance the stay, featuring Le Labo amenities and the latest hair dryer from renowned stylist Rossano Ferretti. The opulent master bathroom offers a dual vanity, a walk-in rain shower functioning also as a steam room, an oversized marble soaking tub, heated marble floors, a Toto electric toilet, and bidets.

Additional amenities

The Manhattan Suite experience is elevated with exclusive amenities such as a dedicated concierge, a personalized welcome gift, a refrigerator and mini bar stocked to guests’ preferences, and the option for custom embroidered robes or pillowcases. Guests can also enjoy complimentary daily breakfast, indulgent spa treatments at the award-winning Spa Nalai, and seamless airport transfers to and from local NYC airports.

Additional enhancements available upon request for a fee include private jet transfers to New York City provided by Advent Jets, a personal in-suite chef tasting dinner, and a private hour in the indoor saltwater swimming pool, complete with a curated underwater playlist. Guests also have the option to have a Peloton bike delivered to the suite for an invigorating workout. They can further immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of New York City, thanks to the hotel’s prime location near iconic landmarks such as Central Park, Carnegie Hall, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and Lincoln Center, offering an array of enriching cultural experiences to explore.

The introduction of the Manhattan Suite complements the recent debut of the Hairspa by Hair Maestro Rossano Ferretti in June, setting the stage for forthcoming renovations that will feature a redesigned Spa Nalai and reimagined specialty suites, all equipped with Bryte Balance beds for enhanced comfort. These new developments are part of Park Hyatt New York’s celebration of its 10th anniversary, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to continual luxury and innovation.

For more information on Park Hyatt New York, visit www.parkhyattnewyork.com.

Dart adds luxurious Zemi Beach House in Anguilla to hotel portfolio

December 16, 2024 No Comments

Dart has added the Zemi Beach House Anguilla to its hotel portfolio. Dart acquired the property from the Goldstein family of New York which developed and has operated the resort since its 2016 opening.

Located on six-acres along the serene shores of Shoal Bay on Anguilla’s north coast, Zemi Beach House is known as an intimate boutique hideaway with 77 rooms and expansive amenities.

Dart’s growing hospitality portfolio centres on luxury resorts including the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Awarded Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman as well as Conrad Orlando at Evermore, an 1,100-acre resort community developed by Dart Interests and opened in 2023.

About Zemi Beach House

Part of LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s luxury collection brand, Zemi Beach House is located on six acres along Anguilla’s serene Shoal Bay East.

The 77-room enclave offers a range of accommodations from superior and premium guest rooms to two- and three-bedroom penthouse suites and beachfront suites. Designed by internationally renowned Caribbean architect Lane Pettigrew, the property’s architecture pulls inspiration from Anguilla’s natural environment and blends modern, clean lines with classic Caribbean building details.

The intimate boutique indulges guests with expansive amenities including two restaurants, three lounges, three pools, more than a mile of sandy beach and a 15,000 square foot spa set in an authentic 300-year-old Thai house.

For more information, visit zemibeach.com.

Going to great depths in Franconian Switzerland

December 13, 2024 No Comments

Ann Ruppenstein sets foot on a rocky journey through Germany’s most cavernous region, discovering the quaint towns, hiking trails and hidden wonders that await.

One thing to know about Franconian Switzerland is that, despite its somewhat misleading name, it’s not actually in Switzerland. 

Located in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany, the region filled with unusual rock formations and picturesque villages set in the foothills of mountains first garnered attention for its natural caves at a time when hiking was still on the cusp of becoming a widespread idea. 

“At this time, in the beginning of the 19th century, hiking wasn’t a concept that existed. Why would you go for a walk somewhere without any purpose?” said Johannes Stemper, a nature park ranger at Riesenburg, a cave ruin with natural bridges and arches with rock formations that trace back to the Jurassic age 201.4 million years ago.

Receiving its name from the Romantics, who were poets, artists and literates of the 19th century, the region’s namesake was attributed to its comparisons of Switzerland. “At this time Switzerland was the stereotype for beauty and culture and landscapes,” Stemper said.

In the 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment (an intellectual and philosophical movement in Europe from the 17th and 18th centuries), Franconian Switzerland was visited by students from the nearby University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, who set out to explore some of the caves in the area and unintentionally helped establish the destination as a hotspot for natural wonders. 

“Before the Age of Enlightenment, no one would have ever dared to go into a cave because it was the place of the devil — the place of evil and darkness,” Stemper said.

AN UNUSUAL DISCOVERY

Upon exploration of the caves, the students found strange animal bones and skeletal remains.

“They could not explain these animals because they were extinct,” Stemper said. “It turned out to be cave bears, cave hyenas, and even cave lions. They published their findings and in the society of educated people, it was a really big thing.”

In the weeks and months that followed, scholars and educated townsmen flocked to the area to set foot in the region’s caves for themselves, inevitably triggering the start of tourism in Franconian Switzerland.

To this day, Franconian Switzerland, located southwest of Bayreuth, is still known for its caves, including intricate limestone caves formed over millions of years. 

“We still have more than 1,000 caves in different shapes, many with big rooms connected to tiny corridors where you have to crawl through,” Stemper said. 

WHERE TO GO

Closeby on the outskirts of Pottenstein, where Rabenstein castle is perched on a hillside overlooking the charming town, a quite literal hellish dripstone cave called the Devil’s Cave (Teufelshöhle) exists. It has long lured visitors inside with its mixture of folklore, outer worldly stalagmites and stalactites, and an original skeleton of a cave bear that roamed the area some 30,000 years ago.

It’s believed that Devil’s Cave got its name because many animals would vanish into the cave, something that locals attributed to an act of the Devil. Much later, the remains of these animals were found within the cave’s walls. Rather than the handiwork of the Devil, these livestock actually met their untimely demise by falling to their deaths.

Today, the cave is also known to have therapeutic benefits used to help treat lung ailments, but most people come to take part in a guided 45-minute tour through some of its most unique features and to view the piles of animal bones scattered throughout. 

A trip to Pottenstein is often paired with a stop in the village of Tüchersfeld, where unique limestone rock formations jet out behind half-timbered houses.

About an hour’s drive from there lies another highlight of Germany’s lesser known natural side — the largest rock labyrinth in Europe. The Luisenburg in the middle of the Fichtelgebirge mountain range offers hiking trails through, above and around granite rocks and huge boulders surrounded by caves and gorges.

With several thermal spas nearby, the area is also popular for wellness and relaxation and forest bathing experiences. 

This article first appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to read the digital magazine. Click here to subscribe to the print magazine.

Sandals Resorts adds very “suite” upgrades in Jamaica & Saint Lucia

December 11, 2024 No Comments

Sandals Resorts has introduced several new suite experiences across its portfolio of adults-only, all-inclusive Caribbean resorts.

These include four-bedroom butler villas and Skypool Suites with rooftop terraces, as well as additional next-generation rooms like the guest-favourite Rondoval Villas and reimagined beachfront and bluff view rooms.

Newly renovated villas at Sandals Ochi, including the Two-Bedroom and Four-Bedroom Butler Villas with Private Pool, are now offered as a bookable package for immediate stays.

Creating the perfect escape for a friends’ getaway, the new “FOMO: Fear of Missing Ochi” package takes care of everything, from a VIP Beach Club Day and US$350 experience credit to an in-villa private dining experience so that guests can laze by the private pool, explore the lore of Ocho Rios or vibe to the beats of the resort’s exclusive Ochi Beach Club. The package is available to book through Jan. 31, 2025 for travel now through Dec. 26, 2026.

Now available to book

New One-Bedroom Skypool Butler Suites with Roof Terraces are also available to book now at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay for arrivals on Feb. 1, 2025. These elevated suites take the guest favourite Skypool suites to the next level, offering unparalleled ocean views, spacious living and dining areas, and ample space to unwind.

As part of the new Balmoral building set on the ocean, the suites focus strongly on design and feature contemporary coastal Caribbean details, drawing inspiration from the blue waters and white sand of its setting. This expansion comes after the room category’s earlier debut at Sandals Negril, which quickly became one of the most sought-after suites at the resort.

Additional Rondoval villas

Sandals is introducing additional Rondoval Villas across the portfolio as well, expanding and elevating a guest-favourite room design.

At Sandals Regency La Toc in Saint Lucia, nearly two dozen Rondoval Butler Villas with Private Pools – eight of which will also feature a private rooftop – are now available to book for March 1, 2025 arrivals.

Inspired by Saint Lucia’s tropical charm, the villas’ sleek, modern design features light, airy tones that seamlessly tie in the serene outdoor setting into the lush getaway through glass doors. At Sandals Royal Curaçao, several Asombroso Rondoval Butler Villas with Private Pools are also available to book now, offering a secluded getaway for travellers and a taste of what’s to come in Saint Lucia.

Additional new room types across the portfolio include refreshed and reimagined beachfront suites with outdoor tranquility soaking tubs at Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, two-story bluff villas with private patios and pools at Sandals Regency La Toc, and additional swim-up and skypool suites at Sandals Negril.

Bookable now through Dec. 23, 2024, guests who bask in the Caribbean a little longer can receive additional savings with up to US$1,000 off plus one free night on stays of at least seven nights at select Sandals, and up to US$400 off plus one free night for stays of seven nights or longer on select room categories at Beaches.

Whales, trails and Viking tales await in Newfoundland and Labrador

December 6, 2024 No Comments

Western Newfoundland and Labrador have long been on my list of places to visit for barren wilderness–and remarkable human migration history at its furthest reaches. When it’s not about flavourful seafood, sweet berries and sweeping history, Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula is all about wild, wild nature. Whales breach and icebergs glisten just offshore a tuckamore laden coastline. Add in Labrador—a landscape with granite boulders strewn like a giant’s marble game—and you have an incredible drive.

WALK THE MANTLE OF THE EARTH

Heading north up the 526-kilometre Viking Trail (Route 430), the first detour for our carful of friends was Gros Morne National Park to stroll the UNESCO-designated Tablelands Trail.

With its red, Mars-like terrain, a half billion years ago, the Tablelands lay below sea level, until shifting plates forced ancient continents together and thrust up the ocean floor.

In the park’s northern section, we walked an orchid-dotted trail to reach a boat tour on Western Brook Pond, the most dramatic way to experience this inland fjord, where waterfalls descend from green 600-metre cliffs higher than Toronto’s CN Tower.

A BASQUE WHALING STATION ON LABRADOR

Continuing to St. Barbe, we traversed the Strait of Belle Isle to Labrador and loaded our car onto the Blanc-Sablon Ferry, which takes roughly two hours to cross. Fares range from $9.50 for a senior to $35.25 for a vehicle and driver and depart morning and afternoon every day from May 1 to Jan. 7 and once in the morning Jan. 8 to April 30.

Here, we spotted our first berg. Rapt by the dramatic coastal bluffs, we drove an hour north along Labrador’s Expedition 51 route to Red Bay Basque Whaling Station National Historic and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the best preserved example of early industrial scale whaling anywhere in the world.

Inside the station, a massive 400-year-old bowhead whale skeleton, as well as an original whaling boat are on display. On the site’s west side, a couple of us climbed 689 steps up Tracey Hill for an expansive—and very breezy—view of the sheltered harbour.

WHALE WATCHING IN NEWFOUNDLAND

Back on Newfoundland, we continued north up the Viking Trail to where the road meets the saltwater at St. Lunaire-Griquet.

Clad in flotation suits and looking like a waddle of orange penguins, we marched into Zodiacs with local tour operator, Dark Tickle Expeditions, and headed out into the heart of Iceberg Alley. Operating from mid May to Oct.1, the company runs public tours (private charters are also available) for viewing icebergs, whales, dolphins or birds.

Peak viewing season for icebergs is typically from late May to early July for icebergs, early June to late August for humpbacks, minke and fin whales, late July to late September for Atlantic white beaked dolphins and early June to mid-August for Arctic terns, guillemots and kittiwakes.

We circled a massive one glistening in the sunshine, revealing contoured blue and white striations.

While zooming out to another unique berg, guide Mo Hyduk, declared “I think we have whales, people!”

Motoring up the coast, we watched in awe as two humpbacks fed in White Cape Harbour, one breaching in front of us.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VIKINGS

Continuing even further north up the Great Northern Peninsula, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site —remains of an 11th century basecamp—depict the Vikings earliest landing on North America about one thousand years ago.

The visitor centre leads you through the tales of exiled murderers and Viking explorers who came from Greenland to establish an outpost. While the centre is full of intriguing artifacts—such as Icelandic fire starters and bronze cloak pins—the Viking encampment in the distance beckoned. This place at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula felt like the end of the world.

Past the low berms—remains of what would have been sod dwellings—a large, reconstructed sod hall is filled with weapons and sheepskins. Viking interpreters sat around the fire, telling stories while crafters wove sailcloth and spun wool.

History in Newfoundland and Labrador, whether cultural or geological, is captivating. Being outdoors at these sites, however—walking a windswept point, climbing ancient granite, or cruising a sheltered bay—was what entrenched me fully in the experience. And what made the Great Northern Peninsula memorable.

This story first appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to read the digital magazine. Click here to subscribe to the print magazine.