Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

Checking In: Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

On an island known for its quiet charm, this luxury resort in Anguilla proves that scale and serenity can coexist.

It’s admittedly a bit of a journey to get to Anguilla from Canada, but that’s part of the appeal. Most visitors arrive via neighbouring St. Martin, whose international airport serves as the main gateway, followed by a short ferry ride, rum punch in hand, across impossibly blue water. Pulling up to Anguilla’s modest port feels like arriving on a private island. There’s no mega cruise ship looming offshore, no all-inclusive wristband in sight. Anguilla has long embraced a simple-pleasures sensibility. After all, the island only received electricity in the mid-1970s.

While the vibe remains laid-back, the hospitality scene has evolved. Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is one of the island’s crown jewels, and certainly one of its most expansive. With 178 suites, villas and guestrooms spread across 300 acres, the resort is home to Anguilla’s only golf course, water park and open-air amphitheatre. Its scale is evident from the moment we arrive beneath the palm-lined circular driveway and step toward the whitewashed façade. Inside, a live jazz band plays near the lobby bar as linen-clad guests drift past en route to dinner.

Tokyo Bay Restaurant Aurora Anguilla Resort
Tokyo Bay Restaurant Aurora Anguilla Resort

Our table is at Tokyo Bay, a lively Japanese restaurant that would feel equally at home in Manhattan or Las Vegas (and often draws the same A-list patrons). Executive Chef Joe Richardson sends out a steady parade of dishes: short rib gyoza, bluefin tuna ceviche, grilled king salmon, chicken yakitori, pork belly and soft-shell crab rolls. 

The following morning, we tour Aurora’s hydroponic farm, where rows of lettuce and herbs—some of which appeared on our plates the night before—are harvested daily for use across the resort’s kitchens and cocktail bars. From the upscale D. Richards steakhouse to the more casual Sole di Mare, the culinary program feels considered rather than excessive. There’s a welcome absence of sprawling all-day buffets. Instead, dining here leans toward quality over quantity, with polished plates served just steps from the sand.

The resort is divided into two distinct areas. Merrywing Bay, anchored by a contemporary tower next to the pickleball courts, water park and golf course, tends to attract families and more active travellers. Where I’m staying, along Rendezvous Bay, lower whitewashed buildings house spacious seafront suites in a quieter, more beach-centric setting. Though the property is sizable, it rarely feels crowded. I often have the shoreline nearly to myself, and there’s never a shortage of daybeds by the pool. A polite ask is all it takes to set sail on the resort’s catamaran for an hour-long loop of the bay, with the option to stop for snorkelling.

That sense of exclusivity extends beyond the resort. As Kohn Richardson of the Anguilla Tourist Board puts it, “There’s an understanding among us that we want to preserve the peace. We want to keep the romance of Anguilla being a small island. If there are more than 30 people on the beach, it’s too much.”

At Aurora, that philosophy translates into a blissful balance: the amenities of a large-scale resort paired with the small island feeling that defines the entire destination.

It’s in the Details
Aurora’s onsite Sorana Spa offers a full menu of treatments, from seaweed wraps to beach-stone massages, making it easy to shift into relaxation mode.

On the Menu
From passionfruit mousse to strawberry-pistachio financiers and Paris-Brest, the pastries at the two resort cafés rival those of a top-tier European patisserie.

Room to Book
An Oceanfront Deluxe Suite, complete with a living area and private balcony. Multi-room villas and estate homes are ideal for group getaways.

What to Do Nearby
Book a sunset paddle with Liquid Glow in a clear kayak to spot fish and sea turtles at Crocus Bay. Later, enjoy live music at Dune Preserve, the beach bar owned by Anguillan reggae star Bankie Banx, just steps from the Rendezvous Bay side of the resort.

Best luxury all-inclusive suites in Mexico

Four Luxury Suites to Book in Mexico

The evolution of luxury travel has ushered in a new era where discerning travellers seek more than just premium accommodations – they demand transformative experiences that seamlessly blend comfort and authenticity. Across Mexico's most coveted coastal destinations, a select collection of all-inclusive resorts has risen to meet these elevated expectations, offering suite experiences that redefine the very notion of luxury travel.

Secrets Huatulco Mexico Luxury All-inclusive
Secrets Huatulco Mexico Luxury All-inclusive

Secrets Huatulco: Oceanfront Living

The Preferred Club One-Bedroom Swim Out Suite at Secrets Huatulco represents the pinnacle of refined coastal living, where guests wake each morning to unobstructed Pacific Ocean vistas from their private furnished terrace. This adults-only sanctuary elevates the traditional all-inclusive experience through its exclusive Preferred Club privileges, granting access to a private beach area, dedicated concierge services, and premium top-shelf spirits. The resort’s commitment to luxury extends throughout its carefully curated amenities, from thoughtful spa treatments that incorporate ancient healing traditions to multiple gourmet dining venues helmed by celebrated chefs. Evening entertainment takes on an elevated sophistication, with live music performances and cultural showcases that celebrate Mexico’s rich artistic heritage.

Hotel Mousai Luxury Resort Los Cabos
Hotel Mousai Luxury Resort Los Cabos

Hotel Mousai: Contemporary Elegance

Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Mousai pushes the boundaries of modern luxury with its Corner Suite North, an architectural marvel that maximizes both space and stunning Banderas Bay panoramas from the resort’s North Tower. This adults-only retreat distinguishes itself through avant-garde design elements and cutting-edge amenities that appeal to style-conscious travellers. The property’s rooftop infinity pools create the illusion of swimming into the horizon, while its innovative dining concepts feature molecular gastronomy and artisanal cocktail programs. Guests enjoy personalized butler service and access to exclusive areas designed for ultimate privacy and relaxation.

La Casa de la Playa Cancun
La Casa de la Playa Cancun

La Casa de la Playa: Wellness-Centered Luxury

At La Casa de la Playa in Cancún, the Ocean View Wellness Suite represents a revolutionary approach to luxury hospitality, where opulent accommodations serve as the foundation for transformative wellness journeys. This sophisticated property seamlessly integrates mindful luxury with comprehensive wellness programming, offering guests access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities, rejuvenating spa treatments, and nutrition-focused dining options. The resort’s commitment to holistic wellbeing extends to its thoughtfully designed spaces, where natural light and ocean breezes create an environment conducive to both relaxation and personal growth.

Paradisus luxury resort Los Cabos
Paradisus luxury resort Los Cabos

Paradisus Los Cabos: Swim Up Sophistication

The Reserve Ocean Front Swim Up Suite at Paradisus Los Cabos delivers the ultimate expression of effortless luxury, where guests can transition seamlessly from their elegantly appointed accommodations directly into their private pool area. This adults-only haven represents the evolution of the traditional suite experience, offering unprecedented privacy and convenience while maintaining the highest standards of sophistication. The resort’s comprehensive amenities include world-class golf course access, premium spa services, and exclusive dining venues that showcase both international cuisine and authentic Mexican flavours.

Transform your next vacation into an unforgettable journey of sophisticated indulgence across Mexico’s most prestigious destinations, and book your luxury escape with WestJet Vacations.

Kitirua Plains Lodge

A&K Sanctuary to Open Kitirua Plains Lodge in Kenya’s Amboseli

The stunning new architectural lodge is set to open June 1, 2026.

Kitirua Plains Lodge marks Abercrombie & Kent’s return to Amboseli, and a striking new vision for what safari can look like. This isn’t a standard tented camp, but a design-led retreat conceived to feel entirely shaped by its surroundings, as if it has emerged naturally from the landscape itself . Set on a private 128-acre concession bordering Amboseli National Park, the lodge will unfold across sweeping savannahs and acacia woodlands, where elephant herds roam freely and Mount Kilimanjaro anchors the horizon in the distance.

Just 13 suites — including two two-bedroom options — will be spaced across the landscape, each carefully positioned to capture uninterrupted views of Kilimanjaro. Elevated walkways will connect the main lodge to the suites, maintaining a sense of openness while offering privacy, while a viewing tower with a private dining space will take advantage of the site’s natural contours for panoramic outlooks over the plains.

Kitirua Plains Lodge
Kitirua Plains Lodge

The design story runs deeper than aesthetics. Materials have been sourced locally wherever possible, with most of the furniture made in Kenya using mango wood and African teak, alongside stone quarried nearby. The colour palette will reflect the land itself, from the soft dust tones of the plains to textures inspired by local wildlife, while subtle Maasai influences will appear in the architectural forms and handcrafted details throughout.

Sustainability is integrated into every aspect of the lodge rather than layered on afterward. The property will operate entirely on solar power, use passive cooling techniques to reduce the need for air-conditioning, and recycle water for irrigation. At the same time, local artisans and workers have played a key role in bringing the project to life, ensuring the lodge remains closely tied to the surrounding community.

Kitirua Plains Lodge

Kitirua Plains Lodge signals a shift in what luxury safari travel looks like today — less about excess, and more about thoughtful design, a lighter footprint and a deeper connection to place. For travellers seeking a more contemporary, design-forward way to experience East Africa, Amboseli is firmly back in focus.

Four Seasons Tokyo at Maranouchi

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi is Revamped and Reopening

After a major redesign by André Fu Studio, the boutique Four Seasons steps back onto Tokyo’s luxury scene this spring with just 57 rooms, refined Japanese design and one of the world’s top-ranked restaurants.

One of Tokyo’s most intimate luxury hotels is preparing for a stylish return.

The Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, a boutique property steps from Tokyo Station, will reopen on April 29, 2026 following a comprehensive redesign that refreshes its rooms, suites and public spaces while preserving the residential feel that made the hotel a favourite among in-the-know travellers.

With just 57 rooms and suites, the hotel remains one of the smallest luxury properties in Tokyo — a rarity in a city known for towering hotels. The renovation, led by Hong Kong–based André Fu Studio, reimagines the space through a lens of relaxed luxury inspired by Japanese aesthetics and cosmopolitan design.

Guests will arrive into a lobby conceived as a modern Japanese tea lounge, where washi panelling, muted furnishings and views of a tranquil rock garden create an immediate sense of calm. Throughout the hotel, warm woods, mid-century silhouettes and subtle craftsmanship details give the interiors the feel of a contemporary city residence.

Guest rooms and suites have been redesigned as serene retreats above the energy of Tokyo, with thoughtful touches including cast bronze lighting and delicate sakura-inspired marquetry.

The SÉZANNE suite
SÉZANNE restaurant

Even as the hotel unveils its new look, one signature highlight remains firmly in place: SÉZANNE, the hotel’s acclaimed three-Michelin-starred French restaurant, consistently ranked among the best dining destinations in Asia and the world.

In a luxury hotel landscape increasingly defined by scale, Four Seasons Tokyo at Marunouchi continues to offer something different — a refined, boutique-style stay in the heart of the city, where personalised service and understated design take centre stage.

Reservations are now open for stays beginning April 29, 2026.

Six Senses Whiteley Hotel UK

Six Senses Opens Its First UK Hotel Inside a Historic London Landmark

Set within a reinvented 19th-century department store, Six Senses London blends wellness, design and community in the heart of Bayswater.

London’s historic Whiteley building has seen many lives since opening as one of the city’s first department stores in the 19th century. Now, after years of redevelopment, the landmark address has entered a new chapter — this time as the home of Six Senses London, the brand’s first property in the UK.

Opened on March 1, 2026, the hotel marks a major step in Six Senses’ expanding portfolio of urban sanctuaries. Known for its remote resorts in destinations from Thailand to Portugal, the wellness-focused brand has been carefully bringing its philosophy to cities. London joins Rome and Kyoto as part of this growing urban collection.

And while the setting may be metropolitan, the ethos remains the same: spaces designed to help travellers slow down, reconnect and reset — even in the middle of a busy city.

A Historic Building Reimagined

Located on Queensway in West London, Six Senses London occupies a quarter of The Whiteley, a newly redeveloped mixed-use complex just steps from Hyde Park and a short walk from Notting Hill.

The original building dates back to 1863 and once housed London’s first department store. Today, the restored structure blends its Art Deco heritage with contemporary design.

Interior spaces were created by design studio AvroKO in collaboration with EPR Architects. The result is a hotel that balances heritage architecture with modern touches inspired by nature and wellness.

Inside, the property features 109 guest rooms and suites, many with private terraces overlooking the neighbourhood. The hotel also includes 14 branded residences, allowing longer-term guests to live within the Six Senses ecosystem.

Throughout the building, greenery plays a visible role. Green roofs and seasonal plantings are designed to attract pollinators while bringing a softer, natural element to the urban landscape.

Six Senses Whiteley Restaurant
Six Senses Whiteley pool

A Restaurant Designed for the Neighbourhood

Food plays an important role in the hotel’s community-focused approach.

Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and Café serves modern British cuisine with a relaxed, neighbourhood feel. Rather than positioning itself as a destination restaurant only for hotel guests, the space is intended to become a local gathering place for residents of Bayswater and nearby Notting Hill.

In a city where the best hotel restaurants often double as neighbourhood institutions, the approach feels particularly fitting.

A 2,300-Square-Metre Urban Wellness Hub

Wellness has always been central to the Six Senses brand, and the London property brings that focus indoors in a big way.

The hotel’s 2,300-square-metre spa is designed as a continuous flow of spaces that shift between movement and stillness. The facilities aim to help guests decompress from city life — or simply recharge between meetings and sightseeing.

Highlights include:

  • London’s first hotel magnesium pool

  • A 20-metre indoor swimming pool

  • Cryotherapy and flotation therapy

  • Dedicated recovery and relaxation spaces

  • A longevity clinic

  • A high-tech Biohack Recovery Lounge

  • A fully equipped fitness centre

The spa also features the brand’s signature Alchemy Bar, where guests can blend ingredients to create custom wellness products.

New: Six Senses Place

The London property also debuts a new concept for the brand: Six Senses Place.

Part private members’ club and part wellness hub, the space is designed to bring together a community interested in longevity, wellness and lifestyle programming. Members will have access to spa facilities, social spaces and events designed around connection and personal well-being.

In a city already known for its thriving private club scene, the concept positions Six Senses Place as something slightly different — a space where high-tech wellness and social connection intersect.

A New Era for the Six Senses Brand

Since being acquired by IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2019, Six Senses has been steadily expanding its global footprint. The brand now operates 27 properties across 20 countries, with additional openings planned in destinations including Portugal, Japan and Bangkok.

London’s debut represents a significant milestone — not only because it’s the brand’s first UK hotel, but because it signals how Six Senses is adapting its wellness-first philosophy for city life.

Six Senses Krabey Island Journey Into The Elements Wellness Retreat

Six Senses Krabey Island’s New Ayurveda Retreat Is a Complete Reset

Six Senses Krabey Island’s new five- to seven-day Ayurveda retreat is designed to restore rhythm, clarity and balance on a private island off Cambodia’s southern coast.

Launching in 2026 at Six Senses Krabey Island, Journey Into the Elements is the resort’s most immersive wellness experience to date. Set on a secluded 30-acre private island off the coast of Cambodia, the retreat blends Ayurveda, mindfulness and nature-led therapies into a carefully paced program focused on lasting restoration — not quick fixes.

Rather than filling each day with back-to-back treatments, the experience is intentionally spacious. Silent mornings, guided meditation and elemental practices establish a slower rhythm, encouraging guests to disconnect from constant stimulation and tune back into their physical and mental cues. The tone is immersive without being intense — structured, but unforced.

Six Senses Krabey Island Journey Into The Elements Wellness Retreat
Six Senses Krabey Island Journey Into The Elements Wellness Retreat

Ayurveda underpins the retreat, but it’s presented in a way that feels accessible rather than prescriptive. Each guest begins with a personalized consultation combining traditional Ayurvedic pulse reading with modern bio-assessment tools such as heart-rate variability and sleep mapping. The aim is insight, not diagnosis — a clearer understanding of how the body is functioning and where balance may be needed.

From there, the program adapts to individual priorities, whether that’s digestion, inflammation, joint mobility, sleep quality or mental clarity. The focus stays on sustainable habits and daily rhythm, making the experience feel relevant well beyond the retreat itself.

Programming is shaped around the five elements — Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether — which inform yoga, breathwork, meditation and therapeutic bodywork. Movement practices are gentle and grounding, designed to build strength and mobility without strain. Sound healing and ocean-based meditation draw directly from the island’s natural setting, reinforcing the connection between place and practice.

Targeted inflammation-care therapies include warm oil massage, herbal poultice treatments and mobility-focused yoga designed to support digestion, reduce inflammation and promote long-term joint health. The approach is subtle but cumulative, favouring consistency over intensity.

A highlight of the retreat takes place at the Island Alchemy Bar, where guests craft balancing elixirs using local botanicals such as moringa, tulsi, turmeric and lemongrass. The workshop offers a tactile, grounded way to engage with Ayurvedic principles.

Nutrition follows the same mindset. Plant-forward menus are designed to support digestion and minimize toxins, paired with Ayurvedic cooking workshops that explain how ingredients work together. Meals feel nourishing and satisfying — intended as inspiration, not restriction.

What to Know Before You Go

Journey Into the Elements is offered as a five- or seven-day retreat, with programming tailored through personalized consultations, movement practices, meditation and nature-led therapies. Retreat elements include Ayurvedic pulse diagnostics, modern bio-assessments, inflammation-care treatments, elemental yoga and meditation sessions, botanical workshops and plant-forward meals.

Five-night retreat packages start at $1,100 per night, excluding accommodations. Pricing includes the full wellness program, therapies and workshops, with accommodations booked separately. The retreat launches in 2026, with limited availability to maintain its intimate scale. Bookings can be made by emailing [email protected].

Feynan EcoLodge in Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan

The Road Less Travelled in Jordan

This candle-lit ecolodge on the edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve is designed with purpose.

By Ann Ruppenstein

There are two main ways to reach Feynan Ecolodge—the easy way and the challenging way—and, to borrow from Frost, I stood contemplating the road not taken. After traversing uneven terrain, scrambling over boulders, wading through a stream, and even using my guide’s foot as a stepping stone to navigate steep slopes, somewhere along the 17-km Wadi Ghuweir Trail I began to wonder what it might have been like to take one of the 4×4 shuttles to the off-the-grid lodge instead of relying on my own two feet.

But as the scenery shifted dramatically, from a narrow slot canyon framed by tall red-rock walls to an open oasis lush with greenery and palms, and finally to hillsides dotted with hundreds of grazing goats, I knew I wouldn’t trade these spectacular views for the easy way out. After a brief rest, my Bedouin guide Ameen Saraheen brewed fresh tea over a cliffside fire, and we refuelled with flatbread, tuna, and hummus before continuing on.

Unlike a typical hotel check-in, I felt a true sense of accomplishment when I finally reached the front desk at Feynan Ecolodge and was greeted with warm smiles and a tray of the most refreshing homemade lemonade. The journey had been longer, but far more rewarding.

Jordan Ruins
Ruins in Jordan
Feynan EcoLodge Jordan hands on door
Design details at Feynan Ecolodge

Located on the southwestern edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest nature reserve, the 26-room lodge was designed by architect Ammar Khammash and developed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.

“The idea was to build something modern in sustainability—having the least possible impact on the environment—while benefiting one of the poorest communities in Jordan,” explains Nabil Tarazi, founder and CEO of EcoHotels, which manages the property. “It became one of the first sites in Jordan to implement solar power. Instead of electric lighting throughout, candles are used in most areas—and those candles are produced onsite by local Bedouin women.”

Beyond generating most of its energy from the sun, the ecolodge was founded on supporting the Bedouin families in the surrounding area. For example, all of the bread served at the lodge is made by a local woman, Um Khalid, providing her family’s main source of income.

“She makes our bread three times a day, and we actually pay almost double what you’d pay for a loaf in Amman,” says Tarazi. “The idea is to help her run her own business.”

Meaningful connections with nearby families are a big part of staying here. The lodge links guests with Bedouin guides for treks of varying lengths, from sunrise and sunset hikes to full-day adventures like mine. Even non-guests can arrange excursions, as the Wadi Ghuweir Trail is one of the most scenic stretches of the Jordan Trail, a 675-km route from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south that takes roughly 40 days to complete—a Middle Eastern rival to the Camino de Santiago. For me, one day was enough to capture its essence.

“It’s a whole experience, not just a place to stay,” notes Abeer Tannous, marketing and business development executive for EcoHotels.

Stars visible above Feynan EcoLoge in the dark sky Dana Biosphere reserve
Stars visible above Feynan EcoLoge in the dark sky Dana Biosphere reserve
The Treasury, Jordan
The Treasury

After watching the sunset from a nearby hilltop, I returned to find Feynan transformed by the glow of 200 candles. With no light pollution, the night sky was ablaze with stars. On the rooftop, strewn with comfortable mattresses, I was shown the constellations and learned how Bedouins once relied on the stars to navigate the desert and track the seasons. Through the telescope, Saturn’s rings were crystal clear.

“There’s zero light pollution anywhere on the horizon, which is why the sky comes alive,” says Tarazi. “If you come in August, you can see about 60 meteors an hour during the Perseid shower. We blend technology, like the telescope, with traditional storytelling from the community, whose ancestors lived by the stars. These experiences aren’t scripted; they come from people who know this land best.”

That night, I fell asleep to the soft flicker of candlelight and woke refreshed, ready to explore the lodge’s community experiences. While most excursions are included, certain activities come with a small fee that goes directly to local families.

A short walk brought me to the tented home of Suleiman Hasaseen, made from woven goat hair. There, he taught our small group about the Bedouin tradition of serving Arabic coffee. Joined by his mother, we made Arbood bread—simply flour, salt, and water—baked in hot ashes and served warm with olive oil. Despite its humble preparation, the bread emerged clean and delicious.

When it was time to leave, I opted for a local transfer rather than another long hike. The 8-km unpaved road from the reception centre to the lodge requires a high-clearance vehicle, and Feynan relies on community members to provide transport in their own cars.

“We consciously chose not to pave the road so that locals could continue offering the transfers,” says Tarazi. “Guests are warned they’ll ride in beat-up vehicles, but every dinar goes directly to the driver. Around 45 families benefit from this system—it’s a significant source of income.”

Depending on the season, the lodge supports between 80 and 100 families in the region.

“Aside from having a fabulous, unique experience, we hope guests leave inspired to seek out other places like Feynan—properties that take community and environment seriously, minimize their impact, and give back,” Tarazi says.

Travel for Good

Feynan Ecolodge is featured on the Meaningful Travel Map of Jordan, an initiative by the Jordan Tourism Board North America and the non-profit Tourism Cares. The map highlights sustainable social enterprises and cultural experiences that help travellers support local communities, preserve heritage, and promote environmental conservation. 

Tourism is vital to Jordan’s economy, yet the current Gaza conflict has sharply reduced visitor numbers. Petra, for instance, has dropped from 5,000 daily visitors to just a few hundred.

“The impact has been tremendous, not only from a business standpoint but on the community,” says Tarazi. “Many livelihoods depend on tourism. And Jordan remains extremely safe. Now is actually one of the best times to visit since there aren’t too many tourists.”

Arabic coffee at Feynan Ecolodge
Indigenous Tourism in Canada with Intrepid Tours

A New Chapter for Indigenous Tourism in Canada

A five-year partnership between Intrepid Travel and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada signals a shift toward more meaningful, Indigenous-led travel experiences nationwide.

Travel is changing. More travellers are looking beyond scenery and sightseeing, seeking experiences that offer cultural depth, context, and genuine connection. In Canada, that shift is helping Indigenous tourism move into a new phase — one defined by greater visibility, investment, and long-term opportunity for Indigenous communities.

This winter, Intrepid Travel committed CA$500,000 over five years to support Indigenous tourism development and promotion through a landmark partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). The agreement aims to integrate Indigenous-led experiences more fully into Canadian travel itineraries — not as optional add-ons, but as essential ways of understanding the country.

At the heart of the partnership is a clear goal: by the end of 2026, 75 percent of Intrepid’s Canadian tours will include at least one Indigenous-led experience, with a longer-term ambition of reaching full inclusion across all itineraries. Rather than developing products in isolation, Intrepid will work through ITAC’s national network of accredited Indigenous tourism businesses, ensuring experiences are community-led, culturally grounded, and designed to benefit the people who host them.

ITAC Indigenous Tours in Canada
Images courtesy of ITAC
ITAC Indigenous Tours in Canada

Interest in Indigenous tourism has been steadily rising, driven by travellers who want to engage more thoughtfully with the places they visit. Recent national tourism research shows that more than 60 percent of highly engaged travellers are actively seeking Indigenous-led experiences.

Despite that demand, many Indigenous tourism operators continue to face challenges related to funding, infrastructure, and visibility, particularly in rural and remote regions. ITAC has spent years working alongside First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses to help close those gaps and build sustainable, community-driven tourism economies.

This partnership connects that groundwork to global reach. Over the next five years, Intrepid will invest $50,000 annually into ITAC’s Destination Fund to support the development of Indigenous-led tourism businesses across Canada. An additional minimum of $50,000 per year will go toward promoting Indigenous tourism through media initiatives and marketing efforts, developed in consultation with ITAC to ensure respectful representation and long-term impact.

For travellers, the shift may feel subtle but significant. Indigenous experiences might include guided cultural encounters, storytelling, land-based activities, or community visits that provide insight into both tradition and contemporary Indigenous life. The emphasis is on authenticity and exchange, rather than performance.

Crucially, these experiences are designed to generate meaningful economic benefits for host communities while safeguarding cultural integrity. The aim is not simply to showcase Indigenous culture, but to support self-determined growth through tourism.

Shangi-La Toronto Suite

The Shangri-La Toronto has the Perfect Valentine’s Day Package

It's been a long winter. Here's your sign to treat yourself (and a loved one) to a candlelit Italian dinner and an indulgent overnight stay at Shangri-La Toronto.

This year, Shangri-La Toronto is offering a polished but unfussy way to celebrate Valentine’s Day right in the city. The hotel’s curated experiences are designed to feel intimate and unrushed — ideal for couples who want something memorable without overdoing it.

At the centre of the celebration is Valentine’s Rendezvous at bosk, the hotel’s Northern Italian restaurant. Offered on February 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the four-course dinner is meant to unfold at an easy pace, with live violin music setting the tone, a Valentine’s cocktail to start the evening, and hand-dipped chocolate strawberries to finish.

The menu highlights seasonal Canadian ingredients with Italian flair. Courses include red wine–marinated venison carpaccio with Koziak’s Triple Crunch mustard, beet root spaghetti with goat’s milk fonduta and B.C. spot prawns, and dry-aged striploin served with celeriac purée. Desserts lean elegant rather than heavy, with options like dark chocolate merveilleux with hazelnut praline or a raspberry-and-rose creation finished with rosewater ganache.

Valentine’s Rendezvous dinner at bosk, Shangri-La
Valentine’s Rendezvous dinner at bosk, Shangri-La

Make it a Staycation

For couples who want to turn dinner into a true escape, Shangri-La Toronto’s A Suite Valentine’s Day experience removes the need to head home at all. Guests are welcomed with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and a decadent cake, followed by an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s suites.

A CAD $250 dining credit per night encourages lingering meals or room service, while breakfast for two the following morning keeps things feeling relaxed. Small details make a difference here: fresh florals on arrival, an evening turndown featuring the hotel’s signature tea set and Bathorium bath salts, and flexible check-in and check-out times (subject to availability).

Parking is included as well — a small but appreciated touch for anyone who’s ever hesitated over a downtown stay.

Whether you opt for the dinner, the overnight stay, or both, this is Valentine’s Day done with just enough luxury to make it feel like a real occasion.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil Just Launched a New Multi-City Air Pass for International Travellers

The new Azul Brazil Air Pass allows visitors to explore multiple regions of the country under a single fare, making complex itineraries far easier to plan.

Brazil’s size has always been part of its allure — and its challenge. With rainforests, beaches, wetlands, and megacities spread across a continent-sized country, travellers have often had to choose just one slice of the experience. A newly launched air pass is aiming to change that.

Introduced this January, the Azul Brazil Air Pass allows international travellers to combine multiple domestic flights within Brazil under a single, fixed price. The pass is designed for visitors arriving from abroad who want to explore more than one region without booking separate tickets for each leg of their journey.

Depending on the option selected, travellers can include up to eight destinations in a single itinerary, with stays ranging from 14 to 30 days. Prices start at USD $479 for trips covering up to four destinations, rising to USD $599 for longer itineraries flown entirely on Azul. Options that include segments operated by other airlines range from USD $599 to $799.

The pass is valid for travellers entering Brazil on Azul flights as well as those arriving on other international carriers, making it accessible regardless of how visitors reach the country. It is sold exclusively outside Brazil, primarily through international travel agencies and Azul’s international call centre.

The Historic city of Sao Luis, Maranhao State, Brazil
The historic city of Sao Luis, Maranhao State, Brazil
Iguaçu Falls
Iguaçu Falls in Paraná, Brazil

The launch comes as Brazil sees a surge in international interest. In 2025, the country welcomed approximately 9.3 million foreign visitors — a 37 percent increase over the previous year — underscoring growing demand for longer, more immersive travel experiences.

For travellers, the appeal is practical as much as aspirational: simpler booking, predictable pricing, and the freedom to move between Brazil’s vastly different regions in one continuous trip. Boa viagem!