You can now fly directly to Medellín from Toronto

May 19, 2025 No Comments

Air Transat continues to explore new horizons in South America with the launch of an exclusive new route between Toronto (YYZ) and Medellín (MDE)*, via Cartagena (CTG).

This new twice-weekly service will connect Canadians with one of Colombia’s most dynamic and mountainous cities, while also improving access to the popular destination of Cartagena.

“Adding Medellín to our network reflects our desire to expand our network while meeting a real demand from our clients for both leisure travel and family reunions,” said Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer. “This expansion is in line with our strategy of targeted growth from Toronto, focusing on high-potential markets such as Colombia.”

The new service will also add a frequency to the flight schedule to Cartagena from Toronto, strengthening Air Transat’s presence in this destination of choice. This innovative approach enables the airline to optimize the use of its fleet while serving cities that are not yet easily accessible by direct flight from Canada.

Details of Air Transat’s full winter 2025-2026 program, including the start date of operations and the opening of sales, will be announced soon.

St. Kitts & Nevis introduces mandatory electronic travel authorization

May 16, 2025 No Comments
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has launched a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, effective May 26, 2025.

This innovative digital system will modernize the way visitors enter our beautiful twin-island nation, ensuring a seamless, efficient, and secure travel experience.

Additionally, the eTA will help Saint Kitts and Nevis remain an open and welcoming destination while ensuring safer borders, reinforcing security for both citizens and visitors.

How to apply for an eTA

Every visitor must present an approved eTA before departing their country of origin and on arrival in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The mobile app, St. Kitts and Nevis e-Border, is the fastest and most convenient way to complete the eTA. It can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices from May 26, 2025.

If you cannot use the app, you can complete your eTA at www.knatravelform.kn. The eTA can be completed within five minutes and will streamline processes on arrival, delivering an unparalleled visitor experience.

The process involves:

  • Filling out a secure online application
  • Providing basic travel details and required documentation
  • Receiving approval electronically before travel

The system is available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for visitors worldwide.

The eTA application can be submitted up to 90 days before travel. When applying, travellers will be subject to a discounted US $8.50 service charge until Sept. 1, 2025, when the standard service charge of US $17 will take effect. The eTA will be valid for 90 days or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.

Visitors who use the mobile app to apply will qualify for Fast-Track Arrival, using a non-stop Facial Biometric Corridor (available from June 2, 2025).

Staycation: Self indulgence awaits at The High Acre in Dundas, Ontario

May 14, 2025 No Comments

Opened in 2023 inside a restored 1867 Victorian farm house in Dundas Ontario, The High Acre is an exceptional adults-only boutique inn that exudes quiet luxury.

With just four beautifully-appointed suites, The High Acre provides an opportunity to disconnect and enjoy an intimately personal getaway, with minimal disruptions.

The suites, which sleep two people, feature a private infrared sauna, a hammam-inspired steam room, and a free-standing soaker tub, meaning guests can skip the hassle of booking an appointment and enjoy spa-like relaxation at any time of day. The hammam is enhanced with a handcrafted essential oil blend from certified clinical aromatherapist Marianne Toupalik, promoting deep breathing and refreshing the senses using notes of eucalyptus, grapefruit and peppermint. Additionally, guests can practice self-care through yoga, meditation, and breathwork, with guided sessions available in the suite or the on-site studio. Other shared amenities include a heated outdoor hot tub and an outdoor heated pool, open May 1 to October 1. 

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Each of the spacious rooms features a blend of modern furniture, luxurious linens and cozy amenities like plush bedding, soaker tubs, flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and individually controlled heating and cooling systems. Ensuite bathrooms are equipped with upscale toiletries, fluffy towels, and bathrobes for added comfort. All of the rooms also feature fireplaces, lounge areas, and a full kitchen, making them perfect for romantic getaways or extended stays. 

Guests can enjoy a breakfast spread of freshly baked croissants, farm fresh eggs, jam and butter, and a selection of coffee and tea from the comfort of their rooms, in the inn’s cozy dining area, or on the outdoor patio in the warmer months.

What to do in Dundas

Dundas, roughly 15 minutes from Hamilton, is a small town with a big personality.

It’s close to several hiking trails, including those within the famous Niagara Escarpment and Royal Botanical Gardens. For the best panoramic views, head to Dundas Peak, tucked along the Bruce Trail. Several waterfalls, including Tew’s Falls (the tallest waterfall in Southern Ontario) and Webster’s Falls, are less than a five-minute drive away from The High Acre.

Nearby cultural landmarks include the Art Gallery of Hamilton and Dundurn Castle, whose gardens boast beautiful blooms from May to October.

Downtown Dundas is home to a handful of restaurants, cafes and charming boutiques, making it a pleasant spot to spend an afternoon strolling, dining, and shopping.

Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. is the main brewery in Dundas, and it offers a fantastic selection of craft beers and their signature beer pie pizzas. Wine lovers can explore the abundance of vineyards found in Niagara-on-the-Lake, approximately an hour’s drive from Dundas.

This article first appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of OFFSHORE Travel Magazine. Click here to access the digital version. Click here to subscribe to the newsletter.

Discover the spirit of Antigua on a luxury catamaran

May 5, 2025 No Comments

For travellers craving immersive and adventurous exploration on their next beach vacation, TradeWinds’ curated sailing itineraries in Antigua offer a novel way to access the island’s beauty.

Rather than being limited to a single location, guests aboard a TradeWinds luxury catamaran experience Antigua from the sea, visiting the sandy beaches of the west side, shallow reefs teeming with sea life on the north, and deep blue waters ideal for fishing along the south and east coasts—all without the hassle of unpacking or planning logistics.

Each day aboard a TradeWinds yacht brings a new anchorage, complemented by excursions on land and below the surface: guided hikes to panoramic viewpoints like Shirley Heights for an epic Caribbean sunset, snorkeling and diving over vibrant reefs, behind-the-scenes tastings at a local gin distillery, and a stroll through historic Nelson’s Dockyard. Guests return to a floating base outfitted for comfort—well-appointed private cabins with en suite baths, chef-prepared meals, and the easy rhythm of a small group led by an experienced crew.

What it's like on board

You wake to coffee and a spread of fresh fruit and baked goods on the aft deck, the water calm around you as the crew preps for departure.

As the sails go up, you relax on the comfy lounges on the foredeck, watching the coastline recede. A bit later, the anchor drops in Deep Bay where you slip on a mask and fins and swim out to explore the wreck of the Andes, a 120-year-old steamer that caught fire here en route to Peru. Back onboard, lunch is served—grilled fish, bright salads, cold rosé.

The afternoon unfolds slowly: a leisurely walk along the beach, a try at paddleboarding in the shallows, maybe a nap in the shade. As the sun drops lower, you hike up to Fort Barrington. From the top, the view opens wide—Antigua, Redonda, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis in the distance. You head back just in time for dinner and drinks under the stars.

An effortless way to travel

With room for just 10 guests across five cabins, TradeWinds yachts offer a rare blend of privacy and camaraderie. Cabins feature queen beds and en-suite baths. The flybridge and aft cockpit feature plenty of space to hang, while the aft platform is ideal for lounging or plunging into the sea.

Your luxurious floating home moves with you, bringing you to lesser-known beaches and bays with minimal footprint and maximum ease.

Travellers conscious of their eco footprint will want to book their Antigua sailing adventure aboard Ohana, one of four electric-powered yachts in TradeWinds’ fleet. Across all TradeWinds vessels, crews use non-toxic cleaning supplies and avoid single use plastics. Locally sourced, low-impact menus are part of a broader commitment to sustainability and community support.

A TradeWinds’ seven-night sailings in Antigua start from $7,700 per cabin. This rate includes meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage, and daily excursions. TradeWinds fleet of more than 40 catamaran yachts operation in the Caribbean, Europe, the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.  Learn more about TradeWinds Experience at www.trade-winds.com. 

A&K adds new small group journeys to some of the world’s most remote places

April 25, 2025 No Comments

Abercrombie & Kent is introducing a collection of Small Group Journeys to some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich destinations.

This new 2025 fall lineup delivers immersive adventures far from the crowds, from Norway’s Lofoten Islands to Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats and Mongolia’s Altai Mountains, blending luxury, culture, and adventure.

Norway’s Wild Lofoten Islands: Explore the scenic and cultural wonders of the remote Lofoten Islands, a vast Norwegian archipelago above the Arctic Circle.

  • Active land and sea excursions amid fjords, fishing villages, and soaring cliffs.
  • Culinary workshops with local chefs—craft your own caviar and sample fresh seaweed.
  • Visits to artisan cheesemakers and contemporary art galleries in Trondheim.

Departure Dates: Sep 5-13, Sep 27-Oct 5, Oct 11-19, 2025; 9 days from $16,495

Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival: Travel to remote Western Mongolia for a rare glimpse into Kazakh nomadic life and the legendary Golden Eagle Festival.

  • Witness Kazakh hunters showcase their powerful bond with their eagles at a local festival
  • Three nights at the boutique Three Camel Lodge, an ideal base to explore the Gobi Desert and Flaming Cliffs
  • Intimate encounters with Kazakh nomadic families.

Departure Dates: Sep 14-25, Oct 1-12, 2025; 12 days from $22,995

Chile and Bolivia: Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flats: Embark on a soul-stirring adventure from the world’s driest desert to the planet’s largest salt flat.

  • Explore the Atacama Desert through hikes and a hot air balloon ride.
  • Immerse in Bolivia’s indigenous culture at La Paz’s Witches Market.
  • Discover the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats and cruise Lake Titicaca by hydrofoil.

Departure Dates: Oct 5-13, Dec 6-14, 2025; 9 days from $11,995

The Timeless Towns of the Baltics: Unravel the stories of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, where medieval trade once built some of Europe’s wealthiest cities, Soviet rule left its mark, and vibrant national pride now shapes the future.

  • Savor an intimate farm-to-table lunch at Zipari Farm, accompanied by live kokle music and traditional Latvian dishes.
  • Participate in a meaningful reforestation project at Vihula Manor.
  • Enjoy exclusive access to the Iljinai Family House, a hidden gem of interwar modernist architecture.
  • Tour Estonia’s National Museum with a curator, followed by a private discussion.

Departure Dates: Sep 23-Oct 3, Sept 30-Oct 10, 2025; 11 days from $9,995

Venice and the Dolomites: Experience a “peaks and palazzos” adventure where Old-World romance meets alpine grandeur. This 8-day journey features:

  • Hikes through the dramatic Dolomites and a visit to the iconic Cinque Torri.
  • Tastings of Prosecco and locally made cheeses.
  • Private access to the 15th-century Palazzo Erizzo Nani Mocenigo on Venice’s Grand Canal.
  • Stays at three of Italy’s most fabulous independent hotels: Albergo Al Sole, Rosapetra Spa Resort, and Palazzina Grassi.

Departure Date: Sep 18-25, 2025; 8 days from $11,995

To book your next adventure, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.

Nova Scotia’s Fox Harb’r Resort debuts new ocean golf course and luxury spa

April 9, 2025 No Comments

As Nova Scotia gains ground as one of Canada’s top golf destinations, Fox Harb’r Resort, Eastern Canada’s only Four Diamond, Five-Star resort, is marking its 25th anniversary with a sweeping transformation designed to elevate the guest experience on and off the course.

Located about a 90-minute drive from Halifax and Moncton airports, or a convenient flight into the resort’s 5,000-foot runway, Fox Harb’r was founded in 2000 by the late Ron Joyce, co-founder of Tim Hortons. It was envisioned as a destination that would blend luxury, nature, and maritime hospitality onNova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore. Twenty-five years later, that vision is evolving under the leadership of his son, Steven Joyce, with major investments reshaping the property’s golf offering, spa experience, and luxury accommodations.

New golf offering for 2025

Now open for the season, Fox Harb’r Resort will debut its brand-new Ocean Course on May 7. This dramatic coastal layout, designed by top Canadian golf architects Doug Carrick and Tom McBroom, features ocean views, natural elevation changes, and strategic shot-making. The course draws inspiration from traditional links-style designs and stretches along the scenic Strait.

“Nova Scotia continues to grow as a golf destination, and Fox Harb’r brings something distinctive to the province’s landscape,” says Kevin Toth, President of Fox Harb’r Resort. “Whether it’s a round of golf, a weekend escape, or time at the spa, we offer a place to truly unwind and recharge.”

A second full 18-hole layout, the Vineyard Course, is under development and expected to open in 2027.

Expanded wellness facilities

Opening May 9, the reimagined Spa & Wellness Centre is a major addition to the resort’s guest experience.

It was developed in collaboration with Core Essence, a Canadian wellness design firm with international expertise and a portfolio that includes leading hospitality brands. The oceanfront facility includes a full hydrothermal circuit with sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and salt lounge. Signature treatments use marine ingredients from the Atlantic, and a new fitness studio offers recovery therapies designed for both golfers and wellness-focused travellers.

“This transformation is more than an investment in luxury wellness. It’s about creating a world-class retreat where guests can fully immerse themselves in renewal and relaxation,” says Toth. 

In addition to golf and spa, Fox Harb’r offers a wide range of activities across its 1,400-acre property. Guests can enjoy a deep-water marina, sport shooting, kayaking, and archery. The resort’s Cape Cliff dining room features seasonal menus showcasing Nova Scotia’s finest ingredients, while accommodations include 88 ocean-view suites and a collection of multi-bedroom townhomes ideal for group stays. This year, Fox Harb’r will also unveil a new collection of 18 golf-side luxury residences, designed by Atlantic Canadian architect and Order of Canada recipient Brian MacKay-Lyons.

Travel offers for 2025

With many Canadians reconsidering travel to the U.S. this year, Fox Harb’r is promoting two new packages for spring and summer:

Stay & Play Golf – Includes one or two rounds, access to the Golf Academy, a 20% discount on spa treatments, and deluxe breakfast in the Cape Cliff dining room. 

Fourth Night Free – Guests booking three nights receive the fourth night complimentary. This offer provides extra time to explore the nearby communities of Tatamagouche and Malagash, known for their wineries, distilleries, and artisan shops, or simply unwind with more time on the course and at the spa.

For bookings or packages, visit www.foxharbr.com.

Roadtripping Patagonia’s Lake District, from peaks to plates

April 2, 2025 No Comments

Cathy Senecal sets out on an adventurous road trip through Patagonia to discover the pristine lakes, hiking trails and local cuisine that make this Argentine region so unique.

A few cyclists jumped up from their group at Campo Base Hielo Azul and danced a quasi tango to the live band while the rest of us feasted on grilled asado on the deck overlooking Rio Azul, a river of liquid turquoise. Porteῆos, or holidayers from Buenos Aires, sang along and young girls twirled in their own dance world while we marvelled at the sight.

November is a beautiful time—it’s spring—to be in Argentina. Joyce and I met and travelled cheaply across Africa in our 20s and remain great friends. We’re well into our 60s now, and recently booked a car to traverse Patagonia’s Lake District. A vehicle gave us the freedom to stop at viewpoints, trailheads and shops in this mountainous area known for outdoor activities and vivid alpine towns.

San Martin de los Andes

On the edge of Lake Lácar, San Martin de los Andes is a quieter gem for adventure seekers. Roam the rosebush-laden streets and pick up fleece vests or any outdoor gear you need. Stop for berry-infused chocolates or ice cream at Mamusia.

Hike the four-kilometre trail starting at the end of Juez del Valle Street to Mirador Bandurrias for stunning views over Lago Lacar. 

El Abasto, a restaurant with walls laden in cuckoo clocks and antique toys, features culinary specialties native to the Argentinian Patagonia. Try the deer a la cazadora and pair it with a ‘Mayuco’ Torrontes, a dry white wine with hints of honeysuckle and orange blossoms.

Route of the Seven Lakes

Take a leisurely day to drive north to south along the yellow Scotch broom lined road and soak in lush forests, snow capped peaks and serene lakes along this stunning 108-kilometre Route of the Seven Lakes between San Martin de los Andes and Villa La Angostura. Walk the one-hour trail to Cascada Nivinco near Lago Traful.

Continue to Bariloche, where Route 40 straightens and enters a dry desert-like terrain, a marked difference to the forested mountains further north.

San Carlos de Bariloche

San Carlos de Bariloche rises along the steep southern banks of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Wooden chalets abound, built by the Germans and Swiss who settled here in the early 20th century. Roam La Calle Mitre and the main square but save a day or two for nearby Llao Llao Park, a protected forest with giant beech and cypress trees.

Rent bikes from Circuito Chico Adventure and cycle the 26-kilometres route with stops at Bahia López Bay, Punto Panorámico, and Colonia Suiza, an historic Swiss colony known for its crafts and curanto, a traditional method of cooking meat and vegetables cooked underground.

Another day, drive and park at the main lot on your left as you enter the park. Hike the Arrayanes Trail past distinctive cinnamon-coloured trees and combine that with the trail to Tacul and Cerrito Llao Llao, the highest point, to make a loop back to the lot. Brazo Tristeza Lookout Point has one of the best lookouts over Nahuel Huapi Lake.

El Bolson

This laidback town is surrounded by valleys producing raspberries, mushrooms, truffles and hops. El Bolson’s artisan market in Plaza Pagano has up to 400 vendors on Saturday selling fabric, food and leather wares under the shadow of Cerro Piltriquitrón.

Here was where we chanced upon Campo Base Hielo Azul, our favourite hiking experience, despite a steep, rutted road to get there. The trail winds along the gorgeous Rio Azul past shady gazing spots. Post hike, garner a prime table on the river deck and take in the scene.

This story first appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to sign up for your free digital copy. 

The House reopens as an Autograph Collection all-inclusive resort in Barbados

March 28, 2025 No Comments
he House, Barbados, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, one of the most beloved properties in Barbados, is thrilled to announce its grand reopening as part of Autograph Collection, a distinguished brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands. This elevated, adults-only, all-inclusive resort has undergone an extensive transformation to improve its facilities and guest experience, officially welcoming guests starting April 3, 2025.
 
Nestled on the pristine white sands of Barbados’ renowned Platinum West Coast and just 15 miles from the Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), The House offers an oasis of tranquility and boutique-oriented comfort. The resort features 39 upscale rooms and suites with stunning ocean and lush garden views, creating a haven for relaxation and leisure beach time.

Personalize ambassador service

Guests at The House can indulge in a variety of amenities and experiences, including a personalized Ambassador Service, a complimentary Jet Lag Massage on stays longer than 4 nights, on property All-Inclusive Dining and extended to the other sister properties (Waves Resort & Spa and Treasure Beach Art Hotel) as part of the Dine Around Program offering 4 restaurants, 5 bars, and 1 coffee shop to enjoy within the three current open properties. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s exceptional daily Champagne Breakfast and delight in curated Afternoon Tea with canapés and macaroons.
 
The resort offers complimentary activities onsite such as motorized and non-motorized water sports satisfying guests’ need for adventure with snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing, banana boating, and tubing.
 
The reopening of The House marks a new chapter for the resort under the Marriott International wing, combining the charm of its redesign with the sophistication and service excellence of the Autograph Collection. Guests can expect a seamless blend of elevation, comfort, and personalized service that defines the Autograph Collection all-inclusive properties.

Experience luxury in Barbados

The House is the third property in Barbados to reopen as part of the Autograph Collection, following the successful reopening of Waves Resort & Spa and Treasure Beach Art Hotel. Later this year other resorts on the island like Tamarind and Colony Club will follow converting to Autograph Collection and The Luxury Collection brands respectively when their renovations are concluded.
 
As part of the Autograph Collection, The House proudly participates in Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, which allows members to earn and redeem points for their stay at this hotel and other properties and resorts in the portfolio. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members can enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.
 
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit The House, Barbados, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only website.

You can now fly non-stop from Halifax to Barcelona, starting this June

March 12, 2025 No Comments

WestJet has announced new service between Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) beginning June 27.

The seasonal route will operate four times per week as part of WestJet’s summer 2025 schedule, offering Atlantic Canadians a direct connection to one of the airline’s most sought-after European destinations.

The addition of Barcelona to WestJet’s summer 2025 transatlantic schedule builds on the airline’s service offering from Halifax.

In 2025, the airline will offer more transatlantic flights from YHZ than ever before, including new routes to Amsterdam, Paris and now Barcelona, as well as the return of popular services to London, Dublin and Edinburgh. The full summer 2025 schedule is now available at WestJet.com.

This tour operator is offering a series of self-guided cycling trips through Italy

February 28, 2025 No Comments

Building on last year’s successful launch of self-guided cycling tours in Italy, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a trailblazer in cycling vacations and leader in active travel, is introducing three new extended itineraries for 2025, offering travellers a deeper dive into the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Italy’s la dolce vita.

These longer trips align with the growing trend of slow travel, combining multiple weeklong routes to create seamless adventures that prioritize immersive and sustainable experiences.

“We think that with the expense and time it takes to travel these days, a longer bike tour just makes sense,” said Maria Elena Price, co-owner of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours. “Not to mention, spending more time in a place – getting to know it in the more immersive and intimate manner that exploring by bike provides – is so much more enriching, rewarding, and overall, a more sustainable way to travel.”

Designed for travellers who love the freedom of choosing their own pace while enjoying the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing key details such as accommodations and route mapping are taken care of, these new adventures offer deep dives into three famed regions: The Dolomites, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany.

For details on all ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ guided and self-guided cycling adventures in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America, visit ExperiencePlus.com.