Destinations Archives

Quick Trip to Nassau & Paradise Island

April 7, 2026

The ultimate Bahamas travel guide: where to stay, eat and explore.

By Ann Ruppenstein

With powder-soft beaches and impossibly turquoise waters, Nassau and Paradise Island deliver the Bahamas most travellers imagine—but there’s far more here than a stretch of sand. Snorkel through an underwater sculpture garden, follow in the footsteps of James Bond, linger over long dinners in historic dining rooms, then retreat to one of the island’s landmark resorts or secluded villas. With new nonstop flights from Montreal and Toronto on Porter Airlines, alongside expanded service from Air Canada and WestJet, the capital of The Bahamas now sits firmly within long-weekend reach.

WHAT TO DO

Snorkel right off the shore at Clifton Heritage National Park, located on the western end of New Providence, to come face-to-face with a captivating underwater coral reef sculpture garden. The standout is Ocean Atlas, believed to be the world’s largest underwater sculpture, weighing 60 tons and rising 18 feet from the seabed. Movie buffs will also want to see the remnants of an old prop plane used in the filming of Jaws: The Revenge. Back on land, don’t miss Sacred Space, a powerful series of wooden sculptures dedicated to enslaved African women. The installation was created by Bahamian artist and sculptor Antonius Roberts and Tyrone Ferguson.

If you can’t make it for Junkanoo, the vibrant cultural festival that hits the streets of downtown Nassau in the wee hours of Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, the Educulture Junkanoo Museum provides deeper context. Founder Arlene Nash Ferguson shares the history, craftsmanship and community spirit behind the elaborate, handmade costumes.

WHERE TO STAY

Landmark resorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar continue to garner attention, but for a more tranquil escape, check into The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas. Spanning 35 acres on Paradise Island, the idyllic luxury property served as a prime filming spot for Casino Royale, starring Daniel Craig as James Bond. At the Martini Bar, order the Passionfruit Chili or a Vesper—shaken, not stirred—where longtime bartender Keith Cash has held court for more than three decades.

Book an indulgent spa service in one of eight Balinese-style villa treatment areas that come complete with a daybed, shower and outdoor jacuzzi tub. The soothing and skin-nourishing Coconut Poultice Massage features a heated coconut compress rich in vitamins E and K that’s applied to pressure points to release tension.

The resort’s 107 accommodations range from spacious rooms and suites to two-bedroom plunge-pool bungalows and private beachfront villas. Multiple pools, a long stretch of white sand and the Versailles Gardens, home to a 12th-century French cloister, lend the property a sense of scale and history. Artwork throughout includes large-scale abstract and contemporary pieces by mother and son Canadian artists Jane and Jonah Waterous.

WHERE TO DINE

Overlooking the Atlantic, DUNE by Jean-Georges features a menu by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten that moves from yellowfin tuna tartare to red snapper crusted with nuts and seeds. The banana cake with praline crunch and ice cream is a standout, so save room for dessert.

Outside the resort, head to Graycliff Restaurant for a fine-dining experience with nightly entertainment in a longstanding family-run establishment that has served the likes of Billy Joel, Beyoncé, Jay-Z and the late Sean Connery. For a romantic evening, request a spot in the garden under the stars surrounded by a canopy of foliage and string lights. The most coveted reservation is the private table inside its wine cellar, home to more than 250,000 bottles. From the fresh lobster ravioli to the rack of lamb with focaccia crumbs, garlic and parsley crust, the hardest decision will be narrowing down what to order.

Under Kenya’s Night Sky: The Ultimate Stargazing Safari Experience

April 7, 2026

Discover why Kenya is one of the best dark sky destinations for luxury stargazing safaris.

By Mitchell McClung

Kenya has always been synonymous with spectacle. By day, the drama unfolds across golden plains where elephants move in slow procession and escarpments glow in the late afternoon light. But when the sun drops below the horizon, another kind of theatre begins.

For travellers who believe luxury is defined not only by thread counts and wine lists, but by access to rare, humbling moments, Kenya is quietly becoming one of the world’s most compelling destinations for stargazing.

Thanks to its position almost directly on the equator, the country offers a remarkable celestial vantage point. Over the course of the year, both northern and southern hemisphere constellations are visible here. Orion rises high above the savannah. The Southern Cross arcs across the sky. On especially clear nights, Saturn can appear nearly overhead, sharp and luminous.

Just as important is what isn’t here: artificial light. Large swaths of Kenya — including Samburu, Laikipia, and parts of the Maasai Mara — remain far from urban glare. These regions fall at the darkest end of the Bortle Scale, the international measure of light pollution. On moonless nights, thousands of stars emerge. The Milky Way stretches across the sky in bright, textured bands. It is not subtle.

Safari camps are beginning to lean into this natural advantage. Open-air “star beds” allow guests to sleep beneath the constellations. Telescopes are set up near the fire pit after dinner. What was once simply sundowners and storytelling now often includes guided stargazing sessions, where guides point out planetary movements between the distant calls of hyenas. Some camps have even introduced astrophotography experiences, inviting guests to capture the night sky with the same reverence typically reserved for wildlife.

The movement is not only about tourism. Nairobi-based organization The Travelling Telescope, founded by Kenyan astronomer Susan Murabana Owen, has played a pivotal role in making astronomy more accessible across the country. Through mobile planetariums, laser-guided constellation tours, and community events, the organization blends science education with public engagement — often partnering with lodges to offer immersive guest experiences.

Murabana Owen’s work has earned international recognition, but its impact is perhaps best felt on a clear Kenyan night, when first-time stargazers tilt their heads back and realize just how much of the universe they have been missing. Her vision is simple and profound. The sky belongs to everyone.

In an era when light pollution dims much of the developed world, Kenya offers something increasingly rare: true darkness. The same stars that guided early navigators and pastoral communities still burn brightly above the savannah. And much like the wildlife that draws travellers here, the night sky is part of the country’s natural heritage, meant to be both experienced and carefully preserved.

Here, the safari doesn’t end at sunset. It simply continues overhead.

The List: Kenya

STAY
Set above the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu, Sasaab Lodge blends Moroccan-inspired design with wide-open Kenyan wilderness. Days unfold with guided game drives and camel treks; nights are made for lantern-lit dinners and, of course, extraordinary stargazing.

EAT
For something quintessentially Kenyan, try nyama choma – charcoal-grilled meat served with kachumbari tomato relish – a beloved staple best enjoyed communally.

DRINK
Order a dawa, Kenya’s signature cocktail of vodka, honey, lime and crushed ice. Created at Nairobi’s famed Carnivore Restaurant, its name means “medicine” in Swahili.

DO
Spend a day in Nairobi with a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Nairobi Nursery, where orphaned elephants are cared for before being reintroduced to the wild.

BRING BACK
A blown-glass piece from Kitengela Glass, which also offers glassblowing workshops so you can craft your own keepsake.

Orient Express Venezia Opens in a 15th Century Palazzo

April 7, 2026

Historic frescoes, canal views and Michelin-level dining define the Orient Express Venice debut.

Orient Express has officially entered the hotel space in Venice, opening Orient Express Venezia inside a restored 15th century palazzo in the Cannaregio district.

The property sits at the meeting point of two canals and, notably, marks the first time the historic residence has operated as a hotel in nearly 600 years . That sense of history is the main draw here. This is not a new build trying to feel old. It is the real thing, carefully restored. Original frescoes, carved ceilings, and grand rooms are still very much intact, but the overall feel is lighter and more livable than you might expect from a historic property.

The hotel has 47 rooms, suites, and residences, and no two are exactly the same. Some lean into classic Venetian style, while others feel more understated. The suites are the highlight, especially those with preserved ceiling details and canal views.

Food is a big part of the experience. At the centre is a fine dining restaurant led by three Michelin star chef Heinz Beck, bringing a more elevated, contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine. Even if you’re not staying overnight (though you really should), this is likely to become a reservation worth making. The hotel’s La Casati is a less formal option, still centred around Italian ingredients and seasonal menus.

Location plays in its favour. Cannaregio offers a different pace compared to the busiest parts of Venice. You are still close enough to reach the major sights, but far enough to feel like you are stepping into a more residential side of the city. The addition of canal views and garden spaces gives the hotel a quieter, more private feel.

For anyone who has already done Venice and is looking for something more distinctive, this is where the property really delivers. It feels less like a traditional hotel and more like staying in a beautifully restored home, with all the service and detail you would expect from a brand like Orient Express.

Checking In: Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

March 24, 2026

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.

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.

Four Luxury Suites to Book in Mexico

March 24, 2026

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: 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: 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: 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 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.

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

March 24, 2026

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.

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 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 Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi is Revamped and Reopening

March 10, 2026

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.

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 Opens Its First UK Hotel Inside a Historic London Landmark

March 10, 2026

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.

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’s New Ayurveda Retreat Is a Complete Reset

February 10, 2026

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.

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].

The Road Less Travelled in Jordan

January 27, 2026

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.

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.

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.”

The ultimate Bahamas travel guide: where to stay, eat and explore.

By Ann Ruppenstein

Discover why Kenya is one of the best dark sky destinations for luxury stargazing safaris.

By Mitchell McClung

The List: Kenya

Historic frescoes, canal views and Michelin-level dining define the Orient Express Venice debut.

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

It’s in the DetailsAurora’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 MenuFrom 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 BookAn 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 NearbyBook 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.

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.

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

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.

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

A Historic Building Reimagined

A Restaurant Designed for the Neighbourhood

A 2,300-Square-Metre Urban Wellness Hub

New: Six Senses Place

A New Era for the Six Senses Brand

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.

What to Know Before You Go

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

By Ann Ruppenstein

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.