You can dive amongst Roman ruins in Malta’s new underwater park

April 28, 2023 No Comments

Malta is on the verge of offering divers a new underwater experience that will provide a truly in-depth look at the destination’s long history.

Spring will see the Mediterranean archipelago launch the Tower Wreck Deepwater Archaeological Park, which tourism authorities bill as the first of its kind.

The underwater park is located in Xlendi Bay, in the southwest corner of Malta’s sister island of Gozo.

“The deep-water archaeological park, encompassing an area of 67,000 square meters (approx. 42 miles), will allow international researchers and technical divers to explore the history of Malta from a totally different deep sea archaeological perspective. The marine park will showcase thousands of ancient artifacts, such as amphorae and urns, dating back to around 2,300 years, and natural heritage in the form of rocky outcrops formed by extinct coral reefs,” the Malta Tourism Authority said.

Explore 3rd century ruins

Professor Timmy Gambin of the Archeology Centre at the University of Malta praised the park as a “unique site” that will be open to technical divers. “All phases of our history are represented underwater,” says Gambin, citing many different types of rare ceramic remains that date to the 3rd century BC.

Malta tourism authorities proudly note that the Romans, Greeks, Carthaginians and other ancient civilizations helped shape Malta. Deepwater reefs can also be seen in the park.

“It is important for Underwater Cultural Heritage to be made accessible,” Gambin said. “I am very proud to be part of the team launching the Tower Wreck Deepwater Archaeological Park. Heritage Malta, together with the University of Malta and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, is valorizing and sharing a unique site that is otherwise invisible to the vast majority of the world. Thanks to support from the Malta Airport Foundation, this ambitious and challenging project has gone from concept to reality.”

Shipwrecks and more

Gambin said Malta has “excellent all-round diving — from incredible underwater landscapes to historic shipwrecks at different depths. Our vision is to make Malta into a mecca for technical divers.”

Meanwhile, the Underwater Malta website will make the archeological site accessible to all through 360-degree videos, images, and 3D models, creating a virtual museum of the islands’ underwater archaeological sites. The marine park will be the site of a small museum with exhibits and video footage of the park.

“Through the Underwater Malta website, The Foundation also hopes to support Heritage Malta in bringing this project closer to people who are neither divers nor researchers but are keen to learn more about the Maltese Islands’ history through our underwater cultural heritage.” added Malta Airport Foundation chairman Josef Formosa Gauci.

More information can be found at www.underwatermalta.org.

One of the Algarve’s hottest hotels reopened with a new look

April 12, 2023 No Comments

Situated overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and next to Vilamoura Marina in the Algarve in Southern Portugal, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort has reopened following an extensive redesign and refurbishment.

The major revamp introduces a contemporary and sophisticated new look to all the guest rooms, the entrance lobby, and The Argo Cocktail Bar, as well as newly landscaped gardens with a redesigned pool.

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura reopened after a four month renovation, with a new nautical and contemporary design inspired by the Algarvian beaches, the marina and the Atlantic Ocean. In the 383 bedrooms, including 21 suites, the soft beige tones, striped fabrics and natural materials aim to reflect the views, creating a relaxed atmosphere and a perfect harmony between the exterior scenery and the interior design.

The 527 sq ft. family rooms come with an exterior lounge area and terrace, combining wood with sand-coloured textures and rattan finishes with sophisticated table lamps. The revamped Vilamoura Suite now includes the choice of a VIP experience, such as dinner for two at Pepper’s Steakhouse with beverages, an 80-minute treatment at Tivoli Spa, or sun loungers for two at the adjoining beach club – Purobeach – which is open between April and October.

 

The resort is well placed for access to numerous Algarve beaches,  boat tours, golf courses, walking trails at Ria Formosa Natural Park and cultural discoveries in Loulé town with local artisans and its various arts like tile/dish painting, tapestry or basketry. Tivoli Marina Vilamoura also has a 25,833 sq ft. Tivoli Spa where guests can indulge in exclusive face and body therapies with local organic ingredients.

In the year that the Tivoli brand is celebrating its 90th anniversary, the relaunch of a more glamorous Tivoli Marina Vilamoura reinforces the continuous values of the brand – timeless elegance and tradition. 90th anniversary events and special guest experiences will be revealed throughout the year.

Rates at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura start from $330 for a Premium room including breakfast for two people. For more information on Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, visit https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-marina-vilamoura.

 

Tivoli just opened its first Dutch hotel in a 16th century property

March 22, 2023 No Comments

Tivoli Hotels & Resorts recently opened its first property in the Netherlands.  

The Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel is a 16th-century property in the classicist style overlooking the Amstel Canal; it is considered to be the oldest hotel in the Dutch capital. The property was the original home to Rembrandt Van Rijn’s famous painting The Night Watch (completed in 1642), which hung on a wall in what is now one of the hotel’s bedroom suites until it was relocated to the city’s famed Rijksmuseum.

Centrally located in Amsterdam’s historic city centre and walking distance from the city’s main tourist attractions, the heritage property has 81 guest rooms including seven suites, most of them overlooking the canal. It also boasts the elegant new Omber restaurant and bar, which is inspired by the art of Rembrandt, who lived very close to the hotel.

Old world elegance

Inspired by the Dutch Golden Age and the unique atmosphere of Amsterdam, Tivoli Doelen’s interiors blend an old-world elegance with contemporary service and special Tivoli touches.  

The guest rooms and suites offer views over the canals or the city, with the interiors featuring pastel tones with splashes of red for a relaxing but vibrant atmosphere, combined with touches of natural wood.

New beds and bed linens provide the best night’s sleep, while marble bathrooms feature amenities from the French luxury brand Lalique.

For an ultimate Dutch experience, guests can book the 506-square-foot Rembrandt Suite, where they can view a perfect replica of The Night Watch, in the same room and on the exact wall where the masterpiece originally hung for 70 years. Another interesting room is the Empress Suite, which was once the boudoir of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, most well-known as Sisi.

With a unique C-shape design to maximize views of the canal, the suite has a king-sized bed with Dutch shields on the ceiling, which are a symbol of protection. 

A touch of Rembrandt

On the ground floor and overlooking the canal, Omber restaurant and bar now offers a Mediterranean-Dutch fusion menu.  The restaurant’s name was inspired by the craftsmanship of paint making and the limited colors Rembrandt used in his works of art– omber, or amber in English, being one of his signature colours).  

Every dish on the menu contains an element inspired by his color palette. The menu also takes inspiration from the artist’s favorite dishes, such as herring and pickles, which has been recreated by the team and given Dutch name “Rembrandt Pauze”. The restaurant’s slow-cooked Dutch veal with parsnip, Carrots and Purslane is perfectly paired with Portuguese Cartuxa wine from Alentejo, a nod to the Tivoli brand’s Portuguese heritage.

Omber Bar, which opens daily at 4:30 pm, serves several signature cocktails have been created with Jenever, a typical Dutch gin that was also Rembrandt’s favorite drink. Most of the bar’s gin cocktails are made with a local Jenever producer, Wynand Fockink, which operates a similar distillery process to that used in the Dutch Golden Age. 

The star cocktail, “Night Watch” is based on an old recipe found in the hotel archives dating back to the 17th century and is made with old Jenever, coffee liqueur, syrup and cherry bitters.  

Suites at Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel start from $643.00 including breakfast for two people. For more information on Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam, visit https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-doelen.

London’s newest riverside hotel is minutes from top attractions

January 13, 2023 No Comments

The Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment has officially opened.

 The 142-room hotel marks the eighth Hyatt-branded property in London, confirming Hyatt’s ambitious and strategic brand growth plans for 2023 and beyond in the United Kingdom.  

With its prime riverside location and proximity to the city’s most notable attractions, Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment caters to the many guests and World of Hyatt members looking for seamless stays in central London.

The hotel is conveniently located; it is a five minute walk to the capital’s political epicenter, Westminster, home to landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Big Ben. A short stroll along the River Thames from the hotel leads to the South Bank, an area celebrated for its world-class arts and cultural venues, whilst nearby Vauxhall Station provides direct access to many of the city’s major travel hubs.

Stylish guest rooms

A total of 142 well-appointed, contemporary guestrooms make the most of the enviable riverside spot, with many featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide immersive views of the city’s iconic skyline. On the fourteenth floor, a range of executive suites offer king-size bedrooms, spacious, modern bathrooms, and relaxing lounge areas, accompanied by a private balcony for guests to enjoy exclusive panoramas across London.

Food & drink

For those looking for a multifunctional setting to share, socialize and collaborate, POTUS bar and restaurant delivers a diverse and distinctive menu of North American classics alongside traditional British favorites. Meanwhile the rooftop restaurant, cocktail bar, and shisha terrace Mezemiso serves authentic Lebanese and Japanese cuisine to create an incomparable dining experience overlooking the memorable sky-high views of the city.

Amenities

The hotel’s additional amenities reflect the Hyatt Regency brand commitment to encourage productivity and peace of mind. This includes an on-site fitness center fitted with the latest Technogym equipment, and five technology-enabled meeting rooms, which have been designed to inspire connection, offering 15,273 square feet (1,419 square meters) of combined meeting space for a range of events, from business conferences to group gatherings.

A look inside one of Europe’s best private villas

January 11, 2023 No Comments

Located in the Bay of Sant Miquel, just off the north coast of Ibiza, Isla Sa Ferradura is an ultra-luxury private island of 377,000 sq. ft. which is connected to the main island by a small, hidden two-sided beach.

The primary villa is set within magnificently landscaped gardens offering approximately 13,000 sq. ft. of indoor living space and accommodations for up to 20 overnightguests.

The villa consists of 1 sumptuous master suite and nine additional, luxuriously appointed double bedrooms with ensuite facilities. Private terraces as well as the spectacular 8000 sq. ft. rooftop terrace abound allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean surroundings and the panoramic sea views.

“Isla Sa Ferradura is a discreet hideaway for the discerning few and features privacy and amenities that are found on only a handful of properties around the globe at most,” said managing director Ulf Karow. “Our highly trained international team of 23 is prepared to cater to every need and to provide an unparalleled experience for all guests.”

Isla Sa Ferradura is a two-time recipient of Europe’s Best Private Villa (2018 and 2021) and represents the finest in villa accommodations available in Ibiza and beyond. 

Weekly rental fees for the 2023 season are now available.

 

 

This 21-day trip to the Arctic costs $187,000—here’s what it gets you

January 2, 2023 No Comments

Thoughtfully curated by the luxury hospitality industry veterans of HL Adventures and led by the Arctic’s foremost experts and guides, The North’s bespoke, three-week itinerary for the Arctic Horizon will cover seven wonders spanning the Arctic Circle.

An intimate group of just 50 like-minded adventurers will explore the edge of the world to destinations normally beyond our boundaries. Together they will take in vast landscapes, view majestic wildlife and partake in rare, authentic experiences with local Indigenous communities.

The North's bespoke, 21-day, curated itinerary includes Greenland where guests will be able to cruise through majestic icebergs and spot surfacing Humpback whales.
The North’s bespoke, 21-day, curated itinerary includes Greenland where guests will be able to cruise through majestic icebergs and spot surfacing Humpback whales.
During the Alaska portion of The North's itinerary, guests will be able to watch grizzly bears fishing in the water falls of Katmai.
During the Alaska portion of The North’s itinerary, guests will be able to watch grizzly bears fishing in the water falls of Katmai.

“As a lifelong explorer of the Arctic, my vision is to make the last frontier accessible to a select few who share my passion and respect for these rarely experienced, untouched regions,” said Founder Jón Olafur Magnussen. “What I am sure will be a life-changing adventure for our guests is the culmination of my life’s work. I am confident our team’s meticulous eye for detail will ensure an unrivalled level of service throughout these most extraordinary destinations.”

Private charter

Typically holding well over 300 passengers, a fully customized Boeing 757-200 has been privately chartered from Icelandair and refitted with 50 lie-flat seats for a more relaxing and restful environment.

A personal chef will prepare destination-inspired dishes, while accommodating dietary preferences, requests and restrictions. A dedicated concierge team and on-board hosts will attend to guests’ every wish and desire. Explorers will receive personalized iPads, detailing the day’s schedule, offering an in-flight entertainment system and showcasing a gallery of photos provided each day by The North’s professional photography team.

Armed with more than two decades of destination management experience, the leaders behind this all-new, once-in-a-lifetime adventure have called upon their elite partners to bring together the finest experiences of each destination. This journey to the last great frontier often only exists in the wildest imaginations of even the most adventurous travelers, but through the expertise and experience of The North’s hand-selected partners, The Arctic Horizon will bring this dream to fruition, without compromising on comfort or service.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Reykjavik, Iceland
Days 2 – 3 – Ilulissat, Greenland
Days 4 – 6 – Sonora, Canada
Days 7 – 10 – Anchorage, Alaska
Champagne Toast Over the North Pole
Days 11 – 14 – Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Day 15 – 17 – Alta, Norway
Day 18 – 21 – Reykjavik, Iceland

Farewell journey

The trip will conclude with a festive farewell gala dinner at the Arctic Explorers’ Club’s expedition lodge and luxury camp. Founded in 2015, this members-only group of explorers, travellers and friends are a collective of like-minded individuals who have a lifelong interest in the Arctic. In addition to supporting a foundation to educate children around the world about the Arctic, the Club serves as an opportunity for guests to continue their journey together and to create new opportunities each year to further develop knowledge and understanding and explore this world beyond the horizon.

The price of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure is 187,000 USD per person (based on double occupancy; 10 percent supplement applicable for solo travelers). This all-encompassing journey includes travel by privately chartered air, first-class accommodations, all meals, all ground transportation, an extensive selection of excursions and activities, special events and private access, as well as all gratuities.

For more information, visit https://thenorth.is/arctic-horizon

Travellers can sail Europe for up to 35 days aboard this cruise ship

December 23, 2022 No Comments

For Holland America Line’s 2024 Europe season, the cruise line is adding several new itineraries that combine regions, increasing the number of voyages of 14 days or longer and enhancing Northern Europe with new departure ports.

From April to November dozens of unique itineraries — ranging from seven to 35 days — will be offered on two of the line’s Pinnacle Class ships, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, along with Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.

The four Holland America Line ships will cover the entire region on voyages designed for cultural immersion. Nine overnight ports and 33 late-night departure cities provide more time ashore while the ships explore the Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, French and Spanish rivieras, Israel, Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including Iceland, Greenlandand Norway.

Highlights 

Highlights of Holland America Line’s 2024 Europe cruising season include:

  • 11 departure cities
  • Nine overnight ports
  • 33 overnight departure cities (between 10 p.m. and midnight)
  • New Northern Europe cruises
  • 14-day Canary Islands cruise
  • 14-day Mediterranean cruises
  • 2024 Barbuda itineraries

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Exploring one of Belgium’s most historic cities by canal

December 21, 2022 No Comments

Ghent is inviting those eager to tour the city to get off their feet for at least some of their explorations.

The historic city has a large number of open-air boats that ply canals leading past dramatic attractions, with the narrated tours identifying and providing information on those attractions.

And, says Marco Frank of Visit Flanders, the cruises are a great way of learning about a city steeped in history.

“Exploring a city by canal boat tour is charming and relaxing way to get a first impression of the city and to learn about the most important attractions and highlights of the city,” says Frank,  who has taken waterborne Ghent tours. “The ship captains performing the tour, and who act as your local guides touring the canal bout tours, are really the ones that should be highlighted. These locals are able to connect the visitors with Ghent in a unique way by telling authentic stories and giving perspectives on the history of Ghent that only a local person can provide. The captains take you from the beginning of settlement all the way to modern times, highlighting the diverse and interesting aspects of the city.”

A recent canal tour Frank undertook had a guide pointing out in English a long-standing structure that is now a Marriott hotel but which one served as what was diplomatically referred to as a locale for “girls of easy virtue” to ply their trade from.

The cruise also passed directly past the imposing Castle of the Counts, with the guide cheerfully informing passengers that not all housed there enjoyed their stays, with some ending up in torture chambers.

Frank notes guests who are interested in adding a little extra to their tour can opt for one  featuring snacks, local specialties, and beverages, such as beer.

Possible inclement weather is taken into account on the cruises, with most boats able to be equipped with umbrellas that can be lowered to allow the vessels to pass under bridges.

Meanwhile, Frank notes that historical Ghent can be explored in a variety of ways.

“Exploring the city on a canal boat trip is only the first step in diving into the local culture,” he continues. “Many must-see attractions are not on the route of the canal boat tour and need to be accessed on foot, or by bike, bus or city tram.

For visitors who prefer a more active experience, a self-drive barge/boat or mini cruise is also a great way to explore the city and go beyond the standard guided canal boat tours. It is even possible to rent a kayak, Canadian canoe, or rafting boat to explore Ghent on your own or in a group.”

And Frank adds that his own experiences on canal cruises means he has no hesitation in recommending them.

“I have always loved the guided canal boat tours,” he reports. “Although I have done them many times, I typically get a different captain doing them. These are the unsung heroes that really make the experience special every single time. Although all of them essentially tell the same story, every captain has a slightly different twist. This makes the experience interesting again and again.”

STORY BY: IAN STALKER

At nearly $10,000 a night, this is Montenegro’s most luxurious villa

December 19, 2022 No Comments

Villa Ponta Melagrana, an ultra-exclusive villa located in Montenegro’s charming fishing village of Pržno, has launched globally.

With picturesque views of the turquoise Adriatic Sea, the Sveti Stefan Peninsula and Sveti Nikola Island; Villa Ponta Melagrana is one of Montenegro’s most luxurious villas, providing a once in a lifetime holiday experience.

It is the largest and only luxury villa of its kind with direct access to the sea in the area, and is available for exclusive hire only to ensure the utmost privacy.

Catering for up to 22 guests across eleven spacious bedrooms, Villa Ponta Melagrana provides all the services you would expect from a five-star hotel, and more. The villa has a full-service spa with therapists on demand, to offer bespoke massage and other wellness treatments.

Complete with facilities including a sauna, gym, beauty and massage room as well as an indoor swimming pool, and outdoor infinity pool, guests can enjoy a full hotel experience in the privacy of their own villa.

Perched atop Pržno’s Pomegranate cliff, the vision for the property was to ensure the design elements were reflective of the surrounding nature, whilst also showcasing the rich history and tradition of the destination.

Central to its design is the 300-year-old stone staircase – located in the heart of the property – which sits alongside a collection of stone antiquities all taken from the very cliffside it calls home, creating a deep-rooted sense of place for guests.

Personalisation is at the heart of Villa Ponta Melagrana’s ethos, and the chefs work with guests ahead of time to create bespoke menus and meal-plans. Additionally, the concierge team pride themselves on their attention to detail, with no request too extravagant.

Offering a fully personalised service to ensure the most unforgettable experience, the team can source any additions required, whether it’s flying in a top chef from around the world, sourcing rare and delicious delicacies or arranging unique cultural experiences – the sky really is the limit.

Villa Ponta Melagrana is also well set up as an event destination catering for weddings and other special milestones. Working with leading UK and Destination Wedding and Event Designers ‘Love Lydia Weddings & Events’, Villa Ponta Melagrana can take care all of elements of the planning process, ensuring a stress-free and straightforward experience, allowing guests to focus on creating unforgettable memories with family and loved ones. 

Prices for exclusive hire of up to six bedrooms start at £5,980 per night.

Here’s where to find the world’s tallest, wooden hotel

December 2, 2022 No Comments

After a soft local opening, the world’s tallest hotel made almost exclusively from wood, has now opened for guests everywhere at the birthplace of cross-country skiing, Skellefteå in Swedish Lapland.

The new hotel is part of a five-day/four-night Wood Hotel Experience from Off the Map Travel adventure travel specialists, offering a mix of sustainability and nature in a beautiful setting.

Designed for enjoyment in the forested area of northern Sweden, couples as well as families will experience the hotel along with local adventure and gastronomy.  Available from December to March, the Wood Hotel Experience begins with an overnight stay in Stockholm before a flight to Skellefteå where guests will be transferred by electric car to the Wood Hotel.

About the hotel

The new Wood Hotel stands 75 meters tall with 20 storeys and is made almost entirely from spruce and pine sourced from the neighboring forests. Dominating the skyline but fitting into the town’s natural beauty with its wood construction, the hotel has 205 contemporary rooms filled with the rich, warm smell of the trees they are built from. In addition to a rooftop spa, the hotel has three stunning restaurants including an Italian café, an Asian restaurant and one with locally sourced, Sami-inspired food.

“This is an opportunity for sustainability-minded visitors who search out “neo luxury,” looking for culture and escapism all wrapped into one comfortable, climate-sensitive package,” noted, Alex Minnis, Chief Operations Officer of Off the Map Travel. “Being made out of wood contributes to the building’s being climate-positive as the structure absorbs more CO2 than it uses. It also contributes to comfort and personal well-being, reducing stress and improving sleep,” he added.

A unique experience

As part of the experience, guests will create their own gin at Skellefteå’s award-winning distillery using locally foraged ingredients.

Guests can also choose to go snowshoeing to take in the sights of this beautiful part of Swedish Lapland and then relax in the hotel’s Vana Spa with its saunas and outdoor pool offering panoramic views over Skellefteå and its forests.  In winter, the new itinerary is ideally located for guests to experience the Northern Lights on a self-guided walk with well-marked trails leaving directly from the hotel.

For cross-country skiers, Skellefteå is a dream, offering choices for all levels of enthusiasts, with optional excursions possible according to guests’ interests and levels.

Priced from £2045 per person ($2500 USD at the time of this writing), the five-day/four-night Wood Hotel Experience itinerary includes all accomodations, daily breakfast, one lunch and gin making, snowshoeing and the rooftop spa. Flights and travel insurance are additional, and the package can be customized to include excursions such as cross-country skiing.