New route lets you finally fly from Calgary to Iceland

May 15, 2024

The WestJet Group today celebrated the takeoff of its highly anticipated service between Calgary and Reykjavik (Keflavik).

The exclusive service, linking the Group’s global hub in Calgary to Iceland, not only bolsters the airline’s efforts to enhance YYC Calgary International Airport’s connectivity but reinforces the city’s standing as the best connected mid-sized city in North America.

WestJet’s service to Reykjavik (Keflavik) will be propelled by its growing 737 MAX fleet, operating four times weekly through to Oct.13, 2024.

As WestJet executes upon its growth strategy, delivering an expansive network of convenient domestic connections into its global hub in Calgary, WestJet’s impressive European network, is made easily accessible for Canadians across the country.

With the inclusion of Iceland to its network, guests travelling from or through Calgary will gain access to seven transatlantic connections via WestJet’s network this summer.

For full details on WestJet’s service between Calgary and Europe, visit WestJet.com.

 

A new massive cruise terminal is opening in Florida

May 6, 2024

Port Canaveral is building a new cruise terminal to meet the growing demands of the cruise industry.

The strategic decision to build a new multi-user cruise terminal at the Port’s existing North 8 berth provides significant cost savings, operational flexibility, and an expedited construction timeline of approximately two years to accommodate the largest ships in the world across a spectrum of brands.

Port Canaveral’s existing North 8 berth shares its basin with the Port’s Cruise Terminal 5 on the northside of Port Canaveral. Designed and built in 2018 for multi-purpose flexibility, North 8 berth will require minimal modifications to extend the current 1,020 linear feet bulkhead to 1,344 feet to accommodate large cruise vessels. Additionally, waterside improvements to the northside of the shared basin will also extend and improve the berthing capacity of Cruise Terminal 5.

Timeline for design, engineering, and construction are in development with target completion for the new facility by summer 2026. The new terminal campus will include a multi-story parking facility to accommodate up to 3,000 vehicles and roadway improvements in and out of the new facility, including turning lanes and a “flyover” ramp directly connecting the site with State Road 401.

Polar adventure company launches helicopter trip through Patagonia

April 26, 2024

Quark Expeditions has blazed a new trail in expedition travel with its inaugural helicopter-supported voyage through Chilean Patagonia.

The polar operator also confirms that 90 of the 165 passengers (55 per cent) who joined the maiden voyage of “Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine” in March 2024 were repeat guests of Quark Expeditions.

The 15-day itinerary, which ran March 13 to 27, 2024, departed Buenos Aires with embarkation from Ushuaia, and included Cape Horn, a transit through the Beagle Channel, then into Chile’s spectacular network of fjords and channels, featuring helicopter flightseeing and Zodiac cruises along an enchanting stretch of coastline that’s known for some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes on Earth.

Trip highlights

Highlights included:

  • Heli flightseeing: Our two H145 helicopters provided unmatched views of Patagonia’s mountain-top glaciers and ice caps—which are not visible from sea level.
     
  • Heli landing: Ultramarine‘s helicopters transported guests to the peaks of Canal de las Montanas (Channel of the Mountains) where they enjoyed unsurpassable views of the surrounding fjords.
     
  • Immersive cultural experiences: Guests visited an 85,000-hectare estancia (South American ranch) and explored the cultural heritage of the town of Puerto Natales.
     
  • Unrivalled wildlife: Guests observed a staggering array of wildlife, including guanacos, the elusive puma, South American sea lions, Andean foxes and whales.
     
  • Phenomenal bird-watching: Species included Andean condors, Magellanic penguins, Chilean flamingos, oystercatchers, kingfishers and three types of Caracaras.
     
  • Hiking and photography tours: Guests choose from guided photographic adventures and various levels of hikes in Torres del Paine National Park.
     
  • Paddling and kayaking excursions: Guests observed a variety of marine life up close, such as mussels, kelp, snails, starfish and krill.
     
  • Journey down Iceberg Alley: From the deck of Ultramarine, guests witnessed a series of epic ice formations, most notably in the region of Tierra del Fuego.

Quark Expeditions’ next departure of Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine embarks March 13 to 27, 2025, and March 12 to 26, 2026.

Air Canada just added extra summer flights to Asia and Europe

April 24, 2024

Air Canada customers have a wide range of exciting options across Europe and Asia this summer, along with a choice of 120 destinations in North America, to fulfill their summer travel plans.

Alongside new and enhanced international routes to Singapore, Madrid, Stockholm, Osaka and Seoul, the carrier’s Summer 2024 international capacity is growing by 30 per cent into Asia-Pacific and 25 per cent to key leisure destinations in Southern Europe compared to last summer.

Air Canada’s Atlantic schedule will provide the most non-stop service between Canada and Europe of any carrier. From Montreal and Toronto, Air Canada is launching new non-stop routes to Stockholm, and will increase frequencies to Rome and Athens. From Montreal, the carrier will also launch year-round service to Madrid, increase flights to Paris to up to three-times daily during the summer peak, and restore service to Lyon.

From Toronto, service will increase to Copenhagen and will commence Edinburgh and Brussels earlier in the season.

A gateway to the Pacific

Across the Pacific, Air Canada continues to build its Vancouver hub as the gateway to the Pacific.  

The carrier recently started year-round service to Singapore from Vancouver, and will increase capacity to Hong Kong, Osaka and Seoul. On the East Coast, the airline is excited to start seasonal service from Toronto to Osaka and increase capacity to Tokyo, while from Montreal, Air Canada will begin seasonal service to Seoul, complementing enhanced capacity to Tokyo.

In North America, new routes will be offered from Toronto and Montreal to Tulum, from Toronto to Charleston, and from Montreal to St. Louis, Austin and New Orleans. Within Canada, Ottawa–Calgary and Halifax–Vancouver flights will resume, and there will be frequency or capacity increases, including between Toronto and Saskatoon, Regina, Victoria, Sydney and Gander, as well as between Montreal and Regina, Saskatoon, Victoria, Edmonton, Moncton, Fredericton and Deer Lake.  

Air Canada is increasing its international network capacity by 8 per cent for summer 2024 compared to summer 2023. The airline is also boosting service to North America, with an increase of four per cent in available daily seats in 2024, with 518 flights to 120 destinations.

 

Mondrian Mexico City Condesa relaunches its rooftop bar

April 19, 2024

Nestled in the vibrant Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City, Mondrian Mexico City Condesa is an architectural masterpiece boasting avant-garde design and a multitude of gastronomic offerings.

The hotel’s renowned SkyBar stands out with its seductive ambiance and breathtaking views. In the past month, it unveiled revamped offerings that provide an inspiring experience for guests and locals alike, seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant nightlife of the city.

 

About SkyBar

SkyBar Condesa is a spontaneous and seductive escape, where the art of mixology reigns alongside local culture, crafting elevated and unique flavours.

SkyBar has become one of the most fashionable spots in the Mexican capital, celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, dazzling views, and sleek design. SkyBar’s new image invites visitors to experience the ambiance of an exclusive beach club, boasting sleek, contemporary decor, luxurious lounging areas, and a vibrant coastal atmosphere that creates an oasis of relaxation and sophistication amidst the urban hustle and bustle.

The revamped gastronomic concept features international cuisine with a Mexican fusion, offering an extensive variety of dishes. Inspired by emblematic details of the city, SkyBar’s mixology invites guests to immerse themselves in the destination, with each cocktail telling a unique story that complements the unparalleled views.

SkyBar Condesa is one of the best places to enjoy a unique night, within a location full of history and with a privileged location in Mexico City.

Hyatt opens family-friendly golf resort and spa in Mazatlán

April 12, 2024

Hyatt recently opened the family-friendly, all-inclusive Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, marking the first Hyatt hotel in the seaside destination of Mazatlán in Mexico.

Located in the exclusive community of Estrella del Mar, Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort is conveniently located less than six miles from the Mazatlán International Airport and 20 minutes from the city centre.

Luxury accommodations

Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort has 358 suites all outfitted with local artwork, neutral tones with pops of blue and furnished balconies or terraces touting spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Each suite is replete with Unlimited-Luxury inclusions such as a fully stocked and daily refreshed in-room mini bar, 24-hour room service, and more. Ideal for guests traveling with families or larger groups, connecting rooms are also available in varied room categories and accessible rooms are available upon request.

For guests seeking an even further elevated experience, the Preferred Club offers upgraded suites and a range of additional amenities and services including personalized check-in and check-out, exclusive access to the Preferred Club lounge, upgraded bath amenities, a pillow menu, dedicated concierge service, and more. Designed with multigenerational travel in mind, the resort touts a dedicated adult-only section replete with a private pool and swim up bar.

Noteworthy culinary offerings

Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort offers four à la carte restaurants, a grill, an international buffet, and an ice cream booth for guests craving sweets, as well as five bars and lounges serving unlimited top-shelf spirits.

With a wide range of culinary options including traditional Mexican favorites, Mediterranean-Asian fusion, and more, there is something for every taste and preference, all with no reservations required.

For adults looking to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the destination, exclusive add-on experiences are available at an additional cost including a tequila tasting or a guided pairing dinner in Portofino’s exclusive wine cellar.

Amenities for the whole family

Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort touts a variety of activities for both adults and children alike, such as an on-site waterpark with a lazy river, endless daytime and nighttime entertainment, water sports, and more.

Children ages 3-12 can play the day away at the nature-inspired Explorer’s Club for Kids with programming such as sandcastle competitions and weekly campout adventures, while the Core Zone Teens Club offers mini discos, movie nights, and access to gaming for teens ages 13-17. Guests prioritizing personal wellbeing can enjoy Dreams Spa, the resort’s dedicated spa and wellness center which includes a full-service salon and spa including a Turkish bath, guided hydrotherapy and a fitness center touting state-of-the-art equipment.

For guests seeking off-site activities, the resort is conveniently located near the largest boardwalk in the pacific as well as one of the best aquariums in Latin America.

For more information, visit www.hyatt.com.

This tour operator just launched a women’s only trip to Saudi Arabia

April 10, 2024

Intrepid Travel has introduced a 12-day Saudi Arabia Women’s Expedition, designed to offer an authentic and transformative travel experience while empowering women and supporting female-owned businesses in the destination.   

The tour will be exclusively led by female leaders and guides, aiming to showcase a different side of the country beyond the luxury resorts and high-end offerings.

Starting in Riyadh and finishing in Jeddah, groups will stay in a female-owned boutique hotel, heritage property and desert camp, directly supporting a total of nine female-owned and operated businesses.  

Five departures available

A limited run of five departures, each with a maximum of 12 travellers, will start on 26 November 2024. The 12-day trip will start at $7,975CAD.

Highlights include: 

  • Visit Madinah – the second holiest site in Islam, after Mecca – with a local female guide. Non-Muslims have recently been allowed to visit the holy site up to the perimeter 
  • Take a sunrise visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra, the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, guided by a local ‘rawee’ or storyteller 
  • Take a bullet train to Jeddah and explore Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Saudi’s first female guide  
  • Head to a female-owned, female-only salon for a spot of pampering. Chat to the locals and learn how these types of businesses have created opportunities for the women who live here 
  • Meet two sisters running a local citrus farm near Alula, sample their produce and have lunch under the trees  
  • Visit an abeya shop to learn how women are modernising this staple piece  
  • Jump on a boat and cruise the Red Sea, snorkel, swim, and enjoy a barbeque lunch before ending the day on a private female only beach. 

For more information, visit intrepidtravel.com.

Meet the fifth generation Hawaiian family who are changing chocolate

April 1, 2024

“I’d like to introduce you to a dear friend of mine. He’s very intelligent, he’s highly evolved, he’s handsome and delicious and very shy,” tour guide Alexandria Webster said mischievously.

“Friends, this is Theo.”

Partially expecting an eligible bachelor to come sauntering around the foliage of the 46-acre Lydgate Farms in Kapaa, Kaua’i, we quickly learn that Theo is short for Theobroma cacao. Alas, not a heartthrob, but a tropical evergreen tree known for its seeds that are used to produce cocoa powder and chocolate, whose scientific name means ‘food of the gods’ in Greek.

“This mood-elevating food was discovered by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans and back then they weren’t nibbling on Hershey,” she says. “They were consuming chocolate as a ceremonial health chocolate tonic beverage and it was fermented cocoa beans with some spices like cinnamon, cardamon, vanilla bean and some hot chilli peppers. If you were drinking it you were likely a monarch or a priest because you were consuming money. This is what they would trade as their currency.”

A superfood with super qualities

On a mission to change the way people think about chocolate, Webster says many visitors who come to the farm don’t know that chocolate is a fruit.

“It’s not just a fruit, it’s a superfood. Cacao is loaded with vitamins, trace minerals, hundreds of them, it’s one of the highest whole food sources of antioxidants that you can consume. It contains over forty mood-elevating properties,” she said. 

Over the centuries, this beverage was used to treat anemia, mental fatigue, tuberculosis, fever, gout, kidney stones, and even poor sexual appetite. While most of the chocolate of today no longer has health benefits, top-of-the line fine chocolates do.

“It only takes one ounce of quality chocolate a day to reap the benefits of heart health, brain health,” she says. “It’s great for your blood circulation, it’s going to open up your vessels, it’s going to improve your mood, your alertness because of the theobromine in chocolate. So, if you eat chocolate every day, you will not only be happier, you’re going to die a little less. It’s shown to lower all-cause mortality.”

Regenerative, generational farming

Lydgate Farms is run by Will Lydgate, whose family legacy on Kaua’i can be traced back across five generations. “My great-grandfather William arrived in 1865 with a dream to help build the future of the Hawaiian Kingdom,” he says. “[I’ve] dedicated myself to building a team that grows the best cacao the world has ever tasted.”

Embodying the principle of Mālama ‘Āina, a Hawaiian word that means to care for and honour the land for future generations, sustainability is at the forefront of his efforts. In addition to producing single-estate chocolate and treats like chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, Lydgate Farms also offers vanilla beans and small-batched palm blossom honey. 

“This beautiful tropical diverse farm is cultivated in a regenerative fashion, meaning we’re reinvesting in the soil for generations to come,” says Webster, adding that honey tasting is now part of the tour. “Cacao is an equatorial fruit — it only grows about 20° of the equator. That actually makes Hawai’i the only place in the continental US that can commercially grow chocolate.”

The farm has been recognized multiple times for producing some of the best chocolate in the world at international competitions. “Our farm represents the United States of America at the Cocoa of Excellence Awards in Paris. This is a world-wide chocolate competition every two years. Our humble farm is like the Jamaican bobsled team of the chocolate world, the underdogs,” she says, referencing the cult-favourite movie Cool Runnings. “Forty-six acres is a drop in the bucket compared to Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, they have thousands of acres and they’ve been doing it way longer than us. Small but mighty, we are now three consecutive runnings of the 50 best tasting chocolates in the whole world.”

From bean to bar

Based solely on the terroir of the farm, chocolate bars can elicit different flavour profiles from fruits to earthy tones. While there are only 14 original families of cacao, they cross pollinate to create thousands of varietals and result in the various coloured pods that range from yellow to vibrant red.

“Chocolate that’s fermented, that has distinctive flavour, that is packed with health benefits, and is not confectionery — meaning it’s heavily diluted with milk and sugar — didn’t even exist until 1997,” she says. “Isn’t that wild? It hasn’t been that long. People are just starting to learn about the art and the science that goes into making fine chocolate. Because Hawai’i is the only state where it can be commercially grown, we’re trying to transform Kaua’i into the Napa Valley of the chocolate world.”

At US$18 a pop, a chocolate bar from Lydgate Farms comes with a heftier price tag than your typical store-bought Cadbury bar. But when you consider the process involved, it should be a lot steeper. “If I crack this seed open and plant a seed today, it takes the tree at least four to five years to start bearing mature fruit. At that age, cocoa blossoms will start to bloom. They are so small that they are not pollinated by bees. They’re pollinated by the midge, which is a type of gnat,” she says. “Then it takes six to eight months for them to mature. A cacao tree can live 50 to 100 years.”

When it’s all said and done, she said the journey from bean to bar takes six to seven years. “Chocolate has more intricacies, more terroir, more flavour markers than wine,” she says. 

This story first appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. To read the full story, click here. 

 

A glamping retreat with a country store just opened in Texas

March 27, 2024

Outdoorsy Hill Country is a new luxury glamping retreat set in Hill Country, Texas.

Surrounded by rolling hills, the retreat, set on 32 acres, offers guests access to 22 all-season canvas glamping tents, a cafe and bar, a country store, an events lodge and a network of trails through nearby Fredericksburg. 

A large spring-fed watering hole is a centerpiece of the property, and offers a perfect spot for summer paddleboarding and wildlife spotting. Across the property, live oaks provide shade for live music performances and an outdoor bar.

Outdoorsy Hill Country combines state-of-the-art safari tents with locally sourced materials such as Texas limestone, creating a natural connection between the structures and the land. Outdoor amenities for each tent include wrap-around panoramic decks, and fire pits providing opportunities for guests to gather and relax for evening drinks and outdoor dining.

 

Spacious glamping tents

Spacious glamping tents, sleeping two or four, are sighted on the property to maximize seclusion, and blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. The tents feature a king-size bed, twin and trundle beds with linens, plush robes, and modern furnishings.

The retreat’s tents are also climate-controlled to ensure a comfortable stay year-round. Private ensuite bathrooms feature rain showers and premium bath products from San Saba Soap Company. A fully equipped kitchenette and stocked mini-bar give guests the chance to grill outdoors or mix a cocktail featuring local Garrison Brothers bourbon.

 

The Cafe will offer guests a seasonal menu of light eats featuring local produce served on its deck with panoramic views of the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park. Guests can start the day at the cafe by enjoying fresh Merit coffee, juices, smoothies, and grab-and-go breakfast options. The day winds down with craft cocktails and a curated selection of local wines from Crown Hill Winery and Pedernales Cellars and cold beers from Real Ale Brewing.

A country store will ensure guests have all the provisions guests need for their stay as well as hosting pop-up retail experiences from local brands.

Outdoorsy Hill Country is now accepting reservations. 

For more information, visit outdoorsy.com/hillcountry. 

This luxury tour operator just added Africa to its travel portfolio

March 25, 2024

Classic Vacations, a global luxury travel company, is expanding its portfolio to include luxury offerings on a new continent: Africa.

Classic’s Africa portfolio launches with a range of carefully crafted itineraries designed to highlight southern Africa’s most iconic destinations and hidden gems. Whether travellers are seeking adventure in the wilderness, cultural immersion in vibrant cities, or just relaxation, there will be a tour to suit every taste and interest.

“Our diverse product offerings now span from city experiences in iconic destinations such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Livingstone, and Victoria Falls to unforgettable safari adventures in Kruger National Park, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. At Classic, we pride ourselves on curating exceptional experiences, and our newest additions promise to deliver even more to immerse travelers in the beauty and excitement that this magnificent region offers,” said Joelle Apilado, vice-president of product, Classic Vacations.

“Africa offers a wealth of unique experiences that our customers are asking for. Add that to our preferred luxury accommodations and curated VIP service, and travelers are guaranteed to create memories that last a lifetime,” she concluded.

To learn more about Classic Vacations and its new Africa trips, visit www.classicvacations.com.