Here’s a look at some of National Geographic’s best 2024 trips

December 30, 2022 No Comments

National Geographic Expeditions, which offers travellers unparalleled access to global destinations through the lens of knowledgeable National Geographic Experts, launches the first phase of its 2024 travel portfolio, including the complete river cruise lineup.

In collaboration with AmaWaterways, three National Geographic Expeditions-chartered departures will offer an in-depth exploration through Europe’s historic waterways, all with the ease and leisure of luxury river cruising.

Additionally, the guided travel company announced early 2024 dates for its Signature Land category, as well as the lineup for 2024 Private Expeditions.

European River Cruising

National Geographic Expeditions invites travelers to become immersed in the beauty, charm and rich history of Europe with a cruise showcasing the highlights and hidden gems along the Danube River, Rhine River and scenic waterways of Hollandand Belgium.

With knowledge at the heart of the experience, both a National Geographic Expert and a National Geographic Photography Expert accompany travellers on each departure. These experts are renowned storytellers with a close connection to National Geographic whose specialties include writing, photography, history, geography and more — and their unique insights help form a travel experience that enlightens and inspires like no other.

The 2024 lineup features three sailings:

Holland and Belgium in Springtime by River Cruise (April 15): This art, floral and architecture-focused departure sends travelers on a journey through the iconic waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands, with stops at the famous windmills of Kinderdijk, a Floralia flower show at a historic Belgian castle and the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh.
Rhine River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam (Sept. 12): Offering bike rides, walking excursions and even tasting tours, this itinerary explores the romance and timelessness of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a taste of Germany’s Rheingau wine region, and photographers will learn from the National Geographic Photography Expert during a special on-deck photo workshop to capture images of the scenic Rhine Gorge.
Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise (Dec. 7): This sailing invites cruise passengers to explore charming Christmas markets from Budapest to Nuremberg. Travellers will also discover lesser-known holiday marketplaces within Vienna and Salzburg and visit Vienna’s Museum of Natural History. There, visitors will meet with National Geographic Explorer Ludovic Ferriere for a behind-the-scenes look at the meteorite exhibit he curated.

Throughout each sailing, travellers will also enjoy regionally inspired meals, complimentary wines with every lunch and dinner, wellness facilities, Wi-Fi and spacious suites that are part of every National Geographic Expeditions river cruise experience.

All available departures are listed on the River Cruises page of NatGeoExpeditions.com.

Early 2024 Signature Land Departures

Offering endless opportunities to explore the world, National Geographic Expeditions Signature Land trips provide premium, fully planned itineraries that give travellers special access to extraordinary places around the globe, paired with unique opportunities to experience a destination through the eyes of the storytellers from National Geographic.

The early 2024 Signature Land portfolio will span North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, and will feature a blend of tried-and-true traveler favorites and recently debuted itineraries with strong National Geographic connections, including:

Inside Japan
Costa Rica: Wildlife and Conservation
Borneo Wildlife Adventure
Palau: Snorkeling and Kayaking the Pristine Seas

The latest Signature Land departure dates are available on the Signature Land page of NatGeoExpeditions.com.

Private Expeditions

Private Expeditions are unique itineraries designed for 1 to 10 travellers in their own private party. These trips are hosted by a private guide, offer more flexibility in travel dates and feature premium accommodations.

In 2024, 27 Private Expeditions are offered, including:

Belize and Tikal Private Expedition
Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde National Parks Private Expedition
Australia Private Expedition
Greek Isles Private Expedition
Sicily Private Expedition

All 2024 Private Expeditions are listed on the Private Expeditions page of NatGeoExpeditions.com.

Experiencing meaningful travel

A portion of the proceeds from every National Geographic Expedition supports a global community of National Geographic Explorers.

Each year, the National Geographic Society awards more than 575 grants to scientists, educators, storytellers, conservationists, technologists and many other changemakers who help define some of the critical challenges of our time, drive new knowledge, advance new solutions and inspire positive, transformative change.

Bookings open to the public on Jan. 12, 2023. The new 2024 travel dates are available on NatGeoExpeditions.com.

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.

Day and Night: The ultimate Jordan itinerary

December 9, 2022 No Comments

Jordan will provide visitors with an endless number of exotic experiences, regardless of whether it's sun-up or sundown. The country's storied history and intriguing landscapes ensure that there never needs to be a dull moment for vacationers.

DAY

The Jordan Trail

Duha Fayyad is inviting energetic sorts to trod over terrain that has hosted the likes of Roman Legions, Biblical figures and even Indiana Jones. Fayyad is the vice-president of the Jordan Trail, a 675-kilometre walkway that links northernmost Jordan with the Red Sea-fronting resort destination of Aqaba, with those who hike it in its entirety seeing some dramatic Jordanian tourist attractions. “It is a completely different experience. You miss out on so much when you take a vehicle,” says hiking enthusiast Fayyad of the non-mainstream manner of touring her homeland.

The Jordan Trail officially opened in 2017 and covers eight regions that Fayyad reports differ noticeably. Northern Jordan, for instance, has a lot of greenery, while desert awaits those who head to the trail’s southern part. Trail officials rate day-long hikes by degree of difficulty, with the scale ranging from Moderate to Challenging.

Among trail highlights are Petra—the ancient Nabatean city carved from rock faces and part of which was showcased in the blockbuster movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Wadi Rum, the desert retreat associated with Lawrence of Arabia and the Arab revolt. Those who opt for the entire marked trail can do it at their own pace, perhaps taking more than six weeks to complete it, at times staying in homes in villages along the way, eating local dishes with the “super hospitable” occupants of those houses. Camping is another option, including in areas with few people.

“It forces you to connect with nature and the land,” Fayyad says. Participants may spot both domestic and wild animals, with the latter possibly including the likes of foxes, birds and different reptiles. Fayyad says those who complete the trail—overseen by NGO Jordan Trail Association—will see parts of the country that are steeped in history, with the trail’s mid-section built along Roman trade routes. More information can be found at jordantrail.org.

Wadi Rum

Visiting Jordan’s Wadi Rum region can be uplifting in a literal sense for energetic sorts. And perhaps a little tiring as well. Wadi Rum is best known for serving as a hideout for Lawrence of Arabia and other participants in the Arab Revolt and today attracts tourists eager to see an intriguing landscape of sand, dunes and rock outcroppings.

Those exploring it on a four-wheel drive desert safari are welcome to climb a steep, lengthy, sandy slope that leads them to a level area bordering towering rock faces, with tour guide Ahmad “Ace” Malhas cautioning those eager to trek upwards that the gradient won’t be the only challenge. “They think it will be easy but when they try it they say, ‘Oh my God! It’s so long,'” he reports, adding the sand surface makes planting your feet somewhat tricky.

Would-be trekkers are advised that the upward jaunt will be easier barefôot than with shoes, thanks to the sand. After descending, climbers can have traditional Bedouin tea. Meanwhile, Malhas says those who top the massive dune will be rewarded by looking down on the type of landscapes Lawrence called “vast, echoing and God-like.”

Ammarin Camp

Jordanian tour company employee Tamer Nassar will happily introduce tourists to some Bedouin-style baking and brewing. Among locales Nassar—with Kawar Tours, which sends people throughout Jordan—can take visitors to is Ammarin Camp, a Bedouin encampment near the interior Jordan setting of Bediah, with the encampment found in the type of desert-like setting that Bedouins have long called home.

Those visiting Ammarin Camp can enjoy such traditional foods as hummus while sitting on low cushions, eating in a traditional Bedouin manner. The food itself is placed on a table in a recess in a dramatic rockface. Guests can stay in the camp, or overnight in the Bedouin tents and enjoy meals cooked and eaten amongst local residents, too. Those visitors can also watch a local woman bake Bedouin bread and another area residents produce traditional coffee in a manner that might seem laborious to Western coffee drinkers.

Nassar says coffee is very much part of Jordanian culture. “Wherever you go, they will offer you coffee,” adding such useful pointers that those visiting Bedouins should limit themselves to three cups of coffee as requesting a fourth is considered disrespectful in their culture. More information on the encampment can be found at bedouincamp.net/. More information on Jordan tours can be found at kawartours.com

NIGHT

Petra beneath the stars

Night time can be the right time to view Petra’s most dramatic feature. The Nabatean archeological site hosts Petra By Night three times a week, with those attending finding the famed gorge leading to The Treasury illuminated by candles, while the area before the towering, beautifully carved structure is also lit by a huge number of candles.

Visitors will hear Bedouin flute music and a narration tells of Petra’s storied past. Those who oversee Petra want people to realize that Petra By Night isn’t a modern sound-and-light show.

“Walking through a canyon, which is illuminated just by candlelight, is a unique experience,” the Petra Development & Tourism Region Authority says. “Once you have reached The Treasury, enjoy the magic atmosphere: listen to a Bedouin playing his flute and reciting an old tale of the Nabatean times. You will enjoy an organic sound and light exaltation of the innate talent of the Nabateans, who so magnificently enhanced the natural beauty of their capital.”

Petra Kitchen

Those interested in learning how to cook up a storm Bedouin-style should consider taking a class at Petra Kitchen, which is found close to the archeological site of Petra and offers classes that can teach people how to make such Jordanian staples as lentil soup, tahini, baba ganoush and other dishes in a spotlessly clean kitchen.

Among those offering tourists pointers is Ahmad Daana, who sports a chef’s jacket and learned to cook from his mother. “They do a very good job,” he says of his students. Those students have included New Yorker David Yaw Anokye, who learned to appreciate cooking during his many travels and says Petra Kitchen inspired him. “I’ll keep practicing,” he says of Jordanian cuisine. His sister, Love, also took a class and says she was more than pleased with what she helped create. “I’m proud to help cook the food and have it taste so good,” she says, adding she was pleased to see vegan-friendly dishes available for guests to prepare.

Star gazing

There’s no question that those who vacation in Jordan may return home feeling a little star-struck. The country offers many great locales for stargazing, including Wadi Rum, where stars help light up the night. Wadi Rum is considered ideal for viewing the heavens after dark, thanks to a combination of factors, among them few people living there, meaning light pollution doesn’t affect views of what’s shining overhead after sundown. The desert environment also leads to clear skies.

There are many accommodation options for visitors, among them Bedouin tents for those wanting to experience a Bedouin lifestyle. Those wanting to look to the stars will also find geodesic domes to overnight in. The dwellings enable people to look directly skyward after deciding to hit the hay.

A look at the latest hotel openings in the Caribbean and beyond

December 7, 2022 No Comments

A weekly look at the latest hotel and resort news.

Cayo Levantado Resort, a brand-new resort under the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts portfolio, is now open for reservations and will start welcoming guests on June 1, 2023. Located on the island of Cayo Levantado in the Dominican Republic, just a few miles away from Samaná Bay, this rebranded, and extensively renovated property marks Bahia’s evolution into the luxury hotel management segment with the aim of improving its offer and adding value to the tourism sector.

The island is made up of three sandy and palm-fringed beaches, one being open to the public and two that are exclusively for guests staying at Cayo Levantado Resort. The resort offers two swimming pools, two spas (including a jungle spa), an outdoor CrossFit area, a beach club, a personal training studio, a beauty salon, botanic garden, a wide range of entertainment activities and an exclusive area focused on wellness. Guests will be able to choose from three à la carte restaurants, one buffet restaurant, four bars and a coffee shop. Two additional specialty restaurants give visitors exciting dining options outside the all-inclusive offerings.

Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya officially opened its doors in Riviera Maya, Mexico, surrounded by lush mangroves. The exclusive adult oasis boasts 291 sophisticated suites with elegant amenities, modern décor and sweeping views of the resort grounds and sea. The all-inclusive resort is situated on 1.5 acres of pure white sand beach with easy access to the Cancun International Airport and only six miles from Playa del Carmen.

All rooms and suites feature spa-like bathrooms with rainfall showers, turndown service, LCD satellite TV’s, Wi-Fi internet access and complimentary minibars with soft drinks and premium beer along with 24-hour in-suite dining featuring chef specialties. Each guestroom offers a furnished balcony or patio with views of the ocean or garden.

Inspired by the art and architecture of pre-Hispanic Maya culture, Zen Spa provides a serene atmosphere for relaxation and wellness, featuring soothing and restorative treatments with ten indoor treatment rooms. Zen Spa also offers a master suite with a hydrotherapy tub, sauna and steam rooms, a fitness centre with group classes, strength zone and cardio area, and a full-service beauty salon.

Hilton is expanding its luxury portfolio in the US with plans carved in stone to develop the all-season Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe. Expected to debut in 2027, the mixed-use development will introduce 76 guest rooms and 61 best-in-class Waldorf Astoria branded residences.

Managed by Hilton, the new build luxury hotel will mark Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ first property in the treasured Sierra Nevada mountain range. Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake recognized globally for its blue water, 72-mile shoreline and renowned ski resorts and terrain. It is no surprise that in 1960, Tahoe was home to the Winter Olympics. Boating, biking, hiking, climbing and golfing are just a taste of what draws athletes and adventurers to this locale today.

RIU Hotels & Resorts has inaugurated a new 5-star establishment with 428 rooms on the beach in Cancun, Riu Palace Kukulkan. The new adults only hotel offers 24-hour all-inclusive service.

The new hotel offers a wide array of culinary choices with a total of seven restaurants: the main Don Julio, a buffet with terrace; the Japanese restaurant Sunakku; the Krystal, with fusion food; the Mexican restaurant la Casa de las Flores; the Italian restaurant Rossini; a poolside steakhouse fit for meat lovers; and the grill Pepe’s Food with barbecue delights served throughout the day. It also has five bars: the lobby bar Daiquiri, with a mixology specialist and daily signature cocktail; Capuchino patisserie and ice cream shop; la Latina lounge; Mamasita pool bar; and the Lounge bar.

Outside, guests will be able to enjoy up to four pools in addition to direct beach access from the hotel. They will also have wellness and beauty services available at Renova Spa. One of the hotel’s special features is that interested guests are able to book Elite Club by RIU rooms. Guests selecting this exclusive service will have access to separate and personalized check-in and late check-out, a welcome gift, aromatherapy and a Premium beverage dispenser, among many other perks.

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 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 includes amenities like a sauna, gym, beauty and massage room as well as an indoor swimming pool, and outdoor infinity pool for guests to enjoy a hotel experience in the privacy of their own villa. There is also a full-service spa, with therapists on demand, to offer bespoke massage and other wellness treatments.

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

New 70-acre adults-only hotel opens in Riviera Maya

December 5, 2022 No Comments

Nestled in the secluded region of Riviera Maya, Mexico, Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya is a new property that is close to the Cancun International Airport and Playa del Carmen.

This sophisticated, all-inclusive resort is situated on 1.5 acres of pure white sand beach combining state-of-the-art amenities with heartfelt service and inviting accommodations.

Stunning suites

The exclusive adult oasis has 291 sophisticated suites with elegant amenities, modern décor and beautiful views of the resort grounds and sea. All rooms and suites feature spa-like bathrooms with rainfall showers, turndown service, LCD satellite TV’s, Wi-Fi internet access and complimentary minibars with soft drinks and premium beer along with 24-hour in-suite dining featuring chef specialties. Each guestroom offers a furnished balcony or patio, views of the ocean or garden, marble bathrooms and double vanities, all exuding the tranquility and peacefulness of the Riviera Maya region.

Guests of Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya can enjoy adult-oriented amenities, including a sprawling ocean-view pool with an adjacent hot tub, nine globally inspired restaurants, bars and lounges, and unique daily and nightly activities, such as aqua aerobics, water sports, cooking lessons, live performances and more.

Wellness and relaxation

Inspired by the art and architecture of pre-Hispanic Maya culture, Zen Spa provides a serene atmosphere for relaxation and wellness, featuring soothing and restorative treatments with ten indoor treatment rooms. Zen Spa also offers a master suite with a hydrotherapy tub, sauna and steam rooms, a fitness center with group classes, strength zone and cardio area, and a full-service beauty salon.

Ideal for large gatherings, Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya offers the perfect venues for meetings and conferences with more than 6,000 square feet of modern facilities designed for success. Elegant outdoor spaces and gardens allow for dreamy destination weddings with a blissful backdrop.

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.

Luxury hotel with French flair and authentic Hammam spa opens in Morocco

November 30, 2022 No Comments

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, a brand of Accor, has announced an opening date for its newest flagship hotel, Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé.

Nestled at the confluence of the Bouregreg and the Atlantic Ocean in Morroco’s capital, the property, which is set to welcome guests as of November 28th, 2022, offers breath taking views of the region’s landmark sites.

Designed as a majestic cruise liner dropping anchor on the estuary, Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé embarks guests on an unparalleled experience of luxury. By revealing the Rabat-Salé area through a new perspective, the hotel captures the life and soul of modern Morocco highlighting its ancestral traditions.

Located near the Rabat-Salé international airport, a short 10-minute drive from the capital’s city centre, this new Fairmont flagship property features 186 rooms, including 27 opulent suites, and 88 timelessly elegant residences. Combining authentic Moroccan craftsmanship with modern design elements, each room pays homage to the different influences that have marked the Kingdom over the centuries.

Embodying the Fairmont brand’s heartfelt service and the best of Moroccan hospitality, the property offers a wide range of culinary experiences to delight the senses. Guests can enjoy a selection of three restaurants as well as a bar overlooking a green Orangerie, reinterpreting the outdoor gardens of antique Moroccan dwellings.

Moroccan & Meditteranean influences

The French brasserie, “L’Ecume” is a culinary journey from farm and ocean to table, where local ingredients are showcased by Executive Chef Nicolas Warot. Whereas “Le Dahlia”, helmed by Chef Mohammed Amine Idbounite, is the promise of an exhilarating immersion in the heart of authentic Moroccan cuisine. With Mediterranean influences, modern dressings and cooking techniques, Le Dahlia provides guests with a new perspective on this traditional cuisine. Furthermore, “Le Deck”, a travelling cuisine inspired by Nikkei influences, awaits the connoisseur. Offering a 360° panoramic view of the estuary and the region’s most outstanding landmarks, this restaurant is equipped with an avant-garde bar and a year-round heated swimming pool. The venue is a suspended urban oasis where the ambiance evolves throughout the day, becoming more vibrant as the sun dips towards the horizon.

“La Verrière” completes this palette of culinary journeys. This lobby lounge and tearoom is the vibrant heart of the hotel. Bustling from the early morning hours, this contemporary version of the light-drenched patios of the Moroccan ancestral riads is a place to socialise and savour cocktails and is the most exquisite tea-time in the region, with refined pastries, freshly baked by the chef Hicham Khabata.

Leisure & luxury

The VIP Spa suite features an authentic Hammam room and the exclusive product ranges from “Natura Bissé” and “Maison d’Asa”, with rituals using ingredients drawn from the richness of Moroccan terroir.

Acting in perfect synergy with the Spa, Fairmont Fit fulfills a guest’s quest for wellness while travelling and offers a moment of freedom and relaxation for both mind and body. Featuring state-of-the-art fitness facilities, this area offers a holistic experience of well-being through invigorating activities such as cardio-training sessions combined with aqua gym in the heated pool or more resorative activities such as yoga and guided meditation along the beach.

For leisure travellers, Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé is the ultimate reference for luxury, where the most memorable experiences are created and the most cherished memories are made. From DIY workshops with the artisans of the Oulja to fishing trips aboard a luxury yacht and pedestrian tours through the maze of the old medina, this address offers an exciting immersion in the local culture.

Business travellers are not to be outdone. The hotel offers nine meeting rooms, including a VIP Majliss, a majestic Ballroom and and seven board rooms. Thanks to the diversity of modular spaces equipped with leading-edge technology and an intuitive and passionate event planning service, the Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé conference centre sets the stage for the community’s most anticipated events.

A tantalizing food journey through San Juan, Puerto Rico

November 28, 2022 No Comments

With a blowtorch in one hand and a rocks glass in the other, Dennis Rivera meticulously lights a small pile of tobacco leaves sitting on a slab of wood from a Spanish white oak sherry barrel on fire and places the glass on top to infuse it with the smoke. Rivera, a brand specialist at Puerto Rican rum distillery Ron del Barrilito in Bayamón, is creating a cigar fashioned — a twist on an old fashioned — made with ingredients like chocolate and orange bitters, cocoa powder, and rum instead of rye.

“It smells amazing already,” he says. “This is a cigar simple syrup. We do it here ourselves; we create the tobacco syrup in house.” Ron del Barrilito is the oldest Puerto Rican rum, made in the same way since 1880, but the cocktails on offer in the visitor’s centre are fresh takes on classic cocktails. Here, rum bottles fetch as much as US $750 for a collector’s edition that’s been aged for 35 years.

After touring the premises and learning all about the history of the business and the distilling process, the tables have turned, and now I’m the one mixing drinks by taking part in a mixology class offered on site, concocting three rum-based drinks, including a pina colada.

Nicknaming the one-ounce shot glass “Monday” and the two-ounce glass “Friday,” we follow the instructions and skillfully create some top-notch cocktails. The reward is not only to drink the fruits of our labour — everyone in the class is also presented with an official certificate for successfully completing the course.

Now, who said drinking couldn’t be educational?

A gastronomic adventure

The next morning, as local chef Nivia Villanueva arrives at Plaza del Mercado de Río Piedras, a traditional market in San Juan, her eyes light up when she sees the abundance of fresh local produce on offer just a few short weeks after the destination was hit by Hurricane Fiona.

“Look at this!” she says with excitement, holding up a large avocado that’s quadruple the size of the typical ones found in grocery stores back in Canada. “We also need peppers, onions and garlic.”

Our mission today is to pick up the ingredients needed to prepare a typical Puerto Rican feast for lunch. We’ll soon be whipping up dishes like mofongo, a local favourite made from fried mashed plantains. Since moving back to Puerto Rico to be part of the solution and recovery efforts after the devastating impacts of hurricanes Maria and Irma back in 2017, Villanueva has been on a quest to share her love for cooking and the history of Puerto Rican cuisine with travellers. She strives to source local ingredients as much as possible as well as to support nearby farmers and small businesses.

“I share my passion for Puerto Rico’s culture and cuisine, emphasizing local products and my secret ingredient — a pinch of love,” she explains. Although the bounce back was much quicker this time around (there are barely any traces of impact left in the San Juan area), the Puerto Rican-born chef wants to get the message out that the island is open and ready for visitors. By night, we’re told the area surrounding the market transforms into a vibrant spot for nightlife with ample bars to choose from.

Food: a cultural connection

After gathering all the necessary ingredients for our gastronomic venture, we head to Villanueva’s condo apartment to get cooking. Our group is spread out across the kitchen chopping vegetables and mashing the plantain down in small wooden containers. Progress is made quickly and a short while later, we’re lining up to plate our concoctions. The end result is quite possibly the best tasting meal I’ve ever had a hand in cooking.

The next day, Elliot Cintron of The Spoon Experience guides me through the picturesque cobblestoned streets of Old San Juan to five culinary stops while also stopping by some interesting sights in the area like the smallest apartment building in San Juan — which fits between his outstretched arms — and La Puerta de la Bandera, a large colonial door with the image of the Puerto Rican flag alongside some street art. I’m on the Sunset Walk & Taste Tour, which is as much about food and drinks as it is about getting a historical overview of the 500- year-old city.

Our first stop is Chocobar Cortés where almost everything on the menu has a chocolate element from the avocado toast to the aptly named chocoburger. Even the cocktails incorporate the sweet ingredients with options like a chocolate old fashioned using chocolate bitters. We’re here to sample frozen chocolate — essentially the opposite of hot chocolate and more like a chocolate shake, which hits the spot. Another delicious stop is at Singular restaurant for cocktails and Arroz Congri, a dish made up of black beans and rice in this case topped with steak. The restaurant is located in the Hotel El Convento, a historic hotel in the historic walled city of Old San Juan set in a former Carmelite convent dating back to 1651.

Just when I think I can’t possibly squeeze in even more food, Cintron brings the group to Señor Paleta, an ice-cream and popsicle shop utilizing local products. The locations of the food tour stops vary slightly each day but one thing is for sure — no one leaves hungry.

—STORY BY ANN RUPPENSTEIN