Inside the Park Hyatt New York suite that costs $50,000 a night

December 18, 2024 No Comments

Park Hyatt New York unveils its latest masterpiece, the Manhattan Suite, located on the hotel’s 25th floor and now available for stays starting at $50,000 per night with a two-night minimum.

Representing a $10 million investment, this exclusive suite, complemented by two additional connecting suites, forms an expansive 3,500-square-foot retreat with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two powder rooms, and two balconies, accommodating up to 10 guests. With sophisticated furnishings and distinctive design elements, the Manhattan Suite offers an unparalleled residential experience, exuding refined elegance and showcasing breathtaking 180-degree views of Manhattan’s iconic skyline.

Debuting during the hotel’s 10th anniversary this year, the suite marks a significant milestone in Park Hyatt New York’s multi-million-dollar renovation, celebrating a decade of luxury and innovation.

About the suite

The Manhattan Suite features a bespoke art collection and over 50 New York and art-inspired coffee table books, meticulously arranged to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Curated by Tatar Art Projects, this ensemble includes works by renowned artists, authors, sculptors, designers, and artisans whose creations have graced prestigious venues such as the Guggenheim Museum.

Sawyer & Company, the New York-based boutique design studio, crafted the interiors to reflect the city’s creative spirit while paying tribute to the hotel’s rich artistic heritage. Nearly 18-foot floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of the striking skyline and Central Park allow natural light to fill the space during the day and the city lights to dazzle at night. The spacious living area is elegantly designed to host social gatherings or facilitate meetings, featuring a dining table for eight and a Bernardaud dinnerware collection. The kitchen is equipped with premium Miele appliances—including a built-in microwave and wall oven, induction cooktop, 24-inch fully integrated dishwasher, and a Master Cool fridge-freezer—bringing a sense of refined residential comfort to this luxurious setting. The primary bedroom in the Manhattan Suite also includes a private bar, complete with a renowned wine selection.

Guests can indulge in restful sleep with soft Sferra linens on Bryte Balance king-size beds, equipped with AI-powered, multi-sensory technology that helps combat jet lag, promote quicker sleep, and ensure deeper rest. The lavish bathrooms further enhance the stay, featuring Le Labo amenities and the latest hair dryer from renowned stylist Rossano Ferretti. The opulent master bathroom offers a dual vanity, a walk-in rain shower functioning also as a steam room, an oversized marble soaking tub, heated marble floors, a Toto electric toilet, and bidets.

Additional amenities

The Manhattan Suite experience is elevated with exclusive amenities such as a dedicated concierge, a personalized welcome gift, a refrigerator and mini bar stocked to guests’ preferences, and the option for custom embroidered robes or pillowcases. Guests can also enjoy complimentary daily breakfast, indulgent spa treatments at the award-winning Spa Nalai, and seamless airport transfers to and from local NYC airports.

Additional enhancements available upon request for a fee include private jet transfers to New York City provided by Advent Jets, a personal in-suite chef tasting dinner, and a private hour in the indoor saltwater swimming pool, complete with a curated underwater playlist. Guests also have the option to have a Peloton bike delivered to the suite for an invigorating workout. They can further immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of New York City, thanks to the hotel’s prime location near iconic landmarks such as Central Park, Carnegie Hall, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and Lincoln Center, offering an array of enriching cultural experiences to explore.

The introduction of the Manhattan Suite complements the recent debut of the Hairspa by Hair Maestro Rossano Ferretti in June, setting the stage for forthcoming renovations that will feature a redesigned Spa Nalai and reimagined specialty suites, all equipped with Bryte Balance beds for enhanced comfort. These new developments are part of Park Hyatt New York’s celebration of its 10th anniversary, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to continual luxury and innovation.

For more information on Park Hyatt New York, visit www.parkhyattnewyork.com.

Dart adds luxurious Zemi Beach House in Anguilla to hotel portfolio

December 16, 2024 No Comments

Dart has added the Zemi Beach House Anguilla to its hotel portfolio. Dart acquired the property from the Goldstein family of New York which developed and has operated the resort since its 2016 opening.

Located on six-acres along the serene shores of Shoal Bay on Anguilla’s north coast, Zemi Beach House is known as an intimate boutique hideaway with 77 rooms and expansive amenities.

Dart’s growing hospitality portfolio centres on luxury resorts including the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Awarded Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman as well as Conrad Orlando at Evermore, an 1,100-acre resort community developed by Dart Interests and opened in 2023.

About Zemi Beach House

Part of LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s luxury collection brand, Zemi Beach House is located on six acres along Anguilla’s serene Shoal Bay East.

The 77-room enclave offers a range of accommodations from superior and premium guest rooms to two- and three-bedroom penthouse suites and beachfront suites. Designed by internationally renowned Caribbean architect Lane Pettigrew, the property’s architecture pulls inspiration from Anguilla’s natural environment and blends modern, clean lines with classic Caribbean building details.

The intimate boutique indulges guests with expansive amenities including two restaurants, three lounges, three pools, more than a mile of sandy beach and a 15,000 square foot spa set in an authentic 300-year-old Thai house.

For more information, visit zemibeach.com.

Going to great depths in Franconian Switzerland

December 13, 2024 No Comments

Ann Ruppenstein sets foot on a rocky journey through Germany’s most cavernous region, discovering the quaint towns, hiking trails and hidden wonders that await.

One thing to know about Franconian Switzerland is that, despite its somewhat misleading name, it’s not actually in Switzerland. 

Located in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany, the region filled with unusual rock formations and picturesque villages set in the foothills of mountains first garnered attention for its natural caves at a time when hiking was still on the cusp of becoming a widespread idea. 

“At this time, in the beginning of the 19th century, hiking wasn’t a concept that existed. Why would you go for a walk somewhere without any purpose?” said Johannes Stemper, a nature park ranger at Riesenburg, a cave ruin with natural bridges and arches with rock formations that trace back to the Jurassic age 201.4 million years ago.

Receiving its name from the Romantics, who were poets, artists and literates of the 19th century, the region’s namesake was attributed to its comparisons of Switzerland. “At this time Switzerland was the stereotype for beauty and culture and landscapes,” Stemper said.

In the 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment (an intellectual and philosophical movement in Europe from the 17th and 18th centuries), Franconian Switzerland was visited by students from the nearby University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, who set out to explore some of the caves in the area and unintentionally helped establish the destination as a hotspot for natural wonders. 

“Before the Age of Enlightenment, no one would have ever dared to go into a cave because it was the place of the devil — the place of evil and darkness,” Stemper said.

AN UNUSUAL DISCOVERY

Upon exploration of the caves, the students found strange animal bones and skeletal remains.

“They could not explain these animals because they were extinct,” Stemper said. “It turned out to be cave bears, cave hyenas, and even cave lions. They published their findings and in the society of educated people, it was a really big thing.”

In the weeks and months that followed, scholars and educated townsmen flocked to the area to set foot in the region’s caves for themselves, inevitably triggering the start of tourism in Franconian Switzerland.

To this day, Franconian Switzerland, located southwest of Bayreuth, is still known for its caves, including intricate limestone caves formed over millions of years. 

“We still have more than 1,000 caves in different shapes, many with big rooms connected to tiny corridors where you have to crawl through,” Stemper said. 

WHERE TO GO

Closeby on the outskirts of Pottenstein, where Rabenstein castle is perched on a hillside overlooking the charming town, a quite literal hellish dripstone cave called the Devil’s Cave (Teufelshöhle) exists. It has long lured visitors inside with its mixture of folklore, outer worldly stalagmites and stalactites, and an original skeleton of a cave bear that roamed the area some 30,000 years ago.

It’s believed that Devil’s Cave got its name because many animals would vanish into the cave, something that locals attributed to an act of the Devil. Much later, the remains of these animals were found within the cave’s walls. Rather than the handiwork of the Devil, these livestock actually met their untimely demise by falling to their deaths.

Today, the cave is also known to have therapeutic benefits used to help treat lung ailments, but most people come to take part in a guided 45-minute tour through some of its most unique features and to view the piles of animal bones scattered throughout. 

A trip to Pottenstein is often paired with a stop in the village of Tüchersfeld, where unique limestone rock formations jet out behind half-timbered houses.

About an hour’s drive from there lies another highlight of Germany’s lesser known natural side — the largest rock labyrinth in Europe. The Luisenburg in the middle of the Fichtelgebirge mountain range offers hiking trails through, above and around granite rocks and huge boulders surrounded by caves and gorges.

With several thermal spas nearby, the area is also popular for wellness and relaxation and forest bathing experiences. 

This article first appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to read the digital magazine. Click here to subscribe to the print magazine.

Sandals Resorts adds very “suite” upgrades in Jamaica & Saint Lucia

December 11, 2024 No Comments

Sandals Resorts has introduced several new suite experiences across its portfolio of adults-only, all-inclusive Caribbean resorts.

These include four-bedroom butler villas and Skypool Suites with rooftop terraces, as well as additional next-generation rooms like the guest-favourite Rondoval Villas and reimagined beachfront and bluff view rooms.

Newly renovated villas at Sandals Ochi, including the Two-Bedroom and Four-Bedroom Butler Villas with Private Pool, are now offered as a bookable package for immediate stays.

Creating the perfect escape for a friends’ getaway, the new “FOMO: Fear of Missing Ochi” package takes care of everything, from a VIP Beach Club Day and US$350 experience credit to an in-villa private dining experience so that guests can laze by the private pool, explore the lore of Ocho Rios or vibe to the beats of the resort’s exclusive Ochi Beach Club. The package is available to book through Jan. 31, 2025 for travel now through Dec. 26, 2026.

Now available to book

New One-Bedroom Skypool Butler Suites with Roof Terraces are also available to book now at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay for arrivals on Feb. 1, 2025. These elevated suites take the guest favourite Skypool suites to the next level, offering unparalleled ocean views, spacious living and dining areas, and ample space to unwind.

As part of the new Balmoral building set on the ocean, the suites focus strongly on design and feature contemporary coastal Caribbean details, drawing inspiration from the blue waters and white sand of its setting. This expansion comes after the room category’s earlier debut at Sandals Negril, which quickly became one of the most sought-after suites at the resort.

Additional Rondoval villas

Sandals is introducing additional Rondoval Villas across the portfolio as well, expanding and elevating a guest-favourite room design.

At Sandals Regency La Toc in Saint Lucia, nearly two dozen Rondoval Butler Villas with Private Pools – eight of which will also feature a private rooftop – are now available to book for March 1, 2025 arrivals.

Inspired by Saint Lucia’s tropical charm, the villas’ sleek, modern design features light, airy tones that seamlessly tie in the serene outdoor setting into the lush getaway through glass doors. At Sandals Royal Curaçao, several Asombroso Rondoval Butler Villas with Private Pools are also available to book now, offering a secluded getaway for travellers and a taste of what’s to come in Saint Lucia.

Additional new room types across the portfolio include refreshed and reimagined beachfront suites with outdoor tranquility soaking tubs at Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, two-story bluff villas with private patios and pools at Sandals Regency La Toc, and additional swim-up and skypool suites at Sandals Negril.

Bookable now through Dec. 23, 2024, guests who bask in the Caribbean a little longer can receive additional savings with up to US$1,000 off plus one free night on stays of at least seven nights at select Sandals, and up to US$400 off plus one free night for stays of seven nights or longer on select room categories at Beaches.

Whales, trails and Viking tales await in Newfoundland and Labrador

December 6, 2024 No Comments

Western Newfoundland and Labrador have long been on my list of places to visit for barren wilderness–and remarkable human migration history at its furthest reaches. When it’s not about flavourful seafood, sweet berries and sweeping history, Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula is all about wild, wild nature. Whales breach and icebergs glisten just offshore a tuckamore laden coastline. Add in Labrador—a landscape with granite boulders strewn like a giant’s marble game—and you have an incredible drive.

WALK THE MANTLE OF THE EARTH

Heading north up the 526-kilometre Viking Trail (Route 430), the first detour for our carful of friends was Gros Morne National Park to stroll the UNESCO-designated Tablelands Trail.

With its red, Mars-like terrain, a half billion years ago, the Tablelands lay below sea level, until shifting plates forced ancient continents together and thrust up the ocean floor.

In the park’s northern section, we walked an orchid-dotted trail to reach a boat tour on Western Brook Pond, the most dramatic way to experience this inland fjord, where waterfalls descend from green 600-metre cliffs higher than Toronto’s CN Tower.

A BASQUE WHALING STATION ON LABRADOR

Continuing to St. Barbe, we traversed the Strait of Belle Isle to Labrador and loaded our car onto the Blanc-Sablon Ferry, which takes roughly two hours to cross. Fares range from $9.50 for a senior to $35.25 for a vehicle and driver and depart morning and afternoon every day from May 1 to Jan. 7 and once in the morning Jan. 8 to April 30.

Here, we spotted our first berg. Rapt by the dramatic coastal bluffs, we drove an hour north along Labrador’s Expedition 51 route to Red Bay Basque Whaling Station National Historic and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the best preserved example of early industrial scale whaling anywhere in the world.

Inside the station, a massive 400-year-old bowhead whale skeleton, as well as an original whaling boat are on display. On the site’s west side, a couple of us climbed 689 steps up Tracey Hill for an expansive—and very breezy—view of the sheltered harbour.

WHALE WATCHING IN NEWFOUNDLAND

Back on Newfoundland, we continued north up the Viking Trail to where the road meets the saltwater at St. Lunaire-Griquet.

Clad in flotation suits and looking like a waddle of orange penguins, we marched into Zodiacs with local tour operator, Dark Tickle Expeditions, and headed out into the heart of Iceberg Alley. Operating from mid May to Oct.1, the company runs public tours (private charters are also available) for viewing icebergs, whales, dolphins or birds.

Peak viewing season for icebergs is typically from late May to early July for icebergs, early June to late August for humpbacks, minke and fin whales, late July to late September for Atlantic white beaked dolphins and early June to mid-August for Arctic terns, guillemots and kittiwakes.

We circled a massive one glistening in the sunshine, revealing contoured blue and white striations.

While zooming out to another unique berg, guide Mo Hyduk, declared “I think we have whales, people!”

Motoring up the coast, we watched in awe as two humpbacks fed in White Cape Harbour, one breaching in front of us.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VIKINGS

Continuing even further north up the Great Northern Peninsula, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site —remains of an 11th century basecamp—depict the Vikings earliest landing on North America about one thousand years ago.

The visitor centre leads you through the tales of exiled murderers and Viking explorers who came from Greenland to establish an outpost. While the centre is full of intriguing artifacts—such as Icelandic fire starters and bronze cloak pins—the Viking encampment in the distance beckoned. This place at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula felt like the end of the world.

Past the low berms—remains of what would have been sod dwellings—a large, reconstructed sod hall is filled with weapons and sheepskins. Viking interpreters sat around the fire, telling stories while crafters wove sailcloth and spun wool.

History in Newfoundland and Labrador, whether cultural or geological, is captivating. Being outdoors at these sites, however—walking a windswept point, climbing ancient granite, or cruising a sheltered bay—was what entrenched me fully in the experience. And what made the Great Northern Peninsula memorable.

This story first appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to read the digital magazine. Click here to subscribe to the print magazine.

Santa Monica: California’s cool

November 27, 2024 No Comments

Just after the sun comes up, surfers dash down the long, sandy stretch of beach and launch their boards into the water, as wave after wave of runners with tanned shoulders and coordinated outfits prance down the boardwalk behind.

Some push strollers, some hold dog leashes, and others throw up a peace sign and offer a smile to passersby. 

Located west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica is a coastal city known for its famed Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park, which features multiple oceanfront dining venues, midway games and riveting rides, including the first-ever solar-powered ferris wheel and a rollercoaster.

Home to 95,000 residents, the city is also a hub for health and wellness enthusiasts. Just south of the pier, you’ll find the Original Muscle Beach—an outdoor gym that opened in the 1930s that’s decked out with aerial ropes, parallel bars, travelling rings and swings.

Originally intended for use by acrobats, gymnasts and wrestlers, now, at any hour of the day, it’s not uncommon to see people young and old, doing everything from tight-rope walking to acro yoga, aerial rope tricks and meditation. In 1952, Muscle Beach Venice, a 20-minute walk from the Santa Monica Muscle Beach, was opened, and became the training grounds for some of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno.

 “In Santa Monica, you can do whatever you want to do, and be whoever you want to be.”

Pedalling on my e-bike alongside my guide Erik Hines, from Bikes and Hikes LA, I watch as he effortlessly interacts with everyone we pass—the vendor selling artwork spread out on a picnic blanket; the man blasting Biggie from a stereo; the couple sitting on the grass as the sun sets over Santa Monica Beach.

“The thing I love most about Santa Monica is that you can wander down to the beach any time of day and leave with a handful of new friends,” he says, noting that he’s lived in several other places, but always finds his way back.

“In Santa Monica, you can do whatever you want to do, and be whoever you want to be,” he adds, right as a man on rollerblades wearing a cowboy hat saunters by singing opera and a woman with bright purple lipstick and a faux fur coat pushes two Pomeranian pups in a stroller.

Off the beach and the boardwalk, Santa Monica is also well-known for its restaurant and bar scene, as well as its shopping. Largely influenced by coastal Mediterranean and Mexican diets, Santa Monica is home to two Michelin-star and 14 Michelin-recommended restaurants and countless other options ranging from mom n’ pop shops to food trucks, cafes and contemporary eateries that often specialize in seafood and seasonal farm-to-table dishes. Most establishments do happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., and bars shut down by 2 a.m.

For those looking to spend, Santa Monica has three main shopping districts. The Downtown District is where you’ll find Third Street Promenade, an outdoor pedestrian-only area stretching three blocks that carries a mix of retail stores and dining.

At the southern end of the Promenade you’ll find Santa Monica Place, which is another outdoor shopping district, but home to higher end brands, as well as department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. In the city’s north end, Montana Ave. promises upscale shopping from luxury boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops.

This article first appeared in the winter 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. To read the full story, click here. To subscribe to the print magazine, click here.

72 hours in Baja California Sur

November 25, 2024 No Comments

Christine Roberti heads to the northwest Mexican state of Baja California Sur, stopping in the tiny coastal town of Todos Santos and the state capital of La Paz for grey whale watching, taco tasting and a whole lot of lazing around.

At night, I burrowed into the folds of the duvet on my king-sized bed and listened to the roar of the surf as it barrelled to shore across the Pacific. I left the sliding glass door to the terrace open, where a salty breeze made the gauzy curtains dance.

Tiny stars, my only night light, blinked through the inky black sky over the ocean, and when morning came, tangerine sunlight snuck across my pillow.

I resisted the urge to tear the covers off and slug back a cup of dark roast, like I do most days once 6:30 a.m. comes. In Baja California, as I learned over the course of three days, life is meant to be savoured slowly.

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, is a sleepy town tucked away on the Pacific coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. An hour’s drive from Los Cabos’ touristy Cabo San Lucas district, people come to Todos Santos to appreciate local art, enjoy top-notch gastronomy, surf the world-class breaks, and revel in gorgeous landscapes that include the overarching backdrop of the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range. In La Paz, visitors come for wild encounters with grey whales and whale sharks, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

DAY ONE

Start the day early, with a walking tour of Todos Santos, a designated pueblos magicos. Pueblos magicos (magic towns) are a designation provided by the Mexican government, awarded to select destinations for their exemplary showcase of authentic Mexican culture, be it through stunning architectural wonders, historical significance or natural beauty.

Todos Santos is one of roughly 180 pueblos magicos in Mexico, and it’s easy to see why.

Founded by missionaries in 1724, Todos Santos is a quiet town with a vibrant personality. It’s where artists, dreamers and surfers collide; rainbow-coloured bunting is strung through the streets, music lulls passerby from tiny shops selling everything from hand-fired ceramics to oil paintings, and a handful of restaurants promote fresh-caught seafood specialties on sidewalk menus. Stop for lunch at Oystera, a chic oyster bar with a phenomenal outdoor dining terrace, and arguably some of the best ceviche and limey margaritas in Southern Baja. 

DAY TWO

Drive an hour north and explore the capital city of La Paz for the day. Home to approximately a quarter of a million residents, there’s no shortage of things to do downtown, which is flanked by a bustling waterfront boardwalk known as the Malecón. The perfect meeting point, the Malecón is lined with bars, fusion restaurants and contemporary art sculptures.

Strolling through La Paz, you’re bound to get hungry. Embarking on your own taco tour is a great way to see the town’s culinary variety—and excellence. At Palapa Hermanos Gonzalez, you can’t go wrong with an authentic Baja fish taco—two meaty hunks of perfectly golden, battered fish are topped with chopped red onion, tomato and cilantro and drizzled with mayonnaise. Just down the street at Claro Fish Jr.’s, you can order anything from deep-fried coconut shrimp tacos to stingray.

DAY THREE

Grey whale migration peaks in Baja from January through March, but you can still count on seeing a pod from late December through April. Puerto Chale, a two-hour drive from La Paz, is a quiet fishing community on the Pacific Ocean, and the closest spot to the city for spotting grey whales. Curious and friendly, grey whales have been known to swim at surface-level directly beneath the tour boats, making for a breathtaking encounter.

Along the way, you can also spot sleeping sea lions, playful sea otters and migratory birds. For another unique aquatic experience, snorkel with whale sharks in the El Mogote peninsula, which is 15 minutes from the Bay of La Paz. Despite their size (some reach 60 ft. in length), these gentle, toothless giants are actually quite timid, and neither a shark, nor a whale—they’re actually a fish! 

This story first appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to read the full story. Click here to subscribe to the print magazine.

Atlas Ocean Voyages shows off 2026 itineraries with 28 new ports of call

November 11, 2024 No Comments

Atlas Ocean Voyages has unveiled its 2026 summer itinerary collection, featuring new expeditions across the Canadian Arctic, Bermuda, Caribbean, and Europe—including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland.

With 28 new ports of call, this season’s expanded portfolio offers unparalleled experiences for returning and new guests. From Polar and Cultural Expeditions to Epicurean journeys, Atlas Ocean Voyages now provides a more diverse selection of immersive adventures than ever before.

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ new summer expeditions feature an exciting range of ports, offering guests unique encounters and immersive experiences. In Brønnøysund, Norway, marvel at sea eagles and seals in their natural habitat, while Warnemünde, Germany, combines scenic beaches with traditional maritime culture and easy access to Berlin. Sip robust wines in Çeşme, Turkey, famed for centuries-old vineyards. St. Anthony and Red Bay in Canada showcase Viking history, while Îles de la Madeleine and Corner Brook highlight nature’s beauty. Bermuda’s St. George’s and Hamilton add vibrant culture, rounding out a season of captivating destinations.

“We are excited to introduce 28 new ports to our destination portfolio,” said James Rodriguez, president and CEO. “Our expanded team of experts and guides ensures a deeply immersive experience aboard every voyage. These additions will be popular with our past guests and likely to sell out quickly.”

Enhanced Destination Experience with Late Departures and Overnights

Featuring over 70 extended evenings, leaving ports after 8 PM, allowing ample time to immerse in each destination’s local culture, cuisine, and energy. Additionally, with more than 25 overnight stays, travelers have extended hours to explore, creating a relaxed and enriched journey.

New expeditions highlights

Picturesque Peaks & Fjords | 14-NIGHT LONDON ROUNDTRIP | JUNE 1, 2026 | Cultural Expedition

Denmark & Sweden Beauties | 10-NIGHT OSLO TO STOCKHOLM | JUNE 30, 2026 | Cultural Expedition

Sea of Antiquity | 10-NIGHT ISTANBUL TO ROME | JULY 20, 2026 | Epicurean Expedition

Riviera Marvels | 10-NIGHT ROME TO BARCELONA | JULY 30, 2026 | Epicurean Expedition

Pearls of Italy | 7-NIGHT ROME TO DUBROVNIK | SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 | Epicurean Expedition

Greenland & Canada Explorer | 11-NIGHT KANGERLUSSUAQ TO HALIFAX | SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 | Polar Expedition

Bermuda & Island Wonders | 12-NIGHT HALIFAX TO PHILIPSBURG | OCTOBER 2, 2026 | Cultural Expedition

Colours of the Caribbean | 7-NIGHT PHILIPSBURG TO BRIDGETOWN | OCTOBER 14, 2026 | Cultural Expedition

 

Four Seasons Hotel Rabat opens in Morocco’s capital

November 1, 2024 No Comments

Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr is officially open in Rabat, Morocco.

Located in the capital city’s historic Quartier l’Océan on the shores of the Atlantic, Four Seasons Hotel Rabat is the ideal base from which to explore the city’s fascinating mix of cultures, architecture, cuisine and the arts. Much of the modern capital and historic city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, thanks in part to its “fertile exchange between the Arabo-Muslim past and Western modernism,” with its notable green spaces part of one of the continent’s most successful urban development plans.

From the 12th century Kasbah des Oudaias with its boutiques and bistros to the colourful shops that line the medina’s alleyways nearby, the magnificent Andalusian Gardens, and the ultra-modern Grand Theatre of Rabat designed by Zaha Hadid, the Hotel’s concierge team can plan an itinerary to suit every interest. 

The hotel’s 200 rooms and suites are spread across several modern and historic buildings featuring ocean or garden views, with most including either a furnished balcony or terrace, and some also offering a private plunge pool.

Guests are spoiled for choice among the hotel’s accommodations, with standouts including the Turquoise Ocean View Suite with its large living room, full dining suite and furnished balcony to enjoy the sweeping views from the top floor of the Hotel. The three-bedroom Moulay Slimane Presidential Suite – named for the Moroccan king who led the original construction of the “Palace by the Sea” two centuries ago – include residential-style features such as a fitness room, office, media room and kitchenette. The hotel’s crowning glory is the stunning two-storey Sultan’s Riad, offering 950 square metres (more than 10,000 square feet) of lavish living, including a rooftop ocean-view infinity pool.

For more information, visit fourseasons.com/rabat/

andBeyond Ngala tented Camp reopens after six-month closure

October 30, 2024 No Comments

After a 6-month closure for an extensive refurbishment, andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp has now welcomed guests back to its iconic location on the banks of the Timbavati River.

During this time, the camp’s design has been reimagined; elevating the intimate and exclusive tented experience, while still retaining its classical tented feel and aura of bush romance. Known and loved for its ample wildlife experiences, which include rarities such as African wild dog and the area’s famous white lions, the camp is situated in andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, which shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. 

A revamped layout

A new layout and an extended outdoor deck ensure that guest tents are even more spacious and luxurious, with the addition of secluded outdoor spaces to while away the afternoon. Redesigned bathrooms will feature both an indoor and outdoor shower, in addition to an al fresco bathtub. Discrete butler hatches, outdoor screens and redirected pathways will add an extra element of tranquility and privacy.     

Similarly, the guest area underwent an extensive transformation to make the most of its spectacular setting above the riverbed, which remains dry through much of the year. Expanded decks with reticulated awnings now provide ample choice for dining options, while the lounge offers the ideal vantage point for guests wishing to spend some leisure time gazing out onto the shaded riverbed.  

Much loved by both guests and thirsty wildlife visitors, the camp’s swimming pool, as well as the surrounding deck, have been expanded. Shady guest salas provide an ideal space for sunbathing or informal poolside dining. The camp’s existing spa has been expanded, and a well-equipped gym has been built to round off the wellness offering. 

Retaining the camp’s elegant balance between traditional and contemporary, the new interiors combine local Shangaan-inspired mid-century silhouettes with regional embroidered designs and textiles, all against the backdrop of its signature granite stone and canvas. Tranquil and gracious, Ngala Tented Camp will continue to welcome children over the age of twelve, providing a romantic and private alternative to the more family-oriented Ngala Safari Lodge, situated in the north of the reserve.  

andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp officially reopened for guests in October 2024.