Six stunning rooftop cabins just opened on Australia’s Gold Coast

November 21, 2022

“The cabins are low-key coastal cool, designed for the modern traveler, exclusive group stays or an innovative event option.”

QT Hotels & Resorts, a hotel operator serving Australia and New Zealand, has unveiled qtQT, an urban green oasis located on the roof of QT Gold Coast.

An immersive concept curated for modern travellers, group getaways or innovative events, qtQT is comprised of six standalone cabins, each of which accommodates up to two guests and features a private balcony with views of the horizon.

“When designing the overall QT Gold Coast upgrade, we identified a previously unused lower-level rooftop,” says Jane Hastings, CEO of EVT, the parent company of QT Hotels & Resorts. “We had been exploring the world of tiny accommodation and standing there as the sun set, we knew this would be the perfect location to trial our interpretation of this experience, the QT way. The cabins are low-key coastal cool, designed for the modern traveler, exclusive group stays or an innovative event option.”
 
 

Natural charm

Designed in consultation with EVT’s longstanding collaborator and award-winning designer, Nic Graham, each cabin at qtQT has its own serene character.
 
The spaces are filled with natural textures, earth tones and linens and amenities from such local favorites as I Love Linen, Saya Skincare and Harvest Clay ceramics.
 
The qtQT Cabins also come equipped with QT Tablets (for in-room dining and other hotel information), Dyson Supersonic hair dryers, Dyson Corrale straighteners (available on request), board games and homemade sweet treats courtesy of QT chefs.
 
 
“This is a place for our guests to simply be – whether it’s an unplugged solo escape or couple’s getaway with guests still accessing all of the designer comforts and culinary creations of QT Gold Coast,” says Callum Kennedy, group general manager of QT Hotels & Resorts.
 

Group getaways 

The cabins at qtQT give guests the choice to either unplug completely with a solo, TV-free stay, or book all six cabins exclusively for a rooftop group hang.
 
Guests can make their stay at qtQT even more unique with Curated Experiences, bespoke activities arranged by their Curator of Sunshine (qtQT’s dedicated concierge), in collaboration with the best local Gold Coast partners.
 
For group retreats, qtQT can set up a whole suite of culinary experiences on The Terrace, while The Landing provides a photo-friendly lawn setup for picnics, wedding parties and other group activities, as well as the perfect spot for sunrise yoga with a view.
 
Rates at qtQT start from AU$359 (approx. US$242) per cabin, per night, with bookings open now for stays starting from December 1, 2022.
 
For more information about qtQT at QT Gold Coast, go to: qtqtgoldcoast.com.

Celebrity Cruises unveils new ports and destinations

November 14, 2022

Celebrity Cruises has announced its most ambitious season of sailings ever, with nearly 500 sailings for the 2024-2025 season that send the line’s fleet of 16 relaxed luxury ships, including Celebrity AscentSM, the fourth ship in the highly acclaimed Edge SeriesⓇ, to more than 250 destinations in 70 countries.

The new offerings include first-ever homeports for some of Celebrity’s Edge Series ships; new year-round offerings in Europe, with new ports; new overnights and double overnights; and new experiences across the rich cultures of every region while basking in the fullness of the Celebrity cruise experience. 

Highlights of the new 2024-25 season include:

  • Year-round sailings with more than 40 different itineraries in Europe, along with  overnights in 11 of the world’s most popular cities from Lisbon, Portugal, to Istanbul, Turkey, and Reykjavik, Iceland; and brand-new ports of call including Pauillac (Bordeaux), France; Brindisi and Trieste, Italy; and Kavala and Volos, Greece; Cel
  • The Edge Series ships deployed to new regions of the world with Celebrity Edge sailing to Alaska roundtrip from Seattle; and Celebrity ApexTM sailing from London to the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic Circle, the latter a destination Celebrity hasn’t visited since 2014;
  • Year-round sailings from Asia, including an entire summer of sailings from Tokyo, Japan 
  • New 3-night Caribbean itineraries, complemented by sailings up to 12 nights from four departure ports – Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

“For our 2024/2025 season, we wanted to take our offerings to new heights – all in celebration of our fourth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Ascent, sailing its inaugural season in 2024,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “There’s truly no better way to see the world’s best places than on the world’s best places where our guests are treated to the accommodations and amenities of a Celebrity ship – a luxury hotel, Michelin-quality dining, and a world-class luxury spa retreat all in one with the world just steps away.” 

A European season like no other

With seven ships, including three Edge Series ships – Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity, BeyondSM, and Celebrity Apex – Celebrity Cruises expands on its legacy of award-winning European itineraries with 153 different sailings visiting nearly 100 destinations.  

For the first time ever, an Edge Series ship will homeport outside of London, with Celebrity Apex hosting more Norwegian Fjord sailings than ever before, including a new, 12-night Norwegian Fjord and Arctic Circle itinerary.

Celebrity Ascent will embark on its inaugural European season with itineraries visiting culturally rich cities throughout Spain, Italy, France and Greece; while Celebrity Beyond will embark on 10- and 11-night itineraries to Greece, Istanbul, Naples, and more. Additional itinerary options include sailings throughout Scandinavia, along with special sailings to Egypt and Israel.

Homeporting in Tokyo (Yokohama) from April 2024 to October 2024, the newly revolutionized Celebrity Millennium will sail 12-night itineraries, immersing guests in the physical and cultural beauty of Japan from the awe-inspiring Mt. Fuji, to the quiet temples and bamboo groves of Kyoto, with each sailing including overnight stays in Osaka. Special sailings immerse guests in the country’s renowned summer festivals culture including Golden Week in May.  

Following its season in Japan, Celebrity Millennium will join Celebrity Solstice providing guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural offerings of Southeast Asia on 11- to 14 night sailings visiting 32 destinations across Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and more from September 2024 to April 2025.

Roundtrip from Seattle, Celebrity Edge – the first Edge Series ship to sail to Alaska – will take guests on 7-night itineraries to the pristine Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier, complete with breathtaking views and gushing waterfalls, with stops in Victoria, British Columbia, and Ketchikan. Joined by Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Solstice, together, they will offer 57 sailings and an array of 6- to 8-night itineraries from May to September 2024.

For the 2024-25 season, eight Celebrity ships, including three Edge Series ships – Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Apex – will offer itineraries ranging from 3-night weekend getaways to longer 12-night voyages. Itinerary offerings include:

  • Celebrity Ascent – making her Caribbean debut with rotating 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries, visiting the picturesque ports of St. Thomas and St. Maarten, or the historic Georgetown, Grand Cayman and the unique landscape of Labadee, Haiti, where beachside meets mountside;
  • Celebrity Beyond – sailing 10- and 11-night itineraries to the Southern Caribbean, visiting St. George, Grenada; St. John’s Antgua, St. Maarten, and more. For those looking to check off a bucket list destination, Celebrity Beyond will also take guests to see the modern marvel that is the Panama Canal;
  • Celebrity Apex – transporting guests on a 7-night itinerary to some of the most sought-after destinations in the region including Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Labadee, Haiti; Key West, Bimini, Bahamas; St. Kitts, Tortola, and more;

Additional sailings include:

  • Celebrity Edge returning for her second season Down Under, embarking on a selection of 3- to 14-night itineraries starting October 2024 and running through April 2025. 
  • Setting sail to the Galapagos aboard one of the brand’s three uniquely intimate and stunning ships – Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xpedition or Celebrity Xploration – on six or seven-night itineraries carefully curated to ensure wanderlust travelers experience all this extraordinary archipelago offers. Every sailing includes an option to extend the experience on land.
  • Celebrity Equinox embarking on her inaugural season in South America, including a 14-night itinerary exploring the beauty of Patagonia, Argentina and Antarctica, as well as taking in a tango show or surfing the beautiful beaches of Montevideo, Uruguay.
  • Celebrity Eclipse making her Northeast debut, sailing to Canada and New England; Greenland and Iceland; and offering 7-night Bermuda itineraries from the New York area.

Nicaragua is brimming with natural experiences: here are our top picks

November 11, 2022

Nicaraguan tourism officials say it can be incredibly uplifting to rapidly go downhill in the Central American nation.

Ana Garcia of the Nicaraguan Tourism Board noted during a recent Toronto event that adventurous sorts vacationing in her homeland can spend some 45 minutes hiking up 728-meter-high active volcano Cerro Negro and then slide down its steep slopes on a sled made in part of plywood and partly of metal, possibly hitting speeds of around 93 kph while doing so.

The sledders wear special suits and goggles to protect themselves from what’s described as a “gravelly, basaltic surface.” And, continued Garcia, that sort of exhilarating activity underscores Nicaragua’s adventurous side, with adventure tourism being one of many sides to her homeland.

The board is also promoting the natural side of a country that has 26 volcanoes, 7 of them active; a freshwater lake with sharks; 74 protected areas; 4 biospheres; and 200 private wildlife retreats.

“We’ve come out of the shadow of Costa Rica and Nicaragua can stand on its own,” Marlon Moreno of Moreno + Co. — which represents Nicaragua in this country — told those on hand.

Nicaragua borders Costa Rica, which is widely seen as a pioneer in eco-tourism. Nicaragua offers the same types of landscapes and wildlife that have long been attracting people to Costa Rica.

Moreno added that Nicaragua has beautiful beaches and is a “very cultural” part of the world, with colonial architecture being found in the cities of Leon and Granada. He said Nicaragua has a thriving farm-to-table scene and the country also is producing quality rum, coffee and cigars. Nicaragua’s Pacific coast is home to the 293-unit, all-inclusive Barcelo Montelimar — part of Spanish chain Barcelo — but Moreno said the country is more focused on boutique hotels.

Among those on hand for the gathering was Roberto Yanqui of Martour International, who labelled Nicaragua a “very unspoiled” part of the world with nice beaches and colonial cities. Nicaragua is one of the world’s premier surfing destinations, Yanqui continued and added it offers a lot of spa and yoga retreats, among them the Canadian-owned Coco Loco, which Martour recently took a group booking for.

Michele Martinson of Aeromexico in turn said Nicaragua is a “really great option for people looking for a new vacation opportunity.” Moreno said those vacationing in Nicaragua will encounter lodging options that range from backpacker retreats that may be available for as little as $10 a night to the incredibly swank Leading Hotels of the World member Calala Island, an exclusive island retreat.

Nicaragua can be reached from Mexico City with Aeromexico, Copa Airlines from Panama City, El Salvador and Miami with Avianca and American Airlines will return to Managua in November. Those wanting to enter the country must show proof of vaccination or receive a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before their departure.

Nicaragua saw political unrest several years ago but Moreno and Garcia said the country is now quiet and there’s no need for tourists to be uneasy about their visit.

BY: IAN STALKER

Nassau’s only boutique beach hotel is now taking reservations

November 9, 2022
Goldwyn Resort is now accepting reservations for arrivals beginning Feb. 1, 2023.
 
Perched on a pristine stretch of Cable Beach, this resort is an intimate, modern retreat that stands in contrast to the large resorts of Nassau and departs from the traditional beachside aesthetic.
 
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Goldwyn Resort is designed with a nod to the seaside travel of yesteryear combined with the best in today’s luxury travel. Designed to celebrate the nostalgia of a grand era of travel, Wynn Hospitality LTD. presents their spin on a luxury Bahamian holiday with privacy and personal service, world-class cuisine and an epic sea side location.
 
“It is with very good reason that we welcome Goldwyn Resort & Residences to Small Luxury Hotels of the World as our one and only property in the Bahamas: the new beachside luxury retreat offers a more authentic, boutique island resort experience than the much larger neighboring Nassau properties,” said Kenan Simmons, Senior Vice President, Americas, of Small Luxury Hotels ofthe World. “From its beautifully appointed oversized rooms and contemporary island living philosophy, Goldwyn is an ideal partner to continue to bring discerning SLH members the smaller, independent luxury travel experiences that they desire.”
 
Goldwynn Resort will feature 81 studios, one- two- and three-bedroom suites, and three expansive Edge suites. The three-bedroom signature Goldwynn Suite is the ultimate in an oceanfront resort stay, with 1,940 square feet of interior space, three balconies, two terraces and 270 degrees ofunobstructed ocean views. All studios and suites feature full kitchens or kitchenettes, private balconies and views of the Bahamian ocean or manicured golf course. The inviting accommodations showcase locally curated artwork, rich textures, bespoke design elements and a dazzling palette of bright whites, cool blues, and sun-kissed metallics that capture the colour journey of a typical Bahamian day.
 
 
The resort’s signature restaurant, OIA, will offer a fusion of flavors influenced by MediterrAsian specialties, and rooted in Japanese traditions of preparation and presentation. OlA’s panoramic oceanfront views are shared with Bar Paul, a casual lounge by day and energizing space by night. Amara, an open-air eatery located on the infinity-pool deck, serves light fare and libations overlooking the Cable Beach coastline. Guests can opt to dine poolside in a private, butler-serviced cabana, just steps from the water’s edge. Atria is a stylish, yet unpretentious casual hub infused with natural light and showcases the world’s tallest indoor relief sculpture – a spectacular five-story art installation by Bahamian master artist, Kishan Munroe.
 
Mangrove Spa welcomes guests to a holistic ecosystem where they can stabilize and maintain their well-being through the power of touch, ancient rituals and mind body wellness technologies. Treatments are designed with Pevonia, Dermalogica, and Biologique Recheche products to deliver a high-quality spa experience, bringing guests to a new level of peace and relaxation. This intimate and sophisticated sanctuary includes three treatment rooms (including one couple’s suite), a nail and hair salon where guests can enjoy multiple simultaneous salon treatments and an outdoor cabana where guests can bask in the beautiful Bahamian seaside atmosphere.
 
The stunning beachfront location, merely 50 feet away from the turquoise waters, will accommodate small weddings, corporate events and a wide array of special occasions, celebrations and memorable
escapes. The Goldwynn Resort’s private yet prime location is just fifteen minutes from Linden Pindling International Airport and ten minutes from downtown Nassau. Goldwyn Resort is dedicated to providing the best in-class luxury service and experience in the region. Guests are invited to make every minute on property second to none.

This hotel in Grand Cayman is home to the island’s only sushi spot

November 4, 2022

With travellers permitted to enter the Cayman Islands without the need of any additional documents or health-related steps due to COVID-19, the destination is open for business and Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa is welcoming all travellers looking for a luxurious and memorable Caribbean getaway.   

Occupying the most expansive stretch of Grand Cayman’s famed Seven Mile Beach, the beachfront Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa features 343 guestrooms and suites, boasting the island’s largest inventory of guest rooms on Seven Mile Beach with Caribbean Sea views.  

Guests also have access to an array of wellness amenities including a daily activities schedule, morning beach yoga, a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, The Hibiscus Spa, featuring 13 treatment rooms and a menu of over 60 wellness treatments, as well as a recently renovated freshwater pool – the largest in Grand Cayman. With Red Sail Sports located on the property’s beach, guests are also just steps away from an array of watersports activities.  

Travellers arriving to Grand Cayman will now have access to the island’s only restaurant specializing in sushi, ceviche, and poke with Westin Grand Cayman’s woto, which officially opened in June 2021. Led by Chef Ronald DeLa Torre and his award-winning culinary team, woto offers the freshest and most delectable chef-crafted sushi, ceviche, and poke the island has to offer. A new Sunday Brunch offering, available for hotel guests and locals, is available at woto from 12 – 3 p.m. with a choice of three menu items, a dessert and bottomless prosecco for $75 per person. Woto is also open daily from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm. 

The property is also home to the Cayman Coffee Exchange, which recently underwent a one-million-dollar renovation. The grab-and-go café is the perfect place for guests to stop by for a quick pick-me-up as they head off for a day of sightseeing in the Cayman Islands. Cayman Coffee Exchange offers freshly brewed coffee, pastries, breakfast burritos and more.  

News of the removal of travel restrictions comes at a perfect time as Cayman Airways will start offering nonstop flights to Grand Cayman from Los Angeles International Airport on Nov.5, 2022, making travel from the West Coast to the Cayman Islands much easier.  

In honor of the new flight option, Westin Grand Cayman is offering a 20 per cent discount and a $300 resort credit per stay (with six-night min) now through Nov. 30 for guests booking a stay from Nov. 6, 2022 – March 4, 2023 traveling via Cayman Airways’ new direct flights. The promotion can be accessed with promo code YX1 as well as via booking page and boarding passes must be presented upon check in. 

A legendary property gets a Mayan makeover in Mexico

November 2, 2022

On 25 May 2023, the Riviera Maya will welcome the much-anticipated return of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, the storied hideaway in the beating heart of the Riviera Maya.

Nestled between 200 acres of lush tropical jungle and the secluded white sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the legendary property has been completely reimagined with Mayan culture at its core – and will be the first, extensive transformation within Belmond’s North America portfolio, under LVMH ownership.

This new chapter of Maroma will reveal 10 new waterfront suites, a nature-focussed wellness experience in partnership with Guerlain, ground-breaking sustainability initiatives and a new gastronomic era under Mexican-born Executive Chef Daniel Camacho.

A Mayan legend, reborn

Internationally renowned designer, Tara Bernerd, is at the helm of the comprehensive restoration, working hand-in-hand with local artisans to honour Mexican heritage. Blending contemporary craft with the careful sourcing of indigenous materials, the team will create timeless spaces that are authentic to their roots and channel the healing energy of the locale. The original design and architecture of the property have been preserved, including the white stucco buildings, aligned to the Sacred Geometry of Mayan masonry.

Curved lines and organic forms inspired by the property’s wild surrounds inform the harmonious indoor-outdoor flow of rooms, suites and villas. An unrivalled beach resort, each of the 72 accommodations are spread across Maroma’s private stretch of sand – of which three quarters now have ocean views, including a spacious new waterfront suite complete with private pool and garden.  The property’s three pools have been completely redesigned, featuring Sukabumi tiles hand-made from volcanic stone, in the same vibrant turquoise tones as the region’s many natural cenotes. 

Colourful & contemporary cuisine

Mexican-born Executive Chef Daniel Camacho will continue his legacy of celebrating his country’s rich culinary diversity at Casa Mayor restaurant. Working on a sustainable provenance approach, 90 per cent of ingredients will be sourced from Mexico and almost half from the Yucatán peninsula.

A proud member of #PescaConFuturo, promoting sustainable fishery and aquaculture, freshly caught seafood will be sourced from Amigos de Sian Ka’an. Reinventing traditional Mexican cuisine, colourful dishes will range from seafood towers and Michoacan corundas, to Jalisco-style Birria and chocolate cake with Oaxacan black mole, flamed with house mezcal.  

For the perfect sundowner, Bambuco offers a more casual affair, where seasonal herbal drinks made fresh from the garden sit alongside Mexican wines, tequila cocktails, and an extensive selection of Mezcal. The legendary beach hangout, Freddy’s Bar will continue to channel the vibrant spirit of the Riviera Maya, filled with live music and DJ sets, fresh seafood and cocktails. 

For more information, click here. 

In the Cayman Islands, you’ll find a rum that’s been aged 42-feet under the sea

October 31, 2022

The Cayman Islands is home to a rum with a unique aging process. Seven Fathoms rum — which takes its name from the depth at which the rum has been aged — is the only spirit producer in the world to age its rum underwater.

“The term Fathom is a unit of measurement, roughly the length of one’s outstretched arms. This was most commonly used to measure rope, which was once one of the main industries of the Cayman Islands many years ago,” says Walker Romanica, owner and distiller of Cayman Spirits Co., which produces the rum. “So Seven Fathoms, or 42 feet, is the approximate depth at which we aged a portion of the rum that goes into every blending of Seven Fathoms Rum.”

The rum is aged under the sea in American white oak bourbon casks where it is rocked by underwater currents to mimic a concept that dates back to the golden age of rum.

“The concept of aging underwater goes back to a time when there was something called Ocean Rum, or Dock Rum, which was a term given to barrels of rum that had made a voyage in a barrel across the ocean,” he says. “People knew this rum had aged better because on the ship it had been rocked by the sea. This stirring of the barrel and the rum is called agitation and it is something many distilleries seek to achieve today, we are just doing it in a unique way, using what we have naturally available to us here in the Cayman Islands.”

Although some European wineries and cava producers have started aging their products underwater, Cayman Spirits Co. remains the exclusive spirit producer to use this method. 

“A few whiskies and even some beers have also ventured to ship their liquid in barrels on ships circumventing the globe, to achieve a similar effect,” he says. 

To get a taste of the unique rum firsthand, the distillery offers tours Monday through Saturday “where you can come and get the full experience of the rum at Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery.”

In addition to Seven Fathoms Rum, visitors can also sample a variety of spirits that are only made and sold in Cayman, including some seasonal specialties only available certain times a year like Mango Brandy and Scotch Bonnet Vodka.

 

Here are some of the best tips for a successful sports fishing trip to the Bahamas

October 14, 2022

The Bahamas is a destination associated with blissful relaxation and lazy days of sunbathing on pristine sandy beaches. For a certain subset of travelers, the ideal Bahamian trip involves less time on the island and more time spent miles offshore on a charter fishing boat. The Bahamas is a sportfishing hotspot, drawing both veteran and aspiring anglers from far and wide with the promise of exhilarating big game fishing. We’ve got you covered if you’re interested in going out on the open waters on your own deep-sea odyssey but don’t know where to start. Here, we present a beginner’s guide to deep-sea fishing in The Bahamas…and how you might reel in a majestic tuna, wahoo or mahi-mahi that lives up to their legendary reputation!

What is deep sea fishing?

To start, you’ll need to understand what deep sea fishing is all about. If you’re picturing a small tin boat on a placid lake, you’re mistaken. Deep sea fishing often takes place in ocean waters about 100 feet deep so that anglers can target the largest sporting fish. You’ll definitely have to put in the work to catch these species; some specimens easily weigh over 100 pounds. Many prized fish caught off the shores of The Bahamas have tipped the scales at over 300 pounds, meaning reeling one in is a test of mental and physical strength.

If your heart is set on catching a legendary big fish, let’s dive in deeper about how to actually do so. Within The Bahamas, there are many favourable areas in which to go deep- sea fishing. Picking a perfect fishing spot is tough, but some of the best in The Bahamas are the waters around Bimini, Treasure Cay, the channel between Andros and Nassau and the Exuma trough. As a beginner, your best bet is to find a great charter with an even better guide to help you navigate the waters. As you might expect, we’ve prepared a helpful list for you below.

How to choose a charter

You can’t go wrong stepping aboard any of these trusty charters. For new and even experienced anglers, they represent one of the most consistent ways to return to shore with an impressive catch:

Yellowtail Charters

You’ll find family-owned Yellowtail Charters in Nassau. This deep-sea fishing business runs on three generations of sportfishermen with significant experience navigating the waters offshore. The expertise and knowledge of the captains at Yellowtail Charters will maximise your potential for catching big fish. If you want to experience the excitement that comes along with a deep-sea fishing trip, this is the charter for you!

Hunter Charters 

You’re bound to have a blast during a day out with Hunter Charters. The captains at Hunter Charters take pride in giving guests an incredible fishing experience. The owner and operator of Hunter Charters, Paul Smith, has been fishing in Nassau since 1979. The experienced crew takes their guests only 15 minutes off the shore of Nassau for some of the best deep-sea fishing in The Bahamas. Come aboard their clean, modern charters for some world-class fishing!

Chubasco Charters 

With over 30 years in the boat chartering business, Chubasco Charters has been joyfully guiding visitors on their fleet of four sportfishing boats. Chubasco Charters has made quite a name for itself in the deep-sea fishing industry and often sets annual catch records. If you want to get in on the action, Chubasco Charters will be delighted to share in the joys of deep-sea fishing. They prioritise their visitors, so you can expect nothing but smooth sailing on your deep-sea fishing adventure with Chubasco Charters.

Once you’ve decided on the perfect charter, you’re well on your way to making a big catch. You can prepare for your trip in several ways, so we’ve compiled a few tips to ensure your success!

What to bring on the boat

It’s not just about choosing the right rod. There are a number of elements to consider when prepping for what can be a long day at sea:

Clothing 

Clothing is very much weather-dependent. On a hot sunny day, you’ll want to bring a light, breathable long-sleeve t-shirt to protect your skin from the sun. Consider also wearing shorts on hotter days and on cooler days, opt for pants. Also, bring additional layers like a windbreaker and an extra shirt. Ultimately, wear clothes that you don’t mind getting fish slime on!

Sunscreen

There’s not much to elaborate on here, but most definitely bring sunscreen. We suggest also bringing sunglasses and a baseball hat or any other brimmed hat! You don’t want to burn, and a brim may keep any sea spray out of your eyes.

Food and Drinks

Many charters offer everything needed for a fantastic fishing trip, like food and drinks. Check out the website of the charter you’re using for specific details. If food and drink aren’t included, you’ll want to bring plenty of drinking water, snacks and lunch for a more extended trip. It takes a lot of energy to reel in a truly massive fish!

After preparing and planning for your first deep-sea fishing trip, it’s time for the real fun! On the day of your journey into the bright waters of the Atlantic Ocean, you can expect plenty of excitement! Bring your camera because this will be a day you won’t want to forget!

Getting there:

  • Daily flights from Toronto to Nassau with either Air Canada or WestJet.  
  • 2-3 flights weekly from Montreal to Nassau with Air Canada beginning Nov. 5.
  • Weekly Air Canada flights from Toronto to Great Exuma beginning Nov. 13.
  • Weekly WestJet flights from Calgary to Nassau beginning Nov. 26.
  • Weekly Sunwing flights to Freeport, Grand Bahama from Toronto & Montreal beginning Dec. 17.

See why this region in eastern Switzerland is perfect for active travellers

October 10, 2022
While most travellers know popular Swiss cities like Zurich, Bern, Geneva or Basel, few tourists venture into the smaller regions and cities that make this country so spectacular year-round.
 
Just far enough off the beaten path to be distinctive, Graubunden is a region in east Switzerland that is known for its breathtaking alpine slopes and magical landscapes. Each region offers extraordinary experiences to be discovered any time of the year. Here are our top picks to vacation like a Swiss!

Celerina

Winter here is a Christmas market in the historic village center, bobsledding down the world’s only natural and oldest bobsleigh track in the world, the St. Moritz-Celerina Olympia bob Run, then slowing down time for a snowshoe trek on the Staz Forest Trail. Summer is about a horse-drawn carriage ride to Lake Staz, returning to the Staz Forest for a sensory barefoot hike through fragrant meadows, and savoring a gastronomic walking tour through town.
 
Where to Stay?
Built in 1906, the Cresta Palace elegantly walks that fine line between history and modernity, incorporating the best of both worlds. Luxury comes in the form of treatment rituals and Swiss-quality medical wellness at the superb Vita Pura Spa, beautifully appointed classic rooms or sleek renovated accommodations, and impeccable white-glove service. Direct access to the Corviglia cable car is an added plus.

Flims Laax

Winter is all about traditional sports, yes, but punctuated by the unexpected: filming your ride though the halfpipe at the world’s largest halfpipe and Europe’s largest snow park, Foxtrail scavenger hunts, and culinary trails await your readers. If they choose summer, talk to them about the longest treetop walkway on earth or swimming in Lake Cauma, a balmy 75-degree temp turquoise gem surrounded by tall forest.
Where to Stay?
Located directly at the LAAX valley station for maximum mountain accessibility year-round, signinahotel revolves around well-being in all its forms. Its signature signinawellness program features a hydro-circuit pool, massage therapy, gym, and a sauna area with five distinct offerings for body and soul.

The chic rocksresort—also right on the LAAX lift station—gives travelers a different view of the alpine lifestyle. Offering double rooms and modern apartments, it’s the place to be for singles, couples, or families.

Lenzerheide
Winter means 225 snow-safe slopes and record-breaking sunny days at the Arosa Lenzerheide Ski Area. Summer brings outdoor concerts, hiking to the ruins of medieval Belfort Castle and the Sanaspans Waterfall, or ride the famed longest toboggan run in Switzerland, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Where to Stay?
The 126-room Valbella Resort—comprised of three separate buildings—is fresh from an extensive renovation inside and out that not only drastically reduced its ecological footprint, but also included upgrades of all rooms in the Tgiasa Principala main building, an expansion of the Capricorn restaurant, and the addition of an organic swimming pond, among other improvements.

A pioneer in sustainability and community outreach, Hotel Schweizerhof is also known for being the home of the Green Michelin Star restaurant, Scalottas Terroir, where Chef Hansjörg Ladurner works exclusively with regional produce. Its 75 stylish rooms, art-filled common areas, and newly redesigned BergSpa will impress the most discerning of travellers.

This luxury barge has teamed up with one of the oldest champagne houses for a river cruise like no other

October 7, 2022

Belmond is launching a luxury barge, part of its unmatched French collection: Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne.

Debuting in May 2023, Coquelicot will take guests on a cinematic journey of Champagne in partnership with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest champagne house. Featuring three spacious cabins with ensuite facilities, an indoor salon with a champagne bar, and an extensive outdoor deck, Coquelicot will set a new standard of sophistication for slow-paced sailing in France. Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat is available for week-long private charters starting from €82,000 (approximately $79,500).

Designed by successful French duo, Humbert & Poyet, Coquelicot, formerly the Hirondelle barge, will boast three double cabins with marble ensuite bathrooms and an indoor lounge with a champagne bar – stocked with a curated selection of the guests’ preferred labels. The vessel’s top deck will be the social centre for guests to unwind as they meander the calm waterways. Framed by potted local herbs and indigenous wildflowers that root the space in the locale, the deck features two seating lounges, an open kitchen and a shaded dining area to enjoy a menu inspired by seasonal ingredients from trusted local suppliers.

To complement the ever-changing views and create an intimate sanctuary on the water, the barge’s interiors and exteriors will capture the essence of Champagne, with nods to the region’s hues and character. Local fabrics in earthy tones and raw materials will honor Champagne’s agricultural heritage, while fluted walls, decadent interiors and pieces of art will pay homage to the land’s glorious present. Coquelicot’s namesake, the red poppy, will be found in subtle references such as the hand-cut red marble side tables and the tone-on-tone hand-painted petals that line the hallway, while the lounge’s skylight is a celebration of Champagne’s water mapping legacy.  

Elevating the river barge journey, Belmond has partnered with Maison Ruinart to offer exclusive access to the first established House of Champagne with a private tasting lunch by Chef In Residence Valérie Radou and guided tours of the historic Taissy vineyard to discover the brand’s latest sustainability initiatives. Guests will disembark Coquelicot for unrivaled access to Taissy vineyard, which has been referenced as early as 1733 in the Maison’s archives. Immersed in the hillsides of the Champagne region, Maison Ruinart, in partnership with Reforest’Action and the University of Reims, launched a pioneering viti-forestry project in 2021 to preserve and regenerate forests in order to restore biodiversity. Also dotting the grounds is a new art installation by German visual artist Nils-Udo, a pioneer of land art. A technical tasting of iconic Maison Ruinart cuvées, led by a Maison Ambassador, will conclude the morning experience in the vineyard.

Back on board, Belmond guests will be treated to a private five-course tasting lunch by Maison Ruinart’s Chef In Residence Valérie Radou and Coquelicot Head Chef. It will be the first time Maison Ruinart’s Chef will be cooking a private ‘four hands’ lunch outside of Maison Ruinart. A true lesson in French art de vivre, this dining experience includes five seasonal dishes inspired by regional cuisine and paired with prestigious cuvées such as Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Dom Ruinart Rosé. Framed by the idyllic landscape and in the comfort and privacy of their own luxury boat, guests will delve deep into the world of Maison Ruinart, as their ambassador reveals the story, characteristics and technical aspects of each bottle.

Personal Guest Experience Executives will help craft customized itineraries depending on guest preferences. Whether an art-focused tour of Champagne, a historic voyage through the mighty castles, an active adventure on two wheels or a series of epicurean visits to Europe’s most celebrated and most secret wine producers, guests will have the liberty to design their own journey and marvel at the region’s treasures at their own pace. Alternate an al fresco soirée on the top deck with an off-board Michelin-starred restaurant experience or a less inhibited dinner in one of the quaint villages scattered across the region. The all-inclusive journeys include table d’hóte meals, complimentary beverages, all planned excursions escorted by a private guide, and transfer from Paris to the barge. Helicopter transfers from Paris are also available upon request.