Destinations – Page 8

Get up close with wildlife on any of these exciting Africa trips

September 22, 2023 No Comments

Africal Travel Inc., a luxury safari outfitter has launched a new 2024 brochure offering authentic wildlife and cultural encounters across 16 destinations in Africa from Cape Town to Cairo and their newest destination, Morocco.

With their continued sustainable travel efforts, African Travel Inc. is now incorporating a conscious travel experience across all of their itineraries from their newest journeys to the most popular itineraries that benefit wildlife conservation or local communities.

Each conscious travel experience is carefully chosen for the positive social or environmental impact they have for the communities ATI explores as well as for their guests who experience them. These experiences directly advance the Sustainability Development Goals set by the United Nations.

New Morocco adventures

Guests are invited to discover Morocco’s cultural treasures, centuries-old traditions and culinary delights. On the new 10-day Discover Morocco and 12-day Flavors of Morocco sensory journeys, they will enjoy a meaningful experience with a visit to the Marjana Argan Co-operative in the southwest region of the country which is owned by more than 80 local women.

Clients will learn more about the life of these Berber women who use only traditional methods of making argan oil. They will have the opportunity to purchase the women’s quality products and make a positive economic impact. In Marrakech, both itineraries offer an interactive cooking class, conducted by talented local chefs. Guests will follow the chef’s demonstration and prepare their own savoury meal using traditional cooking tools with aromatic herbs and spices.

Wildlife wonders

Adventure seekers will discover extraordinary wildlife experiences on ATI”s new 10-day Delta, Rivers and Falls safari through the heart of Botswana’s and Zambia’s staggeringly beautiful landscapes.

They will witness a stunning aerial view of the Okavango Delta as they arrive at their sustainable luxury lodge, Atzaro Okavango via a scenic helicopter flight. The camp’s knowledgeable guides offer guests unparalleled sightings of leopards, cheetahs, lions, elephants, hippos, gazelles, and buffalo. Clients will enjoy staying at camps which support conservation, education of local children and community empowerment.

In Livingstone, they will have an opportunity to tour the Maunga clinic, visit a school and participate in a lunch program serving local kids. This experience includes a donation to support the local community.

This week-long trip in a Rolls Royce through Napa Valley is a must for foodies

September 20, 2023 No Comments

Luxury car aficionados and culinary enthusiasts are invited this fall to experience one of North America’s food and wine capitals during a week-long driving journey through Napa Valley.

Announced earlier this year, the complete Four Seasons Drive Experience through Napa Valley itinerary from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, 2023 is now available to book. Celebrating the romance of road travel, guests will explore Napa Valley via customized routes in one of several luxury and sports cars available for rent, including a Rolls Royce Cullinan, McLaren GT, Lamborghini Aventador S, Ferrari F8 Spider, Bentley Continental, Aston Martin DBX, and a Porsche Taycan to name a few.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley welcomes guests to a one-of-a-kind wine country resort set within a world-class working vineyard.

Home to Elusa Winery, the property features panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards, a distinctive indoor-outdoor environment, and the best of grape-to-glass lifestyle when not on the road.

Guests will arrive at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley and will be treated to a wine tasting at Elusa Winery prior to a welcome dinner at the Resort’s vineyard Barn while being serenaded by the sounds of live acoustic music. Other surprise touches await to take the evening from the magical to the sublime.

A scenic drive with ocean views along the California coastline takes guests to Hog Island Oyster Co., where they will indulge in a tasting session while mastering the art of oyster shucking.

The coastal landscape is contrasted by drives through ancient redwoods followed by a dining experience at Promontory Winery, located in an unmarked territory beyond the southwestern borderlands of Oakville with majestic views of Napa Valley.

Guests will start their day with breakfast at Auro, Calistoga’s only Michelin-starred dining destination, with the sprawling Palisades Mountains as its backdrop. This is followed by a half-day drive to Chappellet Winery for a private picnic lunch overlooking views of Lake Hennessey.

Chappellet is renowned for producing some of the highest-standard Cabernet Sauvignons and mountain-grown wines and is recognized as one of the great Napa Valley wineries. Thereafter, guests embark on a lakeside drive towards Cervantes Family Vineyard Ranch, a remote and rugged 1,100-acre (445 hectare) ranch in the far eastern reaches of Napa Valley.

Upon arrival, guests can engage in activities including skeet shooting, horse-riding, and a grape picking experience, followed by an eventful evening of dining, dancing and entertainment and a shuttle service on standby for seamless transfer back to the resort.

Guests will first stop for a tour at SingleThread Farm, a 24-acre (10 hectare) working farm located in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country. The tour includes simple delights such as a flower posy-making experience, followed by an indulgent six-course Michelin-starred lunch at Single Thread Restaurant, exclusive to Drive attendees.

While at the resort between activities, guests can spend their leisure time indulging in a signature spa treatment at Spa Talisa, exploring the surrounding hiking trails, playing tennis, or lounging by the scenic pool. The journey continues with a wine-tasting tour at Opus One Winery, known for cultivating five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties.

The day winds to a close with a scenic dinner featuring wine pairings and picturesque views.

The day begins with a breathtaking morning drive to San Francisco Bay, where guests will indulge in local Californian cuisine alongside panoramic vistas of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. An atmospheric journey through the Napa Valley during harvest season follows and concludes with an intimate dining experience at Michelin-starred Auro.

There, guests will be treated to a seasonally inspired, five-course tasting menu by acclaimed Chef Rogelio Garcia and his team.

Around sunrise, guests take to the skies for an early morning hot-air balloon ride for panoramic views of the vineyards and undulating mountains. The final visit among the impressive list of wineries is ADAMVS, renowned for mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignons and boasting an innovative tasting room and wine library.

Additional tailored experiences include a visit to NBC Pottery for a craft experience, artisanal olive oil tasting at Grove 45, and a gala dinner on a private estate with live music for entertainment.

Riding the rails with Rocky Mountaineer

September 13, 2023 No Comments

“Quick! Look out the window,” called my seatmate, Pam.

“What was it?” I asked, simultaneously getting up from my heated, plush leather reclining chair, which was quickly proving to be a necessary add-on feature to this journey. Despite being the end of July, the temperature outside this morning was winning against all of the clothes I’d brought from Toronto.

“I think deer maybe, or a wolf? Or it could have been a moose,” Pam pondered, groggy from an early start combined with still adjusting to the time change from her home in England.

“I didn’t see it!” I said, lowering my camera, knowing that here in the belly of the Canadian Rockies, all three wildlife sightings were possible. “Did anyone catch what it was?”

“It was an elephant! It was definitely an elephant!” hollered Charlie from his seat in front of me, giddy from an impromptu morning cocktail, but also revelling in the tight-knit comradery our little group seated at the back of the train had formed just one day prior.

As laughter rocked the back of the coach, I shifted my focus to my surroundings, sank back, and enjoyed the start of my adventure aboard Canada’s only luxury rail-tour company, Rocky Mountaineer.

All aboard

My three-day trip started the day before, when I caught a flight from Toronto to Vancouver. The next day, I set out at 6 a.m. from the company’s private rail station. Rocky Mountaineer offers its guests two service levels onboard: GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf.

Both top-notch options, my ticket was in the GoldLeaf coach, and as I walked the red carpet to board, I quickly realized why it lived up to its name. Travellers who opt for GoldLeaf service are seated in a spacious, bi-level glass dome coach complete with oversized glass dome windows and a glass roof. Unlike most airplane cabins, the luxurious seats provide ample legroom, even allowing for reclination.

On the contrary, SilverLeaf guests ride on a single-level glass dome coach with full-size glass windows. The major difference—and it’s a big one—is the sweeping outdoor viewing platform that allows for panoramic views of Western Canada while the train is in motion, where you’ll gawk at everything from larger-than-life mountains, to rushing rivers and soaring bald eagles, all without trace of a single other person or vehicle.

For more than 30 years, Rocky Mountaineer has been transporting travellers through the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta and, more recently, through the U.S. states of Utah and Colorado. The company began in 1990 with two routes: First Passage to the West (running between Vancouver and Lake Louise/Banff via Kamloops) and Journey Through the Clouds (between Vancouver and Jasper via Kamloops).

By 2006, a third route, Rainforest to Gold Rush, was added to showcase the rarely seen interior and northernmost parts of British Columbia. The Canadian-owned company offers dozens of trips to suit any vacation style and trip lengths can range anywhere from a short stint of one to three days to upwards of 10 to 12 days.

Short Journeys start at roughly $2,000 per person and allow for two days of exploration of the Canadian Rockies or the American Southwest. Circle Journeys let you combine two different rail routes, like the eight-night Lake Louise Circle Journey, or the 12-night Best of the Rockies Circle Journey, which does a complete loop of Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Quesnel and Whistler. Circle Journeys begin at $6,000 per person. Rockies Highlights, curated to show off the best views of the West, offer nine unique rail packaged adventures that start at around $3,400 per person.

Travel back in time

First Passage to the West, the trip I took, is the company’s flagship route. It continues to be one of the most popular. Retracing the historic Canadian Pacific Railway, which originally connected British Columbia to the rest of Canada more than 125 years ago, this slowed-down, tranquil journey begins by following the Fraser River and the surrounding Fraser Valley. The journey from Vancouver to Kamloops covered a whopping 460 kilometres in the first day and took roughly seven hours to complete, during which I had plenty of breathtaking photo opportunities.

At the height of summer in the Rockies, the boreal forest was undeniably green, thanks in part to Vancouver’s temperate rainforest.

During this leg of the journey, as the train followed the ebb and flow of the Fraser River, time stood still as we passed by sleepy towns and endless mountain backdrops straight out of a postcard.

At the halfway point between Vancouver and Kamloops, we descended upon one of the top attractions on this route, the infamous Hell’s Gate canyon, suspended 36.8 kilometres above the town of Yale. Named in 1808 by Canadian explorer and fur trader Simon Fraser, Hell’s Gate is a narrow passage of towering rock and rapids so furious that a page from Fraser’s diary describes it as “…a place where no human should venture, for surely these are the gates of Hell.”

Further along the journey, another geological wonder, Rainbow Canyon, appeared just past Lytton, which is where the Fraser River becomes the Thompson River. A pop of colour bled into the rockface, Rainbow Canyon gets its name from the mineral deposits in the soil: copper turns green and purple when oxidized, iron paints the ground a burnt orange and red, while sulphur deposits leave streaks of brilliant yellow.

As we continued our journey to Kamloops, the landscape gave way from emerald green to beige, as the rolling valleys were replaced by dusty desert soil and hearty wild sage brush. With a semi-arid climate, Kamloops is also home to a series of rock and clay formations called hoodoos, which formed at the end of the last ice age. Spending an overnight in Kamloops, the second day of the journey took us through the glittering Shuswap Lakes region, which, with its sparkling lakes and rivers was a stark contrast to the dry and sparsely-treed South Thompson River valley we’d left behind.

The final stretch of our journey from Kamloops to our end destination in Banff encompassed a 497-kilometre journey. As we passed through Salmon Arm and Revelstoke, just before Golden, we encountered the Stoney Creek Bridge. Located on the eastern slopes of Mount Tupper, the original wooden bridge was replaced in 1893 by a steel arch. By 1929, the weight from the new locomotives was so great that CP Rail was forced to redo the bridge a second time. Due to the terrain around the bridge, no other foundation could be used and so the new bridge was built directly on top of the old one. The new bridge, which remains in use today, spans 484 feet and hovers 295 feet above the creek bed.

Just past Field, B.C., we came upon the famous Spiral Tunnels. During the first 23 years that the Canadian Pacific Rail was in service, one of its weakest links was the “Big Hill”, a 13-kilometre stretch between the towns of Field and Hector. Built in 1884, the route was supposed to be temporary, because not only was it an incredibly dangerous run, but it caused enormous repair costs. In 1907, construction started on the Spiral Tunnels. Designed after a similar system in Switzerland, the project cost $1 million dollars and took 1,000 men 20 months to complete. As the train entered the tunnel, we shot into pitch blackness for several minutes. The Upper Spiral tunnel follows Cathedral Mountain, during which it turns 290 degrees and emerges 50 feet higher than its entrance. The Lower Spiral tunnels through Mount Ogden and also turns 230 degrees and comes out 56 feet higher than its starting point. The experience ultimately sees riders double back twice, while crossing the river twice as well, which, from the glass coach of the train, was visible on the opposite side of the coach once the tunnels ended.

Though the landscape never swayed from trees, rivers and mountains, at no point did I ever close my eyes, both afraid of missing out on spotting my first-ever moose, but also because I was enjoying every minute of the ride. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I was fully present in my surroundings, unbothered and undistracted by the consistent pile of work emails and notifications that usually bombarded my phone—there’s no WiFi onboard the train, and cell phone service is limited, which lets you disconnect and lose yourself in the journey, not to mention, connect with your host and fellow passengers.

Each route comes equipped with a dedicated on-board host who, through impeccable storytelling, expert knowledge and hospitable service, ensures your journey is as comfortable as it is memorable.

Savour the journey

On both mornings, my journey onboard started with a hot cup of coffee and a delicious treat, including a homemade lemon loaf baked by one of the chefs that same day.

For GoldLeaf guests on Canadian routes, breakfast and lunch are served in a separate dining room coach with an exquisite menu helmed by Executive Chef Kaelhub Cudmore. Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Cudmore honed his skills and passion for the culinary industry at an early age.

He has previously worked at Victoria’s iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel and spent nearly a decade as part of the team developing the world-renowned Clayoquot Wilderness Resort into the exclusive Relais & Chateaux property it is today. He sailed aboard the top luxury cruise line, Seabourn, as a leader in the Thomas Keller program and has made guest chef appearances in exclusive resorts and destinations.

With a deep passion for not only food but travel, experiential tourism became Cudmore’s home as he worked through various locations offering everything from salmon fishing to heli-skiing. As an “ingredient-driven chef,” he puts high-quality local ingredients at the forefront of his menu, supporting local agriculture and artisans in his kitchen while creating a connection between food and land.

“I want to reflect the scenery that guests see outside and bring it inside onto their plates,” says Cudmore. This ethos is reflected in the meals he’s created for Rocky Mountaineer, from iconic Canadian flavours and ingredients like the Alberta beef short rib, Dungeness crab-stuffed ravioli and Lois Lake steelhead trout, to the handmade pasta from Port Moody, bee pollen from Surrey and macarons from Granville Island that are incorporated into additional onboard snacks and meals. “Guests can see where their food comes from while they enjoy their journey,” he adds.

As with the culinary program, Rocky Mountaineer’s wine program reflects the Canadian landscape that guests can experience during their journey, with a robust selection of wine from British Columbia’s most revered wineries. All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including fresh juices, coffee and tea are also included and delivered to your seat in GoldLeaf coaches.

This story first appeared in the Fall 2023 issue of OFFSHORE. To read the full digital version, click here.

A new Hyatt hotel is opening in Panama next year

September 1, 2023 No Comments

Hyatt Regency Panama City will be the first Hyatt Regency hotel in Panama City and the third Hyatt hotel in Panama.

Perfectly situated for business and leisure travellers, the hotel will be in the heart of Panama City’s business district, less than 10 miles from Tocumen International Airport, near the Multiplaza shopping mall and the new Amador Convention Center.

About the hotel

Hyatt Regency Panama City will offer 382 guestrooms and suites spread across two towers, as well as a pool, state-of-the-art gym, variety of restaurants including a wine bar and coffee shop and 20,000 sq ft. of meeting and event space including two ballrooms, an outdoor terrace for events and a Hyatt Regency Broadcast Lounge, allowing guests the option to attend a live conference in a hybrid manner.

The hotel’s convenient location in the Panamanian capital will provide easy access to public transportation and area attractions like cinemas, restaurants, retailers, recreational activities and more.

Additionally, the hotel is located a short drive from downtown Panama City, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and local attractions such as the Panama Canal, the Casco Viejo neighborhood and the new Fuerte Amador cruise terminal.

Expected to open just in time for the 2024 summer season following an extensive renovation, Hyatt Regency Panama City will mark another milestone in Hyatt’s sustained brand growth strategy in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

Get on board this 15-night luxury rail trip through the Arctic Circle

August 30, 2023 No Comments

For 2024, Up Norway, the leading curator of sustainable luxury travel experiences in Norway, will be offering a northern extension to its Arctic Circle Express Train Journey with stops in Lofoten and then on to Narvik.

The 15-night rail centric experience begins in Oslo, the vibrant heart of Norway where a bustling metropolitan atmosphere meets pioneering art, architecture, and design. The itinerary continues on from Oslo by train, stopping in Bergen, Ålesund, Trondheim, Bodø, and, with the new extension, Lofoten and Narvik.

About the journey

With Bodø poised to shine as the European Capital of Culture in 2024, an extra layer of cultural enrichment adds to the allure. Along the entire journey, travellers will enjoy personal encounters with locals that offer unique perspectives, a diversity of local sea and farm to table cuisine, and impactful activities from cruising the fjord and kayaking along narrow waterways to the UNESCO protected Bryggen Wharf, hiking the Alnes lighthouse on Godøya island, exploration of both large cities and small town, and more.

In Lofoten, with the added trip extension, travellers can enjoy remote villages, a dramatic Scenic Route, adrenaline-pumping arctic surfing, and international art collections.

Then, they’ll progress on to Narvik where a private guided tour of the War Museum offers insight into the World War II events that shaped the area. Additionally, the Narvikfjellet Cable Car provides panoramic views of the city and its surrounding fjords and mountains.

Itinerary highlights

But perhaps the standout highlight of this itinerary is the journey itself on a trio of Norway’s most spectacular railways: Flåm, Rauma, and Ofotbanen. The Flåm Railway, an engineering marvel and Europe’s steepest rail line, treats travelers to a descent of 2,828 feet to the fjord below.

Meanwhile, the Rauma Railway offers an unrivaled passage through the dramatic Romsdalen valley, and the Ofotbanen Arctic Train is a unique marvel fully above the Arctic Circle presenting panoramic views of towering peaks and cascading waterfalls.

Luxurious and authentic accommodations range from boutique hotels that overlook the commanding Hardangerjøkulen glacier to the cozy embrace of a traditional fisherman’s cabin. In 2024, guests can also opt to stay at the brand new Basecamp Narvik in the Narvikfjellet Mountains.

This enhanced 15-night itinerary invites discerning travelers to embark on an immersive adventure through Norway’s captivating Northern landscapes, unveiling hidden gems and rich cultural experiences along the way. Up Norway provides effortless travel experiences every step of the journey over dates of one’s choosing. Guests are provided with a comprehensive pre-trip digital guide filled with insider tips and recommendations, all travel details, and a 24-hour direct chat to access the Up Norway team with any questions.

The 15-night Arctic Circle Express with Lofoten and Narvik starts at $6,587 USD per person for a couple. Without the extension, the 11-night Arctic Circle Express Journey starts at $4,639 USD per person. For more details about the new extension of the Arctic Circle Express Itinerary, visit https://upnorway.com/journeys/hop-on-the-arctic-circle-express-train.

Adults only hotel with 18 bars opens in Costa Mujeres

August 23, 2023 No Comments

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has added the TRS Coral Hotel in Costa Mujeres to the Registry Collection Hotels brand portfolio.

The hotel, which is operated by Palladium Hotel Group, is located in Quintana Roo, north of the Yucatan peninsula, one of the most recognized areas of the Mexican Caribbean known for its white sand beaches and turquoise water, along with its proximity to natural reserves and cultural attractions.

About TRS Coral Hotel

TRS Coral Hotel, a Registry Collection Hotel, is an all-inclusive, adults-only destination with each building equipped with an energy saving system built with sustainability in mind.

The hotel features 469 luxury suites with a furnished balcony or terrace, and offers guests direct access to the beach, an exclusive pool, gym and a private beach club. Guests can also enjoy the Zentropia Palladium Wellness & Spa, a space dedicated to relaxation and wellness. The spa is equipped with service booths, a magnificent thermal area, and therapists specializing in all types of beauty treatments.

TRS Coral Hotel also offers spectacular cuisine across its 18 bars, five exclusive à la carte restaurants with five-star service, two international buffet restaurants, an Italian Mediterranean restaurant, a steakhouse, and three Asian restaurants, as well as a 24-hour sports bar and the “Chic Cabaret & Restaurant”, a space where gastronomy and entertainment share the stage.

For sports-lovers, the hotel boasts the first “Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre” in the world, with a museum which holds official replicas of 4 Grand Slam trophies, Masters 1000 Trophies and the Davis Cup that was won in 2008.

The sports complex, listed by fans as “The New Paradise of Tennis”, has 8 tennis courts (4 outdoor and 4 indoor), a football field, a paddle court, a shop with sports products and a bar-cafeteria.

Family-friendly safari company adds exciting new trips

August 21, 2023 No Comments

Extraordinary Journeys, a tour operator and safari specialist, has unveiled a diverse array of new family-forward safari experiences tailored for all age groups across its African destinations.

While Extraordinary Journeys recommends South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, and Botswana as wonderful family safari destinations, as of recently, Kenya and Tanzania have become more accessible to families thanks to new and improved accommodations and experiences by top safari camps and lodges that are tailored to little ones.

Extraordinary Journeys has the insider intelligence and expertise to know precisely which camps are best for the type of family adventure travellers want to experience.

Explore Tanzania & Kenya

In Tanzania and Kenya specifically, Extraordinary Journeys’ family itineraries feature new safari sites that have moved on from the old standard of tents with extra beds and now give families exclusive use of their own “camp within the camp.”

The private sites sport amenities such as private guides, dining spaces, fire pits, and a private or additional shared pool, giving families a larger area to spread out, breathe, and connect. Whether roasting marshmallows and stargazing with the kids or enjoying a drink on the deck while the kids are safely asleep nearby, these new luxury suites offer families increased options and ease.

In addition to game drives, family safaris offer many other experiences for children to enjoy including bush walks to look for tracks, horseback or camel riding, local village visits, cooking with the camp’s Chef, hanging out near a waterhole (where the wildlife comes to you!), helicopter safaris, young explorers programs, and more.

For more information and to book your own safari, visit extraordinaryjourneys.com.

All-inclusive resort in Mexico adds aqua jungle experience

August 18, 2023 No Comments

Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit recently unveiled the Aqua Jungle & River experience as well as an additional rooms and suites tower.

The hotel is one of the 31 properties in the All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy hotel portfolio in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Located in the hotel’s own forest canyon, the Aqua Jungle & River experience offers members an all-encompassing immersion in the surrounding jungle landscape with adult and family offerings. With five jacuzzis, a total of seven pools, an elongated lazy river and two kid’s areas with waterslides and splash amenities, visitors of all ages will have plenty of options to enjoy this water experience in addition to convenient food and beverage spots.

Inspired by the Tolantongo caves in the state of Hidalgo, where thermal waters cascade to natural pools, the Aqua Jungle & River experience brings that model to the hotel’s epicentre, allowing guests to relax and rejoice in a paradisiac adventure for themselves.

More than 200 rooms

With the Delta Riviera Nayarit’s expansion, the resort’s footprint increased from 117 to 212 unparalleled rooms and suites featuring mountain views with King or Queen modalities for adaptable comfort and with a design that resembles the Mexican artistry and natural elements of the locale.

The hotel has three sit-down restaurants on-site featuring Mexican, Asian, and local cuisines, three main pools to offer a total of seven pools, a dedicated beach club just 15 minutes away from the resort, the renowned Tzicuri Spa, among other offerings.

Infused with the local Huichol culture, visitors will find inspiration in the design, architecture, spa treatments, and food and beverage options on the hotel premises for relaxation and a unique wellness retreat.

Some of the best experiences to have in Slovenia this summer

August 16, 2023 No Comments

If you are thinking about an exciting new travel destination, Slovenia stands ready.

The summer season is ideal for exploring cultural treasures, embarking Slovenian Coast, indulging in wellness retreats, or savoring exquisite culinary delights. Slovenia’s diverse attractions and warm hospitality will leave lasting memories and a desire to return.

Do not miss Slovenia’s picturesque coastline, adorned with sun-soaked coastal towns also known for producing wine, olive oil, and salt, or wander amongst the orchards, vineyards, and romantic villages in Brda. Ensure you include a visit to the renowned Lipica Stud Farm, the historic birthplace of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses, listed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the World’s Intangible Heritage.

Explore the cave systems

The captivating Karst region is another must-see. With around 13,000 caves, including the breathtaking Postojna Cave, Europe’s largest cave system, and the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves, Slovenia is a paradise for cave enthusiasts.

Captivating cities and nature

Charming cities await as well: the capital Ljubljana invites you to wander its scenic streets, while Maribor, the second-largest city, boasts the world’s oldest vine, symbolizing the city’s rich viticultural heritage.

If your heart beats for more into nature, the Pohorje Hills will captivate you with extensive forests, peat bogs, and lakes.

For wine & wellness

For those seeking spa experiences, numerous natural spa resorts like Rogaška Slatina, known for its revered mineral-rich springs, Dobrna Spa with its blend of modern treatments and historic charm, and Terme Olimia Spa with luxurious pools, offer holistic wellness rejuvenating escape.

In the eastern part of Slovenia, the Pomurje region offers a serene haven with rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages. Visit Expano, an interactive pavilion, to explore the region’s wonders through cutting-edge technology, interactive exhibits, and captivating events.

Further south, you can visit Dolenjska and enjoy idyllic moments among vineyards or make unforgettable romantic memories at the charming Otočec Castle.

For outdoor enthusiasts

Lastly, do not overlook Slovenia’s breathtaking outdoors. Dive into the Soča Valley for exhilarating adventures and soak in the natural beauty of Slovenia’s haven for nature lovers.

For inspiration, latest summer stories, and events, visit www.slovenia.info.

One of Saint Lucia’s hottest resorts shows off multi-million dollar upgrade

July 31, 2023 No Comments

The Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, a luxurious five-star resort nestled in the hillside on the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia, debuts a fresh new look following a 12-million-dollar renovation.

Nestled in the glamorous hills of the island’s Labrelotte Bay, the resort’s renovations feature new additions, including the revitalization of enhanced luxury estate villas, new Ocean Point Residences, a refreshed lobby, an innovative culinary program, and updated accommodations.

Influenced by its Caribbean meets Mediterranean island setting, the resort’s new design blends nautical and coastal elements, utilizing soft neutrals and pops of Saint Lucia’s renowned blue hue. Custom-made wood furnishings, including mindi and teak, are used throughout spaces to provide contrast, and natural rope and rattan furnishings transform outdoor space into a chic oasis.

The resort’s 12-million-dollar refresh pays homage to its origins, bringing a focus back to the serenity of the beach escape and celebrating over 30 years of service since its opening in 1989.

The Lobby’s grand infrastructure featuring high vaulted ceiling beams and an open-air concept has been re-envisioned as a space where guests can mingle and meet. Outfitted with elegant chandeliers, contemporary furniture, marble floors, a new reception area, an ambassador’s lounge, and a coffee bar by day/wine bar by night concept, the refreshed look will enhance the guest check-in experience and bring to life the heart of the resort.

Revitalized rooms

Dubbed the Manor Collection, the resort’s newly revitalized luxury estate villas feature sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea perched at the top of the hillside, complete with in-ground pools.

Among the collection is ‘The Presidential Manor’ slated to be unveiled later this year; the largest villa on-site, at over 4000 sq ft, will feature a 45’x20′ swimming pool, driveway, and adjunct living space perfect for extended family or friends.

Additionally, guests can now enjoy the newly built Ocean Point Residences featuring a mix of luxury two and three-bedroom beachfront villas. Each villa in this collection has multiple outdoor terraces, a private infinity pool, fully equipped kitchens, artwork showcasing Caribbean culture and landscape by local artists, smart technology, and more.

Guests will revel in the modern meets Mediterranean-style rooms, where island vibes blend seamlessly with a luxurious escape. A new ‘Ocean Point Club House’ has been designed as an exclusive lounge for Ocean Point Residence guests with a dedicated concierge desk and private check-in area.

Enhanced culinary program

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort’s enhanced culinary program, led by Culinary Director Aurelien Duarte and Executive Chef Sebastian Francis, boasts chic upgrades to design elements and refreshed menus for Papa Don’s (dinner-only Mediterranean), Jammers (all-day beachside dining), Upper Deck (dinner-only legendary steakhouse) and now ‘Masala at Embers,’ serving up authentic Indian cuisine, led by Chef Vikrham Singh, daily for dinner service.

Upscale dining at Upper Deck evokes a modern steakhouse vibe with moody accents, including a soon-to-be-unveiled wine lounge. Fire pits and sophisticated coastal furniture adorn the newly re-envisioned Jammer’s restaurant, adding luxe touches to the all-day beachside dining hot spot. Each restaurant supports Saint Lucia’s local farmers and fishermen, serving only the freshest ingredients.

The resort’s signature restaurant, Dragonfly, has undergone an extensive renovation and now serves breakfast and dinner. In addition, the new restaurant now features a rooftop bar and lounge dubbed “The Perch by Dragonfly,” featuring hand-painted murals by a local Caribbean artist, Sandy Layne, depicting the restaurant’s scenic breakwater views.

The Perch is set to be the newest hot spot in Saint Lucia, where locals and tourists alike will mingle over some of the most innovative cocktails and menu offerings like our Piri Piri King Prawns, Hot & Spicy Eggplant, and our Spices of Lucian cocktail, all while taking in sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.

The renowned spa at Windjammer Landing has a new moniker, Serene Wellness & Spa, which compliments the wide range of alluring, balance-restoring rituals and treatments available to nurture physical and spiritual routines. Stand-out feature packages include their holistic approach to Detox and Immunity featuring steps to transition to a healthier way of living. This year the spa plans to unveil the island’s first medi-spa featuring treatments at the forefront of anti-aging and rejuvenation.

For more information and reservations, visit www.windjammer-landing.com.