Guides Archives - Offshore

Borneo to be Wild

April 20, 2026

A journey across Sabah, guided by wildlife and waterways.

By Steve Gillick

The Sabah Tourism Board’s slogan, Feel Sabah North Borneo, speaks to a deep-rooted connection with wilderness, wildlife, and serenity. It calls to travellers seeking a place where escape feels not just memorable, but meaningful.

The island of Borneo is shared by the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, five Indonesian provinces, and the nation of Brunei Darussalam. Our journey begins in Kota Kinabalu, on Sabah’s west coast, fronting the South China Sea. After a restful night at the Hyatt Regency, we set off for Mount Kinabalu with Mr. William, our affable guide from Amazing Borneo Tours.

Rising to 4,095 metres (13,435 feet), Mount Kinabalu is Malaysia’s highest peak and is revered locally as the resting place of the soul. Our two-hour drive unfolds through mountain forests and wildflower-strewn landscapes, with stops at the Kadamaian (Peaceful) Waterfall, the tallest in the country, and the villages of Tamparuli and Tanak Nabalu.

The purpose of the journey is threefold: to photograph Sabah’s extraordinary birdlife, to hike forest trails, and to practise shinrin-yoku, the Japanese art of forest bathing — a mindful way of slowing down, de-stressing, and reconnecting with nature. Among Sabah’s 688 recorded bird species, we spot Chestnut-hooded Laughing Thrushes, Bornean Green Magpies, and Black-sided Flowerpeckers as we explore the park’s lush trails. At Kiau Gap View, a sweeping panorama opens beside a monument honouring the spiritual bond between Mount Kinabalu and the Kadazan-Dusun, Sabah’s largest Indigenous group, as well as the park’s UNESCO World Heritage designation.

A one-hour flight east to Sandakan ushers us into a different realm of adventure. After checking in to the Sabah Hotel, we head straight to the Rainforest Discovery Center in Sepilok, where winding paths, canopy bridges, and observation towers offer intimate encounters with wildlife. Within minutes, we’re face-to-face with a striking Diard’s Trogon. Nearby, a mother orangutan and her baby forage among fruiting trees, while Thick-billed Spiderhunters probe spiky red calliandra blossoms for nectar.

At the neighbouring Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, daily feedings take place at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Rangers arrive with reed baskets brimming with fruit and vegetables, greeted by orangutans already waiting on the platform, while others swing in on ropes from the surrounding forest. Later, along the boardwalk, our focus shifts to reptiles and nocturnal curiosities: a Bornean Keeled Pit Viper, a Grey-tailed Racer, and a Flying Lemur clinging to a tree trunk. At the Nursery, young orangutans and macaques play and cuddle in lively family groups.

Just down the road, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre offers forested enclosures and elevated observation points where visitors can watch and learn about the world’s smallest bears.

Our immersion in nature deepens further in Sukau. After spotting our first Oriental Pied Hornbill, we board a motorboat on the Kinabatangan River to reach Borneo Nature Lodge. Over two days and six river excursions — including a night cruise — we experience tropical rainstorms, blazing sun, postcard-worthy sunrises and sunsets, and remarkable wildlife sightings: Proboscis Monkeys, Long-tailed Macaques, Silver Langurs, Borneo Pygmy Elephants, crocodiles, and an astonishing array of birds, from hornbills and kingfishers to eagles, bee-eaters, herons, storks, and owls.

After a final dawn cruise, we return to Sandakan Airport carrying the afterglow of Sabah — a destination that delivers a true jolt to the senses. It’s a place where wildlife inspires, adventure sharpens awareness, and the memory of the experience lingers vividly long after the journey ends.

The List: Sabah, Malaysia

STAY
Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu delivers five-star Sabahan hospitality on the South China Sea waterfront. Book a seaview room for sunrise and sunset views. It’s a short walk to Wisma Merdeka, the handicrafts market and the Segama Bridge Night Market.

EAT
Near Kinabalu Park, head to Farmers Restaurant in Kundasang for the Kamppungku platter: fried fish, rice, turmeric chicken and more. In Tamparuli, Restoran Wun Chiap is known for Temparuli Mee — fried noodles with pork — best with a cold Tiger Beer.

DO
Rise at 4:30 am and head to Kota Kinabalu’s Fish Market. It’s loud, colourful and unforgettable, with puffer fish, snapper, prawns and more laid out as the city wakes.

DRINK
Caffeine-free Sabah Tea grown in the highlands, and wood-fired Tenom Coffee made with local Robusta beans.

BRING BACK
Patterned Sabah batik fabric, handwoven rattan baskets and amplang (crispy fish crackers).

Magical Maui: A Slow-Travel Guide to the Valley Isle

April 19, 2026

By Ann Ruppenstein

Hoʻomau: to continue, persist, renew, perpetuate and persevere.

A different Hawaiian word of the day is placed against my pillow each afternoon at the Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui, but this first card—describing Hoʻomau—resonates most. It speaks to the way Maui protects its land, culture and identity, and to the responsibility of carrying that stewardship forward for generations.

On my first morning, we begin on shore with a traditional Hawaiian chant (an oli) offered before pushing the outrigger canoe into the water. Moments later, I’m gliding across the south shore for a guided paddle (hoe waʻa), the shoreline receding behind us. Our guide shares stories of wayfinding and celestial navigation, of reading swells and stars long before GPS. Hawaiian green sea turtles and the rarer hawksbill briefly surface beside us. With each synchronized stroke—left, then right—stress loosens its grip.

With the slopes of Haleakalā National Park rising behind us and the West Maui Mountains in the distance, palms lining the coast and mynah birds calling overhead, the scene feels impossibly cinematic. It is, in fact, just down the beach from where The White Lotus filmed its first season—though here, the drama is traded for calm.

“Responsible travel is deeply intertwined with Hawaiʻi’s values and culture, and visitors are increasingly mindful of the role they play when travelling to the islands,” says Laurie Garzon, director of sales and marketing for the resort. “In ancient times, Wailea was home to canoeing, fishing and life at the water’s edge. We’ve seen renewed interest in outrigger canoeing as travellers seek more meaningful experiences.”

Seasonal, by the Sea

As golden hour slips into soft pink, we head off-resort to Koast Maui, a relatively new addition to Wailea’s dining scene. The restaurant’s ethos is simple: honour Hawaiʻi’s natural abundance by working in lockstep with local farmers and fishermen.

“Our goal is to be island sustainable,” says Top Chef Masters winner and James Beard Award–nominated chef Chris Cosentino, describing a dragonfruit aguachile topped with just-caught tuna from a fisherman named Chimo. “Everything is based on what we have here. We wait to see what’s coming through the back door. That’s why the menu says cut of the day, crudo of the day. We evolve quickly with what’s available.”

Dry-aged wagyu, aged with kombu seaweed, is showcased prominently at the front of the restaurant. The kelp imparts umami depth while accelerating the aging process.

“You’re sitting here looking at the ocean, so why not age your meat in beautiful sheets of kelp?” Cosentino says. “The kombu gives you the flavour profile of 48 days in about 28.”

Daily texts from fishermen dictate the night’s offerings—tuna, mahi-mahi, opakapaka, even local lobster caught by an extreme kayak fisherman known as Jon Jon. Cosentino’s nose-to-tail philosophy extends to matanza-style tuna tripe, simmered with tomato, capers and spice, a Sicilian-inspired dish that surprises with its richness.

Each course emerges like a work of art, but dessert is a showstopper: a whole, caramelized Maui Gold pineapple served with layers of coconut ice cream, lilikoi curd, and toasted Italian meringue.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

When I’m not above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park for sunset—the summit rises more than 10,000 feet above sea level and is among the best stargazing spots in the Pacific—or sailing toward the crescent-shaped Molokini Crater, home to more than 250 species of marine life and famously clear water, I surrender to stillness.

At the adults-only Olakino infinity-edge pool, wellness programming rotates daily. A mini massage melts into a sound healing session. Later, an acoustic guitarist strums softly as morning drifts into afternoon. There is a champagne sabering ritual at sunset, and suddenly the day is wrapping up. I’ve mastered the art of doing absolutely nothing.

“The experience is designed to leave guests feeling rested, restored and fully immersed in the natural rhythm of Maui,” Garzon says.

Mission accomplished.

Travel With Care

Responsible travel is not a trend in Hawaiʻi; it’s an expectation. Visitors are encouraged to honour the concept of mālama ʻāina—to care for the land. In practice, that means guidelines like staying on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems, never touching or feeding marine life such as sea turtles and monk seals, and using reef-safe sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate to help preserve coral reefs. These small efforts add up, and are a modest ask in return for all that Hawaiʻi has to offer.

“For Canadians who are being more intentional about where they travel, Hawaiʻi stands out as a destination rooted in sustainability and harmony with the natural environment,” says Garzon. “Within a single destination, visitors can experience extraordinary natural landscapes and traditions that are still very much alive.”

The List; Maui, Hawaiʻi

STAY

Set between two golden-sand beaches, the 22-acre oceanfront Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui makes a picturesque home base. Don’t miss the onsite Te Au Moana Luau, where storytelling, hula and fire dancing unfold against the sea. Visit between November and April to spot migrating humpback whales offshore.

EAT

The sesame- and nori-crusted ahi tuna at Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi is a standout. At Koast Maui, the daily catch is a must. And for a quintessential local bite, try teriyaki spam musubi from a neighbourhood convenience store—the canned meat staple took root in Hawaiʻi during World War II and remains beloved.

DO

Watch the sun dip below a sea of clouds at Haleakalā National Park, then stay for stargazing. Snorkel with a luxury outfitter such as Alii Nui Sailing Charters to Molokini Crater for vibrant reef life and exceptional visibility.

BRING BACK

A hand-picked Maui Gold pineapple, prized for its sweetness and low acidity. The Maui Pineapple Farm Tour includes a complimentary packaged pineapple with each visit.

Quick Trip to Nassau & Paradise Island

April 7, 2026

The ultimate Bahamas travel guide: where to stay, eat and explore.

By Ann Ruppenstein

With powder-soft beaches and impossibly turquoise waters, Nassau and Paradise Island deliver the Bahamas most travellers imagine—but there’s far more here than a stretch of sand. Snorkel through an underwater sculpture garden, follow in the footsteps of James Bond, linger over long dinners in historic dining rooms, then retreat to one of the island’s landmark resorts or secluded villas. With new nonstop flights from Montreal and Toronto on Porter Airlines, alongside expanded service from Air Canada and WestJet, the capital of The Bahamas now sits firmly within long-weekend reach.

WHAT TO DO

Snorkel right off the shore at Clifton Heritage National Park, located on the western end of New Providence, to come face-to-face with a captivating underwater coral reef sculpture garden. The standout is Ocean Atlas, believed to be the world’s largest underwater sculpture, weighing 60 tons and rising 18 feet from the seabed. Movie buffs will also want to see the remnants of an old prop plane used in the filming of Jaws: The Revenge. Back on land, don’t miss Sacred Space, a powerful series of wooden sculptures dedicated to enslaved African women. The installation was created by Bahamian artist and sculptor Antonius Roberts and Tyrone Ferguson.

If you can’t make it for Junkanoo, the vibrant cultural festival that hits the streets of downtown Nassau in the wee hours of Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, the Educulture Junkanoo Museum provides deeper context. Founder Arlene Nash Ferguson shares the history, craftsmanship and community spirit behind the elaborate, handmade costumes.

WHERE TO STAY

Landmark resorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar continue to garner attention, but for a more tranquil escape, check into The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas. Spanning 35 acres on Paradise Island, the idyllic luxury property served as a prime filming spot for Casino Royale, starring Daniel Craig as James Bond. At the Martini Bar, order the Passionfruit Chili or a Vesper—shaken, not stirred—where longtime bartender Keith Cash has held court for more than three decades.

Book an indulgent spa service in one of eight Balinese-style villa treatment areas that come complete with a daybed, shower and outdoor jacuzzi tub. The soothing and skin-nourishing Coconut Poultice Massage features a heated coconut compress rich in vitamins E and K that’s applied to pressure points to release tension.

The resort’s 107 accommodations range from spacious rooms and suites to two-bedroom plunge-pool bungalows and private beachfront villas. Multiple pools, a long stretch of white sand and the Versailles Gardens, home to a 12th-century French cloister, lend the property a sense of scale and history. Artwork throughout includes large-scale abstract and contemporary pieces by mother and son Canadian artists Jane and Jonah Waterous.

WHERE TO DINE

Overlooking the Atlantic, DUNE by Jean-Georges features a menu by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten that moves from yellowfin tuna tartare to red snapper crusted with nuts and seeds. The banana cake with praline crunch and ice cream is a standout, so save room for dessert.

Outside the resort, head to Graycliff Restaurant for a fine-dining experience with nightly entertainment in a longstanding family-run establishment that has served the likes of Billy Joel, Beyoncé, Jay-Z and the late Sean Connery. For a romantic evening, request a spot in the garden under the stars surrounded by a canopy of foliage and string lights. The most coveted reservation is the private table inside its wine cellar, home to more than 250,000 bottles. From the fresh lobster ravioli to the rack of lamb with focaccia crumbs, garlic and parsley crust, the hardest decision will be narrowing down what to order.

A Slow-Travel Guide to Liguria, Italy

December 29, 2025

Italy’s Riviera reveals its beauty most to those willing to slow down. Here’s a designer's guide to Liguria’s architecture, cuisine and coastal rituals.

Between the French border and La Spezia, Liguria is a postcard of sun-washed villages clinging to the cliffs. Trains rattle along the edge of the Mediterranean, slipping through tunnels, while sea-salted air drifts through open windows.

“I usually over-plan trips, but Liguria calls for a loose itinerary,” says Montreal-based designer Alexandre Lafleur. “Take your time. Enjoy a late morning reading under an olive tree, have a leisurely lunch followed by multiple dips in the sea, and always catch the sunset with an aperitivo in hand.”

Below are his personal recommendations from his latest trip to the Italian Riviera.

Alassio

Tucked between the Ligurian hills and the water, Alassio feels timeless with its striped parasols, faded frescoes and honey-coloured villas. Stay a few steps from the promenade at Casa d’Artista, a three-room bed-and-breakfast in what was formerly a private seaside home. With frescoed walls, antique armchairs and balconies shaded by tasselled umbrellas, it captures the charm of a slower era.

“In the morning, each room gets breakfast in a picnic basket filled with pastries, fruit, and eggs to enjoy in the breakfast room or seafront balcony,” says Lafleur.

Spend the morning walking the Lungomare, then grab a pair of loungers at one of Alassio’s lidos—private beach clubs with striped cabanas, showers and lively seaside restaurants serving fried anchovies and spritzes. For a taste of old-world grandeur, visit the gardens of Villa della Pergola, where wisteria, citrus and jasmine fill the air.

End the day with a Michelin-starred dinner at Nove, the villa’s restaurant. Dishes like goat-cheese agnolotti and sourdough panzanella with green gazpacho are elegant without being fussy, and the best spot to enjoy them is from the terrace overlooking the sea.

Cavi & Sestri Levante

Just a short train ride east, make your home base at Casa Pernice, a lovingly restored farmhouse in Cavi di Lavagna, where owners Giorgia and Davide have created a laid-back, design-forward escape. The rooms feel effortlessly chic with linen-draped beds, vintage ceramics, and sunlight spilling across old terracotta floors. Mornings start with homemade pastries and eggs from their hens, followed by a stroll down to Bagni Mignon, their retro-chic beach club on the pebbled shore.

Cavi sits between the polished resort town of Sestri Levante and the wild beauty of Portofino National Park. Take a ferry to San Fruttuoso, a tiny monastery bay framed by forested cliffs, where the 13th-century abbey is reachable only by water or a long coastal hike. The reward is a swim in clear turquoise water and lunch at Da Laura—lasagnette verde with pesto, fritto misto and a chilled white wine under the olive trees.

Back in Sestri Levante, stop by Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence), and do as the locals do: Take an evening swim before heading to Rezzano or Balin for fresh seafood, pasta, and a glass of Vermentino.

Genoa

Once a powerful maritime republic, Genoa is a city of contrasts, with Renaissance palaces beside narrow alleys and marble staircases leading to quiet courtyards.

Wander through the caruggi, Genoa’s medieval lanes where artisans still make focaccia and brass fixtures by hand. Visit the Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO-listed set of 16th- and 17th-century noble homes, or stroll Via Garibaldi, lined with painted façades and ornate balconies. Pause for an espresso at an old-world café before catching the train back.

Most of Liguria’s coastline is connected by rail, making car-free travel easy and scenic. Every town along the route, from Camogli to Laigueglia, offers its own version of seaside life—the morning markets, the scent of salt and citrus, the fresh seafood. It’s a rhythm you’ll fall into quickly, and one that’s hard to leave behind.

The List

Stay Casa d’Artista (Alassio); Casa Pernice (Cavi)

Eat Nove (Alassio); Terrazza Praié (Laigueglia); Da Laura (San Fruttuoso)

Do Ferry to San Fruttuoso; Swim at Baia del Silenzio; Explore Genoa’s Palazzi dei Rolli

Drink A Hugo Spritz at lunch; a glass of chilled Vermentino at sunset

Bring Back Ligurian olive oil, hand-painted ceramics, Genovese pesto, or a woven market bag

Found: The Perfect Gift for Travellers

December 1, 2025

A new flexible hotel voucher is making the case for giving experiences over things.

If you’ve ever tried to buy a gift for someone who already owns everything they want — or insists they don’t want anything at all — you know the struggle. This year, one idea is quietly gaining traction among frequent travellers and minimalists alike: a single hotel gift card that can be redeemed at a huge range of luxury properties around the world.

Unlike traditional “one brand only” gift certificates, the new Hotel & Spa Resorts voucher works across thousands of hotels, from big-city towers to remote spa resorts. The appeal is obvious. Instead of guessing where someone might want to go, you give them the freedom to decide — whether that’s a quick weekend escape or a long-dreamed-of trip they finally have a reason to book.

It also taps into a broader shift toward gifting experiences instead of physical items. In an era where people are trying to declutter, travel feels like a splurge that doesn’t add more stuff to their lives. And for last-minute gifters (we see you), this kind of present is instant, elegant, and doesn’t require knowing someone’s clothing size or décor preferences.

Most importantly, it’s the rare gift that becomes a memory: a sunrise somewhere new, a pool they didn’t want to leave, a hotel bathrobe they definitely considered taking home. And on that note, if you’re set on wrapping something, we love the idea of tucking the gift voucher into a plush new robe. Happy gifting!

The Best Hotels for a Christmas Escape

December 1, 2025

Whether you want a tree waiting in your suite, a Christmas morning spent snorkelling with sea turtles, or a fireside feast in Bavaria, there’s a perfect December escape calling your name.

For some, the perfect Christmas morning smells like pine trees and cinnamon rolls. For others, it smells like sunscreen and a piña colada. If the idea of swapping snow boots for sandals feels more your style — or you just can’t imagine hosting another extended family dinner — a December escape might be the best gift you can give yourself. If you’re ready to skip the tradition and hit the airport, here are six hotels around the world offering festive packages to get in the holiday spirit from abroad.

1. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa — Maui, Hawai‘i

For: Sun, snorkelling, and a Santa who arrives by outrigger canoe.
Maui doesn’t do a subtle Christmas, and the Hyatt Regency’s Mele Kalikimaka Celebration in Paradise package embraces that energy. Guests can book a six-night stay in an ocean-facing room and get airport transfers, nightly turndown surprises, private cabana access, and a dedicated Christmas tree waiting in their room. Add in festive luaus, holiday cocktails, and prime stargazing — Maui has one of the clearest skies in North America — and this becomes the ultimate destination for Christmas in paradise.

2. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess — Scottsdale, Arizona

For: A full-throttle desert Christmas with ice skating, 6 million lights and nightly snowfall.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess goes all out for the holidays. As in, “North Pole meets Arizona desert”. Their annual Christmas at the Princess festival turns the resort into a massive light-filled playground: fire pits for s’mores, a 95-foot tree, Ferris wheel, tubing slides, plus an actual ice rink and nightly “snowfalls” (yes, in the desert). Add festive dining pop-ups, kid-friendly activities (like cookies with Mrs. Claus), golf rounds, and spa days for adults who need a holiday exhale, and it’s one of the most delightfully over-the-top places to spend Christmas in the U.S.

3. Schloss Elmau — Bavaria, Germany

For: A storybook European Christmas with actual alpine magic.
If your inner child longs still dreams about Narnia, Schloss Elmau delivers: grand halls, live classical concerts, snow-dusted forests and nightly feasts that feel plucked from a fairytale. Their holiday programming usually includes curling, skiing, yoga, dog sledding, and enough culture to make the entire week feel gently enriching. There’s also a family-friendly spa and ultra-cozy suites for post-feast naps.

4. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai — Thailand

For: Festive season meets rice paddies and slow living.
A dreamy option for travellers who crave something atmospheric but not overtly “holiday.” At the Four Seasons Chiang Mai, December brings lantern-lit nights, cooking classes with local chefs, spa rituals infused with Thai botanicals, and a Christmas dinner served overlooking rice fields. It’s warm, serene, and wonderfully grounding — an antidote to consumer season.

5. The Plaza — New York City, USA

For: A classic, over-the-top, movie-moment Christmas in Manhattan.
If your ideal Christmas looks like a scene from a golden-age holiday film, The Plaza does it better than almost anywhere. Each December, the hotel transforms its Fifth Avenue lobby into a glittering spectacle that includes a towering tree, garlands draped along marble balconies, and enough sparkle to make even lifelong New Yorkers stop and stare. Festivities centre around the hotel’s famed Holiday Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court, complete with tiered trays of pastries, champagne and live piano. Step outside and the whole city becomes part of the celebration: Central Park dusted in snow, the Rockefeller Center tree, Fifth Avenue’s iconic window displays and ice-skating rinks all within a short walk.

6. Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo — Monaco

For: A Riviera Christmas with Champagne, caviar, and twinkling lights.
Monaco in December is magical, with mild Mediterranean weather, glittering harbour markets, and Belle Époque buildings dressed in holiday lights. At the chic Hôtel Hermitage, the season comes alive through a series of festive traditions: a lavish Christmas Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s ornate Belle Époque salon, complete with pastries, kid-friendly workshops and a visit from Santa; holiday menus at Michelin-starred Pavyllon Monte-Carlo by Yannick Alléno; and Christmas Day buffets served under sparkling chandeliers. Step outside and you’re moments from Monaco’s seafront Christmas village, complete with stalls, decorations and seaside lights.

Stylish Travel Essentials to Add to Your Wish List

November 18, 2025

Form meets function: These pieces prove that good design always travels well.

Blundstone Originals #2501 Boots

All-day comfort meets understated cool in these dark brown leather classics, with a pop of toffee in the side panels. Designed with a patented shock-protection system, they’re made for travellers who want one pair that works everywhere, from cobblestone streets to countryside trails.

— $240, blundstone.ca

Monos Expandable Carry-On

Canadian-designed and built to last, this sleek suitcase features an aerospace-grade shell that expands for extra packing space. Durable 360° spinner wheels and a thoughtfully organized interior make every journey a little smoother.

— $365, ca.monos.com

Cuyana Leather Travel Case Set

A lesson in understated luxury, these genuine pebbled-leather zip pouches keep smaller travel essentials in place. Use one for toiletries and the other for tech cords, accessories or supplements.

— $240, cuyana.com

CRAM Packing Cube Set

Vibrant and sturdy, this three-piece set from CRAM is made with premium recycled nylon, breathable mesh tops and heavy-duty YKK zippers. Try them once and you’ll wonder how you ever packed without them.

— $85, cramtravel.com

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

These noise-cancelling headphones combine immersive sound with a design-forward, sculptural silhouette. They’re perfect for tuning out airplane hums or zoning into a favourite podcast mid-flight.

— $599, bose.ca

Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask

For the hotel room or red-eye flight, Lunya’s washable silk sleep mask is a sensory upgrade—breathable, soft and indulgent. Slip it on and even jet lag feels a little more luxurious.

— $90, lunya.co

BÉIS Passport & Luggage Tag Set

This chic trio includes a passport holder with a hidden AirTag pocket, a matching luggage tag and a clear pouch for liquids or cords, all crafted with supple yet durable vegan leather.
— $65, ca.beistravel.com

European Holiday Markets Worth Travelling For

November 18, 2025

Twinkling squares, centuries-old traditions and the scent of mulled wine in the air — if you’re craving a festive getaway, these are the holiday markets worth travelling for in 2025.

Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz — Vienna, Austria

Dates: 14 November – 26 December 2025
Few cities do nostalgia quite like Vienna in December. At Rathausplatz (featured in our header image), strings of lights droop from towering trees, children swirl around the ice rink, and vendors hand out warm punsch in ceramic mugs. Come for the atmosphere — stay for the vanilla-scented pastries and beautifully crafted ornaments.

Old Town Square Christmas Market — Prague, Czech Republic

Dates: 29 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
Prague feels made for Christmas. In the shadow of its Gothic towers, the Old Town Square fills with carollers, wooden stalls and the glow of one of Europe’s most impressive holiday trees. Don’t miss a warm trdelník, rolled in cinnamon sugar and served piping hot.

Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market — Budapest, Hungary

Dates: 8 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Budapest’s most beloved market blends old-world charm with festive creativity. Browse handmade ceramics, sip spicy mulled wine and tuck into hearty favourites like goulash served in a bread bowl. As the sun sets, the surrounding buildings light up with cascading illuminations.

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market — Cologne, Germany

Dates: 17 November – 23 December 2025
Set beneath the dramatic spires of Cologne Cathedral, this market delivers pure holiday spectacle. More than a hundred red-roofed stalls sell everything from artisanal woodwork to gingerbread hearts, while the city’s giant Christmas tree anchors the scene.

Winter Wonders — Brussels, Belgium

Dates: 28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Brussels stretches its celebrations across the city centre, creating a lively trail of more than 250 chalets, light projections and a charming Ferris wheel. It’s also the perfect place to sample seasonal Belgian treats: think warm waffles, speculoos and rich hot chocolate.

Christkindelsmärik — Strasbourg, France

Dates: 26 November – 24 December 2025
Often called the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg’s centuries-old market unfolds across the city’s half-timbered old town. Expect glowing lanterns, Alsatian specialties and some of the most beautifully decorated streets in Europe.

Amsterdam Christmas Markets — Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dates: 15 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
With ice rinks, cosy pop-up markets and canals draped in fairy lights, Amsterdam turns into a winter postcard. The city’s neighbourhood markets are especially charming — smaller, more local, and perfect for browsing with a warm stroopwafel in hand.

Tallinn Christmas Market — Tallinn, Estonia

Dates: 22 November – 27 December 2025
Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town becomes a storybook come to life each winter. Expect a traditional village square, twinkling lights against medieval stone walls, and steaming mugs of glögi (Nordic mulled wine). Rumour has it, this was home to Europe’s first public Christmas tree.

The List: Coolcation Essentials

November 4, 2025

From crisp alpine getaways to breezy seaside escapes, these space-saving finds will keep you warm, dry, and stylish — no matter how far the mercury drops.

Kathmandu Epiq SE Jacket
Warm yet ultra-packable, this lightweight puffer is made with Q-CYCLE® yarn, a groundbreaking fabric spun from post-consumer waste (including end-of-life car tires).

Fulton Tiny-2 Umbrella
Small enough to slip in a crossbody bag, this sturdy windproof umbrella unfolds to shield you from sudden showers without adding bulk to your daypack.

Smartwool Reversible Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter
A soft, breathable layer that traps warmth and wicks moisture, perfect for everything from mountain hikes to chilly city strolls.

S’well Explorer Vacuum Insulated Portable Water Bottle
Keeps coffee piping hot for up to 12 hours — ideal for sipping while you explore frosty streets or scenic trails.

Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves 2.0
Designed for warmth and made with special conductive fibres, these gloves let you snap photos or check maps without peeling them off in the cold.

Prohibition The Lip Balm
Blended with premium hemp seed oil, this nourishing, Canadian-made lip balm repairs and protects lips from winter dryness.

Six Adrenaline Fixes in New Zealand’s Adventure Capital

October 20, 2025

On New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown proudly calls itself the Adventure Capital of the World — and with good reason. This scenic lakeside town has a knack for coaxing even the most sensible travellers into trying things they’d never attempt anywhere else. From carving a jet boat through a narrow canyon to plunging headfirst off a bridge, here’s a taste of Queenstown’s adrenaline buffet.

Bungy Jumping

Inspired by the land divers of Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island, bungy jumping was invented in New Zealand, and Queenstown offered the world’s first commercial jump in 1988. Today, the 134-metre-high Nevis Bungy holds the record as the country’s highest jump, but the 43-metre-high Kawarau Bridge remains the most popular. For extra bragging rights, ask to dip your head into the river below.

Canyon Swinging

Home to the world’s first canyon swing, Queenstown invites you to leap off a cliff, freefall for 60 metres, and then swoop into a 200-metre arc at speeds up to 150 km/h. The Shotover Canyon Swing, just ten minutes from town, offers an à la carte menu of jump styles — from solo or tandem leaps to backwards, seated, or the nerve-shredding “cutaway.”

Jet Boating

The Shotover Jetboat is a Queenstown institution, inviting passengers to skim over as little as 10 cm of water at 85 km/h through the narrow Shotover Canyon. Invented by Kiwi Bill Hamilton to navigate the country’s shallow rivers, the jet boat’s speed and manoeuvrability are extraordinary. The signature Hamilton Turn — a full 360° spin — sends spray flying, which is why complimentary waterproof ponchos are more than a courtesy.

Paragliding

From a launch area atop the Skyline Gondola, it’s clear why Bob’s Peak is regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular places to go paragliding. Snow-frosted mountains, the glimmering Lake Wakatipu, and views of Queenstown provide a stunning backdrop to this gentle ride of a lifetime. Tandem pilots do all the work, warm thermal air keeps you afloat, and the soft landing below is surprisingly easy on the nerves.

Skydiving

Few thrills match the rush of freefalling at terminal velocity. NZone, one of the busiest and most experienced skydive operators in the world, is known for helping nervous first-timers embrace the plunge. With the Southern Alps framing the horizon, even the scenic flight up is a thrill. Then the door opens, your tandem instructor signals it’s time, and you’re out in the open sky.

Skyline Lugeing

Another New Zealand first, the luge is a three-wheeled cart with a low centre of gravity and simple steering and braking controls. Push back on the handles to slow down or let gravity take over and race the track as fast as your nerves allow. A modified ski lift whisks you and your luge back to the start. The course is accessed via the Skyline Gondola, which climbs 450 metres above Queenstown — the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.