Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

Checking In: Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club

March 24, 2026

On an island known for its quiet charm, this luxury resort in Anguilla proves that scale and serenity can coexist.

It’s admittedly a bit of a journey to get to Anguilla from Canada, but that’s part of the appeal. Most visitors arrive via neighbouring St. Martin, whose international airport serves as the main gateway, followed by a short ferry ride, rum punch in hand, across impossibly blue water. Pulling up to Anguilla’s modest port feels like arriving on a private island. There’s no mega cruise ship looming offshore, no all-inclusive wristband in sight. Anguilla has long embraced a simple-pleasures sensibility. After all, the island only received electricity in the mid-1970s.

While the vibe remains laid-back, the hospitality scene has evolved. Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is one of the island’s crown jewels, and certainly one of its most expansive. With 178 suites, villas and guestrooms spread across 300 acres, the resort is home to Anguilla’s only golf course, water park and open-air amphitheatre. Its scale is evident from the moment we arrive beneath the palm-lined circular driveway and step toward the whitewashed façade. Inside, a live jazz band plays near the lobby bar as linen-clad guests drift past en route to dinner.

Tokyo Bay Restaurant Aurora Anguilla Resort
Tokyo Bay Restaurant Aurora Anguilla Resort

Our table is at Tokyo Bay, a lively Japanese restaurant that would feel equally at home in Manhattan or Las Vegas (and often draws the same A-list patrons). Executive Chef Joe Richardson sends out a steady parade of dishes: short rib gyoza, bluefin tuna ceviche, grilled king salmon, chicken yakitori, pork belly and soft-shell crab rolls. 

The following morning, we tour Aurora’s hydroponic farm, where rows of lettuce and herbs—some of which appeared on our plates the night before—are harvested daily for use across the resort’s kitchens and cocktail bars. From the upscale D. Richards steakhouse to the more casual Sole di Mare, the culinary program feels considered rather than excessive. There’s a welcome absence of sprawling all-day buffets. Instead, dining here leans toward quality over quantity, with polished plates served just steps from the sand.

The resort is divided into two distinct areas. Merrywing Bay, anchored by a contemporary tower next to the pickleball courts, water park and golf course, tends to attract families and more active travellers. Where I’m staying, along Rendezvous Bay, lower whitewashed buildings house spacious seafront suites in a quieter, more beach-centric setting. Though the property is sizable, it rarely feels crowded. I often have the shoreline nearly to myself, and there’s never a shortage of daybeds by the pool. A polite ask is all it takes to set sail on the resort’s catamaran for an hour-long loop of the bay, with the option to stop for snorkelling.

That sense of exclusivity extends beyond the resort. As Kohn Richardson of the Anguilla Tourist Board puts it, “There’s an understanding among us that we want to preserve the peace. We want to keep the romance of Anguilla being a small island. If there are more than 30 people on the beach, it’s too much.”

At Aurora, that philosophy translates into a blissful balance: the amenities of a large-scale resort paired with the small island feeling that defines the entire destination.

It’s in the Details
Aurora’s onsite Sorana Spa offers a full menu of treatments, from seaweed wraps to beach-stone massages, making it easy to shift into relaxation mode.

On the Menu
From passionfruit mousse to strawberry-pistachio financiers and Paris-Brest, the pastries at the two resort cafés rival those of a top-tier European patisserie.

Room to Book
An Oceanfront Deluxe Suite, complete with a living area and private balcony. Multi-room villas and estate homes are ideal for group getaways.

What to Do Nearby
Book a sunset paddle with Liquid Glow in a clear kayak to spot fish and sea turtles at Crocus Bay. Later, enjoy live music at Dune Preserve, the beach bar owned by Anguillan reggae star Bankie Banx, just steps from the Rendezvous Bay side of the resort.

Best luxury all-inclusive suites in Mexico

Four Luxury Suites to Book in Mexico

March 24, 2026

The evolution of luxury travel has ushered in a new era where discerning travellers seek more than just premium accommodations – they demand transformative experiences that seamlessly blend comfort and authenticity. Across Mexico's most coveted coastal destinations, a select collection of all-inclusive resorts has risen to meet these elevated expectations, offering suite experiences that redefine the very notion of luxury travel.

Secrets Huatulco Mexico Luxury All-inclusive
Secrets Huatulco Mexico Luxury All-inclusive

Secrets Huatulco: Oceanfront Living

The Preferred Club One-Bedroom Swim Out Suite at Secrets Huatulco represents the pinnacle of refined coastal living, where guests wake each morning to unobstructed Pacific Ocean vistas from their private furnished terrace. This adults-only sanctuary elevates the traditional all-inclusive experience through its exclusive Preferred Club privileges, granting access to a private beach area, dedicated concierge services, and premium top-shelf spirits. The resort’s commitment to luxury extends throughout its carefully curated amenities, from thoughtful spa treatments that incorporate ancient healing traditions to multiple gourmet dining venues helmed by celebrated chefs. Evening entertainment takes on an elevated sophistication, with live music performances and cultural showcases that celebrate Mexico’s rich artistic heritage.

Hotel Mousai Luxury Resort Los Cabos
Hotel Mousai Luxury Resort Los Cabos

Hotel Mousai: Contemporary Elegance

Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Mousai pushes the boundaries of modern luxury with its Corner Suite North, an architectural marvel that maximizes both space and stunning Banderas Bay panoramas from the resort’s North Tower. This adults-only retreat distinguishes itself through avant-garde design elements and cutting-edge amenities that appeal to style-conscious travellers. The property’s rooftop infinity pools create the illusion of swimming into the horizon, while its innovative dining concepts feature molecular gastronomy and artisanal cocktail programs. Guests enjoy personalized butler service and access to exclusive areas designed for ultimate privacy and relaxation.

La Casa de la Playa Cancun
La Casa de la Playa Cancun

La Casa de la Playa: Wellness-Centered Luxury

At La Casa de la Playa in Cancún, the Ocean View Wellness Suite represents a revolutionary approach to luxury hospitality, where opulent accommodations serve as the foundation for transformative wellness journeys. This sophisticated property seamlessly integrates mindful luxury with comprehensive wellness programming, offering guests access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities, rejuvenating spa treatments, and nutrition-focused dining options. The resort’s commitment to holistic wellbeing extends to its thoughtfully designed spaces, where natural light and ocean breezes create an environment conducive to both relaxation and personal growth.

Paradisus luxury resort Los Cabos
Paradisus luxury resort Los Cabos

Paradisus Los Cabos: Swim Up Sophistication

The Reserve Ocean Front Swim Up Suite at Paradisus Los Cabos delivers the ultimate expression of effortless luxury, where guests can transition seamlessly from their elegantly appointed accommodations directly into their private pool area. This adults-only haven represents the evolution of the traditional suite experience, offering unprecedented privacy and convenience while maintaining the highest standards of sophistication. The resort’s comprehensive amenities include world-class golf course access, premium spa services, and exclusive dining venues that showcase both international cuisine and authentic Mexican flavours.

Transform your next vacation into an unforgettable journey of sophisticated indulgence across Mexico’s most prestigious destinations, and book your luxury escape with WestJet Vacations.

Kitirua Plains Lodge

A&K Sanctuary to Open Kitirua Plains Lodge in Kenya’s Amboseli

March 24, 2026

The stunning new architectural lodge is set to open June 1, 2026.

Kitirua Plains Lodge marks Abercrombie & Kent’s return to Amboseli, and a striking new vision for what safari can look like. This isn’t a standard tented camp, but a design-led retreat conceived to feel entirely shaped by its surroundings, as if it has emerged naturally from the landscape itself . Set on a private 128-acre concession bordering Amboseli National Park, the lodge will unfold across sweeping savannahs and acacia woodlands, where elephant herds roam freely and Mount Kilimanjaro anchors the horizon in the distance.

Just 13 suites — including two two-bedroom options — will be spaced across the landscape, each carefully positioned to capture uninterrupted views of Kilimanjaro. Elevated walkways will connect the main lodge to the suites, maintaining a sense of openness while offering privacy, while a viewing tower with a private dining space will take advantage of the site’s natural contours for panoramic outlooks over the plains.

Kitirua Plains Lodge
Kitirua Plains Lodge

The design story runs deeper than aesthetics. Materials have been sourced locally wherever possible, with most of the furniture made in Kenya using mango wood and African teak, alongside stone quarried nearby. The colour palette will reflect the land itself, from the soft dust tones of the plains to textures inspired by local wildlife, while subtle Maasai influences will appear in the architectural forms and handcrafted details throughout.

Sustainability is integrated into every aspect of the lodge rather than layered on afterward. The property will operate entirely on solar power, use passive cooling techniques to reduce the need for air-conditioning, and recycle water for irrigation. At the same time, local artisans and workers have played a key role in bringing the project to life, ensuring the lodge remains closely tied to the surrounding community.

Kitirua Plains Lodge

Kitirua Plains Lodge signals a shift in what luxury safari travel looks like today — less about excess, and more about thoughtful design, a lighter footprint and a deeper connection to place. For travellers seeking a more contemporary, design-forward way to experience East Africa, Amboseli is firmly back in focus.

Ytri Norway hotel

New Hotels Worth Planning a Trip Around in 2026

February 24, 2026

If you’re mapping out this year’s journeys, consider this a short list of hotels worth building a trip around.

Each year brings a wave of new hotel openings, but not all of them shift the conversation. The most compelling new hotels of 2026 are less about spectacle and more about genuine sense of place. From a fjord-side retreat in Norway to a rewilding estate in the Scottish Highlands, these addresses are already shaping where discerning travellers will want to stay in 2026.

Ytri Norway

Ytri — Årdal, Norway

Opening Date: April 2026

On a quiet stretch of shoreline in western Norway, Ytri feels almost elemental. The small retreat in Årdal occupies a former farmstead overlooking the Sognefjord, where mountains drop straight into steel-blue water. The architecture is restrained — timber, glass and dark metal — designed not to compete with the landscape but to frame it.

What makes Ytri particularly compelling is its devotion to seasonality. In colder months, when daylight is fleeting and snow softens the hills, the experience turns inward: wood-fired saunas beside the fjord, bracing cold plunges, and long dinners shaped by what the region yields — lamb, preserved root vegetables, cured fish, wild herbs. The kitchen works closely with nearby producers, leaning into fermentation and preservation traditions that make sense in this climate. It feels less like a hotel imposed on nature and more like a considered extension of it.

Conrad Corfu Greece pool

Conrad Corfu — Corfu, Greece

Opening Date: June 2026

Corfu’s history is layered — Venetian fortresses, French arcades, British cricket pitches — and its food reflects that mix. The newly built Conrad Corfu, set along the Ionian coast, taps into that complexity rather than flattening it into generic Mediterranean gloss. Terraced toward the sea and framed by olive groves, the property feels contemporary but grounded in place.

Dining anchors the experience. Expect Corfiot staples such as slow-braised sofrito, citrus-forward seafood and island olive oils, alongside broader Mediterranean influences. Local wines, fresh catch and wild greens feature prominently. The design — pale stone, linen textures, wide-open terraces — keeps the focus on the light and the water. Visiting outside peak summer reveals a more contemplative island, and the hotel seems designed for that gentler rhythm.

OKU Bodrum Turkiye

OKU Bodrum — Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey

Opening Date: May 2026

The Bodrum Peninsula has matured into one of the Aegean’s most polished enclaves, and OKU Bodrum arrives with quiet confidence. Adults-only and carved into a hillside facing the sea, the hotel is all low lines, textured stone and open-air spaces that blur the boundary between indoors and out.

Food plays a central role. OKU’s signature approach — Aegean ingredients meeting Japanese technique — shows up in grilled seafood with bright herbs, sashimi alongside mezze, seasonal produce handled with restraint. It’s less about fusion than conversation between cuisines shaped by coastal living. Days unfold unhurriedly here: mornings in the water, afternoons shaded from the sun, evenings that stretch well past sunset. For travellers emerging from winter, Bodrum in late spring offers warmth without the height-of-summer frenzy.

NIHI Rote — Rote Island, Indonesia

Opening Date: May 2026

Rote Island lies at Indonesia’s southern edge, closer to Australia than Bali, and NIHI Rote builds on the philosophy established by its sister property in Sumba: low-impact design, strong ties to local communities and a deep respect for land and sea.

Villas open toward empty beaches and consistent surf breaks, with architecture that favours natural materials and cross-breezes over excess. The culinary programme centres on Indonesian flavours — grilled fish with sambal, fragrant rice dishes, tropical fruit — alongside produce grown on-site or sourced from nearby villages. The remoteness is deliberate. Getting to Rote requires effort, but the payoff is a coastline that still feels largely unclaimed and a pace that encourages genuine disconnection.

Hope Lodge Wildland Scotland
NIHI Rote Indonesia

Hope WildLand Lodge — Scottish Highlands

Opening Date: May 2026

In the far north of Scotland, Hope WildLand sits within a large-scale rewilding initiative aimed at restoring native woodland and biodiversity across a sweeping Highland estate. Accommodation is deliberately minimal — a lodge and cottages positioned to immerse guests in the surrounding terrain rather than distract from it.

The kitchen reflects that same ethos. Menus draw on Scottish seafood, venison, hardy vegetables suited to the climate and herbs gathered from the estate. Meals feel rooted rather than performative. Days might include guided walks through recovering forest, discussions about habitat restoration or simply watching weather roll across open moorland. The hotel’s ambition extends beyond comfort; it’s part of a longer environmental story unfolding across the Highlands.

Six Senses Krabey Island Journey Into The Elements Wellness Retreat

Six Senses Krabey Island’s New Ayurveda Retreat Is a Complete Reset

February 10, 2026

Six Senses Krabey Island’s new five- to seven-day Ayurveda retreat is designed to restore rhythm, clarity and balance on a private island off Cambodia’s southern coast.

Launching in 2026 at Six Senses Krabey Island, Journey Into the Elements is the resort’s most immersive wellness experience to date. Set on a secluded 30-acre private island off the coast of Cambodia, the retreat blends Ayurveda, mindfulness and nature-led therapies into a carefully paced program focused on lasting restoration — not quick fixes.

Rather than filling each day with back-to-back treatments, the experience is intentionally spacious. Silent mornings, guided meditation and elemental practices establish a slower rhythm, encouraging guests to disconnect from constant stimulation and tune back into their physical and mental cues. The tone is immersive without being intense — structured, but unforced.

Six Senses Krabey Island Journey Into The Elements Wellness Retreat
Six Senses Krabey Island Journey Into The Elements Wellness Retreat

Ayurveda underpins the retreat, but it’s presented in a way that feels accessible rather than prescriptive. Each guest begins with a personalized consultation combining traditional Ayurvedic pulse reading with modern bio-assessment tools such as heart-rate variability and sleep mapping. The aim is insight, not diagnosis — a clearer understanding of how the body is functioning and where balance may be needed.

From there, the program adapts to individual priorities, whether that’s digestion, inflammation, joint mobility, sleep quality or mental clarity. The focus stays on sustainable habits and daily rhythm, making the experience feel relevant well beyond the retreat itself.

Programming is shaped around the five elements — Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether — which inform yoga, breathwork, meditation and therapeutic bodywork. Movement practices are gentle and grounding, designed to build strength and mobility without strain. Sound healing and ocean-based meditation draw directly from the island’s natural setting, reinforcing the connection between place and practice.

Targeted inflammation-care therapies include warm oil massage, herbal poultice treatments and mobility-focused yoga designed to support digestion, reduce inflammation and promote long-term joint health. The approach is subtle but cumulative, favouring consistency over intensity.

A highlight of the retreat takes place at the Island Alchemy Bar, where guests craft balancing elixirs using local botanicals such as moringa, tulsi, turmeric and lemongrass. The workshop offers a tactile, grounded way to engage with Ayurvedic principles.

Nutrition follows the same mindset. Plant-forward menus are designed to support digestion and minimize toxins, paired with Ayurvedic cooking workshops that explain how ingredients work together. Meals feel nourishing and satisfying — intended as inspiration, not restriction.

What to Know Before You Go

Journey Into the Elements is offered as a five- or seven-day retreat, with programming tailored through personalized consultations, movement practices, meditation and nature-led therapies. Retreat elements include Ayurvedic pulse diagnostics, modern bio-assessments, inflammation-care treatments, elemental yoga and meditation sessions, botanical workshops and plant-forward meals.

Five-night retreat packages start at $1,100 per night, excluding accommodations. Pricing includes the full wellness program, therapies and workshops, with accommodations booked separately. The retreat launches in 2026, with limited availability to maintain its intimate scale. Bookings can be made by emailing [email protected].

Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo

Checking In: Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

January 13, 2026

From overwater bungalows to beachside lobster lunches, this is Cuba done differently.

By Mitch McClung

Arriving in the dark might not seem ideal, but it’s actually the best way to experience Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo. When you wake up, sunlight streams through the windows and the ocean shimmers just outside your door. The resort is only a short drive from the airport, yet it feels tucked away from the rest of Cuba—quieter, calmer, and intentionally different. Instead of the usual resort soundtrack of mariachis and cocktails by the dozen, guests are greeted by the sound of a grand piano in the lobby.

Playa Luxury aims to redefine what a high-end Cuban stay can be. Its six over-water bungalows are among the only ones in the country, surrounded by nothing but sea and sky. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with light while keeping it private from the curious boardwalk passersby. Inside, the design is simple and soothing: natural wood tones, linen bedding, and a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub overlooking the ocean. Sunset baths quickly become part of the routine.

Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo

Each bungalow opens onto a private deck with an infinity pool, lounge chairs and a shaded cabana. It’s easy to spend the day there, swimming, reading, or just watching the waves. But it’s worth following the winding wooden walkway to Playa Pica Beach, a stretch of white sand framed by volcanic rock and gentle surf. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and proof that Cuba still has plenty of surprises.

Dining is another highlight. Lunch might be lobster grilled over coals and served with fresh fruit, or a casual burger and fries with a beach view. The four restaurants focus on fresh ingredients and flavourful simplicity, showcasing Cuba’s produce in a modern way.

Guests can (and should) explore beyond the resort. Take a jeep ride through the jungle, sail along the coast to snorkel with tropical fish, or stop at a sandbar for drinks in the shallow water. If you’d rather stay dry, the ocean is clear enough to watch from the deck.

On departure day, sip a final coffee on your terrace while your luggage makes its way to the lobby. Playa Luxury’s private airport transfer arrives right on time, but the feeling of serenity lasts long after you leave.

It’s in the Details: Bath salts, bamboo robes and refillable carafes of coconut water make each bungalow feel like a private spa suite.

On the Menu: Don’t miss the lobster grilled over coals and served with tropical fruit salsa and a cold mojito by the beach.

Room to Book: One of the six over-water bungalows with a soaking tub, private infinity pool and panoramic ocean views.

What to Do Nearby: Book a catamaran trip to snorkel the reef and stop at a sandbar for a drink in the shallow water.

 

This Iconic Okavango Lodge Just Reopened its Doors

December 1, 2025

Baines’ Lodge has reopened after a complete rebuild, with just six suites and front-row access to Botswana’s most spectacular wetland.

Botswana’s Okavango Delta has no shortage of remarkable safari stays, but one of its most intimate lodges has just re-entered the scene with a striking new identity. Baines’ Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary property, has reopened following a complete rebuild, taking inspiration from 19th-century explorer and artist Thomas Baines, whose watercolours first introduced the region’s landscapes to the world.

Perched on the floodplains of the Boro River at the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, the redesigned lodge feels like an open-air gallery. Soft greens and papyrus tones echo the reeds outside; sand-washed neutrals mirror the Delta’s islands; and rich timbers ground each space in its setting. Instead of walls, columns frame the views, so the watery landscape becomes the artwork.

With only six suites and a maximum of four guests per vehicle, the emphasis is on slow, deeply personal safari experiences. The private concession allows activities you won’t find in the main park — walking safaris, night drives, and, when water levels permit, mokoro canoe excursions through the channels. Seasonal floods transform the area from May to September, drawing elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and extraordinary birdlife into the surrounding mosaic of waterways.

Thoughtful touches nod to both exploration and craftsmanship: the Explorer’s Lounge comes kitted with microscopes and maps, woven ceilings created by South African artisans mimic the patterns of termite mounds, and reclaimed timber from the original lodge has been reimagined throughout the property. Private decks feature “star baths” — open-air tubs positioned for long soaks under the night sky — making the lodge especially appealing for honeymooners and romantics. 

For travellers drawn to the Delta’s quieter corners, this rebuilt retreat offers something increasingly rare: a place where the landscapes take centre stage and the days unfold at nature’s pace.

The Hottest New Caribbean Resort Openings to Watch This Season

October 7, 2025

The Caribbean continues to expand its luxury portfolio with an impressive lineup of brand-new properties that deserve a place on your radar. These four resorts are among the season’s most coveted debuts — each offering irresistible inspiration to start planning your next escape.

Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic

Since its August 2025 debut, this adults-only escape has been one of the Dominican Republic’s most buzzed-about openings. Its 500 rooms start at a generous 592 square feet, with the showstoppers being the beachfront suites, where your private terrace leads straight to the sand. Expansive infinity pools seem to spill into the Punta Cana coastline, while 11 distinct restaurants keep every craving satisfied. Add in a full-service spa and a serene, grown-ups-only vibe, and you’ve got a sophisticated sanctuary made for unwinding in style.

Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

Since opening in February 2025, this property has made history as Cuba’s first resort featuring overwater villas. The adults-only sanctuary on Playa Pilar showcases 252 meticulously appointed rooms, including six overwater villas with private infinity pools suspended above crystal-clear waters. The 24-hour butler service and personalized concierge attention reflect a commitment to service excellence, while four restaurants and exclusive beach areas create an intimate luxury experience in Cuba. Managed by Gaviota, the resort marks an exciting new chapter in Cuban hospitality.

Princess Senses The Mangrove, Jamaica

This spectacular resort, which opened in September 2024, has quickly become a crown jewel of Jamaica’s luxury scene. Part of a larger complex with Princess Grand Jamaica next door, the resort encompasses 401 oceanview suites and 14 overwater villas with private infinity pools. The impressive 19,376-square-foot spa complex and six pools create an environment where wellness and indulgence converge beautifully. Guests enjoy access to 14 restaurants and 15 bars across both Princess Senses The Mangrove and the adjacent Princess Grand Jamaica, ensuring endless culinary options, while exclusive Platinum Club room categories elevate the experience through dedicated butler attention and VIP amenities and services.

Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Set to welcome its first guests by year’s end, this 500-room adults-only resort brings a refreshingly modern spin to Caribbean luxury. Embracing a “flexibility over formality” ethos, it caters to travellers who value authentic experiences and laid-back sophistication. Four pools — plus swim-out suites — pair with five specialty restaurants and a speakeasy-style jazz club, while activities like paddleboard yoga, kite-making workshops, and tours of the resort’s eco-garden blend indulgence with a genuine sense of place.

These standout openings reflect the Caribbean’s ongoing evolution as a premier luxury destination, each delivering fresh experiences, world-class dining, and exceptional amenities. With Sunwing Vacations, getting there is effortless thanks to all-inclusive packages from major Canadian gateways, complete with flights, transfers, and every detail handled for a seamless escape.

Stay: The Pearle Hotel & Spa

October 7, 2025
By Rafeena Baksh

A Restorative Stay by the Lake in Burlington, Ontario.

Staycations have become increasingly popular, especially for women trying to balance work and home life. While some involve a short drive for a change of scenery, mine lately have been spent at home — reorganizing kitchen cupboards, folding laundry, and tackling a running list of chores. The result? A Marie Kondo–level tidy home that somehow leaves me more exhausted than before.

In a world where caring for others has become second nature, I’ve realized how easy it is to forget what it feels like to be cared for — or to truly care for myself. So, I decided to ditch the guilt of leaving that overstuffed utensil drawer unorganized and treat myself to a weekend at The Pearle Hotel & Spa. As I drove down Elizabeth Street, glimpses of Lake Ontario’s calm waters set the tone for a tranquil escape. The hotel’s white stucco exterior gleamed in the sunlight, standing out against the deep blue of the lake.

At the front entrance, the valet attendants greeted me with a smile, unloaded my bags, and whisked them away — no juggling luggage through check-in or circling for parking. It was a small but meaningful touch that immediately signalled the start of something different.

Inside, the lobby welcomed me with soft light and a calming scent. Curious, I asked about the fragrance during check-in, and the concierge slid a small square of paper across the counter with a knowing smile: White Tea and Thyme by ScentAir. The aroma was so soothing that I almost missed the architectural showstopper — a spiral staircase that seemed to rise in gentle concentric circles, leaving me feeling perfectly grounded at its centre.

In the corridors, a display dedicated to the hotel’s namesake, Pearle, caught my attention: vintage photographs, a white-stained writing desk, a typewriter, and blue floral wallpaper. The vignette felt like a love letter to balance — a reminder that work and rest can coexist, and that taking time for yourself isn’t indulgent, it’s necessary.

Stepping into my room, I immediately felt the tension of daily life start to fade. The design was serene and modern, with natural white oak and cedar panelling, soft blue hues that mirrored the lake, and a spacious bathroom stocked with green tea, rosemary, and bergamot–scented toiletries. I threw open the curtains and watched a sailboat drift by, the sunlight glinting off the water. It was hard to believe that this calm oasis was less than an hour’s drive from home in Toronto.

Later that afternoon, I picked up a latte and almond croissant from Pearle’s Café, where a softly lit sign on the wall read, Have you eaten today? It struck me — that’s something I ask my family all the time, but rarely hear directed at me. With coffee in hand, I wandered the lakefront path, trading the sound of traffic for the hush of lapping waves. For those who find calm through movement, the hotel’s 24-hour gym is stocked with cardio and weight equipment, ready to fit any routine.

When I returned to my room, I found a handwritten note and a chocolate dessert waiting on the desk. The note, written on a Pearle postcard, was such a thoughtful gesture that it made me smile — and reminded me that I could send that same kind of care to someone else.

Dinner at Isabelle restaurant was a highlight. I arrived early for a cocktail and settled in as the room filled with laughter and conversation. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unobstructed lake view, and as the sun began to set, the whole restaurant seemed to glow. Every dish was fresh and beautifully plated, but the chocolate cake at the end stole the show — a generous slice I told myself I’d save for later (I didn’t).

After a long shower, I wrapped myself in the plush robe, poured a nightcap, and sank into bed for one of the best sleeps I’ve had in months. The next morning, instead of rushing into my usual routine, I ordered breakfast to the room and sat by the window as the morning sun filtered through the curtains. The teas arrived in individual silver pots, turning an ordinary breakfast into something that felt like high tea.

Check-out was effortless, and as I pulled away from the property, I caught a glimpse of the lake in the rearview mirror, the sunlight bouncing off its surface. Then I adjusted the mirror and caught a glimpse of myself — rested, restored, and ready to return home.

Now, when the scent of white tea and thyme lingers in my hallway, it brings me right back to The Pearle’s calm embrace. Luckily, Burlington is less than an hour away — and I’m already planning my return.

Stay: The Algonquin Resort

September 23, 2025

A fresh look at an iconic hotel in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick.

When The Algonquin first opened in 1889 on the shores of New Brunswick’s Passamaquoddy Bay, it was a grand hotel stop on the Canadian Pacific cross-country railway. The town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, where the hotel sits on a hill, was a place people visited from Quebec and northeast United States to breathe in the restorative sea air and slow down from busy city life.

More than 130 years later, in some ways, not much has changed. An afternoon spent on the resort’s wraparound porch, watching piebald deer wander across manicured lawns, feels as blissfully unhurried today as it did in the 19th century. But in other ways, The Algonquin is entering a new era.

While the hotel’s exterior exudes its historic importance, inside, rooms have been given a modern makeover. With seafoam green and cadet blue decor and wide-panel wooden floors, it’s like stepping into a private maritime cottage; open the window and you’ll have the breeze off the bay drifting in. Grab a complimentary bike or e-scooter from just outside reception and explore town, around the harbour or through the trails in the spruce forest of Pagan Point Nature Preserve. Or schedule a late afternoon game at the hotel’s award-winning golf course, where holes offer incredible views of the water, and catch the sunset while you’re there. 

Come evening time, the hotel’s nightly ghost tours lead brave travellers underground through tunnels that connect different parts of the resort. Stories echo off the walls of a former night watchman whose jangling keys can still be heard, lights mysteriously dimming while staff are cleaning and dishes found on the floor of the dining room after tables were set the evening before. And while weather permits, the hotel lights bonfires and sets out blankets on Adirondack chairs, inviting guests to cozy up for a night of stargazing and making s’mores.

Next year, The Algonquin will unveil a two-storey Nordic spa, opening a new chapter in the story of this beloved seaside retreat. The past is rich, but the future looks especially inviting.

What to Do in St. Andrews by-the-Sea

Slip into a flotation suit then take a seat on one of Fundy Tide Runners’ zodiacs for whale watching. The season runs June to October, and while sightings aren’t 100% guaranteed, there’s a high chance you’ll spot a minke whale or two, plus porpoises and harbour seals. For retail therapy, head to Water Street to visit The Nautical Shop for coastal-chic homewares, art and accessories, and Marmalade for Canadian culinary treats, accessories and books. 

On the Menu

The Algonquin-Style Classic Gin Martini served at Braxton’s Restaurant and Bar uses gin from First Light, a local small-batch distiller that forages botanicals to capture the essence of the region in its bottles. Paired with the cocktail is a freshly shucked oyster accompanied by dry vermouth mignonette. 

It’s in the Details

Accent pieces in the hotel suites tell the stories of the Bay of Fundy’s fishing heritage. The warm glass globe table lamps were inspired by handblown glass fishing floats that help keep nets afloat. The standing lamps, designed by Canadian firm mackaywong, pay homage to the lighthouses that dot the province’s shorelines, with the base inspired by the breaching whale sculpture by artist Ryan Moyes found at Market Wharf.