Hotels Archives - OFFSHORE

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!

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 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.

Guatemala by Design

December 1, 2025

From Antigua to Lake Atitlán, Guatemala reveals a balance of raw beauty and refined details.

By Renée Morrison

Stepping into Villa Bokéh in Antigua Guatemala feels like slipping into a secret garden. It’s just minutes from the bustling cobblestoned streets of the town centre, but past the unassuming entry gates lies a six-acre haven. With views of the twin volcanoes Agua and Fuego, manicured gardens of bamboo and birds of paradise surround a pond with three resident ducks, and a sleek pool is tucked into a lush corner. The hotel itself, designed by local Paliare Studio and featuring artwork from the private collection of owner Claudia Bosch, has 15 suites—each its own palette of colour, texture, craft—and sets the tone for a trip defined by design.

My Olive Suite pairs soft greens and white linens with woven accents, plus a private patio and fire pit. Here, the thoughtful touches extend beyond design: one night, a lavender eye mask and aromatherapy diffuser appear alongside local honey sweets; the next, a woven pouch of tiny Mayan worry dolls, said to take away your stresses if whispered to before bed.

Stepping beyond Villa Bokéh’s gates, Antigua mirrors that same dialogue between past and present. Once the Spanish colonial capital, this UNESCO-listed city is famed for its barroco antigueño, a local take on Spanish Baroque adapted to withstand earthquakes. Thick adobe walls, low arches and sturdy columns meet delicate stucco façades, while Mudéjar-inspired tiles and arched windows—echoes of Arabic Spain—soften the geometry. On a walking tour, Antigua reads like a living design textbook: Mayan, Spanish and Moorish influences shaped by time and tremor.

In the bustling Parque La Unión, we stop at the Tanque, a public washbasin built in 1853 where women once aired out their laundry both literally and figuratively. A few blocks away, we step into a verdant courtyard that looks like a bohemian boutique hotel, only to find it’s a Starbucks (worth a photo, but head to Artista de Café for your caffeine fix). Nearby, Casa del Jade offers a fascinating primer on the stone’s cultural importance, a mini museum of original ceremonial artefacts, and a boutique selling contemporary jewellery.

On our final evening, back at Villa Bokéh, I climb a spiral staircase to the Honesty Bar—a tiny, unmanned gem that opens onto a rooftop terrace overlooking the gardens. We mix cocktails with local Zacapa Rum as the sun fades behind the volcanoes. Then, suddenly, the sky lights up with fireworks. They’re part of an engagement happening elsewhere on the property, doubling as a celebratory send-off.

From City to Stillness

The next morning, a two-and-a-half-hour drive through the highlands brings us to Lake Atitlán, an immense volcanic caldera lake ringed by three imposing volcanoes. The landscape is enough to rewire your sense of scale. Perched on the mountainside facing the lake, Casa Palopó is modest from its façade, but as I’ve learned, much of Guatemala’s beauty lies beyond first impressions.

Inside, the sprawling property is bold yet refined, courtesy of Guatemalan designer Katy Jay. Colour reigns: cobalt, ochre and red on the walls, terracotta floors, patterned textiles. In the restaurant, vines of fuchsia and aquamarine blossoms hang overhead as hummingbirds dart around the open terrace. My room, beside a library stacked with vintage travel and décor magazines, opens onto a claw-foot outdoor tub facing the lake—a private theatre for volcano sunsets.

But that will have to wait. When the hotel’s private three-bedroom villa isn’t booked, guests can slip into its stone-clad infinity pool that feels lifted from a Slim Aarons photograph. So I do, watching my first Lake Atitlán sunset from the hot tub as faint Spanish lounge music drifts through hidden speakers. Later, we take the funicular down to Kinnik, the lakefront restaurant in a sleek glass-and-stone pavilion. Dinner is perfectly medium-rare beef asado, gorgonzola-roasted cauliflower, grilled vegetables and fresh tortillas—hand-pressed just steps away from our table. It’s one of those meals that quietly ruins you for others.

By day, in the neighbouring town of Santa Ca- tarina Palopó, we see how design is being used as a force for change. The Pintando Santa Ca- tarina Palopó project—an initiative led by Grupo Alta, the ownership group behind the hotel—is transforming this lakeside town of roughly 5,000 Kaqchikel Maya residents into a living canvas. With plans to paint more than 950 façades in bold geometric patterns inspired by ancestral textiles, the project revives local pride, creates jobs, and turns the town into a cultural landmark. Guests at Casa Palopó can even volunteer to help paint.

Inside By Katy Jay, the hotel designer’s boutique in Santa Catarina, shelves display artisanal pieces like wooden serving pieces, woven baskets and ceramic bowls, each representing the region’s craft traditions. I’m invited to try my hand at weaving on a miniature telar de cintura (traditional backstrap loom). My guide explains how cotton threads are dyed with natural pigments—hibiscus for purples, chipilín leaves for greens and cochineal insects for reds—before showing me how to weave them into a bracelet to take home.

Our final night brings something sacred. At sunset, we meet our Mayan shaman, Tomas, for a private fire ceremony on the hotel terrace. We sit around a circular altar of flowers, corn and candles as he takes our birth dates to reveal our nahuales—Mayan spirit companions—before guiding us through a cleansing ritual. The fire crackles as the sky shifts from coral to black, and I can’t imagine a more meaningful ending than this glimpse into living Maya culture, which has been threaded into almost every textile, turndown and tour stop of my trip.

Later, returning to my suite, I find the al fresco bath drawn with rose petals, the same hue as those in the altar. It’s a simple gesture, and one any guest can request, but in context, it feels like magic. In Guatemala, as in design, it’s all in the details.

The List

Where to Stay
Villa Bokéh (Antigua) and Casa Palopó (Lake Atitlán), which features its own heli-pad for 30-minute air transfers that can be arranged by the hotel.

What to Eat
Shrimp ceviche (Casa Cristal at Villa Bokéh); Fagottini stuffed with icha-j pá sakil (6.8 Restaurant at Casa Palopó); Beef asado (Kinnik at Casa Palopó)

What to Do
Take a 20-minute boat ride to the artisan village of San Juan La Laguna for locally made chocolate, coffee, ceramics and handwoven goods.

What to Drink
Exceptional coffee, grown in volcanic soil; a cocktail made with Zacapa rum

What to Bring Back
Salted 70% chocolate from Xocolatl (San Juan La Laguna); a woven throw or tortilla basket (Santa Catarina); a carved charm featuring your Mayan nahual from Casa del Jade (Antigua).

Toronto’s Ace Hotel is Transforming its Rooftop into a Winter Chalet

November 18, 2025

Toronto may be deep in hibernation by December, but one downtown hotel is determined to pull travellers and locals back out of it – in the best way. Ace Hotel Toronto has launched an entire season of winter happenings, anchored by the return of its rooftop Winter Chalet pop-up and, yes, actual outdoor curling overlooking the city.

From December 2 through February 28, the hotel transforms its rooftop bar, Evangeline, into a cozy indoor-outdoor chalet experience complete with twinkling lights, warming cocktails, blankets and fire pits. The star: a brand-new Lot 40 outdoor curling rink that lets you play a match set against the Toronto skyline. Thirty-minute sessions are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis – ideal for travellers looking for a fun, spontaneous winter activity between meals and museums.

Those who prefer to spectate (or sip) can linger inside with seasonal drinks, curated snacks and the kind of hygge-leaning ambiance that makes you forget you’re several storeys above the city streets. Evangeline is also debuting a cocktail lineup designed for cold-weather comfort, courtesy of bar manager Aaron Hatchell. Expect aromatic flavours, mulled wine, a classic hot toddy and a “Smooth O-pear-ator,” a non-alcoholic pear-and-winter-spice cocktail. Reservations for the bar are highly recommended.

Fireside Workshops, Design Collabs, and a Festive DJ Series

Within the hotel, Ace has programmed a full slate of festive events:

Wreath-Making With Philia Flora

December 16, 6–8 p.m.
Create your own wreath using seasonal botanicals at this hands-on workshop led by Toronto floral designer Philia Flora. Tickets will be available via the Ace website.

Jingle Bell Hop Holiday Takeover

December 20, 10 p.m.
A one-night holiday bash with festive cocktails, cosy beats and a playful, over-the-top holiday aesthetic — think DJs, dancing and winter-themed indulgence. Tickets ($10) are now on sale.

Cool Intentions: A New Year’s Eve Party at The Lobby

December 31, 10 p.m.–2 a.m.
Ace Hotel’s NYE celebration takes over the Lobby bar for a night of music, cocktails and a low-key-cool atmosphere. Early bird tickets ($25, then $40) are now available.

Alpine Noir: NYE at Evangeline

December 31, 10 p.m.–3 a.m.
For a more elevated option, Evangeline hosts Alpine Noir, a high-altitude celebration with DJ sets, photobooths, dance-party energy and a fashionable dress code. Tickets include bubbles at midnight plus access to the new DJ booth overlooking Toronto’s skyline. Early bird tickets start at $120.

Checking In: Union Hotel Toronto

November 4, 2025

A stylish boutique stay steps from Union Station brings art, design and a touch of literary flair to the city’s core.

Tucked inside a restored heritage building on York Street, Union Hotel Toronto feels like the kind of downtown stay Toronto’s been missing—creative, comfortable and just the right amount of cool. With 189 rooms, a café-lounge that hums from morning to night, and design rooted in local makers, it’s a modern nod to the city’s artsy side.

The vibe is easy-going yet polished with warm lighting, mid-century oak furniture, soft neutrals and pops of colour from Canadian artwork. The lobby has plenty of seating, and a suspended fireplace adds a sleek and cozy touch. Every room features original pieces that tell a bit of the city’s story: Emily May Rose’s cheeky raccoons, Victoria Day’s train-station homage and Hello Kirsten’s vibrant nod to the neighbourhood’s textile roots. Together, they make the place feel less like a hotel and more like a cool friend’s apartment.

Rooms come in four styles—Chic, Groovy, Swanky and the Posh Suite—each with small but thoughtful touches: Routine amenities, Fellow kettles for your tea ritual, and Loftie sound machines that help you drift off after a night in the city. Local studio Whence co-designed many of the in-room details, while circular-design pieces by Cyrc (soap dishes, trays and tissue boxes) keep sustainability in the mix.

Downstairs, Humble Donkey anchors the lobby and doubles as a great coworking space. By day, it’s fuelled by Sam James Coffee Bar espresso and Circles and Squares Bakery; by night, when the lights dim, flatbreads and martinis appear on the menu. Upstairs, there’s The 6ix, a flexible social space with a courtyard for events.

A literary twist gives the stay extra heart: every room includes a Giller Prize–listed or winning book, with a mini CanLit library waiting by the front desk. And don’t check out without browsing the lobby’s UH Marketplace, where you can grab locally made souvenirs like an upcycled denim tote by designer Gino Marocco.

Union Hotel Toronto manages to be central but not basic. It’s a stylish, quietly playful stay that celebrates the city’s art, design and character in all the right ways.

It’s in the Details

Locally made Routine bath products, custom furniture by Whence, and upcycled denim totes from Gino Marocco keep every corner grounded in Toronto craftsmanship.

On the Menu

At Humble Donkey, start with a latte and a Breadhead croissant, then circle back for truffle fries, the Donkey Burger and an espresso martini.

What to Do Nearby

Stroll ten minutes south to The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery on the waterfront for rotating exhibits and installations. In the evening, catch an indie screening at TIFF Lightbox, about a 15-minute walk west on King Street.

Room to Book

The Posh Suite offers extra space, a sitting area and curated local art.

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.

Fusion Resorts Debuts Wellness Retreats Across Vietnam

September 23, 2025

Fusion Resorts has announced a trio of immersive retreats launching this fall at select Vietnam resorts. Designed to blend traditional healing practices with contemporary comforts, the properties aim to transform ordinary getaways into restorative journeys.

At Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang, opening Dec. 31, 2025, the spotlight falls on the “Healing Retreat,” a four-day program led by newly appointed wellness master Sanjay Rawat. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in yoga, pranayama, meditation and Ayurveda, Rawat introduces travellers to a holistic reset. Guests move from chakra balancing and re-energizing meditation to sound baths and daily yoga, punctuated by plant-based cuisine that nourishes body and spirit.

Further south, the Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion near Hue builds its practice around the soothing Phong Mai hot springs. The five-day “Pancharakarma Retreat,” available Sept. 7 to 13, 2025, draws from Ayurveda’s ancient detoxifying therapies, combining yoga, meditation and personalized consultations. Treatments such as synchronized full-body massages, Shirodhara warm-oil therapy and Swedana herbal steam are designed to reduce stress, restore inner balance and improve sleep quality.

Rounding out the collection, Maia Resort Quy Nhon will launch the “Full Moon Retreat” on Oct. 31, 2025. Set against the lunar glow of Vietnam’s central coast, the program blends meditation, mindful painting and chakra healing with kayak excursions and sunset yoga. Guests will also sample local cuisine, including nourishing plant-based meals, before winding down at the resort’s beachfront signature restaurant Vị Quê.

Fusion, which operates more than 25 properties across Vietnam and Thailand, is renowned for introducing wellness programming at every level of the guest experience. These new retreats underscore a commitment to helping travellers rediscover balance — whether that means floating in a thermal pool, finding focus through breathwork or simply soaking up the idyllic natural landscapes.

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.