Hotels Archives - OFFSHORE

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.

This Spanish UNESCO City Just Got a Palace Hotel Worth Travelling For

September 9, 2025

Few cities in Spain are as cinematic as Cáceres, the Extremaduran gem where cobbled streets and stone façades earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986. Now, the historic centre has a new jewel: the Palacio de Godoy Cáceres, Curio Collection by Hilton, which opened this September following a €14-million restoration of a 16th-century palace once home to conquistador Francisco Godoy.

The 73-room property blends heritage with contemporary flair. Interiors by BSV Arquitectos highlight original features, while gardens designed by Álvaro de la Rosa draw on native and New World plantings, irrigated by natural rock springs beneath the city. From the Bar Virú lounge to the rooftop terrace overlooking Cáceres’ medieval skyline, the hotel offers elegant spaces that invite guests to linger.

Dining is a central narrative. At Mamay Aldana, chef Antonio Manuel Céspedes Rodríguez pays tribute to the women of Extremadura, particularly Godoy’s mother, María de Aldana. Menus trace centuries of cultural exchange, blending regional traditions with the culinary influences brought back during the conquest of the Americas. The site itself once housed a maternity home, lending the concept even deeper resonance.

The hotel also features a spa and event spaces, positioning it as both a retreat and a gathering place. “It’s a remarkable building, intricately restored, and we’re confident guests will be amazed by its stylish interiors and relaxing outdoor spaces,” says general manager Joaquín Arimón.

Managed by Panoram Hotel Management, the project has created 60 local jobs and introduces Hilton’s lifestyle-leaning Curio Collection brand to Extremadura. For travellers in search of a less-discovered destination, Cáceres’ film-ready streets and rich cultural crossroads provide an evocative setting — now anchored by a palace reborn.

The Kensington’s Over-the-Top Marie Antoinette Stay Lets You Eat Cake

September 9, 2025

London has no shortage of royal attractions, but this autumn the spotlight falls on France’s most infamous queen. On September 20, the Victoria and Albert Museum opens its first major exhibition devoted to Marie Antoinette, on view through March 22, 2026. Sponsored by Manolo Blahnik, the show promises a lavish look at the monarch’s world through extravagant gowns, sky-high wigs, glittering jewels and decorative arts on loan from Versailles.

Just blocks away, The Kensington, a Doyle Collection property known for its townhouse style and residential feel, is rolling out a suitably regal experience: The V&A Experience: Marie Antoinette Style package. Guests booking the one-night stay will receive guaranteed tickets to the exhibition — even when sold out — along with accommodations in a room or suite with Juliet balcony or marble-clad bathroom.

Sweet touches abound. Parisian treats inspired by the queen’s era, from Debauve & Gallais chocolate pistoles to Nina’s Versailles-blend tea, await in-room. The highlight is the hotel’s cheeky “Let Us Eat Cake” afternoon tea. Pastel-coloured pastries, lemon shortbread and savoury pink brioche sandwiches arrive on fine bone china, paired with Champagne, tea or the signature Queen’s Coupe cocktail. The ritual feels like stepping into an 18th-century salon, albeit with contemporary London polish.

For travellers who like their cultural immersion with a dash of decadence, the pairing of the V&A’s landmark show and The Kensington’s indulgent touches is a match made in Versailles heaven.

Keefer House: Vancouver’s Next-Gen Aparthotel Blends Design, Tech, and Neighbourhood Soul

August 26, 2025

Vancouver’s historic Chinatown will soon welcome a new neighbour — one that feels equal parts stylish loft, boutique hotel, and cultural hub. In October 2025, Keefer House, the latest project from Kalido Hospitality Group (the team behind Yaletown’s Smithe House), is set to redefine what it means to check in, drop your bags, and truly live like a local. Bookings are now open.

SipUnlike traditional hotels, Keefer House leans into the comforts of an extended-stay residence without skimping on polish. Each thoughtfully designed apartment comes with a full kitchen, in-suite laundry, and a curated interior aesthetic — natural woods, cool greys, soft neutrals, and cheeky pops of mustard yellow. The finishing touch? A gallery-worthy collection from Canadian art brand Opposite Wall.

Select apartments include private balconies, but the crown jewels are the Terrace and Rooftop Apartments, where oversized outdoor spaces meet elevated extras: vintage record players for spinning vinyl at sunset, and (coming soon) a welcome package from Vancouver’s cult-favourite Keefer Bar next door.

A Rooftop Sunset, A City at Your Feet

Keefer House is as much about what lies outside its doors as within. Perched at the nexus of Chinatown, Gastown, and the Arena District, the aparthotel drops you into Vancouver’s most electric grid. Sip cocktails at award-winning bars, wander through the tranquil Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, catch a stadium show, or grab late-night dumplings just down the block.

True to its ethos of embedding travellers in the community, Keefer House collaborates with beloved Vancouver makers and brands: Pallet Coffee for your morning fix, Tealeaves for a calming brew, Fable for elevated dining essentials, and TALLU for natural skincare amenities. Even the rooftop communal space and on-site gym are designed as gathering spots, encouraging connections among extended-stay guests.

The Future of Travel, Rooted in Place

Keefer House is Kalido’s second Vancouver aparthotel, following the success of Smithe House in Yaletown, and part of a broader vision for tech-forward, design-driven accommodations across British Columbia. For travellers — whether creatives settling in for a month-long residency, or business nomads balancing meetings with neighbourhood explorations — it offers a compelling mix: flexibility, character, and a front-row seat to the city’s cultural pulse.

Opening October 2025, Keefer House is set to be less about checking into a room and more about plugging into Vancouver itself.

Six Top Dog-Friendly Hotels Around the Globe

August 25, 2025

For many travellers, a getaway doesn’t feel complete without a wagging tail trotting alongside. Still, not every hotel rolls out the welcome mat for four-legged guests in equal measure. The properties below go far beyond “pet-friendly” to transform a stay into a genuine holiday for both you and your dog. From Canadian castles to Manhattan glamour and Cabo beach cabanas, here are six of the world’s best dog-friendly hotels.

Kimpton Saint George — Toronto, Canada

Toronto’s Kimpton Saint George embodies ease and inclusivity for pet owners. The brand’s famous motto applies here: “If your pet fits through the door, they’re welcome.” That means no size restrictions, no breed limitations, no deposits, and no hidden fees. Dogs are treated to loaner beds, food and water bowls, courtesy bags for walks, and even a concierge list of the best pet-friendly cafés, parks, and patios around the Annex neighbourhood.

It’s the kind of policy that puts guests instantly at ease. Whether you’re travelling with a Great Dane or a Chihuahua, the Saint George makes sure your companion feels just as welcome as you do.

The Plaza — New York City, USA

If ever a hotel embodied glamour, it’s The Plaza (pictured above). And that elegance extends to dogs through its famous Pampered Pup Package. Imagine your pup wrapped in a miniature Plaza-branded bathrobe, lounging on a plush bed, and nibbling on a three-tiered tower of dog-friendly macarons made with oat flour, coconut oil, and yogurt filling — all washed down with a chilled bowl of Evian.

The robe, available in sizes from XXS to XXXL, is more than a prop; it’s a tongue-in-cheek nod to The Plaza’s place in New York legend. For owners, it’s a moment straight out of Eloise at the Plaza — only this time, the star guest is on four legs.

The Little Nell — Aspen, USA

Aspen’s only ski-in/ski-out five-star hotel knows how to pamper. At The Little Nell, canine guests are treated almost as well as their celebrity owners. Dogs arrive to find house-made peanut butter treats, bowls, and beds waiting. They can dine from a dedicated pet menu, enjoy the services of professional dog walkers or sitters, and even benefit from a “Puppy Jet Lag Kit” designed to help them adjust to Aspen’s altitude.

Whether it’s après-ski or après-hike, pups curl up fireside or lounge on the patio while their owners sip fine wine. It’s five-star living, Aspen-style, with dogs included in every detail.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort — Los Cabos, Mexico

For indulgence, few resorts rival Las Ventanas — and that extends to its canine program. Here, a dedicated dog butler ensures every detail is handled, from beach walks to arranging “doga” sessions or a canine massage. Portable cabanas keep pups shaded by the pool or on the sand, while special menus feature freshly prepared meals. Planning a birthday trip? Staff will happily organize a paw-ty complete with cake.

It’s over-the-top in the best way, perfectly in tune with the resort’s reputation for luxurious escapism.

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas — Las Vegas, USA

Las Vegas is all about spectacle, and Encore at Wynn delivers it for pets too. The resort’s “Dog Companion” program greets pups with branded robes and toys, and offers a gourmet “Bone Appetite” room service menu — think Puppy Patty or Best in Show entrées. Guests can book dog-walking or sitting through the concierge, while pups sport a Wynn-branded neckerchief as a stylish keepsake.

Between people-watching on the Strip and sprawling in silky bedding, even the most pampered pooches will feel right at home in true Vegas style.

Fairmont Empress — Victoria, Canada

On Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the historic Fairmont Empress might be known for its turrets and afternoon tea, but it’s also quietly one of Canada’s most pet-forward luxury hotels. Here, dogs check in like royalty. Each receives a custom-sized bed, bowls, treats, a toy, and even a handwritten welcome note.

Better still, there’s no pet fee — a rarity at luxury properties. Outside, manicured lawns and a waterfront walkway make morning and evening strolls effortless. Staff are quick with suggestions for dog-friendly parks and cafés nearby, ensuring the experience is as seamless for four-legged guests as it is for their humans.

A Fresh Peak: Aman Debuts Rosa Alpina in Alpine Splendour

August 12, 2025

Tucked into the storybook village of San Cassiano in Italy’s South Tyrol, Rosa Alpina has long been a cherished retreat for those in the know — a place where alpine charm meets refined hospitality. Now, under the Aman banner, this iconic property reopens after a transformative renovation, offering a new chapter in Dolomite luxury.

The relaunch blends Aman’s signature serenity and sleek design sensibility with Rosa Alpina’s deep-rooted ties to the region. Interiors by architect Luigi Vietti and designer Bambi Sloane have been subtly refreshed, honouring the building’s heritage while adding a contemporary Alpine polish. Think warm timber, natural stone, and plush textures, all framed by sweeping mountain views.

Aman Rosa Alpina‘s 52 rooms and suites — including newly reimagined accommodations in the main lodge and adjacent chalets — are havens of understated elegance. For a more private escape, the property’s standalone three-bedroom Chalet Zeno offers the ultimate hideaway, complete with its own spa area.

Epicurean experiences remain a star attraction. The hotel is home to St. Hubertus, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Norbert Niederkofler, famed for his “Cook the Mountain” philosophy that champions hyper-local, seasonal ingredients. Guests can also dine more casually at the Wine Bar & Grill or savour traditional Ladin dishes in the intimate Fondue Stube.

Wellness is equally central to the experience. The newly enhanced spa features a pool, hammam, and saunas, alongside Aman’s holistic treatments designed to soothe and revitalise after a day on the slopes or hiking trails.

With direct access to the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, the property offers year-round adventures, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to mountain biking and alpine wildflower walks in summer. And after days spent in the crisp mountain air, evenings unfold in a world of candlelight, fine wine, and fireside relaxation.

By combining Rosa Alpina’s timeless soul with Aman’s meticulous eye for detail, Aman Rosa Alpina sets a new standard for European mountain escapes — one where authenticity and indulgence go hand in hand.

A New Luxury Link Between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende

August 12, 2025

For the first time, two of Mexico’s most celebrated luxury hotels — JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco (above) and Hotel Matilda — are joining forces to create a seamless escape that moves effortlessly between the cosmopolitan pulse of the capital and the artistic allure of San Miguel de Allende.

Launching May 2025, the From Polanco to San Miguel package invites travellers to experience the country’s cultural spectrum without sacrificing style or comfort. In one trip, guests can savour Mexico City’s high-energy sophistication and San Miguel’s intimate, art-filled streets — all wrapped in the five-star service of two properties that are, until now, rarely mentioned in the same itinerary.

“Mexico City delivers cosmopolitan energy and style, while San Miguel de Allende offers a more intimate, artistic rhythm,” says Bruce James, General Manager of Hotel Matilda. “This package lets guests immerse themselves in both.”

The journey begins with two weekend nights at JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco, a freshly renovated 314-room address at the intersection of glamour and green space. Steps from the boutiques of Presidente Masaryk Avenue and across from Chapultepec Park, the hotel’s offerings include three new restaurants (Sendero, Corsi, and Archiebald), cocktail lounges ranging from sleek wine bar Estación 29 to a traditional mezcal tahona, a panoramic outdoor pool, and a spa devoted to vegan, organic treatments.

From there, a private luxury SUV whisks guests to San Miguel de Allende in under three and a half hours. Here, Hotel Matilda — a Design Hotels member and long-time cultural tastemaker — blends modern design with colonial architecture. Guests might dine at the acclaimed Moxi restaurant, sip cocktails at the intimate Monkey Bar, unwind in the serene garden spa, or wander hallways that double as contemporary art galleries.

In Mexico City, days can be filled with world-class museums such as Museo Jumex and the National Museum of Anthropology, or detours into bohemian Coyoacán for the Frida Kahlo Museum and bustling markets. In San Miguel, the cobblestoned streets lead to landmarks like the pink spires of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the Fábrica La Aurora art complex, and rooftop wine tastings with views over the city.

The package includes breakfast at both hotels, private transfer between cities, and cultural experiences curated by Hotel Matilda — and for Marriott Bonvoy members, the added perk of earning points.

“This trip is much more than a transfer between cities,” says Daniela González, Director of Sales and Marketing for JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco. “It is an opportunity to connect with the rich culture of Mexico while enjoying the luxury, comfort, and impeccable service that characterizes these great hospitality brands.”

With its blend of urban sparkle, artistic spirit, and door-to-door ease, this new collaboration offers a fresh way to see — and savour — Mexico’s diverse charms.

Colony Club Returns: A Fresh Chapter for a Barbados Classic

August 12, 2025

Along the platinum sands of Barbados’ celebrated west coast, one of the island’s most beloved resorts is preparing to welcome guests once more. On September 1, 2025, Colony Club — now part of Marriott Bonvoy’s The Luxury Collection — will reopen after a thoughtful renovation, blending its signature colonial charm with a modern sense of sophistication.

Long a favourite for travellers seeking understated elegance, the reimagined Colony Club offers an updated vision of Caribbean luxury. Guest rooms and suites have been redesigned with bespoke furnishings, ocean-hued palettes and a breezy, contemporary feel, while the resort’s tropical gardens, lagoon-style pools and beachfront setting remain as captivating as ever.

New culinary experiences celebrate the island’s vibrant flavours, with menus built around locally sourced ingredients and Caribbean traditions. A revitalised spa and wellness program brings beachfront yoga, holistic treatments and serene garden spaces for quiet reflection, while enhanced pool areas create an even more inviting backdrop for leisurely afternoons.

For those eager to explore beyond the resort, Colony Club offers easy access to Barbados’ most alluring experiences — from sailing and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters to curated cultural and epicurean excursions.

Whether returning or discovering it for the first time, guests will find the Colony Club more beautiful than ever — a place where timeless elegance meets the easy rhythm of island life. Reservations are now open for stays from September 1, 2025.

Auberge Resorts just debuted its first Italian property, and it’s a Renaissance-era dream

July 28, 2025

Renaissance meets modern romance at Collegio alla Querce, the newest showstopper from Auberge Resorts Collection—and their very first in Italy. Perched in Florence’s north hills, this boutique property occupies a former convent and boarding school, with restored 16th-century frescoes, cloistered courtyards, and front-row views of the Duomo.

The 83-room retreat feels more like a private estate than a hotel. Expect old-world glamour and thoughtful indulgences: a vaulted spa, a wine program run by a master sommelier, and a serene cypress-lined garden perfect for post-museum aperitivo. Plus, there’s that pool.

There’s also a sense of cultural immersion baked into the experience—art and architecture tours can be arranged on request, and local chefs frequently collaborate with the kitchen team for intimate pop-up dinners. Even the rooms channel a sense of history, with curated antiques and views that feel like oil paintings.

Florence is always a good idea, but Collegio alla Querce makes it a great one. It’s intimate, cinematic, and full of soul—the kind of place where you unpack your bags and never want to leave. Andiamo.