Hotels Archives - OFFSHORE

A sophisticated city hotel just opened in the heart of Madrid

September 16, 2022 No Comments

Thompson Madrid, the first Thompson Hotels branded property in Spain, is a 175-room hotel for culturally astute travellers who are looking to immerse themselves within the vibrant Spanish capital.

Featuring three signature dining venues, well-appointed spaces with curated design elements and architecture evocative of Madrid’s rich heritage, Thompson Madrid truly embodies the identity of its location. Guests are invited to experience all that the city has to offer through creative spaces, unapologetically bold interiors and elevated gastronomy.

Located on Calle De La Montera, which connects the city’s famed main square, Puerta del Sol, to the theaters, cinemas, and boutiques of the lively Gran Via Street, Thompson Madrid is housed in two historic buildings and is a dynamic and refined home base for guests to explore the authentic character of the city. The buzzing neighborhoods of Malasaña, Chueca, and Madrid’s historic city centre are within walking distance of the hotel, and a diverse selection of galleries, museums, culinary delights, and cultural landmarks are on every corner.

Stylish design

The hotel’s rich design is reflective of traditional architecture found across Madrid while embodying Thompson Hotels’ recognizable sense of a contemporary, elevated residence. Madrid-based López y Tena, LYTA Interior Design & Arquitecture Studio created interiors that echo the sights, sounds and flavors of the city. Leather, marble and wood accents are elegantly layered to contribute to the sense of timeless design, integrated with ultramodern and sophisticated amenities. The result is a refined escape that remains rooted in its surroundings.

Evocative and warm details run throughout the hotel’s guestrooms and suites, where floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces invite guests to absorb the city’s ambience. A signature penthouse suite encompasses two stories and offers stylish and spacious living and dining areas, a bespoke bar and an expansive and enviable private balcony that boasts panoramic views of Madrid.

Signature food and drink

Thompson Madrid’s three signature dining venues celebrate the passionate heritage of the city’s gastronomy.

The hotel’s all-day bakery and bistro, The Omar, merges mid-century modernism with industrial open plan spaces, inviting guests to sample artisanal patisserie and seasonal, light bites.

While taking in a unique view of Madrid’s landscape from above, guests can discover authentic cuisine and carefully crafted cocktails at Thompson Madrid Rooftop. Alongside the panoramic city views, guests can also enjoy the ambience and beauty of the nearby infinity pool.

When the fiesta spirit takes over, guests can follow the whispers to a hidden speakeasy style bar, Hijos de Tomás, which is planned to open this fall. This upscale and intentionally intimate drinking den offers an inventive cocktail menu and live piano music to ease visitors into the evening.

Encounter an event space like no other with Thompson Madrid’s six individual venues. Each space is designed to encourage creative thinking and connection, featuring contemporary, locally influenced interiors evoking the inspiring spirit of Madrid. With capacity for up to 321 guests, delicious food and beverage and state-of-the-art tech amenities, the hotel’s collection of venues is an exciting option for any kind of event, from social gatherings to a bustling business function.

For more information about the Thompson Madrid, click here.

Inside Sardinia’s newest luxury beachfront resort

August 22, 2022 No Comments

7Pines Resort Sardinia, a luxury beachfront resort overlooking the archipelago of La Maddalena officially opened in early August.

Offering unparalleled tranquility and laid-back luxury on one of Europe’s most distinctive coastlines, 7Pines Resort Sardinia represents the first hotel in Italy to join the Destination by Hyatt portfolio, as well as the first Hyatt-affiliated hotel in Sardinia. The official opening demonstrates Hyatt’s ongoing commitment to growing its luxury brands in the most sought-after destinations.

The resort is situated in Baja Sardinia on the Costa Smeralda, just 10 minutes from the Porto Cervo neighborhood. The 76-room property is built within centuries-old rock formations with paths that weave through verdant gardens out to the resort’s five secluded and unspoiled beaches, near wild coves and brilliant blue coastline. Thanks to the resort’s on-site yachting services, guests can explore the emerald lagoons and heavenly beaches of the La Maddalena archipelago, which is a 20-minute boat ride away.

Stylish rooms

Piazza Martiri 7 authentically designed the 76 guestrooms with locally crafted features made from natural materials unique to Sardinia and include bespoke weavings, light fixtures and furniture created from the island’s juniper trees. The natural materials echo in the neutral tones of the rooms, immersing visitors to the lush landscape of the resort’s 37-acre (15-hectare) gardens. The Sea Views rooms, the Suite Del Principe, and the 731-foot (68-square meter) Suite Smeralda overlook the resort’s quiet beaches and have direct beach access.

Elevated cuisine

7Pines Resort Sardinia’s three restaurants take guests on a journey of discovery through the finest local flavors and ingredients. The hotel’s main restaurant, Capogiro, offers seasonal dishes with the freshest produce that has been grown and caught locally. In the Cone Club, a day-to-night concept with a full-service beach bar, restaurant, bar and club, famed chef Tohru Nakamura collaborates with the best local producers for a truly Sardinian casual dining experience, complimented by mixologist Philip Bischoff’s signature cocktail menu. At Spazio, the poolside restaurant, guests find daytime refreshments and informal lunch options, while the Beach Bar delivers drinks directly to their cabana. The Terrace Bar promises incomparable sunset views – aperitif or exotic cocktail in hand.

For more information on the hotel, click here!

This luxury resort in Fiji has a series of stargazing events led by NASA experts

August 15, 2022 No Comments

Nanuku Resort Fiji is taking its guests on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as part of its “Journey to the Stars” program.

The destination luxury resort is set to present an extended series of events which will coincide with the new moon cycle of October 2022.

From Oct. 22 through Oct. 31, guests of the resort can explore deep space and the Moon from the shores of the South Pacific, one of the best stargazing destinations in the world.

The stellar line-up of activities and events for all ages to enjoy and to learn about our universe are set to be led by NASA experts, including special guests from NASA SSERVI (Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute).

In addition to the programming at Nanuku Resort, special guests from NASA will visit three local schools and share educational experiences with those students. Resort guests are also welcomed to join the NASA and hotel team for these special visits and connect with the local community.

Dreamy experiences

While staying at Nanuku Resort Fiji in October an array of “Journey Through the Stars” events will take place, including:

Dark Sky Star Party – Explore the stars, planets, Moon and deep space using advanced NASA telescopes
Daytime Star Party – View our favorite star, the Sun, using a NASA solarscope that actually allows you to witness explosions as they occur on the surface of the sun
Create a Star Map – Learn how Fijians have navigated the waters for thousands of years using the stars and make your own star map; you’ll also learn how they have used the moon as guidance for agricultural purposes
Touch a Space Rock – Learn about meteorites and asteroids and even touch a piece of the moon and Mars
Travel Across the Solar System – Take a journey across the solar system with an astronomer using real-time data and video
A Day in the Life of an Astronaut – Have lunch with a guest astronaut to learn what it takes to be an astronaut and what space travel is really like
NASA is Everywhere you Look – Learn about the many technologies used in everyday life that were invented by NASA and how you can access their technology to bring your wildest ideas to life
Art and Space – Get creative with a NASA artist who will lead multiple hands-on art activities, from painting the stars and moon and drawing the lush tropical plants of Fiji to making a model of the solar system
Mission Impossible – Learn about current and upcoming space projects and missions, and how NASA is achieving the seemingly impossible every day
Moon Massage – Enjoy the healing properties of the Moon during a night-massage, complete with Moon Water

For more on the Journey to the Stars, click here.

Notably, Fiji Airways recently announced it will fly direct from Nadi to Vancouver this fall. Beginning Nov. 25, Fiji Airways is launching service to and from Vancouver twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. The destination will be the 20th direct international service provided by Fiji Airways.

When commercial flights commence in November, Fiji Airways will offer a limited number of seats at an introductory return fare of $599, direct from Vancouver to Nadi.

Additionally, these same passengers, when making their bookings can choose to fly to the airline’s four major destinations in Australia and three major destinations in New Zealand, at no extra cost.

If November is too long to wait, passengers in Vancouver will also have the chance to book a one-off promotional direct flight to Nadi on Aug. 9 at a discounted price of $599 with a return flight via Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Go to www.fijiairways.com for more.

A collection of luxury villas that sleep 24 guests just opened in the Mexican jungle

July 25, 2022 No Comments

Located on an undiscovered stretch of coastline along the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico just 45 minutes from Punta Mita, One& Only Mandarina is a rare haven in nature, overlooking the Pacific Ocean with dramatic vistas and an awe-inspiring beachfront rainforest setting.

An ultra-luxury beach sanctuary, One&Only Mandarina stretches across a 33-hectare landscape of unspoiled nature, and nestled in the lush, tropical landscape lies an extraordinary collection of expansive Signature Villas, designed for the modern luxury traveller. Together with the resort’s majestic Grand Villas, such as the exceptional Villa One, the resort has an array of options for groups of families and friends that are seeking a place to gather with loved ones, relax and reconnect.

The collection of Signature Villas features sustainable design and ground-breaking architecture by Studio Rick Joy, sensitively built to integrate within nature and embrace the dramatic setting rather than reshape it with careful low-density planning, as well as harmonize eloquently with the surrounding environment.

Each villa is designed specifically to reflect its location, drawing the outdoors in via breath-taking views of rolling, green mountainsides fading into jungle canopies or the unspoilt vistas of the crystal-clear ocean meeting the horizon. Open structures capture natural light, filtered through the towering trees, while traditional Mexican design elements are reimagined, including pitched roofs with large overhangs, a nod to local palapas.

Earth-hued walls emerge from the ground with low visual impact, inspired by the historic buildings once constructed on the site by the Cora, an Indigenous settlement in the Western Central Mexico, who covered their buildings in earthen plaster. Terraces and courtyards are made from volcanic rocks directly sourced from the location while the tropical rainforest provides woods including Cumaru, Rosa Morada, and Tornillo.

Locally crafted custom woodwork, stone accents and earthy tones add rich, textural warmth throughout the interiors, complemented by intricate artefacts curated specifically for the space by local artisans. Designed to enhance the interior space, the villas showcase state-of-the-art Delos’ Home Wellness solutions with air and water purification, dehumidification, and circadian lighting systems to ensure a harmonious inner sanctuary and a wellness-focused living experience that is seamlessly in tune with its surroundings.

The Signature Villas introduce four- to eight-bedroom luxurious residences, with an expansive layout of multiple inter-connected buildings surrounding a central indoor/outdoor living area ranging from 758 to 1,725 total square meters that can accommodate from 12 up to 24 guests in different layouts
perfectly designed for multi-family travellers, groups of friends, and celebratory gatherings. Each villa is distinct, offering unparalleled bespoke amenities with a dedicated host service and preference planner to tend to guests’ every need, from pre-arrival shopping to booking private chefs, musical entertainment and more.

Wine studios can be outfitted with leading wines from the region and the world, while TV rooms, cinemas and casino rooms offer a multitude of entertainment options. Fully outfitted gyms allow guests to focus on wellness in the privacy of their villa, and offices allow for any work needs to be swiftly and professionally met. Expansive bedrooms with walk-in closets and ensuite bathrooms enhance a residential feel, allowing guests to linger for longer stays in ultimate comfort. Lush landscaping brings the rainforest into the gracious outdoor living spaces for gathering and entertaining, including spacious terraces, infinity-edged pools and jacuzzies. All Signature Villas feature additional facilities to ensure an easy stay, such as multi-car garages and laundry rooms.

This level of thoughtful design is matched with a warm hospitality and intuitive personalized service. One&Only Mandarina’s 24-hour dedicated butler service and an expert team of butlers, chefs, fitness instructors and spa therapists, create a dedicated team delivering a perfectly personalized level of
service tailored to each guest’s individual needs. Candlelit dining for two, an unforgettable family dinner under the stars, or an intimate barbeque with friends, One&Only Mandarina is designed to create special celebrations and memorable moments. Guests of the Signature Villa collection can
enjoy dining at Carao from globally celebrated chef Enrique Olvera, embark on a wellness journey at One&Only Spa featuring exclusive treatments from clean beauty guru Tata Harper, or spend an afternoon at the waterfront Jetty Beach Club. Guests can also explore the larger Mandarina community, visiting the Polo & Equestrian Center for weekly matches or soaring through the treetops on the zipline course.

These new villas are the first to join the growing Signature Villa collection at One&Only Mandarina, offering ultra-luxury accommodation for groups of friends, multi-generational families, or celebrations. They complement the existing Grand Villa collection – Villa One, Villa Banderas, Villa Tortuga, Villa Jaguar, and Villa Pacifico.

For more information and bookings, please visit oneandonlyresorts.com/mandarina.

This hotel chain just launched rooftop yoga classes that offer amazing skyline views

July 22, 2022 No Comments

Hyatt has launched a new collaboration between Thompson Hotels and the nation’s largest yoga studio brand, CorePower Yoga, to offer a series of not-your-average rooftop workout classes rooted in the mindfulness of yoga, designed to transform the minds and bodies of guests, CorePower Yoga members and locals. Starting summer 2022, classes are available complimentary to Thompson Hotels guests at participating properties and accessible to CorePower Yoga members and locals.

Participating properties, including Thompson Austin, Thompson Hollywood, Thompson Nashville, Thompson Seattle, and The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel in NYC, are offering a series of CorePower Yoga vinyasa-style C2 or high-energy Yoga Sculpt classes, led by local CorePower’s best-in-class teachers on each hotel’s show-stopping rooftop space with skyline views.

Going beyond a typical class experience with curated playlists that capture the essence and mood of each class, guests staying at a participating Thompson Hotel can also enjoy one complimentary CorePower Yoga studio class as well as 20% off an All Access Membership or 10 Class Pack, ensuring a truly comprehensive wellbeing experience that guests can take with them wherever they travel next.

To learn more about each property’s class offerings, see below. For more information on how guests and members can take advantage of this collaboration, visit: www.corepoweryoga.com/thompsonhotels.

A tranquil, modern hotel just opened in Jakarta’s bustling business district

July 15, 2022 No Comments

The Park Hyatt brand has officially debuted in Indonesia, with the recent opening of Park Hyatt Jakarta.

Located in the tranquil Menteng area in the heart of Jakarta’s bustling central business district, the hotel offers a distinctive collection of culinary, leisure and wellness experiences as well as unique event venues for bespoke celebrations, delivering guests and locals the epitome of luxury in Jakarta.

Park Hyatt Jakarta occupies the top 17 floors of the 37-story Park Tower in the center of the city’s financial and diplomatic district. The hotel’s surrounding area, Menteng, was originally conceived in the early 20^th century as a garden city and is now known for its peaceful tree-lined streets, abundant greenery and elegant heritage architecture. Park Hyatt Jakarta offers easy access to idyllic parks and popular retail and entertainment venues as well as panoramic views of the nearby National Monument Park.

Contemporary design, with Indonesia at its core

The residential-style interiors of Park Hyatt Jakarta were designed by award-winning, London-based design practice Conran and Partners led by partner Tina Norden. Inspired by the beauty of the Indonesian rainforests, traditional crafts and indigenous natural materials, the design uses elements such as lava stone and copper as well as handwoven ikat textile motifs, intricate wood carvings and shields are used to create a welcoming oasis of calm and elegance for its guests.

The visual journey through the property symbolizes the layers of a rainforest, starting with a richer, darker color scheme on the lower floors that calls to mind the forest’s understory. Reflective of branches wrapped around the trunk with dappled light filtered through the canopy, the palette becomes lighter on the higher floors with warm tones incorporated throughout. Through the atmospheric transition and evocative design, guests will be transported from Jakarta’s urban bustle into a tranquil, sophisticated and comforting environment with a strong sense of location overlooking the city.

Stylish guest rooms

Park Hyatt Jakarta features 220 elegant, oversized rooms, including 36 suites. Guestrooms range from approximately 615 to 915 square feet (57 to 85 square meters), while the suites are from approximately 935 2,450 square feet (87 to 228 square meters). All rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing uninterrupted views of Jakarta and the National Monument landmark. Guests can also enjoy deep-soaking marble baths and large flat-screen TVs with an integrated media hub, while rooms are adorned with classic Indonesian decorative objects from jewels to paintings and shields. The hotel’s Presidential Suite offers guests understated contemporary luxury. Covering an expansive 3,230 square feet (300 square meters) and with its own VIP entrance, the suite includes a spacious bedroom with an 82-inch LED TV and a living area anchored by a work desk made from solid Trembesi wood.

Food & drink

Park Hyatt Jakarta’s stylish restaurants and bars create the ideal backdrop for local residents and visitors to socialize, entertain and relax in an enriching environment. Each dining outlet is adorned with natural daylight and numerous outdoor terraces and offer a collection of culinary experiences with one-of-a-kind menus.

The restaurants start on level 22, where the dining room which serves a collection of breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings that highlight Indonesian and Italian cuisines in an interactive live-cooking setting. On level 23, the conservatory provides a selection of spaces for different occasions, serving comfort foods from savoury snacks to sweet treats with specialty teas. The bar is where diners can enjoy light bites and crafted beverages alongside live entertainment as they admire magnificent views of Jakarta from the outdoor terrace.

Occupying the top two levels of the building and opening in the coming months, Kita喜多 Restaurant & Bar will be a choice destination for socializing and special occasions, where guests can enjoy elevated modern Japanese dining and creative cocktails amid spectacular views of the city, especially at sunset. Located on level 37, KITA 喜多 Restaurant will serve an array of authentic Japanese cuisines such as robatayaki, tempura, shabu-shabu, sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki. The authentic Japanese concept includes a series of private rooms, comprising tatami rooms and a large VIP room with private kitchen, while Japanese motifs, textures and artworks enhance this ultimate experience. Visitors can then take in the stunning rooftop views from KITA Bar on the broader dimensions of level 36, while enjoying live sets from the resident DJs.

For more information, click here.

A hip hotel with a vegan vibe just opened in Istanbul

July 8, 2022 No Comments

The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi, Istanbul’s hottest new hotel for 2022, is now open for bookings in the heart of the city’s refined fashion and cultural district.

The beautifully designed 82-room property is housed in an elegant building in the heart of Nisantasi and joins the established collection of luxurious and culturally connected properties.

the new hotel meets The Stay Hotels’ standards of excellence for sustainability, as part of Turkey’s first carbon-neutral independent hotel group. Recently awarded carbon-neutral status by the internationally recognised sustainability specialist Bureau Veritas, the brand plans to be zero waste by the end of 2022. The new hotel has vegan leather headboards graced with European Down and Feather Association-certified pillows, recycled room key cards and menus brimming with local producing including vegan and vegetarian dishes accompanied by Turkish wines.

A hip hideaway

In keeping with the rest of the collection, The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi will offer guests a unique blend of heritage, arts, culture, and stellar design. Acclaimed Turkish architect Mahmut Anlar has created a hip hideaway with rooms and suites guests will struggle to leave, from view-giving terraces to walk-in closets, grand marble bathrooms and kitchenettes. Many of them connect for extended stays or large family groups – and for all-out indulgence, The Stay Boulevard Suite includes a terrace just made for sipping sundowners as the sun sinks down over Istanbul.

After a day among the historical sights, buzzy bazaars and contemporary museums, guests will love retreating to the spa and wellness floor opening in the autumn for a dip in the indoor pool, a Pilates session or an authentic Turkish hammam. If the gym is their thing, guests can work out in the sleek fitness suite or book a personal trainer. Wellness experiences including indulgent couples’ massages in a dedicated treatment room will relax and renew our guests ready for their next adventure in Istanbul. Plants and foliage will be in abundance to add to the relaxing feel, including a zen garden within our hotel fed by a customized drip irrigation system.

Eat and drink

For now, the ground-floor Saint Pâtissier patisserie will offer guests French fancies, freshly baked bread, and Turkish treats. From the autumn, foodies will flock to the entertaining Italian rooftop restaurant, Marcello E Matteo, to dine on the signature focaccia di recco al formaggio or sip well-crafted cocktails as the chefs break into an operetta. Proud to promote local and international artists, The Stay Hotels will reveal a curated art collection hung in rooms and public spaces, including an AI video-mapping installation by the world-renowned duo OUCHHH. The icing on the cake for lovers of culture, will be a bookshop while fresh flowers will be on sale at Misk flower shop.

Fashion forward

The Nisantasi location puts designer boutiques from Louis Vuitton to Chanel, and Hermes, as well as local designers such as Begum Khan, within easy reach, as well as the neighborhood’s cosmopolitan cafe, restaurant, and gallery scene. True to The Stay Hotels’ sustainability pledge, they recently launched an eco-friendly fashion label, The Stay Line, which guests can buy at the hotel’s dedicated retail space, the Stay Line Corner. In addition, staff will wear uniforms designed by Turkish designer Begüm Yunusoğlu, who also has her own haute couture collection.

The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi is the group’s fourth Istanbul property. It sits alongside The Stay Nisantasi, which is also set in the heart of the Fashion Quarter, The Stay Bosphorus, a revamped 19th-century waterside mansion, and Bebek Hotel by The Stay Collection, a glamorous and storied hotel by the Bosphorus. The collection also includes The Stay Warehouse, a cool former industrial space close to the coast in Alacati.

This luxury hotel offers views of Munich’s old town from a private rooftop suite

June 27, 2022 No Comments

When it comes to the best city views, it doesn’t get much better than overlooking the iconic Frauenkirche — the landmark two towered church in Munich’s old town — while sipping on cocktails from the rooftop Blue Spa terrace at Hotel Bayerischer Hof while the sun sets.

That is unless you can soak up these views from the private penthouse suite of the historic hotel originally conceived by King Ludwig I, complete with a private fireplace, jacuzzi and a 124.5 sq m roof terrace.

“Our Penthouse Garden Suite, 350 sq m, was designed by Axel Vervoordt and meets the most exclusive living standards,” says Vanessa Longhitano, PR & Guest Relations Manager. “The suite can be combined with the entire seventh floor of the South and North Wings to the Penthouse Garden Ensemble, giving you an exceptional 575 sq m. The Panorama Floor, with its spectacular view over the city’s rooftops, will give you a beautiful, private retreat. Our luxury penthouse is a symbol of elegant interplay between luxury, modernity and peace.”

In total there are 337 unique rooms to choose from, including 28 deluxe rooms and 74 suites, one of which is a six-bedroom suite. There are also speciality rooms like romantic spaces designed by Laura Ashley with floral patterns and warm colours, as well as colonial rooms, which are designed to bring a touch of Africa to Munich.

“One of the many things that set the hotel apart is its location and grand appearance,” she says. “The Hotel Bayerischer Hof is located in the old town district of Munich. As soon as you walk through our door, you will sense the hotel’s history and experience the cordial welcome we extend to our guests. We have a long tradition of hospitality — the hotel has been owned and run by the Volkhardt family since 1897.”

Hotel Bayerischer Hof, which is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, is a short walk to Munich’s top sights like Marienplatz, the old town square that dates back to the 12th century. This is where visitors flock to the New City Hall (Rathaus) to take in the daily Glockenspiel at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and at 5 p.m.

Although the property first opened in 1841 (and was rebuilt after it was completely destroyed during World War II), it has constantly evolved since fourth generation owner Innegrit Volkhardt took charge in 1992. A major expansion was completed in 2018, debuting the present-day South and North wings.

“A total of 29 new rooms were created, which are divided into 23 Deluxe double rooms, five deluxe Junior suites and the Penthouse Garden Suite,” explains Longhitano. “A new eighth floor has been added, which is entirely taken over by the Penthouse Garden Suite… The rooms exude an incredible sense of tranquillity and comfort, and invite guests to stay longer. The design in the rooms partially includes the philosophical beliefs of Wabi (Japanese aesthetic concept) — beauty is found in imperfection and authenticity as well as the notion of ‘Artempo − where time becomes art’ and natural materials which are rich in spirit.”

Where to wine and dine: With five restaurants and six bars to choose from, you don’t have to venture far for a great meal. Notable options include Atelier, which has received many accolades including a two Michelin star rating, and Garden, awarded with 15 Gault Millau points, six pans in Gusto and three chef’s hats in the Grand Guide. For a taste of regional delights, Palais Keller offers a great tapas spread with six or eight appetizer options like mini schnitzel and Obatzda, a Bavarian cheese delicacy. Chef Tobias Heinze uses regional products from the surrounding area for his modern Bavarian specialties. For a night cap, head to Falk’s Bar, located in the famous hall of mirrors dating back to 1839, the only room at the hotel to survive the Second World War unscathed. Rounding out the experience is a lavish breakfast spread with made-to -order items as well as stations with eggs, salmon, fresh bread, fruit, spreads, cheese and more.

Relax and unwind: If you’re looking for a bit of pampering, the 1,300-square-meter rooftop Blue Spa features a pool, saunas, steam bath and a fitness studio, with panoramic views over Munich.

An all-inclusive luxury resort just opened in Curacao and it has a two-level infinity pool

June 13, 2022 No Comments

Sandals Royal Curaçao – the 16th property in the Sandals Resorts portfolio – officially opened to guests on June 1, 2022.

Sandals Royal Curaçao is located within the exclusive, 3,000-acre Santa Barbara estate – just 15 miles from the Curaçao International Airport.

Its signature, west-facing position on the southernmost part of the island authentically intertwines nature with the resort experience, while capturing one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular sunsets.

At the heart of the property, couples can bask under the sun at the brand’s first ever bi-level Dos Awa Infinity Pool, with views overlooking the Spanish Water and the rugged mountain landscape beyond.

With its admirable west-facing position, Sandals Royal Curaçao includes two new signature suite categories, the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows and Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows, complete with Tranquility Soaking Tubs, private pools, and butler service – plus perks for select suites, like access to sporty and stylish convertible MINI Coopers to drive while exploring the island.

From the Melemele Walkout Suites (Papiamentu for affectionate) to the Sunchi Beachfront Suites (meaning kiss), locally inspired accommodations include entirely new room categories, such as the Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows and Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows, capturing the height of luxury and overlooking private lagoons and the Curaçaon coast.

Sandals Royal Curaçao boasts eleven culinary concepts, including eight restaurants – seven of which are new to the brand and only available at this resort – along with three beachside gourmet food trucks and 13 bars. A sampling of all-new concepts include Aolos, home to an open-air Mediterranean dining experience; Vincent, an homage to the famous Dutch painter with a robust European fusion menu; and Toteki food truck serving up traditional Curaçao fare.

Further immersing guests in the unique flavors of the island, Sandals Royal Curaçao offers the brand’s first-ever off-site dining program, Island Inclusive, which expands its all-inclusive dining options to eight partner restaurants around the destination.

Valid on seven-night minimum stays, the program is available exclusively to guests who are booked in Butler suites, as well as Sandals Select Reward Members (Diamond, Pearl, Ambassadors Club), offering one $250 USD voucher to dine out at one of the eight partner restaurants, with off-site roundtrip transportation included

Three of the hottest new hotels to check out this summer

June 6, 2022 No Comments

As the summer weather heats up, Canadians are eager to get out and explore again. Here’s a look at some memorable new hotels to check into across North America, Europe and beyond.

Calilo, Greece

The scenic boutique hotel Calilo first opened in 2019 as part of the Luxurious brand owned by Angelos Michalopoulos and Vassiliki Petridou. New this year are five reimagined EOS Collection suites, a new spa and wellness centre and a newly-appointed Executive Chef, Alexandros Tsiotinis, who will oversee the resort’s culinary offerings and launch two signature dining concepts.

The hotel features luxurious 1, 2 and 3-bedroom suites; multiple dining outlets, Rocks Pool Restaurant and private beach cabanas; wellness offerings like sunrise yoga and in-room spa treatments; exclusive experiences like private boat excursions, culture trips, wine tasting and dinner under the stars; and a variety of spaces for weddings and events.

The family has left 95% of the land undeveloped, in order to sustain Ios’ natural beauty, and made use of construction material extracted from the ground of the actual building site like marble and stone-granite.

Calilo also has several conservation projects including the Elektra olive tree project, where they have planted over 60,000 trees and bushes from around the island to restore the habitat that had previously been burned by wildfire and land deforestation, including 550 ancient olive trees (some more than 300 years old) which were saved from being sold for wildfire in Athens.

Hyatt Place LAX

The newly opened Hyatt Place LAX is an airport hotel travellers will actually want to spend time in — and not just to sleep. The dual branded hotel (Hyatt Place LAX for longer stays) is conveniently located a short 24/hour a day shuttle ride from the airport and with a prime location that offers some viewing perks. The hotel offers the tallest outdoor pool in the Los Angeles Airport District and the rooftop ShoresLAX Restaurant & Bar features views of LAX runways and the lights of downtown Los Angeles.

The 15th floor location is a relaxing spot to watch watch planes landing over pints of craft beer or cocktails, tacos and other options like New York strip with avocado salad and garlic fries. The hotel offers 401 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering natural light and front row views of planes arriving and departing from the runway. Along with overnight stays, this is also a great option for travellers looking to make the most of a lengthy layover in Los Angeles. Additional perks include free breakfast and WiFi, and onsite amenities include large fitness centre.

XIXIM Mundo Imperial

XIXIM Mundo Imperial is set to open this fall offering a blend of total wellness immersion with all-inclusive comfort within a nature reserve with miles of private beaches.

XIXIM, part of Mundo Imperial Entertainment & Hospitality, will open with 32 suites available for reservations beginning this fall. Each suite will be set within a cabin with traditional palm-thatched roofs and feature a terrace with hammocks overlooking the ocean.

The Mayan-inspired resort will feature amenities like a wellness dome and a temazcal. XIXIM is located 90 minutes from the Mérida airport and 10 kilometres north of the town of Celestún.

TEXT BY: ANN RUPPENSTEIN