Luxury Toronto hotel shows off new upgraded suites

February 3, 2023 No Comments

W Toronto has unveiled  three premium suite categories, joining the Yorkville hotspot’s sophisticatedly playful guest room lineup.

Designed by global creative agency, Sid Lee, the new suites at W Toronto continue the hotel’s celebration of the city’s iconic street and performance art scenes, cultural diversity, and legacy of non-conformity.   

“Since our debut last summer, W Toronto has been welcoming guests from all over the world who are in search of the unique and unexpected when it comes to a luxury-lifestyle hotel stay,” said Perry Pisani, Director of Sales & Marketing. “From our striking guest rooms to our wildly popular rooftop bar, we have delivered and are now raising the stakes even higher with a collection of suites that will take a stay at W Toronto to the next level.”

Playful interior designs

Perfect for entertaining or simply an extraordinary hotel stay, the six new suites at W Toronto are available now for booking. All offer a nod to old Toronto glamour while celebrating the neighbourhood’s counterculture past and modern day, illustrious theatre district.

Each suite features theatrical design elements – from shimmery tassel curtains and lighting adorning each plush, velvet bed frame to rich jewel tones that make every guest feel as though they are centre- stage.

Other touches include artwork and biophilia inside each room that embrace the city’s juxtaposition of nature with the man-made metropolis. Examples include fashion-forward 3D black and silver metallic faces and painted panels inspired by nature in hues of light pink and purple. Each bed also features “I Miss You”, a pillow featuring original art by local artist Julia Mercanti, illustrating the desire for human connection. Lastly, all suites feature spacious living spaces for gatherings, intimate events (or a good old private dance party) as well as a fully stocked MIXBAR (minibar) flanked by a gold orb designed to showcase drinks for guests.

Suite categories

Extreme WOW Suites (Presidential) 

Two, 1,765 square foot bi-level suites featuring a bedroom, workspace and spacious, spa-inspired bathroom on the second level with round soaker tub and a shower for two. With city views, the E-WOW Suites include an expanded living room space, a dining table for eight and a full kitchenette complete with an oversized MIX Bar for entertaining.

WOW Suites (Vice Presidential) 

Facing both the city and the courtyard (for prime people watching), the two, 1,090 square foot WOW Suites feature an expansive entertaining and dining space; a separate bedroom where the bed is flanked with dramatic, shimmery tassel curtains for peek-a-boo style privacy and a spa-inspired bathroom with jet and rainfall showers (with one WOW featuring a soaker tub).

Amplified Studio Suites 

Featuring a large, open-concept bedroom and living space with plenty of plush seating – perfect for a cocktail hour with friends – the two, 667 sq. ft Amplified Studio Suites also feature workspaces, bathrooms with dual vanities and rainfall showers.

 

One of Arizona’s top resorts is being rebranded this summer

January 30, 2023 No Comments

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is rebranding the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch to Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa in late 2024, which will mark the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona.

The hotel’s ownership group, Xenia Hotels and Resorts, plans to invest approximately $110 million to fully transform the property into a Grand Hyatt hotel, creating a bold, vibrant and elevated experience for guests.

The resort will undergo extensive renovations and enhancements of its guest rooms, pools, food and beverage outlets, well-known Spa Avania and fitness centre and key public areas and amenities, including the expansion of the hotel’s indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces.

Renovations starting this summer

Renovation of Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is expected to begin in early summer 2023 in a phased approach with an anticipated completion in late 2024. The hotel will remain in operation during the renovation process – minimizing impact to the guest experience as much as possible.

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa will offer guests unparalleled service and spectacular experiences surrounded by the majestic McDowell Mountains, celebrating the best of what the destination has to offer. 

About the resort

The 27-acre resort is situated in the heart of one of Scottsdale’s most prestigious areas, offering one of the most exciting 2.5-acre water playgrounds in Arizona and top-rated golf courses in the southwest with an array of activities to enjoy and experience.

The property recently completed enhancements to the grand entryway, which now features a one-of-a-kind sculptural installation, designed and created by artist and architect Paolo Soleri. Additionally, guests can enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran landscape at the new Desert Garden event venue, available for weddings, meetings and social activities.

To learn more about the Grand Hyatt brand, please visit grandhyatt.com. For more information, please visit hyattregencyscottsdale.com.

 

Accor launches new collection of bespoke hotels

January 23, 2023 No Comments

 Accor has announced an exciting new addition to the Group’s unparalleled network of brands: Handwritten Collection, a global portfolio of charming bespoke hotels that offer an intimate and stylish hospitality experience.

Accor already has more than 110 Handwritten leads globally totalling more than 11,500 rooms, including 12 secured signings, with five properties expected to debut throughout the first trimester of 2023. 

Handwritten Collection properties opening over the next several months include Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental, Handwritten Collection in Shanghai, China; Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa, Handwritten Collection in Saint Gervais, France; Wonil Hotel Perth, Handwritten Collection in Perth, Australia; Hotel Morris, Handwritten Collection in Sydney, Australia; and Le Splendid Hotel Lac d’Annecy, Handwritten Collection in Annecy, France.

Additional properties will open throughout the remainder of the year and beyond, including Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Centre, France; Oru Hub Hotel, Handwritten Collection in Tallinn, Estonia; Square Lodge Hotel La Roche sur Yon, Handwritten Collection in La Roche-sur-Yon, France; Sunrise Premium Resort, Handwritten Collection in Hoi An, Vietnam; Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur*, Handwritten Collection in Paris, France as well as properties in Bucharest, Romania and Madrid, Spain.

The Handwritten Collection portfolio is expected to reach more than 250 hotels by 2030.

With the creation of Handwritten Collection, Accor is broadening its unrivalled brand portfolio and midscale hotel offerings and will look to replicate the success it has achieved with the Group’s other collection brands across other segments. This includes the MGallery Hotel Collection, a storied portfolio in the upper upscale brand segment that now counts more than 100 boutique hotels worldwide and Emblems Collection, Accor’s first luxury collection brand, a carefully curated selection of distinctive hotels that are emblematic of their destination, designer or place in history. With a similar bespoke approach, Handwritten Collection will bring together hotels with individual personalities, intimately reflecting the character and warmth of the people who love and look after them. Like a handwritten note, each host’s individual touches will be subtly encountered at select moments throughout the guest journey. From a warm welcome that cascades into conversation, to freshly baked treats that have guests sneaking seconds into their pockets, no two hotels or stays will be the same.

A host with passion

Handwritten Collection offers a variety of hotels that are so distinct, it’s as if each local hotelier were inviting guests into their charming and stylish homes.

The guest experience at Handwritten Collection brings to life the spirit of the host: their tastes, their passions and the little quirks of their personality.

Each local hotelier provides a charming presence that weaves their character and personality into the fabric of their hotel, engaging guests with local wisdom and delightful conversation, bringing a personalized energy to the guest experience.

Designed for independent hoteliers

The Handwritten Collection is also designed with the needs of independent hotel owners in mind.

With a current conversion rate of 80 per cent, the bulk of properties joining Handwritten Collection will be conversion projects rather than new builds, requiring a simpler transition and ramp up process and a more sustainable growth and development model.

The brand’s standards are designed to be flexible, light, and easy to attain. Moreover, Handwritten Collection provides direct ROI and the opportunity for owners to maximize revenue with immediate access to the power and reach of Accor’s sales, distribution and loyalty platforms, while also benefiting from the Group’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) capabilities.

Upcoming openings

Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental, Handwritten Collection, Shanghai, China Opening 19 January 2023 

Close to Sheshan National Park, Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental has over 124,000 square meters of landscaped gardens, including an outdoor beach pool for an unforgettable urban resort experience. Opening as the first Handwritten Collection hotel, the property offers a dedicated service team to set up and manage tea breaks and create bespoke dining experiences for guests.

Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa, Handwritten Collection, Saint Gervais, France
Opening 19 January 2023

Designed as a chic and arty holiday home, Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa combines the spirit of the art nouveau movement with contemporary tastes, bringing to life the beauty of a historic home. Ottoman culture will also come to life throughout the guest experience in elements such as a library corner, Turkish coffee and herbal tea infusions available in the spa.

Wonil Hotel Perth, Handwritten Collection, Perth, Australia
Early February 2023

Located on the bank of Swan River next to Kings Park and just minutes from Perth’s central business district, Wonil Hotel offers a chic modern setting. Guests will enjoy this stylish home base from which to explore a vibrant city known for its endless sunshine and pristine beaches.

Hotel Morris, Handwritten Collection, Sydney, Australia
Opening February 2023

Housed within a striking Italian Renaissance styled building, the 82-bed Hotel Morris reopens as part of the Handwritten Collection after a major restoration, intertwining European elegance with Australian character, honoring the hotel’s historic roots.

Le Splendid Hotel Lac d’Annecy, Handwritten Collection, Annecy, France
Opening April 2023

Close to the city center and Lake Annecy, Splendid Hotel offers unique Art Deco characteristics with a touch of 1950s modernity within its architecture. The hotel’s decor from renowned Designer Thierry D’Istria is complemented by a selection of eclectic artwork, sculptures and vintage pieces.

Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Centre, Handwritten Collection, Toulouse, France
Opening May 2023

In the heart of the city’s historic center, on the most beautiful avenue, the Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Center invites guests to discover its charming and warm-hearted atmosphere. Originally built as a historic private mansion, this hotel elegantly combines the charm of the Toulouse brick vaults with modern comforts and new sustainable design elements.

Oru Hub Hotel, Handwritten Collection, Tallinn, Estonia
Opening May 2023

Located in the center of Tallinn in the historic old town and a short drive to the coast, Oru Hub Hotel boasts Yoga facilities and a Tea Room. After two years of major renovations, the hotel will launch a new guest experience concept combining leisure, work and food in a unique way.

Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur*, Handwritten Collection, Paris, France
Opening Spring 2024

With a typical Parisian facade and boasting intimate and cozy rooms, the Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur is located a few minutes walk from Sacré-Coeur basilica and the cobbled streets of the beautiful Montmartre neighborhood. The hotel will serve as an ideal base to explore France’s capital and all it has to offer.

With a plan to grow the collection to 250 properties by 2030, Accor is actively seeking new properties to be part of Handwritten Collection in popular travel destinations across the globe.

Marriott planning to open 35 new luxury hotels this year

January 16, 2023 No Comments

Marriott International plans to introduce more than 35 luxury hotels in 2023, delivering the unique and meaningful experiences desired by today’s luxury traveller.

Boasting an unrivaled portfolio of luxury brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, JW Marriott, and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International continues to push the boundaries, reimagining travel with a globally inspired perspective that defines the future of luxury.

With an unparalleled footprint of nearly 500 luxury hotels and resorts in 68 countries and territories today, Marriott International is poised to further its position as the global leader in luxury hospitality with more than 200 luxury properties in the development pipeline. From Kenya to Singapore and Japan to Mexico, more than 35 new hotels are slated to open next year in sought-after and emerging destinations around the world.

The Ritz-Carlton

In 2023, the brand expects to open two new hotels in North America, including its first property in America’s Pacific Northwest region with The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, and The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie in Arizona’s coveted Scottsdale area.

Set above the city skyline, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, is slated to grow the brand’s footprint in Australia next year, while The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, is expected to deliver a new offering in the business district of this southwestern Japanese city. Ritz-Carlton Reserve anticipates expanding its exclusive portfolio in 2023 with Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve close to the historic Chinese valley of Jiuzhaigou and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located off the West Coast of Saudi Arabia and part of the country’s Red Sea project.  

St. Regis Hotels

In 2023 the brand expects to debut The St. Regis Kanai Resort, an enchanting haven nestled in a 620-acre nature reserve along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula with ocean views from every guestroom. In the year ahead St. Regisalso anticipates expanding its footprint in North America with The St. Regis Chicago.

The iconic brand is also slated to bring its acclaimed Butler Service and storied legacy to Belgrade and is expected to open its first two properties in Saudi Arabia by debuting a hotel in Riyadh and a resort located on its own private island within the Red Sea project. This past year also marked St. Regis openings in Qatar, India, Kuwait, and Indonesia.

W Hotels

Looking ahead to 2023, W Hotels anticipates debuting in Prague, Budapest, Edinburgh, Sydney, Macau, and Milan.

Also slated for later next year, W New York – Union Square and W Hollywood are expected to emerge newly transformed, embodying the fully reimagined W experience.

EDITION Hotels

EDITION Hotels is rapidly expanding internationally in 2023 with new openings planned across several regions, including the brand’s first properties in Italy, Mexico, and Southeast Asia.

With 15 hotels currently in the global portfolio, EDITION is projected to grow its personal and intimate hospitality experience to 21 total destinations by the end of 2023, with expected openings next year to include Rome, Riviera Maya at Kanai, Tokyo, Ginza, Singapore, Jeddah, and Doha.

A look inside one of Europe’s best private villas

January 11, 2023 No Comments

Located in the Bay of Sant Miquel, just off the north coast of Ibiza, Isla Sa Ferradura is an ultra-luxury private island of 377,000 sq. ft. which is connected to the main island by a small, hidden two-sided beach.

The primary villa is set within magnificently landscaped gardens offering approximately 13,000 sq. ft. of indoor living space and accommodations for up to 20 overnightguests.

The villa consists of 1 sumptuous master suite and nine additional, luxuriously appointed double bedrooms with ensuite facilities. Private terraces as well as the spectacular 8000 sq. ft. rooftop terrace abound allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean surroundings and the panoramic sea views.

“Isla Sa Ferradura is a discreet hideaway for the discerning few and features privacy and amenities that are found on only a handful of properties around the globe at most,” said managing director Ulf Karow. “Our highly trained international team of 23 is prepared to cater to every need and to provide an unparalleled experience for all guests.”

Isla Sa Ferradura is a two-time recipient of Europe’s Best Private Villa (2018 and 2021) and represents the finest in villa accommodations available in Ibiza and beyond. 

Weekly rental fees for the 2023 season are now available.

 

 

Igloo-style dome hotels to open on Mount Baker

December 16, 2022 No Comments

Legendary ski resort Mount Baker, WA, will soon be able to boast an exciting new campus of sustainably built domed cottages, as luxury vacation accommodation brand Oculis drums up investment on Wefunder.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the accommodation industry has seen a significant shift towards lodging options that afford guests as much privacy as possible. This includes vacation rentals (popularized by platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO) and “glamping” – a lodging format that combines glamour and camping. Oculis: Mountain Side combines the best of these two trends while offering amenities more commonly found at traditional resorts and hotels, such as food & beverage service, wi-fi, and full in-unit kitchens.

Oculis founder Youri Benoiston is no stranger to this kind of project and saw success during his time as co-founder of the popular Igloo Beach Lodge venture in Costa Rica. He is now set to use his experience in this area to bring an igloo-style dome hotel to the beautiful Mount Baker – an underserved location that has been awarded an A+ rating on AirDNA.

Oculis combines the best parts of glamping and hotels: the simplicity and connection with nature that glamping provides, along with the luxury amenities expected from hotels, such as 24/7 service, plush comfort, WIFI, hot tubs, and smart technology.

For more information, click here.

New 70-acre adults-only hotel opens in Riviera Maya

December 5, 2022 No Comments

Nestled in the secluded region of Riviera Maya, Mexico, Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya is a new property that is close to the Cancun International Airport and Playa del Carmen.

This sophisticated, all-inclusive resort is situated on 1.5 acres of pure white sand beach combining state-of-the-art amenities with heartfelt service and inviting accommodations.

Stunning suites

The exclusive adult oasis has 291 sophisticated suites with elegant amenities, modern décor and beautiful views of the resort grounds and sea. All rooms and suites feature spa-like bathrooms with rainfall showers, turndown service, LCD satellite TV’s, Wi-Fi internet access and complimentary minibars with soft drinks and premium beer along with 24-hour in-suite dining featuring chef specialties. Each guestroom offers a furnished balcony or patio, views of the ocean or garden, marble bathrooms and double vanities, all exuding the tranquility and peacefulness of the Riviera Maya region.

Guests of Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya can enjoy adult-oriented amenities, including a sprawling ocean-view pool with an adjacent hot tub, nine globally inspired restaurants, bars and lounges, and unique daily and nightly activities, such as aqua aerobics, water sports, cooking lessons, live performances and more.

Wellness and relaxation

Inspired by the art and architecture of pre-Hispanic Maya culture, Zen Spa provides a serene atmosphere for relaxation and wellness, featuring soothing and restorative treatments with ten indoor treatment rooms. Zen Spa also offers a master suite with a hydrotherapy tub, sauna and steam rooms, a fitness center with group classes, strength zone and cardio area, and a full-service beauty salon.

Ideal for large gatherings, Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya offers the perfect venues for meetings and conferences with more than 6,000 square feet of modern facilities designed for success. Elegant outdoor spaces and gardens allow for dreamy destination weddings with a blissful backdrop.

Here’s where to find the world’s tallest, wooden hotel

December 2, 2022 No Comments

After a soft local opening, the world’s tallest hotel made almost exclusively from wood, has now opened for guests everywhere at the birthplace of cross-country skiing, Skellefteå in Swedish Lapland.

The new hotel is part of a five-day/four-night Wood Hotel Experience from Off the Map Travel adventure travel specialists, offering a mix of sustainability and nature in a beautiful setting.

Designed for enjoyment in the forested area of northern Sweden, couples as well as families will experience the hotel along with local adventure and gastronomy.  Available from December to March, the Wood Hotel Experience begins with an overnight stay in Stockholm before a flight to Skellefteå where guests will be transferred by electric car to the Wood Hotel.

About the hotel

The new Wood Hotel stands 75 meters tall with 20 storeys and is made almost entirely from spruce and pine sourced from the neighboring forests. Dominating the skyline but fitting into the town’s natural beauty with its wood construction, the hotel has 205 contemporary rooms filled with the rich, warm smell of the trees they are built from. In addition to a rooftop spa, the hotel has three stunning restaurants including an Italian café, an Asian restaurant and one with locally sourced, Sami-inspired food.

“This is an opportunity for sustainability-minded visitors who search out “neo luxury,” looking for culture and escapism all wrapped into one comfortable, climate-sensitive package,” noted, Alex Minnis, Chief Operations Officer of Off the Map Travel. “Being made out of wood contributes to the building’s being climate-positive as the structure absorbs more CO2 than it uses. It also contributes to comfort and personal well-being, reducing stress and improving sleep,” he added.

A unique experience

As part of the experience, guests will create their own gin at Skellefteå’s award-winning distillery using locally foraged ingredients.

Guests can also choose to go snowshoeing to take in the sights of this beautiful part of Swedish Lapland and then relax in the hotel’s Vana Spa with its saunas and outdoor pool offering panoramic views over Skellefteå and its forests.  In winter, the new itinerary is ideally located for guests to experience the Northern Lights on a self-guided walk with well-marked trails leaving directly from the hotel.

For cross-country skiers, Skellefteå is a dream, offering choices for all levels of enthusiasts, with optional excursions possible according to guests’ interests and levels.

Priced from £2045 per person ($2500 USD at the time of this writing), the five-day/four-night Wood Hotel Experience itinerary includes all accomodations, daily breakfast, one lunch and gin making, snowshoeing and the rooftop spa. Flights and travel insurance are additional, and the package can be customized to include excursions such as cross-country skiing.

Luxury hotel with French flair and authentic Hammam spa opens in Morocco

November 30, 2022 No Comments

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, a brand of Accor, has announced an opening date for its newest flagship hotel, Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé.

Nestled at the confluence of the Bouregreg and the Atlantic Ocean in Morroco’s capital, the property, which is set to welcome guests as of November 28th, 2022, offers breath taking views of the region’s landmark sites.

Designed as a majestic cruise liner dropping anchor on the estuary, Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé embarks guests on an unparalleled experience of luxury. By revealing the Rabat-Salé area through a new perspective, the hotel captures the life and soul of modern Morocco highlighting its ancestral traditions.

Located near the Rabat-Salé international airport, a short 10-minute drive from the capital’s city centre, this new Fairmont flagship property features 186 rooms, including 27 opulent suites, and 88 timelessly elegant residences. Combining authentic Moroccan craftsmanship with modern design elements, each room pays homage to the different influences that have marked the Kingdom over the centuries.

Embodying the Fairmont brand’s heartfelt service and the best of Moroccan hospitality, the property offers a wide range of culinary experiences to delight the senses. Guests can enjoy a selection of three restaurants as well as a bar overlooking a green Orangerie, reinterpreting the outdoor gardens of antique Moroccan dwellings.

Moroccan & Meditteranean influences 

The French brasserie, “L’Ecume” is a culinary journey from farm and ocean to table, where local ingredients are showcased by Executive Chef Nicolas Warot. Whereas “Le Dahlia”, helmed by Chef Mohammed Amine Idbounite, is the promise of an exhilarating immersion in the heart of authentic Moroccan cuisine. With Mediterranean influences, modern dressings and cooking techniques, Le Dahlia provides guests with a new perspective on this traditional cuisine. Furthermore, “Le Deck”, a travelling cuisine inspired by Nikkei influences, awaits the connoisseur. Offering a 360° panoramic view of the estuary and the region’s most outstanding landmarks, this restaurant is equipped with an avant-garde bar and a year-round heated swimming pool. The venue is a suspended urban oasis where the ambiance evolves throughout the day, becoming more vibrant as the sun dips towards the horizon.

“La Verrière” completes this palette of culinary journeys. This lobby lounge and tearoom is the vibrant heart of the hotel. Bustling from the early morning hours, this contemporary version of the light-drenched patios of the Moroccan ancestral riads is a place to socialise and savour cocktails and is the most exquisite tea-time in the region, with refined pastries, freshly baked by the chef Hicham Khabata.

Leisure & luxury

The VIP Spa suite features an authentic Hammam room and the exclusive product ranges from “Natura Bissé” and “Maison d’Asa”, with rituals using ingredients drawn from the richness of Moroccan terroir.

Acting in perfect synergy with the Spa, Fairmont Fit fulfills a guest’s quest for wellness while travelling and offers a moment of freedom and relaxation for both mind and body. Featuring state-of-the-art fitness facilities, this area offers a holistic experience of well-being through invigorating activities such as cardio-training sessions combined with aqua gym in the heated pool or more resorative activities such as yoga and guided meditation along the beach.

For leisure travellers, Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé is the ultimate reference for luxury, where the most memorable experiences are created and the most cherished memories are made. From DIY workshops with the artisans of the Oulja to fishing trips aboard a luxury yacht and pedestrian tours through the maze of the old medina, this address offers an exciting immersion in the local culture.

Business travellers are not to be outdone. The hotel offers nine meeting rooms, including a VIP Majliss, a majestic Ballroom and and seven board rooms. Thanks to the diversity of modular spaces equipped with leading-edge technology and an intuitive and passionate event planning service, the Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé conference centre sets the stage for the community’s most anticipated events.

 

These are some of the best things to do at Fiji’s Nanuku Resort

November 23, 2022 No Comments

After learning I’m the only one who turned up to the studio for morning yoga, instructor Sisilia Cece Nasiga asks if I’d rather do the session in the great outdoors. “Yes!” I exclaim without hesitation — I’m only here for a short time so why be indoors when I could be staring out at the natural beauty of Fiji. 

A few minutes later, the former Olympian, and Commonwealth and Pacific Games medalist is leading me through peaceful stretches and meditation exercises overlooking the scenic coast of the 500-acre Nanuku Resort.  

Feel at home

From the chanting warriors who greeted me upon arrival to the personalized message in stones at the bottom of my private plunge pool arranged to say “Bula Ann,” the team at the luxury retreat on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu is all about making guests feel at home. Here, Bula extends beyond the Fijian greeting for hello and welcome to a sense of belonging. 

Back in my one bedroom villa, I’m faced with my next challenge — deciding between two tempting options — will it be the indoor or the outdoor shower today? Naturally, I keep the trend going and freshen up in the sun surrounded by lush green foliage. This is the life. 

Island oasis 

The next morning, dolphins are jumping out of the water and flipping up in the air before submerging again next to our speedboat, as if to be escorting us on our journey. 

We’re travelling from Nanuku Resort, to another piece of paradise, the nearby uninhabited island of Nanuku, the inspiration behind the resort’s name. 

This lush tropical island is an idyllic day escape for guests offering hammocks in the sand and unbelievable snorkelling and swimming. It’s also possible to spend the night camping under the stars. After a picnic in the sand, I walk around the entire island feeling like I’m living in a postcard. 

You’ve had cava… but have you heard of kava? 

Over breakfast one morning, where my cappuccino is served with my name in the foam, I overhear some guests talking about how they stayed up late over a bowl of cava. In my mind I’m picturing a group of ladies drinking out of a punch bowl with multiple bottles of sparkling wine emptied into it —but I’m completely wrong. 

I’m informed that in Fiji it’s all about kava, not cava, an earthy-tasting drink that plays an important role in Fijian culture. It’s customary to sit around a large bowl with a village leader and socially drink kava, which is prepared from the pounded root of a pepper plant species. 

The first chance I get, I try the drink for myself, and it provides a numbing sensation on my tongue. It’s just one of the many immersive experiences that makes my stay memorable from learning how to husk and scrape a coconut, to trying my hand at cooking a meal in bamboo shoots and witnessing a special fire walking ceremony. Another highlight is trying a local delicacy called kokoda, essentially Fijian ceviche with spiced coconut milk.

When departure day arrives too soon, I’m sad to leave, but I’m already devising a plan to come back as the entire staff at the property gathers to sing and see us off as we climb into the bus. 

Getting there: Fiji’s national carrier, Fiji Airways, is gearing up to launch twice-weekly flights from Canada this month. The new nonstop service between Nadi and Vancouver will start on November 25 with the two-cabin class Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Along with operational efficiency and having meals served in biodegradable containers, Fiji Airways is also offsetting its carbon footprint with the ‘A Tree For Every Take Off’ initiative. The airline has planted 55,000 mangroves to date and is targeting another 50,000 over the course of this year. Fiji Airways also offers day trips where customers can plant mangroves to offset their carbon footprint.

Day tripping: Picture a floating thatched bar in the middle of the most serene waters in the Mamanuca Islands, and you’ll find Seventh Heaven. The ultimate day trip is located 45 minutes by boat from Port Denarau, which is in close proximity to Nadi International Airport. The overwater lounge has a bar and restaurant, water activities like snorkelling and stand up paddleboards, and loads of loungers on a two level deck. If you dare, you can jump off the Leap of Faith, a five metre high lookout from the top deck. For those seeking an Instagram-worthy shot, you won’t be able to stop taking pictures!  

What’s in your cup? 

Drink up a local enterprise that’s making a difference on the ground in Fiji

The founding values behind Bula Coffee — a coffee production company in Fiji — extend far beyond providing a good cup of morning joe. As Luke Fryett, whose job title cleverly reads ‘Man on the Ground,’ explains, while giving the world a great shot of coffee, Bula Coffee is “all about giving Fijians a better shot at life.”

What started out over a decade ago as a small enterprise working with one family in one village in Fiji has since expanded across 38 villages and buying coffee off 5,000 people annually — providing a significant number of Fijians with additional sources of revenue.   

“It’s more than money — we exist to give people a hand up — to give people a better shot at life,” he said. “To give people access to education, to give them financial independence. Money matters, but it’s more than money. We are changing lives one cup at a time.”

More recently, Bula Coffee launched the Crop to Cup Coffee Tour, giving travellers “the chance to not only taste Fiji’s wild harvest coffee and see how we process it, but also the chance to become a part of our story, becoming invested in our work and becoming part of the change we are making in Fiji.”

Along with learning about how to get a coffee cherry ready for a morning brew, visitors can learn about how every cup of coffee makes a difference in the local economy. One example of how getting involved in the coffee business has made a positive impact is in a local community where kids would get to their boarding school by floating down the river in a tire — often getting soaked in the process. 

“They used their coffee money to buy every kid in the village a waterproof bag, and a small cooker, so now the older kids can cook for the younger kids, during the week,” he said. “They also built a much better raft with tires all around it secured properly so the kids can keep dry… This is why money matters, but it’s more than money. It’s about empowering communities to keep their kids safe, to keep them dry, to let them have food during the week. Allowing the kids to focus better at school because they aren’t hungry, aren’t worried about their wet clothes. This is why every cup counts.

STORY BY: ANN RUPPENSTEIN