Spring 2025 – OFFSHORE

Staycation: Self indulgence awaits at The High Acre in Dundas, Ontario

May 14, 2025 No Comments

Opened in 2023 inside a restored 1867 Victorian farm house in Dundas Ontario, The High Acre is an exceptional adults-only boutique inn that exudes quiet luxury.

With just four beautifully-appointed suites, The High Acre provides an opportunity to disconnect and enjoy an intimately personal getaway, with minimal disruptions.

The suites, which sleep two people, feature a private infrared sauna, a hammam-inspired steam room, and a free-standing soaker tub, meaning guests can skip the hassle of booking an appointment and enjoy spa-like relaxation at any time of day. The hammam is enhanced with a handcrafted essential oil blend from certified clinical aromatherapist Marianne Toupalik, promoting deep breathing and refreshing the senses using notes of eucalyptus, grapefruit and peppermint. Additionally, guests can practice self-care through yoga, meditation, and breathwork, with guided sessions available in the suite or the on-site studio. Other shared amenities include a heated outdoor hot tub and an outdoor heated pool, open May 1 to October 1.

Each of the spacious rooms features a blend of modern furniture, luxurious linens and cozy amenities like plush bedding, soaker tubs, flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and individually controlled heating and cooling systems. Ensuite bathrooms are equipped with upscale toiletries, fluffy towels, and bathrobes for added comfort. All of the rooms also feature fireplaces, lounge areas, and a full kitchen, making them perfect for romantic getaways or extended stays.

Guests can enjoy a breakfast spread of freshly baked croissants, farm fresh eggs, jam and butter, and a selection of coffee and tea from the comfort of their rooms, in the inn’s cozy dining area, or on the outdoor patio in the warmer months.

What to do in Dundas

Dundas, roughly 15 minutes from Hamilton, is a small town with a big personality.

It’s close to several hiking trails, including those within the famous Niagara Escarpment and Royal Botanical Gardens. For the best panoramic views, head to Dundas Peak, tucked along the Bruce Trail. Several waterfalls, including Tew’s Falls (the tallest waterfall in Southern Ontario) and Webster’s Falls, are less than a five-minute drive away from The High Acre.

Nearby cultural landmarks include the Art Gallery of Hamilton and Dundurn Castle, whose gardens boast beautiful blooms from May to October.

Downtown Dundas is home to a handful of restaurants, cafes and charming boutiques, making it a pleasant spot to spend an afternoon strolling, dining, and shopping.

Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. is the main brewery in Dundas, and it offers a fantastic selection of craft beers and their signature beer pie pizzas. Wine lovers can explore the abundance of vineyards found in Niagara-on-the-Lake, approximately an hour’s drive from Dundas.

This article first appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of OFFSHORE Travel Magazine. Click here to access the digital version. Click here to subscribe to the newsletter.

The best luxury trips to take by yourself this year

April 28, 2025 No Comments

From all-inclusive dining, to ultra-luxe pampering, these six tour operators make taking a trip by yourself a true treat.

An overnight rail journey

In July 2025, Belmond will launch the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales: Britannic Explorer. The train will offer three or six-night journeys with a selection of three routes through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.

On board, guests can enjoy fine dining experiences by acclaimed Michelin star Chef Simon Rogan. The train, crafted in England with elegant interiors by Albion Nord, will feature 18 cabins, a wellness suite, two restaurant cars and a bar located in the Observation Car.

—belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explore

A luxury safari camp

Opening July 2025, andBeyond Suyian Lodge is a luxury safari camp in Kenya that is set across 44,000 acres of conservation lands in the Suyian region. The luxury safari lodge features 14 spacious suites, including a family suite, each with a private plunge pool and outdoor terrace. Guests can enjoy amenities like a personal in-suite bar, outdoor showers, a wellness centre, and al fresco dining options.

Day and night safaris can be arranged with the help of andBeyond’s expert guides. Walking safaris, camel and horseback safaris, active ranching tours are also available to book. —andbeyond.com/our-lodges

A riverboat retreat

Guided tour operator Tauck has introduced two new ships for spring 2026 that will sail along the Rhone and Reine rivers through France. The ships will accommodate a maximum of 124 and 130 guests. Suites range from 180 to 300 sq. ft. and do not require guests to pay a single supplement.

Guests have access to a dedicated Tauck cruise director and guides to provide the highest levels of service, and the itineraries offered on the new ships will be fully inclusive. Built into the price of every Tauck river cruise are all shore excursions, all gratuities, all onboard beverages (including wine, beer and spirits), arrival and departure airport transfers, all taxes and fees, and more. —tauck.ca/river-cruises

A private jet escape

With 2025 itineraries almost sold out, Four Seasons has added six new itineraries to its lineup of 2026 Private Jet Journeys. The Four Seasons Private Jet is a custom-designed Airbus A321neoLR that hosts the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience – an ongoing series of regional and round-the-world itineraries featuring flexible options for on-the-ground activities and tours, with accommodations at Four Seasons hotels and resorts.

Every Four Seasons Private Jet itinerary includes all flights and luggage coordination, ground transfers, and in-flight meals prepared by a Four Seasons executive chef. —fourseasons.com/privateje

A personalized yacht sailing

Sailing the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe during summer 2025, Ilma is the newest superyacht from luxury hospitality brand, The Ritz-Carlton. Ilma offers 224 airy and intuitive suites, all with private terraces providing direct access to the sea.

With accommodation for up to 448 guests, the yacht invites guests to discover five dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining program, sevens bars, and a signature wine vault. Voyages typically span five to 10 nights with an all-inclusive onboard journey and curated excursions ashore to destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, and Central America. Private charter options are also available, allowing guests to craft a truly tailored journey.

—ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/yachts/ilma

An exhilarating expedition cruise

Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn’s two new ultra-luxury expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, are scheduled to visit up to 161 destinations in 31 countries for 2025.

Guests on both Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit are treated to a range of expedition activities led by an expert 23-person expedition team of scientists, scholars, and naturalists. The ships are also equipped with enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity with SpaceX’s Starlink. Seabourn’s all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; fine dining, complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times.—seabourn.com

This story first appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of OFFSHORE Travel Magazine. Click here to subscribe. Click here to view the digital edition.

A look at the trends shaping solo female travel in 2025

April 22, 2025 No Comments

More women are travelling solo than ever before, and mundane things like work, family life and routine aren’t holding them back.
The rise of solo female travel in recent years has sparked a powerful shift in how women explore the world, embracing both the freedom of independence and the empowerment that comes with navigating new destinations on their own terms.

According to recent data from American Express Travel’s 2024 Global Travel Trends Report, Canadians are actively prioritizing spontaneity and solo exploration, with more than half of the country’s population (54 per cent) expressing plans to book a solo adventure in the near future.

But, travelling solo doesn’t necessarily mean travelling alone.

In fact, there’s a growing trend in travelling solo under the guidance of an expert tour leader.

Just You is a well-established tour operator based in the U.K. that specializes in guided holidays for solo travellers. They offer a range of carefully-crafted trips to destinations around the world, designed to provide a seamless travel experience with like-minded individuals. All Just You tours include expert tour guides, comfortable accommodations and transportation, and a friendly, social atmosphere, making it easier for solo travellers to explore new places without the hassle of planning on their own. Some meals are included, however, the company encourages travellers to explore on their own or with newfound friends and maintain that independent energy.

Why travel solo?

The decision to travel solo comes down to a number of reasons, whether it’s too many unsuccessful attempts at coordinating vacation time with a spouse or friend, or a difference in travel interests. However, for those who choose this travel style, several factors remain a top selling point.

“There’s a particular safety element that goes with travelling on a tour for solo travellers, and that can’t be understated,” said Meg Murgatroyd, head of trade sales, North America, Just You. “The value is also outstanding on solo tours because so much is included, from the transportation to the accommodations, and access to the real highlights.”

Intrepid Travel is another globally-recognized tour operator known for its commitment to responsible travel and sustainable tourism. They offer small group tours that focus on authentic, immersive experiences, connecting travellers with local cultures and communities in more than 100 countries. Worth noting is the company’s Women’s Expeditions, which are all-female tours led by a local female leader created to offer an insight into the daily lives and challenges of women in other countries. These trips allow women to boldly venture into new territories on trips designed with them in mind.

“Feedback on these trips is consistently high. Women love exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations with other like-minded women,” said Jenny Gray, senior product manager at Intrepid Travel who leads designing these trips. “The opportunity to learn and connect with fellow travellers and those they meet along their journey with these specially curated female experiences is really important to these travelers and the highlight of their travels.”

Recent data from Solo Female Traveler’s Club’s 2023 Solo Women Travel Survey further supports these findings, with 76 per cent of women who have never travelled solo before stating they would be more likely to do so on a group tour. Another 40 per cent would choose a women-only tour.

Women want to wander

In 2024, Intrepid experienced an overall 16 per cent increase in the number of solo travellers compared to the year before and nearly one third (68 per cent) of all solo travellers were women. There has also been an increasing number of North American travellers over 60 years of age joining trips solo in recent years, driven by women in their 50s and 60s.

“These older solo travellers range from new retirees who are ready for an adventure, to people who have different travel interests than their partner or friends and choose to travel solo on a small group tour,” said Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel.

Additionally, Solo Female Traveler’s Club reports that 53 per cent of women said they simply travel solo because they have nobody to travel with. Others express an interest in forming strong self awareness and gaining confidence in new environments, while building meaningful connections.

Jessica Nabongo is a renowned travel influencer, entrepreneur, and the first Black woman to travel to every country in the world, a feat she achieved in 2019. She is also the author of the book, The Catch Me If You Can, where she shares her personal experiences and insights from her travels.

Jessica Nabongo, travel influencer, entrepreneur, and author,is the first Black woman to visit every country in the world.

Nabongo began her solo travel journey in 2009 with a trip to Costa Rica. “It was my first time solo travelling, and I didn’t know what to do,” Nabongo recalled.

For those who are just starting out on their solo travel journeys, Nabongo encourages travel to places that are on the beaten-path, rather than off-the-grid, lesser known parts. “You’re going to feel more comfortable that way,” she says. “When you travel and you’re confident, you’re less vulnerable and less susceptible to people taking advantage of you.”

Safety still a concern

Despite the positive increase in booking numbers, women’s safety remains one of the top barriers to solo female travel.

Seventy per cent of women cited personal safety as their leading concern in the Solo Female Traveler’s Club’s 2023 Solo Women Travel Survey. These fears often directly impact the activities or decisions women make while travelling. However, the survey also notes that with experience comes less worry—78 per cent of travellers with fewer than six solo trips worry about safety versus 59 per cent of those who have travelled solo more than 10 times.

Condor Ferries reports that regardless of global events, 86 per cent of women state that they are not afraid to travel. Another 75 per cent of those who take adventure, cultural or nature trips are women, thus proving they’re not afraid to put themselves in uncomfortable or unfamiliar situations.

Concerns over safety (like government-issued travel advisories) are valid, but it shouldn’t be the overarching theme of your trip, Nabongo says.

As a world traveller, she’s heard her fair share of cautionary tales leading up to planned trips, but doesn’t take it to heart.

“Don’t take advice from people who haven’t been to the places you haven’t been to, or done the things that you want to do.”

“I think so many people are so obsessed with preparing for the worst case scenario, and I don’t do that,” Nabongo says.

“You waste so much energy, and then you’re either going to scare yourself, or you’re not going to have a good time because you’re so consumed by the thought,” she continued. “You have to pick a place where you feel comfortable alone, because otherwise it simply won’t work, and you won’t allow yourself to enjoy it.”

Claudia Bastien, a content creator and events facilitator based in Squamish, BC, agrees. A solo traveller since 2013, Bastien most recently returned from a six-month bike-packing trip that saw her log 5,000 kilometres by bike from her front door to the Mexican border, near Tijuana.

“I think one of the biggest misconceptions [of solo travel] is that it’s really dangerous,” Bastien says. “Everything we do in life has a danger to it and when we think of our lives as solo female travellers, we think to ourselves, ‘there’s no way; there are predators out there, people attack us…we have this idea that the world is out to get us,” she says. “I think everyone should travel solo but they need to hone their awareness beforehand. Don’t live in fear, but live in awareness.”

B.C.-based content creator Claudia Bastien, recently returned from a solo bikepacking trip that saw her log 5,000 kilometres to the Mexican border.

Investing in the right equipment, being mindful of your surroundings, and trusting your gut are other safety non-negotiables for both Bastien and Nabongo. An avid wild camper, Bastien emphasizes the value of investing in a satellite phone. “When you’re doing solo travel for an extended period of time, it’s also an investment in your loneliness,” Bastien says. “There are moments when you’re going to be out of cell service and you don’t know when you’re going to get back into cell service, and it’s just nice to check in with your loved ones.”

A choice as simple as your accommodations, Nabongo adds, can mean a world of difference to your comfort and safety, especially as a first-time solo female traveller. Hotels, for example, are typically more secure thanks to features like an on-site concierge and in-room safe. Her best safety tip? “Buy a local newspaper—if you appear to speak the language, you look like less of a tourist!”

Whether you’ve always wanted to experience solo travel, or are already seeking out your next independent journey, it’s a trend that isn’t diminishing anytime soon.

“There’s a freedom to it [solo travel] that allows you to hone in on your basic needs,” Bastien says. “It sounds so simple, but we forget that we meld our lives to other people around us; we’re chameleons without even realizing we’re good chameleons. “When we solo travel, we get to have that again, to be ourselves again, and it’s a really special feeling.”

Follow Jessica and Claudia’s solo travel adventures on Instagram:

Jessica Nabongo: @jessicanabongo

Claudia Bastien: @wandering_claud

Roadtripping Patagonia’s Lake District, from peaks to plates

April 2, 2025 No Comments

Cathy Senecal sets out on an adventurous road trip through Patagonia to discover the pristine lakes, hiking trails and local cuisine that make this Argentine region so unique.

A few cyclists jumped up from their group at Campo Base Hielo Azul and danced a quasi tango to the live band while the rest of us feasted on grilled asado on the deck overlooking Rio Azul, a river of liquid turquoise. Porteῆos, or holidayers from Buenos Aires, sang along and young girls twirled in their own dance world while we marvelled at the sight.

November is a beautiful time—it’s spring—to be in Argentina. Joyce and I met and travelled cheaply across Africa in our 20s and remain great friends. We’re well into our 60s now, and recently booked a car to traverse Patagonia’s Lake District. A vehicle gave us the freedom to stop at viewpoints, trailheads and shops in this mountainous area known for outdoor activities and vivid alpine towns.

San Martin de los Andes

On the edge of Lake Lácar, San Martin de los Andes is a quieter gem for adventure seekers. Roam the rosebush-laden streets and pick up fleece vests or any outdoor gear you need. Stop for berry-infused chocolates or ice cream at Mamusia.

Hike the four-kilometre trail starting at the end of Juez del Valle Street to Mirador Bandurrias for stunning views over Lago Lacar.

El Abasto, a restaurant with walls laden in cuckoo clocks and antique toys, features culinary specialties native to the Argentinian Patagonia. Try the deer a la cazadora and pair it with a ‘Mayuco’ Torrontes, a dry white wine with hints of honeysuckle and orange blossoms.

Route of the Seven Lakes

Take a leisurely day to drive north to south along the yellow Scotch broom lined road and soak in lush forests, snow capped peaks and serene lakes along this stunning 108-kilometre Route of the Seven Lakes between San Martin de los Andes and Villa La Angostura. Walk the one-hour trail to Cascada Nivinco near Lago Traful.

Continue to Bariloche, where Route 40 straightens and enters a dry desert-like terrain, a marked difference to the forested mountains further north.

San Carlos de Bariloche

San Carlos de Bariloche rises along the steep southern banks of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Wooden chalets abound, built by the Germans and Swiss who settled here in the early 20th century. Roam La Calle Mitre and the main square but save a day or two for nearby Llao Llao Park, a protected forest with giant beech and cypress trees.

Rent bikes from Circuito Chico Adventure and cycle the 26-kilometres route with stops at Bahia López Bay, Punto Panorámico, and Colonia Suiza, an historic Swiss colony known for its crafts and curanto, a traditional method of cooking meat and vegetables cooked underground.

Another day, drive and park at the main lot on your left as you enter the park. Hike the Arrayanes Trail past distinctive cinnamon-coloured trees and combine that with the trail to Tacul and Cerrito Llao Llao, the highest point, to make a loop back to the lot. Brazo Tristeza Lookout Point has one of the best lookouts over Nahuel Huapi Lake.

El Bolson

This laidback town is surrounded by valleys producing raspberries, mushrooms, truffles and hops. El Bolson’s artisan market in Plaza Pagano has up to 400 vendors on Saturday selling fabric, food and leather wares under the shadow of Cerro Piltriquitrón.

Here was where we chanced upon Campo Base Hielo Azul, our favourite hiking experience, despite a steep, rutted road to get there. The trail winds along the gorgeous Rio Azul past shady gazing spots. Post hike, garner a prime table on the river deck and take in the scene.

This story first appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to sign up for your free digital copy.

The most luxurious trips to take by yourself this year

March 25, 2025 No Comments

From all-inclusive dining, to ultra-luxe pampering, these six tour operators make taking a trip by yourself a true treat.

An overnight rail journey

belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer

A luxury safari camp

Day and night safaris can be arranged with the help of andBeyond’s expert guides. Walking safaris, camel and horseback safaris, active ranching tours are also available to book.

andbeyond.com/our-lodges

A riverboat retreat

tauck.ca/river-cruises

A private jet escape

Every Four Seasons Private Jet itinerary includes all flights and luggage coordination, ground transfers, and in-flight meals prepared by a Four Seasons executive chef.

fourseasons.com/privatejet

A personalized yacht sailing

ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/yachts/ilma

An exhilarating expedition cruise

Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn’s two new ultra-luxury expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, are scheduled to visit up to 161 destinations in 31 countries for 2025.

seabourn.com

This article first appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of OFFSHORE Travel Magazine. Click here to subscribe, and to sign up for your digital copy.