This overnight train in Southeast Asia is home to a Dior spa

July 22, 2024 No Comments

Following its much-anticipated return to the rails in February 2024, the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia is proud to announce a long-term partnership with the House of Dior to create the Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express.

Available starting from July 22, 2024, this will be Dior’s first ever spa in the region. The train invites travellers on seasonal journeys departing from Singapore and traveling through Malaysia’s ever-changing landscapes and vibrant cities: The Essence of Malaysia (November to February) and Wild Malaysia (March to October).

The addition of a Dior Spa will offer guests a wellness space to unwind and rejuvenate from days of adventure in the lush mountainscapes and verdant jungles of Southeast Asia. 

Belmond's third Dior spa on the rails

Following a temporary residency on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond’s first permanent Dior Spa launched on the legendary Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland in April 2023, making the new Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express, Belmond’s third Dior Spa on the rails. 

Offering a sanctuary of tranquility for guests, the new Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express will be housed in one of the train’s 16 plush Art Deco-inspired carriages. Completely dedicated to wellness, the carriage will boast the House of Dior’s iconic canework whilst taking inspiration from the beauty of Southeast Asia. Using hand-crafted tropical wood materials, the interior is designed to blend with the natural surroundings in which the train winds through – bringing the essence of the region to life through its carefully curated ambience. In homage to Christian Dior’s love for flowers, the new Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental will use rose emblems on the carriage carpets, in shades of green and beige. 

Guests will be taken into a dedicated reception area to discover the spa and its premium range of products before or after their treatment. The calming space expands into two luxurious rooms, each designed with furniture which merges Dior’s elegance with inspiration from the location. Furniture adorned in the iconic Toile de Jouy print showcases tigers, a nod to the Malaysian Sacred Tigers known to the region. 

Tailormade treatments

Bringing the savoir-faire of two leading luxury brands together, the Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express provides guests with the ultimate beauty experience to complement the serene and natural landscapes of Southeast Asia. The new wellbeing menu will feature five tailor-made treatments devised by the French Maison’s Wellness Experts. The bespoke approach caters to the specific needs of the train’s guests, ensuring a truly immersive experience that leaves them feeling refreshed and invigorated. 

Signature treatment D-Jungle, an exclusive face and body treatment of Asian inspiration, will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a perfectly rhythmic, deep muscle massage from head to toe, performed using stretching techniques and targeting specific energy points. Signature treatments also include a relaxing Constellation massage designed to use a mix of massage techniques to relieve tension from the body. For the ultimate muscle relief, the D-Tissue massage uses deep, slow and soothing movements for those with a focus to release muscular pain.   

Drawing inspiration from the exquisite art of Asian beauty rituals, the luxurious facial treatments at the spa seamlessly blend traditional Asian techniques with the opulence of the Dior Prestige skincare line. Guests can indulge in the Kobi-Dior Facial Treatment, a massage rooted in the ancient Japanese Kobido massage tradition that rejuvenates the skin. This treatment expertly sculpts the face, leaving guests with a radiant and youthful appearance. 

For those seeking evening relaxation, Le Soin de Minuit treatment offers guests an unparalleled experience. This indulgent session incorporates meditative exercises designed to promote profound sleep and optimize skin regeneration, ensuring a luminous and revitalized complexion by the morning. To complement the experience, guests are invited to savor the moment with a selection of fine teas and nourishing delicacies. 

A look inside the luxury rail car that connects South Central Vietnam

July 15, 2024 No Comments

The Vietage by Anantara recently added a second railway carriage, which will operate a daily return journey between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon.

Building on the resounding success of the existing carriage, which runs every day between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, the new custom-designed addition will connect the renowned coastal city of Nha Trang (served by Cam Ranh International Airport), offering timeless luxury travel experiences through South-Central Vietnam.

Heralding a new age of slow and sustainable travel, the five-hour journeys meander through the picturesque Vietnamese countryside, transporting guests into a world of glamour and nostalgia with all the comforts of modern luxury. Twelve reservation-only seats in private booths of two blend sleek modern interiors with inspiration from Indochina, along with expansive picture windows offering stunning views. A sit-up bar gives guests the chance to watch expert mixology in action as the on-board hosts create railway-inspired cocktails and mocktails, while relaxation time beckons in the dedicated spa area for 15-minute head and shoulder treatments on the go.

An exclusively curated and sumptuous afternoon tea experience takes guests on a culinary adventure, including poached Bai Dai Lobster and Da Lat Caviar to whet the appetite, a tea tower with a selection of home-made finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes and traditional scones with all the trimmings. An artisanal cheese and charcuterie platter rounds off the occasion. A dedicated vegan menu is also available.

Slow down for the scenery

While not visible from the railway itself, the train passes near Vietnam’s oldest lighthouse, Mui Dien, which sits at the easternmost point of the country making it the first place to witness the sunrise. Continuing its northerly track through the province’s capital city of Tuy Hòa, Vietnam’s longest wooden bridge at half a mile in length, Bình Thạnh Bridge, is a gateway to some other local notable landmarks.

Guests traveling from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon can enjoy accommodations at the luxurious Anantara Quy Nhon Villas beachside retreat. For the ultimate Vietnam itinerary, jump on board The Vietage by Anantara running from Quy Nhon to Da Nang and to visit the charming Hoi An Ancient Town with a stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort.

Guests traveling from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon can enjoy accommodations at the luxurious Anantara Quy Nhon Villas beachside retreat. For the ultimate Vietnam itinerary, jump on board The Vietage by Anantara running from Quy Nhon to Da Nang and to visit the charming Hoi An Ancient Town with a stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort.

A one-way ticket aboard The Vietage by Anantara between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon costs US $420 per person, including luxury afternoon tea, a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment, free-flowing wines, cocktails, beers, mocktails, soft drinks and a selection of local tea and coffee. 

The Vietage by Anantara departs from Nha Trang every afternoon arriving at Dieu Tri station in. It then continues up to Da Nang arriving after midnight. Running in the opposite direction, The Vietage by Anantara’s additional carriage departs from Da Nang every morning, arriving at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon in the early afternoon and then onto Nha Trang for a mid-evening arrival.

Intrepid Travel just added 40 new rail journeys

June 10, 2024 No Comments

Intrepid Travel is launching a new trip range dedicated to rail travel which includes 40 trips and three brand new itineraries; Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure, Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul, and Paris to Rome by Rail.

The range will cater to the rising trend of train travel, with new data showing 75 per cent of travellers are hoping to take a train on their next trip. The launch reflects Intrepid’s long-term product development plans, replacing internal flights with less carbon-intensive options, where viable, as part of its global decarbonization strategy.  

Each rail trip will be accompanied by one of Intrepid’s local leaders, who will not only help travellers navigate complex routes and stations, but also maximize the experiences during rest stops and overnight stays. With an average group size of 10-12 travellers, Intrepid rail trips offer customers community, conversation, and a sense of connection.  

As part of this newly dedicated trip category, Intrepid will offer iconic routes like Bangkok to Southern Thailand, and lesser-known routes like Varanasi to Agra, India, as well as rail family adventures from Tokyo to Kyoto and Rome to Pompeii. The launch is also highlighted by three brand-new itineraries:  

New rail itineraries

1.     Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure (11 Days from $4035, CAD) 

  • While the popular Trans-Siberian route is currently closed to travellers, this new tour makes use of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, constructed in the late 1940s following the route of ancient tea caravans from Beijing, China through Mongolia.   
  • The trip begins in Beijing, traveling through hilly landscapes in China, exploring Inner Mongolia and visiting Khustai National Park, the dunes of the Gobi Desert and Sainshand, before disembarking in Ulaanbaatar, the capitol city of Mongolia.  

2.     Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul (15 Days from $5435, CAD) 

  • This new trip travels from Paris to Budapest by train, following the same route as the historic Orient Express, a long-distance passenger train that ran between 1883 and 1977, and lent itself to many popular films and books. Travellers will stop to explore iconic spots and lesser-known sites in Strasbourg, Munich and Salzburg. 
  • Travellers will then journey on local trains along the Simplon-Orient Express route from Belgrade to Istanbul, stopping for local delicacies, like a traditional Serbian lunch in a Salaš home. 

3.     Paris to Rome by Rail (10 Days from $5030 cad) 

  • On Intrepid’s new Paris to Rome itinerary, travellers will hop on the Gotthard Panorama Express through Switzerland.  
  • This train takes the original historic route on the Gotthard railway, constructed in 1872. The journey spirals through the alps, with panoramic views of the countryside, and Wassen Church, as well as stops for scenic hikes, medieval castles and a fresh farm-to-table Italian cooking demonstration.  

To learn more about Intrepid’s train trips and discover the 40+ rail itineraries, visit www.intrepidtravel.com/rail.

New river ship cruising the Nile has just 41 rooms

June 7, 2024 No Comments

As North American travellers continue looking to Egypt as a bucket-list destination, the award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has launched its latest addition to the fleet, AmaLilia, on the enchanting waters of the Nile River.

Specially curated with upscale regionally inspired décor and 41 staterooms, including 13 suites, the luxurious new ship embarked on its inaugural journey in April 2024. The 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile cruise and land experience includes a seven-night round trip river cruise from Luxor and is paired with three nights pre- and one-night post-cruise stays in historic Cairo at the prestigious St. Regis Cairo, overlooking the Nile River.

 

About the AmaLilia

Newly designed to accommodate only 82 guests, AmaLilia features 41 luxurious staterooms offering panoramic views, including 13 suites measuring up to 522 sq. ft.

Onboard amenities include a sun deck bar and swimming pool, fitness room, hair and nail salon, a massage room and two restaurants serving locally inspired cuisine – The Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. Guests will be treated to authentic nightly entertainment and be accompanied by knowledgeable Egyptologists who will stay on the ship and join them on enriching excursions.

 

The immersive Secrets of Egypt & the Nile provides travellers with a unique opportunity to experience the ancient wonders of Egypt, guided by experts through UNESCO World Heritage Sites and legendary locations such as the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak, the mesmerizing Temple of Luxor, and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens.

While in Cairo, guests will visit the Egyptian Museum and come face-to-face with Egyptian treasures at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis.

They will have the opportunity to marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx, and the necropolis of Sakkara, home to the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid on earth; and enjoy a private tour and gourmet lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace, the principal workplace of the President of Egypt and one of the most luxurious palaces in the world.

AmaLilia will cruise this itinerary, sailing round trip from Luxor and offering a Cairo program with intra-Egypt flights between Cairo and Luxor, seasonally from September through June each year.

For more information, visit AmaWaterways.com. 

Air Canada offering free wine & beer on North American flights

June 5, 2024 No Comments

Air Canada is introducing premium complimentary snacks, featuring homegrown Canadian favourites, to all customers on all flights.

The airline is also expanding its complimentary beer and wine offering to customers on flights within Canada and the U.S., alongside a selection of $5 spirits, through the end of this year.

Complimentary premium snacks are now offered to Economy customers on all Air Canada flights.

Whether travelling in Canada or across the globe, all customers on all flights can enjoy free sweet or savoury bites, including two Canadian favourites: buttery herb and garlic pretzels from Alberta’s family-owned and female-led TWIGZ, and Quebec-based Leclerc’s Célébration Cookie, a crafted sweet treat made with real milk chocolate and butter.

Free wine & beer on board

Air Canada has also extended its complimentary beer and wine offering to Economy customers flying within Canada and the U.S. just in time for summer, and through to the end of this year.

This adds to the existing complimentary offering in all International Economy and Premium cabins. Beer, wine and spirits remain available for purchase from the Air Canada Bistro menu on Economy flights to and from the Caribbean and Mexico.

Customers will enjoy a curated selection of exceptional beers, French wines, and customer favourite spirits. Featured flavour-forward craft beers include Hop Valley and Creemore Springs Premium Lager, as well as crisp and refreshing Molson Canadian and Coors Light. Two French wines from Paul Mas include a robust red or a fresh, dry white.

For cocktail aficionados, $5 spirits on offer include Baileys Original Irish Cream, Canadian Club rye, Bacardi Superior rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, Smirnoff vodka, Tromba Tequila Blanco, or Campari. There’s something everyone can cheers to with the largest bar offering of any airline in North America.

Additional information on Air Canada’s new drinks and premium snacks, and more, is available at: aircanada.com/bonappetit

Four Seasons Private Jet shows off six more itineraries

May 20, 2024 No Comments

Four Seasons has added another six itineraries to its lineup of 2026 Private Jet Journeys, offering discerning travellers new opportunities to explore the world’s most intriguing destinations.

These immersive itineraries go beyond onboard jet travel and luxury accommodations, encompassing bespoke local experiences from bold culinary to wellness offerings plus cultural and adventure expeditions. Delivered by a dedicated concierge, journey team, and local experts, these transformative travel experiences are designed to inspire.

African Wonders – December 29, 2025 to January 10, 2026 (13 Days) 
Set off on a family-friendly journey that combines some of the most interesting destinations in the region featuring majestic wildlife experiences, historical treasures, and natural wonders. Locations include Athens, The Pyramids, Serengeti, Mauritius, Rwanda, Victoria Falls, and Johannesburg. Price: USD 159,000 per person

Asia Unveiled – January 14 to 29, 2026 and March 28 to April 12, 2026 (16 Days)
Discover seven timeless destinations in Asia, starting with Japan’s eclectic capital and journey through ancient world wonders, dynamic cities, and idyllic islands. Locations include Tokyo, Bali, Angkor Wat, Hoi An, Bhutan, Maldives, and Bangkok. Pre/post trip stay options in Kyoto and Thailand are available to guests wishing to extend their trip. Price: USD 159,000 per person

Timeless Encounters – February 2 to 23, 2026 (22 Days)
Experience an around-the-world favourite featuring nature havens, city escapes, and a day stop at the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s iconic wonders. Locations include Kona, Bora Bora, Sydney, Bali, Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, Taj Mahal, Dubai, Prague, and London. Price: USD 224,000 per person

Ancient Explorer – March 4 to 26, 2026 (23 Days)
Experience an around-the-world adventure across legendary wonders of the world, featuring stops in UNESCO Heritage Sites along the way. Locations: Miami, Mexico City, Easter Island, Bora Bora, Great Barrier Reef, Bangkok, Amman and the Lost City of Petra, Taormina, and Madrid. Price: USD 229,000 per person

International Intrigue – April 14 to May 04, 2026 (21 Days)
This around-the-world journey deserves a spot on everyone’s wish list, offering the perfect balance of remote island paradises, vibrant cultural capitals, and the vast African savannah. Locations include Seattle, Kyoto, Hoi An, Maldives, Serengeti, Marrakech, Florence, and Paris. Price: USD 219,000 per person

To find out more and to start planning a Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, click here or email the jet experience team.

A new massive cruise terminal is opening in Florida

May 6, 2024 No Comments

Port Canaveral is building a new cruise terminal to meet the growing demands of the cruise industry.

The strategic decision to build a new multi-user cruise terminal at the Port’s existing North 8 berth provides significant cost savings, operational flexibility, and an expedited construction timeline of approximately two years to accommodate the largest ships in the world across a spectrum of brands.

Port Canaveral’s existing North 8 berth shares its basin with the Port’s Cruise Terminal 5 on the northside of Port Canaveral. Designed and built in 2018 for multi-purpose flexibility, North 8 berth will require minimal modifications to extend the current 1,020 linear feet bulkhead to 1,344 feet to accommodate large cruise vessels. Additionally, waterside improvements to the northside of the shared basin will also extend and improve the berthing capacity of Cruise Terminal 5.

Timeline for design, engineering, and construction are in development with target completion for the new facility by summer 2026. The new terminal campus will include a multi-story parking facility to accommodate up to 3,000 vehicles and roadway improvements in and out of the new facility, including turning lanes and a “flyover” ramp directly connecting the site with State Road 401.

Air Canada just added extra summer flights to Asia and Europe

April 24, 2024 No Comments

Air Canada customers have a wide range of exciting options across Europe and Asia this summer, along with a choice of 120 destinations in North America, to fulfill their summer travel plans.

Alongside new and enhanced international routes to Singapore, Madrid, Stockholm, Osaka and Seoul, the carrier’s Summer 2024 international capacity is growing by 30 per cent into Asia-Pacific and 25 per cent to key leisure destinations in Southern Europe compared to last summer.

Air Canada’s Atlantic schedule will provide the most non-stop service between Canada and Europe of any carrier. From Montreal and Toronto, Air Canada is launching new non-stop routes to Stockholm, and will increase frequencies to Rome and Athens. From Montreal, the carrier will also launch year-round service to Madrid, increase flights to Paris to up to three-times daily during the summer peak, and restore service to Lyon.

From Toronto, service will increase to Copenhagen and will commence Edinburgh and Brussels earlier in the season.

A gateway to the Pacific

Across the Pacific, Air Canada continues to build its Vancouver hub as the gateway to the Pacific.  

The carrier recently started year-round service to Singapore from Vancouver, and will increase capacity to Hong Kong, Osaka and Seoul. On the East Coast, the airline is excited to start seasonal service from Toronto to Osaka and increase capacity to Tokyo, while from Montreal, Air Canada will begin seasonal service to Seoul, complementing enhanced capacity to Tokyo.

In North America, new routes will be offered from Toronto and Montreal to Tulum, from Toronto to Charleston, and from Montreal to St. Louis, Austin and New Orleans. Within Canada, Ottawa–Calgary and Halifax–Vancouver flights will resume, and there will be frequency or capacity increases, including between Toronto and Saskatoon, Regina, Victoria, Sydney and Gander, as well as between Montreal and Regina, Saskatoon, Victoria, Edmonton, Moncton, Fredericton and Deer Lake.  

Air Canada is increasing its international network capacity by 8 per cent for summer 2024 compared to summer 2023. The airline is also boosting service to North America, with an increase of four per cent in available daily seats in 2024, with 518 flights to 120 destinations.

 

Oceania is visiting these exciting Mediterranean islands in 2025

April 22, 2024 No Comments

Oceania Cruises has debuted an array of new 2025 Mediterranean sailings, ranging from nine to 56 days through Europe.

The line’s Marina and Nautica will set sail on enticing voyages taking in iconic islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic; well-loved European resort towns and bustling cities, and lesser-known ports of call.

Cities including Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Rome and Lisbon frame the 16 voyages, allowing the ships to meander from lively jet-set resort towns such as Monte Carlo, Cannes, Positano and Sorrento, to hidden gems including Tirana and Sarande in Albania; Trapani in Sicily; Calvi and Propriano in Corsica, and Sibenik in Croatia.

New 2025 Mediterranean itineraries

Marina

The 1,250-guest ship, Marina, will undergo an expansive refurbishment in May 2024. The refurbishment will include the addition of two new dining options: Aquamar Kitchen, the new wellness-inspired dining venue which debuted on Vista this year; and the al fresco evening Pizzeria, serving spectacular Italian dishes including pizzas and burrata with stunning seascape views; plus an expanded poolside ice cream parlor serving milkshakes and smoothies. All Penthouse Suites and bathrooms will be completely reinspired, and the ship’s public areas will be refreshed.

Nautica

Elegantly charming, Nautica carries just 670 guests, served by 400 crew members. Boasting luxurious, residential furnishings and decks of the finest teak, custom stone and tile work, Nautica features four restaurants, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, plus eight lounges and bars, and a casino.

Grand Voyages

Oceania Cruises’ simply MORE value promise means virtually everything is included in the voyage fare: free roundtrip airfare and airport transfers; complimentary vintage Champagnes, premium wines and international beers during lunch and dinner; and a shore excursion credit of up to $1,400 per stateroom (credit varies by voyage length).

Created to elevate the guest experience, simply MORE means travelers receive the greatest value in luxury cruising.

For more information, visit OceaniaCruises.com.

 

Two new luxury yachts join Windstar Cruises’ fleet

April 8, 2024 No Comments

Windstar Cruises is expanding its fleet with the addition of two all-suite motor yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer.

The first of the two ships, new-build Star Seeker which is currently being constructed in the WestSEA shipyard, is expected to be delivered in December of 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December, 2026. 

About the ships

Each ship has 112 suites, featuring full private verandas and infinity windows, ensuring unparalleled views for every guest onboard.

Additionally, two new Owner’s Suites with wrap-around balconies have been added to the aft of the ship, perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner. With a capacity for 224 guests and a staff to guest ratio of 1:2, the ships maintain an intimate atmosphere, ensuring personalized service at every turn. 

Guests will also enjoy access to several newly added Windstar guest favourites, including the brand’s iconic Watersports Platform with all-new staircase access, the cozy Yacht Club café and lounge, a two-story spa and fitness facility, an intimate forward whirlpool on the bow, and a spacious open deck perfect for sunbathing and Windstar’s famous deck barbeques. 

Exceptional cuisine

As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation® (JBF), Windstar’s commitment to exceptional cuisine will continue to be a priority for the guest experience.

The re-imagined main dining room, Amphora, will serve a variety of upscale and inventive dishes, including rotating items from James Beard Foundation–affiliated guest chefs. Al fresco dining will now be available at both Amphora and the Star Grill. A no-charge specialty restaurant and 24-hr room service rounds out the four dining options.

Full itineraries and booking details for Star Seeker will be announced in late June 2024. 

For more information or to sign up for the latest updates, including when both ships open for sale, visit https://www.windstarcruises.com/newships/