Exclusive helicopter tour with Scenic lets you see Antarctica’s penguins

September 11, 2024 No Comments
Ahead of the upcoming 2024/2025 Antarctica season, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has shared unique experiences available on its once-in-a-lifetime journeys, visiting some of the world’s most remote polar destinations and accessing pristine landscapes and unique wildlife.
 
A highlight of these is the opportunity to experience the iconic Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea, available only via exclusive helicopter excursions on board ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht Scenic Eclipse.
 
Snow Hill Island, located in the Weddell Sea on the Antarctica Peninsula, is home to one of the two largest colony of Emperor penguins, a remarkable sight which is reminiscent of the scenes in the film ‘Happy Feet’.
 
While visitors may have the chance to see a few of these majestic birds in the Weddell Sea at the start of the season, Scenic Eclipse’s two on-board helicopters offer an exclusive way for guests to witness this rare colony of up to 4,000 breading pairs of Emperor penguins. Landing approximately 1.5 kilometres from the penguin colony, Scenic’s custom-built helicopters feature the quietest engines in the sky, ensuring a serene experience that minimizes disruption to wildlife.
 
This exclusive excursion is only available on the 22-day Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands voyage departing on November 27, 2024, exploring these pristine destinations, along with the fascinating wildlife and history of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Breathtaking helicopter tours

In addition to exploring Snow Hill Island on Scenic Eclipse, join Scenic Eclipse II in East Antarctica with breathtaking helicopter flightseeing tours and unique landings at historic exploration huts and the stunning McMurdo Dry Valleys.
 
Guests on the 25-day Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast voyage, departing on 15 December 2024, will enjoy a complimentary helicopter transfer to Sir Douglas Mawson’s Hut, connecting them with the rich history of Antarctic exploration.
 
Other bookable flightseeing excursions include spectacular views of Mertz Glacier, Duke of York Island, and Cape Adare, home to the largest Adélie penguin colony in Antarctica.
 
What makes these journeys exploring the great white wonder of Antarctica so unique and unforgettable is Scenic’s team of expert polar Discovery Team specialists, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the local wildlife, geography, history and culture. Guests learn about everything from weather to how land and sea ice forms, marine biology and epic survival tales of early explorers. On the Snow Hill Island excursions guests will also be accompanied by Scenic’s ornithologist who will provide deep insights into the tallest and largest of all living penguin species.
 
The Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team crafts the landing excursions to provide guests with firsthand experiences of the unique landscape, extraordinary wildlife and the region’s incredible history of exploration via the unrivalled Scenic advantages of two state-of-the-art helicopters^ or customized Scenic Neptune submersible.

For more information visit www.scenic.ca/ocean/destinations/polar-regions.

Blue Diamond Resorts adds private island booking experience

September 2, 2024 No Comments

Blue Diamond Resorts has unveiled the latest in luxury with its new Private Island Diamond Experience, now available exclusively at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, in Jamaica.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Caribbean, the Private Island Diamond Experience offers an unparalleled adults-only retreat where privacy and personalization are at the forefront.

Guests staying in select Diamond Club suite categories at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters can book one of four luxurious beach cabanas on this pristine 111-square-foot private island, poised over the turquoise waters of Montego Bay.

How to book your private island experience

Upon arrival, guests can book this exclusive service at check-in, where they will then be introduced to their private island butler, who will cater to their every desire throughout the experience.

From refreshing cold towels infused with tropical aromatherapy to daily live entertainment capturing the vibrant spirit of Jamaica, every detail is thoughtfully curated to enhance relaxation and well-being. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments from The Royal Spa, savor gourmet meals and premium cocktails delivered directly to their cabana, or simply unwind with uninterrupted views of the azure waters.

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, guests staying seven nights in the exclusive Diamond Club™ Chairman Beach Walk Out Swim Out Suite receive full-day access to the private island, ensuring a completely secluded retreat. This all-encompassing experience is meticulously planned, offering personalized touches such as a custom music and a specially stocked cooler filled with premium beverages, all designed to create an unforgettable stay.

Enticing add-ons

To further elevate their stay, guests can explore a range of enticing add-ons at an additional cost, including curated cabana packages featuring authentic Jamaican cuisine, premium spirits, and personalized touches that make each moment unique.

The Private Island Diamond Experience reflects Blue Diamond Resorts’ commitment to crafting unique, all-inclusive experiences that reflect the distinct personality of its resorts. Perfect for a romantic getaway, a special celebration, or simply a tranquil escape, this exclusive offering promises total customization in an idyllic setting, making it the perfect canvas for unforgettable memories.

Reserve your Private Island Diamond Experience today by booking any participating Diamond Club™ suite category here. For more information, visit royaltonresorts.com

74% of Canadians have done a multi-gen trip—and would do it again

August 30, 2024 No Comments

A new Censuswide survey by Beaches Resorts reveals every member of the family wants a seat on the plane.

The all-inclusive resort brand tapped into the ultimate experts in family travel, parents themselves, by polling more than 1,000 North American families with respondents ages 25-45. The results uncovered a growing desire to bring three or more generations together for more diverse and enriching family travel experiences.

Among the findings, 74 per cent of respondents who have taken a multi-generational vacation remain excited by the idea of extended family getaways, with 67 per cent of all parents prioritizing family travel to maximize time across generations.

 

Family first

Almost half of respondents are redefining their vacation preferences with a family-first mindset, prioritizing vacations that include multiple generations. In fact, 50 per cent of parents polled would prefer to take a multi-gen vacation over a vacation with just the kids – with 76 per cent agreeing travel is the ultimate way to make memories as an extended family.

Moreover, 57 per cent are interested in starting new family traditions centred around vacations with grandparents, with a resounding 69 per cent of parents eager for their children’s grandparents to join more of their family vacations.

While skip-generation trips have gained popularity, now more parents are eager to join the fun. In fact, 37 per cent of parents surveyed wished they could be part of grandparent-grandchild vacations, valuing the chance to create lasting memories together.

Travelling with grandparents

When it comes to grandparents, parents are connecting the tots: 70 per cent of respondents make the effort to facilitate time spent between their children and grandparents, with almost the same number of parents (67 per cent) wishing they’d spent more time with their own grandparents.

Of those parents who have taken a multi-generational vacation, 55 per cent are bringing their children’s grandparents along for the fun – a natural fit as 43 per cent said grandparents are traveling more than ever with almost half of them traveling internationally an average of twice per year, and 50 per cent of working grandparents taking PTO to go on vacation with their families.

According to the data, grandparents make the best travel buddies. Sixty-one per cent of respondents agreed that grandparents were more active than expected during travel, with 62 per cent citing they were more adventurous than expected.

When it comes to vacation planning, parents are tapping into this zest for adventure, with 63 per cent of parents saying vacations are more enriching when grandma is involved in the planning.

Seventy-two percent of parents said that grandparents are extremely helpful on vacation, with 59 per cent agreeing that having grandparents along for the trip eases stress. In fact, whereas a previous study by the Family Travel Association found that 50 per cent of grandparents covered all expenses on multi-gen trips, almost half of parents polled by Beaches Resorts (49 per cent) said they are willing to cover all expenses for grandparents to join their vacation.

On multi-gen vacations, 46 per cent of parents have booked/would book a second room for kids to stay with grandparents.

Parents and grandparents can rest easy that they are no longer cramping their kids’ vacation vibes. The data shows children are also placing value in spending time with family on vacation, with 72 per cent of respondents saying their kids have expressed an interest in travelling with their parents and grandparents.

Moreover, every moment counts, with 66 per cent saying their children would prefer family activities over the Kids Club at a hotel. This supports data uncovered in an earlier survey conducted by Beaches Resorts among parents of Gen Alpha children (those born in 2010 and later), where 70 per cent of traveling tweens preferred to enjoy activities with their parents while on vacation.

When presented with different criteria they look forward to when planning multi-gen vacations, the priority was on time spent together as a family, with options for activities (54 per cent), restaurants (54 per cent), large accommodations/connecting rooms (45 per cent) and the rare opportunity to have everyone in one place (36 per cent) valued most.

Marriott is bringing a new all-inclusive concept to Cancun

August 2, 2024 No Comments

Marriott Hotels recently announced the grand opening of its newest property, Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort.

This debut marks a new era for Marriott Hotels as its first all-inclusive resort, inviting guests of all ages and generations to immerse themselves in enriching experiences, captivating entertainment, and vibrant local culture.

Marriott Hotels’ foray into the all-inclusive market underscores its dedication to meeting the increasing demand for multigenerational travel experiences.

About Marriott Cancun

Marriott Cancun features a comprehensive range of amenities and services designed to cater to every guest’s needs.

The resort features 450 newly redesigned guestrooms, including 124 premium ocean view rooms and 38 suites with balconies offering breathtaking vistas of the azure waters. For those seeking ultimate indulgence, the two Presidential Suites epitomize luxury, featuring a large balcony that overlooks Cancun’s pristine beaches to the east and a beautiful terrace with views of the Nichupte Lagoon and its nuanced sunsets to the west.

Each room showcases contemporary decor, well-appointed bathrooms, and daily replenished mini bars, ensuring a harmonious fusion of comfort and convenience throughout each guest’s stay.

 

Diverse dining

Guests can embark on a culinary journey with 13 diverse dining options, including everything from Mexican cuisine and innovative Japanese dishes to poolside pizzerias and refreshing ceviche served in a tropical oasis.

The heart of the resort, the Greatroom Lobby Bar offers stunning ocean vistas and a sophisticated ambiance for socializing over creative cocktails. Indulge at HANA Polynesian Grill, starting with a tropical breakfast buffet and culminating in dinner on an enchanting terrace featuring Polynesian-inspired delicacies.

For a taste of Tulum-inspired cuisine, Sacbé Beach Shack delivers flavorful dishes, perfect for enjoying under the sun or in the shade. The resort’s burgers and shakes spot serves up a taste of nostalgia with its classic counter seating and family-friendly atmosphere, while Alice’s Tamale Ritual makes its rounds throughout the resort daily with its mobile food cart, bringing guests together for a delicious and enlightening culinary experience.

To learn more about Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, click here.

New AI app helps travellers build an itinerary out of anything

July 31, 2024 No Comments

 Mindtrip, an AI powered platform that empowers everyone to travel differently, today announced the launch of Start Anywhere, a powerful new functionality giving travellers, for the first time, the ability to instantly build their very own dream itineraries from any point of inspiration.

Be it content from a travel site, a Creator’s post on social channels, or a well-known publication, Start Anywhere empowers travelers to simply capture a screen grab or URL, upload it to Mindtrip and in seconds, Mindtrip processes the content and produces a full blown customizable list or an itinerary.

From leisure and adventure travel, to business and group travel, Start Anywhere breaks users out of the confines of a travel platform’s walls and caters to the fluid way that people plan and experience travel.

“People don’t plan travel in a linear fashion, yet the travel industry continues to offer only platforms that do just that,” said Andy Moss, Co-founder and CEO of Mindtrip. “However, at Mindtrip, we believe that planning for the adventure should be as fun as the adventure itself. We’ve developed Start Anywhere to enable people everywhere to turn all of the incredible travel content online into something actionable. You want recommendations for 36 hours in Miami? Now you have it. With reports showing that 75 percent of people find travel inspiration on social sites or online, we are excited to see what travelers do with this game-changing technology and how it will transform the way we all approach planning vacations.”

How to use Start Anywhere

Designed with a social savvy audience in mind, Start Anywhere’s functionality is incredibly easy to use. Users simply sign up for a Mindtrip account, capture either the URL of a travel website, blog post, YouTube video, or a screenshot of travel content on instagram, tiktok or from a favorite publication, and upload it to Mindtrip. In seconds Mindtrip’s AI platform translates the contents into a full-blown itinerary, with recommended things to do, where to go, and places to eat listed for each day, based on account preferences and the content provided.

Should a user have already booked a hotel or flight, Start Anywhere also delivers. Users just have to upload a screenshot of their receipt or forward a confirmation email to Mindtrip and the site will provide a robust itinerary that matches the receipts dates and locations of travel.

Start Anywhere also empowers Creators to generate additional revenue streams. In just a few steps, Creators simply sign up for the Mindtrip Creator program, generate their own Mindtrip magic link, and embed it into every piece of travel content they produce. Links can be placed wherever the Creator sees fit— in descriptions, posts, bios, comments and more. When someone clicks on the Creator’s Magic link, Mindtrip generates an individualized itinerary or list based on the Creator’s content, turning their valuable recommendations into customizable and actionable travel plans for their audience. Mindtrip pays Creators for each new registered user on the Mindtrip platform, delivering an opportunity for Creators to earn extra cash by doing exactly what they love, while generating more value for their followers.

For more information about Mindtrip and its Start Anywhere functionality, visit: Mindtrip.ai.

Swan Hellenic reveals 10 Maris gourmet cruises with Michelin chefs

July 26, 2024 No Comments

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer Swan Hellenic has just unveiled its 2025 Maris gourmet cruises aboard the elegant designer ships SH Diana and SH Vega.

Each of these exclusive Maris voyages showcases the outstanding creativity of one of the world-famous chefs in the gourmet organization JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs – all rising stars under 40 who have already won international accolades, including from Michelin.

 

10 curated culinary cruises

For 2025, Maris offers a choice of ten expertly curated cruises from the Arctic to Europe and the Mediterranean, nine on SH Diana and one on SH Vega, each a unique experience of exceptional fine dining and discovery.

Serving a different signature dish every night, the Maris chef surprises and delights throughout the voyage, leading up to an extraordinary Gala Dinner that displays their full creativity and skills, inspired by a passion for tradition, sustainability and quality local ingredients. Sharing their expertise, the Maris chef also puts on a cooking show that reveals secrets of their art, and leads gastronomic excursions ashore to explore the local hunting, fishing, farming, foraging and culinary traditions and specialties.

And of course, every Maris chef also mixes and socializes with guests throughout their voyage in the Swan Hellenic tradition.

It is this extraordinary combination that makes Maris an irresistible experience in high-end cruise gastronomy.

Star chefs for 2025

The JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs star chefs lined up for the 2025 Maris sailings include (in order of sailing):

  • Heribert Dietrich from Switzerland (Michelin Star – 9 nights on SH Diana exploring Europe’s Atlantic coast, departing Lisbon for Portsmouth on 12 May 2025)
  • Kevin Lejeune from Belgium (Michelin Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, leaving Portsmouth for Dublin on 21 May 2025),
  • Philippe Deslarzes from Switzerland (Michelin star – 8 nights on SH Diana, departing Reykjavik for an Iceland Circumnavigation on 02 June 2025
  • Herman Cooijmans from the Netherlands (10 nights on SH Diana, departing Tromsø for the fjords and on to Amsterdam on 21 July 2025)
  • Franco Körperich from Switzerland (8 nights on SH Vega, sailing from Reykjavik for an Iceland circumnavigation on 31 July)
  • David Goerne from France (Michelin Green Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, departing Amsterdam for Lisbon on 31 July 2025 to experience the historic ports of Europe’s Atlantic seaboard)
  • Federico Pettenuzzo from Italy (Michelin Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, sailing from Lisbon on 11 August to follow Africa’s north coast to Palermo)
  • Alberto Basso from Italy (10 nights on SH Diana, departing Palermo for Venice on 22 August)
  • Lukas Nagl from Austria (8 nights on SH Diana to explore the Classical World, leaving Venice for Piraeus on 1 September)
  • Steffen Disch from Germany (Michelin Star – 9 nights on SH Diana, departing Istanbul for Limassol on 17 September)

Two series of cruises in the 2025 Maris selection – all aboard SH Diana – can be daisy-chained to create unforgettable voyages of gastronomic exploration: a double voyage from Lisbon in May and a choice of double or triple culinary discovery from Amsterdam in August.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, visit www.swanhellenic.com.

Arizona’s first Grand Hyatt is opening this October

July 24, 2024 No Comments

With a phased full property renovation under way, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch expects to unveil its highly anticipated $115 million property-wide renovation and rebrand to Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort in early October 2024, marking the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona.

Guests can choose from various room types to suit their needs, ranging from residential-style luxury casitas to king and queen bed accommodations and accessible rooms. Every guest room on property features a multi-purpose living space, a spa-inspired bathroom, and a private balcony or patio.

Optimal for groups of friends and families, the resort’s casitas offer separate living spaces for entertaining and gathering. They are also equipped with a kitchenette and dual bathrooms with sweeping views of the resort’s pool and surrounding golf course.

Culinary and more

Come October, the resort will debut four new food and beverage concepts – La Zozzona (Modern Italian Chophouse), Tiki Taka (global small plates), Mesa Centrale (Southwestern grill), and Grand Vista Lounge (lobby bar). The property has already introduced two new poolside concepts – Sandbar and H2Oasis.

The restaurants are spearheaded by celebrated chef and James Beard nominated cookbook author, Richard Blais.

Outside, guests will uncover a new aquatic wonderland with the resort’s upgraded 10-acre destination pool complex and expanded cabanas, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, excitement, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The 2.5-acre outdoor oasis features 10 unique swimming pools and a pristine sand beach. At the heart of the complex stands a thrilling three-story, high-speed waterslide, promising excitement for adventure enthusiasts of all ages, while a tranquil whirlpool spa offers a haven for relaxation seekers. For those looking for more activities, a beachside putting green provides a novel touch to this already exceptional escape.

To learn more about the property, visit hyattregencyscottsdale.com.

One&Only Kéa Island, Greece is now welcoming guests

July 10, 2024 No Comments

One&Only opens their second Greek resort, One&Only Kéa Island, bringing the wonders of the Aegean to life.

Set on an untapped island, just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Athens, the resort celebrates authentic Mediterranean living, surrounded by untouched landscapes, deep blue seas, secluded beaches, and charming villages. The launch of One&Only Kéa Island follows the successful 2023 opening of One&Only Aesthesis, Athens, the brand’s debut resort in Greece.

Unlocking the destination, One&Only Kéa Island Resort and Private Homes is set on a dramatic 65-hectare beachfront site on the ruggedly beautiful west coast of Kéa in the Cyclades.

The first ultra-luxury offering on the island, this all-villa resort boasts contemporary cliffside villas, each with its own private infinity pool overlooking panoramic sea views. Immersing guests in the natural rhythms of the island, the resort offers elevated Greek cuisine, holistic wellbeing, and curated experiences that celebrate the natural, nautical, and cultural charms of the Cyclades. 

Aegean wonder

Designed by acclaimed architect John Heah, the resort’s 63 villas and collection of private homes pay homage to Kéa’s architectural traditions. Hand-cut local stone and Greek marble feature prominently in the designs, complementing other Cycladic elements such as lofty atriums, white-washed walls, pergolas, and rounded archways.

Perched on a stunning cliffside, the resort’s main arrival building and cluster of villas create a village-style atmosphere, whilst maintaining a sense of space and privacy. With a choice of one or two bedrooms, the villas capture the quintessential island spirit with expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, designed for alfresco living. The first free-hold branded residences in Greece, a limited collection of private homes are available to purchase. Located on the opposite side of Vroskopos Bay, they range from one-bedroom to six-bedroom villas with infinity-edge pools, spacious entertaining areas, native gardens, and sweeping sea views. 

Island bounty abounds

One&Only Kéa Island celebrates the island’s culinary secrets showcasing produce from the land and sea, working with local skilled artisans, farmers and fishermen. The resort’s restaurants and bars showcase the island’s seasonal natural bounty and traditions, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an authentic Mediterranean diet.  

Located at the heart of the resort, Atria, the resort’s lively restaurant, serves refined Greek cuisine and family-style dishes featuring fresh catch of the day, locally farmed meats, homegrown herbs and produce. Shifting moods throughout the day, Kosmos lounge offers everything from freshly pressed juices and afternoon tea to cocktails on the sea-view terrace as the sun goes down.  

Sailing in the most picturesque views, the Kaiki pool bar, is the perfect spot to enjoy relaxed bites and creative cocktails by the resort’s impressive infinity pool with awe-inspiring views of the Aegean Sea beyond. Meanwhile, Èpicora wine bar, celebrates a more intimate experience with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie boards paired with Greek and international wines. Keeping some secrets of its own, Incognito speakeasy bar is hidden behind an unmarked door, boasting a selection of rare rums, fine whiskies, and Cuban-inspired cocktails in an intimate setting for just 20 guests. 

 

Whether it’s basking in the sunlight or dancing by the sea, Bond Beach Club is the Cyclades’ most alluring new destination and is set to become one of the most captivating beach clubs in the region.

Embracing barefoot luxury, Bond Beach Club captures the spirited yet laidback energy synonymous with Greek summer. A place where guests can spend long lost afternoons with their toes in the sand, enjoying bold Mediterranean and Asian flavours, masterful mixology and curated wines coupled with vibrant tunes from the resident DJs.

For those looking to stop by for lunch or dinner, there is a jetty from which you can access the beach from your boat.

For reservations or more information, visit: oneandonlyresorts.com/kea-island. 

London calling: A night at Westminster’s five-star boutique hotel, The Londoner

July 8, 2024 No Comments

It’s not usually the loo that’s the first thing that catches my attention when entering a hotel room, but this one quite literally took me by surprise.

Before slipping into the plush robe and slippers that I hoped were waiting for me in the closet, I grabbed my phone to capture a video of my spacious quarters at The Londoner to share on Instagram — as one does to be the envy of those stuck at work back home — while the bed was still in pristine condition. As I stepped backwards to get a better angle of the soaking tub, my movement triggered the sensor-activated toilet lid behind me. I turned my gaze and was impressed to find that this wasn’t an average run-of-the-mills toilet but a premium self cleaning Japanese Toto Washlet with a heated seat. What luxury! 

From a secret whisky room to a spa that’s four levels below Leicester Square, there’s even more to The Londoner than meets the eye.

For peat's sake

Home to 350 hotel rooms and suites, The Londoner offers a mix of bars and restaurants that are open to the public, as well as spaces that are exclusive for hotel guests only. As a scotch aficionado — the peatier the better in my books — I was immediately drawn to The Whisky Room.

“Hidden behind a secret door in our guest-only residence is The Whisky Room, which is a velvet-lined parlour boasting some of the rarest and most exclusive whiskies you can find in London,” explains Patrick Katzenberg, the hotel’s general manager. “Our collection includes over 50 bottles spanning the world, dating back to pre-prohibition America (1903), from distilleries that closed many years ago, and from batches of less than a thousand ever made. Some of our favourites are the Karuizawa 42-Year-Old and the Glenfiddich Time Re:Imagined Series.”

Once you locate the secret entrance through the powder room, you can even stash a private bottle that’s kept in a secure spot until your next visit. Looking for something special? The Londoner is the only hotel in the world to house Glenfiddich’s Time Re:Imagined collection featuring three luxury single malts developed over 30, 40 and 50 years.

Deep relaxation starts here

Towering over London with views of Big Ben and the London Eye, The Londoner rises up eight floors from Leicester Square. But what’s not visible from the exterior is that it also transcends six floors down. It’s here, four levels below the bustling streets, where you find the hotel’s serene pool and spa area. 

“The Retreat is one of our most beautiful spaces, which is an entire floor dedicated to wellness experiences,” says Katzenberg. “We have an aquamarine pool and hydropool surrounded by private cabanas, a sauna, steam room, hair salon and gentlemen’s grooming parlour.” Services include deep tissue and relaxation massages as well as a CBD hibernation massage.

“For spa treatments, we work with luxury, sustainable brands to provide intensely rejuvenating experiences, from a gold hydralifting facial to a pre-natal massage,” he says. “The Retreat is also home to a stunning fully-equipped gym, yoga studio and Refuel bar, with serves delicious superfoods and smoothies perfect for a post-workout boost.”

The epitome of luxury

Conceived as a “super boutique hotel,” The Londoner is known for its lavish rooms and suites, but the crème de la crème is the luxurious Tower Penthouse, a two-storey suite complete with a Calcutta Tucci marble bar and unforgettable views of the skyline. 

“It epitomizes luxury living in the heart of London. What sets The Tower Penthouse apart is the little additions that make a stay truly memorable,” he adds. “These include a complimentary beverage trolley tailored to our guests’ preferences, as well as a visit from our mixologist to create any concoctions you may desire. In addition, a Fortnum & Mason luxury hamper, Olivia von Halle pyjamas, curated itinerary of unique cultural experiences and much more await in this spectacular suite.”

This story first appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. To subscribe to the magazine, click here. 

Why does this hotel look like it’s made of giant Jenga blocks?

June 14, 2024 No Comments

While doing a lazy backstroke in the lagoon pool, my eyes gravitate to the constellation of lights reflected in the mirrored ceiling five storeys above.

All that’s on my mind is relaxation and the illuminated eye candy – not thoughts of hallmark sustainability, biophilic design, or carbon sequestering.

 

But, I will eventually wrap my head around all the eco coolness of this design hotel of all design hotels – the Pan Pacific Orchard in Singapore.

To be honest, my wife, Kerry, and I chose to stay at the Pan Pacific Orchard because it’s uniquely beautiful and luxurious, not because it has a bio-digester that transforms food waste into water that can be used for cleaning.

After all, the 23-storey, 347-room hotel, which opened in June 2023, is an architectural wonder resembling a tower constructed of giant Jenga blocks. Its most marvelous features are four, 22-metre-tall terraces scooped out of its vertical facade.

The second-floor Forest Terrace is for the open-air lobby and bar; the fifth-floor Beach Terrace for the lagoon pool; the 11th-floor Garden Terrace for the cabana lawn and patios of the Pacific Club Lounge and Florette Champagne & Oyster Bar; and the 18th-floor Cloud Terrace for the outdoor convention space.

Each guest room overlooks one of the terraces and the balcony of each room juts into the terrace’s air space.

“It creates four vertical, curated, themed and symmetrical ecosystems,” said Pan Pacific Orchard director of communications Teresa Koh as she showed my wife and I around.

“We’re very proud to be a luxury hotel that at its core is all about responsible sustainability.”

It doesn’t hurt that all this environmental consciousness is uber-chic and eye-catching.

The two exposed support columns either side of the hotel are covered in vines that are now creeping across the building and dripping from the terraces.

More than 100 other species of plants, shrubs and trees, including all those palms on the pool terrace, end up covering 300% of the hotel’s base land area in lush foliage. The greenery and the terrace’s designs result in self-shading, that aforementioned natural cross ventilation, carbon sequestering and air purification. Singapore-based WOHA Architects, a biophilic specialist, designed the hotel to be an iconic slice of nature in an otherwise largely concrete-and-glass megatropolis.

The Green Mark Platinum Certification was awarded for solar panels on the roof that power all common areas, collected rainwater keeping the terrace ecosystems lush, the previously mentioned bio digester and Swisspro water filtration systems in every room eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles.

All in all, it makes Pan Pacific Orchard the new prototype for high rise tropical hospitality.

Guest rooms are compact and well-designed with comfy beds and high-end linens and that balcony that juts out into the terrace air space. We lounge at the lagoon pool; sip signature cocktails called Cloud and Forest (in a nod to the terrace themes) at Florette; eat crispy pork at Mosella restaurant; and take breakfast, afternoon tea and happy hour in Pacific Club Lounge on the garden terrace.

Pan Pacific has 50 hotels and resorts in 30 cities in Asia, Europe and North America under the Pan Pacific, Parkroyal and Parkroyal Collection banners, including Pan Pacifics in Vancouver, Whistler and Toronto

In April, Air Canada started flying four times a week between Vancouver and Singapore, the only non-stops connecting Canada with the multicultural, Asian city state of six million people. In fact, it’s the longest flight Air Canada operates at 16 hours and 10 minutes Vancouver-Singapore. One-way fares on the quick, quiet and comfortable Boeing Dreamliner 787 start at $734.

Hotel rates for Pan Orchard start at around SG$440.

For more information, visit www.aircanada.com and www.panpacific.com.

—STORY BY: STEVE MACNAULL