This luxury tour operator just added Africa to its travel portfolio

March 25, 2024 No Comments

Classic Vacations, a global luxury travel company, is expanding its portfolio to include luxury offerings on a new continent: Africa.

Classic’s Africa portfolio launches with a range of carefully crafted itineraries designed to highlight southern Africa’s most iconic destinations and hidden gems. Whether travellers are seeking adventure in the wilderness, cultural immersion in vibrant cities, or just relaxation, there will be a tour to suit every taste and interest.

“Our diverse product offerings now span from city experiences in iconic destinations such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Livingstone, and Victoria Falls to unforgettable safari adventures in Kruger National Park, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. At Classic, we pride ourselves on curating exceptional experiences, and our newest additions promise to deliver even more to immerse travelers in the beauty and excitement that this magnificent region offers,” said Joelle Apilado, vice-president of product, Classic Vacations.

“Africa offers a wealth of unique experiences that our customers are asking for. Add that to our preferred luxury accommodations and curated VIP service, and travelers are guaranteed to create memories that last a lifetime,” she concluded.

To learn more about Classic Vacations and its new Africa trips, visit www.classicvacations.com.

Eurail is adding more routes for those who crave “slow travel”

March 6, 2024 No Comments

Eurail has partnered with its rail network to offer customers new cross-border routes, new partnerships with rail carriers, and new itineraries to explore.

In 2023, Eurail sold more than 1,000,000 passes for the first time in the company’s history. For travellers looking for an authentic, slow travel experience, Eurail is an increasingly popular choice.

Highlights for 2024

Some timely highlights include:

  • New night trains from Brussels or Paris to Berlin: The ÖBB Nightjet routes will now connect Brussels and Paris to Berlin, replacing the formerly known City Night Line train that last operated in 2014. Travelers can now experience this route again three times a week with the European Sleeper and ÖBB Nightjet through reservations.
  • New cross-border train connecting Vilnius to Riga: Cross-border rail services are back between Lithuania and Latvia, connecting Vilnius and Riga while passing through Siauliai. This development will allow passengers to travel efficiently and comfortably from Poland through all three Baltic countries.
  • A New, state-of-the-art night train, connecting Vienna, Innsbruck, and Hamburg: ÖBB Nightjet began their brand new ‘Nightjet of the new Generation’ connecting Vienna, Innsbruck, and Hamburg, featuring the first mini cabins designed for one person.
  • New cross border train, connecting Subotica to Szeged: This route fills a missing gap in the network connecting Subotica and Szeged and makes travel across the region more accessible, especially between Belgrade and Budapest.
  • The BOB (Berner Oberland Railway) is now fully included in the Eurail Pass: Travelers can now visit one of the world’s most beautiful valleys and discover the highlights of the Jungfrau region. From Interlaken to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, and further on to Wengen via the Wengernalp Railway (WAB), all in one Pass.

For more information, visit www.eurail.com.

Marriott Miches Beach to open in Dominican Republic

February 23, 2024 No Comments

Marriott International will soon welcome Marriott Miches Beach, an all-inclusive resort, currently the Sunrise Miches Beach Resort in Dominican Republic.

Set to undergo a conversion process commencing in the second quarter of 2024, the resort is slated to open its doors under the Marriott Hotels brand in the first quarter of 2025.

Nestled on a sprawling 62-acre site in the enchanting locale of Miches, within a 60-minute ride distance of the Punta Cana International Airport, the resort boasts nearly 1,000 feet of pristine beachfront. It will feature 498 rooms, with balconies and terraces, and select accommodations offering private swim-up pools.

Following the announcement of the first Marriott All-Inclusive Resort, in Cancun (Mexico) in late 2023 (set to open in March 2024), the Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort, Dominican Republic, joins a portfolio of worldwide properties debuting into Marriott Hotels All-Inclusive flagship throughout 2024 and 2025, including Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort and Marriott Djerba, An All-Inclusive Resort – Tunisia.

 

Five-star luxury hotel will transform Toronto’s skyline

January 31, 2024 No Comments

An $800 million-dollar skyscraper is set to debut at Adelaide and Duncan streets in Toronto.

Dreamed up by real estate developer Peter Freed of Freed Developments, the first-ever Freed Hotel and Residences tower will bring both Katsuya by Sam Nazarian’s Disruptive Group by sbe and artwork by renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to Toronto. 

Designed by Chicago-based tall building experts Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, renowned for the next world’s tallest and most luxurious skyscraper Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, as well as  Central Park Tower in New York, the project will feature 100 five-star luxury hotel rooms and 400 luxury condominiums with a world class Skybar/restaurant on the 63rd floor, boutique spa, and a 10,000 sq ft Katsuya Restaurant on the 2nd floor.

 

Key features & design elements

Key features of the Freed Hotel and Residences project include:

  • Freed Hotel Debut: Freed Hotel and Residences marks the introduction of the first-ever Freed hotel in Canada, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, style, and sophistication through hotel-style living.
  • Multi-Functional Tower: The project will feature 100 luxury hotel rooms and 400 luxury condominiums with a world class Skybar/restaurant on the 63rd floor.
  • Katsuya, Contemporary Japanese Restaurant: The hotel will house the exquisite Katsuya Japanese restaurant by Sam Nazarian’s Disruptive Group by sbe on the second floor.
  • Takashi Murakami Art Integration: Takashi Murakami will bring forward his famous artwork, “Together with the flower parent and child,” that will be featured prominently inside the lobby of the first-ever Freed Hotel and Residences.
  • Amenities include: 62nd floor Sky Lobby with grand staircase leading to 63rd floor restaurant and bar featuring 70 ft tall space below a sloping skylight, boutique spa, terrace and outdoor garden, private spaces for entertaining and dining, fitness and yoga studio, private theater room, valet parking and full-service concierge, and more.

The Freed Hotel and Residences is scheduled to begin sales in March 2024 and will be located at 240 Adelaide Street West. 

Potential buyers can expect a diverse range of units ranging from 270 sq.ft. to over 9,800 sq.ft. For further information on Freed Developments, click here. 

Hyatt Hotels is adding 35 luxury hotels for 2025

December 8, 2023 No Comments

Hyatt Hotels has plans to open 35 luxury hotels and resorts globally through 2025 across the Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Miraval, Alila, Andaz, Thompson Hotels, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brands, as well as Inclusive Collection brands Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts and Dreams Resorts & Spas.

Hyatt has doubled the number of luxury rooms, tripled the number of resort rooms, and quadrupled the number of lifestyle rooms in only five years.

With 70 per cent of its rooms categorized as luxury and upper upscale, the Hyatt portfolio has grown to meet increased demands for luxury and resort accommodations while upholding consistent, top-tier quality, personalized experiences, and bespoke service.

Keeping up with tourist demand

Travel and tourism are expected to increase by approximately 12 per cent of global GDP by 2033 according to a recent World Travel & Tourism Council report.

In turn, Hyatt’s luxury portfolio is expanding to meet that demand in new international markets.

This includes the debut of Park Hyatt hotels in the U.K., Mexico, and Malaysia; the Thompson Hotel brand’s expansion in Europe with the first properties in Austria and Italy; the Andaz brand’s growth in the Americas with its first hotel in the Caribbean; The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand’s first properties in the Nordics and India; as well as Hyatt luxury growth in the trending destination of Portugal, with the planned openings of Andaz Lisbon and Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina.

Hyatt hotels coming 2025

The following luxury Hyatt properties will open through 2025:

Timeless Collection 

Timeless Collection hotels deliver the comforts of a home away from home with a consistently elevated experience, with exciting openings including:

  • Park Hyatt
    • Park Hyatt Marrakech (early 2024)
    • Park Hyatt London River Thames (mid 2024)
    • Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol (2024)
    • Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (mid 2024)
    • Park Hyatt Changsha (2024)
    • Park Hyatt Johannesburg (2025)
    • Park Hyatt Cancun (2025)
    • Park Hyatt Phu Quoc (2025)
    • Park Hyatt Taipei (2025)
    • Grand Hyatt
    • Grand Hyatt Kunming (2024)
    • Grand Hyatt Mexico City Santa Fe (2025)
    • Grand Hyatt Cancun Beach Resort (2025)
    • Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences (2025)
    • Grand Hyatt The Red Sea (2025)

Boundless Collection

Boundless Collection hotels that will make their debut and deliver best-in-class offerings and compelling experiences designed to excite and inspire, include:

  • Miraval
    • Miraval, The Red Sea (2025)
  • Alila
    • Alila Shanghai (late 2024)
    • Alila Dalit Bay (2025)
    • Alila Dongao Island (2025)
  • Andaz
    • Andaz Doha (mid 2024)
    • Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht (renovation unveiling mid 2024)
    • Andaz Miami Beach (late 2024)
    • Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay (2025)
    • Andaz Lisbon (2025)
    • Andaz Bangkok (2025)
  • Thompson Hotels
    • Thompson Houston (2024)
    • Thompson Palm Springs (2024)
    • Thompson South Beach (2024)
    • Thompson Vienna (early 2025)
    • Thompson Rome (early 2025)
    • Thompson Monterrey (2025)
    • Thompson Shanghai (2025)

Independent Collection

Independent Collection hotels are all unique – from storied properties and vibrant neighborhood locales to immersive retreats. New openings include:

  • The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
    • Hotel Toranomon Hills (2023)
    • Grand Hansa Hotel (2024)
    • Noor-Us-Sabah Palace (2025)

Inclusive Collection

Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt, resorts deliver immersive, elevated experiences where everything is seamlessly included, with expected new resorts including:

  • Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts
    • Zoëtry Halkidiki (mid 2024)
  • Dreams Resorts & Spas
    • Dreams Estrella Del Mar Mazatlan (mid 2024)
    • Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina (mid 2024)

For information on Hyatt’s existing brand portfolio, please visit www.hyatt.com.

This Canadian airline is now flying to 31 new European cities

October 4, 2023 No Comments

WestJet guests will gain access to 31 additional cities across 11 European countries from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) through an expansion of WestJet’s codeshare agreement with Air France.

As a result of a successful 10-year partnership, the two airlines have connected millions of travellers between Canada and Europe with the convenience of one-ticket and the ability to earn WestJet Dollars throughout their entire journey.

Previously, WestJet and Air France’s code share agreement included 22 destinations through Charles De Gaulle Airport, all of which will be maintained as the number of onward destinations in Europe now grows to 53 which will be accessible as part of the WestJet network.

Due to exceptional demand for its seasonal service to the city of love, WestJet has extended service between Calgaryand Paris to now operate year-round. The once seasonal route will continue to fly on WestJet’s 787 Dreamliner up to seven days per week during peak travel periods and function as the ideal connection hub for our guests to seamlessly connect onto Air France to these additional destinations.

Stunning hotel opens inside a palace on island of Madeira

September 25, 2023 No Comments

The Reserve is an exclusive luxury hotel concept set within the renowned Savoy Palace in Madeira, Portugal.

At The Reserve, every detail is carefully curated to create a truly exceptional stay. From the moment their booking is confirmed at this premier hideaway, they are connected with their own GEPA (The Reserve’s acronym for Guest Experience Personal Assistant), via email and WhatsApp, which tailors and prepares the stay to the guests’ specific requests and requirements prior to arrival.

To ensure a seamless visit, guests staying at The Reserve and Savoy Palace can enjoy the signature private car service (for an extra fee) upon their arrival and departure at Madeira International Airport, allowing for a smooth and hassle-free transition and being the perfect addition to the meet and greet service at the airport, which is complimentary to all guests at The Reserve on both arrival and departure.

Once guests arrive at the hotel, a dedicated private elevator will take them from the street-level lobby to the 16th floor of the Savoy Palace building where guests will find the Jacarandá Lounge & Club – the heart of The Reserve. Here guests will find a stunning rooftop pool, offering a panoramic view of Funchal, exclusive to The Reserve guests, which further enhances the already VIP experience. 

Contemporary suites

The Reserve presents an array of 40 elegantly appointed rooms designed to cater to various preferences. The spacious pool suites offer a private sanctuary, with a personal terrace and very own plunge pool; while the deluxe rooms provide a cozy retreat with serene sea views of the breathtaking Funchal Bay.

Every suite is thoughtfully furnished with lavish bedding and contemporary amenities, assuring the highest degree of comfort and relaxation within an ambiance of unmatched privacy and luxury.

The decor in the rooms consists of four different color palettes inspired by the colors and flora of the beautiful island of Madeira. 

Central to the concept of The Reserve is the dedicated GEPA available around the clock. As the single point of contact for all guest needs, the GEPA liaises with all hotel departments and external parties and manages, monitors, adjusts and adapts the different aspects of the guest’s stay and activities in the island to ensure a flawless and personalized visit tailored to each guest’s desires. 

With its soft opening scheduled for Dec. 1 and grand opening for Jan. 15, 2024, The Reserve is poised to become the ultimate destination for discerning travelers seeking an extraordinary experience in Madeira Island, Portugal. 

Nine new Nile river cruises available for 2025

September 11, 2023 No Comments

Voyages on Viking Cruises’ newest Nile River ship, the Viking Sobek, are now available for booking. Set to debut in 2025, the Viking Sobek will join the company’s growing fleet as its sixth ship sailing the popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

With Viking’s 2024 Egypt season nearly sold out and 2025 selling well, strong demand has led to an early opening of the Viking Sobek’s inaugural season and 2026 departure dates across the entire Nile River fleet.

Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Sobek is inspired by Viking’s river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. The Viking Sobek is the identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris, which debuted in 2022, the Viking Aton, which debuted in 2023, and the Viking Hathor, which will debut in 2024.

Other ships in Viking’s Egypt fleet include the Viking Ra and the MS Antares; with the addition of the Viking Sobek, Viking will have six ships sailing the Nile River by 2025.

Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary

During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids  itinerary, guests begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Saqqara (also known as “Sakkara”) and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.

Guests then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, featuring privileged access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings, and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a colourful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school.

Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.

For guests looking to extend their journey, Viking also offers pre and post extensions that provide privileged access to archives and exhibits.

Additional offerings include a new three-night Pre-Extension in Istanbul, where guests can visit the timeless city and important religious sites including the “Blue Mosque” and the legendary Hagia Sophia.

Before their voyage, guests can also choose to extend their journey in Jerusalem, exploring the ancient history and vibrant culture of Israel’s fascinating capital. After concluding the river voyage, guests can also extend the journey with a 4-night Post-Extension to Jordan – Petra, Dead Sea & Amman to view Roman antiquities at Jerash, Crusader-era castles at Kerak or Shobak and experience the lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Adults only hotel with 18 bars opens in Costa Mujeres

August 23, 2023 No Comments

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has added the TRS Coral Hotel in Costa Mujeres to the Registry Collection Hotels brand portfolio.

The hotel, which is operated by Palladium Hotel Group, is located in Quintana Roo, north of the Yucatan peninsula, one of the most recognized areas of the Mexican Caribbean known for its white sand beaches and turquoise water, along with its proximity to natural reserves and cultural attractions.

About TRS Coral Hotel

TRS Coral Hotel, a Registry Collection Hotel, is an all-inclusive, adults-only destination with each building equipped with an energy saving system built with sustainability in mind.

The hotel features 469 luxury suites with a furnished balcony or terrace, and offers guests direct access to the beach, an exclusive pool, gym and a private beach club. Guests can also enjoy the Zentropia Palladium Wellness & Spa, a space dedicated to relaxation and wellness. The spa is equipped with service booths, a magnificent thermal area, and therapists specializing in all types of beauty treatments. 

TRS Coral Hotel also offers spectacular cuisine across its 18 bars, five exclusive à la carte restaurants with five-star service, two international buffet restaurants, an Italian Mediterranean restaurant, a steakhouse, and three Asian restaurants, as well as a 24-hour sports bar and the “Chic Cabaret & Restaurant”, a space where gastronomy and entertainment share the stage. 

For sports-lovers, the hotel boasts the first “Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre” in the world, with a museum which holds official replicas of 4 Grand Slam trophies, Masters 1000 Trophies and the Davis Cup that was won in 2008.

The sports complex, listed by fans as “The New Paradise of Tennis”, has 8 tennis courts (4 outdoor and 4 indoor), a football field, a paddle court, a shop with sports products and a bar-cafeteria.

New international train ticketing platform launches in Canada

June 12, 2023 No Comments

International rail ticketing platform, Rail Online, has launched in the U.S. and Canada.

Rail Online is a new rail booking platform, offering fairer fares for American and Canadian passengers, with carrier fare price matching, instant refunds on e-tickets and, most importantly, no foreign currency transaction fees, with customers able to book in local US or Canadian dollars.

About Rail Online

Founded in 2019 by Australian tourism and transport expert, James Dunne, Rail Online allows North American travellers to book UK, European, and North American rail travel via one single platform.

Customers can currently book tickets with Amtrak (US), VIA Rail (Canada), National Rail (UK), and SCNF (France, including Eurostar), with further networks to follow, including Trenitalia (Italy), which will be introduced to the platform in the coming weeks.

Eurail passes, for travel itineraries across Europe, are also currently available to book via the Rail Online website.Rail Online is committed to maximising convenience for customers whilst also eliminating the paper waste associated with rail travel, delivering e-tickets for both domestic and international travel direct to the customer within minutes of booking.