Dominican Republic Archives

This tour operator is launching a bunch of private jet tours to some of the hottest destinations

September 2, 2022 No Comments

Remote Lands, the luxury tour operator offering bespoke travel and small-group private jet journeys is proud to announce their newest expedition within their remarkable travel collection. From Jan. 21, 2023, to Feb. 4, 2023, Remote Lands will offer an extraordinary itinerary through the United States, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Throughout this 14-night journey, just 14 guests will fly aboard a gorgeous Global Express 6000 jet and stay in five sumptuous AMAN properties for a magnificent travel experience.

New York (Jan. 21-23)

Guests will begin their journey at the newly opened Aman New York in New York City, home to world-class museums, rousing Broadway performances and acclaimed restaurants and nightlife. With 83 guest rooms and suites designed by renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy in the iconic Crown Building in the heart of midtown Manhattan at 57^th Street and Fifth Avenue, guests will enjoy their very own metropolitan adventure. Itinerary options will include unmissable stops to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), Central Park, Empire State Building, a private helicopter tour and much more.

Bermuda and Turks & Caicos (Jan. 23-26)

En route to Turks and Caicos is a touch down on the British colonial island of Bermuda, where guests will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George Old Town and walk on the incredible pink sand beaches.

Delving deeper into the tropics is Turks and Caicos, at the southern tip of the Bahamian Archipelago with the some of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs and beaches. Guests will have flexibility in choosing from an array of activities on both land and sea, including house reef snorkeling, kiteboarding, hobie cat sailing, yacht excursions and more. A beachside cocktail party with a well-known marine biologist as well as a kayak eco-tour spotlighting the iguana sanctuary and coastal ecology of the island rounds out the stay. For this leg of the journey, guests will stay in Amanyara’s fabulous Pavilions nestled amidst 18,000 acres of tranquil nature preserves.

Dominican Republic (Jan. 26 – 29)

The third stop on the jet adventure is the Dominican Republic, one of the Caribbean’s most geographically diverse countries touting rich, cultural experiences perfect for the curious traveler. Itinerary highlights include immersive day trips into the destination’s very best gems: Colonial Santo Domingo, a quaint fifteenth-century city and Puerto Plata, the oldest town in the area that offers spectacular city and coast views. Additional options include a private ceviche cooking class with a top local chef as well as reef and wreck diving in Sosua amidst 20 different dive sites. To celebrate the very best of the traditions within the Dominican Republic, a private rum and cigar class led by Juan Carlos Albert of Arturo Fuento will educate guests on how to blend, roll and distinguish cigars.

Guests will stay at Amanera, a luxurious sanctuary located around a verdant jungle with panoramic ocean views, perched above the golden sands of Playa Grande Beach.

Canyon Point, Utah (Jan.29 – Feb. 1)

A gorgeous vestige of the wild West, Canyon Point is cradled by a staggering landscape of dramatic canyons, mountains, rapids, gorges and desert, with traces of human life dating back 10,000 years. Here, the extraordinary accommodations of Amangiri await travelers, serving as the perfect backdrop of unobstructed desert and canyon views. Activities pay homage to the destination, including a three-hour canyon hike led by a Navajo guide, and petroglyph and ancient culture exploration with an expert guide at Broken Arrow Cave to learn about 6,000 years’ worth of local history. Additional activities include via ferrata climbing, Amangiri’s on-property rock-climbing site; Zion National Park; UTV excursions; hot air balloon rides and a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. To wind down, spa treatments, cocktails and dinners inspired by Navajo tribal cuisine and an array of resort activities await.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Feb. 1 – 4)

The final stop in this great North American journey is Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a destination beckoning nostalgia of the American West and flanked by dramatic mountain ranges. Amangani, meaning ‘peaceful home,’ abides by its namesake by sitting at the nexus of extraordinary wilderness full of abundant wildlife. The choices of activities are plentiful, including skiing across a range spanning over 2,500 acres; snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park; dog sledding; heli-skiing; a private tour of Yellowstone National Park; sunset sleigh rides and more.

“My favorite itineraries include lots of scenic and cultural diversity, which Adventures in the Americas has in abundance across five different countries,” said Catherine Heald, CEO and Co-Founder of Remote Lands. “We visit tropical islands, snowcapped mountains, remote deserts, big cities, charming villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites and great natural wonders of the world aboard a gorgeous Global 6000 private jet.”

The Adventures in the Americas journey will be led by Remote Lands’ CEO and Co-founder, Catherine Heald, on January 21 – February 4, 2023. This trip is priced at $112,888 per person, with a single supplement of $39,888. Children are welcome. While Remote Lands will not require proof of vaccination, travelers must abide by all local government health protocols within each destination. To learn about the Americas journey and other luxe excursions, please visit www.remotelands.com.

Here’s a list of all the places Canadians can travel to without a COVID test

January 10, 2022 No Comments

For the better half of 2021, Canadians faced severe travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While certain measures, like the mandatory three-day quarantine upon re-entry to Canada, have been lifted, severe restrictions remain in place.

Many countries now require a negative PCR test, proof of vaccination, or both, to enter. Effective October 30, 2021, the government of Canada enacted a mandatory vaccination requirement for travel within and to depart Canada, which remains in place for all Canadians, with only some exceptions to the rule.

For those who are seeking an escape to a destination that has not yet mandated proof of a negative PCR test, here are five places to consider.

Mexico

Mexico requires a tourist card from any visitors to the country, but this is a practice that began well before the pandemic. Other than this documentation, there are no additional COVID-19 documents required for your stay, and testing and quarantine upon arrival is not mandatory. Typically, the airline you’re flying on will hand out the tourist card (often referred to as the immigration form) and you can fill it out prior to landing. Once you’ve landed, simply show the card to the customs officer along with your passport. Make sure you keep your tourist card safe and secure for the duration of your stay–a lost tourist card will result in a fine, and could cause problems during your departure from the country.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Mexico, click here.

Colombia

International travellers, including Canadians, are not required to submit a negative PCR test to gain entry to Colombia. However, you must fill out the mandatory Check-Mig registration form at least 24 hours prior to your flight. Face masks and additional health and safety measures remain in place throughout the country, and visitors are expected to follow all health and safety guidelines during their stay.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Colombia, click here.

Costa Rica

The Government of Costa Rica does not require tourists entering by air, land or sea to present a negative COVID-19 test, nor quarantine upon arrival. However, all tourists are expected to abide by health and safety guidelines that have been put in place. All visitors must complete the digital form called Health Pass which can be accessed here. Vaccinated tourists must also attach their vaccination certificate to the Health Pass, and are required to provide proof of travel insurance with coverage for a minimum of five days during the duration of their stay.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Costa Rica, click here.

Cuba

Like Mexico, Cuba has a mandatory tourist card that’s required for entry and is handed out by the airline. A negative PCR test is not required for vaccinated travellers, and all Health Canada approved vaccines and mixed vaccines are accepted. Children under the age of 12 are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test. Upon departure from Cuba, Canadians can pay a fee of $30 USD to receive the mandatory PCR test that is required to re-enter Canada.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Cuba, click here.

Dominican Republic

Canadians are among the list of countries who do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry to the Dominican Republic. However, random aleatory breath testing is in place upon arrival at select ports, which could apply to Canadians who are exempt from Canada’s vaccination rule. While proof of vaccination is not checked by officials upon arrival, those who wish to leave designated hotels and resorts affiliated with the Ministry of Tourism must show proof of complete vaccination (two valid doses) to enter bars, restaurants, and other facilities on the island.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to the Dominican Republic, click here.

WORKING from HOME

November 23, 2020

Almost 40% of Canada’s workforce is currently working from home, that means no commuting, no mind-numbing meetings, and no stuffy business suits. The only thing that could make working from home more dreamy? Working from a sunny, sandy beach in the Caribbean. But before you pack your bags, each country has different entry requirements, quarantine protocols, health and safety regulations, application processes, fees, and length of stay maximums, so it’s important to do your research in order to choose the right country to suit your WFH style. Here are a few of our favourites…

ANGUILLA

Trade in your humdrum home office and work from one of Anguilla’s 33 white-sand beaches this winter. Visit IvisitAnguilla.com for details on local telecom companies, schooling, banking, shipping of personal effects, and a list of resorts providing access to conference rooms, business centres, and state of the art technology. The Anguilla Tourist Board will also connect you with a dedicated concierge to guide you through the application process and fees.

BARBADOS

BAHAMAS

The one who started it all. Launched in July, Barbados was the first Caribbean nation to offer special visas for remote workers, encouraging people to move their home office to paradise by relocating to Barbados for up to a year. Want to be Bajan for a year? Take the first step by visiting Barbadoswelcomestamp.bb.

Work from one of Bahamas’ prettiest pool decks at Nassau’s famous Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant. Enjoy Graycliff’s elegant suites, daily continental breakfast, nightly turn down service, and high-speed internet throughout the property. Stay a minimum of 14 nights to qualify for savings of 50%. For details on Graycliff’s Workation Special and links to government protocols, visit Graycliff.com/seasonal-specials.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Antigua and Barbuda’s Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) Program allows you to work safely from the twin-island paradise for as long as two years with the new NDR visa. Those choosing Antigua and Barbuda can also benefit from its no personal income tax status. Find out more at antiguanomadresidence.com.

If you’re looking for the finest in luxury hotels, check out Curtain Bluff’s (curtainbluff.com) extended stay packages developed to complement the NDR Program.

ST. BARTHS

Take quarantine to the next level at one of WIMCO’s (wimco.com) private villas in St. Barths. WIMCO also has properties in the Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos, and more. Stay up to 90 days and get used to jumping in the sea to celebrate the end of a conference call.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Casa de Campo (casadecampo.com.do), a private gated community in the Dominican Republic, is the perfect spot to work from home this winter. After work, hit the beach, get in a round of golf, or savour the world-class cuisine. All long-term guests will enjoy a four-passenger golf cart, complimentary wifi and access to the business centre, housekeeping twice per week, and15% discount on food, spa, and laundry services.

Story by ASHLEY ROCHEFORT

Crowning Jewel

November 26, 2019

Luxury for the whole family at Tiara Exclusive Collection by Club Med Punta Cana

On the breathtaking island of Hispaniola, Club Med welcomes the whole family to their newly renovated, eco-chic TIARA EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION SPACE located inside the luxury, all-included Club Med Punta Cana resort.

Imagine waking up to the buttery pastries and sweet fruit of a continental breakfast brought to you in your private, pastel-hued bungalow. Before the kids get up, wrap yourself in a crisp white bathrobe and fuzzy slippers, and savour a freshly brewed cup of coffee while looking out on breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

Spend the morning working on your swing at the Corales 18-hole golf course. It is, after all, home of the PGA championship and one of the best courses in the world. Meanwhile, the kids are having the time of their lives, learning to juggle, climb silks, and do the flying trapeze with the experts at Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil, a must-try experience for every kid or kid-at-heart.

The entire family reconnects at lunch at La Samana. There is something for everyone at this international buffet. Spend the afternoon sunning and frolicking in the warm turquoise waters of this panoramic stretch of white sand beach. In the late afternoon sun, be welcomed back to Tiara with a glass of champagne at the private Tiara Bar and spend the remainder of the daylight with the family at the exclusive oceanfront infinity pool with full-service bar for afternoon drinks and snacks.

Before heading back to your room, stop by the private concierge desk to book an appointment for tomorrow at the luxurious, Provence-inspired Club Med Spa by L’OCCITANE. Let the sound of the lapping ocean melt your every worry away when you treat yourself to a signature oceanfront bath or massage.

Back at your bungalow, the kids rush to their room while you retreat to your bedroom with private bath and freshen up using the soothing in-house L’OCCITANE toiletries then enjoy an evening cocktail thanks to the fully stocked minibar at arm’s reach.

At the end of a long day filled with fun, sun and exploration of Club Med Punta Cana’s activities, it’s a relief to return to your private cottage perched on the edge of the beach and protected by lush vegetation. Every element of the updated design and decor – such as wooden accents, watery-toned linens, and wall sconces resembling a fisherman’s lantern – is a reflection of the local culture and helps to create connection between the outdoors and interior. Serene surroundings and plush beds with under-mounted lights give you the illusion of floating in the sea as you fall into a peaceful sleep, readying you for the next day’s adventure.

Make your next vacation a Club Med vacation. More at Clubmed.ca/Punta-Cana.

Story by ASHLEY ROCHEFORT

The World’s 17 Best Beaches

July 24, 2019 No Comments

From remote stretches of sand in far-flung locales to the ever-popular Caribbean getaways, there is a bounty of spectacular places for travellers to soak up the sun, whether they seek white, pink or even black sand. So, where should you plan your beach escape for next winter? Why not try one of the top 17 beaches in the world as voted by the experts, Canadian travel agents.

Six Reasons to Visit Club Med’s New Eco-Chic Resort

July 24, 2019 No Comments

Nouveau Michès

Emerging from a tropical palm grove along 2,000 feet of pristine white-sand beach in the Dominican Republic’s unspoiled northeast coast is Club Med’s first new resort in the Americas in 25 years, the Michès Playa Esmeralda. A hidden paradise of all-inclusive luxury, this eco-chic retreat features four boutique villages to entice every type of traveller. In case you need any more convincing, here are six reasons to make your next vacation a Club Med vacation.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE.

One resort, four boutique villages. Explorer Cove is an adventurous refuge that offers multi generational families a treasure trove of activities. The colourful heart of the resort, Caribbean Paradise, suits everyone’s vacation needs. Peace and wellness await in the adult-only Emerald Jungle. Archipelago is an oceanfront, adult-only sanctuary designed with luxury seeking romantics in mind.

ECO-CHIC.

A resort with a conscience means you can feel good about your vacation. At this Green Globe certified resort, say goodbye to single-use plastics and hello to solar panels and electric shuttle services.

VACAY WITH A VIEW.

Discover a variety of inspiring and breathtaking vistas at local excursions, like El Limon’s cascading waterfall, whale watching at Samana Bay, yoga on a treetop platform, or the peak of Montaña Redonda with its swing at the top of the world – totally instagrammable!

EXCLUSIVITY.

Unique to Club Med, their Exclusive Collection vacation package embodies the sophistication and comfort of all-inclusive luxury and includes pre-arrival contact, concierge service, small group transfers, in-room continental breakfast, turn-down service, premium liquor brands, and evening champagne service.

ICONIC ACTIVITIES.

There’s fun for the whole family at Michès Playa Esmeralda with some iconic Club Med sports and activities to experience, like family paddle boarding, trying out a Hobie Eclipse or electric jet surf, taking a run or leisure walk on the fit trail, and horseback riding on the beach.

THE CARAMEL SECRET.

Dining in The Family Restaurant, one of three gourmet dining options on site, becomes an adventure when the kids are invited to the hidden “Caramel Room” for a decadent dessert experience filled with their favourite treats. If the adults are looking for a treat of their own, stop by one of the hotel’s four bars, three wine cellars, beach lounge, or coffee shop.

Story by ASHLEY ROCHEFORT