Mexico Archives - OFFSHORE

Discover Authentic Mexico in Tepic

October 20, 2025

In Nayarit’s capital city, vibrant traditions meet Riviera luxury — and WestJet makes it easier than ever to experience both.

With its lively plazas, centuries-old artistry, and colourful markets, Tepic is Mexico at its most authentic. This capital city of Nayarit remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism, offering travellers a rare opportunity to connect with Indigenous traditions, colonial heritage, and a thriving culinary scene. And when it’s time to unwind, the Riviera’s golden beaches and luxury resorts are just a short drive away.

This winter, WestJet Vacations brings Tepic within easier reach than ever before, with new direct flights from Calgary.

A City Steeped in Story

Begin in Tepic’s historic centre, where leafy plazas open onto cobblestone streets lined with pastel façades and neoclassical architecture. The soaring Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption commands the skyline, while the Casa de Amado Nervo — birthplace of one of Mexico’s most celebrated poets — invites a quieter pause.

Culture here feels alive, woven into daily rhythms rather than packaged for visitors. In nearby Huichol villages, artisans create beadwork and yarn paintings of dazzling precision, each design a spiritual narrative passed down through generations. At the Centro Cultural de los Cinco Pueblos, you’ll see how Huichol, Cora, Tepehuan and Mexicanero traditions continue to shape the region’s identity.

Beyond the city, remarkable adventures await. The Islas Marías, once a remote penal colony, has been reborn as a protected cultural and natural reserve, where guided tours pair fascinating history with untouched beaches. Closer to town, Tepic’s bustling markets spill over with handwoven textiles, rustic pottery and culinary treats — from smoked marlin tacos to candied pitaya — each flavour and craft a direct link to Mexico’s heritage.

Part of Tepic’s allure is its easy connection to the coast. Within a couple of hours, the cultural capital gives way to Riviera Nayarit’s surf breaks, palm-fringed beaches, and luxurious resorts.

At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, expect AAA Five Diamond indulgence, including the SE Spa’s new Chakra Healing Sessions that blend ancient Mexican practices with contemporary wellness techniques. Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort offers adults-only tranquillity with a rooftop infinity pool gazing over Banderas Bay, while Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort blends family-friendly programming with sleek design. Multi-generational groups will find thoughtful extras at Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa, where the exclusive Family Selection program delivers personalized touches for every age.

A Culinary Crossroads

For many travellers, food is Tepic’s most unforgettable calling card. In its markets, cooks prepare recipes unchanged for generations, while contemporary chefs reinterpret regional flavours with creative flair. The city also provides a gateway to Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, one of Mexico’s premier culinary festivals, where Michelin-starred chefs share kitchens with local innovators. Hands-on cooking classes and artisanal tequila tastings offer another lens into the region — one where tradition, geography and craft converge in every bite and sip.

The Best of Both Worlds

What makes Tepic extraordinary isn’t only its cultural depth or its coastal proximity, but the way the two worlds intertwine. Here, a morning of Huichol artistry can flow into an afternoon of spa treatments by the sea, and evenings might mean sipping tequila in a buzzing plaza or watching the sun sink into the Pacific.

In Tepic, you don’t have to choose between authenticity and indulgence — you can have both, often in the very same day.

Plan your escape with a flight and hotel package from WestJet Vacations, and experience the best of Mexico’s heartland and Riviera luxury in one unforgettable journey.

A luxury, adults-only wellness retreat is opening soon in Loreto, Mexico

July 2, 2025

Danzante Bay, a 741-acre master-planned resort community set amidst the Sierra de la Giganta mountains and the Sea of Cortez, announces its latest development: Mailena.

Set to open in late summer 2026, Mailena will be Loreto’s first wellness resort and adults-only property, catering to couples, groups and solo travelers alike. The debut of the luxury beachfront resort will usher in a new era of elevated, experiential offerings for the growing community tucked away along the eastern coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.

The boutique oceanfront hotel will feature 96 upscale guest rooms including a blend of suites, casitas and one-bedroom penthouses, each carefully crafted to reflect the resort’s playful spirit and immerse guests in nature. Additional resort amenities will include an oceanfront pool, a panoramic restaurant and bar overlooking the ocean, a beach club and access to the award-winning TPC Danzante Bay, an 18-hole golf course from Rees Jones boasting some of the most striking holes in golf. Holistic dining will also be a highlight, with several on-site culinary experiences focused on whole ingredients, local produce and functional nutrition designed to support vitality and individual wellness goals. Standout activities include cultural city tours, hiking, snorkeling and exploring the “Aquarium of the World,” ATV desert tours, sport fishing excursions and surfing. The charming city of Loreto is rich with culture, beautiful colonial architecture and history dating back to 1697.

A sustainable escape

Designed by renowned Mexico-based firm Broissin, the architectural concept is rooted in sustainability, drawing inspiration from the native landscape, vegetation and climate. An earth toned color palette, locally sourced stone and soft wood accents will be used throughout to create a calming, organic aesthetic.

The property will be composed of three interconnected yet distinct zones, each anchored by a bespoke architectural focal point. The lobby, centered around a living olive tree, symbolizes resilience and longevity. The Wellness Center, located at the heart of the resort, will feature a cenote-style water element designed for introspection and renewal.

Lastly, the signature restaurant, set against panoramic ocean views, will feature an indoor/outdoor pool that blurs the line between land and sea.

At the heart of Mailena will be the Wellness and Longevity Center, an immersive space designed for rejuvenation. Guests will have access to science-based, personalized wellness programs and an impressive array of amenities including a central pool, sensory deprivation tanks, steam rooms, saunas, snow room for contrast therapy, biohacking technology suites and more. Specialty treatments, such as shiatsu massages in the pool, offer the soothing, therapeutic embrace of warm water. Guests will find additional spaces dedicated to health and fitness spread across the property, including a state-of-the-art gym and yoga and Pilates studios.

Perched on a secluded beach within the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Danzante Bay is also home to the award-winning Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto hotel and TPC Danzante Bay, the only TPC-designated course in Mexico. For guests seeking a longer-term, authentic Mexican lifestyle intertwined with nature and luxury, homes are available for sale starting at $1.4 million and lots are available from $650,000. In addition, residents of Mantarraya, an exclusive community of 43 luxury condos and penthouses, will have access to Mailena’s wellness facilities, dining and amenities.

Loreto is the only Pueblo Mágico—a special designation granted by the Mexican government to towns recognized for their cultural and natural richness—with an international airport. The destination continues to draw discerning travelers seeking unspoiled beauty, world-class golf, laid-back energy and abundant wildlife. Direct flights are available from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tijuana, Phoenix, Dallas and Calgary.

Reservations are expected to open in March 2026. For more information on Mailena, please visit http://mailenawellnessresort.com/ and @mailena_wellness_resort.

72 hours in Baja California Sur

November 25, 2024

Christine Roberti heads to the northwest Mexican state of Baja California Sur, stopping in the tiny coastal town of Todos Santos and the state capital of La Paz for grey whale watching, taco tasting and a whole lot of lazing around.

At night, I burrowed into the folds of the duvet on my king-sized bed and listened to the roar of the surf as it barrelled to shore across the Pacific. I left the sliding glass door to the terrace open, where a salty breeze made the gauzy curtains dance.

Tiny stars, my only night light, blinked through the inky black sky over the ocean, and when morning came, tangerine sunlight snuck across my pillow.

I resisted the urge to tear the covers off and slug back a cup of dark roast, like I do most days once 6:30 a.m. comes. In Baja California, as I learned over the course of three days, life is meant to be savoured slowly.

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, is a sleepy town tucked away on the Pacific coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. An hour’s drive from Los Cabos’ touristy Cabo San Lucas district, people come to Todos Santos to appreciate local art, enjoy top-notch gastronomy, surf the world-class breaks, and revel in gorgeous landscapes that include the overarching backdrop of the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range. In La Paz, visitors come for wild encounters with grey whales and whale sharks, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

DAY ONE

Start the day early, with a walking tour of Todos Santos, a designated pueblos magicos. Pueblos magicos (magic towns) are a designation provided by the Mexican government, awarded to select destinations for their exemplary showcase of authentic Mexican culture, be it through stunning architectural wonders, historical significance or natural beauty.

Todos Santos is one of roughly 180 pueblos magicos in Mexico, and it’s easy to see why.

Founded by missionaries in 1724, Todos Santos is a quiet town with a vibrant personality. It’s where artists, dreamers and surfers collide; rainbow-coloured bunting is strung through the streets, music lulls passerby from tiny shops selling everything from hand-fired ceramics to oil paintings, and a handful of restaurants promote fresh-caught seafood specialties on sidewalk menus. Stop for lunch at Oystera, a chic oyster bar with a phenomenal outdoor dining terrace, and arguably some of the best ceviche and limey margaritas in Southern Baja.

DAY TWO

Drive an hour north and explore the capital city of La Paz for the day. Home to approximately a quarter of a million residents, there’s no shortage of things to do downtown, which is flanked by a bustling waterfront boardwalk known as the Malecón. The perfect meeting point, the Malecón is lined with bars, fusion restaurants and contemporary art sculptures.

Strolling through La Paz, you’re bound to get hungry. Embarking on your own taco tour is a great way to see the town’s culinary variety—and excellence. At Palapa Hermanos Gonzalez, you can’t go wrong with an authentic Baja fish taco—two meaty hunks of perfectly golden, battered fish are topped with chopped red onion, tomato and cilantro and drizzled with mayonnaise. Just down the street at Claro Fish Jr.’s, you can order anything from deep-fried coconut shrimp tacos to stingray.

DAY THREE

Grey whale migration peaks in Baja from January through March, but you can still count on seeing a pod from late December through April. Puerto Chale, a two-hour drive from La Paz, is a quiet fishing community on the Pacific Ocean, and the closest spot to the city for spotting grey whales. Curious and friendly, grey whales have been known to swim at surface-level directly beneath the tour boats, making for a breathtaking encounter.

Along the way, you can also spot sleeping sea lions, playful sea otters and migratory birds. For another unique aquatic experience, snorkel with whale sharks in the El Mogote peninsula, which is 15 minutes from the Bay of La Paz. Despite their size (some reach 60 ft. in length), these gentle, toothless giants are actually quite timid, and neither a shark, nor a whale—they’re actually a fish!

This story first appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to read the full story. Click here to subscribe to the print magazine.

Marriott brings The Luxury Collection’s first all-inclusive to Mexico

October 23, 2024

Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive has opened its doors to guests, marking the brand’s first all-inclusive offering in Mexico. Located on an idyllic small Island with outstretched views of white-sand beaches and the pristine Caribbean Sea, the beachside resort curates enriching experiences to connect guests with the natural beauty and culture of the destination.

The adults-only resort offers 109 spacious suites, six unique dining outlets, an oceanfront pool, an extensive selection of immersive activities and entertainment, and an upscale spa.

From the moment guests arrive at Cancun International Airport, a seamless journey to Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive begins. A swift 30-minute transfer transports them to the Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina at Puerto Cancun, where guests are invited to pre-check in while indulging in thoughtfully curated refreshments. Guests then embark on an exclusive private vessel for a serene 20-minute journey.

Luxury and locale

Perched along the pristine Mexican coastline, the accommodations at the resort offer guests both ample privacy and luxurious comfort.

The resort offers a variety of luxurious suites, each featuring a private balcony with stunning views. Whether overlooking the ocean, mangroves, or the resort, every room is thoughtfully designed for both comfort and elegance.

From Deluxe Rooms with cozy sitting areas to spacious Premium Junior Suites and Grand Suites with expansive oceanfront views. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the Presidential Suite spans over 1,600 square feet of space, offering an unparalleled retreat. The property is situated in the most privileged natural beach front setting on the island providing one of the only places in Riviera Maya where you can see unique sunsets facing the Caribbean coastline.

Authentic culinary experiences

The resort offers six elevated culinary concepts helmed by Executive Chef Daniel Franco, where seasonal and local cuisine take centre stage.

The dining options include signature restaurants, a coffee shop, a poolside bar, and a food truck for quick and casual bites. Guests can indulge in a variety of immersive and flavourful experiences including:

● BOGA, a culinary adventure focused on local ingredients and exquisite cooking methods, featuring authentic Mayan and Mexican cuisine during the day, and transitioning to elegant international dining flavors through theme nights.

● With spectacular ocean views, Seasalt Rooftop blends the rich flavors and culinary traditions of both Mexican and European cuisines.

● Botanik, a cozy and refined coffee and detox haven, where guests can sip on authentic drinks crafted with fresh and local ingredients.

● An all-day restaurant, The Breeze Pool Bar offers refreshing beverages to guests lounging poolside.

● For a high-end beachside experience, AlVento Beach Club features a range of food and beverage options, including fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and refreshing smoothies.

● AlPaso, a food truck for nourishing and healthy grab-and-go snacks, bowls and smoothies inspired by the richness of Mayan culinary heritage.

For additional information and bookings visit www.marriott.com/cunim.

Ritz-Carlton brand returns to Cancun with 131-room luxury hotel

October 7, 2024

Marriott International, Inc. announced an agreement with FibraHotel, Fibra Danhos and Beyond Ventures to bring The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Punta Nizuc to the area.

The property is slated to include a 131-key luxury hotel, developed and owned through a joint venture between FibraHotel and Fibra Danhos, along with 126 branded residences in a LEED certified building, developed by Beyond Ventures.

Set to welcome guests and residents in 2027, The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Punta Nizuc will offer all the pleasures of one of the world’s most coveted beach destinations, set on an exclusive peninsula that boasts over a private shoreline.

Guests will enjoy unparalleled ocean views and access to world-class amenities. The project’s design will be led by the acclaimed architectural firms Lissoni & Partners and Cherem Arquitectos. It will include exceptional services and amenities, such as a sprawling oceanfront pool complex, a destination spa, six gourmet restaurants, and exclusive residential amenities, all serviced by The Ritz-Carlton.

The return of The Ritz-Carlton to Cancun underscores the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

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

September 2, 2022

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.

See a new side of the Mexican Caribbean

August 1, 2022

How to explore like a local on your next trip

Home to some of the best beaches, gastronomy, and culture in the world, the Mexican Caribbean is a popular destination for Canadian travellers. In recent years, a multitude of new tourist attractions and luxury boutique hotels have opened in the region. However, the destination is also home to untapped local experiences, which offer a new side of the Mexican Caribbean for travellers to explore.

Known for its status as a leading entertainment hub, Cancun’s allure extends to its restaurants, too. The centre of the city is home to the iconic El Parque de Las Palapas, an open-air park just a short walk from Tulum Ave. where diners can taste Mexican and regional dishes, like their famous marquesitas. A few steps away is La Ruta Nader, a street lined with restaurants ranging from Italian to more traditional Mexican food.

Riviera Maya hosts an endless array of unique experiences for visitors, however select places that are frequented by locals remain off the beaten path. One such local favourite is Xpu-Ha beach, home to Serenity Beach Club. For another beach club experience, the latest trend in Tulum is cenote clubs like Buuts’Ha’ – this space offers food, music, and activities inside some of the region’s most stunning cenotes.

Cozumel island is bursting with hidden gems, like the Benito Juarez Municipal Market. For over 30 years, this public market has sold fresh produce, regional treats, handmade tortillas and artisan souvenirs. The market is adorned by a large central mural displaying symbols of the island, like endemic wildlife, local garments, important historical figures, and more. Even more murals in Cozumel can be found at Cozumel Sea Walls, by the non-profit PangeaSeed Foundation. This urban ‘artivist’ project is a collection of 36 murals by contemporary artists from 12 countries, each looking to raise awareness of marine preservation through art.

Visitors can also walk the charming neighbourhood of El Cedral to experience authentic Cozumel island life. Once a worship ground for Mayan gods, today El Cedral is the site of the annual Día de la Santa Cruz festival held each spring, which celebrates the 21 founding families that established Cozumel after the Caste War in 1848. Cool down with a visit to Chempita Cenote, a cave located in Quintana Roo, which is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Art lovers can head to the State Congress in the Quintana Roo capital city of Chetumal for breathtaking murals. Walking along the boardwalk watching the sunset overlooking the Bay of Chetumal while eating a machacado is also a must in the area.

6 of the coolest things to do in the Caribbean this summer

July 18, 2022

For many countries in the Caribbean, this summer marks the return of many significant events that were postponed due to the pandemic. From music festivals to foodie experiences, and even self-care indulgence, here are six fun experiences to try in the Caribbean.

ANTIGUA

Running July 27 to Aug. 2, Antigua’s Carnival is back after a two-year hiatus. First celebrated in 1957, the week-long event kicks off with an opening celebration alongside the annual pageant, Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show. Aug. 1 is Carnival Monday, and it also marks Emancipation Day. Antigua and Barbuda have observed the abolition of slavery since 1834 and much of Antigua’s Carnival festivities commemorate the earliest abolition of slavery in the British Caribbean. A series of pre-festival events kick off in St. John’s, Antigua starting July 23, but the main event is the colourful Parade of the Bands which takes place on the last day.

https://visitantiguabarbuda.com

GRENADA

Deeply rooted in ancestral traditions, Spicemas is one of the largest summer festivals in Grenada. Starting with a month-long series of pre-carnival events, including soca competitons the Traditional Mas Festival (July 23) is a showcase and competition of traditional masquerade bands from all over the country. J’ouvert, from the French ‘jour ouvert’ meaning ‘day open’, is the pre-dawn parade (Aug. 8) and is the first of the street events. Gathering well before dawn on J’ouvert morning, revellers cover their bodies in paint, oil, tar, mud, molasses and even chocolate. Monday Night Mas is held that evening, and starting at dusk, large bands of revellers in brightly coloured or neon t-shirts and light-up paraphernalia parade through the streets. Spicemas 2022 concludes with the Parade of the Bands on Aug.9 puregrenada.com/events/spicemas-2022/

JAMAICA

Running July 18 to July 23, those who travel to Montego Bay, Jamaica this summer won’t want to miss out on one of the hottest events of the year. Reggae SumFest kicks off on July 18 with a free street festival at Harmony Beach Park. A series of pre-event parties follow until Friday, July 22 which marks the kickoff of the main festival, where a series of talented acts will perform over the course of two evenings. reggaesumfest.com

MEXICO

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, the redefined, adults only all-inclusive hotel located in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula, is back with its fourth annual gastronomy series, Superbia Summer. From July 11 to Aug. 21, the hotel’s multi-sensory experience will feature an all women roster of chefs, mixologists, and local artisans all coming together to showcase their talent from different regions of Mexico. Each week will feature one chef, one mixologist, and one artisan implementing their unique twist to transform the hotel’s experiences. https://www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com

ST. MARTIN

Located in Grand Case, St. Martin, Tijon Perfumerie specializes in hosting custom perfume-making classes. Run by owner John Berglund, and his wife, Cyndi, Tijon bottles all of its perfumes by hand, and houses a perfume organ that contains more than 300 pure, essential oils. Guests will select three essential oils that target the top, middle, and base notes required to craft a signature scent. There are a variety of classes to choose from, including private classes and group classes. After naming their perfect perfume, guests can also opt to have the fragrance added to massage oils, lotions and creams, and even home and linen mists. tijon.com

ST. LUCIA

Soak up the benefits of a detoxifying mud bath in Soufrière, St Lucia with a trip to the Sulphur Springs. Located at the site of a dormant volcano that last erupted in the 1700s, the mud baths are a popular tourist attraction thanks to the varying health benefits the mud provides. Said to alleviate a range of skin conditions including sun burns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints, and more, the sulphur springs are also conveniently located at the only drive-in volcano in the world! After visitors are finished soaking, they can wash off and enjoy a refreshing rainforest bath and a visit to a 15-metre tall waterfall. sulphurspringstlucia.com

ST. KITTS & NEVIS

Taking place from June 23 to June 25, the St. Kitts Music Festival is back after a brief hiatus last year due to the pandemic. This year marks the 25th annual version of the event. Over the course of three days, a talented list of international and regional acts including Ashanti, Sean Paul and Keyshia Cole are all set to take the stage. In addition to the music, festival-goers can enjoy plenty of activities like beach parties, boat rides, and unforgettable afterparties.

Stkittsmusicfestival.com

Three of the hottest new hotels to check out this summer

June 6, 2022

As the summer weather heats up, Canadians are eager to get out and explore again. Here’s a look at some memorable new hotels to check into across North America, Europe and beyond.

Calilo, Greece

The scenic boutique hotel Calilo first opened in 2019 as part of the Luxurious brand owned by Angelos Michalopoulos and Vassiliki Petridou. New this year are five reimagined EOS Collection suites, a new spa and wellness centre and a newly-appointed Executive Chef, Alexandros Tsiotinis, who will oversee the resort’s culinary offerings and launch two signature dining concepts.

The hotel features luxurious 1, 2 and 3-bedroom suites; multiple dining outlets, Rocks Pool Restaurant and private beach cabanas; wellness offerings like sunrise yoga and in-room spa treatments; exclusive experiences like private boat excursions, culture trips, wine tasting and dinner under the stars; and a variety of spaces for weddings and events.

The family has left 95% of the land undeveloped, in order to sustain Ios’ natural beauty, and made use of construction material extracted from the ground of the actual building site like marble and stone-granite.

Calilo also has several conservation projects including the Elektra olive tree project, where they have planted over 60,000 trees and bushes from around the island to restore the habitat that had previously been burned by wildfire and land deforestation, including 550 ancient olive trees (some more than 300 years old) which were saved from being sold for wildfire in Athens.

Hyatt Place LAX

The newly opened Hyatt Place LAX is an airport hotel travellers will actually want to spend time in — and not just to sleep. The dual branded hotel (Hyatt Place LAX for longer stays) is conveniently located a short 24/hour a day shuttle ride from the airport and with a prime location that offers some viewing perks. The hotel offers the tallest outdoor pool in the Los Angeles Airport District and the rooftop ShoresLAX Restaurant & Bar features views of LAX runways and the lights of downtown Los Angeles.

The 15th floor location is a relaxing spot to watch watch planes landing over pints of craft beer or cocktails, tacos and other options like New York strip with avocado salad and garlic fries. The hotel offers 401 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering natural light and front row views of planes arriving and departing from the runway. Along with overnight stays, this is also a great option for travellers looking to make the most of a lengthy layover in Los Angeles. Additional perks include free breakfast and WiFi, and onsite amenities include large fitness centre.

XIXIM Mundo Imperial

XIXIM Mundo Imperial is set to open this fall offering a blend of total wellness immersion with all-inclusive comfort within a nature reserve with miles of private beaches.

XIXIM, part of Mundo Imperial Entertainment & Hospitality, will open with 32 suites available for reservations beginning this fall. Each suite will be set within a cabin with traditional palm-thatched roofs and feature a terrace with hammocks overlooking the ocean.

The Mayan-inspired resort will feature amenities like a wellness dome and a temazcal. XIXIM is located 90 minutes from the Mérida airport and 10 kilometres north of the town of Celestún.

TEXT BY: ANN RUPPENSTEIN

A 500-room luxury hotel with private plunge pools is opening in one of Mexico’s hottest neighbourhoods

June 3, 2022

Opening in 2024, Grand Hyatt Cancún Beach Resort is a new-build resort coming to Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Situated in the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula with expansive views overlooking the Caribbean Sea and nearby Isla Mujeres, Grand Hyatt Cancún Beach Resort will be a captivating destination, featuring 500 guestrooms, of which 28 guestrooms feature their own plunge pool, and 46 are luxury suites, including one Presidential Suite; 11 dining concepts that will feature world-class chefs and iconic dishes reflective of the destination; six bars, including a lobby lounge bar, pool bar, and beach shack; an indoor and outdoor destination spa area and fitness center to connect guests with their physical and mental wellbeing; three swimming pools; and more than 16,000 square feet of dynamic, state-of-the-art gathering spaces designed to accommodate events of any size and kind. Additional offerings and amenities will include a kids club, activity center, business centre and retail shops.

The resort will be located within Puerto Cancún, a master-planned residential resort community that includes a full-service marina, golf course, resorts, time-share, condominiums, single-family homes, state-of-the-art fitness and recreation centre, protected natural reserve, and a lifestyle shopping mall offering an open-air shopping experience with over 220 tenants including fine dining, art galleries and children’s entertainment activities. A newly developed resort cluster will include the new Grand Hyatt Cancún Beach Resort.

Strategically located between downtown Cancún and the Cancún Hotel Zone, Puerto Cancún intends to merge dynamic city life with a resort experience and environment, positioning the new Grand Hyatt hotel as an attractive destination for tourists and locals alike.