Tisson Travel Group Tree Feed

Journey into Authentic Mexico in its "Magical Towns"

Mon, 18 Dec 23 20:41:21 +0000

Mexico is more than beaches. It’s also a country rich in folklore, traditions, culture, history, nature and cuisine. And some of Mexico’s towns have such a concentration of significance and authentic experiences for visitors, they’ve earned the label “Magical.”

As of 2023, 177 towns in Mexico have been designated “Magical Towns,” or “Pueblos Magicos” by the Mexican government. The program empowers local communities to celebrate and share their unique characteristics, and towns are provided a budget to help maintain the special traditions and experiences that make them so appealing. There are Magical Towns in each of the country’s 31 states, so no matter where in Mexico you are planning to visit, there should be a Magical Town within reach whether you're an adventure seeker, a history buff, a foodie, or simply craving an off the beaten path authentic Mexican experience.

One of the most captivating aspects of Mexico's Magical Towns is their historical significance. Each town has its own story to tell, and you can embark on a journey through time as you explore their cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture. For example, San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (pictured, top), is renowned for its colonial charm, with its colorful buildings, baroque churches, and vibrant art scene. Strolling through its narrow alleyways feels like stepping into a living history book.

Another jewel among the Magical Towns is Taxco, nestled in the mountains of Guerrero. This town is famous for its silver mining heritage, and you can admire intricate silver jewelry and artisanal crafts in its bustling markets (pictured, below.) The winding streets of Taxco are a photographer's paradise, offering stunning vistas of white-washed buildings and red-tiled roofs against a backdrop of lush greenery.

Nature lovers will find inspiration in the Magical Town of Bacalar, known as the "Lagoon of Seven Colors." Here, you can lose yourself in the mesmerizing hues of the lagoon's crystal-clear waters. Explore its cenotes, lush mangroves, and charming waterfront promenade. Bacalar offers a tranquil escape for those seeking relaxation and connection with nature.

Each Magical Town has its own unique cuisine, allowing food enthusiasts to savor the diverse flavors of Mexico. Oaxaca's culinary delights, for example, are a testament to its rich indigenous heritage. Try the mouthwatering mole, savor tlayudas (large tortillas), and taste traditional mezcal in this gastronomic paradise.

Adventure lovers find thrills in Magical Towns, too.You can hike through the Sierra Gorda's lush forests in Queretaro, go horseback riding in the Copper Canyon of Chihuahua, or explore the underground rivers and caves of Tulum in Quintana Roo. The natural beauty and diversity of these towns make them excellent destinations for outdoor activities.

Many Magical Towns that preserve cultural traditions host festivals and events throughout the year, giving travelers the chance to be a part of ancient rituals and celebrations. For example, the Day of the Dead festivities in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, are world-renowned, and the town comes alive with colorful altars, marigold petals, and candlelit processions each November.

Exploring Mexico's Magical Towns gives you the opportunity to celebrate some of the best and most cherished aspects of Mexico’s incredible tapestry of history, culture, nature and cuisine. You’ll meet local people passionate about their community and sharing it with visitors, and your heart will also be warmed knowing you are playing a part in helping preserve the country’s local treasures, and support communities, local artisans, small businesses and responsible tourism for generations of travelers to enjoy in Mexico.

Start Your Trip!

Images: Getty

Indoor Winter Chalets Let You Get Cozy at IHG Hotels & Resorts this Season

Mon, 18 Dec 23 20:41:21 +0000

Winter chalet popups by celebrity tastemakers are making the coldest season warm and cheerful for travelers across North American hotels and resorts in the IHG family, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo.

Until the end of February 2024, every hotel and resort in IHG is transforming into a welcoming winter wonderland with larger-than-life lobby installations created by renowned tastemakers Corey Damen Jenkins and Grammy-award winning musician Maren Morris.

Instead of hibernating for the rest of the season, these cozy-chic interiors, accompanied by a soundtrack designed to conjure up “feelings of warmth and gratitude,” along with chalet-inspired programming inspire you to get out of the house and celebrate winter.

WINTER CHALETS COME INDOORS

Reminiscent of a day on the slopes and the welcoming warmth of a mountain retreat, IHG hotels’ lobby chalets are a creative spin on a winter classic, with a goal of warming you up and keeping your spirits high during the winter with fine food, drinks and company. It’s all reminiscent of chic apres-ski, a cozy hearth and a home-away-from-home for the winter.

Seven hotels in the IHG family have taken the cozy chalet concept literally, installing bespoke 17-foot tall chalets in their lobbies. A welcoming bar in the chalets, serving up specialty beverages like Dulce de Leche Coffee and Alpine Negronis brings the apres-ski feel to life in these properties:

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta,
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile,
Kimpton EPIC Hotel (Miami),
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel (Sacramento),
Kimpton Everly Hotel (Los Angeles),
Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown, and
Hotel Indigo Williamsburg (Brooklyn).

You can even reserve the entire chalets for parties with the ones you want to cozy up to this winter.

Other hotels and resorts have chalet-inspired bar pop-ups, including:

InterContinental New York Barclay,
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa,
Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach,
Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman,
Yours Truly DC, Vignette Collection, and
Hotel Indigo Minneapolis Downtown.

BEYOND THE CHALET

Outside of the Winter Chalet installations and bar pop-ups, every luxury IHG hotel in the region offers chalet-inspired activities, inviting guests to while away the winter in style:

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

The Chalet Table: Participating InterContinental hotels offer a multi-sensory dining and cocktail experience that immerses guests in the sights, sounds and flavors of a luxurious alpine getaway. The Chalet Table is available for brunch, afternoon tea and dinner service for up to eight guests at participating properties including InterContinental Boston, InterContinental The Clement Monterey and InterContinental San Diego.
Chalet Turndown: The Chalet Turndown service warms elite loyalty program guests’ end-of-day experience with wool slippers, masterfully crafted Hot Toddies as well as European cheeses and dried fruits at InterContinental New York Times Square, InterContinental Cleveland and InterContinental San Francisco.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Cozy Chalet Getaway: Curated by a Cozy Concierge, the package features an ambient fireplace display on arrival; a cozy kit complete with Frette robe, blanket and fuzzy socks; two complimentary warm winter beverages, hot chocolate kit and dessert; as well as a selection of books, puzzles and board games for a relaxing night in a participating Kimpton hotel.
Suite Chalet: Rooms and suites at participating hotels, such as Kimpton Hotel Eventi in NYC, Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Atlanta and Kimpton Palladian Hotel in Seattle, enjoy a touch of Winter Chalet with themed decor complete with cozy goodies like mulled wine, seasonal snacks, vintage games, a portable turntable with vinyls and plush blankets.
The Snow Globe Chalet at Kimpton Aertson Hotel (Nashville, Tenn.): Complete with the full dinner menu in addition to extras like s'more kits and specialty cocktails, The Snow Globe Chalet transports you to a chic alpine ski lodge for the ultimate dining experience.
The Case Study Chalet & Lounge at Kimpton The Forum Hotel (Charlottesville, Va.): Every Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. the hotel's onsite library transforms into The Case Study Chalet & Lounge, complete with seasonal drinks and fondue for parties of four, six or eight.
Kimpton's Winter Social Password: The bi-annual secret social password is back December 1st - February 29th. Discoverable only on social media, guests can say 'Chalet All Day' to the front desk at all Kimptons and receive a special surprise during your stay.

Hotel Indigo

Winter Chalet Menu: This warming winter specialty menu brings friends together, complete with fondue, grazing boards and specialty cocktails and mocktails inspired by European comfort food. Participating hotels include Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown in Ohio, Hotel Indigo Guanajuato in Mexico, and Hotel Indigo San Antonio - Riverwalk.
Petit Chalet: Guests are invited to get cozy at the Petit Chalet, offering mountain-inspired botanicals, chic blankets, classic board games, inspired music, themed cocktails and light bites around the bar. Participating hotels include Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar and Hotel Indigo Traverse City in Michigan, which also has a luxe in-room hotel package offering a cozy cabin in-room experience with cocktails, gourmet snacks, plush robes, board games and more.

Vignette Collection

Winter Chalet Menu: Guests and locals are invited to enjoy a taste of "sorta South American'' cuisine at Mercy Me El Chalet, Yours Truly DC's specialty winter menu that guests can enjoy within the modern European mountain chalet built onto the patio.

START YOUR WINTER TRIP!

Top image: the Winter Chalet at Hotel Indigo Williamsburg. Photo Credit: Roger Davies

VIDEO: The Best Christmas Markets on a Viking Rhine River Cruise

Mon, 18 Dec 23 20:41:21 +0000

A Christmas market river cruise in Europe may be the very best way to capture the magic of the season. Our Viking Christmas on the Rhine river cruise from Switzerland to the Netherlands took us to four countries, each with its own Christmas markets, traditions, flavors and specialities.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE with highlights of some of the best Christmas markets on a Viking Christmas on the Rhine river cruise!

On our Viking “Longship,” we sailed from Basel, Switzerland, into a mediaeval town in Germany’s Black Forest, to Strasbourg, France, back into Germany where we visited large cathedral towns and night markets – each with distinct character and charm, with illuminations, traditional decorations, regional twists and handmade gifts perfect as souvenirs or to take back with all your holiday shopping complete.

The spirit of the season comes on board, too, with tree trimming and carol singing parties, cooking demonstrations and festive décor.

In fact, Viking celebrates Christmas on river cruises throughout Europe. Christmas markets generally begin in the last week of November and run up until Christmas Eve, so you can plan ahead to get into the holiday spirit in authentic markets in small towns and large cathedral cities in countries like Germany, France, Austria, Hungary, and more.

In fact, the cruise line keeps introducing new Christmas market voyages. Imagine yourself sipping a glass of mulled wine, nibbling on a festive sweet and stocking up on handmade gifts on any of these holiday river cruises:

Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle– New in 2023 is Viking’s scenic 12-day cruise tour that lets you browse through stalls full of local delicacies and handicrafts at the charming Christmas markets of Trier, Koblenz and Mannheim and admire the festive seasonal displays in Paris.
Christmas on the Main & Moselle – Viking has also introduced another newrivervoyage in 2023 that will immerse you in French, German and Czech traditions. Explore Christmas markets in quaint German towns, like Heidelberg and Cochem, sample tasty yuletide dishesin chic Paris,and visit castles and cathedrals that are adorned with festive displays.
Christmas on the Rhine– This 8-day voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer. Guests journey through storybook villages, while sampling tasty yuletide treats and browsing colorful stalls for handcrafted ornaments. Be charmed by the twinkling lights of Cologne and soak in the festive atmosphere along the entire Rhine Valley.
Christmas on the Seine –This 8-day voyageexplore Paris, France’s twinkling “City of Light” at its most festive and cozy time of the year. Sail through the snow-covered landscapes of Normandy, and admire the scenes of fairy-tale villages along the way. Onboard festivities include regional dining specialties, seasonal treats, and more to celebrate the holidays.
Christmas on the Danube – Discover medieval towns and quaint villages along the “Blue Danube.” Guests stroll among the stalls at Budapest’s Christmas market, become immersed in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations and visit the fairy-tale village of Regensburg.
Danube Christmas Delights – Passing through Europe’s most enchanting countries, this festive season river cruise explores cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages, where you can savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine, admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty, and take part in other central European holiday traditions.
Christmas Along the Elbe–During this 10-day cruisetour, you get to take part in time-honored European holiday traditions. Celebrate the season in Berlin’s festive atmosphere, shop for handmade porcelain in Meissen, delve into Prague’s Jewish history and visit its famed Christmas market.

START YOUR CHRISTMAS MARKET RIVER CRUISE!

Video: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Images: Viking

12 Ways Fairmont Hotels are Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas and More

Mon, 18 Dec 23 20:41:21 +0000

Take a break from planning Christmas festivities and shopping and treat yourself to Christmas cheer, Fairmont-style. Get into the spirit of the season with a dozen merry programs at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts throughout North and Central America– from ugly sweaters to a Thirsty Elf, a Home Alone tribute in New York, and Holiday Hula in Hawaii.

In a nod to the 12 Days of Christmas, 12 of the family of hotels and resorts have devised their own unique ways to make the holiday bright for guests this season:

Have Dinner Inside a Life-Sized Gingerbread House at Fairmont San Francisco

For more than a century, Fairmont San Francisco has enchanted guests with joyful holiday festivities and exuberant seasonal ambience. Back this year is the hotel's annual life-sized Gingerbread House on display from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Featuring hundreds of bricks of real gingerbread (baked by the hotel's pastry team) and pounds of See's Candies, the Gingerbread House takes a whooping 600 hours each year to construct.

For an extra magical experience, you can book a private dining experience inside the Gingerbread House (for up to 12 guests) and take in the scents and sounds of the holiday season.

Enjoy a Glass of Cheer at Toronto's Pop-Up Holiday Bar: 'The Thirsty Elf'

Toronto's favorite holiday-themed pop-up bar is returning this year to Fairmont Royal York.

'The Thirsty Elf' will keep the drinks flowing until December 22. Offering a curated holiday-themed menu of festive cocktails like 'The Naughty List' featuring Crown Royal, Benediction, Apple Cider, Spider Maple, Orange and Whipped Cream, the twinkling pop-up bar features kitschy and cheery décor and is guaranteed to make your spirits shine bright.

Reserve your Swiss Chalet at Los Angeles' first Apres-ski Dining Experience

Guests of Fairmont Century Plazawill be transported to the ski slopes this holiday season through the hotel's Swiss Chalets. Featuring cozy decor, fire pits and all of the delicious tidings of an idyllic winter getaway, the chalets offer a one-of-a-kind moment in the heart of the city.

In partnership with Who What Wear, the hotel has devised even more fun for guests, with movie nights, cookie making, challah baking, photo opportunities and more.

Go Glice Skating in San Diego

Guests and locals can skate into a winter wonderland at Fairmont Grand Del Mar's unique Glice Skating rink, designed for eco-friendly recreation.

Round out a day of outdoor fun by reserving exclusive cabana chalets complete with firepits, and indulge in the festive spirit with holiday-themed beverages, seasonal treats, and s'mores by the fire. Santa Clause and his jolly helpers pop in for some photo ops.

Get Lost in New York City, Home Alone-style

New York's most famous hotel, The Plaza, was famously the setting for Home Alone 2. Now, the hotel is inviting guests to live out their Kevin McCallister dreams by recreating some of your favorite scenes.

Book the hotel's 'Home Alone 2 - Fun in New York' package, and get a private limousine ride around New York City to visit the famous filming locations while devouring your very own delicious hot cheese pizza. Afterwards, return to your room where 'one of those little refrigerators you have to open with a key' awaits and call down for an over-the-top ice cream sundae delivered right to your bed. Sounds like the perfect way to pass along the fun of a favorite holiday film to a new generation!

A Very Merry Holiday Hula Performance at Fairmont Orchid

If you dream of trading in your winter boots for flip flops, Fairmont Orchid invites you to make Hawaii your home for the holidays.

The resort’s very merry holiday hula celebration (pictured, top), with traditional Hawaiian live music, hula school performances and hot cocoa kicked off transforming Fairmont Orchid into a tropical winter wonderland for the season. The resort’s pastry team unveiled a life-sized chocolate gingerbread hale (hut) fashioned in the tradition of a Hawaiian plantation-style home in the hotel's lobby for guests to walk through and enjoy.

Get into the Holiday Spirit(s) at Fairmont Empress

Overlooking Victoria's sparkling Inner Harbor, Canada's iconic 'Castle on the Coast' sets the bar for coastal luxury. This holiday season, locals and guests can cozy up on Fairmont Empress' Festive Veranda around a crackling fire and indulge in breathtaking views, seasonal cocktails and cheese and chocolate fondue.

You can also take also take advantage of Fairmont Empress' night-life atmosphere during evening “Sunset Sips:” a new cocktail and culinary experience on select evenings throughout December, visitors can enjoy crafted holiday-inspired cocktails served in glass teapots and tiers of festive nosh, a nod to the property's beloved afternoon tea service that guests have been indulging in for over a century.

Visit Santa in his Washington D.C. Residence

Santa's sleigh bells will be ringing at Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown, where a whimsical Santa Suite will be open on weekends in the run up to Christmas.

All children - naughty and nice - are invited to stop in and say hello to Santa while enjoying the sights and sounds of the merry suite, including decorated twinkling trees, gingerbread displays and much more. Making the season even warmer, all proceeds go to Horton's Kids, a locally-based organization that provides clothing, food and personal care items for under-resourced families.

Find the True Meaning of the Season: 'Trees of Hope' at Fairmont Chateau Whistler

In British Columbia, Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Mountain Galleries (located inside the hotel) have partnered to present 'Trees of Hope' – a unique art auction featuring paintings donated by fourteen Canadian artists.

The artwork will be available for purchase through silent auction until January 31, 2024. All proceeds go to Canuck Place Children's Hospice, which provides palliative and respite care services for sick children in British Columbia. Last year the auction raised tens of thousands of dollars for a good cause that warms every heart for the holidays.

Walk through a Winter Wonderland in Vancouver

In downtown Vancouver, the historic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has magically transformed into a holiday winterland through its annual 'Festival of Trees.' A cherished community tradition for over 30 years, each year the hotel partners with the BC Children's Hospital Foundation to deck their lobby halls with dazzliong trees donated by local companies to help raise funds. This year's festival is on display until January 3, 2024.

Unraveling the Magic of Fairmont Mayakoba

Get ready to unwrap tropical holiday magic at Fairmont Mayakoba. Nestled in the heart of the Riviera Maya, the resort transforms into a festive wonderland with immersive festive activities for the entire family that infuse the warmth of Mexican traditions with the festive spirit to create unforgettable memories.

Guests can enjoy a tree lighting and drone show, holiday movies on the beach, kids activities including Santa's arrival, Disney shows and Mexican holiday parties, as well as spa holiday treatments and special dining experiences.

Jingle and Mingle at 'The Ugly Sweater' Holiday Pop-Up Bar at Fairmont Austin

This holiday season guests can mingle alongside sleighs and skyline views at 'The Ugly Sweater' holiday pop-up bar at Fairmont Austin's Rules & Regs.

Enjoy nibbles and nog while sporting your best festive attire to fit the very merry vibes of the hotel's vibrant 7th floor rooftop bar. Guests can expect twinkling lights, an abundance of kitschy holiday cheer and lively libations.

START YOUR FESTIVE TRIP!

Images: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

And the Top Tourism Attraction in Europe This Year Is...

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

Not the Eiffel Tower. Not Rome’s Colosseum. Or even Barcelona’s magnificent Sagrada Familia cathedral by Gaudi. The attraction voted Europe’s best in awards dubbed the “Tourism Oscars” also earned the title of Europe’s Leading Beer Tour Visitor Experience 2023.

Ireland’s Guinness Storehouse is one of the highlights of a visit to Dublin, and walks visitors through the history and the making of one of the world’s most beloved beer brands and Irish cultural icon. Who doesn’t have a pint of Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day? And who would miss having a pint of Ireland’s most famous beer at the source?

The Guinness Storehouse is located in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties, the neighborhood famous for the city’s brewing and distilling heritage. Inside, it gives visitors the inside scoop about the company’s 260-year history, its iconic advertising over the generations, and what goes into brewing each pint of its famously dark and thick and hearty “meal in a glass” stout beer. Not to mention what may be the most memorable beer tasting of your life. The entire experience unfolds over seven floors, topped by the famous Gravity Bar, where visitors get to sip a Guinness while enjoying panoramic, 360-degree views over Dublin.

In addition to getting up close and personal with what Guinness fans affectionately call “the black stuff,” the brewery has developed a number of experiences you wouldn’t expect at your standard beer tour, like:

Taking a ‘Stoutie.’ That’s not a typo. Guinness has upped the ante on the ‘selfie.’ Of course you’ll be taking selfies with your pint in front of the circular Gravity Bar’s floor-to-ceiling windows. But you can now also print your selfie on the thick, creamy foam of your Guinness. Then take a selfie with your ‘stoutie!’
Learning the legendary, six-step ritual of pouring your own pint at the ‘Guinness Academy.’

Immersing yourself in the ‘Connoisseur Experience,’ for real beer devotees. It’s an even more in-depth tasting and storytelling experience that gives you even more insights into the origins and flavors of Guinness.
Going behind the scenes of the actual, operating Guinness brew-floor on a tour of the actual Guinness brewery that has been in operation since the 1700’s.
Discovering the perfect pairing of Guinness and food at one of the several dining venues. At 1837 Bar & Brasseries (named after the year that Guinness and local Irish oysters were declared a perfect culinary match) you can dine on oysters, beef and stout stew and other local classics with curated beer pairings, or enjoy another pint at Arthur’s Bar, along with sausages and mash, and other pub food, or dine from another beer-paired, seafood-inspired menu at the Brewers’ Dining Hall, with its open kitchen, inspired by workers’ dining halls from the brewery’s history.
Collecting more than just your average branded merchandise at a shop that sells T’s with the brewer’s iconic Irish harp motif – as well as some souvenirs thought up by some brilliant Guinness minds. You can also get that harp logo in a so-hideous-it’s-fun Christmas sweater, which is also available in a version covered in pint glasses. Or personalize your own pint glass with elegant etching – perfect for your bar at home or favorite beer lover!

It's that level of fun, quirkiness, innovation and genuine passion for one of Ireland’s most cherished drinkable delicacies that has earned the Guinness Storehouse a coveted position at the peak of European travel experiences.

START YOUR IRISH TRIP!

Images courtesy of Ireland.com

A New Nature Reserve and More Hotel News From Aruba

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

Aruba’s hotel and resort scene is more alluring than ever. The Dutch island in the south Caribbean is known for its desert environment, perpetual tradewinds that shape its iconic divi divi trees, colorful, colonial town, and a famous beach that’s been named best in the world, where most resorts are found.

News from three resorts highlights new experiences to give travellers reasons to return to Aruba or visit for the first time.

A New Nature Preserve by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Aruba’s premiere adults-only boutique hotel on the shores of Eagle beach isn’t just celebrated for being one of the most romantic hotels in the world.

Image: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is headed by a celebrated environmentalist, who ensures the resort walks the walk of best sustainability practices. It’s LEED Gold certified and the first and only Carbon Neutral resort in the Caribbean that enforces sustainable best practices and also engages in community environmental and socially conscious initiatives, including protecting sea turtle nests on the beach, animal rights on the island, spaying and neutering stray dogs and cats, and supports a local donkey sanctuary and a move to eliminate plastics from Aruba.

Its owner’s latest initiative, in celebration of the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort’s 35th anniversary, creates a legacy for visitors and residents of Aruba, in the form of the partnering with other locals to donate 30 acres of the last remaining, undeveloped green space of private land in one of the busiest parts of the island as a nature preserve for permanent public enjoyment.

In addition to “preserving Aruba for Aruba,” the Bucuti & Tara Nature Preservation Foundation is undertaking a reforestation initiative with indigenous trees at The Bucuti Tara - GMC Park.

Image: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba

The preserve is a typical Aruban ecosystem with any number of the 280 bird species and other local flora and fauna. This gifted land will offer residents and visitors a quiet, natural place to walk, jog or sit amongst Aruba’s indigenous trees, plant life, and wildlife.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Debuts in Aruba

A new, all-suite resort has opened, nestled between the dazzling waters of Eagle Beach and the lagoon of Aruba’s Bubali Bird Sanctuary on One Happy Island with stunning views of the Caribbean.

Image: Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort

The resort introduces a more home-style experience to the island, inviting guests to experience the local culture and natural beauty of island life, with nearby major attractions in addition to the bird sanctuary including the California Lighthouse, Butterfly Farm and Alto Vista Chapel.

This hotel serves as the perfect beachfront homebase for up to 6 guests, dining areas with a wet bar outfitted with a microwave, mini-fridge and coffeemaker making relaxed life and visiting with family and friends easy.

Image: Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort

Most rooms offer balconies, and the resort has a soothing, contemporary design inspired by Aruba’s beaches and the bird sanctuary with a neutral and ocean blue palette, wood accents and sea life art. Five food and beverage outlets mean you can snack in or easily eat out of your room. In addition to a private tunnel to Eagle Beach, adults and kids’ pools, fitness, yoga, sauna, and spa with a full range of treatments.

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, Unveils Newly-Designed Rooms and Curated Experiences

The famous luxury resort on Aruba’s acclaimed Palm Beach has revealed its most recent re-imagination, with new, island-inspired designed in all guestrooms and suites.

Image: Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

Locally-inspired design motifs and color waves feature in the resort’s new textiles and textures, including custom artwork of indigenous succulents and aloe plants typical of the arid destination, and the kind of luxe touches Ritz-Carlton guests expect.

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba has also introduced new culinary experiences for guests to enjoy. At Divi Sushi Bar and Lounge, guests can experience an exclusive tasting flight of Caribbean rums. The Madero Pop-Up Bar offers guests handcrafted, customized cocktails based on personal tastes, accompanied by a live DJ playing Caribbean rhythms for the perfect island escape.

Start Your Aruba Trip!

Image credits as noted.

Top image credit: Christine Biondi, courtesy of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba

Four Places You Can Try the Newest Tropical Resort Trend

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

The latest craze at tropical resorts will really ‘float your boat.’ Swim up bars have become standard at many of your favorite resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, and floating trays are the newest way to serve guests who love to hang out in the pool.

Maybe one of the best things about floating trays is that, while swim-up bars are usually just for drinks, floating trays are only limited by the resort food and beverage teams’ imaginations.

Plus, individually-crafted trays of snacks, sweets, beverages or breakfasts leave plenty of room for creative presentation. Beautifully and uniquely-designed floating trays elevate make this new resort trend even more special and memorable.

Exquisitely crafted and served floating trays elevate something as simple as appetizers for your romantic or group resort vacation (bachelor and bachelorette parties or girlfriend/ guyfriend getaways, we mean you!) into the moment you’ll be talking about forever.

Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos have embraced the floating tray, introducing versions at all four Mexican resorts.

Each resort has unleashed the talents and imaginations of its culinary team to come up with a different floating tray that elegantly and in some cases, extravagantly, showcases culinary and beverage experiences guests in the resorts’ top suites can try without having to towel off poolside.

Stay right in the water and enjoy:

Floating Breakfast Tray at Grand Velas Los Cabos: Wake up to the water and an assortment of items including Belgian-style waffles with red fruit compote and caramelized seeds, house made granola, lobster benedict, a souffle with sauteed spinach and mushrooms, pancakes, hash browns, avocado toast, Osetra Caviar, and more. Breakfast floating trays are served for guests in the resort’s top suites, and also come with a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne and a variety of juices. What a way to start your wedding day with your bridesmaids!
Floating Caviar Tray at Grand Velas Riviera Maya: How do you make caviar service even more over the top for guests already staying in the resort’s most premium suites? The floating caviar tray at this resort includes Imperial Ossetra Caviar accompanied with blinis, creme fraiche and chives, along with an assorted selection of luxury appetizers and desserts including Jamón ibérico, king crab legs, smoked salmon, a selection of cheese, fresh berries, and a chocolate dessert. Oh, and a bottle of Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Premier. Let the romance begin!
Gold-flaked Margarita Floating Tray at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: Elevate your pool cocktail experience with a trifecta of gold-flaked margaritas including cucumber and lime; hibiscus and rosemary; and mango and jalapeño. The margaritas, which can be served frozen or on the rocks, are served with chips and freshly made guacamole at the pool in the adults-only area. Get your party started in style!
Mexican Sweet Treat Floating Tray at Casa Velas:Guests in the one- and two-bedroom Ambassador and Presidential suites witop into the pool at this resort after dinner to cool off and to indulge in a local sweet treat featuring a sweet corn tamale topped with caramel popcorn and Mexican caramel sauce paired with sparkling Mexican wine. The exclusive amenity is available for guests to enjoy in their private pools in the one- and two-bedroom Ambassador and Presidential suites.

More About Velas Resorts:

Grand Velas in Los Cabos has dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort; Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit enjoys a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains; Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers a sophisticated resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings; in Puerto Vallarta, Velas Vallarta is a family-friendly all suites resort and spa located on Banderas Bay and Casa Velas is a boutique adults-only hotel located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course.

Start Your Tropical Resort Trip!

Images courtesy of Grand Velas Los Cabos

Christmas Markets, NYE, Ice World and Gala Balls: Why Visit Vienna in the Winter

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

Don’t wait til spring or summer to visit Austria’s capital. Some of its most unique experiences take place during the frosty months, where one-of-a-kind local events warm your heart and reveal a side of Vienna you can’t see any other time of the year.

Viennese Christmas Markets:

Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is a magical time in Vienna, with the historic city center and shopping streets in their festive best.

The city’s most beautiful squares, streets and parks are transformed into Christmas markets, each with its own distinct atmosphere. The largest, and considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt (Viennese Christmas Market), combining romance and nostalgia. There’s a popular Herzerlbaum (heart tree) for you and your sweetie to take a selfie. But there’s also lots of seasonal family fun: a Christmas world in the park with a reindeer train, a carousel as well as a nostalgic Ferris wheel and a Nativity trail, and brass band players providing a seasonal soundtrack to your holiday spirits. Strap on skates to glide through the romantically-illuminated ice rinks connected by ‘dream paths.’

Other Viennese Christmas markets include imperial flair at the Christmas Market Schloss Shonbrunn with handmade products and the baroque splendors and elegant artisan craftwork of the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace. Other markets bring festive cheer and light shows, concerts, curling rinks, cuisine, shopping and more to gardens, the city’s gothic cathedral, and other destinations around Vienna.

New Year’s Eve:

You’ll remember your NYE in Vienna forever. You can ring in the new year with the city’s New Year’s Eve Trail, galas and concert. Some of the Christmas markets turn into New Year’s markets or Winter markets, where the festive wintry spirit continues, but musical accompaniment turns to jazz and non-Christmas arts and crafts and cuisine. A New Year’s Eve Village springs up in Maria-Theresien Square.

The highlight on December 31 is Vienna’s no-charge New Year’s Eve Trail through the city center from mid-afternoon til the wee hours the next day.Stages offer shows and music and DJ sets as dozens of restaurateurs serve punch, sparkling wine and culinary treats. Revellers who follow the New Year’s Eve Trail start dancing in the afternoon when Vienna’s dance schools transform Graben square into an open-air ballroom with waltzing classes, and continue right past midnight to the sound of Johann Strauss’ “The Blue Danube” and the ringing of the famous bell of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

A visit to a Silvestergala (New Year’s Eve gala) offers a stylish way to bring in the New Year and an experience of elegant Viennese ball culture, with classical dancing, a party with live contemporary music, shows, a waltz to “The Blue Danube” at midnight and a multi-course gala dinner. The atmosphere and the festive setting at the New Year’s Eve gala at Vienna City Hall and at the Palais Auersperg never fail to impress.

New Year’s eve traditions are also brought to life on the stage in the musical city of Vienna: “Die Fledermaus” by Johann Strauss is on the program in the Vienna State Opera and Vienna Volksoper. The New Year’s Concert performed by the Vienna Philharmonic – the most famous classical concert in the world – takes place every year on the morning of January 1 in the Golden Hall of the Vienna Music Society.It is broadcast on TV in more than 90 countries. Viennese locals watch it too while they enjoy their hangover breakfast and some go to watch the live broadcast on Stephansplatz.

Vienna Ice World and Ball Season in the New Year:

Every year from January to March, the Vienna Ice World transforms the Rathausplatz into a one of the world’s biggest open-air ice rinks for skaters with the illuminated facade of the City Hall creating a fairy-tale backdrop while musicians accompany the skaters. Its Sky Rink features a skating terrace on the second floor with a 120-yard ramp.

Vienna celebrates the climax of the ball season during January and February. More than 450 balls take place in Vienna every year, offering over half a million guests upwards of 2,000 hours of dancing, including of course the famous Viennese waltz.

Start Your Vienna Trip!

Images copyright WienTourismus / Christian Stemper

Explore Egypt from These 3 Four Seasons Hotels

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

History, culture, the romance of travel and 21^st century diversity all await you in the ancient destination of Egypt – home to the only remaining entry on the list of the original Seven Wonders of the World, not to mention other archaeological and architectural marvels, markets and local cuisine and lifestyle.

And you can explore Egypt’s antique wonders and modern life in style at three Four Seasons hotels in key Egyptian destinations; including exclusive signature Four Seasons experiences that elevate your visit to create your own wondrous memories.

Cairo: Center of Antiquity and Change

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

The 4500-year old Pyramids of Giza at the outskirts of Cairo are the only remaining of the antique Seven Wonders of the World, still the major attraction, along with the Sphinx, for any first-time visitor to Egypt.

The Step Pyramid at Djoser has recently reopened after a 14 year-restoration and the centre of a tomb complex that is older even than the Pyramids of Giza by several hundred years.

Returning visitors are looking forward to the delayed opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo. None other than Ramses II (in the form of a 36-foot statue carved 32 centuries ago) welcomes visitors to the largest archaeological museum in the world. The striking contemporary building houses most of the treasures unearthed a century ago in King Tut's tomb, plus more than 100,000 additional artifacts spanning 7,000 years of Egyptian history and culture. GEM is partially open now, with an expected grand opening later in 2023.

No visit to the city is complete without a trip the Moez area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Khan El Khalili, the 1,000-year-old markets, in search of everything from artisan pieces to funky souvenirs. Then as the sun sets, a leisurely cruise on calm waters of the Nile in a traditional felucca takes you past illuminated landmarks.

The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza offers guests a unique way to experience the pyramids, even if they have been to Egypt before.

A private dinner under the stars at the Giza pyramids is an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

The hotel also offers a door-to-door day trip to Luxor and the paradise city of Arwan, including limo transfers and a hotels escort through the airport. Then, after your short flight, Four Seasons guests are met by guide who will be at your side for the entire day before returning to Cairo that evening or the next day. Often called the world's greatest open air museum, this is where you walk in the footsteps of the Pharaohs through temples and monuments, visit the famous Valley of the Kings, and tour museums that tell the stories of ancient Egypt.

Alexandria: The Pearl of the Mediterranean

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano

Relatively youthful in comparison to Cairo, Alexandria was founded by, and named for, Alexander the Great in 331 BC. The arrival of the Macedonians in Egypt was just another moment in a long history of cross-cultural influences in this city on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Pompey's Pillar, for example, was erected to honour the Roman Emperor Diocletian around 300 AD. A visit to the Roman Amphitheatre takes you through the remains of the ancient city of Alexandria during the Roman Period.

Then, venture on a tour of where the legendary Pharos Lighthouse once stood - The Citadel Qaitbay. The 15th-century landmark is now a naval museum with lookout towers and a unique collection of weapons.

While the famous Library of Alexandria, the most famous library of classical antiquity and considered to have amassed the largest collection of written knowledge in the Western World at the time, has been lost to history, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is one of the major cultural centres in the world with space for eight million books and four museums, 15 permanent art galleries, a planetarium, and a manuscript restoration laboratory.

Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano can arrange for guests an expert guide through the magnificent rooms and priceless treasures on display at Alexandria’s Royal Jewelry Museum. Artefacts include gold objects and jewels once worn by the queens and princesses of Egypt's royal family. A private evening tour of the palace is followed by dinner and live music in the Royal Gardens.

Of course, you’ll also want to factor in time to enjoy the pleasures of the Mediterranean seaside at the hotel.

Sharm El Sheikh: An Oasis for Adventurers

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

Egypt isn’t all antiquities and bustling cities. Don’t miss the country’s Red Sea resort area, Sharm El Sheikh. The waters surrounding the southern tip of Egypt’s Peninsula are teeming with marine life and shipwrecks, making it popular with divers and snorkellers of all levels.

Visitors at the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh can drop by the resort’s new dive center for training, outfitting, and first glimpses of colourful aquatic life diving at its private reef.

From there, you can sign up for escorted trips and yacht charters to over 75 recognized dive sites day or night - where you may see bioluminescent effects. No worries if you don’t dive – you’ll enjoy water activities on a sea kayak and a stand-up paddle boarding.

Recently expanded to double its original size, Four Seasons now offers numerous pools, a dozen culinary experiences, a new spa fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows, tennis and squash courts.

For those who want to expand their horizons, there's as much to do in the desert as at the beach. Quad biking the dunes, a sunset camel safari, or a Bedouin-style dinner under the stars are all easily arranged, and the region's historic sites, including the biblical Mount Sinai, as well as the Old Market for souvenirs, spices and local handicrafts are worth visiting, too.

Plan Ahead:

The hotel company has recently announced plans for a new hotel in New Cairo Capital, along with the first Four Seasons hotel in Luxor.

Start Your Egypt Trip!

Image(s) courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Tips for Visiting a Japanese Hot Spring

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

Japan is famous for its volcanic peaks, which also hint at a national treasure underground: geothermally-heated mineral spring waters. For longer than records have been kept, Japanese have been bathing in natural, hot spring-fed ‘onsen’ to benefit from their restorative and healing powers.

For travelers to Japan, a visit to an onsen is an essential cultural and wellness experience, but, like many other Japanese traditions, there are rituals and etiquette to participating.

Here’s what you need to know about onsen:

There are thousands of onsen dotting Japan’s many islands. A few remain outdoors in natural rock-lined pools where the heated waters literally spring from the volcanic earth. Other mineral hot spring sources have been channeled into man-made indoor or outdoor pools, often attached to a traditional Japanese hotel, or ryokan.

Different sources of hot springs in different Japanese onsen destinations contain different beneficial minerals and devotees distinguish various onsen therapeutic powers by their waters’ mineral composition.

Regardless of any therapeutic powers, spending time in an onsen is restorative and relaxing and fundamental to Japanese culture, which almost considers onsen to be sacred places.

Onsen Etiquette:

1. Take it all off. But keep covered up.

Onsen are not swimming pools; it’s considered bathing, not swimming, and swimsuits are not permitted. Today, onsen are divided by gender and you are expected to go into the pool without clothing.

However, modesty is still expected. Like in a locker room at home, you are expected to always have your eyes focused elsewhere. It goes without saying that you would never take any photos.

Many people drape small towels to cover up a little on the way into the pool, and put the towel on their head to keep it handy while they are actually in the pool.

2. Keep it clean.

You do your bathing before you enter an onsen pool, and you are expected to be pristinely clean before entering; no quick rinse off!

Outside the onsen pool area are a number of showers with stools and buckets where you are expected to scrub down thoroughly, although grooming or shaving is considered impolite. Exfoliate so as much of the hot spring minerals can be absorbed into your skin. Make sure there’s no soap, shampoo, dirt or sweat on you before you take the next step into the pool.

Once you are in the onsen, you don’t submerge your head in the hot springs, or get your hair in the water.

3. Enter slowly and stay mellow.

Natural hot springs are hot! Onsen average around 110 degrees, and so bathers are advised to ease into the water to acclimate. Some are much hotter.

Onsen are not water parks or hot tub parties. Quiet socializing is accepted, but no drinking takes place in the onsen pools, and certainly no splashing, or rowdy behavior.

The ideal mood for your onsen experience is meditative, breathing deeply and slowly to maximize the restorative effects of the onsen.

Most people don’t stay in the pool for more than half an hour or so and even less the hotter the water. However, most onsen have places to relax outside of the pool itself, ranging from cooling pools to alternate with hot, to lounges, massage chairs, and even bars to have green tea, sake or Japanese beer.

Follow these tips to feel confident taking part in this ancient Japanese wellness practice.

Start Your Japan Trip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Images copyright Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

This UNESCO Site Just Got One Step Closer... to Completion

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

Did you know there’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that isn’t even finished yet? Many churches in Europe are World Heritage Sites… but most of them are hundreds, even a thousand years old. Only one of them is still under construction! And recently, Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia just achieved another milestone in its journey towards completion.

The idea of a work-in-progress UNESCO World Heritage Site runs counter to our concept of World Heritage buildings that reflect long history as well as exceptional vision and craftsmanship. We imagine them to have been part of the fabric of their culture for aeons.

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia isn’t finished yet – but it already stands out as the most iconic monument in Barcelona. The city is known for its rich cultural tapestry and historical landmarks – especially as a magnet for those fascinated by the unique approach to Modernist architecture of its most famous son, Antoni Gaudi, who designed Sagrada Familia.

The genius Catalan architect’s unique approach to architecture and design in the late 19th and early 20^th century shaped Barcelona, and entire tours are devoted to visiting Gaudi landmarks in the city.

Sagrada Familia was his masterpiece: a fusion of Gothic and Art Nouveau forms, with inspiration drawn from Nature. Its soaring towers are reminiscent of medieval cathedrals, while the intricate façades and interiors, laden with organic motifs and sinuous lines, echo the fluidity and intricacy of the natural world. From its vast, forest-like columns to its meticulously crafted facades depicting the Nativity, Passion, and Glory of Christ, every detail of the basilica tells a story in a visual kaleidoscope of shapes and forms.

Gaudi himself died an untimely death in 1926 with just about 10% of the building complete. His tomb lies beneath the cathedral. Miraculously, despite the Spanish Civil War’s destruction of many of Gaudi’s drawings and models of the church, construction continued, fueled by donations and the determination of those who revered the architect's vision.

Now, defying the odds, Sagrada Familia nears completion. Over 140 years after construction began in 1882, the cathedral’s five central towers are finally finished.

Gaudi’s design for the epic structure included 18 immense, fantastical spindle-shaped towers. Each symbolized a different biblical figure, including the 12 apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus.

In early October, 2023, church officials announced that the final sculptural pieces were added to the towers of evangelists Matthew and John.

The final tower, representing Jesus, is expected to be finished in 2026. The last part of the cathedral under construction, it will be 566 feet in height, topped by a 56-foot cross, according to cathedral authorities. At that point, when it’s complete, Sagrada Familia will be the tallest church on the planet.

The world hasn’t waited for final architectural touches to celebrate and recognize Gaudi’s wondrous masterpiece. Already in 1984, it was, along with other Gaudi designs in Barcelona, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And in 2010, the pope consecrated Sagrada Familia as a place of worship.

As the 100^th anniversary of his death approaches in 2026, Gaudi’s successors in building Sagrada Familia are pushing to have his vision complete.

Sagrada Familia is already the global icon for Barcelona, and a symbol of the evolving nature of artistic expression, spirituality, and tenacity. We visit and read about cathedrals that took thousands of artists, craftspeople and supporters centuries to build, but this may be the last epochal Christian monument the world will see born in our lifetime.

Start Your Barcelona Trip!

Image: Getty

VIDEO: Dramatic Sailing Through One of the World’s Largest Fjords in the Arctic Aboard Seabourn Venture

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

“The best morning of my life.” That was a cameraman’s reaction to filming in one of the hottest cruise destinations today. The Arctic’s icecaps, glaciers, icebergs and fjords are drawing intrepid cruise travelers who want to experience some of the most remote, pristine, – and epic – scenery in the world.

You may have already cruised to Alaska and experienced some of the wilderness along some of its Arctic and Pacific northwest coast.

But that doesn’t even begin to touch the scale of Greenland’s fjords. They are some of the largest on the planet – and the least accessible or traveled.

On one, unforgettable early morning during our expedition cruise on Seabourn Venture, our camera crew got the call: we’d be transiting through the Prince Christian Sound fjord across the southern tip of Greenland, and had permission to board zodiacs off the ship to get right down to water level to film our sailing past colossal peaks, skyscraper-high waterfalls, glaciers and through iceberg fields.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE to soak in the wonder of Arctic scenery only a few fortunate people will ever see.

Seabourn Expedition Team lead Sarah Scriver joined us as another Expedition Team member, Sierra Phillips drove our zodiac through the impossibly green, icy waters in the early morning air – the kind that instantly clears your lungs and head and makes you feel exhilarated to be alive.

You can see the light change in the video, as the sun was rising enough to finally clear the mountain peaks to make the green hull and vermilion racing stripe of the Seabourn Venture shine as we raced in our zodiac alongside.

It felt like a moment of discovery; our ship alone in the fjord with our necks craning from one impossibly-stunning vista to the next. Our cameras could hardly keep up with capturing the never-ending succession of larger-than-life landscape.

As Sarah pointed out, in many places in the world, like Alaska, all of the peaks and glaciers that flow into well-traveled sea waters would be named on maps and highlights of a coastal cruise. In Greenland, the sheer volume of unnamed mountains, glaciers, bays and inlets ignites our spirit of exploration.

Greenland is the world’s largest island and 80% of it is entirely covered in ice, with only a tiny edge of coastline that’s ice-free – in the summer. There are no roads connecting the coastal villages where fewer than 60,000 people in total on Greenland live, traveling by sea to fish and hunt and visit neighboring communities.

A cruise is not only the best – and most authentic – way to experience Greenland. It’s the only way. And certainly the only way to be part of one of the planet’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Epic mountains and glaciers in fjords still feel like an unexplored wilderness. And most are not named, they’re just there.

People speak of some of Greenland’s fjords as “the Arctic’s Yosemite” or a “northern Patagonia.” We were sailing past the feet of silent giants, with some of the tallest peaks reaching to over 7000 feet (twice the height of the highest point in Yosemite National Park) into the crystal blue Arctic skies. Add in glacier after icy-blue glacier that appear out of nowhere around a bend, and Greenland’s fjords are a collective natural wonder.

Prince Christian Sound fjord is about 60 miles long and connects the Labrador Sea on the west coast of Greenland with the Irminger Sea. It's on the southernmost tip of the Greenlandic mainland and the southernmost tip of Greenland’s icecap. In places, as you can see in the video, it’s only about 1600 feet wide.

Glaciers flowing into the sea – called tidewater glaciers – give us a glimpse of Greenland’s massive (but shrinking) icecap, that regularly ‘calves’ icebergs that surround us in the water with their whimsical and dramatic shapes. Seabourn Venture's Polar-Class 6 ice hull plows through the ice floating in the water smoothly.

The 4:45 am crew call – as one of our camera crew said when we re-boarded the Seabourn Venture at the end of the Prince Christian Sound fjord - turned out to be, “The best morning of my life.”

START YOUR ARCTIC EXPEDITION CRUISE!

Video and story: Lynn Elmhirst/ BestTrip TV

Beach Vacation Tip: What You Need to Know About Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

Most of us are pretty careful about sun exposure when we travel on beach vacations these days. It’s hats and sunscreen all the way to protect our skin from the sun’s rays. But how about protecting the ocean we love to visit from the chemicals in our sunscreens?

The rise of "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly" or “ocean-friendly” sunscreen claims has a lot of travelers puzzled about what sunscreen to pack that protects skin without harming the aquatic environment.

The Origin of Reef-Safe Sunscreens

A few years ago, Hawaii passed legislation banning sunscreen products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. This move by one of the most famous beach destinations was prompted by research suggesting that these chemicals could harm coral reefs. Oxybenzone, also known as benzophenone-3, and octinoxate were found to slow the growth of certain coral species and prove toxic to others in laboratory tests.

Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems, renowned for their rich biodiversity. They are home to a quarter of all marine species, supporting fish populations critical for fisheries and coastal communities, including those beach destinations we love to visit to swim, snorkel and dive.

Beyond their ecological significance, coral reefs act as natural defenses, safeguarding coastlines from erosion and storm damage. Yet, coral reefs around the world are under stress, and showing high rates of dying off.

Many sunscreen brands responded to Hawaii’s sunscreen restrictions by launching versions labeled "reef-safe." You may have seen them on store shelves when you’re prepping for a beach holiday. They typically use mineral sunscreen active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead of the chemicals named in the Hawaii ban.

No Easy Solution

However, some experts note that coral reefs face multiple threats, not just from the chemicals in sunscreens. Other factors affecting the health of these vital ocean eco-systems include natural factors like storms, industrial pollution, ocean temperatures, and unsustainable fishing. That makes it challenging for researchers to pinpoint the true impact of sunscreen on reef health.

So there’s still uncertainty about sunscreens and their active ingredients for those of us who want to be conscientious travelers, and no clear solution.

What Should We Do?

Skin care experts continue to emphasize the importance of sun protection for skin cancer prevention. But even sunscreen and reef researchers hesitate to recommend mineral over chemical sunscreen products as the best way to protect your skin and save reefs at the same time.

However, many do point out that sunscreen isn’t the only solution. Using shade, protective clothing, and other barrier approaches to skin protection, especially in beach environments, is also useful, and can cut down on sunscreen use.

Rashguards with UV protection in the fabric, for example, have moved beyond surfing tournaments to everyday use for kids and adults who want to keep that sun off. They provide a physical barrier between the sun and human skin. There are plenty that are stylish, too.

And there are more and more options for mineral-only or chemical sunscreen products that exclude oxybenzone and octinoxate, the banned ingredients in Hawaii. They aren’t all expensive specialty products, either. You can find them even on drugstore shelves.

As you plan for your next beach vacation and start packing up hats and rashguards, this gives you something to think about before you stock up on more sunscreen.

Start Your Beach Vacation Trip!

Image: Getty

The Biggest W Hotel in the World has Opened on Sydney’s Harbourfront with a Spectacular Wave Design

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

They like to make a splash Down Under. So it’s no surprise the long-anticipated opening of the new W Sydney hotel overlooking Darling Harbour is “making waves.” Its eye-catching, curving architecture adds wave-inspired drama to the harbourfront in Australia’s capital. And it’s the biggest W hotel among the 5 dozen W’s around the world, including two others in Australia, in Melbourne and Brisbane.

The hot, new, 588-room destination in Sydney has already become a new architectural icon for Australia, towering over roadways to hug Darling Harbour with its landmark contemporary design.

The eclectic and adventurous approach to luxury continues inside the hotel, conceived, like other W hotels, to be a new contemporary cultural and social hub for visitors and residents of the city, while paying homage to local roots and proximity to Sydney’s marine lifestyle.

This hotel’s street-level W sign, while common to the entire chain, in this case is inspired by the Australian flower Waratah.

An illuminated vertical promenade sweeps guests up into Living Room, a vivid blue space that reinvents a traditional lobby by turning it into a social hub, complete with an electric blue circular bar and nest-like seating that reference the Australian Bowerbird.

You’ll find marine-chic in rooms and suites, with a nautical white and navy-blue palette and undulating walls that echo the sails of yachts in the marina below. Bathrooms are marine-inspired, too, in deep oceanic blue, while walk-in wardrobes feature a burst of graphic, inflorescent red and playful pink Waratah flowers.

W Sydney brings four new dining and bar venues to the city across three hotel levels:

BTWN embraces its urban surroundings and reflects night food markets;
2AM: dessertbar is a late-night hotspot created in collaboration with Singaporean dessert guru Janice Wong.
Living Room's menus embrace the hotel's location on the edge of Asiatown with a focus on Sake and Soju, as well as Asian small bites;
29/30 is a two-level bar with uninterrupted harbour views; and
WET Deck (pool) level bar at the peak of the building, evokes an underwater world with coral-inspired lighting, offering casual tapas and cocktails and incredible views over the harbour as well as an open-air infinity pool with a giant jellyfish motif in glass mosaic tiles; while
Level 30 above takes things up a notch with elevated cocktails, a menu of vintage Champagnes by the glass, and the above-sea-level décor of a superyacht.

Business or Pleasure

You’d be lucky to have a conference at Sydney’s International Convention Centre, which is just steps away, and the W Sydney itself boasts event space for meetings or weddings or parties, including a Great Room with floor-to-ceiling windows with views over Sydney.

Start Your Australia Trip!

Images courtesy of W Sydney.

Digital Fasting: Why You Should Go Device-Free on Your Next Holiday

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

Word this summer of the introduction of the world’s first phone-free tourist resort island in Finland highlighted a growing holiday trend: digital fasting.

You read that right. Wellness travel has offered vacationers opportunities to undertake juice and other fasts on retreat trips to benefit their physical health.

Now, with growing awareness of the benefits of unplugging from our devices, we could be seeing more opportunities for digital fasting on our vacations.

“We encourage visitors to put their phones away voluntarily and to focus their senses on nature rather than on their phones. This is a great initiative that could be implemented in other nature and recreational destinations, too,” Joel Heino, Manager, Outdoor Recreation and Visitor Management at Parks & Wildlife Finland, says.

“People are not meant to be glued to screens all the time. Even a short digital fast can be useful and improve our well-being and help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression”, Terhi Mustonen, psychologist and Program Manager of the Limitless Gaming and Limitless Social Media programmes at Finland’s Sosped Foundation, says.

In addition to engaging with nature surrounding you, in the case of Finland’s phone-free Ulko-Tammio island (pictured), “Switching off your phone, exploring nature and meeting people face to face are bound to boost your mood and well-being. We spend countless hours scrolling our social media feeds, so taking a short break from them means you have more time for new experiences. I’d like to see more initiatives like this that promote digital fasting”, Sari Castrén, psychologist and Research Manager at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, says.

It might be difficult to unplug from your device on a holiday where you need your navigating app all the time, or a (genuine!) need to stay connected to the office or family via email or text or video messaging.

But, if you are able to get yourself where you’re going then turn off your phone and park it (lock it in your room safe!), experts suggest you could benefit from a digital fast on your holiday:

Enhanced mindfulness and presence leading to richer, more meaningful experiences;
Stress reduction by disconnecting from the constant interruption of work emails and app notifications;
Improved relationships by devoting full attention and gaining closer connections to your loved ones;
Better sleep by reducing your exposure to blue (screen) light especially at night, which can interfere with circadian rhythms and melatonin production;
Increased awareness and appreciation of your surroundings, especially gaining benefits from the proven benefits of immersion in nature like “forest bathing;”
Boosted self-esteem when you’re freed from inescapable comparisons to others on social media;
Boosted creativity with more time and mental space for reflection and creative thinking;
Development of new skills and hobbies and enhanced in-person communication skills as people are more likely to try new activities when mobile phones are taken out of the equation;
Increased productivity after your digital fasting vacation as a result of your refreshing, rejuvenating break; and even
Better memories of your holiday as you were present and actively engaged with your experiences, not simply recording them or living through your phone.

Start Your Trip!

Images: Phone-Free Island courtesy of Visit KotkaHamina, copyright Annika Ruohonen

You Can Join the Biggest Search for Scotland's Loch Ness Monster in Half a Century

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

Scotland’s most famous legend… may not remain a mystery for much longer. A new Loch Ness Centre at the famous lake in the Scottish Highlands is promising to unleash the biggest search for “Nessie” in over half a century. And visitors can join in the quest!

Nessie may be the biggest attraction in the Scottish Highlands that no one can prove they’ve ever seen.

Reports of a monster in the dark, murky depths of Loch Ness – the largest lake in volume in Great Britain, measuring 23 miles long and 755 feet deep - date back to ancient times, with the earliest written account dating from the 6th century.

But the advent of mass media in the early 20^th century – and new photographic ‘evidence’ of a creature in the murky depths of one of Scotland’s biggest lakes - made Nessie a worldwide sensation that’s never diminished since.

Now, a new Loch Ness Centre has opened at the area’s former Drumnadrochit Hotel, where hotel manager Mrs. Aldie MacKay reported in 1933 seeing a 'whale-like fish' or 'water beast' in Loch Ness. Her sighting revived ancient legends and created a modern monster frenzy – especially when it was spurred on by a blurry photo taken of a Loch Ness ‘Monster’ only a few months later.

The new Loch Ness Centre gives guests a ‘deep dive’ into millions of years of Loch Ness history, geology, and Loch Ness Monster lore, artifacts, sightings and science.

Visitors can even get out on the waters of Loch Ness themselves on the vessel ‘Deepscan’ to search the depths of the loch yourself with sonar equipment – with the beautiful Urquhart Castle in the background.

In fact, the weekend of August 26-27, 2023, the Centre is undertaking what it says is the biggest comprehensive search for the Loch Ness Monster for 50 years, when the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau made a comprehensive study of the loch’s depths. And volunteers can join the quest.

The ‘all-in’ search for the secrets of Loch Ness includes thermal drones using infrared cameras to observe warm objects beneath the surface, and even a hydrophone to detect acoustic signals underwater, where Nessie may be emitting sounds.

Although the Highlands are abuzz with excitement about the newest comprehensive Nessie search, with people flocking to join in the quest, if you didn’t make it, you may get another chance to crack the mystery. It’s unlikely the debate over whether Nessie really exists will be solved in just one more intensive weekend.

Some dismiss the very possibility of a Loch Ness Monster altogether, but theories have been put forward that there may be a very real explanation for the centuries of supposed sightings.

They include:

A Plesiosaur or other prehistoric creature: Some believe that Nessie might be a relic from the age of the dinosaurs, specifically a plesiosaur, which somehow survived to the present day in the cold, deep waters of the loch.
A large fish or eel: Others speculate that the sightings might be of large eels or fish that live in the loch.
Optical illusions or misidentifications: Waves, floating debris, or boat wakes can create shapes on the water's surface that might have been misinterpreted as a large creature.
And, gasp! Hoaxes: Over the years, several photographs and videos claiming to be of the Nessie have been exposed as fakes.

But some recent scientific investigations have offered some new insights behind the legend:

Sonar: Various sonar explorations of Loch Ness have detected large, unexplained objects moving underwater – but none proven to be a living creature, let alone a “monster.”
DNA: In 2019, scientists conducted a large-scale environmental DNA survey of Loch Ness. It didn't find evidence of a large reptile, let alone dinosaur, but it did suggest that the loch contains a significant amount of eel DNA. This may support the theory that large eels might account for at least some of the sightings.

The legend of the Loch Ness Monster continues to captivate visitors from around the world to Scotland and remains an enduring mystery, one you can get closer to at a new centre that celebrates Nessie and keeps the search going.

Start Your Scotland Trip!

Image: Getty

Two New Ships for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Beginning 2024

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

Fans of ultra-luxury, all-inclusive boutique European river cruising have two reasons to celebrate. Uniworld has announced the addition of two ships to its fleet. Following the line’s tradition of naming ships after European queens, empresses and other royalty, the new ships names are S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth. The ships will begin sailing in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

We say ‘new’ ships, but they’re not newly-launched; however, they are new-to-Uniworld. Victoria and Elisabeth will be familiar to many fans of luxury river cruising. They were formerly part of luxury Crystal Cruises’ river fleet, where they were named Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler. The entire Crystal river fleet was purchased by a new company, Riverside Luxury Cruises. While that new company is growing, it’s chartering the two ships to Uniworld for three years to satisfy the ever-growing popularity of luxury European river cruising.

Uniworld will create its signature experience onboard the two new-to-Uniworld ships on existing popular itineraries. The newly-dubbed S.S. Victoria will sail on Uniworld’s popular Rhine and nearby itineraries beginning in 2024, including ‘Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time,’ ‘Castles Along the Rhine,’ featuring fairytale-like towns, historic castles and fine winemaking traditions, the ‘Magnificent Moselle and Rhine, and even ‘Belgium Holiday Markets’ celebrating European Christmas traditions.

Uniworld guests will love the identical sister former Crystal ships, featuring modern design, some of the largest suites on the rivers, and a contemporary luxury ambiance. As the Uniworld ships S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth, the ships will have an all-Uniworld staff, as well as Uniworld’s fan-favorite touches and amenities.

The two ships can accommodate 110 guests in 55 luxurious suites and staterooms. Rooms and suites differ in size, but all feature similar design and full-length windows directly in front of the king-sized beds for panoramic views of the passing scenery. Guests will find fine materials and finishes onboard including leather, velvet, and marble, plus ultra-luxury features in select suite categories such as walk-in closets, fireplaces, and up to 759 square feet of space in a Uniworld-first two-bedroom accommodation with adjoining suites.

Other ship highlights include a massage room, gym, bistro for snacks, rooftop bar and grill for cocktails and light bites, and fine dining restaurant for breakfast, lunch and gourmet dinner. Like all Uniworld cruises, dining venues will feature farm-to-table cuisine utilizing fresh local ingredients gathered by the chef in destination daily.

The S.S. Elisabethis scheduled to sail as a Uniworld ship in the 2025 season, with the cruise line set to release more river and itinerary information soon.

Start Your Luxury European River Cruise!

Images provided by Uniworld

CERN in Switzerland Opens New Gateway for Visitors to Get Their Science On

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

If you thought CERN, the renowned particle physics research facility in Geneva, was just for Nobel laureates and PhD’s, think again. The facility has inaugurated Science Gateway, a new, visionary hub with free admission for anyone from 5 to 95 to get involved in the next generation of human understanding of the universe at what may be the world’s most famous science facility.

CERN’s Science Gateway is an architectural achievement as well as providing a new level of access to the high degree of high science at CERN beginning in the fall of 2023.

Designed with tubes that appear to be suspended in space evoking the cutting-edge CERN particle accelerators, Science Gateway is both a real and a symbolic bridge between visitors and science.

An actual glass bridge links the different parts of Science Gateway while also allowing researchers and children, visitors and physicists, tourists and scientists to encounter each other in person - all driven by curiosity and the thirst for knowledge.

In a literal and figurative way, the glass bridge opens up a connection and visibility between scientists and ordinary people interested in how science can be used to create a better future. And it’s a metaphor for young people to connect to careers in science and technology.

Not the worst experience for families to sandwich between chocolate, cheese and alpine pursuits on a trip to Switzerland!

There are already education and outreach programs at CERN, but Science Gateway will let even the youngest visitors discover their inner scientist and the secrets of the universe. Hands-on education labs, immersive, multi-media exhibits, science shows and guided tours will let visitors experience places where science is done.

Hundreds of CERN guides, drawn from actual CERN personnel, will share the wonders of particle physics with up to half a million visitors from around the world every year.

Exhibits, shows, and hands-on workshops give the young and young-at-heart different paths and approaches to understanding the concepts being studied at CERN.

Exhibits include:

· Discover CERN: Peek behind the scenes at the Laboratory, to find out how scientists study particles. On one side of the exhibition, explore CERN's particle accelerators; on the other, discover how giant experiments record particle collisions and how a global network of computers processes the data.

· Our Universe: Through the language of art, visitors travel back in time 13.8 billion years to discover the journey particles took to become everything in the universe, and forward into the many mysteries in the universe that scientists seek to answer.

· Quantum World: Become a particle and experience our world at the very smallest of scales. Engage in whimsical activities, such as quantum tennis and quantum karaoke, and discover how quantum phenomena have consequences on our daily lives.

Science shows are theatre-like performances with exciting experiments and interactive activities. Currently, five shows are presented: It's just a Phase, Journey through the Detector, Seize the Data, Magical Physics Party, and Proton Express.

Hands-on lab workshops are conducted for school students and for the general public, including in English, and are an ideal way to discover what it is like to be a scientist or engineer at CERN.

Nearly a dozen workshops are designed to intrigue, impress, and stimulate curiosity, fromCloud Chamber, Slimy Detectors, Programming with Ozobots, Magnet Challenge, Seeing the Invisible, LEGO Robotic Challenge, The Power of Air, Positron Emission Tomography, Superconductivity, and Electron Beams to a LEGO Detector Challenge.

The 100-million Swiss franc project was entirely funded through donations, and CERN’s Science Gateway is a model of sustainability. It’s surrounded by acres of trees and shrubs, with thousands of solar panels generating energy for the building and other CERN facilities, and it has a net-zero carbon footprint during operations.

Start your Educational Trip!

Images courtesy of CERN

This All-Inclusive Resort is Expanding Included Dining: OFF-Resort Restaurants

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

It’s the best of both worlds. Part of the appeal of luxury, all-inclusive resorts is the array of dining options on the property where you can enjoy effortless, delightful dining you’ve already paid for.

But what about getting a taste of the local restaurant scene on the rest of the island? And how about supporting other local businesses?

Sandals Resorts has come up with the perfect answer in its immersive, “Island Inclusive” dining program that now invites couples at two of its all-inclusive luxury resorts to savor local flavors around two islands.

The program debuted in 2022 with the opening of Sandals Royal Curacao. Now, it’s expanded to Nassau for select guests at Sandals Royal Bahamian, giving them access to some of Nassau’s top dining experiences – still included with your booking.

And it celebrates local chefs and supports locally-owned restaurants, sharing the love around the community.

In Nassau, Island Inclusive introduces Sandals guests to the bold flavors and culinary traditions of one of The Bahamas’ favorite islands through its selection of curated island restaurants – from a craft cocktail bar offering unique spirits in an upscale setting to a cozy café serving French and Mediterranean delights.

How does it work? Guests staying seven nights or more in certain room categories at Sandals Royal Bahamian are provided with a voucher and round-trip, off-site transportation to participating local venues, including:

Bon Vivants – The term 'Bon Vivant' in French refers to those who wholeheartedly embrace a lavish lifestyle. This craft cocktail bar offers unique spirits in an upscale, island-inspired setting and is the first venue in The Bahamas dedicated to the art and history of the craft cocktail.
Cocoplum– French chef Cecile Cathelin celebrates the fusion of French and Mediterranean cuisine with an island twist. At Cocoplum, guests dine on creative dishes crafted with local island produce (pictured.)

Island Brothers – A cozy café and restaurant serving French and Mediterranean menu items, Island Brothers utilizes both Bahamian and European products in their dishes. The venue features indoor and outdoor seating, located just steps away from the exclusive Lyford Cay gated community.
Sapodilla Estate – Once a private home, Sapodilla provides an intimate culinary experience tucked away in a lush garden setting with live music and a fine dining menu. Menu staples include creamy Long Island corn chowder, lobster and shrimp linguine and chocolate molten cake.

The Caribbean all-inclusive first program is a win for everyone. It fills one of all-inclusive resort guests’ biggest wishes: more interaction with locals and a taste of the local social scene. And helps ensure visitors are benefiting the wider community.

The company says the Island Inclusive program, now on two islands, is being expanded to more islands with Sandals resorts soon.

START YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE BEACH VACATION TRIP!

Images courtesy of Sandals Resorts International

"Hoppy" News: UNESCO Lists Czech Hops Landscape as World Heritage Site

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

The Czech Republic is already a bucket-list destination for beer lovers, with a beer culture dating back to the 10th century, and continuing today, with renowned brewing traditions and iconic beer styles.

Pilsner Urquell, the world's first pilsner lager, was born in the city of Pilsen, and visitors can explore the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Museum to learn about its history. Czech beer is known for its exceptional quality and flavor, thanks to the use of Saaz hops and soft water from local wells.

Now UNESCO is recognizing the Czech Republic’s contribution to brewing heritage.

It has added the country’s Zatec and the Landscape of the Saaz Hops to its latest list of World Heritage Sites.

The new UNESCO World Heritage Site listing shines a spotlight on areas outside of the capital, Prague – itself already listed as a World Heritage Site. And although you can sample many uniquely Czech beers in the vibrant brew scene of Prague, with its numerous beer halls, pubs and microbreweries, a visit to Zatec lets you do a deep dive into the history and legacy of Central European beer culture.

The Zatec region’s hop-growing tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and it’s now a sort of hop-metropolis. Zatec semi-early redbine, also known as Saaz, is a hop variety belonging to the group of "noble hops." Saaz is known for smooth, aromatic qualities and an absence of bitterness that gives beer - especially lagers and pilsners - exceptional flavor and fragrance.

Grown in the unique "terroir" of the region whose specific soil and climate lend Saaz hops from Zatec uniquely desirable qualities, they are coveted for beer production locally and around the world. Globally famous beers made in many other countries to this day have Czech hops at their heart, including renowned Irish Guinness and Belgian Stella Artois!

You can go to the source of some of your most beloved brews in Zatec, and discover new favorites, too. Besides its historical center, hop stores, and old drying and packing plants, Zatec even lays claim to the title of having the 'smallest hop garden in the world!'

“Hip” Hop Culture around Zatec:

Near the village of Steknik, discover a Rococo chateau with an Italian-style terraced garden, creating a unique blend of architecture amidst acres of local hop fields.

Brewing Museum in Zatec: Near the Zatec Brewery, this museum offers a journey through the history of breweries in this hop-growing region. Take a tour, including a tasting session, and savor the flavors that make Czech beer exceptional.

Hop Museum: It's the largest exhibition of its kind in the world, housed in preserved authentic historical hop industry buildings, where you can dive deep into the world of Zatec hops.

The Temple of Hops and Beer: Featuring the Hop Lighthouse viewing tower, Hop Astronomical Clock, and a hop maze, this is the place to uncover why Saaz hops thrive exclusively in the Zatec region of the Czech Republic.

Renaissance Malt House: Explore an exhibition and gallery dedicated to malting in this historical setting.

Newly Opened Pilsner Urquell Experience in Prague: See, feel and hear how beer is made at this modern, high-tech immersive experience into the Pilsner Urquell process. Your tour will leave you thirsty for more - and lucky for you they’ve placed the beer taps at the end of the journey.

Visit Prague and the Zatec hops region on a tour of the Czech Republic, or as a pre- or post-river cruise extension of a Danube river cruise.

Start your Czech Republic Trip!

Image: Getty

The Best Way to Experience the Most Romantic River in Europe

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

It is extraordinarily charming to cruise any of the rivers of Europe, but they call it “The Romantic Rhine” for a reason – at least three reasons! And on my most recent sailing on the Rhine on a Viking river cruise, I was reminded of why the Rhine is one of my – and many seasoned river cruisers’ – favorites.

On 'The Romantic Rhine,' you can see, taste, and listen to a perfect tapestry of Northern European culture. And a river cruise is the very best way to experience it. It’s one of the most popular river cruises for new-to-river-cruise travelers, and also one that many experienced river cruisers return to, time after time, in different seasons, including Christmas market season!

Unpack once and let your Scandinavian-style, floating boutique hotel take you to one gorgeous city, charming village or vineyard-lined landscape after another between Basel, Switzerland, through France, Germany and into the Netherlands.

Included shore excursions introduce you to people, history, culture and places in mediaeval villages in the Black Forest, glorious French towns like Strasbourg, quaint riverside towns in Germany like Koblenz or vibrant cities like Cologne, all the way to one of everyone’s favorite European cities, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam.

But the highlights of the Rhine river will always be these sights, sounds and flavors, and a cruise like our Viking Rhine River cruise the best way to take it all in:

Best Seat in the House for Castle-Gazing

40 castles in 40 miles. There's a castle or fortress, those ultimate symbols of the Middle Ages celebrated in fantasy literature, nearly every mile. That stretch known as the Middle Rhine has a higher density of castles than any other river valley in the world. Since the 19^th century, it's been known as 'The Romantic Rhine' and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For two millennia, the Rhine was one of the most important routes connecting Southern with Northern Europe. Castles to control the river commerce and security were built on hilltops facing the river, and now, a river cruise is really the most authentic way to immerse yourself in the Romance of some of the best historic scenery in Europe.

Tip: Travel along the Rhine by car or even train, and you’ll only see the castles on the opposite bank. Our Viking river cruise sailed right up the middle of the river, and if you position yourself in a comfy spot on the ship’s top deck lounge, you’ll have the best view of both sides of the river and won’t miss a single castle.

Wine to Taste on the Ship at your Leisure

Then you add wine. The gorges rising on either side of the Middle Rhine are lined by some of the steepest vineyards in the world. Over a thousand acres of vineyards thrive in a microclimate shaped by the river's topography (in fact, most of the wine regions of Europe are on banks lining its rivers). In other wine regions and wineries, hand-picking grapes is preserved for only elite wines. On the nose-bleed-steep banks of the Middle Rhine, handpicking is the usual – and only practical - practice. And yet the famous white wines – predominantly Rieslings, both dry and sweeter versions - of the Middle Rhine are still very affordable. Tastings are one of the best activities in the picturesque towns that line the narrow river banks.

Tip: Sign up for the wine shore excursions offered by the cruise line, and don’t hesitate to buy your favorite to take back to your Viking river cruise ship to enjoy on your stateroom balcony or on the top deck as you sail past the scenery; unlike many ocean cruise lines (at least the ones that aren’t all-inclusive) that store any wine you purchase ashore until you disembark for your journey home, Viking welcomes guests to bring their own wine back on board from winery tours to personalize your cruise experience.

Listen to a 'Murmuring Rock'

A 433-foot, steep slate rock formation on the very edge of the river bank of the Rhine River Gorge has been the source of legend for centuries. The Lorelai's name is ancient, coming from the old German word 'lureln' for 'murmuring', and the Celtic word 'ley' meaning 'rock. The combination of heavy currents swirling round the bend, a small waterfall (up until the early 19^th century) and an echo effect of the rock itself amplifying those sounds made Lorelai an actual audio experience (til development and the sounds of life in modern times drowned it out.)

No wonder the myths began: dwarfs living inside the rock, a murmuring siren luring sailors onto rocks… But the story that stuck came from a poem telling the tragic lover's tale of the beautiful Lorelai being taken away to a nunnery, and, thinking she sees her lover in the Rhine below, throws herself into river to her death, where to this day, the looming rock murmurs an echo of her calls. A statue of the mythical Lorelei has been erected on the riverbank nearby which keen eyes can also spot as you sail past.

Tip: pay homage to the Rhine's 'murmuring rock' by adding the compositions by Schumann, Mendelssohn or Strauss that immortalize Lorelai in music to your playlist to listen to on your magnificent Romantic Rhine river cruise.

Start your European River Cruise Trip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel expert and journalist, pictured, top.

Images: Lynn Elmhirst

How Many Ways to Celebrate Adventure on a Seabourn Expedition Cruise?

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

With more cruise lines getting into expedition cruising, travelers have more options about how they want their expedition cruise experience. From the extremes of barebones to the ultimate in luxe? The choice is yours.

We sailed onboard a Seabourn expedition cruise to the Arctic this summer, and discovered that the ultra-luxe cruise line has perfectly adapted its celebratory style of cruising to the remote, active, and adventurous realms of expeditions.

That includes turning memorable moments into ceremonies, and presenting guests with pop-up experiences where you least expect them – but that elevate an incredible interaction with breathtaking wilderness, unforgettable Arctic scenery, including icebergs, glaciers, fjords and sunsets – into a celebration of living your best life with your newfound friends in the social atmosphere on board.

Here are just some of the ways we celebrated adventure on our Seabourn expedition cruise to Iceland and Greenland:

Is that champagne in a zodiac? Yes it is. One of the joys of expedition cruising is its spontaneity. When the Seabourn Venture paused to 1) map the uncharted - yes, uncharted! - ocean floor along our route in the southern waters of Greenland, 2) the ship's expedition team got out the zodiacs for guests to explore the icy waters dotted with (unfiltered color!) blue icebergs around the ship. And 3) in typical Seabourn style, the hotel team got into the spirit of discovery, launching a champagne zodiac for guests to pull up beside and take a glass to toast the moment.

It also warmed us up for the polar plunge later that day! The phenomenal Seabourn expedition team member Sierra Phillips (top and below) in the zodiac and held my hand on my first polar plunge - she knows how cold it's going to be and she's still smiling into the gopro! I look terrified!

Seabourn is famous for its signature caviar parties: Caviar in the Surf in warmer climes, and in cooler zones, on deck while surrounded by spectacular scenery.

It doesn't get much better than with the Seabourn Venture pulled up next to a glacier in a fjord for a spectacular setting for a Caviar on Deck party. Caviar is, for many of us, shorthand for 'special celebration,' and again, the hotel team did it up in outstanding style, with your choice of champagne or vodka.

It's hard not to get into the spirit of the moment and even let someone convince you the best way to eat caviar is off your hand so the flavor isn't spoiled by contact with any spoons or even blini! Yes, pack your grannie's vintage fur stole and wear it with jeans on and around the ship - you'll be toasty and perfectly dressed for the weather and to feel like you're going to a party!

Not all the celebration is outdoors, even on an expedition cruise. Every day, we gathered to celebrate the discoveries of the day and learn what's in store for tomorrow in the Expedition Lounge, where special guests, like indigenous storytellers, help created context for our explorations.

And for a Seabourn expedition cruise in Iceland - the 'Land of Fire and Ice,' what could be more celebratory of our location than a cocktail in The Club with a fiery spirit and a charcoal rim? Paired with sushi from the new sushi bar in The Club along with scenery, that in mid-summer, just won't quit as the sun barely sets for even a couple of hours.

Mother Nature herself turned on one of our most memorable celebrations during our Arctic cruise, with an unexpected showing of the Northern Lights just after midnight, when it got just dark enough to see her spectacular light show - all the better for being on our verandas in our pajamas!

Start Your Luxury Expedition Cruise!

Images and story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Four Seasons Opening A New Resort in Another Caribbean Destination

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

The newest Four Seasons resort will change the face of one of the Caribbean’s most popular islands. Famous for affordable, all-inclusive beach resort vacations, the Dominican Republic’s latest resort will put it on even the most discerning luxury traveler’s map.

The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia is underway on 60 acres of pristine beachfront of Playa Esmeralda on the country’s northeastern Samana Bay.

Scheduled to open in 2026, the 95-room resort will lead the way for a new era of sustainable tourism and luxury in the Dominican Republic. It’s being developed in partnership with the family who owns the property, which is currently a private estate. The new resort will maintain the estate’s diverse eco-system of white-sand beaches, crystal seas with coral reefs, framed by mountains, forests, mangroves, lagoons, rivers, a working coconut plantation and an organic farm.

Sustainable Design, Construction and Development

The design of the new Four Seasons resort on the island’s north shore is slated to qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification - the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic. Environmental and social management systems are guiding the Resort's design, construction and operation, from biodiversity to waste and water management, air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. Low-impact materials, including native limestone, will be used for sustainability and to connect the new, modern-design resort with colonial-era architecture and a sense of authentic, timeless, tropical hospitality.

It will invite guests to flow seamlessly between the indoors and outdoors, connected to the natural environment, with accommodations located along the beachfront with views of Samana Bay, with private terraces, green space, interior gardens and state-of-the-art technology.

Four Seasons Resort Experience Plus Social Responsibility

Guests of the new sustainable luxury destination in the Dominican Republic will discover a new version of the Four Seasons resort experience they love, complete with numerous onsite interior and al fresco dining and cocktail venues including a poolside bar, ceviche bar, juicebar, beachside grill, and more; a spa, fitness and wellness facilities including a yoga pavilion; a variety of beach activities and watersports; racquet sports; and a Kids For All Seasons children's club.

Event spaces will allow brides to plan luxury destination weddings of their dreams.

Nearby aquatic activities include scuba diving, catamaran tours, sailing, observing and helping to protect sea turtles in their natural habitat, and seasonal whale-watching excursions around Samaná Bay, a storied marine sanctuary where humpback whales and leatherback turtles return to birth new generations.

Land excursions include Los Haitises National Park, with limestone hill formations, mangrove forests, ancient caverns with indigenous pictographs and petroglyphs, and wildlife.

For golf lovers, a Tom Doak golf course is planned as a next phase once the resort has opened.

In addition, the resort will share and inspire local positive cultural experiences by inviting guests to participate in activities that help sustain the surrounding community and environment. They include a sustainability initiative to care for leatherback turtles, and visits to after-school programs.

Guests will also be able to work with the resort family’s organic farm, including unique farm-to-table experiences.

Other Four Seasons in the Caribbean

Can’t wait for the new Four Seasons resort to open in 2026? Here are three Four Seasons in the region to enjoy now:

The renowned Ocean Club, Bahamas (above), is a Four Seasons resort welcoming the discerning jet set to its beachside garden-like ambiance. Beyond the five-mile stretch of ivory-white sand, a legendary Bahamian enclave awaits filled with iconic experiences and delights.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis has been recently reimagined and revitalized, but remains rooted in history and local heritage and its legacy as a tropical resort game changer, with an airy, pastel and teak lobby, a cheeky monkey theme that pops up in the décor throughout the resort in homage to the creatures that enliven the trees and golf course around the resort, and an infinity pool overlooking the sea.

Four Seasons Anguilla reinvented Caribbean luxury with contemporary whimsy and simultaneous dedication to helping you live your best life in the British West Indies. It’s a tropical oasis with stunning silky white-sand beaches and gentle blue water in one of the Caribbean’s exclusive and off-the-beaten-path locations.

Start Your Luxury Beach Resort Vacation!

Images: Four Seasons

The First Caribbean Resort to Get an Ocean Pool

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

Why choose between a dip in the sea and basking in a resort pool? The Caribbean now has its first resort ocean pool that lets you do both at once.

Tapping into saltwater sources for swimming pools is not exactly new. Over a hundred years ago, seaside communities, especially in Australia and also Europe, started tapping into the ocean to provide residents a way to cool off.

Even on rocky shores, an ocean pool could provide a secure space and constantly refreshed water, with waves washing into a pool where swimmers could safely swim. In some places, ocean pools had the added benefit of providing a saltwater swimming environment free of sea life, in places where sharks were abundant in the open water, for example.

The concept of ocean pools has evolved into a luxury experience at stylish resorts – but it hadn’t made its way to the Caribbean until now.

Wymara Resort and Villas on Turks and Caicos’ famous Grace Bay Beach has debuted a picture-perfect in-ocean pool inspired by the resort owner’s time in Australia and experiences with ocean pools there. They say it's the very first in the Caribbean islands.

At 130 ft long by 30 ft wide, the pool offers nearly 3,900 square feet of seawater swimming that’s equal parts in-ocean fresh and pool vibe.

The natural swimming pool, which gets replenished with fresh seawater from the Atlantic, is carved out of the shoreline’s coastal rock and lined by a timber deck that spans the entire length of the pool.

The high-style in-sea swimming pool features depths that rise and fall with the tide: a shallow end that is 3 to 5 feet deep if the tide is in or out, and a deep end that plunges 6 to 9 feet, with a soft, sandy bottom throughout.

It’s like the ultimate infinity pool, where the pool’s invisible seaside edge genuinely does flow right into its surroundings.

That’s not the only thing that makes it essential for your social media postings: this aquatic oasis is surrounded by a minimalist, elegant lounge area, complete with a refreshment bar, stylish loungers and umbrellas for shade.

The in-ocean pool’s lounge is fringed with manicured lawns, palm trees, and is adjacent to the Turks and Caicos’ renowned brilliant white sands and turquoise, crystal-clear waters. From a lounger or while lazing in the pool, guests enjoy spectacular views of the bay and up the cliffs.

From the in-ocean pool, it’s just a stroll to the Wymara’s one, four, and five-bedroom villas along what the resort is calling “Sunset Cove Beach.”

The first in-ocean pool in the Caribbean adds to the region’s collection of high-design, can’t-miss resort pools that transform your tropical resort vacation into poolside memories of a lifetime.

Start Your Tropical Resort Trip!

Images courtesy of Wymara Resort and Villas

What You Need to Know to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Mon, 04 Dec 23 22:37:19 +0000

Hiking up the tallest freestanding mountain in the world is on a lot of people’s travel bucket lists. From BFF getaways to rewarding yourself for reaching fitness goals, climbing the highest peak in Africa is the adventure of a lifetime.

Unlike other of the world’s highest peaks, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro takes endurance and a certain amount of fitness, but no specialized skills, making it an attainable achievement.

Here are a few essential things you need to know about climbing Kilimanjaro:

1. World’s Highest Freestanding Mountain… with Disappearing Snow Caps:

Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world, and the highest peak in Africa, standing at approximately19,341 feet) above sea level. It is also one of the world's Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.

Mount Kilimanjaro is in its own eponymous Kilimanjaro National Park and near the country's northern border with Kenya.

Tales like ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’ romanticize the African mountain’s famously snow-capped peak. But, despite its record-breaking height, the ice cap on Kilimanjaro's summit is disappearing, drawing global attention to the effects of climate change. It's projected that its glaciers may disappear entirely within our lifetime.

2. No Special Equipment Required:

One unique aspect of climbing Kilimanjaro compared to many of the world’s other famous mountains is that it does not require specialized mountaineering equipment or technical climbing skills, making it accessible to many hikers.

But it’s no walk in the park. Adequate preparation, physical fitness, acclimatization to altitude and competent guides and a climbing plan are crucial to reach the summit successfully.

3. Different Routes:

There are several routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, with each route varying in length, difficulty, and scenery. The climb takes between 5 to 9 days, and climbers can choose a route according to your preference and level of experience.

The Marangu and Machame routes are among the most popular ways to climb. Marangu is often considered the easiest route, you have less time to acclimatize, so that adds its own challenge. Machame is more scenic but also more challenging.

4. Multiple Climate Zones:

You’ll be climbing through entirely different environments on your way to the summit. Kilimanjaro has a variety of climatic zones, ranging from tropical rainforest at its base to arctic conditions at its peak.

Climbers experience drastic changes in temperature and weather as they ascend, passing through cultivated land, rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit. Pack carefully!

5. Varied Flora and Fauna:

Kilimanjaro is home to a phenomenal range of flora and fauna. While ascending, climbers can observe different species of plants and animals, including unique, endemic species such as the Kilimanjaro tree and the giant groundsel.

Some animals, like monkeys and birds, can be spotted in the lower elevations, but wildlife becomes sparse as the altitude increases.

6. Tis the Season:

The best seasons to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are during its two dry seasons. Late June to October is the main trekking season, coinciding with the summer months and offering stable, dry weather. It is a popular time for tourists, so the routes can be crowded. It is also the best time to enjoy clear, breathtaking views from the summit.

The other dry season for climbing Kilimanjaro is from late December to early March. It’s generally warmer but can also be more crowded due to coinciding with holidays.

At any time of the year, though, Kilimanjaro’s weather is unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly. Proper preparation and equipment are essential to handle any weather that arises – and again, having expert, local guides.

7. Think Local:

Local guides will also help ensure trekkers have the information and tips to respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting local communities and cultural sites during their trip.

8. And Beyond:

Having attained the achievement of the peak and the incredible views from the summit, you can treat yourself to a bit more time in Tanzania at ground level to immerse yourself in its natural wonders, cultural sites and thrills.

Plan a safari to see iconic African wildlife, a visit to Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, an exploration of the archipelago of Zanzibar, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site history and breathtaking beaches, or an immersion into local Maasai village life.

Start Your Africa Trip!

Image: Getty