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Sandals Opens its Newest Resort with the 1st SkyPool Suites in Jamaica and a Return to its Roots

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 31 May 23 19:29:20 +0000

A completely transformed and all-new Sandals Dunn’s River has opened on a stunning stretch of white sand beach in Jamaica: the site originally handpicked by Sandals’ founder, the late “Butch” Stewart over three decades ago when he began what became a world-famous and award-winning collection of adults-only Caribbean resorts.

Featuring a design Inspired by Dunn’s River Falls, new culinary concepts and the introduction of Jamaica’s first “SkyPool Suites,” the 260-room luxury all-inclusive resort represents a deeply personal and family connection to its alluring setting on Jamaica’s north coast.

“Ocho Rios has been the backdrop of some of my family’s most pivotal moments, including along this very beach where my father grew up and turned a perhaps once unimaginable dream into one of the world’s most well-known hotel brands,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, at the star-studded launch party.

“This is the place where everything began for Sandals Resorts,” Stewart explained.

“It is a hero's tale about an ambitious boy who began selling fish to local resorts and how he went on to change how people prefer to vacation, making Jamaica and the Caribbean the centerpiece of his efforts. It is an epic story about an incredible person who continues to inspire us to dream bigger, do more, be better. It is the stuff of legends and that is what this evening is all about,” said Stewart of his father.

“Today, we celebrate innovation and a commitment to excellence as we unveil the next generation of Sandals Resorts in our home country ofJamaica. I cannot think of a better way to honour his legacy.”

Butch Stewart passed away in 2021, and the transformation of the property into Sandals Dunn’s River was the last project he and his son worked on.

The new chapter in the life of Sandals Dunn’s River celebrates its Jamaican roots and its riverside namesake.

The source of the water that flows through Sandals Dunn's River is from the natural reserves of the Dunn's River Falls, from the lobby waterfalls to the cascading pools of the Red Lane Spa. Guests at Sandals Dunn’s River will also experience the debut of the brand’s first-ever signature fragrance. Designed to evoke the romance of the Caribbean and encapsulate the brilliant flora and fauna surrounding the resort, the scent is an explosion of colors - from white florals and fruits to notes of sandalwood and musk in the background - and greets guests upon arrival to the open-air lobby.

Sweet Suites

Sandals “Firsts” on resort include Tufa Terrace SkyPool Butler Suites, a first in Jamaica with glass panel edge infinity pools spanning the length of balconies flanked by views of the Caribbean Sea.

Guests checking in to Coyaba Sky Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools will find Sandals’ iconic standalone circular villas have been reimagined with vast open-air rooftops where you and your partner can bask under the Ocho Rios sun and stars.

Luxurious Mammee Bay Beachfront Butler Suites feature expansive balconies that overlook the sea with privileged sunset views, and Travertine Beachfront Club Level Rooms are named after the well-known Dunn’s River Falls’ giant, natural limestone steps.

A New Era in Resort Cuisine

The connection to Jamaica continues at BLŪM, one of 12 new culinary concepts to debut at Sandals Dunn’s River. An ode to the island’s majestic Blue Mountains, the quaint coffee outpost offers a first-of-its-kind coffee drinking experience with 25-cup cold drip towers, nitro cold brew on tap and Modbar pour-over units reaping the very best out of Jamaica’s coveted bean - all best enjoyed paired with delectable pastries and treats.

At Dunn’s Rum Club (pictured below), guests can travel throughout the Caribbean via the region’s signature spirit. Featuring the largest selection of rum on the island of Jamaica and any other Sandals Resort, Dunn’s Rum Club celebrates the quintessential spirit by merging together storytelling with curated, cleverly named rum flights.

Evenings were made for lingering at the swank Lapidus Lounge, an homage to Morris Lapidus, the famed mid-century architect who designed the site’s first resort - the Arawak Hotel, and whose joyful designs epitomized 1960's tropical chic. This is the place to admire the architectural references and raise a toast to the visionary himself with a Morris Manhattan.

Seaside, guests can sink their toes into the sand while enjoying libations at Laughing Waters Beach Bar, named after the nearby fresh water falls that gently spill to the sea.

For an authentic taste of Jamaica, the Jerk Shack offers crispy festival - fried sweet corn cakes, alongside spicy “jerked” meats and seafood infused with local allspice and scotch bonnet pepper.

In addition to the local flavors, guests can also savour a number of new culinary venues including:

Hamani, an izakaya-inspired sushi restaurant;
Edessa, where the Caribbean and Aegean seas meet;
Asian-fusion Banyu;
Central and South American flavors at Zuka;
Italian at Cascata;
a taste of France atL’Amande;
grilled delights and island staples at Galene;
or the eatery Saltaire for breakfast and lunch selections.

Immersing Yourself in the Soul of Ocho Rios

From teeing off with complimentary green fees at the nearby and newly refurbished Sandals Upton Estate Golf & Country Club and diving the depths of the ocean and exploring marine sanctuaries, to rafting the Martha Brae River on a 30-foot, artisan-crafted bamboo raft, Sandals Dunn’s River puts Ocho Rios’ natural treasures at guests’ fingertips with its included experiences.

Star-Studded Celebrations

Sandals Dunn's River's opening gala event brought together leaders in the Caribbean, members of the Sandals Resorts family, and Jamaican performers – including Grammy-Award winning artist Shaggy and The Voice winner Tessanne Chin – to commemorate the next chapter in the new resort’s storied history.

Mimicking the pathway of the flowing water from Dunn’s River Falls, entertainers performed within the pool, floating on original bamboo rafts custom made by Jamaican artisans. An electrifying performance from the renowned cast of STOMP, fresh off their Broadway run, brought the ‘beat’ of Jamaica to the stage with a wordless percussion spectacle.

Guests were also treated to the sounds of a steel-drum band; ribbon dancers; aerial performances, with costumes matching the vibrancy of the island’s culture, in front of a state-of-the-art video mapping of the Falls; as well as local musicians.

Start Your All-Inclusive Trip!

Images courtesy of Sandals Resorts International

The Coyaba Sky Rondoval Villas at Sandals Dunn's River include personalized butler service, swim-up pools, and breathtaking rooftop terraces.

Aerial view of the all-new Sandals Dunn’s River a 260-room luxury-included resort nestled in the heart of Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Dunn’s Rum Club, where guests can enjoy the largest selection of rum in Jamaica while trying their hand at a game of dominoes.

Aerial view of Sandals Dunn’s River during the resort's Grand Opening Celebration in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on May 19th, 2023.

Jamaican singer-songwriter, Shaggy alongside Jamaican Dancehall artist, Teejay, at the Grand Opening Celebration of Sandals Dunn's River.

Ultra-Luxury Hotel Opens in Chicago in the World’s Tallest Building Designed by a Woman

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 31 May 23 19:28:57 +0000

It’s an architectural wonder 101 stories high in Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood that transforms the Windy City’s skyline. Eleven of those floors make up the newly-opened, ultra-luxury hotel St. Regis Chicago.

Designed by the world-renowned architecture and urban design practice led by Jeanne Gang, the tower breaks new ground as the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect.

The tower’s crystalline form was inspired by nature with its facets of a shimmering gem and its gradient of green-blue glass that reflects the colors of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.

The St. Regis hotel captures that design innovation and brings its own glamorous spirit and celebrated rituals to its first location in the U.S. Midwest. It features a unique and distinctive design composed of an interconnected series of stacked, frustum-shapes that move rhythmically in and out of plane and extend to various heights.

159 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms and 33 exquisite suites offer unparalleled 360-degree views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Guests will discover St. Regis' legendary butler service and traditional daily champagne sabre ceremonies to start an evening of cocktails; an expansive spa; over 11,000 sq. ft. of event and meeting space; and world-class dining.

Throughout the hotel’s public areas, spa, and Presidential Suite, metallic materials and colors, such as copper and rust, are interwoven with geometric, angular lines, offering a nod to The Great Chicago Fire and the city’s geographic interconnectivity of waterways, buildings, and green spaces.

Guestrooms offer a place of respite and rejuvenation. A palette of natural stone and wood finishes create a connection to nature, juxtaposing its minimalistic beauty against an urban backdrop of skyline views.

All guests of the hotel will also enjoy the signature St. Regis butler service, a hallmark of the brand for more than a century, which presents personalized offerings like garment pressing and packing services, ensuring that each guest’s preferences are anticipated at every turn.

At Miru, an all-day dining venue on the 11^th floor, the menu highlights Japanese small plates, sushi, and sashimi complemented by a selection of steak and seafood. Miru, which means "view" in Japanese, celebrates its location at the convergence of two bodies of water and Chicago Modernism design. The venue offers a variety of indoor and outdoor seating and features two stunning terraces offering spectacular views of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and the Chicago River.

The Coffee Bar on Eleven is also open daily serving a selection of grab-and-go breakfast items and handmade pastries, among other delights.

Slated to debut in Fall 2023, the Tuscan steakhouse, Tre Dita, from award-winning Chef Evan Funke, features fresh, handmade pasta, and classic Italian steaks cooked at an open-hearth wood fired grill.

Throughout the food and beverage spaces – including The Drawing Room and Library lounge areas – guests will experience three signature St. Regis brand rituals, including Afternoon Tea, evening Champagne Sabrage, and the hotel's unique Chicago-inspired twist on the brand’s signature libation, the Bloody Mary. The 1871 is served in a smoking glass, paying tribute to one of the most impactful events in the city’s history, The Great Chicago Fire, and features a local Rye Whiskey and a rim of smoked salt.

The St. Regis Spa occupies 12,000 square-feet of the Wellness Floor, evoking an urban oasis. Guests can sip champagne at the Celebration Bar, connect in the Iridium Lounge, and indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment. The Spa Suite offers a gathering space for VIPs, couples, families, and friends to enjoy treatment time together.

Overlooking the Chicago River with sprawling views of Navy Pier & Lake Michigan, The St. Regis Chicago’s fully attended fitness center features state-of-the-art fitness equipment, outdoor sundeck, yoga studio and two private fitness rooms.

A palatial, heated indoor pool offers stunning views of the city and Lake Michigan.

With more than 11,000 square-feet of meeting and event spaces, the hotel makes the perfect venue for cherished celebrations, gatherings, and meetings. The coveted venue of the Astor Ballroom can host receptions for up to 500 guests.

The St. Regis Chicago offers easy access to the Chicago River and is a short walk from the city’s leading luxury retailers, dining destinations, and notable cultural landmarks such as Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the famed Magnificent Mile.

Start Your Chicago Trip!

Images courtesy of the St. Regis Chicago

Oceania Cruises Christens 1st New Ship in a Decade and Introduces new Wine, Spirits and Culinary Experiences

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 12 May 23 21:31:21 +0000

Oceania Cruises has officially welcomed the 1200-guest Oceania Vista in a glittering event in Malta. She’s the cruise line’s first new ship in more than ten years, and the first of its new, Allura-class of ships.

In a ceremony that included centuries-old blessings on the ship and the souls who will sail upon her, Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis christened the Vista with the traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull.

If you have sailed with Oceania before, you’ll know that the cruise line prides itself especially on its culinary experiences, making a chef the perfect godmother of the new Vista.

De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes to be served in Toscana, Oceania Cruises' authentic Italian specialty restaurant, as well as The Grand Dining Room, the luxurious grand dame of the line's culinary venues.

Those are just two of the 11 culinary venues on board the Vista – which introduces three all-new restaurants: Aquamar Kitchen, offering an array of wellness-inspired dishes with a hint of indulgence; The Bakery at Baristas, serving tempting freshly baked pastries; and a new signature restaurant, Ember.

The ship’s 11 restaurants are complemented by 8 bars, lounges and entertainment venues.

Paired with its emphasis on cuisine, Oceania elevates wine and spirits experiences fleet-wide, and on the Vista, it is also introducing The Casino Mixology Bar, a new concept for the line, focused entirely on the art of the cocktail.

Vista bar venues feature the latest cocktail-crafting trends and techniques such as flavored smoke bubbles, an extensive selection of low- and no-sugar wines, and zero-proof cocktails, plus Negronis aged in wooden barrels and specialty beverage carts like the Bubbly Bar and Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar.

In honor of the arrival of the Vista and across the entire fleet, Oceania Cruises will debut a series of rum and whisky programs in 2023. The experiences will feature a collection of The Macallan's via The Macallan Diamond Bar Cart, a flight program, chocolate pairings and more. For fans of rum, Brugal 1888 Doblemente Añejado Rum will be featured in a new Tea at Sea mixology class and a wide selection of newly crafted ice cream cocktails.

On the wine side, guests will also be able to partake in pairing experiences including a Moët & Chandon Champagne three-course pairing, sommelier-guided lunches with wine pairings, and the signature Oceania Cruises Dom Pérignon experience alongside a six-course tasting menu.

You may never want to go home! And, in fact, the Oceania Vista was designed to feel a lot like home at sea – but even better.

1200 guests stay in 600- all-veranda staterooms, and Oceania says the standard staterooms are “the most spacious” at sea at 290 square feet. There are new Concierge Level veranda staterooms for solo travelers, even. And the ship was designed for “residential-style luxury.”

There are two crew members for every three guests onboard, for elevated service levels.

Where You Can Sail on the New Vista

Following her inaugural in Malta, Vista is sailing a sold out summer season in the Mediterranean.

But you may still be able to sail on Oceania’s first Allura-class ship in her inaugural year.

In September, she will sail to Canada and New England before heading south for a series of winter itineraries exploring Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean from her homeport of Miami.

Vista's 2024 summer season will see her sail a series of Grand Voyages in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas, visiting an intriguing array of iconic cities and smaller boutique ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Holy Lands.

You can also plan ahead to be one of the first guests onboard the Vista’s upcoming new sister ship, another 1,200-guest newbuild, Allura, scheduled to set sail in 2025.

Start Your Cruise Trip!

Images courtesy of Oceania Cruises

One of America’s Most Famous Landmarks Celebrates 100th Anniversary

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 12 May 23 21:31:06 +0000

It ranks right up there with the Statue of Liberty and the Washington monument. Not only is it a world-wide symbol of the United States. It’s also the country’s most famous sign – and visual shorthand for one of America’s most universally-consumed exports: movies, as well as the West Coast city where movie-making dreams come true.

In 2023, the Hollywood sign celebrates an entire century dominating the Los Angeles skyline. That’s almost as long as Los Angeles itself has been dominating storytelling on screen.

But the origins of Hollywood sign aren’t particularly glamorous. Did you know:

The municipality of Hollywood began as a community for members of the temperance movement opposing the consumption of alcohol.

The couple who founded the town may have named it after a red-berried shrub sometimes called California holly. The municipality was founded in 1903 and merged with Los Angeles 7 years later – one year before the first film studio located there.

The sign was originally intended to promote real estate, not as a symbol of the movie capital of the world.

In 1923, the sign was erected to promote an upscale real-estate development designed to capitalize on growing interest in and success of the film industry. The first version of the sign was lit by 4000 light bulbs.

The original sign originally read "HOLLYWOODLAND."

The Great Depression was the end of the Hollywoodland real estate development, and the sign was abandoned, becoming increasingly derelict until the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce came to the rescue in the mid-1940’s. In restoring the sign, they dropped the last four letters.

Since then, the Sign and the surrounding area has been protected and preserved from both developers and disrepair, defended by citizens and celebrities alike.

The Hollywood Sign Trust, formed to maintain the cultural and historic landmark for future generations, has ensured that the 45-foot-tall letters have been refreshed for their starring role in advance of the sign’s centenary year.

Selfie Star

A photo taken with the Hollywood sign in the background is a must for any trip to LA. And this might be the best year to get a new selfie with the sign.

Our friends at Los Angeles Tourism have recommended a number of ways and places to get your close up with the Hollywood sign. In addition to guided coach and walking and even helicopter tours, the suggest getting a room with a view:

THE KIMPTON EVERLY HOTEL: The boutique Kimpton Everly Hotel is right in the heart of Hollywood glitz and glamour, offering views of the Sign and the Hollywood hills from the rooftop and some guest rooms.
TOMMIE HOLLYWOOD: Check in to the tommie Hollywood for panoramic city and Hollywood Sign views from its colorful rooftop pool and from Hollywood Hills view guestrooms.
THOMPSON HOLLYWOOD: The chic rooftop pool, dining experiences and event spaces at the laid-back, yet refined Thompson Hollywood offer memorable views of the Hollywood Sign.
LOEWS HOLLYWOOD: An urban oasis at the corner of Hollywood and Highland, Loews Hollywood offers Hollywood Sign views from guest rooms and meeting spaces.
DREAM HOLLYWOOD: The west coast flagship of Dream Hotels is tucked among the scenic Hollywood Hills, boasting a mid-century modern aesthetic in guest rooms and public spaces with impressive views of the Hollywood sign.
W HOLLYWOOD: On the always-lively Hollywood Boulevard, upscale hip W Hollywood offers expansive vistas of the Hollywood Sign from the rooftop pool and lounge, guest rooms and suites, and event venues.

Start Your West Coast Trip!

Images provided by Los Angeles Tourism.

Night Photo - Photo Courtesy of the Hollywood Sign Trust and RD Willis

Historical Photo - Photo Courtesy of the Hollywood Sign Trust and HollywoodPhotographs.com

Current Photo - Photo Courtesy of the Hollywood Sign Trust

You Can Do An Underwater-Aged Dom Perignon Champagne Tasting in the Maldives

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 12 May 23 21:30:58 +0000

As a thousand mile-long atoll in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, it’s no wonder that most of the Maldives’ most coveted experiences relate to the sea: over water villas, underwater resorts…and now, tastings of wine aged in what has been voted the world’s best underwater wine cellar and restaurant.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has launched a new underwater-aged wine tasting experience. Taking place 20 feet below the Indian Ocean’s surface in the resort’s incredible SEA restaurant, surrounded by near 360-degree views of the local marine life, this exclusive and private tasting sees guests sample Dom Perignon champagne that has been aged submerged in open water for 365 days.

Situated in the Maldives’Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort’s underwater SEA restaurant takes diners beneath the waves to the very edge of Anantara Kihavah’s famed house reef, where the glass curved walls offer panoramic views of tropical marine life, including turtles, manta rays and clown fish.

In 2020, Anantara Kihavah’s wine experts started an experiment of submerging bottles of Dom Perignon 2008 vintage champagne below the ocean’s surface to age for a full year. After the sunken bottles were retrieved, the champagnes noticeably gained distinct flavour notes such as seaweed, minerals, and salinity in its taste, perfectly complementing the classic components of Dom Perignon’s citrus, brioche, and nutty characters.

Now every year, a limited number of premium bottles are submerged underwater at Kihavah’s house reef without enclosures and away from direct sunlight. This way, the wine ageing process is faster, with the vintage absorbing the sea minerals and salinity while corals form beautiful, organic shapes on the bottles over their time submerged.

To understand the ageing process of the sunken wines, resort sommeliers periodically conduct comparative tastings between an underwater-aged wine and a cellar-aged wine to evaluate the distinct changes in flavours and components.

In addition to Dom Perignon champagnes, resort wine experts keep diversifying the varieties by including a selected number of classic wines into the list. Wine lovers may be interested to know that today there are 22 sunken champagne and wines ageing in the reef, including underwater aged Dom Perignon Brut Millesime, Épernay, France 2012, Umbria IGT 'Cervaro della Sala' Chardonnay, Castello della Sala 2018 and Chassagne-Montrachet, Morgeot Les Fairendes VV, Francois Jouard 2014 975.

The wine cellar has over 450 bottles from two dozen countries and SEA’s underwater position enables its wine cellar to maintain cooler temperatures allowing each label to age gracefully.

During the exclusive wine tasting at the resort, oenophiles will sample underwater-aged Dom Perignon and compare its characteristics with a cellar-aged Dom Perignon champagne. All champagnes are paired with canapés and a selection of premium cheeses.

It might be the most memorable experience you can have in one of the world's most luxe, romantic, remote and legendary tropical eco paradise destinations.

Start Your Luxury Trip to the Maldives!

Images courtesy of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Avant-Garde Design and Luxury Lifestyle at the New St. Regis Resort in Exclusive Riviera Maya Enclave

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Mon, 01 May 23 19:17:15 +0000

A new, ultra-luxury resort brings St. Regis glamor and hospitality to a new, exclusive development at a 600+acre nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site on one of Mexico's most popular beach destinations. The St. Regis Kanai Resort was inspired by the Sian Ka'an Reserve, from its avant-garde architecture to its upscale interiors.

If you hadn't heard of Kanai yet, you're not alone. It's a new and exclusive oasis on the Riviera Maya carefully permitting only 4 top luxury hotels occupying less than 10% of its hundreds of acres of jungle and mangrove reserve, with sea frontage of two miles of undisturbed white sand beach.

The resort is a short drive from both Cancun and Playa Del Carmen and offers a gateway to the biodiversity of its natural parks and the mysticism of its cenotes, the vivid blues of its ocean and the cultural richness of its archaeological sites.

From its design and ecological harmony to signature St. Regis Butler Service, the St. Regis Kanai seems set to redefine hospitality on Mexico's Riviera Maya and provide a glamorous hideaway for travelers looking for a bespoke beach escape.

Avant-Garde Architecture and Inspired Design

The resort features an exceptional circular exterior design inspired by the constellation Pleiades, resulting in unrivaled ocean views from nearly every vantage point.

Designed with a minimal construction footprint aimed at protecting the natural reserve, The St. Regis Kanai Resort is suspended above a mangrove forest with the different elements of the hotel connected by elevated walkways. Guests of the resort are immediately transported into the magic of Kanai with a multi-story open air water installation leading into the main lobby. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the mangroves give way to lush gardens and an expansive outdoor lawn with direct access to 2 miles of white sand beach.

Drawing inspiration from ancient Mayan artistic and ceremonial manifestations, the hotel's sophisticated aesthetic features a rich palette of limestone, walnut, and layered textiles. Elegant décor and contemporary interiors are accented with bespoke elements including custom furniture and artwork from local artisans. The Mayan Calendar is recreated through textiles within the public areas and guestrooms, with elements inspired by ceremonial Mayan garments.

Guestrooms and suites offer ocean views and a private terrace or plunge pool and feature design elements and rich materials evoking the surrounding elements from the mangrove trees and nearby cenotes to the stars above. Guestrooms feature custom hanging mirrors, bedside tables, ceramic light pendants, and intricate walnut wood-carved headboards.

All guests have access to the St. Regis Signature Butler Service.

Peak Culinary Experiences

The resort invites guests and locals to embark on unique gastronomic journeys with eight culinary venues:

The hotel's signature restaurant TORO by Chef Richard Sandoval is a bar and restaurant with a Latin-inspired menu led by the esteemed chef.
Chaya features a menu that uniquely combines local ingredients and regional touches of Riviera Maya with culinary elements rooted in Eastern Mediterranean history.
Located along the beautiful beachfront, Riviera blends the South of France with the Mayan Riviera.
A tea and chocolate salon, The Library is a back drop to experience St. Regis's signature ritual of afternoon tea and enjoy a tasting of Mexican chocolate.
The intimate St. Regis Bar, designed to feature views of the night sky, offers the Kanai Mary, a local take on the brand's signature Bloody Mary cocktail, which incorporates ingredients from the ancient Maya diet including corn, peppers and cucumber. The space also features an expansive mural inspired by Maya astronomer-priests who looked to the heavens for guidance.
Jack's Club is a hidden speakeasy.
Pik Nik is a grab-and-go deli, and
The Beach Club is available for light bites while relaxing seaside.

Honoring a signature tradition among St. Regis properties around the world, The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya will mark the transition from day to night with a celebratory champagne sabreing each evening.

Escapist Spa

The St. Regis Spa features eight treatment suites and a standalone salon. Connecting guests with nature, the space brings the lush outdoors inside with treatments inspired by ancient practices and featuring local ingredients.

Signature treatments include the Secret Garden ritual, allowing guests to hand select ingredients from the hotel's garden to personalize a body scrub and mask, as well as a Celestial Energy treatment that is inspired by Mayan cosmology and uses herbal cleansing, hot stones energized under the moon and stars and aromatherapy based on the phase of the moon.

Guests can work out in the exclusive Athletic Club, featuring a range of cardio and strength equipment as well as an outdoor yoga platform.

The Beach Club offers glamorous seaside lounging while offering access to a selection of water sports, and a pool and beach experience that includes Adult and Family pools, where cabanas offer complete privacy.

Family Traditions and Exploration

From a day poolside in a Family Cabana taking part in sport activities on the beach, your whole family will enjoy their beach vacation. St. Regis Family Traditions program offers the Tortuga Children's Club, with activities tailored to help younger guests discover the magic of Riviera Maya.

Located less than half a mile from an undisturbed coral reef, part of the second largest system in the world, the resort is also an ideal launching pad for underwater exploration.

Celebrations and Bespoke Events

Looking for an original, unforgettable place for a wedding, vow renewal or other special occasion? The St. Regis Kanai Resort has indoor and outdoor event space across six venues. From the expansive Astor Ballroom to the 7,300 sq. ft. Great Lawn, the resort can accommodate up to 600 guests with grace and style.

Start Your Luxury Resort Trip!

Images courtesy of St. Regis / Marriott Bonvoy

New, Regal Suites and a Dior Spa For Scotland's Only Luxury Sleeper Train

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Mon, 01 May 23 19:17:02 +0000

An overnight rail journey through the landscapes of the legendary Scottish Highlands on the Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, is getting even more baronial.

Two new Grand Suites will debut on the train in 2024 that mirror the atmosphere of a luxury Scottish country house and capture the magic of Highland culture and lifestyle.

When you’re not with fellow guests dining in one of the two wood-paneled dining cars and enjoying live evening entertainment, or off board excursions including wild swimming, foraging, water rafting, whisky tastings, and epic castle visits, you can be ensconced in your rolling luxury hotel suite with an ever-changing view during daytime travel.

The Grand Suites overflow with elegant references to Scottish culture and landscapes and honor the country’s timeless craftsmanship.

Dark wooden paneling with intricate marquetry form the backdrop for the Grand Suites, with the bed against an embossed headboard and a separate lounge area including a dining table made of Scottish Larch. Reflecting the surrounding Highlands, the hand-crafted wall covering, upholstery, and furniture have a color palette of green, grey, beige, and blue hues, and local materials such as stone and wood will adorn the ensuite bathrooms. Decorative patterns will echo Edwardian flair through Pictish stone motifs and Celtic symbolism.

The statement armchair in the day lounge area is a tribute to the Orkney Chair – an iconic piece of furniture originating in the namesake Scottish archipelago over a century ago. Traditionally handmade with driftwood gathered from the shoreline and with no set design instructions, no chair is the same. For the Grand Suites, the Scottish design staple has been reinterpreted in a fresh, contemporary light, and upholstered with the finest textiles from iconic Scottish brand, Araminta Campbell.

The custom tartan design crafted by Araminta Campbell just for the Royal Scotsman covers both the armchair and sofa and includes references to the train. Three sets of double lines evoke rail tracks and depict the train’s three most legendary journeys - Scotland's Classic Splendours, Western Scenic Wonders and Taste of the Highlands - while its main check block will be made up of 37 threads, representing every year the train has been touring the Highlands.

The bespoke tweeds and tartans created for Royal Scotsman are all woven in rural mills in Scotland and reflect the country’s beauty as well as the history of the train.

Grand Suite guests enjoy not just the wonders of a private train suite that feels like a room in your own Highland castle, suite guests also get added amenities including private transfers and a spa treatment in the train’s dedicated spa carriage, the only one of its kind in Europe.

The Dior Spa Royal Scotsman combines two iconic Houses for a one-of-a-kind luxury well-being escape inspired by Scotland.

In homage to Christian Dior’s love for Scotland – where he hosted his first fashion show in 1955 – Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, has begun a long-term partnership with the French House Dior Beauty.

The new Dior Spa Royal Scotsman is housed in one of the train’s plush carriages with two lacquered treatment rooms, restyled with Dior’s iconic burgundy toile de Jouy motif.

Image: Pierre Mouton for Parfums Christian Dior

The new bespoke spa menu features three tailor-made treatments devised by the French luxury House’s wellness experts to address the specific needs of train travel and can be enjoyed before or after an outdoor excursion. They include:

The D-Travel body massage, a deep, slow massage that eliminates toxins, releases tensions, and relieves pain;
The D-Elements full body treatment, inspired by the Scottish seasons and beginning with the application of semi-precious hot stones on the back to create a sense of warmth, followed by massage strokes that simulate a cooling breeze. Bain Dior body mist and hot oshibori, recreating the country’s drifting mists, end the treatment on a calming note; and
The D-Highlands treatment for the face, inspired by Kobido facial massage techniques enhanced with the Dior Prestige skincare products, resulting in a rejuvenating facial that sculpts the face’s features and improves the skin’s appearance.

Now imagine this wondrous luxury surrounded by the rugged and history-laden Scottish countryside on 2 to 7-night journeys roundtrip from Edinburgh through the heart of the Highlands. It’s hard to imagine a more memorable or evocative way to experience the best of Scotland.

Start Your Rail Journey!

Images courtesy of Belmond.

Flying's Never Been so Fun: Check Out these First-Class 'Hotel Suites' in the Sky

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Mon, 01 May 23 19:16:52 +0000

Airlines are making it harder and harder to deny yourself the pleasure of first-class travel, especially on long-distance, overnight flights to Europe where you want to arrive feeling well-rested and refreshed.

No longer is the first-class cabin just about seats that are bigger, farther apart and lying flatter with food service on china rather than plastic - incrementally better than sitting farther back on the plane.

Two European airlines are launching fully-enclosed, private suites above the clouds catering to each passenger’s individual needs and tastes in the closest thing we’ve seen yet to a flying hotel suite.

Lufthansa’s “First Class Suite Plus”

Germany’s flagship carrier is overhauling its entire service in the next couple of years – with a first class cabin that’s set to revolutionize luxury travel.

In 2024, “First Class Suite Plus” debuts, offering private rooms in the sky to passengers.

Guests will find their suite has ceiling-high walls and an entirely closable door, large table, a suite wardrobe so you can have all your belongings on hand, neatly hanging and stowed, so you can change during your flight for comfort or dress to impress before you arrive at your destination.

Seats are a whole meter wide – that’s nearly 40 inches! Each guest can warm or cool their seat to their personal preferences, and of course, connect your own device to the suite’s entertainment system. The seats completely convert and are made up with linens into a comfortable bed for you rest whenever you wish.

There are even accommodations for those flying in pairs. Couples will be able to book a separate double cabin with and two wide seats that can be combined into a comfortable double bed.

In perhaps the ultimate luxury, you can spend your time in the air exactly as you wish. You choose when to enjoy entertainment, work, rest, change… and even dine. The crew serves your gourmet menu when you request it. And you can enjoy your meal at the large First Class table, similar to a restaurant.

Business Class guests also get their own suites with chest-high walls and sliding doors, a seat that converts into a six-and-a-half foot long bed, your own wardrobe and minibar, 4K screen, dining table, wireless charging, noise canceling headphones, and Bluetooth connectivity, private heating and cooling – all directly accessible from the aisle, of course.

Options in the Business Class cabins include the ability to connect two suites for couples flying together, or a double seat that can be converted into a two-person bed, an extra-long bed, extra space and work area, a seat with a baby bassinet, or simply an exclusive seat directly by the window.

‘SWISS Senses’

SWISS is also part of the Lufthansa Group of airlines, and it has also unveiled all-new cabins that will transform long-haul luxury air travel when they launch in 2025.

SWISS is debuting its first-ever suites in the sky in its First and part of its Business Class cabins.

Calling the new suites a “sensual experience,” they’ve been dubbed SWISS Senses.

The suites’ warm colors and muted tones such as claret, anthracite and beige, wood features and other top-quality materials and craftsmanship are comparable to a luxury European car, and convey comfort, calm, and luxe.

Guests enjoy complete privacy with closable sliding doors, a spacious personal wardrobe, a large seat table, individual seat heating and cooling, a wireless charging station and a screen display that is as wide as the suite itself. The cabin’s center suite can also be configured to suit two persons travelling together.

Even the washroom in the new SWISS First cabin is deluxe, inspired by the famous spring in Vals, Switzerland: a slate-black exterior, and a green interior that alludes to the spring’s fresh and cooling water.

In every class of cabin in SWISS’ new design, all passengers will benefit from new, ‘Human-Centric Lighting’ which helps alleviate jet lag and new state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems that connect with your own device.

Start Your European Trip!

Images courtesy of their respective airlines.

Top Food & Drink Trends Coming Soon to Your Next Cruise

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 10 Mar 23 20:42:31 +0000

If you’re like most people, dining and drinks are top factors when choosing a cruise. Cuisine is one of the cruise lines most important and expensive offerings, with the six leading cruise lines spending $2 billion on food and beverage supplies – every year!

No wonder, when cruise lines serve up ever-more imaginative culinary programs every year to keep up with cruise travelers’ growing tastes. Gone are the days when a lobster tail served in the main dining room on formal night and a festive service of flaming Baked Alaska as a special goodbye dessert on the final evening of your sailing provide cruise diners with culinary awe to write home about – or post to social media.

More specialty restaurants, more celebrity and celebrated chef partnerships and branded-restaurants, interactive onboard culinary experiences and culinary demonstrations, more local flavors and hands-on local gastronomic, wine, spirits and food producer visits – the foodie fun of cruising just keeps growing.

Recently, one cruise industry survey of cruise food, beverage and hotel operations managers, as well as companies who provide the incredible amounts of culinary supplies needed to keep ship food and beverage programs literally afloat! – revealed some of the latest trends for the next year in three ‘priority sectors’ of cuisine at sea.

How many of these do you want – or even expect? - to see on your next cruise?

(Author Tasting Olive Oil on an AmaWaterways shore excursion during a Rhone River cruise, France)

FOOD – More Sustainable Dining

You might predict that “Instagrammable” dining experiences top savvy cruise food professionals’ lists, but that was not the case.

• The top culinary priority was sourcing and serving local cuisine that reflects your cruise itinerary, with 61% of survey respondents identifying that cruise food trend;

• Over one-third of respondents named sourcing sustainable seafood (with per-person seafood consumption on board ships doubling since 1961!)

• One-quarter said providing cruise guests with meat substitutes was a priority; and

• 22% said they were trying to get closer to zero-waste food preparation and food service.

DRINKS – More nutrition, Less tipsy

Tippling tastes are changing, and cruise companies and their providers are staying on top of trends.

• Half of respondents cited offering low- to no- alcohol beverages in ship’s bars, lounges and dining rooms;

• 37% said sourcing and providing craft spirits was important;

• And the same number said providing health supplement drinks was an increasingly important trend meet their ships’ guests’ tastes and lifestyles.

TECH – Convenience is king

While unparalleled service remains a touchstone of the cruise lifestyle, guests are increasingly looking to cruise lines for the conveniences provided by technology in their food and drink experiences onboard. We are seeing that larger ships have been relying on technology more to increase convenience, reduce lineups and speed up service, while small and luxury ships continue to keep staff-to-guest ratios high and favor the personal touch of human servers.

Still, it’s worth noting that:

• Nearly two-thirds of cruise food and beverage pros said they see the need for more ordering and menu apps; and

• Over one-third saw a continuing need for contactless ordering capabilities.

Start Your Culinary Cruise Trip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise / travel journalist and expert

Top Image: Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Culinary Arts Kitchen, courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

2nd Image: Lynn Elmhirst

The 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 10 Mar 23 20:42:05 +0000

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is the most popular travel destination in the country, home to the legendary Riviera Maya and hot spots like Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, plus the island of Cozumel, a popular Western Caribbean cruise port of call.

Whether you're looking for all inclusives and high energy, or laid back, off-the-beaten track exploration, the cultural and gastronomic hub of Mexico's southeast, picturesque towns and jungle environments, the mystique of 18 archeological sites and four historic 'Magical Towns' and a hundred intriguing cenotes or natural pools, chances are, your holiday will also involve beach time. Lots of beach time.

The state has almost 250 miles of some of the highest rated beaches in the country. These 7 consistently rank in the top spots for the most beautiful beaches in Yucatan:

Celestun: A natural and eco-tourism paradise, Celestun is home to exceptional landscapes where beaches dotted with abundant coconut palms and mangroves are an ideal setting for outdoor activities. This area is part of the World Heritage Special Reserve of the Ría Celestun biosphere, which is home to approximately 400 species of migratory birds that arrive between December to March, making for an incomparable natural spectacle.

Telchac: An hour away from the capital city Merida lies the peace and quiet of the port of Telchac. Its calm waters are perfect for swimming in complete tranquility. Here, you can also visit the Museum of the Sea, which exhibits species of marine fossils, snails, shells and more.

Xtampu & X'Cambo: Not far from Telchac is the beautiful Rosada Lagoon, with its unforgettable vivid pink color. It comprises part of Xtampu’s lagoon, where — in addition to taking spectacular photos — you can learn about the process of salt extraction. While in the area, you can also immerse yourself in ancient Mayan culture by visiting the archaeological zone of X'Cambo, one of the few ruins close to the coast, which is believed to have been an ancient fishing port that supplied the main Mayan cities with food.

Cancunito: Located in Río Lagartos — a three hours drive from the capital and very close to Las Coloradas, famous for its large pink pools — Cancunito stands out as one of Yucatan’s most spectacular virgin beaches. With its fantastic natural setting, this tropical paradise has abundant mangroves as well as coastal dunes. It's part of an ecosystem where species such as Hawksbill, White, and Loggerhead sea turtles arrive to spawn.

San Felipe: Half an hour away from Cancunito lies the small fishing and tourist port of San Felipe, where you’ll find rustic wooden houses in a mix of cheerful colors. Enjoy a day at the town beach with its white sands, turquoise waters and tranquility are a relaxing escape. San Felipe has become one of the most popular spots in Yucatán for nature lovers who come for its vibrant natural surroundings.

Río Lagartos: A small traditional fishing port that today is one of the best kept “secrets” in the Yucatan Peninsula, the town lies right at the entrance to the well-known Ría Lagartos Reserve Natural Park, where you can explore a fascinating environment that’s home to crocodiles, sea turtles and hundreds of species of birds, including flamingos and pelicans.

El Cuyo: At the northeastern tip of Yucatan, El Cuyo is just three hours from the state capital. This little paradise is one of the most unique corners of the state, lying right at the end of the Costa Esmeralda. Its main claim to fame is being the place where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet. The mix of currents and winds make the area ideal for sports such as sailing and kitesurfing.

Start Your Mexican Beach Vacation!

Images courtesy of Yucatan's Ministry of Tourism

Social Media Safety Tips for Spring Break and Beyond

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 10 Mar 23 20:41:55 +0000

Spring Break is high season for family travel, and with every member of the family more digitally connected than ever at home and away, that means posting about good times on vacation. Not so fast, warns one insurance company, which is advising travelers of the risks of ‘over-sharing.’

A new survey commissioned by the Allstate insurance company revealed that almost one-third of social media users post content about their vacation plans online. That’s before AND during, not just afterwards, and that’s the trouble.

According to the insurance provider, “sharing that you’re away could expose your home to a break-in.” It points out that announcing in a public place for friends – and the not-so-friendly – to see that your home is empty, exposes you to risk.

In addition, people who, in an excess of enthusiasm, post photos of tickets and even passports, may end up providing unsavory characters with enough information for identity theft.

That’s the last kind of souvenir you want of your holiday!

I know – you would never post something unwise on social media. The survey shows that the proportion who post before or during their travels is highest among those 18-34 years of age, at 46%. But those with children still rank above the average one-third at 36%, and among those going away for Spring Break, 45% admit they plan on posting to social media before and during their trips.

So – on Spring Break vacations and anytime you take a trip, think before you post. And here are some social media safety tips:

Hold off on posting that selfie until you return from your vacation. This includes sharing details on social media before and during your trip. Your friends and family will be just as envious of your trip if you post pics after you return home.
Check the privacy and security settings of your social media accounts, and review who has access to your personal information. Even if you have set rigid privacy settings for your social media accounts, it's still possible for others to view what you post through the accounts of friends and followers.
Review pictures you’ve previously posted on your profiles and remove any information someone might use to find your home address. Look carefully! Sometimes that information isn’t written on a document, but can be found in the background of photos.
And avoid posting photos with geotagging as it can reveal your location in real time; turn off geolocation data on your phone.
Review social media posting ground rules with young people traveling with you.

One more thought: if you’re vacationing right, you’re having the time of your life. Why waste any of those precious moments on social media?

Start Your Trip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

Image: Getty

Four Seasons Opens Resort on 3000-acre Pacific Seaside Nature Reserve in Mexico

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 23 Feb 23 22:03:46 +0000

The Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo recently opened in one of the most unique and rare locations: along a pristine, 6-mile stretch of coastline, part of a 3000-acre nature reserve on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Just 2% of the landscape will be developed, with the resort company saying it’s committed to preserving “the natural landscape, celebrating Mexico’s rich heritage and providing the ultimate luxury travel experience” at the property.

'In Tamarindo, Four Seasons guests will feel connected to the jungle, the ocean, and to one another. The Resort immerses guests in the wonders of the natural world,' says Christian Clerc, President, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

'We are deeply grateful to our owner-partners, whose family has cared for this land for generations, and are now trusting Four Seasons and our people to share in their commitment to preserving this beautiful destination and celebrating its remarkable culture.'

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo provides transfers for guests arriving at Manzanillo’s airport on scheduled or private flights. The Resort is also accessible from Mexico City and also has its own pier for guests arriving via private yacht.

Resort Amenities

Guests stay at one of just 157 cliffside and beachfront accommodations - many with private pools – along with authentic dining options, spa and wellness experiences, three pools and three nearly-deserted beaches for watersports and long days in the sun.

Long a favourite of serious golfers, the David Fleming-designed El Tamarindo 18-hole links golf course is now a Four Seasons resort experience. With winding fairways through tropical jungle and along the rocky coastline, it's recommended that golfers pack a camera in their bag to capture every moment. And, with the number of golfers on course at any given time strictly limited, it's like having a private course all to yourself.

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo has formed philanthropic alliances with Ensamble Artesano and Taller Maya to protect pre-Hispanic culture, support Mexican artisans and offer financial recognition to continue valuing their work. Both organizations' craftsmanship is reflective of Mexico's abundance of beautiful, handcrafted fabrics and art. Guests are surrounded by local craftsmanship and artistry at every turn, from building architecture and design of indoor and outdoor spaces, to details ranging from artworks to tableware and team uniforms. The Resort's boutique features many handcrafted items that will allow guests to take tangible reminders of their time in Tamarindo home.

Paradise Found

Resident biologists and researchers lead guests on guided hikes along natural footpaths created by indigenous wildlife, through jungles and along the coastline. You can learn about medicinal plants used since pre-Hispanic times, and get to know the 70 endemic species and hundreds more birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles that call Tamarindo home. Stop by the Discovery Centre to learn more about the region's biodiversity and the 'rewilding' efforts that are enabling the Earth's natural rhythms to flourish here. Guests can even be part of that conservation effort.

Guests can taste Tamarindo beyond the menus of the Resort's restaurants while learning about indigenous plant species at the 35-acre Rancho Ortega, where the resort’s Culinary Director and the kitchen and farm teams grow the ingredients that will appear on plates later that day. Meet La Manzanilla fishers, dive in for a macro-photography scuba tour, or paddle out to discover the Reserve's secret spots along the coast. Free divers – or those who want to try – will find that the waters off Tamarindo are ideal for underwater odysseys.

Start Your Luxury Resort Trip!

Image: Four Seasons Resorts

Sailing Into Beautiful St. Barths

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 23 Feb 23 22:03:35 +0000

In a world of over-exposure, St. Barthelemy retains its luxe mystique as one of the most exclusive, most chic islands in the Caribbean. Off the beaten track, and with French flair, this tiny island has an outsized reputation and appeal for those in the know.

Maybe it’s partly because of its (several) names. The French Caribbean island’s long and formal name is hardly ever used, in favor of its nickname, whispered among the high-end travelers and yachters who gather in this chic island destination.

So is it St. Barts? St. Barth? Or St. Barths? However you spell it, add it to your list of bucket list tropical islands.

But how to arrive – especially in style? With no direct flights from mainland North America, you have to really want to travel to St. Barths – and the very best way is by sea.

St. Barths is famously a yachting destination, with one of the most scenic sail-ins in the Caribbean.

So the top two ways to travel to St. Barths are by private yacht or luxury, small-ship cruise. You’ll want to spend every moment of your sail-in at the rail, taking in the lush green hills, sparkling azure waters – and the luxe flotilla of very sleek marine hardware and chic yachters sailing all around you.

Only yachts and smaller ships can dock in St. Barths, adding to its exclusive allure. That makes it a favorite port of call for the luxury, small-ship cruise lines on their ‘yachtsman’s’ itineraries of less-accessible, more exclusive cruise destinations. That’s why experienced cruise port collectors rejoice when they see ‘Gustavia’ on a Caribbean cruise itinerary.

Gustavia is the capital of St. Barths but you’re right, it is not a French name. It dates, like the town’s harbor fort, from the 17^th century when the island was in Swedish hands.

Today, St. Barths has very French – and very exclusive character.

The island is less than 10 square miles and has only about 10,000 residents, so ‘intimate’ is baked in. With French street signs, luxury boutiques, seaside restaurants, and French spoken (or English with a charming French accent), plus picturesque beaches and island colonial architecture, St. Barths feels like a cross between St. Tropez and the tropics. You stroll off your small cruise ship and wind your way past luxury yachts, yachters and yacht crew, into a uniquely French Caribbean island experience you simply can’t experience anywhere else.

Start Your Luxury Cruise Trip!

Article and video by: Lynn Elmhirst, Cruise/ Travel journalist and expert.

Shaking Things Up: Margaritaville Resorts' Margarita Month

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 10 Feb 23 18:49:18 +0000

National Margarita Day is February 22, but Margaritaville resorts has declared the whole month of February Margarita Month. It’s launched an annual, month-long event that celebrates the (un)official cocktail of the laid-back.

If a light-hearted, flip-flop wearing tropical escape is on the agenda to reconnect with your loved one, Margaritaville resorts are the place, and of course, a frosty margarita is how you toast that moment you ease into your lounge chairs on the beach.

With their iconic, oversized flip-flip lobby sculptures and tapping into the “searching for my lost shaker of salt” mood, three Karisma - Margaritaville resorts are filling February with exclusive tastings, contests, rallies, live DJ sets, special food and cocktail offerings, spa services, and much more than “booze in the blender.”

Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic (which has an adults-only section as well as a family-friendly section for those who want to cultivate the romance and leave the kids with their grandparents) and Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun (pictured, above) in Mexico will blend up daily Margarita Month activities with a special Challenge hosted on National Margarita Day, February 22, called 'Surfing in a Hurricane Rally,” a rally that will play host to 5 challenges from Margarita Ping Pong to a Margarita Popsicle eating challenge, ending with a big, resort-wide party.

They will also host other daily events and activities related to music, sports, and food and cocktail specials. Spa upgrades like the Gingerita 50-minute massage will be available to guests at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun, featuring a citrus massage, watermelon, and vodka exfoliation, and silky ginger sorbet lotion. And frozen Margarita Massages will be available at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana.

Margaritaville St. Somewhere Punta Coco, Holbox Island (pictured above), on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula will toast Margarita Month with iconic property-wide events like Taco Tuesday at the Harbour House, Margarita & Grill Party at the Sand Bar Beach, Sunday Margarita Pool Parties, floating margarita bars, forgotten Mexican spirit tasting experiences, rotating specialty margaritas, and more.

There couldn’t be a better time to “shake up” your relationship with a laid-back, beach vacation, Margaritaville-style – along with a celebration of its namesake tropical tequila-based cocktail.

Start Your Beach Vacation!

Images courtesy Karisma Hotels & Resorts/ Margaritaville Island Reserve & St. Somewhere Resorts

4 Ways to Fall in Love with Caviar on a Seabourn Cruise

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 10 Feb 23 18:48:54 +0000

If you ask past guests what they remember most about their Seabourn cruise, chances are that caviar will come up. Complimentary caviar has been a signature of Seabourn since its earliest days, and the delicacy has become woven into the tapestry of the luxury Seabourn lifestyle and some of the most memorable moments of any Seabourn cruise.

Here are some of the ways you’ll fall in love with caviar on your next Seabourn cruise:

Complimentary Caviar Service

Whenever and wherever the urge for a formal service of caviar strikes you while you’re on board a Seabourn cruise, one call or word to a staff member is all it will take for your desires to be answered – along with your beverage of choice to accompany the caviar, of course.

Perhaps with mimosas and your smoked salmon for breakfast?

With pre-dinner vodka in a lounge?

A steward will deliver a silver platter of caviar in a server on ice, toast points and all the traditional accompaniments, including sour cream and crumbled boiled egg yolks, to your side, along with starched linen napkins, serving plates and napkins.

(Photo: Lynn Elmhirst)

You may notice from this picture of caviar service in a lounge in the evening that Seabourn pays attention to every detail: dedicated caviar aficionados know that silver flatware should never touch caviar – it may taint the delicate flavor of the exalted sturgeon roe. Seabourn serves its caviar with mother-of-pearl spoons that neither absorb nor transfer flavor that could overwhelm your caviar.

Caviar In-Suite Dining

One of the great delights of Seabourn style at sea is in-suite dining. In addition to being able to order a meal from the dining room menu to be served course by course on a white linen-covered table in your suite, complimentary caviar service can also be ordered to your suite.

Along with your breakfast order? Certainly.

As a late-night snack while you watch a film? Why not.

(Photo: Lynn Elmhirst - Vanessa Lee, publisher of Cruise & Travel Lifestyles magazine and Lynn Elmhirst enjoying caviar on Lynn's veranda on a Seabourn cruise.)

For me, maybe the ultimate indulgence is lounging on your suite veranda in the sun, sipping champagne and nibbling caviar from mother-of-pearl spoons as you listen to the waves lapping against the side of the ship. The fresh, salty sea air enhances the flavor of this luxe seafood treat.

Caviar on Deck

So much is caviar part of the Seabourn lifestyle, the cruise line has crafted whole experiences around it. Like other ‘Seabourn moments’ that surprise and delight you with the effort and thoughtfulness of the crew to put a smile on guests’ faces, Caviar on Deck parties pop up seemingly out of nowhere during your Seabourn cruise.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE TO GET A TASTE OF A SEABOURN 'CAVIAR ON DECK' PARTY

Seemingly out of nowhere, the top deck is transformed into a party, with masses of ice displays of caviar and both champagne and vodka, whichever caviar chaser you prefer! Chefs and some of the ship’s officers, your favorite bartenders and servers are all there, where you mingle with your fellow guests in delight at this little pop up Seabourn moment.

It really highlights one of the best things about small-ship cruising – that you really get to know and spend time with your fellow guests, and ship’s officers and crew members, and create new friendships you can toast at events like Caviar on Deck.

In tropical climates, Seabourn may present a variation on Caviar on Deck: Caviar in the Pool, where a surfboard in the pool becomes a serving surface and everyone just wades on in – even in full uniform!

Caviar in the Surf

Caviar in the Pool is clearly inspired by one of the most famous and celebrated Seabourn moments of all: Caviar in the Surf.

It’s an exclusively Seabourn event that in one fell swoop, manages to define what makes Seabourn so special: luxury delivered in an unexpected twist by warm, endearing staff, many who have become guests’ friends, going to enormous lengths to delight.

For over a decade, Seabourn cruises in the Caribbean have called at Carambola Beach in St. Kitts, and cruises in Southeast Asia have called at Ko Kood in Thailand, for private beach parties, served up with Seabourn cuisine, beverage and service.

(Photo: Seabourn)

The pinnacle of one of your best cruise shore calls ever is Caviar in the Surf: with ship’s officers and members of the culinary and beverage teams standing waist-up in the sea, serving caviar and all the trimmings off of surfboards, along with champagne and cruise memories of a lifetime!

Start Your Luxury Cruise Trip!

Video and article by: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

Europe's Most Romantic Cities, Ranked in Time for Valentine's Day Travel Planning

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 10 Feb 23 18:48:12 +0000

Planning a romantic escape with your sweetheart to Europe? This new list of the continent’s most romantic cities may help you narrow down your list – or add a few unexpected entries.

A European yacht-charter company has analyzed data showing how many ‘romantic’ hotel and restaurants per capita can be found in a list of European capital cities to determine which best set the scene for love.

The list may surprise you – it turns out, some of Europe’s smaller capitals have higher per capita numbers of intimate hotels and restaurants, that can make them ideal for a romantic getaway.

For example, maybe you guessed that Paris would top the list of most romantic cities. In fact, the City of Light is not even number two. The capital of France comes in at number three on the list, with 648 restaurants and 253 hotels per million people. For lovers who are also foodies, Paris also distinguishes itself with the highest number of Michelin-star restaurants, with nearly 90 in total, nine of which have been awarded three stars.

Of course, fine dining isn’t always the most romantic thing to do in Paris with your sweetheart; a stroll along the Seine under the city’s evening lights, sharing a crepe purchased from a street vendor, may end up being one of your most memorable evenings anywhere.

Top place for highest number of romantic hotels restaurants in a European capital city goes to a current continental hot spot: Lisbon, Portugal with 1,077 romantic restaurants and 278 hotels per million residents.

The capital of the tiny, exclusive principality of Monaco comes in second. Monte Carlo has the highest number of restaurants per million residents in the entire list: 1472 romantic restaurants per million residents and 164 hotels per million. Of course, Monte Carlo doesn’t have even close to one million residents. In fact, it has fewer than 40,000 inhabitants, and in absolute numbers, it has just 54 total romantic restaurants and six intimate hotels.

Monte Carlo packs above its weight in romance, though: in less than one square mile, couples can pack in the romance of drives along the Corniche overlooking the azure waves of the Mediterranean, and stroll along the harbor front where billionaires’ yachts glide in and out of town.

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: 5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT MONACO

The rest of the list boasts a number of other, smaller, and more off-the-radar European capitals, too, highlighting the attraction of the path less trodden for a romantic getaway. What’s more, your escape with your sweetheart may be more romantic in smaller cities with fewer people and especially fewer tourists as Europe approaches the busy high season.

Here’s the possibly surprising list of the top ten most romantic European capitals by the number of romantic hotels and restaurants per million inhabitants:

Lisbon, Portugal
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Paris, France
San Marino, Italy
Rome, Italy
Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Athens, Greece
Prague, Czech Republic
Reykjavik, Iceland

Ask us to help you plan the romantic getaway of your dreams!

Start your European Trip!

Video and article by Lynn Elmhirst, Cruise/ Travel journalist and expert

This Alpine Resort Has the World's Highest Snow Maze

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 01 Feb 23 19:36:23 +0000

Move over corn mazes! The winter version of the classic fall countryside activity is the snow maze. And one ski resort has laid claim to the highest alpine snow maze in the world.

Colorado’s Copper Mountain snow maze opened mid-January, and with a base elevation of over 9700 feet, the snow maze’s location on the mountain next to one of its lifts puts it in record-breaking territory.

The 2500-acre alpine resort about 75 miles west of Denver has already been blessed with over 140 inches of snow this season.

Even so, the snow used to build the 8000-square foot snow maze was farmed. It was brought in from Rosi’s Run, part of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team Speed Center, a training venue the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team uses to train on in the early season.

A local business that designs snow and ice sculptures around the Rockies designed the maze and built it in just 10 days. In addition to forming precision-carved walls with perfectly straight lines and crisp corners, Snice Carvings added some artistic flare in the form of whimsical designs carved into the snow walls that quickly rise up around a participant once they enter.

You may have tried corn mazes, but as you can see, there’s no peeking through (or over!) the walls of this maze! Especially since anyone 3 and older is welcome to try their wits against the maze. Don’t fear getting lost, though. Parents can access a map with the solution on Copper Mountain’s website, or, as the resort suggests, in a maze emergency, you can call the Ski Patrol for a rescue.

Can you see the solution to the maze in the top image of the maze from above? Do you think you could solve it from within?

That’s just one of the ways to celebrate the winter off your skis or boards at Copper Mountain. The maze is right next to the resort’s tubing hill, with 5, family-friendly runs that lets you hit the hill a whole different way.

Copper Mountain’s year-round Rocky Mountain coaster is one of the longest alpine coasters in North America. It lets you cruise down 5800 feet of track at speeds of up to 25 miles an hour through the forest with spectacular views.

Plus, there’s ice skating, shopping, dining and all kinds of après-ski activities in pedestrian villages that let you change gears and connect with family and friends on and off the hills.

Start Your Winter Sports Trip!

Images courtesy Copper Mountain

Become a Certified "RumMaster" on the Caribbean Island with the Oldest Surviving Distillery

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 01 Feb 23 19:34:37 +0000

There’s enjoying tropical rum cocktails when you’re in the Caribbean on vacation… then there’s becoming an actual “RumMaster.” Now you can spend a day with kindred ‘spirits’ immersing yourself in the history and the practice of rum on an island with a rich rum history and a growing unconventional rum scene.

St. Kitts Tourism has launched its “Kittitian RumMaster” program a pair of courses led by two of the island’s prestigious rum experts. Travellers to the island who complete both courses are given a certificate – imagine waving that at home at your next cocktail party as you shake up some rum.

While many of the islands have a long history with the spirit distilled from cane sugar, as St. Kitts’ minister of tourism says, “The history of Caribbean rum and its influential impact can be seen throughout St. Kitts.'

You don’t have to be a rum expert or a qualified barchef, you just need an enthusiasm for rum. This first-of-its-kind, one-day program gives participants a deep-dive into the history of rum and distilling rum, gain hands-on experience in creating spiced rum and the methodology of creating rum-based cocktails.

Part I: Visit Wingfield Estate – home of Old Road Rum, and the oldest surviving rum distillery in the Caribbean:

Introduction of Rum
History of Rum in St. Kitts
Rum production methods
Learning How to Taste + Identify Flavor Profiles
Tour the estate
Label your own rum bottle

The first part of the program is at Wingfield Estate, home of the Caribbean's oldest surviving rum distillery. During this Kittitian RumMaster course, rum expert Jack Widdowson (Founder of Old Road Rum Company) will teach rum theory and the history of rum production methods.

The recently excavated distillery is found on the 18th-century sugar cane plantation owned by a direct ancestor of U.S. Founding Father Thomas Jefferson.

While sipping Old Road Rum and learning the history, guests will see a preserved aqueduct, chimney, mill house, boiling house, and lime kiln and learn how to label their own rum bottle.

Part II: Visit Spice Mill – home of Hibiscus Spirits:

Learn how to create spiced rum
Methodology of creating classic rum drinks
Learn nuances of creating rum cocktails
Rum appreciation methods

The second course takes place at the Spice Mill Restaurant on Cockleshell Bay and is run by rum expert Roger Brisbane. He continues to innovate the rum space for St. Kitts with Hibiscus Spirits. Hibiscus Spirits rum is created by infusing handpicked and locally grown Roselle Hibiscus calyx, known as sorrel, to flavour the rum and create a natural red color.

This course showcases spiced rum creation methodology, rum-blending techniques, and cocktail creations using tasting procedures and elevating nuances in different types of rums.

In addition to giving visitors a unique immersion into rum and St. Kitts’ rum culture, the program gives you the chance to spend meaningful, one-on-one time with Kittitian rum producers and owners that makes your vacation on the island even more memorable and meaningful.

Start Your St. Kitts Trip!

Image courtesy St. Kitts Tourism

Top 10 New Ships to Watch for in 2023

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 01 Feb 23 19:34:15 +0000

The New Year comes with the anticipation of another exciting 12 months of new ship inaugurals, which will introduce design, technology, cruise lifestyle and environmental innovations that will shape the future of how we cruise.

In 2023, $11 billion worth of new ocean ships alone will debut around the world, adding close to 40,000 new berths to the global cruise fleet.

Here's our top 10 list of 2023's new ships we think will really 'float your boat!'

1. Explora I

The luxury, small-ship new cruise line by MSC, Explora Journeys is scheduled to launch in the summer with the inauguration of Explora I, the first of 6 identical sister ships sailing out over the next few years. Explora I holds less than 1000 guests, and stands out for having an incredible array of options for the small-ship concept: 18 food and beverage venues including 5 restaurants, 3 outdoor pools, another under a retractable roof.

Other, established cruise lines are also getting all-new designs in the form of the first of their new classes of ships:

2. Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas will be the first of its Icon class of ships - and the world’s new largest cruise ship, breaking the cruise line’s own record. Icon of the Seas will be home to 7600 guests and will have 8 ‘neighborhoods,’ 5 of which will be all-new creations. In addition to its phenomenal size, Icon is also noteworthy as the first ship for Royal Caribbean powered by more eco-friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG.)

3. Silver Nova

Silversea’s Silver Nova is breaking new ground for the ultra-luxury cruise line. Powered by LNG and batteries at sea, it will use hydrogen-based fuel cells for power in port in a big environmental step forward for cruising. In a first for the cruise line, Silver Nova will have an asymmetrical design that maximizes sea-facing exposure for guests, as well as all-new outdoor spaces with a re-imagined, outward-facing pool deck; an al fresco dining area; and a sky bar that offers panoramic views from the ship’s aft.

We’re also pretty excited about these new sister ships joining some of our favorite fleets:

4. Seven Seas Grandeur

Seven Seas Grandeur is the third and final of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ three-ship Explorer class, joining Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor in 2023. While the three ships have a lot in common, we can’t wait to see how the final ship in the series will match its sisters in glamorous design, appointments and art.

5. Seabourn Pursuit

Expedition small-ship Seabourn Pursuit will join Seabourn Venture, which was inaugurated in 2022. The new ship literally doubles down on the ultra-luxury cruise line’s commitment to expedition cruising, combining adventure and Seabourn’s signature ultra-luxury style of cruising in remote waters of the world ranging from the Arctic to the Antarctic.

6. Scenic Eclipse II

Another addition to the increasingly popular small-ship expedition cruise trend is the Scenic Eclipse II, identical sister ship to the Scenic Eclipse (on the right, below), complete with both submarine and helicopter touring off the ship.

7. Emerald Sakara

Scenic’s more-budget conscious sister cruise line Emerald Cruises debuts ocean-going yacht Emerald Sakara, also nearly identical to her predecessor Emerald Azzurra (on the left, above), which expanded Emerald from exclusively river cruising into ocean cruises.

8. Viking Saturn

Viking hits a milestone in 2023, launching its 10^th ocean-going vessel, the 930-guest Viking Saturn. Like its virtually identical sister ships, Viking Saturn boasts the cruise line’s signature Scandinavian style and amenities that translate across its river, ocean and expedition fleets (pictured, top and here below.)

9. Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Cruises’ fourth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Ascent, sets sail this year. While all the Edge-Class ships have much in common, particularly the stand-out ‘Magic Carpet’, the orange, cantilevered venue that slides up and down the side of all Edge-class ships, Ascent will be longer than her predecessors and also feature new and redesigned spaces to look forward to.

10. MSC Euribia

MSC Euribia is the third of MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia-Plus series of ships – and its second LNG (liquefied natural gas) ship. In keeping with its move to more eco-friendly fuel and a host of other sustainability innovations, MSC Euribia will also feature environmental-themed hull art to remind us of the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Start Your Cruise Trip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

Images courtesy of their respective cruise lines.

Three New Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts Let You Holiday in Style in Latin America

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 13 Jan 23 16:20:53 +0000

Waldorf Astoria hotels’ name and hospitality still reflect its founding family, the legendary Astors, who for more than a century were the pinnacle of American high society. The Astor legacy of good living is expanding worldwide and especially in Latin America, where three new Waldorf Astoria hotels and resorts are setting new standards in travel style.

CANCUN, MEXICO

The Waldorf Astoria Cancun opened in November 2022. The 173-room ultra-luxury resort is set on 100 acres of idyllic Caribbean coastline with panoramic views of the ocean from every room, which also all have private balconies and an outdoor soaking tub.

It’s the second Waldorf-Astoria Hotel & Resort in Mexico, joining Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, but it’s the company’s first newly built property in Mexico.

The room-with-a-view theme continues throughout the resort. All of its five restaurants, even the ballroom, are ocean view. The resort’s design also reflects the sea, with bluestone and carpeting that evokes waves. Guests have a sense of quiet luxury and a sense of place, with refined craftsmanship in tropical woods, raw and polished finishes, pearlescent inlays and other glowing touches like warm metals. The signature Waldorf Astoria lobby clock includes marble, mother-of-pearl, and gem-like finishes. The immense spa offers indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, an outdoor pool and garden.

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO

A third Waldorf Astoria in Mexico opens in 2025, another custom-built property, this time in the colonial city in Mexico’s inland mountains sought after by luxury travelers in the know for its art and social scene, architecture, and history.

Waldorf Astoria San Miguel de Allende will offer 120 hotel guest rooms, wellness-inspired amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga and meditation areas, a lavish and restorative destination-inspired spa, and a rooftop space with pools and relaxation areas with stunning views of the city.

An on-site art gallery and local artisan crafts store will also welcome guests, while family travelers will have access to the hotel’s kids and teens club. The hotel’s culinary excellence complements the array of amenities, to be experienced across three restaurants, two bars and a coffee shop.

Image: Waldorf Astoria San Miguel de Allende, courtesy of Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos.

GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA

The first Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Resorts property in Costa Rica, the new-build Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste (pictured top), also opens in 2025 in a tropical eco-paradise. The 190-guest resort will focus on sustainable luxury with an emphasis on architecture that blends into the dramatic scenery, lush forests and beautiful beaches of its surroundings, and connecting guests with the natural environment. All resort vehicles will be electric.

Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste on the 200 miles of coastline of the Cacique peninsula will offer the perfect backdrop for adventure seekers, sunbathers and nature lovers alike with the area’s impressive volcanic landscapes, intimate beach coves and tropical forests.

Boasting panoramic, sweeping views overlooking the ocean, Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste will feature 190 luxurious guest rooms and suites, culinary excellence, a wellness center with outdoor yoga, and lap and thermal pools, and a cenote-inspired spa with outdoor treatment rooms emulating a tree house.

Start Your Latin America Trip!

Images courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Resorts