Travel Bulletin North America Supplement 2017

March 2017

All About

h t r No a c i r Ame

Your one-stop guide to all latest news and developments in North America

Produced by

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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ALL ABOUT

NORTH A C I R E AM

CONTENTS

What’s new - 4

Luxury - 9

W

hen it comes to value for money, holidays in North America always deliver – particularly when the cost of holidays in popular European destinations are soaring due to a myriad of factors.

Flight uptake to the US and Canada is looking remarkably healthy for

Shopping - 13

2017 with airlines adding new routes and increasing frequency on existing services. New hotels are opening all over the region too, offering a wide range of experiences and greater flexibility for UK tour operators looking to broaden their offering to their clients.

And 2017 is a big year for Canada, as the country celebrates its 150 anniversary, and with such a big occasion, there are a lots of big

Holidays for less... 19

events to mark the milestone as you would expect.

In this year’s North America supplement from pages 4-8, we catch up with all the latest news from tour operators, airlines and attractions, including the lowdown on Canada’s 150 events.

From pages 9-12, we turn the spotlight on luxury holidays with a focus on high-end escapes from a wide range of destinations, including in the mountains, into the woods and in the desert.

Our shopping feature on pages 13-18 includes a round-up of the

Published by

latest shopping developments in North America, along with an update on hotel openings.

And finally, Holidays for less than features a round-up of the best packages deals on the market at the moment.

So, I hope this year’s North America supplement proves to be a useful sales tool for turning those enquiries into bookings for memorable holidays across the pond.

Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe Written and researched by: Angela Cronin Email: angelacronin2003@yahoo.co.uk Design/Layout: Miriam Brtkova, Lucia Mathurin Printed by: Buxton Press Cover Picture: dibrova ISSN: 0956-2419

Angela Cronin Supplements editor

All About North America

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WHAT’S NEW

What’s new With new flights, tours and experiences, North America is the place to be in 2017

T

he appetite for Brits to head west

there is even more reason to visit this

a live orchestra and a gourmet dinner 50

to experience the culture, history,

amazing country this year.

metres in the air.

sights, landscapes and adventure that North America has to offer

Later in the year, Toronto will be hosting the Invictus Games from 24-30

on Canada Day in a big way on 1 July

September, which will see more than

2017 with events taking place across

600 ill, injured and wounded servicemen

how to satisfy that appetite with larger

the province. The spotlight will also be

and women from 16 nations play 12

programmes packed full of dedicated

firmly on the nation’s capital, Ottawa, as

adaptive sports including wheelchair

tours and experiences, alongside a raft of

the city prepares to host a number of

rugby, wheelchair basketball, sitting

new flights that are giving visitors a wide

events and festivals, not just on 1 July,

volleyball, indoor rowing, swimming and

range of options to choose when it

but throughout the year, including ‘

athletics, at locations across the city.

comes to choosing where, when and

Ignite 150’.

shows no signs of abating.

And the travel industry knows exactly

who to fly with.

And then if that is not enough, Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary so

4

Ontario will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation

This programme consists of a series of

So, in just four pages, we have crammed in as much news as possible about all of

17 epic stunts and gatherings including a

the new tours and experiences taking place

yoga session on a barge accompanied by

across the pond this year and next.

All About North America

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WHAT’S NEW

The most recent additions to the

October 2017 with prices from £2,048

in Churchill, Manitoba, in both winter and

per person.

summer. Alongside the new Canada

Also new is the eight-day California’s

programme, Western and Oriental is also

Great National Parks which takes guests

adding a selection of Alaskan cruises and

on an ‘In Depth’ journey through the

wildlife encounters where travellers can

Majestic Mountain Loop, that combines

search for grizzly and brown bears and

all of the best and unique National Parks

whales.

California has to offer from Kings Canyon

westernoriental.com

and Sequoia National Park to stargazing

Gold Medal

and learning about early life in the

The luxury holidays specialist has also

Valley. Departures are available from 30

seen an increase in demand for holidays

April to 8 October with prices starting

to Canada and has expanded its Canada

from £2,095 per person.

offering to meet the rising interest in

trafalgar.com/uk/

the destination.

Contiki

Their new programme features three

Sierras, Mammoth Lakes and Death

new itineraries that explore the Yukon

The escorted tours specialist for 18-35-

and Alaska will capitalise on continued

year-olds has launched a 12-day tour of

interest in the destination and offer a mix

the southern states, called Boot, Scoot

of self-drive and escorted tour options.

‘n’ Blues.

The 11-night highlights of the Yukon self-

This ‘high energy’ trip takes travellers

drive tour includes a visit to the Yukon

through America’s Southern states,

Wildlife Preserve, sightseeing and hiking,

replete with musical history and

travel through the gold mining areas and a

experiences to get involved in.

stay in Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse Prices lead in at £1,119 per person and Trafalgar Tours have introduced a new eight-day California’s Great National Parks which takes in the state’s national parks as well as learning about early signs of life in Death Valley

Departures run from 20 April to 11

programme are trips to view polar bears

Stopping off in Nashville, New Orleans and Austin to name a few, travellers will

include car hire, accommodation,

tour Elvis Presely’s famed residence of

admission to Yukon Wildlife Preserve and

Graceland as well as soaking up the

Alaska Marine Highway Ferry

energy of New Orleans. This 12 day trip

The tour is available from 22 May to 5

starts at £1,585 per person and includes

September 2017.

accommodations, daily breakfasts and

goldmedal.co.uk

exclusive dining experiences, on-trip

As Canada celebrates the 150th anniversary

Trafalgar Tours

transport and the services of a Trip

of its confederation this year, the luxury

The escorted tours specialist has

tailor-made tours specialist has launched its

introduced two new tours for 2017. The

Travel 2

first full Canada programme that

10-day Adventures of the Lone Star State

Travel 2 has introduced a new Eastern

encompasses the country’s landscapes,

take guests on a tour through the state

Cosmopolitan by Rail and Air premium

attractions and experiences to satisfy

of Texas, giving them the opportunity to

tour following a 28% increase in

growing demand among British travellers.

indulge themselves in the history of the

bookings to Canada.

Western and Oriental

Western and Oriental is offering tailor-

Old West. Insider experiences include

Manager and Driver.

The tour takes in Montréal, Toronto,

made multi-centre city breaks, flexible

sharing a Texan barbecue feast with a

Niagara, and Québec with highlights

self-drives, rail journeys (including the

third generation pitmaster, and learning

including Niagara Falls and Niagara

Rocky Mountaineer), luxury escorted

to dance the Texas Two Step and the

Wineries helicopter tour, a guided

tours, wildlife encounters and

Cotton-Eyed Joe on an authentic

walking tour of Québec and a

independent touring.

Texan ranch.

comprehensive city tour of Montréal.

All About North America

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WHAT’S NEW

The 12-day tour costs £3,999 per person with 11 nights’ accommodation, selected meals and sightseeing with departure valid for travel on 22 September 2017. travel2.com

Saga Holidays The over-50s specialist has added two new tours to its 2017 and 2018 programmes.

New for this year is the 13-night Best of the West USA trip that travels from the Grand Canyon to vibrant San Francisco taking in Las Vegas, Yosemite Park, San Francisco, the highlights of Los Angeles including Hollywood Boulevard, Long Beach in California, visits to the Napa Valley – home of the Californian wine industry – and to Cannery Row in Monterey, the namesake of John Steinbeck's famous novel.

Prices for this tour lead in at £2,529 per person departing on 21 November and include 12 nights in hotels and one on a flight, 12 meals, 12 breakfasts , eight excursions, door-to-door travel service, return flights and transfers, Saga tour manager, welcome drink reception and porterage at all hotels.

Saga’s 10-night Winter Wilderness and Glittering Cities tour takes in the British Airways and Thomas Cook have introduced new flights to San Francisco

must-see sights of Eastern Canada, including Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and the Thousand Islands of the St Lawrence river.

Florida

York City, from the deepest subway

There’s also the chance to join a wine

The Sunshine State looks set for a busy

tunnels to the tallest skyscrapers, with

tour and tasting, visit a cranberry farm,

2017 with a number of attractions

colorful characters, famous landmarks

try dog sledding with a team of

opening new rides and resorts.

and more from the mind of Jimmy Fallon.

Alaskan huskies, glide along on a

Firstly, Universal Orlando Resort is

woodland sleigh ride and visit the Royal

opening a new water park called Volcano

the opening of the much-anticipated new

Canadian Mint.

Bay, which is promising to be a highly

Avatar-inspired land called Pandora - The

Over at Walt Disney World Resort is

themed, completely immersive

World of AVATAR. The expansion, set to

departures on 8 January 2018 and

environment, inspired by postcard-perfect

be the largest in Animal Kingdom’s

include 10 nights’ accommodation, and

tropical islands.

history, will feature floating mountains,

Prices start at £2,399 per person for

on in flight, 10 breakfasts and three

The theme park is also launching a

bioluminescent rainforests and a

dinners, door-to-door travel service, 10

new ride for this year. Race Through New

Banshee flying attraction, as well as new

excursions, return flights and transfers,

York Starring Jimmy Fallon which will

after-dark entertainment.

Saga tour manager, welcome drink

invite guests to join the Tonight Show’s

reception and Porterage at all hotels.

studio audience on the ultimate race

plans for two historic-themed land

Saga.co.uk

through the streets—and skies—of New

expansions, bringing the galaxy of Star

All About North America

Disney Parks have also announced

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WHAT’S NEW

Wars and the colourful world of Toy Story closer to guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Resort is also welcoming a new family-style raft attraction to Typhoon Lagoon this spring, called Miss Fortune Falls. The ride will take guests on a white-water journey through the fabled Captain Mary Oceaneer’s past. With a ride time of two Saga Holidays’ new 10-night Winter Wilderness and Glittering Cities tour of Eastern Canada takes in the must-see sight of Niagara Falls

minutes, Miss Fortune Falls will be among the lengthiest attractions at both Disney Water Parks.

Meanwhile, SeaWorld Orlando is debuting its first digitally enhanced ride

and baby dolphins with large-scale acrylic

experience as the legendary Kraken roller

windows offering up-close viewing.

coaster is transformed into a virtual reality roller coaster experience.

Finally, LEGOLAND Florida Resort has

fire, lightning and ice with their hands.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is also opening a new LEGOLAND Beach

announced a new immersive land and

Retreat later this year. The new

dark ride with the opening of LEGO

accommodation will include 83 single-

to undergo a refurb which will give guests

NINJAGO World. The interactive ride will

story duplexes, a themed pool, sandy

the opportunity to get up close to mother

include opportunities for guests to blast

play area and new restaurant. ¢

The Dolphin Nursery at the resort is set

Flight update IT’S A BUSY year in the aviation world with a number of new flights to the US and an increase in services to existing flights.

British Airways is launching a new service to Fort Lauderdale from 6 July.

It will be the airline’s third route from Gatwick to Florida, and its fourth service to the ‘sunshine state’.

The route will be served by a Boeing 777-200 aircraft operating three days a week year round (four-a-week during peak summer) with each way fares from £189.

The flag carrier is also launching its first non-stop flights between Heathrow and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on 27 March.

The service will operate four times a week on Dreamliner aircraft.

BA is also launching a new route to Oakland, San Francisco Bay from Gatwick.

The new service begins on 28 March and will operate four days a week. It will be the airline’s first route from Gatwick to California, and its fifth service from London to California.

Virgin Atlantic is launching a direct, non-stop daily flight from Heathrow to Seattle on 26 March, with the airline also adding a third daily flight to Los Angeles in May 2017. A daily nonstop service between Manchester and New York-JFK will also commence on 25 May replacing the service currently operated

by Delta. Delta will resume service for the winter 2017.

Thomas Cook is introducing a new Manchester to San Francisco flight beginning on 14 May. Thomas Cook will also increase the frequency of routes launched last year, with Los Angeles increasing from two flights per week up to three and Boston jumping from two flights to four per week.

Canadian airline Air Transat has responded to rising demand from Scottish travellers by increasing capacity by 12% on services from Glasgow this summer.

The Canadian leisure carrier is introducing larger aircraft on its services from Glasgow, with the vast majority of flights this

8

summer to be operated by the airline’s Airbus A330 with individual screens and over 100 channels of entertainment on demand.

The airline will operate five times weekly flights to Toronto from Glasgow and weekly to Vancouver, and up to five connecting flights each week to Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver.

Delta is starting its first direct flight route between Heathrow and Portland, Oregon on 26 May 2017, while the US airline Delta will also be adding a second Heathrow to Detroit service. This new flight replaces Virgin Atlantic's daily Detroit to London Heathrow service.

Delta is also bolstering its services to Atlanta with a third weekly flight from, taking over the second daily route currently operated by Virgin Atlantic on 25 May. Virgin Atlantic will continue to operate one daily London Heathrow to Atlanta service.

Following the successful launch of Delta’s inaugural service between Edinburgh and JFK in May last year, the airline has announced a new direct flight route commencing on 26 May between Glasgow and New York JFK – the only non-stop flight on this route.

Icelandair is switching its focus to two new routes from the UK to the US via Reykjavik. The airline is launching a four-times-a week service from the UK to Philadelphia from 30 May until 20 September, while its twice-weekly to Tampa will begin on 7 September.

United Airlines will increase the frequency of its service to Los Angeles from 5 April with a second daily service from London Heathrow.

Canadian airline WestJet is operating a year-round direct flight from Gatwick to the gateway of the Rockies, Calgary, three times a week. This new route is in addition to existing direct services offered by Air Canada, Air Transat and British Airways throughout the winter as well as non-direct flights with Icelandair and KLM, which offer regional departures via Reykjavik and Amsterdam.

All About North America

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luxury A taste of desert life at the Amangiri uber-luxury hideaway in southern Utah

Living the high life Pushing the boundaries of luxury with a wide range of experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime

In the mountains

lodging, ski guiding, ski rental and a ski run

For clients of yours with a head for heights

guarantee of 18 runs.

and adventure and a bit of money to

www.helicopterskiing.com

spend, suggest they check out Nevada’s Ruby Mountains for a spot of heli-skiing

Into the woods

with Ruby Mountain Heli Experience.

Luxury escorted tours specialist Luxury

Highly skilled guides takes skiers into

Luxury comes in all shapes and sizes across the pond. From heliyoga to plumbing the depths at the Alaska Sealife Centre, there’s a sumptuous, premium journey for your clients where money is no object

the untouched back country of the

for clients keen to explore the stunning

beautiful Ruby Mountains for incredible

landscapes of western Canada.

powder skiing and snowboarding. And,

The 16-day Trans-Canadian Grandeur

while you may think you need to be an

tour travels from the buzzing city of

experienced skier, the guides can ensure

Vancouver, across the Rocky Mountains

that skiers have access to a wide variety of

before boarding the Canadian train for a

terrain to suit each individual’s ability; from

unique rail journey through the western

tree skiing, steep slopes, wide open

Prairies and lakes of northern Ontario to

bowls, the white snowy landscape is

cosmopolitan Toronto.

yours to experience.

And a much welcome addition to the

Highlights of the experience include dining at the highly rated YEW Seafood +

whole heli-skiing experience for 2017 is the

Bar in Vancouver, visiting the Squamish

opening of the new Ruby 360 Lodge,

Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler and taking

which allows skiers to stay overnight in the

part in a one-of-a-kind holistic tea workshop

Ruby Mountains and try their hand at

to create your own tea concoction.

heli-skiing over a number of days.

All About North America

Gold by Insight Vacations has just the tour

Then there’s the chance to enjoy Yoho

How much? A three day heli-skiing

National Park from the graceful Emerald

package for the 2017 season costs £3,826

Lake Lodge set on a 13-acre. Then there’s

per person and includes all meals (except

two nights unwinding in Victoria and Banff,

dinner on arrival night), three nights’

with a further relaxing journey aboard VIA

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luxury

And a particular unique “money can’t buy experience” is its 10-day Alaska Journey – Exclusives that gives travellers the chance to get a guided, behind-thescenes tour of the world-renowned Alaska Sealife Centre, an incredible marine science facility that frequently collaborates with the National Geographic Society on wildlife initiatives.

Luxury at the top of Ruby Mountains with a spot of heli-skiing

The tour gives visitors the chance to experience the centre’s labs and meet a researcher for a presentation on

Rail Canada's The Canadian train with two

current projects.

within two hours, or opt to take a three or

As part of the experience, there’s the

How much? Prices start at £5,895 per

five-day sailing package on Captiva Island.

opportunity to visit the Denali National Park

Offshore Sailing school courses are

area, known for its diversity of wildlife and

person and include airport transfers, all accommodation and on-trip transport, daily

aimed at everyone from complete novices

the highest mountain in North America,

breakfasts and signature dining experiences.

to experts, teaching sailors nautical

Denali (formerly called Mt McKinley). This

To book: luxurygoldvacations.com/uk

terminology, anchoring, docking steering

includes a visit to the Denali Education

On the beach

and everything in between.

Centre, where visitors can learn about the

If you have clients looking for a beach

holidaymakers will receive a sailing

define a subarctic ecosystem.

holiday, then you know for certain if they

certificate once they have completed the

How much? Prices lead in at £2,699

decide to go east or west coast, they are

course. Prices for the course start at £50

per person for a 10-day trip from

spoilt for choice.

per person per hour, or for a private

Anchorage return.

After being set through their paces,

conditions that shape life in Denali and

two-hour session prices start from £399.

To book: gadventures.co.uk

proved popular with Brits but not many will

How much? Seven nights’

have thought of living the beach life in a

accommodation at the South Seas Islands

On foot

island off the coast of Florida.

Resort lead in at £2,691 for two people

If you have clients who love nothing more

sharing with return flights with British

than exploring a destination by foot,

Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island is

Airways from £431 per person based on

tucking into the local delicacies and

world’s away from the hyper-reality and

flights from Heathrow with transfers at

learning about life from the locals, then

buzzing lights synonymous with other

Philadelphia. This price is based on a

suggest they try out the new two-week

parts of Florida.

departure date of 15 May 2017.

cultural walking and feasting tour of Cape

Accommodation ranges from comfortable

Cod and the islands from Kudu Travel.

The beaches of Florida have always

Known by locals as Florida’s Tahiti South

The gorgeous luxury resort hotel, on

Led by Kudu Travel’s founder, Fi Lowry,

Captiva Island, has 330-acre wildlife

hotel rooms and cottages, to private

preserve which spans two and a half miles

homes and villas.

this trip begins in Boston before heading to

of white, sandy beaches in the tranquil

To book: southseas.com

the Cape. Travelling by water ferry to the

With the wildlife

islands of Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket,

to take full advantage of the incredible

Luxury to many people is not about how

to spend three nights on each island to

natural beauty that surrounds it with a

much an experience costs or how

gain an in-depth appreciation of their

wide raft of activities to enjoy, including

decadent the holiday is, but more to do

unique charms – classic wood-shingled

kayaking, tennis, golf, and, of course, the

with the depth of the memories that a

cottages, cobbled lanes leading to boat-

odd treatment or two in the resort’s

holiday can create.

filled harbours, fascinating small museums

waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

As a quiet retreat, the resort is designed

luxury spa.

G Adventures works with National

Wellfleet and Chatham, there’s the chance

and early churches. Highlights include a

Geographic to create Journeys that will

guided walk along Boston’s Freedom Trail,

usual Florida beach and flop holiday, the

leave intrepid travellers with memories of

guided daily walks with birdwatching, seal

resort offers amazing sailing courses.

an experience that will last a life time.

and whale-watching boat trips and a sailing

For those looking for more than the

10

Guests can learn the basics of sailing

nights in trendy Toronto to round off the trip.

All About North America

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luxury

trip in Nantucket Sound on board the

In the city

How much? Prices for a four-night stay in

classic wooden sloop Endeavour.

Visitors to Boston are really spoilt for

the Mandarin Oriental Boston lead in at

choice when it comes to luxury

£1,669 per person on a room-only basis

plenty of opportunity to feast on

experiences. From the designer shopping

including flights.

sumptuous delicacies such as lobster, clam

of Newbury Street and Copley Place to a

To book: tel 0800 014 7777

chowder, baked oysters, scallops and fish,

cruise around Boston Harbour with

fresh from the surrounding waters,

Odyssey Cruises, including dinner while

In the air

accompanied by fine local wines.

you take in the sights from the water.

Vegas attracts millions of visitors every

And of course, along the way, there’s

This walking tour gives travellers the

Or if you prefer to tuck into a sumptuous

year for its non-stop, high-end

opportunity to really get under the skin of

dinner on dry land, try L’Espalier, one of

entertainment, from daytime gambling

Cape Cod and its quintessential New

Boston’s finest restaurants, that serves up

and poolside discos to night-time shows

England experience, with quaint fishing

French cuisine with a New England spin

from global stars.

villages and seafood shacks, along the way

and a strong focus on cheese.

But when the 24/7 lifestyle gets too much, many people opt to head out of

Take in the sights and sounds of Cape Cod with Kudu Travel

the city to the Grand Canyon to feel the force of nature and the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes that the Grand Canyon serves up.

A luxurious way to visit the Grand Canyon is with Maverick Helicopters, which flies guests out to the Grand Canyon South Rim and Grand Canyon West Rim as well as operating flights over Vegas.

Maverick Helicopters has recently introduced HeliYoga where visitors can enjoy an exclusive helicopter flight followed by a private, 75-minute yoga session at the Valley of Fire State Park which is considered one of the most remote destinations in the southwest of the US, and has to have top-drawer bragging rights for the most bizzare places to practise your downward dog.

calm waters dotted with clipper ships,

Luxury knows no bounds when it

How much? Prices lead in at £2,833 for

historical lighthouses and grand sea

comes to hotel accommodation, with the

the experience via private charter only and

captains’ houses, and excellent walking on

five-star Mandarin Oriental, Boston just

this rate is commissionable for tour

heathlands, saltmarsh and sand-dune

steps away from the renowned shops and

operators and travel agents.

flanked deserted beaches.

dining on Newbury Street, the boutiques

To book: maverickhelicopter.com

How much? The two-week tour from

of South End and high-end shopping of

Boston to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket

Copley Place.

With the family

(13-26 September 2017) costs from £5,890

Then there’s the five-star Boston

Luxury operator Western and Oriental has

per person (two sharing) including 13

Harbour Hotel with views of Boston’s

developed a new series of family

nights’ full board (historic hotels and

waterfront, a contemporary spa, fitness

itineraries that are guaranteed to keep both

traditional inns), all land and water

centre and world-class dining.

parents and kids happy with the most

transportation, entrance fees, sightseeing

The five-star Ritz-Carlton Boston

luxurious of experiences.

The operator’s 10-day Family Whale

and activities as per itinerary and the

boasts a luxury spa and fitness centre

services of a Kudu Travel tour leader.

and its own $1 million art collection,

Watching, Wilderness and Wild West

Flights to Boston extra.

while the Taj Boston offers fine dining

Ranch tour is the ultimate tour that

To book: Kudutravel.com

and luxury accommodation.

combines a wide range of adventurous

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luxury

in a protected valley with stunning views HeliYoga in the Grand Canyon with Maverick Helicopters

of the surrounding desert.

Within easy reach of some of North America’s most spectacular natural wonders, including Monument Valley, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, the property is set amid 600 acres and boasts luxury suites, a spa with desert views and a restaurant serving American Southwest-inspired cuisine made primarily with locally sourced seasonal produce.

Meals are served from an open kitchen to tables that look out through floor-to-ceiling windows over the ever-changing desert colours beyond.

Amangiri’s Suites are spacious with clean lines and natural material, with styling including white stone floors, natural timbers and each suite has an outdoor lounge and fireplace with expansive desert views while some include a private pool or roof terrace.

For guests who want to venture out of

experiences that kids will remember for

the Little Grizzlies Kids Club, learning

the resort, there’s a number of excursions

a lifetime.

about Montana's flora and fauna and

to enjoy, including paleontological fossil

riding ponies.

digs, climbing expeditions, kayaking on

city of Seattle, not only famous for being

Older kids and adults can enjoy horseback

Lake Powell, tours with Navajo guides of

the home of Starbucks coffee but for its

trails, roping lessons, mountain-bike trails,

slot canyons and Monument Valley,

multi-cultural communities, dramatic

hiking, archery, fly-fishing and an

horseback riding trails for all levels, plus

mountains and national parks.

adrenaline pumping ropes course.

early-morning, hot-air balloon rides that

The journey starts off the vibrant coastal

How much? Prices lead in at £8,999 per

launch directly from the resort and take in

chance to enjoy views of the city from

adult and from £4,999 per child including

views of Lake Powell, Navajo Mountain,

the top of the Space Needle, walk

accommodation, flight, tours

the Vermillion Cliffs and Grand Staircase-

through Chihuly Gardens made entirely

and activities.

Escalante National Monument.

of blown glass and visit the 120,000

To book: westernoriental.com

How much? AmeriCan and Worldwide

gallon Seattle Aquarium.

In the desert

Travel offers an eight-night, multi-centre

at at the Future of Flight Boeing Factory

Mention a desert holiday experience to

person. Departing on 2 October 2017, the

and Centre to see how the company

most people, and images of bouncing over

price includes return non-stop flights with

assembles its aircraft and head out

sand dunes in a 4x4 on a day trip out of

Delta Air Lines from Heathrow to Salt Lake

to the San Juan Island on a whale

Dubai springs to mind.

City, three nights’ full board in a Desert

During two days in Seattle, there’s the

Then, there’s a behind-the-scenes tour

watching excursion.

But then, of course, the US state of

View Suite at Amangiri Resort, two nights’

Utah knows a thing or two about desert

room-only in a Meadow View King room at

five nights at the luxury all-inclusive The

holidays with its sweeping sand dunes and

Zion Mountain Ranch and two nights’

Ranch At Rock Creek, a member of the

red rock landscapes that provide the

room-only in a King room at the Waldorf

prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel group.

perfect rival to a desert experience in one

Astoria in Park City, plus car hire for the

of the emirates.

duration. Based on two adults travelling

Then it’s time to head out of the city for

This family friendly ranch offers a vast range of activities for all age groups, with the younger ones enjoying time at

12

luxury holiday to Utah from £4,509 per

For luxury, there’s the Amangiri uberluxury hideaway in southern Utah situated

and sharing accommodation.

To book: awwt.co.uk ¢ All About North America

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shopping

The Shops at Crystals is the latest mall to open at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip

Bagging some bargains There are some great savings to be made in the ever-expanding shopping malls of North America

O

nline shopping is fast replacing the high street as the

Pilkington says that for clients who are looking purely to

place to bag a bargain these days, with a survey last

shop, a five-night break is plenty. “But if they want to combine

year by United Parcel Service Inc of more than 5,000

shopping with some sightseeing and leisurely activities, seven

UK shoppers showing that 51% of their purchases were

nights would be ideal.”

made on the web – and this didn’t include grocery shopping.

However, the appeal of a US shopping break shows no sign

So whether it’s purely a shopping break or a North American holiday with some shopping days factored in, here is a round-up

of waning with holidays across the pond that include a bit of

of the latest news from the retail world.

retail therapy still as popular as ever.

Boston

Ashley Pilkington, assistant product manager USA and Caribbean at Gold Medal, says there are a number of reasons

Brits who have experienced shopping NYC style and are looking

why shopping Stateside is still appealing.

for an alternative, should head over to Boston, which boasts a

“One of the best reasons to go to the US for a shopping

wide range of shopping experiences as well as the opportunity to

holiday is to take advantage of the exchange rate or to buy

make some great savings with tax-free shopping on clothes and

branded goods that are unique to the US,” says Pilkington.

shoes up to $175

And one of the best place to do this, she says, is the Orlando

There’s a wide range of shopping experiences to be had in

Malls, which “offer an excellent range of stores from the

Boston including the newest development, Assembly Row, which

premium outlets on International Drive and Vineland Avenue to

is just a few stops on the underground system heading out towards

the popular fashion brands at The Mall at Milenia.”

the hipster neighbourhood of Sommerville.

All About North America

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shopping

The new look Woodbury Common Premium Outlets just an hour from Manhattan after a multi-million-dollar refurbishment

There’s a mixture of outlet shopping experiences with shops

Natick Mall is a great shopping destination for all of the family

including Nike Factory Outlet Store, Saks Fifth Avenue, Banana

with more than 250 stores including a number of toy shops,

Republic and Adidas.

while for some out-of-town shopping, head to Wrentham Village

For luxury shopping, head to Copley Place for a wide range of premium brands including Hugo Boss, Chanel and Dior.

The Shops at The Prudential Centre are also a great place to head to for a high-end shopping experience with retail outlets including Pandora, Swarovski and Oakley.

Harvard Square is filled with boutiques and independent

Premium Outlets which is just 50 minutes outside of Boston and features 170 outlets with many high-end brands at discounted prices.

New York Shopaholics will be thrilled to hear about the multi-million-dollar

clothing, gift and jewellery stores, while Newbury Street is popular

renovation project that has taken place at the Woodbury

for shoppers looking for designer boutiques and luxury brands.

Common Premium Outlets that’s just an hour from Manhattan.

Giftcards

Simon Shopping Destinations has launched new 5% Back Visa Simon Giftcards.

• The cards deliver 5% back at more than 70 participating retailers and restaurants including American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Bath & Body Works, Gap, Nike, Outback Steakhouse, and Rainforest Café.

• The new giftcards are available to purchase at the Guest Services of all Simon Malls, The Mills and Premium Outlets including flagship stores King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Sawgrass Mills & The Colonnade Outlets, Fort Lauderdale, and Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, New York.

• The Giftcards can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, coming in variable denominations from $20 to $500 and will be automatically credited back to the Simon Giftcard within 48 hours.

All About North America

The shopping mecca is internationally renowned as being home to the largest collection of designer outlets in the states – 240 to be precise – with daily bus transportation from Port Authority.

The refurbishment has created new landscaping, more places to sit and admire the bargains that shoppers have acquired along with a host of new luxury brands such as Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Dsquared2, Versaci and Loewe. These new additions will complement the existing brands which includes Tory Burch, Celine, Nike, Bottega Veneta, Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Burberry, Coach and North Face Conveniently accessed from New York City via the New York State Thruway at Exit 16, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets features 240 stores including Tory Burch, Celine, Nike, Bottega Veneta, Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Burberry, Coach and North Face.

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shopping

Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia’s Shop Like a Local programme brings a variety of local boutique shops and services to guests in their hotel room

There are daily discounts of up to 65% on lots of brands.

With 50 opulent stores in total, The Shops at Crystals is

premiumoutlets.com/outlet/woodbury-common

anchored by 15 luxury flagship stores including Louis Vuitton,

Palm Springs

Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford, Prada, Fendi and Tiffany &

Downtown Palm Springs is undergoing a multi-million

Céline, Saint Laurent and Richard Mille.

redevelopment project which will see the area transformed into a haven for tourists.

The project will see the replacement of the former Desert Fashion Plaza, which is situated on 13 acres. A new pedestrian friendly urban village space will include restaurants, retail spaces alongside a new four-star, 155-room Kimpton Hotel, which will feature the city’s first and only rooftop pool and bar.

Additionally, the construction of a four-storey Virgin Hotel is

Co as well as 30 unique-to-market luxury retailers including

hotel update

• MARGARITAVILLE RESORT Orlando has been announced as a new resort property, expected to open later this 2017.

The waterfront destination resort will have 187 rooms, 1,000 Margaritaville-themed holiday homes and 300 timeshare units. A new dining and entertainment district is also planned to accommodate guests, along with a 12-acre water park, a wellness centre, miles of fitness trails and a destination water taxi system. margaritavilleresortorlando.com

proposed next to the Kimpton. Furniture and home goods store West is the first retail lease announced.

Las Vegas Your clients who want to squeeze in a bit of shopping between gambling and big shows will be thrilled to hear that there is a new shopping development from Simon Shopping Destinations poised to open in Sin City.

The Shops at Crystals, located at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, is an multra luxe retail property boasting more than 324,000 square feet of deisgner shopping.

The highly sought-after retail space is the most centrally

• KOHEA KAI RESORT Maui, an adults-only resort, has recently opened and is a 26-room boutique property located in the heart of Kihei in Hawaii. The property is just steps from the beach, boasts ocean views, a rooftop lounge, outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast and a staffed 24-hour check-in reception. koheakai.com • PREFERRED HOTELS AND RESORTS is opening 27 new North American luxury properties over the next year. These include: the 281-room and 36-suite Pendry San Diego; the NOPSI New Orleans which will open in the 90-year-old former headquarters of the New Orleans Public Service, Inc; the 269-room Hotel Monville in Montreal; and the 180room Mountain Shadows resort in Paradise Valley, Arizona. preferredhotels.com

located retail property on the strip.

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All About North America

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shopping

The centre also features a dedicated tram station, connecting it to the Bellagio Resort and Casino, ARIA Resort and Casino and Monte Carlo Resort and Casino.

Daytona Daytona is gearing up for the opening of ONE DAYTONA this year which will feature a 300,000 sq ft retail, dining and entertainment district, two hotels and a residential apartment community.

The $150 million development will also include a 12-screen cinema and its opening follows hot on the heels of the launch of the Tanger Outlets last November featuring more than 75 of the most popular brand names and designer outlet stores.

Philadelphia Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia is offering guests the chance to shop like a local with the launch of a programme that showcases a variety of local boutique shops and provides a range of Kimpton Karma perks only available to Hotel Palomar guests when showing their room key at participating retailers.

The guide includes an exclusive five-piece capsule collection, ‘NINObrand x Hotel Palomar,’ created in partnership with local designer Bela Shehu.

Handmade by expert tailors in Philadelphia, the collaboration Gold Medal Travel’s Ashley Pilkington recommends shoppers head to the malls of Orlando to sample the extensive range of stores on offer

allows guests to view and shop the unisex, athleisure-style collection directly in their room, anytime of day. hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com. ¢

Top tips Ashley Pilkington, assistant product manager USA and Caribbean, Gold Medal offers some advice on how to make the best of a shopping break in North America.

Save money by...

“Checking online before you flight for any vouchers at the mall you are visiting, it’s a great way to find bargains and save money. “Agents selling shopping holidays to North America should advise clients to visit the tourist board website of the destination they are visiting. For example, Visit Orlando provides a variety of vouchers that offers discount or special offers.”

Mix it up...

“I would recommend golf as the perfect contrast after hitting the shops and the picturesque courses of Orlando provide top rank instructors along with Orlando being one of the World’s largest golf destinations.

Where to go “Gold Medal would recommend staying at the Avanti resort International Drive, located about a 15-minute drive from the largest shopping centre in Florida making it the perfect base. The Florida Mall is central Florida’s largest shopping centre and offers a huge variety of retail, dining and entertainment options including; free wifi, currency exchange; two children’s play areas; an onsite hotel; and an array of dining choices.”

How much?

Gold Medal offers seven nights’ room-only at the Avanti Resort, International Drive from £639 per person based on two adults sharing. The price is based on a departure date of 1 May and includes flights from Gatwick. www.goldmedal.co.uk 0800 014 7777

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All About North America

S06 TB North America Supp 2017 Holidays for Less _Layout 1 14/03/2017 12:13 Page 19

Holidays for less than...

Holidays for less than…

From city breaks to Toronto to cowboy experiences in Montana, here is a round-up of breaks for 2017 £ 1,000

deeded tracts of giant trees in the heart

day USA Coast to Coast adventure which

Frontier Travel has a four-night package

of the park to the National Parks Service

takes in many

that includes two nights in Toronto and

for safekeeping. Then guests are taken

of the US’s highlights including the

two nights in Niagara Falls in superior

back to the park for an evening of star

Statue of Liberty, the White House, the

accommodation.

gazing with an expert from the Sequoia

Wild West, the Rockies, the Grand

How much? Prices lead in at £999 per

Parks Conservancy. The tour also goes

Canyon, Hollywood Boulevard and the

person including flights, four nights’

behind the scenes at the Monterey Bay

Golden Gate Bridge as it crosses from

accommodation, two hours’ sightseeing in

Aquarium on an experience customised

New York to San Francisco.

both Toronto and Niagara and all transfers.

for Journeys travellers.

How much? Prices lead in at £4,145 per

To book: frontier-canada.co.uk

How much? Prices start at £1,999 per

person and include 15 nights’ hotel

£ 2,000

person for a nine-day trip from Las Vegas

accommodation room-only, three

to San Francisco.

overnight train journeys, all transfers and

Hayes & Jarvis is offering a seven-day

To book: gadventures.com

return international flights.

at the five-star Biltmore Hotel, Miami,

£ 3,000

To book: greatrail.com

Coral Gables on a room-only basis.

Titan Travel offers a 14-day Oregon and

£ 10,000

How much? Prices lead in at £1,199 per

the Pacific Coast tour, which explores the

Ranch At Rock Creek is a 6,600-acre

person, with savings of £182 per person

beauty of the west coast as it journeys

property, located near Phillipsburg in one

including a Miami Sightseeing Hop On Hop

from Seattle to San Francisco taking in

of Montana’s valleys. Guests can explore

Off tour and return international flights

the dramatic Pacific coastline, the

the landscape surrounding the ranch by

from Heathrow with American Airlines.

fabulous seafood of Newport, Crater

horseback or work on their Western skills

To book: hayesandjarvis.co.uk

Lake National Park, Redwood National

in the arena with lessons in barrel racing,

holiday to Miami including a week’s stay

Park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park

pole bending and roping. Other adventure

National Geographic Journeys with G

and the vineyards of Santa Rosa.

bound activities include fly-fishing,

Adventures has a nine-day Natural

How much? Prices lead in at £2,749 per

shooting and archery, but for more sedate

Highlights of California – Exclusives tour

person and include 12 nights’

pastimes, guests can create their own

which takes visitors on a walk through

accommodation, tours, VIP door-to-door

wellness plan at the Granite Spa.

California’s Sequoia National Park

service, services of an experienced Titan

How much? Six nights from £6,046 per

alongside a naturalist where they can

tour manager ahd international flights.

person based on two sharing, including

learn about these impressive giant trees,

To book: titantravel.co.uk

accommodation, meals, most ranch

enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail, and then

£ 5,000

activities, taxes, transfers from Missoula

drive to Big Tree Trail for an afternoon hike to learn about how National Geographic

Great Rail Journeys has the ultimate 21-

To book: ranchrider.com ¢

All About North America

and gratuities. Excludes return flight.

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S06 TB North America Supp 2017 Holidays for Less _Layout 1 14/03/2017 12:13 Page 20

T S OP ACTI N O N ON N OP N OW

E

AND THE CHANCE TO CHILL TOO

A Discovery Cove Ultimate Package is like 2 holidays in 1.

Scream for pulse-racing coasters, exhilarating water rides and new thrills like Mako at SeaWorld and Cobra’s Curse at Busch Gardens.

There’s also the chance to make new friends with amazing animal encounters, and then relax on white sand beaches, lazy rivers and more. It’s Florida like you’ve never experienced before.

Experience all four parks with the Discovery Cove Ultimate Package. Includes an all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove (dolphin swim or non-dolphin swim), 14 days unlimited admission to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica. Free unlimited parking too!

For more information contact your preferred ticket provider or visit www.seaworldagents.co.uk 7HJRHNL PUJS\KLZ VUL HSS PUJS\ZP]L KH` H[ +PZJV]LY` *V]L HUK \USPTP[LK HKTPZZPVU [V :LH>VYSK (X\H[PJH HUK )\ZJO .HYKLUZ MVY JVUZLJ\[P]L KH`Z MYVT Ă&#x201E; YZ[ \ZL .\LZ[Z T\Z[ IL H[ SLHZ[ `LHYZ VM HNL [V Z^PT ^P[O [OL KVSWOPUZ .\LZ[Z HNLK T\Z[ IL HJJVTWHUPLK I` H WH`PUN HK\S[ ^OV PZ HSZV WHY[PJPWH[PUN PU [OL KVSWOPU Z^PT L_WLYPLUJL *OPSKYLU HNLK T\Z[ W\YJOHZL [OL UVU KVSWOPU Z^PT WHJRHNL -YLL I\Z [YHUZWVY[H[PVU PZ H]HPSHISL [V )\ZJO .HYKLUZ VU [OL )\ZJO .HYKLUZ :O\[[SL ,_WYLZZ <USPTP[LK MYLL WHYRPUN H[ :LH>VYSK (X\H[PJH HUK )\ZJO .HYKLUZ PZ VUS` ]HSPK MVY [OL K\YH[PVU VM [OL [PJRL[ ;OPZ VÉ&#x2C6; LY JHU IL ^P[OKYH^U VY JOHUNLK H[ HU` [PTL Â? :LH>VYSK 7HYRZ ,U[LY[HPUTLU[ 0UJ (SS 9PNO[Z 9LZLY]LK

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