Vacation Mode

What’s new and noteworthy for sun-and-sand seekers.

By Aimi Mayne

Cruise to a Private-island Paradise

Your Caribbean cruise could be the gateway to an exclusive island getaway. Five new cruise line-backed private islands or beach clubs are set to open within the next two years, according to Cruise Lines International Association. Building on the success of destinations like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay (pictured) and Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay, more cruise lines are redefining “all-inclusive” with these retreats featuring beaches, water parks, restaurants and bars. Look out for Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key and Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, both set to welcome guests in 2025.

SECRETS PLAYA BLANCA COSTA MUJERES

World of Hyatt’s new adults-only all-inclusive resort is nestled on a secluded strip of Caribbean coastline 12 miles north of Cancún. With four pools, including two seafront infinity pools, and activities from beach volleyball to cocktail classes, plenty of fun in the sun awaits.

SIRO ONE ZA’ABEEL

Dubai’s first fitness hotel, spanning six floors of the iconic One Za’abeel, is every health enthusiast’s dream. Rooms are outfitted with thermoregulated mattresses, stretching bars and on-demand virtual workout classes, while hotel amenities include state-of-the-art Fitness and Recovery Labs and access to two pools (including the UAE’s longest infinity pool).

Ask your advisor about Ensemble Exclusive Amenities at these properties.

The World’s Best Beach is in Bora Bora

The island of Bora Bora has been awarded the Golden Beach Award 2024 by BeachAtlas, an online guide made for and by beach enthusiasts. To create its annual list of the top 100 beaches on the planet, the London-based platform looked at factors beyond natural beauty, including the beaches’ value to the local community, lifestyle offerings like nightlife and resorts, and cultural significance. A panel of international travel experts and influencers then cast their votes to decide the final list. With its pristine white sand and breathtaking turquoise lagoon fringed by a protected barrier reef, it’s no wonder this French Polynesian paradise claimed the number-one spot. Find eight more extraordinary beaches on page 6.

Cheers to Booze-free Cocktails at Sea

On your next Seabourn voyage, raise your glass and make a toast with a zero-proof Amalfi Spritz — alcohol-free rosé paired with fragrant Lyre’s Italian Orange and soda water. This is just one of the elevated mocktails available across all onboard bars and lounges, courtesy of the cruise line’s new Zero @ Sea mixology program. The menu stars flavorful nonalcoholic ingredients such as elderflower, fresh citrus and botanical spirits, so you can always have a delicious beverage at hand, no matter your preferences.

The Ultimate Beach Read

Looking for the perfect book to pack for your next vacation? Try Beach Read, the 2020 romance from bestselling author Emily Henry. On October 1, a new hardcover collector’s edition of the novel will feature a fresh cover, beautifully decorated endpapers, sprayed edges, a gold foil-stamped case and a bonus epilogue, “The Layover,” starring the leading duo, January and Augustus.

Beach Read: Deluxe Edition by Emily Henry, US$35 emilyhenrybooks.com