Travel Life - Spring 2023

BARBADOS GREECE ICELAND NOVA SCOTIA Plus

CONTRIBUTORS

DEBRA SMITH

NIAGARA ON THE LUXE, PAGE 46

At a frequency medicine session with Valerie of Vita Lux Alchemy in Banff, Alberta, the gentle harmonies of crystal singing bowls brought back pleasant memories of my childhood. The vibrations from the gem-infused quartz bowls heal by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and by strengthening the immune system. Although I’m told every session is different, I loved the sensation of total relaxation and my time travelling journey.

MARIE-EVE VENNE

WELLNESS DONE RIGHT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA, PAGE 20

The best wellness experience I ever had was probably when I stayed at the Lebua State Tower in Bangkok. I had my own massage room inside my suite. With the help of a skilled masseuse, I ended up being able to beat the 11-hour time difference and ease my body into a state of relaxation. Not having to leave my room definitely added a lot to the experience!

KERRY WERNER

THE NEXT GENERATION OF SPA GOING, PAGE 14

In 2014, my husband and I travelled to Kauai. In the town of Anahola there is a wellness spot named Angeline’s. Angeline is a lineage master of Lomi Lomi massage, an elder in the community who trains therapists to keep the lineage alive. We arrived at a small house and were directed to the backyard where we had local tea and waited for our couples body scrub and Lomi Lomi massage in their yurt. The body scrub was amazing, however the massage was one of my most relaxing and soul nurturing experiences to date. You could feel the history in each stoke and the traditional chanting was woven in seamlessly. I have been to some of the most beautiful spas, but this backyard yurt holds my heart.

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR IN CHIEF

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

DIGITAL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

DESIGN DIRECTOR

PRODUCTION

CONTRIBUTORS

COVER PHOTO: Fairmont Mayakoba Resort

The luxury AAA-5 Diamond and Preferred by Nature, Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya resort is located in a private gated resort community, within 240 hectares of tropical forest intersected by crystal clear waterways and surrounded by a pristine Caribbean shoreline. Fairmont.com/Mayakoba

Tammy Cecco

Jessica Padykula

Nicola Brown

Joyce Padilla

Gregory Alexander

Diana Ballon

Nicola Brown

Tammy Cecco

Martha Chapman

Lynn Elmhirst

Jessica Padykula

Sabrina Pirillo

Chris Ryall

Cathy Senecal

Nicole Servinis

Debra Smith

Marie-Eve Venne

Kerry Werner

Emily Zemler

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For this issue, we asked some of our contributors to tell us about one of their most memorable wellness travel experiences.

A Time Of Fresh Starts

cover wellness on the water with some cruise lines that make it easy to stay healthy on the high seas.

From physical activities like hiking and biking to relaxing spa treatments or completely unplugging for a week of solitude on the beach, travel offers endless opportunities for wellness. Even the simple act of exploring new environments and cultures can help reduce stress and improve mental health, providing the ideal escape from our daily routines.

In addition to our wellness-focused content, we’ve got lots of other great stories for you to dig into that we hope will inspire your next adventure. You won’t want to miss one writer’s epic experience on a voyage to Antarctica aboard the Viking Polaris, or another writer’s in-depth look at the rugged beauty of Iceland (think waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs and mountains).

Foodies will definitely want to check out Soulful Discoveries in Slovenia’s World-Class Dining Scene for a peek at what makes this country’s culinary scene so exciting, as well as our appetiteinducing story on the diverse and utterly memorable flavours of Barbados. And if you’re more of an active traveller, you may be inspired by one writer’s guided rowing adventure off the coast of northern Greece.

Spring, for me, has always been a time of new beginnings. The warmer weather and longer days just seem to signal a time for growth, rejuvenation and fresh opportunities, making it the perfect time to prioritize wellness in all its forms–but especially through travel. Whether it’s a solo retreat, group adventure or family vacation, travel can be a great way to reset and recharge, allowing us to embrace the season with a renewed sense of purpose.

More and more people are discovering the benefits of combining travel and wellness and we’re excited to share some of those experiences with you. In this issue, we’d like to welcome you to Wellness Corner, where some of our contributors are sharing their wellness-focused travel experiences in destinations from Bath, England to Mexico and Western Australia–and we even

If that weren’t enough, we also have some great tips on how to pack lightly but efficiently when you don’t want to check a bag, more than a few reasons you’re likely to fall in love with Nova Scotia and four travel-inspired books to add to your spring reading list.

Wherever this new season takes you, I hope your experience is a memorable one that brings about a sense of wellness and renewal.

Here’s to happy (and healthy) travels!

TAMMY CECCO EDITOR IN CHIEF

Feeling relaxed and revitalized on vacation. Photo taken at the Temazcal pool at El Cocay Spa at Marina El Cid Resort & Spa. Linen dress by WhitneyLinen.com and glow courtesy of Cassandra at Tan on the Run. @tanontherunvaughan / Photo by Alexander Riby, akahphotography.com

FOODIE FILES

28 SOULFUL DISCOVERIES IN SLOVENIA’S WORLD-CLASS DINING SCENE

Creativity leads the way when it comes to the culinary offerings that are putting Slovenia firmly on the foodie map

30 EXPLORING THE WIDE WORLD OF BAJAN FLAVOURS

Eat like a local to celebrate the richness of Barbados’ diverse culinary scene and its many talented chefs and mixologists DISCOVERIES

34 EXPLORING KISSIMMEE’S BEST GOLF COURSES

With its sunny skies, top-notch courses and the chance to play year-round, Kissimmee is a golfer’s dream destination

36 ICELAND AT ITS BEST

From waterfalls to glaciers, hot springs to mountains–Iceland is a multifaceted destination worth getting to know

40 DANCING WITH THE WATER ON AEGEAN SWELLS

A guided rowing adventure off the coast of northern Greece leads to many memorable discoveries

42 FALLING IN LOVE WITH NOVA SCOTIA

Lighthouses, lobsters, welcoming locals and so much more await in this small province packed with memory-making things to see and do

44 GOING WITH THE FLOW IN ANTARCTICA ON THE VIKING POLARIS

Experience polar exploration–with a side of comfort–on an unforgettable cruise into undiscovered territory

46 NIAGARA ON THE LUXE

From inspired cuisine and impressive wineries to helicopter tours above the Falls, there’s a lot to discover in and around Niagara

WELLNESS ON THE GO

Chic Wellness Tracker

Keep track of wellness no matter where you are with the Gucci x Oura Ring, a piece of smart (and very chic) jewelry able to provide health insights throughout the day. The device offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring, seven temperature sensors, activity tracking and sleep analysis, while a curated library of guided audio sessions and videos provides guidance on how to interpret the body’s signals. gucci.com, $1,150

INSTANT PICK-ME-UP

Whether during a long flight, a long day, or just when you need a quick sense of calm in the midst of chaos, TALLU & Co’s Magic roll-on is a multitasking aromatherapy powerhouse that revives and soothes in equal measure; thanks to floral spearmint, peppermint, lavender and wild orange. From the tarmac to the yoga mat, this might just become your wellness travel go-to. tallu.ca, $22

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL MUG

This go-everywhere vessel is not only sleek and stylish, but conveniently keeps drinks hot for twelve hours (and cold for twenty-four). The ceramic interior ensures your beverages taste fresh all day and the tapered, thin lip is modeled after a Cabernet glass to create the most comfortable sipping shape. cafune.ca, $44

DIGITAL DETOX KIT

Make the most of travel time and give yourself a break from screens with the help of Pinch Provisions’ Digital Detox Kit, which comes with everything you need to untether from your phone, laptop, tablet–or all three. The kit comes with an eye mask, alarm clock, phone sleeve, ear plugs, a timer, detox tips, an infinity fidget cube and an activity dice for optimum low-tech time. amazon.ca, $26

MULTI-TASKING

A long travel day–whether in the air or on the road–mandates some self-care at the end of it. Fig’s Concentrated Revitalizing Lifting Mask is a leave-on treatment perfect for refreshing tired skin and boosting radiance and hydration. Put it on for the plane ride to avoid dry and dull post-flight skin. formulafig.com, $113

GLOWING ON-THE-GO SKIN

Luxury Canadian beauty brand, F. Miller brings their bestsellers together in the Necessity Kit, featuring everything you need for hydrated, glowing skin on the go. Cleansing oil purifies and repairs, toning mist calms and hydrates, face oil fortifies and balances, while body oil and lip balm round out the self-care experience–all packaged in a custom, water-resistant bag. fmillerskincare.com, $158

SOOTHING BATH SOAK

Few things can be as soothing as a long, hot bath after a long day–something that can go a long way towards resetting your equilibrium after a flight. Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop brand boasts luxe bath salts like “the Martini,” made with Himalayan pink salt and chia seed oil aimed at taking the edge off of stress and relaxing the neck and shoulders.

Soothing slides

Ultra- comfy travel set

Comfort and style meet firmly in the middle with this cozy four-piece travel set from Skin, which includes a cute nightgown, tank, jogger pants and a robe, all crafted from a super-soft pima cotton blend. All four pieces pack perfectly into the matching quilted travel pouch for easy transport. saksfifthavenue. com, $550

The Lululemon Restfeel Slide is a stylish slipon with a cushioned foot bed, arch support and breathable upper, making it comfortable and versatile, whether you’re leaving a yoga class or doing some sightseeing. Its moisture-wicking lining helps keep feet dry and the sleek design allows for easy dressing up or down while packing light. shop.lululemon.com, $68

Beyond Fresh Sea Air:

THE BEST CRUISE WELLNESS EXPERIENCES

BY LYNN ELMHIRST Producer / Host of World’s Greatest Cruises on PBS TV

Stay healthy on the high seas with the help of innovative fitness classes and immersive wellnessfocused programs

Most cruise ships boast lavish spas and state-of-the-art gyms, personal trainers and yoga–not to mention the traditional tracks circling ships’ top decks. Helpful signs let you know how much distance you cover in so many laps around the deck to keep your fitness regimen ‘on track’–and the refreshing sea air makes that brisk walk or run even more healthy. But many cruise lines go above and beyond to offer one-of-a-kind wellness programs–some you can’t even find on land. Here are some of the best at sea.

VIKING

Viking frequently leans into its Scandinavian family heritage–easy when it

comes to wellness. On Viking’s ocean fleet, all guests have access to the Nordic Spa, with Scandinavian traditions including the sauna and steam room, which guests can follow up with an invigorating cold bucket shower or even a visit to the ‘Snow Grotto.’ The line’s expedition ships feature a thermal suite with a sauna and Snow Grotto, as well as a warm hydrotherapy pool and traditional Norwegian ‘badestamp’ (wood-sided hot tub), surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows so you don’t miss the sights of icebergs floating past.

SEABOURN

Ultra-luxury ocean and expedition cruise line

Chocolate avocado cream with chia passionfruit jelly and pecan shortbread / Photo by: Windstar

Photo: Princess Cruises

Seabourn has a partnership with wellness pioneer, Dr. Andrew Weil, whose research and books about ‘integrative medicine’ combine physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being philosophies and practices from both Western and Eastern medicine.

In Seabourn’s Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil program, Mindful Living Coaches-certified practitioners who lead guests in mindful meditations, seminars and various yoga classes that target different outcomes–enhance guests’ wellness with holistic mind and body practices they’ll take home from their cruise.

Onboard seminars include happiness and healing, anti-inflammatory foods, healthy aging and other themes from Dr. Weil’s books.

PRINCESS CRUISES

Princess Cruises has partnered with some of the hottest fitness brands in the world, so fitness fans don’t miss a beat while they’re cruising, and guests can sample new fitness trends before joining that gym at home.

This year, the cruise line is adding more onboard workouts from of-the-moment fitness brands including:

• Pure Barre strength and flexibility

• Pure Barre strength and flexibility workouts for everybody

• YogaSix accessible, full sensory yoga

• StretchLab assisted stretching and customized flexibility sessions

• Club Pilates full-body Reformer Pilates

• CycleBar low-impact, high-intensity cycling

• STRIDE Fitness cardio and strength treadmill interval training

CUNARD

Historic British luxury cruise line Cunard taps into marine inspiration in its onboard Aqua Therapy Centers. Reflecting ancient learnings about the benefits of hydrothermal environments, Cunard provides current-day guests a haven of water-related well-being as you sail through some of the most scenic waters of the world.

Guests can let the liquid power of moving water revitalize in aqua therapy pools with massage jets and cascading waterfall showers, or release stress through the feet in reflexology basins.

Breathe deeply in plant-infused aromatic steam rooms. Follow up in Finnish saunas lined with Nordic cedar, and be refreshed by cooling mist in sensory showers with crisp scents and cool blue fibre-optic light.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

In addition to elegant spas, upscale gyms and extensive wellness and fitness programs on board, luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has added a new twist to wellness at sea: Serene Spa & Wellness Tours on shore. The tours allow you to immerse yourself in the incredible destinations on your itinerary through active-and exclusive-experiences. Practice yoga against a stunning backdrop in Taormina, learn about apitherapy, a school

of alternative medicine based on bee products, practice meditation on Palma de Mallorca, or visit the “Thermal Baths of the Popes” in Viterbo, Italy.

WINDSTAR CRUISES

Wellness also comes from within, and Windstar Cruises has become the latest cruise line to introduce plant-based cuisine in addition to omnivore and vegetarian options across its small and sailing-ship fleet.

The cruise line has partnered with the National Health Association to create a new menu that is not only vegan, but also wholefood, minimally-processed, gluten-free and without added salt, oil, or sugar. The goal is to provide health and ethics-conscious guests the ability to dine on their cruise just like at home.

Windstar isn’t sacrificing taste or visual appeal for nutrition and a reduced environmental footprint. Dishes include roasted butternut squash velouté with pumpkin seeds, cauliflower croquettes with salsa verde and sautéed spinach, and chocolate avocado cream with chia passionfruit jelly and pecan shortbread.

We know how important travel is for our wellbeing. With these cruise wellness programs, you could also return home healthier in mind, body, as well as spirit, than when you left.

Spa on The Queen Victoria/

Photo by: Cunard

Dr. Andrew Weil / Photo by: Seabourn Regent Seven Seas Explorer

Beyond Massages and Facials:

The Next Generation of Spa Going

TL: What are some ways to maximize a spa visit and use that experience to enhance at-home self-care?

of allowing our body some extra time to recover and restore ourselves during the day is a game changer.

In recent years, spa treatments have transitioned to cover even more forms of self-care, beyond traditional services like massages and facials. Spas are becoming not just a place to relax and rejuvenate, but a destination for comprehensive self-care. We spoke with Kerry Werner, director of Park Hyatt’s iconic Stillwater Spa (which recently completed a multi-year redesign), about some of her insights into the evolution of spas and self care, as well as the importance of taking dedicated time for ourselves.

TL: There seems to have been a shift recently, from spa going as a luxury to more of a form of personal health care–what do you think sparked that shift?

People have been slowly transitioning to this way of thinking, however I feel that recently the pandemic gave them a big push. People had time during lockdowns to research health and wellness, giving them insight into how to take better care of themselves. Also, with gyms, spas and wellness centres closed, they had to learn how to take care of themselves. As more research into the effects of stress on physical and mental health is done, our society is learning that if we can be proactive in mitigating the stresses we experience, we can feel better in all facets of life.

TL: Why do you think self-care, be it a monthly facial, weekly yoga class or regular massage–can be just as important as an annual doctor’s visit or session with a therapist?

Regular self-care improves the dialogue we have between our mind and body, which in turn allows us to sense when something is out of balance. The main goal of all health care is to keep ourselves in balance; physiologically this is known as homeostasis and is our body’s number one priority. During my career in wellness I have seen how disconnected people can become from their bodies, both physically and mentally. By introducing regular self care like massage, yoga, meditation–that link is re-established, allowing us to recognize imbalances before they become larger problems.

When booking, ask about the amenity use policy, as this can vary by spa. Most spas offer at least 45 to 60 minutes pre and post-treatment to use the facilities, while others are available for use at leisure the day of your service. If you are booking a 60-minute spa service, plan to be there for at least three hours: an hour before to use any saunas, steam rooms and pools, which allows the body to relax–and an hour afterwards to allow the benefits of the spa service to really sink in. During your service, ask your esthetician for advice on a home skin care routine or your RMT for stretching and strengthening programs. If you prefer to not speak during your treatment (which I highly recommend), let your practitioner know you would like to discuss their findings and self care advice following the service. This allows them to make some mental or written notes to share with you afterwards.

TL: How are spas and spa treatments evolving to meet the current needs of people who may be dealing with added stressors, responsibilities, time constraints, etc.?

Spas are evolving by offering a vast array of services as well as different lengths of services. We are seeing an increase in treatments that focus on relaxation, such as meditation sessions, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy and guided relaxation sessions such as Yoga Nidra. Spas are also offering services that focus on wellness for different ages, taking into account life stages such as parenthood, menopause and retirement. Spa care is becoming much more personalized to allow guests to get the most out of their experience, as well maximize their valuable time.

Another exciting trend is the inclusion of spa offerings targeting the mental aspect of relaxation. Services that encourage us to tap into different brain wave frequencies to elicit deep relaxation and restoration of the body are long overdue. One of the body rituals at Stillwater Spa, our Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience, uses multiple body and energy work techniques in collaboration with essential oils to guide our guests into a state of theta brain wave activity. This is the frequency we are in during REM sleep or deep relaxation such a meditation, when our bodies repair themselves. The thought

TL: What are some other unique offerings at Stillwater Spa at Park Hyatt?

We offer many different types of massages, facials and body rituals, however instead of having all of them outlined in our menu, we opted for outcome driven options for our guests to choose from. For example, instead of listing the more than a dozen different types of facials, guests can choose from our Nourish, Rejuvenate or Correct facials. Our estheticians then personalize that facial to exactly what the skin needs at that time. What is great about this approach is that it accounts for differences that occur between visits. Perhaps your facial this visit focuses on a hormonal type issue, however next visit, you and your skin are in a different place and need a hydration focus. We never want our guests to feel overwhelmed just by trying to choose their experience so we assist them in matching their desired outcome with the right type of service.

Kerry began her career as a clinical Registered Massage Therapist. Fate interceded early in her career by way of a job offer on a private island in the Caribbean, forever changing her path to providing therapeutic massage therapy and wellness in exceptional hospitality settings. Kerry now lives in Toronto as director of Park Hyatt’s iconic Stillwater Spa, and enjoys meeting guests and paying wellness forward.

Spa Director, Kerry Werner, on the evolution of self care and how spa going can be so much more than occasional pampering

Carry -On Only

Simple tips for packing light but efficiently when you don’t want to check a bag

By Martha Chapman

Oh, I could never do that!” is generally how my friends react when I tell them I travel with a carry-on only–most recently on a two-week trip to Europe.

After years travelling with a big, heavy suitcase I had a change of heart. Most airlines now charge a hefty fee for checked luggage, which, as we saw last Christmas, doesn’t even guarantee your bag will arrive with you. You save a lot of time not waiting for your bag. And especially if you are travelling solo, it’s much easier to get a smaller bag up or down stairs, or into a train.

The downside of course is having less stuff, perhaps having to do laundry by hand or send it out, and you have less space for souvenirs. But it’s a tradeoff well worth making. So how do you make it work?

Firstly, plan your wardrobe carefully. Place everything on your bed before you pack so you can see exactly what you have and if there’s anything you need to cull.

My rule is: four tops, three bottoms, one jacket, one night-attire item, three scarves, three pairs of shoes (wear your bulkiest when travelling) and the usual underwear, socks, etc.

• Phone charger, power bank, cable, etc. (I pack these in their own freezer bag)

• Adapters if necessary

• Small container of liquid detergent

• Folding shopping bag

• Collapsible water bottle

• Mini-umbrella

• Tissues

• Folding hat

I also have a raincoat that folds up to about the size of a paperback. On my last trip I even purposely packed a pair of jeans and a top I didn’t particularly like, fully intending to leave them behind to give me room for souvenirs.

And if you’re worried about wearing the same outfit more than once–don’t. Unless you dress in hoop skirts or top hats, chances are no one is going to make a detailed note of your wardrobe.

Scarves are a huge asset and multifunctional–something to cover your shoulders if need be, a

makeshift belt, or an easy-to-pack accessory that can take a T-shirt from plain to dressy in an instant. Just because you are scaling down doesn’t mean you should omit some necessities of life. I got a terrible head cold in China and caught Covid in Italy. My mini-med kit includes a few painkillers, band-aids, cough drops and syrup, a thermometer and medicine for an upset stomach. Trust me, you do not want to be miming stomach upset symptoms in a foreign drugstore!

The best tip of all for carry-on packing is to use compression travel bags. These are like large freezer bags you fill with clothes then squeeze the air out of before closing, meaning you’ll have much more room, even in a small bag

And if you’re flying, try to get on the plane as early as possible. You won’t be the first person who has discovered the joys of carry-on and the overhead bins will fill quickly.

Even if you’re hesitant, give it a try and one day soon you too may be singing the praises of travelling light!

My packing light must-haves

Take The Plunge: Two Minutes To Rejuvenation

Unbounded Well offers multiple ways to reset your system, including the very frigid (but satisfying) Cold Plunge

In the time it takes to make a piece of toast or check a few emails, you could be well on your way to a fresh perspective or at least a boost of energy. Immersing your body in cold water has been known to invigorate the senses, improve circulation and refresh your mind. Whether you’re starting your day or taking a break from a busy schedule, a cold plunge can be a simple and energizing way to support overall wellness.

The Cold Plunge Experience at Unbounded Well (stayunbounded. com) is a unique therapy involving immersing yourself in a tub of ice-cold water for a brief period. Lisa Kricfalusi, the founder of Unbounded Well and proponent of cold exposure from an early age (childhoods in Finland, to be exact), has been an advocate of cold plunging as a way to improve overall health and wellbeing.

Benefits of Cold Therapy

Taking a frosty two minute plunge a few times per week is said to have some of the following perks:

• Immune system boost and improved cellular function

• Increased cognitive function, mood vigilance and overall vitality

• Decreased global/systemic/ acute pain and inflammation

• Activated metabolism, metabolic pathways and fat burning

• Accelerated recovery and somatic healing

• Benefits to the circulatory system and blood flow

• Enhanced mind, body and soul connection

• Revitalized skin, hair and overall physical recovery

What to Expect

The Cold Plunge Experience is designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for those who want to partake in cold plunging. And the process is exactly what it sounds like; take a deep breath and then a brave step into what could end up being a transformative experience. It’s frigid, but also something with the potential to bring you back to yourself and reset your focus.

Beyond the Plunge

Unbounded Well does not just offer opportunities to experience the benefits of cold plunging–it’s also

a community-driven wellness ethos that fosters connection, growth and personal exploration. In addition to the Cold Plunge, Unbounded offers Cold Camp, an experience that incorporates cold plunging, breathwork and movement practices. The weekend programs are designed to take participants on a journey of selfdiscovery and personal growth.

Unbounded also offers workshops, courses and other unique events that educate and bring together like-minded individuals interested in exploring various aspects of wellness with a side of low temperatures.

Whether you’re looking to improve physical health, boost your mood, or connect with like-minded individuals, Unbounded Well is a great place to start.

Take the Waters in Bath

Charming Bath offers history, excellent food and the chance to renew mind and body with a soothing spa experience

By Nicola Brown

In Roman times, a magical cure could fix whatever ailed you. It was called “taking the waters.” Pilgrims would arrive from far and wide to Bath, 200 kilometres west of London, to bathe in the natural thermal waters mysteriously bubbling up from subterranean hot springs.

Today, the city’s original Roman Baths aren’t fit for a dip, but their extensive museum of architecture, engineering and artifacts bring the significance of Bath and the age-old popularity of spagoing to life in the heart of this historic wellness mecca. Once you arrive, it doesn’t take long to see why Bath is

classified by UNESCO’s World Heritage designation as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe.

WHERE TO STAY & SPA

The Gainsborough Bath Spa & Thermae Bath Spa

The 5-star Gainsborough Bath Spa is the only hotel in Bath to get the thermal waters directly from the source into their Roman-inspired Spa Village, only available to guests. Unwind in the warmth of the main spa pool while sending your gaze upwards through the glass atrium. Take in the beautiful limestone facades that characterize the distinctive honey-hued tones of Bath.

Make the circulation-stimulating rounds through the sauna, steam room, pools of varying temperatures and if you’re brave enough, a quick rub-down with lavender infused crushed ice before a relaxing massage. Don’t forget to pour yourself a taste of a very Georgian tradition offered in the spa—spiced hot chocolate—made using a recipe from the 1700s with cardamom, cinnamon and chili.

Refined accommodations let the Georgian building’s stately architecture take centre stage in the rooms with tall ceilings, big windows with deep sills, and detailed

Roman Baths: The Great Bath

Photo credits: Top photo of Thermae Bath Spa’s rooftop pool, both photos courtesy of Visit Bath

original woodwork. Staying in the heart of town puts you within walking distance of almost everything you might want to see and do in Bath, and the best way to take it all in is by wandering the narrow winding streets on foot.

Directly across the street from The Gainsborough is Thermae Bath Spa, a multi-level spa oasis and the second location where you can take a dip in thermal waters direct from the source. A steaming rooftop pool easily offers the best seats in the house and unparalleled views over the rooftops of Bath, best in the early evening as the sun is setting.

WHERE TO EAT

OAK Restaurant, The Ivy & Sally Lunn’s

Nothing spells a wellness-oriented getaway quite like a locally-sourced vegetarian fine dining experience. OAK Restaurant is one of those emerging foodie hubs convincing even the most die-hard carnivores of the magic—and sustainability—of creative vegetarian cooking.

Delights like roast Jerusalem artichokes with hazelnuts and pear purée, or cavatelli with wild garlic sauce, broccoli, capers and pangrattato (crispy bread crumbs)

are perfectly elevated, yet pack a rich and satisfying punch. For the best experience, opt for the five course feast with wine pairings.

Grab a seat at the back with a spectacular view out the tall Georgian windows of Bath Abbey with its ornate pinnacles, pierced parapets and buttresses. Amazingly, though the abbey may have been rather drafty in medieval times, today it has been painstakingly retrofitted with a world-first sustainable heating system powered by the geothermal energy of Bath’s springs.

If you’re looking for a social hub to see and be seen, as the spa patrons of Jane Austen’s era spent most of their lives doing, The Ivy is your spot. Decked out in colourful Art Deco-inspired excess, the glamorous interior of this former bank (spot the original doorbell outside) is almost as impressive as the extensive menu of really well-crafted dishes. A glass of champagne to accompany your meal would be par for the course here.

Inside one of the oldest houses in Bath you’ll find Sally Lunn’s, the perfect lunch stop for a day exploring Bath on foot (you can do a free walking tour with the Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides). This petite historic eatery is famous for the Sally Lunn bun, a brioche-style bun first

baked by its namesake, a young Huguenot refugee who began baking and selling it here in the late 1600s. The bun became a popular delicacy in Georgian England, rocketing this tiny bakery to international fame. You’ll want to make reservations well in advance for all three of these spots.

One of the greatest pleasures of Bath is its manageable size for exploring on foot in a few days or a weekend, and the feeling of total immersion in a warm, inviting but relaxed spa-going town with a very interesting and far-reaching history.

It feels grounding to know that people have been visiting Bath for thousands of years seeking the same simple yet important thing: a cleansing renewal for the mind and body. If the past few years are any indication, it’s high time to take the waters in Bath.

Cross Bath

OAK Restaurant beetroot dish

Sally Lunn’s

Photos credits: Top left photo, courtesy of: The Gainsborough Bath Spa; top right photo: OAK Restaurant, visitbath.co.uk; bottom photo: Sally Lunn’s

WELLNESS DONE RIGHT IN

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Eco Beach Resort is a new sustainable luxury destination with everything you need for a relaxing and revitalizing stay

Nestled on the picturesque coast of Western Australia, Eco Beach Resort is quickly becoming the new go-to destination for sustainable luxury travel. This stunning resort offers a unique combination of lavish amenities and eco-friendly practices, making it the perfect choice for those looking to indulge in the

finer things in life while also being mindful of the environment.

ECO-FRIENDLY AMENITIES FOR THE CONSCIOUS TRAVELLER

One of the standout features that I noted immediately upon my arrival at Eco Beach Resort is its commitment to sustainability. The resort is powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, and all the buildings are constructed using ecofriendly materials. My Garden View Eco Villa was equipped with a variety of green amenities and a watersaving showerhead in the bathroom, and you could easily find on site electric car charging stations and recycling facilities.

EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA IN STYLE

In addition to its eco-friendly features, Eco Beach Resort also offers a wide range of luxury amenities to ensure guests have a truly memorable stay. The resort offers spacious, beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each with breathtaking views of the ocean. Guests can also enjoy a variety of on-site dining options, as well as a full-service spa and fitness centre. I still have vivid memories of the delicious meal I enjoyed in a tent in their garden, admiring the stars.

As for the spa, it features a variety of treatments including massages,

Marie-Eve Venne

facials, body wraps, and scrubs. Guests can choose to have treatments indoors or in an openair cabana surrounded by the lush tropical landscape. It uses only the finest natural and organic products to enhance the relaxation experience. The resort also features a steam room, sauna and hot tub to further help you unwind. The staff are highly trained and provide personalized attention to ensure guests leave feeling refreshed and revitalized.

I was feeling a bit adventurous during my stay, so I opted to skip the spa and try their “Mud and Bubbles” experience, where I found myself exfoliating with the finest sand I’ve ever touched in my life, before covering my body with mud and sipping bubbly while it dried. What a woman wouldn’t do for a glass of champagne!

ADVENTURE AWAITS AT ECO BEACH RESORT

The resort is also the perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of Western Australia. It is located near several popular outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking and kayaking. Visitors can also take a short drive to nearby national parks to experience the region’s diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.

Surfing is one of the most popular activities as the resort is located near some of the best surf spots in the country. Guests can rent surfboards and take lessons from experienced instructors. Beach volleyball and soccer can also be played on the sand. The resort also has a swimming pool, fitness centre and yoga classes for those who prefer to stay on land. Snorkelling and scuba diving trips can be arranged to explore the coral reefs and see a variety of marine life. The nearby bushland provides opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.

At night, guests can enjoy barbecues, bonfires and stargazing. There are also regular live music

performances and cultural events showcasing the area’s rich Indigenous heritage.

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY AT ITS FINEST

Eco Beach Resort is the perfect destination for those looking to indulge in a luxurious getaway while also being mindful of the environment. With its commitment to sustainability and wide range of luxury amenities, this resort is sure to impress even the most discerning traveller.

For the first time in a while, I was finally able to slow down and relax. I went back home feeling at peace and already longing for my return to this hidden paradise.

Eco Beach Resort

All photos by Taryn Yeates Photography, except top right image by Rebecca Mansell

Luxury On and Above the Sea

Palafitos Overwater Bungalows offer relaxation, romance and a balm for mind, body and soul

By Chris Ryall

When you think of overwater bungalows Tahiti or the Maldives likely come to mind. But there’s a new kid on the water–the adults-only Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. It is the only resort in Mexico which features this type of accommodation. Palafitos, part of the Karisma Hotels & Resorts collection, is located on the grounds of the El Dorado Maroma property which has six restaurants, four bars, three pools and a spa.

Thirty beautifully appointed and spacious overwater bungalows await couples looking for an exclusive and romantic getaway with amenities and luxurious offerings to make your stay memorable and blissful. The journey begins with a private check-in and tour, as well as a welcoming hand and head massage and glass of sparkling wine. A butler is at your beck and call during your stay.

ROMANCING THE SEA

Every bungalow includes glass bottom floors, a private infinity pool with an oversized deck complete with lounge chairs to sit back and enjoy colourful sunrises and sunsets. A ladder provides instant access to the turquoise Caribbean Sea below. After a swim rinse off in the “Aguas del Amor” outdoor showers, or for a little more privacy let the bubbling begin in the indoor hot tub for two.

Maroma Beach, only steps away from the bungalow, is considered by many (including the Travel Channel) as one of the top ten beaches in the world. No argument from me as I head out in a double seat kayak with the resort’s fitness coach and trainer, Mike Ranck.

Waters are rough that day but we make it to our destination–a buoy marking a hidden cenote below the surface. Snorkel and mask in tow I try in vain to see but the wavy waters obstruct my view. The paddle back to shore is an eventful one, as the waves flip our kayak over.

RAISING THE WELLNESS BAR

Food is never far from my thoughts and fortunately for me the El Dorado Maroma and Palafitos property delivers in flavour and variety. Dining at the Overwater Grill & Wine Bar is a special treat–not only for the upscale dining experience, but the two glass floor private dining rooms exclusive to Palafitos’ guests. Alternatively, the butlers are at your service to bring food or drinks to your room or you can also access Maroma’s six restaurants.

As part of their Master of Wellness program, nutritionist Marco Palma offers nutrition consultation and evaluation for guests. After an assessment of my dietary intake I’m presented with a range of refreshing smoothies, healthy “shots” combining

local fruits like passionfruit, melon and blackberries, as well as herbs and other ingredients with a dash of Mayan and Mexican influences thrown in.

The Master of Wellness program for guests involves nutrition and mind/body wellness activities.

I attempt an early morning yoga and meditation class with Fabiola Sumano, a yoga teacher and spiritual healer. Fabiola has an immediate calming and spiritual presence. It’s a glorious sunny morning and the yoga mat, incense and outdoor setting make me oblivious to people on the walking path watching me try to contort into a variety of yoga positions. Luckily for me she takes pity on my nonflexible body and reverts to more gentle positions requiring less dexterity.

We also go through a series of breathing exercises and meditation chants. Her voice is soothing and I begin to breathe more effortlessly and my muscles relax. The hour is finished but duty calls–a visit to Náay Spa.

REST AND RELAXATION AT NÁAY SPA

The multi-level Náay Spa is everything a spa-goer needs–clean and spacious treatment rooms, changerooms with amenities, eucalyptus infused steam room with individual stalls and body scrub mixture, dry sauna, hydrotherapy circuit and a range of treatments using local ingredients. Try the Tequila Ritual, an invigorating skin treatment using a combination of tequila and melon extract, or opt for the deeply relaxing Kukulkan massage. If you prefer your massages outdoors, try the Beachfront Sky Massage, which can also be done at sunrise (and includes a mimosa).

I don’t think I completely mastered wellness during my visit to Palafitos but I certainly mastered the art of relaxation and had a blissful experience. What more could I want? Maybe just one more margarita.

Bungalow Foyer

Bungalow

Photo credits: Top photo by Chris Ryall

Wanderlust Edition Reading Wish List:

Four books that capture what it means to learn to love a place–quirks, ups and downs and all

By Martha Chapman

If you’ve ever fantasized about living overseas, these are the books for you. Or, if you’ve ever felt like a fish out of water while travelling, they’re for you, too. Luckily, there are writers who have taken the plunge, made the move and in the process have captured their best stranger-in-a-strange-land memories–touchingly, hilariously–or both.

NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND BY BILL BRYSON

American writer Bill Bryson has captured his life in England in many insightful and entertaining recollections. This time, he tours the country in preparation for his move back to the U.S., musing with genuine affection about the endearing dottiness of the British, the national obsession with tea, the splendid scenery and infinitely beautiful architecture. The prose also seethes, with laugh-out-loud humour about things like litter and pubs with slot machines. A brilliant snapshot of Britain.

FOUR SEASONS IN ROME BY ANTHONY DOERR

When Anthony Doerr arrives in Rome for a year-long study/work contract, he brings his wife, six-month old twin boys and a teeny smattering of Italian. It’s a huge culture shock for the family from Boise, Idaho, but Doerr celebrates the “excruciating beauty and slumbering statues,” revels in the simple but sumptuous food and notes that that in Boise, strangers called the babies “A lot of work,” while in Rome they just beamed and said, “How beautiful!” A true love letter to the Eternal City.

A YEAR IN PROVENCE BY PETER MAYLE

Mayle was not the first Brit to fall in love with rural France, or buy a home there that oozes charm and decrepitude in equal measures. But he was the first to write a laugh-till-youwheeze memoir about it. As the former ad man, then in his 50s, and his wife painstakingly renovate a 200-year-old farmhouse, we also meet a clarinet-playing plumber, outlaw truffle dealers and the lady with the frustrated donkey.

THE YEAR OF LIVING DANISHLY BY HELEN RUSSELL

When British journalist Helen Russell and her husband move to Denmark, she decides to investigate why Danes are officially the happiest people in the world. Despite eye-watering taxes (50 per cent income tax alone) and an obsession with house-cleaning and recycling, Danes are amazingly content. All those taxes make for a very secure society and time for which to join clubs, take night classes and perfect hygge (“hoo-gah”)–the Danish concept of cosiness, friendship and yes, happiness.

A Serene and Satisfying 24Hour Staycation in the City

BY TAMMY CECCO

Have you ever spent the night within mere kilometres of where you live and felt like you had a truly revitalizing escape? A recent 24-hour downtown experience at the newly renovated Park Hyatt delivered just that. The understated luxury of this property combined with attentive service left me feeling that sometimes, a short break in the right setting is all you need for a memorable respite from your dayto-day routine.

An ideal location

The iconic property is conveniently located near many of the city’s worthwhile attractions and neighbourhoods. A stay here puts you at the edge of Yorkville (great for high-end shopping, great food and unique architecture) and close to The Royal Ontario Museum, Bata Shoe Museum and Casa Loma. It’s also a very walkable area, which I love.

Inspiring upgrades–with a Canadian twist Park Hyatt's recent renovations include some stunning art installations, many by Canadian artists. Particular standouts among local creators include An Te Liu’s “Mixer”, which grounds the space and adds to the dramatic entrance; and “Dead Ringers,” a large-scale tapestry by Canadian artist Shannon Bool. You’ll also see nods to Canada’s heritage weaved throughout the property, right down to the local-meets global menu at Joni, the hotel’s new restaurant.

Must-try food & drinks

Fresh seasonal ingredients and a farm to table focus are what define the exceptional dining experience at Joni. From the cozy fireplace and extensive wine list, to the locally-driven tasting menu highlighting Canadian cuisine, a meal here truly elevates a stay at Park Hyatt. Don’t miss the luxe Afternoon Tea, offered Thursday through Sunday. And make time for a drink at Writer’s Room, a rooftop cocktail bar with a rich literary history, gorgeous views and craft cocktails worthy of the literary legends who spent time in the space.

Memorable comfort & service

Elegant and spacious rooms feature plush bedding, luxurious amenities and stunning views of the city. It’s worth an upgrade to the One Bedroom Deluxe Corner Suite–850 square feet with ample space to lounge and adequate workspace should you need

to pull out your laptop.

In addition, attentive service goes above and beyond to ensure there are no bumps in your stay, no matter what you have planned.

Stillwater Spa

Recently reopened, the re-imagined Stillwater Spa is a serene escape headed up by Spa Director Kerry Werner (who we interviewed about innovative wellness practices for this issue). The spa (where I had one of my best massages thus far in North America) offers an extensive range of treatments designed with individual guest’s needs in mind–and the aim of matching their desired outcome with the ideal service.

Eco-conscious efforts

Park Hyatt is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce environmental impact throughout the property. From using locally sourced ingredients and upcycling unused ingredients to reducing energy and water consumption, the property continually puts the planet first.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Park Hyatt offers an escape that combines understated luxury with impeccable service and excellent amenities.

Park Hyatt offers a revitalizing escape within city limits that feels a world away

Don’t miss the coffee roasted carrots at Joni when in season!

Maddy Dion, head concierge of The Garland Hotel in North Hollywood, California

Tucked away in North Hollywood between Universal Studios’ thrill rides and movie sets and Hollywood’s famous star-lined streets, is an oasis–the Garland Hotel in North Hollywood.

The Garland is an independent boutique hotel opened in 1972 by actress Beverly Garland. The property exudes a casual but stylish vibe with its funky, quirky décor complete with nods to fun and frivolity. Orange is the colour du jour here, from guest room lamps and cushions to telephone handsets. It all adds to a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere where families, business types and couples all mingle in a laid back and friendly environment.

Beverly Garland’s motto was, “It’s the personal touch that counts.” Head concierge Maddy Dion ensures that tradition continues today where the guest experience is concerned.

For Dion, the best part of her job and why she applied for the head concierge role was the opportunity to have more meaningful interactions with guests. Dion enjoys chatting with them and discovering what their interests are in order to come up with a plan to maximize their time in LA. Visiting Los Angeles can be daunting, especially for first time visitors, which is why some expert advice can really enhance your stay.

These are the star attractions Dion loves to recommend that will satisfy all the senses.

GREAT NEIGHBOURHOODS & CULTURE

Los Angeles is a collection of diverse neighbourhoods each with its own

AskThe Concierge

By Chris Ryall

character. For an artsy vibe head to Silverlake and Los Feliz. If you want to see the famous Sunset Strip and stop at some trendy bars, head over to West Hollywood. It’s also worth checking out Little Tokyo, Chinatown and Koreatown.

For those interested in the city’s architectural styles, you can book an Art Deco or Historic Downtown tour with the Los Angeles Conservancy.

Olvera Street in downtown LA has many interesting museums including The Ávila Adobe and Museum of Social Justice. By the Miracle Mile you have the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, La Brea Tar

Pits, Petersen Automotive Museum and Page Museum.

The Garland Hotel

Olvera Street

Photos: Top photos: Courtesy of The Garland Hotel, Bottom photo: Courtesy of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

HIDDEN GEMS

The Last Bookstore: This is the largest new and used book and record store in California. Local galleries and art collectives also operate within the booksculpture-adorned walls of the shop.

It’s A Wrap: Close to The Garland is this thrift shop that only sells clothes and accessories from movies and TV shows. Take home something once worn on a movie or TV set at a great price.

Tito’s Tacos: Located in Culver City, Dion’s mother grew up going here and she continues to eat there to this day. It’s an LA classic.

Idle Hour: This bar, in the shape of a barrel, is a great example of programmatic (novelty) architecture popular in LA in the 30s and 40s.

Casa Vega: This fantastic Mexican restaurant was one of the filming locations for Tarantino’s, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

FOOD & DRINK

Nobi: It may not be budget friendly but this restaurant offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean along with the delectable sushi and steak on the menu.

The Farmer’s Market at the Grove: No tux or cocktail dress required. Here you will find endless food options and great people watching.

Tower Bar at Sunset Tower: Don’t be surprised if you see a celebrity here, but

you don’t have to be one. Visitors of all ages are welcome and you can have your favourite cocktail while enjoying beautiful views on their patio.

Musso & Frank Grill: If you like a good martini and a juicy steak this is one of the best places and is the oldest steakhouse in LA.

LA’S GREAT OUTDOORS

Fryman & Runyon Canyon: Enjoy amazing hiking trails with beautiful vistas of the Valley and Downtown LA. It’s almost a rite of passage to hike Runyon Canyon and take a selfie with the Hollywood sign.

Zuma Beach: You can’t visit LA without going to the beach. This beach in Malibu is gorgeous with ample parking. Or visit one of the many beaches along the coast, from

to Long Beach.

SHOPPING

Rodeo Drive: If it’s in your budget go for it–Gucci, Chanel, Valentino, Versace and other world-renowned boutique retailers are waiting for you.

Second Hand Shops: Ventura Boulevard has great second-hand shops like Wasteland and Crossroads for the more budget conscious fashionistas.

The Last Bookstore

Idle Hour

the iconic Santa Monica Beach and Pier, to Venice Beach and Muscle Beach, all the way down

Venice Beach

Academy Museum

Photos: Courtesy of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

If it weren’t for the fact that we’d travelled all the way to Slovenia for this one meal, we might be forgiven for driving straight past number 34 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Hiša Franko, run by self-taught Slovenian chef Ana Roš, rocketed the country to culinary fame after she was voted the World’s Best Female Chef in 2017, having starred in Netflix’s wanderlust-inducing Chef’s Table series the year before.

Nestled at the foot of the Julian Alps just outside the tiny town of Kobarid in north-western Slovenia, Hiša Franko appears much like many a modest homestead sparsely dotting the fiercely green landscape; cozily dwarfed against the surreal backdrop of abruptly vertical mountainsides, the scale of which your eyes seem only capable of rendering as if you were looking at a photograph.

Soulful Discoveries in Slovenia’s World-Class Dining Scene

Creativity leads the way when it comes to the culinary offerings that are putting Slovenia firmly on the foodie map

By Nicola Brown

Many more sensory illusions await you at the dinner table, as a diligent team of staff flit around in whimsical custom-designed uniforms inspired by forest scenes, dropping in at all the right moments to keep this 14-course chef’s tasting menu moving like clockwork in an intimate, red-orange dining room.

The playful, laissez-faire attitude of a confident and now well-heeled chef comes through first in the menu’s description: “Why eating with hands? Why the cold trout in the middle of the menu? […] Sometimes I simply don’t know. Can we learn to live without controlling every moment of our lives?” After a tough few pandemic-dominated years, this question certainly gives me pause.

Eye-opening amuse-bouches like beef tongue pastrami, seaweed crystal, jalapeño and wild plants appear, followed by a hands-on forage for a potato baked

in hay while sipping forest consommé. Curiosities like sour milk and roasted yeast water vie for expression alongside a trout belly praline, a no-waste meat offcuts sauce, and cheese water mochi filled with apple, gooseberries, black currant and puffed grains for dessert. Everything is best enjoyed with “funky” local wine pairings.

Only gaining independence from communist Yugoslavia in 1991, the idea of creative, elevated cooking is a relatively recent one for Slovenia. Without the pressures, limitations and laurels of the storied culinary histories you find in places like France and Italy, Slovenian cuisine

Hiša Franko

Photo credits: Photos by Suzan Gabrijan

Ana Roš

has carved its own authentic path to the spotlight.

Nowhere can this authenticity be felt in a more magical setting than at the newlyminted one-Michelin-starred Restavracija Strelec in the country’s capital, Ljubljana. Climb the hill or hop aboard the funicular to the city’s hilltop castle dating back to medieval times, wind your way up the spiral staircase inside the archer’s tower (strelec means shooter or archer in Slovenian), and you’re in for two things: one of the most breathtaking vantage points across the city to the Karavanke Alps that border Austria, and one of the best dining experiences in Slovenia.

Instead of stacking plates with a long list of expensive and far-flung ingredients to make an impression, chef Igor Jagodic loves using the same (often hyper seasonal) ingredient in multiple dishes throughout the menu, conjuring some of the most creative, technically challenging variations on a single item I have ever tasted. Using skill, curiosity and many local Slovenian products, he puts his whole soul into every dish. But the best part? Each bite feels much friendlier, more inviting and more satisfying than many Michelinlevel meals yet lacks none of the finesse.

We begin with venison tartar with Jerusalem artichokes, hazelnuts, shallots and brioche. The artichokes make

a second appearance later, totally unrecognizable from the first, in the saltwater fish with Adriatic prawns, which also plays host to fig leaves, figs and fig vinegar. Soul-warming dishes like cauliflower with egg yolk, beurre noisette and truffles, or onion with local cheeses, beer and yeast strike the perfect balance of comfort-meets-finesse, especially when paired with not just local wines but the passionately told stories

of their origins. Dare I say it, this is the kind of approachable yet special culinary experience the Michelin guide should embrace more readily.

True to Slovenians’ hard-working character, they don’t take their newfound culinary fame for granted. From the immersive rural getaway of Hiša Franko to the castle top culinary prowess of Strelec, Slovenia’s top chefs seem dedicated to the betterment of their craft not for the accolades, but as a continual process of personal and cultural expression and discovery. As a gateway to the country’s beautiful landscapes and its hardy, honest and welcoming people, Slovenia’s captivating food scene is well worth travelling for.

Lake Bled

Photo credits: Top photo by Arnaud Steckle, Unsplash; top middle by Suzan Gabrijan; bottom middle & bottom by Dean Dubokovic.

Beef tongue pastrami & celeriac pastrami, oyster, seaweed crystal, jalapeño and wild watercress

Beautifully plated meal at Strelec

Chef Igor Jagodic

By Sabrina Pirillo

Exploring the Wide World of

Eat like a local to celebrate the richness of Barbados’ diverse culinary scene and its many talented chefs and mixologists

BY SABRINA PIRILLO

Basking in the Caribbean sun on a white sandy beach, swimming in turquoise waters enjoying a cocktail— or two—in the birthplace of rum, is just what the doctor ordered. But what really immersed me in Barbadian culture was eating like a local. Bajan dishes start with a passion and love for food, something that gets amplified throughout the Barbados Food & Rum Festival. In Barbados, it’s about people gathering together and sharing stories around a table while enjoying traditional dishes and homemade rum punch. Here, the people are at the heart of it all.

LOCAL CUISINE

Cuisine in Barbados is renowned for its diversity, variety and freshness. Often referred to as ‘The Land of the Flying Fish,’ Barbados’ national dish is flying fish with Cou Cou—somewhat like polenta or grits, Cou-Cou is made with cornmeal and okra. Another quintessential dish is pickled pork with spiced sweet potatoes, known as Pudding and Souse. I tried breadfruit for the first time and learned that it

is easily accessible on the island and seldom eaten raw. It has a slightly nutty flavor and can be roasted, fried, pickled or dried and ground into a gluten-free flour. Bakes are another local delicacy made up of just three ingredients–sugar, water and flour. They’re fried up into simple (and tasty) perfection.

Favourite catches include marlin, king fish, mahi mahi, swordfish and tuna, while fish cakes, home-grown grass-fed meats, rice, pepper sauce, sweet plantains and macaroni pie are other foods you’ll find on the island. Champers Restaurant in Bridgetown features an open-air terrace overlooking the Caribbean Sea—the oven roasted barracuda did not disappoint.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional coconut bread and quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of mauby, made from the bark of the Mauby tree, boiled with cinnamon, orange peel, nutmeg and cloves, and sweetened to taste. Or try any number of cocktails made with the oldest and greatest export on the island—rum.

Flying Fish and Cou Cou

BARBADOS FOOD & RUM FESTIVAL, OCT 27 TO 30

After a two-year hiatus, the Barbados Food & Rum Festival returned, highlighting the unique talents of thirty-two local chefs and mixologists and five international chefs. This year’s theme, Feed the Future, was designed to support local youth in the areas of culinary and hospitality development.

Oistins Under the Stars kicked off the festival with an open-air fish fry. Oistins is Barbados’ premier fishing village in Christ Church parish that houses a variety of vendors. I had the mahi mahi with rice from Mo’s Grill and Bajan Cooking. On a menu, mahi mahi reads as dolphin, but not to worry, you’re not actually eating Flipper! Pull up a seat, grab an icecold bottle of Banks beer and enjoy this unique foodie spot.

My Chef Classics cooking demo event was hosted by Bravo Top Chef season 16 finalist, Eric Adjepong. Chef Adjepong made a beautiful red snapper dish with Cholula. As a first-generation Ghanaian-American, he sources the flavours and influences in his cooking from many of the West African dishes he grew up eating. He would love to win a Michelin star, but not for the bragging rights. For Chef Adjepong, it’s about being recognized as a chef of colour, as well as highlighting Caribbean and African food.

Friday night’ s Rum Route featured a parade of flavours and signature cocktails across bars and restaurants at the world-renowned St. Lawrence Gap. Cocktail Kitchen’s ‘Chef of the Year’ Damian Leach’s flying fish tacos and fire-roasted breadfruit and lobster paired with the signature Ginger Lily cocktail were truly memorable.

THE BIRTHPLACE OF RUM

Barbados rum is distinguished and strong with complex flavours. Cask The Story of Rum is an essential element of the Food & Rum Festival, as it delves into Barbadian heritage by telling the story through the birthplace of rum.

Located on the northern tip of Barbados in St. Lucy parish, Mount Gay Rum Distillery is where rum was born. They hold the official deed dating back to 1703, making them the first on record to produce rum and the oldest rum distillery in the world. Mount Gay is also home to the country’s first female master blender, Trudiann Branker. Branker began her journey in 2014 working in quality assurance as she worked her way up, learning from 25-year veteran Master Blender Allen Smith. Trudiann takes a very hands-on approach, exemplifying the love, care and passion she puts into each bottle that is released, blending 300 years of tradition with a modern and personal twist.

During my tour, I learned there are three natural elements that make up Mount Gay Rum: water, yeast and molasses. The heart of it comes from hundreds of feet below from coral caverns, where Barbadian water is drawn. During fermentation, airborne yeast creates a unique aromatic profile while the molasses is made using handselected Barbadian and Caribbean sugarcane. Mount Gay does not have a recipe they follow. Instead, what a master blender passes on is the knowledge as to what a Mount Gay Rum should look, taste and feel like.

Whether you visit for the Food & Rum Festival or just come to experience the many flavours of Bajan cuisine, Barbados offers a multitude of memorable dishes and drinks well worth trying.

Friday night’s Rum Route featured a parade of flavours and signature cocktails across bars and restaurants at the world-renowned St. Lawrence Gap.

Photos courtesy of: Visit Barbados

Exploring Kissimmee’s Best Golf Courses

With its sunny skies, top-notch courses and the chance to play year-round, Kissimmee is a golfer’s paradise

By Nicole Servinis

Kissimmee is the Vacation Home Capital of the World and a common destination for many families looking to see Mickey and Minnie up close and personal, but I recommend tacking on a few extra days to your vacation so you can tee off at some of their renowned golf courses. I will admit, golf has never been my cup of tee, but after a trip to Kissimmee and attending the Arnold Palmer Invitational, you could say I’m looking into buying some clubs.

The popular PGA tournament has been held every March since 1979 at Bay Hill Club and Lodge. If you’re looking to play a game or two, the breathtaking course is open to anyone who is staying as a guest at the lodge. The Champion, Challenger and Charger links feature 27 holes of tour championship golf.

When I attended, I mostly stayed around the warmup area where I was able to follow some of golf’s biggest names that I grew to love and admire, thanks to the Netflix golf documentary, Full Swing , including Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Tony Finau to name a few. The sun was shining, drinks were flowing and the crowd was not in the slightest pretentious. I was surprised to see couples, groups of women, families and even babies in attendance. Even though I didn’t play the course, it was easy to

see how pristine the greens were. But Bay Hill isn’t the only golf course worth checking out in Kissimmee. Here are a few more top-rated courses to add to your list.

Rickie Fowler

Champions Gate Golf Club

The course features two premier 18-hole championship golf courses designed by accomplished architect and golfer Greg Norman. The International course features some of the most challenging holes in the state. This PGA Tour Tournament course plays firm and fast and is the longer of the two courses. The National course features gently sweeping fairways, 80 sculpted bunkers and greens maintained in tour condition. Water comes into play on many holes, but it is said that the layout of these water hazards can be maneuvered by players of all levels.

Celebration Golf Club

This 18-hole course was designed by father/ son duo Robert Trent Jones Senior and Junior, whose mission was to create a course where “every hole should be a hard par and an easy bogey.” A destination for pros and amateurs, the course is meant to be enjoyed by golfers of all levels. Not only is the course always very highly rated as being friendly for women, it is also considered one of the most junior-friendly courses in the country.

Reunion Resort Golf Course

Built on the vision of three of the golf greats, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson, Reunion Resort Golf Course is home to three signature golf courses. Each course has its own unique twists and tricks that can be enjoyed by golfers of any skill level. The Jack Nicklaus course features 18 challenging and sometimes tricky holes, while Arnold Palmer’s course has hilly terrain and nearly 7,000 yards of play. Tom Watson’s course offers large, lush greens and is great for a short game.

Falcon’s Fire Golf Club

Stretching over 7,000 yards from the back tees and providing golfers four sets of tees to choose from, this Rees Jones designed championship course offers a challenging yet playable course that would be ideal for both a relaxing round with friends and a competitive tournament. All guests can enjoy complimentary valet parking, club cleaning and golf carts equipped with GPS navigation—all perks that easily help to enhance your overall golf experience on this award-winning course.

Photo credits: All photos by Nicole Servinis; except images on page 2, courtesy of: Visit Kissimmee

Iceland at ITS BEST

I n winter, people often think about going south to maximize hours of sunlight. So when I first considered going north to Iceland in December, when there is less than seven hours of sunlight, the idea seemed a bit crazy. But by taking the plunge (more on geothermal plunges later), what I learnt was that quality of light can trump quantity.

On a recent Exodus Travels tour of Iceland’s natural highlights, we let light be our guide–and of course in our case, our awesome Exodus tour leader Oskar Gudjonsson. That meant boarding our van every morning by 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. so we could arrive at our first destination when the sun was up. And what this light revealed to us

was a beautiful, sparsely populated island where natural wonders abound—where you can walk on glaciers under a bright blue sky and gaze out at icebergs sticking out of the water like irregularly-shaped turquoise crystals; visit erupting geysers, pass volcanoes and hot springs and encounter countless waterfalls in your travels. Even in the early morning as we drive along the tundra-like terrain, with volcanoes and mountains like black inverse cones in the distance, the sun rises gently in front of us, like a flattened rainbow across the horizon.

Our Exodus sightseeing tour had been billed as a Northern Lights tour, but we unfortunately were not lucky enough to see the Aurora. Although chances of seeing them are good in winter—because of minimal light

pollution and maximal darkness—you can’t always predict the workings of the sky.

What I can attest to is witnessing many other extraordinary sights on our tour. Here are some highlights.

Diana Ballon

From waterfalls to glaciers, hot springs to mountains–Iceland is a multifaceted destination worth getting to know

Glacier walk

Retreat Lagoon

Photo credits: Top photo courtesy of: Blue Lagoon Iceland; bottom photo by Diana Ballon

Thursday, Day 1: We left the capital, Reykjavik, early to begin our drive along the south coast of Iceland. Our first stop is Gallery Flói, an artisan shop where you can find everything from cool glass beads, to funky jewellery and pottery. We also visit the Ullarvinnslan Gilhagi Woolmill next door, where they sell a huge range of beautifully-coloured Icelandic wool and the sweaters from which they are made.

Back in the van, the mountains are beginning to adopt a purplish hue and we pass many short, stocky Icelandic horses grazing along the side of the road. Our next stop is the impressive 60-metre high Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and then a bit later, Skógafoss waterfall, where we ascend 360 stairs and are rewarded with a view of a field beneath us, glowing golden in the setting sun. Our final stop for the day is the Dyrhólaey peninsula in the southernmost part of Iceland. It is cold and windy when we arrive, but that hardly detracts from its impressive vista overlooking the North Atlantic, with a huge black arch extending into the water and a lighthouse that looks more like a castle standing stalwart against the shoreline. Then we drive again. It is dark by the time we arrive at Hotel Laki, our base camp for the next two nights.

Friday, Day 2: We rise early, this time for a bucket list experience—to walk on a glacier! We traverse along the Skeidararsandur floodplains and by 11 a.m. have arrived at Falljokull, the outlet glacier where our walk will begin. At the base, with pebbly volcanic rock underfoot, we strap a harness around our waists, fit crampons on our boots, don a helmet and grab a pickaxe. From there, we start a slow and gradual ascent, until we’re surrounded by the blue ice of the glacier, against a deeper blue sky overhead. It is magnificent!

After a hearty bowl of meat soup we head to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a lagoon created when the glacier retreated from the coast about 70 years ago, leaving a 20-kilometre lake filled with icebergs, with the occasional seal that bobs its head to the surface.

There we walk along a volcanic black sand beach where big pieces of glass have washed up, creating random shapes: one looks like a whale, many others like birds.

After a 90–minute drive, we arrive back at our hotel for a delicious buffet dinner and then–sleep. It’s been a long and very full day.

Wool sweaters

Photos by Diana Ballon

Saturday, Day 3: This last day we tour the three main attractions of what is known as the Golden Circle, a well touristed route that can easily be covered in a day from Reykjavik. We see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir National Park, where the first parliament in Iceland resided, back in 930 AD, and where scenes from the popular Game of Thrones TV series were shot. We drive to the Geysir Geothermal Area, site of the famous (but dormant) Geysir and also Strokkur, which we can see erupting, its boiling water and steam bursting some 50 feet in the air. And we see Gullfoss (or “Golden Falls,” one of Iceland’s beloved waterfalls), of which there are about 10,000 in the country!

Then it is back to Reykjavik for our final good-bye dinner.

Day 4 and beyond: Although we have bid our fellow companions good-bye, a friend and I spend a few additional days in Reykjavik. With its bustling night life, fun cafés, beautiful architecture, 18 public swimming pools with tons of hot tubs–and not to mention the thermal spa, Sky Lagoon, there is plenty to see and do.

We also visit the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa just a short drive from the airport and an ideal stop at the beginning or end of a trip. We are lucky enough to spend an overnight here at the luxurious Retreat at Blue Lagoon, but its less expensive neighbour the Silica Hotel is also a worthy option.

No matter what season you visit, Iceland offers a truly memorable experience for everyone .

WHERE TO STAY

With Iceland’s moss-covered lava fields and the Svartsengi mountains as a backdrop, it’s hard not to want to be part of the landscape. And what better way to do so than by staying at the luxurious five-star Retreat Hotel: it’s a place where floor-to-ceiling windows link Nordic-style interiors to the dramatic landscape that surrounds it.

Everything about this 62-suite hotel–with its clean, minimalist designs, Michelin-recommended dining and private lagoon next to the more public and touristed Blue Lagoon–spells luxury. You can while away your days floating in the lagoon’s geothermal mineral-rich waters, and even enjoy an “in-water” massage! You can perform “the ritual” at the spa, which is a three-part process involving self-lathering with silica, algae and a mineral-rich lava and salt–all meant to cleanse, nourish and exfoliate the skin. And then there’s chill time in the spa’s ultra-relaxing subterranean spaces. There is no better way to go underground.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Geysir

Photo credits: Top photo by Diana Ballon; bottom photo courtesy of: Blue Lagoon Iceland

Dancing with the WATER ON AEGEAN SWELLS

A guided rowing adventure off the coast of northern Greece leads to many memorable discoveries

By Cathy Senecal

We’re atop the crest of one big, blue swell on the Aegean Ocean and careening down into the trough of another. Nikos Gountoulas, a tall, dark Greek Olympian, is shouting at me from the bow of the coastal rowing double we’re in.

“Dance with the water! Relax your shoulders!”

While trying to relax, I also pray to Poseidon on my first rowing lesson ever because I’m in deep—and very unstill— waters off the northern beaches of Greece’s Halkidiki peninsulas.

I’m not a rower, but when a friend asked me to drive the shuttle bus on

an excursion in the Halkidikis, I agreed. She and I had hiked in Slovenia and Italy and travel well together. At the time, I happened to be on a biking trip in Rhodes, just a short flight away.

Halkidiki has well over 500 kilometres of coastline, from long stretches of powdered gold beaches to rocky inlets and secluded coves catering to Thessalonian and Bulgarian watersport seekers—or, in our case, rowers popping in for a cool Mythos beer or invigorating Freddo espresso.

Our tour begins from the Thessaloniki Coastal Rowing Club, from which we launch a quad, a double and a coach boat piloted by Nikos, our guide, and me. The group acclimatizes there, gliding

past Aristotle Square and the White Tower, seeing the city from the sea, like so many Greek rowers before.

We drive south to Sithonia, the middle of Halkidiki’s three peninsulas and put in the water again. Bold, blue Mount Athos, on the third peninsula, backdrops our view. That is as close as we get, since Mount Athos is reserved for a couple of dozen monasteries which only men can visit, and only by permission.

Late dinners are filled with laughs and shared plates of dolmades, sea bream, grilled octopus, roasted lamb, and always, Greek salad with soft slabs of Macedonian feta. Locally produced wines are as welcome as the sweet pluckings of a lyre.

Photo courtesy of: Cathy Senecal

The days go by in a blur of launches and landings, eight to 14-kilometre rowing stretches, winding roads and clifftop ocean vistas; a vivid vision of greens and blues. Once, driving to Vourvourou, I spot the rowers hundreds of feet below, tiny sticks on turquoise waters. I shuttle the van, dodge goats, deliver coffee and carry gear.

We learn a bit of Greek and, more importantly, how to order coffee. Freddo espresso is cold coffee with two shots of espresso. Americano is plain filtered coffee, like coffee in North America. Greek coffee is boiled and served with grounds in the cup, almost chewable. One day, too rainy to row, we visit one of 28 wineries along the Wine Roads of Northern Greece and channel Anacreon, sipping a kylix or two of crisp Limnio, a red variety of wine first referred to in The Odyssey.

Over a late dinner, Nikos shares his personal history. He tells us he competed in flat water and ocean rowing, winning European and world

championship medals from 2004 to 2012 with his identical twin, Apostolos. They also placed ninth in the 2012 London Olympics. After competition life, Nikos started the only exclusively coastal rowing club in Greece.

Coastal boats are cut wide to handle the ocean water, which makes rowing easier to learn. Still, rowers need to “get” the cadence of the seas with both their bodies and their oars. Seems Nikos’ tips work. Soon, everyone is dancing on the sapphire seas like performers in Zorba the Greek.

These rollers seem massive, but later that day, I receive my wild, first lesson from Nikos as the sun soothes the sea with slanted light. “Find the water with your blades,” Nikos instructs me, on this impromptu lesson in a double. And I marvel that I am rowing with an Olympian just north of where the Games began in 776 BC.

“Never stop rowing.” Does he mean now, or never in my life? I focus on the

repeated series of clicks, pushes, pulls and slides I’m meant to synchronize. This is nothing like rowing at the gym, but with Nikos’ guidance, I begin to feel one with the water, which does seem a bit like dancing.

To row with an Olympian, book through rowingtheworld.com .

Photos: Top, courtesy of: Rowing The World; bottom courtesy of: Cathy Senecal

Falling in love with NOVA SCOTIA

Lighthouses, lobsters, welcoming locals and so much more await in this small province packed with memory-making things to see and do

By Martha Chapman

Even before the boom in domestic travel, many Canadians were in love with Nova Scotia. The country’s second smallest province (its next-door cousin, Prince Edward Island holds the trophy for tiniest), Nova Scotia packs in tremendous variety, jaw-dropping ocean vistas and above all– the warmest of welcomes.

Most visitors start their stay with a visit to Halifax, the provincial capital and, with a population of 415,000, by far the largest town in the province. It’s also home to six universities, injecting energy and a lively bar scene into the centuries’ old streets. The eye-pleasing, star-shaped Citadel overlooking the city

pays tribute to Halifax’s heritage, while the waterfront, once pretty seedy–like so many ports–has been scrubbed and revitalized to feature food trucks, cafes and shops, as well as Canada’s Naval Memorial, the HMCS Sackville. Nearby Pier 21, Canada’s Museum of Immigration, is a moving tribute to those who came before, trusting their lives and their future to our country.

A pleasant day trip–and must-see for many–is Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. Surely the most photographed of the province’s 100 plus lighthouses, it’s now home to an award-winning viewing platform and deck. And remains serenely pretty.

But those who want to step back in time

and experience some of the less-visited parts of the province would be wise to head south. The waterfront town of Yarmouth, perched at the southern tip of the province, has a population of some 6,000, making it the largest in the area–but probably still much smaller than your own home town. Leafy streets are graced with impressive sea captains’ and lumber barons’ homes straight out of Lady and the Tramp . Some now operate as B&Bs, making you wish you’d packed your hooped skirt so you can stroll around the gardens in style.

Enjoying a frosty brew at the Shanty Cafe just off Yarmouth’s Main Street, I meet some locals, and as is the case in small towns, I am pegged as a visitor and they welcome me into their conversation. Retiree Al tells me that his mother grew up in a sheep-raising family on an offshore island and never went to school. “In the mid of wintertime, life could not have been fun,” he said in the understated tones often heard in Atlantic Canada. No, it wasn’t all grand mansions and hoop skirts for sure.

If you’d like to learn more about the early settlers in the region and its

Peggy’s Cove

Photo credits: Top left: courtesy of: Tourism Nova Scotia; top and bottom right: by Martha Chapman

vibrant Francophone heritage, head to West Pubnico, the oldest Acadian colony still inhabited by the descendants of the founders. At the Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos, volunteers welcomed us with open arms and endearing enthusiasm, proud to show off the little living museum. Here you’ll find a garden planted with vegetables typical of the 1600s, a home furnished in the same style, a small souvenir shop with lovely handmade quilts and a genealogy centre where volunteers help visitors trace their Acadian ancestors.

Nearby, the Village Historique Acadien is a 17 acre site overlooking the ocean. It comprises wooden homes complete with outhouses (a huge hit with giggling school groups), its own lighthouse and workshops. Another authentic glimpse into times gone by.

Lobsters and Nova Scotia go hand in hand and the south coast is a great place to learn more about this important way of life. Thanks to Tusket Island Tours, you can join a lobster fisherman on his own boat and visit the family cottage (“shanty”) on one of the dozens of islands dotting the harbour. A

delicious seafood chowder or sample of rappie (chicken and potato) pie is served for lunch, after which the fisherman–in our case the highly convivial Simon LeBlanc–will entertain you with some old-fashioned tunes.

And for a quick dose of surrealism, stop by the little Shag Harbour UFO Centre, dedicated to the 1967 sighting of a UFO which crashed into the nearby waters, leaving no trace. It’s kitschy and fun and features models of little green men happily awaiting their moment of Instagram fame.

The best part of touring southern Nova Scotia is that everything is so close, travel times are short, the roads are uncrowded and lucky you, you’re never far from the ocean.

Back in Yarmouth, I passed a lady cleaning the halls of the hotel and mentioned the lovely sunset the night before. “Oh,” she said with a wide smile, “There’s lots of lovely things in Nova Scotia.”

Let the love affair begin.

SOUNDS LIKE NOVA SCOTIA

For a country as huge as Canada we have surprisingly few regional accents. But in Nova Scotia–where the locals are called Bluenosersyou’ll notice a lovely, subtle lilt along with some expressions that are as Nova Scotian as the ocean vistas.

Right and some

That pie was right some good. That car was going some fast!

Jeet yet?

Have you eaten yet?

Ticket

You may be a kind-hearted ticket or a hard-looking ticket.

Blowin’ a gale Self-explanatory!

Village Historique Acadien

Photo credit: Bottom photo: courtesy of: Tourism Nova Scotia

Antarctica on the Viking Polaris Going With the Flow in

Experience polar exploration–with a side of comfort–on an unforgettable cruise into undiscovered territory

By Emily Zemler

After months—and perhaps even years—of planning a bucket list voyage to Antarctica, the first thing Berna Urtubey, the expedition leader on the Viking Polaris, says is “Don’t worry about the schedule.” The Polaris, the second of Viking’s expedition ships, is about to set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, following a route down the Beagle Channel, across the Drake Passage and into the icy expanse of the seventh continent. There is an itinerary, with planned landings and excursions, but Berna quickly shifts expectations. In Antarctica, he explains, you go with the flow.

Travelling to Antarctica, a vast scape of largely undiscovered and uninhabited territory, once seemed impossible for tourists. Less than a decade ago, in fact, Antarctica tourism was sparse and relatively inaccessible, not to mention uncomfortable. Today, setting foot on the Antarctica Peninsula is not only possible, but it comes with amenities like spa treatments and lobster dinners. The Polaris, launched in 2022 following the debut of the Viking Octantis in 2021, carries guests to far-off reaches of the globe without sacrificing comfort.

Photo credits: Top photo courtesy of: Viking; bottom photo by: Dominic Whisson

Our sailing, the 13-day “Antarctica Explorer” itinerary, reflects what most passengers can expect from a journey south on a passenger cruise. And it is, in fact, a journey. Guests fly into Buenos Aires, then onward to Ushuaia, a small city in Tierra del Fuego known as the end of the world. It’s there where guests board cruise ships headed to Antarctica, which are becoming more and more plentiful each year.

Once onboard the Polaris, which holds 378 guests in 189 staterooms, it’s clear this won’t be a rugged expedition. Its sleek yet cozy interiors, designed by Richard Riveire, create a home away from home for guests, with floor-toceiling windows that will soon be filled with views of striking blue icebergs and snowy volcanic peaks. Staterooms are equipped with drying closets for outdoor gear, which includes the waterproof jackets, pants and boots Viking has provided. There’s a tangible buzz of excitement, even as the captain reminds everyone that each voyage to Antarctica is unique, hence the need for flexibility.

It’s within that uncertainty that Antarctica is both captivating and frustrating. It’s a true wilderness, much of it completely untouched by the human hand, and we’re merely visitors, encountering a hint of its enormous scale. The weather is moody, even in January during the height of Antarctic summer, and

once the Polaris crosses the rocky Drake Passage the magnitude of that mutability becomes more apparent. Our first glimpse of the Antarctica Peninsula, which rises suddenly out of the sea in pure, unfiltered white, glimmers through a haze of rain. Despite the precipitation, guests hurry onto the front decks of the ship, most of them clad in their waterproof red Viking jackets. It’s so unbelievable to see Antarctica for the first time that many wipe away tears.

Later that day, though, some good news: the Polaris will make an unexpected visit to Fournier Bay, where the expedition team will bring out the kayaks and the zodiac rafts. We are undeterred by the heavy snow, which transforms my supposedly waterproof gloves into sponges during our kayaking excursion. Dressed in layers of gear complete with life jackets we wear anytime we leave the ship, we transform into explorers in search of humpback whales, gentoo penguin colonies and crabeater seals.

The following days unfold similarly: Each afternoon at the daily briefing Berna announces where we’ll head next. We visit Petermann Island, Detaille Island, Tutton Point, Damoy Point and Cuverville Island. Sometimes, we take the zodiacs to a landing site and walk up close among hundreds of penguins, who are adorable and smelly in equal measure. Sometimes, we can’t land

due to the wind or iceberg build-up along the shore. Sometimes, Berna brings out all the “toys,” including the yellow submarines and the special operations boats. Sometimes, blizzards hold us back. Sometimes, like at Damoy Point, the sky clears, the sun emerges and it is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

These moments of genuine magic are what make an Antarctic expedition so compelling. The expedition team, which numbers 36 on the Polaris, do their best to deliver as many of these moments as possible. Everything is unexpected, which only adds to the sense of wonder. It’s impossible to leave an Antarctica cruise without an expanded world view. Throughout the journey, the scientists and researchers onboard reveal the extent to which the state of the seventh continent impacts the entire world. And in a time of climate crisis, we are all responsible for what happens to it. Each guest who leaves the Polaris, disembarking again in Ushuaia, becomes an Antarctic ambassador. We carry with us its capricious nature and unparalleled beauty and, hopefully, we fight for it to remain.

The Viking Polaris and the Viking Octantis will sail in the Great Lakes from April through September 2023 before returning to Antarctica in November 2023.

Photo credits: Left photo by: Dominic Whisson; right photo, courtesy of: Viking

NIAGARA ON THE LUXE

From inspired cuisine and impressive wineries to helicopter tours above the Falls, there’s a lot to discover in and around Niagara

By Debra Smith

Special occasions deserve special adventures. Explore the many luxury experiences on offer in and around Niagara Falls, Ontario

WHEELS AND WINERIES

“Stand back,” says Alexander, our tour guide at Trius Winery, as we stand in the cool depths of the largest underground sparkling wine cellar in Canada. Light flashes from the blade of his saber as he finds the seam on the neck of a Trius Brut, draws back, once, twice, and then slices off the cork with a flourish. When properly chilled to 8°C, there’s little chance of an explosion, but a frisson of doubt only adds to the fun. Dubbed the most Instagrammable winery in Canada, my tour included a visit to the Sparkling Room, a pink playroom for lovers of the bubbly. I just had time to nibble a pink macaroon in the bathtub while sipping a Rose Brut before my ride

arrived, and it was time to roll on to my next adventure.

Is there anything more romantic than cruising through the countryside in a vintage 1965 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III? If so, please let me know. My regal ride through the green vistas of wine country came courtesy of Community Transportation Group who also have Lincoln, Jaguar and classic London cabs for hire, complete with chauffeur. All along the route, heads turned at the sight of a rare right hand drive vehicle. Gaily exchanging waves with passers-by, we zoomed along on our way to the No. 1 Winery in Ontario winner at the 2022 National Wine Awards of Canada.

When is a winery more than a winery? When it boasts a bakery with the best butter tarts in Canada according to House and Home magazine, plus a colourful gallery that hosts Canadian contemporary and historic fine art exhibitions year-

round. Sculptures both traditional and modern dot the grounds of 13th Street Winery. Relaxing on a verandah overlooking the sculpture garden, our glasses were gleaming in jewel tones of gold, rose and green as we sipped and sampled our way through several delectable

Sabrage was invented by Napoleon’s soldiers to open bottles on horseback

The view from above is priceless

Photo credits: Top photo courtesy of: Niagara Helicopters; bottom photo courtesy of: Trius Winery

wines–and packed up some butter tarts for the ride home.

TOP OF THEIR GAME

Back in Niagara Falls, we visited executive chef Cory Linkson at AG Inspired Cuisine, where he has been creating award winning dining experiences for over two decades. His classic French influenced menu changes weekly. Chef Linkson adds seasonal offerings from his farm, along with a touch of sweetness with honey from his apiary. The choicest wines of the Niagara region grace the extensive wine list. We enjoyed a birch syrup glazed loin of Canadian red deer, with braised raisin, purple cabbage and red currant jus, perfectly paired with a full-bodied Colaneri

Estate Ripasso. AG Inspired Cuisine was named one of TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Restaurants in Canada in 2021 and 2022.

My second day in Niagara Falls began with a sound like thunder. It was the rumble of six million cubic feet of water per minute cascading over Horseshoe Falls and crashing 57 metres to the rocks below. We had a heart-stopping view from the cabin of our sevenpassenger helicopter, a state-of-the-art Airbus H130 from Niagara Helicopters. Listening to the commentary and watching the rushing water as we circled was the best way to take in all three falls; Horseshoe on the Canadian side and the smaller Bridal Veil and American Falls in the US. Tour boats

bobbed below us, rocking in the foam like bathtub toys.

SERENITY, FOUND

Perhaps our greatest luxury is time. Gardening is my passion, so I chose to spend my afternoon surrounded by the beautiful Niagara Parks Botanical Garden. It’s a popular site for weddings, naturally. The rose gardens and butterfly conservatory are booked months in advance. The grounds of this 99-acre property shelter lush formal gardens, unique research plantings and rare tree species. If you prefer to spend quality time indoors, consider the Christienne Fallsview Spa. Enjoy soothing massages and aesthetic treatments with magnificent floor to ceiling views of Horseshoe Falls, from the hydrotherapy pool to the outdoor balcony.

As night fell, See Sight Tours delivered me to the Horseshoe Falls control tower for a private illumination of the falls. When my turn came to choose from the 12,600 multicoloured LED lights, I was thrilled to be able to colour the falls with a rainbow using the iPad controls. Newlyweds often request their wedding colours. As luck would have it, the nightly fireworks show was just beginning, as festive and exciting as the pop of a champagne cork, and the perfect end to my luxe-leaning t our of Niagara Falls.

A delicious dessert from AG Inspired Cuisine

Views are complimentary at the Christienne Fallsview Spa

Bubbles, bubbles everywhere at Trius Winery’s Sparkling Room

Choose the falls’ colours at the Illumination Tower

Photo credits: Top left, photo courtesy of: See Sight Tours; top right photo courtesy of: Christienne Fallsview Spa; bottom left, photo courtesy of: Trius Winery; bottom right, photo courtesy of: Debra Smith

The Mexican Caribbean has long been a top tourist destination, known for white sand beaches, and fascinating archeological sites. Yet despite its popularity, the state of Quintana Roo always has

ENDLESS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

in

in

DISCOVERING THE MAGIC OF MEXICO’S CARIBBEAN COAST QUINTANA ROO

something new to offer return visitors. From exciting food and drink experiences to unforgettable activities, there’s always a new discovery waiting to be made in this Mexican Caribbean paradise.

FOODIE FOCUS

With a diverse and vibrant culinary scene drawing inspiration from local ingredients and traditional techniques, the Mexican Caribbean is a destination full of flavour. This includes everything from high-end restaurants helmed by top chefs to must-try tacos from tiny streetside stands. One can’t-miss spot for foodies is Mercado 23, a bustling market in downtown Cancun offering fresh seafood and produce, as well as authentic street food snacks (from tamales to tortas). Throughout the region the food will take your vacation experience to the next level.

Offering a wide range of activities both on land and in the water, Quintana Roo is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, zip-lining and horseback riding in the region’s lush jungles and tropical forests. Or if you prefer to be on or in the water, the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Cozumel and the Riviera Maya boast some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also worthwhile ways to enjoy the stunning coastline and lagoons.

From pristine beaches and ancient ruins to vibrant culture and excellent food, Quintana Roo is a region waiting to be explored

WELLNESS JOURNEYS

Numerous spas and wellness centers mean ample chances to relax, unwind and rejuvenate in beautiful surroundings, from beachfront retreats to jungle hideaways. Many spas also incorporate traditional Mayan healing techniques, such as herbal baths and temazcal sweat lodges, into their treatments. Some spas even offer a consultation with a Mayan shaman or a cool dip in an authentic cenote to compliment your wellness journey.

ROMANCE IN THE AIR

Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or just looking forward to a couples getaway, the Mexican Caribbean offers plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories. Sprawling ocean-front resorts, secluded coves and beautiful beaches mean romantic setting aren’t hard to find–it’s no surprise so many destination weddings take place in the region. A unique alternative to a beach-set wedding, though, is a cenote. These otherworldly sinkholes filled with crystalline water make for a dramatic setting and envy-inducing photos.

Not every destination sparks a need to return, but the Mexican Caribbean–no matter how many times you visit–always offers something new for the senses.

Escape FROM YOUR VACATION

The well-loved Cancun, Riviera Maya and island of Cozumel offer endless activities to create the perfect vacation but for those looking to explore more of the region or go off the beaten path, there are more than a few options that make for a perfect day or overnight detour.

• Isla Holbox is a true island paradise and perfect for going off the grid. (Think no cars, paved roads, or high rises) Spend a night or a few days with your choice of hotels that range from rustic cabins to barefoot luxury. And if you are there from May-September, don’t miss a chance to swim with the whale sharks making their annual migration. Unforgettable!

• Isla Contoy is an uninhabited national park and sanctuary. It’s considered the most important

nesting place of sea birds in all of the Mexican Caribbean. A must see for any bird lover.

• Bacalar is a picturesque town located a few hours south of Cancun where you can swim in crystal-clear waters of the lagoon, explore nearby cenotes, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery.

• Maya Ka’an will give you a glimpse into the historical and cultural legacy of the Mayan people. Less than 2 hours from Tulum, this eco-destination is filled with jungle and coastal lagoons. Explore the nature of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve as well as get a taste of traditional Mayan communities.