Travel Professional - Fall Edition 2022

THE LUXURY INCLUDE D ® RE SORTS

TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL

a moment in time

a lifetime of memories

What creates the perfect moment? It’s pristine white-sand beaches enveloped by the bluest waters. It’s a mouthwatering gourmet creation and a creatively crafted cocktail. But, most of all, the perfect moment is found in the details, an art that we’ve perfected with our Luxury Included ® Vacation. For 40 years, love has always been at the heart of all we do, because at Sandals® Resorts, Love is All You Need.

Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations Inc, is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

JAMAICA

THE LUXURY INCLUDED ® RE SORTS

GRAND ADVENTURE

TOUR SNAPSHOT:

Four Islands featuring Oahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai | 13 Days | 17 Meals

• Embrace the spirit of “Aloha” on a 4-island tour of Hawaii featuring 3-night stays each in Oahu, Big Island (Kona), Maui and Kauai.

• Enjoy a cruise on tranquil Wailua River in Kauai.

• Savor a Polynesian luau featuring tropical drinks and a sumptuous feast.

• Visit Iolani Palace to see the last residence of the Hawaiian Royal Family.

• Behold the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."

• From Iao Valley, view the 2,000-foot-high Iao Needle, one of Maui’s famous natural landforms.

• Spend time at a Kona coffee farm and learn how coffee is grown.

• Remember Pearl Harbor as you visit the USS Arizona Memorial.

130 Queens Quay East, Suite 512

Toronto, ON. Canada M5A 0P6

Tel: 416.365.1500 Fax: 416.365.1504 Toll-free: 1.855.392.8820 www.travelweek.ca

Content copyrighted 2022 by Concepts Travel Media Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without expressed written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this directory, Travelweek cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omission or inadvertent misrepresentations.

Publisher Devin Kinasz dkinasz@travelweek.ca

EDITORIAL

Editor Kathryn Folliott kfolliott@travelweek.ca

Deputy Editor Cindy Sosroutomo cindys@travelweek.ca

ART/PRODUCTION

Graphic Designer

Jonathan Carmichael Production Manager Jason Gouveia jgouveia@travelweek.ca IT & Systems Specialist Zara Martinez zara@travelweek.ca

Marketing & Production Specialist Megan Griffith mgriffith@travelweek.ca

SALES

VP Media & Content Strategy Annie Cicvaric acicvaric@travelweek.ca

Business Development Manager Cheryl Babulal cbabulal@travelweek.ca

ADMINISTRATION

Accounting Marie Mercado travelweek@travelweek.ca

ENVOY Glen Harwood gharwood@envoynetworks.ca

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SUN DESTINATIONS

New upgrades at Viva Wyndham resorts in Mayan

Viva Wyndham Azteca and Viva Wyndham Maya, both all-inclusive oceanfront resorts in the upmarket Playacar Complex in the Mayan Riviera, have recently undergone major enhancements, with restaurant renovations, revamped public spaces and reconceptualized guestrooms. Viva Wyndham Azteca has unveiled a refurbished pool area as well as a full upgrade of all room categories, including its Superior Rooms, which are now stylishly outfitted with Mexican-inspire décor. At Viva Wyndham Maya, guests can enjoy a new coffee shop as well as a new sports bar.

Newly renovated Sandals Dunn’s River now accepting reservations

Sandals Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica will look brand new when it reopens May 24, 2023 following a full renovation. The 260room resort, which first joined Sandals’ portfolio in 1991, will feature expanded suite concepts including brand new Tufa SkyPool Butler Suites with glass panels that span the length of oceanfront balconies, reimagined Coyaba Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools, which now

boast open-air rooftops with private soaking tubs and sun-lounging areas, and upgraded Mammee Bay Beachfront Butler Suites, now equipped with spacious balconies directly overlooking the ocean. As for dining, the resort will now offer 12 Global Gourmet restaurants, 10 of which are entirely new to Sandals.

Sandals’ ‘Stay at One, Play at All’ exchange program will allow guests to check out additional Sandals Resorts in the area, with complimentary transfers to nearby Sandals Ochi Beach Resort. sandals.com

Tufa Terrace One Bedroom SkyPool Butler Suites, Sandals Dunn’s River

Credit:

Grenada launches Voluntourism Program

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched a new Voluntourism Program to meet the demand for more meaningful and sustainable travel experiences. Available year-round, the program includes opportunities in a wide variety of sectors including agriculture, environment, education and health. Sample programs in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique include tending horses, farming crops and planting flora at Myristic Mountain; beach and reef cleanups; coaching and practicing with the Mt. Rich Football Club; providing swimming lessons to kids and adults at the non-profit Get Swimming Grenada organization; handing out gifts and hosting meals at the Grenada Down Syndrome Association; and more.

“For travellers, voluntourism provides an intimate and memorable experience, which allows them to make deep and meaningful connections with our local community whilst leaving a positive footprint on the island,” said the GTA. “We want to join together to be better global citizens and be intentional about ensuring a positive impact and bringing about positive change.” puregrenada.com/voluntourism

Add island hopping in the Seychelles to the bucket list

Island hopping in the Seychelles archipelago is a bucket-list experience, made easy thanks to a network of air and sea connections, and local operators that run excursions and day trips. The destination is home to 41 granitic islands and 74 low-lying sand cays, reef islands and atolls, with Mahé, Praslin and La Digue being the principal islands, each with its own charms. In contrast to the mountainous Inner Islands, Bird and Denis Islands to the north are flat coral

island outposts offering wild nature at its finest, while Frégate to the east and the Outer Islands of Desroches and Alphonse are the ultimate remote tropical getaways. Accommodations in the Seychelles range from rustic lodges to exclusive hotels, all of which offer adventure options like fishing, snorkelling, diving, trekking, cruising and nature watching. Mahé Island’s Beau Vallon bay is where to go for the best paragliding, water skiing, jet skiing and windsurfing. Local operators like A1 also offer deep-sea fishing in waters teeming with marlin, sailfish, tuna, jobfish, dorado and barracuda. seychelles.com

647-979-7873 www.expert.puregrenada.com

Seychelles Islands

Now open for reservations:

Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya

Save the date for the grand opening of Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya, the first adults-only, all-inclusive property for the brand coming in early 2023. A joint venture between Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Margaritaville, the new 355-suite resort will boast 13 room categories, nine food & beverage locations, three swimming pools, two pickleball courts, a world-class St. Somewhere Spa, and the first LandShark Brewery in Mexico. There’ll also be close to 5,000 square feet of premium meeting space for up to 400 people, the 2,000 square-foot Fins Up! Fitness Center featuring a 700 square-foot outdoor terrace, as well as weekly events like pool parties with live bands and DJs, evening beach bonfires, cornhole tournaments and daytime fitness activities. Guests will also enjoy complimentary access to the resort’s non-motorized water sports equipment, including kayaks, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboards. karismahotels.com

It’s quality time all the time at The Beach

Discover quality time all the time at The Beach! In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, visitors will find 100 kilometres of beautiful, white sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, providing value, variety and good times for families, couples, singles, golfers and mature travellers. With over 425 resorts, 157,000 rooms and suites, beach homes and condo resorts, there is a bevy of accommodations to choose from.

Fall getaways to The Beach come with less crowds, warm, summer days and reduced prices. During their stay, visitors of all ages can explore soft adventure activities, dine at over 2,000 restaurants, play at over 90 worldclass golf courses, and experience live entertainment shows and exciting attractions. With an average temperature of 25°C, the Grand Strand welcomes Canadians with open arms and warm Southern hospitality. visitmyrtlebeach.com

Riu Party makes its debut in Jamaica

It’s always a party at the 800room Riu Montego Bay, which has announced the addition of Riu Party events to its All-Inclusive 24h by RIU entertainment program. Every Friday, guests from the recently refurbished resort, as well as those staying at the Riu Reggae and Riu Palace Jamaica, can enjoy the Riu Get Together Party featuring national and international DJs and either a white or neon theme. Riu Party events made a comeback in May 2022 and are also held in Los Cabos, Mexico and Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic. riu.com

Riu Party

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

SUNSET AT THE PALMS

With Carol Slee, Sr. VP, Sales & Marketing

It’s an ideal choice for those in search of an all-inclusive experience but not at a ‘big-box’ resort.

EACH GUEST IS ASSIGNED

A PERSONAL CONCIERGE who checks them in and takes care of all their needs, including dinner reservations, special occasions, spa treatments, dietary requirements and excursions.

The resort is available for booking via Air Canada Vacations, Sunwing, Transat Holidays and WestJet, as well as on its website.

Sunset at the Palms is an award-winning, all-inclusive, adults-only retreat in Negril, Jamaica with 85 rooms and suites.

TOP

SELLING POINTS

INCLUDE: air-conditioned treehouse-style accommodations with balconies; private beach club; Personal Sunset Concierge; nightly turndown service; five dining options; three bars plus a swimup pool bar; non-motorized watersports; complimentary Wi-Fi; fitness centre; Manager’s cocktail party; guided nature tours, wedding packages; and an optional full-service spa and salon.

“We encourage agents to let us know about any special occasion or needs of their clients so that we can give them that personal touch during their stay.”

IT IS THE ONLY RESORT IN JAMAICA that includes Club Mobay VIP arrival service at Montego Bay airport for all guests.

“We are an adults-only resort, not couples only, so we’re not only a great choice for those seeking romance but also for girl’s getaways or adult family gatherings.”

For more information go to thepalmsjamaica.com

THERE ARE 43 BUNGALOWS, each containing only two rooms and a private balcony, scattered around more than 10 acres of gardens.

“Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that their clients have a wonderful vacation and return thanking their advisor for recommending Sunset at the Palms.”

TRAVEL AGENTS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE of special agent rates as well as a program that earns them free nights.

The Azores

THE “HAWAII OF THE ATLANTIC”

BY GWENDOLINE DUVAL

you’re looking for a new destination to add to your post-pandemic travel list, look no further than the Azores, now easier than ever for Canadians to get to.

SATA AZORES Airlines offers year-round flights from Toronto to the island of Terceira and Ponta Delgada on San Miguel Island. It also launched new direct flights from Montreal to Terceira earlier this year, from June to September, a sign of growing demand for this European destination that will delight lovers of the outdoors and authentic experiences.

“I call this archipelago the Hawaii of the Atlantic. Here, it is very different from the rest

of Portugal and each island has its own identity,” says Rui Serpa, owner of Voyages Services Plus in Montreal and originally from the Azores. “It is an ideal destination for travellers looking for a strong connection with nature, nautical activities and good food. The island of Terceira is particularly affordable, with prices lower than most destinations in Europe.”

In order to get a clearer picture of the destination, I boarded SATA AZORES’ inaugural flight from Montreal, which took just under five hours to complete.

THE AZORES, WHERE IS IT?

“Where are the Azores? It sounds exotic.” This is probably the phrase I heard the most when I announced my departure to the Azores. Whether for Canadians or even Europeans, the destination is a mystery to most travellers, mainly due to its

geographical location in the middle of the Atlantic, off the coast of Portugal. It is 3,856 kilometres from Montreal. To reach Lisbon, you will have to travel about 1,400 kilometres, or two hours by plane.

The Azores archipelago is, above all, a haven of nature, where the different elements are on full display and where conviviality prevails. As an archipelago of nine islands, its strategic location has long appealed to history’s great European navigators, making it the centre of trade between Europe and the Americas, Africa and the Indies.

As a first-time visitor, with water all around, it feels a little like reaching the end of the world.

TERCEIRA: A COLORFUL AND VOLCANIC ISLAND

The island of Terceira is located in the heart of the archipelago, making it easy to reach the other islands by ferry or plane. With an area spanning 29 kilometres long and 18 kilometres wide, it is the

third largest island in the archipelago in surface area and the second most populated. Its highest point is 1,023 metres at the top of Mount Serra de Santa Barbara, and its historic capital city, Angra do Heroísmo, has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The contrasts here are impressive. Terceira is an island of colours and flavours. On the one hand, there are very green landscapes that call to mind images of Ireland, while on the other, volcanic black rocks reflect its unique Mediterranean landscapes. There is spectacular biodiversity due to its changing climate and its location – you can experience three seasons in one day here!

Terceira is not a seaside island but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a swim in between meals. Although there are some small beaches on the side of Angra do Heroísmo or Praia da Vitória, the island is more famous for its hiking trails, gastronomy and, of course, volcanoes.

“The climate is subtropical, so moderate. During the day, in the summer, it can be between 20 and 25 degrees, but at night it can drop to 15 or 16 degrees. The best season to come is spring and summer, until the end of September. Spring is particularly popular for golfers. Those who love tranquility will really appreciate the island,” adds Serpa.

A TOP 10 SUSTAINABLE DESTINATION

Today, the Azores is particularly focused on sustainable tourism. It is the first archipelago in the world to have obtained the Sustainable Tourism Destination label under the EarthCheck

Those who love tranquility will really appreciate the island.”

Misericordia Church, Terceira

Destination program. It is also the first region in Portugal to be certified.

Moreover, the Azores is ranked among the Top 10 sustainable destinations in the world and one of the top adventure destinations in Europe.

“It is a unique product to be marketed by travel agencies in Quebec. There is great potential for all types of customers – families, couples or solos. Montreal flights will be back for next season as well,” says Serpa, who has already started setting up packages in Terceira for Quebec customers.

MUST-SEE SPOTS IN TERCEIRA

The most charming town on the island of Terceira is widely considered to be Angra do Heroísmo, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Travellers from around the world come here to explore its majestic cathedrals and palaces, and to sit curbside at quaint cafes. In the heart of its historic centre is a beautiful sandy beach.

Terceira’s geographical location also makes it a playground for dolphins and whales. From the port of Angra, several tour operators offer half-day and full-day trips out to sea to view these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

Algar do Carvão is a 90-metre-deep volcanic chimney formed about 3,200 years ago. Considered one of the deepest volcanic cavities in the world, it’s a one-of-a-kind excursion during which visitors can descend to the bottom where a small lake awaits. Equally fascinating is Monte Brasil, an extinct volcano surrounded by the four-kilometre walls of the Foretress of São João Baptista.

There are many walking and hiking trails in Terceira for all skill levels. Among the most popular is Mistérios Negros, which is accessible to everyone and is not particularly challenging. However, with the Azores’ changing weather, you will need to be well equipped so bring warm clothes and a raincoat. The Baías da Agulava and Rocha do Chambre trails are also very popular.

There is great potential for all types of customers – families, couples or solos.”

Angra do Heroísmo

Fortress São João Baptista

ACTIVE & DISCOVERY

RIVER

We know that no two travellers are alike—so we would never expect them to enjoy the same cruise experience. With our Active & Discovery cruises your clients can choose their own adventure. Whether they like to paddle a kayak or paint a canvas, each day on our Avalon river cruises it is an adventure of the mind, heart, or heart rate. So whether they want to pick up a paintbrush, a paddle or the perfect vintage, the possibilities are as wide open as the views.

Lower Saxony, Lüneburg Heath © Lüneburger Heide GmbH/Dominik Ketz

FEELING GOOD IN GERMANY

New campaigns bring to light the country’s sustainable and natural offerings

Can you tell us about GNTO’s Feel.Good campaign?

Sustainability is a trend that is being embraced with passion in Germany, which ranks 6th out of 165 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals Index 2022. The pandemic has emphasized the importance of health and balanced lifestyles, and has increased the desire to rebuild a greener and sustainable world. The campaign is about unspoilt natural landscapes, fresh, surprising cuisine, competent and responsible hosts.

What are some examples of sustainable tourism in Germany?

Public transport in Germany is second to none and very efficient. Germany also offers a multitude of spiritual sites to recover from daily life, with more than 350 spas and health resorts, and over 76,000 kilometres of cycling routes. Plus, there are more than 3,000 certified

accommodation providers and eateries throughout Germany that have made sustainability their guiding principle.

What is Germany’s longterm sustainability goals?

Germany is one of the most sustainable industrial countries and does particularly well with regards to growth, employment, social security and environmental protection. A future in which nature and the climate is protected, fewer people suffer from hardship and social cohesion is maintained are the objectives being pursued by Germany through its Sustainable Development Strategy.

What is GNTO’s ‘Embrace German Nature’ campaign about?

The campaign aims to market Germany’s unique natural landscapes to inspire nature-loving travellers. From the coast to the mountains, Germany has a vast array of natural gems, including deep forests,

clear lakes, blooming heathland, fairytale valleys, tidal flats, fine sandy beaches and rivers with grapes growing on the banks. It’s also home to three UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, 16 UNESCO biosphere reserves, 16 national parks and 106 nature reserves.

Germany is famous for its castles. Do you have an insider tip?

Some 25,000 castles, palaces and mansion houses bear witness to Germany’s history, from perfectly preserved landmarks to ruined reminders of former glory. Even those without noble blood can now dine and sleep in dwellings that were once the exclusive preserve of knights, princes and kings. From a youth hostel to a luxury hotel, visitors can choose from a wide range of accommodation in German castles and palaces.

ANJA BROKJANS

Director Marketing & Sales Canada German National Tourist Office

ISN’T SHE LOVELY

The beauty of Saint Lucia is impossible to resist

The island is home to the Caribbean’s only DRIVE-IN VOLCANO. According to local lore, its therapeutic sulphur springs and mudbaths will reverse your age by 10 years

FLIGHTS FROM CANADA:

Air Canada 1x/week in fall, 4x/week starting Dec. 18, 5x/ week January-March 2023; Sunwing 1x/week starting Nov. 5; WestJet 1x/week in fall, 2x/week starting Nov. 20

EXTREME SPORTS ABOUND, ranging from hiking and zip lining, to buggy safaris and ATVs. There’s also paintball, water parks, pickle ball and soft adventure options to appeal to all ages.

Spanning just 238 square miles, Saint Lucia is rich in biodiversity including: MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS TROPICAL RAINFORESTS STUNNING BEACHES RIVERS AND WATERFALLS

DID

YUM! With a rich chocolate heritage that spans three centuries, Saint Lucia offers chocolate-infused massages, cacoa cuisine, chocolate tours and even a chocolate hotel

IT TAKES ABOUT 4 HOURS TO HIKE GROS PITON, the higher of the two peaks that comprise the PITON MOUNTAINS, a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. For a more moderate walk, try the TET PAUL NATURE TRAIL, considered the ‘STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN.’

PARLEZ-VOUS FRANÇAIS?

While the official language is English, FRENCH-BASED CREOLE IS ALSO SPOKEN due to the island changing hands 14 times in its history.

For more information go to stlucia.org

SAVE THE DATES! Saint Lucia hosts the CARIBBEAN’S PREMIER JAZZ FESTIVAL IN MAY, followed by CARNIVAL IN JULY, the CREOLE HERITAGE FESTIVAL IN OCTOBER and many events in between.

Head to the mountains this Fall.

The majestic splendour of Saint Lucia’s iconic Pitons forms the perfect backdrop for a sun-filled escape like no other. From pristine white sands and sapphire blue seas, to world-class hotels and exquisite culinary delights, why not inspire your clients to head to Saint Lucia and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

LUXURY + EXOTICS

Say ‘aloha’ to Collette’s four-island Hawaii tour

Embrace the spirit of ‘aloha’ with Collette’s leisurely four-island tour of Hawaii featuring three-night stays each in Oahu, Big Island (Kona), Maui and Kauai. Guests can visit the USS Arizona Memorial, journey along Oahu’s famous North Shore, take in the natural beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, and visit a coffee farm in Kona to learn about the coffee bean’s journey from tree to cup. Guests can also take in a hula dance performance to appreciate this ancient Polynesian art form. As North America’s longest-running tour operator, Collette offers 160 tours to all seven continents and five distinct travel styles. collette.com

Eight new epic voyages on tap for Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has unveiled eight new, extended-length voyages to seldomseen and rarely-explored destinations. From New Zealand’s verdant coastlines to Indonesia’s tropical isles, the wide-ranging itineraries have been carefully crafted to bring guests further into remote places. They include: ‘Atlantic Isles

Discovery: From the Falklands to Madeira’ (38 days); ‘Wild Coasts of Argentina, South Georgia, and the Falklands’ (24 days); ‘Under the Southern Cross: New Zealand to Melanesia’ (18 days); ‘Exploring Indonesia, Bali, Raja Ampat and Papua New Guinea’ (21 days); ‘South Georgia and the Falklands’ (19 days); ‘Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands’ (22 days); ‘Journey Across the Remote Pacific Islands’ (27 days); and ‘Wild South America: The Guianas to Brazil’ (24 days). expeditions.com

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic in Greenland

Credit: Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

TOP 5 Reasons to Book Manulife Travel Insurance

Above all, knowing that your client is covered – both before and during their trip – is a great feeling. Help protect them so that they can travel knowing that they have suitable coverage in place if anything unexpected comes up.

Avalon to debut four new Active & Discovery itineraries

With more cruisers opting for a small-ship cruise alternative, Avalon Waterways is inviting them aboard its new, ‘all-about-you’ Active & Discovery itineraries featuring a collection of 28 highly curated and included excursions. For the 2022 and 2023 cruise seasons, Avalon is launching four brand new itineraries: ‘Active & Discovery on the Lower Danube,’ ‘Active & Discovery on the Danube from Croatia to the Black Sea,’ ‘Active & Discovery on the Moselle’ and ‘Active & Discovery on the Seine.’ Plus, for the first time, Avalon’s popular Active & Discovery cruises are available on every major river in Europe. According to the company, Active & Discovery itineraries are dedicated to sailing away from the ordinary while making a splash in each and every destination. agentlingo.ca

2. THE REALITY OF TRAVEL

TODAY.

From lost baggage to flight delays and cancellations, travellers are experiencing these difficult realities. Luckily, Manulife Travel Insurance has benefits that can help in these situations.

3. THE TIME IS NOW.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of travel insurance. Insurance is now top of mind for travellers, making it a much easier conversation between you and your and client.

4. OUR PLANS ARE ROBUST.

With the right plan, your clients can book their trip with confidence. Manulife’s Premium Protection Plan provides cancellation coverage for anything unforeseen, and also includes an 80% Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit.

For more information, contact your Manulife Business Development Manager

5. COVID-19 IS COVERED.

For clients who are vaccinated, emergency medical expenses related to COVID-19 are covered under any of Manulife’s plans that include emergency medical benefits, as long as there is no Canadian Government advisory to avoid travel due to COVID-19.

Windstar to sail to Arabia in 2023-2024

For the first time ever, Windstar Cruises is heading to the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. The luxury cruise line, which operates a fleet of six all-suite sailing yachts, has unveiled its latest brochure featuring cruises to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, a first for the company. Cruises begin November 2023 on the all-suite, 312-guest Star Legend. Voyages include the 18-day ‘Wonders of Arabia,’ which sails from Athens to Dubai, the 10-day ‘Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf,’ which will sail on 11 dates from Dubai to Muscat (and the reverse), the nineday ‘Arabian Nights & Egyptian Days,’ featuring two dates (one in each direction) from Jeddah to Aqaba, and the 12-day ‘Red Sea Revelries via the Suez Canal,’ sailing from Jeddah to Athens. windstarcruises.com

1. YOUR CLIENT IS PROTECTED.

Books open for Silversea’s World Cruise 2025

General sales have opened for Silversea Cruises’ 136-day World Cruise 2025. Called ‘Controtempo,’ the comprehensive itinerary will depart from Tokyo on Jan. 13, 2025 and arrive in New York, its final port of call, on May 29, 2025. Guests will visit 30 countries and 59 ports on four continents, and will enjoy 33 overnight calls, seven bespoke events that are exclusive to full-world-cruise guests, three optional overland tours, and 23 world cruise maiden calls.

The voyage will sail aboard the 596-passenger Silver Dawn, which made its grand debut in 2022. While onboard, guests will enjoy Silversea’s highest space ratio, plus the line’s largest selection of restaurants, bars and lounges. The ship will also feature S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), Silversea’s culinary immersion program, and OTIVM, its indulgent wellness initiative.

silversea.com

G Adventures to return to Trans Bhutan Trail

After two years of extensive restoration and a delayed launch due to the pandemic, the Kingdom of Bhutan is set to reopen its historic and sacred Trans Bhutan Trail for the first time in 60 years, on Sept. 28, 2022. As the trail’s exclusive launch partner, G Adventures will be the first group adventure tour operator to return to the trail, with its inaugural sold-out departure on Oct. 2, 2022. The company’s new trips along the trail will take travellers through forests, meadows and rural settlements around the Dzongs, and will feature an average of 3-4 hours of hiking each day, plus local meals each night whether guests are camping or staying in homestays, hotels or local guesthouses.

Two new Active trekking itineraries are available to book in Bhutan into 2023, including the 11-day ‘Camp the Trans Bhutan

Trail,’ and the 12-day ‘Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail.’ Both tours focus on trekking specially selected parts of the 403-kilometre trail. gadventures.com

Intrepid launches Bosnia & Herzegovina Expedition

Intrepid has introduced a new trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of its mission to develop sustainable tourism to the country. The eight-day ‘Bosnia & Herzegovina Expedition’ runs roundtrip from Sarajevo and includes visits to Jace, Mostar and Konjic, providing insight into local life 30 years on from the start of the 1990s conflict. Guests will learn how to make traditional dishes with a local couple in their kitchen, meet Sarajevo’s only female coppersmith, and mingle with locals in the historic bazaar. They’ll also enjoy white-water rafting down the Neretva river and search for wild horses in the foothills of Mount Cincar.

Intrepid is working with USAID and The Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council to support the sustainable growth of tourism to Bosnia and Herzegovina post-pandemic. The five-year, $20 million project aims to enhance the quality and diversity of tourism products, professionalize the tourism workforce, and brand and promote the country.

intrepidtravel.com

G Adventures on the Trans Bhutan Trail

Silver Dawn

Credit: G Adventures

Credit: Silversea

TRS CORAL HOTEL IS A MUSTBOOK IN 2022 AND BEYOND

8. INFINITE INDULGENCE.

1. WELLNESS & WELLBEING

The hotel’s ultra-luxe Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness center is a peaceful retreat devoted to relaxation, complete with special cabins for beauty treatments and a thermal zone.

2. PRIME LOCATION

Located near Cancun and ancient Mayan ruins, the hotel’s village zone offers vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options and many exciting cultural and leisure activities.

3. DYNAMIC ENTERTAINMENT

Chic Cabaret & Restaurant is where entertainment and gastronomy share the stage. This spectacular culinary experience includes music, live performances and delicious cuisine for an unforgettable night out.

5. EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES

Guests can take advantage of the convention centre, the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness center and a variety of five-star restaurants. Plus, each suite includes a private balcony or furnished terrace and hydro-massage tubs.

6. LOVE IS BLIND PACKAGE

Fans of the hit reality series ‘Love is Blind’ can vacation like their favourite TV couples with this romance-filled package, which includes a welcome gift, a five-course dinner at the Love Is Blind Cava and more.

7. UNIQUE GASTRONOMY

The hotel’s five exclusive à la carte restaurants feature five-star service and complimentary priority reservations.

4. RAFA NADAL TENNIS CENTRE

Guests are welcome to attend tennis classes and programs suitable for all levels.

With Palladium Hotel Group’s Infinite Indulgence, guests can enjoy all-inclusive offerings such as à la carte cuisine, a selection of national and international drinks, free Wi-Fi throughout their stay and other exclusive services.

9. LUXURY 5-STAR EXPERIENCE

TRS Coral Hotel provides a five-star experience and state-ofthe-art amenities reserved exclusively for adults seeking romantic retreats, or groups of friends looking for an entertaining getaway.

10. ON-SITE ACTIVITIES

There’s something for everyone at TRS Coral Hotel, including surfing, swimming, kayaking, boating, snorkelling with turtles, and local excursions to Mayan ruins and local markets.

For more information go to palladiumhotelgroup.com/en

WELCOME TO THE ALL-INCLUSIVE SONESTA RESORTS SINT MAARTEN

A duo of stunning oceanfront properties, Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten includes the fun-forall-ages Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, offering a variety of spacious accommodations, first-rate amenities, and stellar personalized service for singles, couples, families and groups, and the luxury, all-suite, adults-only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, a “resort within a resort” featuring swim-out and sunset suites, exclusive pools, bars and dining experiences, 24-hour room service, concierge and butler service in top category suites, culminating in the most sophisticated holiday retreat in the Caribbean. The award-winning resorts are steps away from the airport, beaches, nightlife, shopping and the largest casino and theatre on island, Casino Royale located at the heart of Maho Village. Elevate your vacation experience from memorable to unforgettable at the all-inclusive Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten. For more information, please contact your preferred travel partner, visit sonestastmaarten.com or call 1.800.223.0757, and join MyMahoRewards.com, an educational and loyalty program offering advisors the opportunity to earn cash incentives on qualified bookings.

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WHAT’S NEW IN BARBADOS

The island has a host of new accommodations and attractions

The sun-soaked island of Barbados has unveiled several new and updated hotels and experiences guaranteed to make any visit an extra special one.

New accommodations include the 130-room O2 Beach Club & Spa, opened in October 2021 as a fivestar, all-inclusive luxury boutique hotel facing Dover Beach. The wellnessforward property impresses with six dining options, a pool and beachfront loungers, and the stunning new Acqua spa featuring the only Hammam treatment room on the island.

Also new and situated on the island’s pristine West Coast, Waves Hotel and Spa is the very first allinclusive wellness resort in Barbados.

A stay here includes complimentary spa treatments at the on-site spa, relaxing wellness activities and a variety of all-inclusive dining options.

Renovated in 2017, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion has dramatically enhanced its guestrooms, all of which are directly beachfront. Spanning 11 acres on the Platinum West Coast, the luxury property offers ample amenities, including tennis courts, a watersports centre and a variety of restaurants and bars.

During their visit to Barbados, travellers can choose from several new and updated experiences, including nighttime horse racing at the newly illuminated racetrack in Garrison Savannah, just outside of Bridgetown. This makes Barbados the only Caribbean nation to offer horse racing after the sun sets, with the premier event being the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup.

Guests also have the option to give back during their vacation with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project, which promotes the conservation of sea turtles in Barbados and monitors nesting and hatching activity during the turtle season, which runs from April to December. If visiting during the winter, guests can even assist with the release of turtle hatchlings.

And rounding out Barbados’ offerings is an exciting lineup of festivals and events including the Food and Rum Festival from Oct. 27-30, the Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Tournament on Oct. 6-10, and Run Barbados on Dec. 10-11.

For more information go to visitbarbados.org

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