Travel Professional - Winter Edition 2022

Let Life Flow...

In a place where water artfully caves its way through the lush Jamaican landscape... where it provides a soothing soundtrack that inspires tranquility and romance... magic happens. At the all-new Sandals ® Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the modern luxury is by design and the vibe comes naturally at a resort that’s risen from the echoes of the past. Whether it’s taking in the ocean view from a private pool in the sky, sipping cocktails delivered by butlers in the luxury of a villa rooftop deck, or dancing beneath the stars with toes in the sand, every moment becomes a part of the experience. Sandals ® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations Inc, is an affi liate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

130 Queens Quay East, Suite 512 Toronto, ON. Canada M5A 0P6

416.365.1500

1.855.392.8820

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

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

ADMINISTRATION

Accounting Marie Mercado travelweek@travelweek.ca

gharwood@envoynetworks.ca

CARIBBEAN + SUN

Marriott’s The Luxury Collection welcomes Sanctuary Cap Cana

All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s all-inclusive platform featuring nine leading brands, has welcomed Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Dominican Republic to its Caribbean and Latin America portfolio. The iconic adults-only resort marks the portfolio’s 30th property and is considered the first luxury all-inclusive resort for Marriott International. Located 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, the resort features 324 suites across 19 unique room categories, four à la carte restaurants, six pools, cabanas, sun chairs on the beach, local and international beers or cocktails from the Beach Bar, 46,000 square feet of event space, 17 event rooms, as well as the Sanctuary Spa. The Sanctuary Town, located across from the main lobby, offers additional dining options and live entertainment on some weekdays. luxurycollection.com

Grand Wailea embarks on first-ever propertywide refresh

Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, has completed phase one of its property-wide refresh, its most extensive renovation since launching more than 30 years ago. The iconic resort, situated on Maui’s Wailea Beach in Hawaii, has

debuted a newly revitalized Botero Lounge, a total revamp of its exclusive Napua rooms, suites and private lounge, as well as two dining venues that have been transformed into brunch restaurant ‘Ikena’ and grab-and-gourmet market Loulu. A completely reimagined wellness and spa experience will also be unveiled in 2023.

grandwailea.com

Botero, Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort

Iberostar Selection

Playa Mita has authentic experiences for all ages

Located on the exclusive beach of Litibu in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, the all-inclusive, five-star Iberostar Selection Playa Mita truly impresses with a wide array of amenities and services. Built with 100% regional materials, the resort features elegant rooms free of single-use plastics and filled with artisanal details of the region, several restaurants ranging from Asian to authentic Mexican, seven bars including the Star Café open 24 hours a day, and Spa Sensations, where guests can enjoy an extensive menu of massages and original treatments that incorporate local elements. Other top-selling points include the Star Camp program for little ones, where kids can learn local crafts, painting and macramé, and special night shows like Sunset Fire and Mariachi performances surrounding the lagoon. Guests will also enjoy the best Mexican spirits on site, like mezcal from Oaxaca and tequila from Jalisco, through an exclusive tasting experience led by an expert sommelier.

iberostar.com

Fairmont Mayakoba unveils epic new beach club

Fairmont Mayakoba on the coast of Riviera Maya in Mexico has unveiled the much-anticipated beach club Maykana. As the latest addition to the hotel’s multi-milliondollar renovation set for completion by the end of the year, Maykana offers five food & beverage outlets, grand terraces, opulent private cabanas, seaside pools and sunken fire pits. The adult-only rooftop boasts a bar, infinity pool and sunken circular lounge areas reminiscent of cenotes. The resort remains open throughout its renovation, which will be completed by the end of 2022.

fairmont.com/Mayakoba

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa reopens with multi-million-dollar enhancements

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in Saint Lucia has reopened its doors following a US$6 million refreshment during its annual September closing. Updates were made to guestrooms, the CocoLand Kidz Klub, the Wedding Center, tennis and basketball courts, the main bar area, resort lobby and more. The multi-use Peter John’s Lounge received a complete makeover, giving it a more contemporary look for evening cocktails. Plus, the resort’s 250 rooms will boast new room décor and amenities prior to the holiday season.

“Our overriding objective is to make improvements enhancing all aspects of our guests’ experience,” says Mark Adams, President & CEO of Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa. “Each year we set our priority action list using the suggestions and wishes our guests share with us and because we’re independently owned and operated, it’s easier for us to make them a reality.”

cbayresort.com

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Fairmont Mayakoba

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach great for business, leisure & groups

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach is an oceanfront sanctuary perfect for business and leisure travellers alike. It offers 261 rooms and suites with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and is the only hotel along Fort Lauderdale Beach that does not require a resort fee. Other highlights include a poolside bar, 1,300 square feet of event space, customizable catering menus, a Marriott-certified event planner, and group room blocks of 10 or more rooms at a special discounted rate. The hotel is also ideal for cruisers as it’s located just two miles from Port Everglades. marriott.com/fllco

Sunwing

has new

destinations this winter

Sunwing has several new destinations in its winter 2022-23 lineup, including Cayo Largo in Cuba, San Andrés in Colombia, and Melbourne in Florida. Known as Cuba’s sunshine coast, Cayo Largo is ideal for adults, families and 2SLGBTQ+ vacationers. In San Andrés, off the coast of Nicaragua, travellers can enjoy incredible diving and year-round summer weather. Lastly, Sunwing’s winter flight schedule includes the return of Orlando, Miami and the new addition of Melbourne, located along Florida's Space Coast, with direct flights from Toronto, Winnipeg and Halifax. sunwing.ca

Bermuda rolls out new campaign

The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) is proving that getting lost can actually be a good thing, with a new campaign that highlights Bermudian experiences and local culture. Called ‘Lost Yet Found,’ the campaign was built around

data, which showed that potential visitors are seeking

well-

SNOOZE. THEN CRUISE.

Discover the best way to start your cruise vacation at the Courtyard by Marriott® Fort Lauderdale Beach. Located just 2 miles from Port Everglades and 6 miles from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. YOUR PRE AND POST-CRUISE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:

• Oceanfront and Intracoastal views with floor-to-ceiling windows

• Transportation to Port Everglades available

• Oceanfront Pool Bar with easy beach access

• Walking distance to the Water Taxi

• Adjacent to Las Olas Boulevard and and (1) mile to Downtown Fort Lauderdale • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel • NO RESORT FEE

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach

Saint Lucia is best known for the Pitons , two mountainous volcanic peaks. Gros Piton reaches a height of 2,619 feet , while Petit Piton stands at 2,461 feet

ISLAND SAINT

STUCK IN THE MUD!

There are 4 mud baths at the world-famous Soufriere Volcano’s Sulphur Springs

DIVE RIGHT IN!

choose among 22 world-class diving and snorkelling sites. WINNER, WINNER! Saint Lucia has won the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ award at the World Travel Awards an astonishing 14 times.

There is no shortage of hotel rooms on the island, with approximately 5,000 available to book

LOOK UP – WAY UP – AND YOU’LL SEE SAULT FALLS, ALSO KNOWN AS ERRARD FALLS, TUMBLING DOWN FROM 55 FEET.

Head to the mountains this winter.

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.

Credit: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

Saint Lucia

A Slice of Unspoilt Paradise

BY PARM PARMAR

here’s plenty of good news for Canadians from the sun-soaked destination of Saint Lucia. With a renewed focus on the Canadian market, this tropical island is looking better than ever with newly resumed direct flights, world-class accommodations and a dizzying array of authentic experiences that appeals to all travellers.

“Canada is a major source market for Saint Lucia and we are still recovering from the strict protocols Canadians experienced during the pandemic,” Minister of Tourism Dr. Ernest Hilaire tells me during a recent visit. “As major Canadian airlines return, we continue to drive robust, targeted sales, marketing and public relations efforts in Canada to increase new routes. Our goal is to resume service in the French market with direct flights from Montreal to Saint Lucia in the future.”

Air Canada currently offers four flights a week from Toronto to Saint Lucia. Additional flights will be added to the schedule for the busy holiday season, ramping up to five flights per week until March 2023. WestJet also offers once-a-week flights to Saint Lucia, which will go up to twice weekly in January 2023 for a limited time. In addition, Sunwing will resume service from Toronto to Saint Lucia in January, operating once a week on Sundays.

History & Culture

Saint Lucia has a tumultuous history as a prize to be fought over by the British and French during the 18th century. The French finally ceded the island to the British in 1803. It wasn’t until 1979 when Saint Lucia finally declared independence from Britain, however, it remains a member of the British Commonwealth.

If you visit in October, Saint Lucia’s month-long Creole celebration, Jounen Kweyol, brings the entire island to life with vibrant national colours and islanders wearing traditional multi-coloured Madras outfits. The last weekend in October is the big celebration weekend, with music playing across the island. For a taste of Creole food any time of year, try the Golden Taste restaurant in Gros Islet for heaping plates of authentic dishes such as fish or meat served with noodles, salads or rice, plus yams, plantains, cassava and breadfruit.

What to See and Do

There is no doubt that Saint Lucia is a tropical paradise, diminutive in size at only 17 miles long and 14 miles wide, but very rich in experiences. If you get tired of lying on the beach and sipping rum punches or Pina Coladas, here’s a list of things you can do beyond the sand and surf.

The famous Piton Mountains are a sight to behold. Petit Piton and Gros Piton stand out from anywhere on the island like picturesque landmarks. If you want a challenge, hike to the top of either Piton for incredible views at the top.

While on my recent trip to the island, my local guide tells me that it’s a good thing Sulphur Springs emit the smell of rotten eggs. This means the volcano below isn’t bottled up and waiting to explode. If you walk down the road and take a volcanic mud bath, which feels great on the skin, follow it up with a cleansing dip in the plunge pools.

Everyone on the island knows that Friday night in Saint Lucia is Fish Fry night, with Gros Islet hosting a jumping street party. Here’s a tip:

Petit Piton and Gros Piton stand out from anywhereon the island like picturesque landmarks.

Credit: Parm Parmar

Credit: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

View of the Pitons

arrive early and order a rum or a Piton beer to go with your fish. Then dance the night away on the streets while DJs play reggae, soca and international music.

No trip to the Island would be complete without a visit to the Saint Lucia Distillers Group, where 25 types of rum and rum products are distilled. While on a tour of the facility, I learned about its origins and how rum is distilled. It’s interesting to note since sugar cane is no longer grown on the island, that the molasses used for rum making is now imported from the Dominican Republic and other islands. Premium rums and liqueurs are available for tasting post-tour, including Chairman’s Reserve, Bounty, and liqueurs. They are self-serve, with many delicious rums to taste and so little time. In addition, there is a shop on site to purchase rum bottles at factory prices.

holds chocolate-making workshops. A group of us tasted cocoa tea for the first time and learned the basics of chocolate making. Cocoa tea is made from a shaved chocolate stick boiled in water with spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla) added along with milk. It is delicious and every household has its own recipe.

In our session, we quickly realized chocolate making is labour-intensive and exacting. The chocolate needs to hit a perfect temperature of 29 degrees. The mixture is then poured into moulds and decorated with toppings. Once it was ready, our bars were packed and taken home.

If you visit Saint Lucia without a chocolate making or tasting session, then you’ll miss out on one of the top tourism experiences on the island. Saint Lucia’s rich volcanic soil and annual rainfall provide ideal conditions for growing cacao, or cocoa, as the bean is called here. In the past, cocoa beans were grown for shipping to Europe and United States, specifically for Hershey bars. Now, much is kept back for local use as the industry flourishes.

There are signs of the chocolate industry springing up all over the island. Cacoa Sainte Lucie owner, Maria Jackson, started chocolate making at her home, drying the beans on her roof. Today, her business has expanded to include a shop filled with chocolate-infused pastries along with truffles and chocolates. Jackson sources her cocoa beans from small local farmers in her area of Belvedere, Canaries. Within the shop, Jackson

At Hotel Chocolat our chocolatemaking experience was completely different; we received a mortar and pestle with cocoa nibs. The nibs are pounded over and over again until the chocolate turns liquid. Our instructor Merle encouraged us to work harder. It was arduous work, the mortar was hot, and our arms hurt after a while. After adding cocoa butter and castor sugar to the mixture, we poured it into a mould. The chocolate turned out really dark and not that sweet. It’s worth noting that Saint Lucian Chocolate (60%, 70% and 80% dark chocolate) contains less sugar than its counterparts in Europe, the United States and neighbouring islands.

It was also at Hotel Chocolat where we had our first chocolate lunch in the Project Chocolate Restaurant. We were able to pick and choose our lunch items before deciding on a chocolate dessert, from ice creams and brownies to hot chocolate drinks and more.

Project Chocolat

Beyond chocolate, guests staying at luxury resorts Jade Mountain or Anse Chastanet can book an excursion to visit Emerald Farm. Only 20 minutes away, it’s an excellent opportunity to see how local fruits, vegetables and flowers are grown. There are a thousand cocoa trees growing to provide the cocoa beans for Jade Mountain’s chocolate production. In addition, Emerald Farm houses the brewing of Antillia Brewing Company’s beers.

Where to Stay

Most Saint Lucian resorts are dotted along the island’s west side from north to south. The east side is densely covered in tropical rainforest and faces the rough seas of the Atlantic Ocean.

In the north, The Landings Resort and Spa is a condo-style luxury property with one-, two- and three-bedroom units with full kitchens and laundry facilities. The setting is ideal for families. Within the resort, a marina provides moorings for yachts. Guests mostly hail from the United Kingdom, with a smattering of American couples but very few Canadians.

For couples, Saint Lucia, known worldwide as an award-winning romantic destination, offers an incredible choice of luxury resorts, small boutique hotels and villa rentals. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, for example, is situated on an 18th-century sugar plantation nestled between Petit Piton and Gros Piton. Its one-bedroom cottages on the mountain provide the ultimate privacy. Each cottage comes with a gorgeous private plunge pool, outdoor shower and lovely sitting area. The bedroom features a delightful four-poster bed with a lounger, and just off that, a change room and fully stocked minibar. The bathroom is a luxury unto itself featuring a Victorian clawfoot bathtub, plus an extraordinarily large shower. Each unit is given a private cellphone to call the butler for service or to arrange transport down to the beach, restaurants or spa. Dining options are superb, ranging from full buffet breakfast to à la carte, with haute cuisine available at Saltwood in the plantation main house or more casual fare at Bonte on the beach. Also a plus: staff is on hand at the beach to welcome sunbathers with towels and cold drinks.

Anse Chantanet, the sister property of the iconic Jade Mountain resort, is situated on a 600-acre lush, tropical estate on a hilltop. The rooms have only three walls, the idea being that you immerse yourself in nature. Beds are shrouded with mosquito netting to ensure you have an undisturbed sleep. The sound of frogs and crickets lulls you to sleep. Cell phones are available to call for transportation or guest services. Depending on your location on the mountain, it could be a bit of a hike to get down to the beach or restaurant. There are two beaches, Anse Chantanet and Anse Mamin, to choose from for your water pleasures. And before you check out, the burger at Anse Mamin beach is a must-try.

For more information on travel to Saint Lucia go to www.stlucia.org

Credit: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

Credit: Parm Parmar

Jade Mountain

GRAND PALLADIUM JAMAICA RESORT & SPA IS A MUST-BOOK

8. FLEXIBLE PACKAGES

1. LUXURY 5-STAR EXPERIENCE

The resort provides a five-star experience and upscale amenities reserved exclusively for adults seeking romantic retreats, families wanting to reconnect, or groups of friends looking for an entertaining getaway.

2. PRIME LOCATION

The resort is situated between two of Jamaica’s most popular tourist towns: Lucea and Montego Bay. Its diverse facilities and coastal setting make it ideal for families, couples and groups of friends.

3. EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES

Guests can choose from a range of physical activities such as yoga, water aerobics, snorkelling and tennis, or go on a catamaran trip. Plus, each of the resort’s suites includes a spacious private balcony or terrace, hydromassage bathtubs and outstanding views.

5. NEW PLUNGE POOL SUITES

The resort is debuting 48 new oceanfront private plunge pool suites, eight of which will be beachfront Master Suites, each with larger pools, a pergola and a balcony and patio area overlooking the ocean.

6. ACTIVITIES

There’s nonstop fun for all guests, including golf, kayaking, boating, snorkelling, shows and a mini disco at night.

7. INFINITE INDULGENCE

With Infinite Indulgence, guests take advantage of all-inclusive offerings like international à la carte cuisine, a selection of national and international drinks, free Wi-Fi throughout their stay and more.

4. UNIQUE GASTRONOMY

Guests can enjoy eight exclusive à la carte restaurants, three buffet restaurants, a sports bar and an endless array of romantic dining experiences.

Guests can bundle and save up to 45% off, travelling with exclusive hotel benefits and choosing from an array of airlines with resort special packages.

Advantages include exclusive rooms, flexible cancellation, best price guaranteed and unique benefits with Palladium rewards.

9. WELLNESS & WELLBEING

The

10. DYNAMIC ENTERTAINMENT

After a long day soaking up the sun, guests can enjoy a cocktail at the Infinity saloon bar as live music ushers in the evening. For dinner, Chez Bubba steakhouse makes for a sumptuous meal before dancing the night away at the Boogie Woogie Disco.

For more information go to palladiumhotelgroup.com

King Suite

CATALONIA GRAND COSTA MUJERES ALL SUITES & SPA IS A GRAND OASIS FOR ALL GUESTS

Catalonia Hotels & Resorts’ GRAND concept takes the guest experience to a new level, complete with a contemporary design and a comfortable atmosphere that focuses on wellness.

The first property to be added to the GRAND portfolio is Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres All Suites & Spa, a family-friendly property in Mexico that’s perfect for multi-generational families and couples. Nestled on white sand beaches and surrounded by palm trees, the resort offers 496 spacious suites that accommodate the needs of every guest. Whether they choose a Superior Suite ideal for a young family of four, or the incomparable Privileged Grand Family Swim-up Suite, which is considered the best option for families of six, or the ultra-romantic Privileged Ro-

mance Deluxe Swim-up Suite that includes complimentary amenities like a couple’s massage, candlelight dinner and more, there’s a suite suitable for every preference and occasion.

Other top-selling features of the resort’s GRAND experience include a wide array of culinary offerings, including four à la carte specialty restaurants, the exclusive BLoved restaurant for guests staying in the Privileged category, five culinary stations on Fifth Avenue, three food trucks, the popular Creperie and a snack restaurant. There’s also the Gran Caribe Buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Aromes Coffee shop serving espressos, cappuccinos, teas and desserts, and 10 bars featuring authentic Mexican mixology and handcrafted cocktails.

As for entertainment, young guests will love the kid’s clubs, while the teen lounges serve as a hub for making new friends and video gaming. While the kids are having a great time, Mom and Dad can treat themselves to a couple’s massage at Alegria Spa featuring natural ingredients.

And at the heart of the property, guests will find Quinta Avenida, a commercial boulevard that pays tribute to the famous avenue in Playa del Carmen. There are plenty of boutiques, not to mention food stations that serve everything from Mexican tacos to Peruvian ceviche, live performances and a stunning light show.

For more information go to travelagentacademy.com /cataloniaexpert or contact caribe.salesna@cataloniahotels.com

GROUPS

More choice and customized options

with Globus family of brands

With Globus family of brands, groups start earning special benefits with a minimum eight people travelling together. Group deals typically run year-round and are geared to different seasons and destinations, plus large groups of 20 or more can be fully customized.

Knowing that coordinating group travel is not always easy for travel advisors, the company offers a wide range of travel options to choose from, including 68 countries and over 200 premium group escorted tours and river cruises. In addition, “we provide more included features, special inside visits and authentic local experiences than the others,” and “we never compromise on hotel or sightseeing quality,” says the company.

canadiangroups@globusfamily.ca

Goway gifting travel advisors with cash rewards on every group sale

Travel advisors who book a group with Goway will earn cash rewards on every sale, starting at 0.25% on bookings for FIT and Groups, and the potential to earn up to 1% depending on their membership status. Earnings will be added automatically to their loyalty account upon their client’s return date.

According to Goway’s Groups Only division, the booking window for customized groups is returning to the typical 12- to 18-month period following a surge in demand for last-minute groups. The top destinations for groups include Australia and New Zealand, Dubai, Egypt, South Africa, Greece, Italy, Thailand, Indonesia, Peru and Costa Rica. goway.com

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Credit: Globus family of brands

Okushu Tours unveils exciting selection of travel programs for 2023

With an eye on growth and an optimistic outlook on the future, Okushu Tours has introduced a selection of travel programs for 2023. These include the Thailand Small Group Program, during which guests will tour museums and temples, enjoy beach time and tuk tuk rides through street markets, and take part in a yoga session to soothe the mind and spirit.

Also available are: the nine-day Korea Wellness & Cultural Program, which includes makeup and cooking classes, a hair wellness treatment and a lesson in Korean martial arts; and the nine-day Taiwan Round Island Tour with highlights like the capital city of Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Fo Guang Shan Monastery and the giant statue of the Goddess of Mercy in Chung Cheng Park. There’s also the Malaysia Stopover Program, three short programs of four days each in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang that allows travellers to mix and match.

okushu.com

More group promos, more Bonbon rewards with Transat

With leisure and wedding groups representing Transat’s vast majority of group business to the Caribbean, the company is making it easy to secure space with a group deposit of just $300 for up to 90 days for groups of 40 passengers or less. A reduced deposit of $150 per passenger is payable after 90 days, applying to groups of 40 passengers as well. Plus, Transat’s Group Price Promise guarantees a refund if the price is reduced up to 60 days prior to departure, up to $400 per adult ($200 per child).

When booking ITC south groups with Transat, perks include complimentary passenger concessions with participating hotels, complimentary group seat assignment on Air Transat, and complimentary piece of checked baggage. Plus, when booking a wedding group, the wedding couple will receive these perks plus a $500 future travel credit for their anniversary trip, a $100 excursion credit, a complimentary upgrade to Option Plus on Air Transat, and complimentary access to airport lounges in Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City.

As for travel advisors, they earn unlimited Bonbon rewards on all group bookings. Plus, when they book at least 100 seats they’ll earn two free economy seats from a Canadian gateway; over 200 seats booked will earn

Taipei, Taiwan

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL BEACH RESORT MIAMI

With Carol Slee, Sr. VP, Sales & Marketing

The resort is a Forbes Travel Four-Star, AAA 4 Diamond Resort located in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. It’s an independently owned and operated property and a member of the Preferred Hotel Group Lifestyle & Residence collections.

THE RESORT IS LOCATED 5 minutes from every kind of stay in Miami. Sun, sand, legendary nightclubs, Art Deco landmarks and eco-adventure like tours to the Everglades and ocean paddle boarding are all nearby.

The four-star rated condo hotel offers spacious suites with all the conveniences of home, including in-suite kitchens and laundry facilities.

For more information go to trumpmiami.com

Got pets? No problem! The resort welcomes four-legged friends and features a staff filled with dog lovers.

THERE ARE AMPLE THINGS TO DO at the beachfront hotel, from watersports and chilling poolside in air-conditioned cabanas, to full-day treatments at Aquanox Spa.

“Sunny Isles Beach is Miami’s hidden gem on the north side. Guests experience all the glitz of Miami but stay in a restful zone in this residential enclave. Our central location also allows guests to fly into either MIA or FLL.”

“OUR RESORT IS THE PREFERRED hotel partner of Dezerland Park Miami, Florida’s largest indoor attraction park located five minutes away and featuring trampoline rooms, virtual reality, go carts and more.”

“We value and work with Canadian travel agents. We know that they are closely connected to their clients and we work with them to ensure that the trip they’ve booked exceeds guests’ expectations.”

ADVENTURE

Hurtigruten expands 2023 Arctic summer season

There’s more adventure in store for Hurtigruten Expeditions, which has expanded its 2023 Arctic summer season with seven brand new adventures. Spanning 11-19 days, the new departures from June to September 2023 will take in some of the most spectacular areas beyond and above the Arctic circle onboard the small-size expedition cruise ship MS Maud. They will depart from either Dover, UK or Reykjavik, Iceland, and will take guests to Greenland, Svalbard, the British Isles, the Faroe Islands and Iceland.

The new itineraries include: two ‘True Arctic Expeditions,’ 17-day cruises that combine Iceland with the wild east coast of Greenland, Svalbard archipelago and the rarely visited volcanic island of Jan Mayen; one 20-day Greenland summer explorer expedition cruise, which sails along Greenland’s west coast; two Iceland Circumnavigation expedition cruises; an 11-day voyage in Iceland that also crosses the Arctic circle; and two 12-day ‘Island Hopping in the North Atlantic’ expedition cruises that explore Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and the British Isles. Expedition cruises can also be extended with 2- to 4-day land adventures in Iceland.

G Adventures launches new trips for 2023

G Adventures has unveiled new itineraries for 2023, all of which ensure that local communities benefit from hosting travellers. Ranging from 4-12 days, the range of new trips offers new ways to see some of G Adventures’ most popular locations, says managing director David Green. He also notes that this marks the first time the tour

operator has expanded its program since the start of the pandemic.

New trips for 2023 include the eight-day ‘The Moroccan Coast and Marrakech,” which includes a tagine-making demonstration, hiking to a waterfall and dining in a souk in Agadir, and the six-day Active-style ‘Hiking Southern Iceland,’ which starts and ends in Reykjavik and includes hiking the Múlagljúfur Canyon.

gadventures.com

Marrakech, Morocco

2. HENRY

FORD MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INNOVATION

Welcoming an average 1.7 visitors annually, this nine-acre museum houses artifacts that include the presidential limousine of John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln’s chair from Ford’s Theatre, and the Rosa Parks bus.

TOP 5 attractions in Detroit

3. EASTERN MARKET

A day exploring the Eastern Market will uncover many treasures. There are six markets on site, with the Saturday Market being the most popular, featuring over 225 vendors and up to 40,000 visitors in a single day during the busy season.

4. BAOBAB FARE

This East African Restaurant owned by a husband and wife duo from Burundi opened in March 2021 and has quickly made a name for itself. Traditional dishes like ‘intore’ (stewed eggplant) and mbuzi (slow-roasted goat shank) embody the couple’s passion and love for their home country.

5. MOTOWN MUSEUM

Music lovers and history buffs will love browsing through the museum’s iconic artifacts, photographs and memorabilia from Motown Records. The museum just completed phases one and two of a US$55 million expansion project, which includes the new Rocket Plaza for outdoor performances.

For more information about travel to Detroit, go to visitdetroit.com

Adventure meets luxury with Alaia Belize’s new package

Alaia Belize, Ambergris Caye’s new Autograph Collection hotel, has launched a new all-inclusive ‘Adventure Meets Luxury’ package for guests staying in its three-bedroom beachfront villas. Priced at US$27,000, the package can be booked for five or more nights and includes a roundtrip private plane transfer from Belize City to the San Pedro Airport, in-room spa, chef and mixology experiences, excursions to the Belize Barrier Reef and the Great Blue Hole and more. The package is also customizable, allowing guests to add and remove experiences up to the total package cost.

alaiabelize.com

New sailings with PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys

PONANT is collaborating with Smithsonian Journeys on a series of co-branded sailings for 2023 and 2024. Each of the itineraries will be led by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, whether an art historian, a solar astrophysicist or an international relations expert, whose expertise will shed new light on destinations visited. Among the new sailings is a nine-day circumnavigation of Sicily on Le Champlain from April 14-22, 2024, departing from Valletta, Malta and featuring visits to active volcanoes, Norman cathedrals and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

ponant.com

Located in midtown, this stunning museum ranks among the top six in the nation, with 65,000 works and over 100 galleries. Visitors can purchase a day pass or attend one of the many events hosted by the DIA throughout the year.

1. DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ART

Alaia Belize

Endless adventures await with Scenic’s new Antarctica Voyages

Scenic is answering the call for more Antarctica explorations with an expanded range of new, in-

Scenic Eclipse in Paradise Harbor, Antarctica

Credit: Scenic

GROWTH AND GAINS

Club Med is expanding and excited about the future

This winter, Club Med is expanding with the opening of three new mountain resorts. In December, the brand new, 4 Trident Club Med Tignes will open in the heart of Tignes Val Claret village, while Club Med Val D’Isere will reopen after an extensive renovation as the only Exclusive Collection village in the Alps. Club Med Kiroro Peak will also open in Japan’s Northern Island of Hokkaido. Plus, Club Med Columbus Isle in the Bahamas will reopen after a two-year closure and our North American villages are all back up and running for the winter season.

and group lessons, all in their package price. This is a huge value! We will rapidly expand our mountain portfolio annually with three new resorts in 2022 alone, plus Club Med Utah opening in 2025.

What lessons did Club Med learn from the pandemic?

Being present and front of mind with our trade community has been the absolute most important lesson. From being consistent with updates, to showcasing our product on webinars and social channels and attending in-person events, we wanted to be there for our travel partners. Plus, our business units across the globe kept each other strong these last two years, showing our travel partners that Club Med is a solid brand to put their trust in.

GILLINGHAM

Business Development Manager

Club Med Canada Ontario, BC & Alberta

en.travelagents.clubmed.ca

Club Med is the biggest ski provider in the world with more than 20 mountain resorts. With our all-inclusive model, guests not only get the perks of an all-inclusive village but they also receive ski passes, lift tickets

Booking early! We have noticed that there is a massive demand for travel in 2022, 2023 and even for groups in 2024. Demand

has been greater than supply, and booking early has been key to getting the best rates while also having access to the most availability. Club Med operates resorts with an average of 400 rooms, and with global markets selling into the villages, this means they fill up quickly.

What’s new for 2023?

Club Med 2, our French sailing yacht, will be fully renovated this December and will sail the Caribbean and the Med with different itineraries. Our iconic resort, Club Med Punta Cana, will undergo renovations in 2023, which include new family rooms and a new wedding venue. Lastly, we have new experiences coming to the villages like pickleball and our Wellness Fusion program, plus new dining venues in Michès, Punta Cana and Québec Charlevoix.

What are you most excited about heading into the winter season?

Why has there been so much focus on your mountain resorts?

What’s the biggest trend you’re seeing post-pandemic?

SAMANTHA

Club Med 2

THE NEW TREASURE OF THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN