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Two New Ships, Two Ways to Cruise: There Really is a Cruise Out There for Everyone

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

Two very different new ships—one an intimate, design-forward superyacht, the other a high-energy floating resort—are sending a strong message. Whether you’re a cruise lover or a cruise newbie, there’s a cruise style and ship that’s perfect for you.

The recent, back-to-back debut of Emerald Cruises’ newest intimate, modern yacht and Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest Caribbean mega-ship shows just how wide that spectrum has become—and why first-time cruisers, in particular, have never had more options to ‘dip your toes’ into cruising waters.

Emerald Kaia and the Rise of Yacht-Style Cruising

At one end, yacht-style cruising is booming! Fewer guests, more space, and a strong connection to the destination. The new Emerald Kaia is home to just 128 guests, a scale that feels closer to a private club than a cruise ship.

What that size delivers is not just intimacy, but a different rhythm of travel in the warm-water destinations she’s designed to sail. Days unfold at a slower, more immersive pace.

Whether you sail the Emerald Kaia on the Adriatic coast between Venice and Dubrovnik or island-hopping through the Seychelles, the ship’s design leans into that philosophy: expansive outdoor decks, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and suites filled with natural light.

The latest Emerald Cruises yacht includes a reimagined observation deck, larger suites, and more flexible interconnecting accommodations for groups. The onboard experience leans further into immersive, contemporary luxury: more varied dining venues, stronger indoor-outdoor flow, and a purpose-built wellness deck that integrates spa, fitness, and relaxation into a single, cohesive experience that opens onto the sea.

Relaxing at Sea: Dining and Design Re-imagined aboard Emerald Kaia

It’s easy yachting luxury rather than traditional cruising formality. Dining is designed to feel interactive and varied—an open kitchen concept that brings guests closer to the culinary process, relaxed Mediterranean-style poolside dining, and small-scale, highly curated private dining inspired by regional cuisines.

Wellness, too, is no longer a side offering but a central pillar. The dedicated wellness deck integrates spa treatments, salt therapy, cold plunges, and fitness spaces in a way that feels holistic.

Even the accommodations reflect changing travel habits. The introduction of interconnecting suites speaks to a growing segment of travelers who want to share experiences—families or groups of friends—without sacrificing privacy.

Norwegian Luna, A Ship That’s Its Own Destination

At the other end of the spectrum: a ship designed to deliver around-the-clock variety, energy, and choice on a much larger scale.

The new Norwegian Luna brings more than 3,500 guests together in a floating playground of options. But unlike older-generation mega-ships that could feel overwhelming, the modern approach is about letting guests shape their own experience—whether that means adrenaline, entertainment, or quiet escape.

With Norwegian Luna, what’s new isn’t just the hardware—it’s the way a large ship is organized around choice and personalization. The ship introduces next-level attractions like a hybrid rollercoaster-style waterslide, immersive game zones, and outdoor activity spaces designed for all ages, alongside more segmented experiences that let different travelers coexist without overlap.

There’s a clear evolution toward multi-generational travel, with purpose-built zones for families, teens, and adults—including elevated “ship-within-a-ship” suites in the Haven for those seeking privacy. Add in a broader range of dining and entertainment, and the innovation here is about flexibility: a large ship that doesn’t feel one-size-fits-all, but instead lets guests design their own version of the cruise experience.

The Ultimate Vehicle for Multi-generational Travel

For active travelers and families, the appeal is immediate. Attractions blur the line between cruise ship and theme park, while expansive outdoor spaces offer room to move and play.

Alongside the high-energy attractions are adult-only entertainment venues, private retreat areas, and a “ship-within-a-ship” suite complex that offers a more exclusive, insulated experience for those who want it.

Dining follows the same logic of abundance and choice, with a wide range of global cuisines and multiple venues that allow guests to curate their own culinary journey rather than follow a fixed schedule.

Beyond the Ship: The Rise of Curated Destinations

And then there’s the destination. The Norwegian Luna is focused on Caribbean itineraries out of Miami and New York, anchored by private island experiences—Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize, Norwegian’s private beach resort. Complete with beach clubs, waterparks, and curated shore amenities, these exclusive spaces are designed to extend the Luna’s lifestyle ashore.

The Big Takeaway: A Cruise Style for Every Traveler

So what ties these two very different ships together? Choice.

Options for experienced cruise travelers to try something new – and a way for new-to-cruise travelers to find the voyage that’s exactly right for you.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Emerald Cruises/ Scenic Group and Norwegian Cruise Line

Discover Japan and Southeast Asia with Princess Cruises

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

Princess Cruises is expanding its presence in Asia with the launch of its 2027 and 2028 Japan and Southeast Asia program, now open for reservations with a wide range of itineraries and limited time savings.

This new season features up to $800 in instant savings per stateroom, along with Captain’s Circle savings of up to $200 per stateroom and complimentary stateroom upgrades on select sailings.

The program includes dozens of departures from Tokyo, with both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Japan, making it easier to explore the region. Guests can choose from 7 to 28-day voyages visiting 55 destinations across nine countries.

Highlights include visits to iconic landmarks such as Mount Fuji, Himeji Castle, Halong Bay, and Ayutthaya, along with opportunities to experience seasonal moments like cherry blossom season and Japan’s vibrant fall colours. Some itineraries also feature special cultural events, including the Osaka Bon Odori festival.

On board Diamond Princess, guests can enjoy a distinctly Japanese-inspired experience, including authentic dining, traditional Izumi baths, and regional entertainment, while Sapphire Princess offers Princess’ signature dining and amenities after days spent exploring ashore.

With one of Princess Cruises’ most expansive Asia seasons ever, this program offers a compelling way to experience Japan and Southeast Asia in one seamless journey.

Sail Solo and Save with Virgin Voyages Reduced Single Supplement

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

Solo travel continues to grow in popularity, and Virgin Voyages is making it easier to experience an adults-only cruise without paying the usual high single supplement.

On select sailings, solo travellers booking a Sea Terrace cabin can save significantly, with the second fare reduced by up to 70%. Instead of paying the full price typically required for a double occupancy stateroom, this offer allows Solo Sailors to enjoy meaningful savings while still getting the full Virgin Voyages experience.

That means more room in your budget for the fun parts of the trip. Think Shore Things excursions, spa treatments, onboard dining experiences, or even Virgin’s popular pub crawls.

Virgin Voyages has become a strong option for solo travellers thanks to its social atmosphere, modern ship design, and adults-only environment, making it easy to meet people or enjoy the journey at your own pace.

If you have been considering a solo cruise, this offer makes it a great time to try it.

Discover Solo River Cruising with AmaWaterways

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

Solo travel should feel exciting, not complicated. AmaWaterways has created an environment where travelling independently feels natural, comfortable and rewarding from the moment you step on board.

Solo travellers are welcomed with thoughtful touches such as guided ship tours designed specifically to help you get familiar with the ship and meet fellow guests early in the journey. It is a simple way to start the experience feeling confident and at ease.

Social opportunities are always available but never forced. Invitations to cocktail gatherings or the Captain’s Table provide relaxed ways to connect with others, while still allowing you to enjoy time on your own whenever you choose.

On shore, smaller excursion groups make it easier to interact with local guides and fellow travellers, creating a more personal experience while exploring each destination. On board, dining is designed to feel comfortable as well, with select tables arranged to encourage easy conversation without feeling overwhelming.

For solo travellers looking for a river cruise that balances independence with connection, AmaWaterways continues to make the experience feel effortless.

Riviera Travel Europe Sale Up to 50% Off Sailings

simratgill@travelonly.com (Simrat Gill) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

If Europe is on your list, Riviera Travel is making it easier to plan with one of its strongest offers of the season.

Travellers can save up to 50% on select sailings, along with up to $1,500 in hotel and airfare credits, making it a great opportunity to turn a European river cruise into a more complete vacation experience.

To add even more value, select departures also include a complimentary all-inclusive drinks package, allowing you to enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails throughout your journey while taking in Europe’s iconic scenery.

From vineyard-lined waterways to historic cities and charming towns, Riviera Travel river cruises focus on immersive destinations, comfortable ships, and thoughtfully designed itineraries that balance guided experiences with free time.

For travellers considering Europe, this is a strong opportunity to combine meaningful savings with a well-curated river cruise experience.

River to Ocean Onboard a Single Ship: Windstar’s New Way to Cruise

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

If you love river cruising and you love ocean cruising… then there’s a new cruise style on the horizon for you. Beginning December 2026, Windstar’s newest ship, Star Explorer, will offer new river-to-ocean cruises combining the best of both experiences.

No changing ships. Your floating boutique hotel seamlessly transitions from a river cruise to an ocean voyage, and your trip continues from an intimate river experience into equally compelling coastlines.

Purpose-built for river-to-ocean travel, the 224-guest, all-suite yacht can navigate waterways that are too small for larger ocean ships and reach coastal destinations that traditional river vessels can’t access.

Even if you’ve already sailed aboard the world’s iconic rivers, this new way of cruising offers the next frontier. Think cultural connections, the opportunity to immerse yourself in less-traveled ports, and authentic maritime exploration.

Where Does Star Explorer Sail on Her River-to-Ocean Voyages?

Star Explorer’s 2027 itineraries showcase exactly what makes this concept so appealing: sailings that bring guests into city centers by river, then continue on to coastlines, islands, and unexpected ports beyond.

Impressionist France (10 nights) – Ideal for Seine veterans ready to go further, this trip from Bordeaux to London / HMS Belfast pairs the Seine and the Thames with overnights in Bordeaux, St. Malo, and Paris/Rouen, plus access to the D-Day beaches.
Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal (8 nights) – Perfect for travelers who have sailed the Rhône and are ready to expand their wine-focused journeys, this voyage extends from France into Spain and Portugal, pairing Bordeaux’s Garonne and Gironde rivers with culinary discoveries along the Spanish coast and time in Portugal’s Douro region.
Moroccan Markets & Iberian Icons (8 nights) –Journey into Seville via the Guadalquivir, continuing on to a broader mix of Iberian and Moroccan destinations.
Ireland Circumnavigation (10 nights) – Craving wild and dramatic landscapes? This sailing includes a call at Cork City Quay on the River Lee, then continues along Ireland’s rugged coastline of cliffs and castles.

Other River-Meets-Ocean Inspired Windstar Cruises

Beyond Star Explorer, Windstar offers travelers more ways to experience small-ship cruising across Europe and beyond.
French Feast: Normandy, Brittany & Aquitaine – A natural extension for Seine cruisers, this culinary-focused itinerary blends Bordeaux and Rouen/Paris with nearby coastal regions.
British Isles Medley This sailing from Paris/Rouen to Leith includes small-ship-only ports like Swansea and Fort William.
Quick Getaways: St. Malo Getaway A natural add-on for Thames and Seine cruisers, this round-trip from London / HMS Belfast includes visits to St. Malo and Brittany.
Quick Getaways: Belgium: A Sweet Getaway River cruisers seeking a shorter escape will love this 3-day trip that combines London and Antwerp via the Scheldt, offering Belgian charm, historic streets, and culinary pleasures.
Ancient Wonders of Vietnam & Angkor Wat Ideal for Mekong cruisers interested in a new Southeast Asia option, this journey sails through Halong Bay and along the Saigon River into Ho Chi Minh City, then continues to Bangkok via the Chao Phraya River, with inland stops like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh.

Growing Windstar Fleet

Star Explorer will be the 8^th yacht-sized ship in the Windstar fleet. Over four decades, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of four Star Class all-suite vessels and three Wind Class sailing yachts, accommodating 150-350 guests. In addition to the arrival of Star Explorer, Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises Offers All-Inclusive Upgrade on Worldwide Voyages

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

For a limited time only, get free Wi-Fi, gratuities, and beverages on global Windstar sailings through June 2027. Book by June 30, 2026, for this can’t-miss offer on a wide range of itineraries, from winter sailings in the Mediterranean to far-reaching journeys in Tahiti and Alaska.

Windstar Offer Details:

Get a value of more than USD 1,300 on a seven-day voyage for two guests with these complimentary inclusions:

Wi-Fi,
gratuities and
select unlimited cocktails, wine by the glass, and beer.

It’s a value of up to USD 1300 on a 7-day voyage for 2 guests.

Why Cruise the Windstar Way?

With yachts carrying just 148 to 342 guests, Windstar feels closer to a private yacht than a traditional cruise, with access to smaller ports, city centers, and hidden harbors that larger ships cannot reach.

That access translates into more time in port, more flexibility, and a more personalized connection to each destination. Guests might find themselves paddleboarding straight from the yacht’s Marina, joining a market visit with a local chef, or staying late in port with an evening ashore.

As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar also brings on board food and wine experiences that reflect the destinations guests are exploring. It is a style of travel built around going beyond the crowds, beyond the guidebook, and beyond the expected.

Where Does Windstar Sail?

With voyages spanning multiple continents and a range of travel styles, the All-Inclusive offer is designed to appeal to both first-time Windstar guests and returning travelers. The promotion applies across all regions in Windstar’s global portfolio within the travel window, with a small number of exclusions including select specialty sailings such as the Grand Prix, Eclipse, and Mystery cruises.

This offer includes regions and itineraries, including:

Europe and the Mediterranean (Year-Round): Windstar continues to expand its presence in Europe, including the debut of Star Explorer launching in December 2026. Alongside peak-season sailings, winter itineraries offer a quieter, more local perspective on iconic destinations. Voyages like Europe’s Winter Riviera (with extended stays in Nice, Florence, and Barcelona) and Southern Spain Winter Escapes (which pairs Andalusian culture with food-focused experiences) invite guests to experience the region without the crowds. Across the Mediterranean, Windstar combines headline destinations with smaller ports often missed on larger ships, creating a more enjoyable way to experience one of the world’s most traveled regions. Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia weaves together vineyard-covered hillsides and secluded harbors, while Treasures of Southern Spain & Morocco pairs Spanish coastal cities with time in Tangier’s medina.
South Pacific: Year-round voyages in French Polynesia highlight Windstar’s long-standing presence in Tahiti and the broader region. With its small ships, guests can go deeper on voyages like Maori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures (which includes the Cook Islands and extended time in Raiatea and Bora Bora) and Far Flung French Polynesia & Marquesas Magic (which reaches the remote Marquesas).
Greece: Windstar’s Greek itineraries include well-known sites and smaller ports with a more local perspective, plus time in neighboring destinations. Postcards from Northern Greece highlights lesser-visited destinations across Greece and western Turkey, while Enchanting Greece & the Amalfi Coast combines Windstar-favorite stops (Monemvasia, Gythion) with Pompeii and Taormina in Italy.
Canary Islands: Windstar’s small ships bring a different perspective to the Canary Islands, with access to smaller ports and a more relaxed pace across the archipelago. On sailings like Colorful Canary Islands, guests have time to explore each island beyond the usual stops.
Alaska: Windstar’s small ships offer closer access to glaciers, wildlife, and remote wilderness areas. Itineraries like Scenic Alaska and Alaskan Splendors bring guests face-to-face with dramatic landscapes, from glacier-carved fjords to coastal forests, with opportunities to experience local seafood and regional traditions along the way.

ASK US TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT WINDSTAR CRUISE

AND ENJOY THESE LIMITED-TIME INCLUSIONS!

More About Windstar Cruises:        

For four decades, Windstar Cruises has been reimagining small-ship cruising. From its origins with motor sailing yachts, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of four Star Class all-suite yachts—including its newest addition of Star Seeker in December 2025—and three Wind Class sailing yachts, offering voyages that are both intimate and inspiring. Its highly anticipated yacht, Star Explorer, is set to debut in December 2026, expanding the fleet to eight yachts accommodating 150-350 guests. Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a meticulous two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027.

Windstar yachts sail to more than 330 ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, the South Pacific, and Asia. Unlike most cruise lines, Windstar sails year-round in the Mediterranean and Tahiti, offering different destination experiences seasonally. Each Windstar voyage is designed to immerse guests in authentic cultural experiences, all while delivering the comfort, service, and style that define the Windstar difference. 

Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy spanning over a hundred years. Xanterra operates iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Death Valley. The Xanterra Travel Collection is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group. 

*** Images courtesy of Windstar

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Kensington Tours, Ancestry.com’s Private Personal Heritage Journeys Connect Travelers to their Roots

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 17 Apr 26 18:12:50 +0000

Searching for your family heritage in the lands where your ancestors came from?

Kensington Tours launched Personal Heritage Journeys in partnership with Ancestry.com in 2021 as a way to provide the most personal, in-depth, and privately guided exploration of a traveler’s family roots built on DNA insights and professional genealogical research.

Each experience pairs one of Kensington's local Destination Experts with a genealogist from AncestryProGenealogists to uncover detailed family history and guide you and your family to the towns, regions, and historical sites directly connected to your ancestry. It may be the best multi-generational family trip ever.

By integrating the Ancestry genealogist's comprehensive analysis of each distinct family history, the Destination Expert designs a custom itinerary centered around the most significant sites and events from that history. The trip is designed with the traveler's objectives as the foremost consideration and is led exclusively by local private guides who are specialists in the area's history and culture. Moreover, for an enhanced and more insightful journey, an on-site Genealogist can also join the trip, providing a deeper understanding and a more meaningful and engaging experience.

WHERE CAN KENSINGTON TOURS' ANCESTRY TRAVEL TAKE US?

While each trip is customized, the itineraries Kensington Tours has developed have a general and cultural appeal, combined with more historical elements, and are tied together by a story of emigration. Any or all of these locales and experiences can be customized, as can the hotels, length of stay in each locale, and types of touring. You can add an on-site genealogist to any of the days and include any sites or locales that are relevant to anyone’s family story.

Kensington Tours has continued to expand the locations, with several thought-starter itineraries to places from Ireland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Japan, Ghana, and New York, but you can get us to help you curate a trip to just about anywhere.

ASK US TO HELP YOU DESIGN THE FAMILY HERITAGE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

Northern Italy Heritage Journey – 11 days
- Florence, Rome, Benevello, Verbania
Tracing Irish Ancestry: A Heritage Journey – 10 days
- Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Newmarket on Fergus
Door of No Return Ancestral Journey to Ghana – 11 days from USD 13, 750
- Accra, Elmina, Kumasi
New York City: Immigration & Heritage – 6 days from USD 11,634
Heritage Journey: American Airfields in England – 9 days
- London, Cambridge, Canterbury, journeying through England’s WWII history

*** Image: Getty

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Jamaica Asking Visitors to Return as Island Reopens Following Hurricane Melissa

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

Visitors are crucial to local communities as they recover following October’s Hurricane Melissa, the strongest ever recorded storm to hit the country, with devastating results. The focus now is rebuilding Jamaica’s tourism-based economy and getting people back to work.

That’s where we come in.

Jamaica is back open for business this winter. So you can plan a tropical, Caribbean escape to the island just when you need it most - and Jamaica needs us most.

Maybe even give the gift of travel this holiday season, with double the happiness quotient: for your loved ones, and for the people of Jamaica.

In early December 2025, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism provided an update on the country’s recovery:

Jamaica’s 3 international airports have returned to over 85% of pre-Melissa capacity, ready for the winter season.
And 70% of Jamaica’s hotel rooms will be back in operation by January, after intensive repairs and renovations.

Sandals Resorts International, founded in Jamaica, and one of the biggest resort companies in the country, released its own update, with good news for fans of Sandals’ and Beaches’ all-inclusive resort experiences for couples and families.

In a major step forward for Jamaica’s recovery, Sandals reopened five of its Jamaica properties on December 6, 2025.

Sandals Dunn's River,
Sandals Royal Plantation,
Sandals Ochi,
Sandals Negril and
Beaches Negril are all welcoming guests back to Jamaica's famed north coast.

Sandals Resorts International’s Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart, noted that not only are flights returning from around the world to Jamaica, but also that “Tours and attractions, including the iconic Dunn's River Falls, Negril's famed Seven Mile Beach and Mystic Mountain for fans of Jamaican bobsledding, are all ready and waiting for you."

To reassure travelers that they are ready for guests, the company hosted hundreds of travel advisors and industry partners at Sandals Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, since, as Stewart says, "Seeing is believing." said Stewart. "And nothing beats the real thing, putting your toes in the sand, tasting the food, feeling the sunshine on your face. Only a genuine experience can offer confidence like that."

Family-run in Jamaica in 1981, Sandals Resorts has deep roots in its home country, where Stewart celebrated the opening of these hotels. "Our guests love this island, and when they come back, they'll feel that same magic the moment they arrive. Jamaica is ready to welcome them home."

Reports say that other Sandals properties in Jamaica, including

Sandals Montego Bay,
Sandals Royal Caribbean, and
Sandals South Coast are expected to open in Spring 2026.

Sandals Foundation’s Role in Jamaican Recovery

Following Hurricane Melissa, the company’s Sandals Foundation led extensive relief efforts in Jamaica, distributing essential supplies (water, food, hygiene kits, building materials) to communities, supporting hospitals and assisting with medical evacuations, providing community aid including setting up kitchen hubs for hot meals, helping fishing communities and supporting mental health initiatives, while also undertaking long-term projects for environmental restoration (like coral reefs) and community rebuilding.

More About Sandals and Beaches Resorts

Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation experience in the region, Sandals has 17 beachfront all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, Curaçao, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, each reflecting the genuine vibe of its island home. From local food favorites and global flavors to butler service and signature suites, including the Caribbean's first Overwater Villas, Sandals makes it easy for guests to go all in on vacation mode. Beyond the resort gates, immersive destination experiences, like a newly piloted Island Inclusive dining program and MINI Coopers for island exploration, raise the bar on the all-inclusive vacation.

Beaches Resorts is the Caribbean playground where families can live their best island life. With all-inclusive family resorts in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, and soon-to-come locations in Barbados and The Bahamas, Beaches offers fun-forward family all-inclusive vacations - from a dynamic selection of restaurants and vibrant food trucks to all-you-can-enjoy water sports, live shows and epic water parks. Kids discover magic with Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street®, Kids Camps, and hangouts for teens, while parents enjoy peace of mind with certified nannies, engaging programming and multi-bedroom villas perfect for bringing generations together. As an Advanced Certified Autism Center (CAC) through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), Beaches staff are specially trained to understand and cater to the unique needs of neurodivergent guests, so that every member of the family finds joy, connection, and memories made to last a lifetime.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image of Sandals Dunn’s River courtesy of Sandals Resorts International

Swap Stress for Serenity this Season with Locally-Inspired Wellness Escapes in Latin America

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

Marriott hotels and resorts are inviting you to escape and unwind in the Caribbean and Latin America through personalized treatments, healing rituals, therapies using natural ingredients, immersive sensory experiences, and holistic lifestyle activities that help you balance body, mind, and spirit.

Reset, rejuvenate, and relax in coveted destinations, relying on modern wellness experts who also tap into local, regional and sometimes ancient practices you can’t experience anywhere else.

COSTA RICA

At W Costa Rica in Guanacaste, nature-lovers can practice shinrin-yoku, the Japanese art of "forest bathing." This mindful walk through a natural setting invites participants to breathe deeply and connect with the surrounding landscape. According to ancient traditions, embracing trees—believed to hold vibrational energy- can help balance emotions and revitalize the body, thanks to the trees' phytoncides and deep-rooted connection to Mother Earth. Studies have shown that the practice reduces stress and reawakens the senses.

At The Mangroove, Autograph Collection, a beachfront hotel in Guanacaste, enjoy a wide range of holistic treatments suited to every traveler—from multi-instrument sound journeys to detoxifying coffee massages—all surrounded by the country's stunning mangroves. For a revitalizing experience, the property offers a sound therapy session featuring Tibetan singing bowls, whose powerful vibrations are known to restore emotional and spiritual balance, a deeply healing experience for both body and mind.

A perfect complement is the Juanilama Flower Massage, featuring a sacred plant in Chorotega cosmology long valued for its calming properties and exquisite aroma. Traditionally used to soothe pain, inflammation, and digestive ailments, the essence of Juanilama envelops the body in tranquility while the ocean views invite the soul to drift peacefully.

Experience a seashell massage inspired by the ocean's natural abundance at The Westin Reserva Conchal on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. This exclusive Heavenly Spa treatment is designed to balance the body and revitalize the spirit. The ritual combines the soothing warmth of sand-filled seashells with the nourishing benefits of organic coconut oil. As the gentle heat relaxes deep muscles, the oil hydrates the skin and awakens the senses, creating an exquisite experience that restores both body and mind.

At the Spa at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, on the Papagayo Peninsula, you are invited to reconnect with Costa Rica's natural rhythms through the ancestral wisdom of the Nicoya people, known for their longevity and holistic approach to life. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Spa offers an elevated experience in every sense. Inspired by ancient healing traditions and the power of local botanicals, the exclusive Ritual Sagrado treatment invites guests to transcend the physical realm, awaken their inner light, and return to the roots of simple yet colorful living, creating space to be fully present and self-aware. This deep massage harmonizes body and mind, revitalizing every system through the skilled touch of expert therapists.

COLOMBIA

Surrounded by nature, The Brown, Autograph Collection in Guatapé, around an hour and a half's drive from Medellín, offers a range of wellness experiences, including outdoor yoga sessions, energy awakening classes, sound bathing, and relaxing massages that leave you feeling completely renewed. It is the ideal destination to reconnect with your body, mind, and the serenity of Guatapé's natural landscape.

Coffee lovers will find their bliss at W Bogota, where the AWAY Spa offers a coffee-inspired ritual featuring San Alberto coffee. The treatment is a coffee experience from start to finish, where guests are first delighted with a welcoming coffee syrup, followed by ground coffee for a body exfoliation, and finally, experience the flavor of San Alberto coffee.

PERU

At JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, experience an ancestral ritual inspired by the Inca era. This exclusive treatment uses traditional medicinal plants such as muña, eucalyptus, and other Andean herbs renowned for their healing properties. Combined with natural oxygen therapy, the massage helps alleviate the effects of high altitude, promotes acclimatization, and restores balance between body and mind. Miskychayamuy is the perfect way to welcome Cusco—a soothing experience that harmonizes, revitalizes, and prepares the body to fully embrace the energy of the Andes.

Hidden among Inca stone walls and colonial balconies in Cusco, Andes Spirit Spa, located at the Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection hotel, is a sanctuary of ancient wisdom. Its Andean therapies—such as Samay Inka, Fango del Inka, and Renewal in the Andes—draw from ancestral ingredients like quinoa, coca, muña, and sacred clays from the highlands, combined with energetic rituals and the mystical traditions of the Peruvian Andes. Its signature session, the Andes Spirit Spa Experience, is a three-hour ritual blending exfoliations, body wraps, and massages inspired by Inca practices, offering deep renewal that honors the sacred elements of Pachamama. Combined with a water circuit and thermal loungers, the journey creates a perfect alchemy of earth, water, fire, and air—a way to connect with the Apus and the healing vibrations of this energetic center of the earth. Among its Luxury Therapies, standout treatment Destellos de Oro is inspired by Inca treasures and features a 24k gold body wrap.

Meanwhile, in Urubamba, Peru, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort, is home to Kallpa Spa, considered one of the country's finest. Enjoy a thermal circuit, underwater beds, a couple's suite witha jacuzzi, and relaxation rooms under a starlit ceiling, all designed to ease muscle tension and activate the body. It is also the only hotel in the region boasting an authentic Andean forest within its grounds.

START YOUR WELLNESS TRIP!

Images courtesy of Marriott International

Top image: Westin Reserva Conchal

Celebrating the Night: Seabourn’s ‘Noctourism’ Experiences

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

During the shortest days and longest nights of the year, ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn is shining a spotlight on ways it gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the primal allure of the night, as part of the growing ‘noctourism’ trend of exploring destinations after dark and connecting with destinations in new and meaningful ways.

Select sailings feature experiences from stargazing and late-night wildlife encounters to cultural and indigenous performances and private evening events under the stars. Whether ashore or on deck, guests are invited to embrace the wonder, stillness, and energy that emerge when the sun goes down.

SHORE

Evening at Ephesus

One of Seabourn’s most treasured signature events in the Eastern Mediterranean, An Evening at Ephesus (pictured, below) transports guests into history. As twilight falls, the ancient Odeon theater is illuminated for an exclusive concert under the stars. Guests sip wine, enjoy canapés, and listen as classical music fills the ruins of one of the world’s great archaeological treasures — a private night available only to Seabourn guests.

Expedition Experience: Baining Fire Dance (pictured, top)

In the shadow of the Baining Mountains in Papua New Guinea, guests experience this extraordinary sacred dance usually reserved for precious life’s milestones. Adorned in ornate, outsized masks, dancers leap across flames to the sound of chanting and drumbeats that reverberate across the island and through you.

Evening at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – Hobart, Tasmania

As dusk descends in Tasmania, Bonorong Sanctuary awakens. Guests will encounter the island’s remarkable nocturnal life, including Tasmanian devils, quolls, wombats, and friendly, free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies. With the setting sun, the sanctuary comes alive with energy and sound, offering an intimate, after-dark experience found only in this extraordinary corner of the world.

Manta Ray Magic: A Nighttime Snorkeling Adventure – Kona, Hawaii

Under a canopy of stars, sail along Hawaii’s glowing coastline before slipping into the waters of Kona’s famous Manta Ray Village. Illuminated by soft light, graceful manta rays glide effortlessly around guests, creating a breathtaking nocturnal encounter found nowhere else on earth.

Hong Kong Nightlife by Tram

Guests can embark on a scenic evening adventure through Hong Kong, beginning with a ride to Victoria Peak aboard the historic Peak Tram for sweeping nighttime views of the illuminated city and harbor. Then, hop on a classic double-decker tram for a leisurely tour of Hong Kong Island’s vibrant nightlife before returning to the pier.

SHIPBOARD

Stargazing at Sea: Kimberley, Australia, South Pacific & Beyond

Clear skies and minimal light pollution in the Kimberley region and South Pacific and beyond make nightly stargazing a can’t-miss experience for guests bound for remote destinations with Seabourn. Stretch out on deck, relax on your private veranda or take part in guided stargazing sessions with Seabourn’s Expedition Team, who share insights into the constellations and celestial navigation, enhanced by the complimentary Swarovski Optik binoculars available on every suite on the expedition ships.

Northern Lights: Alaska, Greenland & Arctic

Explorations of Alaska, Greenland and the Arctic may provide the opportunity to see the natural phenomenon of Northern Lights, with itineraries offering wake-up calls to maximize viewing opportunities if the lights make an appearance.

Guests can bundle up and head out on deck or enjoy panoramic views indoors at the Constellation Lounge, the highest vantage point on Seabourn’s expedition ships, or at the Observation Bar on the rest of the fleet. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls wrap around the space, offering stunning 270-degree, outward-facing views as far as eyes can see.

DINING UNDER THE STARS ONBOARD

Across the fleet, Seabourn’s signature open-air venues transform at night, offering globally inspired menus, atmospheric settings, and warm ocean breezes to allow you to savor the night:

Select itineraries offer “Dinner Under the Stars” at The Retreat on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation, featuring an intimate, private setting with cabana seating, live music, and elegant table service under the night sky.
Earth & Ocean, the beloved poolside eatery, becomes a refined al fresco destination where guests dine beneath the stars, savoring inventive dishes infused with international flair.
Solis: Seabourn’s new fine dining restaurant invites guests to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying ocean views in an elegant open-air setting.
In-Suite Dining: As the sun sets, Seabourn’s culinary experience extends to the suite, where guests may enjoy a full dinner from The Restaurant, served course by course in the comfort of your suite or private veranda for an intimate evening under the stars.

More About Seabourn:

Seabourn’s six modern ships represent the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition ships. Complimentary Signature Events include Marina Day, Caviar in the Surf, Evening at Ephesus, Shopping with the Chef, Caviar on the Ice, Polar Plunge, and more

Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports, including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Seabourn.

Christmas Quirk: Global Holiday Traditions Worth Traveling For

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

Christmas has traveled around the world – and along the way, it’s picked up local flavors, traditions and folklore. You may have traveled to sip gluhwein at Germany’s Christmas markets, attend midnight Mass at the Vatican, or even been to Bethlehem at Christmas, but you haven’t really experienced Christmas as a global phenomenon until you’ve explored some of the twists and turns the holiday has taken as it's traveled far and wide.

There may be no place like home for the holidays, but traditions like these inspire us to find new ways - and new places - to celebrate the festive season.

Spain’s Pooping Christmas Log (pictured, top)

In Catalonia, Spain, children nurture a wooden log — complete with a painted face and jaunty hat — by feeding it sweets in early December. On Christmas Eve, they beat the log with sticks while singing songs, encouraging it to “poop” presents. Yes, really. And the parents encourage this! It’s bizarre, joyful, and somehow heartwarming, proving that festive magic comes in all forms.

Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads

Forget one jolly man in a red suit — Iceland’s folklore describes 13 mischievous trolls who show up one by one in the days before Christmas. Their names say it all: Spoon-Licker, Door-Slammer, Sausage-Swiper. They leave small gifts in children’s shoes, provided the kids behave on an island believed to be home to countless trolls and elves or “Hidden People” inhabiting the rocks and hills of the Land of Fire and Ice.

Czech Republic’s Christmas Shoe Toss

In the Czech Republic, single women have a delightfully old-fashioned way to predict their romantic future for the coming year. On Christmas Eve, they stand with their backs to the door and toss a shoe over their shoulder. If the toe points toward the door when it lands, wedding bells might be on the horizon. If not… well, there’s always next Christmas. It’s more fun than swiping left!

Japan’s ‘Christmas Cake’ and KFC

Yes, that KFC. Thanks to a 1970s marketing campaign, “Kentucky for Christmas” has become a national ritual. Families order buckets weeks in advance. It’s quirky in a way that only Japanese pop culture can be. And they serve it up with another Japanese staple: ‘Christmas cake,’ a layered sponge cake filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. In North America, that’s a summer favorite, but in Japan, its festive red and white (also colors of the Japanese flag) make it part of the Japanese adaptation of Western Christmas.

South Africa’s Christmas Worm

Christmas KFC is nothing compared to South Africa’s holiday protein twist. In some places, fried Mopane worms (really, large caterpillars) are considered a festive delicacy. They’re often dried and then crisped up with spices, creating a surprisingly savory, almost nutty holiday snack. It’s a tradition rooted in Indigenous culinary heritage, and a new flavor for you to try for the holidays, if you dare. Would cranberry sauce help them go down?

Portugal’s Festive Feast with the Departed

In parts of rural Portugal, families set an extra place at the Christmas table for loved ones who have passed away. Bread or small treats are often left out overnight, in the belief that welcoming the departed brings good fortune for the year ahead. It’s a custom that emphasizes family across the generations during one of the most family-focused holy days of the year.

Australia’s Beach Barbecues

When it’s 30°C and sunny on December 25, the festive season shifts outdoors. Across Australia, families head to the beach for prawns, cold drinks, and sand-between-the-toes celebrations. Santa might show up on a surfboard. And nobody bats an eye. It’s Christmas… Down Under.

Wherever you travel or gather this holiday season, Christmas proves one delightful truth: the world and its cultures may be vast, but we all love to get together to celebrate.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Images: Getty

Regent Launches Epicurean Enrichment Studios; Part of Multi-Million Dollar Refurbishment

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

The immersive, state-of-the-art culinary theaters feature the ‘Epicurean Passport Series,’ chef-hosted dining, and destination-inspired shore excursions. Epicurean Enrichment Studios debuts in spring 2026 exclusively on board 2 of the ultra-luxury cruise line’s fleet of ships: Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager.

The Epicurean Enrichment Studio was inspired by the phenomenal success of the Culinary Arts Kitchen on board Regent’s newer, Explorer-class ships: Seven Seas Explorer, Grandeur, and Splendor. The Epicurean Enrichment Studios are part of thoughtful and extensive, multi-million-dollar refurbishments for Mariner and Voyager.

Foodies will love the inspiring culinary experiences that connect them to destinations through flavor, history, and storytelling, from mastering the art of spice blending in India to savoring premium Mediterranean olive oils.

Embark on a series of enriching experiences designed to deepen your appreciation for global cuisine and cultural traditions.

The experience on board Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager will begin each cruise with an open-house, sparkling wine reception, where guests may meet the resident chefs and sign up for programs and events around the following 5 pillars of the Epicurean Enrichment Studio.

The 5 Pillars of the Epicurean Enrichment Studio: Ship and Shore

Epicurean Passport Series
The cornerstone of the Epicurean Enrichment Studio program is the Epicurean Passport Series, which features destination-focused, immersive lectures focusing on a region’s culinary history, signature ingredients, and recipes. Participants will also receive a keepsake passport stamped upon completing each culinary region, along with illustrated recipe handouts. The program offers exclusive culinary experiences across more than 20 distinct culinary regions, including Polynesia, Southeast Asia, Iberia, India, and Patagonia, ensuring that every destination becomes an opportunity for gastronomic discovery.
Chef’s Circle
Available exclusively to Epicurean Passport Series participants, this dynamic programming varies by region and chef instructor, ensuring fresh and relevant experiences throughout each voyage, with epicurean trivia competitions, author-led book readings and signings, expert mixology classes, culinary film screenings, and captivating storytelling sessions.
Chef’s Table
The Chef’s Table program is made up of 2 elements: intimate small-group culinary lectures and cooking demonstrations led by Regent's chefs. The culinary lectures will cover sophisticated topics such as Olive Oils 101 or Spices of the World, allowing for direct Q&A. The casual and convivial cooking demonstration by the chef will be reflective of regional cuisine, for example, paella in Spain, biryani in India or Scandinavian Gravlax, offering a memorable and interactive culinary experience.
Chef-Led Epicurean Enrichment Tours

With this carefully curated collection of over 70 culinary shore excursions, guests join Regent chefs in exploring destination highlights such as vibrant local markets, prestigious vineyards, and authentic kitchens, with optional post-tour recaps conducted in the Epicurean Enrichment Studio to expand upon the day's discoveries.
Chef-Hosted Dining

Invitational-only dinners, seating no more than eight guests, with Regent’s culinary team in the ultra-luxury cruise line’s exquisite specialty restaurants. Each evening begins with a cocktail hour and culinary insights into the different cuisine served on board.

More About Regent Seven Seas Cruises 

Carrying between 496 and no more than 822 guests, the line’s perfectly sized ships - Seven Seas Explorer, Grandeur, Mariner, Navigator, Splendor, Voyager, and Prestige, which is scheduled to be delivered in 2026 - form “The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet.” Offering immersive exploration in more than 550 destinations across seven continents, guests travel the world in luxurious space featuring sumptuous all-suite accommodations, nearly all with private balconies, which are among the largest at sea. Regent’s heartfelt personalized service can be found throughout lavish public areas and expansive outdoor spaces, or while savoring incomparable culinary experiences in a range of specialty restaurants and al-fresco dining venues.

Guests cruise in all-inclusive luxury, with amenities such as unlimited shore excursions, exquisite cuisine, beverages including fine wines and spirits, entertainment, Starlink Wi-Fi, free valet laundry, gratuities, a one-night, pre-cruise hotel package for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher, and more. In addition, Regent’s Ultimate All-Inclusive Fares include round-trip flights with the flexibility to choose desired air class, transfers between airport and ship, and exclusive Blacklane private executive chauffeur service for guests to personalize their journeys.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Cuisine to Caftans: Latest Cultural Heritage of Humanity Listings Inspire Travel

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

For the first time, a country’s entire cuisine has been recognized as part of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage” of humanity. It was an astonishing moment at the announcement of UNESCO’s 2025 listings that annually celebrate living cultural traditions – and highlight them for support to ensure they remain alive.

You may be most familiar with UNESCO World Heritage sites: famous monuments or natural wonders. But intangible cultural heritage designations are different. From foodways to festivals, music to fashion, endangered crafts to social customs, this annual recognition doesn’t just protect heritage; it celebrates the ways communities express identity, creativity, authenticity and continuity in a rapidly changing world.

2025’s New Intangible Cultural Heritage Listings

Announced in New Delhi in early December, the latest round of designations inspires us to explore and experience the heartbeat of cultures across all corners of the world.

Culinary Traditions

Italian Cuisine – Italy (pictured, top)

In the biggest headline of the listings, UNESCO has finally said what the world already knew: Italian cuisine is a global treasure and cultural masterpiece. It’s a historic first for any national cuisine.

The designation covers more than a set of recipes. It recognizes the everyday traditions behind Italian home cooking, including:

Communal meals: sharing food, nurturing family and social ties
Generational ties: with unique knowledge passed down in families and communities
Cultural identity: where cuisine and dining are symbols of Italian heritage and lifestyle

The next time you’re indulging in Italy, you can rest assured you are tasting identity, geography, and centuries of culinary artistry.

Koshary Food Culture – Egypt

Egypt’s ultimate comfort dish, koshary, is hearty, chaotic, and absolutely beloved. Layers of lentils, rice, pasta, spice, and crispy onions are everyday Egyptian life in a bowl.

Festivals & Social Practices

Deepavali (Diwali Festival of Lights) – India

A celebration that turns entire cities into constellations, Deepavali is India at its most luminous, literally. This festival stitches together family rituals, sweet-making marathons, sparkling markets, and the warm glow of a million oil lamps in a uniquely Indian blend of spirituality and spectacle.

Music & Dance Traditions

Compas / Konpa Music – Haiti

This Haitian heartbeat blends guitars, horns, and irresistible rhythms that make even the shyest listener sway. Compas isn’t just music—it’s movement, joy, and cultural pride wrapped into every note. Travelers will find it echoing from beach bars to late-night dance floors and welcome committees at cruise ports, inviting visitors to learn the steps and feel Haiti’s spirit in motion.

Textile, Fashion & Craftsmanship

Moroccan Caftan – Morocco

Rich fabrics, hand-stitched embroidery, and centuries-old artistry—Morocco’s caftan is wearable heritage. Whether shimmering in Marrakech’s souks or worn at celebrations, each caftan tells a story of generational craftsmanship. For travelers, exploring ateliers or watching artisans at work offers a beautifully intimate glimpse into Morocco’s cultural elegance.

Traditional Saree Weaving Art of Tangail – Bangladesh

Delicate, intricate, and endlessly expressive, Tangail sarees are woven poetry. Travelers exploring weaving villages will hear the rhythmic clack of looms long before they arrive—a soundscape of heritage. Each saree reflects community identity and craftsmanship, turning a simple length of fabric into living culture.

Traditional Crafts

Dong Ho Folk Painting Craft – Vietnam

These vibrant woodblock prints once decorated Vietnamese homes during the Lunar New Year, each image carrying symbolic good fortune. Today, fewer artisans remain, making this tradition especially precious and designated as a cultural practice that needs urgent protection. Travelers to Bac Ninh province can meet the remaining masters, watch pigments mixed from natural materials, and see how a centuries-old craft colors Vietnam’s cultural story.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Getty

Take Your Winter Vacation to New Levels of Luxury at Aman Resorts

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

Don’t just escape winter – discover vibrant city sanctuaries and tranquil island retreats with one-of-a-kind Aman hospitality. The collection of three dozen intimate, quietly ultra-luxury properties originated in Phuket, Thailand and now offer Aman’s unassuming, warm hospitality of a gracious private home at serene hotels, resorts and branded residences in 20 urban and remote destinations across the globe.

Re-define your winter vacation at one of these Aman destinations:

THE CARIBBEAN

A Tropical Escape to Amanera –Playa Grande, Dominican Republic

Enjoying a panoramic clifftop perch on the Dominican Republic’s pristine north coast beaches, Amanera offers a tropical winter sun escape. Guests have access to multiple activities, including surf lessons and golf academies. This season, a unique jungle breakfast experience is available, allowing guests to start the day surrounded by resplendent tropical flora and the chatter of more than 160 species of birds. Between January and March, humpback whales gather to breed in the waters around Samana Bay, a short journey along the coast from Amanera. A private whale-watching experience can be arranged, to meet these friendly giants.

White Sand Retreat at Amanyara –Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

On the white-sand shores of an 18,000-acre marine nature reserve, Amanyara (top and below) invites endless discovery above and below the sea. Snorkelling and diving excursions can be arranged to uncover the wonders of Northwest Point Marine National Park, while the spa and wellness facilities offer personalised wellness programmes for a truly restorative retreat. Boasting magnificent ocean views alongside multiple dining venues, the bar forms the convivial heart of Amanyara and is perfectly placed for sunset drinks.

AFRICA

Rest Under the Moroccan Sun in Amanjena –Marrakech, Morocco

After a four-month refurbishment, Amanjena reopened in October 2025 with a reimagined restaurant and a new two-storey fitness space, complete with a gym and yoga studio. With refreshed interiors and a new private pool villa room category, Amanjena presents the most complete offering in its history. With experiences ranging from exhilarating off-road adventures in the Agafay desert to hiking in the Atlas Mountains, now is the best time to experience this tranquil resort on the edge of Marrakech.

ASIA

A Wellness-Centred City Break at Aman Nai Lert Bangkok –Bangkok, Thailand

The newest urban sanctuary in Aman’s constellation, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, opened in April 2025. Set within the seven-acre green oasis of Nai Lert Park in Thailand’s capital, the 52-suite hotel is home to a 1,500-square-metre Aman Spa & Wellness centre, offering a truly rejuvenating escape amid one of the world’s most exciting and animated cities. Winter in the Northern Hemisphere is the ideal time of year to visit Bangkok, when temperatures stay mild and dry.

Island Escape at Amanpulo –Palawan, the Philippines

On the secluded Pamalican Island of the Cuyo Archipelago, Amanpulo makes for an ideal back-to-nature retreat. The floating bamboo Kawayan Bar is for the exclusive use of Amanpulo’s guests, inviting all-day lounging and one-of-a-kind picnics over the sea. Winter also promises ideal conditions for kite surfing, which can be organised at the resort’s own Kite Surf Centre from December to March.

For those looking for an indoor escape, the Aman Spa is hidden away on the island’s summit, offering an enriching selection of holistic wellness facilities and treatments. This Winter, the property will open a Pilates Reformer studio and a host of upgraded amenities, including a state-of-the-art weights and strength studio as well as a new cardio studio. Additional facilities include floodlit tennis courts, a multi-sport court, the Sea Sports Hut with a variety of water -sports equipment.

A Gateway to Nature at Amanwana – Moyo Island, Indonesia

Set within Moyo Satonda National Park, Amanwana’s tented camp on the shores of Moyo Island is an enchanting escape located in one of the world’s most pristine environments. A tropical paradise, this dynamic experience can be enjoyed throughout winter. Whether reef snorkelling with turtles or swimming with whale sharks in the Flores Sea, water-led adventures and wildlife encounters are never far away.

Amanwana also invites guests on a new journey inland, with an excursion to Matajitu Waterfall, where clear jungle pools offer a refreshing dip. Afterwards, Amanwana’s signature Floating Sound Bath awaits; a meditative ritual where calming tones from singing bowls and instruments foster a sense of profound relaxation while drifting on the water.

Beachside Adventures at Amanwella – Tangalle, Sri Lanka

On Sri Lanka’s south coast, Amanwella is embraced by a golden beach fringed with coconut palms. A year-round surfer’s paradise, the seaside resort in Tangalle boasts a range of breaks suitable for all levels. During the Northern Hemisphere’s winter in particular, the island nation calls to ocean lovers seeking adventure and restoration by the coast.

Elevated Coastal Sanctuary at Amanoi – Khanh Hoa, Vietnam

Claiming a spectacular stretch of Vietnam’s coastline, overlooking Vinh Hy Bay, Amanoi is perfectly placed for a wintertime sojourn. This year, the new Amanoi Ocean Pool Residence private villa opened for an unrivalled secluded private sanctuary. Set above a pristine stretch of golden sand, the 925 -square -metre villa can be configured as two or three bedrooms, arranged around expansive living areas, including a fully equipped kitchen, that blur the lines between inside and out. The villa is equipped with its own private spa house, which includes a double treatment room, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, lounge area and ice -bucket shower, offering guests the pinnacle of well living

Safari at Aman -i-Khás – Ranthambore, India

The domain of the majestic Bengal tiger, Ranthambore National Park, is starkly beautiful, its green and gold hues the perfect backdrop to Aman-i-Khás. Expanding the camp’s total to 14 pavilions, three new Grand Tented Pool Pavilions and a Tented Pool Pavilion will be added this winter. The new Pool Pavilions will offer the ultimate in luxury, tented living, seamlessly blending the freedom of their singular setting with Aman’s hallmarks of privacy and comfort. Each will feature a private sun deck and plunge pool, perfect for cooling afternoon dips or peaceful evenings under the stars.

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full date, availability and pricing details.

*** Images courtesy of Aman.

“Free at Sea Plus” Package Returns at Norwegian Cruise Line

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

Releasing its winter 2027/28 deployment, Norwegian Cruise Line has also announced the return of guest-favorite ‘Free at Sea Plus’ package - offering more unlimited amenities, including premium beverages, streaming Wi-Fi, Starbucks and more beginning this winter.

The Return of ‘Free at Sea’ Unlocks Premium Perks

Beginning with Sailings Departing from Feb. 1, 2026, you can opt in for Free at Sea Plus for Additional Unlimited Perks on Starbucks, Streaming Wi-Fi, Premium Drinks and More;
For even greater value and convenience.

Free at Sea Plus takes NCL's guest-favorite Free at Sea program to the next level, giving travelers even more ways to enjoy a seamless, stress-free cruise for USD $49.99 per person per day. This enhanced offering includes unlimited Starbucks beverages, unlimited streaming Wi-Fi, wine and champagne from NCL's signature collection, bottled water and 50% discount on any additional specialty dining cover charges.

Moreover, by opting for Free at Sea Plus, guests can also indulge in unlimited open bar at Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line's private island destination in the Bahamas. Combined with Free at Sea's existing inclusions -- specialty dining, unlimited open bar onboard the ship, high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, and shore excursion credits -- Free at Sea Plus means even fewer logistics to manage, total budget control and more time to relax.

Guests can now add Free at Sea Plus to sailings departing from Feb. 1, 2026, forward.

ASK US HOW!

New Season of Sailings Features:

Over 370 Voyages Across Nearly 50 Countries, Including Two Prima Class Ships in San Juan, Expanded Caribbean Adventures as well as Once-in-a-Lifetime Journeys in Asia, Australia and New Zealand;
Longer port stays, overnight calls, and award-winning onboard experiences;
Many Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries will visit NCL’s exclusive private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay, which will feature a new pier, an oversized heated pool, and the Great Tides Waterpark.
Spanning over 370 voyages, the new season of sailings promises sun-soaked escapes, culturally enriching adventures, and the ultimate freedom and flexibility to design a personalized vacation experience – onboard and ashore.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Welcome Two Award-Winning Prima Class Ships

For the first time in the cruise line's history, two of NCL's newest ships will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, offering week-long voyages to the Southern Caribbean, with each ship offering a distinct itinerary. From Nov. 13, 2027, through April 22, 2028, Norwegian Prima will feature Saturday turnarounds and seven-day itineraries calling to Road Town (Tortola), British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Complementing her sister ship's itineraries, Norwegian Viva will operate Sunday turnarounds from Nov. 14, 2027, through Jan. 23, 2028, with more south-bound seven-day voyages, including calls in Aruba and Curaçao, delivering vibrant cultural encounters and sun-soaked escapes.

Florida Homeports Set the Stage for Diverse Bahamas, Caribbean and Panama Canal Voyages

With seven ships departing from homeports across Florida, guests can choose from a variety of itineraries sailing to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Many of these itineraries include a stop at NCL's signature private destination in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. The island will boast exciting upgrades and enhancements such as a new pier, an oversized heated swimming pool and Great Tides Waterpark, creating an elevated island experience that blends relaxation with adventure.

From Miami, the "Cruise Capital of the World", Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Luna offer everything from short Bahamas getaways to extended Caribbean and Panama Canal voyages. Norwegian Joy will feature three- and four-day Bahamas escapes between November 2027 and April 2028, while Norwegian Jewel presents a mix of 10- and 11-day voyages to the Southern Caribbean and Panama Canal from November 2027 through January 2028. Norwegian Luna delivers seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from October 2027 through April 2028 with Great Stirrup Cay included on every itinerary.

Departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Fla., Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic provide even more options. Norwegian Aqua, one of NCL's newest ships, will operate seven-day Western Caribbean cruises departing every Sunday starting in October 2027 until April 2028, visiting the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mexico, and Great Stirrup Cay. Beginning November 2027 through March 2028, Norwegian Breakaway offers a mix of shorter four- and five-day Bahamas and Caribbean voyages, and Norwegian Epic sails seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries departing on Fridays.

On November 19, 2027, Norwegian Dawn will return to Jacksonville, Fla., and kick off her second season from JAXPORT. Through April 2028, the ship will sail four- and five-day Bahamas itineraries calling to Freeport, Nassau, as well as Great Stirrup Cay.

NCL Continues Year-Round Deployment from Philadelphia

After restarting cruise operations from the Port of Philadelphia in April 2026, NCL remains committed to the homeport with Norwegian Pearl sailing an exceptional selection of five- to 12-day itineraries to Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Eastern and Southern Caribbean from the SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex between October 2027 and April 2028. The ship's Bermuda voyages include overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard, while its Bahamas sailings feature calls at Jacksonville and Port Canaveral (Orlando), Fla.; Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Eastern Caribbean itineraries include visits to Road Town (Tortola), British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Longer, 11- and 12-day Southern Caribbean journeys will transport guests to stunning destinations such as Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Bridgetown, Barbados; and St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda.

Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway to Sail Western Caribbean Itineraries from Two Iconic Gulf Coast Cities

Between November 2027 and April 2028, two NCL ships will sail Western Caribbean voyages throughout the season, offering guests convenient departures from two iconic Gulf Coast cities. Norwegian Escape will homeport in Galveston, Texas, operating a full first season of seven-day itineraries departing every Saturday. Meanwhile, Norwegian Getaway will sail from New Orleans on Sundays, providing another flexible option for travelers. Both ships will visit some of the region's most sought-after destinations, including Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán (Islas de la Bahía), Honduras; and Harvest Caye, NCL's resort-style private destination off the Belizean coast, delivering a perfect blend of culture, adventure and relaxation.

Mexican Riviera Adventures from Los Angeles

Throughout the winter season, Norwegian Encore will sail seven-day round-trip Mexican Riviera voyages, visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. From October 2027 through April 2028, Norwegian Encore departs every Sunday from Los Angeles and will offer a plethora of activities catering to families, including a multi-level racetrack, Spice H2O adults-only lounge, and award-winning entertainment featuring live music and world-class shows.

Culturally Enriching Itineraries Across Japan and Southeast Asia

From October 2027 through April 2028, Norwegian Jade will offer nine- to 14-day itineraries departing from homeports across the region, including Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; Seoul (Incheon), South Korea; Hong Kong and Singapore, showcasing a new city nearly every day. With Japan ranking among the world's most sought-after destinations, guests can explore over 20 distinct ports, including Okinawa, Hakodate, Kagoshima and Akita, plus enjoy an overnight stay in Kobe with enough time to visit Kyoto's temples and dive into Osaka's nightlife. Select itineraries also feature an overnight in Hong Kong, blending iconic harbour views and a vibrant culture for guests to explore. In addition, six Southeast Asia sailings between Singapore and Hong Kong will visit tropical gems such as Ko Samui, Thailand; Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; and the pristine beaches of Coron and Puerto Princesa in the Philippines.

Norwegian Spirit Brings Extended Voyages and Overnight Stays to Australia and New Zealand

Norwegian Spirit will mark its fifth consecutive season in Australia and New Zealand between December 2027 through April 2028, reinforcing NCL's dedication to the region. Homeporting in Sydney, Auckland, New Zealand, and Singapore, guests can choose from itineraries spanning eight to 21 days, including NCL's debut in Esperance and overnight stays in Fremantle, Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia for deeper cultural and culinary immersion. Redesigned with a refined, adult-focused atmosphere, Norwegian Spirit offers contemporary staterooms, elevated dining and world-class entertainment - perfect for couples and seasoned travelers seeking an upscale escape.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Over the past 6 decades, Norwegian Cruise Line has revolutionized cruising by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. With award-winning entertainment, globally inspired dining and thoughtfully designed accommodations, including solo staterooms, Club Balcony Suites, and The Haven, the brand's exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, NCL, ensures every guest enjoys a seamless and personalized journey.

Norwegian’s signature Free at Sea package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar, specialty dining credits, high-speed Wi-Fi, shore excursions credits; and with select sailings, guests can enjoy free airfare as well as third and fourth guests sail free.

NCL’s fleet of 20 contemporary ships sails to nearly 350 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize.

***Terms & Conditions apply; ask for full itinerary, date and pricing details.

*** Images courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.

The Wide World of Sparkling Wine: How to Order Like a Local

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

If you’re the kind of traveler who believes every destination (in fact, every good moment in life!) becomes even better with a glass of something effervescent (excellent life choice), this guide is for you. Sparkling wine isn’t just a drink; it’s a cultural passport. The wine of celebration and occasion is produced in vineyards around the world, and depending on where you land, the name for those bubbles changes just enough to make you want to fit in like a local when you order it.

Here’s how to ask for your favorite bottle of bubbles around the world.

France: The Capital of the Popping Cork

In France, sparkling wine is woven into everyday life as the wine to drink as an aperitif before a meal, the little glass you have when you get together with friends, and of course, the beverage of celebration.

Don’t limit yourself to ordering Champagne, the sparkling wine produced exclusively in the region of Champagne. Peruse the wine list for sparkling wines made in other regions of France, which are called Crémant.

Feeling extra French? Lean in and request “des bulles” (literally “some bubbles”). Well, aren’t you charming?

Italy: Where Bubbles Are a Lifestyle

Although France lays claim to the mother of all sparkling wines in Champagne, Italy, too, lives for sparkling wine. Veneto’s Prosecco is the country’s proud ambassador of sparkling wine and moods. For something more refined, look for Franciacorta or Trentodoc.

But the Italian word you’ll hear everywhere? “Bollicine”, their delightful nickname for “little bubbles.”

United Kingdom: The Crown Jewels of Fizz

Believe it or not, England produces sparkling wine – some of the best in the world! In 2025, as the BBC reported in such a British way, “an English fizz became the first non-Champagne to be named the world's top sparkling wine.”

English sparkling wine is having a fabulous moment. So spread your wings a little in the UK and try the local bubbles instead of Champagne or prosecco. Take your cue from that BBC article and ask for a glass of “fizz.”

Spain: Fiesta in a Glass

Head to Barcelona or San Sebastián and order Cava, Spain’s crisp traditional-method bubbly. In Penedès, you may spot Corpinnat, a premium label worth splurging on. And if a server asks if you’d like “vino de aguja,” it means lightly fizzy, perfect for an afternoon by the sea.

Portugal: Where the Bubbles Are as Warm as the Welcome

Ask for Espumante, especially in Bairrada. Locals may casually call it “vinho com bolhinhas” (wine with little bubbles). It’s as charming as it sounds, especially when paired with a sunset over the Atlantic.

Australia: The Land of the “Bubbly”

In one of the New World wine capitals, the go-to phrase is “bubbly.” It’s cheerful, informal, and perfectly suited to a country that also invented Sparkling Shiraz, perhaps the most festive red on earth. If you hear Aussies asking for “bubbly,” “sparkling” or “fizz,” you know good times are ahead.

New Zealand: Laid-Back Luxury

Next-door New Zealand produces top-tier traditional-method sparklings (often labeled Méthode Marlborough), but everyday chatter sticks to “bubbles” or “fizz.” Best enjoyed after a hike, a beach day, or… honestly, anything.

South Africa: Cape Town’s Favorite Celebration

South Africa’s premium traditional-method wine is Méthode Cap Classique, or MCC. But among friends you’ll hear: “Shall we open some bubbly?” The answer is always yes, especially in Franschhoek’s sun-soaked tasting rooms.

Brazil & Argentina: South American Sparkle

In Brazil, locals order Espumante, sometimes shortened to “espuma.”
In Argentina, the common term is Espumoso or simply Espumante, perfect with empanadas or a rooftop sunset in Buenos Aires.

Final Sip

From “bollicine” in Italy to “bubbly” in Australia, every destination has its own sparkling personality, and learning the local lingo is half the fun.

Wherever your travels take you, we hope you celebrate the world of bubbles and find the opportunity to toast every country’s version.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Getty

Is the Slow Travel Trend For You?

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

It’s official: ‘FOMO’ is out. And ‘JOMO’ is in. After years of racing through “bucket lists,” something quieter is reshaping travel. We’re no longer chasing the Fear of Missing Out on travel experiences. Instead, we’re discovering the Joy of Missing Out — and we’re not alone.

According to a recent survey for Norwegian Cruise Line, over 70% of travelers are moving away from fast-paced sightseeing and toward more restorative, meaningful escapes. Nearly half confessed they’ve come home from past trips feeling more exhausted than refreshed — and now, 77% say they intentionally plan slower vacations.

That’s the spirit of slow travel: choosing presence over pressure, savoring moments instead of stacking them. And being a little easier on the planet at the same time.

Here are some of the loveliest ways – and places - to embrace it.

Stay Longer, Go Deeper

Slow travel begins with permission: pick one destination and linger.

In Tuscany, a boutique heritage hotel becomes your “home base,” while locally guided Vespa tours, a market-and-cooking experience, and skip-the-line museum tours give you insider access to the best of local life.

In Seville, stay near orange-scented plazas, take a flamenco class, not just see the show, explore tapas bars with a local guide, and spend sunset wandering the Alcázar gardens.

Time transforms destinations into familiar territory.

Let Trains Tell the Story

Rail journeys reveal sides of a country you might not see any other way.

Cross Canada on a scenic rail itinerary with curated stops along the way. Travel from Paris to Provence in comfort, then join small-group excursions to vineyards and villages. In Japan, a rail pass paired with guided day tours opens mountain valleys and temple towns without the stress of logistics.

The rhythm of the tracks slows down the rhythm of life.

Walk With Intention

Walking tours invite meaning into every mile.

Follow the Camino de Santiago supported by luggage transfers, charming inns, and expert hosts. Explore England’s Lake District with a local guide who knows the quietest trails. On Japan’s Kumano Kodo, stay in traditional guesthouses and soak in onsen between forest paths.

You notice more because you’re traveling at the speed of curiosity. And connecting with fellow walkers.

Stay on Working Land

Food becomes a story when you stay where it’s grown.

Agriturismo stays in Tuscany let you help harvest olives and dine family-style, countryside estates in Portugal’s Alentejo offer relaxed wine tastings and picnics among cork trees, or vineyard retreats in New Zealand with tastings and behind-the-scenes cellar visits or sheep farms where you do yoga with new lambs.

The land becomes more than scenery; it becomes livelihood.

Ride the Rivers

River cruising is ideal slow travel, with a typical week-long itinerary traveling a route that you could drive in less than a day. Imagine what you are missing!

Take a leisurely river itinerary through the Rhine Valley, with castle towns unfolding at walking speed. Amble off your river cruise ship on France’s Rhone River at your leisure to explore medieval towns, iconic vineyards and wine regions, truffle farms, and olive oil presses.

Ocean Cruises: “JOMO” in Motion

The NCL study found that more than half of travelers see cruises as ideal for JOMO — especially in the Caribbean, which topped the list for slow-minded escapes.

Onboard, travelers choose their pace: spa time, quiet lounges, sunrise walks on deck, or staying aboard when others go ashore. Logistics are simplified and taken care of, and there are always corners to simply be — which is often exactly what people need.

It’s about doing whatever feels right for you that day.

Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Live Like a Local — Thoughtfully

Think boutique hotels in Sydney near local cafes, with early morning walks in the botanical gardens and behind-the-scenes tours of the Opera House, design-forward guesthouses in Mexico City’s Condesa with guided food walks, or family-run inns in the Scottish Highlands paired with day trips to hidden glens and whisky distilleries.

Belonging happens in the details — and local hosts and guides make curated stays easier and more enriching.

Is Slow Travel for You?

The research echoes what many already feel: travelers want fewer obligations, less travel ‘work,’ more nature, more local experiences, and days that unfold at their own pace.

In a world urging us to hurry, slow travel — and the Joy of Missing Out — offers permission to savor the journey, not just check things off a list.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: unless otherwise identified, Getty

Top Travel Resolutions That May Actually Get You Packing Your Bags This Year

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

Every year, “travel more” is in the mix of resolutions. But what travel resolutions can get you from dreaming of a trip… into the beauty and benefits of real travel experiences?

Surveys consistently show that nearly two-thirds of Americans leave a third of their vacation time unused, and a quarter of workers don’t take any time off at all! That’s despite mounting evidence that travel is a boon for our physical and mental health, relationships, and more.

Here are some additional travel resolutions that may help you on your journey towards making travel a genuine and enriching part of your life in the coming year... and make you feel better about yourself and your trips.

Travel more often
Make time instead of waiting for “someday” — even if it’s short trips over long weekends that don’t use many vacation days.
Plan (and actually use) vacation days
Scheduling and booking trips early helps you commit, and money already paid is an incentive to follow through.
Save intentionally for travel
Create a “travel fund,” cut small expenses, or use reward programs strategically towards a specific travel goal.
Focus on one “dream trip” - even if it’s not going to happen this year
Turn your bucket-list trip from a daydream into a reality — whether that’s Japan, an African safari, or the Greek islands – by working with a travel advisor to build a real plan, then taking concrete steps towards making it happen.
Explore closer to home
Discover close-to-home gems instead of only flying long-haul. Creating a travel habit and mindset will make bigger trips feel more achievable.
Travel slower
Spend more time in fewer places, avoid rushing, and experience daily life instead of checklist sightseeing.
Prioritize wellness
Combine rest with exploration — spa retreats, forest bathing, yoga trips, hot springs, or hiking escapes.
Be more sustainable
Plan trips that support local businesses, communities and natural treasures, pick eco-certified stays or tours, stay in properties with real commitments to sustainable construction and operations, and make conscious choices like eating locally-grown food, choosing reef-safe sunscreen and offsetting flights.
Plan to learn something while traveling
Cooking class, language lessons, wine tastings, history walks, photography workshops — travel with purpose.
Practice spontaneity
Leave a day unplanned, try new foods, or say yes to experiences outside your comfort zone.
Travel with people who matter
Multi-generational trips, reunions with friends, or meaningful solo journeys to reset. Create memories with those you care about most.
Document travel better
Keep a journal, organize photos, or make short videos — instead of letting memories disappear into your phone.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Getty

Where Will the Quest for Wellness Take You This Year?

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Jan 26 15:19:08 +0000

Wellness travel is being redefined for a new, more aware generation of travelers, and the destinations wellness travelers are seeking combine ancient practices, new approaches and focus on different outcomes. It’s not about counting calories or just getting a massage. Today, it’s about rediscovering your best self — through movement, nourishment, sleep, connection to people and nature, and mindfulness. All within the context of exhilarating travel experiences.

If these goals are piquing your travel inspiration, here are some of the best destinations worldwide to tap into a living culture of wellness.

Nurtured by Nature

In Sweden, wellness is an everyday rhythm rather than an event. Concepts like lagom (just enough) and friluftsliv (living outdoors) invite you into forests, lakes, and quiet islands. Fika social rituals connect you with people. Sauna-and-cold-plunge traditions in hotels and lodges aren’t just cozy; they come with proven health benefits.

In Costa Rica, wellness is woven into the national mindset: Pura Vida — the “pure life.” Misty cloud forests, eco-lodges tucked into the jungle, surf-and-yoga mornings, and volcanic hot springs create space to unplug and breathe.

Iceland delivers a different kind of clarity. Steam rises from geothermal pools against black-lava landscapes. Alternating hot and cold becomes ritual — a reminder that resilience and renewal often go hand in hand.

Traditions of Inner Peace

Some places invite deeper reflection.

In Thailand, healing is hands-on: centuries-old massage, meditation monasteries, and detox retreats that gently reset body and mind.

In India, wellness travels back to its roots. Yoga along the Ganges, Ayurvedic programs in Kerala, and spiritual centers that honor tradition offer journeys that feel transformative rather than trendy.

And in Bali, creativity and community blend with wellness — yoga shalas among rice terraces, plant-forward cuisine, and a sense of spiritual hospitality that feels welcoming, not intimidating.

Healing Waters

The world’s great spa cultures have always known: water is medicine.

In volcanic Japan, slipping into an ancient onsen beneath mountain pines becomes meditation and living history.

In Italy, thermal waters meet slow food, village life, and long walks through history.

And in Hungary, grand bathhouses remind you that rest can be both social and deeply restorative.

Lust for Longevity

For travelers seeking structure — or science — destinations like Switzerland, Germany, and Austria combine alpine air with medically guided programs, high-tech clinics, biohacking, and hiking that feels as restorative as it is breathtaking.

Solar Power

Closer to the beach, Mexico blends spa luxury with cultural ritual: temazcal sweat lodges, ocean-facing yoga decks, and retreats ranging from simple to indulgent.

In Portugal, surf towns, vineyards, coastal walks, and boutique hotels make wellness feel delightfully accessible — and delicious.

Defining your own Wellness Travel

It isn’t just about goat yoga and green juice.

These destinations nurture wellness because they offer:

authentic traditions,
access to nature, from forests to hot springs to the sea
holistic experiences — movement, rest, nutrition, mindset
sustainability that feels respectful
choice — from barefoot retreats to sophisticated medical programs and even ‘biohacking.’

Ask yourself:

Do you crave silence or adventure? Ritual or exploration? A gentle reset — or a deeper shift?

Wellness travel doesn’t tell you who to become. It simply gives you the places, the practices and the inspiration to listen — and begin your wellness journey.

START YOUR WELLNESS TRIP!

Images: Getty