Travel Archives – Page 20 of 26

Carnival Horizon: new cruise ship launching in 2018 announces trips to Barcelona, Bermuda and other Caribbean locales

March 10, 2017

Carnival Cruise Line’s new 133,500-ton ship Carnival Horizon (which is scheduled to make its first voyage on April 2, 2018) has announced that it will travel to Barcelona, as well as Bermuda and other parts of the Caribbean.

According to a Carnival press release, Carnival Horizon will be the line’s second Vista-class ship, with the namesake vessel in the series, Carnival Vista, having entered service in May 2016. Carnival Horizon will offer many of the hugely popular indoor and outdoor dining, bar, entertainment and activity options available on Carnival Vista including SkyRide, the IMAX Theatre, WaterWorks aqua park, Seuss at Sea program in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Alchemy Bar. There will also be a number of new innovations unique to this vessel.

In addition, Carnival Horizon will offer a wide range of accommodation categories, including the Havana staterooms and Family Harbor cabins.

Here are the homeport and itinerary details announced so far for Carnival Horizon:

Carnival Horizon is scheduled to make its maiden voyage April 2, 2018, with a 13-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona: the first of four round-trip departures from this port. Carnival Horizon will reposition to the U.S. with a 14-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to New York from May 9 to May 23, 2018.

Following its summer schedule of four-day Bermuda and eight-day Caribbean departures from New York, Carnival Horizon will shift to Miami and kick off a year-round schedule of six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises beginning September 22, 2018. Carnival Horizon will also offer a special two-day cruise to Nassau from Miami September 20 to September 22, 2018.

On March 10, 2017, a ceremony was held aboard Carnival Horizon at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, during which a commemorative coin was welded to the ship’s mast to mark a significant construction milestone. The coin ceremony’s origins can be traced back to the ancient Romans, who believed that attaching coins to a ship provided divine protection. The ceremony signifies the successful completion of Carnival Horizon’s exterior outfitting. Fabrizio Timossi of Carnival’s corporate shipbuilding department represented Carnival at the ceremony with Clementina Zecchin of Fincantieri’s Marghera yard serving as godmother.

Oceania Cruises makes historic sailing to Cuba

March 9, 2017

On March 9, 2017, Oceania Cruises made cruise history by becoming the first major North American cruise brand to sail to Cuba. The 1,250-guest Marina began a 14-day sailing that departed from Miami on March 7, and will continue on to Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama Colombia, and the Cayman Islands. Oceania Cruises has two more sailings to Cuba scheduled this March and six scheduled for this autumn. According to an Oceania press release, passengers on the historic cruise to Cuba included Oceania co-founder/CEO Bob Binder and Frank Del Rio, Cuban-born founder of Oceania Cruises and CEO of parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Once docked, Del Rio addressed international media regarding the inaugural voyage.

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay announces June 2017 opening date

March 7, 2017

Nobu Ibiza is set to officially open on June 30, 2017. Here are all the details from a Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay press release:

Ibiza Bay is designed to be the ultimate playground for grown-ups. The Ibizan style rooms and suites, two private seafront pools, restaurants, spa, boutique, adult and family experiences have been carefully curated to provide guests with the finest, authentic island escape, without ever having to leave the resort.

Ideally positioned on the white sandy beaches of Talamanca Bay, two kilometres north of Ibiza Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and a leisurely fifteen minutes’ walk from trendy boutiques and clubs of Marina Botafoch; Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Offering three restaurants and a pool bar, Ibiza Bay is a food lover’s paradise. There are no fixed agendas; breakfast is served at guests’ leisure and spontaneous lunches blend into vivacious nights.

Savour Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature Japanese fusion dishes, as well as special creations inspired by Ibiza itself at Nobu, the resort’s signature restaurant. Chambao, in collaboration with El Chiringuito de Es Cavallet is Ibiza Bay’s laidback chiringuito. The freshly prepared seafood is as much of the attraction as the cocktails and beach vibe. At night, Chambao is the place to be for chilled-out parties with family and friends. The Peyote Group is bringing the vibrant spirit of modern Mexico City to Ibiza with its contemporary and refined take on renowned Mexican food. For those looking for healthy fare, the deliciously wholesome café Celicioso will recharge guests with mouth-watering gluten-free cuisine, nourishing juices and superfood salads.

From the sexy, immersive and fun culinary options to the 152 rooms and suites, every detail at Ibiza Bay has been designed with the guests’ comfort in mind. Inspired by the colours of the island, rooms are decorated with soft furnishings, natural wood, and artisan ceramics, using a colour palette of whites, golds and blues. Tasteful details like mother-of-pearl inlay and hand-blown pendant lights lend a lavish yet comfortable feel to the rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows and open terraces mean guests will wake to the scent of wild jasmine and fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves, whilst luxurious Natura Bisse amenities offer pre-and post-beach pampering.

The expansive Presidential and Royal Suites boast grand terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, an outdoor Jacuzzi, sprawling living room and private bar. Accommodation options vary from Cool and Deluxe rooms to Junior and Grand Suites.

Ibiza Bay brings the first Six Senses Spa to the island. Mindful journeys, indulgent treatments, a yoga pavilion, state of the art gymnasium, blow dry bar, manicure/pedicure salons and indoor cabins, outdoor roof terraces & beach cabanas allow guests to spa wherever they desire.

Offering unparalleled fun, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay’s Kids Club is engaging and exploratory, so much so that grown-ups will want to become kids again. From bohemian foraging sessions to a cookery school and Ibizan inspired programmes; Ibiza Bay’s Kids Club is imaginative and innovative.

Rates start at 490 Euros per night, based on double occupancy.

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is a collaboration between London & Regional, MC Hotels, (the owners of the Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa and Puente Romano) and Nobu Hospitality.

SeaWorld Orlando launches Seven Seas Food Festival and partners with select Marriott brand hotels for discounts

March 7, 2017

(Photos courtesy of Marriott International)

SeaWorld Orlando has launched the inaugural Seven Seas Food Festival and has partnered with four Marriott brand hotels in Orlando to give special SeaWorld discounts and privileges to the hotels’ guests. The participating hotels are Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld, SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld and Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld.

According to a press release from Marriott International, the hotels’ guests will receive:

Complimentary front-of-the-line access at SeaWorld
Free scheduled transportation to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Universal Orlando and Pointe Orlando
Complimentary access to the SeaWorld Rescue World Tour
10 percent off dining at SeaWorld and Aquatica
10 percent off merchandise purchases of $50 or more at SeaWorld and Aquatica
Early entry into SeaWorld on select days all summer.

Every Saturday from February 11 to May 13, 2017, SeaWorld Orlando will host the first Seven Seas Food Festival. Guests are invited to sample and savor cuisine from all over the world, as well as local craft beers. In addition, the park will showcase live performances from musical acts such as Grupo Mania and ZZ Top.

DJ Khaled to host inaugural Summerfest Cruise

March 6, 2017

DJ Khaled is set to host the first Summerfest Cruise. a hip-hop music festival that will take place on a Norwegian Sky cruise ship in the Caribbean from June 30 to July 3, 2017. Future, A$AP Rocky, Lil Wayne, Migos and other artists to be announced will perform at the festival. The cruise debarks on June 30^, from Miami, and then makes stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and the exclusive private island of Great Stirrup Cay before returning to Miami on Monday, July 3. Cabin prices range from $721 to $1279 per person and can be purchased online at Summerfestcruise.com.

According to a press release, the Norwegian Sky spans 848 feet and features 1,002 state-of-the-art cabins. It is equipped with 11 dining options, 11 bars and lounges, two swimming pools, five hot tubs, a spa and salon, a fitness center, a jogging track, golf driving nets, a basketball and volleyball court, galleria shops, a video arcade and a casino.

In addition to musical performances, Summerfest Cruise 2017 will partner with multiple brands (to be announced) to feature exclusive experiences spanning fashion, sports, gourmet dining and interactive tech and gaming.

in a statement, DJ Khaled commented, “They don’t want us to be on a cruise—so we are going on the most major cruise the world has ever seen—hosted by me and my roster of superstar friends. But don’t get it twisted—Summerfest Cruise 2017 is more than just a cruise, it’s a movement. A movement of good vibes and creative energy. A movement that connects the worlds of music, fashion, culture, technology and design. We’re going to give you everything—the dopest live concerts, spectacular fashion pop-ups, enlightening panels and presentations—this will be one for the books. Don’t play yourself. Reward yourself.”

Hard Rock Hotel Malta to open in 2020

February 28, 2017

Hard Rock International has announced plans to open Hard Rock Hotel Malta in 2020. According to a Hard Rock press release, the resort will have 370 guest rooms, including 110 suites offering balcony views. The upcoming project will be part of a new mix-used development called db City Centre, which includes a shopping mall, luxury residences and modern office spaces, in St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s. Hard Rock Hotel Malta is being developed in collaboration with the Malta-based Seabank Group, a partner of Hard Rock for more than 15 years.

The press release also says that the Hard Rock Hotel Malta “will pay homage to the 19th century British military accommodation quarters building which will be a key feature of the project’s design and layout. Prior to opening, the historic site will be restored to its original glory.”

The hotel’s amenities will include:

Various high-end food and beverage establishments, including a multi-course signature restaurant and a rooftop lounge complete with Skybar.
Numerous pools
Rock Spa, a 16,000-square-foot full-service spa
Body Rock, a state-of-the-art fitness center
More than 37,000 square feet of planned function space, including the largest convention center on the island.

Hard Rock Malta is part of Hard Rock International’s ongoing expansion plans. In January 2017, the company launched Hard Rock Japan LLC and appointed Edward Tracy as CEO of the company’s new division, which aims major contender among the bidders for resort licenses in Japan, due to the recent passing of Japan’s Integrated Resorts Promotion Bill.

Forbes Travel Guide 2017: Four Seasons sets five-star record; Macau wins big

February 22, 2017

(Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler)

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts set a record with the 2017 edition of the Forbes Travel Guide. Worldwide, a total of 30 Four Seasons hotels and resorts earned the guide’s coveted Five-Star designation in 2017, setting the record for the highest number of Five-Star awards given to a single brand in the history of the Forbes Travel Guide ratings. The Forbes Travel Guide, which started as the Mobil Travel Guide, has been published since 1958.

Meanwhile, China’s Macau region was rated one of the leading Five-Star destinations in the Forbes Travel Guide. Other highly rated regions include Hong Kong, New York, London, California and Paris.

The Forbes Travel Guide has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against up to 800 rigorous and objective standards, providing consumers the insight to make better-informed travel and leisure decisions, according to Forbes.

Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Rating system is ranked in the following categories:

Five Star Properties: These are outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.

Four Star Properties: These are exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match.

Recommended Properties: These are excellent properties with consistently good service and facilities.

Soon-To-Be-Rated Properties: As our highly trained, incognito inspectors work to assess properties, our editors check them out ahead of time and provide a sneak preview of what to expect.

Here are some fact highlights from a Forbes press release:

Among the total 1,464 winners, there are 175 Five-Star, 478 Four-Star and 237 Recommended hotels.
Overall, 62 Five-Star, 176 Four-Star and 73 Recommended restaurants earned distinctions.
In the spas category, a total of 56 Five-Star and 207 Four-Star spots achieved awards.

Standout Newcomers

Among the new destinations, the small island of Bali emerged as a big luxury winner. The new luxury hot spot snagged Five-Star distinctions for three hotels (Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, The Villas at Ayana). It also tallied an impressive 10 Four-Star hotels and three Recommended properties. Five Four-Star spas also debuted.
Puerto Rico added had three properties that debuted on the Five-Star list, with The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort; Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve; and Spa Botánico, a five-acre oasis within Dorado Beach.
In Australia, Crown Towers Melbourne and The Darling in Sydney picked up their respective city’s first Five-Star hotel distinction. In addition, Melbourne added a Four-Star (Park Hyatt Melbourne) and two Recommended properties (Grand Hyatt Melbourne; The Langham, Melbourne). Sydney racked up two Four-Star (The Langham, Sydney; Park Hyatt Sydney) and a pair of Recommended hotels (InterContinental Sydney Double Bay; Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney). Each city also gained a Four-Star spa (Crown Spa Melbourne, Sydney’s The Darling Spa).
Numerous European destinations debuted with their first Five-Star properties: Budapest (Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest), Barcelona (Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona), the French Riviera (Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel) and Venice (Belmond Hotel Cipriani).

Other Leading Brands

An elite group of 11 properties earned Five-Star awards for their hotel, restaurant and spa. These triple Five-Star winners include: Banyan Tree Macau; The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs; The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia; Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego; The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong; Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas; Mandarin Oriental, Macau; Mandarin Oriental, Miami; Montage Laguna Beach; Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island; and Wynn Las Vegas.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and Wynn Macau set a new record, achieving a total of six Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and four restaurants.
Crown Towers Macau won a total of five Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and three restaurants.
Altira Macau and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong received a total of four Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and two restaurants.

Where the Highest-Rated Hotels Are

In the United States, the greatest number of Five-Star hotels are in: California (18), New York (9), Florida (8), Massachusetts (6) and Nevada (5). California gained two new Five-Star hotels this year: Napa’s Solage, An Auberge Resort and San Diego’s Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
U.S. cities with the highest number of Five-Star hotels include: New York (8), Beverly Hills (5), Las Vegas (5) and Miami (5).
Globally, cities with the most Five-Star hotels include: Macau (10), Paris (10), London (9) and Hong Kong (8). Macau and Paris remain neck and neck with one new winner each in 2017.

Where the Highest-Rated Restaurants Are

In the United States, the greatest number of Five-Star restaurants reside in: New York (7), California (6) and Nevada (6).
Cities in the United States with the most Five-Star restaurants include: New York (7), Las Vegas (6) and Chicago (3).
Las Vegas’ fine-dining scene is seeing an uptick with three new Five-Star restaurants: Le Cirque Las Vegas and Picasso, both in Bellagio, and Wing Lei in Wynn Las Vegas.
Globally, cities with the highest number of Five-Star restaurants include: Macau (11) and Hong Kong (8).

Where the Highest-Rated Spas Are

In the United States, the greatest number of Five-Star spas are located in: California (8), Florida (5) and Nevada (5). California’s two new Five-Star spa additions are Meadowood Spa in Napa and The Spa at Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles.
The brand-new and sumptuous Meadowood Spa brings Napa Valley its first Five-Star spa.
Globally, cities with the most Five-Star spas include: Macau (7), Hong Kong (5) and Shanghai (4).
Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Mayakoba is the first and only Five-Star spa in Mexico.

To celebrate this year’s award, Star-Rated winners are invited to the Forbes Travel Guide All-Star Celebration in New York City on March 2, 2017. Attendees will enjoy selections of dishes prepared by award-winning chefs and legends of the international culinary world, including: Jose Garces, Amada; Christian Pratsch, Asiate; Daniel Boulud, Daniel; Mario Batali and Joe and Lidia Bastianich, Del Posto; Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Jean-Georges; Geoffrey Zakarian, The Lambs Club; and Michael White, Vaucluse.

REI Outessa announces its 2017 schedule of retreats

February 22, 2017

REI Outessa

REI Outessa, now in its second year, has announced the details of its three retreats for 2017. According to REI, the three-day outdoor adventures “are designed to connect women with the outdoors in a supportive learning environment. The getaways are filled with activities and inspiration, offer access to coveted gear and products, serve up great food and wine, and create the environment for making new friends and lasting memories.”

The dates and locations are:

July 14 to July 16, 2017: Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Kirkwood, California, near South Lake Tahoe
August 18 to August 20, 2017: Mt. Hood Skibowl in Government Camp, Oregon, and 12 miles from the Mt. Hood National Forest
September 22 to September 24, 2017: Waterville Valley Resort in Waterville, New Hampshire, in the White Mountain National Forest

Registration for REI Outessa is $799 (U.S. dollars) per person, which includes classes led by REI’s professional guides, use of on-site gear, chef-prepared meals, wine and beer, evening entertainment, inspirational speakers, and a goodie bag packed with products and gear.

REI Outessa attendees will customize their weekend from start to finish. They will choose accommodations from three options: resort rooms or condos; “fancy camp” deluxe camping with fully-outfitted canvas tents, amenities and a concierge; and DIY camping at Camp REI, where guests bring their own gear. Participants will also select their daily schedules from more than 200 activities based on personal interests, outdoor goals and skill levels.

Each morning, women will start their day with a full breakfast before heading out on the trail, crag or water for small group adventures. Evenings are filled with chef-prepared meals and fire-side relaxation complete with s’mores, wine and beer, inspirational speakers, and conversations that reflect on the day.

Four Points debuts in New York City, Cleveland and Buffalo Grove

February 17, 2017

Four Points Manhattan Midtown West, the brand’s fifth hotel in Manhattan, has opened at 444 10th Avenue, less than a mile from Hudson Yards, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. Owned by Joy Construction and managed by Real Hospitality, the newly constructed Four Points Manhattan Midtown West offers 148 guest rooms (with many offering panoramic views of the Hudson River), a 24-hour fitness center, a business center, andfree Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy full-service dining at Hudson Bar Room, the hotel restaurant serving American cuisine. At the hotel lounge, guests are offered Best Brews and BBQ, which features local beers on tap and seasonal barbecue-style appetizers.

(Photo courtesy of Four Points by Sheraton Cleveland Airport)

Four Points by Sheraton Cleveland Airport is now open at 4181 West 150th Street in Cleveland. Open since January 2017, it is the first Four Points hotel in the city. Owned by NextGen Hotels, the recently renovated Four Points Cleveland Airport has 147 guest rooms and 6,500 square feet of meeting space. Amenities include an indoor heated pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a business center, and fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Guests will enjoy full-service dining and the brand’s Best Brews and BBQ, including refreshing local beers and seasonal barbecue-style appetizers at the hotel lounge. Four Points Cleveland Airport is nine miles from Progressive Field, 10 miles from the University of Cleveland and 12.5 miles from FirstEnergy Stadium.

Four Points Buffalo Grove opened in December 2016 at 900 West Lake Cook Road in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Owned by Lake County Hospitality, the hotel has 152 guest rooms 1,280 square feet of meeting space and the restaurant Best Brews and BBQ. Four Points Buffalo Grove is 18 miles from O’Hare International Airport, 11 miles from Woodfield Mall, 10 miles from Chicago Botanic Garden.and five miles from Deer Park Town Center.

St. Regis Changsha opens in China

March 16, 2017

The St. Regis Changsha has opened in China. It is St. Regis Hotels & Resorts’ eighth hotel in Greater China. According to a St. Regis press release, the brand also expects to debut The St. Regis Shanghai Jing’an before the end of 2017, as well as four additional hotels in Greater China’s gateway cities and leisure destinations over the next five years.

The following is an excerpt from a St. Regis press release:

The St. Regis Changsha is ideally situated in the capital city of the Hunan province in South Central China, nestled at the lower reaches of the Xiang River. Changsha enjoys a storied past, serving as one of the most important cities in China since the Qin Dynasty. An ideal destination for both business and leisure travel, Changsha has become a thriving commercial and manufacturing trade center, renowned for its striking landscapes and flourishing dining and entertainment scene. The St. Regis Changsha serves as the ideal departure point for travelers looking to be immersed in the city’s historic local traditions. Guests can admire the city’s historic craftsmanship of bronzeware, pottery, porcelain and calligraphy, as well as marvel at the panoramic views of the beautiful landscapes from the top of the nearby Yuelu Mountain.

Owned by the Yunda Group, The St. Regis Changsha is housed in the heart of Yunda Central Plaza, on the 48th to 63rf floors in one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. The St. Regis Changsha also enjoys its own helipad on the 63rd floor, providing an exceptional way to arrive or depart to and from the hotel.

Luxury Accommodations & Unrivaled Service

The St. Regis Changsha offers 188 exquisitely styled guest rooms and suites, boasting sweeping views of the city, forming a luxurious respite from the frenetic pace of urban life. The rooms are beautifully designed and decorated with subtle Chinese touches. Guests of The St. Regis Changsha enjoy the famed hallmark of the St. Regis brand – signature St. Regis Butler Service – which offers unparalleled, around-the-clock service by customizing each guest’s stay according to their tastes and preferences. Trained in the English tradition, the St. Regis butler offers a range of services including unpacking and packing, beverage service, garment pressing and booking excursions and reservations. The St. Regis Changsha also offers guests the opportunity to relax at The St. Regis Athletic Club, located on the 63rd floor, which features an indoor swimming pool with a beautiful panoramic view and a 24-hour fitness center.

Impeccable Culinary Experiences

The St. Regis Changsha offers six distinct culinary venues, where guests can dine and lounge while taking in the stunning views of the city below. At Social, guests enjoy the traditional St. Regis brunch as well as an extensive buffet and live cooking stations that truly bring the kitchen to life, while Yan Ting, a refined specialty Chinese restaurant, offers a mix of authentic Cantonese and Hunan cuisine.

Guests can also choose to savor fine Japanese dishes at Un, before enjoying premium Chinese tea at the Tea Lounge. Gourmet coffees and vintage champagnes await at The Drawing Room, while the signature St. Regis Bar is an elegant space to indulge in premium wines, rare spirits and handcrafted cocktails such as the St. Regis brand’s famous Bloody Mary or the hotel’s signature Baijiu Mary featuring signature Hunan spices and local baijiu.

Events Beyond Expectation

The St. Regis Changsha’s thoughtfully designed event and meeting spaces can accommodate any occasion from exquisite weddings to intimate business gatherings. The hotel’s elegant main ballroom, which spans 1,888 square meters, accommodates up to 1,700 guests. The hotel also features a spacious 660-square-meter foyer and eight distinct function rooms equipped with the latest technology.

The St. Regis Changsha is offering special grand opening packages starting from CNY1,680 net per room per night with breakfast for one guest, valid until June 29, 2017.