Destinations
Pool rejuvenation finished at Hilton Hawaiian Village
The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has just completed its seven-month, $4.3 million Tapa Pool rejuvenation project. The work includes the expansion of the swimming pool's deck space by more than 20%, retiling of the existing pool, the addition of water features in the pool, extensive tropical foliage and six private cabanas. The pool's open deck area now includes 127 chaise lounges and 280 square metres of natural stone surrounded by lush landscaping. The pool itself has been completely retiled with Oceanside Glasstile, a sustainable product that uses mostly recycled material...
Parksville Uncorked for best of wine, brew, cuisine
For a celebration of wine, brews and the best of local VancouverIsland cuisine, the fifth annual Parksville Uncorked Wine & Food Festival is on the horizon. From Feb. 21-24, the mid-winter fete pairs the province's fine wines and craft beers with tasty menus from the Island's restaurants, resorts and specialty food purveyors. For instance, Parksville Untapped at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort kicks off the revelry by matching frothy craft beers and bold ciders with sweet and savoury morsels. The Swirl Gala at The Beach Club Resort is where 28 wineries will be represented alongside gourmet...
St. Kitts and Nevis host Sustainable tourism forum
In collaboration with Sustainable Travel International, the St. Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Tourism and International Transport convened the island nation's first-ever Sustainable Tourism Awareness Forum in late November. The forum brought together nearly 50 representatives from government ministries, utility providers and the private sector to review the results of a country-wide sustainability assessment conducted earlier in the year, and take the first steps toward action to address the issues identified. After reviewing the business case for sustainability, and engaging in some spirited...
Ten ways to find misery on the Inca Trail
Andean trekking specialist Diane Valenti, owner and founder of Llama Expeditions (http://www.llamaexpeditions.com) looks at 10 ways to find misery on the Inca Trail. "People have their bucket lists, but they sometimes don't know what goes into achieving something on that list,"said Valenti, underscoring that homework and common sense are key. Following in her words are tried and true ways to be miserable, "if you don't properly prepare for the Inca Trail."!!! Be a porter instead of hiring a porter. Your quads will be screaming as you summit not one but two mountain passes at nearly 14,000...
Transat adds Haiti to product lineup
Transat A.T. Inc. will offer vacation packages to Haiti out of Montreal, beginning Jan. 23. The packages will combine stays in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, and on the CÒte des Arcadins, featuring "magnificent beaches, with an extensive program of guided excursions"such as museums, historical and natural sites, theme routes, sports and seaside activities. "More and more travellers want to enjoy an enriching human experience when they take their Sun holiday,"said Annick Guérard, general manager, Transat Tours Canada. "These new packages are designed for customers seeking...
Fifty years of Polynesian culture at PCC on Oahu
In 2013, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) on Oahu will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Since opening its doors in 1963, the PCC has established a proud tradition of perpetuating and preserving Polynesian cultures through exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Its island villages describe the origins of Polynesian culture in Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga, plus Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Marquesas. Throughout the year, PCC will unveil special pricing and promotions....
Dress like Santa, ski/ride for free at Whistler
On Dec. 22, 75 guests dressed like Santa or Mrs. Claus will receive a lift ticket for a free day of skiing or snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb. For the annual "Dress Like Santa Day,"those 75 Santas and Mrs. Claus's can check in at the Garibaldi Lift Company at the base of Whistler Mountain for their free lift passes. Their costumes must include red or black pants or a skirt for Mrs. Claus, a red jacket with white trim, a black belt, a beard for Santa and a Santa hat. The meeting time for all participants is 8 a.m. on the patio of the Garibaldi Lift Company. No registration is necessary for...
Dallas set to raise the Canadian flag
NorthPark Center, Dallas' premier shopping destination, has partnered with five of the area's top hotels and attractions to honour the Canadian market with the launch of "Canada Appreciation Month."For the month of February, NorthPark and partners will raise Canadian flags and offer enticing "shop and stay"packages exclusively for Canadians. "Each year we receive an increasing number of visitors from Canada and we wanted to show our appreciation for their support and make them feel special,"said Anthony Wilkinson, director of tourism, NorthPark Center. Participating hotel partners include The...