Hotels & Resorts
A Mega-Makeover For The Sheraton Gateway
The Sheraton Gateway in Toronto International Airport is ready for the holiday season with the uveiling of a massive $30 million makeover. The 484-room hotel is in the final stages of an overhaul that has completely reimagined the entire property, the only hotel directly connected to Canada’s busiest airport. Built in 1991, the Sheraton Gateway is one of the most visited hotels in the country, but after 30 years, and hosting hundreds of thousands of guests, it was time for a major refresh. In November 2019, Knightstone Capital Management, based in Toronto, purchased the...
A Badge Of Sustainability
Booking.com has launched its Travel Sustainable badge -- a credible, globally relevant sustainability measure that will provide highly coveted information to travellers all over the world looking to make more sustainable travel choices. The badge is available to any kind of property that has implemented a combination of sustainable practices that meet the requisite impact threshold for their destination. Designed to be applicable to a wide range of property types, from apartments, B&Bs and holiday homes to hotels, resorts and even treehouses, and adaptable to local realities and...
AMR Collection Hosts Annual TAAB Event
The AMR Collection recently hosted its ninth annual Travel Agent Advisory Board (TAAB) meeting at Dreams Bahia Mita. The annual event allowed hotel executives to connect and get input from agents directly and maximize their expertise, data and feedback to drive innovative promotions and reform existing packages. During this year’s meeting, agents and executives had the opportunity to collaborate on several discussing including a market overview, marketing presentations and the AMR Collection master brand launch and B2B strategy, but it wasn’t all business. Agents...
On-Site Testing At Fairmont Vancouver Airport
Fairmont Vancouver Airport has launched on-site rapid COVID-19 testing in partnership with Bon Voyage Medical, which includes the first 20 minute PCR test in British Columbia for asymptomatic travellers. COVID-19 testing has become commonplace for travellers looking to journey both internationally and domestically, and Fairmont Vancouver Airport looks to make the process as seamless and convenient as possible. In collaboration with Bon Voyage Medical, a College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia accredited facility, travellers can now book various travel testing services...
Testing, Testing, Testing
The Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Serenity at Coconut Bay are expanding their Paradise Protection Protocols and are now offering free Return Home PCR testing for Canadian guests staying 7-nights and longer. The offer takes effect on Nov. 21, 2021; for shorter stay guests, the properties offer the option of purchasing the test for US$150 per person. Canadian guests can arrange for their Return Home PCR Test on arrival with the Front Desk at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa or with their butler at Serenity at Coconut Bay. The test will be administered at the resorts by a...
Find An Island Paradise In Saint Lucia
To the sound of Rod Stewart's Rhythm Of My Heart with the lyrics “where the ocean meets the sky, I’ll be sailing” filtering out over the speakers, our boat pulls up to a secluded and pristine stretch of white sand beach surrounded by crystal clear blue water. Arriving at Maria Major, a wildlife habitat that’s part of the Maria Islands Nature Reserve, we’ve got the entire island to ourselves — aside from endemic reptiles like the nonvenomous Kouwés snake also known as the Saint Lucia Racer, which has claimed the title as the world’s rarest snake, and the Saint Lucia...
Reimagining Sandals Royal Bahamian
Following a multi-million-dollar transformation, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has unveiled plans for its reimagined all-inclusive resort in Nassau, Bahamas, the all-new Sandals Royal Bahamian. Designed to celebrate the easy-going spirit of The Bahamas with locally inspired experiences and a thoughtful, modern approach to luxury, the leaders in love and romance at Sandals will reopen their award-winning hotel, spa and private island for the winter season beginning January 27, 2022. SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart said: “We’re dialing up the luxury and leaning into the...
Lots Of Choice At Grand Palladium’s Riviera Maya
Those staying at Grand Palladium's Riviera Maya property won't be at a loss for choices. Sebnem Richtmann, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts' business development manager for the West and most of Ontario, told a recent Baxter Media webcast that the property consists of "three resorts in one" and "nobody will get bored" in a retreat that has a "beautiful spa" and many other amenities. Dining options include 9 a la carte restaurants and buffets as well. Among lodging options is TRS, an upscale all-inclusive for adults alone. Families can stay in other brands at the beachfront...