Resorts
Take The Road Less Travelled In Cuba
With its centuries-old facades, cobbled streets and an abundance of classic cars, it's easy to imagine a time when Ernest Hemingway roamed the streets of Havana in search of his next libation – in between, or perhaps, to fuel – his writing sessions, writes assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's Travel Courier cover story. “He knew all the bars here in Old Havana,” tour guide Betsy Olivares of Cubatour muses as the group approaches one of his favourite former local watering holes, El Floridita, which today serves as a popular spot for tourists to grab a daiquiri and pose...
Hotel Le Crystal Beds Fit For A King
Eric Hamel wants to make it Crystal-clear that those who overnight in his hotel won't find their beds cramped. Hamel, general manager of downtown Montreal's Hotel Le Crystal, noted during a Tuesday Toronto gathering that hotel management decided on uniform sleeping arrangements throughout the upscale hotel. “We only have king-sized beds,” he said of the recently renovated property that has seen its rooms redone and gained a restaurant. “Much has changed,” he said of the renovations to a hotel that's only 11 years old. Management decided to renovate despite the hotel's...
Ashford Castle Has Birthday Special
In 2019, the historic Ashford Castle in western Ireland is celebrating its 80th anniversary as a leading Irish hotel. The 800-year-old castle first opened its doors as a luxury hotel on July 6, 1939, and has been host over the years to royalty, presidents and celebrities. In 2015, the hotel underwent a complete $100 million plus restoration to restore the Castle to its former glory. It is consistently on the Best of the World lists every year. To celebrate its 80th anniversary, Ashford Castle is offering guests a special 80th-birthday hotel experience from May 2019 onwards. That...
Iberostar Raises The Bar In Cuba
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is upping its game in Cuba. Not only has the company, which has a portfolio of more than 120 four-and-five star hotels in 18 countries across three continents, significantly increased the number of properties and hotel rooms in the Caribbean destination, but it's continuing to raise quality standards across the board to be in line with its global operations, writes assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's issue of Canadian Travel Press. “Our position in Cuba, our approach to the future is to be leaders in quality, leaders in number of hotels...
Major Renos For Casino At St. Eugene
Large-scale renovations have been announced for the Casino of the Rockies at the St. Eugene Resort in Cranbrook, BC. Work on the redesign is starting this month and is expected to take under three months to complete, wrapping up in late June 2019. The casino will be open through each renovation phase and minimal impacts to the guest experience are expected. Plans include revamping the gaming floor with design elements inspired by nature, and brightening the space significantly with ambient lighting to reflect day and nighttime skies. A new full-service restaurant concept will be...
Club Med Launches Amazing Family Program
Club Med has introduced its new Amazing Family program that's available at Club Med Punta Cana and Cancun Yucatan. The new concept includes a fun-filled weekly agenda of activities from five different categories – Time to PLAY, Time to SPLASH, Time to QUEST, Time to RECHARGE and Amazing Family Happy Time. Each category offers families time together. For example: Time to PLAY: Let's families enjoy playing childhood games – like Bag Board, Mölkky, Pallina and life-sized versions of Twister, Jenga and Mikado – as a group. Time to SPLASH: Is all about fun in the water...
Quite An Incentive From Sandals Resorts
Canadian agents who book any type of group – social, wedding or corporate -- of 5 rooms or more (for a minimum 3-night stay) at any Sandals or Beaches resort now through June 30, 2019 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a 3-night stay of their very own. The contest is valid for all contract groups booked with either a tour operator partner (Air Canada Vacations, WestJet Vacations, TravelBrands or Transat) Unique Vacations, Inc. Each and every new group booked immediately earns one contest entry and groups booked to Sandals or Beaches in Jamaica receive a bonus entry...
Gaviota Sees New Opportunities For Cuba
The Gaviota Tourism Group and representatives from a number of fine hotels across Cuba are touring Canada this week. In Toronto on April 9 and Montreal on April 10, the representatives are here to highlight the extensive upgrades and developments taking place across in Cuba in 2019. “Canada is one of Cuba's main markets with more than 1 million visitors per year, “ said Frank Oltuski, Vice President, Gaviota Tourism Group. “This year is exciting as Havana, Cuba's vibrant capital, celebrates its 500th anniversary and we share new opportunities for growth, diversity, and our...