Resorts
Return of the Queen
Victoria's Fairmont Empress, named in honour of Queen Victoria, will celebrate its official “Grand Opening” on June 28 following a two-year, $60 million restoration. The two-year project celebrates both the history and natural beauty of the west coast, and elevates the historical property into a new era of modern luxury. Recently unveiled to guests, the restoration's final phase showcases a renovated health club and pool; refreshed Willow Stream Spa with an expanded lounge, updated reception and revitalized retail area; and 229 luxurious guest rooms. Gracing the exterior of...
Wyndham Reef Unveils New Culinary Experience
Guests at the Wyndham Reef Resort Grand Cayman can now enjoy an enhanced culinary experience with the opening of the resort’s signature dining venue, Tides Restaurant & Bar. In addition to a refreshed décor, Tides has named Grand Cayman native Ryan Lloyd as the new executive chef, who has crafted a new menu featuring a mix of traditional favourites, along with custom-created specials from fresh ceviche and panko fried Brussel sprouts to braised lamb shanks and vegetarian gnocchi pomodoro. Open daily for breakfast and dinner, Tides offers both indoor and alfresco seating...
It’s New. It’s Different. It’s Agents’ Choice 2017
Today's the big day, Agents' Choice 2017 is on its way to your Inbox – so stay tuned. The ballots have been counted. The results have been tabulated. The stories have been written. The pages have been designed. And the 18th annual edition of the most comprehensive survey of Canadian travel agents is ready to go. It's hard to believe that it has been 18 years since we launched the Agents' Choice Awards Poll. The first edition of our annual survey appeared way back in 2000, not as a supplement, but as a special feature in both Canadian Travel Press and Travel Courier, with a...
Expedia Opens Cuba Hotel Market To Canadians
The Expedia group reports that travellers in Canada and around the globe can now book hotels in Cuba on its global points of sale, including Expedia.ca, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Orbitz and CheapTickets. From the historic streets of Havana and Hemingway’s homestead in San Francisco de Paula, to the cobbled colonial town of Trinidad and beyond, Canadian travellers can leverage Expedia sites to research and book hotels throughout Cuba. Cuba has long been a popular destination for Canadians, with nearly a million visitors annually, representing more than 40% of all visitors to the...
Warwick Paradise Island Offers Fourth Night Free
The new adults-only, all-inclusive Warwick Paradise Island - Bahamas is celebrating Pride Month by offering a fourth night free when three consecutive nights are booked by July 31 for travel by Oct. 31. Additionally, guests who book the Pride Month promotion will receive a complimentary classic manicure or classic pedicure at the resort's boutique Amber Spa (one per person, per stay, based on double occupancy). All-inclusive rates are from US$380 per room, per night, based on double occupancy for travel through Aug. 20 and from US$320 nightly per room, double, Aug. 21 - Oct....
Shangri-La Confirmed for Luxury Melbourne Development
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has been named as the official hotel operator for a planned landmark luxury development in Melbourne, Australia. The Cox and Fender Katsalidis-designed two-tower development will overlook Melbourne’s World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens, currently under consideration for planning approval. When completed in 2022, the luxury five-star Shangri-La Hotel, Melbourne will feature an estimated 500 guest rooms with three levels of amenities for guests to enjoy, including a sky lobby, restaurants, spa, fitness centre, pool and ballroom. The second tower...
Starwood Celebrates ‘Sixty Days of Summer’ in Hawaii
In celebration of summer, Hawaii resorts in the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) portfolio will kick off “Sixty Days of Summer” from June 16 to Aug. 14, offering “dozens of can’t-miss activities, events and experiences that will leave indelible memories to last throughout the year.” SPG is one of Marriott International’s award-winning loyalty programs. In Hawaii there are 12 SPG resorts on four islands representing the Sheraton, Westin, St. Regis and Luxury Collection brands, with something new to offer visitors every day this summer. “A stay at one of our SPG resorts in...
Beaches Debuts New Live Shows in Turks & Caicos
Beaches Resorts has partnered with Canadian-based production company Creativiva Caribbean Inc. to introduce “Voilà,” a series of live cinematic entertainment shows, at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa. Launching this month, Creativiva Caribbean Inc. will perform four weekly live productions on the resort’s main stage – Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island, Jungle Book Live and Dolce Vita. “We are so excited to share this brand new experience with our guests,” said Adam Stewart, deputy chairman and CEO of Sandals Resorts International. “Partnering...