Global Travel News

Mauritius Standard Bureau is now GSTC-Accredited

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Mauritius Standard Bureau is now GSTC-Accredited - TRAVELINDEXPort-Louis, Mauritius, August 15, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that Mauritius Standard Bureau (MSB) has gained the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body status.

The Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB), a non-profit Mauritius Standards Bureau parastatal body in the island of Mauritius, has embarked on a project to provide third-party certification to tourism businesses with the aim of boosting the local tourism industry towards sustainability.

After having developed its own Mauritian Standard (MS 165:2019) for Sustainable Tourism, which has gained recognition from the GSTC in 2019, MSB has successfully completed all the steps towards accreditation.

The stated scope of the GSTC Accreditation of Mauritius Standards Bureau is for certifying hotels/accommodations and tour operators in Mauritius according to the Mauritian Standard on Sustainable Tourism: Blue Oasis (MS 165:2019).

Achieving the GSTC-Accredited status means that a Certification Body has been verified to be conducting proper certification of businesses, such as hotels or tour operators, in a competent and neutral manner, following processes and procedures detailed in the GSTC Accreditation Manual.

Mauritius Businesses certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, meeting all the GSTC Criteria (or a GSTC-Recognized Standard), have the highest level of assurance* and credibility available. With an accredited certification, customers and buyers are assured that the business was certified in a credibly verified procedure in a transparent, impartial, and competent manner.

Attesting to that, those businesses certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body can display a unique GSTC logo with a traceable code. The purpose of the GSTC Accreditation is to provide a higher level of assurance and reward genuine practitioners of sustainable tourism, which builds confidence and credibility with consumers.

The Accreditation process usually takes more than a year to complete, as GSTC looks very hard at the Certification Body’s operation and its process of certification to assure that they issue certifications based on merit and neutrality.

“Mauritius is one of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which suffers directly from impacts of climate change. Therefore, it is crucial for us to gear towards Sustainable Development. Tourism is a major pillar of our economy and through Sustainable Tourism we are considerably addressing socio-cultural, economic and environmental impacts.

This accreditation shows that the Mauritius Standards Bureau has achieved international affirmation for providing third-party certification for Sustainable Tourism to the local Hotels/Accommodations and Tour Operators. It is a major step towards the ultimate goal of making Mauritius a sustainable destination for tourism.” says M Yusuf Foondun, Officer-in-Charge of MSB.

The GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification of Mauritius Hotel/Accommodation & Tour Operator provides detailed technical requirements for certification of Hotel/Accommodation and Tour Operator. Certification Bodies are required to comply with ISO 17065 Conformity Assessment (Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services) and GSTC specific requirements. Among these requirements are impartial and competent certification procedures, auditor experience and qualifications, certification decision making, rigorous surveillance of certified businesses, and proper promotion of their services.

“GTSC Accreditation is a mark of quality that the GSTC places on Certification Bodies that choose to provide formal evidence of compliance to the GSTC Accreditation Manual for rigorous and impartial certification. We congratulate MSB’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and quality. With this accreditation, theirs is the first national program to gain such accreditation and join a select group of Certification Bodies who have reached such a pinnacle of achievement,” says Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

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Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit is excited to announce its 3rd-anniversary celebration! Join us for a fantastic evening of fun and entertainment.

Event Highlights

– Crafted Cocktails: Our skilled mixologists have prepared unique anniversary cocktails that will delight your taste buds.
– Live Music: Enjoy live performances by the talented Flukflix Trio Band from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
– DJ and Drag Shows: Dance the night away with DJ Kapree’s beats and captivating drag shows starting at 10:00 pm.
– Drink Special: Buy one selected drink and get the second one for just THB 3.
– Lucky Draw: Participate in an exciting lucky draw.
– Anniversary Souvenir: As a token of our appreciation, every guest will receive a special 3rd-anniversary souvenir.

Date: 21 August 2023
Time: 5:00 pm – midnight

Come celebrate this milestone with us and create unforgettable memories at Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar.

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New TIA Tours Introduce Wellness Practices in Vietnam

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New TIA Tours Introduce Wellness Practices in VietnamA holistic resort in Da Nang is taking wellbeing out of its wellness center through a handful of curated experiences for mind, body, and soul at nearby points of spiritual and cultural significance. TIA Wellness Resort, situated along Da Nang’s picturesque coastline, has drawn on its four core wellness pillars: Nourish, Flow, Breathe, Create to reimagine excursions to local sites, bringing in a wellness twist.

Breathe – Meditate with Lady Buddha

At the towering Lady Buddha statue that presides over the Son Tra Peninsula, the breath is the key element added to the mix. Guests leave early for a relaxing exploration of Linh Ung Pagoda, an active place of worship that is the largest in Da Nang, before a guided meditation session in the grounds with a focus on the breath. After the mindful practice the excursion takes in the main Lady Buddha statue, the tallest in the country and a symbol of peace and prosperity, before returning to the resort. The whole experience takes place from 6:00am – 8:30am, before the bustle of the day.

Flow – Marble Mountain Hike and Tai Chi Amid the Caves

Nearby the resort are the Marble Mountains, five karsts named for the five elements. The sacred spot, peppered with pagodas and shrines, ancient statues and deep, lofty caves, is accessed by a time-worn 200-step stone staircase winding up the mountainside. At the top, and before the crowds set in, there is an abundance of tranquil spaces ideal for a deeply peaceful Tai Chi practice led by the TIA guide. The two-hour excursion, designed with movement in mind, is held from 6:30am – 8:30am.

Nourish – An Organic Village Excursion and Healthy Cooking Class

Nourishment permeates TIA’s food philosophy, with its Eat Light, Feel Bright, food concept and a focus on whole food and predominantly plant-based dishes. TIA’s new Nourish experience is a bridge between the healthy focus at the property and the local organic farming community. This 3.5 tour starts with a trip to Tra Que Village to learn about local agriculture and the delicious Vietnamese herbs and spices that make the cuisine so distinct. Guests pick out the ingredients that will later be used to make Wellness Spring Rolls and Wellness Banh Xeo (Vietnamese-style savory pancake) in a hands-on cooking class held at the resort. The tour takes place from 10:30am – 2:00pm, with guests sitting down for a meal of their creations afterwards.

Create – A Traditional Vietnamese Calligraphy Experience

With a traditional Vietnamese calligraphy session TIA is building on the creativity focus that it encourages through its on-site art sessions while introducing a traditional practice that is imbued with mindfulness. The three-hour afternoon session starts at 1:30pm with a visit to a calligraphy museum and chat with a calligraphy master. Guests will get to keep their creation as a reminder of the experience.

Each TIA tour is from VND 1,500,000++ per person and they are offered daily, subject to availability.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Fusion Entices Couples to Tie the Knot in Vietnam

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Wellness-inspired hotel brand Fusion is celebrating the upcoming “Wedding Season” in Vietnam by throwing a bouquet of innovative proposals at prospective brides and grooms.

With the desire for destination weddings at an all-time high, three of Fusion’s finest resorts have refined their promotions to help couples make their Big Day the best day ever.

Natural Selection – Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion

This scenic resort lies a 30-km drive from Vietnam’s imperial capital of Hue in central Vietnam. The property exudes natural beauty, and is surrounded by verdant mountains and rejuvenating hot springs. But Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion is more than just a location for a relaxing getaway. Couples who are drawn to serene settings will be happy to know that the resort’s latest wedding package covers all the essentials for a wonder-filled celebration.

The ceremony garden can be created in a delightful forest setting. A dedicated photographer will capture the joyous moments during the ceremony and reception, with the day including a champagne fountain, live music, a master of ceremony, banquet and wedding cake, as well as a room for bridal makeup and a complimentary nuptials night with late checkout.

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion is ideal for smaller celebrations with a guest list of up to 100 persons. Accommodations at the resort range from deluxe rooms to private bungalows. Highlights of Alba Wellness Valley include its unique Japanese onsen spa as well as activities such as sunrise yoga and meditation, and of course the natural hot springs.

‘Test Drive’ Wedding Offer at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh

Prospective couples now have the option of sampling first-hand the resort’s offerings with a one-night stay — a “test drive” — before deciding if this venue is ideal for their dream wedding.

Fiancees will meet the hotel’s wedding planning team, including the executive chef, and sample food in a tasting session from a special wedding menu.

Located just an 8-minute drive from Cam Ranh Airport, and perched atop a 28-meter-high sand dune overlooking the ocean, Fusion Resort Cam Ranh offers an idyllic beachfront wedding setting, with wedding day options including Vietnamese music and performances, spa treatments and a sparkling wine breakfast served in-villa.

Pool Villa Bliss at Maia Resort Quy Nhon

Fusion’s first culinary-led resort has manicured gardens, pristine beaches and the striking beauty of Phuong Mai Bay, coming together to create an idyllic backdrop for any dream wedding celebration.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon offers contemporary and luxurious private pool villas, either with garden or beachside settings. The resort’s centerpiece restaurant Vi, concept restaurant Ad Hoc, and multifunction room Jade that can each accommodate up to 120 guests indoors.

The resort’s team of experts will assist with date reservation, event planning, food and beverage recommendations, as well as all other details and ideas for wedding arrangements to ensure a flawlessly executed big day to say “I do”.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Weeva appoints James Lever as Chief Technology Officer

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London, UK – Weeva, a cutting-edge digital sustainability solution for tourism businesses, has appointed James Lever as its inaugural Chief Technology Officer (CTO). 

 Lever will oversee the next wave of innovation as Weeva seeks to give hospitality providers of all sizes access to best-practice, science-based, and data-driven sustainability solutions at an affordable price. 

Lever’s appointment was unveiled during Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, where he presented as part of the sustainability track at the Travel Tech Summit. He highlighted how Weeva’s technology enables travel businesses to make better decisions and optimise their business operations, leading to lasting positive change. 

Lever said:

“In just its first year, Weeva has already revolutionised the way that travel and tourism businesses measure and assess their impacts across social and environmental parameters—and identify the practical steps they can take to improve. Over the next year, we’ll be pushing the needle further, adopting innovative approaches to guide these businesses through the process of becoming more sustainable and help them embed better practices across their teams.” 

Weeva’s Managing Director and Co-Founder, Julie Cheetham, added:

 “Weeva’s mission is to enable all travel businesses to become sustainable, successful businesses. Under James’ leadership as CTO, we are working to make it easier than ever for businesses to start – and succeed – on their sustainability journeys. The result could be truly game-changing for the sector.”

Lever brings more than two decades of experience developing technology solutions for leading travel businesses including Amadeus and easyJet holidays, as well as cruise companies, tour operators, travel agencies, and airline alliances. He has held leadership roles at several travel and tech companies, including serving as CTO at zen3, Head of Technology and CTO at CWT Digital, Head of IT and Development at Can 360, IT Development Manager at Barwell Travel, and Founder and Managing Director of IBUK Web Services.   

About Weeva
Weeva is a Software-as-a-Service platform designed to democratise access to cutting-edge sustainability management tools for hospitality providers. The system helps travel businesses of all sizes access best-practice, science-based, and data-driven sustainability expertise at an affordable price.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Making Scents of it All on Koh Samui

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Banyan Tree Samui, a luxury beachfront resort in southern Thailand, has in recent years enhanced its status as a holistic destination by allocating a division of its 88 pool villas to cater to “Wellbeing Sanctuary” visitors — those choosing a health-focused vacation with an itinerary of fitness, nutritional diet, and spiritual endeavours.

Now, this self-proclaimed “Sanctuary for the Senses” has introduced a new free-of-charge activity for all its guests — aromatherapy workshops, held twice weekly, to encourage guests to unlock the mystery of the ancient traditional practice.

Nestled in a tropical landscape with its own private beach area, this 5-star hotel, which is regularly recognized as one of the leading luxury resorts in Asia, is able to source many of the aromatic ingredients at local markets.

Extracts from plants — flowers, twigs, leaves, bark, roots, wood, fruits, seeds and resins — are obtained by either a process of expression or steam distillation, yielding aromatic oils that can be used for healing. The only other ingredients are distilled water and ethyl alcohol.

Participants are free to select which essential oils they would like to create at the workshop, which is held at Banyan Tree Gallery Samui, the resort’s on-site boutique. Choices include cedarwood, rosemary, lavender, ylang-ylang, bergamot, peppermint and pine.

The guests have an added interest in their selection of essential oils, because the hotel provides oil burners and incense in each villa with a daily rotation of fragrances as part of the turndown service.

On Mondays, for example, lemongrass essential oil (effective for alertness, stimulation, and reducing anxiety) is combined with rose incense sticks (uplifting, soothing) to create an ambience of romance.

Sleep therapy is one of the principle foundations of Banyan Tree’s “8-Pillar” philosophy and a keystone of the Wellbeing Sanctuary programme. And nothing speaks to the mind, body and soul as much as aromatherapy when it comes to getting a good night’s rest.

Among the other aromatherapeutic activities provided for guests is a Sense of Nature Walk, whereby members of the hotel’s sustainability team lead guided tours around the lush 38-acre property to discover and explain some of the tropical flora and fauna.

Banyan Tree Samui has been recognised for its approach to eco-friendliness and sustainability, being the first hotel in Thailand to be awarded Gold Certification by international industry watchdog EarthCheck.

 

ABOUT BANYAN TREE

Banyan Tree offers a Sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. An all-villa concept often with private pools, Banyan Tree provides genuine, authentic service and a distinctive, premium retreat experience.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE GROUP

Banyan Tree Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group”) is one of the world’s leading independent, multi-branded hospitality groups centred on the purpose-driven mission of stewardship and wellbeing while offering exceptional, design-led experiences.

The Group’s diversified portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, galleries, golf and residences features an ecosystem of 10 global brands, including the award-winning Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna, and the highly anticipated new brands of Homm, Garrya, Folio, and two new Banyan Tree brand extensions – Escape and Veya.

Established in 2008, with the goal of advancing people development and management excellence, Banyan Tree Management Academy has nurtured over 8,000 associates across 23 countries. The Group is recognised for its commitment to environmental protection and community development through its Banyan Tree Global Foundation. Operating over 70 hotels in 17 countries, it has 47 new properties in the pipeline.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hyatt Unveils Plans for First Locations for Extended-Stay Brand, Hyatt Studios

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Hyatt Unveils Plans for First Locations for Extended-Stay Brand, Hyatt Studios - TRAVELINDEXHyatt Unveils Plans for First Locations and Leadership Appointments for Upper-Midscale, Extended-Stay Brand, Hyatt Studios. Hyatt leverages a developer-driven approach to accelerate speed-to-market for its recently announced brand

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced significant updates to Hyatt Studios, the latest select service brand in the Hyatt portfolio, including executed franchise agreements for the first locations in Mobile, Alabama and Marysville, California, emphasizing Hyatt’s strategy of entering untapped markets where its brand presence is yet to be established. Hyatt Studios, Hyatt’s first upper-midscale extended-stay brand in the Americas, is expected to be a key accelerator for Hyatt, building on six years of industry leading net rooms growth.

“Hyatt’s entry into these new markets with Hyatt Studios hotels exemplifies our commitment to developers, guests and World of Hyatt members,” said Dan Hansen, global head of Hyatt Studios. “We’ve learned that when Hyatt guests stay with a competing brand, they appear to do so for one of two reasons: the absence of a Hyatt hotel within five miles or the choice to stay at a lower chain scale. By enabling guests to choose a Hyatt hotel in new markets, we grow brand loyalty without intra-brand competition and present more white-space options to developers.”

Hyatt unveils first two Hyatt Studios locations
Following Hyatt’s announcement of signed letters of interest for more than 100 Hyatt Studios hotels at the brand’s launch in April, Hyatt now confirms the first Hyatt Studios locations:

Mobile, Alabama (Tillman’s Corner)
3H Group, Inc, founded by Hiren Desai, an expert in the select service space, has entered into a franchise agreement with Hyatt to build the inaugural Hyatt Studios hotel in Tillman’s Corner, just outside of Mobile, Alabama. The site will mark Hyatt’s first branded hotel in the area and is strategically located near Mobile Bay’s Gulf Coast, providing extended-stay guests exceptional value and easy access to this rapidly expanding port city. In addition to attracting tourism, the city boasts a diverse range of industries in manufacturing, aerospace, and commercial retail, further enhancing its midscale appeal. This property is set to open in late 2024.

“We are honored to be a part of this significant milestone with Hyatt,” said Hiren Desai, president and CEO, 3H Group, Inc. “Hyatt’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class service to owners, operators and guests alike makes them the ideal hospitality company to expand our extended-stay presence in this growing community.”

Marysville, California
Presidio Hotel Development LLC has entered into a franchise agreement with Hyatt for a 113-room Hyatt Studios hotel in downtown Marysville, California, located in Yuba County and part of the North Sacramento area. Marysville is an ideal location to develop a Hyatt Studios hotel due to the city’s rapid growth in recent years, which has led to increased demand in the midscale segment. Expected to open in 2025, the property will feature a custom buildout, including dedicated meeting spaces, to effectively serve the needs of both business travelers and those attending local events in the area.

“The experience of working with Hyatt is unparalleled. They authentically embrace their ethos of listening to understand and have created an innovative extended-stay offering, shaped by input from the development community,” said Guneet Bajwa, president and CEO of Presidio Hotel Development LLC. “That, coupled with the adaptability to tailor the product to my market’s demands, are among the reasons we’ve chosen to invest in developing a Hyatt Studios hotel.”

Hyatt expands Hyatt Studios leadership team
Under the leadership of Dan Hansen, a carefully selected and dedicated team has been formed to ensure the brand delivers on its value proposition. Hyatt veteran Jason Ballard has been promoted to the position of Head of Operations, Hyatt Studios, reporting directly to Hansen.

Most recently serving as Hyatt’s Vice President of Franchise Operations, Select Service, Ballard was instrumental in establishing and nurturing Hyatt’s Franchise & Owner Relations Group (FORG). Under his leadership, the Americas Select Service Franchise portfolio saw its highest-ever owner and operator satisfaction scores. Since joining Hyatt in 2006, Ballard has held positions in Revenue Management, Capital Planning and Operations Analytics across all three Hyatt regions – Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, Africa and Middle East. Ballard played a critical role in establishing the global footprint of the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands, spearheading the first Hyatt select service properties in Thailand, China, Japan and Australia, and the first Hyatt branded hotels in Barcelona, Athens and Budapest. His role in implementing global processes and assembling teams in these new markets facilitated the momentous expansion of Hyatt’s international brand presence in the select service segment.

In addition to Ballard’s role, Hyatt has enlisted internal experts and external industry professionals, making substantial leadership appointments in finance and commercial services. Furthermore, the team has strengthened its development efforts by recruiting additional team members who are dedicated to advancing the expansion of the brand.

“Hyatt’s transformative growth demonstrates the importance we place on fostering strong relationships with owners, developers and franchisees,” said Ballard. “Prioritizing owner satisfaction has allowed us to position Hyatt Studios hotels as a compelling option with competitive market availability. By listening to the needs of our owners and guests, we can now offer solutions for more stay occasions for 40 million World of Hyatt loyalty members.”

The Hyatt Studios brand will join Hyatt’s growing portfolio in the Timeless collection and is positioned to transform the extended-stay experience. Developers can expect a product that delivers three main components for success: efficient and scalable prototypes, a lean operating model, and flexible brand and design elements to adapt to local market needs across primary, secondary and tertiary markets. Accommodating extended-stay and transient demand, each Hyatt Studios hotel will be sized to fit approximately 122 rooms with flexibility to scale up or down.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of June 30, 2023, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,250 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 76 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Dream® Hotels, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt®; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt®, and JdV by Hyatt®; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith™, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROYAL TREATMENT: Princess Hotels to add two in Jamaica

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Travel agents can start booking their clients’ 2024 getaways at two new Princess Hotels luxury all-inclusive beachfront resorts in Jamaica with Sunwing Vacations.

Opening in April, the family-friendly Princess Grand Jamaica, available exclusively to Sunwing, and the adults-only Princess Senses the Mangrove, will also earn agents STAR Rewards Points on bookings that can be converted to cash.

“As one of the most popular resort chains in the tropics and a top choice among Sunwing Vacations customers, Princess Hotels & Resorts has long been providing top-rated service and high-quality vacations to our customers in Mexico and the Dominican Republic,” says Sunwing’s Samantha Taylor. “With Princess’ upcoming expansion to Jamaica… we’re excited to continue growing our successful partnership and bringing Canadians more vacation options in Jamaica with the resort brand they love.”

Princess Grand Jamaica

The beachfront Princess Grand Jamaica offers the quintessential all-inclusive experience for families and groups, with all-ages amenities ranging from a multi-functional sports field to the water sports centre. There’s also the Thematic Game Zone and supervised Kids Club Centre for mini-vacationers where they can enjoy multiple customized areas for games and recreation.

The resort boast five pools, including a main pool with Jacuzzis, a family pool with a dedicated kids area, a rooftop infinity pool for Platinum Club guests, and an aquatic park featuring a splash pad, two pools, four water slides, a lounge area and more.

Guests are spoiled for choice with a selection of themed restaurants on site, buffets, food trucks, snack bars and more serving international fare, plus nightly entertainment.

The sprawling property has 590 lavish suites with ocean views and chic décor, some also including swim-out features and bunk beds designed like boats plus personalized robes for the little ones.

Princess Senses the Mangrove

Princess Senses the Mangrove rendering

Meanwhile, an impressive adults-only offering where sophistication meets leisure in a beachfront setting, Princess Senses the Mangrove is a 415 all-suite resort and is an ideal pick for couples and friends. Guests can experience a the state-of-the-art spa ($) during a hydrotherapy ritual or massage, or at the rooftop infinity pool with great ocean views, or try motorized ($) or non-motorized water sports.

The resort also has a wide selection of options with 14 restaurants, from seafood to sushi, casual food trucks and local and international specialties.

And The O’Club offers themed parties, dancing, mixology classes, cocktail soirées and more.

One of this resort’s key selling features is its luxurious accommodations with modern amenities for premium comfort, including one- and two-bedroom suites with swim-out options, Pleasure Suites, and stunning Overwater Villas with their own infinity pool and VIP perks.

Guests will also have room access to the amenities at Princess Grand Jamaica nearby.

Platinum Club

In addition to premium amenities and services, Princess’s exclusive Platinum Club room categories are available to book at both new resorts in Jamaica. Guests will enjoy added privileges, such as private check-in and check-out, concierge services, daily butler service, access to a private beach area and pool, a beach club with rooftop infinity pool exclusive to Platinum Club guests (only at Princess Senses the Mangrove), food and spa discounts and more.

Sunwing offers direct flights to Montego Bay year-round from major Canadian gateways; first bags are free when travelling on a Sunwing vacation package and include complimentary transfers in destination, plus options to add change and cancellation protection.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

GET READY FOR A BIODIVERSE WONDERLAND IN COSTA RICA

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Costa Rica is a biodiverse paradise. This nation lies at the meeting point of both northern and southern migration routes, meaning it abounds with birds, mammals, and reptiles. The landscape shifts rapidly throughout the nation from volcanoes to cloud forests to sandy beaches. All that diversity leads to a near certain chance that travellers will encounter incredible animals on a trip to Costa Rica.

The type of encounter and the type of animal all depends on the traveller. Costa Rica caters to all interests. Birdwatchers can search for rare species in cloud forests, butterfly lovers can gasp at the elegant sapphire wings of the blue morpho, and everyone can enjoy the sight of a sleepy sloth yawning from a cecropia tree.

Travellers who explore Costa Rica with Goway can enjoy every element of their trip tailored to their interests. Goway’s leading Destination Specialists are the experts at customizing dream vacations to Costa Rica, from the Caribbean shores of Tortuguero to the heights of Monteverde to the remote jungles of Corcovado. Learn more on Goway’s website.

Slow Superstars

The mammals of Costa Rica steal the show, especially the sloth. They come in both the two and three-toed variety and serve as the slow and smiley icon of the nation. You can spot them in the trees all throughout the country, whether Manuel Antonio National Park along the Pacific coast or in the popular highlands of Arenal. The nation’s monkeys are equally lovable: auburn squirrel monkeys racing along branches; spider monkeys hanging from their seemingly-endless tails; capuchins watching your every move hoping for a snack to fall loose; and howler monkeys roaring from the upper branches. If you’re truly lucky, you’ll spot some of the nation’s big cats, such as the ocelot or the enigmatic jaguar, who prowls at night and only graces humans with its presence at the most special of occasions. Bats, frogs, lizards—some can even walk on water—and colourful amphibians fill out the gaps in the biological food chain, ensuring that every part of Costa Rica is bursting with vibrant life.

Colours of the Sky

There are a lot of animals to look for on the ground, but don’t forget to look up or else you’ll miss the bright displays of red and green soaring over your head. You don’t have to be a birder to fall in love with the birds of Costa Rica. Of the over 900 species of birds in Costa Rica, the toucan is the most charming. They may not appear bearing breakfast cereal, but the sight of their colourful bill and expressive face is nevertheless sweet. Scarlet macaws populate the forests, both remote and close to home, and brilliant little hummingbirds buzz through life in and outside the cities. If you explore the cloud forests of Monteverde, you’ll give yourself a chance to spot the brilliant greens and reds of the resplendent quetzal, a bird of almost legendary beauty. Come armed with some good binoculars and a sturdy neck and you’ll be rewarded with sights of colour even the world’s greatest painters couldn’t conjure.

Beneath the Waves

Blessed with two coasts, Costa Rica has more than its share of aquatic animals to brighten days spent at the beach. It’s most famous for turtles, which nest in Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean side from July to October. You’ll find both green sea and hawksbill turtles hatching during this period; leatherbacks are here too, but this endangered species is rare. On the Pacific side, you may spot migrating humpback whales in the waters between March and July. Gentle whale sharks also find their way into the waters, as do bottle-nose dolphins, which swim and play off the coast at all times of year. If the large marine animals do elude you, you’ll always have the colourful denizens of the coral reefs to keep you company, from rays which fly beneath the waves to bright little trevally that dart between the coral. The nation’s wild bounty knows no bounds by land or sea.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ENJOY ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE IN COSTA RICA

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Costa Rica’s diverse natural environment is a playground for travellers who like to feel a rush of adrenaline and the wind in their hair. The thick rainforests, sandy beaches, and multitude of volcanoes provide the sort of terrain that’s perfect for adventure.

Whether a traveller is looking to zipline through a jungle canopy, hike along mountain terrain, or snorkel beneath the waves, Goway’s Destination Specialists can customize their perfect adventure to Costa Rica. Every trip to Costa Rica with Goway is tailor-made to the needs of every individual traveller. Learn more on Goway’s website.

Adventure on the Ground

It won’t take you long to find spots in Costa Rica to stretch your legs and explore the bounty of nature at your own pace. There are hiking trails all over the nation, which take you over pastoral plains, through forests, and alongside volcanoes. In Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, there are 13 km of trails that wind through the cloud-draped rainforest. If altitude isn’t a problem, head to one of the nation’s 67 volcanoes, such as Irazu Volcano, to hike through the foothills or circuit an extinct caldera. You can even hike alongside active volcanoes such as Arenal, spotting dried-up lava flows, even if you have to keep your distance from the caldera itself. You can up the challenge by canyoning to remote waterfalls and hiking alongside coursing rapids in Manuel Antonio or Arenal, or rent a mountain bike to ride trails in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Adventure in the Trees

Arguably the most exciting adventures in Costa Rica take place off the ground. The nation has pioneered the use of ziplines in rainforests and you’ll find spots all over the country where you can strap on gear, hook yourself up to a line, and fly through the sky at incredible speeds and impressive distances. In the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one single zipline goes 770m long! Diamante Eco Adventure Park in Guanacaste is equally well known for its zipline networks which crisscross the forest and allow you the opportunity to cut through the air like a bird (or superhero). If you want to explore the skies a tad slower, take to the canopy boardwalks or hanging bridges throughout the nation’s parks. Hike along the suspended bridges of Monteverde to spot birds and mammals that stick to the jungle canopy and enjoy spectacular views of the clouds hugging the forests.

Adventure in the Waters

As befitting a country with two coastlines and rivers crisscrossing the nation, Costa Rica offers you the chance to get your adrenaline fix in and on the water. Rugged explorers will want to take to the rivers for a whitewater rafting adventure. Ride the rapids down the Penas Blancas River near Arenal. On the coastlines, try your hand at surfing on Playa Jaco or if you’re more experienced, sample the breaks off the famous Nicoya Peninsula. On either coast, you’ll also have plenty of opportunity to dive and snorkel, which may not come with the same rush as whitewater rafting or surfing, but still offers a chance to stay active and enjoy nature. Cahuita National Park offers large coral reefs with shallow waters that are amenable to beginners, while Cano Island is arguably the most rewarding spot for seasoned divers.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News