From city centre stays in Sydney to far-flung idylls in the Maldives, this list will have you dreaming about your next trip with Radisson Hotels.

THERE’S SO MUCH TO SEE IN THE WORLD, and the more you travel, the more places you yearn to visit.  Get ready to add to your travel bucket list again since the experts at Radisson Hotels have shared their top seven global destinations. These are the hot destinations that are on the radar for the upcoming year-end holidays.

These are the hot destinations that are on the radar for the upcoming year-end holidays. They are not only in prime locations, but also offer a  wide range of activities from leisure to adventure and wellness. Radisson Hotels are dedicated to offering you the most indulgent experiences in the planet’s top destinations to make the most of your travels without worry or stress. 

Read on to learn about the seven places you need to add to your travel bucket list.

MALDIVES, SOUTH ARI ATOLL: Radisson Blu Resort Maldives 

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Radisson Blu Resort, Maldives, offers a secluded haven where you can retreat from the world and unwind in luxury. Situated on the private island, the hotel resort can be reached by a seaplane journey from which you can view the splendour of the Maldives from above — a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should enjoy.

On-staff experts arrange everything from transport to the hotel’s island to world-class snorkelling and diving outings where you can catch a glimpse of playful dolphins and the region’s famed whale sharks. The resort delivers feel-good hospitality to guests by arranging visits to local islands like Dhigurah or Maamigili or in-house service of champagne and floating breakfast to your villa’s private pool.

Blissful days on the beach turn into unforgettable nights thanks to the resort’s selection of eight dining options, serving both local and global cuisine. Dine at Japanese restaurant Kabuki for a one-of-a-kind culinary journey prepared with dramatic flair. Indulge in fusion dishes that blend South American and European ingredients prepared with Japanese techniques.

SYDNEY: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney

Featuring heritage architecture and a vintage sandstone facade, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Sydney, offers an elegant base in the heart of the city. Once home to the Fairfax newspaper empire and the prestigious Bank of New South Wales, the historic building now accommodates guests from all over the world, just a short stroll from the area’s indulgent restaurants and bars, luxurious shopping, and iconic sites, including the Sydney Opera House, the Queen Victoria Building and Martin Place.

During your stay at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Sydney, you’ll be staying in the city’s prime location — just steps away from every attraction. On top of the helpful concierge team expert recommendations, this makes it possible to see the best of Sydney during short visits.

The hotel houses one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Sydney. Superstar chef-sommelier duo Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt are the creative team behind Bentley Restaurant & Bar, where they serve up inventive and eccentric dishes coupled with world-class wines.

The shared creation of Savage and Hildebrandt has become one of the most respected restaurants in Sydney, winning multiple distinctions, including “Best New Restaurant,” “Chef of the Year,” and “Sommelier of the Year” at The Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide Awards.

SRI LANKA: Radisson Blu Resort, Galle 

Sri Lanka carries a multitude of travel experiences. Located on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, Galle is a colourful destination teeming with historical sites and attractions to please every traveller. Explore Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO heritage site, where you can observe influences from Dutch, Portuguese, and British legacies.

Stroll through Galle’s historic centre to soak up laid-back seaside vibes and admire multicultural heritage. This UNESCO-recognised city is a joy to explore on foot, with traffic-free streets and impressive architecture.

Galle Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese and Dutch stronghold, is among the top historic sites in Asia. Begin your Galle journey by exploring urban attractions, stop and admire the sea views from the Japanese Peace Pagoda and leave footprints in the soft sand with your family and dip your toes at Unawatuna Beach.

Radisson Blu Resort, Galle features 172 stylish rooms, all featuring a private balcony or terrace and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean from the hotel’s beachfront location. It also has a daily activities programme for adults and kids at the beach, including Pilates, aqua fitness, beach foam parties, and more. Young guests will get to enjoy the resort’s sports competitions, sand castle building, spy quests and more. 

FIJI, DENARAU ISLAND: Radisson Blu Resort, Fiji Denarau Island

You won’t be short of things to do when you visit Fiji Denarau Island. From beachside fun to zip-lining and river cruises, beautiful Denarau Island offers something for every visitor. To enjoy Fiji’s beautiful outdoors, plan a diving excursion to the famous Malolo Barrier Reef or charter a cruise at Port Denarau. Take a river ride on the Sigatoka River Safari for a glimpse of island life. Looking for shopping or entertainment? Head to Denarau Port to shop or take in a show. From this stellar location, you’ll feel as if all of Fiji is at your fingertips

Radisson Blu Resort, Fiji Denarau Island, is situated amongst 10 acres of tropical gardens, picturesque waterfalls, and a private beach. Guests can enjoy a private car transfer from Nadi International Airport to the resort. Besides sun, sand, and spectacular ocean vistas, the resort offers easy access to shopping and businesses at Port Denarau, less than 10 minutes away, and Nadi, just 15 minutes away. 

The resort grounds offer plenty of island fun and relaxation.For parents that are looking for some alone time, there is an on-site daycare for kids where they can enjoy fun activities at the Kids’ Club. Meanwhile, you can practise your swing at Denarau Island Golf & Racquet Club, treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the resort spa or make a splash in four climate-controlled lagoon pools featuring a heart-stopping whitewater tunnel slide. Check out the six unique on-site restaurants offering delicious local and international cuisine throughout the day. 

DANANG, VIETNAM: Radisson Hotel Danang

Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations, and it’s easy to see why. A bustling city with a vibrant waterfront, Danang melds the best of city and beach destinations. It’s also near the iconic Ba Na Hills with its Instafamous Golden Bridge.

Spend a morning hiking in the legendary Marble Mountains amidst hidden temples and caves or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site My Son Sanctuary before relaxing on the beach for the afternoon. 

Radisson Hotel Danang sits across the street from My Khe Beach, and each of its 182 rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the expansive beach, city skyline, peninsula and surrounding mountains.

At the hotel, treat yourself to a pampering spa day or swim in the rooftop infinity pool. At sunset, head to the 21st floor to toast the day’s end with a refreshing cocktail at Vivid Bar before choosing any of multiple dining options within steps of your room.

CEBU CITY: Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu 

The first Spanish settlement in the Philippines, Cebu City is home to significant colonial landmarks like Magellan’s Cross. You can trace the fascinating history of the region in the Museo Sugbo, housed in a well-preserved Spanish Colonial building that once served as a jail. 

Experience the area’s natural beauty on excursions to nearby islands for snorkelling, wildlife spotting, or simply relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches. 

In the heart of the city, Radisson Blu Cebu provides five-star accommodations just minutes from the Mactan Channel and right next to Cebu International Port. Enjoy sweeping views of the channel and the city, as well as proximity to cultural attractions and beautiful white-sand beaches. 

Radisson Blu Cebu is ideally placed near area landmarks, Colon Street shops and markets, and nightlife at Mango Square. If you’re looking to pick up a souvenir, walk next door to the lively SM City Cebu Mall. Beach trips and diving expeditions are also a breeze, with several islands and marine sanctuaries close by. The hotel encompasses holistic wellness offerings, including a fitness centre, spa treatment and stunning outdoor pool where you can find refreshments at the Pool Bar. 

BANGKOK: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Bangkok

Enjoy an ideal location in the heart of Bangkok where transportation is never an issue. Located on Bangkok’s prestigious Sukhumvit Road, guests at the Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok can discover luxury shopping malls, historic temples and lush green parks just steps from the hotel. Spend the day popping into malls, including Terminal 21, EmQuartier and The Emporium. Or Board the Skytrain — just 450 metres from the hotel — to discover the Grand Palace Complex and Wat Pho. 

The Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok offers Thai and international therapies at Spa Esc and a refreshing rooftop swimming pool.

Find delight through dining experiences at three restaurants and five bars. Attico, on the 28th floor, offers Tuscan villa ambiance, Italian cuisine and skyline views. China Table, known throughout the city for its unmatched dim sum lunch, combines heritage and fusion to earn a top spot on TripAdvisor’s list of the best Chinese restaurants in Bangkok.

For a wide range of craft beers and ciders on tap, signature bar snacks, and spectacular rooftop views from the hotel’s 29th and 30th levels, make your way to Brewski, a destination bar that draws a friendly crowd of locals and hotel guests. 

No matter which location you book first, Radisson Hotels provides one-stop getaways that create memories of a lifetime for couples, families, and groups. 

Join as a member of Radisson Rewards to unlock instant benefits from day one, including exclusive member rates and flexible redemption.

Article Sponsored by Radisson Hotels.
Images courtesy of Radisson Hotels.

Tucked along Colombia’s north Caribbean coast is one of South America’s oldest colonial cities: Cartagena de Indias. Colonised by Spain in 1533 and liberated in 1821, the historic architecture remains well-preserved within its “Old City,” which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (The Old City is surrounded by a nearly 2.5-mile or 4.02 km wall that was built in the 1590s by Spain to protect the port city from attacks.)

Today, charming squares, cobblestone streets, and colourful buildings await travellers who visit. And this past spring, the Walled City welcomed a new boutique hotel in a Colonial-era building: Casa Pestagua. The historic 18th-century mansion underwent a USD 15 million renovation that merges the city’s Colonial past with its contemporary present. (The property is notably Colombia’s only Relais & Châteaux hotel.)

This charming boutique hotel in Cartagena is in an 18th-century home

As part of the update, the property has an upgraded lobby, an on-site restaurant, a new bar, and a gym. “As a carefully renewed and restored hotel, the team put all our best efforts into reopening it,” Paula Andrea Chamorro, the director of sales and marketing, told Travel + Leisure. “Its Moorish-inspired arches; its double-height ceilings; its rooms, each one different from the other and with a history related to the Count of Pestagua; the service and luxury amenities — all these aspects make our hotel unique.”

Casa Pestagua

• The hotel is located in the heart of the city, just a one-minute walk from Plaza de Santo Domingo.
• The vibe and aesthetic of the hotel blend seamlessly with the historic Old City, while simultaneously offering modern amenities.
• You don’t need to leave the property to find a great meal. The on-site restaurant, Ánima, offers local dishes plus international fare.

Casa Pestagua comes from the same owners as Hotel Casa San Agustin, another boutique hotel in the area with three Colonial-era homes that were merged to offer 20 rooms and 11 suites. Preserved throughout the property, much like Casa Pestagua, are original frescoes.

Here’s everything you need to know about the boutique hotel.

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The Rooms

Casa Pestagua has 16 rooms and suites in a beautifully restored home. No two rooms are the same — each is unique in its shape and size. The common thread tying the rooms together is the design and thoughtful amenities.

The boutique hotel in Cartagena has two suites — the Count de Pestagua and Madariaga suites — that are equipped for larger groups. Each suite has three rooms, plus private elevator access and a terrace with a jacuzzi and city views.

Food and drink

At the center of the boutique hotel in Cartagena is a Moroccan-style open-air courtyard framed by arches and filled with greenery. That’s where the on-site restaurant — Ánima, under the helm of chef Heberto Eljach — sits. “I was mainly inspired by the ancestral traditions of Colombian cuisine, the gastronomic heritage left to us by our grandparents, the great biodiversity of Colombia, and my family,” Eljach told T+L.

Each stay comes with a complimentary breakfast. Every table is given a bread basket of assorted treats and a fruit platter with seasonal and local bites. Guests can order an assortment of beverages: coffee, water, orange juice, and green juice. And then there’s the a la carte breakfast entrees, which range from arepas to acai bowls and yoghurt parfaits. I opted for the arepa con huevo y carne after a server told me it was his favourite breakfast — whether he gets it at the hotel or from a street vendor. (And he was right, it was delicious.)

“Ánima’s relationship with Colombian cuisine is focused on ancient techniques of traditional cooking — this includes preservation methods (cured, salted, fermented, canned, smoked, pickled), the use of local products, artisanal fishing, organic products from the Montes de Maria, Amazon, and other regions of Colombia,” Eljach said. “Each dish tells a story and it’s important to us that we can keep our traditions alive in our cooking.” (Chef’s tip: he said Ceviche Eljach is a must-try dish. It’s a blend of fish, octopus, shrimp, onion, local chilli peppers, and pork rinds served with a roasted arepa.)

You could also walk over to Casa San Agustin for dinner to dine at Alma, which was also conceived by Eljach. The restaurant is widely considered to be one of the best in the city. (In fact, I dined at Alma when I visited Cartagena in 2019 on a personal trip, as the restaurant’s reputation made it a must-visit.)

You’ll find Ceviche Eljach on both menus, but other than that, the experience is completely different. “Alma’s menu is inspired by the cuisine and products of the Colombian Caribbean and Pacific coasts,” the chef said.

Experiences and amenities

My favourite experience on offer at Casa Pestagua was a visit to Acasi — a private beach in Barú that is only open to guests of Casa Pestagua and Casa San Agustin. “For those looking to escape the noise, Acasi is the perfect place to unwind and experience the natural environment of the lush mangroves and beautiful white-sand beaches,” Chamorro said. “We welcome up to 10 people per day and serve delicious Colombian-Caribbean cuisine.”

After a scenic, one-hour ride on a private boat, we pulled into a dock and walked through mangroves to a gorgeous beach. I was greeted with a cocktail served in a coconut, snacks, hammocks, and oceanfront loungers. The entire experience was relaxing and private — a stark difference from the bustling beaches in the area. For lunch, we enjoyed shrimp ceviche, paella, and a chocolate cake.

(Guests can pick between two food packages: the standard day trip and the VIP one. Both packages include a private speedboat, a host, and transfers between the hotel and the dock. The difference is the food: the standard package serves shrimp ceviche, fruit, and plantain chips, while the VIP one serves specialties like lobster empanadas and grilled octopus. The standard package is USD 600 for two adults, plus USD 75 for additional adults and USD 35 for each child. The VIP package is USD 620 for two adults, plus USD 83 per extra adult and USD 50 per child.

Coming to the private beach this October are six bungalows that will allow guests to stay overnight. Each will have an ocean view, and access to a massage area, bar, restaurant, and pool.

The property concierge can set guests up with local activities, too: walking tours, coffee tastings, rum tastings, and cooking classes.

I joined a coffee experience at Café San Alberto, where I learned about Colombia’s coffee scene, explored the flavour notes of different beans, and became obsessed with a refreshing coffee mocktail made with in-house syrup and sparkling water. (I also learned that, as a reaction to the climate crisis, Colombia’s coffee plants are moving to higher elevations to handle the warming temperatures.)

On a walking tour with local operator Galavanta, I learned about the city, its colonial history, and its present. Our knowledgeable guide, Javier, talked me through Cartagena’s slave trade history and even explained what each home’s quirky ornate door knockers represent. (Spoilers: During the Colonial era, the door knockers symbolised what a resident’s profession was. For example, a lion meant the home belonged to a military family and a lizard meant that the resident was someone of high-society status.)

Casa Pestagua’s Aurum spa

Guests of Casa Pestagua can book a spa treatment at Aurum Spa, which is at the Casa San Agustin location. “Aurum Spa is different than other spas in Cartagena, as it has an official Hammam space offering the service as it is originally done in Marrakesh,” Chamorro said.

During my spa experience, I had a full body massage that made me forget I had just spent the bulk of my day flying to Cartagena. After the treatment, I was taken to the relaxation room to slowly reacclimate to the real world.

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The location

Casa Pestagua is just four miles (6.43 km), or a 15-minute drive, from Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). The boutique hotel in Cartagena can arrange airport transfers for guests.

Within Cartagena’s old town, the property is conveniently located and walkable to most sites within the historic areas. Las Bóvedas, for example, is a 13-minute walk; Plaza de Santo Domingo, home to the iconic Fernando Botero sculpture, is around the corner; and Santuario de San Pedro Claver is four minutes away. (Pedro Claver was a missionary who advocated for slaves and became the patron saint of slaves.) Even the hip Getsmani neighbourhood is a 20-minute walk or 10 minutes by car.

Chamorro said the hotel’s proximity to the historic city centre is ideal. “Not only because of the city’s history and diversity but also because of how easily navigable the area is — you will never be far from the property.”

Accessibility and sustainability

Though the surrounding city is flat in terms of elevation, visitors should know most nearby streets and sidewalks are cobblestone, which may be challenging for those with limited mobility.

Casa Pestagua encourages its guests to reuse sheets and towels instead of requesting a daily replacement. It also recycles all plastic packaging, working with a recycling plant that then uses the money to financially support children with cancer and other illnesses.

At the private beach, there has been a conscious effort to keep things undeveloped. This means mangroves were planted and the pathway to access the beach is made of washed-up coral instead of pavement.

Casa Pestagua’s nightly room rates, which include breakfast, start at USD 550. You can book your stay here.

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(Hero and feature image credit: Casa Pestagua)

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related: These Boutique Hotels Are Actually Backed By Some Of The World’s Biggest Brands — And You Can Book Them With Points

If you like the bright colours of Kentucky Derby fashion, you’ll love the newest boutique hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

Hotel Genevieve is a chic property by Austin-based hospitality company Bunkhouse Group located in Louisville’s trendy NuLu (or New Louisville) neighbourhood. It started welcoming guests on May 3.

“Louisville is just a great town. Totally underrated in our view,” Amar Lalvani, Bunkhouse Group’s executive chairman, told Travel + Leisure. “Beyond the Derby and the bourbon trail, both of which we love, the city has a lot to offer culturally in terms of the art scene and food scene as well.”

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This boutique hotel is a reminder of Louisville’s French roots

The hotel’s name refers to its inspiration: the patron saint of Paris, Saint Genevieve. It’s a nod to the historic American city’s French roots. (Louisville was named after Louis XVI, the last king of France, in honour of his support of the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.)

A floral space filled with colour!

Bunkhouse Group partnered with interior design studio Rohe Creative to design a floral space filled with colour, from the pink and gold front desk to the shades of blue throughout the 122 guest rooms. That’s paired with a number of antique finds, including an art collection largely sourced from antique fairs, including Texas’ famous Round Top Antiques Fair.

“This is our first urban-core, new-build hotel, which means it doesn’t have some components that are central to our other properties — lushly landscaped grounds, a garden, a beach, etc.,” Tenaya Hills, Bunkhouse Group’s SVP of design and development, told T+L. said. “So we really wanted to make up for the lack of natural setting with really beautiful architectural details.”

Bunkhouse Hotel is a culinary destination

Hotel Genevieve is not just a place to rest your head, but a culinary destination, too, thanks to three restaurants and bars by James Beard-nominated chef Ashleigh Shanti, as well as a mini-market filled with local provisions.

Lalvani said the hotel’s all-day eatery Rosettes “transports you to the feeling of dining alfresco in a beautiful Parisian cafe,” while The Bar at Hotel Genevieve offers craft cocktails, light bites inspired by French street food and Mediterranean cuisine, and boasts sweeping views of the city and the Ohio River. There’s also a late-night speakeasy-like joint, Lucky Penny, hidden in the hotel. “All of them bring things that are new to Louisville but somehow, feel like they totally belong,” Lalvani said.

Rates at Hotel Genevieve start at USD 159 per night. Book your stay at bunkhousehotels.com.

(Hero and feature image credit: Bunkhouse Hotels)

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related: Hawaii’s Newest Boutique Hotel On The Big Island Has Fire Pits And Chic Rooms With Private Lanais

While there are tons of ways to experience Brazil’s Amazon rain forest, this one might just put the rest to shame. The luxury vacation rental company Stay One Degree is offering a tree house jungle villa in Itacaré with thoughtful touches that keep the natural surroundings top of mind. 

The Luxury Rental Amid Brazilian Rain Forest

The one-bedroom, one-bath property for two is a visual treat, which is no surprise since the homeowner is a successful Swiss photographer. Created out of ethically sourced 60-year-old naturally felled timbers, this architectural gem puts privacy and relaxation first. And with seamless indoor-outdoor integration, the elevated terrace leads into a secluded garden with a private pool.

Other on-site amenities include a yoga deck, large comfy sofas, a fully equipped kitchen, and an elevated dining area with a view gazing over the forest canopy. When it comes to the rain forest shower, guests have their choice between an indoor, open-air version or an outdoor option on the balcony.

Another perk: The nearest beaches are just a 10-minute drive away. Surfing is, of course, one of the area’s most popular activities, but guests can also enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, diving, fishing, and whale-watching. Both restaurants and traditional cooking lessons are plentiful, as are massages and yoga classes.

The tree house is located in the town of Itacaré, where the Rio de Contas flows into the Atlantic on the Cocoa Coast. In this area, there’s a kick-back-and-relax beach vibe that prioritises environmental consciousness with an emphasis on carbon-free tourism.

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To get there, fly into the closest international airport of Salvador (SSA), then take a daily flight to the regional Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport (IOS), which is about a 70-minute drive from the property. Stays range from USD 265 to USD 335 per night.

Stay One Degree is all about offering one-of-a-kind rentals that are as much about the experience as the perks of the property itself. Other listings include an ultra-luxe Alaskan lodge and an over-the-top California trip from Malibu to Palm Springs.

Related: Bucket List Material: 12 Beautiful Forests Around The World

If ever there were a perfect blend of “Cast Away” remoteness and the luxurious conveniences of a modern, five-star hotel, it can be found on Palm Island in the Grenadines.

After a 3.5-hour flight from Miami to Barbados, an hour-long inter-island flight from Barbados to Union Island, a two-minute drive to a dock, and an eight-minute boat trip, arriving at this 135-acre island resort feels like a scene straight out of HBO’s White Lotus — in the best of ways. I could hear the theme song in my head as we arrived to see the manager and staff waving from the dock, beaming smiles on full display and welcome drinks (a colourful rum concoction) in their hands.

Here’s why this gorgeous island is known as the Maldives of the Caribbean

Likened to the Maldives or French Polynesia, Palm Island looks like the Fiji of the Caribbean, with its velvety green hills ambling skyward from blindingly white sand and water that transitions from crystal-clear to glowing Powerade to denim the further you get from shore. The air is scented with plumeria and salt — your favourite island candle brought to life. It’s little wonder Palm Island Resort & Spa snagged the number three spot on Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards list of the 25 best hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

Palm Island, in its current form, hasn’t been around long. The pristine paradise received all the updated conveniences (such as a desalination plant) during an overhaul in 1999. Since then, the resort has been welcoming couples, families, and groups of friends, many of them for decades and most of them British, American, or Canadian.

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Nowhere is this decades-long devotion more evident than in the open-air library, where hundreds of books seem to span every genre, culture, language, and era. The next-door TV and internet room is another amusing holdout from the past; Wi-Fi is now available throughout the island.

Originally known as Prune Island, Palm Island was leased for 99 years, beginning in 1966, by Americans John and Mary Caldwell. For USD 1 per year, the Caldwells could lease what was then an uninhabitable arc of land with a swampy interior from the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines — as long as they built a hotel to provide employment for locals.

With eyes on the unspoiled beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, the Caldwells built Palm Island Beach Club, which they ran for the next 30 years. In 1999, the hotel was purchased by the current owners and received extensive renovations, plus the construction of 41 rooms and suites, a spa, and other amenities. Now part of Elite Island Resorts, a collection of unique beachfront properties in the Caribbean, Palm Island Resort is an adult-oriented all-inclusive where all on-site restaurants, bars, and facilities are included in the stay.

Guests can opt for evening dining in either of the two restaurants, Royal Palm or Sunset Grill & Bar, or book a romantic option in one of three secluded speciality spots nearby, including beneath an illuminated heart-shaped tree. Theme, menu, and live entertainment all vary nightly; our favourite by far was the Caribbean barbecue buffet with a steelpan band, tied with the lobster dinner in the gazebo.

Another memorable meal was a picnic lunch at Hammock #4, a beachy tree house of sorts, complete with a shaded upper deck, hammock down below, overwater wooden swings, and a serene setting overlooking a quiet bay.

Outside of meal times, you can do as much or as little as you’d like. There’s a full gym, pool, daily fitness classes, snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, Hobie cats, and nature trails to hike or bike. Optional add-on activities include a sunset sail on the Pink Lady or — a highlight of our trip — a half-day sailing around Tobago Cays Marine Park aboard the Yannis catamaran, with stops at two sparsely populated islands and one tiny, uninhabited one where you’ll spot green turtles while snorkelling. (Laying in the net of a catamaran with the ocean gliding a few feet beneath you is one of the unparalleled pleasures of life.)

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On Union Island, you can take kitesurfing lessons, go scuba diving, and more. Or, if you just want to lounge beneath a palm tree and stare out at the sometimes inky, sometimes cerulean sea, no one would blame you.

Of course, no tropical island vacation is complete without some time at the spa, and the one on Palm Island is a dream. Book the Hibiscus Package to spend 2.5 blissful hours with your sweetheart; the treatment begins with a foot wash ritual, then transitions to a beachfront floral bath, scrub, wrap, massage, and facial, all from the trained hands of two Balinese masseuses.

Located outside the hurricane zone and accessible only by boat, Palm Island offers the best of the Caribbean, practically all to yourself. It’s about 10 minutes to drive the entirety of the island via golf cart, but if you’re on foot or bike, it’s ripe for exploration, and much of it remains undeveloped, barely touched. There are five different beaches and more palm trees than you can count, all linked together by sandy paths and a smattering of 43 rooms, suites, and villas around the uncrowded perimeter of the island. It feels anonymous, but it isn’t: An Instagram follower told me that a season of MTV’s hit series Siesta Key was filmed here in 2021.

As far from reality as Palm Island feels, it’s actually pretty accessible, and getting there is half the fun: Flying to the Grenadines at golden hour can only be described as awe-inspiring. The recommended route is a commercial flight to Barbados, then a teeny-tiny Grenadine Alliance flight to Union Island. (If you’re lucky, you’ll also touch down in Canouan or Bequia to drop off a few shared charter passengers on your way.) Upon landing on Union Island, you’ll be met by a driver who will take you all of two minutes to the nearby dock, where a boat awaits to whisk you away on an eight-minute crossing to Palm Island.

If Palm Island is a favoured destination in the Grenadines, the brand-new Seahorse Villa is its crown jewel. It’s isolated at the eastern end of the island, engendering privacy and solitude — it wasn’t until I was supposed to hand in our room key that I realised I never got one; we didn’t lock our doors once during our stay and never thought twice about it.

However, villa guests get their own golf cart, so you can dart back to the more populated end of the island fast (or, at least, as fast as you can go on those bumpy, sandy backroads). You will undoubtedly get lost, even after several days of taking the same routes, but luckily, you can never get too far from where you’re trying to go on an island.

You could bring far more than the four people this 4,000-square-foot villa sleeps and never cross paths unless you wanted to; the white-picket-fenced home has space and more space, plus your own beachfront backyard and, best of all, no other structures in sight.

Crafted using local and reclaimed whitewashed woods with bold pops of blue to mirror the Caribbean beyond, the organically decorated villa is lit with wicker pendant shades set high in vaulted ceilings, creating an undeniably cozy ambience for a tropical island retreat. In the oversized kitchen, the breakfast bar and shelving are made from salvaged ship masts reclaimed from a shipwreck.

There are also outdoor showers, tiled indoor showers with stable doors opening up to views of the ocean, beach cabanas, huge walk-in closets, a half-bath, and — my personal favourite home-away-from-home feature — a laundry room with a washer and dryer. If there’s any way to feel like an island in the Caribbean is all yours, it’s with a stay at the Seahorse Villa.

This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com

Main and Feature Image Credit: Courtesy of Elite Island Resorts/Palm Island Resort and Spa

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The new platform, IHG One Rewards app lets you keep points, rewards, and adventure with you — wherever you go!

As part of their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, IHG Hotels & Resorts has revamped its long-running loyalty program, IHG Rewards Club, in favor of a model based on customer responses. The new platform, IHG One Rewards, lets loyalty members control how and where they spend points and allows them to customize the benefits they receive.

IHG One Rewards is tech-forward, powered by the company’s brand-new mobile app.

Describing the transition to the new system, Claire Bennett, Global Chief Customer Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This is one of the largest and most comprehensive investments that IHG Hotels & Resorts has made in recent years. It’s also the biggest development we’ve made in the loyalty space since introducing the industry’s first loyalty program. We’re truly transforming guest experiences by giving our members more of what they want — more value and exciting benefits individually delivered via new technology.”

The IHG app is the key that unlocks the power of IHG One Rewards, creating a new, more customer-friendly, and personal UX. The app enables users to check in and interact with their destination hotel before, during, and after their stay, increasing flexibility and allowing them to keep updated on any changes. Members can access the new platform simply by updating the existing version via Apple’s App Store or the Google Play store.

Jolie Fleming, Senior Vice President, Guest Products and Platforms, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: We have designed an entirely new experience for the next generation of our award-winning app, simplifying the user experience and allowing for continuous innovation moving forward.” 

This means that IHG One Rewards delivers more personalized, targeted offers to guests, rolls out new functionality faster, enhances the booking experience, and allows guests to manage their experience at every step of their journey. These impactful changes create better experiences for members.

Customization is Key

So, how does the new setup work for IHG One Rewards participants? Put simply, IHG One Rewards is designed to reward customers with more loyalty points accumulated at a much faster rate coupled with the expanded opportunities to spend them. 

Member benefits include enhanced choices, including free breakfasts for Elite members and access to Reward Night Discount Promotions for Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite members. And the extended scope for Elite members means they can enjoy early check-in and late checkout (if available), as well as room upgrades. 

After conducting comprehensive research and consulting thousands of customers, IHG understood that loyalty customers all have different wants and needs. These are reflected in the introduction of Milestone Rewards, which allow members to pick reward options that best fulfill their requirements. 

Milestone Rewards kick in after just 20 nights spent in IHG hotels, with participants in the program receiving a range of gratuities to pick from every tenth night, including $20 F&B Rewards, Annual Lounge Membership, and Confirmable Suite Upgrades.

All member benefits – including the launch of Milestone Rewards – are available now.

To learn more, please visit ihg.com/one.

Article sponsored by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
All Images Credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Did someone say free nights?! From everyday spending to airline point integration, IHG One Rewards listened to what members wanted.

With the worst of the pandemic slowly disappearing in the rearview mirror, international travel is once again thriving. This is one reason IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced its innovative new loyalty program, IHG One Rewards.

Taking the opportunity to give back to its customers and help them return to travel swiftly and efficiently, IHG One Rewards puts hotel guests in the driver’s seat regarding perks. The experience is built around IHG One Rewards members’ individual wants and needs, providing increased benefits, additional ways to pick up points, and enhanced options. 

Claire Bennett, Global Chief Customer Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “IHG One Rewards has a fresh look and feel and puts guests in control of their journey. It recognizes that no two members are the same and celebrates it — allowing guests to travel and mark milestones in their own way. Every day, we welcome more guests to our hotels, and while a love of travel is universal, the reasons and ways people travel. With IHG One Rewards, our members can create the rewards that are right for them.” 

Best of all, the whole platform is ultra-easy to access and operate through IHG’s powerful new all-in-one app. The new, modern integration is more personalised, offers streamlined booking, and lets all members control their rewards, check their status, stay informed, check-in quicker, and stay connected to their favourite hotels and destinations.

After reaching out to a cross-section of its customers and taking their comments to heart, the powerful hotel group also surveyed hospitality writers and travel influencers. Compiling the data from these groups and countless global consumer studies, IHG One Rewards now offers the best and most guest-centric benefits in the industry, or as Claire Bennett puts it, “With IHG One Rewards, our members can create the rewards that are right for them.”

Check out some of the best IHG One Rewards benefits:

Did Someone Say Free Rooms?!

IHG One Rewards members will, depending on where they stay, earn ten points for every US dollar spent, and standard award nights start at 10,000 points. This means guests can swiftly build enough points to grab a free stay. In addition, exclusive to guests who book using IHG branded credit cards is the chance to snatch up a fourth awards night absolutely free.

The simplicity of earning rewards assures that guests can add value to their stay with more opportunities for perks like complimentary breakfasts, early check-in, late checkout (if available), and room upgrades, according to the level of membership and personal preferences for sleeping in or fluffy omelets.

Up in the Air

IHG has established links with more than 40 airlines, including American, Qantas and BA. This enables IHG One Rewards members to build up points and convert them into air miles, letting them participate further in these carriers’ frequent flyer programs if that suits them best. 

Online Choices

For guests that don’t want to be pinned-down to when they are traveling, IHG One Rewards enables them to spend what they have accrued on day-to-day expenses. For those in the US using the IHG Chase credit card, that means shopping at places such as Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, and on Uber trips — plus a dizzying selection of digital entertainment, including downloading movies, music and video games to keep the synapses sparking.

To learn more, please visit ihg.com/one.

Article sponsored by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
All Images Credit: Courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts.