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    Award-Winning Distillery Buffalo Trace Selects Premium Barrel for Holland America Line

    Holland America Line team members were invited to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky to join Mayville and Johnson in the private barrel selection room, located in the well-known Warehouse D.
    Holland America Line’s beverage program is introducing an exclusive single barrel select bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States. This premium offering, curated by Sazerac Master Blender Drew Mayville and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Freddie Johnson, will be available fleetwide in March while supplies last.The opportunity to serve this unique bourbon arose when Mayville, an avid Holland America Line cruiser, endorsed the cruise line for the prestigious Sazerac Barrel Select program — an honor limited to only a few participants each year. Sazerac is a family of more than 450 brands from award-winning distilleries around the world. The Sazerac Barrel Select Program allows spirits enthusiasts the unique opportunity to hand-pick a barrel from Sazerac’s award-winning collection.
    “We strive to share experiences with our guests that they won’t find anywhere else,” said Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president of food, beverage and rooms divisions. “Collaborating with Buffalo Trace to craft a signature bourbon has been an incredible journey. Drew and Freddie guided us to select a barrel that will resonate with our guests and is the perfect representation of our two iconic brands.”
    Holland America Line team members were invited to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky to join Mayville and Johnson in the private barrel selection room, located in the well-known Warehouse D. At the distillery, the group chose four barrels, and then Mayville and Johnson — both icons in the bourbon and spirits world — guided them through a tasting. The group ultimately chose a barrel that offers the distinct characteristics of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, with more intense notes of oak and spice on the nose with a smooth, lingering finish. Mayville reflected on the experience, stating: “We aimed to select an expressive and distinctive barrel for Holland America Line, confident that their guests would enjoy trying something truly unique to the cruise line.”
    The standout choice was Barrel #002, filled on Dec. 21, 2015, and aged in Warehouse U on Floor 5, Rick 34. This hand-selected barrel has been bottled and shipped fleetwide and will be available for guests to order in March. Enthusiasts seeking to try this exclusive bourbon will find it in the Ocean Bar on each Holland America ship, where it will be served neat, on the rocks, or as an Old Fashioned.
    Buffalo Trace joins Holland America Line’s evolving beverage program that includes partnering with award-winning bartender Ivy Mix who created new cocktails that capture the essence of Mexico and Latin America, launching its own De Lijn gin and introducing a traditional, pirate-inspired rum punch crafted by renowned mixologist David Wondrich that is available on Caribbean cruises. Additional destination-inspired beverage partnerships will be announced soon.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

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    Crystal Lagoons Expands PAL™ Projects to Rome, Milan, Toulouse and Seville

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    Crystal Lagoons Expands PAL™ Projects to Rome, Milan, Toulouse and Seville

    Crystal Lagoons continues to conquer iconic cities in Europe. Having already launched in Prague, Warsaw, Bucharest, and Budapest, the company is now bringing beach life to Rome, Milan, Toulouse, Seville, and two additional Romanian cities. These Mediterranean cities will now also benefit from Public Access Lagoons™ projects, known as PAL™.
    In this way, this innovation multinational company, founded by scientist Fernando Fischmann, is expanding to Italy and France and adding projects in Spain and Romania, where it already has successful complexes such as Santa Rosalía, Alcazaba Lagoon, and Central District Lagoon City.
    The sustainability of Crystal Lagoons® technology was once again a determining factor for this agreement, the second with Forty Management, a prestigious and award-winning Romanian property developer with which the multinational has complexes in the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Hungary, characterized by their sustainability.
    The introduction of PAL™ projects into touristic and landmark cities like Rome and Milan demonstrates their added value, and the appeal of bringing an idyllic beach life just steps from homes. The central piece will be a large crystalline lagoon suitable for swimming and water sports, surrounded by white sandy beaches, which anyone can access for an entrance fee. The complex will be surrounded by residential areas, hotels, stores, restaurants, and other high-end commercial and entertainment infrastructure.
    “We are delighted that Crystal Lagoons, one of the world’s most innovative companies, has chosen Forty Management to expand into Europe. In partnership, we will bring beach life to the most amazing European cities and improve the quality of life through sustainable projects,” said Lucian Azoiței, CEO of Forty Management.ADVERTISEMENT“The disruptive innovation of Crystal Lagoons® technology, which allows bringing beach life in a sustainable way to any place in the world, is what generates the success of these crystalline lagoons. This has been recognized by avant-garde developers like Forty Management who, after confirming the trend in their first complex, repeat the model to develop new projects, even in cities that would be unthinkable like Rome, Milan or Toulouse,” said Jean Pierre Juanchich, Global Business Director of Crystal Lagoons.

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    SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CELEBRATES EXPANDED TECHNICAL OPERATIONS FACILITY IN PHOENIX

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    Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape Launches Exclusive Women’s Retreat With Beyond

    This exclusive retreat is a celebration of womanhood, crafted by women for women. The programme blends a holistic approach to personal empowerment and self-discovery with the serene natural splendour of Bali to nurture mind, body and soul. The retreat is led by two distinguished practitioners: Beata, a life coach and psychologist known for her expertise in guiding individuals towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the empowerment to shape their reality; and Kimberley, a yoga and meditation expert who guides participants on a dynamic journey of inner peace, self-connection, and personal growth through movement and mindfulness practices.
    A curated tapestry of activities will include including mindset reframing, mind training and somatic practice.. The daily itinerary will include a curated tapestry of activities such as:
    Grounding VinyasaBreathworkIce Bath Restorative Yoga Jungle Trekking Fire Ritual Evening Meditation Canang Compass Soul Freedom JourneyNestled in the Buahan valley of Bali, Banyan Tree Escape is the perfect backdrop for this life-enhancing experience, directly engaging with nature in its unique no walls, no doors concept.
    Beyond is a digital wellbeing companion with a meticulously curated retreats programme, guided by distinguished practitioners applying its codified framework of eight pillars of wellbeing.
    A place on the seven-day Buahan Women’s Retreat starts from £4,600 based on two sharing.. The retreat includes: accommodation in a jungle pool; daily brunch, dinner and refreshments; roundtrip airport transfers; a pre-retreat wellbeing assessment call; daily group sessions and workshops; wellbeing activities; one massage and local Balinese cultural experiences.ADVERTISEMENTp >A further programme of retreats is planned for 2024/2025 with dates to be announced.

    To book, please visit https://escape.banyantree.com/retreat

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    Ten Trending Destinations for 2024 Revealed by Kuoni in New Travel Forecast

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    Ten Trending Destinations for 2024 Revealed by Kuoni in New Travel Forecast

    Discovery tours of Namibia, great value beach breaks in Mauritius and glamping experiences in Thailand are all in demand for the year ahead according to the latest forecast from Kuoni.
    The report is based on a data from Kuoni’s peak January and February sales period so far and reflects places around the world which are enticing people to book.
    Even for premium travel, value for money is still a conversation many of Kuoni’s travel experts have been having with clients.  The Kuoni sales team has seen higher volumes of holiday bookings to Thailand, South Africa and India than last year, which all offer immersive travel experiences but favourable exchange rates which are amplifying the pounds’ worth.   
    Whilst iconic “bucket list” travel is still popular, Kuoni is seeing people asking about experiences beyond the well-trodden tourist trails.  The destination experts at Kuoni have created more travel options to many lesser-known regions, national parks and states, an example being a new itinerary in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, an often overlooked area that’s home to historic battlefields, mountain vistas and rich zulu cultures.
    Destinations appearing in Kuoni’s trending destinations list for 2024 include Mauritius, Thailand, Greece, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Portugal, South Africa, Canada, Grenada and India.ADVERTISEMENTThe island of Grenada, with a blend of beach plus rainforest, has climbed Kuoni’s destination chart and is becoming one of the stars of the Caribbean.  The hotel sector is evolving this year too, with Spice Island Resort making a stellar come-back after a substantial spruce-up and the much-anticipated debut of Six Senses La Lagesse in Spring set to turn heads.
    Nature and cool landscapes are a big draw for the year ahead, and Canada is enjoying an upturn in sales with independent self-drive trips and rail and sail holidays including the little-known Skeena Train which captures the beauty of British Columbia.
    Portugal and Greece are the stand-out places for premium short-haul travel.  In tune with the experiential travel wave, the volcanic archipelago of the Azores and self-drive tours in the Douro Valley and city breaks in Lisbon and Porto are drawing people to Portugal.  And in Greece, Kuoni is selling more island-hopping combinations like Santorini and Mykonos. Family bookings to Greece have risen with Ikos Resorts high on the wish list this summer.
    Sri Lanka sales are also on the rise again and it is reclaiming its place as one of the best-selling long-haul destinations for Kuoni. Looking ahead to this year, the focus is on sustainable growth and attractions like the Pekoe Trail, a new long-distance hiking route from the Hanthana Mountains to Nuwara Eliya’s hill stations.
    Thailand is also back on the map this year with rising sales.  The next series of White Lotus is creating a buzz along with a rising curiosity for more offbeat journeys.  The Bush Camp Chiang Mai, sister property to the award-winning Elephant Hills, is a top choice for seeing elephants in their natural habitat and this is being combined with glamping experiences at Raya Heritage.
    Marco Rocha, product and commercial director at Kuoni, said: “There’s a huge thirst for immersive travel this year and we’ve seen a huge diversity in terms of what people are booking so far, but with some clear trends emerging.
    We anticipated that value for money was going to be front of mind for all our customers this year, whether honeymooners, families, singles or older couples. We have been focussed on broadening our range and developing our commercial approach so we’re as competitive on price and service as we’ve ever been.
    Mauritius is winning out for Indian Ocean luxury at attractive prices. For those big trips, like South Africa and India, they are also proving great value and spending money on the ground goes a long way.  It’s great to see places like Namibia taking off as it’s something of a well-kept secret in Africa often overshadowed by the safari giants like Kenya and Tanzania. 
    We’ve had a strong start to the year, but anticipate that we’ll also see demand come through later this year as well as people assess their travel plans and budgets. But all evidence shows that travel is very much on the priority list for the year ahead.”

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    St. Maarten’s Newest Luxury Resort and Residences, Vie L’Ven, Launches Sales

    Altree Developments, a Toronto-based, multi-generational, full-service development company is set to redefine luxury living in St. Maarten and today announces they have launched sales at their newest development, Vie L’Ven (life to life), a luxury resort and residences with 280 units, that is slated for completion in 2028.“Vie L’Ven seamlessly coalesces the influences of both French and Dutch cultures which are truly represented in this incomparable development through exceptional living, dining and wellness experiences,” says Zev Mandelbaum, founder of Altree. “Serving as a love letter to St. Maarten, Vie L’Ven encourages homeowners and guests to embrace living life to the fullest, while soaking in the island’s natural beauty and tranquility, where European culture blends effortlessly with Caribbean aptitude.”
    Set in a pristine location on Indigo Bay, on the southwest Dutch side of the island, Vie L’Ven will feature a collection of fully furnished residences, alongside a luxury five-star hotel. Of the 280 units, 190 units will be hotel rooms (60 of which will be suites) and 90 private residences.
    The ResidencesThoughtfully designed by award-winning architectural firm HKS Architects, with interiors by Toronto’s internationally renowned, award-winning Studio Munge, the development is authentically inspired by both French and Dutch cultures.
    The residences, with sales and marketing being led by St. Maarten’s Sotheby’s International Realty, will range from one-, one-and-a-den, and two-and-a-den-bedroom suites that will span from 600 to 6,000 square feet and will be available for purchase in a variety of layouts. Pricing ranges from $800,000 to over $2 million. Serving as a retreat and sanctuary of privacy, the luxurious suites will boast playful patterns and woven textures, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Upon entrance, guests and homeowners will be met by a predominantly cream-white palette, accented with energetic corals or oceanic blues to reflect the island. Taking it a step further, Vie L’Ven will offer homeowners the option to upgrade with custom furniture packages, inclusive of full bedroom sets, living and dining room additions, and more.
    Vibrant Resort + AmenitiesThe resort will embrace the island’s energy and diversity and create an exclusive destination for islanders and guests by providing a one-of-a-kind, world-class experience. Upon arrival, Vie L’Ven offers awe-inspiring first impressions with striking sculptural artwork, and dispersed throughout the resort, guests can take in the visuals from the dynamic art program unfolding against a dark wood-paneled backdrop featuring intricate carved geometrical patterns. Textures and patterns such as coral stone floors, natural oak and more are implemented in the design and architecture to infuse authenticity and tactility to the resort. Amenities will include three swimming pools, 24/7 concierge services, a kid’s center, event spaces, a superb fitness center and world-class spa with an outdoor experiential bathing garden and treatment spaces. Upon request, wellness memberships and wellness suites will be made available which will include tailored programming, wellness centric elevated fixtures and more. Lastly, the resort will be home to three restaurants, including a signature restaurant, by a Michelin-starred artisan Chef who will share his incomparable cuisine with the island.ADVERTISEMENTCaptivating IslandKnown as the home of the friendly people, St. Maarten is one of the most culturally diverse destinations in the world and has established itself as the “European melting pot” of the Caribbean with its multicultural identity and range of influences. Easily accessible by air and sea, St. Maarten is on its way to becoming a “stop-and-stay” destination, bursting with languages, cuisines, and traditions from around the world. Although petite in size, the island offers an experience for everyone, whether it be exhilarating nightlife, breathtaking views, prestigious sailing, and more, creating the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. Upon completion, Vie L’Ven will be one of two five-star resorts on the island, and will provide residence owners and visitors a new standard of unmatched luxury.

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    The Best Mother’s Day Wellness Retreats for Healthier Mums

    This Mother’s Day, treat your Mum to the luxurious wellness retreat she deserves so she can be the healthiest version of herself. With Mother’s Day on 10th March, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holidays specialists recommend the top retreats to take Mum away to.With a luxurious stay in Lithuania from £370 to an awe-inspiring adventure to Austria valued at £1,700, there are healthy breaks to cater for a range of budgets for all Mums to enjoy this Mother’s Day. So, whether it’s a serene snowy retreat in a captivating treehouse resort nestled in the Dolomites of Italy or a lavish spa experience in the sunny Algarve of Portugal, these unforgettable destinations are perfect for each and every mother.
    Scotland: Experience at Gleneagles

    Treat your Mum to an awe-inspiring spa experience escape in the striking landscapes of Scotland on this thrilling weekend wellness experience. She’ll be spoilt for choice with the diversity of her surroundings, from dramatic mountain faces and cascading waterfalls to the serenity of lochs and white sandy beaches. With the fascinating range of novel activities to try; gundog training, falconry, horse riding, and more, this will no doubt be a getaway for your Mum to remember. Not to mention the phenomenal range of restaurants available including the only one in Scotland with two Michelin Stars.
    ADVERTISEMENTHealth and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 2 nights at Gleneagles from £525pp. Price includes accommodation, breakfast and return private transfers.

    Italy: My Wellbeing at My Arbor

    What Mum wouldn’t love an adventure to the breath-taking Dolomites for a luxurious spa experience? These Italian mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their natural beauty, are home to a very special retreat – My Arbor. This unique treehouse seamlessly blends in with the encompassing environment, creating the perfect setting for your Mum to enjoy opulent therapies whilst grounding herself and reconnecting with nature. Also included are daily group activities like yoga and Pilates with personal coaching so Mum feels the profound benefits after her stay.

    Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 4 nights at My Arbor from £1530pp. Price includes accommodation, breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
    Portugal: Relax & Pamper at Conrad Algarve
    It’s no surprise that many Mums dream of escaping for a much needed rest, so, look no further than the Algarve. The climate here is nothing short of perfect for a healthy holiday in the sun. Conrad offers an extensive range of activities your Mum will no doubt love from the winemaking and market chef experiences to boat trips and eco bike tours to explore the picturesque coastline, the opportunity for discovery here is unparalleled! When your mum isn’t exploring, she can wind down at the award-winning spa with personalised massage therapies, so she returns home reinvigorated.

    Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 2 nights at Conrad Algarve from £665pp. Price includes accommodation, breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

    Lithuania: Fusion Fitness™ at Vilnius Grand Resort
    There aren’t many things in life that can instantly make you feel as good as exercise does. If your Mum loves to get those endorphins running, there’s no experience quite like a signature FusionFitness™ break. An escape to Vilnius, secluded amongst 900 acres of luscious Lithuanian countryside offers a beautiful backdrop of nature to enjoy on this journey. She’ll choose from a selection of 28 wellness activities including cardio, strength and sport, meditation, massages and so much more, tailoring her experience to match her wellness goals precisely. For all the active Mums, this is an opportunity for a fitness getaway they won’t forget.

    Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 4 nights at Vilnius Grand Resort from £370pp. Price includes accommodation, breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

    Austria: Mayr Short Stay at Park Igls

    Whisk your Mum away to the stunning Austrian Alps this Mother’s Day for a reviving short wellness stay at Park Igls. Just above the snowy city of Innsbruck, sits this world-class resort tucked away among the pristine mountain range. Here, she’ll feel the full potential of Modern Mayr medicine; her stay will begin with a comprehensive medical examination to allow for a personalised Mayr diet plan, daily Kneipp treatments and a selection of wellness therapies to leave her feeling completely renewed. With access to spa facilities, fitness classes, and even lifestyle management and mental coaching; the capacity for her profound transformation here is simply undeniable.

    Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 4 nights at Park Igls from £1,775pp. Price includes accommodation, full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
    -Ends-
    For further information and imagery please email [email protected]
    Notes to Editors:
    About Health and Fitness Travel
    Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company that originated in the UK in 2010 and is committed to providing healthy holidays that enhance and change lives. Created by Paul Joseph as a result of his passion for health and fitness travel and offering bespoke holidays to improve people’s well-being to lead happier and healthier lives.
    Health and Fitness Travel offers clients a tailor-made seamless service with the very best health and fitness holidays, handpicked by its expert team, together with exclusive and added value packages with the best deals. As leading specialists, Health and Fitness Travel has also created their own collection of trademark healthy holidays in various destinations which include Fusion Fitness™, Mindful Triathlon™, BodyBreaks™ and Discover Recover™, offering clients the best value and holiday experience. 
    For more information visit: www.healthandfitnesstravel.com

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    New Bear Watch Tours in Alaska Promise Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters

    If you are looking for the best bear watch tours in Alaska then check out Bear Viewing in Alaska because they have now introduced some new bear watch tour packages in theory portfolio for a mindful bear watching in Alaska. All their tours come with an itinerary that offers everything from bear watching to delicious food and a friendly stay.
    bear viewing alaska
    Why Visit Alaska for Bear Watching?Alaska has been home to a different scope of untamed life. From Bald Eagles to otters to remarkable types of bears, there’s no lack of entrancing untamed life seen here. A bear-seeing tour is no doubt the most special experience you have during your outing to the Last Wilderness.
    If you’re keen on bear watching, make the most of our Creeks Falls Bear tours. Every bear watching tour offered by Bear Viewing in Alaska is driven by a specialist Alaskan Naturalist Guide who can ensure you’ll see bears, making it one of the most mind-blowing open doors for bear seeing in The Frozen North. Peruse on to become familiar with this stand-out experience!
    Keen on adding a bear seeing visit to your Alaska schedule? Book our Streams Falls Bear tour by Bear Viewing in Alaska. We can hardly hold on to assist you with arranging the outing that could only be described as epic!ADVERTISEMENTAll that You Want to Realize About the Creeks Falls Bear Watch Tour
    AccessibilityThe Streams Falls Bear Survey Visit is accessible from Anchorage. This tour incorporates airplane transportation to and from Streams Falls as well as three hours at the Falls’ bear seeing region.
    If you can’t make it during these dates, just relax! You can book another of our bear watch tours at Katmai Public Park or Lake Clark. These choices are accessible from mid-May to early September and begin at $695 per individual including airplane transportation.
    Bear Tour ScheduleThe Creeks Falls Bear Survey Visit permits you to get an inside take a gander at brown beachfront bears (peninsular mountain bears), wild bears, and more right at home.
    For more information visit https://bearviewinginalaska.com/

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    SFO Introduces ‘San Fran-disco’: A Silent Disco Experience for Travelers

    The San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which launched its “Quiet Airport” program in 2018 to reduce terminal noise, announced the debut of a Silent Disco, in which passengers are invited to dance along to San Francisco-themed music using their own headphones. Dubbed “San Fran-disco”, the silent dance party will run from February 14 – March 15, 2024 in the post-security area of Harvey Milk Terminal 1.
    Here’s how to join:
    Go to the SFO “San Fran-disco” dance floor, located post-security in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 near the Johnston & Murphy store (look for the disco ball!)Connect your headphones to your mobile deviceAuthenticate to SFO’s fast, free wi-fi network: #SFO Silent DiscoPress the play iconDance to a curated set of songs with a San Francisco connection!Travelers can also access the SFO Silent Disco station via flysfo.com/disco

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