Are You Ready for Super Sunday?

In this issue:

• 📻 Latest Travel News & Trends

• 🏨 Featured Lodging Expert

• 🛟 River Cruises

• 🌟 Global Events

Latest Travel News

Important update from Santorini

The Greek island and other neighboring Aegean Sea islands are experiencing significant seismic activity, with over 200 earthquakes recorded since Friday. While experts attribute these tremors to tectonic movements rather than volcanic activity, they're monitoring the situation closely as it may indicate a larger event ahead. Local authorities have implemented precautionary measures, including school closures and increased flight options for those wishing to depart. PHY.ORG

A New Aman Story Unfolds

Amid the leafy embrace of legendary Nai Lert Park, Aman's newest urban sanctuary is set to open on 2 April 2025. Introducing Aman’s signature serenity to Southeast Asia’s iconic gateway city, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will encompass a 1,500-square-metre Aman Spa & Wellness Centre, Aman Club, and seven dining and socializing venues. ÁMAN

Wild Swimming Retreats

More and more luxury travelers are getting into wild swimming retreats for a bit of mindfulness and relaxation. These retreats are often set in beautiful spots like the Scottish Highlands, Icelandic hot springs, and the stunning turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, mixing adventure with a bit of self-care. Guests enjoy guided swims led by experts, along with holistic wellness experiences like meditation, yoga, and delicious organic cuisine. These retreats are all about building a sense of community. They create deeper emotional connections through shared experiences, making them perfect for solo travelers and groups of like-minded folks. CN TRAVELER

River Cruises Gain Momentum

River cruising is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity among luxury travelers seeking meaningful, unhurried explorations. Viking's enhanced Mississippi River program now showcases authentic Southern culture, while revitalized Seine cruises offer exclusive château access and culinary excellence. The sector's evolution continues with pioneering expedition routes along the Peruvian Amazon and St. Lawrence River, attracting discerning travelers who value both cultural immersion and refined comfort. CN TRAVELER

“Paradise” Found at Paraiso La Bonita

Marriott International has unveiled Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort, in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort features 100 oceanfront suites with handcrafted furnishings and private terraces. Gu can enjoy diverse dining options, including a restaurant boasting a 5,000-bottle wine cellar and rejuvenate at the 22,000-square-foot Thalasso Spa Center. This marks Marriott's third luxury all-inclusive property, enhancing its upscale offerings in the Caribbean. TRAVEL MARKET REPORT

Featured Lodging Expert

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

The Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht brilliantly reimagines a former public library as an artistic homage to Dutch culture, where history and contemporary luxury intertwine seamlessly.

Marcel Wanders' imaginative design weaves Golden Age elements throughout the 122 rooms, from tulip chairs to Delft Blue accents, creating a sophisticated and playfully engaging atmosphere.

The property's prime canal-side location places guests in the heart of Amsterdam's UNESCO-protected district. At the same time, the remarkable Barstro Prins & Aap offers a vibrant social hub where visitors and locals alike connect over crafted cocktails and seasonal cuisine.

With its extensive facilities, versatile event spaces, and attentive service, the hotel delivers an authentic Amsterdam experience that perfectly balances Dutch heritage with modern luxury expectations. Just check the Delft Blue Room to see what I’m saying.

Who knew a library could have such a remarkable second chapter?

Featured Article

The Rise of River Cruises

River cruising has carved out a remarkable niche in luxury travel, offering something that ocean cruises, for all their grandeur, can't match: an intimate window into the heart of destinations.

Think of it as the difference between viewing a landscape from a helicopter versus walking through its winding paths – both have their charms, but one lets you truly absorb the local essence.

The industry's evolution is particularly fascinating.

Viking's Mississippi venture brings a fresh sophistication to America's storied river, letting guests trace Mark Twain's footsteps from Hannibal to the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans.

Looking ahead, AmaWaterways’ AmaMagdalena promises to unveil Colombia's hidden treasures in 2025, while Sanctuary Retreats will blend Amazonian adventure with five-star comfort in their Pure Amazon experience.

Celebrity Cruises is also reimagining European river travel for 2027, introducing their signature Edge Series aesthetic to inland waterways.

This shift toward river cruising reflects a broader transformation in luxury travel – a desire for experiences that enrich rather than merely impress.