Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20 Issue

Czechia Japan Munich Yucatan China
C A N A D I A N
W O R L D
Traveller
ALREADY 18 YEARS WINTER 2019-20
Exploring the hidden gems in
xtraordinary
xtremadura

Published by
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Michael Morcos
Editor-in-chief
Greg James
Contributing Editor
David J. Cox
Graphic Department
Al Cheong
Advertising Department
Leo Santini
Marketing Department
Tania Tassone
Distribution
Royce Dillon
Senior Travel Writers:
Susan Campbell
Steve Gillick
Regular Contributors:
Habeeb Salloum
Jennifer Merrick
Olivia Balsinger
Mike Cohen
Ilona Kauremszky
Natalie Ayotte
Jasmine Morcos
Daniel Smajovits
Cherie DeLory
Lisa TE Sonne
Alexandra Cohen
Johanna Read
Mathieu Morcos
Gregory Caltabanis
Anne-Marie Macloughlin
In this issue, we start our world-wide
adventure in the orient with a visit to
Japan to find Niigata, ‘The
Heartbeat of Sado Island’, as well as get
some insight into the upcoming Tokyo 2020
summer games. We then head to China to
taste some deliciously spicy Sichuan Cuisine
in the province of the same name.
Much further east we jet-off to Europe with a
full itinerary. Starting in the far north, we visit
the small up and coming destination of
Estonia. In central Europe, we visit the fairytale
cities of the Czech Republic, have some
home cooking in Budapest and experience
the old and new in Munich.
While still in Europe, our journey takes a
new twist with two cruises. The first is upon
the canals of Europe to find the secrets of
luxury barging through Italy, Scotland,
Holland and France. Next, we enjoy a
Mediterranean ocean cruise to find a
‘Romantic Europe on the Reimagined
‘Crystal Serenity’’. Lastly, we head to out to
‘Explore the hidden gems in extraordinary
Extremadura’, in the Spanish south-west.
Onwards, we head to North America and
experience two different kinds of cruises on
opposite ends of the continent. In Alaska, we
‘UnPlug with UnCruise’ and find both beauty
and serenity before partaking in a
Bahamas cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise
Lines newest ship the ‘Encore’.
While in the Caribbean we visit Cuba’s less
traveled but fascinating natural wonders.
Close by we find the best of ‘Mexico’s
Magical Yucatan State’ before heading to
the opposite end of this beautiful county, to
the Pacific coast to get ‘A Peek Inside the Los
Cabos International Film Festival’.
Finally, we end our voyages of discovery in
the USA by ‘California Dreaming in
Anaheim’ to some exciting and diverse
offerings before we head inland to the state
of Idaho to enjoy some refreshing home
brew and find this is no ‘fly over state’.
Happy travels!
Disclaimer: World Traveler has made every effort to
verify that the information provided in this publication
is as accurate as possible. However, we accept
no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience
sustained by anyone resulting from the information
contained herein nor for any information
provided by our advertisers.

Destinations
Crusing section
34
Czechia 8 Japan 10
Anaheim 12 Sichuan 64
Cruise News
UnCruise
Sky Princess
Crystal Serenity
Luxury Barges
NCL Encore
Stay & Play - 50
the Yucatan 66 Spain 68
Los Cabos
Around the World 14
The Mansion Hotel, Bali

8
Fairytale Czech cities and towns
Article and photography by Michael Morcos
Beyond the historic, beautiful and
much traveled Prague is another
Czech Republic waiting to be
explored. There you will be away from the
many tourist buses, packed streets and the
hordes found at the major attractions and
instead to a place that could easily be
describe as fairytale destination.
Our travels would bring us to cities and towns
that most have never even heard of. The likes
of Litomysl, Olomouc and Brno. These are
just a few of the many charming villages and
towns that are waiting to be discovered. The
drive away from Prague was a delight on its
own, with a lush countryside of rolling hills,
forests, farms and tranquil villages, I enjoyed
every moment and looked forward to what
was a wonderful tour of the Czech Republic.
Litomysl
Imagine this setting in Litomysl, a quaint
Public Square, cobblestone streets, a beautiful
Renaissance chateau, a renowned music
composer, a mad artist’s house and on this
warm, sunny day: a joyous wedding celebration
and a quaint village festival. Could not
have scripted this visit any better.
Litomysl Castle is one of the largest
Renaissance castles in the Czech Republic. It is
owned by the Czech state. Fans of castles will
appreciate that it is a wonderful and outstanding
example of the arcade castle, with High-
Baroque features added in the 18th century.
All these qualities have led to the chateau
being added to the UNESCO world heritage
list in 1999. The chateau has one more
secret, which is a Baroque theatre with wellpreserved
Baroque scenery and costumes.
The historically significant architecture continues
in the magnificent Old town hall, originally
built in 1418, with its clock tower is among
the main features of the town’s skyline. Added

to this is the unique Josef Vachala street, a
colorful narrow street with a classic archway
and black and white pictures all along the
wall.
Olomouc
A fairytale setting indeed. In my time in
Olomouc I would enjoy incredible beauty and
history though the well preserved and incredibly
clean historic center and I would have this
city’s magnificent restored buildings and
small alleys virtually to myself. Luckily, and for
the time being, Olomouc is practically devoid
of tourists and so I would only share this wonderful
experience with the cheery, helpful
locals.
Lunch, as in all our Czech meals throughout
this trip, was amazing, hearty, tasty and delicious.
All our lunches went down well with one
of any of the great Czech beers. One meal
saw us visit the Long Story Short Hostel and
Café which is situated on a hill and the alfresco
dining space gave wonderful views of a
park. In the fresh air we would feast on local
favorites.
Olomouc is full of some of the most beautiful
Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque religious
sights thanks to its history. These types of
buildings are why the city was considered the
seat of Catholic archbishops since the Middle
Ages, and its history is just waiting to be discovered!
With each step, visitors are surprised by the
large number of important and majestic monuments
– imposing and picturesque churches,
rich palaces of the burghers, monumental
monasteries.
Filled with amazing features for all tastes, the
city is home to the Column of the Holy Trinity,
a UNESCO site and a Baroque monument
celebrating the Catholic Church and faith.
The column was also meant to represent local
patriotism, since all artists and craftsmen
working on it were Olomouc citizens.
Next up is the Archbishop’s Palace, the site of
many historic events featuring Emperors,
Russian tsars, Empresses and Popes.
Constructed in the 17th century, the tour you
can go on will explore the well-preserved decorations
from the Rococo, Empire, and Neo-
Baroque periods.
The Archdiocesan Museum boasts a permanent
exhibition introducing the spiritual culture
of the Olomouc Archdiocese. A picture
gallery shows marvelous paintings collected
by Olomouc bishops since the 16th century
and the "Mozarteum" concert hall is a main
feature of this dazzling museum. It was
named to commemorate the stay of the
famous composer at this place.
Brno
Yes, another day and another amazing Czech
city! Brno is the second biggest Czech city and
although it has a sizeable population with a
tram system and department stores, you
would never feel this from vising the historic
city center as it is clean, organized and rather
tranquil.
My accommodations could not be any better
situated nor more opulent as the Barceló Brno
Palace. The beautiful building itself is a historic
landmark that went through extensive
renovations and is a star hotel property in
Brno and being so well situated I would venture
about and return several times to rest and
refresh.
Spilberk Castle is a 13th century castle built
on the hilltop that was gradually turned into a
huge Baroque citadel, once considered the
harshest prison in the Austro-Hungarian
empire and made famous by many of the
country’s stories and tales.
The Brno Vegetable Market, nicknamed
Zelňák, has been a place where the local citizens
have bought fruit, vegetables, flowers,
and more for over a century. Visitors can head
to the lower part of the square where they can
enter an underground labyrinth, a unique system
of passages and cellars from the Middle
Ages. The square also features a huge
Baroque fountain, called ‘Parnas’ and the
Reduta, one of the oldest theatre buildings in
central Europe, watched over by a statue of
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Moving deeper into the city, visitors can enjoy
the Old City Hall Observation Tower, with a
reputation built on numerous old myths and
legends associated to it. The Old Town Hall is
the oldest and most interesting historical
building in Brno, even though it was the venue
for council meetings and court proceedings. It
has seen thousands of official ceremonies
and hosted notable guests. It was also the
town hall’s city jail.
Nuclear Shelter 10-Z is one of the most
unique places a world traveler can visit. Once
a nuclear bomb shelter, this underground
structure is now a retro hotel, and not much
has been changed from the original layout!
The rooms still have the original bunk beds
and half-century-old phones to contact the
reception area. It is a unique opportunity to
get a real in-person experience of a life in
shelter!
Last night in fairytale land and last one in
Brno would have me bar hopping to some
out of the norm establishments where the
mixologists prepared just about anything you
desire. So was it on our last and maybe best
place: the Super Panda Circus could only be
described as sort of a ‘speak easy’ and even
thought do not even have a website nor a
street sign, they are a very popular bar.
Imagine yourselves in a place resembling
something from an Alice in Wonderland setting
with hosts dressed like figures from an
adventure comic book and you can understand
why this was such a memorable night.
A visit to the Czech Republic would not be
complete without a visit to some of the rural
and out of the way destinations. Our tour
brought us to world other then what is viewed
and visited by the masses through-out
Europe. And for now at least, they can be
yours to explore and clam as your own fairytale
land.
www.czechtourism.com
9
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

10
The Heartbeat of Sado Island, Niigata, Japan
Article and photography by Steve Gillick
Masami “Sami” Miyazaki greeted
us at the Tatakokan, the Sado
Island Taiko Center. While ‘Taiko’
refers to any type of drum, the word is often
associated with the famed Kodo drummers
who perform around the world and in fact,
Kodo Village lies next to Tatakokan.
On the way there, we drove on some fairly
isolated roads, past orchards bursting with
brilliant orange persimmons and glimpses
of autumn colors emerging on the treelined
slopes of the Kosado Mountains.
Sami explained that Kodo means “heart-
beat” and mirrors the power of nature in
the trees, mountains and wind. She noted
that historically, drumming established an
auditory connection between the gods and
the local people.
And to prove the point she produced thunder
from “Yama imo Kun”, one of the two
huge drums made from a 600 year old
Zelcova tree, and named for its resemblance
to a sticky mountain potato. Trying
my own hand on percussion only made me
appreciate the skill and hours of practice it
took Sami to produce the Kodo heartbeat
of nature that was in fact all around us.
In the past, Sado Island was known for its
isolation. Beginning in the early 8th century
it was regarded as a place of exile for
court nobles who criticized the government
and dissidents such as Zeami who popularized
Noh theatre and Nichirin Shionen, the
founder of the Nichirin School of
Buddhism.
However today, traveling voluntarily to
Sado Island is relatively easy. It’s roughly a
2 ½ hour train ride from Tokyo Station to
Niigata on the north coast of Honshu
(Japan’s main island), and from there it’s a
short bus or taxi ride to the Sado Island

Ferry where a jetfoil takes one hour to arrive
at the port of Ryotsu. (There’s also a car
ferry that takes about 2 ½ hours to reach
the island).
Our goals for this visit were simple. We
wanted to explore as much of the butterfly
shaped Island as possible, from Big Sado
(the northern wing) to Small Sado in the
south, indulge in the island’s renowned
fresh seafood and some of the six sake
breweries, visit historic temples and shrines,
take tons of photos…and find the endangered
Toki. We did it all!
Throwing our luggage into our rented pale
green Nissan March, it was simply a matter
of following the coast road north to the very
tip of Big Sado. ‘Futatsugame’, meaning
two turtles, is a gigantic rock joined to the
mainland by a small spit. Known as one of
the 100 best swimming places in Japan, the
area offers nature trails and beautiful
coastal scenery. In fact the Kaifu Coast,
which stretches along Big Sado, is a showcase
of absolutely stunning vistas that
include dramatic rock shapes, crashing
waves and picturesque highway tunnels and
bridges.
At Sado Hakko Kabushiki Gaisha sake
brewery, the speciality is milky/cloudy sakes
(Nigori) that have been coarsely filtered to
allow rice particles to remain in the liquid.
This increases both the flavour and the
mouth-feel. We sampled four sakes from
‘smooth’ to almost ‘chewy’, due to the thick
rice content.
We overnighted at the Tabino Hotel in Sado
City which turned out to be a wise decision.
When we asked about local dining spots,
the hotel manager, Mitsuru Sasaki, drove us
to an excellent local Kaiten Sushi restaurant
called Maruishi. (Kaiten refers to the sushi
dishes being displayed on a conveyor belt).
In this case the chef said he would prepare
the dishes, fresh, as we ordered them. And
so after an appetizer of Kintsuru, a delicious
clear, dry Sado Island sake, we ordered
about two dozen different dishes, all of
which arrived on coloured plates, with each
color representing the price of the dish. At
the end of the meal, the plates are added
up, along with the empty sake bottles to
produce the bill. Our meal included ultrafresh,
melt-in-the mouth kampache (yellowtail),
buri (amberjack), octopus, tuna belly,
sardine, ikura (salmon roe), uni (sea
urchin), whitefish and more.
Tokis were the priority the next morning as
we were eager to discover more about
Island life. The Japanese Crested Ibis was
declared extinct in Japan in 2003, but then,
with a pair on loan from China, the population
rebounded and can now be found
exclusively in the rice fields of Sado Island.
The closest rice fields just happened to be
five minutes from the hotel. Camera zoom
lenses were brought out and in no time at
all we found ourselves alone in golden yellow
rice fields, with the purple haze of
mountains in the distance, and a small
flock of white/pink-feathered, red-faced,
long-billed Tokis, feeding, socializing and
preening in front of us. Birders take note!
And on the theme of discovery we then set
out to see the famous split-mountain by the
Sado Gold Mine. Mining dates back to the
early 1600’s when the Tokugawa
Shogunate minted gold coins on Sado.
Gold veins were accessed by tunnels and
found on mountain sides; hence the ‘split’.
At the visitors center, the self-guided visit
includes a walk through one of the tunnels
where life-sized dioramas, complete with
action figures (the signs ask you not to
touch the robots), reveal the working conditions,
the very basic tools used to dig the
long tunnels, and even the feelings of the
men (“I want to see my girlfriend and I want
to drink sake as soon as I can leave this
place”). It’s extremely well done. In the
gold museum, you can try your hand (literally)
at lifting a 12.5 kilo bar of gold
through an opening in the display case.
And to complete the mining adventure,
there are picturesque ruins of some of the
mining facilities in Aikawa, a short drive
away.
Heading toward Small Sado, we stopped
for lunch at Sakana Dojo Nagahamaso, a
restaurant on the water’s edge, renowned
11
for its excellent seafood, and then after
drumming at Tatakokan, we drove to the
historic village of Shukunegi.
It was here that wooden cargo ships called
‘kitamaebune’ were built in the mid-17th
century. The importance of the village was
formally acknowledged in 1991 for its traditional
close-quartered houses, many with
shingled roofs held down by stones, and
including the postcard-famous image of
the Triangle House (it was moved to the village
but had to be reconstructed to fit into
a triangular lot).
On our last morning on Sado Island we visited
some of the historic temples and
shrines. Myousenji Temple has a rare Five-
Story Pagoda along with a small lake garden.
To enter Sado Kokubunji Temple you
have to pass by the scowling, protective Nio
guardians. The Ozen Shrine is next to a
beautiful outdoor Noh Theatre, and the
utterly amazing Seisuiji Temple, with its
main hall dating to 1730, is dreamily
accessed by a stone path lined with 400
year old Cedar trees.
The heartbeat of Sado Island translates into
the voices of the friendly Islanders, the colorful
history and culture, the fresh seafood,
the resonance of a Taiko drum, a glimpse
of a Toki, and the sensation of the wind as
you gaze at the spectacular, rugged coastal
scenery. This was by far, one of the most
enjoyable and inspiring trips we’ve ever
taken in Japan.
www.ilovejapan.ca
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

12
Visit Dana Point
California Dreaming in Anaheim
by Jennifer Merrick
What is it about California that
attracts dreamers? Take
Anaheim, for example. Located
about an hour south of Los Angeles, this
region’s landscape and sunny climate has
ignited utopian fantasies throughout its history.
In 1857, German immigrants purchased
land with the ambitious aim of a co-operative
wine-making venture. In 1876, Polish aristocrats
and artists packed up their belongings,
books and jewels and journeyed here to live
out their romanticized notions of returning to
nature.
“What wild dreams we dreamt,” wrote
actress Helena Modrzejewska in her memoir.
“I was to give up the stage and live in the
midst of nature…under the blue skies of
California.”
Unlike the successful German wine-makers,
the commune quickly dissolved. Almost a
century later, one of America’s most famous
visionaries, Walt Disney, purchased 160
acres of land in the area with the idea of
building “The Happiest Place on Earth”.
Disneyland opened its doors in 1955, and
visitors have been coming in droves ever
since. In 2018, Anaheim welcomed a staggering
24.4 million visitors, who came to fulfill
their own dreams. And there are plenty of
ways to do that for every generation of the
family.
Fly the Millennium Falcon
Star Wars Galaxy Edge opened last May at
Disneyland (and in Orlando in August) to
rave reviews. Whether you’re a diehard fan
or are just vaguely familiar with the Han Solo
and Chewbacca crowd, you’ll be impressed
with this recreation of the Black Spire
Outpost. The flagship attraction to their new
expansion is the life-sized replica of the
Millennium Falcon, which takes visitors on an
interactive, intergalactic smuggling mission.
Other cool experiences include drinking blue
milk, building a custom lightsaber and
assembling a droid.
Immerse yourself in the magic of movies
It’s worth the hour drive to see your favourite
films come to life on a grand scale at
Universal Studios, Hollywood. For
Potterheads, there’s the Wizarding World of
Harry Potter, where you can wander the
laneways of Hogsmeade amidst the snowcovered
buildings and the castle itself.
Indulge your inner wizard by choosing a
wand at Ollivanders Wand Shop, sipping
butter beer at the Three Broomsticks
Restaurant or going on a 3D interactive
adventure. Harry Potter and the Forbidden
Journey sweeps you through the dark forest
and into a heart-stopping Quidditch match.
A classic attraction is the Universal Studio
Tour, which supercharges riders into a highstakes
race before catapulting into the jungle,
where King Kong himself is waiting.

13
Universal Studios
Visit Annaheim
Ride the Wild West
Before Mickey Mouse, there was Knott’s Berry Farm, California’s original
theme park. Here the Wild West beckons with pistol-carrying costumed
characters, saloons, general stores and even gold panning.
Rides range from an easy journey through gold mining history to the
adrenaline pumping HangTime coaster, with the steepest drop in the
state. Next door is Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with 22 slides plus the
750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay pool. Whatever your family decides to
do, don’t forget to try the Knott’s fried chicken and a piece of
Boysenberry pie. After all, it was a berry roadside stand and restaurant
that first attracted visitors to this family fun attraction.
Indulge in retail therapy
From high-end fashion to bargain finds, Orange County has no shortage
of retailers. Fashion Island in Newport Beach and South Coast
Plaza are destinations themselves for shoppers with dining and special
events. For retail treasure hunters, there’s the Outlets of Orange with
deals on brand names like Ralph Lauren, Nordstrom Rack, NIKE
(Factory Store), Bloomingdales and Calvin Klein.
Imagine your own Californian dream
The California coast had a magnetic quality that drew me in instantly,
and so my visit to the quintessential beach community of Dana Point
was a definite highlight. A 45-minute drive from Disneyland and I
reached the dramatic coastline with wildlife, nature, and beaches. The
Laguna Beach Marriott Resort had rooms with coastal views and spa
treatments that included vitamin-infused facials, tides and stone massages
and sea clay body wraps.
Dana Point had no shortage of activities to choose from: Spot whales
and dolphins on whale-watching excursions; learn about ocean science
and maritime history at the Ocean Institute; hike up the Bluff Top
Trail, a cliff-side path with a panoramic view of Dana Point Harbour.
Or simply relax on the sandy shores of Doheny State Beach, which has
long stretches of protected coastline with campground facilities and a
popular surf spot on the north end of the park.
Speaking of riding the waves, don’t miss out on Surf City, USA.
Huntington Beach is the state’s ultimate beach town to hang loose and
soak up the SoCal lifestyle. My favourite attraction: the sunset at
Huntington Pier. Watching the orange and pink streaked sky silhouetted
with kites, surfers and beach-goers, I found my own California
dream taking shape.
And what wild dreams I dreamt…
I’m on a surf board and the wave of a lifetime picks me up, and I ride
its powerful crest savouring the salty air and sense of freedom --all
under the blue Californian sky.
Mmmm, maybe I’ll come back and take a lesson. Hopefully, it’ll work
out better than it did for the Polish entourage.
What is it about California that attracts dreamers?
www.visitanaheim.org
Jennifer Merrick
Jennifer Merrick
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

14
Around The World
(in 20 pages)
Estonia: Northern Europe’s Emerging Destination
by Olivia Balsinger
Over the past three centuries, the history of Estonia, the tiny
country in Northern Europe on the Baltic Sea, has been intermingled
with that of Russia, whose influence is seen today in
the details of the Russian Orthodox churches and architecture
of Tallinn - the medieval capital of the country. In recent years,
however, Estonia has emerged as one of the top destinations
for European travel, as it contains a storybook atmosphere and
amiable population. It is comprised of charming rural villages
and beautiful landscapes, unspoiled marshlands, beaches, and
swamplands. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, more
than half of the country has been remarked with conserved
forests, making it an ideal place for active travelers to explore
the rugged wild. The untouched nature is home to some incredible
wildlife, as well as several craters and stunning waterfalls.
In addition to its natural beauty, the culture and indigenous
heritage of this Baltic country weaves together a fascinating tale
of tradition, geopolitics, and the resulting identity of eclecticism.
Between its innovative culinary creations such as parrot
themed cocktails at Parrot MiniBar in Tallinn, to the luxurious
accommodations at the 16th century Vihula Manor Country
Club & Spa, Estonia offers a diversity in eclectic activities for
diverse travelers.
www.visitestonia.com
China Tourism Introduces
New Brand Logo
China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) has made
“Beautiful China” the tag line of its tourism and introduced a
new global brand logo. With an overall look as a stamp, the
new logo integrates modern messaging with the ancient
Chinese art form of calligraphy. The hieroglyph in the background
means “travel” in ancient Chinese language, which shows a flag guiding a couple around.
The blue color represents the sky, delivering China tourism’s concepts - vitality, harmony and
green travel. The red color gives tribute to the Chinese civilization that has been going on for
thousands of years. Illustrating an international vision, the “Beautiful China” logo represents
China’s promising and welcoming tourism industry.
The Tokyo 2020
Olympic and Paralympic Games
by Steve Gillick
Sports tourism aficionados and Japanophiles are all abuzz with the
advent of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics that take place from July 24 to
August 9, and the Paralympics, from August 25 to September 6. To
date, some 8 million tickets have been sold through lottery, with
more slated to go on sale in the spring of 2020. And the demand
to be part of history has been equally impressive with 500,000
applying for one of the 10,000 Olympic torchbearer positions and
200,000 applications vying for the 80,000 volunteer positions at
the Games (and by the way, speaking Japanese is not a strict
requirement).
Meredith Thatcher, the Manager of International Communications
for the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and
Paralympic Games noted that these Olympics would set new standards.
The legacy will be to show how a major sustainable event
can be successfully held in the middle of a major city. To that end,
ordinary citizens are already involved in contributing used plastic
waste and electronics (“my old telephone is part of that Olympic
medal”). There will be no formal Olympic Village as the goal is to
showcase the venues, such as the new Olympic Stadium, along
with the city hosting the event. And for the youth, five new games,
Baseball, Karate, Skateboarding, Sport Climbing and Surfing will
be nothing short of exciting and inspirational with a legacy of
encouraging participation.
From a tourism perspective, the Games will include competitions in
Tokyo, Saitama, Izu, Fukushima, Yokohama, Sapporo and other
cities.
North Americans looking for tickets are advised to sign up with an
Authorized Ticket Reseller (ATR).
www.tokyo2020.org/en
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

16
Good to Go!
Great Travel Gear and Gadgets
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Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

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18
Intrepid Travel
Launches Over 100 New Tours for 2020
The world’s largest adventure company,
Intrepid Travel, has unveiled
over 100 new tours for 2020,
meaning the tour operator will boast more
than 1,000 itineraries with over 13,000
departures in the coming year - up 11%
from 2019.
From “dark tourism” to culturally-immersive
festivals and Olympic-sized adventures,
these new itineraries embrace the
Intrepid way of traveling: utilizing local
guides, accommodations and businesses
to provide real-life experiences in a
responsible manner.
The B-Corp certified travel company will
also be introducing a number of new destinations
to its roster, including Sudan and
Scotland, and will officially become a
seven-continent operator with the launch
of a new program of sustainable smallgroup
Antarctica expeditions on the newly
refurbished Ocean Endeavour ship, which
will begin departing in October.
Some exciting new offerings for 2020
include:
Destinations Beyond the Headlines:
Greenland: Greenland had its moment
in the spotlight when President Trump
expressed interest in buying the country,
where the tourism industry is just starting
to bloom. As a result, Intrepid saw a huge
spike in interest for its new 2020
Greenland Expedition, which explores the
local Inuit culture, Nuuk - the country’s

modern capitol, and the famed Ilulissat Ice
fjord.
Ukraine & Chernobyl: Go beyond the
HBO miniseries madness and explore
Ukraine with Intrepid Travel’s new
Highlights of Ukraine trip. Tapping into the
dark tourism trend, this tour respectfully
and safely visits the Chernobyl disaster site
and travels through the beautiful scenery
and charming towns of Ukraine from Kiev
to Lviv. Additional new trips to Ukraine
include an epic journey through all of
Eastern Europe, and 20- and 13-day itineraries
that cover Moldova, Ukraine and
Romania.
Japan: With Japan hosting the 2020
Summer Olympics, travelers who want to
get active in the spirit of the athletes can
take on a trekking trip along the ancient
countryside trails of Koya-san and
Kumano Kodo. Or, cold-weather lovers
can experience a winter wonderland with
a tour of Japan’s northernmost island,
Hokkaido, that includes days of dog sledding,
whiskey distilleries and ice bars.
Turkey: Despite political concerns, Turkey
remains one of Intrepid Travel’s fastest
growing destinations, with four new itineraries
available in 2020 to meet demand.
Travelers can island hop on a coastal
cruise, dive into the country’s history on
Turkey Uncovered, discover the hidden
gems of Turkey’s backroads and double
the adventure with the Turkey and Georgia
tour.
Unexplored Africa
Expanding beyond popular itineraries
available in East and Southern Africa,
Intrepid Travel is encouraging travelers to
head to coastal West Africa, where they
can discover the wildlife rich wetlands of
Senegal and Gambia or dive deep into
the often misunderstood Voodoo religion
in Benin, Togo and Ghana.
Cultural Festival Trips
Always looking for a reason to celebrate?
Dive into cultural celebrations across the
globe. Travelers can experience the
Baining Firedance Festival with a local village
in Papua New Guinea, Samba their
way through Rio’s Carnival, see the colors
of Holi in Rajasthan, and celebrate Mardis
Gras as it should be – from the back of a
float.
Unique Trekking Opportunities
With trekking trips gaining popularity and
well-loved trails experiencing overcrowding,
Intrepid Travel has scoped out new,
equally rugged and beautiful routes across
the globe for those looking to hit the trails
and take in views. These unique hikes and
climbs include traversing the
Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia, trekking
from Portugal to Spain on the coastal
Camino Trail and climbing the summits of
Simien Mountain National Park in
Ethiopia.
19
About Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company
that has been taking travellers off the beaten
track to discover the world's most amazing places
for 30 years. The company offers more than 1,000
trips in more than 120 countries and on every continent.
Every trip is designed to truly experience
local culture - to meet local people, try local food,
take local transport and stay in local accommodation.
A world leader in responsible travel, Intrepid’s
award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and
included activities mean they offer travellers great
value for money.
www.intrepidtravel.com
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

A Peek Inside the Los Cabos International Film Festival
by Olivia Balsinger
Move over Sundance and Cannes.
Besides its intriguing, unique landscapes
of beaches, deserts and
mountainous cliffs, Los Cabos has yet another
reason why you should visit. The Los Cabos
International Film Festival, which occurs each
November in this municipality located at the
southern tip of Mexico's Baja California
Peninsula, is continually growing in prominence.
Beginning in 2012, the mission of The Los
Cabos Film Festival is to “positively contribute
to the growth of the global film culture, focusing
especially in Mexico, Canada, and the
United States.” The festival’s aim is not only to
showoff domestic and international talent, but
to also highlight the destination’s beauty and
culture on a world stage. The films, of course,
are a draw in themselves and often the premier
for the Latin American market. In 2019,
the festival debuted The Irishman, and the
legendary Robert De Niro was spotted on the
red carpet, amongst a slew of other A-Lister
Hollywood figures. Los Cabos is a playground
for movie stars all seasons.
Throughout the festival, there are no shortage
of parties and events happening in Los
Cabos. The whole surrounding radiates energy,
with bars, restaurants, and lounges catering
to their international visitors. It is a prime
opportunity to indulge in luxury experiences
and also network during hosted conversations,
dinner parties, and less formally, over a
beer on the exquisite Los Cabos beaches.
a town an hour outside glamorous Los
Cabos, where the desert greets the striking
mountains - is an experience in itself. Here art
reigns, and between the murals and architecture
of the charming streets, it is easy to get
blissfully lost admiring the culture.
Of course, planning your accommodation
during the festival is just as important as lining
up events and parties. Hotel El Ganzo is
an eclectic, vibrant hotel sandwiched between
the bay and mountains, which boasts a pristine
rooftop pool and the only underground
recording studio in the area with “Gonzo
Sessions.” Another choice, The Guaycura
Boutique Hotel Beach Club & Spa, delivers
guests a unique Mexican experience on an
accessible corner in Todos Santo, steps away
from lively galleries and restaurants. With traditionally
decorated rooms and a rooftop terrace
overlooking the peninsula's most dramatic
nature, it is the perfect retreat from the
buzz of the festival. Vista Encantada Spa
Resort & Residences in Cabo San Lucas maintains
a level of superiority and high-end luxury,
with uninterrupted views of the surrounding
sparkling Pacific Ocean, for those craving
relaxation.
In addition to gaining worldwide fame for its
astonishing scenery, sultry nightlife and
charming culture, The Los Cabos
International Film Festival provides further
incentive to add this destination to your list.
www.cabosfilmfestival.com
Speaking to the region’s natural assets,
another perk of attending this festival is the
sheer amount of sunlight and activities outside
of film screenings. Nothing screams “A-List
Celebrity” like exploring Los Cabos on a fullserviced
yacht. For an authentic cultural experience,
a farm-to-table cooking class at
Huerta Los Tamarindos gives local insight into
making aromatic Mexican cuisine. And of
course strolling around sleepy Todos Santos -

Idaho - Fly Over State? Heck No!
by Olivia Balsinger
Mother Nature had something up
her sleeve when sculpting the
intricate, stunning landscape that
is southern Idaho. Often an overlooked
touristic destination, Idaho is a land of breathtaking
nature, adrenaline-pumping adventure,
and is a beer-lovers haven.
Most trips to the aptly nicknamed “Gem State”
begin in Boise, the capital known for its charm
and innovative arts. I stayed at the Marriott
Boise Downtown, just minutes from the city’s
colorful murals and live-music venues, before
venturing into southern Idaho.
While there’s a chance you’ve never heard of
McCall, Idaho - a quaint and quirky mountain
town about an hour from Boise—you probably
should! Though the town only has about
3,200 fulltime residents, this former mining
and timber community is a mecca of brewing
with three craft breweries - McCall Brewing
Company, Broken Horn Brewing Company,
and Salmon River Brewery. The town also
boasts several mouthwatering restaurants
including two with executive chefs who have
been honored by the James Beard House. I
couldn’t feel guilty for my indulgences, however,
as when I wasn’t eating I was continually
moving - biking the streets of McCall, testing
out the zip line at Cascade Raft’s new
rope challenge, kayaking in Ponderosa State
Park, horseback riding at Ya-Hoo Corrals,
and relieving my muscles at the famous
Burgdorf Hot Springs, nestled in the mountainous
valley. I stayed at Hotel McCall down-
town, with morning views from bed of the fog
lifting from the lake. McCall hasn’t been saturated
by tourists yet and is still brimming with
authentic character and kind locals, excited to
share their paradise in the mountains.
When most people think of Sun Valley, they
picture the celebrity mansions and exclusive
ski resorts that are perched in the verdant
mountain ranges. However, I was pleasantly
surprised by how accessible and earthy it was.
The downtown has an eclectic variety of
restaurants like the Whiskey Jacques' for
wood-fired pies. However, the real treat is the
mountains ideal for skiing in winter and hiking
all seasons. I stayed in a variety of properties
- Knob Hill Inn was a charming alpine
hotel with an indoor grill restaurant. Hotel
Ketchum is the newly renovated, affordable
choice near mountains and downtown, with
airy, spacious rooms. The Limelight Hotel is
suited for those looking for plush quarters and
daily included shuttles to the mountains. Like
McCall, craft beer is also prominent in
Ketchum - aficionados will especially enjoy
tasting Sawtooth Brewery’s flagship beers,
including Idahome IPA.
Idaho offers award-winning food, breweries,
and an outdoor playground for any adventurous
spirit. The time to visit is now, before the
secret is out that Idaho is the next “hot state”
to visit.
www.visitidaho.org

24
Munich, nothing changes, everything changes
‘It has been over 30 years since my last
visit’ I said. ‘So thirty years?’ said the hotel
manager, with a smile and a chuckle she
said ‘nothing has changed, the beer is the
same, the buildings are the same and we are
the same’. Maybe true but I had less than 48
hours to find out.
Although I was still young and my priorities
have changed in life since the 80’s, I would
attack this Bavarian capitol with energy and
purpose. I had been challenged to find
change in Munich.
This being December, we were in a for a holiday
cheer and the locals would be out in
droves from late morning to late evening, so
much so that I jokingly questioned my wife if
anybody worked here? We would stroll the
many wide pedestrian streets, visit the landmark
Neues Rathaus (new Town hall, that is
not so new), Marienplatz, with all the well lite
Christmas kiosks, the amazing Alte
Pinakothek museum, Peterskirche, (St Peters
church) to climb the hundreds of narrow tower
Article and photography by Michael Morcos
steps to get a fabulous bird’s eye view of
Munich, wonder though many opulent shops
and fashion malls, visit some of Munich’s
most iconic historic buildings and stroll
through the magnificently laidback Englischer
Garten (English gardens). The best part, it was
all within walking distance in the city center.
World Class Museums
Munich is packed with museums for every
interest and taste, so much so that art lovers
could spend a month and still need more
time. We visited the Alte Pinakothek museum,
truly one of the best museums I have had the
pleasure to see. With some of the most wellknown
historical pieces, the artwork ranges
from Monet and Velázquez right up to Dutch
and Italian masters such as Van Gogh and
Leonardo da Vinci.
Eating your way through Munich
With so many local and international dining
options in Munich, our biggest problem was
choosing from a host of wonderfully themed
restaurants and cafes. We would have fantas-
WT Library Photo
tic buffet style breakfasts at our hotel, small
lunches at any one of hundreds of local cafes
and feast on Bavarian dishes at Beer halls.
A memorable time was had at the Augustiner
Bierhalle. This centrally located establishment
is by most standards, huge and extremely
popular, not just by tourist but by the hundreds
of locals present that enjoyed the wonderfully
brewed beers and appetizing
Bavarian dishes. Since 1328, Augustiner has
been serving the Munichers and so popular
was their beer that I would recognise their
beer labels in stores throughout the city.
Where it is, was and will be
There are town halls and there is the Neues
Rathaus. Located on Munich's most central
square, Marienplatz, it was constructed in the
19th century but the municipality needed
more office space than the Old Town Hall had
and they built a new building. After completion
in 1909, the building had added a 79-
meter-high tower and a huge Flemish Gothic
style façade. The interior is just as stunning,
with vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows
and carved wooden decorations.
Munich airport
There are airports that people would use to
travel to another destination and then there is
the Munich airport, a delightful destination on
its own. Having connected here on many
occasions, it would be the first time I left from
here. The whole process from city center to
boarding was seamless. To say the least, getting
there on the efficient and well-kept
regional train was a delight, the checking-in
process was effortless and all so relaxing that
the rest of the journey was like a piece-ofcake.
With so much time on our hands we
even strolled through a (get this) their outdoor
yearly Christmas market, enjoyed some great
airport restaurants and even some last minute
duty free shopping. With such a wonderful
experience, the rest of the world airports have
a lot to learn from Munich’s.
On this trip I would find the old and new fusing
to create a rather bold and unmistakably
modern city while still holding on to centuries
of history and traditions. Many favourites are
there and will always be, while hard working
and positive thinking Munichers are firmly
planted in this new millennium.
www.munich.travel
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

26
A Dinner With “Family” in Budapest
by Daniel Smajovits
The Olive Garden famously coined
the slogan: ‘when you’re here,
you’re family’, but for this writer, it
took a trip to Budapest and a night with Suzie
Goldbach and her parents, Zsuzsa and Feri,
to truly feel like welcome away from home.
Tucked in a quaint apartment overlooking the
Danube River and Buda Hills, miles away
from the crowds of central Budapest lies Eat,
Meet and Greet Hungary. Much more than a
restaurant, Eat, Meet and Greet is an experience,
an evening like no other where one
family serves up five-star cuisine with the
warmest of welcomes.
For Suzie, after training as a chef in Italy, she
struggled to find a job upon her return to
Budapest. With the support of her parents,
she took a gamble on herself and in 2015,
began welcoming weary travelers into her
home. What started as a concept turned into
one of the finest restaurants in the city, creating
memories for travelers that last a lifetime.
The notion itself is incredibly simple: a dinner
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20
party for strangers, but the execution is flawless.
Ensuring that the traditional Hungarian
dishes are authentic is matriarch Zsuzsa, who
cooks alongside her daughter, while her husband,
Feri, is a wine connoisseur and pairs
each dish perfectly. Overseeing everything is
Suzie whose energy is contagious.
Throughout the evening, she keeps the conversation
moving with her poignant questions
and engaging stories, pausing only to explain
the dishes, their origin and preparation.
Should you manage to get a reservation, the
only rule is to show up and enjoy. Joining you
for dinner will be eleven strangers in the
midst of a bucket list vacation, at the end of
a grueling work trip or simply passing
through. Every dinner begins in the living
room as homemade Pálinka helps strangers
break through the occasional language barrier.
Suzie joins the conversation, trying to get
to know each and every one of her guests.
Like a calming wind, Suzie ensures that even
the shyest of guests feel welcome, making
this the ideal evening for a solo traveler. If
you’re looking to meet new people, then look
no further than your new friends around the
dinner table, as by the time you finish your
glass of Tokaji (dessert) wine, you’ll be
exchanging phone numbers and making
plans to meet up again.
For those looking to indulge in gulyàs, look
elsewhere. Suzie rarely cooks up the stereotypical
cuisine, firmly believing that travelers
need to experience the vast array of
Hungarian flavours, well beyond the clichés.
The menu varies per season, depending on
the ingredients available. The only constant is
a three-course meal which is always fresh,
unique and filled with love.
For most, the bold and exciting flavours on
their plates elicited the delight and surprise
that Suzie and her parents have come to
expect. For the rest, their distant Hungarian
roots simply reminded them of forgotten
memories of dishes that their nagymama
used to make.
Even if this meal is at the end of your trip,
meaning you will be at home with your family
within hours, you feel a tinge of sadness as
this night draws to a close, not knowing
when, if at all, you’ll be able to spend time
with your new family again.
Suzie can be reached at:
http://eatmeet-hungary.com
or via email at:
info@eatmeet-hungary.com.
Reservations are required. The apartment
building and Suzie’s apartment is wheelchair
friendly.

27
In Cuba, Naturally!
Article and photography by Steve Gillick
Many visitors to Cuba are unaware
that aside from wonderful beach
holidays, nature tourism places
Cuba as one of the top destinations in the
Caribbean. On a recent trip we travelled 2 ½
hours south of Varadero to Playa Giron on
the Zapata Peninsula to get a taste of Cuba’s
amazing natural diversity by exploring stunning
scenery, discovering the flora and
fauna, hiking through national parks, reveling
in the beauty of one waterfall after another,
as well as kayaking, swimming and photography.
Many visitors come to the mangrove swamps
in Zapata National Park to kayak, fish, and
even spot crocodiles, but the main activity,
especially during the November to March
migration season is birding. The pink flamingoes
are a popular attraction but there are
over 70 different types of birds on the peninsula.
During our short stay we saw White Ibis,
Kingfishers, Black-necked Stilts, Sandpipers,
Prairie Warblers, Yellow Warblers (a.k.a.
Mangrove Warblers), White and Reddish
Egrets, and even the Cuban Trogon, the
National Bird whose feathers display the
blue, red and white colors of the Cuban flag!
In nearby Playa Larga, we visited La casa del
Zunzuncito, a wonderfully onomatopoeic
word for the Bee Hummingbird, the smallest
bird in the world. We took photos of a tiny
blue female, as well as a bright green
Emerald Hummingbird who dropped by.
Heading further east, with spectacular views
at every turn, we ascended Topes de
Collantes, located at 800 meters (2600 feet)
above sea level in the Escambray Mountains.
On arrival, we boarded trucks, as the roads
in the area can be steep and pretty rough.
In Guanayara Park, single-tree bridges (hold
on to that rope!) help traverse rushing
streams as the easy-to-moderate hiking trails
through pristine forest lead to intriguing cave
passageways, sometimes full of slippery
rocks, that in turn lead to spectacular hidden
waterfalls.
Our morning refreshments were a product of
our surroundings. Delicious full-bodied coffee,
made from fresh picked and roasted
Robusta coffee beans was served along with
a taste of ultra-sweet, creamy, chocolate that
had just been made from Cacao beans.
And with refreshment in mind, we followed a
trail, named Centinelas del Rio Melodioso
(Guardians of the Melodious River) to find
swimming holes and discover a succession of
waterfalls, each one more breathtaking than
the last.
After the hiking, birding and swimming (we
also met rock climbers), it was time for zipping!
Next to our hotel, Los Hellechos (The
Ferns), we Zip-Lined through the Canopy with
the fifth and last Zip spectacularly ending
inside a cave passageway.
A fitting end to our nature adventures was a
visit to the Theatre of Elements Community
Project which showcases the talents of local
farmers: Singing, acting, and presenting their
art and stories. The focus was nature - water,
sunshine, fresh air - and its ability to generate
positive energy. What could be a more
inspirational take-away from a vacation? It’s
in Cuba, naturally!
www.gocuba.ca
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

28
Going Further With
Turkish Airlines
Glowing reviews and exceptional
food are the order of the day for
this up-and-coming airline!
Part of the Star Alliance network, Turkish
airlines (THY) offers service to Canadians
from Toronto and Montreal, and connections
to destinations all over the world
from their hub in Istanbul.
Building on their international reputation,
THY has been climbing the ranks as a top
provider and doing very well in Canada.
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20
With 200 destinations, and adding new
ones at a rapid pace, THY welcome travellers
with smiles and a friendly hello,
though often with a charming accent!
To help them usher in this growth, THY
has a massive, world-class training center
in Istanbul with numerous simulators.
Pilots, flight attends and support staff are
all trained well and are ready to go after
their courses are done.
Their aircraft include A330s, A340s,
B777s, B737-800s and B727-800s, all
well maintained and laid-out with the customer
in mind. Each section is designed
with creature comforts taking front and
centre. The seats throughout the plane are
comfortable and the facilities are kept
impeccably clean and organized. Most
Business Class passengers can expect
either fully lie-flat seats or angled lie-flat
seats that brings relaxation to a higher
level.
Comfort Class is Turkish Airlines' premium
economy section is highlighted by slightly
larger seats configured in two-by-three-bytwo
rows, a large video screen and entertainment
system with an iPod outlet and a
laptop power outlet for each seat.
Even passengers traveling in Economy
Class can enjoy an above average trip, as
all passengers enjoy the famed THY complimentary
meal. Though multi-course
meals are provided in Business Class on
extended range flights, all passengers are
treated to the award winning food served
on board. Considering that THY deals
with one of the world’s biggest (maybe the
biggest) catering service and are partners
with Do & Co., there is no surprise in the
quality THY can offer!
www.turkishairlines.com

G Adventures Announces Top Destinations for the 2020
Where to travel - top 12 destinations revealed
into Northern Madagascar for 2020, where
travellers can spend time on ‘lemur island’
or Nosy Be. There’s also a new Planeterra
community tourism project - G Adventures
non-profit partner - which aids reforestation
of the habitat around Ranohira for native
species, such as the endangered lemurs.
Pope Francis visited Madagascar this year
where he expressed support for the creation
of new jobs aimed at securing the country's
rich biodiversity.
Sri Lanka - After a meteoric rise to become
2019's hottest travel destination with its kind
people, rich culture and stunning shoreline,
Sri Lanka’s tourism was heavily impacted following
the Easter attacks last April.
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism
Development Authority, arrivals fell 71 per
cent in May; the lowest number since the civil
war ended a decade ago. With all foreign
advisories lifted, now is the perfect time for
travellers to return to experience all Sri Lanka
has to offer. To help support this return, the
government is offering a free visa on arrival
for travellers from 48 countries.
From fascinating emerging destinations
and countries on the rebound,
through to places where global
events are making it more exciting to visit,
the experts at G Adventures analyzed their
data and coupled it with travel trends to forecast
the 12 hottest spots to visit in 2020.
G Adventures’ top 12 trips for 2020:
Nepal - Travellers experiencing a mindful
trip in the peaceful home of Buddha next
year will find it hard to recall that 2020
marks five years since the April 2015 earthquake
hit. The country has been busy
rebuilding and is now encouraging tourism
to return with the launch of the ‘Visit Nepal
2020’ campaign, which aims to attract two
million visitors in the calendar year. G
Adventures has experienced a 90 per cent
increase in travellers since 2017, and is
offering a new Wellness Nepal tour which
immerses travellers in local culture while they
enjoy a blissful introduction to this place and
its people.
Georgia - It’s safe to say Georgian food and
wine are both having a moment with the
media spotlight highlighting delicacies such
as khinkali (soup dumplings) and the country’s
traditional winemaking process. G
Adventures has witnessed a 44 per cent
increase in travellers over the past three
years, and Georgia’s profile as an international
tourism destination will be encouraged
with the UNWTO selecting the country to
host its June 2020 board meeting. New
budget flight routes through Europe will also
help open up this emerging destination.
Madagascar - This gem off the coast of
southern Africa has continued to attract
adventurous travellers with a 33 per cent
increase for G Adventures in the past three
years. This has led the company to expand
Ireland - 2020 is a leap year, so where better
to visit than the country with its own leapyear
tradition of reversing the traditional
engagement proposal so women asking for
a hand in marriage! Additionally, Galway
has been named as a European Capital of
Culture for 2020, and G Adventures has a
new National Geographic Journeys with G
Adventures Iconic Ireland trip for those wanting
to join the craic.
Nicaragua - With its beautiful beaches,
world-class surf and stunning classic colonial
architecture, Nicaragua is firmly back on its
feet to welcome tourists following a period of
unrest, making this the perfect time to visit. G
Adventures returns in November, just in time
for the dry season which begins in
December. The Nicaraguan Institute of
Tourism reports that during 2018 tourist
numbers dropped 28 per cent but now calm
has returned the friendly locals are hopeful
the tourists will follow.

31
Brazil - With a 10 per cent increase in G
Adventures travellers in the past year, the
first increase in the past few years, Brazil
appears to be firmly back on traveller’s
hotlists. Rio de Janeiro has been named the
World Capital of Architecture for 2020 by
UNESCO, and G Adventures has a new
National Geographic Journeys Explore
Brazil trip launching next year.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines -
Travellers looking for an instagrammable
Caribbean holiday with few tourists to photobomb
their pictures need look no further.
G Adventures’ new sailing trip cruising the
untouched islands of Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines is just the ticket. travellers will
sail from hidden coves to secluded beaches
in a comfortable catamaran, with time for
snorkelling some of the Caribbean's best
sites and indulging in tasty local Creole cuisine.
Laos - Often overlooked on a Southeast
Asia adventure, travellers on this G
Adventures trip will arrive into the calmness
of this small but perfectly formed country by
boat, sailing the Mekong into the heart and
soul of Laos. According to the Ministry of
Tourism, traveller numbers to Laos for the
first half of 2019 have increased five percent
compared to the same time last year, and to
encourage more tourism, as of June 2019
all international visitors to Laos are eligible
to apply online for a single entry visa for a
maximum stay of 30 days.
Japan - Appearing for a second year, Japan
is on roll. Hot on the heels of hosting the
Rugby World Cup this year, 2020 has them
keeping busy hosting the Summer Olympics.
G Adventures travellers to the ‘Land of the
Rising Sun’ have been steadily increasing
with an additional 23 per cent growth in the
past year. With the launch of its new
National Geographic Family Journeys programme,
G Adventures is extending experiences
to include children aged seven and
up. A Japan Family Journey tour.
South Africa - It’ll be 30 years next year
since Nelson Mandela was released from
prison, and G Adventures has been experiencing
double-digit growth in South Africa
for the past few years. As a result of
increased footfall, and the opportunity to
change more lives through travel, a new
Planeterra project has been launched to
help educate travellers about the Indigenous
San culture. G Adventures is also launching
a new National Geographic Family Journeys
trip, the Southern Africa Family Journey.
Greeland - Greeland hit the headlines earlier
this year with search results doubling
after President Trump claimed he wanted to
buy it. See what attracted him to this pristine
piece of the world aboard the G Expedition
ship, as it traverses Greenland’s coast.
www.gadventures.com
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

32
Tropical
Tidbits
by Sue C Travel
Rosalie Bay Resort
Reopens on Dominica
I was delighted to hear of the reopening of
this wonderful eco-resort on Dominica as
the island fully bounces back from damage
caused by Hurricane Maria two years ago.
The Nature Island is looking lush and lovely
again now, and this is one of my
favourite spots to stay there. I find it more
South Pacific style than Caribbean, with its
soft black volcanic sand that sparkles in the
sunlight cresting a cobalt sea flanked with
emerald peaks of rainforest. I love their elegant
country cottage style abodes, and it’s
an ideal retreat for health and wellness with
locally sourced nutritious meal choices,
yoga and meditation classes, and an
exceptional spa located on the bank of the
Rosalie River. Hiking opportunities abound
for all skill levels on this island, and superb
snorkeling and first-rate diving are also
great activity options. Rosalie Bay Beach is
also a very popular spot for many species
of sea turtles to nest upon each summer, in
fact, the owner is known as the sea turtle
saviour of Dominica.
Visit: www.rosaliebaydominica.com
Virgin Voyages to Set Sail Soon
Dubbed as “the cruise for people who don’t
like cruising”, the seaborne vision of
famous entrepreneur Richard Branson
soon sets sail from the Port of Miami
aboard the Scarlet Lady. Itineraries beginning
in April 2020 will include short jaunts
to Key West, and longer cruises to the
Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata, and
Mexico’s Costa Maya and Riviera Maya,
with every voyage stopping at their highly
anticipated new private island oasis in the
Bahamas called The Beach Club at Bimini.
All cruises are adult-only, and uber hightech
modern cabins sport modular furniture
so you can adjust your living space as
desired. Of course, being a Richard
Branson project, you never know what epic
entertainment and theme parties might
happen on board. And you can meet the
man in person if you book his “Birthday
Bash” cruise in July as he’ll be celebrating
on board.
Visit: www.virginvoyages.com
A Spooky Cancun Week
I just happened to be in Cancun and
Riviera Maya last fall during both
Halloween and the Day of the Dead week,
and though I’d like to plan to return to
Mexico at this time of year to explore local
traditions like small town cemetery festivals

33
and the ancient Mayan Hanal Pixán
ceremony ( I hear Alltournative Lifetime
Experiences does a wonderful outing to an
underground cenote for this,) I was still
treated to some spooky stuff at the two different
hotels I stayed at. I was at the new
Now Emerald Cancun for Halloween ─ a
two-tower family-friendly all-inclusive resort
right on Cancun’s best beach. And though
I thoroughly enjoyed the multi-level water
circuit cresting the sea, I’m not a big fan of
being surrounded by children while trying
to relax. So, I was glad they also have an
epic adult-only pool as well, and that’s
where you’ll find their most epic bartender,
too. He is really a star! But come
Halloween, it wouldn’t have been the same
without the screams of the kids! They pulled
out all the stops for a great show by
bedecking the sports bar with such a welldone
haunted house that the adults were
often as terrified as the children! (I know I
was.) And the food and drink were done up
in all manner of creepy styles, too. Lots of
fun.
Visit: www.nowresorts.com/emerald
Next, I was at Breathless Riviera Cancun
Resort & Spa for the Day of the Dead. This
is an adult-only upscale all-inclusive which
I absolutely adored (see review page 55).
This spot also outdid themselves with
spooky décor and unique food and drinks
and a skeleton party and neon party at
their trendy outdoor Wink Bar. I was uber
impressed with the giant two-person skeletons,
stacked on top of each other that
actually managed to dance with the each
other and the guests! Very cool.
Visit: www.breathlessresorts.com
Nikki Beach Saint Barth
Goes More Gourmet
A legendary St Barth’s landmark kicked off
the new season by bringing in Chef Taku
Sekine to represent the luxury beach club in
the 6th annual Saint Barth Gourmet
Festival last fall, taking their offerings up to
whole new level of culinary excellence.
Chef Taku was Head Chef at Dersou and
Cheval d’Or in Paris and brought his own
unique fusion Asian/French vision to the
event in keeping with the high level of
sophistication one expects to enjoy on the
Caribbean’s most chic and cosmopolitan
island.
Visit: saint-barth.nikkibeach.com
Star Clippers Wins
Prestigious Green Cruise Award
It pays to sail the old-fashioned way it
seems, using wind power to cruise around
the seas in the most environmentallyfriendly
way possible has seen the Star
Clippers line win World’s Leading Green
Cruise at the prestigious 2019 World Travel
Awards. Again! This is the seventh time they
have won it. And they also garnered two
more stellar accolades as World’s Leading
Specialist Cruise Line and World’s Leading
Luxury Sailing Company at the awards. I’ve
had the pleasure to sail aboard the Star
Flyer this year, and I will certainly attest to
the fact that all of these awards are very
well-deserved. Mirell Reyes, President of
Star Clippers America, says, “We are
thrilled to be recognized by the World
Travel Awards year after year for our commitment
to environmentally responsible
sailing practices and a truly unique cruise
experience. Star Clippers cruises marry the
authenticity of a true sailing vessels with the
luxury amenities of a private yacht, giving
guests the best of both worlds.”
Visit: www.starclippers.com
©ArtmanAgency
Award-winning travel journalist
Sue Campbell is based in Montreal but makes it
her business to be on top of everything cool, hot,
and new under the sun throughout the
Caribbean and Latin America.
World Traveler welcomes her as a
regular columnist.
Follow her on
Instagram and Twitter @suectravel
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

Arctic North Atlantic South Atlantic North
Amazon Danube Mekong Nile Rhine Rhône Moselle Seine Yangtze
C r u i s i n g w i t h
W O R L D
Traveler
Come With Us &

Pacific South Pacific Indian Southern Ocean
CRUISING SECTION
Cruise News - pages 36-37
UnPlug with UnCruise - page 40
The Sky’s The Limit with Sky Princess - page 42
Romantic Europe on the Reimagined “Crystal Serenity” - page 44
Do you know the Secrets of Luxury Barges in Europe? - page 46
A Round of Applause for The Encore, NCL’s latest hit- page 48
This Photo: Crystal Serenity
Sail The World!
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20
Adriatic Aegean Mediterranean Caribbean Baltic Black South-China Sea

36
AmaWaterways Avalon Azamara Carnival Celebrit
C r u i s e N e w s
European Waterways Announces New Themed Cruises in 2020
Responding to the ever increasing
demand for experiential travel,
European Waterways announced
that it is now offering a wider
range of new themed cruise
departures for 2020 that can be
booked on a per-cabin basis.
Cruises eligible for cabin bookings
include the April 5, 2020 Whisky
Trail cruise aboard the Scottish
Highlander and the April 26,
2020, Golf Cruise aboard the
Spirit of Scotland, both on
Scotland’s Caledonian Canal; the April 12, 2020 Wine Appreciation Cruise aboard
L’Impressionniste in Burgundy, France; and the August 16, 2020 Opera Cruise aboard
La Bella Vita, which sails out of Venice.
www.europeanwaterways.com
Silversea Launces Unprecedented Collection of Grand Voyages
Silversea launches a new collection of Grand
Voyages for late 2020 and 2021, which includes
three exceptional expedition cruise options. Purposely
designed for travellers who prefer a more immersive
travel experience, Silversea’s Grand Voyages offer
extended journeys of up to 70 days, with multiple
overnight stays, a range of exclusive events, and
many life-defining experiences.
Following below is a recap of each Grand Voyage:
•Grand Australia 2020, Sydney Round Trip - 30 Ports/3 Countries.
•Grand South America 2021, Fort Lauderdale Round Trip - 37 Ports/20 Countries.
•Grand Southern Expedition 2021, Ushuaia to Lautoka, Fiji - 26 Ports/8 Countries.
•Grand Tropical Expedition 2021,Lautoka, Fiji, to Cochin, India - 36 Ports/9 Countries.
•Grand Northern Expedition 2021, Cochin, India, to Tromsø - 47 Ports/15 Countries.
www.silversea.com
Holland America Line
Opens 2021 Grand South America
& Antarctica Voyage
In 2021, Volendam embarks on a 74-
day Grand South America &
Antarctica Voyage, which visits 34
ports in eight countries and various
Caribbean islands. The circumnavigation
includes extensive exploration of
two juxtaposed natural wonders: the
Amazon River and Antarctica.
Overnight calls include two nights at Callao (Lima), Peru; and single nights at Buenos
Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, Brazil.
The roundtrip Fort Lauderdale voyage departs Jan. 4, 2021, and transits the Panama
Canal before heading to Ecuador, Peru, Chile, the Antarctica, the Falkland Islands,
Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil and the Caribbean before returning to Fort Lauderdale.
www.hollandamerica.com
AmaWaterways
New State-of-the-Art Ship
Four New Itineraries
Joining AmaWaterways’ flourishing
European fleet, the new 156-passenger
AmaLucia, sister ship to AmaSiena
(2020), will feature signature twin balconies,
connecting staterooms and multiple
dining venues including The Chef’s
Table, among other luxurious amenities.
Celebrating spring in the Netherlands
and Belgium, AmaLucia begins her journey
March 16, 2021 sailing a series of
Tulip Time cruises before setting sail on
the Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle
rivers.
In response to the growing demand for
more French itineraries, AmaWaterways
announced the repositioning of three
ships – besides the award-winning
AmaKristina moving to the Rhône,
AmaDante will join AmaLyra on the
Seine and AmaCello will sail a new itinerary
on both the Rhône and Saône
rivers. Lastly, AmaBella and AmaVerde
will rejoin AmaWaterways’ European
fleet sailing the Dutch & Belgian
Waterways and the Danube.
Four New European Itineraries Plus New
Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Programs
In 2021, AmaWaterways will debut four
new cruise itineraries:
•Impressions of the Seine & Paris sailing
on board AmaDante from Paris to Le
Havre.
•Essence of Burgundy & Provence sailing
on board AmaCello from Chalonsur-Saône
to Arles (or reverse).
•Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps sailing on
board AmaMora and AmaSerena from
Amsterdam to Basel (or reverse).
•Best of Holland & Belgium sailing on
board the AmaSerena round-trip from
Amsterdam.
www.amawaterways.com
Royal-Caribbean Scenic Seabourn SeaDream Si

y Costa Crystal Cunard Disney Holland America
The Port of Rotterdam has recently welcomed
the first call of MSC Grandiosa, one of the
most environmentally-advanced ships at sea
yet.
MSC Grandiosa was delivered on 31 October
at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in
Saint-Nazaire, France and is heavily equipped
with a comprehensive range of leading-edge
environmental technologies and other solutions
as with this ship MSC Cruises marks
another significant step in its journey towards
zero-emissions operations.
The newest flagship features a state-of-the-art
selective catalytic reduction system which
helps reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 80
Viking has recently announced its seventh ocean ship,
Viking Venus®, will join its award-winning fleet in
early 2021, further solidifying the company’s standing
as the largest and world’s best small-ship ocean
cruise line. The newest 930-guest sister ship will
spend her maiden season sailing popular itineraries
in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including British
Isles Explorer, In Search of the Northern Lights, Viking
Homelands and Into the Midnight Sun.
Viking will also expand its offerings in the
Mediterranean and today announced five new itineraries
that include stops in Istanbul, marking the company’s
return to the iconic city. The new 8-day Ancient
Mediterranean Treasures will sail between Athens and
Istanbul, with overnight stays in both cities. Guests
MSC Grandiosa Makes First Call to Rotterdam
per cent through advanced active emissions control technology. Nitrogen oxide from the
engine operations is conducted through a catalyst – a high-density device made from
noble metals – and converts them into nitrogen and water, both harmless compounds.
MSC Grandiosa will also be fitted with shore-to-ship power which connects cruise ships
while at berth to a port’s local power grid to further reduce the ship’s air emissions while
in port to zero. This is a feature that has come as standard across all MSC Cruises new
builds since 2017.
These new features add to other effective environmental technologies deployed on the
ship and across the Company’s fleet to minimise and continuously reduce environmental
impact, including: cutting-edge hybrid Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) that
remove up to 97 per cent of sulphur oxide from ship emissions; advanced waste management
and wastewater treatment systems; ballast water treatment systems; latest-technology
systems for the prevention of oil discharges from machinery spaces and various
state-of-the-art energy-efficiency improvements – from heat recovery systems to LED
lighting.
Currently, MSC Grandiosa and 10 other ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet of 17 ships are
equipped for cleaner emissions with hybrid (closed-loop) EGCS. The line’s six other
ships will be retrofitted with the technology by the end of 2023.
MSC Grandiosa will be deployed in the Western Mediterranean for the next 12 months
before MSC Grandiosa is deployed to South America for winter 2020.
www.msccruises.com
Viking Announces New Ocean Offerings for 2021:
Viking Venus and Additional Mediterranean Itineraries
looking for an extended experience in the region can choose a longer versions of
the itinerary, including the 15-day Ancient Adriatic Treasures, which sails between
Venice and Istanbul; the 15-day Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities, which sails
between Rome and Istanbul; the 22-day Iconic Mediterranean Treasures, which
sails between Barcelona and Istanbul; or the 29-day Mediterranean’s Iconic
Shores, which also sails between Barcelona and Istanbul and includes stops in
Montenegro and Croatia.
Beginning in April 2021 and sailing on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest allveranda
Viking Sky®, guests embarking on the new Ancient Mediterranean
Treasures itinerary or its longer combination cruise options will witness the origin
of civilization while cruising the fabled Aegean Sea. Highlights of the new itinerary
include: Istanbul, Troy (Çanakkale), Ephesus (Kuşadasi), Turkey and Rhodes,
Heraklion and Athens, Greece.
This announcement comes on the heels of several recent accolades for Viking. For
the fourth consecutive year, Travel + Leisure readers voted Viking® to the top of
its categories in the 2019 World’s Best Awards. In 2019, the company’s first five
930-guest sister ships dominated the Cruise Critic® 9th Annual Cruisers’ Choice
Awards, receiving 11 First Place honors. Viking was again named the #1 River
Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2018 Readers’ Choice
Awards – and has also been honored as “Best Cruise Line for Luxury Ocean
Cruises” and “Best Luxury River Cruise Company” in Luxury Travel Advisor magazine’s
2018 “Awards of Excellence” for a second consecutive year.
www.vikingcruises.com
37
Hurtigruten MSC Norwegian Oceania Ponant Princess Regent
versea Star-Clippers Uniworld Viking Windstar

40
UnPlug with UnCruise
Article by Ilona Kauremszky, photography Stephen Smith
Ifeel like I have the entire sea to myself.
On the edge of the planet's largest remaining
tract of temperate rainforest waves are lapping
around the S.S. Legacy. Not a soul
around. We're sailing on one of the cruise itineraries
from expedition cruise company,
UnCruise Adventures called Alaska's Glacier
Country, a 7-night thrilling adventure of
Southeast Alaska.
For this city dweller it's like stepping onto
another planet. But as soon as we start our
cruise, magic suddenly happens.
A pod of Orca whales arrive.
Here we are only 30-minutes after leaving the
cruise terminal in Juneau, Alaska on a small
Victorian steamship replica, one of the small
ships from the Seattle-based company, dining
on freshly caught wild salmon when as fast as
a New York minute the captain announces
whales approaching starboard.
The Gastineau Channel opens up to a Mother
Nature show of BBC Sir David Attenborough
proportions. “See over there,” screams a
voice. “Is that a baby whale?” asks another.
“How cool,” chimes in yet another guest as
everyone gathers on the bow. These front row
seats to the biggest cruise ticket around couldn't
get any finer.
It does.
Whale sightings are a highlight of any cruise.
Spotting Orcas on the other hand I learned
later from the captain remain one of the most
elusive occurrences in the world. “Imagine
99.9 percent of the people living on this planet
have never seen a live Orca whale in their
natural habitat,” says Captain Tim Voss
describing just one of the wildlife encounters
we witnessed.
Home to the state's largest cruise port, cruisers
in Juneau arrive to the Final Frontier state's
capital to anticipate the unexpected. Prepare
to get off-line and recharge the batteries
especially on an expedition cruise that trans-

ports you to remote places where few have
gone before.
Today's luxury seeking clients and those in
need of a digital detox will imbibe in nature
and feast on wilderness encounters never
imagined. No regrets.
On The Legacy the attire is casual. Guests
wear wellies and raincoats. When it's time to
disembark our ports of call are marked by
geographic locations and not towns – like
Endicott Arm. Crew and guests give the
mandatory “Viking Handshake” position -
that's a sturdy hand grip as we leave behind
the mothership and its new Sea Dragon, a
towed state-of-the-art trailer that allows for
the swift launching of kayaks and inflatable
skiff boats.
Over a week I got out of my comfort zone,
doing things I never imagined. On our first
day at sea we pulled into Glacier Bay
National Park to pick up our Park Ranger Matt
Earle who arrived at dawn in a thick fog via
skiff boat surrounded by breaching humpback
whales. The park has a rich fish food
court off Bartlett Cove, a pleasure ground for
humpback whales located in the vicinity of the
Visitor Centre.
In Glacier Bay National Park we set our sights
on John Muir territory. The great naturalist
whose achievements spearheaded the United
States National Park system was so mystified
by the glaciers creating Yosemite Valley, he
made the rigorous journey to Alaska in 1879
to see for himself what glaciers actually
looked like.
These days only a handful of select cruise
lines like UnCruise Adventures gain restricted
park access and have limited viewing opportunities
regulated by the National Parks system.
Cruise guests enjoy the pristine natural
surrounds without viewing a highway of ships
in its path. Isolated. Remote. Only the primordial
growls of wild animals and the blowhole
gasps from whales with plenty of bird calls
awaken the senses. We smelled the pungent
musty odour of the endangered Stellar Sea
Lions sunning and loudly grunting on South
Marble Island before actually seeing them.
We laughed at the bobbing sea lions and
zoomed our binoculars on rock outcroppings,
home to mountain goats.
At the park's West Arm – a pair of glaciers
stand side by side. The ship's engine shuts off.
We're facing the sheer white 21-mile long
Margerie Glacier and the wider 34.5-mile
long black tinged rocky Grand Pacific Glacier.
We stare at these tidewater glaciers watching
Margerie's iridescent blue bergy bits bobbing
by as the dramatic crash of more ice sheering
off in a process known as calving enter the
tidal waters. It's only the start of our glacier
quest voyage.
Unlike the mid-sized to large cruise ships that
ply the busy Pacific Ocean corridor, our
adventure cruise sails the sheltered glassy
calm Inside Passage. It's home to a rugged
coastline of sky high walled canyons, hidden
coves, glacier-cut fjords dotted by rocky islets
and that's not counting the abundant wildlife
encounters in this lush temperate coastal rainforest.
One morning we took a skiff boat to the
“mainland.” It was bear territory. We meandered
through meadows into gardens of wild
orchids, chocolate lilies and the bell-shaped
cassiope, looking at bear scat like it was an
artifact from another world. From our expedition
guide yelps erupted as did lyrical “Day-
O” sounds that resembled The Banana Boat
Song. The high notes echoed through the
southeast Alaskan summer breeze in this
alfresco chamber of green. The only thing trying
to bite us was an occasional pesky mosquito.
(Watch our video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOyFQ
O4SD68)
We later sail south down the Chatham Strait
considered the great marine highway of the
protected Inside Passage between Baranof
Island and the bear-rich Admiralty Island. The
federally protected wilderness habitat is home
to an estimated 1,600 brown bears, bald
eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer. The
smooth landscape pales in comparison to the
towering glacier skyscrapers we left behind.
One day we play with critters. We anchor by
Keku Islands, a group of islands in Southeast
Alaska known for some of the finest tide-pooling.
This natural phenomenon unleashes
extraordinary sea creatures that surface during
low tide giving you personal marine life
encounters. Before the excursions, the expedition
guides list the do's and don'ts of sustainable
viewing.
Kayakers paddle into craggily coves to
discover how much life resides in the
oxygen-rich intertidal water. A sea garden
of clams, starfish, incredibly long bull
kelp normally submerged during high tide
have risen to the surface to curious eyes. On
the volcanic rock left behind from the glaciation
we gawk at the giant chitons and giant
acorn barnacles hugging the salt and pepper
surface. Baritone slurping sounds suck
beneath my feet. Specs of clam shoot out air
clouds in this mad dash for intertidal survival.
“Out here we have some of the highest tides
in the world as well as the lows,” says Sarah,
UnCruise Expedition Guide during our tide
pool shoreline walk. “Water come back. Hear
the squeaky sounds? It's time for them to
squirt. Hear the gulping?”
I look down around my wellies. Standing on
what was dry shoreline, in minutes my toes
are now underwater as are the clams.
The S.S. Legacy had sailed off itinerary by this
time – which is typical of UnCruise
Adventures.
“We aim to go where the animals are,”
explains owner Dan Blanchard of the
unscripted itineraries to our fellow shipmates
in a precruise briefing days earlier. He shows
our group his brochure and flings it in the air.
“See this. You might as well forget it. We rely
on our crew who get daily local updates of
wildlife sightings. We want you to explore one
of the best areas left on the planet for wildlife
viewing.”
Indeed.
No loud music. No live entertainment. No
cellphone service... and yes, no Wi-Fi either.
UnCruise is all about reconnecting to nature
and sharing those moments with loved ones
and new friends.
Be prepared to get unplugged. It's easy to do
on UnCruise.
www.uncruise.com
41
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

42
The Sky’s The Limit with Sky Princess
by Olivia Balsinger
Princess Cruises lines couldn’t have
named the latest vessel in her fleet,
the Sky, any more suitably. At 19
stories high, towering over the seas as a
moving spectacle, the sky truly is the limit
for this striking ship. And, true to Princess
form, Sky is top-of-the-line in innovation
and ingenuity, designed with passenger
ease at the forefront. Furthermore, precision
in the design process was paramount
for the ship - in fact, it took an estimated
three million labour hours and 37,000 tons
of steel to build the boat, the 18th in
Princess’ fleet. Sky Princesses’ maiden voyage
began in Trieste, Italy in mid-October
2019. It brought her to Fort Lauderdale in
early December of the same year, where
she was christened in her naming ceremony.
Sky Princess is unrivaled in her amenities,
design, and surplus of activities. Let’s
take a closer look at what the newest
Princess ship offers passengers:
Accommodation
With 1,830 guest staterooms aboard Sky
Princess, its no wonder there is an eclectic
diversity in her accommodation offerings.
The ship boasts two Sky Suites, both of
which feature the cruise industry’s largest
balconies at sea, measuring 1,012 square
feet (starboard side Sky Suite) and 947
square feet (port side Sky Suite). Even better,
these furnished balconies provide a private
and stunning vantage point for the ship’s
Movie Under the Stars screenings. Their size
also makes them perfect for entertaining—
and with 270-degree panorama views, the
suites are ideal for hosting private parties
and large family gatherings. Even more,
guests in the Sky Suites have extra services
such as a "suite experience manager" and
are grated enticing special privileges, such
as choosing which film shall be played on
the ship’s gigantic screen.

“We’ve led the way on many innovations in
the cruise industry, evolving to meet the
needs of today’s vacationer and of all of
our new stateroom innovations, we’ve never
seen such immediate demand as we are for
these Sky Suites,” said Jan Swartz, Princess
Cruises president. “Our global fleet offers
one of the highest percentages of balcony
staterooms in the industry, across all cabin
categories, and now we’re eager for the
arrival of the industry’s largest balconies at
sea, inviting guests to relax privately or host
their very own en-suite celebrations in
style.”
In addition to these two gems, there are 44
suites with private balconies and 374 Mini-
Suites with private balconies. Also, the ship
boasts 311 deluxe balcony cabins, 753 balcony
cabins, and six deluxe ocean view cabins
spanning 19 decks. All Sky Princess
accommodation comes standard with either
a queen or two twin beds, a television entertainment
system, and a private bathroom
with a shower.
Food and Drinks
Trust us - you’ll never use the words
“hunger” and “Sky Princess” in the same
sentence - in fact, there are over 25 restaurants,
and bars on board!
The ship’s vast array of cuisine fits any taste
buds - from grabbing a slice at Alfredo’s
Pizzeria to winding down with a glass of
vino at Vines Wine Bar, Sky brings together
all of the traditional outlets of her sister
Princess ships, with new and innovative
additions, as well. The famous Sabatini
Italian Trattoria is a go-to for conventional
Mediterranean dishes while the Bistro Sur
La Mer, dedicated to inspired French cuisine
created by the acclaimed Emmanuel Rena,
is the choice for classic French favorites
such as Filet de boeuf poelé (beef filet
mignon.)
For those looking for a dose of English pub
culture, The Salty Dog is the choice for fish
and chips with a beer. Additionally, the Sky
is home to a World Fresh Marketplace,
which includes The Pastry Shop, Slice
Pizzeria, and Swirls ice cream (we highly
recommend tasting the mint chip!). Each
day, the three main dining rooms - Estreslla,
Cielo, and Spoleil - are open daily for
breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Additionally, Princess Cruises has just
unveiled an enhanced beverage menu featuring
globally inspired signature cocktail
offerings created by master mixologist Rob
Floyd. My personal favorite? A Mint Divine,
a creation made from Bombay Sapphire
gin, ginger beer, cucumber, lime juice, simple
syrup, and fresh mint.
Activities Onboard
A common misconception about cruise
ships is that they are exclusively for the elderly
or have limited options for activities,
especially on sea days. Nothing can be further
from the truth, especially aboard the
dynamic and family-oriented Sky Princess.
Those who’ve always secretly craved fulfilling
their pop star dreams can try out for
Voice of the Ocean, which brings TV’s most
popular singing competition to the high
seas and a live audience. The process to
Princess stardom begins with blind auditions,
mentor sessions, the iconic “I Want
You” chairs and ultimately concludes with a
finale performance where passengers vote
on the winner.
For those who would prefer to be dumbfounded
by talent from the comfort of their
theatre seat rather than showing off their
vocal range, Princess Sky has plentiful alternative
productions. Crafted by some of the
world’s top directors and choreographers,
Princess Sky spectacles utilize the destinations
she visits to craft imaginative and
inventive shows. They often incorporate
Broadway classical songs, popular hits,
along with original numbers performed by
a talented cast.
Throughout the day and night, Princess
Sky’s stunning open-air poolside amphitheater
is a lively center for activities - from the
premiere of feature films, to live concerts or
sporting events, there is no shortage of
opportunity to be both an onlooker
43
and a participant. Even better, all of
the featured movies include cozy
fleece blankets and unlimited supplies of
fresh-popped popcorn - essentials to enjoy
a cinema under the stars!
The Sky Princess also boasts plenty of
aquatic options for those hoping to exercise
by swimming laps or float and suntan, pina
colada in hand. Between two deep-tank
pools on the lively top decks, an infinitystyle
Wakeview pool and bar on the ship’s
aft end, and plenty of spa hot tubs, the
choices are endless for aspiring mermaids
and mermen.
Princess MedallionClass
Another innovative addition to Sky Princess
is the MedallionClass - a complimentary
key all passengers are given to be connected
anywhere onboard the ship. So what is
this seemingly magical contraption anyway?
According to Princess Cruises, “Ocean
Medallion is a first-of-its-kind wearable
device that elevates every moment before,
during, and after your Ocean Medallion
Vacation. From on-demand food and
drinks, interactive gaming, custom entertainment,
and smart navigation, Medallion
makes cruising simpler, and more personal
and enjoyable than ever.” On such an
immense ship, the complimentary
OceanMedallion, with its leading-edge
technology and personalized service
through enhanced guest-crew interactions,
helps organizes passengers and give them
a service that is seamless and personalized.
Though the cruising industry is ever-changing
and new ships are continually being
christened, Princess Cruises stays true to the
company values of maintaining a superior
sailing experience for guests while incorporating
ingenuity and innovative technology,
prioritizing comfort and ease. Trust us when
we say, with Sky Princess, the sky truly is the
limit.
www.princess.com
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

44
Crystal Cruises
Romantic Europe on the Reimagined
“Crystal Serenity”
by Janice and George Mucalov
We’d been warned. Climbing up the
1,350 stone steps to St. John’s
Fortress in Kotor, Montenegro, is a
thigh-burner. But we stopped so many times
to gape at the gorgeous views of Kotor’s redtiled
medieval roofs and the turquoise inlet on
which the UNESCO city sits that we didn’t huff
and puff too much.
We were visiting Kotor while on a 7-night
cruise on the deluxe Crystal Serenity, calling in
at some of Europe’s most romantic ports. And
Kotor must take the prize for being the most
beautiful cruise port anywhere!
Kotor
Steep mountains rise up dramatically on
either side of the Bay of Kotor, nicknamed the
“southernmost fjord of Europe.” The car-free
Old Town itself is a maze of cobbled alleys,
with medieval stone buildings sporting characteristic
green shutters.
In Kotor, we could have taken a shore excursion
to Perast, an old Venetian town packed
with Baroque palaces. A short boat trip away
is a tiny islet with the remarkable Church of
Our Lady of the Rocks. Or we could have visited
the ancient seaside resort of Budva, dotted
with beaches.
We’re glad, though, that we chose the 2.5-
hour roundtrip hike to the fortress. The food
on Crystal Serenity is so darn good we needed
the exercise.
Photo: Mucalov
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises

Reimagined Restaurants
During a one-month dry dock in November,
2018, Crystal Cruises extensively refurbished
the ship. The restaurants were totally spiffed
up – and Serenity now offers several new and
enhanced open-seating dining options.
Silk, a Chinese-inspired venue featuring
Chinois soup, a noodle bar and dim-sum,
occupies what used to be Tastes. At night, the
casual café is now the Brazilian-style
Churrascaria (gauchos carve grilled meats
tableside from sword-like skewers). And
Waterside, which replaces the former main
dining room, now offers more intimate seating
with tables for two and four.
Umi Uma was perhaps our favourite restaurant.
Serving Japanese-Peruvian specialties
from Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa – prepared
by his personally-trained chefs – the exclusive
Umi Uma eateries on both Crystal Serenity
and Symphony are the only Nobu restaurants
at sea. Each guest gets one complimentary
reservation per cruise. But we managed to
slide into the sushi bar section of the specialty
restaurant a second night for another crack at
the rock shrimp tempura, sautéed mushroom
salad and lobster with truffle-yuzu sauce. The
celebrated chef’s privately branded
Chardonnay went down very smoothly too.
Prego, Crystal’s Italian restaurant, was also a
hit. Indeed, after boarding in Civitavecchia
(Rome’s cruise port), we joked with our waiter
that the ship’s kitchen could teach the Romans
something about Italian food. Prego’s signature
mushroom soup is no ordinary soup, but
a divinely creamy concoction served in a
scooped-out sourdough bread bowl. And the
beef carpaccio is masterfully presented – at
the table, fresh lemon juice is squeezed onto
the thinnest slices of beef, then Spanish olive
oil and aged Balsamic are drizzled on top. A
sprinkling of finely grated Parmesan caps off
the dish. And don’t get us started on the
home-made pastas!
Dubrovnik and Other Ports
Sadly, we knew that one hike in Kotor wouldn’t
be enough to prevent those calories from
sticking. More exercise would be needed.
So in Dubrovnik, we forsook lazing about on
the beach in favour of walking around the
Crystal Cruises
medieval stone walls encircling most of the
UNESCO-listed Old Town. From up top, we
gazed at a maze of red clay roofs, jumbled
together with Baroque palaces and churches.
At the seaside section of the wall, we peered
down at a little café carved into the rocks,
where people dove into the deep blue Adriatic
before climbing back up for another slug of
their coffee.
Our ship also called in at Sorrento on Italy’s
Amalfi Coast and Corfu on its way to Venice.
We’d previously visited these places; the
Amalfi Coast, in particular, is drop-dead stunning.
But the truth is, after going ashore for a
while, we actually preferred just enjoying the
ship.
Stylish New Suites
How could we not? We were splashing out in
one of the 36 new Seabreeze Penthouses,
totally gussied up in the late 2018 refit.
Crystal essentially took a number of Deluxe
Staterooms with Veranda and converted
them, almost two for one, into these new 339
sq. ft. Seabreeze Penthouses (reducing the
passenger numbers from 1,070 to 980).
Large queen-size bed? Check. Walk-in closet
(with Frette bathrobes, kimonos and slippers)?
Of course. Butler service? You bet. We especially
liked the spa-like bathroom with double
sinks, lots of drawers for toiletry kits and a
large glass rain-shower (bigger than ours at
home) with easy push-knobs and great water
pressure – the best bathroom of the 50+
ships we’ve cruised on (no tub though). Minor
niggle: There’s little room between the end of
the bed and the long coffee table in front of
the couch opposite (so we squished the coffee
table into the corner).
Most staterooms and suites on the ship (85%)
have verandas. Out on ours, we’d read, nap
and dip into our fridge, stocked with our chosen
drinks. As a top-tier cruise line, Crystal
includes all champagne, premium spirits and
fine wines, anywhere on the ship, in the rates.
Pool and Palm Court
Or we’d lounge on a comfy cushioned recliner
under an umbrella by the pool.
Around the pool, in fact, was a popular place
to hang out. Because this cruise was a shorter
Photo: Mucalov
one-week cruise, guests tended to be part of
the well-traveled “working wealthy” class,
many in their 40s and 50s. They were making
the most of their warm-weather holiday, and
the champagne flowed freely. In fact, while
Crystal offers longer voyages around the
world, it’s upped the number of one-week
cruises for 2020, which appeal to younger
guests, and added 100 new itineraries.
Indoors, the Palm Court at the bow has also
been dolled up and is now very pretty in purple.
Craving a civilized afternoon tea or quiet
spot to look out floor-to-ceiling windows? This
is the place – settle yourself in a wingback
chair, rest your feet on a footstool and let the
world pass you by.
Romantic Venice
One of the most enchanting times on our trip
was the two-hour cruise into Venice late in the
morning. Bellinis were the order of the day as
we entered the lagoon, rippled with different
hues of aqua and blue. We passed several
islands – and then Venice itself came into
view. There was St. Mark’s Square, with gondolas
bobbing in front, and the Doge’s
Palace, which looks like a giant wedding
cake. Along the Giudecca Canal, trattorias
were lined with flower-decked terraces. It was
all so gorgeous, most guests were out on
deck, jostling for prime photo spots.
Who needed to take a vaporetto or gondola
to see Venice’s sights from the water! Nothing
could beat our scenic sail-in under a warm
September sun. Still, it was a bitter-sweet
arrival. Because while we’d be docking at one
of the world’s most romantic cities, we would
soon be leaving the Crystal Serenity.
www.crystalcruises.com
45
Crystal Cruises Crystal Cruises
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

46
Canal Cruising
Do you know the Secrets of Luxury Barges in Europe?
by Lisa TE Sonne
You may have experienced oceanic
cruising and even river cruising, but
have you tried canal cruising on
waterways first built centuries ago? In 1787
Thomas Jefferson, then the U.S. Ambassador
to France, wrote that of all the modes of transport
he had tried, canals and their parallel
foot paths were the “pleasantest form of travel.”
Canal cruising has become one of my
favorite modes of travel, too.
Europe is still networked with hundreds of
miles of canals, but today luxury “barges”
serve as floating boutique hotels, with eight to
22 passengers, for peaceful and intimate
cruises to untouristed villages and towns as
well as classic sites. Not only do you moor
next to lovely scenery, sometimes even near
castles or windmills, you travel at a pace that
lets you really take in the realm with all your
senses, and you can make the trip very relaxing
or very active.
You can sit on the open top deck and watch
and smell and hear the world languidly glide
by. You feel the sun and winds while consuming
local foods and drinks. If you prefer, jump
off with a bike at a canal lock. Then, pedal
along the parallel “towpaths” that were once
used for the animals and people who pulled
the commercial and passenger barges before
the era of motors.
If you are like me, you may also choose to
pedal down connecting paths into villages or
up to churches and ramparts. Mix with the
locals or take in more nature, then quickly
pedal back to catch up with your boutique
barge at another lock. You can end the
adventure by sitting in the hot tub, enjoying
the floating ride.
European Waterways currently offers 17 vessels
in nine different countries, making “barging”
a cultural and culinary experience. Each
trip includes a great chef onboard who culls
local ingredients, and a server who specializes
in the local cheeses and wines, generously
offering different ones every lunch and dinner!
A van or vans follow the boat’s path, and
every day, memorable shore excursions are
provided. The historian guide who knows the
roads and history is flexible to what paces and
places the small group of passengers wants.
Scotland - Highlander Highs
In Scotland, my husband and I enjoyed the
lox, locks, and lochs, as we ate fine Scottish
salmon, navigated through the famous
Caledonian Locks (once the “greatest engineering
feat of the planet”), and explored the
natural lochs, including the Loch Ness. Alas,
no monster sighted, but the Captain let me
steer the boat then, which was scary enough
for others. Loch is Scottish for lake, and the
Ness one is particularly beautiful (and deep
and wide, so safe for me to steer through).
The Caledonian Locks were built before the
Panama Canal and Suez Canal systems.
Queen Victoria’s 1873 cruise of the
Caledonian canals and lochs of much of our
route helped popularize travel in that part of
gorgeous Scotland. Now, in the 21st century,
custom hotel barges and other narrow pleasure
boats can experience the 29 locks of the
Caledonian canals.

We loved approaching castles from the water
and then touring them, but the strongest single
memory is gliding through raw gorges
with no signs of humanity, and faintly hearing
mysterious, haunting bagpipe music that
crescendoed as we proceeded. When we
rounded a bend, a solitary bagpipe player in
full Scottish regalia stood on vibrant green
hills among the sheep. We moored near him,
and he spent the evening showing us how
bagpipes work and giving the eight passengers
a private concert.
Italy - The Beautiful Life
Cruising in the iconic Grand Canal of Venice
and then journeying to villages without
tourists in the Po Valley was a romantic and
stunning way to see Italy with my husband.
We had chosen this route to celebrate a milestone
birthday of mine, and the trip exceeded
expectations-- from visiting Mantua and the
theater where Mozart performed, to our last
night, when the chef brought in a new apricot
desert he had created for my birthday.
Claudia, one of the best guides I’ve ever had,
took us to see some of the Roman, Etruscan,
Byzantine, and Renaissance influences; to
have private tours of wineries; and to walk
around on small lagoon islands. At one point
we disembarked and were driven to Villa Ca
Zen, where Lord Byron had once composed
some of his best work while trying to hide out
for a deep romantic affair. We were treated to
a private tour by the owner, and a sumptuous
meal in the Villa dining room.
All this in a week without having to pack and
unpack, or cook, or clean, or worry about
road maps or train schedules, made cruising
on “La Bella Vita” a beautiful life.
Holland - Tulips and Windmills
Holland is known for art, canals, cheeses,
tulips, and windmills. We got it all. Starting in
Amsterdam and heading through countryside
canals in Spring was the perfect girlfriends’
getaway for me and for Kathy, a gardening
and hiking bff since we were seven years old.
Kathy was all in for exploring independently
as we rode bikes through different towns to
look at the colorful home gardens and to
check out picturesque working windmills close
up. She also whole-heartedly enjoyed the
cheese and wine pairings at lunch and dinner,
and the fun company of fellow travelers.
Spring in the world-famous Keukenhof
Gardens was a sensory feast showcasing
what beauty humans and nature can create
together. We also visited the world’s largest
flower auction in Aalsmer, to see how millions
of flowers are shipped worldwide. The
renowned museums and architecture of
Amsterdam, Leiden, and Haarlem, and the
Royal Delft China center in Delft, were all
beautiful group shore excursions.
A salient cruising memory was sitting in the
hot tub outside, while bucolic scenes seemed
to drift by. The staff brought us flutes of champagne,
and we toasted. We rounded the bend
and suddenly the grassy banks were full of
buildings. We tried ducking into the bubbles
of the spa while not losing the bubbles of our
drinks, as we cruised under a bridge with
people overhead cheering and giving us
“thumbs up”!
France - oui, oui!
A kindred spirit from graduate school and I
chose France for girlfriend catch-up, to laugh
about the past and make more memories for
the future. European Waterways has the most
tour offerings in France, which has the most
canals. Itineraries include Champagne,
Bordeaux, Gascony, Burgundy, the Loire
Valley, and Alsace and Lorraine, as well as the
Canal du Midi that Jefferson enjoyed.
Page and I signed up for the Burgundy
trip and started in a mutually favorite
city -Paris- for a couple of days before
being treated like royalty on the barge. The
shore excursions included chateaus, wineries,
monasteries, museums, and even the village
where the movie “Like Water for Chocolate”
was filmed.
Page is a wonderful painter, and I mentioned
that I would love a watercolor lesson from her
using water from the French canals. A staff
member overheard and found watercolors
and paper for us in the next village. Other
passengers joined in, and we had a creative
comradery.
We both loved that every lock had a lock
keeper’s house and the diversity of lock keepers
that appeared was fantastic-a whole family
tumbling out, a bearded guy vrooming up
on his motorcycle. One lock keeper was an
artist who shared his larger than life papiermaché
creatures out on the canal banks.
When the trip was over, we did not want to say
“au revoir.”
General
There are some possible cons of barges compared
to other cruise vehicles depending on
your preferences: smaller cabins (unless you
pay extra), no private balconies, and no
climbing walls and casinos like large cruise
ships. Another possible downside is the intimacy
of being with the same small group of
people for every meal and excursion.
Fortunately, I have really enjoyed the fellow
passengers and the range of conversations. I
also love how intimately barges let you interact
with the land and cultures you are travelling
through.
I still have more “barging” I’d like to do. My
husband and I muse, Should we clink glasses
in the Champagne region of France? Or float
down the Thames and enjoy antiques and
castles? Or is Ireland, Belgium, or Germany
calling out? And I have to wonder, what would
Thomas Jefferson say about this 21st century
mode of canal traveling?
www.europeanwaterways.com
47
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

48
A Round of Applause for The Encore, NCL’s latest hit
by Anne-Marie Macloughlin
When choosing a sunny getaway
the choices can be overwhelming.
Gone are the days of the basic
three meal deal and limited entertainment
while landlocked: nowadays cruise lines are
the vacation of choice for couples and families
alike and with good reason. Finding a
versatile package that caters to all tastes and
demographics can be challenging when
seeking a spot that satisfies sun worshippers,
sportsmen, foodies and fans of live entertainment.
With customer satisfaction a top priority
Norwegian Cruise Lines’ latest addition to
the fleet does just that.
Christened in the fall of 2019, The Encore
revolutionizes cruising as we know it.
Flexibility is the name of the game when
booking a holiday so NCL took note and provides
guests with an experience they can tailor
to their needs. Mealtimes are flexible,
dress code relaxed and entertainment varied.
Accommodations range from solo traveler
staterooms to suites and their “ship within a
ship” the Haven. No ship would be complete
without a few state-of-the-art recreational
options and the Encore delivers with an 1150
foot-long 2-tier go kart race track on the top
deck which reaches 13 feet over the side of
the ship!
A big part of the excitement of cruising is
when you embark on these behemoths of the
seas. As we arrive at the Port of Miami we’re
greeted with a line up of dazzling white
palaces, the port having the honour of being
the busiest cruise terminal in the world. Even
for experienced cruisers it can be baffling
when seeking your vessel but with the Encore,
NCL has made it easy to identify. A dazzling
splash of colour adorns the hull courtesy of
Eduardo Arranz-Bravo, an award-winning
Spanish artist. Inspired by the vibrant experience
that is cruising on the Encore, Arranz-
Bravo’s mural makes the Encore a standout
amongst vessels.

After wrangling busy airport line-ups and
transfers nothing hits the spot like a sumptuous
lunch and cool drink. The self-serve
Garden Café offers a mouth-watering selection
that pleases all palates from tasty barbeque
dishes to vegan and vegetarian
options. The well-stocked bar provides cocktails
for every taste and the knowledgeable
staff are happy to advise baffled passengers
spoiled for choice. No shipboard buffet
would be complete without an ocean-themed
spread, this pescatarian overwhelmed with
the choice of giant tiger shrimp, calamari
and juicy salmon steaks. Dinner options offer
specialty dining including the award-winning
Onda by Scarpetta, Mediterranean charm
and classic elegance all round. For lovers of
Art Deco and the choice of modern and classic
dishes, the Manhattan Room offers delicious
fare with distinguished presentation, the
high ceilings and retro décor evoking 1920s
decadence.
After a short apres-dejeuner nap it was time
to explore. The Encore offers diverse entertainment
and recreation including the aforementioned
go karts, laser tag and a virtual
reality experience at the Galaxy Pavilion. As a
transit user who doesn’t drive I couldn’t wait
to try my hand at go karting which is a popular
choice requiring early booking. As the
staff helped me into my cart I started to lose
my nerve and felt slightly claustrophobic
when they snapped on the helmet; that said I
was happy to experience the unusual sensation
of whizzing around sharp bends with the
ocean in the background.
For younger guests the Encore provides a
children’s aqua park and for the older set,
the Entourage teen club where music, video
games and movies provide an alternative to
hanging out with the parents. Early years
coordinators assist parents with the youngest
guests at Guppies, sensory activities and toy
time providing self-guided play. Grown ups
can bust a move at the Pulse Fitness Centre
or unwind in the Spa, hot stone massage and
a relaxing steam room just a few of the pampering
options on offer.
A relaxing vacation wouldn’t be complete
without the first brew of the day. I was
cheered to see an actual Starbucks onboard
with the usual selection and even some winter-themed
drinks on offer (think
Gingerbread Latte). Be warned though, the
lineups are ridiculously long and the staterooms
have a coffee maker handy for the
queue-averse. For a post-dinner beverage
pick your poison; rum-lovers will gravitate
towards the Sugarcane Mojito Bar where I
highly recommend the Jalapeno Mojito. For a
more vintage experience the Cellars Wine
Bar and its resident sommelier is an educational
experience whether you favour a beefy
Merlot or flirty rose. My favourite was the
Mixx Bar where the experienced mixologists
provides happy Canadians with a first class
Bloody Caesar!
When traveling to warmer climes it makes
sense to stay hydrated and a major initiative
for the Encore is the elimination of plastic
water bottles with the aim to be plastic free by
Jan 1 2020 with its new plant-based cartons
courtesy of JUST Inc. With the temperatures
reaching the high 70s it made sense to stock
up for our day trip to Great Stirrup Cay, NCLs
private island. Part of the Berry Islands,
49
GSC is a former military base that’s
customised for guests of the cruise
line, its meals and drinks included. As we disembarked
from the short tender we were
overwhelmed with the smell of bbq beach
fare, fresh ocean air and the fragrance of
lush tropical blooms. Sun loungers are plentiful,
towels preplaced on each and a variety
of watersports are available including parasailing,
stand up paddling and for the more
timid, floating sunbeds.
For the savvy souvenir shopper check out the
Berry Market where you can hunt down
colourful garments and shell jewellery; I even
got a speedy hairdo courtesy of local stylists.
Although the traditional braids feel a bit like
a bargain facelift they’re the perfect do for a
hot day in the islands and last for a few
weeks. NCL also runs several daily excursions
to Treasure Island to see the famous
Bahamian swimming pigs; due to the popularity
of this tour book early. Also be aware
that the island vendors only take US dollars
and there is no debit or credit available.
After a languid day of sea, sun and sand we
return to the ship to freshen up for dinner,
cocktails and a show. Evening entertainment
is hard to pick; do we rock along to the Tony
Award-winning show “Kinky Boots” or sing
along with “The Choir of Man?” Maybe an
intimate evening with a Beatles cover band in
the cozy Cavern bar or some stand up comedy
at The Social Club? The Encore has it all
so we finally enjoyed the antics of the rabblerousing
reprobates of “The Choir of Man”
and their energetic cover versions of beloved
popular songs set in an Irish pub.
Cruise life isn’t for everyone; if it’s a quiet getaway
you seek the amount of on-board
amenities can be overwhelming and the size
of the Encore alone can be confusing. That
said, where else can you access 5-star dining,
luxury shopping, VIP spa treatment,
Broadway-calibre shows and the opportunity
to swim with pigs on Treasure Island? Many
of us are seeking a break from real life where
we can recharge and regenerate and pack as
much as we can into a vacation. In this, the
Encore delivers.
www.ncl.com
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

50
Luxury Hotels...Grand Resorts...Charming B&B...Opulent Villas...Quaint C
Sweet Dreams Around the World
Stay & Play Section
25hours Hotel, The Royal Bavarian, Munich
by Michael Morcos
Funky is a good way of describing this hotel, so is cool, hip or even psychedelic! The
25 Hours Hotel is anything but a cookie cutter property, far from it. The designers
and decorators of this hotel took every opportunity of making things abnormal. Even
the hotel name throws you for a loop.
Our hotel adventure started upon arrival where we climbed to the first-floor reception
and found a red, antique, tissue covered couch in the elevator. On arriving to
the welcome desk our senses were again attacked as we would feel like we were in
a Sargent Pepper album cover. The scenario continued past the check-in through the
blue coloured hallway to our dazzling room. It was wonder at first sight! Just about
every detail in our room was a conscientious work of art. Like books that fill in for
bed legs. An all-black toilet - tiles, walls and bowl. How about the new washroom
sink, faucet and counter that resemble something from a century ago. It was all very
puzzling and yet it worked.
As for location, Munich was practically at our doorstep. Located directly in front of
the train station, getting to and from any European destination was easy. At the corner
of the street was a metro station and Munich’s major attractions were just a short
walk away.
Breakfasts at the hotel were delightful. Served buffet style, the choices were varied
and plentiful, starting with wonderful fresh and hearty German breads, fine cheeses
and delicious cold cuts to eggs prepared in any style. The atmosphere in the breakfast
room echoed the hotel. Weird, wild and just about right, as were the mostly
young to middle aged clients.
Travelling is all about the new and different. A stay at the 25 Hours Hotel was
refreshing and certainly memorable. After a stay like this, it sure did make me think
about how boring some hotels really are and with properties across Europe; the
experience can carry on and on.
www.25hours-hotels.com
Steve Herud
Steve Herud
Steve Herud
NH Collection Madrid Suecia
by Michael Morcos
When in Spain stay with the Spanish, and
hotel chains do not come any more Spanish
than the NH hotel group. Now operating
more than 350 hotels in 28 markets, this
Madrid-based hotel group knows how to do
hospitality right as I would attest to on this, my
fourth stay with this chain.
Our recent trip to Madrid would bring us to a
NH Collection property, on the upper end of
the hotel offerings is the NH Collection Suecia
hotel, which is perfectly located on a quiet
side street close to most of the major sites. A
half block away was the intersections of the
busy and well-appointed boulevards of Calle
de Alcalá and Gran Via. A short distance from
here is the world famous Prado museum, the
majestic Plaza Mayor and the centre of Spain
– the Puerta del Sol.
To add to this great location, the hotel is
handsomely decorated with a Scandinavia
look and feel. Upon arriving you could feel a
buzz in the air. The restaurant and bar situated
on the ground floor were filled with clients
and visitors enjoying the great atmosphere.
The staff was extremely helpful and took every
opportunity of assisting us through our checkin.
My room was just about perfect, clean and
comfortable with all the modern amenities
one would expect from a high-end hotel. Not
wanting to miss out on visiting the sites I
would break away for a few hours to see the
best this beautiful city had to offer only to
return to the tranquillity of my home away
from home.
Unfortunately, I did not visit the rooftop bar. I
was told it had a panoramic view of the whole
of Madrid. Kind of felt good about it as now I
will have to return.
www.nh-hotels.com
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51
If you turn right outside the hotel, you’re in
one of the city’s major shopping areas complete
with Starbucks, restaurants and departof
the three most beautiful gardens in all of
Japan. And then there is the amazing
Museum of Contemporary Art and small
streets with artistic cafes, as you complete a
circle back to the Tokyu Hotel.
John Yang noted that Kanazawa, with a population
of 500,000 has the same
viewing/tourism potential as Tokyo and
Kyoto, but it’s easier to digest. In fact he
noted that “the food is fresher, the people are
extremely friendly and there are lots of
hands-on activities designed for visitors”.
Since the Shinkansen (the bullet train) was
directly linked to Kanazawa from Tokyo in
2015, tourism to Japan’s Golden Triangle
(Tokyo to Hokuriku (Kanazawa) to Kansai
(Kyoto) has increased significantly. And for
those looking to use Kanazawa as a base, it’s
only one hour to Shirakawago (the famous
Gasho-Zukuri (praying hands) houses) and
to Wajima on the tip of the Noto peninsula.
The Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
You could not ask for a better location
than the Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel. Zhi
“John” Yang, the Overseas Sales
Representative explained that “our guests feel
they are right in the center of Kanazawa”, and
he was absolutely correct!
Turn left outside the front door and you’re in
the famous Nagamachi Samurai District with
the Nomura Clan Family Home and its twostar
Michelin garden.
Article and photography by Steve Gillick
ment stores such as Tokyu Hands (a great
store for buying unique Japanese items). And
behind Tokyu Square you’ll find Chokichi, for
a super-friendly, stand-up sake bar experience.
And many of Kanazawa’s main attractions
are only 20 to 30 minute’s walk from the
hotel. This includes the Oyama Jinja Shrine
(take a selfie with the lucky Golden Frogs), the
Omi-cho Fish Market (colorful displays,
engaging vendors…and you can eat there
too), Kanazawa Castle Park (visit the partially
restored Castle that was originally built in
1583), and Kenroku-en, designated as one
But the attraction of the Kanzawa Tokyu Hotel
goes beyond location with its unique
Japanese style. The wallpaper in the hallways
depicts a winter scene of “yukizuri”, which
are the wooden frames that are built around
trees to protect them from the winter winds
and snow (you can see yukizuri in Kenrokuen
garden). The elevators reflect a gold leaf
design, paying homage to the local legend
that explains the meaning of ‘Kanazawa’ as
‘Marsh of Gold’. In fact, visitors can get
involved in the gold leaf industry which dates
to the end of the 16th century, by taking a
gold leaf workshop and eating gold ice
cream! And even the hallway carpets in the
hotel have a Japanese feel with designs of
gold sakura (cherry blossoms). It’s all very
well done!
The ultimate measure of contentedness, of
course, is in the quality of the hotel room,
and our room was comfortable, quiet and
spacious with a great view of the Japanese
Alps. I’ll stay here again!
www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/kanazawa-h/
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Advertorial
Accommodations
Puntacana Resort & Club is the
Caribbean’s leading resort community on
the eastern shore of the Dominican
Republic. Tortuga Bay is member of the
Leading Hotels of the World and the only
AAA Five Diamond awarded hotel in the
Dominican Republic, offering understated
elegance, privacy and unparalleled personal
service. Located at Playa Blanca is
The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club,
guest enjoys all of Westin’s signature
amenities and Don Queco Cigar Bar. Our
Four Points by Sheraton is situated at
Puntacana Village, few minutes away from
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
The Estates
Become a part of our magnificent paradise
community with the purchase of a
vacation home in the elite The Estates at
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Iglesias, Mikhail Baryshnikov call home.
An exclusive lifestyle of relaxation, excitement
and understated elegance, prospective
buyers can choose among elegant
homes perched above the Caribbean Sea
or overlooking scrupulously manicured
golf courses in Corales, Tortuga, Arrecife,
Hacienda, Hacienda del Mar and Marina.
Home and apartments are also available
at Puntacana Village.
Golf
With 45 holes of championship golf,
Puntacana Resort & Club is the
Caribbean’s premier golf & beach destination.
The P.B. Dye designed La Cana
Golf Course, consisting of 27 holes across
Tortuga, Arrecife and Hacienda, was
declared the number one course in the
Caribbean by Golf Magazine. Designed
by Tom Fazio and set between rocky cliffs,
coral reefs and the expansive Caribbean
Sea, the Corales Golf Course features six
oceanfront holes, multiple lines of
approach and picturesque canyons, making
for an exhilarating experience.
Activities & Spa
Puntacana Resort & Club offers a wide
range of adventures for guests of all ages
including golf, tennis, kite boarding, scuba
diving, horseback riding, fishing and
numerous excursions by sea, land and air.
The leading spa in the Caribbean, Six
Senses Spa at Puntacana Resort & Club
presents a range of innovative packages,
Signature treatments and Asian therapies.
Visit Galerías Puntacana to enjoy an
assortment of shops, restaurants, playground,
and our spirited nightlife.
Dining
Puntacana Resort & Club is home to 6
world class eateries with an indigenously
delectable cuisine. Tucked inside Tortuga
Bay, the AAA Four Diamond awarded
Bamboo blends modern cuisine with
Mediterranean influences. Specializing in
local seafood, The AAA Three Diamond
Award La Yola is located at the Marina. At
La Cana Golf & Beach Club is The Grill,
an American style grill offering views of
the sea. The Westin Puntacana Resort &
Club provides a variety or restaurants and
bars from Ananí to Brassa Grill. Next door
is Playa Blanca, a beachfront tropical
restaurant. Our Dine Around Program
offers the best sampling of our finest culinary
experience. All restaurants offer complimentary
shuttle service within the resort.
More dining options are available at
Puntacana Village.
Corporate Social Responsibility
We believe that in development there
needs to be equilibrium among the economic,
environmental and social components.
Our non-profit Grupo Puntacana
Foundation serves both natural and social
resources, while contributing to the sustainable
development of our Dominican
Republic. These practices have been guiding
principles of our company, and along
with vision, hard work and perseverance,
the key to our success.
Punta Cana International airport
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ),
built, owned and operated by Grupo
Puntacana, the resort’s developers, and
located within Puntacana Resort & Club, is
just minutes away from check-in at any of
our hotels or private homes. Punta Cana
International Airport (PUJ) has direct service
from 98 different cities around the
world, making Punta Cana the most
accessible destination in the Caribbean.
Our VIP terminals service the needs of
guests flying in private aircrafts.
The Caribbean’s Premiere Golf
& Beach Resort Community
www.puntacana.com

54
Bungalow Beach Resorts: Floridian Tropical Bliss on Anna Maria Island
by Jennifer Merrick
“They look like parrots,” I remarked to
my daughter who was pointing at the
colourful blue and green birds on the
telephone wire. But that wasn’t possible,
was it? We were in Florida after all, hardly
far enough south for these tropical feathered
creatures.
“They were parrots,” said local Gayle
Luper. “Many people don’t realize our climate
zone is the same as much of the
Caribbean.”
I certainly hadn’t. Not only did that explain
our sighting, but also how gloriously
turquoise and warm the water was.
We were on Anna Maria Island, a barrier
island on Florida’s gulf coast about an hour
south of Tampa. Often referred to as AMI,
it’s a locale that encapsulates the so-called
‘Old Florida’. Buildings are limited to three
stories, and it’s one of the few places left
where you can buy fish straight off the boat.
We experienced this special treat in nearby
Cortez Village, where we watched folks
buying fish after it was weighed on the
dock, while enjoying the most succulent
peel-and-eat shrimp imaginable at Tide
Tables Restaurant.
It would take thirty minutes to drive across
the island, but why drive when there was a
free trolley that ran from one end of the
island to another. Golf carts were another
popular means of transportation, and seeing
them driven on the main road exemplified
the laid-back vibe of AMI to a tee. My
favourite form of transport though was
walking barefoot on the beach, which we
spent most of our time doing while staying
at Bungalow Beach Resort.
This classic accommodation is Anna Maria
Island in a nutshell – unpretentious and
serenely beautiful. Each of the fifteen cedar
bungalows has their own charm and range
from one-room studios to two-bedroom
bungalows with a private pool. All feature
original architectural details of its 1930’s
construction with original hardwood floors
and wood-beamed cathedral ceilings. The
white wicker furniture and beachy accents
evoked an island mentality as soon as we
crossed the threshold. A fully-equipped
kitchen, BBQ grills in the courtyard and
colourful beach lounge chairs were some
of the amenities provided.
But it was the view when we slid the back
door open that endeared me to this property
forever. The back porch sat right on the
beach, providing a postcard perfect view of
fine white sand stretching out to the
turquoise water and blue skies on par with
any tropical paradise I’ve had the good fortune
to visit. Complete with parrots.
www.bungalowbeach.com
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

55
Breathless Riviera Cancun - Viva the Vibe Choice!
by Susan Campbell
Can you have trendy, luxurious, energetic and laid-back all in one
place at an upscale, adult-only all-inclusive resort? Yes, you can!
The Xcelerate Pool crests the nexus of the
community courtyard where you will find all
the dining spots. It also and serves as the
main social gathering venue for special events
like the weekly Neon Party. The After Dark
nightclub is also found there, and the massive
Spoon Buffet is open 24/7 – a first I’ve seen at
an all-inclusive. (Ideal for late night
munchies.) There you’ll find the easy-going
partiers kicking back in couches in the pool,
or in the large whirlpool or pool bar by the
sea, and maybe playing a game of beach volleyball.
The music is lively, but not too loud!
This is also where they hold their fantastic
Saturday night beach barbecue- one of the
best I’ve ever had, so don’t miss it!
Opened in 2016, Breathless Riviera
Cancun Resort & Spa is an upscale
adult-only all-inclusive of 526 ultrachic
suites located near Puerto Morales about
20 minutes from the airport. They have a signature
offering- Unlimited Luxury®- which
means boundless gourmet dining and premium
brand beverages at multiple stand-alone
themed restaurants and fab bars and
lounges. And the 24/7 room service is also a
huge bonus! The concept of this resort brand
is squarely focused on energetic millennial
travellers seeking lots of action - think foam
pool parties, booming music and late-night
blow-outs. But in this resort you can have the
best of all possible worlds.
Being a ‘mature’ traveler, sometimes I simply
want to chill by the sea without having to feel
like I’m missing all the fun. But that’s the
beauty of this spot- the design is pure genius.
You can slide from vibe to vibe and back
again without skipping a beat. But if you want
to experience the entire range of ambiance
options there, you must choose to stay at the
Xhale Club wing.
Xhale Zone
VIP treatment is the rule at the Xhale Clubprivate
check-in and concierge, and an exclusive
club lounge space are a few of the perks.
Elevated accommodations include spacious
modern, rooms with big whirlpool tubs on the
balcony, or a choice of luxe swim-out suites.
Exclusive entrance to the Xhale Club private
pool and the Kibbeh restaurant- an enchanting
alfresco dining spot on the sea are also
part of the package. I loved the layout and the
Zen music at the infinity pool, but when it’s
time to take it up a notch, head next door to
the Xcelerate Pool zone.
Xcelerate Zone
High Energy Zone
Don’t get too comfortable in that oasis
though, because a carnival style
“Champagne Parade” will soon show up to
remind you that there is yet another much
higher-octane option right next door, and
beckon you to follow them there. If you do,
you’ll find yourself in the thick of the South
Beach style blow-out at the Energy Zone
replete with exclusive champagne bars, hot
DJs, and really loud music! The vibe is infectious,
so you’re bound to do some bootyshaking
no matter what your age. But if you
happen to overdo it, and need to recuperate
and recharge, then head to their Relax Spa by
Pevonia®. It’s a comprehensive facility with
everything one could need to revive mind
body and spirit so you can go vibe-hopping
all over again the very next day.
www.breathlessresorts.com
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

56
Bali’s Best Kept Secret: The Mansion Hotel
by Olivia Balsinger
It’s no secret that Bali, Indonesia, the
pinpoint of paradise in the Indian
Ocean, has been very much discovered
and developed. In fact, an estimated
5 million tourists flock to the island (which
is only about 5,000 km) each year! But in a
destination with such tourism saturation,
one secret that remains yet undiscovered is
The Mansion Hotel.
The property is one of Bali’s rare gems hidden
away in the outskirts of Ubud. Ubud,
the island’s cultural center that is traditionally
Balinese in its architecture, culinary
innovations, and colorful bustle, feels
entirely remote and removed from the
crowded touristic beaches on the coasts.
The Mansion prides itself in maintaining
that authenticity and commitment to community,
nestled in the artistic haven of
Penestanana on the Sayan River. And
though just a few minutes’ drive to the center
of Ubud, pulling up to the extravagant
entrance of the hotel makes you forget civilization
is nearby. Suddenly you are
immersed in a tropical, lush green park
estate where nature reigns.
Each of the expertly designed rooms and
their views are a testament to the hotel’s
relationship with the natural surroundings -
you will find yourself falling asleep with
either views of the courtyard or within tropical
gardens. Additionally, each spacious
room houses artwork from local artisans,
exemplifying the property’s relationship
with the community. The resort boasts 150
rooms, from Deluxe to Penthouse Suites,
each with immaculately designed interiors.
The Mansion Wellness Center is otherworldly
and differentiates from the majority
of surrounding “massage parlors” nearby
because of its diverse menu and range of
services - from yoga instructors to cosmetic
dentists to even dance therapists! In addition
to a wide variety of holistic massages
and treatments, the spa also features a
healing pool, with water filtered by crystal
blue structure units which enhance and
energize.
A getaway to The Mansion would be suitable
for a range of travelers - from those
who prefer to lounge in the hot tub and
rejuvenate, to those who wish to elevate
their health with an extensive wellness
treatment, to even the active types who feel
motivated to swim laps in the resort's many
pools. No matter your traveling style, if
you’re interested in escaping Bali’s crowds
and relaxing in paradise, The Mansion is
the Indonesian hotel of choice.
www.themansionbali.com
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

57
Vancouver Island Favourite: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Article by Ilona Kauremszky, photography Stephen Smith
The Instagrammable Hotel Zed
Article by Ilona Kauremszky, photography Stephen Smith
If there could be whale whisperers on site, why not head to Oak Bay
Beach Hotel in Victoria to seek them.
The posh property on Vancouver Island overlooks one of Victoria's most
prized secluded bays on Canada's dramatic Pacific Coast that has been
attracting locals and those with a penchant for Old Brit Victoria charm
ever since the historic hotel opened in 1927.
Not unusual to see whales in summer months.
Nestled on the shores of the Pacific Ocean the Oak Bay Beach Hotel
overlooks the Juan de Fuca Strait with ocean views of snow-capped
Mount Baker seen in the distance. Only minutes from quaint boutique
shops, cafes, and galleries of Oak Bay Village, a charming nook that
dates back to Victoriana days, this hotel is a worthy legacy to its
renowned predecessor.
The original Oak Bay Beach
Hotel underwent a few reincarnations
with a major $52CDNmillion
revamp that saw each
brick, beam and leaded window
labeled and stored during
a 6 year refurbishment that
restored and expanded the
hotel's footprint to what you see
today.
These days wellness seekers arrive to soak in the scenery and if you're
super lucky you just might catch views of whales slapping their back
fins. Failing that the outdoor pool's stylized mosaic tile depicts a ring of
Orcas embedded on the pool floor.
www.oakbaybeachhotel.com
This locally-owned boutique hotel espouses to showcase sixties
and seventies stuff that once ruled households across America.
Pet friendly, motor cycle friendly, family friendly yet it brings in
the business travel guests too with its meeting room.
Here you'll step back in time at the three-story roadside motel and start
to snap Insta-hits. There's the living room lobby, the ping pong table,
the typewriters, the rotary phones, even LPs from yesteryear.
No wonder this local hotel gem in Victoria, B.C. has been deemed one
of the world's most Instagrammable hotels. There's a backdrop ready to
be snapped.
Hotel Zed is for folks who don't take themselves too seriously and want
to kick back and have fun. It's the hotel where play and hip go together
like Fred and Ginger.
The play happens at Hotel Zed's
“ground zero” in a stand alone building.
Staff greet and do the check in
here but you may not want to get to
your room so fast. The reception overlooks
the living room lobby lounge
laden in kitsch and funky décor.
Guests can channel a Jack Kerouac stoop, shoulders hunched over a
typewriter typing a letter back home. Pluck a record from the vinyl heap
and throw on a tune, maybe from the seventies disco days. Crash on a
couch and play a board game in the lobby or people watch as guests
arrive with skateboards or bike helmets. The property offers free bike
and skateboard rentals.
The rooms have their own splashy character. Find an industrial era desk
from the Mad Men days. Use the rotary phone to hear the incessant
buzz it makes before you dial. Can't figure out how to dial out? There's
a step-by-step rotary phone manual.
Victoria might be known for its Britishness –
the love of the stiff upper lip, protocol and
all – but this location is spinning a new
Victoria-vibe with its edginess that's filling a
new hotel space missing before.
www.hotelzed.com
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

60
Aruba - Four Stylish Ways to Stay
Secret Romantic Escape - Aruba Ocean Villas
by Susan Canpbell
Upscale Elegant - The Ritz-Carlton Aruba
by Susan Canpbell
The absolute ultimate in adult-only romance is secreted
away in Savaneta on the island’s southeast coast. So well
hidden, you wouldn’t even know it’s there unless someone
tells you where the gate is! But that’s the idea. This intimate boutique
resort was designed as a surprising hidden Eden for those
seeking privacy and an incredibly special stay. Choose from a collection
of South Pacific style overwater bungalows, beach villas,
and even a two-story treehouse ─ each with its own unique character
and all personally decorated by the owner/artist herself. This
is where creativity meets
barefoot luxury and epic
amenities abound like
boat-style lounge decks
with swings, hammocks,
Bali daybeds, deep-soaking
tubs, personal dipping
pools, Jacuzzis and even
pianos and crystal chandeliers
to name just a few.
The tiki style beach bar is
the nexus of social life, and the tables on the beach are perfect
for romantic for toes-in-the-sand dining. There is also one private
overwater palapa for dining (reservations mandatory) or you can
have dinner served in your villa.
There’s also great snorkeling, and complimentary sea kayaks
allow you to explore the surrounding mangroves. For couple’s
massages, there’s a special
spa palapa perch or you
can have treatments right
in your room. Extremely
attentive and personal
service is the hallmark of
this enchanting little hideaway,
so whatever your
heart desires to make your
retreat extra special, they
will do their absolute best
to make it happen.
www.arubaoceanvillas.com
The glamourous grandeur that awaits within isn’t readily
apparent at first glance at the exterior of this massive mustard-coloured
complex on Palm Beach, but you know when
the Ritz-Carlton name is on it, once inside, it won’t disappoint.
And it doesn’t. Your first steps into the gleaming marble lobby will
signal you’ve truly arrived at an opulent class of stay. This is
where a two-story glassed-in panoramic view of the island’s stunning
aqua sea is your
backdrop at the Divi
Lobby Bar and where
guests are invited to
view incredible sunsets
and receive complimentary
samples of their
signature drink to celebrate
the day’s end. All
320 modern and stylishly
appointed guestrooms
and suites offer
private balconies and
ocean views, and on
the 7th floor, Club Level guests enjoy their own private lounge
and upgraded amenities. Luxury shopping, a glitzy 24/7 casino, a
first-rate spa and fitness centre, and dining at a choice of themed
restaurants offer pastimes, but most will spend their days by the
two pools (one adult-only and one family friendly) and lounging
on the sprawling beachfront
where you can view
the colorful kites dancing
in the sky from the kiteboarders
practicing next
door. Though excellent
personal service is typically
a Ritz-Carlton trademark,
of special note at
this one is the beachfront
servers who deliver your
food and drink aboard Segways—so much fun to watch.
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/aruba
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

61
Boho-Chic Beach House Style Stay
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel
by Susan Canpbell
Elevated Family-Friendly Escape
Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort
by Susan Canpbell
When twin sisters Kimberley and Stephanie Rooijakkers
decided to convert a bare basics windsurfer’s hangout
near Palm Beach into a chic little beach house style resort,
they had no idea it would become the darling of alternative style
off-radar stays on island and a Trip Advisor favourite for five years
running. Located in a historic coconut plantation, with an inviting
little pool surrounded by lush greenery, the entire property is dotted
with colorful and creative extras personally envisioned by the owners
themselves like their signature “Treasure Chest” ─ a box full of
helpful tips in each room on how and where to enjoy the island’s
best local pleasures.
The original complex had
only 14 rooms, but
they’ve since added an
entirely new wing now
bringing the casita count
to 46. The new wing has
its own multi-experience
pool with an over-water
hammock. and they now
offer daily poolside bar
service for Happy Hour,
too. Each cottage style room or suite has its own cool and quirky
character, some with personal dipping pools or outdoor showers,
and every room has a full kitchen and BBQ. Their new Lobby Bar
café will offer some food and beverage service, and though the
hotel is not on the sea, it’s a
short stroll across the street
to their Boardwalk Beach
palapa paradise strip in the
sand right beside the Ritz-
Carlton Aruba. You can
also order food and drink at
discounted costs from the
Ritz, and have it delivered by
those fun servers riding
Segways.
www.boardwalkaruba.com
This towering phoenix rising above Palm Beach is part of
Aruba Divi family, but unlike its sister resorts around Eagle
Beach, it doesn’t offer an all-inclusive option. (Though you
can include buffet breakfast.) It was designed to provide an elevated
home-away-from-home style of cosmopolitan accommodation
for folks who prefer to cook some of their own meals. All 240
rooms and suites have gorgeous, well-equipped modern kitchens
with everything one could
need to entertain (except the
food,) and there are also
community barbecues. Onsite
laundry facilities is another
convenient extra.
Choose from spacious studios
and one-two-bedroom suites
or go more upscale with a split-level penthouse, and all accommodations
boast modern amenities and are decorated with cheery
splashes of Caribbean colours. It’s great for families since they
have a dedicated children’s pool, lots of activities, and the calm,
kid-friendly surf is due to manmade breakwaters on their beach. In
low season, children under 12 stay free (one per paying adult).
“Pure” is the theme for all the
on-site food and beverage
options ─ trendy purebeach has
creative tapas and small bites,
pureocean is their signature
alfresco dining room, and puredeli
offers great fare to-go
including an ice cream bar. But
as fabulous as this spot is for
families, it’s not without its sultry
side for couples. Many of the superior suites have with luxe
whirlpool tubs with built-in neon lights, their special romance package
includes private palapa seaside dining by torchlight, and the
pureindulgence spa offers couple’s massage either inside or surfside.
www.diviresorts.com
Aruba - Four Stylish Ways to Stay
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

A South African Odyssey
by Olivia Balsinger
perfection at The Shortmarket Club, an industrial
1920's "members-only" inspired space
downtown, foodies find no shortage of
delights either.
To Stay:
A romantic escape from downtown is Cape
View Clifton, a boutique hotel with seven suites
all open to uninterrupted views of Cape Town’s
iconic coastline. The rooms are bright, airy
and spacious, nestled into the slopes of Lion’s
Head Mountain and adjacent to Clifton Beach.
Cape View Clifton is ideal for couples or honeymooners
desiring intimacy and privacy.
A family-friendly option nestled in Bantry Bay,
the area between the bustling city and the idyllic
Atlantic Coast, is The President Hotel. With
349 luxury rooms and child-friendly apartments
with full-functioning kitchenettes, this
hotel quickly feels like home. Better yet, the
hotel has full-service restaurants and cafes,
epitomizing convenience for the busy family.
The Vineyards:
The words “wine” and “Stellenbosch,” the
flourishing region east of Cape Town sprawling
with vines, have been synonymous with
one another since the first Dutch settlers
arrived in the17th century. Though I was
astonished by the vast stretches of vineyards, I
soon realized that wine isn’t the only striking
aspect of the area: it also boasts intriguing history,
culture, natural beauty, and ample outdoor
adventure opportunities, such as daylong
hikes through the mountains.
To Stay:
South Africa’s gorgeous beaches, craggy
mountains, and lush bush make it a
premier destination for those seeking to
be more intimately immersed in nature while
also treating themselves to a standard of elegance.
The choice of destinations and accommodation
is as varied as South Africa’s geography
itself. Whether it's a brand new attraction,
a hidden gem that I have yet to discover,
or even somewhere familiar and nostalgic, a
trip to South Africa is always an odyssey.
The City:
A visit to South Africa is incomplete without a
stop in Cape Town, The Mother City. If you’ve
never traveled to this gem cupping the edge of
the continent, my first recommendation is
snapping a picture on top of Table Mountain
after a leisurely gondola ride, gaining perspective
of the city’s intricate layout. A hive for
both local and international chefs, Cape Town
offers a wide array of dining options. From
sundowners overlooking Camps Bay beach at
the trendy Surfshack diner to a filet cooked to
A leisurely day trip to wine country is complete
once spending a night at Santé Wellness
Retreat and Spa, a Spanish Colonial-style
building flanked by the beautiful Drakenstein
mountains. With a complete spa treatment
menu, a diversity of healthy eating options,
and 360-degree views of verdant nature,
relaxation, and rejuvenation are paramount at
Cape View Clifton

63
The President Hotel
The Fancourt Hotel
The Outpost Lodge
Santé. The property would be the perfect itinerary
addition for a couple craving seclusion
or individuals hoping to kick start a healthy
routine.
The Nature:
After a few days exploring Cape Town, I
began to get antsy to see what the rest of the
country has to offer. Luckily, South Africa’s
Garden Route, extending from Cape Town to
the Eastern Cape, is the ultimate road trip.
Along the verdurous coast, you can swim in
the Indian Ocean or whale watch in the bay.
You can try bungee from the world’s tallest
bungee or sip a white wine from the boutique
Kay & Monty Vineyards. The Garden Route
winds an enchanting spell along South
Africa’s coasts, and the drive’s nickname pays
homage to its intricate and stunning ecological
diversity.
To Stay:
I recommend settling into The Old Rectory, the
boutique beach hotel located in Plettenberg
Bay, South Africa’s surfer and seaside paradise.
Dating back to 1777, this property dually
cherishes its history by maintaining is charm
and heritage while adapting to the present
with seamless renovations. This family-friendly
hotel is located just meters away from top
beaches and restaurants oozing with the smell
of freshly caught fish.
If you’re looking for the ultimate leisure
escape amidst a hectic itinerary, The Fancourt
Hotel, in the colonial town of George, is the
answer. The resort breathes nature, located
on 613 hectares of Garden Route countryside,
sitting in the folds of the Outeniqua
Mountains.
Golf lovers will find paradise at The Fancourt
— the property’s three golf courses have consistently
ranked as top in the country. The
hotel is family-friendly—while children can
splash in the pools or rent bikes, adults may
relax in the harmonious Roman Bath and spa.
If you crave a touch of safari experience while
traversing the Garden Route, then the allinclusive
Inzolo Lodge, a getaway just north of
Port Elizabeth, is the choice. The wild game
roam freely through the unique mountainous
landscape here. This hidden pinpoint of paradise
caters to upscale and sophisticated
clientele, with only four chalets and elegant
décor.
The Bush:
No trip to South Africa is complete without
experiencing the most remote areas in the
bush, waking up with the sun to the sounds of
mating impalas and snorting warthogs,
falling asleep each evening under the stars,
the grass stirring as the hungry lioness hunts
for her dinner under the light of the moon.
Hoedspruit Airport is about a one-hour flight
from the country’s capital, Johannesburg,
and is the gateway to the country’s wildlife
heartland.
To Stay:
Becks Safari Lodge, situated on the 9,000-
hectare Karongwe Private Game Reserve in
the Limpopo Province, offers guests intimacy
in the heart of the African bush. The lodge is
easily accessible, about an hour’s drive away
from the Hoedspruit Airport. There are ten
luxury safari units offering views of either the
Makhutswi River or a popular watering hole
where I spotted a warthog from the intimacy
of my own porch! With its bomas (a tradition-
al campfire dinner), an infinity pool sitting on
the edge of the bush, and guided walks led by
rangers throughout the dramatic landscape,
Becks would be the optimal safari choice for
families with older children (12 and up) or
couples.
Hidden in the northwestern corner of South
Africa, delicately touching Mozambique and
Zimbabwe, The Outpost Lodge, provides a
unique safari experience where nature reigns.
This northern sector of Kruger National Park is
known as the Eden of Kruger and home to
80% of the park’s biodiversity. The lodge provides
plentiful opportunity to be immersed in
this unique landscape, including bush walks,
game drives, and 180-degree views from
rooms. The Outpost is easily accessible by
flight with a transfer and is the ideal lodge for
an adventurer looking for a more remote,
wild area to explore.
The sophisticated and secluded Dulini Lodge
is the optimal choice for a discerning traveler,
just two hours from Hoedspruit airport in Sabi
Sands. The main lodge, showcasing traditional
African artwork, is a welcome place of
luxury, where human connection and conversation
are paramount. Dulini Lodge would be
the ideal choice for honeymooning couples,
with intimacy in six thatched suites, each with
their private plunge pools and privacy.
From its jagged, unspoiled coastline to its
bustling metropolitan areas, from its rugged,
untamed bush to some of the world’s most
condensed and intense floral biodiversity on
the Garden Route, one thing is for sure: South
Africa encompasses it all.
www.southafrica.net
The Old Rectory
Becks Safari Lodge
Dulini Lodge
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

Sichuan Cuisine
Travelers Know They Have reached China After They Indulge in the Local Delicacies
by Habeeb Salloum, M.S.M.

The Sichuan kitchen, one of the world’s
great kitchens and one of the most emphatically
flavoured cuisines in all of China, was
for centuries well hidden to the outside
world. However in China it has always been
legendary for its sophistication, richness and
diversity, boasting a variety of at least 5,000
different dishes.
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Sichuan food, also known in the West
as the Szechuan Cuisine, is one of
the most famous of China’s regional
culinary arts. Emphasizing the use of chilli, it
is renowned for its pungent and spicy
flavours. Sichuan cooks enhance their
kitchen further by the use of chilli pepper oil,
Sichuan peppercorn, sesame seeds, garlic,
ginger, as well as fermented soybeans and
vegetables, adding a myriad of tastes to
their dishes. It is said that one who has not
enjoyed Sichuan food has never reached
China.
Located along the Yangtze, Sichuan, isolated
by mountains has developed a regional
identity. A land of beautiful lakes, hot
springs, deep ravines, limestone caves and
waterfalls, it is known in China as ‘the land
of plenty’. Sichuan is very fertile and the land
produces abundant agricultural crops and a
profusion of strong herbs and herb-like
spices. As well, its cuisine is the spicy hottest
in China. This has given the inhabitants the
reputation for being a bit spicy - local
women are known as la mei zi, ‘spice girls’.
Strangely, chilli pepper has had a great
hand in making the Sichuan Cuisine a much
sought after food. It is believed that the red
pepper is so popular in this part of China
because Sichuan has a humid climate that
encourages people to eat strongly spiced
foods, hence helping to reduce internal
dampness.
However red peppers were not native to
Sichuan. They were introduced to China in
the 17th century from the Americas. How
these peppers reached Sichuan, a landlocked
region in China, is not clear but it is
believed they were introduced from India
when Chinese merchants met Portuguese
and Spanish traders along the historically
renowned Silk Route.
However, this does not mean that the
Sichuan housewife had no way of producing
‘the hot’ before the discovery of the
Americas. Even before the introduction of
the chilli, through the centuries, the people
of Sichuan had developed what is called:
the Sichuan peppercorn, also known as
pepper flower, Chinese pepper and fagara.
Not a pepper at all, it is a reddish-brown
fruit produced by the prickly ash tree and
locally known as huajiao. It gives zest to any
dish in which it is used without overpowering
the natural taste of the food. A little different
then the chilli introduced from the Americas,
this pepper gives certain numbness to the
mouth, which imbues a unique taste.
With the many food condiments used in the
Sichuan kitchen that has been evolving for
at least a thousand years, it is no wonder
this fine cuisine has become so important in
the world of hot culinary dishes. Colour,
flavour, nutrition, shape and smell are carefully
balanced to make the dishes not only
look pleasant and appealing but also nutritious.
Yet, even though hot mouth-burning food is
what comes to mind when Sichuan dishes
are mentioned, at least one-third of the
Sichuan cuisine is barely spiced or not
spiced at all. The balancing of taste, no
doubt, also contributes to the fame of this
important part of the Chinese cuisine.
Sichuan cooks employ numerous cooking
methods – from braising, stir-frying and
boiling to roasting, simmering, steaming
and stewing. However, a complete list would
include more than twenty distinct techniques.
Among the most important spicy dishes,
renowned in the region are: hot pot,
Sichuan style; Kung Pao chicken fried with
peanuts; spicy crab; smoked duck; mapo
tofu; Sichuan pepper beef; and twice
cooked pork - pork is first boiled then stirfried.
Beef is, to some degree, more common
in Sichuan cooking than in the other
sister Chinese cuisines. Stir-fried beef is
often cooked until crisp and tender, while
steamed beef is, at times, coated with rice
flour to produce rich gravy.
If novices wish to experiment in preparing
the hot dishes of Sichuan, they will come to
appreciate the notable characteristics of
Sichuan cooking and its dazzling variety of
flavours.
www.tourismchina.org
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

66
Mexico’s Magical Yucatan State
Article and photography by Steve Gillick
When we arrived at the Sotuta de
Peón, a Hacienda Hotel located
about one hour south of the
Yucatan State capital city of Merida, the porter
immediately went off to a nearby field of sisal
plants and palm trees. There, he bridled the
sole donkey who was quietly enjoying the
shade, and hitched him to a wagon that
would carry us and our luggage to our
assigned bungalows. The wagon’s railroad
wheels followed the tracks that ran through
the property; an homage to the transportation
used in the mid-19th century when sisal represented
the chief economic resource and was
known as ‘the green god of the Yucatan’.
The next day we met Ivan, our guide for a
walking tour of Hacienda history. With an
endearing, animated style, Ivan explained
that the name of the property ‘Sotuta de
Peón’, derived from the Mayan expression ‘So
To Teh HA!’ (and we all jumped back as Ivan
yelled out the word “HA”). “’HA’ means water,
so the expression translates as ‘water that circulates’,
and you must emphasize the ‘HA’
with a strong voice’’. Ivan explained that
‘water’ referred to the eight inter-connected
cenotes on the property. Cenotes are one of
the hallmarks of the Yucatan area and denote
surface pools connected to a subterranean
water source that is usually exposed when a
limestone structure, for example, a cave, collapses.
The Yucatan boasts 3000 of Mexico’s
6000 cenotes and as Ivan explained, “each
one is different”.
The fascinating Hacienda tour covered the
large plantation home of Augusto Peón, the
patriarch of the family, and included an interactive
walk through the rope production
process. The tour ended when a wagon,
drawn by a horse this time, took us to one of
the cenotes for photos, a swim and a visit to
the outdoor bar for a taste of a refreshing,
lemony Margarita made with Mezcal, an
agave-based liquor, somewhat similar to
Tequila.
The Hacienda visit was yet another confirmation
of the unique nature of the Yucatan and
the amazing finds that travelers can discover.
Still, many people tend to confuse Yucatan
State with the Yucatan Peninsula that encompasses
the three States of Yucatan, Quintana
WT Library Photo

Roo (including Cancun, Cozumel, Isla
Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, etc.) and
Compeche (including the walled city of
Compeche and the jungle city of Calakmul,
etc). Chichen Itza, the Mayan complex located
in Yucatan State is often assumed to be the
only attraction of value in the State, so it’s
time to set the record straight!
From Cancan Airport, our van drove twohours
on the well-maintained highway to
Valladolid, one of Mexico’s 122 Magical
Towns. A committee of the Secretariat of
Tourism designates ‘magical experiences’
based on a number of criteria that include
natural beauty, cultural richness, traditions,
crafts, food, festivals, exceptional hospitality,
and more.
We stayed at the Hostería del Marqués, a converted
17th century home filled with beautiful
antiques. Morning coffee by the small outdoor
pool was followed by breakfast in the restaurant
that surrounds a peaceful treed courtyard.
The hotel is only a short walk to the town
WT Library Photo
square with the impressive Church of San
Servacio, dating to 1706, and the Municipal
Palace where murals relate how Valladolid
earned the nickname “The Heroic City”.
One of the main attractions a bit further afield
is the 16th century Convento de San
Bernardino de Siena. Here visitors can pose
with the colorful Valladolid tourist sign amidst
bright red “Flamboyant” trees. A second popular
attraction is the Cenote Zaci, the cenote
of the White Sparrow Hawk, complete with a
small waterfall, stalactites and stairs that take
you to the pool of blue-green water.
Izamal is another designated Magical Town.
It’s unofficially known as the Yellow City based
on the color of many historic buildings in the
downtown core, and when you enter that
area, the common reaction is “Oh my goodness,
I had no idea”. The town is stunning.
The most visited attraction is the Franciscan
Convent of San Antonio de Padua, which was
completed in 1549 and built from, and over,
Ppapp-Hol-Chac, a major Mayan temple.
From the arcades of the convent, you can see
hills where other Mayan temples were located,
as well as Kinich Kakmo, the 35 meter
(115 feet) temple/pyramid dedicated to the
goddess of the sun and fertility. Many visitors
hire a horse (wearing a flowered hat) and
buggy to tour the city, but it is very walkable
with gorgeous colonial houses, shops, restaurants
and those brilliant red Flamboyant trees
everywhere.
After a fairly easy climb to see the panoramic
town views from the top of the pyramid, we
headed to Restaurant Zamna. As the majority
of Izamal’s population of 15,000 have
Mayan-Mixtes roots, this is a great city for
foodies. We sipped our Chaya cocktail, made
with a spinach-like local vegetable as the
savoury dishes arrived: Salbute (puffed deep
fried tortilla with pulled turkey, okra, tomato
and onion), Panucho (a refried tortilla stuffed
with black beans, meat and vegetables) and
Longaniza (smoked pork sausage with ashiote).
So good!
After an overnight stay and tour of Hacienda
Sotuta de Peón, we continued to the city of
Merida. Our hotel, Casa del Balam, was only
a few blocks from Plaza Mayor, which on a
Sunday afternoon, was an eyeful of colour,
with crowds strolling the streets and shops,
visiting the food and souvenir vendors,
67
and gazing at the architectural wonders
that surround the Plaza. This includes
the amazing 1540 façade of Montejo’s
House, the Merida Cathedral (completed in
1598, making it the oldest mainland
Cathedral in the Americas), the Governor’s
Palace (filled with historical paintings and
murals), and the city hall crowned by a
Moorish-inspired blue and gold cupola.
That evening we joined Miguel Andres
Hernandez, the Vice Minister of Tourism for
the State of Yucatan for a celebration of
Mexican flavours at Apoala, one of the top
restaurants in Parque de Santa Lucia. As we
sampled corn empanadas with black mole,
and octopus ceviche with scallops, Hernandez
noted that Yucatan State is one of the safest
places in Mexico, ‘We don’t even have
aggressive merchants here!” He noted that
many Yucatecos (people of the Yucatan) love
to engage visitors with stories about their family
history, something that added to the total
Yucatan travel experience of nature, beaches,
forests, music, cenotes, culture and gastronomy.
He stated that “The quality of the travel
experience is very high in the Yucatan and
besides, we have great weather”.
The next afternoon we came face-to face with
nature on our boat trip through the Celestún
Biosphere Reserve. We encountered a field of
Pink Flamingoes, trees full of nesting
Magnificent Frigate birds and Cormorants,
and a thrilling ride through the mangroves.
The final night of our trip was spent at the
Mayaland Hotel, directly connected by a short
walking path to the Mayan complex of
Chichen Itza. At 5:00 am, with the help of our
guide’s super-bright flashlight, we toured the
ancient Mayan complex and then, with less
than a dozen people present, watched the
sunrise by the Temple of Kukulcan. The experience
was memorable.
Yucatan State is one of those magical places,
complete with Magical Towns, where travellers
can enjoy a fulfilling interaction with the
destination. The take-away is sheer enjoyment
along with that sometimes-illusive travel feeling
of “Wow”.
www.yucatan.travel
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

68
Extraordinary Extremadura
Article and photography by Michael Morcos
So much Spain but never enough
time! So much to see and do from
coast to coast that it takes a lifetime
to really explore the many regions and
local specialties. Having traveled to three
corners of this amazing country, it was time
to find the best things to see and do in south
west region of Spain and travel to extraordinary
Extremadura.
Our trip would be bookended by beautiful
Madrid. This worldly city never ceases to
amaze, even after multiple visits. There are
my favourite haunts and always a new area
or street to discover. From Madrid we would
drive to northern Extremadura on a city and
country trip visiting charming little villages,
tranquil picturesque countryside and historic
towns.
Off and running
Our first stop would be the village of
Robledillo de Gata, population, not sure, it
depends on who’s in town but could be
anywhere from 50 in the winter to a few
hundred on a summer weekend when people
flock here for a vacation. This is why this
small village has three taverns. The one we
visited was old, rustic and perfect for a
warm coffee or cold refreshment. The village
itself can be crossed in minutes, but
takes much longer as it is built upon many
hills. Visitors will be enamored by the
charming old buildings that have stood the
test of time.

oils I would say without hesitation, this is the
best I have ever tasted. It is no wonder As
Pontis has won awards to be the best tasting
olive oil in Spain and fourth best in the
world. I bought four bottles as gifts and with
that I had finished my gift list.
69
Paprika anyone?
Olive Time
November is the time of year Olives ripen
and one of the busiest periods for the producers.
With much luck and perfect timing,
we would visit the As Pontis olive mill. This
company acts as the central place for the
growers to bring their produce and as a sort
of cooperative the As Pontis bottles olives,
oil by-products and Olive oil.
After a day of travel and exploring we
would welcome the chance to see the whole
olive process in front of our eyes. Arriving
even late in the night, farmers would bring
in a days’ worth of collections and within no
time these beauties would be processed
and like magic, some of the best olive oil in
the world. After a crash course on how to
truly taste the difference between different
This is a new one for me. I finally found out
what is in this popular spice. Having used
and tasted it for years, the mystery is solved.
Simply put, it is ground peppers but that is
too easy. We would learn the path of these
red fruits form field to packaged cans.
In this region of La Vera, paprika is king
and not just that, the most popular here is
the smoked paprika. Starting in the fields, it
is handpicked and sent to be smoked in a
specially built smoke house. Some hours
later the dried peppers are bagged and
sent for grinding and packaging. This is
where we saw the final spice at Las
Hermanas factory. It was a joy to meet
Miguel, the senior in the family run operation
and which is now being overseen by his
two daughters and thus the brand name -
Las Hermanas (the sisters). Thought I had
completed my gift shopping, but I got some
more goodies to bring home.
Parador Trifecta
It would be a shame visiting Spain without
spending at least one night in one of these
iconic hotels. The Paradores de Espana is a
government owned and run chain of hotels.
Founded in 1928, they were set up so that
travelers could have a place to stay just
about anywhere along a route through
Spain. Most of the buildings have historic
significance and are usually in castles and
monasteries and all have been kept clean,
renovated and include the most modern
amenities. On our trip we would stay at no
less than three paradores and each one
was a gem including: Parador de
Jarandilla, Parador de Plasencia and the
Parador de Mérida.
A visit to Jarandilla is a lesson in civil architecture,
including remarkable buildings
such as the house of Don Luis de Quijada
and the pillory. There are also some magnificent
medieval bridges of Roman design,
and it is astounding to think how long they
have been around and are in much better
condition than some modern roadways.
Paprika festival
What more can be said about Extremadura,
their love of Paprika and a paprika festival.
Yes, its true there really is a festival for this
spice. The town of Plasencia is the host and
we were the guests to the second annual
event and on the first minute of the first day
we munched down some large wonderfully
juicy paprika sausages right in the middle
of the town square. Needless to say, all
restaurant menus have paprika dishes and
we freely indulged!
Jamón Ibérico rules
I am a true lover of Spanish Ham, but this is
a rude way of calling a historic culinary
work of art. The proper labeling should be
Jamon Iberico. If anything, it sounds more
romantic when describing pig parts.
The essence of it all, cured pig legs are
common to France, Italy and Spain. All
have their curing methods, and all are delicious.
The difference is how the Spanish
arrive at their mouthwatering version. On
this day, it would be another great lesson
that shows the process from farm to table.
This, by the way, takes nine years from the
birth of the piglet to aging and them to
market and shows a much greater application
to this beautiful meat.
see following page
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20

70
We would start our day at the Extrem Puro
Extremadura pig farm in the picturesque
region of Dehesa. There we would see the
specific sort of pigs used for the Jamon.
The pigs are well treated and feed off the
land and in the latter months before going
to slaughter they consume mostly acorns,
which gives a great taste to the meat. From
the farm we head to the processing plant,
there the carcasses are brought back from
an outside sourced slaughterhouse where
they are then salted and air dried for
months until perfection. The last part of our
tour would bring us for a tasting and a
carving class where a highly trained cutter
slices very thin pieces of the amazing tasting
Jamon. Add other cured meats like
sausages paired with marvelous local red
wine and we are unmistakably having a
Spanish experience that can only be had on
the spot and it was good!
Cáceres
At first glance I could see why Caceres was
voted one of the best two medieval towns in
Europe. I could also see why one of the
final episodes of ‘Game of Thrones’ had
been filmed here. This all stone walled
fortress was a gem of our tour. I instantly
fell in love with the many well-kept and historic
buildings. So amazing was the setting
on top of a hill that many concurring
armies made this their own and added to
its look as far back as the romans and followed
by many other civilizations. Now a
UNESCO World Heritage City, I could easily
walk for hours enjoying the architecture
and feeling the many years of energy it
holds.
Roman Bridge number two
The roman bridge in Jarandilla was just a
rehearsal for this its bigger, longer and
higher brother. This was such a humongous
construction that I was in disbelief that the
Romans actually had the abilities to create
such an incredible work of engineering. It is
the highest standing Roman bridge anywhere
and an amazing photo op.
The Convent of San Benito de Alcántara
The stunning architectural construction of
this building features three apses with a
large coat of arms. Opposite a three-story
loggia with Renaissance arches, there is an
added semicircular auditorium where the
classical theatre festival of Alcantara is held
here in the summer. The cloister itself is in
a Gothic-style with two floors. It was built
atop what was a Moorish fortress.
Merry Merida
A quiet and charming little city but this was
not always so as it was a major hub for the
Romans. Here we would visit the archeological
Roman site with an amazing and
still functional roman theater. As well visit
one of the best roman museums outside of
Italy, see Roman bridge number three and
finally work for our meal as we would take
a fun cooking class at the Espezia cooking
school preparing local seasonal dishes.
Incredible Influence
All over the country, the Roman influence
can be seen and visited. In Marida, the
one-time capital of Lusitania (Spain and
Portugal), travelers can find some of the
finest Roman ruins in the whole of Spain
and possibly the world. A special one for
me is the Roman theatre where open air
festivals are held, especially in the summer.
The Amphitheatre, the Temple of Diana or
the Roman Bridge are other amazing and
photo-friendly locations. Merida is also
now the administrative capital of the region
of Extremadura and was awarded the title
of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Our last moments in Merida were spent
eating and drinking at the Espezia kitchen.
All good things come to an end I thought.
How would I describe this region of Spain
in just one word? Would it be just fantastic?
Great? Wonderful? Maybe to all these but
for all we did, saw and experienced I would
best put it as extraordinary Extremadura! It
really is!
www.spain.info
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20