Return to Travel Inspiration Guide
Written June 14, 2021
The world is starting to fully re-open again, and we’re itching to get away.
In early June, the Canadian government announced that fully vaccinated Canadian travellers who return home from travelling will be able to skip the mandatory 14-day quarantine as early as July 2021 (more info). This is hugely exciting news - after so many long months of being unable to travel freely, all that we can think of is:
Where to next?
We’ve spent the last several months monitoring the top travel trends and priorities of 2021 and beyond, and have put together this list of 10 incredible trips that we are looking forward to taking next. No matter what you’re looking for - adventure, relaxation, food, culture - we hope this list will inspire you to excited about travel again.
10. Wellness Retreat in Bali
9 day itinerary with G Adventures
A wellness retreat is the ultimate way to carve out some time for self-love and rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul.
Venture to the tropical wonderland of Bali - long a beacon to travelers in search of uncovering their spiritual side. Start your journey inward with Canang, a traditional offering given at Hindu temples, before immersing yourself in nine days of rejuvenating activities, healthy food, and captivating sights. From daily yoga practices to traditional Balinese healing ceremonies to stops at serene beaches, you will be entranced by Bali’s natural calming spirit that continues to lure people from all over the world seeking a deeper connection.
✓ Anti-gravity yoga ✓Organic cooking class ✓Balinese healing ceremony ✓Visit temples ✓Hike to Munduk waterfall ✓Healthy food to recharge the body and nourish the mind ✓Upgraded accommodations, elevated service, and private transport
From $1,949CAD per person for a 9 day tour
G Adventures also offers similar wellness retreats in Costa Rica, Thailand, Iceland, and India.
WANDERLUST TIP: Wrap up your wellness holiday with a few extra days lounging cliffside in Uluwatu, where you’re sure to catch some incredible sunsets. We know a number of stunning hotels that will cap off your trip in the most wonderful way.
9. Premium All Inclusive Resort
Is the sun and sand calling to you? Getting away down south used to be the highlight of cold Canadian winters for many, but thanks to COVID that was not an option for most of us this winter. Now, resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean are back in business, with renewed cleanliness and safety procedures in place to ensure guests feel safe. There will be changes to the typical All Inclusive as we know it, but we can still enjoy them much like before.
There are so many wonderful resorts that we’re excited about visiting, but one takes the cake.
I visited the Hotel Xcaret Mexico in late 2019 for a site inspection, and was absolutely blown away by the property, food, service and amenities. It was quite truly one of the most incredible resorts I had ever visited, without exaggeration. It left a very strong impression on me, and as soon as I got home I started planning a stay there.
Cut to July 2021, Grupo Xcaret’s new hotel project, Hotel Xcaret Arte, is set to open its doors July 1st (rendering pictured below). The brand new, adults-only haven will pay homage to Mexican art in both form and function, highlighting the most important symbols of the country’s culture through the creation of five distinct Casas, or themed houses. These Casas provide guests with the opportunity to engage in fun and interactive activiites to explore the country’s rich heritage - for example, a textile workshop with weaving lessons, and classes in painting, traditional pottery, Mexican dance & music, and more.
Casa de la Paz features cooking workshops specializing in delicious locally sourced vegan cuisine.
These Casas will offer a very immersive and artistic experience that any artist, creative, or culture-vulture will surely enjoy, and is something miles out of the ‘ordinary’ beach vacation.
In addition to some adults-only exclusive areas, the guests of Arte will have full access to the absolutely gorgeous, detail-oriented Hotel Xcaret Mexico in all its glory.
The Hotel Xcaret Mexico is a 5 star all-ages, family friendly resort that is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever stayed. It is luxury meets soft adventure done to the nines, and is a fantastic resort for singles, couples, families, or groups of friends. Here are a few standout features of Hotel Xcaret:
Stunning modern design that blends seamlessly with nature, with pathways winding through the jungle and suspended bridges over lagoons
Seven fantastic gourmet restaurants (1 Michelin-starred), with most food sourced locally, and all high-end liquor for delicious hand-crafted cocktails
Nature and environmental conservation are at the forefront in many ways, including the resort’s own on-site water filtration system to completely cut out single-use plastics throughout the property
Multiple stunning pools, offering infinity and ocean-view options, as well as a meandering lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle-boarding (complete with live fish and hidden water slides) - the pools are out of this world
An incredible Mexican-themed spa, that is an absolute MUST! The spa lounge on its own is beautiful, with hanging beds looking out over the lagoon while you await your treatment
Expansive events and convention facilities, perfect for special events like weddings and vow renewals
WANDERLUST TIP: They have the unique and romantic experience of dining inside a cave (pictured in the above slideshow), which would be a wonderful venue for special events.
The resort’s ‘All Fun Inclusive’ program adds a lot of value to your vacation. As a guest of Hotel Xcaret (or Hotel Arte) you can enjoy unlimited access and transportation to all the parks of Grupo Xcaret - including Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xoximilco, and more. Read more about it here
I’ll be sure to write a full review of the Hotel Xcaret Mexico shortly, and link it here.
Reach out if you have any questions about either resort.
8. Peru - Machu Picchu & Beyond
When it comes to Bucket List adventures, it really doesn’t get more iconic than Machu Picchu: it is one of the world’s most incredible archaeological sites, situated in a breathtaking location. So why is NOW the perfect time for you to book a trip to Peru?
After many, many months spent doing the same things day in and day out in lockdown, we’re craving a big, bold adventure that’s completely out of our comfort zone!
…And, being stuck in a congested city for all that time, there’s just something about the wide open spaces and epic mountains that seem all the more special now. I’m feeling a strong pull to the mountains, anyone else?A trip to Machu Picchu is something you’ll want to experience while you are still are physically able to move, explore, and enjoy it to the fullest. Even if you take the train, it will require mobility - so in terms of lifelong Bucket Lists trips, this is one to plan for earlier, rather than saving for later.
This is a somewhat complicated trip that needs to be planned quite early in advance to your departure, as there is a limited number of permits sold each day to visit Machu Picchu. Book as early as possible to avoid disappointment, ideally between 6 months to a year in advance.
Need more convincing? Read Peregrine Travel’s blog on 12 Cool Facts About Machu Picchu in Peru (here)
The big question is, do you take the TRAIN or hike one of the legendary TRAILS to Machu Picchu? Both offer amazing views, but are completely different experiences. And, what if someone in your group wants to trek it, when others want to do the train?
You can choose from either (1) hiking the 4 Day Inca Trail, OR (2) hiking the 3 Day Inca Quarry Trail, OR (3) riding the Train when you book the Sacred Land of the Incas tour with Intrepid Travel. This is a 15-day guided journey from Lima to La Paz, with some big South American highlights:
✓Walk the cobblestoned streets of Cusco ✓Explore the Amazon jungle ✓Lunch with a local community in the Sacred Valley
✓Enjoy seemingly endless photo opportunities on a guided tour of Machu Picchu’s ruins ✓Discover the vibrant culture & food of La Paz
✓Experience a homestay in a traditional Andean community on Lake Titicaca
From $3,915CAD per person for a 15 day tour
This small group tour would be great for solo travelers, couples, groups of friends, or active families with teenagers - the minimum age is 15 years old. It is an ideal way to experience Peru: included activities, hotels, and transportation in a foreign land, the option to train or trek Machu Picchu, plus the expert knowledge of local leaders and guides at all stages of your adventure.
The Sacred Land of the Incas will no doubt leave you breathless – in more ways than one.
7. Sailing in the Mediterranean
Experience the beauty and flavours of the Mediterranean on a luxury small ship cruise. Visit enchanting ports on the Adriatic Sea, such as the stunning Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and the islands of Greece, Italy, and Turkey. Or explore the exotic culture and sites of the western Mediterranean, visiting glamorous spots such as Nice, Monaco, Barcelona and Lisbon. You really can’t go wrong.
In Europe there is an urge to visit multiple countries in one trip, but to do it without feeling rushed or tired out can be tricky. Setting sail in style with a company like SeaDream Yacht Club takes all the uncomfortable bits out of country-hopping, so that you’re left with nothing but a smooth, stress-free holiday. No unpacking/repacking and moving to multiple hotels (not to mention all the extra taxi’s, trains, buses, etc. it’ll take) with SeaDream your luxury boutique hotel at sea travels along with you, offering picturesque views along the way, so you can focus on enjoying each new destination to the fullest.
As SeaDream says: it’s yachting, not cruising.
Your adults-only, luxury Mediterranean cruise with SeaDream delivers everything you could imagine and more. This begins with a maximum of 112 guests and intimate crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1, ensuring that everyone on board gets the attention they deserve. The dedicated crew is there to personalize your journey at every step, to ensure everything exceeds your expectations of a luxury vacation.
SeaDream has two luxurious boutique yachts, whose staterooms are much more spacious than on a typical cruise ship, and are favored for their elegant informality. Plus, all staterooms have an ocean view. The yachts’ onboard amenities include a golf simulator, Thai-certified spa at sea, beauty salon, fitness centre, library, a Piano bar, a casino, and a watersports marina platform that allows you to enjoy waver unners, paddle-boarding, swimming and snorkeling right from your yacht. Afterward, head to the outdoor swimming pool for a refreshing dip and a hand-crafted cocktail.
The relatively small size of the yacht allows for sailing access to less-traveled waters, private coves, and some of the most selective ports -places that are unreachable for many larger ships.
I’ve sent clients on SeaDream sailings, and they are wonderfully pampering and luxurious experiences in some of the most beautiful places in the world. SeaDream has won multiple awards, including best boutique cruise ship, and top cruise line for food (they offer Raw, Living, and Vegan options for the holistic-minded guest). When you board one of their stunning yachts, you’ll immediately recognize the quality difference.
WANDERLUST TIP: SeaDream also offers specialty Wine Voyages, which immerse guests in the world of European wine while visiting some of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean.
6. Hawaii
As a destination-certified Hawaii Expert, I get asked the same question a lot: which island is the best? (or, which island is your favourite?) I’ve visited all 4 of the major islands (Oahu, Big Island, Kauai, and Maui) and they are all absolutely gorgeous. It is hard to go wrong when picking an island, but certain islands offer special unique experiences:
Visit a live volcano with flowing lava on the Big Island of Hawaii
Shop, surf, and savour the international flavours of Honolulu, then drive up the North coast for epic pipeline views on Oahu
Return to nature in Kauai, with lush tropical rainforest in every direction, offering the ultimate opportunity for active adventures in nature - not to mention world-famous beaches
Maui is what I call the ‘best of all worlds’, what with its incredible variety of beautiful beaches, lovely small towns, rolling hills of the cowboy back-country, bamboo forests and natural wonders around Hana, and iconic Mt. Haleakala… it offers so many opportunities for adventure and discovery
They are all wonderful, in all honesty. There isn’t a ‘bad’ island. If you have time for only one island, I would recommend Maui for its variety and a huge selection of resorts, villa’s, or hotel rooms to choose from. This way you can still have a few different experiences on one trip, without needing to island-hop.
But, my perfect Hawaii trip would most definitely include a stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, a spectacular hotel located on the southeast shore of the garden isle. The resort’s location, food, service, and overall beauty of the property make this my favorite resort in Hawaii.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai creates an oasis of luxury and calm. Its large resort property is made up of lush, tropical gardens, 3 freshwater pools, a salt water lazy river/lagoon, and several chic, modern structures that all blend together seamlessly. Location-wise it is ideal: right on the beach in Poipu (an area known for its award-winning beaches), and situated in an ideal spot to explore the island in either direction.
Let’s talk features & amenities - after being stuck at home for so long, you deserve to have it all, and do it all. If you so please. It’s all about options, right?
There are 7 restaurants at the resort, including my favourite restaurant on the island, Tidepools (a must try!). Its structure is suspended over koi ponds, and its seasonal menu of surf & turf makes Tidepools the perfect restaurant for a special occasion or a ‘treat yourself’ dinner. The resort also offers a luau performance and full Hawaiian buffet twice per week. And, its on-site Anara Spa is the largest spa on the island, offering Hawaiian face and body treatments, a lap pool, and massage therapy.
The activities available at the resort are endless, making it a top choice for couples looking to relax, or families who like to stay active - and pretty much everyone in between. Play tennis, basketball, or a round of golf (at the championship 18-hole course); try kayaking, snorkeling, suba diving, or stand-up paddle-boarding; go horseback riding (with on-site stables); visit the water sports centre to rent equipment; browse nearby shops & restaurants in Poipu, and more.
In the evenings, relax with a glass of fine wine or try an expertly crafted cocktail, as you watch the sun set over the ocean.
This place is pure Hawaii bluss. You could really enjoy an amazing Hawaii vacation without having to leave the resort. But of course you should leave the resort, because Kauai is wonderful to explore!
Reach out for my list of Kauai Recommended Things to Do, or to learn more about the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
5. Galápagos Islands
COVID lockdowns have given us a renewed appreciation for the natural world - especially animals and remote, off the beaten path places. Probably nowhere else on earth is as special as the Galapagos Islands for these key features. They are truly a world apart. After millennia of isolation from mankind, the islands have become home to a fascinating array of plants, marine life, and animals - many of which don’t exist anywhere else on the planet.
For almost any modern adventurer, a journey through time to the Galapagos is a dream vacation.
✓Spot iguanas, flamingoes, and rare blue-footed boobies ✓Make friends with giant sea tortoises
✓Snorkel with colourful marine life in crystal clear water ✓Learn about the islands’ biodiversity at the Charles Darwin Research Station
✓Sun-bathe with friendly sea lions on a black sand beach
Ever since I heard about the new Celebrity Flora stepping onto the scene in June 2019, it has become a dream to one day sail it through the Galapagos Islands. It is the first ship of its kind to be designed and built specifically to explore the Galápagos Islands in style and comfort.
Inspired by the islands and built with natural materials, the ship merges seamlessly with the surroundings, giving you a feeling of total immersion. The Celebrity Flora is an exclusive, all-suite luxury mega yacht featuring a unique outward facing design that ensures the destination remains the center of attention during your sailing.
To bring you an even more in-depth experience, certified naturalists from the Galápagos National Park are on board to guide the journey.
With only 100 passengers maximum, Celebrity Flora is small enough yacht to easily slip between the various islands and into more secretive spots, for even more up close and personal interactions with wildlife.
Proving you can practice responsible tourism and deliver ultimate luxury at the same time, Celebrity Flora was built with the latest environmental technologies. The dynamic positioning system allows the mega-yacht to remain on station without dropping anchors, protecting the seabed—and the solar panels supplement electricity, reducing emissions. The result is one of the most eco-friendly ships sailing anywhere—just one reason Celebrity Flora was voted “Best Overall Cruise Ship” in 2019.
Celebrity Flora offers the largest and most luxurious accommodations in the Galapagos Islands, and also provides an All Inclusive experience: every Celebrity cruise always includes drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities on all of their sailings (and park fees, for the Galapagos).
Dine on delectable menus, sip on top-shelf drinks, and allow your Personal Suite Attendant to help you unpack - it’s all included.
BONUS: For the month of June 2021, when you book a 10, 11, or 16-night sailing to the Galapagos with Celebrity, the airfare is included as part of the All Inclusive experience.
If a luxury vacation to the Galapagos Islands wasn’t on your bucket list before, it definitely should be now. Onboard Celebrity Flora, exploring the Galápagos has never been so easy and inspiring.
From $8,449CAD per person for a 7-day tour
4. Japan
Blushing cherry blossoms, neon nightlife, kooky cartoons and quiet monastic communities – one thing Japan doesn’t lack is colour. It’s an exhilarating and unique destination that also happens to be incredibly safe, which makes it a great fit for solo travelers or families travelling with kids.
Japan is at once strangely familiar and utterly strange, stoic and brash, quietly conservative and hyper avant-garde. The clamouring fish markets and silver skyscrapers of Tokyo are only one side of the story. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find pockets of tranquil beauty unlike anything else in Asia – the scent of delicate sencha tea, mountain shrines, or the fleeting glimpse of a geisha.
- Peregrine Adventures Website
Japan is a fantastic trip for adults (couples or solo’s), or families with children of any age. Below, I’ve outlined two different trip options; both are guided tours. I like the organization and comprehensiveness of a guided tour when visiting an unfamiliar place because they really are the experts and already know the best local spots, plus all of the accommodations and transportation logistics are taken care of (expertly). These two tours offer plenty of time for exploration on your own, too.
12-day tour with Peregrine Adventures
The Explore Japan itinerary uncovers the highlights of Japan with Peregrine Adventures, the leaders in premium small-group adventure tours. This particular itinerary is open to anyone 15+ years old, and has a maximum group size of just 12 people.
On this tour, you’ll gradually reveal the rich variety of the country as you visit temples, castles, shrines and holy mountains while mixing with locals and experiencing the real Japan with a knowledgeable local leader.
✓Trace the steps of the Geisha around the alleyways of Kyoto’s atmospheric Gion district
✓Visit a Zen Buddhism temple and hear about its practice while sipping green tea
✓Stay in a ryokan hotel with indoor and outdoor onsens
✓Taste regional specialties, explore local markets, and stop by a sake brewery in Edo-era Takayama
✓Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra-modernity of Japan’s famous railway system as you zip from place to place with your included 7-day Japan Rail Pass
From $7,400CAD per person for a 12-day tour
12-day Family Tour with Intrepid
Gather up the brood and embark on an adventure through the Land of the Rising Sun on this family tour of Japan with Intrepid, the sister company of Peregrine. From the houses of ancient emperors to the latest technological gizmos, this tour packs in the best things to see and do as a family, plus plenty of time to kick back and soak it up in the onsen.
✓Learn the art of calligraphy in Tokyo, then cook your own okonomiyaki on a cruise around Tokyo Bay
✓Feast on fresh sushi at the famous Tsukiji Fish Market
✓Ride the Hakone ropeway for views of Mt. Fuji, then relax in the soothing hot spring waters of an onsen
✓Learn about an important chapter of Japan’s history at the Hiroshima Peace Park, followed by a visit to the relaxing island of Miyajima where deer roam the streets
With the local expertise of your leader to draw on at every step of the way, this is a family holiday that’s sure to yield lifelong memories.
From $5,620CAD per adult / $5,085CAD per child for a 12-day tour
Reach out to inquire about Japan, and/or either of the above tours.
3. Maldives
If you’ve been researching the most luxurious, exclusive, and romantic spots in the world, you’ve definitely come across the Maldives. It is a hugely buzz-worthy destination right now, with everyone from influencers to celebrities visiting the islands - and for good reason, because they are sinking as time goes on. So the idea is, you should go sooner than later, of course!
There are several resorts where you can have an exceptional holiday in the Maldives. Most notably, there are accommodations that offer walk-out beachfront villas with private pools, or over-water bungalow’s for direct water access - going with either option is what makes the Maldives such a special and once-in-a-lifetime destination.
The Maldives is pricey, there’s no getting around it - but, worth it for its exclusivity, tropical natural beauty, and world-class resorts that are re-setting the standard of luxury for resorts.
Two of the top Maldivian hotels are Soneva Fushi, and its sister hotel Soneva Jani. They are both quite spectacular eco-luxury resorts with show-stopping locations, gorgeous accommodations, and incredible service, but between the two Soneva Fushi is larger and offers more to do, and also has more places to eat. It is also usually a bit less expensive then Soneva Jani, making it better value for this level of luxury.
Located in the stunning Baa Atoll island archipelago (a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve), Soneva Jani is situated on a coral atoll surrounded by lush jungle and sugar-white beach. The atmosphere creates a world of calm, tropical exclusivity that is only complimented with the exceptional service.
You’ll feel compelled to save the world (or at least your local environment) by staying at either Soneva resort. Everything Soneva does is kind to the environment, from the buildings to the bunnies that hop about. Soneva is a pioneer in the world of sustainable luxury travel.
The resort offers beachfront villa’s and a few over-water bungalows, all of which have their own little area of uninterrupted ocean views, and can range from 1 bedroom suites to 9 bedroom villas that are perfect for family and friends. You can opt for either a Sunrise or Sunset location - the sunset side is ideal for snorkeling (and watching spectacular sunsets), whereas the sunrise side is best for privacy and uninterrupted ocean views.
Many of the rooms come with fantastic water slides and private pools, and all offer in-room dining and butler service.
The luxurious 5-star resort offers everything you would need for a perfect beach holiday, such as a fantastic spa, a large outdoor pool, and 9 upscale dining options. For an extra-special romantic evening, you can book a private dinner on the resort’s own sandbank in the middle of the ocean.
Soneva Fushi also includes some awesome features like an observatory centre and an outdoor cinema, plus signature experiences like beach picnics, boat trips and snorkeling adventures (with manta rays!), water sports, and various classes for things like glass-blowing, surfing and gardening. A stay at Soneva Fushi can be as fun, adventurous, and awe-inspiring as imaginable, or the ultimate relaxing escape. All guests’ experiences are highly personal and customizable.
WANDERLUST TIP: Sign up for the Turtle on Call program for a chance to see a mother turtle lay her eggs in the sand, tiny hatchlings make their way to the ocean, or come to the aid of turtles who need assistance.
With a 60% guest return rate, there is definitely something quite special about Soneva Jani. It is straight out of a luxurious and tropical fairytale, and truly a once in a lifetime vacation experience for couples, families, or groups of friends.
From $1,870CAD per night (breakfast included)
Couples seeking an extra exclusive holiday may want to also consider Soneva Jani, the ultra-romantic sister resort that features 24 overwater villas and 1 island villa. It is adults only, whereas Soneva Fushi is family friendly.
2. French Polynesia
When you hear the phrase “ultimate tropical escape” or “bucket list destination” it is likely that the islands of French Polynesia come to mind: Bora Bora, Tahiti, Mo’orea, Fiji… Those post-card perfect views are the stuff of dreams. Perhaps it is time to start putting those dreams into reality.
To celebrate their 25 year wedding anniversary a few years ago, I helped my parents plan their own bucket list trip to French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises. We chose this cruise line because they operate the highest-rated and longest continually-sailing cruise ship in the South Pacific, the renowned m/s Paul Gauguin. It is known as a top choice for discerning travelers and honeymooners.
That kind of reputation comes with high standards, and Paul Gauguin’s voyages delivers in spades.
The Gauguin allows you to discover the South Pacific’s most storied, beautiful, and culturally vibrant islands, towns, and cities. Days on board their 7 or 14 night sailings revolve around pre-planned activities that are always offering something new: learn to weave flower lei’s, swim with sharks, go off-road-ATVing through the jungle, snorkel with a rainbow of fish, enjoy outdoor massages on the beach, or hop in an air-conditioned van with local guides to experience the islands beyond the port town tchotchke stalls.
The enthusiastic crew and destination-centred itinerary allows for you to interact with the local people, food, and culture of the islands in a way you would never do if you parked it at an overwater bungalow resort for a week.
You can expect some amazing experiences during your days, and then relax in luxurious comfort onboard in the evenings. The ship has a relaxed yet upscale vibe that is all about casual luxury. Expect a laid back, social atmosphere with low-key entertainment, plus excellent food and 5-star service. And, if you did feel the urge to rip around on the ocean, the ship is also equipped with fantastic water sports at your disposal.
Paul Gauguin’s small, luxurious ship has just 116 cabins, making it perfect for exploring this exotic region’s many small ports and small lagoons far off the beaten path. And many of the most pristine islands can only be reached by boat, making for a very exclusive experience.
The ‘all inclusive’ experience includes all the meals, drinks, gratuities, as well as round-trip airfare from Los Angeles. This is the perfect get-away-from-it-all vacation that is wonderful any time, but especially after a big event like a wedding - this is a top honeymoon and special occasion trip for anyone looking for that ideal combination of beauty, luxury, and adventure.
From $5,089CAD per person for a 7-night voyage
1. Seychelles
This is my top choice because it is still under the radar for many Canadian travelers, making it all the more special and exclusive. It is also home to world class beaches, unique plants & animals, some ultra-luxurious resorts. Lastly, it is is also a very safe destination - among the safest in Africa, but worlds apart in culture and scenery from the mainland. The locals are quite friendly and laid back, and the national language is French (but many Seychellois speak English).
This beautiful little group of islands is nestled in the Indian Ocean just off the south-eastern coast of Africa - you can easily combine a beach getaway to the Seychelles with a safari or other adventure on the mainland. The Seychelles islands are also an excellent destination to visit any time of year, as there is no hurricane or cyclone season and warm temperatures welcome visitors year-round.
Fun Fact: More than 50% of the land & sea mass of the Seychelles dedicated to nature conservation. This gives a hint at the environmental focus and respect that these islands display.
There are several incredibly beautiful 5-star resorts and private islands that you could visit in the Seychelles, but I would choose to stay at the incredible Banyan Tree Seychelles if given the opportunity.
Located on the picturesque bay facing south-west on Mahe island, this tropical resort is truly “a sanctuary for the senses”. The hotel’s goal during your stay is to renew your physical, mental, and spiritual states, which it accomplishes with its stunning private pools, sweeping sea views, delicious food, and luxurious spa treatments. Relaxation and pampering take centre stage, with only the highest standards of service on hand to take care of the details.
Situated on the pristine Intendance Bay, the resort allows for endless lounging on its private white sand, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or hiking at nearby trails. Nature meets modern luxury at this gorgeous resort, which features beautiful views all over the property from jungle to beach. You absolutely must stop by the incredible infinity-edge pool that peaks out into the ocean for the perfect photo op to make your friends back home jealous.
Then retire to your luxurious private Creole-style villa, you can cool off in your outdoor shower or take a dip in your own private pool.
When it’s time for dinner, you can enjoy international flavours expertly whipped up by in-house chefs - dine on local Creole and Arabic cuisine, Thai, or international meals at one of the 3 on-site restaurants.
But, something that makes this resort extra-special is that the Banyan Tree Seychelles works closely with the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles (MCSS) to monitor turtle activity in the area, as part of conservation efforts.
Fun Fact: Giant tortoises can only be found in two places in the world: the Galapagos, and the Seychelles. The Aldabra Giant Tortoises that call the Seychelles home are amazing beasts that can grow to over 400kg and live up to 250 years!
The resort has a special program, “Management of Turtle-Human Interactions and Turtle Rehabilitation”, to rehabilitate injured marine turtles before they are released back into the wild. Aside from observing marine turtles as they arrive to lay their eggs on the beach (from October to December), guests can also observe the baby turtles hatching (from September to March), and visit the turtles at the rehabilitation centre.
For an intimate, romantic, and exotic trip without a whole lot on the itinerary to tire you out, the Seychelles is the relaxed tropical perfection of your dreams.
From $1,150CAD per night for a Standard Room; full breakfast included
What is your dream trip?
Where are you looking forward to going next?
I would love to help you plan your safe return to travel - inquire today!
