March 2017
All About
h t r No a c i r Ame
Your one-stop guide to all latest news and developments in North America
Produced by
www.travelbulletin.co.uk
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ALL ABOUT
NORTH A C I R E AM
CONTENTS
What’s new - 4
Luxury - 9
W
hen it comes to value for money, holidays in North America always deliver – particularly when the cost of holidays in popular European destinations are soaring due to a myriad of factors.
Flight uptake to the US and Canada is looking remarkably healthy for
Shopping - 13
2017 with airlines adding new routes and increasing frequency on existing services. New hotels are opening all over the region too, offering a wide range of experiences and greater flexibility for UK tour operators looking to broaden their offering to their clients. And 2017 is a big year for Canada, as the country celebrates its 150 anniversary, and with such a big occasion, there are a lots of big
Holidays for less... 19
events to mark the milestone as you would expect. In this year’s North America supplement from pages 4-8, we catch up with all the latest news from tour operators, airlines and attractions, including the lowdown on Canada’s 150 events. From pages 9-12, we turn the spotlight on luxury holidays with a focus on high-end escapes from a wide range of destinations, including in the mountains, into the woods and in the desert. Our shopping feature on pages 13-18 includes a round-up of the
Published by
latest shopping developments in North America, along with an update on hotel openings. And finally, Holidays for less than features a round-up of the best packages deals on the market at the moment. So, I hope this year’s North America supplement proves to be a useful sales tool for turning those enquiries into bookings for memorable holidays across the pond.
Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe Written and researched by: Angela Cronin Email: angelacronin2003@yahoo.co.uk Design/Layout: Miriam Brtkova, Lucia Mathurin Printed by: Buxton Press Cover Picture: dibrova ISSN: 0956-2419
Angela Cronin Supplements editor
All About North America
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WHAT’S NEW
What’s new With new flights, tours and experiences, North America is the place to be in 2017
T
he appetite for Brits to head west
there is even more reason to visit this
a live orchestra and a gourmet dinner 50
to experience the culture, history,
amazing country this year.
metres in the air.
sights, landscapes and adventure that North America has to offer
Later in the year, Toronto will be hosting the Invictus Games from 24-30
on Canada Day in a big way on 1 July
September, which will see more than
2017 with events taking place across
600 ill, injured and wounded servicemen
how to satisfy that appetite with larger
the province. The spotlight will also be
and women from 16 nations play 12
programmes packed full of dedicated
firmly on the nation’s capital, Ottawa, as
adaptive sports including wheelchair
tours and experiences, alongside a raft of
the city prepares to host a number of
rugby, wheelchair basketball, sitting
new flights that are giving visitors a wide
events and festivals, not just on 1 July,
volleyball, indoor rowing, swimming and
range of options to choose when it
but throughout the year, including ‘
athletics, at locations across the city.
comes to choosing where, when and
Ignite 150’.
shows no signs of abating. And the travel industry knows exactly
who to fly with. And then if that is not enough, Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary so
4
Ontario will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation
This programme consists of a series of
So, in just four pages, we have crammed in as much news as possible about all of
17 epic stunts and gatherings including a
the new tours and experiences taking place
yoga session on a barge accompanied by
across the pond this year and next.
All About North America
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WHAT’S NEW
The most recent additions to the
October 2017 with prices from £2,048
in Churchill, Manitoba, in both winter and
per person.
summer. Alongside the new Canada
Also new is the eight-day California’s
programme, Western and Oriental is also
Great National Parks which takes guests
adding a selection of Alaskan cruises and
on an ‘In Depth’ journey through the
wildlife encounters where travellers can
Majestic Mountain Loop, that combines
search for grizzly and brown bears and
all of the best and unique National Parks
whales.
California has to offer from Kings Canyon
westernoriental.com
and Sequoia National Park to stargazing
Gold Medal
and learning about early life in the
The luxury holidays specialist has also
Valley. Departures are available from 30
seen an increase in demand for holidays
April to 8 October with prices starting
to Canada and has expanded its Canada
from £2,095 per person.
offering to meet the rising interest in
trafalgar.com/uk/
the destination.
Contiki
Their new programme features three
Sierras, Mammoth Lakes and Death
new itineraries that explore the Yukon
The escorted tours specialist for 18-35-
and Alaska will capitalise on continued
year-olds has launched a 12-day tour of
interest in the destination and offer a mix
the southern states, called Boot, Scoot
of self-drive and escorted tour options.
‘n’ Blues.
The 11-night highlights of the Yukon self-
This ‘high energy’ trip takes travellers
drive tour includes a visit to the Yukon
through America’s Southern states,
Wildlife Preserve, sightseeing and hiking,
replete with musical history and
travel through the gold mining areas and a
experiences to get involved in.
stay in Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse Prices lead in at £1,119 per person and Trafalgar Tours have introduced a new eight-day California’s Great National Parks which takes in the state’s national parks as well as learning about early signs of life in Death Valley
Departures run from 20 April to 11
programme are trips to view polar bears
Stopping off in Nashville, New Orleans and Austin to name a few, travellers will
include car hire, accommodation,
tour Elvis Presely’s famed residence of
admission to Yukon Wildlife Preserve and
Graceland as well as soaking up the
Alaska Marine Highway Ferry
energy of New Orleans. This 12 day trip
The tour is available from 22 May to 5
starts at £1,585 per person and includes
September 2017.
accommodations, daily breakfasts and
goldmedal.co.uk
exclusive dining experiences, on-trip
As Canada celebrates the 150th anniversary
Trafalgar Tours
transport and the services of a Trip
of its confederation this year, the luxury
The escorted tours specialist has
tailor-made tours specialist has launched its
introduced two new tours for 2017. The
Travel 2
first full Canada programme that
10-day Adventures of the Lone Star State
Travel 2 has introduced a new Eastern
encompasses the country’s landscapes,
take guests on a tour through the state
Cosmopolitan by Rail and Air premium
attractions and experiences to satisfy
of Texas, giving them the opportunity to
tour following a 28% increase in
growing demand among British travellers.
indulge themselves in the history of the
bookings to Canada.
Western and Oriental
Western and Oriental is offering tailor-
Old West. Insider experiences include
Manager and Driver.
The tour takes in Montréal, Toronto,
made multi-centre city breaks, flexible
sharing a Texan barbecue feast with a
Niagara, and Québec with highlights
self-drives, rail journeys (including the
third generation pitmaster, and learning
including Niagara Falls and Niagara
Rocky Mountaineer), luxury escorted
to dance the Texas Two Step and the
Wineries helicopter tour, a guided
tours, wildlife encounters and
Cotton-Eyed Joe on an authentic
walking tour of Québec and a
independent touring.
Texan ranch.
comprehensive city tour of Montréal.
All About North America
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WHAT’S NEW
The 12-day tour costs £3,999 per person with 11 nights’ accommodation, selected meals and sightseeing with departure valid for travel on 22 September 2017. travel2.com
Saga Holidays The over-50s specialist has added two new tours to its 2017 and 2018 programmes. New for this year is the 13-night Best of the West USA trip that travels from the Grand Canyon to vibrant San Francisco taking in Las Vegas, Yosemite Park, San Francisco, the highlights of Los Angeles including Hollywood Boulevard, Long Beach in California, visits to the Napa Valley – home of the Californian wine industry – and to Cannery Row in Monterey, the namesake of John Steinbeck's famous novel. Prices for this tour lead in at £2,529 per person departing on 21 November and include 12 nights in hotels and one on a flight, 12 meals, 12 breakfasts , eight excursions, door-to-door travel service, return flights and transfers, Saga tour manager, welcome drink reception and porterage at all hotels. Saga’s 10-night Winter Wilderness and Glittering Cities tour takes in the British Airways and Thomas Cook have introduced new flights to San Francisco
must-see sights of Eastern Canada, including Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and the Thousand Islands of the St Lawrence river.
Florida
York City, from the deepest subway
There’s also the chance to join a wine
The Sunshine State looks set for a busy
tunnels to the tallest skyscrapers, with
tour and tasting, visit a cranberry farm,
2017 with a number of attractions
colorful characters, famous landmarks
try dog sledding with a team of
opening new rides and resorts.
and more from the mind of Jimmy Fallon.
Alaskan huskies, glide along on a
Firstly, Universal Orlando Resort is
woodland sleigh ride and visit the Royal
opening a new water park called Volcano
the opening of the much-anticipated new
Canadian Mint.
Bay, which is promising to be a highly
Avatar-inspired land called Pandora - The
Over at Walt Disney World Resort is
themed, completely immersive
World of AVATAR. The expansion, set to
departures on 8 January 2018 and
environment, inspired by postcard-perfect
be the largest in Animal Kingdom’s
include 10 nights’ accommodation, and
tropical islands.
history, will feature floating mountains,
Prices start at £2,399 per person for
on in flight, 10 breakfasts and three
The theme park is also launching a
bioluminescent rainforests and a
dinners, door-to-door travel service, 10
new ride for this year. Race Through New
Banshee flying attraction, as well as new
excursions, return flights and transfers,
York Starring Jimmy Fallon which will
after-dark entertainment.
Saga tour manager, welcome drink
invite guests to join the Tonight Show’s
reception and Porterage at all hotels.
studio audience on the ultimate race
plans for two historic-themed land
Saga.co.uk
through the streets—and skies—of New
expansions, bringing the galaxy of Star
All About North America
Disney Parks have also announced
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WHAT’S NEW
Wars and the colourful world of Toy Story closer to guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Walt Disney World Resort is also welcoming a new family-style raft attraction to Typhoon Lagoon this spring, called Miss Fortune Falls. The ride will take guests on a white-water journey through the fabled Captain Mary Oceaneer’s past. With a ride time of two Saga Holidays’ new 10-night Winter Wilderness and Glittering Cities tour of Eastern Canada takes in the must-see sight of Niagara Falls
minutes, Miss Fortune Falls will be among the lengthiest attractions at both Disney Water Parks. Meanwhile, SeaWorld Orlando is debuting its first digitally enhanced ride
and baby dolphins with large-scale acrylic
experience as the legendary Kraken roller
windows offering up-close viewing.
coaster is transformed into a virtual reality roller coaster experience.
Finally, LEGOLAND Florida Resort has
fire, lightning and ice with their hands. LEGOLAND Florida Resort is also opening a new LEGOLAND Beach
announced a new immersive land and
Retreat later this year. The new
dark ride with the opening of LEGO
accommodation will include 83 single-
to undergo a refurb which will give guests
NINJAGO World. The interactive ride will
story duplexes, a themed pool, sandy
the opportunity to get up close to mother
include opportunities for guests to blast
play area and new restaurant. ¢
The Dolphin Nursery at the resort is set
Flight update IT’S A BUSY year in the aviation world with a number of new flights to the US and an increase in services to existing flights. British Airways is launching a new service to Fort Lauderdale from 6 July. It will be the airline’s third route from Gatwick to Florida, and its fourth service to the ‘sunshine state’. The route will be served by a Boeing 777-200 aircraft operating three days a week year round (four-a-week during peak summer) with each way fares from £189. The flag carrier is also launching its first non-stop flights between Heathrow and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on 27 March. The service will operate four times a week on Dreamliner aircraft. BA is also launching a new route to Oakland, San Francisco Bay from Gatwick. The new service begins on 28 March and will operate four days a week. It will be the airline’s first route from Gatwick to California, and its fifth service from London to California. Virgin Atlantic is launching a direct, non-stop daily flight from Heathrow to Seattle on 26 March, with the airline also adding a third daily flight to Los Angeles in May 2017. A daily nonstop service between Manchester and New York-JFK will also commence on 25 May replacing the service currently operated by Delta. Delta will resume service for the winter 2017. Thomas Cook is introducing a new Manchester to San Francisco flight beginning on 14 May. Thomas Cook will also increase the frequency of routes launched last year, with Los Angeles increasing from two flights per week up to three and Boston jumping from two flights to four per week. Canadian airline Air Transat has responded to rising demand from Scottish travellers by increasing capacity by 12% on services from Glasgow this summer. The Canadian leisure carrier is introducing larger aircraft on its services from Glasgow, with the vast majority of flights this
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summer to be operated by the airline’s Airbus A330 with individual screens and over 100 channels of entertainment on demand. The airline will operate five times weekly flights to Toronto from Glasgow and weekly to Vancouver, and up to five connecting flights each week to Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Delta is starting its first direct flight route between Heathrow and Portland, Oregon on 26 May 2017, while the US airline Delta will also be adding a second Heathrow to Detroit service. This new flight replaces Virgin Atlantic's daily Detroit to London Heathrow service. Delta is also bolstering its services to Atlanta with a third weekly flight from, taking over the second daily route currently operated by Virgin Atlantic on 25 May. Virgin Atlantic will continue to operate one daily London Heathrow to Atlanta service. Following the successful launch of Delta’s inaugural service between Edinburgh and JFK in May last year, the airline has announced a new direct flight route commencing on 26 May between Glasgow and New York JFK – the only non-stop flight on this route. Icelandair is switching its focus to two new routes from the UK to the US via Reykjavik. The airline is launching a four-times-a week service from the UK to Philadelphia from 30 May until 20 September, while its twice-weekly to Tampa will begin on 7 September. United Airlines will increase the frequency of its service to Los Angeles from 5 April with a second daily service from London Heathrow. Canadian airline WestJet is operating a year-round direct flight from Gatwick to the gateway of the Rockies, Calgary, three times a week. This new route is in addition to existing direct services offered by Air Canada, Air Transat and British Airways throughout the winter as well as non-direct flights with Icelandair and KLM, which offer regional departures via Reykjavik and Amsterdam.
All About North America
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luxury A taste of desert life at the Amangiri uber-luxury hideaway in southern Utah
Living the high life Pushing the boundaries of luxury with a wide range of experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime
In the mountains
lodging, ski guiding, ski rental and a ski run
For clients of yours with a head for heights
guarantee of 18 runs.
and adventure and a bit of money to
www.helicopterskiing.com
spend, suggest they check out Nevada’s Ruby Mountains for a spot of heli-skiing
Into the woods
with Ruby Mountain Heli Experience.
Luxury escorted tours specialist Luxury
Highly skilled guides takes skiers into
Luxury comes in all shapes and sizes across the pond. From heliyoga to plumbing the depths at the Alaska Sealife Centre, there’s a sumptuous, premium journey for your clients where money is no object
the untouched back country of the
for clients keen to explore the stunning
beautiful Ruby Mountains for incredible
landscapes of western Canada.
powder skiing and snowboarding. And,
The 16-day Trans-Canadian Grandeur
while you may think you need to be an
tour travels from the buzzing city of
experienced skier, the guides can ensure
Vancouver, across the Rocky Mountains
that skiers have access to a wide variety of
before boarding the Canadian train for a
terrain to suit each individual’s ability; from
unique rail journey through the western
tree skiing, steep slopes, wide open
Prairies and lakes of northern Ontario to
bowls, the white snowy landscape is
cosmopolitan Toronto.
yours to experience. And a much welcome addition to the
Highlights of the experience include dining at the highly rated YEW Seafood +
whole heli-skiing experience for 2017 is the
Bar in Vancouver, visiting the Squamish
opening of the new Ruby 360 Lodge,
Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler and taking
which allows skiers to stay overnight in the
part in a one-of-a-kind holistic tea workshop
Ruby Mountains and try their hand at
to create your own tea concoction.
heli-skiing over a number of days.
All About North America
Gold by Insight Vacations has just the tour
Then there’s the chance to enjoy Yoho
How much? A three day heli-skiing
National Park from the graceful Emerald
package for the 2017 season costs £3,826
Lake Lodge set on a 13-acre. Then there’s
per person and includes all meals (except
two nights unwinding in Victoria and Banff,
dinner on arrival night), three nights’
with a further relaxing journey aboard VIA
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luxury
And a particular unique “money can’t buy experience” is its 10-day Alaska Journey – Exclusives that gives travellers the chance to get a guided, behind-thescenes tour of the world-renowned Alaska Sealife Centre, an incredible marine science facility that frequently collaborates with the National Geographic Society on wildlife initiatives. Luxury at the top of Ruby Mountains with a spot of heli-skiing
The tour gives visitors the chance to experience the centre’s labs and meet a researcher for a presentation on
Rail Canada's The Canadian train with two
current projects.
within two hours, or opt to take a three or
As part of the experience, there’s the
How much? Prices start at £5,895 per
five-day sailing package on Captiva Island.
opportunity to visit the Denali National Park
Offshore Sailing school courses are
area, known for its diversity of wildlife and
person and include airport transfers, all accommodation and on-trip transport, daily
aimed at everyone from complete novices
the highest mountain in North America,
breakfasts and signature dining experiences.
to experts, teaching sailors nautical
Denali (formerly called Mt McKinley). This
To book: luxurygoldvacations.com/uk
terminology, anchoring, docking steering
includes a visit to the Denali Education
On the beach
and everything in between.
Centre, where visitors can learn about the
If you have clients looking for a beach
holidaymakers will receive a sailing
define a subarctic ecosystem.
holiday, then you know for certain if they
certificate once they have completed the
How much? Prices lead in at £2,699
decide to go east or west coast, they are
course. Prices for the course start at £50
per person for a 10-day trip from
spoilt for choice.
per person per hour, or for a private
Anchorage return.
After being set through their paces,
conditions that shape life in Denali and
two-hour session prices start from £399.
To book: gadventures.co.uk
proved popular with Brits but not many will
How much? Seven nights’
have thought of living the beach life in a
accommodation at the South Seas Islands
On foot
island off the coast of Florida.
Resort lead in at £2,691 for two people
If you have clients who love nothing more
sharing with return flights with British
than exploring a destination by foot,
Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island is
Airways from £431 per person based on
tucking into the local delicacies and
world’s away from the hyper-reality and
flights from Heathrow with transfers at
learning about life from the locals, then
buzzing lights synonymous with other
Philadelphia. This price is based on a
suggest they try out the new two-week
parts of Florida.
departure date of 15 May 2017.
cultural walking and feasting tour of Cape
Accommodation ranges from comfortable
Cod and the islands from Kudu Travel.
The beaches of Florida have always
Known by locals as Florida’s Tahiti South
The gorgeous luxury resort hotel, on
Led by Kudu Travel’s founder, Fi Lowry,
Captiva Island, has 330-acre wildlife
hotel rooms and cottages, to private
preserve which spans two and a half miles
homes and villas.
this trip begins in Boston before heading to
of white, sandy beaches in the tranquil
To book: southseas.com
the Cape. Travelling by water ferry to the
With the wildlife
islands of Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket,
to take full advantage of the incredible
Luxury to many people is not about how
to spend three nights on each island to
natural beauty that surrounds it with a
much an experience costs or how
gain an in-depth appreciation of their
wide raft of activities to enjoy, including
decadent the holiday is, but more to do
unique charms – classic wood-shingled
kayaking, tennis, golf, and, of course, the
with the depth of the memories that a
cottages, cobbled lanes leading to boat-
odd treatment or two in the resort’s
holiday can create.
filled harbours, fascinating small museums
waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As a quiet retreat, the resort is designed
luxury spa.
G Adventures works with National
Wellfleet and Chatham, there’s the chance
and early churches. Highlights include a
Geographic to create Journeys that will
guided walk along Boston’s Freedom Trail,
usual Florida beach and flop holiday, the
leave intrepid travellers with memories of
guided daily walks with birdwatching, seal
resort offers amazing sailing courses.
an experience that will last a life time.
and whale-watching boat trips and a sailing
For those looking for more than the
10
Guests can learn the basics of sailing
nights in trendy Toronto to round off the trip.
All About North America
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luxury
trip in Nantucket Sound on board the
In the city
How much? Prices for a four-night stay in
classic wooden sloop Endeavour.
Visitors to Boston are really spoilt for
the Mandarin Oriental Boston lead in at
choice when it comes to luxury
£1,669 per person on a room-only basis
plenty of opportunity to feast on
experiences. From the designer shopping
including flights.
sumptuous delicacies such as lobster, clam
of Newbury Street and Copley Place to a
To book: tel 0800 014 7777
chowder, baked oysters, scallops and fish,
cruise around Boston Harbour with
fresh from the surrounding waters,
Odyssey Cruises, including dinner while
In the air
accompanied by fine local wines.
you take in the sights from the water.
Vegas attracts millions of visitors every
And of course, along the way, there’s
This walking tour gives travellers the
Or if you prefer to tuck into a sumptuous
year for its non-stop, high-end
opportunity to really get under the skin of
dinner on dry land, try L’Espalier, one of
entertainment, from daytime gambling
Cape Cod and its quintessential New
Boston’s finest restaurants, that serves up
and poolside discos to night-time shows
England experience, with quaint fishing
French cuisine with a New England spin
from global stars.
villages and seafood shacks, along the way
and a strong focus on cheese.
But when the 24/7 lifestyle gets too much, many people opt to head out of
Take in the sights and sounds of Cape Cod with Kudu Travel
the city to the Grand Canyon to feel the force of nature and the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes that the Grand Canyon serves up. A luxurious way to visit the Grand Canyon is with Maverick Helicopters, which flies guests out to the Grand Canyon South Rim and Grand Canyon West Rim as well as operating flights over Vegas. Maverick Helicopters has recently introduced HeliYoga where visitors can enjoy an exclusive helicopter flight followed by a private, 75-minute yoga session at the Valley of Fire State Park which is considered one of the most remote destinations in the southwest of the US, and has to have top-drawer bragging rights for the most bizzare places to practise your downward dog.
calm waters dotted with clipper ships,
Luxury knows no bounds when it
How much? Prices lead in at £2,833 for
historical lighthouses and grand sea
comes to hotel accommodation, with the
the experience via private charter only and
captains’ houses, and excellent walking on
five-star Mandarin Oriental, Boston just
this rate is commissionable for tour
heathlands, saltmarsh and sand-dune
steps away from the renowned shops and
operators and travel agents.
flanked deserted beaches.
dining on Newbury Street, the boutiques
To book: maverickhelicopter.com
How much? The two-week tour from
of South End and high-end shopping of
Boston to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket
Copley Place.
With the family
(13-26 September 2017) costs from £5,890
Then there’s the five-star Boston
Luxury operator Western and Oriental has
per person (two sharing) including 13
Harbour Hotel with views of Boston’s
developed a new series of family
nights’ full board (historic hotels and
waterfront, a contemporary spa, fitness
itineraries that are guaranteed to keep both
traditional inns), all land and water
centre and world-class dining.
parents and kids happy with the most
transportation, entrance fees, sightseeing
The five-star Ritz-Carlton Boston
luxurious of experiences. The operator’s 10-day Family Whale
and activities as per itinerary and the
boasts a luxury spa and fitness centre
services of a Kudu Travel tour leader.
and its own $1 million art collection,
Watching, Wilderness and Wild West
Flights to Boston extra.
while the Taj Boston offers fine dining
Ranch tour is the ultimate tour that
To book: Kudutravel.com
and luxury accommodation.
combines a wide range of adventurous
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luxury
in a protected valley with stunning views HeliYoga in the Grand Canyon with Maverick Helicopters
of the surrounding desert. Within easy reach of some of North America’s most spectacular natural wonders, including Monument Valley, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, the property is set amid 600 acres and boasts luxury suites, a spa with desert views and a restaurant serving American Southwest-inspired cuisine made primarily with locally sourced seasonal produce. Meals are served from an open kitchen to tables that look out through floor-to-ceiling windows over the ever-changing desert colours beyond. Amangiri’s Suites are spacious with clean lines and natural material, with styling including white stone floors, natural timbers and each suite has an outdoor lounge and fireplace with expansive desert views while some include a private pool or roof terrace. For guests who want to venture out of
experiences that kids will remember for
the Little Grizzlies Kids Club, learning
the resort, there’s a number of excursions
a lifetime.
about Montana's flora and fauna and
to enjoy, including paleontological fossil
riding ponies.
digs, climbing expeditions, kayaking on
city of Seattle, not only famous for being
Older kids and adults can enjoy horseback
Lake Powell, tours with Navajo guides of
the home of Starbucks coffee but for its
trails, roping lessons, mountain-bike trails,
slot canyons and Monument Valley,
multi-cultural communities, dramatic
hiking, archery, fly-fishing and an
horseback riding trails for all levels, plus
mountains and national parks.
adrenaline pumping ropes course.
early-morning, hot-air balloon rides that
The journey starts off the vibrant coastal
How much? Prices lead in at £8,999 per
launch directly from the resort and take in
chance to enjoy views of the city from
adult and from £4,999 per child including
views of Lake Powell, Navajo Mountain,
the top of the Space Needle, walk
accommodation, flight, tours
the Vermillion Cliffs and Grand Staircase-
through Chihuly Gardens made entirely
and activities.
Escalante National Monument.
of blown glass and visit the 120,000
To book: westernoriental.com
How much? AmeriCan and Worldwide
gallon Seattle Aquarium.
In the desert
Travel offers an eight-night, multi-centre
at at the Future of Flight Boeing Factory
Mention a desert holiday experience to
person. Departing on 2 October 2017, the
and Centre to see how the company
most people, and images of bouncing over
price includes return non-stop flights with
assembles its aircraft and head out
sand dunes in a 4x4 on a day trip out of
Delta Air Lines from Heathrow to Salt Lake
to the San Juan Island on a whale
Dubai springs to mind.
City, three nights’ full board in a Desert
During two days in Seattle, there’s the
Then, there’s a behind-the-scenes tour
watching excursion.
But then, of course, the US state of
View Suite at Amangiri Resort, two nights’
Utah knows a thing or two about desert
room-only in a Meadow View King room at
five nights at the luxury all-inclusive The
holidays with its sweeping sand dunes and
Zion Mountain Ranch and two nights’
Ranch At Rock Creek, a member of the
red rock landscapes that provide the
room-only in a King room at the Waldorf
prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel group.
perfect rival to a desert experience in one
Astoria in Park City, plus car hire for the
of the emirates.
duration. Based on two adults travelling
Then it’s time to head out of the city for
This family friendly ranch offers a vast range of activities for all age groups, with the younger ones enjoying time at
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luxury holiday to Utah from £4,509 per
For luxury, there’s the Amangiri uberluxury hideaway in southern Utah situated
and sharing accommodation. To book: awwt.co.uk ¢ All About North America
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shopping
The Shops at Crystals is the latest mall to open at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip
Bagging some bargains There are some great savings to be made in the ever-expanding shopping malls of North America
O
nline shopping is fast replacing the high street as the
Pilkington says that for clients who are looking purely to
place to bag a bargain these days, with a survey last
shop, a five-night break is plenty. “But if they want to combine
year by United Parcel Service Inc of more than 5,000
shopping with some sightseeing and leisurely activities, seven
UK shoppers showing that 51% of their purchases were
nights would be ideal.”
made on the web – and this didn’t include grocery shopping. However, the appeal of a US shopping break shows no sign
So whether it’s purely a shopping break or a North American holiday with some shopping days factored in, here is a round-up
of waning with holidays across the pond that include a bit of
of the latest news from the retail world.
retail therapy still as popular as ever.
Boston
Ashley Pilkington, assistant product manager USA and Caribbean at Gold Medal, says there are a number of reasons
Brits who have experienced shopping NYC style and are looking
why shopping Stateside is still appealing.
for an alternative, should head over to Boston, which boasts a
“One of the best reasons to go to the US for a shopping
wide range of shopping experiences as well as the opportunity to
holiday is to take advantage of the exchange rate or to buy
make some great savings with tax-free shopping on clothes and
branded goods that are unique to the US,” says Pilkington.
shoes up to $175
And one of the best place to do this, she says, is the Orlando
There’s a wide range of shopping experiences to be had in
Malls, which “offer an excellent range of stores from the
Boston including the newest development, Assembly Row, which
premium outlets on International Drive and Vineland Avenue to
is just a few stops on the underground system heading out towards
the popular fashion brands at The Mall at Milenia.”
the hipster neighbourhood of Sommerville.
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shopping
The new look Woodbury Common Premium Outlets just an hour from Manhattan after a multi-million-dollar refurbishment
There’s a mixture of outlet shopping experiences with shops
Natick Mall is a great shopping destination for all of the family
including Nike Factory Outlet Store, Saks Fifth Avenue, Banana
with more than 250 stores including a number of toy shops,
Republic and Adidas.
while for some out-of-town shopping, head to Wrentham Village
For luxury shopping, head to Copley Place for a wide range of premium brands including Hugo Boss, Chanel and Dior. The Shops at The Prudential Centre are also a great place to head to for a high-end shopping experience with retail outlets including Pandora, Swarovski and Oakley. Harvard Square is filled with boutiques and independent
Premium Outlets which is just 50 minutes outside of Boston and features 170 outlets with many high-end brands at discounted prices.
New York Shopaholics will be thrilled to hear about the multi-million-dollar
clothing, gift and jewellery stores, while Newbury Street is popular
renovation project that has taken place at the Woodbury
for shoppers looking for designer boutiques and luxury brands.
Common Premium Outlets that’s just an hour from Manhattan.
Giftcards
Simon Shopping Destinations has launched new 5% Back Visa Simon Giftcards. • The cards deliver 5% back at more than 70 participating retailers and restaurants including American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Bath & Body Works, Gap, Nike, Outback Steakhouse, and Rainforest Café. • The new giftcards are available to purchase at the Guest Services of all Simon Malls, The Mills and Premium Outlets including flagship stores King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Sawgrass Mills & The Colonnade Outlets, Fort Lauderdale, and Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, New York. • The Giftcards can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, coming in variable denominations from $20 to $500 and will be automatically credited back to the Simon Giftcard within 48 hours.
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The shopping mecca is internationally renowned as being home to the largest collection of designer outlets in the states – 240 to be precise – with daily bus transportation from Port Authority. The refurbishment has created new landscaping, more places to sit and admire the bargains that shoppers have acquired along with a host of new luxury brands such as Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Dsquared2, Versaci and Loewe. These new additions will complement the existing brands which includes Tory Burch, Celine, Nike, Bottega Veneta, Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Burberry, Coach and North Face Conveniently accessed from New York City via the New York State Thruway at Exit 16, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets features 240 stores including Tory Burch, Celine, Nike, Bottega Veneta, Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Burberry, Coach and North Face.
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shopping
Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia’s Shop Like a Local programme brings a variety of local boutique shops and services to guests in their hotel room
There are daily discounts of up to 65% on lots of brands.
With 50 opulent stores in total, The Shops at Crystals is
premiumoutlets.com/outlet/woodbury-common
anchored by 15 luxury flagship stores including Louis Vuitton,
Palm Springs
Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford, Prada, Fendi and Tiffany &
Downtown Palm Springs is undergoing a multi-million
Céline, Saint Laurent and Richard Mille.
redevelopment project which will see the area transformed into a haven for tourists. The project will see the replacement of the former Desert Fashion Plaza, which is situated on 13 acres. A new pedestrian friendly urban village space will include restaurants, retail spaces alongside a new four-star, 155-room Kimpton Hotel, which will feature the city’s first and only rooftop pool and bar. Additionally, the construction of a four-storey Virgin Hotel is
Co as well as 30 unique-to-market luxury retailers including
hotel update
• MARGARITAVILLE RESORT Orlando has been announced as a new resort property, expected to open later this 2017. The waterfront destination resort will have 187 rooms, 1,000 Margaritaville-themed holiday homes and 300 timeshare units. A new dining and entertainment district is also planned to accommodate guests, along with a 12-acre water park, a wellness centre, miles of fitness trails and a destination water taxi system. margaritavilleresortorlando.com
proposed next to the Kimpton. Furniture and home goods store West is the first retail lease announced.
Las Vegas Your clients who want to squeeze in a bit of shopping between gambling and big shows will be thrilled to hear that there is a new shopping development from Simon Shopping Destinations poised to open in Sin City. The Shops at Crystals, located at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, is an multra luxe retail property boasting more than 324,000 square feet of deisgner shopping. The highly sought-after retail space is the most centrally
• KOHEA KAI RESORT Maui, an adults-only resort, has recently opened and is a 26-room boutique property located in the heart of Kihei in Hawaii. The property is just steps from the beach, boasts ocean views, a rooftop lounge, outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast and a staffed 24-hour check-in reception. koheakai.com • PREFERRED HOTELS AND RESORTS is opening 27 new North American luxury properties over the next year. These include: the 281-room and 36-suite Pendry San Diego; the NOPSI New Orleans which will open in the 90-year-old former headquarters of the New Orleans Public Service, Inc; the 269-room Hotel Monville in Montreal; and the 180room Mountain Shadows resort in Paradise Valley, Arizona. preferredhotels.com
located retail property on the strip.
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shopping
The centre also features a dedicated tram station, connecting it to the Bellagio Resort and Casino, ARIA Resort and Casino and Monte Carlo Resort and Casino.
Daytona Daytona is gearing up for the opening of ONE DAYTONA this year which will feature a 300,000 sq ft retail, dining and entertainment district, two hotels and a residential apartment community. The $150 million development will also include a 12-screen cinema and its opening follows hot on the heels of the launch of the Tanger Outlets last November featuring more than 75 of the most popular brand names and designer outlet stores.
Philadelphia Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia is offering guests the chance to shop like a local with the launch of a programme that showcases a variety of local boutique shops and provides a range of Kimpton Karma perks only available to Hotel Palomar guests when showing their room key at participating retailers. The guide includes an exclusive five-piece capsule collection, ‘NINObrand x Hotel Palomar,’ created in partnership with local designer Bela Shehu. Handmade by expert tailors in Philadelphia, the collaboration Gold Medal Travel’s Ashley Pilkington recommends shoppers head to the malls of Orlando to sample the extensive range of stores on offer
allows guests to view and shop the unisex, athleisure-style collection directly in their room, anytime of day. hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com. ¢
Top tips Ashley Pilkington, assistant product manager USA and Caribbean, Gold Medal offers some advice on how to make the best of a shopping break in North America. Save money by... “Checking online before you flight for any vouchers at the mall you are visiting, it’s a great way to find bargains and save money. “Agents selling shopping holidays to North America should advise clients to visit the tourist board website of the destination they are visiting. For example, Visit Orlando provides a variety of vouchers that offers discount or special offers.”
Mix it up... “I would recommend golf as the perfect contrast after hitting the shops and the picturesque courses of Orlando provide top rank instructors along with Orlando being one of the World’s largest golf destinations.
Where to go “Gold Medal would recommend staying at the Avanti resort International Drive, located about a 15-minute drive from the largest shopping centre in Florida making it the perfect base. The Florida Mall is central Florida’s largest shopping centre and offers a huge variety of retail, dining and entertainment options including; free wifi, currency exchange; two children’s play areas; an onsite hotel; and an array of dining choices.”
How much? Gold Medal offers seven nights’ room-only at the Avanti Resort, International Drive from £639 per person based on two adults sharing. The price is based on a departure date of 1 May and includes flights from Gatwick. www.goldmedal.co.uk 0800 014 7777
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Holidays for less than...
Holidays for less than… From city breaks to Toronto to cowboy experiences in Montana, here is a round-up of breaks for 2017 £ 1,000
deeded tracts of giant trees in the heart
day USA Coast to Coast adventure which
Frontier Travel has a four-night package
of the park to the National Parks Service
takes in many
that includes two nights in Toronto and
for safekeeping. Then guests are taken
of the US’s highlights including the
two nights in Niagara Falls in superior
back to the park for an evening of star
Statue of Liberty, the White House, the
accommodation.
gazing with an expert from the Sequoia
Wild West, the Rockies, the Grand
How much? Prices lead in at £999 per
Parks Conservancy. The tour also goes
Canyon, Hollywood Boulevard and the
person including flights, four nights’
behind the scenes at the Monterey Bay
Golden Gate Bridge as it crosses from
accommodation, two hours’ sightseeing in
Aquarium on an experience customised
New York to San Francisco.
both Toronto and Niagara and all transfers.
for Journeys travellers.
How much? Prices lead in at £4,145 per
To book: frontier-canada.co.uk
How much? Prices start at £1,999 per
person and include 15 nights’ hotel
£ 2,000
person for a nine-day trip from Las Vegas
accommodation room-only, three
to San Francisco.
overnight train journeys, all transfers and
Hayes & Jarvis is offering a seven-day
To book: gadventures.com
return international flights.
at the five-star Biltmore Hotel, Miami,
£ 3,000
To book: greatrail.com
Coral Gables on a room-only basis.
Titan Travel offers a 14-day Oregon and
£ 10,000
How much? Prices lead in at £1,199 per
the Pacific Coast tour, which explores the
Ranch At Rock Creek is a 6,600-acre
person, with savings of £182 per person
beauty of the west coast as it journeys
property, located near Phillipsburg in one
including a Miami Sightseeing Hop On Hop
from Seattle to San Francisco taking in
of Montana’s valleys. Guests can explore
Off tour and return international flights
the dramatic Pacific coastline, the
the landscape surrounding the ranch by
from Heathrow with American Airlines.
fabulous seafood of Newport, Crater
horseback or work on their Western skills
To book: hayesandjarvis.co.uk
Lake National Park, Redwood National
in the arena with lessons in barrel racing,
holiday to Miami including a week’s stay
Park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park
pole bending and roping. Other adventure
National Geographic Journeys with G
and the vineyards of Santa Rosa.
bound activities include fly-fishing,
Adventures has a nine-day Natural
How much? Prices lead in at £2,749 per
shooting and archery, but for more sedate
Highlights of California – Exclusives tour
person and include 12 nights’
pastimes, guests can create their own
which takes visitors on a walk through
accommodation, tours, VIP door-to-door
wellness plan at the Granite Spa.
California’s Sequoia National Park
service, services of an experienced Titan
How much? Six nights from £6,046 per
alongside a naturalist where they can
tour manager ahd international flights.
person based on two sharing, including
learn about these impressive giant trees,
To book: titantravel.co.uk
accommodation, meals, most ranch
enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail, and then
£ 5,000
activities, taxes, transfers from Missoula
drive to Big Tree Trail for an afternoon hike to learn about how National Geographic
Great Rail Journeys has the ultimate 21-
To book: ranchrider.com ¢
All About North America
and gratuities. Excludes return flight.
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S06 TB North America Supp 2017 Holidays for Less _Layout 1 14/03/2017 12:13 Page 20
T S OP ACTI N O N ON N OP N OW
E
AND THE CHANCE TO CHILL TOO
A Discovery Cove Ultimate Package is like 2 holidays in 1. Scream for pulse-racing coasters, exhilarating water rides and new thrills like Mako at SeaWorld and Cobra’s Curse at Busch Gardens. There’s also the chance to make new friends with amazing animal encounters, and then relax on white sand beaches, lazy rivers and more. It’s Florida like you’ve never experienced before. Experience all four parks with the Discovery Cove Ultimate Package. Includes an all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove (dolphin swim or non-dolphin swim), 14 days unlimited admission to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica. Free unlimited parking too!
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