Mountain City's Travel Blog

With more cruise lines getting into expedition cruising, travelers have more options about how they want their expedition cruise experience. From the extremes of barebones to the ultimate in luxe? The choice is yours.  We sailed onboard a Seabourn expedition cruise to the Arctic this summer, and discovered that the ultra-luxe cruise line has perfectly adapted its celebratory style of cruising...

They like to make a splash Down Under. So it’s no surprise the long-anticipated opening of the new W Sydney hotel overlooking Darling Harbour is “making waves.” Its eye-catching, curving architecture adds wave-inspired drama to the harbourfront in Australia’s capital. And it’s the biggest W hotel among the 5 dozen W’s around the world, including two others in Australia, in...

It’s the best of both worlds. Part of the appeal of luxury, all-inclusive resorts is the array of dining options on the property where you can enjoy effortless, delightful dining you’ve already paid for.  But what about getting a taste of the local restaurant scene on the rest of the island? And how about supporting other local businesses? Sandals Resorts has come...

“The best morning of my life.” That was a cameraman’s reaction to filming in one of the hottest cruise destinations today. The Arctic’s icecaps, glaciers, icebergs and fjords are drawing intrepid cruise travelers who want to experience some of the most remote, pristine, – and epic – scenery in the world.  You may have already cruised to Alaska and experienced some...

Fans of ultra-luxury, all-inclusive boutique European river cruising have two reasons to celebrate. Uniworld has announced the addition of two ships to its fleet. Following the line’s tradition of naming ships after European queens, empresses and other royalty, the new ships names are S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth. The ships will begin sailing in 2024 and 2025 respectively.  We say ‘new’...

Aruba’s hotel and resort scene is more alluring than ever. The Dutch island in the south Caribbean is known for its desert environment, perpetual tradewinds that shape its iconic divi divi trees, colorful, colonial town, and a famous beach that’s been named best in the world, where most resorts are found.  News from three resorts highlights new experiences to give travellers...

Don’t wait til spring or summer to visit Austria’s capital. Some of its most unique experiences take place during the frosty months, where one-of-a-kind local events warm your heart and reveal a side of Vienna you can’t see any other time of the year.   Viennese Christmas Markets:Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is a magical time in Vienna,...

Ever since it was inaugurated in October, 1933, Air France has been flying high as an international beacon of the uniquely French art of travel and art of life. 90 years later, flying to France on the airline remains the best way to become immersed in French “savoir vivre” and elegance before you even touch French soil.  Since its creation, the...

30 times in 30 years. That’s an incredible vote of confidence in the resort chain named “The Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand” for the 30th time at the 30th annual World Travel Awards. It wasn’t the only win for Sandals Resorts International, either. It scored 13 more prestigious awards.  Sandals Resorts International is the parent company of two luxury, all-inclusive resort chains: couples-only Sandals...

What’s the fastest-disappearing natural phenomenon? Dark skies. As cities expand, the night skies are flooded with light, dimming our views of the complex, mystical wonders of the heavens that inspired our ancestors.  We are still fascinated by the night skies, and many of us take time on vacation to spend our evenings outdoors gazing up into the darkness and its mysteries.  Luckily,...

The latest craze at tropical resorts will really ‘float your boat.’ Swim up bars have become standard at many of your favorite resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, and floating trays are the newest way to serve guests who love to hang out in the pool.  Maybe one of the best things about floating trays is that, while swim-up bars are...

History, culture, the romance of travel and 21st century diversity all await you in the ancient destination of Egypt – home to the only remaining entry on the list of the original Seven Wonders of the World, not to mention other archaeological and architectural marvels, markets and local cuisine and lifestyle.  And you can explore Egypt’s antique wonders and modern life...

Many people have heard about luxury expedition cruises to the Antarctic. But there’s a whole world of expedition cruising out there you may never have heard of.  Cruise/ travel journalist and expert Lynn Elmhirst sat down with ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn’s director of expedition development Jen Martin to dispel the myth that expedition cruises only go to Antarctica.  WATCH VIDEO ABOVE  Jen is the...

All of the former Crystal Cruises’ ships have now found new homes. The original cruise line is no more, but those who love the ships can still sail aboard favorite river, ocean, expedition and yacht vessels with their new lines. In some cases, their new owners even managed to bring back their original crew so your next cruise… will feel like...

While travel was closed, Hong Kong’s hoteliers kept building. When you travel to the dynamic city today, you’ll discover a whole slate of new hotels that have added to its reputation for having one of the most glamorous and diverse hospitality scenes in the world. Ask us about a stay at one of the new hotels in skyscrapers with harbor views...

Luxury expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing trends in cruising - but who really sails on these voyages? And more importantly, are they right for you? Maybe it's time to dispel some myths about expedition cruising - one of the fastest-growing cruise styles today, with new ships launching every year.  I sat down with Seabourn's Jen Martin, who leads the...

Away from all your cares – and the bright lights of the city - at home, there may be nothing more romantic than being at a beach resort under the night sky with your sweetheart. Jamaica’s newest luxury resort has added a celestial experience for guests to rediscover each other and the wonders of the stars during your stay.  Sandals Dunn’s...

Belmond’s ultra-luxury hotels, resorts and rail experiences have become beacons of how to live your best life abroad. Two of its properties are adding spas in collaboration with luxe French beauty brands that will make it even more difficult to leave these oases of pampering and relaxation to return to the real world after your vacation. Taormina, Italy: Pop-up Treetop Spa...

Luxury yacht transfer to a romantic island resort? Check. Butler service? Check. Terrace whirlpools and fully stocked in-room bars? Check. That’s just a taste of what the new “Impressions by Secrets” is offering couples at the first of Hyatt’s new adults-only, luxury, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico’s iconic Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun. With a recent new focus on luxury, all-inclusive...

It’s an architectural wonder 101 stories high in Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood that transforms the Windy City’s skyline. Eleven of those floors make up the newly-opened, ultra-luxury hotel St. Regis Chicago.  Designed by the world-renowned architecture and urban design practice led by Jeanne Gang, the tower breaks new ground as the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect.  The...