Anguilla To Host The Next Anguilla Culinary Experience Epicurean Festival April 30 To May 3, 2025

Anguilla will hold the Fourth Annual Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE) from April 30th to May 3rd, 2025. Anguilla's only destination-wide food and wine festival, ACE showcases Anguilla's bountiful seafood and indigenous ingredients. Local and international culinary talent join foodies from around the world at the island's award-winning resorts, private villas, and bespoke restaurants. A portion of the Epicurean festival's proceeds is donated yearly to fund educational programming for the island's next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals. ACE 2025 Platinum Partner Malliouhana will host the festival's signature opening night party on Wednesday, April 30th at the luxury resort's cliff-top Bar Soleil. ACE event tickets can be purchased on the Anguilla Culinary Experience website in mid-November.

"Dining at Malliouhana has never been better, and we're thrilled to host Anguilla Culinary Experience 2025's opening night. Overlooking the iconic two-tiered infinity pool and Meads Bay, it's the perfect setting to showcase our 'Culinary Dream Team' – and Wine Spectator Award-winning wine collection – celebrating gastronomic heritage and new generations of local culinary talent," said Malliouhana Managing Director Logan Miller.

During the four flavor-filled days, ACE goers can immerse themselves in the island's rich culinary traditions and enjoy seaside parties, collaborative chef dinners, beach barbeque, wine tastings, live music, mixology demonstrations, cooking classes, mystery basket competitions, a rum crawl, restaurant specials and more. There is plenty of downtime to relax on Anguilla's 33 pristine beaches and explore the friendly island's natural beauty and tranquil waters.

"The Anguilla Culinary Experience is more than just exceptional food, it's a chance to connect. It's chefs exchanging ideas and people from around the world sharing a table. Most importantly, it's giving our financial support so Anguilla's youth can pursue their dreams," said festival co-founder and Villa Alegria owner Wendy Freeman. "It has been thrilling to watch ACE grow and evolve and we look forward to building on these relationships for years to come."

This past May, the most recent ACE abounded with good company and delicious cuisine. Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club hosted a grand culinary tour of all six of its restaurants at D Richard's Steakhouse, including a walk-in dessert box and a paella station. Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel presented a barefoot beach dinner on Maundays Bay, while Four Seasons Anguilla brought Caribbean flavors to life at Bamboo Bar & Grill. Jacala Beach Restaurant partnered with Grands Vins de France and The Duckhorn Portfolio for an evening of Napa Valley wines, French fare and Caribbean flair. Guests at Savi Beach Club enjoyed dinner, a comedian and live music before joining a cabaret troupe on the dance floor. Guest Chef Zachary Engel, James Beard Award-winner and co-owner of Chicago's Michelin-starred Galit, presented a collaborative tasting menu with Chef Carrie Bogar at Veya and again at Villa Alegria. Chef brothers Xavier Rochat of Anguilla and Guest Chef Yannick Rochat, sous chef at Saison by Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, featured indigenous flavors at a rooftop cocktail hour and oceanfront dinner at Altamer with Cape Air. At Malliouhana, guests indulged in a Rum & Chocolate Tasting experience and learned to make rum punch with a master mixologist. Anguilla Great House and NCBA hosted the closing beach barbeque where Chef Raven James Bautista of Mirabelle's and Mixologist Alvarado Gumbs of Veya took home first place in the mystery basket cooking and bartending battles. Anguilla's Quest Experiences partnered with JetSetting Families to chauffeur guests in open-air Mokes on a beach bar rum crawl.

"We are excited to welcome back visitors and culinary enthusiasts for the 2025 Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE). The ongoing success of ACE reinforces the island's legacy as a foodie's paradise and validates Anguilla being voted the Caribbean's Leading Culinary Destination 2024 at this year's World Travel Awards. This festival not only celebrates our rich gastronomic heritage and the incredible talent of local and international chefs, but it also helps shape the future by supporting the next generation of Anguilla's culinary and hospitality professionals. We look forward to another unforgettable celebration of flavor, culture, and community," said Anguilla Tourist Board's (ATB) Director of Tourism, Mrs. Stacey Liburd.

The 2025 ACE schedule and chef roster will be announced soon. Visit https://anguillaculinaryexperience.com/ to sign up to be notified when tickets go on sale. Contact anguillaculinaryexperience@gmail.com to explore becoming a festival sponsor or guest chef. Follow ACE on Facebook and Instagram @anguillaculinaryexperience.

Travelore Special Rates Start at $96 At Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels, Steps From The Most Magical Place On Earth

Special rates starting at $96 are available to book at Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels for stays through November 23, 2024. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include Resort Service Fees, daily parking fees (if applicable), taxes, or gratuities.

Stay Steps from the Most Magical Place on Earth this Season

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels include the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs, Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa, and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista.

All Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are conveniently located at Walt Disney World Resort with spacious accommodations, luxurious amenities, dining, and recreation offerings.

Each resort is an Official Walt Disney World Resort Hotel within walking distance of the area's finest shopping, dining, and entertainment via the pedestrian sky bridge to Disney Springs.

*This offer is exclusively available through the promotion website and is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or groups.
· DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando - $159

· Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - $152.99

· Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace - $182

· Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista - $165

· Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs - $111

· Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa - $127

· Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista - $96

Guests of Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels receive additional benefits to add value to their Orlando area vacation experience, including:

· Complimentary transportation – Hourly bus shuttle service for Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels guests is available to all Walt Disney World Theme Parks. Individual hotel shuttle schedules vary.

· Early Access – Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels guests enjoy even more magic with exclusive 30-minute early entry to any theme park daily.

· Golf—Tee times can be booked up to 90 days in advance, and there are discounts on greens fees and rental equipment for all four Walt Disney World Golf courses.

· Passport to Savings—an exclusive booklet featuring discounts and special offers from select Disney Springs restaurants, shops, and kiosks.

· Guests can purchase theme park tickets, including the 4-Park Magic Ticket, which includes admission to each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom® Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, EPCOT®, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Par. Additional terms apply.

Kimpton’s New Dominican Republic Hotel Has a Rooftop Pool and 500 Years of History

It’s still one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean, despite sitting in the heart of a well-known capital: the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in 1498 and today is a pastiche of centuries-old buildings, art galleries, cafes, bars and exciting eateries and beautiful plazas.

While the old city has always had a clutch of boutique hotels, it’s never had a major-branded property, unless you count the old Accor-branded Nicolas de Ovando, which is now a Hodelpa.

That changed this summer, with the debut of Kimpton’s new Las Mercedes hotel, an exciting debut in the Colonial Zone with everything from a rooftop lounge to a multi-level courtyard garden.

Interestingly, the hotel, which held its grand opening this week, is actually operated by another big brand, Iberostar, thanks to the company’s alliance with Kimpton’s parent company, IHG.

Either way, it’s instantly the area’s must-visit place to stay, with an enchanting blend of modern comfort and colorful historic charm.

So what else do you need to know?

There’s a signature eatery, Zola, which focuses on Italian-inspired food; a courtyard tapas-style spot called El Patio in the heart of the aforementioned garden; and a breakfast buffet spot called Coral. That’s along with a pool bar on the rooftop, with everything overseen by executive chef Cosimo Urso. The Colonial Zone has some very good nightlife; on Saturdays, Zola gets into the act with a live DJ set during the late evening.

There is a rooftop pool and bar.

There are 130 rooms. While they’re not big, they’re true to the Kimpton aesthetic: cool, minimalist and comfortable.

So is this all enough to draw travelers to Santo Domingo? The trend is certainly heading that way. The Dominican government has made growing tourism to the capital a big priority, and that has led to a wave of new flights to the city in recent years. Region-wide, more travelers are starting to consider getaways in Caribbean capitals like Kingston and Nassau, and the Colonial Zone certainly deserves to be mentioned in the same breath.

A street in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.

Kimpton’s Caribbean portfolio now stands at four, with its flagship Grand Cayman property, the Kimpton Grand Roatan (which opened last year) and the Kimpton Aluna Tulum, which welcomed its first guests in 2021. Next year, the brand is opening its first-ever all-inclusive, with a 2025 debut in the Rivera Maya.

So what about prices?

If you’re planning a stay at the Kimpton Las Mercedes you can get a room for as low as $154 per night right now. That gives you a king room with a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a sleek-looking bathroom.

For more details, please visit: https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/hotels/us/en/las-mercedes-santo-domingo/sdqlm/hoteldetail
https://www.caribjournal.com/

Travelore News: British Airways Has Cancelled All Flights Between New York And Major UK Airport Until 2025

The winter season is coming up and while many Brits might use the time to jet off to somewhere tropical and sunnier there’s also the big city break destination.

Yep, as the Christmas lights go up and the ice rinks come out, it often feels like everyone and their nan on Instagram heads over to New York.

A trip to the Big Apple is one of those big save up for ages kind of travels but for some people hoping to go this winter, the American dream could be over.

That’s because British Airways has cancelled all flights between New York and a major UK airport until next year.

Which UK airport has been affected?

It is predicted that at least 103 flights are expected to be affected by the change as it suspends them from London Gatwick to John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport.

A British Airways spokesperson said: “We’re disappointed that we’ve had to make further changes to our schedule as we continue to experience delays to the delivery of engines and parts from Rolls-Royce - particularly in relation to the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines fitted to our 787 aircraft.

“We've taken this action because we do not believe the issue will be solved quickly, and we want to offer our customers the certainty they deserve for their travel plans. We’ve apologised to those affected and are able to offer the vast majority a flight the same day with British Airways or one of our partner airlines.

“We continue to work closely with Rolls-Royce to ensure the company is aware of the impact its issues are having on our schedule and customers, and seek reassurance of a prompt and reliable solution.”

And a Rolls Royce spokesperson also said: “We continue to work with British Airways and all of our customers to minimise the impact of the limited availability of spares due to the current supply chain constraints.

“Unfortunately, this is an issue affecting the whole aerospace industry.”

While this might seem like pretty heart-breaking news for anyone planning to jet off to the US city, British Airways points out that the Gatwick flight is one of up to nine daily flights it operates from London to JFK as it runs the other eight from Heathrow.

As well as the New York route being affected, British Airways has reportedly also had to push back plans to relaunch its route between Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, originally due to resume on 12 November.

Now, that’s most likely to be available again in April.

Featured Image Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images/Getty Stock Image

https://www.ladbible.com/author/jess-battison

Grace Bay Resorts Announces Lineup For 2024 Caribbean Food And Wine Festival

Grace Bay Resorts, the Caribbean's leading independent luxury boutique owner, developer, and operator of some of the finest resorts, branded residences, and private villas in Turks and Caicos, will host its annual Caribbean Food & Wine Festival from November 7-10, 2024. This signature event will feature all-star talent including award-winning chefs, winemakers, and tastemakers who will gather at Grace Bay, known as one of the world's best beaches, for an unforgettable culinary celebration with a portion of proceeds benefitting Turks & Caicos Islands Community College. Attendees will also be among the first to experience significant renovations and expansions within the Grace Bay Resorts portfolio, spanning the opening of South Bank, the island's newest residential resort and marina with the destination's first man-made lagoon; new luxury water transportation offerings; a new beach club concept at Grace Bay Club called Offshore, and more.

"We are excited to once again host the Caribbean's premier culinary event and showcase our new developments within the Grace Bay Resorts collection," said Nikheel Advani, COO and Principal of Grace Bay Resorts, and Co-Chairman of the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival committee. "As proud community partners, Grace Bay Resorts is honored to contribute a portion of event proceeds to the local Turks & Caicos Islands Community College. This year's Caribbean Food & Wine Festival promises an extraordinary celebration showcasing the world's best cuisine with a Caribbean twist."

Helming the festival's multiple-course dinner and wine pairing is Chef Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant and Bar in Miami. Chef Calvo is a restauranteur and chef personality who aims to bring "Maximum Flavor" to her restaurants, cookbooks, and shows. Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant and Bar transports guests to Napa Valley with a thoughtfully curated, ingredient-driven menu filled with innovative and artful dishes using only the finest, locally and sustainably sourced ingredients.

The all-star lineup also includes Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee of Scratch Restaurants who will be curating the farewell brunch. Best known for their MICHELIN-recognized Sushi by Scratch Restaurants (with locations in major cities including Beverly Hills, Montecito, Miami, Seattle, Chicago and more), Chefs Lee and Kallas-Lee have crated signature omakase experiences that highlight their dedication to the artisanal "from scratch" approach to hospitality.

Beverage partners for this year's Caribbean Food & Wine Festival include Ken Wright Cellars, Veuve Clicquot and The Macallan. Ken Wright is a renowned winemaker known for his exceptional Pinot Noir and has become a pioneer in Oregon's wine industry, focusing on single-vineyard wines that express the unique terroir of each site. Veuve Clicquot – who will be pouring their premium line for the event – is a symbol of luxury and celebration, bringing iconic champagne to guests since 1772. The Macallan is an award-winning single malt Scotch whisky, offering two decades of whisky-making expertise to Caribbean Food & Wine Festival.

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of events, ranging from culinary experiences to insightful discussions. Highlights include a kickoff cocktail party at Grace Bay Club's exclusive Estate Pool, a culinary trends symposium at the brand-new South Bank, and a four-course wine dinner at the iconic Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar. Additionally, The Wine Cellar, The Marine Room, Coyaba, The Palms, and Wymara will host their own special events, contributing to the vibrant multi-day celebration across Turks and Caicos.

An overview of the event schedule is below:

Wednesday, November 6

Press Conference at Grace Bay Club – 2:00 p.m.

Meet the Winemaker event at The Wine Cellar – 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Guests can spend one-on-one time with award-winning winemaker partner Ken Wright of Ken Wright Cellars in Oregon. $49 per person.

Thursday, November 7 Kickoff Cocktail Party at Grace Bay Club's Estate Pool – 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

The first night will feature a poolside silent auction, a variety of pop-ups, exclusive tastings and a curated dinner complemented by cocktails from The Macallan at the luxurious Estate Pool. $149 per person.

Friday, November 8

Women of Wine Lunch at The Shore Club – 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The festival's opening event will feature a celebration of women winemakers at The Shore Club oceanfront luxury resort on Long Bay Beach, hosted by Althea Williams. $99 per person.

Culinary Trends Symposium at South Bank Ocean Estate – 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

A complimentary, informative seminar on food trends will be held at the restaurant in the afternoon and will also be streamed online for those who can't make it to Turks & Caicos. Gourmet Safari – 6:30 p.m.

This progressive dining experience will span five locations, starting with the first course at Coyaba, second course at Grace's Cottage, main course at The Palms, dessert at Wymara and cocktails at Rock House. $250 per person or $450 per couple.

Saturday, November 9

Wine Pairing Experience at The Marine Room – Two seatings at 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

Guests will enjoy wine pairings at this picturesque oceanfront restaurant. $59 per person.

Four-Course Wine Dinner & Cocktails at Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar – 6:30 p.m.

The concluding main event of the weekend will feature a curated menu crafted by Chef Adrianne Calvo and cocktails presented by The Macallan, set at Grace Bay Club's Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar.

Sunday, November 10

Brunch with Champagne & Cocktails at Rock House – Two seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Guests will be transported to Rock House, a unique resort and residential vision located on the north coast of Providenciales, for a glamorous farewell complete with a curated menu from Chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee of Scratch Restaurants along with pairings from Veuve Clicquot's Premium Champagne. $149 per person. In addition to the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, guests will be among the first to experience significant renovation and expansion projects at Grace Bay Resorts. The highly anticipated opening of South Bank, the island's newest residential resort and marina with the destination's first man-made lagoon, is slated for November and will feature waterfront properties and facilities featuring contemporary Caribbean design. New luxury water transportation offerings will be available to ferry guests between all properties within the Grace Bay Resorts portfolio, spanning Grace Bay Club, Rock House, Point Grace, South Bank, Private Villa Collection and West Bay Club. Grace Bay Club, the brand's flagship property and the island's only luxury all-oceanfront-suite resort on Grace Bay Beach, is fresh off a multimillion-dollar renovation and has recently unveiled a new beach club concept called Offshore, beachfront cabanas with refreshed programming and renovated Villas suites. Lastly, the longest bar in the Caribbean is getting a fresh new look as Grace Bay Club's Inifiniti Bar will unveil a redesign in November.

Event tickets can be purchased at www.caribbeanfoodandwinefestivaltci.com. For more information about Grace Bay Resorts, please visit www.gracebayresorts.com.

Velas Resorts Announces Christmas Festivities And Exclusive Perks

Celebrate the Holidays in Style: Santa Arrival via Helicopter, Gingerbread Mansions, In-Suite Christmas Trees, Fiestas, and More at Velas Resorts in Mexico

Exclusive Perks Await: Spa & Resort Credits, Suite Upgrades, Golf Discounts & More at Select Resorts for Bookings Made by November 15th

Velas Resorts in Mexico are once again welcoming guests to celebrate the holiday season in style, offering a wide range of festive activities, special promotions, and luxurious experiences. Guests can enjoy everything from in-suite Christmas trees and traditional Mexican posadas to Santa arriving by helicopter and elaborate gingerbread mansions. Holiday celebrations are on tap across Velas' family-friendly Five Diamond Grand Velas resorts in Los Cabos, Riviera Maya, and Riviera Nayarit, as well as at Velas Vallarta and the adults only properties, Casa Velas, Mar del Cabo and the new Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos. For bookings made from October 15th through November 15th, guests can enjoy a range of perks, including spa and resort credits, suite upgrades, discounts on golf and shopping, and lifestyle photography sessions, depending on the property. The travel window is open from December 15th through January 4th to use eligible promotions.

Family Fun, Teens, and Kids-Only Activities

Throughout the holiday season, Velas Resorts will offer a range of family-friendly activities, including themed shows, gingerbread decoration, and traditional Mexican posadas. At Grand Velas Los Cabos, Santa arrives via helicopter, while at Velas Vallarta, Santa parachutes in for a grand entrance. Teens will enjoy dedicated lounges with Xbox Kinect, karaoke, and special activities like dance classes and TikTok challenges. Younger guests can engage in interactive cultural workshops, including painting of the brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures known as Alebrijes , and piñata making at the complimentary Kids' Clubs.

Personalized Christmas Trees & In-Suite Gifts

Guests can also bring the festive spirit into their suites with pre-decorated Christmas trees or the option to decorate as a family, where they will be provided with all the ornaments and trimmings needed to create their own personalized holiday tree. Handcrafted ornaments from Michoacán, renowned for its Christmas traditions, are available for guests to take home. Pre-wrapped gifts and toys can also be arranged for in-suite delivery on Christmas morning, all conveniently ordered online before arrival. For those looking to give back, guests can donate toys to the Center for the Caring of Children with Cancer.

Holiday Promotions for Bookings Made by November 15th

Each Velas Resorts’ property offers exclusive holiday promotions. Grand Velas Riviera Maya provides a $50 USD spa credit per adult, per night, and a lifestyle photography session. Grand Velas Los Cabos and Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos offer the same spa credit and 10% off at the hotel boutique. At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, the $50 USD spa credit is available for both adults and teens, along with 10% off at the resort’s boutique. Additionally, kids and teens are two for the price of one during the week of Christmas (December 18-26). Casa Velas includes a guaranteed room upgrade, $50 USD spa credit per adult, per night, 25% off green fees at Marina Vallarta or Vista Vallarta Golf Courses (golf cart included), and 20% off at the hotel boutique. Mar del Cabo features daily American breakfast at Encanto Restaurant included, 50% off roundtrip airport transportation for stays of three nights or more as well as 20% off spa services, day passes, and dining at neighboring Grand Velas Los Cabos. Velas Vallarta offers reduced Festive rates, a $300 USD resort credit per suite, per stay, 20% off at the hotel boutique, early check-in or late check-out, complimentary hotel-airport transfers, up to 30% off on golf rounds, and a Kawitu Experience Tour – including visits to a chocolate factory, Mexican jeweler, and the Malecón, followed by a tequila tasting and a traditional Kawitu ritual with a Huichol shaman that fosters a connection with nature and spiritual harmony.

Rates start at $240 USD at Velas Vallarta, $401 USD at Casa Velas, $692 USD at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, $886 USD at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, $877 USD at Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, and $1,717 USD at Grand Velas Los Cabos. Rates are per adult, per night, based on double occupancy. All-inclusive rates cover luxury suite accommodations, gourmet à la carte meals, premium beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center access, taxes, gratuities, and more. European Plan rates at Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts start at $410 USD. Resort promotions inclusive of suite upgrades, spa and boutique credits, and more apply to booking made before November 15th. Insuite christmas trees can be booked at https://christmas.velasresorts.com/. For reservations, call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://www.velasresorts.com/hotel-packages.

Get Paid $100 For Unwanted Halloween Candy While Supporting American Troops

With 2024 reports warning that obesity remains an ominous health threat across America, the avoidable condition is plaguing almost half (42.7%) of the U.S. population. This scary statistic is that much more frightful as the calorie-packed Halloween holiday looms large. However, there’s no need to fret as one weight-wise wellness company will pay you cold hard cash for your candy! This amid the kick-off of HealthyWage’s “Cash for Candy” program, which pays individuals $10 per pound of candy up to $100 per person—and up to $10,000 in collective payouts across America!

Through the initiative, any individual can donate their excess, unwanted and unopened candy to the “Friends Of The Troops” nonprofit organization on or before November 15, 2024, get directly paid for it and, in doing so, support American troops overseas! Participants need not be a HealthyWage challenge participant as anyone, anywhere in the U.S. can donate candy and cash in. Full submission details and instructions can be found online at www.healthywage.com/cash4candy.

This program is a reprisal of the company’s wildly successful 2018 and 2022 initiatives through which HealthyWage—the world’s leading purveyor of financially-induced wellness contests for individuals and corporate/team-based weight loss challenges—has collected a tasty total of 2,500 pounds of candy and paid out more than $24,000 in candy donations.

“We’re thrilled to again support Americans in their quest to avoid temptation, manage their weight-related health, and bolster their bank accounts in the process,” said HealthyWage Co-Founder and diet gamification pioneer David Roddenberry. “By rewarding individuals with cash in exchange for their excess candy while also supporting our troops overseas, it’s a win-win—one that can help people start their ‘holiday diet survival’ mindset to avoid needless seasonal weight gain.”

“Calories aside, Halloween also often means an overload of sugary treats, which can have a significant impact on children's dental health,” Roddenberry continued. “It’s well known that excessive candy consumption leads to an increased risk of cavities, tooth decay, and other oral health issues—problems that can be avoided. This year, parents can take advantage of our ‘Cash for Candy’ program, which allows families to donate excess candy for a good cause...and earn some money in the process. In doing so, children can learn the value of charitable giving while keeping their smiles healthy.”

Relative to its range of popular “dieting for dollars” challenges that are available year-round, some of which paying out as much as $10,000 per individual, HealthyWage is founded on substantive research and "double-incentivization" methodology that proves competition and rewards—especially the cash variety—can as much as triple the effectiveness of weight loss programs. And, the proof is in the performance in the form of quantifiable and undeniable metrics that behavioral economics-based gamification works when it comes to weight loss.

As case-in-point, since its inception in 2009 and as of September 2024, HealthyWage has paid more than $67 million cash rewards for a collective 4.5 million pounds lost. Also exemplifying the power and efficacy of HealthyWage’s approach are throngs of HealthyWage success stories (both female and male).

“Studies continue to show that monetary incentives serve to enhance the effectiveness of, and duly complement, weight-loss programs of any and all sorts, especially when paid out quickly like our various programs,” said Roddenberry. “The average HealthyWager participant more than doubles their investment if they are successful at achieving their goal. The financial upside potential is impressive.”

So effective is this diet gamification method, famous personalities have joined HealthyWage in the fight to get America fit including global health and fitness expert Jillian Michaels, actress and talk show host Sherri Shepherd, and dietician and nutritionist, Ilana Muhlstein.

If this is the Halloween season when you would like to thwart temptation (or help your children achieve the same) and be financially rewarded for doing so—all while being charitable towards American troops, the HealthyWage “Cash for Candy” program is a sweet opportunity. Even for the holiday temptation and New Year’s resolution seasons just beyond, the company’s cash-fueled approach to weight loss and management just might give you that extra dose of motivation that’ll truly help you stay the course, shed weight and make some extra money in the process. There’s no better time than right now to bank on yourself.

Travelore News: Frontier, Spirit Airlines Revive Merger Talks, WSJ Reports

Frontier Airlines is exploring a renewed bid for Spirit Airlines opens new tab, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Spirit has been losing money despite strong travel demand and has failed to report a profit in five out of the last six quarters, raising doubts about its ability to manage looming debt maturities.

The two budget carriers have had recent discussions about a possible merger, though the talks are at an early stage and a deal may not come to fruition, the WSJ report said.

If Spirit and Frontier reach a deal, it would likely happen as part of Spirit restructuring its debt and other liabilities in bankruptcy, the report added.

Spirit declined to comment on the report, while Frontier did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In 2022, Spirit Airlines came close to a merger deal with Frontier Group Holdings opens new tab, the parent company of Frontier Airlines. It was terminated after JetBlue Airways won the bidding war for Spirit.

However, that $3.8 billion deal was blocked by the U.S. Department of Justice in March.

The Journal reported earlier in the month that Spirit was in talks with bondholders over the terms of a potential bankruptcy filing in the wake of its failed merger with JetBlue.

The ultra-low-cost carrier said last week it had reached an agreement with its credit card processor U.S. Bank National Association to extend a debt refinancing deadline by two months until Dec. 23.

The airline has also warned of a bigger third-quarter loss due to a tough race for price-sensitive leisure travelers and an oversupply of airline seats in the domestic market.

The Sphere Just Announced Its Second Location

You might be familiar with the feeling of being in the nosebleeds at your favorite artist’s show, wondering whether it was wise to sacrifice your paycheck to the concert gods after all. Sphere, an immersive-media experience in Las Vegas, theoretically fixes that problem by making sure you at least have a humongous screen to look at in a totally futuristic space. And soon, this experience will no longer be limited to the States.

Sphere Entertainment Co. and the Department of Culture and Tourism from Abu Dhabi announced Tuesday that the world’s second Sphere will be constructed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The original Sphere has a 20,000-person capacity, and its sequel is planned to have a similar scale. There’s currently no word on opening dates.

In early 2023, this 516-feet-wide and 366-feet-tall circular structure blinked to life with a “Hello, World.” When the dome cycled through images of the globe and the smiling sun in the weeks following, it launched about one million viral memes. Then, in September of 2023, U2 kicked off its now-famous, can-be-seen-from-space concert experience with a 25-day residency. Since then Sphere has hosted bloody UFC fights, multiple residencies, and even inspired copy cat venues.

James L. Dolan, executive chairman and chief executive officer at Sphere Entertainment said in a statement that the future of this new form of all-encompassing entertainment was always intended to be global.

“Sphere is redefining live entertainment and extending the reach of its transformative impact. We are proud to collaborate with DCT Abu Dhabi to develop Sphere in their city,” said Dolan.

“Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits… By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we're not only elevating our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings.” H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said in a press statement.

We can only imagine what new memes will soon be lighting up the night sky. Or how much people will pay for photos of the new venue.

https://www.thrillist.com/authors/gwen-egan

The Vessel, A Manhattan Tourist Site Closed After Suicides, Reopens With New Safety Features

The Vessel, a towering, honeycomb-like sculpture in Manhattan that was popular with tourists before a series of suicides forced its closure in 2021, will reopen Monday with new safety features.

The 150-foot (46-meter) structure opened in 2019 as the centerpiece of the Hudson Yards development on Manhattan’s West Side. The climbable sculpture with zigzagging stairs drew crowds of tourists, but was closed to the public in 2021 after several people took their own lives by jumping off the structure.

Related Companies, which owns Hudson Yards, confirmed Sunday that the Vessel will reopen Monday with floor-to-ceiling steel mesh barriers installed on parts of it. Only the upper level sections that have been fitted with mesh will reopen and the top level will remain closed. Tickets are required.

“Not a day goes by that we don’t have visitors walking up to our staff asking where they can buy tickets and when it will reopen,” Related CEO Jeff T. Blau said in a prepared statement, “that interest hasn’t diminished during the time we’ve been closed and we’re excited to welcome guests from all around the world back to Vessel with additional safety measures in place.”

The Vessel was designed by Thomas Heatherwick and fabricated in Venice.

AP

Giorgio Armani Takes Fashionistas 'On A Journey' At NY Fashion Show

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani brought his sleek, silky looks to New York on Thursday night, presenting his spring 2025 collection for his namesake brand as he opened a new building in the city.

The veteran designer, 90, called the line "In Viaggio" (On a Journey), paying tribute to "the city that embodies the collective dream".

He opened the show, held at the Park Avenue Armory, with a female model wearing a short beige jacket and trousers tucked into dark boots, followed by a male model dressed as a porter and carrying suitcases.

A selection of outfits in beige and grey came after - shiny suits for men and loose jackets, blouses and trousers for women.

Armani also used darker greys, blues and browns for his designs, which nodded to the travel theme throughout with loose comfortable looks as well as wraps worn as tops.

Long silky blouses were paired with matching trousers, while silk jackets and shorts were worn with sheer tops.

“New York, for me, has always been linked to the many films that have deeply shaped my imagination," Armani said in a statement before the show. "Thinking of the city in the ‘30s and ‘40s never ceases to inspire me and I evoke that mood in the new... collection."

Models also wore long dresses, short printed jackets and silky trousers in pink and peach.

For the evening, there were sparkling embroidered frocks worn over slim trousers, sometimes with sequined jackets, mainly in soft pink and blue.

Accessories included boots, sandals, caps and woven belts.

Armani usually holds the catwalk shows for his Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani lines during Milan Fashion Week.

But he opted for New York for his main line this season to coincide with the opening of his new building, containing private residences, Armani boutiques and a restaurant on Madison Avenue. In an interview published on Sunday, Armani who founded brand in 1975 and has been tight-lipped about succession plans, said he planned to retire within the next two or three years.

Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing by Andrew Heavens

700,000 Years Of Egyptian History Finds Enormous New Home

The public has finally been allowed to visit part of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is the size of 80 football fields.

A statue of King Ramesses II in the entrance hall of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt.Xinhua via Shutterstock

— Even before it opened 12 enormous galleries containing priceless artifacts this week, the Grand Egyptian Museum looked to be making history.

Egypt is finally allowing the public to view some of the 700,000 years' worth of antiquities devoted to four eras of history on a plot the size of 80 football fields, a project delayed for nearly two decades by war, an armed uprising and the pandemic.

Only a section of the museum covering over 5 million square feet opened Wednesday, with the rest of the facility to be inaugurated when authorities deem the time is right. When it is opened fully, it will be the largest museum dedicated to a single civilization.

The six-story Grand Staircase with a view of the pyramids and an atrium containing monuments, pharaonic statues and sarcophagi opened in November.

The museum, which is just over a mile north of the Great Pyramids of Giza outside Cairo, expects nearly 4,000 visitors for its debut, Al-Tayeb Abbas, the museum’s deputy director, told NBC News.

“We are testing ourselves for the grand opening,” he said.

For renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, the opening is a dream come true.

“We spent all this money to build the greatest museum in the world,” he said. “You will see the objects for the first time in an incredible way.”

Visitors are first greeted by a colossal 3,200-year-old statue of one of ancient Egypt’s legendary pharaohs, Ramesses the Great.

The statue is one of the first and largest artifacts that was transported to the new museum in 2018. It is among the 100,000 artifacts that have been brought from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square in Cairo and other museums across the country.

Visitors walk past colossal ancient Egyptian statues at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza on Tuesday.Khaled Desouki / AFP - Getty Images

The Grand Staircase rises to the top of the museum, lined with some of the most pristine statues of the rulers of ancient Egypt.

At the top, a spectacular view of the pyramids opens up with a soaring ceiling. The galleries are lined with state-of-the-art cases with historic statues offering glimpses into the daily lives of not just the kings and queens but also ordinary people.

The grand museum also takes an equally grand time to fully tour.

“It will take you at least one or two hours to see at least maybe 20% of the statues,” Hawass said.

Each piece, including huge royal busts carved in granite, the gold necklaces with turquoise and coral and a several-feet-long preserved papyrus, is given enough space to be appreciated in a thoroughly modern and tranquil environment. Modest clay statues of workers grinding wheat and attending to large vats are also on show.

“They are telling the history of ancient Egypt, how the people lived together, the fear and hopes of the Egyptians,” Abbas said.

Statues inside the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza on Tuesday.NBC News

Among the museum’s grandest collections is the gold mask of Tutankhamun.

The mask, which has survived grave robbers and clumsy restorations efforts, will be kept in its own room in the climate-controlled museum, Hawass said.

In 2017, before the coronavirus pandemic slowed its construction, NBC News was given exclusive access to the Grand Egyptian Museum’s backroom stores with Tutankhamun’s beautifully crafted bows, wine and even fresh underpants buried 3,347 years ago. The embalmed remains of his stillborn daughters remain in ornate caskets.

Over 3,000 of the boy-king’s artifacts have never been displayed before and underwent extensive restoration in the museum’s conservation laboratory.

Hawass said the Tutankhamun exhibit — perhaps the most famous of Egypt’s archaeological treasures — won’t go on public display immediately because curators are waiting for a lull in fighting in the Middle East to hold a grand, global opening.

But already, the soft launch is attracting American visitors.

An ancient Egyptian statue of the 18th Dynasty king Amenhotep III, left, and the deity Ra-Herakhty at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza on Tuesday.Khaled Desouki / AFP - Getty Images

Sabrina Middleton, a travel tour operator, said, “We’re coming today because we want to see the Atrium and just experience it.” She said she and her colleague was returning later this month to see the newly opened 12 galleries.

“We’re going to be ready for it when it’s open,” Middleton said.

Abbas, the museum’s deputy director, is convinced that future visitors will be happy to wait for the grand opening, saying: “We have the best antiquities. We have the most fascinating objects inside.”

Keir Simmons and Charlene Gubash reported from Giza, Egypt and Mithil Aggarwal from Hong Kong.

This Restaurant Has Just Been Voted Best Restaurant In The World

Tripadvisor revealed their annual ranking of the world’s best restaurants, the Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurants. For this 2024 edition, the top spot went to the famous French establishment Maison Pic. A prestigious title for this gastronomic institution, led by chef Anne-Sophie Pic, which has won over critics and gourmets from all over the world over the years.

With a remarkable score of 5/5 out of 3,142 reviews, Maison Pic is top of the list in the fine dining category. This is a great honour for Anne-Sophie Pic, who expressed her delight in a press release: “I dedicate this award to our customers, whose glowing reviews have enabled us to achieve this top position. It also reflects the hard work and perseverance of all my teams in the kitchen, the pastry station, the dining room and the sommeliers, helping us to offer our guests an exceptional experience.”

This first place in the Tripadvisor rankings is not just a win for Maison Pic, but also for French gastronomy as a whole. Three other French establishments feature in the world’s top 10: La Maison Medard based in Boulleret, La Tour d’Argent in the heart of Paris and the Cuisine d’Arrivage, a Leclère restaurant located in Montpellier.

La Maison Pic, a family business at the top

Based in Valence in the Drôme department, Maison Pic is a family business. Anne-Sophie Pic is the third generation of Michelin-starred chefs to take the wheel. Following her brother Alain’s tenure, she took over in the 1990s after the death of her father, Jacques Pic. Far from merely inheriting a done deal, Anne-Sophie succeeded in putting forth her own style, denoted by a constant search for new harmonies of taste.

Under her leadership, the restaurant was awarded its third Michelin star in 2007. Since then, Anne-Sophie Pic has kept on perfecting her craft. Each dish is designed as a sensory experience in which the Michelin-starred chef plays with your olfactory senses. Recently, she was asked to come up with a new lobster-based dish for King Charles III during his visit to Versailles.

A full menu, reflecting boundless creativity

At Maison Pic, the menu is an ode to nature. You are invited on a gustatory journey with poetically-named dishes with poetic names such as L’écume glisse sur la coquille (Seaspray on the Shell) or Murmure d’automne (Whispers of Autumn). Plants are at the heart of Anne-Sophie Pic’s approach, and she likes to combine local produce with influences from far-off lands, especially Japan, a land for which she feels a particular fondness. Anne-Sophie Pic owes her respect for ingredients and the art of sublimating this produce to regular meetings she has with producers.

A refined setting

The gastronomic experience at Maison Pic goes beyond the table. The venue itself, located in a charming hotel, plays a key role in guest satisfaction. You can see three distinct, colour-coded atmospheres. The restaurant’s spacious lounges have been designed to create a cosy feel. In addition to the decor, Anne-Sophie Pic has made it a point of pride to give customers a warm welcome.

https://www.en-vols.com/en/author/wmarebe/

This Caribbean Destination Has 32 Different Islands. JetBlue Just Started Flying There.

The island hopping. The sailing. The rainforest. Sought-after little islands like Bequia. Basil’s Bar. Princess Margaret Beach. Mayreau. St Vincent and the Grenadines is a world unto itself, with 32 different islands and cays from the “mainland” of St Vincent to the aforementioned, beloved little spots like Bequia and Mustique (the latter, of course, one of the Caribbean’s top celebrity hotspots). While it’s never been easy to get to, that has been starting to change. First, with the opening of its new airport back in 2017 and then with the new, expanded service on carriers like American Airlines and Air Canada. But perhaps the most important new route to St Vincent began this week, with JetBlue’s first-ever nonstop flights between New York and St Vincent.

The newest Sandals in the Caribbean is on the island of St Vincent. The carrier officially kicked off its new route on Wednesday, with nonstop flights that will be operating two times each week, with service on Wednesdays and Sundays. So what do you need to know about the flight? It takes about five hours, with the flight leaving JFK at 9:29 AM and arriving in St Vincent at 2:19 PM. The return trip leaves St Vincent at 3:54 in the afternoon, and arrives in Queens at 9 PM. What about prices? Right now, a flight in October from New York to St Vincent roundtrip this month starts with prices at $563 round trip. That is in JetBlue’s Blue Basic fare, which comes with restrictions. For a standard blue fare (which includes free seat selection and no change fees, along with a free carry-on, the fare goes up to $623 roundtrip.

A room at the Bequia Beach Hotel, which is reopening on Oct. 16. And if you’re planning a vacation to St Vincent, where do you stay? The biggest question is if you’re staying in St Vincent itself or heading on small carriers like SVG Air to one of the smaller surrounding islands. Since Hurricane Beryl’s passage, a number of these resorts are still shuttered due to damage. That makes choosing your accommodations a little bit harder. If it’s St Vincent, the best place to stay is undoubtedly the new Sandals St Vincent and the Grenadines, the island’s top resort and only all-inclusive, which reopened shortly after the storm. If you’re heading out, Canouan is probably your best bet, thanks to a strong recovery from the storm and the reopening this week of the Mandarin Oriental (and the Soho Beach House, which reopens in the middle of November.) https://www.caribjournal.com/author/alexander-britell/

Mandarin Oriental, Soho Beach House Reopening On Caribbean Island Of Canouan

It was one of the most devastating storms in the Caribbean in recent memory, as powerful as it was swift. Hurricane Beryl blew through the southeastern Caribbean in July, leaving devastation in its wake, particularly on islands like Union Island and Carriacou.

The only Mandarin Oriental in the Caribbean is reopening.
While the recovery of the Grenadine islands is still in process, one bright spot has emerged in the recovery effort: the reopening of three of the area’s top resorts, in an important boost for the local economy and the people who live and work there.

The Canouan Group, which has two resorts on Canouan Island in the heart of the Grenadines, has announced that both of its luxury resorts are reopening in the next month or so.

That includes the Soho Beach House and the Canouan Estate Resort and Villas, both of which are reopening to guests on Oct. 10.

The island’s most notable hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Canouan, will be reopening for operations in mid-November, a spokesperson for the property told Caribbean Journal.

The rebound “highlights Canouan’s resilience and its ongoing commitment to strengthening the island infrastructure against future natural disasters.”

To that end, the company said it would be allocating a portion of all future guest revenues to a new “Canouan Residence Fund,” which will focus on bolstering the island’s defenses for future storms.

The idea, the property told Caribbean Journal, is cultivating “a future that not only meets the demands of our guests but also safeguards our community and the environment.”

Ahead of the reopening of the resorts, “select services” are already open and operating, including restaurants, gyms, tennis courts and the kids club on Canouan.

“The speed of the recovery shows the strength of the infrastructure and the unwavering dedication of all those involved,” said Batu Erem, CEO of the Canouan Group.

Of course, Canouan wasn’t alone. Here’s more if you want to help nearby islands like Union Island (here’s how to help), and Petite Martinique and Carriacou in Grenada.

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/alexander-britell/

Cancun Airport Eliminates The Fee Associated With Multiple Electronics - What Travelers Need To Know

Officials in Cancun, Mexico have done away with a controversial rule that has been plaguing unsuspecting tourists arriving to the popular resort city.

In a video posted to Facebook on Friday, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama announced that tourists passing through Cancun International Airport will no longer be charged a fee for bringing more than one larger electronic device, including laptops and tablets.

The change is effective immediately.

"We managed to eliminate the charge for bringing more than one computer or electronic tablet into your personal luggage, within the #Cancun International Airport, with the support of Mexican Customs," Lezama said on her Facebook page.

"I am here to inform you that as a result of various uncomfortable and inconvenient situations detected at customs in the Cancun International Airport which have affected our destination's image such as not allowing international and domestic tourists, as well as residents, to bring more than one device be it computer, laptop or tablet, we visited the area and reviewed the criteria used to allow tourists through customs and thanks to the support and consideration of the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (National Customs Agency of Mexico), we reviewed the procedure to reactivate the tourists flow through customs and eliminate this criteria."

"We had a roundtable with the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México and as a result of this meeting and thanks to their support, the decision was reached to eliminate the criteria in place. This was an old franchise regulation that no longer aligns with these times of technology, home office, in addition to the key tourism sector who travel to our destination to attend conferences, conventions and professional meetings," added Lezama.

"We are thankful to the authorities for their sensibility and for listening with the goal to adapt to this new era, and beginning today, this charge has been eliminated for both National and International travelers."

Recent reports have been circulating of tourists being charged an average of $190 for traveling with multiple larger electronic devices.

Those unable or unwilling to pay the fee have had items confiscated by customs agents.

Tammy Levent, President of Elite Travel Group, has been vocal about her disconcerting experience with the rule earlier this year and went so far as to set up a time to meet with officials and share her concerns.

She believes her input was instrumental in bringing about these welcome changes for visitors to Cancun.

https://www.travelpulse.com/bio/patrick-clarke

Pandas Arrive In The US. Next Stop Is The National Zoo

The National Zoo’s long dark panda drought is coming to an end.

Eleven months after the zoo sent its three wildly popular pandas — Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their cub Xiao Qi Ji — back to China, a new pair of bears arrived in the United States on Tuesday. They will be transported from Dulles International Airport in suburban Virginia to the zoo.

A pair of three-year old giant pandas, named Bao Li and Qing Bao, have left a research facility in the southwestern Chinese city of Dujiangyan and will soon be flown to Washington, according to a statement by the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

“Food prepared for the trip includes corn bread, bamboo and carrots, as well as water and medicine,” the statement said, adding that the partnership will “make new contributions in protecting global biodiversity and enhance the friendship of the people from the two countries.”

Once the bears arrive in Washington, there will likely be an extended quarantine and acclimation period before they are introduced to the public. On Monday evening, the zoo’s website posted an alert that the entire facility would be closed Tuesday, without giving a reason. The lead article on the site still said the pandas would be coming sometime before the end of the year.

Bao Li (precious vigor) and Qing Bao (green treasure) arrive in Washington as part of a new 10-year agreement with Chinese authorities. The previous deal expired last year, leading to some concern among American panda-lovers that Beijing was gradually pulling its furry friendship ambassadors from American zoos amid rising diplomatic tensions.

Breeding pairs in zoos in Memphis and San Diego had already returned to China earlier and the four pandas in the Atlanta zoo left for China last week.

That anxiety turned to optimism last November when Chinese President Xi Jinping publicly stated a desire to continue the panda exchange programs. This year, a new pair of bears has been delivered to the San Diego Zoo, while another pair has been promised to San Francisco.

In Washington, National Zoo officials remained conspicuously silent about negotiations for a new panda agreement, but they expressed optimism about striking a new deal and launched a multimillion-dollar renovation of its panda enclosure in anticipation. Then in late May, zoo director Brandie Smith teamed up with first lady Jill Biden to announce that Bao Li and Qing Bao would be arriving by the end of this year.

The Chinese announcement said the National Zoo had sent “three experienced keepers and veterinary experts” to China to assist the transport and accompany the bears.

Zoo officials on Monday declined to confirm the Chinese announcement. Zoo spokesperson Jennifer Zoon said in an email, “For the safety of animals and staff, we are not able to confirm any details at this time.” But signs at the zoo and on its social media site have heralded the planned return of the pandas and panda-themed merchandise still dominates the gift shops.

“The giant pandas are an iconic part of the Washington, D.C., story, both for locals and incoming travelers alike,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “The interest and excitement associated with their return directly benefits the entire city, bringing further interest and visitors to our hotels, restaurants and other attractions.”

The exact terms of the deal are still unclear; under previous 10-year agreements the Chinese government receives $1 million per year, per bear. Any cubs born in overseas zoos are typically returned to China before they reach age four.

Pandas have become one of the unofficial symbols of the nation’s capital, dating back to 1972 when the first pair — Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing — were sent as a gift from Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai following President Richard Nixon’s historic diplomatic visit to China. Later, a rolling series of 10-year cooperation agreements was struck.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, credited the decades of cooperation with advancing research into panda preservation and breeding. During the lifespan of these agreements, giant pandas have been reclassified from an endangered species to merely vulnerable.

“The current round of cooperation will focus on prevention and treatment of major diseases, and protection of habitats and wild giant panda populations,” Liu said in an email. “We hope the arrival of the pandas will inject fresh impetus into exchanges between China and the U.S., and help to stabilize the broader bilateral relationship as well.”

By ASHRAF KHALIL and DIDI TANG

United Airlines Is Adding 8 New International Destinations To Its Itinerary For Next Summer

United Airlines is adding eight new international destinations to its itinerary for next summer.

The airline, which said that this is its biggest international expansion ever with more than 760 weekly flights, will also be adding some new routes. Beginning in May, travelers departing from Newark, New Jersey will be able to visit locations including Bilbao, Spain; Faro, Portugal and Palermo, Italy. In June, the airline will start offering flights from Newark to Madeira Island, Portugal and Nuuk, Greenland. Other flights include Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and Washington, D.C. to Dakar starting in May and Tokyo to Kaohsiung, Taiwan beginning in July. New routes to already existing destinations include Washington D.C. to Nice, France; Washington D.C. to Venice, Italy and Tokyo to Narita-Koror, Palau. The airline will also resume service to several destinations earlier in the season, including Newark to Athens, Greece in March and Newark to Dubrovnik, Croatia in May. United said that all new flights are subject to government approval and will be available for sale on its website and app. Last month United announced that it struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years. The airline said that the service will be free to passengers and allow them to connect multiple devices. United said that it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025. By MICHELLE CHAPMAN

Manitoba’s Train Is A Lifeline For Many Towns. Now Tourists Are Also Discovering The Route

The setting sun backlights a pristine panoply of pines of different sizes and species. Far northern Canadian countryside rolls by at a leisurely pace of a train ride, viewed through an upper deck glass-enclosed of a special observation car. Waves of green and brown in slightly varying shades sweep by. There’s no working Wi-Fi to interrupt with emails or social media demanding attention.

Passengers prepare to board a train Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Churchill, Manitoba. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel

It’s mesmerizing and calming. Two or three hours pass peacefully without notice.

Now repeat. Repeat again. And again. Two hours becomes two days.

To get between Churchill, Manitoba, Canada — the polar bear and beluga whale capital of the world and a tourist hot spot for northern adventure tourism — and Winnipeg, Manitoba, there are only two options: A $1,100 one-way plane flight that takes two-and-a-half hours or a scenic 45-hour to 49-hour much cheaper train ride. It’s a $200 train ride like few others from the glass ceiling of the observation car Canada’s VIA railroad bills it as a “scenic adventure.”

Remote town in Canada embraces wildlife tourism

Though it is inaccessible by car, the town of Churchill, Manitoba draws tourists who want to glimpse polar bears and beluga whales.

It starts with a vista of the tree-less but not quite barren tundra, then powers through hours of tall forests. They eventually give way to more manicured cropland with the occasional animal, even a herd of elk. Sunset glimmers off a lake. When night comes it holds the hope of a Northern Lights sighting stretching all around. If there are no glimmering auroras, there’s a special beauty in the pitch black outside with only the lights of the train interrupting.

And it goes on for 1,697 kilometers (1,054 miles). There are 10 listed stops enroute with some only for a few minutes and others a few hours.

Passengers relax inside the skyline car as the sun sets Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, between Churchill and Gilliam, Manitoba. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

It’s Churchill’s connection to the rest of the world

While it’s promoted for tourism, the train is actually a lifeline for the town of Churchill. The community has roads inside town and for a few miles to the outskirts, but no roads go to other cities. So it’s expensive flying or an overnight train ride at a more reasonable price tag.

The semi-weekly trains bring tourists, residents, mail, food, fuel and other necessities.

From May 2017 to October 2018, part of the rail line washed out because of storms and poor maintenance, stranding an entire community.

Night falls as a train travels Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, near The Pas, Manitoba. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

Staples had to be delivered by air and propane fuel was brought in by ship through the Hudson Bay. Prices in town skyrocketed and lawsuits were filed over who was responsible for the repair costs.

“We had no rail service for about 18 months meaning Churchilleans couldn’t go out by rail to visit their families in other parts of Manitoba,” Churchill Mayor Mike Spence said. “It was devastating.”

The town and some First Nations in the area took over the rail line and it’s back to operating. Spence said with the community pouring tens of millions of dollars into repairs the lines should stay open even as the world’s weather gets more extreme.

It’s a very long ride

Sleeper berths are available on the train, along with shower cubicles the size of those in a New York hotel room, but for those traveling more cheaply or booking late, there are standard seats in the cabin. The seats recline — mostly. But it’s not full laying down.

Food is also limited.

There is a small galley below the observation deck. It has some food, heated by a microwave. The train does serve beer, but limited brands. Frequent commuters and those who do their research know to bring their own snacks on board, and make the most of the restaurants at longer stops in towns on route.

Stations along the way vary greatly: In Dauphin, passengers wait outside an historic brick station built in 1912, but in Wabowden, a single yellow sign nailed to a pole near the track that reads “Muster Point” alerts passengers to the stop.

For residents of smaller communities along the route, the train provides the only connection to other parts of Manitoba.

At Thompson, passengers are better connected — and fed

Many ride the train weekly, traveling to and from Thompson. At about 13,600 residents, it’s the biggest community the train stops at, besides Winnipeg, with amenities like big-box stores and restaurants.

Thompson — just under halfway between Churchill and Winnipeg — is where many Churchill residents train journey ends.

Residents said they often keep cars in Thompson, take the train there and then drive to Winnipeg. They can shave 17 hours off the trip that way, they said.

All but two dozen passengers got off at Thompson, the closest bigger community connected to the rest of Manitoba by road.

First Nation communities line the route

After leaving Thompson, the train heads to remote First Nation communities on both sides of the route.

And though the journey distance-wise is short, it takes hours by train, with many passengers passing the time playing cards and chatting with each other in the dining car.

The town of The Pas, one of the longer stop on the route, includes a bar right by the station. But the train’s porter warned passengers off it, saying it was a rather rough establishment. She knew because she has been there.

In Thicket Portage, population around 150, residents gather to meet their rides back to town at the stop, a small wooden shack near the tracks. Here, they unload their luggage and other goods, food, diapers and other staples.

The train also ventured into a different zone in eastern Saskatchewan and the cute downtown of Canora, which strangely wasn’t on the train schedule for stops.

As the train heads further south, the landscape changes, the northern forest giving way to crop fields and livestock as the route approaches Winnipeg in southern Manitoba.

Passengers wait for baggage near signs advertising Churchill, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

And finally, after 49 hours, the train pulls into Winnipeg.

This glimpse into the beautiful monotony of vast stretches of untouched trees and tan tundra is a trip of a lifetime, which — for some passengers at least — seemed to last that long.

By SETH BORENSTEIN and JOSHUA A. BICKEL

Riu Just Relaunched This Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort With Nearly 1,000 Rooms

The new resort has almost 1,000 rooms.

It wasn’t your typical renovation in the Caribbean. All-inclusive brand Riu actually demolished one of its Bavaro Beach-area resorts to pave way for a massive expansion of the one next door.

The result? The new-look, significantly larger all-inclusive Riu Palace Bavaro, which just reopened in the Dominican Republic’s tourism hub of Punta Cana.

The transformed resort on Arena Gorda beach in Punta Cana now has nearly 1,000 rooms, with a shift in focus toward families: that means 255 rooms that are tailor-made for families and larger groups — from extra beds to flexible configurations.

And families are clearly the focus here: with a diverse, layered kids’ club (with different concepts for different age groups); along with a mini splash park, a “pirate ship” and a game park, among other inclusions.

Inside a swim-up room.

On the culinary side, the resort has everything fro a new French bakery to a taco shack.

You also get access to the major water park at the neighboring Riu Republic resort.

Riu also added another nod to an increasingly popular choice for all-inclusive travelers: its Elite Club, which Ofers elevated check-in, extra amenities, exclusive pool access and upgraded drinks dispensers (a Riu signature), along with access to two swim-up bars.

In all, the revamped Punta Cana resort has 108 Elite Club rooms, and they’re worth the splurge. The company says 60 Elite Club rooms have their own private pools, along with amenities like guaranteed late checkout and priority reservations at eateries at the resort.

Riu has been renovating its resorts all across the broader Caribbean-Mexico region in the last several years; the Bavaro overhaul comes after Riu redid its Riu Palace Macao resort in Punta Cana last year, one that similarly included a new Elite Club.

Are you planning a Punta Cana vacation at this newly-upgraded Riu? What about the cost?

The starting rate is for a superior junior suite, which is priced at $1,142.40 for five nights in October.

For a swim-up room in the Elite Club level, it’s about $1,500.80 for five nights in the same time frame.

For more, visit Riu at: https://www.riu.com/en/hotel/dominican-republic/punta-cana/hotel-riu-palace-bavaro/

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/alexander-britell/