Tropical Tidbits Winter 2023-24

by Sue C Travel

Tropical Travel Trends for 2024

As the new year dawns, sun seeking travelers are continuing to demand more from their beach vacations than simply fun in the sand and sea. Wellness trips are topping bucket lists and “purer’ paradises are also in big demand. Studies are showing that today’s traveler is more mindful and eco-conscious, especially when visiting micro-ecosystems where climate change is playing a part. They want to give back, get to know the locals, and spend far more time in nature than in past decades when hedonistic romps in a party prison with a great beach and swim-up bar would do. They are also demanding better quality food and drink in all-inclusive settings, and more culture-centric activities for all ages. Fortunately, many sun destination tourism boards and hotel conglomerates are beginning to listen. It looks like 2024 will be a tough year for sun seekers only because there will be so many more excellent options of destinations, packages, and resorts to choose from.

Costa Rica Rising as Wellness Destination

Wellness travel has never been bigger, and the Blue Zone in Costa Rica’s Nicoya is fast becoming less of an off-radar destination these days for those seeking to totally de-stress in nature… and to live longer! (Costa Rica has one of only five “Blue Zones” in the world- places with the most centenarians!) The peninsula is awash in secluded beaches, charming rural towns, and wellness-centered experiences. Eco-friendly resorts offering yoga and spa retreats with forest bathing, earthing, waterfall hiking, meditation in lush jungles and more, are popping up everywhere there now like Hotel Nantipa in Santa Teresa. And local spas are tapping into Costa Rica’s natural products like volcanic mud, coffee, tropical fruit, and chocolate as ideal elements to enrich treatments. With 29 national parks, 19 wildlife refuges, and eight biological reserves, Costa Rica checks all the boxes if you’re seeking the ultimate “Pura Vida” destination to add to your tropical travel bucket list this year.
Visit: www.visitcostarica.com/en

Historic Nassau Landmark Creatively Reimagined

The legendary “Grand Dame’ of Nassau, the over 100-year-old British Colonial Hotel, has a very storied past. Hosting scandals and intrigue and the secret lives and loves of the rich, famous, and powerful from different epochs, if its walls could talk, the gossip would make a great period movie. And now the old girl has been thoroughly brought back to life to face a modern future as a unique, boutique sun escape with a total renovation top-to-bottom to accommodate today’s discerning traveller. However, great pains were taken to preserve as much original artwork, design, and décor as possible including the eclectic choice of unique room layouts that offer something for every type of guest. Always a centre for gala events, the historic grand ballroom, a supper club, and a cigar bar still reflect the glamorous lifestyle of a bygone era, but now the new restaurants, bars, and luxurious pool and beachfront amenities make it a cosmopolitan sanctuary in the heart of the Bahamas’ most vibrant little city.
Visit: www.britishcolonial.com

Star Clippers Set Sail with New Wave Offers

Famous for their authentic tall sailing vessels for those who prefer to travel the seas in a more eco-friendly and romantic style, Star Clippers is offering more than 90 sailings through October 2025 with all kinds of enticing offers. Enjoy food, beverage, and air credits on many of their exciting itineraries which include sojourns throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Central America. New specials are also available on their popular 14-day transatlantic crossing on the mother ship the majestic Royal Clipper that still holds the Guiness World Record for being the largest and only five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship in service anywhere. All three ships in the fleet have teak decks, swimming pools, fine dining, fun tropical bars and piano lounges, and itineraries include authentic experiences and cultural activities in each of their ports of call. Some itineraries also include pre or post sailing hotel stays as well.
Visit: www.starclippers.com

New Romantic Hideaway Encourages “Kidulting”

There is no dearth of upscale, all-inclusive adult-only romance-centric resorts in Jamaica. But this new one in Montego Bay comes with a twist. Opened November 2023, the 352-room Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, Montego Bay is an Autograph Collection adults-only all-inclusive resort that features 11 bars and 12 restaurants, including the new ceviche-focused Dorado. On site are also two buildings with their exclusive Diamond Club™ room category, which have personal butlers, enhanced amenities, a private lounge, and more perks… but here’s the twist. It’s located directly beside the Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay, their family-friendly all-inclusive, and Hideaway guests have full access to both! That’s where the ‘kidulting’ comes in. It’s a new cultural trend where adults engage in activities typically reserved for children, and experts say it is beneficial to mental health! Adulting can be so overrated, and what self-respecting adult wouldn’t love to romp around a giant pirate- themed waterpark while on holiday without judgment? Here you can partake of the infectious joyful spirit of children at play when you want it but escape their noise when you don’t! It’s win-win!
Visit: www.royaltonresorts.com/resorts/hideaway-blue-waters

Porter Heads to The Sun!

I recently traveled with Porter Airlines for the first time this past holiday season and I found them an absolute pleasure to fly with. And with all the continuous chaos surrounding today’s major league carriers that’s no small thing! I totally appreciate their no middle row design on every plane, and I found the seats to be comfortable with lots of legroom. Free WIFI and quality refreshments- like wine and beer and good snacks like chocolate chip banana bread are always complimentary, and the staff was upbeat and competent from gate to onboard and beyond. Though my inaugural trip with them was short- Montreal to Toronto and back, I see that they are adding many sun destinations to their offerings from Canada. That’s great news. New routes include five major hubs in Florida and three in California, with more planned for the future. And so far, their fares have been competitive, too. I hope they will also be adding Caribbean escapes to their routes soon as an excellent alternative as well.
Visit: www.flyporter.com/en-ca