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Carnival cruises announces two new ships: Seaborn Venture and Seaborn Pursuit

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 28, 2021. Posted in Cruise, Destination news.

September 28, 2021 – Seabourn, the ultra-luxury ocean and expedition cruise line, announced today that it will name its second new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship Seabourn Pursuit, which is reflective of the passion exhibited by expedition travelers to seek out and explore natural wonders and destinations through immersive recreational activities around the world.

Construction for Seabourn Pursuit began in fall 2020 during a ceremony in San Giorgo di Nogare, Italy, and the build process is well underway. The ship is scheduled for delivery in February 2023, with its sister ship, Seabourn Venture, slated for delivery in March 2022.

“The name Seabourn Pursuit is truly fitting for a ship envisioned and designed to take expedition travelers into those places where they can see vast landscapes, diverse wildlife and remote regions of the world that may have been on their bucket list for years,” said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn. “Seabourn Pursuit will navigate the most unexplored parts of the world in the highest level of comfort, safety and environmental protection available for the luxury traveler. We are defining an entirely new category of expedition travel with Seabourn Pursuit and its sister ship, Seabourn Venture.”

After delivery, Seabourn Pursuit heads north for its first season of exploration, with an inaugural “Fire and Ice” voyage scheduled for April 4, 2023, departing roundtrip from Reykjavik, Iceland. The itinerary, which winds its way along the coast of Greenland and Iceland, will be filled with snow swept landscapes – the “Ice” – and a late night in Akureyri, a wonderland that provides access to magnificent waterfalls (Goðafoss), hot springs and the lava fields of Dimmuborgir and Leirhnjukur – the “Fire”.

The ship then continues onward by exploring the waters and landscapes of Greenland, Iceland and Norway throughout the spring and early summer, in some instances retracing the path of the Vikings to the frontier town of Tromsø while carving its way through the inside passage of the Norwegian fjords along the way. A sure highlight for August 2023 is the ship’s Northwest Passage journey through some of the most remote areas in the Northern Hemisphere from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Nome, Alaska. Itineraries for the Seabourn Pursuit inaugural season are set to open for sale in mid-December 2021.

Both Seabourn Pursuit and sister ship Seabourn Venture are designed and built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards and include modern hardware and technology that will extend the ships’ global deployment and capabilities. Each will carry two custom-built submarines, 24 Zodiacs, kayaks, and a 26-person expert expedition team whose role is to engage guests throughout each voyage.

More information about Seabourn expedition itineraries, fares and additional details can be found here. A selection of renderings of the ships and onboard spaces is available to download here.

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury travel. Our all-inclusive, boutique ships offer: all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; and a pedigree in expedition travel borne through the Ventures by Seabourn program. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe travel, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. The line is also the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage.

Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with Helly Hansen and SWAROVSKI OPTIK, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

For more details about the award-winning Seabourn fleet, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, contact a professional travel advisor, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

About Seabourn:
Ultra-luxury Seabourn currently operates a fleet of five modern ships with two under construction and is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, AIDA, P&O Cruises UK, P&O Cruises Australia and fathom. Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK). Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage under a multi-year agreement to help promote sustainable tourism at World Heritage sites around the world.

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Find Seabourn on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.

Notes to Editors:
Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world’s top travel choices by professional critics and the discerning readers of prestigious travel publications such as Departures, Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. Its stylish, distinctive expedition cruising vacations are known for:

·    Purpose-built expedition ships, PC6 ice-strengthened hull, with advanced maneuvering technology for superior stability, safety and comfort
·    World-class Expedition Team, delivering immersive experiences
·    All veranda, all ocean-front suites luxuriously appointed
·    Handcrafted itineraries developed for the expedition traveler to the most coveted and familiar remote destinations in the world
·    Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere
·    Intuitive, personalized service provided by staff passionate about exceeding guests expectations
·    Inclusive expedition experiences with Zodiacs, scuba diving and snorkeling
·    Optional expedition experiences with kayaks and custom-built, 6-guest submarines giving the option to extend your expedition further for greater ocean exploration**
·    Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
·    Open bridge policy*, hosted by members of the Expedition Team providing firsthand access to the ship’s command center and officers navigating your journey
·    World-class dining venues are all complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish
·    Tipping is neither required, nor expected
·    Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times
·    Meticulous and purposeful adventurers’ resort at sea designed for the luxury traveler with unique attributes and spaces to enhance your experience
·    Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program**
·    Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability

*At the Captain’s discretion

** Optional programs, for additional charge

View this release →

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Flights from Brazil to the world – a comprehensive overview

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 28, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

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September 28, 2021 Flights from Brazil to the world – a comprehensive overview:

Azul airlines
operates direct flights from Campinas/SP, to Fort Lauderdale and Lisbon.

Copa Airlines resumed its operations from Panama City to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasília and Porto Alegre. Should resume operating its flights to Recife, Manaus and Salvador this semester.

FlyBondi, Argentina’s low-cost airline, plans to resume flights from Buenos Aires to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as of December 1st.

JetSmart, the Chilean low-cost airline, will resume its flights from Santiago to Iguassu Falls from November 4th.

Sky, another Chilean low-cost company, will resume the route from Santiago to Florianópolis as of December 5th.

Aeromexico operates the route between Mexico City and São Paulo. As of December 15th, it will resume direct flights between São Paulo and Cancun.

Avianca operates routes from Bogotá to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) operates flights from São Paulo to Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

NORTH AMERICA
Delta Airlines flies from São Paulo to Atlanta and plans to resume the following routes on February 18th, 2022: Rio de Janeiro to Atlanta; and from São Paulo to New York.

According to Eastern Airline’s reservation system, it will start the routes from Miami to Belo Horizonte as of November 29th; and from New York to Belo Horizonte, as of November 30th.

Air Canada operates direct flights between Toronto and São Paulo. American Airlines operates flights from São Paulo to Miami, Dallas and New York, and from Miami to Rio de Janeiro.

United operates flights from São Paulo to Houston, New York (Newark) and Chicago.

EUROPE
Lufthansa operates the route between Frankfurt and São Paulo. The company’s reservation system indicates that the route between Frankfurt and Rio de Janeiro will resume from December 10th.

Air France is flying from Paris to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and announced that it will resume the route between Paris and Fortaleza as of October 22nd.

British Airways reservation system indicates that the company intends to resume direct flights from London to São Paulo as of October 31st; and to Rio de Janeiro, from December 10th. Edelweiss’ reservation system indicates that the route between Zurich and Rio de Janeiro will resume as of June 26th, 2022.

TAP operates flights from Lisbon to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Fortaleza, Belo Horizonte, Brasília and Salvador, in addition, from Porto to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Tap will resume flights from Lisbon to Belém and Natal as of October 31st; and to Maceió, from November 1st.
Swiss operates the route between Zurich and São Paulo.

Air Europa operates flights from Madrid to São Paulo.

Iberia operates direct flights from Madrid to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

KLM operates routes from Amsterdam to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Turkish Airlines operates the route between Istanbul and São Paulo.

Norwegian has canceled its route between London and Rio.

MIDDLE EAST, ASIA AND AFRICA
Emirates operates between Dubai and São Paulo.

Ethiopian Airlines operates the route between São Paulo and Addis Ababa.

Qatar Airways operates daily flights between São Paulo and Doha.

South African Airways had already canceled its route between São Paulo and Johannesburg before the pandemic and has no plans to reestablish it.

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Latam flights which resume from October 1st

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 28, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

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September 28, 2021 Latam flights update

Latam operates routes from São Paulo to Santiago, Madrid, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Asunción, Montevideo, Mexico City, Miami, New York, Cancun, Paris and Bogotá.

Newly scheduled Latam flights

Soon LATAM airlines will resume flights from Sao Paulo to Lima from October 1st.
On November 1st, flights to London will restart and on November 2nd flights to Barcelona.

On December 3rd, flights to Milan will start.

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Qatar International Travel and Tourism Exhibition-Qatar Travel Mart 2021, from November 16 to 18

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 27, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events.

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September 27, 2021 – The Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2021 will take place from 16 to 18 November at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

Qatar Tourism is the strategic partner of QTM, while Discover Qatar and Qatar Airways Holidays are the leisure partners and the event will be run by NeXTfairs. Co-founder and general manager Rawad Sleem said that it will attract wide international participation from countries including Italy, Cyprus, the Maldives, Azerbaijan, Rwanda and the Dominican Republic, all seeking to enhance their presence in the Qatari market.

According to Sleem, the participation of both local and international companies reflects confidence in the Qatari market. Moreover, it confirms the start of the recovery phase of the tourism and hospitality sector, with the FiFA World Cup 2022 tournament fast approaching.

As many as 75 local and international companies will be in attendance, covering various sectors, including airlines, hotels and resorts, tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), cruise lines, transportation and travel technology companies.

The travel conference will provide insights into the future of tourism while showcasing the most sought-after travel destinations, real estate development projects and the

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10 HOT NEW RESTAURANTS OPENING IN DUBAI IN 2021

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 27, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Restaurant.

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September 27, 2021 Dubai’s culinary scene is heating up with a slew of new arrivals this year. From big-hitting culinary stars to homegrown concepts taking the city’s dining scene to new heights, these are the new Dubai restaurants to know about in 2021.

Opening October: Caviar Kaspia

Opening October: February30

Opening October: ULA

Opening October: Chic Nonna

Opening October: L’Amo Bistro Del Mare

Opening October: URLA

Opening November: SUSHISAMBA

Opening November: Josette

Opening November: Sucre

Opening TBC: Mayabay

To find out more please check out the by Alice Holtham of Conde Naste

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KLM to serve more US destinations this winter

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 27, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

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September 27, 2021 Thanks to the recent easing of travel restrictions, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be allowed to operate additional services to destinations in the United States this winter. The US recently announced that, from the start of November, vaccinated travellers from the EU and UK would be granted access to the US. The Dutch government also decided to withdraw previously announced quarantine regulations for vaccinated travellers from the United States. Earlier, KLM had been forced to cancel flights due to these regulations.

The easing of restrictions prompted KLM’s decision to resume service to Las Vegas and Miami from 7 December. Passengers to these destinations, who were previously rebooked, can contact KLM for a free rebooking to these direct flights.

KLM previously announced that it would expand its winter schedule with services to four new destinations: Cancun (Mexico), Port of Spain (Trinidad & Tobago), Bridgetown (Barbados) and Mombasa (Kenya).

Network strategy
Restoring a global network of destinations is the focal point of KLM’s strategy to emerge from the coronavirus crisis as a stronger and more competitive airline. From the start of the coronavirus pandemic, KLM has maintained as much of its network as possible. This ensured that passengers could continue to make (essential) trips and that cargo, including medical goods and vaccines, could be transported. This strategy was of great benefit to KLM during the pandemic and now makes it easier to scale up operations. KLM will continue to insist on greater consistency in policy on travel restrictions.

Flight schedules
KLM’s flight schedules to Miami and Las Vegas from 6 December 2021 will be as follows:

Miami

Flight number	From/to	Days of the week	Departure	Arrival
KL0627	Amsterdam – Miami	Tues./Fri./Sun.	10:20	14:20
KL0628	Miami – Amsterdam	Tues./Fri./Sun.	16:30	06:50*

*arrival the next day

Las Vegas

Flight number	From/to	Days of the week	Departure	Arrival
KL0635	Amsterdam – Las Vegas	Tues./Thurs./Sun.	12:35	14:10
KL0636	Las Vegas – Amsterdam	Tues./Thurs./Sun.	15:59	10:50*

*arrival the next day

KLM offers excellent hygiene, flexible booking, high customer ratings
KLM flies passengers to their destination with all due care and caution. KLM has adopted the very highest hygiene standards, before, during and after the flight, earning Diamond Status from the APEX research institute. This makes KLM an industry trend-setter in terms of hygiene and health safety. Moreover, KLM offers customers maximum flexibility when it comes to booking, rebooking or cancelling their trip. KLM also earned the maximum five-star score from APEX, based on passenger scores for our service and product.

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AC Hotels by Marriott® Debuts in the Dominican Republic with the Opening of AC Punta Cana

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 27, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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September 27, 2021 – AC Hotels by Marriott^®, the design-led lifestyle brand part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, announces the opening of the 129-room AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana. With open and multifunctional public spaces, guests are invited to experience a hotel in the center of one of the most important tourist and corporate destinations in the Caribbean.

“With a picture-perfect location, the first AC Hotel in the Dominican Republic offers visitors elegant and purposefully designed spaces, modern rooms and a refined culinary experience,” said Jeff Tomczek, Vice President & Global Brand Leader, Distinctive Select Brands. “We’ve created an ideal environment to become a benchmark in hospitality for Punta Cana and throughout the country, which will allow discerning travelers to live life by design with everything they need and nothing they don’t.”

The culture and rich history of the Dominican Republic served as inspiration for the hotel, defining it as a relaxed, upscale option in the city. The hotel’s design features subtle nods to Caribbean nature and culture, including coffee accessories, local crafts, ceramics, and ornaments. In addition, the hotel’s dedication to the creative community will be reflected in its programming with local artists of various genres showcasing the beauty of the destination with their interpretations.

Located just 15 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the San Juan Shopping Center, the new hotel embodies the AC Hotels brand ethos to curate an effortless experience that offers only the best of what guests truly need with no unwanted extras, focusing on the increasingly growing trend of “bleisure travel.”

The brand’s signature offerings include the Spanish-inspired AC Kitchen, open for breakfast, dinner and brunch on weekends. Guests are welcomed into a sophisticated atmosphere with contemporary design featuring natural tones, richly textured finishes and carefully selected pieces. The signature AC Lounge^® offers expertly made cocktails including a locally inspired gin tonic, local craft beers, and an elevated wine program. Tapas-style small bites complete the food menu in a comfortable and elegant atmosphere.

Guest can savor their refreshments outdoors on the terrace featuring an infinity pool with a children’s area for family gatherings, outfitted with cabanas and lounge chairs. The terrace offers a selection of food, drink and entertainment from sunrise to sunset for hotel guests and will offer a weekly schedule that includes music and social events.

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MIAMI GP: Everything you need to know about F1’s newest race – including how the track was designed

May 2022 date confirmed for Miami Grand Prix

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 24, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, Sports.

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September 24, 2021 – The dates for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix have been announced, with the race set to take place on May 6-8, 2022

With racing due to arrive at the newly-christened 5.41km Miami International Autodrome, the Miami Grand Prix will see Formula 1 race in the state of Florida for the first time since 1959, as the drivers prepare to do battle around the thrilling new track set within the city’s Hard Rock Stadium campus next May.

“We’ve worked hard to create a track with great racing and a venue with unparalleled fan experiences,” said Tom Garfinkel, the Miami Grand Prix’ Managing Partner. “There has been tremendous enthusiasm and anticipation for this event, and we’re happy to be able to announce the date so that people can start planning for it.”

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Mauritius opens on 1 October, vaccinated guests can fully explore the island and choose where to stay.

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 24, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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September 24, 2021 – The Indian Ocean country of Mauritius continues with its proactive and transparent response to the global COVID crisis, as it prepares to complete the reopening of its borders to fully vaccinated visitors, but in a safe and secure manner, on the 1st of October 2021.

The nation has one of the highest fully vaccinated rates in Africa, currently standing at over 60 percent of the overall population (82 percent of the local adult population). The vaccination campaign is ongoing, and the rollout will also include those below 18 years old as from the end of September 2021.

The nation’s modern health service has coped well throughout the pandemic, implementing strong protocols. The country’s successful vaccination programme and overall health management resulted in very low hospitalisation numbers – an average of just over 3% hospitalized patients over the last 28 days, most of whom being in health facilities because of associated comorbidities rather than COVID-19 suggestive symptoms. It is to be noted that the infection rate is being closely managed and that the recent spike has been decreasing steadily over the last 2 weeks.

“We adopted a health-first approach with strict protocols to protect the population, from the beginning of the pandemic. Our public health services continue to operate to their normal capacity, with protocols being updated when relevant. Dedicated ICU facilities for COVID-19 patients have been set-up at the onset of the pandemic, and have been strengthened according to the Ministry’s preparedness plan worked out in collaboration with the World Health Organisation”, explained Dr K. Jagutpal, Minister of Health and Wellness. “We instituted airport screening and the quarantining of travelers since 2020. Our vaccination rollout has been systematic, and we have already exceeded our target of fully vaccinated adults well ahead of the complete reopening of our borders to vaccinated travelers on the 1st of October”, added Minister Jagutpal.

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Portugal’s Second Hilton Hotels & Resorts Hotel Opens Amongst Historic Port Cellars in the Porto District

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 24, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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September 24, 2021 – Hilton Porto Gaia occupies a renovated former port warehouse in Vila Nova de Gaia.

VILA NOVA DE GAIA, Portugal – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today celebrates the opening of Hilton Porto Gaia, located in Vila Nova de Gaia. The 194-room former port warehouse is the latest addition to the internationally renowned Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio, and opens following a franchise agreement with Sabersal — Promoção Turística e Imobiliária, S.A.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we open the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in northern Portugal,” says Mónica Gonçalves, general manager of Hilton Porto Gaia. “This hotel is a highly anticipated new offering for the Portuguese market, and we are excited to welcome guests to this beautiful property which is steeped in history as a former port warehouse. Whether visiting Porto for leisure or for business, Hilton Porto Gaia will provide the perfect base for travelers, and the strength of the Hilton brand will be an enormous asset as we welcome guests from all over the world to the Porto-Gaia hub.”

“In partnership with Sabersal — Promoção Turística e Imobiliária, S.A., we are thrilled to open Hilton Porto Gaia, our second Portuguese property under our flagship Hilton Hotels and Resorts brand,” David Kelly, senior vice president, Continental Europe, Hilton, said. “Though modern in style, the former port warehouse still retains the original shape in keeping with the area’s architecture, connecting guests to the history and culture of Vila Nova de Gaia through its unique design elements and locally inspired drinking and dining options. This opening solidifies our commitment to Portugal, Hilton Porto Gaia being the first in a series of new openings that will see Hilton’s portfolio more than double in the coming years.”

A 40 million Euro project development project preserved the property’s classic shape and structure, whilst substantial refurbishments took place influenced by the building’s unique character. Drawing on Porto-Gaia’s rich heritage, the hotel’s interior has been styled by the award-winning Portuguese designer Nini de Andrade Silva to offer contemporary comfort and sophisticated design throughout the eight floors and 32,000-square-meter space. The hotel’s rooms have also been designed with the building’s history in mind, and many offer excellent views of the Douro River and the historic centre of Porto-Gaia.

With a range of drinking and dining options, guests can enjoy the hotel’s two bars and restaurant, the latter of which is headed by celebrated chef Hugo Portela. Portela takes his inspiration from authentic local cuisine, interpreted with a modern and contemporary twist using locally sourced ingredients. The building’s two bars are an extension of this concept, with areas dedicated to artisan coffee prepared by specialist baristas and to the art of mixology, with signature cocktails that can be enjoyed with a panoramic view over the banks of the Douro River.

The hotel’s wellness centre, spread over 1,100 square meters, emphasises ‘slow beauty’, a holistic approach to the body, mind, and spirit. Guests can relax in dedicated rest areas and take advantage of the heated indoor pool, which references the building’s port wine history with its garnet-toned design. The space also hosts a dynamic fitness centre, with a fully equipped gym open to the public, and a stylish studio ideal for the practice of yoga, pilates and clinical pilates.

Hilton Porto Gaia offers more than 2,200 square meters of dedicated conference, event and meeting rooms. The extensive meeting space features a magnificent ballroom that can host up to 600 people and an impressive auditorium, which comfortably accommodates 350 attendees and is equipped with the latest technology, including a lift stage.

The hotel is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty programme for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app.

Hilton Porto Gaia Hotel is located at number 124 on Rua Serpa Pinto, in Vila Nova de Gaia. For more information and reservations, travelers may visit the official website or call +351 22 244 9200. The property is owned by Sabersal — Promoção Turística e Imobiliária, S.A. Hilton Porto Gaia joins more than 120 Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in Europe, including the recently opened Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa.

Nightly room rates start from €116 or Hilton Honors members can redeem Points using the Points Explorer tool.

About Hilton Porto Gaia

Hilton Porto Gaia is located at Rua de Serpa Pinto, 124, Vila Nova de Gaia. It has a capacity of 194 rooms and suites and offers a range of complementary services including:

a Restaurant, a Cocktail bar, a Panoramic bar, a SPA & Fitness Centre with a gym, pilates and yoga studio, multiple event venues, an Auditorium, and a spacious Ballroom with a capacity of approximately 600 people. The project is the result of a franchising agreement with Sabersal – Promoção Turística e Imobiliária, S.A. and will be the second location in Portugal under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand (the first was the Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa).

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

For over a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the world, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests’ evolving needs. With more than 575 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties are located in the world’s most sought-after destinations for guests who know that where they stay matters. Experience a positive stay at Hilton Hotels & Resorts by booking at hiltonhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about the brand at newsroom.hilton.com/hhr, and follow Hilton Hotels & Resorts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Qatar Airways Announces the Launch of Flights to Almaty in Kazakhstan

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 24, 2021. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

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September 24, 2021 Double weekly service to Almaty beginning from 19 November 2021

New service will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A320 and will offer seamless connectivity via the Best Airport in the World to many destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and North America

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways is pleased to announce that it will launch scheduled passenger services to Almaty, Kazakhstan starting from 19 November 2021. The new service will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy Class.

This service will enable passengers flying to and from Almaty to enjoy seamless connectivity to over 140 destinations, via the World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport in Doha, the State of Qatar.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are proud to bring our award-winning services to Kazakhstan, adding this unique destination to our growing network. This new service reinforces the warm relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Kazakhstan, and reaffirms our commitment to further developing trade and tourism between our two great countries.”

Kazakhstan is the economic powerhouse of the Central Asia region. It is an adventurer’s paradise, with landscapes varying from snow-capped mountains to expansive deserts, rocky canyons, coniferous forests, and untouched river deltas. Visitors can also admire historical landmarks including the bright-yellow towers of the famous Zenkov Cathedral in Almaty.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 140 destinations. Qatar Airways also features flexible booking policies that offer unlimited changes in travel dates and destinations, and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued for travel completed by 31 May 2022.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ in the latest World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. The airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), was recently recognised as the ‘Best Airport in the World 2021’, by the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2021.

In addition to this, Qatar Airways has become the first global airline to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by Skytrax. This follows the success of Hamad International Airport (HIA) as the first airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating. These awards provide assurance to passengers across the world that the airline’s health and safety standards are subject to the highest possible standards of professional, independent scrutiny and assessment. For full details of all the measures that have been implemented on board and at HIA, please visit qatarairways.com/safety.

Flight Schedule to Almaty from 19 November 2021:

Friday and Monday (all times local)

Doha (DOH) to Almaty (ALA) QR 391 departs: 01:15 arrives: 08:35

Almaty (ALA) to Doha (DOH) QR 392 departs: 21:40 arrives: 23:55

Visit our homepage www.qatarairways.com or our sites on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Mandarin Oriental debuts MO lounge

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 24, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel, Restaurant.

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September 24, 2021 – Mandarin Oriental, New York Debuts ‘MO Lounge’ and Culinary Enhancements Lead by New F&B Director and Executive Chef Toni Robertson

Mandarin Oriental, New York unveils new dining experience, MO Lounge, and announces the appointment of Chef Toni Robertson as F&B Director and Executive Chef. Located on the hotel’s 35th floor and adjacent to the Sky Lobby, MO Lounge offers an all-day menu of elevated comfort food and well-crafted cocktails while providing spectacular views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

MO Lounge

Designed by Chef Toni Robertson, the menu at MO Lounge features the finest locally sourced and sustainable ingredients in popular, approachable dishes, while, in a nod to Mandarin Oriental’s storied heritage, incorporating Asian flavors. Standouts include the Mushroom Char-Siu featuring oyster mushrooms with Chinese BBQ sauce, pickled radish, and whipped almond cream; Wonton Noodle Soup with chicken and shrimp wonton, char siu pork, poached eggs, shitake mushroom, and bok choy; and NY Steak Bites with black garlic truffle butter.

House cocktails include the M.O. Fashioned, MO Lounge’s take on an Old Fashioned with lapsang souchong infused knob creek, angostura, and orange zest; the Malabi, made with vodka, amaretto, skim milk, and pistachios; and the Lunar Eclipse, crafted with a turmeric-infused stoli, carrot juice, lemon juice, and honey. Guests can also choose from a premium list of champagne and wines by the glass, local craft beers, craft soft and homemade iced drinks, as well as freshly-squeezed juices and smoothies for breakfast.

MO Lounge is open daily from 7:00am to 11:00pm, Sunday through Wednesday, and 7:00am to 12:00am, Thursday through Saturday. Reservations can be made online via www.mandarinoriental.com/new-york/fine-dining or by contacting Mandarin Oriental, New York at +1 (212) 805-8800.

About Chef Toni Robertson

MO Lounge, as with the property’s entire F&B operations, is overseen by Chef Toni Robertson who rejoins the hotel after seven years away. Chef Robertson was part of the original Mandarin Oriental, New York team, acting as Executive Chef when the hotel opened in 2004. A year later, she transferred to Mandarin Oriental, Singapore to act as the property’s Executive Chef through 2017.

Chef Robertson formally trained at The Culinary and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, graduating first in her class. Her career was followed by over 30 years of international experience as a professional chef where she traveled the globe to lead culinary operations at luxury properties in Chicago, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco to Hawaii, South Africa, and Singapore.

“We are extremely delighted to welcome back Chef Toni Robertson,” says Susanne Hatje, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, New York. “Her impressive culinary experience and expertise, together with the opening of MO Lounge, creates an exciting new direction to our culinary offering.”

Cocktail Masterclass

For a limited time, guests have an opportunity to learn the art of mixology directly from Chef herself. Offered exclusively though Mandarin Oriental’s Fans of M.O. member benefits, the Cocktail Masterclass is offered on select Sundays through early December (October 3, November 7, and December 5). Fans of M.O. members and up to five guests can book the 45-minute class and learn how to create high-design specialty cocktails. Reservations can be made online via www.mandarinoriental.com/fans-of-mo/members-only#member-experiences at USD 75+ per guest, inclusive of cocktails and snacks.

In addition to accessing exclusive member experiences, Fans of M.O. members can enjoy benefits such as early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary room upgrade, and more.

Reservations can be made at mandarinoriental.com/new-york or by calling Mandarin Oriental, New York at 212-805-8800.

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Pan Pacific Hotels Group Expands Global Footprint Across 10 Key Gateway Cities In Prime Locations

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 23, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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September 23, 2021 – Pan Pacific Hotels Group continues to grow its global pipeline with 13 new properties across 10 key gateway cities by 2024. More than 3,300 rooms will be added to the Group’s inventory, bringing its portfolio to 48 hotels, resorts, and serviced suites across 29 cities. Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s parent UOL Group Limited is one of Asia’s most established hotel and property companies.

This move sees the Group establish its presence in key gateway cities, including London, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Dalian, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap.

This expansion started from the recent openings of PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne in April and Pan Pacific London on 1 September, which will be followed by 13 other properties in the coming three years.

“We recognise that the world is saddled with the crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, in the long run, businesses and economies will be reignited through various measures. Travel for leisure and business will have to resume. The hospitality industry will recover. We are fortunate to be able to tap into UOL’s development and design capabilities and are planting our seeds for the future through strategic footprints in key gateway cities, with the view that when the skies reopen, we will be well-placed in strategic locations to take advantage of returning demand,” said Mr. Choe Peng Sum, Chief Executive Officer, Pan Pacific Hotels Group.

Freshly unveiled on 1 September is Pan Pacific London, Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s flagship hotel in Britain. With 237 keys, the mixed-use development is the pride of a dream design team: it is designed by London-based and award-winning firm PLP Architectures, with the hotel interiors helmed by Yabu Pushelberg, and Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio for its destination bar in Devonshire Row. One Bishopsgate Plaza is owned and developed by UOL

Owing to this visionary architecture, Pan Pacific London has already been awarded the “5 Star Winner for Best Hotel Construction and Design UK”, “Best Hotel Architecture London” and “Best Mixed-Use Architecture London” at the International Property Awards (UK).

Pan Pacific London is centrally seated at One Bishopsgate Plaza, a two-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station. This strategic location secures not only convenience and connectivity to the rest of London, but it also affords guests amazing views of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as the River Thames, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, The Gherkin, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf.

#	Property	Opening
	Australia
1	PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne	Opened in 12 April 2021
	Cambodia
2	Pan Pacific Phnom Penh	Q4 2023
3	PARKROYAL Siem Reap	Q4 2023
	China
4	PARKROYAL Dalian	Q4 2022
	Indonesia
5	Pan Pacific Jakarta	Oct 2023
6	PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta	Dec 2022
7	PARKROYAL Jakarta	June 2024
	Malaysia
8	Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur	July 2022
9	PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur	June 2022
10	PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort	July 2022
11	PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort	May 2022
	Singapore
12	Pan Pacific Orchard	Q4 2022
	Thailand
13	PARKROYAL Suites Bangkok	May 2022
	United Kingdom
14	Pan Pacific London	Opened in September 2021
	Vietnam
15	PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Hanoi	March 2022

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Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun Celebrates Official Opening

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 23, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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September 23, 2021 – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) and Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA) today announced the opening of Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun, an all-inclusive family-friendly resort. Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is the newest addition to the award-winning Hyatt Ziva portfolio, growing its footprint of effortless, all-inclusive experiences in Mexico. Playa Hotels & Resorts will operate the new resort to deliver a new level of sophistication and service from the heart to the destination’s all-inclusive market.

Situated near the world-famous Cancun Hotel Zone, the 438-room Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun resort is nestled between the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea and the lagoon of Bahia Petempich. The new resort invites guests of all ages to connect with one another and ignite their senses with dramatic ambiance, vibrant cuisine, local culture, and state-of-the-art amenities amid an elevated resort atmosphere.

“We’re thrilled that Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is welcoming guests and World of Hyatt members to experience the Hyatt Ziva brand in Mexico, a key leisure destination this year,” said Frank Lavey, Senior Vice President of Global Operations, Hyatt. “This addition to the Hyatt Ziva portfolio offers a sophisticated, multi-generational stay in the exciting Riviera Cancun region.”

“With elevated amenities along with Playa’s award-winning Service from the Heart and an extraordinary destination, Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun represents the very best in all-inclusive luxury,” said Fernando Mulet, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Playa Hotels & Resorts. “Since partnering with Hyatt less than a decade ago, the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva and adults-only Hyatt Zilara brands have become the premier all-inclusive experiences throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. We look forward to expanding our footprint together with Hyatt and our investment partners.”

Surrounded by lush jungle and sparkling waters, Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun guests can uncover a true vacation paradise.

Unique room accommodations: The resort boasts luxurious and spacious suites with private balconies featuring stunning ocean views and special touches, including spa-like bathrooms with rainfall showers, hot tubs, turndown service, high-tech entertainment and complimentary minibars.
Expansive food and beverage offerings: Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun offers a variety of amenities including 17 globally inspired and locally authentic restaurants, bars, and lounges.
Water fun for everyone: Enjoy nine swimming pools including an ocean-view pool and a sprawling water park with tall slides and a kid’s pool.
Wellbeing experiences: The resort also features a fitness center with state-of-the-art amenities, and a two-story Zen Spa inspired by pre-Hispanic Mayan culture with 13 indoor and eight outdoor treatment rooms designed to reflect the breathtaking, natural scenery.

With more than 51,000 square feet of meeting and event space, modern accommodations, a multitude of gourmet dining options and superior conference facilities, Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is the ideal beachfront setting for weddings, anniversary celebrations, and corporate meetings. The property offers ease and convenience with state-of-the-art technology services and event planning staff to support all meetings and conference needs.

Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is located at Bahia de Petempich SM 12 MZ 31 Lote14-02 Puerto Morelos, 77580 Q.R., Mexico.

For more information or to book a stay, please visit https://www.resortsbyhyatt.com/ziva-riviera-cancun.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

For further information:

About Hyatt Ziva

Hyatt Ziva premium all-inclusive resorts capture the delightful and vibrant experiences families seeking quality time with their loved ones need. Guests can make unforgettable family memories through effortless, on-site activities, a wide variety of culinary offerings reflecting local and global cuisines, and service from the heart designed to cater to multiple generations. For more information on Hyatt Ziva all-inclusive resorts or to make a reservation, visit allinclusive.hyatt.com, call +1-800-760 0944 or contact a preferred travel agent. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattAllIn.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company offering 20 premier brands. As of June 30, 2021, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,000 hotel and all-inclusive properties in 68 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top employees, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries operate, manage, franchise, own, lease, develop, license, or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, and vacation ownership properties, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt™, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, JdV by Hyatt™, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, tommie™, UrCove, and Hyatt Residence Club® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

About Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V.

Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. is a leading owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive resorts in prime beachfront locations in popular vacation destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Playa owns and/or manages a total portfolio consisting of 22 resorts (8,366 rooms) located in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Playa leverages years of all-inclusive resort operating expertise and relationships with globally recognized hospitality brands to provide a best in class experience and exceptional value to our guests, while building a direct relationship to improve customer acquisition cost and drive repeat business. Playa owns and manages 15 resorts (6,004 rooms) located throughout Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Playa also owns two resorts in the Dominican Republic that are managed by a third party and manages five resorts on behalf of third-party owners. For more information, please visit www.playaresorts.com.

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Australia plans to open its international border by Christmas

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 23, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Travel Advice.

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September 23, 2021 –

Australia plans to open its international border by Christmas at the latest, unwinding one of the world’s strictest controls on overseas travel since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Australians will be able to travel abroad, with no restrictions on the destination, once the vaccination rate in their respective home state hits 80 per cent, Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said at a National Press Club of Australia event on Wednesday (Sept 22).

Australia’s borders have been mostly shut to non-citizens and non-residents since March last year.

“People will be able to freely travel outside Australia with no restrictions” under the national plan governing the country’s emergence from Covid-19, Mr Tehan said. Australians would still be subject to rules governing the countries they visit.

The government is exploring opening travel bubbles with several countries to reduce quarantine time, and hopes home quarantine will be operational before Christmas, Mr Tehan said.

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Finnair and Turkish Airlines launch code shares, enabling more choice for travellers

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 23, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

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September 23, 2021 – Finnair and Turkish Airlines today announced a codeshare agreement that brings more choice to the airline’s customers. Starting September 29, the Finnair AY code will be added to Turkish Airlines route between Helsinki and Istanbul, and from Istanbul to Athens, Sofia, Thessaloniki, Amman, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor, Antalya and Gazipasa. Respectively, the Turkish Airlines TK code will be added to the following routes from Finnair’s Helsinki hub: Kuopio, Vaasa, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Reykjavik, Tallinn, Tartu, Riga, Vilnius, Antalya and Gazipasa.

“We are happy to be able to offer more options to our customers, as travel now starts to recover and our customers are again able to fulfil their travel dreams”, says Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer, Finnair. “We also welcome Turkish Airlines’ customers to explore the beautiful Nordics through our extensive network of connections from Helsinki.”

“We are glad to expand our current interline cooperation in terms of this codeshare agreement with Finnair. With the introduction of joint flights on several destinations in Finland, Turkey and Baltics, Iceland, South Europe, North Africa and Middle East, passengers would enjoy more travel alternatives through the combined flights”, said Ahmet Bolat PhD., Turkish Airlines’ Chief Investment & Technology Officer.

Turkish Airlines flies to more countries and international destinations than any other airline in the world, and currently operates to more than 300 international passenger and cargo destinations in total, in 127 countries.

Further information:
Finnair Media Desk, +358 9 818 4020, comms(a)finnair.com
www.finnair.com, www.company.finnair.com
www.twitter.com/Finnair
www.facebook.com/finnair
www.instagram.com/feelfinnair
www.youtube.com/finnair
Images: gallery.finnair.com
Finnair blog: www.bluewings.finnair.com

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Argentina Reopens borders! A big step towards a return to life

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 22, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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September 22, 2021 –

From October 1st, Argentina will reopen its borders with neighboring countries without the need for quarantine, and from November 1st will reopen for countries around the world. Land borders

📌 The mandatory use of a mask in the open air is lifted when we are circulating individually, bubble in all cases when there is NO agglomeration of people. It continues to be mandatory in closed places (classroom, cinema, theater, work environments, public transport, shows, and mass events) and outdoors when there are crowds of people.

📌September 24th: elimination of isolation for Argentines, residents, and foreigners who come for work and are authorized by the immigration authority.

📌 October 1st: authorization of entry of foreigners from neighboring countries without isolation. Opening of land borders at the request of governors (with safe corridors approved by the health authority with a quota defined by the capacity of each jurisdiction).

📌 Between October 1st and November 1st increase in the progressive entry quota in all safe corridors, airports, ports, and land
November 1st, all foreigners are allowed to enter.

The following will be requested to enter the country:
-Complete vaccination schedule, with the last application date at least 14 days before arrival in the country.
-Negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to shipment, or antigen at the point of entry until defined by the health authority.
-CRP test from day 5 to 7 of arrival until defined by the health authority
Those people who do not present a complete vaccination schedule, including minors, must perform quarantine, antigen test upon admission, and PCR test on day 7.
At the time of reaching 50% of the completely vaccinated population: the antigen test will not be carried out on admission (except those not vaccinated) and PCR on day 5-7 and the quota may be lifted.

Now, don’t hesitate in contacting me for further information. This is as fresh as a piece of bread coming out of the oven, but it’s a kickoff point I could wait for any longer to share!

With Passion we will rebuild our industry, altogether giving the best we can, we want to see our guides on the road, our entertainers performing, our staff back working.

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Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Touring Club Milan opens its doors in the heart of Milan

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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September 21, 2021 – Set in an iconic building at the heart of Italy’s fashion, design and business capital close to the Duomo, Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Touring Club Milan is now open after an extensive renovation by Studio Marco Piva, while still preserving the building’s historical significance and its unique identity.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Touring Club Milan is the first property of the Group’s Radisson Collection brand in Milan, a collection of iconic properties in unique locations with immediate access to the local culture offering a premium lifestyle level of service and quality. While the character of each Radisson Collection hotel feels authentic to its location, each Radisson Collection offers the ultimate template for contemporary living – united by bespoke design and exceptional experiences across dining, fitness, wellness and sustainability, in properties of architectural excellence with extraordinary character.

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