Japan Airlines dumps the phrase ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’ from announcements
Japan Airlines has announced that, as of October 1, it will discontinue addressing its passengers as “ladies and gentlemen” during in-flight announcements made in English.
The idea is to move toward using more gender-neutral language, which The New York Times called a, “symbolic step toward inclusivity in a country where activists have long fought to change entrenched gender traditions.” The shift aligns with a movement in recent years among worldwide airlines, trains, subways, etc. toward phasing out gender-specific phrases.
Mark Morimoto, a Japan Airlines spokesman, confirmed that greetings and announcements made in English, both within plane cabins and at the airport, would incorporate such gender-neutral language as “all passengers” or “everyone”. Announcements made in Japanese will remain unchanged, since gender-specific greetings are not used to begin with.
The announcement arrives amid increasing pushback from gender-equality and LGBT+ rights advocates against Japan’s rigid societal strictures and its overall conservativism. The Japanese government still outlaws same-sex marriage, despite soaring public support, and being openly gay remains mostly taboo.
“We aspire to be a company where we can create a positive atmosphere and treat everyone, including our customers, with respect,” Morimoto told Reuters. “We have committed to not discriminate based on gender, age, nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or other personal attributes.”
Japan Airlines isn’t alone in its decision to cut the phrase “ladies and gentlemen” from its announcements. Air Canada and European low-cost carrier EasyJet took the same stance just last year.
JetBlue Celebrating Holiday Season Early With Limited-Time Savings
JetBlue is kicking off the holiday season early this year, offering travelers $50 off holiday flights and $300 off of flight and hotel packages booked through JetBlue Vacations.
The carrier launched its “Be an Early Holiday-er” initiative on Tuesday, rolling out digital and in-airport experiences in addition to limited-time savings. Be an Early Holiday-er is the first program to launch as part of JetBlue’s newest brand platform “We’ve Got a Plane for That.”
Now through Wednesday, September 30, customers can receive $50 off per person on holiday flights or $300 off per flight and hotel package booked for travel from November 19, 2020 through January 5, 2021 using the code “HOLIDAYS” on the JetBlue and JetBlue Vacations websites.
Meanwhile, travelers passing through Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport will notice a number of festive touchpoints such as seasonal decorations and holiday music.
“These days, we’re all yearning for a bit of joy and are eager to reconnect with loved ones, and the holiday season is one of the most cherished times to do so,” JetBlue’s vice president of marketing Elizabeth Windram said in a statement.
“Holiday travel is incredibly important to our customers, and it’s equally important to us. Whatever customers are looking forward to this holiday season—a vacation, celebrating annual traditions, or reconnecting with family and friends, we’ve got a plane for that. ‘Be an Early Holiday-er,’ along with our industry-leading safety standards, is our way of giving our customers the confidence they need to go home, or someplace else, for the holidays.”
In addition to enhanced health and safety measures, JetBlue customers can look forward to waived change and cancel fees for all fares on new bookings made through February 28, 2021 for travel on any date.
Tampa Airport US’ First to Pilot COVID-19 Testing for All Passengers
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the site of a new pilot program—reportedly, the nation’s first—to offer COVID-19 testing to any and all passengers. Throughout October, any passenger departing from or arriving at TPA, can obtain an onsite PCR (nasal swab) test for $125 or a rapid antigen test at a cost of $57.
The testing option is open to all ticketed passengers who are flying within the next three days or who flew within the previous three days and can provide proof of travel. Interested travelers are eligible for testing, regardless of which airline they’re flying, their gate location or their destination, USA Today reported.
According to today’s TPA press release, travelers bound for destinations requiring negative PCR test results for entry, or those hoping to bypass quarantine or other restrictions upon arrival, are advised to get testing three days prior to departure and can expect their results to arrive within 48 hours.
While PCR tests are the more accurate of the two FDA-approved test types and more widely accepted internationally, rapid antigen tests produce results within just 15 minutes. The antigen tests are optimal for travelers seeking same-day reassurance that they’re free from infection but have been shown to carry a higher likelihood of producing false negatives and are most accurate when taken within five days of the onset of symptoms.
The airport testing site, operated by BayCare Health System, is located inside the Main Terminal near the Airside F shuttle. Testing services will be offered on a walk-in basis seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
“As a gateway to the West Coast of Florida with a growing market for international travel, Tampa International Airport has a responsibility to explore safe, rapid and affordable ways to keep our travelers, their destinations and our community as safe and healthy as possible,” said TPA CEO Joe Lopano. “We’re thankful to our partners at BayCare in helping us create a pilot program that gives us a step in the right direction, as well as providing a valuable service to our passengers.”
“Tampa International Airport has been a leader of airport health protocols since the earliest signs of the pandemic and was one of the first in the country to mandate masks, install plastic shields and apply social distancing markers through its TPA Ready launch in April,” said Gary Harrod, Chairman of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which oversees TPA. “These innovative efforts go a long way in building traveler confidence and keeping our region safe as we continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.”
For more information, visit baycare.org/TPA-Testing.
Frontier Airlines Giving All People Named Orlando Free Flights to Orlando, Florida
Is your first or last name Orlando?
If so, you’re in luck! Frontier Airlines announced September 29 it will reward anyone named Orlando a free flight to Orlando, Florida during the month of October.
The budget airline teamed up with Visit Orlando to encourage travelers to visit the popular vacation destination, home to Universal Orlando and Disney World theme parks.
If your name isn’t Orlando, there’s no need to feel bad. Sales fares are currently as low as $39 on a Frontier Airlines flight.
The airline and Visit Orlando have also created the #LoveOrlando Sweepstakes. The winner will receive a prize package including a four-night hotel stay at Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive, an Enterprise rental car and activities like Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Orlando, Icon Park and TopGolf Orlando. To enter, click here.
“Like the hashtag says, we ‘#LoveOrlando’ are thrilled to partner with Visit Orlando to welcome new and returning visitors to the mecca for family fun and entertainment,” said Tyri Squyres, vice president of marketing for Frontier Airlines. “Frontier proudly offers the most nonstop routes to Orlando International Airport and is the airline of choice for vacationing families and friends looking for an affordable travel option. Plus, we can’t wait to welcome all the folks named ‘Orlando’ on flights to their namesake destination.
For more information, please visit FlyFrontier.com.
Singapore Airlines Opening Eatery Inside a SuperJumbo Jet
Well this is most definitely a new experience in the airline industry.
Singapore Airlines, perhaps buoyed by the success of the flights to nowhere for fliers aching for air travel, is converting one of its Airbus A380 double-decker superjumbo jets into a restaurant at Changi Airport in Singapore.
It will be a unique experience in every sense of the word. Restaurant A380 @Changi will be open for just two days – October 24 and 25 – and customers can start making reservations on Oct. 12.
According to Singapore Airlines, can enjoy “a memorable dining experience in a cabin class of their choice and experience our award-winning service.”
Customers will be treated to a showcase of cabin crew uniforms through the years, and those who turn up for the experience in traditional heritage wear, such as the sarong kebaya, cheongsam, saree, batik shirt or even a kilt, will receive a special gift.
In addition, the airline will take guests on an exclusive tour of the aircraft, including a rare behind-the-scenes look at private access areas. Limited spots available on a first come, first served basis.
As for the food, well, diners can look forward to what Singapore Airlines says is “an exclusive dining experience.” The menu will feature international cuisines and the best dishes from its Peranakan menu specially designed by acclaimed Singaporean chef Shermay Lee. To complete the experience, sommeliers will recommend fine wines to accompany the meals. Each meal comes with two complimentary alcoholic drinks and free flow of other beverages.
Flight Attendant Shares Emotional Message on Last Flight Before Being Furloughed
An American Airlines flight attendant delivered a heartfelt message to passengers on her final flight before being furloughed.
Breaunna Ross shared a video of the three-minute message along with a photo of a note she received from one of the passengers in a Facebook post Sunday night.
“As all of you know the airline industry has been impacted greatly by this global pandemic. Unfortunately, this is my last working day before that day comes. I will never forget seeing your faces today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kindness shown on today’s flight,” Ross said over the loudspeaker.
“I also want to personally thank each and every one of you for choosing to fly American today. This job was an escape for me after being unhappy with my job after graduating from college. It was a job that awarded me many opportunities. A job that I fell in love with. I have been to places I thought I’d never have the opportunity to go and places I never knew existed. I’ve met people from all walks of life and made friendships that will last the rest of my life,” she added, fighting back tears.
“With so much happening in the world, you never know how small actions can impact the next person. Please be kind to one another, practice compassion with everyone and live with acceptance of yourself and others,” Ross encouraged.
American Airlines is set to furlough more than 8,000 flight attendants and 1,600 pilots beginning Thursday under the provisions of grants and loans received from the CARES Act back in March. The carrier isn’t alone, however, as tens of thousands of jobs are at risk industry-wide.
On Sunday, American CEO Doug Parker expressed optimism that airlines will receive additional aid from the U.S. government, telling CBS’ Face the Nation that “there’s enormous bipartisan support for it,” and he’s “actually confident we can get it done.”
Could All Las Vegas Hotel-Casinos Go Smoke-Free?
With three properties in Las Vegas now committed to reducing smoking, a question looms: could all of Sin City’s hotels and casinos go smoke-free?
The travel industry can be very incestuous, so anything is possible. Witness the airlines. When one airline comes out with a fare-saving promotion, others quickly follow.
Vegas hotels are a different breed, however. Between the gambling, the comps, the shows and the accommodations – which can be extraordinary at the luxury hotels – everybody is competing and looking for differentiation. Playing one against another in the smoker vs. non-smoker crowd, it might behoove some hotels not to go to a smoke-free environment.
But The Cosmopolitan, as well as the Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, have all cracked down on smoking and might set a precedent in one of the world’s most tourist-laden destinations.
Michael Green, an associate history professor at UNLV and a Nevada historian, said consumer reaction will likely play a big role in whether other Strip casinos follow suit.
“Other casinos will follow if it works,” Green told the Las Vegas Sun newspaper. “I have a feeling it’s going to work, but that will be the question.”
Hotel owners and operators have history to look at. From 1991-94, the now-shuttered Silver City Casino became a non-smoking hotel; it went back to a smoking environment when hotel officials saw a noticeable decline in revenue.
But this is also a different era, and a generation after the Silver City Casino enacted (and then changed) its policy, much more has been learned about the dangers of smoking. Bo Bernhard, a professor at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas’ College of Hospitality and a gaming industry observer, said it seems only a matter of time before other Las Vegas casinos follow the Park MGM’s lead.
“Twenty years from now, it’s hard to envision any public indoor spaces with cigarette smoke,” Bernhard said.
One thing in the hotels’ favor is that they don’t have to jump through hoops when it comes to setting policy. The Sun noted that under Nevada law, the decision to restrict or ban smoking in casinos on The Strip falls to the properties themselves. Mike Thoma, assistant general manager of the Tropicana, said the decision by The Cosmopolitan, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas bears watching.
“It’s yet to be seen how that will go,” he said.
TSA Finds Gun ‘Artfully Concealed’ in Man’s Shoe at Philadelphia Airport
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers seized a firearm that was “artfully concealed” inside of a passenger’s shoe at Philadelphia International Airport last week.
The .25 caliber handgun was discovered unloaded at a security checkpoint on September 23. The weapon was confiscated and the Philadelphia man was arrested by local police.
“Our TSA officers are skilled at detecting firearms and other prohibited items,” Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for PHL, said in a statement. “This was not a case of forgetfulness. This was an intentional effort on the part of this individual to try to board an airplane with a gun. Not only will he need to spend money on an attorney as a result of his arrest but he now faces a stiff federal financial civil penalty.”
TSA reminds travelers that the typical first offense for carrying a loaded handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100 and can reach as high as $13,669 depending on the circumstances.
The gun was the 18th intercepted by TSA officers at the airport this year. Officers uncovered 20 firearms total at PHL in 2019. What’s more, last Wednesday’s incident occurred during TSA’s Prohibited Items Week, during which the agency made it a point to remind travelers about the items they can and can’t pack in their carry-on.
Frontier Airlines Offering 75 Percent Savings on Lowest Fares
Frontier Airlines is offering travelers 75 percent savings on its exclusive Discount Den fares through Monday night.
Eligible tickets must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. ET on September 28 for domestic roundtrip nonstop travel using the promo code SAVE75.
Travel is valid Monday through Thursday and on Saturday through February 3, 2021 for all flights to and from Las Vegas and valid through February 10, 2021 for all other flights. Blackout dates include November 20-30; December 16-January 4; January 14-18 and January 5-13 for San Juan, Puerto Rico travel.
The Discount Den fares are only available for purchase on Frontier’s website and only available to Discount Den members. Travelers can subscribe for $59.99 per year to access the carrier’s lowest fares and take advantage of other benefits including Frontier Miles earned on every flight and free flights for kids under age 15 on eligible trips.
Contact your travel advisor or visit FlyFrontier.com to search flight deals and learn more.
Your monthly guide to Galapagos’ unique fauna
Having been isolated from the mainland for thousands of years, wildlife in the Galapagos Islands has evolved in unique and fascinating ways. These endemic animals continue to inspire visitors today as they did Charles Darwin back in 1835. Giant tortoises, playful sea lions, tiny penguins, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas are some of the most captivating and sought-after species.
Most of the animals that we can find in the Galapagos are visible throughout the year. Still, some events only occur at certain times of the year and on some specific islands. If you want to see the albatross on land, it is better to prepare your trip between March and December with an itinerary that includes Española Island. If your interest is in Galapagos penguins, you better embark on an itinerary through the western part of the archipelago.
In this article, you will find a calendar with the different events related to the most picturesque animals in the Galapagos:
January
January is the breeding season for marine iguanas, and it is when we can see males with green and reddish colors on their skin to attract the female of the species. Marine iguanas are distributed throughout the archipelago, but the best place to see them is on Fernandina Island, home to the largest colony of marine iguanas.
During this month, if luck favors us, we can also see sea turtles as they make their yearly pilgrimage to lay their eggs on the beaches of the same island where they were born.
February
February marks the beginning of the flamingo nesting season on Floreana Island. Flamingos gather in groups to perform an elaborate dance and display their bright pink primary feathers as part of their mating ritual. Witnessing this ritual is a truly unforgettable experience.
March
In March, the Galapagos albatross begins to return to Isla Española after several months away. With a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet), it is the largest seabird in the world. This bird can only be found on Española Island on the eastern end of the archipelago.
April
The first sea turtle hatchlings begin to emerge in April. At night, hundreds of small turtles can be seen crossing the beach. Pacific green sea turtles can be found on the beaches of Isabela and Fernandina islands.
May
In May, birdwatchers can witness the peculiar mating ritual of blue-footed boobies. The male will display his feet in a carefully choreographed dance. The color of its feet is of particular importance when searching for a mate since its pigmentation is an indicator of how well it can feed. One of the best places to observe this dance is North Seymour Island.
June
In June, the dances of the blue-footed boobies on North Seymour Island coincide with the frigate mating season. During this time, the flashy males begin to puff their giant red pouches, stretching from their beaks to their chests.
July
Although it is quite likely to see dolphins in the Galapagos at any time of the year, the water temperature makes them get closer to the Galapagos coast during the summer months. July offers the best opportunity to see whales and dolphins in the Galapagos, especially between the channel that separates the Fernandina and Isabela islands, only accessible through cruises. 24 species of dolphins and whales call the Galapagos Marine Reserve home, including orcas, humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.
August
August marks the start of the Galapagos hawk’s breeding season. One of the largest birds in the archipelago, this species of falcon can be found on the islands of Española, Santiago, and Fernandina.
September
Although Galapagos penguins inhabit the western islands throughout the year, they are closer to the central islands, such as Bartolomé or Santiago, during this time.
Of the 18 penguin species in the world, Galapagos penguins are the smallest, weighing around two kilograms. It is the only species of penguins that can be found north of the Equator.
October
Breeding of the Galapagos fur seals begins in October and continues until December. It is possible to see groups of this species so unique in the Fernandina and Isabela Islands, but, above all, in Santiago.
During this month, we also start seeing blue-footed boobies raising their newborn chicks on North Seymour Island.
November
As the seas begin to calm down and the water temperature rises, we will be able to enjoy excellent visibility when snorkeling or diving. Sealion cubs will be several months old and are at their most playful stage, approaching swimmers to play with them. Some of the best places to snorkel on the islands are Devil’s Crown, Kicker Rock, Punta Espinoza, or Tagus Cove.
December
One of the most exciting natural events occurs between December and March: the hatching of giant tortoises. Weighing up to 250 kg (550 lb.), the Galapagos giant tortoise is the largest living tortoise species in the world. They grow very slowly and often live for more than 100 years.
By Carlos Beate
JetBlue Helping Make At-Home COVID-19 Testing More Accessible
JetBlue is partnering with performance healthcare technology platform Vault Health to make it easier for travelers visiting destinations requiring negative COVID-19 test results this fall.
The airline announced on Monday that Vault Health will handle all of the testing and provide JetBlue customers with discounts in addition to a dedicated customer support phone line.
The convenient at-home saliva tests will be administered via online video connection through Vault Health with the help of a test supervisor. Afterward, the sample will be overnighted to a lab for processing and analysis. Results will be provided in no more than 72 hours.
Travelers should keep in mind that not all destinations accept PCR tests administered at home or from saliva. Contact your travel advisor or thoroughly research your destination or reentry travel requirements to avoid potential disruptions.
“We continue to hear from health officials that testing is incredibly important in the fight against the coronavirus, and we want to make sure our customers have options for testing, especially prior to travel,” said JetBlue’s president and chief operating officer Joanna Geraghty, in a statement. “As more and more regions reopen, many are requiring test results to enter. Now with easier testing options, those safety requirements may not be a deterrent for travel, but rather provide greater public health and peace of mind with little inconvenience.”
“We are so happy to be able to provide JetBlue customers peace of mind during their travels,” added Jason Feldman, Vault Health founder and CEO. “This saliva test is one of the most reliable and accurate COVID tests available in the country with a fast turnaround time to results.”
JetBlue customers with current reservations can visit Vault Health’s dedicated landing page at learn.vaulthealth.com/jetblue to start the process and receive a discount on COVID-19 testing.
Denver Airport Introduces New App to Limit Contact Amid COVID-19
Denver International Airport is making air travel safer and more comfortable during the COVID-19 pandemic through a brand new app.
VeriFLY allows travelers to reserve a specific time to pass through TSA screening and board a socially distant train car to their concourse ahead of their flight.
“VeriFLY is a new airport experience that brings less contact and congestion, and more safety and speed. It is only available at DEN and is perfect for health-conscious passengers looking for a little more confidence in their journey through the airport,” the airport’s website states. “Passengers at higher risk of contracting illnesses are encouraged to take advantage of this free program, which allows you to make a reservation to access a dedicated TSA screening lane and a reserved limited-capacity train car to the concourse.”
Travelers can simply download the VeriFLY app, create an account and reserve a 15-minute window for screening ahead of their travel date to minimize contact and congestion prior to their flight.
App users will arrive at the VeriFLY lane at the south screening checkpoint at their reserved time where they access either standard or expedited (PreCheck) TSA screening lanes. Afterward, travelers using VeriFLY will board a reserved train car with a limited number of other VeriFLY travelers for a socially distant ride to their concourse.
Eligible travelers are required to complete a health and temperature screening on the day of travel and must also wear a face mask or acceptable covering. Users should keep in mind that they’ll still need to check-in with their airline online within 24 hours of departure and drop their bags off with their carrier if necessary.
Click here to view the helpful VeriFLY Quick Start Guide.
Ryanair extends the removal of its flight change fee
Ryanair, announced on 23 September it will extend the waiving of its flight change fee for all customers who book to travel in October and November 2020, giving them peace of mind and greater flexibly if their travel plans change.
Customers who book for travel in October and November will be able to change their flights with zero change fee to travel until the 21 March 2021. Changes must be made at least seven days prior to the departure date of the original booking.
Ryanair’s Director of Marketing & Digital, Dara Brady said: “In order to provide as much flexibility and confidence as possible for our customers this autumn, we have extended the waiving of our flight change fee to October and November bookings. Customers can now plan a well-deserved break knowing that if their plans change they can move their flights to any new date up to 21 March 2021 without additional fees”.
Could a Health and Safety Certificate Become the Norm for Air Travel?
A health and safety certificate might soon join the list of documents travelers need to present if they plan on flying, says the CEO of Etihad Airways.
Saying the industry needs a “harmonized” standard of health measures, Tony Douglas told CNBC last week that such a voucher could become omnipresent for airline travel.
“I can see that wellness certification will become a necessary function of how the whole of the world comes back to flying,” the Etihad CEO told CNBC’s Hadley Gamble as part of the Global Aerospace Summit.
The idea of such a document has been floated for a while now, ever since the coronavirus pandemic decimated demand for air travel worldwide. Ostensibly, it would help defray current steps such as temperature checks at airports or even proposed rapid COVID-19 tests administered by the airlines.
But worries about such a document include potential forgery, among other things. Still, Douglas remains confident in such a plan.
“We’ll adapt and we’ll adopt and therefore, wellness certification will probably be no (different) to the way in which visas used to be issued in order to give safe passage,” he said.
With no end in sight to the pandemic, Etihad’s Douglas said airlines will have to change to assure passengers that it’s safe to fly.
“In exactly the same way with security standards after Lockerbie, after 9/11, and with the liquid bomb threats, that saw global aviation security standards harmonized everywhere, I forecast that that’s what will happen with wellness as well,” he said.
Douglas said he was not comparing the coronavirus to terrorism, but pointing out the importance of “internationally aligned” processes.
“With those terrorism examples, over time, whole baggage screening became a global, acknowledged, harmonized standard,” he said. “I’m going to go out there and predict that, following Covid, there will be changes to the way in which wellness certification will come into play.”
Man Helps Subdue Disturbed Passenger Who Tried to Enter Cockpit
An American man is being hailed as a hero after he helped subdue a disturbed passenger who tried to gain entrance to the cockpit during a Korean Air flight last week.
During a flight from Seoul to Seattle on Thursday, Geno Parente was asked by flight attendants to help them with a man who was wearing a plastic bag over his head and was pounding on the cockpit door, according to the New York Post.
The man was identified as Gyeong Jei Lee, a Korean native who now lives in Colorado.
The incident happened late during the lengthy trans-Pacific flight.
“That was my worst post-9/11 fear,” Parente told The Post on Saturday, back home in San Diego. “I went into full panic mode.”
The man screamed – alternating between English and Korean — that he had a bomb and wanted to go to Vancouver, BC, because he had never been there before, according to court documents. Both Parente and the man were in business class. Parente was groggy after a nap when flight attendants asked for his help.
The two men initially were thought by other passengers and the pilots, who came out from the cockpit, to be fighting with each other until the flight attendants clarified the matter.
“It was just bedlam,” said Parente, who added that the man told him “I won’t talk to anyone but you.”
At that moment, Parente looked into his eyes and thought “Something wasn’t right with this guy and I realized he had nothing to lose.” Parente led him back to his seat, but he jumped up again and tried to get to the cockpit again before two of the pilots helped Parente wrestle the disturbed man to the ground.
He was restrained in his seat with zip ties before arriving at Seattle-Tacoma Airport, where Sea-Tac officials, police and members of the Department of Homeland Security were waiting.
Alpine chalets for an extended stay
Although it’s not exactly reinventing the wheel, the current situation allows rethinking the whole work/life balance experience. Currently, offices and workspaces are closed down, some temporarily, some for good. This new normal has given rise to the opportunity for more and more people to work from home. Not being tied to a workplace, or having to commute and function at full efficiency from your home environment has massive benefits. One of those benefits is the possibility of an extended stay in a luxury rental property in your favorite ski resort. If you can work online, the world is your oyster.
Chalet owners and operators are currently rethinking how to fill their properties now that people are reluctant to book holidays. Instead of booking, week by week, they are now willing to rent relatively long term. There are some significant savings to be had. Now it’s possible to book multiple weeks where for a lot of owners & operators, the chalet staff is optional too. Here are five fantastic options you might consider to be your personal office space for an extended stay.
Hidden Dragon, Veysonnaz
Nestled in a forest, Hidden Dragon could be the workspace/office of your dreams. Located along a private road and set within its exclusive grounds, complete with panoramic views over the Rhone Valley and the true luxury of ski-in and ski-out access.
There’s a hint of Asia, balanced by a healthy dose of Swiss charm. Exquisite antique pieces sit harmoniously alongside both the contemporary design of the chalet and the use of organic materials. When a chalet is designed to celebrate all of the best things in life, an exceptional spa comes guaranteed. If you can tear yourself away from your master suite’s spectacular views, make your way down to the garden level. Here you will find complete and utter peace on Earth. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the hammam, sauna, hot tub, and rain shower. The site of Hidden Dragon was prepared with Shinto rituals to cleanse the Earth and appease the mountain spirits. Hidden Dragon is not your everyday wood-clad mountain retreat.
When you are staying somewhere as fabulous as Hidden Dragon, staying in is the new going out. Every nurturing minute spent in the chalet is a chance to absorb the positive energy that flows around your surroundings. A day at work has never been this good.
Le T Chalet, Verbier
This chalet is a genuine beauty, the epitome of Alpine charm. Le Ti Chalet boasts stunning views with easy access to the town center. A thing of beauty, Le Ti has been lovingly constructed from stone and hand-cut old wood and is a real charmer. This traditional chocolate box chalet is charmingly rustic and luxuriously decorated with warm textiles, antiques, and colorful kilims.
The chalet is a perfect family retreat and is equally suited to small groups of friends. The open-plan living room comprises a cozy sitting room with comfortable sofas, a traditional open fireplace, and dining area with a separate kitchen. The wooden doors open onto a spacious terrace, and a delightful open tread staircase leads up to the cozy mezzanine floor, which houses a twin bedroom.
The floor below has two charming double bedrooms and a triple bunk-room, each boasting an en suite bathroom. An additional bathroom serves the mezzanine bedroom above. Downstairs, guests can enjoy the excellent den area, which features a pool table, flatscreen TV, and a bar area. This space is an ideal breakout area for the kids or big kids alike. It certainly would be no hardship to put in an 8-hour shift in this stunning property.
Sweet Little Home, St Anton
Logging on for a day’s work in this beautiful chalet would make a job a pleasure. The most photographed chalet in St Anton; Sweet Little Home, is a unique and historic Alpine chalet with a complete modern refurbishment. Handily located, just 4-5 mins to the lifts and slopes and 30 seconds to the main street, this practical, relaxed, memorable and unique chalet blends history with modernity. Dating back to 1911, the house has undergone a few dramatic changes since. With an eye-catching splash of color on the facade, you are treated to an understated elegance inside. Beautiful interiors, stand out features, and unique touches help make this chalet one of the simplest, yet most desirable properties in the whole resort.
The five ensuite double rooms allow for relaxation and a good night’s sleep, all equipped with a walk-in wardrobe and wet room showers.
The two master suites on the top floor enjoy elegant standalone bathtubs and the walk-in shower for pure relaxation. These suites are joined by the chalets 2nd lounge, allowing some breakaway space for movie nights, children’s storytime, or to sit back and unwind in peace.
The main lounge is a well designed eclectic mix of comfy sofas, bespoke armchairs, and an open fireplace to keep you glowing along with furs and throws to snuggle up with. For the ultimate in relaxation, you take but a few steps out of the back door, along the terrace and indulge yourself in the outdoor sauna and hot tub—pure luxury to treat your limbs and relax the body and soul after a day’s work.
Cozy, homely, unique, and luxurious in this fantastic home away from home. We would challenge anyone not to fall in love with their very own Sweet Little Home.
Montana-Val d’Isere
In a resort brimming with stunning luxury ski properties, Montana has a valid claim to being one of the finest. Chalet Montana was recently named ′The Best Chalet in The Alps′ by the Sunday Times. It was chosen for a reason. Offering extraordinary levels of luxury in the heart of Val d’Isere, the stunning Chalet Montana combines endless luxury features with a location that is hard to beat. A beautiful homely chalet where contemporary designs blend effortlessly with mellow timbers and antique furniture – a veritable temple to modern Alpine living.
Perched on the Face de Bellevarde piste in Les Carats, the resort’s most exclusive zone, Montana is a beautifully traditional ski chalet in a class of its own. Occupying arguably the prime spot in Les Carats, the most exclusive enclave in Val d’Isére, the chalet is private, yet accessible. Chalet Montana is, of course, ski-in, ski-out, and only a short chauffeured drive or stroll from the village’s shops, bars and restaurants, and lively center.
After another day at the grindstone, what better way to relax than in the fabulous indoor pool? Equipped with soothing jets to ease aching limbs, you can also swim against the pool’s jet stream while admiring the views of snow-capped peaks. In addition to the pool, the spa area features a sauna and relaxation zone. Other highlights in the chalet include a beautiful drawing room, a snug with an impressive flatscreen TV, and a private study with a computer and wireless broadband network where you could easily set up an office.
Chalet Spa, Verbier
One of Verbier’s leading chalets and one of the finest in our collection, Chalet Spa Verbier is a magnificent five-bedroom chalet, located a short walk from the Savoleyres lift on a private path. The chalet architect has masterfully achieved his goal of combining the charm of a boutique hotel with limitless comfort in a magnificent private residence. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful offices you will have ever worked in.
With no expense spared, the chalet offers contemporary design, sophisticated spa areas, and the very latest in technology. Chalet Spa Verbier provides 5-star luxury and comfort, combined with extraordinary views. Spread over four floors, three with delightful terraces providing exceptional views of the Alps.
The living room is exceptionally spacious, with materials and interior design offering the promise of complete relaxation. The central fireplace, an important architectural element underlining the places contemporary atmosphere, has a hearth level with the floor.
With a name like ‘Chalet Spa Verbier,’ you would expect that the property would feature a state-of-the-art spa area, and you will not be disappointed. The unique 500m² site has a spectacular 10-meter swimming pool, sauna, fitness room, and a cozy healthcare corner. The spa area extends to the outside, with a covered terrace housing a magnificent Jacuzzi. There is also a private separate treatment room where guests can enjoy any out-sourced treatments, from aromatherapy to chromatherapy and à la carte massages (from hot stone to Indian head), all using organic products.
In addition to all this, there is a Concept rowing machine on the terrace and a spinning bike, a traditional mountain cedar wood outdoor hot tub with just perfect views down the valley, and a covered jacuzzi outside the pool area with pop-up TV and music system—all essentials after a day’s work.
There is a cinema with a programmed library of around 250 up to date movies plus 10,000 albums loaded onto the state-of-the-art music center. There is also wifi throughout, plus Xbox 360, Playstation, and Nintendo Wii gaming consoles. And they can arrange anything – they’ve even converted one of the bedrooms into a trading room with a bank of flatscreen TVs and a security system set-up for one banking client. A workspace to compete with most dedicated office spaces.
A beautiful sun-drenched deck with designer rustic lounge chairs draped with snug Swiss-made wooly blankets, and a stunning rattan umbrella. With a complete full bbq set-up, you could be forgiven for thinking your on an Ibiza terrace on a summer day! The chalet even has a ping pong table and games area out on another patio.
All the chalets above come with service levels to match the best 5-star hotels if required. Or, you can cater to yourself and treat them all as a home from home. I think a day’s work in any of these spectacular chalets would go with a swing.
by Dan Firth
Luxury treehouse resort in Okinawa
Japan’s subtropical southern prefecture of Okinawa welcomes a brand new sustainable luxury eco-resort in the Spring of 2021. Designed with the concept of bringing its guests closer to nature, Treeful Treehouse will offer secluded private rooms nestled amongst the jungle canopy alongside a communal Aerohouse space and activities for visitors to explore the local area.
Located in rural Nago on the north side of Okinawa Island, the resort will be home to four majestic individual treehouse rooms on the banks of the Genka River, each able to sleep, two guests. The rooms crafted to sit seamlessly within the natural environment, built around the existing flora in the area, while still providing a luxurious glamping style setting and modern facilities, including air conditioning. The wooden treehouse rooms boast 360-degree views and an outside seating area complete with cozy hammocks ideal for night-time stargazing. The unusual egg treehouse room, inspired by boats and crafted by a local yacht builder, will offer guests the chance to sleep within a unique cocooned space up high in the trees.
The communal Aerohouse has bathrooms, relaxation rooms, and a kitchen connected to the treehouse rooms via a series of floating walkways and jungle paths. The resort’s Floating DNA Catwalk, inspired by the vertebrae of a spine, connects the ground to the tree deck, making the resort accessible to wheelchair users.
Once open, the resort will offer guests a series of excursions and experiences to explore the local area, including jungle trekking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and yoga. The resort is passionate about giving back to the local community and has already embarked on projects in the surrounding area, including reinstating a water mill at the site of the Shizogumui Waterfall, which was last home to a mill over 100 years ago. The resort is powered purely by its solar energy, omitting the need to use any fossil fuels.
by Paul Johnson
Spaces, places, and virtual experiences
A couple seasons’ worth of practical projects (organizing closets and reconfiguring cabinets) and exacting activities (mastering bread baking and martini mixing) merits a sensory shake-up. Here, we’ve gathered six inspiring exhibits, online explorations, and safe in-person experiences to get your synapses firing.
ALEXANDRE BENJAMIN NAVET
AT VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
Visiting a beloved boutique the day a new collection drops is exciting. Finding that same space transformed, floor to ceiling, into a bright, blooming garden? Borderline transcendent. Particularly when the man behind the metamorphosis is Alexandre Benjamin Navet. To reimagine Van Cleef & Arpels’s Beverly Hills and New York flagship stores, the multidisciplinary French artist complemented the brand’s signature floral designs with three-dimensional cutouts, tile inlays and rugs swathed in patterns straight from his sketchbook, and sculptural vases—a motif often found in his work. The effect is a vibrant, graphic homage to a jewelry house as inspired by nature as Navet himself, and manna to art-starved eyeballs that have been housebound for months.
If you live near Van Cleef & Arpels’s Beverly Hills or New York flagships, the boutiques are safely open for business and following local guidelines. To learn more about the immersive experiences online, head to the Maison’s website.
DONALD JUDD AT MOMA
Installation view of Judd, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, March 1–July 11, 2020. Digital image © 2020 The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Photo by Jonathan Muzikar
This MoMA retrospective is the first time in over thirty years the don’t-call-me-a-minimalist minimalist artist’s signature stacks, progression pieces, and box forms have been on view. Arranged chronologically, the exhibition lays out—across four gallery spaces—the evolution of Judd’s work, highlighting themes repeated throughout his career. Interacting with the big, bold sculptures, it’s hard not to notice the exhibition’s apt timing: The pieces demand space, and they often require precise placement, just like anyone leaving home these days. If you’d rather check them out from yours, MoMA has an amazing online experience that lets you view the galleries, listen to and watch interviews with Judd throughout the years, view images of his homes, and really wrap your head around his vision.
The Judd exhibition has been extended through January 2021 (lucky us). MoMA requires timed tickets purchased in advance online, and the museum is open at a limited capacity. For a virtual viewing experience, start here—and return often.
VIRTUAL TOURS OF GUCCI GARDEN
For the first time, visiting Museo Gucci doesn’t require a trip to Florence, Italy. This online tour of the museum and garden—complete with chirping birds in the background—gives visitors a shopping fix and a crash course in the house’s history. The experience unfolds like a walk through any museum: Start by exploring three floors of artwork, archival pieces, stories, and videos that reflect a visit to the Alessandro Michele–curated space in the Piazza della Signoria. On your way out, exit through the gift shop: Gucci is giving virtual visitors access to buy clothing, accessories, and ephemera previously available onsite only. While you can’t buy the hemp-and-bamboo bag from the early ’60s on display in the Bagology gallery, you can hit the boutique to scoop up exclusive Gucci Garden goods, from tees and sweatshirts that reflect the secret garden theme to brocade Princetown slippers.
Right this way.
If you’re in London, take in Walker’s extended exhibition at the Tate Modern, which centers around a thirteen-foot, four-tiered fountain sculpture. The scale, seamlessness, and skill on view are captivating, but understanding Walker’s allegory and intentions for the exhibit makes it even more meaningful. The larger-than-life work inspires a bigger conversation around public monuments—so it’s a particularly important show to take in right now. Also inspiring: Every piece was created using an environmentally conscious production process that favors recyclable and reusable nontoxic materials. If you can’t visit in person, check out the Tate’s website for interviews with the artist, a virtual exploration of the exhibit, and a guide for kids.
Book a timed ticket ahead of your visit (entry is free, and you can check out the Warhol exhibit and peep a Matisse in the same trip) or view from home here.
ONLINE EXHIBITIONS
We love this Los Angeles gallery for its diverse, dynamic curation and cultural perspectives. From ceramics to sculptural installations, the catalog of exhibitions on David Kordansky Gallery’s website covers myriad mediums and points of view, but every single show feels fresh and modern. If you’ve found yourself constantly refreshing Instagram for inspiration, trust us: Get off the app and keep this tab at the ready. Between the viewing rooms, the exhibition pages, and the one-on-one artist videos, there are plenty of visual rabbit holes to get lost in. Angelenos can also look forward to checking out the gallery’s expanded art campus—a three-structure spread with a sculpture-filled courtyard and space for screenings, exhibits, and events when the time is right.
David Kordansky Gallery is currently open by appointment, with exhibitions by Linda Stark and Lesley Vance on view. To give the gallery a long-distance stroll, start here.
STORM KING ART CENTER OUTDOOR MUSEUM
The best damn day-date in the game is even more refreshing these days, and worth the trip if you’re within driving distance of New York’s Hudson Valley. Storm King Art Center is currently open as an outdoor-only experience, with timed tickets going on sale every other Wednesday, and on the cusp of chunky-knits-and-changing-leaves season, they tend to sell out fast. Explore the 500-acre outdoor museum to take in the classics (Calder, Stella, Noguchi, and the gang) and the current exhibitions (including a flag installation by Kiki Smith and a ninety-two-foot sculpture by Mark di Suvero), while getting some safe, socially distanced fresh air.
Reserve timed tickets here.
Article courtesy of goop.com
Planet Hollywood Latest Las Vegas Resort Set to Reopen
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will become the latest Las Vegas property to reopen when it unlocks the doors again on Thursday, October 8.
The hotel portion of the resort will only be open four days a week, from Thursdays to Sundays, while the gaming floor will be open seven days a week.
The announcement by Caesar’s Entertainment follows the successful reopening of Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas, Bally’s Las Vegas, The LINQ Hotel + Experience, as well as The LINQ Promenade, High Roller Observation Wheel, FLY LINQ and Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck.
“Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is the centerpiece of the famed Las Vegas Strip, and we are pleased to announce the reopening of the hotel for weekend stays, along with gaming, restaurants and other amenities, at this resort on Oct. 8,” Senior Vice President and Planet Hollywood General Manager Jason Gregorec said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming guests back with a continued emphasis on our enhanced health and safety protocols.”
Planet Hollywood has several new features it plans on introducing, including a new William Hill Race & Sports Book, capitalizing on a partnership with the famed British bookmaker.
That includes self-service sports betting kiosks and an expanded betting menu featuring LIVE InPlay Wagering.
The Company previously announced it has suspended fees for paid self-parking in Las Vegas.
Cities in Belgium worth the visit
Belgium has a vibrant history that will undoubtedly keep you busy for a few days or longer. To get the most out of your precious time, I suggest you visit these cities first, as they offer an array of historical sights.
Antwerp
This city has it all. Situated next to the Scheldt, it is the diamond capital of the world and has one of the biggest and most important ports in Europe. All of that doesn’t mean there is little history to find, on the contrary. Home of famous painters like Peter Paul Rubens, you can still visit his house and find his pieces in several museums. See the renowned cathedral where they have his works hanging as well. A lot of care has been given to historical buildings and the new exchange Handelsbeurs. It is a building that deserved to be restored in all its glory, preserving the first exchange in the world (dating back to 1531). Today, the building shows the wealth it brought to the city centuries ago, and how it became an example for all the other exchanges in the world.
Another great place to see is the Grote Markt where you can see the famous town hall and guild houses all around. Belgium has many of these, though the one in Antwerp certainly is up there with the best. The central station is another sight not to be missed. It might even be a great place to start your journey. Finally, I suggest you visit the Cathedral of our Lady.
Ghent
Ghent might be an underrated city in Belgium. It is overlooked by tourists who visit Bruges and the capital of Brussels. However, they are missing out on some of the finest historical landmarks in the country, and everyone who has visited Ghent will confirm that it has a great vibe and the perfect mix of old and new. One of the main attractions here is the castle of the counts. This fortress dated back to the Roman occupation and went through different turbulent periods before it was restored, partly for the World Expo in 1913, which took place in Ghent and became once again the main tourist attraction.
If the Flemish primitives are high up your list, you must see the Ghent Altarpiece, better known as ‘The adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by the Van Eyck brothers. It is truly a masterpiece completed in 1432 and world-renowned. The 18 panels tell you all kinds of stories from the Bible, but it is the craftsmanship that makes this piece stand out. After admiring this incredible gem, you might want to sit down on one of the many squares to enjoy some Belgian beers on a terrace. Yet, keep going a bit longer and make sure you don’t miss a visit to the Belfry, a recognized Unesco World Heritage site, and one of the symbols is on the top of its tower. It’s the dragon that protects the city since 1377. Climb up the building and enjoy the views over this historical city before you start enjoying all the culinary delights that are on offer here.
Bruges
Probably the most well known historic city in Belgium and the movie ‘In Bruges’ with Colin Farrell surely didn’t help to keep this medieval city under the radar. The Beguinage became a Unesco World Heritage site in 1998, followed by the Belfry in 1999 to which UNESCO declared the whole historical city center as a heritage site in 2000. Walking in the historical center is like walking back in time. Old houses, small streets, horse and carriages, small boats on the canals which run through the city, giving it the nickname ‘Venice of the north’,…. If you want to avoid the massive groups of tourists snapping pictures all the time and blocking your view at every corner of the street, I suggest you visit outside the busy summer months.
Another great way to avoid the crowds is to visit one of the many museums you find dotted in and around Bruges. One of my favorite ones is the Groeningemuseum. Here you will see some of the masterpieces the Flemish primitives made centuries ago. If that isn’t your thing, I suggest you pop into the Chocolate museum, cause who doesn’t like chocolate and the history of it? Just make sure you take your time to discover the city, as it is one of those places where you can find hidden gems that you can’t find in travel guides just by strolling around.
Mechelen
Last, but by all means, certainly not least, Mechelen is worth a visit. While the other cities might be more known to the broader public, often because foreign travel groups more frequently visit them, Mechelen is a hidden gem. Located halfway between Brussels and Antwerp, this city does have a vibrant history of which there is still a lot preserved. It was one of the big cloth trading hubs in the Middle Ages, making it a very prosperous city that even became the capital of the Low Lands for a while. Another relatively unknown fact is that the first railway in Europe was running between Brussels and Mechelen. Who would have thought?
But, there is a lot more to this city, and Mechelen also has several sites that are protected by Unesco. The most famous is St-Rumbold’s Tower. You can climb the 97-meter high tower to enjoy a fantastic view of the city and on a clear day even further. Of course, you need to add to your list; visit the Anker Brewery. Belgium is known worldwide for its beer, and this is the perfect placebo. Get a closer look at how they create this golden nectar: either way, plenty of places to see, and endless experiences to do. Don’t miss it!
by Kristof Eyckmans
Boeing 737 MAX Fleet Could Receive European Approval in November
Aviation authorities in Europe revealed Boeing’s fleet of 737 MAX planes could receive regulatory approval to resume flying in November.
According to Reuters.com, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) executive director Patrick Ky said the group expects to lift its technical ban soon after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves the planes for flight again.
While national operational clearances for individual airlines will take longer to receive, Ky believes the overarching technical ban will be lifted in November. The EASA said China is expected to take longer to give its approval.
“For the first time in a year and a half I can say there’s an end in sight to work on the MAX,” Ky told Reuters.
As part of the findings from the two deadly crashes that grounded the 737 MAX, Boeing agreed to install a synthetic sensor on the next version of the plane. Existing aircraft will be retrofitted once the fleet is permitted to fly again.
During the summer, the FAA completed test flights of the 737 MAX and launched a review period that could lead to the fleet being cleared by October at the earliest. Once cleared, airlines must retrain pilots and perform maintenance on the grounded fleet before returning to service.
Hawaiian Airlines to Offer Drive-Through, Pre-Flight COVID-19 Screening
As Hawaii reopens to tourism, it is requiring that visitors have negative Covid-19 tests and airlines are stepping up to help passengers obtain them.
Hawaiian Airlines will offer its passengers drive-through Covid-19 testing in select mainland U.S. gateways.
“As Hawai’i’s leading airline, it is critical to ensure that access to testing does not impede travel to Hawaii, for visitors or our kamaaina (residents),” said Avi Mannis, senior vice president of marketing at Hawaiian Airlines. “Our testing option will offer Los Angeles and Bay Area travelers superior value and we look forward to expanding the program and bringing additional choices to more of our gateway cities as we welcome guests back with our industry-leading Hawaiian hospitality while keeping our community safe. We’re grateful to the state of Hawai’i for its partnership in developing the pre-travel testing program.”
Hawaiian has partnered with Worksite Labs to give guests access to drive-through PCR testing. The cost of the test is $90 for results within 36 hours or $150 for day-of-travel express service.
The test is a Droplet Digital PCR shallow nasal swab test that meets the standards set by the state of Hawaii, and the tests will begin to be offered around the time that Hawaii will reopen to tourists who have acquired a negative test within 72 hours of departure to Hawaii are allowed to skip the Islands’ 14-day quarantine.
Initially, labs will be available in Los Angeles and California’s Bay Area, however, more mainland gateways will be coming online soon.
“Worksite Labs is proud to offer Hawaiian this innovative solution as we work to combat the current pandemic and provide more testing options so travelers can understand their COVID-19 status and enjoy their trip to Hawai’i while stimulating the local economy,” said Gary Frazier, CEO of Worksite Labs.
Hawaiian Airlines is also working to develop other partnerships to provide testing to customers and has implemented the “Keeping you Safe” enhanced cleaning procedures that include disinfecting of lobby areas, kiosks, and ticket counters, electrostatic aircraft cabin spraying, plexiglass barriers at staffed airport counters, and sanitizer wipe distribution to all guests.
Travelers must complete a “health acknowledgment form” before flying and wear a face covering at the airport and during flight. Visitors to Hawaii must complete the state’s online Safe Travels Hawaii form as well.
The carrier, which has been operating a reduced schedule since March due to the pandemic and resulting travel restrictions, will continue to cap cabin capacity at 70 percent through October to allow for onboard distancing.
Iconic Bermuda Resort Fairmont Southampton to Close in October
The owners of one of Bermuda’s largest hotels announced this week the property will temporarily close this week for a “complete renovation” to “elevate and reposition” the property. The closure includes the dismissal of approximately 700 employees.
The Fairmont Southampton, whose capacity company officials say represents 25 percent of hotel rooms in Bermuda and up 30 percent of total air visitors to the island, will close on October 23. In a Bermews.com report, officials said the iconic Bermuda property has not been fully operational since March due to the global pandemic and closure of L.F. Wade International Airport.
“During the past few months ownership and property management have been monitoring the situation closely to explore all viable options for the best outcome for the hotel’s future and all key stakeholders including staff,” said Fairmont Southampton officials in a statement.
“After careful consideration, a decision was made to use this time now when there is a downturn in tourism to look at starting the much-needed renovations to the iconic property, ”the statement reads, “which has been a much-loved tourist destination and local events venue for almost 50 years.”
Officials did not minimize the impact the closure will have on Bermuda’s tourism economy. “The resort’s relevance to the island of Bermuda cannot be understated,” said Kiaran MacDonald, regional vice president and general manager for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
He said the renovated “will position [Fairmont Southampton] to thrive as an even greater contributor to Bermuda’s travel and tourism industry, which is central to the island’s long-term economic recovery.”
Premier David Burt, Bermuda’s premier, who earlier this year added tourism minister duties to his portfolio, said the property’s redevelopment “demonstrates great confidence in Bermuda and the next phase of our tourism,” and “will signal to investors and our valued tourism stakeholders Bermuda is determined to emerge stronger following this pandemic.”
The employee dismissals are “[the] largest redundancy to date in Bermuda,” said Chris Furbert, president of the Bermuda Industrial Union. While “some 700 plus people are now unemployed,” said Furbert, “the union is encouraged [ownership] is committed to significantly renovate the resort.”
Furbert said an upgrade of the 50 year-old property “is definitely needed,” and added, “Once the hotel reopens we look forward to employment opportunities for Bermudians.”
Work From Hyatt Package Expands Across North America, Caribbean
Hyatt announced an expansion to its Work From Hyatt extended-stay package that now includes nearly 60 hotels across North America and the Caribbean.
The Work From Hyatt program was launched recently to give families, couples and individuals a seamless change of scenery. As a result of the strong interest in the initial debut of the package, travelers will be able to check email poolside, take a lunch break on the beach, enjoy a swim in the pool after school or sneak a massage after a big meeting.
Starting at $139 per night (plus taxes) for a minimum seven-night stay, the Work From Hyatt package includes standard guestroom or suite accommodations, private workspace, daily food and beverage credits, laundry services, free parking, complimentary high-speed internet access and more.
“We’re seeing a strong desire from travelers to feel the joy of travel again,” Hyatt senior vice president Asad Ahmed said. “With Work From Hyatt, we’re leaning into the ‘work from anywhere’ trend and believe it’s resonating with today’s travelers.”
“People are looking for more than just weekend escapes and our extended-stay package allows guests to enjoy premium amenities and services our resorts all with the conveniences of still being able to work and learn remotely,” Ahmed continued.
In the United States, guests may choose a Work From Hyatt stay in 13 states, including top destinations like California, Florida and New York. Travelers can also take advantage of the program in Canada and Mexico.
As for the participating hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, Hyatt revealed Grand Hyatt Baha Mar (Nassau, Bahamas), Hyatt Regency Aruba, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo and Park Hyatt St. Kitts would offer the Work From Hyatt package.