By Judy Newell

Mexico News

New Four Seasons Tamarindo Opening April 2022

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo will be the fourth Four Seasons in Mexico, after Four Seasons Punta Mita, Four Seasons Mexico City, and the recently opened Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas. A fifth Four Seasons Cabo San Lucas at Costa del Sol will open in 2022.

The Four Seasons resort will be part of the El Tamarindo master planned development, which includes several beaches and private coves. 

The resort will be on the more intimate side, with just 155 rooms, suites and private residences, most of them with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and some with views of the surrounding jungle and lush golf course. The contemporary architectural and interior design will blend with the natural surroundings.

There will be four restaurants and bars and the resort grounds will also feature three pools; a full-service spa and a fitness center; water sports center; and tennis courts. Golfers will enjoy the 18-hole, par 72, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and David Fleming designed golf course.

It’s one of only a handful of resorts south of Puerto Vallarta (unlike bustling Punta Mita to the northwest), meaning you’ll likely have this slice of beach mostly to yourself. The resort was built to disappear into the coastline; even the hue of the cement was made to exactly match the color of the nearby sand. 

Doubles from US $1,550.

International News

Best of Northern California

Indulge in a showcase of Northern California’s culinary delights and natural landscapes as you travel with a maximum of 17 guests on an immersive, limited-edition tour from Intrepid Vacations. 

On the Best of Northern California tour, you can sample wines in Napa Valley and cheese in Mendocino, visit the vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco and wind down to take in the fresh air at some of the most serene escapes in the bay.

7 days | 9 cities | from US $4,125

Cruise News

Crystal Cruises Collapses

Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises owes customers more than US $100 million in deposits and payments, former president Jack Anderson told Bloomberg. Crystal dissolved operations on February 11. The firm has shut its offices in the US and let employees go. 

Two of its ships were seized by authorities in the Bahamas for unpaid fuel bills. The cruise line now owes money to passengers who paid for trips up until 2024. It also owes travel agents and vendors, as well as between 300 and 400 crew members who are still onboard each anchored ship. Crystal’s expedition ship Crystal Endeavor was last seen in Uruguay.

Deal of the Week

Brand New Expedition Ship: 50% Savings

In the spirit of keeping the Saint Valentines feeling alive through the year, Swan Hellenic is offering guests the chance to bring their loved one for free on selected itineraries booked by March 15, 2022.
That’s right, love is still in the air ‒ one of you will cruise for free!

Take an adventure to the Arctic and beyond where you’ll embrace the kind of experience that will keep the romance alive year after year. Because love isn’t a moment, it’s a journey. 

Arctic Discovery: Iceland, Jan Mayen & Spitsbergen

Look out for puffins, geysers, waterfalls and even more puffins as you circumnavigate the land of fire and ice. Breaching whales and curious arctic foxes are also likely to make an appearance.

Reykjavik to Longyearbyen | 11-days, June 8, 2022 | from US $7,554 per person

Svalbatd Emcompassed

Begin your adventure in the world’s most northerly town, Longyearbyen. Sail through a unique arctic environment with its alluring icy blue waters and giant glaciers. Look out for polar bears, seals and arctic foxes on the shores and ice floes.

Longyearbyen Roundtrip | 8-days, June 18, 29 & July 2, 2022 | from US $6,421 per person

Arctic Discovery: Svalbard, Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya

A real life-changing adventure ‒ you’ll travel where few others ever have, from Norway’s most remote corners to the Russian High Arctic. Pass majestic fjords and watch rarely seen wildlife ‒ belugas, bowheads, narwhals, polar bears and more. Conclude this incredible experience on Siberia’s mighty Yenisei River.

Longyearbyen to Dudinka | 20-days, July 9, 2022 | from US $15,420 per person

Arctic in Depth: Siberia to Norway

Explore the mysterious Russian High Arctic, a place once closed to visitors, on this very special cruise. Discover the culture and traditions of the Nenets indigenous people and cruise past abandoned Russian towns as you explore some of the world’s least-visited places. Cruise towards the icy Svalbard archipelago and watch for wildlife and seabirds.

Dudinka to Tromso | 16-days, July 28, 2022 | from US $12,539 per person

What’s Included?

When the details are taken care of, you can focus on making the most of your expedition. So Swan Hellenic made sure that everything you need for your adventure of a lifetime is included in the price.

• Transfers from the airport to the cruise port and vice-versa
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours
• Lecture programs by experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Standard Wifi
• Onboard gratuities and port taxes
• Shore excursion program
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka
• Use of rubber boots for shore landings

Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for 50+ years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world.  She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities and budget. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics, Mexico and international travel. Cell phone 415-111-8765, Vonage 949-300-3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. 

Sources: Four Seasons Hotels, Insight Vacations, Bloomberg, Swan Hellenic