By Judy Newell

Mexico News

Rosewood Mayakoba’s wellness experience 

Rosewood Mayakoba, one of Mexico’s most esteemed oceanside resorts (located within the gates of Mayakoba on the Yucatan peninsula), is catering to those who strive for more transformational results out of their vacation with their premier wellness experiences. 

The resort provides those seeking mental, physical, and spiritual rejuvenation with a bespoke path to wellness complete with specialized wellness suites. 

The eight recently renovated wellness suites are located on their own private island as a dedicated wellness destination within the resort. The jaw-dropping, 2,000-square-foot suites span two stories with an enormous living and dining area, outdoor patios, and plush bedroom and bathroom.

The suites have distinct, wellness-focused features, including a private salt-therapy pool overlooking the Mayakoba lagoon, a meditation garden with a reflexology fountain, and in-shower aromatherapy setup to encourage self-healing in the solitude of each elegant space. 

In a seaside dreamland lauded for attentive service, world-class farm-to-table gourmet dining, and pristine accommodations, Rosewood Mayakoba’s wellness programming offers visitors a chance to explore an individualized journey to well-being. Every step of the program is steeped in luxury and brimming with warm, Mexican culture.

International News

Vietnam opens for tourism

From March 15, 2022, Vietnam has opened its borders to international tourists once again, with fully vaccinated travelers able to enter without quarantine and travel freely throughout the country. Vietnam has also announced the resumption of its 15-day Visa Exemption scheme for guests of 13 countries, including the U.K. and many European countries, meaning an end to lengthy visa applications and a return to normal for most visitors to Vietnam.

New Zealand sets border reopening date

New Zealand’s international borders are fully reopening from May 1 to vaccinated travelers from visa-waiver countries.

Fully vaccinated travelers from these countries can travel to New Zealand without needing to isolate on arrival, as long as they present a negative pre-departure test. Negative Rapid Antigen Tests will be required on arrival day and again on day 5/6.

Visa waiver countries include the U.K., United States, Japan, Germany, Korea, and Singapore.

First, beginning April 12, Australians will be able to travel to New Zealand isolation-free, and then two and a half weeks later, vaccinated travelers from visa-waiver countries will be admitted.

Removal of UK travel restrictions

The U.K. government has confirmed all remaining COVID-19 travel measures, including the passenger locator form and tests for all arrivals, including passengers who are unvaccinated, will be removed for travel to the U.K. from March 18.

Customers can continue to use Sherpa to check entry and testing requirements for travel to or from their destination. British Airways has reviewed their policy on face coverings and confirmed from March 16:

• Customers traveling on British Airway-operated flights will only be required to wear a mask on board if the destination they are flying to requires this, such as the United States.
• Depending on the destination and local requirements, customers may be required to wear a mask to disembark the aircraft and within the airport terminal.
• As a precaution, British Airways asks all customers to continue carrying face coverings with them for the duration of their journey.

Myanmar reopening for foreign tourists

Myanmar is swinging open its international borders after more than two years of restricting entry for foreign travelers. From April 17, Myanmar will allow the resumption of all international flights. Myanmar closed its borders to visitors in late-March 2020. Travelers to Myanmar are required to isolate for a week, undergo two PCR tests, and must be fully vaccinated.

Aviation News

Delta hiking fares due to fuel costs

Delta Air Lines Chief, Ed Bastian, says high oil prices will result in a hike in air fares of up to 10 percent. Oil prices are at 14-year highs due to the Ukraine invasion. Delta plans to impose fuel surcharges on international flights. Delta will also increase ticket prices for domestic flights. 

Emirates Airlines, Japan Airlines, and AirAsia are also introducing surcharges on air tickets to recoup costs.

Ryanair launching 14 new summer routes from London

Ryanair unveiled its largest ever summer schedule from its three London airports—Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted—with 14 new routes. 

It comprises destinations across Europe, including Naples, Madeira, and Stockholm.

Deal of the Week

Trending tours for April

This month’s most popular tours will take you across the globe with trending destinations in multiple continents. Want to be inspired? Add these premium guided group tours from Insight Vacations to your wish list.

Enchanting Canyonlands

Price from US$2,575 per person, 7 days, 9 cities, rated 4.7/5

Glorious Switzerland

Price from US$3,326 per person, 8 days, 11 cities, rated 4.6/5

Best of Italy

Price from US$3,150 per person, 11 days, 11 cities, rated 4.7/5

Venice and the Croatian Coast, A Women Only Tour

New Trip! Price from US$4,750 per person, 13 days, 13 cities

Best of Spain & Portugal

Price from US$3,375 per person, 15 days, 17 cities, 4.6/5

Country Roads of Ireland

Price from US$2,850 per person, 12 days, 17 cities, rated 4.5/5

Sicily in Depth 

Price from US$2,575 per person, 8 days, 8 cities, rated 4.5/5

Jewels of Alaska

Price from US$3,487 per person, 7 days, 6 cities, rated 4.7/5

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 budgets. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics, Mexico, and international travel. Cell phone 415-111-8765, Vonage 949-300-3682, and email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.

Sources: Paper City, Pandaw, Travel Mole, British Airways, Insight Vacations