By Judy Newell
Mexico News
New Experiences at Striking Hotels
Disconnect from daily life in two striking properties on the Oaxacan coast, both dreamed up by architect Alberto Kalach.
Hotel Terrestre, Puerto Escondido
Operating on 100% solar power, Terrestre’s design creates a spatial experience that interacts with its natural surroundings. The 14-guestroom hotel sits amongst jungle foliage around 40 minutes up the coast from Puerto Escondido, perfect for a retreat away from the distractions of daily life. Relax in the hexagonal spa, take a dip in your own private plunge pool, and dine in the open-air restaurant. Rated exceptional. Deluxe room from US$349.
Casona Sforza, Puerto Escondido
A little further down the coast from Puerto Escondido, Casona Sforza awaits guests with unique architecture consisting of arches and vaults, allowing the sea breeze to flow through suites and public spaces. Earthy textures and neutral colors decorate the property’s 11 rooms, some enjoying an outdoor hot tub, plunge pool, or terrace. The main pool is a concentric circle of light blue, beautifully uniting the natural surroundings and sandy-stone hotel. Rated exceptional. Deluxe room now 25% off, from US$553.
International News
Women’s Expeditions
The ever-popular Women’s Expeditions are back and better than ever!
After a two-year pandemic pause, Intrepid had time to reimagine, revitalize, and relaunch these incredible trips. And this time around, they’ve got an additional special purpose: empowering women deeply affected by the pandemic.
Led by women, for women, these trips are all about breaking down barriers. You’ll get a deeper understanding of female culture, including in more conservative destinations where it might normally be off-limits, and help challenge traditional gender boundaries in tourism.
Iran: Women’s Expedition
12 days, from US$2120
Morocco: Women’s Expedition
8 days, from US$846
Peru: Women’s Expedition
8 days, from US$1390
India: Women’s Expedition
12 days, from US$1060
Hertz Buying 65,000 EVs
Hertz announced a new global partnership with Swedish electric car maker Polestar, which will see the car rental giant buy up to 65,000 electric vehicles over five years. Availability of the EVs is expected to begin in spring 2022 in Europe and from late 2022 in North America and Australia. As well as making its EV fleet available to its business and leisure customers, Hertz is extending them to rideshare drivers.
Polestar reported that it nearly tripled volumes in 2021 and anticipates more than doubling volumes again this year. It expects numbers to reach 290,000 vehicles per year by the end of 2025. Hertz will initially order the Polestar 2 model.
Cruise News
HAL Ship Housing Ukrainian Refugees
Holland America Line has offered a helping hand to provide temporary housing for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in their homeland. HAL’s Volendam cruise ship, docked in Rotterdam, has started accommodating them and could take up to 1,500 Ukrainians. Volendam has not yet re-entered service. The city of Rotterdam says it has a “major housing shortage,” while The Netherlands government has vowed to house up to 50,000 Ukrainians.
Aviation News
Qantas to Buy Sustainable Fuel in U.S.
Qantas sealed a deal with U.S. biofuels company Aemetis to power its U.S. west coast flights with low-carbon alternative jet fuel. The multi-year contract covers the purchase of 20 million liters of blended fuel for its planes at Los Angeles and San Francisco airports.
Qantas says it will lower its emissions by about 8% and save about 15,000 tons of carbon a year. The airline also recently agreed to buy 10 million liters of SAF at Heathrow Airport for its London flights.
Deal of the Week
A Magical Experience in Kenya Awaits
A journey to Kenya epitomizes adventure, discovery, and serenity. It envelopes you in a world of newness—a vibrant landscape that reflects its people and the wildlife that call it home.
Stand in awe at the heights of towering giraffes. Feel shivers down your spine as you graze an elephant’s coarse skin. Feel a true human connection as you get to know local tribes. Experience anticipation like never before as you venture out on a bush walk in search of it all.
From the Masai Mara’s verdant and vast landscapes dotted with the Big 5, to the Great Wildebeest Migration, to game drives in Amboseli with the impeccable backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kenya’s splendor is unsurpassed. It’s a place where conservation is at its finest, where wildlife and the Masai co-exist.
In a country of possibilities, leave nothing to chance: tour with the best guides, rangers, and trackers who will show you a landscape like you’ve never seen before.
Essential Kenya with Masai Mara
Nairobi | Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Naivasha | Masai Mara
8 days, from US$4,370
Kenya Active Adventure
Nairobi | Mt. Kenya | Samburu | Laikipia | Masai Mara
9 days, from US$7,930
Kenya Exclusive
Nairobi | Laikipia | Masai Mara | Chyulu Hills
11 days, from US$15,200
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 clients’ 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; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.
Sources: Journey Mexico, Intrepid Travel, Travel Mole, Holland America Line, Qantas, Kensington Tours
