Experience “one of the last” out-island hideaways. Escape to the island of North Caicos in the Turks & Caicos Islands to indulge in a secluded island getaway the way it was meant to be. This is truly a paradise where life becomes timeless and unstructured and visitors can just laze on 10 kilometres of uncrowded white sand beaches. Protected from the Atlantic Ocean by a coral reef blessed with an abundance of marine life and surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, North Caicos offers a safe bathing haven for all ages. Air Canada offers direct service twice a week from Toronto to Providenciales. Transfer options from Providenciales include a Beach Cruiser Charter or a scheduled ferry service. Visit northcaicos-everything.com or call 203-681-9379.
Under the expert guidance of Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell, the 2012 season of the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake promises to be an exciting one. Eleven productions presented on the Festival’s four stages include a contemporary musical, two productions by the Festival’s namesake and a newly-discovered Githa Sowerby play. The full season’s lineup features Ragtime, book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, music by Stephen Flaherty; Present Laughterby Noël Coward; His Girl Friday, adapted by John Guare, from The Front Pageby Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur and the Columbia Pictures film; Misallianceby George Bernard Shaw; The Millionairessby George Bernard Shaw; French Without Tearsby Terence Rattigan; Come Back Little Shebaby William Inge; A Man and Some Womenby Githa Sowerby; Hedda Gablerby Henrik Ibsen; Trouble in Tahiti, music and libretto by Leonard Bernstein; and Helen’s Necklace by Carole Fréchette. Visit shawfest.com.
Carlson Hotels has launched the Radisson Blu hotels and resorts brand across Asia Pacific. Currently there are 222 Radisson Blu hotels in operation worldwide and 104 more in the pipeline. In Asia Pacific, there are currently 26 Radisson Blu hotels and 33 more planned. Radisson Blu offers a first-class hospitality experience, which is customized to the needs of the modern traveller. A unique offering from the World of Radisson is the business-class room featuring upgraded amenities and services, such as three-hour express laundry, high-speed Internet and complimentary grab-and-run breakfast. Radisson Blu flagship properties are found in prime locations, including major cities, airport gateways and leisure destinations around the world. Visit discover-radisson-blu.com and radissonblu.com.
After a successful introduction last year of its At Leisure guided vacations in Europe and Britain, Trafalgar Tours has expanded its relaxed-paced itineraries to three more continents with the addition of 15 new trips—four in North America, two in South America, two in Australia and New Zealand, and seven in Europe. New itineraries include Spanish Island Serenade, Canada’s Rockies, Discover Australia and Best of South America. A total of 28 itineraries offer two to three nights’ average stay in each location and plenty of free time for some individual exploration at each destination. As well, with family travel in high demand, Trafalgar has introduced four new itineraries in the 2012 Family Experiences brochure, featuring 18 guided activity-packed vacations designed specifically to meet family travel needs. Visit trafalgartours.ca.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has been named “Best Cruise Line” in The Guardian and Observer Reader Travel Awards 2011, in a category that includes the best of both the ocean and river cruise industries. Awarded by readers of The Guardianand The Observer, Uniworld scored a flawless 100 per cent from all of its voters. This is the second accolade given to Uniworld from U.K. consumers recently, as it was recently given the award for “Best Dining” from the readers ofCruise Internationalmagazine. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is also the world’s only river cruise line to have been acknowledged by Zagat Survey® for “Top Dining.” Uniworld, a boutique cruise line, is a sister company to Red Carnation Hotels, an award-winning collection of five-star luxury hotels. Visit uniworld.com.
LEGOLAND Florida, the first theme park to open in Florida in 10 years, is built with more than 50 million bricks. Its 50 rides, shows and “pink-knuckle” attractions are geared to families with children, ages 2–12. Located on the site of the former Cypress Gardens, the park is divided into 10 interactive zones including LEGO Kingdoms, featuring knights, princesses and dragons as well as the newest “castle” in Central Florida, and the interactive LEGO City where kids drive cars and boats by themselves. The heart of LEGOLAND, Miniland USA displays landmarks from Washington, D.C., New York City, Las Vegas and major points of interest across Florida including Cape Kennedy and the Daytona Motor Speedway, all built at 1:20 scale. In addition, four junior coasters offer young theme park-goers their first thrill experience. LEGOLAND Florida is located 45 minutes from Orlando and 45 minutes from Tampa. Visit florida.legoland.com.
