A Valentine's Themed JimBits: Romance in Barbados, Britain And a Carnival Cruise Blimp!

LOVER'S WELLNESS RETREAT AT NANIKI BARBADOS

Naniki | February 14, 2019

Website: www.nanikibarbados.com

Celebrate love through nature at Naniki Barbados. This property is perched high in the hills of St. Joseph Parish, and is popularly known for its breathtaking views, peaceful surroundings and island cuisine. Naniki offers couples a Valentine's Day package which includes sunrise yoga, nature hikes, couple's massages, and healthy meals all hosted by Mantra Wellness. Package starts at $500 BBD per couple.

SPRING INTO ROMANCE WORKSHOPS

Hilton Barbados | May 16-23, 2019

Website: www.themistressofplay.com/spring-into-romance

Year after year most couples do the same activities and fall into a boring routine day after day with their love lives. This year, The Mistress of Play hosts the inaugural Spring Into Romance Couples Retreat in Barbados! Here, couples will learn to create and infuse more fun, laughter, romance, ingenuity, and playtime into their love lives. Registered therapists, adult novelists and romantic writers such as the famed Alyssa Cole provide professional and entertaining advice on reviving romance. The package includes workshops, accommodations, breakfast, transportation and opening and closing night receptions for two. Rate is $5,116 CAD per couple.

ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY HERITAGE RAILWAY

St. Nicholas Abbey | Bookings through 2019

Website: www.stnicholasabbey.com/Visit/Heritage-Railway/

Completed in early 2019, The St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway, is the newest family attraction at St. Nicholas Abbey Great House Plantation and Distillery. Known as a prime location for weddings and proposals, journey through the romantic plantation's grounds on a beautiful steam locomotive. The 1-hour narrated tour takes visitors past the historic St Nicholas Abbey Great House, around the lake, home to wild water fowl and migratory birds, and through the mature mahogany woodlands. The tour culminates at Cherry Tree Hill, an elevated point offering breathtaking highland views of the island's rugged east coast, perfect for a couple's selfie! Tickets are $60 BBD per adult.

LUXURY SUNSET CATAMARAN EXPERIENCE

Tide Dancer | Bookings through 2019

Website: www.tidedancerluxury.com

For those looking for a luxury romantic experience, Tide Dancer offers privacy in paradise. Choose between morning or evening semi-private/ shared cruises or a private cruise experience catering for up to 16 people. On board their brand-new catamaran, visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the island's coastline, swim, snorkel with the turtles, indulge in amazing local cuisine while savouring delightful rum cocktails. Rates start at $150 USD per person.

Love is in the air, indeed! Taking advantage of an "only in Vegas moment," Carnival Cruise Line's #ChooseFun AirShip hosted its first-ever wedding for Amanda Robertson, 32, and Jason Gerken, 37, from Las Vegas who tied the knot aside the colourful, 39-meter-long blimp.

With close family and friends in attendance, Las Vegas' own Henry Sneed of Lucky Little Wedding Chapel officiated the memorable ceremony with an appearance by "Elvis Presley" who sang "Can't Help Falling in Love" as Amanda, her father and son walked down the aisle and "Viva Las Vegas" after the two shared their first kiss as a married couple. After all, it couldn't be a true Las Vegas wedding without "the King."

And since there's no better way to "Choose Fun" than actually sailing on a Carnival cruise, the couple and their family were invited to spend their honeymoon on Carnival Panorama when she debuts from Long Beach, Calif., this December.

Amanda, a bartender originally from Allen Park, Mich., and Jason, stay-at-home dad and karaoke host at Karate Karaoke, live with their three children in Las Vegas. The two met at a karaoke night two years ago, and it was love at first sight.

"We always dreamed of having a memorable wedding, but this day was far beyond what we could have imagined. Getting a free cruise for our entire family on what will be the new Carnival Panorama and having our loved ones by our sides have made this one of the best days of our lives," said Amanda.

After completing its wildly successful month-long tour of California to celebrate the arrival of the new Carnival Panorama to Long Beach, Calif. in December, Carnival Cruise Line's #ChooseFun AirShip is touring Las Vegas through Saturday.

On Wednesday, Feb. 13, the AirShip will arrive in Phoenix for a five-day flyover of the city's hottest areas and venues through Sunday, Feb. 17.

In conjunction with the AirShip's extended West Coast tour, Carnival is hosting a sweepstakes where consumers have a chance to win a free cruise as well as additional prizes each week when they enter at carnival.com/choosefun.

And there's never an end date to raising money for a great cause - continuing the charity component of the AirShip's month-long flyover, for anyone who takes a picture of the AirShip and posts it on social media with the hashtag #ChooseFun, Carnival will make a $2 donation to its longtime charity partner St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® up to a maximum donation of $20,000.

Are you on the edge of your seat waiting for season three of The Crown? As excitement bubbles for the on-screen arrival of Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II, Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip and Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret, fans are waiting with bated breath about the exact release date - we know it's this year, but when exactly?!

For those (including clients) not wanting to wait any longer, you can now fill the void by riding around in a private Mercedes with your own private chauffeur visiting some of the show's shooting locations thanks to Evan Evans - a travel company specializing in day trips to Britain's most iconic locations - and their new luxurious The Crown-inspired day trips that are fit for a queen.

They include a tour around locations filmed in London such as The Lyceum Theatre's dramatic façade which was used for the gala scene with The Queen and dashing Matt Smith Prince Phillip adorned in tiara and tux; and an adventure further afield to other UK filming spots like Ely Cathedral where the wedding of Elizabeth and Prince Phillip was recreated. For clients who want an enhanced luxury experience, bespoke tours via the dedicated Evan Evans concierge team and a choice of motor vehicles, including the Jaguar XF and a vintage collection, are also offered on request.

The search may have come to an end for those looking for a romantic escape somewhere different in 2019. Lily Beach Maldives has been voted Asia's #1 All Inclusive Resort, and #14 All Inclusive Resort in the World at the 2019 Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Awards.

Lily Beach Maldives strives to make your honeymoon or your anniversary as special as your marriage. Whether you are just beginning your life as a couple, or have already spent many happy years together, Lily Beach Maldives offers a choice of two generous honeymoon/anniversary packages to sprinkle your holiday with even more romance.

Newlyweds and guests celebrating their wedding anniversary, who are staying at the resort for a minimum of 4 nights are entitled to the following amenities:

A bottle of sparkling wine, special heart-shaped cake, local exotic flowers and fruit basket, a special 4-course romantic candlelight dinner on the beach, a voucher for 50USD per person at Tamara Spa by Mandara, and one turndown service. Guests staying a minimum of 7 nights can enjoy a 25% discount on accommodation in addition to the honeymoon and anniversary amenities.

Goway's Idyllic Islands Experts specialize in customized itineraries that include accommodations, day excursions, meal packages, spa services, inter-island flights, transfers, and international airfares. For more information and sample vacation ideas visit Goway.com.

Bisha Hotel Toronto offers the perfect combination of luxury, comfort, excitement and indulgence this February. Inspired by passion and romance, Bisha has designed three new luxury stay packages in honour of Valentine's Day, the perfect way to celebrate with someone special. From a private dinner 43 stories above ground with breathtaking views of CN Tower and Lake Ontario, to a limited Valentine's Day aphrodisiac-inspired in-room dining menu, each package is uniquely designed to make a lasting impression upon guests. Love is extraordinary and Bisha is here to take care of the details so couples can celebrate their love effortlessly.

Love On Top
Available for one lucky couple only on Valentine's Day, this package is designed to take love to new, soaring heights. A couple will begin their romantic stay with a bottle of Dom Perignon as they settle into the stunning Bisha Suite, designed by Kravitz Design. The Bisha Suite occupies two floors and features a fully equipped kitchen, marble bathroom with heated floors, living room, and a separate guest room with a king-sized bed.

As the sun begins to set, guests will make their way up to the hotel's private Sky Suite, situated on the 43rd floor for an exclusive dinner for two. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the private event space offers panoramic views of Toronto overlooking Lake Ontario and the city skyline, creating the perfect atmosphere for a romantic evening. The dinner will include a multi-course menu with special wine pairings and will ensure no detail goes unnoticed: beautiful florals arrangements, soft lighting, romantic music and more. The next morning, guests are encouraged to sleep in and stay in bed thanks to a late check-out. In-room dining for breakfast is also included, all the more reason to indulge for a few more hours in the stunning suite.

Suite Talk Package
Let Bisha do the sweet-talking. This package is designed to sweep couples off their feet with a stay in one of Bisha's luxury suites. Each suite features a beautifully appointed room with a king bed, a separate living room, heated bathroom floors and a walk-in shower. This package, available February 14 - 17, is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Guests will receive a bottle of bubbles and chocolate truffles to tempt themselves with upon arrival. To spoil your loved one even more, a $200 gift card for Kost, the hotel's 44th-floor rooftop Baja inspired restaurant, is also included.

Do Not Disturb Package
Take a break from the cold, grey city, and take refuge indoors with a night at Bisha. The Do Not Disturb Package, offered until March 31st, includes everything desired for an enthralling night in. Guests will receive a bottle of bubbles and a $75 in-room credit that can be used for the mini-bar, movies or the hotel's new in-room menu. For an extra "after dark" treat, guests are given a turn down game designed to get couples to play. Privacy and discretion included.

Wymara Ltd. has announced a new brand - Wymara Resort and Villas - a new independent identity for the property formerly known as Gansevoort Turks + Caicos. On its 10th anniversary, the luxury resort located on famed Grace Bay Beach is ushering in in a new year and a new era for the 91-room resort and newly-unveiled oceanfront Villas on Turtle Tail Bay, while continuing the warm hospitality, attentive service and amenities the resort is known for. The resort and villas remain fully owned and managed by the original developers of the resort, Wymara Ltd.

Wymara Resort and Villas is a chic and intimate retreat that captures the prestige, pristine beauty and spirit of the Turks + Caicos Islands, blending a contemporary resort design with sophisticated service. Along with its new identity, the resort has introduced new and upgraded accommodations and amenities including seven spectacular new villas on Turtle Tail Bay, located just 2.5 miles away from the resort; a redesigned beachfront restaurant, Zest, and a wildly popular rosé wine and blush champagne-themed Pink Bar, which sits directly on the sand.

The resort's ideal location on the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach, recognized as "Best Beach" by Condé Nast Traveler magazine and "Best Beach in the World" by TripAdvisor, invites guests to enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches of Providenciales. The island boasts the third largest barrier reef in the world, rich in aquatic life, and offers countless opportunities for watersports such as kayaking and paddle boarding, as well as exceptional diving.

Intrepid Travel, the world's largest adventure travel company, has released its annual travel trends predictions. This year's travel trends are based on the business's booking data from its more than 350,000 global travelers, while drawing a clear connection between the drastic influence external social and political climates have on travel choices.

Predicted trends include:

Indigenous tourism enriches communities:

The industry has set a foundation for Indigenous tourism to flourish to new peaks in 2019. With growing international interest, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada announced its five-year plan to accelerate the growth of Indigenous tourism to Canada. New Zealand hosted its third World Indigenous Tourism Summit focused on cultural integrity and sharing pride for being Indigenous.

Intrepid Travel's range of community-based tours empower Indigenous communities through itineraries that are led by locals, building education around First Nation peoples. New Zealand North Island Discovery immerses travellers into the Aotearoa culture, supporting a local Maori family. The Russia Expedition: Footsteps of the Reindeer Herders went from a limited-edition trip, to full-range capacity, after noting significant growth in 2018. The Australia Expedition - Journey into East Arnhem Land gives exclusive access to this untouched wilderness that the Yolngu people have lived for millennia.

Extended layovers spike 'short break' tours:

As airlines continue to capitalize on inevitable layovers in hub airports (i.e. IcelandAir for Reykjavik; Turkish Airlines for Istanbul; Emirates for Dubai), Intrepid Travel predicts the rise in extended layovers and short-break tours.

Intrepid Travel's selection of "Short Breaks" are ideal for travellers looking to explore the country on a layover. New this year are the three-day Taste of Istanbul, offering immersive insights into Turkish culture and vibrant cuisine, as well as Dubai Discovery, which takes a deep dive into the city's heritage beyond skyscrapers and Palm Islands.

Young Americans popularize conscious travel:

Young Americans are going straight to the government to affect change in an effort to fight climate change. Their commitment is translating to how they travel with a recent study from OnePoll commissioned by Intrepid Travel revealing that 58 percent of 18-to-29-year-olds would spend more on travel if they knew their money was going into the local communities they're visiting; this is compared to just 32 percent of travellers ages 51+.

As the most socially-conscious travellers, this generation will continue to spur a great focus on responsible tourism and local immersion. As a result, Intrepid Travel launched this year a dedicated range of Intrepid 18 to 29s, with more than 80 trips focused on experiential, sustainable travel experiences.

Vegans demand options:

With there being a 600 percent increase in Americans identifying as vegan in the last three years, and Emirates announcing a 40 percent increase in in-flight Vegan meals, the industry is taking notice, providing plant-based options to travellers.

Aligning with Intrepid's stance on animal welfare and sustainability, Intrepid launched a new dedicated range of Vegan Food Adventures in three destinations (India, Italy and Thailand) that will begin departing in 2019. The brand-new range of trips have completely sold-out in India and nearly sold-out in Thailand and Italy, which has sparked the business to add additional departures in 2019.

Travellers find female empowerment abroad:

This year fostered an open discussion around female empowerment. Protests around gender equality like the Google Walkout in November and #MeToo movement sparked the need for a global platform where like-minded women from across the globe could connect with one another through travel.

As an industry pioneer in gender equality, Intrepid Travel has developed a new line of women-only expeditions in Morocco, Iran and Jordan, showcasing the traditions of local women in each destination. The itineraries, each led by female tour guides, break the barriers of traditional tourism in these locales, offering a deeper understanding of female culture in each Middle Eastern nation. Launching as a limited-edition range, the trip departures have increased by 800 percent, now departing 24 times in 2019, showcasing that females are finding empowerment through global connections.

Emirates is celebrating the season of love with its customers on board and in its lounges this Valentine's Day. As part of its commitment to create seasonal menus and unique experiences for celebrations worldwide, Emirates has refreshed its Valentine's Day offering to create a memorable travel experience for its customers.

The celebrations kicks off in Emirates' network of lounges. In the Emirates First and Business Class lounges in Dubai from the 13-15 February, customers can enjoy:

A Valentine's champagne treat with the lively and generous notes of Moet & Chandon Rosé Impérial

A selection of Valentine's inspired cakes and desserts including heart shaped dark chocolate raspberry truffle, strawberry eton mess with mini heart sprinkles, red velvet cupcakes and red velvet ice cream

Valentine's Day coffee infusions by Coffee Planet & special biscuits from Costa Coffee

A special Voss water infusion of strawberry & watermelon

Specially flavoured teas from Dilmah including a spritely chamomile and black iced tea and a rum-based Moroccan mint mojito black iced tea which will be paired with Florentines and cookies

Emirates' special pampering services in the lounges like the Timeless Spa and shoe shine services will also have special deals

Complimentary bottle engraving on purchase of spirits from Le Clos, a fine wines & luxury spirits retailer in the lounge

Onboard meals will be seasoned with a touch of romance to complement the regionally inspired cuisine. On Valentine's Day itself, Emirates will served a special selection of desserts on longer flights across its network.

Snack baskets in First Class will feature strawberry & cream flavoured Lakrids liquorice

In First and Business, customers can choose a Strawberry feuilletine with layered white chocolate mousse and strawberry jelly decorated with hearts for an after meal treat

In Economy Class, customers will be served a dark chocolate mousse topped with candied hearts for dessert

Customers can also get in the Valentine's mood with ice, Emirates' award winning inflight entertainment system. February's entertainment catalogue features classic favourites including:

Romantic comedies such as Notting Hill, My Best Friend's Wedding & Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

1973 classic The Way We Were

Emirates' specially curated music playlists called 'Romantic Moments' and 'Love at First Flight' featuring love songs. Customers can also create their own playlists of music, movies and TV shows on the Emirates app ahead of their flight and sync it to their seats once on board.

Those looking for gifts for their loved ones can look forward to special deals:

Emirates' onboard Duty Free features a revamped catalogue with new and exclusive products. Customers who spend USD 95 or more from 8-10 Feb will enjoy a 20% discount.

The Emirates official stores will have Valentine's Day pyjamas for ladies and other Valentine's themed Emirates merchandise available at www.emirates.store. Customers can also use the promo code EKLOVE until 11th Feb for free delivery on purchases over USD 100.