Travel News: Openings, Renovations, and New Trips to Book This Week

Sustainable travel leader Natural Habitat Adventures will run a new seven-day tiger intensive expedition in 2019. India Tiger Quest will take guests deep within the jungles of Ranthambore National Park, India’s premier tiger safari destination. The intimate trip will host just 11 guests—four per safari vehicle. Led by India’s top naturalist guides, guests will search for tigers on morning and afternoon drives while keeping an eye out for leopards, sloth bears, pythons, and langur monkeys. Guests will stay on the outskirts of the park in the secluded cottages of Khem Villas. Expedition from $6,795.

On May 17, the Yachtsman Hotel and Marina Club, located directly on the Kennebunk River in downtown Kennebunkport, Maine, unveiled a major renovation when it reopened for the summer season. The 30-room property's  Harborfront Bungalows have been redone with white shiplap walls and bold furnishings in shades of mango, magenta, and blue. Additionally, the hotel now boasts an exclusive partnership with the Kennebunkport Marina, providing guests special privileges such as transient slips for overnight stays and access to water sports equipment rentals. Rooms from $189.

Dublin's newly-refurbished Lord Mayor’s Lounge at The Shelbourne Hotel reopens following the first major renovation in its nearly 200-year history. Since 1824, the historic lounge has served as an elegant space for prominent guests and locals to enjoy afternoon tea. A simple color palette of yellow, ivory, and green tones is accented by lavish touches like Waterford Crystal chandeliers. A new menu features dishes such as house-smoked salmon, buttermilk scones, and éclairs. A new bar (with a terrace reserved for guests) is also slated to debut this summer. These refurbishments are part of a larger, multimillion-euro renovation project. Rooms from $477.

Nihi-Sumba, a dreamy hotel located on an untouched Indonesian island, is already the perfect place to unplug. But this fall, Tatiana Boncompagni Hoover, co-founder of the Model Trainer Method and founder of Sculptologie, will help guests reset and learn healthy habits to take home. The week-long “Nihi Reset” transformative retreat will take place October 27. The program includes strength training workouts, yoga, meditation, spa services, and hikes. Included in the cost are all meals, activities, and one spa treatment. From $800 per night (single occupancy) or $1400 per night (double occupancy).

Greece’s beloved Canaves Oia hotel opens a five-star sister property, Epitome, high above the picturesque fishing town of Ammoudi. Inspired by traditional Cycladic architecture, Epitome combines all-natural materials with sophisticated modern design. The hotel's 24 villas are within walking distance from Oia’s Katharos Beach, and each features a private pool or plunge pool. The hotel also offers two-bedroom family villas, an infinity pool with private cabanas and a sunset terrace, and a bar and restaurant. Rooms from $538.

Trisara, a 60-villa beachfront resort spread across 150 acres in Phuket, has introduced a new foraging experience. Available through October 31, the five-day program allows guests to forage by private yacht. The resort’s Michelin-trained executive chef will cruise with guests along Phuket’s west coast to Koh Racha, an island known for its abundance of tuna, mackerel, and sailfish. After fishing and snorkeling, chef will lead guests in a Thai cooking class aboard the ship. Guests will also shop for ingredients at a local market, harvest ingredients both in the wild and at a farm, and visit heritage homes where local residents will share authentic recipes. Five-day foraging experience from $2,125.

The Reef 28, an adults-only extension of The Reef Resorts and Spa family of all-inclusive hotels, debuts in Playa del Carmen. The all-suite property offers Junior and Master accommodations. Both have private furnished patios or terraces; the latter boast bedside jacuzzis. Guests are just down the street from the beach and have access to the famous Mamita’s Beach Club. Two restaurants (Mexican and Asian fusion), a buffet, three bars, and a spa round out the experience. Rooms from $256.