Just Back From: The Four Seasons Resort Nevis

The Four Seasons Resort Nevis is re-opening this October and we couldn’t be more excited to share with you some of the fantastic new features!

Storytelling Suites:

With 14 guestrooms converted into seven suites, the Resort now features 24 suites across five new categories: Indigo Suites, Poinciana Suites, Chelanii Suites,Kalinago Suites and Alexander Suites. All suite category names tell the story of Nevis in different ways, representing either the island’s people, history, nature, wildlife or culture.

Re-imagine Restaurants:

On the Dune - Offering an upscale and relaxed yacht club style venue during the day, this new eclectic restaurant highlights a blend of Caribbean and American cuisine using the freshest regional seafood and local produce while the bar focuses on a noteworthy section of wine.

Mango - This seaside restaurant features a redesign of its bar area to allow for more unobstructed Caribbean views during cocktail hour.

Kids For All Seasons:

Kids For All Seasons has found a new home right on the sands of Pinney's Beach. This three room structure will feature a large indoor play area, movie room and outdoor playground for our young travellers. The complimentary Kids For All Seasons program includes supervised recreational, creative and educational activities for guests' children ages 3 to 9.

Signature Infinity Edge Pool:

The Resort’s signature pool has been completely reconstructed and raised to create one long sight line from the Great House lobby straight out to the Caribbean Sea horizon. Surrounded by lush new landscaping, the 3,300 square foot (300 square metre) infinity edge pool will be the centrepiece of the Resort, featuring 86 new loungers and four luxury pool cabanas fully-equipped with comfortable seating and furnishings, Wi-Fi connectivity and power. The pool’s 5,350 square foot (500 square metre) hardwood deck has been made from fully-sustainable US-grown resources, highlighted by a new feature fire pit that has been installed to the west of the pool, towards the beach.

If you have any questions or inquiries, please contact your TWIL Travel Advisor at TWIL Travel today.

Just Back From: Costa Rica

Are you ready to experience the “Pura Vida” way of life in Costa Rica? Our TWIL Advisor, Ruby Silvertown, had an amazing time in Costa Rica and had the chance to experience two very different properties, both of which she enjoyed. The trip was filled with a mix of adventure and relaxation. Costa Rica is the perfect destination to recharge, reconnect and live the simple life.

Photo: EQRoy/ Shutterstock

Four Season Papagayo Costa Rica

Location

A 40-minute drive (NW) from Liberia Airport. The airport is super easy to navigate, and there are daily flights from Toronto and many other major US cities. The Four Seasons is directly on the tip of the Papagayo Peninsula, there are beaches and views all round.  

Facts and First Impressions

• A multi-million-dollar renovation has just taken place including a brand-new spa

• The area is immaculately manicured with stunning gardens and vegetation with marked bike lanes

• Staff are outstanding, extremely helpful and charming. Entire property has been well planned and has exquisite views in every direction

Photo: Four Seasons, Papagayo

Activities

Many services and activities on the Peninsula are communal and shared with the other properties on the development. The area features and 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, along with a variety of activities and sports for everyone, including mountain biking, water bikes, hiking yoga, deep sea fishing, snorkeling and so much more!

Accommodation

There are several types of suites from one bedroom to three bedrooms, along with residences that go up to 4 bedrooms and can be adjoined for more. The residences are a bit farther from the main action but walk-able or one can call a golf cart. A typical residence will always have rooms with kings and 2 queens as well as living rooms, dining rooms, multiple bathrooms, kitchens and laundry. These are a great option for larger or multi-generational families, especially those with younger kids, where having a kitchen and laundry facilities are key!  All the rooms are spectacular and have a water view.

Food and Drink

All the food was spectacular. It was fresh and delicious, creative and very healthy. For a quick fun lunch, among other spots, there is a great “food truck” on the beach with a menu changing daily.

There are alcoholic drink specials daily with a unique rum and chocolate tasting activity for those who think they might like that. There are 2 main go to restaurants in the main part of the hotel, and another one at the Golf Club a short local transfer ride away.

Overall, the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo is a fabulous property that will appeal to both couples and families.

Los Catalinas by Casa Chameleon

Location

An 80-minute drive (SW) from Liberia Airport. Roads are okay, there are 2 roads and I suggest you take the paved one and avoid the ‘short cut’. Las Catalinas is a newly developed, fully walkable beach town that is car- free. It has the look of a Mediterranean Seaside resort.

Photo: Hidden Coast Realty

Activities

You can spend your days hanging out by the infinity pool, or exploring the 22 trails they have to offer by hiking or mountain biking. Some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling is found just offshore. They offer sunrise and sunset yoga on the shores of Playa Danta. 

Facts and First Impressions

Beautiful property however, might not be suitable for those with mobility issues, as it has challenging hills and stairs.

Staff are outstanding, extremely helpful and charming.

The sunset was so spectacular that it is reminiscent of Positano – maybe better.

Accommodations

The property cascades down a hillside with individual casitas, which are small but private and well planned. They all have exquisite unobstructed views of the Pacific sunset with private pools, king beds, private yoga mats and weights to work out on your private terrace. The furniture is cute, boho trendy and comfy. There are no TVs anywhere, but not to fret - there is WiFi.

Food and drink

There is one restaurant on property with beautiful views. The food was great and the service was excellent. Other food can be found down the hill in town, but it is limited.

Please Note

Most of the hotels that we visited in Costa Rica are ultra eco-conscious and (Except for the Four Seasons), prefer that guests  use their shampoo and soap, as they do not contain chemical substances. They also don’t want anyone putting anything, including toilet paper down the toilet in order to save their sewage systems.

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for everyone, they offer a mix of tropical beaches, adventurous activities and awe inspiring nature that is sure to leave you refreshed and energized! We loved our time exploring the different regions and experiencing the “Pura Vida” way of life, it definitely made our trip a unique one to be remembered!

To learn more about how we can create the perfect vacation offering VIP treatment at the worlds finest properties and provide you with preferred partner amenities, please contact a TWIL Travel Advisor for all the details.

Just Back From: Kenya

TWIL Travel Advisor, Julie law, journeyed across the world to Kenya. What she saw was a roaring place with both commotion and serenity. 

Kenya is the original safari destination where you can see wild animals in wild places. It is a place of colourful tribesmen, pristine beauty, and unparalleled diversity. Here, silver beaches with unspoiled palm and a bustling landscape of wildlife will juxtapose to create a mosaic that will leave you in awe. 

The start of our trip was one to remember. We were welcomed with a dinner feast carving game meats table side like ostrich, crocodile, and camel. This meal paved the way for the nature and journeys we would share as a family for the days to come. 

Nairobi Highlights

•  Carnivore restaurant is a traditional African restaurant owned by the Sarova Brand.  Skewers of meat of all different types (ox balls (for real!), alligator, lamb, beef, chicken etc.  It’s a fun place for all ages.

• Daphne Sheldrick animal orphanage - must do combined with Giraffe centre (next to and part of giraffe manor).  Animal orphanage has public hour from 11-12 daily.  Private tours available outside this time.

Nairobi Accommodations

Sarova Stanley Hotel: We loved this 5 star hotel. Once you enter the high security gates to enter building there is a feeling of safety and warmth.  This hotel is steeped in history.  The staff take great pride in their hotel and will take you on a complimentary ½ hour tour of the hotel to discuss its history.  This is a great 1 or 2-night stopover place. We stayed here 2 nights which enabled us to recuperate after a full night’s travel.  We incorporated a day of touring the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre which was a great start to the trip.  

PROS

•  This hotel steeped in history-colonial feel

•  Warm rich red/gold tones/wood panelled walls throughout hotel

• Beautiful traditional bars

• Service impeccable

• Restaurants, particularly the Thai restaurant excellent

• Rooms spacious, clean, well equipped-connecting rooms and suites available

• Rooftop pool and restaurant/fitness facilities on site

CONS

• Location is in the centre of Nairobi-there are no restaurants to walk to from this location and feeling of uneasiness outside the hotel security gates.  Not safe to wander the streets here.

Fairmont, The Norfolk (Site Tour): My first impression was this hotel was a great stopover place in a quiet location in a more modernized hotel.  Unfortunately, the rooms weren’t up to par but the rest of the building made up for those flaws.  

PROS

•  Peaceful location, situated in a quiet part of the city

•  Caribbean Colonial flair to hotel décor-palm ceiling fans, mahogany wood, white walls

•  Common areas more modernized and newer in appearance

• Rooms a large, centred around a central courtyard (didn’t feel like you were in the heart of Nairobi)

•  Adjoining rooms perfect for families (or for bodyguards- Seriously, that’s how they pitched the rooms!)

• ·     Beautiful wood panelled bar next to lovely tea room

CONS

• Rooms need updating.  They were very tired in appearance

Lewa Highlights

•  Must pay a visit to the Lewa Operations Department which explains how they control poaching, conserve Rhinos and protect the animal population.

• There are 5 properties in the conservancy, all ranging in high level accommodation but different style.

• Brunch in the middle of Mara following game drive.

Lewa Accommodation

Lewa Safari Lodge: I would stay here again in a heart beat.  I am intrigued about visiting the other 5 Lewa properties, particularly Lewa Wilderness and Lewa House.  

I felt like Lewa Safari Camp had a nice balance of luxury and rustic qualities.  The best thing about staying in a Conservancy is that your game drives are more private and personal compared to drives in the Mara.  By the way, I was woken up at 5am to a Lions Roar and watched the sun rise while watching a heard of elephants drinking from the water hole 30 feet away.

 PROS

•  5-hour drive from Nairobi. Lewa also has its own private airstrip

•  This was a lovely property on a private conservancy of 63000 acres of protected land.

•  Conservancy for rhinos, incredible BIG 5 sightings seen here-best thing about conservancy game         

•  Drives are less vehicles and more private game viewing

•  12 Tented Lodges on property

•  Very cool first impression with rugged, organic, authentic, minimalist design

•  Two games drives daily - early morning and early evening

• Rooms-very private-permanent African canvas tented accommodation - nice bathrooms with functional toilet and shower- Wi-Fi in rooms, comfortable bed, screened in with views overlooking plains - beautiful!

• Hairdryers on generator in main area

•  Limited electricity-solar and battery - no power between 11pm-6am (pretty standard)

• Fenced property - safe to wander around freely

• Some tents can be combined for families

• Pool area and beautiful restaurant - rustic luxury

• All inclusive plans - 2 drives per day - excellent guides - options of brunch in the middle of the wild

CONS

• Service pretty slow and lax

• Food is good, not great 

Fairmont Mount Kenya:

I get a feeling that this place was something VERY special a long time ago. It’s the antithesis of a safari experience which might be welcomed to those that want a reprieve from safari life. I personally loved the character of the rooms and the beautifully manicured lawns and gardens but can’t help but feel like I was missing out on an African experience while staying here.

 PROS

• 2-hour drive from Lewa

• Beautiful setting overlooking Mt.Kenya (situated on equator)

• Very colonial feel about property-incredible gardens and landscape

• Rooms have tons of character (all have real fireplaces)

• Family cottages available

• Resort feel and prices of F&B and activities reflects this

• Good place for 1-2-night stopover - all of your luxury items available

• Great for hiking

• Good place for multi-generational families

CONS

• Service here was slow 

• Rooms have character but need some updating - splash of paint on walls/clean furniture would help.  I believe they have plans to refurbish rooms so stay tuned!

Sarova Mara: I was SO impressed with this property.  This is a fantastic place for EVERYONE to stay- young families, teenage families, and multigenerational families are comfortable here.  It’s a great place to stay following a ‘proper’ tented camp experience. The Sarova Hotels have perfected their service skills and is one of the reasons why I would recommend this brand.

PROS

• Located in Largest National Park (Park of Serengeti), the Massai Mara

• Five-star property, in my opinion, when weighing in rooms, F&B and service

• VERY family friendly, small resort style 

• Fenced property and lots of space for children to roam freely

• Many activities for children and teens

• Room (tents) beautiful!  Shocked by the level of cleanliness, space and beautiful décor

• This was a nice property to stay in following a few tented nights with limited Wi-Fi, water and electricity

• Nightly entertainment 

• They have family tents, spa, pool, 2 restaurants, incredible food choice

• 2 game drives daily

• Very affordable

CONS

• Lots of vehicles - can really alter your game viewing experience (not a reflection of hotel)

• Walking safaris, night game drives not allowed in national park

• Must be out of park by 6:30pm

Sarova Spirit, Mara: A very remote location in the Mara with some great game drives but not worth the extra drive to get here. This was my least favourite place.  This hotel with its stark interior and modern design belongs in Miami, not the Mara.Lots of potential, but not there yet. 

 PROS

• Beautiful location, beautiful, well appointed and massive self-contained huts

• Rooms were huge, great for families

• Not a fenced property (has its pros and cons)

• Watering hole nearby attracting animals

• Nice pool 

CONS

• Not a great main communal lounge, bar and restaurant décor-very cold feeling

• F&B service terrible

• Quality of food and drink terrible

• Rooms not cleaned properly

OTHER HOTELS TO CONSIDER IN KENYA

Nairobi: Giraffe Manor, Emakoko, or Sarova Stanley in town

Laikipia (2 hrs from lewa): Kecheche camp  or Borana 

Lewa: Lewa Wilderness, Lewa House, Borana, Lewa Safari Camp

Mara: Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Bateleur Camp, Mara Plains Camp, budget: Mara Sarova

TIPS AND INSIDER 

•    Tents:

  •   Different levels of tented accommodations - what differs are exposure to elements, electricity, WiFi, toilets and running water

  •  Level of privacy- many tented camps have communal eating/lounge areas

  • Usually only 5-10 tents on property

  • Luxury tented camps really vary in quality – make sure you know what is included 

  • Fenced vs. unfenced camps:  unfenced means you are vulnerable to animals entering camp - staff on duty all night monitoring animal activity - cannot walk unaccompanied outside after dusk without armed staff.  Can feel scary and claustrophobic.

• Lodges: have a boutique feel-combination between tented camp and resort. All amenities available without sacrificing a rustic ‘tent’ experience

•  Resorts: they are great for the young families - open space to run, organized children’s activities, theme nights, pools, other sport activities, fenced, feeling of having a safety net within a wild environment

• Type of vehicle:  you want an open land cruiser

•  Traffic horrific in Nairobi-took 2 hours to drive 3 miles; should determine where your clients stay overnight if they have an early morning flight

• Nairobi: not a safe place to walk - worth staying 1-2 nights to rejuvenate after a long flight journey

• $50 visa required to enter country