Uncover a year-round paradise in Vancouver

11 October 2024

Nestled between the stunning Pacific Ocean and majestic mountains, Vancouver is a city that promises both urban charm and outdoor thrills. Known globally for its liveability, Vancouver offers a mild climate, eclectic neighbourhoods, and a vibrant arts scene. Picture wandering through independent boutiques, exploring bustling farmers’ markets, or dining in world-class restaurants. It’s one of those places that is charming in all seasons, so we’ve picked out some of our favourite luxury experiences for whenever you choose to visit.

Uncover a year-round paradise in Vancouver

Winter - book a box at Rogers Arena to watch the Canucks

The National Hockey League normally runs from early October to early April, so come to Vancouver in winter and you can splurge on seats in a box to watch the mighty Canucks in action. The buzz surrounding a game can be felt on city streets even miles away from Rogers Arena. The build-up is accompanied by the smell of beer, popcorn, and hot dogs from the concession stands and rock ’n’ roll blasting from the sound system, and you can stroll around the concourse to take in sights, including the Luc Bourdon Wall of Dreams and a display of hockey pucks honouring British Columbia’s hockey history. And when the puck drop happens, you can’t help but get caught up in the emotion and excitement emanating from around 18,000 passionate fans.

Spring – book a hotel suite overlooking Stanley Park’s cherry blossoms

As Vancouver’s rainy season evaporates, spring delights city dwellers and visitors with milder temperatures and the glorious sight of around 40,000 cherry trees bursting with pink and white blooms. One of the best places to see Vancouver’s cherry blossoms is Stanley Park, which has rows of trees near the formal rose garden and the Japanese Canadian WWI war memorial. On a peninsula at the northwestern edge of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park also has gorgeous beaches, paved and dirt trails to explore, a water park, a miniature railway, and around half a million cedar, fir, and hemlock trees. Vancouver’s oldest park, it’s been ‘greenspace’ designated for nearly 130 years.

Summer – soar over the city on a private floatplane tour

While San Francisco has its trolley cars and Venice its gondolas, Vancouver has flying Beavers and Otters. Beavers are small, single-engine 1950s-era prop-powered floatplanes that buzz in and out the Strait of Georgia throughout the day. Along with slightly larger Otters, they are used for various flightseeing tours. These can range from a 30-minute trip circling the skyline and surrounding coastal islands, to a hop over to British Columbia's capital city. Or you can go to a tiny lake deep in the Canadian wilderness for backcountry fishing and camping, or on an action-packed excursion to Whistler.

Autumn – head into the forest to see the salmon run

Running from late August into December, the salmon run sees these majestic fish swim upstream to spawn in small creeks. As they battle their way upstream, fighting powerful currents and leaping over cascading waterfalls, the glistening salmon make for a spectacular sight. From your Vancouver base you can get a private vehicle to witness this phenomenon by an experienced guide who will be able to talk you through not just the salmons incredible life cycle but all about the flora and fauna in the temperate rainforests around the city, if you really want to clear your head you could also do some forest bathing at the same time.

To book your Vancouver holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Trade the beach for the streets of Valletta this autumn

07 August 2026

As summer draws to a close, city breaks come back into focus, and few destinations pack as much into a long weekend as Valletta. Malta's compact capital combines centuries of history with a thriving food scene, waterfront views, and a walkable centre that makes it easy to fit plenty into just a few days. With warm autumn temperatures, open-air cafés still spilling onto the streets, and a calendar of events continuing well beyond peak season, it's an easy choice for anyone looking for somewhere that feels both relaxed and full of character.

Why Aphrodite Hills Resort offers more than just a villa holiday

07 August 2026

Set among the rolling hills of Cyprus’ south-west coast, Aphrodite Hills Resort offers much more than a standalone villa or apartment stay. Guests have their own private space, with options ranging from serviced apartments to large villas with private pools, while still having championship golf, tennis and padel courts, restaurants, wellness facilities, and family activities close by. Just 15 minutes from Paphos International Airport, it is a practical choice for couples, families, groups, and longer stays, with added services such as housekeeping, arrival food baskets, breakfast at the Golf Clubhouse, and private chefs available to make the holiday even easier.

Where to stay in the Algarve, from villas to boutique retreats

07 August 2026

Choosing where to stay can completely change the feel of an Algarve holiday. Beyond the region’s larger resorts, there are whitewashed villas overlooking the Atlantic, converted village houses in the countryside, intimate design hotels, and peaceful coastal retreats. From the fishing village of Salema to the quieter landscapes around Vila do Bispo and Lagos, these four stays each offer their own take on southern Portugal, whether you want the freedom of a villa, easy access to the beach, or somewhere small and characterful to come back to after a day exploring.

Uncover a year-round paradise in Vancouver

Trade the beach for the streets of Valletta this autumn

Why Aphrodite Hills Resort offers more than just a villa holiday

Where to stay in the Algarve, from villas to boutique retreats

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