The world is reopening and now is the time for Canadians to plan their winter getaways to the South. Destination favourites of Jamaica and Mexico have picturesque white sandy beaches, while Aruba and Colombia boost the hot sun plus cultural experiences. Here are IHG Hotels & Resort’s best recommendations for escaping the winter!
Tulum
MEXICO
The luxurious InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort is known to have the nicest beachfront in Cancun. It’s also known for its design and décor and has a newly renovated lobby and guest room. And it’s only 15 minutes away from popular nightlife and fine dining. Direct flights from Toronto to Cancun have resumed to 100%; making it an ideal time to visit the tropical destination.
Whether you’re planning a family trip or a romantic getaway, the Caribbean is full of wonders and adventures for everyone. A must-see is Playa del Carmen, a cosmopolitan coastal city with an array of gastronomic delights and a variety of entertainment options. After a day of touring, relax at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Playa del Carmen which is centrally located near the main archaeological sites, the city center, iconic beaches, and famous nightclubs.
If you’re wanting a ‘slowcation,’ try exploring the Caribbean on a ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. Enjoy the private beach at the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa and take in the stunning views of the turquoise waters, both from the beach and the deep as Cozumel is home to the second-largest coral barrier reef in the world.
If you are into history and culture, Yucatan’s capital Merida is the perfect spot for you. Tour its Historical Center and the iconic Paseo Montejo, try the local cuisine that is famous for its scented orange flavour and spiciness, and buy regional handicrafts. A colonial-style construction hotel like Holiday Inn Merida is the perfect place to stay in the historic city. After a day of touring, you can relax by the pool under a palapa, sip a cocktail in the central patio, and enjoy delicious meals at the property’s restaurants La Arboleda and La Veranda.
If you are looking for a private boho-chic destination, look no further than Tulum. The Kimpton Aluna Tulum hotel is an ideal luxury accommodation with access to experiences, from morning yoga and meditation sessions to bike rides, diving into the cenotes, visiting Mayan ruins and enjoying magnificent views of the lush jungle. Your stay will be complete with meals at the property’s two restaurants, Parallel 20° and Bhanu Sky Kitchen, which are located by the rooftop pool.
ARUBA
Known as ‘The Happy Island,’ Aruba will welcome you with the sunniest of landscapes. Enjoy its unique atmosphere with your soulmate, friends, or family at the Holiday Inn Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino where you’ll be surrounded by an exotic world of shopping and sizzling nightlife. Relax in its beachside pools, experience thrilling water sports, or its easy access to the island’s top attractions.
JAMAICA
In times like these, when we need to disconnect to reconnect, it’s hard to think of a place with a more laid-back vibe than Jamaica. The Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive welcomes you to enjoy a worry-free vacation with comfortable accommodations, relaxing spa treatments, a casino, volleyball courts and more. Throughout the entire day, guests enjoy snacks and delicious meals offered in each of the five on-site restaurants.
Satisfy your adventurous side in Cartagena, a destination that perfectly blends its old colonial city with the new ocean-view towers. Enjoy touring colonial & baroque architecture, shopping at high-end stores, strolling on beautiful beaches, and end with a relaxing evening by the pool during your stay at the InterContinental Cartagena De Indias, which has a must-see terrace to enjoy the sunsets.
Travel is in a rebound and as it resumes, governments around the world have implemented safety measures for their citizens to travel. For Canadians, requirements include a complete vaccination scheme with any of vaccines approved by the Canadian Government (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson), a negative COVID-19 molecular test applied within 72 hours before your flight, which should be uploaded in the ArriveCan portal or app. As a traveller, once you’ve completed these steps you will be more than ready to go on your trip. To make it a better and safer experience, IHG hotels warmly welcome guests with flexibility for unexpected plan changes as well as clean, comfortable, and reliable stays. Guests can rest easy and count on IHG’s Clean Promise.