Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, Château Saint-Martin & Spa in Vence and L’Apogée Courchevel are proud to announce the renewal of their Palace Distinction.

Awarded by Atout France and renewed following an exceptionally rigorous assessment process, this prestigious recognition celebrates the enduring excellence of these iconic properties, their incomparable sense of hospitality and their contribution to showcasing the very best of French luxury hospitality. 

Created in 2010 to recognise establishments offering an experience that surpasses the standards of five-star hospitality, the Palace Distinction honours a unique savoir-faire, exceptional service, remarkable heritage and the ability to create truly memorable experiences for every guest. Its renewal reflects the dedication of the teams and the unwavering pursuit of excellence that lies at the heart of each of these three Oetker Hotels properties.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – The Timeless legend of the French Riviera

Overlooking the shimmering waters of Cap d’Antibes for more than 155 years, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc remains one of the world’s most celebrated addresses. 

A true legend of the Côte d’Azur, the property embodies a singular art de vivre where elegance, discretion and refinement exist in perfect harmony. Its Mediterranean gardens, iconic seawater infinity pool carved into the rock and legendary service combine to create an experience unlike any other. 

First awarded the Palace Distinction in 2016, this renewed recognition further underscores the hotel’s remarkable ability to preserve its heritage while continually evolving to meet the expectations of a discerning international clientele.

Château Saint-Martin & Spa – Excellence Amidst Nature

Nestled within a 14-hectare estate in the hills above Vence, Château Saint-Martin & Spa offers a serene retreat in the heart of the French Riviera.

Once a 12th-century Knights Templar commandery and now a haven of understated luxury, the property captivates guests with its exceptional natural surroundings, sweeping Riviera views, authentic art de vivre and deeply personalised approach to hospitality.

First awarded the Palace Distinction in 2019, this renewed recognition reaffirms Château Saint-Martin & Spa’s place among France’s most prestigious destinations, where heritage, gastronomy, wellbeing and bespoke service come together to create unforgettable experiences.

L’Apogée Courchevel – Alpine Luxury at Its Finest

Nestled at the summit of Courchevel 1850’s Jardin Alpin, L’Apogée Courchevel embodies the finest expression of Alpine hospitality.

Enjoying a privileged location with direct access to the world’s largest ski area, the property presents a contemporary vision of Alpine luxury, where elegance, intimacy and conviviality exist in perfect balance. Its spacious suites, exceptional spa, bespoke experiences and impeccable service have established it as a destination of choice for discerning travellers. First awarded the Palace Distinction in 2019, L’Apogée Courchevel now celebrates the renewal of this prestigious recognition, honouring once again the remarkable quality of the guest experience and the unwavering dedication of its teams.

A Recognition of Excellence

The simultaneous renewal of the Palace Distinction for Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Château Saint-Martin & Spa and L’Apogée Courchevel reflects the vision at the heart of Oetker Hotels: exceptional hospitality, where every detail matters, authenticity meets excellence in service, and every stay becomes a deeply personal experience.

More than a prestigious distinction, this renewal stands as a tribute to the talent, passion and unwavering dedication of the teams who bring the unique spirit of these three French Palaces to life each day and contribute to the enduring influence of French hospitality around the world.

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Trip.com Group highlighted the city’s growing appeal this week at its “Guilin Night” event, which brought together more than 3,500 international guests from 78 countries and regions. This is alongside legendary actor and the Group’s Global Ambassador for China Travel, Jackie Chan, who is shining a spotlight on the destination.

For generations, Guilin has enchanted travellers with its mist-covered karst mountains, winding rivers and timeless scenery. And beyond the postcard-perfect landscapes, the region also offers a rich tapestry of multi-ethnic cultures, where traditions from communities including the Zhuang, Yao, Miao and Dong peoples continue to shape local life, cuisine, craftsmanship and customs.

“Guilin reminds me that travel is not only about seeing famous sights, but about connecting with the culture of a destination,” Jackie Chan shared. “The mountains, the rivers, the atmosphere, it feels like walking inside a Chinese painting. But what makes it stand out is that it slows you down in the best way. In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, life can move very fast, but Guilin shows another side of China that allows you to be more present.”

A Wealth of Scenic Landscapes

For Jackie Chan, the highlight of any Guilin trip begins with the legendary Li River.

“The Li River is the soul of Guilin,” he said. “You can sit quietly on the boat and just look around you. The scenery changes every minute.”

The famous river cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo passes through dramatic limestone mountains, fishing villages, and the iconic “Yellow Cloth Reflection,” a stretch of water near Xingping ancient town that is immortalised on the 20 RMB banknote.

Another sight among Jackie Chan’s top three Guilin experiences is the Longji Rice Terraces, notably ranked #3 in Guilin sights on Trip.Best, Trip.com Group’s AI-curated ranking list designed to help travellers select a destination’s best experiences. The 600-year-old terraces transform through the seasons, from mirror-like flooded fields in spring to golden waves during harvest season.

“When you stand there and look across the fields, you realise how much history and human effort exist in this landscape,” Jackie shared.

Visitors can also explore nearby ethnic minority villages, including communities known for traditional craftsmanship and cultural performances. This increasingly ties in with the modern traveller’s hunt for experiences that offer local culture, slower exploration and meaningful connection.

As for travellers looking to experience Guilin’s natural scenery beyond its rivers and mountains, Reed Flute Cave offers a unique underground perspective.

Known as the “Palace of Natural Arts”, Reed Flute Cave offers a surreal underground world of colour and geology.

“The first time I entered Reed Flute Cave, I felt like I was on another planet,” Jackie said. “The colours, the rock formations, the reflections, it’s unbelievable. It’s one of those places where photos don’t fully capture how impressive it feels in person.”

Inside the cave, travellers can explore illuminated stalactites, stalagmites and underground chambers shaped over millions of years.

The region also offers newer tourism experiences that combine thrills steeped in Guilin’s natural environment.

Adventure seekers should head to Ruyi Peak, ranked #8 in Guilin sights on Trip.Best. This modern “aerial park” allows you to stand on cable cars, suspension bridges and panoramic skywalks, and look out over Yangshuo’s dramatic limestone landscape, combining nature with adrenaline-filled exploration.

Cultural Immersion at Solitary Beauty Peak

For travellers wanting to combine history and scenery, the historical Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes’ Palace site, located in the heart of Guilin, are must-visit sites.

Solitary Beauty Peak offers panoramic views of Guilin and remains one of the city’s most famous scenic spots. While the latter is a former Ming Dynasty royal residence, where visitors can step back in time and wander the halls of the once-functional inner city, occupied by the nephew of the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, the last imperial dynasty in China. 

Immersion in A Performance Unlike Any Other

At night, the Impression Liu Sanjie performance comes alive. One of the world’s largest natural auditoriums hosts 600 performers in traditional attire of the Zhuang, Miao and Yao minorities, bringing to life the legend of Liu Sanjie, a famous figure in the region’s folklore. This stunning show is set against the Li River, with the karst landscape as its natural backdrop.

“The mountains become part of the show,” Jackie said. “You don’t just watch it, you feel surrounded by it. It’s very emotional and very Chinese, blending music, dance, light and local folklore in the best way,” he added.

Directed by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou, the large-scale outdoor performance uses the Li River itself as a stage, featuring hundreds of local performers beneath illuminated peaks.

Growing Interest in Experiencing Culture

Trip.com Group said the Guilin showcase reflects broader travel trends across Asia, where travellers are prioritising slower-paced itineraries, nature-based tourism and immersive cultural experiences over traditional checklist travel.

For instance, during “Guilin Night”, otherwise known as the Trip.com Group Envision Gala Dinner, the evening celebrated Chinese intangible cultural heritage through immersive workshops, traditional games and cultural performances.

Guests experienced ancient Chinese sports, including Cuju, an ancient Chinese football game, and Chuiwan, a royal bat-and-ball game, created traditional lanterns, practised Zhuang brocade crafts, and participated in lantern riddles beneath glowing lights.

The evening concluded with a large-scale drone show illuminating Guilin’s famous skyline, a modern spectacle set against one of China’s most timeless landscapes.

Guilin has become a place where visitors come not only to sightsee, but also to pause and connect with nature, whether that means wandering along riverside streets, discovering local flavours, or simply taking in the quiet beauty of the landscapes.

For Jackie Chan, that balance is what defines Guilin. “People remember the mountains and rivers, but they also remember how the place and culture make them feel,” he said. Reflecting more broadly on travel in China, Jackie believes many international visitors only scratch the surface of what the country has to offer. “My advice is simple: don’t rush. Many first-time visitors focus only on the biggest cities or attractions they see on social media, but China is a very large and diverse country, with so many different sides that you can barely uncover in a single trip. Be curious, throw away your pre-existing conceptions and come with an open mind.”

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Cheval Blanc Paris, France

When you operate at the epicentre of the LVMH universe, standard service is an insult. At Cheval Blanc Paris, the coffee experience featuring a rare Ethiopian Bio-Moka is treated with the same meticulous standards as the high-fashion collections in the boutique downstairs. It is not merely a beverage to provide energy; it is a couture-level awakening designed for the traveller who understands that excellence is the only acceptable baseline in Paris.

Lausanne Palace, Lausanne, Switzerland

The pulse of the Swiss Riviera requires a specific kind of fuel to match its tempo. At Lausanne Palace, the Renversé—the beloved Swiss-style latte of the French-speaking Romandie region—captures the true urban energy of the city. Prepared with organic beans from the artisanal masters at Cafés Cuendet in Crissier, it is the sophisticated choice for those who value local mastery. It serves as the definitive start to a morning overlooking the water.

Graubunden, Switzerland

At the oldest roastery in the canton of Graubunden, Café Badilatti serves as the highest situated roasting plant in Europe. They roast at altitude, crafting a complex flavour profile that defies the flat experience of urban roasters. A guided tour of their museum, Caferama, reveals the fascinating, sensual world of the coffee bean. It is the necessary spike for the high-altitude explorer who requires absolute perfection in every single cup.

Address Istanbul, Turkey

Home-brewed Turkish coffee is the lifeblood of this city. At the lounge within Address Istanbul, it is prepared with a velvet foam that demands your full attention, served with a depth of history that makes the high-speed business of the city feel momentarily still. This is the essential grounding experience before you venture out into the bustling streets. It is for the traveller who seeks the soul of the city in every single drop.

Frantzén Stockholm, Sweden

At Frantzén Stockholm, coffee is not a post-dinner afterthought; it is a culinary boundary-pusher. The Hiramasa dish pairing—Arabica coffee and fermented plum—remains one of the most intellectually stimulating pairings in modern gastronomy. This is where caffeine meets culinary chemistry. For the traveller who views dining as an art form, this experience proves that the humble bean can be elevated into a complex, provocative and entirely essential component of fine dining.

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Spanning a 4.2-kilometer waterfront, nearly 6,000 cherry blossom trees of 68 varieties are blooming in succession from late March to late April. A continuous tide of flowers—ranging from powdery white and soft pink to crimson and pale yellow-green—has transformed the spring season into a poetic garden inviting exploration.

On April 3rd, the Beixiao River Spring Boat Tour set sail. Sculling boats carve out an oriental charm on the water, car-shaped boats glide steadily between flower-lined banks, and sightseeing boats brim with urban vitality. As these three types of vessels glide along the waterway, the poetic line “boats gliding among flowers, people wandering through a painting” is no longer just a verse—it is a tangible spring experience.

Additionally, five themed stationary flower-viewing boats are moored on the river. Decorated with tulips, hydrangeas and bougainvillea, they are docked artistically along the banks, offering picture-perfect photo opportunities at every turn.

Once an ordinary urban flood channel with rigid banks, fragmented spaces and disconnected paths, the river underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2024. Chaoyang District removed fences and constructed 8.4 kilometres of high-quality greenways. Seventeen new access points now connect 14 riverside communities directly to the water, with the nearest residential compound just 50 meters away. For approximately 80,000 residents, the vision of “stepping out onto a greenway and walking into a park” has become a reality.

This “cosmetic” transformation has turned an inner-city river into a “Waterfront Reception Hall” that integrates ecology, commerce and leisure. The Beixiao River has achieved a seamless fusion of water and parkland. Visitors can stroll along the banks to admire the blossoms or step directly from the greenway into Beixiaohe Park, Dawangjing Park and Wanghe Park to continue their search for spring blooms.

Connecting the Wangjing and Donghu districts and linking five major business hubs, the river has turned flower viewing from a short trip into a vibrant part of daily urban life. Whether jogging, cycling, walking the kids, or simply sitting idly, cherry blossoms are now right outside your window, by the roadside, and along the riverbank—offering healing snapshots and moments of joy anytime, anywhere.

New York has the Hudson River Park, reshaping dilapidated industrial banks into a world-class waterfront green corridor; London’s Thames riverbanks see spring flower seas contrasting beautifully with classical architecture. Now, Beijing has its own Sakura River—the Beixiao River. It is not a copycat, but a story of a megacity “grooming” a forgotten waterway to give it back to its citizens and to spring.

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Nestled at the tip of Cap d’Antibes, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, owned by Oetker Hotels, welcomes the MILLESIME to its gardens.

Facing the legendary shores of the French Riviera, this iconic hotel launches a groundbreaking experience: the union of exceptional hospitality and a superyacht, combined into a unique experience between land and sea.

With the MILLESIME, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc brings its art of hospitality out to sea, combining the refinement and prestige for which it is renowned with the absolute freedom of a superyacht. In this rare harmony between luxury hotel and yachting, the hotel becomes a private port and the yacht a maritime residence, inviting guests to experience luxury in a whole new way.

The Unique Combination of an Exceptional Hotel and a Superyacht

A natural extension of the hotel, MILLESIME, a majestic 37-metre yacht powered by two MTU engines, invites guests to a timeless escape on the Mediterranean.

A hot tub on the upper deck, swimming in the open sea and cruising define an exceptional lifestyle. On board, the yacht features five cabins: three doubles and two twins that can be converted into doubles. Equipped with stabilisers for navigation, it ensures a smooth experience in all conditions, while its aft beach club, complete with a swim platform and a jellyfish-proof pool, naturally extends the experience at sea.

At her side, the Scanner Envy 1200, a 12-meter resident chase boat, accompanies every getaway to Monaco, Saint-Tropez, or the secret coves of the Mediterranean, offering privileged access to the Riviera’s most beautiful stops. It enables quick transfers, access to private beaches and coves, and serves as a mobile water sports base with jet skis, seabobs, e-foils, electric surfboards, flyboards, paddleboards and kayaks.

The Freedom of a Yacht Enhanced by Exceptional Service

The ultimate in exclusivity, this experience truly comes into its own when combined with a stay in one of the villas at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, creating a unique offering where privacy and freedom come together in elegant harmony.

Designed to accommodate 12 passengers at sea and 10 overnight guests, MILLESIME can also host up to 70 people at dock for special events, offering a unique setting for celebrations or getaways.

It invites you to enjoy getaways that are as free-spirited as they are refined: lunch in Monaco, dinner in Portofino, a day at the beach in Corsica, a sunset in Saint-Tropez, before enjoying a night on board, or returning to the hotel as the sun sets.

On board, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc’s art de vivre unfolds with effortless grace, in a bright and perfectly orchestrated atmosphere. A crew of seven maintains a constant presence on board and has been specially trained by the hotel, ensuring service excellence that is both refined and entirely personalised. A dedicated concierge service, a van transfer service and the option to hire a private chef round out this bespoke experience.

The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and the MILLESIME yacht have become a single sanctuary, where land and sea meet in complete discretion.

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Cunard will visit 125 ports worldwide, including 98 UNESCO World Heritage sites for its new programme of voyages from April 2028 to January 2029. The programme also includes 19 overnight stays and 37 late-evening departures, giving guests even more opportunities to immerse themselves in bucket list destinations.

In addition, a landmark moment will take place in Liverpool in May 2028 where all four Cunard Queens will unite for the first time, offering guests the rare opportunity to be part of history during one of the Four Queens Celebration voyages.

In another first for the brand, guests can experience the elegance of all four Cunard Queens in one single journey. Cunard’s Queen-to-Queen voyages, a collection of back-to-back sailings, allow guests to combine voyages on board two, three or four Queens in one extended luxury adventure.

The four-Queen 40-night voyage from Southampton to Civitavecchia (for Rome), from April 16, 2028 to May 26, 2028, takes in the Norwegian Fjords, explores Europe’s best ports and joins the landmark Four Queens Celebration in Liverpool.

Additional programme highlights include iconic Transatlantic Crossings, Independence Day celebrations in Boston, a variety of itineraries to Europe from Southampton, and four fleet maiden calls for Queen Victoria including Aberdeen in Scotland, Olbia and Taranto in Italy and Måløy in Norway.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said, “Our new voyage collection is one of the most exciting programmes we’ve ever launched. From the historic moment all four Queens meet in Liverpool on May 16, 2028 to the extraordinary breadth of destinations we will visit. We have thoughtfully curated these voyages to give our guests more time in port, and the chance to explore the world with the signature elegance and sense of occasion that defines Cunard.”

Queen Mary 2

The world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, offers her signature Cunard experience on iconic Transatlantic Crossings, including her first-ever eastbound crossing from New York to Liverpool for the Four Queens Celebration.

Beyond the Atlantic, Cunard’s flagship will offer voyages around the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and the Caribbean.

Highlights include an overnight stay in Boston for Independence Day celebrations, a return to Gaspé, Canada, for the first time in 11 years, a North Cape voyage in Norway and an overnight stay in Tromsø, Norway during a Northern Lights voyage.

Queen Victoria

Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, Queen Victoria’s 2028 programme focuses on immersive European itineraries.

Travel north to Scandinavia and Northern Europe, where overnight stays in Stockholm, Reykjavík, Oslo and Copenhagen provide extended time ashore, while late evening departures within the Arctic Circle offer exceptional opportunities to witness the spectacular Northern Lights.

For warmer escapes, Queen Victoria will call at Mediterranean destinations for the first time in more than a decade, calling at destinations including Albania, Cyprus, Turkey and Tunisia, alongside the fleet maiden visits to Olbia and Taranto in Italy.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth will spend summer 2028 exploring the Mediterranean. From Croatia and Montenegro to Greece, guests can discover sun-washed coastlines, turquoise waters, and cultures shaped by centuries of history, cuisine and tradition.

Highlights include a maiden visit to Bari, the capital of Puglia, Italy and an overnight stay in Istanbul, with a chance to see the city’s historic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia illuminated after dark.

Queen Anne

Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, will begin her 2028 season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including a spectacular overnight stay in Liverpool for the Four Queens Celebration.

Sailing from Southampton, she will offer a variety of seven-night roundtrip voyages alternating between Norway’s dramatic fjords and sunlit escapes to France, Spain and Portugal, including a maiden call to Le Verdon, the gateway to Bordeaux’s renowned wine region.

Guests can enjoy overnight stays in Oslo, Copenhagen and Lisbon, as well as late-evening departures from La Palma and La Rochelle. Longer voyages include Arctic explorations and extended Canary Islands itineraries.

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With the near-completion of a major widening project along its 64-km coastal highway, travellers can move seamlessly between the island’s volcanic peaks, pristine sandbars and hidden waterfalls. Direct flights from Cebu to Camiguin take roughly 1 hour, while connecting ferries from Cagayan de Oro offer an alternative scenic route of approximately 2 hours. These travel options make the island a convenient choice for short-haul leisure trips of 4–7 days.

A Paradise Defined by Nature and Adventure

Camiguin’s landscapes offer an extraordinary blend of adventure and relaxation, where every corner reveals a new facet of the island’s natural beauty. Travellers can hike the lush trails of Mount Hibok-Hibok, an active volcano that rewards trekkers with sweeping panoramic views. Just offshore, the Sunken Cemetery, accessible by a short boat ride, provides a serene spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon, creating a postcard-perfect sunset. For those seeking pristine beaches, White Island sandbar stretches invitingly, its powdery white sands ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or snorkelling. Inland, the cascading waters of Katibawasan and Tuasan Falls, nestled within dense forest, offer peaceful immersion and prime opportunities for eco-photography.

Beyond its natural wonders, Camiguin is alive with culture and community. Residents maintain close ties to the land and sea, running small-scale coconut farms and fishing operations, and welcoming visitors to experience the rhythms of island life. The vibrant San Juan sa Hibok-Hibok Festival further celebrates this heritage, bringing together culinary traditions, music and cultural performances in a colourful annual event that captures the spirit of Camiguin. Here, nature and culture coexist harmoniously, inviting travellers to explore, relax, and connect deeply with the island’s authentic charm.

Culinary and Cultural Highlights

While small in size, Camiguin delivers memorable gastronomic experiences that reflect the island’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage. Local seafood, including freshly caught tuna and prawns, features prominently in island kitchens, while seasonal vegetables and native herbs like tanglad (lemongrass) are thoughtfully incorporated into traditional dishes such as surol, a native chicken dish famously prepared in the island. Visitors can also savour pastel de Camiguin, a soft sweet bun filled with custard, as well as seasonal fruits such as lanzones, which are celebrated annually during the Lanzones Festival — a vibrant celebration of the island’s harvest featuring street parades, colourful costumes and local delicacies.

Community-based experiences further enrich a visit to Camiguin, allowing travellers to join local artisans in weaving, pottery or farming activities. These immersive encounters offer a deeper understanding of island life, foster meaningful connections with residents, and contribute to sustainable tourism practices that preserve Camiguin’s heritage and natural resources.

Camiguin’s appeal lies not only in its natural wonders and rich heritage, but also in its ease of travel, making it an ideal destination for both international tourists and domestic travellers. The blend of adventure, wellness, and community engagement ensures a holistic travel experience especially for travellers seeking nature-centric trips and transformative experiences.

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Windstar Cruises is inviting travellers to go beyond the ordinary with the launch of a new All-Inclusive offer, featuring a limited-time, complimentary All-Inclusive upgrade on voyages around the world. 

The offer pairs Windstar’s small-ship experience with added value across a wide range of itineraries, from winter sailings in the Mediterranean to far-reaching journeys in Tahiti and Alaska. This makes it an especially smart time to plan ahead and experience cruising that’s 180° from Ordinary.

“With our small ships, we can take guests beyond the expected, whether that means sailing into the heart of a city, discovering lesser-known coastal towns or exploring iconic destinations in a more relaxed, uncrowded way,” says Janet Bava, chief commercial officer at Windstar Cruises. “At Windstar, we believe in giving our guests more at every turn: more access, more connection, more choice and more culinary experiences. With the complimentary All-Inclusive offer, we’re doubling down on that promise, with more included across the board, from Wi-Fi to gratuities and drinks.”

What Makes Windstar Different?

At its core, the complimentary All-Inclusive offer reflects the way Windstar approaches travel. With yachts carrying just 148 to 342 guests, the experience feels closer to a private yacht than a traditional cruise, with access to smaller ports, city centres and hidden harbours that larger ships cannot reach.

That access translates into more time in port, more flexibility and a more personalised connection to each destination. Guests might find themselves paddleboarding straight from the yacht’s Marina, joining a market visit with a local chef or staying late in port with an evening ashore. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar also brings food and wine experiences on board that reflect the destinations guests are exploring. It is a style of travel built around going beyond the crowds, beyond the guidebook and beyond the expected.

Where Does Windstar Sail?

With voyages spanning multiple continents and a range of travel styles, the All-Inclusive offer is designed to appeal to both first-time Windstar guests and returning travellers. The promotion applies across all regions in Windstar’s global portfolio within the travel window, with a small number of exclusions including select specialty sailings such as the Grand Prix, Eclipse and Mystery cruises.

Highlighted regions and itineraries include:

• Europe and the Mediterranean (Year-Round): Windstar continues to expand its presence in Europe, including the debut of Star Explorer launching in December 2026. Alongside peak-season sailings, winter itineraries offer a quieter, more local perspective on iconic destinations. Voyages like Europe’s Winter Riviera (with extended stays in Nice, Florence and Barcelona) and Southern Spain Winter Escapes (which pairs Andalusian culture with food-focused experiences) invite guests to experience the region without the crowds. Across the Mediterranean, Windstar combines headline destinations with smaller ports often missed on larger ships, creating a more enjoyable way to experience one of the world’s most travelled regions. Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia weave together vineyard-covered hillsides and secluded harbours, while Treasures of Southern Spain & Morocco pairs Spanish coastal cities with time in Tangier’s medina.
• South Pacific: Year-round voyages in French Polynesia highlight Windstar’s long-standing presence in Tahiti and the broader region. With its small ships, guests can go deeper on voyages like Maori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures (which includes the Cook Islands and extended time in Raiatea and Bora Bora) and Far Flung French Polynesia & Marquesas Magic (which reaches the remote Marquesas).
• Greece: Windstar’s Greek itineraries include well-known sites and smaller ports with a more local perspective, plus time in neighbouring destinations. Postcards from Northern Greece highlight lesser-visited destinations across Greece and western Turkey, while Enchanting Greece & the Amalfi Coast combines Windstar-favourite stops (Monemvasia, Gythion) with Pompeii and Taormina in Italy.
• Canary Islands: Windstar’s small ships bring a different perspective to the Canary Islands, with access to smaller ports and a more relaxed pace across the archipelago. On sailings like Colorful Canary Islands, guests have time to explore each island beyond the usual stops.
• Alaska: Windstar’s small ships offer closer access to glaciers, wildlife and remote wilderness areas. Itineraries like Scenic Alaska and Alaskan Splendors bring guests face-to-face with dramatic landscapes, from glacier-carved fjords to coastal forests, with opportunities to experience local seafood and regional traditions along the way.

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Between the closing of the ski lifts and the opening of the beach clubs lies the “secret season”—a period of rare stillness where the world’s legendary hotels return to their original purpose: sanctuary. This is a collection of transitions: the precise moment where winter’s silence breaks into spring’s first, sharp exhale. For the discerning few, this is not a shoulder season; it is the only season where the destination’s architecture and the landscapes seem like they belong entirely to you.

The Azure Wake-Up in St-Tropez

Before the seasonal yachts congest the horizon, St-Tropez returns to its origins as a quiet Mediterranean outpost. This is the “secret window”—a time to witness the village’s authentic, cinematic stillness and the particular, soft clarity of the early Provençal sun. Cheval Blanc St-Tropez provides the only terrace in the village where a three-Michelin-starred breakfast is served at the literal edge of a silent, private sea.

The Lakefront Clarity in Lausanne

The sailing season on Lake Geneva begins with a particular transparency of light that only occurs in the spring, illuminating the Lavaux vineyards as they begin to bud. This is the sophisticated midpoint between the energy of the city and the timeless, terraced beauty of the UNESCO-protected waterfront. Beau-Rivage Palace stands as the urban anchor of the Swiss Riviera, providing a panoramic balcony over the entire Vaudois landscape.

Calm & Minerals in Vals, Graubunden

In the high valleys of Graubunden, Switzerland, spring is a monochromatic masterpiece of grey mist and emerging green slopes. The experience is defined by the primal contrast of rising 32°C thermal steam against the cool, damp alpine atmosphere. At 7132 Hotel, this architectural pilgrimage into the Peter Zumthor-designed quartzite slabs creates a mineral-rich reset entirely detached from the modern world.

The Scent of Jasmine in Capri 

In early May, the first true heat hits the limestone cliffs of Capri, releasing a concentrated fragrance of wild jasmine and lemon blossom along the Via Krupp. It is a moment of high-intensity botanical rebirth where the island belongs, once again, to the locals before the global crowds arrive. Hotel La Palma—the island’s original 1822 landmark, now meticulously reborn under the Oetker Collection—sits at the eye of this floral storm, offering a sharp, contemporary vantage point over the revitalised Piazzetta.

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Windstar Cruises is opening bookings for its 2028 French Polynesia season with the choice of a sailing yacht or motor yacht experience. Building on the addition of Wind Star to South Pacific programme in 2027, the line will deliver an expansive slate of small-ship voyages across Tahiti, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, Cook Islands, and Fiji in 2028. For nearly 40 years, Windstar has sailed these waters, bringing travellers closer to the islands, cultures and traditions that make the region one of the world’s most coveted destinations.

Spanning multiple years and ships, the Setting Sails refurbishment project is reimagining Windstar’s Wind Class fleet, while preserving the soul of these beloved vessels. It reflects the brand’s commitment to thoughtful, yacht-inspired design and guest comfort. As of April 2026, Wind Star becomes the first in the Wind Class fleet to complete both phases of the refurbishment programme already introduced across her sister yachts.

“This transformation is about honouring where we started while sailing confidently into what’s next,” said Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer of Windstar Cruises. “As our original sailing yacht, Wind Star has always held a special place in our fleet. With these significant updates, we’ve honoured what guests love most while elevating every aspect of the experience. Now, she’s ready to deliver that experience in entirely new ways, in some of the world’s most iconic destinations.”

What’s New Aboard Wind Star?

The completion of Phase 2 marks the final stage of a comprehensive redesign of Wind Star, bringing a more refined, modern feel to the onboard experience and enhancing how guests dine, relax and connect.

At the heart of the update is a reimagining of the yacht’s dining venues. Amphora, the signature restaurant, has been fully redesigned with new flooring, wall finishes, and ceiling treatments, along with custom banquette seating and updated furnishings. At Veranda, a refreshed interior is paired with a completely reimagined buffet layout to create a more seamless and relaxed dining experience.

Stateroom updates elevate comfort with new upholstered headboards, integrated lighting, and convenient bedside charging, building on Phase 1 enhancements, such as upgraded technology, Starlink connectivity, new TVs with on-demand content, and a redesigned Owner’s Suite.

Earlier upgrades also transformed the yacht’s most visible spaces, including the lobby, Compass Rose Lounge, Yacht Club Café, and pool deck, along with a fully refreshed World Spa by Windstar and an upgraded fitness centre. Across the yacht, finishing touches such as commissioned artwork created in partnership with Miami-based Fountainhead Art to enhanced lighting, state-of-the-art audio systems, new teak decking, and refined design details. These elements bring the transformation together, reinforcing Windstar’s signature “home at sea” feel.

Where to Sail Aboard Wind Star

Windstar’s Early Booking Offer rewards travellers who plan ahead with the best fares and stateroom selection on these highly sought-after Tahiti voyages. The offer includes several benefits for travellers who reserve early:

• Mediterranean (Spring 2026): Wind Star’s first voyage following her transformation is a 10-night sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona (April 7–17). She continues with additional sailings from Barcelona through May and June, offering guests a richly layered look at the Mediterranean’s culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty.
• Greek Isles (Summer–Fall 2026): From June through October, Wind Star operates 7-night roundtrip voyages from Athens (Piraeus). These sailings capture the essence of Windstar’s yacht-style experience, docking steps from the heart of each destination and allowing more time to explore.
• Tahiti (2027): In a significant expansion for the brand, Wind Star will join Star Breeze in French Polynesia, offering year-round sailings in Tahiti. She will operate the beloved 7-day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary, giving guests more opportunities than ever to experience the region with Windstar. This expansion further positions Windstar as the market leader in Tahiti, complemented by air-inclusive packages and newly released 2028 sailings.

What’s Next for Windstar’s Wind Class Fleet?

The reimagination of Wind Star is a landmark development in a broader evolution of Windstar’s iconic Wind Class sailing fleet. The 342-guest Wind Surf is scheduled to complete Phase 2 in December 2026, followed by Wind Spirit in March 2027, ensuring the entire sailing fleet reflects the brand’s modern yacht aesthetic while preserving its timeless character

A Legacy 40 Years in the Making

As Wind Star celebrates her 40th year, her transformation is both a tribute and a turning point. From pioneering yacht-style cruising in the 1980s to delivering today’s immersive, destination-rich experiences, she remains at the heart of Windstar’s story, now reimagined for a new generation of travellers.

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