Assume all-inclusives are previous information? Wait till you see what’s blooming on the Dominican Republic’s quiet coast. Is it doable to wager on basketball, sip craft beer and tee off—all earlier than dinner? In New Hampshire, it’s not simply doable. It’s bookable. How do you mix Japan’s cherry blossom season with heritage websites and hidden gems? A brand new boutique cruise by Heritage Expeditions is perhaps simply the trick.
On this version of Good Journey, we’re highlighting a contemporary batch of vacation spot updates and resort happenings—from a historic Parisian landmark becoming a member of Mandarin Oriental, to United’s world enlargement at SFO, to new cruise itineraries timed completely with nature’s showstoppers. Whether or not you’re scouting your subsequent assembly locale or simply daydreaming of your subsequent getaway, here’s what that you must know:
New Resorts Coming to Playa Esmeralda in 2025
The Dominican Republic’s Playa Esmeralda is getting a serious hospitality increase in summer time 2025 with the debut of Secrets and techniques Playa Esmeralda and Desires Playa Esmeralda, two new all-inclusive resorts set alongside the area’s shoreline. These properties are a part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Assortment and are managed by AMResorts, a subsidiary of Apple Leisure Group. The developments are in collaboration with Inversora Playa Esmeralda and Fuerte Group.
Playa Esmeralda, situated close to pure sights like Montaña Redonda, Samaná Bay and Los Haitises Nationwide Park, remains to be comparatively underneath the radar—however that’s more likely to change. The realm’s lush surroundings and uncrowded seashores make it a promising location for each leisure vacationers and incentive teams on the lookout for a laid-back various to extra developed locations.
Learn Extra: The Caribbean: Crystalline Desires
Secrets and techniques Playa Esmeralda will supply an adults-only expertise with 500 suites and a give attention to privateness, spa companies and elevated eating. Count on 10 eating places, six bars and a mixture of actions from yoga to themed occasions.
Desires Playa Esmeralda is constructed for households, with its personal set of 500 suites, three swimming pools, a waterpark and devoted children and youths golf equipment. Eating spans 9 eating places and 7 bars, with leisure and actions designed to maintain all ages engaged.
These two openings observe current additions to the Dominican Republic like Zemi Miches and Marriott Miches Seaside, and with a 4 Seasons slated to reach in 2026, Playa Esmeralda is rapidly turning into a vacation spot to look at.
The Nash On line casino Faucets UrVenue for Seamless Sports activities Leisure Bookings
New Hampshire’s largest charitable gaming venue, The Nash On line casino, has partnered with tech firm UrVenue to simplify how company e-book all the pieces from premium game-day seating to golf simulator bays. Simply in time for the busiest sports activities betting season of the yr, the venue is rolling out on-line reserving capabilities for a number of of its key sights, together with the DraftKings Lounge, Stadium Social Sports activities Bar & Grill and the Topgolf Swing Suite.
With UrVenue’s commerce and reserving expertise, company can now reserve seats at particular occasions, e-book golf periods and different experiences—multi function go. The system additionally includes a devoted microsite the place followers can browse upcoming video games and occasions, together with high-demand matchups like School Hoops Insanity.
The Nash, which boasts New Hampshire’s largest wall-mounted video display screen at 60 toes broad and 22 toes tall, is trying to elevate the visitor expertise by making it simpler to plan a night out with out the trouble. The transfer additionally marks UrVenue’s continued development within the gaming and hospitality area because it expands its footprint with built-in, guest-friendly options.
Mandarin Oriental Provides Iconic Hôtel Lutetia to Its Paris Portfolio
Paris simply received just a little extra luxurious. Mandarin Oriental has formally taken over administration of the historic Hôtel Lutetia, now rebranded as Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris. Positioned on town’s Left Financial institution, the property turns into the one Palace-designated resort on that facet of the Seine and enhances Mandarin Oriental’s present deal with on Rue Saint-Honoré.
Initially opened in 1910 by the founders of Le Bon Marché, Lutetia has lengthy held a fame as a hub for artists, writers and political figures—previous company embrace Picasso, James Joyce and Charles de Gaulle. Following a serious restoration accomplished in 2018, the resort blends its Artwork Nouveau and Artwork Deco roots with up to date design and facilities.
Underneath Mandarin Oriental’s administration, the resort maintains its traditional Parisian identification whereas benefiting from the group’s signature type and repair. Highlights embrace Brasserie Lutetia, the Akasha wellness area and suites that replicate a mixture of custom and trendy consolation.
“At this time marks a brand new chapter for Mandarin Oriental as we formally welcome this legendary Parisian landmark Palace into our portfolio,” stated Laurent Kleitman, group chief govt of Mandarin Oriental. “With Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris, we have a good time not solely the wealthy heritage of the Left Financial institution but in addition our imaginative and prescient for the way forward for luxurious hospitality.”
United Expands at SFO with New Worldwide Routes and Main Terminal Upgrades
United Airways is scaling up at San Francisco Worldwide Airport (SFO) in a giant approach. The provider plans to extend its flight capability by 20% in 2025, providing practically 300 each day flights to greater than 100 locations—its largest SFO schedule since 2019 and essentially the most of any airline within the Bay Space.
With a give attention to world connectivity, United is rolling out a number of new worldwide routes from SFO this yr, together with the one U.S. provider service to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and Adelaide. A second each day flight to Manila can also be coming in December. The enlargement strengthens United’s place as a number one West Coast gateway to Asia, Australia, Latin America and Europe.
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“SFO is essential to our world technique,” stated Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airways. “We’re profitable extra Bay Space vacationers due to our investments within the product, the expertise and the locations we fly.”
The airline’s development is supported by a $2.6 billion modernization venture underway at Terminal 3, which incorporates new gates, upgraded safety checkpoints, expanded retail and eating, and new United Membership areas. As soon as full in 2029, the up to date terminal will give United room to develop and enhance the general traveler expertise.
The enlargement isn’t nearly flights. United can also be including to its workforce—greater than 1,600 new hires in 2024, with one other 1,200 deliberate for 2025—making it one of many Bay Space’s largest employers. With industry-leading tech partnerships, together with Starlink Wi-Fi, Apple-powered instruments for workers and a future electrical air taxi service with Archer, United can also be betting massive on innovation.
Heritage Expeditions Launches New Japan Cherry Blossom Cruise for Spring 2026
In response to rising curiosity from vacationers, family-owned Heritage Expeditions has introduced a brand new Cherry Blossoms of Japan voyage for spring 2026. The 12-day small-ship cruise will sail from Tokyo to Osaka, timed to coincide with Japan’s beloved Sakura season and the colourful Hanami celebrations.
Learn Extra: Japan Information: Your Final Know-Earlier than-You-Go
The itinerary options a mixture of well-known highlights and off-the-beaten-path locations, together with Mount Fuji, Hiroshima, Miyajima’s floating Torii gate and the up to date artwork haven of Naoshima Island. Friends will even go to Busan, South Korea, whereas cruising by way of the scenic Seto Inland Sea and alongside the coastlines of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu.
“Japan is rightly well-known for its cherry blossoms and the unbelievable celebrations and festivals that encompass Sakura season,” stated Aaron Russ, business director and expedition chief. “Our company actually wished to expertise this with us.”
The cruise departs from March 31 to April 11, 2026, and pricing begins at just below $9,000 per particular person (with early reserving low cost by way of April 30, 2025).
Heritage Expeditions additionally introduced new dates for its Kimberley Explorer voyages in Australia, working from Darwin to Broome in July and August 2026, following a surge in demand for the corporate’s rising lineup of genuine expedition-style journeys.
