Science-Lovers Unite: Inside New Scientist Discovery Tours

I live in a magazine-happy household. My partner and I receive printed publications on a monthly basis and also follow curated newsletters.

New Scientist, which has been around since 1956, is a well-known publication in our household.

I read New Scientist articles and studies to stay updated on a wide range of topics, from AI to rising temperatures to bathroom tiles that mathematicians love. The latter is a great example of the type of casual, science-centric content the publication focuses on.

In other words, it’s not all dry and boring.

In fact, New Scientist wants to do a lot more than educate you on the latest innovations and discoveries. The company also wants to transport you and other like-minded travelers even closer to the frontiers of our world’s most impactful scientific research.

And how is it doing that? One of the latest ways that New Scientist engages with its readers is through its highly tailored Discovery Tours programs.

Like the title suggests, these curated trips zero in on science and research projects happening around the globe.

Best of all, science buffs like you (and me) can join them easily. Caught your interest? Here’s what you need to know about New Scientist Discovery Tours.

Inside New Scientist Discovery Tours

The premise here is simple. Science nerds (I say that lovingly) with an overlapping interest in travel can shop around for highly specialized and expertly organized trips.

You can shop around for tours that run a massive gamut—from solar eclipses to polar bear expeditions to monarch butterfly migrations.

Seriously, you can get lost looking into the dozens and dozens of tours available.

Each is headed by a group of experts who have ample experience in scientific fields and research. That means that you’re not just getting up close to science-adjacent regions and sites—you’re also getting a first-class education along the way.

Along with the elevated scientific angles, travelers can also relax knowing that New Scientist goes above and beyond to work with sustainability-focused tour providers. (However, the publication recommends that all travelers look to offset their carbon footprints by traveling mindfully to the tour and paying to cover their emissions.)

What’s included in the tours?

Every Discovery Tour is different—and I strongly encourage you to read the fine print on every tour that you’re considering. From lodging type to trip duration to fitness levels, there’s a lot you need to think about before signing up.

Generally speaking, tours include:

Professional guides
Cultural and scientific presentations
Tickets, entrance fees, etc.
Taxes and permit fees
Lodging (usually shared)
24-hour support
Airport transfers, if relevant

Generally speaking, tours don’t include:

Transportation to and from the meeting spot
Travel protection & medical evacuation insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Private lodging (most deals include shared rooms)

How can you follow the latest New Scientist Discovery Tours?

The easiest way to follow the latest tours available from New Scientist is to sign up for its weekly newsletter or to join the Discovery Tour mailing list.

Tours are categorized into:

History
Archaeology
Nature
Weekenders
Astrology
Marine life
Geology

The Coolest Neighborhoods in the World According to Time Out

Cool neighborhoods come and go.

Nailing down what makes them cool in the first place is a complex art. By the time the hordes learn that an area is trendy, it’s probably not anymore.

Viewed in that way, the art of being cool is sort of like birdwatching. Once the bird knows it’s being spied on, it instinctually flees. Or maybe it’s more like porn—you can’t define ‘cool’ easily, but you know it when you see it.

Debates on what cool actually means aside, I think we can trust the global experts at Time Out to make that distinguishment. Back in September, the company released a ranking of the coolest 38 neighborhoods in the world.

The results are the hard work of its dozens of on-the-ground writers and editors stationed around the world. They’ve taken their underground knowledge and used it to rank the world’s coolest neighborhoods.

Can you name them? With neighborhoods from Asia to North America to Africa, it’s a pretty wild and unpredictable list. And I mean that in the best way possible.

Top 5 coolest neighborhoods in the world

No. 1: Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseilles, France

It’s all about vibrant grit in Notre-Dame-du-Mont. According to local expert Alicia Dorey, it’s a mashup of characters like ‘punks and their dogs, women in colourful robes, and salty old sailors sipping 8.6 beer’.

But there’s also plenty of street art and fine art in the scene. With dozens of galleries alongside the neighborhood’s restaurants, shops, and bars, it’s a decidedly artsy area.

But let’s keep that word ‘punk’ in mind; this isn’t a curated vision of ‘cool’. It’s a very organic one.

No. 2: Mers Sultan in Casablanca, Morocco

Local writer Lauren Schenkman insists that Mers Sultan is the core of the city’s young artists and cultural thinkers. There are few markers of ‘trendy’ neighborhoods—no super-cool coffee shops or record stores.

Instead, you can find hole-in-the-wall cafes and establishments where the old guard of old men and daring young graffiti and EDM artists are rubbing elbows. The architecture is also worth noting, with plenty of Art Nouveau and Art Deco callbacks.

No. 3: Pererenan in Bali, Indonesia

I’m going to be blunt about this selection—I’d pay good money to know what locals think about Pererenan being Bali’s coolest neighborhood. I’m curious about that because much of the neighborhood’s appeal seems hyper-focused on tourists… and that’s very rarely a key ingredient in cool. (Cool is homegrown, not marketed.)

But in Pererenan, you can find eclectic shops galore, pristine beaches, cafes designed for lazing, and other tranquil settings like rice paddies and ‘warungs’, or local shops and businesses.

According to Time Out’s expert, Cheryl Sekkappan, the neighborhood is quickly changing.

No. 4: Seongsu-dong in Seoul, South Korea

According to local expert Jocelyn Tan, this neighborhood has evolved immensely over the last few years. Historically, Seongsu-dong in Seoul has been an industrial neighborhood home to leather and shoemaking warehouses.

Today, those warehouses and factories have been flipped into hyper-cool galleries, boutiques, shops, cafes, and more. But fashion hasn’t entirely disappeared. Seongsu-dong is now the country’s chicest shopping district—and one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.

No. 5: Kerns in Portland, United States

Portland’s Kerns took fifth in Time Out’s report on the coolest neighborhoods in the world—which might not surprise those who already see the city as America’s hipster capital. Personally, I’m a little floored that Portland came out ahead against Miami’s Little River, which took the No. 12 spot.

If you want to dive into how Kerns nabbed fifth place, start here.

NOLA Like Never Before: Top 15 New Orleans Tours

New Orleans is one of the most popular destinations in the US for domestic and international tourists… but do you know how to actually explore the city?

I was there two years ago for a wedding. At the time, there were plenty of adventures to be found simply by wandering through the Garden District, French Quarter, Treme, and so on.

But to really dig into the city’s identity and lesser-known hotspots, I relied on tours.

If you want to avoid the city’s growing number of tourist traps to focus on a more meaningful trip, start with the tours listed below. They’re unique, they’re highly rated, and they’re going to showcase a side of the city you might not know very well.

Let’s dive in.

Looking for walking tours that focus on history? Start here. The tours listed below are geared to take you further into the weeds when it comes to NOLA culture.

Best New Orleans tours for all types of travelers

New Orleans Premier Ghost, Voodoo, & Vampire Walking Tour

This highly acclaimed tour was one of the first to cover ghosts and ghouls in New Orleans. You’ll benefit from plenty of experience as guides take you around the Big Easy, imparting folklore and historical tales in equal measure.

Take the tour

Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour

This tour offers a more hardcore look at NOLA’s terrifying underbelly. I’d prefer this tour over the one above because it includes more true crime tales. But if you’re more into getting a little spooked than losing sleep over murder trials, then stick with the option above. This tour is best geared toward fans of true fear.

Take the tour

Steamboat Natchez

Quick fact about New Orleans: It still plays a key role in river trade in the US. Though its historic boats aren’t quite as high-profile as they once were, I’m listing two on this list (the Creole Queen is listed below). The Natchez is the city’s most famous paddle-wheel boat that offers jazz dinners with sweeping city views.

Take the tour

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

If the Natchez doesn’t catch your interest, I suggest heading to the Creole Queen instead. But keep in mind that these tours are distinct in terms of content. The Natchez offers a jazz dinner, while the Creole Queen takes you on a historical adventure around the city’s bay.

Take the tour

French Quarter Small-Group Cocktail and Foodie Crawl

You’re not going to be short on options for small-group food and cocktail crawls. This option looks to offer a good balance between food and drinks. It also includes some historical facts about the French Quarter, the city’s most famous and highly trafficked neighborhood.

Take the tour

New Orleans Garden District History and Architecture Walking Tour

The Garden District is home to some of New Orleans’s most gorgeous and sprawling mansions. Learn more about individual homes, the history of the neighborhood, and the key features of its architecture in this walking tour.

Take the tour

Cajun and Creole Cooking Class

This offer from the New Orleans School of Cooking showcases some of the tastiest and most well-known Creole and Cajun dishes. You’ll leave with a full belly and plenty of recipes to take home. Just keep in mind that you won’t actually be cooking; this is a demonstration only.

Take the tour

Early Evening Cocktail History Tour

Some of the tastiest and most well-known cocktails in the US were born in New Orleans, from the historic sazerac to the brightly colored Hurricane. Just be sure to slam some water between your tastings.

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French Quarter: Pirate History Walking Tour

The crux of this tour is to showcase what life was like in New Orleans in the 1800s for the average pirate. I had no idea there were pirates in New Orleans at the turn of the century, but I’m not surprised. I’m actually very intrigued.

Take the tour

Daytime City Helicopter Tour

To be blunt, New Orleans is way too haunted for me to risk a helicopter ride—but I doubt everyone feels that way. If you want to get a bird’s-eye view of NOLA, start here. You’ll be treated to plenty of factoids about the city during your ride.

Take the tour

Honey Island Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

I said it once and I’ll say it again—Honey Island Swamp Tours should be at the top of your list when it comes to bayou excursions. They know what they’re doing.

Take the tour

Walking Tour Inside St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Cemeteries in New Orleans are a bit deal thanks to their unique and above-ground plots. Here at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, you can learn more about some of the city’s most infamous ghosts, including Marie Laveau herself.

Take the tour

The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour

While you learn about the badly behaved women who made New Orleans, you also get to sample some tasty cocktails and learn about history. Don’t worry—it’s not all slander here. These women are historical standouts that you’ll find in history books.

Take the tour

Kill Theater Murder Mystery

This is a great option for visitors who aren’t wooed by New Orleans’ extremely dark history. If you want a little spooky fun without all the disturbing factoids, head to this cheeky and interactive murder mystery experience.

Take the tour

African American Heritage Walking Tour

New Orleans is home to proud Creole culture—and the best way to learn about the complexities of modern Creole identity is to take a tour with those who understand it best. Delve into the powerful history of African Americans in New Orleans, uncovering the lesser-known origins of music, culture, architecture, food, and just about every other facet of the city’s identity.

Take the tour

Travel Product Awards 2024: The Good, the Bad, & the Baffling

Technology drives just about every industry in the world—travel included.

While most tech-travel content is focused on how AI will revolutionize the sector, there are still plenty of options when it comes to good old-fashioned gadgets.

Travel gear, after all, is constantly evolving.

But which picks are worth your hard-earned money?

With consumer trends slipping over into travel more and more every year, I’ve seen more domestic brands launch travel-related products—but not all fit the bill.

Let’s take a closer look at some of my favorite picks from the Travel Goods Awards 2024 and the TODAY Travel Gear Awards 2024. (It looks like the Travel Goods website is down, so I’ve included an alternative link that lets you view 2024’s winners.)

Travel products from 2024: the winners

Below, I’ve listed the picks that I would find immediately useful on a trip. On top of utility, these items also won’t make any part of travel more difficult, whether adding weight or requiring maintenance while on vacation.

Travel Sentry Foldable Backpack

You never know when you’ll need an extra bag when you’re on vacation. What better way to keep a last-minute option with you than a near-weightless foldable backpack? They’re durable, they’re spacious, and they’re going to save your ass on vacation someday.

D_b_ Photo Pro Luggage Bundle

If you’re ever traveling with specialized equipment—from instruments to high-resolution cameras—you need to have specialized luggage. This bundle makes it easy to carry all the tiniest pieces of your photography setup with you.

Thanks to its rigid and modular packs, you can fit small equipment into well-protected slots. Though designed for photographers, I imagine this type of equipment is helpful for just about any endeavor that has a lot of expensive, moving parts.

HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle

Here’s my favorite water bottle pick—one that barely weighs a thing and doesn’t require any extra equipment to work. It collapses up to 75% while also being rigid enough to stand on its own. You can even adjust its height for all your drinking needs.

Available on Amazon

Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Pet Carrier

Pet carriers are a tough sell. Every pet is different, while every airline has different carrier requirements.

But I think the Delsey Chatelet is worth every penny thanks to its more unique and pet-centric features, such as its antimicrobial lining, safety straps so that you can buckle Fido’s carrier in, and great mesh sides so that your pet can breathe, bark, and growl its way to another continent.

Alpaka Bravo Sling Mini Waterproof

Forget those acrylic pouches that let you take your phone underwater—we’ve moved on to better and brighter territory. This Alpaka mini-pack lets you take all your most important goods into the water with you.

No more asking strangers to babysit your bag on the beach. (Seriously—this isn’t a water-resistant attempt, but a fully waterproof solution.)

Travel products from 2024: the strangest picks

I’m listing out some of the strangest picks from TODAY and Travel Goods, along with why I think travelers should think twice about these products. That being said, if you still feel that they’re a good pick for you, then go for it! After all, every product listed below took home an award from a major travel publication.

Northbay Kiddietotes Scooter Luggage

I’m going to be blunt about this one. Letting kids take off on scooters at airports sounds like a pretty big risk for two reasons.

First, airport floors are notoriously sticky, slippery, and hard, which makes them a bad place for a fall. (Especially before boarding a plane.) Second, I imagine it’s even more difficult to maneuver a scooter when there’s a hefty piece of luggage weighing down the front wheel.

But I’m not a parent or a scooter girl, so take my conclusions with a grain of salt.

Available on Amazon

Brita Hard-Sided Plastic Premium Filtering Water Bottle

Here’s the catch: Brita filters don’t make non-potable water safe, meaning this isn’t one of those purifying straws that are designed for remote use.

That means this is just a plastic water bottle with a disposable filter that you need to replace. So, you either need to order more replacements while traveling or pack them with you. Neither sounds like good travel practice to me.

Available on Amazon

Stanley IceFlow Bottle

One of the core tenets of packing well is to avoid heavy items. Aside from photo ops, I see absolutely no reason to have a Stanley-anything with you while traveling. That being said, this might be a great stocking stuffer for a traveler who sticks to resorts and other all-inclusive, simplified trips.

Available on Amazon

Props Luggage

This suitcase transforms into a luggage rack that has built-in clothes racks on the interior. The result is a shelf-like system that lets you easily arrange your clothes while staying in a hotel. It even doubles as a table that can hold up to 50 pounds.

That being said, the carry-on suitcase weighs almost ten pounds, which makes it a hard no for me. For context, other luxury carry-ons weigh the same—but I need a luggable suitcase way more than I need a portable desk.

If the opposite is true for you, and you’re looking for a suitcase-table hybrid, then know that this is one of the most hotly discussed and celebrated picks in terms of travel products this year.

Available on Amazon

San Diego Tours You’ll Want to Go On Twice

San Diego is full of surprises.

Though it often falls into Los Angeles’s shadow, San Diego has a distinct identity that’s not quite like the rest of SoCal. It’s the US’s capital of microbreweries, for example—even though not too many of us think about indy brews when we think about California.

It’s also highly walkable, deeply historical, and has some of the best weather in the United States. It’s diverse, it’s young, and its economy is healthy and modern.

I’d call it a hidden gem, but considering how quickly the city grew last decade, I think the secret is out.

And with hotspots like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Santa Barbara nearby, it’s a growing destination for many tourists. Most are after its quirky and cultural offerings, along with San Diego’s great weather and historical appeal.

Unsurprisingly, there’s a tour for just about every type of interest, from kayaking to brewery tours to historical train rides.

But which ones will have you signing up a second time? Keep reading for your ultimate list of San Diego tours.

Best San Diego tours

San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

This whale-watching tour is different from all the others in one major respect: You’ll be on a sailboat, not a motorized vessel.

In fact, you’ll be aboard a faithful replica of a ship from 1851. That’s important because motors scare sea creatures away. Less noise means you get closer to marine life, and more often.

Explore now

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two

Just like with whale-watching tours, you won’t be short on sea kayaking adventures that explore the caves of La Jolla. But the magic here is the small number of guests.

Fewer guests mean that you get more time to speak with your hosts. Plus, you’re more likely to spot marine life because they’re less intimated by the small number of kayaks.

Explore here

Intro to Mexico Day Trip (Tijuana)

I very rarely recommend city tours that take you outside the city itself—after all, what’s the point? But you can’t know San Diego until you’ve taken a closer look at Tijuana, its sister across the border.

Don’t be intimidated. I promise, Tijuana isn’t what you’ve heard in the headlines.

Explore here

Incredible Slot Canyons to the Pacific (Torrey Pines)

Did you know that stunning, Moab-style canyons line the coast just outside San Diego? Welcome to the slot canyons of Torrey Pines. These gorgeous grottos line the Pacific, which you can explore with the help of an experienced guide.

Explore here

Small Group Sunset Sailing Experience on San Diego Bay

With so many fusion foods and Mexican dishes available throughout the city, you’ll want a helpful guide to take you on a gastronomic journey. Plus, you’ll learn a few historical and cultural factoids as you sample five distinct dishes from five top restaurants.

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USS Midway Museum Entry Ticket

Nab your no-line tickets to the USS Midway Museum. This is a top pick for naval hobbyists, along with children. Whether or not you’re intrigued by exploring a naval ship, I recommend you go.

This museum is highly celebrated thanks to its vast range of exhibits. Plus, there are tons of planes. (They say the US Navy is the second-largest air force in the world for a reason!)

Explore here

Petco Park Stadium Tour – Home of the Padres

Just like the USS Midway, Petco Park is a bigger deal than you might think. Petco Park is regularly listed as one of the best stadiums in the US. It’s new, it’s located downtown, and it offers great city views. Plus, baseball is big in San Diego.

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Night Date Glow Pedal Boat with Downtown Views

Take your loved one onto a neon-lit paddle boat into San Diego Bay once the sun sets. You’ll be treated to a lovely experience that lets you see the San Diego skyline in all its glory. Simple, unique, and stress-free.

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Gaslamp Quarters Ghosts & Crime Walking Tour

It wouldn’t be a tour list if I didn’t mention ghosts at some point. This highly-rated ghost tour crew will take you to San Diego’s most haunted spots, including the Davis-Horton House, Old City Hall, and more.

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Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings

Like I mentioned up top, San Diego is the US’s capital in terms of the sheer number of breweries. Thanks to its booming micro-brewery culture, you can find delicious ales across the city.

I suggest you let these tour guides beer-ucate you (their words, not mine) about the best brews in North Park, San Diego’s beer mecca.

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Experience Surfing Lessons on our Magic Beach

Consider this your sign to grab a surfboard and get into the water. This tour lets you invite up to five other friends for an expert surf lesson at Oceanside Harbor.

You’ll be in good hands regardless of your experience level, as guides carefully plan the experience based on favorable tides and conditions.

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Winery Train Tour

Who doesn’t love drinking and scenic, coastal train rides? This winery tour takes you on the high road to explore local wines, urban wineries, and even a brewery.

You also get to wander into a few villages to learn more about the wine-making process. In terms of wine-centric tours, it’s very well-rounded, in my opinion.

Explore here

Trail Rides from San Diego Trail Company

There aren’t too many cities that offer off-road horseback riding just outside of town. Take full advantage of this amazing opportunity. Not only do you get to ride horses while in the wild, but the company also takes the time to match each rider with a horse that suits their temperament and experience level.

Explore here

Winter Bird Escapes: Best Hotels on South Padre Island

Most Americans know about Texas’s tropical coastlines.

If you’ve missed out for some reason, here’s what you need to know: Texas is home to what’s known as the South Texas Tropical Region. It’s a culturally and geographically distinct stretch of the Lone Star State that spans around 23,000 miles of coastline.

Though Florida usually takes the cake in terms of tropical and subtropical wonders, Texas’s southern stretch is home to a handful of the US’s lesser-known tropical hotspots.

And famous spots like South Padre Island regularly welcome around one million visitors throughout the year.

One reason those numbers stay consistently high is thanks to South Padre’s mild winters. It’s a perennial selection for snowbirds who want to avoid winter’s coldest months.

If you’re looking for a little bit more sunshine this winter, keep South Padre on your radar—and make sure these South Padre hotels are on your list. I’ve got picks for all types of visitors.

Looking for great tours in South Padre? Explore here.
What about private vacation rentals? Shop around here.

South Padre hotels at a glance

Best budget pick: Best Western Beachside Inn
Best beachfront hotel: La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
Best adults-only pick: Upper Deck Hotel and Bar
Most well-rounded amenities: Sand Rose Beach Resort
Best all-around location: Hilton Garden Inn
Best for families: Margaritaville Beach Resort
Best OTT hotel amenities: Isla Grand Beach Resort

Top picks for South Padre hotels

Best budget pick: Best Western Beachside Inn

This Best Western provides all the basic amenities you need for a great South Padre trip. There’s a modest jacuzzi and outdoor pool on the property, while the beach is only a five-minute walk away.

Though this is a budget pick, it’s also a new construction—which means it has a sparkly and brand-new feel despite its price point.

Check out room rates

Best beachfront hotel: La Copa Inn Beach Hotel

Let me be clear: this beachfront selection isn’t located right on the water. Instead, guests head over a lovely wooden footbridge to the beach. Before that, they can stop to soak up the views from the large outdoor pool and jacuzzi.

On top of its elevated amenities, I love La Copa Inn’s clean and bright design. With a shop, exercise room, lounge, and Starbucks on the premises you’ve also got plenty of on-site benefits.

Check out room rates

Best adults-only pick: Upper Deck Hotel and Bar

What’s the deal with adults-only hotels? On a basic level, they’re a bit quieter—but they usually include a more social atmosphere and laidback vibe. At the Upper Deck Hotel and Bar, you can enjoy a smaller and more boutique stay.

Though not as grand as the other hotels and resorts listed here, it’s highly rated thanks to its fantastic staff, location, and on-site eateries and bars. If you’re heading to South Padre to really relax, head here.

Check out room rates

Most well-rounded amenities: Sand Rose Beach Resort

Let’s say you’re looking for a little bit of everything with your South Padre escape—you want the best amenities, a great location, and a guarantee of TLC.

I’d say go with the Sand Rose Beach Resort. It’s located right on the beach, has resort-caliber amenities like an outdoor pool and pet-friendly services, and delicious buffet breakfasts. You won’t be sweating the small stuff at the Sand Rose.

Check out room rates

Best all-around location: Hilton Garden Inn

If you’re going to be bundling your South Padre escape with plenty of outdoors activities, the Hilton Garden Inn gives you a great jumping off location.

The hotel is oceanfront, meaning you have easy beach access. Nearby, you also have popular destinations like the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Dolphin Research Center, and the Sea Turtle Center. Have it all at the Hilton Garden Inn.

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Best for families: Margaritaville Beach Resort

No, this Margaritaville resort isn’t adults-only—and it’s a great option for families thanks to its bright and exciting atmosphere. Even the simple seating areas are scenic, while the outdoor pool is absolutely a place you want to lose track of time with a drink in hand.

Toss in a few shops, restaurants, and lounges and you’ve got a casual but memorable family resort experience.

Check out room rates

Best OTT hotel amenities: Isla Grand Beach Resort

While Margaritaville packs a punch in terms of South Padre offerings, I think the best over-the-top amenities come from Isla Grand Beach Resort. This four-star selection has jaw-dropping grounds that are home to a grand outdoor pool and plenty of green gardens.

There are also tennis courts, an outdoor Tiki bar, and live entertainment to soak up at the Quarterdeck Lounge. There’s even an on-site café that offers free coffee. Welcome to paradise.

Check out room rates