Blue Diamond Resorts introduces Royalton Vessence sub-brand
Blue Diamond said Royalton Vessence is "designed for the calm and modern traveler, inviting a deeper connection to the destination through art, local flavor and the senses."
Royalton Vessence will debut in Barbados, replacing previous plans for a Royalton Chic Barbados project. The Royalton Vessence Barbados is expected to open in summer 2026 on the island's west coast. The all-inclusive resort will be affiliated with Marriott's Autograph Collection.
According to Royalton, the Vessence branding "aligns more closely with the essence of the destination," integrating local art, culture and wellness programming into the resort experience.
The Barbados property will feature curated artwork and rotating exhibitions by regional artists throughout the resort.
The Studio will be a multipurpose venue hosting art, pottery and culinary activities in the daytime and evening performances of jazz and acoustic music at night.
The property will have glow-lit pools for nighttime swimming and digital detox spaces.
Moddo by Royalton FIT will be a wellness program incorporating yoga, breathwork and movement sessions.
Accommodations will include Diamond Club suites, which offer butler service and upgraded amenities.
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Travel + Leisure
9 minutes ago
- Travel + Leisure
18 Genius Carry-on Packing Hacks That Keep My Suitcase Light Without Sacrificing Style—Starting at $6
I used to be that traveler: the one who packed for every hypothetical scenario, and then some. My overstuffed checked bag would be a running joke among my friends and family. 'Oh, here's Claire, with her 75-pound suitcase for a five-day trip.' That was until I lost a bag during a work trip to the Caribbean and was left with nothing but a swimsuit to hold me over for three days. And, after one too many baggage claim heart attacks after that—and a growing awareness of just how much airlines were charging to haul my overstuffed suitcase—I made a quiet vow: I'd become a carry-on-only traveler. Fifty countries later, I've honed the art of packing into a science (without sacrificing style). These are my go-to genius packing hacks that keep my suitcase light, my outfits sharp, my wallet happier, and my sanity intact. If you're not using packing cubes in 2025, what are you doing? All jokes aside, these Bagsmart compression cubes have saved my life over the past few years. Not only do they compress down super small (even when stuffed to the brim), but they also fit a surprising amount of clothes. In my experience, the large cube fits up to six knit shirts, the medium cube fits around 11 shirts, and the small cube fits about four sports bras and some matching leggings. I've also found that the shoe bag fits two pairs of shoes (and not just the soft foldable ones either). I was never the kind of person who poured and packed their toiletries from home. However, in this economy, those travel-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner are creeping up in price and are sadly not as economical as they used to be. Instead, these reusable toiletry bottles are as practical as they are aesthetic, and fit enough shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, and hair product to last up to a 10-day trip. Plus, the included carry case keeps any potential mess contained. I'll be the first to admit (with my husband as a close second) that I am the least organized person on the planet. But when it comes to packing light (read: fitting two weeks' worth of stuff for two different climates in just one carry-on), you learn to figure out a way to be a little more type A. Enter this electronics organizer, which is just $13 and actually works for my ADHD brain. It has seven compartments, three that fit large computer cords or phone chargers, two that fit charging blocks (or a wireless Apple mouse), and smaller ones that fit everything from earbuds to phone blocks. I'm happy to report that since I've started using this, I've only lost one cord (which is a huge improvement from misplacing every cord I owned). Matching sets are my entire personality these days. Whether I'm running to the gate or chasing my 6.5-year-old around the playground, I'm almost always donning this cute set from Amazon. You can't beat the price—at $40, it comes to just $20 per item. I'm not ashamed to admit that I have it in every color available, and mix each set to whatever mood I'm in. Gray for the grocery store, tan for the park, and black with a pair of white sneakers for the airport. The fabric is also super soft and stretchy (a real Skims dupe, in my opinion), so I feel confident and flattered in this even when I'm sprinting through terminals. When you're living out of a suitcase and traveling to places without irons (think hostels, cruise ships, and many Airbnbs), you need an alternative. That's why I love this Downy Wrinkle-release Spray that gets rid of creases—meaning I can happily pack lightweight linen outfits on my travels without needing to carry a portable steamer. All you do is spray it on the fabric, give it a quick tug, and many (if not all) of the wrinkles come out. Bonus? It adds a fresh scent and helps remove odors too—a game changer when you're wearing garments multiple times between washes (another key to packing carry-on-only). I have over 15 suitcases in a wide range of sizes, styles, and materials. Now, as a travel writer, I've tested them all thoroughly, and my new favorite is this Quince Carry-on. It's simple without many frills, but it's held up with the least amount of scuffs, scratches, and visible wear and tear of any other I own (and I own some very expensive ones). It fits over a week's worth of clothes without issue, boasts 360-degree spinning wheels for easy maneuverability, and comes with Quince's famed 365-day return policy. Because of my very type B personality, you can bet my devices are almost never fully charged before I leave for the airport. I've spent way too many hours at the airport stressing over finding an outlet, so it was time that I fully invested in a compact power bank. Anker makes some of the best in the game, and this magnetic charger is no exception. I love its multi-use design: it props up and snaps to your phone for bedside-charging, or it folds down and attaches to the back of your phone for cord-free powering up while you're out exploring. You can also plug another device in via the USB-C port, so you get double the charge on one bank. It comes in a wide variety of colors, including lavender, sage green, and baby blue. Similar to my suitcase collection, I have more water bottles than I could ever need. As a writer always on the go, I constantly found myself testing new designs and styles that fall short of doing what I need them to do—keep drinks cold and not leak. After some doom scrolling on TikTok, I found the BrüMate Era 30 oz Tumbler and fell in love with these aesthetic bottles that are more than just pretty—they're 100 percent leak-free. Plus, they keep drinks cold for over 24 hours, and come in so many cute colors. I have it in rose taupe and neon pink, and am looking to add the mist to my rotation too. Because water bottles take up space, it's important that the one I pack actually works well. This one kind of goes without explanation, because sometimes…people stink, especially after 40+ hours of travel. Thankfully, to avoid any uncomfortable odors, I've added Yuni body wipes to my carry-on on long-haul trips because they take up little space and work extremely well. They're super easy to slip into a carry-on, backpack, or belt bag, and they're incredibly refreshing, thanks to soothing ingredients like neem leaf extract, peppermint leaf, and citrus essential oils. They're a little pricer than a standard wipe (these are on sale for about $17 for a pack of 12), but the all-natural ingredients and the company's passion for sustainability make it worth it. Nobody has time (or space) to carry around a large, full-size razor. Instead, this adorable mini Schick razor is as useful as it is cute. As someone with extremely sensitive skin, I love that it comes with an easy-grip handle (for fewer cuts and nicks) and a moisturizing bar, so no shaving cream is required. Safe enough for even the most sensitive parts of your body (think face, private areas, and armpits), and durable enough for legs, it's something I truly never leave my house without. In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, 'Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.' A truer statement has never been spoken, especially when it comes to travel shoes. As a girl who is pushing 40 and entering orthopedic shoes territory, I can no longer just shove my (often swelling) feet into cheap sneakers from Target. When I've got a long travel day ahead of me, I need my Rothy's lace-up sneakers. Made from recycled bottles, these bendable, machine-washable sneakers form to fit the mold of your feet, so each pair feels like it was made just for you. They come in black, white, and tan, making it super easy to mix and match with just about any kind of outfit, which will cut down on the number of shoes you need to pack and save you precious luggage space. I am never without my comfort cardigan. When searching for the right one, I prioritized any that came in a bunch of colors (so I could stock up to mix and match with outfits), was long so it covered my booty when wearing leggings, and cost less than $100. This Old Navy long-line cardigan hit every box (and then some). Made from viscose rayon, it's super stretchy and ultra-soft. Its versatile style means that you can pack it as your only top layer for chilly airplanes or evening dinners. Quince comes in clutch again on this list with these versatile, soft, and super comfortable stretch crepe pants. I'll be the first to admit that I was hesitant about the style and fit of these, but once I put them on, I was sold instantly. They're lightweight and ultra-breathable and have a tie waist for added styling. Additionally, the fabric is wrinkle-resistant, a must for me when I'm spending hours on a plane or in a car. They're available in a range of neutral colors, so you can mix and match them with basically everything in your suitcase to save space. I've written about these Bombas Compression Socks multiple times, and there's a reason they keep ending up on my travel must-have lists. They truly are the best compression socks on the market. Even though the price tag is high ($30 per pair), you'll find them well worth that after just one wear. I've had mine for multiple years, and they still look and feel brand new. Plus, Bombas donates an item to someone in need for every pair purchased, so you can feel even better wearing them. I have the long socks for travel and the short socks for running, and both I would recommend again and again. You won't need to pack any other foot pain-saving items if you have these socks on hand—you'll land without swelling and ready to get going. As someone who isn't very organized (see earlier), I need something compact and easy to pack that keeps as many of my things together as possible. With the Beis Travel Wallet, I can store everything I need inside it without needing any other organizer: it holds my passport, state ID, credit cards, cash, and more in an easy-to-throw-over-the-shoulder package. The light tan goes with everything, so you can even wear it as your crossbody if you're trying to travel even lighter. On sale for $35, this wallet is worth every penny in my opinion. On a recent flight to Mexico, I saw a woman carrying this exact tote, and I thought, 'Wow, that looks really expensive.' So imagine my surprise when she told me it was from Amazon and cost less than $25. I used to stuff my cute beach hats in my carry-on or suitcase and was endlessly disappointed when they came out wrinkled and misshapen. Not only does this bag have a separate outside holder for your hat (to keep its shape and easily carry), it also has a ton of space inside for everything else you may need on the flight or beach, like your Kindle, sunscreen, sunglasses, wallet, and more. Think of it as a personal item, hat carrier, and beach tote all in one, cutting down on the number of bags you need and keeping your hat in mint condition on the journey. Although these Sony noise-canceling headphones are the most expensive item on the list by far, I've learned one thing about electronics from being married to a nerd: you never skimp on headphones. Sony's newest line, the WH-1000XM5, touts the best noise-cancelling technology on the market today. In addition to excellent sound quality, they have intuitive touch control settings, hands-free calling, up to 30 hours of battery life, and a redesigned collapsible frame for easy storage. I have the smoky pink, and my husband has the navy blue. And it's safe to say we're both complete and utter Sony headphone converts after testing them on a recent family trip with our 6.5-year-old. Simply wear them around your neck when boarding the plane—it'll take up zero carry-on space and help you get some peace and quiet, blocking out the noise around you. Even though I'm admittedly low-maintenance when it comes to my hair, I still like to have options to dress it up when I'm traveling for work (and need to hop from plane to drinks or dinner). Both my mom and I love this Dreame ultra-lightweight hair dryer because of how easy it folds and stores in tight carry-ons. Despite the tool's small size, it stands up to the far more expensive competitors, and even offers five styling options and temperature colors: cold, warm, hot, hot and cold cycle, and instant cold air. A bonus? The dryer is super quiet when in use, so you can style your hair in the morning without waking anyone in your hotel room or Airbnb. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Condé Nast Traveler
2 hours ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
These Cruise Ships Are Bringing the Destination On Board
Silversea pioneered the movement to bring the culture and food of ports on board with its popular SALT program back in 2021, which showcased local cuisine on ships through immersive experiences and partnerships; now other lines are honing their own approaches. In the coming year Celebrity plans to bring The Bazaar, the largest-scale effort of this type, to Celebrity Xcel's four sister ships in the Edge category on sailings through the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Boutique line Azamara Cruises recently debuted its Stories Under the Stars program, for which local experts hop on board to share myths and legends; in November cultural specialist Thato Mahlangu will tell tales of the cunning Grootslang serpent, said to guard the riches of South Africa's Richtersveld region, as Azamara Pursuit sails the South African coast. Similarly, in Quebec, Ponant brought Gaspe Mi'kmaq storyteller Tim Adams on board Le Commandant Charcot during its new icebreaker sailings up the St. Lawrence River, the first in a series of traditional performances on the ship. Native Polynesian craft classes covering such topics as the making of Tahitian hairpins are now offered when the 245-passenger ship sails the Society Islands. St. John's wort from Katapola, Greece, a SALT ingredient SILVERSEA CRUISES Food expert Laura Lazzaroni, of SALT's Italy program SILVERSEA CRUISES As for Silversea, it has extended its SALT program to its newest ship, the year-old Silver Ray, offering a dedicated chef's table, set in a bright room with large windows that look out over the sea; it has also retrofitted sister ship Silver Nova to create a similar space. Here, experts like João Sá, the chef of the Michelin-starred Lisbon restaurant Sála de João Sá, will serve dishes to passengers using rare and specialized ingredients from nearby ports—just one more example of the ways cultural immersion can last long after the ship has sailed on. Seven-night sails on board Celebrity Xcel from $883. This article appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Category 4 Hurricane Erin buffets northern Caribbean islands but not forecast to hit land
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Erin exploded in strength and became a major storm in Atlantic waters just north of the Caribbean on Saturday, rapidly powering up from a tropical storm in a single day and bringing heavy rains and high winds to islands in the region. The first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, Erin reached Category 5 status before weakening somewhat and becoming a Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Late Saturday night, the center reported that Erin was 'undergoing structural changes' but was still 'formidable' as its rain and winds buffeted Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The storm's center was about 145 miles (230 kilometers) north-northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and it was heading toward the west-northwest at 14 mph (22 kph). It was not forecast to make a direct hit on land. Hurricane center director Mike Brennen said Erin grew into a 'very powerful hurricane,' with its winds gaining 60 mph (96 kph) in about nine hours. Forecasters predicted it will remain a major hurricane into the coming week. Erin close enough to land to trigger flooding, landslides The storm's center was forecast pass north of Puerto Rico, according to the National Hurricane Center. Nevertheless, it said, heavy rain in some areas could trigger flash flooding, landslides and mudslides. Tropical storm watches were issued for St. Martin, St. Barts and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The National Weather Service in San Juan issued an alert for Saturday night for nearly two thirds of Puerto Rico, warning of 50 mph (80 kph) winds and urging people to shelter in safe structures. Power was knocked out to about 130,000 customers in the territory. Locals and tourists walked and shopped as usual earlier in the day in Puerto Rico's capital. Restaurants were busy, and despite warnings to avoid beaches, people could be seen in the water. Sarahí Torres and Joanna Cornejo, who were visiting from California for a Bad Bunny concert, said they decided to go to the beach and wade in because the skies were calm. 'The weather looked fine, so we came out,' Torres said. The U.S. government deployed more than 200 employees from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other agencies as a precaution. Puerto Rico Housing Secretary Ciary Pérez Peña said 367 shelters were inspected and ready to open if needed. Officials in the Bahamas also prepared shelters and urged people to monitor the storm's progress. Powerful rip currents could affect the U.S. East Coast from Florida to the mid-Atlantic next week, despite the eye of the storm forecast to remain far offshore, Brennan said. An 'incredible' race from tropical storm to Category 5 Hurricane specialist and storm surge expert Michael Lowry said Erin gained strength at a pace that was 'incredible for any time of year, let alone Aug. 16.' Lowry said only four other Category 5 hurricanes have been recorded in the Atlantic on or before Aug. 16. The most powerful storms tend to form later in the year, with the hurricane season typically peaking in mid-September. In October 2005, Hurricane Wilma rocketed from a tropical storm to a Category 5 in less than 24 hours, according to National Hurricane Center advisories from that time. Wilma weakened to a Category 3 hurricane before striking Florida. And in October 2007, Hurricane Felix took just over a day to go from a tropical storm to Category 5. Including Erin, there have been 43 hurricanes that have reached Category 5 status on record in the Atlantic, said Dan Pydynowski, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, a private forecasting company. 'They're certainly rare, although this would mark the fourth year in a row that we've had one in the Atlantic basin,' Pydynowski said. Warming climate linked to storms strengthening faster Scientists have linked rapid intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic to climate change. Global warming is causing the atmosphere to hold more water vapor and is spiking ocean temperatures, and warmer waters give hurricanes fuel to unleash more rain and strengthen more quickly. Storms that ramp up so quickly complicate forecasting and make it harder for government agencies to plan for emergencies. Hurricane Erick, a Pacific storm that made landfall June 19 in Oaxaca, Mexico, also strengthened rapidly, doubling in intensity in less than a day. Erin is the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 and is expected to be unusually busy. Six to 10 hurricanes are predicted for the season, including three to five reaching major status with winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph). ___ Bynum reported from Savannah. Georgia. Associated Press writers Isabella O'Malley in Philadelphia and Ivelisse Rivera in San Juan contributed. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at Dánica Coto And Russ Bynum, The Associated Press
