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The Guardian
19-04-2025
- The Guardian
Beaches, galleries, pintxos and more: why you have to visit Atlantic Spain
Set aside the familiar images of Spain's sunbaked landscapes and sweltering beaches. The Costa Verde surprises even the most seasoned travellers with its dramatic, verdant coastline and pleasantly balmy days. Meaning 'Green Coast', the name once referred to the Asturian shoreline but is now used to describe the entire Atlantic stretch from Galicia to the French border. The diverse landscape of Spain's northern coast encompasses white sandy beaches, crystal waters and forested headlands, as well as picture-perfect fishing villages and thoroughly modern cities. It offers something for everyone, from seafood lovers to adrenaline junkies – not to mention those in need of a relaxing sun-and-sand break. At the eastern end of the coast, Bilbao makes a perfect starting point for arrivals by sea (departing from Portsmouth). One of the two Brittany Ferries ports in Spain (the other is Santander), you'll be able to dive straight into your holiday – refreshed from a hassle-free crossing. The fortunes of this proud industrial city were turned around with the construction of the Frank Gehry-designed Museo Guggenheim in 1997. The arrival of this glittering palace of art provided a cultural and financial boost to the city so dramatic that this is now known all over the world as the 'Bilbao effect'. Bilbao continues to thrive, but many of its most charming attractions have been around for decades – its Casco Viejo (Old Town) is an atmospheric labyrinth of medieval alleyways, with the area known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets) at its heart. This is the best place to start the obligatory bar crawl to sample as many pintxos (the Basque take on tapas, served on a slice of baguette) as you can manage, and you won't leave disappointed. Real gastronomes, however, will want to head to San Sebastián, Bilbao's elegant neighbour an hour to the east. Famously home to a constellation of Michelin stars, San Sebastián has a proud culinary history, but is also a stunning city in its own right, curled around a picturesque bay. Stay: Hotel Codina, on the western side of San Sebastian; conveniently located near one of the city's three beautiful beaches and a pleasant stroll along the bay (one mile) from the town centre. The main entry point by sea via Brittany Ferries is Santander, Cantabria's lively capital, with departures from both Portsmouth and Plymouth. While not much remains of its historic centre, thanks to a devastating fire in 1941, Santander holds its own as a weekend-worthy stay, and experienced its own minor Bilbao effect with the 2017 opening of the Centro Botín, a dazzling seaside arts centre designed by Renzo Piano. For stunning views across the bay and beyond, walk to the end of Magdalena peninsula, where you'll find an extensive park with a mini-zoo and tourist train. Santander is the ideal base for exploring the rest of Cantabria. A half-hour's drive from the capital, impossibly beautiful Santillana del Mar is a preserved-in-aspic medieval village of cobbled streets and balconies groaning under their extravagant floral displays. Just 10 miles beyond that, Comillas is known for its wealth of modernista architecture – the offshoot of art nouveau mostly found in Barcelona – including El Capricho, a villa designed by Gaudí himself. Inland from here is the Picos de Europa mountain range, a vast Atlantic ecosystem that is home to – among many other things – brown bears and Iberian wolves, and one of Spain's most popular hiking regions. It's protected as a national park but there are various points of entry. The loveliest of these is Potes, a small medieval town of cobbled streets and riverside strolls. Stay: Parador de Fuente Dé, a modernist gem of a hotel surrounded by mountains and just a couple of hours scenic drive from Santander. Your ideal gateway to the Picos de Europa. Entering the Costa Verde proper, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with little coves chipped from the rock and towns that seem to tumble into the sea. The Asturian capital, Oviedo, is one of northern Spain's unsung delights, with a stunning cathedral at its centre along with a clutch of narrow pedestrianised streets, manicured gardens and attractive squares. Like its near-neighbour to the north, Gijón, Oviedo is an excellent place to explore the typical dishes of the region – fabada asturiana, a hearty bean stew with chorizo, ham hock and morcilla (blood sausage); cachopo, breaded veal fillets stuffed with cured ham and cheese; and tortos, corn fritters topped with minced chorizo and a fried egg. Seafood also plays a starring role, and it is the fishing villages scattered along the Asturian coastline that have shaped the region's identity – Llanes, with its hotchpotch of Romanesque, gothic and renaissance architecture; Ribadesella, a quiet fishing town carved in two by the river Sella; Cudillero, perhaps the prettiest of them all. This jumble of brightly coloured houses falls down two sides of a valley towards a narrow inlet. Linking these villages are stretches of coastline unlike any in Spain, not only for their quiet stretches of sand and unspoilt hinterland, but for their curious features. The area stretching between Gijón and Ribadesella is known as the Costa de los Dinosaurios for the dinosaur footprints and fossilised remains that have been found here. Midway, at Colunga, there's even a Jurassic Museum for those who wish to find out more. Similarly intriguing, just beyond the Asturian border and into Galicia, is the Praia As Catedrais, named for its otherworldly rock formations, which resemble the naves of mighty cathedrals. And you could always go on from there to see the real thing – in terms of cathedrals, that is – in Galicia's capital, Santiago de Compostela; known to pilgrims (and hiking enthusiasts) the world over as the final stop on the Camino de Santiago. Stay: Parador de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago's stunning Parador was constructed in 1499 and faces the cathedral at the centre of this enchanting medieval city and site of pilgrimage. The diversity of the Costa Verde is what makes it so special. Visitors can experience unfettered five-star comforts, or they can bivouac under the stars. They can spend their days kayaking and rockclimbing, or stretched out in a quiet cove before a candlelit dinner above a twinkling harbour. Spain's best-kept secret seems unlikely to remain so forever. Tempted by the flavours and flair of Atlantic Spain? Plan your trip now and save up to 30% on sailings when you book a Brittany Ferries Holiday
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Hyatt Regency Brand Makes Its Debut in Central America with Panama City Opening
The hotel, which is part of the Classics portfolio, marks the fourth Hyatt branded property in Panama CHICAGO, February 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) and Grupo Desarrollo Bahia announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Panama City, the first Hyatt Regency hotel in Central America. The hotel is strategically located in the city's financial district, catering to business travelers, while also serving as a welcoming gateway to explore Panama's rich history. With over 40 years of experience in real estate development, Grupo Desarrollo Bahía has played a pivotal role in shaping the Panama City skyline. Guests can enjoy nearby cultural attractions and neighborhoods like Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture, boutique shops, authentic cuisine and vibrant nightlife as well as the Frank Gehry-designed Biodiversity Museum, which celebrates the country's ecological diversity. "The opening of Hyatt Regency Panama City marks a key moment in Hyatt's global brand growth strategy, solidifying the brand's presence in this vibrant and rapidly developing region," said Richard Westell, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Panama City. "This milestone ushers in a new era for business travelers and meeting professionals coming from key markets, offering them the opportunity to explore the deep cultural energy of Panama City while enjoying flexible meetings spaces, curated food and beverage offerings, personalized service and technology-enabled experiences." Open and Welcoming Spaces Hyatt Regency Panama City's warm lobby draws inspiration from the immersive city of Panama, embracing heritage with locally crafted furniture and natural textures. Each of the hotel's 382 guestrooms and suites exude comfort and sophistication with green marble accents in the bathrooms and carved wood bedside tables and wood bedframes that showcase the charm of local Panamanian craftsmanship. For those balancing work during their stay, most rooms include a well-appointed desk, offering a seamless space to stay productive while traveling. Guests and World of Hyatt members with club access guestrooms can enjoy daily complimentary breakfast, afternoon snacks and happy hour hors d'oeuvres in a memorable setting at the Regency Club Lounge. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center with a variety of cardio and strength equipment and a ground level pool. Dining Options for Every Occasion Guests and locals alike can enjoy a variety of onsite dining options, perfect for meeting a friend for coffee, hosting a business dinner or indulging in an exquisite weekend brunch. With quick bites, enhanced mixology and authentic Panamanian flavors, Hyatt Regency Panama City caters to every occasion with four on-site restaurants including: Rulfo: A sophisticated dining experience that redefines international cuisine, the full-service lobby level restaurant offers elevated flavors with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Rulfo provides a breakfast buffet in the morning and transforms into a lively cervecería (brewery) for lunch and dinner, making it an ideal spot for both business meals and memorable outings with friends and family. Amado: Amado is a modern coffee shop that embodies the essence of comfort, warmth and connection. Serving freshly brewed specialty coffees, teas, and light bites and pastries, Amado offers a cozy space where guests can relax, socialize or work. Belisario (expected to open late 2025): Belisario is more than just a wine bar; it's a haven for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs of fine dining. Featuring a meticulously curated selection of international and local wines paired with gourmet tapas and small plates, this intimate venue offers a refined ambiance and memorable tasting experience. Refugio (expected to open late 2025): A secret gem waiting to be discovered, Refugio is a speakeasy bar that transports guests to an exclusive and mysterious experience with handcrafted cocktails, curated music and a moody atmosphere steeped in intrigue. Crafting Exceptional Events The hotel is home to nearly 25,000 square feet of event space across two towers, offering the opportunity to curate the ultimate event – from business meetings to wedding celebrations – with the help of experienced event experts along the way. Regency Ballroom: As the largest venue on-site, the Regency Ballroom can accommodate up to 500 guests and can adjoin to other spaces for even larger events. 12 Designated Meeting Rooms: The hotel's meeting rooms are designed for collaboration, offering customizable setups for any type of event. Outdoor Event Terrace: The hotel's expansive event terrace provides the perfect outdoor setting for a variety of occasions. Hyatt Regency Broadcast Lounge: This technology-enabled space streams video feeds of the main event, so if guests need to step out from the main space they can stay connected to the event's speakers and activities. Hyatt Regency Panama City will join Hyatt's existing portfolio in Panama including Dreams Playa Bonita Panama, Hotel La Compañia and Hotel La Compañia del Valle, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. Be More Rewarded Hyatt Regency Panama City is joining the World of Hyatt loyalty program and is accepting reservations for stays from February 19, 2025, and beyond. Members can register by March 10, 2025 to earn 2X points for qualifying stays at participating hotels, including at Hyatt Regency Panama City, completed by March 28, 2025, with the World of Hyatt Bonus Journey's offer. Terms and conditions apply, to learn more visit Take advantage of Hyatt Regency Panama City's Grand Opening Offer, where guests can enjoy up to 15% off stays and an extra 5% off for World of Hyatt members, valid for stays between April 6, 2025 – June 1, 2025, when booked now through March 31, 2025. For more information or to book a reservation, please visit or follow the hotel on Instagram @hyattregencypanama. To learn more about the Hyatt Regency brand, please visit The term "Hyatt" is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. For further information: About Hyatt Regency The Hyatt Regency brand is a global collection of hotels and resorts found in more than 230 locations in over 40 countries around the world. The depth and breadth of this diverse portfolio, from expansive resorts to urban city centers, is a testament to the brand's evolutionary spirit. For more than 50 years, the Hyatt Regency brand has championed fresh perspectives and enriching experiences, while its forward-thinking philosophy provides guests with inviting spaces that bring people together and foster a spirit of community. As a hospitality original, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts are founded on openness—our colleagues consistently serve with open minds and open hearts to deliver unforgettable celebrations, effortless relaxation and notable culinary experiences alongside expert meetings and technology-enabled collaboration. The brand prides itself on an everlasting reputation for insightful care—one that welcomes all people across all countries and cultures, generation after generation. For more information, please visit Follow @HyattRegency on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattRegency. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of December 31, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,400 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, and Alua Hotels & Resorts®; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the rate and pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; global supply chain constraints and interruptions, rising costs of construction-related labor and materials, and increases in costs due to inflation or other factors that may not be fully offset by increases in revenues in our business; risks affecting the luxury, resort, and all-inclusive lodging segments; levels of spending in business, leisure, and group segments, as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; limited visibility with respect to future bookings; loss of key personnel; domestic and international political and geopolitical conditions and political or civil unrest or changes in trade policy; hostilities, or fear of hostilities, including future terrorist attacks, that affect travel; travel-related accidents; natural or man-made disasters, weather and climate-related events, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, floods, wildfires, oil spills, nuclear incidents, and global outbreaks of pandemics or contagious diseases, or fear of such outbreaks; our ability to successfully achieve certain levels of operating profits at hotels that have performance tests or guarantees in favor of our third-party owners; the impact of hotel renovations and redevelopments; risks associated with our capital allocation plans, share repurchase program, and dividend payments, including a reduction in, or elimination or suspension of, repurchase activity or dividend payments; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers; relationships with colleagues and labor unions and changes in labor laws; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party owners, franchisees, and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees, or development partners to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and our ability to successfully integrate completed acquisitions with existing operations; failure to successfully complete proposed transactions (including the failure to satisfy closing conditions or obtain required approvals); our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; declines in the value of our real estate assets; unforeseen terminations of our management and hotel services agreements or franchise agreements; changes in federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; increases in interest rates, wages, and other operating costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations or currency restructurings; risks associated with the introduction of new brand concepts, including lack of acceptance of new brands or innovation; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; our ability to successfully grow the World of Hyatt loyalty program and Unlimited Vacation Club paid membership program; cyber incidents and information technology failures; outcomes of legal or administrative proceedings; and violations of regulations or laws related to our franchising business and licensing businesses and our international operations; and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our annual report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which filings are available from the SEC. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of our forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Bianca Sign in to access your portfolio
