Alana Willerton

Recent Articles

Occidental at Xcaret Destination, Photo courtesy of Barceló Hotel Group

Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya

Options for hotels in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya include the adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar, the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya and the Occidental at Xcaret Destination surrounded by lush jungle.

The Best Beaches in Barbados

The small island of Barbados is home to more than 80 beaches. Here are five that are ideal for relaxing, surfing, playing in the water or enjoying some quality family time.

Barbados’ Crop Over Festival Celebrates the Island’s History

With its frenetic energy and street-party atmosphere, Barbados’ annual Crop Over festival is an event you need to experience—there’s a reason Rihanna keeps attending.

How to Experience Iceberg Season in Newfoundland (April through July)

Spot them from Twillingate or Cape Spear, take a boat tour or drink iceberg beer at Quidi Vidi Brewery.

Canada’s Best Urban Beaches

Watch fireworks at English Bay Beach in Vancouver, catch an outdoor movie at Sugar Beach in Toronto or sunbathe at Montreal's Clock Tower Beach located right in the city's historic Old Port.

10 Reasons We’re Excited About Winter in Canada

'Tis the season for seasonal treats and snowy, outdoor pursuits. From Whistler Blackcomb's new Peak Suspension Bridge and Red Mountain Resort's new ski in/ski out hotel to festivals like Winterlude and skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about winter.

Art, Theatre and Film to Travel For in Fall 2017

With the fall arts season well underway, there are plenty of opportunities to get your art, theatre or film fixes. See the Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters exhibit in Toronto, catch a performance of M. Butterfly in New York City or attend Screamfest in Los Angeles.

Behind the Scenes of Mahekal Beach Resort’s Redesign

Architect and interior designer Hilda Espino talks about her role in the redesign of Mahekal Beach Resort in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The beachfront resort's design takes inspiration from local Maya and Huichol culture and from the surrounding beach and turquoise waters.

What’s New at the 2017 Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival

The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is the largest fringe festival in North America. It attracts thousands of spectators who come to watch more than 200 theatre productions throughout the city. This year (Aug. 17 to 27, 2017), there’s a magical new theme, more shows than ever and new spots to eat near the festival grounds.

Where to Go in Edmonton’s Strathcona Neighbourhood

This lively neighbourhood south of Edmonton’s river valley is known for its arts and theatre festivals, its historic buildings and Whyte Avenue, one of the busiest shopping and dining strips in the city.