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Travel talk

Hyatt expands in Latin America and the Caribbean Hyatt Hotels Corporation is set to open 30 new hotels across the two regions by 2027. The Destination by Hyatt properties will include The Legend Paracas Resort on the coast of Peru, Cas En Bas Beach Resort in St. Lucia and the adults-only Secrets Baby Beach Aruba.

THE STARS ALIGN IN NEW ZEALAND

Spotting the Milky Way in Kaikoura,

South Island

The remote town of Kaikoura becomes the third International Dark Sky destination for the southwest Pacific nation

Norwegian partners with Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet, who played Cam on the ABC comedy series Modern Family, has been named as the godfather of Norwegian’ s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua. Stonestreet was chosen for his“ authenticity, wit, charm and genuine desire to bring happiness to the masses,” said David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. The actor will be christening the ship with the traditional Champagne bottle in Miami in April 2025.

Kaikoura, a coastal town on New Zealand’ s South Island, has been officially designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The accolade was awarded in late 2024 by international volunteer organisation Dark Sky, and represents the culmination of a four-year certification process. The local community first took steps to reduce light pollution a decade ago to help protect the endangered Hutton’ s shearwater birds. These birds can become	disoriented by streetlights and crash-land on the ground, where they are at risk of predators. Since then, the Kaikoura Dark Sky Trust, local volunteers, environmental organisations and government agencies joined forces to minimise light pollution. To enhance the astrotourism experience, local initiatives include setting up camera stands and a host of educational programs. Kaikoura is the third New Zealand location to have earned this recognition and one of only 22 locations around the globe.			Oceania’ s new sailings Oceania’ s Nautica, Regatta and Sirena will sail on 60 new itineraries for 2026, exploring the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The itineraries emphasise lesser-known ports like Tortola( British Virgin Islands), Bozcaada( Turkey) and Maputo( Mozambique).	images: getty; alamy
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Postcards Spring 2025 CA | Page 14

THE STARS ALIGN IN NEW ZEALAND

Kaikoura, a coastal town on New Zealand’ s South Island, has been officially designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The accolade was awarded in late 2024 by international volunteer organisation Dark Sky, and represents the culmination of a four-year certification process.