While area beaches remain closed, spoil islands such as Snake Island, owned by the West Coast Inland Navigation District remain open because theyre technically private property.

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SARASOTA COUNTY Despite beach closures, boaters were able to congregate this weekend at Snake Island, located at the end of Venice Inlet, and other spoil islands technically owned by the West Coast Inland Navigation District, as well as offshore sandbars.

Venice officials have reached out to the district about closing down the island, something that neither the city nor county marine patrol officers can do, unless the district asks for their help.

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Venice Marine Patrol Officer Paul Joyce noted that Snake Island is considered private property even though its technically owned by a public entity, the West Coast Inland Navigation District.

Venice resident Chris Stocke sent a photo of boaters moored near, or beached on, the island to Venice Mayor Rod Feinsod, raising his concerns about the situation.

With the beaches closed, restaurants closed, social distancing, most of us staying home, etc., the partying goes on as normal on Snake Island, Stocke wrote. In my view, this is totally unacceptable and should be stopped as beach-going has.

Feinsod, who has fielded emails from people frustrated by beach closures as well as those who are happy that theyre closed and want to see social distancing enforced more thoroughly, said he hopes the WCIND will ask for help in closing Snake Island and other spoil island areas.

Theyre creating a place where people can gather and, in my opinion, if theres a place where people can gather, they will gather, Feinsod said.

Justin McBride, the executive director of the West Coast Inland Navigation District, was working from home because of social distancing and did not respond to an email asking whether the district would make an attempt to close the spoil islands.

Because of its location near the mouth of the Venice Inlet and near the Crows Nest Marina, Snake Island is one of the more easily observed of the spoil islands created when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredged the Intracoastal Waterway in the 1960s.

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Other well-known islands include Big Edwards Island, Little Edwards Island and Skiers Island, south of the Siesta Key Bridge.

In addition to spoil islands, boaters can moor on large sandbars such as the ones on the south side of Big Pass, north side of New Pass, and the Jewfish Key sandbar, east of Longboat Pass.

Beer Can Beach, a northern extension of Longboat Key, once known as Beer Can Island but now patrolled as a preserve by the city of Longboat Key, is another popular place for boaters to anchor and socialize.

Joyce said, just as with a sandbar at low tide, city, county and state law enforcement do not have jurisdiction on Snake Island and other spoil islands.

Still, law enforcement officials have been doing their best to encourage the revelers to be safe.

Were asking everybody to police themselves, heed the warnings from the president and governor, keep your six-foot distance apart from each other, Joyce said.

Snake Island photos shared on Facebook by Donna Stocke from both Saturday and Sunday also show watercraft from both the Venice Marine Patrol and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on the outer edge of the moored boats.

There were a few groups of people that were hanging out together more than 10, but most of those people were close friends or family or something like that, Joyce said.

Until WCIND asks for intervention, local law enforcement can only monitor the situation.

Longboat Key Pass

Along the 10-mile stretch of Longboat Key from the New Pass Bridge to Longboat Pass Bridge, boaters have anchored at sandbars and offshore. Other barrier island locals walk to the beach on Longboat Key and near Beer Can Island to set up chairs.

The beach itself is open, according to Longboat Key Police spokeswoman Tina Adams. But all public beach accesses on Longboat Key are closed. However, those boaters and beach patrons who were on Beer Can Island were doing so in violation of current county beach closures. If they moved south, just about a mile south they would not be in violation.

We would like to reiterate to the public that Greer Island, also known as Beer Can Island, is a Manatee County park and remains closed to all boating and foot traffic, Adams said. This park is located at the north end of Longboat Key. Town of Longboat Key Police will monitor the public beach accesses.

All Longboat Key beach accesses are blocked with traffic barricades and marked with a small sign that says Public Beach Access Closed, noting the danger of COVID-19. It says for more information visit LongboatKey.org.

Other cities on Anna Maria Island also have closed beach accesses but not the beaches. Beachgoers may use the beaches if they follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines and space at least 10 feet apart and limit groups to no more than 10 people.

Cars were parked on both sides of the road on the north side of the Longboat Pass Bridge, which is the right of way. A Bradenton Beach Police officer searched for vehicle owners in the immediate vicinity and issued warnings to others for illegally parking there.

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Coronavirus Florida: Concern raised over boat access to spoil islands - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

This week, Madonna added her voice to the chorus of celebrities accidentally embarrassing themselves while trying to make us feel better about the coronavirus. In a now-deleted post, the singer sits naked in a bathtub sprinkled with rose petals and offers bland platitudes over a melancholy piano melody.

Thats the thing about COVID-19, she says. It doesnt care about how rich you are, how famous you are, how funny you are, how smart you are, where you live, how old you are, what amazing stories you can tell. Its the great equalizer. Whats terrible about it is whats great about it. Whats terrible about it is its made us all equal in many ways.

This is, obviously, bullshit. I assume thats why she deleted the post. But while Madonnas romanticizing of the virus is especially icky, shes not the only one pushing this narrative that the coronavirus is an equalizer. Weve been hearing that a lot.

Daniel Dae Kim has criticized the lack of available tests, saying on Instagram, Everyone who meets the qualifications should be tested, period, because the virus doesnt care about race, or gender, religion, sexual orientation, whether youre rich or poor, or your immigration status.

Politicians across the country have been using some version of the Coronavirus doesnt discriminate based on age/race/wealth/political party rhetoric, and its been the subject of innumerable think pieces and news segments, most of them focusing specifically on how coronavirus doesnt care if youre rich or poor.

While its true that in a vacuum, the coronavirus and other afflictions should affect everyone equally, thats simply not the world we live in. In our reality, the wealthy and well-connected are have access to all sorts of things the rest of us dont that make prevention and care much easier. Youve probably noticed that celebrities have been sharing the results of their coronavirus tests, even when theyve been asymptomatic. As of last week, members of just one NBA team reportedly made up 20% of all the tests done in Oklahoma.

Meanwhile, tests are in such limited supply right now that most regular, non-famous/extremely wealthy people are being denied testing, even when theyre very ill.

There are other advantages the rich and famous have in these times, too. Demand for private jets is skyrocketing. (Presumably so they can fly to their private islands?) Its likely easier to self-isolate when you can do so in a mansion, with the means to stock up on essentials as well as luxuries, to send people out to run errands and buy groceries, and to still have access to childcarenot to mention the basic issue of being able to afford a break in income.

The coronavirus might not care who you are but it definitely affects us all differently. This virus will beand already isdevastating for low-income and minimum wage workers, for those in the gig economy, for single parents, and most especially for those experiencing homelessness. Unemployment is already starting to soar and with that, a lot of people are losing not just their income but also their health insurance (if they had it in the first place). Some people will be hit much harder by that than others, and some will never see it impact their lives and their health directly.

The coronavirus is not an equalizer. If anything, its only going to increase our existing disparities.

(image: KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

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With most of the resorts in the Maldives set on private islands that have been designed for discretion and seclusion, the destination seems purpose-built for this age of social distancing. (Note: As of this writing, there are no travel restrictions to or from the Maldives for US residents, and flights are still operating via the international airport in Male.) But one five-star resort is taking private to new levels with the option to buy-out the whole placeincluding a second nearby island you can use for custom experiences. Dubbed You Run Raffles Maldives, the $1 Million package grants you exclusive access to RafflesMaldivesMeradhoo for five days and four nights.

The resorts 21 villas are scattered on the beach and over the waterCourtesy Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Available through the end of the year, the package includes a total buy-out of the resortwhich is located in the pristine Gaafu Alifu Atoll, an 80-minute boat ride from the equatorand its 21 beach and overwater villas. The experience begins with a private charter flight from Male or transfer from the private jet terminal at Kooddoo airport. Once at the resort, pretty much everything is included, so over the five days you will enjoy things like Biologique Recherche facials, Aromatherapy Associates massages and other treatments at the Raffles Spa, unlimited water sports, the services of a both a butler and Marine Butler (the latter to set up excursions like snorkeling along the resorts two house reefs), and unlimited use of the house yacht, the Azimut, for dolphin-spotting cruises, fishing or diving expeditions, complete with drinks and canapes.

Hit the Long Bar at sunset for gin-based Maldives Sling cocktailsCourtesy Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

On the food front, the resorts culinary team will create custom menus and tailored dining experiences that can be enjoyed wherever you chooseso get ready to sit at sunken tables that have been carved from the sand, or gather around the Long Bar for Maldives Slings, a take on the signature Raffles cocktail made of gin, coconut, cinnamon and clove. As part of the buy-out, youll also have access to a nearby deserted island on which the team can set-up everything from a castaway picnic and romantic champagne-and-stargazing session guided by a personal astronomer to a sunset concert or a DJ-led party (additional costs for these events may apply.) When its time to leave, each guest will receive personalized robes, gourmet treats and other mementos of this unforgettable stay. The $1 Million You Run Raffles Maldives Package is available for up to 70 guests. The rate includes a 5% charitable donation split between the Maldives Marine Center and the Olive Ridley Project, an NGO that works to protect sea turtles. To book, emailreservations.maldives@raffles.comor call +960 6828800.

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The Maldives Are Still Open, and You Can Have the Run of the Raffles Resort There for $1 Million - Robb Report

One might think that a full bank account, secure mansions, and private islands might keep the rich sane through the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. But unfortunately, were seeing meltdowns from the most pampered among us. Here are just five examples of rich people entirely failing to adult through the pandemic.

Oh, Madonna. Holding forth on the coronavirus making us all equals, from your rose-petal-adorned milk bath, while a harp plays in the background? This is batshit behaviour:

Pretty sure the besieged inhabitants of the Gaza Strip have it tougher than you, babe.

But fans and critics alike were begging Madge to exercise a little self-awareness.

Richard Bransons fortune was estimated at $4.1bn as recently as January this year. And his Virgin Group company brings in over 16.6bn a year. Despite this, Branson asked Virgin Atlantic staff to take eight weeks of unpaid leave while they self-isolate and social distance. The average Virgin Atlantic flight attendant earns just over 15k a year. Going eight weeks without pay is simply not an option.

Branson could pay every one of Virgin Groups 69,000 employees 2,000 for the next two months himself for 27.6m. This wouldnt even dent his personal fortune. Instead, hes asking skint staff to bailout his company with their own confiscated salaries.

As if this wasnt insulting enough, Branson also urged the British government to give his industry a 7.5bn taxpayer bailout.

In short, while Branson and Virgin Groups fortunes remain untapped, Virgin staff and the taxpayer keep his company afloat.

No, Richard. Just no.

The pandemic has hit young people, teachers, and parents hard. Students about to sit critical exams have had them deferred indefinitely. Teachers are moving out of their family homes in order to reach the children of key workers while keeping their own families safe. Parents are having to manage work and home-schooling their children. And for some families, all these things are happening at the same time. Its tough.

And yet, rich people problems are still a thing. Wealthy journalist Isabel Oakeshott asked us to spare a thought for her fellow wealthy parents at this difficult time:

Not the most considerate post at a time of national crisis. The response was justifiably withering:

Billionaire US president Donald Trump interrupted his press conference on coronavirus yesterday to bemoan the life of the billionaire. In a bizarre rant that went on for minutes, Trump complained about how tough it is for rich people to run for office:

Only one US president since 1929 was not a millionaire Harry Truman. And Trump is the wealthiest president in US history. This would suggest that wealth is a help rather than a hindrance to power in the United States.

Singer-songwriter Sam Smith has a net worth of $40m (34.35m) and is spending quarantine in their 12m mansion in North London. So when they took to social media to share their quarantine meltdown, Brits were not amused.

As a rule, if youve got a big house, food in your fridge, and healthy lungs right now, stop complaining. Or as one particularly articulate US citizen put it on Twitter:

Featured image via Twitter / Ghostink Wikimedia / Chatham House Wikimedia / Pitony Photography Wikimedia / Gage Skidmore Flickr

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Five rich people who are not handling the coronavirus crisis well at all - The Canary

ST. THOMAS V.I. Attorney General Denise N. George walked back an earlier demand that the estate of deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein cancel non-disclosure agreements with Epsteins victims and former employees.The agreements were designed to conceal the criminal activity of Epstein and his associates who are still there, according to the filing.

The attorney general, however, continues the court room fight over the fairness of the so-called Victims Compensation Fund, which would pay the under-aged girls and women who were victimized by Epstein. As proposed by the Estate, the victims fund would compensate Epsteins victims only if they agree not to sue anyone associated with his crimes.

Through the Department of Justice, the attorney general filed an update earlier this week with the Virgin Islands Probate Court. The department filed a civil lawsuit against the nearly $600 million Epstein Estate to ensure Epstein's victim's are fairly compensated and to ensure the territory can seize funds due the government.

In the filing with the Probate Court, Ms. George backed off the demands that non-disclosure agreement be cancelled. While the demands were still important, the attorney general said cancelling the agreements would not be tied to the Justice Departments approval of the Victim Compensation Fund, according to the Status Update recorded on March 18th in St. Thomas.

Ms. George has contended in her frequent off-island media interviews that the non-disclosure agreements are also being used to shield high-profile associates of Epstein.

According to a Vanity Fair magazine report last month, The people who worked on Epsteins island, tended to his various companies such as Southern Trust, drove his boats, piloted his planes, etc., probably know more about Epsteins activities than anyone elseand all are likely bound by nondisclosure agreements."

According to the magazine, Ms. George said An employee told me that he saw Prince Andrew on a balcony out at Little St. James groping girls right out in the open. He said he remembered walking up to him and saying, Good morning, your Highness."

Accusations against friends and associates of Epsteins are impossible to investigate, Ms. George told Vanity Fair, unless the estate agrees to release former employees from the NDAs they were required to sign when they went to work for the convicted sex offender on his private island.

Last month, Ms. George raised concerns about the proposed Fund, including that the proposed program administrator for the Fund was selected solely by the Estate, and did not appear to be in the best interests of Epsteins victims. The attorney general backed away from that argument in the recent filing.

As laid out in the V.I. Governments status report to the Court, the attorney general has worked closely with counsel for victims and agreed on a joint set of proposed recommendations for a fair and equitable alternative victim Fund, the VI Department of Justice said in a press release regarding the filing. While the Estate and its program administrator have addressed several of these recommendations, significant issues remain, Ms. George said.

At the victims suggestion, Marci Hamilton, CEO of Child USA and the countrys preeminent expert and advocate on child sexual abuse issues, is being proposed by the Attorney General and the victims as an independent administrator. Professor Hamiltons involvement would ensure that the program operates, and is perceived as operating, fairly, independently, and with informed sensitivity to the unique experiences of victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, the DOJ release stated.

Epsteins victims deserve to have a qualified, independent sexual abuse advocate involved in the claims process, who understands their unique and traumatic experiences and has expertise in assessing the consequences of sexual abuse, said Attorney General George.

The VIDOJ press statement stated: The Attorney Generals Office remains willing to work with the Estate to establish a Program that is fair, independent, and credible, in the interest of protecting victims from adversarial litigation, ensuring that they receive appropriate compensation for Epsteins crimes, and preserving the assets of the Estate for the public interest.

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V.I. Attorney General Walks Back Demand That Epstein Estate Dissolves Non-Disclosure Agreements Signed By The Pedophile's V.I. Employees Who May Have...

In crisis and chaos there is always opportunity, and this might be the time for a levelling up of the travel industry landscape. Pamela Whitby reports

In the South Pacifics Cook Islands, Tata Crocombe has mothballed his hotels as governments around the world grounded flights and imposed strict travel restrictions, slashing occupancy rates everywhere. This is not the end of the world but Coronavirus is going to make the global financial crisis of 2008 look like a Sunday school picnic, he says.

Although Crocombe is under no illusions about the gravity of the situation, the chairman of two resorts and a private island, and the founder of an AI business in San Francisco, remains hopeful. There is opportunity in chaos, and I sense that new orders are being created in these unprecedented times, he says.

As tens of millions of people lose their jobs, and more expected to, the hope is that this will happen soon. The travel and tourism industry, employer of 319-million people and contributor of 10% to GDP, according to the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC), needs all the help it can get and Crocombe believes AI could be part of the solution.

Coronavirus is going to make the global financial crisis of 2008 look like a Sunday school picnic

Under the umbrella of his AI company hospitable.tech.ai, he is working day and night with partners in the US and Japan to accelerate efforts to introduce a chatbot that specifically addresses COVID-19. The bot will allow hotels, airlines, destination marketing organisations and more to provide individually tailored responses with timely and relevant information about how to respond to the virus. This information will also be aggregated for public health officials. We hope to be in beta in my hotels and others in the Cook Islands within weeks, and once tested it will be available for global release, he says.

At the same time, the beta testing of a separate AI, which has been developed over the past year and trained on four hundred million online reviews, is being ramped up. The aim of this is to help travel suppliers develop sales and marketing programmes based on actual real-time guest reviews. A further AI, also in beta, will allow guests to find a perfectly tailored and curated list of hotels at the best possible rate. Because, although the OTAs are auseful search engine for customers, people no longer want to trail through a long list of random hotels.

As the world reels, Crocombe is trying to look ahead. In his crystal ball, he sees curated lists of rooms and pricing structures that are personalised rather than dynamic. Guests who buy higher category rooms, are good to his staff, bring their friends along and write great reviews are much more valuable than the stingy moaners and complainers. At the moment everyone gets to pay the same price - whether they are good customers or bad - gets to pay the same price. AI could change this and the face of customer loyalty.

Levelling the field

In a market where 70% of reservations are still controlled by Booking.com and Expedia, essentially the shop fronts to Googles $100-billion travel empire, hotels are still paying commissions of anything between 15 and 25%. For small and independent hotels struggling to pay employees and stay open, the Coronavirus crisis has thrownthe unfairness of those high commissions into sharp relief. It also highlighted how vulnerable the industry is to shocks in the market. At the same time, many hotels have been less than impressedby the unilateral demands placed on hotels to refund any pre-payments and waive cancellation costs due to forced circumstances. It has also called into question the ethics of travel insurance providers. Put it this way: the hotels are being slammed from all sides.

Booking.com and Expedia's rationale for requiring hotel partners to stump up is predictable: concern for the safety and security of customers, partners and colleagues, all of which are dealing with high levels of anxiety. A spokesperson for Booking.com said: We believe that working with our partners to make it relatively easy for our mutual guests to change their plans is both the right thing to do and means they will be faster to return to travel when the situation improves, which in turn protects the future of our industry. Expedias official statement is along similar lines.

Working with our partners to make it relatively easy for our mutual guests to change their plans is the right thing to do

Booking.com

Even before this crisis, the business of major OTAs were under pressure with dismal share financial results, plummeting share prices and job losses. They had even approached the EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager to complain about Google. In a letter that is signed by 34 companies including Expedia, TripAdviser and e-Dreams, the worlds largest search giant is accused of being nothing more than one-stop shop for any travel industry product.

Yesterday, a statement from Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel was a clear indication that there is a lot more pain to come for the OTAs whose business depends on the hotels staying open. The group is taking tough action including cutting non-essential business travel, cancelling internal events and off sites, slashing marketing spend, and freezing new hires.

At the same time, Fogel as well as brand CEOs Steve Hafner, John Brown and Brett Keller, will forego their salaries during the crisis, effective immediately. As hoteliers struggle to keep their doors open, they might well say this has come not a moment too soon. TheGoogle, Booking.com and Expedia trinity, they say, earn more from the travel than the entire industry itself, and their unregulated market dominance places gives them an unfair advantage. Many hotels have had enough.

The long road

There may be opportunity in the future but the road to recovery is going to be a long one. This not a great time to be in the travel industry, admits KrisNaudts, a psychiatrist who is also the founder and CEO ofCulture Trip. He worries that what is not being taken fully into account in corona modelling is panic and fear, which are the main drivers for behaviour. "In times of fear and worry, people cannot and will not travel. We are still early in the panic phase and we will seea waxing and waning of the virus situation where people do travel for periods of time and then they do not. In any event, this could last anything from six months to two years. On a positive note,Culture Trip, which has been tracking the crisis since it began in China in November, argues that people will still want high quality escapist content, and Naudts says his company is well placed to fulfill that need.

Travel opens our hearts and teaches humans not to be so stupid. Humans that dont travel are dangerous people

Meanwhile, Crocombe believes that around the world companies will be ramping up their efforts to develop AI. AI in travel is going to be accelerated by Coronavirus. Our industry has such low margins and high costs and we are going to have to find a different way of doing things better, faster and cheaper, he says.

With the skies silenced and doors shut in many places onto silent streets, the road to recovery for the travel industry looks long. If the airline industry is the measure the immediate future is bleak. Passenger numbers are down 85% on a year ago, according to the Transport Security Association.But Crocombe believes people will travel again and indeed they must. Travel opens our hearts and teaches humans not to be so stupid. Humans that dont travel are dangerous people, he says.

With many people around the world now holed up behind closed doors everything does feel dangerously out of kilter.

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Why AI might be checking into hotels sooner than you think | Travel Industry News & Conferences - Eye For Travel

The Duke of Yorks accuser was asked to be a surrogate mother for convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, a new book has disclosed.

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked to the UK to have sex with Prince Andrew, was allegedly asked by Epstein and Maxwell to carry his baby when she was 19-years-old. In return she would be taken care of for the rest of her life.

However, she instead escaped during a trip to Thailand, according to a book written by American lawyer Bradley Edwards - who has represented Epsteins victims.

She had already been involved in the sex cult for over two years when she was asked to bear Epsteins child, Mr Edwards claims in his book, Relentless Pursuit, which is being serialised in the Mail on Sunday.

He describes how Epstein and Maxwell allegedly came up with a proposal that turned her stomach and included signing a contract agreeing that the baby was not her own, but the legal child of Epstein and Maxwell.

Mr Edwards has represented Epsteins victims for 11 years and pursuing Epstein on their behalf became his life mission, he writes in his book.

He describes how Ms Giuffre Roberts was a striking 16-year-old with drive and a determination to improve herself when she was first approached by Maxwell in 1999 and given an envelope with directions to Epsteins address.

Mr Edwards writes that after arriving at the property, Maxwell instructed her on every aspect of how to perform a massage before Maxwell ended up stripping off all her clothes and telling Virginia to do the same. Epstein then sexually assaulted Virginia. Doesnt that feel good? he asked.

Ms Giuffre Roberts would later show the lawyer the envelope, as well as travel and hotel receipts charged to Epsteins card, as proof of some of her allegations.

Not long afterwards, Virginia showed me a photograph of herself, aged 17, wedged in between Maxwell and Andrew, Mr Edwards claims in his book.

It was two years later that Ms Giuffre Roberts was asked to carry Epstein and Maxwells baby. At that point, Mr Edwards writes, she knew she had to escape.

The lawyer alleges that it was on a trip to Thailand, where Ms. Roberts Giuffre was dispatched to interview a young girl, and let Epstein know if she was qualified, that she fled and met an Australian man. The pair then married and flew back to Australia, where she had three children.

Ms Roberts Giuffre, now 36, has claimed repeatedly that she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with the Duke when she was aged 17 at Ms Maxwells home in Belgravia, London.

The Duke categorically denied her allegation during his Newsnight interview, insisting it simply didnt happen and that on the day in question he was at a Pizza Express in Woking.

He has also strongly denied having sex with Ms Giuffre Roberts in New York and on Epsteins private island in the Virgin Islands.

Earlier this month, The Telegraph revealed that Prince Andrew has hired Clare Montgomery QC, Britains most respected extradition lawyer, to fend off an FBI inquiry into his friendship with Epstein.

Ms Montgomerys clients have included Augusto Pinochet, Chiles former dictator and Nirav Modi, wanted for Indias biggest fraud. She has been described as the most formidable member of the bar.

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Prince Andrew's accuser was asked to carry Epstein's baby - Telegraph.co.uk

St. Thomas Two private schools in the U.S. Virgin Islands will be using our newsroom conference call tools this week to teach students remotely. The Memorial Moravian School and the St. Peter and Paul Catholic School on St. Thomas have signed up to use our complimentary service as the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the territorys businesses, schools, and central government.

Last week, we announced that we would begin sharing our conference call tools with teachers in the territory free of charge! On Sunday, the Virgin Islands Department of Health announced that there were now eleven new confirmed cases of COVID-19 bringing the total in the territory to seventeen. The Virgin Islands government had just six confirmed cases on Friday.

If you are a teacher assigned to K-12 classes in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can use our conference call tools to teach your class remotely or to coordinate with fellow teachers and support staff.

Educators in the territory will be using the same tools the Mint Team and our network of partners use to work remotely on big projects and community initiatives.Among the subjects being tough by teachers who recently signed up are Geometry, Algebra, and Professional Development.

Were here to help You can visit sottvi.news/remote-classroom for more information or email product.manager@sottvi.news for assistance or troubleshooting. Schools throughout the territory remain closed after Governor Bryan made the order earlier this month to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

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2 Private Schools in the USVI are Using Our Conference Call Tools to Teach Students Remotely - State of the Territory News

With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is the perfect destination for a tropical getaway. But with so many gorgeous beaches, it can be hard to choose which one to travel to. Well, if youre looking for both a luxurious and private paradise, you can rent this entire island for just $97 a nightif you bring 15 friends.

Brother Island is located in El Nido, a province on Palawan known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs. On the island, the two-story ancestral house has seven bedrooms, two bathrooms, two extra toilets and two extra showers. Thats enough room for a large group to vacation comfortably.

Along with privacy, youll get to enjoy the local cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The package also includes housekeeping, library use, board games, and transportation to and from the El Nido airport. On site, you can book snorkeling expeditions, hiking tours on the mainland, local fishing, alcohol and beach massages.

After relaxing on the beach with a drink in hand, youll want to roam the surrounding nature. With rental snorkels and kayaks, you can explore the coral reef that surrounds the entire island, by renting snorkels and kayaks. Theres also a preserved jungle and bamboo forest where you can hike.

Past tenants raved about the location and friendly staff. Brother Island was a great place to disconnect and relax, one former renter wrote. The island is very beautiful and we enjoyed spending our time on the beach, reading on the porch, and snorkeling.

Are you and your friends ready to vacation on your own private island? Book a stay here.

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You Can Rent This Fully-Staffed Island in the Philippines for Just $97 a NightIf You Bring 15 Friends - HouseBeautiful.com

From House Beautiful

If you love both Disney World and a tropical beach vacation, you're in luck: Soon, youll be able to experience Disney magic on two tropical islands. Disney Cruise Lines is building an exclusive resort on a private island in The Bahamas. Disney already owns a private island in The Bahamas called Castaway Cay, which is reserved for Disney Cruise Line guests on Bahamian and Caribbean cruises. South of Castaway Cay, Disney is spending between $250 million and $400 million to build a new resort on the island of Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point.

Photo credit: Disney Cruise Lines

Once Lighthouse Point is open, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to enjoy the islands gorgeous beaches and surrounding verdant nature. Renderings of what the resort will look like show numerous umbrellas and chairs along the sandy shore. Amid palm trees and greenery, there are also bungalow-style buildings connected by elevated walkways, which are meant to help reduce environmental impact.

Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde will help bring Disneys vision to life on the island. Having previously designed a Disney Resort Spa in Hawaii and Disneys Animal Kingdom theme park in both Orlando and Aulani, Rhodes is more than qualified to design this new project. He plans on incorporating the existing Bahamian culture into the resort. The Lighthouse Point site is so beautiful and so full of nature that we want to preserve this and use our designs to call attention to the extraordinary quality of the place itselfa place of natural beauty with a rich and fascinating cultural tradition, Rohde said in a press release.

Photo credit: Disney Cruise Lines

Construction is projected to begin this year, and the resort should be open in 2022 or 2023. Dont want to wait a few years to vacation at Lighthouse Point? You can plan a trip at Castaway Cay here.

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Disney Is Building an Exclusive Resort on a Private Island in The Bahamas - Yahoo Lifestyle

Blame Robinson Crusoe. His 300-year-old story of shipwreck, misery, God, cannibals, slaves and savages has, over the course of time, morphed into a dream castaway experience. The deserted island mirage, with sunny days and balmy nights, swaying palm trees and white-sand beaches, sends the best of us into a trance. Transformative travel may be all the rage, but the restorative power of getting away from it all and doing nothing should not be underestimated. Its fuelled a boom in private-island resorts, scattered in cays and atolls across the oceans, offering levels of pampering that would make Mr Crusoe weep with joy on his boy Fridays shoulder.

From Fiji to the Philippines, youll find overwater villas, underwater spas, floating bars, infinity pools, celebrity chefs, personal butlers, yoga gurus, glorious sunrises and spectacular sunsets, minus the hoi polloi. The best nurture the mind, body and soul, while newer breeds such as Wa Ale in Myanmar and Bawah Reserve in Indonesia are grounded in conservation and philanthropy. Upping the ante are exclusive-use private islandsthe Maldives is a fail-safe place to start: Four Seasons Voavah, the Owners Villa at Cheval Blanc Randeli and Ithaafushi Private Island at the Waldorf Astoria are all worth a look. But for the ultimate in exclusivity and privacy, these three islands take it to another level.

(Related: Royal Caribbean Will Build A Luxurious Sustainable Private Island In The South Pacific By 2022)

What do you get for US$100,000 at Banwa? For a start, it buys you a night at this 6ha slice of paradise in Palawan, a two-hour helicopter or seaplane hop from Manila. On it are six contemporary villas accommodating up to 22 people, with floor-to-ceiling windows, private infinity pools and beach frontage. Theyve also thrown in a short golf course, tennis court, water sports, cocktails and organic meals on demand, as well as unlimited messages. And because its within a marine conservation area, look out for Hawksbill turtles, whale sharks, Tabon birds and Mantanani scops owls. Be warned, though, one night is not enoughyoull want more, many more.

(Related: A Travel Guide To Siargao IslandOne Of The Philippines' Best Kept Secrets)

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Always Wanted To Book An Exclusive Private Island For Your Vacation? Here's How - Singapore Tatler

Waking up at Calichi at Picture Point, the new eco-meets-luxury private villa enclave on St. John, is nothing short of a dream. Perched 1,200 feet above sea level on Bordeaux Mountain, I eyeball a fleet of white sailboats gently rocking in Coral Bays sun-kissed harbor and soak in a postcard-worthy panorama of the surrounding islands floating like emerald gems in a sparkling sapphire sea St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and Vieques to the west, Tortola and Jost Van Dyke to the north, and St. Croix to the south.

With two-thirds of the island designated as Virgin Islands National Park, St. John boasts a raw splendor that sets it apart from other Caribbean destinations riddled with over-development. You wont find high-rise hotels competing for shoreline space nor all-inclusive resorts splayed across the islands protected beaches. The beachfront cottages fringing the once-luxurious Caneel Bay Resort still stand as hollowed frames on deserted grounds more than two years after back-to-back Category 5 hurricanes devastated the island. Instead, visitors have their pick of a handful of resorts and inns, vacation villas and rentals and the new stunning, self-sustaining development known as Calichi (calichi-stj.com). Boasting an eco-friendly mindset every bit as green as the islands in view, Calichis concept was born from what the island lacked a luxurious yet environmentally friendly St. John getaway.

We wanted to know how self-reliant we could be how we could reduce our carbon footprint, says Tom Buttermore, one of the longtime St. John visitors-turned-locals behind the project designed by Barefoot Design Group. At the same time, we wanted to deliver a high-end experience. Eco doesnt have to mean rustic or sacrifice. Eco can be luxury.

Each of Calichis fully equipped private one- and two-bedroom villas, built with sustainable materials and outfitted with custom artwork, modern furniture and sleek finishes, gourmet kitchens, luxurious linens and expansive decks, encircles the highest and largest private pool complex on the island. Guests enjoy the privacy afforded by their villa but also have the option of gathering with a group at the palatial infinity edge pool, which features a 65-foot lap lane and stainless steel spa flanked by lounge furniture, an outdoor grill, fire pits and a putting green.

On an island that experiences frequent power disruptions and strong storms, Calichi remains completely off-grid capable. More than 240 solar panels power 18 Tesla power walls, enabling the property to produce 98 percent of the energy it requires without guests sacrificing modern comforts all powered by the sun and collected from the skies. While we used air conditioning in the afternoons, we fell asleep each night fanned by the tradewinds, and instead of purchasing bottled waters, we refilled reusable thermoses with rainwater caught and purified on-site. Guests can pack light knowing Calichis villas are equipped with everything needed for a day at the beach or an evening in. Those wanting a completely hassle-free getaway can take advantage of the fully personalized concierge services on offer, ranging from private chef and spa services to grocery provisioning and sailing away for the day aboard Calichis flagship yacht.

Spending a week at Calichi was an undeniably magical way to kick off our month in paradise, but we also stayed at several other spots, including a sprawling resort, a multimillion dollar villa and an affordable condo each appealing to a different type of traveler.

Relish the resort life?

Look no further than The Westin St. John Resort Villas. This 45-acre villa resort stretching across Great Cruz Bay is back and more beautiful than ever after a 16-month-long hurricane recovery and restoration effort. From our oceanview studio, equipped with a kitchenette, washer and dryer and private balcony, we were mere steps from a plethora of resort perks sprinkled around the lushly landscaped grounds roamed by resident iguanas, ranging from a quarter-acre pool and fitness center to an all-new private ferry that takes guests back and forth from St. Thomas and a fleet of complimentary kayaks and paddleboats. Book a studio or villa at westinstjohn.com.

Bunking up with a big group?

For more than 15 years, weve booked villas through Destination St. John, the islands longstanding, locally-operated rental company boasting more than 40 diverse properties. When my parents and siblings joined us for a week, we stayed at the luxurious five-bedroom Villa Tesori perched above the bejeweled waters of Rendezvous Bay. For close-knit groups wanting to stay together, villas offer one of the most authentic ways to experience the island we spent our days beaching and hiking, stopped off at the market on the way back, and enjoyed easy evenings grilling poolside or cooking together inside our dreamy home-away-from-home. Search for the perfect villa at destinationstjohn.com.

RELATED: A treasure trove along Floridas Emerald Coast

Traveling on a budget and for the beaches?

If you plan to spend most of your time exploring the island rather than lounging inside your room, opt for an affordable, independently-owned property listed on Airbnb and HomeAway/VRBO. Weve cherished our repeat stays at the recently-renovated, locally owned condo, Kachi Ra, kachira.com, which offers a cozy and comfortable home base for a couple or small family without the high price tag.

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Where to stay on St. John - The Glen Rose Reporter

The Caribbean is a top destination for private jet travelers, thanks to its mix of sun, sand and nightlife. Whether its famous St. Maarten, Turks & Caicos or The Bahamas, this region delivers its promise of paradise. And the best part is that these islands are very close to South Florida, the natural private aviation hub that serves as the gateway for anyone traveling to this region. Just one-hour separates some of these island-nations from Miami, a fact that explains the high demand of private flights throughout the year.

The private aviation experience is usually connected with jet planes and, although the quickest option, a turboprop aircraft is more efficient for shorter routes thanks to design and overall operational costs. Especially for trips of under two hours like the ones from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to any island, turboprops should be considered as a top option.

Whats the most common destination in the region? For Monarch Air Group, a private jet provider based in Fort Lauderdale International Airport, The Bahamas accounts for most of private flights departing from South Florida, totaling almost 50%. There are 27 other nations in the Caribbean, but the variables that support The Bahamas as the top destination from the South Florida hub is its modern business aviation infrastructure, on one side, and the top-notch hospitality industry that awaits the traveler.

Overall, the Caribbean offers the exclusivity that many travelers seek while providing the first-rate holiday all visitors deserve. Commercial aviation is indeed the most popular means of transportation for millions each year, but the proximity of the Caribbean to South Florida allows private aviation to thrive within both regions. The following are the top airports from a private aviation perspective when accounting for its infrastructure and vicinity to destination.

Top private jet airports1) V. C. Bird International, Antigua and Barbuda (ANU), is the only airport on the island of Antigua and has a solar power plant that provides almost enough energy to power the entire operation.This destination, with exclusive retreats and luxury resorts, offers an ideal location very popular with private jet travelers.2) Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), is one of the busiest terminals in the Caribbean for airline flights and private jet charter operations. It is a popular gateway between the Caribbean and US, while also served by various big-name airlines around the globe.3) Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS), formerly known as Nassau International Airport, is the busiest business airport in the region with over 4,000 flights annually, largely thanks to the proximity to South Florida.4) Leonard M. Thompson International Airport, Abaco Islands, The Bahamas (MHH), is located in the northern Bahamas and is the second busiest private jet airport in the nation. It lies 180 miles east from South Florida.5) Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport, St. Kitts (SKB), receives various regional flights from within the Caribbean area. The RLB international terminal also provides facilities for cargo planes, private jets and various other types of aircraft.6) North Eleuthera Airport, The Bahamas (ELH), is known for its pink sand beaches and coral reefs. The small airport serves visitors to the northern stretch of the long thin island (just a mile wide in some places), as well as others nearby in the country such as Harbor Island and Spanish Wells.7) Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten (SXM), is famous for offering one of the worlds most stunning landings, with aircraft coming in low over the beach. The airport serves an important hub in the Caribbean, connecting commercial flights and those in larger private aircraft, with smaller planes headed towards more remote islands.8) Providenciales International Airport in Turks & Caicos (PLS) accommodates private jet flights of all sizes, with travelers attracted to the world-renowned beaches and luxury resorts, plus the attractive conditions for offshore finance.

Established in 2006, Monarch Air Group is a leading provider of on demand private jet charter, aircraft management and long-term aircraft lease. Among Monarchs customers are Fortune 500 corporations, leading entrepreneurs, Government agencies and world leading NGOs.

* Article by MOnarch Air Group

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Top airports for private aviation in the Caribbean* - Travel Daily News International

A witness claims to have seen Prince Andrew grope Virginia Roberts Giuffres butt on Jeffrey Epsteins Pedophile Island, a report said Saturday.

Steve Scully, 70, told The Sun that he saw the disgraced prince kissing and grabbing a young blonde woman wearing a bikini someone he believes was Giuffre by a pool on Epsteins private island, Little St. James.

He was grabbing her ass and stuff like that. They were kissing, Scully told The Sun. He was grinding against her and groping her.

Scully, who reportedly worked as Epsteins internet and phone specialist, said that the woman wasnt resisting.

They were bumping and grinding and fooling around for five, six, seven minutes and they then laid back down on the lounge chairs and continued, Scully said.

But the new witness said he was shocked by how young the girl looked.

She stood like a kid would stand behind a parent, he said.

They walked off together and I went the other way.

Last week, the top prosecutor in the US Virgin Islands revealed to Vanity Fair that an employee had come forward as a witness.

An employee told me that he saw Prince Andrew on a balcony out at Little St. James groping girls right out in the open, Attorney General Denise George said.

In legal papers and in television interviews, Giuffre has repeatedly accused the Duke of York of having sex with her three times, including while she was underage. He was removed from his royal duties in November after a disastrous BBC interview in which he denied bedding or even knowing Giuffre and defended his friendship with Epstein.

Andrew and Buckingham Palace havevehemently deniedthe accusations against him. He went as far as to call her a very sick girl to a friend in 2011 after he was first linked to Epsteins pedophile scandal.

In recent weeks, four Epstein accusers have written an open letter to Andrew who has refused to speak to authorities begging him to talk to the FBI about the allegations.

Socialite Christina Oxenberg, who is a distant relative of the royals, said Epsteins gal pal Ghislaine Maxwell once told her that the pair had everyone videotaped, The Telegraph reported Friday.

Ive seen the video rooms- EVERY SINGLE ROOM was being filmed. Ive even seen some of the pics- why are the feds taking so long with arrests, Roberts pleaded on Twitter Saturday. Everyday I wake up hoping that someone has been held accountable and everyday I wake up disappointed. #DoSomethingAlready.

Giuffres lawyer, David Boies, said she does not remember the specific incident described by Scully.

But Boies added that Scully is a very significant witness.

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Witness says he saw Prince Andrew grope Virginia Roberts on Jeffrey Epsteins island - New York Post

The MSC Meraviglia which has been denied entry to two cruise ports has finally be allowed to dock in Cozumel, Mexico.

Thousands of passengers aboard the MSC Meravigilia have not had the cruise vacation they expected as the vessel was denied entry to two popular Caribbean cruise ports. You can read our earlier news post about this right here.

With a Filipino crew member who came down with the common flu onboard, authorities in Jamaica and Grand Cayman decided to deny the large vessel from making its scheduled ports of call on February 25 at Ocho Rios and February 26 in George Town.

As a precaution, due to coronavirus fears across the world and sharp increases in cases in Italy were among the reasons the ship was blocked.

The good news is the vessel was allowed to make its call in Cozumel, Mexico today after a final authorization from the local health authorities in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The ship is currently docked at the Punta Langosta pier in downtown Cozumel.

The ship almost didnt make it due to high winds near Cozumel which were 35-40 knots. Also, health officials had to board the vessel to make some checks as maritime protocols.

The cruise line provided Cruise Hive with the following latest statement:

As anticipated, MSC Meraviglia arrived off the West Coast of Cozumel on 26 February around 9:30 PM ET (3:30 AM CET). Due to unfavourable weather conditions, including 35-40 knot winds and stormy conditions, MSC Meraviglia is currently awaiting near pilot station for winds to decrease and the ship to be able to safely board pilot and enter port. The maximum wind speed permitted by the port of Cozumel for berthing is 25 knot winds.

Based on current weather forecast, weather conditions are expected to improve by tomorrow morning at around 8 AM ET (2 PM CET). As soon as this happens, the ship has already agreed with the local port authorities to board the pilot and head into port.

As previously announced, over the course of the day MSC Cruises has received formal and final authorization from the local health authorities in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico to go to Cozumel.

The next port of call is at MSC Cruises private island of Ocean Cay in the Bahamas and the ship is scheduled to arrive back at PortMiami, Florida on March 1. There previously posts on social media of the ship canceling the call in Cozumel and instead of sailing to Honduras but this ended up not being the case.

Also Read: Another 14-Day Quarantine to Begin for Diamond Princess Crew Members

Like other cruise lines, MSC Cruises continues to do health screenings on all passengers before embarkation. This includes checking travel history and anyone who has traveled through, to or from certain countries with coronavirus will be denied boarding.

MSC Meraviglia is a huge ship with a capacity of over 4,400 at double occupancy. The vessel is 172,598 gross tons.

This comes as another large cruise ship operated by Costa Cruises has denied to dock in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands due to sick passengers onboard, read more here.

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Cruise Ship Allowed to Dock in Cozumel After Being Denied by Two Other Ports - Cruise Hive

Seaside Finolhu has become the first luxury resort from the Maldives to be accepted as a member of Design Hotels, the globally-recognised resource for curated design-led hotels. Operated by the German hotel company, Seaside Collection, Finolhu earned its place as the only resort in the Maldives to be included in Design Hotels prestigious international portfolio after successfully meeting the criteria of embodying quality, style, and holistic hospitality concepts.

Embracing its kaleidoscope design concept, Seaside Finolhus aesthetics are characterised by a mesmerising mlange of colours and symmetrical patterns that complement the luxury island resorts pristine natural beauty in a stunning representation of joy, wonder and a feeling of escaping time.

Gregor Gerlach, owner and Managing Partner of Seaside Collection, spoke about the recognition from Design Hotels: "Our vision for Seaside Finolhu is to bring a modern, bright, open sense of feeling where travellers can experience special moments and enjoy themselves. Were proud to be recognised internationally as a member of Design Hotels, not to mention being the first and only Maldives resort in their list. We look forward to improving constantly and transforming Finolhu to align with the Seaside Collection brand.

Translated as sandbank, Finolhu is one of the finest island resorts located in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, famous for its mesmerising diversity of reefs, submerged cliffs, and small, round underwater hills known as thilas. The resort comprises a mix of 125 stylish and private overwater and beach villas, available in one- or two-bedroom options, half of which have their own pools and offer stunning views of the Maldivian seascape. The resorts four beachside dining venues offer a variety of exciting flavours, from laid-back favourites to authentic classics, and delightful fine dining. The fully-equipped spa and wellness facility offer holistic programmes and treatments with a fusion of the East and West. The wide-range of activities available for all ages are as engaging as the stunning scenery of the coral reefs beneath the waves.

Another distinguishing feature of Seaside Finolhu is its iconic Beach Bubble. The first of its kind in the Maldives, the bubble is located in a secluded spot along Finolhus marvellous sandbank. Exclusively available for guests wishing to enjoy a uniquely romantic night under the stars, the one-night-only Dream Eclipse experience includes private dinner and breakfast served on the beach.

With Seaside Finolhu currently undergoing a major upgrade that is due for completion in the second quarter of 2020, the resort aims to develop its distinctive barefoot chic atmosphere that combines Maldivian-inspired touches with ultra-luxury modernity. Previously characterised as a fun and relaxing island playground, the resorts new look will showcase contemporary design mixed with a distinct organic edge. Natural raw materials such as ropes, clay and timbers are being incorporated into Finolhus refreshing new colour palettes to create an interesting visual harmony.

Award-winning London-based design studio Muza Lab has been charged with overseeing the resorts redesign. Muza Labs co-founder Nathan Hutchins told us how excited he is by the challenge. When we first arrived on Finolhu, a beautiful stretch of bijou islands; exotic jewels strung together amongst the ombr shades of the azure, the light and the colour immediately struck us. Colour cannot exist without light. It is this relationship of light and colour that we wanted to explore through our new design direction for Finolhu; the dappled play of sunlight as it hits the water, the transformation of the rays against the colourful underwater scope and above, highlighting the vibrancy of the tropical landscape - the sand and the palms.

Our new design direction focuses on the lens of the Kaleidoscope the changing colours, patterns and textures representing moments of discovery, wonder and delight explained Hutchins. Throughout the resort, we have woven special features; woven textiles, basketwork coloured glass, lanterns and origami, through distinct areas each assigned to a unique colour spectrum. Vibrant pops of colour, contrast against gentle pockets of light and shade and evolving scene as day turns to night. Finolhu has allowed us to play, to experiment, to have fun with the design - to celebrate natures playground.

As the redesign nears completion, Muza Labs co-founder Inge Moore explained what guests can expect from the redeveloped resort: Finolhu is all about fun, for all the family, for the young and the young at heart. From the ultimate party pad that is the Rockstar Suite to the kids own Beach Club to the Crab Shack set on its private island and the Sunset Bar dressed in its raspberry pink and red hues, we have created lots of different little corners to disappear and just be.

Recognising the importance that Finolhu places on being a family resort, Moore added: We have created special places for families to play together; an art studio complete with a kiln, a concept gym, beach bars and, for those seeking a little me-time, a tranquillity spa retreat with its private beach. By applying a mindful approach to the design, we have focused on creating special moments that draw people together through a simple luxury that allows the natural beauty of the island to radiate.

Overseen by Muza Lab, artisans from around the world have produced standout works bespoke to the resort; handmade tiles and handblown glass from Turkey, Chandeliers and basket work from South Africa, and timber artwork from Java complete Finolhus exotic new playground.

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Seaside Finolhu becomes the first luxury resort in Maldives to be accepted as a member of Design Hotels - Travel Daily News International

This South Hutchinson Island beach house was once a hotspot for Hollywood celebrities like Bob Hope, ... [+] Jackie Gleason and James Cagney.

A sprawling Malibu-style beach house with a glamorous Hollywood pedigree comes ashore to the Florida market, specifically Hutchinson Island, an East Coast hamlet known for its loggerhead turtles, seashells, sea glass and celebrities.

This sprawling beach house was once the home of singer-actress Francis Langford-Evinrude and boating ... [+] magnate Ralph Evinrude.

Located on the islands south end, the 7,792-square-foot property is the former home of actress Francis Langford and her boating magnate husband at the time Ralph Evinrude, a prominent couple who entertained 1950s icons like Bob Hope, James Cagney, Jackie Gleason, Perry Como and Don Ameche.

Actress-singer-songwriter Frances Langford who wrote and popularized the song "I'm In The Mood For ... [+] Love." Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Francis Langford was the glamorous singer-songwriter of the classic song Im In The Mood For Love (from her debut film Every Night At Eight) and she was popular during the golden age of radio. As an actress, she starred in Hollywood musicals like Cagneys Yankee Doodle Dandy. She joined comedian Hope on some of his famous USO tours, entertaining military troopseven General George S. Patton.

Frances Langford signs entertains and signs autographs for troops at a USO tour during World War II. ... [+] (Photo By Al Moldvay/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Later in life, she later married Ralph Evinrude, an outboard motor tycoon. By the 1980s, the couple owned a 108-foot yacht called Chanticleer, where they also entertained their celebrity friends.

Frances Langford and Bob Hope during Bob Hope's "Don't Shoot It's Only Me" Special at NBC Studios. ... [+] (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Like the yacht, the Hutchinson Island house was designed for entertainers and beach lovers. This luxury real estate listed for $6 million, by Blaine Doc Ellingson of ONE Sothebys International Realty.

The Malibu-style beach house has unique design elements like Pecky Cyprus walls and a fireplace ... [+] crafted from London Bridge original granite.

The private-gated residence features quirky architectural and design elements such as Pecky Cyprus walls, Green Heart tree trunks imported from South America, a fireplace crafted from London Bridge original granite, and bricks from Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas (barrier islands 70 miles west of Key West).

The 7,792-square-foot property is the former home of late singer-actress Francis Langford-Evinrude.

Its hardly surprising a Hollywood entertainers home was designed for entertaining. Steps from the beach, the oceanfront residence offers five private bedrooms, united by covered patios overlooking sweeping Atlantic Ocean views.

Cabana bar

Outdoor entertainment spaces boast a cabana bar, custom-lit pool and hot spa encircled by Polynesian tiki torches, and landscaped gardens with tropical foliage and coconut palms.

Whimsical kitchen

Hutchinson Island is known for its loggerhead turtle nesting areas. Each season, five species migrate to the island where residents marvel at morning turtle tracks along the beach.

The oceanfront home offers five private bedrooms with a view.

The oceanfront home offers five private bedrooms with a view.

The island is located near offshore natural and artificial reefs that wrecked Spanish galleons during the 17th and 18th centuries, allowing for rare ancient artifacts, seashells and sea glass to wash ashore.

Spa bath

Hutchinson Island rivals Sanibel Island for low tide seashell and sea glass beach combing. Sand dollar beds can be found walking or snorkeling along sandbars.

Outdoor entertainment spaces include a cabana bar, pool, hot spa and this relaxing hammock.

However, discriminating hunters must leave live purplish or greenish sand dollars on the beach. White sand dollars are all yoursfor free.

Hutchinson Island beaches are famous for rare ancient artifacts, seashells, sea glass and loggerhead ... [+] turtle nesting areas. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

But this Ocean Blvd. Hutchinson Island home will cost you a few shekeles more.

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Bob Hope And James Cagney Partied At This $6 Million Beach House - Forbes

Travel Inspiration for Couples Getaways - Caribbean to Europe to South Pacific

Newport, RI, Feb. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valentines Day, 2020 - What better way to show that special someone that you love them than to give the gift of travel this Valentines Day? From city breaks in Europe, to be there by lunch destinations in the Caribbean, to a bucket-list trip to a tropical island in Fiji, the best way to say I love you might be to spend a week together, just the two of you. Whether you are planning a romantic retreat, a mother-daughter trip, a guys adventure, an anniversary trip, or a getaway with a best friend, here are the top 10 travel gift ideas from WIMCO for Valentines Day.

1. Vacation in the heart of Paris stay in a chic apartment steps from Rue Fauberg St Honore. Stroll the gardens at Musee Rodin and dine at LouLous by night. View gift.

2. Experience Tuscany Rent a bike for a day or two to explore the countryside. Visit wineries, see how pasta is made, explore historic hill towns. View gift.

3. Stay in Shell beach Villa in St Barts walk down to the beach, lunch at nearby Shellona, take a sunset sail to Colombier beach, shop in Gustavia. View gift.

4. Spend a week in a boho chic tropical cottage in Tulum. Snorkle or dive by day, and relax at restaurants like Giano by night. View gift.

5. See what its like to live on Grace Bay beach in Turks & Caicos. Snorkel right offshore, dine under the lights at Infinity. View gift.

6. Escape to Santorini this cozy villa in Finikia is steps from Caldera views and tavernas. View gift.

7. Enjoy a private retreat in Mustique with your own chef and butler to spoil you. View gift.

8. Relax in a cliffside lair in the BVI explore nearby islands and coral reefs, then pamper yourself at the resort spa. View gift.

9. Get away from it all at a beachfront villa on Brando Island near Tahiti View gift.

Story continues

10. Spend a bucket list week in a private oceanfront villa on Laucala Island in Fiji - View gift.

Romantic retreats in a private villa start at $500 per night. Several of these villas have more than one bedroom yet can be rented exclusively at a one bedroom rateallowing the two of you to enjoy the benefits of a larger home, at the price of renting a one bedroom retreat.

About WIMCO Villas

Recently named one of the Top 3 villa rental companies in the world by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, and featured on Bloomberg Travel, Forbes Life, HarpersBazaar.com, the Today Show, and The Caribbean Journal; WIMCO offers a selective and personally inspected collection of private villas in the Caribbean, Europe and the South Pacific. Well-traveled Villa Specialists match clients with the right villa for their lifestyle and budget, and then arrange every aspect of their trip, from setting-up international and local flights to VIP airport transfers to car rentals to pre-stocking the villa with groceries to arranging for in-villa massage, spa services and more.

WIMCOs portfolio of private villas with concierge service includes properties on eleven Caribbean islands (including St. Barths, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, the BVI and Dominican Republic) and throughout Europe (including Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, St Tropez and Mykonos). Browse villas at http://www.wimco.com , or speak directly with a Villa Specialist at +1 (401) 849-8012. WIMCO also operates a real estate sales office on St. Barths. Inquiries for villa rentals or real estate sales may be sent to info@wimco.com

Attachments

Stiles BennetWIMCO Villas4012369024sbennet@wimco.com

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Top 10 Valentines Day Gift Ideas for the Travel Obsessed Couple - Yahoo Finance

Dont have a date for Valentines Day? Take advantage of some of the great deals in this weeks Hotel Wrap to ease your sorrows.

Ovolo is set out to create a brand evolution that celebrated this idea, packaging the sentiment in one all-encompassing brand positioning: Wonder. Full.

Aimed at capturing moments of wonder, inspired interiors and delightful details, a fresh approach to art direction was developed to support the idea of Wonder. Full. and to better convey each hotels unique character and offering.

Fijis most exclusive resort, Kokomo Private Island is inviting travellers to start the new year with a calm, clear head and a relaxed body and mind with its new Recharge Package, offering travellers the ultimate leisurely experience.

Guests can begin their recharge with an idyllic, bespoke spa treatment at Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary using Australian skincare brand Sodashi, where Kokomos experienced therapists draw on their healing techniques to assist guests to relax and rejuvenate.

The resort also offers private yoga sessions to gently reawaken and balance the body.

The major issues affecting the tourism accommodation sector bushfires, coronavirus and travel bans were front and centre at the Tourism Accommodation Australia NSW board meeting and 2020 Chairmans Drinks last week.

Over 150 business and industry leaders from across the sector joined politicians from both major parties at the gala function at the Sheraton Grand Sydney, Hyde Park.

Guests included NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres, Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott, Skills and Tertiary Education Minister Dr Geoff Lee and Labors Shadow Minister for Investment and Tourism Jenny Aitchison.

W Bali Seminyak presents its second annual Single Mingle party to celebrate Valentines Day on 14 February 2020.

Vibrant and intimate, the hotel invites love-seekers to steal the scene on the most romantic day of the year for an epic party at the iconic Woobar.

Partnering with Tinder, Woobar will become the place for singles to mingle with prospective crushes and meet a potential match.

The evening will be livened up by the electric beats from W Balis Resident DJs Nanda and Wilson from 9pm onwards.

W Bali Seminyak has launched an initiative to raise funds for Australias bushfire recovery effort through an online silent auction.

The hotel will be auctioning off a stay at the iconic resort to raise funds for RSPCA, an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across Australia.

Those who donate to help communities in need will have a chance to win a stay at W Bali Seminyak.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo(KPH), one of Japans most prestigious international hotels located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is renovating guest rooms on the 31st floor of the Main Tower to update the bathroom facilities and reopen quadruple occupancy guest rooms on 29 March 2020.

The Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo will celebrate its 50thyear of operations in 2021 by maintaining its efforts to evolve as one of Tokyo and Japans most representative and prestigious hotels.

Boutique-style hotel, Zagames House is taking service to the next level with the launch of its new-to-market Maitre Z role.

The Maitre Z role has been created to give guests a unique and personalised experience during their stay from start to finish.

The concept combines the role of a concierge, host and Maitre D all in a unique Zagames House style.

Guests will enjoy an exceptional level of service, with Daniel offering bespoke experiences including personal yoga lessons, dog walking (and whispering), and chauffeuring.

The motto at Zagames House is that the team can do Anything; Anywhere as long as it is legally and physically possible.

Targeted at domestic Australian and NZ travellers, the campaign supports Nesutos brand promise of Your companion on the road.

Nesuto will donate $1 from every guest booking made for WereGood to Gopackages to injured Australian wildlife causes. This applies toeveryNesutoGood to Gobooking made during February 2020 (for stays up until 30 December 2020).

Pimalai Resort & Spa, the iconic and authentic five-star retreat on the pure shores of Koh Lanta, is inviting guests to leave the stress of the city behind and reconnect with their inner selves in paradise this summer, when it hosts the second annual Zenergy Wellness Festival.

Zenergy promises an extensive schedule of yoga and fitness classes, professionally taught by amazing instructors from around the world, along with luxurious accommodation, healthy dinners, massages and tours to discover the breath-taking natural beauty of Koh Lanta.

Soneva has announced the official launch of its Namoona Baa initiative with the unveiling of the eco-centro complex on the island of Maalhos, Maldives.

Namoona Baa sees the islands of Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, and Kihaadhoo in the Baa Atoll pledging to end the open burning of island waste, in a radical shift towards eco-friendly waste management.

Parliamentary Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh took part in a friendly cricket match to inaugurate the occasion.

Luxury travel concierge group Addicted to Maldives hosted its highly-anticipated annual industry event in Sydney on Friday in partnership with 16 of the destinations most high-end properties, including headline partner Soneva.

Attended by resort representatives and Australias top travel advisors and agents, So Addicted was a celebration of Addicted to the Maldives 98.5 per cent year-on-year growth and an acknowledgement of the industry support that made this impressive achievement possible.

YTL Hotels has announced Niseko Village in Hokkaido, Japan has been selected as a candidate venue for some of the 2030 Winter Olympics most iconic events.

Sapporo, the capital city of the island of Hokkaido is currently bidding to join the race to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 2030.

Following an assessment of the slope, difficulty, and snow quality of the areas courses by the International Ski Federation (FIS), the Sapporo City government confirmed Niseko Villages expanse of fall-line ski terrain from peak to base provides the most suitable location for all four alpine disciplines: slalom, giant slalom, super-giant slalom and downhill.

Mackerel Islands, a WA-owned hospitality company specialising in accommodation and tours in remote and unique locations in regional Western Australia, has been appointed as the new management company of Karijini Eco Retreat, owned by Gumala Enterprises.

Following a competitive tender process, the management contract was awarded on 6 February 2020, to Mackerel Islands subsidiary Karijini Adventures Pty Ltd, with the handover to take effect on 1 March 2020.

The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) WA has commended the Western Australian government for its announcement of an additional $10 million to support the states tourism, accommodation and hospitality industries.

AHAs WA chief, Bradley Woods, said it was critical that early measures are taken to mitigate the dual impact of the recent bushfires and the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Meanwhile, TAA NSW chief executive Michael Johnson has praised the NSW governments new $10 million package which aims to boost tourist visits to hard-hit regional areas.

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Hotel Wrap: Ovolo's brand evolution, Thai resort's new 'Zenergy' retreat + MORE! - Travel Weekly

From above, Kaashidhoo, a coral island southwest of India and Sri Lanka, looks like a yin-yang symboltwo curves, one dark and one light, fitting into each other like kidney beans. In this case, the dark half is a tropical forest, including plenty of coconut trees, and the light half is the brilliant turquoise of a lagoon.

Kaashidhoo is one of the largest of the 1,192 islands that make up the Maldives archipelago, but unlike many other islands, it does not teem with sunbathing Europeans. Its broad dirt roads are often deserted, flanked by pink Maldivian roses, mango-orange impatiens, and papaya and banana plants. The main occupation of the islanders is cultivating coconut and other tropical produce that can be sold in Mal, the Maldivian capital.

But lately, the local economy has been thrown out of balance. Crater-like holes have begun to appear across the island, some filled with dry leaves and others left as barren pits. These bald patches are the places where mature coconut trees used to stand tall. In the last year, Kaashidhoo farmers have sold hundreds of trees to new luxury resorts on nearby artificial islands.

While some locals are grateful for the newfound income$20 to $100 for each treeothers worry that beach erosion has intensified since the trees started getting uprooted. They see this as a fragile ecosystem threatened by the proliferation of luxury resorts. Its a huge issue, says Ibrahim Naeem, Director General of the Maldives Environmental Protection Agency. Importing coconut palm trees is prohibited in the Maldives, so they have to rely on residential islands.

There are already 144 three- to five-star resorts in different parts of the Maldives, and the national tourism ministry has leased 115 uninhabited islands and lagoons to private investors, for the sole purpose of tourism. Many resorts are being built on artificial islands, which are constructed with large machines that reclaim land by sucking sand from the bottom of lagoons.

These new islands have been coming up from nothing, Naeem says. Once these islands reclamation work is completed, the developers look for greenery. The man-made patches of land are typically decorated with coconut palm trees and other coastal vegetation, which are transported from over a dozen local islands, including Kaashidhoo.

Since last year, several locals and activists have taken to social media with the hashtag #mvtreegrab, to express their anger against what they call ecocide. They say it is impacting the resilience of residential islands. Jeelan Jameel, a Kaashidhoo resident, says that since contractors began uprooting trees in 2018, many things around the island have changed. A wide road was constructed from the beach to the location from where coconut trees were being uprooted.

At first, many of them were happy with the extra income and some signs of development, Jameel says. Locals are generally pro-development, she says, because theyre reluctant to move to Mal to look for jobs. In fact, the Maldivian government promised to develop local tourism in Kaashidhoo that would provide them with better employment opportunities.

Yet as the year went by, and more coconut trees disappeared, Jameel says that many locals grew concerned. Coral islands like Kaashidhoo are highly dynamic, constantly adjusting and dancing to the idiosyncrasies of wind, tides, and relentless waves. Everyone has observed far more erosion around the beaches. Thats what we end up talking about most of the time, Jameel says. In response, she joined a non-governmental organization called Young Leaders, to spread awareness about environmental issues on the island.

Sonu Shivdasani, the CEO and founder of Soneva, a chain of luxury resorts in the Maldives, acknowledged in an email that the widespread uprooting of trees has caused problems, and that the practice should be better regulated. When this has happened, this has been detrimental to the local islands, writes Shivdasani. That said, the Maldives is a fast-developing nation, and there is a growing need for land that trees currently exist on, whether it is for more housing, schools, and other public buildings, or even airports. In such instances, it is better that the trees are transplanted.

Emboodhoo lagoon, close to Mal, is one of the sites where uprooted palm trees end up. A Thai company called Singha Estate is developing a multimillion-dollar resort project, Crossroads, that has been advertised as deeply sustainable and spans three artificial islands in the lagoon, in collaboration with Hilton and Hard Rock Hotels. Previously, this area was just a massive lagoon that fishermen and seasoned scuba divers visited regularly.

But today, after a few years of heavy construction and dredging work, the lagoon is home to artificial islands and their brand-new villas, interspersed with plenty of imported greenery. It has become private property that locals are strongly discouraged from visiting. (The developers of Crossroads did not respond to requests for comment.)

If the resort developers had planned ahead, nurseries could have been set up to grow coconut trees and other vegetation, says Ibrahim Mohamed, deputy director-general of the Environmental Protection Agency. But they cant wait for four to five years for the trees to grow and want to open their resorts within one year.

Maeed Zahir, advocacy director at the Mal-based NGO EcoCare, says that theres still not enough oversight from the government. The problem is, the trees are usually uprooted in the middle of the night with excavators, Zahir says. As a result, the environment ministry rarely finds out that their regulations are being violated. Zahir tipped off the E.P.A. of one such violation in Laamu Atoll, and the contractor was made to replant all the trees that were uprooted without a permit.

There is some tentative good news for environmentalists. This year, Ali Waheed, the minister of tourism, announced that resort development projects on 70 of the 115 lagoons or islands have been discontinued. Still, trees continue to be sold for the landscaping of upcoming resorts. In 2019, the national E.P.A. issued permits to 19 islands for vegetation removal, and 2,706 trees were sold to resort developers.

For now, the Maldives E.P.A. office in Mal continues to receive complaints from concerned citizens. They say that due to a lack of resources and manpower, they cant monitor all islands where trees are being uprooted, and they worry about the consequences. If this goes on, ultimately, the whole system will fail, says Ibrahim Naeem, the E.P.A. official. Tourists wont be as interested in traveling to the Maldives to see artificial islands. They can enjoy that in Dubai.

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Thousands of Trees Are Disappearing From Islands in the Maldives - Atlas Obscura