Okinawa scooters may sound familiar to many but have you ever heard of an island named Okinawa? Yes, Okinawa is an island in Japan. It is also the place where people with the longest lifespan are found. Young Malayalam actress Noorin Shereef recently shared photos on Instagram of her journey to Okinawa.

The photo shows Noorin, clad in an orange salwar, in the classic gesture of a beautiful bride seeing herself in a hand-mirror. The 'freak girl' of Malayalam cinema describes Okinawa as an ideal wedding destination for Indian couples.

A world of wonders below the sea

The island has several plush and cosy beach resorts, not to mention exclusive private beaches. Whether it is adventuring into the sea, or enjoying quiet moments with family beside the ocean, private beaches offer a magical experience. They are also ideal for catching a breath-taking sunset, indulging in a sunbath, or trying a hand at outdoor barbecue.

Picture yourself wading in the ocean like a fish past beautiful corals. That's precisely what you experience while going diving in Okinawa. It's the chance of a lifetime for an undersea encounter with marine creatures like the incredible sea-turtle and the humpback whale. If you're lucky, you could even meet a few 'superstars' like the clownfish, the manta ray, or the hammerhead shark.

Several islands in the Okinawa group such as Kerama, Okinawa Main Island, Kume island, Miyako, Yaeyama, Yonaguni, Zamami island, Ijyakajya, Aka, Tokashiki, Irabu, Shimoji, Ishigaki, Taketomi and Nakanougan are renowned for diving and snorkelling sports.

Okinawa has much to offer besides water sports. For instance, its rich cultural heritage, folk arts, healthy lifestyle of its residents, eco-friendly buildings, and tasty cuisine, to name just a few.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a group of 160-odd islands, out of which 47 are widely scattered. Japanese is the main language. The population is less than 15 lakh. Pollution-caused problems are less and therefore, fewer people come down with illnesses.

How to reach

There are connecting flights from India to Okinawa. Fifteen hours is the approximate flying time. Ticket fares start from Rs 32,000. Advance booking might fetch cheaper fares.

The rest is here:

Noorin Shereef explores the wondrous island of Okinawa - Onmanorama

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore recorded another record-breaking year in 2019. Figures released this week show new high marks for cargo tonnage passing through the Ports public and private marine terminals, as well as new benchmarks for containers and the number of cars and light trucks handled. Among the highlights, the Port of Baltimore handled a new record 43.6 million tons of cargo, including more than 11 million tons of general cargo at the state-owned public terminals for the first time ever. In addition, the number of vehicles 857,890 ranked first among all U.S. ports in that category for the ninth consecutive year.

Theres no better example of Maryland being open for business than the Port of Baltimore, said Governor Larry Hogan. The Port has never been more productive, and this record-breaking year shows its tremendous value as a regional economic engine creating good-paying, family-supporting jobs for tens of thousands of Marylanders.Details of the records set at the Port of Baltimore in 2019: Total International Cargo 43.6 million tons at the public and private marine terminals, surpassing the previous record of 43 million tons set in 2018. General Cargo 11.1 million tons at the public marine terminals, surpassing the previous record of 10.9 million tons set in 2018. Cars/Light Trucks 857,890 vehicles at the public and private marine terminals, surpassing last years record of 850,147 vehicles. Containers 657,059 units handled at the public marine terminals, surpassing last years record of 626,046. The Port also handled a record 1,073,749 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in 2019, surpassing the previous years total of 1,023,152.In addition to providing stellar numbers for cargo and containers, 2019 included significant achievements for the Port of Baltimore involving growth, security and environmental stewardship. Howard Street Tunnel Moving Forward: The Hogan Administrations success in identifying funding sources will help lift the Port of Baltimore over a longtime hurdle: the lack of rail capability to handle double-stack containers. Construction is expected to begin in 2021 to renovate the Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore to accommodate double-stack container rail cars, with completion targeted for 2024. The project will create thousands of construction jobs, plus additional jobs to handle the anticipated 100,000 additional containers that could come through the Port. Largest Ship Ever Visits Port: In May, the Port welcomed its largest visiting ship ever, the Evergreen Triton, which can handle 14,424 TEU containers. The massive vessel was able to call Baltimore because of the Ports 50-foot-deep channel and supersized Neo-Panamax cranes. Top Security Rating: The Ports public marine terminals received a top rating for the 11th consecutive year in a security assessment performed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Each year Coast Guard Sector Maryland conducts an inspection to ensure compliance of federal security regulations. Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Restoration: An agreement reached in 2019 between the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, will restore two long-eroded islands and provide about 90 million cubic yards of dredged sediment placement over a 30-year period. Reducing Emissions: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Port of Baltimore $1.8 million in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding to replace older diesel-powered equipment with newer, cleaner versions in approximately 44 dray trucks and four pieces of cargo-handling equipment. Replacements under the recent DERA Grant are anticipated to result in the lifetime emission reduction of approximately 14 tons of particulate matter (PM2.5), 290 tons of nitrogen oxides, 96 tons of carbon monoxide and 15 tons of hydrocarbons.While 2019 was a banner year for the Port of Baltimore, the future looks even brighter. Work is underway on a second 50-foot-deep berth, and four additional supersized cranes are expected to be in place and operational in 2021. These additions will allow the Port of Baltimore to handle some of the worlds most massive ships at the same time, greatly enhancing the ability to handle more cargo.

More here:

Port of Baltimore handled most cargo ever in 2019 - American Journal of Transportation

You don't need to be rich to own a private island.

In fact, owning a private island in the US can be cheaper than owning a median-valued home in some of the country's most expensive housing markets.

For those outside-of-the-box homebuyers looking to invest in unique and affordable real estate, you're in luck. Business Insider has rounded up seven private islands in the US that are currently on the market for less than $450,000 each.

To put that price point into perspective, the median home value in New York City is $649,026, the median home value in Los Angeles is $717,583, and the median home value in Honolulu is $703,170.

The seven private islands are ranked from least to most expensive and are currently listed on the website Private Islands Inc. They include everything from an undeveloped island in South Jersey to an island that includes a fully furnished, two-bedroom cottage in Michigan.

Keep reading for the full list.

Read the original post:

7 private islands in the US that you can actually afford to buy - Business Insider - Business Insider

Luxury resort's extraordinary "You Run Raffles Maldives" is available for a cool $1 million - a luxurious, all-inclusive playground where the elite jet setter can invite their friends and loved ones for an unforgettable private island adventure

MERADHOO, Maldives, Jan. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- From Richard Branson's Necker Island in the Caribbean Sea, to Steven Spielberg's islands in the Madeira Archipelago of Portugal, the allure of a private island is usually reserved for only the wealthiest of billionaires. But ownership and maintenance of island properties requires endless work and expenses, so why buy when one could simply rent one of the world's most prestigious and stunning island resorts Raffles Maldives Meradhoo on the pristine Gaafu Alifu Atoll.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

For a limited time, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is offering an exceptional $1 million all-inclusive island buyout, providing a rare opportunity to experience this remarkable resort fully on one's own terms. In addition to unprecedented privacy and with all manner of special privileges, Raffles will even throw in the use of an additional 'deserted island' that can be transformed into an epic celebration or adventure space.

Just an 80-minute boat ride from the equator, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo lies in one of the most remote and unblemished corners of the Maldives and its pristine beauty invariably awes all who visit. Available for four-night, five-day stays, You Run Raffles Maldives provides a generous host with the opportunity to treat up to 70 very lucky loved ones, friends and close associates to the all-inclusive, legendary service of Raffles, complete with Raffles Butlers, set amid the tropical oasis of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.

After enjoying a private charter flight from the Maldivian capital Male or landing a private jet at Kooddoo airport (located in the resort's atoll of Gaafu Alifu) via Gaan airport, the group will have full access to the resort's two islands. The first island is a white-sand idyll where 21 vast villas reside among palm trees; while the second island is an overwater retreat where residences stand over gently lapping waters.

As part of the You Run Raffles Maldives, guests will also have access to a nearby deserted island to enact whatever castaway fantasy they may wish. Whether transformed into a tropical playground; a thrilling sunset concert with a celebrity DJ; or serving as a serene escape for a romantic night-time champagne-and-stargazing session guided by a personal astronomer, this bonus beach hideaway is a blank canvas that can be designed for the dream experience of a lifetime.

Adding another layer of indulgence, the culinary team at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo will create special menus and tailored dining experiences for guests visiting on this unprecedented package. Guests are invited to wine and dine whenever and wherever they wish, on a complimentary basis. Exclusive dining experiences may involve a supper of beef tenderloin with chimichurri at The Firepit, an elemental, tiki torch-lit barbecue restaurant where diners sit at sunken tables that have been carved from the sand, or superlative sushi and potent pisco sours at elegant Nikkei restaurant, Yuzu. For sundowners, parties can gather at the Long Bar for free-flowing Maldives Slings, an irresistible mix of gin, coconut, cinnamon and clove.

Story continues

No island getaway would be complete without an incomparable spa experience. Raffles Spa will treat guests to Biologique Recherche facials, Aromatherapy Associates massages, and many more bespoke treatments. Guests are also free to enjoy endless water sports and unlimited use of the resort's yacht Azimut. Dolphin-watching cruises, fishing or diving expeditions may be arranged, with cocktails and canaps waiting on board.

Sea-life lovers can also enjoy this region's remarkable beauty under the guidance of their own Raffles Marine Butler, a unique concept in the Maldives. They will happily lead snorkelling excursions to the resort's two vibrant house reefs, home to scores of fish species, from fluorescent parrotfish to handsome blacktip sharks and 22 gentle hawksbill turtles.

The exclusive guests of You Run Raffles Maldives will be pleased to know their visit will help protect this precious ecosystem over the years to come. 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.

As a personal memento, guests will receive a range of personalised souvenirs including a customised robe, complete with the embroidered event name You Run Raffles Maldives, and custom epicurean treats created by the chefs for guests to take home, with each gift intended to serve as a treasured reminder of a holiday like no other.

Already recognised as one of the Indian Ocean's preeminent properties, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo effortlessly maintains Raffles' reputation for superlative service, exceptional dining and phenomenal beauty.

The dedicated luxury travel connoisseurs of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo are on hand to tailor the trip of a lifetime for discerning guests. For more information on Raffles Maldives Meradhooplease visit http://www.rafflesmaldives.com. For reservations, please email reservations.maldives@raffles.comor call +960 6828800.

Link to high-resolution images: CLICK HERE

About Raffles

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service.Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique experiences in 5,000 hotels and residences across 110 countries.

raffles.com| group.accor.com

Media Contacts

Joyce OngAccor, Vice President Communications & CSRUpper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the MaldivesJoyce.Ong@accor.com

Javier CamonMarketing & Communications ManagerRaffles Maldives MeradhooJavier.Camon@raffles.com

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200129/2704374-1

SOURCE Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

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Experience the island life with once-in-a-lifetime privatisation offer at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo - Yahoo Finance

A beautiful house on a private island, with its own moat and hot tub?

It may sound like the stuff of storybooks, but Brits can actually book a stay in the real life version - and the best part is that you won't have all the hassle of organising to travel abroad, as it's in the UK.

The aptly named Castaway Cottage sits in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, near the village of Yoxford.

The elegant Tudor farmhouse sits on a small island with a moat and can only be accessed across a private bridge and drive, so it's ideal for those wanting a countryside retreat away from any hustle and bustle.

It boasts five bedrooms in the main house, while the separate boathouse also offers a room with doors leading directly out to the gardens.

There's everything you could want for a cosy stay. For example, in the summer you could go rowing on the moat, soak up the sunshine on the outdoor deck, or make use of the al fresco dining facilities and BBQ. In the evenings, warm up by one of the four open fires on offer.

For those who fancy exploring, there are plenty of walks nearby, and Castaway Cottage is located on a 5,000-acre estate where there are heaps of activities open to the public from tennis courts to paddleboarding and rowing on the Serpentine Lake.

In the winter months, the open plan kitchen and diner is ideal for those who want to whip some hearty meals while still enjoying the view of the Great Outdoors, while the lounge has a Smart TV and Sky TV so you can binge watch your favourite shows should the British weather let you down.

The property sleeps up to 12 people. Prices vary depending on your chosen dates, but when we took a look you could find prices starting from 5,618 for a week's stay (that works out at 468pp). You can find out more about the Castaway Cottage on the BigDomain.com listing.

Of course if you are dreaming of your own private island in the sunshine, you may want to check out our guide to islands you can hire from 240pp complete with sandy beaches and crystalline waters.

View original post here:

You can now stay on a private island in the UK with its own moat and hot tub - Mirror Online

We're pretty blessed in New Zealand: no other country in the world has access to the South Pacific like us; we have a tropical playground that's the envy of the world.

We have regular flights to Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Rarotonga, Niue, French Polynesia, Vanuatu, Norfolk Island and New Caledonia. No other country has access like that.

With choice often comes confusion; a family holiday is a significant investment. So, we've narrowed down four of the best places to consider.

Fiji

RADISSON BLU

Radisson Blu is a popular choice in Port Denarau.

Fiji is the first option for many considering a family escape - and for a good reason. Port Denarau, just 20 minutes from the airport, is a sprawling artificial island packed with family-friendly resorts. One of the best options is Radisson Blu, which has a pool of Disneyland proportions weaving through its public areas - and the kids will love it.

READ MORE:*Top 10 things to do with the kids these school holidays*How to travel more when your kids are in school*Top family vacation spots these school holidays | Stuff.co.nz

The vital thing to know about Denarau is the island isn't full of white sandy beaches; you need to head out on a day trip to the nearby Mamanuca Islands to experience that.

However, it's easy - with more than a dozen day trips to pick from. You can relax at a private island such as Malamala Beach Club, or explore the uninhabited Modriki Island - the place where blockbuster Castaway was filmed.

CASTAWAY ISLAND

Castaway Island has a large pool and beach that the kids will love.

If you prefer to stay on a family-friendly tropical island, there are more than 20 to pick from within 45 minutes of the airport. Castaway Island is a popular choice, with family-sized bures right on the beach and a free Castaway Kids Club that runs from 9am until 10pm, with a small evening break.

Cook Islands

SUPPLIED

Rarotonga may be small, but it's perfect for a family break.

One of the advantages of Rarotonga is its size; you can drive around the entire island in less than an hour.

While it doesn't have the scale of family-friendly resorts that you'll find in Fiji, it does have a good selection including Club Raro, Little Polynesian Resort, and the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium. Prices vary from less than $200 a night, right up to around $700.

You'll find fantastic snorkelling right out in front of most resorts, with Rarotonga's lagoon providing shelter from ocean swells. Depending on the time of year, the breeze can get up, causing lagoon waves - which isn't desirable for small kids.

But all resorts have fabulous pools to enjoy, whatever the weather.

Samoa

BROOK SABIN

Saletoga Sands is one of Samoa's top family-friendly resorts.

Samoa is a little more off-the-beaten-path for families, partly because it requires more effort.

The best resorts, with white sandy beaches, are on the Southern Coast, such as Saletoga Sands and Sinalei Reef Resort. On the downside, you do require a drive of at least 50 minutes from the airport.

The resorts offer a more authentic experience; local laws prohibit big offshore multinationals buying up and running accommodation. So, don't expect giant pools with slides, it's a more low-key affair with an emphasis on relaxing.

Samoa has been the scene of a recent measles crisis, although the state of emergency ended late December. Our Government recommends all travellers to Samoa to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before travel. Infants and children also need to take precautions - the latest advice can be found on safetravel.govt.nz

French Polynesia

BROOK SABIN

Bora Bora isn't just for couples - it's an excellent place to take the kids.

If you're willing to splash a considerable amount of cash into a South Pacific family escape, the jewel in the crown is undoubtedly French Polynesia's Bora Bora.

Yes, its emerald waters are an overwater adults-only paradise, but many resorts also treat families with the same reverence as newlyweds, like Conrad Bora Bora Niu. Activities at the kids club include treasure hunts, Tahitian dancing and creating flower crowns.

An increasingly popular alternative to Bora Bora is nearby Moorea. Instead of having to take a plane, it's reachable with a 30 minute ferry trip - and offers overwater villas and kids clubs, without the Bora Bora price tag.

Carbon footprint: Flying generates carbon emissions. If you're booking with Air New Zealand, tick the box to offset your emissions during the booking process. If you've already flown, or are booked onto another airline, you can still work out your emissions by starting to go through the Air NZ booking process and clicking the "offset your emissions" box. Read more at airnewzealand.co.nz/sustainability-customer-carbon-offset.

The author was supported by the Tourism Boards of the respective places listed, although this list was compiled on merit.This article was produced as part of a partnershipwithHouse of Travel.Read more about our partnership content here.

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Family escapes: Which tropical island is best? - Stuff.co.nz

Prince Andrew (Reuters)

WASHINGTON Britains Prince Andrew has provided zero cooperation to United States authorities probing sex trafficking allegedly carried out by deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein and co-conspirators, a prosecutor said on Monday.

The FBI and U.S. federal prosecutors contacted Prince Andrews lawyers and requested an interview with the prince, who socialised with Epstein, Manhattan-based U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said at a news conference in front of Epsteins mansion.

As of Monday, Prince Andrew has provided zero cooperation, Berman said at the event hosted by Safe Horizon, a group pressing for more legal protection for abuse victims.

He did not say when U.S. authorities had requested an interview with Andrew.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

Andrew said in November he would be willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations probe is focusing on British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of Epstein, and others who facilitated the wealthy financiers alleged trafficking of underage girls, law enforcement sources told Reuters in December.

Maxwell has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing.

Epstein had socialised with Andrew and other high-profile figures including U.S. President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton, according to court filings.

Epsteins suicide in August, at age 66, came a little over a month after he was arrested and charged with trafficking dozens of underage girls as young as 14 from at least 2002 to 2005. Prosecutors said he recruited girls to give him massages, which became sexual in nature. Epstein had pleaded not guilty.

In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to a Florida state charge of soliciting prostitution. He completed a 13-month jail sentence that was widely criticised as too lenient.

Andrew has described his association with Epstein as ill-judged and in November the prince stepped down from public duties as the allegations became a distraction for the royal family.

Andrew, Queen Elizabeths second son, has denied an allegation in a civil lawsuit from Virginia Giuffre, who claims she had sex with the prince when she was 17 in an encounter arranged through Epstein.

Giuffres lawsuit said Maxwell recruited her into Epsteins circle and Epstein forced her to have sex with him and friends including Andrew.

Despite Epsteins death, investigations continue into potential accomplices.

In December, sources told Reuters, law enforcement did not plan at that time to interview Andrew, although the investigation was said to be at an early stage.

The FBI has been following up on leads received from women who contacted a hotline the agency set up at its New York field office in the wake of Epsteins arrest in July, the sources said in December.

This month, the attorney general of the U.S. Virgin Islands sued Epsteins estate claiming he raped and trafficked dozens of young women and girls on a private island he owned in the territory.

The complaint filed by Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George significantly broadened the scope of the financiers alleged misconduct, saying it spanned from 2001 to 2018 and targeted girls who appeared to be as young as 11 or 12.

The Virgin Islands is seeking civil penalties plus some assets from Epsteins estimated $577.7 million estate, including the forfeiture of his two private islands, Little St. James and Great St. James. (Reuters)

Read more from the original source:

Prince Andrew hasn't responded to queries in Epstein case - Nation News

WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - Britain's Prince Andrew has provided "zero cooperation" to the FBI investigation into the activities and death of Jeffrey Epstein, a US law enforcement source said on Monday (Jan 27).

The FBI requested an interview with Andrew, who socialised with Epstein, Manhattan-based US Attorney Geoffrey Berman publicly confirmed at a meeting of a group which supports battered women, the source said, but did not say when the request was made.

Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's probe is focusing on British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of Epstein, and others who facilitated wealthy financier's alleged trafficking of underage girls, law enforcement sources told Reuters in December.

Maxwell has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing.

Andrew said in November he would be willing to help "any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required".

US court papers have previously shown that Epstein had socialised with Andrew and other high-profile figures including US President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton.

Epstein's suicide in August, at age 66, came a little over a month after he was arrested and charged with trafficking dozens of underage girls as young as 14 from at least 2002 to 2005.

Prosecutors said he recruited girls to give him massages, which became sexual in nature. Epstein had pleaded not guilty.

In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to a Florida state charge of soliciting prostitution. He completed a 13-month jail sentence that was widely criticised as too lenient.

Andrew has described his association with Epstein as "ill-judged" and in November the prince stepped down from public duties as the allegations became a distraction for the royal family.

Andrew, Queen Elizabeth's second son, has denied an allegation in a civil lawsuit from Virginia Giuffre, who claims she had sex with the prince when she was 17 in an encounter arranged through Epstein.

Giuffre's lawsuit said Maxwell recruited her into Epstein's circle and Epstein forced her to have sex with him and friends including Andrew.

Despite Epstein's death, investigations continue into potential accomplices.

In December, sources told Reuters, law enforcement did not plan at that time to interview Andrew, although the investigation was said to be at an early stage.

The FBI has been following up on leads received from women who contacted a hotline the agency set up at its New York field office in the wake of Epstein's arrest in July, the sources said in December.

This month, the attorney general of the US Virgin Islands sued Epstein's estate claiming he raped and trafficked dozens of young women and girls on a private island he owned in the territory.

The complaint filed by Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George significantly broadened the scope of the financier's alleged misconduct, saying it spanned from 2001 to 2018 and targeted girls who appeared to be as young as 11 or 12.

The Virgin Islands is seeking civil penalties plus some assets from Epstein's estimated US$577.7 million estate, including the forfeiture of his two private islands, Little St James and Great St James.

Go here to read the rest:

Britain's Prince Andrew accused of 'zero cooperation' in FBI's Epstein probe - The Straits Times

Andrew said in November he would be willing to help "any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required".

US court papers have previously shown that Epstein had socialisedwith Andrew and other high-profile figures including US President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton.

Epsteins suicide in August, at age 66, came a little over a month after he was arrested and charged with trafficking dozens of underage girls as young as 14 from at least 2002 to 2005. Prosecutors said he recruited girls to give him massages, which became sexual in nature. Epstein had pleaded not guilty.

Prince Andrew denies having had sex with Virginia Giuffre when she was 17. Giuffre says she was forced by Jeffrey Epstein to sleep with the duke.AP, BBC

In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to a Florida state charge of soliciting prostitution. He completed a 13-month jail sentence that was widely criticisedas too lenient.

Andrew has described his association with Epstein as "ill-judged" and in November the prince stepped down from public duties as the allegations became a distraction for the royal family.

Andrew, Queen Elizabeth's second son, has denied an allegation in a civil lawsuit from Virginia Giuffre, who claims she had sex with the prince when she was 17 in an encounter arranged through Epstein.

Giuffre's lawsuit said Maxwell recruited her into Epstein's circle and Epstein forced her to have sex with him and friends including Andrew.

Despite Epstein's death, investigations continue into potential accomplices.

In December, sources told Reuters, law enforcement did not plan at that time to interview Andrew, although the investigation was said to be at an early stage.

The FBI has been following up on leads received from women who contacted a hotline the agency set up at its New York field office after Epstein's arrest in July, the sources said in December.

This month, the attorney general of the US Virgin Islands sued Epstein's estate, claiming he raped and trafficked dozens of young women and girls on a private island he owned in the territory.

The complaint filed by Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George significantly broadened the scope of the financier's alleged misconduct, saying it spanned from 2001 to 2018 and targeted girls who appeared to be as young as 11 or 12.

The Virgin Islands is seeking civil penalties plus some assets from Epstein's estimated $577.7 million estate, including the forfeiture of his two private islands, Little St James and Great St James.

Reuters

See more here:

The FBI's had 'zero cooperation' from Prince Andrew, says US Attorney - The Australian Financial Review

Britain's Prince Andrew has provided "zero co-operation" to the FBI investigation into the activities and death of Jeffrey Epstein, a USlaw enforcement source has said.

The FBI requested an interview with Prince Andrew, who socialised with Epstein, Manhattan-based USAttorney Geoffrey Berman publicly confirmed at a meeting, the source said, but did not say when ther equest was made.

Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's probe is focusing on British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of Epstein, and others who facilitated wealthy financier's alleged trafficking of underage girls, law enforcement sources told Reuters in December.

Ms Maxwell has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing.

Prince Andrew said in November he would be willing to help "any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required."

UScourt papers have previously shown that Epstein had socialised with Andrew and other high-profile figures including USPresident Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton.

Epstein's suicide in August, at age 66, came a little over a month after he was arrested and charged with trafficking dozens of underage girls as young as 14 from at least 2002 to 2005.

Prosecutors said he recruited girls to give him massages, which became sexual in nature. Epstein had pleaded not guilty.

In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to a Florida state charge of soliciting prostitution. He completed a 13-month jail sentence that was widely criticised as too lenient.

Prince Andrew has described his association with Epstein as "ill-judged" and in November the prince stepped down from public duties as the allegations became a distraction for the royal family.

Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth's second son, has denied an allegation in a civil lawsuit from Virginia Giuffre, who claims she had sex with the prince when she was 17 in an encounter arranged through Epstein.

Ms Giuffre's lawsuit said Ms Maxwell recruited her into Epstein's circle and Epstein forced her to have sex with him and friends including Prince Andrew.

Despite Epstein's death, investigations continue into potential accomplices.

In December, sources told Reuters, law enforcement did not plan at that time to interview Prince Andrew, although the investigation was said to be at an early stage.

The FBI has been following up on leads received from women who contacted a hotline the agency set up at its New York field office in the wake of Epstein's arrest in July, the sources said in December.

This month, the attorney general of the USVirgin Islands sued Epstein's estate claiming he raped and trafficked dozens of young women and girls on a private island he owned in the territory.

The complaint filed by Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George significantly broadened the scope of the financier's alleged misconduct, saying it spanned from 2001 to 2018 and targeted girls who appeared to be as young as 11 or 12.

The Virgin Islands is seeking civil penalties plus some assets from Epstein's estimated $577.7 million estate, including the forfeiture of his two private islands, Little StJames and Great StJames.

Read the original here:

Prince Andrew accused of not co-operating with probe - RTE.ie

By The Maritime Executive 12-24-2019 10:37:00

Boatbuilder Armstrong Marine USA has been selected to construct a custom passenger ferry for the community of Hat Island, Washington. The 49-passenger USCG Subchapter T vessel features a galley, head, Northern Lights 9kW generator, Garmin/NMEA electronics package, and PA system. Vessel completion is slated for Fall, 2020.

The 45 x 18 4 semi-displacement catamaran is designed with shaft & wheel propulsion powered by twin Cummins QSL9 405hp engines and SeaStar EPS electronic steering. A ZF CruiseCommand system provides superior vessel control from the raised pilothouse or second station forward. Two bow thrusters and aluminum push knees with rubber fendering ease repeated mooring.

Two passenger gates at the bow plus a side door aft expedite the boarding process. Additional exterior customizations include 12 deck tie-down points and an aluminum davit (500 lb. SWL) for cargo transport.

Inside the full width main cabin, cushioned bench seating accommodates passengers. Multiple lockers and overhead bins store luggage. The galley includes microwave and refrigerator along with additional storage shelving to ensure supplies are well stocked. Heat and A/C keep the cabin comfortable year-round. The head is accessed from the aft deck.

Charlie Crane, Armstrong Marine USA Sales & Marketing Director, commented on the contract award, Over the last two years, weve focused on taking our passenger vessels to the next level with thoughtful designs that improve not only safety and serviceability, but also the comfort and experience of each passenger. These changes are evident in the Hat Island Ferry; by closely collaborating with project stakeholders, weve designed a vessel that will be uniquely well-suited to their communitys needs.

Hat Island is a small, private island community in Snohomish County, Washington. The island is nestled in Possession Sound between Everett, Whidbey, and Camano Islands and operates a weekly ferry schedule to and from the Port of Everett. It's residents' requirements are reflected in the ferry design which received widespread community approval.

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.

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Armstrong Marine Selected to Build Hat Island Ferry - The Maritime Executive

My evenings will be spent on one of the worlds smallest private islands: my bed, which is fitted with sheets that came recommended by a very good podcast I listen to on my way to work at The Atlantics riverfront offices in the historic Watergate complex. The building, as my esteemed D.C. colleagues well know, is home to a number of interesting fauna such as Mus musculus and Peromyscus leucopus.

What will you be packing?

Plenty of warm pajamas that can double as daywear if you throw an oversize H&M sweater on top. Scarves that can also serve as blanketsor as cloth napkins, for impromptu but classy couch-snackingin a pinch. One of my favorite things to do is to wear sweatpants. They are comfortable for sleeping, and also for not sleeping, if you feel like doing that for some reason.

I never travel without at least six different kinds of snacks and at least six different kinds of medicine (antianxiety, anti-nausea, antidiarrheal, anti-pain, anti-heartburn, anticold virus). And my AirPods, which I am terrified of losing and havent quite figured out how to clean properly.

What are you most looking forward to?

Relinquishing any responsibility for myself and putting my physical, spiritual, and mental well-being in the hands of the Peloton bike my very feminist husband got me for Christmas.

Only joking! Ill be relinquishing any responsibility for myself and putting my physical, spiritual, and mental well-being in the hands of the avant-garde burlesque fever dream that is Tom Hoopers Cats. It means I will start 2020 off as the best version of myself: a person who has seen Tom Hoopers Cats.

What do you hope to open on Christmas Day?

My ongoing project to convert my home into a BTS shrine, much to the chagrin of my husband, requires the addition of life-size cutouts of all of the Korean groups seven members. Haha, just kidding ... (Unless ...?)

Also welcome are weighted blankets, fluffy socks, candles, and new novels that Ive heard a lot of great things about and will definitely add to my Goodreads list ASAP. As every culture editor knows, a staggering tower of Books I Need to Read but Havent Yet Because Ive Been Staring at My Phone All Night is the best bedside-table accessory in the world.

How do you relax?

I am a year-round sufferer of severe eczema on my hands, which turn into dinosaur paws in the dry winter air. So I plan to take advantage of the downtime to really indulge in every possible treatment in my toolkit: from daily soaks in colloidal oatmeal cream, to topical corticosteroid-ointment application followed by swaddling my poor mitts in breathable white cotton gloves. Relief is scant; the itching, flaking, and cracking is plentiful. Such is life.

What are you wearing on Christmas day?

I've been dying to wear this floor-length, haute couture black gown made of human hair and a pair of one-of-a-kind earrings, which are made entirely from found objects like old baby teeth and shards of glass.

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How One Atlantic Editor Is Spending Her Holidays This Year - The Atlantic

Editors Note: Jane Howze recently flew around the world in 11 days with stops in Singapore, the Maldives and Dubai. Today, she reports on her time in Maldives.

In 2013, we visited the Maldives Islands and were so impacted by its beauty that we started planning our return visit as soon as we returned to Houston. Such a trip requires a bit of planning (and saving). The Maldives Islands, nearly 1,200 in number and extending more than 700 miles from North to South, are located halfway around the world in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

They are about four hours southeast of Dubai, one hour southwest of Sri Lanka and four hours northwest of Singapore. No American airline flies to the Maldives, and a trip there will require at least one change of planes. For Americans, the most convenient gateways are Frankfurt, Dubai, and Singapore.

There are 200 resorts in the Maldives, each on its own coral island. All of the popular and luxury chains have four- and five-star properties there. The Four Seasons offers three, and its own yacht to sail guests on a three-day journey from one to the others.

All of the resorts are expensive, partly because of their remote location, construction and maintenance costs, self-generating energy requirements, staff housing requirements, and the fact that all food and supplies must be imported. Resorts range in size from as few as 15 rooms to as many as 462. Some focus on diving while others emphasize family activities, night life or honeymoons.

It is important to realize that once you check in to your Maldives resort there is no going into town if you dont like the food or entertainment. You are there for the duration. That is why resort choice is important.

For our previous Maldives visit, we stayed at a luxury hotel chain over the Christmas holiday and loved our over-water bungalow, the attentive service, several dining choices and outstanding cuisine. But on Christmas Eve we were informed that only the main restaurant would be serving dinner, at a prixe fixe cost of $250 per person.

Although the dinner included champagne and a chocolate bar, we felt trapped. Our daily room rate excluded food, beverages and most water sports, and we felt nickeled and dimed. We resolved to make a different choice for this trip.

Finding Your Perfect Maldives Resort

Social media is a powerful vacation planning tool. Four years ago I discovered the names of luxury travel photographers and writers covering the leading Maldives resorts. A popular Instagram photographer listed his top four resorts and one caught my eye: the 15 over-water room Kudadoo Private Island, whose motto is anything, anytime, anywhere.

Kudadoo opened late last year, and the Robb Report has already named it as the Best Island Resort. Guests pay one (admittedly expensive) daily rate and everything is included. And by that, I mean everything room, food, excellent champagne, wines and liquor, water activities, spa treatments and laundry.

We figured it would be fun to test their philosophy and we wanted to enjoy our vacation without worrying about the price of a glass of wine or a massage.

Before we arrived, Kudadoo sent us a detailed lifestyle questionnaire, asking what water sports we enjoy, any dietary requirements, our pillow, mattress and fragrance preferences, and how we wanted our bar stocked. Our butler yes, every residence has a personal butler who serves as concierge wanted to know what activities interested us.

Did we want yoga in our room every morning? Meditations? Our choice of unlimited spa treatments massages, facials, manicures? Were we interested in candlelight dinners, snorkeling, jet skiing, lunch or dinner on a sand bar? We answered yes to all.

He let us know that there were no set dining hours. We could have breakfast, lunch and dinner any time we liked, 24/7 in the restaurant, in our room, on the beach, or among the trees.

Kudadoo is located on a small island about 80 miles north of Male, and is the only solar powered resort in the Maldives. You can walk the circumference of the island in about six minutes. Our private, Asian influenced residence was one of 15 built on a horseshoe shaped boardwalk over the water. It featured an outdoor seating area that included a hammock, a glass bottom floor to watch the exotic marine life, freestanding tub surrounded by orchids, our own infinity lap pool, and a ladder into the warm sea.

And of course we had views of the azure pristine water, and stunning white sand bars to enjoy in constant year round temperatures of 82 to 85 degrees.

Our five days at Kudadoo consisted of morning yoga, breakfast and various activities including a picnic on a deserted island, jet skiing, swimming with manta rays, snorkeling and soaking in the serenity of the most extraordinary beaches in the world. Our butler Ishaq scheduled daily massages before sunset and little and big surprises.

As he explained it, We realize a trip to the Maldives is a once in a lifetime experience. It is our mission to make sure it is special.

One night we arrived at dinner to find a table set up in the sunbathing shelf of the pool surrounded by glittering lights. Another night the staff surprised us with dinner on the beach. The menu changed every night, and Eduardo, the French chef, encouraged us to order anything we wanted.

Eduardo learned that I loved red velvet cake and the next night he presented me with the most delicious red velvet cake I have ever tasted. We have never felt so nurtured.

Another highlight was a five minute boat ride to Kudadoos sister resort, Hurawalhi, a larger property which is home to the worlds largest undersea restaurant, 5.8, named for its underwater depth (about 19 feet). After descending 42 stairs down a narrow circular staircase, I entered an underwater wonderland for 20 lucky (and well pocketed) diners. The abundant schools of exotic marine life seemed as attracted by us as we were by them. It was an extraordinary experience akin to dining in an aquarium.

All too soon our stay in the Maldives came to an end, and the seaplane waited offshore for our return to the real world. The kind and attentive staff, who worked so hard to ensure that our trip surpassed our expectations, gathered on the dock to bid us farewell. I was so touched that I shed tears of gratitude while planning our next visit to this special place. And with any travel there was a lesson to be learned.

Next stop: Dubai and a lesson learned.

Jane Howze is a managing director and founder of The Alexander Group, a national executive search firm headquartered in Houston.

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Maldives' True Wonder Inside the World's Best Island Resort - PaperCity Magazine

Two more women have come forward to allege that they were sexually assaultedbyJeffrey Epstein, according to CNN.

The women, identified as Jane Doe 3 and Jane Doe 4, claim in a lawsuit against the late financier andconvicted sex offender's estate that Epstein victimized them decades ago in New York and South Carolina.

Jane Doe 3 makes allegations similar to other alleged victims of Epstein, saying he took photos of her in her underwear when she was attempting to launch a modeling career in New York City and claiming he eventually sexually assaulted her in 1990.

Jane Doe 4 alleges that she met Epstein on Hilton Head Island, S.C., in the mid-1980s when she was 13 years old and was luredunder the promise of a babysitting job to his vacation home, where he gave her alcohol and drugs and sexually assaulted her.

Their lawsuit seeks $100 million in compensatory and punitive damages as well as legal fees.

Thefiling in the Southern District of New Yorkcomes shortly after nine other women also sued Epsteins estate, alleging he sexually assaulted and abused them at various residences in New York, Florida, New Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he owned a private island.

Epstein, who served a 13-month sentence in 2008 after pleading guilty to felony solicitation for prostitution and trafficking of a minor, was arrested on trafficking charges in July but died in custody at Manhattans Metropolitan Correctional Center.

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Two more women claim they were sexually assaulted by Jeffrey Epstein | TheHill - The Hill

Electric road trip through Switzerland

You may be trying not to burn fuel, but that doesnt mean forgoing the delicious unrolling of a road trip. Switzerland has launched a route for electric vehicles, with 300 charging stations covering 1,970km through some of Europes most eye-popping scenery, in a country committed to maintaining 30% woodland coverage. The grand electric road trip route goes over five Alpine passes, by 22 lakes, the vineyards of the Montreux Riviera, through foodie Ticino, or the Jura. It launched quietly two years ago but is being given a big push for 2020 by the Swiss tourist board, as sustainable travel is the focus. Its website has green activities and accommodation, including those with e-vehicle charging stations. Rail to Geneva or Zurich, then e-car hire, europcar.ch. Swiss Youth Hostels is dedicated to sustainability and offers climate-neutral booking, myswitzerland.com

Brittany Ferries more eco-friendly vessel launches on Portsmouth and Caen-Ouistreham sailings in the summer (exact date to be announced). The LNG (liquid natural gas) and electric-hybrid produces lower carbon emissions and will be the first of its kind to operate cross-Channel. Its good timing for a tour of new cultural attractions along Normandys coast. Go east to Marcel Prousts favourite seaside resort, Cabourg the inspiration behind Balbec in his masterwork, In Search of Lost Time where a new museum, La Villa du Temps Retrouv, due to open in August, tells the story of this famously arty coast through his eyes. Opening in June in neighbouring Deauville, Les Franciscaines will be a museum complex displaying more than 500 artworks in a restored convent. Stay nearby in pretty Honfleur at Le Loft (sleeps four from 110 a night), a renovated apartment in a colombage (half-timbered) building. Crossings from 230 return for two people and a car, foot passengers from 60 return, brittanyferries.com

The future may be wind-powered, but rather than tacking across a dreary British lake, how about learning the ropes of sailing in Spain, on one of Rubicon 3s new holidays? On an 11-day tour of Galicia aboard an 18-metre clipper expedition yacht, the group of eight mostly solo travellers will stop in out-of-the-way rias, the deep inlets common to this coast, for seafood in fishing villages. There will be hikes into the mountains and tapas in ancient walled towns, too. Theres also a month-long voyage from Tower Bridge to St Petersburg: it sold out this year but will run again next summer, so check the website for updates. Galicia trip departs 28 October from Muros (take train via Paris, Bayonne, Santiago de Compostela), from 1,499pp including most food, rubicon3.co.uk

Sue and Michaela run a gorgeous rural farmhouse hotel, La Grande Maison, in the Loire valley, where next year theyre launching wine tours by electric car and e-bike. Guests are taken from vineyard to vineyard in their e-car, or the couple lead the way on a tour by e-bike using fat-tyred RadRunners, which have a top speed of 25mph. All the wineries are organic, biodynamic or natural, with vegetarian and vegan picnic stops among the vines along the way. Both trips include a wine-tasting supper in the hotel. A two-night electric-car tour, including breakfast, tastings, wine-tasting supper, transfers and lifts to restaurants, costs 425pp; the two-night e-bike tour is 400pp, both based on two sharing, lagrandemaison.net. Take train via Paris to Saumur

With itineraries designed by The Man in Seat 61, a new collection of European rail holidays by Original Travel takes the hassle away. All depart on the Eurostar from London, with hotels, activities, train tickets and timetable wrangling taken care of. The journey to Gothenburg starts with a night out in Hamburg before a ferry from Germany to Denmark, then its on to Gothenburg by train to devour some cinnamon buns. Two nights on the island of Marstrand, home to ornate wooden houses, precedes one in a floating hotel on one of many tiny islands visited by ferry. The Worlds Sweatiest Art Trail, with sculptures you cycle, run and bike between, fills one day; a mussel-harvesting boat safari another. Then its back the same way, with a last hurrah in Hamburg. Ten days from 2,505pp based on two sharing, including carbon offsetting, originaltravel.co.uk

The vintage trains that take in the dramatic mountainscapes of the Pyrenees are like something from a childrens storybook and the basis for a group holiday with rail specialist Arena Travel. Rides include the Roses Express through the Cap de Creus national park, the Yellow Train across the Tet valleys forests and viaducts, a journey through vineyards on the Red Train, a coastal railway and the Nria valleys Rack Railway, ascending to more than 1,000 metres. Three guided hikes take the group further into the rugged landscapes, one along the Refugees Trail, used by those fleeing to France during the civil war. The Catalan town of Roses is your base. Eight days from 1,095pp including return Eurostar from London, TGV from Paris to Perpignan, half-board hotel accommodation, excursions and guiding, arenatravel.com

A smattering of new eco-hotels across Tuscany is a good excuse for a tour of the regions coast and inimitable hill country. Near the medieval hilltown of San Gimignano, a new vegan B&B called Biotique Agrivilla i pini (doubles from 130 B&B), provides plant-based food from a zero-waste kitchen, organic wine, a saltwater pool and rooms decorated with natural materials. Green accommodation website ecobnb.com has a few new Tuscan pads, including a treehouse at Glamping il Sole (rooms from 70 B&B) on a farm in the Maremma hills, and new yoga courses from April-September at Podere di Maggio (from 60 B&B,sleeping two) glamping site and farmhouse, in a pristine valley near Grosseto, with hot springs and Tyrrhenian beaches nearby. In Siena, stay at Paradiso numero 4 (doubles from 75), a B&B on the top floor of an ancient building, which aims for no plastic and zero waste. Trains from London to Milan (10 hours 40m) or Rome cost from about 70 each way, then connect to Florence or Siena

The Belgians have been getting beer right since the middle ages. Tasting the countrys finest and most flavoursome brews is the focus of a potentially wobbly new tour on wheels from UTracks. The self-guided cycling holiday takes in some of Belgiums coolest cities and towns, starting from Genk, then following quiet roads to Bocholt, home to a large brewery museum. More beery pit stops include Postel Abbey, where monks have brewed beer since 1611, a Trappist abbey, and the cafes and shops of the design-savvy city of Antwerp. University town Leuven and untouristy Diest, on the banks of the River Demer, finish the route. Six days moderately difficult cycling covers 231 miles along rural roads, forest and farm tracks, and in cities. From 840pp a week, including seven nights hotel B&B, info pack with maps, luggage transfer and bike with panniers. Departures 4 April to 19 September. Excludes train from London to Genk, utracks.com

Sunvil has launched Greece by rail for 2020, including rail travel from London on trips to Parga, Paxos, Lefkas, Sivota and Corfu. Theres a need to embrace slow travel as it takes a couple of days to reach Greece. A nine-night Corfu itinerary includes one nights B&B in Milan, continuing to Bari the next day and catching an overnight ferry to the island. Accommodation might be the Kalami Bay apartments with pool, on a hillside above the pretty hamlet of Kalami on the north coast, where many of the nearby tavernas operate a free taxi-boat service. Nine-day trip from 1,099pp including room-only accommodation and one-way rail, and flight for the return; a rail return costs 500 extra, sunvil.co.uk

Griffon vultures, bustards, Spanish imperial eagles, great spotted cuckoos and larks are among the species to tick off on a wildlife adventure to Extremadura, in western Spain. This is one of Naturetreks new no-fly group trips, which also aim to minimise disposable plastic use. After the ferry to Santander from Plymouth, theres a boat ride in the Bay of Biscay to spot whales and dolphins, before a rail journey to spend two nights in Madrid for some urban bird-watching in the Real Jardn Botanico. Onwards by rail to Cceres, where the group stays in a spa hotel for five nights, venturing into the steppes and plains each day, including the Monfrage national park, a favourite raptor hangout. 2,295pp full-board including all travel and excursions. Next departure 10 May, naturetrek.co.uk

Travel to France using wind power on a no-skills-necessary sailing voyage on your own skippered yacht. Channel Fairview Sailing provides a seadog to do the grunt work on sailings around, and from, the UK, with a crossing to the north coast of Brittany its most exciting option. Boarding in Hamble, Hampshire, its a days sail to Le Havre, then the group can choose where next to make landfall: Honfleur, Trouville or Deauville, or Caen and the Normandy beaches, before returning to Hamble. Tie up in local marinas or at mooring buoys, going ashore for dinner and drinks, informed by your own savvy seafarer. From 2,500 for seven nights for six people (417pp), self-catered, fairviewsailing.co.uk

In Turkey, the nomadic Yrk people have kept much of their ancient tradition and culture alive, and their name means to walk. Many live in the south, among the western Taurus mountains near the Lycian coast, keeping large flocks of sheep and goats. On a new walking tour, travellers join them on their annual migration from the high summer pastures to winter grazing lands near the sea, seeing how they work, dining with them, and in the evenings listening to melancholic songs played on the saz (similar to a lute). Theres time, too, for the historic sites of Patara, Xanthos and the sunken city of Kekova. The 10-day trip costs from 999pp including half-board, based on two sharing, luggage transfer, guides and activities. Next departure 16 October. Travel by rail to Istanbul via Munich, Belgrade and Sofia, then on to Bodrum, Marmaris or Fethiye, walksworldwide.com

A sleek new resort in the Slovenian Hills, Forest Glamping resort Blagu features 16 high-spec curvy cabins made from glass and timber, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out towards Lake Blagu, a peaceful spot for wild swimming. This north-eastern Alpine part of the country, near Maribor, is known for hiking and wine, while at the glampsite, tree-hugging and climbing, mountain biking and campfires are the order of the day. Theres also a forest library and, as if the retreat wasnt fairytale enough, the owner is also a shoemaker, welcoming guests to become elves-in-training by joining one of his shoemaking workshops. From 140 a night B&B sleeping two, under-6s free. Train to Maribor via Vienna from London St Pancras on Eurostar, charmingslovenia.com

Rail holiday specialist Ffestiniog has increased its range of train adventures for next year, among them an eight-day tour of Germanys Black Forest from the resort of Titisee. There are lovely footpaths to explore and the trip includes a number of rides on historic and steam railways, from the curly-wurly Sauschwnzlebahn (Pigs Tail line) to a circular route crossing the whole forest from west to east, climbing via a series of hairpins to give views of the Rhine valley. Its a group trip but theres plenty of opportunity to branch off independently. From 1,495pp including rail travel from London to Brussels, then high-speed to Aachen, unlimited travel card, excursions, hotel accommodation in Aachen, Titisee and Bonn, guide and welcome dinner, ffestiniogtravel.com

In September, the new Roman Museum of Narbonne is set to open. Its designed by Foster + Partners and will display the largest collection of Roman artefacts in the south of France, in an area rich in Roman monuments and sites. Its also part of a new self-guided rail holiday with Inntravel, visiting the Roman arena in Nmes and the Pont du Gard part of the 20km aqueduct that supplied the city and the Roman theatre in Arles. The Provincia Nostra tour costs from 925pp including return train from London St Pancras, rail journeys between cities, and six nights B&B in hotels. Departures 1 April-31 July, and 1 September-31 October, inntravel.co.uk

Just a short potter past the potted cacti in the garden of the new Eco Casa Penna, you will see warm turquoise waves lap the rocks beside the sandy beach of Sampieri. In the evening, its a short walk to the seafront town of Marina di Modicafor dinner or cook something up from the market and dine on the large, covered deck of the house. The property uses solar power for the electrics that are deemed essential, but there is no aircon, dishwasher, washing machine or microwave and a set amount of water is included, to discourage waste. From 1,330 a week, sleeping six. To reach Sicily by train takes 29 hours, travelling by Eurostar to Paris, then Rome, then by ferry to Palermo for a connection to Siracusa, essentialitaly.co.uk

An art-meets-accommodation project in Switzerland, Zero Real Estate involves simply a bed a decent one on a platform in the Swiss countryside, with no walls, no roof, just two nightstands with lamps, the sky above, mountain scenery all around, and a butler to bring drinks, breakfast and morning coffee. Having appeared in a few Swiss locations in recent years, the open-air concept is being rolled out across seven regions of eastern Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Many will be in the Lake Constance region, where theres another interesting place to stay in Radolfzell, at Aquaturm hotel (doubles from 104), a redevelopment of a high-rise water tower, now energy-neutral, with all energy self-generated from solar, wind and geothermal sources. The area has a few zero-km restaurants too, including Restaurant Muhle in an old monastery and the Schloss Wartegg Hotel, supplied by its own garden and lake. From 230 for two, including backup indoor room at Hotel Alpenrose, butler and breakfast, more locations and details to be announced, toggenburg.org/zerorealestate. Travel by rail to Zurich, then Radolfzell for Aquaturm

A few sailing companies are offering solar-powered charter yachts for holidaymakers, including Ibizas La Bella Verde, self-billed pioneer of the green boating movement, which rents vessels for 2-35 people for day trips and has won awards for its innovative boat design. It has been running sailing trips to Formentera out of Salinas, in a national park, for six years. For 2020 it is adding departures from San Antonio, to enjoy the west-coast beaches of Cala Bassa, Cala Comte, and Cala Tarida with sunset enjoyed by Cafe Mambo. It will also add voyages from Santa Eulalia to Cala Nova and Cala Llenya, or to Tagomago a private island in the north with a chiringuito beach cafe.

The yacht used has cabins, so theres the potential of a longer trip of a few nights. This year, the company created the first emission-free Plastic Ocean Cleanup catamaran, which collects plastic from the sea in a net. This is now operated by the iBi Foundation, but holidaymakers can join for free, spotting dolphins and cleaning the sea. Ibiza and Formentera aim to be single-use plastic free by 2023. For next year Bella Verde is building a boat from 100% recyclable and sustainable materials, to address the problem of many boats ending up in landfill, releasing toxic chemicals as they degrade. Bella Verde launches in Sydney, too, in 2020. Boat hire from 600 a day for six people, including some drinks, meals from 25pp. Green places to stay include an agriturismo in a restored 17th-century farmhouse, Can Domo (doubles from 130 B&B) in Santa Eulria des Riu. To reach Ibiza without flying, take a train to Valencia, via Eurostar to Lille and on to Nmes, then catch the ferry to Ibiza (five hours, from 35 one way). See ibizaproduce.org for green places to eat and buy food.

Undiscovered Mountains has a (pretty hardcore) short break for intrepid types in the southern French Alps this winter, which it describes as an eco challenge some of the proceeds go to the Conservation Volunteers charity, which develops green spaces in the UK. Participants are invited to ice-climb up frozen waterfalls then build and sleep in their own igloos, with the aim of promoting more-sustainable winter holiday activities outside of ski resorts, and furthering appreciation of the Alpine environment. Youre supposed to have fun, too. From 565-656pp including one night half-board in a hotel, one overnight igloo expedition, one-day guided ice-climb, all equipment, carbon offsetting, two picnic lunches, half-day self-guided snowshoe session, transfers from Gap station but not rail travel from the UK. Departures in January and February, undiscoveredmountains.com

There are many authentic pockets of life, and plenty of striking scenery along Montenegros coast with jagged mountains and forest close to lively seaside towns. With five nights in cafe-filled Kotor, a ride on the Bar-Belgrade Railway from the coast to the capital Podgorica, time in the high mountains of Biogradska Gora national park and a night in Belgrade, the Montenegro Explorer tour is one of several new rail holidays in eastern Europe from Tailormade Rail. The company will add and arrange complicated rail journeys from the UK, too. From 1,799pp for 12 days (including a 600 supplement for travel from the UK by rail rather than flight). Includes B&B accommodation in hotels, transfers, excursions and local travel, tailormaderail.com

Looking for a holiday with a difference? Browse Guardian Holidays to see a range of fantastic trips

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20 of the best sustainable holidays in Europe for 2020 - The Guardian

For a magazine that pushes climate change activists as saints, Vogue doesnt seem all that concerned with the issue.

In an article published last week that has been making the rounds on social media recently, the British Vogue editors explained where they would be spending their upcoming holidays. Their responses brought to mind the snobbery and elitism of Frasier characters.

Sarah Harris, deputy editor and fashion features director, for example, said she will be spending her holidays in the Cayman Islands at the newly opened Palm Heights, at a cost of $400+ per night. She then claimed to be a really light packer, even for a two-week holiday, before saying she planned to pack a bikini for every day since they take up almost no room in a suitcase. One might not take up much room, but 14 certainly would.

Ellie Pithers, fashion features editor and senior associate digital editor, had the most unrelatable response:

Ill be in the French Alps for New Years Eve; a dose of icy alpine air always seems to sort me out after the excesses of Christmas. Im looking forward to a spell atLe Coucou in Mribel, a new hotel designed by Pierre Yovanovitch with a delicious-looking spa; and a stop-off atLe Refuge de Solaisein Val dIsre. Only accessible via ski lift, it promises superlative stargazing and fresh powder before breakfast.

Olivia Singer, executive fashion news editor, said that in order to counterbalance the abundance of December, she would be taking an ascetic approach and heading tothe Lanserhofto embark on a seven-day detox programme. She assures her that its the best Ive found and Ive done my research.

Just in case you werent convinced that her detox actually was a counterbalance [to] the abundance of December, she explains what it entails:

Overseen by a specialist doctor, I take advantage of every treatment going: from daily Shiatsu to intravenous vitamin drips to a wealth of both holistic and medical diagnostics and a regular schedule of saunas, swimming and naps. Food is scant (in accordance with the Mayr method, which revolves around giving your digestive system a break) but massages are plentiful. It seems like a fair trade to me.

Naomi Smart, shopping editor, will be spending Christmas day atEl Coyol, a secluded villa on one of the worlds smallest private islands, overlooking Lake Nicaragua. The cost of this villa is at least $775 per night, and thats not including the cost to get there.

Composer Benjamin Tassie posted some of the editors responses on Twitter, saying he was Absolutely losing it at this incredibly relatable feature with the Vogue editors.

The responses to Tassies post were equally savage.

The collective carbon impact of the @voguemagazine editors holidays will, by March, submerge one of the islands they visited, one person wrote.

I too recover from the materialism of the holidays and focus on whats really important in the world by surrounding myself with luxury and rich white people, wrote another.

Those are the exact four destinations I was debating between! What are the odds? another person wrote. Unfortunately, it was my husbands year to pick, so well be going to my sister in laws house in a suburb of Cleveland.

*Cries in poor* another user tweeted.

This is a Frasier episode, wrote one astute observer.

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Vogue Editors Show How Alarmingly Out Of Touch They Are, Get Roasted Online - The Daily Wire

The cruise industry is constantly changing, and the next decade promises to see the biggest changes ever.

How much can change in just a few years? Consider that at the beginning of 2010, nine of the ten currently largest cruise ships in the world had yet to set sail.

Ten years before that at the start of the year 2000 Galveston, Texas, had yet to be a departure port for cruises. Today it is the largest cruise port outside of Florida.

In other words, what can happen in just a few short years can dramatically change the landscape. Given that its the start of a new decade, we thought it would be fun to explore what passengers might expect as we head through the next 10 years.

This is a hint of what cruising in 2030 could look like

Theres no doubt that the trend in cruising is toward larger vessels. In this metric Royal Caribbean leads the way with the four largest cruise ships in the world, and five of the largest ten.

But other cruise lines are catching up, with lines like MSC, Norwegian, and Carnival all building their largest ships too. During the next decade we expect every line to continue to build out their fleet with ships that dwarf their older fleet. In other words, the average ship on each major line will continue to get larger.

That said, we dont think the largest cruise ships will get much larger. For now it seems that the size of the largest ships has reached a plateau. Royal Caribbeans Oasis of the Seas was built in 2009 and still ranks as the third-largest in the world. It has two sister-ships that are marginally larger (less than 1% based on tonnage).

While the average ship will continue to get larger, that doesnt mean you should say goodbye to smaller ship cruising. In fact, the bigger ships are likely to lead a surge in interest in more intimate cruise lines and ships.

Over the past decade theres been a big interest in smaller vessels that provide a much different experience than what youll find on the big lines. From simply being easier to navigate to offering itineraries with smaller ports of call, smaller ships have a lot to offer.

Combine that with the alternative being ships carrying up to 6,000 passengers and its clear that larger cruise ships on other lines can actually be a positive for lines offering small-ship cruising.

Cruise lines know that not everyone likes being just another passenger on a cruise ship with 5,000 other people. So how do you attract those looking for a special experience when you have a huge cruise ship?

You build a resort within the resort.

Norwegian is perhaps best-known for this with its Haven area that includes higher-end cabins, an exclusive restaurant, pool, and other private areas. We are seeing other lines move in this direction and expect to see more of it over the next decade. For example, Carnival offers its Havana cabins and the Family Harbor cabins on its Vista-class ships.

These different spaces are a win-win for the cruise line. They allow them to charge more money for certain spaces on the ship while also keeping passengers that might have otherwise gone to a smaller cruise line.

While cruise lines have competed with each other with larger ships, its not until recently that the battle has moved to land. More specifically, were talking about private islands.

While cruise lines have had private islands for their passengers for decades, it was the recent $250 million renovation of Royal Caribbeans CocoCay that changed the landscape. Complete with the largest pool in the Caribbean and the tallest waterslide in North America, the redesigned island is so much more than just a sleepy island with a nice beach.

Over the next decade we expect that all the other lines will completely renovate their own islands to try to meet or beat CocoCay. In fact, weve already seen Norwegian offer a new Silver Cove area (a private retreat) on its island, and heard whispers that more plans are in the works.

While many people think of cruises as offering everything all-inclusive, those days are largely gone. Today there are extra charges for many things on cruise ships. From specialty restaurants to some activities to room service, the number of things with extra charges has grown dramatically.

Today, cruise lines make about a third of their revenue with onboard spending. Meanwhile, many consumers have grown accustomed to extra charges for things that used to be complimentary in all walks of life, such as baggage fees for airports.

In other words, it wont surprise us to continue to see more fees and charges on cruise ships in the coming years (perhaps baggage fees?). This could also include free levels of service but charges for better service or priority access.

Cruise lines know that passengers dont like being nickeled-and-dimed. At the same time, the opportunity to earn more money is enticing (cruise lines are public companies after all). So whats the solution?

We think that in the next decade cruise lines will offer more all-inclusive options for a price.

Instead of paying a low fare and then having to pay for things like drinks, restaurants, Internet and more, what if passengers instead had an extra fee they could pay and get anything they wanted without another charge?

Weve seen some cruise lines asking about this sort of setup in surveys, and a few already have sales with extras included. During the next decade we expect that youll be able to pay a flat surcharge and get all the extras included in your fare.

Its no surprise that cruising is likely to become more green in the next ten years. Seemingly every industry is trying to be more environmentally-friendly. Meanwhile, the cruise lines have slowly but surely moved that way recently.

We are starting to see the arrival of ships that burn cleaner fuels and the elimination of single-use plastics on some ships and lines.

In the next decade this trend is likely to accelerate. For instance, Virgin Voyages set to launch in 2020 has already said they wont have single-use plastics on their ships starting day one.

Florida is the capital of cruising and that wont change in the next decade. However, as fleets continue to grow as does the popularity of cruising that will mean departures from more ports around the country.

We mentioned earlier how Galveston went from nothing about 20 years ago to the fourth-largest cruise port in the United States today. But there are lots of smaller ports around the country such as Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Charleston, Mobile, New Orleans, Baltimore and others.

With growing cruise line fleets, these less-serviced ports should see more and larger ships over time. Los Angeles, for instance, recently welcomed the Carnival Panorama Carnivals newest ship in its fleet.

This is a great thing for those who live within driving distance of a port outside of Florida. Without having to pay for airfare to a port, taking a cruise is considerably cheaper.

What would you like to see in the next 10 years? Let us know in the comments below

Read more:

8 Ways Cruising Could Look Different in 2030 (Just 10 Years From Now) - Cruzely.com

1. La Chiva Beach, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Beautiful Puerto Rico is a short flight from most of the continental United States, but youll be feeling like a VIP when you make a stop at ultra-secluded La Chiva Beach on the small Puerto Rican island of Vieques.

Its not just the long, thin stretch of white sand and stunning blue waters that make what the U.S. Navy once called "Blue Beach" an ideal spot for honeymooners. Newlyweds also will love how this beach tends to draw few tourists.

Youll be cozying it up all by yourselves in the warm Vieques sun.

Snorkelers and marine life enthusiasts will enjoy observing the wildlife in one of the beachs many small cays, or for an additional cost hiring a guide to take them around the islands hidden underwater trails.

On Whitehaven Beach, youll feel like youre on a deserted island, but in a good way.

Accessible only by boat, catamaran or seaplane, this secluded island beach is located off Whitsunday Island, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

The dazzling 4 miles of white sand, made of 98% silica, provides a stunning contrast against the vivid blue waters and the neon-green tropical forest. Take a boat cruise or a guided seaplane ride around the island to observe the stunning vegetation in all its glory.

Whitehaven Beach is considered one of the most unspoiled beaches on the planet, and boasts nearly 300 days of pure sunlight, making this the ultimate beach destination year-round.

This slice of paradise in the Ionians can only be accessed by boat, but many travelers will tell you its well worth the trouble.

Navagio Beach, on the island of Zakynthos in Greece, is also known as Shipwreck Beach. The reason behind the name is the Freightliner MV Panagiotis ran aground on the shore in the 1980s. Its still there today, so be prepared to take some one-of-a-kind selfies with this piece of history.

Sunbathers will enjoy postcard-perfect views on the pristine white sand, where the reflection from the water makes the towering limestone cliffs look like theyre made of pure gold.

Those with nerves of steel can take their experience to new heights with guided base-jumping off the islands cliffs.

Crystal blue waters gently caressing 12 miles of white sandy shores, 350 days of sunshine on average and nearly untouched land these are just a few of the reasons Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos is one of the most famous beaches in the world.

Visiting this little secluded paradise will give beachgoers the chance to relax and take in the breathtaking beauty of the island.

Go for a bit of snorkeling and observe marine wildlife in its natural habitat, because just off the shore theres a rainbow colored reef thats home to thousands of sea animals.

The reef also acts as a shelter against the oceans powerful swells, meaning snorkeling is open to people of all skill levels.

Palm trees, rugged rocks, dark blue waters and plush sand are just a few of the key features of Bathsheba Beach, on the Caribbean island of Barbados.

Home to some of the worlds most famous surfing competitions (like the Association of Paddlesurf Professionals Barbados Pro surfing competition), the island offers experienced surfers ample opportunities to catch some killer waves.

While the water is a little too choppy for light swimming, beachgoers can enjoy watching the Soup Bowl, where gigantic waves crash against the islands large boulders to create a stunning visual effect.

Bathsheba Beach is the perfect intimate place to spend a day having a picnic or a kite race. Just make sure you stick around until sunset, where youll experience some of the most magnificent color palettes on planet Earth.

Located about a half-hour from Honolulu, this secluded beach is one of the most beautiful locations in Hawaii, with magnificent untouched wildlife and perfect weather all year.

Lanikai in the native language means heavenly sea which is the perfect way to describe the plush white sand and tranquil blue waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

More active beachgoers can enjoy a 30-minute guided kayak ride out to the mokes, the mountain peaks that stick out of the water.

If youre feeling particularly adventurous, take the Lanikai Pillbox Hike toward the evening, where youll experience the most mesmerizing sunsets and unforgettable views of the peaks.

Thailand appears on our list of the best countries to retire on less than $200,000, partly because of its gorgeous beaches.

So beachcombers and active thrill-seekers alike will enjoy Railay Beach, located in the Ao Nang, Krabi province of Thailand. While the yearly average temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit, many tourists flock to the beaches in November the end of Thailands monsoon season.

Railay offers tourists the chance to take in breathtaking limestone peaks on a secluded peninsula that's accessible only by boat.

Kayaking tours are a must since the water is so clear, youll be able to see straight down to the ocean floor. Kayak over to Phra Nang Cave to observe ancient religious shrines, or take a rock-climbing course.

Honopu Beach is considered one of the most remote locations in the world thats still accessible to tourists. Itll take a bit of willpower to get there a boat ride followed by a short swim but once you reach the sandy shores, youll be in for some of the most breathtaking views you'll ever experience.

The pristine shores have two massive coves separated by a limestone arch, and the entire beach is speckled with 1,200-foot cliffs.

Thats probably why Honopu Beach is considered a hikers paradise. More intrepid beachgoers can enjoy a hike on the extremely narrow Honopu Trail, where you can witness the sunset like very few travelers ever will.

Whether you enjoy kayaking, jet skiing or just lazing in the sun, theres never a shortage of things to do on the paradise island of Bora Bora, located in the south Pacific.

Getting here and staying here can be very expensive: A flight from California often costs around $4,000, and a rental bungalow can run $10,000 per week. But Matira Beach is one of the few public beaches on Bora Bora where you can enjoy a VIP experience without the VIP price tag.

The sand is whiter than snow and the turquoise waters are so clear, you can peer into the ocean and see the thousands of marine species life directly below.

At sunset, the orange and purple skies are truly spectacular.

Got a case of the Mondays? Take a trip down to Maundays Bay.

While hot vacation locales in the Carribbean can be overwhelmed by tourists during peak travel season, Anguilla is a bit of a hidden gem. Thats probably why its become a popular spot for destination weddings in recent years.

Maundays Bay is a particularly beautiful, crescent-shaped beach with white sandy shores and still blue waters, where you can see clear across to the neighboring island of Saint Martin.

This vacation spot also is ideal for travelers with young children, since there are rarely any waves. The two breakwaters that buffer the island protect the waters from powerful ocean swells, and the sightlines are clear.

Trunk Bay, located in the northwestern part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers a relaxing getaway of stunning beaches and healthy coral reef gardens that have been well-preserved for over half a century.

The clear, warm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the soft white sand makes for an excellent spot to curl up with a book while you catch a tan.

Travelers with a love of the ocean are in for a treat. Snorkelers will get the experience of a lifetime when they take a guided snorkeling tour of the 225-foot Underwater Trail reef and observe the thousands of species of marine life that dwell there.

And, since the island is part of a U.S. territory, no passport is required.

Beautiful limestone cliffs, lush vegetation and epic turquoise blue waterfalls are just a few of the many reasons to take the long but worthwhile plane ride to Hidden Beach on El Nido in the Philippines.

Breathtaking cliffs that tower 500 feet into the air make diving and base jumping musts for thrill-seeking beachgoers. Those who just want to laze around in the sun can enjoy gazing upon the palm tree-lined beach, or catch a nap on the soft white sand.

Until only recently, much of Hidden Beach was populated solely by swiftlet birds who nested in the cliffs, meaning that much of the island is pristine and untouched by humans.

There are still only a few resorts on the island, meaning Hidden Beach is the ultimate private island getaway.

Looking for something a little less tropical, but no less breathtaking? Head to the Great White North for some cottaging at Lions Head Beach in Bruce Peninsula, Canada. Located three hours north of Toronto, this quaint getaway is the perfect place to create lasting family memories.

Bruce Peninsula is a family-friendly locale thats a great retreat for hiking, camping or swimming in the still, warm waters of Lake Huron.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the charcoal pits for campfires and barbecuing, the beachs full playground and the many restaurants offering farm-fresh seasonal fare.

The beach is perfect for camping or glamping. Those who dont want to camp can stay in one of the many cottages, motels and lake houses available for rent around Tobermory.

If pink is your favorite color, youll really love Pink Sands Beach on Harbor Island in the Bahamas.

Pink Sands Beach gets its name from the red and pink Foraminifera insects, whose shells stain the sand a soft, cotton candy pink. (Dont worry, the bugs are invisible to the human eye and they dont bite.)

The light pink sand meets the salty, blue ocean waters, creating spectacular photo ops. The beach turns into a real Willy Wonka Wonderland at sunset, where the cotton candy skies will give you the illusion of being enveloped in a perfectly pink heaven.

A strong coral reef protects the beach from the ocean tides, meaning that the waters rarely ever get waves and are perfect for swimmers and snorkelers of all skill levels.

Grab yourself a pia colada and light up a cigarillo. Beachgoers will absolutely love the deep blue waters, soft ocean waves and dazzling white sands of Varadero Beach in Cuba.

It's one of the best beaches to visit, according to users on TripAdvisor, who say it offers plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel or curl up with a book under a beach umbrella.

Amenities on the beach include showers and restaurants, but the vast open space will still make it feel like youre on your own private island.

If youre looking to get in some culture, take a bus tour through Varadero and observe the stunning history of the island and the downtown areas candy-colored homes.

Boasting 6 miles of talcum-powder sand, Diani Beach in the Kwale County region of Kenya, is renowned for being one of the softest beaches on Earth. The water is warm enough for swimming most days of the year, and on slightly windy days you can expect to see surfers enjoying the waves.

Youll get more than just a relaxing vacation when you visit Diani Beach.

If you have a soft spot for cute animals, youll fall in love with the monkeys that swing from the trees. Youll also get a spectacular view of Sheldrick Falls, enjoy amazing food and party with friendly locals.

Located just below the equator, Kenya can be a warm and humid paradise, and the countrys magnificent beauty will earn a special place in your heart forever.

Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean, at the crossroads between Africa and Asia.

The lush granite mountains and crystal blue waters have made this tiny paradise a hot honeymoon destination for high-profile clients, such as royals Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Praslin Island, at just 14 miles long, is one of the more popular destinations on Seychelles for snorkeling. The reefs and coral gardens just off of Anse Lazio beach are a haven for divers of all experience levels to witness marine wildlife in its natural environment.

If swimming isnt your style, you can laze around on the stretch of white sand, taking in the beauty of the large granite boulders and tropical forests that decorate this incomparable paradise.

The stunning Radhanagar Beach is hidden on Havelock Island in India the largest island in the Andaman archipelago. Its become such a sought-after location that its been called the new Maldives by Vogue magazine.

Only one luxury resort exists on the island, meaning that this locale offers an extra layer of intimacy to an already idyllic vacation spot.

White sands, an awe-inspiring jungle and deep azure waters make this beach an absolute must-see for travelers looking for a piece of secluded paradise. Float in the Andaman Sea as you take in the beauty of your surroundings.

It will be unlike anything youve experienced before especially since 80% of the islands vegetation remains completely untouched.

Blinky Beach is beyond stunning, with white sands and blue waters that look like a still-life painting. Those who prefer a bit of privacy and room to stretch out will love the fact that Blinky Beach is one of the least crowded beaches in Australia.

If youve always wanted to try surfing but were too intimidated, youre in luck. The mild waters are great for novice surfers to catch a wave, while a more experienced surfer can venture farther out to catch larger swells.

Take a picnic basket, go for a snorkel, or just laze around the beach, taking in the scenery (and by that we mean watching attractive Aussie surfers).

Long Beach in British Columbia, Canada is so named because its part of a 34,800-acre coastal temperate rainforest. This expanse of natural wildlife, located in British Columbias Pacific Rim, is a protected area of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

While you may not think of Canada and surfing as belonging together in the same sentence, Long Beach has been touted as a surfers paradise because of the magnificent Pacific Ocean swells.

If youre looking to kick back and relax on your vacation, enjoy a long walk on the beach. Youll get lost for hours wandering the white sandy shoreline, listening to waves crashing on the sand.

You might even spot a celeb or two. Selena Gomez and Dwayne The Rock Johnson have both enjoyed vacation stays in Long Beach.

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you, and we didn't invert the photo. That's black sand.

Reynisfjara Beach in frigid Iceland is a beach destination unlike any other. While the weather is a little less than tropical (the coastal areas average annual temperature is 51 degrees), this Nordic paradise and its raw, untouched beauty will take your breath away.

The sand is black because it started as volcanic lava, and other sights to see on the beach include scattered cliffs, enormous caves and awe-inspiring waves crashing in from the North Atlantic. It's an eye feast for any beachgoer even if you'll need to trade in your sunblock for a parka.

Fans of HBOs Game of Thrones may recognize the giant rock pillar formations as Eastwatch, where Jon Snow stood guarding the wall.

Malmok Beach in Aruba is a vast expanse of white sands and turquoise sea water. Magnificent grey and white rocks scattered just off the shore are home to thousands of marine animals, which make this an ultimate destination for diving and snorkeling.

Malmok is a bit of a drive away from any of the major resorts in Aruba, meaning you and your travel partner will experience the sound of waves crashing on the beach and an intimate sunset in total solitude.

Average daily high temperatures of 86 degrees make Aruba an ideal vacation spot year-round.

Want to make your beach vacation permanent? There are a number of islands yes, with gorgeous beaches where you can retire on as little as $1,400 per month.

Follow this link:

The Best Beaches From Around the World - MoneyWise.com

FANS of Netflix's Stranger Things can stay in an Airbnb apartment that's just like the homes featured in the hit TV show.

The 80s-themed apartment even has a name inspired by the show - The Upside Den.

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While Stranger Things is set in the fictional town of Hawkins in Indiana, this property is located in St Louis, Missouri.

It's a basement apartment, just like the one in the Wheeler residence, and can sleep up to four guests, with its own entrance, garden and bathroom.

And with an overnight stay starting from 56 a night, it works out to be just 14 per person.

Inside, everything looks like it could be from the 80s - from the stripey sofa to dated carpets.

There's even a vintage TV set with a VHS player so you can kick back and watch one of over 50 different videos.

It's ideal for family as while there's a main double bed, the other bed is a sofa bed.

Plus, there's a pillow fort that kids will love.

The listing warns that the host has a big dog, but why he might sound loud and scary, he's actually very friendly.

The property is run by Ann, a superhost on the site, meaning she's had lots of experience hosting guests.

And with a rating over 4.95 from over 150 reviews, it seems guests absolutely love it.

One person wrote: "Great location and entertaining space. Really fun vintage decorations and lots of entertainment available including board games and VHS tapes! Bed was very comfortable and warm.

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"Enjoyed complimentary Eggo waffles and a cup of coffee in the morning! Couldnt get much better than that. Thank you so much! Will be back again soon."

Another added: "One of the best AirBnBs i have stayed in. The touches were icing on the already wonderful cake! Amazing hospitality, communication, and thoughtfulness.

"There is an old tube TV with a shelf of VHS tapes and secrets in the freezer 😉 Definitely something we will try to repeat."

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A castle that was featured in The Crown is available on Airbnb on New Year's Eve.

The home sharing site also had a palace in India that hosted Princess Diana as one of its properties.

You can also hire private islands on Airbnb.

See the original post here:

You can now stay in a Stranger Things-themed Airbnb for 56 a night - The Irish Sun

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The boroughs leading non-profit combatting homelessness stands to play a big role in the mayors new plan to combat the homeless living on the street.

Chief Executive Officer of Project Hospitality the Rev. Dr. Terry Troia said that the plan, titled The Journey Home, could help move Staten Islands long-term street homeless into safe settings as they transition back to housing.

The biggest problem that we have on Staten Island is that we dont have beds," Troia said. There is no shelter for adult street homeless on Staten Island.

Mayor Bill de Blasios plan aims to bring 1,000 Safe Haven transitional beds and 1,000 permanent apartments for homeless New Yorkers to the city, along with improved outreach and services for the long-term street homeless.

Currently on Staten Island, Project Hospitality operates a Safe Haven program on Jersey Street in New Brighton for 30 chronically homeless people, and a supportive apartment building for former homeless people that opened in 2017 on Vanderbilt Avenue.

Troia said the organization is also working on a similar supportive apartment complex with space for more than 40 formerly homeless persons in Port Richmond.

A lot of the folks that are chronically out on the street -- first of all theyre sick, she said.

Theyre bodies are worn out from living on the streets for years and years and years. A lot of them struggle with serious life issues that impair their ability to care for themselves, so they really need some kind of supportive living situation, she said.

MORE SAFE HAVEN BEDS

Long-term street homeless often avoid the traditional shelter system for a variety of reasons, including substance abuse and mental health issues. The Safe Haven beds and the 1,000 planned apartments are considered low-barrier, which means they have few restrictions to access for potential residents.

The Safe Haven beds often have simplified application processes meant to streamline access for potential residents. Troia said the Safe Haven her organization runs often sees residents stay for months at a time, and that there is a need for more in the borough.

Its a home, and it creates that level of safety for them to come in off the streets, she said. We can send all the outreach people in the world onto the streets, but if we dont have a way to bring people in -- were spinning our wheels.

Part of City Halls announcement included a request for input on where the new beds and apartments are needed most. Troia said normally non-profits that provide homeless services bring location ideas to the city.

She said more transitional and permanent housing is what Staten Island needs to get people off the streets.

CITY COUNCIL ACTION

In addition to the mayors new plan, the City Council passed legislation Thursday that will require private developers receiving city funding for housing projects with more than 40 units to allocate 15 percent of the units for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

City Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore) painted the legislation as a bane to all Staten Island developers forcing those getting any sort of subsidy or financial incentive from the city to place a homeless shelter in a residential neighborhood with no other considerations or public input.

The text of the bill specifies that the projects affected be multi-dwellings with no less than 41 new dwelling units offered for rent.

That means, at minimum, each new multi-dwelling permanent housing building with more than 40 units offered for rent that receives city funding will be required to have at least six units available to homeless individuals or families.

At best however, it is an acknowledgement of Mayor de Blasios failed homeless policy and his inability to build shelters through any normal and transparent process, Borelli said.

PROMINENT ISSUE FOR THE MAYOR

The plan announced Tuesday is the latest step de Blasios administration has taken to combat homelessness -- an issue that has risen to prominence during his time in office.

Funding for street homelessness programs in 2013, the year before de Blasio took office, was $45 million. Since he took office, funding for such programs has increased to more than $240 million, according to a release from the mayors office.

Overall, the mayors Turning the Tide initiative launched in 2016 has aimed at reducing the number of homeless both on the street and within the citys shelter system.

According to the Coalition for the Homeless, the number of people in New York City shelters each night has consistently risen since he took office. Their data shows that number has been consistently on the rise since the late 1990s.

Council Minority Leader Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Island) also voted against Thursdays bill, criticizing the citys one-size-fits-all approach to affordable housing.

I am a firm believer that if we want to make housing less expensive, we must make it easier and less expensive to build housing, he said. Set asides for affordable housing should be left to negotiations with local elected officials and the community, not by another one-size-fits-all mandate.

Councilwoman Debi Rose voted in favor of Thursdays bill. She described homelessness as a crisis that the city has been unable to put a dent in. She said discussions with Staten Islanders has shown support for keeping the boroughs residents close to home in permanent housing.

This bill is a good start toward ensuring permanent homes for these individuals and families, she said.

Original post:

Islands top homeless advocate cites benefits of mayors new plan to tackle issue on our streets - SILive.com