Daily Archives: March 18, 2022

Synonymous with paradise, Floridas Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and North Captiva Island offer the ultimate tropical retreat. People are far more familiar with Sanibel and Captiva, but North Captiva, also known as Upper Captiva, was separated from Captiva Island more than a century ago. There are no bridges to this remote-feeling island visitors must take a ferry boat or water taxi from Pine Island. There are also no cars transportation consists of electric golf carts, bikes, and feet.

If you are looking for your own island paradise with your very own private beach, check out our North Captiva Island vacation rentals below. Want to be closer to the action? A Sanibel condo will be more for you. For something in between, try Captiva Island, which is home to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. All three islands offer abundant wildlife, excellent shelling, cool Gulf Coast breezes, brilliant Florida sunshine, soft sandy beaches, fruity tropical drinks, outdoor activities, bike paths, and water toy rentals.

Pack your suitcase and get ready for a memorable island retreat! Heres where to stay in North Captiva Island, Captiva Island, and Sanibel Island.

What could be better than your very own private beach? That's right, an expansive, unobstructed bayside beach lies right outside of this four-bedroom vacation rental and you don't have to share it with anyone else!

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better than gentle waves lapping against the sugar-sand shore as dolphins frolic in the distance, the hosts up the ante with two golf carts, two kayaks, and a personal concierge to greet you.

But, that's not all! This rental also includes access to North Captiva Island Club, which features two pools, a pool bar, hot tubs, tennis courts, a basketball court, fat-tire bikes, and more.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3.5

Sleeps: 10

Minimum Night Stay: Varies

Located on the quiet north end of the island, this two-bedroom vacation rental also comes with a golf cart and access to the North Captiva Island Club amenities. But instead of a private beach, Tarpon Cove comes with a private dock on the Pine Island Sound, where you can fish or launch a kayak. A quick bike or golf cart ride will get you to area beaches as well as the three restaurants that are on the island.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2.5

Sleeps: 6

Minimum Night Stay: 7

Located on Rum Point, the northern tip of North Captiva Island, this vacation rental also boasts its very own pristine, white sandy beach. Scenery includes Cayo Costa Island, sailboats, and wildlife-like pelicans, manatees, and more. A wall of windows allows awesome views of the beach and Captiva Pass. Adjacent to four acres of Federal Wildlife Preserve, the property feels peaceful and secluded. Explore the private, undeveloped land by taking a walk on one of the nature trails.

An Island Club guest membership is also included with this rental, so you can take advantage of amenities as well as free bike and kayak rentals. Unlike the rest of the North Captiva Island vacation rentals listed above, this one does not include a golf cart rental, but you can book one starting at $50 a day.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 4

Sleeps: 8

Minimum Night Stay: 7

While the Gypsy Wind Beach Retreat is not on the beach, it is just 30 steps from the warm inviting waters of the gulf. Surrounded by tropical landscaping, this vacation rental offers more privacy than some oceanfront homes. It also boasts stunning, unobstructed sunset views.

Lounge in the lanai by the pool, unwind in the hot tub, and mix up something tropical in the tiki bar. Other features include an elevator, hammocks, corn hole, foosball, two six-passenger golf carts, two standup paddle boards, and two kayaks each for two people.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 5.5

Sleeps: 14

Minimum Night Stay: 7

Boasting spectacular sea views, this North Captiva Island retreat is just 50 steps from the gulf, with private access to the beach. Jaw-dropping views get more spectacular on each floor, topped off by 360-degree sunrise views on the rooftop. No other homes interrupt this private beachfront lot's vistas. Watch the sunset from the jacuzzi. A six-seater golf cart is included. As with the rest of the North Captiva Island vacation rentals listed here, dockage is available at the Safety Harbor Club wharf for a fee, if you plan on bringing a boat.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 4

Sleeps: 6

Minimum Night Stay: 7

This four-bedroom North Captiva Island vacation rental isn't on the beach, but it is on the water, which is great for boat docking and fishing. It also has a heated pool, cabana bar, and decks on all levels. Watch the sunset and stargaze on the observation deck, which offers amazing views over the state parkland and Safety Harbor. Two golf carts are provided so you can explore the island. Hike, kayak, enjoy adult frozen drinks, do some seashell-searching, float in the pool, and catch fish right off the dock!

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 4.5

Sleeps: 12

Minimum Night Stay: Varies

Boasting 75 feet of private, white-sand gulf beach, this five-bedroom North Captiva vacation rental also features a heated swimming pool and a dock on a private canal. The house offers 360-degree views of the gulf and bay sides of the island, while two large screened-in lanais offer expansive views of the pool and Gulf of Mexico. Ping pong and volleyball equipment are provided as are 12 beach chairs, three umbrellas, four single kayaks, and two standup paddle boards. Paddle to the sandbar, just a third of a mile offshore, for some fabulous shelling!

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 5.5

Sleeps: 12

Minimum Night Stay: Varies

Moving on to Captiva Island, which is connected to Sanibel by a small bridge, this three-bedroom vacation rental is part of the Silver Palms Estate, which is tucked away on the Roosevelt Channel. It does have a private dock the boat lifts are out of service, but it makes for great fishing. Take advantage of the heated pool and enjoy access to Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa, only half a mile away. This place is dog-friendly for an additional fee.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3.5

Sleeps: 9

Minimum Night Stay: 7

This four-bedroom Captiva Island vacation rental boasts beautiful bay views. Take in breathtaking sunrises from the covered lanai, enjoy the pool and hot tub, and fish off the private dock.

Village of Captiva restaurants, rental stores, and retail shops are all within walking distance. A short walk through the village takes you to the beach, where you can experience postcard-worthy Captiva Island sunsets.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 4

Sleeps: 8

Minimum Night Stay: Varies

This four-bedroom Captiva Island vacation home offers private, pristine beachfront with white sand, shells, and sea turtle and dolphin sightings. It also has a huge terrace, pool, and hot tub. A cabana lies between the pool and beach, offering stellar sunset views over the water.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 4

Sleeps: 12

Minimum Night Stay: 7

On the southern end of Captiva, on the island's sought-after Gold Coast, this vacation rental is situated on the bay, directly across from gulf beaches. Watch dolphins, manatees, and birds from the screened lanai or the third-floor observation sun deck. Not only is there a heated pool with a spa, but the island's most beautiful stretch of gulf beaches is just a short stroll away.

Captiva's world-renowned wildlife eco-paradise, Blind Pass, can be reached via the Roosevelt Channel. Explore the waterways by kayak or paddle board off the private dock. Signup for guided mangrove eco-tours at nearby nature centers. Captiva's most famous restaurants and the Sanibel bike path are within close proximity to this five-bedroom bayfront estate.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 6

Sleeps: 10

Minimum Night Stay: 7

Finally, we're in Sanibel! Situated on the popular east end of the island, this two-bedroom condo is on the first floor. Just steps from the beach, it offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf Beach condo complex offers a heated pool and covered parking.

Two bikes are included for tooling around the island. The Sanibel Lighthouse, fishing pier, and many wonderful restaurants and shops are all just a short distance away.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 6

Minimum Night Stay: 7

This luxurious two-bedroom rental offers sweeping viewsof the gulf. Sip your morning coffee on the screened-in lanai and listen to the waves while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as birds and dolphins.

Community amenities include a heated pool and tennis courts. One parking space and a bike rack are provided. Restaurants, grocery stores, and plenty of walking and biking trails can all be found close by.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 6

Minimum Night Stay: 14

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13 Beautiful Sanibel And Captiva Island Vacation Rentals With Amazing Water Views - TravelAwaits

Hayman Es Hayman Island, Whitsundays, Qld 4802

For Sale 4 Beds 4 Baths 2821 SQM

Standing proudly on one of Australias most iconic private islands, the prestigious Hayman Estate designed by world-renowned, award-winning architect Kerry Hill, is simply one of the most exclusive residences on Australias East Coast.

As part of the two year A$135 million refurbishment of Hayman Island Resort, this unbelievable hilltop retreat presents the pinnacle of luxurious island living capturing breathtaking views over the Coral Sea.

You would struggle to find a more impressive location where all the wonders of the Whitsundays Islands are waiting to be explored and the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is at your beck and call.

Crafted to the very highest standard of timeless modern elegance, an immaculate design is both grand and minimalist crafted with sleek lines, solid timber floors, natural stone finishes and premium fixtures and fittings.

An effortlessly free-flowing open plan is the perfect complement to the beauty of the natural surroundings, seamlessly marrying indoor living spaces with peaceful entertaining terraces.

The unrivalled 5-star luxury amenities of next doors InterContinental Hayman Island Resort are also at your disposal including a world-class health spa, 24-hour gym with pilates and yoga, magnificent restaurants and bars and a marina berth for vessels up to 34 metres.

All your desires are catered to whether thats a butler, chef or housekeeper a mere phone call will take care of it. Neither maintenance nor servicing of this tropical residence is a worry, the hotel handles it for you.

Secluded, private and unimaginably luxurious, there isnt another dream island resort like this on Australias East Coast.

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Simply One of the Most Exclusive Residences in the Spectacular Whitsundays - The Market Herald

But even though Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio stood with Greatrex at the podium on Tuesday, local lawmakers are now questioning whether the investment will do much good after what they called years of underinvestment.

Representative Deborah Ruggiero, a Jamestown Democrat who has advocated for broadband access expansion on the island, said that while its commendable Cox is finally upgrading their infrastructure, it didnt seem like enough of an investment.

Get Rhode MapA weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State.

When you break down the $20 million among four communities over three years, it is $1.6 million (per year). How is that not routine maintenance that should have been happening over the past eight to 10 years? If they are really deploying last mile fiber to 35,000 households as they mentioned, the cost would be close to $50 million, said Ruggiero, who leads the House Innovation, Internet, and Technology committee. The numbers dont work, and where exactly are those households?

Rhode Island will receive at least $100 million in federal funding through the Infrastructure & Jobs Act to expand broadband access, and could use millions more from the American Rescue Plan. But Ruggiero said the state should enact a proposal she has introduced for the last several years to create a state council and more effectively advocate for the states broadband needs instead of relying on the a provider like Cox.

Jeff Lavery, a spokesman for Cox, told the Globe on Thursday that the company was disappointed, but not surprised, to see the statements issued by Ruggiero.

Ruggiero has continued to focus on municipal-owned networks that create great risk and vulnerability for taxpayers, he said. Our investment in infrastructure allows for federal and state dollars to be utilized to address broadband adoption and digital equity.

Timothy O. Wilkerson, president of the New England Cable & Telecommunications Association, Inc., said in a statement to the Globe that Ruggiero is committed to an agenda that puts the taxpayers on the hook to develop and maintain municipal owned networks.

What she hasnt explained to the taxpayers of Jamestown is that once the federal broadband money runs out they will be responsible for upgrading and maintaining the system, said Wilkerson, who said New England is littered with municipal-owned networks that have failed and wasted precious public resources.

Do Jamestown residents want to be calling Town Hall when their internet goes out? he asked. Who will restore these municipal systems after a hurricane? How many employees will be required to pay for these duplicative systems?

After learning about Wilkersons comments, Ruggiero shot back: Any municipality considering public-private broadband development would have to due diligence and put pencil to paper to see if the project is viable for the community.

The municipality may own the infrastructure (like a road or a bridge), but a private company (Cox, Comcast, etc.) provides the internet service, she said. Critically, the infrastructure is open access, meaning multiple companies can offer service on it, so customers have choices for internet service.

Obviously, you will not be calling Town Hall if you have an internet problem. You would still call your internet provider, said Ruggiero, who said the community-owned networks that existed three decades ago may not have worked, but now, across the US, there are hundreds of successful public-private partnerships driving municipal broadband projects.

Rhode Island is one of only two states that has not been in this game for the past eight years, she said.

A recent study by Connect Greater Newport found that 40 percent of the populated square miles of Rhode Island meet the federal definition of underserved when it comes to broadband speed. All of the islands are either underserved or have no broadband access at all, said Ruggiero.

Broadband, which is reliable high-speed internet, has download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second, or Mbps, and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps. According to the Federal Communications Commission, broadband can be delivered through multiple technologies, including fiber, fixed wireless, digital subscriber line, or cable.

Over the last decade, about 80 percent of students in Rhode Island needed Internet to complete their homework and 90 percent of job applications were online. Yet nearly 59,000 families in Rhode Island, or more than 14.2 percent of households, were not connected to the Internet and approximately 10 percent of households only had access to a smartphone or data plan.

In 2010, the state used public funding to construct a 48-strand fiberoptic broadband highway that would connect to businesses and homes across the state. Building the last mile connections to customers was left to Cox, which now controls the entire infrastructure.

Representative Terri Cortvriend, a Middletown Democrat, said many of her constituents have complained that their cable and internet bills have seen significant increases over the last few months, despite poor service.

Is this really enough money to address the years of neglect? What I find interesting is Cox is saying, Internally, the company had to wait for the infrastructure to be available for the build-out, said Cortvriend. Are they saying they had to wait for the federal dollars to be available before theyd actually do upgrades on Aquidneck Island?

When pressed on what commitments Cox would make in underserved communities, Ross Nelson, senior vice president and region manager of the Northeast for Cox, told the Globe that he agreed there are disparities, but thats because of a lack of adoption, not availability.

Municipalities, unlike private companies, answer to the taxpayers. Municipalities can also bond over 20 to 30 years to pay for infrastructure so you build an entire community instead of waiting years for the cable company to show up, said Ruggiero.

Lavery, the Cox spokesman, said all Rhode Island taxpayers are at risk when the federal dollars are allocated to constructing redundant infrastructure that cannot possibly be maintained by municipalities once the federal dollars are exhausted.

Wilkerson said his organization will work with the McKee administration and General Assembly to ensure this bad public policy of municipal-owned networks is never developed in Rhode Island.

It is baffling any elected official would be so critical of a nine-figure investment in a states infrastructure, and it sends a terrible message to the business community inside and outside of Rhode Islands borders, said Wilkerson.

Representative Lauren H. Carson, a Newport Democrat, said after hearing about poor quality internet service and rising costs over the last five years, its time that there was competition on Aquidneck Island.

While Cox is finally recognizing the concerns after years of neglect, these new plans for improving service fall woefully short of actually relieving costs and providing any competition on the island, said Carson. Its really a PR smokescreen.

Alexa Gagosz can be reached at alexa.gagosz@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @alexagagosz and on Instagram @AlexaGagosz.

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Aquidneck Island lawmakers call Coxs broadband investment in R.I. a PR stunt after years of neglect - The Boston Globe

MEXICO The Islas Marias has a scary past for boaters. Recreational boaters in the past reported being shot at when they strayed too close to the Islas Marias prison colony. Or they were politely escorted outside the prisons 20-mile no-go perimeter by Mexican Navy patrol boats bristling with armed guards.

But in 2019 the federal government removed the last 16 prisoners and closed the 114-year-old prison on Isla Maria Madre, the largest in the four-island chain which lies about 55 nautical miles off the state of Nayarit.

At first the government renovated the prison buildings into a small environmental-education camp that hosted small groups of university students for about a year. The other three islands that had remained untouched for nearly a century were designated as a Natural Protected Area (ANP) with the nature of a biosphere reserve, and Isla Maria Madre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Now, starting in April 2022, Mexicos federal tourism and environmental departments (SecTur and SEMARNAT) are planning to open only parts of Isla Maria Madre as a fledgling nature park, one step at a time.

Mother Maria Island will host no more criminals serving time, just smiling tourists arriving aboard small excursion vessels at Puerto San Balleto, an open bay on the northeast side of Isla Maria Madre where the new Visitor Center complex has been built.

The parks Environmental and Cultural Education Center will contain an outdoor sports area called Muros de Agua Jose Revueltas, referring to the islands walls of water that prevented prisoner escape. Many prisoners had lived in semi liberty, confined to the island only by shark infested waters and strong currents.

To begin this new endeavor, a limited number of day-trip tourists, called excursionistas, will be ferried out no more than three times a week from Puerto Vallarta, San Blas and Mazatlan, according to Jorge Chavez of the Mexico Daily News.

This plan to limit the number of visitors on the island is intended to limit their impact on the natural environment. Last year, several Mexican Navy vessels were planned to ferry all registered visitors out and back, but this year private excursion boats are planned with Navy escorts. Details for purchasing tickets have not been released.

After disembarking at the Visitor Center, tourists will be able to hike the newly groomed trails over Maria Madres mountainous terrain, take photos of the pristine flora and fauna, and relax in the Muros de Agua Visitor Center.

But tourists will need to bring their own food and water and because the island has no overnight facilities, all tourists must embark and depart the island before sunset.

The amount of time visitors will be able to spend on the island has not yet been released, but it must be limited by the speed of whatever vessels are being planned to ferry them there and back. From Mazatlan, Isla Maria Madre lies about 93 nautical miles southwest. From San Blas its about 72 nautical miles west, and from Puerto Vallarta municipal harbor, the voyage to Isla Maria Madre is about 96 nautical miles northwest.

Recreational boaters who wish to enter any of Mexicos 183 existing ANPs normally must buy an annual Conservation Passport from CONANP for $80.

But details have not yet been released from CONANP or SecTur about how and when individual recreational boaters aboard their own boats can visit this brand new ANP and the Visitor Center and nature park on Isla Maria Madre, or if and when individual recreational boaters will be allowed to anchor to rest, fish or dive at other suitable locations along this gorgeous 26-mile long chain of islands.

Return here for details when available.

MAP: The Islas Marias chain of islands are no longer a forbidden prison colony; theyre a newly minted Natural Protected Area, and the new Visitor Center on Isla Maria Madre is scheduled to open in April. [map courtesy Mexico Boating Guide]

PHOTO 1: Tourists will arrive at Puerto Balleto on Isla Maria Madre to explore Mexicos newest ANP nature park, hike trails, photograph the pristine flora and fauna, then disembark before sunset. [photo courtesy Mexico Daily News]

PHOTO 2: Visitors to Isla Maria Madre will start at the Visitor Centers new complex called Muros de Agua Jose Revueltas, referring to the islands walls of water that had prevented prisoner escape for more than a century. [photo courtesy Mexico Daily News]

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Former Prison Island to Open for Tourists in April The Log - The Log Newspaper

As the sun sets over the Southern Ocean, dozens of baby penguins emerge from the sea then return home to their nests in the dunes.

The Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, is one of Australias most loved island experiences. But its not all that Phillip Island has to offer.

At Nobbies Centre there are fine views of fur seals battling on the rocks, while the Koala Conservation Reserve offers the chance to walk through the bush and spot koalas in their native habitat.

Throw in wineries, a chocolate factory, winter whale-watching tours and coastal walks along dramatic clifftops, and Phillip Island is a fun-filled all-rounder of an island escape.

But its by no means the only all-action island break near one of Australias big cities. Car-free Rottnest Island near Perth is famous for its adorable quokkas, but you can also cycle round and go swimming at several dazzling Indian Ocean beaches.

North-west of Perth is Christmas Island, a tropical paradise famous for its large numbers of bright red land crabs. With the island covered by a large, lush national park of rainforests and secret swimming spots, hidden beaches and undersea coral reefs, youll quickly be transported to a whole other world. The secluded, eco-friendly and luxurious Swell Lodge is a perfect place to stay.

From Brisbane, Moreton Island offers quad-biking in the dunes, snorkelling between shipwrecks and hand-feeding wild dolphins.

Near Hobart in Tasmania, Bruny Islands strength is its relatively untouched feel. Bruny Island Cruises shows off the rugged coastline of sea caves and seals, while on land several excellent walking tracks head through gullies and eucalypt forest before emerging for magnificent views atop the towering cliffs.

Bruny Islands small but quietly industrious population throws itself into making top-drawer local produce. Post walk, its tempting to take on an indulgent tasting tour, sampling the cheeses, whisky, chocolates and wines made by the islanders.

Kangaroo Island, eight miles off the coast of South Australia, is another that throws itself whole-heartedly into treat-making. Olives, organic honey and oysters can be washed down with carefully-crafted gins from Kangaroo Island Spirits or a zesty sauvignon blanc from Dudley Wines.

But nature is king. The Flinders Chase National Park on the western side of Kangaroo Island is particularly rewarding. Here, the Remarkable Rocks have a distinctive orange colour, while the two-hour Platypus Water Holes Walk offers one of the best opportunities in Australia for seeing the notoriously elusive platypus.

Elsewhere on the island, Seal Bay Conservation Park sees you sharing the beach with dozens of comical Australian sea lions.

Should you prefer an idyllic Pacific island vibe, then Lord Howe Island lies off the New South Wales coast, happily alone in the Tasman Sea. Only 400 visitors are allowed at any one time, although theyll have to share the dreamy turquoise lagoons with the turtles. Tropical and subtropical species meet here, making for an aquatic wonderland for anyone donning masks and fins.

Lord Howe is a barefoot kind of place, although you might want something sturdier while tackling the hike through the forest up to the top of Mount Gower.

For a Robinson Crusoe-esque experience on a practically untouched island, visit the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory, based in the Timor Sea about 80km north of Darwin. Visitors can reach the islands by seaplane in just under 30 minutes and can spend their time seeing the indigenous art and wildlife or relaxing on the beaches. Tiwi Island Retreat is a great boutique place to stay and will ensure a pristine remote island holiday, with rooms inspired by nature and a gorgeous waterfront pool.

Australias biggest collection of tropical islands is along the Great Barrier Reef. In the Whitsundays region, some of them are preserved as national parks. Others are holiday resorts, or prime targets for day-trippers wanting white sand beaches.

The pattern continues further north along the Reef. Green and Fitzroy Islands are easy day hops from Cairns. Hinchinbrook Island is kept green, wild and adored by walkers. And Orpheus Island, a 30-minute helicopter ride from Townsville, is a byword for luxurious tropical exclusivity. The 14-room Orpheus Island Lodge and the entire island can be booked for private use.

Aquatic adventurers will find the Giant Clam Garden and Museum of Underwater Art close by, while guests can also take chef-prepared picnics with them as they sail a motorised dinghy to the beaches of the surrounding islands.

In Australia, you can even have an island escape during your island escape.

Now's not the time to go small. Go big and discover ancient places, welcoming faces and vast open spaces. If you're ready for a big holiday, we're ready to say g'day.

Plan your trip atAustralia.com

Find yourself in Australia and say g'day to an incredible holiday with Trailfinders, the UK's No.1 tour operator Down Under.Trailfindersmulti award-winning consultants have travelled extensively around Australia and they are on hand to help you plan your holiday to perfection.

Now more than ever it is imperative you have a helping hand and a tour operator you can trust to organise your travels. Trailfinders pays for all your holiday, leaving your money in Trust until your travels are complete, so uniquely you will receive a same day refund if your plans are cancelled.

With over 22,500 5 reviews on Trustpilot, trust Trailfinders as no one looks after you, your holiday or your money better.

For more inspiration visit,trailfinders.com/holidays/australia

Read more from the original source:

Escape to Australia's best islands to visit - The Telegraph