Daily Archives: May 23, 2022

GSTHR Releases Tobacco Harm Reduction Briefing Paper in Twelve Languages – Vaping Post

Posted: May 23, 2022 at 11:51 am

Consumers find nicotine vaping products attractive and are switching to using them in increasing numbers worldwide.

Discussing the findings, GSTHR data scientist Tomasz Jerzyski highlighted the increased vaping rates in specific regions. As well as the substantial growth in the number of vapers globally, our research shows there has been rapid uptake of nicotine vaping products in some countries in Europe and in North America. This increase is particularly significant, because in most markets, these products have been available for only a decade.

The report revealed that the largest vape market is the US at $10.3 billion, followed by Western Europe ($6.6 billion), Asia Pacific ($4.4 billion) and Eastern Europe ($1.6 billion). Addressing the importance of this research, KAC Director and Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London, Professor Gerry Stimson, said that when taking into account all the propaganda and efforts against vaping, these figures are very encouraging.

As this updated data from the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction shows, consumers find nicotine vaping products attractive and are switching to using them in increasing numbers worldwide. This is in spite of prohibitive policies in many countries who follow the World Health Organizations anti-scientific stance against tobacco harm reduction, thanks to Michael Bloombergs billions and his personal zeal for a war on nicotine.

In England, where the Briefing Paper was launched last week, tobacco harm reduction has been playing a key role in decreasing smoking rates, can could be significant in the country achieving its smoke-free ambition. Vapes are the most popular way to stop smoking,[3] with 3.6 million people vaping in Great Britain, of whom 2.4 million have completely quit combustible cigarettes.[4] But tobacco is still the single largest cause of preventable mortality in England with nearly 75,000 smokers dying from smoking in 2019 [5] and figures show nearly one in 10 pregnant women are smoking at the time of delivery, reads a KAC press release.

Director of KAC and Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London, Professor Gerry Stimson, added that by including the widest range of tobacco harm reduction products possible, ending smoking is made possible. An end to smoking is possible but the widest range of harm reduction products, from nicotine vapes and heated tobacco products to non-tobacco nicotine pouches and Swedish-style snus, should be available, accessible, appropriate and affordable to all. Strong government support is also needed to ensure access for marginal and vulnerable groups. The gains will be evident in the lives saved and the communities protected. Crucially, tobacco harm reduction is an extremely low cost yet effective strategy a rare example of a health intervention that doesnt require significant government expenditure, as consumers bear the cost. An end to smoking is possible and tobacco harm reduction is the key.

New GSTHR Report: Fighting The Last War: The WHO and International Tobacco Control

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GSTHR Releases Tobacco Harm Reduction Briefing Paper in Twelve Languages - Vaping Post

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Smokers who shift to vaping may improve other health measures – NorthcentralPa.com

Posted: at 11:51 am

Story Highlights

Over one third of smokers in their 30s took up vaping after e-cigarettes became available.

Vaping, relative to combustible smoking, was associated with better health and wellbeing.

Smokers who opt to vape may have more opportunities for healthy engagement.

These opportunities can promote healthier aging among nicotine users approaching midlife.

HealthDay News -- Replacing combustible cigarettes with vaping in one's 30s may be associated with key markers of healthy and successful aging, according to a study published in the May issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Rick Kosterman, Ph.D., from University of Washington in Seattle, and colleagues used data from the Seattle Social Development Project to identify 156 individuals who used combustible cigarettes (smoked) at age 30 years and smoked or vaped at age 39 years.

The researchers found that among individuals who were smokers at age 30 years, more than one-third (36 percent) adopted vaping some or all of the time by age 39 years. Higher relative vaping frequency was related to four of nine measures of health and functioning when accounting for prior behaviors at age 30 years, including significantly more exercise, more constructive engagement, better physical health, and higher socioeconomic status at age 39 years.

"Although the study cannot show a causal relationship, we think that because e-cigarettes have less stigma, less odor, and are less physically harmful, they may increase health-promoting opportunities among smokers," Kosterman said in a statement. "E-cigarette users may be more likely to be in settings that promote physical activity and have more opportunities to interact with nonsmokers."

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Top dinner party faux pas include smoking or vaping indoors or using phone at the table – The Mirror

Posted: at 11:51 am

Dinner parties are fun - but there are a number of social rules that both guests and hosts must adhere to, including considering dietary requirements

Image: Vince Talotta/Getty Images)

The ultimate dinner party faux pas include using a mobile at the table, discussing your sex life, and vaping.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the top 40 things you shouldnt do at a social dinner with vaping or smoking indoors coming top.

Serving burnt and uncooked food, and picking bits out of your teeth at the table, also featured in the list.

When it comes to alcohol, drinking too much came in at number 13, while spilling red wine on a light-coloured carpet or furniture took eleventh place.

It also emerged three in ten adults have made a faux pas at a dinner party or social occasion, while 40% have witnessed others do so.

More than a fifth have spilt food and drink, while nearly one in five (19%) turned up late, and 18% have called someone by the wrong name.

Those polled also offered their tips for hosting including turning the TV off, asking about dietary requirements beforehand, and having a well-stocked drinks cabinet.

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Courtney Field, spokeswoman for Onken yogurt, which commissioned the research to launch the Natural Set Supper Club, said: "We know that when faced with the task of hosting dinner parties some people thrive, cooking up multiple courses, and others need more of a helping hand.

"The list of faux pas shows all that can go wrong at a dinner party, either accidentally or purposefully from spilling food and drink, criticising the host and their cooking skills, or taking a phone call at the table.

"Hosting can be stressful, and there are naturally some elements that will be out of your control, but when you boil it down, there are two ingredients to a successful dinner party good food and good company."

The study also revealed the top reasons people have left dinner parties early including being offended by another diner, feeling sick from the food or alcohol, and disagreeing with others on the likes of politics.

And one in ten have even been embarrassed by their other half at a social occasion.

Almost two-thirds (63%) prefer dinner parties to be informal, with many enjoying board or card games (31%), cocktail making (19%) and charades (18%) while there.

But 44% claimed the rise of living costs means theyre now more likely to host dinner at home than eat out.

The perfect occasion would include three courses with roast chicken the most popular dish with a start time of 18:54pm, and finished by 11pm.

Other meals people like to see at dinner parties included curry, risotto and beef wellington, while hosts are most likely to cook Italian, Chinese and Indian cuisines.

The go-to topics of conversation around the table were found to be upcoming or past holidays, food and drink, and TV shows and films.

And of those polled, via OnePoll, four in ten admitted its less enjoyable being a host than a guest, because they cant relax.

Courtney Field added: "After the past few years, there is nothing better than getting family and friends back together for some delicious food.

"Our new Natural Set Supper Club hopes to take the hassle out of hosting, and build people's confidence in the kitchen."

TOP 40 DINNER PARTY FAUX PAS:

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Top dinner party faux pas include smoking or vaping indoors or using phone at the table - The Mirror

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5 Benefits of Vaporizing Herbs To Make You Switch | vapingpost.com – Vaping Post

Posted: at 11:51 am

Interested in growing cannabis but worried about the difficulty and potential health risks? Get yourself some easy-to-grow cannabis seeds for newbies and a vaporizer, and you cant go wrong.

Before getting into the benefits of vaporizing herbs, take a look at how vaporizing works with cannabis.

THC, CBD, and various terpenes are important compounds in cannabis plants. These compounds need to enter the bloodstream for them to take effect. People do this differently, but historically, smoking has been the most common consumption method.

Traditional smoking represents the fastest way of getting the active ingredients in cannabis into your system. Burning the plant matter activates THC and terpenes quickly, which you then inhale with the smoke.

Once in the lungs, these active compounds rapidly absorb into the bloodstream, with effects appearing almost instantaneously.

While not as harmful as tobacco, smoking marijuana still poses a risk to your health. One of the main benefits of vaping weed is that its much healthier for you.

Vaporizers work on the same principle as traditional smoking. The idea is to apply heat to cannabis to release its active ingredients. The main difference in vaping buds is the temperatures applied.

Burning cannabis in a bowl, bong, or joint produces temperatures of up to 2000F while vaping temperatures range from 325430F.

With regular smoking, these high temperatures mean much of the cannabinoid and terpene content burns away before it gets to you.

Vaping applies just enough heat to the cannabis to release its active ingredients without reaching the point of combustion. The desired cannabinoids and terpenes are delivered through the vapor, leaving behind the unwanted plant matter.

While the main draw of vaping is health, vaping weed benefits you in several other ways. Read on and learn why more people are switching out their ashtrays and lighters for vaporizers.

Below are five of the top benefits of vaporizing herbs.

Consuming cannabis without the risks associated with smoking is one of the most important benefits of vaporizing herbs.

In stark contrast to smoking, vaping produces a highly pure stream of vaporized cannabinoids and terpenes. Research shows that vapor contains less than 0.001% of the harmful substances found in combusted cannabis.

One of the benefits of vaporizing herbs is the disappearance of unpleasant side effects produced by smoking. Coughing and respiratory irritation are eliminated, making for a much more pleasurable experience.

If you want the purest vaping experience, stick to dry herb vaporizers. The benefit of a dry herb vaporizer is that it contains only cannabis buds. Vaping this way eliminates the need for additives, providing an unadulterated, non-harmful dose.

Some of of the best benefits of vaporizing herbs include improved effects and a cleaner, brighter high. Smoking destroys 63% of cannabinoids, as temperatures are far above the boiling point of 220F for THCa, and 356F for CBD.

Vaping weed benefits your buzz by delivering far more cannabinoids from the same amount of buds. Research shows that blood THC levels of vape users are almost twice as high as levels found in traditional smokers.

The benefit of vaporizing herb is a more powerful, longer-lasting high with the added bonus of secondary effects from terpenes.

Its not just potency thats lost with regular smoking, but flavors. Cannabis contains a range of flavor-enhancing terpenes, most of which are destroyed when combusted.

If youre a flavor connoisseur, one of the benefits of vaporizing your herbs is a better-tasting experience. Vaping your favorite strains and rediscovering the subtleties in their flavor profiles is one of the most enjoyable aspects of vaping.

The boiling point of terpenes differs, but they evaporate between 310495F. One of the benefits of vaping weed is that terpenes are released intact, delivering every flavor molecule possible.

If youd rather keep your cannabis consumption private, vaping weed benefits you by being more discreet.

Vaping produces a far less noticeable smell, and what it does create dissipates quickly and wont cling to your hair or clothes. No smoke or ash leaves you smelling clean and fresh.

Theres also no need for pockets filled with lighters and other paraphernalia, giving you fewer things to worry about forgetting.

Oil-based vape pens are portable and easy to conceal. One of the best benefits of vaporizing your herbs is being able to take your bud on the move without worry.

One of the major advantages of vaping is its efficiency as a delivery method. Vaping only heats your herb when you want. Light a pipe or joint, and it burns away cannabinoids whether you inhale them or not.

On top of being more efficient, vaping weed benefits you in another way. Buds vaped at lower temperatures still contain significant amounts of cannabinoids.

This already vaped bud (AVB) is perfect for making homemade edibles. Use it to make cannabutter for use in future recipes, or consume it directly in a firecracker edible or similarly simple snack.

Once you start vaping weed, the benefits to your pocket quickly become clear. With less wasted cannabinoids in every puff, your stash goes that much further.

Switching from smoking to vaping weed benefits you immensely in the long run. Youll be healthier, wealthier, and enjoy more potent, better-tasting buds once you take the plunge.

If youve already made the switch, share this with your friends still on the fence about the benefits of vaping weed.

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5 Benefits of Vaporizing Herbs To Make You Switch | vapingpost.com - Vaping Post

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Pennsylvania teen drug deaths are down but officials warn that could change – 90.5 WESA

Posted: at 11:51 am

A recent research paper published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that deadly drug overdose rates in American adolescents nearly doubled from 2019 to 2020, and the studys authors appear to link the rise in fatalities to the contamination of the illicit drug supply.

But according to Pennsylvanias Secretary of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Jen Smith, while overall overdose deaths have risen in the commonwealth, teen overdose deaths havent increased in the state.

Smith added that recent survey data collected as part of the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) shows that drug use among adolescents has decreased.

But Smith said they need to be cautious about their optimism because they wont see the real effects of the pandemic on young people for another few years.

I think that its very likely there has been trauma and/or increases in mental illness, which we know for certain tends to contribute to the risk for substance use down the road, said Smith.

Smith said Pennsylvania has seen an increase in the use of fentanyl in illicit substances, and warned that theres a misconception that its only in heroin.

She pointed out that in Pennsylvania and many other states, fentanyl is now being found in cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and in some cases, vaping devices.

So I think it is really important for youth and for parents of youth to recognize that it is very possible that any substance that youth expose themselves to could contain fentanyl, and any amount of fentanyl is very dangerous, Smith said.

Even small amounts of fentanyl can be deadly, she said.

Electronic Cigarette and Vaping Market to Witness Growth Acceleration | JUUL, Vuse, MarkTen The Daily Vale – The Daily Vale

Posted: at 11:51 am

Electronic Cigarette and Vaping Market research is an intelligence report with meticulous efforts undertaken to study the right and valuable information. The data which has been looked upon is done considering both, the existing top players and the upcoming competitors. Business strategies of the key players and the new entering market industries are studied in detail. Well explained SWOT analysis, revenue share and contact information are shared in this report analysis. It also provides market information in terms of development and its capacities.

Electronic Cigarette and Vaping Market is growing at a High CAGR during the forecast period 2022-2029. The increasing interest of the individuals in this industry is that the major reason for the expansion of this market.

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Some of the Top companies Influencing in this Market includes:

JUUL, Vuse, MarkTen, Blu, Logic, SR Vapes, Comp Lyfe, RNV Designs, Timesvape

Various factors are responsible for the markets growth trajectory, which are studied at length in the report. In addition, the report lists down the restraints that are posing threat to the global Electronic Cigarette and Vaping market. It also gauges the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, threat from new entrants and product substitute, and the degree of competition prevailing in the market. The influence of the latest government guidelines is also analysed in detail in the report. It studies the Electronic Cigarette and Vaping markets trajectory between forecast periods.

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The cost analysis of the Global Electronic Cigarette and Vaping Market has been performed while keeping in view manufacturing expenses, labor cost, and raw materials and their market concentration rate, suppliers, and price trend. Other factors such as Supply chain, downstream buyers, and sourcing strategy have been assessed to provide a complete and in-depth view of the market. Buyers of the report will also be exposed to a study on market positioning with factors such as target client, brand strategy, and price strategy taken into consideration.

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Research Cognizance is an India-based market research Company, registered in Pune. Research Cognizance aims to provide meticulously researched insights into the market. We offer high-quality consulting services to our clients and help them understand prevailing market opportunities. Our database presents ample statistics and thoroughly analyzed explanations at an affordable price.

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Electronic Cigarette and Vaping Market to Witness Growth Acceleration | JUUL, Vuse, MarkTen The Daily Vale - The Daily Vale

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Matangi Private Island, Fiji: The tropical tree house island you need to visit – Stuff

Posted: at 11:49 am

There is a magical little island in the Pacific I can almost guarantee you've never heard of. It has an idyllic resort, with tree houses in the jungle, overlooking sapphire waters. It's also home to an enormous secret cove, known as Horseshoe Bay so beautiful its been named one of the top 1000 places to see in the world.

If you're looking for a luxurious holiday away from the crowds, come with me on a journey to Fiji's remote Matangi Private Island.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

Matangi Private Island is worth the journey.

Getting to this slice of paradise is quite the adventure. Most of us have heard of Fiji's two main islands: Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. But let me introduce you to the country's third-largest, Taveuni.

It's known as Fiji's Garden Island because of its Jurassic-like hinterland, and it's a spectacular 90-minute flight from Nadi to reach it.

READ MORE:* Fiji: The golden chain of islands that Kiwis can soon visit* Vomo Fiji: Inside the private island waiting for Kiwis* Marriott Momi Bay: Fijis new adults-only overwater escape

Brook Sabin/Stuff

The island has three tree houses and nine bures.

Once there, you'll be whisked from the airport to a boat, where you'll be taken to a 240-acre private island sitting off Taveuni.

Fiji has 332 islands and you know right away that you've picked a pretty special one to visit.

The island has been in family ownership since 1878, and it was farmed as a coconut plantation until 1986. Since then, a decision was made to transform it into a spectacular retreat.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

The tree house is the most luxurious option on the island.

There are just 12 rooms on the island, with three different room types to pick from. But take it from me: if you don't book the tree houses, you'll almost instantly regret it when you arrive.

These magnificent rooms are surrounded by lush forest, with a grand four-post bed, sun deck, jacuzzi and outdoor "lava rock" shower. You also get ocean views from your deck.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

Each tree house has a private Jacuzzi.

The island has everything you'd expect from a luxury hotel, such as an impressive pool and luxury loungers dotted among the coconut trees. You can also go kayaking and paddleboarding.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

You can have a massage in an overwater spa.

But the standout highlight is the overwater spa, where you can indulge in a couple's massage before having a drink out on the deck.

The hotel has an excellent "Vale-Ni-Kana" restaurant next to the beach, emphasising local delicacies, such as fresh fish, coconut and tapioca. Menus include lobster, tuna and Fijian creme brulee with caramelised coconut.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

The island is famous for Horseshoe Bay.

The island is home to Horseshoe Bay, a magnificent cove named in the popular book "1000 Places to See Before You Die".

The bay is reached by boat, and a couple can book the entire place to themselves. You'll be dropped off with a picnic at the main beach, which is home to a small hut and hammocks. From there you can explore the beach and snorkel.

The tree houses and service. Both are some of the best youll find in the Pacific.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

With just 12 rooms, the island is never crowded.

Don't make the mistake we did and only stay for a single night. It's quite a trip to get there, so make sure to enjoy a few days.

If your budget is under pressure, book one night in the tree house, and the others in the cheaper bures. The resort also offers a number of specials for longer stays.

The perfect place to celebrate something significant like a honeymoon or anniversary.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

Make sure you stay a few days to enjoy the solitude.

Getting to Fiji: Fiji Airways has regular flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to Nadi. See: fijiairways.com

Getting to Matangi: Fiji Airways has daily flights from Nadi to Taveuni, and several flights a week from Suva to Taveuni. Transfers from Taveuni Airport to the island cost US$150 (NZ$234) per person, plus taxes.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

There are lots of places to snorkel straight off the beach.

Staying there: Oceanview Bures at Matangi Private Island starts from NZ$1350 per couple per night, including all meals, non-motorised sports and cultural activities. Tree houses start from around NZ$1786. See: matangiisland.com

Border rules: Travel rules change often, so you must check fiji.travel for the latest Fiji entry requirements, and covid19.govt.nz for the latest requirements when returning home.

The writer travelled to Fiji before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic courtesy of Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways. This story was produced as a part of an editorial partnership with Tourism Fiji. Read more about our partnership content here.

Matangi Private Island, Fiji: The tropical tree house island you need to visit - Stuff

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Marriott and Red Sea Development Company To Bring the First Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the Middle East – Hospitality Net

Posted: at 11:49 am

Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with The Red Sea Development Company to debut its distinguished Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand off the west coast of Saudi Arabia. Slated to debut in 2023, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is expected to form part of the eagerly anticipated Red Sea destination and offer a highly personalized leisure experience that blends intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and indigenous design. Nujuma will be the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide.

Nujuma will be situated on a pristine set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea's Blue Hole cluster of islands. Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort is expected to feature 63 one to four bedroom water and beach villas. Plans also include a range of luxurious amenities and exceptional services including a lavish spa, swimming pools, multiple culinary venues, a retail area and a variety of other leisure and entertainment offerings including a Conservation Center.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a complete escape to the unexpected: a private and transformative travel experience that is centered around human connection and brings together unique elements of the local culture, heritage and environment. For the most discerning travelers seeking a distinct and luxurious escape, Reserve properties are tucked away in handpicked corners of the world, featuring chic, relaxed and intimate settings that weave indigenous flavors with highly responsive and individualized service. Current Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are located in Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

The destination is also expected to include 18 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences, offering owners a one-of-a-kind living experience.

The Red Sea Project is an ambitious regenerative tourism project, covering 28,000 square kilometers on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, of which less than one percent will be developed. The destination is expected to offer a new type of barefoot luxury experience and is being developed with the highest standards of sustainability. The development features an archipelago of more than 90 untouched natural islands, as well as dormant volcanoes, sweeping desert dunes, mountains and wadis, and more than 1,600 cultural heritage sites.

Hotel website

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveBlue Hole cluster of islands, Saudi Arabia

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Marriott and Red Sea Development Company To Bring the First Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the Middle East - Hospitality Net

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MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY TO BRING THE FIRST RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE TO THE MIDDLE EAST USA – English -…

Posted: at 11:49 am

Part of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea destination, this Private Sanctuary will Deliver Transformative and Immersive Guest Experiences

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with The Red Sea Development Company to debut its distinguished Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand off the west coast of Saudi Arabia. Slated to debut in 2023, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve,is expected to form part of the eagerly anticipated Red Sea destination andoffer a highly personalized leisure experience that blends intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and indigenous design. Nujumawill be the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide.

"We are thrilled to bring our most luxurious brand, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and its exemplary experience to the Middle East. Perfectly situated on one of the most anticipated regenerative tourism projects in the world, the resort will blend seclusion and sophistication to provide a highly personalized luxury escape,"saidJerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

Nujuma will be situated on a pristine set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea's Blue Hole cluster of islands. Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designedto blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort is expected to feature 63 one to four bedroom water and beach villas. Plans also include a range of luxurious amenities and exceptional services including a lavish spa, swimming pools, multiple culinary venues, a retail area and a variety of other leisure and entertainment offerings including a Conservation Center.

The destination is also expected to include 18 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences, offering owners a one-of-a-kind living experience.

"I am excited to welcome Ritz-Carlton Reserve into the fold of our luxury collection of brands for The Red Sea," said John Pagano, CEO at The Red Sea Development Company. "Around the world, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are synonymous with providing unique luxury experiences and creating personalized meaningful escapes, underpinned by a commitment to sustainable practices. As we inch closer to opening our first resorts early next year, this world-class brand is sure to excite and entice future guests."

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit http://www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About The Red Sea Development Company

The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC - http://www.theredsea.sa) is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. TRSDC was established to drive the development of The Red Sea Project, a luxury, regenerative tourism destination that will set new standards in sustainable developmentand position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.

The project is being developed over 28,000 km2 of pristine lands and waters along Saudi Arabia's west coast and includes a vast archipelago of more than 90 pristine islands. The destination also features sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons, dormant volcanoes, and ancient cultural and heritage sites. It is designed to include hotels, residential properties, leisure, commercial and entertainment amenities, as well as supporting infrastructure that emphasizes renewable energy and water conservation and re-use, as well as a circular waste management system to achieve zero waste to landfill.

Activity for the first phaseof development is well underway and is on track to be completed by the end of 2023. The project has surpassed significant milestones, with over 800 contracts signed to date, worth in excess SAR 20 bn ($5.33bn).

The 100-hectare Landscape Nursery, which will provide more than 25 million plants for The Red Sea Project and AMAALA, is now fully operational. There are more than 15,000 workers currently on-site and 80km of new roads are now complete. The Construction Village and the Waste Management Centre are both fully operational and development is progressing well at the Coastal Village, which will be home to around 14,000 people who will eventually work at the destination.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

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MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY TO BRING THE FIRST RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE TO THE MIDDLE EAST USA - English -...

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Escape the Crowds on These Quieter Greek Islands – Travel + Leisure

Posted: at 11:49 am

An Englishman,a Romanian, and a Maltese walk into a bar. This is not the start of a bad joke; it's the start of a typical summer evening in Hermoupolis, the stately capital of Syros and all of the Cyclades islands. Sea and skyline blush hot pink as dusk settles over the rooftop bar-restaurant of the Aristide, a hotel in the aristocratic Vaporia neighborhood. The Englishman, a documentary filmmaker, has a summer house next door. The Romanian woman runs a yachting business on the island, and the Maltese gentleman works for the European Parliament but returns to Syros every summer. Aside from a shared love of this idiosyncratic island, what brought them together is their hostess, Oana Aristide.

With her tumbling curls and amusing banter, Oana is not your typical hotelier. Since moving to Syros on a wing and a prayer (she and her family had to take out a hefty loan to finance their fledgling hotel), she has come to know everyone and everything worth knowing on the island. There's the optician whose ancestral home has a frescoed ballroom and candlelit chandeliers, the doctor with peacocks and an outdoor cinema on his rambling estate, and the real estate agent who, like many locals, is also an accomplished musician.

From left: Tinos, one of the Hotel Aristide's nine suites; looking down into the hotel's courtyard garden. | Credit: Marco Arguello

"During the 1800s, Syros was the wealthiest place in Greece, and the architecture shows it," Oana told me. "It's not a beach or party island. It's an island of culture." With a lively year-round scene bolstered by a community of civil servants and university students, tourism has never been more than a sideline. There was a plan to build an international airport, but it's said that the people of Syros deliberately made the runway too short so charter flights couldn't land. "This could be an urban myth," Oana said, "but it's plausible."

"During the 1800s, Syros was the wealthiest place in Greece, and the architecture shows it. It's not a beach or party island. It's an island of culture."

Although nowhere near as busy as the neighboring islands of Mykonos and Pros, Syros is beginning to attract travelers looking for authentic alternatives to overtouristed destinations. In 2019, Greece welcomed a record 34 million visitors, but like everywhere else, tourism took a massive hit during the pandemic (numbers fell to around 7 million in 2020). Predictions are buoyant for 2022, with developers racing to meet increased demand. Half a dozen new hotels are opening this summer on Santorini alone, including Greece's first Nobu hotel, a 59-room Hyatt, and a Radisson Blu resort. The W chain is soon to have its Greek debut as part of a collection of high-end resorts in the Peloponnese, and will be joined by a Mandarin Oriental in 2023.

From left: Afternoon sun in room No. 1904 at 1900 Hotel; moody blues in a guest room. | Credit: Marco Arguello

But look beyond these international brands and you'll find that the lesser-known islands are peppered with small, soulful properties that offer a far more personal experience. Last summer, I visited three such hotels on three very different islands: the Aristide on Syros; the Rooster, a low-impact retreat on Antiparos; and 1900 Hotel, a four-room hideaway on far-flung Symi. While each property has its own distinctive personality and backstory, all three are embedded in the landscape and the community, and all are run by first-time hoteliers driven more by passion than by profit. Because the owners are involved in every aspect of operations and have spent years getting to know the destination, each hotel made me feel like I was a special guest, rather than just another room number.

It takes chutzpahto open a hotel during a pandemic. When the hotel is in a historic neighborhood on a small Greek island and you have zero experience in hospitality, some might call it madness. But that's exactly what sisters Oana and Jasmin Aristide did. "We fell in love with Syros and wanted to buy a modest holiday home," Oana said. "But the moment we saw this house, our plans changed. I suppose we were the only people nave enough to take it on." It took four years, and a deep dive into the vagaries of Greek bureaucracy, to transform the abandoned Neoclassical palazzo into the nine-suite Hotel Aristide.

From left: Original tile work in the Kirki Suite at Hotel Aristide; classical-style dcor in the Levadia Suite. | Credit: Marco Arguello

Soft-spoken but unstoppable, Oana quit a career as an economist in London to manage the project; to help fund it, her sister, Jasmin, spent long months working as a substitute doctor in the Swedish Arctic. With Greek ancestry, Romanian-Yemeni parentage, and an upbringing that took them from Transylvania to Sweden as refugees, the Aristide sisters are as cosmopolitan as their adopted island.

Almost half the population of Syros is Catholic, a legacy of the three-century Venetian occupation that began in the Middle Ages. During the Greek War of Independence (182132), the shrewd locals avoided taking sides, securing the island's status as the Switzerland of the Aegean neutral and rich. As more rebellious islands were crushed by the Ottomans, wealthy merchants, bankers, and businessmen fled to Syros. "They left behind a city almost too ambitious for this little island: a place of marble pavements, palatial buildings, and Neoclassical squares," Oana told me over a glass of the local Assyrtiko wine and a selection of Cycladic cheeses in the hotel's hidden garden.

From left: The roof terrace at Hotel Aristide, which overlooks the Aegean Sea; a seating area in the hotel lobby. | Credit: Marco Arguello

The sisters make a point of promoting local and sustainableproducts at the Aristide. There's also a refreshing use of color throughout the hotel: soaring ceilings are painted white, mustard, teal, or pink. Each suite is named after a different type of Greek marble, used to dazzling effect in the bathrooms. Toiletries made with aloe and prickly pear come in ceramic jars (the sisters decided against single-use plastics in the hotel). The "contemporary Cycladic" dinner menu changes daily, depending on what's in season in the hotel's organic garden and whatever their favorite fisherman brings in.

Over the course of a sybaritic long weekend, Oana and I shared deconstructed dishes atAvant Gardenand botanical cocktails atTheosis,a tiny bar in the medieval fortress of Ano Syros. My favorite lunch was atIliovasilema,where the whippedtaramais blended with squid ink and the grouper is served on smoky eggplant.

From left: A view of Gialos, the main port on Symi, and the uninhabited island of Nimos; a traditional whitewashed staircase in Gialos. | Credit: Marco Arguello

You might hear liverebetiko(the gravelly Greek blues whose godfather, Markos Vamvakaris, hailed from Syros) at the wonderful bistroCantina Analogue. Instead of exploring ancient ruins, you can take a night tour of a deserted textile factory withHermoupolis Heritage,a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the island's illustrious past. The wonderful thing about Syros and indeed the Aristide is that old and new collide in surprising and delightful ways.

From left: Striking marble finishes in the bathroom of the Naxos Suite; diving off a jetty in Hermoupolis, the main town on Syros, with the church of St. Nicholas in the background. | Credit: Marco Arguello

At first glance,Gialos, the handsome port of Symi, could be a miniature version of Hermoupolis. Tiers of Neoclassical houses in every shade of ocher and terra-cotta ascend, amphitheater-like, from the harbor. Many of them were built in the 19th century, when this speck in the Aegean became a wealthy trading post thanks to the island's sponge divers. They trawled the seabed in mechanical diving suits, known locally asskafandra a German invention brought to the island by an enterprising seaman named Fotis Mastoridis. None of the local men were brave enough to try the suit, until Mastoridis's pregnant wife, Evgenia, took the plunge. "It was a turning point for the island's fortunes," said Dimitris Zographos, an architect on a mission to preserve Symi's heritage.

Last year, Zographos realized a long-held dream: he leased the quayside mansion that Mastoridis built for his family and within six months had transformed the derelict property into a glamorous yet informal guesthouse one with no reception, no restaurant, and no room service. Guests can help themselves to coffee and cookies in the parlor or drinks from an honor bar on the landing, where musicians once serenaded visitors in evening dress. The upstairs terrace is decorated with colorful rugs and deck chairs front-row seats for some of the best people-watching in the Mediterranean. Painted dusky blue and green, the four suites each have unique details like original cement tiles or elaborate ceiling paintings, offset by Thonet chairs or antique cabinets.

From left: Basking on a terrace at the 1900 Hotel, on the island of Symi; Nanou beach, on Symi's eastern coast. | Credit: Marco Arguello

Like most Greeks, Zographos is an exceptionally thoughtful host. Despite my painfully early morning arrival, he welcomed me off the ferry and led me along the waterfront, pausing every few yards to greet fishermen, caf owners,and chic Italian and French homeowners. "Symi attracts people who appreciate beauty, landscape, and space," he said.

The Greek ministry of culture declared the whole of Gialos a historic monument in 1971, and the island is protected by three different preservation orders. "Eighty-nine percent of the land is classified as forest, and we're not allowed to build on it," he noted. "So what you see today is hopefully not very different from what you might see a hundred years from now."

Livadia beach, on Antiparos, which guests at the Rooster have more or less to themselves. | Credit: Marco Arguello

Zographos doesn't have a car, or even a driver's license. You don't need wheels on Symi: the main road peters out at the Monastery of Panormitis, a popular day trip from the nearby island of Rhodes. Panormitis is impressive, but there are many more remote monasteries, hidden deep in forests of cedar and cypress.

When it's too hot for hiking, the best way to explore is by boat whether it's a RIB, a yacht, aguletchartered on the nearby Turquoise Coast of Turkey, or one of the water taxis that service the dazzling beaches on the eastern coast. (Nanou, with a tribe of cheeky goats and a beach shack that serves flash-fried shrimp, is extra special.)

A view from one of the 16 villas, each of which has a private pool. | Credit: Marco Arguello

Although thousands of yachts anchor around Symi every summer, there are still coves where you can skinny-dip in solitude. Zographos can arrange for a skipper to drop you off; he might even take you for a spin in his speedboat, with a stop for lunch at his favorite taverna on Toli Beach,Dafnes. "That side of the island is totally undeveloped," he said. "It's like Greece in the 1960s."

1900 Hotel: Symi is one hour by ferry from Rhodes, which is served by domestic flights.

"It's been quitea ride," said Athanasia Comninos, CEO and founder of the Rooster. A decade ago, Comninos pitched up on the tiny island of Antiparos with her baby and her best friend, tired of Mykonos and tired of life. The only daughter of a Greek shipping magnate, she had lost her sense of direction after a painful divorce. "Antiparos instantly felt like home," she told me. "It's an island where you can take it easy. You can party or you can disappear."

The Rooster's spa, which is known as the House of Healing. | Credit: Marco Arguello

The Rooster is just the place to slip off the radar. Sixteen villas built of local stone blend into the sunburned hills overlooking the empty sweep of Livadia Bay. Interiors are spacious but spare, a quiet symphony of natural materials. Life at the Rooster is conducted outdoors. Every house has a private pool surrounded by flowering shrubs in which tiny yellow-breasted birds nest. Sun salutations and sound-healing sessions take place in an open-air pavilion. A kind, khaki-clad waiter in Vans sneakers will bring a picnic wrapped in starched linens to the beach, which is blissfully lacking in sunbeds. At dusk, a good-looking but low-key crowd in velvet slippers and patterned caftans drifts toward the hilltop bar, which faces the sunset and is open to the elements. At night, you can see millions of stars.

The Rooster is just the place to slip off the radar. Life at the Rooster is conducted outdoors. Every house has a private pool surrounded by flowering shrubs in which tiny yellow-breasted birds nest.

"The whole idea was not to disturb but to preserve the landscape," said Comninos, who owns a summer house just across the valley. Although she always dreamed of being a hotelier, it was only after a life-changing trip to the resort Chiva-Som, in Thailand, that the idea of opening her own wellness retreat on Antiparos took root. It took eight years to go from idea to reality. Throughout, she collaborated closely with Vois architects, a practice run by two women who own houses on Antiparos and share Comninos's deep affection for the island.

From left: Ceviche in the Rooster's restaurant; an outdoor lounge area at the hotel. | Credit: Marco Arguello

Separated from the bigger, brasher island of Pros by a narrow strait, Antiparos has always had a slightly rebellious feel. The hippies who first "discovered" it in the 1980s still stay at the campsite and prop up the bars in the pint-size harbor town. Scandinavian families return year after year, lured by the calm, shallow bays you'll find them in the hammocks atTime Marine,a bar on Psaralyki Beach, lunching at the tavernaPeramataki(30-228-406-1211),which overlooks Soros Beach, or trying on sandals atZali,one of many boutiques in Antiparos town.

Whichever beach tribe you belong to, there's a simplicity to life on this low-slung island that gets you straight into the vacation mindset. You could sweet-talk the chef, Andreas Nikolakopoulos, into showing you around the Rooster's organic farm (when he isn't perfecting his zucchini-blossom risotto, he writes short stories and rides a vintage motorcycle). Book a Reiki session with Comninos's spiritual teacher at the House of Healing, or ask her buddy Giorgos Marianos (a.k.a. the Pirate) to sail you across to the temple of Apollo on the deserted island of Despotiko. Or you could just lie back with a glass of something chilled and stare up at the blue sky. On Antiparos, less is more.

The Rooster Antiparos: Antiparos is a 10-minute ferry ride from Pros, which is served by regular flights (40 minutes) and ferries (three to five hours) from Athens.

From left: The Rooster's terrace; harvesting produce in the hotel's kitchen garden. | Credit: Marco Arguello

A version of this story firstappearedin the June 2022 issue ofTravel + Leisureunder the headlineGreek Trilogy.

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