Daily Archives: August 2, 2022

Dreaming of finding the most dreamy place in the tropical islands of the Maldives? Kudadoo Maldives is a private island resort that offers fully-inclusive getaways in one of the world's most popular destinations. One look at this Maldives resort, and one will be booking a flight to the Maldives in no time (deep pockets permitting).

For many, the Maldives is a romantic and dream destination. It is a place where one can enjoy the best of tropical island luxury. That being said, if one would like a more authentic experience - an experience where one will also explore the country and its people and culture, then this may not be the best place to go. The Maldives' luxury resorts offer the ultimate tourist bubble away from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life inside the country.

Kudadoo Maldives is set on a tiny little private island and features everything one would want in a luxury resort. Here one can relax with artful culinary creations, a world-class spa, and unlimited leisure activities. The resort claims to be Maldives' only fully solar-powered private island and has been built with an eye toward sustainability and being eco-friendly.

The Kudadoo Maldives resort was inspired by traditional Japanese architecture. It is also the first top-end 5-star deluxe resort in the Indian Ocean island country to be fully inclusive.

The resort is made up of only 15 over-the-water Ocean Residences (these come with 44 sq meter terrace infinity pools).

The island is tiny - only 30,000 sq meters, so it won't take long to explore it from end to end. But still, there is everything one will need on the island - a spa, restaurant, a wine cellar & cheese room, bar, games room, and swimming pool. No need to get cabin fever on the island either - there are plenty of excursions.

Related: The Maldives Is The Lowest Country On The Planet, And Other Things To Know Before You Visit

Guests should prepare to get really pampered at the resort - enjoy unlimited private dining, water sports, unlimited private excursions, and spa treatments. The Sulha Spa comes with a salt cave - the first in the Maldives.

The resort comes with a personal butler who also helps to put together the perfect holiday itinerary. The butler is available 24 hours a day.

Included:

In addition to a private butler, one also gets a private personal trainer as well as private yoga and meditation secessions. Here guests can enjoy "anything, anytime, anywhere."

Just say the word if one would like a tailor-made tasting menu or an excursion at the crack of dawn. An example of water activity is a jet ski safari. Travel at one's own pace and enjoy private dining on a deserted sandbank while admiring the sunset colors.

Related: Everything Travelers Can Do In The Maldives That Are Off The Beaten Track

If one is feeling sociable, one can dine at the restaurant; if not, just have one's meal delivered to one's villa - or as an intimate dinner on the beach under the stars.

Choose from the range of premium Champagnes and other drinks - they are all unlimited and free. The Pool Bar is open all day long from 7.00 am.

Meal Times:

One option is to have a "floating breakfast" spread out on a special floating tray so that one can enjoy it in one's infinity pool.

The minimum stay at Kudadoo Maldives is three nights. To get to the private island, one can include a seaplane transfer as part of the package. A round-trip seaplane transfer is $490, including taxes and fees, while a private seaplane charter round trip is $10,000.

The cost of a night's stay in their Ocean Residence is from $3,627, excluding taxes and fees.

Ocean Residence:

One should also book directly with them to save on money.

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This Luxury Private Island Maldives Resort The One You've Been Looking For? - TheTravel

It has been reported that the Cambridges enjoyed a two-week break on the island of Tresco, part of the Isles of Scilly archipelago off the coast of Cornwall - and it's the third year in a row that they've visited the island

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The Queen and family appear on Buckingham Palace balcony

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reportedly whisked their children away to a car-free private island for a sunny staycation.

The couple stayed in the UK for their annual summer holiday and are believed to have taken Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to Tresco, part of the Isles of Scilly, for the a third year running.

The family also headed to the islands off the coast of Cornwall, which are known for their beautiful beaches, for breaks the past two summers.

And it is clearly a place they very much enjoy if they have decided to carry on returning year after year.

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Their holiday destination was revealed by the Mail on Sunday, which claims the Cambridges spent two weeks on the island.

It added that joining them on the holiday was their black spaniel Orla - and the family stayed in a rectory that comes complete with a walled garden.

William and Kate gave a clue that they had enjoyed a staycation rather than a holiday abroad when they released a new picture to mark George's ninth birthday last month.

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The snap, taken by Kate, shows the youngster giving a big toothy grin amid a beach scene - and Kensington Palace said it had been taken on a family break in the UK.

However, it was not revealed where in the UK this family break had taken place - although some royal fans guessed it could have been on the Isles of Scilly.

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The Cambridge's decision to holiday in Scilly mirrors William's parents also taking him to the archipelago for holidays there in the past.

In June 1989, he was pictured on the islands wearing shorts and a red jumper on a bike ride with Prince Charles, Princess Diana and Prince Harry.

And in 2016, William returned to the islands with Kate on an official trip, where they visited the island of St Martins as well as Tresco Abbey Garden.

It is also believed that Kate and William took the family to the Isles of Scilly in October 2020 and stayed in a modest cottage.

The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of 28 islands off the southwest of Cornwall.

However only five of the islands - St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher and St Agnes - are inhabited.

Charles is the owner of the Duchy of Cornwall estate, of which the Isles of Scilly are a part.

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Kate Middleton and William take George, Charlotte and Louis on 'break to private island' - The Mirror

If you're in the market for an entire private island in B.C. (and I mean, who isn't?) then a new listing that came up off Salt Spring Island might be up your alley.

Chads Island is abeautiful chunk of rock and soil located inside the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and is currently listed for$2,975,000.

It has plenty of shoreline, swimmable beaches, and numerous building sites.

There's no ferry that goes to Chads but there is what is described in the listing as a "protecteddock" where you can park your boat. Deep watermoorageis available at nearby Portland Island. That's where you would park your 100+-footyacht, of course, thendinghy over to your private island.

While this is starting to soundlike an ad for Lotto 6/49, hold your horses! The island has only one 855 square foot cabin on it, and it is rustic. It's connected to an "older septic system."

The listing refers to this structureas providing "immediate utility," so perhaps it could house the helpwhile they build you your dream home.

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BC island for sale in the Gulf Islands National Reserve - Vancouver Is Awesome

One of the best things about living in Miami is its proximity to some of the most beautiful places on Earth: Hop on a flight and youre on an island in the Caribbean. Why, though, stop at just one?

Many of the islands in the Caribbean are located within a few miles of each other, meaning that you can extend your vacation by island hopping and taking advantage of the chance to experience a completely different culture. Best of all, you wont need to book additional flights or hotels these four pairings require nothing more than a quick ferry ride.

Park Hyatt St Kitts Park Executive Suite Pool

Park Hyatt

St. Kitts may be one of the most underrated destinations in the Caribbean. The tiny island home to lush mountain and golden-sand beaches is about a three-hour flight from Miami. Once youre there, youll find one of the oldest rum distilleries in the Caribbean, Old Road Rum, plus towering volcanoes and playful green vervet monkeys.

Start your stay at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts. The luxury resort features 126 gorgeous guest rooms, and its the only resort in St. Kitts that offers suites with private plunge pools and sundecks. Each of the contemporary guest rooms features a private balcony or terrace, and many offer unobstructed views of St. Kitts sister island, Nevis. Dining options include The Stone Barn, an adults-only restaurant that offers a five- and six-course tasting menu along with an impressive portfolio of international wine.

Then on to Nevis

The resorts concierge can arrange a ferry service that takes off right from its private pier. (Those staying elsewhere can avail themselves of public ferries and water taxis, with the latter being considerably quicker than the former.) In less than 10 minutes, youll touch down on the shores of Nevis, where you can spend the day exploring its botanical gardens, hike to the top of Nevis Peak or sip rum punch at the locals favorite watering hole, Sunshine Bar.

Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham St. Thomas

Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham

Along with St. John and St. Croix, St. Thomas is part of the island chain of the US Virgin Islands. Its a sub-three-hour flight from Miami, and of course, US citizens wont need a passport to enter the USVI, making this an attractive option for a last-minute getaway.

Book a few nights at the Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham St. Thomas, located directly on the white sand beach of Water Bay, on the islands eastern end. The guest rooms are great for large groups, with every suite from studio to the two-bedroom offering a kitchenette along with living and dining areas. The accommodations are decked out with sleek wood floors and punchy tropical decor; all suites come with an outdoor seating area, perfect for sunset watching. With yoga classes, snorkeling and access to jet skis, you can be as active (or inactive) as you want to be.

Then on to St. John

To get to neighboring St. John, youll have to take the ferry located in Red Hook, which is about 10 minutes from the resort. After a 15-minute trip, you can hail an open-air taxi to hike the Peace Hill Windmill (watch out for donkeys), grab a burger from the popular food spot Skinny Legs or hang out on one of the many white-sand beaches, like Trunk Bay or Honeymoon Beach.

Frangipani Beach Resort Anguilla

Frangipani Beach Resort

American Airlines now offers direct flights from Miami to Aguilla, and part of the islands draw is its low key factor. There are no tall highrises or huge, sprawling resorts on the island. Instead, youll get boutique hotels and villas, miles of pristine beaches and world-class diving and snorkeling spots.

Plan your stay in Anguilla around the Frangipani Beach Resort. The family-owned resort with only 23 guestrooms and suites sits on Meads Bay, one of Anguillas best-loved beaches. If you need some space to stretch out, the hotel has a 5,000-square-foot, four-bedroom villa thats perfect for families or large groups of friends. Hotel perks include a weekly hosted cocktail party, tennis courts (with lessons) and massages and beauty treatments at Plumeria Balinese Spa. Water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding and kayaking are included in your stay.

Then on to St. Martin/St Maarten

Guests at Frangipani can book a catamaran through the resort or take a public ferry to island-hop to St. Martin/St. Maarten, the dual island nation thats about 10 miles away. The 20-minute ferry ride from Anguilla will drop you off on French St. Martin. Here you can climb up Pic Paradis, the highest point on the island, and take a zipline back down. You can also travel to the Dutch side, St. Maarten, to watch the planes come in on Maho Beach or visit the 6,000-square-foot Toppers Rhum Distillery and take home a bottle of handmade rhum.

North Pointe Villa, St. Lucia

The Windjammer Landing St. Lucia

Considered one of the Caribbeans most romantic islands, St. Lucia is home to the Pitons, two volcanic peaks that rise majestically from the ocean. The island is located in the Eastern Caribbeanexpect a four-hour flight from Miami.

One of the islands top resorts, The Windjammer Landing St. Lucia, is an all-inclusive property with accommodations ranging from one- and two-bedroom suites to spacious oceanfront villas with up to four bedrooms. The resort is set across 60 rolling acres, with six swimming pools, five restaurants, and three bars, plus access to windsurfing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. Those looking for a more sedentary vibe can chill out in one of the overwater hammocks.

Then on to Martinique

Martinique is a 90-minute ferry ride. Once youre there, check out the St. Louis Cathedral, built in the 18th century, and its elaborate stained-glass windows. Habitation Clment is a rum distillery and museum where visitors can learn about the rum-making process (and taste samples, obviously). And if youre feeling adventurous, you can head to Mount Pele to scale this active volcano before heading back to St. Lucia.

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Why Vacation on One Caribbean Island When You Can Hop to a Second? - InsideHook

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The American cruise line Princess Cruises recently announced the itineraries for 2023 and 2024 in North America and the great itineraries variety has amazed many in the industry.

Princess Cruises is offering 47 special itineraries from 7 homeports in the United States and Canada. The company added new interesting and appealing routes to Hawaii and the Islands in the Pacific.

Now, from Los Angeles, travelers will be able to board the Sapphire Princess vessels and go to Honolulu, Tahiti, or Fiji, this last destination has been included in the cruise line itineraries for the first time ever.

The president of Princess Cruises, John Padgett, said: No one can match our unique combination of unparalleled itinerary choices with the authentic, personalized MedallionClass experience that makes a Princess cruise so special and memorable. So whether youre looking for a quick Caribbean getaway or a bucket list trip to the South Pacific or anything in between Princess has got you covered.

The new routes will please travelers interests and allow them to visit and discover the most amazing locations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Pacific coast. Also with the possibility to extend their trips to further destinations like South America, Australia, Europe, Alaska, or Asia.

A few months ago, the cruise line owned by Carnival Corporation & plc also resumed services to Alaska for summer seasons 2022 and 2023, right after Canada announced the reopening of its ports.

Travelers from the United States and Canada will have different alternatives to join one of Princess Cruises. Those interested in unique cruising experiences with this large company can drive or take a plane to one of the ports available. Princess cruises will sail from ports in these cities:

Travelers will have different route options and vessels to choose from. The main destinations for these new seasons 2023 and 2024 will be:

Those interested in exploring the Pacific coast and the Mexican Riviera will have 8 different alternatives from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Travelers will be able to choose from 5-days to 10-days itineraries and visit top destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Loreto, Mazatln, La Paz. The vessels covering these routes will be:

Princess Cruises is offering 18 itineraries ranging from 5 to 21-day routes from Gavelston and Ft. Lauderdale to explore the Caribbean and visit fascinating destinations like Cozumel, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Grand Cayman, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, and the companys private island resort Princess Cays. The ships serving these routes will be:

For the California Coast, Princess Cruises is offering 13 special itineraries ranging from 3 to 7-day routes from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver. The services will visit iconic destinations like Santa Barbara, Monterrey, Catalina Island, San Francisco, San Diego, and Ensenada. The vessels in charge of these itineraries will be:

The cruise line will serve fascinating routes from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver to 17 incredible destinations like Honolulu, Fiji, Tahiti, and other spectacular Pacific islands. Cruises serving these routes:

To visit the Panama Canal travelers will have different alternatives from Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The itineraries range from 10 to 15-day routes and will explore interesting destinations like Puntarenas in Costa Rica, Fuerte Amador in Panama, and Cartagena in Colombia. The ships covering these routes:

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Princess Announces 47 Cruise Itineraries From U.S. And Canada For 2023 - Travel Off Path

BOSTON, Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Stealth BioTherapeutics Corp (Nasdaq: MITO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel therapies for diseases involving mitochondrial dysfunction, announced today that it has entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Stealth Parent Limited, an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the law of the Cayman Islands ("Parent"), and Stealth Merger Sub Limited, an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the law of the Cayman Islands and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), to be acquired by a consortium of investors led by Morningside Venture (I) Investments Ltd. for itself and on behalf of its affiliates ("Morningside") and J. Wood Capital Advisors LLC ("J. Wood Capital") (the "Consortium") in an all-cash transaction. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company with the Company being the surviving company and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (the "Merger").

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective Time"), each ordinary share, par value US$0.0003 per share, of the Company (each, a "Share") issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be cancelled and cease to exist, in exchange for the right to receive US$0.03125 in cash without interest (the "Per Share Merger Consideration"), and each outstanding American Depositary Share of the Company (each an "ADS," representing 12 Shares, and collectively, the "ADSs") will be cancelled in exchange for the right to receive US$0.375 in cash without interest (less any ADS cancellation fees not to exceed $0.05 per ADS) (the "Per ADS Merger Consideration"), except for (a) Shares (including Shares represented by ADSs) beneficially owned by Morningside and its affiliates, (b) Shares (including Shares represented by ADSs) owned by Parent, Merger Sub or the Company (as treasury shares, if any) or by any of their direct or indirect subsidiaries, and (c) Shares that are held by a holder who has validly exercised and not withdrawn or lost its right to dissent from the Merger pursuant to Section 238 of the Companies Act of the Cayman Islands, which will be cancelled and cease to exist and will entitle the former holder thereof to receive payment of the fair value of such dissenting shares in accordance with Section 238 of the Companies Act of the Cayman Islands.

The Per ADS Merger Consideration represents (before taking into account any ADS cancellation fees) a premium of 34.4% to the closing price of the Company's ADSs on June 24, 2022, the last trading day prior to the Company's announcement of its receipt of the original "going-private" proposal, and a premium of 43.9% to the average closing price of the Company's ADSs during the last 30 trading days prior to its receipt of the original "going-private" proposal.

The Consortium intends to fund the Merger through cash contributions from members of the Consortium.

The Company's Board, acting upon the unanimous recommendation of a committee of independent and disinterested directors established by the Board (the "Special Committee"), approved the Merger Agreement and the Merger. The Special Committee negotiated the terms of the Merger Agreement with the assistance of its independent financial and legal advisors.

The Merger, which is currently expected to close during the second half of 2022, is subject to customary closing conditions including the approval of the Merger Agreement by an affirmative vote of holders of Shares representing at least two-thirds of the voting power of the Shares present and voting in person or by proxy as a single class at a meeting of the Company's shareholders which will be convened to consider the approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger. Morningside Venture (I) Investments Limited, Season Pioneer Investments Limited and Equal Talent Investments Limited have agreed to vote all of the Shares and ADSs they beneficially own, which represent approximately 65% of the voting rights attached to the total outstanding Shares of the Company as of the date of the Merger Agreement, in favor of the authorization and approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger. If completed, the Merger will result in the Company becoming a privately-held company and its ADSs will no longer be listed on NASDAQ.

Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. is serving as financial advisor to the Special Committee; Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is serving as U.S. legal counsel to the Special Committee and the Company and Walkers is serving as Cayman Islands legal counsel to the Special Committee and the Company.

Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as U.S. legal counsel to the Consortium and Campbells LLP is serving as Cayman Islands legal counsel to the Consortium.

Additional Information About the MergerThe Company will furnish to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a current report on Form 6-K regarding the Merger, which will include as an exhibit thereto the Merger Agreement. All parties desiring details regarding the Merger are urged to review these documents, which will be available at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov).

In connection with the Merger, the Company will prepare and mail a Schedule 13E-3 Transaction Statement (the "Schedule 13E-3"). The Schedule 13E-3 will be filed with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THE SCHEDULE 13E-3 AND OTHER MATERIALS FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY, THE MERGER, AND RELATED MATTERS. In addition to receiving the Schedule 13E-3 by mail, shareholders also will be able to obtain these documents, as well as other filings containing information about the Company, the Merger, and related matters, without charge from the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov).

About Stealth BioTherapeuticsWe are a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel therapies for diseases involving mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria, found in nearly every cell in the body, are the body's main source of energy production and are critical for normal organ function. Dysfunctional mitochondria characterize a number of rare genetic diseases and are involved in many common age-related diseases, typically involving organ systems with high energy demands such as the eye, the neuromuscular system, the heart and the brain. We believe our lead product candidate, elamipretide, has the potential to treat ophthalmic diseases entailing mitochondrial dysfunction, such as dry AMD, rare neuromuscular disorders, such as primary mitochondrial myopathy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and rare cardiomyopathies, such as Barth syndrome. We are evaluating our second-generation clinical-stage candidate, SBT-272, for rare neurological disease indications, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar dementia, following promising preclinical data. We have optimized our discovery platform to identify novel mitochondria-targeted compounds which may be nominated as therapeutic product candidates or utilized as mitochondria-targeted vectors to deliver other compounds to mitochondria.

Forward-looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include those regarding Stealth BioTherapeutics' expectations regarding the timing of the closing of the Merger and the potential benefits thereof. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Stealth BioTherapeutics' beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "expect," "hope," "plan," "potential," "possible," "will," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "may," "predict," "project," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Stealth BioTherapeutics may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, including: the ability of the parties to meet the closing conditions required to complete the Merger on anticipated timing; the ability of the Consortium to obtain financing for the transaction; Stealth BioTherapeutics' ability to obtain additional funding and to continue as a going concern; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the ability to successfully demonstrate the efficacy and safety of Stealth BioTherapeutics' product candidates and future product candidates; the preclinical and clinical results for Stealth BioTherapeutics' product candidates, which may not support further development and marketing approval; the potential advantages of Stealth BioTherapeutics' product candidates; the content and timing of decisions made by the FDA, the EMA or other regulatory authorities, investigational review boards at clinical trial sites and publication review bodies, which may affect the initiation, timing and progress of preclinical studies and clinical trials of Stealth BioTherapeutics product candidates; Stealth BioTherapeutics' ability to obtain and maintain requisite regulatory approvals and to enroll patients in its planned clinical trials; unplanned cash requirements and expenditures; competitive factors; Stealth BioTherapeutics' ability to obtain, maintain and enforce patent and other intellectual property protection for any product candidates it is developing; and general economic and market conditions. These and other risks are described in greater detail under the caption "Risk Factors" included in Stealth BioTherapeutics' most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as well as in any future filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements represent management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Except as required by law, Stealth BioTherapeutics does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements made by us to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Investor Relations for the CompanyKendall Investor RelationsAdam Bero, Ph.D.[emailprotected][emailprotected]

SOURCE Stealth BioTherapeutics Inc.

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Stealth BioTherapeutics Corp Enters Definitive Agreement for Going Private Transaction - PR Newswire

Are you someone that has never tried a cruise because you think cruise ships just aren't for you?

I have friends and family that have felt this way for years out of concern that ships are overcrowded, isolated in the ocean, or otherwise bored. Regardless of the reason, they haven't tried a cruise yet because they believe it would not be a fun vacation.

Royal Caribbean (and the entire cruise industry) has worked for years to undo those beliefs, and one of the best ways has been to design and build new cruise ships that defy the notion of what you can do on a ship.

When I hear from new cruisers, many are astounded by how much there was to do onboard. Any fear of not having enough to do or feeling "trapped" are almost always brushed aside after they get home.

If I had to pick a cruise ship for a non-cruiser to try, Wonder of the Seas is that ship because I think it has so many amenities onboard that they never expected. If your idea of a great vacation is heading to a sandy beach, laying out by the pool, enjoying high-class entertainment, and plenty of food and drink options, then I think Wonder of the Seas may be the perfect first cruise ship for you.

If you elect to book a suite, you can look forward to the best end-to-end suite program on any Royal Caribbean ship.

When you book a Royal Caribbean suite, you're not just getting a large cruise ship cabin. You're also getting access to a number of services that other passengers do not have.

Suite guests have access to their own complimentary restaurant, suite lounge, and entire suite sun deck.

Known asthe Suite Neighborhood, this area is at the top of Wonder of the Seas and is where you'll find the suite lounge, Coastal Kitchen restaurant and pool area.

I think the sun deck is particularly compelling, because it is a sprawling space with loungers, bar, plunge pool and sweeping views.

Someone that hasn't cruised before may be drawn to booking a suite because they tend to stay in suites in hotels for bonuses that come with those rooms. Similarly, a cruise ship suite is about rewarding guests with added service that make the entire experience easier to enjoy.

Regardless if you're on a cruise ship or your hometown, everyone can enjoy a great meal.

Someone that has never cruised probably imagines a dining hall and buffet as what the cruise dining experience is like, similar in some regards to an all-inclusive hotel. While there is a buffet and main dining room on cruise ships, there is so much more than just that.

Royal Caribbean designed Wonder of the Seas so that there was a wide assortment of dining choices. First and foremost, they cannot have everyone onboard the ship eating at just a couple of restaurants. Moreover, Royal Caribbean knows they are competing against land resorts that have a variety of food.

On Wonder of the Seas, you have over 40 restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from, which means you cancan visit six different places each day of the week.

There's Japanese hibachi, custom-made salads, New England style seafood, and a new Southern American restaurant that has barbecue pulled pork, fried chicken and crab beignets.

This isn't microwaved and/or pre-prepared food. Rather, chefs prepare all the food each day.

Fears that you will be stuck eating just at the buffet will quickly disappear once you discover all the choices on a ship like Wonder of the Seas.

If you enjoy a cocktail or two, Royal Caribbean offers over 400 different cocktails,wines, beers and zero-proof cocktails available. Of course, the bar staff can create almost any drink you like that isn't on the menu, so you just have to ask.

Teens will love the fact there are zero-proof cocktails available in their own teen club area of the ship.

Known as Social100's Patio, teens can check out the bar there that includes jumbo-size games, a private whirlpool, loungers and nooks.

Another fear new cruisers have is that they will feel trapped. Friends usually say, "I'd hate to be stuck at sea" and the reality is a cruise on Wonder of the Seas will take you to some gorgeous places.

On a 7-night cruise, you can expect to visit at least three ports of call, if not more. That means on most days of your cruise, you'll have to opportunity to disembark for the day and explore ports of call in the Caribbean.

When I first started cruising, I loved days we were in port because you would wake up and be somewhere new each day.

You could enjoy the sandy beaches of Cozumel, Mexico, or walk the streets of Old San Juan. You might be able to drive an ATV, snorkel with marine life all around you, or learn about the history and culture of the people that call the port you are visiting home.

In short, there are a lot of amazing things you can do during your cruise while in port. Having more than half the days of your cruise include a port visit substantially helps reduce the feeling that you're relegated to the ship only.

No cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas is complete without a visit to Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay. Other cruise lines have private islands, but none compare to the amazing upgrades Royal Caribbean has invested at CocoCay.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is not just a beach reserved for cruise ship guests. There's a water park, upgraded beach club, giant freshwater pool, and island food you actually want to eat.

And after a day of fun ashore, you get to come back to the cruise ship (just like a hotel) and enjoy evening dining and entertainment.

All this fun onboard and on shore means the time will pass quickly, and you'll find the week-long cruise flying by.

I'm going to make the bold statement that Wonder of the Seas has the best variety of entertainment and things to do of any cruise ship right now.

Royal Caribbean has a reputation for being the cruise line that packs their ships with the most "I can't believe you do that on a cruise ship" sort of activities.

Families can choose between water slides, an open-air play area for younger children, 10-story dry slide that has lights and sound effects, and aqua park.

At night, there's three different venues performing various shows that are included with your cruise fare.

Studio B has professional ice skaters that perform365: The Seasons on Ice. Using projection technology, the casttells the story of Earths changing seasons.

Moving to the AquaTheater on the back of the ship, you'll be able to see an all-female cast perform inTENse that includesacrobatics, slacklining, high diving, tumbling, and synchronized swimming.

The Royal Theater has two shows that have Broadway-style performances to enjoy.

If that isn't enough, there are comedy shows, a piano bar, live musical performances around the ship, and even movies by the pool to watch.

The takeaway here is that there is so much to do onboard, and it's up to you how much (or little) you do. If you're worried a cruise ship means you'll be bored because the expectation is you alternate between sitting by the pool and eating, you'll be pleasantly surprised how much more there is to do.

Royal Caribbean is the best cruise line for families, and whether you have kids or not, there is lots to enjoy for adults on Wonder of the Seas.

If you do have kids, there is supervised kids programming in Adventure Ocean that is available for children as young as six months old, all the way up to 17 years old.

The nursery is available for kids between 6 and 36 months old for an addition cost. As a parent that has used the nursery extensively, it's worth every penny.

Kids between 3 and 17 have their own supervised space, where they can play, dance, draw, and have fun with other kids their age. It's not just an enclave for children, it's an opportunity for them to do what they want, while you enjoy time alone to do what you want.

Besides the amazing restaurants you can choose from for date night, there's lots more you can do without any children on Wonder of the Seas.

First and foremost, there is an entire area of the pool deck reserved just for adults. The Solarium is an enclosed pool area with upgraded loungers. Because it's climate controlled, it's always the perfect temperature!

You'll also find arguably the best wine bar across any Royal Caribbean cruise ship with Giovanni's Wine Bar. Located in Central Park, Royal Caribbean revamped its wine bar experience with a new motif, and the added bonus of being able to enjoy many of the same foods you'd find in nearby Giovanni's Italian Kitchen without getting up from your seat.

You can visit the casino throughout the day or night, where you'll find plenty of slot machines, poker tables, blackjack, roulette, craps and more table games. For a lot of people, the casino fun is another way Royal Caribbean caters to parents while the kids are away.

If you prefer to pamper yourself, why not take a visit to the Vitality Spa, where you there are some truly amazing treatments to choose from, along with a full salon.

While not adults only, if you're cruising without kids, you might consider buying a pass to the Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The Coco Beach Club is an upgraded beach day experience, complete with its own restaurant and infinity pool. Kids are allowed here, but most families end up elsewhere for the variety of things to do around the island. This means a great spot to spend your day and splurge a bit.

If an adults-only beach area sounds like heaven, don't worry, because Royal Caribbean has your back.

Scheduled to open in late 2023, Hideaway Beach will be a new expansion area that will only allow adults in and offer yet-to-be-announced things to do.

If you gravitate towards booking a beach vacation or prefer to stay in a new hotel, and have not tried a cruise yet, Wonder of the Seas might be the perfect cruise ship for you.

Wonder of the Seas has the latest and greatest innovations and things to do, which rival much of what you can find on a land vacation. Better yet, a cruise includes much more in your base cost than a land vacation.

You're going to find plenty for everyone in your family to do. Other lines tend to cater to either mostly kids or mostly adults, but Royal Caribbean is far more even keeled at a price families can afford.

If you are one of those people that never considered a cruise vacation, Wonder of the Seas is the ship that could change your mind.

More cruise advice

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Why Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas may be the perfect cruise ship for a first timer - Royal Caribbean Blog

A Shetland island has come to market - complete with a historic mansion, a watchtower, an organic farm - and a blue whale skeleton.

The Isle of Vaila extends to about 757 acres (306 ha) in total of which 142 acres are grazing land.

The largest property on the private island is Vaila Hall, a 17th century castellated mansion. It has four reception rooms, including the Great Hall, and six bedrooms arranged over three floors.

Vaila was the first farm in Shetland to gain organic status in 1994. Currently, the island carries a flock of 200 pure bred Shetland ewes.

There are approximately 142 acres grazings centred around the Hall and Cloudin Farmhouse to the north of the island and 581 acres of hill grazings to the south.

The northern quarter is divided by the hill dyke, separating the hill grazings, moorland and peat banks to the south from the grazings to the north.

The three bedroom farmhouse at Cloudin was built in 1894 in an Arts and Crafts style which sits above the coastline and is characterised by two adjoining byres forming a central courtyard. Built of traditional harled stone construction, the accommodation is arranged over two storeys and includes two reception rooms and three bedrooms.

One of the former byres known as the Whale House contains the skeleton of a 42ft sperm whale which was beached on the island in 2000.

Built in the 18th century, Mucklaberry Tower is a B Listed tower on the head of a long narrow peninsula that is today used as a folly with its beautiful sea views.

There is also a two bedroom Caretaker's Cottage and ashore base which has a tower, pier and slipway.

There is a range of farm sheds and ruined cottages which could be converted (with the necessary consents) for further agricultural use, further accommodation or holiday lets.

The Isle of Vaila lies in the west of the Shetland Islands archipelago, the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, comprising 100 scattered islands at the crossroads of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Vaila is separated from mainland Shetland by Vaila Sound, just a short 10 minute boat journey from the island's private shore base into a sheltered bay with a pier.

The Isle of Vaila is on the market with Savills and offers over 1,750,000 are invited.

Read more from the original source:

Isle of Vaila in Shetland Islands for sale with farm - South West Farmer