Category Archives: Private Islands

Summer is here, U.S. re-entry restrictions are in our rearview and American travelers are beyond ready to embark on long-awaited vacations. And, the Bahamas is bound to be one of this years hottest destinations, thanks to newly eased entry protocols and a wave of new flights that make accessing the islands easy.

Spanning 100,000 square miles of some of the clearest ocean waters on the planet, the archipelago is a perennial favorite among those in search of blissful weather, tropical terrain, award-winning beaches, colorful coral reefs and pristine wildlife encounters, combined with the islands warm and vibrant Caribbean culture.

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The Bahamas Pares Down Entry Protocols From June 19, international travelers entering The Bahamas no longer need to apply for The Bahamas Travel Health Visa, regardless of their vaccination status. We acknowledge that the Travel Health Visa was a burden for travellers, and we are pleased to be able to eliminate it, Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said in his June announcement.

All unvaccinated visitors aged two years and older still need to submit proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days (72 hours) of departure for The Bahamas; but vaccinated arrivals are no longer subject to testing requirements.

BahamasAir Relaunches OrlandoGrand Bahama Route From June 30 through September 10, 2022, national airline BahamasAir is making it super easy and affordable to reach Grand Bahama Island, with twice-weekly nonstop flights between Orlando and Freeport. And, Inaugural roundtrip airfares start as low as $297.

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Boating Flings Are in Full Swing This summer, The Bahamas Tourist Office will host a series of exhilarating Boating Flings, leading caravans of boaters across the Gulf Stream and into brilliant blue Bahamian waters. Event participants will get to partake in various activities, delight in delicious Bahamian cuisine and engage in authentic cultural experiences across the islands.

Festivals and Events Are Back Also back this year is Nassaus iconic Junkanoo Summer Festivalone of the Caribbean's most lively and colorful carnival celebrationsrunning every Saturday, July 2-30. Grand Bahamas Groombay Summer Festival will also return, running every Thursday, July 7-28. Would-be visitors can find details on many more summer events at Bahamas.com/events.

The Atlantis Paradise Island Music Series Atlantis Paradise Islands Music Making Waves concert series, benefitting the Blue Project Foundation, will feature live performances from big-name music artists like Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Ashanti; five-time Grammy nominee Robin Thicke; Grammy, ACM, CMA, and AMA Award-winning group Little Big Town; and Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow.

Disney Wish Begins Sailing To The Bahamas Disney Cruise Lines newest ship, the Disney Wish, is readying to set sail on its maiden voyage from its homeport in Port Canaveral on July 14. Thereafter, it will carry cruisegoers on three- and four-night voyages to The Bahamas, including stops at Disney's private island near Great Abaco, Castaway Cay.

For the latest insight on travel around the world, check out this interactive guide.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here.

For more information, visit bahamas.com.

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What's New in The Bahamas - TravelPulse

By Francesca Fionda and Matt Simmons,

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

How long does it take to become a miner in B.C.? Less than the time it takes for a cup of coffee to get cold.

A reporter with The Narwhal brewed a coffee, then left it on their desk to go pick up a free miner certificate at a nearby government office. They filled in a form, handed over $25 and made their way home to find a location for their digital stake on the provinces website. By the time they were navigating the interactive map of claims staked and land up for grabs, their coffee was still hot.

In B.C., anyone 18 years and older who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or authorized to work in the country can register and subsequently stake a mineral claim. Individuals need to have their identification verified by a government service desk, as The Narwhals reporter did, while corporations, which can also register and stake claims _ do not. Once registered and online, if an area of interest is available, you pay $1.75 per hectare for a mineral claim and $5.00 per hectare for a placer claim (which are deposits found close to the surface in loose sand or gravel, for example).

Data obtained by The Narwhal shows after the B.C. government moved the claiming process online, the area staked across the province increased by 70 per cent to 8.3 million hectares and has remained above or around that size over the past 17 years. And whether or not a mine is developed there in the end, these stakes still carry a toll for First Nations, private property owners, waterways and wildlife.

While The Narwhals reporter was able to use the tools of the 21st century to (almost) stake a mineral claim, the law that allowed them to do that goes back to the 1850s.

It was the start of the gold rush and B.C. was barely a year old.

The law allowed almost anyone to apply for a free miner certificate, giving them the right of free entry to look for minerals on a spot of land they stake. Todays Mineral Tenure Act is rooted in that same approach and critics say its to blame for many historical issues with mining in the province _ including infringing on Indigenous Rights, and running roughshod over the environment. The Mineral Tenure Act is one of the bedrock foundations of colonization in B.C. says Naxginkw Tara Marsden, who is from Wilp Gamlakyeltxw of the Gitanyow Huwilp. She has over 20 years of experience working as a consultant on Free, Prior and Informed Consent for land use planning and policy development for First Nations.

During B.C.s gold rush, settlers were given wooden stakes to claim plots of land for their own, without any negotiations or consent from Indigenous communities. Its where the phrases stake a claim and stakeholder come from.

Marsden says the law paved the way for people from all over the world to come in and access Indigenous lands without consent.

The speed at which digital claims can be made means the same thing is happening today.

There are few limitations on where someone can make a claim, though some parks, Tsilhqotin Declared Title Area and treaty settlement lands and reserves are off limits. According to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, more than 76 per cent of the province is open to mineral staking.

While other parts of Canada have reformed similar colonial mining laws, B.C. made the process even easier in 2005 when it went online.

It seems like its modernizing the process, but its actually making it even easier for people to establish what I would refer to as economic interests in unceded Indigenous lands without even notification to the Indigenous people, Marsden says.

Moving to the online system was an attempt by the province to revitalize the mining industry. Mineral Titles Online is just one small part of that whole procedure to bring that confidence back, that gusto, that zest that those miners bring to British Columbia in doing what they do so well; and thats going out on a huge land base and actually finding minerals, Richard Neufeld, the former minister of energy and mines, said when the changes were announced in 2004.

Exploration did grow to a huge land base. In the first three years after the process moved online, there was an exponential

increase in claims, says Nikki Skuce, director of the Northern Confluence Initiative and co-chair of the BC Mining Law Reform network.

The Narwhal obtained data from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation on mineral and placer titles going back to 1997.

While the number of claims in good standing each year fluctuated alongside the price of minerals, its the amount of land staked that stands out to Skuce. In the years after the digital upgrade, the total number of hectares claimed jumped from 4.9 million in 2004 to8.3 million in 2005 and continued to climb to 14.5 million hectares in 2008. Thats an area more than 4.5 times the size of Vancouver Island.

Its also important to look at specific areas to see where mineral claims are, Skuce says. While the numbers show an overview of the province, there are areas that are likely seeing concentrations of mining claims. Skuce points to the Iskut River Watershed in Tahltan Nation territory as a hotspot for claims. In November 2019, mining tenures took up almost 50 per cent of the watershed.

There are dozens of YouTube how-to videos explaining the simple process. In less than three minutes YouTuber Canadian Gold Mining finds a spot and signs off with, thats it. Hit next and its yours! User meMiner explains in a 12-minute video tutorial for finding and staking a gold claim, I wanted to have a claim in B.C., so when I go out to B.C. this summer I dont have to ask permissions.

Once someone has a free miner certificate and stakes a claim, they have the right to access the area for exploration and development. That could mean using metal detectors, handheld tools to dig trenches or pits, or even setting up a temporary camp, according to the provinces policy on permissible activities.

But no work is necessary to keep the claim, explains Gavin Smith, staff lawyer with West Coast Environmental Law. When you obtain the mineral claim, it has a one-year expiry, but you can indefinitely renew the mineral claim for as long as you want. In order to keep the claim, you can either work it and register your efforts with the government, or pay a fee of between $10 and $40 per hectare in lieu of work.

There are a few restrictions on claim holders, including: they cant access orchard land or land under cultivation, heritage properties or an area within 75 metres of a residence. However, the restrictions dont stop someone from claiming mineral title on these lands, private property or even, underneath someones house, Smith says. Its not that you havent staked a claim there,

Smith says. You actually do technically own the minerals under their house. You just have statutory or legal restrictions on what you can access.

And once someone stakes a claim, they have the exclusive right to the minerals over everyone else, says Calvin Sandborn, Senior Counsel at the Environmental Law Centre at the Faculty of Law, University of Victoria.

Indigenous communities and rural property owners are facing the brunt of B.C.s outdated mining law.

In 2012, two individuals staked claims all over North and South Pender Island, including on private property.

The outrageousness of mineral staking on rural residential and agricultural lands in the Gulf Islands has the potential to bring home to the broader public and decision-makers that the time for modernizing the Mineral Tenure Act has come, wrote Jessica Clogg, Executive Director & Senior Counsel of West Coast Environmental Law, at the time.

In 2017, a group of First Nations women turned the tables by staking a claim on then-minister of energy and mines Bill Bennetts property. We wanted to show how ridiculously easy it is to stake a claim on someones land. This should give politicians and all British Columbians an idea of how unfair the process is, said Bev Sellars, chair of First Nations Women Advocating Responsible Mining, in a press release. Bennett responded lightly at the time that he got the message but, there is nothing to be found there. Theyve made a bad investment.

Sellars says she let the claim expire after a year. Looking back, she told The Narwhal, we made our point and we hoped that would be enough, but obviously it wasnt.

The staking certainly didnt stop there. In 2019, Marie Reimer and Doug Hallat were sitting outside, having a drink, when a man drove up and notified the couple he had papers staking a claim to mineral beneath their propertys soil, according to Kamloops This Week. The Kamloops couple was also left calling for reform.

Beyond the possible intrusion into private property, its contrary to rational land use planning because you can stake these claims in sensitive watersheds and areas that are environmentally sensitive, Sandborn says.

While they never ended up staking a claim, The Narwhals reporter scoped an area the province considered fair game for prospectors. It was on unceded Indigenous territory, unlikely to have any significant mineral resources and included wetlands and a creek that feeds into a salmon river. Since the reporter first looked at the spot and reached out to the Indigenous community in 2021, a Vancouver-based exploration company staked the area and hundreds of surrounding hectares.

Its pretty egregious that you dont have to ask permission from anybody to go stake and get rights on land, to go explore and potentially open a big mine, Skuce says.

Kendra Johnston, president of the Association for Mineral Exploration B.C., says only one in 10,000 exploration projects will ever become a mine.

On average, there are 250 to 300 exploration projects active across the province each year. The hope and intent to find a deposit that is economically and socially viable to be developed into a mine lies at the heart of any exploration investment. But finding a viable deposit is not easy and takes significant risk capital.

Discoveries that are capable of becoming a mine are rare and special finds.

But the process of staking can still be the source of many conflicts, Skuce says. Communities have different land use priorities or values for the area but anyone with a mining title can get in the way.

In 2016, the Gitanyow learned that warming temperatures in the Meziadin watershed were altering the habitat of sockeye populations.

As protected creeks where they had traditionally spawned became too warm, fish were found in creeks where rapid glacial melting kept water temperatures down. But those creeks were unprotected, and as the glaciers retreated, new areas were exposed, enticing prospectors to stake claims above the salmon watershed. This put both the unprotected creeks and the fish at risk.

Gitanyow wanted to expand their existing conservancy in the area but the process was stalled because of multiple mining tenures on the land.

We havent ever been notified, we havent ever consented to any of these mineral tenures, Marsden says, adding that the only way to change this is through reforming the Mineral Tenure Act.

Last August, the hereditary chiefs decided not to wait for the provincial government and declared creation of the Wilp Wii Litsxw Meziadin Indigenous Protected Area.

The current B.C. government has promised reform. In 2022 it published the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan. Action 214 commits the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation to Modernize the Mineral Tenure Act in consultation and co-operation with First Nations and First Nations organizations.

The ministry declined an interview request from The Narwhal.

B.C. has been particularly slow to change its process for granting mineral titles. For years there has been report after report and ongoing calls to change this law. The long-held identity of B.C. as a gold-rush province and the disproportionate amount of political power in the hands of the mining industry, has held reform back, Sandborn says.

Other jurisdictions have moved away from the free entry system and either added the consent of private property owners and Indigenous peoples or excluded mining claims in certain areas, Sandborn says. He adds B.C. should follow those examples.

In Ontario, for example, amendments were made to mining laws in2012 to require consultation with First Nations. Anyone seeking to make a claim also has to take an online course intended to raise awareness of the importance of considering other users of public land.

In Quebec, municipalities and regional governments can set no-go zones in land use plans. Property owners also have to give consent before any exploration work is done on their land.

Similar to B.C., the Yukon adheres to a free entry system that has been heavily criticized by conservationists and First Nations.

In 2012, the Court of Appeal of Yukon ruled the government has a duty to notify, consult and accommodate the Ross River Dena before any mining exploration happens in their territory. As the Yukon Government works to update its mining laws, Carcross/Tagish First Nation, for one, has called for the free entry system to be abolished.

Skuce believes would-be mineral titleholders should be required to meaningfully engage and get permission from Indigenous communities and private property owners before they get any legal rights. We also need to update the policies for compensating people for areas that are staked, she says.

A current legal challenge in B.C. could set the precedent for reform. In 2021, the Gitxaa?a Nation filed a legal review of seven mineral claims granted in their territory, without any consultation, between 2018 and 2020 . The Mineral Tenure Act is, inconsistent with the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which B.C. has affirmed in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), a Gitxaa?a legal backgrounder states.

A fundamental shift is possible, Marsden says, because we have land use plans in place. Most nations are in the process of developing them if they dont have them already. We have a foundation to build from. The Gitanyow Laxyip land use plan includes ways to work with the forestry industry, including the use of special management zones and areas that have to be avoided, Marsden says.

Its not scary, or the end of the world, she says. We have forestry operating, surviving fine with the land use plan. So why cant mining be the same?

Francesca Fionda and Matt Simmons is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of THE NARWHAL. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. Turtle Island News does not receive LJI government funding.

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How digital prospectors are staking First Nations land and private property in BC - Turtle Island News

Fairfield Consultancy Services OPC Pvt Ltd

London, July 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fairfield Market Research states that the global yacht charter market is expected to surge at phenomenal CAGR of 22.85% between the forecast of 2021 and 2027. The idea of revenge travel as vaccines reach the masses is expected to give the market a boost. Analysts anticipate that the global yacht charter market will reach US$25.53 Bn by 2027 as end users look forward to travelling as lockdowns ease.

Key Highlights of Global Yacht Charter Market:

The motor yacht charter segment is expected to lead with a CAGR of 24.89% by 2027

Europe to remain ahead as region has increasing number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI)

Luxury yachts to trend bigger during the forecast period as the demand for entertainment aboard vessels spikes amongst millennials

Water sports to solidify the demand for yacht charters giving the global market an impetus

Looking For a Sample Copy of This Report? Request the Same Here: https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/report/yacht-charter-market/request-sample

Rising Disposable Incomes and Increased Spending Capacities Drive Global Yacht Charter Market

Prior to the pandemic, the global yacht charter market thrived as ideas of vacations changed drastically amongst the youth. Sailing to private islands or nearby islands to vacation in isolated spots became a sought-after getaway idea amongst the younger demographic before the pandemic. As nations declared lockdowns to prevent spread of coronavirus, yacht charters served those who could afford vacations and getaway to local islands, helping the market retain a steady flow of income throughout the pandemic.

As the pandemic recedes, the global yacht charter market is expected to thrive with revenge travel. Improved savings for the salaried class, vaccine rollouts, ability to work from anywhere, and need to break free from more than a year long lockdown is expected to bode well for the global yacht charter market.

Efficiency of Motor Yachts to Surpass Others

The demand for motorised yachts is expected to surpass sailing yachts. This demand will be driven by the sheer efficiency of motor yachts that allows the end users to achieve a good pace to cover larger distances. It also allows convenient manoeuvres, giving the tourists a better control in choppy conditions. The use of motorised yachts is expected also pick up in sailing boats.

Story continues

Some of the key operating players in the global yacht charter market are Charter Yachts Australia, Dream Yacht Charter, Boatbound Inc., Fraser Yacht, Mertello Fairline Yacht, Thai Charters, and CharterWorld LLP.

Do You Have Any Query or Specific Requirement? Request Customization of Report: https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/report/yacht-charter-market/request-customization

REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION:

REPORT FEATURES

DETAILS

Yacht Type Coverage

Yacht Sub Type Coverage

Yacht Size Coverage

Yacht Usage Coverage

Geographical Coverage

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Rest of the World (RoW)

Leading Companies

Report Highlights

Key Market Indicators, Macro-micro economic impact analysis, BREXIT Impact Analysis, Electrification, Market Estimates and Forecast, Market Dynamics, Industry Trends, Competition Landscape, Category, Region, Country-wise Trends & Analysis, COVID-19 Impact Analysis (Demand and Supply Chain), Key Trends

Table of Contents:

1. Executive Summary 1.1. Global Yacht Charter Market : Snapshot 1.2. Future Projections, 2018 - 2027, (US$ Mn) 1.3. Key Segment Analysis and Competitive Insights 1.4. Premium Insights

2. Yacht Charter Market Outlook 2.1. Market Definitions and Segmentation 2.2. Market Dynamics 2.2.1. Driver 2.2.2. Restraint 2.2.3. Industry Challenges & Opportunities 2.3. Market Forces Analysis 2.3.1. Value Chain Analysis 2.3.2. Porters Five Forces Analysis 2.3.3. SWOT Analysis 2.4. Impact Analysis 2.4.1. Pre and Post Covid-19 Analysis 2.4.2. Economic Indicators (GDP Per Capita, BREXIT Analysis, etc.) 2.4.3. Electrification 2.4.4. Parent Industry Trends

3. Global Yacht Charter Market Outlook, 2017 - 2026 3.1. Global Yacht Charter Market Value Forecast, By Yacht Type, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn) 3.1.1. Key Highlights 3.1.1.1. Market Growth & Projections (Y-o-Y) 3.1.1.2. Market Share Analysis, By Yacht Type, 2019 & 2027 3.1.2. Sailing 3.1.3. Motor 3.1.4. Catamaran 3.1.5. Market Attractiveness Analysis, By Yacht Type 3.2. Global Yacht Charter Market Value Forecast, By Yacht Sub - Type, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn) 3.2.1. Key Highlights 3.2.1.1. Market Growth & Projections (Y-o-Y) 3.2.1.2. Market Share Analysis, By Yacht Sub - Type, 2019 & 2027 3.2.2. Classic 3.2.3. Open 3.2.4. Large 3.2.5. Market Attractiveness Analysis, By Yacht Sub - Type 3.3. Global Yacht Charter Market Value Forecast, By Yacht Size, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn) 3.3.1. Key Highlights 3.3.1.1. Market Growth & Projections (Y-o-Y) 3.3.1.2. Market Share Analysis, By Yacht Size, 2019 & 2027 3.3.2. Small 3.3.3. Medium 3.3.4. Large 3.3.5. Market Attractiveness Analysis, By Yacht Size 3.4. Global Yacht Charter Market Value Forecast, By Usage, 2018 - 2028, (US$ Mn) 3.4.1. Key Highlights 3.4.1.1. Market Growth & Projections (Y-o-Y) 3.4.1.2. Market Share Analysis, By Usage, 2019 & 2027 3.4.2. Corporate 3.4.3. Retail 3.4.4. Others 3.4.5. Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Usage 3.5. Global Yacht Charter Market Outlook, by Region, (US$ Mn), 2017 - 2026 3.5.1. Key Highlights 3.5.1.1. Market Growth & Projections (Y-o-Y) 3.5.1.2. Market Share Analysis, By Region, 2019 & 2027 3.5.1.3. North America 3.5.1.4. Europe 3.5.1.5. Asia Pacific 3.5.1.6. Latin America 3.5.1.7. Middle East & Africa 3.5.2. Global Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Region

TOC Continued!

About UsFairfield Market Research is a UK-based market research provider. Fairfield offers a wide spectrum of services, ranging from customized reports to consulting solutions. With a strong European footprint, Fairfield operates globally and helps businesses navigate through business cycles, with quick responses and multi-pronged approaches. The company values an eye for insightful take on global matters, ably backed by a team of exceptionally experienced researchers. With a strong repository of syndicated market research reports that are continuously published & updated to ensure the ever-changing needs of customers are met with absolute promptness.

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Yacht Charter Market is Expected to be Worth US$25.53 Bn by 2027, Surging at a Healthy CAGR of 22.85% : Fairfield Market Research - Yahoo Finance

From Lands End, the isolated tip of Great Britain, to Floridas Key West, people are drawn to places where the world seems to come to an end. Situated at the tip of Cape Fear in North Carolina, Bald Head Island is one such place. To the west lies the Cape Fear River, already an estuary by the time its waters wash over the islands sands and shores; the north points to a stretch of other isolated islands sandwiched between river and sea.

Look southward or eastward and your eyes will become lost in the seemingly infinite expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, interrupted only, perhaps, by the arrival of sea turtles which come to the island to build their nests.

Sparsely populated and scenic, Bald Head Island is an excellent vacation destination for travelers looking to enjoy themselves in a unique environment. Dominated by maritime forests, a rare ecosystem found on barrier islands like these, Bald Head Island (BHI) offers plenty of opportunities for relaxing outdoor activities. The diversity of waterways (which include creeks, rivers, marshes, estuaries, and the ocean) makes BHI a great place for kayaking, fishing, and boating.

Due to the lack of any steep gradients, many guests explore the islands beauty atop a bicycle. Golf is another big draw to the area. Acclaimed courses bring in everyone from PGA professionals chasing victory to dedicated amateurs looking for an expertly designed course in a beautiful spot.

Private cars are forbidden on the island, but visitors can get around easily enough using golf carts, boats, and public transportation. Many of these house rentals come with carts. Bikes, beach gear, kayaks, surfboards, and more are also widely available for rent from the islands shops.

Whatever brings you to Bald Head Island, finding the right place to stay is always crucial to having a good getaway. We have selected 10 fabulous vacation rentals to consider during your upcoming Bald Head vacation.

Private and spacious, this rental home is ideal for groups looking for a place to relax and recreate in peace. Bald Head Island is a small one with many houses. The relative isolation of this oceanfront home is definitely not the norm. The 500-foot driveway marks this house and the land it sits on as yours and yours alone.

More remarkable still, the house sits by a 40-acre private nature reserve, accessible only to you and your companions. The house comes with three golf carts and all the chairs you need to enjoy a day on the islands East Beach (considered the best for surfing, body boarding, and kiting). Other amazing features include a nature trail and a 500-year-old bronze cannon recovered from a local shipwreck.

Indoor amenities rival the incredible outdoor ones. Each of the four bedrooms has a private bathroom.

Theres no shortage of light, space, or possibilities in this magnificent house overlooking BHIs South Beach. Skylights, white walls, and south-facing windows ensure that everything inside is awash in light.

The comfort of the two-storied common area, porch, and balconies are almost enough to convince guests to forgo the pleasure of the adjacent beach. Each of the second-floor master kings has a private balcony. There is also a porch-side queen room on the main level and a kids bedroom with three twins. From the marbled bathrooms to the modern kitchen, Salty Dog doesnt skimp on luxury.

Its location that really makes this property a winner. South Beach is considered the best for those keen on a calm beach day. It has smaller waves and gets much less wind than the islands other waterfronts. Theres also more sand and less scrub.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 4

Sleeps: 10

Bald Head Island is crisscrossed by a half dozen or so rivers and creeks, many of which, if they were just a few hundred feet longer, would turn the island into an archipelago. This pet-friendly freestanding two-story house is just feet away from one such creek.

Its easy to appreciate the forest from one of the propertys two balconies or the screened-off porch area on the ground floor. Wildlife sitings are quite common in this neighborhood, so its definitely worth making use of the spacious outdoor areas. The floorplan is traditional, with a queen bedroom (and bath) on the ground floor and three more bedrooms above (bunk, another queen, and the master suite).

Accessing the island is easy from this property as the garage comes filled with two golf carts. If youre interested in taking advantage of the golf course at Bald Head Island Club during your stay, contact the owners early so they can arrange it for you.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Sleeps: 9

Mere feet away from South Beach, Happy Ours is perfectly located for those who cant get enough of smooth sands and calm waters. The sea is easily appreciated from the screened-in porch and beach access is steps away.

Recently renovated and built in the classic coastal style, the house has a ground-floor queen suite. Above it is another queen and a room with two twins. For additional sleeping space, the cozy den has a pull-out sofa.

Though Bald Head Island has many excellent dining options, theres nothing like a home-cooked meal. For that reason, the kitchen comes fully stocked and the outdoor grill is always ready for use.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

Sleeps: 8

Tucked away in the southeast corner of the island, Mahi Mahi is a comfortable and economical option for a family, couple, or pair of couples looking to experience Bald Head Islands unique lifestyle. This two-story duplex has a queen bedroom on each floor, plus a cozy sleeping nook with a comfortable twin bed.

It is in a quiet neighborhood just minutes away from the beach and The Shoals Club, a popular resort with dining, pools, and all the amenities one expects to find in a quality beachside resort. Rentals for kayaks, beach gear, and more are easily arranged, but theres no need to worry about a golf cart as the house has a six-seater for guests to use.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 5

Beautiful pine paneling and flooring give this isolated home a unique feel compared to your typical beach house. It is on Bald Heads middle island, an area enclosed by Fish Creek and the Cape Fear River. Both waterways are just a few hundred feet away.

The property is surrounded by undeveloped land, providing guests with a remarkable sense of privacy and space to roam around. The common area is beautiful and the four queen bedrooms cozy. The undeveloped coastline and waves of East Beach and tranquil sands of South Beach are just a few minutes away by golf cart, four of which are provided.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Sleeps: 8

Balvenie is a fine home sandwiched between South Beach and the Bald Head Woods Maritime Forest Preserve. The reverse floor plan features a master suite on the ground floor and queen and trundled twin rooms that share a bathroom.

The back deck offers ocean views, including rocking chairs and a hammock from which to best enjoy them. Guests find themselves drawn to the pleasures of South Beach, where the sand stretches for over a mile in either direction. A great property for a family looking to stay in a good location for good value.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

Sleeps: 6

Right on the waters of Bald Head Islands harbor, this small studio home is ideal for a couple looking for a big adventure. Windows on all sides bring in enough light to fill this small studio to the brim. Two cots are available if youre planning to bring the children with you.

And dont fret if your children are furrier than most: its dog-friendly so they are allowed to tag along. Being on the harbor gives guests easy access to the ferry, boat rentals, and great sunset views. The no-frills kitchen can be used to prepare basic meals.

Guests looking for something more can walk to The Wisp for wine and snacks or Delphina for something more substantial.

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

Island Haven is an ideal home-away-from-home for a family looking for a fuss-less vacation on the island. Property management ensures everything is provided, including golf carts, kayaks, ping-pong, and a grill.

The open-plan kitchen and common area is a great place to congregate, but there is also a kids pad with an adjacent media room. The property abuts a nature preserve and is a few thousand feet away from both the East and South beaches. Visitors should inquire about getting temporary access to The Shoals Club and BHI Club.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

Sleeps: 8

Just south of BHIs harbor, this condo has great views of the estuary and mainland marshland on the other side. A community saltwater pool is just steps away (the beaches are about 5 minutes away using one of the complimentary golf carts).

Each of the three bedrooms is nice but the master, what with its bath and balcony with marsh views, is particularly enviable. Enjoy a meal on the screened-in patio or haul the beach chairs to the sand for a fine picnic.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 6

To discover things to do in and around Bald Head Island, check out:

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The 10 Best Bald Head Island Rentals - TravelAwaits

One of the best things about flying small aircraft is the ease of access they afford to desirable places that are otherwise difficult to reach. Island destinations are a classic example.

Typically they require earthbound travelers to drive their cars onto ferries whose schedules and capacities often are limited. They also tend to be slow and time-consuming compared with other modes of travel. Even if you book faster passage with an air taxi service, you are still beholden to someone elses timetable. Making the trip in ones own airplane gives the sense of control that is lost in most other forms of travel.

Below are some of the islands at the top of our wish lists that have general aviation airports and lots to do once you get there.

Northeasterners know that even if you live in Massachusetts it can take all day to get to Marthas Vineyardunless you fly there. And while the well-known island hopping airline Cape Air and several charter operators can get you to this vacation hotspot quickly, landing on the vineyard in your own airplane feels like the ultimate expression of freedom. The island also offers a diversity of airports including the towered Vineyard Haven (KMVY), Katama Airpark (1B2) in Edgartown, with three turf strips, and Trade Wind (MA44), a private (permission required) grass strip in Oak Bluffs run by the Marthas Vineyard Land Bank Commission.

Maine has a vast collection of interesting airfields, from numerous private turf and gravel strips as short as 1,000 feet to the deactivated Loring Air Force Base with a runway 12,000 feet long and 300 feet wide. You can still land at Loring (ME16) if you get permission in advance. Islesboros modest tree-lined runway does not detract much from the sense of being pleasantly lost in time when visiting the island. In many ways the place seems to have changed little since the 1600s when European traders and explorers traversed the area. Yes, you will see modern cars and boats, but there are miles of quiet, wooded hiking trails that help visitors forget the trappings of civilization.

Beaver Island in Lake Michigan has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From fishing and hunting to boating, bicycling, hiking, and camping, there is much to take in on this remote spot. Local companies rent bikes, kayaks, and other outdoor gear while guides lead island tours. Visitors can check out the Toy Museum, Marine Museum, and the Mormon Print Shop Museum, which followers of religious leader James Jesse Strang built in 1850 as the communitys print shop. Visitors can also climb the 46-foot Beaver Head Lighthouse, which was built in 1856 and was active until 1962, when it was decommissioned.

This island in the Outer Banks region was long known as a rustic, minimal spot that did not receive telephone service until 1956 or establish a public water system until 1977. But its natural, untouched, and unfussy style is a big part of the appeal. There is plenty to see and do here and lots of history worth noting. One of its most interesting stories involves the Ocracoke Banker Ponies, a herd that descended from Spanish mustangs who survived a shipwreck hundreds of years ago and have occupied the island ever since. For most of that time they ran free but now live in an enclosed 188-acre area under National Park Service care.

There is a lot going on at Friday Harbor, often called the gateway to the San Juan Islands, from farmers markets and film festivals to shops and sightseeing. There are many restaurants serving locally produced food and venues for the arts, including the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, which holds quarterly exhibitions of visual art from around the world. The waterfront is a popular destination for its shops and food, and as the departure point for whale-watching tours. Orcas, Dalls porpoise, humpback whales, minke whales, sea lions, and harbor seals are known to frequent the waters around the island.

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Forsaking the Ferry: Five Island Destinations for Pilots - FLYING Magazine - FLYING

For travelers who seek for diversified experiences, magnificent views of the Ionian Sea and the National Park of Mount Aenos, combined with elegance and luxury, Sui Generis Villa on Kefalonia, the largest and one of the most beautiful of Greeces Ionian Islands, is the first destination that comes to mind.

Located on a hill above Pessada cove, Sui Generis Villa, which is inspired by the Latin phrase Sui Generis meaning unique, offers magnificent views of the Ionian Sea. This property, which was recently included in Aria Hotels portfolio, has privacy in a secluded location with uninterrupted sea view in Pessada, a village on the southern side of Kefalonia, just 15 minutes drive from the islands capital, Argostoli, and close to nearby beaches.

For that reason, the property is the ideal choice for those who are willing to enjoy virgin mountains, turquoise and cerulean blue waters lapping up against white pebble beaches, and pine-scented limestone mountains slashed by lush, and green fertile valleys.

The two-level villa, in line with the Aria Hotels philosophy of authentic Greek hospitality, is defined by a first-class quality of design and natural materials, such as stone and wood. The unique design, in combination with the unprecedented luxury of Sui Generis Villa, create the ultimate holiday experience for groups of friends, couples and families up to 6 members. The interior offers three bedrooms with private bathrooms, including a master bedroom with free-standing bathtub and walk-in shower, a steam bath (Turkish bath), kitchen, living and dining area facilities.

The guests of the villa will be able to enjoy the infinity pool with built-in floating lounge and fireplace, which are placed in the extensive garden around the villa, the private parking, as well as the BBQ facilities.

Moreover, for visitors who are willing to execute a private social event, Sui Generis Villa is the ideal choice, as Aria Hotels tailor-made services will meet each expectation.

For those who seek for diversified experiences and have several things to see during their stay, Fiskardo is unquestionably Kefalonias prettiest village and the only settlement to have retained its 18th-century Venetian-style architecture before the earthquake.

Assos village, the lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi, the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, the monastery of Kipoureon, the Castle of Saint George, Lixouri village, and the Potistis Waterfalls are just a few of the many places you may visit.

Aria Hotels, the family-owned boutique hotel and villas company, has radically expanded its carefully curated portfolio of hotels, villas and residencies and has now approached 50 properties on 13 island and mainland resorts across Greece.

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Sui Generis Villa: An Elegant Luxury Retreat on Kefalonia, One of the Most Beautiful Ionian Islands | GTP Headlines - GTP Headlines

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Sweet summertime beckons us to the coast, and weve found a few destinations with ample shorelines. These islands are surrounded by water and accessible only by boat (or plane, in a few cases). Whether you wish to unwind at an ultra-luxurious resort or explore the wildlife within a tech-free ecological paradise, there is something for everyone on these Southern isles once youve ditched the car!

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The moment you step off the ferry onDaufuskie Island, youre enveloped by Spanish moss and a rich Gullah history. Without large stores, gas stations, stoplights, cars, or hotels, its as if the island is stuck in a simpler time to which the mainland wants to return. A few hundred residents welcome intrigued tourists to their magical, tiny island just five miles by three miles on the southernmost tip of the Carolinas. Mother Nature shows off for Daufuskie sightseers: Bottlenose dolphin fins dot the horizon, loggerhead turtles nest each spring on the shore, and rare Marsh Tacky horses roam the island (dating back 500 years in the area).

Made up mostly of dirt roads and conservatory land, the car-free island has two historic accommodations available to book The Strachan Mansion and 1873 Lighthouse both at Haig Point, the islands only private, residential community. Soak up the sun on pristine white sand beaches, play the top-ranked golf course, and ride horseback on the beach. Daufuskie is also home to the best-preserved tabby-walled Civil War era single slave dwellings in the South and one of only two island distilleries in the country. There is even an open-air art gallery that operates on the honor system, where you might find a memento to take home.

Hop aboard the 20-minute ferry from Southport, NC (a charming destination in itself!), and let the salty wind in your hair welcome you to Bald Head Island. The unspoiled, secluded barrier island is part of North Carolinas Brunswick Islands and has attracted curious sojourners since its pirate days. Climb the 108 steps to the top of the states oldest lighthouse, Old Baldy, for stunning views of the island, then tour the Smith Island Museum of History to learn about Bald Head Islands seafaring history.

Enjoy delicious coastal cuisine at Delphina and Jailhouse Provisions, then ice cream at Mikes Bites or Sandpiper. Bald Head is filled with top-notch golf courses, lush nature trails, and lots of places to take out canoes and sailboats. With ample relaxing and laidback vibes, this island boasts some of the most vibrant sunsets youve ever seen.

Sapelo is one of the largest barrier islands in the chain of coastal Georgia islands between the Savannah and St. Mary rivers. Reachable only by ferry, Sapelo has a slew of fun activities, educational resources, and primitive lodging options for curious visitors willing to make the trek. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources operates the ferry service and connects the two ecological education and research institutions with the civilian Hog Hammock community: a permanent home to fewer than 100 full-time residents, many of whom are descended from Sapelos plantation slaves.

The striking structure on the island is the R.J. Reynolds Mansion, built by Thomas Spalding in 1810. Groups can stay in the mansion (they host many weddings!), set up camp on the public beach campground at Cabretta, or rent one of the few vacation rentals. An underwater park of sorts, Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary champions the areas Loggerhead turtles, endangered North Atlantic Right Whales, and 200 fish species through boating, fishing, scuba diving, and aquatic critter education.

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The countrys only private island resort, Little Palm Island is a swanky, adults-only paradise off the coast of Floridas Little Torch Key. As soon as you step off the yacht transfer thats included in your stay (or a seaplane, if you wish), you are surrounded by tropical elegance and every amenity youd ever need.

Beyond the beach and pool, there are paddle boards, snorkeling gear, kayaks, sailboats, and four Boston Whalers to take out to the nearby reefs and sandbars. Water activities, a luxe indoor-outdoor spa, and delicious cuisine will keep you happily unplugged and occupied for as long as you wish at quite the splurge-y nightly rate.

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Just north of Charleston sits a remarkably private, 1,200-acre oceanfront island filled with protected parkland, miles of private beach, and a cultural community. Abundant in wildlife, Native American tribes like the Sewee (which loosely translates to Islanders) called Dewee one of their Hunting Islands. A 20-minute ferry ride from Isle of Palms plops you onto a dock of golf carts where a simpler pace of life begins.

A well-appointed clubhouse has a pool, rotating art shows, cocktail hours, barbecue cookouts, book clubs, and more. Even though its not even two square miles, the island has many places to fish, canoe, kayak, jog, and spot wildlife. This gem remains unknown and unexplored by many Carolina locals, and it could be your new home.

Lets set our watches to island time this summer!

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5 Southern Islands to Visit (By Boat Only!) - StyleBlueprint

The time has finally come to travel again, and the leaders in love and romance at Sandals Resorts are welcoming couples who are inspired to rediscover the vibrant tropical paradise that is Nassau, Bahamas.

Newly reopened in February following a $55-million transformation, Sandals Royal Bahamian stands ready to provide the luxury all-inclusive beach vacation youve been yearning for.

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Just a short jaunt from Miami, this sunny tropical destination delivers everything guests could want in one convenient stay. And, the resort itself is only a 15-minute transfer from the local airport, minutes from downtown Nassaus many attractions, tours, shopping, dining, casinos and more.

With its recent reopening, Sandals Royal Bahamian rolled out new programming for early check-ins, called The Breakaway, which pulls out all the stops for the ultimate guest welcome experience. Early arrivals receive a signature cocktail, then a dedicated hostess leads them directly to a relaxation lounge where they can freshen up and proceed straight to the pool to unwind, while resort staff takes care of the rest of their check-in.

The adults-only property also added two New River Pools, which lend their refreshing water to the resorts 10,000-plus square feet of freshwater swimming poolssome of the most impressive on the island.

Other all-new features include the Island Village, where designers drew inspiration for the soft pastel color palette and locally-derived design touches from the Bahamian archipelago itself. Island Village celebrates the easy-going spirit of the islands by blending traditional elements with a thoughtful, modern approach to luxury. The suites in this section provide optimal seclusion, with a private patio where guests can step right into their own private plunge pool. Overlooking the resorts lush tropical gardens, the intimate outdoor area also includes a bistro set and Tranquility Soaking Tub.

The renewed resort also boasts new Beachfront Swim-Up Suites, which are likewise in the Love Nest Butler category, situated just steps away from the powdery sand and surf. Besides the spectacular views and easy beach access, guests also enjoy zero-entry access to an exclusive infinity-edge, swim-up pool.

Another new addition is the relaxing Coconut Grove beachfront lounge, where guests can kick back during the day under the shade of coconut palms, then come back at night to enjoy live music and entertainment outdoors.

Sandals Royal Bahamian is also Nassaus only resort with its own private island. The exclusive island hideaway of Sandals Barefoot Cay is included in your stay. It boasts all the amenities of a complete resort, including a private beach, pool, jacuzzi, two dining experiences, chic entertainment and much more. Surrounded by colorful coral reefs, this serene private paradise is only five minutes away from the main resort via the Sandals Love Runner Boat.

Plus, its an easy hop to nearby sister resort at Sandals Exuma for guests who fancy a split-stay vacation. Its also the perfect option for a day trip where you can swim with the famous Bahamian beach-going pigs in idyllic Caribbean waters.

For more information, visit sandals.com/royal-bahamian.

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Explore New Features at the Reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian - TravelPulse

The beginning of June is a special time for my family. For over 20 years, distant family members make their way to North Carolinas barrier islands. Like birds of the same feather, we migrate back to the North Carolina coastline. Together, we make memories of boating, fishing and playing in the waves.

Most recently, we have been staying far south on Route 12 in the small town of Frisco, North Carolina. We like that the roar of the crashing ocean waves is louder than tourist attractions.

Even though we embrace tradition and look forward to the same yearly expeditions, this year turned out to be a little different. From wildlife to weather, our week unrolled in unexpected ways.

Our kids really enjoy taking the ferry operated by the state of North Carolina from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island. Instead of waiting until the midway point of the trip when traffic lines are long, we went early on Monday.

This turned out to be excellent planning to escape any crowds. The village of Ocracoke is only 4 square miles in area, but the undeveloped beaches stretch out for about 15 miles. Known for their seclusion and natural beauty, playing on the beach at Ocracoke made it seem like we were on our own private island.

Looking in either direction down the coast, we couldnt see another person. However, many birds make their home on pristine beaches. To protect several species, a section of the beach was closed to vehicles, dogs, and people. Black skimmers, terns, and piping plovers need protection due to a decrease in number.

Black skimmers were once killed for their feathers. As their name implies, they skim the water with their lower mandible, snapping their upper mandible shut when they catch a fish. They fish by touch instead of by sight.

Many coastal birds like black skimmers and piping plovers lay their eggs right on the sand or shell fragments near small amounts of vegetation. The biggest threat to their survival is the loss of beach-nesting habitats. Ocracoke Island is included in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore; the protected beaches will remain in their exquisite natural state, undeveloped for years to come.

After a morning of playing in the waves and collecting shells, we traveled farther south. The road is bordered on both sides by dunes covered in sea oats. Maritime forests and marshlands separate the road from the Pamlico Sound.

The quaint village of Ocracoke has a vibe all its own. Historical markers along with shops and restaurants make up the main stretch through town. Sailboats bob up and down on Silver Lake, which is more like a bay or lagoon. Other boats and a south-bound ferry also use the harbor. Pelicans perch on the pylons near the docks waiting patiently for their next snack.

After a quick stop for our own snack of ice cream, we headed back to Hatteras Island. The crowd of seagulls trailing the ferry grew as we made the 60-minute commute in the dredged channel.

Back at the beach house, another coastal bird made an appearance. I thought at first that it was a Northern cardinal. However, this bird had a leaner appearance and didnt have the same crest. After some research, I realized it was a male Summer Tanager.

Crimson in color with a few orange feathers if its molting, summer tanagers are commonly seen in eastern North Carolina. These songbirds mainly eat insects and have a fondness for consuming bees.

An evening trip to Cape Hatteras lighthouse made it possible to see the sunset behind the iconic black and white swirled beacon. We were in for another treat when a rare songbird could be heard trilling in the nearby trees.

Nocturnal by nature, a chuck-wills-widow sounded like it was in the trees next to marshy inland water. Its repetitive call was so unique that it captured our undivided attention. It preys on moths, beetles, and other insects as it flies. This feeding habit is made possible by stiff feathers called rictal bristles that act as a funnel. The specialized feathers direct the bugs which serve as pops of protein into the birds wide-opening mouth.

A few big storms during the week scattered the birds and sent us scrambling for cover in the house. High winds cut the fishing success rate for the week in half, but the fishermen in our group did manage to catch one elusive pompano.

For our last morning on the island, I woke up early for the sunrise. With the moon still glittering on the waves, I walked north to see the first rays of daybreak over the dunes.

Without too many feathers ruffled, we made it back home to Ohio. My kids were excited to see the return of the lightning bugs and two very rambunctious dogs. Nothing is better than your very own cozy nest after a long flight.

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Geiss family gets close to nature on relaxing beach vacation - Farm and Dairy

You could probably get used to living there.

If youve got $26.5 million to spare, a beachfront Florida panhandle mansion is on the market.

Mont Blanc is a four-story, 9,051-square-foot mansion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at 146 Montgomery St. in Seagrove.

Modeled on the architecture of the Greek Islands, the home was designed by Archiscapes & TS Adams Studio, with construction by Scott Barnes Development and interiors by Robin Rains Interior Design.

Completed in 2019 on an 18-month construction schedule, the home features six bedrooms, six bathrooms and three half-baths.

Entering on the ground floor, one sees a private courtyard with three oversize garage stalls and premium lighting.

A eurowall compliments the homes private pool deck, along with a covered patio overlooking the beach, with space for a full outdoor kitchen.

The first level also offers a full king suite, with bathroom and walk-in shower. Theres a separate laundry area, pool bathroom, commercial ice maker and additional storage.

A grand foyer staircase cast in white venetian plaster ushers you up to entertainment space on the second floor.

The living area offers 180 degree views over the gulf, with a gas fireplace and adjacent chefs kitchen & adjoining scullery. Theres also a two large king suites, and whats described as a Pinterest-style bunk room.

The master level on the third floor has a spa-like master bathroom, complete with heated seating in the steam shower, a private massage and body scrub table, and a wall of windows to catch the sunset over the water.

The floor has its own laundry station, wet bar, sauna and fitness room.

Theres an additional bedroom suite on the third floor, and a third laundry station for guests.

On the top floor, a custom built bar area and wine cave opens up onto a veranda.

Theres also marble and hardwood flooring throughout the house, hand-hewn oak beams and eucalyptus wood accents, and fortified concrete construction.

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This $26.5 million Florida beachfront mansion brings the Greek Islands to the Gulf of Mexico - AL.com