Category Archives: Private Islands

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Andros has exceeded last years total stopover visitors by 66.5 percent in just the first four months of 2022, it was revealed yesterday, despite airlift woes being the bane of everybodys life.

Dr Kenneth Romer, the Ministry of Tourisms deputy director-general and acting director of aviation, told the Andros Business Outlook conference that the island appeared set for a banner year after attracting some 5,626 air arrivals during the period to end-April 2022.

Disclosing that Andros received a fraction less than 1 percent of all air arrivals received by The Bahamas in 2019, when a record 1.8m stopovers arrived on these shores pre-COVID, he added: We need to change that narrative.

While the pandemics lockdowns and related travel/border restrictions dropped stopover visitors to just 1,982 in 2020, they bounced back to near pre-COVID levels last year at 3,378. And, for 2022, Dr Romer said this number has jumped by two-thirds in only four months to beat 2021s full-year total.

So Andros is already among the leaders in terms of overall foreign air arrivals, the aviation chief. I believe this year, 2022, is going to be the banner year... I believe we are climbing, taking flight, with opportunities for growth in air travel.

Andros niche tourism sectors, such as diving, snorkelling, bird watching, eco-tourism and flats and bonefishing will likely have helped spur this increase, together with the pent-up demand for travel post-COVID and a desire by many vacationers to explore more remote destinations.

However, Dr Romer, who was moderator for the Andros Business Outlooks panel discussions, earlier had to listen while hotel operators and airlines listed multiple concerns and complaints relating to airlift into the island - the sector that falls under his watch.

Michael King-Hew, chief executive and director for Kamalame Cay Private Island Resort and Residences, said simply: Airlift is the issue. It is the constant issue and bane of everybodys life...We either do a good job or a terrible job.

Pointing out that the cancellation of fully-booked flights left passengers, who have already checked out of their resorts, with nowhere to go, he added that reliable, consistent flights and schedules were vital if Family Island tourism is to prosper.

Urging the Government to help accelerate the build-out of airport infrastructure and technology, Mr King-Hew also urged The Bahamas to straighten out its pre-clearance facility in Fort Lauderdale. Asserting that this had been messed around with for two years, he said the pre-clearance experience was magic and you are treated like a superstar but too often persons are having to navigate a crowded airport terminal.

We have to be candid about the terrible state of the airports, Mr King-Hew said, singling out San Andros in particular. With no covered area where passengers can wait for their flights, they either have to wait in a taxi or cluster inside the Customs and Immigration office - especially if it rains. Addressing these issues, he added, would help give Andros the airlift it requires.

Lee Quittner, vice-president of marketplace for Tropic Ocean Airways, backed Mr King-Hew by agreeing that pre-clearance in Fort Lauderdale will be a game changer. It will open up things for us nicely. He added that the biggest opportunity was to try and get ahead of pent-up travel demand and provide the five-star experience travellers are seeking in an environment impacted by post-COVID pilot and plane shortages.

Chad Chorney, the Bahamas programme director for US-based Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventure, a travel agency, identified reliable and consistent air and flight services as being among the top challenges in clients getting to The Bahamas - especially the Family Islands.

With flights and routes cut during the pandemic, he added: I hope that bounces back and increases going forward..... Right now were seeing an increase in air fare prices. Thats a concern to some folks with rising fuel costs, but hopefully thats alleviated.

Cheryl Bastian, owner of Swains Cay Lodge, told the conference that freight challenges were compounding airlift woes. One of the issues is getting our freight in, she said. While our freight providers are pretty good with what they have to work with, its pretty concerning when they cant get it in and expenses are escalating. Thats creating significant challenges and expenses for the bottom line.

A lack of airlift availability, and challenges in getting guests in and out of Andros, represented a further challenge, Ms Bastian added, as she called for Mangrove Cay Airport to be designated as an international port of entry. The lodge proprietor also called on Androsians to become more involved by developing activities for visitors to experience while on the island.

Jeff Birch, the resident family manager for Small Hope Bay Lodge, described the acquisition of middle management at an affordable price as being among his greatest challenge. He added the cost involved in finding someone with the ability to maintain the business at the level you want, and enticing them to move to Andros, was significant.

Originally posted here:

Airlift 'bane of everyone's life' - Bahamas Tribune

Bringing together two of the very best things in life travel and wellness the years buzziest new spas and treatments are fodder for those with a penchant for enjoyment. Across the world, dozens of innovative and exciting experiences have cropped up for 2022, making the decision to book a vacation entirely centered around a spa day all the more of a great idea.

If youre looking to stay closer to home, destinations like Napa Valley, Sedona, and the Hamptons have all experienced a big boom in recent months, with notable openings coming from both established hospitality brands as well as smaller boutique names. Ready to set sail abroad? Good, because theres plenty of spa news happenings overseas coming from iconic regions like the Italian Riviera and English countryside as well as legendary tropical locales including the Maldives and Caribbean. Suffice it to say, if you need a new wellness treatment or spa property to fantasize about, youre bound to find it in the 27 ideas to come. Continue ahead to find out the most talked-about spa openings and treatments of the year and where you should book your next trip to.

The Ranch Malibu shook up the wellness world when it first debuted in 2010 with a seven-day health immersion, receiving numerous awards and attracting celebrity names to the property. Fast forward 12 years and the company has expanded the iconic program overseas. The Ranch Italy at Palazzo Fiuggi Medical Retreat opened its doors in May of this year with a seven-night, eight-day stay that features a four-hour morning mountain hike, nap time, afternoon strength and core training classes, yoga, and a daily massage each day.

This May, Gurneys Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa unveiled its $20 million renovation just in time for the summer season. The 30,000 square foot wellness destination features North America's only ocean-fed seawater pool and the spa was reimagined by architecture Ignacio Alonso, who is previously known for his work on Aire Ancient Baths in New York City. The experience includes a bathhouse, caladium, thermal baths, sauna and steam, a salt room, plus indoor-outdoor treatment suites overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Gurneys also tapped expert Dr. Dennis Gross for the treatment menu as well as leading wellness brands like Biologique Recherche, OSEA, QMS Medicosmetics, Voya, and Aesop.

Originally founded in the 17th century, Canoe Place in Hampton Bays, Long Island is known by locals as the First Stop Out East and has served as a gathering place for generations. The restoration of this landmark is debuting in August and on top of the 20 guest rooms, five guest cottages, and six landscaped acres, it will also include a full-service spa by ONDA Beauty with facial and body treatments.

Architecture buffs already love Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort for its Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design, and the property just completed its healing Tierra Luna Spa and opened the doors to its outdoor Sol Gardenmaking it all the more of a must-visit destination. Guests journey through elements of fire, water, ice, and earth in this breathtaking outdoor space and can even book the new Alchemy Mud & Crystal Bar Experience. This treatment offers a customized mud, chakra oil, and crystal selection plus the blending of oils, gemstones, and muds to apply with a naturally grown and dried luffa.

The Brando is a luxury resort on French Polynesias private island of Tetiaroa and features 35 villas on its white-sand beaches. In March of this year the property launched its Deep-Sea Ice Bath treatment, which immerses guests in cold water drawn from the Pacific Ocean. Ice-cold seawater baths are said to help with everything from improved blood and lymphatic circulation to muscle recovery and joint relief. Oh, and relaxation, too.

The highly anticipated opening of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad (opening July 2022) will debut with a 6,800 square-foot spa and fitness center, including eight treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, and partnerships including one with Augustinus Bader. The location will be in the heart of Manhattans beloved Floral District where, after a spa treatment, guests can enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop bar, sipping 500 feet up in the air.

If the sound of Veuve Clicquot served with a sprinkle of diamond dust piques your interest, youll be pleased to know the spa at Waldorf Astoria Chicago recently unveiled a new facial treatment called The Diamond Experience, featuring a glow facial that uses resurfacing technology to exfoliate and enhance. Afterwards, guests are treated to a Knesko Diamond Collagen Mask with a quartz facial roller and the aforementioned diamond-dusted glass of Champagne.

Sleep tourism is one of the years most popular travel trends and Silversands Grenada is meeting this demand with a new Sleep Program. Yanni Gaspar-Frivaldo, the lifestyle and wellness director at Silversands, focused this program around spa treatments curated to improve sleep patterns. Each package comes with a light healthy meal, both a wellness and fitness class, plus a spa experience comprised of multiple treatments. Take the Day Dreaming package, for example, which is a full day ritual thats entirely conducted in the Gharieni Quartz Sand Bed: Marma Point Scalp Massage, Customized Indian Shirodhara, and a Abhyanga Indian Massage.

Casa Polanco, a luxury villa in Mexico City, opened its doors in June. The rooftop spa overlooks Lincoln Park and glass doors slide open to allow for an immersive treatment experiences (kind of like being in the treetops, you might say). Enjoy services like deep tissue massage, jet lag therapy, deep sleep massage, urban energizing massage, a reiki session, Chakra massage, and volcanic hot stone massage. Follow your treatment up with tea or an herbal infusion on the terrace while enjoying the scenic views.

This June, iconic Hudson Valley hotel Mohonk Mountain House will debut the resorts first outdoor spa treatment room overlooking Lake Mohonk and the surrounding cliffs. Connect with nature in a rustic wooden summerhouse that surrounds visitors with ancient trees and the sights and sounds of nature. On top of services like massages and facials, there will also be mindfulness sessions and experiences, including a sunset sound bath on the moss-covered green roof terrace.

THE SPA at Viceroy Los Cabos is renowned for its powerful spa experiences and this year theyve introduced a number of new rehabilitating and healing treatments, including an Osteopathy and Posture service that combines techniques like massage, mobilization, and body adjustments with acupuncture and craniosacral therapy. A newly launched holistic spa treatment is their Cacao Healing Experience, which includes a cacao drink followed by exfoliation and massage with cacao cream to rev up endorphins. You also wont want to miss the new offering of Sound Healing reflexology massages and meditations.

Making your way to Fiji this year? Book a stay at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa to experience the propertys newest treatments for 2022, including the Coconut Milk & Honey Firming Ritual its a 135-minute experience that blends Fijan honey and coconut milk to hydrate, nourish, firm, and strengthen. Or go for the Island Journey, which includes a massage, express facial, and an Instagram-worthy soak in a private milk spa jacuzzi.

From June 1 to September 30, you have the perfect excuse to escape to the Italian Riviera because Belmond recently unveiled a partnership with Dior for a new well-being experience. The pop-up spa is named Jardin des Rves Dior (Garden of Dreams) and guests can book face and body treatments that draw on the skills and expertise of Dior skin care. Creative Director of Dior Maria Grazia Chiuri reimagined the brand's toile de Jouy fabric into a leaf-green that now adorns the Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino gazebos and two decks of the exclusive Bagni Fiore beach club.

This June, THE WELL launched Complete Laser Therapy (C.L.T.) at its flagship New York City location (with its THE WELL at Mayflower Inn location to follow). Its a non-invasive light source treatment that uses a red laser in combination with blue and green LED light. The result? It helps heal skin conditions like rosacea and eczema, works against aging by targeting wrinkles and dark circles, improves texture and boosts elasticity by increasing collagen in the skin.

Wellness junkies are already keenly aware of LAuberge de Sedona thanks to its opportune positioning in the Sonoran desert and unparalleled, unique experiences. This May, they debuted the Turquoise and Sage Hydration treatment that harnesses the healing powers of wild sage, chamomile, lavender, and rosemary. It begins with a dry brush exfoliation followed up by applying sage and turquoise stone infused body butter. Feet and hands are exfoliated with herbal salts followed by warm sage butter and the treatment ends with a glass of rose kombucha and a handmade turquoise bracelet infused with sage as a farewell gift.

Youve heard of farm to table cuisine, but what about skin? The Ocean Spa at Jamaica Inn recently introduced their Farm-to-Skin Foraging experience that immerses guests in the tropical gardens of Jamaica Inn to learn about the beauty benefits of various plants, herbs, and fruits. Forage for a variety of ingredients and create your own Pina Colada Body Scrub (the excursion comes with a 15% discount toward a spa experience).

The new Xkalim Mayan Gourd Massage at Grand Velas Riviera Maya begins with a traditional Mayan blessing honoring the elements of water, wind, fire, and earth followed up by calabash gourds massaged across the body, applying increased pressure to reflexology points. Why gourds? Theyre one of the world's first cultivated plants grown not primarily for food, but for use as containers, so theyre considered to be effective at collecting what doesnt belong by renewing your energy. The therapist also performs a traditional barrida (sweep) of the body with alcohol on a bouquet of herb-of-grace and ends with a massage of the face and head to activate CHI.

Known for its Wabi Sabi design principles, Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons has been a cult favorite wellness destination since it opened in 2019. This year, the property doubles the footprint of its spa and introduces a new exclusive lineup of wellness programming; a highlight being The Embodied Feminine and Sensual Lover with Juliet Lippman, which will be held from July 25 to August 7. Participate in exercises and treatments to help you connect with your desires, diminish your inner-critic, and awaken your deepest senses. The whole point of this activation is to take control of your erotic self-care, which feels reason enough to book a spot today (now!).

The newly opened Hotel AKA Brickell in Miami debuted with Leaf Spa and a slew of holistic treatments for guests to partake in. While there, head for the Alchemist Bar where you can create your own concoction from an assortment of healing herbs and plants to make your very own personalized oils, scrubs, and tinctures. Also, book their Lavender Lymphatic Massage and Vibrant Vichy Body Treatment, which includes a reiki infused scrub to help align chakras.

Sea Containers London is a trendy Southbank hotel thats designed to look reminiscent of a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner (yes, its as fun as it sounds). The property launched their Spring Hedgerow by agua spa earlier this year; a line of sustainable house-made products that are now used throughout the treatment menu. It was inspired by British hedgerows and the indigenous flora found in them and a few seasonal ingredients include dandelion, cleavers, burdock, and nettle leaves.

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is nestled in the historic village of Champillon and is known in the region for its wellness portfolio. This year, the property introduces Kobido to its offerings; every weekend, it is performed by expert Jo de Carvalho who is one of the 50 people in the world to have mastered the practice. You can also learn about the benefits of Shiatsu massage on the weekends with renowned chiropractor and Shiatsu specialist Master Koji Okada. Or if you're looking to boost your complexion, the hotel just introduced a new KOS Paris facial treatment thats formulated from plant ingredients such as prickly pear seed and aai berry.

Having just opened in April, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans has already become a mainstay in the city thanks to its unique treatments, such as The Southern Gentleman. This experience was inspired by New Orleans iconic cocktail, the Sazerac, and is a massage that targets key zones where men often carry tension. The back, neck, and shoulders enjoy a treatment of rye whiskey-infused oil followed by a you guessed it Sazerac (and bar snacks) in the lounge. The spa is also the first establishment in Louisiana to offer products and treatments from French skin care brand Biologique Recherche.

If the words over-water spa bungalow make your ears perk up, youll want to book a trip to Mandarin Oriental, Canouan the property just introduced two of them. Accessible by a quick minute ride on a boat, these spa bungalows include a full indoor suite for the spa treatments, an outdoor balcony overlooking the sea and island, a glass floor that lets you gaze at the clear Caribbean waters, plus a steam shower and dressing room. To make a day of it, the Overwater Wonder experience begins with a guided hike by the resorts in-house naturalist. Afterward, youll pick out your own seafood at the dock with the executive chef and then head to the spa for a signature spa therapy. Later in the day, enjoy a guide snorkeling experience followed by another spa treatment such as an aloe body wrap or foot ritual. Finally, end the day with a sunset cocktail and a private dinner enjoying your catch of the day from the morning dock excursion.

The Maldives is a picturesque destination thats on every nature lovers bucket list. This year, check this beautiful part of the world off of your list with a visit to Patina Maldives, Fari Islands. The propertys FLOW Spa recently introduced unique experiences including a Float Pod and Dream Scapes. The pod is a sensory deprivation therapy where water is heated to skin temperature and statured with Epsom slat to give buoyancy and a floating sensation. Dream Scapes uses sounds, music, entertainment, and guided imagery to relax the floater.

Beginning in May of this year, Elemental Herbology launched a permanent residency at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London. This natural skin care line is based on the five elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine and uses plant-powered formulations to powerfully treat the skin. The iconic Chelsea hotel welcomes both resident and non-resident guests to enjoy the new menu of options, including the Five Elements of Nature a treatment inspired by Cadogan Place Gardens, which can be found just opposite the hotel.

If you find yourself in Napa Valley this year, book a restorative stay at the new luxury resort, Stanly Ranch. Located on 712 acres of a private working ranch, the property also includes a wellness destination called Halehouse, which customizes programs and curates targeted treatments designed by leading health specialists and sports experts. If you've got a wellbeing goal, this is the place to take it. Youll also enjoy the spa pool that delivers on expansive views, should that sort of thing appeal.

Looking for a tranquil countryside escape? Head to Englands Fairmont Windsor Park, which opened on January 1 of this year. The propertys elegant spa features a Himalayan salt room, the UKs first multi-person cryotherapy chamber, health assessments including cardiac stress test and lifestyle review, and The Face Bible Clinic, which includes things like facial peels and laser hair removal. Guests can also take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool and enjoy amenities like and ice fountain, barber shop, and fitness classes including boxing and HIIT.

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27 Best New Spas & Treatments Wellness Junkies Should Know About - The Zoe Report

Explorar Hotels & Resorts announced its expansion into the popular island destination of Koh Samui and the cultural island experience of Koh Phangan.

The expansion is part of the hotel group's ongoing rapid growth strategy in Asia and paves the way for one of the region's fastest-growing hotel brands based in Thailand.

Explorar Koh Samui features 125 beachfront rooms, suites, and pool villas, located in the vibrant backdrop of Mae Nam Beach in Bo Phut, home to one of Samui's most stunning sea views and the famed Fisherman's Village. The resort features an incredible infinity pool that overlooks the sea with a swim-up bar, The Market, an all-day dining restaurant that focuses on being local, authentic and healthy, with fun lively events, festivals and market nights for guests.

Explorar Koh Phangan is situated on the golden sands of Haad Rin Nai Beach and offers 75 contemporary guest rooms, suites and villas, with a mixture of sea views and lush gardens with terraces or balcony. Regional cuisine sourced from local farmers, fishermen and markets at The Market, vibrant events throughout the year aligned with the popular Full Moon party, with one of Thailand's most 'Instagramable' sunset vistas at the guests' doorstep. Both properties will focus on a peaceful escape with an adult-only (16+) environment.

Unique to the Explorar Hotels & Resorts brand is 'The Exchange', a social co-working space for the digital nomad, with fast connectivity, charging facilities and premium Starbucks Coffee. The Exchange also serve as a vibrant meeting place to exchange information, quickly grab something to eat, a local snack or something more, and to talk about tales of adventures over a cocktail or local brew with other guests or one of Explorars' crew members during the 'social hour'.

"This continued growth and exciting development shows that Explorar Hotels & Resorts 'experience-driven' and 'social travel' ethos are gaining momentum in this new travel era. We're thrilled to open both Explorar Koh Samui and Explorar Koh Phangan in the coming months. We are excited in the positive interest we are receiving for growth in the South East Asia region." Explains Niels Huby, Co-Founder & Head of Development Explorar Hotels & Resorts.

Tim Sargeant, Co-Founder & CMO Explorar Hotels & Resorts, looks forward to creating an online buzz among travellers with Explorar's unique online community forum called 'The Exchange'. "Social travellers seek to share their experiences with others. We took this opportunity to develop The Exchange Community. This online forum features on our website where guests can post and share their stories about the best places to find local shops, excursions or 'off the beating track' experiences so that researching guests can plan their trips even before arriving. Tim explains.

He further adds that targeting the millennial traveller via strong social media presence is key to the success of both new Explorar locations, "we know that 75% of millennials want to travel abroad versus 50% of other generations, US millennials take approximately 5.6 trips per year versus 4.0 for Gen X, 4.4 for Gen Z, and 3.5 for boomers. Our Marketing team's key focus is to communicate with this demographic using the channels they trust and imbibe in the latest travel trends.

We are very excited to join the Explorar Hotels & Resorts brand and bring two exciting hotel properties back to life in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan; both islands are incredibly unique, raw and experience driven destinations, a perfect fit and pairing to the brand. Gordon Oldham, Owner Explorar Koh Samui, Explorar Koh Phangan.

These exciting signings join Explorar Treehouses El Nido, designed by Underwood Art Factory's award-winning design team. An experience like no other awaits where design meets nature with spectacular treehouses with private pools set in the lush tropical forest of El Nido, Palawan Island in the Philippines.

Explorar Hotels & Resorts' management team continues the group's growth by strategically establishing hotels in key destinations throughout Asia, Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean regions, offering four destination-based themes and unique experiences. Beach, eco, cultural and urban unite the brand and offer the social traveller clear choices for their individual experience.

More:

Explorar to Open on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan Islands - FTNnews.com

As many explore new ventures during the pandemic in the past two years, some explored the evergrowing blue-chip investments of real estate and diversified their portfolio. Avid real estate lovers would want to own a private island as well, for a getaway or perhaps everyday living. This is a way individuals, together with their family or friends, could indulge in private spaces and acquire peace round the clock. Some private islands were once owned by popular celebrities and notable personalities, which they have decided to put up for sale. For those looking to beef up their real estate portfolio, this presents an opportunity not to be missed.

In the 2000s, the United States real estate market increased the cost-per-acre for private islands. The effect was supplied by the arrival of the internet, which provided wider access to island listings and drove up its demand.

However, the price increase is not fairly distributed in the world. Prices are inclined to be lower in Nova Scotia, parts of Michigan and Maine, and parts of Central America, but it is higher in Europe, the Bahamas, and Oceanic countries like French Polynesia.

Having an island to yourself is more than just owning a remote property, but what you would possibly relish on the island is what makes it second to none. Hence, looking for a land offshore to conquer could boost a well-rounded real estate portfolio.

Known as Little Crab Key, the 1-acre island has a 5,325-square-foot, six-bedroom house on the Florida coast. It features a pool, a beachfront, and tropical landscaping that boost the propertys front porch appeal. There are palm trees along the coast, which is the vision of a typical summer island and yes, there are also orchids.

Located a mere 15 miles from Key West with just a short boat ride from the backyard beach, it is an ideal escape or could potentially be a short-term stay. Although the border of the island is largely undeveloped, edged with jungle foliage, one would be able to easily grow accustomed to the serenity. This gorgeous oceanfront home cost a cool US$3 million and is able to widen your assets to include a private island. Further developments to the island could also result increase the growth in your real estate portfolio.

Located in the middle of Cobbosseeconte Lake, this island provides the classic Maine adventure. Even if you did not grow up in the West, you would have most likely dreamt of occupying your summer away in an isolated, bosky area where hiking and fishing are the primary activities.

This 22-acre island lists for US$799,900 and offers up two rustic cottages as well as several bunkhouses, so the entire family could assemble on the property. The interior showcases a country-like resemblance to a lodge and its also covered with a sweeping woodland with walking paths marked out throughout the island. As the island is remotely located along a lake, there is no light pollution from the surroundings. With this added plus point, owners and guests could indulge in a fulfilling evening of stargazing. The opportunities for adventures are nearly unlimited.

The most affordable among the 5 islands recommended, this property has many unfulfilled potential for change and upgrade. After all, it would be an upward asset worth the effort.

Looking for a house in Premium Point is nearly impossible. It is a desirable area with very little turnover in ownership as people usually live here for at least 30 years. Due to its high demand, the seclusion of the island and the Mediterranean-style waterfront home comes as a steal for US$4.9 million.

The property was built in 1917 and presents a six-bedroom for a grand living. The 7,796-square-foot home features an outdoor pool, indoor gym, and a two-car garage. An exclusive detail is the gorgeous view of Long Island Sound and Premium Mill Pond. There are also new updates on the property which include a two-story addition folding in the family room, a wine room, a bedroom and full bathroom, plus a terrace with a built-in fireplace overlooking the pond. Ideal for housing overnight guests, the pool house features a bedroom, shower, kitchenette, and changing room. By diversifying into existing, long-standing property such as Premium Point, slightly over 100 years old, this storied island could add interest for future buyers.

It was not long ago that news of Nicolas Cage selling his assets broke the internet. The eccentric actor has amassed quite the real estate portfolio, possessing mansions in Newport Beach, New Orleans, and Las Vegas, and even two castles in Europe and Los Angeles. His most unusual yet captivating property is Leaf Cay located in Exumas, Bahamas which is listed for US$7.5 million.

Leaf Cay could make a perfect destination for adventurous travellers who have a thirst for watersports like sport fishing and boat sailing. The islands highlight is the access to three beaches and a miniature pond that could serve as an independent harbour for your yacht. The island has no development yet but it is well maintained and ready for the approval of at least five cottages. Overall, with great planning for further developments and the relatively low investment cost for a celebrity island would be a huge portfolio lift.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the properties were key pieces of the late investor, Jeffrey Epsteins substantial international property portfolio. Two of the private island properties owned by Epstein are going on the market for a whopping US$125 million.

The larger of the two islands is named Great St. James spanning over 160 acres and the smaller island, Little St. James is across 70 acres. It includes a helipad, a private dock, a gas station, two pools, a main residential compound, four guest villas, three private beaches, a gym and a tiki hut. This property is hot on the list due to its expanse and full-suite, which even includes a personal gas station for yachts. This island is a potential large expansion for any real estate portfolio as this diversified addition serves like a mini remote town, incomparable to the usual apartment investments.

Counting any of these properties in your investments list could add weight to a real estate portfolio that is seeking stable growth through diversification.

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Private Offshore Islands that Enhances the Built of a Real Estate Portfolio - LUXUO

The most exclusive travel experiences you can book with points

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Private islands and space flights: 8 of the most exclusive travel experiences you can book with points - The Points Guy UK

Im floating in the world's most beautiful lagoon. You might think I'm talking about Bora Bora or perhaps the Maldives.

But, no, this one is much closer to home. And much more secret. Its so secluded, no satellite can pick it up. Thats because its hidden inside an island.

Welcome to Fijis Yasawa Islands, and a place known as the Sawa-i-Lau Caves.

Quite a few people make a mistake when holidaying in Fiji by spending their entire break in Port Denarau, on the main island. While it has some glitzy resorts, you need to venture further to explore Fijis real beauty places like the Yasawa Islands.

READ MORE:* Paradise found: The best places to loll in the Pacific* Matangi Private Island, Fiji: The tropical tree house island you need to visit* Golden Bay: Escape the crowds to a hidden slice of the tropics

This stunning archipelago is only reached by ferry or flight from Fiji's mainland, and here life is simple: there are no roads, shopping malls, or supermarkets.

Youll find a series of towering islands wrapped in turquoise waters, and lined with golden sands. And best of all, there is a hotel to suit every budget, from $35 dorms to beachfront villas with private pools.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

Sawa-i-Lau Island is home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world.

One of the northern islands is called Sawa-i-Lau, which is home to the secret lagoon.

The easiest way to reach it is by staying at a nearby resort, such as Blue Lagoon Beach Resort. It runs several trips a week to the caves, which start with a short boat trip, before arriving at a deserted beach.

Were then led up a stone path to find a small entrance to the cave. As you step inside, youre greeted with almost mythical beauty; a pool of turquoise water sits inside an almighty cavern, with shafts of light streaming in from a crack in the earth high above. It almost looks too beautiful to disturb but your guides then invite you all for a swim.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

Sawa-i-Lau Island is in northern Yasawas.

As youd expect with such a dramatic setting, legends swirl around the caves. One of the more popular is that a young chief and his lover fled to the cave, after threats that she was about to be married off to a rival chief.

He would swim into the cave with food until the pair managed to escape the island and find refuge, where they lived happily ever after.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

The lagoon is hard to spot from above.

But that's not all the secrets this lagoon holds. There is a second hidden chamber you can explore but you need to be ready for a serious adventure to get there. It's only accessed by swimming through an underwater tunnel for a few seconds, where you pop up in a pitch-black cave.

It all sounds a little overwhelming, but you'll have guides to help you through, and light up the cave with their torch. (You can also skip this part of the tour, as many do.)

I preferred the first chamber, full of movie-like beauty. If you want to restart international travel with a serious adventure a trip to the worlds most beautiful lagoon should be on your bucket list.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

The lagoon is easily reached from Blue Lagoon Beach Resort.

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

Getting to Blue Lagoon Resort: Most guests arrive on the Yasawa Flyer, an interisland ferry service running between Port Denarau and the major resorts. You can also take a seaplane or helicopter to the hotel.

Staying there: Blue Lagoon Beach Resort starts from $204 for lodge rooms, and $366 for villas, with a meal plan additional. See: bluelagoonresortfiji.com

Accessing the caves: Blue Lagoon Resort has regular trips to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves, which costs around $65 per adult ($89 FJD) or $35 ($45 FJD) for children.

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

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Sawa-i-Lau Caves: How to find the world's most beautiful secret lagoon - Stuff

The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the tourism industry at large, and on the cruise business in particular. As a region largely dependent on the cruise business, the Caribbean took an incredible economic hit.

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), one of the largest cruising destinations in the region, was also profoundly impacted.

Cruising is a major segment of the territorys tourism sector, bringing in on average nearly $300 million into our economy every year pre-pandemic. With the cruising industry now in recovery mode, we are taking aggressive initiatives to build back our share of the business, employing a similar toolkit to the one we used to successfully attract new air service to two of our major islands, St. Croix, and St. Thomas, during the pandemic.

While still recovering from 2017s two devastating Category 5 hurricanes, we were then hit in 2020, like the rest of the world, with the public health crisis of COVID-19.

As Commissioner of Tourism, I was faced with the question of how our tourism product was going to survive and sustain through this unforeseen challenge.

Once the cruise industry shut down, our teams had to quickly pivot to a new strategy of exponentially increasing airlift and overnight stays on all three of the main USVI islands, St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas when we reopened.

We shifted our marketing strategy away from cruising to the overnight traveler. To attract them, we needed more airlift. So, we undertook a very aggressive push strategy with the airlines.

We met frequently with airline executives to inform them about the strength of our tourism infrastructure and about our consistent COVID health and safety protocols that allowed us to reopen in the Summer of 2020. Moreover, we ensured them that their passengers would arrive to find a safe, comfortable, and welcoming place to stay. Using this multi-pronged approach, we were able to convince the airline executives that the USVI would be a smart and lucrative bet during the pandemic.

Our strategy proved to be effective.

According to Transportation Security Administration numbers, U.S. Virgin Islands airports in St. Croix and St. Thomas received 14 percent more passengers in February 2022 than in February 2019. Furthermore, the USVI was the fastest-growing territory for total capacity in all the Americas between 2019 and 2021, growing total departure seats by 35.8 percent.

With airlift in place, we are now focusing on the cruise industry. The outlook for cruising is positive as the industry regains momentum.

According to Cruising Lines International Association 2022 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook Report, 2022 is a pivotal transition year, with full recovery projected by 2023, as passenger volume is expected to be back at 2019 levels. To get our share of the returning business, we are developing strategies to dramatically increase port calls by 2023, many of which dovetail with those we used with the airlines.

We are committed to strengthening our relationship with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and individual cruise companies to return the position of the Ports of the Virgin Islands as a marquee destination for Caribbean cruising.

Our plans include working with the private sector, stateside and on island, to improve and add offerings to our destination. We are also looking forward to the unveiling of a third pier in St. Thomas to accommodate Oasis Class Vessels.

Weve recently announced a partnership with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) to increase cruise calls, create new experiences and products, collaborate with the local private sector, create more employment and purchasing opportunities for our locals, promote summer cruising, and more.

We understand these steps are just part of the larger picture. Our overall goals include helping local businesses and entrepreneurs reimagine our tourism product and creating more engaging local experiences for all visitors.

By working strategically, we can help build a more comprehensive offering in the U.S. Virgin Islands that will attract visitors year-round. That, in turn, will generate more jobs and opportunities for residents, improve our overall economy, and maintain a high quality of life for our citizens.

Joseph Boschulte is the Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

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How US Virgin Islands Tourism Survived the Pandemic - Caribbean Journal

Northern lights illuminate the sky over the Lofoten Islands, Norway, in early September

Machu Picchu, the Great Wall and the Taj Mahal used to occupy top spots on many peoples bucket lists. But the bucket lista term Ive always despisedis giving way to a general desire to go big, splurge on an adventure and seek out dream experiences now, because weve all been pent up for too long and because weve all seen how quickly plans can change, how quickly opportunities might disappear.

Also, for various reasons, visiting places that get millions of visitors each year is less appealing than it used to be. We want to have mind-blowing experiences in mind-blowing places, but without the crowds. The pandemic isnt finished, overtourism is back, and we dont want to be part of either. Heres some better dream fodder.

Rorbuer cabins in the Lofoten island, Nordland

Earlier this year, the high-end travel company Blue Parallelwhich began life nearly 20 years ago as the premier experts on South American luxury travelbroadened its horizons. In a very big way: Their new Polar initiatives include the wide-open spaces above or below the 66th parallel. In Norway, that includes immersions into Viking history, private rib boat safaris to Runde Bird Island, hiking and cycling along Geirangerfjord and staying in a fishermans cabin in the gorgeous Lofoten archipelago, above the Arctic Circle.

Horses on the beach in front of the villas at NIHI Sumba

Routinelyand very deservedlynamed the best hotel in the world, NIHI Sumba occupies 500 hectares on a sparsely populated island where local animist traditions have remained largely intact. Its an hour east of Bali and from Java, the most populated island on earth, and its a completely different island, says the hotels partner and CEO, James McBride. While it started out as a surf destination with a legendary break, it has since grown into a totality of experience, with a herd of 24 horses for rides in the sea, a spa safari in which a single couple relaxes all day in a wellness sanctuary, waterfalls, palm trees, organic food thats grown on site and cooked over fires and plenty of spacethe ultimate dream, says McBride.

Blue Parallel Polar lands a helicopter on a glacier in Iceland

Blue Parallel Polar is also taking guests to increasingly remote parts of Icelandfar from the crowded Golden Circle and up onto glaciers (and into the Westman Islands, one of the countrys best kept secrets, and scuba diving (brrrr!) in the Silfra fissure, a rift between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia, and home to fascinating cold water marine life.

A ScicSailing gulet along Turkey's Turquoise Coast

The word turquoise comes from the old French for Turkish stone, but it just as aptly applies to the waters around the countrys southwest coast. A week aboard a traditional Turkish gulet (sailing ship), eating delicious food, sunbathing, swimming and taking in the beautiful, vivid colors of the water is the stuff of pure fantasy. A good way to make it a reality is to book in with ScicsSailing, a company that has been offering no-fuss, all-inclusive voyages in the bays around Bodrum for decades, both for guests who reserve a single cabin about a comfort yacht and for those who privately charter a luxury one, which has hotel-style amenities.

The Gobi Desert

Riding horses past sacsaoul bushes, black-tailed gazelle and ibex. Mountain biking along ancient desert routes past dramatic canyons and cliffs. Camping in the shadow of the Gobi Altai Mountains and later sleeping in a glamorously done-up yurt. These are a few of the things that spring to mind when thinking of Mongolias vast, empty playground. Earthtones, a startup focused on nature-immersive journeys has put together a program that includes all of this and more, such as rides on the deserts famous Bactrian (two-hump) camels.

An elephant keeper at Reteti

When Katie Rowe founded Reteti in 2016, she brought nine female rangers and keepers from the local community to help care for a growing brood of orphaned elephants. Reteti is unique in that the Samburu women who keep it going are as respected and valued as male elephant keepers are. Theyre blazing a trail for women in conservation everywhere, which is one reason the adventure travel company Uncharted sends guests their way. Reteti is open to visitors, who can see the elephants and talk to the keepers while staying in the lovely new Reteti House, an exclusive-use private retreat.

Fernando de Noronha

Midway between South America and Africameaning far from everythingthe hyper-protected Brazilian island went from being an undeveloped military outpost to a natural paradise with strict limits on tourism and a massive commitment to preservation. This is an ecological sanctuary, a place that marine researches use as a control group, in contrast with the developed beaches on the mainland. Its a once-in-a-lifetime trip for divers (something Blue Parallel can organize too), not only for its warm, gin-clear waters and abundant marine life but also for its laid-back Brazilian island vibe.

Hikers pass by a small lake in New Zealand

The experimental travel company Hiking New Zealand recently put together a 15-day experience that theyre calling New Zealand Uncut. It covers the vast and varied landscapes of both islands as it makes its was from north to south without the rigor and discomforts of, say, the Milford Track. Rather, this is New Zealand for people who dont camp, a series of day hikes and short walksfrom strenuous alpine hikes to beach strollsin remote areas where the islands majesty shines.

A tiger on the prowl in India

A flying tiger safari in Central India

Royal Expeditions is a boutique luxury travel company founded by the Princess of Jodhpur, who was a member of parliament and the minister of culture. The outfit created a flying tiger safari (by Pilatus jet) over the wilderness of central IndiaRudyard Kiplings inspiration for The Jungle Book. On land, naturalist guides show visitors around national parks in open-top vehicles, theres an option of taking special full-day photography permits, which allow access from sunrise to sunset.

The mountains of Slovenia

An increasingly better known secret, Slovenia is one of the worlds last great forest paradises, full of beautiful places to visit and teeming with delicious things to eat. Wanderlux Journeys trip takes guests into Velika Planina, a herdsmens settlement place in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps . Its accessible only by foot or by daytime cable car, making slowing down part of the program. The trip includes chef Bine Volcic (known for his daring zero-waste cuisine at Monstera Bistro in Ljubljana) and renowned forager (yes, this is a thing in Slovenia) Katja Rebolj, and theres hiking, foraging, a hands-on culinary workshop and a night in a cottage high above the city lights.

A chimpanzee in Greystoke

The Serengeti has many selling points, but solitude is not among them. Fortunately, Tanzania is a big country, with a number of game reserves that are still remote and untouched. In the south, theres Ruaha National Park, the best park youve never heard of and Tanzanias best-kept wildlife secretwith an impressive number of elephant and even more lion. The greater Ruaha landscape has one of only six lion populations larger than 1,000 in the world and is now home to some 10% of the planets lion. Another corner of Tanzania worth exploring is Mahale National Park on the western border and Greystoke, where visitors can observe wild chimpanzees. Cartology Travel can being either one to life.

Puma tracking in Torres del Paine

Southern Chiles top predator, the Patagonian puma, calls Torres del Paine home. Heading out to look for them with wildness tracking professionalssomething else offered by Earthtonesadds a new dimension to a trip to this majestic end of the earth. The hikes are accessible, short in duration and light on difficultly, and theyre capped off with star-filled nights in a mountain ecolodge.

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The New Dream List: 12 Once-In-A-Lifetime Travel Goals - Forbes

Its not unusual for extremely high-end luxury listings to take several months or even several years to sell.

That was the case with Great Island in Darien, Connecticut, a 60-acre property with a Gilded Age mansion once owned by baking powder entrepreneur William Ziegler that was first listed in 2016 only to linger on the market. But once Douglas Elliman agent Jennifer Leahy took over the listing late last year beating out other brokers with more experience she snagged the $100 million deal in less than four months while tendering multiple offers.

The historic property outside New York City was first listed by Zieglers descendants, the Steinkraus family, via a trust in 2016 for $175 million. When it failed to sell, it was listed again in 2019 for $120 million.

The main house on the property is dated to the early 1900s and spans about 13,000 square feet with 10 bedrooms, complete with impressive views of the Long Island Sound from nearly every room. Additionally, a colonial farmhouse that dates to the 1800s resides on the property, as well as an equestrian building with a granite stable and an arched tile ceiling designed by Rafael Guastavino, the engineer who created Grand Central Terminal.

The island, which is one of the largest private islands to be sold on the East Coast, has remained in the hands of the Ziegler family and his descendants since Ziegler bought the property circa 1900 as a summer residence.

So, how did the Douglas Elliman agent seal the deal, one of the priciest thus far in 2022?

Leahy told Inman her process for selling the listing was highly strategic. For such an expansive property, Leahy drew on her New York City-based developer network to generate buzz, thought outside the box with her marketing, made the property extremely accessible, intentionally listed the home at a time of year that would show off its assets, networked within her brokerage and leaned on her community ties.

Jennifer Leahy | Credit: Douglas Elliman Realty

I think it was a combination of using my strong ties to developers based out of New York City and using that network to create a buzz and get as many eyes on the property [as possible], Leahy told Inman.

Since the property includes so much land and because theres a lack of available land on which to develop in New York City, Leahy made sure to inform all her developer contacts about this unique opportunity thats just under a two-hour drive outside of the city.

For those [developers] who maybe were slowing down or not doing projects at the same [level of] enthusiasm in New York City, it was an awesome opportunity to do a development in a very unique and major way in an exclusive part of like a bedroom community of Manhattan, Leahy explained. So that was my first strategy.

The islands main house has views of the Long Island Sound from almost every room | Douglas Elliman Realty

Knowing that she was dealing with a property that didnt have much luck on the market twice before, Leahy realized she needed to market Great Island in every way possible. That meant speaking with individual investors about its possibility as a legacy property, her developer contacts for its land potential and even going so far as to tell agents about its potential to be broken up into lots by developers and ultimately have brand new luxury homes on the property.

She wanted to make sure that anyone who might remotely be interested realized that the possibilities for Great Island were really endless.

I was selling it every which way that I can, Leahy told Inman. And Im my clients fiduciary, which I take very seriously. I have to think outside of the box. A $100 million property, thats a big number right there. I had to literally turn over every stone possible to drum up not just one, but multiple bids.

Some luxury agents use exclusivity in order to generate interest and curiosity about a property. This can be a very effective tactic and is often preferred by high-profile sellers but with Great Island, Leahy decided to take the opposite approach, and it ended up paying off.

She made sure every agent in her market of Fairfield County had access to see the property to really understand how spectacular it was.

Given her marketing tactic of making people see the potential for the property beyond its current use as a summer home for one family, it was crucial for her to get agents to the property so they could see for themselves how other possibilities might play out.

Lots of agents keep high-end listings very precious, Leahy told Inman, but my idea about it was, if I was going to get this to be subdivided and developed, I would want as many agents locked and loaded to be in a list in front of their clients who maybe could put forward $100 million but if its developed and divided and there were beautiful new houses going up for $10 million, they sure would have someone [who could buy it].

With a property of this size, Leahy also realized that getting agents to actually walk the land and explore it would also be crucial to the sale, so she would give several hours-long tours to agents in the area so that they had time to get the lay of the land.

The island has been owned by Gilded Age baking powder entrepreneur William Ziegler and his descendants for over 100 years | Douglas Elliman Realty

When given the option, most listing agents probably wouldnt market a property located in a summer-centric market during the winter when most plants are dead and gray.

But once again considering the land value at hand on the property, Leahy had photos and videos of the property taken during the dead of winter when there was little foliage. That did make photos less colorful, but it also allowed potential buyers to see the acreage better and to see just how many views of the Long Island Sound were to be had from the main property.

I also listed the property when there werent leaves on the trees so that you could see how expansive the views were from every spot on that island, Leahy said. You have inland lot, and in that inland lot, you have spectacular views because we have fabulous elevation.

I think there were people who were very skeptical about the listing in winter, she added, but it was very strategic, and even now [in May], being on the property, you cant see through the trees already.

To get the property in front of the type of clientele who might be interested in purchasing a whole island, Leahy turned to her fellow agents at Douglas Elliman and just kept making calls within the brokerages network.

Tapping into their networks, who they have as billionaires or five-hundred millionaires, making sure that they knew the property was available, Leahy said. Sixty acres in the water is pretty rare. Obviously, a lot of these are storage facilities for great wealth, and this is an opportunity for someone of great wealth to have a spectacular piece of land.

The equestrian building was designed by Rafael Guastavino, the engineer who created Grand Central Terminal | Douglas Elliman Realty

Leahys involvement in her community through serving on Dariens planning and zoning commission for four years also helped her build credibility and ties in the community. Those relationships came in handy when the town approached her as an interested buyer and ultimately became the buyer of the property.

Everybody knew me in town and Im a kind person, and I think Im known to be kind of fair and a good listener, Leahy said. I feel so honored to have been the bridge to get so far with the town and everybody basically made sure that they had the information, the access and the communication that they needed to make this possible.

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Email Lillian Dickerson

Anatomy of a Deal is an infrequent feature in which agents share stories of the obstacles they overcame to seal a tricky deal. Send submissions toLillian@Inman.comand please include the property type, price, location and what made the deal unique or challenging to close.

Continued here:

A $100M island sold in 4 months: The moves behind this agents deal - Inman

OPINION:

When many Americans hear a generic reference to The Middle East their immediate impression may be one of war and/or challenging circumstances. The last two U.S. generations have heard endless tragic stories of American hostages, death to America chants from Iran, the war in Iraq and a never-ending dispute between the Israelis and Palestinians. The impression of trouble in the region runs deep.

One word that probably doesnt immediately pop into Americans minds when referencing The Middle East region? Vacation.

It should, however. When looking at great getaway spots, one should give serious consideration to Oman.

Located on the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman, the Persian Gulf and the Straits of Hormuz, Oman has a coastline that runs nearly 1900 miles. It has pristine beaches and coast in a wide variety of settings. If a beachfront resort is your speed, you have multiple choices ranging from five-star luxury to more affordable accommodations. Expect modern, clean and comfortable. Most importantly, expect friendly, courteous, professional service everywhere.

The Omani culture is a friendly one. Whether youre visiting the big city of Muscat or a tiny historical village, youll find the locals to be exceedingly courteous. A suitable analogy might be the State of Maine in the United States. While large American metropolitan areas like New York can be intimidating and people are taught not to make eye contact, in Maine, the culture is overwhelmingly amiable. Even the toll booth attendants in Maine act as though theyve known you forever. So it is in Oman. The amiable approach is natural and comfortable.

One essential element of any vacation is food. If you are a seafood or meat lover, youre going to be very happy in Oman. The nation has a rich history of fishing, so fresh fish and lobster are plentiful. If youd like to try traditional fare, you can find places to sit on the floor and order a large shared plate of seasoned basmati rice with lamb or beef, topped with spicy yogurt and tomato sauce. If you need a taste of home, western cuisine is readily available, ranging from high-end steaks to local burger joints. Platters of rice and spiced meats are available at almost every restaurant.

If youre an underwater diver, many will argue there is no better place on earth for avid divers looking for exceptional marine life. Muscat is not only the capital of Oman, it offers several dive sites within a reasonable drive, including some with private islands and genuinely unique diving experiences. There are tour operators offering 3-4 day extravaganzas that tour much of Oman and the best diving spots.

If exploring historical sites is your bag, a visit outside of Muscat is almost like going back in time. The remnants of a long-ago era are visible almost everywhere. You can visit mountain-side villages that are hundreds of years old. You can find mud homes built into the sides of mountains. Forts, castles and important historical structures dot the countryside as well.

The Hajar Mountains are a stunning and dramatic place to explore. They begin just outside Muscat and continue all the way toward neighboring countries. They are large, majestic and a reminder of how harsh mother nature can be. Soaring peaks of more than 9800 feet and plummeting valleys offer awe-inspiring views.

Oman offers no shortage of true luxury five-star resorts. Among the best is Alila Resort. Situated far from any hustle or bustle, nearly a mile and a quarter above sea level, it offers the most relaxing luxury experience with just a dash of adventure. At that elevation, every room has stunning views and the infinity pool appears as though the edge drops seemingly forever. Mountain climbs, spa days and unspoiled stargazing are all part of the experience.

While ancient history is a highlight of any journey around Oman, Muscat offers some extraordinary modern facilities as well. The Grand Mosque, completed in 2001, is made from over 300,000 tons of Indian Sandstone and its architecture makes an impressive statement. It has an information center and all tourists are invited to visit the center to ask any questions they may have about the mosque or the religion.

The Royal Opera House is a truly world-class performance hall that opened in 2011. In addition to the performance halls, the complex features formal landscaped gardens, a cultural market with retail, luxury restaurants and an art center for musical, theatrical and operatic productions. It makes a huge statement about modern culture in this ancient historical country.

When it comes time to pick up a few gifts for friends and family back home, the Mutrah Souk located on the Corniche in Muscat is an authentic old-world bazaar where tourists and locals can haggle over a variety of items including hand-made scarves, carpets and historical souvenirs.

Oman has a low crime rate and is generally considered to be safe for business, tourists, families and even for women traveling alone.

The best time to visit Oman is between October and March. The winter months are when the weather is pleasant, relatively cool and essentially perfect. April and May are considered the shoulder season, as the temperatures start to heat up, but vacations are still enjoyable.

Visit Oman. It will change your perspective.

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Vacation in the Middle East? Absolutely yes. - Washington Times