Category Archives: Private Islands

This World Oceans Day (June 8), dive into a world of Maldivian marine conservation with our pick of the best over and underwater adventures in the archipelago, from turtle tracking to scuba diving safaris.

Best forOverwater AdventuresThe Residence Maldives

Set on the unspoilt Gaafu atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world,The Residence Falhumaafushiand its sister property,The Residence Dhigurahare connected by a 1km bridge, allowing guests to travel freely between the two resorts to enjoy the plethora of offerings at each. Here, guests can enjoy sounds of lapping waves and kaleidoscopic skies on a leisurely sunset cruise, with the opportunity to spot wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins leaping through turquoise waves.

In a collaborative commitment to protect the delicate ecosystem of the regions colourful marine life, the resort forms part of the Protect Maldives Seagrass initiative launched by the Blue Marine Foundation. Seagrass is vital to the low-lying island nation and provides an abundance of benefits; from absorbing carbon dioxide and proving food for sea turtles, to housing juvenile coral reef fish and preventing beach erosion.

For further information, please visit https://www.cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-fm

Best ForDeep Sea DivingSun Island Resort and Spa (pictured)

Sun Island Resort & Spais set on one of the largest islands in the Maldives, located in the Southern tip of South Ari Atoll near the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). Here, guests are immersed in a lush tropical environment with an abundance of native wildlife, verdant botanical gardens and topical fruits, vegetables and herbs, plucked daily and served in the resort restaurants. Ocean lovers will delight in a range of diving experiences, offering up-close-and-personal exploration of the thriving underwater world, including swimming with whale sharks.

The Sun Island Resort & Spa Dive Centre, DiveOceanus, is one of the largest in the region, and its priceless location means that divers have a high chance of rubbing shoulders with mantas, stingrays, sharks, and a variety of other marine life. Confident divers can don their mask at dusk and embark on night dive excursions, while beginners might prefer one of the diving courses, ranging from Discover Scuba Diving right through to PADI Dive Master.

As part of Villa Hotels & Resorts commitment to protecting and preserving the coral reefs and marine life, several measures are implemented at the resorts, including regular beach and ocean clean ups, the use of glass bottles in the resort and on all excursions and regular reef care and maintenance carried out by DiveOceanus dive centres.

For further information, please visit villahotels.com

Best forMarine ConservationFairmont Maldives

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, a private island hideaway in the secluded Shaviyani Atoll, is making waves in marine conservation from its new Sustainability Lab, a hub of eco-education that turns plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs, to its turtle tracking and ESG initiatives. Now, with the launch of a new Turtle Ranger programme, children can learn the ropes too.

Join the resorts resident marine biologist and monitor critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles, release hatchlings into the ocean, care for nests, plant crucial new coral and snorkel one of the most biodiverse reefs in the world. When theyre not tracking turtles, children can snorkel the circus of coral, spot tropical schooling fish and rub shoulders with manta rays under the watchful eye of the marine biologist, on family-friendly snorkelling adventures.

Back on dry land, families can enjoy a private beach BBQ at their villa, take advantage of the unique activities available at the Kids Club or head to the Sustainability Lab to turn waste into wonder and create souvenirs including turtle-shaped luggage tags all of which are made from recycled plastic collected from the beach, reef and ocean. After completion of the programme, each child receives a Turtle Ranger certificate and invaluable tips to help care for the environment long after leaving the resort.

For further information please visit: https://www.fairmont.com/maldives/

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Dive Into World Oceans Day 2022 in the Maldives - Luxury Travel Magazine

The Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), neither of which have had Covid community cases, are preparing to re-open their borders.

The FSM has announced its plan to open its borders without quarantine beginning August 1.

Meanwhile, the Marshall Islands has gradually reduced its quarantine requirements since late last year, and the country's top government administrator said Friday it is no longer "realistic and sustainable" to maintain the two-and-a-half-year border closure.

READ MORE:* Matangi Private Island, Fiji: The tropical tree house island you need to visit* Three of the best beaches in Fiji* Two Pacific neighbours are making it easier for Kiwis to visit

The Marshall Islands, which has since March 2020 closed its borders to travel maintaining one of the world's strictest Covid-prevention systems, is expected to further reduce quarantine as early as next month.

FSM President David Panuelo in a statement published in the Marshall Islands Journal on Friday acknowledged that opening the FSM's borders "is equivalent to purposefully choosing to introduce Covid-19.

The health departments in both the FSM and the Marshall Islands have been engaged in an aggressive Covid vaccination programme.

"A significant rationale for delaying the opening of the nation's borders until August 1, 2022, is on the premise that the FSM's vaccination coverage is insufficient (at this time) to prevent widespread human suffering, and the overwhelming of limited medical staff and equipment across the nation," Panuelo said in his statement.

Both the FSM and Marshall Islands have seen multiple so-called "border" cases of Covid in managed quarantine. But there has been no spread into their island communities due to strict quarantine rules.

Nauru and Niue have also had no community transmission of Covid.

Pitcairn, Tokelau, and Tuvalu have had no border or community transmission cases of Covid-19.

Until late last year, the Marshall Islands maintained a four-week quarantine system with multiple Covid tests to enter the country: Two weeks in Honolulu before departing to the Marshall Islands and a further two weeks in the country. It is currently three days in Hawaii and 14 in the Marshall Islands.

The Marshall Islands government is considering eliminating quarantine in Hawaii altogether and reducing the quarantine period in the Marshall Islands.

Government Chief Secretary Kino Kabua said Friday that the National Disaster Committee is moving in the direction of easing entry requirements.

A Covid "roadmap" is being drafted by the National Disaster Committee (NDC) that she chairs to present to Cabinet with recommendations for the next steps in the Marshall Islands' management of the ongoing Covid pandemic.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services continues to urge leaders to maintain a quarantine period in Hawaii to screen incoming travellers for Covid before arrival and to keep the 14-day protocol in place for in-country quarantine.

However, Kabua and perhaps most of the NDC are expected to support recommendations to Cabinet in the next week to eliminate quarantine in Hawaii and to reduce the quarantine period on Kwajalein and Majuro from 14 to 10 days.

"I don't believe it's realistic and sustainable to keep the status quo," Kabua said.

But, she added, "We really should now be talking about what the impacts will be when there is the introduction of the virus into the community and the ways to cope and move forward.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services reports over 70% of people in the urban centers and remote outer islands are fully immunised. But as this is based on 2011 census population numbers and preliminary results from the late 2021 national census indicate the population has declined by over 20% due to out-migration, vaccine completion numbers are likely closer to 90%.

Health staff has made a big push over the past several months to distribute Covid booster shots throughout the country.

"It may be scary to a lot of us here in the Marshall Islands, but the world has moved on and adapted to Covid-19," Kabua said, adding "so must we. One thing for sure is that the vaccines and boosters work in preventing severe illnesses and hospitalisations.

While the Marshall Islands is now better prepared, Niedenthal points out that it can expect serious problems from an initial outbreak based on the experience of other island nations with Covid.

FSM President Panuelo made it clear his country is now in a race to be as ready as possible for the announced August 1 opening of its borders to travellers, who after that date will only need to show proof of full vaccination and a negative Covid test to enter the FSM.

"Choosing to open the nation's borders on August 1 is equivalent to purposefully choosing to introduce Covid-19 into the FSM shortly thereafter," he said.

"Thus, it is essential that the decision be made so the nation transitions from Covid-19 free to Covid-19 protected."

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The Covid-free Pacific islands looking to rejoin the world - Stuff

Fiji. Kiribati. The Solomons. Tonga. The names evoke tiny tropical paradises, shirtless Olympic flag bearers or bloody World War II battles. But they are also islands in a key strategic position to either give access to the South Pacific or block vital sea routes, a short distance from Australia, for decades the regions great protector. The territories are now the scene of an intense struggle for control between the great powers: on the one hand, Australia and the United States; on the other, China, which has begun its power play by sending high-ranking government officials to the region and promising investments, security agreements and infrastructure construction.

Alarm began to spread in Canberra and in the United States last month as a result of the unexpected signing of an agreement between China and the small Solomon Islands, with 687,000 inhabitants. The agreement covered trade, fishing andmost importantlysecurity, allowing Chinese security forces to be sent to maintain social order and protect lives and private property at the request of the national government. Chinese military ships will be able to make visits to the islands and carry out logistical replacement. Although the two signatory governments deny the prospect, both Canberra and Washington fear that the pact could open the way for a future Chinese military base in the area, less than 2,000 kilometers from Australian territory.

Chinas growing diplomatic and economic activity in the area has not stopped there. This Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, arrived in Honiara, the capital of the Solomons, to begin a 10-day tour of eight Pacific island nations: the Solomons, Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and East Timor. Upon his arrival, he expressed his hope that relations with Honiara will serve as an example for other Pacific islands.

Beijing describes itself to the island nations as a sincere and reliable partner, appealing to the disenchantment that their governments may feel for the cavalier treatment or even neglect they may have received from Australia and the United States.

Wang will meet with Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji next week. The Chinese minister will present a cooperation plan, the China-Pacific Island Nations Common Development Vision, sent last week to a dozen governments.

With this initiative, similar in language to the pact signed with the Solomons, China hopes to strengthen its ties with the region. It offers millions of euros in assistance and the prospect of a free trade agreement that gives products from these islands access to the huge Chinese market. Beijing also offers local police training nd cyber security cooperation. In exchange, the country seeks access to the areas natural resources and the ability to draw highly detailed marine maps of its waters.

Chinas aggressive courtship of the islands, until now firmly anchored in Australias orbit, has unleashed the fear of a change in the nations geopolitical alignment. In addition to their strategic position, their votes in international institutions can be decisive. We know that China sees [its Development Vision proposal] as the first of many, said the new Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. It is trying to expand its influence in the region of the world where Australia has been the primary security partner since World War II, he added.

After taking office on Monday, Albanese promised to increase his attention to the island nations. His initiative begins with assistance against climate change, the great concern of states particularly vulnerable to the effects of greenhouse gases and an issue that his predecessor, the conservative Scott Morrison, disdained. Canberra has also announced a plan for 500 million Australian dollars (330 million) in development aid. One of Albaneses first acts was sending his foreign minister, Jenny Wong, to Fiji to meet with prime minister Frank Bainimarama before the arrival of the Chinese representative.

The United States has not been left behind. In February, Washington announced the reopening of a US embassy in the Solomons after a 29-year absence. In April, the White House chief for Indo-Pacific, Kurt Campbell, traveled to the area.

The competition has picked up speed this month. In addition to Labors victory in the Australian elections, US President Joe Bidens tour of Asia has contributed to the growing tension. At the Tokyo summit on Tuesday of the Quad, the informal alliance between the US, Australia, Japan and India, the four leaders devoted part of their discussions to Chinas growing influence in the South Pacific. They announced the creation of an initiative, the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, that will include the islands of the area to respond to humanitarian disasters, in addition to combating illegal fishing.

This week, during the Chinese and Australian diplomatic campaigns, Campbell spoke by video with Bainimarama about economic agreements and improving security. Meanwhile, according to the Financial Times, Beijing is preparing a new bilateral agreement with Kiribati, although the latter country has denied the collaboration. Minister Wang will visit Tarawa, its capital, for four hours this Friday.

The countries in the region had traditionally been diplomatic allies of Taiwan and therefore had no formal ties with Beijing. After the victory of President Tsai Ing Wen in 2016, though, the Xi Jinping government began to courting Taipeis partners to break ties with the self-ruled island and engage with China.

Amidst allegations of corruption and bribery, the Solomons took the step in 2019, just four months after Manaseh Sogavare came to power.

The relationship with the islands has become an important element for Beijing in its strategic rivalry with the United States and its allies, particularly since Washingtons September announcement of the formation of Aukus. The Pacific military alliance also consists of Australia and the UK and is intended to respond to Chinas rise.

The United States is trying to tame Chinas rise with its Indo-Pacific strategy, but now Chinas footprints are ubiquitous in the region, showing that the taming strategy is not working, wrote the newspaper Global Times, owned by the Communist Party.

Meanwhile, the islands are accepting the support from all sides. In a tweet this Thursday, Bainimarama wrote, They ask me about the Fiji agenda. At all tables, what matters most is our people and our planet, as well as our respect for International Law.

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The battle for the ends of the earth: Australia, the US and China dispute the islands of the South Pacific - EL PAS in English

Quadintel published a new report on the Yacht Charter Market. The research report consists of thorough information about demand, growth, opportunities, challenges, and restraints. In addition, it delivers an in-depth analysis of the structure and possibility of global and regional industries.

Global Yacht Charter Market is valued at approximately USD $$ billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow with a healthy growth rate of more than % over the forecast period 2022-2030.

Yacht Charter is the practice of renting, or chartering, a sailboat or motor yacht and travelling to various coastal or island destinations. The increase in the number of private islands on cruise itineraries, growing adoption of alternative sources of energy has led to the adoption of Yacht Charter across the forecast period. For Instance: as per Statista in 2018, the United States was ranked second in the world based on renewable energy consumption, totaling almost 104 million metric tons of oil equivalent.

Request To Download Sample of This Strategic Report: https://www.quadintel.com/request-sample/yacht-charter-market-1/QI037

Electricity utilities are increasingly noting the importance of providing renewable energy and many have begun to invest in these technologies and even set specific renewable goals. Also, with the increased involvement of intermediaries & hybrid business models, the adoption & demand for Yacht Charter is likely to increase the market growth during the forecast period. However, high costs impede the growth of the market over the forecast period of 2022-2030

The key regions considered for the Global Yacht Charter Market study include Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and Rest of the World. Europe is the leading region across the world in terms of market share owing to the private purpose to provide a seamless luxury experience. Whereas, Asia-Pacific is also anticipated to exhibit the highest growth rate over the forecast period 2022-2028. Factors such as rising disposable income, rising investment in the tourism industry would create lucrative growth prospects for the Yacht Charter market across Asia-Pacific region.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The pandemic of COVID-19 has also reduced the availability of and demand for non-COVID-19-related medical treatment. A wide range of treatments, including emergency care for acute diseases, routine check-ups, and recommended cancer screenings, are being postponed or avoided by patients. Undiagnosed illnesses and a failure to intervene early will have serious long-term health consequences. COVID-19 has accelerated a variety of existing and emerging healthcare trends, including changing consumer attitudes and habits, the convergence of life science and health care, rapid advances in digital health technologies, and new talent and care delivery models, to name a few.

DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE REPORT https://www.quadintel.com/request-sample/yacht-charter-market-1/QI037

Major market players included in this report are:

Charter Yachts Australia

Sailogy S.A.

Yachtico Inc.

Zizooboats GmbH

Fraser Yacht

Boatsetter

Northrop & Johnson

Nautal

Martello Yachting and Company

Princess Yacht limited

The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values to the coming eight years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within each of the regions and countries involved in the study. Furthermore, the report also caters the detailed information about the crucial aspects such as driving factors & challenges which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, the report shall also incorporate available opportunities in micro markets for stakeholders to invest along with the detailed analysis of competitive landscape and product offerings of key players. The detailed segments and sub-segment of the market are explained below:

By Application:

Vacation/ Leisure

Sailing

Others

By Type:

Motorized Yacht

Sailing Yacht

Others

Request a Sample PDF copy of the report @ https://www.quadintel.com/request-sample/yacht-charter-market-1/QI037

By Region:

North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

UK

Germany

France

Spain

Italy

ROE

Asia Pacific

China

India

Japan

Australia

South Korea

RoAPAC

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of the World

Furthermore, years considered for the study are as follows:

Historical year 2018, 2019, 2020

Base year 2021

Forecast period 2022 to 2028

Target Audience of the Global Yacht Charter Market in Market Study:

Key Consulting Companies & Advisors

Large, medium-sized, and small enterprises

Venture capitalists

Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Third-party knowledge providers

Investment bankers

Investors

Access full Report Description, TOC, Table of Figure, Chart, etc. @ https://www.quadintel.com/request-sample/yacht-charter-market-1/QI037

Table of Contents:

Factors Influencing

The global market is forecast to witness a rapid growth, owing to increasing demand for technological advancements from end-users. Moreover, increasing investments in research and development activities, launches, partnerships, and other strategic initiatives will benefit the market. Furthermore, the growing focus of authorities towards increasing urbanization and industrialization is forecast to drive the market growth.

What aspects regarding the regional analysis Market are included in this report?

Request Full Report : https://www.quadintel.com/request-sample/yacht-charter-market-1/QI037

About Quadintel:

We are the best market research reports provider in the industry. Quadintel believes in providing quality reports to clients to meet the top line and bottom line goals which will boost your market share in todays competitive environment. Quadintel is a one-stop solution for individuals, organizations, and industries that are looking for innovative market research reports.

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Quadintel:Email: sales@quadintel.comAddress: Office 500 N Michigan Ave, Suite 600, Chicago, Illinois 60611, UNITED STATESTel: +1 888 212 3539 (US TOLL FREE)Website: https://www.quadintel.com/

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Yacht Charter Market [NEWS] 2022 Future Trend, Business Strategies, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast by 2030 - Taiwan News

Sometimes you discover something magical. My wife and I like to go on these little "adventures." We take a road trip somewhere close to home but still far enough away. This adventure takes us to Saratoga, WY. What can be found is a spectacular island connected by two crazy suspension bridges.

Wyoming is home to over 30 named islands. Between Saratoga and Encampment is the North Platte River Treasure Island. It sits next to private property but is easy to access. The Treasure Island Homestead is next to the island and is available to rent.

The first thing I notice is the silence and the absolute lack of people. The wind and a few birds are the only sounds. It had snowed the night before, but the warm spring air had melted all ground cover away.

It is a short hike to the suspension bridge leading to the island. The trial could have easily been a game trail rather than an official hiking path. Looking closely at the mud, you can see human, dog, deer, and moose tracks.

The bridge over the Platte River is a little intense. There are thick cables attached to wood planks stretching over the roaring river. The Platte River levels are high from the spring runoff. The white noise of the river washes away all the sounds when crossing the bridge.

There are two bridges by the island. The river still flowed underneath one, but the second had dried up and is not much more than a trickle.

The island itself is an easy hike but has a lot more to offer. Near the center of the island is a teepee made from fallen limbs. It is a great spot to find wildlife. A bald eagle swooped over the river while we visit. Beavers were obvious early settlers on this island paradise.

The park does have a boat ramp for floating and fishing access. According to the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Treasure Island is open for hunting and trapping. Plus you can camp there for up to 5 days.

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Spectacular Hidden Wyoming Island Has Astonishing Suspension Bridge - K2 Radio

Alright, time to take a break from talking about private islands and modern mansions. This week, were looking at a particularly unique property for sale in BC- a converted bank with heritage status. And we werent kidding, youll even get your own bank vault.

The property is located in Rossland, in the southern tip of the Kootenay region. A perfect place for outdoor-minded people, the city offers easy access to multiple ski hills in the winter, and a wealth of hikes, lakes, and biking trails in the summer.

Of course, its the property thats the real draw for us. Known as the Stone Block Building, it was originally built way back in 1897, making it practically as old as the city itself! Dont worry though, its been continuously restored and updated over the years, keeping its charm in spades.

Related Posts:This enchanting Alberta mansion for sale has an indoor pool, hot tub & an elevatorFrom coast to coast: These are the top Vacation Homes of the Year in Canada

Upstairs, youll find a totally modern residential space, offering 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Complete with 9-foot high ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors, the condo is easily at home with some of the best options around the province.

The downstairs, currently commercial-use space is where the true history of the property shines. There are some modern touches, of course, but youll also get original brick walls and that iconic bank vault. We dont know exactly what wed use it for, but we want it. Maybe a nightclub/bar type thing? Maybe a high-end jewelry space? The options are endless!

At a list price of $1,975,000, this very unique property is pretty much the same price as a decent starter home in Vancouver. We say skip that stage of your life, and go straight into weird mountain person who owns the most interesting building in town.

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that youre always in the know.

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Seal the Deal: This BC heritage home for sale comes with its own bank vault - Curiocity

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

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

Brook Sabin/Stuff

Matangi Private Island is worth the journey.

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

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

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

Brook Sabin/Stuff

The island has three tree houses and nine bures.

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

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

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

Brook Sabin/Stuff

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

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

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

Brook Sabin/Stuff

Each tree house has a private Jacuzzi.

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

Brook Sabin/Stuff

You can have a massage in an overwater spa.

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

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

Brook Sabin/Stuff

The island is famous for Horseshoe Bay.

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

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

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

Brook Sabin/Stuff

With just 12 rooms, the island is never crowded.

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

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

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

Brook Sabin/Stuff

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

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

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

Brook Sabin/Stuff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hotel website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Marriott International

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

About The Red Sea Development Company

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

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

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

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

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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