Category Archives: Private Islands

Trigger Warning: this article deals with allegations of sexual assaultand may be triggering to some readers.

No matter how invested in celebrity culture you are, by now, youve likely seen the headlines detailing the trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.

Making news globally, all eyes have been on the former couple as the defamation lawsuit unfolds in Virginia, US. Depp, 58, is suing Heard, 35, for USD $50 million (AUD $67 million) alleging she devastated his career in the wake of a 2018 op-ed she wrote for the Washington Post where she described herself as a public figure representing domestic abuse.

A counterclaim for USD $100 million (AUD $134 million) has also been filed by Heard against her ex-husband.

If the media coverage wasnt enough to satiate public interest in the trial, a documentary, titled Johnny Vs Amber, covering the couples romance, split and lawsuits is now set to air on the Discovery Channel.

The synopsis for the two-part documentary reads: Johnny vs. Amber takes audiences to the very genesis of this tragic union. This public account of he said/she said began when Johnny Depp brought a libel case against News Group Newspapers Ltd. in the UK, specifically suing The Sun for calling him a 'wife-beater.' Depp ultimately lost that case.

It continues: This two-part documentary takes a deep dive into the original trial from two polarized perspectives. Featuring interviews with legal experts on all sides of the proceedings, as well as family, friends, and associates of both Depp and Heard; the first hour is devoted to a deep dive into Depp's account of events while in hour two there is a dedicated look at the evidence and accusations presented by Heard.

So far, the trial has revealed intimate and startling details about the couples relationship which first began in 2012 before marrying in 2015 on Depps private islands in the Bahamas.

On the first day of proceedings, Heard's attorney, Ben Rottenborn, claimed Depp is "an obsessed ex-husband hellbent on revenge."

"For years, all Mr. Depp has wanted to do is humiliate Amber, to haunt her, to wreck her career," he said in his opening statement.

Meanwhile, Depp's attorneys alleged that Heard had falsely represented herself as a "virtuous representative of innocent women".

"The evidence will show that was a lie."

For all the details on the trial and allegations, you can read our piece here.

The Johnny Vs Amber documentary will premiere Thursday, 26 May at 9.30pm AEST on ID which can be accessed through Foxtel with a 10 day free trial, here.

If you are experiencing sexual abuse or other unwanted behaviour, please contactFull Stop Australiaor call1800RESPECT.

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Where To Watch The 'Johnny Depp Vs Amber Heard' Documentary In Australia - Marie Claire

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'What a lovely couple!' former president says weighing in on ongoing trial

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Amber Heards former best friend and her sister were among the witnesses who testified Wednesday as they sought to help prove her claims that her former husband Johnny Depp was abusive during their five-year relationship.

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Raquel Pennington, a onetime close friend of Heards, said she was frightened for the Aquaman stars physical safety as she recounted details from the aftermath of some of the couples alleged fights.

I was scared for Amber, she tearfully said in a pre-recorded deposition. I was sad for her and I was also sad for Johnny because he is my friend too, and I really wanted them to be able to get it together.

Pennington testified that she never saw Depp hit Heard, but that she saw evidence of abuse following incidents of alleged physical assault.

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There were many times that I saw injuries on her, Pennington said, adding that she had seen very, very long, deep cuts on Heards arm following the pairs alleged fight while Depp was shooting Pirates of the Caribbean 5 in Australia in 2015.

During that trip, Heard has claimed Depp beat her and sexually assaulted her with a bottle, while he maintains she abused him and severed his fingertip.

After another fight in December 2015, Pennington said she observed a bloody patch with hair missing on Heards scalp. Pennington also declared that Heard had sustained a black eye, a swollen nose and a busted lip.

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Depp, 58, is suing Heard for $50 million, saying she smeared him in a 2018 op-ed for The Washington Post when she claimed she was a victim of domestic abuse.

Heard, 36, is counter-suing for $100 million, claiming that Depp defamed her by calling her a liar.

Later on, Heards sister Whitney Henriquez continued to try and paint a portrait of an unhinged, drug-addicted Depp when she took the stand in Fairfax County, Va. We all thought Johnny would get better, she said, adding that she had observed bruising and weird marks on her (sisters) arms.

During one fight, the actor was screaming like an animal and Henriquez woke the next morning to find the place was destroyed.

After a getaway to Hicksville Trailer Palace in Joshua Tree, Calif., Henriquez described the scene after an argument in an Airstream trailer. I went to my sisters trailer and it looked like a bomb went off in there it looked like someone had ransacked it, she said.

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If he was using or if he was drinking, there was almost always a fight, she asserted.

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In 2013, when her beau arranged an overseas flight to surprise Heard for her birthday in England, Henriquez described how a drunken Depp picked up a steak knife and hurled it at his assistant and called his soon-to-be wife a slimy whore.

They fought and got back together, Henriquez said of their tumultuous relationship adding that they seemed really in love when they first got together in 2011.

Echoing Heards portrayal of Depp as a jealous partner, Henriquez said Depp would ramble about my sister having affairs and questioned why she wanted to work. He began to try and control how she would look at various red carpets as well. Eventually they had the same stylist, and he was essentially controlling what she wore to events, Henriquez said.

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Elsewhere, Henriquez alleged Depp hit her, which prompted Heard to lash out at the Edward Scissorhands star, screaming, Dont hit my fing sister.

But Henriquez said that despite Heards assertion that she was the victim of domestic violence her sister just wants to move on. Her reputation is all she has, she doesnt have piles of money and private islands, Henriquez said.

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Elizabeth Marz, a friend of Heards, took to the stand late Wednesday and told jurors via video that she was personally scared of Depp following a purported row that took place between the couple in May 2016.

The one interaction I had with him was frightening to me.

When he took the stand last month, Depp was forced to admit his past drug use, but he alleged that Heard abused him and severed the tip of his finger.

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She has a need for violence. It erupts out of nowhere, Depp said.

With the defamation trial still ongoing, former U.S. President Donald Trump took a swipe at the proceedings through his Truth Social platform.

Has anybody been watching the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial? What a lovely couple! First of all, Johnny sued her for writing an article in a tiny outlet, that practically nobody read, because he didnt want to get bad publicity. How did that work out? She counter-sued for $100 million, Trump said mocking Heards op-ed in The Washington Post. The charges are many & salacious, the nicest of which is that she threw a bottle at him and it took off his finger She must have a Sandy Koufax type arm. Will they get back together and live happily in PEACE?

The trial is expected to continue until the end of the month.

mdaniell@postmedia.com

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Amber Heard's former pal and sister paint terrifying portrait of Johnny Depp as Trump weighs in on trial - Toronto Sun

Miami is a beautiful city, but sometimes day trips are calling your name, and you're just itching to explore and seek more adventure.

The Magic City is located in a spot that's close enough to different islands, beaches, and even preserves leaving you nothing short of an exciting plan when you just want to get out of town.

A widely known roadblock in a day is how much time each activity takes, so we made sure to find super unique spots that are just about three hours to get to, making it the perfect day trip for you, your friends, and your family.

Price: Free

Address: Jupiter Island, Florida

Why You Need To Go: Blowing Rocks Preserve looks like a beach that would be in California or the Pacific Northwest with all of its gorgeous rocky landscape. It's only about 2 hours and a couple of minutes from the city.

Website

Price: Free

Address: Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Why You Need To Go: Las Olas is considered Fort Lauderdale's downtown area and is the perfect place to find cool art, exciting nightlife, and exquisite restaurants. It kind of has a similar vibe to Miami and is located along the Intracoastal. It is about an hour and a couple of minutes north.

Website

Price: Prices vary depending on how you get there.

Address: Country in the Caribbean

Why You Need To Go: The Bahamas, no doubt, has breathtaking scenery, and there's so much to do in the Caribbean, like hanging out with pigs in crystal blue water on the beach. It takes about three hours to get here depending on your transportation from Miami, and two hours to get to the Bimini Islands.

Website

Price: Free

Address: Melbourne, FL

Why You Need To Go: Melbourne was recently named one of the best cities to live in the U.S. You can visit Kennedy Space Center and learn about NASA or visit the beach. Florida's Space Coast is a little over three hours. It's just a half-hour stretch longer to get there from Miami.

Website

Price: $30 for a boat ride, or you can go by air.

Address: The northern end of Pine Island Sound in Lee County, FL

Why You Need To Go: This is a private island, but non-members are allowed to visit and spend the day there. You can visit cottages, hang out at the beach, head to the museum... and, if you're lucky, you might see dolphins! This island is in Lee County which is about three hours and 20 minutes from Miami.

Website

Price: Free to enter the city

Address: Marco Island, FL

Why You Need To Go: Marco Island has tons of adventures, like taking boat tours and seeing dolphins, sea shelling, and even kayaking through mangrove tunnels. It is about two hours and a couple of minutes west.

Website

Price: Free to go to the city

Address: The Florida Keys

Why You Need To Go: Islamorada is known for fishing, you can have an out-of-this-world snorkeling trip, and even shop around cute boutiques. It's in the Florida Keys and is about 2 hours and ten minutes south of the city.

Website

Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

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7 Adventurous Day Trips From Miami That Will Get You Out Of The City & Are About 3 Hours - Narcity Canada

One of Thailand's last untouched islands, Koh Yao Yai is located in the middle of Phang Nga Bay halfway between Phuket and Krabi.

Bangkok, Thailand - Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, is expanding its Thailand footprint with the addition of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort slated to open in December 2022.

One of Thailand's last untouched islands, Koh Yao Yai is located in the middle of Phang Nga Bay halfway between Phuket and Krabi. On the quiet but characterful Koh Yao Yai island, where the pace of life is slow and relaxed, guests can enjoy traditional Thai culture, southern culinary delights and beaches lined with coconut and palm trees.

In addition to island-hopping, snorkelling and diving in waters rich in coral and marine life, guests can observe the native hornbill birds, enjoy a short boat trip to Birds Nest Island or enjoy a tuk-tuk tour of the coconut and rubber plantations, and local fishing villages the backbone of the islands economy.

Occupying a tranquil space on the waters edge, the 148-key Anantara Koh Yao Yai offers a pristine island getaway. The resorts one kilometre of white sandy beach is set against a backdrop of the towering limestone formations that rise out of the waters of Phang Nga Bay, with one- and two-bedroom beachfront pool villas sitting right on the beach. Spacious suites housed in four low-rise buildings, all with ocean views, overlook a freeform swimming pool, start at 90 square metres, with signature Deluxe Seaview Suites promising deep relaxation with a colour palette of soft indigo, muted ultramarine and sandy tones. Eight 366 square-metre Seaview Pool Penthouses offer two floors of ultimate luxury with one also housing a stunning glass bottom swimming pool. Each penthouse has a large outdoor entertainment area perfect for dining or private gatherings of family or friends all with stunning views of the surrounding islands.

In the bright and airy Grand Seaview Family Suites, the youngest guests will find a thrilling playground inside the room with their very own slide and play area, as well as two-tiered bunk beds. Meanwhile, nestled amid blooming gardens are 170-square-metre Lagoon Pool Villas that come with a private plunge pool, wooden sundeck, outdoor dining area and a host of luxury amenities.

Dining options will include an ocean-facing dining restaurant serving produce-driven Thai/Asian dishes, an all-day lobby restaurant and bar with an international menu that will evolve with the seasons and a pool bar. For families, a vibrant space with popsicles, sodas and pizza, and a sophisticated spot to while away the hours with a chilled sundowner for adults. An organic farm onsite provides the restaurants with daily fresh fruit, vegetables and spices.

When completed, Anantara Koh Yao Yais recreational facilities will include a family pool with a kids-only splash area and a large indoor-outdoor kids club, intimate meeting spaces, a state of the art fitness centre and a water sports centre. In addition to extensive wet facilities such as a hydro pool and hammam.

The announcement of this latest addition to our Thailand collection of resorts, developed in partnership with Soraya Development, sends a clear signal about our commitment to the industry, said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels. With travel and hospitality sectors in Thailand and elsewhere set for a rebound, destinations like Koh Yao Yai that combine seclusion, easy access to pristine nature and authentic local experiences, are destined to benefit from a surge in demand with global travellers.

We are extremely excited to partner with Minor Hotels and to launch the first Anantara in the Phang Nga Bay area, commented Mr. Sornkom Kitprasan, President, Soraya Development Company Limited. This project was created with passion. I have given consideration to each detail of each workpiece since its inception. There was overwhelming interest from experienced operators vying to acquire the right to manage this unique project, but we chose Anantara Hotels and Resorts due to its stellar reputation and experience as a five-star luxury global hospitality brand."

Phuket International Airport is the closest aviation hub to Anantara Koh Yao Yai and can be reached by a combination of speedboat and car rides. The resort will also have its own private jetty allowing easy access for guests transfers from Phuket or Krabi airport.

Read more from the original source:

Anantara Hotels and Resorts announces stunning new-build on Thailand's untouched island paradise of Koh Yao Yai - TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific

With the summer, and hopefully, the warmer weather approaching, it's time to start planning the ultimate trip.

With thousands heading to the Highlands and islands, it could get a little crowded, while travelling abroad might still feel a little unsafe.

Thankfully, you don't have to go far from the central belt to find the perfect place to stay.

Lying just an hour's drive from Glasgow, in the picturesque village of Wemyss Bay (pronounced weems) recently named one of the most romantic in the country you'll find an incredible Manor House.

Not only does this unique stay offer incredible sea views, it even comes with its own private outdoor swimming pool.

Northcliff Manor boasts space for eight guests, a hot tub, sweeping sea views out to Bute - and most importantly, a sizeable outdoor pool transporting guests away from gloomy Scotland to the warmer climes of the continent.

But it's not just about the outside, the period property is filled with character on the inside too.

The striking property has been a huge hit with guests, garnering rave reviews and a stellar 4.88 rating.

Perhaps understandably, given the inconsistencies of Scottish weather, the pool is only in use on seasonal basis, from June to September, with all those dates for 2022 fully booked up.

However, according to the calendar, if you wanted to plan in advance, you could land yourself a poolside spot for next year.

When we checked on Airbnb, we found a week's stay in this fabulous Weymss Bay property costs 500 a night.

To see the listing in full and for more photos of this Scottish west coast beauty, click here.

Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here.

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The stunning Scots Airbnb with private outdoor pool, hot tub and sea views - Daily Record

The prime minister has been asked to explain why a private jet was allowed to leave the UK for Russia after a flight ban had been imposed.

Boris Johnson was quizzed during Prime Minister's Questions about a private chartered flight from Inverness Airport to Moscow, which took place a day after the Russian flight ban came into force.

SNP MP Richard Thomson said in the Commons: "Air traffic control transcripts published this week have revealed that despite being informed of the intended flight, no attempt was made by the UK government, or its agencies, to prevent the plane from taking off.

"Will the prime minister commit to informing the house at the earliest opportunity: who was travelling on that flight; why, despite being informed in advance of the flight, was no attempt made by the UK government to keep the plane on the ground; and what will the prime minister personally do to try and prevent any similar breaches of sanctions from happening in the future?"

The Learjet 60, operated by the company Panaviatic, flew from Inverness on 26 February to Moscow's Vnukovo Airport.

Exactly who was on board the flight remains a mystery.

Questions to the prime minister follow a letter from SNP MPs to the UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps demanding an explanation into who authorised the flight, despite a Notice of Air Missions (NOTAM) aimed at preventing flights of its kind.

Drew Hendry, the SNP MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, highlighted reports in the Press and Journal newspaper of a memo confirming UK government approval of the flight and the apparent conflict with the transport secretary accusing Inverness Airport of "failing to comply" with the NOTAM regulations.

Mr Hendry said: "The UK transport secretary must first apologise for scapegoating Inverness Airport and set the record straight that it was his department that authorised the flight.

"He must then answer the pressing questions over why this flight was allowed to take off and who and what was on it.

"These are important questions following a raft of reports showing how much Russian money is swilling about Tory coffers."

Read more: Transport secretary in bizarre promotional video by government for 'Great British Rail Sale'

Highland and Islands Airports Ltd, the operator of Inverness Airport, said it had acted in accordance with the regulations.

It said: "We carried out the instructions received from the authorities at the time, to the letter. Our actions were correct and appropriate, and this has been borne out by an examination of the record."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "It is entirely incorrect to claim the transport secretary authorised this specific flight. Inverness Airport did not contact the Department for Transport before the flight left.

"A NOTAM was issued on 25 February by the NATS on behalf of the UK government informing all aviation stakeholders. It is the responsibility of all operators, including Inverness airport, to ensure they are monitoring NOTAMs and complying with the restrictions."

Original post:

SNP calls for Boris Johnson to explain why private jet was allowed to leave UK for Russia despite flight ban - Sky News

The pine-shaded island is criss-crossed with nature trails, and while it doesnt have beaches per se, there are secretive rocky coves aplenty. The real fun, however, is to be had at sea; water and jet skiing, paddle boarding, canoeing, fishing and more.

In high summer the islands sheltered west coast is a coveted spot for in-the-know yachties who seek out the limpid, fish-filled waters to drop anchor and enjoy a lazy lunch onboard. The pretty Ibiza cove of Pou des Lleo is five minutes by Highfield tender, or head the other way for to Ibizas laidback sister island of Formentera, where the beaches are peppered with bohemian fish shacks.

By Maya Boyd

The details: From 124,826 a week, sleeping 10 (020 3411 3675; dynamiclives.com). Includes chef, two house staff and boat captain. Fly to Ibiza where the boat will collect you from the beach at Pou des Llo.

Rising from the turquoise Adriatic in Dalmatia, from afar this tiny pine-clad islet appears totally unassuming. Its only as you approach the rocky shoreline, and hear a steady beat and dreamy uplifting melodies drifting across the bay, that you realise youve arrived somewhere rather extraordinary.

Owned by Sibenik City Council, this 136-acre islet is on a 43-year lease to Obonjan Riviera and now owned by local eljko Perekovic, who relaunched it as a family-friendly glamping retreat in 2022. Here, a mix of couples and young families can spend carefree sunny days indulging in yoga and Thai massage below the pines, splashing across the sparkling sea aboard kayaks and SUPs, lounging on waterside sunbeds in the shade of straw parasols, or snoozing on four-posters by the hilltop pool. Come sundown, its cocktails and chill-out music, followed by suppers of grilled fresh fish and Mediterranean salads, or cheerful pizza with chilled lagers, bathed in balmy twilight.

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You don't need to go to the Caribbean for a private island Europe has them too - The Telegraph

An alarm sounds and I wake up in a box room no bigger than an aeroplane toilet. I rise to my feet, twist my body towards a narrow dressing table, and pick up a black wire mask emblazoned with the white outline of a circle. Given its vast catalogue of crossovers, an official Fortnite meets Squid Game mash-up isn't beyond the realms of possibility. But, in this instance, I'm playing in a player-made Squid Game Fortnite roleplay server, wherein I'm filling the shoes of a guard-in-training.

The creative scene in Fortnite has grown exponentially over the last 12 months, with players crafting themed roleplay servers mirroring everything from Home Alone to Cyberpunk 2077, Tomb Raider, Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, Prison Break and The Walking Dead among many other real-world properties and fan-driven ideas. From the sublime to the ridiculous, the standard of servers varies pretty widely, but there really is something for everyone, for anyone willing to dig for it. In my current Squid Game adventure, I've now just finished roll call and have received a shopping list of duties. My first order of the day? To oversee the infamous Green Light/Red Light game, and make sure nobody cheats while running the gauntlet. My second? To gather the half-dozen dead bodies inside the pit of the Tug-O-War arena, pack them into coffins, carry them to the morgue and incinerate them on-site. It's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it. I guess.

"Later, I'm pegging it from zombies in an incredible iteration of Resident Evil's Spencer Mansion, within a roleplay server that so accurately reflects its source material it might be just as fun."

Launched at the tail-end of 2018, Fortnite Creative is a sandbox game mode that runs independently of Fornite Battle Royale. In something more akin to the likes of Garry's Mod, Team Fortress 2 or even Half-Life 2: Deathmatch, players can craft their own 16-player private islands, each with their own quirks and customisable rules; each gated by a unique 'Island Code'. In its earliest stages, Fortnite Creative served as a place for players to join their mates away from the chaos of BR, to host crude variations of classic games such as Frogger and Temple Run, or to adapt endearing multiplayer game modes such as Capture the Flag and Flame Tag.

In 2022, however, Fortnite Creative has now grown into a catalogue of sophisticated maps and modes, performance subculture hubs and roleplay servers. To the latter end, having spoken to the creators of some of my own favourite maps, the Fortnite roleplay scene has grown exponentially over the last six to 12 months, with just about every popular trend, TV show, video game and film adapted and/or shoehorned into Epic's ever-popular universe. From snowboarding to Land Sharks and Samurais, the best Fortnite creative codes offer an insight into the boundless, complementary and readily available creative realms on display. The server count is now so busy that if you think an idea might have its own Fortnite roleplay angle, it almost certainly will.

And so I've now burned enough corpses to justify a promotion to Squid Game guard supervisor. Once shy around the workplace, I'm now loud-mouthed and assured, institutionalised and ordering lesser-qualified staff to sweep the floors of the fallen, and serve surviving contestants with bottled water and a single boiled egg once per day. It's not the most glamorous of jobs, but I'm good at it. Which makes me feel a wee bit uncomfortable in real life. What makes me laugh, on the other hand, is playing a Fortnite-meets-Home Alone take on hide-and-seek in a server inspired by the 1990 hit film. In something that sort-of resembles Spy vs Spy, I find myself being chased around a recreation of the McCallister family home by two hapless player-controlled bandits, laying traps all over the place and doing everything I can to avoid capture. Later, I find myself solving lazer puzzles by jetpack in a Cyberpunk 2077-aping server. And later again, I'm pegging it from zombies in an incredible iteration of Resident Evil's Spencer Mansion, within a roleplay server that so accurately reflects its source material it might be just as fun.

"I find myself cycling through potential ideas worth searching in my downtime, and then can't wait to get back in front of my PC to check if someone, somewhere has created it. "

Through all of this, I've become hooked on the weird and wonderful world of Fortnite roleplay, housed within Fortnite Creative. I find myself cycling through potential ideas worth searching in my downtime, and then can't wait to get back in front of my PC to check if someone, somewhere has created something based on the obscure film or book or television show that's just crossed my mind. And, more often than not, someone, somewhere has.

As mentioned above, the standard of some servers is higher than others, but what makes it all so enjoyable is the creativity of its creators. I've spent a number of years frolicking in and around the GTA 5 roleplay community, and one thing I adore about the general concept of the scene is the fact something so imaginative and inventive exists within a game that's otherwise designed for another purpose. In the case of Grand Theft Auto, it's in the name: this is a game about committing virtual crime, stealing cars and engaging in various other nefarious activities. But within its player-made roleplay scene, a different world exists, with different rules, customs and expectations. In the case of Fortnite, some servers might occupy my time for 10 minutes, while others such as the aforementioned Resident Evil project (keep your eyes peeled for more on this soon) will grip me for several hours in one sitting.

Given the fact Fortnite Battle Royale was born as an evolution of another idea, Fortnite Save the World, the huge strides Fortnite Creative is now making and, indeed, its myriad roleplay servers seems fitting. Having now taken my Squid Game guard simulation as far as I can, I can't wait to take on another outlandish occupation. The question is: which direction should I go in? Whatever you're thinking, I bet there's already something out there that fits the description!

Need some help surviving on the Island? Our Fortnite guide has you covered.

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From Squid Game to Cyberpunk 2077 and Home Alone I'm hooked on weird Fortnite roleplay servers - Gamesradar

My eyeballs must have upgraded with Photoshop while I was asleep. That hypnotically translucent, turquoise tinted water I woke up to just cannot be real.

Of course it is. The Bahamas has the Dom Prignon Rose 1959 Champagne standard of sea. Best in the world. Nothing finer.

So later that morning, as the near-luminous waves drew themselves up a few inches and splashed over me, I felt I was being soothed by a magic potion that had been Photoshopped to 100% cyan and was deliciously washing away two years of pandemic misery.

Id arrived at tiny Half Moon Cay on the Holland America cruise ship Rotterdam, which had sailed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the previous afternoon.

Box ticked for wallowing in a tropical sea for the first time in three years, next up was the joy of walking along the white sand beach with those gentle waves spilling over my toes. The fact that the destination turned out to be a beach bar was a splendid coincidence.

Half Moon Cay is an uninhabited private island owned by Holland Americas parent company Carnival Corporation and it is developed for day cruise visitors arriving by tender. Back on board this sleek 2,668-passenger ship, which has the elegant style of an ocean liner, I watched as we sailed away from what is undeniably a gorgeous Bahamian beach to start the voyage down to Curacao and Aruba, off the northern coast of Venezuela.

This is a slightly unusual itinerary as the 2,476-mile return voyage from Florida down to the A and C of the Dutch ABC Islands means three days at sea in a week normally youd only get one on a typical cruise.

So I had bags of time to explore this fine new (ish, launched October 2021) ship the seventh to carry that name for the line and the on-board activities. Or just sit by the pool and bar at the stern and read some books Id saved for the occasion. I did a bit of both.

Each day passengers get a printed list of events and activities and you can also create your own itinerary on the Navigator smartphone app via the ships wi-fi.

For example, I could have gone to a health session for advice about puffy ankles (looking at you and your annoying TV ads, Eamonn Holmes) but preferred the display on flower arranging.

I also attended a couple of fascinating, well-presented and well-attended audio-visual talks in the main theatre one on Marconi and the history of wireless communication, the other a virtual ships tour with Captain Werner Timmers.

Top marks to the boss for a great insight into his vessel and some excellent jokes.

Back to blooms and, given the Dutch heritage of the 149-year-old line, its no surprise to see plenty of fabulous floral creations around the decks.

But these were surpassed by the array of superb modern art most of it linked to contemporary music or wildlife.

I normally use the stairs on a ship, rather than the lifts, to keep up those daily steps, but getting anywhere took ages as Id constantly be stopping to admire the works! (There are 2,645 pieces worth $4.1million on board).

Many are incredibly creative with the likes of vinyl LPs cut into the faces of pop stars, or animals made from recycled materials.

Youre spoiled for choice with dining and the star of the show for me was the $29 extra fee Tamarind, which offers southeast Asian, Chinese and Japanese dishes. The Thai beef salad starter and crispy duck with drunken udon and ginger-chilli glaze main were fab, but the deconstructed yuzu cheesecake was a showstopper.

The fillet steak in the Pinnacle Grill ($39) was right on the money, and you will not have a better Dover sole meunire than in the intimate Rudis Sel De Mer brasserie with its eye-catching ocean-themed plates ($49).

But a special mention for the Grand Dutch Cafe. Hiding in plain sight on Deck 3, I only tried it for lunch on the final day (to my lasting regret).

A simple but delicious Edam toastie, fries with curry ketchup and a proper pint of Heineken was rounded off by a Bossche bol, a ridiculously good profiterole the size of a football (only a slight exaggeration).

Youll also be happy with the main dining room and the Lido food market (shout out for the fresh noodle stir fry stand and, crucially, they have PG Tips tea), while poolside Dive In does a mean burger.

Live music is the key part of entertainment and the resident bands at the BB Kings Blues Club and the Rolling Stone Rock Room were hitting all the right notes.

These are no pub bands, they are great musicians and I checked out both venues each night (they alternate their set times so you drift from one to the other) along with many other passengers. Rock up early if you want a seat.

A fever of excitement, that is. Rotterdams balcony cabins are contemporary, spacious and well equipped I could find no fault. Like all the ships crew, friendly stewards Raka and Sandra did an exemplary job.

I knew very little about the most populated of the ABCs and our second stop, other than it is the home of the eponymous fancy blue liqueur.

Joining a group tour with guide Hetty, we headed to the Hato Caves near the airport. Rich with stalactites and mites, there is also a Bat Cave, with plenty of the little chaps flitting about (they eat nectar and avoid humans!).

Back in the UNESCO world heritage site capital Willemstad, Hetty walked us round the old town to see historic Dutch buildings and the star of the show, the 1888 Queen Emma Bridge, a wobbly pontoon which links Punda and Otrobanda across the harbour and opens for shipping.

From the 550ft long swinging old lady theres a great view of the Handelskade waterfront with its colourful buildings. Bright and cheery it may be, but there is a dark history too as for 145 years it was the heart of the slave trade, with tens of thousands of Africans shipped here in chains to be sold to plantations in the Caribbean and South America.

After hearing all this, Hettys group was in reflective mood as we set off to test the bridges wobbliness.

The port is a 10-minute walk from the bridge, and you pass through the 5ft thick walls of the 19th-century Rif Fort, which now houses smart bars and restaurants and offers great sunset views.

Its just 14 miles off the Venezuelan coast, which can be seen on a clear day, and the third and final stop before the two-day journey back to Florida.

The capital, Oranjestad, is highly commercialised with diamond and souvenir shops, but some historic Dutch buildings remain.

I walked to the 1798 Fort Zoutman and its lighthouse, now a museum, and on to Governors Bay beach, where watching a determined pelican fishing for lunch in the strong trade winds provided much entertainment and three fish for the hungry bird.

Those winds were truly powerful, so much so that as I was strolling past the marina I was accidentally blown straight into Lucys Retired Surfers Bar and on to a seat in the shade.

Purely in the interests of research, and because it was hot, hot, hot, I stayed to test a local Chill beer. Inexplicably, like a duff LFT, the first test was inconclusive, so I had to have another one. Its a Chill wind

After disembarking in Fort Lauderdale I had a day to kill before the return flight and joined an excursion with a Miami airport transfer at the end to Everglades National Park, spotting vultures and alligators from an airboat in the channels between sawgrass. Great fun, time for the terminal, see you later

Holland America Lines Rotterdam will be homeporting in Amsterdam this summer for sailings to Northern Europe, then repositioning to Florida for Caribbean winter itineraries.

bahamas.com; aruba.com; tourismbonaire.com; curacao.com; turksandcaicostourism.com; godominicanrepublic.com

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Incredible blue seas, fabulous art and great live music on a cruise from Florida to the Southern Caribbean - The Mirror

Its Met Gala Monday, which means that literally everyone who is anyone is gathered in New York City tonight for the Metropolitan Museum of Arts annual Costume Institute Gala. (You know, the one run by Anna Wintour.) The thing about the Met Gala is that its not tied to an awards show or anything, but its usually the most fun and interesting red carpet of the year. And you know whos great at wearing jaw-dropping red carpet looks? Beyonce.

Unfortunately for us, we didnt get to see Queen Bey walk the Met Galas red carpet this year. Instead of attending the star-studded event, Beyonc and husband Jay-Z were vacationing in Miami and on private islands near Floridas coast, according to the Daily Mail. We honestly should be used to not seeing her at fashions biggest night at this point because she hasnt graced the event with her presence since 2016 (!!), but we still hold out hope!

Because were all feeling extra nostalgic these days, lets take a walk down memory lane to see some of Beyoncs past looks, shall we? There have been some GOOD ones. I mean, she really had a hot streak going there for a while.

2016: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology

Wearing Givenchy.

2015: China: Through the Looking Glass

Wearing Givenchy again.

Neilson BarnardGetty Images

2014: Charles James: Beyond Fashion

Wearing Givenchy. (Are you sensing a theme?)

Dimitrios KambourisGetty Images

2013: Punk: Chaos to Couture

Wearing Givenchy.

Jamie McCarthyGetty Images

2012: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations

(Yep.) Wearing Givenchy.

Stephen LovekinGetty Images

2011: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

Wearing Roberto Cavalli.

Dimitrios KambourisGetty Images

She didnt attend in either 2009 or 2010, so unfortunately we have a bit of a gap after her first year, which was

2008: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy

Wearing Armani Priv.

Stephen LovekinGetty Images

Someone please @ me with details about what star I need to wish upon in order for Bey to be at next years Met, k? Thanks!

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Why Beyonc Skipped the 2022 Met Gala - Cosmopolitan