Category Archives: Private Islands

The beaches in Providenciales are some of the best in the world. Turks and Caicos tourism board

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Ask any artist to paint the perfect beach scene, and most would lay bands of white and gold, alongside bright turquoise and deep blues This is also the image of Grace Bay Beachvoted the worlds best beach in 2021 on Trip Advisor.

Grace Bay is clearly one of the greatest draws of ProvidencialesProvo, as its known locallythe most populous island in the Turks and Caicos island chain. Though thats not saying much: the British territorys 50,000-person population is spread out across nine inhabited islands and cays.

Some never leave the picturesque shoreline, rotating between a lounge chair on the fine sand to a distant seat at the pools swim-up bar. But if sitting beside a quiet body of water for more than 15 minutes leaves a person antsy, adventurers can experience the thrills of Provo, too.

STAY

The Grace Bay Clubs three pools, its abundance of beach and pool lounge chairs, and its large selection of complimentary Hobie catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks are just a few ways to spend the day. Some of the best places to break from the sun are on the expansive terraces attached to each gorgeous room, or at Just Tacos, the resorts on-the-beach taco shack, where a gregarious local named Garth plays country music and makes strong cocktails with recipes that he claims are secret.

Point Grace, with only 35 cottages and seaside suites, is much quieter. Its location on the point removes from view many resorts along Grace Bay Beach, creating a deep illusion of isolation on the island. The stand-alone treatment huts at the spa allow guests to experience massages with that added stroke from the island breeze.

If removing oneself from the already quiet collection of resorts is the goal, try the lovely Wymara, a boutique hotel at the far end of Grace Bay Beach. For even more isolation, the leeward side of the island is home to the Shore Club. Their property features beautiful rooms, Sui-Rena sushi grill that pairs Asian and Peruvian cuisineand more endless stretches of turquoise and blue.

FOOD & DRINK

After a day of adventure, or just extreme sun-tanning, sample the cuisine of the islands. Two top restaurants are around the corner from one another. Coyabas seafood is spectacular, and its pork bellycomplemented by cubes of watermelon and a mild fetais one of the tastiest bites on the island. Round out dinner with apple pie for two. Its baked right in the bowl and the top crust is so subtle and sweet that it mimics the caramelized sugar atop crme brulee. Coco Bistro sets its white tablecloth service in a gorgeous palm grove. From conch to tuna, the restaurant does everything with grace.

For breakfast or a midday snack, enjoy Lemon 2 Go, a lovely caf and flower shop on Grace Bays quiet, main thoroughfare. Besides fresh juices and good coffee, they serve spicy Trinidadian samosas and tasty Jamaican beef patties.

On the southside of the island sits Omars Beach Hut, where turquoise picnic tables meet the turquoise sea. Add to that an order of whole snapper and a Down Da RoadTurks Head Brewerys light-drinking IPAand life is sweet. Nearer to the airport is a local favorite: Sweet Ts, a pink-tiled, octagonal hut in a parking lot. The only thing on their menu is fried chicken and French fries. A bucket of that on the beach is a wonderful contrast to a week of resort dining.

Head to Graces Cottage for after-dinner drinks. The dark courtyard sits in wonderful juxtaposition to the well-lit bar where a floral mosaic behind the well-dressed Whiskeythe bartendermakes the room feel like an art gallery that pays tribute to a single work. But here, the true encomium is to Caribbean rum. Graces Cottages extensive Caribbean and Latin American rum menu features spirits from Appleton to Zacapa. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, a musician brings even more intimacy to the courtyard.

For a livelier scene, head to Infiniti, home of the longest bar in the entire Caribbean. The 2-sided black bar stretches 90 feet from a thatched-roof serving area and out toward the sand. Daily entertainment invites a sophisticated crowd and on weekends, hundreds of revelers.

EXPERIENCE

Providenciales is a difficult island to travel without a rental car. And taxis get pricey. But since the island can be driven around in a couple hours, one of the best ways to journey is with Marvelous Marvin and his sidekick, Niko Paliko. The pair runs Island Style Tours TCIs buggy adventures. Part comedy show and part driving tour, Marvelous Marvin narrates as guests, who possess moxie and a healthy dose of trust in the process, speed across the island in single file. It stops at Thomas Stubbs Cheshire Plantation, where cotton plants, ruins of the main house, former slave quarters and two-century-old artifacts tell a story of colonial rule, and then over to Da Conch Shack for delicious conch and fish served in a variety of fried forms.

One of the best ways to experience the waters around the Turks and Caicos is by boat. Voyages whisk visitors over to private islands. Other boats visit the second largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere for snorkeling expeditions. Then there are those party boat tours. For a combination of all three, Island Vibes Tours runs half-day boat rides that comprise an hour at a reef teeming with fish and coral; an hour on the remote Half Moon Bay, empty, but for the myriad rock iguanas scampering between beaches; and an hour of strong rum punch and high diving from the roof of the boat.

For something stronger, swim over to the Tiki Bar, a no frills establishment built on the water and owned by a former Turks and Caicos prime minister.

To snorkel from the shores of Providenciales, walk to the Bight Reef, also known as the Coral Gardens, and swim with reef fish and turtles. The reef is one part of the greater Princess Alexandra National Park.

The writer was a guest of Grace Bay Resorts.

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Great Escapes: The Easy Life in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos - Barron's

Royal Isabela may just be the best golf course you can play in the Caribbean - but it is just one of ... [+] eighteen great choices around Puerto Rico.

When it comes to planning an island vacation in the Caribbean, there are tons of choices, big and small, with arguments to be made for just about every spot. But if you are a golfer, the options thin out dramatically. There are several smaller islands with one or two good courses, but when it comes to critical mass, the kind of assortment that makes places like Scottsdale or Pinehurst golf destinations, there are really only two contenders, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

For the traveling golfer who likes variety and wants to play multiple courses rather than the same one over and over again, the win goes to Puerto Rico. I love the DR and it has some standout golf resorts, but they tend to be isolated as most Americans dont want to drive around, so the vast majority of golf travelers here just go to one place to stay and play. While there are multiple courses at different locales, this variety goes underutilized. But when you compare how easy it is to rent a car, drive around Puerto Rico and hit multiple spots, the appeal grows significantly, and in addition all, of Puerto Ricos courses are accessible to the public, while the single best golf course in the DR, Playa Grande, once a resort course, went totally private and no longer allows any non-members. Even famed golf resort Casa de Campo includes a private layout its hotel visitors cannot access.

The East Course at TPC Dorado beach is the island's most famous layout, known for hugging the ocean ... [+] at the start and finish.

Puerto Rico is easy to navigate and very easy to get to, with lots of non-stops to San Juan, whereas many travelers to other Caribbean destinations have to fly here anyway and then make another connection. That means many travelers can arrive in time to play golf the same afternoon, or play a final morning round before heading to the airport, a much more efficient way to vacation. It is especially user-friendly in the age of COVID as it requires no testing to go to or return home from (no risk of getting stuck there in quarantine, unlike every other Caribbean golf destination except the US Virgin Islands) and it has the highest vaccination rate of any place in the U.S.

Ive been to Puerto Rico several times and just visited again, and it was a stark reminder of how good and varied the lodging, entertainment and especially food is on top of the golf, with something for every taste and budget - there are more than 4,000 restaurants here and I didnt have a less than standout meal my entire trip. In addition, there are tons of non-golf attractions, from the historic to the worlds largest rum distillery (Bacardi) to the natural wonders, most notably the only rainforest within the U.S. Forest Service (El Yunque), rare bioluminescent bays, and of course, beaches.

Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club has 27-holes, but its signature island green is the most famous.

But when it comes to golf the island has a whopping 18 courses, many of them on the ocean, while El Yunque, the spectacular rain forest, can be seen from several top layouts. Designers read like a Whos Who of great golf architects, including Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Robert Trent Jones Jr., Chi Chi Rodriguez, Tom Fazio, Tom Kite, Rees Jones, and Gary Player. Here are some highlights:

Historically the biggest golf resort on the island used to be the Dorado Beach resort complex, originally built by Laurance Rockefeller as part of his Rockresorts brand, and for a long time it was home to two sibling Hyatt resorts and four 18-hole courses. It has been reborn in recent years as the only Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in the U.S., Reserve being the luxury brands highest tier with just five locations worldwide. Today the Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is an exceptional luxury resort that is home to two courses comprising the 36-hole TPC Dorado Beach, the only member of the PGA Tours TPC network in the entire Caribbean. A radical growth in residents and members (including several Major League Baseball stars) has forced the resort to limit play to its overnight guests, so you have to stay here to play these. If you can swing that its worth doing, because the East Course, always the most famous of the original four, has one of the most memorable starts in all of golf with a long oceanfront drive in the cart to the first tee, and wonderful ocean vistas from the get-go, whereas many coastal designs wait three plus hours to reach the sea. It also returns to the same great views at the finish. TPC Dorado Beach is a first-rate operation with forecaddies and excellent conditions, and construction is under way on a third eighteen here, which will put it in a tie as the largest golf resort slate in the Caribbean.

In my informed opinion, the single best course on the island is the stunning Royal Isabela, part of a boutique resort on the less visited northwestern shore. This is wonderful resort with its own farm growing produce for the restaurant, and all lodging in standalone casitas with private plunge pools and terraces. The golf course is as close as you can get to a links in the region, exquisite with many dramatic clifftop holes hugging the ocean, you can walk it with caddies which is rare, and when it opened a decade ago I wrote about it in detail here at Forbes (which may be dated). I said then that is like Pebble Beach Golf Links transported to an even more scenic setting, and I stand by that assessment - no matter how much golf you have played around the globe, you will find this an exceptional course.

Major winner and former World Number One golfer Jason Day is one of many stars who have played in ... [+] the PGA TOUR's Puerto Rico Open. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

The PGA Tours Puerto Rico Open (historically held in late February/early March) has brought superstars such as Jason Day, Bryson DeChambeau, Jordan Speith, and Tony Finau to the island, and is held on the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserves Championship Course. The Hyatt is a step down in price from the Ritz-Carlton and neighboring St. Regis Bahia Beach, but is an excellent full-service resort with great dining options, first rate lodging, a huge lagoon style pool complex with cabanas, and a stunning beach - so stunning that the new version of TV show Fantasy Island was filmed here. Ive stayed at the property and would be quite happy to return. The Hyatt has two of Puerto Ricos better golf courses, both designed by Tom Kite. These are a little more Florida-style with lots of water within the courses, sometimes on both sides of the fairway, in addition to ocean views.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach is the other top-tier luxury golf resort here, and like the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, part of Marriotts industry leading Bonvoy rewards programs. Many golfers are familiar with the Audubon International Sanctuary program that certifies eco-friendly golf courses that use less chemicals, protect wildlife and meet many other standards. But the group has expanded to certify entire communities and resorts as well, and Bahia Beach was one of the first to earn this, and it is evident in the lush greenery and tropical flowers at every turn through the attractive property. About 65% of the nearly 500 acres are preserved as green areas, sanctuaries or nature trails, and there is a very extensive trail network throughout. The golf course is much different from its neighbors, winding through thick jungle-like foliage with some tight fairways when it strays away from the two-mile long beach, set at the foothills of the 28,00-acre El Yunque National Rain Forest.

The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar's Tom Fazio-designed Ocean Course is aptly named.

I have not stayed myself, but another top pick for a Puerto Rico golf vacation is the more affordable Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, a very full-service resort with two standout courses. The Wyndham is big with about 400-rooms, multiple restaurants, a full casino, and is set on two-miles of uncrowded beach. It is has the most going on under one roof in Puerto Rico, and the golf is especially varied, featuring the Tom Fazio-designed Ocean Course with is famed coastal 16th hole, and the Greg Norman-designed River course, which has deceptively wide fairways, a plus given that the river is well utilized throughout, and it has stunning El Yunque views. I had one of my favorite meals on the island in the clubhouse here, and the Ocean Course also has a beloved open-air bar/eatery, Hole in One, in its center, overlooking one and ten.

There are many other options, and I havent gotten to all of them yet. El Conquistador is another well-known golf resort with an Arthur Hills course (and private island and waterpark). Punta Borinquen is Puerto Ricos oldest full-sized golf course, built by the Army in 1940 as part of a base and said to be a favorite of President Eisenhowers. When the base closed in 1973 it became an accessible public course and is perched atop dramatic seaside cliffs near Royal Isabela. There are many other standalone courses including the 27-hole Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club with its signature island green. While I regret not playing some of these, its nice to have reasons to go back to this tropical golf paradise again.

Discover Puerto Rico, the islands visitor bureau, has several helpful articles about golf grouped by subject such as near San Juan, most affordable and individual resort profiles, all of which can be found here.

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The Best Caribbean Island Destination For Your Perfect Golf Vacation - Forbes

After two years of constant travel restrictions, we are finally daring to dream again. Travel lovers across the globe are desperate to book a flight to their next destination and to start to make up for the lost time. But which destinations should be at the top of our bucket list?

Holidu, the search engine for holiday rentals, has put together a list of the must-visit countries for 2022. After analysing Google searches from the past 12 months, this ranking reveals the countries that people are most eager to visit.

1. Turkey - 102,100 searches per monthIts official! Turkey is the most popular country for travellers this year. With a combined number of searches of more than 102k, this makes Turkey a clear favourite. Whether you fancy a beach trip to Antalya, a weekend city break to Istanbul, or a romantic escape to Cappadocia - Turkey has it all. The Turkish cuisine offers delicious specialities including meze boards and sweet treats like baklava. Yum!

2. Greece - 89,800 searches per monthIts time to live out your greatest Mamma Mia fantasies! Greece is the second most searched for country when it comes to people planning their holidays. This country has an incredible offering of all things archaeology, history, art and philosophy, as well as some lovely beaches and crystal clear water - so everyone will be satisfied on holiday here! If that wasnt enough, the Greek food is to die for. Souvlaki, anyone?

3. Maldives - 83,700 searches per monthIn third place, we have the Maldives. Undoubtedly our most luxurious option on this list, the popularity of these stunning islands in the Indian Ocean has skyrocketed in recent years. White sandy beaches, turquoise blue waters, and a vibrant underwater world its no surprise why influencers flock to these stunning islands for their holidays. The country is home to over 100 resorts with their own private island, all of which boast their own incredible beaches, so you will be satisfied with whichever island you choose to visit.

4. Spain - 74,320 searches per monthThe land of tapas, paella and sangria secures the fourth place position! Spain has always been an absolute favourite for British travellers, and 2022 is no different. Boasting some of the best beaches and most captivating mountain ranges in Europe, Spain has such a diverse landscape just waiting to be explored. Spain truly lives up to its stereotype of being full of people looking to enjoy life, be prepared to enjoy a fiesta or two whilst there.

5. Thailand - 57,200 searches per monthWith Bangkok being revealed in 2021 as being the Best City in the World for a Workation, its no surprise that Thailand comes out near the top of the list of countries travellers are rushing to go to! Organise your itinerary wisely, as there is simply so much to see and do in this fantastic country. Go island hopping and marvel at the beaches of Thailands over 1400 islands! Ride a tuk tuk through the chaotic streets of Bangkok at night, indulge in some Thai street food, and visit some of the stunning temples the country is home to.

6. Cyprus - 53,600 searches per monthCyprus is the sixth most popular country this year! Whether thats due to its compelling culture and history, sun-soaked sandy beaches, or tasty local cuisine - well leave that up to you to decide. A popular choice for families as well as groups of friends, Cyprus has plenty of activities to keep travellers entertained. Every water sport you can think of can be enjoyed, from water skiing to scuba diving. Food-wise, expect to enjoy some creamy hummus, mouth- watering halloumi, and typical kebabs.

7. Malta - 48,500 searches per monthMalta might be small but there is an abundance of reasons why its a favourite for travellers this year! This small archipelago is home to prehistoric temples, stunning landscapes, and fascinating history. Scuba diving enthusiasts will be in heaven, as the underwater world here is a vibrant one and the diving locations also feature many caves, crags, and wrecks. Valletta, the countrys capital, was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture in 2018, meaning it is a vibrant centre of art, design, and architecture.

8. Mexico - 48,400 searches per monthIn eighth place, we have Mexico! This country has so much more to offer than the typical party destination of Cancun. Head to Merida or Tulum to spend a day exploring the incredible cenotes. Visit Guanajuato to marvel at the beauty of a city made up of colourful buildings. Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to La Huasteca Potosina, a region that is dominated by breath- taking rivers and waterfalls. Foodies will rejoice while on holiday here! Treat yourself to some mouth-watering chilaquiles for breakfast, enjoy some classic quesadillas for lunch and tuck into some unbeatable tacos at a local taqueria in the evening.

9. Italy - 45,400 searches per monthArguably most popular for its world-famous cuisine, Italy is a dream destination for any foodies out there! Try some pizza in Naples, carbonara in Rome, and bruschetta in Tuscany. Thirsty? Head to Venice for an authentic Aperol Spritz! Cuisine aside, Italy is the country with more World Heritage cultural sites than any other country in the world, so its a true gem for travellers interested in exploring these legendary places.

10. Iceland - 44,600 searches per monthLast but not least, Iceland secures its place as the 10th most popular country in the world for travel in 2022. If youre a lover of dramatic landscapes made up of volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields, then Iceland is the destination for you! Spending a day at the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is not to be missed, and if youre interested in Icelands Viking history, visit the National and Saga museums in Reykjavik.

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These are the 10 most popular countries in the world to travel to in 2022 - Travel Daily News International

All-inclusive resorts have come a long way since Belgian entrepreneur Gerard Blitz introduced Club Med resorts to the world in the 1950s.

Today's all-inclusive resorts span the globe and offer more than ever before in terms of services, accommodations, culinary options, beverage choices, entertainment and activities geared to specific audiences.

Today, for instance, the Club Med brand has grown to include resorts from Florida to the Caribbean, from Mexico to Brazil, the Alps, Europe and the Mediterranean, Africa, Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Another pioneer in the category, Sandals Resorts International founder Butch Stewart, opened Sandals Montego Bay in 1981, the first of the Sandals brand and the first all-inclusive couples' resort in Jamaica.

As he opened more resorts, Stewart continued to raise the bar with new features: soaking tubs, overwater bungalows, butler service, free scuba and diving ... the list goes on and on.

Sandals now totals 15 adults-only resorts on six islands; three family-friendly Beaches resorts on two islands; and Fowl Cay, a private island resort in the Bahamas with six villas.

The Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau is one of Sandals' 15 all-inclusive, adults-only resorts. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sandals Resorts International

The all-inclusive model evolved over the years, and eventually most of the major hotel companies introduced properties of their own, attracted by the popularity and success of brands like Club Med and Sandals.

Independent hotels, too, have become part of the mix, including Elite Island Resorts' nine properties on four islands and in Panama; Ocean Hotels Group's O2 Beach Club & Spa and Sea Breeze Beach House in Barbados; Jumby Bay in Antigua and Barbuda; and Serenity at Coconut Bay in St. Lucia.

So how does a travel advisor sift through all these offerings to pick the perfect resort for a particular client? After all, what is a perfect fit for a couples getaway might not work for a destination wedding or a family reunion.

"All-inclusives are not one size fits all; you need to match the right brand and experience to the right client," said Helen Papa of Travel Boutique Hub Travel. "With the increase in travel requests, we're seeing many more requests across all options. For the all-inclusive brands, the increase is primarily for multiple families traveling together."

Nikki Miller of Travel With Nikki said, "I let my customers know that all-inclusives are great to sit and flop. I make it clear that not all resorts are the same, which is why there are so many and different price points. All-inclusives have increased in appeal to my clients who are not ready to cruise or are not vaccinated.

"Clients aren't ready for Europe or Asia but are tired of being trapped at home," she added. "They want to get away to recharge and be with others, but not too many others."

The pool area at the Club Med Turkoise in Turks and Caicos. The all-inclusive model originated with the Club Med brand in the 1950s. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Club Med

All-inclusive bookings are 75% of the business at Susan Peavey Travel.

"I'm getting more requests for all-inclusives, because they are a convenient and cost-effective way to travel, especially with Covid protocols," said the agency's owner, Susan Peavey, who encourages clients to leave the property and explore a bit.

"I suggest that the guest book excursions and tours," she said. "It's important to get out and see what the destination has to offer. Support the locals, shop local."

"The hardest part is choosing between so many fabulous resorts, so we work to narrow down the options to match clients with the resort that best fits their personality and preferences," said Becky Schulze, Accent Travel Agency. "Of the vacations we sell to Mexico and the Caribbean, all-inclusives account for 80% to 85% of those trips."

Schulze said that the agency never stopped getting requests for all-inclusives during the past two years.

"It was one of the consistent requests throughout the pandemic. People were comforted knowing they would have consistent quality of service, health and safety options," she said.

The Royal Uno All Inclusive Resort & Spa opens in Cancun this summer. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Royal Resorts

AwayBug Travel's Angie Fanning said, "I usually tell clients who are budget conscious that the top three [all-inclusive] destinations are the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico. If a client has a bigger budget, wants something more off the beaten path or has already been to those destinations, we will explore others."

Close to 30% of her bookings are for all-inclusives. The agency is still getting requests, "but now they are ready to start planning their bigger bucket-list trips to places like Europe," Fanning said.

Avoya Network advisor Mary Smith said all-inclusive bookings make up 65% of her business.

"My clients like the ease of having everything booked under one vendor and that most everything is paid up front," she said. "It's very important to prequalify the customer, as each hotel brand has a different vibe."

Allison Amos of In the Know Experiences said, "My clients are looking to stay within a specific budget, want to relax without the fuss of planning or making decisions. My advice is geared to the clients' goals and budget."

Caryn Strayer Coomer of Calyco Travel said advisors need to do their homework before recommending an all-inclusive. But clients need to do their homework, as well, she added.

"Not only should agents qualify their clients, but clients should qualify their agent," Coomer said. "Make sure you choose an agent who travels frequently and continues to educate themselves, is able to compare and contrast destinations and resorts easily and communicates the difference between two or three resorts in the same budget range."

Link:

All-inclusive resorts come in all shapes and sizes. How do you find the right one? - Travel Weekly

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A fire on a commercial boat Sunday off the coast of Staten Islands West Shore prompted a response by multiple emergency agencies.

A Samaritan boating near Travis alerted authorities to smoke and flames emanating from a towing vessel just after 11:30 a.m., according to a source with knowledge of the incident.

The captain of the ship extinguished the flames by the time crews had arrived, the source said.

No injuries were reported.

The U.S. Coast Guard, FDNY and North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue responded to the area of 4435 Victory Boulevard for a report of the incident.

Pratt Industries at 4435 Victory Blvd. in Travis recycled a thousand tons of paper products a day when this photo was taken in April 2011. (Staten Island Advance/Irving Silverstein)staten island advance

The address belongs to Pratt Industries paper mill, where multiple fires have been reported over the past decade.

BUSY DAY ON THE WATER

Hours prior to the boat fire near Travis on Sunday, FDNY Marine Operations responded to a private vessel in distress near the Staten Island side of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

The FDNY helped untangle a line from a propellor on the boat after it was spotted drifting toward rocks along the coastline.

No injuries were reported.

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Commercial boat catches fire near paper mill on Staten Islands West Shore - SILive.com

Philanthropist and former Israeli fighter pilot Eytan Stibbe will become the second Israeli to fly to space on Friday, when he takes off for the International Space Station as part of the first all-private astronaut team ever flown to the orbiting outpost.

Stibbe, 64, is set to take off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, riding atop a Falcon 9 rocket furnished and flown by Elon Musk's commercial space launch venture SpaceX, as part of a mission initiated by Axiom Space, a privately held company.

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A retired combat pilot who formerly had the most kills of enemy aircraft in the Israeli armed forces, Stibbe was a founder of theLR Group, which enjoyed close ties with Angolan authorities during and since the countrys civil war. Stibbe has since left that company.

He is also a member of the board of directors of the Ilan Ramon Foundation, named after the first Israeli to fly to space, who perished with six NASA crewmates in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. In a blog post, Stibbe wrote that he plans on taking several surviving pages of the diary Ramon kept in space to the ISS.

Stibbe will remain on the International Space Station for eight days and perform scientific experiments. The flight ticket comes with a hefty price tag of $55 million. The former fighter pilot is funding the trip with offshore dollars, with his payment for the flight coming from a company that is registered in the British Virgin Islands.

The State of Israel, Haaretz found, has invested hundreds ofthousands of dollars in expenses related to this mission, while funds for other parts of the mission were registered in the books of the Ramon Foundation,a nonprofit, something that may save Stibbe substantial tax costs.

The mission is being led by retired NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, Axiom's vice president of business development, who will be joined by Larry Connor, a real estate and technology entrepreneur and aerobatics aviator from Ohio designated as the mission pilot, and Canadian businessman and philanthropist Mark Pathy.

The Ax-1 crew may appear to have a lot in common with many of the wealthy passengers taking suborbital rides lately aboard the Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic services offered by billionaires Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, respectively. But Axiom executives said their mission is more substantive.

"We are not space tourists," Lopez-Alegria said during a recent news briefing, adding that the Axiom team has undergone extensive astronaut training with both NASA and SpaceX, and will be performing meaningful biomedical research.

The team will be carrying equipment and supplies for 26 science and technology experiments. These include research on brain health, cardiac stem cells, cancer and aging as well as a technology demonstration to produce optics using the surface tension of fluids in microgravity, company executives said.

Launched to orbit in 1998, the ISS has been continuously occupied since 2000 under a U.S.-Russian-led partnership that includes Canada, Japan and 11 European countries.

While the space station has hosted visits by civilian visitors from time to time, the Ax-1 mission will mark the first all-commercial team of astronauts to use the ISS for its intended purpose as an orbiting laboratory.

They will be sharing the weightless work space alongside seven regular crew members of the ISS three U.S. astronauts, a German astronaut and three Russian cosmonauts.

Axiom said it has contracted with SpaceX to fly three more missions to orbit over the next two years. NASA selected Axiom in 2020 to design and develop a new commercial module to the space station, which currently spans the approximate size of a football field. Flight hardware for the first Axiom module is currently undergoing fabrication, the company said.

Plans call for eventually detaching the Axiom modules from the rest of the outpost when the ISS is ready for retirement in around 2030, leaving the smaller Axiom station in orbit as a commercial-only platform, Ghaffarian said.

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Second Israeli goes to space on Friday in first all-private flight to ISS - Haaretz

If theres one constant in Seattle, its the outrageously expensive housing market. The value of Seattle homes rose an unprecedented amount during the pandemic and that has left plenty of people wondering if and how theyll ever own a home. So, in the spirit of outrageousness, why not look for alternatives, like a private island in the San Juans.

Before you get incensed or start laughing, hear us out. Ram Island has nearly 9 acres of land and 3600 of low bank waterfront, something you obviously cant get in the city. Whats more, its one of the last,privately owned, undeveloped islands remaining in the San Juans.

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Electricity can be self-generated by propane or diesel and when it comes to water, your options are RO or desalination. While the fact that its undeveloped may be a deterrent for some, it means you can truly create an island of your own, working with the beautiful nature that surrounds you. Youll have your own gravel beach, old forest, some open grassy areas, and a hilltop pinnacle overlooking vast stretches of islands & waterways.

Itll cost you $2.8 million dollars to be the next owner of this island which when you think about it, is a comparable price to an expensive Seattle home. So if you have the cash, why not swap your city home for 360-degree views of Mt. Baker, the Olympic Mountains, and the Straits of Juan De Fuca?

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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Done with city life? One of the San Juans last natural private islands is up for sale - Curiocity

I've been waiting two years to tell you about this place, and I'm so excited I finally can. I can still picture the rustling coconut trees as we watched the sunset from the infinity pool. The hugs from the staff members, who treated us like family. And the food that was so good it temporarily distracted from the view.

I also vividly remember being curled up in the oversized sunlounger after night fell, gazing at the stars. Picking up my phone, I opened Stuff and read more about this unusual virus called Covid-19 that was spreading around the world. The latest story was speculation our border could close. Surely that couldn't happen, I thought, as I put my phone down and took another sip of my coconut. I didn't give it another thought because Fiji is a place where you don't worry about things.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

The view of Vomo from a helicopter, approaching the island.

We all know what happened next. Covid-19 caused travel chaos, killed millions, destroyed livelihoods, and changed our way of life. But, the world is now reopening (and fingers crossed) the worst of the pandemic is about to pass.

If you've missed celebrating a special occasion, or want to create one, there is one private island paradise you need to visit. Its open and waiting for Kiwis. Let me take you to Vomo Island.

READ MORE:* Five Fiji resorts we've been dreaming about* Vomo Island, Fiji: Proof that tropical fantasy islands really do exist* Malamala Beach Club: Fiji's new private island paradise

An excellent question, because location is everything in Fiji. Vomo sits on an extinct volcano in the Mamanuca Islands, a stunning collection of golden isles to the northwest of Nadi.

Vomo is the jewel in the crown because of its formation: with golden beaches and a towering hill, it almost looks like it was created in Photoshop.

What's even better is that the luxury begins before you even get there. You can jump straight off your flight, then into a helicopter, and you'll be at the resort in just 15 minutes. You'll even do a quick sweep of the island just before you arrive, which leaves you with no doubt that you chose the best place for your once-in-a-lifetime escape.

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Vomos incredible pool in the adults-only zone.

Let's get to the pointy end of things. And that's precisely where you'll find Vomo's pice de rsistance at the pointy end of the island. This is home to an area known as The Rocks, and is strictly an adults-only zone with a sprawling infinity pool and bar, specially designed for maximising sunsets.

Walking in here is like visiting an open-air spa. There are myriad relaxation zones with enormous day beds overlooking the pool. A waiter is in a constant orbit, ready to serve whatever your heart desires.

As evening falls, complimentary canaps are rolled out, as guests gather in the pool and on loungers to watch the sun paint the sky red.

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Vomo has six exclusive Private Residences.

Despite the private island being 87 hectares, it's only home to 28 villas most of which are only a few metres from the sea. There are also six huge Private Residences, the kind of place that often attracts celebrities.

The most popular option for the rest of us is beachfront villas, which sit so close to the beach, you'll fall asleep to the lapping waves.

The spacious rooms come complete with his and her vanities, a freestanding bath, and lots of freebies, such as a laundry service, drinks, and guided snorkel safari.

Best of all, Vomo's prices are all-inclusive, meaning meals and non-alcoholic drinks are all taken care of.

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Vomos yoga platform is in a spectacular location.

I am one of those holidaymakers who love to do nothing. But for those who like to keep active, the island has an impressive yoga platform at the peak of the old volcano.

You'll be whisked up to the summit in a golf buggy in time for sunrise, where an expert teacher will take you through the motions as the first rays of sun reach the island. It'd be hard to find a more idyllic yoga location anywhere in the world.

This is an easy one. There is a deserted island a few kilometres off the end of the infinity pool known as Vomo Lailai, or Little Vomo. Its perfectly formed, with a jungle-clad centre and long beach extending from one end. And you can have it all to yourself.

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Vomo Lailai, or Little Vomo, can be rented for a private picnic.

Book a boat trip to the tiny island, where a romantic picnic will be waiting under an umbrella. You can then unwind on the beach, or head out snorkelling. The island is yours, so you make up the rules. You'll be given a two-way radio in case of an SOS situation (such as running out of Champagne).

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Snorkelling at a secret spot near Vomo.

There is good snorkelling straight off the island's main beaches, but if you're keen for the best experience, join a daily snorkel excursion to several nearby secret spots. You'll soon be surrounded by colourful fish and coral, and won't be disappointed.

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The Kids Village at Vomo is impressive.

Leave them with mum and dad back home (bless you) or bring them the choice is yours. Vomo has won multiple awards for its family-friendly Kids Village, which is so cool, I almost wish I was young again.

The complimentary service for kids 3 to 12 years old sees them embark on an exciting selection of adventures like kayaking, hermit crab hunting, beach bonfires, face painting and cooking lessons to name a few.

Parents can even head for their own dinner at the adults-only pool, while children are served at the Kids Village with a specially designed menu. I saw it first hand: most kids dont want to leave.

The island also has Baby Butlers for those under 3, and each family is offered four hours free a day.

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Vomos adults-only zone is known as The Rocks.

Travelling to Fiji is about to get much easier. From April 7, vaccinated tourists who produce a supervised negative test result and have travel insurance covering Covid-19 will be free to enter. Youll need to do a rapid test 24 hours after arriving, which VOMO can organise.

If you get Covid-19 on the island, Vomo has a resident doctor, and given Covid-19 insurance is compulsory, it should help cover some if not all costs. The resort has put aside dedicated villas for isolation, or you have the option to return to a resort with isolation rooms on the mainland.

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Vomo has one of the most photographed pools in Fiji.

Staying there: A night at Vomo starts around $1600 a night, including all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, among many other amenities. Packages are also available. See: vomofiji.com

Getting there: The island can arrange airport pickup, either by road and speed boat (which takes around an hour) or helicopter, which takes 15-minutes. Fiji Airways has started regular flights from Auckland, and will also commence flights from Wellington and Christchurch later this year. See: fijiairways.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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Vomo Fiji: Inside the private island waiting for Kiwis - Stuff

Considering the heat we have to endure every summer, the idea of cool sea breezes and a tropical villa stay has us yearning for an island getaway. If youre already starting to make Songkran plans, here were zooming in on five lesser mainstream islands that are suited to five different types of people and activities. Weve also included the best resorts for this next island hideout.

Its no secret that Thailand has always been famous for its beautiful beaches and seaside retreats. Each of the islands have their own characteristics and attractions that are perfect for different purposes. Here are five of the most popular smaller islands and where to stay when you visit on your next summer trip.

[Hero and featured image credit: The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket]

Overflowing with lights and music, Koh Phangan in Surat Thani is world-renowned for its nightlife and full-moon parties. Here are the best resorts for all the party lovers to rest their hangover, or for wellness lovers to fully unwind.

Anantara Rasananda will set the scene for the most romantic trip for you and your partner. Choose from over 8 types of pool suites and villas nestled underneath towering coconut palms, and soak in the views of the glistening sea at your front door. The resort integrates local culture with world-standard services in all of its settings, whether its the private pool suite and villa, the Japanese dining room, or the luxury spa.

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Situated on crescent moon beach, Panviman Resort Koh Phangan is one of the first resorts to open on the island back in 1987. Once inside, guests will be immersed into a whole new territory of lush hillsides, secluded beaches, and marvellous accommodation, where privacy is the key message. Dine with stunning views at three of the resorts restaurants and bars, before enjoying the special facilities: spa and massage, jacuzzi pool, private candle-lit dinner, and lots of outdoor excursions.

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At Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa, nature is fully embraced between the beautiful Thai-style architecture and the blue sea. Teakwood, tropical forests, and private beaches mark the main attributes of this luxurious resort, where each guest room sits on a cliff. The Ayurvana Spa, an exceptional gastronomic experience, recreational classes, and snorkelling tours are only a few the hotels many offerings.

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One of Asia Pacifics most popular diving spots, Koh Lanta is situated a little off from Krabi. Beautiful coral reefs and marine life is scattered richly among several diving spots around the island.

Covering almost a kilometre of beachfront expanse, Pimalai Resort & Spa is a heaven for all nature enthusiasts and beach lovers. Sunbathe with the magnificent views of the boundless ocean or go for a refreshing dip in your villas private pool. After an energetic day, reward yourself with delectable food from the award-winning Seven Seas, where the freshest seafood is served overlooking the Andaman sea.

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Layana Resort & Spa could be the best place if youre looking for a supreme hideout in Koh Lanta, for it flaunts comfortable and private accommodation, peaceful beaches, and unparalleled spa treatments at Linger Longer Spa. Six types of rooms, suites and villas are ready to house all types of guests; families with children, large groups of friends, and even lovers.

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The tropical jungle, a spacious stretch on Klong Toab beach, and the Southern Thai architecture altogether create a perfect blend of tranquil beach retreat at Rawi Warin Resort & Spa. Although the seven types of rooms, suites, and private villas are luring us to stay put all day, Rawi Warin Resort & Spa plenty of outdoor facilities to offer too: an infinity ozone pool, ocean pool, shooters club, yoga studio, and kayaking, to name a few.

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A little off from Phang Nga province lies the elegant island sanctuary of Koh Yao Noi. If peace and alone time are your thing, look nowhere else than this quiet island.

Six Senses Yao Noi is the perfect spot if youre looking to explore the nature charms of Koh Yao Noi. Apart from the 12 options of rooms, suites, and villas, the resort also grants guests a chance to reconnect with nature through a guided kayak, an animal farm tour, a Hornbills nest building session, and more.

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An ideal destination for large families and groups of friends has to be NI Thailand. The elegant resort boasts 10 exceptional oceanfront suites and delicious gourmet meals. Known for its customised services, the staff will gladly plan in-hotel activities based completely on your preferences, whether its exploring the sea, kayaking, joining the Thai cooking classes or simply relaxing in the spa.

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Glamping has never felt so good in these luxury safari tented villas at 9 Hornbills Tented Camp. Named after the Hornbill birds that inhabit the site, the resort offers a unique getaway in the air-conditioned tented villas with a separate open-air area. Each tented villa opens its doors to a 180-degree scenery of the sapphire blue sea, where guests can always jump in for an exotic sea excursion.

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Koh Phi Phi is one of the few islands where you will be fully immersed in nature with minimal signs of urban living. As a home to several land and marine animals, Koh Phi Phi is really a heaven for all eco-activists.

The coconut palms and long, white sandy beach set a cinematic background for SAii Phi Phi Island Village. Outside of its tropical bungalows, guests will be presented with water activities like mangrove sea kayaking, shark seekers, a sustainable marine discovery centre tour, monthly coral reef activities and a lot more. For the culinary highlights, The Beach House Grill & Chill is serving succulent imported meats that cannot be missed.

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PP Princess Resort prides itself as a safe haven on the most beautiful beach on Phi Phi. Choose to stay in the deluxe room or the two-storey pool villa and taste the authentic Southern Thai cuisine at Rom Mai restaurant underneath the islands oldest banyan tree. A cocktail by the pool at Lei Beach Club will keep you relaxed on the sun bed all afternoon, too.

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Encircled by the lush jungles, Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort is an eco-friendly resort that soothes the eyes and soul with calming natural architectural design. This wonderland features five types of bungalows built and decorated with bamboo. The large dining venue decorated with bamboo, of course specialises in new Asian cuisine, a culinary experience combining eastern and western delicacies.

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For the ultimate indulgence, these are the unique luxury hotels set out on a secluded island, for all those moments when you want to run away from the crowd as far as possible.

The Naka Island can be reached by a brief trip by speedboat from Phuket. Situated near the east coast of Phuket, The Naka Island is a secluded sanctuary equipped with all the services youll need; comfortable accommodation, an alfresco dining venue, a sunset bar, luxury spa and massages, an archipelago tour, fitness centre, swimming pool and a lot more.

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A three-hour drive from Bangkok can take you to a private island that really takes you away from the bustling outside world: Koh Munnork. Without any television, fridges, wi-fi, and limited network connection, guests are asked to leave their phones behind and engage in the outdoor activities prepared by the resort such as plogging, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, and squidding, while an array of delicacies will be served at dinner time.

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An ultra luxury resort on the northern tip of Koh Kood in Trad province, Soneva Kiri can be reached by a 90-minute flight from Bangkok straight to the resorts own airport. Since sustainability is one of its main philosophies, all private villas adopt an eco-friendly design and are built out of sustainable materials. Experience the 6-star service in the hotels unique facilities, for instance the famous Treepod Dining, Yai Ki trek, sunrise breakfast cruise, private cinema paradiso and mushroom cave lunch.

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Songkran Island Getaway Collection: Where to Stay on Your Next Island Trip - Prestige Online Thailand

MIRAMAR, Fla., March 28, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) the trade association that represents the mutual interests of destinations and stakeholders throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico, along with Member Lines that operate over 90 percent of the global cruising capacity is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the U.S. Virgin Islands on a strategic development agreement for 2022 that will focus on increasing the destination's overall economic impact from cruise tourism. The agreement, coming from a directive by the FCCA Executive Committee, will feature access to key decision makers and their joint efforts with FCCA to fulfill the objectives, including increased cruise calls, new experiences and products, collaboration with the local private sector, more employment and purchasing opportunities, conversion of cruise guests to stay-over visitors, promotion of summer cruising, creation of consumer demand, travel agent outreach and more.

"This agreement is a further testament to the continued partnership that the U.S. Virgin Islands has had with FCCA and the cruise industry," said Micky Arison, Chairman of FCCA and Carnival Corporation & plc. "The destination has supported cruising through the best and worst of times, and I am proud that this agreement will make it possible to better the lives and livelihoods of so many people there."

"We are grateful for the U.S. Virgin Islands' support through the pandemic, with this landmark agreement being more proof of their dedication to cruise tourism, and we cannot be more excited to reciprocate the faith they have shown in us and the industry by maximizing their benefits from the sector," said Michele Paige, President, FCCA. "Through this agreement, the U.S. Virgin Islands will have FCCA's full commitment to fulfilling the destination's initiatives, including assisting the private sector and helping all locals prosper from the economic impact that the industry brings."

After being a success story for Caribbean tourism in the wake of COVID-19, experiencing a banner year for stay-over tourism in 2021 and breaking numerous records, the U.S. Virgin Islands is looking to turn the page for their cruise tourism, which generated $184.7 million in total cruise tourism expenditures, in addition to $77.9 million in total employee wage income, during the 2017/2018 cruise year, according to the Business Research & Economic Advisors report "Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destination Economies."

"The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrates its steadfast partnership with FCCA and its Member Lines," said USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte. "Strategic marketing and collaborative programs promoting the allure of the cruise industry and our awe-inspiring islands are expected to provide the Territory with a springboard for a speedy resumption, as we enter the endemic phase of Covid-19."

Through the agreement, FCCA will not only guide the U.S. Virgin Islands government on enhancing their product and increasing cruise calls, but also will facilitate new experiences to offer cruise companies and collaborate with the local private sector to maximize any opportunities. Additionally, the agreement will put the U.S. Virgin Islands in the spotlight for the new and improved programs that FCCA has developed with focuses on employment, purchasing and converting cruise guests to stay-over visitors.

As a top-down initiative directed by the FCCA Executive Committee, which includes presidents and above of FCCA Member Lines, the new strategic partnership will grant open access for the U.S. Virgin Islands with these key decision makers and the Committee's efforts to effectuate the agreement's objectives and the destination's goals.

Some of the other features of the strategic partnership will include promoting summer cruising, engaging travel agents, creating consumer demand and developing a destination service needs assessment that will detail strengths, opportunities and needs.

About Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)Created in 1972, FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that represents the mutual interests of the cruise industry and destinations' private and public sectors. By building bilateral relationships with cruise tourism stakeholders and providing them a forum to work with executives from its Member Lines, FCCA fosters bilateral success for all parties. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

SOURCE Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

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FCCA Partners with the US Virgin Islands on Strategic Development Agreement - PR Newswire