Category Archives: Private Islands

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Sponsored by Riviera Travel

Riviera Travel offers you the chance to explore idyllic Greek Islands while having an intimate base of one of two cruise ships, MV Aphrodite or MV Harmonia.

Riviera Travel transports you into the scene of a picture-perfect postcard on its Ionian Island Odyssey cruise itinerary for 2022.

Feel like a true explorer and embrace the chance to cruise onboard Riviera Travels unique wooden-hulled, gulet-style boats for seven nights.

Navigate some of the most idyllic islands in the Ionian Sea - including Kefalonia, Lefkas and Ithaca - via wooden schooner seeking out untouched coves and villages.

Get ready for a deeply fascinating and relaxing week exploring the idyllic blue waters, quaint ports, picturesque harbours and stunning beaches.

Decide which excursions you embark on, or alternatively explore ports of call independently - tailor your holiday to suit you!

Discover what Greek wonders await

Delve into the picturesque scenery straight from the offset, as your cruise begins in Agia Efimia, Kefalonia, Greece's sixth largest island with Riviera Travel.

Be sure to capture a picture of the high limestone cliffs which fall into Azure Seas as you explore the charming resort set in a beautiful bay heavily influenced by Italy - evident in the Italianate style of the houses and food. Treat yourself to a glass of Robola wine its what the island is known for.

- READ MORE: Riviera Travel: Greek island cruises to visit secluded coves and private islands -

Set your sights north to Fiscardo, Kefalonias northernmost point and admire the views as you sail along the narrow channel which separates the island from Ithaca the mythological homeland of the Greek hero Odysseus.

Stop along the way and take a refreshing dive at Antisamos beach you may well recognise your surroundings as some scenes from the film Captain Corellis Mandolin were filmed here.

After indulging in a delectable lunch to fuel up for your explorations you will arrive in the village of Fiscardo. Admire the array of bright mansions and villas before heading over to one of the many tavernas, said to be some of the best of the island.

For lovers of all things green, the next port of call is Nidri, a lively town on the east coast of Lefkas island. It features landscapes covered in verdant hills framed with white cliffs, tiny coves and bays.

This is a truly unique experience as Nidri possesses one of the most protected harbours in the region. You can admire this beautiful island alongside the sailors who come to enjoy its plentiful harbourside cafes - strike up a conversation and learn about the sailing lifestyle.

Get your swimming gear out again for a swim stop in Sivota Bay before continuing to the bay of Nidri decorated with olive groves and rolling hills.

Stroll around with a smile on your face as you observe the friendly town bustling with busy tavernas and cafes.

Peer into the lives of the richest people on earth when cruising around the small island of Skorpios. It was once the private retreat of Greek shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, and is now owned by a Russian billionaire!

Continue along to the sleepy island of Maganissi, located six kilometres south of Lefkas where you can walk along pebble beaches and admire the peaceful landscapes in the village of Vathy, the ideal setting for a romantic meal.

- READ MORE: Riviera Travel: Explore Christmas markets on a festive Rhine cruise this winter -

If you thought Skorpios and Vathy were a slice of remote paradise, then just wait for Kalamos and Kastos.

These twin islands, explored with Riviera Travel, have a minuscule number of permanent inhabitants, so you can enjoy an untouched landscape boasting stunning clear seas and bays.

Allow yourself to be tempted by the crystal waters of the small barren island of Atokos and dip into the warm Mediterranean Sea - say hello to the rabbits and goats that wander freely.

Over on Ithaca, the main town, Vathy, is up next and is one of the few buzzing towns visited on the cruise but keeps the same stunning landscape of lush green mountains.

Sailing back down towards the port of Agia Efimia, head to Assos, where you will have the freedom to explore this small, charming village that only has around 100 inhabitants.

Make sure you visit the ruins of a 16th-century Venetian castle alongside the pebbled beaches in your free time.

A must-do trip in Kefalonia is Melissani Cave, an eternally popular area. The B-shaped cave features two chambers separated by an island in the centre, and, when the light is overhead at noon, the whole cave is lit up with the blue light from the waters below a truly magical experience.

Riviera Travel's MV Aphrodite or MV Harmonia prove that the best way to explore some of the best sailing areas in Greece is by cruise.

Both wooden-hulled, twin-mastered schooners were built in Turkey and are tailor-made to guarantee a new level of personal service, with a maximum of 12 guests onboard and three crew on each boat.

- READ MORE: Riviera Travel reveals 2023 European river cruise programme to France and Portugal -

Enjoy every meal served on the spacious aft deck. The buffet lunch is prepared with fresh, local ingredients making for an unparalleled relaxed environment.

Explore each destination to unparalleled depths, with both ships always staying overnight in each port - so you can find your favourite taverna for dinner.

If you enjoy the freedom the Ionian Island Odyssey itinerary gives you to explore ports overnight with a comfortable base awaiting your return - then be sure to check out Rivieras Cruise & Explore concept.

This allows you to sail your own way and personalise your cruise completely. Visit a range of destinations such as Budapest, Vienna and Cologne and city hop with one five-star base.

You can choose from a wide selection of optional experiences to embark on while the ship is moored in the city centre for the full day and often till late at night.

Unpack once, explore every day.

See the article here:

What are the best Greek Islands to visit? Cruise beautiful Greece with Riviera Travel - World of Cruising

Cars are overrated anyway.

And without car-packed roads, arriving at a new destination might mean taking a cable car over a mountain, hopping on a ferry, or walking a footbridge to a magical hilltop city.

This Italian village is free of cars, but even more dramatic is the fact that the only way in or out is by footbridge. The town's scenic location on a hilltop overlooking a vast canyon is all the more striking given that you have to trek up a walkway to reach it.

The isolated village ofHalibut Coveis only home to about 90 permanent residents, which adds to the charm of this beautiful and car-free place. If that doesn't seem serene enough, it's also home to one of the only floating yes, floating US post offices.

When you visit the town of Lamu on Lamu Island, Kenya, you'll be met by donkeys instead of cars. Once you set foot on the island, it will become clear why. The roads err, walkways are narrow and winding, making it virtually impossible to get around by car.

Giethoorn might just be the cutest place you'll ever see. The village relies on a series of walking paths, bike trails, and waterways for transportation. In fact, the most popular way for visitors to see the town's centuries-old thatched-roof houses is exploring the canals by boat.

Imagine lying on a pristine beach without hordes of tourists. Well, that's the reality at Islas Ces (also known as Ces Islands) off the coast of Galicia, Spain. The archipelago is only accessible by boat, has no hotels, and allows only1,800 visitors (plus 600 campers) on the island per day. It's the closest many of us will ever get to lounging on a private island.

You don't have to travel far to escape the stress of NYC traffic. Fire Island, set off the southern shore of Long Island, draws in travelers who would rather hear the ding of a bike bell than the honk of a taxi. To get to one of the island's many beaches, hiking trails, or surf spots, all you have to do is rent a bike and cruise around like a local.

Zermatt is a popular travel destination, but this mountain town in the Swiss Alps still takes its car-free policy seriously. Those looking to stay and play at the foot of the Matterhorn known for skiing, hiking, and climbing have to travel in by train, helicopter, or taxi, which have permission to use the road into Zermatt and can drop you at your hotel.

A car-free island in Hong Kong, a city renowned for its teetering high-rises, neon lights, and traffic? Believe it. Lamma Island is just a 25-minute ferry from the heart of the city, but it feels worlds away. You can spend the day lounging at the beach or high up in the mountains just know that you can't rely on a taxi to get you there.

Just north of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula is Isla Holbox, a tiny island with a big reputation. It's home to flamingos, pristine beaches, and shallow waters. The lack of cars gives the entire island a laid-back vibe that pairs perfectly with its sandy streets and colorful wooden houses.

La Cumbrecita is located in Argentina, but it has an undeniably European feel. That's because in addition to being almost completely free of cars, it was founded byGerman, Swiss, French, and Austriancitizens many of whom wereexiled during World War II. Today, the secludedhamlet not only bans cars, but it is also almost completely reliant on renewable energy and a water treatment and reuse system.

Not far from Athens floats the island of Hydra (aka Ydra or Idra). Once you step foot off the water taxi, you'll be hard pressed to find a car or even a bike on the island. Instead, visitors make their way by foot or boat to Hydra's natural springs and isolated beaches.

When you board the ferry to Bald Head Island, you leave your car and the norms of the mainland behind. Life moves slower here about as slow as the island's main form of transportation: the golf cart.

Nestled between the islands of Guernsey and Jersey in the English Channel is Sark, a tiny, car-free island that's only accessible by ferry. In addition to being traffic-free, the island is free of street lights, which ensures that there's nothing hindering your view of the starry night skies.

Chamois, located in the beautiful, mountainous region of northwestern Italy, has a lot going for it. But what really makes this town notable is the fact that it's not reachable by car. To get there, you have to lace up your hiking boots or hop on a cable car that will whisk you up and over the mountains.

The ancient walled medina ofFes El Bali in the city of Fez is made up of over 9,000 maze-like alleyways that are far too narrow for cars, making it one of the few distinctly urban car-free destinations. Without cars taking up space and polluting the air, you can jostle through the narrow walkways in search of the medina's renowned leather goods, street kebabs, and sweets.

The state of Michigan is home to what many call a national treasure: Mackinac Island. Without cars to get you from Point A to Point B, you can rent a bike, walk, or, better yet, take a horse-drawn carriage. It's about as wonderfully old-school as it gets, yet it's just a 16-minute ferry ride from the mainland.

If you've been to Venice, you might have been so enchanted by the narrow waterways, cobblestone streets, and St. Mark's Basilica, that you forgot to notice the lack of cars. That's right, this iconic medieval city is car-free, relying on man-powered gondolas rather than motor-powered vehicles. The little fun fact only adds to Venice's undeniable charm (as if the city needs any more of it).

Within the Croatian city of Dubrovnik is the historic, car-free Old Town neighborhood a section of the town that's surrounded by medieval walls. It's the sort of place you can meander for hours, shopping, eating, and sightseeing, feeling as if you've traveled back in time.

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Originally posted here:

Cars Are Banned In These 18 Places Around The World And No One Seems To Miss Them - BuzzFeed

In Dubais hugely competitive luxury hotel market, doing something new is harder than you might think. The city is already home to the worlds tallest hotel, the worlds only "seven-star" hotel and countless other luxury properties that tick every imaginable box from family-friendly to romantic, desert retreats to beachside.

And that is where the very soon-to-open Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort has things relatively easy.

As the first hotel to open on Dubais long-awaited World Islands, the hotel is already doing something different. Thankfully, in typical Anantara mode, thats not quite enough for the luxury retreat that's located on the South American continent of the World Islands development.

Instead, Anantara has created something unlike anything that already exists in the Emirates.

The initial opening date is Saturday, December 18. Ahead of the big opening, The National was invited for a sneak peek behind the scenes at Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort.

As it's located some four kilometres off the coast of Dubai, on the World Islands site closest to the mainland, guests staying at the resort will arrive and check in at Anantara Dubai The Palm.

From there a very sleek luxury speedboat will whisk guests across the Arabian Gulf on a 15-minute trip towards the private island paradise.

Guests will check in at Anantara The Palm then take a luxury speedboat to Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort. Hayley Skirka / The National

Incidentally, this is the same way that workers had to get most of the furnishings, fittings and finishings for Anantara World Islands across to the resort.

Upon reaching the resort, a wooden jetty takes guests to the property's welcome pavilion. This pergola-style structure sits on the ocean's edge and is where travellers will be given a cool refreshment and enjoy a musical welcome ceremony, something that's customary in many of Anantaras resorts around the world. At this property, the welcome takes place underneath an impressive chandelier crafted out of hundreds of harvested oyster shells a nod to the UAE's pearl diving history.

The tropical island resort offers endless views of the water with Dubai skyline in the background. Photo: Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort

Walking into the sand-covered resort, it's not too much of a stretch of the imagination to think you've actually left Dubai behind. Its hard to say where we feel we've gone to the resort blends Anantaras signature Thai influences with a sense of Maldivian luxury, Arabian elements and even some Zanzibari vibes. The result is decidedly tropical.

Guests checking in can wander at ease along the sandy walkways that wind through the resort, listening to the sound of the birds and taking in the tropical-style gardens that are currently still in their infancy, but already blooming with colour. Thai-style tuk-tuks are also on hand to ferry guests from one place to another.

Anantara World Islands offers something that's quite rare in the thriving city - endless, uninterrupted ocean views. Hayley Skirka / The National

An undulating swimming pool dotted with and surrounded by palm trees greets guests near the entrance. Theres a pool bar on the shoreline to the left of the pool, and a rock-art Instagram-worthy spot with the endless blue of the ocean behind it.

Next to the pool is Helios, Anantara World Islands Dubai Resorts Mediterranean all-day dining restaurant. The spacious eatery has fully retractable glass doors which can open up to let the breeze in when the weather is nice, or be closed to keep things cool in summer.

Its one of three main restaurants on site. Theres also Luna, a Frida Kahlo-inspired South American lounge thats located above Helios. Serving tapas and a wide range of drinks, this colourful restaurant's elevated position guarantees awesome views over the ocean back towards the Dubai skyline.

All villas at Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort have thatched Thai-style roofs. Photo: Anantara World Islands

Qamar is the resort's Middle Eastern and Indian restaurant which is at once elegant and romantic without being ostentatious. Al fresco dining or shisha on the terrace is bound to be popular here thanks to traditional majlis-style seating, and uninterrupted vistas across the World Islands.

At the heart of the resort is The Grand House. This lobby area has beautiful palm-inspired decor and bamboo-style furniture and is also another place where guests can have a refreshment or a light bite.

In all of the restaurants and across the resort there's a strict no-plastic policy, with compostable coffee pods in the mini bars and water derived from Anantaras filtration system, and served to guests in refillable glass bottles.

The island has 70 rooms, suites and villas, ranging from the elevated Ocean View rooms, all of which have a balcony, to the four-bedroom Beach Pool Villa which spans a massive 224 square metres.

One of the really nice things about the design is that it really doesn't feel like you're in a resort. Each of the villas, suites and rooms are all slightly different from one another, giving the impression that you are instead wandering through a tropical village, albeit one thats home to some serious mansions.

Huge thatched roofs adorned with Thai chofas allude to Anantaras Thai heritage and the high ceilings inside the villas build a real sense of space. The design is coastal, with a subtle colour palate and materials like wood, wicker, linen and other natural products.

Fitness fans will adore the gym which has to be a contender for the best workout views in the world. Theres also a yoga hall and a padel court. The resort beach is lined with sunloungers, and there are in-ocean wooden swings just off the shoreline.

A junior beach pool suite at Anantara World Islands. Photo: Anantara World Islands

Famed for its spa facilities, Anantara's newest member is no different. While it wasn't open for a sneak peek during our visit, we're told that treatments will be given in luxurious spa cabanas and signature therapies are the Island Lomi Lomi massage and a Couples Island Escape.

The area will also be home to a large greenhouse that will eventually support the hotels food and beverage offerings with produce grown and used on-site.

Bookings will be opening soon and with initial rates starting from Dh1,600, checking in to Dubais newest tropical island might not cost quite as much as you would have expected.

Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort; anantara.com

See inside another new Dubai hotel 25Hours Hotel One Central:

The first 25Hours Hotel outside of Europe has opened its doors in Dubai. All photos: 25Hours Hotel One Central

Updated: December 16th 2021, 7:07 PM

Read the original post:

What to expect from Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort when it opens - The National

The Maldives may be the smallest country in Asia, but its also the worlds most dispersed, with its 115 sq m (298 sq km) of land divided across 1200 islands that lie scattered across a whopping 90,000 sq m (233,100 sq km) of Indian Ocean. Its no surprise then that sea and air travel are the key modes of transport.

Many travelers come to "fly and flop", but if youre too itchy-footed to spend two weeks in one spot, its easier than you might think to travel throughout the country. From public buses to luxury yachts, heres how to get around in the Maldives.

There are 17 regional airports scattered throughout the Maldives, with regular domestic flights provided by FlyMe and Maldivian. If youre traveling to local islands, ask your guesthouse to book flights for you, as theyll be able to access discounted tickets. Flights do sell out, so try to book far in advance if you want to avoid an overnight stay in Mal (though theres plenty to see there if you do get stuck).

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No runway? No problem. Seaplanes run by Trans Maldivian Airways and Maldivian allow locals and tourists to reach almost any island in the country, and give passengers unbeatable views of the countrys key selling point: countless sandy islands ringed by aquamarine water. The endless blue is so alluring, sightseeing flights are a popular pastime for visitors with deep pockets.

Resorts often charter seaplanes or in some cases, own their own to transport guests from A to B as quickly and smoothly as possible. Flights only take place in daylight hours however, so youll want to book an international flight that lands in the morning to take advantage.

If you plan to see the Maldives independently and youre on a budget, traveling by public ferry is your best option. They connect all inhabited or "local" islands (not private resorts, which require speedboat or seaplane) and prices range from $5 to $30. But be warned: timetables can be complicated and services unreliable. If youre planning on island hopping, be prepared to spend lots of time waiting around you may even need to spend the night on interim islands to get to your destination. Check online timetables to see whats possible, but its worth contacting your guesthouse directly to get the most reliable information.

There are various types of speedboat journey in the Maldives. Many visitors take speedboats to their chosen resorts from Velana International Airport or Mal, which are arranged well in advance. They typically cost $100 to $400, but the fare is often absorbed into the price of the vacation package. Prefer to have your pick of the seats? Private transfers can cost anything from $65 to $1200, depending on the distance traveled. Local islands are served by scheduled speedboats too ($30 to $110 one-way) and are quicker and more convenient than ferries. Check Atoll Transferfor more details.

If you want to hop between uninhabited islands, stopping at empty beaches and off-the-radar sandbars, consider chartering a dhoni a Maldivian boat made of coconut timber traditionally used for fishing and ferrying cargo around the archipelago. Your chosen guesthouse or resort will be able to help you arrange a charter; local boats start from $70150 a day, while resort prices range from around $400800 a day exact costs depend on how far you want to travel, and for how long. You can arrange a group dhoni cruise in advance check out the tours from G Adventures or Responsible Travel for inspiration.

Dream of sailing around the Maldives in a luxury yacht usually reserved for the likes of Hollywood A-listers? Planning a very fancy family reunion? Private crewed yacht and catamaran charters are widely available, but come at an eye-watering price: anything from $20,000 to $300,000 a week. Depending on your deal you can follow set routes or decide your own itinerary on the fly. Some luxury resorts offer day trips or overnight trips to give guests a taste of the billionaire lifestyle.

Road cyclists looking for long-distance rides and hill climbs wont find what theyre looking for on these low-lying islands. But if pedaling along palm-lined trails towards the breakfast buffet sounds like your kind of bike ride, youll want to choose a larger resort island such as Soneva Fushi, Anantara Kihavah and Six Senses Laamu, where each villa or bungalow comes with your own private bicycles. Many guesthouses also offer free bike rentals or cycling tours check out Beach Villa Ukulhas and Barefoot Eco Hotel for starters.

Buses in the Maldives are cheap and comfortable, but services are limited to Mal and Addu City. The handiest one for travelers is the shuttle between Velana International Airport and Hulhumal.

Besides the traffic-clogged capital city and a few inhabited islands, the Maldives is blissfully car-free. Pint-sized Mal is eminently walkable, and other large local islands are easy to traverse by bike though taxis are available if you need them.

The Maldives isnt the easiest place to travel if you have accessibility needs for example, there are no jet bridges at the airport, meaning youll need to embark and disembark via the aircraft stairs; guide dogs (all dogs in fact) are prohibited throughout the country; and getting on and off speedboats and public ferries can be a hassle if you use a wheelchair. But staff are unfazed by such challenges and are more than willing to offer manual assistance it also helps to let your resort or transfer operator know about your requirements in advance.

Read more here:

The best ways to get around the Maldives: whether you island hop or fly and flop - Lonely Planet Travel News

Four long years ago, America went into convulsions over revelations that Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein sexually preyed on women pursuing careers in show business. Thus was launched the #MeToo era in which women openly spoke of sexual violence at the hands of rich, powerful men.

Numerous cases have since come to the fore, many seemingly of merit but some colored by spite, mental disturbance or money. Not all accusations, even ones with substance, are equal.

Start with the extraordinary case of hedge funder Jeffrey Epstein, who lured underage girls to his palaces in Palm Beach, Florida, and the Virgin Islands. Epstein is said to have committed suicide by hanging, though many suspect he was murdered.

The real scandal was not his allegedly insatiable lust but his procuring of girls younger than 18. The girls, at least one as young as 14, could not legally give consent even if they verbally did.

But some of the injured parties were in their 20s, which makes the extent of their victimization less clear. A wealthy and handsome single man surrounded by vast luxury could have been seen as a conduit to a life of glamour.

Filthy Rich, a documentary about Epstein, spends a good amount of time with Sarah Ransome. She was young but in her early 20s when she flew to Epsteins private island on his private plane. There, she claimed, he raped her several times.

But when they got back to New York, Ransome moved into an apartment owned by Epstein and the sex continued. I still believed he would help me get to fashion school, she said. And he was giving her money.

And she has a book to sell.

What do you do with this? The documentary neglected to mention that Ransome had previously worked as an exotic dancer and escort. On camera, she played the ingenue, saying in a sing-song that when she arrived in New York, I didnt know anyone and I didnt have money. She cried unconvincingly.

Rape is a heinous crime, whether or not the victim is a woman of experience. But Ransome kept going back.

She tried to finesse this by writing that her mother was a severe alcoholic and she was raped twice in her early teens. She said that this traumatic history left her susceptible to abuse by the likes of Epstein. That would be undeniably true, but Epstein came later.

There is the ongoing case of E. Jean Carroll, a writer who accused Donald Trump of raping her, which he denies. Shes currently suing the former president for defamation for calling her a liar and saying shes not my type. Does making a crude remark constitute defamation? The Biden administration doesnt seem to think so.

The rape accusation is also problematic. Carroll waited 23 years before going public with it in a story for New York magazine and when Trump was president. She appeared on the cover modeling the dress she wore that day.

And she had a book to sell.

The former Elle magazine columnist wrote that she and Trump had recognized each other at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York, at which point she agreed to help him find a gift for an unidentified woman. Carroll ended up accompanying him into a dressing room in the lingerie department with a flimsy thing that Trump wanted her to model. She said she was simply joshing.

A very serious crime may have then occurred. But it has yet to be verified, and again, this wasnt a case of a young girl being plucked off the streets.

The details change the heat of these stories. They matter, even when they involve predators and creeps.

Froma Harrop is a nationally syndicated columnist. She can be reached at fharrop@gmail.com.

Continued here:

OP-ED: In these #MeToo accusations, details matter - Observer-Reporter

As a Travel Writer for the past two decades, I have often heard that exclamation from travelers Oh! To be in the lap of luxury while vacationing! The very idea evokes images of gorgeous balmy beaches or powdery snow and ski. Again, for some it is the lush green rainforests and spectacular wildlife drama the Call of the Wild, so to say. Yet, for another set of travelers, they are excited to embark on voyages that are literally ripples of luxury on waters be it the oceans or the great rivers of the world.

Irrespective of the discerning choices of todays new-age luxury travelers, one thing stands out they are always on the lookout for destinations that awesome in terms of beauty and natural panorama.

The quintessential new-age jet-set contemporary traveler wants surprises, escape routes, hidden treasures of nature, and a bewildering array of recreation options to complement the bewitching charms of the lands and regions they visit. The expected destinations where just about every lane is dramatic and charming. As visitors, they want to be spoilt for a choice and Oh! Yeah! They wanna be pampered.

And, for all these, they are prepared to pay big time.

Here is my bucket list of 20 top destinations to embark on a Luxury Travel for 2022.

Necker Island used to be a little known destination until British business tycoon Richard Branson stumbled across this speck of paradise way back in the 1970s and to put it succinctly in his own words I had no idea where they were located or that they were actually called the British Virgin Islands, the billionaire entrepreneur writes in a blog about purchasing Necker Island. But one Thursday in 1978, I was told that they existed and that I could potentially own one.

Necker Island offers not just sea, surf, and sand. It offers a sleek peek into the mysterious luxury and opulence of the rich and the famous when they are in the holiday mood. From Nelson Mandela to Princess Diana, Necker Island has played host to some of the most glamorous people on Planet Earth.

Hawaii is so dramatic that just about every lane is charming. From the best-kept secrets of the Napali Coast to biodiversity-rich national parks, visitors are spoilt for a choice when it comes to choosing the perfect place for holidays.

Apart from natural treasures, Hawaiian people are a blissful lot and peace is of paramount importance to the natives here, superseding even trade, commerce, and all that big talk about money that actually drives the contemporary world.

Davos the very name spells the ultimate in Swiss luxury. Davos has indeed come of age as an international Alpine holiday destination and today this stunning Alpine town with its impressive set of congress resorts, relaxation avenues and a plethora of winter sports activities have catapulted Davos into a much preferred Swiss vacation spot.

If you are a business magnate, Davos hosts the annual and the most highly acclaimed international congress of the World Economic Forum (WEF) which has been held in Davos since 1970. Every year in the month of January alone, Davos is host to over 200 high-flying guests from the worlds of politics, business, science, and civil society.

When it comes to viewing wilderness in all its glory, nothing surpasses the excitement and drama that one is assured of in one of the worlds greatest Wildlife Reserves Kruger National Park.

Much of Kruger is bushland and the luxury lodges offer rare and exclusive entre to over half a million acres of unspoiled wilderness. Indeed, these days it is hard to come by Wildlife Reserves that can boast of Big Five in the same Reserve (Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard, and Buffalo). But then, Kruger is an exception! And hopefully, it will always be so!

Indeed, Mongolias deep-rooted spiritual treasures monasteries, cold deserts, Eagle hunters, and their nomadic lifestyle have become a topic of discussion for the new age traveler on the lookout for bucket list tourist destinations.

Although the towering figure of Genghis Khan dominates Mongolias historical landscape, a plethora of outdoor activities too ranging from Camping to Dog Sledding and much more awaits the discerning global traveler.

As a tourist destination, the biggest advantage that Nagaland enjoys is that Tourism is still not commercialized. The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC) are pioneers in Luxury Camping in some of Indias most remote locales.

The Camp is operational from November to 12 December and coincides with the annual Hornbill Festival, which is a riot of colors. This Festival has carved a niche for itself in the global tourism arena.

Alaska Worlds Last Frontier, which is all about icy wilderness, fjords, and mountain peaks that almost touch the sky is undoubtedly mother natures most blessed revelation.

It is not just through an adventure that you can explore this frozen wilderness, you have the option to unravel the mysterious side of Alaska luxuriously, if not opulently, viz-a-viz a cruise liner. Choosing to opt for a luxury cruise along Alaskas coastline is like having a date with nature itself.

Bora Bora is a perennial favorite of the A-Listers, primarily for the element of privacy that it affords and the fact that Paparazzis find it difficult to penetrate inside their private lives. A vast majority of the hotels have their own private islands and no wonder all these come for a prize would you believe that the stunning St.Regis hotel reportedly charged the celebrity couple Nicole and Keith $17,000 per night!

How about spending time in a secluded log cabin that offers you the liberty to kick off your bloody shoes, reconcile and slow down your system and attune yourself with the pace of the mountain environment? The centuries-old htten or Mountain Log Cabins for todays discerning travelers are a revelation for modern-day travelers! The Tirol region in particular is mountain grandeur at its best.

If you are a party hopper, there can be no better place to party than in Brussels. The contemporary music scene is booming with energy and innovation, courtesy of the thriving cosmopolitan population of this fascinating city.

Make it a point to savour the locally produced Belgian Lambic Beer and I was told that the Yeasts that go in the manufacturing process are acquired from the Senne valley. The Kriek beer is the most sought after and easily available in the bars.

Nestled ideally between the Alps and the Mediterranean, Monaco truly offers an amazing picturesque setting. Let me tell you, the Principality of Monaco is an extremely cultured place and is replete with elegant museums and some of the nicest hotels of the world, which is well supplemented by extravagant gastronomy.

Being Switzerlands largest city, Zurich also happens to be a financial nerve center and culturally very pulsating. In spite of its Expensive City tag, I can vouch for the fact that no other city in the world combines creativity and nature in such a harmonious manner as Zurich.

The dramatic Fijian landscape has lured many rich & famous people to its shores. For instance, Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who was so mesmerized by the ethereal charms of Laucala island that he decided to buy the island and develop perhaps one of the worlds most outstanding islands hideaways.

The Dolomites high, majestic and magical are unique. So unique that UNESCO has designated this incredible mountain system as a World Heritage Site. The real gem is Cortina dAmpezzo, which is popularly referred to as the Pearl of the Dolomites. Old World towns invite you with their quintessential charming residences, medieval cathedrals, narrow streets, and a set of warm hospitable people.

Kerala has carved a niche for itself as one of the worlds premier backwater destinations. Kumarakom Tourist Village, which happens to be the most popular site on the shores of the shimmering lake is in itself a gem of its own. Attain alleviation through yoga & meditation, the famed Kerala Ayurvedic massage therapies, fishing to name just a few.

Chitwan National Park is one of Asias best-managed National Park and has a tremendous reputation for resolving conflicts between the Park and the indigenous people.

What is more, Chitwan is the habitat of the rare and endangered One-horned Rhinos 645 as of 2015, which indeed is praiseworthy.

The Maldives with its white powdery beaches, graceful palm trees, and endless stretches of white silvery sands offers some of the worlds most pristine coral reefs and a bewildering array of underwater sea life on planet earth.

With 1,190 coral islands dotting the landscape offers todays discerning travelers with a bewildering array of tropical indulgences ranging from Jet-skiing to Wind Surfing.

Bordeaux is undoubtedly the largest and oldest fine wine-producing region in the world. It has 113,000 hectares of vineyards and 57 appellations producing some 800 million bottles of wines every year dry white, sweet white, rose, Clairet, and Cremant de Bordeaux.

Nice a wonderful French Riviera city, one which is a very popular destination for honeymooners and sun-worshipers. From the Sultan of Brunei to Lakshmi Niwas Mittal (the worlds richest Indian), they all come here to party. If statistical records are anything to go by, each year the French Riviera hosts 50% of the worlds yacht fleet, which in itself is astonishing.

Land of Reggae music, Rum, and endless stretches of some of the worlds best beaches. Nature aside, who doesnt know Usain Bolt, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff .. In Nassau Valley where the world-famous Appleton Estate is located has been silently brewing the famous Jamaican Rum for the past 265 years.

Subhasish Chakraborty has been working as a Travel Journalist for the past two decades and has been editorially involved with numerous international In-Flight magazines of renowned airlines like Cathy Pacific, Dragon Air, Bhutan Airlines, Air Asia, Airport Authority of India and many more. He was also involved with the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) as a Consultant.

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Playground Of The Rich & Famous: 20 Places For Luxury Travel In 2022 - Salon Priv Magazine

Caribbean vacations can help take the chill out of winter.

For many outdoor enthusiasts, winter is a special time of year filled with such adrenaline-pumping activities as skiing, ice skating, sledding and much more. As soon as the first snowflake falls these adventurous people are anxious to get outdoors.

However, not everyone enjoys the feeling of fresh, crisp air in your face while partaking in a favorite winter activity. A vast number of people prefer relaxing on powdery sand near crystal clear waters, basking in the hot sun with a Mai Tai hut nearby. Welcome to the Caribbean. These luxurious Caribbean vacations are ideal for northern snowbirds or simply for anyone seeking to pamper themselves with sunshine, exotic drinks and an array of fresh seafood.

Getting out on the water is always a quintessential Caribbean experience.

RED Hospitality and Leisure is a leading hospitality and leisure group in the Caribbean offering integrated resort services and experiences with the top resorts, sunset sails and booze cruises on private catamarans such as the Lady Grace in Turks and Caicos and the Lady Lynsey II in U.S. Virgin Islands.

Chris Batchelor, CEO of RED Hospitality and Leisure, says, The Caribbean offers the largest variety of tropical destinations available in comparison to almost anywhere else in the world. The abundant amount of air travel available from the U.S. mainland to the Caribbean makes travel a breeze compared to other tropical getaways, like the South Pacific islands for example. Travelers also have the option to choose between more high paced destinations or smaller intimate resorts, depending on their style of vacation. For those that like to explore, many Caribbean islands have outlying towns nearby where travelers can fully immerse themselves in that regions culture. Island hopping is also a major plus when traveling to the Caribbean. Whether by boat or plane, you can experience many islands that are just a short trip away, each being unique from the other.

Set sail aboard the 64-foot luxury sailing catamaran, The Lady Grace. Christened alongside the grand opening of the new Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos in August, The Lady Grace Catamaran delivers bespoke experiences for guests of the Ritz-Carlton and on-island travelers via sailing the clear turquoise waters of Grace Bay while snorkeling and enjoying a full open bar for vacation cocktails and a menu from BLT in the Ritz-Carlon Turks and Caicos. The Lady Lynsey II is among the finest catamarans anywhere in the world., built on the legacy and service of the original Lady Lynsey which served groups and guests of The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas for over 20 years.

This island paradise is accessible by ferry.

Lovango Resort & Beach Club, USVI

Arrive by private ferry and check into Villa Lovango, a three-bedroom villa available by the week or become one with nature in a luxury treehouse and/or glamping tent available by the night. Relax in luxury by an infinity pool with chaise lounge or cabana-side food and drink service. Enjoy the spectacular views to St. John and St. Thomas and, on a clear day, views all the way to St. Croix. Ferry service from Cruz Bay, St. John and Red Hook makes this island paradise accessible seven days a week. Day, evening and overnight moorings are also available for private and charter boats.

Enjoy the peace and solitude at Amanera.

Amanera,Dominican Republic

Surrounded by the golden sands of Playa Grande, its easy to feel sequestered from the everyday world at Amanera. Amaneras luxury Casitas dot the lush Playa Grande coastline with unobstructed ocean views. Overhanging eaves shade expansive terraces with outdoor dining and lounging areas, while inside, the floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead to rooms specially positioned to maximise views. All Casitas feature lofty ceilings and warm wooden finishes, while a selection offer private swimming pools. West along the coast from Amanera, Cabarete Bay is one of the worlds most celebrated kitesurfing spots. Surveying the sea from the clifftop, Casa Grande caters to breakfast, lunch and dinner, complemented by a laid-back lunch spot at the Beach Club down on the sand.

Amanyaras lush tropical pavilions are contemporary in design.

Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

Basking on the secluded shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve, Amanyaras lush tropical pavilions overlook half a mile of white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Contemporary in layout and design, Amanyaras timber-shingled, stand-alone pavilions and villas are sensitively integrated into their verdant natural surroundings with views of the ocean, tranquil ponds or coastal vegetation. Ranging from 700 to 2,800 square feet, the spacious pavilions, several of which have their own private pools, have received a complete upgrade with new, custom-made beds that are draped in soft linens for utmost comfort. Guests enjoy access to several new activities on land and in the ocean including horseback riding, free-diving and kite boarding. Home to the third largest barrier reef in the world, Turks & Caicos offers several popular dive sites including Northwest Point.

The hotel features panoramic ocean views.

O2 Beach Club & Spa, Barbados

A new all-inclusive luxury boutique hotel located in the exquisite South Coast of Barbados, the resort is named O2 as a nod to the symbol of oxygen and features guest rooms, suites and residences in three distinct Collections: Club, Luxury and Concierge. Amenities include three swimming pools, including one of the only rooftop pools on the island, six dining experiences, seven bars, a full-service Acqua spa with panoramic ocean views and the only Hammam treatment room in Barbados. The resort tapped local Caribbean designer Michelle Leotaud to bring the vision of authentic Caribbean laid-back luxury and give a true sense of place.

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Escape Old Man Winter With These Luxurious Caribbean Vacations - Forbes

Thanks to the innovative structure of the Crypto Island DAO and the power of crypto crowdfunding it may become reality that you co-own an island in the Bahamas by using tokenized ownership. This unique way of ownership is never used on this scale which makes it very attractive to a lot of persons in the crypto world. By making it very accessible you can already participate with holding at least 1 token from the DAO.

The goal is Little Whale Cay in the Berry Islands. With an asking price of $35 million USD and its 93-acre of land it creates lots of possibilities for the investors of this island. The first island will solely be owned by all the participants of the Crypto Island Group. Crypto Island has now over 22,000 members and many expect this number to multiply in the coming months.

Members of the Crypto Island Dao community are eager to kick off life in Little Whale Cay. According to its Dutch founders, the crypto-driven island will be nothing like the world has ever seen. It will provide various opportunities for its members to learn, work and enjoy life. Little Whale Cay will be run from the transaction fees that Crypto Island Dao charges on its own currency, Cisla. It is said that the co-owners will be at liberty to visit the island and stay via timesharing.

Cryptocurrency is currently metamorphosing into one of the most exciting tech breakthroughs since the internet was invented. Crypto Island Dao is making strides into becoming one of the leaders in this new way of crowdfunding thanks to the crypto currency and purchasing something with a community of people.

Just like Little Whale Cay, members of the community will benefit immensely from sticking around and taking action where necessary.

Crypto Island Dao was born after the enormous success that ConstitutionDAO had, where thanks to crypto and online crowdfunding a group of people tried to buy a page of the American constitution from an auction.

Photo byMaahid PhotosonUnsplash

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Crypto Investors are Trying to Buy a Private Island and Tokenize Its Ownership - The Tokenizer

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have been inseparable since they got back together earlier this year. The happy couple has been on a handful of trips across the globe. And they have also been photographed during their dates.

Even though Jennifer Lopez and Affleck can both afford to pay for all their vacations and date nights, theres still no denying the fact that the World of Dance host is worth more than Affleck.

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National Enquirer, in its Dec. 20 issue, claimed that even if Lopez is earning more than Affleck, she still demands that he pay for everything. The reason behind the couples alleged setup is what happened decades ago.

An unnamed source claimed that Lopez is struggling to forget Afflecks bad boy behavior from the early late 90s to the early 2000s when they first dated. So, shes making him pay for all the things that he did in the past.

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More specifically, Lopez couldnt allegedly forget how Affleck partied at a bar with a group of girls when they were still together. And she and the Batman v Superman actor also, allegedly, got into a fight just four days before their wedding thats why they were forced to call it off.

Lopez allegedly hates it when her partners have a roving eye just like what happened with Alex Rodriguez. So, even if its been years since Affleck committed those grave mistakes, the singer-actress still cant get over what hes done.

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In order to level the playing field, Lopez is, allegedly, making Affleck pay using his own hard-earned money.

Hes like her personal bank account. He pays for their private jet flights, their vacations, hotels, lavish gifts from clothing to jewelry, and fine dining whenever they go out. The limos are all on his tab, too, and hes always buying her things. Its pretty ironic since hes not worth nearly what she is but he knows hes paying off an emotional, as well as financial debt. But hes shown hes more than willing to pay the price, an unnamed source claimed.

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All sorts of rumors linking Lopez to money have been around for years. In 2012, the mom of twins is accused of spending $10,000 per week on her ex-boyfriend, Casper Smart.

Jen doesnt want to go over the top, showering Casper with too much, but she also wants him to up his game. Jen is hoping Casper wont think twice about buying presents for her kids or whisking her off for a surprise weekend getaway, a source told Hollywood Life.

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In August of last year, National Enquirer also alleged that Lopez and Rodriguez fought over money. But the publication claimed that the latter was the one that wanted to splurge on expensive houses and cars. Lopez, on the other hand, controlled Rodriguezs spending.

If Alex had his way, hed be buying private islands, houses all over the world, and fancy cars every week. After all, their combined wealth is about $750 million. But its not smart business to spend money like water, and this frivolous attitude is starting to really upset her, an unnamed source said.

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But if all these rumors have one thing in common its that they have not been proven. As such, its best to take them with a grain of salt.

Lopez and Affleck are also set for life having been in business for decades. However, the A-listers have young children to take care of and support financially so its unlikely for them to be stressing each other over their outrageous demands.

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During a recent interview with Extra, Affleck shared how hes been doing since he and Lopez got back together.

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Im very happy. Its a very happy time in my life. Life is good. I love this movie [The Tender Bar], and The Last Duel, October 15, which Im very proud of, he said.

Afflecks response proves that he and Jennifer Lopez are not struggling in their relationship. And the latter is not pressuring him to spend all his money on the actress.

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Check back for more stories, updates, and rumors about Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck here at EpicStream!

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Jennifer Lopez Shock: Ben Affleck's Girlfriend Asks Him To Pay For Their Vacations, Private Flights, Expensive Dinner Dates? - Epicstream

Utah may soon become home to the largest artificial island project in human history.

The Utah Lake Restoration Project is a $6.4 billion project, including $2.2 billion dedicated to dredging Utah Lake, deepening the lake by seven feet, and using the leftover sediment to engineer artificial islands in the center of the lake.

According to the projects website: a combination of interconnected challenges has contributed to the degradation of Utah Lake. The Utah Lake Restoration Project is a comprehensive conservation project that will restore the lake to a much more clean, clear, and safer state.

The islands will include a combination of parks, beaches, trail systems, residential areas, and business districts. According to a proposal put forth by the project: Islands are the economic engine that attracts the private funding for the $6.4 billion conservation investment.

Representative Brady Brammer of the Utah House of Representatives sponsored the bill that would make this project possible. At the 2021 Utah Lake Symposium, he explained that with two or three deaths on Utah lake each year, he hopes this project improves the safety of the lake.

One of the things we deal with on the lake is people dont realize how big it is, Brammer said. Its a very turbid lake, and the wind patterns have an impact on the sediment and stir it up quite a bit. To some degree, islands can act as a windbreak and help to quell some of the turbidity. So that can increase the safety on the lake a little bit.

Julie Fullmer, mayor of Vineyard, one of the many cities that border Utah Lake, spoke about the ways she anticipates the islands impacting the local economy. If it was done well, it might make the wind cycles better for people who are living there, she said. It might raise the values of the houses along the lakeshore. I think it would probably draw more businesses toward the area because if you were making those islands more accessible for the lake users, it would draw people to a destination spot.

Despite these benefits, the project has met with some pushback from community members. A petition to stop the project has over 460 signatures and claims the project is both impossible and destructive. The petition quotes Dr. Sam Rushforth, Dean of UVU College of Science, Emeritus, who stated: The restoration of Utah Lake as presented by the developers is not possible. [It] would in effect destroy the ecology of the lake and potentially harm much of its watershed.

Professor of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Ben Abbott agrees with the impossibility of the project. He stated, It is very common for developers to underestimate the technical challenges and economic costs of projects they are pitching The worlds largest dredged island is the Kansai International Airport, which was built in Osaka Bay in Japan. The island is around 2,500 acres. It took 23 years to plan, permit, and build, costing around $20 billion. Despite careful engineering and environmental surveys, when they began building on the island, it sunk 27 feet into the sediment. The Utah Lake islands would be 20,000 acres: 8-times larger than Kansai island. Additionally, the bed of Utah Lake is unconsolidated marlwhich has much less structural integrity than the Holocene clay in Osaka Bay.

Abbott has been an outspoken opponent of the Utah Lake Restoration project. In an attempt to show the community the importance of Utah Lake, Abbott put out a call for local photos or artwork that highlight the beauty of the lake. He believes the island project will harm that natural beauty. He argued that the dredging project and artificial islands would destroy the lakes resilient ecosystem.

According to Abbott: The unique characteristics of Utah Lake have helped it maintain much of its function despite decades of abuseThis would damage the invaluable ecosystem services the lake freely provides us, including increasing local precipitation, cooling the valley during summer extremes, removing nutrients, providing world-class opportunities for recreation and photography, and creating habitat.

While the Utah Lake Restoration Project claims the islands will improve water quality, Abbott says otherwise. At the Utah Lake Symposium, Abbot explained: If you were to split up the lake into multiple basins, especially if you were to substantially deepen the lakeI see almost no scenario where that wouldnt increase the severity and risk of having these really bad water quality issues, particularly with deoxygenation of the water.

The project hopes to address any water quality issues through the use of machinery. However, Abbott claims this is not a reasonable solution. He argued: We have an ecosystem now thats incredibly resilient, and theyre proposing to change it and make it more vulnerable to the kinds of pressures were putting on it and adding a very costly and complicated solution to a problem that theyre creating.

The Utah Lake Restoration Project calls itself a plan to turn the clock back 150 years on the ecosystem degradation of the lake. Abbott says this statement is based on a claim that the condition of the lake is declining.

These claims couldnt be farther from the truth, Abbott said. Utah Lake has always been shallow and cloudy. In fact, these are some of the attributes that make the lake so remarkably resilient. Multiple studies have found that Utah Lakes status is better than most water bodies in the US, and its sediment is not contaminatedit is clean and crucial to the health of the lake. Dredging would cause immense damage to the lake ecosystem while not providing any ecological benefit.

The legality of the project has also been called into question. Craig Galli, partner at law firm Holland and Hart with expertise in environmental litigation, was invited to speak in a discussion of law and policy surrounding Utah Lake. He quoted the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act 404. According to Galli, these two acts require an exploration of alternatives when discussing potential dredging projects.

Specifically, the Clean Water Act states: No discharge of dredged or fill materials shall be permitted if there is a practicable alternative to the proposed discharge which would have less adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem so long as the alternative does not have any other adverse environmental consequences.

According to Abbott, There are better, less costly, non-destructive, more natural alternative actions that can and should be undertaken to safely rejuvenate Utah Lake.

If Abbott is correct about the possible alternatives, the Utah Lake Restoration Project could run into major legal issues before moving forward. As Chicago architect and city designer, Daniel Burnham said, Make no little plans. They have no power to stir mens blood.

The Utah Lake Restoration Project isnt afraid to dream big. Protecting a piece of our natural environment as large as Utah Lake will require massive initiatives. However, the Utah Lake Restoration Project may have a long way to go before its ready for implementation.

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Not all love the Utah Lake islands project - Utah Business - Utah Business