Category Archives: Private Islands

The centuries-old game is steeped in history from legendary players, incredible sporting moments and hallowed courts sculpted to host the world-famous sport. Many of the finest tennis courts from around the world are spectacles in their own right with exquisite designs and picturesque surroundings. From cliffside courts to historic lawns, the best clay incites some spectacular tennis wanderlust. These are the 11 most beautiful tennis courts from around the world.

The ultimate game of tennis amidst the trees, Hotel du Caps centerpieces are the five clay tennis courts living under a canopy of Aleppo pines, palms and olive trees. Stunning views and high-quality courts are only half the story, theres even a certified coach available upon request.

In a quiet location in the centre of the car-free village of Mrren, the Sportchalet is just 300 metres from the ski area and offersclaytennis courts, free Wi-Fi, a bar, and a sun terrace.With uninterrupted views of the swiss alps, you will be wanting to spend all day hitting a game or two with your family and friends.

The Gstaad Palace hosts the annual Allianz Swiss Tennis Open Gstaad, attracting tennis greats with its sweeping views of the Swiss Alps. If youre interested in improving your skills at the famous spot, former number one tennis player Roy Emerson hosts teaching classes here.

On the edge of the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda lives thehistoric Tennis Club Malcesine. The beautiful spot in the Italian Alps provides magnificent views for a quality match in any season.

If youre in search of a unique venue, we doubt theres anything that will match a game of tennis inside a 16th-century Milan church. The work of artist Asad Raza, the bright orange tennis court sits beneath holy relics at Milans Chiesa San Paolo Converso.

Is there a better setting for a tennis match than the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast? This hard court is part of the luxury San Pietro di Positano hotel offering terraced cliffs as a backdrop. It hardly gets much better than playing a game on the quality courts and finishing with a post-match dip in the Mediterranean Sea mere metres away.

La Quinta Resorts centre court provides unique views of Californias towering palms and rugged rock formations. The tennis resort has hosted world-class professionals like Maria Sharapova and Novak Djokovic in the past. Excellent weather and breathtaking surroundings ensure this remains one of the most beautiful tennis courts from around the world.

One of the top tennis resorts in the world sits on the northwest coast of Hawaiis big island, in majestic Kuanaoa Bay. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotels Seaside Tennis Club features 11 courts right on the oceans edge providing the best private luxury tennis club amenities, highly sought-after tennis experiences and stunning views.

Its no surprise tennis legend Rafael Nadal has one of the finest tennis resorts in the world spanning 400 hectares in northern Greece. The impressive facility boasts eight perfect clay courts with after-games swims in the Aegean Sea all modeled after the former number ones successful centre in Cancun, Mexico.

The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesias breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. The resort was designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture and the prestigious grass tennis courts at this resort are one of our favorites from the list.

If youre a fan of the history of tennis, then this is the place to explore. From previously playing host to many major tournaments, the Rhode Island facility is now home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame honoring the games legendary players. Visitors can enjoy the 13 grass, 6 hard and 1 clay courts of venture into the museum to explore the 1,900 artifacts from tennis history.

If youre playing a game at one of the best tennis courts in the world, then youll need to look the part as well. Find yourself the best golf apparel for women or check out the best brands for mens golf attire and properly complete the outfit with the stunning diamond tennis bracelet.

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Bucket List Top 10: The Most Beautiful Tennis Courts From Around the World - The Market Herald

Issued on: 20/10/2021 - 17:52Modified: 20/10/2021 - 17:50

La Palma Island (Spain) (AFP)

The emaciated dogs are stranded in two empty water tanks in the town of Todoque, flanked by slow moving lava flows from the Cumbre Vieja volcano that erupted on September 19.

The molten rock has so far covered over 760 hectares (1,885 acres) of land and destroyed around 2,000 buildings although prompt evacuations have helped avoid fatalities in the island, part of the Canary Islands off northwest Africa.

On its way to the Atlantic Ocean, the lava has spared a few areas by creating "islands" of land that remain relatively unharmed such as the spot where the dogs are.

Local animal association Leales.org sounded the alarm after it became aware of the plight of the dogs in early October, and arranged for two drone firms to drop of food and water for the animals, which have lost weight since becoming trapped.

It also approached Spanish industrial drone operator Aerocameras to see if it could use one of its larger machines normally used to transport cargo to pluck the dogs to safety.

Reaching the animals on foot is impossible as this would require walking on scorching lava and helicopters cannot fly in the area because the ash and hot gas from the volcano could damage their rotors, said Leales.org spokesman Alejandro Molina.

"This is the only way to do it," he told AFP.

An Aerocameras crew arrived on the island on Monday after receiving the green light from local authorities to carry out the rescue operation. Under Spanish law drones are normally not allowed to transport people or animals.

The company's CEO Jaime Pereira said the plan was to send a 50 kilo (110 pounds) drone equipped with a wide net to trap the dogs one by one and then fly them to safety.

"We don't have experience transporting a live animal by drone, nor does anyone," he told private television Telecinco.

The success of the mission will depend largely on how the dogs respond to the drone, he added.

"The dog could react by running away, moving, jumping," Pereira said.

"There are those who say that the dog could fracture a bone, have a heart attack. Of course there are all sorts of risks but either we get them out or probably in a few days or weeks they will no longer exist."

No date has been set for the rescue operation. Aerocameras, which is carrying out the operation for free, staged a trial run on Wednesday.

A man has come forward as the owner of the dogs, Molina said. If the operation is succesful and the dogs have microchips which confirm he is the owner, they will be returned to him, he added.

2021 AFP

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Drone rescue plan for dogs trapped by Spanish island eruption - FRANCE 24

Its back.

The long-awaited return of the beloved Saba Rock private-island resort in The British Virgin Islands is here.

The boutique private island resort officially reopened this week in the heart of the North Sound of Virgin Gorda.

Our doors are open and our resort is ready to welcome you, Saba Rock said in a statement.

The return of Saba Rock is part of a broader renaissance for the North Sound, often dubbed the Caribbeans Billionaires Playground.

That includes the recent news that the adjacent Bitter End Yacht Club is planning to reopen its first phase at the end of this year.

So whats at Saba Rock 2.0?

On the hotel side, there are seven beach chic rooms, along with a pair of Island Suites, all with sweeping ocean views.

There are now two bars, one on each level of the property, along with a new open-air restaurant serving everything from ribs to seafood.

Thats joined by a Saba Rock Boutique, an on-site dive shop and a home base for the kitesurfers for whom the North Sound is a Mecca.

Its a big boost for the BVI, particularly its yachting sector; the little island has long been a sought-after stop on any maritime itinerary in the archipelago.

For more, visit Saba Rock.

CJ

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The Saba Rock Resort Is Back in The British Virgin Islands Caribbean Journal - Caribbean Journal

On Tuesday, Concierge.io, the exclusive travel service backed by Travala.com announced it added new luxury services in order to give crypto investors a more premium experience to live out their travel dreams. The concierge service for the crypto worlds elite details its added experiences like a seven-star igloo in Antarctica, all-inclusive African safaris, and a stay at a Japanese castle.

The firm Concierge.io is the concierge service focused on cryptocurrencies and it leverages professional travel managers in order to provide customers with unique and luxurious experiences. The company is also backed by Travala.com, a crypto-friendly travel service that accepts a myriad of digital assets for payment.

On October 19, Concierge.io announced the company has added new exclusive experiences to its luxury travel services so crypto investors can enjoy their riches in style. The firm has detailed it has already provided first-class stays for crypto whales like week-long trips to private islands in the Maldives as well as private jets.

Today, the travel service adds even more premium experiences, such as a stay at a Japanese castle, a seven-star igloo in Antarctica, and all-inclusive African safaris, Concierge.ios announcement details. New luxury travel products also include exclusive access to some of the largest yachts in the world, complete with in-ship crews and chefs.

Ben Rogers, chief marketing officer at Travala.com detailed in a statement sent to Bitcoin.com News that for more than a year, demand has risen a great deal.

Weve seen the demand to pay for travel in crypto steadily rise over the past year-plus, as the number of crypto users has rapidly grown alongside a slow-but-steady reopening of global travel. Now, were seeing high-net-worth crypto investors want to really treat themselves with something other than Lamborghinis, Rogers said.

Since the company launched six months ago in April 2021, Concierge.io says that its seen a 500% increase in clients. Furthermore, the firm notes that 100% of bookings were made with digital assets.

Concierge.io helps [clients] live out their travel dreams with their hard-earned crypto, providing yet another real-world use case for digital currencies that have made millionaires. In just six short months, weve already helped many fulfill their most extreme vacation fantasies and the additional experiences announced today further expand the possibilities and ways in which people explore the world.

What do you think about Concierge.io catering to crypto whales? Let us know what you think about this subject in the comments section below.

Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons, Concierge.io,

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

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Concierge Service Catering To Crypto Whales Sees 500% Increase In Clients Over The Last 6 Months Bitcoin - Todayuknews

Global travelers in search of new destinations to explore have increasingly been looking underwater, where a growing assortment of luxury experiences are waiting to be had. Some are offered in conjunction with a beachfront or overwater resort, while others provide intrepid adventurers with the opportunity to channel their inner oceanic explorer, plunging hundreds of feet below the surface in search of shipwrecks, exotic wildlife, and more.

For adventurers who have already mastered the art of scuba diving (or are looking to skip certification), and are looking to sink even further into the great abyss, theres The Deep Blue Experience by Fraser & U Boat. Guests can explore forgotten shipwrecks and underwater volcanoes throughout the Mediterranean on the U Boat Navigator, a 24-meter expedition yacht that houses a pair of Triton submarines capable of diving 1,000 meters deep; a three-person, custom-built Triton 3300/3the same model used to film the BBCs award-winning Blue Planet IIand a smaller, one-person Triton 3300/1 that serves as a support sub.

The U Boat Navigator cruises through Malta, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and beyond, aided by a crew of six professionals, including a certified doctor trained to use the specialized medical equipment on board. Theres even a full dive center with mixing facilities for breathing gases.

The Deep Blue Experience was carved out of a void in luxury travel, one that was missing a deeper connection with the elements, our thirst for the unknown and our newly awakened drive for deeper and more meaningful experiences, says Raphael Sauleau, CEO of Fraser Yachts.

At roughly US$130,000 per week (or US$140,000 per week in the summer months), the packagewhich accommodates up to 11 guests for cruisingis ideal for amateur explorers who are passionate about world history, shipwrecks, or geology. Included in the rate are 30 hours of submersible usage per week, all diving equipment for up to six guests, plus use of a decompression chamber, wet diving bell with hydraulic crane, and Sea-Doo Spark jet ski.

The U Boat Navigator can be chartered either as a standalone explorer vessel or as a shadow vessel for someones principal charter or their own yacht. Fraser creates bespoke itineraries based on the clients interests, including shipwrecks, dive sites, Mediterranean volcanoes, underwater cinematography, and more.

An Aquatic Playground

Renowned for its overwater bungalows and endless blue waters, the Maldives has become a preferred aquatic playground for the global jet set. In November 2018, at a cost of more than US$15 million, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island debuted The Muraka (coral in Dhivehi, the local language), a luxury suite submerged more than 16 feet under the waters surface.

Nestled on the Indian Ocean floor, the two-level structure has an above-water living area, sitting over a main bedroom with 180-degree curved acrylic dome, windows in the bathroom and walk-in closet, and a dedicated tunnel viewing theater that doubles as a personal aquarium. Ranging from around US$12,000 to US$35,000 per night (depending on the season), the suite, which can accommodate up to nine people, includes an infinity pool, gym, private bar, 24-hour butler service. Junior explorers can go glamping with the fishes, as staff will set up a teepee in the undersea suite, complete with flashlights, a pillow fort, and customized treats.

Huvafen Fushi, a luxury resort located in North Mal Atoll, has placed its spa below the waters surfacethe first and only spa of its kind in the worldto deliver next-level calm and relaxation. To make the most of the hypnotic refuge eight meters below the waters surface, a SpaQuarium experience is offered every evening as night falls. Guests enjoy Champagne, canaps, and petit fours while the resorts marine biologist provides commentary on the nocturnal predators (sharks, rays, eels), bioluminescent plankton, and pristine corals illuminated by UV light torches.

Resort guests can experience the spas underwater treatment rooms via a pair of services designed to work in harmony with the stillness and tranquility of the oceanic environs. The aptly named Underwater Dream uses the power of touch to restore natural sleep patterns, while the Underwater Rendezvous is a two-hour journey of healing and rejuvenation.

The Maldives has seen several other notable properties, open underwater facilities and attractions in recent years.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villaslocated in Baa Atoll, a renowned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve housing some of the richest diversity of marine life in the worldoffers SEA, an underwater restaurant and wine cellar featuring the countrys first certified wine education. Patrons can expand their wine knowledge and earn a globally recognized WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certification during their vacation. (The resorts wine collection is valued at more than US$2 million.)

Guests enjoy an array of underwater activities, most notably the Snorkeling with Manta Rays program; the surrounding waters, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, are home to the worlds largest natural manta ray feeding region from June to November, allowing visitors to get up close and personal while swimming with hundreds of the gentle giants.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives, whose entire spread, including a pair of private islands with 134 spacious villas, can be rented out for $130,000 net per night and is home to Subsix, the worlds first underwater club, located six meters below sea level. If lounging with drinks while gawking at bioluminescent activity doesnt appeal, the subaquatic space also hosts private chef dinners, wine tastings, weddings, and events.

Underwater Abodes

Journey Beyond, which owns and operates 13 tourism brands across Australia, attracts serious divers to Queenslands stunning Whitsunday Islands, home to the companys Reefsuites. Opened in 2019, the first underwater accommodations in the country offer unprecedented access to the dazzling underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Moored offshore on a pontoon at Hardy Reef, 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach, the Reefsuites offer a plethora of aquatic adventures, and guests can take a scenic helicopter flight to see the famous Heart Reef.

French cruise line Ponant, known for its world-class service and gastronomy, has launched the worlds first multi-sensory underwater lounge, Blue Eye, which enables guests to see, hear, and feel the sights and sounds of the ocean. Offered on each of the six Ponant Explorer ships, Blue Eye was designed by Jacques Rougerie, a French architect who specializes in underwater habitats, and was inspired by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Perhaps the planets most notable underwater restaurant, Under is located on Norways craggy Lindesnes coast. The architecturally striking complex is angled 18 feet below the icy waters of the North Sea. Head chef Nicolai Ellitsgaards Immersion tasting menu features nearly 20 seasonally inspired dishes, with a focus on locally caught Norwegian seafood. Sustainability is built into the restaurant itself, as the rough concrete exterior attracts limpets and kelp, gradually forming an artificial reef. Diners and visiting researchers study the biology and behavior of the abundant cold-water marine life via panoramic views of the North Atlantic seabed.

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Luxury and Adventure Under the Sea - Barron's

The country will still have entry requirements in place to ensure the utmost safety of both visitors and locals. These include being a fully vaccinated traveler, providing a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure from home country, taking a rapid test 48 hours after arriving to your resort, and fulfilling any obligation to take an additional test prior to returning home, based on individual home country requirements. Unvaccinated children under the age of 18 will be able to travel to Fiji accompanied by a vaccinated adult. Travel insurance, as always, is highly recommended. For more information on travel requirements, please visit http://www.fiji.travel.

"We are ecstatic that Fiji will open its borders to international visitors before the end of the year," says Tourism Fiji's CEO Brent Hill. "This is the moment we have been planning for nearly two years now and I can assure the world that Fiji is safe and ready to welcome you back. The islands are just as beautiful if not more beautiful than ever and the locals just as warm and friendly. Fiji is the vacation the world needs and deserves right now, and we can finally offer that again starting December."

The health and safety of its people and visitors remains Fiji's number one priority, and the country is able to open back up thanks to a successful vaccination program which has reached over 80% vaccination of its eligible population with both doses. Travelers can book and travel in confidence with the Care Fiji Commitment,where they can stay in certified resorts, use certified transportation and experiences, and be assured that all tourism businesses they come in to contact with have a 100% vaccinated staff. Travelers can fly direct from the U.S. to Fiji safely with Fiji Airways, who have been awarded the Apex Diamond certification for safety and the Skytrax 5-star COVID19 Airline safety rating.

Visitors to Fiji can expect to be welcomed into the country with open arms by the friendly locals who are as warm and hospitable as ever. Fiji remains an ideal destination where travelers can spread out amongst 333 islands, stay in boutique resorts, have an entire beach to themselves, and escape any crowds. Whether looking for an adventure, a romantic getaway, or a leisurely vacation, Fiji provides the perfect level of remoteness to detach from the worries of back home.

"It's been almost two years since we welcomed international visitors," says Fiji Minister for Tourism, Hon. Faiyaz Koya. "And in these two years, we've struggled, we've adapted, and we've prepared. Today, our national airline is ready, our hotels and tour providers are ready, and Fijians are ready to safely welcome the world back. We are ready to let happiness find you again."

Incredible December packages starting at $1,299 include six nights' accommodation, international airfare, all meals, transfers and more are nowavailable to book on http://www.fijiairways.com.Additional packages for 2022 will be available soon. Sign up for Tourism Fiji's e-newsletterto receive the latest news and travel deals. Looking for some additional guidance or inspiration for your perfect Fiji vacation? Visit http://www.fiji.travel/findyourbulaand take our quiz to 'Find Your Bula.'

Link to images. Photo credit: Tourism Fiji.

About FijiFiji is located in the heart of the South Pacific, just ten hours from Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO), and only seven hours from Honolulu, Hawaii (HNL). The country of Fiji is comprised of 333 islands boasting luxurious private islands, all-inclusive resorts, world-renowned spas, outdoor explorations, scuba diving and a wide array of culinary adventures. Fiji is most widely celebrated for its culture, which uniquely welcomes its visitors "home to Fiji." Fiji - where happiness finds you - http://www.fiji.travel.

About Tourism FijiTourism Fiji is the destination marketing organizational arm of the Fijian government agency responsible for marketing Fiji as the ideal destination for leisure travel globally. Tourism Fiji has established a presence in eight key markets around the globe, and its activities include advertising, public relations, media initiatives, trade shows, and programs for the tourism industry and consumer promotions to better showcase Fiji.

PRESS CONTACT:Hannah TownsendPR & Marketing Manager, North AmericaE:[emailprotected]P: (310) 418-0421

SOURCE Tourism Fiji

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Fiji Will Reopen to International Travelers Starting December 1st - PRNewswire

20.Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta, Indonesia. 95.7819.Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 95.8218.Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, Philippines. 96.0317.AVANI+ Luang Prabang Hotel, Laos. 96.1016.Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 97.5215.The Reverie Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 97.6614.Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta, Indonesia. 97.6613.Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Cambodia. 97.9712.Azerai La Residence Hue, Vietnam. 98.2611.Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang, Malaysia. 98.3710.InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72, Vietnam. 98.399.Raffles Makati, Philippines. 98.528.Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 98.657.InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas, South Korea. 98.756.Galle Fort Hotel, Sri Lanka. 98.85.Signiel Seoul, South Korea. 98.814.Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, South Korea. 98.823.Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 99.042.Rosewood Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 99.051. Rosewood Luang Prabang, Laos. 99.38

The best resorts in Asia 2021

25.The Anam, Vietnam. 93.7624.Topas Ecolodge, Sapa, Vietnam. 94.2923.Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia.94.6822.Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Sri Lanka. 96.0321.Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala, Sri Lanka. 96.29

20.InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam. 96.3519.Ahilya by the Sea, Goa, India. 96.6618.Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Goa, India. 96.717.Discovery Shores, Philippines. 97.1116.JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Vietnam. 97.215.The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia. 97.2314.Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia. 97.5413.Azerai Can Tho, Thailand. 97.912.Capella Sanya, China. 9811.Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa Philippines. 98.1310.Amankora Bhutan. 98.229.El Nido Resorts, Philippines. 98.88.Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka. 98.827.The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawim Malaysia. 98.976.One&Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia. 98.995.Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam. 99.084.Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka. 99.233.Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia. 99.32.Como Bhutan. 99.321. Six Senses Bhutan. 99.38

The best resorts in Indonesia 2021

10.Como Uma Ubud & Como Uma Canggu, Bali. 95.199.Nihi Sumba. 95.688.Mulia Resort, Bali. 95.87.Bawah Reserve, Riau Islands. 96.256.Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort. 97.275.Amankila, Bali. 98.164.Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay. 98.613.Alila Ubud, Bali. 99.012.Hoshinoya Bali. 99.161. Capella Ubud Bali. 99.28

The best resorts in Thailand 2021

15.The Sarojin, Khao Lak. 93.3614.Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. 93.4713.Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai. 94.612.The Nai Harn Phuket. 95.8111.Rosewood Phuket. 96.3310.Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. 97.029.Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa. 97.488.Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Chiang Mai. 97.737.Le Mridien Phuket Beach Resort. 98.256.Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi. 98.665.Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. 98.764.Como Point Yamu, Phuket. 98.933.Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood. 99.662.Amanpuri, Phuket. 99.761. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. 99.81

The best resorts in The Indian Ocean 2021

25.Lux* Belle Mare, Mauritius.95.2024.Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles. 95.3223.Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. 96.1522.W Maldives. 96.7621.The Oberoi, Mauritius. 97

20.Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island. 97.1619.Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. 97.318.Niyama Private Islands Maldives. 97.3817.Anantara Veli Maldives Resort. 97.4116.Lux* North Male Atoll, Maldives. 97.5615.Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. 97.8914.JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. 97.913.Lux* South Ari Atoll, Maldives. 97.9112.Constance Belle Mare Plage, Maldives. 98.1411.Six Senses Laamu, Maldives. 96.3310.Joali, Maldives. 97.029.The Nautilus Maldives. 98.268.Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. 98.297.One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives. 98.946.Finolhu Maldives. 99.015.Como Maalifushi, Maldives. 99.044.Soneva Fushi, Maldives. 92.223.Soneva Jani, Maldives. 99.542.Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives. 99.71. Naladhu Private Island Maldives. 99.91

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Readers' Choice Awards 2021: the best hotels and resorts in Asia and the Indian Subcontinent - Cond Nast Traveller

Since our last article published on this subject, the foundation company of the Cayman Islands has proven itself to be one of the most useful and flexible legal structures for projects involving decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs). Such projects include decentralised finance (DeFi) protocols and platforms that utilise DAOs for governance. As the foundation company is not required to have any owners or shareholders, the foundation company perfectly represents both the DAO it serves and the DeFi project it supports. However, with the introduction of the Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act, 2020 (the VASP Act), how exactly are DeFi projects now being structured in light of this new law? This article looks at some of the structuring options.

VASP Act

For developers wishing to utilise a foundation company as part of a DeFi project, they must first be aware of the VASP Act. The VASP Act will likely touch upon one or more aspects of a DeFi project. In particular, the VASP Act regulates the issuance of virtual assets to the public as well as the exchange, transfer and custody of, and provision of financial services relating to, virtual assets (together, VASP Activities). The introduction of the VASP Act has therefore necessitated a deeper examination of how exactly the foundation company relates to the DAO. Traditionally, it was assumed that the foundation company acted as the legal embodiment or wrapper of the DAO and therefore it was potentially responsible for the activities, governance and liability of the protocol itself. However, this assumption may no longer be accurate where the protocol is carrying on VASP Activities as, in such cases, the foundation company would likely need to be regulated. Where regulation is impracticable or undesirable, developers will need to re-define the relationship between the DAO and the foundation company.

Structuring Options

In the wake of the VASP Act, we are now seeing three distinct structuring alternatives. We shall take each in turn.

The foundation company as a legal wrapper

Firstly, the foundation company is still very much being used as a legal wrapper for DeFi projects. For projects that wish to carry out private issuances of virtual assets but otherwise do not intend to carry on VASP Activities, the foundation company remains a suitable vehicle to represent the DAO. This is because the VASP Act only regulates the sale of virtual assets to the public in exchange for fiat currency, other virtual assets or other consideration. Although the term "public" has not been defined in the VASP Act, the Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Regulations, 2020 clarifies that a private sale "means a sale, or offer for sale, which is not advertised and is made available to a limited number of persons or entities who are selected prior to the sale by way of a private agreement". The industry interpretation of these regulations is such that a private sale would therefore not constitute a sale to the public. Therefore, so long as the foundation company observes the terms of a private sale, it should be able to carry out a limited virtual asset issuance from the Cayman Islands. This would also potentially include a virtual asset issuance to founders, developers, stakers and service providers of the DAO.

Furthermore, projects that wish to decentralise immediately by carrying out a gratuitous airdrop of governance tokens can continue to do so from the Cayman Islands as the VASP Act is only concerned with "sales" of virtual assets "in exchange" for some form of consideration. Where no consideration passes, the issuance would not fall under the remit of the VASP Act. This also means that, where the foundation company is the originator of the virtual asset, it might also grant gratuitous rewards from its treasury. Therefore, a DAO that wishes to undertake an airdrop or grant rewards may continue to do so using a Cayman Islands foundation company.

The foundation company as a legal wrapper with a subsidiary

Where the DAO wishes to carry on VASP Activities but still wishes to take legal form as a foundation company, the most common alternative is to create a wholly owned subsidiary of the foundation company in a virtual asset-friendly jurisdiction, such as the British Virgin Islands (BVI). With a BVI subsidiary, the foundation company will procure the subsidiary to carry on whichever activities it cannot perform from the Cayman Islands (ie VASP Activities). Whilst this structure is more complex and costly, it allows a developer to utilise the benefits of the foundation company in a way that complies with the VASP Act. This dual structure has provided significant flexibility for several DeFi projects.

The foundation company as a service provider (with or without a subsidiary)

Although legal embodiment of a DAO can be useful, we most often see the foundation company used as a service provider to the DAO. Typically, developers want the project to be fully decentralised so that no one person or entity can be considered responsible for the community's activities. In fact, it is true to say that many decentralised protocols could not be considered as having a centralised operator in any event as:

Therefore, for many projects, attempting to dress a DAO in a foundation company is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. What the DAO often needs is not legal embodiment but a real-world service provider. Such services can include publishing, developing, marketing, administering or consulting. In most cases, the foundation company can carry on these types of activities outside the scope of the VASP Act. Alternatively, the foundation company can have no specific service assigned to it other than to be on hand to carry on real-world activities (such as signing contracts or liaising with digital asset exchanges) once the DAO votes for the foundation company to take an action. So long as the proposed activity is not a VASP Activity or any other regulated activity, the foundation company can carry out the activity as a service provider to the DAO. Where the requested activity of the DAO is in fact a VASP Activity, the foundation company could incorporate a suitable subsidiary to carry out such activity as described above. In either case, this structure provides the DAO with tremendous flexibility to utilise an ownerless and non-profit vehicle to act as its service provider.

Other considerations

In addition to the VASP Act, developers of DeFi projects should also ensure that they remain fully compliant with all other relevant laws and regulations in the Cayman Islands. In particular, these include, but are not limited to, the Proceeds of Crime Act (Revised), the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (Revised), the Securities Investment Business Act (Revised), the Mutual Funds Act (Revised), the Private Funds Act (Revised) and the Money Services Act (Revised). Developers of DeFi projects should also pay particular regard to the International Tax Co-operation (Economic Substance) Act (Revised) (the Substance Regime). Whereas foundation companies limited by guarantee were once outside of scope of the Substance Regime, the scope of this law has been extended to include these vehicles. Thus, if a foundation company is carrying on "relevant activities" (which include, amongst other things, finance and leasing business, distribution and service centre business and intellectual property holding business), it will be required to have substance (ie physical presence) in the Cayman Islands. This may be especially pertinent to DeFi projects where the foundation company could be considered as the ultimate lender of virtual assets where it exercises actual control or majority control through holding and voting the governance tokens.

Summary

The VASP Act has changed the way decentralised projects can operate in the Cayman Islands. Developers should be aware of their structuring options before executing any project or publishing a protocol. The considerations and suggestions above do not constitute legal advice and developers should obtain their own unique legal advice before undertaking any decentralised project. Ogier is at hand to assist any developer or business looking to launch a DeFi project from the Cayman Islands.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Mr Bradley KrugerOgier89 Nexus WayCamana BayGrand CaymanKY1-9009CAYMAN ISLANDSTel: 534514000Fax: 534514444E-mail: Kate.Kirk@ogier.comURL: http://www.ogier.com

Mondaq Ltd, 2021 - Tel. +44 (0)20 8544 8300 - http://www.mondaq.com, source Business Briefing

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DeFi Technologies : , DAOs And VASPs In The Cayman Islands - marketscreener.com

As a matter of procedure, MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) agents reviewed a document issued in August 2021 as part of a US civil action, police said in a statement. This review has been completed and we will not take further action.

In his civil lawsuit, Giuffre, 38, accused Andres of forcing her to have sex as a minor at the London home of Epsteins partner, Ghislaine Maxwell. Giuffre also said that Andrs, 61, abused her at Epsteins Manhattan mansion and on the businessmans private island in the US Virgin Islands.

The prince, ninth in the line of succession to the throne, has always denied the accusations or having had any relationship with Giuffre.

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Why will the British police no longer take action against Prince Andrew? - Paris Beacon News

Australia's island market is concentrated in two areas. Queensland, where there are 17 freehold islands between the mainland and the Great Barrier Reef, is the most desirable area. The other main area is Tasmania, known for its long white sandy beaches and the purity of its air. Occasionally islands elsewhere in Australia come up for sale. Most Australian islands are on a 99-year lease, often to be used for a specific purpose. When freehold islands come onto the market, prices are usually from AUD 500,000 to 3 million, with most sales at around 1 million. Australia allows foreigners to buy land only under certain circumstances.

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