Category Archives: Private Islands

Niyama Private Islands is set to host the 2021 Surf Week scheduled from 01st to 07th November. The private islands are the only luxury resort in the Maldives with its own wave breaking onto the shores.

Moreover, during the surf week the guests will receive surf coaching from two times world surf air show champion Josh Kerr and have a customized surfboard designed by award-winning and innovative shaper Matt Parker of Album Surfboards.

In addition to this, famous professional surf photographer Erick Proost will be clicking the action into images during the Surf Week.

The Niyama Private Islands Resorts provide its services from two distinct islands dubbed Play and Chill which are linked with a bridge running between them. The surf point, Vodi Wave is just off the shore of the Play Island and is described as a strong and hollow left hander.

Another surf point, off to the west and five minutes away by speedboat, Kasabu is described as a rippable and hollow right hander.

Furthermore, Dhaal atoll in which the resort is situated in has several other prominent surf spots easily reachable by speedboat or seaplane.

Niyama Private Islands boasts a collection of 134 villas, suites and pavilions beautifully scattered across the beaches of the islands and some extending out over the lagoon.

Moreover, the laid-back attitude and the recreational amenities in the resort are key to attracting honeymooners, active couples and even families looking for adventure.

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Niyama Private Islands is set to host the 2021 Surf Week - The Edition

At first glance, the more than 7,100 islands that make up the Philippines may appear to be similar.

Those islands of which some 2,000 are inhabited differ by history, culture and religion, meaning they draw tourists for different reasons.

Here are six some well-known, some not and the types of travelers that gravitate to each.

Boracay was once known as the Philippines' quintessential party island. That changed following a six-month closure in 2018.

Along with an intensive environmental cleanup, the island freshened its image. It now caters to family-friendly experiences over hedonistic beach raves.

Boracay's sudden closure in 2018 cleaned both the environment and reputation of the popular island.

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Boracay is divided into three "stations," or areas.

Station 1 is home to White Beach, an area famous for its sunsets, white sands and gentle waves where little ones can frolic and splash. To eat, drink and shop, travelers can walk down the beach or hop on a "tricycle" a motorcycle with an attached passenger cab to reach the busier Station 2.

"Station Zero" is home to some of the island's most luxurious hotels, including the Shangri-La Boracay.

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Station 3 is generally less busy but those looking for the most secluded escape can consider the northwest part of the island an area locals call "Station Zero." Home to three luxury resort companies Crimson, Movenpick and Shangri-La, it's for travelers who want a quiet cocktail while their kids build sandcastles on the beach.

With beach shacks giving way to resorts, some travelers may say the soul of the island has changed. Boracay is different now, for sure, but some may say for the better.

The province of Palawan comprises one main island and more than 1,700 other islands and islets. Limestone rock formations descend into turquoise waters, and some islands house luxe resorts.

The municipality of El Nido attracts people who want beach culture, restaurants and small resorts. It's also where travelers will find Pangulasian Island, an eco-luxury resort in Bacuit Bay, an area popular with divers.

Palawan, a needle-thin archipelago in west Philippines, has been dubbed the most beautiful island in the world by various media outlets.

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Further north are the more rustic islands of the municipality of Coron. Operated by Discovery Resorts, Club Paradise has a Robinson Crusoe vibe, with thatched beachfront huts and breakfast that can include unexpected visitors think monkeys rifling through your fruit basket. It's a starting point for wreck divers to explore sunken ships from World War II.

A resort called Flower Island is operated by the family behind the pearl brand Jewelmer. Travelers can visit the company's pearl farms there.

A diver explores World War II Japanese wreckage near Coron, Palawan.

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Luxury holidaymakers can fly east to the Cuyo Islands and indulge in Amanpulo's top-notch service. Opened in 1993, the private island hotel remains one of the country's most exclusive beach resorts.

For a blend of Philippine culture and beachside serenity, Bohol may be the place to go.

The island is home to historical and natural attractions. Tourists can explore the Chocolate Hills, paddleboard through the green-hued Loboc River, or visit a tarsier sanctuary to learn about this big-eyed primate.

Tarsiers are tiny and can fit inside a human hand, though tourists are cautioned not to touch them.

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Rice paddies carpet the countryside amid a backdrop of colonial-era churches and watchtowers. Avid divers can take a day trip to Balicasag Island to explore its coral reefs.

Most resorts are concentrated on Panglao Island, which while usually crowded, can still provide pockets of relaxation. Donatela Resort & Sanctuary, though not quite beachfront, has hillside villas and ocean views from the main lawn. Travelers can consider Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa for a luxury spa stay while Amorita is popular with families.

Bohol's Chocolate Hills are named after the browning that occurs when the grass dries during the first half of the year.

John Philip Harper | Image Source | Getty Images

The Anda Peninsula is quiet, as is the secluded, family-run Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa, which means "this is ours" in the local dialect.

Famous for its surf break called Cloud 9, the laid back island of Siargao attracts surfers from all over the world. The tides control much of the islands' activities, with many locals heading out to surf at dawn and dusk.

Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines.

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Though not the place for soft sands and gentle waves, Siargao has ocean activities such as cocktails on a sand bar and trips to Naked Island so named for its bareness. Beyond the surf, travelers can swim in the Magpupungko Rock Pools or go cave diving at Sohoton Cove.

Most action is concentrated around the town of General Luna. There travelers can find cafs serving cappuccinos and smoothie bowls by the sea. There are also tapas joints with local craft beer and motorcycle pubs with live music and ceviche.

Accommodations range from one-room beach shacks to yoga retreats and villas. Harana Surf Resort is a classic spot and a favorite hangout for local surfing legends.

Guyam Island is a small island near Siargao that is popular among island hopping tourists.

Photo by TanMan | Moment | Getty Images

Kalinaw Resort is a boutique hotel in the heart of General Luna. Run by two Frenchmen, the resort has large sea-facing villas, many with their own swimming pools.

The Nay Palad Hideaway is a more luxurious destination. Guests are encouraged to go barefoot and leave their worries at the door.

Known as the island of witchcraft and sorcery, Siquijor remains largely untouched by outside influence.

Some locals are too frightened to visit, and few international travelers know about it. That's slowly changing due to a slow influx of curious foreigners and adventurous local visitors.

Villagers in Siquijor gather ashes from a cemetery to use in rituals to protect their homes and livestock.

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Visitors can ride bicycles around its circumference, then stop to snorkel in the ocean. Further inland is a network of rivers, waterfalls and lagoons, ensconced in jungle. The most popular is Cambugahay Falls, where rapids flow into a crystal pool, making it the island's most photographed spot.

Void of flashy hotel developments, accommodations on the island are modest. But comfortable options exist, such as Coco Grove Beach Resort and the Bermuda Triangle Bungalows.

Cambugahay Falls is a three-tiered waterfall and popular swimming hole on Siquijor.

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Siquijor's mystical traditions are still alive, as evidenced by a healing festival celebrated once a year. The mix of ancient beliefs, shamanistic practices and Christian faith is an emblem of the complexities of Philippine culture and history.

Mindanao's Zamboanga Peninsula has rich history and beautiful beaches, particularly the pink sands of Santa Cruz Island.

The culture mixes influences from indigenous tribes, local seafarers and the Spanish the latter reflected in the area's dialect called Chavacano. The result is a city with colonial buildings, locals in vibrant handmade clothes and an ocean dotted with traditional boats.

Two boys fish against the sunset sky in Zamboanga, Philippines.

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The cuisine is complex. Curacha, a local delicacy, is grilled spanner crab that is usually eaten with Alavar a sauce of crab roe, coconut milk and spices. Grilled skewers called satti are served with a fiery blend of chilies, called ta'mu.

True to the area's Spanish roots, paella is a favorite, and it's often prepared with fresh seafood. The Muslim Malay influence is also present, particularly with dishes such as beef rendang and chicken pianggang. While those dishes are common across Southeast Asia, Zamboangeos use extra coconut and lemongrass.

Travelers who want a white sand experience can take a boat to Once Islas, or Eleven Islands an eco-tourism attraction that opened in 2018.

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The Philippines has thousands of islands heres a guide to 6 of them - CNBC

Turks and Caicos Islands is expecting a busy and strong upcoming winter tourist season, after just experiencing a record-breaking summer which placed the destination among the top performers in Caribbean tourism during the ongoing pandemic.

The Tourist Board and a high-powered team from the top hotels in Turks and Caicos Islands recently embarked on the first post-COVID-19 road show in the United States market, which contributes more than 86% of the destinations land-based visitor arrivals.

The road show was hosted in the destinations main source market, the east coast of the United States of America, in Philadelphia, Jersey City and New York City.

Tourism officials said the response to Turks and Caicos Islands marketing strategies and sales pitches was exceptionally encouraging and has fuelled great optimism for an anticipated bumper winter season.

Pamela Ewing, Director of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, said: We have worked hard to enforce necessary safety protocols to ensure that tourism, our main economic driver, continues to positively impact both our local and travelling communities. The destination is optimistic for one of the busiest festive seasons to date ahead.

Eight partners participated in the Tourist Boards annual show including, Amanyara, Beaches Resort and Spa, COMO Parrot Cay, Grace Bay Resorts, Sailrock Resort, The Hartling Group, The Ritz-Carlton Turks and Caicos and Turks and Caicos Collection.

The group of participating hotel partners represented a diverse range of high-end properties in Turks and Caicos Islands, such as private islands, properties on the iconic Grace Bay Beach, all-inclusive properties, and the option to stay on the idyllic sister island of South Caicos.

The road show hosted by the Tourist Board was deemed a great success with more than 140 of the destinations top-producing travel advisors in attendance.

From September 2oth to 22nd 2021, travel advisors across the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) were treated to networking sessions, presentations from hotel partners and a destination presentation and update from Director of Tourism, Pamela Ewing.

These sessions were well received by the advisors, as they became more knowledgeable on the destinations product offerings and gained more knowledge on all sister islands and the wide range of accommodation options and experiences available on each, Ewing said.

Ewing said that as the Tourist Board continues to promote the destination as the preferred luxury destination in the region, a key element of its marketing strategy is to leverage industry partnerships and ensure that the destinations messaging is effective, cohesive and remains consistent with the destinations brand image.

I am delighted at the excellent turnout we received for each event. Travel advisors and wholesalers are a key factor in the success of the destinations tourism industry, as tourists count on these advisors to offer guidance on the destination, plan trip itineraries, and make travel arrangements for them. The more they are informed on the product offerings and experiences available in the destination, the more business they will contribute to destination, resulting in a flourishing economy, the director of tourism said.

Ewing continued, During my destination presentation, I emphasized the ease of access, unique experiences, and accommodations available on each island. I also encouraged day trips to each sister island. However, we recommend overnight or longer stays on each island to get the full experience. The Tourist Board promotes each island as a destination within a destination, offering visitors a variety of unique experiences to keep returning to the destination and explore each island individually.

Ewing said that for many travel advisors, the road show was their first in person event, and they were excited to interact with the Tourist Board representatives and hotel partners.

"The Turks and Caicos new travel requirements, inclusive of a vaccine requirement for all visitors aged 16 and older, were praised by all advisors in attendance, noting that clients feel safe and secure traveling to the destination as a result. All advisors anticipate a busy festive season for the Turks and Caicos. The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to implement an extensive marketing and promotion strategy and plans to continue these road shows on the West Coast for 2022, which represents a growing audience for the destination," she added.

Ewing said that thanks to the Tourist Boards strategic marketing and public relations plans, combined with its vigilant TCI Assured protocols, aggressive vaccine campaign, and pent-up travel demand, the destination reported one of its busiest summers to date in 2021 with an increase of over 18% in June, 19% in July, and 15% in August compared to pre-pandemic statistics in 2019.

She added that tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to flourish due to the Tourist Boards strategic marketing and public relations campaigns in the United States, Canada, South America, United Kingdom and Europe to promote the destination as safe for travelers.

This, she said, includes press trips with key publications, radio campaigns in source markets, advertising and partnerships with stakeholders, and executing the signature event, Turks and Caicos Conference (TACC), which updated all partners on protocols and accommodation availability.

She noted that travel confidence has also increased thanks to the destinations TCI Assured portal, a quality assurance pre-travel program and portal, which requires require a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR, NAA, RNA or Antigen test result from a test taken within three days of travel, medical / travel insurance that covers medevac, a completed health screening questionnaire, and proof of vaccination for all visitors ages 16 years and over.

"The vaccine requirement underscores the destinations commitment to health and safety and expands on its already vigilant travel protocols, which have been in place for travelers since July 22nd, 2020, when the destination opened its borders to tourists," Ewing said.

The Turks and Caicos Islands also continues to promote its vaccine campaign among residents, with over 71 percent of the adult population being fully vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccinemaking it one of the most inoculated countries in the world.

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STRONG WINTER TOURIST SEASON EXPECTED - Turks and Caicos Sun

Wales has its fair share of islands - most of which are private and secluded, but all come with incredible views.

Staycations have boomed this year, and its a trend that doesnt appear to be going anywhere.

Though youre only allowed to visit some of these islands for the day, some are open to holiday bookings for the perfect getaway.

Read more: North Wales private island holiday goes viral on TikTok and stuns people around the world

Each of these Welsh islands have something slightly different to offer: you can actually stay overnight on them, often in quirky accommodation boasting incredible histories and scenery.

From the beloved Isle of Anglesey and the hidden island you can stay on just off it, to the smaller and more rugged Skomer in Pembrokeshire for a true escapist experience, there really is something for everyone.

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Here is everything you need to know, from how to get there to where to stay, according to Wales Online.

Part of a trio of neighbouring islands called the Pembrokeshire Islands, consisting of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm, Skomer is the largest out of the three.

The islands were named by ancient Viking visitors, and are famous for their rugged landscapes and wildlife. Skomer itself is known for its puffin colony, and is the perfect retreat for those looking for a secluded escape from reality in the heart of fascinating Welsh wildlife.

The accommodation on Skomer is a converted barn that sleeps 16 in a selection of private rooms, and can be booked directly through the Visit Wales website. The accommodation is self-catering only, so be sure to pack some hearty meals for your stay. The Welsh Wildlife Trust has closed the island to the public during the pandemic but is looking at re-opening in the new year.

How to get to Skomer:By boat from Martins Haven, Tuesdays to Sundays between 10 and 12am. The boat runs from April 1 to September 30 every year, but sailing weather dependent. Find out more on travelling to Skomer here

One of the sister islands of Skomer, Skokholm is much more rugged than Skomer, and is further out from the coastline. Another incredible spot for those who are interested in wildlife, Skokholm used to be a rabbit farm from 1324 for over 200 years, and has been a place of significant archaeological exploration.

In 2015 the Welsh Wildlife Trust reinstated the Bird Observatory and restored accommodation for up to 20 guests, from an 18th century cottage to rooms in the lighthouse and converted cow barns.

There are no day visits to Skokholm, only overnight in the self catering accommodation - so make sure to plan some meals ahead of your visit.

How to get to Skokholm: The boat only sales from 7.30am on Friday and 9am on a Monday unless there is a change in weather or tides. See more information on booking your visit to Skokholm here

Caldey Island is one of Britains holy islands, off the coast of Tenby. Cisterian monks have lived there for thousands and years and practise the same quiet and tranquil living. Caldey Island offers day tours throughout the year and overnight stays during the summer months.

During the summer months, overnight guests can actually stay in the monastery, and can choose between two options. The Monastic guesthouse consists of six rooms and shared bath and is open to men only. This option is mainly for religious members or those who want to experience living as the monks do.

St Philomenas guesthouse however is a retreat for men, women and children, comprised of 22 single rooms and one double room. Guests are invited to attend daily services if they should so wish.

Caldey Island is a tranquil escape from reality, perfect for those interested in history and religion and looking for a unique overnight experience.

How to get to Caldey Island: A boat runs from Tenby harbour from Easter to October. Tickets can be obtained by Caldey Island Kiosk in the harbour. More information on travel and ticket prices here.

Flat Holm is the most southern point of Wales, 4.5 nautical miles from Cardiff. Run by Cardiff Council, the island can be visited by day or overnight, and has become a relaxing retreat boasting yoga, vegan eating and meditation - theres even a pub.

Flat Holm is also a place of natural and historical interest for those looking for a little adventure with their mindfulness.

Overnight stays to be booked through Cardiff Harbour authority, offering dormitory accommodation sleeping up to 24, and spaces for camping (tents not supplied).

How to get to Flat Holm: T rips are available all year round, with pre-organised boat trips that leave several times a month, taking up to 12 passengers. You can book your trip to Flat Holm here.

Fancy having a whole island to yourself? Look no further. Ynys Castell is a tiny island between Anglesey and mainland Wales with accommodation of the same name that you can rent out.

The property is 13 bedrooms and has incredible views of Snowdonia and Anglesey, so as you can probably imagine it's extremely popular! See more information for booking Ynys Castell here.

Ynys Castell is the perfect getaway for big groups of families and friends who would love to have a whole island to themselves in quiet isolation, but also have the option to travel into Anglesey and mainland Wales and explore.

How to get to Ynys Castell: The island can be accessed by car or foot when the tide is out from Anglesey, but travel will all depend on tide times.

Bardsey is located two miles from the stunning Llyn Peninsula. Its a wild rugged island that even has its own mountain and is an area of astonishing natural interest.

Accommodation can be booked through the Bardsey Island Trust, and ranges from a selection of Grade II listed houses, Lofts and cottages. More here.

Bardsey Island is ideal for walking and hiking fanatics who have an interest in nature and historical buildings.

How to get to Bardsey Island: Via boat from the tip of the Llyn Peninsula, subject to weather. More information here.

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Six private Welsh islands where youll feel like the last person on earth - North Wales Live

Activist investor Gregg Hymowitz, known for his mega-deals with hedge funders like Bill Ackman and Daniel Loeb, and his wife Marcella bought some land from Bruce Willis to build a house in Parrot Cay, a 1,000-acre private island and resort in Turks and Caicos Islands, according to an article in the New York Post.

The $6 million transaction is for five oceanfront acres in an exclusive development with a COMO hotel, owned by Singaporean hotelier Christina Ong.

Hymowitzs planned compound will feature a five-bedroom home and some guest homes for his brood, which include six children ranging in age from 27 to 15 months.

Sources close to Hymowitz told The Post the financier finds the laid-back private island lifestyle vibe far more appealing than the Miami/Palm Beach circuit.

The listing brokers for the oceanfront lot were Sothebys Nina Siegenthaler and Joe Zahm.

Parrot Cay includes private estates with owners like Keith Richards and Donna Karan both of whom have opted to put their homes up for rent through the COMO rental program.

The Post said Willis was asking $6.9 million for the land, which was part of a larger compound that he sold in 2019 for $27 million.

That property, which had been asking $33 million, included a five-bedroom home and two guest houses along with a pirate ship playground, four pools and a beachfront yoga pavilion.

Willis married Emma Heming on Parrot Cay in 2009 and it is where the couple renewed their vows in 2019. Hymowitz reportedly plans to build a traditional compound with lots of dark wood and Asian, Bali-style influences.

There are no cars on the island, just golf carts and its just a 3-hour flight, plus a brief boat ride away from Manhattan.

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Bruce Willis sells land on Parrot Cay for $6million - Turks and Caicos Sun

A Wrinkle in TimemeetsFlatlandin this thrilling journey that challenges the meaning of family, loyalty, and our universe at large.

We chat with author Dianne K. Salerni about her latest book releaseJadie in Five Dimensions, along with writing, book recommendations, and more!

Im a retired elementary school teacher from Pennsylvania. Jadie in Five Dimensions is my seventh book for kids and teens. I write mostly speculative fiction: fantasy, science fiction, supernatural, sometimes in a historical setting. You can find me spending a lot of time at my local rescue shelter, walking dogs and serving the needs and whims of feline overlords and whatever assorted critters we have in residence (rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, ferrets, and occasionally potbelly pigs).

Ive been making up stories for as long as I can remember. I still have the first book I authored, The Dragon and the Girl, which consists of four pencil-drawn illustrations and no words. My father wrote the title on the cover for me. I was four years old.

Im sure they werent the first, but the first books I can remember reading were Nancy Drew mysteries. Two books that made a huge impact on me as a young writer were Shirley Jacksons I Have Always Lived in the Castle and Mary Stewarts The Ivy Tree both books with unreliable narrators. I hadnt known that narrators were allowed to deceive readers! And the book I cant stop thinking about? Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.

Geometry, monsters, kidnappers, physics, & spies!

My book envisions our three-dimensional universe existing inside a larger four-dimensional one like Russian nesting dolls. 4-space is populated by beings who can see inside our space and manipulate events. These beings, who call themselves Seers, use human agents, like my main protagonist Jadie Martin, to nudge events in the direction they want, claiming to act in the best interests of humankind. Jadie, for instance, was an abandoned baby rescued by the Seers and placed in a loving adoptive family. But then Jadie learns that the Seers lied about her origin story, and she begins to wonder what their true intentions are, especially when a second group of 4-space beings, calling themselves Resisters, turn up with a completely different agenda. Whos lying? Who can she trust? And what can a three-dimensional human girl possibly do to thwart all-powerful enemies from a higher dimension?

First, Ive had a lifelong fascination with Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott and its sequel Sphereland by Dionys Burger, excerpts of which I read when I was in middle school. Both books recount the adventures of a Square, a resident in the two-dimensional Flatland, who is visited by a Sphere, a being of three-dimensions. The Sphere is, in turn, visited by an Oversphere, a being of four-dimensions.

Many years later, as an adult and a novice teacher, I discovered The Boy Who Reversed Himself by YA horror and SF writer, William Sleator. Sleator introduced me to ana and kata, terms coined by mathematicians to describe the additional directions available in four spatial dimensions. That is, 4-space beings can move forward, backward, right, left, up, and down (just as we can), but also ana and kata, directions imperceivable to humans.

As I approached the climax of the first draft of this story, I realized I had written myself into a corner. My human protagonists had figured out what was going on, why the Seers and Resisters were manipulating events in the human world, but they were powerless to do anything about it. I had made their adversaries too strong. Not only could 4-space beings see and move in directions imperceivable to humans, they were huge enough to squish troublesome humans like bugs. My heroes were helpless against them in both 3-space and 4-space.

How did I overcome this issue? Martinis in the hot tub under a starry sky. I described my problem to my husband, who said, Why dont you [brilliant suggestion that catapulted my story in an entirely new direction]? Youd be surprised how many plot problems Ive solved this way.

I always have fun writing characters with a questionable moral compass. In this case, its Ty Rivers, Jadies nextdoor nemesis and one of the antagonists in the novel. Like Jadie, Ty serves as an agent for the Seers, but hes been secretly exploring ways to use the fourth dimension to get inside locked places like banks and jewelry stores. What I love about Ty is that hes not sure what hell do with the fortune he wants to amass, but his fantasies involve secret lairs on private islands and dangling his emotionally abusive father over a shark tank.

The best advice Ive ever received is that its okay for your first draft to be a complete mess. Author Shannon Hale sums it up best: Im writing a first draft and reminding myself that Im simply shoving sand into a box so that later I can build castles.

The worst writing advice comes from anyone who tells you there is only one way to write: You must outline. You should never outline. You need character sheets on every character before you start. You should never edit while you draft.

Everyones style is different, and every book is different. Out of my seven published works, three were outlined completely, and four were pantsered written by the seat of my pants. However you get it done is the right way.

My next book, The Carrefour Curse, will be published by Holiday House in 2023 and is my homage to the supernatural soap opera, Dark Shadows, which I imprinted on when I was four years old (and which probably contributed to my preference for all things supernatural and gothic).

Twelve-year-old Garnet Carrefour and her mother, Emerald, are summoned against their will to Crossroad House, their familys ancestral home, to witness a transition of power. Once a whimsical place where Emerald and her cousins employed magic to entertain their friends, Crossroad House is now a crumbling ruin. The dying family patriarch fights to retain his life by stealing it from others. Every accident that isnt an accident, every unexpected illness, and every unexplained disappearance grants him a little more time.

While the wary family takes magical precautions and squabbles over who will inherit the old mans power when (if) he dies, Garnet encounters a suspicious visitor in the family cemetery, ghosts in the attic, doors that lead to other timesand a curse that has decimated three generations of her family and now threatens Garnets existence.

Two recent books that I could not put down and didnt want to end are Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim. They are as different as can be, one an adult science fiction (heavy on the science) and the other a YA fantasy built on fairy tales and East Asian folklore. What they have in common is splendid world-building and an engaging, relatable protagonist.

Thank you for this opportunity to chat with The Nerd Daily and your fans!

You can find Dianne on Facebook and Twitter, along with at her website.

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Q&A: Dianne K. Salerni, Author of 'Jadie in Five Dimensions' - The Nerd Daily

As the UAEs 50th anniversary approaches, I realise, to my surprise, that it is now nearly 17 years since the death of the countrys Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed. For many of us, his memory is still vivid, but how do the younger generation or foreign residents, who have arrived since his passing, think of him? A distant historical figure or someone who continues to have an impact?

I wonder, too, what Sheikh Zayed would make of the Emirates at 50. There has been so much change since his death in 2004. The population has increased. The infrastructure has grown. The economy is no longer under developed, largely dependent on a single source. Major scientific achievements have been made, such as the Mars mission. And now with Expo 2020 open, the eyes of the world are upon the country. People will, I am sure, be amazed by much of what they see.

All of this represents what was built upon the foundations laid down by Sheikh Zayed.

The world around us has evolved. Naturally, the way in which we engage with new challenges has changed too. Sheikh Zayeds ways cannot provide detailed step-by-step guidance for everything we do today, but the underlying principles of governance and the philosophy of the state that he laid down remain at the heart of decisions taken in the country.

Addressing a Cabinet meeting nearly 45 years ago, Sheikh Zayed explained the role he sought to play in guiding the Emirates towards a developed and prosperous future. I am like an old father who heads his family and takes care of his children, he said. He takes them by the hand and supports them until they have passed through adolescence.

He was able, of course, to provide that support because of the natural resources of the country.

The time has come for us, he added, through the ample blessings God has given us, to compensate our people for what they missed in the past.

He was determined to make use of the oil revenues to develop Emirati society, not simply in a physical sense, but in terms of the people, who he described as "the real wealth of the nation". Without that, he felt, the revenues would be of little value in the long term. That drove his passion for education, both for men and for women.

Once educated and having passed through adolescence, as Sheikh Zayed phrased it, the people of the Emirates would be equipped to play their part in building society.

Recognising that Emiratis had been deprived of the many services and amenities which others enjoyed, he extended a hand to those who could come and play their part in the development of the country, from doctors and teachers to bankers and petroleum engineers. That process continues today, for the nature and scale of the UAEs aspirations allows others to join in the process of building.

I know how interested he was in promoting the study of the countrys history and heritage

In welcoming those coming from abroad, Sheikh Zayed knew that the country could not achieve the progress he sought without taking from other countries and cultures those things which would be of benefit for the emerging Emirates. In a time before the world had become closely linked through modern communications and technology, Sheikh Zayed saw the need to reach out and to form partnerships with others.

As a corollary to that, in line with his own commitment to religious and cultural tolerance, he instilled a philosophy of tolerance that would come to be at the heart of how the UAE operated. He emphasised, too, the need to promote conservation of the countrys environment and a sustainable use of its resources. His initiatives for the protection of wildlife laid the groundwork for much that has followed.

I know from my own involvement with the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey, ADIAS, which he personally funded for many years, how interested he was in promoting the study of the countrys history and heritage. I remember how pleased he was when it was reported to him that we had found an early Christian monastery on his own private island of Sir Bani Yas.

Sheikh Zayed devoted himself, as Ruler of Abu Dhabi and then as President of the UAE, to laying the foundations of a society where the wealth with which the country had been fortunately endowed, would be used to build a people who could then move forward with confidence to build for today and tomorrow.

Were he still to be amongst us, he would, I believe, find much that surprised him. The accelerating pace of development has introduced us to aspects of life that had not been envisaged during his lifetime. I believe, though, that he would recognise the continued commitment to the underlying principles which guided his own leadership as the countrys founding father. And he would have been satisfied by the way in which the people of the Emirates have passed through their "adolescence" to take the country forward.

That link between the recent, but fast-receding, past and today and tomorrow is exemplified in the description earlier this week by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020. It honours, he said, the early dreamers that built our nation and shines a light on the dreamers of today who are striving to ensure its future success.

It is clear that even today, Sheikh Zayeds legacy remains a vibrant inspiration.

Published: October 7th 2021, 8:30 AM

Original post:

Sheikh Zayed would have been proud of the UAE today - The National

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says private businesses, including Japanese firms, operating on the disputed Kurile Islands will receive tax breaks in an effort to boost the local economy.

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok on September 3, Putin said private companies registered and physically present on the Kurile Islands will receive income and property tax breaks for 10 years.

"We have to create competitive conditions for our [Japanese] partners. It means the existing parameters of the tax burden, loan prices, the speed and quality of the state services for businesses here must be globally competitive," Putin said.

The sparsely populated islands have suffered economically since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 as investment dropped and people left for better living standards on mainland Russia.

The Soviet Union seized the Kurile islands in the final days of World War II from Japan, which continues to assert territorial rights to the islands that it calls the Northern Territories. The dispute has kept Russia and Japan from signing a peace treaty formally ending the war.

Decades of diplomatic efforts to negotiate a settlement have failed to produce a solution to the issue.

"We think that the absence of the [peace treaty formally ending the World War II) in our bilateral relations is nonsense.... We have never refused from the dialogue on the peace treaty.... However, we must consider the realities, one of which is the necessity to secure a peaceful future and therefore to guarantee that there will be no U.S. armed forces, especially missile-assault systems near our borders," Putin said at the forum, adding that Moscow is awaiting Tokyo's response on that.

The three-day Eastern Economic Forum started in Vladivostok on September 2.

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Putin Says Private Businesses, Japanese Firms On Disputed Kurile Islands To Receive Tax Breaks - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

Crn Deas is a majestically beautiful private island off the north-west coast of Scotland, with a price tag that will have all of us checking our online balance and doing a few sums. Toby Keel reports.

There was a time when 50,000 could buy you a street full of houses. Even as recently as 1992, it was roughly the average cost of a house in the UK something thats almost unimaginable three decades later, especially for first-time buyers.

Of course, you can still buy properties, just about, for under 50k, if youre prepared to do a lot of work. But when you hear that number in relation to property in 2021 its generally for a parking space, or the outlandish weekly rental cost of the Mayfair mansion occupied by Adar Poonawalla, which set a record earlier this year.

So to find a 50,000 property which makes you rub your eyes in disbelief but in a good way is rare indeed. Yet thats what we have today in the form of Crn Deas, an uninhabited private island off the coast of north-west Scotland, which has just been launched to the market for offers over 50,000.

Carn Deas from the air, showing the stunning clear waters.

Its not rare to find estate agents waxing poetical, but even still the words of Goldcrest Land and Forestrys Fenning Welstead are striking: its stunningly rugged and romantic, they write. A remote sanctuary to the buyer seeking an escape to one of the countrys most wonderful natural wildernesses. Here, you can truly escape from reality, take a deep breath and enjoy what nature can offer.

That is a beautiful description for this dot on the map in the Summer Isles archipelago, which sit in the bay beyond Loch Broom, a little to the north-west of Ullapool. Sadly, the archipelago isnt named due to some devastatingly wonderful microclimate: instead, the island took their collective name thanks to the shepherds who used to bring their flocks here to graze in summer.

Crn Deas island itself is a 22-acre piece of land with beautiful views across to neighbouring Crn Iar to which it is connected by a shingle spit as well as to the mainland, with the mountains of Coigach and Assynt to the north and east, and the Fannich and Torridon hills to the south.

Accessing the island is a matter of a 25-minute boat ride from Badentarbat Pier near Achiltibuie, almost due east; or from Old Dornie Harbour to the north. You could bring your own boat and anchor off the island, and access it by dinghy. Crn Deas is sheltered both sides by neighbouring islands, which should make doing so relatively straightforward.

The sheltered, shingle beach at Carn Deas looks relatively straightforward for access via dinghy.

All that leaves is the question of what you could do with your island once it was yours. The island and all the neighbouring islands are havens for wildlife, birds and sealife. Porpoises and basking sharks are a common sight, and the waters are full of everything from mackerel and cod to lobsters and crabs. You can camp on the island and live off what you catch, enjoy swimming, snorkelling and the clearest night skies imaginable, and truly escape from modern life for a while.

Or you could spend that 50,000 on a central London parking space. Up to you really.

Carn Deas is for sale via Goldcrest for offers over 50,000 see more details and pictures.

On the banks of Loch Tay, the Old Village of Lawers has come up for sale with an eye-catching price

We take a look at the finest country houses, castles and estates for sale in Scotland, from an amazing renovation

Catch up on the best country houses for sale this week that have come to the market via Country Life.

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An incredible private island for sale in the Summer Isles at the price of a central London parking space - Country Life

BERKELEY, CAIn a rare silver lining amid increasingly dire assessments of the climate crisis, optimistic researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, released a report Friday suggesting there was still time to head off environmental catastrophe before it started killing rich people. Though rising sea levels and powerful storms are devastating coastal areas, its not too late to stop floods from threatening those who live high above the water in multimillion-dollar penthouses, said climatologist and report author Dennis Gibson, explaining that by 2030, the wealthiest 0.01% of Americans would need to increase investment in charter helicopter services to ensure they would have a way to travel from a metropolitan high-rise to a vacation home without inconvenience. Similarly, rich peoples ski chalets in Wyoming, Vermont, and the Alps are at elevations that provide them with natural protection against flooding rivers. In the case of wildfires, however, they must act now if they wish to save their mountain retreats, mansions in wine country, and various other country estates. The time has come for the wealthy to stop these fires by buying up all the surrounding properties so they can clear-cut every single tree within a mile radius of their palatial homes. Despite its overall conclusion, the report stated that the climate crisis had already worsened to the point at which rich people really ought to start thinking about selling their private islands in the Caribbean.

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Optimistic Researchers Say There Still Time To Head Off Climate Change Before It Starts Killing Rich People - The Onion