Category Archives: Private Islands

Let's be real - when it comes to property-hunting in Edinburgh it can sometimes feel like you could get more bang for your buck elsewhere in Scotland.

Properties in Edinburgh had an overall average price of 305,344 over the last year according to property site Rightmove.

So when you consider you can now actually buy your own private island for the same price as a one-bed flat on Dundas Street, you feel something may have gone wrong.

READ MORE - Edinburgh locals shocked as Jaguar spotted 'on top of the Pentland Hills'

That's right - The Holm of Huip, an isolated island located in the Orkney Islands, has gone up for sale for 300k, less than the average property price in Edinburgh.

The island is being marketed by luxury private island specialists Vladi Private Islands and comes with its own private beaches, farmhouses and ruins - although you'll need a row boat to reach it.

Their listing reads: "The charming Holm of Huip Island stretches over a surface area of approximately 250,000 square meters.

"Whilst most of its beaches are made up of slate and stone, a long, sandy beach can also be found towards the south of the island, close to the ruins of an old, stone house.

"As with the two farmhouses, it would be possible to either renovate or rebuild these ruins in order to make the buildings habitable.

"The island can certainly be described as well-connected as well as a daily flight from Kirkwall - the capital of Scotlands Orkney Islands to Stronsay (the small town directly opposite the Holm of Huip), it is also possible to make the short journey (approx. one and a half hours) via ferry.

"From the small harbour in Stronsay, it is possible to then make the transfer to Holm of Huip via either rowing boat or by motor boat."

Peter Fripp is the current owner of the island and told our sister site My London that he couldn't think of anything better to spend his money on.

He said: "I have owned it for 17 years, I am an archaeologist and the island has hidden treasures.

I believe it was once a Viking graveyard, it has great wildlife, seals come to the island and the weather is nice.

I bought it for 125,000 euros back then, I think this is a better way to spend money. I bought a big adventure where some people may buy a Porsche or a house.

It's certainly a pretty spot if the isolation isn't too much of a bother, but how does it compare to properties in Edinburgh?

Well a quick scan of property site Zoopla throws up a range of possible options in the same price range, including this one-bed flat on Dundas Street.

Described as "a comfortable and newly decorated apartment in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town on the prestigious Dundas Street", the apartment features one bedroom, one bathroom, living room with dining area and fully-equipped kitchen.

It's a tempting offer, but is it better than a private island? Let us know in the comments.

More here:

Beautiful Scottish island goes on sale for the same price as Edinburgh city centre flat - Edinburgh Live

Ed Sheeran has revealed how hes had to be talked out of some major life decisions, including buying private islands and moving to Ghana for three years.

The singer explained that manager Stuart Camp is always on hand when he comes up with ambitious plans in order to talk him down from them.

Musical stuff I never get talked down from, he said alongside Camp on James and Oliver Phelps podcast Normal Not Normal, per Metro.

Stu, whats the most ridiculous thing youve talked me down from recently? Ed said, with his manager admitting: Theres too many!

Usually moving places, Sheeran said.

Camp recalled: Im gonna buy an island here. Or Ive had enough, me and Cherry [Seaborn, Eds wife] are emigrating to Ghana for three years. Stuff like that. Youll get the odd thing like that and I go, Yes dear. You sort of let the idea percolate and itll kill itself eventually.

Sheeran went on: I sent Stuart this uninhabited island in Ireland that youre not even allowed to build a house on and I was like, I think this is a good idea! I think Im going to buy this and move here!.

Instead, hes focusing on music once more having offered fans the first official taste of his new album last week with the release ofBad Habits. The new album is expected to arrive later this year.

Hes also been hard at work on music for other artists,having confirmed a songwriting crediton a forthcomingBTSsong. In addition,hes already recorded his partfor the re-release ofTaylor Swifts Everything Has Changed, set to appear on her imminent re-release of Red, due out in November.

He has also teased a new collaboration with Kylie Minogue.

Continue reading here:

Ed Sheeran had to be talked out of buying an island and moving to Ghana - NME

It's no great secret that London has the highest property prices in the UK.

Whether you're looking to buy a small flat or a family home, the capital's average asking price of 696,453 puts it at more than double the UK average.

Of course, there are obvious benefits to living in London including fantastic schools, world beating night life and cultural sites and brilliant transport links.

But when you consider you can actually buy your own private island for the same price as a modest London home, you feel something may have gone wrong.

READ MORE:'Better than temporary accommodation': 200 pod homes with running costs of just 5 a week being built in London

The Holm of Huip is a isolated island located in the Orkney Islands off Scotland.

The island is being marketed by luxury private island specialists Vladi Private Islands who informed My London the current owner is seeking around 300,000 for the beautiful spot.

Their listing reads: "The charming Holm of Huip Island stretches over a surface area of approximately 250,000 square meters.

"Whilst most of its beaches are made up of slate and stone, a long, sandy beach can also be found towards the south of the island, close to the ruins of an old, stone house.

"As with the two farmhouses, it would be possible to either renovate or rebuild these ruins in order to make the buildings habitable.

"The island can certainly be described as well-connected as well as a daily flight from Kirkwall - the capital of Scotlands Orkney Islands to Stronsay (the small town directly opposite the Holm of Huip), it is also possible to make the short journey (approx. one and a half hours) via ferry.

"From the small harbour in Stronsay, it is possible to then make the transfer to Holm of Huip via either rowing boat or by motor boat."

Peter Fripp is the current owner of the island and told My London he couldn't think of anything better to spend his money on.

He said: "I have owned it for 17 years, I am an archaeologist and the island has hidden treasures.

I believe it was once a Viking graveyard, it has great wildlife, seals come to the island and the weather is nice.

I bought it for 125,000 euros back then, I think this is a better way to spend money. I bought a big adventure where some people may buy a Porsche or a house.

It's certainly a pretty spot if the isolation isn't too much of a bother, but how does it compare to properties in London.

Well a quick scan of property site Rightmove throws up a range of possible options in the same price range including this delightful 2 bedroom flat in Sydenham.

It's spacious enough and has a host of original 1930 features.

The listing from estate agents Robinson Jackson reads: "Delightful first floor 1930's purpose built maisonette with two bedrooms, leasehold, pleasant private section of garden, and access to loft, set within a popular cul-de-sac location in the Upper Sydenham area, equal distance to Sydenham and Forest Hill Station, conveniently located for local high street shops and amenities and Wells Park."

It's a tempting offer, but is it better than a private island?

What would you pick? Let us know in the comments here.

More here:

The private Scottish island you can buy for the same price as a London flat - My London

Getty Images

Everyone deserves a little fun in the sun, and that includes the British royal family. Whether theyre jet-setting to their favorite islands for some R&R, meeting with foreign diplomats to conduct business matters, or even trying their hand at land yachting" on the sands of Scotland, its clear thatjust like with most of useverything is better when the royals are by the beach. No matter if theyre hitting the shores for work or play, the royals are always serving style inspiration, from Princess Dianas laid-back cheetah look to Meghan Markles polished autumn ensemble.

With summer in full swing and beach trips on the *horizon*, were taking a look back at our favorite photos of the royals at the beach. Find them all below.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

May 26, 2021

Love (and laughter) was in the air as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in a "land yachting" event on the famous West Sands beach at St Andrews, where the couple first met 20 years prior.

September 20, 2020

Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex didn't have to veer too far from home for their most recent public beach trip. The royals and their two children, James, Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor took to the shores of Southsea beach in Portsmouth, England, to participate in the Great British Beach Clean.

October 19, 2018

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex fully committed to the beach vibes during a visit to Bondi Beach, one stop on their 16-day tour across Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. The couple wore leis as they participated in a number of activities with a mental health awareness group.

October 18, 2018

Beaches were aplenty on Meghan and Harry's royal tour of Australia, and even in colder weather the couple made their way to the shores of Melbourne in formal-yet-still-beach-appropriate attire.

November 23, 2016

Prince Harry is seen here connecting with naturein this case, a baby turtlewhile on a trip to the turtle conservation project on St. Kitts's Lover's Beach. The prince's visit to the Caribbean marked the 35th Anniversary of Independence in Antigua and Barbuda and the 50th Anniversary of Independence in Barbados and Guyana.

April 18, 2014

The Duchess of Cambridge looks effortless while running in wedges along Manly beach in Sydney, Australia during her royal tour with Prince William. The couple also brought along a baby Prince George, though he stayed out of the public eye for this portion of their trip.

March 17, 2009

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall stayed shaded while walking along the beach on North Seymour Island in the Galapagos. The couple dressed in coordinating colors and materials, keeping (as) cool (as possible) in loose, breezy fabrics.

July 28, 2003

Princess Beatrice enjoyed the jet-set life in St. Tropez, where she was spotted enjoying fun in the sun at the French Riviera beach town's iconic Club 55.

May 29, 2003

In a break from his studies at St Andrews, Prince William let loose while playing rugby on the beach near his university home.

April 11, 1990

Princess Diana embodied beachside glamour in a matching one piece and cover-up while enjoying a beach day with her sons along the shores of Necker Island.

January, 1988

During a more formal beach trip, the Princess of Wales met lifeguards as part of her royal tour of Australia. While at Terrigal beach along the country's central coast, Princess Diana chose a flowy, summery Paul Costelloe dress.

July 27, 1984

Even while playing with her corgis at a beach near Sandringham, the Queen remains put-together as ever in a light-weight coat and head scarf.

March 28, 1984

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip touch down on the shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan, where they were met by King Hussein.

July 28, 1982

Like mother like daughter: The Queen mother is seen walking with her corgi on the beach in Norfolk.

February 1, 1976

For Princess Margaret, the private island of Mustique was a place of solace, and a destination in which she could let loose and feel a sense of freedom. Here, the Queen's sister is seen chatting with a friend during a holiday trip in the 1970s.

January, 1974

Prince Charles steps out on the beaches of Australia, proving, once more, that he too is a fashion icon.

March 18, 1970

Queen Elizabeth is seen disembarking from Britannia, the royal yacht, during her royal tour of New Zealand. The monarch chose to wear her signature head scarf and casual white shoes to walk across the Ship Cove beach.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

More:

17 Sunny Photos of the Royal Family at the Beach - TownandCountrymag.com

CNN Travel Staff

If youre planning to travel to the Maldives heres what youll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Maldives reopened borders to all travelers from all countries on July 15, 2020. The primary exception to this is the tightly packed capital city of Mal, which is off-limits to visitors as it has been the source of the majority of the countrys coronavirus cases.

This is the couples destination to end all others luxury hotels set on private islands, with rooms cantilevered over the water, just in case a walk to the beach is too much effort.

From May 13, travelers from South Asia are temporarily banned from entering the Maldives.

The rules apply to all visa holders from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as those who have transited those countries in the past two weeks.

However, the nation has announced that its reopening its borders to visitors from South Asia from July 15.

At present, the Maldives is open to visitors from all other destinations, as long as they have proof of a negative Covid test.

Travelers from the UK are currently subject to a 10-day quarantine.

The Maldives was one of the rare travel successes of 2020, and it looks like that trend is continuing for 2021, despite some setbacks.

There were over 140 resorts and over 330 guesthouses open and serving international visitors as of late February.

The destination has launched a loyalty program that rewards regular visitors with points based on the frequency and duration of their trips. Those who rack up lots of points will be bumped up to various elite status levels that offer advantages including hotel discounts.

All arrivals other than Maldives citizens and those who are fully vaccinated must present a certificate of a negative PCR test carried out within the 96 hours prior to departure, clearly showing the name and address of the laboratory, as well as the date of the sample taken.

The result must be attached to the Traveler Health Declaration form which must be submitted online within the 24 hours prior to arrival. Visitors are asked to download the national contact tracing app, TraceEkee, and use it during their journey.

Tourists are allowed to split stays between hotels. However, if you spend more than 48 hours in the Greater Mal area, you must take another PCR test before moving elsewhere.

Since the discovery of the new UK variant in late December, all travelers arriving from the UK, including transiting passengers, must undergo a 10-day quarantine.

From April 20, fully vaccinated tourists are not required to submit a negative PCR test on arrival or adhere to any quarantine restrictions provided they present proof that their second dose of a vaccine recognized by the World Health Organization was administered at least two weeks prior to travel.

Those who are arriving to work in health facilities, day care centers, schools and residential care services are required to present a negative PCR test on arrival regardless of their vaccination status.

Travelers visiting an island where 60% of the population (including tourist resort/guesthouse and hotel islands) are fully vaccinated will be exempt from quarantine measures.

The Maldives has reported a total of 73,931 coronavirus cases and 213 deaths as of July 2.

While the figures remain relatively low for the most part, Covid-19 cases jumped from around 100 to over 1,500 in the space of a month, prompting a short-term ban on visitors from South Asia on May 13.

Although a record 2,194 cases were reported on May 20, the numbers have since decreased significantly, with 133 cases recorded on July 1.

The country began its roll-out of the India-made AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine on February 1. Hospitality workers were included in the first round of citizens to get vaccinated. Nearly 470,00 people in the Maldives had received their first dose of the vaccine as of May 28.

Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, the Maldivian Minister of Tourism, has confirmed that the Maldives is developing a Visit, Vaccinate and Vacation scheme named 3V that would allow visitors to receive a Covid-19 vaccine on arrival.

The program wont go ahead until the countrys entire population, estimated at just under 550,000, has been fully vaccinated.

As of July 2, just over 190,000 people in the Maldives had been administered with two doses of a Covid-19 vaccination.

The Maldives are selling themselves as a destination offering a normal vacation, thanks to the isolation of most hotels and the fact that the vast majority of visitors stay in-resort rather than venture out.

This means that while locals are subject to restrictions, those going to and from the airport are exempt. Split stays between different hotels are allowed, if the hotels meet government requirements. Requests for split stays must be made to the Ministry of Tourism at least 48 hours before travel.

Expect also for your resort to have some rules especially a temperature check on arrival, and masks to be worn indoors. As most items in shops must be shipped to the Maldives, some things can get pricey you should bring things like masks and hand sanitizer with you to avoid spending while on the island chain.

imuga.immigration.gov.mv

Tourist board Covid-19 updates

Ministry of Health latest figures

Learn how wealthy Indians have been shut out of the Maldives due to the temporary ban on South Asian travelers, and why the destination is hoping to lure travelers with vaccines on arrival.

Wondering what its like to visit right now? Read this piece, which details the pandemic vacation experience.

If youre planning your trip, check out our list of the best dining experiences. And meet the Maldives barefoot pilots. And if a travel bubble is what you want, youre in luck the Waldorf Astoria Maldives has just revealed its latest property, a Maldivian private island called Ithaafushi, available for a cool $80,000 a night.

The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

CNNs Julia Buckley, Tamara Hardingham-Gill and Lilit Marcus contributed to this report

Read the original:

Traveling to the Maldives during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go - KTVZ

Sandals Royal Bahamian, located in Nassau, announced a reopening date of January 27, 2022.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Expands Renovation Project Award-winning hotel, spa and private island located in Nassau, Sandals Royal Bahamian, announced a reopening date of January 27, 2022.The ongoing multimillion-dollar renovation featuresCoconut Grove, an expansive lounge area that extends the beach vibes to the centre of the resort.

Graycliff Heating Up Receiving two prestigious accolades for exceptional service, Graycliff Hotel was honoured for the 33rd consecutive year with the Grand Award in Wine Spectator's 2021 Restaurant Awards and became the first business in The Bahamas to be granted the Travellers Health Assurance Stamp for "Healthier Safer Tourism" by the Caribbean Public Health Agency.

CRUISING MSC Cruises Restarts US Sailing MSC Cruises announced the relaunch of its sailings to The Bahamas aboard MSC Divina beginning September 16, 2021. The ship will dock at its private Bahamian island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Booking is now available.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERSFor a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visitwww.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board $250 Air Credit Offer U.S. and Canadian travellers can book a vacation package of four nights or longer at one of the participating Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board hotels and receive a $250 air credit. Booking window: now July 31, 2021.

Bahamian Independence Day Celebration with DJ Kid Fresh CelebrateBahamian Independence Daywith one of South Florida's most sought-after performers, DJ Kid Fresh, July 9-11, 2021.Packages start at $478 per person including round-trip transportation, Hilton Hotel stay, access to events at the Hilton Hotel and access to Resorts World Bimini Beach.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS Explore all the islands have to offer atwww.bahamas.comor onFacebook,YouTubeorInstagram.

PRESS INQUIRIESAnita Johnson-PattyBahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation[emailprotected]

Weber ShandwickPublic Relations[emailprotected]

SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

http://www.bahamas.com

View post:

What's New In The Bahamas In July - PRNewswire - PRNewswire

Operating as the wet dream of the collective Furry community, John Frankenheimers The Island of Dr. Moreau is a cinematic fever dream, merging sticky special effects with several horrifying cat costumes to create 90 minutes of titillating science fiction. Based on one of H.G Wells more lesser-known novels, the film was created under notorious strain thanks to complications from the films cast that helped to make it one of the most troubled productions of all time.

Its difficult to really know where to start with The Island of Dr. Moreau, a film so bafflingly bizarre that it seems to replicate the sprawling imagination of a frenetic child high on e-numbers with a chocolate stained mouth.

Perhaps its best to first address Dr. Moreau himself, a maniacal scientist who has created an island of human-animal hybrids in his search for a higher being, incapable of harm. Depicted by the iconic Marlon Brando, the actor brought his own wit and idiosyncratic behaviours to the films production, both simultaneously helping it become a cult film and box office failure.

The film itself follows a man, Edward (David Thewlis), who crash lands in the sea before being picked up by a boat destined for Moreaus island, whilst his wounds are tended to by doctor Montgomery (Val Kilmer). Making their way onto the island, Montgomery turns against Edward and locks him in a room in Moreaus house, only for him to escape and learn the truth about the doctors monstrous island.

Crisis hits almost immediately as the film went into production with the initial director of the project, Richard Stanley, becoming frustrated with actors Marlon Brando and Val Kilmer who immediately proved difficult to work with. Brando had a fair excuse, with the suicide of his daughter, Cheyenne, causing him to retreat to his own private island, whilst Kilmer attributed his obnoxious behaviour to the fact that, on-set, he learned he was being sued for divorce by his wife Joanne Whalley.

To make matters worse, suddenly the Virgin Islands where the film was being shot was pounded with bad weather, causing further problems for Stanley, particularly when his lead actor Rob Morrow was unable to bear the tension and hostility on-set any longer and tearfully begged the New Line chairman to let him go.

John Frankenheimer soon came in to replace Stanley who was fired from the project, with Thewlis coming in to replace Morrow together with a complete rewrite of the script. Though even with such significant changes to the cast and crew, issues with Brando and Kilmer continued to persist. Frustrated with the constant changes to the script, Brando refused to learn his lines, so, instead, he was equipped with a small radio receiver that his assistant could use to feed him his lines.

Thewlis later reported that this would lead to even more difficulties, explaining, [Marlon would] be in the middle of a scene and suddenly hed be picking up police messages and would repeat, Theres a robbery at Woolworths'.

Spending hours in his air-conditioned trailer when he was supposed to be on camera, by the time Marlon Brando came onto the sweltering set, the cast and crew were so relieved to see the actor that they were more than willing to go along with his antics, explaining why, in one scene, Brando bizarrely wears an ice bucket on his head.

The mood on set was so hostile that Val Kilmer often engaged in furious arguments with the cast and crew, reportedly becoming so angry with Frankenheimer that the director later reported, I dont like Val Kilmer, I dont like his work ethic, and I dont want to be associated with him ever again.

Though, just like any trainwreck, theres a strange beauty to it all. Its a melting pot of bad personalities, eccentric sci-fi concepts and peculiarity that certainly elicits a strange, innocent charm. For better and for worse, there will never be a film quite like The Island of Dr. Moreau ever again.

Read more from the original source:

Revisiting The Island of Dr. Moreau: Marlon Brandos fever dream - Far Out Magazine

Courtesy of the Four Seasons Anguilla

Back in 2020, the tiny island of Anguilla became widely lauded for more than it's easy-going and laidback atmosphere, unfussy resorts, pristine white sand beaches, and yes, the fabulous food scenethe tiny island also made just about every correct call when it came to its Covid protocols. In came a bubble and a strict testing policyand with that relative comfort that one wouldn't be caught in the middle of a severe outbreak of the disease. Now that the vaccine has been available to the public for many months, the island has instituted a new policy: only tourists who have been vaccinated can visit. With Anguilla opening back up, there is no better place to visit than the Four Seasons on the island, with its many restaurants, impeccable beaches and poolsthe property is sprawling.

Diego Angarita, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla caught up with T&C to tell us what makes the resort unmissableand what the most premium accommodations available are like.

We are blessed with such a variety of room categories that appeal to all needs and are each contemporary in feel. For families and small groups of friends, our spectacular Five-Bedroom Beachfront Villa is a must and comes complete with a gourmet kitchen, private pool, BBQ, and direct beach access to Barnes Bay. For couples seeking a romantic break, our Deluxe Oceanview One-Bedroom Suite is a great choice with its dedicated living area, kitchenette and balcony with a private plunge pool.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Anguilla

Our Five-Bedroom Oceanfront Villas start from $8,000 per night and our DeluxeOne-Bedroom Suites are priced from $1,100 per night (seasonal pricing applies).

Courtesy of Four Seasons Anguilla

We have created an extremely special vibe at the resortrelaxed in feel with warm, personalized service and the utmost attention to detail. Our guests come from a variety of backgrounds and regions worldwide, adding to the overall energy. We love seeing them interact and make new friendswhether thats gathering together at Sunset or enjoying our nightly entertainment that appeals to all age groups. Our goal is always for guests to feel like they escaped their everyday lives and entered our paradise.

Anguilla is a true gem and while it may be best known for pristine beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, we want our guests to also feel the amazing warmth and welcoming spirit of the island. Almost all of our staff are born and bred Anguillans and are proud to share their stories and knowledge with our guests.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Anguilla

Part of Anguilla's charm is that it is somewhat under the radar in comparison to other Caribbean islands that tend to attract the crowds and is considered the culinary capital of the Caribbean. People can come to Anguilla to truly unwind, discover new experiences and landscapes, eat exceptionally well and also make new friends along the way.

There really is something for everyone at our resort, ranging from the diversity our contemporary designed accommodation, to the breadth of activities available within the grounds. We welcome locals and guests staying elsewhere to enjoy Instagrammable moments together with us whether thats over cocktails at our Sunset Lounge or sitting in our now iconic Face Chairs that directly face the ocean.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Anguilla

The property, designed by Kelly Wearstler, first opened in 2009 and later became a Four Seasons in September 2016. We are proud to offer initiatives that the Four Seasons brand has become renowned for such as excellent service standards and our Kids for All Seasons program, allowing young guests to make friends, learn new skills and hang out under the watchful eyes of our staff counsellors (at no additional cost). We have also paid homage to the islands history as a salt producer through our signature SALT restaurant.

Our resort spans over 35-acres and has so much to offer, without guests ever needing to leave if they dont want to! We can cater to those looking to join us to simply relax, as well as to those who seek adventure. With many guests returning to the resort year after year, there is a wonderful community that continues to grow.

Within our grounds, a multitude of activities await with: three swimming pools to lounge by, rock-climbing, tennis, and basketball courts, sunrise yoga sessions, private Soca fitness classes with our resident PT, and relaxing spa treatments, including everything from a Blue Tranquility Massage and to the Anguilla Salt Scrub, which integrates ingredients native to the island. For those looking to take to the water, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking and kite-surfing are not to be missed, with private boat excursions also on offer to explore off-the-beaten track spots such as the idyllic Sandy Island.

After working up an appetite, guests can kick back with light bites, cocktails and live music from the islands leading act, Omalie 360, at our Sunset Lounge (arguably boasting the best sunset view on the island!). Our signature restaurant, SALT, serves superb locally-inspired dishes paired with panoramic views over both bays, while villa guests can enjoy a private BBQ with a chef preparing a choice of locally sourced meats and seafood to be savored surrounded by tiki torches and the sound of waves.

BOOK NOW READ REVIEWS

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

See original here:

The Best Room at ... The Four Seasons Anguilla - TownandCountrymag.com

I went on a seven-day cruise embarking from the Nassau cruise port in the Bahamas and visited Royal Caribbean's private island Perfect Day at Coco Cay, as well as the islands of Grand Bahama and Cozumel, Mexico.

This was my first time taking a solo trip in almost two years.

I started my own hospitality company during the pandemic and am a travel blogger, so it's been a very taxing year maybe not as taxing as it's been for a medical professional, but working in the tourism industry and watching people's livelihoods go up in flames has been hard.

Because of the Bahamas' regulations, you had to be vaccinated for the cruise unless you were a child. You also had to apply for a Bahamian health certificate through the Bahamian government two weeks before embarking with all of your passport and vaccine information ready. I had mine accepted within a day and it cost $40.

Then we found out three or four days before our cruise that they were going to provide us with antigen rapid tests as well.

You got there and brought the barcode you used to register for the test, you took your test, and then you had results within 20 to 40 minutes and were able to board. We were also tested again a couple days before the end of the cruise.

We were all kind of waiting to see if anyone got sick because Royal Caribbean said they'd inform us if anyone tested positive for COVID-19, but it seemed that no one had an issue. I know there's been positive cases on other cruises, but it's going to happen anywhere a hotel or a ship.

Masks were required for the crew but not for guests. I kept one on me in case I got in a tighter situation like an elevator and used it occasionally. I also had to have one to obey the masks laws for whichever port we were in. So in Cozumel, for example, until we were seated at a restaurant, we had to wear a mask.

I think they're still figuring out which procedures really work.

For example, you could sit at the swim-up bar in the pool, but you couldn't sit at a bar on the ship.

They held a dance party one night, and instead of hosting it in one of the lounges, they had it at the ice-skating arena where there was more space. And they had these lights shining on the floor so you could see where your area was.

Some activities were missing Royal Caribbean does a fun adults-only scavenger hunt that it wasn't able to host with social distancing. For karaoke, they were cleaning the microphone between people. For the classes, they had spaced-out seating. Things were just done differently.

Also, unless your reservation was linked to another guest's, you couldn't dine together. So I saw one of my friends at the restaurant, and our reservations were about 40 minutes apart, but he couldn't come to my table and eat with me. But he could order a drink and sit at the opposite side of my table, which was funny.

I went with a friend and had about 25 friends on board, but if I was sailing by myself and didn't know a soul, it would have been a little more difficult to socialize because of the protocols.

I'll almost be sad to see when things go back to normal because you never had to wait for an elevator or look for a pool seat.

The staff was really great and eager to have everyone back on board. Every single person, no matter which hall or promenade you were walking through, said, "Hello, thank you for sailing with us again."

You could see they were very cautious because their jobs depended on it. At one point, a server tripped and spilled some wine in the restaurant and started crying. You could tell they were on edge and wanted to make sure things went great, but they're always going above and beyond anyway.

It's still a struggle for the people in the Bahamas and Cozumel, which are two of the biggest cruise ports. A lot of the businesses aren't open, and my favorite car-rental place in Cozumel had to end its lease right at the port because it couldn't support it anymore and moved down the street.

One day, I got back on the ship, sat on my balcony, and just started crying. I was so beside myself and texting my husband and my friend saying "I just feel so bad" because there are people just begging you to come shop.

I wish I could have spent even more money than I did, and thankfully, everyone in my group felt the same way. Tourism can't come back fast enough.

I was all in my feels. It broke my heart.

I'm also glad I'm scheduled for another cruise in August out of Florida because I'm interested in seeing how that sailing is. In Florida, it's now illegal to ask to see someone's vaccination record, so the cruise line will instead have additional testing and a different onboard experience.

My husband and I might even book a last-minute sailing in July.

Link:

I went on Royal Caribbean's 7-day vaccinated cruise to the Bahamas - Business Insider

Going on vacation may feel like a distant memory as travel restrictions continue to put paid to our plans, but Netflix is serving us with a brand new show to fulfill our travel needs.

The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals is an eight-part series on Netflix, showcasing 24 of the world's weirdest and wackiest places to stay on vacation.

With the help of three experts: Million Dollar Listing's star Luis D. Ortiz, interior designer Megan Batoon and travel influencer Jo Franco, viewers get to explore inside some of the world's most incredible vacation rentals.

From treehouses to private islands and even a cave condo, there's something for all tastes and budgets on this innovative new show.

And, what's better is all of the rentals are available to rent on platforms like Airbnb, so you can add them straight to your bucket list.

(Image credit: Netflix )

Each of the experts is in charge of bringing something slightly different to the show, with Luis Ortiz championing luxury properties, Megan ensuring she's finding style on an affordable budget and Jo who is keen to add a slice of something differentfocussing on properties that are entirely out-of-the-box.

You'll see the trio travel to a beach house in Bali, a private island in the Bahamas, an igloo in Finland and so many more incredible places. It's enough to give you instant FOMO.

More from woman&home: Wild camping in Scotlandeverything you need to know The best lodges with hot tubs, don't miss these Scottish gems Bare all on the UK's best nudist beaches for families and couples

(Image credit: Netflix)

With the world opening up again and the prospect of travel back on the cardsjust how easy is it to find your own hidden gem on Airbnb?

Whether it's for a cosy staycation or something further afield, travel blogger, Jo, told Architectural Digest, "Everywhere we went, I would look geographically where most people havent gone."

As is happening with the van life travel trend, rather than follow the path well-travelled, look outside the box.

"That is my trick. Avoid the top-10 list and look for the people, culture, and festivals. Sometimes that is the catalyst to get you somewhere you might not otherwise go."

(Image credit: Netflix )

Stream The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals on Netflix now. But be warned, there are only eight episodesdon't binge them all at once!

Original post:

If you love travel then Netflix's The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals is your next watch - Woman & Home