Category Archives: Private Islands

The Patriot Ledger

Did you know there is a Boston Harbor Island you can walk to at low tide from Quincys Squaw Rock?

Thompson Island is a Boston Harbor Island that can be accessed at low tide by a large sandbar. This means you can walk from Nickerson Beach in Squantum, Quincy to Thompson Island. Manytimeseach month, the tide will be so low you can walk across the spit and visit the beaches surrounding Thompson Island for several hours. It is a beautiful way to spend time outdoors.

The law that allows people to walk the spit from Quincy to Thompson Island is called the Colonial Ordinance.The Colonial Ordinance reserved three specific and important rights of public use within the private tidelands for fishing, fowling, and navigation.

The permissible uses are interpreted by Massachusetts Court as 1) the right to fish on foot or from a vessel; 2) the right to navigate, including windsurfing and sailing; and 3) the right to hunt birds for sport on foot, which also covers birdwatching. Accordingly, the public has access to any so-called private beach or tideland area as long as they are legitimately engaged in fishing, fowling, or navigation.

In 2002, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the U.S. National Park Service paid $4 million to Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center to agree to a Grant of Conservation Restriction, which designated most of the east and west ends of the island asconservationareas, and protected them from development. Thompson Island is required to allow unescorted public access to theseconservationareas year-round via ferry, but this isnt happening.

In addition to preserving theconservationareas, the Conservation Restriction is also supposed to enhance public access of Thompson Island. In 2002, the year the Conservation Restriction Grant for Thompson Island Outward Bound was signed, there were 19,000 visitors to Thompson Island. This number included 5,600 participants in educational programs. This was according to the Boston Harbor Island General Management Plan. In 2012, when Marc Albert of the National Park Service did the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center assessment, he noted there were only 128 visitors. He stated in his report, this was a problem that needed a solution.

Thompson Island is supposed to be open to the public, but this isnt happening. Instead, a very few Boston Public School children spend a bit of time there. Thompson Island is really being used to raise lots of money with corporate events. Arthur Pearson, CEO of Thompson Island Outward Bound,is paid an exorbitant amount of money as the head of anon-governmental organization.

There are twoseparate,but equally important issues. First, the Colonial Ordinance allows for citizens to walk on the spit between Quincy and Thompson Island. And walk the beaches as long as they are birding, fishing, or navigating. It would be important to carry either a camera, binoculars, or a fishing rod. Sadly, Thompson Island Outward Bound Island staff is illegally telling people to leave the beaches.I understand fromAlbert of the National Park Servicethat,the public is allowed to access the tidal areas. (Marc Albert email 10/2/20).

The second issue is the Conservation Restriction Grant that was signed in 2002.Thompson Island Outward Bound Education has not honored the Conservation Restriction and National Park Service and the Department of Conservation and Recreationare not enforcing the Conservation Restriction.Thompson Island does not pay taxes. They contribute nothing but providing a brief learning experience for Boston Public School children. Thompson Island Outward Bound is required to provide access to the island year-round.

It is time that Thompson Island Outward Bound be held accountable. It is time for Michael CreaseyatNational Park Service and James Montgomeryatthe Department of Conservation and Recreationto do their jobs.

People more than ever need a green space. Walking across the spit along the beaches around Thompson Island, according to Colonial Law, will provide this opportunity.This is an issue of environmental justice. Otherwise, the Boston Harbor Islands are only available if you have lots of cash for a boat ride.

Joan Delaney is a family nurse practitioner, life-long Quincy resident, and believes that a small group of people can bring about meaningful change.

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Opinion: Thompson Island is supposed to be open to the public, but that isnt happening - The Patriot Ledger

Private equity sponsors, investors, lenders and service providers will be well aware of the Cayman Islands' prominence as a domicile for global private equity funds. For the best part of 20 years, sponsors and their global advisers have been attracted by the Cayman Islands' neutrality, efficiency, quality and flexibility but also by its predictability.

So when, at the prompting of the European Union, the Cayman Islands announced in early 2020 that all Cayman-domiciled closed-ended funds (including private equity and real estate funds) would be required to register with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) by August 2020, this seemed like a shake-up.

Now that the dust has settled, what lessons have been learned?

The three unknowns are:

For this unusual year, it feels fitting to mandate private equity funds to accept a new normal. That so many thousands have done so says something about the resilience of Cayman private equity structures and perhaps even human nature.

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Snapshot: private fund registration - what have we learnt? - Lexology

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI - Grand Hotels iconic swimming pool, created a century ago along the edge of the famous property, is being extensively renovated with modern and luxurious upgrades that will be unveiled to guests when the resort opens for the new season this May.

Long known as the Esther Williams swimming pool for the Hollywood star who filmed a 1947 movie there, work on the elongated hourglass-shaped pool began last year.

Grand Hotel has shared some of the renderings and details of the upgrades, giving a sneak peek of a pool space that shows a stunning makeover of what had been a kind of vintage-resort swim area.

A rendering of what the new pool area will look like at Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel. Poolside cabanas can be reserved in advance.

Some of the changes will include:

This rendering shows a waterslide and jet-spray area, some of the kid-friendly upgrades coming to Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel pool area.

Along with the pool renovation, the pool house is being reconstructed and expanded to contain a fitness center and bathhouse, complete with upscale changing rooms, lockers and showers. Additionally, the resort will debut a new pool bar and kitchen for guests to enjoy elevated cocktails and bites, a Grand Hotel spokesperson said.

There will also be a pool area dedicated for private events, and the second floor of the redone pool house will feature new meeting and event space. This includes a covered, outdoor seating area with unobstructed views of the Straits of Mackinac. This new meeting space will provide a remarkable option for groups seeking an inspiring location for their event with the option for outdoor space, with the ability to reserve a poolside cabana for a relaxing post-meeting experience.

New pool furniture and decking are part of the improvements planned for Grand Hotel's swimming area, as shown in this rendering.

Big Changes

The pool renovation is one of a handful of noticeable changes planned for the islands landmark resort for the upcoming season. Grand Hotel willroll out its signature red carpets and open its doors for its 135th season on Friday, May 7.

On the ground floor where its retail corridor is located, the hotel plans to debut Grand Kids, stocked with merchandise that caters to its youngest guests. There will also be upgraded boutiques for men and women featuring clothing as well as accessories.

The hotels Grand Coffee and Provisions, which just opened last year, will expand its offerings to include more picnic-style and to-go items. This will let guests select their favorites and take them outside to enjoy on the resorts landscaped grounds, or bring them along on their island adventures.

A Hollywood Touch

Grand Hotel is heading into its second year under new ownership, and the pool renovations will likely be the most extensive improvement project to greet guests this season. The swimming area has been a touchstone - and a savior - for the resort ever since Williams aquamusical, This Time for Keeps, was filmed there post-World War II.

The lean war years had brought most big resorts to their knees, and Grand Hotel was no exception. It saw a 90% drop in guests. While it never closed its doors during those financially devastating seasons, there was one particularly dark day when 400 hotel employees were on staff to serve just 11 paying guests, according to resort historian Bob Tagatz.

But the Esther Williams movie put Grand Hotel on the map, Hollywood-style. People saw the film and wanted to stay in the resort they saw on screen. And they wanted to swim in the same pool where Williams had. The years after the movies release saw Grand Hotels guest registers begin to swell. The hotel filled up. We started making money, Tagatz told MLive earlier. And the pool that was as curvaceously-shaped as Williams was named after the swimming star.

For more tidbits from Tagatz about the history of the movie - like why Williams went through so many swimsuits, and the genius way hotel staff heated the pool for her - see this story on the era, complete with vintage photos of the pool.

Grand Hotel is now taking reservations for the 2021 season. For details, check the resorts website or call 1-800-33GRAND to speak with reservation staff.

READ MORE

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Sneak peek at Mackinac Islands Grand Hotel pool renovations: waterslide, cabanas, adults-only area - MLive.com

On Friday, Verzuz postponed the Ashanti and Keyshia Cole battle set to air tomorrow night, breaking the hearts of R&B fans for a second time. "This has been an emotional week," the VerzuzTV page posted on Instagram, citing Wednesday's insurrection at the Capitol. "In addition, as COVID-19 numbers continue to increase, safety is a top priority for us. As much as we enjoy having everyone together in the same room, to protect the artists and everyone who works with us in putting the shows together, we'll be going back to separate rooms for a bit." Certainly, none of us want to continue watching Verzuz on whatever shoddy internet connection Teddy Riley was using, but this response reads as if COVID's infection rates have not been increasing all along. It also makes one thing clear: Touring and live shows may have ceased, but the grandeur of celebrity keeps the haves and the have nots in completely separate worlds.

Swizz Beatz and Timbaland's pivot to Instagram Live battles in March didn't just redefine who gets to be considered a legacy artist, but it made celebrities look like humans. They were confined to their four walls too, and even if they were sheltering in place in mansions, they were trying to adjust to a new normal like the rest of us. In a matter of months, the series evolved from a camera-phone quality operation from remote locations to a more fleshed out production, via an Apple Music partnership. The show began uniting artists and entourages in relevant locations, like Bounty Killer and Beenie Man's show in Jamaica (the series' first in-person battle) and Gucci Mane and Jeezy's Magic City takeover in Atlanta. With Verzuz, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland did what hip-hop has historically done: turn a shitty situation into a (virtual) party. The series' success (with its viewership beating out 2020's MTV VMA ratings) is a direct reaction to COVID and quarantine, but as time has passed, it began to feel like Verzuz's in-person was largely ignoring the reason it began in the first placeuntil the series, and its participants, were forced to address the pandemic-sized elephant in the room.

In December, many prepared to time travel back to Y2K, breaking out our defunct two-way pagers to watch Ashanti and Keyshia Cole defend their titles as staples of R&B and hip-hop of the 2000s. But 2020 had other plans. "Hey yall I can't believe I'm saying this but I tested positive for COVID-19," Ashanti shared on Instagram. "I'm ok and not in any pain. I'm actually down to do the Verzuz from my house We're trying to figure it all out."

A look at Ashanti's Instagram page makes the unbelievable a lot more believable. In October, she celebrated her birthday in Antigua, and was vacationing in Nairobi when the Verzuz battle was announced. Days before her arrival, the CDC issued a travel notice naming Kenya a Level 4, the highest level, for COVID infections: "Travelers should avoid all travel to Kenya." According to the notice, all travelers should be tested after their trips and quarantine for one week upon return. On December 8, Ashanti posted Verzuz merch, tagging Nairobi as her location, which seemed odd given that she was set to be in the same room as Keyshia Cole days later. But the next day, Nairobi News, a local paper, documented her arrival to the country. "Ashanti's visit comes a few days before her most anticipated Verzuz battle with fellow RnB singer Keyshia Cole slated for Saturday, December 12, 2020," the paper wrote. If you're keeping up, you're right: It would be impossible for Ashanti to return to the states in time in order to quarantine 7 days before sitting in a room with Keyshia Cole and a production team. But the larger question is, why was it scheduled when she was abroad to begin with?

Verzuz has been the closest thing we've gotten to live music in nearly a year. The news of yet another postponement stings, but it goes to show that the virus can affect everyone. A new year didn't wash away the residue of how traumatic 2020 was, and experiencing an insurrection in the first week of 2021 didn't make it any easier. Watching celebrities charter private jets and private islands to retain a sense of normalcy while 140,000 jobs in the US were lost in December alone and D.C. is in shambles is a grave reminder that the privilege of money transcends turmoil.

Kristin Corry is a Senior Staff Writer at VICE.

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Verzuz's Virtual Return Shows Celebs Have Always Lived in Different Worlds - VICE

It catered to those that had more money than most of us could spend in a lifetime, any could view choices in buying a yacht, choosing mega-million-dollar homes, or even traveling to obscure or interesting countries around the world.

To say that the people running this channel were out of touch with the average human being is an overstatement, but one has to assume that there were enough to watch them to pay their bills. With programming such asBoys Toys, Dream Cruises, Private Islands, and Platinum Playgrounds,anyone with enough money could sit back and be entertained with shows that matched their lifestyle. As you might guess, AWE was founded by an eccentric insomniac millionaire, Robert Herring.

It didnt take long for his news junkie focus to become bored with AWE and so in 2013 he decided to change the channel to OAN (One America News). All you have to do is watch this channel to realize that the name is an oxymoron. What may have started with the idea of a real news broadcasting organization made an abrupt right turn as the dawn of the 2016 approached. From that point on, OAN became a kind of Trump tv, and it was done to compete with Fox. OAN quickly transitioned from middle of the road reporting to a channel that tried to find the most outrageous and bizarre conspiracy theories and lies that they could tell to woo Trump to their side. . .and it worked.

Its quite apparent that 80-year-old Robert Herring has long forgotten his middle-class roots. Although he began his professional career as a circuit board sales rep in Orange County, California, he made his millions by founding and then selling two circuit board companies of his own. If there is one thing that we can say about many salesmen (or women) its that they usually have their pitch ingrained in their souls.

Sales reps know that it is ALWAYS about the sale whether the product is good, bad, destructive, or just an outright lie. This is the philosophy that Herring lives by.

Herring is adept at seeing what sells and in news junkie format, he became obsessed with how MSNBCs Rachel Maddow and Foxs Bill OReilly were redesigning information by beating one or two topics to death.

In a Washington Post articleentitledAn inside look at One America News, the insurgent TV network taking pro-Trump to new heights

In 2013, the family created its second channel, One America News. Robert Herrings idea was to provide something that had gone missing from the cable news landscape a basic headline service covering national and international news. Herring, long an active donor to political campaigns, had no journalism experience.

The channel he created is a rapid-fire cavalcade of headlines. Most stories run well under a minute. Almost all of the reports are read by the anchors over video footage provided by the Reuters, Associated Press and Euronews services, as well as by RT, the Kremlin-funded news outlet that a U.S. intelligence report calls Russias state-run propaganda machine.

The OAN Con: Appeal to Trump and the Trump Cult

Herring may be noted as one of the first to recognize that Trump was broadcast gold. His bizarre, strange, ridiculous, sick and twisted presence may make a majority of us want to vomit, but there is no doubting that mainstream media saw him as a draw for the public. Herring made sure that OAN broadcast all of Trumps Hitler-esque rallies, even when other channels werent. They also constantly praised Trump and never criticized or made a negative word about him.

Just having conservative so-called news that mimicked other broadcasts wasnt enough. Herring knew that he had to get national recognition in the WH Press Briefings. To that extent he sent so-called reporters to attend, and the success was shown when they were moved from the back of the room closer to the front when one of them refused to comply with social distancing and later began praising Trumps claim for the potentially dangerous drug, hydroxycholorquine, as a COVID-19 cure. Herring knew that Trump is a narcissist and always rewards those that compliment and coo to his side. But not everything went the way of OAN, as even when Herring had a meeting with Trump at the White House, the channel received only a positive comment about their graphics.

It has taken almost 4 years for OAN to gain favor with Trump, and one may give credit to Fox as having finally had enough of Trump as they have started to actually report news that wasnt the brainwashing propaganda that Trump wanted them to tell. Looking for another source to soothe his ego, Trump began to field more questions from the OAN reporters and talk about the station in a more positive light.

Trying to make a state-run news organization like the ones that we saw in pre-WWII Germany and Italy is a difficult job. In anarticleby CJR:One America News was desperate for Trumps approval. Heres how it got it.

Charles Herring, OANs president and Robert Herrings son, says that the networks news shows are unbiased. Our news anchors are NOT allowed to express their opinion, he wrote to me in an email. They are presenters, and the STAR of the show is the news, not the talent. But to tune in is to enter a dizzying alternaverse in which the least credible of Republican talking points are taken as fact. On OAN, Trump is perennially the victim ofdeep-state scheming Democrats efforts to block a census citizenship question werea ployto hijack the Electoral College. And the Pentagon, by investigating atrocities committed under the American flag, is waging a war on warriors. Last December, OAN rana three-hour specialin which Rion and Rudy Giuliani collaborated to debunk the impeachment hoax. (Russian state television laterrebroadcastpart of the special.)

[Andrew McCormick, CJR writer] spoke with more than a dozen former and current employees of OAN, some on the condition of anonymity because they feared reprisal. A few had kind words for the network and for their coworkers, but collectively they described a circus, where ethics are absent, turnover is high, and dissent is met with rage. At the helm, they say, is Robert Herring, a wealthy businessman and kind of mini-Trump, whose near-singular focus seems to be supporting the president and his policies. [Herring] is the network, a former anchor told me. He is in control of absolutely everything he wants to be, and if someone doesnt like it theyre fired.

Robert Herring is a kind of enigma. While he is in lockstep with most of Trumps ideologies such as anti-immigration, racism, bigotry, and climate change denial, he also drives a Tesla, invests in stock and demands that there are no negative stories on the company. Other topics that are taboo include police brutality against Black Americans, specifically unarmed Black men. The channel may have started out with a desire to be a middle of the road reporting, but it has turned into whatever Herring wants.

OAN may be parroting whatever the right-wing Trump cult wants to hear, including some of the tin foil hat stuff from the likes of Breitbart, but they have competition. Quite some time ago I wrote anarticleentitled: Sinclair Conservative Broadcasting Set to Spread Propaganda to almost Half of American Homes

THIS SHOULD SCARE THE CRAP OUT OF YOU

This is information regarding the hundreds of local broadcasting stations that Sinclair has bought up around the country:

As newspapers shut down across the country they create what is known as information deserts and its in these areas that Sinclair has jumped in to buy up local television stations so that they can fill the gap with the kind of propaganda that one would only expect to see or hear in an authoritarian regime.

Under the guise of balanced reporting, Sinclair is manipulating what the average American sees and hears to match what THEY want you to believe.

If you still doubt, just take a look at thevideothat was exposed to show the kind of cut and paste content that they are sending out in the over 193 stations that they own; which is currently 39% of American households.

Image source: Funny or Die

The Continuation of Crazy without Trump

Now that Trump is becoming yesterdays news and everyone from the State of New York to Deutsche Bank and the country of Scotland are coming after him for his criminal activities, the question to be asked is: will there be anyone to buy the nut job reporting of right-wing media?

Rupert Murdoch knew that there was a market in the U.S. for those that would believe absolutely anything. He made his millions in the U.K. with tabloids that did this kind of lying and then founded Fox (not news) in the U.S. These are the same people that continue to buy our grocery store tabloids and watch shows like Honey Boo Boo and Duck Dynasty. Some have said that they arent the smartest tool in the shed and based on what we have seen in the last 5 years, I think a lot of us believe it.

As Fox has lost favor with Trump, we are seeing organizations such as OAN and now Newsmax add to the Sinclair Broadcasting efforts to accomplish the Orwelian mass brainwashing with propaganda that should be obvious to even 10-year-olds. Sadly, it appears that what many around the world think of our citizens is true Americans really ARE that stupid!

Thus far, there are billions of dollars invested in these right-wing extremist broadcasting groups and they arent going to let a little thing like a lack of Trump stop them. We can only hope that the new Biden/Harris administration will work with our legislators to introduce requirements for cable news to offer truth in reporting. . .what a concept.

(S. Novi is a journalist that worked in the media and continues to seek out truth and integrity. A liberal and one that is suspicious of cults and empty promises. This piece appeared on Medium.com.) Prepped for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.

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From Wealth TV to OAN - Rich Conservatives are Brainwashing the Country - City Watch

Most people arent going anywhere this winterthat much is certain. But as we inch toward the one-year anniversary of the pandemic that changed our lives, its fun to dream about the places we want to go the moment things finally start returning to normal. Are you ready to come along for the ride?

Let your imagination run wild with this list of 2021s must-visit destinations, including Egypt. / Photo by Alison Wright/Getty Images

If theres any place in the world that loves to do things over the top, its this Mediterranean micro-state, the capital of mega-yachts, billionaires, high-stakes gambling, and all that glitters. For 2021, Monaco plans to make history by hosting not just its famed Grand Prix motor race in May, but three consecutive confetti-filled, champagne-drenched events. Not the car-racing type? Consider visiting in July or August for Monaco Art en Ciel, an internationally recognized fireworks festival. Just be sure to pack your black-tie attire and leave time for a round of roulette at the Monte Carlo Casino.

GETTING THERE

Numerous airlines have connecting flights from Boston to Nice; its then a 30-minute drive from the airport to Monaco. But we suggest leaning into the adventure and booking a Monacair helicopter transfer for 130 euros per person for the real 007 experience.

STAYING THERE

Book a room at the Htel Metropole and youll have exclusive access to the Metropole restaurant and terrace, with views of the only downhill stretch of the circuit. For a quieter seaside respite, try the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, located on its own private waterfront but only a short walk from the action.

History, art, architecture, and culture collide in spectacular fashion in Venice. / Photo by Paulina Stopka/Getty Images

This is itthis is the year you book that trip to Venice. With climate change and rising sea levels, you might not get another chance. When you do finally get there, youll see that the floating city isnt just about gelato cafs, gondola rides, and centuries worth of Italian arte classicaits also a haven for architecture buffs, who have studied it for decades. This year Venice will offer its Biennale Architettura 2021, an immersive citywide exhibition of conceptual displays put on by the worlds most interesting builders and thinkers between April and November. When youre not picking up some design inspo to bring back home, consider venturing beyond the famous city to take in the mountains, lakes, and fresh air of the breathtakingly beautiful Veneto region.

GETTING THERE

Alitalia has a convenient overnight nonstop from Logan to Rome-Fiumicino that takes less than eight hours. From there its a painless one-hour connection onward to the City of Bridges.

STAYING THERE

Its all about the iconic Gritti Palace, a 500-year-old former noblemans house turned luxury hotel. Ask to stay in Ernest Hemingways favorite suite so you can wake up to the sounds of the Grand Canal lapping below.

Theres no wrong time of year to visit Botswana. / Photo by Michael Kuhlmann/EYEEM/Getty Images

Lets face it: The most exotic animals youve probably seen recently are the chipmunks and squirrels in your own backyard. Could there be a better time, then, to check a safari off your travel bucket list? While South Africa and Kenya are the obvious destinations for first-time Africa visitors, travel insiders know Botswana to be something of a hidden gem: The camps are luxurious and private (Prince Harry has been known to favor Meno a Kwena on the Boteti River), the crowds are sparse, and the wildlife is sublime. Head to the Okavango Delta or Makgadikgadi Salt Pans between June and October, and youll be rewarded with herds of elephants playing on riverbanks and more than a few lazy lions lounging in the sun.

GETTING THERE

Its not a particularly quick or direct trip, but flying 12 hours on Qatar Airways from Boston to Doha, then grabbing a connection onward to Gaborone, makes the ride comfortable.

STAYING THERE

Long-standing favorite Jacks Camp just got a total rebuild but still has the antique furniture, jacquard-flap tents, and 1940s vibes that its fans adore. Traveling with the brood in tow? Check out the brand-new Xigera Safari Lodge, which features a two-bedroom family suite.

Soak up the sun and some dry desert heat in Palm Springs. / Photo via Westend61/Getty Images

The desert is looking particularly hot this year. Long a must-visit for enthusiasts of midcentury architecture (and those looking to escape Bostons frigid winters), Palm Springs is upping its cultural cred in 2021 with several distinctive experiences. First, the internationally acclaimed biennial art exhibition Desert X returns this February through April 11, letting visitors experience the unique landscape in a new way through site-specific outdoor art installations. Second, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, opening this year, offers a glimpse into the rich history of the regions Cahuilla people.

And finally, July brings the debut of Palm Springs Surf Club, a recreational epicenter created by pro surfers and featuring an enormous wave pool that lets you hang 10 surrounded by views of sand dunes and mountains.

GETTING THERE

Hop on JetBlues direct flight from Logan and youll be basking in the California sunshine in just over six hours.

STAYING THERE

The 29-room Casa Cody, Palm Springs oldest operating hotel, just reopened following a full renovation (and still has one of the best locations in town, just steps from the Palm Springs Art Museum). Book the Olympic Cottage, which housed athletes during the Los Angeles 1932 Summer Olympics.

Belize is truly a choose-your-own-adventure destination, whether you prefer exploring or posting up on the beach with a frosty cocktail. / Photo via Thpstock/Getty Images

It might be the size of New Hampshire, but this small Caribbean nation teems with adventure at every turnmaking it the ideal escape for those whose quarantine was painfully sedentary. Explore long-forgotten Mayan ruins hidden in the jungle; hike to a waterfall in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the only jaguar reserve on earth; swim with friendly nurse sharks in the North Islands; and sample some of the best tacos in the world at the Orange Walk taco festival this November. It says a lot about the destination that its miles and miles of unspoiled white-sand beaches are somehow the least interesting reason to visitbut dont get us wrong, after so much exploration, youll definitely want to set aside at least a few days to recover beachside with a rum punch in hand.

GETTING THERE

A connecting flight through Atlanta on Delta gets you to paradise in under seven hours.

STAYING THERE

No need to vie for beach chairs or fight over restaurant reservations when theres nobody else aroundprivate island Cayo Espanto offers seven secluded beach villas, so you can go your entire stay without seeing another guest. For easier access to Belizes activities and attractions, check out the brand-new Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection opening in March.

Egypts temples, tombs, and mummies have attracted visitors for millennia. / Nick Brundle Photography/Getty Images

Its been at the crossroads of the world for centuriesand thanks to recent investments in preserving the areas iconic architecture and artifacts, itll continue to be for years to come. Start your Indiana Jones adventure in Cairo, where the government just last year unveiled a $6 million, 14-year restoration of Pharaoh Djosers stepped pyramidthe oldest colossal stone structure in Egypt, dating to the 27th century BC. Then continue on to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, which will be the largest archaeological museum in the world when it opens its doors this spring, with many pieces on display for the first time. After youve explored the pyramids and museums in the Greater Cairo area, hop on a quick flight to Aswan in the countrys arid southern region, where youll find Egypts greatest hits of tombs and temples.

GETTING THERE

You can connect through New York or Europe on numerous airlines, but a 12-hour Emirates flight to Dubai ensures youll have a restful overnight leg before transferring to Cairo.

STAYING THERE

The Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah is centrally located and features an extraordinary infinity pool overlooking the Nile. If Nile cruises are up and running when you visit, consider the Steamship Sudanthe last remaining belle poque vessel of its kind on the river.

What Tofinos waters lack in warmth, they make up for with gnarly waves. / Photo by Manuel Sulzer/Getty Images

After a year of being stuck at home, were all itching to explore uncharted territory. Enter the village of Tofino, British Columbia: Nestled on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the remote destination is a nature lovers paradise where fishermen, surfers, and posh Vancouver weekenders live in harmony with the elementsall of them. Given that there isnt much between here and Japan except a few thousand miles of open North Pacific, when a storm rolls in during the off-season, its truly a spectacle to behold. When youre not exploring, try snagging a table at the award-winning Wolf in the Fog, where chef Nick Nuttings potato-crusted local oysters with apple and truffle oil attract foodies from around the world.

GETTING THERE

Youll have to hop, skip, and jump your way across our neighbor to the north on Air Canada or WestJet, but once you arrive in Victoria or Vancouver, BC, its a quick 45-minute flight on Pacific Coastal Airlines to Tofino, or a scenic drive across the heart of the island.

STAYING THERE

Each room at hotelier Charles McDiarmids luxurious Wickaninnish Inn comes with a soaking tub, fireplace, and picture window to experience Tofinos famous storms from the comfort of your roomas well as a rain slicker and boots in the closet if you feel like braving the weather outdoors.

Deep powder, Rocky Mountain views, luxurious hotels, a picturesque townthis is a winter destination that both die-hard skiers and die-hard lodge bunnies can get behind. / Jeff R. Clow/Getty Images

Leave the aprs-ski crowds in Aspen and the congested lift lines in Vailsocial distancing is the name of the game in this charming ski village, which boasts some of the tallest lift-accessed vertical drops and biggest skiable acreage on the continent. Hit the slopes and youll see why many pro skiers keep coming back season after season to the quaint Wyoming hideaway, where the terrain offers everything from beginner hills to the gnarliest of the gnar. Traveling with lodge bunnies, or perhaps your quads need a break for the day? Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks make for a scenic daylong road trip.

GETTING THERE

Connect through Chicago, Minneapolis, or Salt Lake Cityand keep an eye out for the Jackson Chamber of Commerces customary glass of bubbly (currently on hiatus due to COVID) upon arrival.

STAYING THERE

Pull out all the stops and book a suite at the over-the-top Caldera House, a swanky ski-in, ski-out hotel with an in-house ski shop. Grab a drink at the guests- and members-only bar, and chances are youll run into slope stars like Bode Miller.

Close enough for a road trip but far enough to feel totally new, Charlottesville offers a winning combination of history, culture, food, and wine that any Bostonian would find well worth the journey. / Photo by Thatree Thitivongvaroon/Getty Images

Calling all vino lovers: If youre tired of staring at the same bottles but arent ready to fly all the way to Bordeaux to upgrade your stash, a road trip from Massachusetts down to the other commonwealth is an equally transportiveand intoxicatingexperience. C-ville has history, restaurants, and the University of Virginia, but its also located in the center of the Monticello American Viticultural Area, where Thomas Jefferson famously claimed the U.S. could produce as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe. There are more than 30 stops along the Monticello Wine Trail, each with its own distinctly American history to explore. And with tourism here a fraction of what youll find at wineries in California or Europe, you wont have to worry about crowds as you savor cabernet franc amid views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

GETTING THERE

The trip can be done in just under nine hours by car, or its a quick flight to Richmond, Virginia, and then a one-hour drive.

STAYING THERE

Take a break from sipping and swirling at the year-old Quirk Hotel, the first boutique property to open downtown. Or unwind in the countryside at the Keswick Resort, which reopens this year after a complete renovationand with chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten overseeing all of the culinary operations.

Old meets new, city meets naturenowhere else does these things like Japan. Even if youre not going for the Olympics, there is still a lifetime of exploration to find here. / Photo by Carrie Huang/EYEEM/Getty Images

After a one-year COVID delay, its all eyes on Tokyo for the Summer Games of the XXXII Olympiad. If you arent lucky enough to score tickets to the Games themselves, there are still plenty of reasons to visit right now, from sampling Japanese whiskey at one of the citys hidden speakeasies to creating unforgettable Instagram posts among the otherworldly dots and immersive installations at the Yayoi Kusama Museum. Even just standing at Shibuya Crossing during rush hour and watching hundreds of pedestrians scramble-cross the intersection is worthwhilebecause after the most chaotic of years, seeing something so large have such order is sure to be an unexpectedly comforting experience.

GETTING THERE

It may be on the other side of the planet, but at least you dont need to make a connection: Japan Airlines offers a 14-hour direct flight from Logan to Narita International Airport.

STAYING THERE

An urban oasis in the heart of downtown, Hoshinoya Tokyo puts a deeply luxurious spin on the traditional ryokan, with an all-inclusive two-night, three-day relaxation program complete with spa treatments, deep-breathing exercises, hot-spring bathing, and immune-boosting fermented Japanese cuisine.

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A Bostonian's Guide toHopefullyTraveling This Year - Boston magazine

From treetop dining to underwater villas, the Maldives is coming up imaginative ways to help travelers stay socially distanced while still enjoying a vacation.

The island nation reopened to visitors on July 15, and more than 57,000 tourists have visited since. More airlines set to resume flights this month and next. Earlier in November, the country's tourist board launched a marketing campaign with the tagline: "Isolation never looked this good."

Visitors are required to show a negative Covid-19 test and fill out an online health declaration form. Resorts have increased cleaning and added contactless check-ins, but it's the privacy and seclusion that are likely to attract travelers.

At Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, guests can eat in a treetop, nest-like bamboo pod at a restaurant called Terra. Six "naturally distanced" nests seat two people, while a seventh can accommodate four, and the menu includes ingredients such as Alba white truffles and Wagyu beef.

Restaurant Terra at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Ithaafushi, which comprises three interconnecting islands, has seen increased demand for Terra, as well as in-room dining, and guests can also have spa treatments and yoga classes in their villas.

Travelers can book an entire island at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

One of the islands can be hired in its entirety. It includes three villas, five pools and a clubhouse, as well as a chef and concierge.

The Muraka residence at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has a master bedroom submerged 16 feet underwater. With a 180-degree curved ceiling, it is effectively guests' private aquarium. Upstairs there are indoor and outdoor lounges, a private pool and a bedroom with sunset views.

An underwater bedroom at the MURAKA, part of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island | Justin Nicholas

A personal butler, chef and private seaplane transfers are available as part of a VIP package, which starts at $46,500 a night for stays in November and December.

Singer Rita Ora and model Cara Delevingne have partied at Finolhu in recent years. Its two-bedroom "rockstar villas," which come with wine cellar and bar, are the most popular rooms.

Guests at Maldivian island Finolhu can stay in a private "bubble tent" on the beach.

Finolhu

But for a more socially distanced vacation, Finolhu has a "beach bubble tent" an enclosed transparent bedroom on a sandbar surrounded by ocean views. It comes with its own "bubble butler," and bookings include a private barbecue on the beach.

For those looking for a quieter vacation, tiny Kandolhu has just 30 guest rooms. It's surrounded by a coral "garden" that's accessible from the island.

Kandholhu in the Maldives has just 30 guest rooms.

Kandolhu | Universal

Socially distanced evening entertainment includes a moonlight cinema where guests can watch a movie in seclusion on a private jetty, with cocktails and snacks.

Kurumba is the original private island resort in the Maldives. Opened in 1972, it is a 10-minute speedboat ride from Velana InternationalAirport, the main airport in the Maldives.

Kurumba in the Maldives is offering a day of socially-distanced activities via its app.

Kurumba | Universal

Its recently-launched resort app lets guests book "Just You and Me Time," a day of socially distanced activities, including a private breakfast, snorkeling, a delivered lunch, a spa treatment, private dinner and movie night.

Those who want to work from isolation can book a month's "Work from Paradise" package on the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa.

The Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has launched a "Work from Paradise" package.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa

The stay includes a personal trainer, one dive or one spa treatment per week, a day trip to sister property Mercure Maldives Kooddoo and one night in an underwater aqua villa a 200-square-meter abode with an underwater bedroom.

People staying at the Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu resort in the Maldives' southern Baa Atoll can escape for a "Cast Away" break in a rustic room on the deserted Embudhoo island, a short speedboat ride away.

The private island of Embudhoo is part of the Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu resort in the Maldives.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Described as "the ultimate private and isolated getaway," travelers get the secluded island to themselves for two nights, taking breakfast and lunch picnics with them and enjoying a barbecue dinner in the evening.

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Tree pods and beach bedrooms: Social distancing in the Maldives - CNBC

The AAA Four-Diamond Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina is now taking reservations in advance of their Dec. 1 reopening. Situated on its own private island in the British Virgin Islands, the resort will once again welcome overnight guests and marina visitors, following a months-long closure of the entire Caribbean territory earlier this year due to the coronavirus. Having completed extensive preparations to safely welcome guests back, the resort has reactivated its online reservation system.

Weve been working diligently to comply with the travel protocols laid out by the BVI government, and to make sure the return of our guests is as safe as possible so they can relax and enjoy this fabulous island retreat, said resort General Manager Michael Schoonewagen. Our resort guests have the entire island to themselves, with ample space to spread out and enjoy the stunning natural Caribbean beauty in complete privacy. And the marina is perfect for those who want to venture out on a wide variety of land and sea excursions that still meet health and safety measures.

Several overnight options are available for both land guests and sailing vessels at the luxury resort. The property features 52 guest accommodations, including suites with gourmet kitchens, spacious living areas and private/oversized balconies, as well as a collection of two-, three-, four- and six-bedroom villas. The 55-slip marina can accommodate five mega yachts up to 170 feet. The resort boasts two private beaches, a waterfront infinity pool, an intimate spa, world-class dining, and access to dive and sailing charters, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling and more. An on-site boutique with high-end resort wear and accessories, a sundries shop offering grab and go options and a full-service provisions store with gourmet foods, fresh produce, meats, seafood, beer, wine, spirits and more are all available to resort and mooring guests.

All overnight guests at Scrub Island must adhere to a set of travel protocols and restrictions in accordance with guidelines established by the British Virgins Islands government, outlined on the destinations official travel website. As a member of Marriotts prestigious Autograph Collection, the resort also follows the brands Commitment to Clean program, providing a safe environment for guests and staff.

For reservations or more information, visit ScrubIsland.com or call 877-890-7444.

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Scrub Island Resort to re-open | Business | virginislandsdailynews.com - Virgin Islands Daily News

TheCOVID-19 pandemic is far from over, with many industries being badly affected by its impact. It goes without saying that the travel industry has been hit particularly hard: Global tourism lost 245bn in just five months. And whilst much of the world is currently combating a second wave, it is becoming apparent that the luxury travel industry will be changing for the foreseeable future if not forever.

But how have luxury travel companies adapted to the outbreak? What does this mean for the future of luxury travel? We spoke to Aruna Shah from Arburton, a London-based luxury travel concierge company, about their observations and predictions about the future of luxury travel.

Focus on Hygiene and Distance

While it may not be in place to the extent it is now, Social Distancing is here to stay.

Staying away from others will a prime concern for many who travel during and after COVID, luxury or otherwise, according to Shah.

And as such, they're concerned about the cleanliness of the facilities and being able to do things like checking in without having to be around another person.

Hotels Are Changing and Adapting

Hotels which havent been repurposed to help aid the COVID relief effort are adopting forms of check-in to adhere to Social Distancing where there is no, or limited, contact with others. Hotels are rearranging themselves, their internal procedures, and even interiors in order to create enough space and a safe environment for guests.

With less room available for guests, the focus of luxury travelers will be privacy and personalized experiences, explains Shah.

Increased cleaning procedures have also gained in importance and have become the new arms race. There is also a focus on using cashless monetary exchanges and experimenting with keyless technology, so that there is less touching of common areas.

Personalized Social Distancing

There are still people traveling during the pandemic who wish to experience luxury destinations, and as such, the focus is on privacy, discretion, and personalization.

With Social Distancing being the norm, this means that luxury travel must embrace the new social distancing mandates and what their customers are looking for, said Shah.

Luxury travelers are focused even more on privacy than they would normally. With some hotels not being able to provide this option, they may look for private villas, private suites,private yachts,or fully-enclosed houses or pods so they will not have to interact with people outside of their "bubbles."

Social Distancing measures will also increase the need for personalized experiences. More privacy precludes the need for fully staffed yachts or villas for instance, and people will look to book more remote and local locations with urban locations expected to struggle. Hotels will have to offer variable dining times to adhere to Social Distancing, and some luxury hotel chains have even gotten creative by offering luxury quarantine stays.

The Rise of the Staycation

Staycations, or vacationing within one's home city or country, hasbeen huge in the United Kingdom, and luxury travel has been accepting far more locals. In addition to individuals wanting more privacy and distance, they are checking in to far more hotels near their hometowns than ever before.

2020 has truly been the year for travelers to begin to wander a bit closer to home and check out the attractions in their own backyards, said Shah.

For now, travel industry experts say the luxury market will remain more local with people not wanting to venture too far from home.

Luxury Travel Will Become More Bespoke

Luxury, especially in current times, means something else to everyone these days, so the qualifying criteria are becoming a lot more diverse. Price tag and exclusivity will no longer cut it.

With Social Distancing measures, the demands and definition of luxury travel will change for everyone. For some, it may mean more time with their family and privacy as hotel spaces are becoming rarer; for others, it may mean a private safari at a luxury lodge in Kenya.

Luxury travel will become more complex. More variables will need to be considered, which will make travel advisors job more demanding.

Traveling Will Temporarily Become Cheaper But More Expensive the More Bespoke

Some countries that rely on tourism for most of the economy have called for people to come to the country, even during the pandemic. Prices for flights in the UK were slashed during summer of 2020 in an effort to entice Brits away for cheap holidays.

A similar trend is expected until next year, as hotels and operators are likely to reduce prices and offer generous cancellation and rescheduling options to entice travelers. This proves a unique opportunity to increase the value of trips: For us as travel advisors and planners, it means that we can add more value to our clients experiences, said Shah.

However, whilst this is true for the most basic means of travel, the more bespoke luxury VIP travel will become, the more expensive it will likely become. Since theres higher demand in private jet hire, luxury ground services, private villas, we are expecting prices there to rise, said Shah.

Safety, Security, Personalization, Discretion

In these uncertain times, discretion, safety and quality in travel are more important than ever, said Shah.

Whilst the pre-COVID world was more about personalized experiences, the post-COVID world will come with the element of personalized social distancing, said Shah. The post-COVID world will mean that trust, flexibility, and safety will become more important than ever when traveling or when staying anywhere around the world.

How Will Luxury Travel Be Affected Going Forward? 6 Predictions.

The travel industry has certainly suffered during COVID, but things will get better. There are thousands of travelers, particularly in the luxury sector, who are dying to get out of their support bubbles and get on with life, said Shah.

Once COVID has calmed enough to start world travel again, luxury travellers will be ready, and they will more than likely be ready for a total escape. However, the demands within the industry will drastically change.

Alternative Transport Will Become More Important

On the ground, private transport will see a boost in intercity and intracity travel. Chauffeur services will become particularly popular there is almost no risk of cancellation, more privacy, and their reliability and flexibility will be key compared to other modes of transport.

In the sky, privacy will be a key concern. Private jets and private helicopters will become more popular as they guarantee travel in a bubble. Since they also lend themselves better to short-haul slights, demands for shorter flights especially will grow.

Travel will also become more local, as close-to-home travel will increase demand in alternative means of transport. However, this will likely come with an increase in price, since demand will be rising for those services.

The Importance of Sustainability Will Increase

Whilst sustainability has been a key focus in the past years, popular urban venues and activities (such as theatres, operas, etc.) and overcrowded tourist areas will not be an option for quite some time, said Shah.

Hence, we will see a shift to more eco-tourism and nature experiences such as safaris, which travelers can do more safely, and which support the local economy around their usual travel destinations. Due to growing privacy concerns, access to space and nature will be more highly sought after.

Travel Advisors Will Become More Important

Travel advisors carried the largest weight of the complications which arose from borders closing, repatriating travelers, re-booking trips and cancellations.

The pandemic has shown that time is a luxury, and that the relationships that advisors have with hotels, tour operators, and restaurants are essential to deliver that trust, flexibility, and safety that travelers will be looking for, said Shah

The pandemic has also been an excellent time to forge these relationships, preparing the industry for a comeback once the pandemic is over, she adds.

Consequently, tours, excursions, and experiences will take a turn to personalized social distancing. As personal requirements become more complex, the role of travel advisors in delivering these personalized social distancing experiences will be key in satisfying this demand.

The Definition of Luxury Will Change

The meaning of luxury will change post-COVID and weigh more importance to the individuals own definition of luxury. More personalization will be key in delivering unique experiences for clients.

Privacy Will Become More Important

Privacy will become a lot more important and give rise to increasingly personalized experiences involving private jets, private helicopter charters, private islands, private villas and more. There will be less focus on requirements which were traditionally connotated with luxury, e.g. fully staffed yachts or villas, but more focus on remoteness, nature, openness and bespoke experiences.

The Industry Will Bounce Back

The travel industry will recover fast. People have been cooped up for months around the globe, and their wanderlust will be triggered once we can move freely again. The amount of jobs which depend on this sector is also huge: 10% of all employment around the globe depends on tourism, so it must return if not out of necessity.

Travel companies and especially the one specializing in luxury/bespoke travel should keep on top of any changes that are happening. They should be flexible enough to adjust and accommodate fast as this is going to be crucial going forward.

Getting Away During and After COVID

Are you thinking about booking a luxury vacation or staycation? Arburton work with some of the top luxury travel companies in the UK and the world and can help you book private travel to countries and cities of your choice.

Contact them nowto experience the best in first-class travel.

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What Does the Future of Luxury Travel Look Like in a Post-Coronavirus World? - Luxury Travel Magazine

PHOENIX, Nov. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --As the travel and tourism industry continues to be impacted internationally by COVID-19, Private Jetaway, a luxury travel company with private jet-to-villa turn-key packages, continues to enhance their services in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This world-renowned destination has been certified by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) as a Safe Destination, and is open to international tourism.

Earlier this year Private Jetaway partnered with both Elegant Mexico, whose portfolio offers luxury private villa rentals at the heart of Los Cabos, and the Zadn, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the latest resort in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio in San Jos del Cabo. Private Jetaway offers their "UltraLuxe Jet-to-Villa Retreat" packages with both partners.

"We are here to make that experience comfortable and convenient while incorporating proper CDC protocols," says Wayne J. Rizzi, President of Private Jetaway. "Unlike other private jet and luxury travel companies that piecemeal their partnerships, Private Jetaway offers an ultraluxe package inclusive of ground transport, private jet and luxury villa intricately designed for each valued guest with one call."

UltraLuxe Jet-to-Villa Retreat

ABOUT PRIVATE JETAWAY Private Jetaway, established in 2000, is a word-class luxury travel company offering wellness-vetted destinations, private jets, luxury villas, private islands, catamarans, and yachts. Since inception, Private Jetaway has partnered with world renowned luxury travel providers to bring about the extraordinary in turnkey bow tied "packages," and to exceed the personalized expectations that world travelers anticipate. (https://www.privatejetaway.com/)

Name of Contact: Wayne J. Rizzi Title of Contact: PresidentCompany Name: Private JetawayContact Phone: +1 (623) 745-0505Contact Email: [emailprotected] Website URL: https://www.PrivateJetaway.com

SOURCE Private Jetaway

https://www.privatejetaway.com

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Private Jetaway Is Leading the Way to Cabo San Lucas With Luxury Vetted Holiday Travel Retreats - PRNewswire