Category Archives: Private Islands

The journey started with a 45-minute private seaplane ride from Nadi International Airport. Bobbing through tufts of white cloud, we passed over first archetypal jungled islands, then the Great Astrolabe Reef the worlds fourth largest barrier reef that abuts Kokomo, before the descent to the resort. These scenes seemed simultaneously familiar and surreal, painted entirely in primary colours.

Eventually, we reach our destination, a vantage point to soak up the vista of the piercing white sands and blue waters of the South Pacific. We can even see the island where the French version of Survivor was filmed.

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My guide Tony says guests always feel the island as soon as they arrive. Hardly surprising given arriving on the island means being welcomed in song by the resorts entire staff, an experience that is surprisingly moving. Especially when you realise that everybody, from the receptionists and head chef to the marine biologists who keep an eye on the islands many conservation projects, all lend their voices. Bula, indeed.

Fiji has always suited holidaymakers across the generations, and that goes especially for Kokomo. We spy honeymooners who hold hands at every available opportunity, jumbles of extended families grandparents enjoying precious time with sandy toddlers, sisters-in-law gossiping on sun loungers with the kids happily in the Kaji Club and retirees sitting in companionable silence while they enjoy another sorbet sunset.

The chic and spacious open-plan one-, two- and three-bedroom villas all have private infinity pools and Fijian design touches in the woven matting and wooden details, as well as colourful abstract paintings by Australian artist Chris Kenyon (who lived and painted on the island for six months). Theres a hammock under a palm tree, a peach of a beach at the end of the garden and a minibar that even holds house-made dark chocolate-covered honeycomb which Id consider requesting as my last meal on earth.

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There are also the five grand residences, resplendent on the hilltops with sweeping catch-your-breath views, up to six bedrooms, several lounge and dining areas each, a pool (of course) and the services of a private butler, nanny and a buggy the only transport on the island.

Its easy to imagine that the larger villas and the residences make light work of multi-generational holidays, always offering space and the opportunity for privacy when needed. Anyway, squabbling is hard to really commit to in paradise. It never feels busy on the island dont rush, we are constantly told by staff. The message: slow to island time. Breathe. Relax.

On Kokomo you could happily do absolutely nothing at all, never even leave your villa. Or perhaps just read by the beach with periodic sighs at the pristine surrounds: vibrant hibiscus and strelitzia flowers, bulbous banana blossoms, the sweep of the shoreline palm trees, the unending blue sky, the beach you cant stop taking photos of

You could visit the Yaukuve spa for a Pacific Mastery massage, or try the local take on the traditional Moroccan hammam. For something more vigorous, theres water sports from sailing to kayaking. Or theres the hilltop gym where the view makes a fine respite from shoulder presses or a private PT session.

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Exploring the neighbouring reef, stretching some 65km around the Kadavu group of islands, is recommended. Its a prized place for diving, snorkelling and fishing indeed many guests travel from afar to fish for the likes of dog-tooth tuna with the islands two resident fishermen.

We headed out twice, first on a guided reef tour with two of the islands marine biologists, whose projects include coral nurseries and clam restoration. Kokomo guests can also sponsor a manta ray as part of the islands Kokomo Manta Conservation Project. Which goes a long way to explaining why some of the majestic rays we spied on our second snorkel, out near an uninhabited island near the barrier reefs wall, gloried in the names Pancake and Mr Willy.

Witnessing the profusion of colourful corals, and also the coral bleaching hitting some of them due to the rise in water temperatures, is a stark reminder of the preciousness and precariousness of nature. Youd never want to take it for granted.

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Theres bounty on land too at the islands farm. The lettuce and herbs are from the propertys land, just as the breakfast eggs are from the islands own chickens, and this year was a bumper heirloom tomato season. For executive chef Andy Bryant, planning the menu at one of the islands three restaurants, Beach Shack, is to begin with whats available first. Theres also farm-fresh Italian at the poolside Kokocabana restaurant and at the punny Walker dPlank thats so close to the waters edge we watch schools of baby sharks as we dine on local chef Caroline Oakleys daily changing menu that melds Fijian, Japanese and subcontinental flavours.

Beyond what we eat, where we swim and what we see, we feel, as Tony says. For instance, when we join a traditional kava ceremony, performed at all important moments in life in villages all around Fiji. Kava, made from the ground roots of the plant Piper methysticum, is also drunk at the end of a long day to lift spirits and relax the body.

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Its there too when the staff sing their farewell to us, by which point everyone knows our names. And what we feel is supremely relaxed and entirely happy. Weve been swimming with mantas and picked fresh mint, soaked in our villas enormous bathtub and in the balmy ocean, and lapped up every sunrise. Weve felt the energy of the island and its people. Bula! we shout to everyone we pass.

Accommodation at Kokomo Private Island Fiji includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, nanny services, daily laundry and pressing, non-motorised water sports and more. A one-bedroom Sunrise villa starts from US$2,200 per night, and a Grand Residence from US$6,900 (all rates exclude 15 per cent government tax and are based on off-peak stays). See kokomoislandfiji.com for details.

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Dont hurry, be happy at Fijis carefree Kokomo Private Island - Style

Just a short flight from the U.S. and one of the worlds lesser-known airline hubs Panama is an ideal destination for time-constrained travelers seeking a spectacular journey without having to travel far. In particular, the country's magnificent west coast includes unspoiled, emerald isles, white-sand beaches, dense jungles, and one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean.

The area's thriving coastal and marine environments make it a playground for wildlife: sea turtles, giant rays, humpback whales, and hammerhead sharks, among others. It's hard to find a better place for outdoor activities like sportfishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing.

Kerstin Meyer/Getty Images

Emmanuel Burgio, a member of Travel + Leisures A-List and the founder of Blue Parallel, a luxury travel boutique, recently scouted the region for a new luxury tour. Focusing on epic outdoor adventures, exclusive insider experiences, white-glove service, and experiential lodging, this new itinerary includes stays at two private-island paradises on the warm, crystalline coast. Below, Burgio shares the details.

This private, 400-acre resort has eight beachfront casitas (plus a VIP Villa Estate) from which guests can explore seven untouched private beaches, wilderness trails in the jungle, and stunning ocean views.

When you arrive at your casita, it's only a matter of time before you put down the phone and "island mode" begins. I recommend the spectacular Las Rocas Restaurant & Bar, which uses local, seasonal ingredients. You can also participate in a hands-on cooking class to learn about Panamanian cuisine.

During the day, take a private boat to nearby islands and islets, where you can find more hidden beaches: These are perfect places to see natural landscapes and diverse flora and fauna while snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding.

On land, you can take private guided jungle hikes around the islands, passing white mangroves, bird-filled lagoons, tide pools, and coconut groves. If youre lucky, you might hear the loud roars of howler monkeys in the trees.

Courtesy of Isla Secas

This glamorous resort is spread across an archipelago of 14 islands. Each luxurious casita has ocean views, a private plunge pool, and a tropical garden, while the resort boasts a wellness spa and restaurants specializing in ocean-to-table gastronomy. Another highlight is the high staff-to-guest ratio, which creates a personalized, intimate experience.

A visit here is not complete without making the most of the outdoor excursions on offer, especially spending the day in Coiba National Park. Home to 750 fish species and 80 bird species, this UNESCO-designated protected area is Panamas alternative to the Galpagos Islands. Try hiking through the islands ancient forest, snorkeling, or scuba diving.

Another exhilarating activity I recommend here is sportfishing. The world-renowned Hannibal Bank and Isla Montuosa both underwater regions in the Pacific Ocean are ideal for trying this, as they're known as great places to catch marlin and tuna.

Emmanuel Burgio is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and creates custom trips in Central and South America. All of the experiences mentioned above can be arranged as part of a tailor-made itinerary bycontacting the Blue Parallel team or emailingemmanuel@blueparallel.com.

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How to Visit the Pacific Coast of Panama, According to a Travel Expert - Travel + Leisure

Themed brunch now served on Caribbean cruises; award-winning mixologist David Wondrich crafts exclusive 18th Century Pirate Punch

SEATTLE, Oct. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh, local flavors lead the way for Holland America Line's award-winning cuisine on Caribbean sailings with new regionally themed menus in the Dining Room and Lido Market. Adding to the culinary journey, Caribbean-bound guests can now enjoy a new themed brunch, indulge in local rum tastings, and savor a traditional, pirate-inspired rum punch crafted by renowned mixologist David Wondrich, who also will share his expertise on a March cruise aboard Zaandam.

"The rich flavors of the Caribbean add a new dimension to our guests' dining experience..."

Offered on sea days, all dishes on the new Caribbean Brunch menu in the Dining Room showcase fresh, local ingredients. Selections range from sweet tropical flavors to savory and include Jamaican Banana Pancakes, Sweet Potato Chowder with chili peppers, Cuban Medianoche Pork and Cheese Sandwich, Jerk Burger with grilled pineapple salsa, Dominican Fried Chicken with beans and rice, and Florida Key Mahi-Mahi Sandwich with grilled pineapple.

"The rich flavors of the Caribbean add a new dimension to our guests' dining experience with an immersion into the region's culinary heritage from fresh Puerto Rican tostones made from local plantains to a variety of tropical fruits and spices," said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and guest services at Holland America Line. "Even traditional Holland America Line favorites, like our bread pudding and crepe bar, will embrace Caribbean flavors with new variations in Lido Market."

Local Flavors on Display in the Dining RoomThe Dining Room features a range of new dishes showcasing island staples and favorites on all Caribbean cruises, including:

Taste the Caribbean Islands in Lido MarketDuring Caribbean sailings, the casual Lido Market features regional favorites like Puerto Rican Tostones. Made fresh daily with plantain chips, Puerto Rican Tostones are served open-faced for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Topping selections range from tropical fruit for breakfast to pulled pork, garlic shrimp or vegetarian for dinner.

The Lido Market's popular crepe bar features regional fruits and toppings with a buttered rum sauce. Lido dinner options include Caribbean Lamb Curry, Caribbean Roasted Pork Sandwich, Jerk Lamb Shank, Braised Brisket Criollo, Frita Cubana, Jamaican Garlic Shrimp, Jamaican Braised Oxtail, Rockfish Cou-Cou, and a selection of regional island hot sauces.

Caribbean Bread Pudding Holland America Line's bread pudding is a longtime favorite and the most requested recipe by guests. While traditional bread pudding originated in Europe, it also has strong ties to the Caribbean where early settlers used local flavors to create their own, unique bread puddings. To honor this fusion of flavors, Caribbean sailings feature new bread puddings, including Jamaican Bread Pudding, Chocolate Hazelnut Bread Pudding, Caribbean Bread Pudding, Chocolate Bread Pudding, Coconut Bread Pudding, Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding and Blueberry Croissant Pudding -- all served with a warm rum vanilla sauce.

Pirate History Meets Modern MixologyWhile the original Caribbean pirates didn't have the luxury of today's premium cruise ships, modern guests can indulge in a concoction inspired by their seafaring traditions. Crafted by David Wondrich, a James Beard award-winning drinks historian, the new 18th Century Pirate Punch draws inspiration from the rum punch shared by pirates. It features pot-stilled Jamaican rum, a dash or Orange Curaao, various citrus juices and a traditional sprinkling of fresh-grated nutmeg.

In addition to the punch, guests can indulge in a unique rum tasting that samples premium rum from distilleries in the region. Highlights of the rum tasting include:

Learn Cocktail History from Beverage Aficionados on Panama Canal CruiseBeverage aficionados David Wondrich and Jeff Berry will be on the March 16, 2024, 14-day Panama Canal voyage aboard Zaandam to host seminars and tastings titled "From Pirates to Tiki: A Voyage Through the History of Cocktails on the Panama Canal."

An internationally renowned cocktail historian, Wondrich is one of the founders of the modern craft cocktail movement. He is the author of five books, including "Imbibe!" the first cocktail book to win a James Beard award, and editor-in-chief of the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails. Wondrich has been involved in the creation of several world-renowned spirits found in most craft cocktail bars, including Ransom Old Tom Gin and the multiple award-winning Plantation Stiggins' Fancy Pineapple Rum.

Jeff Berry also is an innovator of the cocktail revolution who specializes in vintage tropical drinks. The New York Times cites Berry as "the Indiana Jones of Tiki drinks." Berry has been featured multiple times on national television and in major news publications, including profiles in USA Today and Wine Enthusiast Magazine,and his drinks have won critical acclaim in Esquire, Playboy, The New York Timesand other national magazines.

Fresh Fish ProgramHolland America Line recently introduced a new fresh fish programfleetwide. The pioneering initiative engages a global network of 60 ports, including many in the Caribbean, to source and serve 80types of fresh fishonboardin all restaurants,going from port to platein less than 48 hours.

2023-2024 Caribbean VoyagesDeparting from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Holland America Line's Caribbean cruises sail October 2023 through April 2024 on six ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Volendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam. Voyages offer flexible itineraries with convenient weekend departures ranging in length from seven-day getaways to 21-day explorations. Most cruises include a stop at award-winning Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line's private island, recognized as the "Best Private Island" by the readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line onTwitter,Facebook, Instagramand the Holland America Blog.You can also access all social media outlets via the home page athollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]Holland America Line has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests enjoy the best entertainment at sea each evening and dining venues featuring exclusive dishes by world-famous chefs. A new global fresh fish program brings more than 80 types of fresh fish on board, sourced and served locally in regions around the world.

CONTACT:

Bill Zucker, Erik Elvejord

PHONE:

800-637-5029, 206-626-9890

EMAIL:

[emailprotected]

SOURCE Holland America Line

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Fresh Puerto Rican Tostones and Stone Crab Highlight New ... - PR Newswire

NEW YORK A recent Bloomberg report announced that Taylor Swifts wealth is now an estimated $1.1 Billion, after her record-breaking Eras tour and left many progressive, leftist white women reeling with feelings of confusion and uncertainty.

Its been a fascinating phenomenon to witness Taylors major fan base, liberal and more recently, progressive because its cool, white women be in complete shambles upon her billionaire status being announced, said NYU Professor of Sociology, Michelle Stoakes. You see, to this group of women; Taylor can do no wrong. However, also to this group of women, billionaires are evil puppy-eating plankton who deserve to be electrocuted. So you see their predicament? This will certainly be a sociological marvel to be studied for decades and you wonder if Taylor will be spared when the lower classes finally rise up and take back all of the wealth billionaires have been hoarding.

For some of these white women, this is the first time they have ever been faced with an ethical dilemma of these proportions.

I voted for Bernie. I posted the black square and then eventually deleted it. I did everything a good leftist, white woman is supposed to do, said Brooklyn Socialist activist and dedicated Swiftie, Jamie Klein. I simply never thought this day would come, when my hero, Taylor Swift, would become a billionaire. I know shes always been wealthy, but I thought it was like private school wealthy, not multiple private islands wealthy. Ive tweeted All Billionaires should have a date with a guillotine. Im hoping this is all a clerical error and Taylor still just has 999 million dollars.

Knowing backlash on her daughters wealth would be imminent, Swifts mother Andrea weighed in to defend her years of hard work.

Listen, we hear everyone. We are tapped into the zeitgeist! We see everyone being mad at Jeff Bezos and Elon and that other one. But Taylor would never do bad things with her money, said Mrs. Swift. This is my baby were talking about! She simply wants to continue housing recent divorcees in her many NYC condos and maybe buy the Kansas City Chiefs or whatever! Her and Travis are really looking to settle down and focus on what really mattersgetting some of this money into an off-shore account stat.

At press time, enrollment in the Democratic party among formerly progressive white women tripled since the release of 1989 Taylors Version with many of them applauding Swifts girl boss moves.

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Progressive White Women in Shambles After Taylor Swift Becomes ... - The Hard Times

We are inside a glass box of a gondola, part of the longest passenger cable car in the world, flying silently along on a nearly five-mile ride, and some 50 stories above a sapphire sea just off the coast of Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam. On this bright March afternoon, hundreds of colorful wooden fishing boats speckle the crystalline water below as we sail toward Hon Thom Island.

On the way back, as the 20-minute ride nears an end, Phu Quoc station and the newly built town around it come into view. The station looks like a full-scale, prefab section of the Roman Colosseum, and the town is an elaborate facsimile of a seaside Italian city complete with a hulking bell tower, mock baroque fountains in piazzas and pseudo Roman ruins. Fanning out all around are several hundred pastel and almost entirely empty terraced buildings lining streets named Venice, Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento.

It looks like Disneyland, said an amply tattooed Tomek Tabaka, 44, part of a foursome of Polish friends traveling together, or maybe The Truman Show.

This two-part tourism colossus, called Sun World Hon Thom and Sunset Town, is one of Vietnams most astounding man-made attractions (or abominations depending on your point of view).

That it is anchored by a cable car is on trend for Vietnam, which is in the middle of a cable car bonanza. The nation is home to four of the longest cable cars in the world, all built in the last decade, underscoring the stunning transformation of Vietnams economy and tourism sector.

Most of the growth in the global cable car industry is in the urban transit and tourism markets, and most of the action in the tourism sector is in Asia, said Steven Dale, founder of the Gondola Project, an industry tracking website. And in Asia, he said, one of the most prolific cable car developers is Vietnam.

On a per-capita basis I would guess that Vietnam has more than any other Asian country, said Mr. Dale, who is principal planner in the cable-propelled transit group SCJ Alliance, a Washington State-based consulting firm.

Some 26 cable car lines have been built in a dozen locations across Vietnam over the past two decades, according to data from cable car manufacturers. Of course, hundreds of ski lifts have been built in Europe over the same period. But Vietnam is remarkable in its rapid escalation of the installations for tourism.

Most of Vietnams systems were built by the Doppelmayr Group of Austria, one of two consortiums that dominate the industry, for the Sun Group of Vietnam, one of the communist countrys biggest real estate and tourism developers. Sun Groups founders made a fortune selling instant noodles in Ukraine before returning to Vietnam in 2007 to make a splash in tourism on Ba Na Hills in Danang, starting with a 3.6-mile cable car to the top.

The company has added several more cable cars on Ba Na Hills, including the worlds longest single-cable ropeway last year. Over time, it turned what had been a French hill station into Sun World Ba Na Hills, a European-style theme park with a faux French village and Gothic cathedral, underground amusement park, fairy-tale castles and a bridge seemingly held aloft by two giant hands that has become an online sensation. Sun Groups leaders insist on record-breaking cable cars with each project, as if on a patriotic mission to produce world-renowned tourism projects in Vietnam.

The companys six Sun World attractions with cable cars boast nine Guinness World Records, including: longest three-cable ropeway, at Phu Quoc (4.9 miles); biggest cable car cabin (230 passengers) on the Ha Long tramway; tallest cable car tower (705 feet), along the line to Cat Ba Island; and greatest vertical ascent (4,626 feet) to the top of Fansipan Mountain Vietnams tallest peak in the north in Sa Pa.

The cable cars can be seen as amazing feats of engineering that provide easy access to remote places, the height of transport entertainment and with a low-carbon footprint. But they are typically parts of mass-tourism complexes, and some travelers, citizens and environmental activists see them as scars on the landscape and a symptom of rampant overdevelopment by powerful conglomerates.

Environmentalists are anxious over Sun Groups on-again, off-again plans for Cat Ba Island, neighboring the famed Halong Bay in the northeast of Vietnam, including a network of cable cars, a resort, a golf course and a cruise ship port all in an area designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

But in the northwest of Vietnam, near the summit of Fansipan Mountain, where Sun Group inaugurated a Buddhist-themed complex in 2018, the Thai visitors Suvisa Vathananond and Patrick Tunhapong, both 44, considered the project a good balance between preservation and development.

They had ridden to the top in a gondola shrouded by thick clouds, as if trapped in a soap bubble encircled by smoke, before finally bursting into the clear near the summit, two miles into the sky. There, the thickly forested ranges perched on a shelf of cottony clouds, offering a view of the mountaintop complex modeled after 16th century Vietnamese pagodas, including a 10-story belfry, a network of stone staircases and a giant seated Buddha. No amusement rides, no hotels, no replicas of European landmarks.

They say this mountain is sacred to Vietnamese people, so you expect temples and a big Buddha image, said Mr. Tunhapong, who helps Ms. Vathananond run Norths Chiangmaihistorical tours in that popular Thai city in the northern hills. My grandmother can come up here and if Im fit and young I can hike up here, too. Its a small thing to add into a landscape compared to having a big tourist trap all the way up here. Its a good compromise.

Down at the foot of the mountain in the town of Sa Pa, the reviews were more mixed. Sa Pa hosted a mere 65,000 tourists in 2010, before an expressway was built from Hanoi in 2014 and the cable car opened in 2016. By 2019, visitors had skyrocketed to 3.3 million, according to the Sa Pa government, and hit 2.5 million last year in the post-pandemic rebound.

Vu Han, 26, who was visiting for her mothers 60th birthday, likes how the cable car makes the mountain more accessible, but is not a fan of the towns unbridled growth.

I see that their lives are getting better and that tourism is developing the province, said Ms. Vu, who was working for a nongovernmental health care and education organization in Ho Chi Minh City. But I still see too many buildings, too many huge hotels that are ruining the scenery. And I see a lot of kids going around asking for money.

Roads and schools have much improved in the past 20 years, said Phil Hoolihan, who runs ETHOS tours in Sa Pa, with Hmong guides leading treks through terraced rice fields and hill tribe villages; the Hmong are a marginalized ethnic group in the area. An unintended benefit of the cable car is that, because the mountaintop draws thousands of visitors daily, they arent crawling everywhere and the villages remain really traditional, he said.

Some Hmong residents see definite downsides, noting that many porters and guides who used to lead hikes up Fansipan are out of work. And they complain that most of the visitor dollars go to big companies like Sun Group while the prices of land, housing and food climb.

Sun Groups chairman, Dang Minh Truong, in written responses to questions, highlighted the thousands of jobs created by Sun World properties and how the projects help strengthen communities and contribute to the enrichment of society. He also noted the companys desire to help Vietnamese to access their countrys endless natural wonders and to mark Vietnam as a must come destination on the global tourism map.

Vietnams topography with its abundance of mountains, jungles and islands is a natural fit for cable cars, which can be built faster, cheaper and with less environmental damage than roads, said Mr. Dale, the cable car expert.

They also make sense for a developing country of about 100 million people with a rapidly growing middle class that may not easily afford a trip to Rome or Paris, but can manage a $25 to $45 round-trip cable car ticket for a taste of ersatz Europe.

Ly Tran, 34, who taught hospitality at a Ho Chi Minh City university before moving to Portugal to study for a doctorate in tourism, was with her Portuguese partner visiting Hon Thom the small, private island owned by Sun Group where the Phu Quoc cable car leads to a sprawling water park. The company has plans to add two more amusement parks, three resorts, a futuristic skyscraper and hundreds of villas. The couple were taking a break in a palm-shaded coffee shop while their tour mates frolicked on huge, colorful water slides.

Vietnamese appreciate that tourism complexes like Sun World are well organized and clean, Ms. Tran said. And cable cars make sense, she said, because Vietnamese tourists approach sightseeing differently from Westerners.

When you see Westerners going sightseeing, theyre going to be in sports shoes and clothes, she said. But if you see Vietnamese, they are usually in a long dress and sandals or high heels. They want to be beautiful for the photo shoot.

For Frank Ngo, 41, a physical therapist from Anaheim, Calif., whose parents fled Vietnam in 1978 after the war, the cable car presented an unexpected perspective. He and his wife, Karen Do, 34, on their first trip to Vietnam since they were adolescents, marveled at the advances in the country and the smooth sailing in the gondola back to Phu Quoc.

Its crazy looking out at the ocean like that. My parents were boat people. They were out there for like five days in the open sea, Mr. Ngo said, as we stepped into the Colosseum-esque station. I was picturing me being them out there on the boat; Im trying to wrap my head around that.

Patrick Scott writes frequently for Travel. Follow him on Instagram: @patrickrobertscott

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If You Can Take the Cable Car to the Colosseum, You're in Vietnam - The New York Times

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Where On the remote north-western coast of Tenerife, in the mountainous Teno Rural Park. Tenerife South airport is about an hour and a half by car, Tenerife North just under. The nearest town, Buenavista del Norte, is a 15-minute drive.

What A restored villa on a 10,000 sq m plot, with a main residence and an independent apartment, adding up to 290 sq m of living space. The space is clean and contemporary with some classic elements, such as the wooden floors and stone fireplace.

Why Set in a rugged natural landscape and with lighthouse views, the villas location offers good opportunities for lovers of hiking and the natural world.

Who Engel & Vlkers

Where In the residential area of Cuesta de los Alvarados, in the municipality of Santa Brgida. The drive to Gran Canaria airport takes about 20 minutes.

What A 574 sq m villa with five bedrooms (all en suite), a pool and terrace. The property also comes with various outbuildings, as well as parking with an EV charger.

Why The villas exterior is strikingly designed with large roof overhangs, a landscaped garden, and a rectangular pond in addition to the pool.

Who Madrid Sothebys International Realty

Where In the grounds of the Abama Resort, on the western side of Tenerife. It takes about half an hour to reach the islands southern airport by car.

What A contemporary new-build with an interior area of 269 sq m, including three bedrooms with en suites. The private pool and decking area look out over the Atlantic Ocean, towards La Gomera island.

Why The villa comes fully furnished, and the Abama Resort takes care of maintenance (for an additional fee). Access to the resorts facilities, such as the fitness centre, communal pools and Owners Club, are included in the price.

Who Abama Hotel Resort

Where In the village of Mcher, towards the south of Lanzarote near Puerto del Carmen. The islands international airport is less than 15 minutes by car.

What A six-bedroom, four-bathroom villa spread over 418 sq m on a single floor. Sitting on a 2,000 sq m plot, the property is open-plan, spacious and modern, with full glass frontage that capitalises on an ocean view.

Why The outdoor space includes a private heated pool, landscaped gardens and generous terraces.

Who Lanzarote Investments

Where On the seafront of Puerto de la Cruz, a town in the north of Tenerife. It takes just under half an hour to drive to Tenerife North airport, and about an hour to Tenerife South.

What With a total of 260 sq m of living space, this penthouse residence is split into a two-bedroom, two-bathroom main apartment and a separate guest suite. The main apartment features a connected kitchen, living and dining area with sea views. The guest room is accessed via an outdoor spiral staircase, and has its own kitchenette in addition to the en suite.

Why A roof terrace of more than 100 sq m is well suited to entertaining, and provides excellent views of the ocean.

Who Engel & Vlkers

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Hot property: five homes for sale on the Canary Islands - Financial Times

Amid the Cayman Islands pursuit of becoming a global financial and technological hub, the introduction of virtual asset service provider (VASP) legislation in 2020 has positioned it as an ideal domicile for digital asset businesses.

Gautam Ganeshan, partner, digital assets, and Gideon Smit, director, digital assets at KPMG explore the compelling reasons behind choosing the Cayman Islands for digital asset operations.

They delve into the VASP Acts requirements, and highlight the regions growing prominence in the digital asset fund space.

KPMG in the Cayman Islands, as a leading professional services firm, offers a comprehensive range of services to support businesses in this evolving landscape, from audit and assurance to tax and advisory services.

There are numerous factors for digital asset businesses to consider the Cayman Islands as a place of domicile. As part of the Cayman Islands continued efforts to be a leading global financial and technological hub, the Cayman Islands government, in 2020, introduced virtual asset service provider legislation.

This enabled high quality digital asset businesses to establish operations, operate in a regulated manner, and take advantage of all that the jurisdiction has to offer.

There are several reasons why the Cayman Islands are an ideal place to set up a digital asset business or re-domicile from another jurisdiction. The Cayman Islands are widely recognised as a leading global financial services centre with a strong regulatory and legal environment.

The Cayman Islands Government and the regulator, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), have fostered an environment which is conducive to innovation and growth while maintaining appropriate safeguards in place to protect customers and stakeholders.

This is evident by observing the government and industry bodies early efforts to work together to create a welcoming regime for digital asset businesses, including the VASP Act, with the initial implementation of Phase One commencing in October 2020.

The VASP Act requires all VASPs to be licensed or registered with CIMA. VASPs are entities that issue virtual assets and provides other services, which among others, may include exchanging virtual assets for fiat currencies or other virtual assets, transferring virtual assets, or providing custodial services of virtual assets.

As of October 2023, there are over 20 entities which have been approved as a VASP by CIMA. The entities include OTC desks, brokers, and most recently, a non-custodial virtual assets exchange.

While the Cayman Islands authorities realise the transformative nature of virtual assets, the real-world compliance challenges of virtual assets have not been ignored. VASPs, registered in the Cayman Islands, must appoint an anti-money laundering compliance officer (AMLCO) (which for a VASP, needs to be approved by CIMA), a money-laundering reporting officer (MLRO), and a deputy money-laundering reporting officer (DMLRO).

Additionally, entities are to implement risk-based monitoring procedures requiring, amongst other requirements, that its counterparties are appropriately identified, suitable record-keeping is maintained, and employees are fully trained. The AMLCO, MLRO and DMLRO have the responsibility of overseeing the VASPs adherence to the AML regulations.

The Cayman Islands is a global financial centre with, as of 30 June 2023, close to 30,000 private and hedge funds registered in the Cayman Islands. As with traditional funds, digital asset fund managers are also noting the Cayman Islands as the fund domicile of choice, with several leading digital asset fund managers maintaining registered funds in the Cayman Islands.

KPMG in the Cayman Islands can provide independent audit services designed to enhance the reliability of information prepared by our clients for use by investors, creditors, and other stakeholders in accordance with country-specific statutory requirements. Audit services also include a wide range of other forms of attestation reports.

Tax is constantly evolving. Organisations, large and small, are increasingly exposed to new rules, regulations, and trends in local and global tax. Whether individual or corporate, we can help you stay competitive and compliant.

KPMG Advisory professionals work with our clients to create unique propositions and help solve clients current needs while providing insight into the future challenges that they may face. We are committed to exceeding the expectations of our clients and supporting them as they grow.

No matter where you are in the business cycle, whether its advice on improving the performance of your business, undertaking a transaction, or restructuring your company or advice on how to handle risk and compliance we can help. KPMGs advisory practice can provide the following services: Management consulting; Risk consulting; Deal advisory.

Passion is what drives entrepreneurs; its also what inspires KPMG Private Enterprise advisers to help you maximise success. You know KPMG; you might not know KPMG Private Enterprise. KPMG Private Enterprise advisers in member firms around the world are dedicated to working with you and your business, no matter where you are in your growth journey whether youre looking to reach new heights, embrace technology, plan for an exit, or manage the transition of wealth or your business to the next generation.

Working with KPMG Private Enterprise, youll gain access to a trusted advisor a single point of contact who shares your entrepreneurial mindset. With access to KPMGs global resources and alliance network, well help you drive your business forward and meet your goals. Your success is our legacy.

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Where to Relocate: Cayman Islands with KPMG Cayman Islands - The Fintech Times

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A tropical vacation in the Maldives can be affordable if you know where to stay Photo courtesy of SHansche / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

It's easy to write off dreamy island locales as being too expensive for a bucket-list vacation. After all, it's hard to get to places like Hawaii, Bali, and the Maldives from the U.S. without spending a bundle on airfare, not to mention an entire day, or two, at cruising altitude. But, there's good news.

These dream destinations are also some of the most budget-friendly international vacation spots, where it is possible to find affordable accommodations. In fact, it's often cheaper to stay at one of these all-inclusive waterfront properties abroad than it is to pay for a three-star hotel at home.

Whether you're a solo traveler treating yourself, a couple rekindling the romance, or a family of four with two hyperactive kids, here are 10 of the best budget-friendly island beach resorts where rates start under $200 a night.

Pro tip: Most cheap rates aren't offered year-round; for maximum savings, travel during shoulder seasons.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is just a 30-minute seaplane ride from Male Photo courtesy of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Rustic luxury best describes the Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort. Travel May through November for the cheapest rates.

Of course, youll have to shell out a little more for an overwater bungalow with views of the nearby UNESCO biosphere reserve. But even the beachfront villas on dry land come with private plunge pools. The resorts amenities include two restaurants, two bars, a spa, library, dive center, and a cinema under the stars.

Oceans Edge Resort & Marina may not front the best beach in Florida, but it boasts six swimming pools plus a marina Photo courtesy of Oceans Edge Resort & Marina

Bring your own boat, or charter one, at Oceans Edge Resort & Marina, an oceanfront resort boasting a 165-slip full service marina. Youll find the best rates in September, but theyre pretty reasonable other times of year.

While its tempting to stay in the well-appointed rooms all day (think plush bath robes, premium bedding, and private balconies), youll probably want to check out the propertys complimentary paddleboard, kayak, and bike rentals. Or hop on the free shuttle into town and explore the Key West Historic District, one of the best places to visit in Florida.

Meli Punta Cana Beach Resort prides itself on being a wellness-inclusive property Photo courtesy of Meli Hotels International

The adults-only Meli Punta Cana Beach Resort offers exclusive access to one of the longest white sand beaches in the Caribbean. It has a robust calendar of complimentary programming featuring fitness classes, beach volleyball, live performances, and workshops highlighting the local Dominican Tano heritage.

For the cheapest rates, consider booking in October when you can easily stay for under $200 a night.

Aleenta Phuket Phang Nga Resort & Spa sits on one of Phuket's most beautiful beaches and has phenomenal sunsets Photo courtesy of Aleenta Phuket Phang Nga Resort & Spa

OK, Thailand is not an island, but this award-winning resort and Small Luxury Hotels of the World member is absolutely worth mentioning in a round-up of budget-friendly bucket-list beach vacations. Aleenta Phuket Phang Nga Resort & Spa is one Thailands best bargains when it comes to five-star properties. Get more bang for your buck by booking four nights and enjoying the fifth for free.

This gorgeous resort is situated on the sunset side of the Andaman Sea and pristine Natai Beach. Each suite features a private pool or swim-up access. Theres an on-site spa, wellness classes, and a restaurant, plus an exceptional golf course nearby.

Kids stay and eat for free at Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts

Just 10 minutes after touching down at the airport you can have your toes in the sand at the family-friendly Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali in Kuta, the beating heart of Bali. With access to Jerman Beach, a gym, a spa, a pool, two restaurants, and a swim-up bar, youll never have to leave the resort.

Rates often start under $100 a night and include free breakfast for up to four people. It pays to look for deals, too: Sometimes, you can get a third night free when booking two nights.

The five-star Iberostar Selection Sbila is an adults-only oasis in the idyllic community of Costa Adeje Photo courtesy of Iberostar Hotels & Resorts

For VIP treatment without the hefty price tag, crash at the contemporary Iberostar Selection Sbila resort. Fronting two of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, the adults-only resort is a star of Costa Adeje. And with United's nonstop flights from Newark, New Jersey, to Tenerife, the island has never been more accessible.

Budget-friendly rates include the islands most tempting buffet breakfast. If you really want to treat yourself, book a Star Prestige room that gives you access to the exclusive Sky Lounge and perks like personalized reception and late checkout.

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The all-inclusive rates at Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan include gratuities and unlimited golf at the Reef Course Photo courtesy of Grand Lucayan Beach & Golf Resort

Between the 18-hole golf course, oceanfront spa, hair salon, and children's playground, there's truly something for everyone at the all-inclusive Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan.

Rates are reasonable and the staff gets rave reviews, plus there's a car rental service on-site, so you can book a car for the day to explore the rest of Grand Bahama Island.

Royal Kona Resort hugs the rocky west coast of the Big Island, so it has incredible sunsets Photo courtesy of Royal Kona Resort

While it can sometimes be difficult finding affordable rooms in Hawaii, rates at Royal Kona Resort are always reasonable. The three-star property on Kailua Bay includes a spa, fitness center, surf shop, pool, mai tai bar, and saltwater lagoon.

For an additional fee, get front-row tickets to the resort's traditional luau, complete with fire dancers, live music, and all-you-can-eat buffet.

Fitzroy Island Resort is the only property on this lush island just 15 miles from Cairns Photo courtesy of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ)

Located in one of Queensland's most beautiful national parks off the coast of Cairns, the Fitzroy Island Resort is the perfect homebase for exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

The family-owned and -operated property offers a kids' playroom, island store, pool with swim-up bar, restaurant, beachside bar, and miles of walking trails. Theres even a sea turtle rehabilitation center, where guests can volunteer as part of a citizen science program.

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All guests have access to the water park slides at Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort Photo courtesy of Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort

Forget Santorini. If you're on a tight budget but still want to experience a Greek island, head to Crete where you can stay at the Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort. This all-inclusive resort is super affordable and full of amenities for the whole family.

Hang out at the property's private beach club or embrace your inner adrenaline junkie at the on-site water park. The resort, which is carved out of a cliff, boasts three tiered swimming pools. There's also a kids' club, two tennis courts, and a wellness center.

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10 budget-friendly island resorts for a cheap beach vacation - USA Today