Category Archives: Private Islands

According to a 134-page document filed in the Summary Court on October 25, 2023, Patricia Bryan, host of the new talk show "Legal Talk With Patricia Bryan,"is suing Laveta Dunn, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), the Cayman Islands Government and a local recruitment company for damages. The Plaint alleges "discrimination" against Miss Bryan as a Caymanian and suggests that she suffered a loss of earnings. In addition, the Plaint alleges that certain conduct caused her "anxiety, intimidation, emotional distress."

The details of the allegation, according to the Plaint, are that Miss Bryan "was recruited on April 3, 2023, by CML Recruitment for a six (6) months-temporary-to-potential-for-permanent) contact with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Services Business Office to start on April 5, 2023."

The Plaint added:

That though Plaintiff was hired as a Paralegal, Plaintiff acted more in the capacity of Legal Adviser.

That the Manager Defendant Dunn consulted with the Plaintiff plus staff was directed to consult with the Plaintiff on interpretation and application of relevant Acts pursuant to services offered through the Department.

That Plaintiff's duties included reviewing certain Acts and recommending changes, interpreting and applying relevant Acts to services offered, revising and updating application forms for services, reviewing Police Clearances and Police Records before releasing to the public, drafting communication/correspondence, reviewing and drafting operating policies in conjunction with Defendant Dunn, and other relevant duties as assigned.

In carrying out Miss Bryan's duties, the Plaint alleges that "Defendant Lavetta Dunn, in her capacity as Manager of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Services (RCIPS) Business Office, created a toxic and oftentimes hostile work environment, engaged in offensive and abusive behavior; often failed to assert and conduct herself in a professional and respectful manner; often displayed poor leadership, engaged in periods of workplace bullying by way of and including speaking, to Plaintiff with disdain, and in condescending, belittling tones"

The Plaint also alleges that Defendant Dunn subjected her "to conversations of discrimination, malicious gossip, slander, and defamation from inception of employment and for most of duration of employment, of past management, past and present staff both within and outside presence of present staff."

These conversations allegedly extended to "discrimination" against Miss Bryan as a Caymanian.

Regarding this, the Plaint claims that Defendant Dunn "made statements such as "Well Patricia you can go tell your Caymanian people that we don't take cash in this office." This was allegedly said to Miss Bryan where "there were at least seven (7) or eight (8) other Caymanians on staff and who were present in the staff meeting."

The Plaint added:

The actions and conduct of Defendant Dunn were acts of which she acted unconscionably and carelessly, her acts caused anxiety, intimidation, emotional distress, disruptive to progress of Plaintiff's ability to professionally and to capably perform duties.

Due to this Plaintiff began to experience extreme anxiety, began to dread or be apprehensive of interacting with Defendant Dunn.

That due to the conduct of the Defendant Dunn Plaintiff consulted the advice of Senior Public Servants and RCIPS Officials, then eventually mental health services.

Regarding the RCIPS as a body, the Plaint alleges that the "RCIPS failed to immediately provide a work environment contrary to complaints from Plaintiff and failed to have Defendant Dunn refrain from and cease workplace toxicity including harassment, discrimination and bullying behavior" towards Miss Bryan.

The Plaint alleged further "That then-Chief Officer/Police Commissioner denied" her "a copy of the Report from Cayman HR, a privately recruited Human Resources company retained by RCIPS to investigate" her complaint.

Regarding this, the Plaint said Miss Bryan's request for a copy of the Report was rejected "on the grounds that the report was commissioned and paid for by the RCIPS, and that the subject of complaint had to give permission to release the report," even though Miss Bryan was the complainant.

The Plaint alleged further:

That then Chief Officer/Commissioner of Police in September during a meeting with himself and other senior officials advised Plaintiff that had she not resigned, she could be transferred to another position.

Thus, Plaintiff interpreted to mean rather than address and deal with Defendant Dunn's conduct Plaintiff would instead have to be uprooted from her position to start anew elsewhere.

This Plaintiff is aware has been done before plus cause others to request transfers or resign.

Facts are that two other staff members were transferred and resigned approximately the same time as Plaintiff.

The Plaint continued: "By way of these actions, RCIPS failed to remedy the workplace bullying, harassment and discrimination plus live up to its own policies against workplace bullying, thereby allowing a continuous cycle of toxic workplace environment."

Turning to the Government, the Plaint alleged as follows:

As an oversight did not provide direct legislations either and through the Labour Act or the Civil Service policies and procedures which address private employees hired by Employment Recruiters for positions within the Public Sector or Civil Service, and address employees subject to workplace toxicity.

That due to the lack of legislation caused there to be no Act within the jurisdiction which addresses employment issues which happens to an employee who is considered a private employee hired to a Public/Civil Service position and that because of this unconventional style of employment, the Public/Civic Service will not address a private employee, yet the present Labour Acts neither can address matters which takes place on a Public Service position, thereby leaving a gray area within the Cayman Islands Labour and associating Acts. This lack of legislation has left the Plaintiff in a state of limbo and dire straits on who and how to address employment issues of a private employee placed in a public employment and who experienced workplace toxicity, bullying, harassment and discrimination.

The Plaint concluded:

Due to the grounds set out above, in that the Cayman Islands Government including the RCIPS, breached contractual obligations and expectations by way of direct association with recruitment companies, violates the Cayman Islands Civil Service orders, and breaches the Cayman Islands Constitutional Rights of the Plaintiff.

Because of the acts or lack thereof and failures of all Defendants, the Plaintiff submit all Defendants effected a Breach of Contract, either directly or indirectly by association and relationship of all Defendants, and which caused the Plaintiff to be left with no other recourse except to resign to preserve Plaintiff's emotional and psychological state of mind, professional and personal morale, and humility.

Concerning the foregoing, the Plaint noted that Miss Bryan is seeking $20,000 in damages.

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Talk Show Host Patricia Bryan Sues Police and Government | Loop ... - Loop News Cayman

RIYADH: Theinternational culinary exhibition, InFlavour Expo, will begin at theRiyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Riyadh on Sunday.

InFlavour is a prominent global event that blends science, technology, art, business, hospitality and cuisine. It attracts renowned Michelin-star chefs, industry leaders, global consumer brand representatives and international luminaries.

The event, in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, will take place from Oct. 29-31. Visitors will be greeted with traditional Saudi treats, including maqshush, Saudi coffee and dates.

Celebrity chefs Marco Pierre White and Manal Al-Alem are among 200 F&B pioneers on the lineup, joined by industry leaders from companies such as Big Idea Drinks, Ossiano and Kitopi, the worlds leading multibrand restaurant and tech unicorn.

Known as the godfather of modern cooking, Marco Pierre White passionately supports the F&B industrys growth and progression. He considers it an honor and privilege to headline the first InFlavour event.

To be involved in the launch of Saudi Arabias first F&B event is incredibly exciting, not only because InFlavour promises to greatly accelerate the Kingdoms burgeoning food sector but, with government-backing, it is also clearly serious about improving food security and inspiring industry innovation across local and international businesses, White said.

Middle Eastern cuisine is all about coming together, sharing, socializing and indulging and that is what I see InFlavour bringing to the table. When you combine international knowledge, local insights, technology and cuisine, amazing things can happen. Given the list of expert speakers that I have seen so far, expectations should be sky-high.

Saudi Arabias Culinary Arts Commission is also participating in the expo. During the event, the commission will unveil its innovative strategy for the culinary arts sector, which includes the introduction of a business incubator for Kawn, a program designed to provide support to businesses and startups by offering mentorship and workshops, enabling them to enter and compete in the market. The incubation period for participants will span four to six months.

Additionally, the commission will showcase the Abdea cultural license platform, aimed at promoting greater involvement of the private sector in cultural events and initiatives.

The commissions participation in the exhibition reflects its commitment to empowering Saudi chefs, facilitating interactions with world-renowned culinary experts and showcasing the rich, time-honored traditional recipes of Saudi cuisine.

This event signifies a major change in Saudi Arabias approach to addressing critical challenges in the F&B industry, given the global food systems current state. Saudi Arabia is taking measures to enhance the effectiveness of its food systems to achieve food security and sustainability, recognizing their significance in addressing these challenges.

The expo will host 40,000 visitors, feature more than 200 speakers, showcase more than 600 exhibitors and welcome more than 200 international investors and venture capitalists specializing in the food and hospitality sector.

Issues to be addressed at the InFlavour conference include food and water security, agritech, sustainability, logistics, food tech and investment, alternative proteins, plant-based food, concept restaurants, culinary excellence, food waste, retail and e-commerce.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saleh Bindakhil, said that Saudi Arabia has the biggest food and beverage market in the area and is fast-tracking its ambitions to become the most important market for food trade and hospitality globally.

He also said that InFlavour will boost Saudi Arabias food imports and exports, and fast-track new standards in product-sourcing options to elevate the hospitality and consumer spheres.

According to Bindakhil, the food industry in Saudi Arabia is experiencing explosive growth due to significant investments in hotels and resorts, an influx of food and beverage entrepreneurs, and a willingness to develop and adopt the technology. All these factors will completely change the food service experience in Saudi Arabia. InFlavour is the epicenter and driving force behind this industry-wide convergence.

The Ministry of Investment has conservatively forecast that the Kingdoms food service sector will grow 6 percent annually over the next five years, while the independent market intelligence provider Fortune Business Insights anticipates the sector will expand by 11.5 percent annually, to be worth $30.47 billion by 2029.

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Insulators in Farasan Islands Reserve to protect birds - Arab News Pakistan

New photos and video have been released about a key moment in the construction of the upcoming Disney Treasure as the ships forward funnel has arrived at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany where the vessel is being built.

The funnels arrival adds one more piece to the ship and makes it even more recognizable as a Disney Cruise Line vessel.

The forward funnel for Disney Treasure has been successfully delivered to the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where the new cruise ship is currently under construction. Photos and video show the funnel en route from where it was built in Poland and its delivery to the shipyard, where it will soon be mounted in place on the ship.

The first funnel Disney cruise ships have two was delivered in early February, and now the second funnel has arrived.

While the details of the funnel are not yet finished and it still needs to be painted in the bright red color so immediately noticeable for Disney vessels, it is clearly a Disney cruise ship funnel by the size, shape, and the Disney Cruise Line detailing visible on the side.

The funnel also shows a circular cutout near the aft section on the starboard side, likely for a section of the beloved 760-foot AquaMouse water coaster or for the Slide-a-Saurus Rex waterslide.

The funnel will also be home to the EPCOT-themed Tomorrow Tower Suite an elite stateroom that will accommodate eight guests and has its own private elevator access. Dynamic artwork and futuristic accents will give the suite a chic vibe, with nearly 2,000 square feet of living space and separate eating, sleeping, and play areas for passengers to enjoy.

On the outside of the funnel, the ships Funnel Vision screen and sound system will be mounted for at-sea movies and big screen projections during deck parties such as the Pirates Rockin Parlay Party.

Mounting a funnel is always a momentous part of a cruise ships construction, as this is when the hull really begins to resemble the finished ship and can be distinctively identified.

Construction on Disney Treasure began in January 2023, and only recently has the cruise line released more details about the ships overall theme, color schemes, and special venues.

The Grand Reveal for the ship was initially postponed for several days due to Hurricane Idalia, but eventually announced that the ship would feature venues and entertainment from several Disney favorite films, including Aladdin, Coco, The Lion King, The Incredibles, Zootopia, Moana, and Mulan.

The overall theme of the ship is adventure with dcor and venues showcasing worldwide iconic Disney locations and even theme park connections.

As we chart a course for adventure, were so excited for families to discover the excitement and exploration that awaits onboard the sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line.

The 144,000-gross-ton Wish-class ship, sister to the amazingly popular Disney Wish, will be able to welcome 4,000 guests per sailing and is slated to debut on December 21, 2024. Also on board will be 1,555 international crew members to ensure every guest enjoys Disney Cruise Lines magical service and unparalleled experiences.

Disney Treasure will be homeported from Port Canaveral, offering Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, all of which will call at one of Disney Cruise Lines private destinations in the Bahamas.

Read Also: Latest Update Shows Disney Treasure Construction Progress

The Treasures itineraries from Port Canaveral will include stops at one of Disneys two private islands in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, or the newly added Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point, starting from June 2024, said Thomas Mazloum, President of the New Experiences Portfolio and Disney Signature Experiences.

As the ships construction continues and more details are announced, even more excitement is sure to build for the upcoming ship that will provide a treasure trove of magical memories to every guest.

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Iconic Piece of New Disney Ship Arrives at Shipyard - Cruise Hive

This Quebec island is being marketed as the worlds tiniest island on sale for CAD 549,000.

Located on the Saint Laurence River, le Fraser clocks in at just 0.5 acres but offers truly secluded living, featuring a huge house built in 1898 that is largely original, with tongue and groove pine interiors. The building spans around 2,000 sq ft, with a wrap-around veranda on the lower level and seven bedrooms on the upper floor, accommodating up to 14 people.

The period property does need updating but offers an expansive renovation challenge for the right buyer. It doesnt have pumping or electricity; instead, using a propane tankless water heater and a solar-powered 12-volt pump for hot water in the bathroom housed in a converted ice shack with a clawfoot tub and shower, compost toilet and a farmers trough sink.

A boathouse and a shed are also included on the grassyisland, for sale via Private Islands Inc. which is dotted with a dozen or so mature trees. The isle is an hour from Montral and about a 45-minute drive from the Ontario border. The US border is 10 minutes to the south.

le Fraser is only accessible by boat, which is its main draw: its remote, but not too remote. Theres a marina access, restaurants and parks nearby. This stretch of the river is popular with outdoor enthusiasts, offering peace and nature as well as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling, hunting and swimming, offering an idyllic weekend spot.

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The worlds tiniest island is for sale - The Spaces

NASSAU, Bahamas, Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This October, as autumn settles in and seasons change elsewhere, The Bahamas' 16 islands continue to bask in tropical sunshine. Travellers can indulge in world-class culinary experiences, lively entertainment and exciting cultural events discovering firsthand how much this destination has to offer.

NEWS

The Historic British Colonial Hotel Set to Reopen Its Doors in Downtown Nassau Following a multi-million-dollar transformation, the historic British Colonial Hotelis set to reopen this winter, with a renewed sense of island-inspired sophistication. Guests will discover a redesigned lobby, seven food and beverage outlets and 288 completely renovated guest rooms and suites.

Royal Caribbean Announces Adults-only Beach Clubon Perfect Day at CocoCay Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, will debut an adults-only beach club in January 2024. The exclusive experience, known as Hideaway Beach, will feature an acre of white sand beaches, seven bars and restaurants, poolside cabana rentals, live DJs and more.

Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival Returns with World-Class ExperiencesFollowing the success of the inaugural event in 2022, the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festivalreturns to Baha Mar 26 to 29 October 2023. The series of events will include live entertainment and exclusive dinners and cocktail tastings, featuring world-renowned chefs like Marcus Samuelsson and Dario Cecchini.

Indulgences Series at Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant Known for its wine cellar housing more than 250,000 bottles, Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant's new "Indulgences Series" offers a new way to enjoy the impressive selection. Throughout October, visitors can book a 90-minute guided sommelier tasting experience every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are priced at $75 per person.

South Eleuthera Welcomes Visitors to Wemyss Bight Homecoming Festival Throughout The Bahamas, homecoming festivals are held to celebrate community and tradition. Locals and visitors alike are invited to South Eleuthera for the Wemyss Bight, Back Ta Ya Root, Homecoming Festivalon 4 October 2023 to enjoy native food and drinks, live band performances, and local crafts.

Long Island Sailing Club Hosts Annual Mini Regatta and Bazaar On 7 October, the Long Island Sailing Club welcomes spectators to the annual Mini Regatta and Bazaarto experience the excitement of competitive sloop sailing, the national sport of The Bahamas. Festivities begin in Clarence Town at 2 p.m., including musical entertainment, local cuisine and family friendly games.

Elevate Date Night at Caf Boulud Rosewood Baha Mar On 25 October 2023, Chef Daniel Boulud of Caf Boulud Rosewood Baha Mar and Executive Chef Antoine Baillargeon are offering a meticulously crafted, one-night-only truffle dinner experience. The five-course signature soirestarts at $495 per person and features exquisite wine pairings, savour passed canaps, and live terrace entertainment. Reservations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Bahamas Hosts Halloween Fly-In in The Abacos Avid pilots and aviation enthusiasts are invited to join The Bahamas in The Abacos for the annual Halloween-Fly Inheld 27 to 30 October 2023. Participants will be hosted at Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina on Green Turtle Cay.

JSXAnnounces Winter Service Direct to The Abacos Starting 14 December 2023, private jet charter JSXwill commence five-times weekly winter flights directly to Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco Island. Travellers can now book flights from major U.S. cities, including Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, Dallas Love Field Airport and New York's Westchester County Airport.

Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival Announces 2024 Dates International foodies can now mark their calendars for the second annual Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival, 13 to 17 March 2024. The five-day event will highlight world-renowned top chefs, expert sommeliers, mixologists and celebrated TV personalities. Tickets are on sale at http://www.npiwff.org.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete list of deals and discounted packages in The Bahamas, visitwww.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Sixth Night Free at Shannas Cove Resort Shannas Cove Resort on Cat Island is offering an extra night in paradise. Guests who book five consecutive nights will receive a complimentary sixth night. Travellers can call +1 (242) 359-9668 or complete the online reservation form. The booking window is now through 31 October 2023 for travel through October 2023.

Run Away to Caerula Mar Club Resort Caerula Mar Club, the luxurious Out Island escape destination located on South Andros, is now offering couples the "Run Away Together"package for reservations four nights or longer. This package includes a welcome champagne and a $200 credit for dinner at Lusca, the resort's signature restaurant. The booking window is open until 16 October 2023, and the travel period is from 25 October to 15 December 2023.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating, and thousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples, and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas atwww.bahamas.com or onFacebook,YouTube, orInstagram.

PRESS INQUIRIES Anita Johnson-Patty Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation [emailprotected]

Weber Shandwick Public Relations [emailprotected]

SOURCE The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

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WHAT'S NEW IN THE BAHAMAS IN OCTOBER 2023 - PR Newswire

The Wharekauhau Country Estate was named the best resort in the Pacific and Australia by Conde Nast's reader awards.

Conde Nast Traveler has named a luxury country resort in the South Wairarapa as one of the best in the world - a position supported by the fact its readers voted New Zealand as one of the worlds friendliest countries.

The US guide for up-scale travel plans has published its 36th annual Readers Choice Awards, and there have been some minor changes to the awards.

Asking for votes and open nominations on travel experiences around the world the editors created categories that best reflect what travellers were looking for, of which there were 526,518 individual nominations.

Assessing every aspect of travel from carry-on luggage to private islands, there was one Kiwi property that came out on top.

Wharekauhau Country Estate was thrilled to be voted the best resort in the Pacific and Australia.

The $3295-a-night resort overlooking Palliser Bay won over votes for its wild location, just an hour and a half out of Wellington.

It is heart-warming to see that sharing our unapologetically authentic approach to ultra-luxury travel, said the resorts management.

New Zealand cropped up several times in the award categories, as a long-haul option.

The publications Top Countries to Visit in 2023 was dominated by Europe - matching what we were hearing anecdotally, they said. There were some breakout trends that loomed out of the awards Mediterranean obsession.

Scored out of 100, Japan top spot with an average score of 92.43. New Zealand which ranked fifth, with a score of 90.43, was the only other non-European destination to feature in the top 10.

The UK sister publication CN Traveller - which runs its own simultaneous breakdown of reader results - also scored New Zealand highly in its awards.

2023 was the year we recalibrated what was really important, said the UK editorial staff. The two topics, top of mind for the UK Conde Nast were food and friendliness.

Some have branded the category ranking a countrys inhabitants by friendliness of as: a bit ick.

However, once again, New Zealand made it into the top ten friendliest countries.

From the ever-beaming people of Ireland to the famously open-armed population of New Zealand, our planet is home to some seriously friendly countries, ready to share their love for their country with you, said Conde Nast.

With a score of 95.16, Aotearoa landed as the seventh in the world for most welcoming locals, down four places from 2022.

However manaakitanga league table was topped by Dominica in the Caribbean, for the warm welcome granted by its dramatic coastline and colourful hamlets.

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New Zealand named one of the friendliest countries in Conde Nast ... - New Zealand Herald

The annual Cruise Hive Awards are now open for votes these are the awards chosen by cruisers to note the best ships, best features, and more for the year, and what they are most looking forward to for 2024. Voting will close on Friday, December 22, 2023, so be sure to get your votes in!

Voting opened on Monday, October 2, 2023. Each person can cast one vote in each of the eight categories, but each individual does not have to vote in every category for their choices to count.

Cruise Hive has run reader-driven annual awards since 2014 with the Great Cruise Vote 2014. In different years, new categories have come and gone as cruise lines have changed to meet cruisers changing preferences, but always the awards have been led by what readers real cruise travelers love most about cruising.

For 2023, the awards have been renamed from the Cruise Ship Awards to the Cruise Hive Awards to better represent all the voting categories, which include individual ship features, crew service, private islands, homeports, and more.

Two new voting categories are debuting for 2023: Best Cruise Line Booking Experience and Best Cruise Line for Service and Crew as both those experiences are very critical for cruise travelers. How will you cast your votes for each category?

This can be a brand new ship that debuted in 2023 or an old favorite from any cruise line. Which ship has all the features you love? Which vessel offers the best oceangoing vacation? This is a broad category and you can type in the name of any ship from any fleet.

Be sure to use the ships complete name if you just put Magic do you mean Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Magic or Disney Cruise Lines Disney Magic? Would Radiance mean Carnival Radiance or Royal Caribbean Internationals Radiance of the Seas? Wonder, Dream, Fantasy These are all names that might refer to different ships, so be careful with the names!

One restriction only ships currently sailing in 2023 are eligible for this vote; no upcoming new-for-2024-not-yet-sailing vessels or former cruise ships now retired or scrapped are eligible.

Did you book a cruise this year? Whether or not youve already sailed, how was the booking experience? Was the website easy to use, were terms and conditions clear, could you easily find the ship, itinerary, and sailing dates you wanted? Have you been able to plan add-ons, and has the cruise line kept you updated as your cruise approaches?

So many cruise lines have amazing and distinctive features on their individual ships, something that set the line apart from the competition. Whether high-flying thrills, a need for speed, transformative spaces, or incredible views, which feature do you find to be the very best? Carnival Cruise Lines BOLT Roller Coaster won in 2022, but will it be displaced by another great feature on another cruise line?

A ships crew is the heart and soul of any cruise vacation, not only providing excellent service but often going above and beyond with extra details and memorable touches. Did a particular crew do something extraordinary to really make your vacation? Was there a unique situation that was dealt with in an amazing way? Did you find overall service to be more than you expected?

Private islands are growing in popularity as they offer cruisers exclusive experiences and memorable moments. Which island or destination offers the features you enjoy the most, or has something every cruiser can enjoy? Which one would you happily visit over and over again on every cruise vacation? Perfect Cay at CocoCay won in 2022; will it dominate again this year?

Which US homeport is the tops to set sail from? Maybe its close to home and convenient, or a great experience no matter how far you have to travel to reach it. Where is the smoothest embarkation, the best features, the easiest parking, the best waiting area? Which homeport would you happily set sail from over and over? Port Canaveral has already won a three-peat; will it be the best homeport four years in a row?

Which upcoming ship are you most eager to see? It doesnt have to be a ship youre planning to set sail on or already booked for, just a vessel that gets you excited about cruising next year. Maybe you want to go big with Icon of the Seas, get the royal treatment on Sun Princess, feel classically nautical aboard Queen Anne, experience the richness of Disney Treasure, or vote for any of the other upcoming ships.

So many amazing ships have debuted this year, this is your chance to vote for your favorite. Whether youve sailed on the vessel, are currently booked for a cruise, or are just a fan, cast your vote for the best new vessel that first welcomed guests in 2023! In 2022, Carnival Celebration won the vote; will Carnival Jubilee keep the streak alive or will a different ship take the title?

Voting in all categories will close on Friday, December 22, 2023, and the results will be revealed before the end of the year.

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Annual Cruise Hive Awards Open for Best Ships, Cruise Lines and ... - Cruise Hive

Where to stay: Domes Miramare was once the summer mansion of shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, but is now a legendary adults-only hotel buried in ancient olive groves. Or see more of our favourite Corfu hotels.

Scarred by wildfires in the summer of 2023, Rhodes is a firm favourite among our readers. The beaches are beautiful, sure, but there are also ancient towns and tiny Byzantine mountain chapels dotted amongst the interior to be found here.

Where to stay: We love Casa Cook Rhodes, a bleached-out, boho-chic stay (splash out on a suite with a private pool, if you can).

Ischia is Italys island with the best beaches. This little volcanic island punches well above its weight, with smart hotels and slick spas dotted among rugged landscapes. This place is probably best seen by boat, where you might spot Castello Aragonese or Mount Epomeo from the water. This is also Italys natural spa island, so a dip in the thermal pools is a must-do, too.

Where to stay: We love Casa Cook Rhodes, a bleached-out, boho-chic stay (splash out on a suite with a private pool, if you can).

The Mediterranean sunshine island, so they say. Malta is so beautiful its been used as a film double in Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Murder on the Orient Express. There are 300 days of sunshine a year here, so a visit will likely be sun-soaked and glorious perfect for spending at beach clubs or swimming in the sea.

Where to stay: From the moment it re-opened under the uber-tasteful eye of Marie-Louise Sci, Mezzatorre became a magnet to the Italian glitterati.

This island, Turkey, in the northeastern Aegean Sea, is 250 miles from the capital. It can only be reached by boat, and is mentioned in the Iliad and other classical Greek literature, thanks to its crucial positioning in the Aegean sea.

Where to stay: Posthane Hotel, a sweet, affordable guesthouse.

One of Greeces Dodecanese islands, Kos is known for its gorgeous beaches some of the best in this corner of the Greek islands. Much of the ancient architecture here has been preserved, from 14th-century castles to the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, where the philosopher (supposedly born here) once taught.

Where to stay: We love Oku Kos, a laid-back minimalist property thats unmistakably Greek.

The smallest of the Sporades islands is also the most popular. Beaches such as Koukounaries are much-loved for the turquoise sea, while those on the west coast, such as Elia Beach, are quieter. The harbour is dotted with buzzing little restaurants, some of which spill onto the sand (we particularly like the taverna at Sklithri).

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The best islands in Europe: Readers' Choice Awards 2023 - Cond Nast Traveller

Maria Boyle goes Greek island hopping

Crete

This is the largest and southernmost island in Greece. We were based on the eastern part of the island, near Agios Nikolas, at the five star St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas.

The 119-room hotel has two main pools, a private beach and sun decks, with views of Mirabello Bay, two bars and a spa.

Food is a superb. Breakfast is buffet style and also features a la carte options. Lunch can be served pool, beachside or at the hotels Blue Bay Restaurant with choices including sushi, Greek and super food salads, pastas and seafood.

For dinner, there are five restaurants to choose from. Particularly favourites were The Minotaure which offered a mix of Asian and international cuisine. We also loved The Greek Kafenion, which is one of the areas top restaurants, serving local Cretan dishes and fresh seafood sourced directly from the Bay.

To explore the coastline, we took a private boat tour to Spinalonga. The historic island was a stronghold of the Venetians. They built a massive fortress in 1579 to protect the bays of Elounda and Mirabello. Spinalonga then became a leper colony in 1903 with 1,000 Greeks being quarantined on the island over a 50-year time span.

Santorini

From the Cretan port of Heraklion we took the ferry to Santorini. The island is the most famous of the Cyclades, known for its plunging cliffs, its whitewashed houses, blue dome churches, winding paths and its incredible sunsets.

We stayed in Oia, the most northerly part of the island, in Andronis Arcadia on the fringes of the village. The five star hotel has a contemporary design, its 119 suites and villas each have earthy interiors (85 per cent of the furniture is hand made locally) and chic luxury touches, outdoor seating and your own private pool.

Activity wise, visitors to the island can do a spot of wine-tasting, or head to the historic site of Akrotiri, the Pompeii of the Aegean, now excavated from its ashen tomb, or explore the capital Fira.

We visited Museum Megaro Gyzi, built in 1700s in a house that belonged to a Venezian family. One of the few that survived the earthquake of 1956, it provides a fascinating insight in to the history of Santorini, a chance to see old documents charting life on the island and photos and newspaper cutting detailing the volcanic eruptions on the island.

Santorinis food offering is also excellent and the highlight of our stay on the island was dinner at Lycabettus Restaurant surely one of the best cliff top locations in the world.

Naxos

Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands, known for its stunning Venetian castle, captivating history, traditional mountain villages, immaculate sandy beaches and great food.

We headed for Villa Flo, 30 minutes from Naxos Town. Managed by the highly efficient Maria, she welcomed us to the island and helped us discover some of the gems of Naxos.

Chora, the capital, was our first stop. We headed to the Old Market, packed with restaurants and boutiques tucked under archways, in tunnels, and stacked over multiple levels. We dined al fresco at Kastro located just under the towns historic monastery traditional Greek fare and seafood with a contemporary twist.

One of the buzziest spots was a caf and wine bar called Avaton located in the old Ursuline Monastery dating back to 1739. It served an excellent selection of creative cocktails on its rooftop in the evenings and, in the day, the building houses the Archaeological Museum of Naxos.

Naxos is known for its beaches and one of the best, just 10 minutes from the villa, is called Plaka Beach. We had lunch at Tortuga beach bar and club serves an excellent lunch of fresh seafood, Naxian potatoes, guacamole with watermelon salad.

On our final evening, private chef Babis Tsamadias from No Reservations No Recipes came to cook for us and prepared a seasonal menu which included local salads, tuna tataki, squid carbonara (his original creation made with the freshest squid cut in to thin ribbons, replacing the pasta), a mushroom dish which was the best ever vegan dish Ive tasted according to my daughter, followed by desserts.

Mykonos

A short 45-minute ferry trip took us to Mykonos. Harmony Hotel, our base, is a 22-room boutique hotel by the old port and a two-minute walk in to Mykonos Town.

The island has a reputation as the Ibiza of the Aegean yet its also incredibly laid back.

Retaining its historic charm, the stone windmills of Mykonos Town are a must-see as is Little Venice, and its fun to get lost in the narrow alleyways lined with shops, pavement cafes and bars.

Food is a big deal on the island given its international jet set reputation. We had dinner at Kalita located in a pretty courtyard in the heart of the old town, and enjoyed modern Greek dishes that were Michelin standard. As soon as we left the restaurant we were recommending it to friends who were visiting in a few weeks time. Its a must.

To enjoy the island vibe, we booked lunch at Zuma Mykonos As well as two large restaurant spaces, Zuma has a cool bar and huge infinity pool. Guests can feast on excellent dishes such as freshly seared wagyu sirloin tataki with truffle ponzu or jumbo tiger prawn with yuzu kosho and lounge on the Louis Vuitton branded sunbeds, overlooking the Aegean Sea while the resident DJ played tunes that appealed to all family members - quite a mean feat!

Another day we caught a bus to Ornos beach and went on a taxi boat (20 return, stops at multiple beaches). The wooden motorised boat service is run by a co-op of local fishermans family. We stopped at a number of the islands beaches before getting off at Platis Gialos to spend the afternoon there and enjoy its crystal clear water, beach bars and cafes.

For our last evening, we visited Bill & Coo Beef Bar located on Agios Ioannis Beach under the mulberry trees. The spacious restaurant has an excellent menu (Beef Bar fans will be familiar) with added Greek inspired dishes including Tarana Tuna with yuzu, grilled fish and jumbo prawns, and the only Kobe beef gyros in the world. As we reminisced about our epic Greek odyssey over cocktails, fireworks lit up the sky. We had enjoyed four mini holidays in one and loved every island. We just need to return to explore the other 223 inhabited islands perhaps next years holiday is already sorted?

TOP TIPS:

There are many ferry booking platforms, but the best one is Ferryscanner https://www.ferryscanner.com/en/ferry as you can see all the different options of ferry companies, ferry routes, times, prices available versus booking with one single ferry company.

WHERE TO STAY:

Crete: St Nicholas Bay, rooms from 220 https://www.stnicholasbay.gr

Santorini: Andronis Arcadia, suites from 560 https://www.andronis.com/hotels/andronis-arcadia/

Mykonos: Harmony Hotel, rooms from 150 Euros https://www.harmonyhotel.gr

Naxos: Villa Flo by Anamnesia Collection (travelstaytion.com) from 385 per night

Smile Rent a Car: portside pick up [emailprotected]

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Islands in the sun - Irish Post

A country rich with ancient healing traditions and a growing number of luxury spa hotels, the Philippines is fast becoming one of the worlds premier wellness destinations. Whether youre looking for a holistic medical retreat, a bamboo stick massage or a private island to escape it all, the Philippines' will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated for the year ahead.

The Philippines are home to several wellness retreats where travellers can relax and join programs for weight loss, infertility, insomnia, diabetes, and even cancer. Treatments such as acupuncture, ozone therapy and colonics are led by medically trained doctors, while nutritionists and fitness coaches are on hand for personalised dietary plans and private tai chi lessons. For guests who just want to relax, deep-tissue massages, body scrubs and guided meditation sessions are some of the many activities available in the country. The Province of Batangas, in particular, is the ideal location to unwind while watching sunset views over its forested mountains. For dinner, vegan food grown in the area and vegetarian dishes are the perfect way to end a relaxing day.

Relaxation rating:5/5

Best for: holistic medical treatments that combine relaxation and nature

Nearest airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila

The Palawan archipelago is the perfect location for a private trip. Its islands are home to some of the densest and most biodiverse forests of the Philippines, where many endemic bird and mammal species live, including the endangered Palawan Hornbill, thanks to the resorts conservation efforts. To protect the wildlife, you wont find jet skis or motorised water sports here. Instead, the local resorts encourage guests to unwind by connecting with nature through human-powered, environmentally-friendly exploration: think hiking to turquoise coves framed by forested limestone cliffs, birdwatching along forest trails, or kayaking the lagoons mangroves at sunset. Overwater bungalows and beachfront cottages built with recycled timber and fitted with solar panels and energy-efficient water heaters allow guests to fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves.

Relaxation rating: 4.5/5

Best for: wildlife spotting, conservation and low-impact activities

Nearest airport: El Nido Airport, Palawan

Arriving on a 14-seat, twin-engine turboprop via private airstrip, landing on Pamalican Island feels like youre starring in your very own James Bond film. The private island is in the north of Palawan, where sands are silky smooth and the sea thrives with vibrant coral reefs. Sitting on the highest point of the island is a spa, where ancient wellness rituals from the Philippines to the Amazon are fused with modern techniques for ultimate relaxation. The spas signature treatment is the Hilot massage, a centuries-old Filipino healing ritual that uses banana leaves and cold-pressed coconut oil to relieve stress and aching muscles. The Dag-Dagay Foot Treatment a tradition that started when Filipino children would massage their parents' feet using bamboo sticks after a day in the fields uses a green tea wrap and a bamboo massage to reduce swelling in the feet.

Relaxation rating: 5/5

Best for: luxurious amenities and wellness rituals inspired by local healing traditions

Nearest airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila

Another cozy spot to relax is the island of Bohol, where multiple resorts and spas are located. Bohol is the Philippines' first UNESCO global geopark and is famous for its cone-shaped Chocolate Hills. The island's villas are spread across hectares of lush gardens and jungle, and you can even book ones with their own infinity pools and views of the Bohol sea. To treat yourself even more, you can receive luxurious treatments at a spa using ancient wellness traditions by the local Eskaya tribe. As well as facials and body scrubs that use local herbs and oils, some of the places offer indigenous-inspired rituals such as bathing in coconut milk and Ciquate, locally-made dark chocolate. European spa rituals such as thalassotherapy (Thalassa is Greek for sea), a treatment that uses seawater to rejuvenate the skin and boost your wellbeing through a combination of seawater bathing, salt scrubs and seaweed wraps, are also available.

Relaxation rating: 4.5/5

Best for: an intimate stay and indigenous spa rituals.

Nearest airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila

Read more:

Relax and unwind: where travellers find well-being and peace in the ... - Euronews