2. Heart Island, Galesnjak, Croatia

View of Heart Island, Galesnjak, Croatia. The privately-owned island is one of the world's few naturally occurring heart-shaped objects. (paulprescott72/Thinkstock)

Mother Nature has a romantic side, and it shows in these spectacular natural displays of hearts all over the world. This Valentine's Day, explore the stunning heart-shaped islands and lakes dotting the Earth from a sun-drenched island resort in Fiji to a small lake high in the Swiss Alps.

1. Galesnjak, Croatia

View of Heart Island, Galesnjak, Croatia. The privately-owned island is one of the world's few naturally occurring heart-shaped objects.

Located in the deep-blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, the private, heart-shaped island of Galesnjak, located in Zadarski Kanal between Zadar and the Island of Pasmanin Croatia, came to the attention of romantics everywhere via Google Earth. It wasn't long before the owner of the uninhabited islandwas swamped with requests from couples to stay there, according to the Telegraph. As the most perfectly heart-shaped island in the world, Galesnjak, also known as Lover's Island, may serve as a romantic wedding venue (the island is available for bookings). But it won't be convenient: The tiny island is completely deserted, containing only wildvegetationand untouched beech forest, according to the official website.

2. Tupai, French Polynesia

A tiny atoll located just north of Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Tupai is a popular wedding spot and romantic getaway.

It's a common misconception that Tahiti is a heart-shaped island. But what many people may have been referring to is the heart-shaped atoll of Tupai in the island chain of Tahiti. For years, visitors (mostly couples) to French Polynesia only had the opportunity to fly Tupai via helicopter but Air Tahiti now offers flights to and from the island, according to GoTahiti.com. Tupai, about 11 miles to the north of Bora Bora, is fast becoming a popular wedding (and engagement) spot, with aerial tours and diving day trips also available. If you just want a glimpse of this romantic island, make sure to sit on the right side of the plane when departing Bora Bora.

3. Trnovacko Lake, Montenegro

View of the Trnovacko Lake lake in northern Montenegro, best known for its heart-like shape. The area is popular with local summer campers.

Located at the Bosnian-Montenegro border, Trnovacko Lake's beautiful heart shape makes itone of the most photographed locationsin the region, according to the Cross-Border National Parks website. The green-blue lake is 2,300 ft long and 1,300 ft wide set amidst a "huge amphitheatre of rocky peaks." The lake is drained from the Maglic, the Volujak and the Bioc hill ranges. According toLonely Planet: Western Balkans, the lake and its surrounding areas arepopular with local campers in the summer. There are several large beaches and a beech forest that provide shade during the hot summer days.

4. Heart Reef, Australia

Aerial view of the Heart Reef, a heart-shaped coral reef in the Coral Sea, in the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

The Heart Reef,a beautiful composition of coral that has naturally formed into the shape of a heart in the Whitsunday Islands in Australia, is perhaps the most photographed location of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays' most recognized attraction. It is best experienced from the air by helicopter or seaplane, as visitors are unable to snorkel or dive there due to its protected status, according to Live Science.

5. Lago di Tom, Switzerland

View of the Lago di Tom in the Piora Valley, in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland.

Lago di Tom is one of the main lakes in the Piora Valley,inTicino, Switzerland. Surrounded by the green peaks of the Ticenese Alps, the lake is one of the region's most scenic views, making it a popular hike.Aside from the heart-shaped wonder, however,tourists visit the valley for another rarity: local Alpine cheese, which is produced from the milk of cows that spent the summer high up on the mountains, according to the official website of Switzerland Tourism.

6. Tavarua, Fiji

Tavarua is a heart shaped island resort in Fiji known for its seven main surfing breaks. The island hosts annual professional surfing competitions.

The heart-shaped island resort of Tavarua in Fiji is considered one of the world's best surfing destinations. It's known as home to one of the most famous breaks in the surfing worldCloubreak. With waves breaking in the 10-20ft range, the island attracts surfers from all over the world. Located close to the main Fijian island, Viti Levu, and surrounded by a coral reef, Tavarua also offers a variety of vacation activities such as sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking.

7. Coeur de Voh, New Caledonia

View of the Coeur de Voh, a natural large formation of mangrove vegetation that resembles a heart and can be seen only from above.

New Caledonia's Coeur de Voh, a large landscape formation of mangrove vegetation with a heart shape that can be seen only from above, was made famous byYann-Arthus Bertrand, who used an aerial photograph of the mangrove in his book"The Earth from Above."But its image constantly changes. As the mangrove vegetation changes,the colours and textures of the formation also change over time, according toKaren McKee of the U.S. Geological Survey - National Wetlands Research Center. Few people have seen the Coeur de Voh up close but in December 2012, a group of mangrove experts visited the location. They had to pass through a tangled forest of Rhizophoratrees to get there, but they found the area teeming with rich wildlife, such as mudskippers and tree-climbing crabs. The experts believe climate change may affect the heart shape of the Coeur de Voh in the future, however. With rising sea levels,Rhizophora trees may dominate the formationand obliterate the heart border and shape, according to a video produced by McKee.

8. Island near Port Chalmers, Alaska

Aerial view of a heart-shaped island near the Port Chalmers area, hidden in the beautiful fjords of Alaska.

While one may not be able to visit this heart-shaped island, lovers can enjoy this amazing aerial photograph taken by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Located at Port Chalmers in Alaska, the tiny islanddisplays the colour banding ofvarious bands of marine and terrestrial flora, according to NOAA.

9. Lake Antrona, Piedmont, Italy

A general view shows the heart-shaped lake of Antrona, nothern Italy, on September 22, 2014, near Antrona Piana.

The heart-shaped lake of Antrona in Piedmont in northern Italy is a popular hike. Visitors can walk around this jewel in about an hour and it's fringed with numerous wondersfrom a picturesque waterfall to charming bridges and tunnels. It's also surrounded by some of the best mountain views of the region.

10.Lough Ouler, Wicklow Mountains, Ireland

Located in Ireland's Wicklow Mountains National Park, Lough Ouler is a lake formed in a cirque excavated by a glacier. 

Located in Ireland's Wicklow Mountains National Park, Lough Ouler is a lakeformed in a cirque excavated by a glacier.The name 'Ouler' was derived from 'Iolar,' Irish for eagle, suggesting that eagles were seen here in the past. The lake is enclosed on the east side by a series of moraines which allow only a small stream to flow out of the lake to join the Glenmacnass River, according to the official website for the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

11.St. Paul's Bay, Lindos, Rhodes, Greece

View of St. Pauls Bay, located just south of Lindos on the southeast coast of Rhodes, Greece.

The heart-shaped St. Paul's Bay in Lindos, on the southeast coast of Rhodes in Greece is one of the most beautiful bays on the island, featuring a stunning, sandy beach, turquoise-blue waters, and majestic views. It is believedthat St. Paul came here in the year 51 AD to preach Christianity to the Rhodians. A small church built on the hillside to commemorate the visit has become a popular wedding venue, mainly because of the picturesque views of the bay and Lindos Acropolis visitors can enjoy from the site.

12.Llynnau Cwm Silyn, Snowdonia, Wales

The heart-shaped Llynnau Cwm Silyn (and its nearby twin lake Cwm Dulyn) is an inviting swimming hole, with clear, blue waters perfect for a refreshing dip after a hike.

Snowdonia in Wales boasts a magnificent landscape of mountains, valleys and forests dominated by the parks namesake peak. But it's also home to the Snowdonia National Park and stunning, sparkling lakes. One of these lakes, the heart-shapedLlynnau Cwm Silyn (and its nearby twin lake Cwm Dulyn)is an inviting swimming hole, with clear, blue waters perfect for a refreshing dip after a hike.

13.Lake Calvaresc, Switzerland

Located about 7,000 feet up the Calanca Mountain Trail between the Calanca and Mesolcina Valleys in the Swiss Alps, Lake Calvaresc is a stunning pool of water surrounded by scenic mountains views.

Located about 7,000 feet up the Calanca Mountain Trail between the Calanca and Mesolcina Valleys in the Swiss Alps, Lake Calvaresc is a stunning pool of water surrounded by scenic mountains views. Most hikers reach this beautiful, heart-shaped lake after three-day hiking trek from San Bernadino, staying in mountain huts along the way, according to Inhabitat.

14. Lake Heart, Khamar-Daban Mountains, Russia

A small, heart-shaped lake is seen near Russias Lake Baikal.

Trekkers to the Khamar-Daban mountains, a mountain range near Baikal Mountains in Siberia, Russia, and the Chersky Peak are rewarded by spectacular views of the massive, ancient Lake Baikal and Lake Heart, a small but stunning lake named for its romantic shape, on the mountain valley. Several tour companies offer guided treks of the Khamar-Daban mountains.

15.Heart-Shaped Lake, Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan

A majestic heart-shaped mountain lake is seen in Tien Shan mountains, Kyrgyzstan.

The Tien Shan mountains, also known as "Heaven's Mountains," in Kyrgyzstan's easternmost tip are home to the breathtaking landscape of towering peaks and hanging glaciers. The region is also home to iceberg-filled lakes, including a turquoise-blue heart-shaped gem.

16.Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Brazil

The heart-shaped Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon is photographed at dusk in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November 2019.

A lagoon in the district of Lagoa in the Zona Sul (South Zone) area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is also called the "heart of Rio de Janeiro" due to its shape.Connected to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing seawater to enter by a canal along the edge of a park, the lagoon also serves as a recreational area for local residents, with nearly three miles of bike and jogging trails, and boathouses for rowing, according to Viator Travel.

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Valentine's Special: 16 Spectacular Heart-Shaped Islands and Lakes on Earth (PHOTOS) | The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather Channel |...

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Last week, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced that he was stepping down as CEO of the company, with former Amazon cloud chief Andy Jassyset to take over.

Anybody familiar with Bezos management style knows he wont be stepping away completely, but the multi-multi-multi-billionaire is going to free up some time to pursue his other passions.

Those include The Day One Fund, the Bezos Earth Fund, and Blue Origin, his private spaceflight company.

The man has options.

If he decided he felt like spending his money a touch foolishly, The Verge has outlined a few ways he might splurge, whilst leaving a good hundred million dollars in his account for a rainy day.

At the time of running the calculations, Bezos net worth sat at $193,2 billion. Thats just a touch more than the Forbes real-time billionaire tracker, which now has his worth at $192,2 billion.

First up, your man Bezos could buy 1 932 diamond-bedazzled Damien Hirst skulls:

In 2007, artist Damien Hirst hit the headlines withFor the Love of God, a model of an 18th century European mans skull that was swathed in 8,601 diamonds. Oh, and those teeth? Those are the originals, from the dead guy.

The skull sold for a cool $100 million.

That large pear-shaped diamond in the centre of the artwork is called the Skull Star, and ranks amongst the most significant and exceptional coloured diamonds in the world.

Nobody is saying Bezos needs1 932 of these, but now he knows he could.

If he went full petrolhead, he could also snap up 64 400 Bugatti Chirons:

The Bugatti Chiron, a $3 million car, is the kind of thing car people geek out about: With fluid curves and angrily squinting headlights, this coupes exterior design communicates power and performance, and its standard 1500-hp engine endows it with acceleration capabilities worthy of a bullet train, writesCar and Driver, dreamily.

Does anybody need more than 64 000 vehicles? No.

How about a private island, then? Bezos knows better than to get involved in the messy business of buying Jeffrey Epsteins Paedophile Island, but if you shop around, you can find some zingers:

Okay, listen, pretty much any millionaire can afford a private islandbut Larry Ellisons island, Lanai, is special. (He owns 98 percent of it.)

For starters, its Hawaiian, which means a more salubrious climate than Nova Scotia. It has everything! An art collection worth millions, a resort hotel thats been featured on Secret Lives of the Super Rich, a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus that hosted Bill Gates wedding

Bezos could technically afford Ellisons island 644 times over, but thats not possible.

If he branched out, and perused whats on offer via Private Islands Online, he could snap up virtually every island worth in excess of $50 million and have change left over.

Is Bezos a huge Wu-Tang Clan fan? No idea, but in the hypothetical scenario that he woke up and decided he was, he may want to snap up the Martin Shkreli-owned Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, a Wu-Tang Clan album, of which there is just a single copy.

Shkreli paid about $2 million for the album, according to Bloomberg. In that 2015 story, Shkreli toyed with the idea of having artists make more private albums for him. Bezos could actually do this nearly a hundred thousand times.

He could create an entire private Beyonc catalog! Now thats what I call music.

With a price of $2 million, Bezos could afford the album a cool 96 600 times.

All that wanton spending above aside, Bezos could also make quite a difference in the lives of billions around the world.

His fortune is enough to end hunger in the US seven times over (its estimated that ending hunger would cost around $25 billion), or buy 9,6 billion doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine ($2 billion for 100 million doses).

That would be enough to vaccinate 4,8 billion people, with each vaccination requiring two doses.

Pretty wealthy, right? Yes, I know he doesnt have the full $190-odd billion lying around in disposable cash, and its linked to his Amazon ownership and so on, but allow the number-crunching above for the sake of escapism.

Last year, Bezos committed $10 billion to launch the Bezos Earth Fund targeting climate change, and $100 million to Feeding America, a network of more than 200 food banks across the country.

Next up, he may want to consider the working conditions of Amazon warehouse employees.

[source:verge]

More here:

Skulls, Private Islands, And Wu-Tang: Fun Things Jeff Bezos Could... - 2oceansvibe News

Is there anything that sounds better than retiring on a cruise ship? You get to see the world, be waited on hand and foot, eat lots of good food, and theres always something to do. There are no dishes to wash, no lawn to mow, and you dont even have to make your bed.

Of course, we all know that those benefits to living on a cruise ship dont come free. In fact, weve run the numbers and even living aboard a modest cruise ship could come to a price of $175,000 for a couple sailing in a balcony cabin for a year.

With the average Social Security benefit being $1,543 in 2020according to AARP, theres no way you could afford to live on a cruise from just that money alone or is there?

The good thing about cruising is that if youre budget-conscious, there are plenty of ways you can cut costs. From sailing on older ships to staying in interior cabins to shopping for different itineraries and avoiding extras while on board, you can sail for surprisingly cheap.

But is it enough that a Social Security benefit would cover your costs, allowing you to live on the ship full-time if you wanted?

Lets find out

As mentioned above, the average benefit paid to Social Security recipients is almost $1,550 a month, according to AARP. But those benefits vary from person to person. Amounts vary based on work, salary history, and even the age that you applied for benefits.

Meanwhile, according to the same source, the maximum benefit you can receive is $3,148 per month significantly higher than the average check.

How does that compare to the cost of cruises?

When it comes to cruises, there isnt any sort of average cruise fare. In fact, fares can vary widely based on a number of criteria:

Cruise Line: Different cruise lines focus on different price points. This doesnt mean every cruise on one line will be cheaper than a similar trip on another, but in general some lines are less expensive than others. In particular, weve found MSC and Carnival to have the most affordable fares.

Sailing Date: If you want to live year-round on a ship, then youll have to deal with high summer and holiday prices. But if you want to live part-time, then you can find much cheaper trips by sailing when school is in session. Times like January-May (with the exception of Spring Break) and September-December (before Christmas) generally have lower fares.

Cabin Type: If you want to keep your sailing price low, then you should only look at interior cabins. These cabins are by far the least expensive on the ship. They can be hundreds and even thousands of dollars less than the same trip in a balcony room.

Other Expenses: In addition, you also have to consider the expenses beyond what is included in your cruise fare. Gratuities are typically around $15 per person, per day. For a couple sailing just a week, gratuities add hundreds to the cost of the trip and cant be avoided.

Onboard spending is also a major factor in what you pay to live on a cruise ship. The average person on vacation will spend hundreds once on the ship. The good news is that onboard spending is entirely optional. If you avoid things like paid excursions, spa treatments, alcohol, and specialty restaurants, you can theoretically cruise without spending any extra.

All this shows that when it comes to cruising, there really is no average it depends much on what youre willing to spend.

In order to see whats possible, we hunted down a couple of affordable options to compare their pricing to what you might get in benefits.

In our search, we found that you can spend a surprising amount of time at sea, but benefits alone wont cover sailing full-time. If you have other retirement funds, however, then being able to afford living on a cruise ship may be closer than you think.

(Note: Prices are accurate at the time of writing, but subject to change.)

Scenario #1 | Carnival Freedom | January 2022Earlier, we mentioned that Carnival is one of the more affordable cruise lines. Searching their website, we found back-to-back cruises aboard Carnival Freedom in January 2022. These two trips are six days and eight days, for a total of two weeks combined at sea.

Sailing from Miami, youll visit ports like Grand Turk, Carnivals private islands, Aruba, and Bonaire on trips throughout the Caribbean during the coldest month of the year in the United States.

Pricing out these two cruises with an interior cabin, as well as gratuities and port fees included, we found a cost of $1,147 and $1,673 for a couple sailing together. So for two weeks of sailing, youd spend a total of $2,820 for a couple sailing together.

Thats $1,410 per person, or about $140 less than the average Social Security benefit. If you earn the maximum benefit of nearly $3,150, then youd have plenty left over for additional cruises.

Scenario #2 | MSC Divina | September 2022MSC Cruises doesnt have a large presence in the United States compared to rivals like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, but it is making inroads. Whats amazing is that they can offer some of the least expensive cruises possible, while having a fantastic onboard experience.

In this case, we found several budget-friendly trips. First, departing the first day of September 2022 is a 10-night trip aboard MSC Divina from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Mexico. For two people, the price for an interior cabin comes out to $1,898 when you include in taxes, fees, and gratuities. You could follow that up with a four-day cruise for $690, and then another 10-day journey for $1,738.

All told, that comes out to 24 days of sailing for $4,326 for a couple or $2,163 per person. Thats obviously higher than the average benefit, but well within the range of the maximum amount paid.

(Want more tips on finding inexpensive cruises? See our 10 rules for finding the best deal here.)

So can you live aboard a cruise ship using only Social Security benefits? Unless you happen to receive near the maximum payment and also pinch your pennies onboard, wed say the answer is not quite. The average person would spend more sailing full-time than they receive in benefits.

This scenario also doesnt take into account any other expenses off the ship, such as healthcare, maintaining a home on land, or even time in port shopping or dining.

That said, if you are frugal, then you can get surprisingly far on your benefit alone. The examples above show that it is possible to sail multiple weeks for the amount of the average monthly government payment.

Keep in mind that if you want to stretch your dollars further, then you cant expect to have the same sort of experience as someone who is having a once-a-year vacation. In this scenario there are no balcony cabins, lavish specialty dining, drink packages, or daily gambling. Keeping costs low means you dont have the same experiences as you normally would on vacation.

One other thing to consider if youre interested in sailing on Social Security alone are monthly payment options. Cruise lines allow you to pay off trips in installments. That gives you the ability to pay off portions of sailings for less than the cost of your monthly benefit.

So while it might cost $3,000 for a person to sail on a cruise ship for a month, you could pay that off over the course of a year. So you could, in theory, book your cruises well in advance, pay off the trips over time with your benefit, and then enjoy living aboard the cruise ship for longer than if you had to make the payment all at once.

But unless you find some amazingly inexpensive cruises and have an outsized benefit, it seems doubtful you can sail on a cruise full-time on just Social Security alone.

Originally posted here:

Can You Afford to Live on a Cruise Ship With Social Security Alone? - Cruzely.com

As isolation vacations become increasingly popular, with luxury travelers prioritizing space and seclusion, the trend of villa holidays is on the rise. Here are some top picks of the worlds best private villas offering everything from helicopter entrances, private yacht charters, in-villa spa suites and 24-hour butler service, all in sun-soaked locations.

Palazzo Di P - Zakynthos, Greece - World's 5th Top Luxury Villa

Palazzo Di P is a uniquely styled luxury private villa measuring 300m2 (3,230 sq ft) of indoor areas with breathtaking architecture, real stone arches, high ceilings, marble flooring from all over the world and a combination of period and contemporary furniture. Outdoor grounds measure 3.000m2 (3/4 acre), surrounded by olive trees, pine trees and vineyards. Palazzo can host up to 10 guests and has been awarded for two consecutive years for its exceptional service with the 5th and 6th place in the World in 2017 and 2018 respectively in TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice Awards in the category of High-End Villas.

For World-Class Indulgence - The Private Residence at Velaa Private Island, MaldivesNew in-villa Hamman, private gym, an award-winning chef and largest wine cellar in the Maldives

A veritable playground for the rich and famous, Velaa Private Island, Maldives offers the perfect getaway for a holiday in utter luxury, and their Private Residences are no exception. Palatial in size, the residences offer a vast array of facilities, fit for the most discerning billionaire.

The Nirolhu Private Residence is also proud to unveil its very own, brand new hammam spa, including a steam room, cold pool and marble treatment bed. Residents of this beautiful property are able to have a full Turkish Bath Ritual, using pure cold pressed Black Soap from exclusive Dr Burgener range, and a foam body massage performed on the heated Hammam marble bed, all from within their quarters.

At 1324m in size, the private residences have four enormous, sea-facing bedrooms providing ample space for up to ten guests, making them the perfect home away from home for a larger family or group looking for a memorable Maldivian moment. Other facilities include private gym and dedicated butler, whilst the rest of the island is home to three, world-class restaurants curated by the award-winning Chef Gaushan, and an extensive wine cellar the largest in the Maldives.

For Stylish Ambience - The Villa at D-Maris Bay, TurkeyHelicopter transfers, yacht trips, in-villa sauna and Hamman, five beaches and gourmet restaurants

Undoubtedly the most stylish spot-on Turkeys Turquoise Coast, the ultra-luxurious D-Maris Bay is perched above a picturesque cove offering breath-taking views of the Data Peninsula, where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. Boasting a sophisticated design blending the contemporary minimalism of the West with the exoticism of the East, D-Maris Bay is home to sprawling suites and an exclusive villa which can accommodate up to five people. Arrive from Dalaman airport via private helicopter transfer and soak up the striking view before landing at D-Maris Bays own helipad.

The 310-sqm villa at D-Maris Bay is home to a private Hamman and sauna and a 450-sqm garden and patio complete with a swimming pool, outdoor relaxation and al fresco dining area overlooking the coves turquoise waters, towering mountain ranges and verdant forests. Inside, the villa boasts a fully equipped Gaggenau kitchen, wine cooler and large living and dining area, and the two en suite guest bedrooms are decorated in chic white Calacatta marble with walk-in closets and floor-to-ceiling windows.

As well as a 24-hour butler service, villa guests will receive priority access to D-Maris Bays la carte restaurants; including the award-winning Japanese restaurant Zuma for fresh sushi and miso marinated cod, and steak restaurant Nusr-Et owned by Nusret Gke (also known as Salt bae). As well as an infinity pool overlooking Green Hill panoramic point, access to five private beaches, and a tranquil Mytha Spa, D-Maris Bays own motor yacht invites exploration of beautiful surrounding islands and hidden beaches; including Iztuzu or turtle beach, where endangered logger head turtles nest all year round.

For Barefoot Elegance - The Sanctuary at COMO Parrot Cay, Caribbean10.5 acres with private beach access, interiors by Donna Karen, three infinity pools and COMO butlers

Famed amongst the rich and famous for its luxurious private villas and residences Bruce Willis and wide, Emma Heming Willis owned a residence there, and Donna Karen, Keith Richards and Justin Bieber are known to frequent its beaches COMO Parrot Cay is the pinnacle of Caribbean luxury. The award-winning Turks and Caicos resort is set on its own private island with 1,000 unspoiled acres and mile-long beach, hidden coves and vibrant reefs.

Those seeking ultimate seclusion should look to The Sanctuary, one of the Caribbeans most exclusive villa rentals. Comprised of a three-bed, 9,000sqft main house and two, 4,000sqft guest villas, The Sanctuary sleeps up to 21 guests and is set on 10.5 acres, bordered by verdant jungle and with private access to the islands fringe of sugar-white sand. Exuding peace and quiet, warm woods and white linens blend with cool limestone interiors and one-of-a-kind antiques collected by Donna Karen, the creative mind behind the signature interiors. This luxurious hideaway could be yours for a cool 38,500 per night.

Each villa within The Sanctuary has its own infinity pool, sun-soaked deck and access to dedicated COMO butler service; arrange private dining experiences on the beach, in-villa COMO Shambhala spa treatments or kayaking the dense mangroves in search of wildlife.

Original post:

Privacy is the New Luxury: The World's Most Exclusive Villa Holidays to Book For 2021 - Luxury Travel Magazine

Its a long way to the Maldives, a far flung destination, replete with sapphire-colored seas and perfect paradisiacal islands (nearly 2,000 of them, many with their own resort havens). Peppering the Indian Ocean, this world of yachts, sea planes, unimaginable luxury, over-water bungalows (some with slides that whoosh you from your deck right into the sea), stellar diving and snorkeling, private island resorts and twinkling stars brighter than youve seen anywhere else in the world, embodies exactly what you have in mind for your honeymoon. Exotic and quixotic thats what youre after. You want to go to a place so fantastical you cant even conjure it in your mind. The Maldives embodies that realm of the inconceivable.

Baros Maldives

Whether you go now or later, you can make that across-the-world trip to the Maldives seem like a shorter jaunt when you break up your trip with a luxurious layover in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Both Emirates and Etihad Airways (among other airlines) offer stellar and easy-to-book stay over packages to the area, so you can explore the largesse of these remote landscapes, havens of sand dunes and camels, splendorous urbanity, world class culture, swish coddling and stunning hotels. Consider letting the One&Only hotel group pamper you at one of two unforgettable hotels. Both the One&Only Royal Mirage and the One&Only The Palm in Dubai offer two-night Stopover in Style packages, created to immerse guests in local culture, from cuisine to wellness to adventurous excursions. One&Only Royal Mirage lies amidst 65 acres of garden, lined by a private beach. A feast of options, from nine restaurants to the immense Health & Beauty Institute, it offers such outings as a Sand Dune Safari, complete with falconry. Arrive by boat to One&Only The Palm, situated on an island enclave. With an Aladdin fairy tale vibe, it offers extravagant repose, including three restaurants, a Guerlain Spa, a beach and pools. Hole up in a cabana by the water, then cap the day with a hot air balloon ride over the desert.

One&Only Royal Mirage

Then, off you go to the Maldives. Honeymoon Part Two. Already far flung, secluded and an easy place to social distance (since most resorts occupy individual islands and design the landscape spaciously and with privacy in mind), the Maldives feels safer than most places in the world right now. Hey, its even farther away than Dubai. Take the intimacy you seek to the next level at swanky Baros Maldives, a long beloved resort, just a 30-minute boat ride from the airport. A member of Small Luxury Hotels, this adults-only refuge, a wannabe castaways dream, spellbinds with glamorous offerings like thatched roof suites that straddle the gin clear water on poles and a piano bar that floats on a platform surrounded by the sea. Though three stellar restaurants beckon, youll likely prefer room service and sexy picnics atop sandbars organized by your personal attendant. Experience the Maldives famous dhoni boats on a sunset cruise, sail away to seek dolphins, rays and turtles, learn to dive (they have a PADI center) or just wander the island picking hibiscus flowers to make wreaths for your hair. Want a feel good incentive? (And, we dont mean stretching out with your beloved in the sun.) Baros celebrates the environment with a notable coral regeneration program and sustainable efforts such as non-biodegradable products. Champions, they were among the first to be certified as an Eco-Dive Centre in the island, chain leading the way for reef protection and sustainability education.

One&Only The Palm

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Dream Honeymoons: A Stopover in Dubai Makes this Maldives Adventure Doubly Sweet - My New Orleans

A sunny, breezy and crowd-free paradisethe Maldives is just a quick flight away without any visa hassles. But what they dont tell you about the tropical island is that the transfer and layover time and the many additional hidden costs can make or break your holiday experience. These tips and tricks will help you get the most out of your time in the island nation:

Fixed timings for seaplane and boat transfers means you could end up spending anywhere between one to four hours at the airport, losing the day in transit. But, a host of hotels are just a quick zip from Mal. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Grand Park Kodhipparu, One&Only Reethi Rah, Varu by Atmosphere and Ozen Reserve Bolifushi are all between 15 to 40-minute boat rides from the city.

If you choose a hotel that is a seaplane ride away, check if they can schedule it according to your flight timings to avoid waiting for hours.

A seaplane transfer could cost anywhere from $270 (Rs19,669) to $450 (Rs32,782). Dont forget to check if a complimentary ride seaplane or boat transfer is part of your deal.

The best part about the Maldives is that you can look forward to balmy, tropical weather almost all year round, with a chance of rain between the months of May to October in the Maldives. Expect some of the best deals during these off-season months.

When youre in paradise, you can very quickly run a very high tab on those pinacoladas, which is why its best to choose a resort with an all-inclusive plan for meals and drinks. This would usually include a selection of spirits both at the bar and in your room (replenished once or twice a day) and all meals at the buffet and some of the speciality restaurants. Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, Heritance Aarah Maldives and Centara Grand Island are just some of the many all-inclusive resorts here.

At many all-inclusive resorts, non-motorised sports such as paddle boating, kayaking, windsurfing and canoeing are inclusive of the plan. If you stay for three or four nights, they may also add snorkelling, dolphin spotting and a night of star-gazing into your deal. However, there are some resorts like the Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, where you wont have to worry about giving your room number at any stage because everything is part of your package.

Many resorts tend to add additional deals such as a spa, a snorkelling session, sunset or dolphin cruise, a movie night under the stars, a dinner at a speciality restaurant if you spend over three nights at the property.

Maldives (MVT) is 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time. However, some resorts have their own time zone (to give their guests some more daylight hours). So, they add about an hour or 1.5 hours to MVT. Check with your hotel, so you can schedule your departure in time to catch your flight.

An RT-PCR test must be taken at least 96 hours prior to departure. Children below the age of one are exempted. Note: Your test must have your passport number (Labs tend to ask for your Aadhar Card details if they dont know the purpose of your test, so dont forget to inform them).

You will also have to present an RT-PCR test no more than 96 hours old on your return journey. Factor in a day to receive the results. So if youre spending three nights in the Maldives, get tested on the second day. Its advisable to book your appointment with the lab on the island the day you reach in that case.

Once you have received your test results, you are required to submit an online Traveller Health Declaration form within 24 hours prior to departure. The form includes some basic information, your flight details, health details, the countries you have travelled to in the past 15 days and a drive to upload your negative RT-PCR test. Once youre done, you will receive a QR code. Keep a screenshot handy to present at Mal airport on arrival. The same declaration form needs to be filled on your return, along with an Air Suvidha form to reenter India.

Some properties like Soneva Fushi may request you to quarantine for 24 hours in your villa until you get your test results, so you might not want to schedule anything for that day.

You dont need much to have a good time in the Maldives. A few swimsuits, kaftans and cover-ups, sunglasses, a beach bag, hat and sandals are more than enough. Of course, an SPF suntan lotion is the most important, but also add some aloe vera to cool your skin after a long day of beach bumming.

The Maldives is an Islamic country. You are not allowed to bring idols of worship, religious books, pork and pork products, and alcohol.

Many people are often seduced by the idea of an overwater villa, but if youre a beach person, and especially if youre travelling with young children, a beach villa might be a better and safer option. Sand between your toes is a tangible luxury.

Resorts such as Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, Hurawalhi Island Resort and Kudadoo Maldives are adults-only resorts. Other resorts may welcome kids but not at the overwater villasfor safety reasons. Be sure to check with your resort before you book.

Yes, the Maldives is best known for honeymoons. But there are many resorts specially designed for parents to put their feet up and relax. Kids club with activities such as treasure hunts and pasta-making, and babysitting services, mean you can also slot in some spa time. When it comes to safety, most resorts are well-equipped with measures like railings and child-safety locks on the deck of the overwater villas. Families with young children, choose beach villas facing shallow island lagoons. Here are some great tips on travelling with your kids to the Maldives.

Check with the hotel on how far you need to go to spot marine life. Some islands in the Maldives are reclaimed, or artificial islands or have been affected by coral bleaching, and therefore offer a lower chance of spotting marine life. Some others, like The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Dhigufaru Island Resort, Dusit Thani Maldives and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru are close to Hanifaru Bay, where the worlds largest congregation of manta rays takes place between June to October. The coral-clad reefs are healthy enough for you to just peep into the waters to spot fish.

It is recommended to wait for 12-24 hours before you get onto a plane after you have gone diving. This is because you could suffer from decompression sickness. For good orders sake, avoid flying out the day after you dive.

If exploring Maldives coral reefs is topmost on your priority list, why not live on the waters itself. Orca Dive Club organises luxury liveaboard experiences, where a boat is your base to set out on diving expeditions.

Climate change has put the Maldives at serious risk. But many of the countrys resorts are doing their bit to mitigate their impact on the environment. Soneva Fushi, Gili Lankanfushi, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru employ several sustainable practices, from recycling plastic and glass onsite to using solar power and helping regenerate coral. Make the right choiceyou want your kids to enjoy this paradise as well.

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19 things to know before your first trip to the Maldives - Cond Nast Traveller India

Marsha Fottler| Correspondent

Venice Island residents Genice and Jack Sullivan are selling their three-bedroom, three-bath home but they are not leaving their beloved island. Their current 5,000-square-foot waterfront home at 444 Bayshore Drive is on the market for $3,500,000 through Lueanne Wood of Gulf Shores Realty. While they love the location, their house itself has become more than they want to maintain at this point in their lives. They are going to downsize to a neighborhood not on water that is an easy walk to downtown shops and restaurants.

The house they are selling is one they bought four years ago when they moved from a neighborhood on the island that wasnt on water. As boaters, they wanted the waterfront lifestyle and this house had it in abundance beautiful vistas of Roberts Bay, a private dock and boat lift, and excellent boating water. At dead low tide there is still five and a half feet of water at the dock, said Jack Sullivan, and there are no bridges to the Gulf.

The Sullivans semi-retired to this part of Florida some 20 years ago. We made a thorough search of cities on both the west and east coasts and it was actually a Danish couple who suggested that we explore Venice. We did and that was it. We were charmed by Venice Island the size, the beauty, the convenience, the peacefulness and its so close to wonderful beaches. We bought a house on water and eventually we also bought a seasonal place in Colorado. But after a few years, we sold that home and decided to stay put in Venice year round. It was a good decision. We love it here and over the years our friends and children and grandchildren come to visit from Connecticut, Michigan, Oregon and New Jersey.

Their second house was in a neighborhood not on water and they loved the convenience of walking to downtown amenities. But four years ago they had a yen for the boating life again and their Realtor Lueanne Wood found them the Bayshore Drive house. It was built in 1997. Besides the water, dock and boat lift, the oversized lot and the three-car garage the Sullivans were happy with the outdoor entertaining space. We can open up the sliders and easily have 50 people here and it doesnt feel crowded. Our kids and grandkids love the salt-water pool and being outside or on the boat.

When the Sullivans bought the house, it was in sound shape and the changes they made to the inside were minor and cosmetic such as updating appliances and fixtures. But, they made significant improvements outside.

We put in a new sea wall, said Sullivan, and we converted the pool to salt-water. We redid all the landscaping and pavers and added amenities to the outdoor spaces where we have a grilling station and outdoor dining. The house itself was built right in the first place so all we had to do inside was re-decorate to our taste and update features in the kitchen, baths and laundry room. The floor plan is open and can easily accommodate lots of people. Its a convenient house that was well thought out. The home was custom built by J & J Homes in 1997.

The kitchen in the home is open to the family room and features a double-sided, raised-hearth gas fireplace with an impressive stone surround. There are two kitchen islands, one is a prep space and the other an eating counter that seats six to eight. Aquarium glass at a third kitchen eating bar provides clear views of Roberts Bay. A coffered ceiling is a special design feature. The kitchen has stainless appliances, two French-door refrigerators, double sinks, gas range, granite counters and marble flooring. It can host a big party as well as accommodate several cooks.

The owners bedroom is so spacious that there are three ceiling fans in the room as well as a separate raised reading nook that could also be a small home gym. French doors open to the pool deck and a covered patio. There are two custom walk-in closets. The floors are marble and the ceiling is coffered. The stately en-suite bath has separate vanity areas, a walk-in shower, wrap-around mirrors and a lavish separate soaking tub that is flanked by fluted classical columns. A crystal chandler is suspended over the tub which is theatrically positioned in front of a large arched window.

Mediterranean Revival touches such as arches, columns, marble floors and stone accents are throughout the inside and define the architecture outside. The front porch and the back pool area are rimmed with limestone balustrades common to homes in Italy and the roof is tile.

Venice, so named because of the canals characteristic of Venice, Italy, has always had a preference for Mediterranean Revival architecture and many new homes in the city tend to be modifications of that style. The area began seeing serious settlement in the 1870s when Richard Roberts established a homestead. Since the 1920s, there has been a concerted effort to feature Italian-style architecture to create a harmonious community of businesses and residences. Venice City covers about 16 square miles of which nearly nine percent is water.

As the Sullivans know, there are four main beaches in Venice and many people live within a short walk of one. The Municipal beach is probably the most popular, but there is also Nokomis Beach (of drum circle fame) and South Brohard Beach which stretches over 22 acres and has a dog park. Visitors to Venice who are on the hunt for shark teeth should head for Caspersen Beach, which is the longest beach in Sarasota County. This water-loving city also features a long municipal pier where you can fish 24 hours a day with no license requirement. Many people night fish for shark.

The Sullivans love their waterfront location but say they are at a time in life when they want a smaller house in a neighborhood close to downtown where they can walk to everything they need. We are actually moving back to the neighborhood where we had a home before, said Sullivan. Well be able to take our two-mile walk every day around the island and also be close to restaurants and shopping and to a beach. We have a little grandson who is four and spends two hours with us each morning before he goes off to pre-school and we think hell like the new house just fine.

More:

Luxury, waterfront home on Venice Island listed at $3.5M - Sarasota Herald-Tribune