From private islands to fancy cars, here are the things Jay-Z has gifted Beyonc – MSN UK

Getty Images GettyImages-540811036 (1).jpg

What could you possibly gift a woman like Beyonce who seems to have everything? Including a killer voice, enviable dance skills and a career with some of the most iconic music in the past two decades?

Well, it seems her husband rapper and business mogul Jay-Z might just have the perfect answer every time.

Whether buying a private tropical island (casual) or getting thousands of (very famous) friends to sing along with him for her birthday, its safe to say that Mr. Carter seems to know what hes doing when it comes to buying gifts for his wife.

Jay Z and Beyonce perform at the London Stadium

Click to expand

UP NEXT

In honour of her 40th birthday, weve had a look back at some of the most lavish and heartfelt gifts that Jay-Z has given Beyonce throughout their relationship.

For Beyonces 32nd birthday, Jay Z decided to gift her a 213-foot luxury Galactica Star yacht valued at over $70 million.

Its without a doubt a superyacht and has tons of outdoor space, as well as a helipad. The couple have been spotted sipping on a glass of champagne while relaxing in the hot tub on the boat (Jealous? Us?). The yacht also apparently has room for 12 guests so the Carters can take their closest pals and family with them for the ride.

Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter The Viral Democracy by clicking here

For Beys 25th birthday, Jay-Z pulled up with a vintage, 1959 baby blue Rolls Royce convertible, which is estimated to be worth around $1 million.

Being megastars, privacy for Beyonce and Jay Z can surely be tough. Going on vacation like everyone else without a crowd is pretty much out of the question. So what did Jay do? He bought Bey a private island for her 29th birthday, of course.

Although there isnt much information out there about the island, it's located in the Florida Keys and is confirmed to be around 12.5 acres long with a private mansion for the couple to hang out.

For Beys 35th birthday, Jay ensured that she partied the night away with a star-studded soul train themed birthday party. Guests included Alicia Keys, Kendrick Lamar, Usher, Diddy and many more.

In his headline performance at Made In America Festival, Jay sang happy birthday to Bey for her 36th birthday. Two years later, Jay, Bey, and loved ones serenaded her again backstage at Made in America. She even received a splendid cake that read: Happy Birthday B!

Mother of Dragons, is that you?

Bey is reportedly a huge fan of Game of Thrones. A few years back, Jay was rumoured to have bought her one of the prop dragon eggs for the show.

Actress Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys Targaryen, toldHarpers Bazaar: Apparently, Jay Z bought one for Beyonce or something... I dont know.

Its not 100 per cent confirmed as to whether or not Bey actually has one of the eggs, but it is described as really, really, really expensive by Clarke.

Jay gifted Bey a $95,000 butterfly ring designed by British jewellery designer Glenn Spiro.

Its made out of titanium and is decorated withtsavorites,which are 1,000 times rarerthan emeralds. Its a precious stone in the garnet group species, but is green instead of cinnamon in color due to the vanadium or chromium.

Its a stunner, but not the most practical. As a result, in 2018, Beydonated the ringto the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

And they seemed to be over the moon with joy!

Beys ring is displayed alongside other pieces of jewellry once worn by royals such as Queen Elizabeth I.

Wonder whats in store this year?

From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to climate The Independent has a host of free newsletters to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, in your inbox, click here.

Here is the original post:

From private islands to fancy cars, here are the things Jay-Z has gifted Beyonc - MSN UK

Putin Says Private Businesses, Japanese Firms On Disputed Kurile Islands To Receive Tax Breaks – Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says private businesses, including Japanese firms, operating on the disputed Kurile Islands will receive tax breaks in an effort to boost the local economy.

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok on September 3, Putin said private companies registered and physically present on the Kurile Islands will receive income and property tax breaks for 10 years.

"We have to create competitive conditions for our [Japanese] partners. It means the existing parameters of the tax burden, loan prices, the speed and quality of the state services for businesses here must be globally competitive," Putin said.

The sparsely populated islands have suffered economically since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 as investment dropped and people left for better living standards on mainland Russia.

The Soviet Union seized the Kurile islands in the final days of World War II from Japan, which continues to assert territorial rights to the islands that it calls the Northern Territories. The dispute has kept Russia and Japan from signing a peace treaty formally ending the war.

Decades of diplomatic efforts to negotiate a settlement have failed to produce a solution to the issue.

"We think that the absence of the [peace treaty formally ending the World War II) in our bilateral relations is nonsense.... We have never refused from the dialogue on the peace treaty.... However, we must consider the realities, one of which is the necessity to secure a peaceful future and therefore to guarantee that there will be no U.S. armed forces, especially missile-assault systems near our borders," Putin said at the forum, adding that Moscow is awaiting Tokyo's response on that.

The three-day Eastern Economic Forum started in Vladivostok on September 2.

See the article here:

Putin Says Private Businesses, Japanese Firms On Disputed Kurile Islands To Receive Tax Breaks - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

An incredible private island for sale in the Summer Isles at the price of a central London parking space – Country Life

Crn Deas is a majestically beautiful private island off the north-west coast of Scotland, with a price tag that will have all of us checking our online balance and doing a few sums. Toby Keel reports.

There was a time when 50,000 could buy you a street full of houses. Even as recently as 1992, it was roughly the average cost of a house in the UK something thats almost unimaginable three decades later, especially for first-time buyers.

Of course, you can still buy properties, just about, for under 50k, if youre prepared to do a lot of work. But when you hear that number in relation to property in 2021 its generally for a parking space, or the outlandish weekly rental cost of the Mayfair mansion occupied by Adar Poonawalla, which set a record earlier this year.

So to find a 50,000 property which makes you rub your eyes in disbelief but in a good way is rare indeed. Yet thats what we have today in the form of Crn Deas, an uninhabited private island off the coast of north-west Scotland, which has just been launched to the market for offers over 50,000.

Carn Deas from the air, showing the stunning clear waters.

Its not rare to find estate agents waxing poetical, but even still the words of Goldcrest Land and Forestrys Fenning Welstead are striking: its stunningly rugged and romantic, they write. A remote sanctuary to the buyer seeking an escape to one of the countrys most wonderful natural wildernesses. Here, you can truly escape from reality, take a deep breath and enjoy what nature can offer.

That is a beautiful description for this dot on the map in the Summer Isles archipelago, which sit in the bay beyond Loch Broom, a little to the north-west of Ullapool. Sadly, the archipelago isnt named due to some devastatingly wonderful microclimate: instead, the island took their collective name thanks to the shepherds who used to bring their flocks here to graze in summer.

Crn Deas island itself is a 22-acre piece of land with beautiful views across to neighbouring Crn Iar to which it is connected by a shingle spit as well as to the mainland, with the mountains of Coigach and Assynt to the north and east, and the Fannich and Torridon hills to the south.

Accessing the island is a matter of a 25-minute boat ride from Badentarbat Pier near Achiltibuie, almost due east; or from Old Dornie Harbour to the north. You could bring your own boat and anchor off the island, and access it by dinghy. Crn Deas is sheltered both sides by neighbouring islands, which should make doing so relatively straightforward.

The sheltered, shingle beach at Carn Deas looks relatively straightforward for access via dinghy.

All that leaves is the question of what you could do with your island once it was yours. The island and all the neighbouring islands are havens for wildlife, birds and sealife. Porpoises and basking sharks are a common sight, and the waters are full of everything from mackerel and cod to lobsters and crabs. You can camp on the island and live off what you catch, enjoy swimming, snorkelling and the clearest night skies imaginable, and truly escape from modern life for a while.

Or you could spend that 50,000 on a central London parking space. Up to you really.

Carn Deas is for sale via Goldcrest for offers over 50,000 see more details and pictures.

On the banks of Loch Tay, the Old Village of Lawers has come up for sale with an eye-catching price

We take a look at the finest country houses, castles and estates for sale in Scotland, from an amazing renovation

Catch up on the best country houses for sale this week that have come to the market via Country Life.

Read the original here:

An incredible private island for sale in the Summer Isles at the price of a central London parking space - Country Life

Optimistic Researchers Say There Still Time To Head Off Climate Change Before It Starts Killing Rich People – The Onion

BERKELEY, CAIn a rare silver lining amid increasingly dire assessments of the climate crisis, optimistic researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, released a report Friday suggesting there was still time to head off environmental catastrophe before it started killing rich people. Though rising sea levels and powerful storms are devastating coastal areas, its not too late to stop floods from threatening those who live high above the water in multimillion-dollar penthouses, said climatologist and report author Dennis Gibson, explaining that by 2030, the wealthiest 0.01% of Americans would need to increase investment in charter helicopter services to ensure they would have a way to travel from a metropolitan high-rise to a vacation home without inconvenience. Similarly, rich peoples ski chalets in Wyoming, Vermont, and the Alps are at elevations that provide them with natural protection against flooding rivers. In the case of wildfires, however, they must act now if they wish to save their mountain retreats, mansions in wine country, and various other country estates. The time has come for the wealthy to stop these fires by buying up all the surrounding properties so they can clear-cut every single tree within a mile radius of their palatial homes. Despite its overall conclusion, the report stated that the climate crisis had already worsened to the point at which rich people really ought to start thinking about selling their private islands in the Caribbean.

View post:

Optimistic Researchers Say There Still Time To Head Off Climate Change Before It Starts Killing Rich People - The Onion

Saint Lucia Island Innovation Ambassador to Participate at Virtual Island Summit 2021 – St. Lucia News From The Voice – The Voice St. Lucia

MICHELLE N. Samuel, Island Innovation Ambassador from St. Lucia will be involved in this years Virtual Island Summit (VIS). The Summit, to be held entirely online over the course of September 6th-12th, 2021, will feature heads of state, academics, and entrepreneurs from global islands, including St. Lucia, to discuss a range of complex issues including but not limited to: the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, sustainable development, renewable energies, responsible tourism, and many others.

In the run-up to the VIS, the Island Innovation Ambassadors from +350 islands worldwide have had the opportunity to communicate and liaise with each other, serving as bridges between their communities. This has provided an opportunity to connect distant islands and to amplify the voices of politicians, entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, and community leaders on the challenges faced and solutions being developed on islands worldwide.

The ambassadors will be representing the interests of their islands and able to discuss with other attendees, speakers, and decision-makers throughout the VIS. Anticipated to have over 10,000 island stakeholders in attendance, the VIS is the only global summit bringing together stakeholders from around the world and enabling the public to listen in.

This will be my second time representing St. Lucia in the capacity of Ambassador at VIS. Last years summit featured local artiste Mr. Ronald Boo Hinkson and Speaker Mr. Didacus Jules. This year is especially welcoming, that the Prime Minister of St. Lucia Hon. Phillip J. Pierre will be participating as a key speaker from the Western Hemisphere. The main theme for the Summit this year is Sharing Knowledge for Resilient, Sustainable and Prosperous Islands Worldwide, so it would be very interesting to hear what he and other key leaders have to say, Samuel said.

Sponsored | Article continues below

James Ellsmoor, Island Innovation founder, commented: The Island Innovation ambassadors play an incredibly important role in transmitting sustainable innovations between island communities and sharing best practices. This years ambassador cohort is incredibly passionate about economic and environmental issues facing islands, international cooperation, and sustainable development.

Island Innovation brings together the private sector, government, utilities, NGOs and universities to advance innovation for sustainability and prosperity in islands worldwide. For more information, visit the Island Innovation Website.

View original post here:

Saint Lucia Island Innovation Ambassador to Participate at Virtual Island Summit 2021 - St. Lucia News From The Voice - The Voice St. Lucia

Punta Mita, Mexico, Is Having Its Day in the Sun – Mansion Global

On the Pacific coastline of Mexicos Nayarit state lies a small, upscale resort community with a fast-growing population. Punta Mitas dreamy beach-and-jungle setting with plenty to see and do has drawn increasing numbers of remote workers, including many entrepreneurs, in recent years.

Punta Mita is a 1,500-acre private peninsula and a gated, high-end retreat with relatively accessible luxury property prices and an emphasis on rest and relaxation and outdoor pursuits. It offers ideal conditions for remote workers seeking more picturesque surroundings in which to work. Its safe, modern and immersed in nature, plus its a short flight from the West Coast of the U.S..

The sanctuary-inspired, luxury residential resort in west Mexico, just outside Puerto Vallarta has an expanding luxury real estate market and many luxury brands, including two Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses, and top-of-the-range hotels by the Four Seasons, W, St. Regis Punta and the five-star private resort estate of Casa Aramara. All of this is set along a pristine coastline and within its lush interior, which teams with plants, birds and other wildlife.

More: Haddington Offers Historic Homes, From Country Estates to Victorian Townhouses, Just 20 Miles From Edinburgh

Local agents report soaring demand for homes in Punta Mita over the past year or so, dropping inventory levels to a record low. The pandemic has made this destination grow even more popular with the elite for being private and secluded, said Brbara Livas, of Monterrey Sothebys International Realty.

You can enjoy a home with deluxe accommodation and many outdoor activities, she said.

Boundaries

Punta Mita sits at the top tip of the Bay of Banderas, in the Mexican state of Nayarit. It lies just off the Tepic-Puerto Vallarta highway, also known as the Riviera Nayarit Boulevard, which goes north to Sayulita, San Blas and Tepic. Its west, south and east borders are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and it is entered at the northern end via the roads Vialidad La Punta and the Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle Punta de Mita.

The resort is about 24 miles from the Licenciado Gustavo Daz Ordaz International airport in Puerto Vallarta, which serves multiple destinations in the U.S., including Los Angeles where flights take about three hours.

More: From Portugals Western Algarve to Salt Lake: Six Cities, Six Continents

Price Range

A nice but simple three-bedroom oceanfront home can start from US$350,000 while a luxury, ten-bedroom residence can cost as much as $12 million and sometimes more in some cases, Ms. Livas said, who added that properties can be sold in either US dollars or Mexican pesos.

Housing Stock

Punta Mita has a few standalone houses and mostly apartments and private villas that are part of private developments and resorts, which face the coastline and have serene and secluded ocean views, Ms. Livas said. There are about 20 communities in the resort, including branded private residences, estate lots, golf and waterfront condos, and hillside villas built in a modern and contemporary style with Mexican and Mediterranean influences, according to LPR Luxury Punta de Mita.

Many homes feature high-end amenities and stylish interiors. For example, the Four Seasons private villas have private infinity-edge plunge pools, gourmet kitchens and antique Mexican wooden doors, among other features.

Naya is a new beachfront apartment scheme created by the Mexican-owned One Development Group, housing 60 homes set across eight buildings spread over 11 acres. The complex is built in a minimalist style with concrete and wooden accents and has a 102-meter private beach and large balconies featuring plunge pools. Only one-third of the natural environment has been built on and the residences have ocean views and access to a team of staff, chefs, spa facilities, gym, pools and private beach, among other amenities, Ms. Livas said.

More: Open Spaces, Historic Homes and Rising Prices Define Australias Capital, Canberra

What Makes It Unique

Punta Mita is a gated, low-density, master-planned resort created 15 years ago by Mexican development company Dine who bought the 1,500-acre plot to create a luxury resort with high-end hotels and world-ranking golf courses. It appeals to an exclusive group of people for many reasons, but primarily because of the excellent value it offers in terms of luxury, accessibility, privacy, and a beautiful setting in a secure gated, oceanfront community, Ms. Livas said.

Punta Mita comes from the Aztec word mictlan meaning gateway to paradise and it lives up to its name. The peninsula boasts a lush, jungle setting with a hill overlooking the ocean and has idyllic sandy beaches and coves all along its three sides. It has waters with a kaleidoscope of bright blues and the volcanic Marietas Islands (15 minutes offshore).

Many people come to Punta Mita to unplug and unwind. Its a trend recognized by the hotels on the island with St. Regis Punta Mita Resort encouraging guests to detox from the digital world and reconnect with nature with its new Disconnect to Reconnect package.

From Penta: Future Returns: Investing in Post-Pandemic Fitness and Wellness

Luxury Amenities

Punta Mita is a great place to relax on the beach and not do much else, but there is plenty to keep residents who want more occupied.

At Club Punta Mita, there is the 72-hole, Jack Nicklaus Signature Punta Mita Pacifico Golf Course set on the northernmost point of Banderas Bay, a tennis center, and residents beach club. Punta Mitas other Jack Nicklaus Signature championship par-72 course is called Bahia and offers pars with fairways meandering through the St. Regis Resort, El Encanto, Porta Fortuna and La Punta Estates communities. Nicklauss Pacifico course features the famous Tail of the Whale holean optional part of the course that requires golfers to play their first shot from an onshore tee box to an island green located on a natural rock formation.

The Kupuri Beach Clubs dedicated concierge person guides members through state-of-the-art spa services and recreational activities at Punta Mita Ocean Sports program, which has top-line equipment. Meanwhile, Sufi Ocean Club in the Porta Fortuna community is a new addition and features a curving, beachfront saltwater pool, a stately reception hall, wooden poolside cabanas and seaside dining at the Sufito Cevicheria Bar.

More: Sustainable and Smart: South Koreas Songdo Offers Green Spaces and Good Schools

Across the peninsula, there are walking trails amid nature, while the top local surfing spot at the Cove is a short water taxi ride away. Head to the summit of the nearby 1,150-foot Monkey Mountain in the Higuera Blanca community for impressive coastline views. Meanwhile, the wildlife-filled Marietas Islands have great snorkeling opportunities and the Instagram-worthy Hidden Beach set within a man-made crater.

The W Punta Mita offers a range of dining experiences, including its signature restaurant, Spice Market, which is a must and features a Southeast Asian-inspired menu, as well as Cevicheria, which serves ceviche and craft beers by the ocean. The Four Seasons Punta Mita restaurants include Dos Catrinas, which has authentic Mexican fare with a contemporary twist, and the Asian-inspired Aramara, while Carolina at the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort offers a AAA Diamond Award dining experience and modern Mexican cuisine.

Both the St. Regis and Four Seasons resorts host rotating art exhibitions by contemporary and traditional Mexican and Latin American artists throughout the year and as well as casual clothing stores. Outside of Punta Mita, explore the numerous art galleries and artisan shops in the beach resort city of Puerto Vallarta, an hour away, and in the coastal town of Sayulita, 30 minutes north of Punta Mita.

Puerto Vallartas well-regarded schools include the Instituto SPAC or ISPAC, a private co-ed school for pre-school, primary and secondary students; the British American School, which offers education to students from kindergarten to the 12th grade; the American School of Puerto Vallarta, a private, bilingual and bicultural school for pupils ages 3 to 18.

More: Sandton, Africas Richest Square Mile, Offers a Wide Range of Luxury Homes and a Bustling Economy

Who Lives There

Its mostly wealthy Mexicans and Americans and many have chosen the resort as a refuge from the pandemic, Ms. Livas said. For some its a vacation home, for others its a second home. The people who live here are part of a community of individuals who share tastes for the finer things in life, she said. They love to have a fun and relaxing time just as much as they like to work hard. Within the last ten years, the entrepreneurial community has begun to make a strong move here and has become one of the leading buyers of Punta Mita real estate.

Famous Residents

Bill Gates and Tim Ferris own property on thebeachfront in Punta Mita, according to Ms. Livas. Jack Nicklaus designed the Pacifico golf course a few years after he started to regularly holiday at the resort in the late 1990s.

More: Buyers Are Flocking the Golden Triangle of Portugals Algarve Region

Outlook

Theres a positive outlook for the Punta Mita market over the coming year, Ms. Livas. Punta Mita real estate trends have been very favorable, even in a post-pandemic world. It has become a highly desirable location, especially with the growing acceptance of remote work.

Alejandro Aldrete of The Agency says that sales have been out of control since last summer. He added that inventory levels are very low because everything is being bought and that the market is as hot as its ever been.

Click for more profiles of high-end neighborhoods around the world

Read this article:

Punta Mita, Mexico, Is Having Its Day in the Sun - Mansion Global

Hilton to Debut in Spectacular Santorini with Stunning Beachfront Property – Hospitality Net

Opening in 2022, all rooms at the Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, will boast private terraces and a hot tub or pool.

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Alexandros Ltd to open Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton. Due to launch in Spring 2022, the new 37-room hotel will be Hilton's first on the glamorous Greek island, complete with private beach.

Each room in the new premier development, which is built on the south coast of the island with a private beach, will benefit from its own private terrace and guests will be able to take a dip in their own personal hot tub or swimming pool. The hotel's exceptionally designed rooms take inspiration from Santorini's iconic blue and whitewashed architecture, as well as incorporating the island's rugged natural beauty with stone walls and organic wooden textures. Guests will be able to choose between the hotel's two restaurants and two bars for a relaxed bite to eat or cocktail, with two of the outlets being located on the resort's private beach. With two pools, a spa, fitness facilities and loungers by the beach, guests can alternate between working up a sweat, being pampered relaxing and cooling off with a dip in the water.

On the southern tip of one of Greece's most popular islands, the Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort, Curio Collection, is a short drive from Santorini's most popular sights. From the architecture of the island's cosmopolitan capital Fira to the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, visitors can explore the volcanic island's many must-sees without straying too far from the hotel. Less than two kilometres from Vlichada, a bustling marina full of seafood tavernas, attractions like the Santorini Arts Factory and neighbouring black-pebble beach, guests can explore Santorini against a backdrop of volcanic cliffs and visit colourful beaches like the famed Red Beach and iconic Perissa Black Sand Beach.

Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of more than 100 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts, all offering a unique way to experience incredible destinations. In recent years, Hilton has signed an ever-increasing number of Curio Collection by Hilton hotels, with 66 hotels currently in development. The Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort will be the latest Grecian Curio hotel, following the recent opening of The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton in June.

The Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton will join the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme, allowing more than 118 million members who book directly with Hilton to earn Points for hotel stays and experiences, plus instant benefits including contactless check-in with room selection, Digital Key and Connected Room.

Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton will be located in Exomitis. Hilton currently has two trading hotels in Greece under the brands Curio Collection by Hilton and Hilton Hotels and Resorts.

Link:

Hilton to Debut in Spectacular Santorini with Stunning Beachfront Property - Hospitality Net

The Return of the Dream Honeymoon – The New York Times

When Kalyn and Collin Pounders finally went on their honeymoon to Greece in July after delaying it for more than a year because of the pandemic, they were ready to splurge. The couple, who live in Atlanta and married in June 2020, extended their trip so that they were able to visit Mykonos and Santorini islands, got a nicer room at the hotel they had booked and even went on a private cruise.

At first, Ms. Pounders, 25, wasnt planning on taking the advice of her friends, who told her that this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip and that she shouldnt hold back on luxuries. But thats exactly how she and Mr. Pounders, 27, ended up approaching the vacation after the months of waiting and pandemic hardship. Were really glad we took that advice, said Ms. Pounders, who works as a clinical pharmacist. Her husband is an investment analyst. Weve waited for this, we worked really hard in between, she said, and when the time finally came, we were like Why not? We deserve it.

After the pandemic forced a halt for many honeymoons, this summer has shown indications that theyre back and bigger and splashier than ever before. The Travel Siblings, a New York-based travel consultancy that focuses on romantic trips, saw its honeymoon bookings, as of July, quadruple since last year. More than 70 percent of couples who married last year went on or are planning to go on a post-wedding getaway, a figure that is up almost 20 percent from 2020 and back to prepandemic levels, according to a recent report from WeddingWire.

The Pounders are far from alone in forgetting frugality on their postponed honeymoon. We absolutely can say that honeymoons are back with both a passion and a vengeance, said Harlan deBell, an owner of the Travel Siblings. Kara Bebell, also an owner, added: Since many couples have had to postpone their wedding dates several times, they are splurging more on hotel upgrades and private romantic experiences. Before the pandemic, the companys clients typically spent around $16,000 on a honeymoon trip. Now they are seeing that couples who had to postpone their original honeymoons are spending more than $20,000.

Visit link:

The Return of the Dream Honeymoon - The New York Times

Holiday on Welsh private island goes viral on TikTok and stuns people around the world – Wales Online

This private Welsh island has gone viral after a visitor shared a video of his holiday there.

Ynys Castell has left people around the world speechless as the holiday-maker shares his video of his drive up the tidal carriageway, atmospherically lit driveway and then the amazing panoramic views on arrival. With blue skies all around and boats bobbing on the vibrant water, it could be a scene from Sardinia or the Balearic islands.

But the unique island is actually located between Anglesey and the mainland and has incredible views of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia. You can find 23 other secret hideaways in Wales you'll never want to leave here.

READ MORE:23 hidden Welsh beaches so beautiful you'll be delighted you found them

The home sleeps up to 13 guests and is set in mature gardens with lawned areas, vantage seating spots, meandering paths and steps down to the water's edge and its very own slipway, North Wales Live reports. It is available to book through Menai Holidays.

You can watch the video here:

TikToker ___rta' shared the video and his clip has been seen by more than 456,000 people around the world and racked up nearly 55,000 likes, and thousands more comments and shares.

They then posted a second clip with extra footage from the island after so many people asked to see more from the incredible holiday let.

Other users took to the comment section to share their thoughts on the island.

I need the link, one user commented.

Oh my god I didnt know you could stay here, Ive always wanted to visit, another added.

One woman from Anglesey said: I have lived on Anglesey my whole life and I never knew you could drive on that island.

Tagging their friend, a third local said: How the hell do we live on Anglesey and NOT know about this?

Meanwhile, dozens of users likened the island's driveway, which is only visible during certain tide times, to hit horror movie starring Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe, The Woman in Black. And others are wondering if it's big enough to hire as a wedding venue.

Eagle-eyed viewers may remember having seen it somewhere before, though. In Keeping Faith, the absolutely stunning location is where Cadi's dad lives and where Cadi and her two sisters were brought up after their mother died. You can find out more about that here.

Share your thoughts in our comment section below.

Read the rest here:

Holiday on Welsh private island goes viral on TikTok and stuns people around the world - Wales Online

Exploring the Elizabeth Islands (and swimming with cows) – The Boston Globe

The inn offers other nice touches, too: a bar area where guests can help themselves to complimentary drinks and snacks, bicycles to use to explore the island (bike trails are nearby), yoga on the lawn on Saturday mornings, and breakfast, prepared by Annabelle, and worthy of mention. All in all, it has a very upscale, unfussy, intimate vibe, the perfect balance between luxury resort and seaside inn.

After checking in on the first day, we explored the town, had dinner at Garde East overlooking the harbor, and slept like babies in our spacious rooms, under crisp Frette linens.

It might be a little sporty out there, Captain Eamonn Solway said the following morning as we boarded his 26-foot, six-passenger charter boat. But this is one of my favorite trips. I never get tired of it.

The trip is a long one, covering 50 miles around the Elizabeth Islands, a chain of 13 islands off the Cape Cod coastline, just north of Marthas Vineyard. All but two of the islands are owned by the Forbes family, a wealthy Boston-based enclave, who made their money trading opium and tea in the 19th century. We motored around the West Chop Lighthouse, and into the choppy waters of Vineyard Sound. It was a gorgeous day, bright and sunny, with great visibility. We passed Nonamesset Island, circled around a couple of striper fishermen, and motored along the shoreline of Naushon Island, the largest privately owned island in the Northeast. Solway stopped the boat in pretty Tarpaulin Cove overlooking the Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse and a historic Colonial home nestled on the sandy shoreline.

During the 18th century, the cove would have been filled with merchant ships with their tall masts and billowing sails. There might have been 50 or more ships in the cove at one time, Solway said. It must have been quite a sight. The cove is one of the few deep-water shelters in Vineyard Sound, once the second busiest shipping passage in the world, and one of the most dangerous. Boats would shelter in the cove, pick up supplies and mail at the shoreline home, and most likely tip a few pints. Today its a popular spot for pleasure boats, and the beach, which is open to the public (thank you Forbes family), is well-liked by people and cows.

Sometimes the cows take the trail up to the lighthouse, hang out for a while near the boulders, and then head down to the beach for a dip, Solway said. Ive taken a lot of cow pictures here.

The cows were nowhere in sight until we left the cove and turned the corner, and there they were. What a nice private island life they had, one-percenter cows! The water was 61 degrees; obviously warm enough for bovines but not for us. We snapped photos of the black and white, Oreo cows as they grazed in the grass, laid in the sunshine and cooled in the water. It was a scene that was more verdant Scottish Highlands than New England coastline. Later, we spotted a large herd of Scottish Highland cows, big, hardy animals with horns, grazing and swimming in the water.

The outermost island in the Elizabeth Island chain is Cuttyhunk, a pretty slice of land with a small community. It is exactly what we want a New England island to be: well-maintained cottages and homes hugging the shoreline and rambling up hills, blooming flower boxes, gravel backroads, a community message board, a tiny K-12 schoolhouse, and views galore. A small market and a couple of take-out shacks line Fish Dock where we landed, including the Harbor Raw Bar, serving Cuttyhunk Island oysters. During the summer, they motor around the harbor offering fresh oysters on the half shell to boaters and visitors, Solway said. We were disappointed the Raw Bar was closed on our visit; instead of slurping, we walked the main street up the hill to Naval Lookout Point, an old battery station, with spectacular views.

Back on the boat, we still had miles to go, but the waters had calmed, the sun was still shining. Solway pointed out Penikese Island, with its own unique back story. It was once home to a teenage boys reform school, a former leprosy hospital, and the Anderson School of Natural History. Today, its a state-owned wildlife refuge.

Nearby, were hundreds of seals basking on a tiny island outcropping. This is a small colony, Solway says. The whole ecology out here has changed because of the overpopulation of gray seals. And theyre drawing in the sharks.

We left the cute, controversial seals in our wake and headed for the dramatic Gay Head Cliffs and the Gay Head Lighthouse, on the western end of Marthas Vineyard, before putt-putting slowly into Menemsha Pond, looping around the harbor. The small harbor and docks were filled with working fishing boats, including the Tomahawk. That boat is owned by Buddy Vanderhoop, a well-known charter fisherman on the island, Solway said. His great uncle was a Wampanoag who once harpooned Moby Dick, the only white sperm whale ever taken.

Menemsha Village is also known as a filming site for the movie Jaws; the remains of the Orca II, the boat that was sunk at the end of the film, sits abandoned on a beach across the village docks.

We listened to the cackling of sea birds and the shrill calls of oystercatchers as we made our way back to the Vineyard Haven town dock, before returning to the quiet, plush sanctuary of Nobnocket, windswept and sun-drenched, and happy (with photos of wading cows). Nobnocket Boutique Inn, 60 Mt. Aldworth Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-696-0859, http://www.nobnocket.com; off-season rates $195-$280, in-season $375-$499. Island Girl Excursions, 508-364-1936, http://www.islandgirlexcursions.com; Vineyard Sound & Cuttyhunk Loop, up to six passengers $950.

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at bairwright@gmail.com

View original post here:

Exploring the Elizabeth Islands (and swimming with cows) - The Boston Globe

Attempt to Spend Elon Musk’s $160 Billion Wealth With This Online Simulator – Newsweek

Spending Elon Musk's money might sound like an easyand delightfultask, but an online simulator has demonstrated that it's not so simple.

Forbes estimates Musk's net worth at around $160 billion, making him the third-richest person on the planet as of July 8, behind Amazon executive chairman Jeff Bezos and LVMH chief Bernard Arnault.

Could you fritter away such an enormous sum? An Italian web designer, Nino Trivelli, invites you to try via his shopping simulator "Spend Elon Musk's Fortune."

The rules are somewhat less strict than the challenge set for Richard Pryor in Brewster's Millions, in that you are allowed to accumulate assets, but the amounts involved are astronomical.

The cheapest item on Trivelli's list is a $299 Nintendo Switch; the most expensive is a $3 billion NFL team.

Other options include the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci for an estimated $869 million, a mega-yacht for $300 million or a lifetime of eating out for every meal at $2.4 million.

You can't pay in Musk's beloved Dogecoin, but you do get a printable receipt at the endin case you want to return anything, obviously.

Trivelli, who made the site to practise his coding and web development skills, said: "Musk has repeatedly said he plans to sell most of his possessions, so I thought it was perfect for this small project."

The Tesla and SpaceX boss told his 57.9 million Twitter followers in June that he had sold his seven properties.

A year earlier, he had tweeted about his intention of "selling almost all physical possessions." He also told Joe Rogan's podcast in May 2020: "I think possessions kind of weigh you down. They're kind of an attack vector, you know?"

Trivelli shared his simulator to the "Internet Is Beautiful" community on Reddit, gaining over 8,000 votes in 12 hours. Users also shared their techniques for blowing billions in the comments.

"It can take hours if you spend it on 'regular' apartments, cars and TVs, which is crazy," said Trivelli.

One Redditor's successful method was to buy, among other treasures, 172 Mona Lisas. How he would do this was not explained.

The simulator isn't entirely accurate, as this example shows and some users have pointed out. If Musk were to liquidate all his wealth, he would be required to pay taxes. Still, technicalities aren't that important when you're trying to choose between buying 10 NBA teams and 30 private islands. (Treat yourselfget both.)

Trivelli was inspired by fellow web designer Neal Agarwal, who created a "Spend Bill Gates' Money" simulator, which asked players to spend $100 billion. Gates is worth about $124 billion, according to Forbes, and has donated tens of billions to charity.

Agarwal also created the popular website Ten Years Ago, which lets users browse the internet exactly how it appeared one decade ago, to the day. Speaking to Newsweek in May, he said: "There's been a surprising amount of discussion about old web design, with tons of people saying they liked how the internet used to look. For me, I think the site shows how fast the internet changes10 years isn't that long but on the internet it's an eternity."

Trivelli acknowledges Agarwal at the bottom of his simulator, writing: "Inspired by neal.fun, created by Nino."

The Italian told Newsweek: "There are some sites that do the same thingspend X moneybut none really captured the dimension of billionaires' wealth. So I made my own. I added percentages, which I think are key to understand the amount spent. And the fact that you have to click each time you want an itemnot just putting a number in an inputmakes it more enjoyable and rewarding, or maddening.

"The idea was to have fun fantasizing about buying things you dream to have, but also be thought-provoking. How much is too much?"

In June, Musk tweeted that the "only time I sell Tesla stock is when my stock options are expiring and I have no choice." So, the simulator might be as close as even he will get to the real thing.

Correction 7/8/21, 1 p.m. ET: This article was updated to state Musk is the world's third-richest person, according to Forbes on July 8.

More:

Attempt to Spend Elon Musk's $160 Billion Wealth With This Online Simulator - Newsweek

Dusit International subsidiary Elite Havens recognised for offering one of ‘The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals’ in new Netflix series -…

Bangkok, Thailand Elite Havens, the leading provider of high-end vacation rentals in Asia and a subsidiary of Dusit International, one of Thailands leading hotel and property development companies, has seen the quality of its offerings celebrated in a new Netflix reality series, The Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals.

The show, which premiered on 18 June 2021 and is now available for viewing to more than 208 million subscribers worldwide, sees hosts Mr Luis D. Ortiz (Million Dollar Listing), Ms Megan Batoon, and Ms Jo Franco (travel content creators) showcase remarkable properties around the globe and the life-changing experiences they have to offer.

A large portion of the first episode is devoted to NoKu Beach House, a sublime beachfront getaway in Seminyak, Bali, which is managed as part of Elite Havens hand-picked portfolio of close to 300 fully staffed private luxury havens throughout Asia.

Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed interior designer Alex Zabotto-Bentley, and surrounded by an immaculate tropical garden, the private six-bedroom residence boasts a beach-facing plunge pool, a tennis court, and an outdoor cinema and spa. Guests also benefit from a full fleet of professional in-villa staff, including personal butlers, massage therapists, and a private chef who prepares customised gourmet meals.

NoKu Beach House serves as a wonderful showcase of the Elite Havens experience and the bespoke services our distinctive properties have to offer, said Ms Maya Rigg, CEO, Elite Havens. We are delighted this stunning villa has been featured in Netlixs exciting new show especially as host Luis D Ortiz, who spends his life around luxury properties, described it as luxury at its best. In the post COVID-19 world, luxury villas provide the perfect secluded and safe hideaway for travellers seeking a highly personalised holiday experience. And as the first episode of The Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals highlights, Elite Havens has everything in place to exceed guest expectations with bespoke services, stunning locations, and unrivalled local insight.

Established in 1998, Elite Havens performs integrated marketing, reservations, concierge and management services for luxury villas across Indonesia, India, Japan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Dusit International acquired the company in 2018 as part of its three-pronged strategy for balance, diversification, and expansion. This strategy includes providing broadened experiences for customers beyond Dusits traditional hotel brand line up in the midscale through to luxury segments.

In Dusits home base of Thailand, Elite Havens offers a wide range of secluded and luxury villas on the paradise islands of Phuket and Koh Samui. From three-bedroom residences in prime beachside locations, to a 20-bedroom mansion set within a sprawling garden, each property promises to offer unfaltering service standards; professional, highly trained villa staff; and the personalised services of the Elite Concierge.

Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International, said, Leveraging our rich experience in operating full-service hotels for more than 70 years, Elite Havens gives travellers a unique opportunity to stay in some incredible private residences while enjoying the same gracious hospitality for which our legacy brands are renowned. With stunning locations and incredible designs, Elite Havens spacious properties are ideal for groups of friends and families seeking highly customised, secluded vacations at exceptional value for money. Thanks to Elite Havens unrivalled community links, they promise to offer unique journeys of self-discovery too. Netflixs new show highlights the distinct appeal of this fast-growing segment of the lodging spectrum, and we are delighted that Elite Havens offerings have been named among the worlds best.

From now through 31 August 2021, Elite Havens is offering up to 35% off stays at its villas in Thailand. This, and other special promotions, are available when booking direct via elitehavens.com.

The Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals is streaming now on Netflix at https://www.netflix.com/th-en/title/81060530.

Photos of NoKu Beach House can be downloaded at https://app.box.com/s/f9di2gahcmehnstkekvw9g8paw7f99m9/folder/139828087767.

The Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals is a Netflix reality series created by George Verschoor and Will Spjut. The show takes viewers on the journey of a lifetime, as hosts Luis D. Ortiz (Million Dollar Listing), Megan Batoon and Jo Franco (travel content creators) explore and live in some of the dreamiest properties ever built. With an eye for every budget and style of travel, these three experts explore vacation homes that range from affordable treehouses to exclusive private islands, and from unforgettable igloos to gourmet getaways, giving viewers a glimpse of the life-changing experiences that they have to offer.

Available to watch now at https://www.netflix.com/th-en/title/81060530

Established in 1948, Dusit International is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Building on its two core areas of business Hotels & Resorts and Hospitality Education the company has expanded its operations over the past four years to comprise five business units. The additional units include Foods, Property Development, and Hospitality-Related Services. Today, the company"s property portfolio comprises more than 300 distinctive hotels, resorts and luxury villas operating under six brands across 15 countries worldwide, as well as two leading hospitality colleges with campuses in Thailand and the Philippines. Following a three-pronged strategy for sustainable growth, including balance, expansion and diversification, the company has recently expanded into food production, on-demand hospitality services, and property development to reach new markets and add further recurring streams of revenue to the company.

For more information, please visit http://www.dusit-international.com.

More here:

Dusit International subsidiary Elite Havens recognised for offering one of 'The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals' in new Netflix series -...

How Neighbor Islands Are Working To Address Overtourism In Hawaii – Honolulu Civil Beat

Amid a post-pandemic tourism surge, Hawaiis counties are rethinking their reliance on the visitor industry with new laws meant to stem the flood of visitors.

Kauai is considering a new visitor parking fee at overcrowded beaches. The Hawaii County Council recently weighed the pros and cons of defunding Big Island tourism promotion since, regardless of marketing efforts, visitors seem to keep coming anyway.

Last week the Maui County Council introduced its toughest measure yet when it adopted a ban on new hotels in south and west Maui. No building permits will be given out for visitor accommodations in these areas, which includes Lahaina and Kihei, for up to two years.

Short of shuttering existing hotels, the ordered halt on new hotel construction is arguably the most substantial move the county could make considering it has no control over the number of rental cars on the roads or the number of airplanes flying in.

The changes come at a time when the Hawaii Tourism Authority, facing a shrinking budget, is shifting to take on a bigger role in managing tourism instead of mainly focusing on marketing Hawaii to the world.

State lawmakers this week underscored their dissatisfaction with the agencys efforts so far at tourism management by overriding Gov. David Iges veto of House Bill 862, which slashes the Hawaii Tourism Authoritys annual budget to $60 million from $79 million.

HTA President and CEO John De Fries said in a prepared statement that the agency going forward will collaborate at the federal, state and county levels more than ever before to alleviate concerns.

He pointed to the new Maui ALOHA Shuttle pilot program that launched July 3 to help reduce airport chaos amid a rental car shortage as an example of a creative solution generated in partnership between HTA and Maui County.

But some county officials raised questions about whether more promised collaborative efforts can come fast enough as the state seems to be losing its window to implement any real change to the industry post-pandemic.

Its like if youre stuck under a woodpile, which is kind of what tourism is, and it just keeps piling on while youre trying to figure out how to get out from under it, said Maui County Councilwoman Kelly Takaya King, who championed Mauis hotel moratorium. You wouldnt keep piling on more and more wood while youre trying to figure out how to stop the wood, right?

With overseas travel still restricted, Hawaiis desirability as a post-pandemic getaway for mainland tourists is soaring. But with restaurants and tours still operating at limited capacity and dire labor and rental car shortages, tourists are flooding an island chain thats perhaps less equipped than ever to cater to them.

Popular opinion is that something has to give to rein in the visitor industrys intrusion on the daily lives of residents fed up with traffic jams, overcrowded beaches and illegal parking.

Maui has become so inundated with tourists in recent months that the islands mayor asked airlines to cut back on flights. But the counties have no control over the number of flights coming to the islands. So while King said she appreciates the mayors efforts to ask the airlines to cut back, she said its really just semantics.

The council is going to take action where we can, and talking to the state or talking to the airlines is not action, King said. Its a request for someone else to take action. And we appreciate that the mayor is trying to do that, but the people are demanding action.

What is Fault Lines?

Although the states tourism authority is renewing its efforts to partner with the counties since May, for example, the HTA has convened multi-agency meetings to discuss collaborative efforts to mitigate overtourism on the Hana Highway the counties arent waiting around to see if these efforts will actually be successful.

King said shes working to find out whether it would be a good idea for the county to further crack down on illegal vacation rentals by charging a fine to tourists who stay in unpermitted accommodations instead of only holding owners of illegal rentals accountable.

This has always been a normal pattern of behavior for the counties whenever they feel issues are not being adequately addressed at the state level, they address them themselves, said Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association and a seasoned politician.

This occurred during the pandemic a lot and its going to continue, he said. As much as we try to group them together as one, the counties see themselves as very different.

How many tourists is too many? Maui Countys strategic plan for the tourism industry defines it like this: the number of visitors on Maui at any given time should not exceed a third of the resident population.

That means that Maui, which has a population of 157,000, shouldnt have more than about 52,000 visitors at a time, or one tourist for every three residents.

In 2019, the average number of visitors was equivalent to 43% of Mauis population, or about 67,500 people, according to Dick Mayer, a retired UH Maui College professor who served as vice chairman of the committee that advised Maui County on setting the 33% threshold for Maui island visitors.

King said residents are no longer willing to put up with a level of tourism that violates the countys destination management plan.

People even before the pandemic were getting fed up with tourists and now everybody is exasperated, King said. It just came back too fast and too furious. So the momentum and the political will is there.

In contrast to whats happening on Maui, Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami said his goal is not to slash the number of visitors to the Garden Isle but to manage them better once they arrive.

The county is working with the private sector to stand up alternative modes of transportation, such as shuttle systems, to help tourists navigate the island while reducing their dependency on daily car rentals that clog the roads.The county is also considering reengineering some beach parking lots to include a visitor shuttle drop-off lane.

And the mayor said hes considering ordering periodic shutdowns of county campgrounds to give the natural resources a break an idea inspired by the pandemic-related shutdowns, which had positive environmental impacts on popular beach parks.

Im not sure that me saying that I want to reduce the number of visitors is honest because I would be telling people something that sounds great but is very difficult to achieve, Kawakami said. But I do think we can address how these visitors are visiting our island and it all boils down to the amount of vehicles that are on our roads and taking up parking spaces.

A group formed in 2020 to identify Kauais strengths and weaknesses as a visitor destination cited poor leadership at the state and federal levels as the islands top threat, especially if communications between agencies dont improve.

Of particular concern to the group was overuse leading to poor conditions at state-managed beach parks.

When the state pulled back funding for lifeguards at several beach parks in April, including Kee Beach at Haena State Park on Kauai, Kawakami said the county stepped in to fill the budget hole.

I decided that you cannot compromise lives and so I paid out of our county pocket for lifeguards for the state, he said.

Its like when we have a visitor that needs to get rescued on a state trail we dont blink, Kawakami said. We send our county helicopter and our county firefighter to go rescue that visitor. And I think the biggest thing I would ask the state is to just treat me as a partner in that same way.

Sign Up

Sorry. That's an invalid e-mail.

Thanks! We'll send you a confirmation e-mail shortly.

See original here:

How Neighbor Islands Are Working To Address Overtourism In Hawaii - Honolulu Civil Beat

Islands receive more than $2 million in recreation… – Journal of the San Juan Islands

Submitted by the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office.

On June 30, the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board announced the award of 342 grants across the state to provide recreational amenities, conserve wildlife habitat and protect working forests and farms. Projects in San Juan County received $2,158,206 in grants.

These grants are fundamental to keeping Washington the beautiful state it is, said Gov. Jay Inslee. The funding comes from state and federal sources and is invested in hundreds of projects to give our kids places to play, ensure our food is grown close to home and keep our green spaces healthy for wildlife.

The grants total more than $164 million and are matched by more than $221 million in resources from grant applicants, such as cash, donations, staff time and equipment, bringing the total investment in Washingtons great outdoors to nearly $386 million.

The grants will be spent on projects in all of Washingtons 39 counties and include projects to refurbish aging parks, maintain trails, build boating docks and conserve land used for farming and timber harvest. The grants also will conserve important habitat for wildlife species in danger of extinction.

Washington wouldnt be Washington without these grants, said Ted Willhite, chair of the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board. Washington is known for its rich outdoor spaces that provide everything from jobs to places for us to exercise and relax, to homes for wildlife. Our studies[1] have shown that people spend $26.5 billion annually on outdoor recreation trips and equipment in Washington. That spending supports 264,000 jobs or 6 percent of all jobs in Washington, which rivals the aerospace industry. It is a wise decision to invest in something so important to so many areas of our lives.

The grants come from 10 different grant programs administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. Grants are awarded once every two years.

The grants are very competitive, said Megan Duffy, director of the Recreation and Conservation Office, which supports the funding board. Every grant is evaluated by advisory committees made up of local residents and technical experts. They rank the applications ensuring that the most needed and best projects rise to the top. Thats important because nearly 40 percent of the applications remain unfunded. Theres just an incredible need out there.

Grants received by county entities include:

Port of Friday Harbor received $207,806 to upgrade the Jackson Beach boat launch The Port of Friday Harbor will use this grant to pave parking areas and replace the restrooms at the Jackson Beach Boat Launch. The boat launch is near Friday Harbor and serves as the only boat launch with 72-hour free parking. Nestled in Griffin Bay, the boat launch area offers a shelter, restrooms, picnic areas, barbecue pits, open beach, and views of the Olympic Mountains. Currently, the boat launch has only three paved parking spaces for trucks and trailers, and the Port will expand that to 20. The Port of Friday Harbor will contribute $110,250. Visit https://secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search/ProjectSnapshot.aspx?ProjectNumber=20-2119 for more information and photographs of this project. This grant is from the Boating Facilities Program.

* Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission received $1,843,000 to replace the Stuart Island State Park Moorage State Parks will use this grant to replace the moorage facility on the Reid Harbor side of Stuart Island State Park. Visit https://secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search/ProjectSnapshot.aspx?ProjectNumber=20-2189 for more information and photographs of this project. This grant is from the Boating Facilities Program.

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission received $107,400 to restore San Juan Island Prairies State Parks will use this grant to restore 120 acres of grassland balds and prairie habitat in Moran State Park on Orcas Island and Jones Island Marine State Park. The native prairie communities at both parks are threatened by tree encroachment and invasive species. State Parks will remove encroaching trees, control invasive plants, and restore treated areas with seeding and planting of native prairie species. Visit https://secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search/ProjectSnapshot.aspx?ProjectNumber=20-1587 for more Grant Awards information and photographs of this project. This grant is from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Programs State Lands Restoration and Enhancement Category.

Additionally, other grants to issued for use in multiple counties across the state including San Juan, those grants are as follows:

Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Garfield, Island, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Okanogan, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Stevens, and Yakima counties: Washington Trails Association received $75,000 to care for Backcountry Trails Statewide The Washington Trails Association will use this grant to engage volunteers in 30,000 hours of trail maintenance on 330 miles of trail throughout the Cascades, Olympics, and Blue Mountains. Backcountry crews will perform a wide variety of annual maintenance such as clearing trails of debris and improving trail surfaces, as well as technical projects such as clearing fallen trees and moving short sections of trail to create safer and accessible trails for visitors. The Washington Trails Association will contribute $581,280 in donations of cash and labor. This grant is for the first year of a 2-year award. The same amount of funding for the second year will be added upon federal approval. This grant is from the federal Recreational Trails Program. Visit https://secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search/ProjectSnapshot.aspx?ProjectNumber=20-1990 for more information and photographs of this project.

Chelan, Clallam, Cowlitz, Island, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Okanogan, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Stevens, and Whatcom counties: Washington Trails Association received $75,000 to engage Youth Volunteers in Statewide Trail Maintenance. The Washington Trails Association will use this grant for youth work parties to maintain 92 miles of trail. The youth, who will contribute 27,000 hours of work, will address deferred maintenance backlogs to improve hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian opportunities on trails across Washington. The project will consist of day-long work parties on urban or front country trails, which typically are near major cities like Seattle, Spokane, Bellingham, and Vancouver, and Grant Awards week-long volunteer vacations in more remote backcountry areas. Each work party will vary in scope but will focus mainly on general maintenance activities such as removing overgrown brush, restoring trail surfaces, and improving drainage to create safer and accessible trails and mitigate damage. The Washington Trails Association will contribute $521,550 in donations of cash and labor. This grant is for the first year of a two-year award. The same amount of funding for the second year will be added upon federal approval. This grant is from the federal Recreational Trails Program. Visit https://secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search/ProjectSnapshot.aspx?ProjectNumber=20-1989 for more information and photographs of this project.

Clark, Cowlitz, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Klickitat, Lewis, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, and Snohomish counties: Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance received $62,500 to maintain mountain biking trails in Western Washington The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance will use this grant to engage volunteers in 15,882 hours of maintenance on 350 miles of trails that serve mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, and motorized activities in western Washington. Volunteers from four western Washington chapters of the alliance will maintain trails with supervision from crew leaders. The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance will contribute $380,000 in a local and private grants and donated labor. This grant is for the first year of a two-year award. The same amount of funding for the second year will be added upon federal approval. This grant is from the federal Recreational Trails Program. Visit https://secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search/ProjectSnapshot.aspx?ProjectNumber=20-2099 for more information and photographs of this project.

Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission received $75,000 to care for Trails in Northwestern Washington. State Parks will use this grant to maintain 224 miles of trails in 13 state parks in northwestern Washington. The trails provide a backcountry experience to hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and horseback riders. The parks included are Bridle Trails; Dash Point; Deception Pass; Fort Ebey; Larrabee; Mount Pilchuck; Squak Mountain; Twin Falls-Olallie; Saint Edward; Saltwater; South Whidbey; Moran; and Wallace Falls. Much of the work will include repairing and replacing trail and drainage structures, clearing debris, removing windfall, and maintaining trail surfaces. State Parks will contribute $87,460 in staff and donated labor. This grant is for the first year of a two-year award. The same amount of funding for the second year will be added upon federal approval. This grant is from the federal Recreational Trails Program. Visit https://secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search/ProjectSnapshot.aspx?ProjectNumber=20-1985 for more information and photographs of this project.

Island and San Juan counties: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission received $291,000 to assess moorage buoys in Puget Sound. State Parks will use this grant to assess long-term needs for moorage buoys in northwestern Puget Sound, including San Juan and Island Counties. The agency will inspect moorage buoys to determine what needs to be replaced or moved and where new buoys should be installed. The agency also will submit applications for environmental regulatory permits and produce construction specifications. Visit https://secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search/ProjectSnapshot.aspx?ProjectNumber=20-2191 for more information and photographs of this project. This grant is from the Boating Facilities Program.

Continued here:

Islands receive more than $2 million in recreation... - Journal of the San Juan Islands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the original post here:

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

Secluded Camp with 4000 ft of Lake Frontage in NY’s Adirondacks Scheduled for Luxury Auction July 16th – Markets Insider

LAKE PLACID, N.Y., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --A 37-acre lakefront property in New York'sAdirondack region that has been searching for a buyer at a list price of $3.2 million will now be sold to the highest bidder at a live auction without reserve on Friday, July 16th. Miami-based auction firm Platinum Luxury Auctions was retained by the property owner to manage the luxury auction sale in cooperation with listing agent Jodi Gunther of Adirondack Premier Properties, an affiliate brokerage of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Affectionally named Paradise Peninsula by its owner, the property is located on Big Tupper Lake, just a short distance from the charming town of Tupper Lake in Franklin County, NY, and within a 25-30 minute drive of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid.

"Building on the success of three consecutive sales for significant lakefront camps in the Adirondack region, Platinum is excited to be working on its fourth luxury auction offering on Tupper Lake with the Adirondack Premier Properties team," stated Platinum's founder and president, Trayor Lesnock. The auction house sold two lakefront camps on Upper Saranac Lake - one in 2019 and another in 2020 - in addition to a camp on Upper St. Regis Lake in 2020. Paradise Peninsula marks the firm's first offering in the Tupper Lake market area.

"Tupper is more of a 'hidden gem' right now as compared to the other, more populated lakes in the region," Lesnock noted. "Only a select few folks have discovered it thus far, and much of the lake's shores are state owned or preserved, preventing excess development and ensuring privacy into the future." To be sure, Paradise Peninsula and a small handful of luxurious, multi-structure estates form a small residential enclave on the lake known as Grindstone Bay, which is surrounded by preserved/protected lands on each side.

The peninsular shape that forms some of the property's parcel (and inspired its name) affords more than 4,000 feet of lake frontage, or nearly of a mile. The property also includes two small, "private islands" located within a short swim of the shoreline - a truly unique amenity that is perfect for diving, sunbathing, camping and more.

While there are 37 total acres that comprise the property, approx. 14 acres (including the islands) are dry land, with the remainder being submerged/wetlands. Given the expansive vistas available throughout the property and it pedestrian-friendly topography, the owner developed gently winding paths on the grounds, complete with various "lookout" clearings and welcoming firepit stations.

Living structures were built with longevity in mind and "winterized" for year-round enjoyment. The main residence offers 5 beds and 3 baths, with 3,500 sf of living area on two upper levels. There is also a large basement and garage on the lowermost level that is perfect for a workshop or for conversion into a "man cave" or entertainment lounge. Adjacent to the main residence is a 2-bed guest cabin with sublime vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains, in addition to a 3-bay garage with oversized bay doors.

More information on the upcoming sale is available online at LakefrontLuxuryAuction.com, or by contacting Platinum's project manager for the sale, Aaron Carmody, at 800.997.4235. The property is available for previews by daily appointment through July 15, the day prior to the auction sale. Buyers must register to participate in the auction and are encouraged to call in advance to schedule appointments with Mr. Carmody.

About Platinum Luxury Auctions:Platinum Luxury Auctions is responsible for developing the luxury auction model for high-priced real estate auctions and owns the trademark rights to the term "luxury auction." The firm specializes in the non-distressed sale of multimillion-dollar properties within and beyond the United States. Platinum's team has closed more than $1 billion in luxury real estate auction sales to date, while consulting on more than $2.5 billion in additional luxury property assets worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/secluded-camp-with-4-000-ft-of-lake-frontage-in-nys-adirondacks-scheduled-for-luxury-auction-july-16th-301327208.html

SOURCE Platinum Luxury Auctions LLC

Read more from the original source:

Secluded Camp with 4000 ft of Lake Frontage in NY's Adirondacks Scheduled for Luxury Auction July 16th - Markets Insider

Carnivals First Cruise Live Blog: Day 7, Heading Home (and a COVID Test) – Cruzely.com

Note: We are live-blogging each day aboard Carnival Vista on the first Carnival cruise to return to sailing since March 2020. You can read previous days here:

Day 7 of our cruise is reaching its end, as is the trip itself. Today is another spectacular day of weather. Throughout this trip weve been blessed with day after day of blue skies.

Skies are partly cloudy today, the seas are calm, and we are making our way back to Galveston. The one drawback is with a southern wind as we cruise north, theres not as much breeze on the deck, so it has been plenty hot. Of course, that makes it perfect pool weather for our last day at sea.

Before hitting the pool, lets start with last night where after grabbing a quick dinner in the deli, we headed to see the evening performance in the Liquid Lounge theater. This show was Flick, a musical and dance number where the crew performs hit songs from movies, including Skyfall (James Bond), I Will Always Love You, and medleys including songs from Jurassic Park and Star Wars.

If you remember, we went to a show a few nights ago that was good, but didnt blow us away. Flick simply went above and beyond. The show is a cant-miss in our book. Throughout, there are a number of neat special effects along with the great performance from the crew.

The singing of Skyfall featured a whirlwind of fans that kept massive loose cloth suspended magically in the air. Later a dancer seemed to bend and break lasers as they flashed around the room. Truth is, its hard to explain the special effects or give them due credit, as weve never really seen anything like them. Bottom line: It was a great performance. If you get the chance, see it. It was a fantastic end to the day in Cozumel.

As the last day on the ship, this is one of those days filled with different emotions. First, youre always a little bummed the trip is ending. Second, you are excited to be heading back home. Finally, its still a day at sea so you have the ship to enjoy for just a little longer.

This morning I was up early, so I hit the gym for a quick workout. Apart from a couple of other early birds, it was empty.

Then it was off to breakfast. Even around 8:30 a.m. it was already toasty by the time we were done eating. We played a quick round of mini-golf with our son, working up a sweat without doing much. From there we made a quick trip back to the room to change, but noticed something from the balcony.

As the ship was sailing, we passed through several schools of flying fish. Sometimes it was one or two, other times it was dozens of flying fish skirting over the top of the water. We watched until the sun beating down on us got to be too much. Then it was out again for more time in the waterpark to cool off with the kid and work on our tans. Due to the great weather and so much pool time, my wife and I have been able to get some nice color, which was definitely not the case before this trip.

One thing that I did notice today is that the outdoor crew such as lifeguards and cleaning staff are no longer wearing masks. Previously, everyone on the staff was masked both indoors and outdoors.

I asked one of the lifeguards, who said that due to being in the sun and that masks were getting wet, they were allowed to go maskless. I did see one poor crew member that had a very distinct mask tan line across the bottom half of his face from previous days. Im sure hes happy about the change.

Finishing up at the pool, we dried off, headed back to the room, and planned to go eat some lunch. Then the phone rang. It was the ships staff saying that we needed to come down immediately to deck four for COVID testing for our son.

As part of the CDC protocols, unvaccinated passengers must be tested before they get off the ship at its conclusion. We were anticipating this test, but never heard a single word about when it would happen until the phone call.

Heading down, I noticed that the list of unvaccinated passengers to be tested was almost entirely finished, except for few stragglers. I asked how everyone knew to come get tested and was told we should have had a flyer on our door. We never received any notice until the phone call. Dropping everything to go get our son tested was a bit of a surprise.

No matter, the lounge where we arrived was largely empty and we went straight back to test. The crew was in full PPE gear, took a quick swab inside my sons nose, and then we had to wait about 20 minutes for the test results. With a negative test, we were then given a letter showing the result and were able to go about the rest of our day.

We elected for a lunch at BlueIguana, sitting outside near the pool where the Groove for St. Jude event was going on. The last day at sea, the music was pumping, the weather was beautiful, and it seemed like the entire ship was out here enjoying the last few hours before going back to the real world.

This afternoon we are spending our time packing things up while our son naps, and also figuring out what we want for our last meal on the ship. Cruising is hard work.

So whats the bottom line on the first Carnival cruise to return to sailing? In my eyes, that depends on if you have the shot or not.

If you are vaccinated (which most people who sail will be), then as Ive mentioned the cruise experience is largely back to normal. You can set sail, head to the pool, eat all your favorite restaurants, play in the casino, watch a show, and go ashore.

The differences you notice are small. The staff wears masks, you have to wear a mask in ports of call and terminals, and lots of the printed materials like menus and the daily planner arent around.

In other words, it was a Carnival cruise before the pause and its still a Carnival cruise despite small changes.

But if you dont have the vaccine or are sailing with someone that doesnt have the shot, then things are different.

On the ship many things are largely the same as before without the shot due to the high vaccination rate across all passengers. Masks are recommended, but not required (seems like fewer kids are wearing them as the trip goes on). You are free to go to all parts of the ship, and there are no distancing rules in place. The staff is also ready to make sure you have a great time. Hit the dining room, the pool, the theater its all there to enjoy.

Regarding life onboard, this cruise had the kids area closed for smaller children, marking the biggest difference. There are also testing requirements before boarding and before leaving. Still, the tests are quick and easy, so they werent a big deal.

Where there is a bigger change for the unvaccinated is going ashore. Right now only a handful of bubble tours are available unless headed to one of Carnivals private islands. If you dont book one of those trips, then it means you have to stay on the ship. And even if you do one of the excursions, expect the rules to be stringent on shore.

So youll need to either be prepared to spend a lot of time on the ship or spend a lot of money paying for one of the very few excursions offered.

One final note: My experience describes just this single cruise. Its almost certain that things will change one way or another in the future. If there are higher cases on land, then Id expect more restrictions on the ship.

For instance, Ive seen Royal Caribbeans sailings from the U.K. (where cases are spiking sharply despite vaccines) require tests, even from vaccinated passengers. They are also implementing other rules on the ship. Personally, I am worried that another wave of cases here in the United States could happen given whats seen elsewhere.

But if cases stay low and cruises can sail with limited positive tests, then easing of restrictions such as offering more excursion options could be in order.

For now, however, my take is the cruise experience is back if you have the shot. If not, you can still have loads of fun like we did, just know that most of it will be on the ship.

Read this article:

Carnivals First Cruise Live Blog: Day 7, Heading Home (and a COVID Test) - Cruzely.com

Revisiting ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’: Marlon Brando’s fever dream – Far Out Magazine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the original post:

Revisiting 'The Island of Dr. Moreau': Marlon Brando's fever dream - Far Out Magazine

Where Sun, Sand and Splendor Are Still to Be Discovered – The New York Times

Waterfront living is a concept that seems to have endless appeal. It doesnt matter whether you swim or partake in water sports or not, said Danny Hertzberg, a real estate agent with the Jills Zeder Group in Miami Beach, who sees nonstop demand in waterfront properties. For most people, the ultimate amenity is the water. Its always desirable.

Interest in waterfront properties has grown significantly in the last year. Sales at the Jills Zeder Group, for instance, increased to over $1 billion in 2020 from $500 million in 2019. According to Mr. Hertzberg, a majority of these sales were waterfront homes. Were already on track this year to outpace 2020, he said.

And during the first quarter of this year, page views for waterfront amenities and features on the website of Sothebys International Realty increased to 56,517 from 11,818 in the same period in 2020 an increase of more than 378 percent.

South Florida; Los Cabos, Mexico; and Marbella, Spain, are mainstays for waterfront properties, but other places are starting to get attention, too, like these five emerging destinations.

This Caribbean island nation has more than 300 white-sand beaches and four marinas, including one that housed the British fleet during colonial times and is now a base for megayachts.

Justin White, the co-owner of Anchor Antigua Realty, an affiliate of Christies International Real Estate, said the island was ideal for those who enjoy watersports. We have great snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing and kite surfing, he said. You can come here and be active all day and start your evening with a cocktail on the beach during sunset.

Antigua has low crime rates, making safety an advantage of owning a home there. Grocery stores, which abound, sell both imported goods and local delicacies like lobster. Although roads on the island can be bumpy, Mr. White said they were being improved.

Home buyers will find a cross section of properties in Antigua, from apartments to townhouses to spacious villas. Mr. White said that prices for a two-bedroom townhouse started at about $200,000, and that villas in upscale developments, such as Galley Bay Heights, were well into the seven figures.

More recently, Barbuda, a virtually undeveloped island, has been getting attention because the luxury real estate developer Discovery Land Company is building Barbuda Ocean Club, a community that broke ground in 2019. A chic-meets-rustic beach club with waterfront safari tents is already complete and gives interested buyers an opportunity to visit and explore ownership. The community, which occupies more than 700 acres, has seven miles of beachfront and will have 450 residences, including estates, golf villas and waterfront cottages. Ranging from 2,000 to 7,500 square feet, they have a starting price of $3 million.

Discoverys project is the pinnacle of luxury and is going to elevate Antigua and Barbuda to another level, but there are plenty of affordable housing options as well, Mr. White said.

While Mexico is a well-established site for a waterfront home, Rick Moeser, executive director of Christies International Real Estate, said Careyes, a private resort community, and the surrounding Costalegre region were still largely uncharted.

Unlike the rest of the country, which is overbuilt and crowded, this coastline is spread out and somewhat undiscovered, he said.

On the Pacific coast, between the cities of Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, Careyes is where the jungle meets the sea. Mr. Moeser described the landscape as dramatic, with many cliffs, surrounded by lush trees, framing scenic beaches.

Founded in 1968 by an Italian entrepreneur, Gian Franco Brignone, Careyes has grown over the last several decades to more than 35,000 acres. It includes a polo field and a biosphere reserve with 70 species of animals and more than 1,200 varieties of flora and fauna.

In real estate, Careyes has 65 villas, most with infinity pools, along cliffs overlooking the Pacific. There are also 40 colorful casitas, inspired by the Amalfi Coast of Italy, and El Careyes Club & Residences, which comprises 60 homes of one to four bedrooms. Prices for a one-bedroom casita start at about $400,000, while oceanfront villas average around $2.5 million.

Mr. Moeser said the community, with its Italian roots, attracted home buyers from Europe, although Americans were starting to filter in.

About an hours drive down the coast, Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Mxico, scheduled to open at the end of this year, will include clifftop villas and beachfront estates. (The exact number is still to be announced.) Sitting on a 3,000-acre private natural reserve, the resort will have three pools, a spa, a watersports center and an 18-hole golf course.

Architecturally, buyers should expect traditional Mexican homes, with stucco and natural stone. Theres a feeling of authentic Mexico here, Mr. Moeser said.

About a 30-minute drive west of Riga, on the Baltic Sea, the resort town Jurmala is an attraction for its golden-sand beaches, which are framed by dunes and rock formations. According to Michael Valdes, the president of eXp Global, a division of eXP Realty in Bellingham, Wash., Russians have vacationed and bought second homes there for years, but more recently, other Europeans have started to come. Youre seeing buyers from the Czech Republic, Poland and Lithuania, he said.

Mr. Valdes added that the beaches in Jurmala were among the most scenic in Europe, and that its strong infrastructure was supported by good medical care, restaurants and grocery stores.

Jurmala offers diverse real estate options, from modest apartments in the center of town, which start at a few hundred thousand dollars, to luxury seven-figure villas on the secluded coastline.

Eriks Reinicans, the director of the local real estate company Jurmala Invest, said that for around $500,000, buyers could find a three- or four-bedroom apartment in an upscale development with a pool that was about a 10-minute drive to the beach. You get much more value for your money if youre willing to be away from the water, he said.

Because Latvias winters can be brutally cold, Jurmala is not an ideal year-round destination, though it does offer access to historical sights in Riga and hiking in the forests that surround the sea.

The Bahamas has long been a popular vacation and second-home destination for travelers from all over the world. Some foreign home buyers even make the country their primary residence because it has no income tax. This international influx has mostly gone to New Providence Island, home to the capital, Nassau, and numerous residential developments and beach resorts.

Lately, however, in a search for more privacy and a relaxed lifestyle away from the hubbub, buyers have been setting their sights on the Exumas. Consisting of about 365 islands, many privately owned, this chain promises secluded beaches with turquoise waters, an abundance of marine life and a wide range of watersports, including fly-fishing, scuba diving and kiteboarding.

Edward de Mallet Morgan, a partner at Knight Frank, a global real estate consultancy based in London, said the interest in owning a home in the Exumas had increased in the wake of the pandemic. Properties used to sit on the market for six months to a year and now sell within a few weeks, he said. People want to be away from the crowds, and thats what the Exumas offers.

This new set of home buyers is mainly from California, New York, Britain, mainland Europe and South America.

Homes throughout the islands run the gamut from affordable to extravagant.

Great Exuma, for example, the biggest island and site of the district capital, George Town, has brightly colored single-family homes that each cost a few hundred thousand dollars. The Marina at Hoopers Bay, a residential community on the northwest part of the island, offers 30 residences a mix of townhouses and villas that cost from $350,000 to more than $3 million.

Private islands run from $5 million to $100 million, Mr. Morgan said. Little Pipe Cay, for example, a 38-acre private island with multiple homes, is currently on the market for $85 million.

Even with such lavishness, the Exumas are unpretentious and welcoming, said Brent Hurt, the managing partner of the Marina at Hoopers Bay. This is a place where the very wealthy and everyday locals mingle together in shorts and flip-flops, he said.

In northwest Idaho, about a 30-minute drive from Spokane, Wash., Coeur dAlene is known for its lake and national forest.

Lately, the city has become appealing to buyers who are seeking vacation homes in rural settings where the waterfront takes center stage, said Tammy Fahmi, the vice president for global operations and international servicing at Sothebys International Realty. Many are from California, Washington State and Oregon, but Canadians are also finding their way there.

Coeur dAlene is a year-round destination, Ms. Fahmi said. People love it for the fishing, boating, swimming and hiking in the summer, while in the winter, theres snowmobiling, snowboarding and cross-country and downhill skiing.

But beyond the city, there are more than 50 lakes within a two-hour drive, said Mike McNamara, a real estate agent with Windermere/Coeur dAlene Realty and Windermere Hayden. They include Lake Pend Oreille, the largest in Idaho. The area is an outdoor paradise every month of the year, and life revolves around the lakes, he added.

Prospective buyers can expect single-family homes in Coeur dAlene, with few apartments and townhouses, although some are currently being built. Home prices average around $477,000. You can get a three-bedroom new-construction 1,800-square-foot house for that amount, but there are definitely more upscale options, Mr. McNamara said.

Read more from the original source:

Where Sun, Sand and Splendor Are Still to Be Discovered - The New York Times

Norwegian Donates $25000 to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation – Cruise Industry News

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that it has donated $25,000 to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) in honor of World Oceans Day on June 8.

Additionally, according to a press release, the world-renowned artist will create a custom masterpiece that will wrap the Lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise lines private island in the Bahamas.

The donation, which is part of a continued partnership to raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation, will further benefit the foundations scientific research, including first-of-its-kind shark tracking programs which have revealed discovery insights into the lives of these species and therefore encouraged increased protection efforts.

The donation will also assist in the development and availability of the GHOF Educational Program, designed to provide state-standardized curriculum that introduces students K-12 to the beauty of the worlds oceans and its delicate ecosystem.

"I am thrilled to celebrate World Oceans Day with Norwegian Cruise Line," said Guy Harvey. "(Norwegians) support of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation has been instrumental in conducting our cutting-edge marine research and engaging cruisers with our award-winning video content and educational programs. We all look forward to safely getting back out on the water to sustainably enjoy our ocean resources."

As part of the partnership, Guy Harveys iconic marine wildlife depictions including sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and more will decorate the Great Stirrup Cays Lighthouse, which at nearly 100 feet high, also serves as the launch pad to the private islands zipline, which spans a total of 1,200 feet long at 110 feet above the ground.

Later in 2021, guests will be able to enjoy this work while zipping to new heights and taking in endless ocean vistas, the cruise line said.

"We have a responsibility to protect our ocean resources now and for future generations to come," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer at Norwegian Cruise Line.

"Through our global corporate sustainability program, Sail & Sustain, we are always looking for new partnerships, technologies and processes to protect and preserve the world around us. Our continued partnership with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation has allowed us to continue to fulfill our environmental commitments of preservation, while also fostering a culture of awareness among our guests," he added.

Norwegian Cruise Line and GHOF have a long-standing partnership of working together to bring awareness to the importance of protecting marine wildlife and the benefits of a naturally balanced ocean ecosystem through various initiatives, including annual conservation cruises aboard Norwegian Escape, whose hull art was designed by Guy Harvey and depicts a magnificent underwater scene.

During these voyages, guests have the opportunity to interact with Guy Harvey through curated events and panel discussions led by him and the leading experts and scientists from Nova Southeastern Universitys Guy Harvey Research Institute.

The next annual conservation cruise will take place in 2022, with additional details forthcoming, Norwegian wrote.

As part of its sustainability initiatives, Norwegian became the first major cruise company to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles across its 17-ship fleet and private islands, replacing over six million single-use plastic water bottles each year through its partnership with JUST Goods, Inc. The Company has also eliminated all single-use plastic straws, plates and cutlery on Great Stirrup Cay.

The partnership between the brands parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and the Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern University includes a coral reef restoration initiative to reduce the effects of natural and anthropogenic stressors around the coral reefs surrounding Great Stirrup Cay as part of its global corporate sustainability program Sail & Sustain. Through this program, the company has launched many successful initiatives to mitigate waste, invest in new technologies to improve fuel and energy efficiency and promote water conservation and management across the fleet. The implementation of initiatives by the dedicated ship crews and unique company partnerships are essential to the programs success.

See the original post:

Norwegian Donates $25000 to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation - Cruise Industry News