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

Baros Maldives

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

One&Only Royal Mirage

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

One&Only The Palm

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lets find out

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

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

How does that compare to the cost of cruises?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Originally posted here:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Original post:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continued here:

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

Marsha Fottler| Correspondent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More:

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

The Maldives is having a glorious and a glam moment. Anyone with a halo - even the tiniest one - is heading to this chain of 1,199 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. It is currently the fave place to beat the Corona blues. The highest point in the Maldives is less than 1.5 metres above sea level and in the past 15 years the temperature and water levels have been rising menacingly and the nation is sinking helplessly. Naysayers predict that by the turn of the century, the Maldives would vanish off the map it would be buried in the turquoise waters. Before that happens, heres what you can do in the Maldives.

Walk around Male: Male is so small that one can do a walking tour of the city in half a day. Visit Hukuru Miskiiy or the Old Friday Mosque and the tomb of Abu Al Barakaath who is believed to have introduced Islam in the country. Stop by at the November 3rd Memorial dedicated to the heroism of 8 brave military servicemen at the 1988 Maldives coup dtat. Do not miss the dry fish market where lie mounds of dried tuna, jacks, snappers, barracudas Try Boni, a coconut and honey sweetmeat; pick sea-shell and coconut artefacts.

Try roshi, ambu, farata: Beyond the ordinary tuna, theres roshi, farata, ambu asara, alooi The traditional Maldivian cuisine is spicy and the spices are straight out of any Indian kitchen cumin, coriander, chilli, fenugreek, turmeric. So are the names, though a little twisted and lost in translation. Roshi is actually a maida (white flour) roti; farata is parantha distorted; muggu is just another name for moong (green lentil); order ambu asara and a bowl of mango chutney would land on your table; alooi cutlet is potato cutlet.

Oldest Coral Mosque: Built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskander in 1658, the Grand Mosque is the oldest coral mosque, where neither an inch of wood nor an ounce of iron is used it is made of handcrafted coral, blocks tidily stacked over each other. The mosque is replete with tombs of the royal family, a sun dial and the imperial insignia chiseled in black coral. However, this is not the only mosque in Male; there are 29 others in a city that barely stretches 2.5 sq.kms.

Bioluminescent beach phenomenon: There are very few beaches in the world that glow in the dark. Caused by weak planktons, this bioluminescent phenomena can be experienced in Maldives Vaadhoo or Mudhdhoo Island, located 8 kms from Male, the Maldivian capital. From Male, you can reach Vaadhoo Island by speedboat in 15 minutes.

Eat in underwater restaurants: Sticking the fork in a fillet while dolphins swim around might not be the favourite thing on everyones menu, but dining underwater is a must-do in the Maldives. Nearly 5 metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean lies Ithaa, the worlds first undersea restaurant (Conrad Maldives Rangali Island). Other underwater dining experiences include 5.8 Undersea (Hurawalhi), the world's largest panoramic underwater restaurant; The Sea at Anantara Kihavah; three-storied Subsix (Niyama Private Islands); M6m (OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo); You & Me (Cocoon Maldives), an adults only resort for honeymooners and couples.

Diving experiences: One of the most popular dive sites and always featured in the world top-ten list is Maaya Thila (Vaavu Atoll). Others in the best diving-sites list are: Cocoa Thila (South Male Atoll); Alimatha Jetty (Vaavu Atoll); Kandooma Thila (not for beginners); Banana Reef (North Male Atoll); Fish Head, also known as Shark Point and Mushimasmingili Thila, one of the best shark dive sites; Hammerhead Point (Rasdhoo Atoll); Kuda Giri Wreck; and Rainbow Reef, also known as HP Reef and Girifushi Thila.

Fishing expedition: Hop into a dhoni, a traditional fishing out, set out into the sea in for hours of fishing fun catching massive tunas, sharks, marlin, sailfish, and the famous Maldive skipjack. A few resorts also offer evening fishing expedition where you catch your own dinner.

Rs 24 lakhs, for 7 nights: This couple luxury holiday is at its luxurious. Buckle up in a Legacy 650 Private 13-seater jet from Mumbai to Soneva Jani (Maafaru Island). Snooze in an over-water retreat fully equipped with a personal butler, private infinity pool. Check offers on spa treatments and unique Maldivian experiences. Available dates: December 5-12, 2020.

Good to know

A negative PCR test for COVID-19, conducted within 96 hours of departure to the Maldives is mandatory for all tourists and short-term visitors. Proof of booking at a registered tourist facility is essential. Though not mandatory, install Trace Ekee, a contact tracing app. Random COVID-19 test by health authorities is free of charge. However, if a traveller is showing symptoms of COVID-19, a PCR test will be conducted and the traveller will have to pay the test charges.

For details, visit: https://www.tourism.gov.mv/

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Things to do in Maldives, where the world seems headed this year-end - Moneycontrol.com

For years, some cruise passengers have complained about the nickel and diming that takes place on a ship. Between gratuities, drinks, specialty restaurants, wi-fi, and more, the costs can add up.

In fact, the average person can expect to spend about 35-40% of what they paid in cruise fare as onboard spending.

But some luxury cruise lines including Princess Cruise Lines are making a change. Instead of charging additional amounts for many items, the cruise line is giving passengers the option of including the costs in the fare.

The program is called Princess Plus and was recently rolled out. In its most basic terms, passengers booking the Princess Plus program have gratuities, wi-fi access, and a drink package included with their cruise fare instead of having to pay extra for these on the ship. (Celebrity has a similar offer with its Always Included deal.)

That said, there are plenty of questions you might have about the Princess deal, including if its worth it. Heres what you need to know.

Princess Plus is an offer from the cruise line that provides a number of amenities included already with your cruise fare, instead of having to pay for them separately.

Specifically, guests who take advantage of the program when they book their cruise receive gratuities, the Premier Beverage Package, and wi-fi included with their cruise. Instead of having to shell out for these during the cruise, they are included, providing a more all-inclusive experience on the ship.

This offer is available across all cabin types and cruises. However, the cruise line says it is capacity controlled, implying that not everyone on the ship will be able to get the deal.

With the plan, passengers receive three main benefits. These include:

Added together, the value of the perks is about $95 per person, per day. For a couple traveling on a 7-day cruise, that comes out to about $1,334 in value, assuming a typical interior, oceanview, or balcony stateroom.

Considering the cost of the program (see below), booking the package seems to be a tremendous value if you plan to buy the amenities anyway.

At the time of this writing, the package costs an extra $40 per person, per day over the standard base rate.

So a 7-day cruise costing $1,000 per person for the base rate would run $1,280 with the Princess Plus offer. But for that extra $280 per person, a passenger would get about $665 worth of perks.

Another way to think about it is that with gratuities included (which passengers must pay if they get the package or not), the $40 per day paid for the offer is actually $25.50 more than a passenger would pay otherwise. For that extra $25, you get both a drink package and wi-fi.

Of course cruise offers can change at any time. At this point, however, it appears that this is simply a new way of doing things for the cruise line, and it will be around for a while. In fact, Princess says that due to the success of a previous temporary sale with the same offer, they decided to introduce Princess Plus.

Princess is including the Premier Beverage Package. This drink package normally costs $59.99 per day, or about $70 once the 18% service charge is added on.

With this package, you get all beer, liquors, and wines prices $12 or under. It also includes bottled water, soda, fresh juices, energy drinks and more. Another nice feature is that the package extends to the cruise lines private islands.

One thing to keep in mind is that the package limits passengers to 15 alcoholic drinks each day. Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited. Also, if you order a drink above $12 per glass, then its charged at the full price.

Many Princess ships now have MedallionNet, which offers unlimited wi-fi. You simply login to your account and activate the device youre using. The service is limited to one device at a time per passenger. MedallionNet claims to be among the fastest wi-fi at sea. The company claims it has a 1.5 gigabit per second bandwidth, which is enough for 1,500 people to stream Netflix at the same time.

For ships that still use Internet-by-the-minute, Princess will provide 5,000 minutes of service. Thats about 3.5 days worth of non-stop Internet usage.

No. When you book, youll see two different prices offered. Of course youll see the Princess Plus package, but youll also see a lower-priced deal called Princess Savers.

Princess Savers is simply the traditional fare offered on most cruises. The base fare doesnt include gratuities, drinks, or wi-fi. Its available for passengers who choose not to opt-in to the Princess Plus deal.

In most cases. If you are traveling as a couple, then the Princess Plus offer applies to both people in the room even if one person doesnt drink or simply doesnt want the deal.

That said, Princess says that if you have a third or fourth passenger in a cabin, then you can opt out of the deal for them by calling the cruise line.

As part of the offer, the Premier Beverage Package is included. However, some people travel with kids, or they might have a travel partner that doesnt drink.

First, if you book this offer and are traveling with someone underage, then they will automatically receive the non-alcoholic Premier Coffee & Soda Package. This offers non-alcoholic drinks around the ship, including mocktails, energy drinks, soda, coffee, and teas.

If someone is over 21 but doesnt drink, then they will still receive the Premier Beverage Package that includes alcohol. One thing to keep in mind is that the package also includes tons of non-alcoholic beverages. So they can still get just about anything to drink on the ship that they want.

For many cruise offers (such as drink packages), we find that they often straddle the line of being a good deal versus costing you more money. Thats not the case here.

With a current price of $40 per day, we feel that just about everyone will get their moneys worth with the Princess Plus offer.

At $40, youll get gratuities included, which run $14.50 per day for most cabins. Since you have to pay this charge anyway, youre really paying an extra $25.50 for the program.

For that extra charge, you get wi-fi, which is a $9.99 per day charge. That means you essentially get a drink package that covers your cruise for about $15 per day. For that amount, just a couple of drinks per day will get your moneys worth. You could even get your moneys worth easily with non-alcoholic beverages.

Now if youre someone who doesnt want Internet access and plan to stick only with the free beverages that are on the ship, then you wont come out ahead on this deal. For the average cruiser, however, we think Princess Plus is definitely worth it.

Read this article:

Is Princess Plus Worth It? Program Details and What to Know - Cruzely.com

This list reflects the feelings most have towards travel right now. Many of us see the new year as an opportunity to throw ourselves into new experiences. Its just the excuse we need to start ticking off some of those bucket-list trips.

In this two-part series I will uncover island hideaways miles from civilisation, world-renowned beachside locations with an air of elegance and private-pool villas that I feel deserve recognition, along with the most incredible animal encounters and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions.

This is the ultimate wildlife encounter and has topped my list for as long as I can remember. Mesmerising scenes play out before you, with mothers nurturing tiny babies, toddlers somersaulting through bushes and brambles, youngsters posing, flirting or stuffing their faces with bamboo while big daddy silverbacks watch over them all. While a permit only allows you one precious hour with these majestic animals and it is quite an expensive hour it is worth every penny of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Money from the permit also helps fund the survival of around 880 of our critically endangered mountain cousins. Win-win in my view.

Ugandas Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is dense, steep and is home to some 400 mountain gorillas, including 11 groups habituated for tracking. While in neighbouring Rwanda 480 mountain gorillas roam the Virunga Mountains of Volcanoes National Park. Some, such as the Susa group studied by famous primatologist Dian Fossey, live at an altitude of over 3,000m. In July, the annual naming ceremony of baby gorillas Kwita Izina attracts thousands, but its great for gorilla-spotting year-round.

Elephant Hills brings a fresh approach to the animal-spotting holiday by combining luxurious accommodation with the stunning natural scenery of Thailands tropical forest and a firm commitment to animal welfare. The resort invites you to explore all the natural wonders of Khao Sok National Park, including the unforgettable experience of interacting with the resident herd of Asian elephants.

Each of the parks two-to-four day tours brings you on a journey through this untouched wilderness with the help of an insightful English-speaking local tour guide, and includes the award-winning elephant experience, allowing you to get up close and personal with natures gentle giants in a responsible way. Watch the elephants bathe in mud pools before giving them a scrub with coconut fibres and feeding them their daily meals. Despite its remote location, you wont be expected to give up your creature comforts during your time at Elephant Hills. Instead, youll be staying in one of the tailor-made luxury tents either at the Elephant Camp or at the floating Rainforest Camp, which sits on the emerald waters of Cheow Larn Lake a popular choice for couples, honeymooners and families alike.

A huge favourite among my clients and frequently requested by families, couples and honeymooners is a safari. While I have been lucky enough to overland all the way from the Cape to Kenya, I wanted to focus on one of South Africas foremost game reserves, and the malaria-free region of South Africas eastern cape.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a luxury safari and game lodge in South Africas ecologically and culturally significant Eastern Cape Province. One of South Africas foremost game reserves, this is where youll see the coveted big five roaming the landscape, alongside flora and fauna native only to the Cape.

Staying at Shamwari (my friend in Shona) means you are participating in an immensely successful conservation project, which returned the land to the rich biodiversity for which it was once renowned. Shamwari partners with Virginia McKennas Born Free Foundation to provide rescued lions and leopards with refuge and a safe environment to live. Shamwari is dedicated to preserving the surrounding savanna ecosystem and welcomes families to come and learn about the importance of conservation practices together in a luxurious setting.

Barefoot luxury in the Maldives

How does your own private oasis sound? A place to escape from the heat of a tropical island or a vantage point to take in the views of the vast ocean before you. Sheltered by sculpted gardens or unobscured space? Well look no further as I introduce the Maldives.

These Paradise Islands are another from my own list. For many years I had planned a 40th birthday trip to this heaven-on-earth destination. I dreamt of diving in crystal-clear waters and swimming with the rays. But it wasnt meant to be, as I gave birth to my son just four days before my birthday and so it remains on the list.

There are private-pool villas with pristine white sands, magical Maldivian sunset views, over-water retreats and an ocean home to 250 species of coral teeming with over 1,000 species of fish to enjoy. The Maldives has one of the most delicate environments anywhere on the planet. Coral reefs are the foundation of the islands and the reefs offer protection as a natural defence.

I always say to clients, one island, one resort, meaning the Maldives offers that true private-island experience. Reached by either sea plane or speed boat, each resort offers something different, from adult-only boutique collections to an assortment of larger family-friendly resorts; there is something for everyone.

Last on this weeks list but by no means least is the iconic Route 66. Running from Chicago on Americas east coast over 2,400 miles to Los Angeles on the west coast, The Mother Road (as it is also known) has inspired movies, songs and great memoirs.

But why does this old road remain so popular? For many is evokes images of simpler times, mom-and-pop businesses, and the icons of a mobile nation on the road. It offers an authentic USA that perhaps is hard to find in the big cities or see past the bright lights. It can be hard to look past the plastic fantastic and the bling that is now so synonymous thanks to the likes of the Kardashians and Trump. But dig a little deeper and discover a shared heritage through the historic places that recall those images and experiences that are reminders of the past and evidence of a once great nation.

lFor more details on these or any trips on your bucket list, please to get in touch and I can arrange an appointment to chat and talk all things travel.

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Juliet Twena: The 'must see' sights on my bucket list - part one - Jersey Evening Post

Charita M. Goshay|The Repository

When I was little, I was a conspiracy theorist.

The shocking assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and thedevastated responses ofthe adults in my small universe,were profound and searing.

It was a traumatic introduction to the wider world.

The circumstances surrounding JFK's death spawneda cottage industry that's still going strong. A 2017 survey conducted by FiveThirtyEight found that 61 percent of Americans still don't believe accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.

No one wants to believe history can turn on a moment generated by a single, disaffected, lucky-shot twerp like Oswald, or John Wilkes Booth, James Earl Ray, orGavrilo Princip.

When I was a kid, there were fish-wraptabloids claiming that JFK wasn't really dead, that he actually was a wheelchair-bound vegetable being cared for on one of Aristotle Onassis' private islands.

I wanted to believe it because the alternativewas too hard to accept.Even now, when I see photos of the Kennedys in Dallas, I wish I could reach through time and tell them to get back on theplane.

There were rumors that Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was behindthe crime, and ifnot Johnson, thenFidel Castro, or maybe the mob, or the FBI/CIA/military-industrial complex.

It's a virtual cast of thousands all of whom managed to keep it a secret?

No matter.I gobbled it all downlike Boston baked beans.

But at some point, you have to put away childish things. John F. Kennedy was dead, and no amount of wishing or theorizing was going to bring him back.

For some people, the result of the recent election has become the stuff of conspiracy. Thosearguing that the results are bogus and riggedcannot fathom that more peoplevoted for incumbent President Donald Trump's opponent than for him.

They're ignoring that most down-ballot Republicans won their races. They're dismissing the math which shows that more eligible voters cast ballots this time than in 2016, including in Ohio, where 74 percent of eligible voters, cast a ballot.It's as if the lines of people waiting sometimes forhours to cast their votesnever happened, or thatthe ElectionAssistance Commission, Republican governorsandstate attorneys general, and former Department ofHomeland Security cybersecurity chief Christopher Krebs haven'tpublicly statedthat the Nov. 3 election was the safest ever.

Somesupporters have rejectedthe results of the recounts and the recounts of the recounts despite the dozens oftimes the federal courts have swatted down contentions that something is amiss.It denigrates the poll workers andboards of election stafferswho risked their health to ensure we could exercise our constitutional right to have a say in our government.

Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit unanimously rejectedaccusations of "deep state" chicanery, withTrump-appointed Judge Stephanos Bibas writing:Free, fair elections are the lifeblood of our democracy. Charges of unfairness are serious. But calling an election unfair does not make it so. Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here.

We have a transactional president who can't seem to grasp how a judge might place more priority on followingthe law and precedentthan reciprocation for his or her appointment. This presents a serious threat previously seen only in banana republics. We've been so worried about the Russians; now we knowthe call is coming from inside the house.

Latching onto conspiracy theories because things didn't turn out the way you wantedisa rabbit hole that can corkscrewto the point whereit'll turn out that Barack Obama fixed the 1919 World Series, and Hunter Bidenkilled Biggie and Tupac.

History reminds us that many elections have been contested, including Kennedy's own, in which he won the popular vote by just 112,827votes, but capturing the Electoral College 303 to 219. Rumors persist that Kennedy was helped by the Democratic machinein Chicago, where the dead were saidto vote early and often.

Yethis opponent, Richard Nixon, did not weaponize the courts to get his way.

That would come later.

Sowing chaos and doubt when things don't go our way only servesto harm the nation's ability to move forward as it must.

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Conspiracy theories are a threat to democracy - Canton Repository

In this article we take a look at the 15 Biggest Islands on Earth. Click to skip ahead and jump to the 5 Biggest Islands on Earth.

While everybody wants to head to one of the countries with most islands in the world for their dream island getaways and the ultimate island hopping experiences - its the islands with the gigantic sizes that leave us awestruck. And, if islands are the talk of interest for you, you have brought yourself at the right discussion!

Of all the bizarre COVID 19 news we have heard recently, islands have apparently been in heavy demand for high net worth individuals ever since the pandemic started. And not just as a post-pandemic travel destination but as a real estate investment. Even as the economy dips, the wealthy have been quick to gauge the lucrativeness of islands as a safe-haven from the pandemic a perfect place to isolate while enjoying the tropical paradise life. Come to think of it, it does seem like the dream!

While many of us have wished for a possibility to holiday on an island through the pandemic, it isnt such a farfetched dream for the ultra-rich. In fact, owning private islands may not be out of ordinary for the wealthy. While a lot of them might have planned to acquire their own islands, COVID 19 has just put a timeline to it. Many of the buyers see this as a contingency plan for any future mishaps and an island to themselves now seems much more consequential. Theres also a Now or Never sentiment that has caused the buyers to commit to owning islands in these times.

However, the wish to own an isolation destination is not the only reason many are looking to buy islands this season. It is also a means to invest in a foreign country to earn citizenship. While Caribbean has always been one of the most popular spots for owning private islands, demand has also surged in countries with good COVID handling mechanisms, like Australia and New Zealand.

If you too would like to take social distancing to another level, or have always dreamt of owning your own private island it might not be as impossible as it sounds. One can buy an island for less than 100,000, depending upon the location, the development status and amenities available on the island. A small island in Nova Scotia, Canada is currently listed at a price of USD 68,104. Some, more pricier ones might come with extra perks like a private helipad or fully functional residence with recreational facilities.

Story continues

Whether you are looking to escape to an island or not, islands are an interesting topic that entices a lot of us. While there are over 2000 islands on the oceans in the world, we are likely to know so little about them. The most famous islands of the world include Santorini in Greece, Bali and Java in Indonesia and Maui in Hawaii, among others. However, when it comes to the biggest islands, some of them have always confused enthusiasts and been on the topic of interests of experts alike. One such island that features on our list is Great Britain, which is not only the ninth largest island on the Earth but also the largest island in the whole of Europe. It is one of the few island civilizations which have been reached the status of a global empire.

On another hand there is Australia, which clearly seems like an island to us -- however, it might not be! Is Australia an island - is a question that leaves the best of us perplexed. To put it simply, the island continent doesnt qualify for a position on our list because it already checks off all the requirements of being a continent! According to geographical definitions, an island and continent are considered different. Therefore, even if Australia is larger than Greenland, it cannot be considered an island and Britannica explains it perfectly for us.

As opposed to the bigwigs, there are also the smallest islands of the Earth on the other end of the spectrum, which are equally interesting to know about. Some of the smallest ones include Smyley Island, Mornington Island and Grande Comore. But if you are wondering what is the smallest island in the world, the answer is Bishop Rock, a part of the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago in the Atlantic ocean in Cornwall, South West England. On the island which is 46m long and 16 meters wide, there is only a lighthouse. The rest of the list we might tackle on a future article! And then there are also the biggest river islands, like Majuli island, which is the largest river island in India and the world, as well!

Some of the most beautiful islands in the world, also might not feature in the largest. For example the beautiful islands in India. If you are thinking of taking a long sabbatical from city life and finding a way to relax when we finally get back to traveling, maybe an escape to the 10 Most Remote Inhabited Islands in the World would be of your interest.

Coming back to our current topic, we have used trusted sources like Britannica Encyclopedia and other informative sites like Brilliant Maps and World Atlas to compile our list. Lets explore the biggest islands on Earth.

Area : 109,965 km/ 42457.72 sq mi The largest island of Philippines and where the city of Manila is nestled. The Luzon strait separated the island from Taiwan. Home to many bays and gulfs, Luzon covers almost one-third of land area in Philippines. Pixabay/Public Domain

Area : 111,583 km/ 43082.43 sq mi New Zealands North Island, is divided from South Island by the Cook Strait. The island is home to a terrain rising to central mountain range with volcanic Mount Ruapehu at its highest point and within the Tongariro National Park, which is a designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Area : 138,794 km/ 53588.66 sq mi Surrounded by Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo and Bali, the beautiful Indonesian island is one of the most prominent islands of the country. The island has Jakarta, Indonesias Capital, and largest city.

Area : 145,836 km/ 56307.59 sq mi The larger of Indonesias two islands, South Island is dotted with mountains. The island houses several World Heritage sites including a protected wilderness area Te Wahipounamu. Achim Baque/Shutterstock.com

Area: 188,522 km / 72,789 sq mi

The fourth biggest island in Indonesia, Sulawesi is quite unique and peculiar. The island is interestingly shaped with four peninsulas and three gulfs. The landscape is dotted with mountains, the highest peak of which is Mount Rantekombola and one might even come across quite a few active volcanoes.

Fabio Lamanna/Shutterstock.com

Area: 196,236 km / 75,767 sq mi

Ellesmere Island, the number 10 on our list of biggest islands on Earth, is the third largest island in Canada and the largest of the Queen Elizabeth Islands in the country. It is the most northerly island in the Arctic Archipelago. The island lies in Nunavut territory, and the Kennedy Channel and Kane basin separate it from Greenland. Along with being interestingly located, Ellesmere also has a fascinating history associated with it and is believed to have been visited by the Vikings in the 10th Century. Speaking of Canada, we should mention that this is the country which has the longest coastline (125,567 miles, to be precise).

Pixabay/Public Domain

Area: 209,331 km/ 80,823 sq mi

Separated from the European mainland by the English Channel and the North Sea, Great Britain includes three nations namely England, Scotland and Wales. Great Britain and several other islands like the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, we already mentioned, and others are marked with rich history, medieval architecture and prehistoric sites.

Pixabay/Public Domain

Area: 217, 291 km/ 83,896 sq mi

Canadas second largest island also finds a place among the biggest islands on Earth. It's a 'little bit' greater in size than Great Britain. Victoria Island is special since it contains the largest island-in-a-lake-on-an-island-in-a-lake-on-an-island.

Pixabay/Public Domain

Area: 227,898 km/ 87,992 sq mi

Japans main and most populous island, Honshu, houses some of the countrys major cities and sites and is also home to the famous snow-capped volcano, Mount Fuji. The island is the second-most populous island in the world right after Java in Indonesia. Honshu separates the Sea of Japan from the Northern Pacific Ocean and forms most of Japans industry belt including cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and Hiroshima.

kqlsm/Shutterstock.com

Area: 443,065 km/ 171,068 sq mi

The largest island lying wholly in Indonesia is a fascinating elongated mass of land running along a diagonal axis. The island is surrounded by a lot of other important islands in the vicinity and is separated from the Malay Peninsula by the famous Strait of Malacca. Sumatra is also known for its wide range of fauna and the unique animal species found here.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Biggest Islands on Earth.

Disclosure: 15 Biggest Islands on Earth is originally published on Insider Monkey.

See the rest here:

15 Biggest Islands on Earth - Yahoo Finance

In the age of social distancing, travelers are placing a premium on privacy both in their transportation and their accommodations.

And thats the reasoning behind the launch of leading luxury villa rental company WIMCOs new WIMCO Prive concierge travel service.

WIMCO Prive works with WIMCOs longtime partner, Tradewind Aviation, to plan each aspect of the ultimate Caribbean luxury vacation.

It gives travelers the ability to arrange a private, luxury and crowd-free travel experience from their home airports right to the Caribbean, with private aviation on each leg of the trip and a private villa for the vacation itself.

When transfers are required to smaller airports on private islands, WIMCO will arrange wing to wing transfers, avoiding airport terminals entirely, the company says.

In the age of social distancing, access to private aviation and private villas helps in reducing the risk of contracting a virus while away from home, according to Stiles Bennet, president of WIMCO.

The service also provides a unique way to streamline travel to some of the Caribbeans harder-to-reach destinations like Canouan in the Grenadines; the British Virgin Islands and Mustique, among others.

When we developed this service, one of the benefits we designed in was improving the ease of access to some of the smaller islands in the Caribbean that do not have direct flights from the US. Bennet told Caribbean Journal.

A sample itinerary might be taking a private jet from Westchester to St Barth via San Juan, for a stay in a villa or a yacht in St Barth.

Or a getaway from Philadelphia direct to Anguilla for a family beach getaway.

WIMCO Prive gives travelers the choice of private jets for parties of any size from light jets of six to seven passengers to airliners for 60 passengers.

WIMCO Prive can also request quotes on chartering private yachts.

For more, visit WIMCO Prive.

CJ

See the original post:

How to Plan the Ultimate Caribbean Luxury Vacation - Caribbean Journal

Far from the motels and the honky-tonk, Ocean Drive travels down U.S. 1 and discovers the secret sophistication of the Florida Keys.

Sunset cocktails on the floating tiki bar at Bungalows Key Largo (bungalowskeylargo.com), an all-inclusive property located 63 miles south of Miami

We are here to tell you that the slips of islands that make up the Florida Keys are far more dynamic than meets the eye. Sure, there are the guidebook hot spots (Hemingways six-toed cats, sunsets in Mallory Square), but the tropical archipelago is also home to many hidden gems: fish shacks serving five-star dinners, roadside diners with mouthwatering Key lime muffins and secret beaches that feel miles from home. Join us on a trip down the Overseas Highway.

Where to stay without kids

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key

A private bungalow at Little Palm Island

A vintage wood-paneled yacht takes guests from Little Torch Key (about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Miami) to Little Palm Island, a South Seas fantasy isle with thatched-roof cottages deliberately fitted with no phones, TVs or internet connections. This is no doubt a place to escape. A best-kept secret of U.S. presidents and celebrities, the resort is located on a lush, private island dotted with crushed seashell paths and tropical foliage. Each of the 15 redesigned bungalows offers vibrant ocean views and plush, all-new interiors. The newly renovated resort also boasts a world-class spa and five-star dining.

lounging on the edge of paradise

the Romance Suite

Where to stay with the kids

Tranquility Bay, Marathon

the main house at Tranquility Bay

Near the base of Seven Mile Bridge sits a property that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located on Marathon and situated on 12 gorgeous acres, the Tranquility Bay resort lives up to its name the minute you pull off U.S. 1. Behind the hedges sits a resort offering so many amenities that you rarely have to leave. Theres a private beach, multiple pools, water sports center with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and waverunners, beach volleyball court, and Nicklaus Design putting green. TJs Tiki Bar, located on the beachfront, serves lunch and is a great spot for cocktails at sunset. Butterfly Caf restaurant serves dinner and has a covered patio for al fresco dining. Townhouse-style beach houses are ideal for families or groups.

The Tranquility Bay property features a sandy beach and plenty of shade under palm trees.

Where to explore

Dry Tortugas

the underwater paradise surrounding Dry Tortugas National Park

Americas most remote national park has a curious history. Pirates, prisoners and a deadly epidemic once haunted Floridas Dry Tortugas. Now its a tropical haven for wildlife. To get there, you must traverse 70 miles of open water from Key West to the park. You can take Yankee Freedom III, a high-speed ocean-going catamaran, private boat or a seaplane. Once you arrive, the island is yours to explore.

Photography by: From Top: photo courtesy of Bungalows Key Largo; photos courtesy of Little Palm Island Resort & Spa; tranquility bar photos courtesy of Tranquility Bay; Dry Tortugas photo by Lee Rentz / Alamy

See original here:

Escape To The Secret Sophistication of The Florida Keys - Ocean Drive Magazine

Disney Dream passengers at Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay (photo credit Diana Zalucky)

CELEBRATION, FL Disney Cruise Line is heading back to Hawaii and other top sun destinations in early 2022.

DCL is also giving an update on its new-build ship, Disney Wish.

Originally planned to sail in early 2022, the Disney Wish is now scheduled for its maiden voyage in summer 2022 due to pandemic-related delays at Germanys Meyer-Werft shipyard.

Disney Wish will be powered by liquified natural gas or LNG, one of the cleanest-burning fuels available. At approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, the ship will be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

2022 ITINERARIES

With its 2022 lineup, DCL is announcing 10-night Hawaiian Islands cruises and a variety of sailings to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico, departing from U.S. homeports including New Orleans, Galveston, Texas, San Diego, Miami and Port Canaveral, as well as sailings from Vancouver.

Bookings open to the public on Oct. 22, 2020. More details on 2022 itineraries can be found on thePorts and Itineraries for 2022page ofdisneycruise.com.

The Disney Wonder returns to Hawaii in early 2022 for two special 10-night cruises: a voyage to Honolulu from Vancouver on April 26, 2022 and a return sailing to Vancouver on May 6, 2022.

Clients can combine a Disney cruise getaway with a stay at Walt Disney World Resort in early 2022 with two ships sailing from Port Canaveral near Orlando, and a third ship departing from Miami. Every cruise from Florida in early 2022 includes a visit to Disneys private island, Castaway Cay.

From Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy begins the year with a six-night Western Caribbean cruise, followed by seven-night voyages to a variety of favorite destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

The Disney Dream, also sailing from Port Canaveral, embarks on three- and four-night Bahamian cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay. One special four-night cruise includes two stops at Castaway Cay.

From Miami, the Disney Magic sails four- and five-night Bahamian cruises and five-night Western Caribbean cruises. One special three-night sailing to Castaway Cay and Key West.

The Disney Wonder sails Western Caribbean getaways early in the year, first from Galveston, with four-night itineraries, followed by four- and six-night voyages from New Orleans.

A six-night Bahamian voyage offered from both Galveston and New Orleans gives passengers the opportunity to visit Castaway Cay, in addition to Key West.

The Disney Wonder returns to San Diego in March and April with cruises to Baja, Mexico. Most sailings to the Baja peninsula call on the charming coastal city of Ensenada, known for its turquoise blue water and rugged mountainous terrain. A two-night cruise to Ensenada has a Friday departure from San Diego.

Four- and five-night Baja cruises include a visit to Cabo San Lucas, or to Catalina Island.

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Disney Cruise Line has 2022 itineraries and an update on Disney Wish - Travelweek

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Tourism Minister Dionisio DAguilar yesterday urged industry stakeholders to be patient with regards to the industrys revival, noting that the industry would not immediately return to its pre-COVID performance.

While addressing reporters ahead of a Cabinet meeting yesterday, DAguilar said: This is going to be a crawl before you walk and before you run. Its not going to be right back to pre-COVID. Its going to be a staggered approach to getting tourism back and running.

People are going to become frustrated. The players coming back are doing so very cautiously and want to make sure the Ts are crossed and slowly they will be able to expand.

DAguilar noted that with regards to the cruise lines they will return to their private islands first, then pre-arranged tours and then regular calls on the cruise ports.

With tourism employing 50 percent of the countrys workforce, he stressed the country must work towards getting the sector restarted.

Tourism employs 50 percent of our workforce, it is two-thirds of our economy, he continued.

There are people out there that think we should shift to another industry. There is not an industry that they can think of or we can think of that can replace tourism in the short to medium term. We have to get it going. We have to get our economy going and people back to work. We think we are doing it in the safest possible way, said DAguilar.

DAguilar stressed that it is critical for the survival of the tourism sector, that the country significantly lowers its COVID-19 infection rate.

It behooves us to get the numbers down. I implore everyone to do what they can to contribute to community spread. It is critical for the survival of the tourism sector for us to get the numbers down, he said.

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D'Aguilar: Be patient on tourism restart - EyeWitness News

Ngpuhi protesters occupying private land in the Bay of Islands town of Opua say they're prepared to stand in front of bulldozers to stop a housing development.

The Ngpuhi protesters camp on Puketiti, an old headland in the Bay of Islands town of Opua which was sold for a housing development earlier this year. Photo: Supplied

A group of 20 people have been occupying the site, which is situated on the headland known to local Mori as Puketiti, since Saturday.

They're trying to stop the construction of 17 houses by a private developer, after the commercial arm of the Far North District Council sold the public land in March this year.

Protest spokesperson Tony Williams, from the hap Te Roroa, said they had exhausted every other avenue but the council would not undo the sale.

"We're intending to camp or occupy on top of the maunga until we get a response or resolve the development," Williams said.

"We're willing to stay up here even if they bring bulldozers up here, we're willing to stand in front of the bulldozers, that's how far we're going to go."

A sign at the site. Photo: Supplied

He said the site was a whi tapu, or a significant cultural site.

His grandfather told him the maunga was a lookout point for their ancestors, who could see ships to the left of the lookout coming from Russell and Paihia, Ngti Hine waka coming from Taumarere to the right, and directly ahead, ships from Herekino.

"My tpuna used to put his warriors [there] to check, to keep an eye on any enemy ships coming towards their p."

A banner flying at the site. Photo: Supplied

It was also the home of Te Roroa rangatira, Pumuka, who was killed at the battle of Kororreka in 1845, and the hap have called for a pou to be established on the site.

The land is also part of a Waitangi claim submitted by Sir James Henare over 30 years ago, which calls for control of the whenua to be returned to Ngpuhi, and for all resource consents from April 1987 to be rescinded.

Williams said they had a lot of support from the community, who had brought them food over the last few days - and the principal of the local school wanted to bring children over to learn more about the history of the site.

The protest group also want a public reserve at Walls Bay to returned to them.

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Ngpuhi protesters prepared to stand in front of bulldozers to stop development on whi tapu land - RNZ

Missing 'overseas' holidays? Visit the sparkling gems of Auckland's gulf, writes Thomas Bywater. We ask seasoned skippers and touring kayak guides for their top spots in Auckland's marine conservation parks

Sitting on Kohimarama beach, planning a kayak trip, it's hard not to feel overwhelmed by choice. The waters of the Hauraki Gulf are full of hundreds of islands. Even those within a couple of hours' paddling distance read more like the plot of Gulliver's Travels than a list of real places.

There are magmatic caves, isolated beaches, island sanctuaries of exotic life. In the Gulf you'll find pockets of re-introduced takahe, ancient tuatara, peacocks and Ponui donkeys. For those looking for a substitute for cancelled plans to Australia, I've even been told there's even the odd marsupial. Kawau Island and its wallabies are as exotic as any overseas trip. Though, in their own way I suppose all these islands are "overseas". If only a few hundred metres at a time.

Whether on a guided kayak trip or on the top deck of a ferry, they're accessible to all. Here are the best spots to visit in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, according to guides who know it best:

Browns Island/Motukorea

The gentle sloping cone of Browns Island is frustratingly close to the eastern suburbs, yet few Aucklanders have ever set foot on it.

"It's a bit of a hidden gem, about an hour's paddling from St Heliers beach," says Nic. "If you've got a reasonable sense of balance you can get here quite easily."

Climbing to the trig point offers a "360 views over the city and marine park", which you'll not get anywhere else.

Rangitoto

While you can hardly miss the volcanic lump of Rangitoto, there are still plenty of experiences and adventures hidden on the island. Such as Gardiner Gap, between Rangitoto and Motutapu. "You come through the mangroves and see Tiritiri Matangi in the distance. It's absolutely awesome and something you can only do by kayak at full tide."

Sometimes seeing a familiar sight at an unfamiliar hour can be an adventure in itself. The company runs sunset trips to Rangitoto's summit - a "very popular date night" says Nic.

It's a fair distance in a double kayak, but almost anyone can do it. So says Nic, who took his 83-year-old grandmother on the trip. Returning in the dark, in a convoy of illuminated boats is not something you do every day.

aucklandseakayaks.co.nz

The Noises

The Noises are a hoot, says Scott. "I haven't kayaked there but have been many times on my boat from Waiheke. There is an enclosed pool surrounded by rocks on one of the islands," he says, which was almost made to be jumped in. Originally named the Noisettes or "Hazelnuts" by French navigator Dumont D'Urville, they were renamed Noises or "Noiseys" by Anglophone Aucklanders.

You won't find any nuts of these on the islands, but you will find geckos, thousand-year-old phutukawa and giant wtpunga as big as your hand. Eek!

Today they are privately owned by the Neureuter family who are keen conservationists. http://www.thenoises.nz

Pnui Island

Another privately owned island is Pnui /Chamberlins Island. Apart from being one of Auckland's oldest farms - still managed by the same family since 1852 - it is also home to the white Ponui donkeys. "On previous trips we have been able to see the wild donkeys, while we were paddling round the southern bays," says Scott.

Though there is no public access for travellers there is one campsite on the island, run by the Christian youth camp Scripture Union NZ.

A survey by Massey University found a population of 1500 kiwi on the island, giving it a greater density of the birds than Stewart Island/Rakiura.

fergskayaks.co.nz

Rotoroa

"Travelling to hidden gems around the Hauraki Gulf each day is a privilege," says Karl.

For the past 35 years he has been taking ferry passengers from Auckland to Tiritiri Matangi, Rakino Island and even on the Waiheke shuttle - however if Karl had to pick a favourite route it would be Auckland to Coromandel.

Allowing passengers to "skip the traffic and travel to Coromandel by ferry", the route is the longest run by Fullers. At $103 return, it's a valuable service to know about as the roads out of Auckland clog up in the build-up to Christmas. However, the main reason it stands out for Karl is one of the stops on the way, just past Waiheke.

"Rotoroa Island is one of those hidden gems you've heard of but may not have visited yet," he says. With only the one scheduled daily ferry, Rotoroa is your private island for the day.

Once a rehabilitation camp run by the Salvation Army, it's now meticulously run as a conservation area by the Rotoroa trust.

The sandy Ladies and Mens bays are "only a few minutes' walk across the island, perfect for a picnic" says Karl.

Although the service has been paused since the March Lockdown, Fullers will be operating routes to Rotoroa and Coromandel from October 24.

fullers.co.nz

For more New Zealand travel ideas and inspiration, go to newzealand.com

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Miss 'overseas' holidays? Head to the Hauraki Gulf - New Zealand Herald

Rate: $179 per night

Glam Factor: 5 of 5

When Gordon Lightfoot sang that Lake Michigans islands and bays are for sportsmen, he was no doubt referring to Beaver Island, Michigan, the largest of the former. Located 32 miles off the coast of Charlevoix, a posh boaters haven, the 58-square-mile enclave is home to dense pine and cedar forests, more than 700 acres of public nature preserve, seven inland lakes, and about 550 of your new best friends.

The islands year-round residents, many of whom are descended from a group of 19th-century Irish settlers, are so friendly that its easy to fantasize about buying some land and joining their ranks. Just ask Brian Vaeth and Maria Dal Pra, who did just that when they opened Beaver Island Retreat in 2019. Looking to escape their daily corporate grind in Ohio, the couple designed their 35-acre woodland utopia to maximize creature comfortsbring only what you would to a hotel, except perhaps a flashlightwith minimal impact on the environment, from sustainable bath products to extensive forest-fire safety precautions.

Each safari tent is situated on its own 2,500-square-foot glamp site, with a queen-size bed and memory foam mattress, private picnic area, and outdoor kitchenette. Charcoal and firewood are provided, with a self-serve buffet of supplies just steps away. Every tents solar power offers luxury glamping amenities like bedside lamps fitted with iPhone chargers, outdoor twinkle lights for ambience, and a Bluetooth speaker. Restrooms with showers, a commercial kitchen, and Wi-Fi are available at the main pavilion, where guests gather to (temporarily) plug into the mainland or share a bottle of wine as the whip-poor-wills sing all around.

Getting to the island is a treat itself, whether via 15-minute flight aboard a prop plane or a two-hour ferry voyage from Charlevoix. The camp is several miles from any transit, so car rental is recommended. Kings Highway, the main road, is named for a 19th-century Mormon leader who crowned himself and made Beaver Island Americas only kingdom. Residents hold little regard for his majesty James Strang, but after a few days roving his stomping grounds, one cant help but agree the island is fit for glamping royalty. 34195 Kings Hwy., Beaver Island, Michigan, 614-571-5062, beaverislandretreat.com

Eat: Just outside the harbor town of St. James, Circle M (beaverisland.org/circle-m) serves a reliable menu in a former rectory. Widely revered by locals as the best eating on the island, the place will also sell you a bottle of wine to take back to your tent.

Hike: Bring binoculars, as Beaver Island is an important site for some 250 species of migratory birds. The Beaver Island Birding Trail (beaverislandbirdingtrail.org) offers 35 unique viewing areas.

Explore:Two historic lighthouses keep watch over the islands northern and southern points, and theyre both worth a visit to catch the sunset off Donegal Bay.

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Beaver Island Retreat, In Up-North Michigan Indianapolis Monthly - Indianapolis Monthly

Allen Chastanet, St. Lucias prime minister, thought he was lucky his island was deemed a non-outbreak zone when the Zika virus swept through the Caribbean in 2016, and it was similarly spared from the hurricanes that pummeled its neighbors in 2017. But then came COVID-19.

Its had a devastating effect on our economy and the livelihood of our citizens, Chastanet said.

Indeed, 65% of the islands gross domestic product is garnered through tourism, and the island saw a dramatic 89% drop in arrivals from March to July. That has reduced the governments total revenue by almost 60% so far this year, and attempts to curb the islands already high 25% unemployment rate have spiraled in the opposite direction.

In other parts of the Caribbean, tourism officials started 2020 optimistic that this would be the year to rebound from billions of dollars in hurricane-related losses. But no matter where you look, thats not the way the story went.

St. Lucia lifted its ban on visitors June 4, after 20 long weeks of prioritizing health concerns. It was the first Caribbean nation, along with Antigua and Barbuda, to reopen. By the beginning of July, that list had expanded to include only a handful of other islands, such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, plus a couple of start-and-stop efforts that fizzled when new coronavirus cases flooded in.

Now, the waiting game is reaching its apex. Roughly half of the Caribbeans 28 island nations have moved to reopen borders.

Festive season the peak holiday period at the end of the year, when warm-weather destinations make an outsize proportion of their tourism profits is on the horizon, and Caribbean islands are making plans to recapture some of the $44 billion of estimated losses that will be sustained regionwide as a result of COVID-19.

With St. Lucia and its Caribbean neighbors ranking among the most tourism-reliant nations in the world, Chastenet is feeling the pressure. Our tourism industry must coexist with COVID in order to recover, he said.

The playbook shifts, depending on the destination.

While places like the Cayman Islands can more easily remain closed, since they rely on other industries such as offshore banking, the majority of Caribbean destinations simply must let visitors in to survive, said Daniel Marmontello, director of strategy at Apple Leisure Group, whose subsidiaries include CheapCaribbean.com.

While all islands are enacting safety protocols to limit cases of COVID-19, the amount of hoops they ask travelers to jump through differ, not just from country to country but sometimes from week to week. Hotel discounts, hovering around 30% to 40%, are more of a constant.

For travelers keen on a tropical holiday at record-low prices this winter, here are the islands making the strongest cases for visitors to return and all the fine print to think about.

The big sell: Ease of entry. The country opened borders in July, but in September it eliminated the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. Instead, its offering all visitors free health insurance as part of its Responsible Tourism Recovery Plan.

Opening status: Yes, you can fly in, but two-thirds of the countrys hotels (mostly all-inclusive properties) have yet to reopen, targeting a November relaunch date.

The fine print: Straightforward policies require you to fill out a health affidavit before arriving, and airports are conducting randomized rapid testing.

Where to stay: With limited COVID-19 restrictions at the governmental level, the onus is now on individual properties to ensure safe practices. For that, Casa de Campo is appealing: The 7,000-acre property is its own secluded haven, with a private airport, marina and on-site hospital.

The big sell: A haven for private flyers. Since no major commercial airlines land on its frightfully short, single runway, there are fewer visitors and threats of COVID-19 washing up on its shores. This summer we flew 400% more charters than normal, said David Zipkin, founder of Tradewind Avation, and 40-50% of [those] private charters were for new clients.

Opening status: The island reopened its international borders June 22.

The fine print: Arriving guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within three days before they land, and all travelers staying longer than a week must take a second test on the seventh day of their visit (expect it to cost upwards of $150).

Where to stay: The beloved Eden Rock with its central, cliffside location is finally reopening on Oct. 22, after a yearslong rebuilding effort that followed hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The big sell: Continue your seclusion in style. Turks and Caicos Islands is currently this winters top destination for villa bookings, according to Amanda Dyjecinski, the chief marketing officer of luxury rental site Onefinestay. The ability to book homes with nannies and private chefs, she said, has made it especially attractive to cautious and long-term travelers.

Opening status: Borders reopened July 22.

The fine print: A COVID-19 PCR test with negative results must be taken less than five days before arrival, and all travelers must provide proof of travelers insurance upon landing.

Where to stay: Private island Como Parrot Cay reopened Oct. 1, with 1,000 acres along a white-sand beach for socially distant biking, hiking, and private outdoor dinners.

The big sell: A time machine that gets you out of the year 2020. The most stringent public health policies in the Caribbean have helped maintain Anguillas pristine COVID-19 track record: Its had only three confirmed cases (and zero deaths) throughout the pandemics duration. The application to visit includes a fee, roughly $250 per person, and covers two PCR tests one administered before arrival and another taken while under a strict quarantine on the island. After that, no masks are required, and life will be like 2019 all over again.

Opening status: Anguilla reopened in August, but only for stays in villas. Hotels and resorts are currently green-lighted for November.

The fine print: Until phase two begins in November, a villa will be your only choice of accommodation, and travelers staying five or fewer days must pay additional fees for relevant COVID-19 monitoring; this costs $500 per couple. Those staying from six to 90 days must also pay fees to cover contact tracing and other containment efforts on the island around $600 per couple.

Where to stay: NI Private Resorts offer an appealing hybrid of villa living with hotel amenities. Once it opens Nov. 1, Belmonds Cap Juluca offers plenty of room to roam around, plus such special little luxuries as chilled towels and chaise-side meal service.

The big sell: Move right in. With the creation of the yearlong Work From Bermuda certificate, which lets visitors bypass the traditional bureaucratic hurdles of a temporary relocation, the Atlantic island is hoping to entice long-stay guests to take their Zoom meetings with real ocean backdrops.

Opening status: International flights resumed July 1, with service from the East Coast, Toronto and London.

The fine print: Travelers must complete a pre-arrival authorization form and have a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken within seven days of flying. A $75 fee will cover an additional test performed upon arrival, plus three further tests for travelers staying two weeks or longer. Visitors are asked to bring their own thermometers and report their temperatures as well.

Where to stay: Harbor view suites at the Rosewood Bermuda start at 1,200 square feet and have proper living and dining rooms perfect for long-term island living.

The big sell: Accessibility. While hotels across the Caribbean have dropped their rates, Prime Minister Chastenet is working with the airlines to offer lower airfare through 2021 as well.

Opening status: International flights resumed in June on all four major American carriers.

The fine print: Travelers must complete a pre-arrival registration form and obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR result within seven days of travel; only approved taxis may be used upon arrival, and guests are relegated to their COVID-19 compliant hotels for the entirety of their stay.

Where to stay: Jade Mountain remains a perennial favorite; its rooms, most with their own infinity pools, are open to the elements and face the majestic Piton mountains.

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Airlines really want you to fly this winter, and these Caribbean islands are ready for tourists - The Dallas Morning News

Ive definitely done some journaling up here, says Samuel T Herring. A lot of lyrics too. Its a great place for letting the mind wander.

Were sat on a rocky ledge overlooking a swimming hole near the house in rural south-east Sweden that Herring frontman of US synthpop band Future Islands increasingly calls home. A former quarry, the pool is deep and clear, with sheer granite cliffs rising 10 metres in places. At dusk, he says, red kites swoop through the air and skim the water. So inspired was Herring that he named a song after the bird Glada, Swedish for kite on the bands sixth album, As Long As You Are.

Glada is representative of that swirling freedom, says Herring. That song is a reopening of myself in a new space, and I was clear that I really wanted it to open the album. The song hangs around one line: Do I deserve the sea again? It is Herrings reckoning with his turbulent past. Pushing good things away because you feel you dont deserve them, but you do, he says. Julia showed me that, and gave me love and peace.

This is Julia Ragnarsson, Herrings partner of three years and the reason he is showing me around a tiny bucolic village, 20 minutes outside the town of Kristianstad. He met the renowned Swedish actor online in 2017, fast becoming friends and FaceTiming for at least an hour a day. After eight months, they finally came face to face in Copenhagen while the band were touring; they have been together ever since.

Meeting Julia was liberating, says Herring. Ill definitely follow her wherever she wants to be, because thats where my heart is. The pair are engaged, and while they have thus far split their time in Sweden between Stockholm and this house, owned by Ragnarssons parents, they are looking to settle down in Malm. Herring has applied for permanent residency, the paperwork all but complete.

But domestic bliss is just one of the themes that shaped As Long As You Are. Its also a reaction to burnout, unrealistic expectations and fame following the success of 2014 album Singles, which was boosted by a glorious viral performance of Seasons (Waiting on You) on David Lettermans talkshow, with Herring twisting, beating his chest and delivering its climactic lyrics in a death metal roar.

Playing the game after that success, as Herring puts it, didnt suit them and caused tension; writing and recording their next album, The Far Field, left them disappointed and unsatisfied. We lost ourselves, Herring says. That record is condescending because I wasnt honest in my writing. Written over just a few months following the mammoth two-year Singles tour, it was rush-recorded in three weeks in LA. The reason for the tight schedule was Coachella 2017 with a prominent slot booked, a new record was required, one that would cement Future Islands as one of the worlds most in-demand live acts.

Fucking embarrassing, says the bassist, William Cashion, of the idea now. Rushing to make that deadline was bullshit. The band talk of unwanted compromise acquiescing and putting trust in others as Cashion puts it that they now regret.

For As Long As You Are, a decision was made to take their time and do it right, says Cashion. Being off the road helped, as did getting our heads back on straight and just living a normal life, according to the keyboardist and programmer, Gerrit Welmers. Over a year, the band spent hours in the studio just jamming and working through ideas. Herring worked on lyrics feverishly, sitting in his favourite spot in the garden or by that swimming hole. The result is a record with a relaxed, easy vibe that harks back to Singles and their earlier work; a strut tempo as described by the drummer, Mike Lowry, now officially a fourth member. From the breezy, top-down chug of road trip song Hit the Coast to the euphoric rush of Plastic Beach, they sound re-energised just by being themselves.

Theres definitely a looseness to it, says Cashion. New and fresh, adds Welmers, noting that the band were all in a more comfortable space in our private lives, more mature as well. That translated to the music.

For Herring, the difference is stark. Weve dealt with that fear of losing the dream wed worked so hard to achieve, he says, and we put art before commerce. Its us being open to the possibilities of personal growth, and not being constrained by what people think we are. Thats where real art comes from.

As Long As You Are is released on 9 October on 4AD

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'We lost ourselves': Future Islands, the synthpop band who nearly blew it - The Guardian

ROADTOWN, BVIOctober 7th, 2020The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and Film Commission held a meeting with tourism industry partners from the private-islands, resorts and large hotel sectors last evening.

The meeting which was considered a success was the first in a series with key industry stakeholders in various sectors of the local tourism industry to be held over the next two weeks.

The session was done virtually with the use of the Microsoft Teams Platform and had over 80 participants.

Premier and Minister responsible for Tourism, Andrew A. Fahie, addressed the meeting and stated that it was imperative that the Government meet with tourism stakeholders to finalize the health protocols as it prepares to open the Territory on December 1stand that he was extremely pleased with the participation and contributions made by the stakeholders.

Premier Fahie said, We were able to share our plans with them and welcomed their feedback. We presented a positive and engaging discussion that will be beneficial in enhancing our guest experience during the COVID era while ensuring that safety remains a priority. I look forward to more discussions with our other industry partners because we are in this together.

Junior Minister for Tourism, Sharie de Castro said the meeting with the stakeholders within the tourism industry was important so that their collective voices can be heard and their concerns recorded.

De Castro said, I believe we were able to explain how far we are in the process, their role in ensuring our preparedness for December 1stand how we intend to support their efforts. I left feeling encouraged, as the partners who participated showed that they are eager to do what is necessary for us to successfully reopen.

The Junior Minister thanked the stakeholders who participated and stated that their contribution was very meaningful and appreciated. She added that she also looked forward to hearing from more industry partners during this consultation phase.

Director of Tourism, Mr. Clive McCoy said, We are meeting with our stakeholders to ensure that they have an opportunity to review our opening plans and protocols and provide input, to ensure that we have the safest reopening protocols. Their input and commitment is very important to a successful reopening on December 1st.

Chairperson of the BVI Tourist Board, Mrs. Kenisha Sprauve also stated that following several one-on-one meetings with industry partners, which helped to shape the draft protocols, the board thought it was time to meet with stakeholders collectively, to get their feedback on the said protocols before they are finalized.

I think we had a successful meeting last evening and look forward to meeting with the other stakeholders as we work together to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests when we welcome them with BVILove beginning on December 1st, she said added.

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BVI Tourist Board Meets With Major Tourism Industry Partners - The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer