Reese Witherspoon on New Zealand: ‘You can’t capture it in pictures’ – Newshub

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Reese Witherspoon says her Instagram feed, full of pictures taken on her trip to New Zealand, doesn't do the country's beauty justice.

"It's the most beautiful country in the world - I've made a lot of movies all over the world, but this is my favourite place I've ever shot," she told radio station The Edge on Friday.

"You can't capture it in pictures. I would say to anybody who comes to New Zealand, don't just bring your iPhone - you need a major, amazing camera."

Witherspoon, who won an Oscar for her role in Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line, is in New Zealand shooting Disney film A Wrinkle in Time with co-stars Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling (The Office), Chris Pine (Star Trek), Storm Reid (12 Years a Slave) and Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover).

"We are making a movie," she told hosts Jay-Jay, Dom and Randell. "I know it looks like I'm just having fun with my girlfriends."

In the film, New Zealand stands in for the planet Uriel, a mountainous utopia populated by centaurs.

"We needed sort of magical locations because it's about going to other universes," said Witherspoon.

She promised to come back for a proper holiday.

"The food is wonderful, the landscapes are gorgeous, but most importantly the people have been so kind and so friendly, and have opened up their homes. We have all been just so touched by what a beautiful experience it has been."

Though she wouldn't tell what it's like flying across the seas on Oprah's private jet, she did reveal just where she keeps her Oscar.

"I keep it in my living room, and anyone who picks it up has to do a speech."

Newshub.

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Reese Witherspoon on New Zealand: 'You can't capture it in pictures' - Newshub

Utopian sci-fi survival horror game, PAMELA, enters Steam Early Access on March 9th New Screenshots – DSOGaming (blog)

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NVYVE Studios today announced that P.A.M.E.L.A., the first-person, open world, utopian, sci-fi, survival horror game, will launch on March 9th on Steam Early Access. In order to celebrate this announcement, NVYVE Studios released some new screenshots that can be viewed below.

In P.A.M.E.L.A. you must survive against all odds by wielding unconventional technology as you explore Eden, an unforgiving paradise that explores the unforeseen consequences of humanitys craving for technological and biological advancement.

Adam Simonar, Studio Director of NVYVE Studios, said:

Several years ago, we formed NVYVE Studios with the goal of creating a game that took the survival genre, and built upon it with a hand-crafted sci-fi setting to create a wholly unique experience. The Steam Early Access launch is a culmination of those years, and will form a base for P.A.M.E.L.A., challenging players to explore and survive within the fallen utopian city of Eden. We are looking forward to working with the community as we continue to evolve P.A.M.E.L.A., adding new features and content in the run-up to a full commercial launch.

Marvin Maalouf, President and CEO of NVYVE Studios, added:

P.A.M.E.L.A. represents a bold step for us. Having previously utilised Unity in our architectural practise, were excited to bring those skills into game design. I am very proud of our incredible team Its been a dream come true for everyone involved. A lot of sacrifices, sleepless nights, long days, sweat and tears went into making the game and we hope the gaming community enjoys it. We see P.A.M.E.L.A. as the first in what will hopefully be a long line of quality titles to come out of the studio and want to show the world that a small team with a huge amount of passion can create beautiful, immersive and fun worlds for players to explore.

P.A.M.E.L.A. begins as your character awakens from cryosleep in Eden, a fallen utopian city. Pamela, Edens lone AI overseer, provides information on how to survive within the city while bestowing amplified abilities upon the player.

As you explore Eden, uncovering insights into the lives of individual citizens of Eden through discoverable data logs, you discover the tragic story behind the fall of Eden and learn about the way society used to function in this former utopia.

The game will feature over 200 unique pieces of loot and resources, ranging from food to building materials and hi-tech weapons and upgrades. It will also offer players hacking skills to unlock salvage containers or doors to access secret areas of the city.

Enjoy!

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Utopian sci-fi survival horror game, PAMELA, enters Steam Early Access on March 9th New Screenshots - DSOGaming (blog)

Carol tows Pacific Oceania to finals – Saipan Tribune

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The CNMIs Carol Lee towed Pacific Oceania to the finals of the 2017 Junior Fed Cup Asia Oceania Pre-Qualifying Zone after another dominating performance in the Singles 1 event yesterday at the R.K Khanna Tennis Stadium in New Delhi, India

Lee clobbered Singapores Joelle Goh, 6-0, 6-0, dispatching her foe in just 45 minutes to seal the semis victory for Pacific Oceania. Earlier in the Singles 2 match, Tahitis Naia Guitton rallied past Tammy Tan, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2.

With Pacific Oceanias sweep of the two singles contests, the lone doubles match became no-bearing. Lee was scheduled to partner with Samoas Eleanor Schuster in the doubles, but results of their match against Tan and Tessa Wong have yet to be posted at the events website as of press time.

Today, Lee and company will play in the finals against the winner of the other semis game between Pool B top finisher Sri Lanka and Pool A runner-up Vietnam. Thuy Thanh Truc Tran gave Vietnam a 1-0 lead in the semis after working out a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 triumph over Savini Jayasuriya in the Singles 2. In the other singles match, Ngoc Minh Phuong Nguyen was slated to duel Anila Seneviratne and the former and Tran were also assigned to compete in the doubles against Senevirante and Sathi Siyara Silva Mirisssage yesterday.

Regardless of the results of Lee and her teammates games in the championship play, Pacific Oceania is already assured of a slot to the 2017 Junior Fed Cup Asia Oceania Final Qualifying Zone, which will also be played in India in April. Pacific Oceania and the winner of the Vietnam-Sri Lanka tussle will join New Zealand, Australia, and 12 other countries from Asia in the final qualifier.

Going into the finals, Lee has yet to drop a single set with four of her five wins recorded in less than an hour. The singles triumph against Goh was her second shutout victory, as she earlier blanked the Philippines Gennifer Lysandra Pagente in pool play. Pacific Oceania swept the pool play, crushing the Philippines, Tajikistan, and Vietnam to move into the semifinals.

Meanwhile, the CNMIs Robbie Schorr earned his first victory in the Junior Davis Cup.

Schorr whipped Tajikistans Khushbakht Karimov, 6-0, 6-0. The Commonwealth junior player wrapped up the one-sided match after only 30 minutes to secure the victory for Pacific Oceania in the consolation round that would determine the No. 9 to 14 finishers in the pre-qualifier. In the earlier singles game, Vanuatus Clement Mainguy topped Issamjon Sharifov, 6-0, 6-4. The doubles game in the Pacific Oceania-Tajikistan match was not played.

With the victory, Schorr and company advanced against Sri Lanka.

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Carol tows Pacific Oceania to finals - Saipan Tribune

Live From Oceania Marina: Hits and Misses – Cruise Critic

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Cruise Critic is currently onboard Oceania's 1,258-passenger Marina, cruising to Central American destinations like Belize, Honduras and Mexico. The ship is one of only two custom-built ships for the upper-premium cruise line (the other four are refurbished vessels from defunct Renaissance Cruises), and we love how the ship feels like its smaller R-class sisters, just with plenty of enhancements. Here's a closer look at what Marina's got right -- and what needs a bit of tweaking.

If Marina were a person, it would be an unabashed foodie. The ship's four specialty restaurants -- steakhouse Polo Grill, Italian Toscana, French Jacques and Asian-fusian Red Ginger -- all feature an overabundance of menu options and no surcharge. The food has been pretty drool-worthy, too, from homemade pesto gnocchi at Toscana and pumpkin soup at Jacques to tender filet mignon at Polo Grill and miso-glazed sea bass at Red Ginger. Restaurant staff help you customize your dining experience to make it perfect, whether it's offering an entire menu of olive oils to accompany your baked-that-day bread or letting you choose from a selection of chopsticks made from a range of materials. Only trouble is it's tricky to get reservations if you didn't prebook online ahead of the cruise.

Oceania's Prestige Tranquility beds and 1,000-thread-count linens practically guarantee that you will never have a sleepless night on Marina. Snuggle into those havens of comfort, and you can't possibly keep your eyes open. They're wonderful after a full day of touring and eating, but can be absolutely dangerous if you lie down for "just a minute" midafternoon. We're no expert on fancy sheets, but a 12-piece queen set with sheets, duvet and pillows will set you back $1,500, so they must be top of the line. We plan to enjoy them as much as possible while we're still onboard.

Some lines pour you a cup of Lipton, hand you a sad petit four and call the event "afternoon tea," but Marina knows how to do things right. Every afternoon at 4 p.m., white-gloved waiters wheel carts of finger sandwiches, cakes and pastries around the panoramic Horizon Lounge, while others proffer boxes of Twinings tea. A classical string quartet plays as you head to a central buffet for proper British scones, jam and clotted cream. It's all very civilized -- and highly delicious.

Calling all vegans, gluten-avoiders and health nuts! Oceania's famed milkshake bar gets a healthy makeover every morning when it offers green juices and smoothies made with cashew milk, as well as "energy bowls" (such as an acai berry bowl or a chia cashew yogurt bowl). It's a popular morning addition, especially for folks on their way to or from the fitness center or jogging track -- and we can attest that the drinks taste quite good, too.

On Marina, the thermal suite is not limited to those who cough up more cash at the Canyon Ranch Spa Club. Men's and women's sauna and steam room areas, as well as two coed spaces with tiled heated loungers, are available to all comers. They're a lovely spot to rest weary limbs after a busy day of touring. The thermal area is lacking a thalassotherapy pool (found on Oceania's other ships), but we didn't miss it.

Although neither free nor quite as fast as at home, Marina's Internet has been quite satisfactory, and not as ridiculously slow as other ships we've sailed. We've checked email, had real-time text conversations and even watched videos on Facebook. We can't decide if its upgraded technology or a lack of Millennials onboard that is leading to the efficient Wi-Fi service onboard.

On first glance, Marina's bathrooms are a wow. They're beautifully marbled, with both a standalone shower and tub with showerhead. Then you actually try to take a shower and discover the flaw. The standalone has a central rainshower head that makes the already low ceiling even lower and means anyone close to or over 6 feet tall has to duck to avoid konking their head in the shower. And the angled shape of the stall means anyone not rail thin is banging elbows or incapable of leaning down to wash their legs. The bathtub is a tad better, but you risk dousing the entire bathroom with water when you use the showerhead, and you have a large step over into the tub. We recommend the spa if you want to shower with a bit more space.

So far, we have not been impressed with the desserts on Marina. The cookies do not entice, dessert "burgers" and "lasagna" at specialty restaurants were more creative than mouth-watering, and main dining room options have been surprisingly easy to skip. The best sweets we've eaten have been at afternoon tea -- and the ice cream. In a way, dessert misses are a good thing, though, because we're eating so much at dinner, we really don't need the extra calories.

We appreciate that no one is chasing you down to take your photo then sell it to you or begging you to sign up for extra-fee pub crawls or buy art at auction. But compared to other high-end lines, you can spend a lot extra on Oceania paying for drinks, gratuities, shore tours and more. The spa is pricier than many cruise ship spas (we're paying $175 plus tip for a 50-minute facial), and the lame 45-minute yoga class we took was not worth $11. Excursions are pricey, as well. And do we really need shopping talks and pamphlets for Diamonds International and Del Sol color-changing T-shirts? Not really. (To avoid the nickel and diming, book your next cruise when Oceania is offering its O-Life Perks promotion and take your pick of perks like free Internet or a complimentary beverage package.)

--By Erica Silverstein, Senior Editor

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Live From Oceania Marina: Hits and Misses - Cruise Critic

Whirlpool promotes internal executive to managing director for Oceania – Appliance Retailer

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After 15 years with the company.

Silvia Del Vitto (pictured below) is the new managing director for Whirlpool Corporation and its integrated Oceania business. Del Vitto, who replaces Sanjay Prasad, will relocate to Melbourne from Singapore, and oversee operations that will include a focus on continued growth for the Whirlpool and Ariston brands in the Australian and New Zealand markets, as well as across Oceania.

Del Vitto has been with Whirlpool for 15 years in a wide variety of management roles, most recently as market director of the Far East region for the Ariston and Indesit brands, which included Australia and New Zealand.

Prior to this, she spent many years working in Whirlpools EMEA region based in Europe, as product marketing director and senior brand manager bringing global insight, hands-on experience and management strategy to her new role.

Commenting on her appointment, Del Vitto said, I am very excited to be joining the Oceania team and bringing my global Whirlpool experience to the region at a time of such positive growth in the business.

While the local business has grown significantly, especially in the last 12 months, there is so much more to be done. Our multi-brand portfolio ensures we have many compelling options for our key channel partners, which is backed by our global commitment to drive innovation in the smart kitchen, smart laundry and beyond.

These are iconic, trustworthy brands already well-known to Australian and New Zealand consumers, and I am looking forward to being involved in the next chapter of their growth across this region, she added.

Whirlpool South Asia president Arvind Uppal said, Silvia brings a strong background in product and brand development from Europe. Combined with her recent stint in Asia Pacific in operations she is ideally suited to develop and build the Oceania business where our focus is to build a multi brand/channel strategy with largely European sourced products. I wish her all the very best for the future.

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Whirlpool promotes internal executive to managing director for Oceania - Appliance Retailer

Oceania Cruises’ OLife makes for an all-around delectable experience at sea – Travelweek

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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

ONBOARD OCEANIA MARINA Reporting from the lovely environs of Oceania Marina is pure pleasure. Whether your clients are seasoned cruisers or first-timers to the cruising world, and whether they gravitate to super luxury or easy comfort, you can confidently assure them that Oceania presents a lifestyle at sea that is so inviting, so gracious at every level, that being a passenger aboard an Oceania vessel feels much like being a valued member of a private, upscale country club where one might say membership reaps rewards.

Oceania cruising is a lifestyle. The cruise line has cleverly branded the lifestyle OLife and, along with it, made the Oceania culinary experience an integral and signature hallmark of that brand.

Simply put, heres what this means for your clients: No matter their level of accommodation from oceanview to Owners Suite they can expect gourmet fare throughout all Oceania ships, plus the privilege of dining in any specialty restaurant without paying a premium dining fee, though reservations are required.

More news: Etihads Closer campaign includes TO-Mumbai flights from $1,098

Three days into my Tropical Tempos itinerary aboard the Marina, as an unabashed lover of fine food I am astonished by the superb quality and presentation of meals, and the fact that almost all dishes are prepared la minute, and occasionally, tableside. (More about the Italian, French and pan-Asian restaurants in an upcoming article in Travelweek.)

Having already honed a diverse roster of tours in international ports of call, and having already established the first hands-on cooking school at sea, Oceania has enhanced the touring possibilities by researching and creating culinary discovery experiences that allow passengers to have authentic, intimate experiences with locals of the destination.

Ill be joining a farm-to-table tour with a local farmer, Ill be joining a farm-to-table tour with a local farmer, learning how hydroponic technology has increased produce for the area, helping to gather lettuces and greens, and participating in a cooking program at a local restaurant.

So far this Marina cruise has been an all-around delectable experience. I look forward to sharing tasty Oceania details, as well as tidbits of the OLife experience, in my upcoming article for Travelweek.

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Oceania Cruises' OLife makes for an all-around delectable experience at sea - Travelweek

Future is BRIGHT for Seychelles hospitality graduates – eTurboNews

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The BRIGHT program is an initiative launched in 2010 by Constance Hotels and Resorts in Seychelles.

Twenty-two employees from the Constance Ephelia Seychelles graduated from the Bridging the Gap Through Holistic Training (BRIGHT) level one program on Monday in a special ceremony held at the resort.

Attending the ceremony were the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, and Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune, among other guests.

All trainees passed with 12 of them getting awarded for 100% attendance. The Villas and Suites Supervisor and also Russian Specialist Antone Rytvin was the best overall performer.

Chef de rang Darrel Labourdallon was the second-best student, while Pool and Beach Supervisor Myra Solin settled in third place and also received the best project.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Loustau-Lalanne said it was important for him to attend the event so as to show his support towards the resorts efforts towards competency based in service training of its supervisors and middle managers.

Constance Hospitality Training Centre is a loyal and sincere partner of our own Seychelles Tourism Academy [STA]. It was among the first institutions that came forward to assist STA back in 2005, he said.

To those who were graduating, Minister Loustau-Lalanne saluted their commitment to improve on their professionalism and desire to excel in what they do.

Constance takes training seriously, because investing in training is investing in your future, he said.

Working for Constance hotels, if you deliver that little bit extra, they will invest in you in return. You start to gain in this partnership as the management of the resort will also discover your talent, he added.

We invest a lot at the national level to train some 500 students annually. With partners like Constance hotels, your continued professional development is assured, simply because they take over from STA and continue with your training, he said.

Constance Ephelia Seychelles General Manager, Kai Hoffmeister, said BRIGHT is Constance Hotels and Resorts own career development program, which identifies and develops internal talents, and aids in enhancing employees skills and getting them to take new responsibilities.

Congratulating the graduates, he said the process does not come to an end or stop; on the contrary it is merely the first step.

There will be additional responsibilities given to you; we will demand more and better from you. There will be more opportunities for you to practice what you have learned, and there will be rewards as well, he said.

Rewards which will not always be financial. They often are emotional or career-focused rewards. It is up to each one of you to drive your own goals and to have the desire to make it happen.

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Future is BRIGHT for Seychelles hospitality graduates - eTurboNews

Seychelles’ Dubai office welcomes visitors to Dubai travel and tourism event – eTurboNews

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This is the second year that the Seychelles Tourism Boards (STBs) office in Dubai took part in the Jeddah International Travel & Tourism 2017 (JTTX7) consumer event. It was a very productive one, as a number of people visited the stand and showed interest in the destination, hence proving the destinations popularity in the market.

The consumer event, held at the Jeddah Hilton from February 15-17, was attended by more than 25,000 visitors from Jeddah and more than 150 exhibitors from 22 countries. Saudi Arabia being one of the main markets of the destination in the region is an apt venue to hold such consumer fairs.

Saudi Arabia is one of the main markets for Seychelles in the region having a 29.96% increase in visitor arrivals in January 2017 as compared to the same month last year. Though the business has been relatively quiet in 2016 until at the start of the year, the increase in the number of visitor arrivals indicates the valuable support Seychelles receives from Saudi Arabia.

We are jovial on the outcome of the JTTX7 event, as we were able to promote the destination further in the consumer sector in Jeddah and update them on the latest product offerings in Seychelles, said STBs regional manager for Middle East, Ahmed Fathallah.

This is our second year at this event and just like in 2016, it paved the way for us to better connect with the consumer sector from Jeddah. This trade and consumer activity opens doors for business opportunities and is also a fitting time for us to know more about the needs and wants of our target market, added Fathallah.

To further push and promote the destination, involvement in different trade and consumer fairs and carrying out of different consumer-focused activities have been planned out for this year.

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Seychelles' Dubai office welcomes visitors to Dubai travel and tourism event - eTurboNews

Study targets warm water rings that fuel hurricane intensification in … – Science Daily

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Last year's devastating category-5 hurricane -- Matthew -- may be one of many past examples of a tropical storm fueled by massive rings of warm water that exist in the upper reaches of the Caribbean Sea.

In a study conducted in the region two years prior to when Matthew's trekked across the Caribbean Sea, the research team in the Upper Ocean Dynamics Laboratory at the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science deployed 55 aircraft ocean instruments from the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration's WP-3D aircraft. The purpose of the scientific mission was to measure ocean temperature, salinity, and currents to understand the structure of these warm-water eddies.

The science team obtained vital information about the physical characteristics within one large warm-water eddy, which likely originated from the North Brazil Current, and analyzed its potential influence on sub-surface ocean conditions during the passage of tropical cyclones.

When analyzing the data, they found a barrier layer, an upper ocean feature created by the Amazon-Orinoco freshwater river outflow, that makes mixing in the upper ocean waters less efficient during wind events. This feature, and the fact that warm ocean eddies are known to assist in the intensification of hurricanes due to deep warm thermal layers, lead the researchers to theorize that the barrier layer within a warm ocean eddy may result in an even more favorable upper ocean environment for hurricane intensification.

"Our study is important because tropical cyclone intensity forecasts for several past hurricanes over the Caribbean Sea have under-predicted rapid intensification events over warm oceanic features," said Johna Rudzin, a PhD student at the UM Rosenstiel School and lead author of the study.

Tropical storms receive energy from their surrounding ocean waters. As a storm moves across the water, it may interact with rings of warm water known as eddies. As the storm moves forward over these eddies, the warm ocean waters below help fuel the storm's intensity through enhanced and sustained heat and moisture fluxes.

Similar warm ocean eddies exist in the Gulf of Mexico, a result of their separation from the warm-water Loop Current, are also of interest to the research team involved in this study.

Last year, Hurricane Matthew rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to hurricane status as it moved over the Caribbean Sea in the location where a warm ocean eddy exists, and in close proximity to where these measurements were taken for this study two years prior. Matthew continued to intensify to a category-5 storm and into one of the strongest in Atlantic basin history, which made landfall and devastated portions of Haiti, Cuba, and the eastern United States.

According to the researchers, to better understand if Matthew's intensification was aided by the warm-water eddies and the residing barrier layer in the Caribbean Sea's upper ocean, more ambient and in-storm upper ocean observations in this basin are needed to improve forecast models for the region.

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Study targets warm water rings that fuel hurricane intensification in ... - Science Daily

Venom From A Caribbean Sea Snail Offers Long Lasting Pain Relief – Caribbean360.com (subscription)

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The Conus regius is a sea snail in the Caribbean Sea.

UTAH, USA, Thursday February 23, 2017 The venom of a small snail native to the Caribbean could be used to develop a completely new way of treating chronic pain, according to researchers.

The venom of the Conus regius sea snail, which is normally used to paralyse or kill the snails prey, also contains a compound that seems to offer long-lasting pain relief.

The compound was still working and still blocking pain three days after being administered in experiments with rats.

According to the American research team, the findings meant that it may be possible to create a new pain therapy for patients who had exhausted all other options.

Opioids, which are the medicines most commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain, work by reducing the perception of pain.

They do this by attaching to specific proteins in the brain and organs of the body, called opioid receptors.

But a compound known as Rg1A works in a different way using a new pathway.

Scientists from the University of Utah, writing in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, said the compound appeared to have a beneficial effect on parts of the nervous system.

This, in turn, could open the door to new opportunities to treat pain, they said.

The researchers added that drugs that worked in this way could reduce the use of opioids, such as morphine, which are addictive and can cause a number of serious side-effects.

According to J Michael McIntosh, professor of psychiatry at the University of Utah Health Sciences: What is particularly exciting about these results is the aspect of prevention.

Once chronic pain has developed, it is difficult to treat, he explained.

This compound offers a potential new pathway to prevent pain from developing in the first place and offers a new therapy to patients who have run out of options.

In research on rats, scientists found that pain was experienced by those animals treated with a chemotherapy drug that caused them to be hypersensitive to cold and touch. Those also treated with the snail compound did not experience pain and the relief was long lasting, moreover.

We found that the compound was still working 72 hours after the injection, still preventing pain, Professor McIntosh said.

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Manny Pacquiao partners with Caribbean hospital – Amsterdam News

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CAYMAN ISLANDS (Feb. 23, 2017)World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao from the Philippines is partnering with a leading Caribbean hospital and charity to bring free cardiac care to children from his homeland.

Pacquiao, who together with his wife founded the Emmanuel and Jinkees Heart Foundation, has sealed a partnership with Have a Heart Cayman Islands and tertiary care hospital Health City Cayman Islands. The details of the collaboration were disclosed during a recent visit to Grand Cayman, where he toured the hospital.

Emmanuel and Jinkees Heart Foundation in the Philippines is a non-governmental organization that assists the community with medical care as well as educational, shelter and relief needs, and the mandate of Have a Heart Cayman Islands is to partner with local and international organizations to subsidize and provide lifesaving heart surgeries to needy children from the Caribbean and around the world.

Pacquiao, the current reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion, was noticeably captivated by the beauty of the Cayman Islands and the warmth of its people. He announced that the first two children requiring heart surgery will travel from Cebu, Philippines, to Health City Cayman Islands this year. And more will follow, he assures.

Pacquiao, who is a senator in the Philippines, said, I may be a world class champion in the ring, but with all the help and kind support of Have a Heart Cayman Islands, hand in hand, we will all be champions of these childrens hearts.

The award-winning champion was also impressed with the commitment of the medical staff at Health City. He commented, I met the doctors, and I am so happy and rejoiced after they explained to me what they did. They spend so much time here at the hospital and hardly go home as they help people from all over the world. I am so happy to be part of this movement.

It is an honor to partner with a living legend to bring life to many future legends across the world, said Harry Chandi, chairman of Have a Heart Cayman Islands. Partnerships like these are not only a blessing to children, but they keep us motivated to raise resources that help deliver world-class medical care to people who need it the most.

Dr. Chandy Abraham, CEO and head of Medical Services at Health City, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to deepen Health Citys partnership with Have a Heart Cayman Islands and to begin a new relationship with a champion athlete. We are in the business of giving hope to childrenhope for long and healthy lives. Through this alliance, we can do more to support our mission of high quality, affordable care for all.

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Manny Pacquiao partners with Caribbean hospital - Amsterdam News

7 Caribbean Beaches Named In World’s Top 25 For 2017 – News Americas Now Caribbean And Latin America Daily News

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Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos topped the list of best Caribbean beach in the world but lost the top spot of worlds best beach to Brazils Baia do Sancho this year.

By NAN Travel Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Feb. 24, 2017: Seven Caribbean beaches have made the Worlds Top 25 Beaches List For 2017 according to TripAdvisor. Here are the Caribbeans world famous beaches for this year:

1: Grace Bay

Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos topped the list of best Caribbean beach in the world but lost the top spot of worlds best beach to Brazils Baia do Sancho this year and had to settle for number 2 on the global Top 25 list. Grace Bay is famous for its clear, clean water with hundreds of shades of blues and greens and white sugar sand beaches.

2: Eagle Beach

Coming in at number two on the Top Caribbean list and third globally is Palm Eagle Beach in Aruba which is described as unbelievably private, quiet and serene.

3: Playa Paraiso

Taking the third spot on our top 7 list, and coming in at fourth on the global 25 list, is Playa Paraiso in Cayo Largo, Cuba. It is popular with visitors for its blue water.

4: Seven Mile Beach, CI

In the fourth spot on our top 7 list of best Caribbean beaches is Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, in the Cayman Islands. The beach ranked 12th globally, out of 25.

5: Flamenco BeachSelect Files

The Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico ranked as the fifth best Caribbean beach and 13th on the global Top 25 list. Visitors rave about its clear and blue waters and the mountains in the background.

6: Bavaro Beach

Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic ranked 14th on the global list and 6th on the best Caribbean beach list. Visitors love its soft sand, clear waters and its snorkeling.

7: Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica

Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica rounded out the top 7 best Caribbean beaches and took the 15th spot globally out of 25. Visitors rave about the beautiful sand on Seven Mile, Negril.

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7 Caribbean Beaches Named In World's Top 25 For 2017 - News Americas Now Caribbean And Latin America Daily News

Today in Entertainment: ‘The Get Down’ to return to Netflix; Rihanna named Harvard Humanitarian of the Year – Los Angeles Times

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Feb. 23, 2017, 9:50 a.m.

Rihanna is on fire.

On Wednesday, the international superstar achieved a status earned only bythe Beatles and Madonna landing 30 songs in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

That same day, she also was named Humanitarian of the Year by Harvard University, shedding light on a lesser-known side of her stardom.

Rihanna has charitably built a state-of- the-art center for oncology and nuclear medicine to diagnose and treat breast cancer at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown, Barbados, S. Allen Counter, the Harvard Foundations director, said in a statement.

Bursting onto the scene with 2005s Pon de Replay,the 29-year-old singerhas gone on tosell 60 million albums and more than 200 million digital tracks throughout her career. Known for her catchy pop anthems, edgy style and sass, the Barbadianalso is involved with philanthropy.

In addition to promoting health, Rihannais also passionate about education initiatives.She created the Clara and Lionel Foundation Scholarship Program , which supports students attending college in the U.S. from Caribbean countries. The musician also supports the Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen Project, which gives girls in developing countries access to education.

Joining the ranks of previous recipients such as actor James Earl Jones, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and gender rights advocate MalalaYousafzai,Rihanna will accept the Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Award in aFeb. 28 ceremony on Harvards campus.

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Royal Caribbean gives agents more ways to use TC credits – Travel Weekly

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is changing the way that it assigns value to the tour conductor (TC) credit earned by travel agents for certain group bookings, starting in 2018.

TCs are a bonus earned when agents book a minimum number of berths into a group, typically 16 full-fare guests in eight staterooms.

The current value of a TC is based on the value of the predominant cabin category in the booking. For example, if there are more oceanview staterooms than suites, the TC would be valued as an extra oceanview fare.

Under Royal Caribbean's new formula, the value will be a blend of all of the cabin categories in the booking.

The new policy will apply to RCCL's three U.S. brands -- Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. RCCL said it will enhance its group systems and reporting capabilities in June 2017 to support the new TC policy.

Agents have the option to use TCs as an extra berth for themselves, as additional profit, or to apply the value to lower the overall price to the group. The enhanced TC value would ultimately make RCCL's groups more attractive to consumers.

In a statement, RCCL said the new policy was influenced by feedback it received from travel partners.

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Royal Caribbean gives agents more ways to use TC credits - Travel Weekly

AP PHOTOS: Editor selections from Latin America, Caribbean – Bradenton Herald

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Bradenton Herald
AP PHOTOS: Editor selections from Latin America, Caribbean
Bradenton Herald
In this Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 photo, a woman cries near the coffin containing the body of a relative who died at the country's largest prison in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Relatives wailed in grief or stared stoically as flowers were placed on 20 caskets ...

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AP PHOTOS: Editor selections from Latin America, Caribbean - Bradenton Herald

Regional tourism bodies welcome Caribbean leaders acknowledgement – Montserrat Reporter

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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Feb 21, CMC Regional tourism officials Tuesday applauded Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders for taking the lead in recognising the critical contribution of the sector to regional economies and a commitment to advancing a regional tourism agenda.

The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) the regions tourism development agency, and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the umbrella private sector organization, said they firmly believe that tourism is a key driver of socio-economic progress, helping destinations and countries to quickly create jobs and businesses, generate tax revenues and support infrastructure improvements to the benefit of residents and visitor.

It is a proven tool to lower unemployment, stimulate indigenous entrepreneurial activity, increase foreign exchange earnings, and grow tax revenues for our treasuries.

However, it is a fiercely competitive business, and we are facing the stark reality that we must find ways of maximizing the collective strength of the Caribbean, if any and all of us are to truly succeed, the two organisations noted.

CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley last week made a presentation to the regional leaders last week that was also prepared in collaboration with the CHTA,.

The communique issued following the summit noted that that the leaders welcomed proposals from the two organisations for advancing a regional tourism agenda, particularly through public/private Sector Partnerships.

Heads of Government acknowledged the importance of transportation and facilitation of travel, human resource development, the creative industries and marketing as well as competitiveness and financing for the sustainability of Tourism.

Heads of Government agreed that public-private sector partnerships, guiding the development and marketing of tourism for the Caribbean, needed to be more effective and requested that the marketing of tourism encompass, in particular, the eco-tourism product of mainland Member States Belize, Guyana and Suriname.

Regarding travel, the regional leaders called for an urgent meeting of the Council for Trade and Development (COTED)-Transportation to address air transport issues in particular, including those related to the tourism sector.

The leaders said they also supported the establishment of an Interim Tourism Working Group comprising representation from the CARICOM Secretariat, CTO and the CHTA with the mandate to coordinate with regional public and private sector stakeholder groups, the development of specific solutions to be presented to the next summit in Grenada.

The CTO and CHTA said the support of the leaders is a progressive and positive move and a welcomed commitment towards furthering the development of our people, so that they can take full advantage of the employment, career and entrepreneurial opportunities available through the regions largest industry.

We wish to thank the leaders for placing tourism on their agenda. We are particularly appreciative to Prime Minister Perry Christie of the Bahamas, who has responsibility for tourism in the CARICOM quasi-Cabinet, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell for advancing the proposed initiative at the meeting, the regional tourism bodies said.

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Regional tourism bodies welcome Caribbean leaders acknowledgement - Montserrat Reporter

Moody’S: Bahamas Deficit Will Exceed $300m This Year – Bahamas Tribune

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By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Moodys yesterday forecast that the Bahamas fiscal deficit will remain above $300 million for this current Budget period, with Hurricane Matthew blowing it slightly higher than the prior year.

The international credit rating agency, in its latest quarterly assessment of the Bahamas sovereign creditworthiness, gave an insight into the extent of Matthews impact on the Governments finances by projecting a deficit equivalent to 3.6 per cent of GDP for 2016-2017.

We estimate that the fiscal balance in fiscal year 2017 will deteriorate to -3.6 per cent of GDP from -2.8 per cent the previous year, due to the negative impact from the damages caused by Hurricane Matthew last October, Moodys said.

As the Government will incur additional borrowing to cover reconstruction spending for public infrastructure, we now expect the central government debt-to-GDP ratio to reach 70 per cent by end of fiscal year 2017.

While Moodys estimates are not surprising, its projections for the 2016-2017 fiscal deficit are more than triple what the Government has forecast last May, prior to the unanticipated $600-$700 million in damage inflicted by Matthews Category Three-Four storm surge and winds.

The Christie administration had projected a $100 million GFS fiscal deficit for 2016-2017, equivalent to around 1.1 per cent of GDP.

However, Moodys estimate is slightly higher than the 3.5 per cent GFS deficit that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates the Bahamas incurred in the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2016.

Taking $8 billion as the size of Bahamian GDP, the rating agencys estimate suggests that the Governments GFS deficit for the current fiscal year will come in around $290-$300 million.

Moodys, though, given that it pegged the $2.25 billion in outstanding consumer credit as equivalent to 25.5 per cent of Bahamian economic output in 2016, is suggesting that this nation has a $9 billion GDP.

Applying the 3.6 percentage to this figure would place the estimated 2016-2017 fiscal deficit at around $324 million, highlighting just how badly natural disasters can blow a nations finances off course.

The Government sought to borrow $150 million in emergency credit immediately following Matthew, a target it largely met. However, this increased both the GFS deficit and national debt beyond projection, with Moodys revised estimate for the latter now placing it at the ratio considered by the IMF as a danger threshold.

Moodys assessment, though, struck a more upbeat tone on the Bahamas medium-term fiscal prospects, suggesting that the $6.8 billion national debt and accompanying ratios will peak - and starting declining - by the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

Thereafter, fiscal consolidation efforts that include boosting revenues through higher tax compliance, as well as measures to rein in expenditures, will contribute to the stabilisation of the debt trend in 2018-19, Moodys said yesterday.

That said, downside risks remain due to a still weak, albeit recovering, economic performance, and the Bahamas susceptibility to climate-related events, such as hurricanes, that imply a fiscal cost in the absence of buffers.

The rating agency was also more optimistic on the Bahamas economic outlook given expectations that the multi-billion dollar Baha Mar project will be completed this year and open under new owner, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE).

It added that the recent declines in the unemployment rate, and number of discouraged workers, also reflect strengthening economic momentum.

The recent announcements related to the Baha Mar project are in line with our baseline assumptions that underlie our 1.2-2 per cent growth projection for 2017-2018, Moodys said.

Still, it acknowledged that the Bahamas annual GDP growth had averaged just 0.2 per cent over the past four years, and suggested faster economic expansion would be impossible unless this nation tackled deep-rooted structural problems in its labour and energy markets.

For 2016 and 2017 we expect growth to remain below the economys potential growth rate of 1.5 per cent, after which economic performance could be boosted to around 2 per cent depending on the progress made on the Baha Mar resort, Moodys said.

Over the medium term, structural rigidities in the energy sector and labour market, as well as impediments to ease of doing business, may constrain growth to rates closer to 1.5 per cent.

Pointing to the stable outlook it currently has on the Bahamas credit rating, which is one notch above so-called junk status, Moodys added: The stable outlook also incorporates the expectation that economic performance will strengthen in 2017-18, returning to levels close to the Bahamas potential growth of 1.5 per cent.

Under this baseline, we would see a stabilisation of the Bahamas key economic and fiscal metrics, although these metrics would remain weaker than for most Baa rating peers.

For the Bahamas credit rating to improve, Moodys said it required a strengthening of budgetary processes, including expenditure controls and improvements in revenue collections that lead to a rapid deficit reduction.

It warned that another downgrade could occur if the Governments commitment to fiscal consolidation and discipline diminished, and economic growth was slower than anticipated, impacting the Treasury revenues.

The debt-to-GDP ratio exceeds the Baa median (45 per cent), having more than doubled over the last decade to an estimated 67.5 per cent by the end of fiscal 2016, Moodys said of the Bahamas.

Government interest payments relative to revenues have also increased over 13 per cent in fiscal year 2016 from less than 10 per cent in fiscal year 2008, suggesting a somewhat limited fiscal space compared with that of most peers. The Bahamas has the lowest fiscal strength score among sovereigns rated Baa (same as Colombia and India).

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Moody'S: Bahamas Deficit Will Exceed $300m This Year - Bahamas Tribune

20 Best Resorts in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Turks & Caicos – Cond Nast Traveler

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It's hard to improve on an island vacation, but if your time off calls for more than an overcrowded stretch of sand and a half-melted pia coladasay, pristine, private beaches, full-service kids' clubs, and personalized snorkeling excursionslook no further than these 20 resorts, voted the best in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Turks & Caicos in Cond Nast Traveler's 2016 Readers' Choice Awards. Click here to view as a list. Counting down...

It's hard to improve on an island vacation, but if your time off calls for more than an overcrowded stretch of sand and a half-melted pia coladasay, pristine, private beaches, full-service kids' clubs, and personalized snorkeling excursionslook no further than these 20 resorts, voted the best in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Turks & Caicos in Cond Nast Traveler's 2016 Readers' Choice Awards. Click here to view as a list. Counting down...

Why you love it: Built around Aquaventure, a 141-acre waterpark with over a dozen rides and slides, the ocean-themed Atlantis, Paradise Island (located just off the northern coast of New Providence) is pretty much an aquaphile's dream. Knitted out with 20 swimming areas, it includes 11 pools, 31 private cabanas, and access to three beaches. The over-the-top mega-resort is a destination for marine-life enthusiasts, too: It's home to one of the world's largest open-air marine habitats, as well as Dolphin Cay, a state-of-the-art education center where guests can play with dolphins. And for those who prefer to stay firmly on dry land, there's also an 18-hole golf course, as well as a whopping 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, and a casino.

Why you love it: Everything about Valentines Residences, Resort & Marina, on the Bahamas' Harbour Island makes it easy to unwind. Start with a laid-back lunch facing the docks at the breezy Boathouse Restaurant, and order the fried seafood platter with all your favorite fixings (think freshly caught grouper and jumbo shrimp, served with crispy plantains, tartar sauce, and a squeeze of lime), and you'll officially find yourself on vacation. The resort's world-class yacht marina is the largest on the islandit can accommodate vessels up to 160-feet longand offers fuel service, cable hook-up, and wireless Internet access at every slip. Speaking of marine pastimes: The waters around the resort swell with tuna, marlin, and wahoo, drawing both novice anglers and pro-fisherman alike.

Why you love it: Fresh off a two-year, $100 million renovation that saw the sprucing up of its rooms, suites, and public spaces, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is again the shiny new penny of Bermuda's resorts. It doesnt take long to reach this pink paradise: Flights from major U.S. hubs, like Boston, Miami, Chicago, and Atlanta, are under two hours, and the resort is just another 30 minutes from Bermuda International Airport. If accessibility isnt enough of a draw, then how about celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson's eponymously-named on-site restaurant? Like Samuelsson's other restaurants, dishes are at once highbrow and flavorful, but without the fuss (we recommend securing a seat on the 1,500 square foot wrap-around veranda and snacking on the crispy fish chowder croquettes). The resort is also home to the first and only full-service marina in Bermuda, and as such, it'll play host to the 35th America's Cupthe World Series of sailingbeginning in June 2017. More reason to book your summer getaway sooner rather than later.

Why you love it: Rosewood Tucker's Point has all the hallmarks of a five-star stay. The resort, golf club, and residential community sits on 240 acres of waterfront land in Bermuda, with immaculately maintained lawns and airy, colonial-style cottages furnished with four-poster beds. But it's not all about appearances: An attentive staff will remember not just your name, but how you take your morning coffee. Dinner at The Point is an upscale affair, and the formal dining room is decorated with eight 80-foot murals (which once hung in the SkyClub in New Yorks MetLife building) depicting seaports from around the world. The food isn't nearly as highfalutin' though, with seafood staples like grilled local swordfish and little neck clams. Head to the Dive & Watersports Center for a turn on the Tidal Pull, a 31-foot dive boat that'll guide you through some 240 square miles of pristine coral reef, and over to nearby caves and dive sites.

Why you love it: Connected via walkways to Atlantis Paradise Island, The Cove Atlantis is a refuge of calm within a complex resort thats all about activity. The 600-room tower (technically part of Atlantis Paradise Island, though it has a separate check-in, pool, and beach club) comes with its own slice of beach. Oversized rooms (ranging from 600 to over 4,000 square feet) are minimal in design and feature spacious bathrooms, sunken sitting areas between the bed and balcony, and two TVs. Sidle on over to the adults-only pool area to scope out the scene: The 9,000 square foot main pool is purposely shallow to encourage socializing with your fellow vacationers, but you can always opt to observe the action from afar on a poolside day bed.

Why you love it: Guests can expect a little of everything at the 404-room and suite Sandals Royal Bahamian: There's access to the pristine Cable Beach, of course, plus ten excellent dining options, and personal butler service. A whopping 30 room categories means you can pick your price point (and perks); we suggest the Windsor swim-up suites, where you can roll out of a four-poster bed and into the lagoon pool in a matter of seconds. The one standout feature remains the resort's private, offshore island, which you can reach on your own via a kayak or sailboat, or a resort-operated boat. With two quiet beaches, a spa, and an open-air seafood restaurantplus all the low-slung hammocks and cabanas you can dream ofit's truly an escape within an escape.

Why you love it: Sandals are known for their sheer scalethe all-inclusive, adults-only resorts hum along like small citiesbut that doesn't mean they're short on detail. Not only does the 249-room and suite Sandals Emerald Bay sit on a mile-long stretch of powdery white beachfront, it's also home to an 18-hole, Greg Norman-designed golf course, three pools (including one with a swim-up bar and a central fire pit), and a rotating list of parties and events to suit every tasteincluding a late-night chocolate buffet on Wednesdays. We wouldn't blame you for sampling each of the resort's seven restaurants, but put down the fork now and then to take a dance, tennis, or windsurfing lesson to really round out your trip.

Why you love it: The family-friendly West Bay Club resort sits on the widest stretch of Grace Bay Beach, at a safe removefive miles west, roughlyfrom the swarms of vacationers in the resort district. It has a Kids' Club for the little ones, a spa for you, plus one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites equipped with kitchens, washers, and dryers. Nurse a cold one at the resort's beach bar before you depart on an excursion, arranged by one of the resort's handy concierges: Whether you want some of the best beginners' snorkeling in Turks & Caicos (less than ten minutes away, over at Coral Gardens Reef), a day on the green, or a horseback ride on the sand at sunset, they'll sort it out for you. On Thursdays, take a short walk over to Lower Bright Park for a taste of the year-round Fish Fry, where more than a dozen local restaurants serve up perfectly crispy plates of seafood, and a local band provides the soundtrack.

Why you love it: This 758-room, all-inclusive hideaway has something for everyone in your family, whether it's the 45,000-square-foot waterpark; a 12-mile beach lapped by clear turquoise waters; ten different pools; or an Xbox play lounge, stocked with the latest games. The resort, with four unique villages separately recreating the architecture of Italy, France, the Caribbean, and Key West, is as global with its food as it is with its accommodations: There are 22 dining options on-site, offering everything from sushi to spaghetti and meatballs.

Why you love it: On the scrubby tip of the Northwest Point Marine National Park on Providenciales, Amanyara is a veritable vision: Airy, Indonesian-wood gazebos appear to float on the resort's central reflecting pool; inside, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass walls lead to sunken dining areas and bedrooms inlaid with teak. Opt for one of the Ocean Villasthe most private accommodation of them alland enjoy an infinity-edge pool, garden, and dockside day bed, perfect for taking that much-needed cat nap. At the indoor/outdoor The Restaurant, simplicity is best. Sample the spiny Caribbean lobster, grilled on a hot flame, and enjoy the fresh air on the open patiothough if you'd rather dine in air conditioning, that works, too.

Why you love it: Ample living space isn't the only selling point of the nearly 100-acre, 593-room Fairmont Southampton, which claims some of the largest guest rooms in Bermuda. The resort's stretch of private pink beach (which one guest described as "cotton-soft"), plus its proximity to the quiet, crescent-shaped Horseshoe Bay Beach, are large draws, too. Make a reservation for dinner at the historic, AAA Four Diamond-rated Waterlot Inn, which deals in some of the island's best sunsets and steaks. Burn it off the next day by playing 18 holes at the resort's 2,684-yard Turtle Hill Golf Club.

Why you love it: Grace Bay Club offers not one, but three distinct accommodations to its discerning guests: adults-only The Hotel building, family-friendly Villas Suites, and the Estate, a resort within a resort, with personal concierge service and exclusive access to dedicated Estate amenities, such as a separate pool, cabanas, and more. Despite catering to different crowds, they do have a few common features, including spectacular oceanfront views and notable service. Looking to stake your umbrella in the sand a little while longer? Rent one of the homes in the Private Villa Collection, a cluster of five freestanding private beachfront residences that come with all the amenities and services of a superior hotel stay, including roundtrip airport transfers, daily housekeeping, and complimentary breakfast.

Why you love it: It's hard to imagine anything more reinvigorating than a few days at this health-centric resort, on its own private island in the Caribbean. Guests should take full advantage of the brand's wellness program, COMO Shambhala, which promotes good health through offerings like enzyme-rich cuisine (hello, zucchini carpaccio and pineapple sundaes); complimentary yoga and Pilates classes; and holistic therapies, including reflexology and Ayurveda. For those who are a little more adventurous, the resort will also coordinate fishing and diving trips, biking excursions on nearby islands, and windsurfing lessons, and more. Or give yourself a full break and stay closer to the spa's infinity pool, overlooking the ocean.

Why you love it: You needn't leave your room at Harbour Island's Pink Sands Resort, just 50 miles east of Nassau, to sense that you're on vacation: Twenty-three British Colonial beach cottages, each with ocean- or garden views and decked out in wicker, white linens, and shiplap, should give you all the context clues you need. Stay holed up, however, and you'll miss the biggest draw of the resortthe pearly pink beaches from which it draws its name. Stop over at Blue Bar & Restaurant for crispy conch fritters served with bird chillies and sweet peppers; later, work off the carbs by kayaking or paddle-boarding with one of the resort's free boats.

Why you love it: On the eastern hook of Providenciales Seven Stars Resort, has plenty of bragging rights. For starters, the 115 all-suite resort is home to the island's only heated saltwater pool, plus a private shopping service, complimentary access to kayaks and paddle boards, and sailing and windsurfing lessons. Other freebies at the resort run the gamut, from a glass of rum punch and a chilled towel on arrival to a daily breakfast buffet and a Kids' Club (lizard hunting and sand castle building included). When you're not busy scuba diving, snorkeling the third largest coral reef in the world, or learning how to parasail, head over to the spa for a jet-lag massagefirm pressure focused on all those plane ride-driven problem areas, like the neck and lower back.

Why you love it: A stay at The Cove, Eleutherawhether in one of their rooms, suites, villas, or cottagesis bound to change the way you vacation. Located on a crescent of white sand beach backed by palm trees, you won't need to be reminded to relax. Take a dip in the hilltop infinity pool, which hangs over the ocean, or head to one of the resort's two beaches, where activities like kayaking and paddle-boarding abound. Looking to get off the island? Set sail for a half-day conch diving experience in nearby waters, after which the captain will take you to a private beach for a lunch prepared with the haul. However you fill your day, make time in the evening for an al fresco dinner at the indoor/outdoor Freedom Restaurant & Sushi Barwe recommend sitting outside on the wooden deck to guarantee some of the resort's best views.

Why you love it: Traveler readers are crazy about The Reefs, in Southampton Parish, Bermudaand it's easy to see why. This salmon-hued limestone resort, with a private pink sand beach to match, was built on the ruins of a 1680s farmhouse and offers a sunset view from every room. Guests extol the superb staff, and though it might not be best suited for families (this is honeymoon and anniversary territory, really), don't count it out: There are seven nearby golf courses, a swimming pool, two tennis courts, and three restaurants and bars. Ocean Echo, where semi-circular windows wrap the room in sea views, is known for its breakfast and brunch spreads. But for dinner, order the pan-roasted scallops and six-hour short ribs at Aqua Terra.

Why you love it: Located on Grace Bay in Providenciales, The Palms Turks & Caicos, is perfect for both a adults-only getaway or a trip with the kids. Rooms with white linens overlook the pool or the ocean, and the three-bedroom Penthouse Suite has a private outdoor shower to wash off the wear and tear of a day by the water. Bike ride into town, just ten minutes away, or take advantage of a seemingly-endless list of onsite activities that includes horseback riding, parasailing, tennis, whale watching, and jet-skiing. Stop to take in views of the crystalline surf at the beach, and cue the R & R at the award-winning, 25,000-square-foot The Palms Spa for a Mother of Pearl body exfoliation, delivered with a blend of hand-crushed conch shells.

Why you love it: Not only will you feel like a celebrity at the 107-room and suite One&Only Ocean Club, but you might just brush by a few at this beachfront resort with a twelfth-century Augustinian cloister and gardens modeled after those at Versailles. If you're feeling especially like a rockstar, opt for one of the 4,400-square-foot villas, each with its own infinity lap pool and louvered hardwood doors that open onto a private patio or balcony. Both the food and service across the resort's three restaurants are excellentespecially at Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Dune, which was recently spruced up. Good to know: The Hartford Wing, refurbished in 2015, includes completely renovated and expanded guest rooms and suites, plus a new beachfront infinity-edge pool, complete with a new bar and grill.

Why you love it: Spared damage by Hurricane Matthew in 2016, the 10-suite Kamalame Cay, right off of Andros Great Barrier Reef, still feels undiscovered. Choose from a selection of rooms, suites, bungalows, or 1,400-square-foot villas that sit right on the beach; then, when you're ready to pry yourself from the white sand, take advantage of the nearby hiking, diving, snorkeling, bird watching, and kayaking. Just don't forget to book an appointment at the resort's overwater spawe're especially fond of the 70-minute coconut body polish treatment, which involves a scrub of freshly shredded young coconut and brown sugar, followed by an application of Madagascan vanilla-scented moisturizer. This gentle exfoliation treatment will leave you smelling as divine as you feel.

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20 Best Resorts in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Turks & Caicos - Cond Nast Traveler

Bank fees also under the radar in The Bahamas – Jamaica Gleaner

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The Bahamas Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) says it has conducted survey to gauge public opinion and perception on the services provided by local clearing banks, and the level of fees associated with provision of those services.

We want banks in The Bahamas to take a serious look at the way they deliver customer service to their clients and make every effort to make that experience less frustrating and more pleasurable for their clients, said Jerome Gomez, chairman of the CPC..

We want the central bank, its board and management to take a look at the issue and see if bank fees should be regulated, and whether all increases and decreases should be approved or declined by the central bank, he added.

Gomez said 598 persons have responded to the survey, 402 short of the goal of 1000, with 177 persons or 30 per cent of respondents completing the survey online.

We are going to make this survey results available to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Labour who has responsibility for the CPC, the Central Bank of The Bahamas and each of the commercial banks in The Bahamas, the chairman said.

We would like to get a public discussion going to clarify if the banking service determining process is broken and needs to be repaired, he added.

Gomez said that the CPC wants to know whether the banking fee structure is running amok because banking fees are unregulated and banks are trying to improve their balance sheet through fee increases as opposed to creating new and innovative banking products for their customers in an effort to improve profits.

Gomez said the Commission also wants to determine whether commercial banks are concerned about customer service, as most Bahamians feel trapped and locked in with their current banks. Most find it a hassle to change banks.

He said the next step is for the CPC is to examine what fees are charged in the foreign banks home countries and see how they match up to fees in the Bahamas. We will also look at fees in the Caribbean region and see how they match up to those charged here in the Bahamas, he said. - CMC

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Bank fees also under the radar in The Bahamas - Jamaica Gleaner

The Famous Pigs From The Bachelor Island Date Are Dying – Refinery29

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There is currently an epidemic happening on a small island in the Bahamas and we need to talk about it. It's mystery. It's dreadful. And it's killing our adorable swimming pigs that we all became obsessed with after watching JoJo Fletcher be nearly physically assaulted by one while on a group date on Ben Higgins season of The Bachelor.

The pigs appeared to live a charmed life , living on their personal island and being fed chick hot dogs (as they did on The Bachelor) and being cuddled by tanned vacationers. That is until now.

Yes it is true. The furry, feral piggies are dying! As of now, there are only about 6 or 7 left on the island, according to local reports. The site Tribune 42 writes that an investigation is under way to figure out the cause of death for these beautiful creatures, who also happened to attract many, many visitors and tourist.

After finding about half a dozen deceased pigs on the Big Major Cay, law officials disposed of the bodies by throwing them into the sea, which gives one an awful visual as some of them even grew to be as large as a small Shetland pony, according to one visitor of the island.

More than just saddening, the deaths of the pigs could also have a more sinister twist. The President of the Bahamas Humane Society, Kim Aranha told Tribune 42 that part of the investigation is determining if someone has been intentionally poisoning the farm animals turned beach babes. "It could just be a horrible accident where they ate something poisonous," she said. "It could be malicious but I dont really see why someone would go out of their way to hurt those lovely animals. I know there are a lot of silly sailors that go and feed them alcohol to try and get them drunk but thats not to mistake them with the tour operators based out of Nassau who have treated them with excellent care."

We hope the dedicated investigators are able to get to the bottom of this tragedy and make sure justice in served. In the meantime, we will remember the too short lives of our four-hooved friends below.

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The Famous Pigs From The Bachelor Island Date Are Dying - Refinery29