Monthly Archives: July 2020

Captain Cook Cruises have reopened Tivua Island for day cruise experiences and also launchedbuy a coral - build a reef coral rejuvenation program.

Thebuy a coral - build a reef coral rejuvenation programallows guests to get involved in reef sustainability when they are visiting Tivua island. Guests can buy a coral frag and plant it like they would a seedling on land. All funds go towards funding Captain Cook Cruises Coral Rejuvenation Program and making Fijis reefs even more glorious.

Tivua Island is surrounded by 500 acres of coral reef. The area has benefited greatly from the extensive work by Captain Cooks team of Marine Biologists through the lockdown period. Coral planting, and monitoring and rejuvenation of on land plant life, have been priorities.

Captain Cook Cruises is a leader in sustainable tourism and reef education with their team of Marine Biologists providing ongoing education to guests both on Tivua Island as well as when cruising on the Reef Endeavour. Through their Ocean Ambassador program many tons of rubbish have been collected from beaches around Fiji during the Reef Endeavour itineraries that stretch as far as Sawa-i-lau & Kia island in the north and the outer reaches of the Lau group visiting more than 90 of Fijis 330 islands. Rubbish is collected by crew member Ocean Ambassadors, sorted, weighed, recorded and recycled. Passengers enjoy getting involved with the program as well.

Captain Cook Cruises are relaunching their updated and refreshed Tivua Private Island adventure experiences post COVID for Fiji residents for only $99 per adult and $49 per child 3-15yrs. The fabulous Tivua Island Day Cruise will be available at this special rate from 28 June 2020 on Saturdays and Sundays and progressively more often as the Nadi International Airport opens. They are also offering additional discounts for first responders in Fiji, Police, Navy, Army and Hospital employees at F$89 for adults and F$49 for children.

Sail out aboard one of Captain Cooks magnificent tall ships to exclusive Tivua Island with morning tea, enjoy snorkeling over the spectacular 500 acres of coral gardens, kayaking, volleyball and standup paddle boards before a delicious tropical buffet lunch is served. 5 star PADI Diving from introductory to experts is also available and experienced divers can even explore a deep wreck dive. The return sail to Denarau, afternoon tea and Fijian entertainment round off a beautiful day in paradise.

Guests can rest assured that Captain Cook Cruises have implemented a company wide policy of strict cleaning, hygiene and health protocols to ensure the safety of its passengers.

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Day Cruisers to Tivua Island to Get Involved in Reef Sustainability - FTNnews.com

The US President described the infamous Caribbean island as a cesspool and told reporters to ask the Duke of York, claiming hell tell you about it.It came as the outspoken billionaire linked the Epstein scandal to his political rival Bill Clinton before he entered the 2016 US presidential race. Andrew acknowledges he visited Epstein on his privately-owned Little Saint James island but says he never witnessed anything untoward and never suspected Epstein of any crimes.

Trump - who also socialised with Epstein in the years before the late financier was disgraced and jailed for child sex crimes - spoke at a CPAC conservative gathering.

In a Q&A session with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump was asked for his view on Bill Clinton and said: Nice guy, got a lot of problems coming up in my opinion with the famous island with Jeffrey Epstein.

Later, Trump was asked to expand on this in an interview with Bloomberg and brought up Prince Andrew.

He said: That island was really a cesspool, there's no question about it.

Just ask Prince Andrew, he'll tell you about it. The island was an absolute cesspool.

Asked whether the issue would impact Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, Trump said it could be a political problem.

At the time, Epstein was already a known paedophile because of his 2008 conviction in Florida and was embroiled in a lawsuit with Virginia Roberts Giuffre, the woman who alleges she had sex with Prince Andrew on three occasions.

Andrew has denied any wrongdoing and said he does not recall ever meeting Ms Roberts.

READ MORE:Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell's secret meeting at Palace

Buckingham Palace issued a statement that read: It is emphatically denied that the Duke of York had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Virginia Roberts.

Any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation.

Before Epstein's conviction, he had a vast network of wealthy and powerful friends including Andrew, Trump and the Clintons.

DON'T MISSRoyal rebel: Why Prince Andrew thought he was above rules[INSIGHT]Ghislaine Maxwell not only friend Andrew let sit on Queens throne[ANALYSIS]Prince Andrew was 'cocky and rude' in meeting with US Ambassador[COMMENT]

Epstein bought Little St James island - a spot in the US Virgin Islands - for $7.95million (6.3million) in 1998. It was later dubbed paedophile island.

The Virgin Islands sued Epstein's estate earlier this year, claiming the late sex offender raped and trafficked dozens of women and young girls there.

The complaint alleges that Epstein's abuse spanned from 2001 to 2018 and targeted girls who appeared to be as young as 11 or 12.

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties plus some assets from Epstein's estimated $577.7million (459.7million) estate, including the forfeiture of his two private islands, Little St James and Great St James.

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to a Florida state prostitution charge, and completed a 13-month jail sentence.

The scandal resurfaced in 2019 when the financier was arrested on new child sex charges in New York and then killed himself in jail.

Earlier this month, Epstein's partner Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested and charged with procuring underage girls for him to abuse.

Maxwell denies wrongdoing, but is due to stay in custody until a trial next year after she was denied bail by a federal judge.

Andrew, who is being treated as a witness by US prosecutors, is said to be bewildered by claims from the FBI that he is not cooperating.

His legal team claim they have reached out at least three times.

Andrew's BBC Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis last November was widely seen as a disaster and led to his resignation from public life just days later.

In a subsequent statement he said he regretted my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein and deeply sympathised with everyone who has been affected.

He added: Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.

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Donald Trump says 'just ask Prince Andrew' when probed about Epsteins 'paedophile island' - Express

The Prime Minister is to announce today [23 July] the UK Government is committing 50 million to Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, unlocking the islands economic potential.

Mr Johnson will be marking one year as Prime Minister with a visit to Scotland. He will reaffirm his commitment to supporting all parts of the UK through the coronavirus pandemic.

The multimillion pound Islands Growth Deal will provide investment for local projects across the Scottish islands, driving sustainable economic growth and creating jobs. It will also help to attract further private and public sector investment.

Projects set to be supported by the Islands Growth Deal could include some which are developing space technology while others are researching new renewable energy systems. The deal will also support projects that will boost tourism and housing.

The announcement, made ahead of the Prime Ministers visit to Orkney, means that every part of Scotland is now covered by the innovative growth deals and takes UK Governments investment in deals across Scotland to more than 1.5 billion.

To date, this funding has supported innovative and exciting projects across Scotland including: a new concert hall in Edinburgh reaffirming the city as a global cultural leader, a feasibility study of the Borders Railway looking at improving transport links between England and Scotland, and the world-leading Oil & Gas Technology Centre in Aberdeen.

Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, who will accompany Mr Johnson on his visit today, said:

The City Region and Growth Deals will be crucial to our economic recovery from coronavirus. Todays announcement means that every corner of Scotland will benefit from these and takes the UK Governments investment in growth deals across Scotland to more than 1.5 billion.

These deals are just part of the unprecedented support that the UK Government is providing to people and businesses in Scotland during this time. We have supported 900,000 jobs in Scotland with our furlough and self-employed schemes, including 11,600 across the islands.

We look forward to working with our partners across the islands and the devolved administration in Scotland to develop innovative and effective proposals.

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50 million to boost islands' economy - GOV.UK - GOV.UK

By Joanna Ossinger Jul 17, 2020

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Here's some good news for those frustrated by the lack of travel options in the Covid-19 era: The Maldives opened to international visitors on July 15.

And, yes, that includes US citizens. South Africans, on the other hand, won't be able to holiday in this idyllic destination as international borders are currently closed due to South African government regulation.

The picturesque chain of almost 1 200 islands in the Indian Ocean has a remote location that lends itself naturally to social distancing, with luxury accommodations focused on private overwater bungalows and much of the activity outdoors as well, all fortunate factors for the economy of the 400 000-person country that's heavily dependent on tourism.

International visitors will be allowed only on resort islands and live aboard boats as of July 15. On August 1, guest houses and hotels on inhabited islands will be allowed to reopen. Of course, that comes with the big caveat that you still have to get there and then get back.

Visiting is no small affair. Nor is it cheap. Because almost every resort in the Maldives is its own private island. Many luxury hotels charge upwards of $1 500 (R24 992) a night. And that's before seaplane or speed boat transfers, which can be expensive.

Still, the Maldives is trying to make it relatively easy, at least on its end.

According to an announcement from the Maldives Marketing & PR Corp, tourists are not required to pay an additional fee, produce a certificate or test result indicative of negative status for Covid-19 prior to entry into Maldives. For tourists without symptoms, there is no requirement for quarantine either, it revealed.

Any tourist who does show Covid-19 symptoms will have to pay for a test, the statement cautioned, adding that people with visible symptoms or those with a history of contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case "are advised not to travel to the Maldives."

The Maldives has been working toward the reopening for weeks.

Those who do venture to the archipelago will have some choice. By the end of the month, more than 40 resorts out of a total of about 150 properties are expected to be operational, according to the Maldives' Ministry of Tourism. The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Soneva Fushi is already open, and the One & Only Reethi Rah will open on July 24, and Milaidhoo Island is slated for an August 1 opening, a list from the ministry showed.

Many resorts are waiting a bit longer, though and peak season is from around December to March, anyway. That's when skies are clearest and tropical temperatures fall to more moderate levels. Almost 50 of the resorts on the country's list are planning to open around October 1. Como Maalifushi said it will get going again in mid-November.

The islands' resorts and accommodations are taking all recommended precautions, a Maldives spokesperson said. Properties have implemented new cleanliness and hygiene protocols to ensure that guests will be safe.

Some of those protocols fall on the more basic side. The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru says it has an arrival procedure that involves a temperature screening and questions about recent travel history.

At the Angsana Velavaru Maldives resort, all public areas and back-of-house areas are sanitized on an hourly basis, and rooms are deep-cleaned and disinfected with virus-specific protocols, the website says. Temperature checks are mandatory at the spa.

Soneva is taking a stricter approach at its two Maldives resorts, Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi. Sanitizing luggage before passengers even arrive, requiring a real-time PCR Covid-19 test upon arrival (it has invested in a Roche Diagnostics testing machine), and taking temperatures every day are all part of the process now, according to the company's website. There's another Covid-19 test on the fifth day of the stay. Soneva says its "hosts," or staff, are tested every five days, and all materials and produce that are coming onto the islands will undergo cleaning and sanitation procedures first.

"Although this could be considered as being slightly excessive or overcautious, both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani are 'One Island, One Resort'; it is our goal to make our private island homes Covid-19 free environments so that all of our guests can truly relax and engage with our Hosts and fellow travellers and not feel any concern about a risk of infection," the site declares.

If you come up positive, the resorts will still take care of you, with attention from a medical team as you isolate in your villa, and Soneva waiving the daily room rate for the next 14 days. The value of that stay, in one of Soneva Jani's currently-discounted entry-level rooms: $37 723.

If any guest needs to be hospitalised, the Maldives has built up sufficient hospital and medical capacity to treat Covid-19 effectively, the website revealed, noting that the hospital on a neighbouring island, only 10 minutes away by speedboat, has a new ICU unit with 20 beds.

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Maldives has reopened, but a vacay won't be cheap - IOL

While global jet-setters have stayed safely at home these past few months to plan the next trip of their dreams, hotel and resort properties across the globe have continued working hard to care for onsite gardens, orchards, livestock even beehives and baby goats to ensure that they'll be prepared to welcome back visitors when travel can safely resume.

From a Tanzanian organic coffee farm to an eco-lodge nestled in the Alaskan wilderness to a private island in the Caribbean, these five hospitality properties have turned their recent vacancies into the opportunity to learn new skills and contribute to their local communities.

Staff members on Gibb's Farm in Tanzania, Africa. Gibb's Farm.

The historic Gibb's Farm is an organic farm and coffee-growing estate that spans over 80 acres of land on the forested outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater in Africa.

The entire organic farm which consists of 30 acres of coffee, 10 acres of vegetables and fruit, five acres of flowers and herbs, and a working dairy and pig farm is based upon sustainable farming methods.

A worker harvesting coffee beans on Gibb's Farm. Gibb's Farm

And the most unique aspect of the property's self-sustaining livelihood is happening right now, during coffee harvest season. Every year from June to September, 30 acres of rich Arabica coffee are organically cultivated, cleaned, and roasted at the estate even during this time, while it's temporarily closed.

Produce from the farm has been feeding the property's onsite crew, and each staff member receives a basket of food to take home every week.

"I like the collaboration with the team here and how we all work together," said Pius Daniel, the agricultural manager at Gibb's Farm. "I am proud of what we produce, not just the variety but the abundance and quality of the produce."

A freshly caught fish from the nearby fjord at Within the Wild. Within the Wild

Located in remote Southcentral Alaskan wilderness, the two family-owned and operated eco-lodges run by Within the Wild Adventure Company Tutka Bay Lodge and Winterlake Lodge have little choice but to produce their own food onsite, and so foraging, fishing, and hunting in surrounding wilderness is a daily part of life.

Most of the produce used in the lodge kitchen is grown in gardens on site in poly-hoop greenhouses, which are greenhouse structures made of metal semicircular rods that are mounted into the ground and laid over with plastic and use heat from the sun to increase the inside temperature.

Inside one of the poly-hoop greenhouses at Within the Wild. Within the Wild

Using these greenhouses extends the growing season in the extreme Alaskan climate and allows for year-round cultivation. At the Tutka Bay Lodge, which sits along a private cove up against a rugged nine-mile fjord at the edge of the Kachemak Bay State Park, the Dixons also source Alaskan seafood from the bay.

While the lodges are vacant during the pandemic, the onsite team has been taking the opportunity to learn new skills like shrimping, foraging, making kombucha, experimenting with pickling, and hand-making sausages.

Freshly foraged produce and flowers at Within the Wild. Within the Wild

"I said, 'We've got some time. Let's go do and learn these new things,'" said Kirtsen Dixon, Within the Wild co-owner. "Let's learn new stuff while we have this free space, and not waste time worrying about what we can't control."

The produce garden at The Newt in Somerset Hotel & Spa. The Newt

The Newt in Somerset is a hotel and spa located in southwest England in the county of Somerset near the town of Bruton, which is about three hours west of London.

Somerset means "land of the summer people." It's known for its flourishing farmland, and for being home to many traditional country estates, which in England have historically served as second homes and quiet retreats for people who live in larger, bustling cities.

The Newt itself is a 300-plus year old historic country estate that offers wide cultivated gardens, acres of apple orchards, and parkland.

When the property is open to visitors, there's an array of talks and workshops for guests about organic gardening and beekeeping. During the lockdown, while the property was closed to guests, growers continued to plant and harvest from the kitchen and market gardens multiple times a week.

Floriculturist Maiko Ishida harvesting fresh herbs. The Newt

Head beekeeper Paula Carnell still regularly tends to the onsite beehives, and cellar master Greg Carnell continues to press cider on site.

Butcher Lloyd Tucker hangs fresh cuts of meat alongside the Himalayan salt wall at The Newt's butchery. The Newt

The Newt refocused its business to support locals by offering free, next-day delivery to nearby towns. The deliveries include fresh food items from the gardens, estate kitchens, bakery, butchery, and creamery. They also offer fresh-pressed cider, as well as other goods from local growers and artisan producers.

Fresh produce, eggs, and baked goods that come in The Newt's local delivery box. The Newt

"We'll continue to celebrate Somerset, the apples, and the traditional cider apple orchards." said Greg Carnell, cellar master of cider operations at The Newt, on the absence of visitors.

A secluded resort residence on Guana Island. Guana Collection

Guana Island is a private, family-owned island resort in the heart of the British Virgin Islands spanning 850 acres. The property is home to seven beaches and miles of tropical forest, mountains, and dramatic flora and fauna.

With acres of privacy per guest (no more than 35 guests are allowed on the island at any time), and no marina or public facilities of any kind, Guana Island has plenty of secluded open space.

Acres of undisturbed nature are available to visitors at Guana Island. Guana Collection

While the property has been closed due to the pandemic, a core team of workers has been living on the island and enjoying fresh produce from the onsite orchard, which is housed inside multiple greenhouses.

Several staff members have stayed on Guana Island during the pandemic to care for the orchards and farm animals. Guana Collection

The island grows everything from microgreens and herbs to fresh vegetables, as well as a wide selection of tropical fruit, like coconut, mango, soursop, and papaya. Guana also keeps over 100 chickens for eggs and sources fresh fish from the sea nearby.

Some chickens near their coop on Guana Island. Guana Collection

"The waters around Guana Island are home to a wide variety of seafood, including grouper, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi, as well as the local Anegada lobster," said executive chef Kael Mendoza.

An aerial view of the Carmel Valley Ranch. Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel Valley Ranch is located in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains along California's Central Coast. This 500-acre resort is especially known for its onsite farmstead of organic gardens, pinot noir vineyard, apiary, salt house, hen house, goat barn, and creamery. There's even an on-property cheese-maker that hand-produces fresh cheeses from goat's milk for guests to enjoy during their stay.

Charlie Cascio is the resident cheese-maker at Carmel Valley Ranch. Carmel Valley Ranch

When the resort closed, a small crew continued working on site to tend to the gardens, chickens, goats, and bees. They continued harvesting honey and planted a variety of tomatoes and melons for future use and took on tasks that they might not have been responsible for in their previous roles.

Beekeepers look into the hives at Carmel Valley Ranch. Carmel Valley Ranch

"It's been a really humbling experience for everyone," said executive chef Tim Wood. "This time has enabled us to return to nature and really understand the beauty of what we have here at the ranch and to celebrate it."

Wood chronicled his newfound responsibilities outside of the kitchen, including caring for the resort's animals and gardens (which are flourishing more than they normally would this time of year since there's no visitor foot traffic to disrupt growth). Additionally, Wood has been bottle-feeding the onsite newborn goats, fetching hay, sprouting oats, and tending to farm duties as well as overseeing his kitchen to ensure it's properly safe and clean.

Goats peek outside of their barn at Carmel Valley Ranch. Carmel Valley Ranch.

While these properties have recently been short on overnight guests, they've been full of opportunities for those remaining on site to celebrate the land's natural, undisturbed beauty. The properties will continue to make improvements to their onsite offerings and when it's safe, they'll welcome back visitors for an experience better than ever before.

Originally posted here:

How 5 eco-friendly resorts survived the pandemic without guests - Business Insider - Business Insider