Monthly Archives: June 2021

There are very few times when I can genuinely say that a hotel is unlike anything I've ever seen. But Calilo, a 30-suite resort on the Greek island of Ios, truly is in a class of its own.

Walking into the lobby is more akin to entering a high-end, post-modern art gallery in midtown Manhattan than showing up to a hotel in the Greek isles. Every wall is a work of art, some covered in hand-painted boots, others with vibrantly colored tile spelling out inspirational aphorisms. There is art hanging from the ceilings, wooden swings trellised in flowers and even decorated Vespas in the common areas. When you walk in, you don't know which way to turn your head, let alone where to point your camera.

The solution is simply to slow down and appreciate the artistry, little by little.

Even the main pool at Calilo is a work of art. There are swings hanging over the water, carved out dining areas within the pool and exuberant sculptures of bodies being flung through the air. And it's all in view of the resort's pristine private beachfront.

Suites are built into the rocky hillside overlooking the beach and incorporate private outdoor space. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Calilo

Opened in 2019, Calilo is a truly a destination in and of itself. Set on 1,000 acres of protected land about 12 miles from the island's main town of Chora, the property has miles of walking trails, golden beaches, a wellness spa, enormous pools and a variety of suites ranging from one to three bedrooms set in the rocky, olive tree-lined landscape.

In the game of hotel room suites, size matters, and Calilo offers plenty of room for sprawling luxury. My one-bedroom suite had a massive marble bathtub, a king bed and one-of-a-kind furnishings. But even more expansive than the room itself was the outdoor space, which included private, open-air lounging and dining areas, a pool-sized whirlpool bath, an infinity-edge pool and a terrace.

Then, of course, there is the island itself. Ios is still very much an under-the-radar Greek island, yet it offers a geographic perk that many of Greece's other lesser-known islands don't. Set between Mykonos and Santorini, this island is an easy-to-get-to, appealing retreat from the partying crowds of its more popular neighbors.

And did I mention the beaches? Over the past month, I've been to four Greek islands in search of post-vaccination solitude and a few good stories. And after visiting Ios, I can say with certainty that the island is home to some of the best beaches in the world. It's not just the water -- which is a perfectly clear, cerulean at some beaches, pale turquoise at others -- it's the lack of crowds. Even in the high season, crowds at beaches like Tripiti, Pikri and Manganari are sparse, locals told me.

An overhead view of the resort. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Calilo

Spending time at Calilo and on the island itself felt like being welcomed into a family -- the Michalopoulos family, to be exact.

The Michalopoulos family doesn't just own Calilo, they own about 30% of Ios. But in an effort to preserve the beauty of the island, they have committed to leaving 99% of their land undeveloped.

Besides Calilo, the family company called Luxurios owns a second hotel, the Agalia Luxury Suites, and five bars, restaurants and beach clubs on the island. All are the textbook definition of a labor of love. Every element of the design is done by Angelos Michalopoulos. His wife, Vassiliki "Vasso" Petridou, runs Calilo, and each one of their five children is somehow involved in the family business.

Besides hosting me at Calilo, Petridou and Michalopoulos welcomed me into their home, as they do for many guests. Home, however, may be an understatement for their exceptional, Getty Museum-esque estate on a magnificent private island adjacent to Ios. The family's private island is also where they test new designs for their properties.

Visiting their other properties is another part of the Ios experience, from the Erego Beach Club overlooking Koumbara Beach to Pathos Lounge, which offers the best sunset view on the island.

In theory, the heart of the island is the town of Chora, known for its cube houses; narrow, stone-paved streets; and abundance of small hotels, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. But, in actuality, the Michalopoulos family feels like the beating heart of this island. They know everyone, they run the most happening places and their passion for Ios will make you fall in love with the island as much as they have.

Read more:

Calilo a work of art on the Greek island of Ios - Travel Weekly

We live in an area where beauty surrounds us.

Living in a place thats been named the best city in the world, as well as several other top 10 list favorites among national and international publications, we take for granted our beautiful beaches, idyllic islands and magnificent marshes. Others come here to experience them for a week, a month or a season.

From left, Joanna Franco, Megan Batoon and Luis D. Ortiz. The hosts arrive at Bolt Farm Retreat for a stay at two of four "fairy tale" like retreats on Wadmalaw Island. Photo/Netflix.

The Lowcountry has been the backdrop for several television shows and movies. Add The Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals to that list of appearances.

If youre a fan of home shows or if you love to explore beautiful properties in beautiful places via a weekend binge watch, youll want to tune in to Netflixs latest aforementioned show. Three industry experts, Luis D. Ortiz (real estate), Joanna Franco (world traveler) and Megan Batoon (designer) travel the globe to show viewers some of the most luxurious, unique and budget-friendly places for getting away from it all.

Viewers get an idea of how much it costs to rent each property and each host weighs in at the end about which one is their favorite and why.

I watched all eight episodes on Netflix last weekend, and the Charleston region showed up in two of them. Premiering on June 18, the hosts give viewers an up close and personal view of some of the globes most amazing properties that anyone (given the budget) can rent. Some properties rent for thousands a night and others, for a few hundred. It all depends on how luxurious one wants to get or how much off the beaten path one is willing to go.

An estate in Japan with a Michelin Star chef. A sustainable snake home near Mexico City. A large cave home in the Ozarks. An igloo in Finland. A butterfly bamboo house in Bali. A houseboat in San Francisco and a lighthouse in Alaska. An entire island in the Bahamas is available to rent, and you get there via boat if you want to pay $15,000 a night to do so. If renting a yacht with an entire staff at your disposal is more your ideal dream vacay, theres an entire episode geared toward boats and floats stays.

Old House Cay is located on a collection of three islands off of Hilton Head. The hosts stay at the home, which starts at $500/night, featured on the "Private Islands" episode. Photo/Netflix.

In the Lowcountry, a home on its own private island off of Hilton Head is featured on the Private Islands episode. A boat brings the trio to the island, known as Old House Cay. A collection of three islands, an 1,800 square foot, off-the-charts charming home and an observation tower -- its private with a capital P. It sleeps six and begins at $500/night. Daufuskie Island is a five-minute boat ride, and celebrity chef Sallie Ann Robinson makes an appearance to cook with them.

In the first episode, "Best of Bali," a butterfly bamboo home in the rural area of Selat in Bali is featured. The unique home is known as the Camaya Bali Butterfly." It rents for $375/night.

A treehouse episode features Charleston-inspired treehouses on Wadmalaw Island. They drive through downtown Charleston to Wadmalaw to what is known as the Bolt Farm Treehouse Retreat. There are four different treehouses with amenity decks for each of them. Rental prices begin at $500/night. The fairy-tale like property was built and born out of romance by a couple, Seth and Tori Bolt.

In Episode 3 Boats & Floats," an ultra modern 4,300+ square foot "floating mansion," The Arkup is in Miami. It floats 20 feet off the water and stands on hydraulic legs. If you want to cruise over the water, you can for an extra feel. The unique rental starts at $2,000/night. Photo/Netflix.

"Seasons Niseko" in Niseko, Japan is a 7,750 square foot luxury home, with an indoor heated pool, a 1,000 bottle wine cellar and the rental comes with a Michelin star chef to cook for you. Rentals begin at $5,500/night. Photo/Netflix.

According to the shows hosts, there are over three million rental properties around the world for any kind of traveler and any budget.

A 430-acre island, "Cuvee's Royal Island" comes with a 15-person staff to serve you while you stay. There are five bungalows and the island located in Eluethera, Bahamas can only be rented to one group at a time. Rental prices start at $15,000/night. Photo/Nexflix.

Luis D. Ortiz, a former power broker in Manhattan who sold multimillion-dollar properties for over a decade was once a regular cast member of Bravos Million Dollar Listing New York.

Luis D. Ortiz is one of the show's hosts. Ortiz has been involved in luxury real estate for over a decade. Photo/Netflix.

He now explores the world in this latest venture. Ortiz took time out of his schedule to answer a few questions about how he got into the real estate industry and what the show is all about.

Q: Tell me about you, where youre from and why you chose real estate as a profession.

I dont consider real estate or luxury real estate to be a profession. To me it is something I found interesting. As I continue to explore, not just the luxury real estate market, but the real estate market in general and how it is changing the way we live and experience life, thats something that I continue to be interested and inspired by. Im from Puerto Rico, the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, and all of my life I have been a very present or in the moment person, so being present took me here.

Q: What is the most expensive luxury property youve ever sold and where was it? What about luxury rental properties?

In Tribeca, New York for $60,000,000. A luxury rental went for $150,000 a month for two years.

Q: Many know you from Bravos Million Dollar Listing New York what did you learn from that experience that you are applying to your new venture, The Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals?

For me, being in television goes beyond being on television. It's something to put you in a position where you have to continue to look inside yourself - in a bowl - as a person to continue to be valuable and relevant in anything you do. I came from a film background, but never in front of the camera, and after Million Dollar Listing, that changed. I learned how to look at myself and evolve at all times.

Q: Did you always want a real estate career?

I dont think I knew what real estate was when I was 18 years old. It was a career that came along the way. A friend of mine once convinced me that I could be good at selling real estate at a time where I was very frustrated with a film I had just shot that I didnt like. And so, I gave real estate a try.

Q: Are you finding that people are wanting these types of luxury vacay rentals even more so post pandemic?

I think what people are coming to realize is that there is more to explore in this world, while you are able to continue to work remotely. People, more than just travelers, are starting to explore different types of houses outside of the realm because its safe, because its exciting, and because why not.

Q: Whats the most popular getaway property? Here in the US? Abroad? Beach or mountains?

It depends. There is a popular getaway for every type of traveler. And, depending on seasons and trends, popular getaways keep on changing. The interesting part here is that this access to millions of properties around the world -- its slowly changing the definition of popular getaways. What is it now? Im finding that out.

Q: What authentic experiences did you have out of some of the properties showcased on the show?

One example was living inside the body of work of the extravagant/organic architect, Javier Senosiain, near Mexico City that includes a serpent where you can stay inside - inside a snake! In fact, it has 10 bedrooms inside. Its an experience I would not have seen anywhere else.

Q: Though your role is geared more toward luxury vacays, part of the programs premise is about not spending an exorbitant amount. How so, can you give a couple of examples?

Not spending an exorbitant amount is referred to traveling and properties in general. Most people think that in order to travel and have this type of great experience (on the show) you have to have a lot of money, but thats not true. Platforms today are giving access to different parts of the world that are equally or even more beautiful than where we come from at much less expensive prices. At the same time, many luxury retreats or homes have ways for travelers to stay for free in exchange of work. For example, you can go and work at a vineyard in a Tuscan villa with your friends and you get to be in Italy for free. That sounds like an adventure to me.

Q: If you were to recommend to someone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, what are five things youd recommend they do before finalizing the vacation of their dreams?

When people think of a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, many believe its a luxury full service type, but a once-in-a-lifetime vacation should be one that changes or inspires something positive in you. Its a journey that will help shape the person you become after. With that said, something out of your comfort zone. Something that challenges you or all of the people traveling. Consider traveling alone, you will find out things about yourself and the life around you wouldnt have if accompanied. Last, but not least, be available. The world will show you what youre available to.

***

Season 1 of The Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals is available on Netflix now.

***

Contact Brigitte Surette at bsurette@postandcourier.com.

See original here:

The perfect getaway: An interview with Luis D. Ortiz of Netflix's The World's Most Amazing Vacations Rentals - Charleston Post Courier

SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yugo the fast growing private aviation platform has recently released its newest charter routes in Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and the Philippines; a sign that the Singapore based private aviation company is gearing up for growth in Asia.

Leveraging on its network of helicopters and jets, Yugo is the first air mobility platform that connects Southeast Asia to the whole of Asia Pacific.

With only a few clicks and based on their preferences, customers are able to request and search flights of private jets and helicopters from a curated inventory of available flights and routes.

Currently operating in Southeast Asia, Yugo has been growing its customers reach and its fleet in the region within less than a year, amid the pandemic.

According to Camille Ngo, Commercial Manager of Yugo: "Our mission is to provide the possibility for our customers to fly private anywhere, anytime, by helicopters or private jets."

Camille, who leads the commercial operations of the company adds "We aim to reach a sustainable state of aviation, taking into account environmental aspects and societal responsibility".

Today, in order to propose charter flights to over 150 destinations in Asia, Yugo has built a fleet of more than 50 aircrafts in its network, from some of the aviation industrys best aircrafts manufacturers such as Gulfstream, Bombardier, Cessna Textron Aviation and Dassault Falcon private jets as well as Bell, Airbus, Leonardo or Robinson helicopters. The aircrafts are selected for the comfort and privacy of passengers from Dubai to Langkawi, Cebu to Bali, Sihanoukville to Shanghai or Koh Samui to El Nido, traveling for business or leisure.

Jim Baldy, CEO of Yugo commented "Covid-19 has reshaped the travel industry since 2020. This is the most challenging chapter of aviation in history and it has tested our resilience. We have adjusted our value proposition to best serve our customers in the most flexible, safe and secured way possible. With all obstacles we faced, we had to find ways to innovate, maintain our performance and move forward through 2020 and 2021.

From Southeast Asia to Asia Pacific, popular flights include on-demand helicopter flights, airport transfers, helicopter tours, private islands transfers, cross border medical flights, in country emergency evacuations or cross border business jets flights among others.

Indeed, while commercial aviation has not yet fully picked up, private aviation has been recovering at a faster pace. Yugo is poised continue to providing flights services to customers with needs to fly private within Asia Pacific.

About Yugo

Yugo Global Industries Pte Ltd is a private aviation company that focuses on providing private flights by helicopters and business jets at optimized costs anywhere, anytime. Yugos flight services are powered by its air mobility platform and its global network throughout Asia Pacific.

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Yugo Private Aviation expands in Southeast Asia - Business Wire

If you want a home you can truly boast about being unique and hard to replicate, two former Welsh fishermen's cottages that have been renovated to create one dream coastal home might do it.

But then locate that property on a private island only accessible on foot from the mainland and that elevates your home into the really rare category.

This Welsh island that can boast one such home might not be a direct comparison to Mallorca, the location star of ITV's Love Island, but for many it will be far better than that; no dramas or arguments, just peace and quiet and uninterrupted, panoramic sea views surrounding the property.

READ MORE: The UK's most-viewed property is a five-bed Welsh home with coastal views

There's a plot of land on the nearby mainland included in the sale for parking the car and the construction of five garages which had planning consent for construction, but as this has just expired a new owner will need to investigate further this aspect of this property proposition.

But why even have a car here as there are no actual roads on the island, just a patchwork of footpaths through the trees?

Imagine coming home and instead of walking through the front gate and up a drive, you walk across the pedestrian walkway to the island - how cool is that?

A dedicated and private 'zig-zag' pedestrian walkway gets you to your front door from the mainland - that is some garden path and one which will surely impress any visitor to your island home?

And it is a private island on offer here, shared by only one other property on the other side of this chunk of rock, and so not visible or near you but close enough to borrow an emergency pint of milk if Asda refuse to do a home delivery across the causeway.

As you walk across to the island the anticipation builds as the enchanting, wooded landscape embraces you and welcomes you to literally an island of calm away from the busy and bustling mainland.

Called Ynys Faelog, this small, wooded island is located in the middle of the Menai Strait and connected to the Isle of Anglesey, opposite Bangor on the mainland. It forms part of a collection of small islands located in the mouth of the Afon Cadnant River, and it is awesome.

This island in question has its own tiny and private harbour, a slipway shared between the two properties and magical walks through the woodland or around the 'coast' of the island, being careful not to stray into your neighbour's garden further down the pathway.

The current owner moors his boat outside his property on the island, but you will have to apply for your own mooring for your own vessel, as the permission to park it at the island is with the applicant and not the actual mooring itself.

The duo of character cottages now on the market as one of the only two properties on the island are believed to have been built in the 1700s and according to the estate agent selling this building bundle, during the Victorian era they became a bathing station.

Now the current owner, who is a professional, retired builder and surveyor has ensured it has become a comfortable island home, adding underfloor heating, double glazing, solid wood and slate flooring and multiple rooms to enjoy the direct views out onto the waters of the Menai Strait.

He has done all the hard work for you - all you need to do is put your own interior design stamp on the property, if you can ever drag yourself away from the views.

And then there's the temptation to wander around the woodland or find a perfect place to fish or simply stand and admire the mesmerising views from this side, your side, of the island before you even think about paint colours and fabrics.

The majestic Menai Bridge and the Welsh mainland with the mountains of Snowdonia on the horizon from an island is surely one of the most unique backdrops in the region.

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The property comes with its own garden that surrounds the cottages and measures up to about two thirds of an acre.

There's one particular spot in the garden screaming out for a lounger or alfresco dining set.

It's a charming flagstone curved terrace that looks out over the water, almost hanging over it, where endless time can be spent watching the water and wildlife, and the yachts and sailing ships amble past.

The work done to combine the two cottages and create a unique five-bed island home has also created a versatile network of spaces across two floors that a new owner can have fun deciding what goes where.

Currently the ground floor has a room earmarked as a kitchen next to a generous open-plan dining room and lounge that, in turn, opens out directly onto the garden via a set of French doors set into a large bay window.

How amazing will it be on a sunny day to fling open these doors onto the water views and let the sounds of this stunning and unique location, as well as refreshing sea breezes, waft into this sociable space.

Surely they'll tempt you to waft out of the doors and totally immerse yourself in the location to 'endure' peaceful bliss.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a unique property market, with prices rising in many areas.

Strike is promising to undercut rivals by selling homes free - saving customers up to 3,600 when they sell their home. Strike says people can check if their postcode is available for the free offer here, where you can book a free valuation.

This article contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.Learn more

The first floor might be another possible place for a spacious open-plan kitchen diner and lounge, or maybe another reception room.

This space currently runs from the back to the front of the house and has the best sea views from this elevated position via a duo of windows, but it also has a set of French doors - not going to a balcony but a secret garden.

As if it needed it, this extra feature cements the house as a truly quirky proposition, above that of just its location - with split-levels, versatile spaces and a hidden garden where you least expect it.

Currently this room is on the floorplan as a bedroom or as studio space or additional living room - choices, choices - but whatever it becomes it will forever be a fabulous location to look out over the property's fabulous location.

Up on this first floor is the master bedroom too with masterful views of the water from a large picture window, and what a mesmerising picture this window frames.

On this upper level there are two further bedrooms and a family bathroom and a further bedroom or study can be found back down on the ground floor.

There's also a utility and boot room off the kitchen on the ground floor, very handy for sailing and fishing gear storage and cleaning, plus an extra shower room and another reception room that could be another bedroom too.

There's even a dedicated wine room. This might seem like a luxury but you wouldn't want to run out during a party or BBQ would you - the nearest corner shop is on a corner on the mainland.

Finally, the current owner has been wise and added a sunroom to the property, so its incredible island location and all the views, weather, human activities and natural beauty that comes with it is not missed - even on a bad weather day.

To become an island dweller - one of only a handful in Wales - contact the estate agent purplebrick's local agent on 07711 704544 who can take you through the special aspects of the sale of this special abode that has just come onto the market for a guide price of 900,000.

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Rare chance to own a renovated cottage on a private Welsh island - Wales Online