Monthly Archives: July 2021

Reina Gascn-Lpez shares her love of Afro-Caribbean cuisine with the Sofrito Project – AL DIA News

Posted: July 7, 2021 at 3:05 pm

Its no secret that Caribbean and Southern cuisine are heavily influenced by each other.

Recipes such as okra soup, stewed ham hocks with beans, and seafood stew all have notes of African and Southern heritage. These recipes are also often made in the Caribbean and the Southern states of America.

Reina Gascn-Lpez, known as the Southern Boricua, is the founder of The Sofrito Project, a food blog she created in 2017. Her mission is to show the similarities of Puerto Rican and Southern cuisine by making her own one-of-a-kind recipes.

I wanted to share my food with everybody so when it first started, I decided to go to culinary school and I wanted to document everything that I was learning and post pictures, Gascn-Lpez said in a recent interview with AL DA News.

Gascn-Lpez was born in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, but moved to Charleston, South Carolina, when her father was stationed there in the Navy. There, the Puerto Rican community was small, and her family didnt have access to typical Puerto Rican food staples, such as yuca and plantains.

We just try to make it work whenever we didn't have an ingredient, she said.

Right before Gascn-Lpez started her blog, she began to research the similarities between Southern and Puerto Rican cuisine. She believed typical Southern dishes were very similar to the food she ate growing up in Puerto Rico.

The more research I started doing about southern cuisine the more similarities there are with Puerto Rican food, we are all connected with food, said Gascn-Lopez.

The research inspired her to apply at the Culinary Institute of Charleston. At that time, she also created her blog, the Sofrito Project.

She started her blog posting recipes to show off her cooking skills to family and friends. It soon became a success, and showcased authentic Puerto Rican recipes, such as sofrito, carne frita y cebollas, and bacalaitos.

However, she also wanted to highlight the similarities between Southern and Puerto Rican food.

For example, one traditional staple in Puerto Rico called, quimbombo guisado, is okra stew in South Carolina. The Southern version is a food staple of the Gullah Geechee community, an African-American population who live in the Lowcountry and the Sea Islands of South Carolina.

I would go to friends' houses and they would ask me if I wanted stewed okra, it tasted really good but it wasn't really how we make it. But its cool to see the similarities, she said.

Representing Puerto Rican cuisine correctly

Gascn-Lpez also spoke to AL DA about her disapproval of the lack of Latinx and women chefs in the media and its effects.

Just recently, a video of British chef Gordon Ramsay making pegao, which is a traditional crunchy rice dish, caused major backlash.

It is frustrating because there are many talented chefs and cooks that are out there that can do the pegao correctly, she said.

Gascn-Lpez believes that Ramsay should have collaborated or invited another chef of Puerto Rican descent to make pegao the right way.

We see it so often in the culinary world where white chefs will go on the show and not use their access or privilege to highlight anybody else, said Gascn-Lpez.

Nonetheless, she is still creating her own brand and has many projects in the works.

I want to get into video, she said. I started a Patreon page and I want to share exclusive recipes and content.

Gascn-Lpez is also planning to publish her own cookbook in the near future.

That is definitely a plan of mine, said Gascn-Lpez. I want to just ride it out and see what happens.

Check out her website for more information.

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Reina Gascn-Lpez shares her love of Afro-Caribbean cuisine with the Sofrito Project - AL DIA News

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

Posted: at 3:04 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted: at 3:04 pm

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

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

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

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

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

You can watch the video here:

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

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

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

I need the link, one user commented.

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

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

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

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

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

Share your thoughts in our comment section below.

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

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Secluded Camp with 4,000 ft of Lake Frontage in NY’s Adirondacks Scheduled for Luxury Auction July 16th – PRNewswire

Posted: at 3:04 pm

Secluded Camp with 4,000 ft of Lake Frontage in NY's Adirondacks Scheduled for Luxury Auction July 16th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOURCE Platinum Luxury Auctions LLC

http://www.platinumluxuryauctions.com

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Secluded Camp with 4,000 ft of Lake Frontage in NY's Adirondacks Scheduled for Luxury Auction July 16th - PRNewswire

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

Posted: at 3:04 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ed Sheeran had to be talked out of buying an island and moving to Ghana – NME

Posted: at 3:04 pm

Ed Sheeran has revealed how hes had to be talked out of some major life decisions, including buying private islands and moving to Ghana for three years.

The singer explained that manager Stuart Camp is always on hand when he comes up with ambitious plans in order to talk him down from them.

Musical stuff I never get talked down from, he said alongside Camp on James and Oliver Phelps podcast Normal Not Normal, per Metro.

Stu, whats the most ridiculous thing youve talked me down from recently? Ed said, with his manager admitting: Theres too many!

Usually moving places, Sheeran said.

Camp recalled: Im gonna buy an island here. Or Ive had enough, me and Cherry [Seaborn, Eds wife] are emigrating to Ghana for three years. Stuff like that. Youll get the odd thing like that and I go, Yes dear. You sort of let the idea percolate and itll kill itself eventually.

Sheeran went on: I sent Stuart this uninhabited island in Ireland that youre not even allowed to build a house on and I was like, I think this is a good idea! I think Im going to buy this and move here!.

Instead, hes focusing on music once more having offered fans the first official taste of his new album last week with the release ofBad Habits. The new album is expected to arrive later this year.

Hes also been hard at work on music for other artists,having confirmed a songwriting crediton a forthcomingBTSsong. In addition,hes already recorded his partfor the re-release ofTaylor Swifts Everything Has Changed, set to appear on her imminent re-release of Red, due out in November.

He has also teased a new collaboration with Kylie Minogue.

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The private Scottish island you can buy for the same price as a London flat – My London

Posted: at 3:04 pm

It's no great secret that London has the highest property prices in the UK.

Whether you're looking to buy a small flat or a family home, the capital's average asking price of 696,453 puts it at more than double the UK average.

Of course, there are obvious benefits to living in London including fantastic schools, world beating night life and cultural sites and brilliant transport links.

But when you consider you can actually buy your own private island for the same price as a modest London home, you feel something may have gone wrong.

READ MORE:'Better than temporary accommodation': 200 pod homes with running costs of just 5 a week being built in London

The Holm of Huip is a isolated island located in the Orkney Islands off Scotland.

The island is being marketed by luxury private island specialists Vladi Private Islands who informed My London the current owner is seeking around 300,000 for the beautiful spot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well a quick scan of property site Rightmove throws up a range of possible options in the same price range including this delightful 2 bedroom flat in Sydenham.

It's spacious enough and has a host of original 1930 features.

The listing from estate agents Robinson Jackson reads: "Delightful first floor 1930's purpose built maisonette with two bedrooms, leasehold, pleasant private section of garden, and access to loft, set within a popular cul-de-sac location in the Upper Sydenham area, equal distance to Sydenham and Forest Hill Station, conveniently located for local high street shops and amenities and Wells Park."

It's a tempting offer, but is it better than a private island?

What would you pick? Let us know in the comments here.

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17 Sunny Photos of the Royal Family at the Beach – TownandCountrymag.com

Posted: at 3:04 pm

Getty Images

Everyone deserves a little fun in the sun, and that includes the British royal family. Whether theyre jet-setting to their favorite islands for some R&R, meeting with foreign diplomats to conduct business matters, or even trying their hand at land yachting" on the sands of Scotland, its clear thatjust like with most of useverything is better when the royals are by the beach. No matter if theyre hitting the shores for work or play, the royals are always serving style inspiration, from Princess Dianas laid-back cheetah look to Meghan Markles polished autumn ensemble.

With summer in full swing and beach trips on the *horizon*, were taking a look back at our favorite photos of the royals at the beach. Find them all below.

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May 26, 2021

Love (and laughter) was in the air as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in a "land yachting" event on the famous West Sands beach at St Andrews, where the couple first met 20 years prior.

September 20, 2020

Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex didn't have to veer too far from home for their most recent public beach trip. The royals and their two children, James, Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor took to the shores of Southsea beach in Portsmouth, England, to participate in the Great British Beach Clean.

October 19, 2018

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex fully committed to the beach vibes during a visit to Bondi Beach, one stop on their 16-day tour across Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. The couple wore leis as they participated in a number of activities with a mental health awareness group.

October 18, 2018

Beaches were aplenty on Meghan and Harry's royal tour of Australia, and even in colder weather the couple made their way to the shores of Melbourne in formal-yet-still-beach-appropriate attire.

November 23, 2016

Prince Harry is seen here connecting with naturein this case, a baby turtlewhile on a trip to the turtle conservation project on St. Kitts's Lover's Beach. The prince's visit to the Caribbean marked the 35th Anniversary of Independence in Antigua and Barbuda and the 50th Anniversary of Independence in Barbados and Guyana.

April 18, 2014

The Duchess of Cambridge looks effortless while running in wedges along Manly beach in Sydney, Australia during her royal tour with Prince William. The couple also brought along a baby Prince George, though he stayed out of the public eye for this portion of their trip.

March 17, 2009

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall stayed shaded while walking along the beach on North Seymour Island in the Galapagos. The couple dressed in coordinating colors and materials, keeping (as) cool (as possible) in loose, breezy fabrics.

July 28, 2003

Princess Beatrice enjoyed the jet-set life in St. Tropez, where she was spotted enjoying fun in the sun at the French Riviera beach town's iconic Club 55.

May 29, 2003

In a break from his studies at St Andrews, Prince William let loose while playing rugby on the beach near his university home.

April 11, 1990

Princess Diana embodied beachside glamour in a matching one piece and cover-up while enjoying a beach day with her sons along the shores of Necker Island.

January, 1988

During a more formal beach trip, the Princess of Wales met lifeguards as part of her royal tour of Australia. While at Terrigal beach along the country's central coast, Princess Diana chose a flowy, summery Paul Costelloe dress.

July 27, 1984

Even while playing with her corgis at a beach near Sandringham, the Queen remains put-together as ever in a light-weight coat and head scarf.

March 28, 1984

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip touch down on the shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan, where they were met by King Hussein.

July 28, 1982

Like mother like daughter: The Queen mother is seen walking with her corgi on the beach in Norfolk.

February 1, 1976

For Princess Margaret, the private island of Mustique was a place of solace, and a destination in which she could let loose and feel a sense of freedom. Here, the Queen's sister is seen chatting with a friend during a holiday trip in the 1970s.

January, 1974

Prince Charles steps out on the beaches of Australia, proving, once more, that he too is a fashion icon.

March 18, 1970

Queen Elizabeth is seen disembarking from Britannia, the royal yacht, during her royal tour of New Zealand. The monarch chose to wear her signature head scarf and casual white shoes to walk across the Ship Cove beach.

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Traveling to the Maldives during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go – KTVZ

Posted: at 3:04 pm

CNN Travel Staff

If youre planning to travel to the Maldives heres what youll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Maldives reopened borders to all travelers from all countries on July 15, 2020. The primary exception to this is the tightly packed capital city of Mal, which is off-limits to visitors as it has been the source of the majority of the countrys coronavirus cases.

This is the couples destination to end all others luxury hotels set on private islands, with rooms cantilevered over the water, just in case a walk to the beach is too much effort.

From May 13, travelers from South Asia are temporarily banned from entering the Maldives.

The rules apply to all visa holders from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as those who have transited those countries in the past two weeks.

However, the nation has announced that its reopening its borders to visitors from South Asia from July 15.

At present, the Maldives is open to visitors from all other destinations, as long as they have proof of a negative Covid test.

Travelers from the UK are currently subject to a 10-day quarantine.

The Maldives was one of the rare travel successes of 2020, and it looks like that trend is continuing for 2021, despite some setbacks.

There were over 140 resorts and over 330 guesthouses open and serving international visitors as of late February.

The destination has launched a loyalty program that rewards regular visitors with points based on the frequency and duration of their trips. Those who rack up lots of points will be bumped up to various elite status levels that offer advantages including hotel discounts.

All arrivals other than Maldives citizens and those who are fully vaccinated must present a certificate of a negative PCR test carried out within the 96 hours prior to departure, clearly showing the name and address of the laboratory, as well as the date of the sample taken.

The result must be attached to the Traveler Health Declaration form which must be submitted online within the 24 hours prior to arrival. Visitors are asked to download the national contact tracing app, TraceEkee, and use it during their journey.

Tourists are allowed to split stays between hotels. However, if you spend more than 48 hours in the Greater Mal area, you must take another PCR test before moving elsewhere.

Since the discovery of the new UK variant in late December, all travelers arriving from the UK, including transiting passengers, must undergo a 10-day quarantine.

From April 20, fully vaccinated tourists are not required to submit a negative PCR test on arrival or adhere to any quarantine restrictions provided they present proof that their second dose of a vaccine recognized by the World Health Organization was administered at least two weeks prior to travel.

Those who are arriving to work in health facilities, day care centers, schools and residential care services are required to present a negative PCR test on arrival regardless of their vaccination status.

Travelers visiting an island where 60% of the population (including tourist resort/guesthouse and hotel islands) are fully vaccinated will be exempt from quarantine measures.

The Maldives has reported a total of 73,931 coronavirus cases and 213 deaths as of July 2.

While the figures remain relatively low for the most part, Covid-19 cases jumped from around 100 to over 1,500 in the space of a month, prompting a short-term ban on visitors from South Asia on May 13.

Although a record 2,194 cases were reported on May 20, the numbers have since decreased significantly, with 133 cases recorded on July 1.

The country began its roll-out of the India-made AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine on February 1. Hospitality workers were included in the first round of citizens to get vaccinated. Nearly 470,00 people in the Maldives had received their first dose of the vaccine as of May 28.

Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, the Maldivian Minister of Tourism, has confirmed that the Maldives is developing a Visit, Vaccinate and Vacation scheme named 3V that would allow visitors to receive a Covid-19 vaccine on arrival.

The program wont go ahead until the countrys entire population, estimated at just under 550,000, has been fully vaccinated.

As of July 2, just over 190,000 people in the Maldives had been administered with two doses of a Covid-19 vaccination.

The Maldives are selling themselves as a destination offering a normal vacation, thanks to the isolation of most hotels and the fact that the vast majority of visitors stay in-resort rather than venture out.

This means that while locals are subject to restrictions, those going to and from the airport are exempt. Split stays between different hotels are allowed, if the hotels meet government requirements. Requests for split stays must be made to the Ministry of Tourism at least 48 hours before travel.

Expect also for your resort to have some rules especially a temperature check on arrival, and masks to be worn indoors. As most items in shops must be shipped to the Maldives, some things can get pricey you should bring things like masks and hand sanitizer with you to avoid spending while on the island chain.

imuga.immigration.gov.mv

Tourist board Covid-19 updates

Ministry of Health latest figures

Learn how wealthy Indians have been shut out of the Maldives due to the temporary ban on South Asian travelers, and why the destination is hoping to lure travelers with vaccines on arrival.

Wondering what its like to visit right now? Read this piece, which details the pandemic vacation experience.

If youre planning your trip, check out our list of the best dining experiences. And meet the Maldives barefoot pilots. And if a travel bubble is what you want, youre in luck the Waldorf Astoria Maldives has just revealed its latest property, a Maldivian private island called Ithaafushi, available for a cool $80,000 a night.

The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

CNNs Julia Buckley, Tamara Hardingham-Gill and Lilit Marcus contributed to this report

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Traveling to the Maldives during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go - KTVZ

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What’s New In The Bahamas In July – PRNewswire – PRNewswire

Posted: at 3:04 pm

Sandals Royal Bahamian, located in Nassau, announced a reopening date of January 27, 2022.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Expands Renovation Project Award-winning hotel, spa and private island located in Nassau, Sandals Royal Bahamian, announced a reopening date of January 27, 2022.The ongoing multimillion-dollar renovation featuresCoconut Grove, an expansive lounge area that extends the beach vibes to the centre of the resort.

Graycliff Heating Up Receiving two prestigious accolades for exceptional service, Graycliff Hotel was honoured for the 33rd consecutive year with the Grand Award in Wine Spectator's 2021 Restaurant Awards and became the first business in The Bahamas to be granted the Travellers Health Assurance Stamp for "Healthier Safer Tourism" by the Caribbean Public Health Agency.

CRUISING MSC Cruises Restarts US Sailing MSC Cruises announced the relaunch of its sailings to The Bahamas aboard MSC Divina beginning September 16, 2021. The ship will dock at its private Bahamian island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Booking is now available.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERSFor a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visitwww.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board $250 Air Credit Offer U.S. and Canadian travellers can book a vacation package of four nights or longer at one of the participating Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board hotels and receive a $250 air credit. Booking window: now July 31, 2021.

Bahamian Independence Day Celebration with DJ Kid Fresh CelebrateBahamian Independence Daywith one of South Florida's most sought-after performers, DJ Kid Fresh, July 9-11, 2021.Packages start at $478 per person including round-trip transportation, Hilton Hotel stay, access to events at the Hilton Hotel and access to Resorts World Bimini Beach.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS Explore all the islands have to offer atwww.bahamas.comor onFacebook,YouTubeorInstagram.

PRESS INQUIRIESAnita Johnson-PattyBahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation[emailprotected]

Weber ShandwickPublic Relations[emailprotected]

SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

http://www.bahamas.com

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What's New In The Bahamas In July - PRNewswire - PRNewswire

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