Category Archives: Private Islands

Considering the heat we have to endure every summer, the idea of cool sea breezes and a tropical villa stay has us yearning for an island getaway. If youre already starting to make Songkran plans, here were zooming in on five lesser mainstream islands that are suited to five different types of people and activities. Weve also included the best resorts for this next island hideout.

Its no secret that Thailand has always been famous for its beautiful beaches and seaside retreats. Each of the islands have their own characteristics and attractions that are perfect for different purposes. Here are five of the most popular smaller islands and where to stay when you visit on your next summer trip.

[Hero and featured image credit: The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket]

Overflowing with lights and music, Koh Phangan in Surat Thani is world-renowned for its nightlife and full-moon parties. Here are the best resorts for all the party lovers to rest their hangover, or for wellness lovers to fully unwind.

Anantara Rasananda will set the scene for the most romantic trip for you and your partner. Choose from over 8 types of pool suites and villas nestled underneath towering coconut palms, and soak in the views of the glistening sea at your front door. The resort integrates local culture with world-standard services in all of its settings, whether its the private pool suite and villa, the Japanese dining room, or the luxury spa.

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Situated on crescent moon beach, Panviman Resort Koh Phangan is one of the first resorts to open on the island back in 1987. Once inside, guests will be immersed into a whole new territory of lush hillsides, secluded beaches, and marvellous accommodation, where privacy is the key message. Dine with stunning views at three of the resorts restaurants and bars, before enjoying the special facilities: spa and massage, jacuzzi pool, private candle-lit dinner, and lots of outdoor excursions.

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At Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa, nature is fully embraced between the beautiful Thai-style architecture and the blue sea. Teakwood, tropical forests, and private beaches mark the main attributes of this luxurious resort, where each guest room sits on a cliff. The Ayurvana Spa, an exceptional gastronomic experience, recreational classes, and snorkelling tours are only a few the hotels many offerings.

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One of Asia Pacifics most popular diving spots, Koh Lanta is situated a little off from Krabi. Beautiful coral reefs and marine life is scattered richly among several diving spots around the island.

Covering almost a kilometre of beachfront expanse, Pimalai Resort & Spa is a heaven for all nature enthusiasts and beach lovers. Sunbathe with the magnificent views of the boundless ocean or go for a refreshing dip in your villas private pool. After an energetic day, reward yourself with delectable food from the award-winning Seven Seas, where the freshest seafood is served overlooking the Andaman sea.

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Layana Resort & Spa could be the best place if youre looking for a supreme hideout in Koh Lanta, for it flaunts comfortable and private accommodation, peaceful beaches, and unparalleled spa treatments at Linger Longer Spa. Six types of rooms, suites and villas are ready to house all types of guests; families with children, large groups of friends, and even lovers.

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The tropical jungle, a spacious stretch on Klong Toab beach, and the Southern Thai architecture altogether create a perfect blend of tranquil beach retreat at Rawi Warin Resort & Spa. Although the seven types of rooms, suites, and private villas are luring us to stay put all day, Rawi Warin Resort & Spa plenty of outdoor facilities to offer too: an infinity ozone pool, ocean pool, shooters club, yoga studio, and kayaking, to name a few.

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A little off from Phang Nga province lies the elegant island sanctuary of Koh Yao Noi. If peace and alone time are your thing, look nowhere else than this quiet island.

Six Senses Yao Noi is the perfect spot if youre looking to explore the nature charms of Koh Yao Noi. Apart from the 12 options of rooms, suites, and villas, the resort also grants guests a chance to reconnect with nature through a guided kayak, an animal farm tour, a Hornbills nest building session, and more.

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An ideal destination for large families and groups of friends has to be NI Thailand. The elegant resort boasts 10 exceptional oceanfront suites and delicious gourmet meals. Known for its customised services, the staff will gladly plan in-hotel activities based completely on your preferences, whether its exploring the sea, kayaking, joining the Thai cooking classes or simply relaxing in the spa.

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Glamping has never felt so good in these luxury safari tented villas at 9 Hornbills Tented Camp. Named after the Hornbill birds that inhabit the site, the resort offers a unique getaway in the air-conditioned tented villas with a separate open-air area. Each tented villa opens its doors to a 180-degree scenery of the sapphire blue sea, where guests can always jump in for an exotic sea excursion.

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Koh Phi Phi is one of the few islands where you will be fully immersed in nature with minimal signs of urban living. As a home to several land and marine animals, Koh Phi Phi is really a heaven for all eco-activists.

The coconut palms and long, white sandy beach set a cinematic background for SAii Phi Phi Island Village. Outside of its tropical bungalows, guests will be presented with water activities like mangrove sea kayaking, shark seekers, a sustainable marine discovery centre tour, monthly coral reef activities and a lot more. For the culinary highlights, The Beach House Grill & Chill is serving succulent imported meats that cannot be missed.

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PP Princess Resort prides itself as a safe haven on the most beautiful beach on Phi Phi. Choose to stay in the deluxe room or the two-storey pool villa and taste the authentic Southern Thai cuisine at Rom Mai restaurant underneath the islands oldest banyan tree. A cocktail by the pool at Lei Beach Club will keep you relaxed on the sun bed all afternoon, too.

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Encircled by the lush jungles, Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort is an eco-friendly resort that soothes the eyes and soul with calming natural architectural design. This wonderland features five types of bungalows built and decorated with bamboo. The large dining venue decorated with bamboo, of course specialises in new Asian cuisine, a culinary experience combining eastern and western delicacies.

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For the ultimate indulgence, these are the unique luxury hotels set out on a secluded island, for all those moments when you want to run away from the crowd as far as possible.

The Naka Island can be reached by a brief trip by speedboat from Phuket. Situated near the east coast of Phuket, The Naka Island is a secluded sanctuary equipped with all the services youll need; comfortable accommodation, an alfresco dining venue, a sunset bar, luxury spa and massages, an archipelago tour, fitness centre, swimming pool and a lot more.

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A three-hour drive from Bangkok can take you to a private island that really takes you away from the bustling outside world: Koh Munnork. Without any television, fridges, wi-fi, and limited network connection, guests are asked to leave their phones behind and engage in the outdoor activities prepared by the resort such as plogging, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, and squidding, while an array of delicacies will be served at dinner time.

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An ultra luxury resort on the northern tip of Koh Kood in Trad province, Soneva Kiri can be reached by a 90-minute flight from Bangkok straight to the resorts own airport. Since sustainability is one of its main philosophies, all private villas adopt an eco-friendly design and are built out of sustainable materials. Experience the 6-star service in the hotels unique facilities, for instance the famous Treepod Dining, Yai Ki trek, sunrise breakfast cruise, private cinema paradiso and mushroom cave lunch.

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Songkran Island Getaway Collection: Where to Stay on Your Next Island Trip - Prestige Online Thailand

MIRAMAR, Fla., March 28, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) the trade association that represents the mutual interests of destinations and stakeholders throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico, along with Member Lines that operate over 90 percent of the global cruising capacity is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the U.S. Virgin Islands on a strategic development agreement for 2022 that will focus on increasing the destination's overall economic impact from cruise tourism. The agreement, coming from a directive by the FCCA Executive Committee, will feature access to key decision makers and their joint efforts with FCCA to fulfill the objectives, including increased cruise calls, new experiences and products, collaboration with the local private sector, more employment and purchasing opportunities, conversion of cruise guests to stay-over visitors, promotion of summer cruising, creation of consumer demand, travel agent outreach and more.

"This agreement is a further testament to the continued partnership that the U.S. Virgin Islands has had with FCCA and the cruise industry," said Micky Arison, Chairman of FCCA and Carnival Corporation & plc. "The destination has supported cruising through the best and worst of times, and I am proud that this agreement will make it possible to better the lives and livelihoods of so many people there."

"We are grateful for the U.S. Virgin Islands' support through the pandemic, with this landmark agreement being more proof of their dedication to cruise tourism, and we cannot be more excited to reciprocate the faith they have shown in us and the industry by maximizing their benefits from the sector," said Michele Paige, President, FCCA. "Through this agreement, the U.S. Virgin Islands will have FCCA's full commitment to fulfilling the destination's initiatives, including assisting the private sector and helping all locals prosper from the economic impact that the industry brings."

After being a success story for Caribbean tourism in the wake of COVID-19, experiencing a banner year for stay-over tourism in 2021 and breaking numerous records, the U.S. Virgin Islands is looking to turn the page for their cruise tourism, which generated $184.7 million in total cruise tourism expenditures, in addition to $77.9 million in total employee wage income, during the 2017/2018 cruise year, according to the Business Research & Economic Advisors report "Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destination Economies."

"The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrates its steadfast partnership with FCCA and its Member Lines," said USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte. "Strategic marketing and collaborative programs promoting the allure of the cruise industry and our awe-inspiring islands are expected to provide the Territory with a springboard for a speedy resumption, as we enter the endemic phase of Covid-19."

Through the agreement, FCCA will not only guide the U.S. Virgin Islands government on enhancing their product and increasing cruise calls, but also will facilitate new experiences to offer cruise companies and collaborate with the local private sector to maximize any opportunities. Additionally, the agreement will put the U.S. Virgin Islands in the spotlight for the new and improved programs that FCCA has developed with focuses on employment, purchasing and converting cruise guests to stay-over visitors.

As a top-down initiative directed by the FCCA Executive Committee, which includes presidents and above of FCCA Member Lines, the new strategic partnership will grant open access for the U.S. Virgin Islands with these key decision makers and the Committee's efforts to effectuate the agreement's objectives and the destination's goals.

Some of the other features of the strategic partnership will include promoting summer cruising, engaging travel agents, creating consumer demand and developing a destination service needs assessment that will detail strengths, opportunities and needs.

About Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)Created in 1972, FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that represents the mutual interests of the cruise industry and destinations' private and public sectors. By building bilateral relationships with cruise tourism stakeholders and providing them a forum to work with executives from its Member Lines, FCCA fosters bilateral success for all parties. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

SOURCE Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

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FCCA Partners with the US Virgin Islands on Strategic Development Agreement - PR Newswire

Once your flight descends over the Turks & Caicos islands, the first thing youll notice is the brilliant, blue Gatorade-colored water that encircles the land masses. Theres no seawater quite like Turks water. Most of the islands are framed by white limestone, theres no murky runoff from volcanoes, mountains, or rivers, so the oceans keep their brilliant blues. That's also partly why you'll find the worlds third largest barrier reef here.

The intricate and colorful underwater landscape makes for awe-inspiring snorkeling and diving opportunities. Out of the nine inhabited islands of the Turks & Caicos, Middle Caicos is the one to visit if youre looking to experience the least developed and least inhabited island. If youve ever wanted to have an entire beach to yourself, where your sandy footprints are the only ones as far as the eye can see, Middle Caicos is your place. Both idyllic and sleepy, pay a visit to some of the islands hidden beaches and mangrove wetlands.

On the main island, Providenciales (Provo), youll find the most developments, high end shopping, and luxury properties. Despite the modernity, getting into the local way of life is still quite easy, where you can have a freshly cracked conch at a small shack, explore the pristine reefs by snorkel or dive, and strike up a conversation with locals while boating or kayaking.

The Turks & Caicos islands are for those looking to enjoy the fine white sand and take part in water adventures in a barely-touched Caribbean world. Heres what to do while you're there.

Explore ocean-lined cliffs or tranquil beaches

Easing into the slow pace of Middle Caicos, seek out the islands abundant nature offerings with stunning rocky cliffs jutting out over white sand beaches. Not to mention, you can explore natural limestone tunnel formations, quiet coves, and outcroppings along the scenic Mudjin Harbor. Thrill seekers can stand out over these cliffs and watch the waves crash and shoot up dozens of feet in the air.

The island has over 2,200 feet white-sand beaches. For a gorgeous swimming and kayaking option, visit Middle Caicos Bambarra Beach, which sits along land that was a historic plantation from the 1700s. If your visit to these sands is in the middle of the day in the middle of the week, dont be surprised if its just you and maybe a fisherman or local catching some zzzs.

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The History of Tailgating

Hike above and below ground

Into hiking? Venture along the Crossing Place Trail, a historical route full of rocks, sand, and paved areas that used to be the primary link for locals traveling to and from North and Middle Caicos islands (now connected by a bridge). Some of the sights to take in along the way include Juniper Hole, a craggy sea cave, and Blowing Hole, a 75-foot-long underwater cave.

Taking things underground, venture to the Conch Bar Caves for a fascinating experience through an array of thousands year old stalactites, stalagmites, and columns, along with pools of water that flow in and out of the acidic limestone environment. You can picture settlers mining for bat guano, which was used for fertilizer in the 1880s, as you hike through the cave. Keep an eye out for sleeping bats that like to literally hang-out on the overhead portions of the cave.

Explore Provos marine life

Catching the ferry to the island of Provo (where the international airport is located) to the island of Provo from the TCI dock in North Caicos is an experience in itself. Strike up a conversation with a commuting local while sitting on the top portion of the ferry: the place to get light splashes of cool ocean water while taking in sweeping views of passing islands on the 25-minute ride.

Budget snorkeling is possible on Provo: take your own equipment and explore right from shore at Smiths Reef to spot angelfish and butterfly fish, among dozens of other species. If you prefer a boat snorkeling excursion, you can join a group with Dive Provo, which spends a couple hours touring spots off of Grace Bay, including sites known for harmless nurse shark visits.

Another way to become acquainted with the clear Turks water is by getting a scuba diving certification via theProfessional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) through a reputable dive shop, which Dive Provo also offers. Depending on the conditions in the morning, the instructors will take you to the best dive site around the islands. For example, if you make a stop at the West Caicos Piranha Cove dive site, expect to descend to 40 feet max and come face to face with amazing marine life like slow-moving conch, fast-moving hawksbill turtles, elusive moray eels, and schools of Creole wrasse. You may have the opportunity to explore the Crocodile dive site, where frequent visitors include grouper, parrotfish, and reef sharks.

Eat from the abundant sea

On Middle Caicos, visit Seaview Caf, located along the Crossing Place trail. Here youll find perfectly seasoned, minced curry lobster or baked salmon complete with garlicky potatoes, all of which you can enjoy on cozy outdoor picnic tables.

On Provo, go for an upscale dinner at the white tablecloth restaurant, Seven. The white tablecloth restaurant is known for their conch chowder prepared with garlic, onions, tomatoes, celery, carrots, and potatoes sauted together.

For a local vibe, grab freshly caught seafood like lime-seasoned conch salad, buttery lobster and flaky conch fritters at da Conch Shack. While here, you can watch fisherman cleaning brilliant conch shells on the beach.

Where to Stay in Turks & Caicos

In Provo, book accommodations at the West Bay Club, which sits on Grace Bay Beach, one of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean. Depending on your accommodation, you can opt for a suite with a kitchenette or full kitchen, and the property gives you access to complimentary watersports with free kayaks and standup paddleboards. Ask for snorkeling equipment to check out some of the stunning coral along--remember--the worlds third largest barrier reef.

For a romantic stay, spend a few days on the private island of Pine Cay, located a short boat trip east of Provo. The island has the softest sand youll ever experience and luxury, beachfront cottages with king size beds, private hammocks, and your own golf cart to explore the island.

If you like hearing the sounds of breaking waves and tree frogs humming you to sleep at night, book a cottage or villa at the Dragon Cay Resort, on Middle Caicos. Equipped with kitchenettes and living rooms, the accommodations are perfect for small groups and families traveling on a budget. You can also request complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, and bicycles to use during your stay.

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This Sleepy Caribbean Island Has Hidden Beaches and the Bluest Water - Thrillist

The 40 for 40 Initiative projects were selected across six areas: preserving natural resources through Conservation Efforts and Tours; Investing in Food Security by supporting and working with local farmers; Hospitality Training and Certification aimed at ensuring ongoing excellence; maintenance of cultural heritage through Support of Local Artisans and Music Education & Entertainment; and bolstering local economies through Small Business and Community Market Support.

Across the Caribbean, SRI team members from Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and the Sandals Foundation will be rolling up their sleeves to help bring these projects to life. Visiting guests can also support and participate in many of the activities taking place throughout the region.

"Tourism has the power to transform, not only the lives of the guests who immerse themselves in the charm and culture of the Caribbean while on vacation, but for our team members and neighbors who build their families' roots in the region," said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman, Sandals Resorts International and President and Founder of the Sandals Foundation. "This is the important work we build on and celebrate today, as part of our relentless efforts to strengthen the transformative link between tourism and the empowerment of our local Caribbean communities."

Conservation Efforts and Tours

Through the Sandals Foundation, SRI has made the environment a priority, investing millions in education and advocacy programs, establishing marine sanctuaries, out-planting more than 12,000 corals, and engaging over 55,000 people in conservation efforts. Now, the team will advance its efforts to protect the region's natural resources by expanding opportunities for marine conservation.

In honor of its late Founder, Chairman and philanthropic stalwart, Gordon "Butch" Stewart, the team has partnered withthe Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) to implement its 'Sea the Legacy of Love' Scholarship Program. The program will provide 40 Caribbean nationals across six islands with dive certifications from open water to master level. This, together with opportunities for guests to take part in activities such as coral out-planting in Jamaica and St. Lucia, will have a lasting impact on life below the surface.

Additional projects include supporting the Andromeda Gardens, a 6.5-acre botanical garden in Barbados created in the 1950s, and providing funding to assist in the recovery of sand dunes in Lucayan National Park in The Bahamas that were heavily impacted by invasive plants and storm surges.

Investing in Food Security

Together with the Sandals Foundation, SRI, which already sources over 90% of its food supply locally, is ramping up its investment in agriculture and the institutions training the next generation of producers. Various contributions will include equipment donation at the Agriculture Training College in Barbados, construction of hydroponics at Antigua's Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Centre, and establishing community composting practices on-resort. The Foundation will also support the Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers (GRENROP), a group of 65 local women and at-risk youth charting their financial independence through agriculture.

Small Business and Community Market Support

The Sandals Foundation is continuing to invest in local businesses like the Oistins Fish Fry in Barbados, where locals and visitors alike can meet with vendors and enjoy freshly prepared seafood. Guests at Sandals have the opportunity to embark on paid tours that directly support these vendors and their livelihoods.

With establishments such as these accounting for on average 30 percent of its island's global development product (GDP), the Sandals Foundation is committed to improving the welfare of operators as well as their earning potential by upgrading additional locales such as Cultural Market Place in Turks & Caicos and Pineapple Craft Market in Jamaica. The Sandals Foundation's community projects are highlighted on resort, inviting guests to support through donations.

Supporting Local Artisans

For years, guests of Sandals and Beaches Resorts have had access to locally made items at its retail shops, proceeds of which are reinvested into local community groups. The Sandals Foundation will expand its hugely successful Caribbean Artisan Program by training more crafts people across more islands including Curaao, St. Lucia, Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, providing more travelers the opportunity to take home a piece of the region. Sandals and Beaches Resorts guests can also look forward to meeting these craft men and women through pop-up shops on resort and seeing the magic unfold.

Music Education and Entertainment

From ska and calypso to Jamaica's iconic reggae and dancehall, the unmistakable soundtrack of the Caribbean keeps visitors coming back and locals moving forward. Together with international partners, high school and college music educators will be trained on key techniques to further develop the region's iconic sounds. Additionally, the 40 for 40 Initiative will culminate with a musical showcase that brings the magic of Caribbean music to Miami in order to help raise funds for continued growth of the region.

Hospitality Training and Certification

To ensure the continued training of future tourism industry players, the teams at SRI and the Sandals Foundation are supporting hospitality training and certification programs to strengthen vocational skills in the areas of food & beverage, health, beauty, and wellness. In Antigua, trainees can receive a health and beauty certification to gain skills for the fast growing wellness sector. In Exuma and New Providence, the Foundation will assist with year-long programs that supports commercial food preparation.

"We are very excited about these 40 projects of transformation and our role in helping realize the impact tourism makes in the Caribbean," said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. "Tourism touches almost every corner of local communities and we are fully appreciative of its ability to make a real difference. We are extremely grateful to every guest, team member, partner, travel advisor, donor and supporter who have volunteered or supported our work to improve literacy, healthcare, youth engagement and the many areas in which we focus. Together with our SRI teammates, we will continue to use the power of tourism to bring lasting change," said Clarke.

Celebrating its 13th anniversary on March 18th, since its inception in 2009, the Sandals Foundation has implemented projects and programs valued at nearly US $79 million, touching the lives of more than 1.1 million people.

For a complete list of 40 for 40 Initiative projects, visit: https://news.sandals.com/article/1629/.

For more information about the Sandals Foundation and to donate, visit: https://sandalsfoundation.org.

About Sandals Resorts International

Founded in 1981 by the late Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon "Butch" Stewart, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is the parent company of some of travel's most recognizable vacation brands. The company operates 24 properties throughout the Caribbean under four separate brands including: Sandals Resorts, the Luxury Included brand for adult couples with locations in Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia and a resort opening in Curaao; Beaches Resorts, the Luxury Included concept designed for everyone but especially families, with properties in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, and another opening in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; private island Fowl Cay Resort; and the private homes of Your Jamaican Villas. The company's importance in the Caribbean basin, where tourism is the number one earner of foreign capital, cannot be underestimated. Family-owned and operated, Sandals Resorts International is the largest private employer in the region.

Sandals Foundation:

The Sandals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created to continue and to expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken. It is the culmination of close to four decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community. To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit online atwww.sandalsfoundation.org or follow us onFacebook,Instagram andTwitter.

Contact:The Decker/Royal Agency[emailprotected]

SOURCE Sandals Resorts International

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WHERE THE POWER OF TOURISM MEETS LOCAL CARIBBEAN COMMUNITIES: SANDALS RESORTS ANNOUNCES '40 FOR 40 INITIATIVE' PROJECTS - PR Newswire

TravelTravel industry pros offer tips and tricks for finding a Cape Cod vacation destination.A rental in Provincetown listed on WeNeedaVacation.com. WeNeedaVacation.com.

Rental properties on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Marthas Vineyard are booking quickly for this summer, but vacationers can still reserve a property.

Blake Decker, CEO of high-end vacation rental company Pretty Picky Properties, which manages 170 properties across 10 Cape Cod towns, said hes about 85 percent full right now. He expects to sell out for peak season between late June and late August for the second year in a row.

We as a company have never seen this demand for our services, Decker said.

Before the pandemic, hed be about 60 to 70 percent booked this time of year, he said, and never quite sell out.

Youd have some holes in the season here and there, Decker said. So the 100 percent thing is a new phenomenon for me. Ive been doing this since 2006 and Ive never seen the 100 percent number that we saw last year.

Other booking platforms, including Vrbo and WeNeedaVacation.com, are seeing similar demand.

Eager vacationers can still snag a Cape rental with a little patience and know-how, the experts said. Here are their tips for booking a Cape Cod rental for this summer.

Online rental marketplace Vrbo said less than 20 percent of vacation homes are currently available on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Marthas Vineyard for the month of July.

Book as early as possible, Alison Kwong, of Vrbo, said in an email. This may be a no-brainer, but dont further delay making summer vacation plans. Start planning now before vacation home availability becomes even more scarce this will help ensure you have the best selection of properties and price points to choose from.

Liz DeBold Fusco at Airbnb agreed, saying in an email that booking early will ensure that you can find the listing you want, wherever you want to go.

The websiteWeNeedaVacation.com, which offers more than 4,000 listings ranging from modest to luxurious on the Cape, Nantucket, and Marthas Vineyard, is seeing a similar trend. Vacationers have been booking summer getaways earlier and earlier, according to Jennie Sparrow, senior marketing manager. The platform currently has 26 percent availability between late June and Labor Day and 17 to 21 percent availability for peak summer weeks in late July and early August, Sparrow said.

This is the third year in a row that our site has been breaking records, Sparrow said. It has exceeded anything that weve seen in our 25-year history.

My advice to folks looking for their vacation spots this summer is to find a human to talk to, Decker said. Find a local agency that can talk to you and work with you. Finding some local knowledge would be a huge help.

Decker said folks can find local businesses with vacation rentals through theCape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

For even more options, each town on the Cape has a local chamber of commerce to which most agencies belong, according to Decker.

He recommended calling the towns chamber or checking out its website for a list of agencies to contact.

Potential renters should not give up hope, the experts said.

We are seeing a very high number of new rental properties coming online. said Decker, of Pretty Picky Properties.

Kwong said Vrbo has tools and filters that help travelers narrow down their search.

For example, Vrbo offers a tool to help families looking for properties in popular destinations with low vacation home availability, Kwong said. Searches for properties in these vacation spots will include a carousel of additional properties available if travelers were to shift their stay dates by a day or week.

Its never too late, Sparrow said. We are always having new listings, like 20 to 30 a week. So just keep checking back.

Those eyeing late summer getaways may be in luck: The last week of August has the most availability right now, at between 32 and 49 percent, Sparrow said.

Flexibility is key, the travel industry pros said.

Consider visiting the region during the shoulder season in late spring or early fall, which is still a gorgeous time to come, Sparrow said.

The competition for Cape rentals is less fierce in late August and September, according to Kwong, when availability drastically improves.

Additionally, try an undated search on Vrbo doing so will yield a wider selection of vacation homes in a destination to first find the ideal vacation home and then check the calendar to book the property when its available, Kwong said.

Try to be as flexible as you can with your travel dates and location requests, Sparrow said. If you love Wellfleet, consider staying in Eastham or Truro, or in another surrounding area that may have availability.

There are many cool and quirky areas of the Cape, Decker said, so its worth giving a new destination a try.

Those seeking waterfront rentals may have more options than they think.

Theres a lot of beautiful fresh water properties as well that deserve a chance, Sparrow said. [You can] hang out on the water, have a dock that you can swim off of. Fresh water properties are just as beautiful.

Airbnb users can discover more rental options with flexible dates searches using duration of stay rather than exact dates, DeBold Fusco said, and flexible destinations searches of unique listings (think boats, A-frames, and private islands).

When using online rental marketplaces, be aware of scams, which are rare but happen, DeBold Fusco said.

Users should never pay for the total cost of the reservation off of the Airbnb platform, Fusco said, and all such requests should be reported to the company.

Staying on the Airbnb platform throughout the entire process from communication to booking protects our community from offline scams, she said.

Other red flags, according to Vrbo, include incorrect or strange URLs, a request for banking information, misspelled words or bad grammar, and low resolution images. Also, make sure the website uses encryption to keep your payment information safe.

Those with budget concerns can split the cost of a larger house with several families, Sparrow said.

Consider coming with really close friends or family and staying in a larger home together, one that seems like its out of your budget, Sparrow said. If its enough bedrooms that you can combine families, that usually takes the sting out of it.

Cost will be a challenge this year, Decker said.

Its going to be a tough year to find a deal on the Cape, especially for this year, Decker said. You may have to dig a little deeper into your wallet than youd like to.

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How to snag a vacation rental on Cape Cod this summer - Boston.com

More than three weeks into Russias invasion of Ukraine, Western countries are tightening sanctions on Russian oligarchs and billionaires. The latest salvo came on Wednesday, when the British crown dependency of the Isle of Man announced that it had deregistered 18 Russian aircraft since March 3. Forbes found that eight of those aircraftincluding Alisher Usmanovs $350 million Airbus private jet and four helicopters owned by Roman Abramovichare owned by sanctioned Russian billionaires.

By scouring aircraft registries and publicly available data, Forbes identified at least 12 jets and six helicopters linked to eight sanctioned Russian billionaires. The aircraft are registered in Aruba, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, the Isle of Man and Luxembourg, all of which have implemented EU or U.K. sanctions. Collectively, the 18 aircraft are worth at least $1.2 billion. Spokespersons for the aircraft registries and authorities in Bermuda, Luxembourg and the Isle of Man told Forbes that they are taking action against aircraft owned by sanctioned individuals.

On March 12, Bermuda announced that its aircraft registry had suspended certificates of airworthiness for 740 Russian operated aircraft, meaning they can no longer fly. At least one sanctioned billionaire, Viktor Rashnikov, owns a Gulfstream jet registered in Bermuda. A spokesperson for the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority told Forbes that the authority will conduct an investigation to determine if Rashnikov owns the aircraft.

Abramovich is the most exposed to the new measures, with two jets registered in Aruba and another two in Luxembourg, in addition to the four helicopters deregistered in the Isle of Man. Arubas Minister of Transport, Ursell Arends, reportedly told local media that at least 10 aircraft registered in Aruba belong to sanctioned Russians and the government will take action against them if necessary. Forbes identified six of the 10, including an Airbus A319 jet owned by Viktor Vekselberg. A spokesperson for Vekselberg declined to comment, and representatives for the other billionaires mentioned in this article did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

High-net-worth individuals often own aircraft through offshore holding companies to mask their ownership. Many owners use offshore entities and special purpose companies to make it difficult to find the real user of the aircraft, said Phil Seymour, president of aviation data firm IBA.

Other sanctioned billionaires have had private jets in the recent past or have been reported to own jets, but Forbes could not verify that they still own them. Oleg Deripaska, Gennady Timchenko, Boris Rotenberg and Suleiman Kerimov were all reported to have sold their planes after being hit with sanctions back in 2014 and 2018.

Registering aircraft in offshore jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man allows billionaires to save hundreds of millions of dollars in customs and sales taxes when flying, buying or ultimately selling their jets. The websites for offshore aircraft registries openly tout a variety of benefits, ranging from zero taxes on import duties or transfers of aircraft in Aruba to no taxation at all in the Cayman Islands.

The measures taken by authorities in the Isle of Man and Bermuda are now putting those benefits out of reach. According to Jonathan Epstein, a partner at Washington, D.C.-based law firm Holland & Knight who specializes in international trade and aviation, an aircraft that has been deregistered becomes a stateless aircraft, meaning it no longer has a valid certificate of airworthiness. Without that, its not insurable and cannot fly, until its registered in a new country.

That means any aircraft located in countries that have sanctioned Russia are at risk of being grounded. Complicating matters further is the fact that the comprehensive sanctions bar any insurers and banks from financing or providing insurance to aircraft owned or used by Russian entities.

Seven of the 18 aircraft tracked by Forbes were last recorded in France and Latvia, both of which have implemented the EU sanctions on Russia. But if they arent in the EU or the U.K., then the aircraft could re-register elsewhereincluding in Russia, where four of the aircraft were last seen. If they're physically in Russia, it may be that the Russians are going to re-register them, said Epstein.

Another likely destination for these planes: the United Arab Emirates. At least three of the 18 aircraft tracked by Forbes were last seen in the U.A.E., and several more recently traveled from there to Moscow. Still, even if a plane is in Dubai, the owners could be hit by secondary U.S. sanctions on local companies that assist in moving or repairing their jets. "If you have a Gulfstream sitting in Dubai, the export of that aircraft to Russia is a violation of U.S. export laws," said Epstein. "It's also an export violation for the repair facility that's helping them do that."

Another reason why repairing planes will now be more complicated: Manufacturers including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer have announced they will suspend business with Russian companies and individuals, making it difficultif not impossiblefor Russian owners to replace parts and keep their planes flying.

Here are the jets and helicopters owned by sanctioned Russian billionaires tracked by Forbes and their latest locations:

Craig Mercer/Actionplus/Newscom

Boeing 767 300

Plane models owned by Abramovichhe does not own these specific planes.

Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter

Mikhail Svetlov/getty images

Airbus A340-300

Airbus EC-175 helicopter and yatch

Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg

Airbus A319-115

See the rest here:

A Guide To The Private Jets And Helicopters Owned By Sanctioned Russian Billionaires - Forbes

Synonymous with paradise, Floridas Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and North Captiva Island offer the ultimate tropical retreat. People are far more familiar with Sanibel and Captiva, but North Captiva, also known as Upper Captiva, was separated from Captiva Island more than a century ago. There are no bridges to this remote-feeling island visitors must take a ferry boat or water taxi from Pine Island. There are also no cars transportation consists of electric golf carts, bikes, and feet.

If you are looking for your own island paradise with your very own private beach, check out our North Captiva Island vacation rentals below. Want to be closer to the action? A Sanibel condo will be more for you. For something in between, try Captiva Island, which is home to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. All three islands offer abundant wildlife, excellent shelling, cool Gulf Coast breezes, brilliant Florida sunshine, soft sandy beaches, fruity tropical drinks, outdoor activities, bike paths, and water toy rentals.

Pack your suitcase and get ready for a memorable island retreat! Heres where to stay in North Captiva Island, Captiva Island, and Sanibel Island.

What could be better than your very own private beach? That's right, an expansive, unobstructed bayside beach lies right outside of this four-bedroom vacation rental and you don't have to share it with anyone else!

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better than gentle waves lapping against the sugar-sand shore as dolphins frolic in the distance, the hosts up the ante with two golf carts, two kayaks, and a personal concierge to greet you.

But, that's not all! This rental also includes access to North Captiva Island Club, which features two pools, a pool bar, hot tubs, tennis courts, a basketball court, fat-tire bikes, and more.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3.5

Sleeps: 10

Minimum Night Stay: Varies

Located on the quiet north end of the island, this two-bedroom vacation rental also comes with a golf cart and access to the North Captiva Island Club amenities. But instead of a private beach, Tarpon Cove comes with a private dock on the Pine Island Sound, where you can fish or launch a kayak. A quick bike or golf cart ride will get you to area beaches as well as the three restaurants that are on the island.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2.5

Sleeps: 6

Minimum Night Stay: 7

Located on Rum Point, the northern tip of North Captiva Island, this vacation rental also boasts its very own pristine, white sandy beach. Scenery includes Cayo Costa Island, sailboats, and wildlife-like pelicans, manatees, and more. A wall of windows allows awesome views of the beach and Captiva Pass. Adjacent to four acres of Federal Wildlife Preserve, the property feels peaceful and secluded. Explore the private, undeveloped land by taking a walk on one of the nature trails.

An Island Club guest membership is also included with this rental, so you can take advantage of amenities as well as free bike and kayak rentals. Unlike the rest of the North Captiva Island vacation rentals listed above, this one does not include a golf cart rental, but you can book one starting at $50 a day.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 4

Sleeps: 8

Minimum Night Stay: 7

While the Gypsy Wind Beach Retreat is not on the beach, it is just 30 steps from the warm inviting waters of the gulf. Surrounded by tropical landscaping, this vacation rental offers more privacy than some oceanfront homes. It also boasts stunning, unobstructed sunset views.

Lounge in the lanai by the pool, unwind in the hot tub, and mix up something tropical in the tiki bar. Other features include an elevator, hammocks, corn hole, foosball, two six-passenger golf carts, two standup paddle boards, and two kayaks each for two people.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 5.5

Sleeps: 14

Minimum Night Stay: 7

Boasting spectacular sea views, this North Captiva Island retreat is just 50 steps from the gulf, with private access to the beach. Jaw-dropping views get more spectacular on each floor, topped off by 360-degree sunrise views on the rooftop. No other homes interrupt this private beachfront lot's vistas. Watch the sunset from the jacuzzi. A six-seater golf cart is included. As with the rest of the North Captiva Island vacation rentals listed here, dockage is available at the Safety Harbor Club wharf for a fee, if you plan on bringing a boat.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 4

Sleeps: 6

Minimum Night Stay: 7

This four-bedroom North Captiva Island vacation rental isn't on the beach, but it is on the water, which is great for boat docking and fishing. It also has a heated pool, cabana bar, and decks on all levels. Watch the sunset and stargaze on the observation deck, which offers amazing views over the state parkland and Safety Harbor. Two golf carts are provided so you can explore the island. Hike, kayak, enjoy adult frozen drinks, do some seashell-searching, float in the pool, and catch fish right off the dock!

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 4.5

Sleeps: 12

Minimum Night Stay: Varies

Boasting 75 feet of private, white-sand gulf beach, this five-bedroom North Captiva vacation rental also features a heated swimming pool and a dock on a private canal. The house offers 360-degree views of the gulf and bay sides of the island, while two large screened-in lanais offer expansive views of the pool and Gulf of Mexico. Ping pong and volleyball equipment are provided as are 12 beach chairs, three umbrellas, four single kayaks, and two standup paddle boards. Paddle to the sandbar, just a third of a mile offshore, for some fabulous shelling!

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 5.5

Sleeps: 12

Minimum Night Stay: Varies

Moving on to Captiva Island, which is connected to Sanibel by a small bridge, this three-bedroom vacation rental is part of the Silver Palms Estate, which is tucked away on the Roosevelt Channel. It does have a private dock the boat lifts are out of service, but it makes for great fishing. Take advantage of the heated pool and enjoy access to Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa, only half a mile away. This place is dog-friendly for an additional fee.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3.5

Sleeps: 9

Minimum Night Stay: 7

This four-bedroom Captiva Island vacation rental boasts beautiful bay views. Take in breathtaking sunrises from the covered lanai, enjoy the pool and hot tub, and fish off the private dock.

Village of Captiva restaurants, rental stores, and retail shops are all within walking distance. A short walk through the village takes you to the beach, where you can experience postcard-worthy Captiva Island sunsets.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 4

Sleeps: 8

Minimum Night Stay: Varies

This four-bedroom Captiva Island vacation home offers private, pristine beachfront with white sand, shells, and sea turtle and dolphin sightings. It also has a huge terrace, pool, and hot tub. A cabana lies between the pool and beach, offering stellar sunset views over the water.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 4

Sleeps: 12

Minimum Night Stay: 7

On the southern end of Captiva, on the island's sought-after Gold Coast, this vacation rental is situated on the bay, directly across from gulf beaches. Watch dolphins, manatees, and birds from the screened lanai or the third-floor observation sun deck. Not only is there a heated pool with a spa, but the island's most beautiful stretch of gulf beaches is just a short stroll away.

Captiva's world-renowned wildlife eco-paradise, Blind Pass, can be reached via the Roosevelt Channel. Explore the waterways by kayak or paddle board off the private dock. Signup for guided mangrove eco-tours at nearby nature centers. Captiva's most famous restaurants and the Sanibel bike path are within close proximity to this five-bedroom bayfront estate.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 6

Sleeps: 10

Minimum Night Stay: 7

Finally, we're in Sanibel! Situated on the popular east end of the island, this two-bedroom condo is on the first floor. Just steps from the beach, it offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf Beach condo complex offers a heated pool and covered parking.

Two bikes are included for tooling around the island. The Sanibel Lighthouse, fishing pier, and many wonderful restaurants and shops are all just a short distance away.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 6

Minimum Night Stay: 7

This luxurious two-bedroom rental offers sweeping viewsof the gulf. Sip your morning coffee on the screened-in lanai and listen to the waves while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as birds and dolphins.

Community amenities include a heated pool and tennis courts. One parking space and a bike rack are provided. Restaurants, grocery stores, and plenty of walking and biking trails can all be found close by.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Sleeps: 6

Minimum Night Stay: 14

Visit link:

13 Beautiful Sanibel And Captiva Island Vacation Rentals With Amazing Water Views - TravelAwaits

W

ith 700 islands and 2,400 cays of which only 30 are inhabited endless crystal clear waters, pearl-white sandy beaches and swimming pigs, the Bahamas is the ultimate holiday destination.

Heres where to eat, sleep and what to do in this island paradise.

Food & Drink

Fresh cracked conch

Bahamian cuisine is a fusion of West African, European and American, and naturally features plenty of seafood dishes. When you hold a conch (pronounced "konk") shell to your ear, you can hear the ocean but while youre on the islands, do try the delicious conch meat, too.

Cracked conch with pigeon peas and rice is the national dish. Cracked simply means coated in batter and deep fried, while pigeon peas and rice are cooked with salted pork, bell peppers, onions, celery, tomato paste, coconut milk, thyme, and other seasonings. The delicious dish is best enjoyed washed down with an ice-cold Yellow Bird, a popular and refreshing local cocktail that is made with light and dark rum (or coconut rum), Galliano, a sweet herbal liqueur, and tropical fruits.

Finish things off with a Guava Duff, a steamed pudding that consists of dough rolled up into a roulade with diced guava fruit spread into it and topped with a tasty rum custard sauce, its by far the most popular dessert on the islands. Do also indulge in the Caribbean tradition of Johnny Cakes, which are traditionally made with cornmeal, butter, milk and sugar. Once baked golden brown, they have the texture of something between bread and cake, which is why they are also known as Johnny Bread.

Overdone it on the rum cocktails? Chicken Souse is a popular breakfast dish that is also hailed as a great hangover cure. Its a clear broth soup made of chicken wings, potatoes, goat peppers, onions, celery, seasoned with lime juice, hot chilli peppers, and allspice to give the soup its signature flavour. Another traditional breakfast staple is Fire Engine, a dish of corned beef cooked in tomato paste and herbs, served with rice or grits.

The best way to enjoy all of these local bites the an authentic way? Embark on a feasting food tour at Arawak Cay in Nassau.

See & Do

The Bahamas is famous for its swimming pigs

Swimming with animals is one of the best things you can do in the Bahamas from swimming with pigs, dolphins, and turtles to sharks or simply hanging out with flamingos at the beach.

Combine it with a boat tour that will take you to several different places in one day. Blue Lagoon Island is a great spot for swimming with dolphins, whereas Paradise Beach is a good place to spot flamingos. And do try and fit in some snuba diving while youre at it, its a fun combination of scuba diving and snorkelling.

Swimming with sharks in turquoise Bahamian waters

If youre after a spot of retail therapy, head over to the Nassau Straw Market. Another cute and colourful marketplace is Port Lucaya in Freeport on Grand Bahama island.

Once youve spent a few days discovering the different islands, you might want to take things a little slower. Head to The Cloister in Nassau, where youll find the medieval ruins of a 14th century French monastery, or enjoy the lush greenery of the Versailles Gardens of Bahamas on Paradise Island. On the latter youll also find a huge water park.

Stay

Looking for the ultimate secluded escape? Head to Kamalame Cay, a serene private island off the Andros Great Barrier Reef. Youll be rewarded with a chilled island vibe, with calm beaches and private bungalows which feel like youre on your very own private island retreat. To get there, fly into Andros airport, then take a taxi to the port, and finally a short boat ride across to the island.

Prefer to be in the thick of it all? Check into The Atlantis on Paradise Island. The popular resort offers various different accommodation options which are all interconnected and built around a water adventure park. The most relaxed option here is The Cove, which even has its own slice of beach, a row of cosy cabanas and private access to two adult-only pools fun fact, Casino Royale was filmed here.

Read more:

The Bahamas travel guide: what to see, do, eat, and where to stay - Evening Standard

Hayman Es Hayman Island, Whitsundays, Qld 4802

For Sale 4 Beds 4 Baths 2821 SQM

Standing proudly on one of Australias most iconic private islands, the prestigious Hayman Estate designed by world-renowned, award-winning architect Kerry Hill, is simply one of the most exclusive residences on Australias East Coast.

As part of the two year A$135 million refurbishment of Hayman Island Resort, this unbelievable hilltop retreat presents the pinnacle of luxurious island living capturing breathtaking views over the Coral Sea.

You would struggle to find a more impressive location where all the wonders of the Whitsundays Islands are waiting to be explored and the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is at your beck and call.

Crafted to the very highest standard of timeless modern elegance, an immaculate design is both grand and minimalist crafted with sleek lines, solid timber floors, natural stone finishes and premium fixtures and fittings.

An effortlessly free-flowing open plan is the perfect complement to the beauty of the natural surroundings, seamlessly marrying indoor living spaces with peaceful entertaining terraces.

The unrivalled 5-star luxury amenities of next doors InterContinental Hayman Island Resort are also at your disposal including a world-class health spa, 24-hour gym with pilates and yoga, magnificent restaurants and bars and a marina berth for vessels up to 34 metres.

All your desires are catered to whether thats a butler, chef or housekeeper a mere phone call will take care of it. Neither maintenance nor servicing of this tropical residence is a worry, the hotel handles it for you.

Secluded, private and unimaginably luxurious, there isnt another dream island resort like this on Australias East Coast.

Read the original post:

Simply One of the Most Exclusive Residences in the Spectacular Whitsundays - The Market Herald

But even though Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio stood with Greatrex at the podium on Tuesday, local lawmakers are now questioning whether the investment will do much good after what they called years of underinvestment.

Representative Deborah Ruggiero, a Jamestown Democrat who has advocated for broadband access expansion on the island, said that while its commendable Cox is finally upgrading their infrastructure, it didnt seem like enough of an investment.

Get Rhode MapA weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State.

When you break down the $20 million among four communities over three years, it is $1.6 million (per year). How is that not routine maintenance that should have been happening over the past eight to 10 years? If they are really deploying last mile fiber to 35,000 households as they mentioned, the cost would be close to $50 million, said Ruggiero, who leads the House Innovation, Internet, and Technology committee. The numbers dont work, and where exactly are those households?

Rhode Island will receive at least $100 million in federal funding through the Infrastructure & Jobs Act to expand broadband access, and could use millions more from the American Rescue Plan. But Ruggiero said the state should enact a proposal she has introduced for the last several years to create a state council and more effectively advocate for the states broadband needs instead of relying on the a provider like Cox.

Jeff Lavery, a spokesman for Cox, told the Globe on Thursday that the company was disappointed, but not surprised, to see the statements issued by Ruggiero.

Ruggiero has continued to focus on municipal-owned networks that create great risk and vulnerability for taxpayers, he said. Our investment in infrastructure allows for federal and state dollars to be utilized to address broadband adoption and digital equity.

Timothy O. Wilkerson, president of the New England Cable & Telecommunications Association, Inc., said in a statement to the Globe that Ruggiero is committed to an agenda that puts the taxpayers on the hook to develop and maintain municipal owned networks.

What she hasnt explained to the taxpayers of Jamestown is that once the federal broadband money runs out they will be responsible for upgrading and maintaining the system, said Wilkerson, who said New England is littered with municipal-owned networks that have failed and wasted precious public resources.

Do Jamestown residents want to be calling Town Hall when their internet goes out? he asked. Who will restore these municipal systems after a hurricane? How many employees will be required to pay for these duplicative systems?

After learning about Wilkersons comments, Ruggiero shot back: Any municipality considering public-private broadband development would have to due diligence and put pencil to paper to see if the project is viable for the community.

The municipality may own the infrastructure (like a road or a bridge), but a private company (Cox, Comcast, etc.) provides the internet service, she said. Critically, the infrastructure is open access, meaning multiple companies can offer service on it, so customers have choices for internet service.

Obviously, you will not be calling Town Hall if you have an internet problem. You would still call your internet provider, said Ruggiero, who said the community-owned networks that existed three decades ago may not have worked, but now, across the US, there are hundreds of successful public-private partnerships driving municipal broadband projects.

Rhode Island is one of only two states that has not been in this game for the past eight years, she said.

A recent study by Connect Greater Newport found that 40 percent of the populated square miles of Rhode Island meet the federal definition of underserved when it comes to broadband speed. All of the islands are either underserved or have no broadband access at all, said Ruggiero.

Broadband, which is reliable high-speed internet, has download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second, or Mbps, and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps. According to the Federal Communications Commission, broadband can be delivered through multiple technologies, including fiber, fixed wireless, digital subscriber line, or cable.

Over the last decade, about 80 percent of students in Rhode Island needed Internet to complete their homework and 90 percent of job applications were online. Yet nearly 59,000 families in Rhode Island, or more than 14.2 percent of households, were not connected to the Internet and approximately 10 percent of households only had access to a smartphone or data plan.

In 2010, the state used public funding to construct a 48-strand fiberoptic broadband highway that would connect to businesses and homes across the state. Building the last mile connections to customers was left to Cox, which now controls the entire infrastructure.

Representative Terri Cortvriend, a Middletown Democrat, said many of her constituents have complained that their cable and internet bills have seen significant increases over the last few months, despite poor service.

Is this really enough money to address the years of neglect? What I find interesting is Cox is saying, Internally, the company had to wait for the infrastructure to be available for the build-out, said Cortvriend. Are they saying they had to wait for the federal dollars to be available before theyd actually do upgrades on Aquidneck Island?

When pressed on what commitments Cox would make in underserved communities, Ross Nelson, senior vice president and region manager of the Northeast for Cox, told the Globe that he agreed there are disparities, but thats because of a lack of adoption, not availability.

Municipalities, unlike private companies, answer to the taxpayers. Municipalities can also bond over 20 to 30 years to pay for infrastructure so you build an entire community instead of waiting years for the cable company to show up, said Ruggiero.

Lavery, the Cox spokesman, said all Rhode Island taxpayers are at risk when the federal dollars are allocated to constructing redundant infrastructure that cannot possibly be maintained by municipalities once the federal dollars are exhausted.

Wilkerson said his organization will work with the McKee administration and General Assembly to ensure this bad public policy of municipal-owned networks is never developed in Rhode Island.

It is baffling any elected official would be so critical of a nine-figure investment in a states infrastructure, and it sends a terrible message to the business community inside and outside of Rhode Islands borders, said Wilkerson.

Representative Lauren H. Carson, a Newport Democrat, said after hearing about poor quality internet service and rising costs over the last five years, its time that there was competition on Aquidneck Island.

While Cox is finally recognizing the concerns after years of neglect, these new plans for improving service fall woefully short of actually relieving costs and providing any competition on the island, said Carson. Its really a PR smokescreen.

Alexa Gagosz can be reached at alexa.gagosz@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @alexagagosz and on Instagram @AlexaGagosz.

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Aquidneck Island lawmakers call Coxs broadband investment in R.I. a PR stunt after years of neglect - The Boston Globe