Category Archives: Private Islands

I went on a seven-day cruise embarking from the Nassau cruise port in the Bahamas and visited Royal Caribbean's private island Perfect Day at Coco Cay, as well as the islands of Grand Bahama and Cozumel, Mexico.

This was my first time taking a solo trip in almost two years.

I started my own hospitality company during the pandemic and am a travel blogger, so it's been a very taxing year maybe not as taxing as it's been for a medical professional, but working in the tourism industry and watching people's livelihoods go up in flames has been hard.

Because of the Bahamas' regulations, you had to be vaccinated for the cruise unless you were a child. You also had to apply for a Bahamian health certificate through the Bahamian government two weeks before embarking with all of your passport and vaccine information ready. I had mine accepted within a day and it cost $40.

Then we found out three or four days before our cruise that they were going to provide us with antigen rapid tests as well.

You got there and brought the barcode you used to register for the test, you took your test, and then you had results within 20 to 40 minutes and were able to board. We were also tested again a couple days before the end of the cruise.

We were all kind of waiting to see if anyone got sick because Royal Caribbean said they'd inform us if anyone tested positive for COVID-19, but it seemed that no one had an issue. I know there's been positive cases on other cruises, but it's going to happen anywhere a hotel or a ship.

Masks were required for the crew but not for guests. I kept one on me in case I got in a tighter situation like an elevator and used it occasionally. I also had to have one to obey the masks laws for whichever port we were in. So in Cozumel, for example, until we were seated at a restaurant, we had to wear a mask.

I think they're still figuring out which procedures really work.

For example, you could sit at the swim-up bar in the pool, but you couldn't sit at a bar on the ship.

They held a dance party one night, and instead of hosting it in one of the lounges, they had it at the ice-skating arena where there was more space. And they had these lights shining on the floor so you could see where your area was.

Some activities were missing Royal Caribbean does a fun adults-only scavenger hunt that it wasn't able to host with social distancing. For karaoke, they were cleaning the microphone between people. For the classes, they had spaced-out seating. Things were just done differently.

Also, unless your reservation was linked to another guest's, you couldn't dine together. So I saw one of my friends at the restaurant, and our reservations were about 40 minutes apart, but he couldn't come to my table and eat with me. But he could order a drink and sit at the opposite side of my table, which was funny.

I went with a friend and had about 25 friends on board, but if I was sailing by myself and didn't know a soul, it would have been a little more difficult to socialize because of the protocols.

I'll almost be sad to see when things go back to normal because you never had to wait for an elevator or look for a pool seat.

The staff was really great and eager to have everyone back on board. Every single person, no matter which hall or promenade you were walking through, said, "Hello, thank you for sailing with us again."

You could see they were very cautious because their jobs depended on it. At one point, a server tripped and spilled some wine in the restaurant and started crying. You could tell they were on edge and wanted to make sure things went great, but they're always going above and beyond anyway.

It's still a struggle for the people in the Bahamas and Cozumel, which are two of the biggest cruise ports. A lot of the businesses aren't open, and my favorite car-rental place in Cozumel had to end its lease right at the port because it couldn't support it anymore and moved down the street.

One day, I got back on the ship, sat on my balcony, and just started crying. I was so beside myself and texting my husband and my friend saying "I just feel so bad" because there are people just begging you to come shop.

I wish I could have spent even more money than I did, and thankfully, everyone in my group felt the same way. Tourism can't come back fast enough.

I was all in my feels. It broke my heart.

I'm also glad I'm scheduled for another cruise in August out of Florida because I'm interested in seeing how that sailing is. In Florida, it's now illegal to ask to see someone's vaccination record, so the cruise line will instead have additional testing and a different onboard experience.

My husband and I might even book a last-minute sailing in July.

Link:

I went on Royal Caribbean's 7-day vaccinated cruise to the Bahamas - Business Insider

Going on vacation may feel like a distant memory as travel restrictions continue to put paid to our plans, but Netflix is serving us with a brand new show to fulfill our travel needs.

The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals is an eight-part series on Netflix, showcasing 24 of the world's weirdest and wackiest places to stay on vacation.

With the help of three experts: Million Dollar Listing's star Luis D. Ortiz, interior designer Megan Batoon and travel influencer Jo Franco, viewers get to explore inside some of the world's most incredible vacation rentals.

From treehouses to private islands and even a cave condo, there's something for all tastes and budgets on this innovative new show.

And, what's better is all of the rentals are available to rent on platforms like Airbnb, so you can add them straight to your bucket list.

(Image credit: Netflix )

Each of the experts is in charge of bringing something slightly different to the show, with Luis Ortiz championing luxury properties, Megan ensuring she's finding style on an affordable budget and Jo who is keen to add a slice of something differentfocussing on properties that are entirely out-of-the-box.

You'll see the trio travel to a beach house in Bali, a private island in the Bahamas, an igloo in Finland and so many more incredible places. It's enough to give you instant FOMO.

More from woman&home: Wild camping in Scotlandeverything you need to know The best lodges with hot tubs, don't miss these Scottish gems Bare all on the UK's best nudist beaches for families and couples

(Image credit: Netflix)

With the world opening up again and the prospect of travel back on the cardsjust how easy is it to find your own hidden gem on Airbnb?

Whether it's for a cosy staycation or something further afield, travel blogger, Jo, told Architectural Digest, "Everywhere we went, I would look geographically where most people havent gone."

As is happening with the van life travel trend, rather than follow the path well-travelled, look outside the box.

"That is my trick. Avoid the top-10 list and look for the people, culture, and festivals. Sometimes that is the catalyst to get you somewhere you might not otherwise go."

(Image credit: Netflix )

Stream The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals on Netflix now. But be warned, there are only eight episodesdon't binge them all at once!

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If you love travel then Netflix's The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals is your next watch - Woman & Home

For many years the Balearic Islands have been a tourism hotspot. Made up of four larger islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera - along with numerous minor islands - they have been where holiday-makers flock to for sun, sand and day-parties.

But in order to combat a mass influx of tourists yearly, the islands tourist board decided to regulate the laws surrounding tourist rentals, thus curbing the number of tourists flocking to the islands.

In 2016 it was announced that the Balearic Parliament would create a new tax which would apply to stays in tourist accommodations. Although small (between 1- 4 per person/per day) the idea was that this would hopefully offset people looking to come to the island for a short period of time, instead encouraging more meaningful trips as after nine days the tax was discounted by 50 per cent.

This tax has proved highly profitable for the Balearic economy with some 104 million raised in 2019 and a further 270 million raised since the tax was implemented.

A year later in 2017, the Balearic Parliament added more regulations.

Deemed an unregulated sector by then Tourism Minister Biel Barcelo, the laws passed directly appeased many from the islands who were experiencing the negative effects of Mallorcas mass tourism.

They have also capped the number of beds available to tourists on the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza to 623,624.

The new laws indicated that rentals via the sites Airbnb and HomeAway had to be licensed and registered with the Balearic Government and that failure to comply could result in a fine of up to 400.000 for the big businesses.

Individuals who rent out their personal abodes are only allowed to do so for a maximum of 60 days per year.

The Government has also banned the use of residential buildings being used as rentals - unless the building is in a rural location.

These rules have meant that it has been harder for people to rent out their secondary private accommodations for long periods of time, thus curbing the levels of tourists on individual islands.

The Balearic Islands are placing the money made via taxes back into sustainable means.

The projects, selected by a Committee for Sustainable Tourism made up of Balearic officials, economic stakeholders and other organisations with a vested interest in the island's sustainability journey.

In Majorca, one of the smaller islands, windmills play a massive part in its heritage and as result a grant of up to 15,000 was made available to windmill landowners in order to fund labour endeavours.

The fund has also offered up 780,000 out of a 1.2 million bill to help renovate a building in the UNSECO Tramuntana mountain range which is now being used as a hostel for hikers, cyclists and active holidaymakers.

In 2021, the Government hopes to use part of the fund to create a new app to educate holiday makers about the Balearics marine ecosystem.

Visit link:

Taxing tourists is helping the Balearic islands to give back to sustainable initiatives - Euronews

New Englands coastline is dotted with idyllic islands where flawless beaches are abundant and natural beauty is around every bend. Low-key island pleasures include salty sea swims, sandy sunset strolls and eating fresh seafood at casual lobster shacks.

It's a low-impact getaway, as a bicycle or your own two feet are favored methods of transportation. Islands have a remote, rustic feel and sense of seclusion thats a balm for these times. In truth, theyre easily accessible via causeway or breezy ferry ride.

If you're looking to satisfy your wanderlust on a getaway with plenty of nautical charm, consider these 10 scenic islands, all with hotels for a comfortable overnight stay.

Acadia National Park's rocky shores Photo courtesy of Visit Maine

Mount Desert Island is Maines largest coastal island. Home to Acadia National Park, its beauty is so intense it borders on mystical. Hikers, cyclists and horseback riders will find trails interlaced with wide carriage roads carpeted with crushed stones, winding past ponds and woodlands.

These Atlantic waters are a tad chilly for many swimmers, though nature cruises and lobster boat rides put you in pole position to glimpse seals, porpoises and whales frolicking.

Stay: Overlooking Frenchman's Bay in Bar Harbor, Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina is a relaxed retreat at Acadia National Parks doorstep.

Mohegan Bluffs Photo courtesy of Visit Rhode Island

Block Island is a nautical paradise with 17 miles of sandy beach, hundreds of freshwater ponds and water so blue that you might think youre in the Caribbean. With over 250 bird species landing here annually, its an avian wonderland. A web of walkways connects miles of unspoiled habitat with stunning vistas. Ponder the immensity of Mohegan Bluffs and hike rolling trails at Rodmans Hollow.

Foodies shouldnt miss a meal at Champlins Galley House, where the chef spins magic with just-caught seafood.

Stay: Overlooking Crescent Beach, Block Island Beach House has vintage-inspired rooms with sea views and a wrap-around porch. Warm hospitality wraps it in a bow.

Great Diamond Island Photo courtesy of Colwen Hotels

Great Diamond Island was once a retreat for American literary greats such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Today, visitors may explore this car-free jewels Casco Bay landscapes and maritime tranquility on a bike or golf cart. Sheltered beaches, old-growth forest and historic Fort McKinley are just a speedy ferry ride from Portlands Old Port district.

Stay: Inn at Diamond Cove offers 44 condo-style units. A heated pool, firepit, tennis courts and restored turn-of-the-century duckpin bowling alley are surrounded by peaceful walking trails.

Edgartown Lighthouse Photo courtesy of Brand USA, Amon Focus

Old-fashioned lighthouses and pristine beaches are some of Marthas Vineyards seaside charms. Enchanting villages include Edgartown, its narrow lanes framed with dignified Greek revival homes once inhabited by whaling captains.

Kids (and kids at heart) will enjoy a ride on a painted pony at Oak Bluffs Flying Horses Carousel and a nostalgic nibble at Murdicks Fudge, where theyve used the same delicious candy recipes since 1887.

Stay: Edgartown Inns village location and farmhouse aesthetic are a winning combination.

Rocky beach on Peaks Island Photo courtesy of Visit Maine

Just a 17-minute ferry ride from Portland, Peaks Island feels a million miles away. Its a close-knit community with both rocky and sandy beaches and a quirky Umbrella Cover Museum, which is exactly what it sounds like. Swim or kayak to Catnip Island from Sandy Beach for an easy adventure.

Simple pleasures include enjoying a cup of island-roasted coffee at Peaks Island Coffee Roasters and a just-baked cinnamon bun at Peaks Caf.

Stay: Inn on Peaks offers seven cottage-style rooms with Jacuzzi tubs and private decks.

Steps Beach Photo courtesy of Jamie Holmes

Nantuckets cranberry bogs and windswept bluffs paint a dreamy panorama. Understated elegance and 82 miles of enviable coastline help to explain why loyal beachcombers return each year.

Shady bike paths are ideal for cycling. Pedal to Siasconset, a fairytale hamlet brushed with rose-covered cottages. Stop by the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum and view unique hand-woven rattan and wood baskets that have been made here for centuries.

Stay: Occupying a prime in-town location, boutique Greydon House offers 20 stylish rooms.

Monhegan Island cottages Photo courtesy of Visit Maine

Monhegan Island is a rocky haven where lobster traps line unpaved roads leading to yesteryear villages, verdant meadows and high ocean cliffs. Known for its robust art community, watch artists create in their studios, visit a crafts co-op, and explore Monhegan Museum of Art & History. Build an appetite traversing miles of hiking trails and sample some of Maines freshest lobster.

Stay: Fall asleep to the sound of the sea at Monhegan House, a simple bed and breakfast with 26 rooms and lighthouse views.

View of New Castle Photo courtesy of Wentworth by the Sea

Located off New Hampshires 17-mile sliver of seacoast, New Castle captivates. Visit Fort Constitutions Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and soak in history, as the American Revolutions first victory took place here. Stop by Great Island Common, a shoreline green space with sailboats breezing by.

Connected by bridge to neighboring Rye and Portsmouth, its perfectly situated to investigate Portsmouths dynamic food scene or jump waves at Jenness State Beach.

Stay: Upscale Wentworth by the Sea is nestled on flower-filled grounds with harbor views, swimming pools and delectable dining options.

Vinalhaven's granite shores Photo courtesy of Visit Maine

In the middle of Penobscot Bay sits Vinalhaven, an oasis of pink-hued granite that was once used to build important monuments throughout America. Home to one of Maines most lucrative fleets of lobster boats, its a working island with a vital year-round population that swells in summer.

Known for its commitment to conservation, the island's patchwork of walking trails is an excellent way to soak in suggestive scenery. When its time to cool off, jump in crystal-clear water at one of two refreshing swimming holes, Booths Quarry and Lawsons Quarry.

Stay: The Tidewater offers homey rooms, some with private terraces.

View from the inn's porch Photo courtesy of Chebeaugue Island Inn

Postcard-pretty Chebeague island is Casco Bays largest unconnected island. Crab traps hang from the dock, local children fish for striped bass, and harbor seals sun themselves on nearby rocks. At low tide, stroll over to Little Chebeague Island via sandbar. Come in summer and pick abundant wild blueberries until your fingers are stained purple.

Stay: Chebeague Island Inn has been thoughtfully restored to capture Maines commitment to fine craftsmanship. Stone fireplaces and local artwork give sense of place.

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Escape to one of these 10 New England islands for your next vacation - USA Today 10Best

Known as urban heat islands, the NOAA says more concrete and fewer trees can make some neighborhoods hotter than others.

WASHINGTON Extreme heat kills more Americans than any other weather event, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. But some neighborhoods are more at risk than others.

Known as the urban heat island effect, paved, dark surfaces, like roads and buildings, absorb and radiate more heat than natural landscapes with trees and grass, driving up local temperatures, said Monica Allen with the NOAA. On days when local temperatures climb above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the additional heat emitted by paved and concrete structures can produce dangerously hot conditions in certain neighborhoods.

According to a recent nationwide study, neighborhoods subjected to historical redlining typically lack green space and suffer most from urban heat islands. The study found that 94% of formerly redlined areas, which remain mostly lower income communities of color, are exposed to higher temperatures than non-redlined, affluent areas.

The mapping campaigns provide a roadmap to help communities alleviate these disparities by identifying specific locations where heat-mitigating interventions could save lives, said Vivek Shandas, study co-author and Portland State University Climate Adaptation Professor.

For the last four years, a national public-private partnership has collaborated with local city government leaders and partnering organizations to map their cities hottest places on the hottest days of summer. The mapping effort aims to identify and help communities in need and engage those communities in discussion that lead to change.

Volunteers across the country have been collecting temperature data.

Researchers at Portland State University have used the data collected over the last four years by volunteers to map urban heat islands.

Shandas said there are multiple causes of the heat islands -- but it comes down to how cities are built.

One of the things that keeps coming up is the historic processes that have created these neighborhoods," he said. "Some neighborhoods with lots of green space, other neighborhoods with very little, some neighborhoods with large buildings that amplify heat with large roads, like freeways or large developments, like industrial facilities that actually absorb the sun's Sun's solar radiation and remit it back out, creating this real amplification of temperatures at that local level."

When it comes to why cities across the country are heating up, scientists point to climate change.

The Union of Concerned Scientists said in the last 30 years, D.C. has reported about seven days with a heat index of 100 degrees or hotter.

Senior social scientist for climate vulnerability at the Union of Concerned Scientists, Juan Declet-Barreto, said if we do not take climate action, D.C. could see 41 of those days by the 2060's.

We got there through unabated carbon emissions, right, thrown away with greenhouse gases through the failure of collectively addressing as a country as a planet," he said. "The greenhouse gas emissions are warming the planet.

He said we have to take climate action now to just slow the trend. He hopes the federal infrastructure plan provides resources to help higher risk neighborhoods fight climate change.

The heat is building this week, with some of the hottest weather of the year forecast through Wednesday.

D.C. is currently under a heat emergency through Wednesday. Heat indices will soar to 100 degrees by Tuesday and Wednesday.

See the article here:

Some neighborhoods in DC can be 20 degrees hotter than other areas. Here's why - WUSA9.com

Love Island returns to screens this week, with a new crop of contestants looking for romance in the Spanish sunshine.

For the 2021 series cast and crew have returned to sun-soaked Mallorca to film.

The villa for series 7 is in the picturesque village of Sant Lloren des Cardassar on the Balearic island of Mallorca, and show host Laura Whitmore gave fans a sneak peek inside this week at the new decor.

In a video she showed people around the amazing outdoor spaces with "the best views of Mallorca" as well as a swimming pool and hot-tub.

Outside there are also selfie mirrors, swing seats and day beds for "those intimate chats", while inside the "kitchen is ready for toasties", while the bedroom has some cheeky new headboards.

The lounge is the new home for the doghouse, while The Hideaway, where lovebirds go for some private time, has some "new secret drawers".

The new series of Love Island comes after it was postponed for a year due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

The last series to take place was the winter edition which started in January 2020 taking place in South Africa which was won by Paige Turley and Finley Tapp.

While the villa is indeed a stunning space for a holiday, unfortunately when not in use for Love Island it is a private residence not currently listed for rental so cannot be booked for holidays.

But there are a range of private hire villas and hotels in the same picturesque village of Sant Llorent des Cardassar.

The Love Island 2021 contestant pictures are soon to be released and we want to start getting excited.

If you haven't already noticed, every year certain retailers launch dupes of all our favourite Love Island merchandise.

Etsy- The retailer has a page with tonnes of sellers doing Love Island Bottles with personalised names on

NotOnTheHighStreet- personalised towels on the popular show become a must have every summer

eBay- You can get suitcase stickers like the islanders at eBay

Amazon- You can even get a Love Island board game at Amazon here to couple up and battle it out!

Not forgetting, head to the IsawItFirst pages for all the fashionable must haves you will see this years contestants wearing, as the fashion brand has once again partnered with the popular ITV show.

From Wednesday June 30, the Balearic Islands will be on the government's green list for travel which means UK residents are able to holiday there without the need for quarantine on return.

However, Spanish authorities have today updated their travel guidance to state that anyone not fully vaccinated from the UK will need to have a negative Covid-19 PCR test to enter from Wednesday, June 30.

Mallorca, or Majorca as it is also known, is the largest of the Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean Sea.

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Where is the Love Island villa and can I stay there? - Manchester Evening News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more:

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

We live in an area where beauty surrounds us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Did you always want a real estate career?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

***

Contact Brigitte Surette at bsurette@postandcourier.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Yugo

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

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Yugo Private Aviation expands in Southeast Asia - Business Wire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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