Category Archives: Private Islands

Without more than $50 billion to his name, Bloomberg would almost certainly be running a campaign like another late-entrant, former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, who hasnt been heard from since filing for the New Hampshire primary a couple of months ago.

Bloombergs political strategy has always been built on the belief that nothing succeeds like excess. If he wants it, he can buy it, and money is no object.

Its a free country, and Bloomberg can spend as much money as he likes on whatever suits his fancy. No one should try to stop him from doing it through campaign-finance laws or other rules. In the scheme of things, lavishing tens of millions on your own presidential campaign is probably worthier than lavishing it on private islands, antique car collections, or yachts.

But Bloomberg 2020 is still an affront to small-d democratic sensibilities, a tribute not to his superior political skills or messaging compared with the other candidates, but his access to a personal bank account that the rest of them lack.

The level of his spending is truly astonishingCroesus goes all in on Super Tuesday. Hes spent more than $300 million on various forms of advertising. By the end, hes going to make the profligate self-funder Tom Steyerwho managed to pointlessly buy himself onto the Democratic debate stage and won about 1.7 percent of the popular vote in Iowalook like a spendthrift. Hes promising to double his spending after the delayed, inconclusive Iowa caucuses results.

Bloomberg is running a presidential campaign that Curtis LeMay would love, carpet-bombing the airwaves every single day. Hes single-handedly changed the market for TV ads in many places in the country by soaking up so much TV time. He spent $10 million on a Super Bowl spot, or about half of what Joe Biden raised in the entire fourth quarter.

This is the Bloomberg way. He spent a quarter-of-a-billion dollars to become and stay New York mayor for three terms. He doled out $100 million on his last campaign alone, outspending his hapless rival, city comptroller William Thompson, by 14-1 and still barely eking out a victory. When it looked closer than expected, what did Bloomberg do? Dump money on even more last-minute radio and TV advertising, of course.

He was only eligible for a third term because he got a term-limit law changed, with the support of charities that he happened to make generous donations to. The brilliant historian Fred Siegel archly observed, The traditional politicians are bought by special interest groups, but Bloomberg buys special interest groups.

Hes replicating this approach in his presidential campaign. Many of his endorsers among mayors around the country just happen to represent cities that have enjoyed his largesse.

Whats wrong with all this, beyond the cynicism of thinking everything has a price tag? Maybe Bloomberg is right, that trying to go in and convince voters of your appeal at town hall events and meet-and-greets in places like Iowa and New Hampshire is for suckers. Certainly, all the candidates might wish they had spent less time in Iowa the past 12 months, given its caucus-night meltdown.

But there is much to be said for grassroots politics. It forces candidates to take account, up close and personal, of what their voters believe and want. As president, Abraham Lincoln devoted serious time to meeting with random people who showed up to see him, in what he called public-opinion baths. Lincoln believed these wearisome encounters served to renew in me a clearer and more vivid image of that great popular assemblage, out of which I sprang, and which at the end of two years I must return.

The candidate who does dozens upon dozens of these events must have the ability to inspire and impress, think on his feet, show endless patience and stamina. If hes not up for it, or is a pretender, he will inevitably be exposed. Surely one reason that Joe Biden had such a lackluster finish in Iowa is that he was tested in this crucible and founding wanting. Through its rigors, this kind of campaigning also produces, when a candidate truly finds a way to click, phenoms deeply bonded with their supporters like Barack Obama and Donald Trump (a semi-self-funder, but also a powerful grassroots candidate).

In comparison to everyone else out on the early-state hustings, Bloomberg is a Wizard of Oz candidate, shielded and inflated by his TV ads.

Another advantage of the traditional approach is that anyone can do it. Peter Buttigieg, the former major of a small Indiana town whom no one had heard of a year ago, finished at the top of the Iowa caucuses through sheer talent, tireless work and clever messaging. He didnt have to amass a personal fortune to make a venture in presidential politics, although hes been an adept fundraiser, exactly because hes connected with people.

All this said, perhaps Bloomberg will break all the rules and be the last man standing between Bernie Sanders and the cusp of the American presidency, in the form of a major party nomination. Then, Bloombergs spending might look to a lot of Democrats like a public service. There is also no denying that Bloomberg is a genuinely talented man, which is why his money hasnt been wasted like that of countless other self-funders and instead actually won him elections.

But this style of campaigning shouldnt be the norm. If Bloomberg succeeds, he will enrich many TV stations, consultants, pollsters and campaign workers, but impoverish our politics.

Read more:

Opinion | Why Bloombergs Extravagant Spending Goes Too Far - POLITICO

It feels like standing at the edge of the earth.

The Devils Bridge National Park is an ancient limestone peninsula on the Caribbean island Antiguas far east side, carved away by centuries upon centuries of tumultuous Atlantic waters. Each wave approaches the rocks, which form a natural-arch bridge, and within a split second sends a tower of white ocean spray soaring into the sky or shooting up via tiny geyser-like holes in the rock. With tremendous winds approaching from all sides, and sweeping vistas of tall grass jutting up from the jagged rocks, it can be a truly dramatic, almost extraterrestrial place to stand.

And yet, literally right next door to this national landmark is Hammock Cove Antigua, the newest entry in The Daily Beasts The New Room With a View series.

Beast Travel Digest

Get the entire world in your inbox.

When one thinks of an all-inclusive resort, the usual images are overrun family hotels with watered-down liquor, sub-par food, and repetitive activities. With Hammock Cove, hotelier Robert Barrett seeks to reinvent that image. The property feels exclusive, with only 42 villas along its protected waters, each with its own private plunge pool; uninterrupted and personalized service, thanks to round-the-clock ambassadors assigned to your villa; complimentary premium liquors and wine both in the room and throughout the resort; and luxury dining envisioned by a Michelin-trained chef (a romantic meal at the upscale Lighthouse restaurant is a must) and an ample wine list curated by a house sommelierall included.

Much of the resort pays tribute to the stone excavation site it was built on, as well as the island on which it resides. All colorsinside and out of your villaresemble the minerality of Hammock Coves land, and each rooms vaulted ceilings, soft white linens, and enormous rain-head showers evoke traditional Caribbean luxury. Local artists are featured throughout the hotel, most notably inside along a road underneath the main building leading to several of the villas.

The protected bay is shared with several other resorts straddling the shoreline and framing the dramatic cliffs overlooking the water, which has a gentle chop from being on the Atlantic side of an island. The majority of Hammock Coves villas overlook this bay and, while it may at times be noisy with the sounds of an adjacent family resorts beachfront, the wide-open waters provide coolly refreshing views from each rooms private patio.

And with such an all-inclusive experience, visitors may never want to leave Hammock Coves property. But Antiguaan up-and-comer compared to tourism giants like Jamaica and the Bahamasgives visitors plenty of reason to get out and explore.

Of course, theres the Devils Bridge. While Hammock Covewhich, full disclosure, brought this writer out to review the hotelis technically adjacent to the park its address is literally inside the park. Like many Caribbean islands, Antigua is still grappling with the brutal legacy of slavery and colonialism. Locals openly relay folktales and legends about families destroyed by enslavement, disease, or sugar profiteers.

The dramatic landmark itself is, in fact, a stark reminder of that past, its name being the result of urban legends about slaves being lured to the ancient formation by some devious power, ultimately meeting their demise by leaping off its rocky, wave-pounded edges.

But many of the islands landmarks are rife with the hope, pride, and sense of community Antiguans have for their land since its emancipation and governmental independence. The islands hilly terrain is dotted with churches, stuffed to the brim on Sundays, hymns radiating throughout the otherwise quiet streets. Old British fortsparticularly ones overlooking English Harbourare now lookouts to observe the islands natural beauty and learn about its people via various presentations.

The old gun battery at Shirley Heights is perhaps most famous, with its stunning westward views of the island and its role as host to Sunday evenings wildly popular parties featuring a massive steel drum band and throngs of people drinking rum punch and eating gigantic pork ribs or jerk chicken. And excursions to view the islands Caribbean sidewhich includes a hilly, lush rainforest and beautiful white-sand beaches like Turners Beachare a must.

But one could be forgiven for also spending as much time as humanly possible in your private villa at Hammock Cove.

Take it from this writer, hours can melt away ordering the included room servicerecommended: the burger with a house-selected beef blend, bleu cheese, and an onion jamto your private plunge pool while soaking, sunbathing, or lounging in your own hanging hammock chair. It would be understandable to get lost in the mesmerizing views, particularly when a squadron of brown pelicans methodically take turns dive-bombing into the bay to scoop up a fish, or fail and try over and over again.

Go here to read the rest:

Antigua's Newest Luxury, Adults-Only Retreat Is on the Edge of a National Park - Daily Beast

If this is your year to take that well-deserved cruise vacation, you are not alone. According to the Cruise Lines International Association global demand for cruising is expected to reach 32 million passengers in 2020, including a whopping 82 percent repeat factor.

Cruising offers travelers the ability to visit multiple far-flung destinations in total comfort with few (if any) hassles.

Due to steady growth, 24 ships are scheduled to debut in 2020, including new cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages and Ritz-Carlton plus several expedition ships being launched around the world.

Below is a list of my top cruising trends for this year :

Before you book your vacation, sit down and talk with an expert at your favorite travel agency. You want to be sure you are getting on the right ship, at the right price. Ask about special sales , promotions and added amenities. This includes: any 2 for 1 fares; free or discounted air programs; onboard incentives; complimentary dining choices; and the onboard entertainment/shore excursions.

You should also ask your travel agent about the onboard attire. Proper dining attire varies from ship to ship, depending on the itinerary and length of the voyage. Most cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes, but no one wants to get dressed up for dinner and find they are sitting next to another couple wearing t-shirts and sweatpants.

In addition, I would recommend flying to your embarkation port the day before the cruise and ask about all pre- and post-cruise hotel packages.

Here is a sampling of some of the cruise lines I have experienced and recommend:

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL (mass/contemporary). Theres a reason Royal Caribbean continues to be considered the best in the industry for hard-to-please teens. With many itineraries (Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda) on sale, Royal Caribbean is easy and convenient, with year-round sailings from Baltimore and New Jersey. Royal Caribbean boasts the biggest ships in the world, plus guests can enjoy two private islands, Coco Cay and Labadee.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE (mass/contemporary). If youre looking for nonstop fun, food and activities, youve found it onboard Carnival. I took my two granddaughters on Carnivals Horizon and Sunrise roundtrip NYC to Bermuda and we had a laugh-out-loud time, with 5,000 of our new best friends. Carnival is designed for families on a budget. There is literally something to do (and eat) every hour of the day and night. Activities include their first onboard roller coaster, a water park, parades and story times, a ropes course and much more. Carnival sails year round from Baltimore and NYC to Bermuda, Bahamas, Caribbean, and New England and Canada.

CELEBRITY CRUISES (premium). Celebrity Cruises will launch its 14th ship, the Apex, this April in Europe and reposition to Fort Lauderdale for seven-day Caribbean sailings this November. Celebrity Cruises mantra is modern luxury and its hip, cutting edge atmosphere resonates with travelers wanting upscale accommodations, award-winning dining venues, cocktail lounges and entertainment. The newly remodeled Celebrity Summit sails roundtrip to Bermuda from New Jersey and several ships cruising the Caribbean are on sale now through March. Ask about special sales to South America and New Zealand, and Celebrity Xpedition, offering the glamping in the Galapagos with dining, drinking and sleeping on the top deck.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE (premium). For more than 140 years Holland America has been a leader in the premium cruising category with 14 mid-size to large ships with gracious service. A great value for the money, Holland America was the first cruise line in Alaska. A terrific, multi-generational cruise vacation, Holland America has many trips on sale, particularly in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. Travelers looking to explore Canada and New England can check out several cruises between April and October. Ask about suite bookings and savings offering free drinks, dining and gratuities through Feb. 28.

OCEANIA CRUISES (premium plus). With six elegant, mid-size ships, Oceania offers fine dining under the direction of Master Chef Jacque Pepin. Oceania is an excellent choice for adults wanting a traditional, gracious and upscale experience. With a recent $100-million refurbishment, OceaniaNext will debut suites furnished exclusively with Ralph Lauren dcor. Ask about savings and all-inclusive options with O-Life Choices and special 2-for-1 fares and premium economy air upgrades on voyages to the Caribbean, Europe and the Baltics. Convenient sailings to New England, Canada & Bermuda roundtrip New York from July through October are on sale now.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS (luxury). The most all-inclusive cruise line in the luxury market, including free unlimited excursions, free intercontinental business class air, free wi-fi, free beverages, free transfers and so much more. The brand new Seven Seas Splendor debuts in February with Luxury Perfected promotions throughout 2020. Regent Seven Seas offers spacious suites and an outstanding level of service with all-inclusive voyages to Alaska, the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Caribbean and Asia on sale now. Ask about New York City cruises also on sale to Canada, New England, Eastern Seaboard, Bermuda and Transatlantic plus special kids pricing throughout the summer.

SEABOURN (luxury). Seabourn is an award-winning, ultra-luxury, all-inclusive and oh-so-stylish small ship cruise line for upscale and sophisticated travelers. With a private club atmosphere, the Seabourn fleet (5 ships) has taken onboard dining to a new level with the ongoing partnership with world-renowned American chef and restauranteur, Thomas Keller. Ask about Seabourns 2020 Signature Savings Event features exceptional savings with complimentary verandah upgrades, shipboard and air credits plus an array of value-added amenities throughout the year - especially in the Caribbean, Alaska and Asia. Ask about 2020 Alaska & British Columbia Ventures by Seabourn voyages with Zodiac up-close cruising and kayak excursions with Seabourns excellent expedition team. The official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage, Seabourn also offers onboard entertainment programs featuring An Evening with Sir Tim Rice and guests will sail with him on the April 8, 2020 voyage.

SILVERSEA CRUISES (luxury). With over 25-years in luxury small ships cruising, Silversea sails to over 900 destinations on all seven continents, more than any other cruise line. World renowned for devoted, discreet and experienced onboard service, Silversea is also the leader in luxury expedition and adventure cruising. Heading into 12 years of expedition cruising, Silversea 2020/2021 voyages will highlight both Polar Regions (Svalbard, Norway; Lake Myvatn, Iceland; Greenland and East Greenland; Antarctica; and the Falkland Islands) in the summer and winter. Silversea Silver Origin is the brand-new destination-specific ship sailing the Galapagos.

Lets Talk Travel with AAA, hosted by Sandy Fenton, is broadcast Saturdays 11 a.m.-noon on iHeartMedias WHP580. For more information, go to whp580.com and click on the link to Lets Talk Travel.

See more here:

Taking a cruise? Top trends and best bets for 2020: Fentons favorites - pennlive.com

Starting a vacation rental business is a potentially great way to grow personal wealth, even if you arent a homeowner or if you have bad credit. Making the business successful and maintaining good ratings, however, requires a slightly different type of business acumen.

The way to a customers heart in this business is by offering them a valuable product an excellent accommodation to consume, and making it easy for them to do so. Running a vacation rental business over the past few years has taught me that guests satisfaction depends on three main factors:

1. Product Offering

Most of the listings we find on platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo are entire home units or private rooms within a home. Offering a more unique, less obvious type of space could provide you a cutting edge over your competitors. Get creative and diversify your basket of hosted properties. Boats/yachts, bungalows, private islands, oceanfront villas, treehouses, cabins and even castles are now being listed.

Amenities can also give your space an advantage over competitors. As we can see with the high demand for condos in the United States, high-rises that offer the best amenities can demand the highest rents. Popular amenities include a weight room, games room, swimming pool and/or hot tub and electronic locks on the doors. Amenities that are now being considered necessities include free Wi-Fi, parking, desks or workspaces, entertainment systems and access to a full kitchen.

As great as they are, amenities can only go so far. Taking it a step further and going beyond the basics could add major value to your product offering. Consider providing an airport shuttle service, meals and other pet- and family-friendly services.

Location is another paramount feature of your product offering. Tourists usually travel with the intent of visiting a nearby city and all its major attractions. The closer your property is to public transportation, famous landmarks, etc., the more likely you are to run a successful operation. First, however, you should research your citys/states/countys rules on hosting. In New York City, for example, Airbnb recently implemented a one host, one home policy, which prevents multiunit property owners from running a vacation rental business similar to a licensed hotel that is subject to additional taxes for doing so.

2. Product Marketing

Hosts who offer a fully compliant, conveniently located place to stay with the top amenities can make a killing, if people know about their product. Fortunately, sites like HomeAway and Airbnb are in such high demand that most travelers already know where to go looking.

High demand has also churned out a high supply of listings, which means hosts are under pressure to make their listings stand out. This makes having great pictures absolutely critical. Airbnb claims hosts earn up to 40% more by using professional photos in their listings.

Some platforms offer this service for free. For hosts more inclined to DIY or who don't have professional photography access, you can still put your best foot forward:

Try to use a professional DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens.

Take bigger photos for optimal resolution, using landscape orientation whenever possible.

Aim to create depth in each photo for a 2-D effect.

Make good use of natural sunlight.

In each room, remember to:

Accent the bedrooms with contrasting pillows and shams.

Complement the living room with flowers.

Include quirky works of art in your pictures. They give your space more charm and character.

Ensure the kitchen and bathroom are sparkling clean.

3. Good Reviews

Important as visuals are, good reviews remain an essential part of your marketing strategy. Furthermore, positive reviews bump up your ratings as a host and can easily become the deal-breaker when guests are deciding between two properties.

Negative reviews, however, are a deal-breaker in favor of the competition. Fortunately, there are some ways you can try to avoid receiving them:

Provide any relevant information for the guests stay in a check-in message. Attach this message to the house manual, which should provide further instructions on how to use/configure household items such as the remote control.

Be available for questions or concerns during the first 24 hours of every stay. If necessary, outsource the communication. This is important because most kerfuffles can be quashed with simple communication.

Be generous with free stuff wine, mints on the pillows, chocolates, fruit baskets, snacks. These are simple pleasures that go a long way to getting a positive review.

On platforms that permit it, leave your guest review immediately after checkout. This notifies your guest, and conveniently, guests can only see the review once they write their host review. Theres no guarantee their reviews will be positive. Regardless, go ahead and post a positive review for the guest, and then sit back and relax.

Building good relationships with your customers goes a long way to earning that five-star review every host wants. If you plan to scale your business, these reviews will likely be the first item that prospective property owners read about you. Many homeowners who list their properties for short-term rental have multiple properties they could use your help with. According to a study published in 2017 by CBRE, multiunit hosts are a key driver of Airbnb revenue growth.Yet thats also the reason various states are cracking down on multiunit property owners who host their space without having to pay the same taxes as hotels.

Remember to fully research all the rules around hosting for your city, state or county. An unfailing way to receive a bad review is to have your guests learn the space youre hosting is not fully compliant, which may result in them having to look for new accommodation. However, by offering a superior product with the right marketing and real positive reviews, youll be on your way to a successful side hustle through vacation rentals.

Link:

Three Keys To Running A Successful Vacation Rental Business - Forbes

Considered one of the worlds superior honeymoon destinations, the Maldives has a lot to offer travelers. Featuring a string of exclusive resorts, high-end restaurants, aquatic activities, and sublime scenery, its no wonder that people travel from all over the world just to spend a few days on the island nation. There are endless things to see and do in the Maldives, but as most people have limited schedules and limited budgets, we thought wed narrow it down to the things you simply have to add to your Maldives bucket list. Check them out below!

Everyone knows that swimming with the mantas is one of the most popular activities in the Maldives. But for those who dont enjoy actually interacting with sea life, there is still the opportunity to get up close and personal with the fish at the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant.

The restaurant is located on Rangali Island in the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. The prices may not be cheap at this high-end eatery, but how many times in your life will you have the chance to eat a meal in the company of a sea of fish?

There are also other undersea restaurants and wine cellars in the Maldives that are worth checking out. You can even find underwater spas in some resorts. Who said you had to get wet to get a glimpse of life under the sea?

The Maldives is home to about 1200 islands, and while you probably wont get the opportunity to visit all of them, it is worth taking some time out of your trip to visit the less touristy islands. Some of the Maldivian islands specifically cater to tourists and are home to exclusive resorts where youll be treated like royalty. Others are a little more down to earth.

A lot of resorts in the Maldives will offer day trips to neighboring islands, where youll be able to witness what life is like for locals. As Girl Tweets World points out, there are many locals in the Maldives that dont work in the tourism industry, and traveling to the lesser-known islands will teach you a little about their way of life.

Visiting locations such as Huraa Island might not be as relaxing as staying within the confines of your resort, but it is eye-opening. And its a great way to immerse yourself in the authentic local culture.

The Maldives is renowned for being one of the worlds most romantic honeymoon destinations. Many of the resorts are designed to offer the most magical experience for newlyweds and there are several activities on offer that are ideal for two people in love. Like having a picnic on your own private sandbank.

According to Forbes, this is how you really experience the Maldives in style. On the island of Amilla Fushi, youll have the opportunity to enjoy your own private picnic on your own private sandbank. All youll be able to see for miles around is calm turquoise water and pristine white sand while you indulge in authentic Maldivian delicacies from your pre-packed picnic basket. What could be better?

Picnics are romantic at the best of times. With the added picturesque scenery and the delicious rich cheese and champagne, you cant go wrong.

Though most of your time in the Maldives will undoubtedly be spent relaxing, youll also have a few opportunities to learn about the local culture and witness some age-old traditions that the Maldivian people have practiced for generations. One of them is the Boduberu performance.

The Boduberu consists of singing, dancing, and drumming, and sets off a lively atmosphere that gets everybody in the mood for a celebration. The best way to watch a performance is to travel to the inhabited islands of the Maldives, which can be organized as a day trip through your resort.

If you dont want to leave the island youre staying on, many resorts also host Bodubery performances for the convenience of their guests. Find out where the closest performance to you is being held and make sure that you leave room in your schedule for it. You wont be disappointed!

Most people who visit the Maldives forget all about paying a visit to the capital city of Male. Located on an island that is only about 1.25 square miles in size, Male may be one of the worlds smallest capital cities, but its also one of the liveliest. If its culture youre after, youll be totally satisfied with the museums, markets, and mosques standing in the colorful city.

Being an Islamic nation, its important to remember to adhere to traditional Islamic requirements while visiting the city. When entering any mosques, women must wear head scarfs and all visitors must wear pants instead of shorts.

According to TripSavvy, you can walk around the entire city in only a few hours. Among the best sights to see is the National Museum, which will give you an insight into the fascinating history of the Maldives. You can also take a guided tour of Male and have the major points of interest pointed out to you during a leisurely stroll around the city.

Turks And Caicos: A Guide To The Most Stunning Beaches

See the original post here:

Things To Do In The Maldives (That Arent Swimming With The Mantas) - TheTravel

Westmoreland offers a walk thats modestly challenging, about a mile long, picturesque and full of history.

Westmoreland Drive is a public road, coursing through the area that was at one time all known as Westmoreland. Today, the center of the area is Westmoreland Farm, privately owned by the Roe family.

Although not open to the public, the farm contains iconic landmarks that are easily visible from the road. The farm radiates from an old clock and water tower, built in 1900 by the estates original owner, Thomas M. Turner.

WESTMORELAND DRIVE

Access: This is a public road, but bordering properties are private.

Length: 1 mile, almost all flat.

Highlights: Historic farm, estate and buildings.

When it was built, it was the tallest structure on the Island, and probably in Suffolk County. Turners Italian sunken garden, filled with Italian marble statuary, is kept neat, but allowed to show its age, only enhancing its enigmatic beauty.

Walking down the road, youll pass quiet pastures, a stunning allee of linden trees lining the road into the farm, and four horses who are usually out in the field. They are a treat for children to observe up close. Their owner, Karen Roe, only requests that visitors dont feed them, since they need to adhere to an appropriate diet. Across from the horse pasture, a long swath of lawn stretches almost to where Westmoreland meets West Neck Creek.

The Roe family owns this land, once an airstrip, but has sold its development rights to ensure houses wont be built on it. They have dedicated it to James and Margaret Roe, the patriarch and matriarch of the family, who at one time owned all of Westmoreland. In 1967, when James Roe was a powerful Democratic leader, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and his wife Ethel flew to Shelter Island and landed in Westmoreland, where the Roes hosted a barbecue in their honor, as was their custom, with many children enjoying hayrides around the farm.

As I walk down the road, one of my favorite houses has always been the Primrose, a Tudor that looks like it was dropped in from another era. It was built by Turner as a mansion for himself and his wife. He was a close friend of Broadway producer Charles Frohman, actress Maude Adams and Scottish playwright J.M. Barrie, who visited Shelter Island and wrote his play Peter Pan with Ms. Adams in mind. The play was already a hit in London with its British cast in the summer of 1905 when rehearsals were underway to open it on Broadway, with Ms. Adams as Peter.

Turner offered his Shelter Island estate for an outdoor rehearsal, bringing in contractors, electricians and mechanics to mount a production of Peter Pan on the grounds. Wire was strung from the tower to the roof of the cow barn to enable the actors to fly.

The waters of West Neck Bay and nearby ponds were perfect lagoons for the plays island setting, and its easy to picture child actors swinging from the branches of the lindens and chasing each other across the grass, so much more naturally than onstage. Islanders were all welcome, along with many out-of-town guests who filled the Islands hotels and guest houses. The one-time rehearsal went off successfully, and was celebrated with a feast afterward.

Thereafter, Turner referred to the estate as Never Never Land, which is the title of a wonderful book by Frances Roe Kestler.

This book on Westmoreland is full of details about all of Shelter Islands history as well as recollections about the Roes and all the other families who came to buy surrounding properties, houses with names like Osprey, Overlook, and Hawthorne.

Westmoreland, like any neighborhood, became a network of families who were very close. Over the years, as friends passed away or moved on, its been difficult to avoid a sense of sadness as I walk past their homes. I still feel touched by their spirits. Frances Kestler quotes J.M. Barrie as saying, The finest dream in the world is when everyone I have loved is still alive.

The antidote to melancholy is rounding the curve on the road, meeting the new neighbor children who are selling friendship bracelets. As I select my bracelet, I happily learn that this family now lives in a Westmoreland house where my close friends grew up. Life goes on.

The walk up and down Westmoreland Drive is just about a mile, and virtually flat except for one hill sloping down next to a pond near the entrance to Westmoreland. We all call the entrance the gate, although we dont remember an actual gate ever being there.

If you want to challenge yourself a bit, turn left out of the gate and continue on West Neck Road, up a hill and around a bend. Cross the Nostrand/Brander Parkway intersection and continue down the length of Bootleggers Alley. This short lane, whose name alludes to the Islands prohibition era enterprises, offers the reward as you reach the end. You may be feeling the cold by then, but its worth it.

At the end of the lane, a panoramic view of Peconic Bay spreads before you. And it is not unusual to have the entire vista to yourself. Bend down and run your hands through the water and pick up a shell or two, just to remind you of where you are lucky enough to be.

Here is the original post:

Breathe Hiking Shelter Island's Westmoreland property leads to spectacular views Westmoreland offers a walk that's modestly - Northforker

From the craggy romance of the North Sea, to the pellucid waters of Belize, theres a new wave of private-island holiday destinations, once the preserve of oligarchs and movie stars. New and refreshed openings abound for 2020. Of note is the just launched Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi Private Island Estate. In the ever-competitive Maldivian hotel market, 32,000sqm of Robinson Crusoe paradise in the South Mal Atoll make it the largest estate in the region, and the only one accessible by yacht rather than seaplane (so dreamy if youve already flown overnight to get there).

Read more: The Hottest Destinations And Travel Trends For 2020

Arriving a little before sunset, the last of the sun turning the lapping waters a soft pastel turquoise, the setting is grade-A paradise. Lusciously planted, the scale is impressive without being overwhelming. Rented as a one-key room, the island sleeps 18 adults and six children, and has villas dotted among the palm trees, done in a traditional style but packed to their six metre rafters with cutting edge comfort.

Thirty minutes via sea from the airport (naturally it comes with its own yacht), its the billionaire specs that make it. Staffed to the hilt, theres a private spa with an over-water treatment room, gym and yoga pavilion, as well as a sweeping central loggia housing a bar, state-of-the-art screening room, drawing and dining rooms, capable of hosting an army of party guests. Oh, and there are five pools.

Its no longer only royalty booking in for a month. The trend, according to Waldorf Astoria, is for three or four generations of a family to take over the island for a night or two for major landmark celebrations, before decamping to the resort next door. Major is definitely the word.

Japao

Courtesy of Japao

Thirty minutes by helicopter from Rio, Japao offers total privacy for two to eight guests in the stunning archipelagos off Brazils Angra dos Reis (the green coast).

Banwa

Courtesy of Banwa

The Philippines Banwa private island feels like stepping back in time. Ideal for nature lovers, it has six hectares to explore, six villas and its own organic farm.

Clapboard Island

Courtney Elizabeth Theberge

A mile from land, in the sailing waters of Casco Bay, the star of Clapboard Island, Maine, is the house, built in 1898. Best for living out Kennedy fantasies.

More from British Vogue:

All products featured on the website are independently selected by our Editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Originally posted here:

Fantasy Private Islands Youll Want To Be Cast Away To In 2020 - British Vogue

NEXT time you check into a hotel, double check you have the right time on your watch.

That's because a number of island hotel resorts around the world have their own time zones for guests.

3

According to The Points Guy, some hotels set their time to one hour ahead of the country's time zone.

For example, the 22-room Turneffe Island Resort in Belize is an hour ahead, despite being just 90 minutes from the capital.

Song Saa in Cambodia, an island resort off the coast of Sihanoukville, is an hour ahead of the time on the mainland.

A number of hotels in the Maldives have also adopted their own "island time" as many of them are located on private islands around the capital Male.

3

The Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa boasts about having that extra hour on its website.

It said: "To enhance your experience on the island, we have moved our clocks on Villingili Island one hour ahead. You can enjoy an additional hour of daylight."

Many Maldives hotels and resorts have opted for this time difference to give guests "extra time" on the island.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Olhuveli Beach & Spa and St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort also do the same, despite being just a few hours from the main island.

Two Four Seasons properties in the Maldives, Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, are also an hour ahead.

3

There are no concerns about missing flights - most of the hotels are aware of the "real" timings to make sure you don't lose track.

The St. Regis resort states: "For all transfers to and from Velana International Airport (MLE) to our resort, our dedicated St. Regis Butlers and professional hosts are well informed of the time conversion and will coordinate all details of your transfers accordingly."

Resorts in the Maldives are popular with celebrities looking for luxury.

Emily Ratajkoswi and Love Island's Molly Mae have been spotted in the Maldives this year.

IN A SPIN Your kids will love the amazing water slide that rotates & tickets cost just 5

MERLIN'S BEARD Disneyland guest breaks Excalibur feature after pulling sword from the stone

FAMILY BUSINESS You can buy an Italian house for 85p - but has to be with friends & family

UP IN SMOKE Here are the countries where vaping is illegal or restricted including Thailand

SUN HOLIDAYS Everything you need to know about Hols from 9.50

STRIKE WARNING Gatwick Airport workers threat to strike amid 'lost baggage' Heathrow fears

We've rounded up the best private islands in the world, although you will need deep pockets to stay the night.

A private island in Belize costs just 200 per person per night, which your own suite and boat.

After something more budget-friendly? Some private islands start from just 9 per person.

Read the rest here:

How hotels around the world have their own time zones - The Sun

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Bahamas recorded another record year for tourism arrivals in 2019, according to Tourism Minister Dionisio DAguilar, who noted that it would have been an off the chart year had it not been for Hurricane Dorian.

DAguilar was speaking on the sidelines of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Marketplace conference at Baha Mar.

He said: When you look at it 2019 was an exceptional year. I think when the final numbers come in it will be another record year. It will be a record for cruise arrivals and a record for stop over arrivals.

A number of individuals islands within the archipelago will have record arrivals. Were it not for Hurricane Dorian it would have been an off the chart year.

Tourism director general Joy Jibrilu noted that between January and November 2019 there were a total of 6,535,789 air and sea arrivals compared to 5,951,607 for the same period in 2018, representing a 9.8 percent increase.

She also noted that forward bookings for the next three months are behind 5.5 percent and that seat capacity is expected to increase by 2.5 percent over the next three months.

DAguilar said: With the passage of Hurricane Dorian, September, October and November were months that saw substantial decreases in stop over arrivals. That was obviously because we lost Grand Bahama and Abaco but in Christmas there was certainly a bounce back.

I think that a lot of people had made reservations and those who were interested in coming went to other family islands. If they were interested in going to Abaco they ended up going to Eleuthera or Exuma. Reports from those islands were that they had never seen numbers like they saw in Christmas of 2019.

Im very excited and proud. I think the country did extremely well. We have a great product and great people.

DAguilar however acknowledged that there remains work to be done.

I think there is a lot work still to be done, he continued.

There are hiccups here and there that we need to smooth out but by-in large we have a great product and its been recognizer iced world wide. The record arrivals is the result.

The most important component of your visitor arrivals are the stop over visitors. They spend twenty times more than your cruise visitor. When your stop over arrivals grow that is so much more impactful on our economy, employment and money getting into the hands of the average Bahamian.

DAguilar said: Cruise passengers while they spend considerably less because they are only here for three to five hours, those numbers are growing double digits. With the opening of Coco Cay, with the opening of Ocean Cay The Bahamas is the leading cruise destination in the Caribbean.

The private islands are obviously bringing more and more cruise passengers to the destination but our challenge to the Bahamian entrepreneur is how do we leverage this incredible opportunity into money in our pockets and economic impact.

Ten thousand cruise passengers arrive in Nassau every single day of the year. Our challenge show do we monetize that and ensure that those visitors that come here are significantly economically impacting our people and eating employment opportunities for them.

Read more here:

D'Aguilar: 2019 another record year for tourism arrivals - EyeWitness News

Alright folks, the decade has officially ended and what a decade it was. It seems like a lifetime ago we were participating in the juvenile fun of the 10s, aimlessly singing along to Keshas TiK ToK and making meaningless six-second videos on Vine.

Perhaps those days of joy seem so lost because they were immediately followed by a much more solemn period of social and political hysteria, the rise of reactionary politics and a growing nihilism as a result of our ever-growing chaotic reality.

Much like climate change, undoing years of cultural damage takes time and persistence, but perhaps even more importantly, it takes self-awareness. Looking back, there are a few popular trends from the last decade that we might want to reconsider as we head into the 20s.

Here are five trends that should die in the next decade.

Heres a bleak fact: one of the most prolific political satire writers of all time, Kurt Vonnegut, admitted the futility of activism through art (aka his entire lifes work).

The power of (art) turns out to be that of a custard pie dropped from a stepladder 6 feet high, he said of the anti-Vietnam resistance art movement during the late 60s.

Fifty years later, the performative outrage in popular culture and contemporary art enjoys less of the countercultural roots of the anti-consumerist 60s. Instead, the politicized art movement is seemingly more tied to elitist virtue signaling than structural change, revealed through long-winded Academy Awards speeches or feminist multi-million dollar budget superhero movies.

It makes sense, after all, that the people who stood the least to lose from a Trump win could also afford to be among the most vocal about its administrative failures and moral excesses, said Anna Khachiyan in Art Wont Save Us. For those who prefer to do their activism from the comfort of booze-fueled gallery dinners and Wi-Fi equipped airport lounges, political dissent is not so much an inalienable right as a lifestyle perk.

In other words, the issues that impact the most people are rarely represented in modern political art, as it is often a lifestyle enjoyed by those who do not live paycheck to paycheck. Perhaps some of this art is substantial, but it would be nice to walk into a movie and not constantly be reminded We live in a society.

Let people enjoy things is a Remark people use when they cant effectively defend their interests. instead of building a coherent argument in favor of the thing, they judge the person in disagreement for being spiteful or petty.

2. Oversharing on social media

The argument in favor of sharing personal details online posits that talking about issues candidly is cathartic and normalizes certain issues to make people who experience them feel less alienated.

This consensus has extended to issues with mental health, romantic rejection, revelations in therapy and even darker subjects like toxic relationships. Some evidence shows that finding a community online with shared experiences can help people cope, but these interactions are shown to also have negative outcomes.

In a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, oversharing, defined by disclosing private details online, was shown to have adverse effects on adolescents, sometimes creating a negative feedback pattern.

Instead of dismissing people who overshare online as narcissistic, it might be time to look deeper into why these compulsions exist. Still, this fairly recent trend should be replaced by encouraging individuals to confide in licensed therapists, close friends or family members rather than a bunch of strangers.

3. Celebrity worship

Many people have described their obsession with Keeping Up With The Kardashians, a 17-season ongoing reality show peeking behind the curtain of the ever-growing Kardashian empire, as a way to live vicariously through mega-rich and beautiful people on their vacations to private islands or in their decorated mansions.

In this way, celebrity fetishes are a form of escapism that dont involve drugs or, perhaps the more healthy option, reading an engaging fiction book.

The waning obsession with celebrities will likely come as a result of a few things. Firstly, the growing rise of the online influencer may eventually cheapen the status of celebrity. If anyone can be one, it wont be as important. Secondly, growing class divisions may lead to a disinterest in excessive displays of wealth.

4. Viral meme formats

Weve all been guilty of posting _______ can have a little _______ as a treat or the famous distracted boyfriend meme with our own unique twist its netizen custom.

Many years ago, before everyone became irony poisoned from being Extremely Online, copying the exact structure of an idea and claiming it as your own would have been seen as plagiarism. Admittedly, meme formats are a fun game; theyre online ad-libs for people to tailor their individual opinions into an already existing format.

Because of this, I dont think they should go away entirely. I do, however, think people who have curated an entire sense of humor with hack Twitter premises should reconsider their use of the internet.

It is also not lost on me that wishing the decline of the viral meme format makes me sound like a boomer, but at the very least, the people who start them should be given credit.

5. Let people enjoy things

Its very likely that the Let people enjoy things crowd will hate this entire article. Ironically, if cultural criticism is something I enjoy, these people will have to go by their own logic and let me criticize things as I please.

Let people enjoy things is a remark people use when they cant effectively defend their interests. Instead of building a coherent argument in favor of the thing, they judge the person in disagreement for being spiteful or petty.

Such is the case with especially popular things, like Marvel movies or The Bachelor. There is nothing wrong with liking these things, but ultimately, people should have two options when it comes to the discourse around them: either stand by your interests by defending their content or, since some refer to them as guilty pleasures, admit they are dumb and therefore indefensible.

Elena Waldman can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @WaldmanElena.

See the original post here:

5 trends from the previous decade that should stay there - Rocky Mountain Collegian