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    Shanghai launches new online portal for expat services

    Shanghai Municipal People’s Government launched the beta version of a new online portal (english.shanghai.gov.cn) for expat services on Jan 1.
    Called International Services Shanghai, the new website will have its own Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and WeChat accounts.
    The portal, operated by China Daily, serves as a one-stop platform for foreigners, regardless of whether they are looking for information related to work, travel or study in Shanghai.
    It is answering the call to stress the need to effectively remove the obstacles for foreigners to come to China for business, study, and tourism made during the annual Central Economic Work Conference held in Beijing on December 11-12.
    The portal has been integrated with the city’s e-governance platform, Government Online-Offline Shanghai, to offer quick online access to foreigners.ADVERTISEMENTOnline and offline activities, such as policy introduction sessions, business consultations, themed salons, cultural experiences, and learning and training events, will be organized to better serve and engage with the expat community.
    Many expats who participated in the beta testing of the portal have lauded its launch.
    Michael Wong, managing partner of Talent Service, Asia Pacific, EY, said the portal will allow people interested in coming to Shanghai to make better-informed decisions.
    Montealegre Carvajal Edwin Roberto, who is currently an international student at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, said the information provided on the website regarding the setting up of businesses has allowed him to thoroughly understand the nitty-gritty of the process. The Costa Rican is planning to open his own performance company after graduation.
    Clarisse Le Guernic, who works in the tourism industry in Shanghai, said the new website would be beneficial as it would allow her to better answer queries from her customers about the city.
    Shanghai-based marketing consultant Natacha Extier, said the website is useful even for long-term residents like her as it contains a wealth of useful content on doing business in the city.
    The website will be made available in eight other languages – Japanese, Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic at a later time.
    “Shanghai is a charming city full of hope and unlimited opportunities, and it is a land for entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and make a career. We will continue to create a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized, provide accurate, convenient and innovative high-quality services, and work hand in hand with everybody to create an open and prosperous future,” Gong Zheng, the mayor of Shanghai, said during the “Invest in China Year” summit in November.
    Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2309505/MG.mp4

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    The World Travel Awards Recognizes Miami Beach as World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination

    In early 2023, Miami Beach was officially named “North America’s Leading Beach Destination” and “North America’s Leading City Destination” by one of the travel industry’s most respected organizations. Now, the world-famous destination has been recognized as the “World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination 2023” by the World Travel Awards, adding to Miami Beach’s collection of awards and accolades designated in the 2023 calendar year.As a diverse city with an abundance of experiences for all travelers, Miami Beach is home to a renowned public art collection, variety of museums and galleries, a selection of globally-recognized luxury hotels and spas and travel-worthy restaurants with both established and rising chefs at the helm.
    “It is an honor to be named as the World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination of 2023 by the prestigious World Travel Awards after being recognized in two previous categories that represent Miami Beach’s global appeal,” says Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “We’ve continued to make strides as a destination leader by continuously working to showcase our city’s best attributes with interactive resources and thoughtful user experiences to connect with repeat and future visitors.”
    Miami Beach welcomes travelers to a city with architectural roots and design that is perfectly situated amongst iconic waters that offer a variety of activities to connect with the natural beauty of the area and lifestyle, from water sports and beachfront yoga to menus featuring invasive species and conscious techniques to help preserve marine life. And, this past year, the Miami Beach and Visitor and Convention Authority has doubled down on immersive technology, including the launch of the EXP Miami Beach Tours App, now available for download on Google Play and Apple,  that seamlessly allows users to explore the many lifestyle itineraries available in-market including a including a cultural institutions tour, public art tour, art deco tour and LGBTQ+ tour and more.
    Adding to Miami Beach’s reputation as a world leader in the lifestyle space, the destination will participate in the debut Open House Miami showcase scheduled to take place March 1-2, 2024.
    Open House Miami will be only the fourth city in the U.S., following New York, San Diego, and Chicago, of what has become a worldwide movement to open cities and engage the community in conversations about how to shape the future and celebrate historic design and architecture. Complimentary direct access to experience a collection of buildings throughout Miami Beach will provide opportunities for visitors to connect, learn, discuss and debate amongst experts and themselves.ADVERTISEMENT“As we work to preserve our award-winning history in 2024, we look forward to introducing new offerings and experiences, like Open House Miami, that attracts visitors from around the world,” adds Grisette Marcos. “We’re also set to further enhance our technology resources through the use of augmented reality across a number of owned platforms to help highlight the Miami Beach lifestyle.”
    To learn more about Miami Beach’s recent awards wins, the upcoming Open House Miami experience and more, follow the @experiencemiamibeach handles on Instagram, Threads and Facebook, and subscribe to receive information and deals from the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority at miamibeachvca.com.

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    Jet2.com and Jet2holidays start countdown to Liverpool John Lennon Airport launch

    Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are on the countdown until their first flights depart from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with operations starting in exactly three months The UK’s largest tour operator and third largest airline will start operating flights and holidays from Liverpool John Lennon Airport in exactly three months, with a flight to Tenerife signalling the start of operations from the airport. To mark the special occasion, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have promised exciting plans at the airport for their first day. 
    Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announced they would launch their award-winning flights and holidays from Liverpool John Lennon Airport back in May this year, marking the latest stage in their continued growth and success story. 
    The airline and tour operator have put 20 sunshine destinations on sale for Summer 24 from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, including six destinations that are exclusive to Jet2.com and Jet2holidays from Liverpool. Since launching, the companies have reported a fantastic response from customers and independent travel agents and have announced an even bigger programme for Summer 25 on the back of this, with additional aircraft coming into operation to support this growth.
    Speaking today, Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “Since the day we announced our launch from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, we have experienced huge demand from customers and independent travel agents wanting to enjoy our award-winning flights and ATOL protected package holidays. The key ingredient behind our success is our commitment to delivering VIP customer service and it is clear that the word has spread to Liverpool and the surrounding region, because the reaction we have had since launch has been nothing short of phenomenal. Bookings have remained consistently strong since launch, and the feedback we have received has left us in no doubt that making this move was the right one. With just three months until our first flight from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, we are incredibly excited about opening this latest chapter in our continued growth story and we cannot wait to welcome customers and get started.” 
    In their first summer of operations from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will operate up to 54 weekly flights, including 12 weekly flights to both the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. A fleet of four based aircraft will fly customers to a wide choice of destinations across Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Portugal, Madeira and Cyprus (full list of destinations below). ADVERTISEMENTThis is a significant programme for the company’s first summer of operations from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, representing 565,000 seats on sale. The programme includes six exclusive summer routes to Gran Canaria, Menorca, Rhodes, Zante, Madeira, and Bourgas (Bulgaria). With multiple weekly flights to many destinations, it means that customers can enjoy fantastic flexibility when it comes to choosing the duration of their holiday.
    A team of more than 250 colleagues, including a huge team of uniformed Customer Helpers will be in place to ensure that customers travelling from Liverpool John Lennon Airport with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays get to experience and enjoy the VIP customer service which has seen the companies continually grow their businesses whilst repeatedly winning high-profile accolades. These awards include Which? Travel Brand of the Year, Which? Recommended Provider in every possible category (seven categories in total), and an unprecedented 14 awards at the recent British Travel Awards.
    These customer service accolades complement those of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which in recent years has been voted the Which? Best UK Airport, as well as Which? Recommended Provider and commended for its high levels of customer service, with travellers able to take advantage of the Airport’s faster, easier and friendlier passenger experience. Passengers flying from Liverpool check-in quickly and pass through the terminal with ease compared to many larger airports, with average security queue times of just 12 minutes last Summer and more on time departures than most other UK airports.
    Jet2.com and Jet2holidays’ Summer 24 Programme from Liverpool John Lennon Airport:
    Mainland Spain
    Alicante – up to four weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) Canary Islands – highest frequency of services from Liverpool John Lennon Airport
    Fuerteventura – up to two weekly services (Wednesday and Saturday) Gran Canaria – up to two weekly services (Tuesday and Saturday) – exclusive route Lanzarote – up to three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) Tenerife – up to five weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
    Balearic Islands
    Ibiza – up to three weekly services (Monday, Friday and Saturday)  Majorca – up to seven weekly services (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Menorca – up to two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday) – exclusive route Portugal
    Faro – up to four weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) Madeira – weekly Monday services – exclusive route Greece
    Corfu – up to two weekly services (Monday and Friday) Crete (Heraklion) – up to two weekly services (Tuesday and Friday) Kos – weekly Friday services Rhodes – up to two weekly services (Monday and Thursday) – exclusive route Zante – weekly Wednesday services – exclusive route Cyprus
    Paphos – weekly Wednesday services Turkey – highest frequency of services from Liverpool John Lennon Airport
    Antalya – up to four weekly services (Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday) Dalaman – up to four weekly services (Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday) Bodrum – up to two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday)
    Bulgaria – exclusive from Liverpool Airport
    Bourgas – up to two weekly services (Monday and Thursday) – exclusive route

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    Exploring the Wonders of Wildlife at the Belize Zoo

    Nestled in the heart of Central America, Belize is a country known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Among the many treasures this nation has to offer, the Belize Zoo stands out as a testament to its commitment to wildlife conservation and education. Established in 1983, this unique zoo has evolved into a haven for native species, providing visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to witness the incredible diversity of Belizean wildlife up close.
    A Home for Native Species:
    Unlike traditional zoos that feature animals from around the world, the Belize Zoo focuses exclusively on the native wildlife of Belize. The zoo was originally conceived as a sanctuary for animals rescued from various situations, such as injuries, orphanhood, or illegal captivity. Today, it serves as a refuge for these animals, offering a safe and natural environment that closely mimics their native habitats.

    Visitors to the Belize Zoo can expect to encounter a fascinating array of indigenous species, including jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, ocelots, and an impressive variety of exotic birds. Each enclosure is carefully designed to provide a comfortable and enriching space for the animals, emphasizing the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship.ADVERTISEMENTConservation and Education:
    At the heart of the Belize Zoo’s mission is the commitment to wildlife conservation and education. The zoo actively engages in conservation efforts, collaborating with local and international organizations to protect endangered species and their habitats. Through various programs and initiatives, the zoo seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Belizean wildlife and inspire visitors to become advocates for conservation.
    Educational programs at the Belize Zoo cater to visitors of all ages, offering guided tours, interactive exhibits, and informative presentations. The knowledgeable staff, comprised of passionate conservationists and educators, strive to instill a sense of appreciation for Belize’s unique biodiversity, fostering a connection between visitors and the natural world.

    A Unique Experience for Visitors:
    One of the standout features of the Belize Zoo is its commitment to providing a unique and immersive experience for visitors. Unlike larger, more commercialized zoos, the Belize Zoo offers a more intimate setting, allowing guests to connect with the animals on a personal level. The guided tours are designed to be informative, engaging, and environmentally conscious, ensuring that visitors leave with not only a sense of wonder but also a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation.

    The Belize Zoo stands as a shining example of what a dedicated commitment to conservation and education can achieve. By focusing on native species and providing a sanctuary for animals in need, this incredible zoo has become a beacon for wildlife enthusiasts, educators, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with nature. As visitors explore the lush grounds and encounter Belize’s diverse fauna, they not only witness the wonders of the country’s wildlife but also contribute to the vital mission of protecting and preserving these extraordinary creatures for future generations. The Belize Zoo is more than a destination; it’s a testament to the power of compassion, education, and the enduring beauty of Belize’s natural heritage.

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    CABOT SAINT LUCIA CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING

    The Cabot Collection, developer and operator of luxury resort and residential golf destinations, announces the grand opening of Cabot Saint Lucia, situated along one-and-a-half miles of breathtaking coastline with striking views of the Caribbean Sea.Set across one of the most dramatic sites ever selected for golf, Cabot Saint Lucia offers an unparalleled Caribbean golf experience, magnificent real estate opportunities and unique amenities on a spectacular 375-acre peninsula at the northern tip of Saint Lucia.
    With cooling sea breezes, white sand beaches and exquisite ocean views from every corner of the site, Cabot Saint Lucia offers residents and guests exclusive access to amenities and experiences curated specifically for the destination. At the heart of the sprawling property lies Point Hardy Golf Club, featuring a show-stopping 18-hole Coore & Crenshaw golf course. In addition, comfort stations, a food and beverage experience, a retail shop and sports courts are currently available onsite. Additional amenities to follow include a beach club and restaurant, expansive clubhouse, luxury residences and world-class wellness and fitness facilities.
    “When I first saw the land that would become Cabot Saint Lucia, I knew it was the perfect canvas to create something truly awe-inspiring,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO and Co-founder of Cabot. “Opening Cabot Saint Lucia and Point Hardy Golf Club has been a dream come true, and I am honoured to work alongside the dedicated, creative and talented team whose vision and hard work brought us here today.”
    Golf:Perched above the Atlantic Ocean and designed to blend seamlessly with the unique topography of the magnificent Saint Lucian landscape, Point Hardy Golf Club is the crown jewel of the site. Renowned golf course architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s first Caribbean course is a masterpiece, winding through lush terrain, over rocky cliffs jutting into the ocean, and along meandering valleys and sandy beaches. With nine holes playing along the ocean and every hole showcasing mesmerizing views, the course capitalizes on natural beauty and playability at every turn. The closing stretch at Point Hardy embodies the pinnacle of drama: heroic holes in a jaw-dropping setting, with forced carries over jagged rocks and crashing waves on each of the final four holes. Special attention was placed on preserving the local habitat by transplanting existing cacti and native grasses.
    Recently featured as the cover star of GOLF Magazine’s November/December issue, the course debuted as No. 76 in GOLF Magazine’s coveted “Top 100 Courses in the World’’ ranking. Point Hardy Golf Club is the first course in Saint Lucia to make the prestigious list and the highest ranked original design among the new courses on the list.ADVERTISEMENT“It’s very possible that Cabot Saint Lucia is the most visually stunning piece of land we have ever worked with,” said Bill Coore, co-principal of Coore & Crenshaw. “It was a privilege to work with the Cabot team on this one-of-a-kind site, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. This project was truly a labor of love, and the initial feedback on this enchanting property as one of the world’s most sought-after golf destinations is very special to Ben and me.”
    Real Estate and Design: Real estate opportunities at Cabot Saint Lucia range from turnkey residences to expansive, customizable single-family homes, hilltop lots and beachfront living opportunities across seven unique neighborhoods. The landscape features tropical hillsides, sweeping meadows and coastal promontories along with striking elevation changes. Homes hug the natural contours of the land, with building materials chosen for their organic style and ecological sensitivity. Designed to embrace the spectacular natural scenery, open-concept interiors are bright and breezy, complemented by plentiful outdoor living spaces to enjoy the peaceful Caribbean environment year-round.
    To date, Cabot Saint Lucia has sold over $160 million in real estate sales, swiftly selling out of its Phase One offerings and much of Phase Two, priced from $2 million to $11 million. Cabot recently unveiled its latest real estate for sale, the four-bedroom Horizon Villas. The move-in ready residences stand perfectly positioned atop one of the site’s highest points at the heart of the property, with stunning views of Cas en Bas Bay and the majestic topography of the Saint Lucian coastline. With three bedrooms in the center of each villa and a fourth bedroom located in a private, detached casita, the experience seamlessly blends indoor-outdoor living and provides the perfect balance of connection and privacy. The main living space features an open concept kitchen, media room, living and dining area that spills out to an expansive patio featuring an outdoor lounge, infinity-edge plunge pool and picturesque views. Pricing will begin at $5.6 million USD and the first of the Horizon Villas is estimated for completion in December 2025.
    Amenities:Fitness amenities cater to family members of all ages and include two meticulously maintained Har-Tru tennis courts, two clay tennis courts, four pickleball courts, padel courts and basketball courts. The beach experience promises a delightful treat with a wood-fired pizza truck curated by Cabot’s Michelin starred Executive Chef Esther Ha, offering a menu of local, ocean-inspired culinary creations. Future amenities such as the Beach Club will include a series of restaurants and lounges for toes-in-the sand, all-day dining, as well as a pool, cabanas and hammocks. 
    The expansive clubhouse will span three levels and feature breathtaking panoramic views. The first level will include a welcoming bar with a terrace to unwind and enjoy drinks while taking in the serene surroundings, while the second level will be home to well-appointed men’s and women’s changing rooms and a club restaurant. On the third level, an array of entertainment options awaits, including a games lounge, a bowling alley, golf simulators and a theater. The clubhouse is estimated to be completed in 2026. Plans for the wellness center and spa include hydro circuits, massage therapy and an array of fitness offerings and locally inspired spa treatments. The facilities will also feature a full-length lap pool and state-of-the-art gym.
    Activities:On-island adventures include hiking through the rainforest and to the iconic Pitons, birdwatching, horseback riding and embarking on unique excursions, including a mud bath, a volcano, a rum distillery tour, a chef-attended BBQ experience and a chocolate tasting tour. The Cabot Explorers program can design bespoke trips and exhilarating wind and wave adventures including snorkeling, deep-sea fishing trips, Hobie Cats, scuba certification, sailing lessons, kitesurfing, whale watching, kids’ camps and trips to neighboring islands.
    Rich in culture and rare in mountainous beauty, the enchanting island nation of Saint Lucia reveals 238 square miles of lush rainforests encircled by gold- and black-sand beaches—a natural playground for a lifetime of adventures. The land is born of ancient volcanoes, its most famous being the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pitons, a pair of twin volcanic spires that are among the most recognizable landmarks in the Caribbean. The island enjoys an average year-round temperature of 83°F (27°C).
    To learn more about the world-class golf, real estate and amenities at Cabot Saint Lucia, visit www.cabotsaintlucia.com.

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    A Culinary Oasis in Southern Corsica

    Corsican Places is thrilled to announce the addition of the 4-star hotel A Cheda to its holiday collection. Situated just 5 minutes from Bonifacio, A Cheda is a welcoming new option within southern Corsica. Catering to the discerning tastes of food and wine lovers, guests will enjoy a perfect blend of luxury, tranquillity, and culinary excellence, as well as a strategic location for exploring Corsica’s striking medieval town and surrounding area.Key Features of A Cheda:
    Gastronomic Delights: Organic Culinary Experience:
    The hotel’s Michelin recognised restaurant, L’A Cheda, has gained a reputation for its superb gastronomic Corsican cuisine and attentive service. Specialising in wild fish, organic meats and vegetables from the gardens, as well as a fine wine list, the sommelier will guide guests through its prestigious Corsican wines. Steeped in romanticism, the restaurant’s large glass walls fully open to welcome the outside in and add to the ambience, while in the evening local delicacies are complemented by the gentle sounds of piano music.
    Luxurious Guest Rooms with Garden View Terrace:
    Guest rooms each offer a relaxing space and garden view terrace, providing privacy to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings. Two suites offer an additional indulgence with their own private sauna.ADVERTISEMENTAmenities:
    Facilities include a heated pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, while Thai, Swedish and Reiki massage services are available for extra pampering.
    Ideal for Touring:
    Enjoying a prime location within the region, A Cheda serves not just as a retreat but also as an outstanding hub for discovering Corsica’s L’Extreme Sud. Whether guests are drawn to the historical allure of Bonifacio’s ancient walled citadel, the lively waterfront of Porto Vecchio, or some of the island’s finest beaches, the hotel provides an exceptional base and starting point. Additionally, for those with an interest in exploring Corsica’s Italian neighbour, Sardinia, day trips from the conveniently located ferry port are just a 5-minute drive away.
    Pricing:
    Corsican Places is offering seven night bed and breakfast packages from £1599pp, including flights and car hire with a saving of £50pp on all package holidays booked by 15th December.
    Book at Corsica.co.uk or call 01489 866931.

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    Local Vibes Come to a Regenerated Area of Aruba

    Drab winter nights prompt dreamy thoughts of warm balmy evenings in a setting more tropical than December in the UK. Winter sun destinations like the Dutch Caribbean Island of Aruba are ready, willing and able to make those desires come true and even offer a new twist.
    Anyone visiting Aruba and looking for authentic experiences and local vibes should add a visit to the historic Rancho neighbourhood on the outskirts of island capital Oranjestad.
    Once a village of fishermen and their families in the mid-1800s, the area’s population grew in the 1920s when a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell built a small refinery in the area. Needing to accommodate its workers and their families, the area saw the addition of stone houses, traditional to Aruba’s architecture at the time.
    But the closure soon afterwards of the refinery – thanks to the construction of a larger one elsewhere on the island – started Rancho’s decline. With the exception of a lime kiln, operating from 1892 to 1949 (currently preserved as a national historic monument), there was little activity in the area and eventually the residents moved away.
    But this ghost neighbourhood found new life. Revival began in 2010 when it was marked for historic preservation by the non-profit Rancho Foundation. Now it is starting to bloom, with the help of an eclectic collection of bars, cafes and restaurants, adding a lively nighttime ambiance for culture seekers and foodies.ADVERTISEMENTA lynchpin for this renaissance is Flor de Oriente, a Dutch-style café housed in the oldest bar in Aruba. Originally established in 1935, this gem of a relic was lovingly restored in 2018. Attention to historic detail left much of the original building intact, with a fascinating collection of antiques decorating just about every corner, while outdoors, guests can relax under sparkling bistro lights, enjoying the colourful streetscapes of this area.
    In 2021, live music began filling the air with the addition of Hard Grooves Jazz Café, where some of the island’s best musicians, as well as visiting guest musicians, are highlighted. Owned and operated by local jazz musician, Erik Eman, the café features music events, impromptu jam sessions, and music trivia nights paired with craft cocktails, a selection of local and craft beers, wine, and a light menu of sandwiches and typical Dutch snacks.
    Most recently, two new additions to this up-and-coming area of hospitality and entertainment opened. Nusa Indonesian Restaurant is an al fresco Balinese garden, offering a traditional rice-table experience, as well as classic Indonesian favourites like sate and rendang.
    Nearby is Beer Garden Aruba, boasting vintage charm and a fresh boho beach-house vibe. The interior pays homage to its over 100-year-old history, with one side of the house functioning as a beer-tasting room, while the other is dedicated to private events and groups. The original rock walls were opened up in several areas, offering a window to this bygone architectural era of Aruba. The outdoor garden offers several relaxation spaces to chill or wander up to the bar and strike up a conversation with the friendly and knowledgeable bartenders.
    Continuing preservation efforts are set to encourage more dining and nightlife options in Rancho, helping to fulfil the dreams of those looking for balmy and fun evenings outdoors.
    Aruba lies 15 miles north of the South American coastline, benefitting from year-round sunshine, an average temperature of 32 degrees and a cooling breeze. With a nine-mile stretch of award-wining pristine beach, turquoise seas, colonial Dutch architecture and a Latin vibe, Aruba is a delightful alternative Caribbean experience. Now served weekly by direct British Airways flights from London-Gatwick and with additional connections available with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Aruba is easily accessible, and a host of tour operators feature packages there. These include British Airways Holidays, Trailfinders, Tropical Sky and Caribtours.
    With major international brand name resorts, as well as smaller boutique accommodation, Aruba offers a vibrant nightlife, as well as a host of watersports and other activities. It also has a busy schedule of major international sporting and cultural events throughout the year.

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    Amilla Maldives’ Commitment to Inclusivity and Sustainability Recognised by Two Leading Institutions

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    Amilla Maldives’ Commitment to Inclusivity and Sustainability Recognised by Two Leading Institutions

    Private island resort Amilla Maldives has been recognised for its continued commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity, with accolades from two leading institutions, EarthCheck and Blue Badge Access Awards. Amilla achieved its third consecutive EarthCheck Silver certification following an extensive audit of its sustainability practices; while the resort’s innovative and stylish approach to accessible design saw it named ‘Best International Venue’ in the Blue Badge Access Awards 2023.Amilla Maldives secures EarthCheck Silver certification for third consecutive year
    As the leading scientific benchmarking certification group for sustainable travel and tourism, EarthCheck’s certification programmes are recognised by travellers, brands, and destinations across the world. Its rigorous science-backed, people-focused sustainability certification process enables consumers to make informed decisions on their tourism experiences.
    For its efforts in initiating sustainability projects and continuously improving its environmental measures, Amilla Maldives was certified Silver for the third year in a row. One of the resort’s most recent projects was the installation of solar panels in February 2023, which has generated 600,000kwh in nine months – reducing diesel consumption by over 170k litres. Proactive in reducing waste, from plastic, glass and cardboard to food waste, green waste, e-waste and more, the resort regularly audits and investigates its waste output to ensure accurate reporting and identify areas for improvement – as well as organising regular reef cleaning to remove plastics, cans, old rope, and ghost nets from its house reef.
    The resort’s heartfelt commitment to sustainability is further embodied by its Homegrown@Amilla and Homemade@Amilla initiatives. Homegrown@Amilla sees 40 different types of produce planted, cultivated, and grown across 58 acres of the island’s natural green spaces, supplying all the island’s kitchens with ingredients such as leafy greens, herbs, vegetables, and bananas. Homemade@Amilla encompasses a diverse range of organic products which are home-made on the island, from soaps, muscle relief oil, lip balm, bath salts, coconut oils and scrubs, and bathtub tea, to kombucha, nut milks, and bread.
    ADVERTISEMENTAmilla Maldives named ‘Best International Venue’ for accessibility
    Raising awareness of the importance of accessibility in the hospitality and leisure industry, the Blue Badge Awards recognise venues that achieve high standards in this area. Amilla Maldives was named ‘Best International Venue’ in this year’s awards, in recognition of its pioneering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
    The world’s first IncluCare-certified resort and a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative, Amilla Maldives is devoted to ensuring everyone can enjoy the Maldives. The resort has designed its accessibility features to feel like an integral part of the property, blending seamlessly with its interior design and architecture. Adaptations range from subtly lowered mirrors, sinks and counters in its bathrooms to ramps all over the island – including a growing menagerie of local wildlife-inspired designs. Amilla continually adapts and evolves its offering in order to further improve the resort experience for guests of all abilities and needs, while staff undergo regular training on how they can best support guests with mobility or sensory challenges at all points of their journey.
    For further information and reservations visit www.amilla.com.

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