Posts tagged with "Tara McDonough"

Huba-Huba Cambodia via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine

HUBA-HUBA CAMBODIA

By: Alexandria Baiz × Vaughn Lowery

Cameron Michael Parkes was born in Vancouver, Canada (in British Columbia). He graduated from the University of Calgary, majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in petroleum. While working at a consulting firm, the oil prices dropped and he used his severance package to travel the world.

Throughout his two year journey in Southeast Asia, he found himself at Koh Rong Samloem – a small island just off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Two main places to stay are Saracen Bay (dense more modern filled with tourists) or Mpei Bay (rustic village area with tons of locals). After a few weeks in both places, Cameron decides to trench through the hot and sticky jungle (with snakes, wild monkeys and insects) to the most desolate yet serene part of the island, Sunset Beach. He quickly becomes acquainted with paradise and decides to plant his feet at Huba-Huba where he enjoys perfect sunsets with unobstructed sea views.

After a brief trip to Sri Lanka, he returns to Huba-Huba to discover that the owner’s husband had passed in a tragic motorcycle accident. The widow offered to sell and Cameron decided to purchase. Looking back he says, “I like the beach-jungle vibe which isn’t perfect. I love this spot. Right on the beach, beautiful bay, monkeys come around, geckos.”

Huba-Huba Cambodia

Situated at the end of the beach, it contains 4 bungalows, 1 family bungalow, 4 private double rooms and 1 dorm – 8 beds and 3 tents. Their kitchen is armed with one of the best cooks on the entire island. Their “BBQ Nights” serve up sensational samplers of pork ribs, tofu, prawns and chicken. Polite waitstaff, heavy handed mixologists and free painting station where you can repurpose instruments as well as pieces of wood to build a sculpture from scratch. Snorkeling gear is available for rental.

Sleeping Trees owned by Yves Chalot

Yves (a notable bartender from Brittany) came to Sunset Beach as a dive instructor and fell in love. One day after speaking with his bosses, he discovers a beachfront property for rent. Then he invites his brother (a carpenter) and they decided to erect ‘Sleeping Trees.’ The name derived from only having tree tents and the idea of ‘sleep in’ trees arose. The vacation area has two newly renovated bungalows, four tipis and four tree tents. Each space can accommodate up to two people. In addition, there’s a 4-room dorm which can host eight. At the present moment, both owners want to focus on better gardening and overall aesthetics of the property. Best attributes are their crepes, homemade rum shots and Reggae Night on Saturdays.

Robinson Bungalows

Sebastian Straub, former social worker in Switzerland, has now owned the property for 5 years alongside of his wife Julia. Their location is pet-friendly and includes 7 bungalows and 7 tipis. Each bungalow is constructed from wood with straw rooves perfect for a cozy and tropical stay. Their reimaginged family bungalow or ‘Cozy Kikki Lu’ is an ideal choice for guests seeking modern-like amenities. Tents make for a perfect glamping experience since they’re about thirty feet from the ocean. We enjoyed soaking up the sun in one of the 20 hammocks on the premises. Take advantage of the full bar and $1 beers during happy hour. The onsite restaurant takes advantage of seasonal local produce and fresh catches when possible. Our favorite menu items were the English breakfast, hearty fruit bowls, red snapper and barbecued pork & chicken skewer. You may enjoy meals upstairs (two-stories high) in an outdoor covered dining patio and/or at the beach bar. Every morning, a taxi boat for guests cost $10 to go to the city and is easily accessible.

Sunboo Beach Bungalows

Karlo and Parisa Zahipour Moarefi both came from Austria, borrowed money from friends and invested in Sunboo. There are 6 Bungalows and a dorm with 8 beds. The beach or garden bungalows have ceiling fans and newly renovated bathrooms and sinks. With a strong Italian influence, everyday dining is delightful. For breakfast they make french toast, pancakes, crispy bacon and homemade baguettes. For lunch fresh gnocchi, burgers and triple fried french fries. The dinner menu is westernized with our favorite thin crust pizza. And of course the Sunboo beach bar is the party area where we sip and socialize. One of the only establishments which serve wine on Sunset Beach.

Sunset Adventures Dive Shop

They offer a full array of outdoor activities on the island with two locations – Saracen Bay and Sunset Beach. We took their half-day diving class (for all levels) and their master instructors were extremely attentive. The rock climbing experience offers amazing views of the sea. Kayaking trips are a must-try with a guide to discover the wonderful island and underwater world. The most intriguing activity on the island is the nighttime plankton tour which allows one to witness and capture their bioluminescence.

Lazy Beach Resort

A private tropical hideaway on Koh Rong Samloem. The vacation area has 1 private beach, 22 bungalows and 1 guest house. The wooden bungalows all have two large double beds, en-suite bathrooms and a spacious balcony offering waters edge views of the warm tropical ocean. Paddle boarding is one of the most popular activities to do, but also board games, snorkeling and dive sites. The infamous bar is a must visit with the number one drink being the ‘Bahama Mama.’ All sorts of signature drinks like brown and white rum malibu, grenadine and juices. This private beach getaway is breathtaking.

Koh Rong Samloem Lighthouse

The most amazing experience on the island and also its highest point. We recommend you take a taxi boat to the drop-off or trail which leads up to the lighthouse. Rumored to have been an old military watch tower, the views are spectacular. Be prepared to climb at least 7 to 8 stories to the top. The smell inside the lighthouse is a tad overwhelming and rancid. Be willing to pay at least $1-3 USD for the private tour. That price does not include the taxi boat.

Vaughn Lowery on a taxi boat in Mpei Bay
Ping pong at Huba-Huba Cambodia
Koh Rong Samloem Lighthouse
Vaughn Lowery dives w/ Sunset Adventures
Sleeping Trees at Sunset Beach
Sunset at Sunset Beach
Sunset Adventures Dive Shop on Sunset Beach
Inside Sleeping Trees newly renovated bungalow
Sleeping Trees tipi
Owners of Sunboo Beach Bungalows
Sweet & sour tofu at Sleeping Trees
Tempura battered chicken at Huba-Huba Cambodia
English breakfast at Robinson Bungalows
Huba-Huba Cambodia staff member
Tents at Huba-Huba Cambodia
Cameron Michael Parkes of Huba-Huba Cambodia
Outdoor area at Huba-Huba Cambodia

Rolls-Royce Miami, American Dealer of the Year

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS MIAMI CELEBRATED AS 2018 AMERICAN DEALER OF THE YEAR

Each year Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas singles out one dealer that exemplifies its ability to deliver on the complete brand promise of the world’s most coveted luxury brand. For 2018, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami has been honored as Dealer of the Year for the Americas. This prestigious honor recognizes the efforts of the entire team in Miami in ensuring the experience that every Rolls-Royce Motor Car owner deserves and expects. The criteria for the recognition is consistency in delivering the ultimate luxury experience from the initial idea through the entire commissioning and ownership experience. While only a small factor in the evaluation, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami, part of Braman Miami, was among the top dealers in delivering Rolls-Royce commissions in 2018. This performance helped lead the brand to a record year, with 4,107 Bespoke creations leaving Goodwood, Home of Rolls-Royce, for collections worldwide.

“Being a part of the world’s leading luxury brand is an exclusive honor,” said Mike Rodriguez, General Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami. “Everyone in our operation is dedicated to a single purpose, ‘ensuring an effortless experience.” He added, “Our clients and the weight of the Rolls-Royce brand demand the absolute highest level of service and it’s our commitment to deliver.” Since opening the doors to its new showroom in 2016, Rolls-Royce Motor Car Miami, part of Braman Miami, has grown the family of Rolls-Royce owners significantly and remains one of the top Rolls-Royce retailers worldwide.

“In 2018 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami continued to deliver the experience we know and expect for our owners. Commissioning and owning a Rolls-Royce is a rare experience for any lover of luxury. The entire team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami deserve this recognition,” said Martin Fritsches, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Americas. He added, “We are proud to have Mike and every member of his team represent our brand and deliver the ultimate in commissioning new motor cars and an effortless ownership experience,”

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chooses the Dealer of the Year after careful consideration of a wide range of criteria. As a brand that values the luxury ownership experience above all else, service and owner satisfaction are at the top of the list. The company also reviews sales and operational performance as well as client satisfaction. Every aspect of the Rolls-Royce Motor Car ownership experience is expected to be effortless. That begins with the initial commissioning of a truly unique and exclusive motor car with one’s retail consultant. In 2018, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami set this standard.

Inside the Bespoke lounge, clients personalize their new vehicle from more than 44,000 available exterior colors and a wide variety of textiles and interior materials ranging from the highest quality leather to high-tech carbon fiber. Working together with a team of expert colour, material and design consultants in Goodwood, Home of Rolls-Royce, the Bespoke process is what makes these cars exclusive and unique. In 2018, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars delivered significant bespoke activity in North America in more than 80% of all vehicles commissioned.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami is one of 44 Rolls-Royce Motor Car retail partners in the Americas, including 37 in the United States, 4 in Canada, 2 in South America and one in Mexico. Last year the company delivered 4107 units for a record year of growth. The Americas remains the largest global region for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars where about one-third of all commissions are delivered. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars develops and delivers the world’s ultimate luxury vehicles. Each Rolls-Royce Motor car is hand crafted at the company’s state-of-the-art assembly facility in Goodwood England.

Rolls-Royce Vancouver Inspires Greatness

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS VANCOUVER HONORED WITH 2018 ‘INSPIRING GREATNESS’ AWARD

Dealer recognized for bringing the Rolls-Royce Brand to life in its May 2018 Showroom debut and Cullinan introduction

  • May 17, 2018 American premiere of Cullinan at the grand opening of Rolls-Royce Vancouver
  • Festivities brought the world’s leading luxury brand to life including a real-life Spirit of Ecstasy performance artist
  • Showroom was the first standalone Rolls-Royce building in the Americas
  • The event featured the American revel of Cullinan, the brand’s first-ever SUV
  • Nearly 200 guests including top media experienced the world class luxury event

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver has been recognized for its prowess in bringing the world most venerable brand to life with the marque’s coveted ‘Inspiring Greatness Award’ for 2018. Reserved for the most engaging and outstanding dealer client activity that embodies the brand promise and attitude of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the Vancouver team received the award for the festivities surrounding the opening of its new showroom that included the Americas-wide debut of the all-new Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

“It’s an honor to be singled out for the way we do business,” said Christian Chia, Principal of Rolls-Royce Motor Vancouver. “Our goal is not to be the biggest, rather, we strive to share the beauty and inspiration of the Rolls-Royce brand with every one of clients and potential clients.” He added, “We had the distinct honor of introducing the new Cullinan to all of the Americas during the opening of our magnificent new showroom. It was a perfect intersection of events for the brand.”

In creating this truly inspirational event for Vancouver, Canada and the entire Americas, Chia commented, “Cullinan was our muse, an unparalleled catalyst to inspire greatness through creativity and results.” The event reflected two facets of Cullinan, offering a Diamond Room and an Adventure Room. The world had never before seen a vehicle showcased on an onyx diamond LED platform imported from Brazil. The celebration also included a custom Rolls-Royce infinity mirror room of 88 candles endlessly illuminating a Spirit of Ecstasy living sculpture. Snow fell from the gobo-inspired sky while a 3D deer looked on from a cinematic mountain range inside the forested Adventure Room. All the while, guests sipped a flaming pine-infused mezcal while dining on lobster claw charcoal sliders, A5 wagyu sushi and salmon lollipops with silver leaf cotton candy.

“In 2018 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver inspired not only its clients, but also the entire Rolls-Royce family with this program.” said Martin Fritsches, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Americas. He added, “We are a brand that each of our clients aspire to in their own way. We build cars that inspire people who do great things. And it’s only fitting when we recognize that inspiration excellence among our family of dealers.”

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars new facility in Vancouver remains a showcase for the brand. Inside the Bespoke lounge, clients personalize their new vehicle from more than 44,000 available exterior colors and a wide variety of textiles and interior materials ranging from the highest quality leather to high-tech carbon fiber. Working together with a team of expert color, material and design consultants in Goodwood, Home of Rolls-Royce, the Bespoke process is what makes these cars exclusive and unique. In 2018, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars delivered significant bespoke activity in North America in more than 80% of all vehicles commissioned.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver is one of 44 Rolls-Royce Motor Car retail partners in the Americas, including 37 in the United States, 4 in Canada, 2 in South America and one in Mexico. Last year the company delivered 4107 units for a record year of growth. The Americas remains the largest global region for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars where about one-third of all commissions are delivered. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars develops and delivers the world’s ultimate luxury vehicles. Each Rolls-Royce Motor car is hand crafted at the company’s state-of-the-art assembly facility in Goodwood England.

Smokey Robinson Returns to Wynn Las Vegas

Smokey Robinson Returns to Wynn Las Vegas for Three-Night Engagement, Sept. 2019 Tickets On Sale Friday, May 3 at 10 a.m.

Following his successful, sold-out debut at Wynn Las Vegas in February, legendary singer-songwriter, record producer and record executive Smokey Robinson will make his return to the Encore Theater for a second headlining engagement of “Live in Vegas!” in Sept. 2019. Robinson will bring his famed hits to the stage for three nights only, Sept. 18, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets for all performances go on sale Friday, May 3 at 10 a.m. PDT.

Famous for co-founding Motown Records with Berry Gordy, Robinson has been making and breaking records for more than four decades. In this 90-minute production, fans can enjoy hit after hit like “Cruisin’” and “The Tracks of My Tears,” as well as stories from Robinson’s historical career.

Ticket Information

  • Dates: Sept. 18, 20-21, 2019
  • Public On-Sale: Friday, May 3, 2019 at 10 a.m. PDT
  • Price: $59.50-$199.50 plus applicable fees
  • Points Of Purchase: Wynn Las Vegas Box Office (702-770-9966) or WynnLasVegas.com

For more information, visit WynnLasVegas.com.

About Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Resorts is the recipient of more Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards than any other independent hotel company in the world. Wynn Las Vegas opened on April 28, 2005 and was once again named the best resort in Nevada on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2018 “Gold List,” a title received for the tenth time. Wynn and Encore Las Vegas feature two luxury hotel towers with a total of 4,750 spacious hotel rooms, suites and villas, approximately 192,000 square feet of casino space, 21 dining experiences featuring signature chefs and 11 bars, two award-winning spas, approximately 290,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, approximately 103,000 square feet of retail space as well as three nightclubs, a beach club and recreation and leisure facilities. In addition to two luxury retail esplanades, a Strip-front expansion, Wynn Plaza, is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed in 2018. For more information on Wynn and Encore Las Vegas, visit www.wynnpressroom.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @WynnLasVegas and www.facebook.com/wynnlasvegas.

Brian McKnight One-Night-Only at Encore Theater

Brian McKnight Set to Take the Stage at Encore Theater For One-Night-Only Performance, July 19

Tickets On Sale Friday, May 3 At 10 a.m.

This July, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Brian McKnight will make his Wynn Las Vegas debut with a one-night-only engagement at the Encore Theater. The celebrated R&B performer will bring his greatest hits to the stage on Friday, July 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets for this performance go on sale Friday, May 3 at 10 a.m. PDT.

Over the past 25 years, McKnight has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and has released 19 albums to date, with several going two- or three-times platinum. McKnight has been nominated for 16 GRAMMY Awards, including “R&B Album” for Back at One and “R&B Song” for “Love of My Life.” McKnight is also the recipient of American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, the NAACP Image and Blockbuster Awards, as well as a Billboard Songwriter of The Year.

Ticket Information

  • Dates: July 19, 2019
  • Public On-Sale: Friday, May 3 at 10 a.m. PDT
  • Price: $49.95-$115 plus applicable fees
  • Points Of Purchase: Wynn Las Vegas Box Office (702-770-9966) or WynnLasVegas.com

Outside of singing, McKnight is a multi-instrumentalist who is trained to play the piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, trumpet and flugelhorn. For more information on Brian McKnight, visit McKnight360.com.

About Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Resorts is the recipient of more Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards than any other independent hotel company in the world and was once again named the best resort in Nevada on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 “Gold List,” a title received for the eleventh time. Wynn and Encore Las Vegas consist of two luxury hotel towers with a total of 4,750 spacious hotel rooms, suites and villas. The resort features approximately 192,000 square feet of casino space, 21 signature dining experiences, 11 bars, two award-winning spas, approximately 290,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, approximately 160,000 square feet of retail space as well as two theaters, two nightclubs, a beach club and recreation and leisure facilities. Wynn Las Vegas recently unveiled Wynn Plaza, a Strip-front expansion that offers a collection of world-renowned luxury, contemporary, and lifestyle brands. For more information on Wynn and Encore Las Vegas, visit press.wynnlasvegas.com, or follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

8th Edition of THE WORLD ATLAS OF WINE

Mitchell Beazley announces the 8th Edition of THE WORLD ATLAS OF WINE from world-renowned wine writers and bestselling authors Hugh Johnson & Jancis Robinson

Mitchell Beazley (an imprint of the Octopus Publishing Group) is delighted to announce the publication of the eagerly awaited eighth edition of the World Atlas of Wine, a major new edition of the landmark wine book that has now sold over 4.7 million copies worldwide.

Since the publication of the first edition in 1971, The World Atlas of Wine has been widely recognized as the essential and most authoritative wine reference work available. This eighth edition will bring readers, both old and new, up to date with the world of wine.

For  a short video by Hugh and Jancis explaining updates to the new edition click here.

To reflect all the changes in the global wine scene over the past six years, the Atlas has grown in size to 416 pages and 22 new maps have been added to the wealth of superb cartography in the book, along with beautiful photography throughout. The text has been given a complete overhaul to address the topics of most vital interest to today’s wine-growers and drinkers.

Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson have once again joined forces to create a classic that no wine lover can afford to be without. They will be Stateside (Washington DC, NYC, SF) in October/November to celebrate the publication.

Hugh Johnson is the world’s pre-eminent writer on wine. First published in 1977, his Pocket Wine Book sells hundreds of thousands of copies a year. His winning formula of insight, critical appraisal of the world of wine, plus valuable vintage news and wine recommendations has been often-imitated but never bettered. With the publication of his first book, Wine, Johnson established himself at the age of twenty-seven as the most refreshing and authoritative voice on the subject. During the past five decades he has written books that have become landmarks on the subject, including his classic The World Atlas of Wine, co-authored with Jancis Robinson, his Wine Companion, first published in 2003, The Story of Wine and Hugh Johnson on Wine.

Jancis Robinson is described by Decanter magazine as “the most respected wine critic and journalist in the world”. Jancis writes daily for her website, jancisrobinson.com (awarded the first ever Wine Website of the Year accolade in the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers Awards 2010), weekly for the Financial Times, and bimonthly for a column that is syndicated around the world. But many know her best for her hugely admired reference books; in addition to co-authoring The World Atlas of Wine, she is editor of The Oxford Companion to Wine and co-author of Wine Grapes. Jancis was the first person outside the wine trade to qualify as a Master of Wine, in 1984. She was awarded an OBE in 2003 by Her Majesty the Queen, on whose cellar she now advises.

Jancis and Hugh commented, “This update must be the most substantial ever since a) the wine world is changing (and expanding) so much and b) it has dominated our lives since January 2018 and it’s not over yet.”

The World Atlas of Wine 8th Edition will be published by Mitchell Beazley in October 2019 at $65, Hardcover

Easy Ways to Plan Mother’s Day

Unforgettable Mother’s Day Getaways

Forget breakfast in bed–this Mother’s Day, treat the ladies in your life to the vacation they deserve. From weekend hiking excursions in the Catskills to phone-free retreats in the stunning mountains of Alaska, we gathered the most wonderful ways to show your love to the mom who deserves more than a day to celebrate.  

For the Brand New Mom

Separation anxiety need not apply–give Mom a break while making beautiful family memories with the Baby’s First Holiday package at Martinhal Cascais Family Hotel in Lisbon. You’ll be greeted with a baby welcome pack and a special gift for the baby, then guided to your Deluxe Room complete with a private balcony, baby cot, bottle warmer and sterilizer, and changing mat. The package includes plenty of ways for new parents to unwind with a spa treatment for Mom and Dad, a 3-course romantic dinner with a babysitter included, and two hours of childcare per day. Spend quality time dolphin-watching, hiking, or kayaking on the vibrant Lisbon coast, or explore the region by bike with Martinhal Cascais’s convenient on-site Bike Station. Martinhal’s first water experience for baby and parents rounds out this once-in-a-lifetime vacation.  If the beachy Algarve is more your style, the same package is available at Martinhal Sagres.

For the Mom with a Favorite Pair of Hiking Boots

Nature is a Mother, too, so she knows what moms need. From upstate in New York’s scenic Finger Lakes to the ancient beauty of Machu Picchu, Discover Outdoors plans excursions for families with every time frame and skill level. Moms can hike, bike, hang glide, and more through the world outside of their metropolitan life. The premier guide company scouts the country’s most scenic locales, plans expeditions, and provides transportation out of the city.  All you need to do is sign up, get outside, and let Mother Nature do the rest. For the adults, plenty of adventures end in beer, wine, or whiskey. If Mom needs a break from the kids, send her off on an all-women Morning Meditation, Nature Photography Course, or Overnight Backpacking adventure, or sign up for the Women in the Outdoors week.

For the Mom Who’s Up for an Adventure

Come to the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge for the blue skies of Alaskan summer and stay for the thrill of adventure in the unparalleled mountain scenery of the Tordrillo Range. The volcanic peaks are known for stable weather conditions, creating ideal opportunities for Alaskan heli skiing–in June, ski in your t-shirt through carvable corn snow and 75-degree weather. Other sporty summer pursuits include world-class fishing, mountain biking on glaciers, whitewater rafting, glacier and alpine hiking, rock and ice climbing, canoeing, water skiing, and more. After a full day of fun, unwind by the fireplace while Mom enjoys a glass of wine from the 500-bottle cellar or soak in the luxurious lakeside wood-fired hot tub and sauna.

For the Mom Who Rocks a Five Iron

Hit the links in Vail, Colorado, at the Sonnenalp Hotel’s semi-private, 7,100-yard championship links style golf course. Take the whole family for 18 holes that cater to golfers of every skill level, with everyday playability as well as opportunities to find challenges for those who seek them. Add in some extra time to take in the breathtaking Rocky Mountain views, as the Sonnenalp Club is fabulously located to allow dramatic morning and afternoon sun to highlight the mountains’ natural radiance. Back at the Sonnenalp Hotel enjoy an exquisite spa experience, relaxing indoor and outdoor whirlpools with views of Gore Creek, and luxury lodging that perfectly captures the rustic charm of the Sonnenalp’s surroundings.

For the Mom Who Wants Her Children Off of Social Media

Get off the grid at Sheldon Chalet, a luxurious home away from home in a corner of Denali National Park so remote that you can only get there by helicopter. At an atmosphere of 6,000 feet, the troposphere above Sheldon Chalet is some of the thinnest on the planet–not great for cell signal, but ideal for jaw-dropping views of jagged snowy mountains, shooting stars, and the purple, green, and blue hues of the Aurora Borealis. Venture out onto the Ruth Glacier with a mountaineering guide or explore the crevasses of the surrounding Alaska Range, then return to the Chalet to indulge in gourmet, fresh Alaskan cuisine in a cozy lodge setting that only holds up to ten guests at a time.

For the Mom Who Loves to Learn

Culture, history, and conservation come together in one incredible place at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel in Belize. The Resort’s on-site guides entertain and educate while exposing guests to the tropical beauty of Belize. Explore ancient Mayan ruins that haunt the jungle, venture into San Ignacio for a taste of the local culture, or join a birdwatching tour to seek the elusive Crested Caracara. Discover the biodiversity of surrounding ecosystems while horseback riding, ziplining, or rappelling through caves. Book a stay in the River View Suite and enjoy complimentary access to the Resort’s Green Iguana Conservation Project, an interactive exhibit educating guests about the endangered Green Iguana, and the Medicinal Trail tour that investigates rainforest plants and herbs utilized by the Maya community for healing.

For the Mom in Need of Pampering

Moms are always looking after everyone else–give Mom some “me time” at a spa unlike any other. The Spa at Al Bait Sharjah UAE opens the door to traditional Middle Eastern beauty and wellness secrets, incorporating the most effective healing of the Far East. Using organic artisan products, the spa pampers and restores through body polishes, nurturing body wraps, rejuvenating beauty rituals, and therapeutic massages. Guests have access to separate relaxation lounges, hammam, steam rooms, and saunas. Your mom will return home relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world.

Hotel Property Management Tips

5 Tips To Choose The Right Property Management System For Your Hotel

Hoteliers and their staff are busy all the time. Anything that can take some weight off their shoulders will help them to work on other important tasks. Property Management System is the solution as it removes repetitive tasks and takes care of time-consuming processes. But the problem is: choosing the right PMS tool to help manage your property. Making a wrong move will result in losing not only money but a great deal of your time too. Here are five tips to help you choose the right property management system for your hotel.

Mind the Costs

Look for what your business needs and then choose a PMS that will meet the requirement. Even though costs will play an essential factor, it’s important to have a system that works with your workflow and meets your needs. Take advantage of the free trial or demo, which in fact is something you should ask first, and see whether it’s suitable for your hotel.

Opt for a cloud-based rather than the premise-based system which is more costly. The cloud-based system will not require you to hire an IT service to manage it. You will only have your computer or mobile to deal with. Remember to find something that favors your pocket.

Security Should be of Concern

To safeguard all the information about your guests’ data and prevent any breaches, security should be your concern. In an era where customer privacy is of utmost importance, and you don’t want to lose them, you should ask for a hotel property management system demo from every provider to see what they have as far as security is concerned.

Security breaches in hotels can involve password theft, network compromise, personal data compromise, etc. All the breaches are dealt with individually. Some need an application firewall to solve the problem while others are more complex and require a closer look.

Form a Plan and a Team

Unless you have a small-home-turned-hotel where you and your spouse are the team, one of the critical things to do is forming an integration team consisting of managers and staff. The importance of doing this is to make sure that the PMS addresses most of the needs in your hotel and it’s evaluated from different viewpoints.

Creating a plan and a team will also allow you to involve the eventual users, who are the staff. For small hotels or lodgings, ma’ and pa’ sit down and discuss the plan because they are the staff. It’s a vital decision to make and not even the activities of the day should make you forget about it. It will make your life easier and allow you to make more money.

Look For a PMS Provider Offering Training

Hospitality is an ever functional industry running 24/7, and you should look for providers who can offer support whenever you need. That should also mean that they are available to troubleshoot any problems you might face. Go for a PMS that provides training for the first-time users and also provides a refresher course in case you need it later on.

Ongoing training and support will help you understand new features and integrations. It’s vital to find a PMS that offers assistance so that you can solve some of the issues you might have.

Find One that Can be Integrated with Other Apps

PMS should be able to perform all the tasks flawlessly with other apps, that means, data from PMS can be transferred to other apps seamlessly so that work can be managed better. Inquire to understand whether the app can communicate and integrate with other systems.

What does this mean? For instance, if you have been storing all your data as Microsoft Excel file then you adopt a new web-based app, the data can be copied accurately and correctly such that no one will have to type it all again i.e. PMS with csv import-export feature.

Think about yourself, your staff and your property. What could make their work easier and boost your profits at the same time? The answer is the Property Management System. Use the tips above to choose the most convenient one.

University of Cambridge Partners with Global Prosperity Initiative

University of Cambridge and The Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity Announces Partnership

The UAE is encouraging start-ups and corporations from around the world to collaborate and partner for global good

The Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity (the Global Prosperity Initiative), an initiative of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS), signs partnership with the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) at the UK-UAE Business Council in London.

With monetary prizes, mentorship, and access to global organizations, worth up to US$1 million, the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity brings together a community of ‘makers’ to tackle some of the world’s toughest societal problems that affect over 1 billion people globally. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Prosperity Initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs, innovators and technologists to drive social innovation and promote global good.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity combines the Global Maker Challenge, an online open-innovation platform designed to promote and accelerate global prosperity through product innovation; and the Global Prosperity Award, a prestigious global accolade that recognizes and rewards corporate social responsibility that advances resilience, community, harmony and dignity across the world.

The Global Maker Challenge consists of four challenges, each targeting a specific global issue which global organizations can adopt as part of their corporate social responsibility. The four challenges were determined in partnership with eight UN agencies and, so far, over 1,100 submissions have poured in from 83 countries, with strong participation from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) such as Uganda, Laos, Sudan, and Congo.

Each of the winning solutions to the four challenges will be presented to a panel of international experts brought together by the University of Cambridge IfM to demonstrate its socio-economic impact and its contribution to advancing one or more of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The panel will then determine the solution with the greatest socio-economic impact in order for its adopting organization to qualify for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s Global Prosperity Award as a recognition of its corporate social responsibility.

Badr Al-Olama, Head of the Organizing Committee for the Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit (GMIS), said: “The University of Cambridge has a long history of innovation in the fields of science and technology that has contributed immensely to society, a goal which is at the heart of the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity. Our platform has already inspired innovators from all corners of the world to come forward and solve issues that we face together, whether that be in bridging the digital divide or eliminating hunger. Through our cooperation with the University of Cambridge, and our partnerships with global organizations, we can also encourage greater corporate social responsibility through the adoption of these solutions and promote global good through the international business community.”

Tim Minshall, Dr John C Taylor Professor of Innovation & Head of the Institute for Manufacturing, said: “The Institute for Manufacturing are pleased to be part of this initiative which highlights the importance of taking innovative approaches to solving real-world problems. We are looking forward to hearing from innovators whose novel ideas have the potential to make a positive and lasting impact on global prosperity.”

The Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity was first launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, during the inaugural Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit, held at the Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi in March 2017.

TAYLOR SWIFT SETS NEW VEVO 24 HOUR VIEW RECORD

SWIFT NOW HOLDS 3 OF THE TOP 5 VEVO 24 HOUR RECORDS

The highly anticipated official music video marking Taylor Swift’s return has set a brand-new 24 hour Vevo record with over 65 million views, taking the No. 1 spot from Ariana Grande who was the incumbent Vevo record holder with 59 million views for ‘thank u, next.” Previous record holders have included Miley Cyrus and Adele.

WATCH “ME!” HERE

Taylor’s latest song and video, ‘ME!’ featuring the vocalist Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, premiered on Vevo last Friday, April 26 at 12am ET.

The video, which also features Urie, opens with a slithery snake shedding its skin and bursting into a playful world of butterflies and pastels. The enchanting new video also features Taylor’s pet cats, rainbows, unicorns, and potential clues of a new album, making the video a must-see.

TOP 5 VEVO 24HR RECORD HOLDERS

Video Date of Release Views
“ME!” – Taylor Swift 04/26/19 65 million (estimated)
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande 11/30/18 59 million (estimated)
“Look What You Made Me Do” – Taylor Swift 08/28/17 43.3 million (estimated)
“Hello” – Adele 10/23/15 28 million (estimated)
“Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift 05/17/15 20 million (estimated)