'We Bloom!' in Hualien
Aligned with this theme, the 2025 Hualien FUN Summer Vacation runs from July 12 to August 10 at the picturesque Liyu Lake in Shoufeng Township, recognized as one of the 'Top 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Taiwan.' Under the banner 'We Bloom, Cool FUN Summer,' the event offers five free water activities daily: stand-up paddleboarding, water bicycles, inflatable bumper boats, tandem kayaks, and motorized inflatable scooters. Set against the backdrop of Hualien's lush mountains and tranquil lake waters, the event invites visitors to cool off while taking in the region's natural beauty.
Each weekend during the event features live cultural performances, a mobile food truck market, and enchanting nighttime light installations that bring a festive atmosphere to the lakeshore. The integration of the event with Hualien's exclusive mascot character reflects Hualien's commitment to resilient, sustainable development.
Through this event, the Hualien County Government warmly welcomes both domestic and international travelers to revisit iconic destinations such as the Taroko National Park, and to experience the vibrant landscape, rich culture, and enduring strength of a region that continues to bloom—against all odds.
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Sail through the Strait of Magellan, passing rugged mountain peaks and blue-tinted icebergs and experience Chile's vibrant capital city, Santiago. Viking Homelands (15 days; Stockholm – Bergen) – Sail the clear waters of Scandinavia and the Baltic on this 15-day voyage. Delve deeper with overnight stays in the refined capital of Stockholm, the culturally rich city of Oslo and the picturesque coastal city of Bergen. Discover the charming historic center of Tallinn and marvel at the Gothic brick cathedrals in Gdańsk. Immerse yourself in Norwegian culture in Stavanger and Eidfjord and view breathtaking scenery from your ship as she glides through majestic fjords in the legendary homelands of the Vikings. Australia & New Zealand (15 days; Sydney – Auckland) – Gain a deep understanding of the native and European influences that shape Australia and New Zealand. Learn about Australia's penal past from a descendant of its first settlers. 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Business Wire
2 days ago
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Secret Bay Announces New Residences Amid New Partnership With Sotheby's and Citizenship by Investment Opportunities
SECRET BAY, Dominica--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Secret Bay, the Caribbean's acclaimed six-star rainforest resort comprised of private villas, announces a landmark partnership with Sotheby's International Realty, exclusively handling whole ownership sales of the new waterfront villas, and the progressive expansion of its real estate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. This strategic alliance and the launch of these new open-to-astonishing-views residences mark a new era in luxury living, sustainable development and international investment in Dominica, known as the 'Nature Island' of the Caribbean. The Residences at Secret Bay: A Sanctuary of Luxury and Sustainability Secret Bay has earned global distinction for its exclusive collection of sustainably built villas, attentive service and immersive experiences rooted in the natural beauty of Dominica. Perfectly set on secluded clifftops, Secret Bay features private plunge pools, gourmet kitchens, and open-air showers, all designed with environmental sensitivity. The resort's ethos is delivering transformative experiences while minimizing ecological impact and has long resonated with discerning travelers and investors alike. Six-star service: Personal villa hosts, private chefs, and bespoke wellness programs. Eco-conscious architecture blending seamlessly with the rainforest. Award-winning dining at Bwa Denn Terraza restaurant Only nine new residences are available: One-bedroom residences starting from USD 1.4 million. Multi-villa estates are ideal for fractional ownership. Construction completion is anticipated for early 2027. Dominica's Citizenship by Investment Program: A World of Opportunity Dominica's Citizenship by Investment program is consistently ranked among the world's best for its efficiency and substantial benefits. Through a qualifying investment in real estate, international investors can secure citizenship for themselves and their families, opening gateways to global mobility, security, and new business ventures. Global mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries. Wealth planning: No capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes in Dominica. Family inclusion: Citizenship extends to spouses, children, parents, and grandparents. Efficient process: Application approval is typically within six months. Secret Bay's real estate offerings are fully approved under Dominica's CBI program. Investors can purchase freehold villas or fractional ownership, each conferring eligibility for citizenship. The minimum investment threshold starts at USD 200,000, making Dominica a preferred destination for savvy global citizens. Unveiling the Partnership: The Residences at Secret Bay x Sotheby's International Realty Sotheby's is exclusively handling whole ownership sales of the nine new waterfront villas. In a pioneering move, Secret Bay has joined forces with the venerable and high-energy Sotheby's International Realty team based in St. Kitts and Nevis, a brand synonymous with prestige and a global clientele. This partnership positions Secret Bay's real estate portfolio on Sotheby's exclusive platform, multiplying international exposure and connecting investors with rare, one-of-a-kind Caribbean residences. The collaboration unlocks a range of benefits: Global Reach to a discerning audience worldwide. Curated Luxury: Secret Bay's unique eco-luxe villas now sit alongside the world's most coveted properties, affirming their stature in the luxury market. Personalized Service: Sotheby's brings a tradition of concierge-level service and deep market expertise to buyers seeking Caribbean real estate. Immediate ownership: Sotheby's ensures seamless move-in support. New Villas: Expanding the Secret Bay Experience Coinciding with the partnership, Secret Bay is launching an expanded collection of nine new residences, crafted with the same commitment to privacy, comfort, and environmental harmony as the existing villas. These new residences offer investors and guests an elevated lifestyle defined by tranquility, bespoke design, and unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea. Private sanctuaries: Each villa features its own pool, gourmet kitchen, and expansive terrace. Seamless integration: Villas are nestled discreetly in the rainforest, maximizing both views and seclusion. Flexible ownership models: Both full and fractional purchase options are available, catering to a global clientele. Last year, Secret Bay launched an unrivaled, fractional share ownership program with limited shares providing an exclusive opportunity to purchase a real ownership share in the Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) that grants freehold title to the property within the Clifftop Zabuco & Ti-Fèy Multi-Villa Estates, each priced at $4.5 million. This program offers ownership from two to 10 weeks—from $220,000 up to $1,100,000—with no annual fees. It provides a potential return on investment based on Secret Bay's unique ownership model, and benefits, including membership to ThirdHome and the opportunity to qualify for second citizenship. With only 25 of 64 shares remaining, this is a rare chance to own part of Secret Bay and return time and again to a place that feels like home. Site visits, virtual tours, and personalized consultations are available to guide prospective buyers through the process from selecting the perfect residence to securing Dominican citizenship. Fractional ownership begins at USD 220,000 for two weeks and ranges up to USD 1.1 million for ten weeks. Whole Ownership real estate opportunities are available for Villas starting at USD 1.4 million and Multi-Villa Estates at USD 4.5 million. email residences@ or call +1 (767) 445-4444.
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business Wire
Kuwana City, Mie: Ishidori Matsuri (Ishidori Festival) Known as the Noisiest Festival in Japan to be Held on Saturday August 2
KUWANA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture, Japan, located about 20 minutes from Nagoya station by train, has been strengthening its internationalisation efforts and information dissemination since last year with the aim of becoming a 'city open to the world'. Ishidori Matsuri (Ishidori Festival) Known as the Noisiest Festival in Japan to be Held on Saturday August 2nd and Sunday 3rd. Share Kuwana Ishidori Matsuri, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event Ishidori Matsuri will be held on August 2 nd and 3 rd this year, taking place in the vicinity of Kuwana Sosha (Kasuga Shrine). This UNESCO-recognized festival is known as the noisiest festival in Japan, with around 40 festival floats parading through the town with the grand sound of gongs and drums. In particular, the 'Tatakidashi' on the first day of the Ishidori Matsuri, and the 'Tosai' held on the day of 'Hongaku' are must-sees, and the area around Kuwana Sosha is filled with many spectators. Schedule of the festival Saturday, August 2, the day of Shingaku (Final preparation of the festival) 0 a.m. Tatakidashi (start of striking the gong) Around 5 p.m. Shinai Neri-Aruki (the floats will start parading in their own district) The starting time of the Neri-Aruki differs by the district. Sunday, August 3, the day of Hongaku (Festival) 1 p.m. Line up at Kita-ichiba, 6:30 p.m. Hanaguruma Tosai (Performing in front of the tower gate of Kuwana Sosha) 'Kuwana Shaved Ice Route' This year marks the fifth 'Kuwana Shaved Ice Route' event. Chubu Corporation, a manufacturer of commercial shaved ice machines with the top share of the Japanese market, is located in the city. Kuwana City, which experiences hot summers every year, consumes a large amount of shaved ice. This year, 27 stores in the city will participate, offering a wide variety of shaved ice. A campaign to win prizes is also underway! For details, please visit the special website. Please check in advance for some stores may be closed during the festival. Come visit Kuwana to experience Japanese summer with Ishidori Matsuri, the noisiest festival in Japan, and shaved ice to cool you down. Both websites are written in Japanese. By using the machine translation function on the web browser it is possible to read in the language you prefer.
