Latest news with #Curaçao
Vogue
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
The Hair Kerchief Is Summer 2025's Must-Have Accessory
Last month, while on holiday in Curaçao, I was at a loss for what to do with my hair. It's in that sort of bob that's too short to be easily manipulated into a ponytail or pigtails, but leaving it free meant being constantly whipped in the face by wet strands as I lounged on the beach. Then Gracie Abrams performed at Glastonbury. While her oxblood Rodarte frock may have been made-to-measure, her hair accessory was far simpler: a matching bandana, folded diagonally and wrapped around her head like Christina Aguilera did in the early 2000s. 'It's a chic and effortless look inspired by style icons like Jane Birkin, Brigette Bardot, and Jean Shrimpton,' says Abrams's go-to hairstylist Bobby Eliot. 'What I love about a bandana is that it elevates a look without much effort. It also can be a way to give your hair a break from heat styling: Just spritz in a little salt spray and go.' Brigitte Bardot, hair wrapped in a scarf, in 1959's Come Dance With Me! Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection Since then, the hair kerchief has become a signature style for girls on the go. More recently, Hailey Bieber and Alexa Chung have bandanna-ed while on beachy holidays—as has model Olivia Joan, who chose to sweep her braids back with a white version while visiting her mother in Lake Como, Italy. 'I love how it keeps my hair out of my face and protects my scalp from looking sunburnt, while also looking fashionable,' she says of the look. 'Nothing better than when fashion and function can coexist harmoniously.'
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Yahoo
I've been to 30 tropical islands. From Bora Bora to Barbados, here are the 5 I'd definitely visit again.
I've visited 30 tropical islands around the world, but five stand out from the rest. Bora Bora and Curaçao's beautiful beaches make them the perfect places for a relaxing vacation. Barbados has many activities, like touring a rum distillery and visiting Rihanna's childhood home. As a travel writer specializing in tropical destinations, I've been lucky enough to have visited 30 islands around the world. Because of my extensive travels, people often ask me which islands I'd return to. Each island I've been to has been idyllic and unique, but a few lingered in my salt-spray-tinged memories long after my tan faded. Here are the five islands I always recommend to other travelers. I couldn't get enough of Bora Bora's beauty and great cuisine. This South Pacific haven screams "paradise." Although getting there was a long journey — I had to take a 16-hour flight from New York to Tahiti, followed by an hourlong flight to Bora Bora — the island was absolutely otherworldly. Formed by an extinct volcano, Bora Bora is surrounded by a calm turquoise lagoon that's basically a huge wading pool. I remember marveling at rows of romantic bungalows with thatched roofs and glass floors overlooking the water. The local cuisine combines French and Polynesian cultures. I enjoyed meals like poisson cru, a ceviche-like dish made with coconut milk, tomatoes, and cucumber. It was truly heaven on earth. I loved the luxurious vibes in St. Barts. St. Barts is full of fancy spots, with a yacht-filled harbor, designer shops along the pristine streets of Gustavia (the island's capital), and luxurious hotels. I found a lively day-drinking scene at Nikki Beach, a destination that's attracted celebrity guests like Mariah Carey, and restaurants with menus and wine lists to rival any Parisian hot spot. However, you don't have to be a multimillionaire to soak in the island's beguiling swankiness. During my visit, I spent an afternoon on a catamaran ride and did some window shopping. Visitors can also find elevated cuisine at various price points — I had tuna poke and chilled rosé from Ti' Corail on a laid-back beach, and it was one of my favorite meals. I was blown away by the many local beaches, such as the sandy Gouverneur Beach and the secluded Colombier Beach, a spot accessible only after a steep (but worth it) hike. If you're a Francophile who adores fabulous food and an upscale feel, I highly recommend St. Barts. St. Martin is the perfect destination for shopping and plane enthusiasts. St. Martin is split into two distinct French and Dutch sides. During my visit, I thought the French side had a quiet, relaxed vibe. I enjoyed lying on the beach at Orient Bay (referred to as the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean) and shopping at the luxury boutiques in Marigot, the capital of the French collectivity on St. Martin. I found the Dutch side much livelier as I clubbed at the Soggy Dollar Bar in Simpson Bay and sipped rum cocktails while watching the sunset at The Rusty Parrot. The island is also the ultimate destination for aviation geeks, as the Princess Juliana International Airport is steps away from Maho Beach. I spent hours watching planes fly directly above me. Visitors can also island hop to nearby St. Barts and Anguilla, which are easily accessible by ferry or plane. I was blown away by Curaçao's beautiful beaches and scenery. Curaçao is known for having more than 35 beaches, so every sun-worshipper can find their perfect spot. During my visit, it seemed that some beaches, like Playa Piskadó, were mainly frequented by locals, so they were uncrowded and relaxed. Others, such as Grote Knip and Playa Kalki, in quiet coves, were also very tranquil. During my stay, I sipped my way through the gin and tonic menu at Zest Restaurant & Beach Cafe on the lively Jan Thiel Beach and, of course, tried the island's namesake bright blue liqueur in a cocktail. Handelskade, a row of brightly colored Dutch colonial buildings lining the water in Willemstad (the island's capital), was the perfect photo op. As an added bonus, Curaçao is part of the ABC islands (the other two being Aruba and Bonaire), which are unlikely to be severely affected by hurricanes. I enjoyed Barbados' lively events and rum distillery. The Caribbean is synonymous with rum, but in my opinion, no island offers as authentic an experience as this destination. Based in Barbados, the iconic rum producer Mount Gay has been selling the spirit since 1703. Touring and tasting at the company's distillery is a must-do for any fan of the sugarcane-based spirit. Visitors can also make their way through Barbados' flavorful cocktails (and cuisine) at lively bars and restaurants. I loved the potent rum punch and local fish cakes at Oasis Beach Bar, as well as the seared jerk tuna and butter beans at Calma Beach Club. The island was perpetually vibrant — it seemed like a party, festival, or concert was always happening. The snorkeling in Carlisle Bay was also amazing, as I saw parrotfish, hawksbill turtles, and seahorses. Plus, Rihanna fans can snap a selfie in front of the Barbadian native's colorful childhood home, where her name adorns the doormat. This story was originally published on August 9, 2024, and most recently updated on August 8, 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider
Globe and Mail
10-08-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Steam22 Launches $STM Token, Surpasses $2M Market Cap on Day One as Blockchain-Powered Sportsbook Gains Momentum
Willemstad, Curaçao--(Newsfile Corp. - August 9, 2025) - Steam22, the innovative sportsbook platform uniting traditional online betting with advanced blockchain infrastructure, has officially launched its $STM token. Debuting on Thursday, August 7th, the token quickly surged past a $2 million market cap on day one, reflecting both strong market appetite and growing trust in the platform's technology. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The $STM token is designed to be more than just a trading asset-it's the operational backbone of a next-generation sportsbook that leverages blockchain to deliver provable fairness, real-time verification, and decentralized fund management. This approach addresses long-standing issues in the betting industry such as opaque odds, delayed payouts, and lack of transparency. Blockchain Integration for Fairness and Trust At the heart of Steam22's crypto sportsbook is a smart contract architecture that automates the wagering process from start to finish. Every bet placed is recorded on-chain, ensuring it is immutable and transparent to both players and regulators. Odds, payouts, and outcomes are all verifiable through public ledger data, eliminating the possibility of post-event manipulation. Instant Payouts and Escrow Security By utilizing blockchain-based payment rails, Steam22 enables near-instant withdrawals directly from the smart contract once a wager is settled. Player funds are held in escrow within the contract itself, meaning the platform cannot access or reallocate user balances without the blockchain's consensus mechanism executing it. This eliminates the trust gap that exists in many Web2 betting platforms. Token Utility and Ecosystem Growth The $STM token has multiple utilities within the Steam22 ecosystem. Beyond functioning as the primary currency for bets, it unlocks exclusive tournaments, loyalty multipliers, and governance rights that let token holders influence platform updates and feature rollouts. This integrated tokenomics model is designed to reward long-term engagement and strengthen community alignment with platform growth. Bridging Web2 Experience with Web3 Innovation Steam22 isn't an untested startup-it's an evolution of a proven Web2 sportsbook with an established user base. The move to blockchain builds upon years of operational expertise, giving the platform a unique edge in deploying Web3 features without sacrificing stability or user experience. This hybrid foundation has generated significant buzz across online forums and trading communities, with many industry watchers pointing to Steam22 as a blueprint for how legacy betting platforms can transition into blockchain successfully. With the $STM token now live, Steam22 has outlined a roadmap that includes additional blockchain integrations such as NFT-based VIP memberships, cross-chain interoperability, and advanced DeFi staking options for liquidity providers. For more information about the $STM token and the Steam22 sportsbook, visit
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Yahoo
I've been to 30 tropical islands. From Bora Bora to Barbados, here are the 5 I'd definitely visit again.
I've visited 30 tropical islands around the world, but five stand out from the rest. Bora Bora and Curaçao's beautiful beaches make them the perfect places for a relaxing vacation. Barbados has many activities, like touring a rum distillery and visiting Rihanna's childhood home. As a travel writer specializing in tropical destinations, I've been lucky enough to have visited 30 islands around the world. Because of my extensive travels, people often ask me which islands I'd return to. Each island I've been to has been idyllic and unique, but a few lingered in my salt-spray-tinged memories long after my tan faded. Here are the five islands I always recommend to other travelers. I couldn't get enough of Bora Bora's beauty and great cuisine. This South Pacific haven screams "paradise." Although getting there was a long journey — I had to take a 16-hour flight from New York to Tahiti, followed by an hourlong flight to Bora Bora — the island was absolutely otherworldly. Formed by an extinct volcano, Bora Bora is surrounded by a calm turquoise lagoon that's basically a huge wading pool. I remember marveling at rows of romantic bungalows with thatched roofs and glass floors overlooking the water. The local cuisine combines French and Polynesian cultures. I enjoyed meals like poisson cru, a ceviche-like dish made with coconut milk, tomatoes, and cucumber. It was truly heaven on earth. I loved the luxurious vibes in St. Barts. St. Barts is full of fancy spots, with a yacht-filled harbor, designer shops along the pristine streets of Gustavia (the island's capital), and luxurious hotels. I found a lively day-drinking scene at Nikki Beach, a destination that's attracted celebrity guests like Mariah Carey, and restaurants with menus and wine lists to rival any Parisian hot spot. However, you don't have to be a multimillionaire to soak in the island's beguiling swankiness. During my visit, I spent an afternoon on a catamaran ride and did some window shopping. Visitors can also find elevated cuisine at various price points — I had tuna poke and chilled rosé from Ti' Corail on a laid-back beach, and it was one of my favorite meals. I was blown away by the many local beaches, such as the sandy Gouverneur Beach and the secluded Colombier Beach, a spot accessible only after a steep (but worth it) hike. If you're a Francophile who adores fabulous food and an upscale feel, I highly recommend St. Barts. St. Martin is the perfect destination for shopping and plane enthusiasts. St. Martin is split into two distinct French and Dutch sides. During my visit, I thought the French side had a quiet, relaxed vibe. I enjoyed lying on the beach at Orient Bay (referred to as the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean) and shopping at the luxury boutiques in Marigot, the capital of the French collectivity on St. Martin. I found the Dutch side much livelier as I clubbed at the Soggy Dollar Bar in Simpson Bay and sipped rum cocktails while watching the sunset at The Rusty Parrot. The island is also the ultimate destination for aviation geeks, as the Princess Juliana International Airport is steps away from Maho Beach. I spent hours watching planes fly directly above me. Visitors can also island hop to nearby St. Barts and Anguilla, which are easily accessible by ferry or plane. I was blown away by Curaçao's beautiful beaches and scenery. Curaçao is known for having more than 35 beaches, so every sun-worshipper can find their perfect spot. During my visit, it seemed that some beaches, like Playa Piskadó, were mainly frequented by locals, so they were uncrowded and relaxed. Others, such as Grote Knip and Playa Kalki, in quiet coves, were also very tranquil. During my stay, I sipped my way through the gin and tonic menu at Zest Restaurant & Beach Cafe on the lively Jan Thiel Beach and, of course, tried the island's namesake bright blue liqueur in a cocktail. Handelskade, a row of brightly colored Dutch colonial buildings lining the water in Willemstad (the island's capital), was the perfect photo op. As an added bonus, Curaçao is part of the ABC islands (the other two being Aruba and Bonaire), which are unlikely to be severely affected by hurricanes. I enjoyed Barbados' lively events and rum distillery. The Caribbean is synonymous with rum, but in my opinion, no island offers as authentic an experience as this destination. Based in Barbados, the iconic rum producer Mount Gay has been selling the spirit since 1703. Touring and tasting at the company's distillery is a must-do for any fan of the sugarcane-based spirit. Visitors can also make their way through Barbados' flavorful cocktails (and cuisine) at lively bars and restaurants. I loved the potent rum punch and local fish cakes at Oasis Beach Bar, as well as the seared jerk tuna and butter beans at Calma Beach Club. The island was perpetually vibrant — it seemed like a party, festival, or concert was always happening. The snorkeling in Carlisle Bay was also amazing, as I saw parrotfish, hawksbill turtles, and seahorses. Plus, Rihanna fans can snap a selfie in front of the Barbadian native's colorful childhood home, where her name adorns the doormat. This story was originally published on August 9, 2024, and most recently updated on August 8, 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lionel Messi to visit Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi - complete itinerary and events
Lionel Messi of Argentina and teammates celebrate with the FIFA World Cup trophy during the World Champions' celebrations after an international friendly match between Argentina and Curaçao at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades on March 28, 2023 in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. (Photo by) Lionel Messi is set to visit India in December 2025, with planned stops in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The Argentine captain's four-city tour will include unveiling a 70-foot statue, participating in 'GOAT Cup' events, conducting masterclasses with children, and meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The arrangements, including booking Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, have been finalised, though official confirmation from Messi is still pending. "It's been finalised and we are waiting for an official announcement from Messi, maybe on his social media handle anytime soon," a source close to the development told PTI. Lionel Messi's India tour - Kolkata Messi will arrive in Kolkata on December 12 at 10 PM for his longest stop of the tour, staying for two days and one night. His Kolkata itinerary begins on December 13 at 9 AM with a meet-and-greet event, followed by unveiling what organisers claim will be the world's first and tallest statue of the World Cup winner at Lake Town Sribhumi on VIP Road. The GOAT Concert and GOAT Cup will take place at Eden Gardens from noon to 1:30 PM. "I don't want to mislead people. So basically, it will be a celebration of Messi, a master class with Messi. He will play the GOAT Cup in a seven-side soft-ball, soft-touch game with Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, John Abraham, Bhaichung Bhutia among others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas It will be a celebration play in respect of Messi," the source explained. The Eden Gardens event will be ticketed, with prices expected to start at Rs 3,500 for the 68,000-capacity stadium. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to felicitate Messi during the Eden Gardens program. Lionel Messi's India tour - Ahmedabad Argentina's Lionel Messi goes for the ball during a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello) On the evening of December 13, Messi will travel to Ahmedabad for a private event at the Adani Foundation's Shantigram headquarters. Lionel Messi's India tour - Mumbai His Mumbai schedule on December 14 includes a meet-and-greet at CCI at 3:45 PM and the GOAT Concert at Wankhede Stadium at 5:30 PM. "He is not going to play any cricket match in Mumbai. It will be only soft ball and soft touch with him. It will be a celebration of his journey with the presence of Indian celebrities," the source clarified. Plans include an interaction with the Indian football team in Mumbai. "At Mumbai, we have planned an interaction with the Indian football team. Obviously, Sunil Chhetri and the Indian team moment that we have planned in Mumbai as per their respective availabilities," the source said. Lionel Messi's India tour - Delhi Argentina's Lionel Messi, front, and Colombia's Kevin Castano run for the ball during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) The tour concludes in New Delhi on December 15 with a meeting with Prime Minister Modi and a GOAT Concert at the Arun Jaitley Stadium at 2:15 PM. "Messi will be imparting masterclass with kids at every centre. The main idea is to celebrate Messi's success, giving little bit, for instance 30 to 40 minutes to motivate the young generation of players. So, masterclass and interaction with Messi." The source confirmed there will be no event in Kerala, contrary to earlier reports. This visit marks Messi's return to India after his first appearance in 2011, when he led Argentina in an exhibition match against Venezuela at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, which his team won 1-0. Proposed Itinerary for Lionel Messi's India visit December 12: Arrival in Kolkata (10pm). December 13 (Kolkata): 9am -- Meet and greet event; Statue unveiling (70-feet) at Lake Town Sribhumi, VIP Road; 12 noon to 1.30pm -- GOAT Concert at Eden Gardens followed by GOAT Cup; December 13 (Evening): Adani Foundation private event at Shantigram, Ahmedabad. December 14 (Mumbai): Meet and greet at CCI (3.45pm); GOAT Concert at Wankhede Stadium (5.30pm). December 15 (New Delhi): Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; GOAT Concert at Feroz Shah Kotla (2.15pm). For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
