Latest news with #Romanian-born
Forbes
05-05-2025
- Forbes
Nay Palad Sets A New Standard For Barefoot Luxury In The Philippines
Siargao, a popular surfing destination in the Philippines, is having a moment. Often referred to as a Bali-esque escape from the 1970s, this lush island has a beguiling charm that draws travelers back to visit over and over again. Maybe it's because there are more palm trees than people, or the fact that you can go surfing, island hopping and swimming in natural rock pools all in the same day, but once you experience the magic of Siargao, it's hard to stay away. For those in the know, the best place to stay is Nay Palad Hideaway, Siargao's most refined retreat. Tucked on a quiet beach just 15-minutes' drive from General Luna, the main town on the island, Nay Palad Hideaway captures what's most beloved about Siargao. A stylish resort with plenty of tropical flair, it offers an intimate experience and a genuine hospitality that sets the Philippines apart. Nay Palad Hideaway is owned by Bobby Dekeyser, former soccer player and founder of global luxury brand DEDON, as a tribute to his love for Siargao. He first visited in the 1990s while setting up production for his outdoor furniture company in the Philippines, tapping into the craftsmanship of local communities to weave intricate patterns and create elegant, weather-resistant furnishings. In Siargao, he found the perfect place to build a resort that brings together his passion for design, leisure and hospitality. Nestled between the island's pristine coastline and a lush mangrove forest, the property was entirely rebuilt after Typhoon Rai devastated the island in 2021. Dekeyser brought back his original architect, Romanian-born, Paris-based Daniel Pouzet, to reimagine the resort for its next chapter. The new name, 'Nay Palad,' combines the Filipino words for 'mother' and 'palm' — reflecting the property's nurturing approach to hospitality. The hideaway features 10 villas with ample indoor and outdoor living space: each one sleeps between 6–9 guests. Spacious yet unpretentious, they feature thatched roofs, large open-air deck areas and rain bathrooms that bring the outdoors in. The Ocean View Villas, which span 100m², are perfect for couples or families, while the Perlah Villa, a private sanctuary with four bedrooms, swimming pool and beach access, is ideal for larger groups. The resort has a laidback feel with playful nooks perfect for relaxing with a drink or book. DEDON's iconic furnishings appear throughout, from "Nestrest" canopies and "Swingrest" hanging loungers to oversized daybeds that look like something out of Alice in Wonderland — creating spaces that guests of all ages can enjoy. At the heart of the resort is a dining room overseen by Thai-German Chef Thorsten, who creates dishes tailored to each guest. Breakfast features an à la carte menu with local and international options, while in the evening, meals are multi-course, fine-dining experiences staged in different enchanting corners of the resort. One night you might dine on the beach under the stars, the next tucked into a candlelit treehouse with the sound of waves in the distance — this spontaneity adds to the magic. The staff has created over a dozen different venues for meals, ensuring each dining experience feels fresh and special. A large outdoor swimming pool invites guests to enjoy refreshing dips alongside craft cocktails, while the nearby games area offers billiards, foosball and boardgames — perfect for a digital detox. The property also features an airy yoga shala and spa offering traditional hilot massages. Despite its many activities, the vibe here is luxuriously relaxed: there's no schedule to keep, no decisions to make — just the slow, satisfying rhythm of island time. Nay Palad is a place where you're encouraged to walk around barefoot and dine when you wish. And its all-inclusive aspect means you won't spend your time comparing prices or worrying about fees (all activities are included in the price of your villa). One unmissable experience is an island-hopping tour aboard Nay Palad's boat, which takes you to nearby islands like Daku, Guyam and Naked Island. You can snorkel, enjoy a pop-up beach picnic, and take a short hike for panoramic views. But what truly sets Nay Palad apart is its commitment to Siargao's environment and community. The property supports everything from organic farming and coral rehabilitation to biodiversity research and local education. More than 80% of the team is locally employed, and nearly everything is sourced from the island. It's proof that luxury and sustainability don't just coexist — they enhance each other.
Euronews
03-05-2025
- Euronews
‘You realise there's nothing you can't do': Why solo travel is the ultimate act of self-care
ADVERTISEMENT Ioana had never travelled alone before the age of 31 because she was too afraid of what people would think. But a solo trip to Paris for her 31st birthday was transformative. 'The important people in my life were all very supportive, and the Parisians couldn't care less that I was eating in restaurants alone or walking along the Seine by myself,' she says. 'This experience helped reduce my anxiety and taught me that I should not let other people's opinions interfere with how I live my life.' While solo travel is often perceived as daunting, it can be an unexpectedly powerful form of stress relief, according to Dr Ravi Gill, a chartered psychologist with over 15 years in mental healthcare. Related 'The paperwork is a nightmare': The romance and red tape of dating as a digital nomad 'People are not props': The Sámi reindeer herders fighting stereotypes to build ethical tourism 'Solo travel offers profound psychological benefits, helping individuals overcome anxiety, build self-trust, and experience true autonomy,' he says. 'You realise there's nothing you can't do' Data analysis by Emerald Cruises predicts that solo travel is set to skyrocket, with Google Trends data showing a staggering 5,000 per cent increase in searches for 'best places to travel solo' and 'solo travel tours' in March alone. The cruise company, whose itineraries include trips dedicated to single passengers, surveyed 500 Brits about their experiences of travelling alone. Nearly half of the respondents said that solo trips boosted their confidence and decision-making skills - something Romanian-born Ioana also emphasises on her solo travel blog . 'I think solo travel is very empowering because you need to do everything yourself,' she says. 'Once you navigate a new city, problem solve how to deal with flight delays, or order food in a foreign language successfully, you realise there is nothing you can't do.' Maddie Quammen is a travelling content creator from the US. Maddie Quammen Maddie Quammen is a travelling content creator from the US. She describes solo travel as 'like a mirror and a reset button all at once'. 'It pulls you out of your comfort zone, and in doing so, helps you get really clear on who you are and what you actually want,' she says. 'I think we're living in a time where comfort is the default, and too much of it can lead to anxiety, numbness, and disconnection. When you're solo on the road, you're constantly being tested. But in those moments, you realise just how strong, adaptable, and resourceful you really are.' 'Solo trips showed me I can change my reality' For many travellers, embarking on a solo trip becomes a journey of self-discovery, or as Gill puts it, 'replacing a fixed mindset with a growth mindset.' ADVERTISEMENT In the survey by Emerald Cruises, 32 per cent of respondents said they see travelling alone as a way to learn more about themselves. For Ioana, solo travel was a wake-up call about her work-life balance. 'I used to work in corporate, and I was miserable because my job was not fulfilling, and I didn't have the time freedom I was craving,' she says. 'After I took a few solo trips , I became more confident and I realised that I am in control of my own life and I can change my reality.' ADVERTISEMENT Ioana in Barcelona. Ioana (thesolotravelinstyleblog) Ioana began writing a solo travel blog and left the corporate world last year to dedicate her time to travelling and sharing her experiences. 'Solo travel is not just about seeing the world; it's about discovering who you are when no one else is shaping your choices," says Gill. 'Healing often sneaks up on you in motion' Maddie's experience has also been an odyssey of self-growth. She and her ex broke up during a trip abroad, and she found herself ' completely alone on the other side of the world'. 'I felt like I lost my favourite person, and had no idea who I was without them. But solo travel didn't let me stay stuck. I had to keep going. I had to rely on myself - and strangers,' she says. ADVERTISEMENT 'There are kind, beautiful humans everywhere, and if you stay open, you'll find them. That was one of the most healing parts for me - learning I wasn't as alone as I thought.' Related 'We were tired of living within four walls': Why I left the city to run a mountain hotel in Italy 'You learn to live with much less': Why this family decided to set sail and see the world Maddie has continued to travel full-time and uses her Instagram account to share frank realities about getting over a break-up while on the road alone. 'I was once crying in a bunk bed over my ex, thinking I made the biggest mistake of my life. Two days later, I was riding through rice fields in Vietnam , full of peace and joy,' she says. 'That contrast reminded me that pain isn't permanent, and healing often sneaks up on you in motion.' ADVERTISEMENT For Maddie, solo travel hasn't just shown her she can handle whatever is thrown at her, but that she can thrive. 'It's hard to spiral when you're watching the sunrise over a mountain you just climbed,' she says.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Sebastian Stan discusses Annabelle Wallis romance
The 42-year-old Marvel actor has been in a relationship with 40-year-old British star Wallis since 2022 - but the couple have kept their love largely out of the spotlight. Now the Gossip Girl star has explained that it is no mistake that he and Wallis have kept their relationship to themselves. He told the May 2025 issue of Vanity Fair, "I feel like it's really difficult nowadays to be able to have any privacy whatsoever.". The Romanian-born American actor added, "It's the one part of my life that I try to keep somewhat for myself, even though it sort of ends up being out there.".
News.com.au
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Sebastian Stan discusses Annabelle Wallis romance
The 42-year-old Marvel actor has been in a relationship with 40-year-old British star Wallis since 2022 - but the couple have kept their love largely out of the spotlight. Now the Gossip Girl star has explained that it is no mistake that he and Wallis have kept their relationship to themselves. He told the May 2025 issue of Vanity Fair, "I feel like it's really difficult nowadays to be able to have any privacy whatsoever.". The Romanian-born American actor added, "It's the one part of my life that I try to keep somewhat for myself, even though it sort of ends up being out there.".
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Shocking reason Elon Musk 'threatened me with deportation'
A Tesla whistleblower was allegedly threatened with the deportation of her entire engineering staff after she tried to prevent a massive safety recall. Engineer Cristina Balan said she was forced to resign from her position in 2014 after trying to bring a major braking system flaw in the Model S to Elon Musk 's attention. Instead of getting a one-on-one with the Tesla CEO, Balan claimed Tesla's lawyers threatened to deport all the members of her team, who were waiting on green card applications at the time, if she did not comply. The alleged incident stemmed from the Romanian-born engineer discovering that the car's floor mats could potentially hinder a driver's ability to brake. After Balan's resignation, Tesla released a statement in 2017 claiming that she had stolen company resources to work on a personal project. This pushed the whistleblower to sue the company for defamation, even while battling cancer over the last decade. Although Tesla got that case thrown out, an appeals court has just ruled in Balan's favor, finding that the previous court did not have the authority to rule against Balan. Now, the engineer hopes this major legal win will lead to a public court battle that the former car designer claims will reveal Elon Musk as being 'pure evil.' 'We are hoping we will start a new lawsuit and we will have the chance to take on Elon Musk in front of a jury and judge,' Balan told BBC News after the ruling last week. has reached out to Tesla for comment. Balan was a senior engineer of Tesla's interior systems before her resignation. Her work was so instrumental to the production of the Model S that her initials were even engraved on many of the engines. However, Balan said in a recent interview she had spoken to Tesla executives who acknowledged that the company's brake issues could be as devastating as the problems Toyota faced in 2009, which led to millions of recalled vehicles. The decision by the US Court of Appeals allowing Balan to take her defamation case back to court could change corporate policy nationwide, by cracking down on the alleged overuse of non-public hearings by companies looking to keep embarrassing court details a secret during labor disputes. The engineer also claimed in an interview with The Times UK that Musk has language in all his company's contracts, preventing workers from exercising their rights to free speech or having a lawsuit decided by a jury. 'I won my freedom of speech back, voided all the confidentiality clauses he had on me, and made Musk LOSE his first appeal EVER in front of not one, but three appeal judges,' Balan added in a post on her LinkedIn page. According to the whistleblower, who was fighting Tesla in court while receiving treatment for Stage 3 breast cancer, she was simply following Musk's own directive that he sent out in a 2013 email. 'Anyone at Tesla can and should email/talk to anyone else according to what they think is the fastest way to solve a problem for the benefit of the whole company,' Musk wrote in the email, which Tesla confirmed was sent to all its employees. 'You can talk to your manager's manager without his permission, you can talk directly to a VP in another dept, you can talk to me, you can talk to anyone without anyone else's permission. Moreover, you should consider yourself obligated to do so until the right thing happens,' the Tesla CEO continued. Despite the company mandate, Balan told the BBC that her managers at Tesla ignored her concerns about the Model S and eventually became hostile before her forced resignation. Balan believed that the braking problems with the Model S were so severe that it would lead to a massive safety recall, similar to Toyota's braking scandal in 2009 and 2010 The 2017 statement alleging that the former Tesla engineer embezzled from the company allegedly ruined Balan's professional career. She added that companies did not want to hire her over fears they'd end up on Musk's 'blacklist.' Although Balan would win a wrongful termination case against Tesla in 2014, her defamation lawsuit was pushed into arbitration and eventually thrown out of court. The whistleblower said that companies regularly get cases moved into forced arbitration, which are private hearings, using a clause in the employee's contract to keep the details of the case from becoming public. Stanford professor Anat Admati told the BBC: 'Tesla is among the many corporations that force employees and customers into opaque arbitration processes and deploy aggressive strategies to retaliate against employees who voice criticism of corporate practices.' While Musk has said he is a 'free speech absolutist,' Balan told The Times UK that the billionaire would threaten or retaliate against workers who tried to fix problems with the electric cars. Balan said she heard that other employees in Norway and Germany were fired suddenly after voicing concerns with Tesla's products. 'He's pure evil… he's enjoying hurting people… and you don't know about them because he's forcing everybody to give up their freedom of speech and their right to sue,' Balan said regarding Musk's corporate tactics. The new court decision essentially sends Balan's defamation lawsuit back to square one. The original arbitrator in the case ruled in favor of Musk and Tesla in 2021, dismissing Balan's claims due to California's statute of limitations. Basically, the judge said too much time had passed since Tesla released their 2017 statement claiming Balan stole from the company to rule in the former employee's favor. After their victory, Tesla took the case back to a district court in California to have the arbitrator's verdict confirmed. However, Balan appealed the ruling to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Three appeals judges sided with her, cancelling the arbitration ruling for Tesla and adding that the district court did not have the jurisdiction to make a ruling in this matter. Balan told The Times UK she fully intends to go ahead with the new lawsuit, adding that she wants the details about Musk heard in court 'to prove how vindictive this monster is.'
