Latest news with #Ross'
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Belle Mare Plage proves Mauritius is far more than a honeymooner's paradise
For a long time, Mauritius was renowned for being the home of the dodo, a bird whose claim to fame now is that it's long extinct. And after a week-long trip to the Indian Ocean hotspot, I can report that everything else about this stunning island is alive and kicking. Gorgeous beaches, clear-blue water, sports and fun, but also with plenty of opportunities to kick back and chill, it has something for everyone. That might be why it is such a popular holiday destination for parties ranging from families to couples, young to old. It's a home from home – English speaking, along with a strong French flavour, driving on the left and lots of golf – but with warm weather, blue skies and incredible food. It was my first trip to Mauritius, and while I wanted to relax and unwind, there was also lots to keep me occupied during my stay at two Constance-owned resorts, starting with Belle Mare Plage and then Prince Maurice. Before the activities, though, a chance to enjoy the Belle Mare spa. A 10-hour overnight flight and then an hour by road to the hotel was followed by a spot of breakfast, a first lie on the resort's golden beach, and then a massage to work out the journey's knots and niggles. I could have done with another one the following morning after an early start for circuit training took my breath away – literally – followed by exerting aqua aerobics. A great, energetic start to the day. The energy didn't stop there. A leisurely cycle ride off resort was part of the activities on offer, as was a spot of table tennis. But while Premier League football is all the rage – and locals were only too keen to talk about it – it is golf that Mauritius is embracing. Belle Mare Plage has two 18-hole golf courses, the Legends and the Links, which host championship competition and Pro-ams featuring celebrities and sport stars. It even has its own Golf Academy, too good an opportunity to pass up. Treated to a crash course with the club pro, a 30-minute lesson improved my swing as I sent ball after ball flying down the range. 'Good job, Ross' was the cheerleading cry from my coach. I felt like Tiger Woods walking off. The Deer Hunter restaurant also boasts fine views of the 18th green and a wonderful menu (the traditional Mauritian farata bread was fantastic) to round things off. The Deer Hunter was just one of six restaurants we visited at Belle Mare Plage, all with their own individual twist. And if you like fresh fish or meat, you're in luck. La Spiaggia on the first night, with crab remoulade and sea bass, set the tone. A champagne reception kicked off another evening in a casual beachside atmosphere on the decked area. At Blu Sushi Lounge, there was a wide selection of sushi dishes, including maki rolls, but the highlight without a doubt was a pina colada white beer (yes, you read that right), made at local brewery Thirsty Fox. Sadly it's exclusive to the resort and can't be bought anywhere else. Our final night was spent at the Blue Penny Cellar, a beautifully decorated venue. A wine-flight session was followed by a tour of the cellars with more than 30,000 bottles. If you have a bit more than a blue penny to spend, you can splash out on the most expensive, a mere $25,000. Meat was the order of the day at the Blue Penny, a rump steak hand chosen by the resident butcher was cooked to perfection served with a drop of red wine. Vanilla caviar – in authentic caviar pots – was a delicious dessert too. As well as the incredible evening menus, we lunched on fresh fish, vegetables and fruit at Indigo, Lakaze and The Blue Bar, while La Citronelle served breakfast. Belle Mare Plage is ideal for families and couples, and it's big but it never felt crowded. With more than a mile of sand, eight restaurants and bars and a multitude of activities on offer, it felt like you were one of just a handful of guests. We stayed in a Junior Suite overlooking the beach with a walk-in wardrobe, connecting bathroom and shower, and sizeable balcony. Belle Mare Plage also has a number of private pool villas to take luxury to a new level. We had a private floating breakfast on our last morning, a sumptuous way to set you up for the day ahead. You can get a selection of the most interesting, important and fun travel stories sent to your inbox every week by subscribing to the Mirror Travel newsletter. It's completely free and takes minutes to do. The second half of our trip was spent at a Constance sister hotel, the Prince Maurice. An elegant, more traditional resort, it had a different feel but was luxurious and quiet. Three restaurants and four bars meant there were plenty of dining options. A Junior Suite awaited, again, on the first floor overlooking perfectly manicured gardens and a secluded pool which led to the beach. And the five-star service continued – there was a button to press by each lounger for waiter service. One of the most striking features was the orange towels accompanying each sun lounger – a nod to the Dutch governor Maurice of Orange who both the hotel and the island were named after way back in 1598. I'd never tried water skiing in 47 years. I think it may take 47 more before I give it another whirl but what an experience. It looked simple. It sounded simple as my guide helped me into the skis, told me to bend my legs slightly and stay upright. Let the boat do the work and pull you up. It wasn't quite that straightforward. Up, seven seconds, down with a splash. Seven seconds might be being generous, actually. Second try was a bit better, third was the charm I'd hoped for. Nope. Worst yet, and into the sea I went. ''Do you want to head back?'' Not just yet, thanks. Finally, perseverance paid off and I managed a few minutes around the bay without falling in. Beyond the coral reef, Mauritius has some outstanding areas for snorkelling. We took a boat cruise around the east of the island, taking in sights before anchoring at a spot teeming with fish. Having come to the area on a trip from Belle Mare Plage a few days earlier, I'd struggled with the mask and breathing, so I was determined to make a better fist of snorkelling. This time was a success, with the colours, sizes and sights of what lay beneath worth the trip alone. On the way back we took in the beautiful coastline and grabbed some sun out on the boat deck. Pulling back into the bay, paddle boarders and kayakers were out in force. After a week of activities, my knee injury was playing up but a massage soothed all aches and pains with my second rubdown. One of the things Constance resorts is big on is offering breaks focusing on your physical and mental wellbeing. Designed by US expert Dr Chase Webber, the spas are designed to relax body and mind. I'd never tried yoga before, but an hour-long session got aching limbs stretching like they hadn't in decades. Constance holds a number of Wellness Retreats with Dr Webber, who we met for breakfast on our last day. On the final night, we dined and drank at La Barachois, a floating restaurant. After a couple of cocktails at a floating bar, we made the walk through the lantern-lit pontoon to an incredible venue, surrounded by mangrove trees and overlooking a fish reserve. The food was as breathtaking as the setting with a crab starter, the catch of the day, and the baked Alaska all hitting the spot. A fitting finale.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Josh Ross Scores His First Top 10 ‘Single' on Country Airplay Chart, Morgan Wallen's ‘Problem' Persists at No. 1
Singer-songwriter Josh Ross, 30, from Waterdown, Ontario, achieves his first top 10 on Billboard's Country Airplay chart as his first entry, 'Single Again,' pushes 11-10 on the list dated May 31. The song increased by 10% to 16.6 million impressions May 16-22, according to Luminate. The track is from Ross' eight-song set Complicated, released in March 2024. It hit No. 2 on the Canada Country chart last October, becoming the fifth of his six career-opening top 10s. More from Billboard U2's Bono Calls for Hamas to 'Release the Hostages, Stop the War' During Ivor Novello Awards Speech Rob49 on Viral Stardom, 'Let Me Fly,' Collab Album With G Herbo & Making Music With Justin Bieber Preston Cooper on Offering Genuine Strength in 'Weak,' His First Radio Release Ross co-authored 'Single Again' with Joe Fox and Brad Rempel, and Matt Geroux produced it. (Fellow Canadian Rempel is a member of the group High Valley, which has notched 20 top 10s on Canada Country, in 2012-24.) Notably, 'Single Again' reaches the Country Airplay top 10 in its 60th week on the chart, wrapping the third-longest trip to the tier since the survey launched in January 1990. In April 2023, Brett Young's 'You Didn't' reached its No. 10 high in 70 weeks, while Chase Matthew's 'Love You Again' hit No. 10 in 62 frames (before peaking at No. 9). Morgan Wallen's 'I'm the Problem' tops Country Airplay for a sixth total and consecutive week (31.7 million, down 1%). It became the third No. 1 from his album of the same name, ahead of its release May 16, following 'Love Somebody' (three weeks in February) and 'Lies Lies Lies' (one week, November). His latest single being promoted to country radio, 'Just in Case,' rises 15-13 (14.8 million, up 8%). 'I'm the Problem' is the third of Wallen's 17 Country Airplay No. 1s to reign for six frames or more, after 'You Proof,' which shares the record for most time on top (10 weeks, 2022-23), and 'Last Night' (eight weeks, 2023). Five total cuts from I'm the Problem are scaling Country Airplay, with the title track and 'Just in Case' followed in the top 40 by 'I Ain't Coming Back,' with Post Malone (43-32; 2.9 million, up 48%). The other two debut: 'What I Want' featuring Tate McRae (No. 55; 897,000), and 'Superman' (No. 58; 846,000). All charts dated May 31 will update Wednesday, May 28, on (one day later than usual due to the Memorial Day holiday May 26). Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Title to be decided - but what else is at stake on SWPL final day?
The shootout between Hibs and Rangers at the top promises a thrilling conclusion to the SWPL season, but the title isn't the only thing at stake on the final day. Race for second Although Glasgow City are all but out of the title race because of their inferior goal difference to Rangers, Leanne Ross' side still have a lot to play for. Second place will clinch a qualifying spot for next season's Women's Champions League and City - level on points with Rangers - are within touching distance. First of all, Ross' side need to be Hearts at home. With the three points in the bag, they're almost guaranteed second. That's because if Rangers lose, City will be three points above them in second place. If Rangers and Hibs draw, City will be two points better off than their Glasgow rivals. If Hibs lose, City will finish above the capital club on goal difference. If City draw, they can only finish second if Rangers lose to Hibs. Battle at the bottom Queen's Park and Dundee United are already relegated but with the restructure of the league, there's still another team to go down. Montrose occupy the third and final relegation place but they're only two points below Spartans heading into the final game. Montrose host bottom side United while Spartans are at home to the team currently best of the rest, Partick Thistle. Montrose have overcome United every time they've met this season and the same goes for last season as well. Spartans, on the other hand, have failed to beat Thistle this term. They eked out a 1-1 draw in December but apart from that, Thistle have come out on top in the other three meetings, including a Scottish Cup tie. Best of the rest The spot at the top of the bottom six - the best of the rest position - is still to be decided. Thistle, who finished the previous two campaigns in the top six, are currently in seventh but they're only two points clear of Aberdeen. As mentioned, Thistle are travelling to face Spartans who they haven't lost to this term. The Dons are also on the road, at already-relegated Queen's Park. The only way for Aberdeen to usurp Thistle in seventh is if the Dons win and Brian Graham's side lose. With SWPL survival at stake for Spartans, that's not out of the question. How to follow on BBC BBC Alba have live coverage of Glasgow City's game against Hearts which you can watch on the channel, or on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. That one kicks off at 12:00 BST. There's Sportsound commentary from Rangers v Hibs' title decider, which also gets under way at 12:00 BST. As usual, you'll be able to follow live text updates from all the games on the BBC Sport website and app.
Axios
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
New documentary digs into Alex Ross' impact on comics
The new documentary "The Legend of Kingdom Come" pays homage to Chicago artist Alex Ross' unique style and impact in the comic world. The big picture: Ross' four-part "Kingdom Come" series became legendary for DC Comic fans, in part due to his hyperrealistic artistry and painting technique. The documentary also explores the Chicago comic scene in the mid-'90s. Flashback: Long before creators and fans bonded online over their shared love of comics, "drink and draws" brought them together at places like Torchlight Cafe. "Things were exploding with lots of indie publishers, artists experimenting with all types of characters, and yes, some competition," documentary producer Sal Abbinanti tells Axios. "We were young and didn't have any money or kids or mortgages. We just drew and shared it and weren't afraid to fail. It was a glorious time." What they're saying: " There are very few painters in comics, especially these days, where much is done digitally. Alex's process is totally analog and he's incredibly prolific," the film's director Remsy Atassi tells Axios. "It's a wonder to see him work."
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ross Stores (ROST) Fell Due to Macroeconomic Concerns
Madison Investments, an investment advisor, released its 'Madison Mid Cap Fund' first-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the first quarter, the fund (Class I) decreased 4.15% compared to the 3.40% decrease for the Russell Midcap Index. In addition, please check the fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Madison Mid Cap Fund highlighted stocks such as Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST). Headquartered in Dublin, California, Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) is an off-price fashion and apparel retailer. The one-month return of Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) was 7.62%, and its shares gained 3.61% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On April 22, 2025, Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) stock closed at $137.89 per share with a market capitalization of $44.55 billion. Madison Mid Cap Fund stated the following regarding Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: "The bottom five detractors for the quarter were Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST), Gartner, MKS Instruments, Arista Networks, and Thor Industries. Ross Stores lagged largely on macroeconomic concerns. While sales and profits from their most recent quarter were good, investors are worried about a slowdown in discretionary spending among Ross' customer base. While this is certainly possible, we believe that Ross' flexible business model and strong value proposition position the company well for whatever economic climate develops." A close-up of a mannequin outfitted with the company's latest collection of apparel. Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. Our database shows that 62 hedge fund portfolios held Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) at the end of the fourth quarter, compared to 55 in the third quarter. Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) reported sales of $5.9 billion in the fourth quarter 2024, achieving a 3% increase in comparable store sales. While we acknowledge the potential of Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. In another article, we covered Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) and shared the list of best retail stocks to buy. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. READ NEXT: Michael Burry Is Selling These Stocks and A New Dawn Is Coming to US Stocks. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
