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Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Bahamas' Most Beautiful, Underrated Island Has a New Hotel on a Working Farm—and It's Already a Favorite Among Celebrities
This brand-new Bahamas hotel is on a fully operational Eleuthera Island farm. The hotel runs completely on solar power and nearly everything you eat on The Farm comes from the land you're staying on. The property is a 10-minute shuttle to the airport, a five-minute walk to the beach, and a quick ferry ride to shops and restaurants on nearby Harbour Island. The design is inspired by a famous South African winery, and its rustic, tropical elegance is something you'll find nowhere else in the Bahamas.'It's down the road just five minutes,' she said. 'No turns. You can't miss it.' My girlfriend and I thanked our concierge at the front desk of The Other Side Hotel on the Bahamas' Eleuthera island—the beachside boutique our ferry dropped us off at—and headed inland. The dirt path went up and down again with no sign of the accommodations we had booked for the next few days. Was it even real? The photos and videos we saw of The Farm, a new hotel on Eleuthera island, before the trip did make it seem too good to be true. And then, rising up another hill, we saw it, almost appearing out of nowhere: An expansive piece of property with swaying palm trees, 200 sweet-smelling garden beds, and thatched-roofed cottages scattered along the outer edges. 'It's a little oasis in the jungle,' said Ben Simmons, founder of The Farm. Simmons, who also runs Harbour Island's Ocean View and Eleuthera's The Other Side, actually built the farm part of The Farm back in 2018. It provided fruits and vegetables and eggs (there are about 70 clucking chickens on-site) to the kitchens of his two hotels and his wedding business. But Simmons—who acquired the land in a squabble that dates back to a dramatic 18th-century sea battle involving his Eleutheran ancestors defeating the much more powerful Spaniards—had bigger plans for his agricultural oasis. He wanted to grow his business, he wanted to increase the number of Bahamian-owned properties in the Caribbean, and, most importantly, he wanted to instill in travelers and locals the ideas of sustainability and living off the Caribbean's rich, fertile land. So, five years later, he thought, why not also build another hotel on the farm? The Farm opened in November 2024 as part of Simmons' Little Island Hotel chain. His team envisions it being a place for visitors to stay, but also to learn about gardening and growing. He hopes to arrange speakers and seminars during the low seasons. He also plans to expand the gardens, the diversity of crops, and the number of chickens. Celebrities like Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter have already found their way to The Farm's exceptional Sunday Brunch. Eli Manning's family stayed on property a few weeks ago. Even Kendall Jenner's assistant got married among the mangos and avocado trees this past winter. Still, even with all that fanfare, when you're here, it's like nobody else is around. All I heard were the bees humming inside the flowers, someone slipping quietly into the pool, and the whoosh of a welcome breeze finding its way from the nearby Atlantic. Here's all you need to know about The Farm on Eleuthera island. There are 12 cottages dotted around the lush vegetable and flower beds. The eight larger accommodations are 1,024 square feet ($550 to $600 per night)—with king-size beds, wide verandas, and an open-plan layout—while four are smaller at 540 square feet ($350 to $400 per night) and can have a king-size bed or two twins. Our larger cottage was located at the far end of the property along the inviting freshwater pool. As soon as we stepped in through the wooden dutch doors, we immediately felt at ease. Simmons says his inspiration came from South Africa's Babylonstoren winery, noting the gentle curves on the cottage roofs. A plush king-size bed, two couches, and an ever-so-tempting standalone bath made up the inside. Every accommodation also includes strong Wi-Fi, ample AC, a Nespresso machine, a waterfall shower, and a tea kettle. 'The subtle message is that the farming life can be hard, rugged, almost austere,' he said, when describing the construction. 'But it is luxurious in its provision of health, food, community, and connectivity to nature.' Much of the food, of course, comes from the grounds around you. The Farm has a main kitchen, where there are complimentary breakfasts of fruit, veggies, yogurt, and coffee. You can also order from a menu of mostly egg dishes. The eggs, of course, are plucked from the hen house each morning. I was partial to the egg sandwich with a side salad, because I watched the waiter go out to the garden and fill a bowl full of greens after I ordered the salad. The Farm is reservation-only for lunch and dinner—priority booking is given to guests staying at the resort. Those meals are comprised of vegetables from the garden and fish caught that day out at sea. No meat is on the menu. Guests can also dine by the beach at The Other Side, just a five-minute walk away; we did for a delicious mac-and-cheese and ribs combo one night. Or, the wonderful concierge Allie Saunders can arrange a ferry and golf cart for you to visit Harbour Island, just a 10-minute boat ride away. On Harbour Island, we ate at the Coral Sands' Pink (very ornately-pink) Mermaid for dinner one evening, an Italian seafood haven overlooking the ocean. And, of course, there is Sunday Brunch at The Farm: A communal, family-style soirée in the garden under the centrally located Yellow Elder trees. It's a must-do event with fresh food, expertly-mixed drinks, and laughter among new friends and old. The pool is the crown jewel of The Farm. The 576-square-foot gem is perfect for wading, doing morning laps, or just lazing alongside with a good book. And lazing around is, well, mostly what you do on The Farm. There are also outdoor ping-pong and billiard tables—plus a rustic-chic gym—for active guests. And, if you tire of lounging in the shade of one of The Farm's avocado trees, you can walk over to The Other Side's private beach. Here, you can go for a sunset paddleboard. The resort also offers free snorkeling along the nearby coral reef. You'll run into turtles, rainbow fish, and even octopuses in the shallow, crystal-clear waters. There is no spa at The Farm—yet. The team says they plan on adding one in 2026: A deluxe hut with a cold-plunge pool. For now, guests can book in-room or poolside massages. Although I can't personally vouch for the family-friendly offerings, Simmons and The Farm certainly encourage families to visit. The Sunday Brunch is a huge draw for large families and their children, with space to wander and swim and partake in an aforementioned billiard or ping-pong match. Cottages can obviously be booked for family vacations or reunions. And Simmons wants the younger generation to learn why it's important to grow your own food—both for your health and the environment. Kids can help feed the chickens or pick tomatoes with the help of the always-friendly head groundskeeper, Richard. Sustainability is the reason The Farm was created. The property is 100 percent powered by solar panels, which absorb energy from both the sun above and the ground below. The kitchen uses plastic sparingly, there are 10 compost stations—with 15 more on the way—and all vegetables are grown organically with no weed killers or toxins. 'We believe calling ourselves sustainable means we also must be efficient,' Simmons said. 'So while the panels power our facility, they also provide shade to our chickens who process our food scraps and feed our plant beds. The panels also protect our hydroponic and propagation stations.' The Farm team is all-in on the idea of living off the rich, fertile soil they've been blessed with in the Bahamas. And they plan on expanding their plot—adding citrus trees and maybe a farm stand next season. Sustainable tourism is as prevalent as it could be in the Caribbean, and The Farm hopes to encourage other hotels to follow its lead. The Farm is about a 13-minute car ride from tiny North Eleuthera Airport. It's also a short ferry ride from Harbour Island. The Farm's concierge can help arrange either of these transfers. They'll also assist you in renting your own car to explore the island—including nearby Gregory Town or local haunts like Daddy Joe's or Tippy's beach bar. Because of its small, boutique size, The Farm doesn't currently have relationships with any major credit cards or reward programs. Room pricing, especially in the low season, is a steal; the smallest cottages start at $350 a night. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Tatler Asia
21-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
5 vegan-friendly resorts in Southeast Asia that deliver on luxury
2. Keemala – Phuket, Thailand Perched in the forested hills above Kamala Beach, Phuket, Keemala is a boutique resort featuring 38 villas and cottages, each uniquely designed—some resembling clay pods, others suspended like nests. The resort offers vegan and vegetarian options at Mala Restaurant and through in-villa dining, complemented by an on-site organic garden and community-based sourcing. Spa treatments utilise cruelty-free, natural products based on traditional Thai and Ayurvedic practices. Keemala distinguishes itself among vegan-friendly hotels with its immersive and ethically conscious luxury experience. 3. The Farm at San Benito – Batangas, Philippines Located in Lipa City, Batangas, just 90 minutes from Manila, The Farm at San Benito spans 52 hectares of lush greenery. This integrated medical wellness resort features 70 villas and suites designed with minimalist Asian-inspired interiors. The Alive! Restaurant offers 100 per cent vegan meals, including raw dishes, sugar-free desserts and dairy-free alternatives. Guests can engage in vegan cooking classes and detox programmes guided by licensed health professionals. In a significant development, The Farm is set to become the first Autograph Collection property in the Philippines under Marriott International by the end of the third quarter of 2025. 4. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay – Vietnam Accessible only by boat, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is situated between jungle-covered hills and a crescent-shaped beach near Nha Trang. The resort's 62 villas offer ocean, mountain or jungle views, many with private pools. While not exclusively vegan, the resort provides dedicated plant-based menus, sourcing produce from its on-site organic garden. Guests can request customised vegan dishes prepared with the same finesse as any fine-dining option. Sustainability initiatives include zero-waste goals, plastic-free policies and coral reef protection, aligning with the values of discerning travellers seeking vegan-friendly resorts. 5. Bawah Reserve – Anambas Islands, Indonesia Bawah Reserve encompasses six islands, 13 beaches and three lagoons in a private marine conservation area. With only 36 suites and villas, the resort offers an exclusive, off-grid luxury experience. Accessible via seaplane from Batam or Singapore, Bawah operates on solar energy and emphasises minimal environmental impact. The culinary team crafts bespoke vegan menus using fresh island produce and ingredients from its permaculture garden. Dining options include The Boat House for fine dining, The Beach House for casual lunches and private meals throughout the island. Bawah Reserve exemplifies the principles of vegan-friendly resorts through its commitment to sustainability and personalised plant-based cuisine.
What's On
20-05-2025
- What's On
7 of the best restaurants in Dubai that will make you feel like you're on holiday
When 'away' is just a table away… Summer is here. You want out but can't go far. You didn't book a flight. You stayed. But that doesn't mean you want to feel stuck. Maybe you're just a little homesick – for a pace, a place, a feeling. So you start choosing spots that feel slightly off the map – not literally, but figuratively. A little quieter, a little slower. That kind of energy where lunch turns into golden hour and 'one glass' becomes five. It's not Greece, or Italy, or Thailand, or Brazil – but it almost could be. You get the point. Here are 7 of the best restaurants in Dubai to go to when you want out, but you're staying in. Click through the gallery 3 of 12 If you love Greece, or never made it but think about going every summer, Sirene by GAIA is where you want to go for lunch, dinner, or a even long beach day. It's all white stone, sun-faded neutrals, and just enough bougainvillea to feel like a postcard. The dips are the kind you keep digging bread into. The seafood looks like art and tastes even better. The pasta feels like it's been made at home, with love. And every table looks out to sea. Hands down, a ten out of ten kind of spot. Sirene by Gaia, J1 Beach, daily 10am to 1am. Tel: (0)4 570 4766. @sirene_dxb At Mirabelle, it's all blue waters, anchored boats, and that quiet kind of luxury you find along the Mediterranean. Set by the water at the new Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, it's the kind of place where a leisurely lunch easily flows into sunset drinks. Laid-back yet polished just right, Mirabelle almost makes you forget you're still in the city. Inspired by the Cote d'Azur, the vibe is quietly chic and relaxed, what's not to love? Mirabelle, ground floor, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Jumeirah 3. Tel: 800 323232. If you've ever spent a summer on the Italian coast, or wished you had, Gigi Rigolatto brings the mood to Dubai's J1 Beach. The setting is lush and inviting, with Mediterranean gardens, a serene pool, a private beach, and even a boutique. Inside, the restaurant is summery, lounge-y, with high red brick archways and stunning olive trees. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, Gigi offers captures the essence of Italian coastal living. Gigi Rigolatto, J1 Beach. Tel: (0)4 558 2067 @gigi_beach_dubai Hidden in a pocket of jungle-like calm, The Farm feels like it shouldn't exist in Dubai, but that's the charm. It's all glass walls, tropical plants, and soft quiet in the middle of Al Barari. Water streams run through endless greenery, and the menu drifts from Thai to Mediterranean for those who like options. It's pretty, it's peaceful, and it feels like a full reset. The Farm, Al Barari, daily 7.30am to 10.30pm. Tel: (0)4 886 6223. Flamingo Room is luxury in the form of art, where rich, African-inspired design meets fine dining. Hand-blown baobab glass installations hang alongside vintage gold mirrors, casting a warm, textured glow throughout the space. The menu matches the vibe with rich seafood highlights like prawns au gratin and calamari Mozambique, plus a cornflake chicken schnitzel from their business lunch selection. A solid choice for anyone craving this kind of scene. Flamingo Room by tashas, Jumeirah al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah. 12pm to 4pm and 7pm to 1am daily. Tel:(0)4 244 7278. Sufret Maryam is for anyone homesick for the Levant, a place rooted deeply in warmth and tradition. Walking in feels like stepping into an authentic Levantine home, full of love and heart. Palestinian, Michelin-awarded Chef Salam Dakkak, who was also awarded Homegrown Chef of the Year at the What's On Dubai Awards 2025 , brings passion, creativity, and skill to every dish. The food here is next level. If Levantine cuisine and the feeling of home are your vibe, Sufret Maryam should be at the top of your list. Sufret Maryam, Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, Dubai. @sufretmaryam Tucked along the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah, Pai Thai is well worth the boat ride. Quiet yet atmospheric, it's a proper Thai spot that stays true to its roots, rich green curry, delicate dumplings, deep-fried prawns in red curry sauce, and mango sticky rice that's almost too pretty to eat. The setting hits the sweet spot: warm lighting, dark wood, and just enough buzz to feel alive. If you're craving Thai (and spicy) food in a holiday-like setting, Pai Thai is your scene. Pai Thai, Jumeirah Al Qasr. @paithaidubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
The Age
13-05-2025
- The Age
The must-do highlights of Byron Bay in three days
DAY TWO Morning Begin the day with an al fresco brekky at the buzzing Bayleaf Cafe, which serves everything from poached eggs to Japanese savoury pancakes, before hitting the shops. Byron Bay's alternative and surf culture has led to an eclectic array of stores, from high-street surf shops to boho boutiques Spell, Kivari, Rowie the Label, and Arnhem Clothing. Pick up crystals, candles, pendulums, salt lamps and sun catchers at Soulife Byron Bay, tie-dye apparel from The Rainbow Shop and, of course, cookies from The Byron Bay Cookie Company, which started its life as a stall at the local markets in 1990 (the white choc macadamia nut, and tropical mango and passionfruit are still favourites). Less than 20 minutes' drive north of Byron, the laidback coastal town of Brunswick Heads is an entirely pleasant place to while away the afternoon – once you've found a parking spot, that is. Grab a burger from Old Maids, some sushi or sashimi from Trouble San or fish and chips from Starfish Takeaway, and find a spot on the grass besides Simpsons Creek that runs off the Brunswick River. There's a modern playground for kids to play, and you can hire a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard or motorised boat from Brunswick Buccaneers to explore the emerald-green waterway. Wander over the bridge – where local kids can often be seen taking death-defying leaps – and go for a dip at Main Beach, or in the calm waters off Torakina Beach. Afterwards, pop into Hotel Brunswick to enjoy a cold beverage in the beer garden, or try a tropical treat from Wal from Natural Ice-Cream Australia, whose van is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Evening On the way back to town, stop off at The Farm, which aims to educate young and old about where food comes from. Located on a 32-hectare property at Ewingsdale, around 10 minutes' drive north of Byron Bay, The Farm is home to several micro-businesses. Watch the pigs rolling in the mud and crush some macadamia nuts in the orchard before sitting down for dinner on the verandah at the rustic, sustainably focused Three Blue Ducks restaurant. The menu changes with the seasons, but Thursday is generally mussel night, with such delights as mussels with yellow curry sauce, lemongrass and kaffir lime, while on Sundays you can indulge in a roast dinner with pepper-crusted slow-cooked beef brisket, mustard, horseradish, jus and Yorkshire pudding served alongside garlic and rosemary potatoes and vegetables dug fresh from a nearby patch. DAY THREE Morning Today is all about exploring the hinterland, starting in the historic town of Bangalow, a scenic 20-minute drive south-west of Byron Bay. Enjoy breakfast in the courtyard at WOODS café, hidden away in the arts precinct, or at Bangalow Bread Co. or Butcher Baker in the main street, which is lined with art galleries, luxury boutiques and homewares stores. Stock up on such products as locally-grown olives, goat cheese and wild-caught smoked fish at the Bangalow Farmers' Market, held every Saturday morning, or wander amidst the camphor laurel and fig trees at Bangalow Market in the nearby showground on the fourth Sunday of the month. History buffs can follow the self-guided Bangalow Heritage Walk, where plaques featuring old black and white photos reveal the past lives of the town's Federation-style buildings, including a bootmaker shop once owned by the great-grandfather of cricketing legends Steve and Mark Waugh. Afternoon Continue your journey along the winding country roads before settling in for lunch at one of the many acclaimed eateries hidden in the hills beyond Byron Bay. For a classic Aussie pub, you can't go past the beautifully restored Eltham Hotel, which was built in the former railway town in 1902. Alternatively, indulge a long lunch at Mediterranean restaurant The Hut, which is located in an old schoolhouse at Possum Creek, farm-to-table restaurant Frida's Field at Nashua, or the Japanese-inspired Doma Cafe in the sleepy village of Federal. After lunch, make your way to Cape Byron Distillery at McLeod's Shoot for its Brookie's Rainforest and Gin Tasting tour to learn about how the rundown dairy farm was transformed into a sub-tropical paradise bursting with ingredients such as native raspberry, cinnamon myrtle and Davidson plum, which are used to help create the distillery's award-winning tipples. Evening Return to Bangalow for dinner at You Beauty, which was crowned Regional Restaurant of the Year in the 2025 Good Food Guide Awards. True to its name, the venue channels the spirit of a classic Aussie pub — an ethos shared by its owners, who also helm the aforementioned Eltham Hotel and neighbouring Ciao, Mate! pizzeria. But with its timber-clad interiors, high bar stools and intimate ambience, it leans more toward a chic inner-city hotel than a country watering hole. At the helm is sustainable chef Matt Stone, who champions local farmers and producers with a rotating seasonal menu. Expect standout dishes like roo skewers, salted snapper with fried potato, and the unforgettable crocodile toast with sesame seed, all perfectly paired with natural wines.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
🤖 AI vs Humans: Predicting the results of Premier League Matchday 36
🤖 AI vs Humans: Predicting the results of Premier League Matchday 36 Let us know your predictions in the comments! Last week, we pitted our special guest - frontman of The Farm Peter Hooton - against an AI to see who could most accurately predict the results of Premier League matchday 35. Advertisement Peter had a great week, correctly calling West Ham and Tottenham's 1-1 draw, along with four correct results. And he beat the AI, who only managed three correct results and zero correct scores. That leaves the scores (three points for a correct score and one point for a correct result) at 232-207 in the AI's favour after 35 rounds of games this season. This week we have a dynamic duo taking on the AI, in the form of Newcastle fan Bradley Simpson and Wolves fan Nieve Ella. Watch the video to find out what Bradley and Nieve and the AI went for in the three biggest matches of the weekend; Wolves v Brighton, Newcastle v Chelsea and Liverpool v Arsenal. 'Favourite Band' by Bradley Simpson feat. Nieve Ella is out now. Follow Bradley and Nieve on Instagram! Here are the matchday 36 predictions in full... Fulham v Everton AI 🤖 1-0 Advertisement Bradley Simpson and Nieve Ella 🎤 2-0 Ipswich v Brentford AI 🤖 2-3 Bradley Simpson and Nieve Ella 🎤 1-2 Southampton v Manchester City AI 🤖 0-4 Bradley Simpson and Nieve Ella 🎤 0-3 Wolves v Brighton AI 🤖 1-1 Bradley Simpson and Nieve Ella 🎤 3-0 Bournemouth v Aston Villa AI 🤖 1-2 Bradley Simpson and Nieve Ella 🎤 1-1 Newcastle v Chelsea AI 🤖 2-1 Bradley Simpson and Nieve Ella 🎤 2-1 Manchester United v West Ham AI 🤖 1-1 Bradley Simpson and Nieve Ella 🎤 1-1 Nottingham Forest v Leicester AI 🤖 2-0 Bradley Simpson and Nieve Ella 🎤 2-0 Tottenham v Crystal Palace AI 🤖 2-1 Bradley Simpson and Nieve Ella 🎤 2-1 Liverpool v Arsenal AI 🤖 3-2 Bradley Simpson and Nieve Ella 🎤 2-2
