Latest news with #UNESCOBiosphereReserve
Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Inside the 'Mini Maldives' of Europe with stunning beaches and crystal clear waters
The Maldives and Bora Bora have long been the dream destinations for many holidaymakers – however, it's clear this European destination looks equally as breathtaking You don't need to book a long-haul flight to experience a Maldives -like holiday. That's because there are plenty of dreamy destinations closer to home – with one European spot even been branded 'Mini Maldives'. Everyone's been talking about the sun-drenched shores of Fuerteventura on social media platforms like TikTok. And recent drone footage of the Canary Island garnered hundreds of views. Under the video, one holidaymaker gushed: "I was there last year twice… one of the most beautiful places on Earth." Meanwhile, another said: "It's a lovely place having been so many times heading back in a few days." So why is everyone raving about Fuerteventura? It is the second largest of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa. The island boasts more than 150 kilometers (93 miles) of coastline with some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. These include long stretches of white sand, turquoise waters, and secluded coves. Popular beaches include Corralejo Natural Park, with its expansive sand dunes; Cofete Beach, known for its wild and untamed beauty; and Sotavento Beach, famous for its shallow lagoons and windsurfing. The beaches are also known for their volcanic rock formations, which contrast beautifully with the clear waters. It's gorgeously sunny too – and tourists enjoy a year-round subtropical climate, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities in any season. Temperatures are mild, with average highs ranging from 20°C (68°F) in winter to 28°C (82°F) in summer. Cooler ocean breezes moderate the heat, and rainfall is minimal. In 2009, Fuerteventura was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its unique ecosystems, diverse marine life, and sustainable development efforts. Visitors can go dolphin watching off the coast or hike their way through volcanic landscapes and coastal paths. It's a brilliant destination for both adventurers and those looking to kick-back and relax. And the best part? You don't have to experience the cost and time of flying all the way to the Maldives!
Metro
28-04-2025
- Metro
The 'English Mediterranean' island I call home is a piece of paradise
You don't associate azure waters, golden sands, and subtropical microclimates with the UK. Nor do you think of tuning into French radio or spotting dolphins frolicking off the coast. But for the 140,000 residents on the Isle of Wight, a unique diamond-shaped island 12 miles off the coast of Portsmouth, this is reality. It's also the tiny patch of paradise I've called home for the last four years. In 2024, the island was named the sunniest place in the UK, receiving more sun than Italy during winter. But it's summer when this 147sqm stretch of land comes to life. Alongside rugged coastal paths, chalky cliff tops and shimmering bays, there's also a thriving creative community dedicated to putting this special place on the map. And, as thousands descend on the Isle of Wight in May to take part in Metro's Lifeline Challenge, a charity hike around the island, there's never been a better time to explore this spectacular landscape. The Isle of Wight is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a protected National Landscape, and there's a strong focus on respecting the environment. Being an island, the beaches are the main selling point. Trust me when I say, many rival the Caribbean. Priory Bay in the northeast of the island is one of them. Located in the aptly named 'Seaview,' you can't reach the beach by car. Rather, you walk along Seagrove Bay (a perfect spot for paddle boarding or kayaking in summer), climb some rickety wooden steps, and pass through a small area of forest. When the trees part, a horseshoe-shaped bay emerges: white, dusty sands and crystal clear waters are protected by lush, tropical-looking trees. Small boats bob up and down along the coast, and in summer, the smoky scent of barbecue wafts on the breeze. I remember seeing this view for the first time and thinking it looked exactly like the beach from Cast Away, just with more people. While the tranquil ocean at Priory Bay is an ideal place for kayaking, adrenaline junkies should head to Comptom Bay. Towering sandstone cliffs dominate this stretch of coast, and consistent waves make it one of the best spots for surfing. Fossil-hunting is common here, as the rocks on the beach date back 126 million years. If you're looking for a 'hidden gem,' head to Rocken End. This remote beach near the southern tip of the island is only accessible by a steep, winding path. Considered to be an insider Isle of Wight secret, the beach has no amenities and is an adventurer's dream. Keen to avoid crowds? Rocken End never gets busy, meaning you can often enjoy this wild landscape in solitude. Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. That means life is lonely, scary and uncertain for 170,000 families every year. Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting them and their loved ones and that's why this year Metro is proudly supporting them for our 2025 Lifeline campaign. To help raise vital funds for the charity we would love you to join us on on 3 May for a 25km, 53km or 106km hike on the beautiful Isle of Wight. Registration starts at just £15 with a fundraising minimum of £240 (25km) / £360 (58km). Alternatively, you can pay for your place and set your own fundraising target. Whether you want to do it as a group or are signing up solo, as part of Team Lifeline, you'll receive tons of support and advice, so that every step you take can make a massive difference helping those whose loved ones have disappeared. Click here to sign up and find out more. To make a donation to Missing People, please click here. A word of warning: Rocken End is a nudist beach, so if you're not into seeing people sunbathe sans clothes, maybe avoid this one. However, I've never actually seen anyone chilling in their birthday suit. Yet. Ironically, just down the road from here is Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest theme park. A family-friendly attraction, with rides and Disney-esque castles to boot, standard entry fees are £18.95. Those under one metre go free. Venture to the southeast coast and you'll come across Ventnor, a unique seaside town with its own quirky personality. Visually, Ventnor Bay and its pastel-coloured buildings have been compared to European hotspots across France and Italy. Coincidentally, it's here you can pick up French radio and experience the famed microclimate responsible for the growth of Mediterranean plants. For proof of this, head to the Botanic Gardens. Spread across 22 acres, the green space boasts 6000 species of rare and exotic plants and trees, while temperatures average around five degrees warmer than the rest of the UK. Ventnor Botanic Garden is open all year round, and adult tickets cost £11.50. As many countries struggle with the effects of overtourism, the place dubbed as the 'English Mediterranean' could be the destination 'dupe' you've been looking for. Up in the town, thrift your days away in one of the many vintage or antique stores. For music lovers, no trip to Ventnor is complete without a visit to Ventnor Exchange, a cosy bar and record store. (Make sure you try the famous cherry beer.) As one of the Island's leading arts organisations, the venue hosts regular gigs and creative workshops. They're also the team behind the award-winning Ventor Fringe Festival, an annual event that showcases emerging and established talent from the Island and beyond. This year, Ventnor Fringe Festival will run from July 18 to 27. Pick up tickets from the Ventnor Exchange Box Office – they're sold separately for each event and range in price. If you're on a budget, there's a wide range of free areas and performances to check out. The Isle of Wight Festival is also a major event on the Island. In the past, iconic artists like The Strokes, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie have taken to the main stage. 2025's headliners are Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake. 2024 Mercury prize-winners English Teacher are also performing. A weekend ticket costs £289.95. Down on the beach, it's more of a relaxing affair. After spending hours soaking up the sun, occasionally rising for a dip in the turquoise waters, grab some lunch from the traditional seafront cafe, Golden Sands. A personal favourite, the cafe was a finalist for 'Customer Service of the Year' at the 2025 Isle of Wight Radio Business Awards. Beware: the fish and chips here are not for the faint-hearted. Priced at a reasonable £12.85, the owner, Kyle, dishes out the biggest portions known to man. The cod is light and fluffy, the batter is perfectly crisped, and the chips are the definition of chef's kiss . You can only reach the Isle of Wight by ferry, and there are three routes. For foot passengers: From Portsmouth Harbour, take the Wightlink fast cat to Ryde Pier Head. One-way tickets cost £21.60 and take 20 minutes. You can also take the Hovertravel to Ryde from Southsea. The journey time is 10 minutes; one-way tickets are £24.60. From Southampton, jump on the Red Jet fast cat to West Cowes. A one-way journey costs £22.75 and takes 20 minutes. For vehicles: Wightlink travels from Portsmouth to Fishbourne in 45 minutes. Based on a vehicle up to 5m in length and 2.24m in height, economy tickets start from £42.00. Using the same vehicle measurements, Wightlink travels from Lymington to Yarmouth, with ticket prices starting at £66.50. The journey takes around 40 minutes. Red Funnel runs from Southampton to East Cowes. Prices for a car up to 5.5m in length and up to 2m in height start from £64.50 with a one-hour journey time. Should you have the energy to move after such a feast, take the opportunity to walk from Ventnor Beach to Steephill Cove. The postcard route takes around 25 minutes and has constant sea views. Another 'hidden gem,' the tiny cove offers beautiful scenery, clear swimming waters and rock pools to explore. If you're peckish, The Crab Shed is a local favourite. Try their famous crab pasties or mackerel ciabattas for £7.50 and £9.50. The Isle of Wight isn't just about seaside staple dishes, it's home to a full-throated culinary scene. The Garlic Farm in Newchurch is a one-of-a-kind concept focused on garlic-inspired dishes using locally sourced Island ingredients. The restaurant, which is located next to the farm shop (where you can pick up products like garlic ketchup, garlic balsamic vinegar and garlic beer), was crowned a 'Local Gem' in the 2024 Good Food Guide. I enjoyed the succulent 'Garlic beef burger,' with homemade burger sauce for £19. Though pricey, it was one of the best burgers I've ever tasted. True Food Kitchen in Ventnor is run by a group of award-winning chefs. Inside the restaurant, watch them whip up a fusion of Korean, Japanese, and Thai dishes from an open kitchen. More Trending I loved the pan-fried catch of the day (monkfish), paired with Asian veg, shisho chimmichuri, and chilli nori fries for £32. For something more casual, try Sandown Boulevard on Sandown seafront. Only open during the seasonal months, sit in the tiki-style terrace surrounded by local street food vendors who serve everything from pizzas, burgers, wings and shawarmas. I remember falling in love with the Isle of Wight as a child, when my family and I would travel down from Yorkshire during the summer. From the Instagrammable beaches, creative communities, and laid-back pace of life, it still has my heart to this day. Every year, the Metro Lifeline campaign raises money and awareness for a chosen charity and includes an epic and tough fundraising challenge. Our adventure this year is a planned charity hike around the Isle of Wight on 3 May, alongside a couple of thousand other walkers in aid of the charity Missing People. It's the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones. The event is organised by trek experts Action Challenge, and our walkers will be doing either 25km, 53km or 106km around the island. Metro's Deputy Editor Claie Wilson said: 'We were drawn to the Isle of Wight as we wanted to choose somewhere that we knew would be a beautiful place to explore and had plenty of unforgettable scenery to keep us from getting bored as our team treks between 25 km and 100 km. 'The fact that our hike takes us through an ever-changing landscape that covers coastal scenery and rolling hills to charming villages and chalk cliffs is also a huge bonus. What better way to get to know somewhere?' MORE: The swear words Brits find most offensive revealed MORE: The 'dazzling' UK seaside town that's like being on the Amalfi Coast MORE: Exact date 'mini-heatwave' will hit UK with temperatures as high as 27°C
Web Release
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
InterContinental Maldives Unveils an Evocative New Artwork 'The Silent Dance' by Kristel Bechara
Web Release Selection Lifestyle By Editor_wr Last updated Apr 28, 2025 Art and culture have intertwined in breathtaking fashion once again at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort with the unveiling of 'The Silent Dance', an evocative new painting created during the exclusive Eid artist residency of award-winning Middle Eastern artist Kristel Bechara. Drawing on the island's conservation work and natural beauty, the painting captures the harmony of marine life through the graceful form of manta rays, positioning the resort as a beacon for meaningful cultural collaboration and artistic expression in the Maldives. Kristel Bechara, known for her signature fusion of vivid patterns and expressive colours against monochromatic backdrops, recently brought her unique aesthetic to the resort during a six-day residency from April 5th to 10th. Beginning the work in her Dubai studio, Kristel completed the final brushstrokes of 'The Silent Dance' while immersed in the island's serene surroundings. Guests had the opportunity to engage with the artist through live sessions and interactive workshops, gaining first-hand insight into her creative process and the environmental message behind the artwork. 'The Silent Dance' is a captivating homage to the fluid beauty of manta rays, creatures that glide through the ocean in silence and symmetry. At the heart of the canvas, three manta rays float in a circular motion above a greyscale coral reef, their wings adorned with intricate, vibrant detailing. The composition mirrors Henri Matisse's famed 'The Dance', replacing human figures with marine life in a rhythmic celebration of movement, freedom, and continuity. This reinterpretation not only showcases Kristel's rich visual language but also speaks to the quiet, powerful interconnectedness of life beneath the waves. By contrasting the colourful mantas with the starkness of a monochrome reef, the piece brings attention to the fragility of marine ecosystems. It reflects the delicate balance between nature's vibrancy and the environmental challenges facing the oceans today. Through 'The Silent Dance', viewers are invited into a meditative moment, a celebration of the underwater world and a call to action to protect it. The unveiling of 'The Silent Dance' further cements InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort as a hub for immersive, artistic encounters that transcend borders. The successful Eid residency with Kristel Bechara not only strengthened cultural ties between the Maldives and the UAE but also created a platform where art becomes a medium for storytelling, sustainability, and shared experience. Beyond its growing role in the cultural landscape, the resort continues to lead in sustainable luxury. Nestled on the edge of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the property is committed to preserving the natural world it calls home. Through its long-standing partnership with The Manta Trust, the resort supports essential research into manta behaviour and habitat, using its proximity to a juvenile manta feeding ground to offer guests rare educational encounters with these majestic creatures. InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort's collaboration with Kristel Bechara is a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our oceans. As the resort continues to host artists, thinkers, and environmental advocates, it reaffirms its vision as a destination where conservation meets creativity and where every guest leaves inspired by both the land and the sea. Comments are closed.
Forbes
09-04-2025
- Forbes
Upscale Accommodations Await Discerning Travelers In Los Cabos
A wide array of upscale accommodations await travelers in Los Cabos. Nestled at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula where two oceans meet and desert mountains serve as a backdrop for pristine waters, Los Cabos, Mexico is one of the fastest growing vacation hotspots in the world. Never short on things to do, Los Cabos offers jet skiing, sport fishing and scuba diving tours, whale-watching excursions and sunset sailings. Those seeking cultural enrichment can explore the region's rich history and art scene with visits to museums, art galleries and historic landmarks. Golf enthusiasts can test their skills at world-class courses. The peninsula features an expanding roster of high-end resorts and private properties that cater to the wants and needs of discerning travelers. Among the most notable are: Guests can enjoy the three-tiered infinity-edge pool. Set on a coveted swimming beach in Los Cabos, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection offers a fresh style and an active, engaging environment to create a special escape for couples or groups of friends. Amenities include a three-tiered infinity-edge pool which is the striking centerpiece of the resort, and an extensive array of watersports enjoyed on the beach at H20. The resort is home to a holistic wellness destination that offers everything from Eastern Wisdoms and Baja-inspired treatments to health coaching and mindful movement. Guests can delight in the inventive Latin cuisine at the signature open-air restaurant COMAL, helmed by powerhouse Chef Loza, Mediterranean fusion at the indoor restaurant YAYA, and relax at TnT, the toes-in-the-sand taco and tequila bar. Discover Santiago with an Off-Road UTV Expedition. Off-road to one of the most beautiful settings in Los Cabos. Registered as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Sierra de La Laguna delivers breathtaking scenery at every turn and fascinating hikes to waterfalls and natural pools. A Guided Group Snorkel is perfectly situated for endless ocean adventure. Walk down to the H2O Cave on the beach for everything for an afternoon snorkel adventure with a local professional as the guide. Embark on a journey of Mexico's agave spirits. Experience a tasting led by expert mixologists, showcasing the unique origins and profiles of tequila, mezcal and sotol at either YAYA or TnT. Guests are treated to luxurious spa treatments near the ocean. One of Los Cabos' most iconic luxury resorts, Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection is located within the private Punta Ballena community overlooking two private coves with stunning views of Los Cabos' Lands End. The resort boasts 59 casita-style guest rooms and 96 expansive one to four-bedroom residential villas offering guests barefoot luxury infused with the spirit of Baja. The resort features: six restaurants, including the signature oceanfront Cocina del Mar restaurant with intimate open-air terraces perched dramatically above the water's edge; The Spa at Esperanza; four breathtaking pools, including an adults-only two-tiered infinity pool and a family pool; pickleball courts; access to world-class golf courses and an Auberge Adventures menu of only-in-Cabo land and sea experiences. Esperanza is a private enclave where kids can run free, play among four resort pools, explore private beaches, and get creative at Tortuguitas, the delightful kids club. This spring, kids' club activities include making keepsakes, learning about the flora and fauna of this area, and so much more. Explore the enchanting Pueblo Mágico of Todos Santos and uncover its rich history strolling cobblestone streets filled with colonial buildings and vibrant art galleries while delighting in a tequila tasting. Visit the legendary Hotel California and enjoy an exquisite five-course culinary experience curated by Michelin Star Chef Javier Plascencia at the acclaimed Jazamango Restaurant. Choose from among four wellness journeys that take inspiration from the medicine wheel, a sacred symbol of hope and a movement toward healing for generations of indigenous communities. The medicine wheel represents the interconnectivity of all aspects of one's being, and the continuous interaction of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual realms. Explore the Sea of Cortez on a Sunset Sail. With a covered lounge with bar seating, two second deck plunge pools boasting a stunning view with a below deck suite and changing rooms to suit any occasion this sailing adventure is nothing short of luxurious. The onboard chef designs menus for discerning palates, while the mixologist presents craft cocktails that reflect your personal taste. Cabo Real Surf Club is situated on a dramatic Baja landscape. Meriwether Companies, a U.S. private real estate investment and development firm, and the Sanchez Navarro family, one of Los Cabos' pioneering land owners and developers, announce the official launch and groundbreaking of Cabo Real Surf Club. Opening in 2026, Cabo Real Surf Club will debut on what has been called the last best development site in Los Cabos, and the team has already accrued over $60M in founders' sales. Real estate starts at $2.5M, with new offerings slated to debut this spring. Situated on a dramatic Baja landscape stretching from the Sea of Cortez through arroyos and up to the mountain foothills, the initial phase of Cabo Real Surf Club includes plans for more than 200 homes, including custom Estate Lots, Boardwalk Homesites, Surf Casitas and ocean-view Villas. Cabo Real Surf Club is a groundbreaking private residential club centered around longevity and the first Endless Surf wave basin in North America featuring next-generation surf technology and sustainable innovations leading the rapidly growing technology-driven surf industry. Suitable for beginners to families and seasoned pros, the surf park offers hundreds of customizable waves per hour in endless configurations, allowing up to 25-second rides with controllable wave heights up to seven feet. A break from the mold of traditional clubs (move over tennis and golf), the community was created for the next generation of buyers who prioritize adventure, sports, wellness and longevity along with family time. Members can experience steam rooms, saunas and cold plunges, the hydrotherapy circuit across the different club areas, altitude training, treatment at the wellness & recovery spa with trainers who specialize in flexibility and even red-light therapy. Los Cabos' waters are ideal for a fishing expedition.
Listly
05-04-2025
- Listly
06 Reasons to Visit Bazaruto Island: Mozambique's Jewel of the Indian Ocean
The dive sites mentioned above aren't the only ways to explore the rich biodiversity of the archipelago. Bazaruto is home to several nature reserves and national parks wherein you'll find an array of habitats, ecosystems, and of course, wildlife. If you're staying on Bazaruto Island, you can visit the Bazaruto National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which includes mangroves, savannahs, dunes and other habitats. Alternatively, you can visit Benguerra Island, an environmental protection area home to rare bird species, endemic plants and sea turtles.
