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Tiny paradise island that looks like Mars is quietly becoming the new Hamptons as celebs flock there
Tiny paradise island that looks like Mars is quietly becoming the new Hamptons as celebs flock there

Daily Mail​

time19-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mail​

Tiny paradise island that looks like Mars is quietly becoming the new Hamptons as celebs flock there

America's elite are choosing a tiny Hawaiian island that looks like it belongs on Mars for their vacations to really get away from it all. Lanai, a tiny island in the Pacific with a population of just 3,000, has quietly become the ultimate celebrity hideaway. With no traffic lights and few choices of public accommodation, the island offers something that popular celeb hangouts like the Hamptons never could - anonymity. Lanai sits at the heart of the Hawaiian archipelago but feels worlds apart from tourist-packed Maui or Oahu with its celebrity-filled resorts. Tech titan Larry Ellison snapped up 98 percent of the entire island in 2012, transforming it into a billionaire's playground. It now attracts other celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Will Smith and Jessica Alba who have all recently vacationed there. The Oracle billionaire boasts a massive real estate portfolio and has been called the 'nation's most avid trophy-home buyer' by the Wall Street Journal. He is worth a whopping $89.3billion and is the world's ninth richest person, according to Forbes. Although its popular among America's elite - Lanai is still the 'smallest inhabited island in Hawaii,' Four Seasons Resort Manager, Juan Leonis, told 'And we also probably receive the least amount of visitors,' he added. 'We take a little more effort to get to, with no direct flights from the mainland, but we believe that simply adds to the attraction.' 'With about 3,000 residents and a small plantation town, we offer an experience that is like Hawaii as it used to be in vintage postcards,' he added. Bill and Melinda Gates chose the island for their wedding back in 1994, tying the knot on the spectacular 12th hole of the Four Seasons Lanai golf course. The grassy knoll sits perched dramatically on a cliff edge with waves crashing below. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and offers breathtaking views. But the island's landscape has changed dramatically since the 1920s when it was once the world's largest pineapple plantation. James Drummond Dole employed thousands on the island to tend his fruit empire. 'This island once produced most of the world's pineapples before its next chapter as a vacation destination, and closure of the plantation,' Leonis said. 'To us, true luxury is creating a meaningful sense of belonging, a dedicated focus on how people want to be treated, grounded in genuine care during your stay.' Today, the island's crown jewel is the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, which was completely renovated by Ellison. The Oracle founder tapped designer Todd Avery-Lenahan to create an opulent retreat that combines contemporary design with traditional Hawaiian elements. Guests wander past sculpted bamboo furniture, museum-quality shells and a massive traditional Polynesian boat in the lobby. The rooms can cost up to a staggering $5,000 a night. For that whopping cost, visitors enjoy two oceanfront pools surrounded by gardens, a Nobu restaurant, and poolside dining from celebrity favorite Malibu Farm. 'To us, true luxury is creating a meaningful sense of belonging, a dedicated focus on how people want to be treated, grounded in genuine care during your stay,' Leonis revealed. 'This starts with our passionate team, welcoming you always with a distinctly human touch, which is a beautiful complement to our aloha spirit here in Hawaii.' The resort's 213 rooms and suites host a revolving door of celebrities with a big focus on privacy. 'I believe our guests are seeking places where they can experience local culture in an authentic way, along with the natural beauty of Lanai for milestone occasions and family escapes,' said Leonis. 'Lanai has a private-island like ambiance, with minimal tourists, which provides a respite, a place to breathe, spend time with their loved ones or enjoy solitude in a luxury environment.' It now attracts other celebs like Oprah Winfrey who recently vacationed there 'Guests and residents can look deep into the night sky at various celestial bodies such as planets, star clusters, galaxies, nebulae, and the spectacular moon following a program about Pacific wayfinding,' Leonis said. Even the public beach at Hulopoe Bay is practically private, with Four Seasons staff ensuring well-heeled guests have loungers, umbrellas and tropical cocktails delivered directly to their spot on the sand. Adventurous guests can borrow gleaming white Jeeps to explore the island's 400 miles of dirt roads off the resort grounds. But one of the most spectacular sights is at the Garden of the Gods - a sweeping Mars-like landscape formed by red volcanic soil. The windswept summit, which once used as an open-air women's prison, offers views clear across to neighboring Molokai. A sunset yacht cruise around the island's waters is another prime activity, with the opportunity to spot whales and dolphins without another boat in sight. The town's Ohana Poke Market sells out of its famous ahi tuna poke by noon every day, serving the Hawaiian delicacy in simple paper bowls. 'Our guests enjoy an unhurried pace, lack of crowds and friendly people, but don't have to give up the comforts of a luxury resort and a range of activities – most of which we manage for a seamless Four Seasons stay,' Leonis told 'Activity wise, Lanai offers so much from horseback riding, sporting clays and archery or fantastic golf,' he continued. 'Our Adventure Park offers family fun with ziplining, or an aerial obstacle course, with a section for little kids as well. Many of our activities can be privately booked – charter a boat for snorkel sails or fishing, a custom horseback ride or group hiking or e-biking.' The 141-square-mile island, located eight miles off the coast of Maui, is the smallest inhabited island in the state. Ellison wants to add a zipline to the current lineup of resort activities, which include croquet, a putting course, horseback riding, archery, a shooting range, utility terrain vehicle riding, hiking, biking, lawn bowling and carriage rides. The mogul also re-opened a movie theater in town, stocked its main market with organic food, re-built the community swimming book and added football and soccer fields to the island.

Should you be free to leave nasty reviews online?
Should you be free to leave nasty reviews online?

RNZ News

time12-05-2025

  • Business
  • RNZ News

Should you be free to leave nasty reviews online?

A Palmerston North hydroponics retailer is taking social media site Reddit to court over anonymous, inflammatory posts made about their business. The business owner says the reviews threaten their family and have impacted their business, and wants the online giant to be forced to unmask the identity of the user. Former NetSafe CEO Martin Cocker weighs in on whether that's possible - and what our rights to anonymity online are. Photo:

Insights: Protecting your privacy in the age of GenAI
Insights: Protecting your privacy in the age of GenAI

Gulf Business

time12-05-2025

  • Gulf Business

Insights: Protecting your privacy in the age of GenAI

Image: Supplied In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence tools have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of our lives. These generative AI tools, with their ability to create content and enhance productivity, have become indispensable in our daily routines. As families venture into this new digital frontier, they encounter a labyrinth of potential threats that require careful navigation. Unlike traditional search engines, AI tools capture and store every interaction; therefore, making it crucial to understand how your data could be used or exposed These tools can collect more information than one might expect, from IP addresses and location data to social media activity. This treasure trove of data underscores the importance of being judicious about the information you share, as maintaining online anonymity plays a key role in safeguarding both you and your family. Anonymity in the age of AI and GenAI In an era where data is currency, taking steps to anonymise your profile is crucial. A good starting point is to create a new, dedicated email address for chatbot sign-ups, keeping it separate from your personal email associated with your financial accounts to maintain a layer of separation. Enhance your privacy further by using a VPN to encrypt your connections, effectively shielding your device's IP address and location from being collected. When choosing an AI platform, prioritise reputable services and disable 'model learning' to limit data collection, ensuring your digital footprint remains as discreet as possible. These measures help keep your chats, images, and conversations private, allowing you to maintain greater control over your data. When engaging with AI tools, exercise discretion by using general parameters rather than specifics, opting out of data collection whenever possible, and routinely clearing cookies and history to effectively minimise data retention. For instance, if you're drafting a resume, refrain from inputting personal details. Instead, find ways to ask for assistance without revealing your identity to maintain a level of anonymity. Additionally, make it a habit to log off after each session and regularly clear cookies and history. This simple practice can prevent the system from continuing to gather information about you and your activities, helping you maintain a more discreet digital footprint. Cybersecurity Toolkit: Back to basics While the digital world continues to evolve, it's reassuring to know that the basics still offer strong protection for our digital lives. Multi-factor authentication remains a cornerstone of digital security, adding a strong layer of protection that make unauthorised access to online banking, email, social media, shopping, and other accounts significantly more challenging. Equally important is the use of strong, unique, and complex passwords across various platforms, which can be efficiently managed with the help of a reputable password manager. Running continuous antivirus software on all devices acts as a vigilant defense against malware and other threats, ensuring your devices remain protected. Moreover, keeping your operating systems and software up-to-date is vital for closing potential security gaps, reinforcing your defenses against exploitation. Public AI tools: A new avenue for cyber threats Public AI tools have opened new avenues for hackers and cybercriminals to profile and target individuals and families. These malicious actors can leverage AI to craft sophisticated malware designed to infiltrate commonly used systems, generate convincing phishing emails in multiple languages devoid of telltale signs like bad grammar or misspellings. Be especially cautious with any requests to alter payment information or share sensitive data, as these are often tactics used by cybercriminals. To counter these threats, it's crucial to always verify the sources of emails, phone calls, texts, and even video calls through a separate, trusted channel. Voices of deception: Navigating deepfakes An emerging threat in this landscape is the rise of voice deepfakes. As fraud attempts escalate, the need to validate the identity of individuals making requests — particularly those involving financial transactions — has never been more critical. For families, establishing a 'safe word' to confirm urgent requests offers a simple yet effective strategy to ensure authenticity and fortify trust in an age of digital deception. Raising digital natives: AI safety for children Integrating AI safety into everyday conversations with young children is as vital as imparting basic life lessons. As children, driven by their natural curiosity, increasingly interact with AI-powered tools and devices, it's imperative for parents to establish clear guidelines early. This proactive approach equips children to navigate the complexities of AI technology safely, fostering responsibility and awareness as they explore the digital landscape. The

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