Latest news with #luxuryisland
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai to get new luxury island Naïa with region's first Cheval Blanc maison
A new luxury island is set to rise up on Dubai's waters, diversified investment firm Shamal Holding announced on Wednesday, as it launched Naïa Island Dubai. Located just off Jumeirah's coastline and seamlessly connected to Dubai's principal roadways, Naïa Island Dubai has been designed as a resort masterplan shaped around open green spaces and coastal terrain. Its low-lying architecture offers views of Dubai's iconic landmarks, beautifully framed by the open sea. It is intended to provide residents and guests with a sense of exclusivity, privacy, and natural beauty. The island will host the region's first Cheval Blanc maison, featuring a collection of suites and private villas, designed in Cheval Blanc's distinctive style which incorporates contemporary, serene, and emotional luxury. A limited number of branded beachfront residences and estate plots will be available, each with private beach access. Residents will also have access to amenities like dining experiences, spa, wellness offerings and a private marina, among many others. With early works now underway, Naïa Island Dubai is poised to become one of the region's most exclusive coastal addresses.
The National
5 days ago
- Business
- The National
Dubai to develop luxury island near Burj Al Arab
Another luxury island will be developed on the Dubai coastline, it was announced on Wednesday. Naia Island Dubai will feature private villas, beachfront residences, estate plots and private beach access at the Cheval Blanc Maison Hotel. Work on the project is under way. Scheduled to open in 2029, it is close to Jumeirah's coastline near Burj Al Arab and connected to the emirate's principal road network, Dubai Media Office reported. The hotel will feature 30 suites and 40 private pool villas, offering views of Dubai's landmarks. The project is being overseen by local investment firm, Shamal Holding, in partnership with Cheval Blanc. 'This marks a defining chapter in our vision to create meaningful experiences, and an exciting step forward for Shamal as we continue to curate pioneering firsts that reinforce Dubai's position as a global benchmark for exceptional, world-class living,' said Abdulla Binhabtoor, chief executive of Shamal Holding. 'Naia Island Dubai offers an enduring address, one that invites presence and lives beautifully overtime.' It is hoped the project will contribute to the Dubai 2030 vision and follows an announcement in June that the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary will be developed at a total cost of Dh650 million. To be completed over two phases, the first of which will be finished by the end of 2026 at a cost of Dh100 million, the project is aimed at boosting biodiversity and establish the sanctuary as an eco-tourism destination. The plan is for the development to place Dubai among the world's top three tourism destinations, with designs for the sanctuary based on the needs of both residents and tourists.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Virgin Island stars hit back as surrogates who help 12 adults have sex for the first time are slammed in reality show
THE STARS of Virgin Island have hit back as surrogates who helped 12 adults have sex for the first time were slammed. The Channel 4 reality show follows 12 adult virgins as they embarked on a unique journey of self discovery. 8 8 8 On the new show Virgin Island, the group - who are all aged between 22 and 30-years-old - travel to a luxury island in the Mediterranean to learn more about intimacy. All the contributors will be tested in ways that they never have been before as they see if they can overcome the emotional fears that hold them back. A range of approaches will be used on screen, which will include both group sessions as well as surrogate partner therapy. The latter technique involves a certified surrogate partner who will help one of the contestants in cultivating meaningful connections in a supportive and safe environment. Meanwhile, Sexologists Dr Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman - who co-founded the Somatica Institute - are also on hand to help the group of 12 lose their virginity on-camera. The duo are the leading faces of the programme and they insisted that the show will help to change perceptions of how sex is shown on TV, Celeste told Mail Online: "I don't know if there's too much, but the quality of sex on television is abysmal. "It's like three kisses up against the wall, pulling off the pants, sticking it in, and then it's over.' She wants to help create a 'more realistic' perception of intimacy that hasn't been shown on-screen. The expert continued: "So I feel like if they portrayed sex that was more realistic, more connected, more at a pace that is like what people actually do, then it might be a boon to have that much sex on television,' Celeste explained. EXCL Watch the moment Virgin Island stars demonstrate raunchy intimate act - leaving one Islander breaking down in tears "But if it's just this c*** sex, then, yeah, I think it's it's not helpful at all. In fact, it's quite harmful. It creates expectations that are ridiculous." Her co-star Dr Danielle was in agreement as she explained: "If you ask me, what's better to see so much violence on TV or sex, I'll choose sex any minute, especially if it's shown in a much more realistic and connected way." Kat Slade and Andre Lazarus are the two trained surrogate partners who are tasked with helping the group tackle their issues around intimacy. Celeste described the relationship between the pairing with the contestants as 'authentic' as she explained that it is a reflection on what would happen with real relationships. She said: "It is really an authentic relationship, so one thing that can happen in a relationship is that someone has performance problems, and so they would just communicate about it and say, 'oh, you know, something's not working here. Let's take a break. Let's try again.' "That authenticity is what actually prepares people to have real relationships out in the world." She continued: "So it's not just like trying to force something and a lot of times surrogates do work with people who have pretty significant dysfunctions, and so they need to work with those kinds of things, both in their clients and if it comes up in themselves as well. "There's a 'triadic' relationship between the client, surrogate and a separate therapist to help tackle issues, including if the client develops feelings. Adding: "They have the therapist built into the relationship, because if feelings become developed, the therapist is available to talk the client through whatever feelings that they have around it. "The therapist is there to keep that the container and the boundaries." 8 8 8 8 8 Virgin Island will premiere on Channel 4 on the 12th May at 9pm.
