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West Australian
2 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
EDITORIAL: PM must rip Band-Aid off and meet with Americans
It is an unfortunate fact of life that some world leaders are people you'd prefer not to invite round for a cuppa, if given the option. But, if you happen to be the prime minister and those unsavoury characters are in charge of important allies and trading partners, you need to put those personal feelings to the side. That's something Anthony Albanese has demonstrated he is capable of doing. Take for example, Mr Albanese's relationship with his 'good friend' Prabowo Subianto. Prior to his 'cuddly grandpa' extreme makeover which was instrumental in his election as Indonesian President, Prabowo was a notorious army general with a bloody past, alleged to have accused human rights abuses and ordered massacres. That hasn't stood in the way of the pair's diplomatic bromance. They even exchanged gifts for their pets, with Mr Albanese gifting Prabowo's Instagram-famous cat Bobby Kertanegara a bandana embossed with 'Australia (heart) Indonesia'. Then there's Xi Jinping. Under his repressive rule, the Chinese Government has continued its human rights abuses against Tibetan and Uyghur minorities, as well as stepped up its aggression against the West. Yet Mr Albanese is planning to jet off to Beijing later this month if a meeting with President Xi can be locked in. If it goes ahead, it would be the fourth time Mr Albanese has met with the leader of Australia's No. 1 trading partner. Contrast that with the Prime Minister's dealings with the leader of the United States, our most significant military ally and key sources of foreign investment. Mr Albanese is yet to so much as shake the US President's hand. It is a situation which has tipped over into the absurd. That Mr Albanese's pride was injured when Donald Trump stood him up at last month's G7 summit in Canada to deal with the unfolding crisis in the Middle East is understandable. The PM learnt he wouldn't be meeting with the President via social media. He had just finished telling the media that he had prepared extensively for the tete-a-tete. Oof. But now it's time to get over it. Rip the Band-Aid off. Get on a plane, shake the US President's hand and engage with him on behalf of the Australian people. Like him or not — and many do not — Australia's security and economic prosperity is dependent on a successful relationship with the US, and that means we need to have a relationship with its leader. It's a diplomatic dance that other nations have managed to navigate. But Mr Albanese appears to believe that making the effort to meet with the Americans result in a loss of face. Certainly under the current administration, the US become more bellicose in their demands of other nations, including Australia. That is all the more reason Mr Albanese needs to make a greater effort to meet with his counterpart in Washington. Not to indulge or to pander to bullying. But to state our case, to engage. To stand up and lead. Responsibility for the editorial comment is taken by the Editor-in-Chief Christopher Dore.
Daily Mirror
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside celebrity holiday hotspot that's a favourite of Dua Lipa and Chloe Sims
Celebrities definitely know how to party but now a new destination is proving more popular than Ibiza. Famous stars like Dua Lipa and Chloe Sims from The Only Way is Essex have all holidayed there and it's less pricey too While Ibiza in Spain is still the top celebrity vacation spot, leading in both celebrity visits and 20million Instagram tags, it's not the only party destination attracting the 'in crowd'. A recent study by Otherworld has identified the top celebrity-approved holiday spots of 2025 based on confirmed celebrity sightings from 2023 to 2025. These destinations were ranked using Instagram hashtag counts, Google searches, number of fine dining venues, and average cost per night at a 5-star hotel. And while the Dominican Republic came in second, you may be surprised by which destination slipped into third. Tulum in Mexico has a spectacular coastline, overlooks the Caribbean Sea and has welcomed famous holidaymakers including Lottie Moss and Austin Butler to name just a few. It's slightly more popular on Instagram than the Dominican Republic, with 9.4 million tags. But what really sets it apart is the cost, at $251 per night - or £186 - for a five-star hotel, making it the most budget-friendly luxury spot on this list. However, some visitors warn this magical paradise is losing its appeal because it's becoming overrun with tourists. Tulum attracts close to two million visitors every year - a number expected to rise sharply following the opening of Tulum International Airport. Travel experts over at Lonely Planet still hail the destination for its 'cobalt water', stunning beaches, and close proximity to ancient Mayan ruins as well as the underground world of cenotes. Often dubbed 'the new Dubai' by the flock of influencers flying out there to impress their fans. You can fly to Tulum, Mexico from London, Manchester and Birmingham - with most routes including a stopover in New York. A spokesperson from Otherworld commented on the study: 'Some places attract stars because they're remote and private, others because they're easy to post about. What's interesting is how much that mix varies. "You've got destinations where everything's built around luxury, and others where it's about vibe and visibility. That difference is shaping how people, celebrity or not, think about where they want to go next.' Meanwhile, Ibiza, Spain is one of the top celebrity-approved vacation spots of 2025, with stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kendall Jenner spotted there in the last two years. The spot has over 20million Instagram tags, and offers the most fine dining options (136). Five-star hotels average $695 a night, which is less than many other luxury destinations. The Dominican Republic stands out for its number of luxury stays, with over 3,200 resorts and villas, more than any other place here. It may not be as Instagram-famous as Ibiza, but it still pulls strong celebrity interest, including Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. At $359 per night, it also offers some of the lowest five-star rates.
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Colony Hotel founders bring Palm Beach posh to East Hampton's Hedges Inn
Despite having only 13 rooms, the historic Hedges Inn — which sits at the entrance to East Hampton village and across from its idyllic pond — has made oversized headlines in the last year. Scott Sartiano, the man behind celebrity-packed private club Zero Bond, leased the inn last summer in the hopes of launching a spinoff club. He was met with insurmountable resistance by village officials and residents, who feared a nightlife vibe and its accompanying noise and traffic. After a flurry of opposition, his lease was not renewed. Now the bed-and-breakfast's new owners, Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall, have been welcomed with open arms. It doesn't hurt that the Wetenhalls had a home in East Hampton for 15 years (until 2021) and also transformed The Colony Hotel into a buzzy Palm Beach destination where vacationing New Yorkers and locals alike flock to its poolside restaurant Swifty's and its rousing trivia and bingo nights. Advertisement 3 The Hedges Inn in East Hampton will have a 'summer Americana' aesthetic. Susan Kaufman The couple brought many of those same elements to the Hedges when it opened last week — along with the whimsical design that's been part of The Colony's lure. 'There is a style that thrives with destinations close to the sea,'' Sarah tells Alexa. 'We want the Hedges to become the best version of herself, and a visual representation of East Hampton, the way The Colony is a visual representation of Palm Beach. It will have the summer Americana aesthetic that's so well loved.'' That means shake shingles; lots of red, white and blue; plus plenty of pops of The Colony's famed pink. The inn's ground floor was already renovated by the previous owners, and the rooms will be refreshed this year, with a larger overhaul planned after the summer season. Advertisement 'Andrew and I love to travel, but we also love the creature comforts of home,'' Sarah explains. To this end, they are adding Matouk sheets, towels and robes along with luxury amenities. 'We are all about creating a fun summer, and we will do so with a smile on our face and kindness in our time,'' she says. As at The Colony, they will offer their Instagram-famous branded bicycles with baskets and route maps, along with buggies that transport guests, chairs, umbrellas and coolers to the beach. 'They make us visually who we are.' The inn, first established in 1873, will now have a 24-hour full-service desk, valet parking, butler service, a provisions bar with complimentary drinks and snacks, curated itineraries and a concierge-by-text service — nicknamed Ahab, after East Hampton artist Jackson Pollock's poodle. In addition to hotel rooms, there will be a three-bedroom, stand-alone residence next door to the property, ideal for extended stays. 3 Sarah (left) and Andrew Wetenhall are updating East Hampton's Hedges Inn with stylish renovations, design refreshes and luxe brand partnerships. Capehart Advertisement 'We can offer a bespoke, customized experience, and we are really excited about reimagining hospitality on the East End,' Sarah says. Guests can indulge in intimate bonfire gatherings (complete with s'mores) as well as Wednesday evening conversations with guest lecturers. The Wetenhalls are known for bringing in designers, beauty brands and famed fitness instructors (including Tracy Anderson and Isaac Boots) for collaborations. 'We do love our partnerships; they round out the guest experience,'' she notes. At the Hedges, those collabs will include Naturopathica spa services, Volvo electric EX 90 cars for tooling around the village and a house car for local rides in the form of a vintage pink Land Rover Defender. 3 Cuisine from Robert Caravaggi's latest Swifty's outpost at the hotel. Glen Alsop Advertisement But the most pivotal partnership remains with Swifty's (originally a New York eatery before being resurrected under founder Robert Caravaggi at The Colony). The restaurant has taken over the 100-seat indoor-outdoor dining space that housed Sartiano's last summer, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, including its signature meatloaf and crab cakes, along with farm-to-table local fare. Trivia will reappear as well, but sadly, those uberpopular bingo nights won't make the journey north. 'The New York State gambling laws will not allow it,'' Sarah sighs. Rooms from $599 in May and from $1,499 from Memorial Day weekend on at The Hedges East Hampton
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Video: Dad's ‘Friday Night' With Toddler Is Fatherhood at Its Best
Parenting looks different for everyone, and while looking after your kid can require a great deal of commitment and patience, it has a fun side too. A viral Instagram video showed a dad sharing a glimpse of what fatherhood with a toddler can look like, and it will crack you up. Jeff Logan spent his Friday night playing doctor (for real) with his 3-year-old son, who put playdough in his nose. This resulted in their house sofa turning into an operating table and Jeff becoming a surgeon for the night as he carefully picked out the said playdough from his little boy's nostril. This Instagram-famous dad spent his 'Friday night' removing playdough from his toddler's nose in a hilarious fatherhood moment and even shared video proof of the incident. The clip showed the boy lying on the couch as though it were an operating table, as his father documented the event that could easily go down as a core memory once they're older. The following snippets exhibited a conversation between Jeff Logan and his 3-year-old as they explained the scenario to viewers. 'I can't breathe,' the boy told Jeff, who questioned why he couldn't breathe. Next in the post, while answering his dad's questions, the toddler revealed that he couldn't breathe because he put blue playdough in his nose. Jeff, taking on the role of a doctor, then prepared his son to remove it from his nostril using a pair of tweezers. However, as they prepared for the not-so-complicated procedure, the dad couldn't help but crack a laugh as he looked back at the camera. He finally used a flashlight and the tweezers to pick it out while teaching his boy a lesson, 'You can't put playdough in your nose.' In the video's concluding seconds, the dad burst out laughing more, proving that fatherhood, especially with a toddler at home, is entertainment on its own. Additionally, Jeff showed evidence that the operation was indeed successful. He asked his son about his breathing situation, who then confirmed it was all good. One commenter pointed out how the boy was lying on the couch 'like he was on the operating table.' Another noticed the little guy's communication skills. Something tells me he's going to do it again,' joked a third, as one more believed it 'wasn't his first rodeo.' The post Video: Dad's 'Friday Night' With Toddler Is Fatherhood at Its Best appeared first on Momtastic.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
11 Best Things to Do in the Bahamas, According to Travel Pro Angie Orth
The Bahamas, as a surprise to many, isn't just one island. It's an archipelago comprised of over 700 islands (although only 30 are inhabited) and nearly 2,400 cays spread over miles of pristine turquoise and deep cobalt waters. Although they're most famous for their white (and sometimes pink) sandy beaches and the island's capital hub of Nassau, the Bahamas offers an incredibly diverse variety of things to do and see. 'There's so much more to The Bahamas than what you would find as a cruise ship passenger in Nassau for the day. You truly haven't experienced the real, authentic, wild Bahamas until you've been to Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, or any one of the others,' Angie Orth told us. Orth is an award-winning travel writer, blogger and novelist, author of the acclaimed novel Flirting with Disaster, who spent over 5 years as an integral member of the public relations firm representing the Bahamas. From the iconic pink sand beach to secluded coves, caves and underwater grottos, here are the 11 best things to do in the Bahamas—no matter who you're traveling with. Related: Just three miles long and barely half a mile wide, Harbour Island is probably Instagram's favorite beach. Known for its signature blush-toned beaches, guests flock to this stretch of sand to snap photos of the cotton-candy hue against the turquoise and mint-colored waters. The color comes from microscopic coral insects called foraminifera and seashells, but don't let the science spoil the magic. Rent a golf cart and explore the pastel colonial homes of Dunmore Town as well, careful not to miss the pink sand at sunset. Another Instagram-famous spot, the infamous wild pigs of Major Cay in the Exumas, is another can't-miss opportunity. Loafing and living on the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay, this colony of wild pigs has made a life of swimming in turquoise water and greeting curious visitors. According to Orth, this is a family favorite, and kids and adults alike love frolicking with the sea swine. It's best done via a half-day boat tour from Staniel Cay or Nassau, and can be booked through Bahamas Air Tours. It's also offered as a popular excursion on most cruise ships that visit the island. Made famous by the 1965 James Bond film Thunderball, this hidden cave near Staniel Cay is a natural aquarium teeming with tropical fish. At low tide, you can snorkel through underwater tunnels that lead to a sunlit cathedral filled with sea life and rainbow-hued coral. According to Orth, it's a must for both film buffs and oceanic adventurers. You haven't tasted the Bahamas until you've tried conch salad made fresh before your eyes. 'I love conch in any format—cracked conch, scorch conch, conch chowder, conch fritters—but conch salad is my absolute favorite. It's made of raw diced conch, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, lime, and/or orange juice. It's similar to ceviche, just with shellfish instead of fish. I make it a point to eat it every day when I can,' Orth said. Big Mike's Fresh Conch Salad in Alice Town is a local and tourist favorite, as is Fatty's Fresh Conch in Marsh Harbour. 'The Bahamas are famous for the jewel-toned color of the water, but the clarity is second to none, making it just incredible for scuba diving,' Orth said. 'You're almost always guaranteed a great day in the water, with visibility up to 200 feet, and access to the third largest barrier reef in the world.' In addition to coral reefs, you can also explore the many dramatic underwater walls (some plunging 7,000 feet), wrecks (like the remains of Pablo Escobar's Plane in the Exumas) and mysterious blue holes. 'Diving gives you an incredible opportunity to get up close to the incredible wildlife too, like sting rays, dolphins, reef sharks, and an amazing variety of colorful fish,' said Orth. Related: Despite being home to the famous bigs of Exumas and the pink sand beaches of Harbour Island, the Out Islands are still a relatively untouched gem in the Bahamas archipelago. 'Being the only person on the entire beach is an easy thing to do on most of the Out Islands, also known as the Family Islands, because there are minimal crowds. You get so spoiled having a beach all to yourself when yours are the only footprints in the sand,' Orth said. For some of the country's most exotic and unspoiled beaches, head to Eleuthera. This island boasts multiple secluded beaches and nature preserves—including its own pink sandy shores at Surfers Beach and Lighthouse Beach. In addition to beaches, you can also enjoy birdwatching the over 100 species of birds that call these islands home, including flamingos and the rare Bahamian parrot. If plants and reptiles are more your thing, take a stroll along the Bimini Nature Trail on Bimini Island to spot multiple varieties of orchids and iguanas. Protecting one of the world's largest underwater cave systems, Lucayan National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Encompassing 40 acres, this park system is the largest of the island's three main national parks. Above ground, you'll find winding boardwalks through thick, lush mangrove forests, secluded (and picturesque) Gold Rock Beach, Ben's Cave and Burial Mound, where the skeletons of 6 indigenous people were discovered in 1986. Although swimming is not permitted, you can dive into the caves with a special permit. One thing the Bahamas are known for is island hopping. And there's no more glamorous way to do that than via a chartered boat. Whether you rent a private yacht or join a small-group sailing cruise, the Exumas boast uninhabited cays, secluded private islands, tucked-away resorts, sandbars and crystalline, mint-hued shallows. Anchor off Compass Cay to swim with nurse sharks or drop by Highbourne Cay Resort for a barefoot lunch on the beach. 'The Exuma Cays are remote enough that they're where many celebrities hide out on their private islands, but easy enough to get to with a puddle jumper flight from Nassau,' Orth says. Step back in time and sip some of the Caribbean's finest rum at John Watling's Distillery, set on the historic Buena Vista Estate in downtown Nassau. Easily reached by foot or car, this 17th-century estate was impeccably restored to its former glory and now offers guided tours through the rum-making process—from barrel aging to bottling. You'll also find artifacts from the island's colonial past, which you can revel in before tasting all of their signature rums, including the award-winning Buena Vista. Also, home here is Red Turtle Vodka, which is dubbed the 'Vodka of the Bahamas.' Sip this spirit and the famed rum in mixed cocktails at the on-site Red Turtle Tavern. If you're lucky enough to visit during Christmas or New Year's, you'll catch Junkanoo, the Bahamas' largest and most famous cultural event. The streets come alive with parades and partygoers, all decked out in cowbells, feathers and kaleidoscopic costumes, pulsing to the beat of live brass bands. 'Junkanoo is the major celebration of the year, and it's raucous with goatskin drums, cowbells, whistles and brass instruments, plus colorful costumes the performers spend months making out of cardboard, crepe paper, feathers and sequins,' Orth said. 'If you're spending the holidays in Nassau, you can't miss it!' If you can't make it during the holidays, the Junkanoo Expo Museum in Nassau offers a taste of the revelry year-round. A world unto itself, Atlantis Paradise Island is the perfect juxtaposition of luxury and adventure. Sprawled across 141 acres, the resort is home to five separate hotels and a dizzying array of experiences: a massive water park, one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the Caribbean, a high-stakes casino, designer boutiques and an impressive lineup of restaurants helmed by world-renowned celebrity chefs. You can snorkel and feed sting rays, meander through atmospheric aquariums, sip cocktails poolside or unwind on powder-soft beaches, all in the same day. Whether you're there for a few hours with a day pass or checking into a plush oceanfront suite, Atlantis delivers on its reputation as one of the best resorts in the Caribbean (Kate Middleton and Prince William even stayed there during their recent visit).
