Latest news with #Mediterranean-focused

Sydney Morning Herald
16-07-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
The Gold Coast's newest five-star hotel is not where you'd expect
With nine hotels and counting, Mondrian prides itself on carefully chosen locations with cultural heart, its properties created to mirror the area they are ensconced in – a converted wine cellar in Bordeaux and a design-forward hotel in the vibrant Itaewon district of Seoul are among the properties in its portfolio. So it stands to reason that Mondrian's entry into Australia on Queensland's Gold Coast isn't among the skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise, but further down the road at the once sleepy – now thriving – locale of Burleigh Heads, home to a renowned surf break and enviable lifestyle. Perfectly positioned on the Esplanade lined with brown-brick holiday lets from the '70s and white towers of the '80s, Burleigh's first five-star hotel, just open, is an ode to the area first inhabited by the Indigenous Kombumerri people who used its distinctive headland to spot fish and turtles for food, and a precious coastline once described by land surveyors as an area of 'useless dunes'. Designed by Melbourne-based architecture firm Fraser and Partners, the undulating profile of the striking 24-floor tower is a reflection of those dunes and headland. Interiors by California-based Studio Carter and Sydney-based Alexander and Co offer an 'easy tactility' that includes handmade tiles, exposed brickwork, leather banquettes, pink marble vanities and solid timber furniture. Moody terracotta-toned corridors lead to light and bright rooms of varying configurations, with views of the ocean or the equally appealing ridgeline of the Gold Coast hinterland seen through floor-to-ceiling windows. At ground level, the discreet check-in area gives way to the breezy and social Lito restaurant and bar fronting the beach. Mediterranean-focused and led by head chef and Italian-born Andrea Morigi, it welcomes locals and hotel guests alike for all-day dining and also does a brisk takeaway coffee trade. On level 3, executive chef Aaron Teece has returned to the area he grew up snorkelling and fishing in to oversee Haven and its hyper-local menu that includes hand-picked spanner crab from Brunswick Heads and dry-aged yellowfin tuna from Mooloolaba.

The Age
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Age
The Gold Coast's newest five-star hotel is not where you'd expect
With nine hotels and counting, Mondrian prides itself on carefully chosen locations with cultural heart, its properties created to mirror the area they are ensconced in – a converted wine cellar in Bordeaux and a design-forward hotel in the vibrant Itaewon district of Seoul are among the properties in its portfolio. So it stands to reason that Mondrian's entry into Australia on Queensland's Gold Coast isn't among the skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise, but further down the road at the once sleepy – now thriving – locale of Burleigh Heads, home to a renowned surf break and enviable lifestyle. Perfectly positioned on the Esplanade lined with brown-brick holiday lets from the '70s and white towers of the '80s, Burleigh's first five-star hotel, just open, is an ode to the area first inhabited by the Indigenous Kombumerri people who used its distinctive headland to spot fish and turtles for food, and a precious coastline once described by land surveyors as an area of 'useless dunes'. Designed by Melbourne-based architecture firm Fraser and Partners, the undulating profile of the striking 24-floor tower is a reflection of those dunes and headland. Interiors by California-based Studio Carter and Sydney-based Alexander and Co offer an 'easy tactility' that includes handmade tiles, exposed brickwork, leather banquettes, pink marble vanities and solid timber furniture. Moody terracotta-toned corridors lead to light and bright rooms of varying configurations, with views of the ocean or the equally appealing ridgeline of the Gold Coast hinterland seen through floor-to-ceiling windows. At ground level, the discreet check-in area gives way to the breezy and social Lito restaurant and bar fronting the beach. Mediterranean-focused and led by head chef and Italian-born Andrea Morigi, it welcomes locals and hotel guests alike for all-day dining and also does a brisk takeaway coffee trade. On level 3, executive chef Aaron Teece has returned to the area he grew up snorkelling and fishing in to oversee Haven and its hyper-local menu that includes hand-picked spanner crab from Brunswick Heads and dry-aged yellowfin tuna from Mooloolaba.


Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Inside Dr Michael Mosley's weight loss '5:2 diet'
The 5:2 diet plan is designed to support anyone looking for an effective but gradual way to lose weight - here's what you should know This week marks the first anniversary of Dr Michael Mosley's death. The celebrated medical specialist sadly died of natural causes in Greece. The television star, 67, was renowned for his expertise in nutrition and diet plans, helping countless people lose weight while bolstering their long-term health. One famous dietary programme was the 5:2 diet, which he developed with his wife, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, in an effort to simplify dieting for everyone. Despite Dr Mosley's tragic death, the tremendous impact of his work will live on, with his family now establishing a research fund in his name. But what exactly is the 5:2 diet, and how can it help you? If it's something you'd be keen to explore, look no further. The Mirror has compiled everything you need to know about the popularised regimen. What is the 5:2 diet? The 5:2 diet plan is designed to support anyone looking for an effective but gradual way to lose weight. It involves eating normally for five days and reducing consumption for two, often called 'fasting' days. During these fasting days, dieters are advised to consume between 500 and 800 'high-quality' calories while eating within an eight, 12, or 14-hour window. It doesn't matter what days of the week are fasting days, though it is advised to separate them with one 'normal' day. Prioritising Mediterranean-style food is also encouraged across all days, as emerging research increasingly shows it offers greater health benefits than typical 'Western' staples. Specialists at Healthline have explained: "One common way of planning the week is to fast on Mondays and Thursdays, with two or three small meals, then eat normally for the rest of the week. "It's important to emphasise that eating 'normally' does not mean you can eat anything. If you eat too much junk food, then you probably won't lose any weight, and you may even gain weight." Does it work? While limited research has been conducted on the 5:2 diet specifically, academic studies have acknowledged the benefits of intermittent fasting. This goes beyond weight control, with scientists highlighting its potential role in chronic illness prevention, too. Following a study in 2021, Dr Benjamin Horne at the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute, explained: "Inflammation is associated with a higher risk of developing multiple chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. We're encouraged to see evidence that intermittent fasting is prompting the body to fight inflammation and lowering those risks." He later added: "The best routine is one that patients can stick to over the long term, and this study shows that even occasional fasting can have positive health effects." It's also worth noting that Mediterranean-focused diets other than the 5:2 have garnered notable attention for their possible health perks. These benefits similarly extend beyond weight loss. For instance, last year, the Autonomous University of Barcelona listed garlic, saffron, olives, rosemary, and grapes among the Mediterranean foods with 'active components' that may be advantageous for heart health. Meanwhile, another study from Tulane University even found that Mediterranean diets may be associated with a slashed dementia risk. "Our findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet or its biological effects could be harnessed to improve scholastic performance in adolescents, or work performance in young adults," corresponding author Dr Demetrius Maraganore at Tulane University said at the time. "While these findings are based on animal models, they echo human studies linking the Mediterranean diet to improved memory and reduced dementia risk." Is it for everyone? Despite its potential advantages, the 5:2 diet is not for everyone. Kerry Torrens, a nutritionist at the BBC's Good Food, warned that it isn't safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers or anyone using specific medications. It's also unsafe for children and teenagers who need more crucial nutrients for growth. Therefore, anyone considering the 5:2 diet is encouraged to seek medical guidance first. Kerry said: "Much of the emphasis given to the 5:2 is on the 'fasting' days, but to be safe, effective and healthy, the food consumed during the other five days of the week needs to be of high nutritional value. "For this reason, you should aim to include essential fats from oily fish, nuts and seeds, lean sources of protein, wholegrains and starchy carbs with plenty of fruit and vegetables to supply the necessary fibre, vitamins and minerals that you need."


Globe and Mail
21-03-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Market Analysis: Friday March 21st, 2025
Global Market Update Canadian Markets Canada's TSX (Toronto Stock Exchange) dropped due to a decline in commodity prices and tariff concerns, which significantly impacted the country's economic outlook. A new analysis from Desjardins Group warns that Canada could soon face a recession that may persist throughout the remainder of the year. This is largely driven by the ripple effects of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war, which has disrupted global economies and trade dynamics. According to Desjardins Group's forecast, Canada's economy is expected to contract by 1.3% in the second quarter of the year. This will be followed by two consecutive quarterly contractions in the third and fourth quarters—0.4% and 0.3%, respectively. However, there is an anticipated slight rebound at the start of 2026, though the recovery may be gradual and uncertain. American Markets U.S. stocks dropped across the board as the lingering effects of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies continued to weigh heavily on investor sentiment. Major options expiries today also added to the volatility. As a direct consequence of these ongoing economic concerns, FedEx saw its shares tumble as the company lowered its full-year earnings forecast. This adjustment was a direct response to the economic uncertainty triggered by the tariffs, as well as slowing global demand for shipping services. FedEx highlighted that the tariffs had created challenges for its operations, particularly in markets such as China, where the trade war has had a visible impact on economic activity and trade flows. European Markets European stocks fell as travel stocks pushed the major indexes lower, as a fire at London's Heathrow Airport led to the slump on flight disruptions. UK stocks fell on a pessimistic outlook from manufacturers due to rising input costs., and the pound dropped against the greenback. Oxford Economics found that the global trade concerns will have a major impact on global growth, which will reduce business investment in the EU and the UK by 2% in 2025. Corporate Stock News Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc: U.S. FDA approved Alnylam's drug Amvuttra for treating rare heart disease, transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). The drug is expected to generate nearly $5 billion in sales by 2029. Apollo Global Management Inc: BP agreed to sell a $1 billion stake in a firm invested in the TANAP gas pipeline to Apollo Global Management. The TANAP pipeline links Azerbaijan and Turkey, transporting gas to Italy and Greece. AT&T Inc: British telecom company BT has approached AT&T and Orange for potential partnerships to aid in the turnaround of its international business, including the sale of a stake in its global division. Carlyle Group Inc: Energean terminated its deal with Carlyle Group for the sale of assets due to delays in regulatory approvals. The $945 million deal involved Carlyle creating a Mediterranean-focused oil and gas company. Darden Restaurants Inc: Stifel raised its target price for Darden to $215 from $205, highlighting the company's management team's strong ability to drive sales and protect margins in the face of inflationary pressures. Elevation Oncology Inc: Wedbush downgraded its rating to neutral from outperform due to cash per share. FedEx Corp: Shares fell in premarket trading after the company cut its fiscal 2025 forecast, citing challenges from the Trump administration's tariffs. FedEx's fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings per share is now expected to be between $18.00 and $18.60, down from $19-$20. Johnson & Johnson: The company plans to invest over $55 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, including new manufacturing facilities and research infrastructure, representing a 25% increase in investment compared to the previous four years. Lennar Corp: The company reported a decline in first-quarter profit due to high mortgage rates and house prices. Lennar's quarterly profit was $1.96 per share, down from $2.57 last year, while revenue increased by 5% to $7.6 billion. Micron Technology Inc: The company forecast third-quarter revenue above Wall Street expectations, driven by strong demand for high-bandwidth memory chips used in AI models. It expects $8.80 billion in revenue, higher than analysts' estimates. Nike Inc: Shares slipped in premarket after the company warned of a sales decline in the next quarter and reported a 17% drop in China sales due to weaker discretionary spending. Nike expects several quarters to clear excess stock and improve brand performance. Optinose Inc: Piper Sandler downgraded Optinose's rating to neutral from overweight after announcing that privately held Paratek Pharmaceuticals will acquire the company. Tesla Inc: A record number of Tesla vehicles were traded in amid protests against CEO Elon Musk's role as an advisor to President Trump. Tesla trade-ins are expected to increase, leading to a decline in used Tesla prices. Zara (Inditex): Inditex opened a new-style flagship store in Nanjing, China, as part of a global effort to reduce underperforming shops and focus on larger retail formats.


Zawya
21-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UK gas producer Energean terminates Carlyle deal over approval delays
UK-based gas producer Energean said on Friday it was terminating a deal with private equity fund Carlyle for the sale of some of its assets due to delays in obtaining regulatory approvals in Italy and Egypt. The two companies struck a $945 million deal in June last year that would allow Carlyle to establish a new Mediterranean-focused oil and gas company, led by former BP CEO Tony Hayward, and utilise Energean's assets in Egypt, Italy, and Croatia. "While I am disappointed that Carlyle was unable to obtain the necessary approvals in Italy and Egypt, I want to reaffirm that this outcome does not change our strategic direction or our commitment to growth and shareholder returns," Energean CEO Mathios Rigas said in a statement. The company said that the two parties were unable to agree on an extension of the long-stop date beyond March 20 to meet the conditions of the agreement. "Carlyle made significant and extensive efforts in good faith to close the transaction but ultimately was not able to satisfy all of the conditions precedent," a spokesperson for Carlyle said. Earlier this week, Energean had said that its current dividend policy would stand irrespective of the deal's outcome. Energean, with operations in eight countries across the Mediterranean and the UK North Sea, reported a rise in annual profit, but flagged asset impairment charges of $241 million relating to some assets in Egypt, Morocco and Greece. In a post-earnings call on Thursday, Rigas said that the company had not initiated the deal for the sale of its assets, and is not looking for another buyer.