Latest news with #SofitelHotel
Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Fadnavis, Aaditya at same hotel; both camps say didn't meet
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray were at Sofitel Hotel in Bandra Kurla Complex on Saturday evening at the same time, sparking speculation of a possible third meeting between the two camps within a week. However, leaders from both sides denied of them holding a meeting and said that the two were attending separate events at the hotel. This comes days after Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya met Fadnavis at Vidhan Bhavan, where Uddhav handed over a book opposing the imposition of Hindi. Earlier in the week, Fadnavis and Uddhav also exchanged greetings in the Vidhan Bhavan lobby. In another instance, Aaditya too greeted Fadnavis at Vidhan Bhavan premises. Both BJP and Sena (UBT) leaders dismissed the buzz, calling it a 'coincidence' and clarifying that no meeting took place.
NZ Herald
13-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
What it's really like for a first-time ocean swimmer
So yes, I'm in. I con a friend into joining and we talk about swim training. A month goes by before we head to a shop to buy goggles, a swim cap and togs that will withstand an ocean workout as opposed to floating around the foreshore. My first swim is at Auckland's Point Erin outdoor pool and friend Rina and I are both excited and nervous. Turns out she's an ex-competitive swimmer and it all comes rushing back to her quickly. Not so much for me. One lap and I'm gasping for air. How on earth will I be able to do a 1km swim over three days? Three months, countless pool swims and two ocean swims later, we are ready. Or, ready enough. Swimming beside Olympians, Wendy pushed herself out of her comfort zone. Photo / Wendy Petrie At two hours and 26 minutes, the Air New Zealand flight to Fiji barely feels like an international journey yet the tropical warm air hits us as we walk off the plane. In no time, we're whisked away to the Sofitel Hotel in Denerau. We spend the afternoon at the pool with a pina colada trying not to overthink the next 3 days of swimming. That night more than 200 swimmers and partners gather for dinner on the lawn of the Sofitel. There's a kava drinking ceremony and a show. Dame Sophie Pascoe has come along for the first swim and I can't believe I will be swimming beside a Paralympics champion. The kids will laugh their heads off. 'How to Dad' is there too so hopefully he's a terrible swimmer and I won't look quite so bad. Wendy Petrie tackled a three-day ocean swim in Fiji despite minimal experience. Photo / Wendy Petrie Day one of our ocean swim arrives. It's an early one. By 7.45am we are at the Denarau marina pushing off for Tivua Island. It's a beautiful boat ride with the crew singing Fijian songs. We meet a few Aussies who are doing the 3km swim. In fact, there are more Australians here than Kiwis. It's also predominantly female, something organiser Scott Rice suggests is because women are far better at planning and organising a trip together. There are some excellent swimsuits that would have required some pre-planning, with one group of women from Wagawaga in pink matching sets. Back to the swim. Thankfully, the 1km swimmers are going first. The nerves are kicking in. The day is beautiful, but the wind has picked up and it's a bit choppy around the last buoy. Over 200 people took part in the three-day ocean swimming event. Photo / Wendy Petrie For some reason I stand next to Rina, who is right at the front. First wrong move. The gun goes and we are off; a mass of arms and legs churning up the ocean. I'm breathing quite hard heading to the first buoy and trying to do some backstroke. I try to relax like Liv's swim teacher used to say. Loose as a goose, fast as an eagle. The water is crystal clear with fish darting and even a couple of pretty blue starfish waving up at me from the ocean floor. By the last buoy I'm really pushing myself when the chopping water crashes over my cap and I swallow some sea water. Running under the finish line banner is a real thrill and Rina is there with water and a high five along with our new friends, the sisters. Stunning views, new friendships, and a swim medal made it unforgettable. Photo / Wendy Petrie I feel great! I did it. I came 50th out of 80 and 11th in my age group. Not bad for a newbie. We watch the 3km swimmers in wonder, especially the 70 year olds who are smashing it. The rest of the day is spent on Tivua Island eating a buffet lunch and snorkelling. Day two is a more relaxed start time with the swim off the Sofitel Hotel. I change my mindset for the second swim. I've done it, I know I can do it, now enjoy it. I start off at the back of the pack this time which means less splashing. Twenty seven minutes later I'm running under the finish line with another ocean swim under my belt. The afternoon is spent at the adults only Waitui Bar & Grill which we have access to for the day. It's lovely and by now a lot of the attendees are socialising and mixing with each other. A pina colada in the pool and another happy hour drink at the hotel bar is quite enough for day two. Day three is a trip to Malamala, a beautiful island a half hour away by quick-cat. Rina and I decide we need to warm up before our swim for once. We swing our arms like I've seen Liv (swimming daughter do) and slap our biceps, then head out for a quick 100m ocean warm up. We've also talked to the 3km winner who advises us to kick less as your legs are the biggest muscle that eats up energy. Each swim was followed by a social event or island lunch. Photo / Wendy Petrie The gun goes and we are off. It's beautiful and although I can feel a couple of bites from sea lice, they don't worry me. The view underwater is mesmerising. With 'Nothing's gonna stop us now' blaring over the loudspeaker, I finally find it - my swimming mojo! One, two, one two and I have so much energy. I barely kick my legs and my breathing is even and in control. I could swim like this all day! It's like I'm in an ocean hammock, with the tide gently cradling me as I make my way around the island. I finished in 22 minutes, my best time yet. A finisher's medal tops it off and a few dozen photos later, we are lying on loungers enjoying the day with our catered lunch. The final gathering is back on the lawn of the Sofitel, with white tablecloths and awards. Rina gets a silver medal for coming second in her age group. There are swimmers in their 60s, 70s and 80s crushing it out there. It's quite inspiring. After dinner, we hit the dance floor with our new swimming friends and reflect on our fun week. As I head into my 50's I'm keen to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and that's exactly what I got. Now, what's the next challenge?
Otago Daily Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Plan to bowl TV house for bougie boutique hotel
An artist's impression depicts a proposed four-suite boutique hotel on Man St. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A 'landmark' boutique hotel is planned for Queenstown. Cactus Kiwi Ltd Partnership wants to bowl a two-level 1960s character home at 10 Man St — which served as the police station for the first two series of locally shot TV crime thriller, One Lane Bridge — and replace it with a four-level hotel, accessed from the Brecon St stairs and Man St. The 339sqm site, sandwiched between Queenstown's established CBD and the emerging expansion towards Skyline's gondola, sold to a local buyer in 2021 for $3.1million + GST. Originally a residential home, it was, for many years, home to a language school, which has since ceased. It's directly beside the Man St carpark, above which a 173-room hotel was approved last year through the Covid-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020, and a stone's throw from the Sofitel Hotel. According to the application, the high-quality boutique hotel, designed by Monk McKenzie, will have just four guest rooms, with total capacity for eight people. At the basement level, accessed via lift or the Brecon St stairs, a small wine bar's proposed, open to guests and the public, from 8am to 4am daily. The lobby will be on the ground floor, accessed via Man St, with two suites each on the second and third floors, each with large living spaces, master bedrooms, and spa/shower facilities. From Man St, it'll look like a three-storey building; from the Brecon St steps it'll present as four. "While the hotel will be of a much higher elevation than the built form below on Brecon St, the height of the building will not be out of character, withthe adjoining level of built form, including Sofitel Hotel and the consented hotel on top of the Man Street carparking building," the application says. And, according to an urban design report from Williams & Co, it can be described as a "landmark corner site", with the hotel providing a "strong edge" to the Brecon St steps, and will signal the future extending line of built form along Man St towards Lakeview. Queenstown's council's currently vetting the application.
CBS News
14-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Former President Biden to speak at conference in Chicago Tuesday
Former President Joe Biden will make his first appearance since leaving office at a conference this week in Chicago. He will be one of the Keynote Address speakers at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference on Tuesday afternoon, according to the conference schedule. The purpose of the conference is to "discuss and develop consensus solutions" amid concerns for "millions of older and disabled Americans who depend on Supplemental Security Income and Social Disability Insurance," according to the organization's website. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, who was selected by Biden as the commission of the Social Security Administration during his term, will also be part of the keynote speech. Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential elections, in which Kamala Harris ran in his place against current President Donald Trump . Other guests include former U.S. Sens. Debroah Ann Stabenow (D-Michigan) and Roy Blunt (R-Missouri). The sold-out conference will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Sofitel Hotel.
See - Sada Elbalad
30-01-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Indian Embassy in Egypt Celebrates 76th Republic Day of India
Embassy of India, Cairo celebrated 76th Republic Day of India on 26th January, 2025 to mark the adoption of the Constitution in the year 1950. The day holds its importance in establishment of democratic values and freedom from the British made laws. On this auspicious occasion, the celebrations started in the morning with great zeal and patriotic fervor with unfurling the Tiranga (national flag) at India House by the Charge d' Affairs, Mrs. C. Sushma in the presence of the members of Indian community and friends of India in Egypt. She shared the excerpts of the address by the President of India on the eve of the Republic Day, highlighting India's remarkable progress, resilience and steadfast commitment to the values enshrined in Indian constitution. Cd'A also expressed her views and sentiments on the day of pride for every Indian as was visible in the enthusiasm of the gathering. The winners of the 'Bharat ko Janiye quiz' - initiative to inspire the diaspora and friends of India to engage closely with India - were also facilitated during the event. An unique effort was made to underscore India's commitment for sustainability in every aspect of life under the LiFE campaign by distributing the pin flags having hidden seeds with printed instruction to plant it after use, bringing everyone's attention towards 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam' (one tree in the honor of mother) which is successfully approaching plantation of 1400 trees for a greener future. The vibrant cultural performances of Kuchipudi and patriotic songs, infused energy into the event and were performed by the members of the community - showcasing India's rich heritage and their connect with Indian roots. The children of the Embassy official also presented a beautiful medley dance performance on patriotic songs. The event concluded with flavors of Indian cuisine making it a memorable day for all present. The celebrations extended till the evening with a gala reception organised in the ballroom of Sofitel Hotel, Zamalek to celebrate this historic day. Charge d' Affairs, Mrs. C. Sushma welcomed the Chief Guest, H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, who was representing Prime Minister of Egypt, other dignitaries of Government of Egypt, esteemed representatives of International Organizations, representatives of Indian companies, distinguished members of Indian Community and diplomatic corps, who graced the event by their presence. In her speech, Mrs. C. Sushma while conveying deep appreciation to the Govt of Egypt for the best wishes on the significant occasion, she also mentioned the immense potential for stronger ties across various pillars of engagement between India and Egypt. She expressed her satisfaction at the momentum of the bilateral relations, culminating into Strategic Partnership sparking new energy into the engagements across the various sectors. While wishing Indian community on Republic Day, H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat highlighted the civilizational linkages and shared historical experiences between the two nations. He also mentioned deepening collaboration in IT and digital technologies apart from various avenues for closer ties. He referred to significant growth in bilateral trade and Indian investment in various sectors in Egypt. He concluded his speech with lines from a poem by Ahmed Shawki, honoring Gandhi, India and its legacy, illustrating the deep cultural connections between the two nations. The event culminated into the mesmerizing cultural performances by the students of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture showcasing rich tapestry of Indian art and culture. The show stopper performance of a patriotic song by Ms Kariman, the Egyptian young woman, relected the essence of India's diverse heritage as well as vibrant cultural exchanges between India and Egypt.
