Latest news with #luxurytravel
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Mystery surrounds abandoned Maldives resort left to rot with decaying villas, filthy pools & dust-covered massage tables
AN ABANDONED luxury resort rotting away in the Maldives with derelict villas and dirty pools has become shrouded in mystery. A decaying island within the holiday hotspot - which is usually known for its picturesque sights and tropical landscapes - holds a string of villas which have been left for dead. 8 8 8 Once a promising paradise-to-be, the resort sits on one of the archipelago islands, situated southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. YouTube star Kale Brock revealed the mysterious area in a video posted to the social media site. The Australian said his group spotted the eerie location in the distance while on holiday with a tour guide in the Maldives - and convinced him to take them there. Extraordinary footage showed the group touring half-finished villas, as well as piles of debris and dilapidated bedrooms. Broken toilets stood aside heaps of rubbish at the swanky hotel surrounded by swathes of tropical forest. Unkempt pools overflowing with algae can also be seen alongside generators which haven't been powered in years. Brock told that the island was supposedly owned by a prominent Maldivian politician. And he said that construction on the resort reportedly started over a decade ago. The surfer and YouTuber said: "They were building for two years then for 'political reasons'. "We don't really know, ostensibly maybe they ran out of money." Abandoned EFL stadium left to rot with pitch covered in weeds just five years after hosting final match He explained: "They've literally abandoned the project … There's bathtubs in unopened but deteriorating boxes." Shocking footage also showed unopened spa equipment and massage tables - which were never used to accommodate visitors. A centrepiece pool filled with murky water and dead bits of plants is also seen on the resort. The only bit of life that can be seen is the lush palm trees which tower over the forgotten construction. In one eerie corner of the island, the group stumble across an old Mazda and Nissan — both caked in rust and clearly untouched for years. 8 8 8 They press on to a creepy generator room, lined with bizarre, old machines. Explorer Brock said the scenes reminded him of films like Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, and Lost. Chilling footage showed the most harrowing part of the island, and its supposed crown jewels. Luxury overwater bungalows that were meant to rake in $5,000 a night sit completely empty, now just crumbling skeletons of wood and steel. Brock is also seen strolling along a half-destroyed concrete platform where a fancy boardwalk should have been if the project was finished. Peering out at the sea, Brock said: 'World-class lives one kilometre away.' 8 8
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Travel + Leisure
21 hours ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
The First-ever Waldorf Astoria Cruise Ship Will Offer Luxe Nile Sailings in 2026—What to Know
Hilton recently announced it's expanding its global footprint—but it might not be in the way you expect. The hotel giant's luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria, is entering the cruise game with a Nile River itinerary that will take place in 2026. In April, the hotel brand, along with Middle East For Nile Cruisers, announced the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience, a cruise designed to "bring Waldorf Astoria's signature elegant service to Africa's longest and most renowned river," as per the press release. As Hilton explained in the statement, it will soon offer travelers four or six-night itineraries, either down the Nile from Luxor , Egypt, to Aswan , Egypt, or up the river in the opposite direction, departing from its private docks at either point. 'Waldorf Astoria is in an incredible new era of luxury, creating unforgettable, immersive experiences in the most sought-after destinations," Dino Michael, the senior vice president and global head of Hilton Luxury Brands, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure . "... This new destination experience offers guests a spectacular view of Egypt, and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard this one-of-a-kind experience when it launches next year.' During the sailings, guests will get the chance to explore the temples in Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, as well as go on guided tours to cultural attractions at stops across Egypt, including Esna, Kom Ombo, and Edfu. A rendering of the living room lounge area. While there will undoubtedly be plenty to do off the ship, the star of the show here may just be the vessel itself. According to Hilton, the ship that the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience has five decks and just 29 suites, ensuring personalized service from the moment you step on board. While there are only renderings of the rooms (for now), the vision includes light wood floors, bright white linens, separate sleeping and living spaces, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that open to verandas, allowing the Egyptian sun to illuminate every inch of the ship. There will also be all the luxe amenities travelers could hope to have, including a "state-of-the-art fitness center and a spa," along with "distinctive food and drink experiences," such as Waldorf Astoria's signature Peacock Alley, a brasserie that will serve Egyptian, Mediterranean, and international cuisine. However, the best perk of all will undoubtedly be the ship's rooftop deck, where guests can savor the Nile views both day and night. This, however, isn't Hilton's first foray into Egypt. The company noted in its statement that it currently has 14 hotels sprinkled across the nation and is "set to triple its presence" there through its lifestyle brands. And, as Michael added, this new sailing is just the beginning of the adventures to come from the brand, with the "anticipated opening of the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York, and debuting in destinations including the most recent openings in Osaka and Costa Rica, and into the future with Sydney, London, Jaipur and many more." Sailings are set to kick off in late 2026, so stay tuned to Hilton's website for booking details.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
The closest Caribbean island to the UK that has Maldives-like overwater villas
FOR beautiful views over the Caribbean sea with private plunge pools and glass-bottom floors, check out these bungalows. Royalton Antigua is a five star Caribbean all-inclusive that became home to Antigua's very first overwater bungalows back in 2019. 5 5 The six bungalows are split into different categories; Chairman, Presidential, and Junior Suite. Each has king-size bedrooms, lounges, dining areas, and gorgeous outdoor terraces overlooking the Caribbean. And every bungalow has direct access to the clear waters of Deep Bay near the capital of St John's. There are also infinity plunge pools, an overwater hammock, a large soaking tub, a private deck and a glass floor. A stay in one of the bungalows includes a personal butler, private fitness and yoga classes, a sunset mixology service, laundry service, and a golf cart shuttle. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "What a great trip for an anniversary, we stayed in the water bungalow - great experience. There was a huge sea turtle that visit the bungalow, and jelly fish." Another added: "Stayed at the overwater bungalows, beautifully scenic and secluded for alone time with the beach nearby perfect for parties. Plenty of day and night activity options to fit any crowd." Across the resort there are fitness classes, mixology courses, a spa, an on-site casino and dance lessons. Children are welcome too, and there's a Clubhouse Kids Club and at the Seaside Summer Camp. One night a week the resort holds a signature Royalton White Party on the beach where there's dancing and live music. Luxury at adults-only resort in Antigua 5 5 For food there are multiple restaurants which serve Caribbean-style classic dishes as well as holiday staples. There's also a gelato and coffee cafe and the chance to be hosted by a personal chef. Antigua is known for having 365 reef-lined beaches, with clear waters and golden sands. Popular spots such as Dickenson Bay, feature calm waters making them perfect for swimming, kayaking and other water sports. Antigua, along with its paired island, Bermuda, are also home to rainforests and a wide range of wildlife. The airport is only 30 minutes away from Royalton Antigua. And from the UK, the flight time to the island is eight hours and 30 minutes - making it the closest to us. It is also much closer than the Maldives, which can be 11 hours by plane, followed by a seaplane in Male. Here's more about Caribbean island with the world's best beaches that's even easier to travel to this summer. And the Caribbean's safest island that's 'back on map' as 2025 holiday spot.
Skift
a day ago
- Business
- Skift
One Clever Hotel Ad, A Resort Brand's Climate Warning and Avoiding AI Hype
On today's pod we talk about Ritz-Carlton's award winning video, Iberostar's climate concerns, and lessons on AI from startup investors. Skift Daily Briefing Podcast Listen to the day's top travel stories in under four minutes every weekday. Listen to the day's top travel stories in under four minutes every weekday. Skift Travel Podcasts Good morning from Skift. It's Friday, June 27. Here's what you need to know about the business of travel today. Ritz-Carlton campaign recently won advertising's top prize for luxury ads at a prestigious festival in Cannes, France, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O'Neill. The Ritz-Carlton's 'Late Checkout' campaign took home a Gold Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, beating out 181 other brands in the luxury category. The ad, which cost less than $1 million to produce and distribute and features actor Josh Hutcherson, became the most-shared content across parent company Marriott International's luxury portfolio last year. O'Neill writes Ritz-Carlton's win highlights the opportunities for luxury hotel brands willing to embrace creative risk. The campaign avoided traditional media buys and opted to prioritize long-form content instead of 8-second, vertical video bites for TikTok. Listen to This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube | RSS Next, Spain-based hotel group Iberostar says climate change is the biggest risk to its business. The company is also calling for more investment in the tourism sector to counter its impact, writes Climate Reporter Darin Graham. Chief Sustainability Officer Gloria Fluxà Thienemann said at the London Climate Week this week that Iberostar operates more than 80% of its portfolio in exposed areas like beachfront regions. Thienemann added Iberostar is intensifying efforts to protect its properties, especially in the Caribbean. Thienemann also said the cost of action to deal with climate change will be much less than the cost of inaction. A recent World Travel and Tourism Council report estimated that the travel industry will need up to $250 billion to combat climate change. Finally, What do travel investors really think about AI, startups, and the future of travel? Skift editor-in-chief Sarah Kopit spoke to three venture experts for insights at the Skift Data+AI Summit earlier this month. One takeaway: Avoid AI hype, and focus on solving real problems. Investors are turned off by pitches that focus too much on AI but lack market understanding. 'It's a tool; it's not a solution,' said one investor. Another investor said startups could disintermediate search engines like Google or online travel agencies — if they offer real value to travelers and suppliers. The biggest winners in prior industry-transforming tech revolutions often came onto the scene later in the process, building upon knowledge from the first waves of new companies. Skift's in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift's editorial team.
Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
‘The Listeners' Review: Prisoners of Luxury
June Hudson is the preternaturally competent general manager of the Avallon, a posh West Virginia resort and spa whose guests come to take the curative waters—the hotel is built over mineral springs—and to partake of what they see as their due: excellent food and drink, glorious surroundings and white-glove service. 'The Avallon was in the habit of happiness,' muses June in Maggie Stiefvater's wonderfully observed—actually, flat-out wonderful—historical novel 'The Listeners.' The protégée of the man whose family has long owned the hotel, June diligently maintains dozens of gray-jacketed ledgers stuffed with observations and reminders about the preferences of her high-society clientele. She endlessly challenges herself with a gnarly question: How does one delight the rich, 'who could so easily delight themselves?' But with U.S. involvement in World War II in its early months, the Avallon is, for a time, closed to its usual clientele and bracing for a whole new slate of visitors: diplomat internees from the Axis countries and a clutch of G-men to keep a gimlet eye on them. The storyline is based on actual events. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Greenbrier, a tony retreat in White Sulphur Springs, was put into service as a cushy detention center for German, Italian and Japanese legates and their families. It was a bid by the U.S. government to encourage similar treatment for its own envoys abroad. Ms. Stiefvater is known as an author of young-adult fantasy series, among them 'The Wolves of Mercy Falls' and 'The Raven Cycle.' While otherwise realistic, 'The Listeners,' her first novel for adults, has one discrete fantastical element: it concerns so-called sweetwater, the odoriferous H2O that flows hard through the Avallon fonts, and is understood and mollified by June and June alone.
