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7 Top Secluded Beach Resorts Around The World

When the temperatures drop below freezing, you likely long for sun-drenched beaches, warm tropical air and frozen drinks poolside. And you probably want to escape the crowds, too. When you’re in the mood for a tranquil beach vacation, here are our picks, from Florida to Fiji, for secluded sands to hide out on until spring’s thaw. Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands Calling all sand seekers. Set on 500 acres of Virgin Gorda wilderness, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Rosewood Little Dix Bay beckons. Almost all of the rooms here are just a skip and a hop from the beach. If you want space and privacy by the shore, the Beachfront Cottage’s outdoor garden shower and furnished patio will serve you well. The Virgin Gorda hotel is positioned on a calm, crescent-shaped bay that’s safe for little ones to venture out on as well. Two pools are onsite, with servers ready to keep the soft drinks flowing for them and the rum punch going for you. Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico Surrounded by a lagoon and lush, tropical fauna, Five-Star Banyan Tree Mayakoba is within the Mayakoba gated mega-complex in Mexico’s Playa del Carmen, along the Caribbean coastline. There are canals, mangroves and tropical vegetation galore, with an Asian-influenced Five-Star spa and various bars and restaurants, including the Italian eatery Cello and immersive, Mayan-style Haab. For the ultimate escape, book a beachfront suite. They have incredible floor-to-ceiling ocean views, a Jacuzzi, an outdoor shower and a patio pool. Another perk is a personal bike to cruise around the 620-acre complex. Although the beach is public, the only way to access it is by boat — unless you’re a guest of the three hotels inside the complex. Unlike many other beaches in the Cancun area, no matter the season, the Banyan Mayakoba beach is seaweed-free due to offshore nets and a fastidious early-morning cleaning crew. Every Tuesday afternoon, a fisherman docks in front of the hotel and delivers his catch of the day, which you can purchase at lunch or dinner to have cooked precisely how you like it. The Shack, a new adults-only beach club, features an elevated Spanish-inspired menu available only to Banyan guests. Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Hawaii The public Hulopoʻe beach is at the foot of Five-Star Four Seasons Lanai. But rest assured, outside of a few fishermen and hotel guests, you’ll pretty much have the calm waters and welcoming marine life all to yourself on this sleepy, small island. For the best beach vibes, book the hotel’s oceanfront or partial oceanfront rooms. Speaking of beachfront bliss, one of the many perks of staying at Four Seasons Lanai is the beach concierge. A friendly crew provides complimentary snorkel gear, water and beach towels and delivers food and beverages from the hotel’s Malibu Farm restaurant (the catch-of-the-day fish tacos are amazing). And for premier pampering, don’t miss an otherworldly spa treatment at in-town sister property Four-Star Sensei, Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. Services take place in your personal Bali-style hut and include heavenly outdoor onsen pools and a shower. Montage Los Cabos, Mexico The Five-Star getaway boasts the only swimmable beach in Los Cabos, which is on a tranquil bay with soft, silky sand. The resort rests on 39 acres fronting Bahía Santa María and the Sea of Cortez. The aforementioned beach, also called Santa María, is one of a small group in Mexico to receive an internationally recognized Blue Flag certification for meeting stringent environmental standards for cleanliness, water quality, safety, services and sustainability. Experience the water’s splendor by trying the resort’s Ride & Surf expedition that ends in Cabos’ most secluded surf spot. Or you can learn to scuba in a private dive location. And if offshore excitement isn’t your beat, a lounge session at the private pools recently added to 31 suites will lift any winter blues. Baoase Luxury Resort, Curacao Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean paradise, the gorgeous Baoase Luxury Resort welcomes winter-weary travelers with warm, azure waters; an infinity pool overlooking the ocean; and a sun-kissed beach. Opt for one of the 23 Balinese-style villas or go big for the ultimate getaway: book the private island and have the stunning four-bedroom house, with a grand piano and full kitchen, as your centerpiece. A host of activities, including snorkel safaris, mountain hikes and aloe-based spa treatments, help complete the dreamy Curacao trip. Dolphin Island, Fiji If you’re seeking a stress-free (and uncrowded) getaway for the whole family, look no further than the Five-Star Dolphin Island, a hideaway roughly a 30-minute helicopter ride from Fiji’s major airport, Nadi. The private island is a safe zone, with no cars and no dangerous wildlife, so kids can roam freely on its 14 acres. That doesn’t sound so reckless once you realize you can have the whole island to yourself and your friends or family. Book Dolphin Island for as few as two people or as many as eight. The island, the activities and the kitchen all run on your schedule, with gracious Fijian staff to fulfill your every whim. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, The Florida Keys While many Florida vacations center around Orlando, you will want to venture a bit more south for your next Sunshine State excursion. The adults-only Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, which can only be reached by boat or seaplane, is America’s only private island resort. The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended stay embraces quiet elegance with a beach filled with parasol-shaded cushioned loungers that greatly outnumber patrons. The palm-enveloped saltwater pool also promises uninterrupted waterside days and romantic nights. The efficient staff can turn any setting around the island into the ideal dining spot, from ocean-side banquets to romantic meals on the sunset dock.

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Revealed: These are the 10 safest airlines for 2024

We always wish for a safe flight for us as well as others who take a flight, while wishing for a ‘safe flight’ can often be seen as a routine farewell for air travel. However, the anxiety that any of us feel mid-air is something that we have to deal with. Meanwhile, amid the number of concerns in trip planning, the last thing any traveler wishes to fret about is the safety of the aircraft they are boarding. And if this helps in any way, we bring to you the 10 airlines that have been designated the safest for this year. This rating is as per The Airline Ratings, a prominent aviation platform that releases an annual list evaluating the world's safest airlines. With a thorough analysis of nearly 400 airlines, their aviation experts assess 11 criteria, which include factors like serious safety incidents, recent fatal accidents, audits by aviation governing bodies, fleet age, and the proficiency of pilot training to determine the foremost carriers in terms of safety. It's important to note that events beyond the airline's control, such as bird strikes, turbulence injuries, weather diversions, or lightning impact, are not considered in this evaluation. As per the rating, Air New Zealand has once again managed to secure the designation of the world's safest airline, reclaiming the top position for 2024 and surpassing its counterpart Qantas. Air New Zealand's skilled pilots played a pivotal role in attaining the top position. As per the records, the airline's adept pilots excel in navigating through some of the most demanding weather conditions, with challenges such as Wellington's notorious winds and the intricate navigation demands of Queenstown, making it a noteworthy accomplishment. If you go by earlier records, Air New Zealand had previously also held this prestigious title in 2022. Australian carrier Qantas, the reigning champion from the previous year, now holds the second spot on the list, with Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways following closely to complete the top five. If you intend to travel with an airline that occupies a position lower on the list, there's no need for concern. It’s important to note that the safety differentials among the top airlines are minimal. The competition is so close that you won’t have to be concerned for sure. So, here is the list of 10 safest airlines to fly in 2024. Air New Zealand Qantas Virgin Australia Etihad Airways Qatar Airways Emirates All Nippon Airways Finnair Cathay Pacific Airways Alaska Airlines

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Nitin Gadkari’s vision for Punjab: Travel from Ludhiana to Ropar in 1 hour, drones for farmers; state to be hub of hydrogen

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday inaugurated and laid foundation stones of 29 national highway projects worth Rs 4,000 crore in Punjab, in Hoshiarpur. The projects included Ladhowal bypass in Ludhiana, six-lane flyover and two-lane road overbridge in Ludhiana, four-laning of Jalandhar-Kapurthala section, and three bridges on the Jalandhar-Makhu road. Gadkari laid the foundation stones of several projects, including four-laning of Hoshiarpur-Phagwara road and four-laning of Ferozepur bypass. Addressing a gathering here, Gadkari said the BJP-led government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is building expressways, including green expressways which are helping shortening distances between places. The minister for road transport and highways further said five greenfield expressways and economic corridors are being built at a cost of Rs 1.2 lakh crore for better connectivity from Punjab to Delhi, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana. He also spoke about the 670 km greenfield expressway Delhi-Amritsar-Katra project, saying once this project is complete, one can reach Amritsar from Delhi in four hours and Katra from Delhi in six hours.

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How Current Financial Trends Are Reshaping the Travel Industry

The travel and hospitality industries made a significant resurgence as COVID-19 restrictions eased. ​Destinations that managed to control the pandemic effectively are witnessing a quicker rebound, particularly in the luxury and domestic tourism sector. Companies like Marriott reported revenue increases, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The recovery in 2022 demonstrated the resilience of the travel industry, with strong forward bookings and customer demand. However, it’s worth noting that booking windows are shorter than in the pre-pandemic era, indicating a potential for rapid changes in trends. With financial status correlated to travel, it’s a must to be aware of how the current financial situation can impact travel. Finance Trends Shaping the Travel Industry Here are some you should watch out for if you want to enter the travel industry: Inflation and shifting customer segments Inflation, a global phenomenon affecting numerous industries, has not spared travel. Rising costs have translated into increased travel expenses, potentially altering consumer behavior. Travelers are now more budget-conscious, often opting for shorter trips or seeking value-for-money experiences. This shift necessitates a strategic rethinking among travel businesses, particularly in pricing and package offerings. Additionally, there has been a shift in customer bases within the travel industry. Leisure travel continues to be robust, and group travel has shown a surprisingly strong recovery. Business travel, however, is recovering more slowly. A notable trend is the blending of business and leisure travel, with more people combining these two purposes in their trips. Digitalization Technology has transformed not only the financial industry but the travel sector as well. In finance, the digital revolution has streamlined many processes. One of the most striking examples is the ability to apply online for a home loan. This advancement reflects a broader trend where complex, time-consuming tasks are simplified through technology. This trend is also prevalent in the travel sector. Tech has also emerged as a cornerstone in the new travel landscape. From AI-driven personalized travel recommendations to seamless, contactless services, technological integration is now a necessity. This trend is accelerating investments in digital infrastructure, enhancing customer experiences, and streamlining operations. Sustainability There’s a growing trend in the finance sector toward impact investing. Investors put money into projects and companies that have a positive environmental impact. Environmental consciousness is shaping traveler choices like never before. Sustainable travel practices are increasingly becoming a consumer benchmark when selecting destinations and accommodations. This shift prompts the industry to invest in eco-friendly solutions, including sustainable aviation fuels and green hospitality practices. Experiential and personalized travel The modern traveler seeks experiences over mere sightseeing. This trend toward personalized, culturally rich travel experiences pushes the industry to innovate and offer more than just standardized travel packages. The luxury market, often resilient to economic downturns, continues to grow. This includes luxury travel experiences. Affluent travelers seek unique, once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, and their financial power is driving growth in this segment of the market. Know Financial Trends and the Future of Travel In its journey toward recovery and growth, the travel industry faces a landscape marked by challenges and opportunities. Success in this new era of travel and fintech will depend on adaptability and an understanding of evolving consumer preferences.

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Lakshadweep flights sold out till March, but no bad news for Maldives trips yet

Photos and videos don’t do justice to just how mesmerising Lakshadweep is and you must witness the beauty that this place is with your own eyes. That is exactly what people from across India are trying to do. As a result, air tickets to this archipelago have sold out till March 2024. What’s the reason behind this surge? In an initiative to promote yet another tourist destination in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep, which consists of 36 islands (one has been lost to sea erosion) in the Laccadive Sea, off the Malabar coast in India. The PM's viral photos led to a spike in Google search for the archipelago. Several travel agencies have also witnessed a surge in queries for Lakshadweep. Flight tickets to Lakshadweep are sold out Lakshadweep isn’t very well-connected to other parts of the country. There is only one airline company, Alliance Air, that operates in Lakshadweep. It runs all the flights between Kochi (Cochin) in Kerala and Agatti, the only island in Lakshadweep that has an airstrip. The flight from Kochi to Agatti takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes. The company just runs a 70 to 72-seater ATR-72 daily between Kochi and Lakshadweep. When India Today checked, the Kochi-Agatti-Kochi flight tickets were sold out till March. Can Lakshadweep afford this surge? Niyati Saxena, founder of Migrant Musings & Co., told India Today that due to the recent attention to the islands, there has been a significant surge in queries. The queries for Lakshadweep have roughly increased by 50%. She added, "It needs to be a gradual increase and not such a sudden influx. A smaller number of footfalls does have a role to play in its cleanliness and thus, its beauty. An unplanned influx could create chaos." Meanwhile, travel company Tour On said that while they are seeing a spike in Lakshadweep enquiry, it's not materialising, adding that existing travellers to the Maldives are not cancelling as the packages are already paid for. Will infrastructure support the demand? Niyati asserted that the challenge travel companies have been facing has more to do with accessibility. "There is only one flight in a day and only from Kochi. This gets booked out well in advance. We already make our tours live at least 4 months prior in order to be able to secure the flights timely. But now with the increased attention, these limited seats will get booked off even earlier. Our major challenge remains in that," she said. Does this mean Maldives is at a loss? The Maldives is one of the most popular travel destinations among Indians. However, due to the ongoing tension between India and the Maldives, and the increase in demand for Lakshadweep, queries for the tropical destination have reduced. Amid the controversy, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has said in a statement that its members have decided to boycott Maldives for their shooting locations. The organisation has also requested its members to choose similar locations in India instead. Interest in Lakshadweep has not resulted in a price drop for the Maldives. A representative from Tour On said that they have not received any price drop alert from the resorts in the Maldives as of now, so the pricing remains the same for them. Travel company Tentwood also confirmed that there is no dip in price, adding that no guest has cancelled their trip. Talking about whether people are demanding Lakshadweep packages more than the Maldives, Niyati Saxena said, "Yes, people are demanding Lakshadweep more than the Maldives. But not all travellers plan so much in advance. So, when we tell them about the lack of availability in flights and also the paperwork required for Lakshadweep, then the travellers are a bit confused." "The common Indian traveller is not looking to plan so much in advance and so, the ease of reaching Maldives still remains. We find that more than anything travellers are more confused now. They want to visit Lakshadweep but they can't get there as soon as they'd like," she added. What’s next for Lakshadweep? Lakshadweep never anticipated this influx. However, the government seems to have started working on improving the infrastructure already. Reportedly, the government is planning to expand the Agatti runway. Along with this, an airport on Minicoy island is also in the works. Giri Sankar, Lakshadweep's additional DM, told TOI that premium resorts with all modern amenities are being constructed on the islands of Lakshadweep. Not just this, but new tent cities are also being planned. Additionally, the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is planning to open two Taj-branded resorts on Suheli and Kadmat islands in 2026.

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Atal Setu launch: India's longest bridge to shorten travel time to 20 minutes. Top points

Atal Setu inauguration: This bridge was conceptualised six decades ago to connect Mumbai's Sewri to Raigad's Chirle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the country's longest bridge, built over the Thane Creek in the Arabian Sea, connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai and dramatically reducing travel time. The 21.8-km Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, officially named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, will launch today around 3:30 pm. The six-lane bridge has a 16.5 km stretch over the sea and about 5.5 km on land. The conceptualisation of this bridge was made six decades ago with the aim of connecting Mumbai's Sewri to Raigad's Chirle. Travel time to cut short below 20 minutes - Building the Atal Setu aims to improve connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region – Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad. - According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the travel time between Sewri and Chirle will now be reduced from 61 minutes to less than 20 minutes. - It will provide faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa and South India. It will also improve connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port. - Travellers will be charged ₹250 for a one-way toll for the bridge. The charges for the return journey and frequent commuters will vary. - The toll charge may be revised after a year following a review. - The maximum speed limit for four-wheelers has been kept at 100 km/hour. Two-wheelers, tractors and autorickshaws would not be allowed on the bridge. - Nearly 70,000 vehicles are expected to run across the bridge daily. - The bridge weighs 17 times the weight of the steel used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower. - Apart from reducing the travel time, the actual potential of the Atal Setu will be unveiled after the completion of projects including the Eastern Freeway-Marine Drive tunnel, Sewri-Worli elevated corridor, Chirle-Palaspe connection with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, as well as the Navi Mumbai international airport.

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