TRAVEL+FOOD

Travel illustration by Rita Azar for 360 MAGAZINE.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Vacation At Home

While traveling regulations and personal comfort levels vary, Virginia’s Blue Ridge, VBR, has devised a plan to allow you to travel from the safety of your home. With a new digital campaign, VBR remains a top-of-mind destination through Six Imperfect Substitutions. With Six Imperfect Substitutions, VBR turns some of the region’s popular attractions into easy and fun DIY experience with common household items.  

Shannon Terry, marketing manager at Visit VBR created the campaign. “With my favorite local establishments temporarily closed, I personally started to feel the effects of cabin fever and began brainstorming ways to entertain myself,” said Terry. “What started as a personal joke turned into a light-hearted way to showcase the cool spots in the region that people are missing.” 

The  Six Imperfect Substitutions to experience Virginia’s Blue Ridge from home include: 

  1. Cyclocross Substitute – a fast-paced, off-road bike race including various obstacles and barriers. 
  1. DIY Dixie Caverns – Living rock formation in Salem, VA. 
  1. Makeshift McAfee  – most photographed spot along the Appalachian Trail, a bucket list hike. 
  1. Not Quite Texas Tavern– a 24/7 classic lunch counter and late night eatery that seats 1,000…10 at a time. 
  1. Roaring Run Replacement – waterfall hike near a historic 19th century iron ore furnace. 
  1. Simulated Stiles Falls – stunning 40-ft waterfall hike in Shawsville, VA. 

Check out Six Imperfect Substituations yourself at VisitVBR.com so you and your loved ones can travel and craft without even stepping outside of your home. 

Cruise illustration done by Mina Tocalini of 360 MAGAZINE.

Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions, the global leader in luxury small ship expeditions, will begin welcoming back travelers aboard its ocean explorer yacht Aqua Blu. Local Indonesian residents will be able to set sail beginning August 2020, while international travelers can expect to depart from September 12, 2020 with enhanced health and safety protocols. These strict measures will be implemented across the company’s vessels in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

At the onset of the recent global pandemic, Aqua Expeditions took early, swift and decisive action to maintain strict antiviral hygiene standards on all three vessels in operation. As a result, the company experienced no cases of COVID-19 onboard any of its vessels.

“Today, more than ever, our employees, customers and partners need reassurance of our ability to offer them the safest experience possible,” says Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO and founder of Aqua Expeditions. “It is our duty to anticipate needs and respond to health and safety requirements by adhering to the highest standards.”

Aqua Expeditions river vessels and ocean explorer yacht accommodate a maximum of 30 to 40 guests, allowing for the tailor-made experience it is known for. Its small ship capacity provides ample personal space and constant safe physical distancing among passengers and crew.

All vessels comply with the health and safety standards of the International Safety Management (ISM), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Out of an abundance of caution and as part of its uncompromising commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of the crew, staff and guests, Aqua Expeditions has adopted additional measures to address guests’ concerns about travel, including:

  • Conducting health screenings and pre-boarding medical evaluations for all crew and staff.
  • Introducing a pre-embarkation Health and Safety assessment to be completed by all guests before embarkation.
  • Eliminating crew changes during the entire duration of each itinerary, reducing the risk of potential outside exposure.
  • Conducting daily crew health checks to ensure all health concerns are actively addressed and monitored.
  • Intensifying disinfection standards by developing a combination of manual and contactless disinfection procedures.
  • Cleaning and sanitizing cabins three times a day, ensuring the highest level of hygiene standards.
  • Providing face masks, latex gloves and hand sanitizer to all crew and guests as required in accordance with each destination’s regulations and guest preference.
  • Introducing a Health and Safety Officer aboard each ship whose responsibility is the wellbeing of each crew and guest, as well as the proper compliance and implementation of safety standards.

The dining rooms aboard each vessel already take into account physical distancing but have been reconfigured to further create a dining environment where guests can enjoy their experience without worrying about health risks. This includes greater flexibility and options for table seating and spacing, as well as two sittings for each meal in the dining room.

Aqua Expeditions has implemented a global food safety policy via an internal auditing system, following HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles for cold chain supply protocols, supervised by a qualified food safety officer. Production kitchens around the world are staffed by highly trained personnel who utilize international best practices in sanitation and quality control, as well as usage of products to secure food safety such as antimicrobial fruit and vegetable treatments.

Aqua Expeditions’ small group shore excursions are an integral part of the brand’s ethos. With no more than 10 guests per group, the excursions offer personalized, engaging experiences. The Aqua Expeditions team cleans and disinfects all excursion equipment, prior to and after use. On the Aqua Blu, which sails around East Indonesia, scuba and snorkel gear is distributed to guests to keep for their exclusive use throughout their voyage.

Lastly, each Aqua Expeditions ship is flagged in the country in which it operates, reassuring guests that they are always allowed to disembark in any port or anchorage location on an itinerary.

A recognized global leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions explores the worldߣs most wildlife- and culture-rich destinations aboard best-in-class vessels of stylish contemporary design. Venturing into unspoiled sanctuaries to witness the beauty of nature and wildlife, Aqua Expeditions sails to remote destinations with minimized human interaction, secluded from crowds. Expect tailored five-star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio with personalized service, a cuisine experience crafted by acclaimed chefs, and flexible, expert-guided adventure activities and excursions for all ages, with a maximum of 30-40 guests per ship. Aqua Expeditions currently operate river explorations on the Amazon (Peru), the Mekong (Cambodia and Vietnam), and coastal yacht voyages to Komodo National Park, Ambon and the Spice Islands, as well as Raja Ampat (East Indonesia). Its fourth vessel, the Aqua Nera, makes its maiden voyage this fall in the Peruvian Amazon.

Follow Aqua Expeditions: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Kicking a Soccer Ball illustration done by Mina Tocalini of 360 MAGAZINE.

CVB Virtual GO 92.0 

The Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau has created a virtual race called GO 92.0.  The CVB is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to join this virtual 92.0-mile run, walk or bike challenge that begins September 1, 2020 and ends September 30, 2020. Participants choose how to trek the 92.0 miles, while keeping tabs on progress using a favorite tracker app. For every 9.20 miles completed, participants will earn a virtual “badge” to celebrate their accomplishment. The CVB’s “virtual road team” plans to keep motivating those participating in the GO 92.0 by highlighting fun facts about Green Bay landmarks and tourist attractions.

“Many people have become active in the outdoors. Whether you’re biking a trail, walking your dog or hiking a path to see a waterfall, you’re challenging yourself to get out into nature,” says Toni Jaeckles, CVB Partnerships Director. “This virtual challenge can be done anywhere, whether you are at home or on the road,” she added.

“We’ve even created a version for our youngest athletes. There’s a 9.20 Kids Movement Challenge. We hope everyone in the family will participate,” says Jaeckles.

Proceeds for the virtual event go back to support Green Bay area tourism.

Follow Go 92.0: Facebook

Tree illustration done by Mina Tocalini of 360 MAGAZINE.

Countryside Escape

When traveling the world is not an option, Mirbeau offers you a rare opportunity to still get your passport stamped. Travelers can visit 4 unique Mirbeau properties this year and earn a complimentary overnight with spa treatments. Mirbeau Inn & Spa’s “Passport Program” allows guests to collect a stamp from each property that they visit in 2020. Visitors might spend a summer night at the resort in Plymouth, MA, then later travel to Albany, NY, for massages at Spa Mirbeau, or book a fall weekend in Skaneateles, NY, followed by a trip to the newest property in Rhinebeck, NY. Once the special Mirbeau passport reflects overnight stays or spa treatments at 3 of 4 locations, the guest is qualified for a complimentary overnight stay with two 50-minute spa treatments. The future stay may be redeemed at any Mirbeau location but must occur before June 30, 2021. “With the current travel restrictions, we’re encouraging guests to travel local to enjoy great dining, relaxing spa experiences, and luxurious accommodations all within a day’s drive,” said Michael DalPos, CEO. To learn more about Mirbeau’s Passport Program, or book a stay, call 877.MIRBEAU.

For 20 years, The Mirbeau Companies have successfully developed and managed European-inspired boutique hotels, spas and resorts including the award-winning Mirbeau Inn & Spa and Spa Mirbeau brands. Family-owned and operated, Mirbeau Inn & Spa is a nationally renowned destination resort brand, with locations in Skaneateles, N.Y., Plymouth, Mass., and Rhinebeck, N.Y. The first Spa Mirbeau, a unique ‘Day Resort’ concept offering all of the amenities of a full resort experience to regional customers close to home, opened in fall 2017 in Albany, N.Y. Mirbeau, loosely translated as “reflected beauty,” embraces characteristics of French Impressionist art including introspective reflection and simple elegance throughout its facilities. 

Follow Mirbeau: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Hotel illustration done by Mina Tocalini of 360 MAGAZINE.

Healing Through Hospitality

By Shannon Suess

There has been a lot of speculation in every industry about how today’s reality will affect tomorrow’s possibilities. In June, The New Yorker released an in-depth exploration of what the future of architecture could look like, with the roots of modernist design having grown from the sterile lines and quiet colors of Tuberculosis-era sanatoriums in days past. It paints a future full of pandemic-inspired changes, but the truth is, the evolution is already deep underway, even if we don’t realize or acknowledge it.

When it comes to the idea of traveling—of spending an extended period of time, for business or pleasure, in a hosted space outside our own homes—our psyches have subconsciously rewritten what is most important in order for us to not only feel comfortable with but actually enjoy our experience. 

For the hospitality industry, the emotional, physical, and psychological toll of a global pandemic will likely underpin travel trends that were already on the rise: biophilic designs rooted in nature, experiences rich in culture, and environments that promote both physical and mental health and wellness. But for brands looking at what’s next, there are numerous pieces of the puzzle that must come together to make guests truly feel comfortable with traveling once more.

FLEXIBILITY IS KEY TO RESILIENCE

Adopting the mentality of “one day at a time”, the ability to change and adapt spaces to fit present-day climates will be critical. With venturing outside of our own regions likely to remain difficult for the foreseeable future, travelers will instead seek out unique local destinations. They’ll gravitate toward dramatic hospitality spaces that can flex or change quickly in scale; the ability to easily flow from a multi-purpose, spacious area to a personal, private sanctuary will be paramount. 

Flexibility of this caliber will give way to opportunities for new, hybrid spaces, allowing hotels and resorts to consolidate, reimagine, and deeply personalize their offerings. Simultaneously, guests will have the opportunity to discover new experiences at various intervals during the day: Bars offering breakfast service for takeaway in the mornings gives way to an open-concept lounge or coworking space in the afternoon. By rotating “dual purpose” spaces, hosts naturally reduce footprints and create a natural time to clean and sanitize spaces.

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY TO ELEVATE SAFETY

Technology integration into hospitality experiences is a fickle thing: With how swiftly electronics evolve, expensive hardware upgrades can often be out of date within months of being implemented. Entering a room filled with aging technology can be a visually stark reminder of just how many people have touched those devices. Instead of letting technology hinder our relaxing experience, how can we use it to subtly support guests in feeling comfortable and safe?

The all-inclusive ticket to enabling this experience could be the one device many can’t live without. Subsequently, it’s one that we’re familiar with, comfortable with, and most importantly, feel safe using: our smartphones. The integration of subtle push notifications—for example, confirmation of your room’s scheduled daily cleaning, when housekeeping is actively there, and when they’ve vacated the space—have the opportunity to set and continuously keep a guest’s mind at ease.

Concurrently, granting visitors a familiar “no-contact” medium through which requests can be made—empowering a more comfortable experience—opens up a world of possibilities. Guests could use their phones to order room service, request additional towels, reserve a socially distant seat by the pool, at the bar, or in a coworking pod. The list goes on and on.  And, the more guests utilize these digital services, the more in-depth their digital profile becomes, making loyalty programs more enticing through a safe yet personalized touch.

There is a double-edged sword here, though: designers cannot rely too heavily on technology as a substitute for, or complete replacement of, social interaction. Humans crave physical connection with one another, and hospitality experiences will still need to provide the option for us to embark on that journey if we so choose.

IMPERFECTION IS PERFECTION

It’s no surprise that, as we’ve found ourselves trapped indoors the past few months, our bodies are inherently drawn to the idea of becoming reacquainted with nature; not just for the fresh air and sunshine, but for the fundamental healing properties that simply being closer to nature provides us. 

By employing the concept of biophilic design, we focus on natural over synthetic as an overarching theme, tapping into the psychosocial wellbeing that humanity is currently craving the world over. Natural color palettes that seamlessly transition outdoor experiences inside create a continued sense of calm while indoors. The addition of plants throughout both cleans the air and provokes a sense of relaxation. Removing clutter to reveal clean lines, white space, and invoke a “less is luxury” mindset. Interior design is witnessing a return to these authentic, raw, and “imperfect” materials—ones where the hand of the maker is visible, they aid us in feeling more grounded, and reinforce a sense of place.

The question that hosts must ask themselves as they look toward the future, “How can I design my experience offering to reduce anxiety and make guests feel more naturally at ease?” Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a guide, we have the opportunity to comfort guests holistically. The key to a reassured, tranquil mindset isn’t to simply coat everything in copper; designers will need to thoughtfully expand and go deeper to offer a sense of security and comfort beyond what’s on the surface.

A MULTIFACETED FOOD & BEVERAGE UPGRADE

One of the things we miss the most, undisputedly, is the ability to dine out and spend time with friends and family. We don’t just crave the energy and social activity, we long for the semblance of normalcy tied to the experience itself. 

While the industry has taken a hit to their traditional dine-in offerings, consumers are demanding more than ever before from the F&B industry: meal and cocktail kits, picnic baskets for outdoor excursions, easy curbside pickup, reliable room service, rapid and safe home delivery. 

There is ample opportunity to adapt existing room service and F&B experiences, which are anticipated to see not only a resurgence but a higher demand for gourmet-level quality. And, with a renewed focus on safety and convenience, offering grab-and-go contactless options in restaurants or lobbies that can digitally be charged to one’s room opens up new avenues for revenue and differentiation.

With an added focus on finding space outside of personal rooms that guests still feel safe in, how can restaurants take advantage of a rise in take-out by enabling positive, memorable moments? Establishing outdoor spaces that guests can retreat to for picnics or morning coffee in solitude; remodeling rooms to better allow for comfortable dining during a night in; hosts have the opportunity to allow guests to write their own stories defined by their comfort levels, and designers have the chance to enable that journey.

THE ROAD AHEAD

As brands and venues that offer hospitality experiences look toward the future, it won’t be about creating a compromised version of what we’ve known to be normal in the past, but cleverly designing and strategically implementing layers to more easily adapt for the unknowns that lie before us. 

Over the past century, the desire for machine-made perfection was palpable. Today, as we strive to become closer with nature in a primal effort to heal our bodies and minds, hosts that embrace the perfect imperfection of raw edges, materials, and palettes—as well as provide variable spaces both indoors and outside—can help guests maintain a fundamental sense of safety and comfort as they embark on their journeys.

People will not feel comfortable traveling unless they feel safe. Those who create hyper-personalized, dynamic, memorable spaces that guests can not only escape to, but ones where they can wholeheartedly focus on physical and mental rejuvenation, will come out on top. After all, isn’t that what vacation is for?

SHANNON SUESS is an award-winning interiors and hospitality designer who has dedicated over 25 years of her career to crafting world-class destinations. Working with clients around the globe, she seamlessly fuses interiors, exteriors, and the spaces in between to create memorable venues that harmonize local culture and brand. Shannon thrives on finding unique solutions to programming barriers and solving complex architectural challenges with holistic design.

An agile problem-solver dedicated to cultivating meaningful partnerships in order to bring out the best in projects, Shannon is often inspired by the music, art, and local traditions she encounters during her travels. She consistently fuses cutting-edge trends with timeless designs to sculpt extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences for hotels, residential, casinos, wineries, and everything in between.

Ocean View illustration done by Mina Tocalini of 360 MAGAZINE.

The Gasparilla Inn & Club

The Gasparilla Inn & Club is pleased to announce its 2020 Gasparilla Experience Package. The package offers guests a wide variety of unique Gasparilla Island activities, including exciting golf, tennis, kayaking, paddleboard, tennis, pickleball, fitness and sunset cruise experiences, while the Inn’s Beach Club undergoes a transformative and exciting renovation. 

The exclusive offer includes a complimentary experience each day, a complimentary golf cart to explore the island during your stay and complimentary breakfast in the Inn’s Dining Room. “The Gasparilla Experience Package” will be offered October 8-31, 2020. 

Guests can select one of the following complimentary experiences each day:

  • 18 holes of golf on the Pete Dye Championship Golf Course, including 30 minutes of instruction with a Gasparilla Inn PGA Professional.
  • A guided kayak or paddleboard tour in the waters surrounding Gasparilla Island.
  • Unlimited Tennis and Pickleball, including 30 minutes of instruction from a USTA-Certified Professional
  • A sunset cruise in the Gulf of Mexico 
  • 30 minutes of private fitness instruction with a Certified Personal Trainer.

There are so many ways to enjoy our Island and the great outdoors. Guests can pick and choose whatever experience excites them each day,” said Jon Reecher, General Manager.

Rates begin at $399 per night based upon double occupancy. To book, please call 844.253.1289. 

Entering its 107th season, The Gasparilla Inn & Club has been a premier destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast since 1913. A member of Historic Hotels of America and listed on The National Register of Historic Places, this grand resort offers 142 accommodations in a pristine environment in the heart of Boca Grande, located on Gasparilla Island. Owned by the William Farish family, the resort has played host to many notables throughout its storied history, including Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison, Katharine Hepburn, the George H.W. Bush family, members of the DuPont family, and others.

Follow The Gasparilla Inn & Club: Facebook | Instagram

Tyga illustration done by Mina Tocalini of 360 MAGAZINE.

Tyga Bites

Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist, Tyga, joins forces with renowned restaurateur Robert Earl and Earl’s son Robbie, for the launch of TYGA BITES, a celebrity-owned virtual dining concept. Now available through Grubhub, TYGA BITES is a delivery-only concept that specializes in antibiotic-free, oven-baked, boneless chicken bites. Grubhub will be offering free delivery on orders of $15 or more for the entire month of August to new and existing customers on their first purchase of TYGA BITES*.

With the idea conceived by Tyga, Earl paired the artist with acclaimed chef, author, and TV personality, Eric Greenspan, to create a carefully crafted, bite-sized all-natural chicken that’s baked, not fried. Tyga curated TYGA BITES by adding his own specialty spice dusts that sprinkle the chicken with the right amount of sweet and spice, along with a wide variety of dipping sauces to further enhance the flavors.

“I wanted to make sure the whole menu, flavors, and even the packaging was on point,” said Tyga. “The bites are baked just right; choose a dip then take a sip! I even threw in some chocolate chip cookies for dessert.”

TYGA BITES’ online menu offers crispy, oven-baked chicken bites in three different spice dusts including Black Garlic, Lemon Black Pepper, and Peri-Peri, a mix of tangy, sweet and spicy. The bites will also be served with the option of twelve different dips, along with regular or sweet potato Tyga Tots, chocolate chip cookies, and beverages.

“Tyga has been an inspiration to collaborate with on this brand—his instincts are spot-on,” said Robert Earl, Founder of Virtual Dining Concepts. “Consumers can now enjoy TYGA BITES at home through our partnership with Grubhub, offering contact-free delivery for everyone’s added comfort and peace of mind.”

“Today begins the independent restaurant revolution,” Robbie Earl elaborates. “We have created a blueprint that restaurants can truly benefit from with our VACs (virtual additional concepts). We are offering restaurateurs the opportunity to operate a second brand within their existing brick and mortar location, increasing their bottom line by also becoming a virtual kitchen owner.”

“Working with our partners at Virtual Dining Concepts on the new TYGA BITES brand, we have the exciting opportunity to provide our diners a new variety to choose from when ordering in,” stated Kevin Kearns, Senior Vice President, Restaurant Network at Grubhub. “We’re thrilled to give independent restaurants on our platform the opportunity to increase their total business by working with TYGA BITES, and by adding new locations across the country for our diners to try – it’s a win, win for everyone.”

TYGA BITES is now available in more than 30 major markets across the country, and with the support of independent restaurants, it is projected to have contracts with up to 500 locations by the end of August. Consumers based in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Phoenix, Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver, Las Vegas, Houston, Washington D.C., Austin, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Pittsburgh, Albuquerque, Sacramento, St. Paul, Kansas City, Scottsdale, Columbus, Minneapolis, and Louisville are among the first wave with many additional locations opening soon.

A delivery-only virtual restaurant launched by Grammy-nominated recording artist Tyga and restaurateur Robert Earl, TYGA BITES taps into kitchens of existing brick-and-mortar restaurants located across the U.S. and is delivered to your door thru Grubhub. The menu features tender chicken that is baked and flavored with a choice of seasoning dusts, accompanied with a wide selection of dipping sauces, sides, and cookies. TYGA BITES initial rollout includes the following cities: Los Angeles, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Phoenix, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Denver. Additional locations will be added regularly. Consumers looking for a location near them should search for TYGA BITES on the Grubhub app. For more information please follow us @eattygabites on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Grubhub is a leading online and mobile food-ordering and delivery marketplace with the largest and most comprehensive network of restaurant partners, as well as nearly 24 million active diners. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features nearly 300,000 restaurants and is proud to partner with more than 200,000 of these restaurants in over 4,000 U.S. cities. The Grubhub portfolio of brands includes Grubhub, Seamless, LevelUp, AllMenus and MenuPages.

Follow Tyga Bites: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Follow Grubhub: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Sun and Cloud illustration done by Mina Tocalini of 360 MAGAZINE.

IGTO Canada × ACTA

As a proactive initiative to begin the reopening of the international tourism industry and travel abroad – and more importantly to Israel from Canada – on July 21, 2020, the Israel Ministry of Tourism / IGTO Canada signed a corporate partnership with ACTA.  

The Israel Ministry of Tourism was eager to build a stronger collaborative relationship in Canada’s travel industry and with ACTA retail travel agency members and their clients from coast to coast. The ACTA partnership with the Israel Ministry of Tourism will promote education, Israel specialist accreditation and other public relations and sponsorship avenues designed for Canadian companies to learn just how broad  a spectrum Israel niche experiences offer – and the bottom line revenue that can be generated.

Through the agreement, ACTA and Israel Ministry of Tourism will support each other in growth through their mutual commitment to work together in the best interest of the travel agency community.

Gal Hana, Consul for Tourism, Director for Canada – Israel Ministry of Tourism stated: “I am pleased to sign another significant cooperation agreement with a main stakeholder in the Canadian market such as ACTA. With this, Israel continues to increase our investments in the Canadian market as a result of the record tourist numbers of the last three-to-five years and with the Canadian travel industry understanding the potential of Israel. When it comes to responsible tourism, ACTA is a natural and meaningful partner to promote such an important topic within the industry. We cannot wait to open the borders between Israel and Canada and to welcome tourists back into both countries.”

Wendy Paradis, ACTA President stated: “It is fantastic that Israel and ACTA will be working together to educate travel agents across Canada on this very unique and intriguing destination, as well as jointly promoting Israel and the value of working with a professional travel agent when planning for a trip of a lifetime.”

ACTA is a national member-based trade association that represents the retail sector of Canada’s tourism industry. Over 24,000 travel agents across the country work with member travel agencies representing more than 80% of the travel businesses booked through a travel agency in Canada.

ACTA is an industry led, non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of members with governments, regulatory agencies and travel suppliers in the best interests of the retail travel sector and consumers who benefit from the professional services provided by our members.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT), is Israel’s national tourism agency responsible for planning and implementing marketing and promotional initiatives to position Israel as a preferred travel destination. IMOT aims to increase tourism traffic to contribute to Israel’s economy, and to enhance and diversify the visiting experience.  IMOT offices in North America are in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Toronto.

Ocean View illustration done by Mina Tocalini of 360 MAGAZINE.

Florida Mijas Beach

Only 25 kilometres away from Málaga and 20 minutes away from the most populated areas of the Costa de Sol, Florida Mijas Beach—a new complex where the name of the game is enjoyment in each and every one of its corners both day and night—opens its doors in Cala de Mijas. Dining and entertainment come together in 3,000 square metres of floor space comprising a restaurant, terrace, beach club with pool, sun lounge area on the beach and nightclub.

After captivating thousands of visitors in Madrid and Valencia, the Florida brand’s love for Andalusia drove it to search for a location down south where it could offer an all-around experience. Thus, it found the ideal multicultural venue in Mijas, where the group can continue growing and sharing its expertise in organising events, providing leisure activities and superbly catering to a large number of diners. Florida Mijas Beach has been created with a universal vocation: the enjoyment of locals and visitors—whether Spanish or international—alike, groups of friends, family and events.

Chef Iván Cerdeño is the mastermind behind a menu exclusively created for the restaurant based on local, seasonal produce. Awarded one Michelin star for his restaurant Iván Cerdeño-Cigarral del Ángel, the Toledo-born chef is responsible for the Culinary Management of Florida Mijas Beach as part of the Florida Family in its most Mediterranean iteration, offering Spanish cuisine with a refreshing twist through two clearly differentiated menus for the restaurant—more formal and avant-garde—and the beach club—much more informal with finger foods.

Among the dishes created by the chef, it’s worth pointing out the cured and marinated dishes such as salted fish or Salad Olivier with shrimp, dishes featuring the bounty of the land and the sea such as the traditional gazpachuelo from Málaga with salted fish, fried aubergine with rosemary honey from Ronda, fish such as fried whole rubberlip grunt with caper mayonnaise, and charcoal-grilled small cuttlefish. There are also Almadraba tuna delicacies such as red tuna tartare with tomato and smashed-up fried eggs, aside from an assortment of rice and meat dishes accompanied by side dishes that are up to the diners. And let’s not forget the famous ham croquette named the ‘Best Croquette in the World for 2020’.

Diners can enjoy the different nuances of the culinary offerings in any corner of the restaurant while taking in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Florida Mijas Beach is comprised of different areas where the ultimate goal is enjoyment: Palmira Mijas, with its restaurant, terrace and cocktail lounge, is the most remarkable—gastronomically speaking—with offerings that juxtapose the avant-garde with tradition. In contrast, there’s Origen, divided into Origen Pool–for those who wish to sunbathe on sun loungers around the pool, enjoy the freshest fare or enjoy a drink at the Bar for the famous Afternoon Drinks—and Origen Beach—for those who prefer to kick back and relax on daybeds by the beach and the pool’s restaurant area.

And lastly, Lighthouse, the trend-setting nightclub where everyone can enjoy the cheekiest and most fun-filled nights until 3am. The place to be to spend the best nights in the area, which delivers everything that Florida Nights is widely famous for. A space that will offer different entertainment options throughout the night.

What’s more, the versatility and multidisciplinary nature of Florida Mijas Beach make it a venue with a unique style where all kinds of events can be held, ranging from corporate events to networking meetings with a buffet and hors d’oeuvres, including more informal meetings and even private events such as weddings boasting sea views. The diversity of spaces, the different menu options and the excellent quality of the ingredients used in the dishes are just some of the reasons why Florida Mijas Beach is the ideal venue for an event, where the customers’ enjoyment comes first.

With this opening in such a distinctive environment, the Florida Mijas Beach team seeks to add an all-encompassing tourist experience to the wide range of choices in Mijas, in order to give customers a unique experience throughout the day and night.

SUMMER OPENING HOURS

Open Monday to Sunday from 11 AM to 3 AM

Origen Beach Club:

Thursday, Friday & Saturday: Open from 11 AM to 2 AM

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday: Open from 11 AM to 11 PM

Palmira Restaurant:

Open from 11 AM to 12 AM midnight

Average Price:

Palmira Mijas: €40–45

Origen: €30–35

Follow Florida Mijas Beach: Facebook | Instagram

Justin Bieber illustration done by Mina Tocalini of 360 MAGAZINE.

Justin Bieber – 2021 World Tour

By Eamonn Burke & Mina Tocalini

Justin Bieber’s 2021 World Tour dates have been rescheduled in consideration of the Coronavirus pandemic. The tour, promoting his fifth studio album entitled Changes, was set to begin this past May but it will now start early June in 2021.

“I can’t wait to get out there and connect with my fans on this tour,” says Justin. “We’ve been through so much this year. More than ever, we’ve come to understand how much we need each other, and how meaningful these moments can really be.”

Individuals with tickets purchased prior to this update will be contacted by their ticket provider with further information regarding the tour and additional options if unable to attend the 2021 date, otherwise the ticket remains valid for the new date. All tickets from cancelled shows will be refunded, which can be expected within 30 days. 

The new accommodations for the virus mean that he won’t be appearing at any stadiums, but to make up for it Bieber has added 19 new stops in major cities like Boston and New York. New artists will be joining Bieber, rather than Kehlani and Jaden Smith, who are no longer available. New tickets will be available for purchase on Thursday, August 6th at 10 AM local time. 

The former teen sensation Bieber began his career at age 13, discovered by Scooter Braun on YouTube, and since then has released five albums, Changes being his latest. Bieber has sold over 150 million records and debuted number on Billboard 200, his fans’ dedication continued as he became the first musician to reach 7 billion streamers on Spotify. Despite having to reschedule his 2021 tour, Bieber’s success will likely continue in the future.

Follow Justin Bieber: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube