TRAVEL+FOOD

Celebrated Chefs Unite for Food Network’s Inaugural Culinary Showcase

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MASTER CHEFS FROM ITALY AND ISRAEL JOIN CHEF FABIO VACCARELLA FROM THE PATIO AT THE CONTINUUM DURING ITS INAUGURAL CULINARY SHOWCASE FOR THE FOOD NETWORK & COOKING CHANNEL SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE

The world’s most famous butcher, Chef Dario Cecchini, and ‘The Cauliflower King’ Chef Eyal Shani, credited with redefining Israeli street food, join the executive chef from the iconic Miami Beach residences for a private evening of gastronomic excellence

Continuum, South Florida’s premier resort-style oceanfront condominium residences, has announced its inaugural participation in the 19th annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®). South Florida’s iconic name in luxury living will be joining forces with some of today’s most iconic chefs for an official SOBEWFF® evening of superlative international cuisine.

The world’s most famous butcher, Dario Cecchini, will join forces with Executive Chef Fabio Vaccarella from The Patio at the Continuum in Miami Beach, together with “The Cauliflower King” and the man credited with redefining Israeli street food, Eyal Shani, to produce an extravagant three-course menu for 100 Continuum residents and their guests on Friday, February 21st, 2020 – poolside at The Patio restaurant. Cecchini’s eighth generation passion for his craft inspires everyone around him at Antica Macelleria Cecchini in Chianti, and is only matched by his invigorating passion for life. Shani, who owns some of the most respected and popular restaurants in Tel Aviv, is known for his extraordinary twists on famous dishes and creative presentations. Together, this dynamic duo will combine forces with The Patio’s Executive Chef, Fabio Vaccarella, for an eclectic dining experience that marries traditional Italian cuisine with vibrant Israeli flavors.

“We are delighted to announce our debut participation during this year’s SOBEWFF®,” says Rishi Idnani, Managing Director of the Continuum in Miami Beach. “The collaboration by this collective group of esteemed chefs represents the best in class from today’s culinary world. We are very excited to present an especially curated menu exclusively to our residents and their guests for an evening that will prove to be most memorable at The Patio restaurant here at the Continuum.”

Guests will enjoy a carefully crafted menu by all three chefs comprising of Italian and Israeli delicacies that will include: Burro del Chianti Crostini (fresh pork fat with garlic and rosemary); Salmone Marinato Crostini (herbs marinade with salmon, chive mousse and Oscietra caviar); Arancini ai Fiori di Zucca (rice balls with zucchini blossom and smoked buffalo mozzarella); Crema di Fave al Cacio (fava beans with braised vegetables and truffle burrata); Roasted Whole Snapper and Bistecca alla Fiorentina (baked potato with chianti butter), among other unique plates that will be paired with a selection of international wines.

“We are pleased to bring two of today’s most progressive chefs to The Patio at the Continuum for the property’s debut participation during this year’s Festival,” says Festival founder and director Lee Brian Schrager, who also serves as senior vice president of communications and corporate social responsibility for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “We always appreciate the opportunity to curate a private culinary experience at a residential property in South Florida and expose more consumers to great Festival food, wine, spirits and talent. Italy meets Israel at the Continuum is the perfect fit and an excellent way to expose residents to a SOBEWFF® experience.”

Tickets for the private dinner hosted by Dario Cecchini, Eyal Shani and Fabio Vaccarella at The Patio restaurant on Friday, February 21st, 2020 are made available exclusively for Continuum residents and their guests.

For more information on this year’s SOBEWFF, visit www.sobewff.org

Visit Israel: Tourism Rises

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Israel Hits All-Time Record for Arrivals in 2019 with 4,551,600 Tourist Entries, a 10% Increase Over 2018

NEW YORK – Once again Israel has broken its record of tourist entries with 4,551,600 in 2019 from across the globe. This record is a 10% increase over 2018, which saw 4,120,800 tourist arrivals.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that 2019 ended with a record high of incoming tourism to Israel that resulted in a NIS 22 billion in revenue,” said Yariv Levin, Israel’s Minister of Tourism. “Thanks to the innovative marketing and promotional campaigns, we are happy to report a 10% increase in tourism compared with last year. We’re excited to continue this momentum in 2020.”

The top six source countries to Israel for incoming tourism are the United States (889,700), France (367,500), Russia (318,100), Germany (289,000), UK (235,400) and Italy (190,700).

The number of tourist hotel nights reached 12.1 million in 2019, compared with 11.6 million in 2018, which is an increase of 4.4%. The number of tourist stays in 2019 increased in Jerusalem by 8%, 9% in Tel Aviv and 18% in Tiberias.

To keep up with the increasing numbers of travelers to the country, hotel brands are working to open new properties across the country. Notable openings in 2020 include the renovated Mitzpe Hayamim in the Galilee, Six Senses in the Negev, and the pod hotel, WOM Allenby in Tel Aviv.

In addition, significant transportation updates are being made to allow entries to the country to be smooth and hassle-free. In 2019, Israel opened Ramon Airport in Eilat, announced 3 billion NIS expansion plan of Ben-Gurion Airport and launched new direct flight routes from Las Vegas, San Francisco, Orlando, Dallas and Washington DC. In March 2020, the first direct flight route out of the Midwest United States will launch from Chicago with El Al Airlines.

“In 2019 we have broken the record for incoming tourism with a record 4.55 million visitors,” said Amir Halevi, Tourism Ministry Director-General. “We are within reach of achieving 5 million tourists and hope that our efforts will push us over the edge in the years to come. The Ministry of Tourism will continue to work with our tourism brands to attract both new and returning travelers to experience all our country has to offer, from the Negev in the south to the Galilee in the north.”

For more information on traveling to Israel or to plan your trip, visit Israel.travel.

About the Israel Ministry of Tourism:

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 works to promote Israel’s impressive assortment of historical, cultural, culinary and religious attractions – each the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. IMOT offices in North America are located in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Toronto.

For details on upcoming events and attractions in Israel, visit IMOT’s website at israel.travel. Follow us on Faceboo k, Twitter and Instagram to receive the latest updates.

Vilnius Lithuania: Hidden Gem for Travelers

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Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is launching a new campaign that is making fun of its own obscurity among travel destinations globally. The campaign, called “Vilnius: Amazing Wherever You Think It Is,” follows the tradition of the award-winning “Vilnius – the G-spot of Europe” campaign, which claimed that “nobody knows where it is, but when you find it – it’s amazing.”

The idea to use the city’s obscurity as a tool to draw more tourists is also backed by data. According to the 2019 study, done by Go Vilnius, the official development agency of the city which initiated the campaign, only 5% of Brits, 3% of Germans, and 6% of Israelis know more than the name and the approximate location of Vilnius.

A campaign-dedicated website will ask visitors to guess where Vilnius is for a chance of winning a trip to the city while being informed of myriad reasons why Vilnius is amazing. Both locals and tourists agree that Vilnius has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, nature, and food. The city seems to be immersed in a forest, thanks to its parks, tree-lined streets, and actual forests surrounding it. It’s a walkable city – locals and tourists usually reach all their central destinations on foot. Those who like to fly, won’t be disappointed either – in Vilnius, you can fly over the city center in a hot air balloon, admiring its picturesque medieval streets, Baroque churches and open squares. Vilnius is also diverse in its architecture and neighborhoods – no wonder it is being chosen as a preferred filming location to such popular series as Chernobyl and War and Peace.

Besides the website, the campaign will consist of a video clip in which people on the streets of Berlin are asked if they know where Vilnius is. In this playful clip, the Lithuanian capital is placed everywhere from the Americas to Africa – everywhere but in its actual location. The video will be spread through online platforms along with advertising campaigns in target markets and selected media outlets. Finally, billboards in London, Liverpool and Berlin will portray Vilnius reimagined in various fantasy worlds.

According to the director of Go Vilnius, Inga Romanovskienė, the idea was to turn the city’s disadvantage of being a lesser-known European capital into an entertaining, fun campaign, in which Vilnius laughs at its obscurity.

“Vilnius is continuing the course of presenting itself as an easygoing yet daring city, unafraid to laugh at its faults and break free from certain norms. Our goal is to show that no matter where people think Vilnius is located, it is a great place to go visit,” said Ms Romanovskienė.

The new campaign certainly has big shoes to fill, as its predecessor, the “Vilnius – the G-spot of Europe” campaign, was exceptionally successful at drawing attention from the global audience, making headlines in major outlets across the globe. The previous campaign was also named as the best ad campaign at the International Travel & Tourism Awards by World Travel Market in London.

The “Vilnius: Amazing Wherever You Think It Is” campaign launches on February 3rd. The campaign was created by Bechtle and Milzarajs ad agency.

ABOUT GO VILNIUS

Go Vilnius is the official tourism and business development agency of the City of Vilnius. The agency provides visitors, investors, relocating talent, entrepreneurs and businesses with all the essential information they need to know about the Lithuanian capital. Go Vilnius offers information on everything from real estate to leisure activities in Vilnius, simplifying the process of travelling, relocating to, or investing in Vilnius.

Saddle Skeedadle’s Cycling Myths Unlocked:

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Busting the Roadblocks Keeping Travelers out of the Saddle

Leading cycling operator Saddle Skedaddle sets the record straight on cycling’s biggest misconceptions.

Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Feb. 3, 2020: Cycling tours have become increasingly more popular in recent years thanks to North America’s focus on wellness travel, sustainable transport methods, and getting away from centers of overtourism. As such, cycling operators are adapting to the modern traveler.

Saddle Skedaddle, the world’s leading bike tour operator with itineraries in nearly 40 countries, recognized a 140% increase in bookings from North Americans between 2014-2018, according to Paul Snedker, director and co-founder. But even as cycling tours are on the rise, Snedker says there are still a lot of misconceptions about this kind of travel that limits new riders from hitting the road.

“There’s are these ideas that you have to be a really fit athlete to do a cycling trip, or that it would feel more like going to the gym than a true vacation,” says Snedker. “But actually, they’re quite accessible for all fitness levels and a great way to explore a destination in an even deeper way.”

Here are some common cycling misconceptions, unlocked:

Myth 1: You have to be an Olympian to do a cycling tour

According to Snedker, the biggest customer concerns are that they won’t be fit enough to do it, or they’ll be the slowest one of the group. While some bike trips are designed for hard core cyclists, there is quite a range in terms of level of difficulty, and many of the tours designed for family or leisure purposes are quite gentle.

“Many travelers think the whole group will be decked out in lycra and be world-class cyclists on a bit of a holiday,” says Snedker. “The reality is most of our guests are over 50 and are simply looking for a way to stay active on vacation. So long as you’re reasonably fit in your daily life, you’ll be able to keep pace on a lot of our trips.”

Snedker says one of the biggest game changers and gateways to cycling holidays for people who are nervous about their endurance level has been the introduction of electric bikes to Skedaddle’s roster.

“E-bikes are so fantastic at leveling the bike lane, so to speak,” Snedker says. “Not only do they provide that extra push when you need it the most, but they take away the fear factor in the build up to a trip, so travelers can really get excited without being nervous about the physical side of things.”

Responding to strong client demand, Saddle Skedaddle has been steadily introducing self-guided and guided electric bike trips over the last few years, including several to far-flung destinations including Vietnam, China, and Chile.

Myth 2: You won’t have time to explore off your bike

North Americans typically get very little vacation time, so when they do get away, they want to see more, do more, and experience more. According to Snedker, there’s a common misconception that cycling trips don’t give you time to explore the destination. In reality, Snedker says the opposite is true.

“At Skedaddle, we’ve always said we prefer pedaling through, not passing by,” he says. “What that means is your bike can take you so many places your car or a coach bus can’t, so you’re able to really bike deep into the culture and check out the little nooks and crannies of a village or a rural stretch of a dirt path you may never otherwise encounter.”

Some of Saddle Skedaddle’s most popular trips include activities like remote camping under the stars in the Simien mountains, hiking in the jungle of Jordan’s Ajloun Forest Reserve, spotting orangutans on a family-focused journey through Borneo, and hunting for the best tapas bar in a small Spanish village.

“Our customers have evolved; they want cycling to enhance their travel experience, not the other way around,” Snedker says.

Myth 3: International cycling travel is complicated

According to Snedker, many potential bike travelers get antsy about the logistics behind a bike trip, from how to transport their bike to how to read road signs in a different language. The reality is, though, it’s never been easier to cycle in other countries than this decade thanks to technology and updated airline policies.

Just last year, American Airlines dropped their overweight charges for traveling with bicycles, and thanks to apps like the one Saddle Skedaddle has developed, road signs and directions for self-guided trips are simple as keeping your phone mounted on your handlebars.

Of course, rentals and guided trips make all these logistics even easier. “While we have a full-service team on the ground that’s ready to greet guests – and their bikes – the moment they arrive, we also offer bike rentals throughout each trip to make things as seamless as possible,” says Snedker.

Myth 4: You can’t bring kids on a cycling trip

It’s no longer just empty-nesters – family cycling travel continues to grow in popularity as parents look for active ways to keep the whole gang engaged on vacations. However, a common misconception is that group cycling trips don’t really work for families, something Snedkern says couldn’t be more wrong.

“Cycling provides a memorable way to bond as a family on holiday – and I daresay is more exciting than driving around in the rented minivan!”

Saddle Skedaddle makes sure all its family trips include a variety of activities out of the saddle that interest teenagers as well as younger children. They welcome kids as young as two on its family adventures, ranging from exploring Viking history on the Lofoten Islands of Norway to zip-lining and camping through the Moroccan Desert , and rent bike trailers, tag a longs and kids’ bikes so the whole family can keep up at their own pace.

For more information and to pedal through your next adventure, please visit: www.skedaddle.com

About Saddle Skedaddle

Saddle Skedaddle is the UK’s leading independent cycling vacation specialist that is all about doing something wonderful on two wheels. Our team of experts have searched far and wide for nearly 25 years to bring you some of the world’s most incredible locations and enchanting cultures to enjoy at the speed of the bike. It’s time to really meet a place, and its people, you’ll never want to forget.

How to Get Compensated for a Delayed Flight

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Flight delay is not uncommon, as many travellers must have experienced it at some point. No one likes to be delayed, especially when it spans many hours and you are left stranded at the airport. If this ever happens to you, do you let go or ask for compensation? Most often than not, when travellers are delayed, they get upset and think of the many possible ways to get comforted from this. This could come in the form of an apology from the airline but that is not always enough, which is why some seek out for some sort of compensation.

Not everyone is aware that they can get compensation for a delayed flight, so they end up complaining, accept a simple apology and move on. However, the delayed flight had probably cost you more. This includes your time, as you most likely dashed out of your house as early as you can without eating. It could also cost you money, as you would have to spend on edibles at the airport. If you had another flight to catch, you might also miss it because the current one has been delayed. All these, when added together, shows you deserve to be compensated for such discomfort.

The question now is HOW?

1. Know When You Are Eligible

Before you can claim your compensation right, you need to know if you are eligible for one. The EC 261 gives you the right to claim compensation of up to €600 cash under these conditions:

You arrived at your destination 3 hours later than you should have.
Departure was from the EU or the airline is with the EU.
You checked in on time.
The reason for the delay was within the airline’s control.

2. Contact the Airline

Take it upon yourself to reach the airline directly and lay down your complaints about the delay. The easiest way to go about this is by sending an email. This should include details of your flight, a description of what happened, how much money you claim for the delay, and most importantly, a quote from the EC 261 guiding this rule.

3. What if you got a NO?

It is not uncommon for airlines to deny passengers of compensation and lie about what happened. If you have your claims and would love to press further, here’s what to do:

Reach out to a National Enforcement Body (NEB) or an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme. While the decisions made by ADRs schemes are binding, that of the NEB are not binding.
Try small claims court. This option should come last if you were not compensated appropriately after trying other means.

Conclusion

The process of getting compensation for a delayed flight might look daunting but there’s no harm in giving a try before quitting. If you don’t have all the time to go through the process, you could get the service of AirHelp to do it on your behalf and in no time, you will cash out. The next time your flight gets delayed, you now know what to do,

Trevor Daniel – Falling

Houston, TX artist Trevor Daniel continues to spike up the charts with his breakout single “Falling”; today with a remix from R&B princess Summer Walker. Summer’s mystique vocals pairs well with the songs anthemic vibe and Trevor’s sonic depiction of heartbreak. Listen to the remix here/below: http://smarturl.it/TDFallingRemix

This week it was also announced that Trevor Daniel leads the Billboard “Emerging Artist” charts continuing his rise in the music space as as a true artist to watch. Daniel’s major debut album will be released soon.

Trevor Daniel by Spencer Miller – DOWNLOAD HERE

About Trevor Daniel — An outsider might perceive Trevor Daniel’s rise as an overnight catapult of stratospheric proportions, but the Houston,TX singer has been quietly carving a career in music since his teens. From learning to produce beats in his bedroom to attracting hit-making heavyweights with his artful bridge of electro-R&B and balladic pop, Daniel created his own wave to ride to the top. When Hurricane Harvey devastated the city, then 22-year-old Daniel was forced to evacuate his family home with just music equipment in tow — returning later to find the house flooded in chest-deep water. Within a week of the calamity, he had quit his day job at a men’s suits store, newly determined to pursue music full-time. Almost a year after the release of his debut EP, Homesick, the 25-year-old reached number one on the US Viral 50 with the project’s first single “Falling” — a track that also saw him enter the Top 40 in over 20 other countries. Daniel revealed that “it didn’t feel real” when he noticed the track begin to regain traction months after it’s release. The singer’s ethereal vocals over a trap-infused downbeat already primed listeners for the repeat button, but it was Daniel’s lyrical prowess that sparked their imagination. “Falling”s sonic depiction of heartbreak is so relatable that millions selected the song to soundtrack their creations on popular content-sharing platform, Tik Tok, detailing relationship woes. Not resting on his laurels, Daniel is set to release his major debut album with exciting collaborations and a sound that is sure to capture an entire generation.

*Photo by Spencer Miller

Mama Medicine’s “Multi-Sensory” Readings

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The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown welcomes Mama Medicine, expert in ancient multi-sensory Medicine Readings, as the latest addition to the iconic Resident Healers Program.

Mama Medicine, whose given name is Deborah Hanekamp, now joins the Resident Healer Program with a unique health and wellness offering known as Medicine Readings. Having previously been named “Fashion’s Favorite Healer” by Vogue magazine, her work integrates more than 17 years of experience and wisdom in the healing arts. Her Medicine Readings blends ancient knowledge from across a variety of traditions. At the end of every Medicine Reading, Deborah prescribes spiritual homework and a ritual bath. These beautiful baths (with flowers, crystals and herbs), along with her unique aesthetic and approachable personality, have garnered Mama Medicine tens of thousands of global followers. In a world of gurus and self-help, Mama Medicine helps us connect to the inner shaman within us all: the power of love.

Created by Spa Director Tara Cruz, the Resident Healers Program launched on International Women’s Day 2018 to highlight three exceptional women with diverse offerings within the health and wellness space in New York City. Each of the three Resident Healers provide unique, mindful experiences for guests during one-one-one private appointments at The Spa. Deganit Nuur is an acupuncturist, herbalist and clairvoyant; Rashia Bell is a crystal healer and mediation master; and Snow Shimazu is a travel wellness expert, advanced body work educator and all-around wellness guru. In 2019 the Program once again expanded in time for International Women’s Day, with the addition of Michelle Pirret, International Sonic Alchemist. Each of these leading women offers guests seeking something greater than the traditional spa service.

In-Person Medicine Readings

Mama Medicine will offer in-person Medicine Readings for in-house guests, residents and local clientele.

A Medicine Reading is a healing modality created by Deborah Hanekamp designed to empower people to be their own healers. It involves the combination of conversation, an aura reading, and a healing ritual. It’s a very collaborative experience – the client shares what they are calling in or clearing out of their life, and then Deborah, based on what she sees, shares hidden talents, gifts or blocks that are coming up. In the ceremony, Deborah uses crystal singing bowls, song and scent to cleanse, bless and protect. During the session the client will lay on a heated bed of amethyst and black tourmaline crystals. 60 Minutes / USD 555

Mama Medicine is available for private appointments through March, April, May and June.

To book an individual consultation with Mama Medicine or any of the Resident Healers, contact The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown at 646-880-1990.

Halsey: Soaring Success for “Manic”

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January 28, 2020

Global Sales To Date Of HALSEY’S Manic Surpass 2.75 Million Adjusted Albums Manic Is No. 1 On Billboard’s Top Current Albums Chart Halsey Performs New Single “You Should Be Sad” – On “Saturday Night Live” – Watch HERE Tickets On Sale Now For North American Tour Download / Stream Manic HERE

Halsey’s new album, Manic (Capitol Records), has sold over 2.75 million adjusted albums globally to date. Manic entered Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart at No. 1. Earning more than 239,000 equivalent album units during its first week of release, it marks her biggest-selling U.S. debut. During her appearance as the first musical guest of 2020 on “Saturday Night Live,” Halsey gave her new single, “You Should Be Sad,” its television debut. She also performed an acoustic version of “Finally // beautiful stranger.”

View her performances below:

“You Should Be Sad”

“Finally // Beautiful Stranger”

“Slow Skit” featuring Halsey

“Cheerleading Show” skit featuring Halsey

Both songs are from Manic (Capitol Records). Last week, she also paid a fun visit to “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” View highlights HERE.

Manic includes the hits “Without Me” and “Graveyard” and features interludes with guest artists SUGA from global superstars BTS, Alanis Morissette and Dominic Fike. Exclusive album/merchandise bundles are now available at Halsey’s online store. Manic is Halsey’s third studio album and the follow-up to “hopeless fountain kingdom”, her chart-topping, Platinum-certified 2017 release. The GRAMMY®-nominated, multi-Platinum artist will support her new album with an extensive headline run. Tickets are on sale now for the North American leg of the Manic World Tour. Produced by Live Nation, it will include shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles (June 10), Forest Hills Stadium in New York (July 15), Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena (July 24) and Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre (July 27). See below for itinerary. The supporting acts will be CHVRCHES and Omar Apollo (June 2 – July 5) and blackbear and PVRIS (July 12 – August 1).

Visit www.ManicWorldTour.com for more information. All tickets for the North American headline dates will include a CD copy of Manic.

Since 2015, Halsey has amassed over 25 billion streams worldwide and sold more than 11 million adjusted albums globally. She has played sold out dates on five continents (including New York City’s Madison SquareNGarden), been nominated for a GRAMMY® and appeared on a wide variety of magazine covers, including Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, NYLON, Forbes, Playboy and Billboard. Her 2015 debut album, BADLANDS, was certified Platinum by the RIAA within one year of its release. Halsey claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 with 2017’s Platinum-certified “hopeless fountain kingdom”, which contained such hits as the 2x Platinum “Now or Never” and the 4x Platinum “Bad at Love.” The success of the 6x Platinum “Without Me” has made Halsey the first and only female artist to have at least three songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100 for 50 weeks each. Rounding out the trio of songs are the 4x Platinum “Eastside,” her collaboration with Benny Blanco and Khalid, and The Chainsmokers’ 11x Platinum “Closer,” which she featured on. “Without Me,” which took Favorite Song, Pop/Rock honors at the American Music Awards, spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in early 2019, marking her first solo single to reach the top spot. It now ranks as the longest-running Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit by a female artist of thisNcentury. She is the first artist to rank at Nos. 1 and 2 simultaneously on Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Songs radio airplay chart.

In March 2019, Halsey became the first artist in history to replace herself at No. 1 twice on the U.S. Pop Songs Airplay chart when “Without Me” returned to No. 1, bumping “Eastside” from the top spot. “Without Me” was the most-played song of 2019 at U.S. radio. She featured on BTS’ Platinum hit, “Boy With Luv,” and, more recently, alongside Future on “Die for Me,” a track from Post Malone’s new album. Halsey continues to push creative boundaries, expanding her influence and impact beyond music.

After making her film debut in the animated 2018 summer movie Teen Titans GO! as the voice of Wonder Woman, she was seen in A Star is Born, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. She continues to use her voice to speak up for causes she passionately believes in, including disenfranchised youth, women’s rights, mental health and the LGBTQ community. GLAAD honored her in 2018 as “Outstanding Music Artist.” In 2019, she has won an AMA, the Hal David Starlight Award, presented by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a VMA and two Teen Choice Awards.

Halsey – Manic World Tour – North American Leg

6/2 | Seattle, WA | White River Amphitheatre

6/4 | Portland, OR | Sunlight Supply Amphitheater

6/6 | Mountain View, CA | Shoreline Amphitheatre

6/7 | Sacramento, CA | Golden 1 Center

6/10 | Los Angeles, CA | Hollywood Bowl

6/13 | Phoenix, AZ | Ak-Chin Pavilion

6/15 | Dallas, TX | Dos Equis Pavilion

6/16 | Houston, TX | The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

6/18 | Charlotte, NC | PNC Music Pavilion

6/21 | Cleveland, OH | Blossom Music Center

6/24 | Atlanta, GA | Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood

6/26 | Detroit, MI | DTE Energy Music Theatre

6/27 | Chicago, IL | Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

6/30 | St. Paul, MN | Xcel Energy Center

7/1 | Kansas City, MO | Sprint Center

7/3 | Milwaukee, WI | Milwaukee Summerfest

7/5 | Boston, MA | Xfinity Center

7/12 | Toronto, ON | Budweiser Stage

7/15 | Forest Hills, NY | Forest Hills Stadium

7/18 | Holmdel, NJ | PNC Bank Arts Center

7/19 | Columbia, MD | Merriweather Post Pavilion

7/22 | Tampa, FL | MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

7/24 | Nashville, TN | Bridgestone Arena

7/25 | St. Louis, MO | Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

7/27 | Morrison, CO | Red Rocks Amphitheatre

7/30 | Salt Lake City, UT | USANA Amphitheatre

8/1 | Irvine, CA | FivePoint Amphitheatre

FOLLOW HALSEY

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Kumano Kodo Trek

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Kyoto-based tour operator Oku Japan has launched a premium, upgraded version of its classic, self-guided Kumano Kodo trek, just in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The 5-day trip along the Kumano Kodo offers travelers the opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese pilgrimage walk — a spiritual adventure that explores Grand Shrines, historic villages and the ancient, forested mountains of Japan’s Kii Peninsula — in high-end comfort and style.

The new premium itinerary includes a stay at the freshly-refurbished Fujiya Ryokan, which features five Onsen (hot spring-fed) baths and traditional tatami mat rooms with their own private, outdoor baths. Located in the village of Kawayu, Fujiya Ryokan is situated alongside Sennin-buro, a famous open-air river bath that invites visitors to dig their own hot spring Onsen. The high-end upgrade also boasts a night on a private island at Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima, a modern, boutique retreat with sea-view rooms that include open-air, private baths and a chef-designed culinary menu that celebrates locally-caught seafood.

Hike the Yagyu Kaido trail, tracing the footsteps of warriors who walked this route to a historic sword-making village, and take in the scenic seaside on a train ride from Nara to Kii-Tanabe. Follow the pilgrimage trail from Chikatsuyu through small villages and forest trails over the sacred Kii Mountains to the Kumano shrine at Hongu, one of the three ‘Grand Shrines of Kumano’. Later, journey to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest natural hot-spring villages in Japan, and on to the port town of Kii-Katsuura with its island-studded bay and lively, early-morning fish market.

Guests will enjoy daily luggage transfers, most dinners and breakfasts, round-trip train tickets from Kyoto or Osaka, detailed daily itineraries and walking directions, and local support from Oku’s branch along the Kumano Kodo in Chikatsuyu.

5 -days; Priced from $2,3070 per person.
For more information, visit okujapan.com

About Oku Japan
Oku Japan is a Kyoto-based tour operator specializing in sustainable guided, self-guided and custom tours exploring remote regions of Japan. The very first travel brand to offer self-guided walking trips along Japan’s ancient pilgrimage routes, Oku continues to honor its passion for Japanese culture by fostering meaningful community partnerships, encouraging cross-cultural connections among locals and travelers, and forging new adventures in Japan’s still-undiscovered territories. For more information, visit www.okujapan.com.

New Aqua Club to open at UK five star hotel

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The Headland in Cornwall, UK, is to open a new £10 million ($13 million) wellbeing experience called The Aqua Club this spring.

Located in Newquay, on the north coast of one of the UK’s most beautiful counties, The Headland offers five-star hotel and self-catering accommodation in a stunning coastal setting.

Due to open in May 2020, The Aqua Club represents a significant investment in the development of The Headland as a luxury, world-class destination.

It will feature five swimming pools, including a 25-meter training pool, an infinity pool, and a family leisure pool, as well as a sun terrace with impressive ocean views.

A restaurant, called The Deck, will connect the inside and outdoor spaces, and will provide a welcome oasis of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

For US visitors, Cornwall has never been easier to include in a UK tour. Managing director of The Headland, Darryl Reburn, says: “We are ten minutes from Cornwall Airport, Newquay, which is served by daily flights from London and Dublin, as well as many other major cities in England and Scotland.”

The Headland is set on a peninsula overlooking the surfer’s paradise, Fistral Beach. With a spa, a five-pool leisure complex, a surf school, and three restaurants, there is plenty to keep vacationers busy.

Constructed at the end of the Victorian era, the hotel is famous as the location for the original The Witches film, and is close to filming locations for the popular Poldark TV series as well as Doc Martin.

It has a rich history, from causing local riots when it was first built, to becoming a military hospital during WWII. There are also tales of hauntings, and stories of visits from celebrities and royal guests.

Cornwall is the UK’s most south-westerly county and is one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers. Accessible by air, rail and road, it has one of the most varied and beautiful coastlines to explore, with more than 300 beaches to choose from.

For the active traveller, the South West Coast Path covers more than 250 miles of spectacular scenery, and can be accessed from the doorstep of The Headland.

The region is also famous for its artisan produce and top chefs. TV celebrity chef Rick Stein has a restaurant nearby at Fistral Beach, and The Headland’s own executive chef presides over three restaurants serving award-winning food.

For a quintessentially British experience, guests can start the day with a full English breakfast with sausage, bacon and egg, all sourced locally, before exploring the beach, Newquay town, and its surrounding area.

Guests can also make a reservation to experience The Headland’s impressive three-tier afternoon tea, which includes Cornish scones, jam, and clotted cream.

Darryl Reburn said: “Our afternoon tea at The Terrace has been voted as one of the best in the UK. With the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a beautiful place to relax, drink tea, and work your way through dainty sandwiches, scones, and a selection of sweet treats.”

Prices for a three-night break at The Headland, including breakfast, start from £420/$546* for a Coastal Room with sea views – based on two people sharing. Use of the hotel’s spa facilities, gym, and Aqua Club are included.

Flights into Newquay operate daily from London with a duration of approximately one hour. An 80 minute flight also operates daily to and from Dublin, Ireland.

The Great Western Railway (GWR) provides a direct route to Cornwall from London Paddington with a journey time of approximately four hours to Bodmin Parkway, and a 25 minute transfer. It is a scenic journey taking in beautiful countryside and the coast.

Hire car or airport/station transfers can be arranged on request.

*Prices based on current exchange rate.

**Photographer: The Headland Hotel