Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
TURKEY'S FIRST NUDIST HOTEL HAS TO CLOSE
What was billed as the Muslim world's first nudist hotel has been forced to close, just six days after it opened.
It was shut after a local authority inspection which found that one of the balconies did not conform to the architect's drawings. The first 12 sparsely-clad guests at the 64-room resort in Datca on the Turkish Riviera have had to be moved to more conventional accommodation.
It was shut after a local authority inspection which found that one of the balconies did not conform to the architect's drawings. The first 12 sparsely-clad guests at the 64-room resort in Datca on the Turkish Riviera have had to be moved to more conventional accommodation.
The hotel owner said he hoped to modify the balcony and re-open by Wednesday.
Entrepreneur Ahmed Kosar, a 15-year veteran of the Turkish tourism industry, told the BBC that he was always looking for new niches to exploit in the $20bn (£13.6bn) business, and that a number of European clients at his other hotels had expressed an interest in nudism.
The resort was constructed in a quiet spot on the Datca peninsula, east of the popular resort of Marmaris. It offers guests the opportunity to bare all around the pool, or to take a special shuttle bus to a private beach where nudity is tolerated.
Mr Kosar said he was campaigning to re-open the hotel, and argued that many other hotels in the area have been allowed to continue operating despite not getting some of the many different licences required in Turkey.
It took him two years to build, and he said there were no objections from the local inhabitants, provided the naked tourists confined themselves to the grounds of the resort and the private beach. The hotel is only open to foreigners - Turks are not allowed to stay - and the staff, nearly all male, keep their clothes on.
VOLCANIC ASH GOES ON SALE
Entrepreneurs in Iceland are cashing in on the European aviation crisis by selling jars of volcanic ash for GBP75 (US$111) on the Internet.
According to Orange News, the ash from the Eyjafjallajokull glacier is being sold in 160g portions
in sealed glass containers as souvenirs of the disaster. The ash cloud from the volcano caused havoc across Europe, grounding fl ights and costing airlines US$1.7 billion.
According to Orange News, the ash from the Eyjafjallajokull glacier is being sold in 160g portions
in sealed glass containers as souvenirs of the disaster. The ash cloud from the volcano caused havoc across Europe, grounding fl ights and costing airlines US$1.7 billion.
NORTH ISLAND DIVE RESORT -SEYCHELLES
North Island Dive Report - May 2010
Weather and Beaches
The beginning of March has been characterised by unusually large swells - so much so that we almost decided to cancel activities for a day due to a dangerous shore break at Petit Anse, which would have rendered zodiac transfers unsafe. Fortunately this was shortlived and the sea soon calmed down again. From the 13th of March onwards the sea conditions were fantastic and more like what we have come expect from this season. The visibility has also been great and has exceeded 35 metres on some days - making diving the order of the day, and rightly so.
The rough seas during the beginning of the month also assisted in shortening the beach in front of the dive centre somewhat. West Beach was hit very hard by the big swell and has all but disappeared from the front of the West Beach bar. The famous dead takamaka tree by the West Beach picnic spot has fallen over and has had to be removed. Honeymoon Beach has remained beautiful throughout the month.
Marine Life and Conservation
The highlight of the month has undoubtedly been the sighting of six manta rays off Cathedral, a dive site situated below the steep cliffs of the south of Silhouette Island. The family were spotted calmly swimming just off the deeper ledges of this reef, but quickly disappeared. Manta rays are particularly rare in Seychelles waters and especially around North Island. Unfortunately, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists manta rays (Manta birostris) as 'near threatened'. It's known that several populations around the world are severely depleted, some possibly already extinct, but not enough scientific research has been carried out to properly assess the species as a whole. Almost nothing is known about their population ecology, use of critical habitat, movements or reproduction, all of which are vital in order to accurately assess the state of the species - the lack of protection in most areas is directly related to the limited research that has been conducted on these amazing creatures.
As previously mentioned, a second (and now possibly even third) species of manta ray has been recently discovered within the world's oceans - this research has been conducted by marine biologist, Andrea Marshall, mostly off the waters of southern Mozambique. This is the most significant news to date to come out of ray research, and its importance is the marine equivalent of discovering an unknown species of elephant!
Manta rays, which are totally harmless and do not possess a stinging barb, are the largest of over 500 different species of rays and skates. We hope our sighting of this clan of six is not an isolated incident, and that we catch sight of this family again in our waters. If possible we'd like to identify which species they are.
The most unusual discovery this month, however, has been of a flying fish which was found at the back of the dive centre. I suppose it may be possible that it was picked up by a small water spout and dropped at the back of the centre, or it may also be possible that it was chased by a predator out of the water onto the beach, through the dive centre and out the back - either option seems equally unbelievable, but there it was. Very strange indeed - although, as they say, stranger things have happened...
Our dive centre turtle nest, which was laid during January and soon thereafter 'adopted' by the dive centre team, had to be relocated as it was situated too close to the lights of the dive centre and restaurant and the hatchlings were in danger of being attracted to the lights instead of the sea during their hatchling scramble to their new ocean home. We decided to relocate the nest further down the beach, between Villas #2 and #3 so that the eggs could hatch without concern for any surrounding lights.
Strangely, the eggs did not synchronise their hatching (as is normally the case) and numerous visits were required by the enviro team in order to continually release what hatchlings had hatched. A very strange hatching, but nonetheless most of the hatchlings managed to hatch naturally, with only a dozen or so requiring incubation in the enviro office before being released at a later date.
In respect to the current Protected Areas Project, North Island hosted various members of the project on a day trip to the island, including individuals from GEF, GIF and UNDP. This orientation also included a dive on Sprat City with the intention of showing Michelle Etienne and a colleague (from GEF) the types of reef structures North Island has to offer. Both were equally impressed with the condition of the reef as well as the fish life and fish species diversity found on this one small section of reef. Further clarification was also received that this site is in fact quite special and rightly deserves any form of protection that can be provided. Several species of coral that dominate this reef were also discussed in more detail, including their importance within the marine ecosystem and especially to North Island in the event that we are able to demarcate certain areas as protected.
In relation to the current Coral Bleaching Alert as of February/March this year, we are keeping a close tab on our reefs in order to pre-empt any wide-scale bleaching that may occur. Currently, Sprat City and Twin Anchors have shown almost no change apart from what is normally expected during a traditional summer season (selected corals are expected to show mild signs of bleaching by the end of the summer season). Coral Gardens has, however, shown a distinct change and particularly with the horned corals (Pocillopora spp.) and the clustered finger corals (Acropora spp.). While it is still unknown if these corals have indeed died, we will continue to monitor the reefs and coral gardens in particular for any further signs of bleaching. Apparently several outer islands have already reported severe coral bleaching in some areas which is particularly worrying.
Weather and Beaches
The beginning of March has been characterised by unusually large swells - so much so that we almost decided to cancel activities for a day due to a dangerous shore break at Petit Anse, which would have rendered zodiac transfers unsafe. Fortunately this was shortlived and the sea soon calmed down again. From the 13th of March onwards the sea conditions were fantastic and more like what we have come expect from this season. The visibility has also been great and has exceeded 35 metres on some days - making diving the order of the day, and rightly so.
The rough seas during the beginning of the month also assisted in shortening the beach in front of the dive centre somewhat. West Beach was hit very hard by the big swell and has all but disappeared from the front of the West Beach bar. The famous dead takamaka tree by the West Beach picnic spot has fallen over and has had to be removed. Honeymoon Beach has remained beautiful throughout the month.
Marine Life and Conservation
The highlight of the month has undoubtedly been the sighting of six manta rays off Cathedral, a dive site situated below the steep cliffs of the south of Silhouette Island. The family were spotted calmly swimming just off the deeper ledges of this reef, but quickly disappeared. Manta rays are particularly rare in Seychelles waters and especially around North Island. Unfortunately, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists manta rays (Manta birostris) as 'near threatened'. It's known that several populations around the world are severely depleted, some possibly already extinct, but not enough scientific research has been carried out to properly assess the species as a whole. Almost nothing is known about their population ecology, use of critical habitat, movements or reproduction, all of which are vital in order to accurately assess the state of the species - the lack of protection in most areas is directly related to the limited research that has been conducted on these amazing creatures.
As previously mentioned, a second (and now possibly even third) species of manta ray has been recently discovered within the world's oceans - this research has been conducted by marine biologist, Andrea Marshall, mostly off the waters of southern Mozambique. This is the most significant news to date to come out of ray research, and its importance is the marine equivalent of discovering an unknown species of elephant!
Manta rays, which are totally harmless and do not possess a stinging barb, are the largest of over 500 different species of rays and skates. We hope our sighting of this clan of six is not an isolated incident, and that we catch sight of this family again in our waters. If possible we'd like to identify which species they are.
The most unusual discovery this month, however, has been of a flying fish which was found at the back of the dive centre. I suppose it may be possible that it was picked up by a small water spout and dropped at the back of the centre, or it may also be possible that it was chased by a predator out of the water onto the beach, through the dive centre and out the back - either option seems equally unbelievable, but there it was. Very strange indeed - although, as they say, stranger things have happened...
Our dive centre turtle nest, which was laid during January and soon thereafter 'adopted' by the dive centre team, had to be relocated as it was situated too close to the lights of the dive centre and restaurant and the hatchlings were in danger of being attracted to the lights instead of the sea during their hatchling scramble to their new ocean home. We decided to relocate the nest further down the beach, between Villas #2 and #3 so that the eggs could hatch without concern for any surrounding lights.
Strangely, the eggs did not synchronise their hatching (as is normally the case) and numerous visits were required by the enviro team in order to continually release what hatchlings had hatched. A very strange hatching, but nonetheless most of the hatchlings managed to hatch naturally, with only a dozen or so requiring incubation in the enviro office before being released at a later date.
In respect to the current Protected Areas Project, North Island hosted various members of the project on a day trip to the island, including individuals from GEF, GIF and UNDP. This orientation also included a dive on Sprat City with the intention of showing Michelle Etienne and a colleague (from GEF) the types of reef structures North Island has to offer. Both were equally impressed with the condition of the reef as well as the fish life and fish species diversity found on this one small section of reef. Further clarification was also received that this site is in fact quite special and rightly deserves any form of protection that can be provided. Several species of coral that dominate this reef were also discussed in more detail, including their importance within the marine ecosystem and especially to North Island in the event that we are able to demarcate certain areas as protected.
In relation to the current Coral Bleaching Alert as of February/March this year, we are keeping a close tab on our reefs in order to pre-empt any wide-scale bleaching that may occur. Currently, Sprat City and Twin Anchors have shown almost no change apart from what is normally expected during a traditional summer season (selected corals are expected to show mild signs of bleaching by the end of the summer season). Coral Gardens has, however, shown a distinct change and particularly with the horned corals (Pocillopora spp.) and the clustered finger corals (Acropora spp.). While it is still unknown if these corals have indeed died, we will continue to monitor the reefs and coral gardens in particular for any further signs of bleaching. Apparently several outer islands have already reported severe coral bleaching in some areas which is particularly worrying.
WHY TAKE A SPA HOLIDAY?
The global financial crisis has really shaken a lot of people to their foundation. Some have seen their personal wealth eroded while others have lost their jobs. On the whole, most of the impact has been negative but there have also been some positive effects.
When our certainty and foundation is shaken we are forced to stop and look at our lives and some start an inward journey. First of all, people are looking increasingly at how they live and what they live for. Instead of being solely focused on their personal destination - in other words postponing their lives until they have achieved their ambitions and desires – they are instead actually living and celebrating the journey.
There is a growing realisation that life and moments are perishable and it’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’. Holidays are the best way to enjoy these moments with family and friends. As we reflect on our lives it usually the moments we spent with our nearest and dearest as opposed to number of digits that we may or may not have in our bank account that is truly important.
Those who look inwards are increasingly looking for a more meaningful holiday. Instead of collapsing on the beach for a few weeks, which is still a great thing to do, people are looking for a better return on their wellness investment where they can work on themselves through spiritual enquiry, self improvement, physical wellbeing.
This is where the role of destination spas comes in to play. The easiest way to understand the difference between a normal spa and a destination spa is that typically, a resort will sell rooms first and may bolt on spa afterwards. With a destination spa the spa comes first. More specifically, customers will buy the programmes first and the room component bolts onto this.
There are a growing number of great destination spas all around the globe, each with a different focus and concept; from physical fitness to detox to meditation. The general idea is that as well coming away looking and feeling 10 years younger and fitter you will also be armed with some new life skills that will be meaningful when you are back in your normal stress bound existence.
When our certainty and foundation is shaken we are forced to stop and look at our lives and some start an inward journey. First of all, people are looking increasingly at how they live and what they live for. Instead of being solely focused on their personal destination - in other words postponing their lives until they have achieved their ambitions and desires – they are instead actually living and celebrating the journey.
There is a growing realisation that life and moments are perishable and it’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’. Holidays are the best way to enjoy these moments with family and friends. As we reflect on our lives it usually the moments we spent with our nearest and dearest as opposed to number of digits that we may or may not have in our bank account that is truly important.
Those who look inwards are increasingly looking for a more meaningful holiday. Instead of collapsing on the beach for a few weeks, which is still a great thing to do, people are looking for a better return on their wellness investment where they can work on themselves through spiritual enquiry, self improvement, physical wellbeing.
This is where the role of destination spas comes in to play. The easiest way to understand the difference between a normal spa and a destination spa is that typically, a resort will sell rooms first and may bolt on spa afterwards. With a destination spa the spa comes first. More specifically, customers will buy the programmes first and the room component bolts onto this.
There are a growing number of great destination spas all around the globe, each with a different focus and concept; from physical fitness to detox to meditation. The general idea is that as well coming away looking and feeling 10 years younger and fitter you will also be armed with some new life skills that will be meaningful when you are back in your normal stress bound existence.
ANTARTIC CRUISES A THING OF THE PAST?
Majestic images of cruise ships posing in front of Antarctic glaciers will soon be a thing of the past as a ban against such sailings comes into effect in August 2011.
The International Maritime Organisation has adopted a ban against using and carrying heavy fuel oil on ships operating in Antarctic waters forcing cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Crystal and Celebrity to conduct their last cruises to the Antarctic in this 2010/2011 season (November to February).
The ban follows the 2007 sinking of the MV Explorer that had a significant impact on the entire Antarctic tourism industry. Cruise operators have been working on measures to enhance marine safety in the area since then.
The new guideline considers various types of cruise experiences ranging from expeditions on smaller vessels with ice-strengthened hulls that travel into Antarctic coastal and island harbours for landings, to cruise-only midsummer voyages on larger ships that stay in well-charted waters, generally clear of the shoreline and any ice cover. And it is the latter that will be most affected.
The International Maritime Organisation has adopted a ban against using and carrying heavy fuel oil on ships operating in Antarctic waters forcing cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Crystal and Celebrity to conduct their last cruises to the Antarctic in this 2010/2011 season (November to February).
The ban follows the 2007 sinking of the MV Explorer that had a significant impact on the entire Antarctic tourism industry. Cruise operators have been working on measures to enhance marine safety in the area since then.
The new guideline considers various types of cruise experiences ranging from expeditions on smaller vessels with ice-strengthened hulls that travel into Antarctic coastal and island harbours for landings, to cruise-only midsummer voyages on larger ships that stay in well-charted waters, generally clear of the shoreline and any ice cover. And it is the latter that will be most affected.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
UGANDA'S HIGHEST ICE CAP SPILTS
The ice cap on Uganda's highest peak has split because of global warming, Uganda's Wildlife Authority (UWA) says.
The glacier is located at an altitude of 5,109m (16,763ft) in the Rwenzori mountain range, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The authorities say a crevasse has blocked access to the Margherita summit - the third-highest peak in Africa, and a popular destination with climbers.
The authorities say a crevasse has blocked access to the Margherita summit - the third-highest peak in Africa, and a popular destination with climbers.
Scientists say glaciers in the Rwenzori range could disappear within 20 years.
UWA officials said a team had been sent to the mountain to assess the extent of damage on the route to Margherita.
According to researchers, the ice cap covered 6 sq km (2 sq miles) 50 years ago. It is now less than 1 sq km.
According to researchers, the ice cap covered 6 sq km (2 sq miles) 50 years ago. It is now less than 1 sq km.
The mountain range, which is one of the few places near the equator to have glaciers, was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1994.
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