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Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Key West 2025
Thanks to its beaches, colorful houses and vibrant community, Florida's Key West has attracted artists and writers for decades. 'It's where laid-back island vibes meet quirky charm,' says Claire Herzog, a travel advisor at Fora. 'It's hard not to fall in love with it.' The best hotels in Key West reflect the area's creative soul and provide prime access to legendary spots like Duval Street and Mallory Square. Our top overall recommendation is The Marquesa Hotel, thanks to its prime location a block off of Duval Street. Meanwhile, luxury seekers will appreciate a resort-style stay at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, design aficionados will be impressed with the charming furnishings at The Grand Maloney and families seeking ample room for children to play will want to book Parrot Key Hotel And Villas. Ahead, the best hotels in Key West for 2025. Exterior of The Marquesa Hotel in Key West, Florida. This charming hotel is perched on Fleming Street in the heart of Old Town, providing a superb location within walking distance of Key West's best sights. With just 27 rooms inside four restored, Victorian-style conch cottages dating back to the late 1800s, guests can enjoy pops of pastels, white wrap-around balconies, lush tropical flora and two courtyard swimming pools. While no two rooms are exactly alike, most are spacious with high gloss Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and a mélange of furniture sourced everywhere from the West Indies to the Philippines and England. For foodies, the property's on-site restaurant, Café Marquesa, is widely regarded as one of the best in Key West, with creative preparations of local seafood such as seared black grouper with basil blue crab and saffron aioli. Guest room at Ocean Key Resort & Spa. For unparalleled sunset views, Ocean Key Resort & Spa offers 27 guest rooms, many of which feature a private balcony with views of Key West Harbor (others overlook the historic Duval Street). Each room offers a sophisticated and elegant mix of florals and stripes, as well as an in-room mini bar that's refreshed daily and comfortable wooden furniture for reading or enjoying a coffee before starting your day. The fantastic spa, SpaTerre, features Balinese-inspired treatments, and the resort offers multiple dining options, whether you're looking for a sit-down dinner or poolside drinks. The property's Sunset Pier bar is also open daily and features live music, allowing travelers to take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying the music. A room at the Grand Maloney. Design aficionados will be delighted by this intimate hotel, which features five individually designed guest rooms (each with its own name) and a freestanding carriage house with a tropical outdoor shower that will make you feel as though you're on a private island. Every room is housed within a meticulously restored Victorian-style mansion, preserving many historic architectural details, including the 11-foot ceilings and 150-year-old wood floors. Beyond the well-appointed rooms, numerous common spaces are available for relaxation before exploring the nearby shops and restaurants, including a pool and an airy second-floor balcony. The mansion also features a wraparound front porch where travelers can mingle and enjoy a morning coffee (complimentary espresso is available in the lobby). Exterior of Parrot Key Hotel & Villas. For families traveling with little ones in tow, Parrot Key Hotel and Villas is an excellent option. It overlooks the Florida Bay and offers plenty of privacy and breathtaking views. (Although it's a 10 to 15 minute drive to Old Town, there's a complimentary shuttle so guests won't have to worry about transportation.) One of the best features of this hotel is its four sparkling pools, nestled among lush plants and sculpture gardens; there's also five acres of tropical gardens that surround the property and the waterfront white sand beach. The 148 spacious rooms and villas are perfect for large broods, with a porch overlooking the property's well-manicured gardens. Families can also enjoy outdoor excursions such as parasailing, snorkeling, and a guided kayak tour, which will keep younger travelers engaged and excited. Exterior of The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection. Couples seeking a playful atmosphere with numerous amenities will find plenty to love at this adults-only hotel, situated in Old Town and offering easy access to the main attractions that draw travelers to Key West year after year. There are 36 rooms with a fun, eclectic design that reflects the vibrancy of the location. The rooms are outfitted with a variety of amenities, including large flat-screen TVs and spacious walk-in showers. If you're looking for a drink in a lively setting, the rooftop bar has live music, and the hotel's onsite restaurant is an excellent spot for dinner or a late-night snack. If you're seeking excitement beyond the hustle and bustle of Old Town, the hotel offers a year-round outdoor swimming pool with pool loungers and free bicycles for guests to use at their leisure. Exterior of The Mansion On The Sea. Those with a penchant for old-world charm will enjoy the historic architecture of this distinctive adults-only hotel, located on Duval Street. The Victorian mansion is painted pink with hints of seafoam green and features a turret, as well as a wraparound front porch that's perfect for taking in sunrises and sunsets while enjoying the mild weather. It was initially built as a private residence and later turned into a hotel with 18 guest rooms, a heated zero-entry infinity pool and a poolside bar. Pool towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas are all available for guests to use, and the poolside bar offers a delicious assortment of snacks and drinks (including the café's famous lobster pizza). There's also a complimentary continental breakfast each morning where travelers can enjoy locally ground and roasted coffee, fresh fruit, pastries, bagels, yogurt, eggs and more. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. We selected the top contenders based on personal experience and extensive research. I am a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted covering topics in beauty, fashion, travel and home. Prior to joining Forbes, I held positions at BuzzFeed and Dotdash Meredith, where I was responsible for curating lifestyle content and testing products for real-world insights. My work has appeared in Women's Health, Men's Health, BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, Everyday Health and more. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in English/Creative Writing from Marist College and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Dubai, Ready For A Surprise': Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Join Hands for a Landmark Strategic Partnership with Dubai to Create Timeless Memories in the City
The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has unveiled its new campaign – 'Dubai, Ready For a Surprise' – starring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. Having visited Dubai on numerous occasions over recent years, Virat and Anushka share a personal connection with the city, inspiring them to embark on their first-ever destination-focused collaboration. Marking the first phase of this landmark partnership, the film at the heart of the campaign highlights Dubai as the perfect destination for all travellers, as Virat and Anushka unveil a series of surprises while exploring the city's diverse experiences. The film ends with an interesting twist leaving the audience wondering if there's more to discover. Rich in colour, culture, and energy, the campaign film encapsulates the vibrant essence of the city through a blend of varied culinary experiences, spontaneous cultural interactions, thrilling adventures, and musical interludes. It offers a refreshed perspective of Dubai, beyond the quintessential landmarks and experiences – one that invites both first-time and repeat travellers to discover the city in unforgettable ways. The story begins with Virat planning a thoughtful and personalised experience for Anushka, creating memorable moments that go beyond the expected. He reveals a new side of the city – one that matches her vibe, emotions, and preferences. He chooses each experience to align with her wishes, creating a deeper and more intimate connection with Dubai. As long-time friends of Dubai, Virat and Anushka's fondness for the destination emerges naturally on screen as they wander through hidden corners, laugh together, explore and uncover experiences that reveal the city's soul in new and surprising ways. Whether it's an intimate moment admiring the Dubai skyline from the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool (AURA SKYPOOL) or the thrill of parasailing over stunning beaches, the campaign film showcases a side of Dubai that even seasoned visitors like them find delightfully surprising. Virat said: 'Dubai holds a special place for Anushka and me –. The moment we land, everything – from the flavours to the energy – feels just right. Even my favourite chole bhature tastes just as good here! But what amazes us is how the city feels familiar yet always has something new to offer. Whether it's adventure, peaceful moments in the dunes, or just vibing to the perfect playlist on the beach, there's always something for everyone. This campaign has let us see the city through fresh eyes, and we can't wait for others to do the same.' Anushka said: 'Every visit to Dubai feels like a new discovery. Whether it's for work, or to be with friends, the city surprises you in the best ways. It is a warm city, extremely comforting yet very exciting and there is something new to explore always. From thrilling adventures to unexpected moments, Dubai has a way of matching every mood and every need. We're happy to be a part of this collaboration with Dubai and to uncover fresh, exceptional experiences and personalised ways to fall in love with the city.' Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), said: 'This collaboration with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma is a natural fit – their genuine affection for Dubai and the way they engage with audiences make them ideal champions for the city. As we work towards the goal of further consolidating Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure, this campaign underlines the diversity of Dubai's ever-evolving offering and our commitment to consistently providing visitors fresh and memorable experiences, whether they are arriving for the first time or returning. India remains one of our most important source markets, and partnerships like these help us foster meaningful cultural connections, inviting Indian travellers to explore and rediscover Dubai in new and exciting ways.' The campaign's hero film is supported by a 360-degree rollout across social media, digital platforms, and targeted offline activations.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VerticalScope Announces CEO Transition and Executive Appointment to Drive Next Phase of Growth
TORONTO, June 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VerticalScope Holdings Inc. ("VerticalScope" or the "Company") (TSX: FORA; OTCQX: VFORF), a technology company that has built and operates a cloud-based digital platform for online enthusiast communities, is announcing a strategic leadership transition to drive its next phase of growth. Effective today, Chris Goodridge has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, succeeding VerticalScope founder Rob Laidlaw, who will continue in his role as Chair of the Board. In addition, Ezra Menaged, previously CEO of Hometalk (acquired by VerticalScope in 2021), has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Ezra, who has played a key role in diversifying the Company's audience sources, advancing its advertising technology platform and building an AI-driven content strategy; will work closely with Chris to scale these efforts across the broader business. These appointments strengthen VerticalScope's leadership team at a pivotal time, as generative AI reshapes how users discover and engage with content. To stay ahead, the Company is intensifying its focus on execution, speed, and innovation across its platform of over 1,200 enthusiast communities and two billion posts. With its deep archive of structured, human-generated content and high-intent audiences, community-based platforms like Fora give VerticalScope a powerful edge in an AI-driven world – offering authenticity, interactivity and context that algorithmic content alone cannot replicate. "Today marks an exciting next step in our company's evolution," said Rob Laidlaw. "The internet is changing rapidly, and VerticalScope remains well-positioned with its rich trove of user-generated content. Chris is the right leader to continue moving the business forward with speed and focus, and I'm thrilled that he'll be supported by Ezra — a proven operator who's already made a tremendous impact. As Chair, I'll continue to support the team with a focus on long-term vision, strategy, and scaling AI innovation across our business." Chris Goodridge, who has served as President and COO since 2020, has been a driving force behind VerticalScope's growth. "I'm honoured to step into the CEO role at such a transformational moment," said Goodridge. "With a strong foundation of high-intent audiences, scalable tech, and valuable content, we're poised to lead. Ezra and I share a vision of the vibrant future of community-driven platforms. Together, we'll drive that vision with a focus on accelerating our AI adoption, expanding direct traffic, and diversifying our revenue base to build an even more resilient business." Ezra Menaged added, "I'm excited to take on the COO role and to help scale audience growth with AI-driven audience strategies across the VerticalScope platform. Our goal is to make our communities more accessible, more engaging, and more essential to users — regardless of how they arrive. This is an important moment, and I'm looking forward to working with Chris and the entire team to shape the future of VerticalScope." About VerticalScope Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, VerticalScope is a technology company that has built and operates a cloud-based digital platform for online enthusiast communities in high consumer spending categories. VerticalScope's mission is to enable people with common interests to connect, explore their passions, and share knowledge about the things they love. Through targeted acquisitions and development, VerticalScope has built a portfolio of over 1,200 online communities and approximately 100 million monthly active users. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation that reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events. When used in this news release, words such as "should", "could", "intended", "expect", "plan" or "believe" and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information, including the Company's financial outlook, plans for organic growth, deployment of capital, investments in our platform, new platform features, information regarding our financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, addressable markets, budgets, operations, financial results, plans and objectives, the transition of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer roles, including the impact on the Company's future financial performance, the acceleration of the Company's AI adoption, expansion of direct traffic and diversification of its revenue base and the scaling of the Company's audience growth and AI-driven content strategies is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurances can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the implementation and effectiveness of the Company's capital allocation strategy, investments in its platform, the availability of high-quality M&A opportunities, and the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2025, which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR Plus at Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. VerticalScope does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. Related Links View source version on Contacts Investor and media inquiries:VerticalScope — Vincenzo Bellissimo, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: 416-341-7166, IR@ FNK IR — Matt Chesler, CFA, Tel: 646-809-2183, fora@
Associated Press
04-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
VerticalScope Announces CEO Transition and Executive Appointment to Drive Next Phase of Growth
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 4, 2025-- VerticalScope Holdings Inc. ('VerticalScope' or the 'Company') (TSX: FORA; OTCQX: VFORF), a technology company that has built and operates a cloud-based digital platform for online enthusiast communities, is announcing a strategic leadership transition to drive its next phase of growth. Effective today, Chris Goodridge has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, succeeding VerticalScope founder Rob Laidlaw, who will continue in his role as Chair of the Board. In addition, Ezra Menaged, previously CEO of Hometalk (acquired by VerticalScope in 2021), has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Ezra, who has played a key role in diversifying the Company's audience sources, advancing its advertising technology platform and building an AI-driven content strategy; will work closely with Chris to scale these efforts across the broader business. These appointments strengthen VerticalScope's leadership team at a pivotal time, as generative AI reshapes how users discover and engage with content. To stay ahead, the Company is intensifying its focus on execution, speed, and innovation across its platform of over 1,200 enthusiast communities and two billion posts. With its deep archive of structured, human-generated content and high-intent audiences, community-based platforms like Fora give VerticalScope a powerful edge in an AI-driven world – offering authenticity, interactivity and context that algorithmic content alone cannot replicate. 'Today marks an exciting next step in our company's evolution,' said Rob Laidlaw. 'The internet is changing rapidly, and VerticalScope remains well-positioned with its rich trove of user-generated content. Chris is the right leader to continue moving the business forward with speed and focus, and I'm thrilled that he'll be supported by Ezra — a proven operator who's already made a tremendous impact. As Chair, I'll continue to support the team with a focus on long-term vision, strategy, and scaling AI innovation across our business.' Chris Goodridge, who has served as President and COO since 2020, has been a driving force behind VerticalScope's growth. 'I'm honoured to step into the CEO role at such a transformational moment,' said Goodridge. 'With a strong foundation of high-intent audiences, scalable tech, and valuable content, we're poised to lead. Ezra and I share a vision of the vibrant future of community-driven platforms. Together, we'll drive that vision with a focus on accelerating our AI adoption, expanding direct traffic, and diversifying our revenue base to build an even more resilient business.' Ezra Menaged added, 'I'm excited to take on the COO role and to help scale audience growth with AI-driven audience strategies across the VerticalScope platform. Our goal is to make our communities more accessible, more engaging, and more essential to users — regardless of how they arrive. This is an important moment, and I'm looking forward to working with Chris and the entire team to shape the future of VerticalScope.' About VerticalScope Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, VerticalScope is a technology company that has built and operates a cloud-based digital platform for online enthusiast communities in high consumer spending categories. VerticalScope's mission is to enable people with common interests to connect, explore their passions, and share knowledge about the things they love. Through targeted acquisitions and development, VerticalScope has built a portfolio of over 1,200 online communities and approximately 100 million monthly active users. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation that reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events. When used in this news release, words such as 'should', 'could', 'intended', 'expect', 'plan' or 'believe' and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information, including the Company's financial outlook, plans for organic growth, deployment of capital, investments in our platform, new platform features, information regarding our financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, addressable markets, budgets, operations, financial results, plans and objectives, the transition of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer roles, including the impact on the Company's future financial performance, the acceleration of the Company's AI adoption, expansion of direct traffic and diversification of its revenue base and the scaling of the Company's audience growth and AI-driven content strategies is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurances can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the implementation and effectiveness of the Company's capital allocation strategy, investments in its platform, the availability of high-quality M&A opportunities, and the factors discussed under 'Risk Factors' in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2025, which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR Plus at Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. VerticalScope does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. Related Links View source version on CONTACT: Investor and media inquiries: VerticalScope — Vincenzo Bellissimo, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: 416-341-7166,[email protected] FNK IR — Matt Chesler, CFA, Tel: 646-809-2183,[email protected] KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMMUNICATIONS SOCIAL MEDIA APPS/APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY OTHER TECHNOLOGY OTHER COMMUNICATIONS INTERNET SOURCE: VerticalScope Holdings Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/04/2025 09:20 AM/DISC: 06/04/2025 09:18 AM
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VerticalScope Announces CEO Transition and Executive Appointment to Drive Next Phase of Growth
TORONTO, June 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VerticalScope Holdings Inc. ("VerticalScope" or the "Company") (TSX: FORA; OTCQX: VFORF), a technology company that has built and operates a cloud-based digital platform for online enthusiast communities, is announcing a strategic leadership transition to drive its next phase of growth. Effective today, Chris Goodridge has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, succeeding VerticalScope founder Rob Laidlaw, who will continue in his role as Chair of the Board. In addition, Ezra Menaged, previously CEO of Hometalk (acquired by VerticalScope in 2021), has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Ezra, who has played a key role in diversifying the Company's audience sources, advancing its advertising technology platform and building an AI-driven content strategy; will work closely with Chris to scale these efforts across the broader business. These appointments strengthen VerticalScope's leadership team at a pivotal time, as generative AI reshapes how users discover and engage with content. To stay ahead, the Company is intensifying its focus on execution, speed, and innovation across its platform of over 1,200 enthusiast communities and two billion posts. With its deep archive of structured, human-generated content and high-intent audiences, community-based platforms like Fora give VerticalScope a powerful edge in an AI-driven world – offering authenticity, interactivity and context that algorithmic content alone cannot replicate. "Today marks an exciting next step in our company's evolution," said Rob Laidlaw. "The internet is changing rapidly, and VerticalScope remains well-positioned with its rich trove of user-generated content. Chris is the right leader to continue moving the business forward with speed and focus, and I'm thrilled that he'll be supported by Ezra — a proven operator who's already made a tremendous impact. As Chair, I'll continue to support the team with a focus on long-term vision, strategy, and scaling AI innovation across our business." Chris Goodridge, who has served as President and COO since 2020, has been a driving force behind VerticalScope's growth. "I'm honoured to step into the CEO role at such a transformational moment," said Goodridge. "With a strong foundation of high-intent audiences, scalable tech, and valuable content, we're poised to lead. Ezra and I share a vision of the vibrant future of community-driven platforms. Together, we'll drive that vision with a focus on accelerating our AI adoption, expanding direct traffic, and diversifying our revenue base to build an even more resilient business." Ezra Menaged added, "I'm excited to take on the COO role and to help scale audience growth with AI-driven audience strategies across the VerticalScope platform. Our goal is to make our communities more accessible, more engaging, and more essential to users — regardless of how they arrive. This is an important moment, and I'm looking forward to working with Chris and the entire team to shape the future of VerticalScope." About VerticalScope Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, VerticalScope is a technology company that has built and operates a cloud-based digital platform for online enthusiast communities in high consumer spending categories. VerticalScope's mission is to enable people with common interests to connect, explore their passions, and share knowledge about the things they love. Through targeted acquisitions and development, VerticalScope has built a portfolio of over 1,200 online communities and approximately 100 million monthly active users. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation that reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events. When used in this news release, words such as "should", "could", "intended", "expect", "plan" or "believe" and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information, including the Company's financial outlook, plans for organic growth, deployment of capital, investments in our platform, new platform features, information regarding our financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, addressable markets, budgets, operations, financial results, plans and objectives, the transition of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer roles, including the impact on the Company's future financial performance, the acceleration of the Company's AI adoption, expansion of direct traffic and diversification of its revenue base and the scaling of the Company's audience growth and AI-driven content strategies is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurances can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the implementation and effectiveness of the Company's capital allocation strategy, investments in its platform, the availability of high-quality M&A opportunities, and the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2025, which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR Plus at Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. VerticalScope does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. Related Links View source version on Contacts Investor and media inquiries:VerticalScope — Vincenzo Bellissimo, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: 416-341-7166, IR@ FNK IR — Matt Chesler, CFA, Tel: 646-809-2183, fora@
