Latest news with #VIP


Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
At Art Basel, Dealers Reap Rewards By Sidestepping Politics and War
About halfway through the opening day of Art Basel's fair in Switzerland, the dealer Larry Gagosian was sitting on a bench near his booth. Crowds—incredibly thick when the art fair opened to VIPs at 11 a.m.—had dispersed a bit as grandees shuffled into the convention center courtyard for lunch, queuing up for sausages, oysters and ice cream cones. Gagosian, though, seemed content to stay inside, overseeing a presentation that included an early Cy Twombly painting priced at over $30 million. 'We've sold quite a few things, considering the state of the world,' he said. 'I'm encouraged that initially we've been doing quite a bit of business. We live in a crazy time, and I think that a lot of people want to take refuge in some other universe.' (Art Basel's VIP days end June 18; public days are June 19–22.)


Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
First Look: Inside Dublin Airport's new Platinum VIP suites – with a chauffeur drive to your flight
Guests of Platinum VIP can expect private suites, a dedicated security channel and more… at a premium price, of course The golden age of air travel hasn't gone away – it just costs an extra €475. That price – rising on July 1 from the current fee of €395pp – buys you a few exclusive hours in Platinum VIP, Dublin Airport's little-known private terminal, where guests have ranged from Taylor Swift to Beyoncé, Bono, Prince Albert of Monaco and President Michael D Higgins.


Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
8 Best Cities for Nightlife Around the World
Cities around the world offer bustling nightlife scenes. getty Although New York City is known throughout the world as the 'city that never sleeps,' the Big Apple is not alone in its penchant for partying into the wee hours of the morning. A host of other cities – both big and not so big – offer visitors and locals alike bustling nightlife scenes that can include midnight dancing to the sounds of DJs, hidden speakeasies and after-hour food options. The Big Apple is known its variety of late night activities. getty With thousands of bars and restaurants spread throughout its five boroughs, New York City offers a veritable smorgasbord of activities, 24 hours a day. The Lower East Side, Meatpacking District and Williamsburg are particularly popular for their range of bars, nightclubs and music of all genres. People typically start heading to clubs in NYC around 10 to 11 p.m. However, many clubs don't reach their peak until around midnight or 1 a.m. and they can stay open until 4 a.m. which is the legal closing time for bars and clubs in the city. However, that's not to say that some don't stretch the limits slightly. There are scores of exclusive nightclubs reserved for VIPs. Building connections with people who frequent these places or work within the nightlife industry can usually provide a pathway inside. Huntington Beach offers more than just waves and sunshine. Getty Images Located along Southern California's famed Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach – widely known as Surf City USA – offers tourists and residents more than just waves and sunshine. When night falls, this laid-back beach town transforms into a buzzing nightlife destination, blending coastal charm with big-city energy. Main Street is the heartbeat of the scene, packed with bars, breweries, and live music venues just steps from the Huntington Beach Pier. Favorites like Gallagher's Pub and Perqs keep the energy high with local bands and DJs, while spots like Baja Sharkeez and Sandy's Beach Shack draw crowds with beachy cocktails and vibrant patios. For travelers looking to stay close to the action, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa offers the ideal coastal escape. Nestled directly on the sand with the area's only pedestrian sky bridge to the beach, the resort delivers effortless access to both the shoreline and the city's dynamic social scene. The bar scene vibe is upscale but never stuffy. Avalon via Getty Images Tucked between Uptown and Victory Park, the Harwood District is one of Dallas' most stylish nightlife hubs. With European-inspired architecture, lush gardens and a walkable mix of bars and restaurants, the vibe is upscale but never stuffy. Start the night with cocktails at Happiest Hour, a sprawling rooftop bar with skyline views, then wander to places like Te Deseo for Latin beats and late-night energy. Whether you're in the mood for a lively patio scene or a chic lounge tucked in a tower, Harwood delivers nightlife with polish, personality and plenty of atmosphere. To truly immerse yourself in Dallas' Harwood District nightlife, Hôtel Swexan is the place to stay. The hotel is home to Babou's, a hidden speakeasy. Babou embodies a playful rebellion against the norm. Hidden below street level, this lush and energetic cocktail lounge invites locals and visitors to explore and let their curiosity roam free. Madrid, Spain is legendary for its nighttime activities. getty Madrid is known for its legendary and vibrant nightlife and night-owl residents that know how to keep the party going. There is something for everyone in the capital city to socialize into the wee hours, with locales that vary from quaint tapas bars like La Gildería and Varro to trendy wine bars such as Vinoteca Vides or Bendito to lively discotecas like Teatro Barceló or Macera Club. When the first tapas course is served around 9 p.m. Madrid's unrivaled nightlife scene doesn't show signs of slowing until the sun begins to rise. For a luxury stay and ideal jumping off point to experience all the nightlife of Madrid, The Palace Hotel Madrid recently reopened as a Luxury Collection property after a two-year, $100M restoration and already reclaiming its title as the cultural and historical address in the capital. Boston has long been known as a party city. getty Anchored by iconic Fenway Park, the Kenmore Square–Fenway neighborhood pulses with energy day and night. The MGM Music Hall at Fenway has added to the excitement, hosting world-class performers. Surrounding streets like Lansdowne and Boylston buzz with lively bars, rooftop lounges and late-night food spots, making it a magnet for students, locals and tourists alike. Whether you're catching a show, watching a game or bar-hopping into the early hours, Fenway–Kenmore delivers an unforgettable nightlife experience that defines Boston after dark. From its enviable location in the heart of the dynamic Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, Hotel Commonwealth offers a true Boston experience immersed in local flavor and genuine service. Guests of the Dagny Boston can turn their weekends up a notch with hotel's brand-new Dagny After Dark package. Perfect for those looking to dive into Boston's buzzing nightlife, this offer affords guests the chance to score exclusive VIP access to one of the city's hottest spots, Caveau, just steps from their rooms. Electric energy that stretches into the early hours. Hong Kong Tourism Board With its neon-soaked streets, sky-high cocktail bars, and electric energy that stretches into the early hours, Hong Kong is a city that truly comes alive at night. From stalwarts like Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai to newer pockets of after-dark culture in Sai Ying Pun and across the harbor in Tsim Sha Tsui, the city's nightlife is as effervescent as its skyline. Acclaimed bars like COA, Argo, and DarkSide consistently rank among Asia's best, while Temple Street night market offers a more tactile, open-air experience – think dai pai dongs, fortune tellers, and rows of glowing red lanterns. Whether it's cocktails with a view, late-night eats, or just soaking in the tempo of the streets after dark, Hong Kong delivers a nightlife scene that's both dynamic and distinctly its own. San Francisco lays claim to having invented the martini. Starlite at the Beacon Grand Hotel Based on a popular Gold Rush origin story, San Francisco claims to be home to the origin of the classic shaken cocktail. San Francisco boasts a vibrant and diverse late-night scene but will always remain a hub for martini innovation, with bartenders experimenting beyond the classic olive or lemon twist. From pickled vegetables to local garnishes, the martini evolves with flair across the city's top spots such as Izzy's, Bar Sprezzatura, Pacific Cocktail Haven, Dalida, Prelude at The Jay Hotel and Starlite at the Beacon Grand Hotel. Sections of the city including the Mission District/Dogpatch, SoMa/Yerba Buena, and North Beach are buzzing with late-night activity. New Orleans is home to a vibrant cocktail culture. getty New Orleans is a city that bursts with activity after dark, with its iconic Bourbon Street featuring jazz pouring out of every corner, and a vibrant mix of bars, clubs, and late-night eateries. From Frenchmen Street's soulful music joints to hidden speakeasies in the Marigny, the nightlife scene is as diverse and energetic as the city itself. With a vibrant cocktail culture and some of the best bars in the country, NOLA is known for its never-ending party. Just a few steps away from the French Quarter, the historic Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, is a timeless and storied architectural marvel whose history is synonymous with that of New Orleans itself. Leaving a last imprint on mixology, The Roosevelt is home to the historic Sazerac Bar, the birthplace of classic aperitifs like the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz.


Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Seat-sharing: Allies may bargain hard with RJD
Patna: Amid mounting pressure from its allies, the RJD, headed by Lalu Prasad, has planned to leave a maximum of 103 seats for its three allies—the Congress, Left and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), sources said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While the Congress and the Left have been trusted allies of the RJD, the VIP became a part of the opposition INDIA bloc just ahead of last year's Lok Sabha polls. A top source in the RJD said on Wednesday that under no circumstances would the party contest less than 140 seats in the upcoming assembly polls since "our target is to form the next govt." He said the RJD could spare a maximum of 50-55 seats for the Congress, 30-35 seats for the entire Left (comprising CPI-ML, CPI, and CPI-M), and 12-20 seats for the VIP. The Bihar assembly has a total of 243 seats. "Moreover, we will give seats to our allies considering the winnability of the candidates," the source said, adding, "Their mission will be to win the seats." "As far as RJD is concerned, we have to win 100 plus seats at any cost," the source said, wishing not to be identified. The revelation came amid the allies putting pressure for more seats. Of them, the VIP and the CPI-ML have expressed their demands through various forums. While the VIP staked a claim for 60 seats, the CPI-ML wanted at least 40-50 seats. In the last 2020 assembly polls, the CPI-ML put up an impressive performance, winning 12 out of 19 seat it was offered under the seat-sharing deal. The VIP was not a part of the opposition alliance, although as part of the NDA, it won four seats out of 11 it was given under the deal. At a party meeting held in Sitamarhi, the VIP chief again raked up the demand for 60 seats. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Similarly, CPI-ML general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya demanded 40-50 seats to contest this time. "We are preparing to contest 40-50 seats this time, although the issue will be discussed at the INDIA bloc meeting," Bhattacharya told the reporters on Tuesday. On the other hand, the Congress has intensified its activities in the state and is strategically working to win as many seats as possible. The RJD said the allies have every right to make a demand for seats in a democracy. "They have every right to demand more seats. The seat-sharing is no issue for us. It will be settled in a cordial manner," state RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav said.

TimesLIVE
10-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
Mashatile's VIP protectors' occurrence report doesn't mention assault
One of the officers from Deputy President Paul Mashatile's protection team told the VIP incident management officer that a speeding VW Polo driver was trying to get close to the main car the day the VIP officers allegedly assaulted a motorist. Sgt Goodwill Rikhotso, an incident management officer at the VIP police unit, revealed this at the Randburg magistrate's court on Tuesday. He testified in the case of the eight VIP protection unit officers from Mashatile's protection team who allegedly assaulted a motorist on the N1 highway in Johannesburg in July 2023. Rikhotso, who writes accident and incident reports in the VIP unit, testified that one of the accused officers, W/O Phineas Boshielo, reported to him about the July 2 2023 incident. However, the incident report didn't mention anything about an assault incident. 'W/O Boshielo reported that at about 16:00 bravo convoy were run on the N1 north road from Soweto when a blue Polo driving behind the convoy, trying to get close to the main car,' Rikhotso read from the report he compiled during the examination in chief. The state led the evidence of Rikhotso, who testified that they were speaking in Tswana when Boshielo called him, and there was no miscommunication between them. 'They first backup shielded the main car against driver of the Polo. They ordered the driver to reduce speed but instead he continue to race with the convoy and they end up forcing him out the road,' Rikhotso read the report. Rikhotso testified that Boshielo reported that: 'They stopped him [driver] and inside the Polo there were three males and one female, smashed on the windows trying to run away but the first backup managed to catch them and they searched them and the vehicle as well but they did not find any weapons in the vehicle. 'Later the first backup joined the convoy, and Capt Lepota was informed about the incident.' Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Pomso Mofokeng, Harmans Ramokhonami, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Lesibana Rambau and Moses Tshidada face 12 counts, including assault, malicious damage to property, pointing of a firearm, contravening the Road Traffic Act, reckless and negligent driving and attempting to defeat the ends of justice. The case was adjourned to Wednesday for the defence lawyer, Mswazi Makhubele, to consult the accused before cross-examining Rikhotso.