Latest news with #resort
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ex-Siesta Key resort manager accused of stealing $110K from hotel
SIESTA KEY, Fla. (WFLA) — A former Siesta Key resort manager was arrested last month after deputies said he stole $110,000 from a top-rated resort. Billy Prater was arrested on May 21 after the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said he used his status as Siesta Key Palms Resort manager to give free rooms or cancel rooms in the system and pocketed the money. The resort's owner met with deputies on Nov. 26 to file a fraud report after he discovered that his former officer manager was stealing from his business following a financial audit, an arrest affidavit said. Investigators said another part of Prater's scheme was to hire a handyman to complete jobs around the property. The report showed that Prater paid the handyman through CashApp, PayPal and company payroll. Deputies said it was unclear what work the handyman did and if the amount he was paid was inflated. 'You done messed up': Wanted man who challenged Polk deputies on Facebook to catch him arrested by Lakeland police An audit showed that Prater stole about $110,470.19 from the end of 2023 through 2024, the report said. Prater is also accused of committing FEMA fraud by adding extra stays to FEMA-approved accounts, even though the guests didn't stay those nights. The information was forwarded to FEMA, and the owner was forced to pay FEMA $7,003, the report showed. According to court records, Prater bonded out of jail on May 22 for $50,000. He has a criminal arraignment hearing scheduled for June 20. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
News.com.au
14 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Deserted private island with abandoned resort up for sale
A deserted Queensland island with a derelict resort abandoned by its Chinese investor owner is officially up for grabs after years of mystery over its future. The 28-hectare South Molle Island is the second derelict resort island in the Whitsundays to hit the market in the past few months, after the Queensland government seized Double Island for re-sale off Hong Kong billionaire Benny Wu in June last year. The Queensland Government has threatened to strip more owners of abandoned island tourism properties of their leases though it is not known if South Molle Island was subject to that. All the tax write offs Aussies can claim The abandoned resort was bought by China Capital Investment Group in 2016, which also owned Daydream Island and Spa, but the following year sustained heavy damage during Cyclone Debbie. It has been in a derelict state but because part of the island is national park, a new jetty was built to allow visitors to access the walking trails. China Capital has previously listed South Molle Island for sale in 2023, but the property is time listed with HTL Property's Andrew Jackson, Andrew Jolliffe and Paul Nyholt who officially launched the expressions of interest campaign Friday. Agents expect strong interest given the Whitsundays popularity with both Australian and offshore richlist families, with the ideal candidate being a new investor, hotelier or developer willing to take on the rebuild. 'The island has previously been home to the Adventure Island Whitsundays resort, which comprised 188 rooms and premium facilities ranging from multiple resort pools to a golf course,' said HTL Property's managing director, Andrew Jolliffe. Govt pays $3.3m for unliveable derelict house The island is ripe for rejuvenation for a bold buyer, with Mr Jolliffe expecting to see strong interest given several islands in the Whitsundays have successfully been scooped up for redevelopment since the pandemic including Long Island, Lizard Island, Dunk Island and Hook Island. Mr Jackson, who is HTL Property's national accommodation director, said 'new resort developments in the Whitsundays, such as Hook Island's upcoming eco-resort and the ultra exclusive Elysian Retreat on Long Island, highlight the surging market interest in new accommodation in the region'. 'Recently opened and upcoming accommodation in the area ranges in scale between higher density resort complexes with 150-plus rooms to private, boutique experiences with as little as 10 rooms, illustrating the fact that there's no limit to what you can do with the advantageous positioning and peerless appeal of the Whitsundays.' Shock as city's distressed home listings surge 36pc in one month The island is being marketed as a 'one-of-a-kind development opportunity' given its stunning Whitsundays location which sees millions of visitors a year given its proximity to the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Among those are yachties including New Zealanders Anna and Angus Willison who in January last year flagged major concern over looting and destruction of abandoned sites in a column for Yachting Monthly. 'Every island that we visited in the Whitsundays had the skeletons and rubble of once very busy and well-loved resorts. I was saddened to see decaying buildings left to be looted and destroyed by visitors – a pile of garbage and a blot on an otherwise pristine beach,' the couple said, flagging South Molle as one they dropped anchor at. HTL Property director Paul Nyholt believes that strong tourism trend is set to continue. 'South Molle Island offers tremendous growth and unlimited upside potential for a buyer with the vision to further develop the property's natural beauty,' he said. The firm said the property's prime location and unparalleled natural beauty 'make it an attractive prospect for those looking to enter the Australian resort market or expand an existing portfolio with complete control over the scope of the site'. No date has been set for the closure of the international expression of interest campaign.
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
That's brave! Inside Channel Nine reporter's star-studded wild hens party in Bali - the night before her wedding
Channel Nine reporter Hannah Sinclair has gone out with a bang before saying 'I do' – celebrating her hen's night in true party-girl style in Bali. The 33-year-old, who serves as the network's European Correspondent, shared a glimpse into the celebrations on Thursday, posting several photos and videos from her big night out in the trendy resort town of Canggu. In one wild clip, the bride-to-be was seen tearing up the dance floor in a revealing white dress, letting her hair down at a local nightclub as she belted out DJ Ötzi's iconic hit, Hey Baby. Hannah looked to be living her best life as she jumped on stage, threw her hands in the air and dished out high fives to her fellow partygoers. The glamorous journalist also treated fans to a sneak peek of her pink-themed poolside bash at a luxury Bali resort, where she partied with several of her Channel Nine colleagues and close friends. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Hannah posed for photos with the likes of Today weather presenter Tim Davies and reporters Ashley Carter, Pippa Bradshaw and Tiffiny Genders – all of whom have jetted in for the occasion. whom have She captioned the post cheekily: 'What did you do for your hens party? Oh you know... this and that.' Many of Hannah's celebrity friends took to the comment section to offer their well wishes. Veteran Today star Airlie Walsh, who was unable to attend the bash because she was at Delta Goodrem's destination wedding in Malta, shared a love heart emoji. Nine News Perth presenter Tracy Vo chipped in with 'stunner'. 'You look gorge! Hope you had fun!' 9News star Natalia Cooper added. Hannah has worked with the Nine Network since May 2016 as a reporter. She relocated to London last year to accept a position as their Europe Correspondent. Hannah is set to marry her long-time partner Mitch Burke on Friday. The presenter made headlines earlier this month when she was aboard a challenging Qantas flight. Passengers were stunned when told they had to pay in cryptocurrency or cash to book new flights after their plane was forced to divert to Azerbaijan. The QF2 plane flying from London to Singapore was forced to reverse course and make the sudden landing after a passenger went into cardiac arrest. Hundreds of passengers then found themselves in an uncertain situation at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in the country's capital Baku. The passengers were told the flight to Singapore could not continue as the crew had already reached their maximum legal working hours, and the plane had to undergo maintenance. They were offered overnight accommodation and told they could use their existing tickets on another flight, but anyone who could not wait that long could pay for alternative flights if they had cash or crypto. Hannah, who was on board the plane, took to social media to slam the situation. 'Hey Qantas currently stranded in Azerbaijan with almost 500 other passengers after a medical emergency. There's been no help getting a different flight and airport staff are asking for us to pay for new flights in crypto or cash only? Not okay, she said.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
From cliffs to coastline: A getaway to remember
Muscat: IN the relentless summer heat of Oman, where the sun hangs heavy and the landscape bakes in shades of ochre, discovering comfort — let alone joy — can feel like wishful thinking. And yet, tucked between Muscat's rugged cliffs and the calm, shimmering waters of the Gulf of Oman, there lies a place that delivers exactly that: Al Waha Hotel, the family-friendly heart of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. Having heard glowing tales from local families who make it their go-to weekend retreat, I finally found myself there on a particularly sweltering June weekend. What I discovered was not just a hotel stay — it was a cool, immersive experience that softened the summer and wrapped me in a kind of barefoot luxury I hadn't realised I needed. The arrival: Where the mountains meet the sea The drive into the resort is dramatic in itself — winding along the rugged coastline and the stark desert cliffs. One of the most striking moments comes just before you reach Al Waha: an architectural marvel in the form of a tunnel carved directly through the mountain. This one-of-its-kind passageway, seamlessly blending natural rock with modern engineering, frames your entrance like a hidden gateway to an oasis. Emerging from the tunnel, the resort reveals itself in full splendor — its warm sand-coloured buildings. Stepping into the lobby, I was greeted with that faint, comforting scent of frankincense in the air — a subtle but unmistakable reminder that this was still Oman, even as the resort transported you elsewhere. I was booked for an all-inclusive stay that is the latest offering from Al Waha (OMR110++ per room per night). The gold package had my breakfast, lunch & dinner taken care of – along with unlimited house beverages. The hotel manager informed me that the package could be upgraded to premium (OMR 20 net per person) or jubilee package – in celebration of the hotel's 20th year anniversary at OMR 30 net per person. A family paradise in motion Al Waha has an unmistakable energy. It is, unabashedly, a family hotel — and proud of it. Everywhere you look, children are at play, whether darting between poolside loungers or lazily floating in colourful tubes down the Lazy River, the gentle stream that links Al Waha to its sister property, Al Bandar. The three swimming pools are perpetually lively — one dedicated to toddlers, another perfect for family games, and a quieter one for more peaceful lounging. Yet, even amid the splashes and squeals of delighted kids, there's a sense of order, care, and calm. Lifeguards are ever-present and cheerful. And parents — blissfully relieved of planning and policing — lounge with books, iced drinks, and wide smiles. One afternoon, floating down the Lazy River with the sun dappling through palms overhead, I struck up a chat with a local couple who've made Al Waha their family's second home. 'We've been coming here since our eldest was in diapers,' the mother told me. 'Now he's diving into the deep end on his own. It's more than a hotel — it's where our memories are.' That sentiment echoed throughout my stay. This wasn't just a resort. It was a summer rhythm — full of laughter, ease, and the kind of light-hearted living we often forget in the rush of everyday life. Food for every craving A place like this knows how to feed its guests — not just with variety, but with soul. At Samba, the resort's all-day dining restaurant, breakfast quickly became a ritual. I would wander slowly past stations offering everything from fluffy pancakes to spiced Middle Eastern stews to Indian Dosas. Chef Ravinder Singh and Moorthy went the extra way to accommodate my dietary requests in close coordination with restaurant manager Dev Khatwani. One morning, I paused at the live egg station and watched as the chef gently cracked eggs and mixed vegetables for my masala omelette. The croissants were golden, buttery, and — crucially — never stale. I'd promise myself I wouldn't touch the sweets, then surrender at the sight of date-filled pastries, paired perfectly with strong Arabic coffee and Umm Ali during my dinner. For something breezier, Surf Café became my midday haunt. With sand still clinging to my feet, I'd sink into a beach-facing chair and order a mango smoothie or a club sandwich. Families streamed in post-swim, teens debated milkshake flavours, and the whole place had the relaxed vibe of a surfer shack with five-star service. At Assira, the poolside restaurant, just as the day turned golden, I enjoyed a lime-and-mint cooler in hand and enjoyed the view of the sea sitting beneath a canopy of stars, while the last echoes of the day's energy faded into the evening breeze. Small luxuries, lasting impressions What sets Al Waha apart isn't just its location or amenities — it's the unspoken ease of the experience. There's thoughtfulness in every detail: towels always available, shaded walkways to protect from the sun, smiling staff who remembered my name — and even how I liked my coffee by the second morning. Checking out of Al Waha was, surprisingly, the hardest part of the trip. I hadn't expected to feel such a deep sense of rejuvenation — not just physically, but emotionally. In two days, the chaos of deadlines, heat, and city life had melted away, replaced by the sound of kids' laughter, the feel of cool water, and the lingering taste of mint and citrus on my tongue. Al Waha doesn't try to be everything. It simply knows what it is — a sanctuary for families, a haven for summer, and a place where joy feels easy again. In a country known for its landscapes and warmth, this resort offers something rarer: a sense of belonging, wrapped in comfort and sunshine.
Vogue
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Valentino Resort 2026 Collection
Alessandro Michele's creations for Valentino speak in their own patois—a babel of idioms framed in cinematic staging and high-pitched ornamentations. Their finesse—the delicate cuts, the intricacies, the craft of the atelier—can sometimes get hushed, overshadowed by the drama. But in bare-boned resort showrooms, stripped of runway spectacle and creative narratives, clothes speak plainly like truth-tellers. Some sing, some whisper, and some just fall silent. Turning a potential cacophony of 132 looks into a symphonic whole demands a designer not only gifted with 'a lot of imagination' (as Michele described himself to my colleague Sarah Mower in her spring couture review), but almost possessed by the djinn of assemblage. Yet even obsessions can apparently be house-trained. Resort proved that Michele can, somehow, resist the siren call of maximal accessorizing—though for him theatricality, being almost a birthright, always lurks in the wings. In the lookbook, models were shot sprawled across a pristine bed draped in pink quilted satin. No hints of dangerous liaisons here, just innocent recreational pastimes: brushing hair, nibbling breakfast, doing crosswords, and engaging in polite tête-à-têtes. The blush-toned tableau stood in stark contrast to the fierce blood-red-public restroom set of the fall show—a sort of calming turning of the page, innocuous and pacifying, the meaning of which, absent the designer to enlighten us, we can only presume. What didn't require explanation, however, was the collection's sheer breadth: a prolific, multifarious range of Michele-isms cutting across day, night, and everything in between. New seasonal additions riffed on the suit, featuring fitted, cinched-waisted, petite jackets worn over cropped flares, or over bermudas as roomy as skirts. Graphic, outlined, neat trapeze silhouettes in black-and-white alternated with the flou of billowing plissé gowns printed with florals or Plus de Pois polka-dots. Eveningwear had a more laid-back edge, a chic standout being a white one-sleeve blouse paired with a sleek floor-length black skirt. There was more rewriting of Valentino Garavani's famed draping playbook, too: Look 1 offered a ruched Valentino-red minidress straight from the archive, its bodice pleats gathered in frontal cutouts. And the bow, another Garavani favorite, dotted everything from hems to heeled mules like a frivolous punctuation mark. On the decorative side, Gobelins tapestries were crafted into boxy waistcoats trimmed with marabou and fringed micro shorts (a Gen Z glow-up perhaps). Elsewhere Michele's urge for embellishment—seen in a series of embroidered and sequined fabulous showstoppers, often paired with matching capelets edged in curled feathers—was interrupted by luscious, slender and elegant evening gowns in plain soft pastels or classic black. Le jeune homme Valentino dialed down the decadence and went more formally tailored, with discreet torchon piping or printed edges as the only indulgence to decoration. Though decoration did eventually return in full for evening, with robe jackets lavishly embellished and cinched with sashes, and floral Gobelin tapestries making maximalist appearances on waistcoats. Sprawled across soft, padded beds in fluffy harlequin cardigans or sweaters jacquarded with tiny felines, the boys seem to doze off, blissfully unbothered by controversy. Reality has turned a bit too sharp around the edges, and with the world growing less hospitable by the hour, who isn'tco tempted to bury their head under a pillow, and call it a catnap? Arrivederci
