After the apocalypse comes a little scavenger, moving over the broken landscape, searching for life. But this scavenger does not move like a scavenger - they do not move furtively, tentatively. Doomsday Vault has a control scheme based around swiping and holding in one of four directions to move. It makes your little on-screen avatar feel rather truck-like. Forward, backwards, turn, reverse. After the apocalypse who is left to ask them to be more elegant?

Doomsday Vault is at least two games, I think, but I haven't spent enough time with it to understand the second. The first sees you venturing out across various shattered locations, finding a path forward, dropping a box into a river to provide a stepping stone across a gap, climbing a ladder, braving a prolonged dip in a toxic pool. Your mission is to search for missing plants. Once you've found them you can take them back to the Doomsday Vault itself and grow them. This is the part of the game I have merely tinkered with. I have grown a few things and felt pretty good about it, but I don't really know where it's all leading.

Out there in the apocalypse, though, Doomsday Vault is admirably direct. You move across the landscape picking up fertiliser, topping up your energy and solving simple puzzles as you look for the plants you're after. The music drives you forward - insistent and perhaps slightly addled - but so does the stoical blankness of your little person on the screen. A space suit? A robot? Something else?

The sense for now is of being well taken care of while also not knowing what lies ahead. It's an enviable position to be in twenty or thirty minutes into a game. Doomsday Vault's fiction gives it a sense of weight and consequence - but also a welcome mystery.

Excerpt from:
Apple Arcade: Doomsday Vault is a plucky exploration game about the end of the world - Eurogamer.net

A trip to Iceland promises spectacular landscapes, wildlife adventures and maximum hygge

Arugged and green country filled with spectacular glaciers, waterfalls and volcanoes, Iceland consistently tops lists of the Worlds Happiest Countriesin fact its exactly the sort of place you might choose to visit to seek refuge from the endless news cycle which is currently stressing us all out.

And Iceland will welcome you at any timewhile the tourist season peaks in the summer, it still holds open an invitation in the winter months, attracting visitors eager to see the Aurora Borealis or experience maximum hygge, the trendy Scandinavian concept of the sort of cosy contentment one finds from being under a blanket inside when its cold outside.

Whenever you plan to visit, weve compiled all our top travel tips for this magical land of waterfalls, volcanoes and thermal pools.

For a short break, Reykjavk, the colourful capital city with a distinct small-town feel is ideal. You can enjoy the striking architecture of the geometric Harpa concert hall and the dramatic and austere Hallgrimskirkja church. For a bite to eat, drop by Forrettabarrin, where you can dine of parade of creative small plates featuring dishes like locally sourced hot smoked salmon and plump blue mussels.

For such a small city, Reykjavk has a surprisingly rich art scene. Head to the i8 gallery, which regularly hosts exhibitions of major international and Icelandic artists. Its also worth checking out Hafnarhus, the home of the Reykjavk Art Museums contemporary collections.

If youre still around in the morning, have breakfast at Mokka-Kaffi, a quiet coffee shop famous for its homemade waffles. The space doubles as an art gallery with exhibitions rotating every few weeks, if youre looking to enjoy more Icelandic art.

After a day taking in Reykjavk, its time to hit the roador even the sky.

See Also: The New Luxury Cruises for 2020

On a longer break we recommend getting into a single-engine plane to take in as much of the Icelandic landscape as possible. Leaving from Reykjavk Domestic Airport, you can see volcanic mountaintops, coastline, geysers and cyan thermal pools all within an hour.

If you venture by car, take a 4X4 on the famous Ring Road around the island and see almost all of Icelands top landmarks including Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skgafoss (another famous and spectacular waterfall) and ingvellir National Park, which lies on the geographic divide between the North American and European plates.

For a different experience entirely, sign up for a Northern Lights tour by boat. Available from September through April, this leaves from Reykjavks Old Harbour and takes you through the open waters of Faxafli Bay, where you quickly escape the lights of the city and can experience the dancing display of the Aurora Borealis in all its splendour. In the summer months, when darkness is harder to come by, sign up for a whale-watching tour instead.

For bird-watchers, Puffin Central is the Ltrabjarg cliffs, the most westerly point of Iceland; 14k long and over 400m high, they are home to colonies of puffins, guillemots, Northern gannets, auks and razorbills, best seen in summerbut be careful not to disturb the legendary local cliff troll.

See Also: Permanent Art Exhibition Captures the Legacy of Iceland

A trip to Iceland wouldnt be complete without a visit to the hot springs and pools. Iceland sits on a geothermal hotspot, which means warm water bubbles up out of the ground everywhere. This has instilled a deep love of swimming and bathing in the culturefor centuries, Icelanders have enjoyed the warm mineral water in public baths, pools and springs. In fact, swimming pools are considered one of the main spaces to socialise in Icelandic society, something further compounded by the nationwide alcohol prohibition that lasted until 1989.

The Blue Lagoon, the most famous pool in Iceland, was named as one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic and attracts an astonishing 700,000 people a yeartwice the population of Iceland. Other hot spots include Mvatn Nature Baths, a stunning hot spring in the north of Iceland, and the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool, one of the oldest swimming pools in the country that lies in a valley beneath the Eyjafjallajkull Glacier.

Icelanders themselves also enjoy more contemporary pools, so for a more local scene its worth checking out the Laugardalur Swimming Pool in Reykjavk, which attracts families and tourists alike to its large water-park-esque amenities. And of course, the beauty of all the geothermal energy heating Icelands many hot springs means that its enjoyable to visit them in the summer or winter.

At the moment, if you book a flight from Europe to North America with Icelandair, you have the option to add a stopover in Iceland at no extra airfarejust another incentive to visit one of the worlds coldest countries with the warmest welcome.

This feature was originally published in the latest edition of Arts & Collections, which you can read here

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Visit Iceland: The Land of Wildlife and Tranquility - Arts and Collections International

Research analysts at Loop Capital began coverage on shares of Pool (NASDAQ:POOL) in a research report issued on Monday, The Fly reports. The brokerage set a hold rating on the specialty retailers stock.

Several other research analysts have also issued reports on POOL. Stephens upped their target price on Pool from $187.00 to $196.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, September 23rd. Zacks Investment Research lowered Pool from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $228.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Monday, October 21st. ValuEngine lowered Pool from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 2nd. Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on Pool from $192.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 18th. Finally, BidaskClub raised Pool from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 2nd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. The company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $217.25.

NASDAQ:POOL traded up $0.04 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $215.08. 130,067 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 159,689. The company has a fifty day moving average of $209.68 and a 200 day moving average of $199.44. Pool has a twelve month low of $147.61 and a twelve month high of $228.19. The company has a market capitalization of $8.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.26, a P/E/G ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 2.68.

Pool (NASDAQ:POOL) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 17th. The specialty retailer reported $1.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the Thomson Reuters consensus estimate of $1.78 by $0.17. Pool had a return on equity of 82.52% and a net margin of 8.24%. The company had revenue of $898.50 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $883.54 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.66 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Pool will post 5.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In related news, Vice Chairman De La Mesa Manuel J. Perez sold 15,274 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $211.53, for a total transaction of $3,230,909.22. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 63,038 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,334,428.14. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Mark W. Joslin sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $214.84, for a total value of $1,074,200.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 120,920 shares in the company, valued at $25,978,452.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 30,274 shares of company stock worth $6,456,309 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 6.00% of the companys stock.

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of POOL. CX Institutional grew its holdings in Pool by 45.5% during the third quarter. CX Institutional now owns 176 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares during the period. Evoke Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Pool during the third quarter worth about $36,000. NumerixS Investment Technologies Inc acquired a new stake in Pool during the second quarter worth about $38,000. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Pool during the second quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Squar Milner Financial Services LLC grew its holdings in Pool by 273.6% during the third quarter. Squar Milner Financial Services LLC now owns 198 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 145 shares during the period. 93.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Pool Company Profile

Pool Corp. engages in the wholesale distribution of swimming pool supplies, equipment and related leisure products. It also provides irrigation and landscape products. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Covington, LA.

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Pool (NASDAQ:POOL) Earns Hold Rating from Analysts at Loop Capital - Riverton Roll

SINGAPORE - Things are heating up in Sembawang once again, with the reopening of Singapore's only hot spring.

The Sembawang Hot Spring Park reopened on Saturday (Jan 4) after a $4.3 million redevelopment, expanding from its original 0.1 hectare to 1.1 hectare now.

The park, which was closed in Aug 2018 for the development works, now features a new cascading pool and a water collection point, with enhanced accessibility for wheelchair users.

There are also educational panels for visitors to learn more about the history and geology of the hot spring park, which is accessible along Gambas Avenue.

Ms Kartini Omar, group director of parks development at the National Parks Board (NParks), said that in designing the park, "NParks incorporated feedback and suggestions from the community from a public consultation in end-2017".

Among the suggestions were having a food and beverage outlet, an activity lawn and toilets, and ensuring the park remains "rustic and natural", said Ms Kartini.

At the launch, Sembawang GRC MPs Khaw Boon Wan, Ong Ye Kung, Amrin Amin and Lim Wee Kiak, with Nee Soon GRC MPs Lee Bee Wah and Faishal Ibrahim, planted Island Lychee and Hairless Rambutan trees to mark the occasion in front of over 450 residents.

The new features of the park, such as the cascading pool at the heart of the park, aim to bring the geothermally heated groundwater closer to visitors.

The cascading pool sees the water cool naturally as it flows down four tiers of pools, with visitors able to dip in.

The park is also more inclusive, with wheelchair-friendly ramps and a specially designed tap at the main water collection point for the disabled.

The water collection point allows visitors of all ages to use pails and scoops to collect water readily. Visitors may also cook eggs at this station.

The water collection point allows visitors to use pails and scoops to collect water readily. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

Visitors may also cook eggs at this station. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

NParks said in a media release that plants have been planted in the park to recreate kampung life, including fruit trees and edible plants commonly found in kampungs, and flowers commonly seen in the 1960s and 1990s.

Mr Khaw, who is Transport Minister and Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure, shared in a Facebook post on Saturday that he had contributed several rose apple seeds which he brought from Penang three years ago to the park.

There are also unpaved paths and naturalised streams flowing from the hot spring, to mimic the freshwater swamp forest landscape.

Mr Rakunathan Narayanan, 60, who has lived in Yishun for over 30 years, is glad that the rustic nature of the location is being preserved.

They should have done this long ago. You wont find this anywhere else in Singapore, said the security officer.

He has fond memories of cycling to the hot spring from about 30 years ago, when the area was still a kampung.

Jalan Mata Ayer resident Matthew Tan, 46, who works in the paint industry, said the different temperatures in each level of the cascade pool is a cool concept.

Mr Tan, who was at the park with his wife and two sons, added that he lives just a 10-minute walk away, and looks forward to patronising the cafe at the park often.

There are also unpaved paths and naturalised streams flowing from the hot spring, to mimic the freshwater swamp forest landscape. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

A young visitor enjoys a soak at the Sembawang Hot Spring Park Jan 4, 2020. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

The hot spring was first discovered in 1908. During the Japanese Occupation from 1942 to 1944, the Japanese built thermal baths around the spring, and the site became recreational grounds for their officers.

In 1985, the Singapore government acquired the land for military use, with plans to expand Sembawang Air Base and cover the hot spring. Appeals by the local community saw the creation of a small concrete base with standpipes to channel the hot water in 2002.

The Sembawang Hot Spring Park is open from 7am to 7pm daily, and visitors can enter for free.

Mr Ong, who is Minister for Education,said he was grateful to the Ministry of Defence for carving out a part of Chong Pang Camp to be developed into a park, and thanked NParks for sharing and fulfiling the unique vision of having Singapores one and only hot spring park.

He added that the hot spring park is part of the wider development of Sembawang.

There is a lot of development going on - a new MRT station, we are building Bukit Canberra community hub, we are seeing new BTO (build-to-order) projects, viaducts, he said.

What we want to ensure is as we develop, dont forget to sayang Sembawang. It is a place with history, with nature, with its own character. Its through projects like this that we bring out the unique character of Sembawang.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak, who had suggested in Parliament in 2016 that the area be developed into a national hot spring park, said he was glad that the government took up the idea and developed it even better.

He said some residents have shared with him about the hot spring waters supposed medicinal properties, using the water when they have skin problems.

Link:
Sembawang Hot Spring Park reopens with new cascading pool and wheelchair ramps - The Straits Times

Equities analysts expect that Pool Co. (NASDAQ:POOL) will report sales of $572.65 million for the current fiscal quarter, Zacks reports. Four analysts have provided estimates for Pools earnings, with the highest sales estimate coming in at $579.79 million and the lowest estimate coming in at $559.00 million. Pool posted sales of $543.08 million during the same quarter last year, which suggests a positive year over year growth rate of 5.4%. The business is scheduled to announce its next quarterly earnings report on Thursday, February 13th.

On average, analysts expect that Pool will report full year sales of $3.19 billion for the current fiscal year, with estimates ranging from $3.18 billion to $3.20 billion. For the next financial year, analysts expect that the firm will post sales of $3.41 billion, with estimates ranging from $3.39 billion to $3.42 billion. Zacks Investment Researchs sales calculations are an average based on a survey of sell-side research analysts that follow Pool.

Pool (NASDAQ:POOL) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 17th. The specialty retailer reported $1.95 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.78 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $898.50 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $883.54 million. Pool had a return on equity of 82.52% and a net margin of 8.24%. The businesss revenue was up 10.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.66 EPS.

NASDAQ POOL traded up $1.23 on Thursday, hitting $215.04. 190,423 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 152,480. The businesss fifty day moving average is $209.68 and its two-hundred day moving average is $199.44. Pool has a 12 month low of $145.09 and a 12 month high of $228.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.26, a PEG ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 2.68.

In other Pool news, Vice Chairman De La Mesa Manuel J. Perez sold 15,274 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $211.53, for a total value of $3,230,909.22. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 63,038 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,334,428.14. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Vice Chairman De La Mesa Manuel J. Perez sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $215.12, for a total transaction of $2,151,200.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 69,738 shares in the company, valued at $15,002,038.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 30,274 shares of company stock worth $6,456,309. Corporate insiders own 6.00% of the companys stock.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in POOL. M&T Bank Corp raised its holdings in shares of Pool by 2.3% during the second quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 3,529 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $673,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares during the last quarter. Flinton Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Pool by 9.7% during the second quarter. Flinton Capital Management LLC now owns 8,840 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $1,688,000 after acquiring an additional 782 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC boosted its position in Pool by 3.5% during the third quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 35,167 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $7,093,000 after acquiring an additional 1,179 shares during the last quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund raised its stake in Pool by 0.7% during the third quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund now owns 27,172 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $5,481,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the period. Finally, Synovus Financial Corp raised its stake in Pool by 1.5% during the third quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 7,498 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $1,505,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 93.38% of the companys stock.

About Pool

Pool Corp. engages in the wholesale distribution of swimming pool supplies, equipment and related leisure products. It also provides irrigation and landscape products. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Covington, LA.

Further Reading: How to build a Fibonacci channel

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Pool Co. (NASDAQ:POOL) Expected to Announce Quarterly Sales of $572.65 Million - Slater Sentinel

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of HyattRegency Hengqin in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China. With 493 rooms, sixdining outlets, and 40,440 square feet (3,757 square meters) of event space,the hotelis designed for business and leisure guests alike seeking aseamless, intuitive experience in the city.

Situated in the heart of the dynamic and fast-growing Greater Bay Area ofsouthern China, Hyatt Regency Hengqin is part of the vibrant Novotown complex,which features an impressive array of attractions including LionsgateEntertainment World, Natinoal Geographic Explorer and more.The hotel isalso within easy reach of the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge, offeringconvenient access for guests traveling throughout the region.

We are thrilled to announce the opening of Hyatt Regency Hengqin, saidWilliam Yuen, general manager of Hyatt Regency Hengqin. As a new,international branded hotel in Hengqin, Zhuhai, we are excited to offersuperior comfort and excellent service at a convenient location.

Guestrooms

Hyatt Regency Hengqin has a total of 493 guestrooms, including 55 suites,ranging from and from 430 to 2,583 square feet (40 to 240 square meters).Subtle design touches include soft warm timber blinds, giving an overallfeeling of natural comfort. Regency Club guests enjoy exclusive access to ourclub lounge offering a range of complimentary amenities including conciergeservice, private check-in and check-out, delicious bites served daily, and adedicated meeting room.

Drinking and Dining

Boasting six restaurants and bars, the hotel offers a wide range of globalcuisine. Market Cafis a self-service, market-style restaurantwhere diners can watch their food being prepared by expert chefs at livecooking stations. La Cucina is an extension of Market Caf, bringing thedelicious flavors of Italy to Hengqin, with a variety of popular Europeandishes. The Lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere to decompress andfeatures a vast selection of specialty teas, coffees, cocktails and snacks.

In early spring of 2020, the hotel will open three additional food &beverage outlets. Xiang Yue Chinese restaurant will specialize in thedelicate flavors of Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant will feature an open kitchen,reminiscent of a hawker-style eatery, allowing diners to watch chefs preparedishes to order. With a series of fish tanks showcased throughout the diningspace, the menu highlights fresh seafood and top-quality ingredients. PoolPavilion will be a relaxing, al fresco dining venue delivering sumptuousbarbecue and craft cocktails. The180 rooftop bar, will be locatedon the 23rd floor, offering with a 180 outdoor landscape and stunning views.Here, visitors can enjoy the charm of Hengqin under the stars with wine, cigarsand music.

Meetings & Events

Whether hosting a wedding, product launch, large-scale conference, or anintimate meeting, event planners will find their every need catered for atHyatt Regency Hengqin. The hotel boasts a total of 40,440 square feet (3,757square meters) of event space, including the 17,437 square foot (1,620 squaremeter) Regency Ballroom, which features an outdoor garden, floor-to-ceilingwindows, natural lighting, and can accommodate up to 1,300 guests. The RegencySalon, a premium event venue with 10,258 square feet (953 square meters) ofspace, offers two open kitchen display areas. Threeadditionalmultipurpose rooms provide an ideal space for small groups andmeetings.

Wellbeing Amenities, set to launch in early spring of 2020

Guests can reenergize in the modern 24-hour fitness center featuring a widevariety of state-of-the-art workout equipment in a bright and airy space. Inaddition, there will be a 1,076 square foot (100 square meter) members lounge,as well as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.

Flo Spa has six separate treatment rooms, with services design around the use ofwater. Top of the line spa facilities paired with organic products allow gueststo fully enjoy physical and mental relaxation.

Camp Hyatt, set to open in early spring of 2020

Children are invited to discouver Camp Hyatt an interactive play world ofcreative discovery zones that will include spaces for learning, creating,socializing and, most importantly, having fun.

Related

Link:
AC Hotels by Marriott Announces the Opening of Its First Hotel in Chile - Modern Diplomacy

You see these big turns Im doing? Its because I like to feel the mountain. Otherwise you could be anywhere.

Its one of countless pieces of ski wisdom imparted by instructor Pedro, all sweeping silver-streaked hair, nut-brown ski tan and infectious, deep-bellied laughter.

Skiing is about so much more than going down fast. Its about the air on your skin, the sun on your face, the landscape.

Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

Itsironic to hear Pedro, a former downhill racer who competed in the Winter Olympics in Japan, preaching about slowing down. But hes quite insistent.

He asks if Im up for an exercise I prepare for technique drills and inwardly sigh.

The indoor swimming pool at Chalet Le Coquelicot

The Firefly Collection

The "adult swings" at Chalet Joux Plane

The Firefly Collection

The spacious master bedroom at Chalet Mont Tremblant

The Firefly Collection

The outdoor pool at Chalet Couttet

The Firefly Collection

Curl up and enjoy the view at Chalet Le Grenier

The Firefly Collection

The pool at Chalet Marco Polo

The Firefly Collection

One of the bedrooms at Chalet Quezac

The Firefly Collection

A dining area at Chalet Zermatt

The Firefly Collection

The view from the terrace at Chalet Le Grenier

The Firefly Collection

The Petit Palais party room

The Firefly Collection

The indoor swimming pool at Chalet Le Coquelicot

The Firefly Collection

The "adult swings" at Chalet Joux Plane

The Firefly Collection

The spacious master bedroom at Chalet Mont Tremblant

The Firefly Collection

The outdoor pool at Chalet Couttet

The Firefly Collection

Curl up and enjoy the view at Chalet Le Grenier

The Firefly Collection

The pool at Chalet Marco Polo

The Firefly Collection

One of the bedrooms at Chalet Quezac

The Firefly Collection

A dining area at Chalet Zermatt

The Firefly Collection

The view from the terrace at Chalet Le Grenier

The Firefly Collection

The Petit Palais party room

The Firefly Collection

Look up at the landscape while you ski, not down at the slope, not at the next turn, he says. Then tell me how you feel.

This is more like it. I do as instructed and it turns out to be revelatory I cant remember the last time I properly looked around me while skiing. Part of what makes it such a heady experience is the surroundings: its not the French Alps nor even the rose-tinted splendour of the Italian Dolomites that I see. Instead, Im staring out from the Sierra Nevada mountain range near Granada. Here, the whole of southern Spain seems poured out before me, sun-scorched browns and greens stretching to the horizon from this snowy cloud.

Doesnt it feel like youre flying? asks Pedro. Yes, yes it does.

Sierra Nevada has views across southern Spain (Getty/iStockphoto)

From the top point of the ski area, which has 110km of pistes (it somehow feels like much more), you can see all the way to the sea on a clear day its one of the very few resorts where you can ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon. Not that I can see me tearing myself away from this white-painted paradise for the beaches of Malaga, some two hours away by car, anytime soon.

The sun beats down, the sky that untouchable cornflower blue that only seems possible in the mountains but somehow the snow is the best Ive ever experienced late season. It feels like witchcraft: the super high altitude (all runs are between 2,100 and 3,300m) means slopes are still smooth and powdery even in April. Id expected to be waterskiing by lunchtime, but if anything conditions are even more enjoyable as morning drifts into afternoon.

Nearby hiking comes courtesy of Los Cahorros (Getty/iStockphoto)

Feel that? Its like butter; like cream, Pedro grins.

We take our time exploring the three sections of Sierra Nevadas ski area its as close to ambling as you can get on skis winding our way down nice and slow. As soon as we get away from the central thoroughfare, all is quiet, all is calm. Pedro stops us often, instructing me to take it all in: the landscape, the silence, the feel of the mountain beneath my feet. Its like Im on an unofficial mindfulness course.

Skiing is all about enjoying yourself, not racing down, he adds for good measure, perhaps sensing a slight impatience from me to get going. Message received.

Another instructor, Borja, teaches my partner (who has only skied once in his entire life), and does such a fine job of it that by 12pm Im getting a flurry of delighted texts about how much he now loves skiing. The next morning we foray to the nursery slopes minus the instructor, where we boil in our thermals and he shows off his smooth, controlled snowplough turns while I look on like a proud mother hen. The beginner area is extensive and ideal for learning, with three chair lifts that go up to a clutch of all-green runs from the main hub at the top of the gondola. Its the perfect first-time-back ski experience, especially when combined with a stay in our superior digs, El Lodge, where effortless ski and boot fitting from the inhouse equipment hire shop and on-call transfers to the gondolas serve to complement Sierra Nevadas warm temperatures and clear skies.

The pool at Sierra Nevadas El Lodge (El Lodge)

Our hard work earns us a San Miguel and a massive Greek salad with truffle fries on El Lodges sun deck come lunchtime. Then its time to swap skis for hiking boots Sierra Nevadas enviable position means we can nip down the mountain to Los Cahorros in under 30 minutes. Its a completely different world, as we trade in snow-covered slopes for eye-poppingly green fields, bright, jewel-like leaves and clear-as-can-be waterfalls cascading from on high. Guides Manu and Santos lead the way as we take on the trail, which feels like a mix of Lord of the Rings (very Rivendell meets the Shire) and Indiana Jones: we make our way over swinging rope bridges, cut under a giant fallen rock, and scramble around thin passes using metal hand-holds driven into the stone. It makes for a thrilling route. Bird song peppers our journey; climbers can be seen scaling the sheer rock faces.

All this used to be under the sea, Manu translates for Santos, who keeps pressing unnecessary (but welcome) snacks into my hands as we go. Its chilling to imagine where were standing was once a deep underwater cave, but the fossils found here dont lie.

All that walking earns me a sleep-inducing ritual at the spa back at El Lodge, 80 minutes where Im gently rubbed and stroked with warm oils until rendered rubber-legged and jelly-headed. Its all I can do to pour myself into the private hot tub on our balcony.

Cosy ski style at El Lodge (El Lodge)

That night we decide to fully indulge in some mountain food, ordering a raclette to share and taking it in turns to scoop thick, melted cheese onto plates brimming with raw mushrooms, broccoli, roasted tomatoes, bread, crisp cornichons and capers. I finish up with a chunky brownie webbed with salted caramel, and fall into bed on the edge of bliss. (Or gout. Who can tell?)

I dont know whether its the skiing, the hike, the spa or the meal but I really do sleep like a baby that night. And when I wake, Im just as convinced: Sierra Nevada is as close as Ive ever come to ski resort perfection. You heard it here first.

Ryanair, Jet2, EasyJet, Norwegian, Iberia and British Airways all fly direct from London to Malaga from 20 return.

Doubles at El Lodge from 339, B&B

ellodge.com

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Sierra Nevada: Why Spain should be top of your ski holiday wishlist - The Independent

The first Ghibli Park in Japan and the world for that matter wont open for another three years. However, lots have been revealed about the attractions that will populate the site, which is set within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute City near Nagoya (about three hours by train from Tokyo). While we agree it may be a tad too early to get all excited, we can't help but pore over all the artist impressions of the theme park that have been made public so far. So, if you're a big fan like us, here's what you can expect from the world-famous creators of the hit anime My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997) and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away (2001).

Studio Ghibli has announced that its first theme park will be divided into five areas: Hill of Youth, Ghiblis Large Warehouse, Mononokes Village, Valley of Witches and Dondoko Forest. All these attractions are based on the studios most famous flicks and will blend in perfectly with the locations existing nature.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

Located close to the north entrance of the park, the Hill of Youth is based on Howls Moving Castle (2004). There will be a yellow gate and observationtower featuring fictitious 19th century objects.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

Fans of Whisper of the Heart (1995), which was set in the Tokyo neighbourhood of Seiseki-Sakuragaoka in Western Tokyo, will recognise this red building. With the surrounding greenery, it looks exactly like the antique shop in the movie.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

A former swimming pool which closed down in September 2018 will be transformed into theGhiblis Large Warehouse. This part of the theme park will be shielded from the elements, so you can still enjoy the attraction regardless of the weather.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

The indoor area will house an exhibition room, a small cinema, a childrens playground, shops and restaurants, plus a warehouse to store all the exhibits. The vibrant and eclectic setting will incorporate Japanese and Western architectural designs.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

Mononokes Village sees a real-life recreation of Tatara-ba, the Irontown depicted in the movie Princess Mononoke. Tatara refers to the traditional Japanese furnace thats used for smelting iron and steel while Mononoke means spirit or supernatural monster. As such, youll find figures ofthe powerful god of destruction (otherwise also known as tatari gami in the movie), the boar god Lord Okkoto as well as other mystical creatures within the premises. The scenery takes you back to a rural landscape from the Muromachi period (1336-1573), in which the movie is set.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

The design of the Valley of Witches draws inspiration from Howls Moving Castle and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) both films feature protagonists who are able to perform magic.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

This aerial-view illustration of a European cityscape features restaurants, amusement facilities and rest areas, along with a real-life Howls Castle and the family home of Kiki.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

Surrounded by lush nature, the Dondoko Forest resembles a rural landscape from the Showa period (19261989) and features Satsuki and Meis house from My Neighbor Totoro. The areas name is derived from the Dondoko Dance, which the two sisters perform together with the spirit Totoro in hopes that the seeds they sowed earlier will sprout.

Looking at these preliminary visuals, we can't wait to venture into the fantasy world of Studio Ghibli. The thing is, not everything will open at the same time. The Hill of Youth, Ghiblis Large Warehouse and the Dondoko Forest are scheduled to open in autumn 2022 while Mononokes Village and the Valley of Witches will not be ready until a yearlater in autumn 2023. Well keep you posted as we get more updates on the Ghibli Park.

In the meantime, visit the official Ghibli Museum in Mitaka to brush up on your Studio Ghibli knowledge.

Read more:
What we know so far about the world's first Ghibli Park - Time Out

Once the festivities are offer, why not shake off the winter blues by heading to one of the new resorts opening in 2020? The best luxury openings from Miami to St Barths are ideal for globetrotters who appreciate the latest in design, but who are also conscious about their travel footprint.

It's a true Miami vibe at the Celino.

Opening in February 2020, TheCelino South Beachin Miami has been carved out of three Art Deco buildings, including the landmark Park Central Hotel. A Small Luxury Hotel, it will have a boutique feel witheclectic custom furniture, pops of colour, and a rooftop pool featuring a peekaboo glass bottom that is visible from the Atrium below. Cheeky.

Picture perfect pool moment.

Park Central Hotel,a favouriteof silver screen stars like Bogart and Hayworth, was allegedly the birthplace of the conga line and guests will find witty nods to this with conga-line kits with how-to guides, drums and cigars in their rooms. The opening is also particularly good timing for those in town for the 54thSuper Bowl, taking place in Miami in February.

Preserving the natural beauty is key at North Island in the Seychelles.

If far-flung and off the beaten track is more your thing, then head tothe exquisiteNorth Island, Seychelles, aLuxury Collection Resort.

The brands first private island destination is found in the heart of the Seychelles, and offers privacy and exclusivity with just 11 villas so theres no chance of overcrowding. Located 30km off the mainland of Mah, it is reached by helicopter or a leisurely hours boat ride.

Be at one with nature at North Island.

Intent to demonstrate that luxury can coexist with conscience the resort has a pioneering conservation programme and a thorough sustainable ethos. A range of dining venues, with daily changing menus, according to what has been harvested on the island, and a wide variety of experiences such as guided excursions and forest trails will no doubt enhance a stay here.

The iconic Eden Rock is open again.

Not new exactly, but one to put on your radar, nonetheless, especially if you are in the mood for the ultimate in luxury holidaying the iconic Eden Rock in St Barths has finally completed its two year renovation after the impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017. Part of the prestigious Oetker Collection, the new look has been presided over by Martin Brudnizki and the hotel now offers new villas and suites, the Remy Salon and Bar, spa and restaurant. Guests can expect a contemporary art collection throughout and a fresh look which calls on the heritage of the French Caribbean.

One of the newly designed Camelot Suite showcases Soane's pretty signature.

Another transformation of an iconic property, also in the Caribbean, has taken place at Cobblers Cove in Barbados. Set in a former plantation, the all-suite hotel has undergone a five-year transformation under the watchful eye of owner Sam de Teran, who has converted the property into one of the chicest places to stay in the Caribbean. The final chapter of its re-design journey, has seen a collaboration with British designer Soane Britain. She has transformed the great entrance hall, drawing room and two signature suites, taking inspiration from the islands flora, architecture and original plantation houses. Think: pretty as a picture.

Have a far-flung adventure in Panama.

Opening this month in Panama, Islas Secas promises to bring the wow factor and more. Aiming to inspire guests through its embracing of a truly unspoilt location across 14 tropical islands it will no doubt lay down a marker for other eco-destinations, due to its green credentials such as being powered by 100% solar-generated energy. The resort sleeps just 18 guests across four casitas (with a further three tented casitas to launch in March 2020) and offers the chance for far-flung adventures from marine safaris to immersive natural experiences, such as witnessing the migrating Humpback Whales. The elemental spa tent, found in wild tropical jungle, meanwhile, is just the place to lose your mind.

Even the dining at Islas Secas embraces the great outdoors.

Finally, one to mark in your diaries for the summer, is the opening of One&Only Mandarina set to put the undeveloped stretch ofcoastline along the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico on the map. Located on a spectacular cliff-side overlooking the Pacific Ocean with dramatic vistas and a lush rainforest setting, One&Only Mandarina will lead the opening of the multi-billion-dollarMandarinadevelopment.

One of the Ocean Cliff Villas at One&Only Mandarina.

Blending chic interiors amid the verdant jungle wilderness, guests can stay in free-standing villas that float above the treetops or perch against the cliffs each with their own private plunge pool. Allowing nature to take centre stage, the hotel has been built to blend with the environment. Botany experts were consulted on the development of the resort to minimise the effect on the existing natural landscape, and careful low-density planning has preserved the land and the historic and ecological importance of the destination.Aiming to be a hub for reconnecting with self, the hotel will offer mindfulness sessions under the stars, meals with jaw-dropping panoramic views or an open-air spa treatment under the tree canopy. Bliss.

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Six Of The Best: The Ultimate Places In The World To Escape Winter - Forbes

The UnitedHealthcare Accelerator Powered by Techstars Demo Day featured a wide range of ambitious and interesting medtech startups. Weve already taken a look at the class roster, but we decided to catch up with the programs managing director, Matt Miller, for a little postmortem of the 2019 event and a look ahead at what the 2020 edition will bring.

tech.mn: The 2019 program is still pretty recent, but looking back at the entire experience, what are your thoughts on the program and its class?

Matt Miller: Most Techstars programs take time to build momentum in their first year. Its a new thing in new city, so it takes time to get up to speed. That wasnt the case with this program because of the gravity of UnitedHealthcare (UHC). That let us hit the ground running, and it was also a massive advantage coming in as a first-time managing director.

We also had the upper hand from a location standpoint. Were fully convinced theres no better place in the world to build a healthcare company than Minneapolis. It has the vast majority of senior healthcare executives, a low cost of living, high quality of life Combining a location that makes sense with a partner that makes sense gave us an opportunity to really capitalize

tech.mn: Womens health, nutrition, diagnosis, health benefits, logistics it was a pretty diverse collection of specialties from the class. Is there any consideration of creating that kind of diverse lineup when sifting through the applicants?

MM: We have four pillars quality, cost, access, and engagement of care. Sometimes, its really hard to get people to take care of themselves. So, we might look for solutions that are specific to disease states or that have advance analytics, for example. We also look at the entire age range. There are massive problems all over, covering a wide range of people. It just happened to be that the most compelling, most brilliant founders that I met just happened to be working in these spaces and addressed whole life span.

We also make sure theres no internal competition within the class. Ultimately, it comes down to the strength of team, size of problem, and viability of solution being proposed.

tech.mn: How do you feel the accelerator is helping shape the Twin Cities tech startup scene?

MM: Once a business is here, theyll realize this is the best place in world to build a healthcare company. There are all kinds opportunities to be involved in the process such as participating in events, demo days, and more.

tech.mn: The applications for 2020 close in May. Whats on your to-do list between now and then?

MM: Ill be spending a lot of time with UHC and other health system executives at large and getting an awareness of trends and problems that arent yet being addressed by solutions. What should we be thinking about next?

Ill also be representing Techstars at conferences like CES, the StartUp Health Festival at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conference (HIMSS).

I might also be traveling to Bangalore. Sometimes picking a global solution in the healthcare space is tricky because our healthcare landscape is so nuanced and complicated that its not always transferrable across borders, but its worth looking.

tech.mn: Its still early, but what can people expect from the 2020 event?

MM: Once the class begins to take shape, well focus on curating the content curriculum and mentor pool. UHC has such broad spectrum of services that they provide. The result is a wide swath of subject matter experts with knowledge thats able to be transferred. There was a lot of education required to fully recruit the pool of executives and subject experts this year and many had never worked with startups. But were already getting unsolicited asks to be involved next year.

tech.mn: Whats your advice for the health-focused startups out there considering applying to the 2020 program?

MM: Were looking for world-class founders who are addressing real problems and are looking for coaching and mentorship. Some programs have tried to over-engineer the process, but Ive found that serendipity is real. Its a dual opt-in situation the mentors and companies meet, and both choose whether or not they want to work together. Some mentor pairs arent what youve expected.

But you have to be all in and you need to be willing to laugh at my corny jokes.

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Q&A With the Managing Director of the UnitedHealthcare Accelerator Powered by Techstars - TECHdotMN - TECHdotMN