Thursday 14 November 2019

Paradise Island, Bahamas, best for: Families and water babies

the-coral-exteriorThe unveiling of the newly reimagined Coral towers at the Atlantis resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas, coupled with new next-door neighbor Marina Village, an open-air shopping and dining marketplace, are just two of the newest reasons to visit this Caribbean hot spot. The new Fish restaurant by chef-of-the-moment José Andrés at the Cove, a separate, luxurious resort-within-a-resort concept, is yet another. Don’t forget about Aquaventure, the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, the ten-plus pools, and the four miles of sugar-white sand beaches. With average winter temps between the mid-60s to high 70s, it’s the perfect place to escape the cold.

Oahu, Hawaii, best for: Surfing daredevils, nature, and culture hounds

View on Napali Coast on Kauai island on Hawaii

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Oahu, winter is the time to do it, especially during February, which ushers in some of the biggest waves of the year. Diehards flock to the famous North Shore to catch giant swells that can reach up to 30 feet. If you prefer action of the dry variety, lounge on the shore, watch the pros, and take advantage of the amazing photo opps begging to fill your Instagram feed. Another Oahu winter must-do is a whale watching tour. February is peak time for humpback whale migration, so chances are high you’ll catch a glimpse of these majestic beasts. Other bucket list items include hiking the Diamond Head crater; visiting the world’s largest open-air shopping mall, the Ala Moana Center; and joining a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the island’s famous hot spots, including Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in America.

Italy is set to declare a state of emergency in Venice after the Italian city was engulfed by 1.87m (6ft) high water levels, flooding its historic basilica and cutting power to homes.

More than 80% of the city, a Unesco world heritage site, was under water when tides were at their highest.
Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte described the flooding as "a blow to the heart of our country".
St Mark's Square in Venice covered in water during an exceptional high tide, 13 November 2019He said the government would now act quickly to provide funds and resources.A shopkeeper uses a bucket to remove water from his property in Venice, 13 November 2019