Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum Hosts Blockbuster Vermeer Exhibition

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Some art lovers make it a mission to visit and view as many works as possible by 17th-century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer.

Starting Friday, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is making their lives a whole lot easier.

A blockbuster exhibition at the Netherlands’ national museum of art and history brings together 28 of Vermeer’s paintings from seven countries around the world. Not bad considering only 37 paintings are generally ascribed to the artist who lived from 1632-1675 in the city of Delft.

Never before have so many Vermeer works been put on show together in a single exhibition. Seven of the paintings haven’t been in the Netherlands in more than two centuries.

Rijksmuseum General Director Taco Dibbits believes the exhibition provides a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the exquisite interior scenes for which Vermeer is best known including “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and “The Milkmaid,” but also early religious paintings and two cityscapes, both depicting his home town, Delft.

Looking at the beguiling simplicity of “Mistress and Maid,” one of three paintings loaned for the show by New York’s The Frick Collection, Dibbits said it “radiates this tranquility, this ideal world.”

Vermeer’s use of light — often coming from a window situated on the left of the canvas — the bold colors and meticulous composition can be seen throughout the exhibition.

“Vermeer has this quality of kind of everything is perfect. Everything falls in place,” Dibbits said. “There’s perfect happiness in his scenes. There’s tranquility, there’s intimacy.”

Vermeer earned the nickname “The Sphinx of Delft” because so little was known about him — he left behind no letters or diaries and there are no known portraits of him. But recent research has begun to unravel the mysteries of the painter. Studies being carried out around the exhibition are further broadening knowledge about his work.

“We’re really coming closer to Vermeer than we’ve ever been,” said Pieter Roelofs, the Rijksmuseum’s Head of Paintings and Sculpture. Recent research means that “we really understand more about his life, about his household, about his direct contacts, the people for whom he made these paintings, and what they mean,”

In preparation for the exhibition, the museum has been taking an extremely close look at its own Vermeer paintings, which include iconic “The Milkmaid.” High-tech scans that peer through the surface of the work have revealed that Vermeer tweaked the background as he painted, apparently to ensure that the focus shone solely on the woman pouring milk. A jug holder – similar to a wall-mounted coat rack – that was originally in the background was painted over.

Tracy Chevalier loved another of Vermeer’s best-known works — “Girl with a Pearl Earring” — so much so that she wrote a novel about it that was in turn made into a film starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth.

Chevalier was at a preview of the exhibition on Monday taking in that painting and the other 27 on show in a suite of 10 galleries.

“I think the curators really understood that for him, less is more. And I feel that way too; that you don’t need lots and lots of stuff. So this exhibition only has 28 paintings, but 28 is perfect because you have the space and the time to really take in each one.”

“Girl with a Pearl Earring” only had to make a short trip from the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, and isn’t sticking around until the end of the exhibition. She returns home after March 30.
Other masterpieces have had a longer journey for the exhibition that has been some eight years in the making.
“Officer and Laughing Girl,” “Mistress and Maid” and “Girl Interrupted at her Music” flew from the U.S. East Coast, leaving the Frick Collection while the New York museum undergoes restoration. That paved the way for more museums to loan paintings to the exhibition. More works come from The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Leiden Collection in New York. The National Gallery of Art in Washington, which, together with the Mauritshuis, staged the last major Vermeer retrospective in 1995-96, also sent paintings.

In total, the 28 paintings come from 14 museums and private collections in seven countries.

With such a comprehensive retrospective, the paintings that aren’t in Amsterdam almost become almost as noteworthy as those that are. A few of the 17th-century works are so frail that they simply can’t travel. One painting — “The Concert” — didn’t make it to Amsterdam because it is among 13 artworks still missing after being stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston in 1990 in one of the world’s most notorious art heists.

The show in Amsterdam opens Friday and runs to June 4. It has already become the Rijksmuseum’s most in-demand exhibition — Dibbits said the museum has so far sold nearly 200,000 tickets and has extended opening hours to accommodate more people.

For art lovers who can’t get to Amsterdam or snag a ticket, there is already a digital show available narrated by Stephen Fry.

Online viewers can zoom in on minute details of ultra-high resolution photographs of some Vermeer paintings to see what makes his work stand out.

“I think for Vermeer, light is color, and color is light ...,” Roelofs said. “And I think one of the things we will see is how how he really knows how to focus — and that makes him really exceptional.”

All-New Four Seasons Resort And Residences At The Pearl-Qatar Now Accepting Reservations

A unique lifestyle experience awaits as the all-new Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar begins accepting reservations in anticipation of its opening this spring.

"As our portfolio of Four Seasons hotels, resorts and residences in the Middle East continues to grow, our second location in Doha is purposely designed for those who live, do business and travel in the Gulf region today," says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Four Seasons combines the best of luxury living in a beachfront community with the flexibility to accommodate a range of needs and interests, whether as a base for doing business in Doha, or for vacationers seeking a resort experience with easy access to all that the destination offers."

With luxurious residential-style accommodations, a host of world-class amenities and personalized Four Seasons services, those combining business and pleasure in their travels will also find everything they need, and more.

"We invite our guests to settle in and spread out at Four Seasons at The Pearl-Qatar," says General Manager Mehdi Zaanoun who leads of team of 500 professionals ready to welcome guests with genuine care and customized experiences. "Along with our Private Residence owners, Four Seasons guests will become part of an international community within the Resort, mingling at our restaurants and bars, relaxing in the spa or on the beach, meeting new friends in our kids club, and exploring the many attractions just steps away in this new and vibrant waterfront destination."

Accommodations include 161 luxury, seaside one, two or three bedroom apartments ranging from 105 to 280 square metres (1,130 to more than 3,000 square feet). Each offers expansive living areas complete with fully equipped kitchens featuring Miele appliances and ensuite laundry, along with outdoor furnished terraces, all beautifully finished by Wimberly Interiors with bespoke details throughout.

Whether in the city for a few days, a few months or longer, Four Seasons guests can create their own experience, with a dedicated team of Four Seasons people ready to customize each stay even further.

Despite its urban location within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, shopping, cinemas and more in the immediate area, guests can look forward to a signature Four Seasons resort experience. Bathed in year-round sunshine, guests will enjoy a private beach and two outdoor pools surrounded by loungers where they can enjoy drinks and snacks, plus luxury cabanas amid lushly landscaped grounds. Loulou Spa includes luxurious spa treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art gym, a 25-metre (82 foot) indoor lap pool overlooking the sea, as well as salons for men and women to keep looking their sharpest or to prepare for a night on the town.

"For those bringing the kids along, our supervised indoor/outdoor Kids For All Seasons facility is a mini-resort unto itself, and we can even arrange a movie night or private screening of a sports event on our grounds, including homemade popcorn," promises Zaanoun.

Leading an on-site collection of seven outstanding restaurants and bars will be La Méditerranée by globally renowned Chef Joël Robuchon, who holds nearly 30 Michelin stars for his restaurants worldwide. Whereas La Méditerranée will offer Mediterranean fare with a strong French influence beginning in mid 2023, the Resort's Spuntino will focus on the beloved cuisine of southern Italy. Steak lovers will appreciate the vintage vibe of a Chicago-style steakhouse, while the afternoon tea service at Duchess is not to be missed. Add in a speakeasy-style bar and cigar lounge, Loulou Plage beach restaurant and a casual deli and bakery by Joël Robuchon, and guests will find a wide variety of dining experiences all in one location.

"We also encourage our guests to explore, because Doha continues to grow as a culinary destination, starting with our sister property Four Seasons Hotel Doha, home to the world's largest Nobu by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and the just-opened Curiosa by renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten," notes Zaanoun. "Coveted reservations are just a click or chat way on the Four Seasons App or at our concierge desk."

Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar is located on a private beach at the end of Porto Arabia Drive, just steps from the community's Mediterranean-style town square and numerous restaurants, shops, art galleries and family entertainment. The Resort is a mere 10 minutes to exceptional shopping at Place Vendome and 21 High Street, the luxury fashion centre that's home to the iconic French department store Galeries Lafayette; a 20-minute drive to the West Bay business area; and under a half hour from Hamad International Airport (HIA). Four Seasons can arrange transportation throughout the city, including rental cars, as well as marine excursions.

Be among the first to experience luxury living at Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar: In celebration of it opening this spring, Four Seasons at The Pearl-Qatar invites guests to take advantage of the Grand Opening Offer, featuring 15 percent savings on the room rate with a minimum two nights stay. Reservations for arrivals beginning June 1, 2023 are now being confirmed. Call +1 800 819 5053, or book online.

Those interested in Four Seasons Private Residences ownership opportunities can email info@jre.com.qa or call +9744491333.

Travelore Tips: US Travelers Will Soon Have To Pay A Fee To Enter The United Kingdom

U.S. citizens will soon have to apply for permission before their United Kingdom trips and pay a small fee to enter as part of the country's upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization scheme.

The travel fee is meant to secure the U.K.'s borders by giving them more accurate data on who is passing through, according to a U.K. official for the British Consulate General. The move is part of the U.K.'s plan to fully digitize its borders by 2025.

"The scheme will give the U.K. more control of our borders, allowing us to block threats from entering the U.K., whilst also providing individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.," according to the U.K. government website.

The scheme is set to be fully implemented by the end of 2023, the "permission to travel" requirement will apply to travelers visiting or transiting the U.K. without a visa or special immigration status – including visa-free nationalities like the United States. However, being granted permission to travel through the authorization program is not a regular visa.

Other countries already have an authorization scheme process in place. In 2022, the U.S. implemented the requirement for certain visitors, which costs them $21. The European Union is also looking to create an authorization scheme.

Here's what we know so far about the U.K.'s upcoming authorization scheme:

How will the process work?

The new scheme shouldn't be too much of a burden on your trip planning. The application process is expected to be quick and easy, according to officials.

The application process can be done online in a few minutes. Travelers need to make sure they finish the process "a few days before (their) departure to the U.K." To apply, people will need a valid passport, travel details, a valid email address and a credit or debit card for online payment.

The typical process time for approval will be between 48 and 72 hours. Any errors in your application could delay its processing time or result in a rejection.

Once approved, you'll be able to stay in the U.K. for business or tourism reasons for up to six months. Short-term study and medical treatment are also valid purposes.

Who will the authorization scheme apply to?

Non-visa nationals will need to apply for the new program. The confirmed list of countries will be announced at a later time but it's expected to include:

The European Union.

Other European countries like Norway, Iceland, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Vatican City and Monaco.

Visa-exempt nations like Australia, Canada and the United States.

How much will it cost?

According to officials, the fee will be small but the exact cost has yet to be announced.

What happens if I don't apply?

Permission will be confirmed prior to travel and carriers will be checking people's forms, either a printed document or digitally. Showing up without permission to travel may result in a penalty charge.

The Nationality and Borders Bill will also make it a criminal offense if someone uses deception to try to get authorization.

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/

Hong Kong Woos Tourists With Air Tickets And Vouchers

Hong Kong will give away air tickets and vouchers to woo tourists back to the international financial hub, racing to catch up with other popular travel destinations in a fierce regional competition.

During the pandemic, the city largely aligned itself with mainland China’s “zero-COVID” strategy and has relaxed its entry rules months slower than rivals such as Singapore, Japan and Taiwan. Even after it reopened its border with mainland China in January, tourism recovery was sluggish.

On Thursday, Chief Executive John Lee launched a tourism campaign “Hello Hong Kong,” saying the city will offer 500,000 free air tickets to welcome tourists from around the world in what he called “probably the world’s biggest welcome ever”.

“Hong Kong is now seamlessly connected to the mainland of China and the whole international world and there will be no isolation, no quarantine,” he said at a ceremony. “This is the perfect timing for tourists, business travelers, and investors from near and far to come and say, ‘Hello, Hong Kong.’”

Under the campaign, most of the plane tickets — worth 2 billion Hong Kong dollars ($255 million) — will come from three Hong Kong-based airlines through various promotional activities, including lucky draws, “buy one, get one free” promotions and games. The project will begin in March and last about six months, said Fred Lam, CEO of the Airport Authority.

“We hope those who secure the air tickets can bring two or three more relatives and friends to the city. Although we are just giving away 500,000 air tickets, we believe this can help bring Hong Kong over 1.5 million visitors,” Lam said.

The airlines will distribute the tickets in phases, with the Southeast Asian markets set to benefit in the first stage, he said.

An additional 80,000 air tickets will be given away to Hong Kong residents in the summer, Lam said. Those living in the Greater Bay Area will also benefit from the policy that offers over 700,000 tickets in total. The Greater Bay Area is a Chinese government initiative to link Hong Kong with neighboring mainland cities, including the technology and finance hub of Shenzhen and the manufacturing powerhouses of Dongguan and Foshan.

Visitors can also enjoy special offers and vouchers among other incentives in the city, Lee said.

Hong Kong received 56 million visitors in 2019 — over seven times its population — before the pandemic began. But its strict COVID-19 restrictions have been keeping visitors away over the past three years, devastating the tourism sector and its economy. The city’s GDP last year fell 3.5 % from 2021, according to the government’s provisional data.

In the past few months, it finally dropped its mandatory hotel quarantine rule and PCR tests for incoming travelers, resulting in a slight increase in arrival figures. Still, its 2022 visitor numbers were just 1% of the 2019 level.

By KANIS LEUNG

The Rouen Armada, France. The World's Leading Tall Ship Festival Returns From 8 To 18 June 2023

Fifty tall ships from all over the world will be moored along the 7 kilometres of the Seine quay in Rouen for 10 days.

Held every four years, the Rouen Armada is a unique international maritime event with 6 million visitors, more than 30 nationalities and nearly 7,000 sailors

A tourist festival in the heart of Normandy: From 8 to 18 June, the tall ships can be visited free of charge and everyone can attend numerous events including the sailors' parade in the city centre, the sailors' race, the "boat" race, street performances, concerts, fireworks, the grand parade and much more.

A business destination: the Armada is also an opportunity for companies to rent the most prestigious sailing ships in the evening as venues for professional events.

The economic impact of the Armada is estimated at 50 million euros for the Normandy region

Environmental protection: thanks to a charter signed with its partners and rigorous management of its commitments, the 2023 Armada will be an event with zero non-recycled waste and zero plastic pollution.

At the same time, the event will use its popularity to raise awareness about environmental issues related to oceans and rivers. First started in 2022, an annual scientific symposium is organised on World Oceans Day, 8 June, in partnership with the Ocean Institute of the Sorbonne University Alliance.

A cultural event: culture is also in the spotlight for this edition under the patronage of Michel Bussi, a famous French author translated into 37 languages.

The Rouen Armada is in essence a popular cultural event in the heart of Normandy, promoting maritime culture in the birthplace of Impressionism.

There will be street artists performing shows with a connection to maritime history and the Armada will help inspire exclusive short stories.

What's New In The Bahamas For February 2023

Falling in love comes naturally in The Islands of The Bahamas, among the white sand beaches and sapphire blue cays. Throughout February, visitors can rediscover their sense of adventure, immerse themselves in cultural traditions and score seasonal savings to make the most of their winter getaway.

"Our Ocean, Our World" Immersive Dining Experience Opens in Miami — Hidden Worlds and The Islands of The Bahamas have partnered to host an immersive 13-day dining pop-up that merges Bahamian art, entertainment and conservation efforts. "Our Ocean, Our World" will take place 15 Feb. to 4 March 2023, with partial proceeds benefitting Beneath the Waves, a non-profit dedicated to protecting the ocean's ecosystems.

Book Valentine's Day Dinner at Café Boulud at Rosewood Baha Mar — Chef Antoine Baillargeon at Café Boulud Rosewood Baha Mar has meticulously crafted a one-night-only Valentine's Day tasting menu for couples. The six-course culinary voyage starts at $190 per person and features oysters, caviar and truffle. Reservations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upscale Cocktail Lounge, The Dilly Club, Now Open at Atlantis Paradise Island — Atlantis Paradise Island opened The Dilly Club, a specialty coffeehouse by day and craft cocktail lounge by night. Created by the owners of the popular Bon Vivants Bar & Café in Nassau, the menu is extensive, and boasts 50 different original, classic and exotic libations.

Devour! The Beach Arrives in Green Turtle Cay — Green Turtle Club in The Abacos will host Devour! The Beach, an event coordinated by the largest food and film festival in the world, from 2 – 5 Feb. 2023. Attendees will participate in a weekend of dining, workshop and film experiences led by a team of international chefs, sommeliers and mixologists.

Aztec Airways Adds More Flights to Eleuthera — On 24 Jan. 2023, Aztec Airways increased weekly service between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in Florida and North Eleuthera International Airport. Travellers can now book short-haul flights every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, reaching Eleuthera in only an hour and fifteen minutes.

Grand Bahama Island To Break Ground on New International Terminal — The domestic terminal at Grand Bahama Airport reopened on 2 Jan. 2023, following a full renovation to repair the extensive damages sustained from Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Shortly after, it was announced that the international terminal will be renovated as well — United Orca Construction Company was awarded the $1.2 million contract. Work is expected to begin in Q1 2023.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete list of deals and discounted packages in The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Oceania Cruises Welcomes Allura To Its Luxury Fleet

Oceania Cruises, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, introduces Allura today, naming the second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship. Debuting in 2025, Allura is the eighth vessel for the line and will be the sister ship to Vista, which sets sail in May 2023.

Named to reflect the excitement of starting an immersive new journey, Allura will entice guests to discover some of the world's most captivating locations, enjoying the freedom of exploration while sailing the open seas. Allura represents the eternal call of the mysterious and the unknown. The luxurious new vessel will bring travelers a world of enchantment where new adventures, familiar faces, off-the-beaten-path destinations and more await.

"At Oceania Cruises, we are always looking for ways to evolve, elevate and modernize our offerings to continuously surprise and delight our discerning guests as they enjoy immersive new experiences," said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. "We are thrilled with the incredible demand we have witnessed for Allura's sister ship, Vista, with her 2023 maiden season already sold out, and we know Allura will be equally as popular with our guests.

The arrival of any new ship is the ideal time to look closely at what we offer travelers. As we prepare to welcome Allura to the family, we have already started planning exciting new elements to be added across the fleet."

In true Oceania Cruises style, Allura will serve The Finest Cuisine at Sea, boast exceptionally personalized service with warm and welcoming staff, and feature captivating residential furnishings and decor as she sails a variety of destination-rich itineraries. Measuring approximately 67,000 tons, Allura will accommodate 1,200 guests and be staffed by 800 officers and crew, offering industry-leading space and staff-to-guest ratios.

Allura highlights include an array of inventive new dining experiences including Ember, an upscale signature restaurant serving reimagined American classics, and Aquamar Kitchen, both debuting on Vista in May, as well as the largest standard staterooms and a new Chef's Studio.

Currently under construction by renowned shipbuilder Fincantieri S.p.A. in Italy, the all-veranda vessel will sail her maiden voyage in spring 2025.

Details of Allura's inaugural season, which will feature an intriguing array of marquee and boutique destinations across Europe and the Americas, will be revealed this spring before going on sale in the summer.

Del Rio added, "Allura's inaugural journeys are designed to appeal to all global travelers, whether they revel in the joy that comes with reconnecting with favorite destinations or are excited to discover new places and sights for the very first time."

For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA or speak with a professional travel advisor.