The Avalanche Risk Is High In Much Of The Western US. Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Safe

As a massive winter storm dumped snow across much of the western U.S., some hardy winter sport enthusiasts headed to ski resorts and backcountry slopes despite frigid temperatures during the long Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend.

But in many areas, the storm brought a high risk of avalanche conditions along with the wind and snow, with fatal results.

In northern Idaho, two men were rescued after they were caught in an avalanche Thursday afternoon, while the body of a third man in their backcountry skiing group was located Friday. On Thursday night the occupants of two vehicles escaped without injury after an avalanche buried their cars in another part of the state.

The first reported U.S. avalanche death of the season happened Wednesday in California, on a section of expert trails at the Palisades Tahoe ski resort near Lake Tahoe. Four people were trapped and one was killed in that slide. A second avalanche struck the same area the following day, with no reported casualties.

Here’s a look at why, when and how avalanches occur, and some tips on how to stay safe from slides:br />
Why do avalanches occur?

It generally takes just two ingredients to create avalanche conditions: A slope of 30 degrees or more, and layers of snow.
safety
“Avalanches are really tied into having layers within the snowpack, and those layers are caused by weather conditions,” said Ben Bernall, an avalanche forecaster with the U.S. Forest Service Panhandle Avalanche Center. “It’s kind of like a cake: You might have a nice thick layer that’s good and cohesive, and then a thinner layer of frosting. Then put another cake on top of that, and throw in the factor of a slope angle or steep terrain.”

Extra pressure on top of that snowpack “cake,” from wind, rain, heavy snow or motion can cause some of the layers to shear off and slide down the slope, Bernall said.

Sometimes that slide happens in the form of loose snow, called a “sluff.” Sluffs account for only a small percentage of deaths and property damage from avalanches, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center.

But many avalanches are made up of slabs, where a large layer of snow breaks away and slides down the mountainside. Those account for most fatalities.

Another kind of avalanche occurs when wind creates a cornice of snow that hangs over a ridge or the edge of a steep slope. An overhanging mass of snow can fall suddenly, catching anyone standing underneath or on top of the cornice by surprise, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

What triggers an avalanche?

Movement, rapidly changing weather, wind — any one of these things can cause an avalanche. But experts say 90% of the avalanches that cause injuries or deaths are triggered by the victim or someone with them.

That means that people who ski, snowmobile, snowshoe or enjoy other activities in the snowy backcountry should check the avalanche forecast before they head out, and make sure they have the right safety gear.

Most ski resorts have avalanche protocols or mitigation systems. Often that means checking snowpack stability. Avalanche experts and ski resorts also sometimes use remote detonations to trigger slides manually, removing the riskier layers of snow, before skiers are allowed on the slopes.

What doesn’t trigger an avalanche?

Loud noises, generally. Despite what cartoons and movies might have you believe, the sound waves created by someone yelling aren’t enough to trigger an avalanche, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center.

In particularly unstable snow conditions, however, an extremely loud noise, such as from a nearby explosion, could do the trick.

How common are avalanches?

An average of about 28 people die in avalanches every year in the U.S. according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Last winter, 30 people died in avalanches in the United States. They all were skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers, climbers or hikers.

Last February, three members of a mountain climbing club from New York perished in an avalanche on a remote peak in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state.

Three climbers in Alaska’s Denali National Park died in May in two separate incidents on the same day. One triggered an avalanche while skiing in the park’s backcountry. Two others were swept away as they prepared to climb a peak known as Moose’s Tooth. Their bodies were never found.

Where do most avalanches occur?
The vast majority of avalanche deaths occur in the wilderness. They’re rare at ski resorts where crews manage the slopes and trigger smaller slides on purpose when no one is around.

“In the last 10 years, there have been 244 people killed in avalanches in the U.S. and only 3% of those were in open, operating areas of ski resorts,” said Ethan Greene, director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. But he said it’s impossible to eliminate them.

“We are dealing with Mother Nature. We are dealing with a natural hazard in very complex systems in mountain environments. We can’t remove the risk completely.”

How can someone avoid an avalanche?

There are several ways to avoid an avalanche, but running isn’t one of them. Dry slab avalanches typically reach speeds up to 80 mph (129 kph) within seconds, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center. Wet avalanches usually travel around 20 mph (32 kph).

By comparison, eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt set a record of just under 28 mph (45 kph) in the 100-meter dash in 2009 — and that was on a flat track, not a snow-covered slope. Most people caught in avalanches are on the slope when they occur.

A better plan is avoiding them altogether. Recreationists can check forecasts at regional avalanche centers or www.avalanche.org.

If you dare venture out, it’s a good idea to use the buddy system and be versed in wilderness first aid. Bernall said three pieces of gear are essential: an avalanche beacon or transceiver, which sends location signals to others; a shovel to test snowpack or dig out companions; and a thin, folding pole to poke into the snow in search of anyone buried.

Boise County Sheriff Scott Turner said the best bet this weekend in the backcountry of central Idaho is to stay on lower elevations and away from steep slopes.

“People have been waiting for the snow to recreate,” he said, “but the snow conditions right now aren’t good.”

What if you get caught in an avalanche? As fast as you can, try to cover/cup your mouth and nose with your hands. If your arms are extended when you’re buried, you won’t be able to move them.

The cupped hands provide a tiny air pocket. And your breath is warm when you blow out (try it), so it can help melt the snow. If you’re lucky, you might be able to wiggle a finger or two to slowly dig through otherwise cement-like snow for space with more air to breathe, and eventually lead to an escape.

BY REBECCA BOONE

NASA Reveals Supersonic Plane That'll Be As Loud As A Closing Car Door

On January 12, NASA pulled the wraps off the X-59, an experimental aircraft that may very well change the shape of aviation in the decades to come. It's the culmination of almost six years of hard work, but also the start of a journey that may once again make civilian supersonic travel.

NASA calls the moment a "historic milestone in aviation history," and for good reason. If successful, it may put an end to a decade-old ban on the flight of certain kinds of aircraft over land. About half a century ago (in 1973), at a time when supersonic aircraft were beginning to get a hold on military operations, but also on civilian travel, American regulators restricted the speed at which these machines could fly over populated areas to subsonic speeds. The reason for that? The noise they generated when traveling really fast (actually, when crossing the sound barrier) was too much to bear for the people on the ground.

Not even the Concorde, the world's first and only civilian supersonic aircraft, managed to work around that ban. The X-59 might change that, provided humans get a taste of supersonic travel once more.

The experimental plane's secret lies in its design. You see, in today's aircraft the sonic boom is generated because the hardware, as it moves through the air, creates a series of pressure waves in front of and behind it.

At such high speeds these pressure waves merge into one, and that in turn leads to a rise in pressure at the nose of the plane. Once the plane pushes through the wave, a sudden return to normal pressure follows.

This creates a sonic boom, which, when it comes to an F-16 flying at an altitude of over 8,000 meters (26,200 feet), for instance, translates into a massive 78 dB.

The weird shape of the X-59, revealed in full on Friday, is meant to help with that. In a nutshell, the plane is shaped in such a way that it separates the shocks and expansions associated with supersonic flight.

This in turn should bring down the noise levels of the plane going supersonic to about 60 dB. If you don't know how much that is, NASA tells us it's about as loud as the volume of an average conversation with a friend. Or, if you want to think about it in some other way, the thing will be about as loud as the noise of a car door closing.

After the reveal at the end of the week, the aircraft will enter a series of ground tests, culminating at the end of the year with the first actual flight. Once that is out of the way, NASA plans to fly the plane over populated areas.

The goal of the plane and of the project it is part of (which is called Quiet SuperSonic Technology, or QueSST) is to determine exactly how loud such a design is in flight, but most importantly how loud is it perceived by the people on the ground.

Once it gathers all the relevant data, NASA will share it with American regulators, in a bid to make them rethink their policies.

The plane itself is not a prototype of some series-production aircraft, but data on how it was built and what makes it tick will be shared with the aviation industry in the hopes that, one day, someone will come up with a new aircraft that can move people at supersonic speeds.

By: Daniel Patrascu

Travelore News: Who Is Crown Prince Frederik, Denmark’s Soon-To-Be King?

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — As a teenager, Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik felt uncomfortable being in the spotlight and wondered whether there was any way he could avoid becoming king.

Such doubts have been swept aside as the 55-year-old takes over the crown on Sunday from his mother, Queen Margrethe II, who is breaking with centuries of Danish royal tradition and retiring after a 52-year reign. The crown prince will become King Frederik X.

An athlete, decorated military officer and rock music fan, Frederik has a more informal style than his mother but is equally popular in the Scandinavian country.

Margrethe stunned the nation when she announced during her traditional New Year’s Eve speech that she would step down, citing health reasons. A royal palace spokeswoman told the Berlingske newspaper that the queen informed her sons about her decision only three days before the announcement.

The crown prince, whose full name is Frederik André Henrik Christian, was born on May 26, 1968, as the first child of Margrethe and her husband, Prince Henrik, who died in 2018. His younger brother, Prince Joachim, was born in 1969.

Shy and reserved as a child, Frederik felt uneasy about the idea of ascending the throne, and the intense attention and scrutiny that come with it. In a 1996 interview with Berlingske Tidende, the crown prince said that in his teens he sometimes wondered whether he could escape his fate.

“I thought it was too uncomfortable,” Frederik said. “You knew you were going to be so public, so known, so accessible to everyone and so depicted. I didn’t like that.”

As an adult he grew more comfortable with his position as heir to the throne and prepared himself for it. Frederik, who in addition to Danish speaks English, French and German, graduated from Aarhus University with a master’s degree in political science. His studies included two semesters at Harvard University.

He received military training in several branches of Denmark’s armed forces including as a frogman in an elite naval unit. Frederik got the nickname “Pingo” because of an episode when his wetsuit was filled with water and he waddled like a penguin, he said in a 2010 interview with Danish public broadcaster DR.

He learned about diplomacy during postings at the Danish Embassy in Paris and at Denmark’s United Nations mission in New York. Like Britain’s King Charles III, he has shown a special interest in climate change and other environmental issues.

Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary wave from the tugboat “Svitzer Marysville” during its naming ceremony in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Nov 24, 2011. (Scott Barbour, Pool Photo via AP, File)

At home in Denmark, Frederik is known for being informal and down-to-earth. While he attends official functions in medal-studded uniforms, he can occasionally be spotted blending in with the crowds riding a bicycle with his bodyguards in tow or high-fiving teenagers.

A keen sportsman, Frederik has participated in six marathons, one Ironman triathlon and a dog-sled expedition in northern Greenland. For several years he was Denmark’s member of the International Olympic Committee.

Some Danes feel so comfortable around the crown prince they address him without his royal title.

Lars Hovbakke Sørensen, a historian and expert on the Danish royal house, said Frederik has a more contemporary style than his mother, effortlessly engaging in casual conversation with regular people, though he is less astute than the queen in delivering formal speeches.

While Margrethe is known for her appreciation of classical music, ballet and art, Frederik is more into rock music and sports, and younger generations find him relatable, Hovbakke Sørensen said.

“People expect the monarchs to be more informal, to be more like themselves. They don’t want this very large distance to the royal persons as we have seen before,” he said.

Laura Larsen, a 27-year-old social housing employee in Copenhagen, said she believes Danes will like the new king.

“He is going to be quite a relaxed king compared to our current monarch, compared to what we’re seeing,” she said.

Like many of his contemporaries in Europe’s royal houses, Frederik found his spouse outside the aristocracy. He met Australian-born Mary Donaldson, the daughter of Scottish immigrants, in a bar during the Sydney Olympics in 2000. They married four years later.

The couple have four children: Prince Christian, 18; Princess Isabella, 16; and 13-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.

Once Margrethe has abdicated, Christian will take over the title of crown prince and become first in line to succeed his father.

Mary will become queen of Denmark. Her unlikely journey from the island of Tasmania to become the world’s first Australian-born queen on the other side of the world has captivated Danes and Australians alike.

At a Jan. 3 reception for foreign diplomats in Copenhagen, Australia’s ambassador to Denmark, Kerin Ann Burns Ayyalaraju, said Australians are “incredibly proud” of Mary, who often has been described in magazines as a fashion icon.

“It is incredible to see how she has become such a significant part of Danish society,” the ambassador said.

When Frederik turned 50, Mary praised her husband in a witty and romantic speech in fluent Danish.

“You have always pushed the boundaries, and you have insisted on shaping the world around you to fit the person and have not allowed the structures in that world to define you,” Mary said.

BY JAN M. OLSEN. Associated Press reporter Anders Garde Kongshaug contributed to this report.

American Airlines 2024 Elite Status Changes — New Rewards Options And More

American Airlines is making changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program throughout 2024. New benefits are being added for both entry-level members and those with higher-level status. Additionally, certain options that are currently available to all American Airlines flyers will be restricted exclusively to AAdvantage members.

Loyalty Point Rewards

The biggest change with Loyalty Point Rewards is the addition of a new reward choice of more Loyalty Points at certain point milestones.

When you enroll in the AAdvantage loyalty program, you earn Loyalty Points when you buy flight tickets, make purchases with an American Airlines credit card, and spend through American Airlines’ various shopping portals). As you earn more Loyalty Points, you’ll gain access to the four main tiers of elite status. You’ll also earn milestone rewards (called Loyalty Point Rewards) as you accrue more Loyalty Points. These Loyalty Point Rewards let you choose a benefit from a set list (such as priority check-in and Group 4 boarding vs. five preferred seat coupons).

Starting Mar. 1, 2024, AAdvantage members will have the option to choose bonus Loyalty Points at these Loyalty Point Rewards levels:

15,000: 1,000 Loyalty Points 175,000: 5,000 Loyalty Points 250,000: 15,000 Loyalty Points (you can choose this up to two times)

Another change is that members who reach the 175,000-Loyalty-Point level can no longer select a 15% award rebate as their reward.

Additional AAdvantage member benefits

Some new benefits are being added for AAdvantage members, regardless of your elite status level. These benefits will soon be a part of the AAdvantage program:

The ability to cancel Basic Economy tickets booked directly with American Airlines and receive a partial Trip Credit, after a $99 fee is applied (begins later in Jan. 2024) Same-day Standby on an earlier eligible American Airlines flight following the same itinerary (begins Mar. 1, 2024)

Later in 2024, these benefits will be available exclusively to AAdvantage members:

Trip Credit expiration will be extended to 12 months (6 months longer than for non-members)

Ability to purchase single-visit Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge passes

Option to put a flight on hold for up to 24 hours for free

Some of these “new additions” to the AAdvantage program are currently available to anyone traveling with American Airlines, including the options to purchase lounge passes and put a flight on hold. However, throughout 2024, these benefits will become exclusively available to AAdvantage members even if they don’t have elite status.

American Airlines has also announced tweaks to upgrades. Once these changes are implemented, you’ll earn miles and Loyalty Points when you pay cash for an upgrade and be able to redeem miles for upgrades with select partner airlines. It also plans to roll out the option to request systemwide upgrades online.

Although American Airlines is removing First Class seats for international flights, it’s adding the ability to use miles to pay for the Flagship First Dining experience at Dallas-Fort Worth and Miami airports. No date has been announced for when this feature will be available and it will only be an option for AAdvantage Platinum Pro elite members or higher.

Get benefits without status

For those who won’t earn elite status with American Airlines, you can instantly upgrade your travel experience by opening a co-branded American Airlines credit card.

The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® grants cardholders perks such as preferred boarding (Group 5), free first checked bag (up to four people), $25 in statement credits each year for in-flight Wi-Fi purchases and 25% back on in-flight food and beverage purchases.

Similar travel perks are available with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®. The card member and four companions receive a free checked bag and Group 5 boarding. You’ll also get 25% back when you pay for in-flight food or beverages with the card.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/jason-stauffer/

These Are The World's Most (And Least) Powerful Passports In 2024

An unprecedented six countries share the top spot with visa-free access to a record-breaking number of destinations on the 2024 Henley Passport Index, which is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Four EU member states — France, Germany, Italy, and Spain — join Japan and Singapore in boasting the most powerful passports in the world, with their citizens able to visit an astonishing 194 destinations out of 227 around the globe visa-free. The two Asian nations have dominated 1st place on the index (which ranks all the world's passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa) for the past five years.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, says although the general trend over the history of the 19-year-old ranking has been towards greater travel freedom, the global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than ever. "The average number of destinations travelers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, as we enter the new year, the top-ranked countries are now able to travel to a staggering 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan, which sits at the bottom of the ranking with access to just 28 countries without a visa."

Asian tiger South Korea joins Finland and Sweden in 2nd place with visa-free travel to 193 destinations, and another four EU nations — Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and Netherlands — share 3rd place with access to 192. The rest of the Top 10 is largely dominated by European countries, with the UK climbing up two ranks to 4th place with visa-free access to 191 destinations compared to just 188 a year ago. Australia and New Zealand passport holders both improve their ranking to sit in 6th place with 189 visa-free destinations, while the US retains its 7th place with access to 188 destinations without requiring a visa in advance. It has been a decade since the UK and the US jointly held 1st place on the index in 2014.

The UAE remains the biggest climber on the Henley Passport Index over the past decade, adding an impressive 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014, resulting in a massive leap of 44 places in the ranking from 55th to 11th position.

Ukraine and China are also among the Top 5 countries with the most improved rankings over the past 10 years (a net total gain of 21 places each), and both have climbed a further two ranks in the past year. Ukraine is now in 32nd place with 148 visa-free destinations and China is 62nd on the ranking with access to 85 destinations without a prior visa (compared to just 44 in 2014). While Russia has seen a net gain of 24 destinations over the past decade, its visa-free score and ranking has barely shifted since 2017, and it now sits in 51st place with access to 119 destinations.

Commenting in the Henley Global Mobility Report 2024 Q1, released today alongside the latest Henley Passport Index, award-winning journalist and author, Misha Glenny, says there's only one piece of advice needed in the new year: Brace yourself for more uncertainty. "In 2024, 40 countries making up over 50% of global GDP will undergo decisive elections, including the US and several other major powers. Political trends point to a lack of geopolitical coordination heightening the risk of prospective shocks to an already precarious economic environment. The general trend, however, remains steady. A decline in American and European influence and a jostling for power among the Asian big boys."

Besides expert commentary on key global mobility and migration trends in 2024, the report also contains exclusive new research into the relationship between economic performance and visa-free access and openness to international trade, investment, and the exchange of skills. Former Chief Economist at Lloyds Bank, Prof. Trevor Williams, says the data contains "a treasure trove of insights into the possibilities for spreading economic progress worldwide."

SOURCE Henley & Partners

Mexico’s State Of Nayarit Is One Of The Most Preferred Destinations For 2024

Mexico’s state of Nayarit, a Virtuoso Preferred Destination, is poised for a banner year in 2024. In fact, a recent survey from Booking.com shows that Nayarit is the preferred travel destination in all of Mexico. Ninety percent of those surveyed are looking for relaxing vacations by the water in 2024, and with an enviable location on the Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit deliver. What’s more, the survey indicated that 50 percent of travelers are looking for local travel, aiming to enjoy a luxurious vacation at a reduced cost. For travelers looking to tick off their bucket list boxes in 2024, Mexico’s state of Nayarit is truly a dream destination.

Nayarit’s Attributes Lure 2024 Travelers

When it comes to 2024 travel, Nayarit is hitting all the high notes, from unique hotels and romantic escapes to culinary travel, golf, and the rising popularity of “Set-Jetting,” here’s what travelers can expect in 2024.

Unique and New Hotels

Mexico’s hotel scene is expanding at lightning speed, and Nayarit is no exception, with luxury leading the way.

The highly anticipated Rosewood Mandarina is set to open its doors in 2024 as Rosewood’s fourth hotel in Mexico. The ultra-luxe resort will be part of an already impressive compound that the One&Only Mandarina and Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club already call home. The hotel will feature 140 guest rooms, suites, and villas with panoramic views across the mountains, beach, and ocean. Guests will have the option to choose from three bars and restaurants, as well as three pools, a fitness center, and a spa with 10 treatment rooms.

Speaking of the One&Only Mandarina, the resort was ranked by The Knot as one of the best treehouse hotels in the world.

In the Punta Mita area of Nayarit, visitors can expect the debut of Montage and Pendry hotels, as well as a Belmond resort in the coming years.

Meliá Hotels International plans to open its first Zel hotel in Mexico in 2025 in Sayulita. The new Zen Sayulita will be the international debut of the Spanish hotel brand, featuring 145 rooms.

The already established Riu Palace Pacifico reopened to guests after a complete refurbishment and a conversion into an adults-only hotel. The renovation is accompanied by an expansion of new services, including more gastronomy options, improved experiences, and the Elite Club by RIU.

Set to open next month, the harmonious and bright, Agua de Luna Boutique Hotel is a hotel in San Pancho of peaceful convergence. Its contemporary architecture, inspired by the strength of geometrical shapes and the beauty of regional vegetation, results in spaces full of natural light and refreshing like the sea breeze of the Mexican Pacific.

Romance Travel

Romance travel is one trend that will never go out of style, and Nayarit knows how to set the mood. Velas Resorts is offering a new “Mojiganga Wedding Experience” for couples. Mojigangas, a deeply traditional part of Mexican heritage, are dynamic, gorgeously crafted puppets made from papier-mâché. Often seen in processions, parades, and especially at weddings, mojigangas are said to attract both good fortune and ward off evil. These towering figures stand at more than six feet and require a person inside to manage their movements.

Velas Resorts is bringing the tradition to life by creating bespoke mojigangas that represent the bride and groom, adding a personalized and festive touch to destination weddings. This package is available at its properties in Riviera Nayarit, as well as its other destinations in Mexico.

Elevated Cuisine

The coastal cuisine of Riviera Nayarit is second to none, featuring the freshest seafood, locally sourced produce, and succulent cuts of meat cooked over open flame. What’s more, Nayarit has so many gorgeous settings for those once-in-a-lifetime dining moments.

W Punta de Mita, for example, is now offering a private island dining experience at its all new culinary concept, Mesa1. This secluded venue hosts just one nightly seating on a private island on a table made from a 100-year-old Parota tree. Guests indulge in a customizable seven-course tasting menu that celebrates local flavors. Whether guests are looking for a romantic evening, or an exclusive family gathering, this private venue hits the spot.

Swinging into 2024

One of the primary draws to Riviera Nayarit is its golf offerings, and the golf scene is set to grow in the coming years. Mandarina has announced the plans for a new golf course designed by Greg Norman. As part of the Mandarina Experiences program, the golf club will feature a 10-hole short course consisting of par 3 holes, taking inspiration from holes at famous courses around the world. Think Augusta National, Pebble Beach, Pine Valley, and Royal Melbourne. The course is slated for completion in 2025.

Set-Jetting

One of the top travel trends for 2024 is set-jetting, or travel based on popular film and television locations. For travelers who have been hooked to the Bachelor in Paradise, they will recognize the setting as the world-famous Pueblo Magico, Sayulita. Since season 2, Bachelor in Paradise has been filmed at the Playa Escondida Resort.

Visitors can soak up every romantic moment with a visit to the intimate beachfront resort in 2024. The hotel offers activities like horseback riding on the beach, yoga, surfing lessons, paddle boarding, whale and dolphin watching, hiking and bike trails, and golf. For wellness aficionados, a spa provides hot stone therapy, deep tissue massages, four hand massages, and facials.

The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas, Coming Soon To Paradise Island

Leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons, US-based real estate development firm Two Roads Development and Access Real Estate announce plans for The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas.

Anticipated to open in 2027 and set within an oceanfront enclave on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, the upcoming residential community will present a curated collection of 67 turnkey Private Residences managed by Four Seasons located in close proximity to The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, the debut of The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas will offer discerning buyers an exceptional opportunity to own part of a legendary destination, while enjoying the privacy, amenities and unparalleled service for which Four Seasons is renowned.

"We look forward to partnering with Four Seasons to celebrate this iconic destination and to set a new standard for luxury living in The Bahamas," states Reid Boren, Managing Partner, Two Roads Development. "With convenient access from major US and international gateways, The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas will allow owners and their guests to experience the very best service-rich luxury lifestyle paired with the amenities of The Bahamas' most legendary resort right next door."

"Since 2017, Four Seasons has been proud to be part of the Paradise Island community and manage such a legendary property that is beloved by many," says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. "Our new Private Residences will be the perfect complement to The Ocean Club Resort while offering a more permanent address to those looking to make this special destination their home with the service and lifestyle excellence that only Four Seasons can offer."

"We're delighted to work with Four Seasons and Two Roads Development on the Ocean Club Private Residences. As a long-term investor on Paradise Island, we continue to stimulate economic growth. This project will bring an additional USD 400 million in economic activity to the Bahamas and is projected to create around 200 full-time jobs," says Jonah Sonnenborn, head of Access Real Estate.

Designed by SB Architects, a leader in hospitality design and with interiors by New York-based Champalimaud Design, a renowned design and planning firm specializing in bespoke, high-end hospitality and residential design, The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas will brilliantly capture the beauty of the island throughout the development.

All homes will feature oceanfront or ocean views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive outdoor verandas for indoor and outdoor entertaining. In addition, each home will have an open floorplan that features premium fixtures, cabinetry, fittings and details throughout. Residences will range from 3,124-interior square-foot (290 square metre) two-bedrooms and 4,073-square-foot (378 square metre) three-bedroom homes to 5,028-square-foot (467 square metre) four-bedroom offerings.

Five-bedroom beach villas will offer 7,459 square feet (693 square metres) of interior living space with 6,604 square feet (614 square metres) of outdoor terraces, including a private pool. Penthouses will offer an average of 5,263 square feet (489 square metres) of interior living space and 3,917 square feet (364 square metres) of outdoor space, including a private pool.

On-Site Four Seasons Amenities and Resort Access

Adding to the experience of living with Four Seasons will be an array of on-site offerings for residents to explore. Amenities will include an oceanfront swimming pool with private cabanas and clubhouse, an owners' library, as well as a lounge, private cellar and rum room, co-working space, well-equipped children's playroom, multi-use media room, luxuriously-appointed indoor and outdoor spa treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness centre containing dedicated outdoor space. The property will also feature a beach-front restaurant and bar offering main and private dining rooms.

Residents will also have access to the amenities at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, including its famed Versailles-inspired Gardens and restaurant Dune by Michelin-star Chef Jean-Georges. Residents are welcome to enjoy the Resort's three swimming pools, six Har-Tru tennis courts, eight Balinese-inspired spa villas, daily yoga and pilates and shuttle service to the 18-hole par 72 Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course.

Through a dedicated team led by a Director of Residences, homeowners will experience legendary Four Seasons service to effortlessly oversee all aspects of home care.

For more information, visit www.TheOceanClubResidences.com or call 242-603-8750.