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Ukraine war: Russian strike on Zelensky's home city kills six
Ukraine war: Russian strike on Zelensky's home city kills six
At least six people, including a 10-year-old girl, died in an early morning strike in Kryvyi Rih.
2023-08-01 00:29
DeSantis leaves campaign trail and returns to Florida facing tropical storm and shooting aftermath
DeSantis leaves campaign trail and returns to Florida facing tropical storm and shooting aftermath
Crises at home may interrupt the presidential campaign plans of Ron DeSantis
2023-08-28 04:48
Prison documents reveal Jeffrey Epstein tried to reach out to Larry Nassar, gymnastics coach convicted of sexual abuse
Prison documents reveal Jeffrey Epstein tried to reach out to Larry Nassar, gymnastics coach convicted of sexual abuse
While he was imprisoned, disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein sent a letter to Larry Nassar, the former Olympic doctor who sexually abused girls for decades, new documents reveal.
2023-06-03 08:09
President Lula to invite Pope Francis to Brazilian Catholic festival
President Lula to invite Pope Francis to Brazilian Catholic festival
SAO PAULO Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Saturday that he will invite Pope Francis
2023-06-18 02:22
Best hotels in Europe 2023, from boho chic to Art Deco design
Best hotels in Europe 2023, from boho chic to Art Deco design
Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or a longer holiday for all the family, a European trip is the way to go. There are plenty of great hotels on offer, but if you’re after somewhere extra special to stay, you’re in luck, as the past year or so has seen the unveiling of a dazzling bunch of new and revamped European hotels, including a dolce vita-inspired legend and several slick new city kids on the block. From a boho chic property in Lisbon and a sophisticated wellness resort in Greece, to an Art Deco beauty in Prague and a French 18th-century property in the heart of Burgundy’s wine region, these hotels all offer something rather special. Passports at the ready, and get scrolling for some of the latest European hotels to book for a cool and chic stay. The best hotels in Europe in 2023: Best hotel for a hipster city break: The Hoxton, Poblenou, Spain Best hotel for families: La Zambra Resort GL, Spain Best spa hotel: Isla Brown Corinthia Resort & Spa, Greece Best hotel for luxury: Cali Mykonos, Greece Best hotel for wellness: One&Only Aesthesis, Greece Best hotel for affordability: Mama Shelter Lisboa, Portugal Best hotel for couples: The Julius Prague, Czech Republic Best hotel for foodies: Hotel La Palma Capri, Italy Best hotel for art and design: Sommerro, Norway Best hotel for vineyard location: COMO Le Montrachet, France Best hotels in Spain: Best hotel for a hipster city break: The Hoxton, Poblenou Location: Barcelona Offering cool-cat design and lively social hangouts at prices that won’t break the bank, the Hoxton Hotels group has amassed a legion of loyal fans. One of its most recent addresses is a 240-room property in Barcelona’s arty Poblenou district – a traditionally Catalan neighbourhood where tech start-ups, craft breweries and concept stores have all sprung up in recent years. Abstract woven wall tapestries, subtle floral touches and natural fern-green and biscuit tones masterminded by Ennismore Design Studios give stylish bedrooms a gently whimsical feel. In addition to the familiar roster of room categories, ranging from “cosy” through to “biggy”, come new “homey” rooms, with their own lounges and kitchenettes – ideal for longer stays and larger groups. Not only is the Sagrada Familia just a 15-minute walk away, guests can enjoy killer views of Gaudi’s architectural wonder while enjoying tacos and margaritas from the hotel’s hip rooftop pool. Best hotel for families: La Zambra Location: Mijas Another hotel icon and jet-set magnet is the La Zambra, previously the Byblos Hotel, a historic property half an hour from Marbella’s beaches. When it launched in the mid-1980s, Byblos quickly drew an A-list crowd, with the likes of The Rolling Stones and Princess Diana checking in during its heyday. In the summer of 2022, the 197-room property was reborn as La Zambra – a new addition to the Marugal Hotels portfolio (which includes the ritzy Cap Rocat and Torralbenc hotels) – and sporting a top-to-toe zen look created by Mallorcan father-and-son architectural studio Esteva i Esteva. Artful bedrooms pay homage to contemporary Andalusian style, with soft cappuccino, sand and pistachio hues, wooden touches and bespoke furniture. Terraces have sweeping views out to the Sierra de Mijas mountain range, while two neighbouring golf courses give you room to roam. As well as being a golf haven – there are a dozen courses close by – La Zambra has three swimming pools, a gym, yoga and pilates studio, tennis courts, wellness centre with 10 treatment rooms and a kids’ club to keep little ones entertained. Best hotels in Greece: Best spa hotel: Isla Brown Corinthia Resort & Spa Location: Agioi Theodoroi, Corinthia Well-known for a clutch of trendy boutique hotels in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Athens, Brown Hotels’ Isla Brown Corinthia Resort & Spa is less than an hour’s drive from the Greek capital on the picturesque Corinthia coast. A slick, curved building with views out to the shimmering Saronic Gulf, it’s a sculptural, modern project designed by Elastic Architects, comprising 166 rooms and 110 bungalows, with eye-catching curved details in bedrooms and communal spaces. Eschewing the bold colour palettes the brand’s known for, the seaside resort favours relaxing white-on-white rooms with occasional blasts of colour. There’s a spacious beachside swimming pool, as well as a rooftop bar and private beach. There’s also a watersports centre, to keep adrenaline junkies happy, with windsurfing, kayaking and flyboarding on hand – plus a high-end spa for those who prefer things more relaxed. Best hotel for luxury: Cali Mykonos Location: Kalafatis, Mykonos For those looking to push the boat out on their next beach holiday, coastal escapes don’t get much more stylish than this 40-villa hotel on Mykonos, with its own private beach. Tucked between two mountains on the rugged eastern side of the island, the sensitively constructed, striking sugar-cube villas sit atop old stone walls, with views out to the glittering Aegean Sea from a discreet pool terrace. Roofs are planted with lavender and prickly pear, while, inside, interiors show off natural, sustainable materials, local marble, and beds with eco-friendly Coco-Mat mattresses. Plus, there’s an impressive 110m river-shaped saltwater infinity pool, a Mediterranean restaurant, sushi bar and a state-of-the-art spa. Yachts and speedboats linger offshore to whisk guests out to neighbouring Tinos and Paros on a whim. Best hotel for wellness: One&Only Aesthesis Location: Athenian Riviera Greece really has been upping its game when it comes to hotels, and adding flair to the coast outside Athens is One&Only Aesthesis. The big-hitting wellness resort brand revived a landmark site on Glyfada’s exclusive beachfront, with the aim of recreating the sophistication of the Riviera’s heyday in the Sixties and Seventies. The 21-hectare estate allows guests to truly get back to nature, with beach and forest to explore, and Athens, the Parthenon and masses of ancient history just 25 minutes’ drive away. Natural stone and timber details complement the breathtaking blue hues of the ocean, and design features riff on aspects of Greek mythology, including fire and water. As well as a nostalgia-fuelled beach club, innovative kids’ club and top-notch restaurants, most of the secluded villas have their own pool – sure to attract the odd A-lister looking for a private escape. Best hotels in Portugal: Best hotel for affordability: Mama Shelter Lisboa Location: Lisbon Known for its cheeky and affordable crashpads, French brand Mama Shelter brings its signature sass to the Portuguese capital, with a 130-room property set between hip Principe Real and swanky shopping street Avenida da Liberdade. Mama Lisboa pays homage to Lisbon, inside and out, with a Viuva Lamego-tiled facade, columns decorated with Bordallo Pinheiro fish ceramics and wave-patterned carpets inspired by the Tagus River. Boho-look bedrooms pair straw lampshades, colour-pop pillows, cork-framed smart TVs and leafy ceramics with a kooky pop culture reference or two, as well as organic, plastic-free toiletries. There’s also a rooftop bar for porto tonico sunset toasts, which segue into Portuguese-meets-French brasserie suppers, accompanied by twinkling fairy lights and DJs spinning chillout tunes, plus a pizzeria, cocktail and coffee bar. Best hotels in Czech Republic: Best hotel for couples: The Julius Prague Location: Prague Famed coffee pioneer and the brand behind Austria’s upmarket food emporium, Julius Meinl am Graben (the Viennese answer to Fortnum & Mason), the Meinl family has added a fresh string to its bow with this first foray into hotels. Launched in the Czech capital in spring 2022, The Julius Prague is a gorgeous 168-room pad inside an Art Deco building, reimagined by Italian architect Matteo Thun & Partners. Interiors have a restful, autumnal palette (inspired by the works of celebrated Czech artist Alphonse Mucha) and give “a feeling of home” with soft orb lighting, comfy beds topped with eco-conscious Quagliotti linen and refillable toiletries. Most have living rooms behind oak-panel dividers, and many have fully mod-conned open-plan kitchens, too. Communal spaces include a bistro restaurant and laid-back lounge (ideal for co-working), and there are electric car-charging points on site. Best hotels in Italy: Best hotel for foodies: Hotel La Palma Capri Location: Capri After a dose of la dolce vita? About as high-end and haute as it gets, Capri’s first and oldest hotel – Hotel La Palma – reopened in April 2022, joining the likes of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, The Lanesborough and Le Bristol Paris in the rarefied, international Oetker Collection. Sporting a seriously fresh new look, the storied Mediterranean property continues its 200-year-long tradition of attracting the great and the good to 50 exclusive rooms and suites, all with alluring white and aquamarine-accented interiors and their own balcony or terrace, designed by Francesco Delogu. Just moments from the vibrant Piazzetta – the island’s most fashionable square – Hotel La Palma’s restaurants, under the culinary direction of acclaimed chef Gennaro Esposito, includes Gennaro’s for authentic Italian feasts; a rooftop restaurant and bar (Bianca); a new pool deck and bar, and an upmarket spa. Best hotels in Norway: Best hotel for art and design: Sommerro Location: Oslo Oslo’s design-led hotel scene has been a slow burn – first came The Thief in 2013, known for its eclectic modern art,  then in 2019 Amerikalinjen brought a touch of funky nautical-chic to the Norwegian capital, and this hotel comes from the brand that has masterminded both: Nordic Hotels & Resorts.  Sommerro, in Oslo’s West End, has 231 rooms set inside the striking former HQ of electrical company Oslo Lysverket, and is Norway’s biggest conservation project to date. A multi-million pound renovation saw the 1930s building transformed into a hotel, which reads like a love letter to Norwegian design, and features works from acclaimed artist Per Krohg, including a wall fresco and ceiling mural throughout the property. Bedrooms, ranging from cosy lofts to vast suites, feature Art Deco details, oak parquet floors and hand-knotted rugs, with the most swish rooms kitted out with Murano glass chandeliers, four-poster beds, and dusky pink marble bathrooms with deep tubs. Home to four restaurants – including an outpost of popular Nordic-Japanese restaurant Tak, helmed by Frida Ronge, and To Sostre for tasty Smorrebrod (open-faced sandwiches) accompanied by live classical music – they use hyper-local ingredients, and offer experiences with a sustainable focus. With a trio of bars, and the city’s first year-round rooftop pool, it’s an all-round crowd-pleaser. Best hotels in France: Best hotel for a vineyard location: COMO Le Montrachet Location: Puligny-Montrachet, Cote-d’Or Much to the delight of fans who like to slumber in style, wellness guru COMO – known for its purpose-led ethos and high-end spa offering, with spoiling properties from Bali to Bhutan – has recently made its French debut in the heart of Burgundy’s wine region. Taking over and transforming the Hotel Le Montrachet, the 18th-century property sits across four heritage buildings, which ring a charming courtyard in Puligny-Montrachet. There are 30 rooms and suites to choose from, designed by Italian interiors whizz Paola Navone. Through its insider connections, COMO can also arrange unrivalled behind-the-scenes access to the area’s Grand Cru vineyards, too. Read more of our Europe hotel reviews: The best family-friendly Europe resorts Where to stay in Spain The best hotels in the Greek Isles Read more about Europe travel: The ultimate France travel guide How to spend two days in Porto Greece travel guide: Everything you need to know Read More The best European holiday destinations to travel to by train from London Best luxury UK hotels 2023: Where to stay for great food, family adventures and spa retreats Best family holiday destinations for 2023 that kids of all ages will love Best hotels with swimming pools in the UK: Where to stay for romance, relaxation and sky-high views The UK’s best seaside hotels 2023 8 best family adventure holidays in Europe that adults, teens and kids will love
2023-07-12 19:07
'Be water, my friend': China's first UFC champion channels her inner Bruce Lee
'Be water, my friend': China's first UFC champion channels her inner Bruce Lee
A decade ago, Zhang Weili was handing out flyers to rushing commuters in front of her local subway station. Now she's considered one of the best women's mixed-martial arts (MMA) fighters in history.
2023-10-05 10:16
Miami city commissioner charged with bribery and money laundering
Miami city commissioner charged with bribery and money laundering
Officials say a city of Miami commissioner accused of bribery and money laundering has been arrested on multiple corruption charges
2023-09-15 06:29
Wharton Professor Turned Israel Central Banker Gets Another Term
Wharton Professor Turned Israel Central Banker Gets Another Term
Israeli central bank Governor Amir Yaron is set for another five-year term after finally winning the backing of
2023-11-20 22:42
It began like any normal night at historic biker bar Cook’s Corner. It ended with a mass shooting
It began like any normal night at historic biker bar Cook’s Corner. It ended with a mass shooting
It began just like any other Wednesday night at the popular biker bar. Motorcycle riders and enthusiasts had gathered for drinks, food and fun with friends at Cook’s Corner, one of the most famous biker bars and restaurants in southern California. But, this one night took a devastating turn when a gunman opened fire, leaving at least three people dead and many others injured. The mass shooting suspect – identified by authorities as retired police officer John Snowling– was then shot and killed by responding officers. Reports suggest that Snowling’s wife Marie Snowling, who is being treated in hospital for gunshot wounds, was the target of the attack. Now, the southern California biker community has been left reeling, as the latest community rocked by the effects of gun violence in America. Cook’s Corner has been met with an outpouring of love and support on its Instagram account in the wake of the mass shooting. “I’m still trying to process what happened tonight,” Diana Simon, who works at Cook’s Corner, wrote on Facebook. “The loss and what it has done to all I care about. We are a family at Cook’s Corner. Marie lights up every room she walks in. Her smile and enthusiasm for life… it’s just so wrong. It all doesn’t feel real.” Here’s what we know so far about the shooting: The deadly shooting At around 7.04pm on Wednesday 23 August, authorities received a 911 call about a shooting at Cook’s Corner biker bar in California’s Orange County. Police said that the gunman opened fire at the bar, killing at least three people. Another six victims were injured including five who were hospitalised with gunshot wounds. Witnesses told CBS and KCAL News that the gunfire began in the picnic area. They said they initially heard about five or six shots before a brief pause. Shortly after, the shooting continued with an increased volley of fire. One witness told the outlet that he and a cook barricaded themselves in the kitchen to hide from the gunman. They armed themselves with a frying pan and waited until it was safe to come out, he said. The cook had been shot in the arm during the encounter. The witness also claimed that a pregnant woman had begged the gunman to spare her, saying “please don’t shoot me, I’m five months pregnant”. The gunman allegedly told her to “get out of here” and let her leave. Another man was not so fortunate, however, with the witness saying his friend was fatally shot in the back by the gunman. Police said that officers arrived on the scene of the shooting around two minutes after the 911 call came in. There, they encountered the gunman who was fatally shot at the scene. Six victims were taken to Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo for treatment. Two are in critical condition while four others are in stable condition. The suspect The suspected gunman was identified on Thursday as retired police officer John Snowling. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office said that Snwoling had been employed by the Ventura Police Department from 1984 until his retirement in 2014. According to an article published in 2012, Snowling led a patrol task force within the agency. Local media reports said that the incident began as a domestic dispute between the shooter and his wife, Marie Snowling. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department said it was looking into reports that the suspect first shot his wife at the bar. Despite earlier reports that Ms Snowling had not survived, her father William Mosby told The Orange County on Thursday that she is recovering from her injuries at Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo. “Her friend in the bar said she was shot in the lower jaw,” Mr Mosby told the outlet. “I’m extremely relieved, what I heard was the worst.” Mr Mosby described Snowling as a “crazy husband” who couldn’t cope with Ms Snowling’s request for a divorce. Ms Snowling’s friend Betty Fruichantie also told NBC that the two were enjoying a live performance at the popular biker’s bar when the gunman entered the establishment. “We were sitting there listening to the band and all of sudden, from behind us, we hear shooting. A bunch of shooting,” Ms Fruichantie said. “I thought it was just firecrackers, she didn’t say anything. People were getting shot. People were getting shot.” Ms Fruichantie said that Ms Snowling had recently filed for divorce and was staying with friends. The reaction The devasting shooting has left many in shock, including community members, gun control groups and lawmakers. In a press conference, undersheriff Jeff Hallock described the night as “difficult” for everyone involved and for the community. “I want to start off by offering condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Trabuco Canyon community,” he said. California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he was monitoring the shooting “and coordinating with local officials as more details become available”. Orange County supervisor Katrina Foley tweeted: “We must do more to protect survivors. Another domestic dispute led to another mass shooting. This as US v. Rahimi, being heard by SCOTUS following Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal decision ruling this lifesaving federal ‘red flag’ law unconstitutional. We must do more to protect survivors.” Senator Dave Min from Orange County said he was "devastated" by the news. “Our district is one of the safest areas in the country, and yet we too are repeatedly afflicted with the scourge of mass shootings,” he said. “An office park in Orange, a church in Laguna Woods, a bar in Trabuco Canyon. There is no place in America that is safe from the scourge of gun violence. There is no community not affected.” There have been more than 400 mass shootings in the US so far in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Read More Cook’s Corner shooting – live: Ex-cop John Snowling named as suspect who killed three in California biker bar Gunman in Cook’s Corner shooting identified as retired police officer John Snowling At least four dead in shooting at historic California biker bar
2023-08-25 02:08
ECB's Holzmann tells paper he wants cut in PEPP reinvestments from March
ECB's Holzmann tells paper he wants cut in PEPP reinvestments from March
VIENNA European Central Bank policymakers should discuss at their meeting next month whether to wind down bond reinvestments
2023-11-24 15:37
Italy’s Latest Night Train Is a €25,000 Luxury Getaway on Rails
Italy’s Latest Night Train Is a €25,000 Luxury Getaway on Rails
On Italy’s newest rail service, trains will take days to reach their destinations and tickets will cost thousands
2023-07-08 13:00
Mark Hughes insists Bradford feeling confident ahead of second leg
Mark Hughes insists Bradford feeling confident ahead of second leg
Bradford boss Mark Hughes insists his side are full of confidence and under no pressure as they prepare for their Sky Bet League Two play-off semi final second leg against Carlisle on Saturday. The Bantams hold a 1-0 lead heading into the all-important deciding leg at Brunton Park thanks to Jamie Walker’s strike. It is the first time Bradford have reached the play-offs since being relegated to the fourth tier in 2019 and is also Hughes’ first-time being involved in the post-season. Hughes claims his side are in the preferred position and are confident based on form heading into the play-offs. He told a press conference: “I would much rather be in our position than Carlisle’s. “Going there with a win under our belt, not only the scoreline but the confidence that winning a football match brings. If you look at the last 10 games, we’ve had more wins than Carlisle have and we are coming off the back of a win. “In terms of confidence, we are in a better place and there is absolutely no pressure on us because we are on the front foot and looking forward to the game and we are in a good frame of mind heading into it. “I don’t know if there are mind games going on, might be from Carlisle’s point of view but certainly not from us, we are just confident in our own ability.” Hughes is enjoying his first experience of the play-offs and whilst he has not been involved in the post-season before, he has drawn comparisons of the atmosphere at the University of Bradford Stadium to European nights at his previous clubs, and insists the big-game atmosphere on Saturday will not surprise his team. He continued: “I’ve enjoyed the occasion and atmosphere around the game. “It reminded me of the European nights and there’s a certain atmosphere and noise to a big crowd when there’s something on a game and to experience that again is something I enjoyed. “It’s been enjoyable in the play-offs, no different really to games at the top end of the Premier League or semi-finals I’ve been involved in. “They were very nervous in the opening period, which was a consequence of the stage and the atmosphere which will be replicated, not to the same extent, but they will have a big crowd and will have to deal with that. That’s what we are used to, every weekend basically. The teams have met three times already this season and have only produced two goals, both sides winning 1-0 sandwiched between a goalless draw in March and the Bradford boss is not falling for any mind games being played from the opposition camp. He said: “It’s part and parcel of the game, they will try and psych us out but we are in a good place in terms of where we are at and what we are about and we just want to get the job done. “We are ready for it, the game itself will be a challenge and everything surrounding it but I think we will deal with it well enough.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Rafael Nadal sights set on 2024 farewell tour after pulling out of French Open Khaled El-Ahmad hoping Barnsley help ‘young girls and women achieve their dream’ Manchester United’s Charlie Savage wants to make his own name in the game
2023-05-19 00:27