Kamis, 31 Desember 2015

 

UPCOMING MOVIES 2016.

 

January 2016 Releases 

February 2016 Releases 38

March 2016 Releases 33

April 2016 Releases 31

May 2016 Releases 17

June 2016 Releases 10

July 2016 Releases 14

August 2016 Releases 14

September 2016 Releases 11

October 2016 Releases 12

November 2016 Releases 13

December 2016 Releases 9

10 AMAZING UNDERWATER HOTELS.

 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stay underwater, surrounded by scores of marine life? You aren’t the only one to have this dream and fortunately the future is evolving faster than ever and out of the box thinkers are coming up with more incredible ways to stay, play and dine. Underwater hotels are one of the hottest new creations, and from Florida to the Maldives; there are now incredible underwater hotels you can stay at, provided you have pretty deep pockets. Some of these hotels are concepts, some are under construction and some are ready to have you spend the night. Check out these 10 amazing underwater hotels around the world.

10. Poseidon Undersea Resort -Katafinga Island, Fiji (under construction)

Although just a concept at the current time the Poseidon Undersea Resort looks to be the most luxurious of underwater hotels. This hotel has currently been under construction for 13 years but owners promise to have it open in the next couple years. For now; over 150,000 people have registered to stay here. What makes this underwater hotel so special? How about rooms that promise 70% of its exterior surface to look out into the water? Each suite is also going to come with controllable underwater lights and an external fish feeder. A large Jacuzzi tub with views of the sea floor and the finest linens and fabrics are also promised as part of every room. The resort offers endless amenities and experiences both above water and under. Promising first-class ocean views, an abundance of marine life, world-class dining and even a wedding chapel; prices look to start at $15,000 US per person per week for the all-inclusive vacation of a lifetime.
 

 

9. Shimao Wonderland Intercontinental -Shanghai, China

Located just 30 miles outside of Shanghai, this hotel is guaranteeing to be one of a kind and is attracting visitors to its unlikely location. The hotel is actually reviving an abandoned quarry and promises that the first two floors will actually be underwater, featuring an incredible aquarium and luxury guest rooms. This five-star hotel is actually being built inside the 100-metre deep, water-filled abandoned quarry and will offer stunning features such as waterfalls, hanging gardens, lakes and more. The nearby cliffs will provide the perfect place for guests to rock climb and bungee jump while the lake will be home to numerous water sports. The construction is expected to be done sometime in 2015 but the property remains incomplete at the time of this article. Prices are incredibly good and expected to start at $200 a night and this could quickly become of the more popular underwater hotels around the world.
Photo by: Atkins

 

8. The National Aquarium -Baltimore, MD

It’s not quite a hotel but sleeping beside the dolphins or sharks at The National Aquarium in Baltimore is an experience no adult or kid will ever forget. It is one of the only kid-friendly options for experiencing an underwater sleepover and while you are falling asleep under the watchful eye of the blacktip reef sharks as they glide above you, it feels as though you are truly underwater. Visitors here can choose to either sleep with the dolphins or the sharks, but both experiences offer much of the same. Dinner will be served kid-friendly style and aquarium staff teaches visitors the ins and outs of the animals. Next up is a 4D immersive movie of your choice followed by a tour of the aquarium after all other daily visitors are gone. Discover what sleeping underwater feels like, in this budget friendly, kid-centered excursion.
Warren Price Photography / Shutterstock.com

 

7. Hilton’s Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort, Maldives

Although the Ithaa is technically a restaurant for most of the time, this underwater gem can actually be turned into a hotel room for a hefty fee. It is located 16 feet below sea level and is one of the most intimate places on this list. To get here visitors must descend the spiral staircase through a thatched pavilion at the end of a jetty. What awaits patrons is a stunning transparent roof, an all glass structure and a romantic getaway. The hotel itself is located on a private island complete with an underground wine cellar, exceptional restaurants and matchless experiences such as snorkeling with whale sharks. The overwater spa is world renowned and visitors will partake in a total wellness transformation. This incredible romantic experience is topped off with clear waters, spectacular marine life, exceptional cocktails and the perfect honeymoon destination.
Photo by: Conrad Hotels & Resorts

 

6. Jules’ Undersea Lodge -Key Largo, Florida, USA

The only building that one must scuba dive to in order to reach it is Jules Undersea Lodge; part hotel and part research lab. This cottage like station invites guests to spend the night exploring the lagoon, having the infamous “take out” pizza or having a chef prepared gourmet meal. To get here visitors must be SCUBA certified as the lodge is located 21 feet underwater and requires you to dive. What awaits you in this lodge are hot showers, a well-stocked kitchen, books, music and movies. A comfortable bed is provided and there is nothing like snuggling up and watching the underwater life glide by through the huge round windows. Although it is less luxury than others on this list, it was truly the first underwater hotel and one of the most affordable ways to spend a night underwater.
Photo by: Jules' Undersea Lodge

 

5. Lovers Deep, St. Lucia

This luxury submarine is taking things to a whole new level underwater. Calling on guests to join the ‘mile low club’ a British travel company is offering this submarine to couples who want to spend a night below the waves. Complete with your own personal chef and butler, this night is fully catered to your every need. Lovers Deep prides itself on consulting couples before hand and creating the dream experience for them. The submarine interior is constructed and styled to their taste along with specific experiences. A special aphrodisiac tasting menu has been designed for this package and includes oysters, caviar and a decadent chocolate fondue ensuring that guests of this experience make the most out of their underwater adventure. Prices start at £87,000 (approximately $129,000 USD) per person so you best have deep pockets to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Photo by: Oliver's Travels

 

4. Equarius Hotel, Sentosa Resorts World, Singapore

Experience one of the world’s largest aquariums when you stay in one of the exclusive ocean suites located at the Equarius Hotel in Singapore. Designed as a two-story townhouse, these suites give guests the best of both above water and underwater experiences. Above the water is an open living room, outside patio and Jacuzzi tub while the lower levels gives guests access to 50,000 marine animals in their own private suite. Premium linens, fine furnishings and the best in design is what guests will expect when they stay here, along with a private butler. Feeding time is perhaps one of the favorite as guests can watch as divers go below the surface to interact with the marine life. With an array of dining experiences and attractions, one will want to spend more than just one night at this amazing hotel located at Sentosa Resorts World in Singapore.
Photo by: Simon_sees via Flickr

 

3. Utter Inn Hotel -Vasteras, Sweden

This floating art project opened in 2000 and immediately became a hit with the public. Visitors here won’t get five star accommodations or a personal butler, but they will get a unique experience unlike any other. The house is made up of one room above water and the bedroom below, reached by a rung ladder. The bedroom is underwater and consists of two small beds and one table and features four windows that let you get up close and personal with the marine life of the lake. An inflatable dingy takes you out to the hotel and it’s up to you how you spend your time. Paddling out to the nearby island, dining on a glass of wine on the patio or watching the fish soar out of the water are all popular choices. One thing’s for sure, this experience will be unforgettable.
Photo by: Vasteras

 

2. Atlantis, The Palm -Dubai, UAE

Only in Dubai will you find a bar of soap that has gold flakes right in it. It also happens to be the home of two incredible underwater suites that boast 1,776 square feet of space over three floors. Located at Atlantis, these luxury suites take underwater sleepovers to a whole new level. The suites offer floor-to-ceiling views from the bedrooms, lounge, and bathrooms into the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium, which holds 65,000 marine animals. A 24-hour butler, unlimited access to the waterpark and your own private dolphin encounter are included in the price tag of just $8,200 a night. Guests looking to be treated like a true VIP visitor while enjoying the views of 65,000 marine animals have found just the place they have been looking for at The Palm, Atlantis.
S-F / Shutterstock.com

 

1. The Manta Resort -Pemba Island, Zanzibar

This is perhaps the best underwater hotel room on this list in regards to actually being underwater, the services that are provided and the escape from reality it provides. This three level hotel floats on the Indian Ocean and offers guests the opportunity to explore the warm waters, observe the abundance of marine life and dine on exquisite food. The journey begins with a boat ride out to the hotel where a guide will show you around and explain how everything works. The main level features a lounge area and bathroom facility while the roof provides a place for sun and star worshippers to lounge. The bedroom is where guests will have unparalleled views of the marine life. Expect shoals of reef fish and coral during the day. At night, the underwater spotlights bring squid, octopus and more rarely seen creatures to your windows. World class service, the utmost privacy and an unforgettable experience awaits visitors here.
Photo by: The Manta Resort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 AWESOME AQUARIUMS WHERE YOU CAN SPEND THE NIGHT WITH SHARKS.

 

Imagine drifting off to sleep while a shark silently stalks above you, or a school of colorful fish dart in and out of coral, all while you are safely tucked into your warm sleeping bag, next to your kids, or a loved one. Aquariums around the world are taking experiences to a new level by offering a variety of overnight experiences. These sleepovers allow guests to explore the aquarium after dark, learn more about the marine life that live there and have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and participate in feedings and cleanings. From Toronto to California to South Africa, here are 10 awesome overnight aquarium experiences.

10. Vancouver Aquarium -Vancouver, BC

Spending a night at the Vancouver Aquarium is like no other in Canada, and offers visitors an exciting opportunity to go behind the scenes in their marine lab. Visitors on one of these sleepovers will have the opportunity to touch local invertebrates including live sea stars, anemones, sea urchins and more. Visitors can choose from different sleepovers including a family night where participants embark in a variety of activities, presentations and tours. They also offer an incredible Valentine’s night sleepover for the romantic couple that wants to create unique memories. A three course plated dinner, a presentation on the sex lives of sea animals and a behind the scenes tour is included with this sleepover. Fall asleep in the Arctic Canada underwater gallery to sights of the majestic beluga whales swimming right in front of your eyes in this awesome Canadian aquarium sleepover experience.

 f11photo / Shutterstock.comSergei Bachlakov / Shutterstock.com

9. Georgia Aquarium -Atlanta, GA

Sleeping at the aquarium doesn’t have to be just for kids as the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta offers adults-only nights, along with a variety of family themed nights. The family nights are recommended for ages seven and up and include a variety of activities and behind-the-scenes tours, specifically focusing on whales and sharks. The adults-only sleepovers here are hugely popular and for good reason. The behind-the-scenes tours, gallery tours, activities and events that the aquarium plans for adults gives you a once in a lifetime chance to get up close and personal with the marine animals. Dinner, snacks, a 4-D movie and more are all included here. Make sure to spend the next day talking in the dolphin show and exploring the aquarium during daytime hours.

The aquarium here is an exciting place to be after dark as the creatures that normally hide during daylight hours make their debut, while others seem to disappear right before your eyes. The sleep with the shark sleepover at the Maui Ocean Center offers a total hands-on experience complete with fun activities, education, crafts and a movie. Watch as the sharks behavior changes from day to night, learn more about the marine animals and even have the chance to help an ocean naturalist feed the turtles and rays. This sleepover program is offered to anyone ages six to 13, accompanied by an adult. When you are all tuckered out from a fun-filled night, curl up in your sleeping bag and watch the Open Ocean show of the mesmerizing Sea Jelly exhibit. This program is one of the most hands-on sleepovers and promises to delight visitors of all ages.
f11photo / Shutterstock.com

8. Maui Ocean Center -Wailuku, HI

The aquarium here is an exciting place to be after dark as the creatures that normally hide during daylight hours make their debut, while others seem to disappear right before your eyes. The sleep with the shark sleepover at the Maui Ocean Center offers a total hands-on experience complete with fun activities, education, crafts and a movie. Watch as the sharks behavior changes from day to night, learn more about the marine animals and even have the chance to help an ocean naturalist feed the turtles and rays. This sleepover program is offered to anyone ages six to 13, accompanied by an adult. When you are all tuckered out from a fun-filled night, curl up in your sleeping bag and watch the Open Ocean show of the mesmerizing Sea Jelly exhibit. This program is one of the most hands-on sleepovers and promises to delight visitors of all ages.

 Photo by: Joe Boyd via Flickr


7. Two Oceans Aquarium -Cape Town, South Africa

Not anyone can spend the night at this aquarium, but if you happen to be a member, part of an educational group or want to hold your child’s birthday party here; you will have access to a pretty awesome sleepover aquarium experience. The aquarium closes to the public at 6 pm, which allows sleepover guests plenty of time to explore the aquarium after dark. A kid-friendly dinner, a ton of planned activities, movies and more await guests here. Exhibits include the penguin exhibit, Indian Ocean gallery, touch pools, Atlantic Ocean gallery, predator exhibit and more. Birthday parties are perhaps the most popular sleepovers here, an experience your child will never forget. They happen to be best for children aged eight to 12.
InnaFelker / Shutterstock.com


6. Aquarium of the Pacific -Long Beach, CA

Grab your sleeping bag and prepare for the ultimate family adventure at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach California. This is one of the best sleepovers if you are looking for the most hands-on activities. Sleepover guests will embark on an awesome scavenger hunt with the whole family as well as have a pizza dinner, guaranteed to make every kid happy. Next up guests are encouraged to pet marine animals such as sharks, sea stars and sea jellies. You can even help participate in a fish feeding. A light snack before bed and the chance to paint your own souvenir t-shirt is also included with this experience. These themed overnights do fill up quickly and are normally offered in the summer, winter and Halloween; all complete with a different theme. These sleepovers also happen to be one of the most budget friendly on our list.

 Photo by: Tracie Hall via Flickr


5. Newport Aquarium -Newport, KY

This awesome overnight experience is something not to miss if you are in the Newport Area. First up, children and adults of all ages are welcome although they do recommend children be at least 6 years old. Each group of children must be accompanied by an adult and there will be no shortage of fun activities to keep everyone entertained all night long. Along with backstage animal experiences and encounters, sleepover guests will get guided tours, help with tank feedings and enjoy either a shark or penguin presentation. The sleeping areas include Shark Tunnel (our personal favorite), Jellyfish Gallery or Coral Tunnel. An evening snack and breakfast is included, as is admission to the aquarium the next day. At just $49 per person, this is an amazing price to check out what happens after dark at this ultra cool aquarium.
Photo by: Jeff Kubina via Wikimedia Commons

4. SeaWorld -San Diego, CA and San Antonio, TX

For any animal lover ages four to 14, with an adult chaperone, a family sleepover at SeaWorld might just be the most unforgettable and exciting night of your life. Your event begins at 5:45 pm where guests will be invited to check in and eat a delicious pasta dinner. Following that are a multitude of animal encounters and fun and educational activities. Bedtime ranges between 10 pm to midnight and sleepover guests are encouraged to explore SeaWorld the entire next day, as admission is included. Kids also love the fact that they get a souvenir SeaWorld sleepover t-shirt to take home. If you happen to take the kids to SeaWorld San Antonio, try to visit during the Christmas season and stay overnight at the South Pole with the penguin encounter. Nothing says Merry Christmas than waking up to these cheerful creatures. Whichever experience you decide to try, you won’t be disappointed at SeaWorld.
Roka / Shutterstock.com

3. Monterey Bay Aquarium -Monterey Bay, CA

Seashore sleepovers at this aquarium offer animal loves the chance to experience the aquarium after hours, even choosing to sleep next to your favorite exhibit. Check in begins at 6 pm and sleeping areas are first come first serve, which means you best come early to get the sleeping area you want. The doors close at 8 pm to the general public and that is truly when the adventure begins. Special programming throughout the night means you won’t ever be bored and participants can choose to explore the aquarium on their own or participate in one of the many activities. A light evening snack is offered and bedtime is between 10:30 pm and 11 pm. In the morning have a continental breakfast in the café and spend the rest of the day exploring the aquarium by daylight.
 Monterey Bay Aquarium


2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada -Toronto, ON

Let’s talk facts; this aquarium features over 16,000 animals, North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel and more than 100 interactive exhibits, including three touch exhibits featuring horseshoe crabs, sharks and rays. What makes this aquarium even better, which we didn’t think was possible, is there shark sleepovers. Yes we said shark sleepovers. Visitors are invited throughout the year to curl up under the famous shark tank and sleep under the watchful eyes of the scary sharks that swim overhead. Included in this experience is admission to the aquarium in the evening and the next day, a take home activity in the classroom and a late night snack plus breakfast. The aquarium does remain open to the general public until 11 pm on the night of the sleepover but rest assured you will be the only ones that get to experience the overnight in the dangerous lagoon tunnel, packed full of sand tiger sharks, roughtail stingrays and green sea turtles.
mikecphoto / Shutterstock.com

1. National Aquarium in Baltimore -Baltimore, MD

It is no surprise that this impressive aquarium boasts two awesome sleepovers for anyone over the age of eight. Visitors here can choose to sleepover with the dolphins or the sharks, each offering unique programming. For dolphin lovers the evening begins with a talk from the marine mammal team where you will get to know the dolphins and discover how they learn and play. From there, a kid-friendly dinner is served and you are off to experience the 4-D immersion films, explore the aquarium after dark and discover the behind-the-scenes area with expert guides. Fall asleep in one of the underwater viewing areas and in the morning help wake the dolphins up with an exclusive enrichment session. If you choose to sleep with the sharks, expect much of the same experiences; only substitute the dolphin with the shark. A once in a lifetime opportunity awaits you here at this awesome aquarium.
LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com





















Selasa, 29 Desember 2015

Inside the Global Sushi Challenge:

 

No cream cheese, chatting or gloves

 The winner of this gruelling, 14-country competition to find the world’s best sushi chef must combine precision, creativity and speed – as well as high-end hospitality skills and very a thick skin.

 

The man behind the counter moves as slowly as an ancient, majestic Galápagos tortoise. This is Jiro Ono, the greatest sushi chef in the world.
It’s the last week of November, and I’m in Tokyo to be a judge at the final of the Global Sushi Challenge, a new competition to find the world’s best sushi chef, and have stopped by Jiro Sushi for lunch to get a benchmark. Jiro-san, who turned 90 last month, is a national treasure in Japan and is now famous worldwide, thanks to the 2013 documentary Jiro: Dreams of Sushi.
He is not competing; he has nothing to prove. He has made sushi all his life and stands here, behind the six-seat counter of his unassuming basement restaurant for dinner, five days a week (plus lunch on Saturdays), moulding the nigiri perhaps a little more slowly these days, but still with steady precision.
It is unfair to compare a three-Michelin star, £165 meal with sushi made in the heat of competition, and I realise this is irritating given how difficult and costly it is to get a reservation, but this is the best sushi I have ever eaten: the rice, still warm and prepared so that the grains hold together just long enough to reach your mouth, is bracingly vinegared but balances perfectly with the umami-rich, aged raw fish and fresh shellfish.
After the meal, I ask him how he celebrated his birthday. He came to work as usual, he says with a shrug. This is what he does, this is his life. “The life of the shokunin [a Japanese artisan] is like a sportsman,” nods his son, Yoshikazu.
The Japanese take sushi very seriously indeed, and have created an organisation to promote good sushi-making around the world. The Tokyo-based World Sushi Skills Institute (WSSI) is funded by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to tackle such horrors as mushy supermarket sushi, “Asian” restaurants that serve Thai, Chinese and Japanese food from the same kitchen and, in particular, poor hygiene leading to the kind of food poisoning outbreaks that recently prompted the New York Hygiene department to insist sushi chefs wear plastic gloves (“Can’t make sushi with gloves!” one of the city’s leading sushi chefs barked when I asked him about this).

My first insight into the WSSI’s global quality-control strategy came when I was a judge at the British round of the competition held at London’s Nobu in September.
 Hirotoshi Ogawa, a short, straight-backed Japanese man wearing a white lab coat and brandishing a clipboard, is the WSSI’s chief examiner. He tells me to keep a special eye on whether contestants regularly rinse their hands in the bowl of vinegared water provided, essential for killing bacteria.
Nine professional sushi chefs (seven male, two female) are competing here in London to reach the final in November in Tokyo. Some are from prominent London restaurants – Saka No Hana and Sushi Samba – oligarch canteens, essentially. Some are from less prominent spots, such as Sam Butler from Shrewsbury’s House of the Rising Sun.
They face three challenges: the first is to make a plate of classic Edomae sushi in 10 minutes. This is the style that evolved in Tokyo in the 19th century, based on seafood caught in the city’s bay and nearby, and which, loosely speaking, is the nigiri/maki sushi we know best in the West. Only the members of the WSSI are deemed knowledgeable enough to judge this round. The second round, “original sushi’, requires the contestants to make 20 pieces in their own style in one hour; for the final round, they have to present a single piece of their signature nigiri for the judges to taste.
The 10-minute challenge begins: contestants must make seven nigiri and one maki roll. “In Japan, the chefs are perhaps not so creative, but they are much faster. There, we only give them two minutes,” Ogawa confides.
 
 He has impeccable credentials for the job. After seven years training in Tokyo, the first five of which were mostly spent carrying out menial tasks, Ogawa worked for some years in Sydney, serving sushi to the likes of Nicole Kidman and Keaunu Reeves, and then ran his own restaurant in Tokyo.
The work of the World Sushi Skills Institute is not without controversy, he admits. In Japan, there is anxiety among some chefs about disseminating the secrets of great sushi to the outside world. Outside of Japan, there has been resentment at what many see as their finger-wagging approach. “They are very strict about what they think is the right way to do things,” one of the contestants grumbled to me out of earshot of the Japanese judges. Some of the contestants here today in London have been working as chefs for over eight years, so it can’t have been easy being told everything they knew was wrong.
In the end, the judges agree that, against the odds, the whisky-chocolate-smoked-salmon nigiri made by Wojciech Popow is the best single piece in the London round – but he is not going to the final in Tokyo. A shell-shocked Xia Jia Tian from Rome, currently working at restaurant Kouzu, close to Victoria station, is the winner.
Tian and I meet again in the last week of November, in the vast function room of a posh hotel in Tokyo. This time, I am judging alongside Yoshihiro Narisawa (multi-award winning chef at his eponymous Tokyo restaurant), and Ryu Hwan Tan of Michelin-starred Ryunique, in Seoul, plus the WSSI chefs. There are 14 finalists – all male. and there are TV crews from Japan, Turkey, Korea, France and elsewhere.
I shadow Narisawa and Ryu, and back in the judges’ room we are in agreement: the US and Norway were excellent, and I can see Tian has been practicing hard, but Dae-Won Han from Korea just pips the Japanese chef. However, Han cut his finger at one point, incurring a penalty that drops him to seventh. Narisawa politely protests, but for a sushi chef to cut his finger in front of diners is unthinkable. The decision is upheld.


The winner is, perhaps inevitably, Japanese: 45-year-old Jun Jibiki of Tokyo’s Koma Sushi. “I felt so much pressure, being the Japanese entrant,” Jibiki tells me afterwards. “I really understand for the first time the creative possibilities with sushi.”
On stage at the award ceremony, Ogawa-san takes the microphone, and the exhausted contestants, still in their chefs’ whites, line up behind him in front a 200-strong crowd.
After a few words, much to everyone’s astonishment, this tireless taskmaster breaks down and begins to cry. Months of tension are released as he thanks the contestants and praises their efforts, tears streaming down his face.