What next for the UK as election result is a ‘hung parliament’?

The UK general election has officially ended in a hung parliament, the first since 1974 as voters remained undecided on which political party should lead the country from today.

Some political analysts believe that David Cameron’s Conservatives would gain a small majority, but early exit polls strongly indicated a hung parliament, with the Conservatives gaining the most amount of seats. It was disappointing for the Liberal Democrats as it indicated that they actually lost seats.

With a few constituencies still to record their results, the election will officially end in a hung parliament with no party gaining the overall majority of 326 seats. The Conservatives have recorded their biggest swing in gaining the most amount of seats in nearly 70 years, while Labour have lost the most amount of seats for the first time since the 1930’s. The Lib Dem’s have also performed worse than expected, despite a rise of 1% in votes for the party on 2005.

Gordon Brown will remain prime minister for the time being unless he immediately resigns from his position. It is now his duty to make a decision on whether he wishes to form a coalition party, probably with the Liberal Democrats, to command support in a new parliament. This is what happened in the last hung parliament in 1974 when then prime minister Edward Heath attempted to form a coalition with the Liberals. This lasted four days until Harold Wilson was bought in to govern on a Conservative minority which turned into a majority at the next election.

However, the Conservatives will also be trying to forge a coalition, possibly with the Lib Dems, putting the leader Nick Clegg in an advantageous position in terms of negotiations.

Although there is no set date for a government to be formed, it is likely that this will be by the time the Queen gives her speech on 25^th May, although commentators believe that we could see a possible outcome in the next few days.

If no majority support can be formed, then there will be a second election.

Nick Clegg has said that he will speak to the Tories first to see if they come to some sort of aggrement. Gordon Brown has reached out to Nick Clegg saying that he would be open to electoral reform in exchange for a coalition. In addition, the SNP and Green Party have ruled out teaming up with a Conservative government.

For more information on how this result will affect your money and investments, please visit www.wealthandlivingmagazine.com.

Australian Ballet Highlights on Hamilton Island

The Australian Ballet is set to return to qualia, the luxury Great Barrier Reef resort on Hamilton Island, this year for an intimate sunset performance entitled ‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’.

 This year’s outdoor performance will take place over the Queen’s birthday weekend from 11th–13th June, and will feature an outstanding Australian Ballet cast with three Principal Artists: Lucinda Dunn, Robert Curran, Rachel Rawlins and Senior Artist, Andrew Killian

The weekend will also provide a strong focus on first-class dining as well as the opportunity to interact with the artists and executives from The Australian Ballet including a Q&A session and an open rehearsal on the day of the performance.

 qualia regularly hosts high profile events and has firmly established itself at one of Australia’s most luxurious, ‘must visit’ properties. A stay on Hamilton Island also offers guests a choice of over 40 activities ranging from bushwalking to windsurfing, not to mention golf at Hamilton Island Golf Club), Australia’s only 18-hole championship golf course situated on its own island.

 If you want to experience the beauty of Hamilton Island, and indeed the beauty of the Australian Ballet, Bridge & Wickers are offering a 10 night holiday to Australia which will include the “Pas de Deux in Paradise” package. It is priced from £3,632 per person and includes:

• Return international and domestic flights with Qantas Airways from Heathrow
• 4-nights’ at the Amora Jamison in Sydney on a room only basis
• Return private airport transfers in Sydney
• 6 nights’ accommodation at qualia including breakfast, plus all meals and non alcoholic drinks on the two nights of the ballet weekend (11th and 12th June)
• Attendance at The Australian Ballet performance
• Use of a two-seater electric golf buggy
• Return Hamilton Island airport/marina transfers
• Use of non-motorised watercraft

 For more information, please visit www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk.

To view other luxury holidays and tours, please visit our website www.wealthandlivingmagazine.com.

Money can’t even buy you a Private Jet through the ash cloud

As the ash cloud crisis rages on, doing to UK airspace what unions and terrorists have never achieved, those frantically trying to get home are attempting everything they can to be at work/school/university this week. With UK airspace reportedly closed until at least 01:00 Tuesday morning, stranded passenger are getting desperate. However, as this press release from privatefly.com shows, desperation counts for nothing if Europe is deemed a no fly zone.

In the last 24 hours online private jet platform www.privatefly.com, have been inundated with private jet charter requests from people trying to get in and out of the UK, willing to pay whatever it takes to get on a flight. Hits to PrivateFly’s online cost calculator and iPhone app have increased 300-fold, dealing with unprecedented jet requests from frustrated air travellers grounded in UK airports, by the cloud of volcanic ash that sits over Europe. 

 But until the airspace is reopened, private jets are under the same no-fly restrictions as scheduled airlines. However, Adam Twidell, PrivateFly’s CEO says they are making all preparations to swiftly move customers as soon as possible. “Budgets have gone out of the window for some customers, but not even all the money in the world can buy you out of a Volcano no-fly zone”

Business and leisure travellers alike are finding themselves stranded. First thing this morning, the PA to a team of four corporate lawyers put out an urgent request to the private jet booking network. They needed to sign an agreement in Nice at 1300 hrs today, Eurostar is completely booked up, and they were willing to pay over £100,000 (over 10 times the market value) to find an aircraft and crew willing to break the no-fly zone. 

 Families and leisure travellers have also turned to private charter for the first time. A Kent-based couple, Mr & Mrs Davis, are due to attend their daughter’s wedding in Geneva this afternoon but their scheduled airline was cancelled last night. “We’re not part of the private jet set, but what price do you put on attending your daughter’s wedding? Money is no object here” said the father of the bride.

 However, Twidell says “We have mounting requests to be the first out. By using smaller, local airfields without slot restrictions, and by accessing our online network of over 7000 aircraft based worldwide, we will be in the best position possible to help people stranded by the airline backlog and chaos”

 “Private charter is about flexibility, time-saving and direct A to B travel.  It’s no longer about luxury, or for the privileged few – and even outside of these exceptional circumstances; we are seeing many consumers now turning to private charter when it really counts”. 

For further information, please contact PrivateFly at www.privatefly.com, or by calling 01747 642777.

Latest information from Europe is that Romania will reopen its main Bucharest airports from 1200 GMT and may re-open all its airports on Tuesday. Denmark reopens its airspace for flights above 35,500 feet but restrictions on planes flying below that limit will remain in place. Italy had to urgently re-close its northern airspace after briefly opening it on Monday morning. Flights will be grounded until at least 08:00 (06:00 GMT) on Tuesday.

Explore Iceland’s Volatile Volcanoes

With Iceland’s volcanoes currently as active as ever, there is no better opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most fascinating geological countries.

Use a 4x4 to explore Iceland activity

Although for the time being flights are disrupted around Iceland and the UK due to volcanic ash, a trip to the home of some of the most awe inspiring natural occurrences is one not to miss.

In light of the increased activity on the island, Black Tomato has included two new packages to their list of amazing experiences. A trip to Fimmvörðuháls glacier by 4×4 or helicopter to see lava, which is exploding out of a 100 meter long fissure, reaching up to heights of 400 metres. The flows of the molten rock are causing a breathtaking addition to the scenery. You can get up close to the action either by helicopter or in a 4×4 and even try to dodge the flows on a snowmobile – this is not for the faint hearted!

Or get up close and personal to the action in a helicopter

Black Tomato offers 2 nights in Iceland from £899pp based on two people sharing. Includes flights, hotel and transfers by 4×4 to Fimmvörðuháls glacier to see the eruptions. For the same amount of nights, flights and transfer prices start from £1,039pp for the helicopter tour.

To reserve your place, please visit, http://blog.blacktomato.co.uk/2010/04/a-volcano-has-erupted/ or call +44 (0) 207 426 9888. The eruptions will not be around for long, don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Luxury holidays with a selfless twist

Over the past few years the tourism industry has experienced a shift by some towards holidays that provide an eco friendly and sustainable visit, and also holidays that allow you to help others less fortunate than you.

Once the premise of charity workers and those on enriching gap year programmes, the volunteering aspect or tourism is designed to be rewarding for both parties involved as well as sustainable for the local community. In this day and age you don’t even have to make the whole of your holiday about volunteering in the country you are in. Included in the price of your holiday are days that are set aside where you will venture into the local town and help out.

Not only will your efforts be rewarded with a sense of well being, but you are able to get to know the real side to the country and experience some stunning scenery not seen be those on the traditional tourist trails.

Hands Up Holidays are one such company that offers a luxury holiday with a difference. The company believe that everybody should have a remarkable experience while on holiday with the perfect mix of holiday and volunteering. The experiences are not only limited to helping out in third world countries, you can also help out with conservation in places such as Australia.

Following devastating floods in February, Hand Up Holidays have introduced a Patching up Peru trip which aims to help the locals rebuild towns and settlements, while allowing you a luxury holiday in the beautiful country and immersing yourself in local customs.

The heavy rains destroyed around 16,000 farming hectares, washed away 30 bridges, rendered 5,000 homes uninhabitable and damaged the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people. Famous for its Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, Peru relies heavily on tourism, yet has seen 90% of recent bookings cancelled as a result of the flooding. On the Patching Up Peru holiday guests not only support local tourism by staying in a gorgeous chalet-style hotel, but they have a real opportunity to make a difference to the local community.

The adventure begins with a night in the capital Lima, before moving onto ancient Cuzco (11,000ft) to acclimatise and enjoy an Inca Sites Tour. Guests then spend four meaningful days volunteering in the small Andean community of Cachicatta in the mystical Sacred Valley. Here guests will help with the restoration of houses and with the funding for a new irrigation system, both vital for the coming dry season which will see night time temperatures plummet.

An 8-day Patching Up Peru trip costs from £1,600 per person sharing, including all accommodation with 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 1 dinner, all scheduled activities, donation of £200 for volunteer materials, English-speaking guide and all internal transport. International flights are extra. www.handsupholidays.com.

If you are keen to volunteer but for whatever reason do not want to be so hands on in rebuilding communities, then Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili by Six Senses in the Maldives are offering guests the opportunity to give something back. From the beginning of June to October 2010, guests staying 5 nights are being offered an additional 5 nights free, in return for five hours of volunteer work each day in the first five days.

Guests at the hotel can choose from a host of work to make the island more sustainable and help local families. The areas of work include:

Marine conservation where those who are able to dive and snorkel will be taught how to boost coral reef recovery and learn how to protect the under threat shark population.

Waste management where guests will help local families to become self sufficient, reducing the importation of food that can be cultivated in their community.

Carbon mitigation which involves planting trees to give locals more shade in order to reduce power costs and carbon emissions.

Youth education which involves geography talks and teaching about western cultures and your profession.

Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili are sustainably built villas which are tucked amongst lush jungle vegetation on a private island and over the iridescent coral sea of the Maldives archipelago.  An array of gourmet cuisine alternatives is available at both properties including an organic restaurant on stilts in an organic vegetable garden and a Japanese and Peruvian restaurant on the water’s edge.

Carrier (www.carrier.co.uk) offers 10 nights for the price of 5 at Soneva Fushi in a Rehendi Room from £1,870 per person based on two people sharing on a room only basis. Price includes return flights with Qatar Airways from London Heathrow and private transfers.

Those seeking holidays which allow volunteering opportunities are now able to find a vast array of choice even through traditional travel agents, showing how eco and sustainable tourism is slowly taking shape. Volunteering while overseas can give you a valuable insight in to how different communities work, allowing you to take away a worthwhile experience from you travels.

Is voluntary work while on holiday going in the direction that soon all holidays will offer the same experiences, or are there still some who want to remain ignorant of a country’s ‘other side’? Comments please!

Please visit www.wealthandlivingmagazine.com to find out information of other eco tours including sustainable safari tours in Africa.

Culture and music in Hamburg

Theatre and dance, museums and musicals, art and concerts – in Hamburg you are surrounded by culture. Whether you prefer classical or modern, traditional or avant-garde, Hamburg is a city that caters for every taste and is well worth discovering.

The Elbjazz Festival on 28^th and 29^th May 2010 is a hotly anticipated event. Hamburg’s port, the ‘gateway to the world’, will be transformed into a stage, with a series of 30 concerts taking place at ten different venues an experience that promises that is not to be missed.

The line up promises high calibre jazz performances, bringing together an eclectic mix of newcomers and legendary musicians, local stars and big international names, most notably Till Brönner, one of Germany’s best-known and most successful jazz musicians.

The concert venues are as unusual as they are exclusive, among them is the deck of the Cap San Diego museum ship, the atrium of Unilever House in HafenCity and the medieval St. Katherine’s Church, all of which will be sure to provide a sensational backdrop for the upcoming musical events.

This is only a small sample of the cultural attractions which Hamburg and Germany has to offer. With more than 40 theatres, just as many museums, 160 galleries and three state orchestras, Hamburg caters for every taste.

If anyone knows of any other weird and wonderful sights in Hamburg, or even in other cities in Germany, let us know.

Enjoy a Luxurious Post-Easter Getaway (Take me with you?)

Whether you live in the UK and are keen to escape the so-called spring that seems to have arrived for one day and disappeared again. Or perhaps you live abroad and fancy a break from it all? Well fear not here we have put together a list of some luxurious holidays and breaks that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Specialist tour operator for discerning travellers, Kirker Holidays, has added several exciting new itineraries to its sought-after Cultural Tours & Music Holidays programme for 2010. One new addition is sure to impress opera enthusiasts and aspiring jet setters – The Maria Callas Experience. This unique short break offers customers the opportunity to spend a night on board ‘Christina O’, the luxurious yacht on which shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis famously entertained Elizabeth Taylor, Sir Winston Churchill and John & Jackie Kennedy. Departing in May and June, the three-night trip also includes a Maria Callas operatic recital and gastronomic eight-course dinner as well as return flights to Nice, return helicopter transfers to Monte Carlo and two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at Monaco’s four-star deluxe Hotel Port Palace. Price is from £2,650 pp.

If you want to get away for some post-Easter luxury then maybe Egypt will take your mind off your hectic scedule. Enjoy a leisurely cultural break in Egypt gliding down the Nile on the 5* Viking Princess for just £799 per person succeeded by a complimentary 7-nights hotel stay in Luxor or El Gouna on the Red Sea. Price includes flights from Gatwick or Manchester, full board accommodation on board the Viking Princess, plus 10 guided excursions, transfers and bed and breakfast accommodation in Luxor or El Gouna. Contact Discover Egypt on 0844 880 0462 www.discoveregypt.co.uk.

If you want a late getaway with the kids then treat yourself to a 5* holiday at the luxurious Aldemar Royal Mare Hotel in Crete. The hotel is located on the coast close to Hersonissos and includes the Royal Mare Thalasso Therapy Spa – one of the world’s top Thalassotherapy centres. Prefer to be more active? Then a clay court tennis academy is another great facility on site. Prices start from £556 per person including flights, transfers and half board accommodation in a twin bedded room, based on two adults sharing. Holiday must be booked by 30 April 2010. www.olympicholidays.com.

Saint Lucia’s only member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Cotton Bay Village, has unveiled its new ‘Fully Loaded’ concept, an inclusive board basis that ensures guests can relax and enjoy world-class dining and resort facilities without thoughts of budgeting intruding on their sun-soaked reverie. Guests who opt for the ‘Fully Loaded’ experience will enjoy full daily breakfasts; two course lunches at Cotton Bay Village’s informal waterside restaurant Beach Club 14° 61°; and sumptuous three-course dinners in their choice of Beach Club 14° 61° or the resort’s renowned fine dining restaurant, Piano Piano.

Also included are unlimited soft drinks, house beers, house wines and house spirits by the glass. Those feeling the need to work up an appetite in order to make the most of their mealtimes can also make use of the state-of-the-art fitness centre and non-motorised water sports facilities as part of the ‘Fully Loaded’ package. Parents can even look forward to some precious, peaceful “me time” with complimentary use of the Hummingbird Crèche and Kids Club and complimentary use of the Heaven Spa’s relaxation room, indoor saline pool and steam room also included. Sovereign Holidays offers seven nights ‘Fully Loaded’ at Cotton Bay Village from £1,499 per person, saving up to £450 per person. For more information and bookings please call 0871 200 6677 or visit www.sovereign.com.

For more ideas on hotels, keep visiting our website www.wealthandlivingmagazine.com where we will include the most luxurious hotels and holidays.

Luxury Hotel News From Around the World

If you are looking into the top luxurious hotels for a holiday, special occasion or business trip then read on for a full round up on the latest hotel news.

View over Melbourne

The Crown Metropol in Melbourne, Australia is scheduled to open imminently and is now taking bookings from May 2010. The hotel will feature a sky bar on level 28 from which to view the beautiful skyline of Melbourne (it’s really pretty, trust me) and Australia’s first Gordon Ramsey restaurant Maze. With 658 rooms and suites including 12 spa rooms and an exclusive apartment on level 25 which includes a butler’s kitchen, the Crown Metropol will aim to provide a luxury experience for the guests. Introductory rates are available from AUS$249 for a ‘Luxe’ room. Contact reservations@crownmetropol.com.au for more details.

Leading luxury spa brand, ESPA launched into the Leela Palace, Kempinski Udaipur, India in February 2010.  With a tented ESPA spa at the hotel, the spa will offer the most sumptuous experience. Udaipur, known as the ‘Venice of the East’ is home to Rajasthan’s most exquisite lakes and scenery and sits on the banks of Lake Pichola. Every ESPA treatment is a totally personal, luxurious and caring experience, with treatments reflecting a fusion of the latest scientific advances, with Ayurvedic and European therapies. For further information on the treatments offered please visit www.espaonline.com or www.theleela.com/hotel-udaipur.html.

Spa beds Udaipur

The Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is located in Knysna on the Western Cape of South Africa. The hotel offers stunning luxury private accommodation set right on the beach. Pezula is ideally located for anyone wanting to venture in to the heart of South Africa around the time of the World Cup. During the tournament in South Africa the national team of France will be enjoying the luxury facilities of the Hotel and Spa. A French teacher has been bought in especially for the occasion so the staff are able to converse with the players come June. For more information please visit www.pezularesorthotel.com.

Pezula Hotel & Resort

K West Hotel & Spa launched its new holistic spa in February after an extensive £2 million spend on the building. The K spas, one of London’s luxury spas, hosts the first “Snow Paradise” in the city. Developed by the German spa specialists, Klafs, this unique Finnish experience invites guests to freeze their way to good health in a cooling oasis of serenity in the finest natural powder snow.  At a tingling -15ºC, The Snow Paradise is reminiscent of a winter-white snow-drift. For full health benefits, guests are advised to experience a hot-cold therapy by alternating between steamy and icy environments.  The sudden and extreme change in temperature stimulates the body’s circulation, and is also beneficial for the immune system. For reservations, please call: 020 8008 6600 or visit www.k-west.co.uk.

Room at the Riad el Fenn

The filming of SATC 2 in Marrakesh has once again bought the remarkable Moroccan city to the forefront of travel plans. One such hotel that has enjoyed the onslaught of shoppers keen to shop like the ladies in the film is the newly extended Riad El Fenn. The hotel has extended into a neighbouring property, now comprises five historic buildings, filled with lavish new suites, some with their own private terrace and plunge-pools. Expect the VIP treatment with a roof-top putting green, an intimate private screening room with a vast library of DVDs, iPod docks and WiFi in every room, a full spa and an authentic Moroccan hammam.  Two swimming pools heated by solar panels are available to all. A double room including breakfast, airport transfers and refreshments costs from £240 – £495 per night, depending on the room.  For further information contact Riad El Fenn on www.riadelfenn.com or 00212 524 44 1210. 

April 2010 marks the 115^th Anniversary of the still contemporary Irish novelist, poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde, being arrested for “gross indecency” in Room 118 of The Cadogan Hotel in Knightsbridge, London. To commemorate and pay tribute to Oscar Wilde, who was a frequent visitor, The Cadogan will host a high profile celebrity event on 22 April 2010. The charity event will include an Auction where the proceeds will go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.  Bids can also be placed on the web prior to the event.  Exciting lots will include luxury products and experiences. Guests who wish to experience Oscar Wilde’s decadence should reserve the “Green Carnation Package”.  For reservations call 020 7235 7141 or visit www.cadogan.com.

The Sukhothai Bangkok

Finally, The Sukhothai Bangkok, which is celebrating its 18^th birthday this year, has unveiled the first phase of renovations to 40 of the hotel’s superior rooms, with all 100 rooms to be completely refurbished by July 2010. The current refurbishment has been undertaken by internationally-renowned interior designer Edward Tuttle, who masterminded the original interior designs for the property and has a long association with some of the world’s finest luxury hotels and resorts.  Amenities have been upgraded to include integrated bars and new flat screen televisions discreetly installed behind grey mirrors to blend seamlessly with the room when switched off.  In the bathroom, guests will find compartmental shower and toilet areas remodelled in classic Sukhothai black granite and mirrored cabinets to create a depth of space.

Please keep checking back to our website www.wealthandlivingmagazine.com where we will be featuring some of these hotels in more detail in the coming months.

If you have visited any of the above hotels, leave a comment and let us know what it was like.

Luxurious Easter Retreats and Getaways

If you want to escape this Easter but are stuck for ideas as to where to go, we have compiled a list of top destinations and locations that would make the perfect Easter weekend getaway. From hotels and resorts, to luxury hideaways and spas to family activities, there’s something for everybody.

If you have never been to the tiny island of Malta, then a trip over the Easter weekend will enlighten you to the festivities of this very Catholic country. Easter in Malta is traditionally a time for repentance and rejoicing.  Festivities start on Maundy Thursday, when people visit numerous churches and the Last Supper display.  On Good Friday, all churches close their doors at noon in preparation for the solemn processions that are held in main towns.  Easter Sunday is a day of celebrations that start with the procession of the risen Christ.   

The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux in Malta is offering a four-night Easter package available from 1 until 5 April 2010. The package includes 4 night’s accommodation in a Deluxe Suite with panoramic views, Private tour to the Last Supper exhibitions on Friday morning from 10am to 13pm, Easter Sunday lunch in the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, de Mondion and Transfers with an executive chauffeur service from and to Malta International Airport. This special Easter package costs €1,800.00 based on two people sharing.  For more information please visit www.xarapalace.com.mt.

The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux in Malta

For luxury family fun this Easter weekend full of adventure and adrenalin, head to Sheen Falls Lodge, the 5* privately owned Relais & Chateau country house hotel in Kenmare, Co Kerry, Ireland. Here, the kids can enjoy rough track safari cycling, raft building, horse riding, archery, fishing, orienteering and woodland treasure hunts. The kids can enjoy an action packed adventure holiday and parents can enjoy a well deserved break using the facilities or just enjoy a good book in front of a roaring log fire. The Easter Action and Adventure Package includes: overnight accommodation in a Deluxe Room, complimentary accommodation for up to 2 children, Full Irish Breakfast, Transfers and full day or half day access to the Activity Camp at The Eclipse Centre including lunch. This package is available from 5^th – 10^th April 2010. For information on prices and other availability, please visit www.sheenfallslodge.ie.

If you are staying in or visiting the UK this Easter Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is offering up to 50% off rates for stays between 31 March and 25 April 2010. If that wasn’t enough, families staying at their chosen hotel will also receive a £10 voucher per room, per night which can be redeemed against many of the activities available including golf or spa treatments. Macdonald Hotels have also teamed up with Thorntons to surprise those staying at selected hotels with treats in the form of eggs and boxes of Metropolitan chocolates. Selected hotels include, Aviemore Highland Resort, Forest Hills Hotel & Resort, Craxton Wood, Elmers Court Hotel & Resort, Berystede Hotel & Spa and Linden Hall Golf & Country Club. To book this offer please call Central Reservations on 0844 879 9200 or visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/egg, quoting promotional code EAM.

Macdonald Hotel Alveston Manor

For luxury further afield, the Bitter End Yacht Club have announced event dates based around the Caribbean. The Bitter End Yacht Club is a family-owned and operated island outpost known for its historical charm and exclusivity.  Accessible only by sea, it is located on Virgin Gorda Island in the British Virgin Islands.  The lush, beachfront resort is a sailing and watersports mecca, thanks to its near perfect year-round sailing conditions, eternal sunshine and crystal-blue waters. Between March 29^th and April 4^th will be the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, presented by Nanny Cay Marina. In addition, the event will also host the British Virgin Islands Windsurfing championship. The weeklong event takes you throughout the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Starting at Nanny Cay, the Sailing Festival races up the Sir Frances Drake Channel to the renowned Bitter End Yacht Club. Visitors can participate in the entire seven day BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival, just the four-day Festival, or the three-day Regatta. See the Bitter End Yacht Club’s website for details of accommodation available. www.beyc.com.

Bitter End Yacht Club

If you are looking for ideas for luxury Easter gifts then visit our website for inspiration – www.wealthandlivingmagazine.com/lifestylenews.

As the ‘Avatar effect’ sells 3D TVs by the truck load in America, will 3D be the future?

Panasonic has announced that their 3D TVs have sold out in their first week of sale in the US, with success of the record breaking film Avatar believed to be behind most sales.

The shortage of 3D TVs in the US is prompting Panasonic to take waiting list orders from retailers. Analysts believe that Avatar, the highest ever grossing film at the box office, and upcoming sports events such as the 2010 World Cup will potentially drive demand for 3D viewing.

3D technology has become more advances, especially when you compare it to the so called 3D images you had when you were a kid with red and green glasses and a picture of a dinosaur. I went to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D on the day it came out and was entranced by how technology has moved along. I swear I could almost touch the Cheshire cat. I was almost disappointed that I hadn’t followed everyone else to watch Avatar.

Panasonic became the first major TV maker to sell 3D sets in the US when its 50 inch full HD TV went on sale with a pair of glasses and 3D Blu-ray player for $2,899.99 on March 10th. Samsung began offering a 55 inch 3D model from March 14th and Sony plans to start selling 3D models from June.

Although the TV sets seem to cost, they are by far cheaper than any of us expected. The almost $3,000 price tag is about the same price as a top of the range ordinary plasma HD TV with all the trimmings, but you are able to experience the wonder of bringing 3D in to your home. I mean by TV standards, I know we can actually see in 3D.

It is estimated that the global shipment of 3D TVs may reach 4.2 million this year and more than triple to 12.9 million in 2011. Samsung has already announced that it plans to sell more than 2 million 3D sets this year. If the blockbuster films keep enthralling cinema goers with their 3D magic, it is only a matter of time before we see more 3D TVs in households.

However, some technology analysts are saying that for the 3D revolution to really take off, the technology needs to really improve, with some hinting that the glasses should become a thing of the past. This would of course need better TV technology because, as we all know, we can’t see 3D on 2D objects.

I’m really excited by the prospect of watching 3D TV all the time, but I agree that technology will need to vastly improve before all homes consider having a TV set. I enjoyed watching Alice in Wonderland, but afterwards by eyes were very tired and my nose hurt from the glasses.

That said, I would love to see Jurassic Park in 3D, or maybe The Matrix. What are your views on the 3D technology of the future?

The original story can be seen in the Investment News section on www.wealthandlivingmagazine.com.