Magazine Magnate Jay Parnassa Shapiro attends Cous Cous Fest 2021

Mediterranean

The International Cous Cous Festival 2021 San Vito Lo Capo Saquella ‫ساکوال‬

E S U O H O T U L IV E

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VisitMalta.com Announces the Maltese Islands are welcoming EU tourists

As more EU Citizens are becoming fully vaccinated against the Coronavirus, travel restrictions around Europe are beginning to ease. Malta is proud to be considered one of the safest summer destinations in Europe, having reached herd immunity (with over 80% of adults vaccinated) and hopes to safely welcome EU tourists this summer.

Several hotels in the Maltese Islands are offering financial incentives through the Free Independent Travelers (FIT) program. The financial incentive ranges from 100 to 200 euro per person and can be spent on services within the hotel property. The complete offering can be found under this link.

"All our decisions strive to find a balance and give priority to the health of Maltese citizens and the tourists who will come into our country," said tourism and consumer protection minister Clayton Bartolo in the latest press release.

Travel Advice Update (EU Countries) Mask wearing on beaches and pools is advised but no longer required, while a maximum of 2 people may remove their masks in outside public spaces if they have been vaccinated and they have an official vaccination certificate.

Beach Bars, Cafes, Restaurants and culture clubs are open and can host up to six people per table, discos and nightclubs are closed.

No quarantine or other restrictions apply for fully vaccinated tourists coming from the EU, while unvaccinated tourists from the same countries must go through a mandatory quarantine. For the latest updates be sure to check out the COVID-19 info page.

Why visit Malta?

Located about 50 miles south of Sicily, Malta is a small archipelago that boasts a Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days per year and a top-ranked healthcare system. It is the perfect location for tourism with a primarily Englishspeaking population, shown by its growing popularity year on year.

There are many stunning beaches to choose from, not only for swimming but also for water sports and diving, including the Blue Lagoon, Paradise Bay, and Golden Bay. Diving around the Maltese Islands is a real joy and there are several caves, wrecks, walls, and reefs to explore. Offering a wide choice of shore and boat dives at varying depths, there's something to suit divers of all abilities, such as swimming with large groupers, dentex and barracudas at Reqqa Reef in Gozo or exploring the fascinating cave systems at Santa Maria Caves in Comino.

Taormina's Legendary San Domenico Palace Reopens as Four Seasons

Perched high above the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea and in the magnetic presence of Mount Etna, one of Europe's most storied hotels will soon be reborn as San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel.

"This is truly a jewel in our crown of historic properties throughout the Mediterranean region, and the perfect complement to our beloved Four Seasons hotels in Milan and Florence," says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa. "San Domenico Palace is a legend in European hospitality, and it is our honour to welcome the hotel into our portfolio on the occasion of its 125th anniversary." Returning to his home country from his most recent Four Seasons assignments in Dubai and a round-the-world career in luxury hospitality, General Manager Lorenzo Maraviglia leads a dedicated team that is writing a new chapter in the history of San Domenico Palace. "We are delighted to reopen in summer, Taormina's high season, so that we can welcome our guests for a uniquely Sicilian holiday experience. Taormina's landmarks are at our doorstep, and the ancient Greek Theatre is a stroll away as are countless other historic sites to discover, endless countryside for scenic hikes, and the siren call of Isola Bella and the Grotta Azzura – part of an exclusive yacht excursion that is just one of the bespoke experiences we are planning for our guests." Built on the site of a 14th century Dominican convent, the San Domenico Hotel first came to life in 1896 with the addition of a new building in Italian Liberty style (today's Grand Hotel Wing) adjacent to accommodations converted from former quarters in the Ancient Convent Wing. It soon became a highlight on the Grand Tour, favoured by royalty and nobility and increasingly, a colourful cast of artists, writers and Hollywood stars. Set amid lush Italian gardens with sweeping sea views, the Hotel pairs contemporary art with antiquities and architectural relics throughout. Intimate at just 111 guest rooms and suites (some with private terraces and plunge pools), the Hotel also boasts a spa and gym, and an infinity pool terrace. The culinary team is led by Sicilian-born Executive Chef Massimo Mantarro, whose signature style is showcased at the award-winning Principe Cerami. Etna's rich terroir is the inspiration for a memorable culinary journey enhanced by Sicilian wines here and at the additional dining options, including Anciovi, a fabulous poolside restaurant, and Rosso, the all-day-dining venue with a spectacular terrace. More than 1,700 square metres (18,300 square feet) of beautiful indoor-outdoor event spaces invite both corporate retreats and social gatherings, and wedding couples will love the opportunity to exchange vows in this historic setting. Be among the first to experience a new chapter in the storied history of San Domenico Palace: In celebration of its reopening this summer, San Domenico Palace is extending an Introductory Offer that includes 20 percent savings on the room rate and breakfast for two with a minimum two night stay through November 2021. To make a reservation, book online or call +39 0942 613111. Wedding couples, event hosts and meeting planners are invited to contact catering.sdh@fourseasons.com to inquire about event facilities and arrange virtual site tours.

International Cous Cous Fest 2021 San Vito lo Capo, Sicilia

Major Sponsor:CONAD

Summer Refresh: Elie Saab Presented by Gabriel & Co Gabriel & Co., the most trusted leader of the bridal and fashion fine jewelry world, is delighted to introduce summer with a flourishing new edition of the widely popular Designer Flash series. Set to highlight Lebanese designer Elie Saab, who has overcome both the pandemic and the loss of his home and atelier in Beirut's devastating chemical blast, this interview proves an uplifting and inspiring view on the freshness summertime notoriously brings.

Saab, whose couture creations have bestowed the title of 'best dressed' on such stars as Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Halle Berry, Rhianna and more, sees his current collection resplendent in bursts of scarlet, emerald, canary yellow, sky blue and bold florals as a rebirth of sorts. A sign that life goes on as long as we are here to appreciate it. What is even more uplifting is how Saab's spring collection pairs seamlessly with the romantic details found in Gabriel & Co. latest collections. From sprightly sexy Bujukan bracelets to delicate Gabby necklaces as well as stirring Amavida engagement rings and wedding bands the two designers are a match made in fashion heaven.

The complete Designer Flash Series collection brings designers from all walks of life and style together to showcase Gabriel & Co.'s wide range of offerings. Past installments have highlighted legendary brands such as Oscar de la Renta, Max Mara, Norma Kamali and more.

The interview and podcast featuring Norma Kamali is online now, available at: https://www.gabrielny.com/designer-flash-elie-saab-2021

To Reach Iranians Worldwide, American Jewish Committee Launches AJC Farsi Social Media To expand American Jewish Committee's (AJC's) reach to audiences in the Middle East, the global advocacy organization launched AJC Farsi today, with Persian-language social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

"The intersection of my Iranian, American, and Jewish identities makes me particularly proud to make this exciting announcement," Saba Soomekh, Associate Director of AJC Los Angeles, told the 2021 Virtual AJC Global Forum's worldwide audience. "AJC Farsi will bolster our efforts to reach Iranians in Iran and diaspora communities in the United States and around the world."

AJC Farsi builds on the enormous success of AJC Arabic's social media accounts and the An Al Yahud (About the Jews) video series, which are aimed at increasing understanding of the Jewish people in the Arab world.

Now AJC is turning to online Persian communities. "The Iranian Jewish community is the oldest in the Diaspora, going back 2700 years," said Soomekh. Born in Tehran, her family fled Iran and came to the United States in 1978. "My family realized our modern and secular country was regressing back to persecuting religious minorities under what would become the Islamic revolution. We knew we had to leave Iran to live a life free of antisemitism."

While AJC is profoundly concerned about the Iranian regime's malign nuclear activities, suppression of human rights, and sponsorship of terror around the world, it recognizes that the Iranian people are not the regime. "We know the Jewish people and the Iranian people have much in common," added Soomekh.

Through new communications platforms, AJC is seeking to build greater mutual understanding and contribute to peacemaking efforts.