It certainly wasn’t on the To Do List when I landed in Mauritius… but after a lazy morning baking on the sun lounger at Le Meridien Ile Maurice, there was only one thing for it – a ten-minute burst in the island’s first and only snow room!

And the unusual new addition to the Explore Spa certainly didn’t disappoint. Yes, it was an icy shock to the system – but a welcome one that I braved far longer than my wife, who was back out in the heat within a minute.

The hot-cold therapy has many health benefits, including improvements in joint and muscle function, blood circulation and immune system. 

But I was glad I did it just to get out of the scorching heat.

And it was a fitting way to end a trip of phenomenal weather contrasts. The blazing sun and clear blue skies were regularly – and quickly – replaced by awesome, intense tropical downpours, especially late at night, explaining how the island is so lush, green and fertile.

We were always going to feel spoiled on our first holiday in Mauritius, with the sensational sandy beaches, tempting turquoise waters and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. But there was icing on the cake – our five-star hotel’s £50million refurbishment. 

Le Meridien Ile Maurice – positioned along a kilometre of sandy beach in Pointe aux Piments on Mauritius’s  northwest coast – is one of the island’s leading resort destinations with 261 newly designed guestrooms and suites, that world-class spa and fitness centre, three pools and a choice of four restaurants and three bars.

For those who don’t want to be surrounded by kids, Nirvana is the adults-only wing of the resort housing 51 guestrooms and suites, with a private infinity swimming pool and pool bar, a complimentary poolside tea, coffee and soft drinks service, and daily sunset cocktails and canapes.

A mouthwatering prospect, along with the main dining options. 

For international dishes there’s Nomad, with its open kitchen, expansive terrace, and 180-degree panoramic views. Whilst for Mauritian flavours, head to the beachfront Zoli Mamzel.

This restaurant was where we spent an hour cooking a traditional Mauritian curry, with the wonderful chefs helping me produce a colourful dish that suited even my delicate taste buds.

Other cuisines on offer include Italian at Paparazzi Restaurant and perfectly spiced Indian fare at Kumin restaurant. Or dine on the hotel’s jetty under the stars, with the lapping of the waves providing the perfect accompaniment.

For those with a yen for excitement, there’s so much to do. Guests have access to a huge range of complimentary activities including kayaking, pedal boating, snorkelling, windsurfing, beach volleyball and tennis.

Or you can go further afield on the island, with the memorably friendly resort staff able to organise activities including catamaran cruises, dolphin swimming, fishing, water skiing, scuba diving and mountain biking.

An historic Colorado ranch boasting seven impressive homes has hit the market for a whopping $68 million. 

Spanning 245 acres across the countryside of Woody Creek in the Roaring Fork Valley of Pitkin County, Two Mile Ranch is a true legacy compound just 8 miles from Aspen.

The property’s new owners are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to scoop up one of the area’s oldest ranches, dating back to the 1800s. 

Seven custom-built homes are included in the sale, which are each carefully crafted to complement the land they sit on. 

Two Mile Ranch is one of the last great ranches left in the area and includes an array of unparalleled natural features. 

Stunning views of surrounding pastures, mountains and local wildlife create a picturesque landscape from the balconies and windows of the seven dwellings. 

Each of the custom-built homes showcase a distinctive artistic aesthetic – and even hold their own specialized features. 

These include the main Estate House, the Bunk House, Craftsman House, The Cottage House – also known as the ‘Hobbit House’, Ranch Manager’s house, Aspen Lodge and Shepard’s Cabin – all which can be rented out to generate income. 

The five-bedroom Estate House is complemented with a pool and hot tub, accessible from the primary bedroom on the main floor. 

With bright interiors and gorgeous features such as a hand-carved bath tub, the heart of the ranch is found within this remarkable space. 

Credited as the ideal perfect place to relax, the aspen lodge boasts four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, an outdoor firepit and hot tub. 

The residence is equipped with an open kitchen and living room with both full-time or part-time living compatibility. 

Encompassing each element of the ranch’s signature style, guests will be left in awe. 

The cottage house has its own enchanting features, including a secret entrance to the library from the mudroom accessed by pulling a book off a bookshelf. 

While inside there’s three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, the architecture displays signs of extraordinary craftsmanship with its unique rock look and shape. 

Harnessing the charm of a classic ranch style, the Bunk House has two bedrooms, a sleeping loft and one-and-a-half bathrooms.

A deck is built off the living room to encourage a connection with the sweeping views outside. 

The Shepard’s Cabin, credited as the ranch’s ‘prize jewel’, is currently being used as a saloon and a game room. 

Located on the historic upper valley, Two Mile Ranch was originally owned by the Natal family who settled in the Aspen area in the late 19th century.

Douglas Elliman Realtor Raifie Bass said the listing is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a part of the ranch’s history. 

‘Two Mile Ranch is not just a property—it’s an exquisite living experience that harmonizes with its surroundings,’ said listing agent Bass. 

‘The blend of artistry, nature and luxury sets this ranch apart, offering an unparalleled opportunity for those seeking an exceptional lifestyle.’ 

The home’s previous owner, local investor Pat Scanlan, said new owners will have a chance to be a part of Two Mile Ranch’s history. 

‘The property is a precious glimpse into Aspen’s past, epitomizing the essence of legacy while preserving a cherished remnant of the Roaring Fork Valley’s ranch heritage,’ said Scanlan. 

‘Preserving the property held great significance to me. The 10-year vesting rights create a unique opportunity to construct 10,000 square feet of new space, which is a rare privilege.

‘Additionally, the thoughtful inclusion of conservation easements on the ranch and neighboring ranches will ensure the preservation of this idyllic landscape.’ 

An Australian traveller has shared her ‘honest review of the Amalfi Coast’ and why the popular tourist destination is ‘not for the faint hearted’. 

Isabella Highfield and her partner, from Sydney, visited the picturesque must-see Italian town in early August but were left disappointed. 

While Isabella described the Amalfi Coast as ‘one of the most beautiful places she’s ever been to’, it was tainted by awful experiences. 

She claims catching jam-packed buses felt like a ‘death wish’, restaurants charged ‘too much’ for a bowl of pasta and she felt sick by the smell of body odour.

The experience left the couple wanting to flee and travel back home as soon as possible.

Isabella detailed her experience in a five-minute TikTok video that’s now been viewed more than 70,000 times.  

‘Let’s start with getting here. We are staying in a little town called Minori which is one across from Amalfi. Whichever town you stay in on the Amalfi Coast … you first have to get to Salerno which is the main train station,’ she said. 

It took the couple five hours to travel to Salerno on the train from Rome via Naples, which she said was a hassle in itself.

But the bus ride to their hotel was possibly the most terrifying experience of the whole trip. 

‘We had to catch the bus to Minori … it took over an hour. When I say I’ve never experienced anything in my life like this before, it’s not an understatement,’ she continued. 

‘I’m talking about a one-way street they somehow manage to fit three, four lanes of cars depending if there’s people parked on the side of the road. 

‘The buses drive at literally 100km/h whirling, whirl-ing around corners.’ 

She claims it seemed like two buses driving in opposite directions were only ‘millimetres’ away from each other. 

‘It’s wild, and they just honk their horns around the corners for safety. I honestly thought I was going to die,’ Isabella recalled. 

‘Not to mention the other motorists or motorcyclists that swerve in and out of these cars, or walk on the side of the road.’ 

This year in particular thousands of Australians have travelled to Europe for the ultimate summer holiday, but Isabella said the sheer number of people visiting Amalfi was ‘overwhelming’.     

‘Not to mention that I think people in general doesn’t know what deodorant is because the smell.. I mean it is hot..,’ she said. 

‘If you’re not gonna be sick from the buses, you are gonna be sick from the smell of people.’ 

Isabella also claims the ferries and buses ‘don’t arrive’ on time based on the schedule – so plan ahead. 

She added how the lines for the ferry are unorganised 

‘We had to catch a ferry from Amalfi to Positano … but there’s one line, and hundreds and hundreds of people all waiting in line for lots of different ferries, but one line,’ she said. 

‘So when your ferry comes and you’re right at the end of the line, you’ve just got to push your way through people that don’t want to get on that ferry. 

‘Like, why not just have six different lines? It’s honestly not that hard, there’s definitely room for it.’ 

The entire ordeal left Isabella ‘frustrated’ and feeling the need to ‘rant about it’. 

As a whole, likely because of the surge in popularity in recent years, Isabella found Amalfi to be an expensive place to visit. 

She dubbed the food as ‘average’ and ‘expensive’ compared to other parts of Italy. 

‘Some places are charging €36 ($60 AUD) for a plate of pasta. It’s f***ing flour and water!’ she added. 

After watching Isabella’s video opinions were divided and some agreed with her. 

‘My sister HATED IT! Said the bus trip to get there was the scariest thing ever,’ one commented.  

‘Agree overly priced,’ another said, a third added: ‘We were there last week and we had nearly the same experience.’ 

However others felt like Isabella was overreacting. 

‘Epic dramatisation,’ one wrote, another said: ‘The train from Rome to Salerno is one hour and an half. Logically the cheapest one is four hours.’

‘The problem is that lot’s of people try travelling without information of the place their visiting,’ a third said.  

Others recommended thoroughly researching a destination before travelling.

READ MORE: I upgraded to business class for $25 and have done it on the cheap three times. Here’s how to do it

Warning as Aussie tourist stunned by ‘shocking’ side effect on long-haul flight from Europe: ‘Everyone needs to know about this’

George Clooney looked more smitten than ever with his stunning wife Amal as they posed for pictures at the DVF Awards in Venice on Thursday evening.

Human rights lawyer Amal, 45, looked breathtaking as she arrived at the ceremony ahead of being honoured with the DVF Leadership Award along with four other women, at the Sala degli Arazzi of the Giorgio Cini Foundation.

The couple brought the star power to the 14th annual event, founded by designer Diane von Furstenberg which recognises extraordinary women who are dedicated to transforming the lives of other women.

During her arrival, Amal cut a glamorous figure in the blush lace dress, which featured a tulle overskirt and was teamed with a pair of strappy metallic sandals.

The mother of two wore her brunette locks in soft waves and applied a full face of make-up in a glowing pallet of pink tones at the ceremony, which was being hosted during the Venice International Film Festival.

Meanwhile, her hunky husband George looked typically dashing in a black suit, which he wore with a slightly unbuttoned navy shirt.

On the DVF website there is a bio for Amal, explaining why she is being honoured at the prestigious awards ceremony.

It reads: ‘Amal Clooney is an award-winning human rights lawyer who has spent the past two decades defending victims of injustice around the world. She represents clients before international courts, including the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. 

‘Amal has represented high-profile political prisoners and survivors of mass atrocities, such as the Yazidi women and girls enslaved by ISIS, civilians attacked by Sudanese militia and government forces in Darfur, and female activists imprisoned around the globe. 

‘Her track record in securing freedom for unjustly detained journalists around the world is unmatched. She is currently serving on the Task Force on Accountability for Crimes Committed in Ukraine, to support justice for victims of war crimes and other human rights abuses.’

Other women receiving awards include award-winning and multi-hyphenate actor, producer, writer, advocate and bestselling author Lilly Singh.

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed and the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, Dr. Joy Buolamwini, are also being honoured.

Finally, Helena Gualinga, an environmental and human rights defender who advocates for the protection of the Amazon Rainforest, will also receive an award.

The awards was founded by Diane von Furstenberg and her family foundation in 2010 to recognise women who have helped the lives of other women.

Each year, five awards are given to women who have ‘demonstrated leadership, strength, and courage’ in their commitment to women’s causes.

The foundation grants these women $100,000 for their non-profit organisation.

Also in attendance on the night was singer Rita Ora, who slipped into her fourth look of the day as she turned heads in a chic black gown.

Rita’s stunning frock featured sheer sleeves and hugged every inch of her figure as she made a stylish arrival at the swanky event.

The hitmaker added extra bling to the ensemble with a silver sequinned clutch and strutted her stuff in matching ballet flats.

She wore a glitzy grey smokey-eye and styled her hair in pretty ringlets. 

Movie stars and directors traditionally enjoy travelling to the lagoon city to launch their films. However, this year will offer a bit less sparkle than usual because a Hollywood actors’ strike will prevent many stars from promoting their work here.

The festival’s artistic director Alberto Barbera is putting a brave face on the expected disruption and has managed to attract one of the strongest line-ups in recent years, defying dire predictions of a mass no-show by big studio productions.

‘We know that some talent will not be able to attend … But some others will come because they are working in the independent films. So everything is good. It looks very positive.’

Away from Venice’s picture-perfect canals, a sense of crisis pervades the movie-making business, with strikes by both the main U.S. actors and writers’ unions bringing much of the entertainment industry to a standstill.

‘If the strikes last longer, it will have a huge, negative impact on the next (release) season and the awards season as well,’ Barbera said.

Nobody in Hollywood wants to be seen doing the wrong thing by the strikers and the whole film and TV industry has ground to a complete stop.

The writers union, the WGA, went on strike on May 2nd, and were followed by SAG-AFTRA, the actors union, on July 14th.

By Carlton Reid For Mailonline

Updated: 05:30 EDT, 31 August 2023

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Skywatchers are in for a treat this weekend as one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year reaches its peak.

The Perseids will light up the night sky across the world, with up to 100 shooting stars visible every hour.

The annual event takes place when the Earth ploughs through debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle Comet during its trips through the inner solar system.

Also known as the ‘fiery tears of Saint Lawrence’, the display will be visible both north and south of the equator, although those in mid-northern latitudes will be treated to the best views and see the most space rocks hurtling through the sky.

It will reach its peak on Saturday evening and into the early hours of Sunday, but the celestial sight should still be pretty spectacular into Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

Astronomers say the Perseids, like all meteor showers, are best viewed with the naked eye in areas with clear skies and low light pollution and smog with a wide view of the sky.

How can I watch the Perseids?

Firstly, check the weather forecast before you head out. 

The quality of the display that we see during the peak of a meteor shower is determined by two factors: the weather and the moon.

Last year, the latter was a pain but because our lunar satellite will be at its last quarter phase on August 8 and a new moon on August 16, the peak of the 2023 Perseids will have no moonlight interference.

The weather, however, could be a problem depending on where you live in the UK.

Forecasters say much of central and eastern England will enjoy a relatively clear night on Saturday – making it prime meteor-spotting weather.

But for those in Wales, Scotland, the South West and a lot of northern England you might have to wait for a break in the cloud to get the best glimpse.

Once you have identified a night and a location where the cloud isn’t too bad, you then want to head to a dark spot away from stray light.

Find an area with a clear view of the horizon and away from trees and buildings. 

Experts say binoculars and telescopes are not necessary because they will restrict the size of the sky that will be visible to you.  

However, if you have a telescope, pointing it northeast towards Perseus constellation will reveal shorter meteors that are easier to line up with the radiant, while the longest trails are visible at 90° to the radiant. 

The best time to see anything in the night sky is when the sky is darkest and when the target is at its highest position in the sky. 

For meteor showers, this usually occurs between midnight and the very early hours of the morning.

How many shooting stars per hour will there be? 

The quality of the show from a meteor shower depends on a number of factors and can vary dramatically year-by-year, according to NASA, with light pollution having a major impact.

Bill Cooke from the US space agency said the Perseids have a theoretical maximum of 100 per hour, but in reality many people will see far fewer.

‘In the 1980s, meteor researchers were searching for a way to compare the meteor shower rates observed by various individuals and groups across the globe,’ he said.

The rate published each year, in this case 100 per hour, known as the Zenithal Hourly Rate, is based on what the perfect observer would see under perfect skies if it was straight ahead. That never happens, said Cooke. 

Conditions in the area, such as light pollution levels, cloud cover and the position of the radiant of the shower, all play a part in the true number visible per hour.

Which countries get the best view? 

The event is best for viewing in the Northern Hemisphere, according to Dr Robert Massey, of the Royal Astronomical Society.

‘The radiant for the Perseids – the point in the sky the meteors appear to come from – is in Perseus, and high in the Northern Hemisphere of the sky,’ he said.

‘It’s 58 degrees north of the celestial equator, which means it would be overhead from 58 degrees north (the latitude of places like Ullapool in Scotland).

‘This also means the radiant never rises for places south of 32 degrees south, so the southernmost parts of Australia, and much of Argentina and Chile.

‘The upshot is that the Northern Hemisphere has the best potential view, as the radiant is higher in the sky and visible for longer, so in theory more meteors are visible.

‘As you move further south the number declines, and south of 32 degrees south essentially none are seen.’

The good news for US skywatchers is that according to astronomers, two of the best spots to see the Perseids this year will be along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the United States.

How fast are the meteors travelling?

A typical Perseid meteoroid moves at 133,200 mph (214,365 kph) when it hits Earth’s atmosphere.

At this point it becomes a meteor. If it were to hit the ground it would be termed a meteorite, but almost none of the Perseid fragments do this because they are the size of a grain of sand. 

Most of the fragments are visible when they are about 60 miles (97 kilometers) from the Earth’s surface.

When will the next meteor shower be? 

The next major meteor shower will be the Draconids in October, although it tends to be a less active shower than the Perseids.

Tiffany Haddish and Rosario Dawson spoke onstage at the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture on Saturday.

On the second night of the three-day celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana, the 43-year-old stand-up comedian and Girls Trip actress put on a stylish display in a chic baby pink ensemble. 

The Night School star absolutely stunned as she modeled a satin crop top with a plunging keyhole detail and a high-waisted miniskirt with petaled pleats.

The Emmy winner teamed the show-stopping outfit with a pair of metallic silver sandal heels.

She was also spotted carrying a pastel pink mini purse as she posed for pictures at the Convention Center — where Janelle Monáe had flashed the audience during her electric performance on day one.

The film producer further accessorized with silver starburst statement earrings, two understated tennis rings, and a smartwatch.

She styled her platinum blonde bob in beautiful finger waves and rocked a pink monochromatic makeup look to go with her outfit.

Haddish sported full and voluminous lashes, a bright pink blush, as well as a deep mauve glossy lip.

At one point, she also posed for a jaw-dropping photo while sporting a dazzling crown and sitting in a golden throne surrounded by lush greenery. 

On the same night, Dawson joined Haddish onstage for a motivational talk and looked mesmerizing in an elegant black-and-white dress.

The 44-year-old Mandalorian star — who made her feature film debut in the 1995 independent drama Kids — modeled a black dress with two long, white pleats.

The dress also featured a halter-style neckline that was accentuated by a satin bow.

Over the lovely garment, she donned a classic black blazer that she later opted to wear over her shoulders.

The Ahsoka actress accessorized simply with a pair of large gold hoop earrings and black pumps. 

At one point, she threw on a pair of rhinestone-encrusted Minnie Mouse ears over her chic bob with micro fringe. 

For makeup, she looked ethereal in a shimmering silver cut-crease eyeshadow look teamed with a mauve pink glossy lip. 

Sometime during her talk with Haddish, the dynamic duo were joined by LaKeith Stanfield and Justin Simien before they took a group photo together. 

Dawson and Haddish also beamed in a sweet photo of them together sitting down backstage. 

Other stars at the star-studded festival celebrating Black excellence and culture included Abbott Elementary stars Sheryl Lee Ralph and Quinta Brunson.

The Tony-nominated actress, 66, put on a stylish display in a colorful suit over a black and lace camisole.

The Dreamgirls alumna left her raven black tresses down and pulled back with a headband to better showcase a pair of large gold statement earrings.

The singer looked radiant in a makeup look featuring dark eyeliner, bright pink blush, and a deep pink glossy lip.

Brunson, 33, looked so chic in an oversized cropped button-down and the matching shorts adorned with a cactus flower design.

The multi-hyphenate talent teamed her summer look with a pair of nude sandal heels.

The Golden Globe winning actress and filmmaker styled her braids in chic space buns and donned a pair of gold hoop earrings.

For makeup, she rocked a bold green graphic eyeliner look teamed with a nude pink lip. 

On the red carpet, Ralph and Brunson were also seen posing with their Abbott Elementary costars, Janelle James and Lisa Ann Walter, for a sweet group photo.

James wowed in a sheer green midi dress with pink and purple floral designs over a black slip.

She donned classic black sandal heels and styled her chin-length bob in chic beach waves.

Walter put on a bold display in a shiny, magenta pink trench coat dress and platform pumps.

For an added touch of glamour, the actress styled her fiery red tresses in a voluminous updo.

At the festival, Kimora Lee Simmons looked striking in a slinky gold minidress and metallic heels.

The 48-year-old supermodel styled her jet black tresses in long beach waves that cascaded around her shoulders and down her back.

For accessories, the entrepreneur donned hoop earrings, a sparkling tennis choker, as well as several jade bangles and gold bracelets.

Quvenzhané Wallis and Isaiah Hill were a stylish pair as they posed together for a cute snap at the event. 

The Black-ish actress was eye-catching in a bright coral minidress with a mock neck style and beaded fringe adorning the sides of the garment. 

She teamed the chic dress with a pair of red pointed-toe pumps decorated in floral details. 

Quvenzhané Wallis and Isaiah Hill were a stylish pair as they posed together for a cute snap at the event. 

The Black-ish actress was eye-catching in a bright coral minidress with a mock neck style and beaded fringe adorning the sides of the garment. 

She teamed the chic dress with a pair of red pointed-toe pumps decorated in floral details. 

By her side, the actor — who starred alongside Wallis in Swagger — looked handsome in a light pink, short-sleeved button down and tweed shorts. 

He sported a pair of reflective and gray sneakers as well as a sparkling chain pendant.

Sherri Shepherd was another stunning star that took to the stage for an encore-worthy talk.

Her show-stopping look featured a shimmering dress with orange-to-pink ombré colors and a polo shirt style at the top.

The television host teamed the look with pink satin heels and was glamorous in glistening gold eyeshadow.

Monica, 42, put on a stylish display as she took the stage for a breathtaking performance in a figure-hugging minidress adorned in the Valentino logo.

She teamed the garment with the matching sheer gloves and an oversized jacket with the same pattern.

The Grammy Award-winning singer also modeled a pair of over-the-knee boots for an additional edgy-chic vibe.

She left her raven black hair down in a sleek, straight hairstyle and rocked a iridescent purple-brown smokey eye.

Ice-T was another talented musical guest that took the stage for an outstanding performance.

For the festivities, the 65-year-old rapper donned an effortlessly stylish and all-black ensemble. 

The Law & Order actor sported a black sweatshirt with the Dolce & Gabbana branding emblazoned across the torso and a pair of dark denim jeans.

He finished off the look with a pair of black sneakers with white laces as well as a gold chain, a flashy watch, and square-framed tinted sunglasses.

Similarly, Ice Cube, 54, opted for a casual yet cool all-black outfit featuring a black boxy button down that read ‘West Coast Warlord’ atop the breast pockets.

The N.W.A rapper and filmmaker also sported baggy pants and a snapback as he performed onstage at the second day of the exciting festival.

USA or China? When explorer Kyle Obermann shows people photos of his off-the-beaten path adventures that is one question he loves to ask as ‘it’s easy to confuse the two countries when it comes to their natural beauty.’

The 31-year-old Texan has spent almost a decade visiting some of China’s lesser-known parts and he says that ‘beyond the smog’ there is a lush landscape that often gets overlooked. Indeed, he highlights that China has the second highest number of plant and animal species on Earth and only Brazil has more.

He told DailyMail.com that in a bid to protect its natural beauty, China announced the creation of five national parks in 2021 and about 49 more (spanning 1.1 million square kilometers or more than 424,000 square miles) were set to be established by 2035.

The first National Parks of China include Sanjiangyuan, the Giant Panda National Park, Wuyishan National Park, the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest, and the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park.

Obermann says Sanjiangyuan is one of his favorite national parks as it was the first and the largest – ‘about 13 times the size of Yellowstone.’

He continues: ‘The name literally means the “Source of the Three Rivers” because it is where the Yellow, Yangtze, and Mekong rivers all originate on the Tibetan Plateau. 

‘It’s at an average height of 4,700m (about 15,000ft), which is just an insane scale when you compare that to the highest peaks of Europe or the United States. The plateau, its flora and fauna, are simply unlike anywhere else on earth.’

His other favorite is the Giant Panda National Park, which was formed by ‘amalgamating around 80 pre-existing nature reserves that also encompasses tens of thousands of people living within its borders.’ 

This area of China is extremely mountainous, Obermann says, and the scenery varies from ‘wet bamboo forests shrouded in fog to small villages alongside river valleys.’  

Due to the small communities scattered here and there, the adventurer says ‘here more than any other national park is where the issue of managing human livelihood and nature conservation comes to play.’

Obermann highlights that as with other fertile spots on the map, poaching is a problem in China. 

Pandas, snow leopards and tigers are among the species most at risk, but it is hoped that the establishment of the government-backed national parks will help to combat illegal hunting activities. 

To help efforts further, Obermann is currently building the first English-Mandarin language platform with two Chinese co-founders that ‘will allow people all over the globe to get involved in following and supporting Chinese local conservation efforts.’

He adds: ‘The platform will be online, and hosted through our new non-profit, the China Outdoors and Conservation Network.’

As to when his interest in China’s natural beauty began, Obermann traces it back to 2014 when he moved there to finish his undergraduate degree at Peking University.

This was also the year the Chinese central government proposed a centralized National Park System. 

During his year at Peking University, Obermann used all of his time off to go backpacking, and when those weren’t enough, he ‘skipped a week of class.’ 

Each time he returned from his adventures in the wilderness, he said he was ‘stunned’ that neither his Chinese classmates nor professors had heard of the places he had been. 

‘I began to realize there was a critical lack of awareness about China’s natural beauty and there was a story to tell,’ he recalled.

One of his first jobs as a photographer in China was working with the American nonprofit Conservation International. 

With the organization’s help, Obermann was able to enter some of his first nature reserves, which were apparently ‘very hard to access even for a Chinese citizen.’

He revealed: ‘I was the first photographer let into at least one of these reserves. The raw beauty of the mountains and dynamic relationship between the local rangers, villagers, and remaining poachers intrigued me. 

‘The policy apparatus surrounding these systems were even more complex. Though I was not aware of it at the time, this reserve would later become part of the Giant Panda National Park.’

Asked what people’s biggest misconceptions are about China, Obermann says that it’s often ‘it is just a polluted sprawl of overpopulated metropolises.’ 

He says that because China’s ‘pollution, urban density, and smog has received lots of media coverage, its wild beauty has got forgotten.’ 

The conservationist, who is now based between New York and Chengdu, muses: ‘Forty-two percent of the country is wilderness. 

‘When many people see my photos of China they think I am showing photos of the Dolomites or Canadian Rockies. 

‘Similar to how important raising global awareness about China’s smog was essential for ushering in better clean air policies a decade ago, we need to raise global awareness for the significant wild lands and wildlife that China has so that they are protected today.’

Looking ahead, Obermann says there are many other parks expected to be announced soon, like the Gaoligong Mountains National Park, Minya Konka National Park, Qilian Mountains National Park, and Shennongjia National Park. 

While during his student days, hiking wasn’t a common hobby, Obermann says times have changed in China and adventuring has become increasingly ‘cool.’

Explaining what the hiking demographic in 2023 is like, he says: ‘Ten years ago, it was pretty limited to a small selection of middle-class Chinese born in the late 1970s or 1980s. 

‘Now, the type and number of people who hike in China has exploded. Glamping, of course, has become popular with the young influencers. 

‘Tackling peaks 5000m (about 16,400ft) or more on a long weekend has become standard fare. 

‘On average, the Chinese adventuring community like to travel in larger groups with pack-mules and guides which is quite different from western solo or ultralight backpacking culture. 

‘So, the scale of everything is larger: the elevation, the eagerness to enter nature in large groups, and the pace of change.’

Before venturing off for a trail run around New York and to find some suitably spicy Chinese food, Obermann offers a final lure for people to explore China’s wild side. 

He concludes: ‘These parks are truly some of the most memorable places I’ve visited on the planet. China’s incredible flora and fauna make it the fourth most biodiverse nation on earth. After my first trek I was hooked, and I’m dedicated to helping this area on the map and those protecting it to flourish for generations to come.’

To follow Obermann’s work, visit his Instagram page @kyleobermann.

Maya Jama put on a show-stopping display as she sizzled in a stunning designer figure-hugging dress for the Love Island’s Aftersun on Sunday evening.

The host, 28, looked nothing short than sensational as she slipped into a £5,500 pale orange dress from Jean Paul Gaultier.

The stunning vintage garment boosted her ample assets with a busty corset, and featured a silk panel on the front.

The bombshell wore a glamorous  ‘Cone Bust’ Blush Peach Corset Dress which perfectly flaunted her jaw-dropping physique.

Before sizzling on the first spin-off episode of Love Island’s season 10 – Maya took to her TikTok account as she showcased her stunning moves while dancing to J Hus. 

Maya wore her raven locks loose in waves with a centre parting, framing her sensational looks.

She donned a flawless glamorous make up palette, with a rouge lipgloss and rosy blush. 

‘Aftersun first show tonight live at 10pm ITV2,’ she penned the clip.

The first episode of Love Island: After Sun saw Paige Turner admitting lockdown contributed to the end of her three-year relationship with Finley Tapp.

The Scottish singer, 25, who won the first ever Winter series of the show in South Africa back in 2020 with her Recruitment Consultant ex Finn, 23, reflected on their separation during the first episode of the series.

Paige, who looked incredible in a black cut out dress for the ITV2 appearance, insisted the pair are ‘still good friends’.

Speaking to Maya, she said: ‘We’re still really good friends. I think we drifted apart. We did lockdown together and any and every struggle we could have faced we were faced with.’

Paige insisted: ‘We are still good friends’.

Maya went on to ask the blonde beauty if she is looking for a new partner yet, the singer added: ‘No, no, not for a while’.

Paige appeared on the spin-off show alongside former co-star Shaughna Phillips who joked ‘she’s the new bombshell’ heading into the villa.

Paige replied: ‘No I’m not but if he [Finn] goes in there he will be in trouble, we’re not having an Adam Collard bombshell again’.

Previously the couple explained that the Covid-19 restrictions actually benefited them during a chat with MailOnline earlier this year.

‘Covid helped us because we got to spend that time together without being pulled from pillar to post. We had a mad three weeks when we came out before lockdown and the quality time that you spend with each other is quite limited,’ shared Finn.

Continuing: ‘So, I think a good bit of advice is to try and make sure everything that is happening around you doesn’t affect you getting that quality time with whoever you come out with’.

The duo are said to have realised they ‘weren’t forever’, according to claims last month, and had allegedly already moved out of their shared Manchester home, with Paige heading back to Scotland while Finn spends time travelling.

The news came from The Sun, with insiders claiming: ‘Paige and Finn had a really good run, but they are still super young and decided it wasn’t forever in the end.’

Adding that they are living separately, they continued: ‘Paige is spending some time back in Scotland while she works out what she wants to do next.’

MailOnline contacted representatives of Paige and Finn for comment at the time.

In April, Paige shared snaps from Scotland as she attended a horse racing event at Ayr Racecourse – with it being unclear whether she was just visiting or has relocated.

While Finn shared snaps from West Hollywood as he spent time visiting the US.

In March, they enjoyed a skiing holiday together, with the last grid Instagram post of the pair together coming on March 20 from Finn.

They met in South Africa during the first ever installment of Love Island’s winter series, going on to win the show and bag a £50,000 cash prize.

But interrupted by the spread of Covid-19, they were plunged into life in lockdown upon leaving the villa – spending time in Paige’s home county of West Lothian.

They later relocated to Manchester and lived in the city since, sharing a lavish apartment together.

These gifted photographers are showing their true colours.

Their extraordinary work has been awarded in a contest that sets out to celebrate ‘today’s most remarkable colour images’ – the 2023 Colour Photography Contest run by Refocus Awards, a digital platform for photographers. 

The contest is divided into two sections – professional and amateur photography – with prizes handed out in individual categories such as ‘Wildlife’, ‘Landscapes’ and ‘Travel’ across each.

This year, entrants from 69 countries worldwide submitted their work. Among the winning shots, there’s a spectacular aerial picture of a Sicilian town that’s shaped like a human, a mesmerising image of a rare black leopard with a kill between its jaws and a vibrant picture of a thundering Icelandic waterfall.

Two images, however, reign supreme overall. In the professional section, it’s a picture of a pair of wrestlers relaxing after training in India that takes the top spot, while the victorious photograph from the non-professional section is a poignant image of a man scavenging at a dump in Angola. 

Scroll down to see MailOnline Travel’s pick of the colourful pictures that struck a chord with the judges…