Share: The Desert Whisper, with its wall of glass, offers two guests complete privacy and luxurious shelter in the Namib Desert, near the Tropic of Capricorn. (Sharri Whiting De Masi)
Long before 2020 became the year of social distancing, Namibia was the ultimate destination for remote luxury. New properties are ever more high-end, and ever more private. Some are grand desert hideaways for only two guests, who share infinite desert horizons with no other humans (except perhaps the dedicated chef and driver, who appear only when summoned).
We retreated with anticipation to be the first at the
Desert Whisper, far into the Namib Desert, just as Namibia was preparing to open again to international tourists. Developed by the locally based Gondwana Collection Namibia group, which has spent more than two decades perfecting its 20 Namibian offerings, this one is the pinnacle.
News from the courts
A 42-year-old woman has admitted being involved in money laundering after she tried to send £5,000 cash in the post.
Lisa Kim Barnett was arrested after a package intended for an address in Walton, Liverpool, was intercepted at the Post Office sorting office.
It was found to contain a box of Milk Tray chocolates with £5,000 in cash hidden in the bottom of the box.
She pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to remove criminal property from the island and will be sentenced on January 22 next year after a probation report has been completed.
Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that police were called to the sorting office on June 11.
Cork people recall the Yuletides of their past
End of term concerts, buying cards, making your own presents for the family. Cork folk have so many happy memories of Christmas past, reveals Jo Kerrigan
HANDMADE TOYS: Christmas toys being made at the Vocational School in Wellington Road, Cork, in December, 1952
Jo Kerrigan
CORK city children used to gaze in awe at the windows of the Lee Stores, Day’s, Kilgrews and more in the run up to Christmas.
But for Mary Crowley in Kanturk, Miss Howard’s shop in Strand Street was the first real confirmation that Christmas was imminent.
Douglas councillor Devon Watson
Printed and digital download photos available
Tenants could be evicted if behind on their rent from Boxing Day.
It comes as a law brought in through emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic - which prohibited landlords from evicting tenants over non-payment of rent - ends.
Douglas councillor Devon Watson is calling on government to extend the period of protection for tenants, saying: ’This is both a private and a public sector housing issue.
’In general, throwing people out of their homes, or going down to file an eviction notice a few days after a big Christian holiday, doesn’t feel like it’s fully appropriate.
Food shopping habits may change with no-deal Brexit Warning from retail leader as end of transition period looms
Manx consumers may have to change their eating habits and pay more for certain products if the UK fails to secure a trade deal with the EU.
That s the warning from Andy Corrie, retail leader of the Chamber of Commerce, and area manager for Manx Co-oP if no agreement is reached with the bloc.
He says in this event shoppers shouldn t be concerned about a lack of food, but may have to accept price rises on EU products, and occasional shortages.
Mr Corrie insists, despite this, overall supply won t be affected: