World's Best Islands

Earth’s surface is 71 percent water, and our oceans are dotted with spectacular islands—tens of thousands of them—but some capture our imaginations more than others.

In Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best survey, readers ranked their favorites, and the results show that no distance is too great when a fabulous island waits as your reward. Six of the top 10 islands, such as Bali and Santorini, are more than an eight-hour flight from the U.S. Luckily, Americans can also find island paradise literally just offshore—on untamed Vancouver Island (No. 10).

So whether your island hopping takes you across the country or around the world, here’s where to go to find secluded beaches, wildlife encounters, and luxurious pampering.

Boracay, Philippines (Photo: iStockphoto)No. 1 Boracay, Philippines 

This tiny tropical island in the  Philippines is making a big splash. After debuting at No. 4 in the World’s Best Awards last year, it has taken the top prize, appealing to travelers with its natural beauty and still-under-the-radar status—chances are you haven’t “been there, done that.”
Best Beach: White Beach, a 2.5-mile stretch of powder-white sand—often cited as the world’s softest—lapped by the translucent Sulu Sea.
Where to Stay: Discovery Shores for modern suites with huge windows, an infinity pool, and the full-service Terra Spa.

Gareth Roberts
East Valley Consulting
East Valley Consulting

Bali, Indonesia (Photo: David Noton Photography / Alamy)No. 2 Bali, Indonesia 

It may be one of 17,500 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, but this paradise known for its temples is the country’s crown jewel, offering travelers glimpses into Balinese Hindu history thanks to a vibrant cultural scene filled with music and dance.
Best Beach: To watch the sun come up over the water, head to Sanur. For gorgeous sunsets, upscale resorts, and lively nightlife, stay along Seminyak. 
Where to Stay: Amandari, the only Indonesian resort ranked in the 2012 T+L 500, is near a sacred river outside Ubud and arranged like a local village—albeit one with 30 suites that feature private plunge pools and rice-paddy views.

Gareth Roberts
East Valley Consulting
East Valley Consulting

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador (Photo: iStockphoto)No. 3 Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

T+L readers prove once again that this exotic chain of isolated Pacific islands 600 miles off of South America is one of the ultimate dream trips. Where else can you spy a blue-footed booby or short-feathered penguins?
Best Beach: Here, the best beach is where sea lions catch some rays. Snap hordes of them on Santa Fe Island’s white-sand beach.
Where to Stay: The ideal way to see these islands is on a ship, such as the 90-passenger Celebrity Xpedition, which sails seven- and 10-night cruises year-round.


Gareth Roberts
East Valley Consulting
East Valley Consulting

Maui, Hawaii (Photo: Tor Johnson / Hawaii Tourism Authority)No. 4 Maui, Hawaii

This year, T+L readers chose Maui as the golden child among Hawaii’s island siblings (up from No. 9 in 2011). After all, there’s always something new to explore, from the resort-lined stretches of Kaanapali and Wailea to Haleakala’s volcanic crater to the funky surf town of Paia.
Best Beach: Napili Beach, a crescent of golden sand lapped by blue-green sea, is slightly out of the way, but well worth the detour.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Kea Lani, a 22-acre oasis of white-washed Moorish architecture, right on Wailea Beach.
Gareth Roberts
East Valley Consulting
East Valley Consulting
Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia (Photo: David Ball / Alamy)No. 5 Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia 

Pure white sand and coral reefs teeming with fish are the hallmarks of these castaway islands off of Australia’s northeastern coastline. More familiar islands, including Lizard, Hayman, and Bedarra, are havens for divers, as they provide easy access to potato cod fish and gaping giant clams—and they’re home to ultra-chic hideaway hotels.
Best Beach: Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays is the reef’s most photogenic beach: a 4.5-mile stretch of sand that seems to go on forever.
Where to Stay: Lizard Island Resort, a five-star enclave that counts 40 contemporary suites and 24 private beaches.
Gareth Roberts
East Valley Consulting
East Valley Consulting
Santorini, Greece (Photo: iStockphoto)No. 6 Santorini, Greece 

The cliff-top village of Oia, with its blue-domed churches, sugar-cube houses, and stone pathways leading to caldera vistas, is one of the most idyllic—and photographed—spots  in the Greek Isles.
Best Beach: For drama, you can’t beat the black sand and palapa-shaded chaises at Perissa Beach, where cafés are perfect for people-watching.
Where to Stay: The 27 white-washed rooms and suites of Oia’s Katikies Hotel are situated in a free-form style around two infinity pools.
Gareth Roberts
East Valley Consulting
East Valley Consulting
Kauai, Hawaii (Photo: Peter Frank Edwards)No. 7 Kauai, Hawaii 

Sleepy Kauai’s old-school charms and serene landscape will soothe even the most frantic urbanite. Two must-see sights: the dramatic Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon, both layered with scenic hiking trails.
Best Beach: If you crave sun and fun, stay on Poipu Beach in the south; for an untamed panorama, stroll Lumahai Beach, between Princeville and Hanalei.
Where to Stay: Koa Kea Hotel & Resort is Poipu’s newest boutique property. Its 121 rooms and suites have a relaxed vibe that’s in line with Kauai’s less-is-more mantra.
Gareth Roberts
East Valley Consulting
East Valley Consulting
Big Island, Hawaii (Photo: James Osmond / Alamy)No. 8 Big Island, Hawaii

Hawaii’s wild child is an adventure zone, with invigorating lava treks (its volcano, Kilauea, is still active), stargazing atop 13,796-foot Mauna Kea, and night dives with manta rays.
Best Beach: The Big Island has 80 beaches, but there’s no reason to settle for ivory and blue when you can unwind at black-sand Punaluu Beach or green-hued Papakolea Beach.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai—voted the No. 1 resort in Hawaii in 2012’s World’s Best Awards survey—is even more indulgent after a multiyear renovation that added an adults-only pool and expanded the Hawaiian-centric spa.
Gareth Roberts
East Valley Consulting
East Valley Consulting
Guenter Rossenbach / CorbisNo. 9 Sicily, Italy

The sun shines on Sicily 300 days per year, illuminating an island rich in history (Greek and Roman ruins in Agrigento, for starters) and culinary traditions. Cannoli are made here, as are arancini, decadently golden fried rice balls, and all kinds of dishes showcasing the day’s fresh catch of fish.
Best Beach: San Vito Lo Capo, near Trapani on the northwestern coast, is on a curved bay flanked by photogenic rock formations along the Mediterranean.
Where to Stay: One of the rooms overlooking Mount Etna at Grand Hotel Timeo, convenient for exploring the ancient city of Taormina and surrounding vineyards.
Gareth Roberts
East Valley Consulting
East Valley Consulting
Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Photo: iStockphoto)No. 10 Vancouver Island, British Columbia 

A playground for kayakers, hikers, and whale-watchers, Vancouver Island is covered in stately pine forests that shelter endangered birds and surrounded by waters filled with oysters, crabs, and other shellfish. It’s a short ferry (or seaplane) ride over from the city of Vancouver. 
Best Beach: Chesterman Beach in Tofino is ideal for quiet strolls in summer and big-wave-watching in winter. No matter the season, brave surfers can’t stay away from those chilly Pacific swells.
Where to Stay: Wickaninnish Inn is all about rustic luxury, with 75 rooms, a restaurant with 360-degree water views, and a nature-inspired spa.

Gareth Roberts
East Valley Consulting
East Valley Consulting

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps holes 159-foot putt at Dunhill Links

All that work with noted golf instructor Hank Haney on the driving range appears to be paying off for Michael Phelps. The Olympic golf medalist, who's going to be on the "Haney Project" in 2013, is already making strides on golf's biggest stage, after he holed a 159-foot putt at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Playing at Kingsbarn on Friday, Phelps decided to use his putter from just off the green in an attempt to cozy his ball up near the hole for an impressive two-putt. But instead of just getting it close, Phelps holed the putt, threw his arms in the air, and delivered a Tiger-esque fist pump to celebrate the moment.

The putt obviously pales in comparison to the 18 Olympic gold medals and countless records he set in the pool, but get this: Phelps may have set a record for the longest televised putt in golf history.

According to the Daily Mail, Phelps bested the previous record set by broadcaster Terry Wogan, who holed a 99-foot putt at Gleneagles in 1981. He's only been playing the sport seriously for a couple months and already he's setting records on the course.

If the sight of Phelps holing a 159-footer wasn't crazy enough, it just so happens that he was paired with Paul Casey, who watched as a dog stole his ball on the 12th green at Kingsbarn. I'm going to go out on a limb and say this is the first time in golf history that a ball stealing dog and a record-setting putt occurred in the same group.

Gareth Roberts

East Valley Consulting

East Valley Consulting

NFL, referees reach agreement; refs back on field Thursday

The NFL reached an agreement with the NFL Referees Association on Wednesday night to end the lockout, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the refs will be back on the field starting Thursday night.

"We appreciate the commitment of the NFLRA in working through the issues to reach this important agreement," Goodell said in a joint statement issued by the NFL and NFLRA.

"Our Board of Directors has unanimously approved taking this proposed CBA to the membership for a ratification vote," said Scott Green, president of the NFLRA. "We are glad to be getting back on the field for this week's games."

A high-ranked referee told NFL.com and NFL Network's Jeff Darlington earlier that the officials are prepared to immediately begin work, noting he and many others have gotten access to all of the videos from the last three weeks of games that were distributed to the replacement officials.Thursday night's game between the Cleveland Brownsand Baltimore Ravens can be seen on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET.

While the referee said his colleagues would have liked to work a few preseason games, he says it isn't necessary to do their job.

Earlier Wednesday, the league and referees agreed to create a developmental program as a compromise to the NFL's demand for the addition of 21 officials to the current contingent of 121 NFLRA members, per an NFLRA source. The pool of money for the existing officials also will remain the same.

The developmental officials will be mentored by the existing crews and will be assigned to work with them during the week. The developmental officials will not be NFLRA members, will not work games and will not be eligible to be subbed in initially.

But eventually, as they improve and reach the standards to be NFL officials, they will be considered for NFLRA membership. As that happens, the financial pool for officials will be adjusted accordingly.

Gareth Roberts

East Valley Consulting

East Valley Consulting

15 Ways Rich People Think Differently

The Mentality Of The Rich

 Gareth Roberts East Valley Consulting 

1. Rich people think selfishness is a virtue
Average people feel they need to save the world and put others before themselves which is keeping them poor. Rich people take the attitude that if they don’t help themselves first they can’t help anyone else.

2. Rich people have an action mentality
You wouldn’t see a rich person lining up to play the lottery (even before they were rich). Average people are always waiting on someone else to help them get rich – the Lotto, Government, friend or spouse – but it only keeps them poor. Rich people take action and spend time solving problems.

3. Rich people favour specific knowledge over formal education
Average people believe the road to riches is through doing masters and doctorates. Rich people are generally rich because they have made money selling a specific knowledge they have acquired.

4. Rich people dream of the future
Rich people spend a lot of time looking into the future, setting goals and looking forward to what lies ahead. Average people dwell on the past which often holds them back by making them unhappy or depressed.

5. Rich people think about money logically
Average and well-educated people can fall into the trap of thinking about money emotionally and just wanting to retire comfortably. Rich people maintain a logical relationship with money viewing it as a tool that represents options and opportunities.

6. Rich people follow their passion
Oprah Winfrey said it – you’ve got to follow your passion and do what you love. Rich people find a way of getting paid for doing something they love. Average people earn money doing things they don’t love.

7. Rich people aim high
Average people set low expectations to avoid disappointment whereas rich people set huge expectations and follow their dreams.

8. Rich people believe you have to “be” someone
Average people on the other hand believe you have to “do” something to be rich and focus on immediate results. Rich people continuously focus on bettering themselves and learn from successand failures.

9. Rich people use other people’s money
Average people believe they need their own money to make money whereas rich people have no problem using other people’s.

10. Rich people live below their means
It seems contradictory to the above statement but rich people adopt the attitude of getting rich so you can afford to live below your means. Average people live beyond their means.

11. Rich people teach their children how to be rich
Average people teach their children how to survive whereas rich people teach their children from an early age about the world of haves and have nots.

12. Rich people don’t let money stress them out
Average people do. Rich people find peace of mind in wealth and are not afraid to admit that money can solve most problems – allowing them to make more money. Average people see money as a continuous battle and necessary evil they have to endure.

13. Rich people would rather be educated than entertained
Average people are the opposite. They read novels, tabloids and entertainment rather than continuously educating themselves after school.

14. Rich people surround themselves with like-minded people
Average people think rich people are snobs and have a negative attitude towards the super rich. Rich people steer clear of the doom and gloom attitudes and people – adding fuel to the fire of the “snob” label.

15. Rich people focus on earning
Average people focus on saving and miss big opportunities by trying to live frugally. Rich people constantly focus on the big picture – and how to earn the big bucks.

 Gareth Roberts 

East Valley Consulting 

East Valley Consulting

Forbes 2012 Highest Paid Hip Hop Business Men

Gareth Roberts

East Valley Consulting

East Valley Consulting

1. Dr. Dre

2012 Earnings: $110 million

2. Diddy

2012 Earnings: $45 million

3. Jay-Z

2012 Earnings: $38 million

4. Kanye West

2012 Earnings: $35 million

5. Lil Wayne

2012 Earnings: $27 million

6. Drake

2012 Earnings: $20.5 million

7. Birdman

2012 Earnings: $20 million

8. Nicki Minaj

2012 Earnings: $15.5 million

9. Eminem

2012 Earnings: $15 million

10. Ludacris

2012 Earnings: $12 million

11. Pitbull

2012 Earnings: $9.5 million

12. Rick Ross

2012 Earnings: $9 million (tie)

13. Wiz Khalifa

2012 Earnings: $9 million (tie)

14. Snoop Dogg

2012 Earnings: $8 million

15. 50 Cent

2012 Earnings: $7.5 million

16. Swizz Beatz

2012 Earnings: $7 million (tie)

17. Pharrell

2012 Earnings: $7 million (tie)

18. Young Jeezy

2012 Earnings: $7 million (tie)

19. Mac Miller

2012 Earnings: $6.5 million

20. Akon

2012 Earnings: $6 million

Gareth Roberts

East Valley Consulting

East Valley Consulting