1 March 2012, Galapagos Islands.  Exotic destinations around the globe rather than the traditional ones are now days more desirable by luxury travelers. Exotic destinations are getting more inquiries than ever before; most of those destinations had set eyes on the yacht charter industry, among them the Galapagos Islands.

Located on the Equator in the vast Pacific Ocean, the archipelago has a unique and fragile ecosystem. No other destination compares to the Galapagos Islands due to their status as a National Park and Marine Reserve completely protected by the government of Ecuador, who has kept the 90% of this paradise untouched by human's settlements and pollution.

20 January 2012 – Visitors to the all-new Karpaz Gate Marina (KGM), the only luxury marina in Northern Cyprus, can now benefit from a range of new services and facilities which have been added over the course of the past few months, following the soft-opening of the marina in June 2011.  The next phase of the marina development will soon be launched.

The marina is part of the Karpaz Bay Resort, which is being developed as a first class tourist destination which will allow guests to enjoy the range of activities of the local “Karpaz” Peninsula, an undiscovered cruising ground which has only recently been opened up to international visitors.

Visitors to the marina can now enjoy the sheltered marina with berths for 300 yachts, including 15 for super yachts and mega yachts. Access control and comprehensive CCTV security systems have been installed, and the stylish promenade has also been completed, offering uninterrupted views of the marina.

The new Hemingway’s Restobar is one of the main attractions at the marina, and is a lively and elegant restaurant offering formal and casual dining, both day and night. It has a spacious, bright and airy interior with stylish and welcoming décor, and an extensive outdoor terrace overlooking the marina. The restaurant is already attracting acclaim from locals and tourists alike, and hosts regular events and promotions which are proving popular, such as a weekly barbeque and themed nights.

A new 300 ton travel lift, which can service vessels of up to 10m beam, 4m draft and more than 45m length, including mono- and multi-hulls, is now operational. Also, laundry facilities and wireless internet access is available within the marina, and a Mini Market – selling everything needed for a comfortable stay at Karpaz is now open. Car rental is also available from various local vendors should visitors wish to explore the local region to visit tourist attractions and leisure facilities such as golf courses, and surrounding villages and towns.

Development at Karpaz Bay Resort is continuing in 2012. A stylish beach club and a lively commercial promenade with shops, fitness centre, restaurants and bars, including a ship chandlery and boat sales will soon be completed. A gas station for visiting yachts will also offer duty free fuel.

Karpaz Gate Marina’s expansive dry dock, which is the largest of its kind in the eastern Mediterranean, is also nearing completion. The workshops are being fitted out and several international marine brands have committed to taking space within these.

Itay Singer, owner of the marina management company Sea-Alliance Group said, “The marina has proved to be very calm and protected in every weather condition encountered since the breakwaters were completed. We are pleased to now be launching the latest additional facilities, and are delighted with the feedback already about the luxurious look and feel of the marina, and compliments about our marina staff.”