Category Archives: Caribbean

Villa Osprey, Oceanfront Vacation Beach House, Turks & Caicos

Posted on by

Villa Osprey is a beautiful oceanfront villa, located in Silly Creek on the southwest side of Providenciales. The home offers high-end finishes and spectacular 270 degree views, including outstanding sunset views. The lush tropical vegetation that surrounds the home makes this a calm and private estate.

Villa Osprey


Perfect for families with small children, the villa boasts an infinity edge pool, a hot tub, and a shallow pool for kids! Beyond the pools, the veranda features a Tiki Hut and ample lounging space. A sand path leads you to a private gazebo for exceptional sea views. A staircase descends from the villa’s pool deck to a swim platform hovering just above the ocean water and equipped with two kayaks for your use. Enjoy endless views, ideal conditions for swimming, and an inviting space to lounge.

A comfortable great room offers formal dining for 8 on one end and a cozy conversation space on the other. Each of the three bedrooms has a private bathroom and terrace access overlooking the crystalline turquoise waters of the ocean. Villa Osprey, beach vacation rental at Turks and Caicos is simply an exceptional home to relax and savor the pleasures of the Caribbean.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• 270 degree ocean views
• Spacious, light-filled, fully-equipped kitchen
• Well-appointed living room with large screen TV
• Indoor dining for eight
• Oceanside, infinity pool and Jacuzzi with separate shallow children’s pool
• Poolside Tiki Hut
• Shaded outdoor terrace with stunning views
• Steps from the ocean, with a private swim platform
• Hilltop sunset gazebo
• Kayak and snorkeling gear
• $200/week air conditioning allowance included

Please note that reservations less than 7 nights must be approved before booking. Please send an inquiry with your requirements if you wish to book less than 7 nights.

Turks and Caicos Islands is a Caribbean chain of eight major islands and numerous uninhabited cays located 575 miles south of Miami and 39 miles southeast of the Bahamas, just north of Dominican Republic and northeast of Cuba. The islands of the Turks and Caicos are pristine nature preserves and sultry Caribbean resorts perfect for a family beach vacation. From the main tourist center of Providenciales to the quiet and tranquil islands of North and Middle Caicos, to the historic Capital Island of Grand Turk, each island in the Turks and Caicos has a unique character. During your Turks and Caicos beach vacation experience a great year-round climate, breathtaking beaches, and many underwater activities including scuba diving in coral reefs full of marine life.

Swim with the fishes, sharks, and manatees…

Posted on by

I’m not talking about the creepy kind of swimming with the fishes that you hear about in old mob movies where some poor guy’s feet have just been coated in cement and he’s about to be offed and tossed overboard.  Eeew. 

No - I’m talking about the whole “one-with-nature” kind.  You know…where you get to swim along side whale sharks, or interact with dolphins, or even where you can watch a group of sharks feed.  Maybe this sounds weird to some people, but I’ve always loved animals, especially sea animals.  My favorite show used to be Flipper, I have an adopted manatee named after me, and I only eat dolphin-safe tuna.

swim with manatees in FloridaKnown as the “cow of the sea,” manatees are large, gray mammals with bodies that taper to a flat, paddle-shaped tail. They have two flippers and their head and face are wrinkled with whiskers on the snout. Manatees are gentle herbivores and live in the warm shallow waters off of the coast of Florida during the winter, but are known to travel to Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina in the summer.  Manatees are slow-moving by nature and surface throughout the day making them vulnerable to boat propellers.  Many operations that offer manatee tours donate a portion of their proceeds to wildlife preservation organizations that help to protect these peaceful creatures – these are the only ones you should support as there are other business who add to the problem, rather than trying to educate about manatee preservation and protect against further harm to the species.  You can also adopt a manatee or donate money to help research, education, and conservation programs that promote protective legislation.

swim with whale sharksI’m sure you’ve seen the pictures of divers swimming next to sharks that look about as big as a school bus, and thought to yourself, “um, hasn’t this guy seen Jaws?!”  Well lucky for him, though these enormous creatures (they can grow upto 40 feet in length!) are sharks, they are only whale sharks and prefer plankton over people anyday.  They can be found off of the coast of the Philippines, Honduras, Indonesia, Madagascar, Belize and off of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.  Isla Holbox, in Mexico’s Riviera Maya region, sees these gentle giants migrate through their waters each year from May to September.

dive with sharks in the BahamasA different type of shark encounter entirely, many outfits in the Bahamas offer opportunities for vacationers to defy their basic human instincts and swim with some of the world’s fiercest predators in their natural environment.  Shark dives and feeds can be found in almost every area of the Bahamas (West End, Grand Bahama is rumored to be the best location) and each offers a different experience seeing different species of shark.  Caribbean Reef Sharks are most commonly seen, however, lucky divers may also spot Hammerheads, Tiger sharks, Bull sharks, Silky sharks and Lemon sharks.  Most underwater shark experiences have divers done chain mail (protective shark suit) and orient themselves with their backs against a reef while they, or a guide, feed the sharks.

swim with dolphins in FloridaVacationers who want to swim with dolphins should look for opportunities where the dolphins are wild and free in their natural habitat, rather than with dolphins that are in captivity for the sole purpose of pulling tourists around all day.  Hawaii hosts many of these dives, with their first priority being to respect and protect the wildlife.  Dolphins are some of the most inquisitive, intelligent and playful animals in the world and will often approach swimmers and divers on their own – Sunlight on Water in Kona, Hawaii boasts a 98% success rate of finding dolphins on their excursions!  It is not uncommon for divers to get a bonus and also see Humpback whales, Manta Rays and sea turtles.  Dolphins have been said to have a spiritual connection to humans, making this an experience that any vacationer will not soon forget.

Top 5 Most Romantic Beaches in the World

Posted on by

romantic beach vacations
It’s hard to say what, exactly, makes a vacation HOT.  It’s more than the just weather, as Heidi Klum and hubby Seal could tell you – he infamously popped the question in a snow cave atop a glacier – but you can bet their engagement night was anything but frosty.  And while canopy beds, private hot tubs and candles can’t hurt, location can certainly provide it’s own romantic enticement.

We’ve gathered the top 5 most romantic beach destinations in the world as a starting point for your next lovebird escape.  There’s everything from sizzling night life in Mexico to an exotic Latin locale – so pack your suit and anything else you may need…

Costa Rica Guanacaste Beach House Rentals
1. Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica – Do you like your romance on the wild side?  Costa Rica, whose name literally means, the “rich coast”, is a truly unique country, nestled in the always-tropical southern tip of Central America. Enjoy a leisurely walk to one of the local restaurants, where you can indulge in a delightful meal, while making new memories with your loved one. If you´re looking for an adventure, go to Playa Tamarindo to explore a larger variety of restaurants from around the world, small shops full of local art and many venues that host a variety activities, such as a lovely hike to two of the most iconic waterfalls in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s diversity extends beyond its oceans, however. If you’re a fan of natural beauty, Costa Rica will never disappoint you. The geography ranges from mountains to volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and jungles boasting the greatest species density in the world (Yes, more than the Amazon).

Playa Tamarindo is a beautiful location, full of life, learning, and new experiences, and it is a great place to set up shop while exploring the fantasy land that it Costa Rica. Reserve the perfect beach house rental today for you and your sweetheart, and prepare for adventure and relaxation of a new caliber.

Playa del Carmen night life

2. Playa del Carmen, Mexico is for the Adventurous Couple. If you’re searching for world-class diving and unique opportunities for adventure, you only need to look as far as Mexico. Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a coastal resort along the Caribbean. Not only does Playa del Carmen host spectacular sandy beaches with palm trees, but it is also close to Mayan ruins, and exciting night life options. If this sounds like your kind of vacation, don’t wait to book a Playa del Carmen beach house and reserve your spot for your ideal romantic getaway. 

One of the most popular things among Playa del Carmen visitors is to explore the Mayan ruins. While the ruins are about two hours from Playa del Carmen beach houses, this unique opportunity is not to be missed. There are several companies that offer tours of the Mayan architecture, complete with a taste of Mayan cuisine, for travelers of any age. Tours will likely visit Chichen Itza – one of the largest Mayan cities – and the Sacred Cenote. This “Well of Sacrifices” made Chichen Itza a true cultural center where travelers from across Central America met to worship the gods and offer sacrifices at the well. Many artifacts, including weapons, idols, pottery, tools, and jewelry, have been dredged from the well, showing the diversity of the people who once stopped here.

Eleuthera Bahamas beach
3. Eleuthera, Bahamas – Imagine yourself relaxing on a beautiful, white sand beach while sipping on an exotic, tropical drink with your loved one, under the bright sun shining down at crystal clear blue waters. Choose one of our beautiful vacation rentals in the Bahamas. The Bahamas encompass over 700 islands and 2,500 cays, all located right off the coast of Florida. So close to home, yet a whole different world altogether, each exquisite island has something unique and unexpected to contribute to your island vacation!

Governor’s Harbour is the main town on the island of Eleuthera, with a charming collection of 19th century homes and churches overlooking its historic harbor. Eleuthera is most famous for its 100 miles of spectacular, deserted beaches. The island, home to just 8000 residents, is safe and friendly. The snorkeling, diving, and fishing on the island are world class. Boating, surfing, and other water sports are also popular. You can rent power boats, sailboats, sea kayaks and bikes. There is excellent sightseeing, as well. Eleuthera has vast caves, cliffs, and a bottomless ocean hole.

4. Palm Coast, Florida is the Outdoor-Lover’s Paradise An hour south of Jacksonville and just 30 miles north of Daytona Beach. The city of Palm Coast is situated along the east coast of Florida on over 70 miles of saltwater and freshwater canals. With over a dozen parks and more than 120 miles of trails, this Florida gem is home to some of the best outdoor vacationing that nature lovers won’t want to miss.

Sailing at Palm Coast, Florida

For a more manicured outdoor experience, there are many parks and venues to choose from. If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting a linear park, you’re in for a treat when you visit the St. Joe Walkway/Palm Coast Linear Park. Walk hand in hand and enjoy a tandem bike ride on the biking trails that connect the parkland, picnic areas, and playgrounds over a length of four miles. This park allows for the perfect blend of exercise and relaxation-jog or walk the trails, then kick back and enjoy the scenery while you and your loved one enjoy a romantic picnic lunch, or play a game of bocce ball. Washington Oaks Garden State Park is another visitor favorite, featuring a walking path where you will see lots of flora and fauna, especially the heritage oaks that give the park its name. The park also has a rose garden, acres of idyllic landscaping, and a riverfront park for picnicking or fishing. Golfing is another popular outdoor pastime in Palm Coast, and there are eight courses to explore.

Honolulu beach
5. Honolulu, Hawaii – Go Diving, or Dive Into History – If you are planning a vacation to Hawaii, set your sights on the island of Oahu, which is the home of the state capital- Honolulu. This city is a blend of beach paradise and historic and cultural importance. Waikiki beach is a popular Honolulu destination. This beach is very accessible, and augmented by amenities such as shopping and dining options right across the street. The beach itself is about two miles long. On the east end of the beach is Kapiolani Park, where you can have a picnic, go for a jog, enjoy games on open grassy areas, or indulge in some friendly competition on the tennis courts.

The Heavenly Island of Provo

Posted on by

The breathtakingly gorgeous Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory located in the West Indies.  The islands are widely known for their gorgeous beaches, natural beauty, and pristine coral reefs. 

Providenciales, or Provo, is the urban center of Turks and Caicos and it is also the most popular island.  Interestingly, only about forty years ago, Provo did not have a single wheeled vehicle and today it is one of the most popular vacation destinations among tourists.  The gorgeous beaches, beautiful landscape, and tranquilizing atmosphere of the city will make you fall in love.

Provo is a paradisiacal island that is ideal for families and couples trying to get away from it all.  Provo has gorgeous, white sandy beaches with dazzling turquoise waters, and miles of coral reefs making it the ultimate diving destination.  Flamingo Divers offers diving with small groups of eight people of any experience level and it provides an exciting and memorable diving experience!  The most popular 12 mile stretch of the beach is located on Grace Bay and is surrounded by a barrier reef. 

At the beach, you can indulge in a host of enjoyable activities including parasailing, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, kite-surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and waterskiing. 

Provo is a haven for golfers as it has one of the top ten golf courses of the Caribbean. 

The island also has the world’s only Conch farm; the mollusks with their beautiful pink shells take five years to grow.  The Conch farm offers tours during the winter; it is most definitely a must-see, unique attraction of the island. 

Another popular place of interest in Provo is The Hole located on the way to Long Bay Beach.  It is a breathtaking, bottomless pit that has ultimate natural beauty.  According to some, the pit is connected to the sea via underground tunnels.  The Hole is usually admired from the topside; you have to see this fascinating location on your visit!  

Historic points of interest in Provo include Cheshire Hill and Sapodilla Bay.  Cheshire Hall is a 200 year old building that consists of ruins of a prosperous cotton plantation.  The building ruins have been conserved and they offer beautiful views of the island providing a captivating contrast of the old Provo and the modern Provo. 

"The Hole" in ProvidencialesSapodilla Bay is a heavenly spot with white sand beaches and clear blue waters; there is a hill that overlooks Sapodilla Bay where you can observe historic stones engraved by shipwrecked sailors. 

Provo offers a luxurious and diverse dining experience.  The island has a wide variety of restaurants with distinct ambiances and cuisines.  A lot of restaurants have mouthwatering specials every day of the week!

During your stay at Provo, you must visit the island’s only live casino called Casablanca Casino.  The Casino is an exciting place with live gaming tables, a lounge, and a bar. 

At Provo Island, you are bound to have a magical vacation. Provo is a heavenly island that will leave you with memories of a lifetime!

St. Martin – the perfect blend of 2 countries!

Posted on by

St. Martin is a magical island that is shared by the French and the Dutch; the two countries share an almost indiscernible and friendly border.  However, each side maintains its distinctiveness and represents its own culture. 

The island has a very calm and secluded environment that makes it a perfect spot for vacationers.  The fact that the island has two distinct cultures makes it an exciting place to visit.  The beautiful island is warm and sunny throughout the year, the average temperature is about 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Marigot, the capital city of St. Martin, has a vibrant French culture – it has colonial houses, bistros, pastry shops, luxurious boutiques, and European fashions.  The best part is that the entire city is very accessible and vacationer-friendly because it only has four wide streets. 

The figure of Fort St. Louis is a huge historical monument that is located on the side of the island and it overlooks the Marigot Bay.  While you’re looking at this monument, you can get a great panoramic view of the island.  At the South of Marigot, there is a museum that preserves the island’s history and culture as it has an abundance of pre-Colombian treasures and extensive displays that manifest the plantation and slavery period. 

Paradise Peak is the highest point on the island, after climbing 1,400 feet to the top, you can get a magnificent view of the landscape and tropical forest.  On the east of the island, there is a small village called Orleans, or French Quarter, which still preserves some of the seventeenth-century structures.  Spending a day in this beautiful village is a great learning experience that you will thoroughly enjoy. 

There are a ton of fun-filled activities that the great island offers.  St. Martin has thirty seven stunning and unique beaches.  The beach at Grand Case and the Anse Marcel beaches have vibrant local cultures and are great beaches to visit with families.  Orient Bay beach is unique because it has white sand and it offers a great variety of water-sports. 

Dining in St. Martin is world famous- the cuisine there ranges from French delicacies to Asian and Indian cuisine.  There are plenty of renowned restaurants on this island; many of them play music for dancing as well. 

Given the rich culture of St. Martin, the gorgeous beaches, the historical sites, the enjoyable activities, and the romantic and peaceful atmosphere, a trip to this beautiful island will be a magical one that you will cherish for the rest of your life!

The Secluded Abaco Island – Bahama’s Little Paradise

Posted on by

The beautiful Abaco Island, also called “the top of the Bahamas,” is located in the northernmost portion of the country.  The south of Abaco Island is comprised of a group of small islands and settlements including Casuarina Point, Elbow Cay, and Little Harbor.

Each settlement is worth exploring because of its uniqueness.  However, all the islands share the beautiful warm weather year-round and spectacular views.  Vacation homes are popular among tourists as they capture the true essence of the island and make you feel at home away from home.

Casuarina Point is a small, exclusive settlement that is located on the breathtaking beach.  The beaches are usually secluded and they are perfect for couples and also for families to spend private, quality-time with each other.   Luxurious beach houses are ideal for family reunions and for couples looking for a getaway.  At the beach, this is right outside your doorstep, you can enjoy gorgeous views of sunrises and sunsets, have privacy in a serene atmosphere, and observe the tropical landscape.  You can also indulge in snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, and fishing.

Elbow Cay is a nice island that stretches to the renowned Tahiti Beach.  You can go to restaurants and bars that you can reach by rented boats of golf carts.

Little Harbor is a laid-back, tranquil community of South Abaco Island.  It has a captivating deserted lighthouse that you can explore.  The beautiful sandy beach along the community has a number of boats and great rock cliffs to observe.  Little Harbor is a haven for people that like to fish and it is also a perfect idea for bone-fishing.  You can turtle watch which is an enchanting experience as the serene waters are replete with sea turtles.  The different communities of South Abaco Island make fantastic vacation destinations.  At Elbow Cay, you can visit nice restaurants and enjoy Tahiti Beach.  Casuarina Point is a little taste of paradise with its privacy and pristine beauty.  While staying at a beach house in this beautiful location, you will feel as if you are on your own island!

Life’s a Beach in St. Croix!

Posted on by

St. Croix is a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea and a county of the US Virgin Islands.  St. Croix, the largest of the Virgin Islands, has two different towns to explore – Christiansted and Frederiksted.  Each town is distinct and scenic, and carries all the offerings of a lively destination.  The gorgeous beaches, sunny weather, vibrant culture, and exceptional beauty contribute to making St. Croix a popular tourist hotspot!

St. Croix is known for its breathtaking beaches.  Due to the wide variety and uniqueness of the beaches, the term “life is a beach” particularly rings true in St. Croix.  The island is surrounded by many distinguished beaches which are globally ranked.  Some of the beaches include the Hibiscus Beach, Turtle Beach on Buck Island, Cane Bay Beach, and Coakley Bay Beach.  Hibiscus Beach is ideal for snorkeling; Turtle Beach, which is accessible by one of the ubiquitous charter sail boats on the island, was declared a national monument by President Kennedy because of its indescribable beauty; Cane Bay Beach has clear waters, beautiful views, snorkeling, and diving on the reefs; and Coakley Bay Beach is a gorgeous and secluded beach.  

Scuba diving is an extremely popular activity at St. Croix as the island has more than 50 beautiful diving sites to choose from.  St. Croix is considered “undiscovered” to some extent, hence, there are a lot of hidden treasures waiting to be unveiled in this island.  St. Croix is known in the Caribbean for its eco – tourism opportunities – you can explore an untouched environment from the mountain peak all the way down to the coral reef!  In addition, the Caribbean island is a paradise for golf-lovers with three scenic, award-winning courses to choose from.

The culture of the city is portrayed in its colorful flora and fauna, the authentic arts and crafts, the music, and the nightlife.  St. Croix’s stunning plant life decorate hillsides and roads and add a dimension to the culture of the island.  The beautiful plants are used for many practical and medicinal purposes in the island.  St. Croix art is displayed in many different forms including painting, sculpture, pottery, crafts, photography, and woodwork.  Each form captures the essence of St. Croix in a unique manner and depicts the island’s sea, sunset, sunrise, plants, and culture.  You can enjoy St. Croix’s nightlife at buzzing beach bars, bistros, or balcony cafes while you can dance the night away to reggae, rock or jazz tunes. 

St. Croix has excellent dining – there are many restaurants that serve excellent food, and have beautiful balcony views.  Mouthwatering, fresh seafood is a specialty of the island and you cannot go wrong with a clawless Caribbean lobster.  Calypso Daiquiri made with Cruzan Rum or mango salsa flavored drinks are very popular in the island. 

The island is a festive place that celebrates events with a lot of zest.  The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a memorable event with parades of colorful displays of floats, and costumed characters.  The St. Croix Food and Wine Experience in April is a weeklong event that features the well-known people of St. Croix’s food and beverage industry. 

You can experience fine dining, wine tasting, and spot a few celebrities as well! St. Croix is a beautiful and exciting destination that promises a memorable vacation!

The Best Thing to do in Cat Island is to do Nothing at All!

Posted on by

Cat Island is a beautiful and historic island located in central Bahamas.  Cat Island’s exceptional beauty, peaceful atmosphere, superb climate, and pristine beaches contribute to making it a spectacular vacation destination.  Cat Island has the one of the best climates in the Bahamas – the temperatures average 80 degrees in the summers and 70 degrees in the short winters.  You can escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life to this lush island for a romantic getaway for an intimate family vacation.  Everyone is bound to have a marvelous time in this beautiful island.  Beach vacation homes are a popular mode of accommodation in Cat Island, as they provide a luxurious home away from home.

There is pleny to do in this beautiful Bahamian island.  Cat Island has serene, beautiful beaches that offer enjoyable activities.  The expansive beaches are so secluded that you will feel as if the beach is your own private beach; this feeling is intensified if you stay at a luxurious beach house!

Some of the beaches include the Greenwood Beach that has pink sand, Old Bight Beach with its pure white sand (ideal for walking, beach combing, picnicking, and relaxing), New Bight Beach, which hosts weekend dances and holiday picnics, and Fountain Bay Beach.  You can enjoy fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba-diving at the beaches.

Mount Alvernia, which is 206 feet above sea level, is the highest point in the Bahamas and it is located in Cat Island.  Even though the island offers enjoyable activities, you can choose to do nothing at all and, instead, appreciate the distinct serenity of the island.

Cat Island was once one of the thriving Loyalist colonies of the Out Islands.  The island prospered by means of numerous cotton plantations that were established in the 1700s.  Now, you can view the vine-covered, semi-ruined mansions in which the cattle was penned and the pineapples were grown centuries ago.

The island has many other intriguing historical sites.  Columbus Point, which is also a momument to Christopher Columbus, is one of the  many Indian caves located in Cat Island.  Hawk’s Nest is a beautiful and fascinating area where a wonderful hawk awed all the locals by making her nest for several years.

The Hermitage, a minature monastry, is an tremendous imitation of the larger hermitages in Europe.  The Hermitage is built on Mt. Alvernia and you can enjoy exceptionally beautiful, panoramic views of the island from there.  The historic sites are a must-see for tourists!

Cat Island has variety of diverse restaurants that will ensure a wonderful dining experience.  Delicious, authentic Bahamian cuisine and seafood is a specialty of the island!  Some of the great restaurants include Bachelor’s Restaurant, Pass Me Not Bar Restaurant, and Blue Bird Restaurant.

Cat Island is serene place that provides a superb vacation experience for everyone!  You are warmly welcome to say at a luxurious beach house and enjoy the serenity of this exotic island.  You will undoubtedly have an unforgettable vacation experience!

Travel Deal: Cabrera, Dominican Republic, Caribbean Islands

Posted on by

Need to get away to the sunshine? Escape to Affordable Luxury! Save 50% right now! (to take advantage of this offer, please leave a comment and we will get in contact with you)

Experience a luxurious getaway in one of the hottest destinations.  This is “The best island romantic villa!”  An exotic location with welcoming weather and a real seaside stress reliever…escape those winter time blues!

Welcome to the beauty, serenity and peaceful elegance of Casa Bella Villa. This Dominican Republic luxury vacation villa rental offers 3 bedrooms, all en suite and air conditioned, located right on the beachfront in the exclusive gated community of Orchid Bay Estates.

The beautiful white sand beach is literally steps away from the vacation villa where you can swim, snorkel or build those sand castles from your dreams.


Casa Bella Villa comes with a full staff (private chef, maid, host, gardener, guard) to take care of your every need.
Casa Bella sits right on a private beach. Come and experience a travel adventure at an exclusive exotic location!
True oceanfront/beach property
Swim everyday in clear blue carribean sea.

Amenities:

  • outdoor pool table
  • basketball hoop
  • Wii game
  • Dsl wireless internet
  • No chlorine/ swimming pool
  • and much more!

Come and experience villa rental like you never had before.

Everything is provided.  No worries of what to eat or having to do household chores.  Your stress-free vacation awaits!

***Recession-Busting to Winter Travel Deal for Casa Bella Villa–Save 50% or More***

Leave us a comment for info on special package rates for winter.  Package rates can start as low as $400 per night or $2,800 per week. (limit time only, some restrictions apply)