Change Of Preference - Reception Class Place In September 2016: Fill & Download for Free

Yes, Beijing is pushing Hong Kong tycoons to do more.But no, contrary to popular belief, Hong Kong tycoons are unable to resolve the city chronic housing shortage.A really long writing is needed to properly explain my view.Hong Kong Tycoons — from heroes to villainsHong Kong people used to idolize their super-rich. Their role model was this guy, dubbed “superman”, a shrewd, hard-working self-made billionaire. This was a time when Hong Kong was growing fast and its people was optimistic. Books revealing the secrets of Li Ka-shing’s success were best sellers.The Asian Financial Crisis struck shortly after 1997 Handover from British rule to China. Hong Kong suffered a deflation which lasted for 6 years. Residential property price plunged 66% from its height. The number of negative equity breached 100,000 in a city of about 1 million private houses (then). SARS in 2003 marked the low point of Hong Kong fortune.In contrast most of the Hong Kong tycoons, Li included, survived the downturn unscratched. Politically they enjoyed cozy relationship with China top leadership. Financially their businesses were conservatively managed and diversified. It was during this time of economic hardship that Hong Kong citizens’ attitude towards their billionaires started to change.The book shown below, Land And The Ruling Class In Hong Kong, marked the turning point. The author Alice Poon described how just six families in Hong Kong controlled a third of Hong Kong economy. The six families used their dominance in property development to break into transport, public utilities, supermarkets and other businesses, enjoying quasi monopoly status and restricting competition.According to Milton Friedman Hong Kong was the ideal of a free market economy.[1] But in Alice Poon’s Hong Kong the city is just a rent seeking economy. (Note: Follow this hyperlink for articles on land policy written by Alice Poon 潘慧嫻 )Government Housing Policy U-turnThere was a complete U-turn in housing policy. The first Chief Executive Tung Chee-wah started his term with a well intended policy to expand housing supply. But the policy was unfairly blamed for exacerbating house price downturn during Asian Financial Crisis. Under pressure by middle class who suffered significant loss of wealth and even in negative equity, Tung’s policy was quietly abandoned.When Donald Tsang succeeded Tung in 2005, his government continued to tighten housing supply and stopped building up land bank, a mistake he admitted in later years.[2]However, with the influx of mainland China capital after SARS, and the easy money thanks to central bank quantitative easing after 2008 Global Financial Crisis, lots of money were chasing a very limited supply of Hong Kong houses. House price quadrupled in the next decade.Li Ka-shing the devilHave tycoons like Li Ka-shing exploited the system? Definitely. But is it fair to blame Hong Kong ills solely on billionaires like Li Ka-Shing? I have reservation about that.My analysis will focus on the Li Ka-shing since he is the embodiment of Hong Kong super-riches.Li Ka-Shing has been vilified by both sides — initially by the Hong Kong pan-Democrat opposition; and lately by mainland China.During 1990’s and 2000’s Li Ka-shing was known to have enjoyed strong support from then China leader Jiang Ze-min. The closeness to China top leadership was seen by Hong Kong opposition as Li’s original sin.Pan-Democrat opposition politicians accused government officials of colluding with business interests. One example cited was Li’s son Richard exploited the Cyberport technology hub project by turning it into a residential project in disguise.[3]Another notable incident was in 2005 Li Ka-shing donated HK$ 1 billion to Hong Kong University medical faculty. The university decided to name the faculty after Li as sign of gratitude. The pan-Democrat medical-sector legislator Kwok Ka-ki organized alumni protest against the renaming.[4]Interestingly Li Ka-shing was also loathed by some Christian groups in Hong Kong (by the way Li is a devoted Buddhist). A priest even compared Li to the devil.[5] And I cannot fail to notice that many notable Christians are staunch supporters of 2014 Occupy Movement and current protest movement.[6]Li Ka-shing no longer the devilBut the hatred toward Li slowly dissipated when CY Leung took over as third Chief Executive in 2012. It was rumored that the city property tycoons were against CY and had supported CY’s opponent Henry Tang.(Note: the pro-establishment or pro-Beijing forces can be loosely grouped into two camps – CY is associated with the “leftist” camp, and Henry is linked to the “businessmen” camp consisting of many tycoons.)And this is merely my speculation — perhaps to the pan-Democrat opposition, the enemy’s (new Chief Executive CY’s) enemies (tycoons like Li) are best treated as allies.CY Leung made it his top priority to resolve housing issue and to expand housing land supply. The biggest resistance did not come from property developers. CY was vehemently opposed by pan-Democrats and environmental groups under various pretexts.This is logical. An artificial housing shortage will benefit just a few property developers — i.e. companies with large land bank and huge housing stock for rental market. May be Henderson Land and Sun Hung Kai will benefit. However developers like Li’s CK Asset has much smaller land bank; not to mention mid tier developers and newcomers from mainland China who are starve of land.For this group of developers, if government can roll out more housing land, more houses can be built and sold to the mass market.A frequent cited analogy that describes the price relationship of housing land to house is that of flour to bread. Developers are like bakers. If cheaper land (flour) is available, more bakers (developers) can turn them into affordable bread (houses); more affordable bread (houses) means a larger market since more customers can afford to buy bread houses). Therefore for most of the developers, especially among second tier and newcomers, more housing land supply is good for business.The oft-repeated assertion that Hong Kong property developers oppose more housing does not make economic sense — at least the theory does not work for many developers.Don’t let Li Ka-shing run awayAt a time when Hong Kong opposition and media were dialing down their attack on Li Ka-shing, Li was facing increasing attack in mainland China.Li’s perceived protector Jiang Ze-min was seen to be losing influence after Xi Jin-ping took over in 2012. Xi’s relentless anti-corruption drive fell many Jiang appointed officials. The period coincided a time when Li’s company was divesting from Hong Kong and mainland China to expand in Europe.[7]In 2015 a China think-tank published an article that caused a furore. The article written in Chinese was titled “Don’t Let Li Ka-Shing run away”. This is the link to the article → https://www.backchina.com/news/2015/09/14/384158.htmlhttps://blog.mimvp.com/article/24630.htmlThe article was unusual as it accused property tycoons such as Li prospered through collusion with (past) power, for otherwise Li wouldn’t be allowed to enter strategic sectors such as ports in China. The implication was since the tycoons’ wealth was never acquired in a fair manner, they had immense social responsibility. Tycoons had no right to move significant capital out of China. The article further opined that these vested interests had caused deep rooted social economic issues in Hong Kong. It called for drastic reform and wealth redistribution to regain confidence of ordinary Hong Kong people.Overall, I think the article’s opinion is fair. But it has underestimated the challenges of Hong Kong housing issue by assuming the problem can be fixed by getting rid of property tycoons’ privileges (more on this at the end of my answer).For a more balance view, I have included a very well written response from Li (also written in Chinese) → 李嘉诚三页纸正式回应“撤资”指控：我身本无乡，心安是归处_财经上下游_澎湃新闻The essence of Li’s response is a quote from a Chinese classical poem “我身本无乡，心安是归处”. The phrase can be roughly translated into English as “home’s where my heart is”. Such cryptic response is typical of Li and leaves a lot to imagination.[8]The battle line has shiftedAs late as in 2013 pan-Democrat politicians and their media were still attacking Li Ka-Shing, for example over the Hong Kong dock strike at Li’s port.[9]By 2015, however, when Beijing started showing impatience towards tycoons like Li, pan-Democrats stopped criticizing Li. instead their media ridiculed and condemned China central government for “fighting the landlord” (鬥地主) as diversion, a practice pan-Democrats used to indulge in. Christian groups also no longer call Li the devil.At the risk of over-simplification, I try to explain this shift in the context of a class battle.In the simplest form, Hong Kong society can be divided into three classes:The 1% – Refer to the table below. The 1% are a small part of the 6.5% household whose monthly household income exceeds HK$ 100,000. Tycoons, successful business person and their families fall within the 1% group.The middle class – My definition assumes a middle-class household has monthly income exceeding HK$ 25,000. The HK$ 25,000 cut-off line would qualify a young couple of recent university graduates as middle class. This group is about 50% of household.The grassroots – Any household below HK$ 25,000 belongs to the grassroots. The majority do not have tertiary education. They are the other 50% household.Traditionally the middle class predominantly supports pan-Democrat opposition. On the other hand the grassroots are dominated by pro-establishment (pro-Beijing) parties. Although the 1% cannot provide the votes, they provide necessary resources to pro-establishment camp.In a broad brush, Hong Kong government rules with the legislative support from the grassroots supported pro-establishment parties, and through cooperation from the 1%. Pro-Beijing camp has about 42% popular support (based on 2016 LegCo election for district council second FC).[10] It wields disproportionate power as the electoral system is tilted to their favor – which is the root of discontent among pan-Democrats.The 2012 Chief Executive election has witnessed the split between the pro-Beijing leftist camp (representing grassroots’ interest) and the 1% group.The now withdrawn Extradition Bill amendment has also caused a lot of anguish among the 1%. Many Hong Kong tycoons knowingly or unknowingly may have been on the wrong side of the laws when operating in mainland China.Sensing that some tycoons like Li are increasingly being sidelined by Beijing, I suspect pan-Democrats are trying to woo the 1% by toning down their attack on the rich.We now have a very strange situation.The middle class supporters of pan-Democrat are unhappy about the dominance of tycoons in Hong Kong economy. In the past pan-Democrat politicians blame both the government and the tycoons. But to maintain tactical truce with tycoons, the pan-Democrats now prefer to down play their disdain for tycoons, and insist the root cause of Hong Kong problem is the lack of democracy.Of course the tycoons cannot and will not openly support the opposition. However most of them are taking a neutral stance in current unrest. They only provide halfhearted support to Hong Kong government when pressed by Beijing.In defense of the devilCompared to other tycoons, Li Ka-shing has taken a bolder stance. He has appealed to Hong Kong government to show leniency towards protesters. His action has earned him the displeasure of Beijing.[11] While I somewhat disagree with Li’s position, I feel at least Li is willing to speak out, and is prepared to pay a price for speaking out.In Li Ka-shing’s defense, while he has certainly prospered from Hong Kong oligopoly economic structure, the main responsibility lie with British colonial government and Beijing at the early years of handover. Both the British colonial and Beijing governments have placated the tycoons to buy their support. They have shied away from promoting more competition.Among the tycoons Li Ka-shing has proven to be the most far sighted and competitive minded. His success cannot be explained by rent seeking, given he has successful port operation around the world; competitive retail and telecommunication operation in Europe and Asia; and energy business in Canada. They are all exposed to and excel in the face of global competition.Li has also pledged one third of his assets to support philanthropic projects. To date Li Ka Shing Foundation has already granted about HK$ 14.5 billion in charitable donations.[12] In his latest charitable act, he has donated HK$ 600 million to small and medium-sized Hong Kong businesses which suffer from ongoing unrest.[13]Li is a shrewd businessman and a kindhearted philanthropist. But devil? No.Why tycoons cannot resolve Hong Kong housing problemAs I’ve explained earlier, most property companies do not profit from housing shortage. Instead they benefit from a vibrant housing market.A few property developers, the larger one, may have benefited from their larger land bank and hoarded properties which fetch higher price/ rent if housing shortage persists.However for the majority of developers, especially those with limited or no land bank, and also newcomers made up of mainland Chinese property firms, they do not benefit from limited housing/ housing land supply.For them, a better business model is to ensure they can get hold of land. Only by getting land they can build houses to generate more revenue and more profit.If these developers can buy sufficient housing land at reasonable price, they can convert into flats that are affordable by the mass market without sacrificing margin. In other words their market can be much larger than today.But who own the land in Hong Kong? The four major developers own a total of 53 million square feet (about 500 hectares or 5 km2) of land bank. This is less than 0.5% of Hong Kong land mass of about 1,110 km2.Over the years property companies have also amassed another 1,000 hectares (10km2) of agricultural land, which is less than 1% of Hong Kong landmass.[14] However agricultural land cannot be easily converted into housing land. The lands are mostly located at remote locations and lack infrastructure to support high density housing. They also have to pay the government for land conversion premium.It is the Hong Kong government that owns most of the land. The chart below shows a total failure of Hong Kong in addressing its housing woe:[15]Hong Kong has a lot of land! But a good 70% of them, or 774 km2 are woodland, grassland or barren land. Of which 443 km3, which is about 40% of Hong Kong land mass, is designated as Country Park which is untouchable for development.Its 7.4 million population is squeezed into a mere 6.9% or 77 km2 of Hong Kong. More than 200,000 live in a sub-divided flat like this:Recently in response to Beijing pressure, New World Development has donated 3 million square feet or a fifth of its farm land to government.[16] Henderson Land has also loaned 0.43 million square feet of its land.[17]Now we have top tier developers returning land to government. Can it resolve the housing shortage and bring down the house prices? Judging by the latest housing price, the market does not think so.Why? Just look at how Hong Kong government plans to use the donated or loaned land. It plans to build several thousand units of low-rise transitional housing! It is baffling why can’t the government build high rise flats. The press has reported local neighborhood opposition on concern of infrastructure stress, a typical syndrome of NIMBY (not in my backyard).[18]But it is beyond me why can’t the government plan and spend on the necessary infrastructure. Are the various government departments working in silos? Or is it because flat-owning government bureaucrats do not want to expand housing supply due to personal interest? I’m confused.However the main point I’ve tried to make here is, even as property developers return their land to the government, the government still cannot resolve the housing shortage!That is the reason why I say we cannot expect Hong Kong property tycoons to resolve the housing problem. The problem is not (entirely) due to them and the solution is beyond them!Who are the true obstructionists?I’ve argued earlier that Hong Kong property tycoons have gamed the system. They have used their advantage to compete legally but unfairly in other economic sectors in Hong Kong, in areas like retail, utilities, transport etc. However it is unfair to blame the housing shortage solely on property tycoons.At the risk of simplification/ generalization again, in my opinion, the greater culprits, especially in recent years are:Pan-Democrat politicians – While they do not deny there is a housing issue, pan-Democrats have repeatedly obstructed past efforts by CY Leung and current effort by Carrie Lam to increase housing land supply. It is as if by preventing the government from solving housing issue, pan-Democrats could win more support from disgruntled voters who will only blame the government due to ideological bias. (However pan-Democrats never openly say that they oppose more housing. They say they are against the government wasteful spending; collusion with business; or a range of other reasons/ excuses)Independence leaning radical opposition – At least the pan-Democrats acknowledge there is a housing issue. In contrast the radicals deny there is a housing shortage. They believe (1) houses are hoarded by mainland Chinese; or (2) there will be enough houses for Hong Kongers if government could stop the influx of mainland Chinese.Environmental groups – They say no to reclamation; no to developing the fringe of country parks; and even no to developing unused agricultural land. They are more concerned about animal welfare than human welfare. But I suspect some environmental groups are actually the fronts for other groups.The golf loving elites – The 172 hectare (1.72 km2, or 0.15% of Hong Kong landmass) Fanling Golf Course (FGC) is an easy political target for opposition politicians. The 2,000 members of FGC are part of the city 1% that nobody sympathize. While they may have a point on FGC preservation, these members showed zero political sensitivity by fighting tooth and nail to preserve their privileges. Eventually Carrie’s government made a compromised decision by acquiring 32 hectare for housing.Civil servants – Everyone complains the endless bureaucratic nightmare to go through. How can a highly educated group of civil servants manage to tie themselves into knots? I suspect it’s due to the fear of being blamed that drive them into inaction. Civil servants are afraid of being labelled as colluding with business interests(官商勾結). Every minor decision making requires prolonged public consultations where it only takes a minority vocal opposition to derail the plan.Government finance – Since British colonial government time Hong Kong has adopted a high land price strategy to compensate for its low taxation. The chart below shows between a quarter to a third of government revenue is derived from land sales, land usage alteration or other property related revenue. Even though Hong Kong government has a huge reserve (its foreign exchange reserve of US$ 439 billion ranks No 7 in the world), a switch to permanent low land price policy will not be sustainable without new sources of revenue.(Note 1: To be specific, when I name above groups, I don’t mean each member in the groups should be held responsible. However there is no doubt a large numbers of them are responsible to varying degrees, consciously or otherwise. The same applies to what I’m going to say in the next section.Note 2: There are actually two housing markets — public and private. The victims of public housing shortage are the grass root where average waiting time has risen to 5.4 years.[19] The main victims of private housing shortage are people whose income and/or wealth are marginally above the public housing qualification threshold, yet private houses are beyond their reach. For simplification purpose I do not differentiate the two markets.)Big elephant in the roomThere are more to the above list. But all the challenges listed above can still be overcome, except this last group – the private flat owning middle class!Recall during first CE Tung Chee-wah’s term more than 100,000 of them became negative equity when house value fell 66%. This middle class house owners stopped Tung’s expansionary housing policy. They made up the half a million protesters who demanded Tung’s resignation in 2003 (a protest held in the name of opposing a security bill, but actually over many issues, just like today).As of Sep 2019, the outstanding residential mortgage loan in Hong Kong is HK$ 1,415.2 billion.[20] The average loan size as of Apr 2018 (the latest data I can find) is HK$ 4.3 million.[21] Assuming the average is unchanged, it implies 1,415,200/4.3 = 329,116 mortgages are still being paid down. I believe most of them are mortgages from individual households. That is about 13% of Hong Kong household, or about 26% of middle income families.No Hong Kong leader would like to be (unfairly) blamed again for causing a property crash when the next downturn comes, sending another 100,000 of these households to negative equity.As mentioned earlier, the main support of pan-Democrat parties comes from the middle class. This is the other unspoken reason why pan-Democrats do not push for massive housing supply. The issue will drive a wedge between their supporters who cannot afford a house, and those who already own their home and are paying down their mortgages. To fudge the conflicting interests pan-Democrat politicians will rather beat about the bush and blame the government.I don’t see how Hong Kong housing problem can be truly resolved until someone has come up with a bright idea of reassuring and even bailing out (private) flat owning middle class.Like the murder on the Orient Express, everyone played a part. However property tycoons have been made the convenient scapegoats as if they are the only murderer.Edit: Some clarification in response to comments:Q1: Don’t property tycoons benefit from housing shortage?My response: A property developer may adopt one of these two strategies:(A) Hoard the properties. Sell at high price due to the scarcity premium. But the total revenue and profit are low because most of the potential buyers are priced out of the market; or(B) By selling at reasonable price, most buyers can afford. The resulting sales volume will be high. Total revenue and profit are higher.The limited housing and housing land supply in HK gives the impression that all developers follow strategy (A). That is not true.Many more developers will benefit from strategy (B).More and cheaper housing land means more affordable “flour” for developers, who are like bakers. → Bakers can then make more bread and sell at affordable price without sacrificing margin (since flour price is low) → More customers can afford to buy bread → Total bread sales and total profit grow.Q2: Why don’t you blame the Beijing government that has allowed the tycoons to make unfair profits?My response:HK tycoons benefit from limited competition in other economic fields like transport, utilities, telco, retail … The unfair deal already happened during the British colonial days. It was carried over after handover as Beijing government then wanted HK tycoons to provide stability. Hence no change to the unfair system. The 1 country 2 systems design means bad aspects of Hong Kong system is preserved too!The bonanza reaped by tycoons in other fields due to limited competition is NOT the same as housing shortage is caused by tycoons or Beijing government. Unfortunately most people can’t see the difference, and have channeled their anger on housing shortage at the tycoons. This is unhelpful to get to the real solution.Many property developers will prefer more, not less, chances to build house and sell to the mass market. Their growth is restricted by the lack of housing land. Limited land supply is bad for business.Who benefit from limited land supply? The biggest beneficiary are none other than those private flat owners who have already owned properties and are serving their mortgages. Their self interest is reflected in the political parties that represent their interest.But they never claim to oppose more housing or housing land. Instead they oppose more housing land by citing environmental reasons; or are against “wasteful spending” on reclamation.Footnotes[1] Milton Friedman Describes Hong Kong as an Example of the Free Market System[2] ‘I could have done better’: Hong Kong former chief executive Donald Tsang reflects on his housing policies[3] Cyberport - Wikipedia[4] Doctors refuse to bow to Li Ka-shing faculty[5] Priest in Li Ka-shing devil jibe unrepentant[6] Hong Kong churches struggle to find a place between religion and politics[7] Li Ka-shing to offload more Hong Kong assets for Europe telecom purchases[8] 論李嘉誠的文學修養[9] 2013 Hong Kong dock strike - Wikipedia[10] Elections in Hong Kong - Wikipedia[11] Li Ka-shing’s appeal for leniency for Hong Kong protesters gets cool reception[12] Li Ka Shing Foundation - Wikipedia[13] Tycoon Li Ka-shing donates HK$1 billion to help Hong Kong businesses[14] Major developers own 20pc farmland[15] https://www.cedd.gov.hk/filemanager/eng/content_954/Info_Sheet2.pdf[16] Hong Kong developer gifts a fifth of farmland to build public homes[17] Henderson donates more land to help Hong Kong ease housing shortage[18] Henderson Land to donate land to house 40,000 people for HK$1[19] allocation_status[20] Hong Kong Monetary Authority - Residential Mortgage Survey Results for September 2019[21] Hongkongers will feel the squeeze as mortgage rates gain momentum

50. Half Moon, JamaicaFresh off a $75 million renovation, Jamaica's storied, 400-acre Half Moon is back on the scene. The reopening coincides with the resort's 65th anniversary—with a guest list that has included Queen Elizabeth II and J.F.K. Newly constructed rooms are low-rise, set back from two miles of Montego Bay beachfront. With the Great House as its centerpiece, the Fern Tree Spa is one of the largest in the Caribbean, and sporty folk can engage with a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 18-hole golf course, 11 tennis courts, and equestrian center. Visiting families will appreciate a new marketplace and café for takeaway snacks and an all-day, casual dining room. The 57 new guest rooms contain an impressive number of cheerful works of art by Jamaican artists and lots of use of wood and natural fibers.49. Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, JamaicaHyatt Ziva Rose Hall is the sister property to the Hyatt Zilara, but don't get them twisted. While the neighboring Zilara is adults only (18+), the Hyatt Ziva is as family-friendly as they come. It helps that the beachfront resort is all-inclusive, so those midday snacks, poolside cocktails for the parents, and visits to the KidZ Club, with its game room and educational activities, are already included in your stay. Plus, you can take advantage of the resort's compact catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, and sea kayaks during your stay. The room to book? One of the resort's swim-up suites that offer direct access to one of the resort's two pools and come with two in-pool loungers.48. The Ritz-Carlton, ArubaThe 320-room Ritz-Carlton is easily the best resort in the country now. Much of that has to do with the location—on a pristine stretch of white sand called Palm Beach, where you’ll find the Caribbean’s most exceptional windsurfing. It’s also a perfect place to bring the kids: The sea remains calm and shallow for about a half mile out, so conditions are always right for kayaking and paddle boarding. There’s a huge children’s pool (couples and singles can head to the adults-only one) and a slew of activities at the kids’ club, from arts and crafts to movie nights. But even though the property is family-friendly in almost every way, it’s not like the adults can’t have fun on their own: Grown-ups can head to the spa or partake in a yoga session at the fitness center, all while knowing that their children are safe with the on-site staff of babysitters.47. Four Seasons Resort NevisThis serene hideaway on a lush slice of paradise was built along Pinney's Beach on the site of a former sugar and coconut plantation (some golf course tees sit atop an old sugar factory). Seaside-inspired guest rooms have a pastel palette—canary yellow and periwinkle blue—and are outfitted in mahogany furniture, pineapple carvings, and botanical prints by a local artist. The open-air Mango is a few feet above the waves and offers contemporary Caribbean cuisine with views of neighboring St. Kitts and a lively reggae brunch. The place isn't tin—there are 196 rooms and more than 50 spacious villas—but it never feels crowded. Staff is known for its Nevisian friendliness.46. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto RicoOn a former coconut plantation between the Espíritu Santo River and El Yunque rain forest, a 30-minute drive from Old San Juan, the 139-room resort has just emerged from a $60 million renovation. Every guest room and suite has been refreshed; Casa Grande, the heart of the resort, includes The St. Regis Bar and the property’s signature restaurant; a seaside pool and esplanade; and an Iridium spa—all with new touches from Puerto Rican designer Nono Maldonado together with Hirsch Bedner Associates of San Francisco. Low-rise plantation-style buildings on 483 acres have guest rooms with custom-designed cherry furnishings, beamed ceilings, rattan fans, Pratesi linens, and enormous showers. Dining options are varied but superb: For traditional Puerto Rican food, head to the beachfront Fern, where remarkable service and a stunning jungle setting combine for an unforgettable experience. The 18-hole Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed golf course is beautiful. The property also has a private bird sanctuary an on-site “green team” led by a marine biologist.45. Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, NevisStaff become like family at this resort whose centerpiece is a restored 1778 plantation house on 30 acres of expansive lawns, coconut palms, and gardens. Lemon-hued stucco cottages with white pyramid roofs pop up amid the foliage; balconies or patios face the windy Atlantic beach on the northern tip of this tiny island. The gourmet Caribbean cuisine at the Great House—one of just three air-conditioned restaurants on Nevis—includes dishes like grilled mahi-mahi with peas and rice. Thursday night's poolside barbecue comes with live music and attracts folk from all over. Fun fact: This is where English naval hero Horatio Nelson met his wife, Fanny Nisbet, in the 1780s.44. Couples Swept Away, JamaicaSpread across 19 acres on Seven Mile Beach at the top end of Negril, this adults-only, all-inclusive is as low key as it is low rise (all that nice stucco). With cedar furnishings and white linens, the 300+ rooms remain polished and fresh—it also helps that each one has a private balcony. With three pools and a ten-acre sports complex that includes squash, basketball, and ten tennis courts, the resort has something for everyone. Expect outstanding service and food at the restaurants, from formal dining at Feathers to juices and salads at Sea Grapes. Unwind in the spa's eucalyptus steam room.43. La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, Puerto RicoRCA 2018La Concha originally debuted in the late 1950s as Condado's premier hotel. Now, after many thoughtful renovations that retained much of its midcentury details, the resort is a welcome presence in busy San Juan. It has a bustling open-air lobby (often morphing into a lively nightclub), multiple dining options, direct beach access, a handful of spacious and quiet pools, and generously sized guest rooms. Don't miss an elegant, seafood-centric dinner in the upturned shell that is La Perla, hovering over an enormous infinity pool with views to the sea.42. Jumby Bay Island, AntiguaReopened in October 2017 as an Oetker Collection member (formally a Rosewood resort), Jumby Bay Island is accessible only by boat, with not a car in sight—but plenty of bikes to navigate this 300-acre island off the northern coast of Antigua. With only 40 accommodations in total—rooms and villas— there’s no need to worry about feeling the need to ever get off the all-inclusive island (although if curious, there's a complimentary ferry service that runs between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.). You’ll be plenty busy on one of the resort’s three tennis courts, in three pools—the Veranda is family-friendly, and on more than four miles of beach, plus kids’ club, for when you want to be anything but busy. The cheerful decor throughout is the work of Brazilian interior designer, Patricia Anastassiadis of Anastassiadis Arquitetos.41. Park Hyatt St. KittsAttractive to a variety of vacationing travelers, set on quiet Banana Bay overlooking the twin sister island of Nevis, this Park Hyatt feels like every detail is very thoughtfully considered. When you pull up to the hotel, you'll stop right in front of a long, open-air entry way that leads right to the beach. It's a straight shot of electric blue sea and sky. As far as first impressions go, it's pretty spectacular. Rooms are luxe and lovely, and don't scream "You're in the Caribbean!" The spa comes courtesy of Miraval; the yoga and meditation room are in a former sugar mill; and the kids' club comes with a rock-climbing wall.40. Sanctuary Cap Cana, Dominican RepublicIn the private beachfront reserve of Cap Cana, just 15 minutes from Punta Cana's airport, this sprawling, all-inclusive resort is a world of its own. Sanctuary Cap Cana looks like a seaside Spanish colonial town—and not just because it's been built into a castle. Its staggering 323 suites—a mix of waterfront bungalows and castle rooms—are tasteful, with modern lines, natural wood, stone, and a smattering of rattan. It also boasts five restaurants (one of which is built on stilts over the water), six bars, five pools, and a Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course. In the all-inclusive spirit, you can jam-pack your days with activities, or just take advantage of the five-star amenities. For travelers who don't want to sit still, you can keep busy with ocean kayaking and cooking classes, but a seemingly infinite array of poolside cabanas and daybeds make the case for long-term lounging. The best part? It recently underwent a $35 million renovation, so everything is sparkling new. Just leave the kids at home—Sanctuary Cap Cana is adults-only.39. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, ArubaThis adults-only boutique resort in Aruba's quieter low-rise Eagle Beach district offers sun seekers the island's best, least-crowded beach. Signal for a piña colada by putting a red flag in the sand and let the very accommodating staff take care of you. The Spanish colonial exterior is offset by more contemporary interiors. Suites in the Tara Wing, added in 2004 and renovated during summer 2017, have oceanfront views, king-size beds, and separate living areas. Elements Restaurant, which opened in 2013, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, though don't shy away from exploring the island for a more memorable dining experience. Try the coffee body scrub at the Purun Spa.38. Villa Marie Saint-Barth, St. BartsVilla Marie occupies a sweet spot at the small and intimate end of St. Barts' hospitality spectrum: pretty and cosseting, not flashy or forbidding. Although the serried sun loungers of the Isle de France on Flamands beach are clearly visible from the hilltop around which Villa Marie curls near the northwestern tip of the island, all that seems light years away in terms of style and scale. Here the 21 suites and villas are woody, whitewashed, and shuttered, with an abundance of ceiling fans, seashells, and Emmanuelle–style rattan armchairs. Beds are vast and canopied, with elaborate headboards. Soft furnishings are printed with pineapples (unfailingly happy-making), parrots (likewise) and palm trees (dark, moody, and weirdly haunting). Other features suggest influences from more distant shores: sideboards inlaid with mother-of-pearl; dreamcatcher-y wall hangings; Slim Aarons prints. A new suite, Villa Saline, debuted in 2018.37. Couples Tower Isle, JamaicaModern decor and brightly colored murals are the aesthetic at this 226-room, adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios. And when we say all-inclusive, we mean everything—spa treatments, a catamaran cruise, short off-site excursions to Dunn’s River Falls, and golf greens fees, and transfers. Rooms, with ocean or garden views, have furnished balconies and yellow and green accents. Couples also offers access to a small private island where guests can sunbathe in the buff. At the end of the night, go for cocktails at the ’50s-style piano bar—themed music parties are a big deal here. A packed daily schedule of activities could keep you busy all day, but take time out to languish in your private plunge pool if staying in one of the Spa Villas.36. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. LuciaThe ravishing renovation and renaming of The Jalousie Plantation is further proof that the Viceroy group has the Midas touch. What a spot. It's flanked by the famous twin peaks of the Pitons in 100 acres of lush rainforest, alive with butterflies and hummingbirds, which drops down to a perfect cushion of talcum-white sand (shipped in from Trinidad, but who cares?). Admittedly, the transfer isn't the easiest, on a steep and twisty mountain road (pack the anti-sickness pills), but once you make it here it's terrifically pretty: all white on white, from the clapboard cottages dotting the hillside to the beach bungalows with their four-poster beds, claw-footed baths, dark hardwood floors and plunge pools. Go for the latter, as some are barely 50ft from the beach, which means parents can loll on their terrace hammock while keeping an eye on little ones as they paddle.35. Sandy Lane, BarbadosThis landmark resort is something of a Bajan institution, with elegant interiors and an awesomely beautiful setting that ensures it is consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in the Caribbean. This splendor runs through everything, including the hotel's Treehouse Club for little ones.The resort, on the site of a onetime sugar plantation, offers old-school Caribbean luxury. Neo-Palladian accommodations are appointed with rich furniture, and offer views of the beachfront or Sandy Lane’s tropical gardens. Three golf courses are set along a former stone quarry, and open only to guests. Dine on French and Mediterranean specialties at the open-air L’Acajou.Thierry Dehove34. Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa, AnguillaZemi Beach House sits on a sprawling six acres by the ocean, with a luxe spa that includes Anguilla’s only hammam—if you’re craving a tropical escape, this is the place. Unwind on the yoga deck and enjoy holistic treatments at the 300-year-old imported and converted Thai Rice Barn turned spa; or camp out on Shoal Bay Beach, watching the waves roll in. There are 65 rooms total, outfitted with perks like 24-hour room service, “personalized Caribbean mini bars,” and Malin + Goetz bath products. You’ll be hard-pressed to leave. The resort reopened remarkably quickly in February 2018, following 2017's rash of hurricanes, restaurants Stone and 20 Knots included.Courtesy Montpelier Plantation & Beach33. Montpelier Plantation & Beach, NevisOh, for a whole summer in the pool at Montpelier Plantation! It's the perfect holiday served up on a plate, with Creole sauce on the side on 60 acres of an 18th-century plantation, set at 750-feet above sea level. Music plays gently. Birds flit around the breakfast terrace. Bougainvillaea hides the tennis court. The open-plan buildings flow in and out of each other, with verandahs overlooking the sea. Despite the palm trees, there is something rather English about the gardens, echoes of the original owners. In recent years an American family, the Hoffmans, bought the hotel, ditched the chintz, kept the afternoon tea, and built a breezy poolside bar. They smartened up the 17 cottage rooms—high-ceilinged, wooden-beamed—and refurbished on the restaurant, now probably the best on Nevis.Courtesy The Cotton House32. The Cotton House, Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines"Nothing worked, but we didn’t care," Princess Margaret recalled of her holidays here in the late 1960s. Back then this former sugar mill and cotton warehouse was a little hotel where guests dined on canned spaghetti. Now it’s a romantic 17-room bolthole beloved by young couples, families with small children, and anyone in dire need of some hardcore downtime. Set beside Endeavour Bay, it has a style that is colonial-meets-contemporary, the centerpiece of which is an airy Great Room, created by Parisian designer Tristan Auer, and which every Tuesday hosts a boisterous, not-to-be-missed cocktail party that almost the whole island attends. Breakfast of jerked eggs and smoked lionfish is served on the veranda, with a view across parrot-green lawns to the small and lovely beach. Water guns are provided to keep sneaky birdlife at bay while you tuck in. Couples can hole up in one of the three colorful cottages, or in a room within earshot of the crashing waves; families can spread out in the huge suites set in the tropical gardens. The island stretches over three miles, and many guests rely on golf carts to see its crowd-free beaches and exhilarating coastal trails, and for a run to Basil’s Bar, newly revamped by Philippe Starck, where a dance under the stars is almost obligatory. Like the rest of Mustique, the hum of glamour at The Cotton House is soft and low rather than high-pitched, making it one of the most charming island hangouts around.31. Young Island Resort, St. Vincent and the GrenadinesCast barely 600 feet from the island of St. Vincent, 13-acre Young Island couldn't feel farther from civilization. Twenty-nine cottages, all furnished with retro-Bohemian flair—lots of bamboo, wicker, and rattan, plus outdoor garden shower—have water views through deep tropical foliage. A swim-up Coconut Bar, just offshore is a fun excuse for midday tipples (try the Coconut Delight with local red rum). Saturdays are BBQ nights with a live steel band. Know that not all rooms have A/C, relying instead on large walls of louvered blinds, and none have televisions or telephones. Budget to add on lunch and dinner for an additional $150 per night above your room rate. Our top tips? A two-night tour of the Grenadines on a fully crewed yacht and a round of tennis atop the island with 360-degree views.30. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican RepublicHome to one of the Caribbean's top-rated golf courses, Teeth of the Dog, Casa de Campo lives up to its reputation as a millionaire's paradise. Just ten minutes from La Romana airport on the southeast shore of the Dominican Republic, this 7,000-acre resort includes picture-postcard perfect Minitas Beach and its own private island, Catalina. Food options can sometimes veer towards appearing like a gargantuan cruise ship buffet, so head to the replica 16th-century Italian village of Altos de Chavan designed by Dominican architect Jose Antonio Caro, and Italian master designer and cinematographer, Roberto Coppa for La Piazetta—the resort's first restaurant, designed by Oscar de la Renta or the new Epicure Food Truck on Minitas (open for lunch only). Rooms run the gamut from classic hotel accommodations to multi-bed villas. Casa de Campo even has its own movie theater at the marina with three screens, and the Genesis Nightclub.Courtesy Viceroy Anguilla29. Four Seasons Resort and Residences AnguillaSet atop a lick of land between the beaches of Barnes and Meads bays, the rebranded, 181-room resort (formerly the Viceroy) plays perfectly with its surroundings on 35 spacious acres. A modern, clean-lined exterior with large glass windows offers effortless views of both bay and beach, while the Kelly Wearstler–designed suites bring it back down to earth with organic elements like bleached blonde wood floors and tables carved from knotty, gnarled pieces of petrified wood. This is an extremely family-friendly place (especially when renting a five-bedroom villa). There are three pools here—including one for kids, and an infinity hideaway for adults only at sunset.Courtesy BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia28. BodyHoliday, St. LuciaThis beachfront all-inclusive is on a private cove on the northwest of St. Lucia, near Pigeon Island National Landmark. It's a good value with very good food, premium drinks, and excellent service in the restaurants and spa. The lobby has a deep-blue palette enhanced by driftwood and mahogany. The wellness center, decorated in Jerusalem stone and mosaics, offers Pilates and Reiki and has a heated marble massage bed. All five restaurants use local produce, often from the hotel's garden. A $20 million renovation, in time for the resort's 30th anniversary this year, added an infinity pool and a boardwalk and expanded the water sports center. TAO serves Asian-fusion cuisine, The Deli offers up light snacks and sushi. Two new luxury villas, Villa Lara and Villa Calypso, have joined the pre-existing Villa Firefly—and we really do like the fact that BodyHoliday has dedicated solo traveler rooms.Courtesy The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman27. The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman IslandsThe super-sized resort commandeers the island’s narrowest east-west point, blanketing 114 acres. The residential towers, holding 69 apartments, front Seven Mile Beach; the hotel towers are on North Sound. Beige-to-cream facades duplicate the multi-hued Caymanian sands. The reception area with chandeliers and masses of flowers opens into the Silver Palm Lounge, where delicious munchies accompany evening drinks—with the promise of a glass Martini “luge.” The 365 classic rooms and eleven suites favor soft yellow walls, botanical prints, chaise longues, and humongous beds in maize, periwinkle or coral. By spring, the Greg Norman nine-hole golf course should be in full swing.26. Jade Mountain, St. LuciaIt's unlike any place in the world—you have to stay here to appreciate the brilliant design. You will come home changed from this hillside resort, named for the owners' extensive collection of antique carved jade mountains, and placed high above its beachfront sister property Anse Chastanet. Jaw-droppingly beautiful rooms all have 15-foot ceilings, unforgettable Piton Mountain views, and private infinity pools in different colored tiles (ruby, amber, plum). James Beard-winning chef Allen Susser mixes sweet and spicy—with seafood dishes the stars—at Jade Mountain Club, and above, the Celestial Terrace allows for some late-night star-gazing.Mike Toy/Courtesy Cap Maison25. Cap Maison, St. LuciaAt the northern tip of St. Lucia, on what used to be the sugar plantation, Cap Maison sits clifftop like a small orderly village. This cluster of three-story white buildings has a Spanish (via Caribbean) colonial architectural motif with its characteristic Moorish inflections, painted tiles, and dark wood. The 49 rooms are kitted out with local paintings and richly upholstered furniture (including an oversized chaise longue at the foot of the bed), balconies, louvered shutters, ceiling fans, A/C, iPod docks, and Bose speakers, as well as lovely bathrooms with painted ceramic sinks. Some suites come with a private plunge pool but, should you prefer company, there is a small cliff-edge cascading pool as well as a larger one surrounded by chaises. At the bottom of a long staircase down to the sea is a small protected beach for swimming and snorkeling.Courtesy Rockhouse24. Rockhouse, JamaicaThis high-end boutique hotel on the West Cliffs, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, is the cliffside getaway of your dreams. With three restaurants that are some of Jamaica's most buzzing just outside your thatched-roof, hut-style guest room, you have everything from a fresh juice bar to fine dining at hand. Ready to relax? Those huts overlook the bright water, with open-air windows and doorways giving you expansive views. Don't miss the spa, which specializes in holistic treatments that take place in yet more cliff-edge cabanas. Swimming and snorkeling in Pristine Cove are the main activities on order (equipment is on hand), as well as classes for painting and yoga, music and dancing, and cooking. Rockhouse opened in 1972 and early guests included Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones. It may be going on 50, but the good vibes are still as strong.Issia Thelwell/Courtesy Round Hill Hotel and Villas23. Round Hill Hotel and Villas, JamaicaThis Montego Bay resort is set on 110 acres right by the sea. With 36 oceanfront rooms designed by Ralph Lauren and 27 private villas, discretion is the name of the game here. The guest rooms—all in the Pineapple House—are steps from the infinity pool and a snorkeling reef. The independently owned villas, meanwhile, range in size from two to six bedrooms and can sport amenities from private pools to their own guest houses. The resort is extensive but manageable, abundant with paths and a central area where dining and activities are focused. From tennis and a spa and fitness center to golf and on-site shopping, there's plenty to entertain all ages. Dining, too, is a point of interest: With a James Beard Award-winning chef leading the resort's restaurants, eating at Round Hill can feel like stepping out—without leaving the premises. In all, it's a tasteful, self-contained getaway as appealing to couples looking for a romantic trip as for families looking for something for all ages.Courtesy Anse Chastanet Resort22. Anse Chastanet Resort, St. LuciaThe sister property to Jade Mountain up in the hills, this 600-acre beachfront resort has octagonal hillside cottages and waterfront rooms, each individually designed. There's special attention paid to keeping things local: The wood used in the rooms is of St. Lucia, and cushions and bedspreads are a bright madras plaid, the island's cloth. Since rooms have no phones or TVs, this is the most romantic and wonderful place on the island, truly an experience to replenish the soul. After scuba diving, dine at the Treehouse Restaurant for Caribbean by candlelight or at Emerald's, which uses organic produce from the resort's farm in its all-vegetarian menu.Courtesy Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve21/. Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto RicoIn the ’60s, the Dorado Beach Hotel—a 1,400-acre resort on a former citrus and coconut plantation on Puerto Rico’s north coast, 30 miles west of San Juan—was a tropical playground for Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Crawford (not to mention an occasional getaway for John F. Kennedy). With 114 rooms and suites, the latter housed in sleek two-story villas built of coral stone, the newly redesigned Dorado Beach, reopened in late 2018, takes its mid-century design cues from the original resort. The focus is on service and the resort's tropical surroundings.Courtesy Le Sereno20. Le Sereno, St. BartsAt the quiet end of an idyllic cove in Grand Cul-de-Sac, this cottage colony was utterly remade by master minimalist Christian Liaigre. The decor is elaborately spare—bare white walls, dark wood floors, and nary a rounded edge or flourish in sight—but with no sacrifice to comfort. The 39 rooms have buttery linens and walled gardens with giant daybeds (Grand Suites add settees and bathtubs), and cushioned banquettes make up most of the restaurant’s seating. The resort sustained some damage from Hurricane Irma in September 2017, but is on track to be fully functional for this coming winter season.Courtesy Manapany19. Manapany, St. BartsHidden beyond a warren of slightly ramshackle homes in the unpretentious village of Anse de Cayes on St. Barts, you're in for a more-than-pleasant surprise turning into Manapany. One of the island's oldest hotels, it was bought by B Signature Hotels in 2016, stripped to the studs by interior designer François Champsaur, miraculously survived Hurricane Irma in 2017, and has recently been reborn as the island's first, luxury eco-resort. Only electric cars are allowed beyond the parking lot; the resort produces its own water; towels are made from bamboo and linens are washed without chemicals; and spa treatments are accompanied by organic Dr. Hauschka products. Rooms, some directly on the beach, others with fabulous ocean views after a considerable climb, are bursting with wall color (peppery red, turmeric yellow, mint green, or ultramarine blue), handmade furniture, soft cotton rugs, and whimsical drawings by the appropriately named French artist Mayon Crayon. Meals, supplied by the hotel's own vegetable garden and orchard, can be taken with toes in the sand and the young and attractive staff are on point.David Massey/Courtesy Jamaica Inn18. Jamaica Inn, JamaicaAfter opening in 1950, the Jamaica Inn quickly earned notoriety for its discrete service and understated elegance, both of which made it a haven for mid-century movie stars like Marilyn Monroe and Katharine Hepburn. Today, with an easy island glamour done in white columns and blue arches, the hotel itself retains its air of romance, and its location on a private beach keeps celebrities cycling through. The British colonial-style inn has no TVs or radios but does promise sea views. Divine suites have private balconies overlooking the Caribbean, local antique furniture, and full-size dining tables. Cottages add Indonesian-style interiors, private plunge pools, and secluded outdoor showers to the mix. Staff make you feel at home and go out of their way to make sure you have the most enjoyable experience possible. At the open-air dining room set under a canopy of palms, the menu focuses on Caribbean cuisine.Steve Simonsen/Courtesy The Buccaneer17. The Buccaneer, St. Croix, USVIThough the Buccaneer, on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Croix, has been proudly run by the Armstrong family for over 70 years—it's the longest-running resort in the Caribbean—its history dates even further back to the property's earliest construction by a Knight of Malta in 1653. Since then, it's been a private home; a sugar mill; a cotton estate, then a cattle estate; and now, an incredibly warm, family-friendly resort that's more like a country club. You have access to an 18-hole golf course, eight tennis courts, three beaches (whether you prefer kayaking and snorkeling or lounging in peace and quiet), a full water sports center, and none of the pretense. Arrive for lunch at the Grotto in your bathing suit, and please don't sleep through the terrific breakfast buffet. The Buccanneer knows how to put out a spread. Once you're done moving about for the day, settle into the deluxe oceanfront room—the resort's most popular—and lie on your bed beneath the 16-foot-high wood ceilings, watching the waves lap the beach out your picture window.16. Malliouhana, An Auberge Resort, AnguillaAnguilla is a very Anglo island; and Malliouhana was, for decades, one of its most staunchly traditional hotels. So it was a surprise when quintessentially Californian Auberge Resorts took over the 30-year-old resort in 2014; but what a difference a fresh perspective makes, with lemon yellow and ice-blue walls, vibrant striped cotton dhurries on the floors, and ornate glass sconces that have breathed new life into this Caribbean classic. Set along Turtle Cove, there are ample activities on offer—from kayaking to stand-up paddle boarding, kite-surfing, horse-riding, and outdoor yoga classes. One of our favorite diversions is a rum tasting with an in-house "rummelier."15. Couples Negril, JamaicaSmaller than other Couples resorts, this 234-room outpost at Negril's midpoint sits on 18 very quiet acres. Two pools and an au naturel stretch of beach complement this adults-only all-inclusive. Stay in rooms and suites done up in vivid tropical hues, whether you're along the beach or among verdant gardens, some with their own Jacuzzis. Dine at one of five restaurants, or at a private table on the sand. Starlit beach parties are held every Thursday night—and absolutely everything really is included here... from glass-bottomed boat excursions to unlimited top-shelf spirits and unlimited PADI Certified Scuba diving classes.Courtesy Guana Island14. Guana Island, BVIGuana Island doesn’t have beach attendants. Cocktails are DIY, and you fetch your own beach towels. Yes, 90 percent of Guana Island remains wild but the resort, which holds just 35 guests in 18 rooms, finds its decadence in privacy and natural beauty. Plus, in the resort's kitchen, you'll find chef Xavi Arnau who trained at Nobu in London and El Bulli in Spain, and Matthew Lightner, alum of multiple two-Michelin-starred restaurants like Noma in Denmark, Mugaritz in Spain, and Atera in New York. Sand, seclusion, and some serious farm-to-table Caribbean-inspired cuisine—what more could you want? Following a tip-to-toe refurbishment after the hurricanes of 2017, Guana Island was up and running this summer after burying all of its vital infrastructure underground, installing a new water filtration system, adding three new greenhouses, and introducing a lively flock of 100 chickens (for eggs).13. Ladera Resort, St. LuciaAnticipate the experience of a lifetime at this eco-lodge built with Caribbean timber, local stone, and terra-cotta tiles on the site of a former cocoa plantation. It's in a calm, beautiful garden setting on a forested ridge overlooking the Pitons and the sea far below. Rustic suites—very Swiss Family Robinson in look and feel—have private plunge pools and no fourth wall, allowing unobstructed views. At Ti Kai Posé Spa, indulge in a hot volcanic stone massage or take a dip in the mineral pools. A free shuttle can take you to Sugar Beach, just five minutes away. Note that there are no televisions or phones in guest rooms, but there's free Wi-Fi for the needy (plus, only 17+ here—befitting one of the world's most romantic resorts).Courtesy Belmond/Photo by Maurice Naragon12. Belmond Cap Juluca, AnguillaThe Morocco-meets-Mykonos Belmond Cap Juluca resort sits on a white-sand beach on a Caribbean island known as much for its welcoming people as its haute resorts. Large enough to keep a couple—or a couple of kids—busy for days, but small enough to feel like home, the whitewashed island enclave has just reopened after a $121 million renovation by new owner Belmond, emphasizing chic, natural materials and local Anguillan heritage. The hotel remains unrivaled in the looks department—white domes and archways frame views of vanilla sands and blue waters, backdropped by glossy gardens of palms and bougainvillea—and boasts some of the friendliest customer service on the island.Courtesy Sandals Resorts11. Sandals GrenadaThis spot on Pink Gin Beach, formerly LaSource, was taken over by Sandals, and reopened the adults-only, all-inclusive in 2013 with 150 rooms and 75 suites. Only five minutes from the island's main airport, some oceanfront accommodations come complete with butler service and private pools—in fact, the resort seems to be happily obsessed with pools: "pools in the sky, and living rooms in swimming pools. Private plunge pools, cascading waterfalls, and meandering river pools" they declare. Take your pick of nine restaurants serving everything from Japanese to French to local Caribbean fare. There's nightly entertainment, including live bands, fashion and talent shows, and beach parties—and a Red Lane Spa to recover from it all.Courtesy Spice Island Beach Resort10. Spice Island Beach Resort, GrenadaThis Grand Anse Beach all-inclusive, all-suite resort (family friendly), with a quiet atmosphere and great privacy, belongs near the top of tropical resorts. Spice-themed interior colors are inspired by nutmeg, saffron, cinnamon, coriander, and paprika. Staff are well trained by the hands-on management. Rooms have Frette linens and Molton Brown bath products; Royal Collection Suites come with a cedar sauna. Bikes are complimentary. Dinners in Oliver's Restaurant can be a tad formal, but order a simple salt-fish crêpe at breakfast. If you get the chance, introduce yourself to the long-time owner, Sir Royston Hopkin, an islander by birth, who has filled the property with some of the friendliest staff in all of the Caribbean.Courtesy Petit St. Vincent Resort/Photo by Mike Toy9. Petit St. Vincent Resort, St. Vincent and the GrenadinesPetit St. Vincent is a private islet of just 135 acres in the Grenadines, the southernmost of the Lesser Antilles, an idyllic place of densely forested hills and coral-sand beaches, where the emptiness makes it feel like unclaimed wilderness. Within is the revamped late-1960s resort, with 22 one- and two-bedroom cottages and villas, so you can be virtually assured of a stretch of beach to yourself. It's Robinson Crusoe with deep pockets—local stone and wood, an open-air beach bar with a thatched roof, and a view over the reef that’s so breathtaking it could be a screen saver. Petit St. Vincent in its newest incarnation was unveiled in 2012. The sense of the privacy is PSV's compelling selling point. Go from Easter to June, when the foliage is in bloom (and hotel rates tend to be less expensive than the popular winter season). The island exudes a powerful allure, a place where time really does seems to slow, you live by the sun and your cares melt away.Courtesy GoldenEye/©Christaian Horan Photography8. GoldenEye, JamaicaMusic producer Chris Blackwell, who introduced the world to Bob Marley back in 1973, also founded this oceanfront island hideaway a few years later, based around the clifftop villa where Ian Fleming wrote all his Bond novels. In the decades since its reach has grown and grown. There’s no sign at the entrance, which is part of the low-key charm. It’s easy to see why many music and film stars make their way here: This is a sweet spot with a very independent flavor, a world away from the oversized all-inclusives, and more honed than Blackwell’s companion hotel, Strawberry Hill, in the Blue Mountains. Couples tend to hole up in the wooden beach huts; families and friends take over the massive villas; industry bigwigs feel right at home in Fleming’s former house, which has three bedrooms and a personable, clued-in staff.Courtesy The Reef by CuisinArt7. The Reef by Cuisinart, AnguillaThe Anguillan all-suite resort on the western end of the island is back following full-on renovations of its amenities and buildings post-2017 hurricanes. What should you expect from this 80-room, 2016 newcomer on Merrywing Bay now? An 18-hole golf course, six restaurants that source ingredients from the resort's own hydroponic farm, poolside spa treatments, glass-bottomed kayaking in the clear Caribbean waters, and two tennis courts. Plus, each suite comes with panoramic views—some all the way over to St. Martin—along with walk-in closets, free-standing tubs, and private outdoor terraces. The look is slick and modern, but without losing an ounce of island charm.Courtesy Kimpton Hotels6. Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa, Cayman IslandsGrand Cayman may be famous for its scuba diving and offshore banking, but with several daily non-stops from New York and Boston, it’s increasingly drawing families to its powdery, placid western Caribbean beaches. The newest opening on the island’s Seven Mile Beach—one of the loveliest stretches of sand in the world—is the 266-room Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa, whose colorful, boutique atmosphere manages to be both child-friendly (two pools, a kids' club) and hip (colorful, contemporary design and a lobby scene replete with pool table, library, and daily happy hour). The food is also strong: Hit beachside Coccoloba for fish tacos and ceviches; Ave, the resort's primary restaurant, for epic breakfast buffets (including house-made cronuts); and the sceney Avecita for small-plate progressive Spanish fare like white anchovy toast and prawn tartare, served up alongside craft cocktails at the chef’s counter. You can always snorkel and parasail right off the hotel’s beach, but you’re also a short ride from Stingray City (where you can stand on a sandbar and touch giant rays as they swim by), world-class gardens (look for the endangered blue iguana), golf, and roadside jerk chicken. Hit Rum Point to toast the sunset—or maybe you'll prefer doing that from your own private balcony.Courtesy Curtain Bluff5. Curtain Bluff, AntiguaThis classic Caribbean legend is an all-inclusive on 20 acres of gardens, where beautiful birds flit in and out of the trees. Stuccoed accommodations are filled with wicker furniture and overlook the beach. Dinner is served alfresco four nights a week at the Sea Grape restaurant. A different band plays nightly at the Tamarind Tree, where French and Caribbean flavors intensify the fresh-caught grouper and wahoo. Kids can brush up on their drop volleys, top-spin lobs, and cross-court backhand winners at the complimentary kids' tennis clinic. With two private beaches—one for swimming, the other for water sports—there's ample space for all.Courtesy Secret Bay4. Secret Bay, DominicaThe "secret" part of Secret Bay's name is no accident—the resort's six gorgeous villas give new meaning to the word hideaway. Touches vary from villa to villa, but all have interiors and floors made of Guyanese Greenheart, bedroom furniture made of Dominican red cedar, open decks, private pools, and 180-degree views over the mountain peaks of Dominica and the Caribbean Sea. Though we doubt you'll get tired of living your own castaway fantasies (albeit with much nicer accommodations), Secret Bay's concierge is available to help craft personalized itineraries: think rainforest hikes with a famed naturalist, or a sunset sail along the island's western coast.Alexis Andrews/Courtesy Hermitage Bay3. Hermitage Bay, AntiguaDown a long dirt road, this secluded resort stands between a steep slope and a small bay. Its 30 individual suites—each a spacious contemporary cottage of dark wood and white linens—stand in lush foliage rich with birdlife and come with an outdoor shower and day bed; ceiling fans twirl above mosquito-netted beds. All this is the ideal setting in which to decompress fully while lounging by your plunge pool with a glass of wine from the restaurant’s well-chosen cellar. A few antique Chinese tea chests, an exhibit of original black-and-white photographs of Bob Marley, and low-slung furnishings combine to give the reception area a laid-back chic. With its commitment to sophistication and natural beauty, Hermitage Bay aims to join the properties at the top of the market in Antigua—and is priced accordingly. What you’re paying for here is peacefulness, supremely relaxing accommodations, better than decent food, a wonderful swimming beach, and an understated yet pampering spa.Courtesy Eden Rock - St Barths2. Eden Rock-St Barths, St. BartsThis is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place. The guests range in nationality—lots of elegant French couples and families, as well as well-heeled American newlyweds and older travelers who have been coming to Eden Rock for decades. It should be noted that Eden Rock-St Barths was significantly damaged during Hurricane Irma in 2017. The resort has been closed since, but will reopen in late 2019, having undergone extensive renovation. Eden Rock has turned the disaster into an opportunity to refresh and expand—including adding a new bar, Rémy Room and Bar, and several new suites.Courtesy Le Barthélemy/Photo by Pierre Carreau1. Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, St. BartsThe latest addition to St. Barts' luxury hotel scene, and in keeping with the island's low-rise sensibility, Le Barthélemy is a sophisticated winner. Set between a lagoon and Grand Cul-de-Sac beach along the island's northeastern shore (with jaw-dropping views of offshore islets and distant St. Maarten/St. Martin), the hotel is an education in understated elegance. Rooms are spare, and enormous, with lots of wood and one or two pops of bright color—some even have small, rectangular plunge pools for mini-laps. The food at Aux Amis is unabashedly modern French, with attention paid to proper portions in the tropics: in other words, not too much. Water sports enthusiasts have an expanse of calm shallow waters for kayaking, kite-surfing, and snorkeling—a flotilla of a dozen sea turtles that survived the storms of 2017 remain in residence and are easily visible. The staff here could not be more accommodating or attractive.

Is there a Question? In the last two hundred years no man has influenced the globe at large like himHe spoke eloquently and wrote beautifully, one should read his autobiography, My Life-Expriments with Truth.The words of Gandhiji that were found written on the wall of his ashram in Ahmadabad:‘I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides andmy windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all landsto be blown about my house as freely as possible. But Irefuse to be blown off my feet by any.’Nelson Mandela remarked that Gandhi’s Satyagraha was first a struggle against oppressive colonialism and racism and acknowledged that it inspired anti-colonial struggles in Africa. This was no small praise from one of the outstanding leaders of the 20th century who was also well known for his successful struggle against racism and imperialism.On the significance of suffering in nonviolent struggle, Drj Martin Luther King quoted Gandhi that “suffering is infinitely more powerful than the law of the jungle for converting the opponent and opening his ears which are otherwise shut to the voice of reason.”Some point below how Gandhi implemented SatyagrahaThe 20th century was the most violent period in human history. More people have suffered and have been killed by organized violence than any other time before. The wars, the genocides, the weapons of mass destruction have created such an enormous mass misery and agony that it is difficult to find any trace of hope. Therefore, Gandhi’s teachings of non – violence are most relevant today. Now, though late, there is a realization that there is no other alternative. This is the reason why amidst report of increasing teenage violence across the United States, a bill have been introduced in New Jersey Assembly seeking to include Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of non – violence in the school curriculum. On 12th May 2000, on Mother’s Day in New York, several thousand mothers resolved and demanded a ban on the manufacture of arms, and its use.Traboulay, David M., "Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha and NonViolent Resistance" (1997). CUNY Academic Works.He said that his father was a truthful, brave and generous man who, despite his lack of a formal education, had a successful career in government with a reputation for being incorruptible and impartial.The outstanding impression my mother has left on my memory is that of saintliness. She was deeply religious. She would not think of taking her meals without her d aily prayers. Going to Haveli – the Vaishnava temple – was one of her daily duties. As far as my memory can go back, I do not remember her having missed the Chaturmas. She would take the hardest vows and keep them without flinching.He was an average student but studied hard and gone to UK became a barrister and retunred home but could not find job so found a job to represent a merchant in South Africa who is also from Gujarat. In April 1893 Gandhi set sail for South Africa. Wearing a turban when he was introduced to Durban court, the Judge ordered him to remove his turban. Gandhi refused and walked out. He soon learned that Indians were considered and treated as indentured servants.Gandhi experienced the harshness of anti-Indian sentiment a week after he arrived in South Africa. Traveling to Pretoria on a first class ticket which he had booked in advance, around 9 at night, as the train reached Maritzburg, a passenger complained that “a dark-skinned man was in the first class carriage.” When the train official told him to go to the van compartment, Gandhi refused. He was subsequently thrown off the train and his luggage pitched out. It was winter in South Africa and the night was bitterly cold. Numbed in mind and body, he sat and shivered the whole night, debating whether to return to India or fight for his rights. Years later, Gandhi would remember that night as “the most creative experience of his life” and wrote that active nonviolence began from that date.1 This personal experience of racial discrimination was the touchstone that led to his involvement in the struggle for civil rights. As he investigated the condition of Indians in South Africa, he came to see how entrenched the system of discrimination actually was.As he became principled to do business got more to represnet white as white and black as black. Through his christian friends he studied Bible and through his client read Koran too. But he began reasoning Hindhism and the values.Gandhi’s bookcase in his home in Durban contained several works of the great Russian novelist, Leo Tolstoy. There followed correspondence between both men and a mutual respect developed.When Gandhi founded his Ashram, PhoenixFarm in South Africa, in 1904, his inspiration was drawn in large p art from the ideals of Tolstoy. What he learned most of all was the relation between Christ’s teaching and Tolstoy’s emphasis on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and his notion of passive resistance confirmed Gandhi’s ins ights about nonviolence.In 1901 Gandhi, his wife, and four children sailed for India. After leaving his family at their ancestral home, he left for Bombay on his way to Calcutta to attend the annual meeting of the Indian National Congress. This was the first time that he had attended a Congress meeting. If this was the cream of Indian nationalism, he was disappointed. He remembered being saddened by seeing the practice of untouchability at the annual Congress meeting, the citadel of India’s freedom movement, where there was a separate kitchen walled in by wicker-work for South Indian delegates who belonged to the class of untouchables. It pained him to think how pervasive this might be in the larger community. He described also the unsanitary condition of the facilities. When he saw that the delegates refused to take responsibility for cleaning their own waste and referred it to “the volunteers,” saying that it was the work of scavengers, he asked for a broom and cleaned the latrine. At 11 at night he was finally invited to present his resolution on South Africa. He spoke for five minutes and drew applause three times.He met all the Congress leaders and decided to stay in Calcutta for a month. He recalled attending Lord Curzon’s Durbar and being irritated at the sight of Indian Princes, favorites of Lord Curzon, bedecked in their silk pyjamas, pearl necklaces round their necks, bracelets around their wrists, diamond tassels on their turban, and sword with golden hilts at their waists. For Gandhi, this was simply “gilded slavery.”Professor Gokhale invited him to stay at his home in Calcutta, visited the headquarters of the Brahmo Samaj and saw Belure Math. He left in 3rd class to Rajkot, that is how his humble life is.After returning to South Africa, Gandhi used effectively his newspaper, Indian Opinion, and persuaded his friends Henry Polak and Albert West to manage it. Polak gave him a copy of John Ruskin’s Unto This Last. Gandhi said that he could not put it down and acknowledged that the book radicalized him. He later translated it into Gujarati and called it Sarvodaya (The Welfare of All). He summarized the teachings of the book in this way; that the good of the individual was contained in the good of the community; that a lawyer’s work had the same value as the barber’s in that all had the same right to earn their livelihood from their work; and that the life of labor was the life worth living, in particular the life of the peasant and craftsman. Sarvodaya became the basis of Gandhian socialism and an important ideal of SatyagrahaIt was 1904 and Gandhi immediately set to work to put Ruskin’s ideas in practice. He proposed to Albert West that they buy a farm and transfer Indian Opinion there. They purchased 100 acres of land at Phoenix, 14 miles from Durban in Natal. It had orange and mango trees, and overgrown grass all over.On September 11, 1906, Gandhi launched his first Satyagraha movement at the old Empire theatre in Johannesburg when he organized a mass meeting of some 3,000 Indians, calling for the withdrawal of the ordinance that required that Indians be fingerprinted and carry identification cardsWhen the council refused to withdraw the Ordinance, the Indian community decided that Gandhi and Haji Ally, president of the Hamidya Islamic Society of Johannesburg, should ago to England to present how strongly they opposed the Ordinance. No sooner had they arrived on October 20, 1906, than Gandhi began lobbying Indian and English friends and politicians to persuade the authorities to veto the Ordinance. It became an important feature of every Satyagraha campaign to call upon friends, public figures, and newspapers, to present and publicize their perspective on an issue. Gandhi met Lord Elgin, colonial secretary of state, held a meeting of sympathetic representatives of the Liberal, Labor, and Nationalist Parties, and was even granted an audience with Winston Churchill, then colonial undersecretary, but could not persuade him to change his position that white and colored sectors should be kept apart. Gandhi found a more receptive ear in John Morley, secretary of state for India, who was able to persuade Lord Elgin, Prime Minister, Campbell-Bannerman, and the cabinet to veto.Later Tolstoy farm was developed and Satyagraph movement was at full force to resove many issues of Indians at South Africa.The most significant event of 1910 was the creation of the Union of South Africa on June 1, 1910, joining the Transvaal, Orange Free State, Natal, and the Cape of Good Hope. Louis Botha was elected its first Prime Minister which he held until 1919.In March 1911 Smuts presented a new Asiatic Bill before parliament to replace the old 1907 Act. Gandhi was hopeful that the intent was to repeal all the discriminatory regulations against Indians. But when the Bill was presented for its first reading in February 1912, Gandhi was convinced that it was more an Asian Exclusion Bill, and began preparations for the resumption of Satyagraha. He wrote to Gokhale informing him of his plans to resume his campaign. Hoping to defuse the tense situation, Gokhale decided to visit South Africa. Gandhi was excited that Professor Gokhale was going to visit South Africa and could not hide his joy that Gokhale was coming to Tolstoy Farm. Gokhale was the first Indian leader to visit South Africa and had taken a keen interest in Indian affairs in South Africa. .Gokhale arrived in Capetown on Oct. 22, 1912 and stayed until November 17. The Union government placed the railway at his disposal as he traveled around the country. After meeting General Botha and General Smuts who promised to remove the discriminatory legislation against Indians, Gokhale stayed at Tolstoy Farm for three days. He slept on a cot in Herman Kallenbach’s room and Gandhi cooked for him. On his return to India,Gokhale reported:Only those who have come in personal contact with Mr. Gandhi as he is now, can realize the wonderful personality of the man. He is without doubt the stuff of which heroes and martyrs are made. Nay, more, he has in him the marvelous spiritual power to turn ordinary men around him into heroes and martyrs…The Indian cause in South Africa has really been built up by Mr. Gandhi. Without self, and without stain, he has fought his great fight for this country during a period now of twenty years and India owes an immense debt of gratitude to him. He has sacrificed himself utterly in the service of the cause. He had a splendid practice at the bar, making as much as five to six thousand pounds a year…But he has gi ven all that up and he lives now on three pounds a month like the poorest man in the street. One most striking fact about him is that though he has waged this great struggle so ceaselessly, his mind is absolutely free from all bitterness against Europeans.Gandhi went to Pretoria to meet General Smuts who told him that the government had agreed to Indian demands and that the commission report was simply a formality. In spite of Smuts’ betrayal of trust in 1908, Gandhi was inclined to view his recommendations favorably. On January 21, 1914, a provisional agreement was reached, and the bills abolishing the poll- tax and legalizing in South Africa all marriages deemed legal in India were passed on June 26, 1914. The Indian Relief Act closed this chapter of the Satyagraha struggle.On July 18, 1914, Gandhi sailed for England to meet Gokhale who was ailing. He was looking forward to returning home and serving India under Gokhale’s guidance.A large crowd met Gandhi and Kasturbai on their arrival in Bombay on January 9, 1915.Gandhi and Kasturbai then traveled to Shantiniketan to meet his friends and students from Phoenix ashram in South Africa. The poet Rabindranath Tagore had generously invited the community to stay at his school until they found an Ashram of their own. Tagore was on a tour at the time and had hoped to return in time to greet them. Gandhi felt at home in Shantiniketan. As GoKhale said, Gandhi travelled India in the 3rd class rail and toured India to get rich in what India is like and how the rural folks are?Gandhi established his Satyagraha ashram in Ahmedabad in 1915. Weaving was the major activity of the ashram. They sold the pieces they made in the local market thereby improving the economy. While Gandhi worked four hours a day at weaving, other members worked for eight hours.Gandhi accepted an invitation to attend the opening of the Benares Hindu University, where the Viceroy, Lord Willingdon, came to lay the foundation stone as well as eminent officials and bejeweled Indian princes. In his speech, Gandhi told the students that his discourse would raise ideas that were on his mind and it was better to approach his address as a case of “thinking aloud.” He urged the students to be proud of the traditional civilizations of India and respect the use of vernacular languages, and not use English slavishly and follow only an English education. He told the students that he was interested in what they and the masses of Indians had to say on the issue of selfgovernment.Gandhi raised the passions of the audience when he said that he lamented that the rich princes did not see the connection between their wealth and the poverty of the masses. He warned the princes that “there is no salvation for India unless you strip yourselves of this jewelry and hold it in trust for your countrymen.” Addressing the students, he stated that the responsibility of the British for the violence arising from the partition of Bengal was not justification for terrorism.On April 10, 1917, Gandhi and Shukla arrived in Patna station on their way to Champaran. Situated in the North West of Bihar at the foot of the Himalayas, Champaran had two towns – Motihari and Bettiah, and 2,841 villages which dotted the landscape. Indigo cultivation, dominated by British planters, was the mainstay of the economy under a system of labor called the tinkathia system whereby a tenant was expected by law to plant indigo for his landlord three out of twenty parts of his land. In Patna Gandhi met Mazharal Haq, a friend when he was a student in London and a former President of the Muslim League. At Muzaffarpur he met J.B. Kripalani, Professor of Muzaffarpur Government College, and Rajendra Prasad. Mahadev Desai, who would become Gandhi’s secretary and translator, also joined him in Champaran. They became his close friends and comrades in his Satyagraha campaigns. Young and idealistic, they shared Gandhi’s concern for the abandoned and the poor and saw in Gandhi’s movement the opportunity to serve humanity.Gandhi’s investigation of the indigo workers’ plight convinced him that the tinkathia system was oppressive and must be abolished. Doubting that recourse to the courts would do much good, he preferred to document the grievances of the peasants to build a case for the removal of the system. He asked his friends who were lawyers to assist him in recording the depositions of the tenants and to translate documents. When the Planters Association and the District Commissioner objected to his visit to Bihar, Gandhi informed them that the people of Champaran had asked him to see with his own eyes the misery arising from the unjust relations between planters and poor tenants. He visited neighboring villages where the desperate condition of the peasants, women, and children moved him: “The world outside Champaran was not known to them. And yet they received me as though we had been age-long friends. It is no exaggeration, but the literal truth, to say that in this meeting with the peasants I was face to face with God, Ahimsa, and Truth.”On April 15, he left by train for Motihari and was greeted by large crowds at every station. Riding on an elephant in Motihari to visit the villages, he received an order to leave Champaran by the next available train to which Gandhi refused but said that he was ready to suffer the penalty of disobedience. The attention of people throughout India was drawn to Champaran. Charles Andrews joined Gandhi and Rajendra Prasad was asked to come with volunteers. Large numbers of peasants were mboldened and came to Motihari to have their statements recorded. At noon on April 18, as Gandhi entered the court fully expecting to be sentenced to jail, thousands of villagers assembled in the court compound. Reading a statement pleading guilty to disobeying the order to leave Champaran, Gandhi said that he had come with motives of rendering humanitarian and national service to the tenants who said that they were suffering a grave injustice.Investigating the issue for himself, he claimed that he was a law-abiding citizen, but could not follow the law out of a sense of duty to the peasants of Champaran and fidelity to the voice o his conscience. He said that he was prepared to suffer the penalty for disobeying the law. When the magistrate informed him that he would pass sentence on April 21 but would allow him release on a bail of 100 rupees, Gandhi said that he could not offer bail. He was, nevertheless, released on his own recognizance. On April 20, the case against Gandhi was withdrawn, and he was informed that he could continue his inquiry.It was then that Gandhi announced in the fourteenth leaflet a fast to the death, the first of seventeen fasts that he undertook in his life at the Miller Ahmedabad.Gandhi was hopeful that the Kheda Satyagraha had markedthe beginning of an awakening among the peasants of Gujarat and the beginning of their true political education. In addition, he was confident that the Satyagraha campaigns would teach those who worked for the community to establish a close relationship with the actual life of the peasants, to identify themselves with the masses and find in the struggle their “proper sphere of work, their capacity for sacrifice.”Traboulay, David M., "Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha and NonViolent Resistance" (1997). CUNY Academic Works.Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha and NonViolent ResistanceIn this book I saw a moving speech was given by Mrs. Naidu. It was not lost on her how deeply her own life was interwoven with Gandhi nor how much Gandhi had left his mark on India since he returned to India in 1915:“It was on the eve of the last Great World War that we heard the rumor that a strange man was coming to England from South Africa. There was great interest in his coming. It was said that he had enunciated a strange gospel alien to the modern world and alien to the ancient world. His name was Gandhi. I climbed the steps of a house in a very fashionable quarter in London, and I stood on the threshold of an open door, and I found a man seated on a black blanket on the floor with funny little boxes around him, eating dreadful-looking bits out of a wooden bowl with a wooden spoon. He looked up and said, “Oh, is it you?” I said: “Certainly not, it looks dreadful tome.” And so laughing, we began a friendship that has lasted, grown, and developed through all these years. He was Gandhi, as yet a curiosity to the world. They knew he was someone distinguished, that he had won a great moral victory over a small issue, great to him, in South Africa, in a contest with great General Smuts…Who is this Gandhi and why is it today that he represents the supreme moral force in the world? Throughout history, age after age, in every country, there have been very distinguished men and great men - kings, warriors, lawgivers, poets– men whose fame had rang through the corridors of their own periods. Their names have survived and they are fresh today in their radiance, as they were in their own times – Buddha,Jesus Christ and Mahomed, and a few others whose gospel was an exaltation to the spirit of man.Today, there is Gandhi, a tiny man, a fragile man, a man of no worldly importance, of no earthly possessions, and yet a man greater than emperors…But this man, with his crooked bones, histoothless mouth, his square yard of clothing or of cloth rather, that just covers his nakedness, where nakedness must be covered, he passes meekly through the years, he faces embattled forces, he overthrows empires, he conquers death, but what is it in him that has given him this power, this magic, this authority, this prestige, this almost godlike quality of swaying the hearts and minds ofmen? It is a quality he shares with that small band of great teachers of the world, who inaugurated great religions. He shares with them the quality of bringing hope to the hopeless, of bringing courage to those who are afraid, of uplifting those who have fallen, of soothing down the beastly passions of those who have lost all the sense of sanity and humanity. With Christ he shares the great gospel that love is the fulfilling of the law. With the great Mahomed he shares the gospel of brotherhood of man, equality of man and oneness of man. With Lord Buddha he shares the great evangel that the duty of life is not self-seeking but to seek the truth, no matter at what sacrifice.With the great poets of the world, he shares the ecstasy of the vision that the future of man is great, the future of man can never be destroyed, that all sin will destroy itself, but that love and humanity must endure, grow and reach the stars. Therefore, today, a broken world ruined by wars and hatred, a broken world seeking for a new civilization honors the name of Mahatma Gandhi. In himself, he is nothing. There are men of learning, greater than his, and there are men of wealth and power, and men of fame, but who is there that combines in one frail body the supreme qualities of virtue enshrined in him: courage indomitable, faith invincible, and compassion that embraces the entire world? This transcendental love of humanity that recognizes no limitations of race, no barriers of country but gives to all, like a shining sun, the same abundance of love, understanding and service. Every day – today and yesterday and tomorrow – every day is the same story of the miracle of Gandhi in our own age…He was born like other men, he will die like other men, but unlike them he will live through the beautiful gospel he has enunciated, that hatred cannot be conquered by hatred, the sword cannot be conquered by the sword, that power cannot be exploited over the weak and the fallen, that the gospel of non-violence which is the most dynamic and the most creative gospel of power in the world, is the only true foundation of a new civilization, yet to be built. It is to this man, who is my leader, my friend and my father, I pay this tribute of homageThe Mind of Mahatma -Gandhi, Encyclopedia of Gandhi’s Thoughts is book Compiled & Edited by: R. K. Prabhu & U. R. Rao, Printed & Published by: Jitendra T Desai, Navajivan Mudranalaya, Ahmedabad 380 014 (INDIA)The foreword is written Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and said, “Only now and again does there arise above the common level some rarespirit, who, having thought about God more deeply, reflects more clearly thedivine purpose and puts into practice more courageously the divine guidance. The light of such, shines like a strong beacon on a dark and disordered world.”Gandhi belongs to the race of the prophets who have the courage of the heart,the courtesy of the spirit and the laughter of the unafraid. Through his life andteaching, he bears testimony to the values for which this country has stood forages, faith in spirit, respect for its mysteries, the beauty of holiness, theacceptance of life's obligations, the validity of character, values which areneither national nor international, but universal.There are many who dismiss Gandhi as a professional politician who bunglesat critical moments. In one sense politics is a profession and the politician isone trained to transact public business in an efficient manner. There is anothersense in which politics is a vocation and the politician is one who is consciousof a mission to save his people and inspire them with faith in God and love ofhumanity. Such a one may fail in the practical business of government, butsucceed in filling his fellows with an invincible faith in their common cause.Gandhi is essentially a politician in the second sense. He has firm faith that wecan build a world without poverty and unemployment, without wars andbloodshed, if only we get anchored in the world of spirit. He says: 'The world oftomorrow will be, must be, a society based on non-violence. It may seem adistant goal, an unpractical utopia. But it is not in the least unobtainable, sinceit can be worked from here and now. An individual can adopt the way of life ofthe future—the non-violent way—without having to wait for others to do so. And if an individual can do it, cannot whole groups of individuals? Whole nations? Men often hesitate to make a beginning because they feel that the objective cannot be achieved in its entirety. This attitude of mind is precisely our greatest obstacle to progress—an obstacle that each man, if he only wills it, can clear away.’There is a common criticism that Gandhiji's vision outsoars his perception that he proceeds on the comfortable but incorrect assumption that the world consists of saints. This is a misrepresentation of Gandhi's views. He knows that life at best is a long second best, a perpetual compromise between the ideal and the possible. The kingdom of God knows no compromise, no practical limitations. But here on earth there are the pitiless laws of nature. We have to build an ordered cosmos on the basis of human passions. Through effort anddifficulty, ideals struggle to realization. Though Gandhi feels that non-violence is the ideal of a civilized society, he permits the use of force. 'If one has not the courage, I want him to cultivate the art of killing and being killed, rather than in a cowardly manner flee from danger.’2 ‘The world is not entirely governed by logic. Life itself involves some kind of violence and we have to choose the path of least violence.’3 In the progress of societies three stages are marked, the first where the law of the jungle prevails, where we have violence and selfishness; the second where we have the rule of law and impartial justice with courts, police and prisons, and the third where we have non-violence andunselfishness, where love and law are one. The last is the goal of civilized humanity and it is br ought nearer by the life and work of men like Gandhi.There is so much misunderstanding today about Gandhi's views and ways of thinking. This book, where we find collected together the relevant extracts from Gandhi's own writings on the central principles of his faith and conduct, will help to make Gandhi's position clearer to the modern mind.Hakan Dündar, Erdi Erdoğan and Erdem Hareket from Department of Educational Sciences in the Faculty of Literature of Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University. Turkey wrote a paper on “A role model in light of values: Mahatma Gandhi”, in 2016, availabe at Educational Research and ReviewsThey said, “The non-violent, tolerant, pacifistic and humanistic manner of Mahatma Gandhi is a globally recognized fact. UNESCO’s foundation of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development is one of the best examples that support this fact. In this study, it is aimed to present “Mahatma Gandhi”, who is globally accepted as a role model with his personal characteristics, meaning and view of life, devotion to his beliefs, way of struggling with the problems he encountered, universal understanding of peace and tolerance, the value he attached to human beings, and his character, thus, from the values he possessed, to set forth an educational point of view. The study was conducted based on the method of document review in accordance with the qualitative approach to research. As a result of this study, it is assessed that Mahatma Gandhi accommodated in his personality many universal values such as love for his fellow humans, justice, peace, non-violence, tolerance, and freedom, and when faced with certain situations in his lifetime, exhibited an attitude that is compatible with his principles related to these values. In this context, it can be speculated that introducing and conveying Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of life and the treasure of values he had to students via various educational activities and biographies can make the processes of education for peace and values more effective.”