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Protecting the Amazon: Activist Nemonte Nenquimo on Her New Book ‘We Will Be Jaguars’

When Nemonte Nenquimo, a member of the Waorani people, was growing up in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest, white people were a rarity. One missionary lived in the village, and she exerted control over some of the Waorani people with threats of god, shame around nakedness and traditional ways, and selectively providing medicines. Planes would fly in with more white people who came looking to expand extractive logging and oil industries. Nenquimo always rushed to see the planes land as a child, though at the time there was no way for her to know just how much these interactions would shape her personal life and her work protecting her people’s land.

The Amazon rainforest and the Indigenous peoples who have historically called it home face a litany of threats from governments and big industry. Those same threats are increasing the impact of climate change — a problem that will only exacerbate the challenges to protect the land in a vicious circle.

Nenquimo is a climate change activist and cofounded the Ceibo Alliance, which has members of the Waorani, Kofan, Secoya, and Siona peoples. She is also a cofounder of Amazon Frontlines with her husband Mitch Anderson. The organization has both Indigenous and Western members and was founded in 2011 to promote local-led conservation in the Amazon. Nenquimo helped lead a court case to protect more than 500,000 million acres of rainforest that the Ecuadorian government was attempting to auction off to oil companies, with precedent to protect millions more. Her work is widely recognized, and Amazon Frontlines won the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2020 and the 2024 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize — in the case of the latter, it was the first organization of Indigenous and Western activists to win the largest annual humanitarian award in the world.

Photo: Amazon Frontlines

Buy: $28

Nenquimo’s new book, We Will Be Jaguars (Abrams Press), cowritten with Anderson, tells her story and the oral stories of her people. It starts with her childhood living in a village called Toñampare with 30 to 40 families and one white person living with them: a stern and racist missionary named Rachel Saint trying to “save” the tribe through god. Nenquimo recalls personal traumas of being sexually abused while studying with a missionary group, and the devastation to her people’s way of life she saw when she returned. The book also records long-held oral traditions, and recounts her meeting with Anderson, who was building rainwater catchment systems in the Amazon, and the work they’ve done together.

The constant threat of industry, government, and climate change are present throughout.

“I decided to write my story in a book because I know that we’re all connected to Mother Earth,” Nenquimo told me over a video call, with Anderson translating from Spanish. “We’re all connected in our actions, and what people do far away affects what happens in my lands and in my territory. And what happens in my lands and my territory and my home can affect people far away.”

Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson. Photo: Christopher Fragapane/Amazon Frontlines

Here, Nenquimo explains recording oral traditions, her work to protect the Amazon and Indigenous cultures, and what she has hope for in the future.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Answers were translated from Spanish during the call by Mitch Anderson.

Matador Network: From the start, the book acknowledges that the stories in your oral tradition are sacred. What led you to believe putting them down in a book is the right choice?

Nemonte Nenquimo: We didn’t write this book because we dreamed of writing a book. We are activists, we have been working for many years with different peoples and my people. We’ve been protecting our lands and defending our lands against external threats for hundreds of years. Over the last decade, these threats have been intensifying, and working with Mitch, cofounders of Amazon Frontlines, and the Ceibo Alliance, we’ve worked together with Indigenous nations across the Upper Amazon to win big battles against the mining industry, against the oil industry, against the government.

After winning these big battles to protect our lands, we realized the threats continued unrelenting. My father and our elders are wise and they’ve taught me that the outside world destroys what it doesn’t understand. Our book is not a book like that of an anthropologist asking questions every day who comes from outside. With my dad, my family, and our elders, we thought that putting our stories into a book would be an act of resistance — a strategy that could help the world understand who we are as Indigenous peoples, our connection to our forests, and why the outside world shouldn’t destroy it.

Photo: Christopher Fragapane/Amazon Frontlines

For the Waorani, we remain unconquered for thousands of years because we live in the heart of the Amazon and we were always careful to not walk the same trail twice. We would always walk a trail and then we would come back along a different trail. That was my dad’s advice to me when we wrote my story, our story, down: to make sure that I wasn’t walking the same trail and exposing my people or ourselves to potential dangers.

In the process of writing my story down and discovering the story that needed to be told, it was also powerful and healing. It’s a love story about and to the land, to my people.

What has the response to your work and to your book been from the Waorani people?

This is the first book written by our people, written by an Indigenous woman, sharing my perspective, my voice, my understanding of the world and how my people live in the forest, how we perceived the outside world’s invasion of our lands. They’re proud because it’s a story that honors our culture, love for the land, and our ancestors.

The book is deeply personal as well. How do you feel that your personal story helps people understand the bigger problems happening in the Amazon?

Because Mother Earth is suffering, because Mother Earth is wounded, because Mother Earth is carrying a tremendous amount of pain. Because the missionaries invaded our lands and caused harm, because the oil companies invaded our lands and caused harm, because the government has invaded our lands and caused harm, and because women are the earth. Our bodies are made from the earth. We are the life givers, just as the earth is the life giver.

And because I suffered violence, trauma, and sexual abuse, I needed to share that pain. Because it’s the same pain that Mother Earth is feeling.

Photo: Amazon Frontlines

To be a leader, one needs to have courage, one needs to be without fear. And because ultimately I wanted to communicate our lived experience as Indigenous peoples with the world truthfully and honestly.

The fight to protect the land has changed over time. Can you explain those changes?

It is not the same as before. Before, it was a small threat. They killed with the spear if it entered their territory. But now, we Indigenous peoples are the solution to climate change. We don’t destroy, we don’t pollute, we are our home. We are in spiritually in contact with Mother Nature. What is now a threat is outside. It is the system of the world, of the economy.

From the very beginning, when there was an external threat to our people’s lands and our territories, our ancestors went to war. We brought our spears into war and into battle to protect our lands. But what we realize now is the scale of the threats, the nature of the global economic system, is such that spears are not enough to protect our land. And so the decision to tell our story and write it in a book is an act of resistance, a way of building a movement.

It’s a way of sparking awake consciousness worldwide. It’s a way of ensuring that many across the world will have our backs because we’ve shared with those that want to destroy us who we are and our connection with the land and our claim over this territory. There’s no change, no contradiction, in the essential wisdom. What there is is us innovating and adapting our strategies to protect what we love.

What do you see as the defining approach Westerners took to “save” the Amazon and the people who live there?

Many times, evangelicals, oil companies, government officials, and NGOs come and see the Indigenous peoples as, “Oh, poor thing, the Indigenous people have no knowledge, we can help.” They put their ego, their arrogance toward the Indigenous people without understanding. They suppose that Indigenous peoples need to be saved and that they can’t save themselves.

The mentality of the savior is not a curious mentality. They’re not interested in asking questions or trying to understand the visions of the people, what well-being and health mean to the people. What they’re interested in doing is imposing their own project or their own agenda.

Mitch Anderson and Nemonte Nenquimo, center, with partners from Ceibo Alliance. Photo: Christopher Fragapane/Amazon Frontlines

The relationship with the team from Amazon Frontlines, who are also outsiders from around the world, was very different, because they didn’t start with an arrogant, superior mentality. They started with a big heart and a big desire to listen and to learn, and figure out how to be useful and meaningful and supportive in their work to protect Indigenous cultures and Indigenous territory against the threats that come from the very system where the outsiders come from. It’s been very powerful. With that approach to collaboration, as opposed to imposition, we’ve been able to create really big dreams, very formidable strategies, and a lot of impact and benefit to communities, the rivers, to the forest.

There’s so much extraction, of people and the land, that runs through the book. How have things changed in recent years?

The first thing that’s important is that through collective struggle — through the work of Ceibo Alliance and Amazon Frontlines, through the wisdom and power of the elders, the Waorani people, and the women — we were able to win an important battle against the government and the oil industry to protect 500,000 acres of Waorani territory and set a legal precedent to protect 7 million acres more.

And that’s powerful, and that is a reason to hope, because we provided a tool for Indigenous peoples to protect their land. We’ve also won a national referendum to keep the oil in the ground in Yasuni National Park, which is also another powerful sign of hope. But at the same time, over the last years, the government and the oil industry and the mining industry is doubling down on extraction.

Photo: Karen Toro/Amazon Frontlines

The threats continue to intensify. And as Indigenous peoples who call and consider the Amazon our home, we’re connected to the forest from the moment we’re born and into the afterlife. The forest is our pharmacy, it’s our market, it’s our hardware store, it’s our source of life. We’re going to continue defending our home from these threats.

And the reason why we’ve written this book, We Will Be Jaguars, is because we will be jaguars. It’s because we realize that these threats are systemic and they’re coming from a deep place of spiritual disconnection with Mother Earth.

The world of the cities, the people of the cities, are disconnected from the land spiritually, and are desiring to accumulate and accumulate and accumulate more and more consumption, consumption, consumption. And that is driving these threats to our forests and to our homes. And so we’ve written this book as a love letter to Mother Earth, and as a wake up call to the world that we need to spiritually reconnect, love, and honor the life giving Mother Earth.

Otherwise, we’re going to continue to threaten her, which will threaten our very survival.

Amazon Frontlines was recently awarded the Hilton Humanitarian Prize. What does that say about the state of the movement and where things are headed?

We deserve this recognition. Indigenous peoples for centuries have been defending our lands, suffering injustices, protecting our rivers and our forests. We deserve this prize. Indigenous peoples need to be recognized, need to be seen, need to be uplifted. We deserve 20 more prizes. We deserve all the prizes in the world for everything that we’re doing to protect our homes.

And for us, what we’re going to do with this recognition is continue to grow our work, continue to protect our territories, continue to protect our land. And we’re going to work to wake up the world so that we don’t destroy the only mother that we have.

For more, We Will Be Jaguars is available now on Amazon and Bookshop.

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What It’s Like to Stay at the New Populus Hotel in Denver

No hotel opening in the western United States has been more anticipated in 2024 than Populus, the new 265-room, 13-story high-end property off Denver’s Colfax Avenue. Populus promises to be the world’s first “carbon positive” hotel — an eco-first mantra aimed at the growing specter of climate-conscious travelers and the growing demand for all types of professional travel, from conferences to concerts, to be done with less environmental impact. I spent two nights at Populus the week the hotel opened, staying in a corner suite on the sixth floor and experiencing each of the hotel’s food and beverage concepts. I’m a travel editor who oversees hospitality content and who regularly reports on sustainable travel. I’ve never stayed in a concept more smugly auspicious — nor one that better delivers on its promise.

How Populus’ ‘carbon positive’ claim stacks up in reality

A facade that commands attention. The “aspen-eye” windows both amplify and filter natural light, and help to optimize the building’s temperature. Rendering courtesy Populus

Central to the appeal of Populus is its claim to be the first “carbon positive” hotel. For this to be true, the hotel must sequester more carbon than it emits. The promise is built around the utilization of renewable energy, the elimination of food waste (a powerful emitter of greenhouse gasses), and a massive tree planting initiative to offset and exceed what carbon the property does emit.

The name “Populus” comes from the scientific name of Colorado’s native Aspen trees, populus tremuloides. The hotel’s design builds on this, with a library stacked with books about regional biology and wildlife, The windows are designed to resemble the “aspen eye” peepholes common in tree trunks on the whitish bark of aspen trees, but also serve a function – the “eyelids” above and below them filter heat and light to optimize the building’s heating and cooling efforts while simultaneously providing a unique viewing experience to guests.

Looking through an “aspen eye” to the Denver City and County Building, lit up to perfection. Photo: Tim Wenger

Key to the “carbon positive” aspect of Populus is its “one night, one tree” program. The hotel plants a tree for each guest night as part of its larger reforestation initiative, with planting taking place in two areas of western Colorado – the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests and the White River National Forest. To date the hotel’s efforts have installed over 70,000 trees in the Gunnison National Forest, reforesting more than 172 acres.

Architecture firm Studio Gang used low-carbon cement dotted with fly ash in the property’s construction. The fly ash reduces the concrete’s water demand and helps it flex better by removing friction in the concrete mixture. Guest room fixtures are designed to outlast the standard 10-year replacement window utilized by most high-end hotels, further cutting down the footprint of the property.

Populus has a large photovoltaic solar panel array on its roof along with a heat recovery system that circuluates air throghout the property, cutting back on emissions related to heating and cooling. The building firm, Wildman Chalmers Design, utilized recycled elements inside the property whenever possible. The most visible example are the wood panels lining ceilings throughout common spaces, all of which are sourced from repurposed ski area fencing.

Most of the rooms are quite small — under 200 square feet — but this helps keep the property’s footprint down. One you leave the main floor, the aesthtic is decidedly calming, designed as an oasis from the bustling urban streets outside. The second floor features a library and ample lounge space that serves well for laptop warriors, doubling as the hotel’s event space for small-scale gatherings.

The lack of dedicated parking meant that no cement or other materials were used to build a car park, and instead the hotel installed bike parking racks on two sides of the building (it will soon offer a bike shop on site, and valet parking is readily available for restaurant guests). Key cards are made of cork and were handed to me in a plantable holder stuffed with wildflower seeds. My front yard stands to benefit as a result.

The hotel’s restaurants, Stellar Jay, Pasque, and Little Owl Coffee, utilize an on-site biodigester system in which microorganisms break down all food waste from the restaurants to produce a compost-ready excrement that the hotel then contributes to a local composter. Food is sourced from “regenerative, biodynamic, and organic farmers. Single-use plastic is all but banished from the hotel, to the degree that boxed water is available in place of plastic bottles for guests who seek filtered H20.

The Populus experience is a look to the future of urban hospitalityRooms highlight natural light with a calming, natural aesthetic. Photo courtesy PopulusThe second-floor lounge makes for a great coworking space. Photo courtesy PopulusAll room include a stocked mini-bar. Photo courtesy PopulusStellar Jay, on the hotel's top floor. specializes in locally-sourced meals and cocktails with iconic city views from its balcony. Photo courtesy Populus

Entering my room on the hotel’s sixth floor felt like walking into a corner suite 20 years from now. Several “aspen eye” windows of varying sizes cast natural light across the space from the east, across the bed and desk/minibar and out the northwest windows with clock-like precision. Much the same as when camping, I could tell what time of day it was throughout my stay simply by following the flow of sunlight through my room. As an aside, the high concentration of windows resulted in a lot of curtain closing come bedtime (“so many curtains!” said my wife) but this is a small inconvenience for an overall pleasant experience.

The Populus guest experience is so well thought out that even basic trip-planning logistics are three steps ahead of the present-day norm. Notably, there is nowhere to park a car onsite. The eco-friendly ethos extends to the guest’s carbon footprint as well. The lack of dedicated parking means that arriving via public transit or bike is the most stress-free way to get to Populus. This bodes well with the increased use of environmentally-friendly “new urbanism” tactics increasingly deployed to new construction and remodel projects in cities and towns across the US, a successful example on a larger scale being Battery Park in New York City.

Surrounding the hotel are a run of separated bike lanes and the property is less than a block from public transit. I arrived in Denver via the Bustang intercity bus service, which deposited me at Union Station, a 15-minute walk from the hotel along Denver’s iconic 16th Street Mall. Guests flying into Denver International Airport can hop on the A-Line train to Union Station and enjoy the same walk, or hop on the free “Mallride” bus that runs right up 15th and 17th Streets. Rideshare drop off is easy right out front. Blocks away are downtown’s main attractions including the Colorado Convention Center, the Mall, and dining of every caliber from street food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants. Drive yourself to the hotel and you’re already missing the point.

The in-room experience at PopulusNatural light and colors defined my room. Photo: Tim WengerA bath with a view. Photo: Tim Wenger

Three room types are available, includng. a 125-square-foot “Hammock Queen” featuring windowsill hammock suites or “Grove Queen” featuring a work desk in place of the hammock. Then there’s the slightly larger Deluxue king and finally the grand Corner suites, which feature 270-degree views and an expanisve bathroom with rain showerheads, a bathtub next to a window overlooking the skyline, and multiple sating areas. My room was quiet and serene. All rooms at Populus have either a windowsill seat in one of the iconic “aspen-eye” windows or a workdesk looking out through one. Mine had the desk, which I appreciated as I tend to do a lot of writing in hotel rooms. The mini-bar was stocked with locally made snacks, beers, wines, and spirits, of which I had a refreshingly aromatic gin and tonic using the Native Colorado Gin from Dry Land Distillers.

Rooms are tech-forward with motion-sensor lights in the bathroom and cordless phone chargers in the bedside nightstands.

The Serta Presidential Suite Euro Pillow Top bed was soft and nearly indulgent, lined with equally-fluffy pillows that put me right to sleep after a long travel day capped with dinner upstairs. Decor is minimalist but shuns no comfort, evidenced by the stacked mini-bar, coffee table books, and multiple seating areas. If a kitchenette and more closet space were added — there was just a small closet with five or so hangers — I could live in this room for an extended time.

A rain shower head and traditional spray shower, along with a handheld shower spout were available in the bathroom. The star, however, was the soaking tub with a window overlooking downtown skyscrapers including the “mailbox building” and Republic Plazze — never have I bathed with such an iconic city view. The bathroom was huge and featured reusable toiltetry dispensers and locally-made soap. The vanity featured a double sink and enough space that both my and my wife’s toiletry bags sat comfortably.

The gym, located on the second floor, is built for cardio and endurance training with Peloton bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, a stairclimber, and plenty of yoga and stretching mats. Freeweights are aplenty, abut there’s only one multi-purpose lifting machine.

Dining at PopulusFall Dellacotta Squash panko'd to perfection. Photo: Tim WengerThe sweet potatoes paired well with the entrees. Photo: Tim WengerThe negroni perfectly captured the spirit of Stellar Jay. Photo: Tim WengerNo dish in Colorado is more inconic than trout. Photo: Tim Wenger

This forward-thinking approach carries through the entire stay. Dining at Stellar Jay, the dimly-lit, shared-plate-centric rooftop bar and restaurant on the hotel’s top floor named for the common-in-Colorado Stellar Jay bird, I remarked to my dining partner that perhaps the greatest amenity Populus provides is freedom from making a bad decision. For travelers and diners like myself who try to be conscious of their consumer decisions, it is decidedly refreshing to enter a restaurant or a hotel and knowing that the tough choices have already been made. The plates are built to share and are delivered to the table “as ready.” Our party of three ordered several plates at once, and split them one by one as they arrived. Our server asked about allergies or restrictions. The small menu contained both veggie dishes and heartier options, and because ingredients are responsibly sourced I felt comfortable embracing my veggie-and-fish preferences knowing that I’d be full when the dinner concluded.

Deep, bold colors define the interior of Stellar Jay, much like its dark-blue namesake bird. The view outside on the balcony is dominated by the Colorado State Capitol building directly in front, the downtown Denver skyline rising to the north.

Little Owl Coffee, located in the lobby, served an excellent Americano and fresh croissant for breakfast. On my second night I dined with my wife and daughter at Pasque on the hotel’s lobby floor. The ambiance was clean and refined, like Stellar Jay, with an equally hearty menu of pasta, meats, and veggie-forward dishes.

A forward-thinking boutique hotel right when the world needs itGraphic courtesy Studio GangGraphic courtesy Studio Gang

Tucked into the bedside nightstand in my room at Populus was a copy of Douglas Chadwick’s “Four Fifths a Grizzly: New Perspective on Nature that Just Might Save Us All,” a rigorous, science-backed takedown of humanity’s perceived separation from the natural world. Chadwick argues that the modern urban environment stimulates our evolutionary “fight or flight” response to stress, spiking cortisol and adrenaline levels, and that the cure is to embrace, rather than fence out, nature. Reading these words in the second-floor lounge and coworking area at Populus, bustling on this Sunday morning, I thought about the rush and howl of the vehicles just outside on Colfax Avenue.

I thought about the expanse of concrete jungle that surrounded me, and how, while on a walk through City Center Park across the street, I’d felt a deep calm and satisfaction set in. The design team at Populus went to great lengths to mitigate urban overwhelm by creating a relaxing, natural-feeling space emblazoned by the woods of the Rockies. Essential oils waft the air, calling to mind that same relaxation taken from the outdoors. During the day, the hotel’s hallways remain dim – to the point that I couldn’t take a photo without the bright green “Exit” signs penetrating the shot. Though in the heart of the city, Populus embraces the natural world and, with the conveniences of a luxury hotel, the result is an incredibly comfortable place to base yourself.

To Chadwick’s point, I believe that humanity is catching on to our mistakes, our fear of the outside world, and our innate desire to conquer or control it. The ethos and practices of Populus, its planners at Urban Villages, and operators at Aparium are the type of forward thinking that society needs now. My three-year-old daughter’s generation must grow up surrounded by the progressive practices represented here. If Populus catches on and this type of hospitality spreads , we’ll be one step closer to healing ourselves and our planet.

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Where to Travel in 2025 Based on Your Astrological Sign

As a professional astrologer, I consider it my job to prepare clients for the dominant themes their lives will have in store in the near future, as reflected by the planetary shifts and transits. I think of checking astrology signs before setting off on a trip like viewing a weather forecast — why wouldn’t you want to know what’s ahead so you can prepare accordingly?

Different signs may find different experiences align best with what they are moving through, cosmically. People in signs who have more challenging transits may benefit from visiting more serene locales that are conducive for lots of rest and relaxation. People in other signs have more growth-oriented, adventurous energies aligning for them in 2025, so a travel destination that promotes more adrenaline and trailblazing may feel more in alignment. Tuning into your astrology helps you align to what your soul will crave in the year ahead and beyond, so you can truly feel like your trip is written in the soul.

Skip to your sign:

AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces

June looks particularly prosperous and expansive for travel. with a Jupiter cazimi (when the planet aligns with the sun) on June 24, Jupiter entering Cancer on June 9, and a Sagittarius (the sign of travel) full moon on June 11.

In the first portion of 2025 (from January 1 through June 9), Jupiter is in Gemini, which may boost short distance trips to local towns and locales that do not require getting on a plane. Uranus, the planet of all things unexpected, will also enter this sector of the sky from July 2025 onward, which can bring unusual events playing out in shorter journeys.

Another trend to expect for 2025 travels is a focus on revisiting the locations of one’s roots. This is due to Jupiter (the planet of travel) entering the sign of Cancer (the sign of home, roots, and ancestry) in June. This can lead to a drive among travelers to prioritize trips that allow them to connect deeper to their heritage. There also could be a boost in travel to destinations with a deep history and old architecture, as Cancer also governs history.

Neptune shifting from Pisces to Aries may also affect the priorities of travelers in 2025. Neptune has been in Pisces since 2011, which can influence jetsetters to flock to more spiritual locations. Neptune moves to Aries in late March, which may lead to the collective romanticizing of trailblazing new locations, idealizing adrenaline-laced adventures, and memorializing more rugged landscapes and terrains.

Photo: New Africa/Shutterstock

2025 travel destinations based on astrological elements

Each sign within the zodiacal wheel is associated with a different element, which helps us make sense of why the sign is the way that it is. You are not just one element — you’ll have to look at your full birth chart and get a sense of the dominant element representative within your energy. Tuning into the element that is the most strongly reflected in your natal chart can help you align yourself to circumstances, people, and places that align best with your natural constitution.

Fire signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Fire governs life force energy, passion, and activity. With strong fire energy reflected in your celestial blueprint, you may be more drawn to travel experiences that are stimulating, with lots of activity, adventures and movement. You can find you get bored in places that are too slow or too off the beaten path.

Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Earth in astrology is associated with the senses: what we can see, taste, touch, smell, and hear. If you have earth featured heavily in your astrology, you may be drawn to travel experiences that speak to the senses — serene nature sights, delicious food, and indulgent spa experiences.

Air signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Air corresponds to the realm of communication, intellect, and the mind. If you have this element featured in your chart, you may find that travel experiences built around learning are a natural fit for you. Book trips to places that feature rich history for you to learn about, informative museums for you to explore, and cultures that are new to you.

Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Water aligns to the emotional, spiritual experience of being a human. Sites that hold spiritual significance for you may be powerful for you to explore. Having this element prominently featured indicates you’re a deep soul, and crave that same depth from your travels. You may also gravitate to places that are near a body of water, which can help refresh and restore your energy stores.

Where to travel in 2025 based on your zodiac sign

Your houses are dictated in your chart by your rising sign. Your rising sign is the most influential for your 2025 travel recommendations, as these forecasts were written with house transits in mind and will be the most accurate look at what influences you may experience in the year ahead. Secondarily, you can consider your sun sign (as in solar houses). The themes expressed by this sign may also be felt, just to a more subtle level.

Aries: Fairbanks, Alaska

Photo: youli zhao/Shutterstock

Ever the adventurer, you love embarking upon adventures in places that feel wild, rugged, and unexplored. What better location in the year 2025 than Fairbanks, a place to indulge in the wonders of nature and take in the midnight sun or the northern lights. Your trailblazing spirit will love exploring Glacier Bay National Park, or embarking on a flightseeing tour to fully take in the beauty of the terrain. Your bold nature aligns well with the elements you may endure in Alaska depending on time of year that you travel, but the Alaskan wilderness should renew and reinvigorate your energy stores.

The more serene scenery of Alaska aligns beautifully with the horoscope of rest and recuperation aligning for you in the upcoming year’s astrology. Last year, you had eclipses in your sign, which could have led to some dramatic transformations and shifts. In 2025, North Node will transit your twelfth house of solitude and Jupiter will enter your fourth house of emotions — both influences that may make you feel more inclined to relax, withdraw your energy, and recharge. Neptune will enter your sign late March, which could make you more sensitive to the world around you and more inclined to seek out spiritually renewing experiences. Your ruling planet, Mars, will be retrograde the first two months of the year, a time to prioritize resting and recuperating rather than traveling. You may also want to avoid traveling May through September, when the planet of responsibility and discipline enters your sign, bringing enhanced pressures on your life. Consider booking a trip for early December, to grab hold of the adventurous energy of your ruling planet in your ninth house of travel.

Taurus: Zanzibar, Tanzania

Photo: Denis Belitsky/Shutterstock

As an Earth sign, you live your life through your senses, and what a treat to indulge all of your senses via a trip to Zanzibar. You are known as the foodie of the zodiac, so expect to thrive embarking upon a spice tour in Zanzibar to learn more about the spices this island is known for: cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper. Don’t forget to stock up on spices at the Darajani Market. With Saturn and North Node transiting your eleventh house of friendships and communities, you may find you’re inclined to host many a dinner table in 2025 — the perfect time to share delightful cuisine and stories from your Tanzanian adventure with your guests.

Now, Taurus, with Jupiter transiting the third house from June onward this year, you’re more open to learning in the year 2025. But it’s in your nature to languidly luxuriate in between expeditions — Zanzibar has you covered with beautiful white beaches for you to bask in the sunshine and take in the beauty of the Indian ocean. Consider booking a trip the last week of the year to bring hold of the celestial focus on your ninth house of travel.

Gemini: Isle of Skye, Scotland

Photo: Pajor Pawel/Shutterstock

The eternal student of the zodiac, Geminis are always looking for pockets around the globe to investigate, learn, and discover. This desire within can be even more pronounced with Jupiter transiting Gemini in the first half of the year, bringing to the surface the desire within you to see new sights and learn new things. Consider planning a trip to Isle of Skye, where you can hike the mountainous landscape, take in medieval castles, tour the Fairy Pools, and spot the wildlife of the region to invigorate your curious nature.

While the planet of travel, expansion, and higher learning may have you inclined to blossom into new territories of your life, there is an immense pressure building within the arena of your chart governing career, public persona ,and reputation, with Saturn and North Node transiting your tenth house. This can lead to exciting gains and growth within your professional world, but you may be feeling more drained from the extra responsibility placed on you. You get a break from the planetary pressure May 25 through September 1 when Saturn (briefly) enters Aries, shifting the focus from the professional grind. Take advantage of this break from Saturn (while still making the most of Jupiter in your sign) by booking a trip late May or early June.

Cancer: Placencia, Belize

Photo: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

You feel more adventurous, more open to life, and more inclined to put yourself out there in the path of new opportunities and new locations from June onward in the year 2025. This is because Jupiter — the planet of travel, expansion, and adventure — will shift from your twelfth house of what’s hidden into the first house of identity, indicating a distinct tonal shift from your hermit era into an era of confidence and visibility. Take charge of this optimistic, exploratory energy by booking a trip to Placencia, a seaside village in Belize that will provide you the opportunity for all sorts of eye-opening adventures. Choose to climb a Mayan ruin, go snorkeling, hike through a rainforest — all in the same day, if you wish. Seize this open-minded and open-hearted Jupiterian influence.

While you may be open to more adventures and expeditions, the energy urges you to be cautious when it comes to your planning. Saturn, for most of the year, is transiting through the sector of your chart governing travel, which can bring delays and obstructions to your expeditions. Ensure that your travel documentation is in place and your travel plans are airtight. Saturn does briefly leave this section of your chart from May 25 to September 1, which presents a lovely opportunity for more seamless travel. Consider booking a trip around August 11 when the two benefics, Venus and Jupiter, meet up in your first house of self and identity. You may find you are feeling more inclined to seek out beauty, excellence, and adventure with these planets supporting you.

Leo: Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Photo: Naska Raspopina/Shutterstock

Ruled by the sun, you may be drawn to sun-soaked destinations that allow you to bask like the zodiacal lion you are. Consider penciling in a trip to Waiheke Island for beautiful beaches, pristine gulf views, and stunning olive groves and vineyards. Balance more adventurous activities like zip lining and kayaking with more sensual experiences like indulging in local oysters and the world-class wine of the region to honor both your adventurous fire sign nature and your desire to indulge in the regal, finer things in life.

When it comes to when to book, you may want to grab hold of the more sociable energies aligning for you in the first portion of the year, with Jupiter wrapping up its journey in Gemini. The latter portion of the year may prompt more introspection, contemplation, and solitude with Jupiter entering your twelfth house, which can be helpful in peaceful locations where you can hear yourself think. Neptune in Aries will influence your travel expeditions from March 2025 until 2039, which can make you feel more inclined to visit spiritual destinations. Grab hold of this more idealized, dreamy energy with your travels by booking a trip near May 2, when Venus aligns with Neptune in the travel sector of your chart.

Virgo: Crete, Greece

Photo: Sakis Papadopoulos/Shutterstock

As a Mercury-ruled sign, you are an intelligent, curious soul who wants to make the most of your trips by learning all you possibly can as you adventure. What better destination than Crete, where you can take in the ancient ruins and fascinating history of the Minoan civilization. Plan to tour the Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum to learn all you can. As the grounded Earth sign you are, you have a special affinity for nature, and Crete boasts quite a lot of it. There are hikes at the Samaria Gorge, sunbathing at the Balos Lagoon, and awe-inspiring sunsets and picturesque canyons across the island.

When it comes to your 2025 travels and plans, know that your year ahead may be a bit more dramatic with the eclipses landing in your sign. Having South Node in your sign may prompt quite a bit of soul searching and contemplating who you are outside of who you’ve been before. Consider booking a trip to support this soul searching in late April and May to take advantage of the planetary concentration in the arena of your chart governing travel and spirituality.

Libra: Kerala, India

Photo: Florian Augustin/Shutterstock

As the sign of the scales, you are drawn to environments and places that promote the balance, peace, and beauty you thrive within. Kerala has a little bit of everything where you can balance more adventurous activities like houseboat cruises with mentally stimulating experiences like learning about the local cultural heritage and healing Ayurvedic treatments. Since your sign is notoriously a bit indecisive, Kerala features many different experiences and options for you to spend your time.

You’ve had a trying time last year with the eclipses in your sign, which could have led to challenges around your relationships and partnerships. In 2025, the focus shifts to your wellness: your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being and healing (so beautifully aligned with the experience you would find in Kerala). You may find your trips in 2025 have some surprises and shockwaves in store, especially if you plan for after July 7, with Uranus entering Gemini (the sector of your chart governing travel and higher learning). Uranus governs all things unexpected and electrifying, so you may find that your trips are interesting (but exciting) detours. You will most certainly have some interesting travel tales to relay. Uranus can be exciting, but not the most stable, so perhaps book a trip in the first half of the year to avoid any detours you’re not prepared for. The Gemini new moon on May 26 can be a beautiful time to open yourself up to new places and new learnings.

Scorpio: Dampier Archipelago, Australia

Photo: Franklin64/Shutterstock

You’re a deep soul diver, and you like to plunge into the depths where many others fear. Your investigative soul may feel magnetized to Australia’s Dampier Archipelago, a less traveled location that is deeply enriching. This island is more remote, so you can fully enjoy your privacy as you take in the beauty of the land. Soothe your water sign heart by taking in the coral reefs, sponge gardens, and plentiful abundance of fish.

2025’s astrology has never been so aligned for you to travel and adventure to new places and to unearth new wisdom, with the planet of travel entering the arena of your chart governing travel from June 9 onward. Consider booking close to June 24 to enjoy the Jupiter cazimi aligning in your ninth house, creating a celestial spotlight on adventure and exploration.

Sagittarius: Hanoi, Vietnam

Photo: Framalicious/Shutterstock

As the quintessential adventurer of the zodiac, you are always looking to embark on new adventures to explore new-to-you sides of the globe. There is a perpetual desire within every Sagittarian to expand into new dimensions, whether that shows up within academia, travel opportunities, or spiritual quests. Sagittarius is known for a deep appreciation for culture and foreign lands. As you learn and adventure in Hanoi, delight in delectable street food, take in the robust Old Quarter, and soak up the temples.

While that Sagittarian wanderlust is always alive within you, there is a distinct focus in 2025’s astrology around prioritizing your emotional state, home life, and inner world. Consider booking a trip between May and September, when Saturn leaves the sector of your chart governing home life and may make you feel more free to book a trip. A particular opportunity for travel lands for you in August, when a majority of the planets are concentrated in the realm of life governing travel.

Capricorn: El Chaltén, Argentina

Photo: LeeSensei/Shutterstock

You are an ambitious soul, but with the current cosmic alignments, you may be feeling more inclined to prioritize the matters of your life that the outer world cannot see: matters of the soul, the family, and the home. You are a goal-setting, go-getter sign, but this year, you may be setting your sights on goals that are more intrinsically driven. Consider booking a trip to El Chaltén to indulge in some of the most incredible trekking in the world. Climb new heights and let the perspectives you may find on your ascent give you inspiration around what other “heights” you are inclined to reach.

With your ruling planet, Saturn, entering your fourth house of home for a brief stay mid year, you may find you are more inclined to invest your energy into being a homebody. Book September 2025 to enjoy the planetary concentration within your ninth house of travel and higher learning while experiencing a temporary relief of pressure in domestic matters, courtesy of Saturn in Aries.

Aquarius: Oslo, Norway

Photo: Simon van Hemert/Shutterstock

You are the humanitarian of the zodiac, so you may find you are inclined to travel to new locales that align with your beliefs and the world you believe in. Consider traveling to Oslo, a city that is committed to producing no greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Additionally, this city will align with your curious, intelligent air sign nature with its wide variety of museums. Learn from the Fram Museum, Vigeland Museum, Viking Ship Museum, Akershus Fortress, or the Norsk Folkemuseum, to name a few.

Within the first portion of the year and Jupiter transiting your fifth house, you may find you are more inclined toward fun, creativity, and self-expression. Grab hold of this energy by planning a trip around the Libra full moon on April 12. This lunation spotlights your ninth house (the arena of the chart governing travel), making for a meaningful opportunity to see some new sights and contemplate some new viewpoints.

Pisces: Koh Phan Gan, Thailand

Photo: crowley production/Shutterstock

You’ve been a main character of recent astrology, and that continues in 2025. With eclipses and Saturn in your sign, you may be feeling a bit burnt out from all of the changes that the cosmos has in store for you. What better place to relax and refresh your energy than beautiful Koh Phan Gan. The jungle can ground you, the scooters can bring some adventure, and the beaches will restore your water sign soul. Of course, Pisceans are no stranger to a party, and Koh Phan Gan has no shortage of opportunities to celebrate and blow off some steam with the famous Full Moon Party, Half Moon Party, and Eden Garden Party, to name a few.

Even with the somewhat stressful cosmos, 2025 is a golden opportunity for you to travel. This is because Jupiter, the planet of expansion and your traditional ruler planet, will enter your ninth house of travel from June 9 onward, leading to soulful experiences when you’re adventuring to new places and in search for a new sense of meaning. While the latter half of the year presents many opportune pockets of time for your trips, consider penciling in a journey around August 12, when Venus and Jupiter meet up in your ninth house. This can lead to pleasurable experiences, beautiful sights, and even potentially romantic opportunities when you are open to adventure. Just plan for trips after August 11 so you avoid Mercury retrograde, thus avoiding any sort of potential travel snafus.

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Here’s How to How to Survive the Vatican Jubilee if You Visit Rome in 2025

As if Rome wasn’t already one of Europe’s — and the world’s— most popular destinations, the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee is anticipated to push the city (and the patience of tourists) to its limit.

The Vatican Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is held every 25 years, save for a few “extraordinary years,” as designated by the Pope. The Vatican Jubilee invites religious pilgrims to journey to Rome and be granted plenary indulgence, among other Catholic rituals and events. The Jubilee is anticipated to draw huge crowds to Italy’s capital, with authorities anticipating 35 million pilgrims to arrive in Rome throughout the year. So, what does that mean for your trip to the Eternal City in 2025?

Millions upon millions of tourists will likely descend on Rome for the Vatican Jubilee. Benny Marty/Shutterstock

Tourists who unknowingly booked a trip during the Jubilee year may be wondering whether the city still worth visiting, or if rescheduling would be the wiser move. As a local who’s lived in Rome since 2017 and worked in tourism throughout that time, I know there are a number of ways to make the most of your trip despite the added excitement and challenges the city is sure to face during the year-long Vatican Jubilee.

Book ahead – far ahead

Tours for top attractions like the Colosseum will fill up fast in 2025. Photo: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

In a normal year, I recommend booking accommodations in Rome about six months in advance, guided tours two to three months ahead, and restaurant reservations one to two weeks before your trip. For high-demand restaurants, it’s ideal to reserve your space 30 days in advance (or whenever reservations open). If you’re staying at high-end hotels, the concierge may be able to assist in securing them.

But in 2025, forget those timelines. Once your trip dates are set, lock in your must-do activities and make reservations immediately, particularly for high-demand attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museum.

With very few exceptions, guided tours in Rome will be bookable well in advance of your trip, and 2025 dates will likely fill up quickly. When possible, book directly with tour operators, rather than sites like Viator or GetYourGuide. In recent years, ticketing has changed at the Vatican and Colosseum to prevent bots from purchasing all the tickets. Now, every single ticket needs to have the guests’ first and last names. Third-party platforms skirt this by allowing a large number of tickets to be purchased before the tour operators have secured them, which can result in cancellations later on, often at the very last minute. Individual tour operators can book specific tickets with your name and information on them, making them less likely to be canceled.

For some attractions, you can book your tickets directly with the business, and you’ll want to set a reminder or alarm to secure them on the first available date. For example, for unguided entry to the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, you can book directly through the websites 30 days in advance.

For restaurants, check out Italian reservation apps like The Fork and Quandoo to secure a table during your trip, but keep in mind that some Roman restaurants only accept bookings by phone or through their reservation system on their websites. Be sure to visit the restaurant’s website directly to check on its booking process. Again, hotels and lodging hosts can often assist.

Stay outside the historic center

Rome’s historic center is a convenient place to stay, but likely to be even busier than usual in 2025. Photo: Nattee Chalermtiragool/Shutterstock

While it’s tempting to stay in the heart of Rome, the historic center’s constant influx of tourists can wear down even the most patient traveler. Instead, consider one of these more laid-back neighborhoods, offering a calmer home base while maintaining easy access to the city’s top sights. If you prefer to stay close to the action, don’t worry: the neighborhoods below are still plenty lively, but will allow you to experience a more local side of the city.

Monti

Nestled between the Colosseum and Termini Station, Monti is a hip neighborhood with cobblestone streets, vintage shops, and trendy bars. Its central location offers easy access to major landmarks, but its low-key piazzas and artisan boutiques give it a more local, intimate vibe. It’s still extremely central, with the Colosseum marking its southern border.
Trastevere

A busy street in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood. Photo: ennar0/Shutterstock

Trastevere is a picturesque neighborhood known for its narrow, winding streets and vibrant energy. While it’s home to lively nightlife and some fantastic local restaurants (but beware of tourist traps!), its location just across the river from the main attractions makes it feel like a retreat from the crowded city center.

If you don’t want to be in the thick of the evening revelers, look for accommodation near Piazza San Cosimato, a more tranquil spot towards the back of Trastevere.

Salario

A quieter, more residential district, Salario provides a peaceful escape from Rome’s bustling tourist areas. With charming cafes and easy access to the expansive Villa Borghese park — a must-visit on your trip to Rome — it’s perfect for those looking to experience the authentic, everyday side of Roman life.
Prati

Mazzini Square in Rome’s Prati neighborhood. Photo: Aerial-motion/Shutterstock

Near Vatican City, Prati offers a more upscale, refined atmosphere often overlooked by tourists. The elegant neighborhood has wide, tree-lined streets, fantastic shopping, and less touristy restaurants. It borders Vatican City to the west, making it ideal for visitors who want to stay close to the Holy See without being in the thick of the crowds. It’s also worth noting that Prati is a large neighborhood with spacious streets and sidewalks, which helps prevent it from feeling too congested.
Visit less-frequented sites and museums

While a trip to Rome would be incomplete without visiting iconic sites like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Roman Forum, and many more, the city is teeming with lesser-known sights, museums, and art galleries well worth the visit. Exploring these attractions can deepen your experience beyond the usual tourist route and provide a much-needed respite from the crowds.
The Doria Pamphilj Gallery

Photo: Suchart Boonyavech/Shutterstock

The Doria Pamphilj Gallery is hidden in plain sight, on Via del Corso just a few steps from Piazza Venezia. The gallery is the former palace of the Doria Pamphilj family — the same family that lends its name to Rome’s largest park in the city’s Monteverde neighborhood. The Doria Pamphilj Gallery is filled with luxurious furnishings and decor collected beginning in the 1600s, providing a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of one of the city’s most well-known families. The gallery showcases an impressive collection of art, including masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian.

Doria Pamphilj Gallery: Via del Corso, 305, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Palazzo Altemps

Photo: Takashi Images/Shutterstock

One of four sites that make up the National Roman Museum, Palazzo Altemps is an aristocratic mansion in the fairly central neighborhood of Campo Marzio. It sits just steps from Piazza Navona, the most well-known public square in Rome.

While the architecture of the palace itself makes it worth the visit, visitors can also explore an intricate labyrinth of decorated rooms showcasing ancient sculptures, including pieces from some of the most-well known collections in Europe spanning different periods of Roman art history. That includes the Mattei Collection, with sculptures that once adorned the grand Villa Celimontana on one of Rome’s famous seven hills, as well as art from the Del Drago Collection, known for 15th-century reliefs that were nearly lost to illegal exporting. You’ll also see historical items, like the Ludovisi Throne, dating to 460 BCE.

You’ll likely get the most bang for your buck by buying in advance a combined ticket, which includes admission to each of the National Roman Museum sites over a seven-day period: Terme di Diocleziano, Palazzo Massimo, and Palazzo Altemps. It normally also includes the Crypta Balbi, but it’s currently closed for ongoing renovation work. It’s expected to reopen before the Vatican Jubilee, but no official date has been announced as of October 2024.

Palazzo Altemps: Piazza di Sant’Apollinare, 46, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Palazzo Bonaparte

Photo: Cineberg/Shutterstock

Palazzo Bonaparte is in the heart of Rome, just two minutes down the road from the Doria Pamphilj Gallery, and hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions. The stunning palace is steeped in history and was once the residence of Napoleon’s mother, Letizia Bonaparte. Visitors can admire both the architectural beauty of the building, as well as the rotating art and cultural exhibits.

Palazzo Bonaparte: Piazza Venezia, 5, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

Photo: RODKARV/Shutterstock

Modern and contemporary art lovers, rejoice! The National Gallery is home to an extensive collection of Italian and international art from the 19th to the 21st centuries. The large gallery has the biggest modern art collection in Italy, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and installations from Neoclassicism to impressionism, futurism, and beyond. It has art from Italian artists such as Umberto Boccioni and Antonio Canova, as well as other well-known creatives like Jackson Pollock, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and many more.

The National Gallery: Viale delle Belle Arti, 131, 00197 Roma RM, Italy

If possible, avoid official Vatican Jubilee event dates

Photo: Mo Wu/Shutterstock

The Jubilee spans from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026, but certain event dates and weekends are expected to be more crowded than others. (There’s a full list of events on the Vatican Jubilee website). The most crowded is usually the opening of the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 24, 2024. It’s a highly coveted event, with crowds compounded by the fact that Rome usually sees large numbers of visitors over the holiday season.

In addition to the door opening at St. Peter’s, the three other Papal basilicas in Rome — the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls — will also experience an increase in visitors. Each of the four basilicas has its own Holy Door, and entering through them is believed to be the pilgrim’s chance for spiritual renewal and a way to forgive most atonement for sins. The Holy Doors are opened only during a Jubilee year, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.

Enjoy your trip

Photo: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

If you’re visiting Rome in 2025, being prepared and setting realistic expectations is key to enjoying your time during the Vatican Jubilee. With careful planning and a willingness to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, you can experience the city’s complex history and authentic culture without letting the crowds ruin your experience. But don’t worry if you aren’t able to visit all the sites you’d like to see. No matter how busy it gets, Rome’s charm and beauty ensure it’s a magical destination that will always beckon a second (or tenth) visit. You’ll never run out of things to do. More like thisArt + ArchitectureThis Tiny Peephole May Just Have the Best View in Rome

This Cool Oceanfront Hotel Is a Straight Shot to Santa Monica’s Iconic Pier

Santa Monica has a split personality. As I discovered during a late summer getaway, that’s part of the coastal Southern California city’s charm. Downtown buzzes with urban energy. Fashionistas can hunt for fresh fits at upscale Santa Monica Place, which anchors Third Street Promenade where three pedestrian-friendly blocks brim with more shops, restaurants, and a farmers market. But steps away from downtown’s bustle, on the other side of busy Highway 1, pristine Santa Monica State Beach offers two miles of tranquil bliss, and fun for all ages at the Santa Monica Pier.

The Pierside, a new addition to the city’s hotel scene that’s located right across the street from the pier, proved the ideal base for my stay. Managed by Sage Hospitality Group, the 132-room property — formerly a Wyndham — underwent an extensive renovation in 2023. The result? A lifestyle hotel with a laid back yet chic beachy vibe.

Inside The Pierside: a coastal aesthetic, fresh California eats, and all the beach gear you’ll need

Photo: Courtesy of The Pierside

The Pierside’s inviting lobby has seating areas with contemporary furniture and decor in a calming sand-and-sea palette of taupe, blue, and cream. One exception, a pair of sunset-hued armchairs, delivers a pleasing pop of color. By the front window, small flames danced in a standalone retro gas fireplace. Though the weather was far from chilly, I could easily imagine parking myself there on a cooler day.

A wood-slat wall separates the lobby from the equally appealing Surfing Fox, which specializes in coastal California cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Touches like retractable glass doors that open to a patio, built-in cushioned benches, and whimsical rattan front-porch “swing” seats create a relaxed, indoor-outdoor feel. The restaurant also has live music on Fridays and a bar with happy hour specials.

Photo: Courtesy of The Pierside

Upon checking-in, I discovered one of The Pierside’s most delightful amenities: The Board Shop. More of a neatly arranged display area by the front desk than an actual shop, it offers an array of items you can check out to dial up your pleasure on or off the beach. Along with boogie boards, surf boards, and skateboards, you’ll find things like board games and cameras. If vinyl tunes are your jam, borrow an old school record player. Or make your own music with a Board Shop ukulele. Guests get two hours of complimentary gear rentals daily.

Rooms at The Pierside: ocean, mountain, and city views

Photo: Courtesy of The Pierside

I’m a sucker for a window seat with a view, so I was thrilled to discover that my Coastal King room at The Pierside had the next best thing: a sectional sofa with a long chaise resting against a pair of floor-to-ceiling windows. I started my mornings there, sipping coffee brewed in the in-room coffee maker while drinking in the view of Santa Monica’s natural and human-made assets: the ocean, the Santa Monica Mountains to the west, and downtown’s high-rises and rooftops spread out below me. Added bonus: the sectional converted into a queen sleeper. Many of The Pierside’s rooms include sofa beds.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with the family, The Pierside has a variety of rooms to meet your needs. (And feel free to bring your pup along for the fun — the hotel welcomes dogs.) If, like me, you need to see water when staying by the beach, book a coastal room or suite with a partial ocean view. Or pay a bit less for accommodations overlooking neighboring Tongva Park or the Santa Monica skyline. Prices fluctuate, with standard rooms ranging from around $300-$600 per night, depending on the season. Standard suites start at about $450 per night.

All rooms boast plank floors and understated decor in soothing neutrals and blues that, like the rest of the hotel, evoke the coast.

Amenities at The Pierside: a sunny pool, Peloton bikes, and a can’t-miss mural

Photo: Courtesy of The Pierside

As someone who doesn’t have a great sense of direction, I appreciated The Pierside’s easy-to-navigate layout. Both the compact 24-hour gym — equipped with Peloton bikes, treadmills, elliptical trainers, and weights — and access to the outdoor pool are just down the hall from the front desk. Stretching up the side of the six-story hotel, a colorful mural by artist Shepard Fairey creates a dramatic backdrop for the small but appealing pool area. Another perk: The hotel provides reusable bottles for guests that can be filled at water stations on every floor, making it easy to hydrate while you play at the beach or elsewhere.

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Things to do near The Pierside

Hit the Santa Monica Pier

Photo: Dorothy O’Donnell

Constructed in 1909, the Santa Monica Pier is a US National Historic Landmark that lures more than 10 million visitors annually. Many come for the rides and games at Pacific Park. Santa Monica is also where iconic Route 66 terminates, and the pier is its unofficial endpoint. Tourists from all over the world line up for selfies at the “End of the Trail” sign near the entrance. I decided to skip the photo op and head to the amusement park.

I’m a wimp when it comes to riding roller coasters, even relatively tame ones like Pacific Park’s West Coaster. But I got a vicarious thrill watching the red cars clack up yellow tracks high above the sparkling Pacific, before whipping their way around a web of tight curves to deliver their shrieking passengers back to earth. The old-fashioned carnival games were more my speed. Even though I didn’t win a giant stuffed animal, I had fun playing a couple rounds of ring toss.

Photo: Dorothy O’Donnell

Then I strolled to the end of the pier. The wooden timbers creaked under my feet as music from different performers mingled with excited laughter and the squawks of gulls dive-bombing for stray fries and funnel cake crumbs. A group of women broke into a line dance in front of one musician, bringing smiles to the faces of passersby. The refreshing ocean breeze grew stronger as I neared the end of the pier. There, I peered over the railing at fishermen on a platform below attempting to hook sand bass, halibut, and surf perch.

Santa Monica Pier: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Really dig in at The Surfing Fox

Photo: Dorothy O’Donnell

I was starting to crave some seafood myself, so I headed to The Surfing Fox for dinner. Chef David Yamaguchi draws on his Japanese and Mexican heritage to concoct unique versions of some of the familiar dishes on the restaurant’s simple menu. Take the vibrant green edamame hummus that my friendly server recommended as a dinner starter. Seasoned with wasabi and furikake — a Japanese spice — it had just enough kick to wake up my taste buds.

Wonton chips on the side were a satisfying alternative to pita bread. I also enjoyed the street corn focaccia served with rich chipotle butter. Earlier that day, I’d noticed a server delivering The Surfing Fox’s fish and chips to an outside table. One tantalizing whiff, and I knew I couldn’t leave The Pierside without ordering them. Good decision — the flaky Icelandic cod, wrapped in golden crust, lived up to my expectations.

The Surfing Fox: 120 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Stroll through Palisades Park

Photo: Lux Blue/Shutterstock

After coffee in my room the next morning, I took a walk in pretty Palisades Park. Sandwiched between Ocean Avenue and bluffs that tower above the coastline, the park has a 1.8-mile path lined with palms and elegant old street lamps. Popular with joggers and walkers, it’s also a prime spot to catch sunset. On the way back to The Pierside, I made a pitstop for more caffeine at Espresso Cielo, where I savored my latte at an outdoor table.

Then I returned to the Surfing Fox for breakfast. I’ve had my share of disappointing avocado toasts, but I was totally stoked on The Surfing Fox’s take on the ubiquitous breakfast staple: a generous portion of avocado perfectly seasoned with smoky salsa macha (a Mexican condiment) and topped with ninja radishes.

Palisades Park: Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Pedal to Venice or beyond

Photo: Dorothy O’Donnell

That afternoon, I rented a beach cruiser from Boardwalk Bike Rentals, located just south of the pier. The Pierside has complimentary electric bikes for guests, but they seemed like overkill for the flat Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Pedaling south, I passed iconic Muscle Beach where hard bodies showed off on the rings and balance beams. The gorgeous, 22-mile oceanfront trail meanders all the way to Torrance Beach, but I only went as far as Venice, a couple miles south of Santa Monica.

With separate sections for cyclists and pedestrians, the trail never felt too crazy or congested. I stopped to join a crowd of spectators marveling at the daredevil antics of skaters at Venice Skate Park, then ventured off the trail for a quick detour to the famed Venice canals. With their dainty, arched bridges that look like something out of a fairytale, and assorted small boats moored in front of lovely homes, the canals cast a spell on me.

Boardwalk Bike Rentals: 1619 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Swim or bodysurf in the Pacific

Photo: Dorothy O’Donnell

Back at The Pierside, I was ready for a dip in the ocean. I grew up just down the coast in San Diego and spent almost every summer day at the beach. After grabbing a beach chair from the Board Shop, I staked out a spot in the sand, then hit the water, a perfect 70 degrees. Bodysurfing Santa Monica’s gentle waves, then lazing in the sun with a book, transported me back to the carefree summers of my childhood.

Get one last taste of Santa Monica

Photo: Dorothy O’Donnell

Sadly, my time in Santa Monica was vanishing faster than high tide can wash away a sandcastle. That evening, I went back to the pier for dinner and to experience its festive nighttime energy and colorful lights. There are plenty of dining options, including sit-down restaurants like Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. But I made a beeline for Pier Burger, known for its tasty burgers and frozen custard.

Before checking out the next morning, I headed north on the oceanfront trail for breakfast at Back on the Beach Cafe, a casual eatery that’s popular with locals. Striped orange umbrellas protect tables that sit right on the sand, but because there was a wait for them, I opted to dine indoors where I was seated right away. The setting was just as pleasant, and I feasted on a veggie omelet, home fries and fresh-baked scone. Fueled for the long drive home to the Bay Area, I headed back to The Pierside, packed my bag, and hit the road.

Pier Burger: 330 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Back on the Beach Cafe: 445 CA-1, Santa Monica, CA 90402

Getting to The Pierside

Photo: Courtesy of The Pierside

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest airport to Santa Monica. From the airport, hop on the 405 or 110 and head west for about 30 minutes. Rideshares are easy to secure at the airport, as well as to get around town, although Santa Monica is also known for being walkable. Add in public transportation options like buses and the light rail, scooter-shares, and the e-bikes that The Pierside provides, and you should have no problem getting around.

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Researchers Just Found Something Amazing Under One of the World’s Most Well-Known Ancient Sites

Even if you’ve never been to the Middle East, you may be familiar with an ancient archaeological site in Jordan called “Al Khazneh,” — at least if you’re a fan of Hollywood blockbusters. Because Al Khazneh, which translates to “The Treasury,” was a backdrop for one of the 1980’s biggest movie hits: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Though the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” has more than 800 historical buildings, it’s the Treasury, carved into a towering sandstone rock face between two high cliffs in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, that often strikes visitors at the most dramatic.

But researchers just discovered something extremely unexpected under the heavily visited and heavily studied site: a hidden tomb that contained 12 completely intact human skeletons. Like the site itself, the tomb and skeletons likely date more than 2,000 years back to the ancient Nabataean civilization, which flourished between the fourth century BCE and first century CE. The tomb was found in August 2024 and recently announced by St. Andrews University in Scotland. The Petra discovery was made somewhat by accident using electromagnetic and ground-penetrating radar while scientists were studying the earth beneath the temple to plan for future flood mitigation projects.

 

 

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As significant as discovering 12 skeletons in a secret burial chamber under a country’s most well-known attraction may be, the news gets even more fascinating. Finding one skeleton, let alone 12, is extremely rare in Petra –most recently discovered chambers have contained just pieces of artifacts or a few skeleton fragments, save for two skeletons found more 20 years ago near Al Khazneh. But it’s also yet another piece in an ongoing mystery, since researchers know very little about the Nabateans who built Petra.

Archaeologists do know that Petra was a center of trade in the Middle East before it was invaded by Romans in the second century CE, but significant aspects of the Nabatean social structure, daily life, cultural beliefs, and religious practices remain elusive, due to both limited written records and fragmented archaeological findings. As of 2024, some scientists estimate that up to 85 percent of Petra’s buildings and monuments could still be buried beneath the sand.

Researchers are hoping the discovery will shed new light on Petra and his people who built it. Photo: trabantos/Shutterstock

Though the building is called “The Treasury,” the building was most likely a mausoleum. The title “Al Khazneh” comes from the local Bedouin people, who named it based on a legend that it contained ancient treasure. According to a lead researcher on the Petra discovery, archaeologists will continue to study both the tomb and the remains to try to learn more about the burial practices and customs of Nabataean society. Since a Petra discovery like this has never been made before, what researchers learn could expand — or completely rewrite — the historical narrative of Petra and its people.

And if that wasn’t an interesting enough twist, one researchers shared another fascinating fact about the discovery: one of the skeletons was found holding a ceramic jar with both hands — not unlike the famous scene in the 1989 Indiana Jones film. It wasn’t a chalice, like in the movie, a researcher told Al Jazeera News. “But it had an uncanny resemblance to the movie prop from the Indiana Jones film as it was being excavated,” he added. —

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Things We Love: The Matador Team’s 12 Favorite Pieces of Travel Gear and More This Month

The leaves are dropping along with the temperatures. That means it’s time to gear up for shoulder season adventures. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip, a hiking expedition, or an international getaway, this travel gear comes with the stamp of approval from Matador editors and is sure to have you ready for anything the season throws your way.

We hope you love the gear Matador editors recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.

Roark Dog Ear Camper Hat and Hebrides JacketPhoto courtesy RoarkPhoto courtesy Roark

I’ve traveled the world wearing Roark clothes for the past decade. When ordering the next season’s wardrobe online, I trust no other brand to the same caliber – I know I’m going to like what arrives, and I know it’s going to perform well under daily duress. Fall weather is here – and winter is coming, and for this upcoming set of months I acquired the Roark Dog Ear Camper ($52) and the Roark Hebrides Jacket (I went with Kaffa, $165). Each is perfect for fall camping, and, as I’ve discovered, for early morning dog walks at home when the mountain air is crisp and cool. Both are sure to accompany me on this winters’ snowboard trips, as well. -Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor

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Shop Roark Hebrides Jacket

Free Fly Apparel Men’s Tradewind Pant

Photo courtesy Free Fly Apparel

I found Free Fly Apparel earlier this year and can’t believe how much I’ve come to thrust them. I wore their Reverb shorts all summer and into fall for everything from hiking to the gym to camping, and just this month switched to the Tradewind Pant. So far I’ve worn the pants camping, on two travel days, to a decently nice restaurant, and to a Denver Broncos game – just to give a perspective on the pants’ versatility. They fit like jeans but wear like trail pants, in that they’re comfy and have but form without sacrificing durability for wearing in the outdoors. The pants pair well with t-shirts, button-downs, or a bigger jacket. I’ve yet to find a scenario where they’re out of place or awkward, and given Free Fly’s track record with Matador editors, I’d be surprised if one comes along. -Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor

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DoD Uma Folding Carry Wagon and Folding Table TopPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto courtesy Tim Wenger

It’s interesting to think that a wagon is the most versatile piece of gear I’ve added to my setup this year, but to understand why, have a gander at my current situation: I’m a dad, an avid camper, and someone who seems to always be moving something from one side of my yard to the other or purging a pile of old stuff to take to the thrift store. The name DoD chose for this contraption I got – the Uma Folding Wagon and Folding Table Top – doesn’t do justice to how versatile it is.

To gain that understanding you must look at a photo of it. It’s a collapsible wagon strong enough to fill up with gear that has a removable pad to make it comfortable for kiddos. When parked, you put the removable solid oak wooden table top into place atop the wagon and it magically becomes a table. I cart my three-year-old daughter around town and campsites in this wagon regularly, and when camping it doubles as the dinner buffet. The wheels move in all directions and pull across uneven ground with ease. Each experience with the Uma Folding Wagon and Folding Table Tophas me convinced I need more Japanese innovation in my life. -Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor

Buy Uma Folding Wagon – $149

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Satechi Passport Cover with Apple Find My

Photo courtesy Satechi

Believe it or not, despite my record of visiting 68 countries, I am an anxious traveler. This is partly thanks to COVID-19 lockdowns, and to be honest, I get nervous now in any environment where there are many people. And when I get stressed, I lose everything. Recently, I tried out the new Satechi passport cover, which uses the same technology found in Apple AirTags to connect your passport to your phone. If you misplace your passport, you can easily locate it using the Find My app or hit the button on your phone and hear it chirp away. I did this several times in transit on a recent flight to Norway. When my anxiety kicks in, I tend to do a frantic check that I still have everything with me. I loved clicking that button and confirming that my passport was exactly where I left it, safe in the inside pocket of my rucksack. Beyond its tracking capabilities, Satechi’s passport cover is nice to look at and touch. It’s made of durable vegan leather and offers RFID shielding to protect your cards from unauthorized scanning. It also provides ample space for your passport, boarding passes, and other travel essentials.

Read the full review of Satechi Passport Cover hereBuy Now – $56.99ExpressVPN

Photo: FellowNeko/Shutterstock

As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve learned that having the right tech tools can make all the difference. ExpressVPN is a game-changer for those living and working location independently. This VPN service secures your internet connection and grants access to geo-restricted content. It’s like having a passport to the digital world. With strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and a vast server network, ExpressVPN ensures your online activities remain private and secure. Plus, its media streamer function is a lifesaver for accessing your favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world. While the subscription may be a bit pricier than some competitors, the peace of mind and convenience it offers are well worth the investment. If you’re a digital nomad, ExpressVPN is a must-have tool. – Katie Scott Aiton, Lifestyle Editor

Read the full review of ExpressVPN hereLearn more about ExpressVPNThe Cardprotector by Carl Friedrik

Photo courtesy Carl Friedrick

When I was in Santiago, Chile, I got that dreaded alert from my bank. Someone had spent over $2000 at a hotel and tried to purchase something at the Apple store. As I scrambled to check where my bank card was, I found it safe in my wallet. I’m pretty sure my card had been skimmed. I don’t know where this occurred. Perhaps it was the classic scam in a taxi card reader, in a store, or by someone at a bus stop.

To help avoid this in the future, I use this card protector by Carl Friedrik. I also wanted something streamlined and chic. Made from high-quality aluminum wrapped in vachetta leather, this neat device has a slim, lightweight design that easily fits into my pocket. The interior is lined with a soft, protective material that prevents cards from scratching or bending. Despite its compact size, it can comfortably accommodate up to five cards and a clever mechanism allows you to slide them in and out easily. There’s also a discreet slot on the back where you can tuck a few bills. It’s available in a range of colors. I have cognac, but there’s also a chocolate and black version. – Katie Scott Aiton, Lifestyle Editor

Buy Now – $135 pounds ($176)Seawag underwater phone case

Photo: Morgane Croissant

The day before I was due to leave for the magical Galápagos Islands, I was told that the one thing I shouldn’t leave without was an underwater phone case. I had secured an older GoPro for all my snorkeling footage, but having never used one before, I thought it would be good to have another, more simple, option. I ran to the one store in my town that sold them and for just $21 I got myself a Seawag universal waterproof case. While it takes a lot of courage to stick your expensive phone into what looks like a very simple plastic pouch and immerse it in sea water for hours on end, I’m here to testify that it’s not only safe, it works beautifully. All you have to do is slip your smartphone into the pouch, lock the waterproof mechanism, put the lanyard around your neck, and you’re good to go. Because the screen is not as reactive to your fingertips while underwater, you do need to open the camera function on your phone prior to getting into the water, but apart from that, while in the pouch, you can film and take photographs in the same way you do on land. Thanks to this simple, inexpensive case that suits all smartphones, my partner and I, who are far from being photography experts, managed to beautifully capture sea turtles swimming by us, playful sea lions, and thousands of colorful fish. — Morgane Croissant, Deputy Editor

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Fjällräven Ulvö Hip Pack Large

Photo courtesy Fjallraven

This summer, as I was discussing travel plans with one of my many knowledgeable coworkers, I was told that Quito, Ecuador, where I was planning to spend some time in the fall, was rife with pickpockets and phone snatchers. I usually travel with a backpack, but to keep my belongings a little safer this time around, I opted to visit the Ecuadorian capital with a sling back instead. Fjällräven’s Ulvö Hip Pack is meant to be worn as a fanny pack, but I wore it across my chest with the zipper in the front so I could control its access. While I initially thought I had made a mistake by choosing the large version of this model instead of the more reasonable medium, I changed my mind very quickly. The large version of Fjällräven’s Ulvö Hip Pack allowed me to carry my passport, wallet, a full-size guide book, a notebook and a pencil, my sunglasses, my phone, and my earphones everywhere I went around Quito without looking too bulky or feeling too heavy. There are many compartments inside the pack to keep your stuff tidy, and the small, zippered security pocket in the back is the ideal place to keep your most valuable items. The compression straps underneath the pack are practical to hold a sweater, but don’t try to secure a water bottle with them – it keeps slipping. — Morgane Croissant, Deputy Editor

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4-Pack Apple AirTags

Photo: Kelsey Wilking

To avoid luggage fees, I usually travel with just a backpack and a carry-on roller bag. But my recent Virgin Mediterranean cruise warranted my first checked bag in years. With themed event nights, excursions, and a few pools on board, I had no choice but to pay the $75 fee (seriously, why do shoes take up so much space). Given that U.S. airlines lost 2 million bags in 2023, I tucked an AirTag inside my luggage to ease my anxiety. It worked—my phone would notify me, ‘Your [device name] is no longer with you,’ and I’d watch my bag make its way through the airport and finally onto the plane. Sure, the bag could still get lost, but at least I’d know its location to help track it down. Easy to use and perfect for anxious travelers—I won’t check a bag without one ever again.-Kelsey Wilking, newsletter nerd

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Kindle Paperwhite 11th Generation

Photo: Kelsey Wilking

As an avid reader, I take my Kindle everywhere. Going to the dentist? It’s in my tote. Traveling for six weeks in Guatemala? I wouldn’t leave home without it. I remember the days of packing two or three physical books that took up valuable luggage space, but now I have unlimited books right at my fingertips. Trust me, downloading The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson on a Kindle is far easier than packing that behemoth. While my partner initially refused to buy one because ‘physical books are better,’ even he became a convert after getting one for Christmas last year. Download the Libby app and connect your library card, then get Kindle Unlimited, and those long international flights will go by faster than a jackrabbit on a hot skillet. -Kelsey Wilking, newsletter nerd

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Buy the Kindle Shell Cover from Moto – $22.99

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Photo: Kelsey Wilking

Packing cubes are a fantastic way to organize your items and save space. While the square-shaped packing cubes are great, these slim options are perfect for filling smaller and longer gaps in your suitcase. This set from REI Co-op can be an excellent addition to your usual set and helps fill the spaces left by the squares. I took them with me on a recent cruise, and the slim one was perfect for bathing suits and workout gear. -Kelsey Wilking, newsletter nerd

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From Jungle Treehouses to Island Villas, These 3 Resorts Capture Belize’s Best

Belize’s shadowy jungle mystique — with its Maya temple mysteries, roaming howler monkeys and jaguars, warm rivers, and miles-deep caves — is harmonized by its easterly Caribbean waters, rich and (mostly) friendly marine life, and sandy resort-speckled cayes. What it lacks in square footage — Belize’s mainland is just 170 miles long, slightly larger than Massachusetts — the tiny independent country makes up for in geographical diversity.

A swift two-hour direct flight from Miami or Houston makes the English-speaking Central American nation an easy pick for a warm-weather vacation. Anytime of year is a tropical treat, but you can beat the holiday and spring-break crush if you visit Belize outside of December, January, and March. My October visit saw short jungle afternoon rain showers and comfortable coastal temperatures in the high 80s, with bountiful sunshine and Caribbean breezes.

Sweet Songs Belize Jungle Lodge Photo: Courtesy of Muy'Ono ResortsThatch Caye Resort Photo: Courtesy of Muy'Ono ResortsRoyal Belize Photo: Courtesy of Muy'Ono Resorts

I spent five days exploring a trio of Muy’Ono Resorts properties, spanning from jungle, to beach, to private island. The Austin, Texas-based brand hosts “the largest collection of independent hotels in Belize,” with a total of eight properties that cater to curious and discerning travelers seeking a hassle-free getaway. Muy’Ono has curated all-inclusive vacation packages with names like Sea-to-Tree and Rock-to-Reef for travelers craving a bit of both scenes, so you can hop from a rainforest setting to an overwater bungalow or secluded island — like I did.

All three of beautifully branded and sustainably focused resorts I visited delivered countless pinch-me moments, anchored by land and water adventures and real-deal Belizean culture. And for an added, feel-good bonus, I learned that a portion of every night’s stay with Muy’Ono supports a Belizean non-profit organization. Since 2018, Muy’Ono Resorts has donated approximately half a million dollars to local communities through its Travel Better initiative.

Here’s how to find the right Muy’Ono property for you.

For jungle adventurers: Sweet Songs Belize Jungle Lodge

Photo: Courtesy of Muy’Ono Resorts

At Sweet Songs Belize Jungle Lodge, six perfectly perched adults-only treehouses set guests up for full forest immersion while a garden house and nine casitas dot tropical-flower-lined pathways. Absorbing the chirps and lullabies of native bugs and birds (and the occasional Jurassic screech of distant howler monkeys) brought me into a deep connection with nature during my stay. I found sanctuary in the eco-lodge’s outdoor soaking tubs, suspended net lounges, and wide jungle views from my private deck and the resort’s secluded riverside beach.

At mealtimes, I lingered over the all-inclusive breakfast, lunch, and three-course dinner package, savoring bites in the open-air Treehouse Bar and relishing in the fact that most of the seasonal ingredients had been carefully sourced from Muy’Ono Farms in the nearby Cayo district. It was comforting knowing that the resort chefs and farm manager had worked hand in hand to build my plate of free-range eggs, mango, rice, and beans, with creamy splashes of coconut milk and puffed-up fry jacks (a Belizean breakfast staple that’s similar to a beignet and ideal for scooping up silky whipped beans or luscious local honey).

Photo: Courtesy of Muy’Ono Resorts

Sweet Songs also organizes guided adventures that allow guests to get a closer look at Cayo and the areas surrounding the lodge. One day, I stepped out of my comfort zone and into an excursion van on a journey past fields of grazing cattle and horses and through tunneled tangles of vine and palm to arrive at the legendary Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave. Life vests and head-lamp-mounted helmets donned, my brave group navigated the sacred cave’s vast network of underground chambers, witnessing Maya sacrifice tombs and oh-so-carefully stepping around the living museum’s calcified skulls.

On days when guided horseback riding and Macal River tubing excursions weren’t on my wishlist, I preferred to cool off at the lodge in the verdantly wrapped infinity-edged pool with a dark rum, pineapple, and mint-laced signature Birds of Paradise cocktail and a good book. Either way, from handing out chilled eucalyptus towels, to providing helpful walking directions to the neighboring botanical gardens, to pointing out night hike bats and tapirs, the Sweet Songs staff ensured that I always felt safe, spoiled, and welcomed — like family.

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For island lovers: Thatch Caye Resort

Photo: Courtesy of Muy’Ono Resorts

Allowing me to be barefoot and blissed out for my entire stay, mile-long island Thatch Caye quenched a longtime thirst of mine to experience Maldives overwater bungalow living (minus the 20-plus-hour flight to South Asia). A smiling welcome party — including the island’s house pups, Marley and Pico — met my group’s private boat taxi on the resort’s dock with shots of Copalli rum and cool glasses of fresh watermelon juice. Six cruiser bikes sat on standby, ensuring easy flow from one end of the 11-acre private playground to the other.

Tranquil days brimmed with kayaking and paddleboarding around the island looking for stingrays and nurse sharks (puppies of the sea, I was informed), yoga on the overwater serenity point palapa, and frequent dips into the calm Caribbean waters. The resort’s personalized wellness activity menu meant options were always on tap, and since Thatch Caye tops out at 30 guests, easygoing invites to join new friends for a night snorkel were comfortably common.

Photo: Courtesy of Muy’Ono Resorts

I accepted the invitation to grab a frosty Belikin beer from the help-yourself beach cooler, kicking back in a hammock swaying between two sturdy palm trees. Afternoon slumber came easily while waves lapped beneath the pristine row of 15 overwater bungalows and oceanfront cabanas. The private island offered chances for connection over long, communal dinner tables, ocean swings, and a buzzy overwater bar. I leaned into shared stories about what a couple from New York saw on their scuba outing, and we cheered as a repeat guest from Texas embarked on her lobster-hunting excursion, all secretly hoping she’d return with a hefty haul for Thatch Caye chefs to grill into a buttery delicacy for dinner later that night.

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For ultimate luxury: Royal Belize

Photo: Courtesy of Muy’Ono Resorts

Nothing says vacation extravagance like an all-inclusive private island with a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio. Royal Belize is a short boat ride from Dangriga and accommodates only one group of 16 at a time. I felt like a celebrity wrapped in secluded exclusivity, settling into my luxury villa and strolling the serene 7.5-acre private island. Mindful details set up every moment for ultimate comfort — cookie jars stocked daily with fresh-baked Belizean goodies, a private chef and mixologist at the ready, hammocks and lounge chairs at every turn, and an impressive cache of water toys to call on whenever the urge struck.

A knowledgeable guide showed me the ropes on a four-person Hobie Wave catamaran, and a smooth stand-up paddle board jaunt revealed orange starfish hugging the sea floor. Royal Belize rests on the edge of the second largest barrier reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef. A guided snorkeling excursion allowed an unforgettable swim with graceful nurse sharks, stingrays, barracudas, angelfish, and parrotfish. Another outing put my novice flippers to the test while I followed the Belizean guide down, spear in-hand, to prod the colorful coral for lobsters.

Photo: Courtesy of Muy’Ono Resorts

Back on the island in the grand thatched palapa, the most thoughtful servers shook martinis and poured wine, ringing a mini gong to announce each delectable chef-inspired dinner course. Memorable bites included mushroom risotto, blackened snapper with an ancho chile sauce, lamb chops Milanese, and, of course, our freshly speared lobster tails expertly grilled and poached.

The stress-free island retreat and dedicated concierge service redefined hospitality and took relaxation to a new level. Once the sun settled on the sea-meets-sky horizon in a fiery orange and pink blaze, and Champagne flutes were sipped dry, warm nights ended around the firepit, necks craned from lounge chairs pointing out vivid constellations over the island’s far-reaching tip, appropriately named Land’s End.

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How to get to Muy’Ono Resorts

Photo: Courtesy of Muy’Ono Resorts

A handful of major airlines fly into Belize City International Airport (BZE), with direct flights offered from US cities like Houston, Atlanta, and Miami. Once in Belize, Muy’Ono Resorts offers guests a 14-passenger tour van option from the airport to Dangriga or Hopkins, or a short commuter flight to their resort destination, along with private boat taxis to Thatch Caye and Royal Belize islands.

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If You Enjoy Tequila and Mezcal on Your Trips to Mexico, You Need to Get Familiar With Sotol

The menu of Mexican spirits is long at Mano Santa Mezcal in Mexico City. It’s the type of bar that fans of Mexico’s distilled beverages immediately fall for: a wide breadth of options, deep cuts that can’t be found anywhere else, and a staff more than willing to point the way. It’s also one of the rare places that I make repeat stops to on my regular travels to the country — most recently to see a friend living in Mexico for two months. I was the designated spirits guide on a summer night out, and after a quick look at the list of options, I chose to start with a drink he (and many other Americans) are still unfamiliar with: sotol.

Mexico is the origin of some of the most popular liquors in the United States. There’s tequila, of course, as well as mezcal, which has broken into mainstream bar menus across the country and elsewhere in the world. Sotol is still largely off the radar of most drinkers stateside. Yet the popularity of agave spirits — tequila and mezcal combined were the second most popular liquors by value in the United States in 2022, according to the Distilled Spirits Council — has opened the door for other beverages from the country to gain wider recognition. One of the largest liquor conglomerates in the world even believes sotol could be “the next mezcal” in a few years (though it has a long way to go, as production is a small fraction of that of mezcal).

Unlike tequila and mezcal, however, sotol is not an agave spirit.

What is sotol?

Photo: CampSmoke/Shutterstock

Sotol is made using varieties of the Dasylirion plant. It grows in in the mountains and high desert between 3,000 and 6,000 feet elevation. Commonly, the plant is called the desert spoon or simply the sotol plant.

While it was once believed to be a type of agave, it’s actually a separate related species.

Sotol has similarities with tequila, mezcal, and other agave spirits. The production, for example, follows a similar process of harvesting the plant and cutting off the outer leaves, and then roasting the heart of the plant to release the sugars before fermentation and then distillation. Like with certain types of mezcal, where the plant is grown also heavily impacts the flavor (most tequila and mass-produced mezcal, on the other hand, have a less aggressive flavor profile that’s more standardized). Sotol producers called sotoleros work in distilleries called vinatas, which can have a similar construction and layout to what the mezcaleros are familiar with from making mezcal in palenques.

Certain types of mezcal only use wild agaves, just as sotol is made from wild Dasylirion. Wild sotol harvesting licenses limit gathering to 30 percent of the plants in a given area. It can take 15 years for a plant to mature to proper harvesting size, though the sotol plant can grow back from the roots if cut correctly, unlike with agaves. To avoid the ups and downs in agave supply seen in tequila and feared to soon happen with mezcal, sustainable harvesting methods and replanting initiatives are needed for sotol is to reach a similar level of popularity. Otherwise, any explosive growth in sales of the resulting spirit could put unmanageable strain on the availability of the Dasylirion plant.

Photo: Daniela Martinez Ch/Shutterstock

Also like mezcal, sotol once had a reputation as a type of Mexican moonshine because it was typically produced in small batches in rural areas. It was a popular moonshine in the American Southwest during Prohibition, too. According to PUNCH, Chihuahua produced 300,000 liters of sotol a year in the early 1930s. The fact that making sotol was illegal in Mexico for decades until the 1990s reinforces the moonshine connection.

Modern drinkers often crave that feeling of authenticity, however, and small batch, traditional, and rural production are all selling points in today’s market. Mass-market and celebrity-backed spirits still make up a large portion of sales for Mexico’s spirits, but purists touting the death of tradition through wider appeal are often the loudest voices in the room.

The controversy around what counts as true sotol

Photo: B Norris/Shutterstock

In what is now the Southwestern states of the US and in northern Mexico, beverages made from the Dasylirion plant family have a long history dating back thousands of years. A fermented beverage from the plant was historically made for spiritual reasons wherever it grew wild, from the Ancestral Pueblans in the deserts of the Four Corners states, to Indigenous peoples in Texas, to the Tarahumara in Chihuahua. The name sotol comes from the Náhuatl word tzotolin, which loosely translates to palm tree.

Distillation techniques changed the primary production of the fermented sotol drink just as it did for pulque made from agave. Today, after going from rural local beverage to outlawed spirit and then back to a legal regional drink, sotol is a point of pride in northern Mexico.

Sotol’s denomination of origin was established in Mexico in 2004, and that limited production to the states of Chihuahua, Durango, and Coahuila. The designation only applies to how a spirit can be labeled and branded. Other regions make distillates from the sotol plant and call it cucharilla — not too dissimilar from producers who make mezcal outside of the designated methods and regions call it destilado de agave.

Denomination of origins for tequila and mezcal were recognized in the United States in 1994 with the ratification of NAFTA. The same isn’t true for sotol, and currently distillers stateside can sell spirits made with Dasylirion plants under the sotol label.

Near the border with Texas in Marfa, controversy over that loophole has come to a head at Marfa Spirit Co. with dedicated protestors led by Sandro Canovas who believe only sotol from Mexico can be called sotol. Desert Door Distillery in Driftwood, Texas, has built the core of its brand around the company’s Desert Door Sotol. Activists argue that although sotol grows in the Southwest of the US, traditional production techniques make sotol a distinctly Mexican product.

The argument for not acknowledging sotol’s denomination of origin rests on the notion that US distillers are on one hand helping the category gain recognition. The history of the Southwest weighs in as well, as the land was once part of Mexico and certain cultural traditions live on today in some form.

Renegotiations of the NAFTA treaty in 2020 originally included recognizing sotol’s denomination along with the Mexican spirits bacanora and charanda. Texas Senator John Cornyn said the sotol recognition would hurt Texas businesses making spirits with the desert spoon and the line was struck, according to the New Yorker. Reports surfaced afterward that Desert Door had lobbied Cornyn to take out the mention of sotol.

How sotol tastes

Photo: Hacienda de Chihuahua

Mexico’s spirits are deeply tied to the country’s history and culture — especially when those beverages adhere to artisanal, longstanding production methods. Tasting these drinks is a taste of the land and the traditions of the people making them. The French concept of terroir (loosely meaning a flavor distinct to the place a food or drink was made) applies just as much to wine as to artisanal liquor, a representative for Hacienda de Chihuahua tells me over email. Hacienda de Chihuahua is a trailblazer in the sotol category as the first brand to export sotol internationally, and one of the best ways to get familiar with the spirit if you don’t have any trips to Mexico planned for anytime soon.

Different producers source Dasylirion from areas with varying soil climate conditions, and regional production techniques also leads to different flavors in the final product. There are about 20 known species of Dasylirion, though only a handful are used to make sotol, and each lends a different flavor profile. Plants from the desert can be more earthy with higher minerality, while forest-grown sotol can have more vegetal and minty notes.

Sotol typically has similar but more intense flavors than tequila, and lacks the smokiness found in some mezcals. Sotol is often unaged, letting the flavors from the plant and its terroir really shine through. Hacienda de Chihuahua also makes a barrel-aged sotol for a more mellow flavor profile with light toasted wood notes. I personal enjoy sotol neat served alongside an orange slice and some sal de gusano (worm salt). However, it mixes well into the same tequila and mezcal cocktails you know and love like margaritas and palomas.

Sotol is a must-try for fans of tequila and mezcal. There’s a short list of sotols available in the US (along with Hacienda de Chihuahua, some of the more available brands made in Mexico include Nocheluna, Sotoleros, and Oro de Coyame), though tasting sotol in it’s country of origin is the best way to understand the various shades of flavor from each microclimate the plant grows in.

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The R8 Plus: a Useful (and Quirky) Recovery Tool for Hike and Bike Road Trips

As a mountain biker, hiker, and snowboarder, having sore, tight legs has become the norm for me. I spend about 15-20 minutes every day stretching, foam rolling, and doing whatever I can to make my legs feel anywhere close to normal, instead of being so tight that I’m limping during my first few steps off the couch.

Because I’m self employed and work remotely, I have the freedom to travel quite a bit to bike and hike. And I live in the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of about 6,000 feet, which means less oxygen gets to my muscles than I’d experience closer to sea level. So after tackling rocky trails, steep climbs, and technical descents, either on foot on on my bike, my quads, calves, and hamstrings often feel like they’ve been put through the wringer.

I’m no stranger to testing and trying various muscle recovery tools. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Because of this, I’ve collected quite a lot of various massage tools, from foam rollers to muscle recovery balls to resistance straps, lacrosse balls, massagers, and more. The space under my living room table looks like a physical therapist’s office. But I just added a new product to the lineup that makes my living room look a little more like a medieval dungeon than most people’s: it’s the R8 Plus Deep Tissue Massager from Roll Recovery, and with heavy metal bars and metallic springs, it looks more like a torture device than a massage tool. But once you learn how to use it, you’ll be saying less “eww” and more “ahhhh.”

Here’s my take on the R8 Plus as an athletic person who’s always off somewhere in the mountains — and advice on what kind of athlete will find the quirky recovery device worth the price.

Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication, and Matador writers and editors are not compensated based on sales. All opinions are our own, based on personal testing and research.

“What is that thing?”

The R8 Plus, straight out of the box. Photo: Suzie Dundas

That’s the very first thing my husband said when I took the large, somewhat intense-looking device out of the high-end packaging. The Roll Recovery R8 Plus works by using spring-loaded arms to apply consistent, adjustable pressure to your muscles with two ribbed rollers, squeezing muscle groups like the thighs, calves, and hamstrings. It’s easy to clamp around around the muscle group you want to massage, and it automatically adjusts to your body’s shape, delivering deep pressure without the need to push or move your body. The rollers smoothy compress your muscles, and it’s easy to use while sitting, standing, or lying on the floor moaning about how your calves feel like they’re about to explode.

The R8 Plus also has an adjustable dial to tweak the level of pressure. This is useful not just to accommodate various sizes of muscle groups (so you can make the pressure on your arm as tight as the pressure on your thighs), but also means one size fits all users.

Buy Now: $169
The R8 Plus: what we liked

The R8 plus can dig in seriously deep, which I think is a plus -- but it's possible some users may find it too intense. Photo: Suzie DundasI found the large ribs on the R8 plus especially effective for digging into specific, targeted muscle groups. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Before I started using the R8 Plus, my go-to tools were a foam roller and a medium-sized textured massage ball, roughly the size of a grapefruit. While I still use both quite a bit, the R8 Plus is far easier to use, and works on a wider variety of muscle groups.

Foam rollers only work when you lay or sit on them, creating pressure under your weight. So they’re very hard to use for muscle groups where you can’t position your body weight entirely above them, like your calves or arms. But the R8 Plus’ pressure comes from the internal spring mechanism, so there’s zero pushing required to create pressure comparable to that of a  foam roller. That means you don’t need to roll around on the floor to use it . I’ve used it several times in the car on the way home from long bike rides (not while driving), as well as when I’m just sitting on the couch or getting ready for bed.

My favorite feature of the R8 Plus, though, actually relates to the rollers themselves. It’s the only tool I’ve found that works on very small, specific muscles, like my achilles or the tibialis interior (the long, thin muscle just on the outside of your shin bone). That’s because each roller has four rounded ridges on it. So if you position the R8 Plus correctly, you can get the ridge of a roller to really dig into small muscles with pointed, acute pressure. I haven’t found another tool that can push as specifically on tiny muscles groups, allowing me to work on loosening all the muscles in my legs, instead of just ignoring the smaller ones like I was before.

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The R8 Roller: overkill?

Testers of the R8 Plus generally liked the strength, but it is on the stronger side. Photo: Suzie Dundas

I’m not joking about how tight and tender my muscles usually are — I’m the only person who literally failed dry needling at my PT’s office (it caused a muscle spasm) and I burn through CBD lotions and IcyHot patches. But despite that, I don’t find the R8 Plus too strong, even on large muscles with it set on the tightest setting. If you want less pressure, you can just twist the adjustment to make the spring a little looser. I’ve had male and female friends of various sizes and athletic ability levels use try it, and most people seemed to like that the pressure is pretty strong.

But that said, some reviewers on Amazon have mentioned that they felt even the weakest setting was a bit too tight. If you’ve never used any kind of massager that digs into your muscles, you may want to test out the sensation with something cheaper (like a lacrosse ball or foam roller) before buying the R8 Plus, since it is about $170. If you don’t think you’ll need the adjustable pressure dial, the R8 without it (the non-plus version) is less pricey, at $140. It’s still spring loaded, so it’ll adjust to different sized muscle groups. It just doesn’t have the dial to make the pressure stronger or lighter.

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The R8 Plus: who will like it?

I’ve used the R8 Plus before big rides or hikes to generate blood flow and “wake up” my muscles, so to speak. Photo: Suzie Dundas

As someone who’s already a fan of foam rollers and daily stretching, I guess it’s not surprising that I’ve appreciated having a tool like the R8 Plus in my recovery toolkit. It’s easy to pick up when you’re sitting on the couch and do a few minutes of massage, which is helpful for people who often forget to stretch or can’t find time for a full muscle recovery session. Anyone who has sore muscles and is looking for a tool that can deeply kneed into various muscle groups will probably appreciate having the R8 Plus around, even if they don’t use it every day.

I’ve found that my leg muscles do feel immediately looser after using it, and after about 10 days of working the R8 Plus into my daily stretching and rolling routine, I found my leg fatigue after bike rides generally decreasing. I can’t credit that all to stretching and recovery, as a lot of factors go into fitness development, but I can say that I felt like my legs hurt less and warmed up a little quicker on most rides.

But aside from that generic answer — because, honestly, what active person doesn’t have sore leg muscles? — it’s a device that would be quite useful for anyone planning an active roadtrip. Since it adapts to all body sizes and is easy to use standing up, while in the car, and for just a few seconds at a time, it’s easy to use multiple times a day and could make a big difference in whether your leg muscles get too sore for multiple days of adventures in a row. It isn’t a replacement for the long-term factors that go into having strong and loose muscles, like rest days, varied forms of exercise, and a vaguely healthy diet, but when you just need a little TLC after an active day, it’s a welcome addition.

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