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The coolest saunas around the world

The sauna is one of Finland’s most important contributions to the rest of the world, having outlived Finland’s other exports — among them Nokia flip phones, Angry Birds, and Sibelius symphonies — in its enduring popularity. As one of the most northerly countries in the world, it’s no wonder that residents of this frosty place enjoy sweating in hot boxes as often as possible.

Outsiders who don’t understand saunas’ appeal are usually doing them all wrong. Finnish saunas often have windows looking out onto lovely views and involve cooling off in a lake or shower in between rounds. Sauna events can take hours, involving lots of cold beers or just quiet relaxation. A lot like mindfulness, the goal isn’t to sweat as fast as possible and get out — rather savor the moment.

Saunas are such an important part of Finnish life that Finns can’t think of any place not to put a sauna — be it suspended in air, rolling along a street, or floating on a lake. The penchant for crazy sauna locations has even spread beyond Finland. Here are some of the craziest saunas found around the world.

1. Ylläs, Finland — Sauna in a gondola

Photo: Ylläs

One hundred miles north of the arctic circle, at Finland’s Ÿllas ski resort, the idea of a beautiful view is taken to the next level. You can strip off your clothes, get into the sauna gondola, and head upwards. Take in the snow-covered hills as you toss water onto the sauna rocks and experience löyly, which is the rush of soothing heat after you’ve first wet the rocks.

You’ll be in the gondola about 20 minutes, which is plenty of time to get good and sweaty as you are carried in the air above the skiers below. But it’s all part of an overall two-hour experience that includes hot-tubbing at the base of the ski hill and more sauna time on solid ground. You can have up to 12 guests for the whole two hours, alternating which four people go in the sauna at a time. The whole thing costs €1350, which — compared to the per person price of a fancy private sauna in Helsinki — is a bargain in the sky.

2. Helsinki, Finland — Skybox arena sauna

Finns really love sauna… they built an en-suite one at the Hartwall KHL arena. #hockey #finland #khl pic.twitter.com/oP5bYaNTRf

— Mr. Casual (@CasualMr) August 15, 2014

Besides saunas, Finland’s other favorite pastime is going to hockey matches. Why not do both at the same time? At Helsinki’s Hartwall Arena, you can rent one of a couple of skyboxes with saunas that overlook the action below.

The largest one is the Skybox 408. While the entire skybox fits up to 72 people, you can’t pack quite that many into the sauna at one time. But you can certainly fit a healthy number of sweaty fans, who are no doubt getting extra heated watching their team duke it out on the ice.

3. Joensuu, Finland — DIY sauna raft

Photo: Saunalautta

You can find floating saunas on a lot of Finland’s lakes and even in the Baltic Sea off downtown Helsinki. Floating saunas offer sauna-goers the added convenience of not needing to walk naked and barefoot across slippery rocks to get down to a lake or river to cool off. Since the sauna is already on the lake, all you need to do is walk out the door and jump off the dock.

We’re particularly fond of this sauna raft, or Saunalautta, which was built by hand by a group of friends. In addition to a bunk room to chill out in, it’s got an observation deck on top that doubles as a very tall diving structure. If the water is deep, you can take your cooling post-sauna dip right from the upper level.

4. San Francisco, California — Sauna on wheels

Photo: Left Coast Sauna

As Nick Klein puts it, he and his fellow Left Coast Sauna founders had seen the mobile saunas of northern Europe and wanted to bring the idea to their Bay Area home. So, they created a six-person sauna in a cedar barrel and put it on wheels. They originally thought it would just be “rentable for special events but otherwise tucked away,” says Nick.

Seeing interest piqued by their movable sauna, though, the team was motivated to roll it out in rotating locations in and near San Francisco. It has pulled up everywhere from grassy fields in Marin County to San Francisco’s Noe Valley neighborhood, parking on the street next to the local community space. Using the sauna is free for the first session, but they ask for donations if you want a second or third go-round. Left Coast Sauna is now contemplating a sauna parking spot in SF’s Mission District.

5. Portsmouth, New Hampshire — Snowy surf sauna

Photo: Surf Sauna

Diehard surfers in the US’s northeast have taken the Left Coast Sauna idea to a new extreme. They saw a problem and found a solution: how to surf when the waves are good but the air temperature is below freezing and the ground is covered in snow? Wetsuits can only be so thick before you start looking like the Michelin man and can’t even paddle.

Take a cue from the Finns and warm up between outdoor sessions in the Surf Sauna, the joint project of New Hampshire surfers, craftsmen, and seasoned seamen. Made of red cedar, the Surf Sauna comes in the same barrel shape and can be pulled right up to the shore on the snowiest surf day — the idea itself no longer an oxymoron.

6. Vestvågøy, Norway — Sauna stretching out over rocks

Photo: SCS: Art and Culture Production Centre

This crazy sauna structure that stretches out like unfolded origami paper over rocks by the seashore on one of Norway’s Lofoten Islands was designed by students of the Oslo School of Architecture and Design. The sauna complex was built in a former fishing village near an abandoned fisherman’s house and buildings once used for salting cod and producing cod-liver oil.

The hope is to turn the area into an art and culture center with the Bands Sauna as a centerpiece. The sauna structure has a spacious 160-square-foot sauna, a sunken hot tub, and a picnic area, plus access to icy waters for a refreshing dip between perspiration sessions.

7. Colroy-la-roche, France — Raised sauna

Photo: Hostellerie La Cheneaudière

The wooded hills seem to go on forever in this hilly, forested Alsace region of France, not far from the Rhine River and the German border. The Hostellerie La Cheneaudière & Spa wanted its guests to savor the view while relaxing in the sauna, so it built a sauna on the second level of the hotel with nothing underneath but the columns to support it.

After downhill or cross-country skiing in winter, or hiking and mountain biking in summer, hotel guests can relax by the pool and walk up the stairs to the elevated sauna and admire the natural vistas. If guests have done no exercise at all, the sauna has the added benefit of helping them sweat out the alcohol from all the fabulous French wine they’ve been drinking.

8. Bochum, Germany – Sauna tower

Photo: modulorbeat

In Germany’s erstwhile coal-producing region, in the middle of what the architecture firm modulorbeat calls “an industrial wasteland,” this 24-foot-high sauna is built out of stacked, four-sided, prefabricated concrete frames. The frames were once used for coal-mining pits. Here, instead of going down a mineshaft, you climb up. The ground floor holds a plunge pool, the middle level holds the sauna, and the top floor holds a relaxation room with a view of the sky.

The name of this architectural oddity is “One Man Sauna” because the sauna room is big enough for only one person, and the area above has just one bed to lay on and observe the sky. The idea is to create a space for calm and relaxation but also to contemplate a place, like an industrial ghost town, where there is no longer anything to do.


More like this: 7 hot springs around the world with amazing views

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19 Instagrams of far-north summers

When we talk about the north and the Arctic, most of us picture snow, ice, and the northern lights, with a few polar bears and a narwhal thrown in for good measure. I for one think of dog sleds, biting winds, and the endless dark of winter — I’ve certainly never thought of the far north as a summer destination. I turned to Instagram to prove myself wrong and was schooled — very quickly — on the fact that when the sun barely sets, there’s a hell of a lot to see, explore, and do at the top of the world. Check out some of these ‘grams to see what the rest of the world is missing.

A post shared by Matthew Lee (@contrailsphotography) on Jun 28, 2018 at 2:49pm PDT

Descending into Iqaluit, in the province of Nunavut in Canada, looks almost tropical.

A post shared by McKayla Crump (@funkmastacrump) on Jun 25, 2018 at 2:43pm PDT

When the sun never sets, you can enjoy a midnight paddle like it ain’t no thang. This is the Kenai River, Alaska at 11:00 PM.

A post shared by Connor Gould (@connorrgould) on Jun 6, 2017 at 6:09pm PDT

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories comes alive with blues and greens.

A post shared by Lucas Tiefenthaler (@lucas_tiefenthaler) on Jul 5, 2018 at 10:18am PDT

That summertime glow lights up Trondheim, Norway.

A post shared by c a r i n a (@carinakampe) on Jul 5, 2018 at 2:22pm PDT

Those long, almost neverending, sunsets in Sweden aren’t too shabby, either.

A post shared by Tim in Alaska (@timthetoothninja) on May 23, 2018 at 1:39am PDT

So, sunset rainbows are a thing. This was taken at 11:30 PM outside Fairbanks, Alaska.

A post shared by Chad Bruce (@chadbrucee) on Jun 16, 2018 at 7:57am PDT

The Bahamas. No, wait. It’s another view from Nunavut.

A post shared by Julian (@julianglobetrotter) on Jul 5, 2018 at 8:04am PDT

You can hang out in the bustling metropolis of Longyearbyen, Norway, the northernmost city in the world.

A post shared by Scalia

Starbucks to replace plastic straws

You might be used to sipping your iced coffee through a straw, but Starbucks is changing the coffee game by phasing out plastic straws in all of its locations around the world by 2020. What will replace the straw? Specially engineered recyclable lids, which allow for easy sipping — very similar to the traditional sippy-cup lid you probably used as a child. Straws made from alternative materials, such as paper and compostable plastic, will still be available upon request.

The ban will eliminate close to a billion plastic straws per year. Nicholas Mallos, director of the Ocean Conservancy Trash Free Seas program, said in a statement, “Starbucks’ decision to phase out single-use plastic straws is a shining example of the important role that companies can play in stemming the tide of ocean plastic.”

If you were extremely attached to your straws and are taking this news hard, Starbucks has also announced the addition of two new cold beverages to its menu to ease the blow: the Salted Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew and an Iced Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte. Enjoy the straws while you still can this summer as the phasing out is set to begin this fall in Seattle and Vancouver, before expanding to other markets.

H/T: Thrillist

More like this: 5 easy ways to go plastic-free while traveling

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Woman lost nails after fish pedicure

Fish pedicures have become an increasingly popular method of grooming one’s toes, especially for travelers visiting places like Japan and Turkey, but it turns out that they might not be quite as innocuous as we thought. Six months after soaking her feet in a tub of water filled with tiny Garra rufa fish, a young woman’s toenails started separating from her toes. During these pedicures, the fish eat the dead human skin, but in this instance — and potentially many others — it’s believed that the biting caused a delayed separation of nail and skin.

Dr. Shari R. Lipner, in a report published in the JAMA Dermatology journal, describes the phenomenon (called onychomadesis) as “a relatively common physical examination finding,” with no other medical history to account for the patient’s abnormal toenails. Lipner believes that the patient’s issue stemmed from the physical impact of the fish biting her nails.

This isn’t the first time infections have resulted from fish pedicures. There have been several other instances reported, though experts say it might be due to lingering microbes from whomever’s feet were in the bath last (rather than directly because of the fish themselves).

While infections due to fish pedicures are relatively uncommon, fish pedicures have nonetheless been banned in at least 10 US states. The Garra rufa treatment, in particular, is not considered a standard medical practice. “I would be highly surprised,” said Lipner, “if you found any dermatologist who recommends Garra rufa pedicures.”

H/T: CNN

More like this: 9 wellness retreats you can actually afford

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Adventure guide: Southwest Virginia

Travel to the southwestern edges of Virginia and you’re a world away from the developed corridor along the Atlantic Coast. It’s a testament to the size and diversity of the state. This wild corner is home to two distinct regions: the Heart of Appalachia, with a rich craft and music culture, and the Blue Ridge Highlands, where buzzing mountain towns are surrounded by huge swaths of natural beauty.

Remote peaks and rushing whitewater make Southwest Virginia an extreme-sports hot spot, but it also has a thriving art, music, and even a craft spirits scene. That combination makes the region an all-around, ready-to-go destination you have to experience before you can say you’ve “done” Virginia. Here are a handful of ideas to get you started.

ON YOUR OWN TWO FEET
Hiking Virginia’s highest peak

Photo: Jeff Greenough for the Virginia Tourism Corporation

With an elevation of 5,729 feet, Mount Rogers is the highest summit in the Commonwealth of Virginia. There are no roads to get to this remote mountaintop, so conquering it will require lacing up your hiking boots. The moody landscape, complete with wild horses, could easily be mistaken for the Scottish Highlands.

The most scenic route is the approach from Massie Gap in Grayson Highlands State Park, where you then link up with the Appalachian Trail to the Mount Rogers summit. And this way you can say, “Yes, I have hiked the AT, thanks.”

Squeezing through sandstone crevices at the Great Channels

Photo: Gary Fleming for the Virginia Tourism Corporation

The 400-million-year-old slot canyons of Channels Natural Area Preserve form an impressive maze-like system of tight crevices and stone slabs — similar to Antelope Canyon in Arizona, but greener and more…boulder-y. The occurrence of slot canyons is quite rare on the East Coast (or pretty much anywhere), and no other instances exist in Virginia.

The 6.6-mile round-trip hike winds its way through walls of stone nearly 40 feet high in places, and some sections are only a bit wider than you. To access the Great Channels, take the Brumley Mountain Trail near Hayters Gap on Route 80 (you can park near the Brumley Gap Road entrance to the preserve).

Following in the footsteps of wilderness legend Daniel Boone

Photo: Joshua T. Moore for the Virginia Tourism Corporation

The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail was used by the raccoon-topped pioneer and his frontierspeople to explore the land beyond the mountains. Boone’s trail would eventually become one of the main routes for the hundreds of thousands of Americans looking to reach the western frontier.

A highlight of the wilderness trail is Natural Tunnel State Park and its 850-foot-long cave that creates a tunnel through a limestone ridge. You’re probably catching on that Earth does some pretty cool things in Southwest Virginia — and this spot is a prime example.

ON WHEELS, ROPES, AND LINES
Learning to tree climb in the Meadows of Dan

Photo: Blue Ridge Climbing

Even if it’s been a while since you earned that knot-tying scout badge, or you’re not in regular “climbing” shape, Blue Ridge Tree Climbing will get you airborne. The instructional course culminates with an opportunity to scale poplar trees relying solely on ropes and harnesses. It’ll legitimately make you feel like a kid again, and there’s something surreal about being in and looking down from something you look at every day.

Off-roading with ATVs on the Spearhead Trails

Photo: Sam Dean for the Virginia Tourism Corporation

Southwest Virginia is home to a network of 400+ miles of off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails, designated the Spearhead Trails. A local favorite, the Coal Canyon Trail System provides a 112-mile “deep woods” experience punctuated with stunning mountain views — it’s located in Buchanan County and connects to two ATV-friendly towns, Grundy and Haysi. Local outfitter Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure, right next to the trailhead, offers tent camping, RV sites, cabins, ATV rentals, and a host of organized activities so you can settle in and take your time.

Riding a motorcycle on the Back of the Dragon

Photo: Virginia State Parks

This 32-mile ribbon between the towns of Tazewell and Marion affords spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains. You’ll need to handle all 438 winding curves and switchbacks to complete the ride, thus earning the title of Dragon Master. (If you’re into motorcycles, odds are this road is already on your list.) GearHead Moto Tours can hook you up with a guide, gear, and even lodging.

When you finish, it would be downright criminal not to continue a few miles to try the barbecue ribs at Fisher & Company, located in an old general store — like 1907 kind of old — on State Route 693 in Tazewell.

Ziplining the “Grand Canyon of the South”

Photo: Ronnie Hylton for the Virginia Tourism Corporation

It’s easy to see why this five-mile gorge, which plunges more than 1,600 feet to the water below, is compared to its canyon cousin in Arizona. Breaks Interstate Park contains the largest canyon east of the Mississippi, and it’s home to the brand new Canyon Rim zipline, spanning 2,000 feet over the Russell Fork River Gorge.

If you’re the “both-and” type, look into braving the raging waters of the Russell Fork River before or after your zipline experience. The 16-mile section sees rapids ranging from Class II to V and higher, including a particularly terrifying 75-foot stretch of whitewater called “El Horrendo,” widely considered the most challenging river section in the East.

Cycling a century around Burke’s Garden

Photo: Cameron Davidson for Virginia Tourism Corporation

Nicknamed God’s Thumbprint due to its striking shape when viewed from the air, this bowl-shaped valley located high in the remote mountains of Tazewell County was once the bed of an ancient sea. The valley — in its entirety — is registered as a National Historic District due to its unique geography, outstanding beauty, and well-preserved rural landscape. You can rent bikes through Outdoor Adventure Centers at Mattie’s Place, and then start your own 100-mile ride, mirroring the annual 100-mile century event organized by the local bicycle club every August. (But biking a half or a quarter of a century will be awesome, too.)

ON A CULTURAL KICK
Experiencing the creepiness of the St. Albans Sanatorium

Photo: Donnie Nunley

This abandoned mental asylum in the university town of Radford holds a claim to being the most haunted building on the East Coast. Staff-led experiences include Full Moon Tours, Paranormal Investigations, and even Zombie Survival Simulations. It never hurts to be prepared, right?

Afterward, calm your nerves with a pint of something local at The River Company Restaurant and Brewery, preferably on their outdoor patio overlooking the New River (ironically, one of the oldest rivers in the world). You deserve it — you just survived a zombie apocalypse.

Road tripping Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail via the Crooked Road

Photo: Floyd Country Store

This nearly-300-mile driving trail connects the major venues and festivals that celebrate Southwest Virginia’s musical heritage. Highlights include the Birthplace of Country Music (aka Bristol), where you should also pick up some road trip fuel at Blackbird Bakery (definitely try the pink almond cupcakes). There’s also the Ralph Stanley Museum, the Carter Family Fold, Country Cabin, and handfuls of other rich-in-history spots.

But an absolutely obligatory stop is the artistic town of Floyd. The Floyd Country Store is a legendary local hangout, restaurant, and music venue. Try to catch one of the bluegrass jam sessions held every Friday night, and you’ll see what the hype is about.

Sampling the local Appalachian moonshine

Photo: Franklin County Distilleries

Recently, legal moonshine has made a resurgence in the Appalachian region, and sampling a shot of local ‘shine is an absolute must. Franklin County, which is the Moonshine Capital of the World (and setting of the Great Moonshine Conspiracy of 1935, no less!), is the perfect place to start. Franklin County Distilleries in Boones Mill offers tastings and cocktails featuring their corn whiskey, and they have plans to soon host food trucks and live music, making this a sit-and-stay-awhile kind of stop.

Note: If you need to appease a non-‘shiner in your group, tell them you’ll make time for the Southwest Virginia Mountains Brew Trail and Spirits of the Clinch (a group of six wineries, breweries, and distilleries along the Clinch River). Variety being the spice of life and all.

Yurt camping at Fairy Stone State Park

Photo: Virginia State Parks

To answer the obvious question, Patrick County’s Fairy Stone State Park is named for the area’s prevalence of staurolite crystals that resemble tiny, fairy-like stone crosses. Don’t mess with them out in the wild, though — to find one to take home, visit the designated fairy-stone hunting ground behind the Pit Stop gas station.

Fairy Stone State Park has more than 10 miles of hiking trails and a 168-acre lake for fishing, boating, paddling, and swimming. There are several camping options in the park, but the most fun are the four yurts, each complete with its own deck and open fire ring for cooking. Is this a fairytale? Heck yeah, it is.

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6 high-alpine ridge walks in BC

Stepping outside and soaking up a bit of nature serves a therapeutic purpose that is hard to replicate indoors. You simply can’t deny the sense of accomplishment you feel after coaxing your way across a narrow strip of rock, dangling thousands of feet above the green, stick-filled valley below. Sometimes you’ll need that pause to suck in some courage-infused oxygen, lift that foot forward, and plant it firmly into the ground — especially if you’re in British Columbia, a high-alpine ridge walking paradise that is overflowing with high-altitude peaks. Covered by 75 percent mountain goodness, BC offers plenty of opportunities to get out and explore. Start by tackling one of these seven gnarly ridge walks — they might be just what you need.

1. Heiko’s Trail

Distance: 12.17 miles

Time: Day hike. Allow eight to 10 hours.

A post shared by A.J. Whelpton (@ajwhelpton) on Aug 20, 2017 at 9:47am PDT

Heiko’s Trail in Fernie is a one-way, 13-mile circus act packed with show-stopping waterfalls, high rocky passes, and the aptly named Bisaro Cave, all of which will help you rediscover your youthful spirit. Remember to take your time in this high-alpine environment. Surrounded by big peaks, this trail starts steep from Hartley Lake road, passes through Sound of Music-worthy, flower-filled meadows, and into a grinding descent. You’ll earn a round of high fives and a craft brew at Island Lake Lodge at the bottom.

2. Dogtooth Range from Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Distance: up to 20 miles round trip

Time: Hikes vary in length from a half hour to a full day.

A post shared by Lara Campbell (@veganhikerlara) on Sep 28, 2016 at 9:44pm PDT

Let the Gondola at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden provide support and lift you to the rocky ridgeline. Start by skirting peaks and tracing the fine line along the Dogtooth Range. Then begin to climb the steps toward the top of the Stairway to Heaven chairlift, boot up the staircase, and top out on the ridgeline of Blue Heaven. Route-finding skills are a must in this wilderness environment with 10 miles one-way in trails, so this is a place for true crag rats and scree lovers. A Gorman Lake refresh awaits, then bounce back down into the forest before you dream of the peaks in your well-earned sleep.

3. Lake O’Hara All Souls Route in Yoho National Park

Distance: 10 miles

Time: five to seven hours

A post shared by Jacob Moon (@moonmountainman) on Jun 8, 2018 at 5:38pm PDT

The Lake O’Hara All Souls Route in Yoho National Park is a nearly 10-mile loop brimming with the elements that matter most for a good trek. Mouthwatering peaks, a jewelry basin of lakes, and the deal clincher: access is controlled, so you can have some alone(ish) time high in the Canadian Rockies. Starting in a high-alpine basin, you climb your way around a magic kingdom of lakes and rocky outcrops, crowning out on the high ridge path hugging Yukness Mountain. This place will throttle you with beauty — it’s absolutely postcard-worthy. Be a pioneer, crawl around, and enjoy this incredible journey.

4. Panorama Ridge

Distance: 18 miles

Time: 11 hours

A post shared by Dirtbag Runners (@dirtbagrunners) on Oct 14, 2017 at 8:20pm PDT

Located near the popular ski town of Whistler, the Panorama Ridge — 18 miles out and back — is sure to delight those who prefer the mountains come summertime. Get up early and begin in dreamy a green coastal forest, then enjoy a steady climb to breakthrough views of the glacier melt below called Garibaldi Lake. Be engaged, dig deep for this long day, respect it, and we guarantee you’ll be amazed. This one is an out-and-back trip, so you can cut it down if necessary, but the full trek is worth the effort for the views alone.

5. Avalanche Ridge

Distance: 20 miles out and back

Time: 11 hours

A post shared by wilderness barista (@wilderness_barista) on Jan 17, 2018 at 1:56pm PST

North-Central British Columbia’s mammoth beauty is on full display in the Coast Mountains. The area is so jaw-dropping that you’ll be tempted to pinch yourself. Alone, 50 miles from the nearest road, Nuk Tessli is a place where you can hike until your soles wear out. It’s all big peaks and ridges in every direction here. Start with Avalanche Ridge, walk 10 miles to a high rocky point and back, and climb from the forested canopy to meadow-filled basins. Traversing this rock fortress will leave your mind constantly blown as you reflect on your presence as a mere speck in an outdoor castle. Oh, the magical feeling you can have when you immerse yourself in nature’s humbling glory.

6. Abbott Ridge Trail

Distance: 12 miles out and back

Time: five to seven hours

A post shared by @janellehougland on Jul 31, 2017 at 4:50pm PDT

Listen to yourself as you slog through the forest and appreciate every step. Your journey will be rewarded with big views of Abbott Ridge Trail in Glacier National Park. This six-mile journey to a high rocky land is one of the most stunning places to hang out. That old saying, “work hard and prosper,” feels appropriate as you drip with sweat, but these good times will gain you magnificent views and an all-time place for a picnic and peaks.

More like this: The ultimate backpacking gear guide for newbies

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Sleeping in a Japanese capsule hotel

If you would describe yourself as penny-pinching but definitely not claustrophobic, Japan has the perfect accommodation for you. Capsule hotels are one of the most iconic types of dorms in the world, offering lots of very, very tiny pods for people to sleep in for an even teensier cost.

The very first capsule hotel went by the name of Capsule Inn Osaka, which opened in 1979. The rest of the world took a few decades to catch on to the trend, but capsule hotels can now be found in China; Belgium; Iceland; Hong Kong; India; Mexico City Airport; the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines; and all over Japan.

So why choose a capsule over traditional digs? We already mentioned the cost; a single night at the Capsule Inn Kinshicho will run you about $28 a night. The prices are competitive with hostels, but capsules add an element of privacy, at least while you sleep. The amenities of each self-contained pod vary, but you can expect a clean bed, lights, outlets and sometimes A/C, TV, WiFi, and in-pod storage.

The bathing facilities in Japan are unanimously spotless, but like the capsules themselves, they have varying vibes. Some, like the Capsule Inn Kinshicho, offer a (not very) traditional-style Bath House experience while others feel more like a locker room (albeit, a very tidy one).

In addition to the cramped quarters, there are often some drawbacks to staying in a capsule hotel; The pods can get rather warm, especially if there is no A/C. So if you tend to run hot, look for a hotel with A/C. Noise can also be an issue as there’s a very thin barrier between you and your 50 new best friends — bring earplugs. Lastly, some capsule hotels in Japan segregate the men and women on separate floors — and a few don’t accept women at all — so do your research before you blindly book.

If you cannot handle small spaces, these are definitely not the digs for you. But if you’re looking for a cheap, memorable, distinctly Japanese experience, these pods are the perfect place to get some shut-eye.


More like this: 6 temple hotels for travelers seeking solitude

The post Everything you need to know about sleeping in a Japanese capsule hotel appeared first on Matador Network.

7 cool and artsy plane interiors

Traveling by plane is more often than not a nightmare — especially if you fly economy. To try to make passengers’ journeys as enjoyable as possible despite the obvious lack of comfort and decent food, airlines bank on aircrafts’ appearances and create wow factors with amazing liveries and cool interior decoration. Here are seven airlines that go above and beyond to snazz up their decor and deliver a pleasant in-flight experience to their customers.

1. Air Tahiti Nui

Photo: Air Tahiti Nui

Air Tahiti Nui will freshen up its entire fleet with brand-spanking-new 787-9’s in 2019. Each of these new aircraft will bear a cool new livery and have a cabin that screams white-sand paradise beach vacation. The new livery will be filled with elements of Tahitian culture, such as a tiare flower on the tail and a collection of tattoos on the rear end of each aircraft. The inside will also be a beautiful reflection of French Polynesia; from business class to economy, passing through the galley, decals, colorful seats, and pretty cushions on the Tahitian Dreamliners will make you feel a lot more like you’re on the beach and a lot less like you’re in a metal bullet.

Photo: Air Tahiti Nui

Photo: Air Tahiti Nui

To learn more about the meaning of each tattoo and the incorporation of other cultural details on the livery, check Air Tahiti Nui’s press release on World Airline News.

2. EVA Air

Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock

The Taiwanese carrier’s regular aircraft are plain boring, but its Hello Kitty EVA Air jets are the bomb. Whether you are a fan of this cute Japanese cat or not, a flight on one of the airline’s Hello Kitty-themed airplanes is sure to be entertaining. The whole Hello Kitty madness starts at the airport (only at Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2) where the self-service check-in kiosks and the boarding area are entirely decorated. The boarding passes and luggage tags passengers are given are also on theme. Of course, the seven Hello Kitty Eva Air jets have special liveries and crazy interior decorations. With Hello Kitty cushions, Hello Kitty plastic glasses, Hello Kitty-shaped foods, Hello Kitty napkins, cutlery, headrest covers, menus, safety brochures, and even toilet paper and sick bags, you’ll spend so much time looking at these fun elements that you’ll probably forget that you’re 30,000 feet up in the air.

A post shared by JEAN DANKER (@jeandanker) on Jun 15, 2015 at 3:26am PDT

If you’d like to travel on one of EVA Air’s Hello Kitty jets, check out their itineraries here.

3. Icelandair

Photo: Icelandair

Icelandair has two aircraft wrapped in amazing liveries: the Hekla Aurora, which is painted to look like the Icelandic skies when they are lit up by the northern lights, and the Vatnajökull, which is decorated with images of the Icelandic glacier of the same name. Inside, both aircraft keep with the theme they display on the fuselage. Hekla Aurora’s ceiling is fitted with special green, blue, and purple lights that give passengers the impression that they are standing under actual northern lights. Vatnajökull is also fitted with atmospheric blue lights that are reminiscent of the colors you would see while exploring the ice caves of the largest glacier in Europe. Flying to Iceland on one of these airplanes is like watching a trailer for what’s to come during your trip. If you’re leaving, it’s truly the perfect send-off.

Photo: Icelandair

4. Finnair

Photo: Finnair

From gorgeous churches to crazy-looking cabins and beautiful subway stations, Nordic countries are known for their amazing design skills, and it’s no different when it comes to decorating airplanes. While Icelandair banks on its natural wonders, Finnair trusts the most famous Finnish design house, Marimekko, to make their aircraft pop with color. Since 2012, Finnair has had a Marimekko fleet fitted with special liveries — currently, two Finnair aircraft wear Marimekko patterns on their fuselage: an Airbus A350 with “Kivet” and an Airbus A330 with the classic “Unikko”. Since 2013, all Finnair flights have been equipped with Marimekko textiles and tableware. In business class, you’ll find cool blankets, pillows, china (the teapots are gorgeous), and amenity kits (with special slippers and a tote bag); you’ll get about the same, although less fancy (think paper cups and napkins instead of actual mugs and cloth), in economy. Marimekko household items are such a staple in Finland that you get a great insight into Finnish culture just by flying with Finnair.

Photo: Finnair

Photo: Marimekko for Finnair

5. Etihad Airways

Photo: Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has four different classes on its A380s: Economy Class, Business Class, First Class, and The Residence. It goes without saying that three out of these four are inaccessible to most travelers, but it’s still worth showing the unbelievable measures Etihad Airways takes to make those who can afford it super comfortable. Although the economy class is far from shabby, The Residence, a three-room suite in the sky, is out-of-this-world fancy; it has a living room, separate bedroom with a double bed, and an ensuite shower room. The glassware from which the lucky passengers drink champagne is designed by Vera Wang, and the bed linens are from Pratesi of Italy. Obviously, there is a private butler and breakfast in bed for those who book The Residence. We would all love to be able to fly in this luxurious hotel room in the sky and have a decent sleep followed by a shower after a long flight, but prices are absolutely insane, so we’ll just look and be envious for now.

Photo: Etihad Airways

6. Brussel Airlines

Photo: Brussel Airlines

Brussel Airlines has five special airplanes in its fleet which all wear cool, Belgian-culture-focused liveries, but the newest of them is also one of the coolest, outside and inside. Peyo, the cartoonist who created the iconic Smurfs, was Belgian, so Brussel Airlines is paying tribute to him and his 14th Smurf Album The Aerosmurf by flying a Smurf-themed aircraft. The livery is incredibly fun, with smurfs covering just about every surface of the fuselage (with Smurfette and Papa Smurf acting as pilots) and Gargamel and Azrael making an appearance on the belly of the airplane. Inside, everything is about the cute blue characters, too. The seats are Papa Smurf-colored, the carpet has some Smurf prints leading all the way down the aisle, there are some cool decals that looks like a panel from The Aerosmurf album, and there are Smurf movies and music played on board.

Photo: Brussel Airlines

7. ANA

Photo: ANA

Fans of the Star Wars franchise go nuts for ANA’s Star Wars Jets, and we get it — these aircraft look amazing. The Japanese carrier has four Star Wars-themed aircraft in its fleet, but it’s the R2-D2 jet that we think has the coolest interior. With R2-D2 headrests, R2-D2 cups and napkins, and, best of all, ceiling lights that look like lightsabers, ANA will have you thinking you’re riding in the Millenium Falcon instead of a Dreamliner. To try to catch it, check out the itinerary here.

Photo: ANA

Photo: ANA

Photo: ANA

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The most beautiful hotel pools

Hitting the hotel pool used to be little more than letting your kids blow off some steam while you got an overpriced drink in a plastic cup. But just as expectations for everything about hotels have been raised, so have the standards for hotel pools. Now, they’re an amenity up there with restaurants and fluffy robes, a place not only to cool off but also take photographs and make friends back home jealous. Hundreds of hotels and resorts around the world have added pools with views overlooking the ocean, mountains, and even red-rock canyons. Here are the 13 that are most worth seeing for yourself.

Photo: 1 Hotel

1. 1 Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida

Rooftop pools with stunning skyline views aren’t anything novel. Neither are pools with sweeping views of the shoreline. But both at once? The hotel atop South Beach’s 1 Hotel has perfect vistas of the Miami skyline to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, plus a full bar and the occasional pool party, drawing some of the world’s biggest “stars” of Instagram.

Photo: Marina Bay Sands

2. Marina Bay Sands in Singapore

It is quite possibly the most famous hotel pool in the word, set 57 stories above glittering Singapore with an unobstructed view of the skyline in the distance. It’s the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world, and though we’re not telling you anything new by including it in a roundup of the world’s best, no list is complete without it.

Photo: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

3. Four Seasons Punta Mita in Punta Mita, Mexico

The charming little coves of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit make for some of the coolest hidden surfing beaches in the world, but the massive cove that envelops the Four Seasons makes for the best hotel-pool view. The semi-circular pool deck feels like an amphitheater looking out onto waves crashing against rocks and cliffs in the distance. While Mexico has no shortage of spectacular hotel pools, this one might be the best.

Photo: Casa Palopó

4. Casa Palopó in Guatemala

You don’t need to be a luxury mega-resort to have a swimming pool with a world-class view. Case in point is this little boutique spot nestled up in the mountains around Lake Atitlan. The infinity pool at the nine-guest resort sits over the water like one might at a villa on Lake Como, at a fraction of the price. So if you find yourself in Central America, make a point to take a refreshing dip here.

Photo: Strawberry Hill

5. Strawberry Hill in Irish Town, Jamaica

In a country full of never-leave-the-resort all-inclusive hotels, battling for the hotel pool view that’ll keep guests planted is tough. But this 12-cottage hotel set in the Blue Mountains hits all the Jamaican high notes. In the foreground, you have the staggering Blue Mountains, home to some of the best coffee in the world. Beyond that is the bustling capital of Kingston, and far in the distance, you can see the Caribbean Sea. It’s much more interesting than a simple beachfront view you’ll get elsewhere.

Photo: Hotel Villa Honegg

6. Hotel Villa Honegg in Ennetbürgen, Switzerland

Switzerland has plenty of hotel infinity pools with front row seats to the Alps, but what sets this 23-room boutique hotel apart is its setting right above Lake Lucerne. On a mild day, you’ll get the scenery trifecta of snow-capped mountains, a shiny lake, and white fluffy clouds, which is probably why the hotel dubbed its pool the “Stairway to Heaven”.

Photo: Nisbet Plantation Beach Club

7. Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis

The tranquil island of Nevis is known for its abundance of plantation homes turned luxury hotels. But the only one with a beach is Nisbet, where the pool set along the shore has views of the mountainous island on both sides, the Caribbean to the front, and Nevis Peak to the rear. Add in a beach bar open to the public and a whole lot of hammocks, and you’ve got the most underrated hotel pool in the Caribbean.

Photo: Grand Hotel Tremezzo

8. Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como, Italy

Somehow one of the most famous hotel pools in the world doesn’t exactly blend with the Mediterranean villas that surround Lake Como. It looks a little like the deck of a cruise ship jutting out into the lake, but the view here is still unparalleled. When you relax on a chair and look out at the deep blue water and sheer peaks beyond, the architectural aesthetic somehow doesn’t seem so important.

Photo: Regent Hotels

9. Regent Porto in Montenegro

This little country on the Adriatic has started flying considerably above the radar the past couple of years, thanks mostly to the fact that it houses the largest natural harbor in the eastern Mediterranean. The best way to take in the whole thing is from this 65-foot pool deck, where you’ll look out onto sailboats cruising in the water and the mountains close by. It feels a little like a more-accessible Monaco with stunning seascapes set beyond modern buildings. Montenegro may be a hidden gem no more, but it’s still a must-visit.

Photo: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

10. Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge in Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania

The thundering herds of elephants and sprawling African savanna make for some seriously envy-inducing Instagram posts. But why not double up on the social-media superstardom and post pics from a serene, vanishing-horizon pool with front-row seats to one of the most scenic lakes on the continent? This lodge in Lake Manyara National Park lets you do both; after game drives and bird walks you can relax by the pool, which is only a few steps away from every room in the lodge.

Photo: Amangiri

11. Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah

Sitting by the pool at this luxury hotel in the American west makes you feel like you’re getting a tan in the middle of the great wide open. Set at the base of jagged red rocks, the Amangiri pool gives you a pretty solid simulation of swimming in the Colorado River in the middle of the Grand Canyon. Though that landmark is nowhere near here, the hotel recreates the feeling of being small under the height of the desert rocks.

Photo: The Oberoi Udaivilas

12. Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, India

This ultra-luxe spot on the shores of Lake Pichola feels a little like staying at the Taj Mahal, with its interconnected domes and 50 acres of impeccably landscaped property. The Taj-like atmosphere continues at the pool, which stretches alongside the golden palace out over pristine gardens with views of the lake beyond.

Photo: Tierra Hotels

13. Tierra Atacama Hotel in the Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert might be the most underrated natural feature in Chile, a stark expanse of desert plateau set along the Pacific Ocean. It’s not teeming with luxury accommodations, but the pool at the Tierra Atacama has views of the rugged plateau into the mountains beyond. It’s the kind of pool that has a true sense of place, and while enjoying the view from one of its curved wicker chairs, you’ll know you couldn’t be anywhere else in the world.


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You can marry at The Tree of Life

You might not be able to live in Cinderella’s Castle, but that Disney princess fantasy just got a whole lot more attainable. Now you can actually get married in front of one of Disney’s most iconic landmarks: the Tree of Life in the Animal Kingdom.

Disney broke the news on July 5, saying that the tree “serves as the picture-perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding. Lush trees and exotic flowers surround the space, creating an enchanted setting.”

The Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida is seeing a resurgence in popularity after the opening of Pandora — The World of Avatar. Disney seems to be capitalizing on the once under-visited park’s newfound crowds by offering this new wedding locale.

But if the Animal Kingdom still isn’t your cup of tea, there are other Disney-themed wedding options available too, like the railroad station at the Magic Kingdom or the Chinese Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you or your partner loves Disney, any of these locations could be an ideal spot for your dream wedding.

H/T: Popsugar

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