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Lily of the Valley Hotel Offers Posh Amenities on the French Riviera

Melding the rugged Provençal countryside and the eternally desirable Côte d’Azur, the Lily of the Valley captures the best of the south of France. Every amenity and fitting exudes luxury that justifies the rates yet this five-star wellness retreat is loyal to those rustic charms often lost at the ritziest French Riviera resorts.

La Croix-Valmer claims the southern end of the Saint-Tropez peninsula with the hotel being less than a half-hour from the famous marina. Getting there from Nice Airport is a 90-minute journey by road although helicopter transfers are available for those in a hurry. Lily of the Valley isn’t quite beachfront but the elevated views and two huge shared pools make up for that. Besides, the untamed Gigaro Beach is less than a mile from the property. The French architect Philippe Starck looked to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon when designing this nature-inspired health and spa resort.

 

@jessie_khoo Hotel is lily of the valley in the south of France, private pool villa #southoffrance #hotelroomtour #lilyofthevalley #saintttropez #privatepoolvilla ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

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We hope you love the Lily of the Valley Hotel! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

365 days of wellness

This Mediterranean sanctuary is a temple of wellness with a concept more ambitious than your usual vacation massage, scrub, and facial combo. Lily of the Valley’s “Wellness Village” is divided into Weight Loss, Detox, Sport, and Better Aging.

Sport packages at the Shape Club start at €2,500 ($2,700) for the four-day Discover to €8,000 ($8,650) for a fortnight-long Reborn. These include evaluations and consultations, a personalized eating plan, daily coaching sessions, and a blend of fitness regimes targeting cardio and muscle development. Looping back to the resort’s ethos, all sports programs include regular pampering sessions at the spa.

There’s none of that “anti-aging” nonsense at this down-to-earth countryside retreat. Better Aging embraces the natural process by focusing on longevity and maximizing mobility while taking turns around the sun. Practitioners utilize Kinvent physio technology to create a tailored regime for each guest. Programs start at €3,200 ($3,470) for four days.

Best of all – Lily of the Valley Hotel keeps its doors open in all four seasons and the Shape Club is entirely optional. And, with over 300 days of sun a year, the Côte d’Azur is hard to top as a winter sun destination.

Chambres, suites, and villas on the Côte d’AzurPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: Booking

 

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Toot suite, this wellness luxury hotel keeps things intimate with only 38 rooms and six suites which means no dallying around. Two exclusive villas and two deluxe suites come with a private pool. Villa W grants spine-tingling 180° panoramas of the twinkling bay from the infinity pool that edges the entire length of the terrace. This three-bedroom villa accommodates six guests and has a dedicated butler, room service around the clock, and a private sauna.

The two-story Pool Suite Villa sits in a fragrant Mediterranean garden. All three bedrooms overlook the vegetation and sun-dappled pool with the master suite benefiting from a private terrace. Pool suites shrink from 210 square meters to a reasonable 95 and 86 but these petit domains still tout exclusive landscaped gardens and swim spaces.

Standard suites and guest rooms overlook the pine-studded hills, the celebrated Blue Coast, or the Shape Club facilities. Linens are sourced from the French company Garnier Thiebaut while the pillow menu ensures sweet dreams every night. The design fuses spa-like marble bathrooms with wall-to-wall windows and rough-sawn timber accents. The funky scatter cushions are the work of Ara Starck – daughter of the chief designer.

 

@chaaalouuuu One of the dreamiest hotel : Lily of the Valley, La Croix-Valmer. #traveltiktok #hotelhideaway #sttropez #lilyofthevalleyhotel #hotel ♬ Take My Breath Away – EZI

Experience the French Riviera lifestylePhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: BookingPhoto: Booking

 

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All residences are a short stroll from Plage de Gigaro where the hotel maintains a private beach. The Beach Club at Lily of the Valley shuns the superyachts for paddle boards, transparent canoes, and windsurf boards. It’s a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with jovial staff on hand to offer tips. Don’t miss the Sunrise Paddle which concludes with a boho petit-déjeuner spread at Pépé.

The resort welcomes children who are encouraged to splash around the pools and join in with all watersports. However, the hotel is certainly tipped toward adult guests and doesn’t have much in the way of entertainment for youngsters.

Seasonal Provençal cuisine and fine French wines

Vincent Maillard stands at the helm of Lily of the Valley’s culinary portfolio. Aptly named signature restaurant Vista serves a diverse breakfast of buttery (or gluten-free) pastries, smoked salmon platters, gourmet granola, and perfectly flipped crêpes. Boissons come laced with collagen and other extras. There are plenty of options for those with no intention of cleansing: beef burgers with mountains of French fries, cheese boards, and Parisian-style éclairs bulging with cream sit alongside lighter options. Everything on the menu is seasonal and locally sourced.

Riviera living is all about balance and this health and wellness resort has a hefty wine list. The wine cellar is stocked with vintage French Champagnes, hearty Italian reds, and Alsace Reising. Naturally, there is a robust selection of Provençal rosé wines to accompany slow-cooked sea bass filet and lobster-stuffed vol-au-vent. Oenophiles are in their element at Lily of the Valley whereas fairweather drinkers can turn to the friendly sommeliers for a steer. There’s absolutely nothing pretentious about this upscale but humble boutique hotel with its earthy setting, laid-back vibe, and warm hospitality.

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Spain Banned Tourists From Taking Popular TikTok Video of the Country’s Most Famous Building

The Spanish government, like many authorities around the world, is taking a hard stance on TikTok content creators. The Sagrada Familia TikTok trend involved tourists visiting the famous landmark in Barcelona and capturing a video on the escalators leading out of the metro station. Tourists would film themselves on the moving stairs, which officials have deemed dangerous.

The unsafe viral fad featured people posing or dancing on the escalators, with the architectural marvel in the background. The annoying number of tourists attempting to film themselves on the escalators caused congestion and safety hazards. There were reports from local press of people falling and blocking the exit.

@thisgirlygracie I was so sad #spain #lasagradafamilia ♬ Live Your Life – T.I.

In this video, which has garnered 91,000 views, TikToker Gracie shared that there was a person (presumably a guard) “telling you off” for making videos. This didn’t seem to stop Gracie from doing it herself, but hopefully, the others will respect the rules in place. As seen in this TikTok, posters and signage are clear and unmissable.

@gabriellechristensen I guess tiktok put an end to this trend #barcelona #sagradafamilia #fyp ♬ baddie background – Dersim

As the Sagrada Familia is perhaps Spain’s most famous landmark, it sees over 3,000,000 visitors a year, and causing conjunction in or around the attraction is not only dangerous, it’s also an annoyance to other visitors and locals who use that metro stop during the daily commute.

The Sagrada Familia is nearing its long-awaited completion. Recent announcements by the Sagrada Familia Foundation suggest a finishing date of 2026. Construction of the Roman Catholic church began in 1882 and was spearheaded by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí dedicated his life to the project but only saw a quarter of it finished before his passing in 1926. It’s hoped the 2026 target will be met as it coincides with the centenary of Gaudí’s death.

The Sagrada Familia TikTok trend is not the only craze to be banned at famous landmarks. Tourists have gotten the boot from many others due to safety concerns, property damage, or just plain annoyance. For example, Nepalese tourist spots, such as the birthplace of Buddha and the Gadhimai Temple, and other sacred sites have banned TikTokers. No doubt, we’ll hear of other authorities taking action throughout the summer holiday season.

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In Secluded Nayarit, Mexico, the W Punta de Mita Is a Luxury Oasis

As the sun began to set on our final day in Punta Mita, Mexico, we sat together in a circle on the sand, partaking in a cacao ceremony. With beans in hand, we repeatedly made silent affirmations to ourselves, holding the beans close to whatever needed the most healing. Raising the beans to our lips, we ate them to let them work their medicinal powers on us.

“Don’t be afraid to use your voice,” the Huichol medicine woman leading the ceremony told me as she went around the circle, revealing our individual Maya totems. Like with the Zodiac, each of us has a symbol that represents our birthdays and characteristics.

Mine is Etznab, or obsidian. I need to be sharp like the obsidian stone, I learned, slicing away what doesn’t serve me, unafraid to say what needs saying. Little did the medicine woman know how much I needed to hear that or how gratifying it was to hear after a few days of reinvigorating my spirit at the W Punta de Mita.

A hotel paradise with brand new beachview suites

Photo: W Punta de Mita

Paraíso. Paradise. Few other words came to mind when I entered my Marvelous Suite at the W Punta de Mita to find a glass-enclosed, open-air soaking tub basking in the sun’s glow. Amid all the excitement, a labyrinth-esque pattern of stones in the bathroom floor served as a reminder to ground myself during my stay.

I was among the first guests to stay in these brand new suites at the W Punta de Mita, which glimpse the nearby beach. Decorated in neutral tones with a splash of greenery, the suites are a pleasant foil to the vibrant hues found elsewhere around the property. Spacious sunken living rooms allow guests to still see the views even from bed, uninhibited by the couch. It seems that the room’s design pays homage to the splendor awaiting guests outside.

All of the rooms at the W Punta de Mita are inspired by Mexican cultures. The Wonderful Escape rooms are bright and airy with splashes of color, and the spacious Oasis Suites offer the same. You trade in those colors for subtle cultural touch points until you get into the brand new suite categories of Wow, Extreme Wow, Marvelous, and Fabulous.

Photo: W Punta de Mita

Room rates vary depending on the season, available packages, and discounts, but they generally range from around $500 per night for a Wonderful Escape King room to just under $3,000 per night for an Extreme Wow two-bedroom suite.

If you decide to greet the day with a private breakfast in your room, as I did, you can take that one splash further if you stay in any of the new suites. The private plunge pools are the perfect spot for a luxurious floating breakfast. Indulge in some much-needed chilaquiles and fresh juice while wading in the water. Some curious birds like the Sinaloa crow may gingerly join your meal, crouching on a nearby wall or tree branch, waiting for you to drop a tantalizing treat.

When you’re ready to call it a night, a touch screen panel can draw your curtains (including the ones between the bed and the soaking tub area). Or ask the front desk if they can help light your private fire pit and make yourself some s’mores. There’s always something so comforting about a squishy, warmed marshmallow, even after a long day in the hot Punta Mita sun.

Swim, spa, and sweat at the W Punta de Mita

Photo: W Punta de Mita

Access to the water is a requisite for most people who visit Mexico’s coast. At the W Punta de Mita, there are two — well, technically three — options for your daily swim. You can help yourself to the resort’s private white-sand beach or float along in one of its two pools. The first pool, called WET, is located outside of the lobby building. WET Too, the adults-only pool, is right outside of the brand new suites. Both pools have cocktail and snack access, but the WET Deck area has one standout feature: a DJ.

Photo: W Punta de Mita

On the calmer end of the amenity spectrum, there’s the AWAY Spa. Some will quip that it’s called that because it’s quite literally away from the rest of the resort. Indeed, tucked into a corner of the W Punta de Mita, the therapeutic haven lives among towering palms. Removed from the ambient sound and popular music flowing through the resort, you feel far away.

Even if you squeeze a spa appointment into a packed day, leave room for the hydrotherapy afterward. Sipping an herbaceous or fruity tea before gliding into one of the many therapy pools is the best way to end a relaxing session at AWAY. It could also be a nice way to follow up a workout at FIT, the resort’s on-site exercise space, which is located in the same part of the resort as the spa. There, the main attraction is the surrounding jungle, which you can practically see from any angle, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.

Restaurants at the W Punta de Mita, from formal to food truck

Photo: W Punta de Mita

Overlooking the lake, atop a slice of a tree that once sat on the property, Mesa 1 is an exclusive experience for resort guests. Accommodating up to 10 guests, the private seven-course meal may include dishes such as fresh sea bass, squid, and ceviche, topped off with something sweet such as fresh fruit hugging a housemade chocolate clamshell and macarons.

Since Mesa 1 only seats one group each night, it may not be possible to dine there during your trip. But fear not, you can experience a wide range of dishes elsewhere on property. Including the pool cocktail and snack bars, there are six dining spots at the W Punta de Mita.

Photo: W Punta de Mita

Spice Market serves Asian cuisine, with a particular focus on Malaysian, Thai, and Vietnamese flavors. At the smart-casual Spice Market, try the chicken samosas and Korean BBQ chicken — two flavors you might not expect to sample in the Riviera Nayarit that could top your tasting list for the trip. Be sure to ask your server about the recommended cocktail of the day. Like the food, the cocktails often have a thematic twist on a usual favorite.

Meanwhile two casual dining spots, Venazú and Chevycheria, showcase regional (or regional-adjacent) dishes. Constructed off of a vintage Chevy truck, the Chevycheria serves up the area’s specialty of ceviche and is open for lunch and dinner. Venazú is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you stop by Venazú for breakfast, get the blue corn waffles — the not-too-sweet waffles are like cornbread with a slight crunch. Accompany them with maple and coffee syrup if you prefer. Either way, they’re heaven — I ate them twice during my stay.

The day trip you don’t want to miss

Photo: JackKPhoto/Shutterstock

The W Punta de Mita is fairly secluded. You can’t really step off the property for a bout of shopping or other excursions on foot, but you can reach the beautiful beach town of Sayulita by way of a 30-minute drive. With a vibrancy that mirrors the aesthetic at the W Punta de Mita, Sayulita centers on a town square that’s full of vendors selling earrings, hats, and the cutest shaped straw purses. As you peruse the stalls, remember that you can bargain gently with sellers, only about half of whom accept credit cards or digital payment methods, so come prepared with some cash. (There are also a few ATMs scattered around town.) When you’re ready for a break, grab a margarita at Don Pedro’s Restaurant and Bar. Steps away from the beach, you can watch the goings on while savoring a flavored or classic marg.

Getting to the W Punta de Mita

Photo: W Punta de Mita

Journeying from the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (Puerto Vallarta Airport) to the W Punta de Mita takes about 45 minutes. You can arrange a shuttle through the hotel or book through another local transportation company. Be aware that the drivers and timeshare folks soliciting at the airport are pushy. Just look for the company that you booked and keep going through to the exit of the airport — your driver will likely be waiting outside or right by the exit doors with a sign.

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Mount Everest Is Finally Addressing Its Enormous Poop Problem

Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth and sits on the border of Nepal and Tibet, an independent region of China. While you can climb it from either side, most climbers make the approach from the Nepalese side. And unfortunately, that’s created a large problem for the Chinese government and Nepalese government and volunteers: cleaning up the massive amounts of waste on Mount Everest left behind by the mountain’s significant annual number of climbers.

Approximately 800 people attempt to summit Mount Everest each year, stopping at four camps along the way to acclimate. Climbers anywhere from 25 to 35 days on the mountain, and since the first commercial climbing operation began in 1992, there have been a few decades of the mountain welcoming a steady stream of climbers. That’s created a host of safety and environmental concerns, ranging from crowds on the former “Hillary Step” to piles of plastic left behind to one unavoidable issue: human excrement on Mount Everest.

Waste on Mount Everest generated at the various base camps is a significant problem. Photo: Daniel Prudek/Shutterstock

But this year, the `government of Nepal is taking steps to address the issue of human waste on Mount Everest, which estimates suggest could be around 26,000 pounds annually. Starting in 2024’s climbing season, which begins mid-April, everyone on the mountain will be required to carry, use, and carry out designated poop bags. (China attempted a similar policy in 2019). The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee in charge of the project told the BBC that it estimates about 8,000 bags will be used in the coming climbing season, each of which can be used several times. The bags are primarily for use on the higher sections of the mountains, as guiding companies at the lower base camps usually erect their own tented toilettes for clients.

Human waste on Mount Everest causes a host of problems, aside from the unpleasantness of climbing next to a steady trail of frozen poop. It creates significant odors, especially in areas that aren’t permanently covered in snow or are prone to freeze-and-thaw cycles. It can also compromise the water supply relied on by locals and villages in the remote, developing towns around the base.

The initiative is part of a greater multi-year push from governments and non-profits alike to encourage climbers to be more conscious of their ecological footprints while on Everest. The Mountain Cleanup Campaign, a non-profit partnership between the Nepalese Army and major western brands like London-based brand Unilever and Coca-Cola, has collected approximately 110 tons of trash from the mountain since 2019.

 

 

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The next clean up will being mid-April 2024, with nearly two dozen volunteers lined up to remove both trash, as well as five bodies of climbers who died en route. More than 200 bodies are believed to remain on the mountain, according to the experts at Climbing Kilimanjaro. Bodies are left behind when they’re in areas where retrieval is too difficult, or die in conditions where sending in rescuers or retrieval teams would be unsafe. That’s the rational behind a second change for this climbing season reported by CNN: climbers will be required to wear GPS tracking devices to make it easier for rescuers in case of emergencies.

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This Five-Star Hilltop-Jungle Retreat Proves Laos as a Luxury Destination Worth Traveling For

The “Golden Triangle” of Southeast Asia was named such due to the region’s thriving opium trade from the ’50s until the early 21st century. The mountainous region, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, subsequently became fashionable with backpackers hopping between the countries before going south to Cambodia and Vietnam.

I’ve done this route a handful of times in my late teens and early twenties. Back then, I could have been the poster child for Lonely Planet’s South East Asia on a Shoestring guidebook. I had a $5-a-day budget, slept on overnight buses to avoid accommodation costs, ate street food, and appreciated the odd hot shower. Visiting the region as a backpacker had a profound impact on my life. Still, I wish I had the means to have a more elevated experience — especially in Laos, a country that’s seen a boom in the luxury market over the past couple of decades.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Hilltop tents at Rosewood Luang Pradbang.   Photo: Rosewood Hotels

Cities such as Luang Prabang have attracted five-star hoteliers who have established some of the best luxury hotels in the country, seamlessly blending world-class service, fine dining, and opulent accommodations with the stunning natural backdrop of the region’s mountainous landscapes and lush rice paddies.

Laos follows Theravada Buddhism, the strictest form of Buddhism. Monks adhere to a set of rules called the Vinaya, which emphasizes simplicity and detachment from worldly possessions.   Photo: M2020/Shutterstock

Laos, landlocked by Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, and Cambodia and Thailand to the south, might not have the Southeast Asian white beaches so many travelers flock to, but spirituality, culture, fertile plains along the Mekong River, and the people make up for it. Occupied by the French until 1953, the streets of Luang Prabang and the capital, Vientiane, are lined with colonial architecture, and you’ll note a distinctive French influence on the food scene here, too.

One of the highlights of Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong was built between 1559-1560 under King Setthathirath. Photo: Wuttichok Panichiwarapun/ShutterstockPhoto: Guitar photographer/Shutterstock

Luang Prabang is one of the best examples of a blend of traditional Lao culture and modern luxury. Located in northern Laos, on the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and is home to some of the most sophisticated Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia.

Today, there are a handful of five-star hotels and resorts, from colonial-style mansions with upscale fine dining experiences to private retreats with infinity pools and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. One of the better hotels is the jungle hideaway Rosewood Luang Prabang.

The Rosewood lies on a jungle-clad hilltop on the outskirts of town. You’ll note a familiar French colonial architecture interwoven with influences from ancient Laotian temples, but unlike other five-star hotels in Luang Prabang, the riverside and hilltop dwellings are surrounded by a lush forested valley. Here, you’ll find yourself away from the hustle and bustle of Luang Prabang’s town center, yet still close enough to enjoy. The complimentary on-demand transfers between the Rosewood and town ensure easy access to historical sites like Wat Mai and Wat Chomsi, or the lively night markets.

Photo: Rosewood HotelsPhoto: Rosewood HotelsPhoto: Rosewood HotelsPhoto: Rosewood Hotels

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Designed by the visionary architect, Bill Bensley, the Rosewood has 23 rooms. You can choose from elegant rooms and suites, waterfall pool villas, or opt for a stay in one of the hilltop tents — Rosewood’s first (and very successful) foray into glamping. Each abode offers stunning views of the waterfalls, rivers, and hillsides — blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Bensley is also known for incorporating sustainable practices into his designs, and the hotel was built under strict UNESCO guidelines to preserve the surrounding World Heritage Site.

From private candle-lit dinners by the waterfall, complimentary bikes to cycle into town, guided hikes, cooking classes, and traditional bamboo rod fishing to Laotian therapies at the Sense Spa — in true Rosewood fashion, the amenities and packaged experiences are beautifully aligned with the local culture and landscape.

Sailing down the Mekong River allows you to take in the stunning scenery, remote villages, and historical sites that are inaccessible on foot.   Photo: Eve Sittawat/Shutterstock

You can also book a sunset river cruise. For centuries, the Nam Khan and Mekong waterways were the only way people could get in or out of Luang Prabang, and today, it remains the lifeblood of the region. Rosewood’s sailing will take you past the town on a luxury wooden boat embellished with local handwoven textiles.

The turquoise pools at the base of Kuang Si Waterfall are ideal for swimming, although there is a small section designated as sacred and swimming is not allowed.   Photo: Preto Perola/Shutterstock

Another must is the trek to Kuang Si Waterfall. Yes, it’s on most lists, but for good reason. The hotel runs guided tours into the mountains in the comfort of the hotel vehicle. It takes around three to five hours in total, and the hike is achievable by most with a good level of fitness. The route winds through forested hills, farmland, limestone grottos, and small villages before reaching Kuang Si, where you can cool off in the turquoise waters before retreating back to the five-star comfort of your hillside hideaway.

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This Mountainsmith Toiletry Bag Survived Six Years of Global Travel

For the past six years, I’ve used the Mountainsmith Essentials Stash Small Travel Organizer Duffel Bag as my travel toiletry bag. It’s the best toiletry bag for frequent adventure travelers, and has been all over the world with me – from the high alpine of Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan Mountains to the heart of Medellin’s Poblado neighborhood – on trips both professional and recreational. At this point, its condition is not pristine. One could frankly describe it as quite repulsive, in fact, and lately, I’ve hidden it from my wife when we travel together because she would waste no time in describing it as such.

But here’s the thing. No matter how much time we spend on the road together, my Mountainsmith toiletry bag and I maintain an understanding. It holds all my knick-nacks – important stuff like a toothbrush and razor alongside personal preferences like a TSA-approved Leatherman and the small bottle of “facial mist” I borrowed from the cabin the one time I flew business class on a story assignment. In return, I promise to continue taking it on the road with me rather than swapping it out for the next new gimmicky toiletry bag that comes along.

So far the deal has worked out for us both. This toiletry bag is now the longest-serving piece of travel gear I own. I know it inside and out. I often pack it last in my carry-on because I know exactly how to squeeze it in there without having to sacrifice anything else to make room. I don’t love this toiletry bag in the way that I love Blink-182 or Triscuits, but I am quite fond of it. I often tell fellow travelers that they should get one. Besides it’s low cost ($24.95), here’s why.

We hope you love the Mountainsmith toiletry bag! 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.

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What I like about the Mountainsmith Essentials Stash Small Travel Organizer Duffel BagThe Mountainsmith toiletry bag after six years traversing the globe. Photo: Tim WengerThis is what the Mountainsmith toiletry bag looks like new. See next photo for mine. Photo: Amazon

A toiletry bag should be the Khloé Kardashian of your travel setup. That is to say, it must make you feel extra organized even when you aren’t. The last thing you want is to arrive late to a hotel room, strung out from a long day of travel, only to have to sift through a bunch of junk to find your toothbrush. This Mountainsmith toiletry bag has a special holder for toothbrushes and other thin, long-necked accessories that is visible right when the bag is opened.

Two zipped elastic webbing containers hold stuff like Q-tips, pill bottles, deodorant, and my Leatherman. The bag is modern enough that it has storage areas for cables and an electric razor while being simple enough that it zips seamlessly every time, no matter how full it is. Once unzipped, each section of the bag is see-through so there’s no forgetting where anything is.

The bag is largely water-resistant. This is great since it generally lives adjacent to a sink when in use. I’ve never had any issues with its contents getting soaked, or with moisture impacting the zippers. The exterior of my bag has a bit of discoloration, as you can see in the photos, but that’s merely the result of extensive use rather than any fault on the bag’s part.

What I would change about the Mountainsmith Essentials Stash Small Travel Organizer Duffel Bag

The Mountainsmith toiletry bag hangs well. Photo: Tim Wenger

I’d change two small things about this toiletry bag if given the opportunity. First, while it does have a hook to hang in restrooms, it doesn’t unfold the way that some toiletry bags do. This doesn’t impact me too much because it does unfurl to the point where you can easily grab what’s in there, but the view when unfurled isn’t significantly better than the tabletop view.

The other thing I would change has less to do with the Mountainsmith toiletry bag and more to do with myself. I would change how covered in toothpaste and facial shavings I allow it to get so that it shines more like new. Looking at any prized piece of travel gear should inspire nostalgia for past moments of road-born glory, while simultaneously kindling one’s motivation for future adventures. It’s hard to grab hold of that fire when it’s covered in grime.

Alas, I used this opportunity to clean the toiletry bag. It now looks like this:

So fresh. Photo: Tim Wenger

Mountainsmith toiletry bag specs

The Mountainsmith toiletry bag is on-par with similar small toiletry bags as far as sizing. What separates it is the sheer amount of stuff it can hold in such a compact size. Here are its specs:

Dimensions: 4.5″ x 7.25″ x 2″ (11.5 x 18.5 x 5 cm)Weight: 5 oz (0.13 kg)Color: Glacier GreyCompartments: Dual compartment organizer with zippered internal divider, elastic webbing storage for toothbrush, scissors, clippers, etc.Coated mesh backpanel pocket for see-through storageMultiple organizer pockets for toiletries, cables, accessories, etc.Three internal zippered pocketsWebbing haul handleSingle vanity hook for hanging

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Airelles Pan Deï Palais Showcases the Finest of the French Riviera in Saint Tropez

Look no further than Pan Deï Palais, the prettiest boutique hotel in Saint-Tropez, for this summer’s jaunt to Europe. The canary-yellow townhouse with its shuttered windows is the epitome of Provençal France but the Indian-inspired décor adds a twist to your Côte d’Azur vacation. All twelve rooms and suites at this luxury mansion come with a standing invitation to use the hotel’s private beach plus a dedicated butler to ensure smooth sailing on the French Riviera.

We hope you love the Airelles Pan Deï Palais! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

 

@anoushkalila A look inside the dreamiest hotel in Saint Tropez @Airelles #luxuryhotels #luxurylife #travelblogger #sainttropez #sttropez #cotedazur #frenchriviera #luxurylifestyle #luxurytravel ♬ Lujon – Henry Mancini

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Stay in the heart of Saint-Tropez

At first glance, you’d think the Pan Deï Palais by Airelles sat amid the lavender and sunflower fields of Provence. Look again: you’ll be laying your head two minutes from Place des Lices and only five from the magnificent Port de Saint-Tropez. Whichever direction your feet take you, you’re never more than a few paces from your next café au lait or designer boutique.

When the time comes for your daily dip in the Mediterranean Sea, follow in the footsteps of Brigitte Bardot to the hotel’s exclusive beach on the Côte d’Azur. Jardin Tropézina unfurls at the northern end of Pampelonne Beach – the most famous stretch of sand on the peninsula since And God Created Woman skyrocketed the profiles of the actress and Saint-Tropez in one fell swoop.

And by footsteps, we actually mean tire tracks. Pan Deï Palais maintains a fleet of chauffeur-driven Mini Moke vehicles in the spirit of the Swinging Sixties. These are reserved exclusively for hotel guests and will ferry you back and forth as needed. Spend lazy morns wading in the surf and napping under a parasol as friendly staff top up your glass of Château d’Estoublon’s Roseblood rosé. It’s a breezy 10-minute ride back to the hotel when siesta time comes a calling although you should hang around to catch at least one sunset.

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Entry-level rooms at Pan Deï Palais are bathed in natural light and accented with sculpted paneling and Indian artworks. The French General Jean-François Allard commissioned the townhouse for his wife, Bannu Pan Deï, a princess from Himachal Pradesh. After falling in love, the couple relocated to the south of France and made this picturesque mansion their family home. The Indian furnishings remain as an homage to their romance contrast yet complement the French Riviera setting.

Maybe you’re not in the position to build a townhouse for your significant other yet but you can always surprise them with an upgrade at one of the suites. Perfect for honeymooners and anniversaries, the Tropezian Suite roosts in the mansion’s attic and grants panoramic views from the private terrace. One floor down, the two-room Princess Suite overlooks the idyllic village of Saint-Tropez and can be connected to the Prestige Double Room for a family or group.

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Pan Deï Palais is one of the only luxury hotels in the center of Saint-Tropez to have both a private pool and a private beach. The tiled pool sits in a hushed garden and is heated for four-season swimming. This property is designed as a place to relax under the sun and enjoy simple pleasures while your personal butler is on hand to arrange spa bookings, tours, and local restaurant reservations.

Don’t miss the Picnic Chic Experience by Airelles. A hamper of freshly baked pastries, charcuterie, seasonal fruits, and fine rosé wine will be laid out in a secluded spot in the gardens of the hotel’s sister property, Château de La Messardière. The two hotels also team up for the annual Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez giving you the opportunity to hop aboard a yacht and cheer on the regatta events from the water.

Children and teenagers can sign up for the Airelles Summer Camp at Château de La Messardière. The program encompasses creative workshops and treasure hunts to supervised outdoor pursuits. The compound has a kids-only pool, cinema, and library where they can unwind and make new friends between activities.

Culinary paradise at Pan Deï Palais

French bourgeoisie meets the Far East at Les Délices du Pan Deï where padded slipper chairs are drawn around fireside tables and murals depict rural India. There are countless bistros in Saint-Tropez but you’ll appreciate putting aside at least one night to feast on the hotel’s tasting menu. Les Nuits du Pan Deï transforms the restaurant and terrace into a candlelit haven with live music and a marriage of Indian and Mediterranean cooking.

A simple yet substantial continental spread is served poolside to enjoy en plein air each morning. Besides snagging tables in the village restaurants, your butler can make arrangements to dine over at the Château de La Messardière.

Pan Deï Palais hits all the right notes for a Côte d’Azur hideaway. It nods to traditional hospitality and captures the glamor of the jet set 1960s while keeping modern travelers’ needs at the forefront.

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Global guide to wild camping

Sleeping under the stars, waking up to the smell of fresh air, and really getting away from it all — the appeal of wild camping is easy to see. Also called dry, free, or freedom camping, wild camping is overnighting away from organized campsites, and their noise and crowds, to set up camp among the wilds of nature instead.

After seeing all those Instagram images of carefree wild camps, you may be ready to grab a backpack and set off yourself. But a wild camping trip requires more preparation than a stay at your average campground. To save you from paying a hefty fine for trespassing or waking up freezing at 2:00 AM, here’s everything you need to know before you pitch your camp in the great outdoors.

What is wild camping?Wild camping in the US and CanadaWild camping in EuropeWild camping in Australia and New ZealandWild camping in Africa, South America, and AsiaWhat to pack for a wild camping trip

How wild camping is different than regular camping

Photo: Jens Ottoson/Shutterstock

Wild camping might seem as easy as just trekking off into the nearest woodland. Don’t be fooled. It can be dangerous and even illegal, since the laws that govern where you can and can’t pitch camp vary from country to country.

Before you set off, make sure you’re prepared to deal with the following:

Fire: While sitting around a roaring fire trading campfire stories might seem like part of the wild-camping-trip experience, never light an open fire. And, if you’re camping in a region where wildfires are a risk, exercise extra caution, pay attention to local weather forecasts, and plan a safe escape route from your camp should you need to abandon it.Water: Unlike campsites, nature doesn’t come with an easily accessible water source. Plan to camp near running water. Then pitch your tents at least 150 feet away and designate an area for taking care of nature’s business that’s at least 200 feet away to avoid waste and litter pollution. Also, never drink from still, unmoving water.Weather: It can change quickly and present real dangers. Check the weather before your trip and pack accordingly. As well as clothing, you should also think about food: if it’s cold, a flask might be a good addition, but if it’s hot you may need to take more water.Animals: Humans might be the biggest danger, but they’re not the only ones on a camping trip. Research whether any local animals or reptiles, like bears or snakes, pose a risk to you before you set off. You can then avoid mistakes such as leaving food out where it’s likely to attract unwanted visitors.Local laws: Even with everything else worked out, you still need to make sure you’re not going to be woken up by an angry farmer — or worse, a park ranger — telling you to pack up and get out at 3:00 AM. Here’s a rough guide to some countries’ laws on wild camping:

Wild camping in the US and Canada

Photo: canadastock/Shutterstock

Legally, you can wild camp in US national forests and grasslands (unless otherwise marked), on Bureau of Land Management lands (providing they’re suitable for camping and not being used for cattle grazing or mining operations), and on Canadian Crown Land. You can also wild camp in the “backcountry” of national parks and national monuments, but you’ll need a permit and regulations apply.

Elsewhere various national, state, and local governments manage areas of land, and there are also private properties and Indian reservations to take into consideration. If you want to wild camp outside the permitted areas above, do your research beforehand to make sure you’re not trespassing.

Wild camping in Europe

Photo: Martin M303/Shutterstock

Practically every European country has different rules and regulations on wild camping. To simplify things, these are the areas of Europe where responsible wild camping is encouraged, even if not strictly legal:

England and Wales — Wild camping is generally not allowed in England and Wales. This is because most of the land is privately owned. However, there is one exception: Dartmoor National Park in England.Scotland — You can camp pretty much anywhere in Scotland that isn’t fenced in or cultivated land, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines. Camping must be lightweight, done in small numbers, and only for two or three nights in one place.France — Wild camping is permitted only on private land with the consent of the owner.Sweden — Camping is permitted for a maximum of two days.Norway — The right to roam, also called the right of access, or allemannsretten, confirms the public’s right to wild camp.Finland — Campers must be a suitable distance from homes or cabins.Denmark — While it’s illegal to wild camp wherever you want, you can pitch a maximum of two small tents together in at least 40 approved forests.Romania — Although not strictly allowed, wild camping is widely tolerated. Check with the landowner first.Iceland — Camping with no more than three tents is allowed on uncultivated ground for a single night, although the use of campsites is preferred.Slovakia — Wild camping is legal but forbidden in areas with a level three protection and above. Campfires are not permitted.Turkey — Wild camping in Turkey exists in a bit of a grey area. Technically, it’s not allowed, but the enforcement is lax. Many campers have reported success finding beautiful spots to camp for free, especially in the western part of the country.

Across the rest of Europe, wild camping is either strictly illegal — as in Italy, Croatia, and Portugal — or allowed but only in certain regions, such as in Spain. If you have any doubts, ask the landowner for their permission. You never know, they might be more than happy for you to set up camp for a night or two.

Wild camping in Australia and New Zealand

Photo: Tobin Akehurst/Shutterstock

Although you can wild camp pretty much anywhere in the Outback, Australian laws on wild camping elsewhere are surprisingly strict. Over the Christmas and New Year period alone, Byron Shire council doled out 218 infringement notices for illegal camping.

The good news for wild campers is that you can still get an “authentic” wild camping experience at thousands of certified “free camping” sites in national parks, state forests, and other rural locations across the country. As the name suggests, many of these offer few to no facilities and cost nothing to stay at, although for sites within the national parks you’ll need a permit and, in some cases, to book in advance.

If the above sounds too civilized and you’re still determined to wild camp, New Zealand’s regulations are more relaxed. Providing it’s not expressly prohibited, you are permitted to wild camp on public conservation land.

Wild camping in Africa, South America, and Asia

Photo: Calin Tatu/Shutterstock

While it is possible to wild camp in some nations in Africa, South America, and Asia, in large parts of these regions it is either illegal or too dangerous to do so, particularly if you’re not familiar with the local area or political climate. To experience camping in any of these places, it is strongly advised that you employ a guide who’ll be able to show you the safest place to camp.

What to pack for a wild camping trip

You know all the essentials you’re supposed to bring camping: wool socks, warm layers, bug spray, sunscreen — you get the idea. But when you go wild camping, you need to pack a few extras to see you through your trip safely.

Photo: LifeSaver

While purification tablets might seem cost-effective, they usually have a strong taste. Water filters, on the other hand, are easier to use and more convenient. If you’re planning on camping a lot, it’s worth investing in a compact Lifesaver water purifier, or even getting a bottle with an built-in filter.

Also pack enough food for your entire trip, plus a little extra in case of emergencies. Choose foods that are high in calories and don’t require refrigeration.

In remote areas, phone signals and GPS can be unreliable. A compass, used with a topographical map, allows you to find your bearings, orient the map, and pinpoint your location. This is essential for staying on track, finding your campsite, and safely navigating back to civilization if needed. National Geographic and Gaia GPS both have excellent maps you can download or print in advance. Just make sure you keep them somewhere dry like a waterproof case.

“Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints” applies to everything when you’re wild camping, including poop. Pack unscented toilet paper, a trowel (small, pointed shovel), and dog-poop bags or something similar. Then, if nature calls, bury your business at least six inches underground, and at least 200 feet from water. In some places you can burn the toilet paper in the hole, but in other areas all fires are prohibited. Best of all is to pack it out with you.

Photo: Amazon

A good quality, lightweight tent such as The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent, is essential for wild camping. Choose a tent that is appropriate for the conditions you will be facing, such as the number of occupants, the season, and the expected weather. Also a decent three-season sleeping bag will do the trick for most trips and sleeping pad will help to insulate you from the cold ground and make you more comfortable.

While any tent you buy for wild camping should weigh less than 4.5 lbs. (or 6.5 lbs. if you’re sharing the load between two), tents can be bulky and inconvenient to pitch and dismantle, not to mention expensive.

Bivvy bags (thin, waterproof bags used over the top of a sleeping bag) are a cheap, lightweight alternative. They’re only good for short trips of one to two nights, given the condensation that even the best ones leave inside sleeping bags. If you use one for longer, you’ll have to find a place to hang your sleeping bag to dry out. That said, bivvy bags are the best way to properly experience the outdoors — unless it rains.

If it does rain, you’re guaranteed to get wet in a bivvy bag. In that case, you can always rig a tarpaulin over you to keep the worst of the elements at bay. But if snow or heavy rain is forecast, or if you’re planning on wild camping for more than a few days, stick to the tent.

Just remember, wild camping doesn’t have to be a 100-mile, week-long trek. It could be as simple as packing a bag with enough gear for one night, setting off for a micro adventure, and getting home in time for breakfast. Although, as most wild campers will tell you, bacon and eggs cooked at sunrise somehow always taste much better.

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You Can Now Take Archery Lessons on a Cruise on Cunard’s Newest Ship

Cruise lines rack their brains to keep you entertained, especially when on sailings that involve a lot of sea days, like transatlantic cruises. From trivias to dancing lessons to origami workshops and pickleball tournaments, activities coordinators make sure that there’s always something on the program for passengers to have fun and learn something new. But no cruise line is going as far as Cunard in its quest to keep passengers occupied with a novel activity. On board Cunard’s newest ship, the Queen Anne, whose maiden voyage will take place on May 3, 2024, passengers will have the chance to practise archery, with real bows and arrows.

In the first-ever accredited archery activity at sea, Cunard will provide its passengers a free introduction to archery in a custom-designed, professional grade enclosure on board the Queen Anne. The introductory program, taught by fully trained and accredited instructors, will allow Cunard cruisers to learn the basic techniques of archery, as well as all the safety precautions needed for practise the sport. According to a Cunard spokesperson, “There will be face to face instruction on the range, exciting rounds of shooting, and of course, an incredible sea view. On longer voyages, the range can be made available for open shooting for those who complete the introduction and training sessions.”

While the new activity should be enough to make cruisers want to book a sailing on the Queen Anne, Cunard’s newest ship has a lot more going for it. The first new Cunard ship in 13 years, the Queen Anne will be the most contemporary of the fleet and the most luxurious, with two beautiful pools (one indoor and one enclosed by a glass dome that opens when the weather is good enough); one wellness studio and spa equipped with the usual steam bath and thermal loungers, as well as a cool room and Himalayan salt sauna; 15 restaurants, and beautifully decorated staterooms.

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This Cheap Phone Case Has Withstood My Outdoor Travel Lifestyle for 3 Years

I’ve had a cell phone since I was about 14 years old, and it seems like in that entire time, I’ve been trying to find the ideal phone case. Since I have pretty outdoorsy hobbies, and tend to be on the clumsy side, I know I’m hard on phones. But it used to be that in order to fully protect my phone, I had to have a big, bulky cell phone case.

But a few years ago, I tried a slim, light, and definitely inexpensive iPhone case: the Wāke case from Lifeproof (owned by Otterbox). It’s sleek, subtle, and has managed to withstand a hell of a lot more impact than I’d expect for the price.

If you’re in need of a cheap phone case that works like a champ, here’s why you may want to give the Wāke a try.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! 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.

It’s surprisingly durable

Yes, my phone is super-dirty — but it’s not scratched or broken. Photo: Suzie Dundas

I’m an outdoor writer and I live in the mountains, so my hobbies have the potential to break a phone (or my body, I suppose). Snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing can be hard on a phone. But somehow, this cheap phone case has managed to withstand it all.

Even on a day with no crashes or spills on the trails or slopes, I’m still tossing my phone on the ground or leaving it bouncing around in a plastic bin of bike gear. But that’s on a good day. Here’s a brief list of what I’ve put my phone through multiple times:

Having it fly out of my pocket while speedy downhill mountain biking (multiple times this year alone)Dropping it in the snow while snowshoeing (and potentially having it get run over by cross-county skiers)Dropped it on the floor of safari vehicles, seaplanes, and scuba diving boatsHaving it drop out of my pocket while climbing (certainly from higher than the six feet it says it can withstand)Dropped it on dirt, rocks, and boulders while camping and hiking

…and somehow, it’s spared my phone every time. Sure, it’s probably dumb luck to some degree, and the outcomes could have been different if the phone landed face-down instead of face-up. But I had this case on my phone for three years, and my screen didn’t have a scratch. For someone who mountain bikes almost every day in the summer, that’s pretty damn impressive. It says it’s only rated to protect phones for drops up to six feet/two meters, but it’s protected my phone for larger drops than that.

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It’s slim and fits in pockets

The cheap phone case is super-slim and doesn’t add any bulk to my phone. Photo: Suzie Dundas

I’ve used bulkier cell phone cases, some of which had multiple pieces, separate screen protectors, and plugs and flaps to cover the various ports. And they’re a huge, huge pain. Bulky, rubbery cases make it difficult to slid your phone into your pocket with one hand while snowboarding or climbing — and the extra bulk means it may not even fit in your pocket. I also don’t like the extra friction caused by bigger and grippier cases, as I find it makes my phone get caught more in pockets and bags.

But the Wāke cases are very slim. They add almost nothing to the width or size of my phone, and even with the case on, I can fit it in shorts or backpack pockets that are just barely big enough. The wave pattern on the back of the case certainly makes it much less slick than the glass phone alone, so it doesn’t slide off sheets when I toss it onto my bed or fall out if my open purse tips over. But it doesn’t have that rubbery, grippy finish that makes other cases get caught on every surface they touch.

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They’re made from ocean plastic

Despite being a relatively cheap phone case, items in the Wāke line are made from ocean plastics (mostly fishing waste). Photo: Otterbox

Phone sizes and shapes seem to change every time a new model comes out, which means you’ll probably need a new phone case every time you upgrade. Landfill plastics are an enormous program, to the point where merely stating that seems like it’s minimizing the issue. Some estimates suggest that humans throw away 1.8 billion cell phone cases per year, which could be true, when you consider that about 5 billion people around the world have cell phones.

While the Wāke cases aren’t themselves recyclable, they are made with recycled products, rather than new materials. Roughly 85 percent of each case is made from salvaged fishing gear (ocean trash, basically), and the all-cardboard packaging is fully recyclable. As a brand, about the half the material Otterbox uses comes from recycled plastic, rather than new materials.

I replaced my first Wāke case (this purple one) after three years — and bought the same one in green for my new phone. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Is it a perfect, long-term solution? No. But it’s a step in the right direction.

By the way, if you noticed the PopSocket on my phone: PopSocket runs a phone case recycling program. You can send them any old case you have (plus old PopSockets) and they’ll recycle them for you. If you’re someone who drops your phone a lot (say, while taking photos off the side of a boat or safari vehicle), I would very strongly suggest buying a PopSocket. Mine has stayed put on the back of the Wāke, even with the case’s raised wave pattern. And it makes holding my phone one-handed feel a heck of a lot more secure. It’s well worth the $10 or so they cost.

It’s not expensive

I have an iPhone 12 Pro, which I thought was pretty current, but apparently, I’m several models behind. But that’s great for me, because the Wāke case for an iPhone 12 Pro is between $7.75 and $9.99, depending on your color preference. Depending on what model you have, that number may go up a little, but it’s still a pretty cheap phone case, regardless.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $7The iPhone 12 Mini starts at $19The iPhone 13 case starts at $8The iPhone 13 Pro case starts at $10The Galaxy S22 (Samsung) starts at $10The Galaxy S22 Ultra (Samsung) starts at $12The downsides

Sure, some of the protection is probably due to dumb luck of falling the right away, but I’ve put this cheap case through the

The two primary cons I can think of for the Wāke case are that it’s not as durable as other cases, and the limited availability.

Personally, I’ve found the Wāke to be more than durable enough for my lifestyle, which is pretty darn active. But there’s no denying that it won’t protect your phone if it gets run over by a car or dropped from a five-story rooftop. For that, you probably need something bulkier and thicker, like the Defender XT, which comes in models for the iPhone 13 and 14, iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Pro, as well as other phones like the Pixel 8 and the Galaxy S24. It includes a screen protector (which the Wāke doesn’t have), but is also more expensive, at around $40-$65, depending on your phone model.

The second downside is that it seems the Wāke cases may be discontinued, since they only seem to be available for the iPhone 13 and earlier. So if you’re interested, you may want to snag one before they’re no longer available.

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