Matador Network's Blog, page 206
January 31, 2024
Tallest hotels in the world
If staring out across grand skylines from up in the clouds is part of your “perfect trip,” we have great news for you. Hotels make up a sizable percentage of the globe’s highest buildings, which means the views they offer can be yours. It’s no surprise that China and other Asian destinations have a strong showing. Of course, no list of notable structures would be complete without Dubai. Here are the world’s highest hotels with the best city views.
We hope you love the tallest hotel in the world — and the rest! 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.
JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai
Photo: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
See more photosHeight: 1,165’
Cost: Basic rooms run about $150/night.
It’s no surprise that Dubai has a firm presence on the list. The saying “Everything is bigger” may belong to Texas, but Dubai certainly has rights to “Everything is grander.” In that light, this eclectic city in the United Arab Emirates boasts the tallest hotel in the world – in which the hotel occupies the entire building. As an added bonus, rooms are surprisingly affordable.
Ritz Carlton Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Photo: Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
See more photosHeight: 1,608’
Cost: Basic rooms run just over $400/night.
The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong is technically the tallest hotel in the world, even if it doesn’t occupy the entire building like the JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai. The Ritz Carlton occupies floors 102 thru 118 of the International Commerce Center, putting hotel guests far above the bustling (and incredibly photogenic) city.
Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Bangkok
Photo: Vio
See more photosHeight: 1,014’
Cost: Basic rooms start around $70/night.
One of the most affordable options on the list, the Baiyoke Sky Hotel offers guests an unrivaled view of one of the world’s most exciting and raucous cities. From up this high, you may find yourself unable to tell east from west — Bangkok’s skyline seemingly goes on forever.
Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou
Photo: Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou
See more photosHeight: 1,439’
Cost: Basic rooms start around $260/night.
Four Seasons has built its brand on unparalleled luxury combined with hefty doses of local flavors. The hotel offers a pool on the 69th floor and views from high above the Zhujian River. As a hotel guest, you’ll probably spend most of your time staring out over one of China’s most underrated cities.
85 Sky Tower Hotel, Taiwan
Photo: Vio.com
See more photos
Height: 1,240’
Cost: Basic rooms run about $100/night.
85 Sky Tower looks like something straight out of Star Trek. It’s pronged, resulting in one of the most uniquely beautiful skyscrapers anywhere in the world. The US dollar is strong in Taiwan and 85 Sky Tower is located far south of the bustling megacity of Taipei, leaving you with extra cash to splurge on dining and drinks to enjoy over your view of the Asian island’s southern tip and the South China Sea.
Grand Hyatt Shanghai, Shanghai
Photo: Grand Hyatt Shanghai
See more photosHeight: 1,380’
Cost: Basic rooms start just under $300/night.
The Grand Hyatt touts its hospitality service as on par with the views at its iconic hotel in Shanghai’s Pudong district. The area has, in many ways, grown around the hotel itself, meaning that not only are the views dramatic, but staying here puts you right in the middle of the action.
Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Photo: Burj Al Arab
See more photosHeight: 1,053’
Cost: Get ready for a serious ding to the bank account. Rooms start around $1,200/night (but hey, enjoy that private beach!).
The Burj Al Arab isn’t the tallest hotel on the list, but has two distinct characteristics: it’s located offshore, making it the tallest offshore hotel in the world. Additionally, it’s shaped like an Arabian Dhow sail, making it incredibly distinct even from far away.
Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, Dubai
Photo: Rose Rayhaan by Rotana
See more photosHeight: 1,093’
Cost: Rooms start at just under $100/night.
Another high-rise Dubai legend, the Rose Rayhaan towers about the city just a few blocks from the Persian Gulf coast. The views and the upscale experience they complement make this hotel a destination in itself. You’ll have to enjoy the view over a virgin beverage, however, as the Rotana brand is alcohol-free.
Gevora Hotel, Dubai
Photo: Vio.com
See more photos
Height: 1,174’
Cost: Rooms start around $100/night.
You might wake up surrounded by clouds at the Gevora, especially with a room on one of the upper floors. The views of Dubai are amazing, but you’ll have a tough time finding a drink — the Gevora is another hotel which doesn’t sell alcohol. 
Passengers Open Up About What It’s Like To Go on a 9-Month Cruise Around the World
How would you define a reality TV show? Probably as a group of strangers thrown together in a luxurious or foreign locale, engaging in various activities where romance, conflict, and hysterics could ensue. By that definition, cruises are a reality show without the cameras, which makes Royal Caribbean’s nine-month Ultimate World Cruise the perfect reality show. Oh, and thanks to iPhones and TikTok, the cameras are there too.
What exactly does a 9-month cruise look like?The Ultimate World Cruise is a 9-month voyage around the world, which left Miami on December 10, 2023, and is slated to return on September 10, 2024. Taking place on the Serenade of the Seas, the cruise will tour the Americas, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Mediterranean, and Europe. And yes, that even includes Antarctica. Passengers can choose to board for the full nine months, or simply join for one of the various legs. Obviously, the full nine months will set passengers back a hefty sum, ranging from $54,000 to $117,000 per person.
The cruise differs from a typical 7-night voyage in several crucial ways. Mainly – you’re not just on a short-lived vacation with your fellow passengers. You’ve essentially moved into a floating apartment building with them for almost a full year. You’re also putting your real life, relationships, and potentially careers, on hold. So what kind of person takes a trip like this? Who can just depart from their everyday responsibilities for a 9-month jaunt around the world? Surprisingly, it’s not just retirees and millionaires.
@little_rat_brain Might have froze myself half to death but my paint did stay on the table during arts and craft, so there’s that . #ultimateworldcruise2023 #9monthcruise #9monthcruisetok #ultimateworldcruise #drakeshake #drakepassage #9monthcruisedrama #ultimateworldcruisebingo ♬ Feeling Good – Michael Bublé
Several passengers have been documenting their voyages on a day-to-day basis and sharing their videos on TikTok. Now, people are following their journey like they’d follow a reality show. According to these passengers-turned-social-media-reality stars, here’s what it’s like to live on a cruise for nine months.
Who takes a 9-month cruise, anyway?As it turns out, you don’t need to be a millionaire with a ton of savings in the bank and absolutely zero responsibilities back home. This is the age of remote work, and the era of taking some time off the 9-5 grind to find yourself.
“My husband and I have always dreamed of traveling the world,” Jenny Hunnicutt, one of the cruise’s passengers, tells Matador Network. “The day that Royal Caribbean announced that it was doing the longest world cruise ever, we gave them a call with a list of questions. One by one they answered our questions and the next thing we knew we were putting down a deposit!”
@drjennytravels I hope everyone had a very happy new year!Cheers to 2024! #drjennytravels #ultimateworldcruise #worldcruisetok #cruisetok #uwc #royalcaribbean #Serenadeoftheseas #royalcaribbeanworldcruise #9monthcruisetok #9monthcruise ♬ original sound – drjennytravels
Jenny and her husband didn’t exactly leave behind a traditional lifestyle, either. It’s actually not as hard as you think to take off for several months, assuming you’ve set yourself up the right way professionally and lifestyle-wise.
“In 2021 I went completely remote in my business, sold everything, bought an RV, and started traveling the US,” she says. “For this world cruise, we left the RV stored in Las Vegas and are planning to return to it when we finish the 9 months at sea.”
For little_rat_brain, another passenger, the cruise functioned as a little life intermission, while also serving her travel goals.
“I’m an artist, so my schedule is flexible,” she says. “I was in between major milestones and the timing worked out. Not only was this the only cruise that would allow me to see so many different places across the world and meet so many new people, but it was also the fact that I would only have to unpack once.”
And though she does have a house to consider, she’s not exactly letting it fall into disrepair during her stint at sea. Relatives are caring for her house.
As you might expect, however, longer cruises like this typically appeal to an older demographic – people who have the time and means for a longer getaway.
“While the people on this ship come from a wide variety of demographics,” says passengers Nancy and Mike, “as you can imagine, many of the people on board are retired, simply because of the length of this adventure. Life is short and we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Our children are all grown and married, and our grandchildren won’t remember we were ever gone, so this really seemed like the best time.”
@livingphase2 #livingphase2 #royalcarribeancruise #royalcaribbean #royalcaribbeanworldcruise #worldcruisers #ultimateworldcruise #secondphaseoflife #uwc #rainjacket ♬ original sound – MikeandNancyLP2
And all they needed to keep their business back home running smoothly? WiFi.
“We own our own business and have a general manager running it while we are away,” they say. “We have internet so we have contact with our business regularly. Our bills are paid online, and we have a housesitter managing our home while we are away.”
What life is like onboardLife aboard a 9-month cruise is quite different from your typical week-long voyage. On shorter cruises, you might make “vacation friends” who you hang with for a couple days and vow to stay in touch, only to inevitably lose contact three months later. You might get to know a few crew member’s names just as the cruise is drawing to a close. On a nine-month cruise, your fellow passengers aren’t just incidental travel companions bound together by proximity, they’re like neighbors in adjacent apartments in a floating shared community. They’re not just people you might run into at dinner once or twice during the week, they’re semi-permanent fixtures of your world for nine months, with whom you’ll have the time to form actual relationships.
@little_rat_brain Another bingo card down . #ultimateworldcruise2023 #9monthcruisetok #ultimateworldcruisebingo #northsea ♬ It's Five O'Clock Somewhere – Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett
According to little_rat_brain, “for the past 26 nights I’ve had dinner with seven other people, and over time, we have become so interconnected. Not only do we look for each other at the different activities, but we’ve already made plans to meet up once the cruise ends and visit each other across the world.”
Hunnicutt agrees, saying that she’s “already formed what I would consider lifelong friendships with many of the passengers. And unlike a short vacation cruise, we are also getting to know the crew and their life stories. Everyone here has a shared love for travel, and we all gave up quite a bit in life in one way or another to do this cruise, so it’s a really special experience.”
The 9 Best Small Towns in the US for a Wellness Centered Vacation
The 9 Best Small Towns in the US for a Wellness Centered VacationBy: Matador Staff
Photo: DBSOCALWellness travel is booming. By one measure, the amount that people spend on wellness travel has grown 12 percent each year since 2020, and will continue to grow another 52 percent by 2027. That said, the concept of “wellness” is a broad one. For some, it’s a soak in a natural hot spring in a place like Matador’s wellness destination of the year, Calistoga, California. For others, it’s a chance to partake in yoga classes or learn from meditation experts.
These days, it’s not too difficult to find some sort of wellness related activity anywhere you travel. However, there are some areas of the United States that particularly stand out as conducive to feeling better when you leave than when you arrived. Those trips are all the more charming when based in small towns that don’t have just a spa or two, but an entire wellness ecosystem with many ways to embrace a mentally and physically satisfying lifestyle.
These are the nine best small towns in the US for a wellness-centered vacation in 2024.
Contributors: Alex Bresler, Eben Diskin, Katie Scott Aiton, Morgane Croissant, Suzie Dundas, and Tim Wenger
We hope you love the places 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.
Nāʻālehu, Hawaiʻi
Life in the small community of Nāʻālehu is slow and low-key. And that is exactly how the locals like it. Nāʻālehu, Hawai’ian for “the volcanic ashes,” is indeed located in a highly volcanic region, around 60 miles from Kona Town on the Big Island. Visitors en route to Volcanoes National Park tend to pause here for refreshments, but if you’re looking for a peaceful wellness getaway without tourists, Nāʻālehu is a little haven.
Known for its tranquil atmosphere, the remote coastal hamlet is surrounded by lush forests and nearby coffee plantations. The stunning region also has a couple of notable beaches — the green sand beach at Papakōlea (one of only four green sand beaches in the world) and Punalu’u’s black sand beach (one of the most famous black-sand beaches in Hawai’i).
Don’t plan a trip to the community expecting luxury modern spa amenities. In Nāʻālehu, healing comes from slowing down and connecting with yourself and nature. If you’re looking for guidance, consider joining a yoga retreat at Earthsong Sanctuary. Throughout the year, it offers transformational experiences at the sustainable, off-the-grid ashram.
Relying on the sun and wind for power and without WiFi, Earthsong Sanctuary offers you an opportunity to tune into the land. This June, you can join yogis Cole Chance and Christine Calvert for an eight-day, seven-night retreat. With teaching on topics such as the importance of community, nurturing rest, permaculture, and practical exploration of asanas, somatic movement, and holotropic breathwork, the week promises a holistic experience. It’s also worth noting that both Chance and Calvert specialize in recovery after trauma and chemical dependency. Prices range from $2750 to $3250, depending on the choice of accommodation.
Photos: Billy McDonald/Shutterstock, KieferPix/Shutterstock, Billy McDonald/Shutterstock Ojai, CaliforniaWellness lovers, say “oh, hi” to Ojai. Located an hour and a half north of Los Angeles, Ojai is a city that eats, sleeps, and breathes the balanced life, from its vineyards and farmers markets, to its recuperative inns, to the open-air trails in nearby Los Padres National Forest that welcome hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike.
For a place with fewer than 8,000 residents, Ojai manages to fit an impressive number of well-being spaces into its city limits. There are day spas and spa resorts. (Spa Ojai at the Ojai Valley Inn is particularly renowned for signature treatments such as its sauna-like kuyam sessions, inspired by traditional Chumash practices, and its flower seed CBD scrub and massage.) There are several yoga studios and fitness centers. There are also venues for the spiritually inclined, notably the Krotona Institute of Theosophy and the Krishnamurti Education Center, which has a library that grants visitors encyclopedic access to the teachings of the Indian thinker, writer, and speaker Jiddu Krishnamurti.
For the ultimate wellness experience in Ojai, beeline to Meditation Mount for a quick visit or a longer retreat. The full-moon meditation sessions are a specialty, but you can also participate in goings-on ranging from morning or sunset sound meditations to yoga nidra sessions.
Traveling to Southern California? Check out Matador’s California accommodation guides:
11 Must-Book Solvang Airbnbs in California’s ‘Little Denmark’The Best Cannabis-Friendly Airbnbs in Los AngelesExtend Your Trip at These Airbnbs Along Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Route Photos: Kristin Baalman/Shutterstock, Thomas Barrat/Shutterstock, Stylestock/Shutterstock Stockbridge, MassachusettsDriving through the mountains of western Massachusetts, it’s hard not to be relaxed. The bucolic towns and quiet pace of life alone are enough to take the stress out of life, and when you add in the area’s world-class spas and wellness centers, the Berkshires ranks as one of the most rejuvenating parts of the country.
That’s largely thanks to the town of Stockbridge. With a population of under 2,000, the town is regionally famous for Kripalu, its popular health and wellness retreat. A former Jesuit seminary, the 160,000 square-foot property now hosts workshops on yoga, mindfulness, meditation, Buddhist healing, and self-help. There are also over 100 acres of hiking trails with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and Lake Mahkeenac. When you book a stay at Kripalu, daily classes and workshops are included, as well as all-natural meals.
For those seeking a more traditional spa experience, the Seven Salon Spa is just down the road in downtown Stockbridge. Offering massages, facials, waxing, and hair and beauty treatments in a historic building, the spa is perfect for those looking to add a dose of wellness to their trip but who don’t have time for a full multi-day retreat.
Lenox, the town just 10 minutes away, also has a wide range of wellness offerings. Canyon Ranch offers a luxurious spa retreat, similar — though much smaller in scale — to Kripalu, while outdoor spaces like Kennedy Park and Parsons Marsh Reserve offer plenty of opportunities to disconnect, immerse yourself in nature, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Berkshires (which especially pops on a Berkshires fall road trip).
Photos: Albert Pego/Shutterstock, Bob Pool/Shutterstock, Shanshan0312/Shutterstock Chena, AlaskaAn hour from Fairbanks and surrounded by Alaskan wilderness, Chena is a town of just over 100 people on the Tanana River. Formerly used as a shipping and mining town during the Alaska Gold Rush in the early 1900s, it’s now famous for its Chena Hot Springs Resort, known all over Alaska as one of the most luxurious and relaxing hot springs in the state. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or winter, Chena is the perfect day trip or even full weekend getaway from Fairbanks, offering pools, spa treatments, a restaurant, and an ice museum.
The main attraction here is the geothermal Rock Lake, with forest views on all sides. There’s also an indoor and outdoor hot tub. If you don’t mind enduring six excruciating seconds of frigid temperatures when you get out, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as dipping into an outdoor hot tub in the Alaskan winter while surrounded by snow-covered trees. Small cabins serve as massage therapy centers, and there’s an onsite greenhouse where the resort’s cozy restaurant gets all its produce. But even when you’re done lounging in the pools and hot tubs, and finished with your massage, there’s still the property’s many hiking and horseback riding trails. In the winter, you can go dog sledding and try your luck spotting the northern lights. There’s even an ice museum on the property. The world’s longest year-round ice environment, the ice museum features over 1,000 tons of ice formed into sculptures.
You can stay onsite at the resort itself, in one of its lodges, yurts, or traditional hotel rooms, or spend the night in your own camper or RV. Since Fairbanks is just an hour away, it’s also easy to stay in Fairbanks and head to Chena for a day trip.
Traveling to Alaska? Check out Matador’s Alaska accommodation guides:
11 Airbnbs in Alaska for a Gorgeous Summer VacationAnchorage’s Best Airbnbs: Where Your Only Neighbors Have Antlers and FurGo To Alaska’s Stillpoint Lodge for Wilderness Adventure and Cliffside Luxury Photos: joojoob27/Shutterstock, UltraBlue1215/Shutterstock, Courtesy of Travel Alaska/Chris McLennan Ogunquit, MaineMaine is nicknamed “Vacationland” for a reason. The state’s southeastern beach towns are just over an hour from Boston, but when you pull into your cozy seaside inn or historic hotel, breathe the salty air, and smell fresh seafood pretty much everywhere you walk, the stress of everyday life melts away.
For those really looking to plunge into a pampered wellness experience, head to the Cliff House. Perched high above the rocks about a 5-minute drive south of Ogunquit, the Cliff House is a sprawling, yet secluded, resort where you can spend the night in the hotel and take advantage of the world-class spa. The spa has everything from massage and advanced skincare treatments to body rituals, wraps, and facials. In keeping with the aesthetic of the resort itself, there are several nautically-inspired treatments like “A Walk on the Beach” (full body massage and foot ritual), the “Untamed Maine” (massage and mud wrap), and the “Soul of the Ocean” (a healing and stress-relief treatment). The Meadowmere Resort is another upscale spa experience right in the heart of Ogunquit, offering everything from body scrubs to wraps and facial rejuvenation. And since it’s so centrally located, you can easily walk from here to any of the town’s seafood restaurants or coastal walking paths.
You might think it doesn’t get more relaxing than an upscale spa resort, but in Ogunquit, the most tranquil activity is probably walking Marginal Way. This leisurely 1.25-mile cliff walk runs along the water and rocky beaches from the Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort to Perkins Cove. Along the way you’ll find viewpoints, benches to sit and relax, a lighthouse overlooking Ogunquit beach, and sailboats pulling in and out of the cove.
Photos: haveseen/Shutterstock, Cliff House Sedona, ArizonaSedona is one of the best small towns to visit in 2024 if you’re keen on wellness – but that’s nothing new for Sedona, which has long been the center of new age wellness in the West. Even before it rose to prominence in the 1979 as one of several energy “vortices” (i.e. a vortex, or sacred spot where natural energy from the earth can lead to healing and peacefulness), it was a popular spot for modern wellness seekers looking for natural beauty and a place to find peace and quiet.
Today, the town still has that reputation, and with a population of around 10,000, it’s not hard to find views without any other people in sight. If anything, Sedona has leaned into its reputation for holistic, modern, and nonconventional wellness. Yes, it still has fantastic spa resorts like the luxurious L’Auberge de Sedona and the Wilde Resort. But New Age wellness runs the gambit, and there are plenty of places where visitors on more of a hostel budget can experience the vortex energy.
You can hike to one of the seven sacred sites around Sedona, all said to radiate their own healing energy (popular Cathedral Rock is one of them). The town has dozens of yoga schools and classes, as well as traditional spas and self-care destinations. Fitness activities like mountain biking, running, rafting, and golfing are also popular. For a well-timed visit, plan around the Sedona Yoga Festival from March 14 to 17.
But what really makes Sedona a top wellness town is the people, and it doesn’t take very much time wandering Sedona’s downtown main street to see that the town embraces an open-minded, self-care philosophy. There’s no shortage of crystal stores and spiritual shops, healing hikes and rebirth journeys are a totally normal thing to do on the weekends, and you’ll find near-daily activities focused on self-care, detox, and Eastern-inspired wellness techniques. And when you chat with locals, whether that’s a yoga instructor, a restaurant server, or even fellow nature enthusiasts on the town’s hundreds of desert hiking and mountain bike trails, you’ll quickly notice that it’s a town where nature is valued, personal growth is encouraged, and wellness is as much about mental fortitude as it is physical activity.
Traveling to the Sedona area? Check out Matador’s Arizona accommodation guides:
5 Restorative Spa Hotels in Sedona, Arizona’s Wellness Capital 20 Sedona Airbnbs With Incredible Access To the Outdoors Photos: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock, DBSOCAL/Shutterstock, Lynne Neuman/Shutterstock Glenwood Springs, ColoradoThrow a dart at the map toward the Colorado Rockies and there’s a good chance you’ll end up somewhere near Aspen. This is a good thing for those seeking a mental health reset, particularly if that dart lands on Glenwood Springs. Forty-five minutes from the acclaimed ski town and its airport, Glenwood offers a mountain town experience free from the glitz, glamor, and purse-bound poodles found in Aspen, and is an ideal place to turn your mind inward while soothing the body and soul.
The town is most known for its Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, which features large mineral pools of varying temperatures and a new addition of smaller, more intimate soaking pools. To unwind in a quieter setting, head to nearby Iron Mountain Hot Springs and settle into its nearly three dozen cozy mineral baths. To fully disconnect and really focus on your wellbeing, rent a cabin or shepherd’s wagon at nearby Avalanche Ranch and take advantage of 24-hour access to the ranch’s mineral pools in a beautiful, high-altitude setting surrounded by the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and the towering 14,131-foot Capitol Peak.
Glenwood Springs is built to be bikeable and walkable and public transit is free, so there’s no need to stress about driving to get to The Yoga Collective, a wellness-focused yoga studio located on the south end of downtown. Nourishing cuisine can be found downtown at Masala & Curry, with The Local on Cooper being the spot for a morning coffee and journaling session. The town is lined with hiking and biking trails, including the popular Hanging Lake hike and the short-but-steep jaunt to Doc Holliday’s gravesite. The Rio Grande Trail runs a mostly paved path from Glenwood Springs to Aspen that takes much of a day to bike but comes with excellent views of the Rockies in all directions.
The Hotel Denver offers the easiest access to the town center, located directly across from the train station on the pedestrian-friendly Seventh Street. From here, you can walk to the hot springs resort and stop to take in the view from the pedestrian bridge across the Colorado River en route. Alternatively, The Hotel Colorado is a historic property across the river from downtown that overlooks the hot springs and city.
Photos: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock, davisdeatonphotography/Shutterstock, Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock Mineral Wells, TexasRumor has it that, in the late 19th century, a woman cured her severe dementia by drinking water from the town of Mineral Wells in Texas. While the story remains unverified to this day, it made for good publicity for the then newly laid out little town. The well from where the healing water came from was quickly named the “Crazy Well,” its mineral water was branded “Crazy Water,” and visitors started flocking to the small town in the hope of relieving their ailments. Well over 100 years later, people still visit Mineral Wells to enjoy its wellness offerings – including full glasses of Crazy Water (AKA the Famous Mineral Water Company), the only local brand of mineral water remaining today.
But, of course, there’s more to Mineral Wells than just glasses of miracle water. The town has exceptional health and wellness opportunities, including the yearly Crazy Wellness Day festival where those in need of some me-time can take part in mindfulness and nutrition workshops, yoga classes, dance lessons, and more. In 2024, Crazy Wellness Day will take place on June 8 at the beautiful Crazy Water Hotel. Whether or not you participate in the festival, the Crazy Water Hotel is the place to stay in town if you want to relax in infrared saunas, get massages, body or facial treatments, try out rooftop yoga, or soak in the local therapeutic mineral waters. The establishment is also home to a newly opened farm-to-table restaurant Second bar + Kitchen, so you can refuel after loosening up. If you’re not staying overnight, go straight to the Crazy Water Bath House & Spa and try out one of the many spa services, including body scrubs, deep tissue massages, and more.
Mineral Wells is less than 1.5 hours west of Dallas, and 3.5 hours from Austin, making it a great option for a wellness weekend getaway from the city.
Photos: Visit Mineral Wells Newport, Rhode IslandWhile sailing and historic mansions have primarily defined Newport, Rhode Island, the town has another claim to fame for the wellness minded: its spas. The city is packed with wellness institutes offering just about everything you need to let loose and thrive, from hydrotherapy to Thai body rituals, traditional Chinese medicine treatments, yoga classes, sound healing sessions, and much more.
If you’re looking for a deluxe massage and a facial in a beautiful setting, pay a visit to the upscale Castle Hill Inn Spa. The 40-acre property is also a lovely place to stay and dine if you’re able to splurge a little. Similarly, the newly renovated Newport Harbor Island Resort is an elegant venue where you can get manicures, massages, facials, hair removal treatments, and more – all with ocean views. Of course, you can stay in one of the lovely guest rooms and enjoy the four on-site dining venues. Both properties are outside of the downtown so you can relax well away from the urban hustle and bustle.
But, of course, in a town where wellness offerings abound, you’re likely to be tempted into trying something a little more niche. The Bodhi Spa specializes in what it calls the Water Journey, a way of healing and relaxing by applying water to the body in all its forms and temperature: steam and sauna sessions, ice plunges, and hot mineral soaks. DRIPBaR offers more unusual treatments such as intravenous vitamin drips and intramuscular shots meant to give you an immunity a boost. Similarly, the Avalon Medical Spa menu includes injections to improve sexual wellness such as “O-shots” (Orgasm shots) for women and “P-shots” (Priapus shots) for men, as well as a wealth of laser treatments, collagen inductions, and more. Those who’d rather enjoy less clinical and more New-Age wellness offerings can head straight to Recharge Newport to take part in ecotherapy sessions, transformational soul coaching sessions, dream analysis sessions, tarot reading, among other alternative choices.
Photos: The Retreat at Castle Hill Inn; Discover Newport/Corey Favino @media(max-width:900px) {.mn-pb__hero-slider-gallery .bx-pager .bx-pager__type { display: none; }}The Most Convenient Airbnbs in Kolkata, India
First established as an East India Company trading post, Calcutta served as India’s capital under the British Raj between 1772 and 1911. It was officially renamed Kolkata in 2001 to reflect Bengali pronunciation and has become a center for culture and the arts with 13 major festivals occurring every year.
Kolkata is divided into North Kolkata, Central Kolkata, and South Kolkata. The historic northern district is fast-paced and boisterous with an energy that thrills or terrifies. Central Kolkata is a contemporary business and commercial hub with posh shopping and grandiose monuments fanning out from Dharmatalla. The south end comprises hushed suburbs, green spaces, and a larger choice of Kolkata Airbnbs. The satellite city of Bidhannagar (Salt Lake City) sits to the east and is a popular base for families with younger children.
When choosing where to stay in Kolkata, know that the metro is sophisticated, the preserved tram system is a joy, and Uber/Ola taxis are plentiful. These awesome Airbnbs in Kolkata let you experience the charisma of the West Bengal capital.
Traveling to India? Check out Matador’s India accommodations guides: The Best Rajasthan Airbnbs Throughout the Blue City, Jaisalmer, and Jaipur The Most Convenient Airbnbs in Udaipur, India The most luxurious hotels on the coastline of Goa, India Goa, India Offers the Country’s Coolest Airbnbs. These 11 Are Proof. 7 luxury hotels in Jaipur with the finest hospitality in Rajasthan Experience the best of Mumbai from these cozy Airbnbs These Jaipur Airbnbs put you in the heart of a beautiful city The Best Hotels Near the Taj Mahal With Incredible Views and Service These New Delhi Airbnbs Help You Find Your Footing in a Massive City These Airbnbs let you sleep near the Taj Mahal
We hope you love these Airbnb Kolkata vacation rentals! 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.
Homestay villa in Kolkata for large families
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis four-bedroom vacation home is one of the few options for larger groups. The kitchen is shared with the host couple who will provide a complimentary Bengali breakfast plus additional meals at a surcharge. They also offer cooking classes and contacts for private yoga instructors. Rooms are sumptuously decorated and the terrace is a bonus.
Sixteen+ guests, four bedrooms
Price: $216 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosSandwiched within walking distance of the Chandni and New markets, there’s no chance of starving during a stay at this Guest Favorite rental in Central Kolkata. It’s a snug wee place with one bedroom plus a small seating area attached to the kitchen but thoughtfully equipped for the modern explorer. All amenities are accounted for – that includes a washing machine to keep the light travelers happy.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $34 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosRoll out of bed and into the tourism epicenter at this Guest Favorite Kolkata Airbnb near the Indian Museum and Eden Gardens. Recently renovated and meticulously attired, it’s clean enough to eat right off the kitchen counter. This one might be a tight squeeze for a couple staying longer than a few nights but a solo traveler will feel comfortable here. This second-floor apartment has a lift – a rarity in Kolkata.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $29 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosOne of the best Kolkata Airbnbs for families, this centrally located residence is a short taxi ride from Park Street and the Victoria Memorial. The home is nicely outfitted with a large dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and personalized touches throughout. The verdant backyard is the pièce de résistance with its swing bench and koi fish pond perfect for snatching a moment of calm.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $105 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosSwap the bazaars for the serenity of Bidhannagar, an upscale satellite city of Kolkata with wetlands and water parks. This apartment for couples occupies the top floor of a family home and has its own kitchen and bathroom. The hosts are always down to mingle over chai in the shared backyard or up on the roof although guest privacy is the number one priority.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $39 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis roomy rental unit roosts on the second floor of a traditional house in Salt Lake City. All bedrooms have a balcony overlooking the streets and access to the rooftop plant nursery is available on request. Period furnishings and Bengali artifacts fill the space while all the necessary crockeries and appliances are installed. Guests are invited to pop by the homeowner’s cafe, the Verandah, for a bite.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $60 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis light and bright studio is located south of downtown on the peaceful shores of the Rabindra Sarovar lakes. It’s tricked out for a couple or a solo digital nomad with a comfy bed, work desk, and shower room. Golfers will appreciate the proximity to Kolkata’s premium golf clubs. There’s no kitchen but the host has a lengthy list of restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance.
Two guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $17 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosForgo Google Maps and throw yourself into the tangled Old Street neighborhoods and the ritzy dining spots of Park Street in this super-central Kolkata Airbnb. The kitchen contains everything required to rustle up a DIY thali to enjoy on the rooftop. This sunny patio is awash with flora and plants to balance out the urban atmosphere.
Three guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $24 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosFive minutes from Kalighat Metro Station and the Rabindra Sarovar lakes, this Airbnb in Kolkata occupies the first floor of a 70-year-old house. The self-contained apartment unfurls into a fragrant courtyard garden of clerodendrum and bougainvillea. Expect to hear nothing but the sound of birdsong and the occasional chanting of the host – a Nichiren Buddhism practitioner – from above.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $48 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosSituated in the so-called “English neighborhood,” this cozy condo on Park Street is a sight for sore eyes – and throbbing feet. The proportions do veer on the smaller side but the pad is beautifully turned out with a kitchen, laundry facilities, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Abanindranath Tagore Sarani (formerly Camac Street) is a five-minute walk while New Market is 10 minutes by taxi or rickshaw.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $41 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosNorth Kolkata is where to stay for squashy bylanes and non-stop noise that’ll leave your head aspin. Those very characteristics that see travelers return time after time to India’s cities. This colorful apartment and rooftop oasis frequented by birds is just the tonic to the busy streets of Old Town, formerly Sutanuti village. There are dozens of restaurants downstairs and you can bring takeout hauls up to the patio.
Three guests, two bedrooms
Price: $34 per night
January 30, 2024
A New Study Found The Best Time To Buy Domestic Flights in 2024
When picking a flight to get to where you need (or want) to be, it’s almost always a hassle to know if you’re getting the best deal. Let’s face it: The traveler who repeatedly searches for the “best time to buy flights” but still comes out buying that expensive plane ticket isn’t alone. Flight prices are a moving target, and an answer one year doesn’t necessarily work the next. For 2024, flight booking company CheapAir released its 10th annual Airfare Study on how to score the best deal for domestic flights in 2024.
The findings go over the best day to book a flight, the prime booking window, flight booking zones, which days of the week and months are the best to fly and travel, and even the effects of seasonality when traveling. For this study, CheapAir used its own first-party data and analyzed over one billion flight prices across 8,000 markets throughout the United States.
The study found that the best time to purchase domestic travel tickets in 2024 is 42 days before departure. When determining the best time to book, include factors like destination, budget, and travel dates. These three factors are essential when trying to find the best deal, and can make that booking window larger or smaller. It turns out that planning too far ahead can cost you. The study found ticket prices are 36 percent higher 206 to 315 days in advance compared to the prime booking window of 21 to 74 days in advance. That’s worse than booking late (seven to 13 days in advance is about 26 percent costlier than the prime window) but better than booking very last minute (booking the same week of departure is about 59 percent more expensive than the prime window).
Although the idea that flying on a less popular travel day of the week will lead to lower prices has been debated by travel experts, CheapAir found for the second year in a row that Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly. Flying on Wednesday saves on average $103 versus Sunday, the most expensive day to fly. Along with days, the cheapest months to fly are January and February, whereas the most costly are November and July.
If you want to dive deeper into the optimal time to fly, CheapAir also has a “Best Time to Buy Flights” widget where you can put in your destination and it will give you the best times to fly and when you should book your tickets.
The best time to buy flights, according to CheapAir’s dataThe cheapest day of the week to fly is Wednesday, saving you an average of $102 compared to Sunday, the most expensive day of the week.The prime booking window to purchase a flight is 21 to 74 days before departure, followed by 75 to 205 days before departure. Booking further in advance often results in higher average prices, as does booking closer to 21 days before departure.January is the least expensive month to fly, followed by February. Flights in January save travelers around $125 compared to flying in November or July, which are the most costly months.When a ticket is on sale, the price changes 49 times on average, with each change an average of $95 each time.The data indicates that regardless of the day of the week, the average difference for low fare tickets for airline tickets is less than $1.Winter is the least expensive season to travel, and fall and summer are the most costly seasons.More like thisAirports + FlyingThe 9 Major US Airlines, Ranked From the Most To Least LegroomThe Hippest and Coolest Airbnbs in Minneapolis
Minneapolis stands out for its art museums, its lakes, and its sporting prowess. The largest city in Minnesota sits on the west banks of the Mississippi River whereas its Twin City and the state capital is a short journey on the light railway.
Divided into Downtown West, Downtown East, and the North Loop (Warehouse District), the downtown district is where to stay in Minneapolis for ease of getting around. Between the Skyway, light rail, and Lyft/Uber, there’s no need to rent a car. Neighborhoods south of Interstate 94 are ideal for a quieter experience and proximity to the Chain of Lakes. These top-rated Airbnbs in Minneapolis put you close to downtown and the water.
Matador’s guides to the best of Airbnb Categories: 10 Remote, Off-The-Grid Airbnbs Where You Can Get Away From It All The 11 Most Beautiful Converted Churches You Can Stay in Around the World on Airbnb Airbnb Just Made Windmills a Category, and These 9 Have Us Planning a Trip Airbnb Now Has a Towers Category. These 9 Will Climb Your Bucket List Airbnb Launched a Tiny Homes Category, and We’re Already Planning Trips Around These 11 11 Properties in Airbnb’s New OMG! Category You Won’t Believe Are Real These Are the Coolest Properties in Airbnb’s New Play Category These Beautiful Accessible Properties Showcase the Best of Airbnb’s Adapted Category These Are the Most Impressive Listings in Airbnb’s New Trending Category These Unique Abodes Showcase the Best of Airbnb’s Top of the World Category
We hope you love these Airbnb Minneapolis vacation rentals! 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.
North Loop loft with amazing views
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis ridiculously cool apartment is all concrete, exposed piping, and voyeuristic windows for scoping out the city skyline. Kick off an evening in the trendy Warehouse District clinking cocktails at the island or sipping a beer on the patio. This is covered for year-round grilling and feasting. The host – make that Superhost – can arrange personal chefs and mobile saunas or score you a cheap gym pass.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $235 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosOne of the coolest Minneapolis Airbnbs for couples or solo travelers, this one-bedroom apartment is beautifully turned out with luxurious fittings and top-of-the-line cookware. Flop onto that velvet couch after a busy afternoon exploring the city and round off a summer stay with a dip in the shared plunge pool. All sights are 15 minutes or less from the building and Lyft/Ubers are plentiful.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $79 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosCute as a button, this 1901 carriage house has been artfully recreated as a unique vacation home. Natural light swirls around an exposed staircase in the heart of the home and the huge backyard is lovely for travelers with kids or sun worshippers. The property is located in a quiet residential zone in Elliot Park five blocks from the Minnesota Vikings’ home stadium.
Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $150 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosNeat fact: Jean Paul Getty was born right next door to what is now this Minneapolis Airbnb. The two-bedroom unit is installed within a classic 1886 Richardson Romanesque red brick row house on South Ninth Street and features original woodwork. The hallway doubles up as a picture gallery devoted to local artists while rooms are furnished with just enough knicknacks to feel homely.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $126 per night
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Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis pretty loft is exactly why you should always choose self-catered accommodation for your base. Bare brick walls and a subway-tiled kitchen set the tone and there is a mini library to pore over as the coffee maker works its magic. The building is a block from the North Loop’s legendary restaurants and bars as well as the Mississippi riverside.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $97 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosSituated directly off Interstate 94, this huge house lets you explore Minneapolis and its lakes with your vehicle or via the city’s world-class public transit. Large bedrooms and multiple dens make this one of the best Airbnbs for families and groups. The layout is unconventional but you’ll soon get your head around where everything is. Outdoor space revolves around shaded lawns and an enclosed breakfast patio.
Sixteen+ guests, six bedrooms
Price: $524 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis unique Airbnb in Minneapolis is handy for exploring the Calhoun Isles lakes and Uptown’s buzzy gastro scene as well as cruising the downtown attractions. Occupying a deconsecrated church, the old nave is now a multi-purpose area for games, movies, jamming on the piano, and making memories. The master suite has a separate den and the kitchen is fully equipped. Perfect for friends or families with teenagers.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $308 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosGet the best of both worlds at this A-frame chalet a stone’s throw from downtown. Crafted from cedar, the woodsy loft is cozied up with a kitchen and wood burner while skylights maintain a steady flow of light. Hop on the Blue Line at Franklin Ave and you’ll be in the belly of the city in a flash. This route also takes you straight down to the airport and the Mall of America.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $114 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosIf you’re trooping up to Minnesota with nine of your nearest and dearest, you’ll have to stay at the only single-family Airbnb in Downtown Minneapolis. Styled as a factory/loft/manor hybrid, this 100-year-old estate is outfitted with the newest furnishings and tech. Rooms are vast, the fireplace is twice the size of a NYC studio, and the rooftop is awesome on a mild evening.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,029 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosCompact and comfy, this Airbnb in Downtown Minneapolis will suit a solo traveler or couple – plus up to two gallivanting pups. The studio has a basic kitchenette, shower room, and an antique writing desk overlooking the street. The homeowner has made good use of integrating mod-cons amid the period styling. Paid parking is available locally although bringing a car to this location may feel pointless.
Two guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $68 per night
January 29, 2024
The Best Winter Hikes in Minnesota, By Day and By Candlelight
Yes, winter in Minnesota brings the chill, but locals know that doesn’t equate to spending the season inside. Many of the state’s 66 state parks have snow-friendly trails tailored to suit the speed of both casual hikers and diehard trekkers, whether you’re on foot, on snowshoes, or gliding on cross-country skis.
Despite the snowfall and frigid temperatures, Minnesota sees plenty of sunny days, so don’t forget the sunscreen — the sun’s reflection off the snow can cause a winter sunburn. Or, avoid the rays entirely by seeking out the state’s magical candlelight trails. These are flat and relatively short, only a few miles per trail, and are lined with candles or lanterns for a serene evening stroll.
Wherever and whenever you’re heading out, a MN State Parks Pass vehicle permit is generally required for entry, either $7 per day or $35 for the year. Check the snow depth and groomed trail conditions on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website before venturing into the cold because, while snowfall is beautiful, it’s often unpredictable. When you’re ready to bundle up and get outside, seek out these five supreme winter hiking spots in the North Star State.
TWIN CITIES AREA1. Afton State Park, Hastings
Photo: Minnesota DNR
Afton State Park is set along the St. Croix River and offers hikers sweeping river-valley views. The rolling hills and deep ravines that drop 300 feet to the water make this park a gorgeous stop in the winter months. Within its boundaries, there are 1.5 miles of plowed trail intended exclusively for winter walking. Plus, the visitor center becomes a warming house with a cozy woodstove. If you’re after a longer hike, there are 12 additional miles of trails maintained for snowshoers — you can rent snowshoes for $6 a day at the main office.
Afton’s candlelight walk, a 3-mile loop, will be held on February 3, 2024, from 5 to 8pm. Bonfires will be set up at the halfway point and at the visitor center to warm up. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re secured on a leash. And on February 10, 2024, Afton State Park will host two snowshoeing classes for beginners.
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA2. Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne
Photo: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
The geology of Blue Mounds State Park, with its sandstone and quartzite cliffs carved by glaciers cutting across Minnesota’s landscape, makes for a beautiful backdrop in the sun, rain, and snow. The opportunity to view native prairieland and wildlife in the state’s southwestern region isn’t on most travelers’ radar, but it should be — this is a special environment.
Hikers can spot snowy bison that roam the park while walking Blue Mound State Park’s Mound Trail or Western Loop Trail in the early mornings. Bring your binoculars to get the best views of the herd. The park includes a variety of habitats, quarries, cliffs, and a flat prairie landscape with 13 miles of winter hiking. Snowshoeing is also permitted in the park.
Make your trip out for the candlelight hike on January 27, 2024, from 5:30 to 8pm. The picnic shelter will serve hot chocolate and has spots by the campfire to mingle and relax.
NORTHWEST MINNESOTA3. Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji
Photo: Explore Minnesota
Lake Bemidji State Park allows winter hiking on plowed roads and packed sections of parking lots and trails, making for about a one-mile loop. Throughout the season, the city’s 16-mile Lakeshore Trail Loop around Lake Bemidji is another popular choice for a promptly groomed and easy trail whenever the snow falls.
A warming house at the park’s headquarters has snowshoes available for a $6 daily rental. And the city’s 14-hole disc golf course is open year round for additional outdoor fun. Bring your binoculars to spot native birds in the mature pine forests and along the lakeshore. Colorblind glasses for adults and youth, GPS units, birding kits, ice fishing rods, and skis are all accessible at the ranger station and are first-come, first-served.
A candlelight snowshoe event will start and end at the visitor center on January 26, 2024, from 5:30 to 8pm. The park will also host a night of candlelight skiing on February 10, 2024, from 6 to 8:30pm.
4. Itasca State Park, Park Rapids
Photo: Explore Minnesota
Minnesota’s oldest state park, established in 1891, is located on the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Itasca State Park‘s trails are open for winter hiking and packed for walking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Take advantage of the park’s live-stream to check weather conditions before your visit. Also note that you’ll need to BYO water, and be sure to pack a headlamp or lantern, too, as portions of the trail in this remote area become incredibly dark at night — which happens to make this park a prime spot for stargazing.
Similar to the state-wide candlelit hikes, Itasca’s Twinkle Light Trail is illuminated from dusk to 10pm every night through March 15. An additional Evening Lantern Lit Snowshoe and Ski event will be held on February 10, 2024, from 5:30 to 8pm.
NORTHEAST MINNESOTA5. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors
Photo: Explore Minnesota
Set along what is lovingly known as Minnesota’s North Coast, about 45 minutes north of Duluth, Gooseberry Falls State Park lets visitors soak up the majesty of Lake Superior. During winter, the Gooseberry River Falls undergo a stunning transformation as they freeze, making for an especially picturesque setting. The path that leads to the Upper Falls is the only trail officially groomed for hikers, though snowshoes are allowed off-trail.
The candlelit walk at Gooseberry Falls is on February 17, 2024, from 6 to 8pm. Begin the night with a hot drink and snack at the visitor center and walk to Lady Slipper Lodge for marshmallow roasting and a bonfire. What more reason do you need to go on, get out, and feel the awe of one of Minnesota’s best winter hikes?
For more travel ideas or for a free travel guide, visit exploreminnesota.com.
Houston Is Home To One of the Biggest Lunar New Year Parties in the US. Here’s How To Celebrate
Lunar New Year is coming up on February 10, 2024, and you might be thinking, “well, I’d love to introduce myself to celebrating this tradition if I was in China, but I’m not, so I guess I’m out of luck.” Fortunately, you don’t have to be in China to celebrate the Lunar New Year, or expose yourself to its time-honored traditions. You might even be surprised to learn that one of the best places to celebrate is actually right here in the United States.
Houston hosts one of the biggest Lunar New Years celebrations in the country. The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the new year based on the lunar calendar, celebrating the arrival of spring. It’s among the most important and widely-observed holidays in Asia in countries like South Korea, Vietnam, and, most notably, China. It’s defined by performances, flower markets, dancing, and indulging in traditional Lunar New Year foods. The holiday is also celebrated by communities around the world, especially in cities with large populations from Asian countries. Houston is one of those cities with the second largest number of Vietnamese residents in the country as well as one of the largest Chinese populations, and Houston truly marks the occasion like no other.
How Houston celebrates Lunar New YearHouston’s Botanic Garden is home to a Chinese lantern installation showcasing the deep history of the Lunar New Year, including displays like a 200-foot-long dragon, illuminated swings, and other immersive experiences. An even bigger celebration is happening down the road in 2024 at the Texas Lunar Festival in the Alief Career Center, which features a packed program of performances, calligraphy demonstrations, kung-fun, a magic show, vendors, and other attractions.
According to Cory Nguyen, chef at Houston’s Crawfish & Noodles, the immersive performances are what set Houston’s Lunar New Year apart from others. “What makes this such a great place to celebrate the Lunar New Year are the firecrackers and Lion Dancing (a form of traditional Chinese dance),” he says. “It’s an incredible show and all the businesses do it, so for one or two weeks you will see it nonstop. The purpose is to bring good fortune and good luck for the year.”
There will also be a special festival hosted by the Asia Society Texas Center, complete with drums, dances, dim sum, costumes, performances, and more on Southmore Boulevard.
Exploring Houston’s Asiatown during Lunar New YearIf you’re celebrating Lunar New Year in Houston, Asiatown is the heart of the action. Full of traditional Asian restaurants, hotels, cultural experiences, and shopping, Asiatown is home to a wide range of influences, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Pakistani, Korean, Malaysian, and more.
Start by visiting the Teo Chew Temple next to Arthur Story Park. This Vietnamese Buddhist temple is known for its statues of Quan Am, the goddess of mercy, as well as Guan Yin, Shakyamuni Buddha, Tien Hou, Lord Guan, and more. There’s also a wishing well with the 12 zodiac signs, where visitors can toss coins and hold their breath while making a wish. For a sampling of Asian cuisine, check out the Hong Kong City Mall, which has a diverse selection of over 20 restaurants and cafes, and a market with produce and seafood. For a more traditional restaurant experience, Crawfish & Noodles is a Viet-Cajun restaurant that puts a creative twist on classic Vietnamese cuisine.
“It’s a great representation of Vietnamese food,” Nguyen says. “We cook food we actually want to eat with our families.”
Where to stay in Houston during Lunar New YearTo extend your cultural experience to your accommodations, the Blossom Houston Hotel is a hearty helping of Chinese design right in the heart of the city. Influenced by Asian heritage, with lunar-inspired accents and decor, the hotel is truly a nod to the city’s international community. Though located just steps from the Texas Medical Center, near Rice University and NRG Stadium, the hotel’s thoughtfully-curated cultural aesthetic quickly makes you forget you’re in Texas at all. That, and the rooftop pool with skyline views, makes it the ideal base for your Lunar New Year festivities.
Blossom Houston Hotel: 7118 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030
Rumors Swirling That Dallas Will Host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Ahead of Official Announcement
In July 2026, the FIFA World Cup is coming to North America, with games played in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The World Cup is held every four years and is one of the largest, if not the largest, sporting events in the world. Sixteen cities will host the 48 teams. But where the biggest game will take place, the final, won’t officially be announced until February 4.
That said, rumors are swirling about one location winning out: AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
— AT&T Stadium (@ATTStadium) January 18, 2024
Dallas has been in conversation as the frontrunner since mid 2023 after ESPN Deportes published a story that it was the lead location, according to Sporting News. Then the UK tabloid The Sun reported in January that their reporter was told it will indeed be AT&T Stadium, official announcement notwithstanding.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles were the other two locations that were getting the most hype to host the final. The latter, however, will no longer host any games due to a dispute between the stadium owner and FIFA’s top brass.
Dallas News wasn’t able to independently confirm the rumors with officials in Dallas. That said, those officials also didn’t outright dispute why it’s a beneficial location, from its world-class facilities to the all-important Texas summer concern of indoor climate control. And the benefits are obvious: one person said hosting the World Cup would be as big as hosting eight Super Bowls.
While three countries will see games, the large number of knockout games will all be held in the US.
World Cup cities in the USAtlantaBostonDallasHoustonKansas CityLos AngelesMiamiNew Jersey/New YorkPhiladelphiaBay AreaSeattleWorld Cup cities in MexicoGuadalajaraMexico CityMonterreyWorld Cup cities in CanadaTorontoVancouver
Airbnb’s Top 10 Most-Liked Homes on Instagram From 2023
Sometimes, the best way to figure out your next vacation destination is by starting with the Airbnb. That might sound backwards, but where you stay is important, and can even make or break the trip. So why not prioritize choosing an accommodation that’ll be as memorable as the destination itself? Airbnb is making this easy by releasing their most-liked properties on Instagram of 2023. They range from bamboo treehouses in Indonesia to luxe oceanview villas in Costa Rica, and even a floating lagoon camp in Canada. And though they’re among the most popular Airbnbs, they’re not even close to the most expensive. We don’t necessarily recommend it, but you could easily spend your whole trip lounging in these Airbnbs without even venturing outside.
Matador’s guides to the best of Airbnb Categories: 10 Remote, Off-The-Grid Airbnbs Where You Can Get Away From It All The 11 Most Beautiful Converted Churches You Can Stay in Around the World on Airbnb Airbnb Just Made Windmills a Category, and These 9 Have Us Planning a Trip Airbnb Now Has a Towers Category. These 9 Will Climb Your Bucket List Airbnb Launched a Tiny Homes Category, and We’re Already Planning Trips Around These 11 11 Properties in Airbnb’s New OMG! Category You Won’t Believe Are Real These Are the Coolest Properties in Airbnb’s New Play Category These Beautiful Accessible Properties Showcase the Best of Airbnb’s Adapted Category These Are the Most Impressive Listings in Airbnb’s New Trending Category These Unique Abodes Showcase the Best of Airbnb’s Top of the World Category
We hope you love Airbnb’s most liked homes on Instagram! 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.
The Best View of Quintay – Quintay Casablanca, ChilePhoto: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Just 90 minutes from Santiago, this one-bedroom loft is both accessible and peaceful at the same time. Surrounded by rocks and gardens, you’ll be able to wake up to sweeping views of Quintay’s Playa Grande, and enjoy a quiet lunch watching the waves lap against the rocks.
Price: $222 per night
Eco Bamboo House – Abiansemal, Indonesia
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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This bamboo house is as close to a full-fledged luxury treehouse as you’ve probably ever seen. Located on the west bank of the River Ayung, the house is conveniently just 25 mins from Ubud and 25 from Canggu. It has two ensuite bedrooms, a huge living room, and a private swimming pool with a view. It’s the perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts, and those looking to disconnect from daily life.
Price: $499 per night
Jungle Home – Tulum, Mexico
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Located just outside Tulum, this three-bedroom Airbnb is like a peaceful sanctuary. You won’t find many cars or neighbors here, and hardly any noise. Just the sound of birds. You’re also just a four-minute drive from town and 10 minutes from the beach, and you can even walk to one of the biggest cenotes in the area.
Price: $238 per night
Ocean View Villa – Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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A modern luxury villa in the north of Costa Rica’s Santa Teresa beach, this three-level luxury Airbnb has some of the best views in the area. It’s surrounded by beautiful mango trees, and is equipped with four spacious bedrooms, an outdoor area with barbecue, sun loungers, and an infinity-edge saltwater pool.
Price: $799 per night
Tuscan Tree House – Florence, Italy
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This isn’t the typical countryside village you picture when you think of Italy – it’s actually even better. Located in the heart of the Tuscan landscape, this one-bedroom tree house is surrounded by olive trees, and has a kitchen garden and communal courtyard. The perfect romantic getaway, it comes with a fireplace and private outdoor terrace, and guests also have use of the communal swimming pool and tennis court.
Price: $251 per night
Lagoon Float Camp – Tofino, BC, Canada
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The perfect blend of houseboat and glampsite, this floating camp in Clayoquot Sound is just a short boat trip from the town of Tofino. You’ll have a 14-foot canvas bell tent to call your own, complete with propane heater, wood-fired sauna, deck space, and a rowboat with life jackets. The one-bedroom, three-bed camp is moored in a remote bay surrounded by an old growth forest, making it a perfect getaway for calm and tranquility.
Price: $315 per night
Upstate A-Frame – Plain Pines, New York, United States
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Nothing says Upstate New York living like having an entire cabin to yourself. A 3-bedroom A-frame in a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of the Hudson Valley, this Airbnb is cozy yet modern, and ideally located for fully immersing yourself in nature – hiking in summer and skiing in winter. The house itself has a loft accessed by a spiral staircase, a book nook furnished with books, and even a bar cart.
Price: $322 per night
Chic Log Cabin – Eldred, New York, United States
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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In the southeast Catskills just two hours from NYC, this log cabin is the epitome of woodland living. With a wood-burning fireplace, collection of books and boardgames, creekside fire pit, waterfront long table for outdoor dining, and riverfront sauna, this cabin combines cozy mountain vibes with modern amenities.
Price: $455 per night
Tanglebloom Flower Farm Glamping – Brookline, Vermont, United States
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photos
This glamping-inspired open-air sleeping cabin is located in the heart of a forested grove on Vermont’s Tanglebloom Flower Farm. The cozy and minimalist cabin has a transparent roof that makes it feel like a tree house – you can relax on the covered porch with morning coffee, cook in the outdoor kitchen, and relax in the wood-fired hot tub int his truly off-the-grid experience.
Price: $263 per night
Meditative Beachfront Retreat – Walkerville North, Vic, Australia
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photos
Overlooking Victoria’s scenic South Gippsland coastline, this private house and creative refuge is defined by its surrounding limestone cliffs rising up from the shore of the beach. Somewhere between a tiny house and traditional beach house the minimalist space has only the bare essentials, but in a comfortable and modern environment – including a large deck for admiring the views of Waratah Bay.
Price: $263 per night
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