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There are a few neighborhoods to consider when looking for an Airbnb near the Acropolis. Plaka is the closest, but if you want a panoramic view, you might want to consider Monastiraki. It’s still within walking distance of the Acropolis, Pnyka Hill, Archeological museums, and Plaka.

The streets of Monastiraki are lined with small shops and stalls selling everything from antiques and vinyl records to clothes and handmade jewelry. Another near-by point of interest is Ancient Agora. This was the heart of public life in ancient Athens, serving as a marketplace, meeting place, and political center. Today, you can walk among the ruins and get a sense of what life was like thousands of years ago.

You can easily explore this area on foot, but 200 meters from the Airbnb is the Monastiraki Metro station if you’d like to go further afield. There’s also a private parking space near the rental for around $20 per day.

The Airbnb itself is magnificent. At the time of publication, it sits at a rating of 4.96 and is a guest favorite.

“This host truly has a professional operation. They make it their mission to go above and beyond in order to make the experience as great and as seamless as possible for their customers,” says recent guest Carl.

The luxurious suite has both indoor and outdoor panoramic views of the Acropolis. It can be enjoyed at sunset from the balcony and private jacuzzi, the comfortable sofa in the living area, the double bed, or the glass-fronted shower.

Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $417 per night

Romantic one-bedroom penthouse apartment

Photo: Airbnb

Also located in Monastiraki, the penthouse is very close to the famous Monastiraki square. In the evening, the plaza transforms into a vibrant nightlife spot. The many bars and taverns come alive with music. It’s a perfect place to end your day, soaking in the lively atmosphere and perhaps even dancing the night away. That is if you can drag yourself away from the veranda of this stunning penthouse.

It’s situated on the exclusive top floor and has elevator access. It offers a stunning view of the Acropolis through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The bedroom and elegant bathroom open onto a furnished veranda — a perfect spot for al fresco dining or a sundowner.

Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $181 per night

Chic up-scale penthouse for a couple or a small adult group

Photo: Airbnb

If the thought of visiting such a popular historical site gives you anxiety, it’s worth making the experience as hassle-free as possible. This penthouse will instantly calm your nerves. It’s a hybrid between a hotel and an Airbnb in that the host provides a private chef for breakfast, they can sort out an airport transfer, and there’s a cleaning service available on request.

The two-bedroom has an impeccable rating of 5.0 and is a guest favorite across the board for cleanliness, location, check-in, and value. “The unit is even more beautiful in person, and the location is amazing, says Canadian guest Vienna. “The host even arranged our car pickup, making the whole experience stress-free and easy.”

The penthouse sleeps five guests in two double bedrooms, both with city and Acropolis views. The balcony is the real draw. It’s huge. The decked area has a modern outdoor table and chairs, a garden area, and a Jacuzzi.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $443 per night

Three-bedroom penthouse near the Plaka neighborhood

Photo: Airbnb

This rental is minutes from the Plaka neighborhood. This is where Athens began, and many of the buildings you’ll see date back to the Ottoman era. As you walk around, you’ll encounter Byzantine churches, ancient ruins, and historical monuments at every turn. The neighborhood is also home to numerous traditional tavernas and cafes where you can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine. Try the moussaka or souvlaki and the local wine.

The Airbnb is hugely popular, so book in advance. You’re paying for the views here. You’ll have unobstructed postcard vistas of the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, Phillopappou Hill, and the ocean. There are three bedrooms furnished with BoConcept furniture. You’ll have to fight between you for one of the two bedrooms with direct views of the Acropolis, but this is a superb rental for a larger group. The interior is spacious. Partly because of the outdoor veranda, which is accessible through floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $340 per night

Luxurious fully renovated apartment in Psirri

Photo: Airbnb

Though it’s located right in the heart of the city, Psirri has managed to maintain a distinct identity that sets it apart from other Athenian neighborhoods. The area is a testament to the city’s ability to honor its past while embracing modernity. Psirri is also known for its thriving arts scene. The area is home to numerous galleries and theaters, and it’s not uncommon to stumble upon a street artist painting a mural.

The two-bedroom sleeps six. Four between the two double rooms and two on the comfortable fold-out couch. There’s also a cot available on request for those traveling with young children. The open-planned kitchen and living area are perfect for entertaining and look out over the city and the Acropolis. The decor is modern. It’s not the most stylish rental listed here, but it’s recently been renovated and has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a telescope.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $194 per night

Classy apartment for a stylish couple’s getaway

Photo: Airbnb

There’s a lot to love about this Airbnb rental. It’s one of the more polished listings. It was once the workshop of Aslanis, the famous fashion designer. There’s a private pool and an exclusive roof garden with 360-degree city views, including the Acropolis. And the location is ideal. Monastiraki Metro Station is also right round the corner.

It’s a rental for a couple. The entire interior is open-planned — including a stand-alone soaking tub meters from the king-sized bed. On that note, you can enjoy views of the Acropolis from the bed, bath, or L-shaped couch in the living room. If you’re looking for an Airbnb to remember, this is one to bookmark.

Four guests, one bedrooms
Price: $217 per night

Huge private house with jaw-dropping rooftop

Photo: Airbnb

Perhaps saving the best for last, this guest-favorite Airbnb has one of the most stunning rooftop courtyards in the city. Past guest Daniel states if you’re searching for an Airbnb close to the Acropolis, “stop looking.” With reviews promising a return booking, this rental is hugely popular, especially in the summer months.

The house consists of a large, fully equipped kitchen with a balcony, a magnificent living room with a dining area, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The rooftop has unobstructed views of the Acropolis and is decked out with custom-made furniture and a fireplace. The house is suitable for two families or a group of friends and can host up to seven guests.

Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $348 per night

Which area is best for Airbnb in Athens?

Outside of Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psirri, you might want to consider looking at the following areas of the city:

Kolonaki — If you’re seeking a more upscale experience, Kolonaki is known for its high-end boutiques and sophisticated dining options. The area is also home to several art galleries and museums.Syntagma — As the commercial hub of Athens, Syntagma is suitable for business travelers or those who prefer being close to shopping centers and transport links.

The best things to do in Athens, Greece

The Acropolis — This ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.The Acropolis Museum — Situated near the base of the Acropolis, this museum is dedicated to the archaeological findings from the site. It houses every artifact found on the rock and on its feet, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.Parthenon — The iconic former temple on the Athenian Acropolis is dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron.Plaka — This is the old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. It’s known for its charming streets and local shops.National Archaeological Museum — It is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art.Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus — The Ancient Agora of Classical Athens is the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora, located to the northwest of the Acropolis.Roman Agora — A marketplace for the Romans, the Roman Agora is less visited than the Greek Agora but still offers significant historical value.Hadrian’s Library — Created by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132, the library was a cultural center housing music and lectures in addition to books.Temple of Poseidon — Although it’s located a bit outside of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is a popular day trip. It’s one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens.The National Gardens — This peaceful park provides a nice escape from the busy city streets.Varvakios Market — The biggest and most popular market in Athens, you can find a variety of fresh food including fish, meat, vegetables, and more.Monastiraki Flea Market — A commercial neighborhood in the old town of Athens, Greece, and is one of the principal shopping districts in Athens. The area is home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores.

More like this Epic Stays 20 Dreamy Airbnbs in Greece for an Island Escape

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Published on January 29, 2024 07:28

The Top Bengaluru Hotels To Experience The Best of the City

Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore, is the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state and the epicenter of India’s high-tech industry. The city is also known for its green spaces and vibrant nightlife. There are numerous attractions, from historical landmarks to modern experiences, like the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the Bengaluru Palace, and the ISKCON temple Bangalore. The city is also known as a great place to shop, home to numerous malls and markets.

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 Bengaluru hotels! 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 Leela Palace Bengaluru

Photo: The Leela Palace Bengaluru

See more photosAddress: 23 Old Airport Road, 560008 Bangalore, IndiaRates from: $234 per night

The Leela Palace Bangalore is a five-star hotel nestled into seven acres of lush gardens, outfitted in elegant décor and architectural elements that pay homage to the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. On-site amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, an upscale spa, and a wellness center with a fitness room, sauna, steam room hot tub, and Yoga studio. There are various room types, but each guest room feels sophisticated and features modern comforts like a large TV and a mini-bar.

There are multiple award-winning dining options (including 24-hour in-room dining options). Eat at Citrus, a bustling all-day restaurant serving European and Indian dishes. At Jamavar, dine on Indian specialties. At Le Cirque Signature, dine on Franco-Italian fine dining dishes. And at Zen, a Pan Asian Restaurant, feast on the flavors of Asia. At The Library Bar, enjoy a classic bar experience with crafted cocktails set amongst a sultry environment of design elements, including leather and dark woods.

This property is minutes away from well-known landmarks like the Embassy Golf Links IT Park, business parks on Outer Ring Road, and shopping and entertainment options at Indiranagar.

Taj Yeshwantpur Bengaluru

Photo: Taj Yeshwantpur Bengaluru

See more photosAddress: 2275, Tumkur Road, Yeshwantpur, 560022 Bangalore, IndiaRates From: $138 per night

The five-star Taj Yeshwantpur Bengaluru is located in the Business District, boasting 327 sophisticated and spacious city rooms and pool-facing rooms with features like a tea and coffee maker and a workspace with a desk. Natural light filters into the floor-to-ceiling windows, and light tan and white decor makes the space feel even brighter.

In the common spaces, opulent design elements like a spiral stairway encircling a sparkling chandelier make the property feel upscale. Spend time relaxing at a spa, which features a range of treatments, steam and sauna facilities, or a 24-hour fitness center with TechnoGym equipment. Modern rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows, a flat-screen TV, and a DVD player.

Dine at Azure, which serves Mediterranean cuisine, or at Paranda, which serves authentic Punjabi food. And at Palette, enjoy a relaxed cafe-style atmosphere with all-day dining options. The hotel is just a few minutes from Yeshwantpur Railway Terminus and close to the Bangalore International Exhibition Center and World Trade Center.

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway

Photo: Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway

See more photosAddress: 26/1, Dr. Rajkumar Road, Malleswaram-Rajajinagar, 560055 Bangalore, IndiaRates from: $96 per night

The Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway offers easy skyway access to the World Trade Center and Orion Mall (the city’s largest shopping mall). Guests will rest in an elegantly appointed room with comfortable bedding and scenic views of Malleswaram, Bengaluru. Furnishings are modern, and technology like flat-screen TVs and amenities like an electric kettle and mini-bar make the space feel like a home away from home.

There are eight on-site dining concepts ranging from small plates and drinks at the Lobby Lounge to all-day dining and fresh Indian, Asian, and Western dishes at Feast, or the iconic rooftop bar and lounge, High Ultra Lounge, which boasts views of the skyline as one of the highest spots to dine in the city.

Cool off in the infinity-edge swimming pool, or exercise in the 24-hour fitness center with sauna rooms, steam rooms, and a range of equipment ranging from cardio to weights machines. Relax at Shine Spa, which has 10 treatment rooms and services ranging from body scrubs to massages, facials, and more.

Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa Bangalore

Photo: Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa

See more photosAddress: 115, Gokula Extension, HMT Road (near BEL circle), 560054 Bangalore, IndiaRates from: $75 per night

Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa Bangalore is near the BEL Circle, in a convenient location for business and leisure travelers. It’s roughly 2 miles from Yeshwantpur Railway Station, 2 miles from Iskcon Temple, 4 miles from Bangalore Palace, and 4 miles from Manyata Tech Park.

The property itself feels opulent, and guest rooms feature a contemporary design decorated in warm colors, with large windows that allow for plenty of natural light. Rooms feature attached bathrooms with a bathtub and shower and entertainment options like flat-screen TVs. Some rooms include a private terrace.

On-site, guests can enjoy amenities like an outdoor pool and fitness center and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. There’s also a spa with treatments like massages and a sauna. There are two dining hotel outlets. My Place is an all-day fine-dining restaurant with impressive decor serving food a la carte and buffet-style. There’s also Obsidian Sports & Music Bar, with its art-deco atmosphere and indoor and outdoor spaces serving food and drinks.

The Oberoi Bengaluru

Photo: The Oberoi Bengaluru

See more photosAddress: 37-39, Mahatma Gandhi Road, 560001 Bangalore, IndiaRates from: $156 per night

This prestigious 5-star property is located on the distinguished Mahatma Gandhi Road, built around rain trees that are hundreds of years old. It encompasses opulent gardens that showcase the lush atmosphere of the “Garden City” but highlight the modern technology on-site.

Guest rooms are upscale and elegant, with amenities like mini bars, air conditioning, garden views, and technology like flatscreen TVs. Personal butlers and room service are available 24 hours — and complimentary WiFi is available in all of the rooms.

There are multiple award-winning restaurants to dine in a variety of settings ranging from a powerful business lunch arrangement to a romantic dinner. At Lapis, enjoy garden views while dining on authentic Indian and international cuisines. At Wabi Sabi, enjoy world-class sushi and sashimi in a zen setting. At The Polo Club, which is an all-day lounge and bar, enjoy light bites, teas, and fresh drinks amongst an open-air patio and al fresco dining.

At The Oberoi Spa, relax with a range of treatments like massages, facials, and body scrubs, lounge at the swimming pool, or work out at the fitness center.

The Paul Bangalore

Photo: The Paul Bangalore

See more photosAddress: 139/28, Opposite Embassy Golf Links, Domlur Layout, Off Intermediate Ring Road, 560071 Bangalore, IndiaRates from: $154 per night

The 57-room, 5-star Paul Bangalore is located in the heart of the city across from the Embassy Golf Links Business Park. Guests will enjoy a range of upscale on-site amenities including an impressive outdoor pool with a jacuzzi, a fitness center that hosts personal training classes, a sauna, and 24-hour room service.

Dine at the first Irish microbrewery in Bengaluru, the property’s on-site eatery, Murphy’s Brewhouse, which is known to serve the best Irish stout beer in town. Or visit Vembanad, which is a multi-award-winning restaurant serving the flavors of Kerala. The Sidewalk Café & Bar serves an international breakfast buffet spread and a la carte items in the hotel’s atrium.

The air-conditioned guest rooms are large and well-appointed with amenities like flat-screen TVs, a personal bar, private bathrooms, and elegant cherry red and dark wooden-colored decor.

ITC Windsor, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bengaluru

Photo: ITC Windsor, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bengaluru

See more photosAddress: 25, Windsor Square, Golf Course Road, 560052 Bangalore, IndiaRates from: $72 per night

This property was the first hotel in the world to achieve LEED Zero Carbon certification. It’s set less than two miles from the central business district and 1.6 mi from Bangalore Palace, boasting 240 elegant rooms and suites. The on-site architecture feels inspired by charming old-world English manor houses with wooden paneling and high ceilings, while still feeling modern and stylish.

The spa hosts a range of therapies ranging from selections that are traditional Ayurvedic offerings as well as internationally inspired treatments. There’s also a salon offering beauty services, a pool, and a well-equipped gym.

Air-conditioned rooms feel bright and royal, equipped with a sofa seating area, a cable TV or flat-screen TV, a mini-bar, and large, comfortable sleeping arrangements.

There are multiple restaurants, ranging in tastes and cuisines like pub-style finger foods at Dublin, which feels like an authentic Irish pub, or the romantic Royal Afghan, which serves Northwest Frontier flavors in an al fresco setting. Raj Pavilion feels sophisticated, with glass-covered, Victorian architecture-esque space, and a menu of delectable Indian and international bites.

Shangri-La Bengaluru

Photo: Sangri-La Bengaluru

See more photosAddress: Shangri-La BengaluruRates from: $150 per night

This 397-room property is in a great location between the business district and historic attractions. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline from on-site spaces like the rooftop lounge at this destination which serves as a peaceful escape for business and leisure travelers.

Dine at one of the multiple upscale restaurants and bars, including the award-winning Shang Palace and Ssaffron. The laid-back lobby lounge space feels like a perfect place to enjoy light bites like tea and snacks, and at Ssaffron, dine on elevated dishes of authentic Indian cuisine using traditional recipes made using modern cooking techniques. There’s also Caprese, which serves Italian fare, and Yataii serves Japanese dishes.

The property’s Health Club has a range of fitness equipment and offers bookable personal training sessions. The club also includes an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a steam room for guests to use. The spa draws inspiration from natural healing techniques used by many Asian cultures — including Ayurvedic therapies.

The sophisticated guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows letting in plenty of natural light and offering views of the city — complemented by comfortable beds, upscale decor, and bathrooms outfitted with elegant marble facades.

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center

Photo: Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center

See more photosAddress: Prestige Shantiniketan Hoodi, Whitefield Landmark: Opposite Manipal Hospital WF, 560048 Bangalore, IndiaRates from: $120 per night

The Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center is a prime destination for holding meetings and events and a great home base to explore local restaurants, bars, and attractions. The property hosts 18 event rooms, 14 break-out rooms, and a capacity to host over 2,000 guests.

Guest rooms feature views of the city or overlooking the pool, and offer internet connectivity and technology like large flat-screen TVs, a mini-bar, an electric kettle, and a personal bathroom. There are also options to upgrade rooms to include outdoor terraces and kitchenettes.

Relax at the spa, lounge at the pool which has its own poolside bar and private cabanas, or work out at the property’s signature Sheraton Fitness gym, which features sauna rooms, steam rooms, Yoga classes with a pre-booked appointment, and a range of traditional cardio and weight equipment. There are multiple restaurants on-site, including Feast which hosts casual all-day dining — and INAZIA, which serves Pan-Asian cuisine.

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru

Photo: JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru

See more photosAddress: 24/1 Vittal Mallya Road, 560001 Bangalore, IndiaStarting from: $180 per night

The JW Marriott Bengaluru is located within Bengaluru’s Central Business District. It’s near attractions like the Visvesvaraya Museum, which is within walking distance of the hotel, and the Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, 3.1 mi away from the property.

The property feels contemporary and upscale, with design elements like rich tones of wood and jewel tones with dim lighting from chic lighting fixtures, complementing the air of mystery and sophistication felt in the common spaces. The air-conditioned guest room features a workspace with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar, and a private bathroom.

Guests can enjoy the 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and relaxing spa, and dine at one of the multiple concept-driven dining outlets. Enjoy international cuisine at JW Kitchen which serves delectable all-day bites. Alba offers a taste of Nouvelle European cuisine, while Bar Uno serves refreshing cocktails.

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Published on January 29, 2024 06:00

January 26, 2024

The Most Beautiful Golf Courses in Florida for a Scenic Tee Time

Florida looks different everywhere you go. There’s buzzy Miami, the beachy Keys, the swampy Everglades, and the rural Panhandle. One constant is the golf courses that dot the state. Each course reflects the region where it’s located, whether it runs parallel to the ocean or is surrounded by wetlands. What they have in common is their allure — both because of their striking settings and their level of play. These are some of the most beautiful golf courses in Florida for a scenic tee time.

Hammock Beach Golf Resort: Ocean

Photo: Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa

The Hammock Beach Golf Resort in Palm Coast has two courses, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course and the Tom Watson-designed Conservatory Course. While some say extensive bunkering and numerous water hazards make the Conservatory Course the more rigorous of the two, the resort’s signature Ocean Course presents the prettier playground, with Atlantic views and several holes running parallel to the coast. Take an extra beat when you reach the par-three eighth hole and par-four ninth hole to admire the oceanfront scenery.

Green fees for 18 holes: $228-$345 depending on the day and timeCourse par: 72Address: 200 Ocean Crest Dr, Palm Coast, FL 32137

Streamsong Resort: Red

Photo: Evan Schiller

There’s a natural ruggedness to the neatly manicured terrain at Central Florida’s Streamsong Golf Resort that gives its three courses — Red, Blue, and Black — a particular allure. Occupying the site of a former phosphate mine, the resort’s almost jungly courses are dotted with ponds, hills, and dunes created from sand spoils that, at their tallest, rise up almost 100 feet. Streamsong Red’s springy turf is particularly fun for golfers. It’s generally regarded as the resort’s standout course, but if you’re going on looks alone, all three Streamsong courses are some of Florida’s most beautiful.

Green fees for 18 holes: $189-$419 depending on the seasonCourse par: 72Address: 1000 Streamsong Dr, Bowling Green, FL 33834

TPC Sawgrass: Players Stadium

Photo: TPC Network

Any golf club that doubles as the headquarters of the PGA Tour is bound to have some pretty impressive courses. TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach has two: the Players Stadium Course, the permanent home of the Players Championship, and the Dye’s Valley Course, which is more accessible and affordable at less than half the price. While neither Pete Dye-designed course can claim ocean views, both are a stone’s throw — or a golfer’s swing, as it were — from the Atlantic. Get excited about the famous Island Green on the par-three 17th hole of the Players Stadium Course, which is surrounded entirely by water.

Green fees for 18 holes: $450 Jun-Aug, $650 May-SeptCourse par: 72Address: 10 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Omni Amelia Island Resort: Oak Marsh

Photo: Omni Amelia Island Resort

One of three golf courses at the Omni Amelia Island Resort, the Oak Marsh Course showcases a different side of Florida’s landscapes than many of the other entries on this list. Pete Dye designed this course around Fernandina Beach’s wetlands, carving 18 holes out of a 6,500-yard expanse amid dense salt marsh creeks surrounded by mossy oaks, with the Atlantic to one side and the Intracoastal Waterway to the other. Not only does this give golfers something to admire while they tee off, but the well-preserved native flora also maintains a viable habitat for local fauna.

Green fees for 18 holes: $65Course par: 72Address: 39 Beach Lagoon Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club: Copperhead

Photo: Innisbrook Resort

Palm Harbor’s Innisbrook Golf Resort has four courses. Copperhead is the most famous and most challenging. Its signature section is the Snake Pit, spanning holes 16 through 18 — the Moccasin, the Rattler, and the Copperhead. You’ll know you’ve reached it when you see a large bronze serpent statue marking the territory. (You might even see some real-life wildlife, such as alligators and waterbirds, lazing around the course’s ponds and lakes.) No such statue stands guard over the resort’s honorable mention, the Island Course, whose beauty is emphasized by surrounding cypress trees and views of Lake Innisbrook.

Note: Golfers must be resort guests, members, or invitees to play at Innisbrook. Guest rates for the resort start at $189 per night depending on the season.

Green fees for 18 holes: $35-$125 depending on membership and seasonCourse par: 71Address: 36750 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Tiburón Golf Club: Black

Photo: Tiburón Golf Club

Golfers have two options at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples: the Gold Course and the Black Course, both designed by Greg Norman who’s known for embracing and emphasizing an area’s natural elements in his course design. Tiburón Gold is generally regarded as the more demanding course, but Tiburón Black brings a certain visual appeal along with its accessibility — crushed coquina shells give texture to waste areas outside of well-maintained fairways, acres of pine trees and native Florida flora surround the greens, and Audubon International designated the course a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary to boot.

Green fees for 18 holes: Dynamic pricing ($373-$390 at the time of publication)Course par: 72Address: 2620 Tiburon Dr, Naples, FL 34109

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Published on January 26, 2024 08:15

January 25, 2024

The Best US Restaurants of 2024, According To the ‘Oscars of Food’

Hollywood may be abuzz with news of who was and wasn’t snubbed in the 2024 Academy Award nominations, but foodies across the US may be more interested in a different elite list. On January 24, the James Beard Foundation — named for the late American chef and culinary pioneer James Beard, who made cooking a mainstream, popular activity — announced the list of nominees for the most illustrious culinary awards in the world: the James Beard Awards. The awards are so prestigious and important that they’re regularly called the “Oscars of Food.”

“The James Beard Awards are among the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors,” wrote the organization in presenting the nominees. “The James Beard Awards honor those who are creating exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, while demonstrating a commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.”

The James Beard Awards are often compared to Michelin stars, but the latter has narrower focus. Michelin stars are a rating system used by the red Michelin Guide to grade restaurants on their overall quality. It was originally started by the Michelin tire company to increase demand for automobiles, and thus tires. Michelin stars are globally recognized and awarded based on the anonymous reviews of professional inspectors. However, Michelin stars are based solely on the dining experience, while the James Beard Awards celebrate a broader spectrum of culinary achievements with a focus on American contributions and innovation.

Just like the real Oscars, there are numerous James Beard Award categories. Instead of “Best Actor in a Leading Role,” it’s “Outstanding Chef,” and instead of “Best Director,” it’s “Outstanding Restauranteur.” Awards are given on a national level, though the foundation does have awards for chefs by regional groups of states. California, Texas, and New York have their own categories.

But by far the most exciting award is the most straightforward. Instead of a “Best Picture” Oscar, it’s the “Most Outstanding Restaurant” food Oscar. And the nominees are an impressive bunch.

These are the 20 restaurants nominated for the “Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water” award. The award will be presented on June 10 in Chicago to the restaurant that most “demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to its broader community.”

Map of the 2024 ‘Oscars of Food’ Outstanding Restaurant nominees

You may think all the James Beard-nominated restaurants would be in big cities, but it’s not the case. You’ll find potential winners in rural North Carolina, waterfront in Mississippi, and in small California towns that aren’t exactly tourism destinations. Zoom in on the map above to seer all the Oscars of Food nominees.

2024 James Beard nominated restaurants on the Eastern Seaboard2941

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Location: Falls Church, VACuisine: Contemporary AmericanPrice range: $31-$60 per personReservations: Online

2941 Restaurant is an upscale restaurant just outside Washington, DC. It’s ideal for date nights and special occasions and led by a chef who has won numerous awards in the DC area. The name “2941” is derived from the street address of the restaurant: 2941 Fairview Park Drive.

The DeBruce

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Location: Livingston Manor, NYCuisine: Farm to tablePrice range: $61+ per personReservations: Yes

The DeBruce is an upscale mountain hotel in the Catskills with an emphasis on farm-to-table dining. Stays are inclusive of dinner and breakfast, which are served a la carte, in a communal family style setting, or as a high-end, wine-tasting affair.

Superiority Burger

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Location: NY, NYCuisine: Vegetarian burgersPrice range: Under $10 per personReservations: No

Superiority Burger is in the East Village and is the brainchild of chef Brooks Headley, former pastry chef at the Michelin-starred Del Posto. Expect a line, but it’s worth the wait, especially as it’s one of the cheapest restaurants nominated for the Oscars of Food.

Coracora

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Location: West Hartford, CTCuisine: PeruvianPrice range: $11-$30 per personReservations: Yes

Coracora‘s casual atmosphere in a strip mall parking lot hides what may be one of the best restaurants in the country. Coracora serves up traditional Peruvian eats. The owners hail from the town of Coracora, and it’s one of the few nominees with a female head chef: Executive Chef Macarena Ludena.

Bywater

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Location: Warren, RICuisine: AmericanPrice range: $11-$30 per personReservations: Yes

Bywater has a small-but-delicious menu that changes seasonally. It’s seafood-heavy, as you may expect in Rhode Island, and receives high reviews for both its food and its interesting and creative cocktail menu.

Pineapple & Pearls

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Location: Washington, DCCuisine: New AmericanPrice range: $61+ per personReservations: Yes

Acclaimed restaurant Pineapple & Pearls was founded by Chef Aaron Silverman, who also owns the highly regarded Rose’s Luxury in DC. It’s gotten lots of regional recognition for its innovative approach to cuisine, impeccable service, and its glamorous vibes — think Hollywood meets a St. Barts beach club. Oh, and it’s a set four-course menu.

2024 James Beard nominated restaurants in the MidwestThe Duck Inn

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Location: Chicago, ILCuisine: Duck and dogsPrice range: $30-$60 per personReservations: Yes

The Duck Inn is in ChiTown’s Bridgeport neighborhood and is known for its contemporary American cuisine with a focus on duck dishes. The Duck Inn is renowned for its signature dish, the “Duck Inn Dog,” a gourmet take on the classic hot dog featuring a duck sausage with various creative toppings. It’s already won a host of food awards.

Yoshitomo

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Location: Omaha, NECuisine: JapanesePrice range: $30-60 per personReservations: Yes

Omaha is quickly becoming a foodie hot spot in the US, though people who live there will say it has been for years. Yoshitomo will give you a taste of what makes the city’s food scene so highly rated, serving Japanese small plates and sushi in both traditional and creative presentations. It’s already been called the “best restaurant in America” by The Washington Post.

Selden Standard

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Location: Detroit, MICuisine: AmericanPrice range: $11-$30 per personReservations: Yes

Selden Standard has made a significant impact on Detroit’s culinary scene, so it’s not surprising it was nominated as best restaurant in the Oscars of Food. Known for its commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, Selden Standard offers a menu characterized by contemporary American cuisine with a focus on wood-fired dishes. It’s also in a cool historic building in Detroit’s Midtown.

2024 James Beard nominated restaurants on the West CoastKoi Palace

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Location: Dale City, CACuisine: Dim Sum/ChinesePrice range: $11-$30 per personReservations: Yes

Koi Palace has three locations, but it’s the Dale City one that was nominated for the 2024 James Beard Oscars of Food. The menu has a huge variety of dishes and it’s great for groups who want to share a host of small dishes. Expect a line no matter what time of evening you go.

The Walrus and the Carpenter

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Location: Seattle, WACuisine: Oyster/seafoodPrice range: $31-$60 per personReservations: Only on holidays

The Walrus and the Carpenter is a renowned oyster bar and restaurant celebrated for its commitment to showcasing the finest seafood and shellfish from the Pacific Northwest. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poem, the restaurant exudes a rustic and charming maritime ambiance (and lots of bright, ship-inspired decor).

Langbaan

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Location: Portland, ORCuisine: ThaiPrice range: $61+ per personReservations: Yes

Landbaan is tucked behind a discreet entrance in the city’s PaaDee Restaurant and transports guests into an immersive and exclusive culinary journey of Thailand. It’s known for its high-end tasting menu and shows off a greater depth and variety of the country’s cooking than you’ll find in most Thai restaurants in the US.

2024 James Beard-nominated restaurants in the SouthwestBeckon

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Location: Denver, COCuisine: Gastronomic AmericanPrice range: $61+ per personReservations: Yes

Beckon already has a Michelin star, so it’s no surprise to see it on the James Beard nominee list. It’s extremely high-end, and dinners are ticketed, lasting nearly three hours. It offers a prix fixe menu, not a la carte dining, and the presentations are gorgeous. When you make your reservation, be sure to complete the culinary questionnaire that gets emailed to you ahead of time, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

The Compound

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Location: Santa Fe, NMCuisine: SouthwesternPrice range: $61+ per personReservations: Yes

The Compound is everything you’d expect from a top-tier restaurant in New Mexico. The menu relies heavily on southwestern ingredients, flavors, and spices, and the chef has quite a few awards to his name. It’s an old-school type of place that feels nearly unchanged since it opened in the 1960s (which is a very good thing).

Convenience West

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Location: Marfa, TXCuisine: BarbecuePrice range: $11-30 per personReservations: No

Marfa is a strange, strange town, in the best way possible. But Convenience West serves up a dish not very strange to Texas: all-things-barbecue. It’s casual and delicious, with outdoor, open-air seating in a classic Texas pit-stop atmosphere. There’s almost always a line, but it moves quick. Try to get there early as the restaurant can run out of popular dishes.

Mixtli

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Location: San Antonio, TXCuisine: Global MexicanPrice range: $61+ per personReservations: Yes

Mixtli is known for an innovative approach to Mexican cuisine. The name “Mixtli” means “cloud” in Aztec and reflects the restaurant’s desire to explore the diverse regional cuisines of Mexico, rather than the usual Tex-Mex offerings. The restaurant operates on a concept known as “Mexican culinaria,” presenting a rotating menu inspired by different states and regions of Mexico. Sometimes, it does totally unexpected menus, like the current “Mexico meets Japan” offering. All dinners are prix-fixe.

Nancy’s Hustle

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Location: Houston, TXCuisine: Bistro/Wine BarPrice range: $31-$60 per personReservations: Yes

Yet another nominee for the Oscars of Food in Texas is Nancy’s Hustle, a restaurant that describes its menu as “wildly creative.” Menu items range from lamb tartare with green olive to glazed sweet potato with lime-pickle yogurt to olive oil-poached octopus, so it’s a great place to go to try something entirely new.

2024 James Beard-nominated restaurants in the SouthVestige

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Location: Ocean Springs, MSCuisine: New American/Gulf CoastPrice range: $61+ per personReservations: Yes, by phone

Vestige is technically an American restaurant, but it’s really more localized than that, recognized for the Southern influences lovingly displayed in its dishes. It’s one of the best spots for Gulf Coast cuisine in America and is tasting menu-only, and only open for dinner.

The Marketplace

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Location: Asheville, NCCuisine: New AmericanPrice range: $31-$60 per personReservations: Yes

The Market Place is in the center of downtown Asheville and has been fixture in the city’s culinary scene form more than four decades. The restaurant’s menu is crafted with a focus on contemporary American cuisine and is known for being a casual — but delicious — place to grab a good meal and a good beer. And it’s led by a chef with dozens of accolades and awards.

The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn

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Location: Blowing Rock, NCCuisine: New American/Farm-to-tablePrice range: $61 per personReservations: Yes

This is the restaurant at the beloved Gideon Ridge Inn, known for its picturesque setting atop a ridge with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It uses fresh and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, with a menu that changes week-to-week or even day-to-day, depending on the whims of the highly acclaimed chef.

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Published on January 25, 2024 14:29

This Company Is Bringing the Full Spa Experience To Airports Around the World

A spa is the polar opposite of an airport. Spas are relaxing. You look forward to going to a spa, and feel sad leaving it. Spas relieve tension, and send you on your way feeling rejuvenated. Airports, on the other hand, are perhaps the least relaxing places on earth. You dread going there, and can’t wait to leave. They create tension, bring out the worst in us, stoke resentment against our fellow man, and leave us feeling emotionally and physically depleted. The concept of putting a spa in an airport may sound ridiculously paradoxal, but maybe that’s exactly what makes it such a good idea.

Enter Be Relax, the spa rapidly spreading to airports around the world. Designed to provide accessible relaxation options to weary travelers, Be Relax spas set up shop exactly where they’re needed most – in the travel world’s hectic, stressful epicenter.

What is Be Relax?

The fact that airports are stressful isn’t just an anecdotal truth gleaned from personal experience, and talking to our friends and family. In a 2019 survey conducted by Priority Pass in the UK, stress was as much a fixture of the airport experience as going through security, or overpaying for water at Hudson News. The survey found people stress about pretty much every aspect of airports. It’s not just security and flight delays, but also things like getting separated from their friends, misplacing a passport, and missing the boarding call.

Indeed, The Points Guy also conducted a survey that found 55 percent of flyers believe the air travel process is more stressful than going to work. 44 percent said air travel is more stressful than going to the dentist or spending time with their in-laws, and 37 percent would rather go to the DMV than brave another terminal. Since airports are the gateway to vacations that are supposed to be relaxing, these aren’t encouraging stats. But that’s where airport spas come in.

Be Relax spa, where you can get body treatments and massages, are in many airports around the world

Photo: Be Relax

Be Relax is a spa service in the airport, created to meet one of travelers’ greatest needs: a space to relax and recover before a long flight, or during layovers. The spa offers treatments ranging from massages and facials to nail care, pedicures, and even showers for travelers who simply want to wash the plane’s smell off their bodies. They also sell comfort and wellness-oriented accessories like neck pillows, sleep masks, and massage tools, as well as beauty devices for facelifts and cryotherapy.

“Be Relax was founded with a vision to create a tranquil space within the typically stressful and bustling environment of airports,” Lucie Putryk, Be Relax’s Digital Marketing & Communications Manager, tells Matador Network. “We aim to provide wellness and relaxation to all travelers without necessitating membership, lounge access, or the need for advance booking.”

Photo: Be Relax

While treatment times vary, they usually last anywhere from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours. While walk-in guests are welcome, booking in advance can be a smart way to ensure you get a treatment exactly when you want it. Be Relax is also part of Priority Pass, a network of benefits including lounge access and restaurant discounts. Priority Pass perks come with certain travel credit cards, or can be purchased individually. Priority Pass cardholders can simply walk into a Be Relax location, present their card, and enjoy a limited menu of services completely for free.

Spas in airports are much needed

It doesn’t take much explaining or convincing to make a solid case that airports do, in fact, need spa and wellness services. Putting a relaxation space in one of the least relaxing environments known to man is such a no-brainer, it’s hard to believe airport spas haven’t been more common before. And indeed, interest in services like this is still growing rapidly.

“The demand for wellness services in airports is increasing, reflecting a growing trend of seeking self-care and health generally and also while traveling,” says Putryk. “After COVID-19, people’s approach to wellness and self-care changed, leading to a heightened interest in airport spas and relaxation services.”

Photo: Be relax

There isn’t one type of traveler more inclined than others to seek out airport spas. Airport stress affects just about everyone, and the spa’s clientele is as diverse as the regions they serve. According to Putryk, however, couples tend to be among the most common patrons, as well as frequent travelers looking for a much-needed respite from the airport grind. And you don’t need to sign up for a hour-long massage to reap the relaxation benefits. Some of the most refreshing treatments are just quick 20-minute pit stops.

“I only had time for a 20-minute massage,” one patron wrote in a testimonial, “and they made a world of difference in just that short time.” Another customer wrote that a massage treatment was the perfect way to end a long trip feeling renewed.

Even if it’s just a brief treatment, and you only stay for less than a half hour, it’s pretty clear that airport spas like Be Relax are making an impact on travelers’ well-being. While there are other spas out there providing similar services, like XpresSpa, Enroute Spa, and d_parture Spa, don’t be surprised if more start showing up. After all, when it comes to relaxing in airports, the demand will likely always outrun the supply.

Where to find Be Relax spas

Photo: Be Relax

You can find Be Relax spas in over a dozen cities across North America, Europe, and Asia.

In North America:

Atlanta International AirportCharlotte Douglas International AirportDallas-Fort Worth International AirportDetroit Metropolitan AirportLaguardia AirportLos Angeles International AirportNew York JFK International AirportNewark Liberty International AirportPhiladelphia International AirportSan Diego international AirportToronto Pearson Airport

In Asia:

Changi AirportKuala Lumpur International Airport

In the Middle East:

Doha Hamad International AirportDubai international AirportMuscat International Airport

In Europe:

Frankfurt AirportLondon Heathrow Airport

A full and updated list of locations is available on Be Relax’s website.

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Published on January 25, 2024 11:51

I Went To an EDM Festival on a Cruise Ship. Here’s What It’s Like.

Have you ever danced, barefoot, for 12 hours on a private island in Belize while some of the world’s most famous DJs serenaded you beneath an oceanside sunrise? Or exited a quick trip to the bathroom to find the previously vacant hallway roaring with live music and a crowd of dance music fanatics? Or stumbled upon a group of cruise-goers using strap-ons as paint brushes to decorate blank canvases? If not, then you obviously haven’t experienced The FriendShip cruise.

What’s The FriendShip cruise?

FriendShip cruise: What an EDM Festival on a cruise ship looks like

Photo: Rukes.com/The FriendShip

The FriendShip festival is an EDM festival at sea that set sail for the first time in 2018, spearheaded by legendary EDM and festival promoter Gary Richards, who also produces music and performs under his house music alias, Destructo. Before The FriendShip, Richards also hosted the Holy Ship! cruise festival for five years — this is where the backbone of The FriendShip festival was built. In 2024, The FriendShip festival took place on its biggest ship yet: the Norwegian Joy.

The FriendShip cruise: A crowd coming together

With a musical lineup that consisted of electronic dance music DJs from all sub-genres under the EDM umbrella, you might expect the crowd to maintain a steady demographic of 20-something party animals, but that was far from the case. In fact, one 82-year-old attendee named Janet, who was celebrating her seventh FriendShip cruise, showed no signs of slowing down any time soon. “Everybody loves everybody on this ship,” Janet said. “I’ve been coming to FriendShip since 2016, and it really is just one big family.”

She’s got a point: The FriendShip experience was one of genuine community and neighborly joy. It felt like a close-knit crowd, all connected by a love for dance music culture unmatched at any festival I’ve ever been to. Considering I’ve attended over 20 music festivals since 2021, including events like Hulaween and EDC Orlando, that’s no small accomplishment.

This wasn’t just a feeling — it was a deliberate action. The captain announced daily musical line-ups by artists’ first name; “Gary and Jimmy will be playing a surprise set in the atrium at 4:30 PM today,” he said on the fifth day at sea, referring to Destructo (The FriendShip’s founder and driving force, who’s also a famous house DJ), and Bob Moses (who is Grammy-nominated and has sold out shows across the globe). “Did you see Sonny’s set on the beach last night? It was insane!” one exuberant fan beamed, referring to Skrillex’s (who was also nominated for a Grammy last year) magnificent 2:00 AM performance in Belize.

Photo: OHDAGYO Photography/The FriendShip

Several times throughout The FriendShip’s five-day voyage, I ran into headliners in the elevator, at restaurants, and in the hallways. In every instance, they seemed more like friends than performers. The hierarchical energy that often accompanies the fan-artist relationship is completely broken down when you see your favorite artist dancing with two left feet on the top deck just like everyone else. Rarely did I see an artist get hassled for a picture or autograph, but I did see several artists turning long-time fans into new friends.

If you’re looking to discover a deeper, more authentic connection to your favorite artists, and be a part of an unapologetically passionate group of music lovers, make The FriendShip your next festival.

The Norwegian Joy: a festival playground

Of course, the most obvious aspect of The FriendShip that sets this event apart from all other music festivals, is the fact that it takes place on a massive cruise ship: the Norwegian Joy.

Cruise connoisseurs know that Norwegian sets the standard for fun-loving cruise experiences. The Norwegian Joy is not the most luxurious cruise ship out there, nor is it the biggest. But is it the most fun? I’d say so.

Have you ever gone go-karting in the middle of the ocean? On the Norwegian Joy, you can. You can also take part in a game of laser tag which, in this case, was filled with full-grown and slightly tipsy adults.

The amenities don’t stop there: stageside hot tubs, art galleries, a massive casino with 310 slot machines, waterslides, etc. This ship has it all.

As is the case on most cruise ships, there were plenty of dining options, from a casual buffet to an expensive steakhouse. But, given the endless festivities and musical performances happening around the clock, there was much less emphasis put on the dining experience than during a traditional cruise.

That doesn’t mean the food wasn’t good — far from it. The Norwegian Joy’s complimentary restaurants, mainly Savor and Taste, were standard as far as cruise cuisine goes, and included fantastic dishes like Cajan shrimp and home fried chicken. And if you wanted something more up-scale, the Teppanyaki, a hibachi-style Japanese restaurant, and Ocean Blue, which primarily served seafood dishes, were great options. No matter where you ate, though, it was almost impossible to avoid party-loving passengers passing by, showing off silly outfits and dancing with their friends.

The rest of the ship was completely transformed to accommodate the ongoing musical performances. There were four official stages: Friendzone, Spice H2O, Theater, and Q.

Friendzone

Photo: The FriendShip

This was the mainstage, located on the main pool deck and featuring the festival’s largest headliners, including Dog Blood (Skrillex and Boys Noize) — their first live appearance since 2019 — and Chris Lake. Featuring the grandest production of the weekend, the Friendzone stage sported massive LED displays and a fantastic sound system more than capable of handling the extreme lows of FriendShip’s bass-heavy lineup. Additionally, one of the pools was covered with turf to expand the dancefloor, and a hot tub was converted to house the live sound engineers and visual teams.

Spice H20

The only other outdoor stage, Spice H20 was located at the front of the ship, flanking a massive hot tub (which, presumably for safety reasons, was shut down after sunset) and multiple bars, converting this relatively subtle relaxation space into a booming outdoor nightclub.

Theater

This is traditionally where the cruise might hold theatrical performances and plays, but on The FriendShip, it was a space entirely dedicated to music (aside from Dita Von Teese’s immaculate Ship Teese performance.)

The Theater was a great place to spend the late nights, because the lineup was always fantastic, and there was ample room to sit down after a long day. Thankfully, there was also plenty of room to dance, if your legs could handle it. This stage felt like the most traditional concert experience.

When I found out that the Q venue usually functions as a Texas steakhouse, I was shocked. Nothing about this space on The FriendShip resembled a restaurant, aside from a handful of booths. By simply removing the dining tables and adding a formal stage, The FriendShip transformed Q into a dance haven for late-night club vibes.

24 hours in Belize

The main attraction of the FriendShip experience was a 24-hour island party in Belize, which exceeded all my expectations.

During the day, Norwegian Cruise Line hosted a massive pool party on Harvest Caye, their private island in Belize, which featured a long list of special guest performers catering the day’s soundtrack. But, if you wanted a break from the music, there were plenty of other activities to indulge in, including zip lining and jet skiing. Plus, the massive beach area was open all day, which allowed for lounging by the ocean and swimming under the sun. Traditional beach activities like volleyball and tug of war were also a fun way to spend the day if you wanted.

Photo: OHDAGYO Photography/The FriendShip

Around 4:00 PM, Chirs Lorenzo opened the Beach Stage, and the real party began. For the next 15 hours, a myriad of artists including Bob Moses, Chris Lake, Skrillex, and Destructo took center stage and lit up the dance floor with classic dance hits, house music, and an explosive laser and light show that illuminated palm trees across the whole island.

Skrillex is arguably the most influential dubstep DJ of this generation, and experiencing his two-hour performance on a private island with your feet in the warm sand, was a remarkable experience.

Skrillex is a tough act to follow, but Destructo managed to keep the energy up until the early morning, delivering one of his now-iconic Sunrise Sermons, which featured a three-plus-hour set that explored house music’s most admirable qualities and celebrated the communal nature of dance music.

Attendees were encouraged to wear all-white outfits, and for the most part, that’s exactly what they did. Destructo’s performance was proof that dance music can indeed be a spiritual experience, given the right environment, and the right people.

“Being on the island watching the sunrise with all my friends was magical,” Destructo said in a celebratory Instagram post. “This may have been my favorite event I have ever produced… words cannot describe this last FriendShip.”

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Published on January 25, 2024 09:02

Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort: Where the Hardest Decision Is To Have a Pool Day or a Beach Day

As I stood decked out in a rather ungraceful ensemble of diving gear, I tried my best to look the part. I took the opportunity to go go scuba diving for the first-time shole staying at Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, and I felt a blend of nerve-wracking excitement and an eagerness to explore the unknown. It was somewhat of an easy choice: they had me at “shore diving for newbies.”

The lack of grace was forgotten by the sights. The natural splendor is like someone placed a beautiful coral reef right on the doorstep of a resort. Whether you’re a snorkeler on a mission or a seasoned diver seeking that next big thrill, the Curaçao Marriott allows you to immerse yourself in the full Caribbean experience — both above and below the water.

And that’s not even half of it. This resort is more than just a place to sleep between underwater escapades. The Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is a family-friendly haven with 330 rooms and suites, all poised against the backdrop of a dreamy private beachfront at the picturesque Piscadera Bay in Curaçao.

Located outside of the Caribbean’s hurricane belt, Curaçao has beautiful year-round weather, a rich history and culture, and some of the most pristine waters in the world.

After a breezy three-hour flight from Miami International Airport, I found myself at the resort’s doorstep in less than 15 minutes. My taxi meandered around a grand driveway, where I was met by striking architecture and an airy open-concept hotel lobby with a contemporary Caribbean feel.

I stayed in an oceanfront double room on the first floor, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer spaciousness of it all. With closet space aplenty, beautiful Caribbean decor, and a private veranda decked out with cozy beach chairs and a table set for intimate sunset rendezvous, it was vacation bliss waking up to the symphony of waves crashing, birds chirping, and those swaying palm trees doing their tropical dance.

@epic.stays Add this stunning beachfront property in #Curaçao to your list Curacao Marriott Beach Resort @Alexa | Travel Creator #traveltiktok #curacaohotel #luxurytravel ♬ original sound – Airbnb & Hotel Guide

Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort amenities and experiences

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The hardest choice you’ll have to make at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is whether you want to pool all day, or beach all day.

The resort offers two large pools on the property. The Harmony pool is the largest, and the family-friendly pool on the property. The Serenity pool is the adult-exclusive option that is equal parts lap pool and infinity pool, providing adults with the best of both worlds. Both pools have plenty of comfortable beach chairs and luxury cabana seating that I greatly took advantage of.

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And, of course, there’s always the option to take a dip in the sparkling blue waters of the ocean, only a few steps away. The scuba shop Goby Divers calls the resort home and offers guests shore scuba diving excursions as well as snorkeling.

On one of the mornings, I woke up to participate in a relaxing beach yoga session on the resort shores. Nothing quite says peace like meditating to the melodic sounds of waves crashing in the background.

Additionally, the resort has a fitness center, lush gardens, and the Green Turtle Kids Club. And for those seeking that extra dash of VIP treatment, the resort offers The Reef Club. This swanky, air-conditioned lounge area available to guests at an additional fee.

Dining at Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort

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One of my favorite aspects of my stay was I didn’t have to look hard to find amazing culinary options.

The main restaurant on the property is ÇSpice. By day, it serves an extensive buffet-style brunch, though guests can opt for a la carte orders as well. By night, ÇSpice transforms into a premier dinner spot offering Mediterranean-inspired selections from seafood pasta to decadent desserts.

However, the must-try spot in the property is Izakaya Sushi Bar. Fans of sushi — both raw and cooked — should make time to stop for a roll or two, whether it be a traditional maki roll or something a little more exploratory and Caribbean-infused.

For those seeking a more laid-back dining experience, the Salt Iguana Ocean Grill is your go-to, serving up casual favorites like burgers and quesadillas. Think Caribbean beach bar with a stunning backdrop.

Another option for a quick bite is Papiamentu. This is a grab-and-go spot sells snacks as well as local comfort food indulgences like Johnny cakes stuffed to the brim with salty Swiss cheese and ham.

Food, of course, course best with drinks. At Zala Gastro Lounge in the main lobby of the hotel, you’ll find cocktails inspired by the vibrant flavors of Curaçao. The bar also serves an array of food options that speak to the diverse flavors and global influences that exist on the island.

What to do around the island

Cocktail workshop and tour at Landhuis Chobolobo

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Bright blue Curaçao liqueur is used in tropical cocktails around the world. However, it’s not often the authentic blue Curaçao found on the island that lends its name. An informative tour and cocktail-making workshop at Landhuis Chobolobo teaches guests the difference and more. Curaçao liqueur is made from dried orange peels, and despite being offered in an array of colors, it’s all the same flavor. And to have the true authentic stuff, it has to be from Senior and Co.

This informative tour and workshop brought me through the liqueur production process and supplemented that knowledge with tastings. At the end, a cocktail-making workshop puts me in the role of bartender where I learned to make island classics like the mai tai. It’s a fun and informative experience where you may quickly realize, like myself, that bartending is more than knowing how to shake a cocktail.

TukTuk tour of Punda and Otrobanda

One of the best ways to see the bright neighborhoods of Punda and Otrobanda in the vibrant capital of Willemstad is by tuktuk. Curtuktuk offers city tours that traverse the tight spaces and narrow streets on the small vehicles, meaning you can get far more up close and personal to the interesting sites and incredible murals painted across Willemstad. The tour does more than a drive by of beautiful sites, it dives into the history and culture of this fascinating island (not to mention the rides proved some shade and breeze on hot days).

Sunset sail with BlueFinn charters

You’d be remiss to not get out on the ocean during your time in Curaçao, and this is the perfect way to do so. The sunset sail with BlueFinn takes place on a luxury catamaran with a world-class crew cranking out delicious cocktails and island-inspired appetizers. When the sun finally sets over the horizon, the music cranks up a bit and the sunset charter transforms into a full-out dance party. I cannot tell you the last time I’ve done the macarena, but childhood dances surely come back to you when you’re sharing in joy (and drinks) with newfound friends on a boat.

How to get to Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort

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The Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is located 15 minutes from Hato International Airport, and five minutes from historic Willemstad. You can get to the resort by taxi or rental car.

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Published on January 25, 2024 08:33

A Beginner’s Guide To Japanese Onsen and the Art of Bathing

Recently, I took my kids on vacation to Tokyo, with an overnight trip to Lake Kawaguchiko in the Fuji Five Lakes area. When I started researching hotels, I noticed that many had on-site onsens. I had heard of the traditional geothermal baths, or hot springs, but the closest I had ever gotten to experiencing something like that were nude soaks in the gender-specific pools at a Korean-style spa near my home near Washington, DC.

As I began learning more about this Japanese communal bathing practice, I had questions, including whether we’d be allowed entry with tattoos, and how one of my children (a non-binary young adult) would navigate a very gender-specific activity.

Here’s what I learned about the culture around Japanese onsen, and what I wish I would have known before my experience.

What is an onsen? outdoor japanese onsen - what to wear in an onsen

Onsen can be indoor or outdoor, natural or developed. Photo: dryadphotos/Shutterstock

As Japan has extreme seismic activity and islands amid four major tectonic plates, it’s no surprise that the country has an estimated 27,000 hot springs. Hot springs result when magma heats subterranean water that seeps to the surface through cracks created by volcanoes, earthquakes, and other shifting of the plates. Hot springs are often rich with minerals carried from their contact with rocks on the way back to the surface. In Japan, hot springs are called onsen, whether they’re totally natural or developed into baths and luxury resorts. They’re basically the same as hot springs in the US, scientifically speaking.

Japanese culture has taken advantage of the soothing and therapeutic benefits of onsen for millennia. It remains such an integral part of the culture that in 1948, the government passed a national act (Onsen Hō) establishing requirements for the minimum temperature, depth of the source, and minerality of the water to be legally called an onsen – which means businesses can’t just heat a pool, slap up a sign, and advertise that they’re running an onsen. The symbol on a map or hotel indicates an on-site onsen.

Hot spring sources are scattered all over the country, with around 3,000 official onsen in the country. You’ll find them in hotels and resorts, ryokans (traditional inns), and national parks, and some people are lucky enough to have them in their homes. If you’re in Japan, visiting an onsen is a perfect way to steep yourself (literally) in Japanese tradition.

“Bathing is one of the most common practices and one of the most communal parts of life in vacations in Japan,” says Sam Goold, Japan Specialist at Red Savannah, which sells vacation packages to Japan. “Embrace it as part of getting under the skin of the culture.”

In addition to the official laws, there are generally unbendable unwritten rules and best practices locals and visitors alike must follow before starting to onsen (and yes, you can use it as a verb).

What to wear to an onsen nude man at japanese onsen - what to wear in an onsen

There’s no need to be self-conscious — everyone is naked at the onsen. weniliou/Shutterstock

Leave your inhibitions – and your street clothes – at the door. The ritual of onsen is done naked. Period. You do not wear a swimsuit in an onsen, and no, you can’t leave on any underwear. Any clothing could introduce dirt, bacteria, lint, and laundry detergent to the water, negating the whole point of soaking in purified, beneficial spring water. Remove your shoes before entering any Japanese onsen, and put your clothes and belongings in a locker or basket. Depending on the facility, you may want to keep anything particularly valuable locked away, including your phone – this isn’t the place to film an Instagram reel.

Don your yukata correctly yukuta robe at a japanese onsen

If given a yukuta, make sure to put the left side over the right. Photo: Bhakpong/Shutterstock

One thing you will see many people wear at an onsen is a yukuta, a lightweight cotton or linen robe similar to a kimono. If you’re popping around from hot spring to hot spring in a public park or, in our case, around a hotel, you’ll likely be given one to wear. Our Ryokan staff delivered various yukatas in floral and other patterns to our room in a neatly folded pile, along with a handy guide on how to get dressed for onsen. Yukata are easy to wrap and tie with a belt, but there is one very important detail to remember: be sure to fold the left side over the right side, as the opposite is reserved for dressing the frequently deceased.

Visible body art, like tattoos, might not be allowed tattoos in onsens - flower tat on woman's arm

The smaller and more discreet your tattoo, the less likely it is to be a problem. Photo: nuchao/Shutterstock

Japan has a fraught history with tattoos, as they’re historically linked to the Yakuza, or Japanese mafia. Though it’s changing, traditionally, showing your tattoos in public wasn’t allowed. Even those who engage in the traditional tattoo practice of tebori (a traditional tattoo method done by hand, rather than with a gun) will often choose locations on thir bodies usually covered by clothing.

Since my older kid has many tattoos on their arms, and I have small ones on my forearm and ankle, we were concerned that we’d be banned as tattoos in onsen are normally a no-go. I reached out to our hotel onsen in advance to check the policy and learned we’d be permitted to use the onsen without covering up our art. Public facilities might not be as forgiving, though, so it’s best to check in advance. You can sometimes cover up your tattoo for onsen with waterproof tape or BandAids. Very small and discreetly placed tattoos, especially among foreigners, may be more likely to be forgiven.

Onsen is (usually) a single-gender activity Two women in a Japanese onsen - tattoos in onsen question

Most public onsen are divided into make and female sides. Photo: Tom Wang/Shutterstock

While there are some Japanese onsen that permit all genders to bathe together, usually, onsen are divided into separate areas for men and women. My older kid is nonbinary, but was hesitant about bathing with strangers anyway, so they opted out. But if you’re non-binary, transgender, or gender fluid and want to use a public onsen, you’ll probably have to choose your gender assigned at birth. The different sides are divided by curtains, usually blue for men and red for women. For onsen users who aren’t comfortable with the single-gender system, renting a private onsen can be a good alternative.

Showering etiquette is non-optional Rows of wooden stools at a Japanese onsen

Be sure to sit and rinse before getting into a shared onsen. Photo: Chatchawat Prasertsom/Shutterstock

Showering is the first thing you should do upon entering any Japanese onsen, even if you just showered in your hotel room. The other bathers don’t know this, and showering shows you respect your fellow onsen-goers.

“This is not just common practice, but also courtesy,” Gould said. “Hygiene is taken very seriously.”

As I entered my first onsen, I saw the typical row of handheld showers on the wall, with small wooden stools to sit on while washing up, as standing is considered bad manners. You’ll be given two towels at most onsen; the small one is for washing before soaking, and the larger one is for drying off post-soak. There’s no need to dry off after showering since you’re headed directly into the hot water. And on that note – don’t immerse your hair in the onsen. You’ll see men and women with their small towels on their heads. This is both to keep the towel out of the water, and to make sure you don’t mix your small towel up with someone else’s.

There may be a workaround to some of the logistical challenges woman in a private onsen

Booking a private onsen session may be best for travelers not comfortable with the two-gender system of a traditional onsen. Photo: Thomas Morris/Shutterstock

In addition to the single-gender onsen, our hotel had a small, private onsen available to rent by the hour. Some upscale resorts and ryokans may have private onsens in some rooms. This can solve the issue of visible tattoos and bathing with strangers, though since it’s still a communal bath, you’ll need to follow the honor system and enter naked. Mixed-gender families or groups who feel comfortable soaking together can do so, or you can book separate sessions, or divide the time. And don’t do anything in the onsen other than soak.

Not all the pools are hot cold pool at an onsen

Photo: nieriss/Shutterstock

The geothermal-fed baths are the main draw, and since these can be very hot, it’s recommended to soak for no more than 30 minutes. And honestly, I could barely stay in for half that time.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a waterfall inside a shallower pool that was tepid; an outdoor, free-form and rock-lined bath that was very warm but not hot; and a long, rectangular pool outfitted with small river rocks and filled several inches deep with frigid water, designed to mimic the Scandinavian bath concept. “Many onsen provide options to go from hot to cold, allowing the body to cool off and repeat the process, enabling a longer and more enjoyable experience,” explains Marc Letourneau, general manager for Club Med East Asia, Japan & South Korea. But don’t equate these cooler spots for pools. “Putting your head under water, splashing, playing, or swimming is not appropriate,” he says.

Onsen etiquette may be to skip the post-soak rinse Woman showering after using a japanese onsen

Depending on the onsen, you may not need to shower after your soak. Photo: Daniel Beckemeier

Even though it might feel natural to rinse off, the water may be rich with minerals. Silica smoothes and softens skin, calcium carbonate enhances your skin’s defense against harmful UV rays, and magnesium and potassium can boost cellular regeneration. But after visiting onsen with acidic water or pools with a high sulfur content (which usually have some odor), you’ll want to shower afterward. The easiest way to tell what to do may just be to see if the people who get out before you shower or not.

Choose the right time of day View of mount fuji from a pool - what to wear

Photo: zmkstudio/Shutterstock

We still felt quite full from our large dinner on a traditional tatami mat as we were heading to our private onsen. While the soak was still enjoyable, it probably would have been more so if we had been able to book a slot before our meal.

The next morning, I went to the public onsen immediately after waking up, and sitting in the outdoor onsen while watching the sunrise and listening to birds chirping was the perfect start to a day of sightseeing around Mount Fuji. Since onsen can do wonders for muscle aches, potentially lower stress-inducing cortisol, relieve fatigue, and increase circulation, it can also be an amazing antidote to jet lag. So the first thing you may want to do when you arrive in Japan is jump in the nearest onsen.

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Published on January 25, 2024 08:27

The Most Convenient Hotels in Perth, Australia

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is located where the Swan River and Southwest Coast meet. The city has hot and dry summers, and cool, occasionally wet winters. Highlights of the city include sandy beaches, riverside parks, and attractions like the Botanic Garden on Mount Eliza and The Perth Cultural Centre.

Traveling to Australia/Oceania? Check out Matador’s Australia accommodations guides: Live your best life down under at these gorgeous Sydney Airbnbs These Brisbane Airbnbs are your gateway to an underrated Australian city The top Brisbane Hotels To Experience Queensland’s Capital City 8 iconic Sydney hotels that put you within walking distance of all attractions These Melbourne Airbnbs showcase the best of Mel-Bin style The coolest Auckland Airbnbs to experience New Zealand’s biggest city 9 Beautiful Airbnbs in Perth, Western Australia’s Underrated Capital

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.

Aloft Perth

Photo: Aloft Perth

See more photosAddress: 27 Rowe Avenue, Rivervale, 6103 Perth, AustraliaRates from: $125 per night

Aloft Perth is the brand’s first location in Australia. It has a youthful energy to it — feeling urban, clean, and spacious. It’s located in Springs Rivervale, set on the Swan River — meaning ample outdoorsy opportunities to walk, cycle, and enjoy the fresh air. Guest rooms are vibrant and feature amenities like air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV, and some rooms boast views over the Swan River.

Work out at the on-site fitness center, called Re:charge — or take a dip in the Splash Pool. The on-site restaurant, Springs Kitchen serves a variety of bites — and W XYZ bar and Re:mix Lounge are great places to grab a drink and socialize.

This property can be a great place to host a meeting or event, as the Rooftop Ballroom and Terrace area boasts amazing views of the river.

Pan Pacific Perth

Photo: Pan Pacific Perth

See more photosAddress: 207 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, 6000 Perth, AustraliaRates from: $132 per night

This 5-star property is located in a swanky spot on Adelaide Terrace, near the Swan River in the Central Business District. It’s home largest number of luxury guest rooms and suites in the center of Perth, boasting easy access to the city’s many attractions like Swan River, Kings Park, and Elizabeth Quay.

The upscale guest rooms have large windows, letting in plenty of natural light and feature amenities like a TV, a private bathroom, and oftentimes beautiful views of the landscape outside. Guests can use the outdoor swimming pool, and exercise in the 24-hour fitness center, or get some work done in the business center.

Dine at Uma Restaurant, which serves a selection of seasonal, fresh local and international dishes a la carte. At Mas Vino wine bar, try a tailored selection of wines from across the world, paired with gourmet small bites. At the casual, pub-style Hill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant, dine on delicious Australian fare paired with an ice-cold beer — and Monty’s, enjoy a fresh and classic Australian-style breakfast.

Duxton Hotel Perth

Photo: Duxton Hotel Perth

See more photosAddress: 1 St.George’s Terrace, Perth Central Business District, 6000 Perth, AustraliaRates from: $161 per night

Duxton Hotel Perth is located in Perth’s Central Business District, hosting upscale rooms in a prime location next to Perth Concert Hall.

Rooms are bright, light-filled, and air-conditioned, outfitted with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom (many with their own full-size bath). Most rooms even feature views over the Swan River. Other on-site amenities include the fully equipped 24-hour fitness center which has a sauna and steam room, high-speed wifi, and a club lounge that’s exclusively accessible to guests staying in a Club Room or Presidential Suite.

There are a few restaurants on-site, including Firewater Grille which hosts an interactive dining experience and retro ambiance. At The Bar, enjoy the relaxed outdoor area which faces views of St. Georges Terrace and sip on a refreshing drink. There’s also 24-hour in-room dining for those who want to enjoy a meal in their guest rooms.

The Ritz-Carlton, Perth

Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Perth

See more photosAddress: 1 Barrack Street, Perth Central Business District, 6000 Perth, AustraliaRates from: $405 per night

The opulent, timelessly sophisticated Ritz-Carlton, Perth hosts 205 upscale guest rooms and suites with striking views against the backdrop of Elizabeth Quay.

The elegant rooms offer air conditioning and are outfitted with a flat-screen TV, a workspace with a desk and a coffee machine, and skyline and local park spaces out of floor-to-ceiling windows.

Outstanding on-site amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool tub, a well-equipped fitness center, and a spa. The spa features relaxing treatment rooms, a heated outdoor infinity pool that overlooks the Swan River and city skyline — as well as a vitality pool, spa baths, a sauna, and a dedicated relaxation lounge.

Dine on-site at the waterfront restaurant Songbird Bar & Lounge, which has tasty bites, cocktails, and unmatched sunsets over the Swan River. There’s also Hearth Restaurant, which uses local partnerships to source satisfying fiery dishes paired with an impressive local wine selection. At Hearth Lounge, taste a menu of upscale bar small plates with views of the quay in a smart casual setting.

Great Southern Hotel Perth

Photo: The Great Southern Hotel Perth

See more photosAddress: 15 Robinson Avenue, Northbridge, 6003 Perth, AustraliaRates from: $73 per night

This property is within walking distance of Perth’s Central Business District and less than a mile from Perth Central Station — feeling like a secluded but easily accessible spot to set as home base on a trip to the city.

Guests can grab a drink in the lounge-style bar area, or dine on-site at the restaurant serving a menu of International cuisine. There’s also a fitness center and a swimming pool. Each of the air-conditioned rooms features a TV, a refrigerator, and tea and coffee-making facilities and has its own bathroom.

QT Perth

Photo: QT Perth

See more photosAddress: 133 Murray Street, Perth Central Business District, 6000 Perth, AustraliaRates from: $161 per night

QT Perth is a chic, art-focused urban hotel in a great location in the center of Perth just a 12-minute walk to Elizabeth Quay, a 6-minute walk to the Art Gallery of Western Australia, and 4-minute walk to the Perth Underground station.

Work out at the 24-hour fitness center which is outfitted with Techno gym equipment, or dine at one of the multiple restaurants on-site. Santini Grill feels like a trip to the Mediterranean coast, serving modern Italian bites from an open kitchen. Santini Bar, which is outfitted in rich black leather tones and wooden hues, feels like a sultry and intimate spot to enjoy a classic cocktail with a touch of eclectic flare, paired with a bold snack menu. The Rooftop at QT serves craft cocktails from an elevated point of view on the 18th floor with panoramic sights of dreamy twinkling lights.

Guest rooms are described as “industrial chic,” featuring city views, opulent decor in shades of black and gold with funky, eye-catching wallpaper. In-room amenities include dark marble bathrooms and comfortable beds, oftentimes with dedicated workspaces with a desk and some have separate seating areas.

InterContinental Perth City Centre, an IHG Hotel

Photo: InterContinental Perth City Centre

See more photosAddress: 815 Hay Street, Perth Central Business District, 6000 Perth, AustraliaRates from: $132 per night

The 5-star InterContinental Perth City Center, an IHG Hotel property, is within the King Street precinct of Perth’s Central Business District near Elizabeth Quay in the heart of the city. It’s a 10 minute walk from Perth Convention and Exhibition Center and accessible to seemingly countless shopping and dining options.

The hotel boasts 240 guest rooms across 16 floors meaning stunning views of the city. Guest rooms are stylishly decorated, with cozy bedding and plenty of bright natural light from the large windows. Rooms feature their own bathroom (suites at the hotel offer bathtubs), a Smart TV with built-in Chromecast, an in-room bar, and strong, free WiFi.

There are multiple dining options at the hotel. Heno & Rey — a vivacious and spirited spot with a Spanish atmosphere and cuisine serving tapas al fresco on the corner of King and Hay Streets. At Ascua, dive into freshly sourced ingredients including well-cooked, high-quality meat like steaks and seafood cooked in an open kitchen, amongst a menu of Spanish-inspired cuisine. At The Loft Lounge & Bar, experience a blending of sophistication and chic modernity with traditional cocktails and fine wines alongside a menu of tasty bites on an outdoor terrace.

Other amenities on-site include an array of meetings and events spaces, a 24-hour fitness center, a business center, and access to the Club InterContinental Lounge for an extra cost, subject to availability.

COMO The Treasury

Photo: COMO The Treasury

See more photosAddress: 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth Central Business District, 6000 Perth, AustraliaRates from: $534 per night

This upscale boutique property sits in the center of the city, set in a beautifully restored set of historic buildings dating back to the mid-19th Century. The property is a 15-minute walk from Perth Convention and Exhibition Center and a 2-minute walk from Hay Street Mall.

48 bright and modern rooms and suites are decorated in sunny, warm, welcoming tones of white, cream and beige. In the rooms, guests can enjoy a fully stocked mini-bar, a modern flat-screen TV and a luxurious bathroom with cozy bathrobes and slippers for lounging.

There are multiple restaurants on-site — Wildflower, which serves a farm-to-table menu inspired by the six indigenous seasons with stunning views of the water, Post, which serves modern takes on classic Italian dishes, and Cape Arid Rooms which hosts one of the most upscale tea experiences in the city.

Visit the spa, called COMO Shambhala Urban Escape (Shambhala translates to “peace” in Sanskrit) which blends traditional, holistic Eastern and Western healing traditions. The spa complex is housed within the State Buildings’ reinvented 19th-century vaults and houses a heated indoor pool and gym.

Alex Hotel

Photo: Alex Hotel

See more photosAddress: 50 James Street, Perth Central Business District, 6000 Perth, AustraliaRates from: $153 per night

Alex Hotel is an independently operated boutique property located in Perth’s Central Business District inside the soul of the city’s creative artsy neighborhood and just a short stroll from the city’s center. It’s a 10-minute walk from Hay Street Shopping Area and a 10-minute drive from Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

The hotel is owned and operated by four local families who share a combined history in brewing, winemaking, distilling, coffee roasting, breadmaking, and restaurants — combining this knowledge to create a standout artistic hotel space.

Begin the day with a complimentary continental breakfast and locally roasted coffee on the mezzanine floor, and finish the evening with a glass of wine at the rooftop Shadow Wine Bar & Dining Room, which boasts of the best views in Perth from perched atop the towering outdoor terrace. Or, spend the say renting a free bicycle and explore the city on two wheels (the on-site team can offer plenty of top-notch cycle routes for an adventure).

The property is proud of its commitment to sustainability, taking measures like tinting windows to keep rooms cooler in the summer (creating less of a reliance on air conditioning) and using greenery indoors to naturally filter the air.

Guest rooms are cozy and upscale, feeling like a welcoming home away from home. There are various sizes of rooms ranging from small to medium to extra large, and even “family-sized” suites — with beautiful views, calming decor, and luxurious bath amenities.

Hyatt Regency Perth

Photo: Hyatt Regency Perth

See more photosAddress: 99 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, 6000 Perth, AustraliaRates from: $152 per night

This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of East Perth, just minutes from Perth’s Central Business District.

Guests will enjoy spacious rooms with impressive views of the river and city, featuring design elements highlighting nature, with wood and earthy tones that make the interior spaces feel fresh. Complimentary amenities like free Wi-Fi and spacious work areas in each room make it a great place to stay for either business or leisure.

Spend time at the large, heated pool which features views of the river, exercise at the property’s fitness center, or relax in the sauna. Dine at the award-winning Cafe Restaurant, which offers a menu of tasty, locally sourced dishes, or spend time at Conservatory Lounge, which is in the atrium, and offers an all-day a la carte menu in the atrium.

Is there a hotel in the Perth airport?

Travelers searching for somewhere to stay with easy access to or from the Perth airport can book a night at Sanno Marracoonda Airport Hotel, which is a two-minute drive from the airport, or the ibis budget Perth Airport which is a 4-minute drive.

What time zone is Perth, Australia?

Perth is on Australian Western Standard Time, which is 13 hours ahead of the time in New York when New York is on Easter Standard Time (12 hours ahead when New York is on Eastern Daylight time) and 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles on Pacific Standard Time (9 hours ahead when LA is on Pacific Daylight time).

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Published on January 25, 2024 06:00

January 24, 2024

In India, a Heartfulness Meditation Retreat Aims To Improve Your Mental Health — and the Planet

My first meditation following the teachings of Heartfulness, a spiritual practice centered on leading with the heart, was not what I expected. I’d flown 20-plus hours to get from my home in Denver to the Kanha Shanti Vanam village just outside of Hyderabad, India. My introduction to Heartfulness meditation took place in an empty conference room at The Pearl hotel above a restaurant. I sat in an office chair with my shoes off, the sound of the air conditioner behind me. Outside, a massive meditation hall and a bounty of trees and natural life.

As I’d quickly learn, exact location isn’t the point of the Heartfulness way. Quite the opposite, in fact. The meditation method is about accessibility, formatted in a way to be done by just about anyone, just about anywhere, at just about any time. A trip to Kanha, however, opens up so many more doors than just the promise of mental wellbeing.

Kanha’s origin and evolution

Wellness travel has spiked over the past couple of years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. According to the Global Wellness Institute, people are expected to spend $8.5 trillion on trips centered around improving one’s general wellbeing by 2027. There are a variety of subcategories of “wellness” travel, from physical to dietary, yet mental wellness is one of the fastest growing subsectors.

My own travel tendencies don’t typically align with these statistics. For most of my professional career, I’ve traveled to explore and write about the food, the alcohol, and the cannabis wherever I go. Kanha is a full village purpose-built to help people live the Heartfulness way and serve as a proof of concept for environmental restoration projects and societal teachings. There’s no alcohol, cannabis, or meat to be found (although Heartfulness itself doesn’t explicitly ban substances or demand a vegetarian diet).

Kanha Shanti Vanam is the headquarters of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, which started in 1945. At its core, it provides spiritual training through Heartfulness meditation, which is based around the Sahaj Marg system of meditating on the heart and living a balanced life rather than focusing on specific breathwork techniques or mantras. It’s designed for people to attain the benefits of meditation through a trainer in three short sessions, with studies showing near-instant improvements in areas like heart rate and stress. It’s also, like many things at Kanha, given for free and run largely by volunteers.

Millions of people across more than 130 countries practice Heartfulness. Thousands of trainers led by Shri Kamlesh D. Patel, known as Daaji, help guide practitioners at more than 5,000 meditation centers around the world. Though it can be practiced anywhere, there’s a good reason why travelers flock to Kanha — followers and non-followers alike.

The land that the village now stands on was barren a decade ago. Located near the center of India, Kanha has a semi-arid climate, and only the hardiest trees dot the landscape. One of my hosts, Karunakar, told me sufficient water was an issue to the point that there was a common piece of advice for people who were visiting to help in the early days of construction in 2017: Bring one bottle of water for yourself and one for a plant. There wasn’t enough water to wash clothes, so volunteers were advised to bring enough clothes for their entire stay.

Today, purpose-built ponds and lakes dot the landscape year-round, fed by roofs and water systems designed to not let the rainy season’s bounty go to waste. Of the approximately 1,400 acres that make up Kanha, 400 have been developed into apartments, houses, research buildings, offices, the world’s largest meditation hall, a hotel, K-12 schools, an ayurvedic wellness center, a hospital, gardens (for food, beauty, and research), and more. Some 1,500 families live in Kanha, and gatherings of tens of thousands of people aren’t uncommon — the week after my visit in September, 30,000 people gathered from around the world, with another 30,000 to 40,000 the following week.

Building a modern town with all of the necessary infrastructure in such a short time is no small feat. Equally impressive is the sustainable mindset to bring fertility back to the land. This rapid transformation, I’m told, is only possible with a mind opened through meditation.

“Meditation works like a vaccination,” Daaji told me over the course of an hour-long interview. “It prevents you from wrong thinking. Wrong thinking leads to wrong results, and wrong results make you depressed.” When you view life from the perspective of a meditated mind through experiential learning, he adds, you’re able “to always see things from the highest and serve from the highest.”

Over the course of five days, my guides Hari and Darshvinder gave me the grand tour in between discussions about life, spirituality, and humanity.

Finding mental wellness in a setting designed for enlightenment

tree lined street kanha shanti vanam heartfulness

Photo: Heartfulness Media Team

Darshvinder started my meditation with relaxation from the toes up. I’m not sure if it was the sleep deprivation, but by the time she’d talked through intentionally relaxing up to the knees with our eyes closed, my feet, toes, and calves felt like they were part of me without feeling every part of them. That followed up to my waist, chest, palms, jaw, and top of the head. As my heart rate slowed, the only comparison I could think of was the feeling just before a cannabis edible fully kicks in. And then the meditation session truly began.

Unlike other popular meditation practices, Heartfulness doesn’t rely on music or incense, timers or movements, or a set or guided way to breathe. Breathing becomes rhythmic when one starts to meditate, Hari explained, and the technique naturally follows the meditation when it’s guided by a trainer who acts like a conduit. The goal of Heartfulness is to just be. Ahead of the relaxation, Hari instructed me to let thoughts come as there’s no use in trying to fight them. Acknowledge those thoughts, then let them pass. And the onslaught indeed came fast. It felt like every three seconds some new thought pushed itself to the forefront.

Over time (even in the moment it was hard for me to gauge how long we sat without speaking), I began to feel a noted stillness within myself and around me. The thoughts kept coming, but it became easier to let them pass through. Somehow I didn’t feel any inclination to doze off despite being in the opposite time zone after nearly a full day of travel.

Just when my thoughts were starting to turn to the fact that this might be the longest I’ve ever sat still with my own thoughts, Hari made a small noise to indicate that it was time to let my body make its first movements since relaxing. We talked about how I felt before, during, and after. With no idea how to describe it, I sheepishly said some words about feeling calm yet energized.

We walked out of the conference room for dinner, and Hari explained that his role as a trainer was to give me energy throughout the meditation while sitting across from me. Half of me was all-in on the stillness of the first meditation while the other half wondered if this might be a long week. Hari assured me that, in a way, it’s better to go in with no prior knowledge of Heartfulness or meditation practices. That way it’s all about experiencing everything yourself firsthand rather than through the filter of books, blogs, and discussions. More positive effects, he noted, would continue to come as I progressed through the rest of the first three meditation sessions and learned about the cleansing of emotional baggage and the prayer sides of the practice.

One of the key tenets of Heartfulness meditation is that it’s about finding peace and stillness wherever you are, regardless of your setting. That said, it’s hard to imagine a better place to do so than walking the path that goes through the Yatra Garden.

yanam garden kanha shanti vanam heartfulness

Photo: Heartfulness Media Team

It all starts at a domed building. The ground underneath is covered in tile with 23 rings representing the stages toward enlightenment — the last of which only a few have attained. The acoustics are designed just right to allow an incredible echo only when standing directly in the center. The subsequent sections of the garden are related to chakras.

Each chakra’s energy vibration is associated with a different color. At the start of the path, for example, is the chakra for the center of the body, represented by yellow. Each plant in the sections adhere to the color of the chakra, with yellow hibiscus and plants with yellow leaves and small yellow flowers. This leads into red, then white, which is associated with fire and is the point of love and anger. The flowers and leaves of the plants here are all white, which is in stark contrast to the following black, the water chakra, represented here with a black neem tree and black bamboo.

Photo: Heartfulness Media Team, left; Nickolaus Hines, right

Following the path past the heart region and into the mind region leads to higher representations of mindfulness that can be reached. Statues of figures from various religious backgrounds can be seen throughout. An inlaid DNA design in the stone path leads through the mind region. At the end, there’s a 30-foot statue of Lalaji, the first guru, sunken into the ground, making it a gathering point that’s somewhat hidden other than for people who walked the path.

aerial view kanha shanti vanam heartfulness

Photo: Heartfulness Media Team

I walked the full path twice during my stay. As a plant lover and home gardener, I always feel my best surrounded by plants, but it was something different in the Yatra Garden. Both times I reached the end, my mind was pleasantly buzzing, whether from the enticing aromas coming off the trees or, as Darshvinder explained, the energy vibrations of the garden itself.

A complete village

Photo: Heartfulness Media Team

As much as Kanha is the home of Heartfulness and a place for followers to gather, it’s also a home in the more traditional sense. Daaji has a custom-built house on the land, and Hari’s home is currently under construction nearby. Other plots have development plans on the way while people stay in the apartments or off of the property. A series of newly paved, tree-lined roads make it easy to get from home to bookstore to classrooms to meditation hall.

Water treatment plants handle the region’s most precious resource, and a cricket field complements a state-of-the-art gym with a pool, weights room, courts, and badminton training facility led by nationally ranked players. Meditation leads to efficiency in all areas of life, including sports, and the facility is working to train young girls to empower them through athletics and scholarship. A central building has room for business operations, as well as a full media department and architect offices.

A hospital provides care while a wellness center has rooms for physical therapy and a wide range of ayurvedic treatments, spanning from the widely practiced to and the more unique. Here, after a four-hands massage and shirodhara treatment (oil rhythmically dripped on the forehead to bring one to a trance-like state), I joined in a polarity session, which is done to cleanse and resett energies through a series of movements done by a trained practitioner.

Photo: Heartfulness Media Team

Many of the plants found around Kanha — and there are countless, from native species to global ones — come from the Heartyculture nursery that’s led by a man who goes by GR (like Dr. but for plants because “everything he touches turns green,” Hari explained).

Food-processing facilities take the many fruits, herbs, legumes, and vegetables grown on site both outdoors and in hydroponic greenhouses and turn them into oils and products that are sold at the department store and served in the communal kitchen.

Photo: Nickolaus Hines

Various breeds of cows from the dairy on the outskirts of the village provide the milk for ghee and the various types of cheeses maturing in the aging chamber. I walked through the main kitchen that can serve 50,000 people, where all of the chopping, cooking, and sanitation is done by volunteers speaking a number of different languages. During the height of the pandemic, 30,000 meals were packaged and sent to help people in neighboring areas.

Photos: Nickolaus Hines

The design comes from Daaji’s vision. His background isn’t in city planning or design — he was a pharmacist on Staten Island for decades before leading Heartfulness — and followers aren’t expected to give up a material life. In a statement I came to expect in some form or another to my questions of how something like this is possible, I’m told that meditation helps people have the focus that it takes to succeed in everything from small everyday problems to careers to grand plans.

“Once one is willing to work with an open heart, everything else comes,” Darshvinder explained over tea.

A sustainable proof of concept that shows what’s possible india green certificaton kanha shanti vanam heartfulness

Photo: Heartfulness Media Team

“It’s almost like seeing how creation happened on Earth,” Karunakar said about the rapid transformation of Kanha over breakfast on the day I arrived. “One of the key tenets of Heartfulness is living with nature. Here, we bring a balance of nature back to live in harmony and incorporate nature into a city.”

In 2010, the land lacked any real vegetation. Part of that was due to a low water table. Through water reclamation infrastructure and systems to store and move natural rainfall, it was brought up enough for plants to draw from. Plans were made to grow endangered species native to India. Artificial rain from massive water guns strategically installed around the area give sufficient moisture. First came trees, then undergrowth followed. Aerial photographs of Kanha six years before I got there in 2022 show a landscape dominated by dirt. Today, Kanha is a natural paradise with a human-made tropical rainforest covering about one acre near the center.

While the rainforest is a concept that makes one stop and ponder what’s possible, it’s far from the only restoration. Countless fruit trees, sandalwood, neem, and other varieties — not to mention herbs and annual plants — are found across Kanha.

“Kanha has thousands of species planted or planned, and the goal is to create an ecosystem that’s much longer lasting than us,” Karunakar said. “Inner beauty and harmony are able to manifest outward in the community that way.”

The process of bringing the land back to life happened in a surprisingly short period of time. The first step, Daaji told me in an interview, was to understand the significance of charcoal. Hundreds of pits going down up to eight feet were dug, bags of charcoal put at the bottom, and then they were connected with the new water sources. That helped to clean the water, which was then retained by a layer of black soil, called terra plata, that is common in Amazonian forests and certain parts of India. The top soil was subsequently made more fertile through the addition of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.

“[Our experiments] gave me a lot of confirmation and courage that yes, we can accelerate the growth of trees,” Daaji said. “It not only speeds up the growth, but I think they remain healthier. And we’re witnessing it here — if you go just outside this campus, you will not find such healthy trees and such a variety.”

Yet the goal of Kanha isn’t just to create a sustainable paradise that refurbishes this small microclimate. Like everything else about Kanha, the concepts tested here are designed to be taken elsewhere — in places that adhere to Heartfulness practices and those that don’t.

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At the tissue culture lab, scientists are working with plant cuttings to create disease-resistant crops that can propagate off of a single leaf. The research is being done on endangered and high-value trees for the natural environment that have a low seed-germination rate, as well as to help restore those populations through propagation. Each plant requires a different technique, so the going is slow and painstaking. Kanha’s tissue lab is up to the task, with a new building designed around state-of-the-art plant technology that’s protected with hospital-grade air filtration and biometric security guarding the plants from people accidentally introducing threats to the sterile lab environment. On a tour of the facilities, a worker brought me a neem leaf in culture under lights. On top, dozens of little new clones of the plant were popping off of the cells from the leaf.

“Once people see what is possible, even the doom-sayers will realize it’s not all going to end,” Karunakar explained.

The concepts are already being applied elsewhere. During my visit, delegates from Fiji were also there to speak with Daaji. The island is facing threats from erosion and rising tides, and the delegates arrived to learn from the restoration that’s working in Kanha. Whereas the desert here was turned into a paradise, other places that are already a paradise are turning into a desert due to the impact of climate change.

“The entire planet, if we all work together, we can change it in less than a year,” Daaji said. When I asked if it was possible to have people work together in this way, the response was straightforward, if hopeful.

“That is the only challenge we have,” Daaji said. “If creating a microclimate can make so much of a difference, imagine the entire landscape changed. Earth will be a different, healthier planet.”

World unification to find a solution to something as drastic as climate change has failed time and time again. There are pockets, however, where it’s already happening, and Heartfulness volunteers are helping to lead the way in some of those cases. India’s Prime Minister partnered with Heartfulness to restore 2,000 acres in the central part of India on a stretch of mountainous land from Delhi to Ahmedabad after seeing Kanha’s story. The goal is to halt desertification.

“That mountainside is becoming almost dry, naked mountains,” Daaji said. “On its western side, there is a desert. If these mountains were not there, it would go toward the central part of India and make it entirely a desert. The danger is there.”

Bringing in the next generation

Photo: Heartfulness Media Team

Communities with utopian-esque ideals aren’t new. Centuries of leaders have tried, and largely failed, to create a lasting impact. Places like Merrymount in New England failed because of resistance from the outside world in the 1600s. Henry Ford’s capitalist Fordlandia in the Brazilian forest fell to residents balking at the Puritan restrictions. Others gain immediate traction only to be unable to keep numbers high enough to see long term success.

Daaji avoided calling Kanha a utopia in our talk, while acknowledging organized communities that have failed in the past. The difference, he said, is the meditative mind. There are certain scientific practices that can’t be changed regardless of location, and meditation can help people understand them. It all starts with mediation, and whether people follow the practice or not, the lessons learned and passed on for free are a proof of concept for what can be done elsewhere.

The next generation being raised in Kanha and elsewhere by Heartfulness practitioners will only be more prepared to share. The Heartfulness way can start to be learned once a person turns 15. Before that, certain children in Kanha are learning focus and concentration lessons through a program called Brighter Minds.

Just after sunset, Darshvinder took me and two other visitors to an outdoor class being held in a marble-floor, open-air building near the main meditation hall. Three elementary age students were sitting on the ground with blindfolds on as we walked up. Their teacher drew figures on a piece of paper — a house, a flower — and the blindfolded kids wordlessly drew the same images. Sensing skepticism from myself and the other new arrivals, one of the kids passed me their blindfold. Padding on the top and bottom contributed to a complete blackout. With trained concentration, the teacher said, the children could sense what’s around them without looking.

Each child had a certain area where they excelled. I’d already heard the stories of the early students, including one who could sense how many people were in a separate room through walls and another who could hit a moving bullseye with a bow and arrow while blindfolded.

The teacher asked me if I had a bill in my wallet, and one of the blindfolded students wearing a baby Yoda shirt that read “this is my good side” stood across from me. I pulled out a well-worn $1 bill. He held it and immediately recognized it was an American dollar. That alone could be guessed based on the size, but then, with his face still pointed up toward me and eyes covered, he recited the serial number. Another man pulled out his phone and drew on the notepad app “you are great,” and the kid held the phone and read the message without seeing it.

After, a girl faced away from us holding a set of plastic bowling pins and same-size small bowls. Blindfolded, she tapped them lightly against a chair and correctly guessed each color — the colors let off a different vibration, she explained, though the taps all sounded the same to me.

Brighter Minds works with kids ages five to 15. What they’re able to learn from concentration exercises can’t be achieved by adults who try and jump in later, Darshvinder explained. The lessons in focus and concentration allow the students to augment the senses humans typically rely on so heavily. Those lessons can then be carried on if the children decide to follow Heartfulness meditation. Just like the knowledge and studies from Heartfulness is given for free, Kanha is working on a master training program to guide future Brighter Minds teachers and is passing those lessons on to schools for free.

Coming back to reality kanha shanti vanam heartfulness sign

Photo: Heartfulness Media Team

The morning after my first meditation, I joined Hari in the main meditation hall for Sunday meditation. The marble felt cool on my bare feet, and the only noise above a low conversational murmur was the wind rustling the palms and various birds making their calls. Men sat in the rows of blue chairs on the left, women on the right.

I wasn’t the only one new to Heartfulness here. A few others sat at the front. Darshvinder walked onto the main stage and guides everyone to relax before the whole hall sits and meditates. After, two couples married: one a local couple and the other from Vancouver. It’s a simple affair with just the couple and the guide onstage. At the conclusion, each eats a cashew that has been blessed, and their hands are joined.

It was immediately clear to me from day one that Kanha is many things. A place for foreigners to join in marriage was unexpected, but maybe it shouldn’t have been. The tens of thousands of people drawn to Kanha from around the world come to learn and connect. Not all are Heartfulness practitioners when they come or even when they leave.

Photo: Nickolaus Hines

I left India committed to folding the practices I’d picked up into my daily life. I wanted to share it, too, with anyone who would listen. Continuing Heartfulness meditation amid the hectic schedule of daily life back in the States sounded daunting, but that underscores the point.

“Kanha,” Daaji said, “I also call it a trap.”

Coming here is to see as close to the ultimate everyday goal of Heartfulness as possible. It’s an incredible thing to witness, regardless of whether interest lies in the sustainability aspect, the people, or mental wellness alone. But life outside is hard. It’s also where the practices learned in Kanha can have the most benefit.

kanha shanti vanam heartfulness yatra garden

Photo: Heartfulness Media Team

“Kanha can inspire,” Daaji said. “But then you have to take the next step of living a real life.”

Daaji’s books — The Heartfulness Way, Designing Destiny, and the latest, Spiritual Anatomy — have helped bridge that gap for me. Another trip to Kanha isn’t out of the question, next time with family and friends, if only to share the things I feel need to be seen to be believed and to feel the connection that I made with Darshvinder, Hari, and others.

When that time does come, I know the Kanha I arrive in will be much different than the one I saw. Heartfulness emphasizes a natural flow rather than rushing. That said, development and improvements are constantly being added at a rapid clip. Daaji made the metaphor of a spinning top: when it’s at its fastest speed, it appears to stay in the same location while actually moving quickly.

Kanha, and Heartfulness as a whole, is just the map, Daaji said. Traveling the route to a more mindful lifestyle and more sustainable world is done by people. I’d add that traveling to Kanha makes the route that much more clear.

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