Matador Network's Blog, page 305
April 11, 2023
This House Shaped Like a Bug Is Bali’s Strangest-Looking Airbnb
Bali has become so popular with travelers, hotels and Airbnbs are really stepping up their game to distinguish themselves from their competitors. Everyone wants to have the most Instagrammable house in Bali, which is understandable given the destination’s popularity with influencers and digital nomads working in travel. We don’t know if Manta House is the most Instagrammable, but it’s certainly throwing its hat in the ring.
@epic.stays #Airbnb detailsVeluvana Bali – Manta House
IG: @pink.lem #airbnbfinds #baliguide #travelbali #uniquestays #traveltok #balihotelguide ♬ original sound – Spotify
This bamboo house, when viewed head on, resembles a slightly terrifying creature — though we can’t quite pinpoint which. Looking like a treehouse inside with natural wood and bamboo construction, a luxurious pool outside with views of the Sideman Valley, this Veluvana property is both comfortable as well as pleasing to the eye (and the camera).
The Sidemen Valley is defined by its green rice fields, waterfalls, ancient temples, and bamboo huts. Not quite as touristy as the rest of the island, the valley is the perfect place for some peace and quiet. Go hiking through the rice fields, relax by a calm river, marvel at the Gembleng or Jagasatru waterfalls, or explore Sidemen Village itself.
“Veluvana is a unique bamboo house with a wonderful view of Sidemen Valley,” the Airbnb listing says, “a genuine tropical landscape with Mount Agung peak on its back. This getaway spot is a great place to bring into reality the dream adventure of the true wanderer. We invite you to feel the magnificent vibes of the entire house to escape the life that is full of drama into a journey with ultimate joy.”
Revel in Surreal Views From This Glampsite Perched Atop the Mountains of Thailand
Thailand is known for its natural beauty, whether it’s caves, mountains, or beaches. Located in the idyllic Phayao Province of Northern Thailand, the Magic Mountain Camp is the best place to take in the sights and sounds that make the country special. This almost surreal lodging allows you to glamp high above some of Thailand’s most stunning natural scenery, making for an experience you simply won’t get at most other hotels in the region.
@visitMagic Mountain Camp – Phayao, Thailand
by : @kpiznu.travel
What really sets Magic Mountain Camp apart from other campsites is its stunning location. Situated atop a hill overlooking Phayao Lake, this camp provides breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding countryside from virtually every angle. It truly offers the best of both worlds – a quiet and peaceful retreat set against stunning mountain views, and a variety of outdoor activities to keep you busy and entertained.
The camp offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from basic tents and cabins, to luxury villas with private balconies and views of the surrounding countryside. Each tent features high-quality canvas construction, double-size beds with mattresses, bedding, pillows, mosquito nets and more. There are also shared bathrooms with hot showers available onsite for your convenience, as well as an onsite restaurant serving delicious Thai cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The main attraction at Magic Mountain Camp is, of course, its unrivaled mountain views. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains on all sides, it’s easy to see why the place is so popular. But that’s not all – there’s also plenty of activities to keep you entertained during your stay. You can explore nearby waterfalls, or take advantage of the camp’s horseback riding and elephant trekking tours. For those who prefer something more leisurely, there are hiking trails through the surrounding forests or relaxing rafting trips down nearby rivers.
Beer, Yoga, and Drag Queens: Boise’s Treefort Music Fest Is So Much More Than Just Another Music Festival
Music festivals are constantly reinventing themselves, and indie festival Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Idaho, is no different. With a small town atmosphere and a wide array of entertainment options that range from music and skateboarding to lock picking and drag queens, there’s literally something for everyone at Treefort. If you’re looking for a festival with variety, personality, and an outpouring of community support that rivals few others in the United States, Treefort Music Fest just might be one to add to your list.
Boise, fondly referred to by locals as “The City of Trees,” is a trendy city that’s surrounded by beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventuring. Its downtown area is filled with vibrant street art, wine, and a culinary scene that rivals its neighboring West Coast cities of Seattle and Portland. In fact, Boise, which has one of the largest Basque communities in the United States, has put itself on the map as an epicenter for Basque cuisine that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to San Sebastián.
Photo: Amy Russell
While Boise is an energetic and vibrant city any day of the week, the five days that it hosts Treefort Music Fest each year make it come alive in a way that takes on a life of its own. During Treefort, hundreds of musical acts perform at a main stage in the official festival grounds, set in Boise’s beautiful Julia Davis Park, as well as at historical venues spread across downtown Boise. The musical acts are a combination of well-known national headliners like Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Margo Price, and Ani DiFranco; local Idaho acts like Boise’s prized Built to Spill; as well as emerging artists across a wide range of musical genres. Boise’s local businesses pull out all the stops during Treefort with painted shop windows welcoming visitors, and every Boisean you meet will beam with pride for their city.
Treefort, which began in 2012, is a showcase of Boise’s local musicians, artists, creatives, and storytellers and draws in over 25,000 people (and counting) each year, many of whom travel from outside Idaho to attend the festival — and for good reason. With more than 500 musical acts, surprise appearances from the likes of beloved Breaking Bad actors Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, and a jam-packed schedule of diverse cultural opportunities all over downtown Boise, the festival leaves you torn on whether you want to have dinner with an award-winning Korean chef, snap a selfie with viral TikTok influencer Doggface208, or relax and rejuvenate to the sounds of Tibetan singing bowls at a sound bath in Boise’s historic Basque Center.
A Fort for Everyone
Photo: Kharizz
With a setup similar to SXSW, Treefort’s lineup is based on 13 different “forts” through a multi-venue model spread across Boise’s downtown area. Each fort has its own schedule of entertainment on the lineup, which ranges from shows, storytelling, and films to interactive and engaging activities that cover technology, gaming, cooking, and skateboarding. The locations of the forts range from bars, basements, coffee shops, bookstores, record shops and parking lots, and finding each of Treefort’s venues adds to the appeal of exploring the magic of each of downtown Boise’s hidden gems.
One of the most noteworthy things that sets Treefort apart, besides the deep-rooted community pride, is Boise’s notable dedication to restoring iconic, historic buildings into year-round music and event venues. Duck Club Entertainment, the creators of Treefort Music Fest, originally planned for Treefort to be a physical music venue, but it quickly evolved into an entire festival. Ten years after Treefort’s 2011 inception, the plans for Treefort Music Hall began, and it will officially hold its grand opening in June of 2023. Other buildings, like the historic El Korah Shrine, have recently been acquired by Duck Club, and restoration is underway to make it a year-round venue while preserving its vintage vibes. Other local buildings throughout downtown Boise, such as the vacant Greyhound Bus Station, are rented for the festival and converted into what Duck Club calls “a wild world of art, music and immersive experiences.”
While all of Treefort Music Fest’s forts are worth visiting depending on your interests, here are a few that set Treefort apart from other festivals and should not be missed.
DragfortDragfort, the self-proclaimed “queer dream destination of Treefort,” is at first glance a typical high-energy display of drag, parties, and performance. But after taking a deeper look, you’ll soon realize that it’s so much more. The LGBTQ+ community and their allies have found their home at Treefort, and its inclusive environment not only allows everyone to feel liberated in a celebration of self-expression, but it also creates a safe space to talk about and bring awareness to difficult issues that the LGBTQ+ community faces, like the Idaho House of Representatives’s recent proposed bill that would restrict the performance of public live drag shows across the state. Several events were highlights not only of Dragfort, but the entire festival, such as the Pink Runway Party, which is described by treefort as a “cocophany of queer joy,” and It’s Brunch Bitch, an action-packed drag show that wraps up the festival and sends Treeforters home with all the feels. Boise is a city that is proud of the diversity of its community, and it shows.
FoodfortFoodfort, a celebration of the food and food systems local to the greater-Boise area, works to bring local, regional and national chefs, media, and culinary experts together to facilitate thinking and discussion about food. Daily events like A Night at Miss Kim’s, which highlights the Korean cuisine of James Beard award winner Chef Ji Hye Kim; Street Eats, a market-style shindig inspired by the night markets of the world that features local and traveling chefs; and Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em, a bus station parking lot cookout with six-time World Barbecue Champion pitmaster Tuffy Stone, give foodies endless opportunities to explore all of the culinary displays that Treefort brings to the Boise local food scene.
YogafortIn the midst of all the festival craziness, Yogafort is a place to catch a yoga session or sound bath, decompress, and re-center your energy before a long day of eating, drinking, and music. From doing yoga while sipping local brews to stretching to the live rhythms of Indian Rāga, Yogafort has options for beginning to expert Yogis alike. Yogafort events begin in the morning and wrap up by late afternoon before the evening’s festivities begin.
Festival LogisticsNavigating Treefort is easy, considering the festival is spread across the entire downtown area of Boise. With its walkability, most events are within a 10- to 15-minute walk from each other and allow festival-goers to familiarize themselves with all that Boise has to offer along the way.
For those who want to save their feet for standing at shows and hitch a ride from venue to venue, the Treeline shuttle service is a fun, social, and easy way to get around. There are even bands playing on the Treeline so you can be entertained while you ride.
The Treefort Music Fest App, which was locally developed, was a lifesaver in staying organized and saved me a ton of time. It allowed me to preview the day’s lineup, read descriptions, create my own schedule of must-sees and allowed me to share my schedule with my friends and see what they had on their radar as well. It even had the Treefort Lineometer, which allowed me to get real-time line info on each venue and save myself previous festival time if it was already at capacity. Throughout the festival, text notifications popped up, highlighting must-see events and giving reminders of important information.
For those on a budget or with little ones, the Fort Zone is free, open to the public and family-friendly. It welcomes the community in to experience things like Kidfort, art installations, free performances, a wide array of beers at Alefort, and food trucks galore.
Festival attendees have a variety of pass options, ranging from $100 for single-day tickets to Zipline 5-day passes for $420. Tickets are also available for individual shows throughout the city, and some venues offer events to the community for free. In 2024, Treefort will be held from March 20 to 24.
The 9 Most Fun Festivals in NYC To Attend in 2023
New York City is one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the world. Known for its towering skyscrapers, world-renowned museums like the MET and the MOMA, and sprawling and famous Central Park, the city offers an endless array of experiences and attractions – and that doesn’t even include any of the city’s offerings for visitors relating to TV and entertainment.
Because so many television shows are in New York City, guests can sit in on a taping of “The Daily Show”, stand in the background of a morning show, or even sit in the audience for “Saturday Night Live”. NYC is known as “the city that never sleeps,” and considering that the last call in all five boroughs is 4 AM, that name is pretty apt.
But NYC isn’t a city to rest on its laurels, and there’s even more happening year-round thanks to hundreds of festivals in New York City. From the Japan Festival to the Italian Festival to a celebration at Coney Island and one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the country, these are nine awesome festivals in NYC that show off the best of the city’s melting pot of culture.
How many festivals are there in NYC?
Photo: WireStock Creators/Shutterstock
Between major festivals in NYC, music festivals, food festivals, conventions, events, and free showings, it’s impossible to say just how many festivals in NYC happen on any given year. But it’s probably fair to say it’s in the thousands. If you look at NYC’s official list of official major events, you’ll find more than 100 listed — and that’s only “major” events. If you include local events and neighborhood festivals, you’ll probably find a dozen ever weekend happening across the city.
The list below includes many of the best NYC festivals, but there are so many to choose from that it’s hardly exhaustive. Other events like Broadway Week (January and September), Fashion Week (mid-February), Summer on the Hudson, and the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival (October) are just some of the many additional fabulous events not listed below.
Some, like the Coney Island Mermaid Festival, are small and quirky, attracting just a few thousand people. Others attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees and are known around the world. There’s literally always something going on in NYC.
January: Winter JazzfestView this post on Instagram
A post shared by NYC Winter Jazzfest (@nycwjf)
Winter Jazzfest is an annual music festival in NYC showcasing a wide variety of jazz, blues, and other experimental music. The festival was founded in 2005 and has since grown in popularity, attracting jazz enthusiasts and music lovers from around the world. The festival’s mission is to showcase new and innovative jazz music, as well as promote emerging artists and support the local jazz scene in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond.
Shows are held over the course of 10 days or so, depending on the year, and usually more than dozen venues and stages around the boroughs. While it does book well-known jazz artists like Donny McCaslin, Mark Guiliana, and Samara Joy, it’s mostly known for choosing intimate venues and facilitating collaborations between musicians.
The festival offers various ticket options, including single tickets, multi-day passes, and all-access VIP passes. Visitors can also attend the festival’s workshops, panel discussions, and other special events, many of which are free and open to the public.
Admission fee: Individual shows range from free to $40 or so, passes for the primary weekend shows start at $110Address: VariousUsual dates: Second or third week of JanuaryApril: Japan Festival NYCView this post on Instagram
A post shared by JAPAN Fes New York / ジャパンフェス (@japanfes)
It’s really, really easy to attend this NYC festival since JapanFes takes place at locations throughout the city all summer. It’s the biggest Japanese food festival in the world with more than 750 vendors and more than 250,000 attendees. There are more than 20 mini-festivals around NYC, but the first and usually biggest ones are in Chelsea and the East Village.
Some vendors come from Japan, while others are from other countries around the world. And many are local, too, including both Japanese restaurants and other well-known NYC restaurants trying their hand at making Japanese dishes like ramen, yakisoba, mochi, dorayaki, and more.
And speaking of ramen: in addition to food vendors, the festival features live music, cooking contests, non-food vendors and artists, art and cultural demonstrations, and more. You don’t need tickets, but you do need to pay for whatever food you want to buy. Fortunately, most food items start at under $10.
Admission fee: Free to enter, costs for food, etc.Address: VariousUsual dates: Weekends, starting early AprilMay – August: Shakespeare in the ParkView this post on Instagram
A post shared by The Public Theater (@publictheaterny)
Shakespeare in the Park is one of the most popular outdoor theater festivals in NYC, held in the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park. The festival is produced by the Public Theater and has been a beloved tradition in New York since it began in 1962.
The first production of Shakespeare in the Park was a performance of “The Merchant of Venice”, starring George C. Scott and James Earl Jones. Since then, the festival has presented over 150 Shakespeare plays as well as other classic stage productions.
The best part about the festival is that it’s completely free and open to the public, though you’ll need to get tickets in advance. You can do that by entering the online lottery system, or trying to get a day-of ticket by waiting at the box office before the show. The online lottery is day-of, too: enter by noon and you’ll find out by 3 PM if you’ve gotten tickets to the show that night.
In 2023, the Public Theater will be performing “Hamlet,” with three or four performances a week. Because tickets are very in-demand, you’ll want to try to leave a few evenings free in case you don’t get them on the first night you hoped.
Admission fee: FreeAddress: Delacorte Theater: 81 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024Usual dates: Weekends June – AugustJune: Coney Island Mermaid ParadeView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Coney Island USA (@coney.island.usa)
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is an annual parade held in the Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn and is certainly one of the quirkiest festivals in NYC (well, festivals in Brooklyn, technically). The parade celebrates the beginning of summer and was first created by artists and local residents in 1983 to encourage the revival of the Coney Island neighborhood.
The parade is typically held on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice, usually in late June. It features thousands of participants dressed in elaborate costumes depicting mermaids, mermen, sea creatures, and other ocean-related themes. The parade also includes marching bands, floats, and performances by dancers and acrobats. Coney Island is quirky, artist, weird, vintage, funky, and decidedly not corporate, so go with an open mind and you’ll have a great time.
The parade route typically runs along Surf Avenue and the Coney Island boardwalk, and it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Go as you are, or rock your own mermaid costume – everyone and everything is welcome.
Admission fee: FreeAddress: Near the Ford Amphitheater (3052 W 21st St, Brooklyn, NY 11224)Usual dates: Last Saturday in JuneJune: NYC Pride FestivalView this post on Instagram
A post shared by GABI + SHANNA | LGBTQ TRAVEL (@27travels)
Pride Week is an annual event held to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and their ongoing struggle for equal rights. The first Pride event was held in New York in June of 1970 on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Pride Week is typically held in late June and features a wide variety of events, including a parade, concerts, parties, marches, and rallies. One of the key features of Pride Week is the Pride Parade, usually on the last Sunday in June. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, and other performers, and attracts millions of spectators along its route through the streets of Manhattan.
Visitors attending Pride Week can expect to see colorful costumes, rainbow flags, and displays of LGBTQ+ pride and solidarity throughout the city. While attending the city’s Pride Parade is always a good time, the whole idea behind the festival is to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and justice, so if you’re in town, use this NYC festival as an opportunity to learn to become a better ally – not just to party.
Admission fee: The parades and many events are free, but some official events like brunches and shows range from $20 and upAddress: The parade starts at 25th and 5th Ave, but events are held throughout the cityUsual dates: All of June, but the parade is usually the last Sunday of JuneSeptember: NYC Italian FestivalView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Patrycja (@patrycjanyc)
This NYC festival, also called the Feast of San Gennaro, takes place annually in NYC’s Little Italy and it is a celebration of Italian culture, food, and tradition. The festival is named after San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, Italy. The festival dates to 1926 when Italian immigrants first started the event to honor their patron saint.
The festival runs for 11 days and attracts over a million visitors each year, with a variety of events like parades, live music, street performers, carnival games, and, of course, lots of traditional and modern Italian food. Many local restaurants participate in the event, offering a range of traditional and modern Italian cuisine through special menus or events.
One of the highlights of the festival is the procession of the statue of San Gennaro through the streets of Little Italy, which takes place on the first day of the festival. But the cannoli- and meatball-eating contests are also extremely popular (and yes, anyone can sign up).
This is one of the most family-friendly festivals in NYC and has plenty to offer whether you’re Italian or not. Most of the events are free, outdoor, and open to the public, though there’s a fee for restaurant events, tasting menus, private events, and the like.
Admission fee: FreeAddress: Mulberry Street, NYC (near SoHo)Usual dates: 10 days in mid-SeptemberSeptember and October: The New York Film FestivalView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Film at Lincoln Center (@filmlinc)
The New York Film Festival is an annual festival in NYC and one of the most prestigious in the world, showcasing a diverse range of films from both established and emerging filmmakers.
The festival was founded in 1963 by film critics Richard Roud and Amos Vogel, who wanted to create a showcase for international films that were not being screened in the United States at the time. The first festival featured 24 films from 14 countries and was held at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Now, the New York Film Festival takes place over two weeks in September and October. It features a lineup of new films from around the world, including mainstream cinema, narrative features, documentaries, and shorts. The festival also hosts panel discussions, filmmaker Q&As, and other special events. Films that have debuted at the festival in past years include 2010’s “The Social Network” and Martin Scorsese’s 1970’s crime thriller “Mean Streets.”
You’ll need to buy tickets to shows and events online in advance. Events sell out, so try to get your tickets as soon as they become available. Day-of box office tickets are also sometimes available.
By the way: this is not the same as the Tribeca Film Fest, a totally different festival held every June.
October: New York Comic ConView this post on Instagram
A post shared by New York Comic Con (@newyorkcomiccon)
New York Comic Con is an annual comic book and pop culture convention. Comic-Con started way back in the 1970s as a small gathering in San Diego, CA, but now, the NYC Comic Con is the biggest in the US. It attracted more than 200,000 people in 2022 and is considered to be the biggest fan gathering of any type in the US.
This is one of the best festivals in NYC for anyone who likes comics, sci-fi, action movies, video games, or basically anything else vaguely related to those topics. It’s also one of the best festivals in NYC if you like doing cosplay (dressing up like characters inspired by comic books, movies, TV shows, and video games), since that’s a huge component of the festival.
Festival events include celebrity autograph sessions, photo ops, Q&As and lectures, performances, merchandise booths, and an “artist alley” where fans can meet and interact with their favorite comic book creators. Tickets usually go on sale in June and there’s a complicated process for securing them, including a pre-sale for so-called verified fans, so keep an eye on the ticketing website if you’re interested in going.
Admission fee: Tickets range from around $70 for a single day pass to $400 or more for a full weekend passAddress: Javits Center (429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001)Usual dates: Second or third weekend of OctoberNovember: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day ParadeView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Macy’s (@macys)
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual parade held on Thanksgiving Day in New York City – it’s the parade you’ve likely seen shown on news shows on Thanksgiving morning.
Interestingly, the parade was originally held on Christmas, starting in 1924. It included live animals from the Central Park Zoo and was supposed to promote the opening of what was then billed as the “World’s Largest Store” — Macy’s in NYC’s Herald Square. But it was such a hit that Macy’s decided to make it an annual event, moving it to Thanksgiving Day in 1927 to kick off the holiday shopping season.
The parade is known for massive balloons in the shape of popular cartoon characters, floats, marching bands, celebrity performances, and more. The balloons are the main attraction and are guided by teams of handlers. There are usually about 15-20 balloons, and each one has around 90 handlers ensuring it doesn’t fly away (though sometimes it does anyway).
People attending the parade should expect large crowds and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot – like, early early. It’s not unusual to see people lining up by 5:30 AM.
The parade typically starts at 9 AM on Thanksgiving Day and follows a 2.5-mile route through Manhattan, from Central Park West to Herald Square.
Admission fee: Free, though many restaurants along the route sell viewing spaceAddress: You can stand anywhere around the route, but find a spot around 34th St. or Bryant Park to be near the musical performancesUsual dates: ThanksgivingWhere to stay in New York City
Photo: Expedia
It’s pretty easy to get around NYC, though the subway system has some areas that are easier to reach than others. In general, if you stay south of Central Park, you’ll have a subway station nearby — but the Upper East and Upper West are a bit harder to reach and you may have to walk a bit to reach a station.
Usually, the best spot for most tourists is to stay somewhere near Times Square. While it can be loud if you’re on a low floor, it’s in the center of the city and walkable to attractions like Rockefeller Plaza and the New York Public Library, near lots of bars and restaurants, and is close to stations for most of NYC 36 subway lines (and is within walking distance of the Javits Center).
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.
The Dominick
Photo: Expedia
The Dominick Hotel is a large luxury hotel in SoHo, south of Times Square and closer to the main celebratory areas for events like Pride Week and NYC’s Japan Festival. The hotel’s architecture and design are supposedly inspired by SoHo’s original artistic and avant-garde roots, with modern art and furnishings throughout the property.
Most guest rooms have skyline views and some have balconies. The hotel also has a chic rooftop lounge and pool with a hip ‘afternoon-cocktails’ vibe. A Matador writer did a full review on her experience there and found it quite posh. Rooms start around $525 per night.
Pod 51
Photo: Expedia
Pod 51 is a budget-friendly hotel in Midtown Manhattan, just a short walk from Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). If you want a small hotel near Grand Central Station and subway stations, this is it.
Pod 51 features a variety of room types, including standard, double, and queen rooms, most with private bathrooms. If you’re planning to spend most of your time at festivals in NYC and just want to save money on your room while still staying somewhere clean and comfortable, this is it. There’s also a lot of shared social space on the rooftop and in the lobby and lounges. Rooms start around $109 per night.
Courtyard Marriott New York Manhattan/Midtown West
Photo: Expedia
Courtyard Marriott hotels are reliably comfortable, clean, and filled with modern features like extra USB plugs and small work areas with couches. The rooms at this Courtyard near Times Square are quite large considering the low cost, and there’s a nice on-site bar and restaurant with space to socialize or work if you don’t feel like hanging in your room. It’s just a few blocks from the Javits Center and very close to Times Square, meaning it’s walkable to fantastic restaurants and bars, too. Rates start around $200 per night, but get a lot pricier in the summer.
These Cape Town Airbnbs Offer Views of the Coast and Luxury Amenities
The core of Cape Town is anchored in its outdoor lifestyle, coast, and excellent wine, and all of those things are enjoyed to the fullest in an Airbnb home — not a hotel. If you’re planning a trip to South Africa and have anywhere from a few days to a few weeks in the city, here’s a selection of some of the best Airbnb options. Most of these have baller status but are reasonably affordable. If you’re packing a surfboard or just want to enjoy a cold glass of rosé with ocean views, here are the best Cape Town Airbnb options.
We hope you love the Airbnb Cape Town vacation rentals 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.
Seaview Cape Town Airbnb in Camps Bay for 12
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosPanoramic views over the infinity pool sounds like an ideal way to enjoy the scenery of Capetown’s coast. This rental has a three-minute walk to the beach, restaurants, and the promenade. There are also six en-suite sea-facing bedrooms, a jacuzzi, BBQ, pizza oven and full-time housekeeping.
Twelve guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,414 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photos
This studio is also close to Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, the waterfront shopping center, sea point, and Table Mountain. The villa also has a solar-heated pool, and a huge garden, which is said to attract many local birds. Even if the property with such easy access to the best of Cape Town and its natural surroundings, don’t overlook the practice of “garden bathing” — it’s like forest bathing, but you don’t have to leave the house.
Two guests, studio
Price: $136 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosThis newly renovated loft is centrally located and perfect for couples and solo travelers. It’s within walking distance to V&A Waterfront and De Waterkant and has all the gadgets and modern features you’d need, namely 24-hour security and a saltwater swimming pool. You’ll also be close to nightlife and dining, though if you spend most of your time staring out the window at Table Mountain, we won’t blame you.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $81 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosThis property is located opposite Glen Beach, an easy two-minute stroll away from Camps Bay. It sleeps six and has exceptional views of the sea and mountains. This home is the perfect escape from the city and ideal for taking advantage of Cape Town’s outdoorsy lifestyle, be that on the incline or in the water.
Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $217 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosThis secluded villa, named Maison Noir, is among the mountain ranges and minutes from the coast. The listing highlights a fully stocked wine cellar, entertainment areas, and private cinema. The home is the perfect place for a retreat or group event. If traveling with family, a group of colleagues, or for other organized retreats, there’s no more luxurious Cape Town Airbnb listing than this.
Fourteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,478 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosThis four-double-bedroom house has views of Clifton Third and Fourth beaches, Lion’s Head, and Table Mountain. The rental price also includes a full-time maid and chef on request. The solar-heated pool is an ideal spot for an afternoon cocktail overlooking the beach, especially if you were out there surfing in the morning. At this price point for eight people, it is the best Cape Town Airbnb for the money.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $307 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosThe beach bungalow listed here has uninterrupted views down the coast. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the property has been designed to highlight the outdoor environment and the stunning landscape. It is built to “blend into” the surrounding landscape, with a relaxing garden on site and a hot tub on the deck. This is the most therapeutic Cape Town Airbnb available, and it’s eco-friendly to boot.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $283 per night
Beach villa Airbnb with pool, hammock, and epic Cape Town views
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosThis epic beachside villa sleeps eight and has direct beach access. It is situated in the fishing village of Kommetjie, a 45-minute drive from the city center. A great place to rent if you’re looking to surf or have an interest in outdoor sports, as there is plenty of hiking, biking, and general beachside rabble rousing to do off-property. Of course, you could just lounge in the hammock, moving only for an occasional dip in the pool. No harm there, either.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $219 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosLocated on the coastal stretch of Victoria Road Ezulwini, this property is isolated from the crowds. Clifton Second Beach is a quick descent down 168 steps that lead from the property. The toughest decision you’ll make here is choosing between beach and pool.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,095 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photos
Nestled on the slopes of the majestic Twelve Apostles, this home boasts exceptional ocean views and an air of relaxed sophistication. The design emphasizes minimal aesthetics, allowing natural light to pour in through large windows and floor-to-ceiling glass stacking balcony doors. Outside, the expansive covered balcony awaits with the perfect spot to take in one of the most beautiful climates in the world. Inside, a sprawling open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area takes center stage with high-end appliances and clever storage solutions. Natural light floods in from wide windows that open up to create a seamless indoor-outdoor space. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining on the furnished balcony with its own gas BBQ. Adjacent to the kitchen is a private office with its own breathtaking views of sea and mountains. The main bedroom is equipped with a queen size bed that looks out onto endless blue waters while the en suite bathroom offers a walk-in shower and separate bathtub for added luxury. Next door lies a second bedroom with queen size bed and walk-in shower in its own private bathroom.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $208 per night
Foodie Tour: Savor the Authentic Foods and Flavors of Richmond, BC
The island city just across the Fraser River from Vancouver might best be known as the home of the Vancouver International Airport, but the dynamic community of Richmond has gained steady recognition as a culinary destination. Roughly 65% of its population of 216,000 is of Asian heritage, and its culinary scene highlights these diverse cultures through beloved classics and modern takes on traditional dishes. Plus, its proximity to the water means Richmond offers some of the freshest seafood around.
Touring the city through your tastebuds is a deliciously satisfying way to explore its cultural context. Read on to discover some of Richmond’s finest flavors.
Find surprises at a food court.
Photo: Tourism Richmond
Though often thought of as a place for a quick, cheap meal, the food courts of Richmond have been transformed by an array of mom-and-pop shops into foodie havens. With a wide range of offerings, these are comprehensive spots to get an overview of different regional flavors.
“In Richmond, you can find restaurants from Shanghai, Xi’an, Sichuan, Yunnan, Hunan, Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang — and every region in between,” says Alexandra Gill, a Vancouver-based food writer and former BC restaurant critic for The Globe and Mail, about Richmond’s culinary diversity. “I know from personal experience that even locals sometimes have a hard time navigating the hundreds and hundreds of restaurants in Richmond and some of the cultural differences.”
For a casual dining experience, check out the food court on the second floor of the Richmond Public Market. Stop by Hei Hei Rice Roll for some silky smooth rice rolls, a typical Cantonese dish served at dim sum or as a snack, and dressed with a combination of sweet hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and soy sauce. Hei Hei Rice Roll generously stuffs theirs with mushroom, pork, or chicken. For a sweet treat, visit the longstanding Peanuts Bubble Tea, which has been serving the squishy drink since 1994. Pair yours with a wheel cake — the circular-shaped cakes are a Taiwanese dessert traditionally filled with red bean paste but now commonly stuffed with cream, chocolate, and peanuts. You can also find unique flavours such as matcha, black sesame mochi, and even a savory radish offering here.
For an even larger selection of Asian street foods, make your way to the food court at Aberdeen Centre, which serves everything from Japanese cutlets and sushi to wonton noodles and Shanghai dumplings. (Note: Many spots here only accept cash or Alipay.) Despite its name, the bestseller at Wu Fung Dessert is the deep-fried chicken wings, which seem to make an appearance on every second table at the food court. For some Hong Kong street-style rice rolls and curry fish balls, stop by Bubble Waffle. Just make sure to save room for their namesake bestseller: a waffle dessert that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Join the Authentic Asian Eats Tour with Vancouver Foodie Tours for a guided introduction to Richmond’s food scene.
Savor the seasonal seafood.
Photo: Tourism Richmond
Savvy chefs take advantage of Richmond’s strategic position alongside the Fraser River and Pacific Ocean by incorporating fresh-caught seafood into their seasonal menus. The quaint Steveston Village continues its legacy as a working fishing village today, and home cooks and chefs shop at Fisherman’s Wharf during the spring and summer months when spot prawns, pink salmon, sockeye, and albacore tuna are in season.
For ocean-friendly seafood dishes overlooking the marina, stop in at Blue Canoe. Situated on the pier next to Fisherman’s Wharf, their ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible. Try their chilled seafood platter, an epic assortment of red shrimp ceviche, fresh-shucked oysters, and snow crab clusters.
First opened in 2020, Kun’s Omakase Bar is a relative newcomer, though it’s already made a name for itself for its buttery-soft raw fish. You’ll appreciate the beautifully presented rolls and high-quality sashimi and nigiri. Unlike many local grab-and-go sushi joints, Kun’s is a place meant for diners to linger.
Nosh on noodles.
Photo: Tourism Richmond
For a quick but satiating meal, Richmondites turn to piping hot bowls of noodles, whether it’s phở, saucy pad Thai, or crispy fried noodles. Bánh Mì Très Bon serves dishes from Vietnam made with ingredients sourced from local farms. Try the signature phở tái bò viên — beef noodle soup — where bundles of noodles are soaked in flavorful broth and topped with medium-rare slices of organic, grass-fed tenderloin.
For a bowl of ramen that hits the spot, G-Men Ramen in Steveston dishes up steaming noodles alongside appetizers like barbecued scallops and deep-fried gyoza. At popular Malaysian restaurant John 3:16, start with the roti canai — the order comes with two pieces of flaky and delicately sweet roti (flatbread) served with a curry sauce. Follow it up with char kway teow, a dish of stir-fried flat rice noodles with Chinese sausage, oyster sauce, and fried fish cakes.
Devour all the dumplings.
Photo: Tourism Richmond
There so many standout dumpling houses in Richmond — offering everything from Japanese gyoza to Northern Chinese guo tie and Cantonese-style wontons — that the city created its own self-guided Dumpling Trail to highlight 14 of the most popular establishments. On or off the trail, save room to gorge on the ultimate comfort food, whether they’re fried, steamed, or boiled.
Dinesty is where you’ll find top-notch soup dumplings, pot stickers, and wontons. They’re known for their craftsmanship and use of fine ingredients, perfectly exemplified by a juicy steamed pork soup dumpling that’s by far their most popular dish. For Shanghai-style dumplings with crab and shrimp, as well as traditional dishes and southern Chinese delicacies, check out Shanghai River.
Count on Cantonese cuisine.
Photo: Tourism Richmond
Richmond’s Cantonese cuisine is an ode to the Hong Kong migrants who made their way to the region decades ago. It’s also an indispensable part of the city’s culinary scene today. Those short on time should try the no-fuss Hong Kong-style Lido Cafe, which serves cloud-like pineapple buns with a thick slab of butter in the middle. Wash it down with some hot milk tea for an afternoon snack.
For a truly drool-worthy spread, plan a stop at Kirin. Dim sum restaurant by day and seafood hot spot by night, it’s been voted best Chinese restaurant by local and international authorities numerous times. Share prawn dumplings and sticky rice for brunch, and return in the evening for a multicourse dinner of pan-fried black cod, sautéed scallops, and fresh abalone. For a guided dining experience, join Alexandra Gill on her Chinese Dinner Party food tour to experience both traditional and modern Cantonese cuisine while learning how the city’s culinary scene has evolved in recent years.
Featured on Netflix’s Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, HK BBQ Master is an unassuming joint tucked in the parkade of a Real Canadian Superstore, serving roast meats like barbecued duck and barbecued spare ribs atop steaming beds of rice. But their most popular dish is the sweetly glazed barbecued pork on rice, which many take to go.
Treat your sweet tooth.
Photo: Tourism Richmond
Richmond’s bakeries, bubble tea, and ice cream shops entice those with a sweet tooth. Excellent Tofu & Snacks is a tiny place that serves silky tofu pudding with a variety of toppings like black sesame, red bean, and grass jelly. This family-owned establishment also makes fresh soy milk daily.
For Asian-inspired artisan ice cream with flavors like ube, egg tart, roasted oolong milk tea, and black sesame, check out J Squared Ice Cream. And for a different take on shaved ice, Snowy Village serves bingsoo, a popular Korean dessert made of finely shaved milk ice and layered with various toppings such as freshly cut fruits, whipped cream, ice cream, and condensed milk.
If you’re exploring Steveston, it wouldn’t be a trip to the village without a stop at longstanding Timothy’s Frozen Yogurt. This has been a summertime favorite for refreshing frozen yogurt, creamy gelato, and homemade waffle cones since it first opened in 1989.
Quench your thirst with a craft beer.
Photo: Tourism Richmond
Trendy restaurants across Richmond serve the city’s own brews, and though they can be enjoyed in a number of establishments, why not go straight to the source? Fuggles is best known for pushing flavor profiles to the limit, and this brewery in the industrial part of Richmond is one for those with adventurous palettes. Don’t miss the MACH 5 Mango Wit (wheat ale with mangoes) or the Kiwami Plum Sour (wheat kettle sour brewed with fresh plums). And Fuggles’ IPA is anything but boring with fresh citrus and tropical aromas balanced by a light honey and caramel malt flavor.
For classic pub grub like fish and chips and chicken burgers to accompany your pints, treat yourself to Britannia Brewing. Don’t miss their refreshing and citrusy Adrift Blonde Ale.
All this is just the tip of the foodie iceberg in Richmond. Hungry yet?
The Most Stylish Beach Boutique Hotels in Tulum, Mexico
Design-led boutique hotels abound in Tulum, Mexico’s most on-trend tourist town, where celebs in sandals rub shoulders with aspiring influencers drawn to the undeniable Insta-worthiness of its white-sand beaches, outstanding restaurants, nightlife, and rustic-chic aesthetic. Once a sleepy fishing village, Tulum is certainly having its moment — so much so that there’s a new airport on the way to cater to the growing demand for the quintessential Tulum experience of sea, sand and spirituality. To help you plan your beach getaway, here are the best Tulum boutique hotels with beach-bohemian vibes.
Taking a trip to Mexico? Check out Matador’s Mexico accommodations guides:The best Airbnbs in and around Mexico City’s historic center8 La Condesa Airbnbs to settle into Mexico City’s coolest neighborhood8 stunning Polanco Airbnbs in the city’s most international neighborhoodGrab Your Crew and Book These Oaxaca and CDMX Airbnbs for Dia de Los MuertosThese Top-Rated Tulum Airbnb Rentals Put You Right Near the Beach11 Cancún Airbnbs for an Unforgettable Beach Vacation11 Airbnbs In Cabo San Lucas for a Perfect Beach Escape11 Airbnbs in Sayulita to experience Mexico’s most underrated beach town
We hope you love the Tulum boutique hotels 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.
Ahau
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
It doesn’t get more Tulum than Ahau, where thatched-roof bungalows blend into the Mayan jungle on the fringe of white-sand shores. Here, sustainability is a benchmark, not a buzzword, but a raft of awards for its pioneering environmental and community initiatives is only part of Ahau’s story.
There’s also an electrifying program of beach club events, which have confirmed Ahau’s reputation as one of Tulum’s trendiest hangouts — their world-famous New Year’s Eve party is the place to be seen. Ahau is also home to Tulum’s best-known monument, the wooden sculpture Ven a La Luz (Come to the Light). Hordes of influencer wannabes wait in line for just a single allocated minute of manic selfie-snapping with the Ven a La Luz, but Ahau’s guests have privileged access outside of opening hours to enjoy it as an artwork and not just a photo prop.
Ahau: Carr. Tulum a Boca Paila Km. 7.5, Tulum, QROO, 77760
Price per night: $560
Book NowLa Valise
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Built for the Instagram era, La Valise’s design adheres to the hippy-chic Tulum template. Expect the usual sustainably sourced woods, thatched-roof villas and furniture woven in textured fabrics, but there are also some novel design features that you’ve probably already seen on social media, like the sliding bed in the beachfront master suite that guests can roll out onto their sea-facing terrace. La Valise has recently opened eleven new guestrooms on their Jungle Side, where their signature suites have been replicated to provide a rolling bed experience high in the jungle canopy.
La Valise: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 8.7, Tulum, QROO, 77780
Price per night: $520
Book NowAlaya
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Alaya is the Zen little sister to Ahau’s twenty-three-guesthouse beach-party behemoth. Owned by the same collection, Alaya positions itself as an “enchanting oasis” and even the most cynical anti-yogi would struggle to deny the restorative power of waking up at the hotel to the sound of lapping waves and a gentle breeze in the palms overhead.
The menu at Restaurant Alaya is on-brand, but there’s a place for freshly caught fish and tasty chicken tacos alongside vegan and gluten-free offerings. Guests can enjoy the full complement of wellness activities for free, which range from treehouse yoga to “harmonizing experiences” such as self-love workshops and sonic attunement therapy.
Alaya: Carretera Tulum Boca Paila Km 8.3, Tulum, QROO, 77780
Price per night: $489
Book NowLa Zebra
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Detractors might argue that over-tourism (read: Americanization) has brought about the death of authentic local culture in Tulum, but La Zebra proves there are still places left to enjoy a taste of the Mexican experience.
Part of the Colibri Boutique Hotels family, La Zebra, has thirty spacious suites, half of which boast private plunge pools with beach or garden views, but the major draw here is the restaurant. Head chef Eleazar Bonilla was born to a cook mother and a “tortillero” father, and his love for Mexican food inspired him to travel far and wide throughout his country to discover time-honored cooking traditions and flavors unique to each region. His exciting menu at La Zebra brings this wealth of delicious knowledge to Tulum, where authentic Mexican fare can be surprisingly difficult to come by. My favorite dish? Scorpion guacamole.
La Zebra: Carretera Tulum a Boca Paila Km 8.2, Ejido Pino Suarez, Tulum, QROO, 77780
Price per night: $382
Book NowHotel Bardo
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
When you arrive at Hotel Bardo, you’re welcomed into their tribe. It’s a fitting introduction to a jungle hideaway where a program of Mayan traditions and rituals are baked into the guest experience alongside more familiar wellness offerings, such as morning yoga or ice bathing.
This is one of Tulum’s most visually arresting and original properties, where natural materials and earthy tones are juxtaposed with striking, grungy elements that could have been lifted from a All Saints catalog. Loft-style villas, with their own private pools and jungle gardens, are hidden away behind walls of bamboo for total privacy. The hotel’s crown jewel is its pool. Shrouded in overgrown vegetation, it looks even more spectacular at night when it glows in firelight from the countless candles and lanterns that stand sentry around its perimeter.
Hotel Bardo: Av La Selva Entre Kohunlich, Tulum, QROO, 77780
Price per night: $342
Book NowZamas
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Zamas borrows its name from the Mayan word for dawn, and it’s at this time when the hotel’s magic comes to life. Set an early alarm and from the sanctuary of your private beach, you can watch the sun wash the sky in hues of oranges and pinks as it crawls above the ocean horizon.
The guestrooms at Zamas are divided into two areas: the jungle garden and the coconut grove. Villas in the jungle garden, tucked away on the other side of the road, are slightly roomier, but the coconut grove is where you’ll want to stay. Here, rustic beach bungalows surround a sandy plaza where hammocks drape between shady palm trees. It’s a serene spot, especially for a massage, which you can book through the hotel. It’s also one of my favorite spots for a happy hour cocktail as pelicans overhead put on the perfect show, swooping and diving into the Caribbean for an afternoon snack.
Zamas: Km 5 Carretera Tulum Boca-Paila, Sur Las Ruinas, Tulum, QROO, 77780
Price per night: $268
Book NowMi Amor
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking turquoise waters, far away from Tulum’s lively Hotel Zone, is an adults-only hideaway that sparkles with romantic charm. Tulum’s top choice for couples, Mi Amor is a concept-driven boutique — an “Acapulco heyday-inspired playground” in its own words — awash with elements that conspire to conjure up cozy love nest vibes, from the private seafront cabanas to bedside books on romance (alongside other instructional texts) in the guestrooms.
Don’t miss brunch: a new menu from award-winning exec chef José Luís Hinostroza is a celebration of Mexican seafood classics: start with oysters, or ceviche served up with the day’s fresh catch, and follow with grilled octopus tostadas.
Mi Amor: Carretera Tulum Boca Paila Km 4 1, Mz 1 Lt 31 Tulum ruinas, Tulum, QROO, 77780
Price per night: $271
Book NowCasa Ganesh
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
For the budget-conscious reveler who isn’t prepared to skimp on the Tulum experience, Casa Ganesh is a beachfront boutique built around a simple concept: to act as the gateway to Tulum’s buzzing nightlife and beach club scene. Some of Tulum’s hottest clubs are on its doorstep and guests here can enjoy free access to them all without a minimum spend.
Casa Ganesh is part of the Ahau Collection, so expect similar standards of barefoot luxury and more top marks for eco-friendliness, just on a smaller plot. Exciting things are on their way: in late summer 2023, Eduardo Palazuelos’s award-winning Thai-Mexican restaurant Zibu opens its doors at Casa Ganesh and promises one of the best views in Tulum’s Hotel Zoom from its rooftop bar.
Casa Ganesh: Carretera Boca-Paila Km 7.6, Tulum, QROO, 77780
Price per night: $204
Book NowMore like thisEpic StaysThese Top-Rated Tulum Airbnb Rentals Put You Right Near the Beach9 Dreamy Airbnbs in Dubrovnik, Croatia, That Are Perfect for Summer
Spending a week or two traveling around Croatia is a dream summer trip, and Dubrovnik is a must-see for most travelers. From exploring the walled Old Town to beach-hopping along the Dalmation Coast, the Croatian capital offers so many delicious sights and flavors — plus it makes an excellent base for day-tripping through the Balkans.
Like anywhere, having a good time in Dubrovnik starts with finding the right place to stay, be it the bustling city center or the quieter coast. Dubrovnik Airbnbs can skew on the pricey side — much like those in any European travel darling — but have no fear: there are plenty of ways to save money in Dubrovnik that make booking your ideal Airbnb worth it. Check out these dreamy Dubrovnik Airbnbs to find the right one for you.
We hope you love these Dubrovnik Airbnbs! 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.
Sunny Villa Inside the Old Town
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosPerfect for a family of four or two couples, this two-floor, two-bedroom villa in Dubrovnik has one bedroom and a private bathroom on each floor of the house, promising privacy in addition to charmingly decorated communal spaces including a fully equipped kitchen. The villa’s star feature is the rooftop terrace, which showcases beautiful views of the Old Town Harbor and makes the perfect backdrop for an al fresco breakfast or breezy nightcap. The villa’s location is excellent, as well — steps from the Ploče Gate, Dubrovnik’s eastern entrance, and minutes from Stradun, the main street that runs through Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Two bedrooms, four guests
Price per night: $403
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosIf you like an accommodation that not only has a great location and nice amenities but is also dripping in style, this is the Dubrovnik Airbnb for you. Centrally located near the Stradun street, this one-bedroom apartment comes with high ceilings, frescoes, large windows, and stained-glass details that lend it a sense of grandeur, not to mention a 300-plus-square-foot terrace that makes it an enviable find. Entering the apartment via the stone steps and arches of the Old Town is like taking a trip back in time before being met with modern-day luxuries such as air-conditioning, which can be a rarity in European apartments.
One bedroom, four guests
Price per night: $217
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosEast of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, there’s a coveted neighborhood called Ploče where many of the city’s finest hotels and rentals are located, including this two-bedroom apartment called Skywalker Royal. The infinity-esque pool, together with the spacious seating area on the patio, is a highlight of the property, although Lokrum Island and its beaches are a little over a mile away from the property if you want to plan a swimming excursion. Inside, you’ll love the elegant decor, complete with plush furniture and unique lighting that gives the apartment a warm glow.
Two bedrooms, four guests
Price per night: $528
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosLuxurious inside and out, this two-bedroom Airbnb has unbeatable views of the Adriatic Sea, Old Town, and Lokrum Island. The apartment itself is designed for maximum comfort, with elevator access, two expertly appointed bedrooms, a large flat-screen TV, high-speed internet, and garage parking for guests. Though the lavish interior definitely screams romantic or splurgy getaway, the apartment is also fit for families, with space for four guests split between the two queen beds in the bedrooms, plus a crib and pack ‘n play available for younger kids.
Two bedrooms, four guests
Price per night: $276
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosSet in the cliffs high above the Adriatic Sea, this three-bedroom villa is located about six miles outside of Dubrovnik’s center in a sleepy yet charming village called Orašac. There, guests have access to peace, quiet, and stunning sea views from a verdant property that’s nestled in a garden, particularly from the terrace where you can sunbathe, dine in the shade, or swim in the pool. The villa comprises two apartments that have separate entrances and bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The fully equipped kitchen is located in the larger section. You and your family or large group of friends have everything you need to enjoy a memorable vacation on site, but you can also reach local restaurants in Zaton Bay in a couple of minutes.
Three bedrooms, eight guests
Price per night: $217
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosWarm tones, wood accents, cozy furnishings, and big bay windows give this two-bedroom loft a look that’s as glowy as Dubrovnik at sunset. Located at the border between Old Town and Ploče, steps from the Ploče gate, the apartment shows off views that stretch from the walled city to the port and Lokrum Island, especially from the terrace. All of Dubrovnik’s major attractions and beaches are located within walking distance, including Banje Beach, St. Jakob’s Beach, and the cable car that takes you up Mount Srđ for even more panoramic vistas.
Two bedrooms, four guests
Price per night: $514
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosThis bright and bohemian apartment a few minutes from Old Town gives off real Secret Garden vibes, thanks to the hidden vine-covered terrace. The apartment is located in a residential area that guarantees serenity, particularly during summer when Dubrovnik is experiencing peak tourism, but Banje Beach is only a minute away while Old Town is closer to five minutes away. Guests also have access to the insights and generosity of the superhost who’s happy to arrange anything from restaurant recommendations to transfers upon request.
One bedroom, two guests
Price per night: $173
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosMany Dubrovnik Airbnbs boast locations in Old Town, but one of the best things about this one-bedroom apartment is its peaceful perch overlooking Lapad Bay. There’s a seaside promenade just outside of the apartment, which puts guests in walking distance to lovely bars, shops, and restaurants, and beaches, including gorgeous Sunset Beach. Cave Bar More, a destination drinking spot, is located right next door to the apartment in Hotel More, where you’ll also find a delicious restaurant called Tamuntana, as well as a tasty pastry shop. When you’re back home after a busy day of exploring the city, head to the balcony of your seaside escape to listen to the soothing waves as you take in the breathtaking views.
One bedroom, four guests
Price per night: $137
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosTwo historic religious sites, St. Andrew’s Church and St. Mark’s Cathedral, mark the location of this newly renovated studio apartment. Because the apartment on the ground floor in the heart of the Old Town, you can feel the pulse of Dubrovnik whether you’re lounging amid the stone walls of the studio, admiring archeological sites from the shared terrace in front of the apartment building, or meandering down the Stradun street a stone’s throw away. A great choice for solo travelers or low-key couples, the apartment is equipped with a small kitchenette.
Two bedrooms, four guests
Price per night: $528
April 10, 2023
8 of the Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas for a Luxurious Beach Trip
Cabo San Lucas is a city in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It’s on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and is a center for eco-tourism, scuba diving, and sport fishing.
But in the last decade or so, it’s also become a hot spot for high-end travelers, with a smattering of luxury hotels that exemplify an encouraging blend of five-star luxury, sustainability, and cultural offerings. Many of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas offer travelers chances to learn about the surrounding region, with activities like wellness sessions with traditional practitioners or guided art walks to meet current Cabo San Lucas artists.
Headed to Baja California Sur? Read Matador’s guides to the areaGo here, not there: Baja California Sur’s mountains deserve as much time as its beachesYou’ll feel like a celebrity at this luxe Cabo resort’s private villasWhy you should know Cabo just as much for quality dining as for partying11 Airbnbs In Cabo San Lucas for a perfect beach escape8 adventurous things to do in La Paz, Mexico, that’ll make you want to skip Cabo
Cabo San Lucas’ history goes back to 13,000 BCE, when Indigenous groups were living on the tip of the peninsula. Spanish conquistadors first arrived about 400 years ago, but it still remained a sleepy fishing town until about the 1970s when celebrities began vacationing at its chic hotels and beaches.
Today, Cabo is easy to get to – there are direct flights from cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, Phoenix, Houston, Denver, and more. Most of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas can arrange airport pickups and drop-offs, so it may be easier than you think to plan a quick weekend getaway.
Below, you’ll find eight of the best higher-end hotels in Cabo San Lucas, from inexpensive-but-stylish boutique hotels to five-star resorts where you can have your own private cliffside infinity pool. Hotels are listed in order from lowest to highest starting price per night, so scroll to the bottom if you’re looking for a truly high-end experience.
Map of the best hotels in Cabo San LucasThe 8 best hotels in Cabo San LucasWhat airport to use for CaboThings to do in Cabo San LucasIs Cabo San Lucas safe?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.
Where to find the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas
The primary airport in Los Cabos is about 40 minutes from most of the hotels, and taxis can be expensive. So before you arrange an airport transfer, contact your hotel and see if they offer shuttle services. Otherwise, expect to pay about $80 for a taxi service from the airport, though you can take a bus from the airport (but probably won’t want to if you have a lot of luggage).
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Address: Paseo de la Marina Lotes 37 y 38, Centro Histórico, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., MexicoRates from: $154/nightThe very reasonably priced Marina Fiesta Resort is proof that you can find awesome hotels in Cabo without going broke. It’s one of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas for under $200 a night, especially because of its location. It’s on the marina, so you can walk to everything in Cabo — the boardwalk, bars and restaurants, shopping, galleries, and more.
The hotel is casual and friendly but high-end and has both on-site dining options and a shuttle for guests who want to check out the restaurants at Hacienda Encantada, the hotel’s partner property. At Marina Fiesta, you can book room only, or opt-for an all-inclusive package that includes hotel restaurants and a few downtown restaurants you can walk to in just a few minutes. You can also book whale-watching packages or full packages that include airfare in case you want to make your trip to Cabo as easy as possible.
Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Address: Pelicanos 225, El Medano Ejidal, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., MexicoRates from: $300/nightCorazón Cabo Resort & Spa is a luxury beach resort that can sometimes — sometimes — be a smidge cheaper than other luxury hotels in the area. It’s in the middle of swimmable Medano Beach and most rooms have great views of the Sea of Cortes and Land’s End. A Matador contributor stayed there in 2022 and wrote a full account of her experience. Spoiler: she loved it.
As you can guess from the name, this is one of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas if you’re into getting spa services on vacation, since the full-service spa offers massages, wraps, facials, and even a signature service for two complete with a couples bath experience. Other cool features at the resort include morning and sunset yoga classes on the beach, an on-site micro-brewery, on-site electric paddleboard rentals, and two infinity pools in case you’d rather not get saltwater in your hair.
Nobu Los CabosPhoto: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Address: Polígono 1. Fracción D. Fraccionamiento Diamante, Los Cangrejos, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., MexicoRates from: $441/nightIf the name “Nobu” makes you think of the hip sushi restaurants, well, you’re not wrong. The Nobu Hotel is owned by the same company and even brings some Japanese influences to Los Cabos, with rooms details like slated wood, platform beds, and soaking tubs inspired by Japanese onsens.
All the rooms are luxurious, but there are two cool options if you plan on spending as much time as possible in the pool. You can book a suite with a private pool, or book a room with swim-in access to the hotel’s pool bar; the latter is a pretty unique option. It’s also one of the newest additions to lists of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas as it opened April 1, 2023.
Surprise, surprise: there’s a Nobu restaurant on property. But it’s not the only option, with everything from a beach bar to a steakhouse to a casual cafe and rooftop Mediterranean restaurant. But it’s cool if you want to spend all your time hanging out at the swim-up bar, though that’s only one of a total of four available pools (one only for adults). Otherwise, your options for activities range from on-site beach activities to sailing tours on the hotel’s catamaran to island tours, ATV rides, snorkel sessions, and pretty much anything you’d want to do around Los Cabos.
The only downside is that transportation fees from the airport aren’t included, but the hotel can at least arrange it for you and add it to your final bill.
ME Los Cabos
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Address: El Medano beach, Cabo San Lucas, MexicoRates from: $449/nightME Los Cabos is one of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas if you’re a beach person as it’s steps from one of Cabo’s best swimmable beaches — nearby cliffs make many of the other area beaches beautiful, but not safe for swimming.
All it takes is one look at the architecture to see that it’s one of the fanciest hotels in Los Cabos, but it’s also one of the most hip. There’s an on-site beach club and trendy restaurants, and you can walk to several of the best Cabo restaurants if you don’t feel like dining at the hotel.
Even the basic rooms are pretty, but you can upgrade to suites with hot tubs and huge ocean-view terraces if you feel like splurging. The hotel often hosts events with local artists, chefs, and creative personalities from across Mexico. The hotel’s website is a little hard to navigate, but it’s worth it as it’s well-known for being one of the best trendy hotels in Cabo San Lucas.
If you’d rather stay in San Jose del Cabo, check out Hotel Paradisus Los Cabos, the hotel’s nearby sister property.
Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Address: P. de La Marina 4750, El Medano Ejidal, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23453Rates from: $479/nightBreathless Cabo San Lucas is one of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas if you want an all-inclusive experience — or an adults-only one, for that matter. It definitely has more of a sexy- party vibe than a wellness-and-health vibe.
Most rooms have views of the marina, and you can save some money if you book the “deal of the day” room — you’ll get whatever is available when you check in. That also makes it one of the more affordable hotels in Cabo San Lucas, though the prices look a bit steeper on paper since they include food, drink, and entertainment, not just your room.
Fortunately, no matter which room you book, you’ll get access to pretty much everything the hotel offers; it’s not the kind of place that nickel and dimes guests. That includes all food and dining (cocktails and alcohol included), room service, in-room mini bars, pool parties with DJs, themes parties, beach service, and more. Fortunately, it’s also walkable to the town of Cabo San Lucas, so if you do somehow get sick of the on-property food and drink, you’ll have no shortage of options.
This one and The Cape (below) are both Hyatt properties, though they’re not branded as such. So you can collect Hyatt points but still stay somewhere that feels pretty unique.
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Address: México 1 Km 5, Misiones del Cabo, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., MexicoRates from: $599/nightThe Cape, A Thompson Hotel, is a luxury beachfront resort in Cabo San Lucas that stands out for its trendy and modern design (think lots of glass and cement walls), high-end amenities, and stunning views. Its two oceanfront infinity pools, swim-up bar, and spa built into natural rock formations are some of its best amenities, though it doesn’t hurt that it’s directly in front of Monuments Beach, considered one of the area’s best for surfing. You can borrow surfboards from the hotel or take a lesson.
The hotel’s The Ledge restaurant serves Mexican cuisine with a focus on Baja-sourced seafood, while Manta offers a more formal dining experience. The hotel offers a variety of room types, with in-room cocktail bars, ocean-view balconies or terraces, and glass-enclosed bathrooms. The villas provide even more amenities, such as butlers, in-villa check-in, and optional private plunge pools.
At the Cape, guests can also sign up for activities in the area arranged by the hotel, like art walks, desert tours, or snorkel tours, though it offers a wide variety of on-property fitness classes if you’d rather not spend too much time away from the hotel. This property is also owned by Hyatt, but it’s branded separately and doesn’t feel very corporate.
Montage Los Cabos
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Address: Twin Dolphin, Carretera Transpeninsular KM. 12.5, Int. Bahía Santa María, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., MexicoRates from: $850/nightLuxury, thy name is Montage Los Cabos. This extremely highly rated hotel is one of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas for full five-star service. It sits on pristine Santa Maria Bay and offers stunning views of the Sea of Cortez; all rooms and suites have private balconies and unobstructed ocean or mountain views. The resort has seven restaurants and a pool surrounded by loungers and oversized cacti, plus its own on-site activity company that can arrange everything from private canyon tours to sunset sails to mountain biking or even glamping for the night.
As you may expect from an elegant resort like this, Montage Los Cabos owns a few private vessels for group and private snorkeling, fishing, and sightseeing tours. This is an ideal hotel for travelers looking for a more peaceful, wellness-focused trip to Cabo, as the Montage chain focuses more on high-end living and wellness as opposed to nightclubs and partying. Hit up the spa if you’re interested in unique treatments using mango, mezcal, and cacao, or like the idea of a “rebirth experience” in the pool, complete with ambient whale sounds.
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Address: México 1 Km 17, Tourist Corridor, Corredor Turístico, 23405 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., MexicoRates from: $1,400/nightGrand Velas Los Cabos is another one of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas for all-inclusive trips and is a popular choice for long weekends with low stress. It’s a pretty big resort, with more than 300 rooms, all with terraces or balconies and ocean views. It has seven restaurants and five bars, all included in the all-inclusive package. Also included are activities like yoga, cocktail classes, cooking lessons, and more.
Grand Velas Los Cabos is part of the Grand Velas Resorts, a collection of luxury all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. The Grand Velas Resorts are known for their exceptional service and high-end dining, as well as a general commitment to being eco-friendly and sustainable. Several properties, including Grand Velas Los Cabos, are known for their sustainability efforts, and this particular property both recycles water and helped earn the beach directly in front the property a Blue Flag award for being exceptionally clean.
Speaking of beaches: note that the hotel beach is good for snorkeling and paddling, but not swimming. You’ll have to walk or get a ride to Chileno Beach for that, but fortunately, it’s only a mile away. Obviously, this is one of the most expensive hotels in Los Cabos, but remember that it includes everything, not just your room.
Matador ran a full feature recently on all the resort’s pros and cons in case you’re on the fence about whether it’s worth the price.
What airport to use for Cabo San Lucas
Photo: DBSOCAL/Shutterstock
The most popular airport serving Los Cabos is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). While there is another smaller airport in Cabo San Lucas (the Cabo San Lucas International Airport, or CSL), it mainly offers private flights. Los Cabos International Airport is about 22 miles from Cabo San Lucas (the primary tourist town where you’ll find most hotels) and approximately five miles from San Jose del Cabo (a smaller, more laid-back town and home to most of the popular golf courses).
What to do in Cabo San Lucas
Photo: Leonardo Gonzalez/Shutterstock
Cabo is known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and water activities, but that’s hardly a complete list of things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Between October and May, you can snorkel with whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez. Outside of that window, you can still snorkel with sea lions or scuba dive at dozens of gorgeous underwater sites. ATV and boat tours are super popular, especially sunset sails or whale-watching sails (when the whales are in the area, between December and April). By the way, whale sharks are actually fish, not sharks, and they eat plankton, not people.
But since it’s a popular tourist town, you can do just about anything you want in the area, from mountain biking to art tours to cooking classes and private dinners in the desert. Most luxury hotels can arrange whatever you want to do, or at least point you in the right direction if they’re unable to facilitate it.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe?
Photo: Matt Gush/Shutterstock
Cabo San Lucas is as safe as any other tourist destination in Mexico, but it’s true that the country does have a higher rate of crimes like carjackings, kidnappings, and robbery than in the US. However, most of the crime in the area is drug-related, so as long as you don’t try to buy anything you shouldn’t, there’s a very good chance you have a delightful and safe trip. Nearly all of the best hotels in Cabo San Lucas will have on-site security, and you’ll likely feel quite safe while you’re there.
Of course, travelers should take the same precautions they’d take anywhere that has occasional crime, like not letting their drinks and possessions out of their sight at bars and nightclubs, avoiding excessive signs of wealth (which, granted, are everywhere in Los Cabos), and not flashing huge bills when leaving ATMs. Most hotel concierges can advise on places to go and places to avoid, but nearly all of downtown Cabo San Lucas is filled with tourists year-round. It’s generally known for being one of the safer destinations in Mexico.
This Lodge in Tanzania Is the Most Epic Place for a Serengeti Safari
A wildlife safari is arguably the most memorable thing to do in Africa, and one of the most popular experiences for tourists (for good reason). The Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge in Tanzania is the best option for travelers visiting Tanzania and hoping to see wildlife. The lodge, sitting on the banks of the Grumeti River and surrounded by rainforests, is perfectly located for giving you access to the area’s rich wildlife and natural beauty.
@epic.stays Check out this sustainable lodge in the heart of the Serengeti’s Western Corridor
We hope you love the Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge! 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 lodge itself has stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, its own private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and spacious sitting area for relaxing after a day of exploring. The lodge also has a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh ingredients from local farms, as well as a spa where you can relax with massages and other treatments.
The Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge is located in a 350,000-acre private reserve that borders on the northern edge of the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The reserve has been designated as part of Africa’s Great Migration route, which means that it sees some of the most spectacular animal migrations in Africa each year. Visitors can expect to see large herds of wildebeest and zebra making their way across the plains during their stay — not to mention a wide range of other animals.
Indeed, there are numerous game reserves nearby where you can spot animals like elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes, go on guided hikes through some of the area’s most beautiful forests, or opt for a guided boat tour down the Grumeti River. Experienced guides are available for both day trips into the nearby national park as well as night drives through the reserve itself, where visitors can observe nocturnal animals such as leopards and hyenas in their natural habitats.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
