Matador Network's Blog, page 350
January 20, 2023
Add This Magical Asheville Airbnb To Your Bucket List of Airbnb Stays
As you plan your next getaway, consider Asheville, North Carolina. This popular tourist destination is known for its scenic mountain views, outdoor activities, and vibrant culture. An exciting way to explore the city is through Alchemy Airbnb.
Alchemy Airbnb is a part of the seven Airbnb spaces that make up the Earth and Sky Dwellings. This Airbnb is in the Blue Ridge Mountains on a 16-acre parcel in North Asheville and only ten minutes away from Asheville, and accommodates up to four guests.
@epic.stays #stitch with @Dippin_Out #Airbnb linked in bioAlchemy – Treehouses of Serenity in #Asheville #NorthCarolina #airbnbfinds #greenscreen ♬ Love Yourself – Justin Bieber
We hope you love the Alchemy Airbnb! 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.
Upon arriving at the Alchemy Airbnb, you are greeted by a small tent. Once you approach the front and pull back the flaps-up tent, that’s when the adventure begins. Behind the entrance is a 12-foot-long spiral slide that takes you down to the tent’s base, where the true magic begins.
The Alchemy Airbnb features an open living plan with a small living area, a queen-sized bed, a small pull-out futon, a kitchenette area, and large windows with perfect views. Outside, you will see stunning mountain views, a seating area, and a fire pit perfect for roasting marshmallows under the stars.
If you want to adventure outside the property and into the city, restaurants, grocery stores, and the local welcome center are nearby. This one-of-a-kind property offers guests an opportunity to not only get all the comforts of home in this dwelling but you also get access to some stunning views and the city nearby.
To stay at this Airbnb property, it is $387 per night. 
Hike To the Top of 2,000-Foot-Tall Cliffs in This British Columbia Park
British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. There’s no shortage of places to hike and stunning viewpoints to explore, but some of them can get pretty crowded. Fortunately, the Enderby Cliffs trail in the Okanagan Valley isn’t very well-known — but it is absolutely gorgeous.
About the Enderby Cliffs TrailView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jordon Sargisson (@jordonsadventures)
The Enderby Cliffs Trail is fairly challenging, mostly because of the elevation gain. It gains more than 2,000 feet over the 3.9 mile one-way distance. The gain is pretty gradual, but you’ll definitely feel it in your thighs before you reach the top. It depends on your hiking speed, but you’ll want to budget at least four hours or so. The large cliffs were formed by glacial movement over eons, and you’ll have views of them on the second half of the way up. The trail is relatively easy to follow and there’s a large parking lot at the trailhead. It can get a bit busy on summer weekends, but never as busy as places like Banff or Whistler.
The trail is within Enderby Cliffs Provincial Park, a 5,600-acre park in the Okanagan Valley. It’s about 90 minutes north of Kelowna or 90 minutes south of Revelstoke. The area does get snow in the winter, so it’s best to hike it between May and November, though it varies from year to year. If you do go during the winter, read trail reports to check the snow cover and be prepared to turn back if it gets too deep or slippery.
Hiking from the USUnfortunately, the trail is a little too far from the US-Canada border crossing for most travelers to do in a day — it’s about three hours north of the border. So while you can do it in a day, you’d probably have a much better time if you do it as an overnight and stay in Kelowna. That way, you can take advantage of that part of BC’s awesome agricultural spoils and sneak in a second hike before heading home the next day. Mount Ida is a really nice (and equally challenging) hike just a few minutes’ drive from the Enderby Cliffs trailhead.
About the Okanagan Valley
Photo: Stan Jones/Shutterstock
The Okanagan Valley is known beautiful lakes, mountains, and recreational opportunities. That makes it a popular vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially since it’s accessible from the Pacific Northwest. The Okanagan Valley is also known for its wine industry, with many wineries producing award-winning wines made from grapes grown in the region’s warm, dry climate. The area is also home to a number of farms and orchards, and is known for its fresh, locally-grown produce.
There are plenty of hotels in the various towns in the valley, but you’ll also find plenty of camping opportunities. You can camp at many of the area’s provincial parks, including Bear Creek Provincial Park and Fintry Provincial Park, among others. Be sure to make your campsite reservations in advance on the Parks BC website.
The White Temple in Thailand Is an Ode To Spirituality and Modern Art
The White Temple (also known as Wat Rong Khun) is an iconic landmark located in the city of Chiang Rai, Thailand. It’s a Buddhist temple built from white concrete and decorated with pieces of mirrored glass, and it’s one of the most recognizable and beautiful temples in Southeast Asia.
@matadornetwork Location at the end
@Yami y Joko #thisisheaven #traveltiktok #whitetemple ♬ original sound – Biren Blogs
As opposed to many temples in Thailand, which date back centuries, the White Temple was built relatively recently. It was designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and completed in 1997. The temple features a unique blend of traditional Buddhist iconography with modern elements such as broken glass, shards of mirror, and even murals featuring characters from popular movies such as Superman and Spiderman. Despite its modern construction, Wat Rong Khun still follows traditional Buddhist principles, symbolizing purity through its white color and representing heaven on earth through its ornate design.
The main building, known as Ubosot Hall, contains images of Buddha as well as statues that represent various aspects of Buddhism such as enlightenment and reincarnation. There are also several smaller buildings located around the main hall which house more statues and sculptures. All these together create a truly unique experience for visitors to the temple.
Beyond its physical beauty, there are also spiritual aspects to consider when visiting this awe-inspiring temple. Visitors should take time to appreciate the symbolism behind each element of the temple’s design—from the intricate carvings to the statues that line its walls—as they explore this unique site. Additionally, visitors should make sure to follow all rules while visiting so as not to disrespect this sacred place.
The White Temple can be quite busy at times so it’s best to plan your visit ahead of time if you want to avoid long lines or crowds. It’s also important to dress appropriately while visiting; shorts or tank tops are not allowed inside the temple grounds so make sure you bring something more appropriate with you.
This Mexico Hotel Is Perfect for Those Tequila Lovers Out There
Just outside of the town of Tequila in Mexico is a unique stay for all the tequila lovers out there. This hotel is not like your average hotel you would stay at, but it’s sure to check all those things off your list for a one-of-a-kind stay while in Mexico. From its impeccably designed rooms to its delicious restaurants and diverse on-site activities, Matices Hotel de Barricas should be your next stop in Mexico.
This unique hotel features four beautifully appointed guest rooms, each with an individualized design that tells a different story regarding tequila. Each room collaborated with Mexican artist Bruno Maris. There are four room types at the Matices Hotel de Barricas: the Silver King, Aged King, DBL Aged, and Extra Aged.
@epic.stays This hotel is a tequila lovers paradise!
We hope you love the Matices Hotel de Barricas! 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.
Along with amenities that come with the room, the themed rooms also include different activities depending on where you stay. Those activities are an American breakfast, a live tour of the manufacturing process, a shuttle in Tequila Jalisco for 12 hr, a complimentary tequila shot, Matices sensory tasting, and a Liquor store recognized by Matices for its stay.
Matices Hotel de Barricas also has two dining experiences. Guests can enjoy meals in a tavern that is 4.5 meters underground at Taberna Del Cofrade. This restaurant bar is an old-style tavern serving specialty creations that feature tequila, agave juice, mango, and original Mexcian dishes and drinks. The second restaurant Terraza Bar La Catrina, is a Day of the Dead theme where guests can have delicious breakfast, drinks, and more.
In addition to its luxurious accommodations and stunning views, the Matices Hotel de Barricas also offers several onsite amenities for guests to enjoy. Guests can check out who tequila experience, make their tequila, and design their bottle. Those looking for something more active will find many activities, such as biking trails, hiking trails, horseback riding, and aerostatic balloon rides.
You Can Zoom Through the Forest on an Open-Air Alpine Coaster
If you’ve ridden a roller coaster at a theme park, make time this summer to try a different type of coaster: an alpine coaster. And if you’re anywhere near North Carolina, you might as well try the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, which twists and turns for more than half a mile through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster tickets and details
@matadornetwork The #WildernessRunAlpineCoaster is a thrilling outdoor ride in #BannerElk! This is one major adrenaline-rush of a coaster
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster & Adventure Course (@wildernessrunalpinecoaster)
The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is in Banner Elk, near the border with Tennessee. It’s about an hour east of Johnson City, TN, or 90 minutes north of Asheville, NC.
Pricing is fairly reasonable, at $16 for an adult ride or $35 for a three-ride package. Kids are even more affordable at $13 for kids aged 6-13 and $5 for kids five and under.
You can’t buy tickets in advance, but you do need to reserve your time slot, which is kind of the same thing. On the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster website, you’ll need to select a day and time you plan to arrive. Think of it as a virtual line. When you arrive, you’ll need to check in during your assigned time, at which point you’ll pay for your tickets. Ideally, you’d do this a day or two in advance of when you want to visit, but they do take walk-ins when they’re not sold out.
The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is open every day of the year, though it closes if there’s any lightening nearby. Just remember that it can get a bit cold when you’re moving fast during the winter (and the coaster goes up to 27 miles per hour) so bring a windbreaker or warmer jacket for the way down. The carts have rain guards to keep you dry in poor weather.
What is an alpine coaster?
Photo: Dotshock/Shutterstock
An alpine coaster is a type of roller coaster usually built in mountainous or hilly regions; many ski resorts have them available for guest use in the summer. They’re toboggan-style coaster that runs on a track, and riders control their speed using a hand brake. Alpine coasters like the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster usually have twists and turns in the track, and riders often experience a feeling of weightlessness as they navigate the course — especially since they’re not at all enclosed. You’ll ride them in a seated position like sitting on a sled, and most accommodate one or two people at a time.
It’s difficult to know the exact date when the first alpine coaster was built, as the concept of a “toboggan-style” roller coaster has likely been around for many years. However, the modern version of the alpine coaster, which features a steel track and a braking system that allows riders to control their speed, was developed in the late 1970s by a Swiss company called Franz Schilter. The first alpine coaster built by Schilter was called the “Sommerrodelbahn,” and it was installed at the Toggenburg ski resort in Switzerland in 1979. Since then, alpine coasters have been built in many other locations around the world.
Other alpine coasters in the USView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ashley
(@ashleynett)
Never fear if you’re not going to be anywhere near North Carolina — there are plenty of alpine coasters popping up across the US.
The Great Alpine Coaster in Whitefish, Montana: 7,000 feet longCliffside Coaster, Lake Placid, New York: 7,600 feet longThe Runaway Mountain Coaster in Branson, Missouri: 4,000 feet longThe Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster, South Lake Tahoe, California: 3,400 feet longThe Cowboy Coaster at Snow King Mountain, Wyoming: 3,300 feet longThe Magic Mountain Alpine Coaster in Mars Hill, North Carolina: 1,400 feet longMore like thisEpic StaysThis Airbnb in North Carolina Has a 75-Foot Water Slide Into a Lake
Iguazu Falls Is One of the Largest Waterfalls in the World, With 275 Separate Falls
Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is one of the most incredible natural wonders in South America. With its thundering cascades, lush rainforest setting, and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why these waterfalls have been attracting tourists from all over the world for centuries.
@matadornetwork #IguazuFalls is on the border of #Argentina and #Brazil
Iguazu Falls has been attracting visitors since pre-Colombian times when indigenous people first settled in the area. The name “Iguazu” comes from the local Guarani language, which translates to “great waters”—a fitting description for this awe-inspiring site. In addition to its natural beauty, Iguazu is also known for its fascinating history; during World War II, it served as a refuge for hundreds of European Jews fleeing Nazi Germany who sought asylum in Argentina and Brazil.
The falls are divided into two sections – Argentine and Brazilian – each offering unique views of the falls. Both sides offer access to trails, observation decks, and boat tours that will take you up close to the falls. The main difference between them is that on the Argentine side, there are more opportunities for hiking and exploring while on the Brazilian side, you get a much better overall view of all 275 individual waterfalls from a single spot. Its impressive height (640 feet) and width (1.8 miles) make it one of the largest waterfalls in the world. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation and tropical wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers and bird watchers alike. Visitors can explore trails that wind through the rainforest or take a boat tour to get up close to the powerful cascades.
If you’re planning on spending more than just a day exploring the falls, there are plenty of great accommodations located nearby. In Argentina, the town of Puerto Iguazú offers a variety of hotels, cabins, and hostels for every budget. You can also find great options across the border in Brazil at Foz do Iguaçu. Both towns are conveniently located near all of the major attractions in the area and offer plenty of restaurants and bars too. Many tour operators offer package deals that include transportation from your hotel or airport as well as tickets for any attractions you may choose to visit. If you’d rather go it alone, there is plenty of public transportation available from both Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Igauçu that will take you directly to most major attractions in both countries.
Sleep on a 6,800-Foot Summit at the Historic Three Fingers Lookout
The Three Fingers Lookout in Washington state is the perfect blend of camping, hiking, and unique lodging. Oh, and it’s perfect for outdoorsy people who are constantly looking for the best mountain views. The tower is open to the public for overnight stays, so you can sleep at the very top of the lookout tower.
@epic.stays Did you know that you can spend the night in a historic firehouse lookout? This is the
The Three Fingers Lookout is a former fire lookout tower in the North Cascades region of Washington state. It’s on the summit of Three Fingers Mountain, a peak in the Mountain Loop Highway area. The lookout tower was built in the 1930s by the United States Forest Service and is used to spot fires in the surrounding area. The tower is open to the public and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s a popular destination for hikers from late spring to mid-fall.
Why were fire towers like these built?
A fire tower similar to the Three Fingers Lookout, also near Everett, WA. Photo: Library of Congress/Public Domain
Fire lookout towers were used in the United States as early as the 1900s to help spot and prevent forest fires. The first lookout towers were built on high peaks and were often made of wood or steel. These early towers had limited visibility and were not always effective at spotting fires, so in the 1920s and 1930s, the United States Forest Service began building more advanced lookout towers with 360-degree views, such as the Three Fingers Lookout. These towers were made of concrete or stone and were typically staffed by a single person who would stay in the tower for extended periods of time to look for fires.
However, around the 1950s, fire towers fell out of favor, mostly because forest services and departments developed more advanced technologies for detecting and fighting fires. With the advent of aircraft and other technologies, it became possible to spot fires from the air and to quickly deploy resources to extinguish them. As a result, the need for lookout towers diminished, and many were decommissioned or abandoned. This particular lookout was built in 1931 and was one of about 2,000 built in the western US in the 1930s.
How to reach the Three Fingers LookoutThe Three Fingers Lookout tower is in the Boulder River Wilderness, part of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest north of Seattle. The road to the trailhead is a rough, unpaved forest service road that may not be suitable for all vehicles. The trailhead is toward the very end of Tupso Pass Road — search for “Three Fingers/Goat Flats/Saddle Lake Trail No. 641” on Google Maps.
The hike is about eight miles each way and gains about 4,000 feet of elevation, so it’s extremely challenging — especially as the final push to the summit is rocky and steep and requires scrambling and climbing a steep metal ladder to the actual tower. You’re likely to encounter snow and ice near the top almost year-round, but certainly you do it any earlier than July.
How to sleep at the lookoutPhoto: Alex Prizzi/Shutterstock
The lookout is available on a first-come, first-served basis, which means you’ll want to start the hike quite early. It only fits about three or four people on the floor, and perhaps another two on a newly installed sleeping platform. You’ll need to bring all your own camping gear, including sleeping bags and pads and all cooking supplies; all you get from the tower is shelter (and stunning views).
As of time of writing, you don’t need a permit to backpack along the trail. But regulations change frequently, and it’s your responsibility to stay. up to date with the local Forest Service office on trail permits, fire regulations, overnight camping limitations, and more. If the tower is occupied when you arrive, you can double back about two miles and camp near Goat Flats.
7 Iconic Hotels in Vienna’s Trendiest Neighborhoods
Vienna is known as the world’s “most liveable city.” That said, where to stay in Vienna can be one of the most important aspects of planning your trip as it affects not only the character of your vacation but also how much of Vienna you can experience. Vienna hotels range from cozy bed and breakfasts, traditional Austrian hotels to luxurious iconic five-star establishments. Here are some of the top suggestions for a city stay.
Getting around ViennaVienna is sprawling, so get ready to do plenty of walking — or take advantage of the public transport options. The Vienna transport network consists of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban railway), buses, trams, and trains. Purchasing a Vienna City Card is recommended. It offers unlimited access to Vienna’s public transport system, entry to over 220 attractions, and discounts of up to 50 percent on many Vienna sights and tours.
DO&CO Hotel Vienna
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Five-star DO&CO Hotel Vienna looks onto St Stephen’s Cathedral and blends traditional Austria with modern Vienna. Set in the historic center’s main square, Stephansplatz, the Gothic cathedral is so close you’ll feel like you can reach out and touch the spire. Its location can not be beaten. Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Albertina, the Museums Quartier, concert halls, coffee houses, and theatres are all a short stroll away.
Soaring high above the city, this architectural masterpiece commands attention with its contemporary and luxurious interiors. Unmatched views from floor-to-ceiling windows offer guests the perfect place to relax and watch the city go by. Sprawling over four floors, the hotel’s 43 rooms and suites are artfully designed with touches such as travertine stone, ochre suede wall panels, and teak floors. The stunning ensuites have walk-in rain showers and Italian-brand, ETRO, toiletries.
Amenities at DO&CO Hotel ViennaFree WiFi.Room service.Concierge service.Airport transfers.Private parking.On-site resturant.Where: Stephansplatz 12, 1010 Wien
DORMERO HoHo Wien
Photo: Booking.com
If you are looking to stay somewhere unique outside the center check out DORMERO HoHo Wien. It towers over the city located in one of the tallest wooden skyscrapers in the world. The building has been constructed from 75 percent wood and interior walls and ceilings are also made from spruce wood.
This is a great place to stay if you are traveling with a family. It’s located in a quieter area than the city center but you can easily travel there in 30 minutes on an excellent train service. Although each room, suite, or apartment has one bed, having access to a kitchen when traveling with children is a huge bonus. In keeping with the forward-thinking sustainable design, rooms are modern with technologically smart amenities.
Amenities at DORMERO HoHo WienFree WiFi.Room service.Concierge service.Airport transfers.On-site bar.Where: Wangari-Maathai-Platz 1, 1220 Wien
Hotel Josefine
Photo: Hotel Josefine
Photo: Hotel Josefine
Photo: Katie Scott Aiton
Hotel Josefine is centrally located in Esterhàzygasse in Vienna’s 6th district. The hotel has recently undergone a revamp that has preserved the hotel’s famed founder Josephine de Bourblanc’s surrealist vision. Architect Daniel Hora has masterfully renovated the iconic Gründerzeit building, blending Art Déco style with sixties elements and a Viennese interpretation of burlesque.
The luxurious interior is accented with velvet upholstery, brass fixtures, green marble, Viennese wickerwork, and crystal chandeliers. Each of the hotel’s 49 rooms have individual quirks, which coupled with the luxurious decor means staying here is more of an interactive experience rather than a standard place to rest your head.
Amenities at Hotel JosefineFree WiFi.Room service.Concierge service.Airport transfers.On-site cocktail bar.Where: Esterházygasse 33, 1060 Wien
Hotel Sacher Wien
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
The traditional Hotel Sacher is located in the heart of Vienna, opposite the State Opera and right next to the Kärntner Straße. The iconic business is the only remaining family-run luxury hotel in the city. Since it opened in 1876, it has been beloved for its historical ambiance, excellent restaurant, and central location. All main city attractions are 10 minutes away on foot.
The hotel occupies sixth floors with rooms richly decorated in greens, golds, and taupe combining old-world elegance with modern touches. The suites are the height of luxury with balcony views over the Opera House or Albertina Museum. All rooms have a handy tablet that offers superb information about city highlights and about the hotel. Guests are also provided with a portable WiFi device to use when exploring Vienna.
Amenities at Hotel Sacher WienFree WiFi.Room service.Concierge service.Airport transfers.On-site bar.Kids club.Fitness center and spa.Where: Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien
The Guesthouse ViennaPhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
The building of The Guesthouse Vienna was once a youth hostle. The 1960s building has been transformed by local architect Arkan Zeytinoglu into Vienna’s most affordable quality hotel.
The guesthouse set over six floors with four different types of light and airy rooms. Extra touches such as a range of local wines can be enjoyed free of charge while people watching from the large windows. The soundproof windows are a huge bonus in the city center and the rooms are dressed with classic furnishings including locally made textiles. There is an emphasis on supporting local businesses at The Guesthouse. Baked goods, coffee, wine, and soaps are made exclusively for the hotel.
Amenities at The Guesthouse ViennaFree WiFi.Concierge service.Airport transfers.On-site bar.Private parking.Where: Führichgasse 10, 1010 Wien
Hotel Beethoven Wien
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Boutique hotel, Hotel Beethoven Wien is tucked behind the Theater an der Wien and once homed the composer Beethoven while he was writing the opera Fidelio. In a neoclassical building the hotel’s location could not be better for music lovers. It’s minutes from all big concert halls.
Over six floors rooms are uniquely and individually designed. Each of the floors has a different theme from Beethoven, Vienna coffeehouse culture to the Theater an der Wien. Quirky touches such as retro phones and antique furniture mirror the hotel’s deliberate mix-match yet chic interior.
Amenities at Hotel Beethoven WienFree WiFi.Airport transfers.Family-sized rooms.Private parking.Pet friendly.Where: Papagenogasse 6, 1060 Wien
Max Brown 7th District
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Max Brown 7th District is one of the best Vienna hotels for a more local stay. The hotel is simply cool and is located in the trendy seventh district, away from the more touristy parts of the city. The award-winning restaurant draws locals and has a casual-chic vibe.
The designers have had fun with Max Brown. The playful decor is found in every corner of the hotel, bright colors pop, and multi-textured furnishings are oversized and fabulous. The communal lounges have pool tables, board games, a roulette table, a photo booth, and there’s even an old-style cinema room. And if you forget something, there’s a neat shop in the lobby selling local products from socks to shower gel.
Amenities at Max Brown 7th DistrictFree WiFi.Airport transfers.Lounge with pool tables and games.In-house cinema.Resturant and bar.Where: Schottenfeldgasse 74, 1070 Wien
More like thisInsider GuidesHow To Make the Most of a Winter Getaway To ViennaJanuary 19, 2023
Stella Island Resort & Spa Is the Must-Stay Five-Star Resort in Crete
Sure Mykonos, Santorina, and Athens have earned their position as popular islands in Greece. But when planning your next island-hopping adventure, add Crete to your list of must-visits. This relaxing destination is home to several luxury resorts including The Stella Island Resort & Spa. This resort is an adult-only, all-inclusive oasis of luxury and relaxation. This 5-star resort is the perfect destination for adults looking to escape and enjoy a getaway in one of the most beautiful and historic parts of the world.
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.
@epic.stays
One of the standout features of Stella Island Resort & Spa is its location. The resort is situated on a secluded island on the north coast of Crete, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from their rooms and public spaces and can take advantage of the resort’s private beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the sea’s warm waters. The lagoon-style pools stretch around the entire resort, leaving plenty of room for everyone to find their private spot.
Inside, the hotel is equally impressive, designed with a minimalist aesthetic, featuring a neutral color palette and natural materials. Guests will find spacious and elegantly decorated rooms and suites, each equipped with all the modern amenities that travelers have come to expect, including flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Villas with private pools and overwater bungalows let guests enjoy the luxurious accommodations in all their glory. Guests can choose between a half-board or all-inclusive offering when booking.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Stella Island Luxury Resort (@stellaislandcrete)
The hotel also offers guests a wide range of leisure activities to enjoy. Including yoga and pilates classes, a spa, and a fitness center, where guests can relax and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing. The culinary offerings at this all-inclusive resort include five restaurants and in-room dining.
The Stella Island Resort & Spa also boasts an excellent location for those exploring the surrounding area. The hotel is close to many popular tourist attractions, including historic temples, traditional villages, and the ancient city of Knossos. The hotel can also arrange guided tours and transportation, making it easy for guests to experience all the region offers.
For adult travelers looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, this stunning location with elegant guest rooms and a wide range of leisure activities is sure to make your stay memorable.
To See the Best of Sint Maarten, You Need To Indulge in the Island’s Street Food
Sint Maarten has a special culture among Caribbean nations. The island is split between two European countries: On one side of the island the Dutch, and the French on the other. But on this 37-square-mile island, there are more than 120 nationalities, and each has had a hand in creating Sint Maarten’s present-day culture. The best way to experience that culture, in my opinion, is through food.
The first people to live on the island were the Taino-Arawak and Carib. In the mid 1600s, France and the Netherlands signed an agreement to split the island’s natural resources and to use it as a strategic outpost between Europe and North America. British plantation owners then migrated to the island, and English become the dominant language in many circles. At the same time, enslaved Africans worked sugar plantations and salt flats until France and the Netherlands abolished slavery in the mid-19th century, leading to the island’s African influence.
While St. Maarten was part of the Netherlands Antilles between 1954 and 2010, people of Aruban, Curacaolean, Anguillian, Saban, and Statian descent settled on the island. Similarly, on the French side, known as Saint Martin, ethnic groups from Guadeloupe, Martinique, and France arrived. The island’s economy, which was once focused on salt and agriculture, shifted to tourism in the 1970s, leading to a diverse influx of migrants from India, neighboring Caribbean islands, French colonies in Southeast Asia, Dutch holdings like Indonesia, and large communities of people of Dominican, Guyanese, Haitian and Jamaican descent. Now, St. Maarten/St. Martin is a true melting pot that manifests itself in a delicious cuisine with many influences. And while there are plenty of fine dining restaurants worthy of a visit, the street food served in roadside spots known as lolos is just as incredible.
Sint Maarten lolos serving delicious street foodCindy’s Roti Shack
Photo: Olivia Harden
One of the most popular lolos in the country serves Indian food by way of Trinidad and Tobago. An hour and a half flight from Sint Maarten, nearly 40 percent of Trinidad and Tobago’s population is of Indian descent. Cindy, a Trinidadian who has lived in Sint Maarten for several years, serves delicious doubles and roti that have evolved with a Caribbean stamp on them.
Doubles consist of two fried flatbreads (bara) filled with curried chickpeas (chana) and various toppings, like chutneys, cucumber, and tamarind sauce, making the snack entirely vegan. Cindy has to work diligently in her little yellow trailer on the side of the road. Locals love her doubles so much that they will stand in line bright and early because it’s inevitable she will sell out, which is unsurprising once you take a bite. She asked if we wanted our food spicy or mild, and since I’ve been expanding my spice tolerance, I went for the spicy, and boy I am glad I did. The taste of Cindy’s doubles is complex — savory curry, sweet chutney, spicy sauce, and plush flatbread are a total party in your mouth.
The roti is made from flour, water, and oil, which Cindy cooks on a grill and uses to wrap curried chicken and more spicy sauce inside. The roti was enormous, and even though I split half with another member of the trip, I had a hard time finishing it, which was a shame since it was so tasty.
Sexy Beef
Photo: Olivia Harden
Sexy Beef, another beloved lolo, comes from the owner’s nickname for his girlfriend. Still, the name lives up to its expectations. The restaurant serves mouthwatering international cuisine with a creole flair and is known around the island for the satay. Satay is traditionally a dish of marinated, skewered. and grilled meat served with a spicy peanut sauce. It’s popular in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. My plate came with mini skewers of chicken, pork, and beef, as well as a shrimp skewer covered in a spicy sauce — plus a side of rice and peas, steamed vegetables, and plantains. The sauces on the side, including the peanut sauce, took this already mouthwatering local favorite to the next level.
Photo: Olivia Harden
Sexy Beef is also one of the only lolos with a full bar. I ordered a margarita with curacao, which came blended and was very tasty. But when the owner asked if I wanted to try a “penetration shot” made with more than a dozen different liquors, I decided to go for it. If you’re looking for a place to hang out and party with the locals on the weekend, the restaurant gets lively.
Sale N Pepe
Photo: Olivia Harden
Italian food is probably the last thing on your mind when visiting the Caribbean. But Sale N Pepe, a brick-and-mortar Sicilian restaurant, is a must-visit. The story of Sale N Pepe is one of romance. Chef Davide Zagami came to Sint Maarten as a private chef in 2000. In 2002 he met his soulmate, and they got married in 2009. The two lovers eventually opened their restaurant in Simpson Bay, intending to create the kind of restaurant he knows back in Sicily. His desire for a restaurant on the water is the perfect romantic backdrop while you sit on the patio. And in 2019, the restaurant was named the best Italian restaurant by the leading Caribbean newspaper The Daily Herald.
Photo: Olivia Harden
Sicilian pasta and fresh seafood are the staples of this restaurant. The menu can be overwhelming with how many things there are to choose from. I loved the grilled octopus, and for my entree, I ordered the Salmone Napoleone, which is salmon served in a lemon white wine sauce and a side of spaghetti aglio e olio. The meal was very light compared to other dishes I had while visiting and was very tasty.
Captain’s Rib Shack
Photo: Olivia Harden
After you visit Sint Maarten, I highly doubt you’ll be ready to leave paradise when it’s time to head home. But get to the airport a few hours early. Not because the lines are out the door long (the airport is tiny), but because once you get your bag is checked, you can leave the airport and make one final stop for barbecue. This Caribbean food staple means there are several places to choose from and locals have strong opinions about who makes the best barbecue on the tiny island. While I had the chance to try a few on my trip, my favorite was The Captain’s Rib Shack. This lolo is only a mile and a half from the airport, so a quick taxi ride will get you there and back before your flight with no problem.
Photo: Olivia Harden
I ordered the barbecue wings, which came with two sides and a small salad. I chose the rice and peas, macaroni and cheese, and I also ordered a Johnny cake. While the lolo is extremely popular, the food doesn’t take too long before it ends up on your plate. This quick detour before I left the island was my favorite meal of the trip. The wings were perfectly cooked and smokey, and the barbecue sauce was excellent. The macaroni and cheese was a standout, baked the way you often see in Black American culture that reminded me of home. A Johnny cake, also known as a journey cake, is a type of savory cornmeal-based flatbread. This Caribbean food was originally created as a portable and easy-to-make fare that could be taken on long journeys, and there are many different styles across the Caribbean. The Johnny cakes at The Captain’s Rib Shack were light and fluffy, making them the perfect way to end my visit.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
