Matador Network's Blog, page 363
January 13, 2023
An Underwater Swing in the Maldives Is One Resort’s Not-so-Best-Kept Secret
When visiting the Maldives, there are plenty of luxurious resorts to choose from. But the Fushifaru Maldives resort has made it clear that they want to set themselves apart.
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.
This resort is a tropical paradise that offers travelers a luxurious and unforgettable vacation experience located in the Maldives’ northeastern edge of Faadhippolhu (Lhaviyani Atoll). It’s accessible by a short domestic flight on a seaplane from the main Velana International Airport. One of the highlights of the Fushifaru Maldives is the underwater swing, an unforgettable experience for guests that can find the swing underwater in the Indian Ocean. The swing is located in the heart of the resort’s lagoon, and you’re likely to find it in the underwater playground by snorkeling around the ocean floor.
@matadornetwork If you visit #FushifaruResort in #theMaldives you must find their #underwaterswing@ieva #Fushifaru #visitmaldives ♬ Sands – Lethilda
The resort also offers a wide range of accommodation options, from beachfront villas to over-water premium villas, all of which are designed to provide guests with the ultimate comfort and luxury. The villas are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and plunge pools, while the overwater villas offer spectacular views of the ocean and direct access to the water.
The Fushifaru Maldives is a perfect place for those looking for a relaxing and peaceful vacation, as lush tropical vegetation and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean surround it. The resort offers a wide range of activities like diving, water sports, and other excursions.
This resort is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation in a tropical paradise. With its beautiful surroundings, comfortable accommodations, and wide range of activities and excursions, it’s the ideal place to unwind and forget about the stresses of everyday life. 
Sushi Donuts Are Sweeping the US Thanks To This Restaurant Chain
Sushi comes in all shapes and sizes. Rolls, hand rolls, inside-out rolls, fish on rice, and just fish in the case of sashimi. Modern chefs have redefined the forms that sushi-inspired foods can take, from poke bowls that were popularized in Hawaii in the 1970s to sushi burritos that rose to fame in San Francisco in the 2000s. Now, there’s another fusion food with sushi in the title for Japanese-food-lovers to try — sushi donuts.
@foodwtf Sushi roll shaped into a donut might just be the new crazePoke Burri in #Texas
Sushi donuts are exactly what they sound like — circular discs of rice with a hole in the center that’s topped with raw fish and other sushi toppings, such as spicy sauce and sesame seeds. And one restaurant chain, Poke Burri, is mastering the craft.
Poke Burri originally opened in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2016. As the name suggests, poke was its focus. Soon, the chain started garnering attention and winning competitions and awards. Poke Burri now has 10 locations across the US, including four restaurants in Atlanta, two outposts in Houston, Texas, and a restaurant on the way in Orlando, Florida.
In addition to all different types of poke bowls, sushi burritos, and sushi donuts, Poke Burri also has a secret menu that’s sure to keep customers guessing — and satisfied — with all of the creative fusion foods the restaurant has concocted. Some of the items on the secret menu include sushi pizza, sushi corndogs, sushi sandwiches, kimchi or jalapeno arancini, fried ramen carbonara, and sweets like matcha beignets and matcha and ube ice cream sandwiches.
Long story short, if you have a favorite food that doesn’t typically include raw fish or traditional Asian flavors, Poke Burri has probably found a way to sushi-fy it.
Where to find sushi donuts near youGeorgiaPoke Burri East ATL Village: We Suki Suki Food Court, 79 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
Poke Burri Battery: 925 Battery Ave SE Ste. 1100, Atlanta, GA 30339
Poke Burri Coda: Georgia Institute of Technology, 756 W Peachtree St NW Suite H, Atlanta, GA 30308
Poke Burri Duluth: 3559 W Lawrenceville St #600, Duluth, GA 30096
TexasPoke Burri Houston Midtown: 2503 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77006
Poke Burri Houston Sugar Land: 1525 Lake Pointe Pkwy Suite 400, Sugar Land, TX 77478
North CarolinaPoke Burri Raleigh: Falls Village Shopping Center, 6613 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
FloridaPoke Burri Jacksonville: 2545 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
South CarolinaPoke Burri CHS: 835 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
PennsylvaniaPoke Burri Philly: 255 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Birria Bao Buns Are the Latest Fusion Food To Obsess Over
Behold, the latest fusion food you have to try if you’re traveling to Honolulu, Hawaii, or Las Vegas, Nevada — juicy, fluffy, and delicious birria bao buns from Aloha Mamacita.
But first, let’s break down what that means.
@foodwtfWould you give this a try?
Bao buns are a type of steamed and stuffed bun hailing from China. They’re typically made from a wheat-flour-based leavened dough, which means that yeast is used to help the dough rise. They are traditionally steamed, which helps with their characteristically fluffy texture, but some variations are fried or toasted for added texture. Traditional fillings can range from savory pork or beef to sweet ingredients like fruit jam or custard. A popular base for fusion creations today, bao buns have inspired everything from sandwiches to tacos, including as a vessel for birria in the case of Aloha Mamacita’s creations.
Birria is a Mexican dish from the state of Jalisco made of stewed meat, usually goat or beef, that’s been slow cooked in a tomato-based adobo broth with spices and herbs such as chili peppers, cumin, coriander, oregano, cinnamon, and cloves. It can be served in different ways depending on the region, but the most popular way to enjoy it is as birria tacos topped with additional ingredients like onions, cilantro, and lime.
Rather than a corn tortilla, at Aloha Mamacita, beef birria is stuffed into a taco-shaped bao bun with mozzarella cheese, red onions, and cilantro, and served alongside its consommé. That’s not the only fusion birria menu item on the menu either. You can get birria ramen, birria wraps, and birria bombs that are similar to jalapeno poppers, as well as more traditional birria tacos. Fried chicken bao buns are also on offer.
Where: 1130 N Nimitz Hwy Rm C110, Honolulu, HI 96817
Where: 4195 S Grand Canyon Dr Suite 104, Las Vegas, NV 89147
This SoCal Restaurant Is Like an Outdoor Art Gallery But With Tacos
Usually, when you see an alleyway displaying eclectic art that’s tented by a blanket of large fake butterflies, you can be pretty sure you’ve stumbled upon an Instagram-bait pop-up museum, like Umbrella Alley in San Francisco. But if you’re in Riverside, California, about an hour east of Los Angeles, you probably stumbled upon Tio’s Tacos, a Mexican restaurant with so much bright, funky, life-sized artworks decorating the patio that it doubles as an open-air art gallery.
@foodwtf Quirky #diningexperience with eccentric artwork atIt's a Mexican eatery with recycled art sculptures all created by the owner!
Tio’s Tacos is the brainchild of Martin Sanchez, who’s both the chef and artist behind the unique space. Sanchez moved to California from Michoacán, Mexico, in the mid-1980s and opened his now-beloved taco spot a few years later in 1990.
Sanchez’s motivation for creating an art-filled space was twofold: to open a Mexican restaurant in Southern California that stood out among its peers, and to repurpose used and discarded items to create something new and beautiful. The artworks on display at Tio’s Tacos are made from recycled materials ranging from empty beer cans, bottles, and bottle caps to old furniture, license plates, mannequins, and toys. From that, Sanchez has created a wide variety of statues and sculptures — even a chapel constructed of empty bottles that he built for his wife. Practically every inch of the property is covered with recycled art.
“I always say my dad is an organized hoarder,” his daughter Stephanie Sanchez, who now helps run the restaurant with her sister Kimberly, told KTLA in 2020. “We have some customers who sat [sic] for hours and never want to leave.”
But at the end of the day, Tio’s Tacos is still a restaurant, one with a menu that extends far beyond tacos. Diners can get everything from breakfast items like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros to lunch and dinner fare like smothered burritos, fajitas, sopes, quesadillas, enchiladas, ceviche, and a long list of shrimp dishes. Much like the materials Sanchez sourced for his artworks, it appears he cooks with just about every traditional ingredient imaginable.
Where: 948 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
This Venice Airbnb Has the Best Views of the Venetian Canal
Suitehouse 5 Venice Italy is a beautiful traditional Airbnb in the heart of Venice, Italy. This property offers guests the perfect blend of luxury and comfort, making it the ideal choice for travelers exploring all that Venice offers.
The property is located in the historic district of Cannaregio, just a short walk from the famous Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal. The area is known for its picturesque canals and charming, winding streets, and SuiteHouse 5 Venice, Italy, is the perfect base to explore them.
Upon arriving at SuiteHouse 5 Venice, Italy, guests will be greeted by a traditional Venetian palazzo, complete with a charming garden and a beautiful terrace overlooking the canal.
@epic.stays #stitch with @sullystraveldiary #Airbnb linked in bio
We hope you love this Venice, Italy 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.
The property features a spacious living room area with a modern design and comfortable furnishings, a dining area, and a full kitchenette equipped with a microwave, kettle, toaster, and other materials to prepare meals during your stay. The property can accommodate up to four guests as it has one bedroom with a double bed and a sofa bed in the living room.
One of the highlights of SuiteHouse 5 Venice, Italy, is its location. The property is just a short walk from the famous Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal and close to many of Venice’s most popular attractions, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes are nearby, making it easy to explore the area and experience Venice.
Overall, SuiteHouse 5 Venice, Italy, is the perfect choice for travelers looking for a traditional Airbnb in the heart of Venice. With its spacious design, beautiful decor, and unbeatable location, this property will surely make your stay in Venice one to remember.
The SuiteHouse 5 Venice costs an average of $173 per night.
Take a Dip in These Infinity Pools at This Restaurant in Bali Creating a Relaxing Paradise
Indonesia has many unique dishes that are worth giving a try, like Pisang Goreng — a crunchy fried banana. And if you’re looking for a chance to try some of the countries remarkable dishes at a memorable restaurant,t Creta Ubud is the must-visit restaurant and day club for travelers looking for traditional Indonesian and international cuisine on their trip to Ubud. Nestled in the lush jungle, the restaurant offers a serene atmosphere perfect for a day away from the city.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Cretya Ubud by Alas Harum Bali (@cretyaubud)
Entry into Creta Ubud is just $5 per person, with a minimum spend for travelers who want to sit down. The menu at Creta Ubud features a variety of dishes, including salmon lodeh (served with vegetable curry), nasi kunig (coconut yellow rice), and sate lilit (minced fish satay). The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, with bold and authentic flavors.
@matadornetwork The #pool at #CretyaUbud is simply stunning
In addition to its delicious food, Creta Ubud is also known for its stunning infinity pools. The restaurant has three stacked infinity pools that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and provide the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a meal. The infinity pools are set amidst lush greenery with a lookout over the rice patties, making them the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing dip or relax and soak up the sun. The restaurant and day club also has daily DJ performances making it a total hotspot.
The service at Creta Ubud is friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on your preferences. They also make sure that the guests are comfortable and well-taken care of.
Creta Ubud is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique dining experience in Bali. The delicious food, stunning infinity pools, and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect spot to relax while enjoying Bali’s culture and natural beauty. Of course, if Bali feels a little too crowded, there are several other great islands that are worth a visit.
The Interior of This Italian Church Is Like Nothing You’ve Seen Before
Naples, Italy, is crowded, noisy, and chaotic. The traffic is lawless and incessant, and the streets are narrow and packed with vendors hawking their wares, patio furniture from cafés and restaurants, and pedestrians trying not to get run over by vehicles. Visitors to the city who can only take so much of this madness would do well to take a quick break in a church. They are quiet, mostly empty, and they are just about everywhere in Naples. The Church of San Gregorio Armeno, for example, is located in one of the busiest and most famous streets of Naples, and will not only help you escape the outside tumult, but will blow your mind with its extravagant decor.
@visit The stunning Church of San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, Italyby @Simone Rocco #italytravel #churchtok #traveltok ♬ original sound – Visit
The Church of San Gregorio Armeno (Saint Gregory of Armenia), also known as the Church of Santa Patrizia (Patricia of Naples) dates back to the eighth century, but its dazzling interior decor is from the late 16th century. The church is indeed a striking example of Neapolitan Baroque architecture, a style whose purpose is to awe with lavish details and colours, and general over-the-topness and grandeur.
Photo: DinoPh/Shutterstock
Photo: DinoPh/Shutterstock
Photo: DinoPh/Shutterstock
Photo: Isogood_patrick/Shutterstock
Stand under the carved wooden ceiling, look at the painted cupola, and take in the imposing organ — seemingly every inch of this church is excessively gilded, painted, or carved.
Once your senses have been overwhelmed inside the church, make your way to the tranquil adjacent cloister and its lovely garden. There are benches where you can sit and admire the famous marble fountain of Jesus meeting the good Samaritan.
Visiting the Church of San Gregorio Armeno is free, but note that opening hours are restricted to 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Address of the Church of San Gregorio Armeno: Via S. Gregorio Armeno, 1, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
Watch the Northern Lights From This Airbnb’s Geothermal Hot Tub in Iceland
This stunning remote lakeside lodge Airbnb near Selfoss, Iceland is out of this world. Located in the heart of the Golden Circle, an area including three country’s spectacular natural wonders — Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area — this is one of the most sought-after rentals in the country. Named Lake View Retreat, the Airbnb faces the Úlfljótsvatn Valley, Hrutey Island, and Brufell Mountain.
We hope you love Lake View Retreat! 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
There’s quite some stiff competition when it comes to Arctic Airbnbs and Airbnbs where you can watch the northern lights in Iceland, but what this lodge’s unique central location makes it one of the best bases for enjoying the country’s outdoor sites. It’s also architecturally neat. The sustainable home has a turf-clad roof and two of the main walls are constructed from glass.
How to get to the Lake View Retreat
Photo: Airbnb
The closest town is Selfoss, a small hamlet on the banks of Ölfusá river. There you’ll find cafes and shops where you can stock up on groceries. The closest airport is Reykjavík International Airport. From there it is a short 45-minute drive to the lakeside. Keep in mind that the country is very driveable and it’s worth renting a car and planning road trips to see the best of Iceland.
About the Lake View Retreat
Photo: Airbnb
The private lodge sleeps two guests and is 731 square feet in size. The stunning queen-sized bed faces floor-to-ceiling facade windows that offer a mindblowing view of the lake and valley. The modern en-suite has a cascade shower and outside, you can soak in the view — and hopefully the northern lights — from the heated geothermal tub.
Photo: Airbnb
Previous guests have gone as far to state that this property is one of the best private lodges in Iceland. They also reiterate just how ideal this Airbnb is as a base for exploring the Golden Circle.
Amenities at Lake View RetreatPrivate fireplaceOutdoor geothermal heated tub.A flat-screen TV with streaming platforms.Free WiFi.Underfloor heating.Linen, towels, and bathrobes.Free parking spot.Cot for children under request.More like thisDivingScuba Dive Between Tectonic Plates at the World’s Most Unique Site
Set Inside the Wall of a Canal This Rare Airbnb Was Once a Medieval Cellar
Utrecht is often referred to as the “cozier version of Amsterdam.” Located in the heart of the Netherlands the country’s fourth-largest city is home to winding canals, pretty narrow streets, excellent restaurants and bars, and a thriving art scene. The city was founded by the Romans and was once the most important city in the Netherlands. Because of this Utrecht’s historic center is packed with historically significant buildings and rich architecture. It also has some one-of-a-kind accommodations hidden in the ancient streets. Some of these apartments have been developed under street level in the canal wall. This loft Airbnb is a perfect example of the unique builds.
We hope you love LOFT 188 Utrecht. 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 Would you spend the night in this canal loft?
The rental is located on the Oudegracht in the heart of the city. Oudegracht is a historic canal running through the heart of Utrecht. This picturesque canal was built in the 12th century and has since become one of the city’s most famous attractions. A stroll along its cobblestoned banks, past charming cafes, art galleries, and canal-side bars is a lovely way to spend a weekend.
Photo: Airbnb
This Airbnb sets itself apart from the other hotels in Utrecht because of its unique placement. The loft has been developed from an original stone-clad medieval wharf cellar inside the canal wall.
Photo: Airbnb
The architectural masterpiece blends a colorful, modern decor with the original stonework from 1450 and the curved shaped structure of the cellar. Guests enter through a small door in the wall and can enjoy breakfast at an outdoor table by the water.
Photo: Airbnb
The loft sleeps two guests and has one large, and richly decorated king-sized bed. A night in by the historic canal will cost an average of $240 per night.
Photo: Airbnb
Previous guests rave about the rental’s central location, its walkability to the historic center, its unique character, and that it is actually a lot bigger than the photos would suggest.
What to do in UtrechtUtrecht is a fun city filled with plenty of activities to keep any traveler entertained. Here are some of the top things to do during your stay.
Visit the Museum Speelklok, which is home to an extensive collection of self-playing musical instruments and automatons.Explore Utrecht’s stunning canals on a boat tour or take a leisurely walk along its cobbled streets and admire its many historical monuments.Check out the colorful flea markets where you can find antiques, vintage wares, and handmade souvenirs.Enjoy delicious Dutch delicacies such as poffertjes (mini pancakes) or stroopwafels (syrup waffles).Take the Utrecht Highlights Bike Tour to explore Utrecht’s ancient city center and iconic sights.Visit the Dom Tower, Utrecht’s tallest structure and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Netherlands.Take a picnic at Wilhelmina Park or take part in sports activities such as canoeing and kayaking.Experience Utrecht nightlife with its many bars, live music venues and nightclubs.More like thisEpic Stays23 Airbnbs in London’s Trendiest Neighborhoods
January 12, 2023
This Florida Everglades Snorkeler Uncovered the Wonders of This Slow Moving River’s Floor
Between the beaches, nightlife, and nature, Florida is an epic destination for adventures. The Florida Everglades, a vast and unique wetland ecosystem, is home to abundant wildlife. This World Heritage Site is known for its diverse and intricate waterway system, with some areas so murky that it’s impossible to see what lies beneath. However, in other areas, you’ll find many incredible underwater creatures just waiting to be discovered. Luca Martinez, a nature photographer, took us along his journey as he snorkeled through this slow-moving river.
The Florida Everglades is a unique and diverse ecosystem home to various plant and animal life. One of the fascinating aspects of the Everglades is the underwater world that lies beneath its surface.
@visit You'll never look at the Florida Everglades the same way again@Luca Martinez #floridaeverglades #everglades #underwatervideography ♬ original sound – Visit
The Everglades is home to various fish species, including largemouth bass, tarpon, snook, and redfish. These fish can be found in the canals, creeks, and ponds that make up the Everglades. In addition to fish, the Everglades is also home to a wide variety of reptiles, including alligators and crocodiles. These animals are often found in the deeper waters of the Everglades and can be a fascinating sight for visitors.
The Everglades is also home to various aquatic plants, including mangroves, sawgrass, and cattails. These plants provide essential habitats for fish, birds, and insects. In addition to providing habitat, these plants also play an indispensable role in maintaining the water quality of the Everglades.
Another interesting feature of the underwater world of the Everglades is the presence of submerged trees and other debris. These sunken trees provide important habitats for various fish and other aquatic animals. They also play a crucial role in the cycling of nutrients in the ecosystem.
From fish and reptiles to aquatic plants and submerged trees, the Everglades offers a unique and exciting glimpse into the natural world. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeler looking for an adventure, there’s something for everyone under the waters of the Florida Everglades. So grab your gear and head down south for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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