Matador Network's Blog, page 370
December 12, 2022
These Indigenous-Owned Hotels Help Travelers Connect With Land, Food, and Culture
Too often, we arrive at a destination and struggle to actually find it. We visit the mighty Pyramids and try to wrap our minds around their ancient origins and spiritual significance, but find ourselves distracted by the swarms of tourists and their trail of plastic trash. Or we land in Rome only to be disillusioned by the fast food restaurants sitting among long-dreamt-of street cafes and salumerias.
If you seek the type of travel experience that feels truly transportive – one that removes the familiar and replaces it with a profound connection to both land and people – a good place to start is with hospitality and tourism outfitters that are owned and operated by indigenous peoples.
Indigenous societies are distinguished by their deep connection to the land. Their languages inform a different, more reciprocal relationship to it. They build homes from locally available resources using techniques that are ancient yet enduring. Their food is made from local flora and fauna and meals are often understood to be sacred – a way to nourish relationships as much as bodies.
While there is so much we can learn from indigenous communities, the goal is not to fast-track through thousands of years of culture and histories too often marred by exploitation and trauma. The goal is simply to connect. To understand the stories of the people hosting you, and allow those stories to crack open space in your mind where new perspectives can take root. Tourism dollars can certainly help indigenous peoples sustain their communities and self-advocate (for instance, by paying lawyers to protect them from forced eviction for resort development), the real benefit is the way these experiences bring a new understanding, compassion, and respect to critically important populations. Here are some places to start.
We hope you love these Indigenous-owned hotels! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Haida House at Tllaal , British Columbia, Canada
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Since 1995, the Haida people have worked to transform their land from a center of resource extraction and bear hunting to a top destination for cultural and ecotourism. Haida House is 100% Haida-owned and holds a gold standing with Green Tourism Canada. Its cozy, log-cabin aesthetic (built from sustainably-sourced timber) makes it the perfect spot to return to after a day of adventuring. Guests spend the day hiking, bird-watching, or bear scouting amidst the island’s surrounding ancient forests and serene Tlaall river, before returning for a meal from Chef Kil Tlaa’sgaa, who uses traditional and locally-sourced ingredients to recreate favorite meals from his youth.
Surama Eco-Lodge, Guyana
Photo courtesy Surama Eco-Lodge
Located in the country’s nearly untouched South American rainforest, what makes Surama stand out is how it is run. The lodge is fully owned by the local community and no decision is made without first getting input from the entire village, which is tasked with weighing the economic benefits of a proposal against potential environmental and cultural costs. The model has ensured that wildlife conservation and local heritage are prioritized and preserved, resulting in unrivaled experiences for guests and a new, gold standard for community-based hospitality in the region.
Te Whare Ruruhau Cabin, New Zealand
Photo courtesy Owhaoko.com
Photo: Ludwig Van
Photo courtesy Owhaoko.com
Photo courtesy Owhaoko.com
Here in the exclusive Owhaoko ancestral land of the Māori people sits a luxury, glass-roofed and solar-powered cabin, accessible only by helicopter. The land that stretches out from this lone cabin, nestled between the north island’s Kaweka and Kaimanawa national forests, is virtually untouched and held in a trust for the descendants of the indigenous Māori tribes who once bathed, foraged, fished, and hunted its valleys and rivers. Today, the land is foraged by bees who, in turn, produce prized Manuka honey. While most time is spent here in sacred seclusion and communion with nature, there are also moments of connection as staff share stories of the Owhaoko land and its people.
Salish Lodge & Spa, WashingtonPhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
salish lodge
Photo: Booking.com
The majestic Snoqualmie Falls of Washington State is a sacred place for the native Snoqualmie people. For generations, tribal members used the site as a gathering place, and it is believed to this day that the mists of the falls carry prayers to their ancestors. Yet until only a few years ago, this land was not theirs to protect or profit from, as both government and tourism businesses capitalized on the Falls’ beauty and energy-generating potential. That was until 2019, when the 500-person Snoqualmie Tribe was finally able to buy it back. Now, as guests walk along the Falls, storyboards share the history of the Snoqualmie people and their connection to the sacred site.
Tangulia Mara, Kenya
Photo courtesy Tanguila Mara
Photo courtesy Tanguila Mara
Photo courtesy Tanguila Mara
The Maasai Mara’s popularity among safari-seeking tourists has resulted in a profusion of bushcamps and eco-lodges, yet only a very small percentage of these are actually owned by Maasai people. When Tangulia Mara opened in 2015, it was the first. Today, the indigenous-owned bushcamp continues to hold the distinction of being one of the best places to experience an authentic connection to the region’s heritage and history. The warmth guests receive during guided visits to nearby Maasai villages becomes as memorable as witnessing the region’s famous wildebeest migration or sundowners over the Mara river.
Embera Quera, Panama
Photo: Visit Centro America
An overnight stay at the Embera Quera Village is an entirely immersive experience. The indigenous community is entirely focused on sustainable tourism and providing tourists in Panama with an authentic look at village life for the Emberá people. Guests reach the village via a canoe ride down the Rio Gatun and, upon arrival, are greeted by village elders. The villagers cook for their visitors with fruits of the surrounding rainforest, entertain with traditional song and dance, and allow guests to shop their crafts.
Amidst the falsified pressure to fill our social media feeds with envy-inducing imagery, it can be easy to forget why we traveled somewhere in the first place. These properties provide an opportunity to learn from the examples of connection set by indigenous peoples to heal social ruptures, repair our relationship to the land, and ultimately, bring so much more fulfillment than a few Instagram likes ever could. 
This Sagres Resort Is the Best Jumping Off Point To Explore the Portuguese Coast
Portugal is well-known for its sunny weather and pristine coastline. Even in the fall, you can still be greeted by a warm day, especially down in the Algarve, the country’s sunniest region. It’s exactly around this time, in early November, that Martinhal Resorts hosts its Art, Design & Wellbeing Weekend. The event takes place in Sagres, a coastal town on the west edge of the Algarve.
Set amidst the sandy shores of Sagres, Martinhal Sagres is the only five-star hotel in the region. It has direct access to the beach, and many rooms offer sea views. I stayed in one of the Beach rooms, which was spacious and ideally located near all the main facilities. However, you can also opt to stay in a private villa or apartment.
Photo: Joana Taborda
The resort is very much geared for families, with regular activities, kids’ pools, and play areas around all the restaurants. That said, there is plenty of entertainment for adults, including bike rentals, water sports, and spa treatments. Sunsets here are magical, and if you’re lucky, you may get a rare sighting of a red fox, a species found in remote districts of the Algarve.
Photo: Joana Taborda
For 10 years, owners Chitra and Roman Stern have curated this weekend event, where selected guests can meet Portuguese artists, wellness brands, and up-and-coming chefs in a mix of exhibits, workshops, and dining experiences. For the first time in 2023, they’re planning to release it as a retreat-style package, opening up access to local entrepreneurs in a stunning location just steps away from the beach. And for those who go and decide the Atlantic water is too brisk for a swim, you can always retreat to the heated pool.
Exploring the local side of Sagres from Martinhal
Photo: Joana Taborda
Every year, Martinhal invites a group of local artists to revamp the space. In 2022, the resort brought Oficina Marques, a Lisbon-based atelier run by Gezo and José that works mainly with wood and ceramics, including repurposed material like wine boxes, drawers, or doors. Inspired by their stay at Martinhal Sagres, the duo created seven pieces that were displayed across the hotel’s lobby, spa, and restaurants. One stand out is the Mãe Pássaro (Mother Bird). In it, a female figure uses one arm as a nest while the other releases a bird. It represents the two sides of motherhood: protective but also freeing.
Other featured artists and works included textile artist Maria Pratas, who weaved bits of roots growing near the Sagres cliffs into her handmade boxes; natural candles from Casa Bohemia; and Marie de Carvalho, the curator behind the Ojo Gallery, who showcased a mix of tapestries and ceramics.
Other the course of a weekend, I got to know several wellness brands making things like haircare products, creams, and artisanal soaps. One such meeting was with Ana and Alicia from Hair Rituel by Sisley, who shared tips on the best way to treat your hair. Equilibrium Lisboa led a gyrokinesis lesson (a type of workout that focuses on joint mobility), while Fios Jardins Suspensos led a kokedama (Japanese moss ball planting) workshop. The highlight, however, was the hands-on watercolor workshop from Claus Porto, a beloved Portuguese beauty brand launched in 1887.
Getting out into nature
Photo: Joana Taborda
Sagres is a prime spot for surfing in the Algarve. Its privileged location in Portugal’s southwest means you can catch waves from the west and the south. Beaches here range from large sandy stretches to small coves, and there’s a surf school on pretty much every corner. The hotel’s Water Sports Center in Praia do Martinhal hosts windsurf classes and provides kayaks and stand-up paddles for guests eager to take on the sea.
Photo: Joana Taborda
If you’d rather stay on land, Sagres is part of the Costa Vicentina and is one of Portugal’s wildest coastal stretches. From here, you can follow sections of the Rota Vicentina, a network of trails that connect the Algarve to the Alentejo. The most popular one is the Trilho dos Pescadores, a 140-mile trail that takes you from Sagres to Porto Covo. Alternatively, you can explore shorter sections of the coast. Martinhal has a bike station, allowing you to get on your own two wheels or follow a guided tour.
Dining at Martinhal Sagres
Photo: Joana Taborda
With easy access to the coast, Sagres is an ideal spot to sample Portuguese seafood. Martinhal’s restaurants offer a taste of this, but also provide international delicacies and tasting menus curated by local chefs.
As Dunas: Overlooking the beach, this seafood restaurant sources fish directly from the Sagres market, so it’s always fresh. Try the corvina (croaker) and tiger prawns, as well as a selection of poke bowls and dishes catered for children of all ages.
O Terraço: The sea views continue at this restaurant located above the lobby that serves a contemporary take on Portuguese cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Os Gambuzinos: It’s all about Italian cuisine here. Every day, chefs prepare pizza, risotto, and pasta for a buffet spread.
How to get to SagresBy car: Faro is the closest airport to Sagres. From there, it’s about an hour and a half drive to the hotel. If you’re flying into Lisbon, you can rent a car and head down to Sagres following the A2. The journey takes around three hours.
By public transport: To get to Sagres via bus, depart from the Sete Rios terminal in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased from Rede Expressos. Alternatively, you can catch a train from Lisbon to Lagos and then a bus to Sagres. The hotel can then pick you up in town.
How To Walk Behind and Around Iceland’s Incredible Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Iceland is famous for many things, among them are volcanoes, natural hot springs, unique foods, scary Christmas traditions, and, of course, waterfalls. Some estimate that there are as many as 10,000 waterfalls in the country, all varying in sizes, shapes, and strength, but there’s one that is arguably more acclaimed than the rest of them: Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
@visit When in Iceland walking behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a must@brendinkelly #Seljalandsfoss #visiticeland #nature ♬ original sound – Ally Rendall
What makes Seljalandsfoss waterfall so notable isn’t its height (197 feet), the might of its flow, or its location, however impressive they all are. Instead, Seljalandsfoss waterfall is remarkable because you can go right behind it. A well-marked path leads visitor behind the cascade where they can witness its dramatic power from a different angle.
Despite being easy, walking behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall isn’t without danger so remember to slip on appropriate footwear and watch for slippery rocks. Make sure you wear waterproof gear, including a solid rain jacket, and have a change of clothes nearby because you’re likely to get wet from standing so close to the crashing waters.
Note that walking behind Seljalandsfoss isn’t an all-season endeavour. In late fall, winter, and early spring, ice may fall down and the path and the rocks are frozen and slippery, so only admire the waterfall from the front, well away from danger. If the path is closed, respect the signage for your own safety.
The best times to walk behind Seljalandsfoss is at sunset, when the light hits the water and turns the area in a warm shade of orange that makes for beautiful photographs. But before the daylight is gone, keep walking around the area to see the other beautiful waterfalls nearby, including the majestic Gljúfrafoss.
While the scenery surrounding Seljalandsfoss waterfall is dramatic and seems remote, it’s a popular tourist spot so there is a food stall, a gift shop, and clean porta-potties nearby. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is in South Iceland, just off Route 1 (also know as the Ring Road, the road that circles around the entire country), one hour and 45 minutes east of Reykjavík by car.
This Boat Tour in Niagara Falls Is Not the Peaceful Experience You Had in Mind
There are many ways to enjoy Niagara Falls. You can take a tranquil cruise during which you’ll be gently dampened by the falls’ mist. You can stay on land and take a walk behind Horseshoe Falls, or in a 100-year-old tunnel, to get unbelievably close-up views of the rushing waters. You can even zipline above the Niagara River. But for the hard-core travelers who want to get an adrenaline rush with their sightseeing, nothing compares to jet boat tours of Niagara Falls.
@visitEnjoying the ride
Tag the friends you would bring on this boat! For those looking for some thrill in Niagara Falls, test your courage by embarking on a whitewater adventure aboard a wet jet! Prepare to get completely soaked on this epic ride that's available in both the Canada and USA sides.
Would you try this out?
Niagara Falls ig: @whirlpooljet
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours offer two types of jet boat tours of Niagara falls: the “Wet Jet” and the “Jet Dome” experiences. The scene in the video above is from a “Wet Jet” tour. (The “Jet Dome” boats are covered and passengers don’t get wet.)
A “Wet Jet” tour is an exhilarating and very wet 45-minute ride down river from the falls. You’ll take in the beauty of the thundering Niagara River and travel into the Niagara Gorge through rapids and the Niagara Whirlpool at 50 miles per hour. Note that jet boat tours do not take you to the famous falls, but you’ll feel the mighty power of their rushing waters while on board.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours recommends that you take nothing of value with you because your belongings are likely to get totally soaked or go overboard. You’ll also need a total change of clothes and footwear after the ride.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours are located on both the Canadian and American sides of the Niagara Falls, in Queenstown, Ontario and in Lewiston, New York. The tours are seasonal and don’t operate in the winter, but bookings are open throughout the year so you can plan your trip well ahead. The ride costs adults $64.95 plus fuel surcharge. Reservations are highly recommended.
How To Make the Most of Your Visit To Miami’s Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Vizcaya is massive. There’s a 54-room, 45,000-square foot palatial home and 10 acres of gardens. With so much beauty to take in during a Vizcaya visit, figuring out where to start and the best things to see can seem a bit overwhelming. Especially if you’re not used to the warm weather. So we paid Vizcaya Museum & Gardens a visit, took a tour, and chatted with Vizacaya’s Adult Learning and Entertainment Manager Elgin Grey to find the best way to experience this Miami must-see.
The history of VizcayaHow to get to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens?The #1 piece of advice for visiting Vizcaya Museum &GardensThe best times to visit Vizcaya Museum & GardensWhere to start your Vizcaya visitHow long does it take to visit Vizcaya?The Vizcaya CaféThe best things to see at the Vizcaya MuseumThe best things to see at the Vizcaya GardensWhat you can skip at Vizcaya Museum & GardensThe Vizcaya Farmers MarketVizcaya Museum & Gardens ticketsVizcaya hoursWho owns Vizacaya Miami?What movies were filmed at Vizcaya?Can you picnic at Vizcaya?The history of VizcayaThe wealthy people of South Florida have never been subtle. And long before the speedboats and two-story penthouses of today’s nouveau riche, there was Vizcaya, the 1920s seaside mansion of farm equipment magnate John Deering. The grand home was built in the style of Europe’s great castles, with three-foot walls and stunning views of Biscayne Bay.
The estate is as much a marvel of landscaping as it is architecture, once boasting 180 acres of delicately manicured greenery. It is much smaller now, but still allows guests to wander around grottos, mangroves, and labyrinths. Vicaya is a Miami mainstay for weddings and quinceañeras, one of the city’s most scenic spots and a lesson in its pre-air-conditioning history.
How to get to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and where to park?Vizcaya Museum and Gardens sit just south of Miami’s towering Downtown and Brickell skylines, north of lush Coconut Grove. It’s on South Miami Avenue, near busy US-1, and is a fairly easy, 15-minute drive from South Beach.
If you don’t have a car, Vizcaya has its own Metrorail stop with an easy walkway leading right to the entrance.
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129, United States
Vizcaya parking optionsThere’s ample free parking on the two parking lots available on the east and west side of South Miami Avenue.
The #1 piece of advice for visiting Vizcaya Museum & GardensPhoto: Robin Hill via Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
“Prepare for an outdoor experience,” says Grey. Though the main house is now air-conditioned, much of the time you spend at Vizcaya will be outside. And in Miami, that can mean strolling through a sweatbox if you go between late spring to early fall. So dress for the weather, and absolutely bring a water bottle. Vizcaya has refilling stations around the property so you can hydrate at will.
“Wear comfortable shoes,” adds Grey. “And we recommend putting on mosquito repellant before you come in. We don’t want you spraying it.”
The best times to visit Vizcaya Museum & GardensIf you want to avoid hitting hot weather, visit Vizcaya between about November and April. Of course, this is also when everyone else will be visiting, as Grey pointed out the museum’s busiest times are from Thanksgiving weekend through March. She advised visiting on Wednesdays and Thursdays, before 11 AM. If that’s too early, after 2 PM is also a little less crowded.
The height of hurricane season is from August to early October, so planning during those months is always a roll of the dice.
Where to start your Vizcaya visit
Photo: Robin Hill via Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
While the stunning home may seem like the obvious spot to start a tour of Vizcaya, Grey recommends hitting the north side of the property first. It’s far less-visited than the house and south side, where the bulk of the gardens are.
“They can see the entirety of Vizcaya from there,” she says. “People often miss the orchidarium, where we have rare species of orchids.” From there it’s a short walk to the waterfront, where you can bask in the blue waters of Biscayne Bay before venturing on to the main house.
A map of the estate in several languages is available on the website for you to plan your visit.
How long does it take to visit Vizcaya?How long you spend touring the grounds depends greatly on how many pictures you take in the gardens, and your relative tolerance for heat. On average, Grey suggests budgeting about two hours, especially if you’re taking a guided tour of the house.
The Vizcaya CaféThe Vizcaya Café and Shop sits in what was once the home’s basement bowling alley, on the north side of the property near the indoor/outdoor pool. It has gourmet sandwiches, salads, wraps, and pastries. You’ll also find a full menu of coffee drinks, waters, and sodas. Seating is outside in a shady courtyard, making for an ideal place to relax after your visit.
The best things to see at the Vizcaya MuseumJohn Deering’s suite
Photo: Robin Hill via Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Deering’s bedroom is far from the most impressive from a decorative standpoint. His bathroom, however, is a marvel of marble and ceiling design, with stunning views of Biscayne Bay. It sits upstairs, which is not part of the regular house tour, so you’ll have to make an extra effort to see the master suite.
The rooms of the first floorEach room on Vizcaya’s ground floor is decorated in a different style, from the Versailles-like reception room, to the stately English library and the Italian loggias that once served as outdoor patios. And each is a mini museum unto itself.
“If people are in a pinch, the main attractions are the large rooms and their intricate areas,” says Grey. “Going on a guided tour is helpful [to see those] and gives you an idea of what Vizcaya is all about.”
The upstairs kitchen
Photo: Robin Hill via Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Most grand old estates had kitchens either just off the main dining room or completely removed from the house. But not at Vizcaya, where the main kitchen sits upstairs, next to the breakfast room. It was a marvel of technology for its time, with electric refrigerators, butter molds, and automatic dumbwaiters. “Aesthetically, it’s very different from the rest of the house,” says Grey. “It’s very plain, but very grandiose at the same time.”
The breakfast room
Photo: Robin Hill via Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
In contrast to the rest of the home, which is done up in European design elements inspired by the grand mansions of France and Italy, the upstairs breakfast room is an immersion in Asian art. “The breakfast room is where (Deering) ate most of his meals,” says Grey. “And it has great views of the gardens.”
The best things to see at Vizcaya GardensThe barge and Biscayne Bay
Photo: Robin Hill via Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Getting 85 different types of marble stones and hundreds of pieces of furniture to Miami wasn’t easy in the 1920s. So engineers dredged a canal through Biscayne Bay so large ships could pull right up to Vizcaya. But the loading dock is no simple piece of concrete; it’s a Mediterranean barge complete with statues and staircases that once boasted a tea house for afternoon relaxation. It’s no longer reachable from the museum, but it’s Vizcaya’s signature site and worth walking out to see.
The Secret GardenThe Secret Garden isn’t really much of a “secret,” since seemingly every Quinceañeras picture in Miami is shot there. But its coral walls and elevated walkways make for the best “mini-tour” at Vizcaya, where photo ops under vine-covered arches and in limestone chairs abound. The garden was originally meant for orchids, but was replanted with succulents when orchid growing failed.
The Garden Mound
Photo: Robin Hill via Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
If you’ve seen pictures from a wedding at Vizcaya, chances are they were taken atop the Garden Mound. Grand limestone staircases lead to a shaded deck of live oaks and Spanish moss, where Biscayne Bay peeks between the trees. The view from the top looks out over the property’s lush gardens, and you’ll get your best photo ops up here.
The Marine GardensDuring Vizcaya’s heyday, the property stretched south for 180 acres, and featured lagoon gardens where guests could step into a slice of natural Florida. Much of that property was sold off, but the Marine Gardens on the far south end still offer a bit of that feel, where mangroves, estuaries, and black-water ponds give the home a hint of the Everglades. “It gives you a look into what the gardens were like when this was a much bigger estate,” says Grey. “It’s a wild looking environment.”
The orchidariumThis oft-overlooked garden sits on the north side of the house, directly across from the Vizcaya Café. It’s full of the colorful flowers that have become synonymous with Florida, and because the main house separates it from the other gardens, few visitors make it here. It’s the most calming and tranquil of all Vizcaya’s landscapes, and bursting with color most of the year.
What you can skip at Vizcaya Museum & GardensThe upstairs of the main house might seem alluring, but beyond Deering’s suite and the breakfast room and kitchen, there’s not a whole lot to see. The guest rooms are elegant, and a look at what bedrooms were 100 years ago. But if you’ve seen these sorts of rooms in historic homes before you don’t need to take time to see them.
The Vizcaya Farmers MarketThe Vizcaya Village Farmers Market, where local vendors sell produce, hand-made treats, and crafted pieces, is on every Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Vizcaya Village (currently under restoration) is not within the Vizcaya estate proper; it is across the street. To access it, use the parking lot from South Miami Avenue.
Vizacaya Village: 3250 South Miami Ave. Miami FL 33129
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens ticketsAdmission for adults is $25, children six-12 are $10, and kids under six are free. Active duty military, military veterans, and people with disabilities are also free.
Vizcaya hoursVizcaya is open every day except Tuesday, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Guided tours of the house run at 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM and are $5 per person. Guided tours of the gardens run at 10:30 AM on Saturdays and Sundays and are $5 per person. Vizcaya also offers self-guided audio tours, available for no extra charge on Vizcaya’s app.
Who owns Vizacaya Miami?Vizcaya is owned by Miami-Dade County and operated by the non-profit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Trust.
What movies were filmed at Vizcaya?“Iron Man 3”, “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”, and “Bad Boys II” are some of the many movies filmed at Vizcaya. According to IMDB, Vizcaya was used for the filming of more than 24 movies, series, shorts, and music videos.
Can you picnic at Vizcaya?Food and drinks from outside are not allowed at Vizcaya; however, visitors can purchase something to eat at the Vizcaya Café and Shop.
December 9, 2022
Go To Alaska’s Stillpoint Lodge for Wilderness Adventure and Cliffside Luxury
Stillpoint Lodge is the perfect place to escape for a romantic couple’s trip to gorgeous coastal Alaska. This secluded lodge is near Halibut Cove outside Homer, Alaska — so it’s rather obvious that it’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in America.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled Alaska honeymoon, Stillpoint Lodge may fit the bill. It’s built around unwinding, finding peace in nature, and spending time outdoors. With its private beach, hiking trails, and wildlife-viewing opportunities — not to mention the fact that all meals and many of the bucket-list activities are included in the price — Stillpoint Lodge may be the luxurious trip for two you’ve been looking for. So if you’re searching for a truly unique, outdoorsy, and romantic destination with top-notch service (and scenery), read on.
Here’s what to know before you book.
Where is Stillpoint Lodge?Stillpoint Lodge is on a coastal stretch of land near Halibut Cove, a brightly-color Alaskan fishing village known for being home to the country’s only floating post office. It’s about a 30-minute boat ride from the Homer Spit, which is included for all guests. However, if you’d rather take a seaplane flight or helicopter sightseeing tour to reach the lodge, Stillpoint can also help you arrange that. It’d be an impressive way to kick off a trip to Alaska as the crossing is through beautiful Kachemak Bay, surrounded by mountains on two sides and open sea on the other.
The town of Halibut Cove is built into the shoreline and is home to the country’s only floating post office. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever kayaked and waves and whitecaps are extremely rare. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Homer and the Homer Spit are roughly a five-hour drive or one-hour flight from Anchorage. The artistic town of Homer is worth an extra day or two on either end of an Alaskan honeymoon or couple’s trip, especially if you love the scenery and nearby recreation but can’t afford a full week at Stillpoint.
What is Stillpoint Lodge?
Stillpoint Lodge is more than just a place to stay. It’s more of a full travel experience, as one rate includes everything you could want for a romantic Alaska getaway: a private ocean-view cabin with a deck, all your meals (complete with wine-pairing dinners), always-available activities like hiking and kayaking, and bucket-list experiences like flights to remote parks to watch grizzly bears, hikes to an alpine lake where you’ll kayak next to a glacier, or wildlife-watching safaris.
Stillpoint Lodge is one of the best wilderness lodges for a romantic Alaska vacation if you want a shared adventure experience rather than just a hotel. It’s on the southernmost point of the Kenai Peninsula, backing to Kachemak Bay State Park (only reachable by boat).
What activities are included?
Hiking to a glacial like in the nearby state park is one of several activities available to guests at Stillpoint Lodge. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Stillpoint Lodge is a choose-your-own-adventure type of place, but some packages are available to help make planning a little easier.
The number of nights you book determines what “a la carte” activities are included with the fee. A three-night stay comes with one all-day activity, and a four-night stay includes one all-day activity plus your choice of bear viewing or saltwater fishing. The activities increase from there, and if you spring for a six-night stay at Stillpoint Lodge, you’ll get an activity every day (including bear viewing or saltwater fishing). Of course, you can always add additional activities if you want to book a shorter stay.
Hiking near Stillpoint Lodge, Alaska. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Options for activities range from a seaplane (or helicopter) flight to view coastal brown bears in a national park to all-day fishing packages to guided hikes to glacier lakes or along miles-long ridgelines in nearby Kachemak Bay State Park.
All other activities, like tidepooling, hiking near the lodge, paddleboarding, kayaking, and otter and seabird viewing, among others, are included as well. The cove around the lodge generally has very calm water, making kayaking possible even when there are whitecaps on larger Kachemak Bay.
Stillpoint Lodge amenities
Photo: Stillpoint Lodge
Photo: Stillpoint Lodge
Photo: Stillpoint Lodge
Even adventurous couples need a little downtown on their Alaska getaway, but fortunately, that’s what Stillpoint was designed for. Each room is a private, freestanding log cabin with large decks facing the water, designed in the style of an old-timey mining cabin (if old-timey miners had the world’s most luxurious bedding, of course). While there are no TVs or phones in the rooms, there are plenty of other amenities to keep you entertained.
Visitors can take a dip in the hot tub, hike in the stunning scenery, ask for on-demand tours of the impressive on-site organic garden, or request a one-on-one cooking or mixology class. The lodge has a full closet of items to borrow for outdoor adventures, like backpacks, rain boots, rain jackets, mosquito nets, and anything else you may not feel like lugging up with you to Alaska.
Photo: Stillpoint Lodge
Inside, common spaces include a large dining lodge with outdoor areas, plus a cozy upstairs social room with board games, a small bar, and a large fireplace with chairs for swapping stories. Stillpoint Lodge also has an on-site masseuse and fitness expert, so you can add anything from massages to yoga to fitness-focused hikes to your itinerary.
Of course, if you’d prefer not to be overly social on your Alaska getaway, you can borrow a few books from the packed library to take back to your room (along with a glass of wine, naturally) and spend the evening relaxing together on your porch looking out onto Halibut Cove.
Wildlife viewing at Stillpoint Lodge
Photo: Stillpoint Lodge
One of the best things about Stillpoint Lodge is its access to nature, including wildlife. It’s nearly impossible to journey to Stillpoint without seeing sea otters in the water, and the lodge is just a quick boat ride from the Gull Island seabird sanctuary. Guests can reach Kachemak Bay State Park in less than five minutes, where the coastal coves are usually teeming with seals, otters, and sea lions. And in the summer, it’s possible to see orca and minke whales, as well as the occasional humpback migrating through the cold water.
Photo: Stillpoint Lodge
But if Alaska is known for any animal, it’s probably brown bears, and the lodge’s brown-bear-viewing tours are likely the most popular activity. Helicopter bear-viewing tours go to Chinitna Bay in the early season or Lake Clark and Katmai national parks later in the summer. If you opt for a floatplane tour, you’ll be able to travel further to locations like Hallo Bay, Moraine River, and Funnel Creek. Those three locations are a bit further from where most tourists go and, owing to the fact that you may walk up to five miles to reach the bears, it’s quite possible that you may be the only visitors out there.
Is Stillpoint Lodge worth the splurge?
Photo: Stillpoint Lodge
If you’re planning an Alaskan honeymoon or bucket-list trip and want it to be a special, once-in-a-lifetime occasion, Stillpoint is an ideal match. It’s also an excellent fit for multi-generational travel, especially if you have generous family members picking up the bill. You can check current package and individual stay pricing at this link, though the pricing changes seasonally (and the lodge is only open from late spring to early fall).
There’s no denying that Stillpoint Lodge is expensive. However, that’s the nature of running such a remote, seasonal lodge, according to Beka Thoning, Stillpoint’s Sales and Marketing Manager. “Although we’re only open during the summer, the lodge has constant maintenance operations year-round to keep it ready for the season in a challenging marine environment.”
And as with much of Alaska, there are no roads to the lodge, which can make running a business challenging. “Living and running a business in such breathtaking scenery, across the bay from literally the end of the road in Alaska, comes at a steep cost as everything must be transported by boat or small aircraft,” adds Thoning.
Everything at Stillpoint Lodge must be brought in via boat or small plane. Photo: Stillpoint Lodge
Importantly, Stillpoint Lodge’s high cost is also partially due to its commitment to hiring the best staff. The lodge pays all its staff a competitive living wage, allowing them to ensure all their guides, bartenders, and everyone else helping guests is knowledgeable and happy to share their love of Alaska with guests.
Though the lodge is luxurious, it’s not overly formal, and there’s an outdoor bonfire most evenings after dinner. It’s a place for staff and guests to informally socialize and swap stories, and while an after-dinner espresso martini by the campfire is always an option, so are icy cold cans of local Alaskan beer. And since the sun doesn’t set until nearly midnight in the summer, you’ll have plenty of time for a few games of cornhole or a late-night ax-throwing session.
If you’re looking for an intimate and romantic getaway, Stillpoint Lodge in Alaska is a great option. The lodge offers plenty of activities to keep you busy, along with stunning views of the Alaska landscape. With all that it has to offer, it’s no wonder it fills up months in advance – so if you’re planning your Alaska honeymoon, don’t wait until your wedding is just weeks away.
This Vibrant Hotel Captures the Heart of Seville’s Natural Beauty and History
The Querencia De Sevilla is a towering beauty in Seville. Newly opened in April 2022 and part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection portfolio, Querencia de Sevilla is located across from Seville’s most famous square. That said, you’re immersed in all things Seville without ever leaving the property. The design clearly shows mastery of the art of small details through handmade ceramic pieces, unique furniture, lingering scents of the orange blossom, and the flowing sounds of Andalusian music throughout.
Photo: Querencia de Sevilla
Querencia de Sevilla has 95 stylish guest rooms, all of which showcase the beauty of the region. Pops of greens and purples that match the colors splashed throughout the city bring the rooms to life. The artistic detailing in each room nods toward Spain’s bullfighting history, while the handpicked floral and orange scents are reminiscent of Seville. Bath amenities like rain showers, lavish bathtubs, and robes make relaxation easy.
This dedication to detail can be seen throughout the entire hotel.
Seville culture through dining, drinks, and incredible views
Photo: Querencia de Sevilla
Querencia de Sevilla’s seventh-floor rooftop area (one of the highest terraces in the old town) is defined by lemon-yellow decor, a relaxing pool, and 360-degree views of Seville. During the day, surround yourself with views of the Giralda tower and the rest of the city as you take a dip in the infinite pool and unwind on one of the lounge chairs. However, the evening is when the magic happens. From the roof, you can see the Cathedral all lit up, and locals and guests alike stop by for bar snacks and cocktails.
For traditional food and drinks, the on-site La Maestria Restaurant and Bar, is the perfect representation of the history and traditions of Seville. Classic Andalusian cuisine using ingredients procured through local suppliers include gazpacho, cured ham, tapas, and fish. It’s served in an inviting space defined by art, royal blue couches, and pink-accented wallpaper, and the tapas are served on floral plates typical of the region. The restaurant’s outside patio is a true oasis, showcasing colors that represent the famous citrus trees of Andalusia and views of the main square. At the bar, the focus is on a wide array of sherries, and there’s traditional Spanish music like flamenco.
Things to do around the hotelAlong with La Maestra, head off property to try local favorites nearby, like Perro Viejo for tapas and La Casa de Maria for the best paella in town.
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To explore other parts of the town, Marriott Bonvoy offers a number of tours that explore the region. You can can explore Seville’s impressive monuments and spaces on a 3-hour, private walking tour through the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, the Catedral de Sevilla, Plaza de Espana, and the Royal Alcazar Palace. Or try your hand at being a ceramist for the day in the heart of Seville at Barro Azul Ceramic Studio.
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Tablao El Arenal
You can experience the deep-rooted tradition of flamenco at Tablao Flamenco El Arenal. Before the show, guests have an hour or so to try an assortment of local tapas dishes like Iberian pork and Salmon tartare. As the lights are dimmed and the show begins, sit in awe of the vibrant dresses, swift movements, and musical art of the performers.
Regardless of how you choose to explore the city, Querencia De Sevilla is never too far away.
This Newly Opened Hotel On Ibiza Is a High-Design Stay Along the Shores of the White Isle
As the glass doors part at the Hotel Riomar, a Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio Hotel on Ibiza, you’re greeted by a lobby filled with comfy chairs, low-hanging plants, and a vibrant bar. Walk straight ahead, and you’ll find yourself on the outdoor patio area, with dreamy views of Santa Eulalia Bay. It’s the perfect stay on this island that is equal parts all-night party center and wellness destination.
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The interiors have colors of cream, beige, and burnt-orange, and the beautifully designed marble floors, hints of light wooden furniture, and subtle lighting bring to life the coastal Ibizan vibes. Similar to the Ibizan landscapes, rooms are simplistically bright, with natural light seeping through the large bay windows overlooking the beach. From the room, you can start your morning with the soft sound of waves crashing, catch a sunrise behind the turquoise waters, and enjoy breakfast on a private terrace.
Amenities at Hotel Riomar
Photo: Hotel Riomar
Tribute Portfolio Hotels are known for inviting, open spaces that attract hotel guests and locals. Hotel Riomar is no exception. The pool area is a great day-time escape, filled with lounge chairs and lush cabanas. You can get away in TRIBE, the secluded garden area filled with floating cabanas. Massages and facials are available for ultimate relaxation.
Begin your day with clarity with one of Hotel Riomar’s complimentary wellness classes. Ask the front desk for a schedule, and enjoy morning hatha, vinyasa, restorative, or bliss yoga. Or find a different type of wellness on the beach.
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Lounge chairs are available for hotel guests to enjoy the views of Santa Eulalia Bay from the sand, with beach-side dining available (be sure to try one of the hotel’s protein shakes that are light, refreshing, and made with an array of fruits and greens).
Restaurants and Bars at Hotel Riomar
Photo: Hotel Riomar
An all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast of fruits and pastries is offered every day makes it easy to start the morning off refreshed as you take in the stunning views of the beach. Though you don’t have to head into the hotel for the first meal — instead, you can schedule a take-out breakfast to be delivered to your room next morning.
Just outside on the main deck, you’ll find Ocean Brasserie & Bar. A sun-drenched escape from the beach hustle by day and a buzzing hub by night, this spot is perfect for unwinding and taking in the ubiquitous music that defines Ibiza. The menu features highlights like hand-picked local produce, fresh seafood, Iberian ham, tuna tartare, and beef carpaccio along with an assortment of burgers and salads. From the bar, three types of sangria are served by the liter, and signature spritzes and cocktails join the menu alongside classic cocktails, an impressive wine list, fresh juices, and smoothies.
If you’d rather make your drinks, you can take an hierbas class at the hotel booked through the front desk. This anise-flavored Spanish liqueur is a staple throughout the country. Master your senses and listen to your body, as you’re presented with a variety of flavors and scents. Choose flavors based on your palate, learn how to properly mix the ingredients, and lock your bottle away for about 6 months to allow the flavors to age.
Exploring Ibiza from Hotel Riomar@epic.stays The island of #Ibiza is known for its lively nightlife and incredible hotels. Be sure to start your trip at@HayleyonHiatus #spaintravel #ibizahotelguide #ibizaguide #spainhotel #traveltok #Spain ♬ a negroni sbagliato w prosecco l hbo max – hbomax
You can book experiences through Hotel Riomar to see other parts of Ibiza as well.
Take a 15 minute drive from the hotel to find San Carlos, a small village that’s rich in culture. Here, you can find Las Dalias, a store that showcases clothing, handmade shoes, unique craftwork, and much more in its space every Saturday year-round.
There’s also the option to take an island vacation from your island vacation. It’s difficult not to fall in love with the charming island of Formentera. With its secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rocky landscapes, it’s a must-visit, and only a 35-minute boat ride from Ibiza. Here, you can watch as yachts gather along the sea caves and calm waters entice swimmers. Then it’s just a short ride back to Hotel Riomar for a dinner and drink by the water.
Iceland’s Reykjadalur Might Just Be the Most Beautiful Natural Hot Spring
There are 45 natural hot springs scattered throughout Iceland. While the newly opened Sky Lagoon might be one of the most tourist friendly, there are many other outdoor pools that are surrounded by magnificent, unsullied mountainous landscapes. You just have to work to get to them. Reykjadalur hot spring is among the most popular hot springs in Iceland, but this spot is far from a tourist trap. For anyone trying to check those beautiful hot springs in the world, you need to take a trip to Reykjadalur.
@visit Hot spring surrounded by mountains and flowers, doesn’t get any better than this
Reykjadalur hot springs are about an hour away from Reykjavik.The Reykjadalur (which means Steam Valley) is technically a geothermal river, located outside of Hveragerði. The Reykjadalur (which means Steam Valley) is technically a geothermal river, located outside of Hveragerði. There are public buses from Reykjavik to Hveragerði or you can drive to the town. Summer is the best time to visit Iceland’s Reykjadalur hot spring because the days are lighter for longer, and the temperate weather means visitors are less likely to catch a chill.
Visitors have to take a hike up to the hot spring, there’s a steady incline but you don’t need to be an expert hiker to follow it, as the path is wide and clearly marked. Just be prepared to exert yourself, because the hike is about an hour long each way – at least once you get to the top you can relax in the hot springs. On the hike up to the Reykjadalur hot river, hikers will encounter many other hot springs, but not all of them are safe for bathers. Luckily, each one is marked with a sign depicting a thermostat, which will illustrate whether or not the water is dangerously hot.
Once you get to the river, you will see wooden plank walkways and open air changing stalls that offer very little privacy, so you might want to come with your bathing suit already on underneath your hiking clothes. Don’t be scared off by the smell of rotten eggs once you get there – that is normal and emanates from the sulfur in the river.
The rolling hills of Reykjadalur Valley are green and verdant and dotted with white and yellow wildflowers. Hikers will likely encounter towers of steam rising out of the ground along the way too.
Despite the idyllic pictures you might come across on Instagram depicting isolated and peaceful hot springs in a fairytale environment, Reykjadalur hot springs get crowded with hikers and bathers – and sometimes people even set up tents along the river bank. Be prepared to see your fellow swimmers get changed and shower in the open (this is culturally acceptable in Iceland) and to share the river with lots of others. However, there are still plenty of quiet spots for the determined bather to snap that perfect Instagram shot.
How To Experience Gardens by the Bay, Home To the Largest Glass Greenhouse in the World
Singapore is small: It’s 71,000 hectares, or 274 square miles. Yet, it managed to find room for a 101-hectare (0.4 square mile) nature park within its tiny frame. This park, Garden by the Bay, is a botanic garden on steroids. It’s home to 1.5 million plants that come from every continent but Antarctica, and it houses the largest glass greenhouse in the world: a climate-controlled arched structure called the Flower Dome.
@visit Gardens by the Bay in Singapore houses the largest glass greenhouse in the world@Nathalie – Travel Blogger #GardensbytheBay #Singapore #singaporetravel #Singaporeaesthetic ♬ original sound – Visit
The Flower Dome is one of two gigantic greenhouse in Gardens by the Bay alongside the Cloud Forest. Under its glass roof, the Flower Dome has baobabs, an olive grove, a succulent garden, a flower field, a South African garden, and more. The Cloud Forest, like its name suggests, is a more mountainous and humid environment, and it is home to one of the world’s largest indoor waterfalls (135 feet tall) and an orchid garden. It’ll cost you 53 SGD (around 39 USD) to visit both the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest, but it’s very much worth it — you’ll be transported to a natural world you never knew could exist in an urban environment like Singapore.
The most recognizable feature of Gardens by the Bay, however, is the Supertree Grove seen in the video above. There are 18 Supertrees which function as vertical gardens. The tallest of these Supertrees is 164 feet tall and you can get to the top from where views of Marina Bay are striking. And while they look amazing during the day, the Supertrees will blow your mind come nighttime with their colorful illuminations. Accessing the Supertree Observatory costs only 14 SGD (about 11 USD).
Among the many mind-boggling natural features of Garden by the Bay, the park is also home to more than 200 sculptures, including a piece by Yayoi Kusama in the Flower Dome, a Māori carving in the Cloud Forest.
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