Matador Network's Blog, page 47
April 7, 2025
At These Two Family-Friendly Resorts, the Hamptons Aren’t Just for the Jet Set
The Hamptons are known for sprawling mega-mansions and A-list celebrity sightings, but the beachside enclave on the east end of Long Island, New York, is also home to a pair of sister resorts that create space for a different kind of vacationer: families. The Pridwin Hotel and Cottages on Shelter Island and Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor (both Cape Resorts properties) blend legacy and approachability, with a range of accommodation types, kid-centric programming, and indoor and outdoor facilities for fun and games, making either (or both) the perfect fit for a family getaway.
The Pridwin
Photo: Amy Gordon
A far cry from the themed resorts that dazzle kids with loud restaurants and splashy water parks, The Pridwin offers a quiet retreat where families can spend good old-fashioned quality time together. In fact, from the moment I disembarked the ferry on my way to the property, time seemed to pass more slowly. I rolled down the windows, inhaled the salty sea air, and exhaled the everyday stresses I’d left behind on the other side of the Long Island Sound.
As I pulled into the driveway, a small army of staff was strategically placing pumpkins, hay bales, tables, and chairs across the expansive front lawn. They were setting up for the hotel’s Fall Festival, a weekend-long event open to the entire community, complete with potato sack races, bobbing for apples, outdoor movies, and s’mores.
Originally built in 1927, The Pridwin sits on a woodsy 7.2-acre property across the street from the Peconic Bay. Design details like the iconic hunter green shutters around the windows and the framed 1930s-era bathing suits on the walls celebrate the hotel’s storied past, while modern must-haves like complimentary WiFi and in-room USB and USB-C charging stations accommodate the practical needs of today’s families.
In the summer busy season, guests of The Pridwin can hang out by the outdoor swimming pool, lounge on the private beach, go fishing off of two private docks, and enjoy pickleball and tennis lessons. More adventurous visitors can borrow bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks, and family-friendly programming like scavenger hunts and kickball games offer ways for your whole crew to bond. In case of rain, the log-cabin-style Nook game room is stocked with board games and jigsaw puzzles to keep everyone occupied.
Photos: Amy Gordon
A wide range of room types makes The Pridwin an ideal choice for families of all sizes. I stayed in one of the 33 guest rooms in the main building, and while it wasn’t exactly spacious, details from the buttery-soft bathrobe to the complimentary minibar made it feel every bit luxurious. Scattered elsewhere throughout the picture-perfect property, 16 private cottages ranging from studio cabins to two-bedroom duplexes offer roomier spaces with coveted amenities like gas fireplaces, kitchenettes, private decks, and separate living and sleeping areas.
The Pridwin’s trolley bus will drive you to and from local shops and cafes, but you don’t have to leave the property if you want to eat well. The Terrace restaurant overlooks the water and serves Long Island-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In between meals, guests can grab light bites and beverages at The Crescent Bar.
To get to Shelter Island, visitors and their vehicles travel by ferry from either North Haven on the South Fork of Long Island or Northport on the North Fork. Boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis, and tickets are cash-only. Once on the island, The Pridwin is just a few minutes’ drive. If you don’t have a car, accessing this serene slice of simplicity is surprisingly easy. The Long Island Railroad’s Greenport station is adjacent to the ferry dock, and The Pridwin is happy to pick you up when you arrive on Shelter Island.
Baron’s Cove
Photo: Amy Gordon
Across the Long Island Sound to the south, The Pridwin’s sister resort, Baron’s Cove, is another fantastic choice for families. While this seaside resort feels laid back and removed, it’s actually just a short walk from Sag Harbor’s bustling downtown.
I arrived at Baron’s Cove on a sunny afternoon in October, and the staff welcomed me with beaming smiles and helpful advice. A front-desk agent showed me to my room, where the nautically themed furnishings included a king bed, a pull-out sofa, a kitchenette, and a sliding door leading to a lovely furnished veranda.
Embracing its classic motor-inn heritage, each of the 67 guest rooms opens onto an outdoor corridor. Room types range from standard doubles to king suites with separate living areas and sleeper sofas to rooms with high ceilings and lofted beds. If your pup is along for the trip, the Travels with Charley package includes a dog-friendly guest room with a dog bed, pet treats and toys, and a copy of John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. In fact, Steinbeck, his wife Elaine, and his dog Charley spent time at the resort when it originally opened in the 1960s.
Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, the Restaurant at Baron’s Cove has a loyal following of both locals and visitors. Adults savor classic American favorites like lobster rolls, braised short ribs, and homemade mac and cheese, while kids can pick from freshly prepared versions of crowd-pleasers like chicken fingers, grilled cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. Adjacent to the bi-level dining room, the patio is filled with Adirondack seating around cozy fire pits that make this outdoor area the perfect hangout spot. During the summer, live musicians play every night, saving parents the hassle of finding age-appropriate activities to keep their little ones entertained on vacation.
Photos: Amy Gordon
To explore the local area, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Main Street, where high-end clothing stores, souvenir shops, and restaurants offer plenty of ways to spend your time (and your money). Back at the resort, families can hang out in the heated saltwater outdoor pool, play a round of tennis, take a yoga class, or borrow bikes.
Baron’s Cove is about 100 miles from Manhattan, which can take between three and four hours by car depending on traffic. The hotel offers complimentary on-site parking. To arrive by train, take the Long Island Railroad to Bridgehampton, and then it’s just a four-mile ride from the resort. Alternatively, the Hampton Jitney leaves from Manhattan and drops passengers off in the town of Sag Harbor, where the hotel will happily send a car to pick you up.
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April 6, 2025
The 14 Best Airbnbs Near Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is the home of some of the US’ most beautiful natural wonders, like Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, the park is known for its massive sequoia trees and dramatic granite cliffs, as well as the shopping and restaurants of Yosemite Village. Your Yosemite experience will be memorable no matter where you spend the night, but choosing the right Yosemite Airbnb can really take your trip to the next level. From a luxury cabin in the woods to a rustic river lodge, these are the best Airbnb Yosemite rentals to bookmark for your next trip.
We hope you love the Airbnb Yosemite rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Airbnb Yosemite rentals for solo travelers and couplesAirbnb Yosemite rentals for small groups and familiesAirbnb Yosemite rentals for large groups and gatheringsThe best Yosemite Airbnbs for solo travelers and couplesBarn loft on a 60-acre homestead
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis cozy loft apartment is located in a detached barn on a six-acre property. It’s just a short drive from the park entrance, Pinecrest Lake, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, Black Oak Casino, and the hiking trails of the Stanislaus National Forest. It’s perfect for those with electric vehicles, too, coming with two Tesla electric car chargers.
Four guests, studio
Price: $141 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosFor those who want a modern stay near the park, bookmark this suite near Oakhurst. You’ll feel secluded in the woods near the Fresno River, but the highway is not too far away, so driving out early to Yosemite is a breeze. The generously appointed studio has everything you need for a weekend trip or an extended work-from-anywhere getaway. This is also a top 10 percent listing on Airbnb, which means the host has a solid history of five-star reviews.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $225 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbIt’s hardly surprising that there are some killer A-frame Airbnbs near Yosemite. This peaceful cabin is nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood, and defined by its knotty pine ceilings and walls, and simple decor. It’s just five minutes from downtown Twain Harte, 30 minutes from Pinecrest Lake, and 90 minutes from Yosemite National Park. The house is also kid-friendly, coming with puzzles, board games, toys, and a Pack and Play.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $167 per night
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Photo: AirbnbThe Red Fox Retreat is an A-frame mountain chalet with cathedral ceilings and huge picture windows overlooking a forest of Yosemite Pine trees. It has one bedroom, a loft, and two bathrooms across three levels, as well as a BBQ and chairs on a deck.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $398 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosA little farther out, but worth considering if over an hour’s drive to the park is not an issue for you and your group, is this A-frame on stilts. At 5000 feet of elevation, it provides a perfect setting for an ultimate mountain getaway in the High Sierras. The Guest Favorite Airbnb centerpiece is the wood stove backed by floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area and a spacious deck with a table set for four to enjoy morning cups of coffee or evening cocktails as the sun goes down. Although this home is perfectly secluded to give you some much-needed privacy, you will have easy access to Highway 4, and the drive to Yosemite will take you through some epic scenery.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $162 per night
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Photo: AirbnbThis spacious three-bedroom house in Yosemite West can sleep 10 people, making it perfect for large groups and family vacations. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains while being conveniently located near the Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and the Sequoia Grove.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $595 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis might be one of the dreamest Airbnbs in the US, never mind within driving distance to Yosemite. The sprawling stone family home is ideal for groups that appreciate design details but want a homely stay. Set on over 40 acres with private hiking trails, this is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. It’s located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, 15 minutes from Mariposa and 25 minutes from Oakhurst; the location can’t be beaten. With three bedrooms, the property sleeps eight and has luxe extras such as a hot tub, an EV charger, and Starlink internet access.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $545 per night
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Photo: AirbnbOne of the closest Yosemite Airbnbs to the Yosemite Valley, this lodge is part of a small cluster of homes inside the gates of the park itself. Mixing a luxury aesthetic with the coziness of a mountain cabin, the lodge has a huge living room with 20-foot vaulted ceilings, a game room with video games and ping pong, and a deck opening off the dining room so you can eat outdoors.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $619 per night
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Photo: AirbnbThis lodge-style cabin is equipped with large picture windows, so you’ll always have a view of the surrounding mountains and forest. It has a front porch and back deck with plenty of seating and a gas grill for cooking. When you book this cabin, you’ll be allowed to enter the park during the May 21 through September 30 ticketed entry period.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $611 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbBuilt in the Arts and Crafts tradition, this three-story house has a wood interior, vaulted living room, leaded doors, and speckled granite kitchen countertops. Each bedroom has a three-window alcove and rounded window seat for viewing the surrounding scenery. Perhaps most uniquely, the two bathrooms are tiled with an Indian theme and arts and crafts wood shelving.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $639 per night
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Photo: AirbnbBears Den and Little Bear is a duplex home with three bedrooms across two separate units. Together, they can accommodate up to 12 guests and can only be rented together. The wooden exterior blends nicely with the surrounding trees, and the rustic interior will make you feel right at home
Twelve guests, three bedrooms
Price: $844 per night
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Photo: AirbnbThis hilltop retreat is just two miles from downtown Mariposa, yet located in a relaxing and secluded area with unrivaled views of the Sierra. The views here are best enjoyed from the property’s deck, pool, and of course, hot tub. There are even outdoor speakers, so you can really set the mood while soaking up the scenery.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $497 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSet on 20 private acres with a river running right through the property this lodge has charming outdoor space for entertaining. Located between two entrances of Yosemite, the Airbnb is conveniently an hour from Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, and just a few minutes drive from shops, museums, live music, and restaurants in historic Mariposa.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $450 per night
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Photo: AirbnbThis Craftsman-style house has a living room with a vaulted cottage-style plank ceiling and a river rock fireplace, as well as a fully stocked kitchen with a stylish farmhouse sink and modern appliances. There’s also a covered front porch with forest and mountain views, a gas BBQ, and comfy rocking chairs. Conveniently, the house is located inside the gates of the national park, and close to Yosemite Valley, Badger Pass Ski Area, and Wawona. 
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $618 per night
April 4, 2025
This New Cruise Ship Puts Food Lovers First — In and Out of Its Restaurants
Handing my passport to an Oceania Cruises employee, I looked at the woman behind me and whispered, “This is so eerie. It’s like being at the airport — but not.”
She gasped. “It’s your first time on a cruise?”
“Indeed,” I said, glancing back at her. “It’s my first time on a cruise.”
This wasn’t your typical cruise experience, however. I was joining a group of travel journalists to hop aboard Oceania Cruises’ Vista for a handful of hours to get an idea of what its sister ship, Allura, would be like when it debuted in July 2025. Specifically, I was there for a preview of Allura’s soon-to-be-unveiled culinary offerings.
The journalist behind me became my cruise chaperone during the experience. “Every cruise line is different,” she explained. “Oceania’s thing is the food. Some guests come just for the food.”
That’s not just a passenger observation that any quick Google search will confirm. It’s a reputation that Oceania is proud to uphold, going as far as to say on its website that it’s a cruise line “built by foodies, run by foodies, for foodies.”
And according to Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director, Chef Alexis Quaretti, Allura “represents the next step in [the cruise line’s] culinary evolution.”
How your opinion helps to shape Oceania’s menus
Photos: Keven Gungor
When it comes to deciding what culinary offerings a new ship will have, a food-forward cruise line like Oceania has two considerations to weigh: how to evolve onboard dining while continuing to provide guests with the food service they’ve come to expect and love. In Allura’s case, passenger feedback had a big impact.
The ship will feature several dining options, including Toscana (a Tuscan-inspired restaurant serving dishes like pillowy hand-rolled gnocchi), Red Ginger (a pan-Asian restaurant featuring a blend of Thai, Korean, Japanese, and other Asian cuisines), The Crêperie (a new venue that you can only experience on Allura for waffles, Italian ice cream, and of course crépes), and Jacques (a French restaurant sharing regional favorites like coq au vin and duck confit).
The last restaurant in that list is named after the cruise line’s “culinary patriarch,” Jacques Pépin, who served as Oceania’s very first Executive Culinary Director.
Chef Quaretti describes Jacques as one of the cruise line’s “most beloved restaurants.” That’s why it will not only make an appearance on Allura but also be brought to Vista this year. However, in the spirit of evolution, the menu at Allura’s Jacques will weave in “new flavors and experiences” alongside longtime favorites.
My meal at Jacques covered every texture, from crispy flakes enveloping Provençal spinach fritter to lobster bathing in a creamy mushroom sauce, tenderly moist veal medallion, and stuffed cream puffs drenched in a decadent chocolate sauce. Naturally, dishes were paired with wine according to the most patriotic French colors: rosé, white, and red.
Dining that reflects destinations (and drinks that enhances dining)
Photos: Keven Gungor
Oceania’s culinary staff hails from some of the most celebrated international restaurants, with Chef Quaretti and fellow Executive Culinary Director, Chef Eric Barale, both being official members of the prestigious Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (translating to “Master Chefs of France” in English). Both also have professional experience at Michelin-starred institutions.
Some of the culinary team’s inspiration comes from staying on top of global trends in major food cities like New York City, Paris, and Sydney. But the cruise line also looks to the destinations where its ships travel for culinary inspiration. Perhaps the best example of this is its Chef’s Market Dinners, which are hosted in the Terrace Café found aboard each ship.
Chef Quaretti explains that these dinners have themes centered around “the local ingredients and the regions or country the ship is visiting.” Chefs visit local markets in port to stock up on whatever’s fresh and exciting. Back on the ship, these ingredients are transformed into a multi-course, destination-inspired dinner that connects cruisers with the world around them.
Oenophiles cruising on four of Oceania’s ships, including Allura, can also participate in wine- and Champagne-pairing experiences that make the culinary offerings sing. During these experiences, Chef Quaretti tells Matador Network, “the dishes are created for the wine rather than the other way around.”
One example of this is a Dom Pérignon experience; another is a Cellar Master’s Wine Pairing lunch, which is served alongside a five-course meal.
Food experiences beyond the restaurants
Photos: Keven Gungor
I thought I’d learned my lesson on Oceania’s culinary highlights when my group was ushered into what looked like a test kitchen from The Food Network, with a bunch of workstations that each had a stove, an apron, and cooking utensils ready for use.
This was the ship’s Culinary Center where passengers can sign up for classes with master chefs. In these adult-only classes, couples, friends, and relatives gather to sip wine while learning to cook both traditional and creative meals via the experts on board.
These classes are not for amateurs hoping to get tipsy while chopping up carrots and gossiping with other passengers, Chef Kathryn Kelly revealed to my group. In this classroom, students are really cooking — learning the ins and outs of the kitchen and the nuances of food preparation to return home with new recipes, techniques, and skills.
For those nervous around knives, Oceania also has Culinary Discovery Tours. According to Chef Kelly, these tours were inspired by passengers’ curiosity regarding where the chefs go when ships dock at port. Where do they hang out when they get to Italy, France, or Greece?
Chef Kelly would tell these inquisitive guests that this is her time to explore local marketplaces and tucked-away food spots. Soon enough, passengers began to join chefs on their excursions, which eventually led to this trademark experience. For well-traveled guests who’ve already been to the port destinations, or who want to live as locals do once they step off the ship, these tours allow for the exploration of fresh ingredients and a taste of authentic regional cuisine.
With an 18-person cap to keep the experience intimate, Oceania’s destination tours are available all over the world, including port stops like Barcelona, Spain; Cozumel, Mexico; and Istanbul, Türkiye.
Allura is the latest example of why Oceania has the reputation it does for being the food lover’s cruise line — and why that reputation continues to grow. The jury’s still out on when my first true cruise expedition will be, but taking another look at the photos I took of the elegant dishes at Jacques makes my stomach grumble enough to consider Allura’s inaugural sailing to Athens, Greece, this July.
April 3, 2025
Hotel Alpenrock Embodies the Bold, Adventurous Spirit of Breckenridge
Hotel Alpenrock in Breckenridge looks like a typical nondescript, upscale hotel from the outside. But once you step inside, this luxuriously boutique property feels like walking into a trendy modern destination that brings vibes of famously high-end ski towns like Aspen or Vail through its chic design and posh amenities.
“Elevated” is a stellar word to describe what the on-site experience of visiting this hotel feels like (because it’s literally above 9,000 feet in elevation) whether it’s just for a night, for a whole week, or a weekend getaway. And from my experience visiting, this is the type of place you don’t have to actually be staying at as an overnight guest to hop in and enjoy grabbing a drink at the bar, or indulge in a tasty meal. I believe it’s going to be a hotspot for locals and visitors to spend time (which is great because it’s just steps from the QuickSilver Super6 and Beaver Run SuperChair, and an easy walking distance to the shops and restaurants downtown).
We hope you love the Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge! 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.
Design details at Hotel Alpenrock are as unique as snowflakes
Photo courtesy Hotel Alpenrock
The hotel itself strives to offer a fresh take on mountain lodging, blending modern aesthetics with cozy alpine details such as lofted ceilings in the lobby, and check-in desks that are meant to feel like rocky granite boulders. The custom lighting fixtures in the lobby were actually inspired by ski gondolas — and there’s a cozy, two-sided fireplace flanked by plenty of comfortable seating inviting guests to spend a moment more in community, in the lobby.
These elevated design elements carry over to the accommodations. There are 205 guest rooms, including 24 suites — with a mix of junior and full suite options. The rooms are well-lit, boasting unique design details like a special carpet pattern inspired by a topographical map — invoking the surrounding majestic mountain peaks.
The decor is done up in soothing shades of blue, white, black, and gray — common colors of a mountain winter, bringing that outdoor alpine scenery inside. Strategically placed mirrors make the spaces feel larger, and the glossy finishings on the upper furniture surfaces such as the top of the desk and dresser are clean and modern.
And the bathrooms are gorgeous. I know that’s something that you might not notice or appreciate about your guest room until you either have a really nice or really poor washroom space — but these exceed expectations by a mile (or two, since again, this hotel is up at upwards of 9,000 feet). Bright white faux marble countertops and rocky tilework inspired by the exterior natural environment feel natural, and the upscale quality of the toiletries are an added bonus.
Also, my guest room felt much larger than most other standard hotel rooms I’ve stayed in. It had a nice balcony looking out onto the mountains and I loved the quirky wall art which featured a sort of comic-style map with many of the world’s most famed ski resorts including little cartoon details on what made them special.
Amenities and added bonuses like art walks and a ski valet
Photo courtesy Hotel Alpenrock
There are two hot tubs nestled around the back of the property, tucked into the hillside and secluded from the rest of the property, which can be a great spot to relax after a day out enjoying mountain excursions. Also, don’t miss the on-site art installations sprinkled throughout the property’s common spaces.
Works like “Moraine Magic Hour,” a photograph by Garrett Harmsen which is located in the Big Mountain Hallway, or “our place, ‘among the flowers II’” a Gouache, watercolor, ink and collage on paper piece by Crystal Liu, which is located in Edwin, are just two of the pieces that bring the hotel to life with a special touch of art and design. You can even join guided art walks led by the hotel’s guest experience concierge to learn more about the thoughtfully chosen artwork.
Other amenities include the hotel’s “pet-friendly” policy (yes, my dog accompanied me on this trip and I do believe he enjoyed it just as much as I did), an in-room humidifier in each room (believe me, this is huge when you’re in the mountains of Colorado — you won’t wake up at 2 a.m. feeling like you’ve been breathing in desert air when you have a humidifier going) and blackout curtains which are fantastic when your room faced east like mine did (it felt like midnight all the time, inside the room with the curtains shut), which was great for catching some quality shut-eye.
There was a complimentary yoga class on Saturday morning during my visit, which was the perfect warm-up for staying flexible throughout my day on the mountain. I was told by the hotel team that they’re planning to try to organize some classes on the outdoor, Northstar Deck this summer (which offers views of Peak 9).
And I admittedly didn’t see the fitness center in-person while I was visiting because I spent the majority of my two days in Breckenridge on the mountain, skiing. But I was told it features a healthy mix of upscale cardio machines and weights equipment. But on that note, skiers and snowboarders will love the slopeside ski valet service, which looks out for your gear while you’re out relaxing. Having a warm space to put on my ski boots and store my things in-between days out on the mountain is life changing.
That sounds dramatic — but it’s true. It’s really challenging to go back to putting your boots on outside of your car in a chilly parking lot, while trying to avoid the mud and slush, after having the luxury of a ski valet area (with its heated interior air and ample, clean places to sit).
Finally, even though it’s super easy to walk to Breckenridge’s historic downtown from the hotel, there’s a courtesy shuttle you can call to take you around town if you don’t feel like taking on any extra altitude during the trek.
Dining and drinking on-site at Hotel Alpenrock
Traveling to Colorado? Check out Matador’s Colorado accommodation guides to the best places to stay across the state: 11 unique Airbnb Colorado rental homes for your next group getaway 10 Airbnb Estes Park rentals near Rocky Mountain National Park These Denver airport hotels put you close to the terminal with luxe amenities The best Airbnbs in Denver for beer, 420, and mountain culture Vail Airbnbs that make you feel like you’re in the heart of Bavaria Aspen Airbnbs to chill like a celebrity Stay near Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak at these Colorado Springs Airbnbs These Airbnbs Near Telluride Offer an Authentic Mountain Getaway 10 boutique, luxurious, and trendy Denver hotels
Photo courtesy Hotel Alpenrock
Photo courtesy Hotel AlpenrockStart the day with a soul warming beverage at the on-site coffee bar & bistro, which serves fresh coffee, tea, and pastries. It’s a convenient place for fueling up before a day’s adventure. This spot also doubles as a 24/7 Cafe & Market where you can grab a canned cocktail or packaged bite and pay at the front desk at any time.
After that day’s adventure, you can’t walk through the lobby toward your guest room without passing by the bar, The Carter, which is more than just your everyday lobby bar (and that’s not a cliche). The overhead lighting in this separate space is glossy, and the golden fixtures and leather barstools add to the elegant, sophisticated atmosphere. It’s meant to be a welcoming and luxurious space to gather for a cocktail and bite to eat. Sit at the bar, get cozy in a booth, perch at one of the high-top tables, or lounge in one of the comfortable chairs around the fireplace — there are no shortage of seating options.
If you’re seeking a heartier bite or a meal in a sit-down dining space, step into Edwin, the hotel’s bustling signature restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner. Its name is a nod to the 19th-century Breckenridge prospector-turned-naturalist Edwin Carter. This space aims to “reimagine alpine cuisine,” featuring a menu of locally-inspired, delicious dishes made from scratch and an impressively sourced wine menu. Diners can gaze into the open-fire oven which crafts a lineup of artisan sourdough pizzas with creative toppings — and there’s no shortage of other innovative entrees to dive into (the Cornmeal-Dusted Trout and Elk Green Chili are two must-try signature dishes).
Finally, to visit my personal favorite place to dine and drink (and honestly, perhaps my favorite place to spend time on-site overall), make a reservation to try The Canary — a hidden speakeasy with a mysterious ambiance and a selection of clever cocktails (the bespoke cocktails are crafted for you, personally, based on your individual tastes and mood).
This space was inspired by Breckenridge’s historic prohibition-era dance halls and got its name from the tales of the “canary in a coal (in this case, gold?) mine. The decor is dark and moody, with a sultry and romantic vibe. It’s an alluring space to lose track of time and place, since there are no windows — just the dim lights of the bar (and no real sense of time passing, as if you are lost inside the depths of the earth but enjoying yourself, with the only treasure you’re searching for being your next beautiful cocktail).
The Canary is tucked behind a hidden wall one learns that it shares with Edwin, and its intimate atmosphere and cryptic air of complexity is one you just have to step into and feel to understand. Plus, yes, sometimes there is a real canary bird inside – Nugget its name inspired by the golden nuggets from Breckenridge’s mining history).
Nugget lives full-time with one of Hotel Alpenrock’s chefs and makes an appearance at Canary on special occasions (Nugget gets lots of love and personal attention. I’ve been told Nugget prefers the ladies and is partial, in particular, to the hotel’s chef’s wife).
Hotel Alpenrock is more than a place to rest your head in-between adventures
Photo courtesy Hotel Alpenrock
Hotel Alpenrock is more than just a place to relax in-between the adventures you enjoy in Breckenridge — staying at this property feels like its own adventure. Even little design details including the hotel’s logo — a mountain with a rocky mountain peak inside the circle of the sun or moon (the logo has both day and night variations) to me, provokes a sense of inspiration for seeking a journey.
I thought it was very cool that there are two different versions of the logo depending on the Earth’s position in space (night versus day). In the day version, the sun appears in the signature “Aspen” yellow against a bright moonlight-colored background. In the night version, the moon is displayed in the moonlight color against a deep “Ore” background. Both variations feature these “Ice”-colored Rocky Mountains.
And the name of the hotel itself is purposeful. It’s a combination of two words, “Alpen” which nods to the towering, snow-capped peaks that make Breckenridge the mountain oasis it has grown to become, and “Rock” which is a nod to the year-round playground of the Rocky Mountains, where the property lives.
Whether you leave the four walls of the hotel or not while you’re staying here, it’s going to be a well-enjoyed journey of experiences in dining, drinking, and indulging in a balance of the excitement and ease. The feelings you experience in a mountain town like Breckenridge — a sense of exhilaration that’s been felt in the region for centuries — is exactly what Hotel Alpenrock embodies to its core (no “mining” required).
These Organized Trips Blend Reforesting Efforts With Experiential Travel
Traveling to do good in the world is a virtuous, and increasingly popular, endeavor. One of the most impactful ways to travel for good is to support “rewilding” efforts, a conservation approach aimed at restoring natural ecosystems by allowing native species – plant and animal – and ecological processes to thrive with minimal human intervention. It often involves reintroducing keystone species, reducing human impact, and promoting natural habitat regeneration to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
“(One) critical need is securing and connecting large areas of land to allow wildlife to move freely and ecosystems to function naturally,” says Laurien Holtjer, Director of Engagement and Public Relations at Rewilding Europe. “Fragmentation remains a major challenge, and rewilding provides a scalable solution by expanding and linking natural habitats.”
International tourism is increasingly supporting rewilding by raising awareness and funding through nature-based travel experiences, often led by tour operators whose primary trip focus is conservation. Many tourism companies partner directly with conservation organizations, channeling a portion of their profits into rewilding projects and involving travelers in hands-on activities like tree planting and wildlife monitoring.
“People visiting our rewilding landscapes in a sustainable way help to foster nature-based economies that benefit both people and nature,” Holtjer says. “Our local teams collaborate with entrepreneurs to support responsible tourism initiatives. This strengthens the link between thriving natural areas and economic opportunities, creating a business case for the wild.”
Across the world from the Amazon to the Southeast Asia, you can make rewilding a part of your travels this year. These tour operators will put you right into the action.
Wilderness Scotland – group and individual tours
Photo: imageBROKER.com /Shutterstock
Where: Scotland2025 trip dates: Multiple trips monthly, or choose your own datesPrice: $1,000+Scotland is a rewilding leader among European destinations. Here, initiatives include establishing a native tree nursery for rare species like aspen, involving travelers and local volunteers in conservation activities around Loch Ness and elsewhere, and successfully reintroducing wildlife including golden eagles. Additionally, the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, opened in 2023, educates visitors about rewilding and Gaelic culture, fostering community engagement and awareness.
Wilderness Scotland has partnered with Scotland – The Big Picture to support its wild riverbank conservation efforts across the country. The company offers both group and individual, self-led tours to see the country’s famed sights and recreate outdoors on foot, bike, or kayak. A portion of proceeds go to the conservation efforts.
“Not that long ago, wild forests, free-flowing rivers and rich wetlands stretched across much of Scotland, supporting a complex and diverse ecosystem,” says Paul Easto, co-founder of Wilderness Scotland and Chief Sustainability Officer for the Active Travel Group. “Today, Scotland’s land is emptier and poorer and its wildlife diminished. Urgent action is needed to not only recognise what has been lost but also to imagine what might be possible. With the right vision and investment, the opportunity exists to redress the balance and create a nature-rich nation which is good for both people and planet.”
Contiki and Brendan Vacations’ Scotland tours
Photo: Heather Gunn /Shutterstock
Where: Dundreggan, Scotland2025 trip dates: Multiple trips monthlyPrice: From $999Dundreggan, a 10,000-acre estate in Glenmoriston near Scotland’s famed Loch Ness, has been the focus of extensive rewilding efforts by the charity Trees for Life since its acquisition in 2008. Historically degraded by centuries of overgrazing and deforestation, the estate required significant restoration to revive its native ecosystems. Key challenges included regenerating the ancient Caledonian Forest, promoting biodiversity, and reintroducing native species that had dwindled due to habitat loss.
By traveling on Contiki’s Scotland in a Week tour or Brendan Vacations’ Scenic Scotland tour, travelers can participate in conservation group Trees for Life’s efforts focusing on restoring the ancient Caledonian Forest, promoting biodiversity, and reintroducing native species.
“One of the most urgent conservation needs in Scotland is the restoration of the ancient Caledonian Forest, which has largely disappeared due to human activity and grazing animals preventing new trees from taking root,” says Melissa DaSilva, interim CEO of Brendan Vacations and Contiki. “Trees for Life, one of our proud TreadRight partners, is addressing this challenge at Dundreggan Rewilding Center. Since 2008, they’ve planted over 280,000 trees and reduced deer populations to allow the forest to regenerate naturally. Their on-site nursery produces around 100,000 trees annually from locally sourced seeds, playing a key role in restoring this vital landscape.”
Dundreggan and the rewilding center there are a testament to the power of regenerative tourism — both naturally and economically.
“When travelers visit Dundreggan, they’re not just observing rewilding — they’re actively contributing to it,” DaSilva says. “On this 10,000-acre estate, travelers can explore its wild beauty, discover over 4,000 species of plants and animals, and immerse themselves in centuries of Gaelic history while witnessing the land’s incredible transformation. Through tours with Contiki and Brendan Vacations, visitors directly support Trees for Life’s work, from replanting the Caledonian Forest to reintroducing native species like the Scottish red squirrel. Along the way, they gain a deeper understanding of how rewilding can revitalize local communities, creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods. It’s a powerful reminder that restoring nature and empowering people go hand in hand.”
Andean Trails – throughout South America and the Amazon
Photo: Walter Wayquitay /Shutterstock
Where: Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Guyana, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Antarctica, and Namibia.2025 trip dates: Multiple trips monthlyPrice: $1,000+In the Andes, reforestation and rewilding needs often stem from forest fires.
“There are progressively bigger and more fires each year,” says Kathy Jarvis, founder of Andean Trails, a tour operator which leads conservation-focused treks and adventures throughout the region.
The company has partnered with Accion Andina to support tree planting efforts in the high Andes as well as Rainforest Concern, which works to protect rainforests in Ecuador. Both illegal and legal mining are an issue in the Andes as well, Jarvis notes, with even the legal operations often falling victim to corruption.
“We are looking into a local NGO in Chile to support, after increasingly bad forest fires there,” Jarvis says.
Traveling with the country ensures that some of your trip dollars will go towards these efforts to rewild the Andes and the Amazon. One of the standout experiences is the El Monte Sustainable Lodge in Ecuador’s cloud forest. This eco-lodge, constructed with local materials, emphasizes environmental conservation and community involvement. Guests can explore the lush cloud forest, encountering diverse plant and animal species, while learning about sustainable living practices directly from the local community.
Another remarkable offering is the Napo Wildlife Centre Eco-Lodge, located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This lodge is deeply committed to conservation, providing guided tours led by native experts who share insights into the region’s wildlife, including monkeys, lizards, and tortoises. Additionally, the Guyana Nature Experience takes visitors to eco-lodges and Amerindian villages, where they engage in wildlife observation and participate in conservation activities, such as monitoring giant river otters and contributing to caiman research projects.
Exodus Adventure Travels’ Walks and Wildlife in the Italian Apennines
Photo: Gwilym C Pugh
Where: Italy’s Abruzzo mountains2025 trip dates: May 18 to 23, September 21 to 26Price: $2,550The Italian Apennines is a biodiversity hotspot home to the endangered Marsican brown bear. The region faces critical conservation challenges, including habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and ecosystem degradation caused by deforestation, farming, and industrialization. Additionally, rural land abandonment disrupts natural processes like forest regeneration and the free flow of rivers, posing further environmental threats. Addressing these issues is vital for protecting wildlife, restoring ecosystems, and combating climate change.
Travelers with Exodus Adventure Travels’ Walks and Wildlife in the Italian Apennines tour have a chance to play a direct role in those needed conservation efforts. The company, a Certified B Corp., commits to rewilding 100 square meters (1,076 square feet) of land for each traveler. This is done through a larger initiative to rewild 5,000 hectares of the Apennines over five years, creating nature corridors for safe wildlife passage, and removing barbed wire fences to reduce animal injuries. To foster coexistence with the Marsican brown bear, Exodus also is developing “bear smart communities” by planting orchards that divert bears from human areas.
“Addressing these issues is essential for protecting wildlife, restoring ecosystems, and combating climate change,” Exodus told Matador in an emailed statement. “Additionally, the Italian Apennines: Walks & Wildlife tour offers travelers an opportunity to experience these conservation efforts firsthand while supporting local economies and wildlife restoration. All profits from this trip contribute directly to Rewilding Apennines’ work.”
Through the Nature and Carbon Corridors project, the company is partnered with the conservation group Rewilding Apennines, directing all profits to the efforts.
Wild Women Expeditions’ Northern Cambodia Explorer and Bali Explorer
Photo courtesy Wild Women Expeditions
Where: Cambodia and Bali, Indonesia2025 trip dates: Cambodia: Apr. 10 to 16, Nov. 15 to 21, Dec. 6t 12, 2025, Bali:multiple trips monthly in June, August, September, and OctoberPrice: Cambodia: $2,595 per person, Bali: $3,995 per personWild Women Expeditions, founded in 1991 to empower women to embark on bold, impactful adventures around the globe, builds its group trips around the mantra of making a meaningful impact in the places they visit. The company does this by supporting conservation initiatives in the destinations it visits, both through the itineraries travelers participate in and through a portion of the revenue from each traveler’s trip costs being directed toward preserving the environment and contributing to local conservation efforts. Its Northern Cambodia Explorer and Bali Explorer trips directly benefit reforesting efforts.
“In Cambodia, our conservation work includes visits to the Endangered Species Centre, where we learn about efforts to protect the region’s vulnerable wildlife,” says Candice Bartlett, Head of Brand Growth at Wild Women Expeditions. “We also explore Kulen Mountain, a stunning national park that is home to vital conservation projects. Through these immersive experiences, our guests gain a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation and how their visit directly supports these essential efforts.”
The trip visits Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, including the floating village of Prek Toal and the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. Residents of the floating village lead a subsistence lifestyle of fishing and travelers on the trip have the chance to support both their efforts and those of the Biosphere Reserve.
The Bali Explorer trip is focused on coral reef restoration and mangrove tree planting. For each guest on the trip, Wild Women Expeditions donates $10 to the Coral Reef Foundation and another $10 to reforestation efforts in the West Bali National Park.
“Our coral reef restoration project begins at the lagoon in Candidasa, where an expatriate marine biologist introduces us to their coral farm,” Bartlett says. “This farm produces corals for both the aquarium industry and reef restoration projects.”
Much of the Bali trip is hands on, Bartlett explains.
“In the late afternoon, we meet at Plataran Menjangan’s restaurant for a briefing on the endemic tree planting project within the nearby national park,” Bartlett says, noting that each participant will plant a mangrove tree in the park to directly stimulate its preservation.
Inside Tskaltubo, Georgia: the Abandoned ‘wellness Resort’ About to Change Forever
As we approached the grand facade of the abandoned sanatorium, we could hear music echoing through the building and see a clean-up crew sweeping confetti and stacking chairs in the columned entrance hall. Further in, the star of the day — a bride with waist-length brown curls — posed in her wedding dress at the top of a stone staircase. Her train cascaded down the steps, turning shades of gold by the brightly setting sun. Occasionally, the groom was even invited into the pictures.
It was the scene at Hotel Medea, also called “Sanatorium Medea,” in Tskaltubo, in the country of Georgia. Though it was officially abandoned for decades, it never stopped buzzing with life. Locals and tourists alike used it as a hangout, an Instagram backdrop, and, yes, even a wedding venue.
Photo: Mikhail Starodubov/Shutterstock
It seemed romantic, and my partner and I walked through the vast columned hallways, up crumbling staircases, and onto a rooftop terrace. From this high vantage point, we could take in the full scale of the building. The structure formed a massive rectangle around a courtyard, with four wings stretching to the sides. In the courtyard below, a once-grand swimming pool sat overgrown with bushes.
Just one abandoned building of this scale would thrill any urban explorer, or “urbexer” — people who enjoy exploring abandoned and off-limits places. There are more than two dozen such buildings scattered through Tskaltubo, a small town in Georgia, a country sandwiched between Russia and Türkiye. I’d spent five days exploring Tskaltubo, but still hadn’t seen it all.
It’s a special place where still-abandoned buildings have been reclaimed as community spaces, though they may not function as that for much longer. Renovation projects are underway, and soon, many of the atmospheric ruins will be transformed — or lost — forever.
Photo: Shutterstock/BGStock72
Tskaltubo sits atop bubbling hot springs once famed across the Soviet Union. A direct train from Moscow brought visitors to bathe in radon-rich thermal waters, believed to relieve rheumatism and inflammation. Most resorts opened in the 1920s.
In 1931, the Georgian Soviet Republic designated it as an official “balneotherapy center,” and the town quickly transformed into one of the most prestigious health resorts in the Communist Bloc. More than 20 wellness resorts called sanatoriums were built to combat chronic illnesses like psoriasis and arthritis, complete with spas, theaters, libraries, and conference halls. By the 1950s, Tskaltubo was drawing up to 125,000 visitors annually. Joseph Stalin allegedly visited in 1951 to treat an ongoing case of rheumatoid arthritis in his leg, though records on his visits are sparse.
Photo: Fotokon/Shutterstock
Tskaltubo wasn’t just for the elite, though. Some resorts were named after the workers they served, such as Sanatorium Metallurgist, named for the steelworkers and miners it catered to, known as metallurgists. Under the Soviet constitution, laborers had a right to “rest and leisure.” It allowed doctors to issue all-expenses-paid vouchers for two-week stays in Tskaltubo, where patients received treatments ranging from hot spring baths to electrotherapy.
Then, in 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed. The resorts shut down, tourism disappeared, and Tskaltubo became a quiet farming town, its once-grand buildings left to decay. It’s been described as a ghost town during those years, but the term doesn’t quite fit, as Tskaltubo’s sanatoriums have never been entirely empty.
After the 1992 Abkhazia conflict in the country displaced more than 200,000 Georgians, around 10,000 refugees found shelter in the abandoned buildings. It was supposed to be a temporary housing solution, but many families ended up living there for decades. People died and were born in the former sanatoriums. It’s only in the past couple of years that most of those Abkhazian refugees have been rehoused in formal apartment blocks.
Photo: Eloise Stark
Locals claimed the emptied resorts in other ways, too. During the 2020 parliamentary elections, some buildings were used as polling stations; you can still see the Covid-era stickers to ensure social distancing between voters. There are unofficial gatherings, too. In daytime, you’ll see couples seeking out secluded corners, and groups of teenagers hanging out, chatting and taking photos. Empty beer bottles and murals of varying artistic quality mark the late-night festivities that have taken place within these walls.
In recent years, Tskaltubo has also attracted international visitors, as tourism to the country of Georgia has grown. According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia, there were 7.4 million international visitors in 2024, up 4.2 percent compared to the previous year and 32 percent compared to a decade earlier. Now, the town has become well-known as one of the world’s top urbex destinations. Travelers have become a regular sight in the abandoned sanatoriums, alongside people from the surrounding town and those families who have made the buildings their home.
Photo: Lucas M. Kaiser/Shutterstock
With tourism growing in Georgia, Tskaltubo is changing. The government’s “New Life for Tskaltubo” plan, launched in 2022, is designed to transform it into a “modern, world-class” spa town. Investors from Georgia, Egypt, Qatar, and beyond have purchased several of the former resorts, closing them off to visitors. Modern renovations are underway on a handful of them.
The plan’s vision is clear: a luxury wellness destination catering to affluent travelers. Opponents of the plan are concerned that the high prices the resorts will likely charge will make the resorts financially inaccessible to locals. A night at Tskaltubo Legends Resort, a spa that reopened in 2011, costs $80 — a steep price in a country where the average monthly salary is under $800.
But something more than just affordability is at stake. Privatizing these buildings will put an end to Tskaltubo’s unique community spaces, which act as a strange “third space” by being neither operational, nor entirely abandoned. What follows may be luxurious, but might never hold the same magic as these palatial buildings that belong to everyone and no one at the same time.
Photo: Eloise Stark
Tskaltubo is arranged around a central park that’s home to several bathhouses and a natural spring fountain where visitors can put their hands under the roughly 93-degree F, mineral-rich water. The resorts are scattered throughout town and are close enough to one another to easily explore on foot. There are several dozen abandoned buildings, but some are more interesting than others.
Visiting Tskaltubo’s empty sanatoriums is generally legal, as many are situated on publicly accessible land. However, properties acquired by private investors are often secured with fences and may have restricted access.
The largest building in Tskaltubo’s central park is Spring 6 (formerly Bathhouse No. 6), one of the rare Soviet-era spas that never closed in Tskaltubo. It’s a great place to go for a soak after the dusty business of exploring the empty buildings. Visitors can book a variety of traditional and more unexpected wellness treatments, from sports massages to speleotherapy (breathing inside a cave) to electroshock therapy. Treatments are available to book online or in person.
Bathhouse No. 8
Bathhouse 8 in Tskaltubo, Georgia. Photo: Eloise Stark
A masterpiece of brutalist architecture, this former public spa resembles a concrete UFO that landed in the middle of the park. Inside, under a rounded roof, individual baths are arranged like petals around central fountains. On the algae-covered walls, you can still make out nature scenes, including dancing deer. Sunlight streams through a circular hole in the roof, casting dramatic shadows. Today, it’s a popular hangout, and the walls are covered in street art.
Once reserved for steelworkers and miners, Sanatorium Metallurgist is one of the best-preserved sites in Tskaltubo, with ornate original features throughout. The wow factor begins in the main entrance hall, where a massive chandelier hangs from a ceiling adorned with intricate moldings.
Visitors can explore an old library, doctors’ offices, and even a theater, where a crumbling grand piano still stands. On the second floor, keep an eye out for the pink and blue elevators — one for ladies, the other for gents. Around the back of the building is a stunning glass atrium, where a single tree grows from a crack in the concrete floor.
Medea Sanitorium in Tskaltubo, Georgia. Photo: Eloise Stark
One of the most photographed sanatoriums, Medea’s grand facade of columns and arches makes it a favorite for weddings. Inside, visitors can climb sweeping staircases to reach the roof terrace which overlooks the courtyard. The inner hallways are also interesting, inhabited until recently by Abkhazian refugees. Today, you can find reminders of their presence, including posters on the walls, discarded clothes and toys, and even family photos.
Mosaics were widely used in Soviet-era art and architecture, and this children’s playground is one of the finest examples left in Georgia. Stark geometric patterns form a climbing frame, adorned with colorful tiles that depict human figures, plants, and animals, including giraffes and bison.
Sanatorium Imereti
Photo: Fotokon/Shutterstock
A stray dog appointed himself as my guide when I visited Sanatorium Imereti. Much of the building is inaccessible, but what remains is breathtaking. It led me first through a field of wildflowers, where I stumbled across a rotunda with arched doorways. Inside, blue paint peeled from the walls, revealing intricate moldings still remarkably intact.
From the rotunda, I followed my four-legged companion into the main building, through columned hallways, up grand staircases, and into an abandoned theater. But at one point on an upper floor, where gaping holes in the floorboards revealed the rooms below, he refused to go any further. If you decide to explore this beautiful spot, proceed with extreme caution.
Tskaltubo is 14 miles from Kutaisi International Airport, which connects to major cities in Europe and the Middle East. Car rentals and taxis are readily available at the airport for a quick transfer to town.
Alternatively, you can visit Tskaltubo on a day trip on an organized tour from Kutaisi or even Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital (about a 3.5-hour drive away). Companies like Budget Georgia or Friendly Tours offer one- and two-day options.
Tskaltubo is a small town of around 7,000 people and has most of the facilities you would need for a short stay. There are hotels, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, and ATMs that accept international cards. However, some restaurants only take cash, so it’s best to come prepared.
When visiting, be mindful of residents. Some of the abandoned sanatoria are still inhabited. Always respect people’s personal space and avoid entering private apartments. Never take photos of homes without permission. Most residents are accustomed to visitors exploring the sanatoriums, but a little consideration goes a long way in maintaining good relationships.
Photo: BGStock72/Shutterstock
The golden rule of urban exploration is to leave everything how you found it. Don’t take any of the objects you find as souvenirs, don’t force entry into locked buildings, and don’t damage anything. And, of course, prioritize safety. If a structure looks unstable, don’t take the risk.
The safest way to explore the abandoned buildings is to hire a guide for the day. You’ll not only benefit from knowing what areas are safe to explore, but also get insight into their local knowledge of the town’s history and current events.
April 2, 2025
The Best Airbnbs in Liverpool to Explore the City
Liverpool is an exciting maritime city in the northwest of England sitting on the banks of the River Mersey. Immortalized for being the birthplace of The Beatles and for its two Premier League football clubs, Liverpool and Everton, the Merseyside seaport is also a treasure trove for artistic and architectural delights. Take a stroll along the Royal Albert Docks to see iconic landmarks including the Three Graces and the Tate Liverpool. The nightlife and dining scene isn’t half bad either; you’ll find the edgiest eateries in the Baltic Triangle and the coolest music venues in Ropewalks.
Live like a Premier League striker or rockstar at these top-rated Airbnbs in Liverpool close to music venues, pubs, and the docks.
Traveling to the United Kingdom? Check out Matador’s UK accommodations guides: The Best Airbnbs in Manchester, From a Luxury Yacht To a Renovated Bank Vault 23 Airbnbs in London’s Trendiest Neighborhoods Top 13 Airbnbs for Exploring the Whole of Scotland The Most Convenient Hotels To Experience Manchester, England The 8 Best Hotels in Edinburgh Close To the Must-See Sights The Top Glasgow Airbnbs Across the City’s Coolest Neighborhoods
We hope you love these Airbnb Liverpool vacation rentals! 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.
Penthouse with the best views in town
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis duplex Airbnb in Liverpool has a private wraparound terrace with skyline views. Wall-to-wall windows allow natural light to flood the living room and principal bedroom while the kitchen is meticulously stocked for those planning on cooking at home. The apartment is a five-minute walk from Liverpool Central Station and Royal Albert Dock. For those traveling by car, the rental includes one secure parking space.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $478 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosLeave your rental in its allotted parking spot and explore the Merseyside city on foot from this renovated coach house in its most sought-after neighborhood. The space benefits from high ceilings, a chic kitchen with a breakfast bar, and two comfortable guest rooms. The property is next to St Luke’s Bombed Out Church and within walking distance of the Georgian Quarter’s beloved cafes and bistros.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $148 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis handsome apartment is kitted out with a mix of vintage gems and modern appliances, providing the perfect marriage of comfort and practicality. Liverpool ONE, Ropewalks, and Royal Albert Dock are all within walking distance and there is one parking permit available for guests. Additional guests may sleep on the sofa although this rental is most suited to couples. Remote workers will appreciate the speedy Wi-Fi.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $123 per night
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Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis ultra-central Airbnb is convenient for exploring Liverpool’s waterfront, city center attractions, and football stadiums. The kitchen has a coffee maker (plus a bean grinder!) as well as all the necessary amenities for home cooking. There’s a chunky modular couch and a TV rigged with Netflix and Sky Sports for shaking off a heavy night out in Ropewalks and a desk for those working from the road.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $215 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis Victorian townhouse has six individually designed bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen and dining room, two lavish bathrooms, and a games room. It’s the perfect base for resting and family bonding in between seeing the countless sights of Merseyside. Just south of the city center, the rental is convenient for the Baltic Triangle, Georgian Quarter, and Sefton Park. The host also offers a luxury car service if required.
Twelve guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,261 per night
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Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis houseboat Airbnb in Liverpool invites you to stay on a unique larchwood vessel on the city’s historic waterways. Inspired by Japanese craftsmanship, this stylish barge has high ceilings and a bedroom overlooking the water. The bow terrace is especially beautiful at sunset and the boat is heated for four-season comfort. There is a lovely restaurant in the marina and the Baltic Market is a short walk from the community.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $216 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosHow about dockside living but from the comfort of a brick-and-mortar house? This two-bedroom condo at the marina has water views and a private balcony. It’s cheerfully appointed with modern art, homely furnishings, and a well-equipped kitchen. The host is applauded for her thoughtfulness and special touches. To round things off, secure parking is included and dogs get to stay for free.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $303 per night
Photos: Airbnb
Photos: AirbnbSee more photosThis Guest Favorite Airbnb has the whole package: cool decor, top-notch amenities, and a central location in Liverpool. It’s part of the Liverpool ONE development where you’ll find a variety of cultural, dining, and shopping attractions. Although sparsely decorated, the apartment stuns with its exposed red brick walls and sapphire-accented kitchen. Check-in is streamlined with a Smart Lock and the host is responsive to messages.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $235 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis dreamy duplex for rent is close to Liverpool Lime Street Station and convenient for the main sights. The lower level accommodates the kitchen and lounge while the bedroom and bathroom are upstairs. Note that these floors are linked only by a spiral staircase. You’ll have exclusive access to a private rooftop terrace shared between residents during your stay.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $292 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosBook this stylish heritage house if you’ve scored soccer or concert tickets in Liverpool – Anfield Stadium is a two-minute walk from the door! The home has been remodeled while retaining the essence of the Victorian era through its design. It has two doubles and one single bedroom turned out with boutique finishings and luxurious quilts. The location is also handy for family outings to Knowsley Safari Park and Crosby Beach.
Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $468 per night
Photos: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis immaculate modern apartment is operated by a boutique hotel and provides the comforts of both accommodation types. It has a roomy lounge with huge windows overlooking this peaceful residential area and two reasonably sized bedrooms. The location is excellent for Anfield and Everton stadiums but equally convenient for those planning road trips to Manchester and Blackpool.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $189 per night
Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun: What First-Timers Need to Know, Resort Rules, and Recommendations
All-inclusive resorts are a fantastic way to worry-free on vacation. With almost everything paid beforehand, you can enjoy unlimited food and alcohol (including in-room mini bars and snacks), sunny days at the beach, relaxing pools, daily activities, nightly entertainment, spacious lodging, and excellent service without reaching for your wallet at every turn. And there’s no greater selection of commendable resorts than in and around Cancun, Mexico—the all-inclusive capital of the world.
Understanding the basics of all-inclusive resorts
Photo: M-Production /Shutterstock
Having stayed at nearly two dozen all-inclusives over the last decade, I’m happy to report that they are, fortunately, mostly “inclusive.” There’s no shortage of included things to do, from nightly entertainment and non-motorized water sports, to on-site guided activities and more pools, music, and beaches than you’ll likely be able to enjoy. Or if you’re like me, you can choose to do absolutely nothing in some of the most relaxing and care-free settings you’ll find anywhere.
That said, there are some things that aren’t typically included at all-inclusive resorts. While bars, restaurants, and self-service food options include gratuities, wait staff expect cash tips for poolside, beachside, or room service deliveries. Premium liquor (which some resorts charge extra for or reserve for guests who upgrade to club status), select specialty restaurants or entrees, and childcare outside of free daily kids club hours also cost extra. Furthermore, there typically are surcharges for spa treatments, motorized water sports, off-site excursions, and airport transports.
To get the most of these resorts, however, there are some tips you should follow. For example, book dinner reservations early if you want to guarantee access to non-buffet restaurants. Like a cruise, order as much as you like but only swallow what you love. For best results (and potentially maximum weight gain), I recommend progressive dining at several restaurants, bars, cafes, dessert shops, and the buffet throughout the day.
As of 2024, you can now book Ubers to avoid the previously expensive ground transportation and taxis at Cancun International Airport. But you still shouldn’t drink the water, which is why most resorts provide in-room bottles to stay hydrated. If this sounds like your type of vacation, where’s a good place to start? Depending on your preferences, you can’t go wrong with one of these reputable resorts.
Hilton Cancun / Mar Caribe – best for families, foodies, spa, and beach goers
Photo courtesy Hilton Mar Caribe
Hilton has made a big push into all-inclusives in recent years and owns two of the best resorts within 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport. Located in the hotel district, Hilton Mar Caribe is home to one of the nicest stretches of beach in the entire area. Its classic, timelessly inviting, teal blue Caribbean surf is stunning and a perfect spot for beach goers and families alike. The lively pools and swim up bars are plenty. And the property’s zen-inducing spa and bamboo hydrotherapy jungle offer true tranquility.
But for me, Hilton Mar Caribe’s food is the real highlight. In addition to generous portions of fresh guacamole, mangoes, and phenomenal produce wherever you go, the included Mexican, Italian, Asian, and Steakhouse restaurants are all fantastic. So is the 24-hour cafe and buffet. In fact, the latter morphs into a Mexican Mariachi festival and full Brazilian rodizio twice a week, replete with table service and swords of mouthwatering meats—something I’ve never experienced at any all-inclusive buffet before.
If you want a more vibey Hilton with the same standout restaurants and food, better architecture and rooms, but slightly less appealing beach, consider Hilton Cancun to the south. It’s calmer and more secluded, although still close to the airport.
Excellence Riviera Cancun – best for romance, relaxing pools, serene landscapes
Photo courtesy Excellence Riviera Cancun
There’s a lot to love about Excellence Riviera Cancun, much of which is noted in its thousands of excellent guest reviews. Chief among them: it’s an adult-only oasis filled with pristine palms, perfectly manicured gardens, and more fantastic, clean, and abundant pools than I can count. During a recent stay, my wife and I seriously found our happy place on consecutive sunny days in secluded cabanas, ample seating, dreamy beaches, and our patio hot tub.
We also adored the hacienda-style covered walkways and restaurants, especially the al fresco Mexican cantina. The resort was a little sprawling and disorienting the first couple of days, but we grew to appreciate the long walks as we made our way around the resort. Excellence also starred our favorite nightly entertainment, in an open air stage with tasteful musicians and performers.
At over 20 years old, our spacious suite was dated, but it was also immaculate and stocked with the best mini- and snack-bars, full-bottled spirits, nightly desserts, and room attendants of any resort I’ve stayed at recently. While the beach was fantastic, sadly seaweed took over the surf during our visit. But otherwise Excellence is known for being one of the most well-maintained resorts in Cancun and just 20 minutes from the airport.
Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort – best for overall value, desserts, loyalty program
Photo courtesy Marriott Cancun
The world’s largest hotelier was late to the all-inclusive game after converting one of its previous a la cart Cancun hotels into the company’s first all-inclusive last year. That’s good news for Marriott loyalists, as it lets them use wide-ranging reward points for all-inclusive stays. When coupled with competitive promotions, this makes Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort a great overall value while still retaining its upscale resort amenities.
While I enjoyed the renovated architecture, my ocean view balcony room, and the relaxing pools and beach huts, Marriott was still working out some service kinks during my recent stay. While the staff were always excellent, the dining was uneven. Outside of the Mexican restaurant and desserts, which combined were some of the best of any resort I’ve visited, there was little else worth writing home about. It was by no means bad. Just not as exciting as other resorts when I visited.
Would I go back though? Definitely. Marriott Cancun is a great resort with a lot of upside.
Also consider: Grand Fiesta Coral Beach. It’s been a few years since I stayed, but this big pink resort is Mexican-owned and operated and a lot of fun (not to mention delicious) to boot.
New Flights From United Airlines Make It Easier Than Ever to Reach Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and the Philippines
United Airlines is expanding its number of cross-Pacific routes with four new destinations in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Australia: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Adelaide and Manila. This brings United’s total number of Pacific destinations to 32, four times that of any other airline based in the United States.
This strategic expansion comes when questions are arising about travel demand, but show that there’s still room for increased transportation options in certain markets.
Beginning October 26, United will launch daily one-stop flights to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City — a first for any US airline. The routes will be operated via Hong Kong using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The flights will depart from Los Angeles and San Francisco, feeding into United’s existing morning and evening departures at Hong Kong.
Starting December 11, United will become the first airline to operate nonstop flights between the US and Adelaide, a press release states. The new three-times-weekly service will run seasonally from San Francisco aboard the Boeing 787-9.
Adelaide has long lacked nonstop or even one-stop service to North America, despite growing tourism interest in its Barossa Valley wine region and proximity to destinations like Kangaroo Island. With this addition, United will serve four cities in Australia, cementing its role as the leading airline between the continental US and Australia.
United will also double its service to the Philippines. A second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila is scheduled to begin October 25. The additional frequency offers both daytime and evening departure options in both directions, responding to increased demand from both the Filipino diaspora and a growing tourism market.
United remains the only US airline with service to the Philippines, with flights to both Manila and Cebu.
Tickets for Adelaide and the second Manila flight are already available, while bookings for Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City will open at a later date.
The Garden State Goes Global: Inside New Jersey’s International Eats
Popular conceptions of New Jersey’s food scene probably include submarine sandwiches, greasy spoons, and the state’s take on the classic American diner — a place where “disco fries,” Jersey’s answer to poutine, has been immortalized. However, in-the-know gourmands know the Garden State holds true to its name and is home to formidable wineries and many farm-to-table restaurants serving fresh New American fare.
New Jersey is also one of the most diverse states in the US, and this ethnic diversity certainly broadens its dining scene. There’s a vast spectrum of restaurants dishing out international cuisines, spanning Portuguese, Middle Eastern, East Asian, Latin American, Italian, South Asian, and more. Truly, whatever you’re craving, New Jersey’s got it — here’s where to find it.
The Ironbound: New Jersey’s Little Portugal and beyond
Photos: Emily Schindler/Lita
Campino Restaurant: 70 Jabez St, Newark, NJ 07105
Lita: 1055 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747
In eastern Newark near the main train station lies the Ironbound, a neighborhood named for the railroad tracks that converge there. It’s not the iron tracks that New Jerseyans think of when the neighborhood comes up in conversation, though. It’s Portuguese food. Hence the nickname “Little Portugal.”
Historically, the Ironbound has been a community of immigrants, especially Portuguese. At Campino, a beloved traditional Portuguese restaurant since 1982, you’ll find classics like medalhões de porco molho bulhão pato (pork loin medallions served bulhão pato-style with clams and herbs) and mariscada molho (seafood stew) in a tomato-based red or parsley-forward green sauce. For the quintessential Portuguese dish, order the bacalao (salt cod) served either grilled with potatoes, onions, and peppers or in a cream sauce.
Portuguese gastronomy also exists outside of the Ironbound, particularly at Lita in suburban Aberdeen Township. There, acclaimed Chef David Viana combines his culinary talent and his Ironbound roots to elevate Portuguese staples. Viana has been featured on the Food Network and is a 2025 James Beard Semi-Finalist for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic.
Collingswood: Lebanon’s culinary embassyLi Beirut: 619 Collings Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08107
Collingswood may seem like simple suburb of Philadelphia on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River, but for one family, it became a refuge. Escaping war, Chef Patricia and her husband Tony Massoud fled from Beirut to the US several years ago, settling in New Jersey to continue raising their three children. The resilient family has kept their spirits up — along with their passion for Lebanese cuisine and hospitality — at their restaurant, Li Beirut.
The menu goes beyond the usual pan-Middle Eastern fare of falafels, dips, shawarma, and grilled meats. One example of the restaurant’s authentic Lebanese dishes is its rendition of hummus, topped with morsels of beef and finished with pine nuts for an added dimension of flavor and texture. You’ll also find lahme ba’ajine — a sort of Lebanese pizza with tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, herbs, and spices on a crispy crust — as well as mouhammara, a roasted red pepper dip with walnuts and pomegranate molasses that walks a line between spicy and sweet.
Hackensack: Unapologetically SichuanHot Fish: 450 Hackensack Ave #6, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Chinese takeout has become a go-to American comfort food, but at Hot Fish in Hackensack, you won’t find the Americanized General Tso’s chicken on the menu. The sister restaurant to Michelin-recommended Chuan Tian Xia in New York City, Hot Fish hones in on China’s Sichuan province, known for spicy cuisine and seafood (hence the restaurant’s name).
Newcomers to Sichuan cuisine should enjoy the classic dish mapo tofu — tofu and ground pork, made spicy with Sichuan peppercorns, which leave a tingly feeling in your mouth. The more adventurous foodie will love the restaurant’s authentic offerings like green pepper numbing fish or spicy dry pot with frog.
Long Branch: Down the shore in El Salvador
Photo: Tanya Green/Asbury Park Press/Don Beto’s
Don Beto’s Comida Salvadorena: 20 Memorial Pkwy, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Latin American food is ubiquitous in the Hispanic enclaves closer to the Hudson River, but head down the shore for a taste of El Salvador. At casual eatery Don Beto’s in Long Branch, sit indoors or outside at a picnic table on a nice day for Salvadoran classics, including hearty soups or chicken rolled into a tamale and steamed in a banana leaf.
The biggest draw at Don Beto’s is the pupusas, El Salvador’s national dish — thick, pan-fried tortillas stuffed with beans, meat, vegetables, and/or cheese, including queso con loroco, which is blended with a savorous herb derived from a flower bud that’s native to Central America. For dessert, indulge your sweet tooth on a Salvadoran empanada filled with bananas and sweet cream, or try the nuegados (yucca fritters smothered in a honey sauce).
Edison: A subcontinental taste of IndiaBombay Blue Indian Bistro: 1963 Oak Tree Rd, Edison, NJ 08820
Edison, NJ, and its neighboring communities are home to one of the country’s largest immigrant populations from the Indian subcontinent. With that community comes a discernment for authentic cuisine, and bustling Indian bistro Bombay Blue has risen as a crowd pleaser.
Though the restaurant is named after Mumbai (formerly Bombay), its menu presents a cross-section of dishes from around the country, including North Indian curries like the creamy, tomato-based rogan josh prepared with chicken, goat, or lamb; fish or shrimp curries hailing from the southern, seaside state of Goa; and, most notably, Hakka cuisine, which is an Indo-Chinese culinary style made popular by Chinese immigrants living in India’s port cities. For a quick bite, check out the chaat, or savory street food — don’t miss the gol gappe (crispy, hollow balls of flour stuffed with spices and veg) and bhel poori (puffed rice tossed in chutney).
Galloway: Southeast Asian in South JerseyOxtail Pho and Banh Mi: 319 E Jimmie Leeds Rd Suite #206, Galloway, NJ 08205
South Jersey has become home to a huge Vietnamese population, from the suburbs of Philadelphia to the Jersey Shore. About a 15-minute drive inland from the seaside casinos of Atlantic City is the town of Galloway, where you can take refuge from pricey casino buffets and get your fill of Vietnamese cuisine at spots like Oxtail Pho and Banh Mi.
The restaurant is a casual, modern spot that serves generous portions of dishes like bò lúc lắc, aka “shaking beef,” a classic stir fry. But the real stars are in the name. Velvety oxtail meat is paired with slow-cooked broth and vermicelli noodles in the restaurant’s signature pho, adorned with bean sprouts, basil, jalapeño, and lime. Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwiches) come filled with two kinds of pork, chicken, beef, or tofu and dressed with cilantro, jalapeño, cucumber, and pickled daikon and carrots for a harmonious burst of flavors.
Montclair: Italian in SopranolandPhoto: Luigino’s Montclair
Luigino’s Parmigiana: 173 Glenridge Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
You can’t talk about world cuisine in the state that brought us The Sopranos without mentioning Jersey’s many Italian and Italian-American restaurants. One, in particular, has become a local favorite: Luigino’s Parmigiana in Montclair.
Start with delectable antipasti dishes like pancia di maiale (slow roasted pork belly in a sweet and sour agrodolce sauce) before devouring pasta offerings like gnocchi stuffed with ricotta, black truffle, and Parmigiano and served with a creamy porcini mushroom sauce. Pork chops and filets of branzino also grace the menu, but the real specialty is the house’s namesake: Le Parmigiana. Expect heaps of pounded Sicilian eggplant, chicken breast, or veal chop that’s breaded, fried, and smothered in the house marinara, then served with fresh mozzarella and fresh basil.
Bergen County: BBQ in Little KoreaSo Moon Nan Jip: 238 Broad Ave, Palisades Park, NJ 07650
One of the highest concentrations of Koreans in the US is found in Bergen County, NJ, specifically in the adjacent towns of Fort Lee and Palisades Park, which collectively form Jersey’s “Little Korea.” The Korean vibe is evident when you wander the streets, especially Palisades Park’s Broad Avenue, where a majority of signage uses the Korean alphabet.
There are many Korean restaurants on this main drag, but for an authentic Korean barbecue experience head to So Moon Nan Jip. Each dining table comes with a recessed, tabletop charcoal grill for you to cook (or be assisted in cooking) the hefty platters of raw meat you can order. Galbi (marinated short rib) and bulgogi (marinated sirloin) are classics, and they come nicely complemented with plentiful, varied selections of savory banchan (side dishes).
If, by any chance, you’re still hungry after all this, plan to stay a little longer. After all, eating your way around New Jersey is like eating your way around the world — with no passport required.
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