Matador Network's Blog, page 541
December 15, 2021
The best architecture of 2021 from glass igloos to man-made islands
In 2021, architects from around the world have found ways to innovate and inspire by expanding the limits of what it means to design buildings. From grandiose, futuristic-looking projects meant to reshape skylines to high-tech housing created with sustainability in mind and glass igloos created in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the best architecture of 2021 spans far and wide, both geographically and conceptually.
Here are 15 of the coolest structures completed in 2021 — a selection of projects that aim to become landmarks by creating spaces that are aesthetically intriguing, functional, and responsive to their history and surroundings.
1. Luma Arles Cultural Centre — Arles, France
Photo: Adrian Deweerdt via Luma Arles
Gehry Partners’ latest project rises from the heart of the historical city of Arles with a shiny, multifaceted exterior that stands in contrast with the medieval buildings that make the city famous. The 183-foot-tall tower, clad with 11,000 stainless steel panels that form an asymmetrical shape, emerges from a circular base which will host seminars, art exhibitions, and workshops in the coming year.
During the design process of the Luma Arles Cultural Centre, Frank Gehry was inspired by the rocky peaks of the Alpilles mountain range in Provence and Vincent van Gogh’s art. “The stainless steel bricks […] capture and render all the color variations in the sky, and give the building an ever-changing appearance. This aesthetic choice is a nod to the pictorial practice of Vincent van Gogh, who was constantly capturing the shades of the Provençal sky on his canvases during his time in Arles,” the Luma Arles website explains. The cylindrical base pays tribute to the Roman amphitheater dating back to 90 AD which marks the center of Arles.
2. Pop-up Synagogue — Babyn Yar, UkraineOn September 29 and 30, 1941, more than 33,000 Jewish people were murdered in Babyn Yar, near Kyiv, by Nazi troops. In the years following the event, German troops occupied the area killing an additional 100,000 people. After the war, the site became a landfill with fews signs carrying forward the memory of the tragedy and of those who had lost their lives.
In an attempt to acknowledge the past, the Ukrainian government has planned the building of a memorial to commemorate the victims. The first stage of the project was completed in May 2021 by Swiss firm Manuel Herz Architects: a 36-foot-tall wooden modular synagogue shaped like a book and decorated in traditional patterns reminiscent of the ancient synagogues that stood in Western Ukraine in the 17th and 18th centuries.
3. The Arc at Green School — Bali, Indonesia
Photo: Green School Bali/Facebook
The latest addition to Bali’s Green School, an educational institution founded in 2006, is The Arc, a gymnasium expanding the campus, designed by Elora Hardy’s architecture firm IBUKU. The building is composed of a series of bamboo arches that reach 46 feet in height and intersect in a way that allows the structure to stand thanks to natural tension. As Jörg Stamm, the carpentry specialist who supported IBUKU in the construction process, explains “The Arc operates like the ribs of a mammal’s chest, stabilized by tensile membranes analogous to tendons and muscles between ribs.” To learn more about the concept creation and construction of The Arc, check out this video. The Arc won the 2021 Architecture MasterPrize.
4. Qaammat Pavilion — GreenlandPhoto: Konstantin Arkitekter
Located on an isolated hill near the Arctic village of Sarfannguit — a community of just 100 people — the Qaammat Pavilion designed by Swedish-Greek architect Konstantin Ikonomidis blurs the lines between art and architecture to celebrate the connection between Inuit people and the environment.
Built with transparent bricks of Italian glass, the pavilion made of two curved walls standing in front of each other was commissioned by UNESCO. The region of Aasivissuit – Nipisat where the glass igloo was built was added to the World Heritage list in 2018 because of its cultural importance for the indigenous communities that have lived there for over 4,000 years.
5. Chapel of Sound — Chengde, China
Photo: Open Architecture
Inspired by its surroundings, the concrete concert hall created by Open Architecture in a valley north of Beijing, blends in with the landscape. The rough, irregular structure encloses a peaceful, open-air concert space that fills with natural light thanks to large windows that open on the lush greenery of the Hebei Province.
The cave-like structure mimics the rocky formations found in the area, but its interiors have been designed through software for the optimal sound experience. Even when concerts are not played, the Chapel of Sound lets visitors enjoy the symphony of nature from its accessible rooftop.
6. Little Island Park – New York City, US
Photo: Heatherwick Studio
After eight years of work, British firm Heatherwick Studio has completed the Little Island project on the Hudson River. Extending from Lower Manhattan, the square-shaped island is a space for entertainment and relaxation: covered with over one hundred different species of native plants, the pier built on 280 individual concrete piles features three performance venues of different sizes connected by walkways, the largest of which can host 3,500 people.
In creating this oasis in the city, Heatherwick has drawn inspiration from the old Manhattan piers where boats used to dock, reinventing the structural piles that held the platforms above water. By transforming the piles into design objects, the studio managed to maintain the area’s original identity, safeguarding biodiversity within a contemporary vision.
7. Floating Music Hub – São Vicente, Cape Verde
Photo: NLE
Run by Nigerian architect Kunlé Adeyemi, Amsterdam-based NLÉ studio has recently inaugurated São Vicente’s Floating Music Hub, a one-of-a-kind performing arts center, restaurant and recording studio in Cape Verde. Composed of three triangular pavilions that float on the ocean, the structure is built in sustainable timber and aims to celebrate the long history of musical tradition of Cape Verde by offering a space for local and international artists to produce and perform their work.
8. The Cloudscape of Haikou — Haikou, China
Photo: MAD
For centuries, because of its geographical position on the shores of the South China Sea, Haikou has been an important center for the exchange of goods and ideas traveling across land and maritime ways. MAD’s Cloudscape of Haikou, a curvy concrete library, carries forward this tradition through a structure that appears shaped by the ocean winds it is exposed to.
The Cloudscape is the first of sixteen pavilions designed by renown international architects that will be erected along Haikou’s coast to revitalize the area. MAD’s project will host a bookshop whose shelves will stretch into circular rooms reminiscent of animals’ lair, with a reading room facing directly onto the ocean.
9. Shanghai Astronomy Museum — Shanghai, China
Photo: Ennead
Perhaps the most futuristic building of our best architecture of 2021 collection, the new, spaceship-like Astronomy Museum of Shanghai is the largest of its kind in the world. Designed by New York City-based architectural firm Ennead, the museum covers an area of 420,000 square feet and has no straight walls or corners. Three circular structures, mimicking orbital motion, the Oculus, the Inverted Dome and the Sphere, house the entry of the museum, a sky and star viewing point, and the planetarium theater, respectively. There is also a 78-foot solar telescope on the grounds of the museum.
10. Stadium 974 — Doha, Qatar
Photo: Road to 2022/Facebook
The 40,000-seat Stadium 974 has replaced the former Ras Abu Aboud Stadium in Doha in preparation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Major international sporting events often involve the rapid construction of infrastructure by host countries, which is later left abandoned or only partially used for lack of need or resources. Spanish studio Fenwick Iribarren Architects has attempted to solve the problem by building the first stadium made of repurposed shipping containers and partially recycled steel.
Thanks to its modular design, it will be possible to dismantle and reassemble the colorful Stadium 974, either to move the structure elsewhere or to reduce its size for smaller events after the World Cup is over. Fun fact: 974 is both the international dialing code for Qatar and the number of shipping containers used in the construction of the stadium.
11. TECLA 3D Printed House — Massa Lombarda, Italy
Photo: Iago Corazza via Mario Cucinella Architects
Earlier this year, Mario Cucinella Architects unveiled the first 3D printed house made entirely from raw and locally sourced clay. Presented in Glasgow at COP26 as an example of an accessible and sustainable housing model, TECLA — a combination of the words “technology” and “clay” — was developed as a low-carbon structure by the School of Sustainability founded by Mario Cucinella in conjunction with 3D printing technology WASP.
Looking like an ancient desert dwelling, the 8-shaped house is composed of two domes that connect, forming the spaces for a bedroom and a kitchen and living area, with plenty of natural light entering from the oculus on the top of the structure. Much of the furniture found inside the house was also 3D printed from local materials. A whole TECLA house can be produced in under 200 hours.
12. Stormwater Facility — Toronto, Canada
Photo: gh3
Who says that civic infrastructure buildings can’t be beautiful? Canadian firm gh3 was commissioned a state-of-the-art stormwater treatment facility in the outskirts of Toronto and delivered a minimalistic, geometrical structure set to become a landmark in the city. Located on the northeast corner of Lake Shore Boulevard and Cherry Street, the concrete monolith covers the latest technology for the cleaning of urban waters under an aesthetically pleasing design meant to highlight Toronto’s commitment to sustainable innovation.
13. The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School — Salkha, India
Photo: Diana Kellog Architects
New York-based Diana Kellog Architects have designed the oval-shaped Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School under the supervision of CITTA, the non-profit organization responsible for the development of social infrastructure in some of the world’s most economically challenged regions. Offering educational space to over 400 girls of the remote community of Salkha, in Rajasthan’s arid desert, where female literacy rates are still extremely low.
Built in local sandstone and hand-carved by Rajasthani artisans, the school has solar panels installed on its canopy, allowing for the reduction of carbon emissions.
14. Punta Majahua – Troncones, Mexico
Photo: Zozaya Arquitectos
Natural colors blend with the fluid forms of this residential complex designed by Zozaya Arquitectos in the state of Guerrero in south-western Mexico. The 39 luxurious apartments facing the Pacific Ocean are housed in six buildings that integrate seamlessly with the landscape thanks to the use of local materials such as bamboo, palm branches, and river stones.
15. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures – Los Angeles, US
Photo: Iwan Baan/Courtesy of Academy Museum of Motion Pictures via Renzo Piano Building Workshop/Facebook
The new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano is housed inside the renovated Seban Building, built in 1939. While many of the original architectural features were maintained, the expansion of the Seban Building involved the construction of a massive spherical structure which now houses the 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater.
The addition of the steel, glass, and concrete sphere creates a continuity between the history of the City of Angels and its future, offering a space to learn about the craft of filmmaking and look forward to the technological innovations that are changing the industry. With 50,000-square-feet of exhibition space — including an education studio named after Shirley Temple — and a rich calendar of events, there will be no shortage of inspiration. 
The 9 cutest baby animals born in 2021
With the end of the year comes mixed feelings for different people. Some may be relieved to turn the page and start fresh, while others may see a new year as a reminder that time is always slipping through their fingers.
But whether you’re mourning or celebrating the end of 2021, there’s one thing everyone can agree on — tons of adorable baby animals entered the world in 2021, and that’s an objectively great thing. While we’d like to spotlight every one of the cutest baby animals born this year, there are simply too many to count, so we’re narrowing it down to the ultra-huggable, ultra-heartwarming options below. But there are plenty of births from zoos, sanctuaries, reserves, and rescue centers to fill an hour or two of online browsing.
Without further ado: these are the cutest baby animals born around the world this year that will make your heart melt.
1. Huan Lili and Yuan Dudu: panda twins at Zoo de Beauval, FranceNot one but two pandas were born at Zoo de Beauval in Saint-Aignan-Sur-Cher, France, to mother Huan Huan. The birth is the result of contact between resident panda Huan Huan and male panda Yuan Zi, as well as artificial insemination by animal reproduction specialists just to make sure the mating was a success. Their naming, which took place in November, was the source of much interest, as Huan Lili was named after Paris (“lili” represents Paris), while Yuan Dudu was named after Chengdu, China. In addition to being incredibly cute, the pandas represent the joint efforts of the ZooParc de Beauval and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, indicating the potential for more border-crossing conservation and research efforts. — a symbolic nod to the collaboration between the two countries and institutions.
2. Brazos: Asian elephant calf at the Fort Worth Zoo, USBrazos is one of the cutest baby animals The Fort Worth Zoo welcomed in 2021, though at 255 pounds, he’s a pretty big baby. But in elephant terms, that’s actually pretty small. Born Oct 21, he’s an Asian elephant, who came into the world at 37 inches tall and with a trunk length of 12 inches — apparently the perfect example of a bouncing baby boy. Since Asian elephant populations in the wild have been steeply declining, zoos and conservation parks may soon be the only place you can see them, thanks to the conservation efforts of places like the Fort Worth Zoo. It has a promising track record of elephant conservation; Brazos’ half-brother Bowie was born in 2013 and his mother (Bluebonnet) was born at the zoo in 1998.
3. Salia: wild ass (wild donkey) at the Basel Zoo, SwitzerlandNo, “wild ass mare” isn’t a characterization of how this donkey behaves at parties. The youngest child of the Somali wild ass Mwana (also known as a wild donkey) Salia was born at Zoo Basel, and by all accounts is quite well-behaved. She enjoys spriting outside with her mother, and is described as playful. Salia is one of just 200 Somali wild asses in zoos around the world. Since these donkeys are endangered, she is an important part of a waning population and scientists help she’ll eventually have foals of her own.
4. Pygmy hippo calf at Taronga Zoo, Sydney
This female Pygmy hippo is the first calf born at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo in over four years. Born to parents Kambiri and Fergus, the calf is still learning how to walk, and spends most of her time in an off-exhibit nursery den. She also doesn’t yet know how to swim or hold her breath underwater — those are skills she’ll have to learn from her mother. Pygmy hippos are native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, and are considered endangered with somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 left in the wild. She’s so new to the world that she doesn’t yet have a name, but fans can vote for their favorite on the Zoo’s website until Dec. 19.
5. Jamila, Kumani, and Malakia: lion cubs at ZOOM Erlebniswelt, Germany
If they had just a few more siblings, these lion triplets could form the entire cast of “The Lion King.” Born at ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen, Jamila (“the beautiful one”), Malaika (“angel”) and Kumani (“fate”) live with their mother, Fiona, in one of the zoo’s caves. They were born on October 8 and so far, handlers say they’re curious and playful. Visitors are welcome to pay the lion cubs a visit, though the cubs might not always choose to appear for guests.
6. Blue-crowned pigeon chick at the Santa Barbara Zoo, US
Photo: Santa Barbara Zoo/Facebook
This as-yet nameless blue-crowned pigeon chick was born in the Wings of Asia aviary at the Santa Barbara Zoo. The chick was born with no feathers, but had a small, feather crest starting to appear on his head by the time he turned 15 days old. Now, he’s almost fully covered in soft blue feathers. Similar to his parents, he’ll eventually have a large crest on his head and be recognizable by his brilliant blue coloring — a hue that doesn’t often occur organically in nature. You can visit the chick as well as its parents in the aviary.
7. Baby gorilla at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, USOn November 4, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo proudly announced the birth of the first gorilla in its 139-year history. He was born Oct. 26 and weighed just three pounds. Interestingly, mom Nneka didn’t seem too keen on motherhood, but one of the zoo’s other females, Fredrika, apparently took to the infant immediately. In fact, she even carries him to the zookeepers for daily feedings. The to-be-named gorilla will be in constant contact with Fredrika for the first six months, and rely on a nurse for three years after that. The newborn is currently being bottle-fed by the zoo’s animal care team, and trained using positive reinforcement techniques. Visitors can see the baby during a limited midday window, but even if you don’t see him during your visit, the cost of admission makes a difference. The zoo partners with the Karisoke Research Center, an organization founded by noted primatologist Dian Fossey, to protect wild gorillas in Rwanda and the DRC.
8. Lennie: Sea lion pup at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, USOne of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s cutest baby animals this year was Lennie, a sea lion pup born in June. The name Lennie was picked by a zoo donor who shares Lennie’s birthday. The donor’s mother’s middle name was Lenore, and in her honor, the seal pup was bestowed with the same name — but it’s Lennie for short. Lennie is now around six months old and recently learned how to swim. Guests can visit with her and her mom on one of the zoo’s “Behind the Marina” sea lion tours.
9. Baby giraffe at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, US
Photo: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium/Facebook
A new baby giraffe was born at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha this past August to mother Betty Francis and father Jawara. Both parents and child are reticulated giraffes (Somali giraffes), which are endangered. Only around 16,000 are left in the wild, so any new addition to the species is welcome and encouraging news. The calf has been reported to be independent, attentive, and well-behaved. One of 10 giraffes now housed at the zoo, the calf has begun socializing with other giraffes and getting comfortable with the movements and dynamics of the herd.
The top Portugal Airbnbs for an unforgettable trip to the country’s coasts, hills, and cities
Travel to Portugal is all about nature, wine, food, and culture. As such, you want a Portugal Airbnb that complements the experience. Whether you plan to visit the eccentric capital city of Lison, stroll the plazas of Porto, hang by the beach, or escape to the hillsides, these are the best Portugal Airbnbs to have an unforgettable vacation.
We hope you love the Portugal Airbnbs 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. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
Beachfront Airbnbs in PortugalThe best Airbnbs in PortoThe best Airbnbs in LisbonPortugal Airbnbs in the hills and countrysideBeachfront Airbnbs in PortugalLuxury beachfront villa in Colares
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
The turquoise and blue waters of the Atlantic and the rugged yellows, browns and greens of the Portuguese coast have never come together so well. This luxury beachfront villa in Colares features a massive outdoor chilling area with a pool overlooking the ocean. There’s of course a pergola, and the entire setting gives way to a home that is nothing short of Hollywood-worthy. You can walk to the beach, cruise the sand, and then stroll to lunch or dinner at the plethora of nearby cafes and restaurants.
Sixteen guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $844 per night
Casa na Costa Alentejana House on Alentejo Shore
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Staying within a natural reserve near the beach is a vacation dream. This Alentenhana house is the living embodiment of that dream. Cozy and convenient, you’ll have easy access to the reserve and the beach. Hiking and long walks are aplenty. When it’s time to chill, the home has a fireplace and a large kitchen perfect for trying your hand at Portugal’s coastal classics (if you master a Cataplana de Marisco, please let us know your secrets).
Eight guests, flour bedrooms
Price: $363 per night
Penthouse Praia luxury surfshack and retreat
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This large penthouse unit sits just above Dona Ana Beach. The waves are nice, the water is comfortable, and the surrounding village is a beach lover’s paradise. Inside are the trimmings of royalty — the kitchen is well stocked and the open plan leaves the sun to fill in the voids. It’s luxurious to the fullest extent, with high thread counts and expansive windows opening to the ocean. And the sunsets over the water are the stuff of legend.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $314 per night
Luxurious ‘Casa Marmelo’ overlooking river and hills
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
High in the hills outside Porto is this luxurious retreat overlooking the Douro and Bestanca Rivers. Catch golden hour from the infinity pool, where the sun sparkles off the river and casts a glow over the entire property. It only gets better from there — the living space features expansive windows and a terraced garden from which to sip wine and overlook the river valley below. The property features a pool table and large indoor and outdoor dining spaces. You’ll likely spend most of your time rotating between the infinity pool and the avocado chairs on the deck, however — the views from both are unparalleled.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $564 per night
Porto’s Casa do Gólgota mansion on the river
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
What if you could have the best of Porto’s vibrant city life and the privacy that comes with staying in a secluded mansion? You can at this luxe mansion on the river — a solar-powered oasis occupying a stretch of property between the ocean and downtown Porto since the 8th Century. Here, you’re literally staying in a piece of history — with all the trappings of modern luxury to boot. If visiting Porto with a larger group, there’s no better place to ensure everyone has space without sacrificing the convenience of urban living.
Sixteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $686 per night
Bridge-view suite with large terrace overlooking Douro
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Coffee on the terrace watching the morning boats go by sounds pretty incredible right now if you ask us. This suite on the Douro River in central Porto is the spot for just that — a top-notch accommodation with a comfortable living space and all the views that brought you to Europe in the first place. Gaze out over the cityscape, walk to cafes and restaurants, and don’t forget the wine — Porto doesn’t wait until 5:00 to indulge, and neither should you.
Fourteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $784 per night
Chiado penthouse in central Lisbon
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Lisbon’s historical center is among Europe’s most charming destinations. A stay within it is a must-do for all travelers to Portugal. The way to separate your trip from the rest is to optimize that stay with the best possible property, the most gorgeous views, and the easiest access to the city’s food, cultural highlights, and nightlife. This penthouse apartment does just that. You’ll overlook water and cityscape, walk to everything, and return to a tricked-out pad that resembles something out of a Connery-era James Bond film. Optimization complete.
Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $364 per night
Amazing penthouse apartment overlooking city center
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Look at photos of Lisbon and you’ll notice one recurring theme. The city’s red-roofed skyline plays a prominent role in defining the character of Lisbon. A stay in this luxurious penthouse duplex lets you take it all in from above — with a glass of local wine in hand, of course. You’ll be right on Bairro Alto, ready to explore the city on foot, though the unit comes with one free parking space in case you do have a car. The interior is equally charming with ample sitting room and a large kitchen.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $266 per night
Luxury villa just east of city center
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Caxias, just east of central Lisbon, is among the most charming places in Portugal. From this colorful luxury villa you’ll have easy access to the city, the beach, and lots of unique dining options that those who never venture from central Lisbon aren’t privy to. Oh, and there’s an absolutely gorgeous pool, which beckons day and night (or both, if you’re like us). This one’s built for groups and smaller stays, and comes with a game room stocked with a pool and foosball table.
Sixteen guests, four bedrooms
Price: $354 per night
Douro Quinta with stunning river and valley views
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
If pool-based lounging overlooking terraced hillsides is your vision of tranquility, look no further than this expansive villa. The infinity pool looks out over the river and mountains beyond the property. Inside, the kitchen is built for family gatherings and the bedrooms are filled with natural light. Spend days wine touring, hiking, biking, or cafe cruising in nearby Ervedosa do Douro. No matter what you opt for, one thing’s for certain — you’ve never seen a better sunrise in your life.
Twelve guests, six bedrooms
Price: $497 per night
Magical villa in Sintra, Lisboa
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Have you ever taken a bath outside? After staying in this luxury villa you will have taken several. The outdoor bathtub is just one highlight — this property feels like a wine cellar, and that’s because there is one. There are also many excellent places to sip said wine, including a nook fit for a sommelier and a stove-heated living room comfortable even for large groups. If wine is the ticket to Portugal, this home is the venue.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $742 per night
Douro Green in the mountains east of Porto
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Stately swimming pools are a must when renting Portugal Airbnbs. The Douro Green has one of the finest, replete with a sauna, jacuzzi, and even an indoor gym to match. Gourmet meals are easily prepared in the chef’s kitchen, and taste even better when enjoyed al fresco overlooking the Douro River. The only excursion you’ll need to make is down to the dock to put into the river.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $564 per night
7 easy places to get married that are not Vegas
After years of uncertainty with pandemic restrictions and cancellations, many couples are ditching the traditional wedding formula. Instead, they’re turning to intimate elopements and exceptional destination wedding packages. Yet there is more to an overseas elopement than just picking a striking location. Many popular places like France require months of residency or complicated bureaucratic timelines for a legal marriage, making a symbolic wedding the only real possibility for international couples.
However, other countries make it as easy as possible for an unforgettable and internationally legal “I do.” These experts and their experiences take destination wedding packages to the next level with minimal hassle.
1. Charter a private yacht for your destination wedding on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast
Croatia is already a trendy destination darling with its historic white-walled cities, award-winning wines, and thousands of islands to explore. But it’s also a haven for small-ship cruising. Chartering a private yacht for a combined wedding and honeymoon here is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With a range of options and a savvy planner, having a small ship to yourself is easier than you think.
The charter company Goolets checks all the boxes. Founded by Mitja and Alenka Mirtič in 2005, Goolets offers personalized luxury with local expertise. Couples can choose from intimate, classic wooden yachts like the one the Mirtičs married on, a rare 48m superyacht, or ships that can accommodate up to 100 guests.
Using a company with deeply rooted local connections is a game-changer in Croatia. Goolets’s local crews can easily tailor excursions and walk couples through the planning process. The ceremony can be on the yacht, but Goolets can also arrange a ceremony in historic churches, palaces, beaches, mountain tops, luxury restaurants, or anywhere the coast has to offer.
Getting married in Croatia, especially with the support of a wedding planner, is uncomplicated. A legal civil ceremony needs birth certificates, passports, and other standard documentation to be approved by the local registrar. A wedding coordinator can help submit documentation at least 30 days prior and the couple needs to meet with a registrar a few days in advance.
2. Helicopter to dramatic destination wedding ceremony settings in New Zealand
New Zealand is home to a bounty of outdoor activities, gorgeous mountain backdrops, many inaccessible on a casual drive. But the adventurous can board a helicopter in their wedding finest and soar to mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and glacial ledges to say their vows.
In 2007, Laura and Fredrik Larsson started the area’s first helicopter wedding business combining her expertise in wedding planning and his award-winning photography. Heli Weddings New Zealand’s packages include landings, photography, support with the legal application, an officiant, witnesses if needed, and bubbles to celebrate. If the weather isn’t cooperating, they are flexible or have an indoor venue.
The easy legal process only adds to the too-good-to-be-true possibilities. The application for a marriage license is available online and the same for all couples, requiring at least three working days and no residency.
3. Go for a truly stress-free elopement wedding in welcoming DenmarkGetting Married in Denmark/Elena Belevantseva
Getting Married in Denmark/Martina Lanotte
Getting Married in Denmark/Martina Lanotte
Denmark, known as the “Vegas of Europe” when it comes to weddings, brings in over 15,000 international couples every year to get married. For many, it’s easier to get hitched in Denmark than in their own countries, and the marriage is recognized back home.
“It’s a beautiful country that is set up perfectly for international couples, LGBTQIA+ couples, multinational couples, couples from any race, any religion or walk of life that want to get married,” says Rasmus Clarck, director of Getting Married in Denmark.
Clarck highlights a fast process that doesn’t require a birth certificate, widely and well-spoken English that helps many couples feel comfortable, and a warm and welcoming population. Getting Married in Denmark (GMiD) will help couples walk through every piece from legal process to venues to vendors.
Denmark can be more than just a place to get the certificate. Copenhagen City Hall breaks dreary city hall stereotypes by offering a historical gem in a bustling location. GMiD also recommends an ancient UNESCO church an hour to the south whose free-floating balcony hangs over cliffs.
Clarck’s advice — enjoy it to the fullest! “Make your trip to Denmark an intimate experience, book somewhere nice to eat for lunch or the evening after your ceremony, because you will feel super in love that day!”
4. One of the best destination wedding packages for Safari in South Africa
Shamwari Private Game Reserve/VanBode Wedding Photo and Video
Combine your most romantic moment with a bucket list adventure of a lifetime–a safari spotting some of the world’s most iconic wildlife. South Africa makes the less glamourous legalities possible with no residency requirements for marriage and standard documentation to process the certificate.
The Shamwari Private Game Reserve brings the luxe bush experience together with a personalized wedding that takes care of all legal considerations. Couples can stay in one of seven five-star lodges and choose indoor venues or traditional bomas for the ceremony. Packages include an officiant, planner, and all the classic details.
Accessibility is always a consideration when planning a safari venue, and Shamwari has a shorter drive to an airport than many other options.
5. Say “I do” in a castle in Scotland
Timeless White Wedding Planning/Jordan Both Photography
Timeless White Wedding Planning/Craig George Photography
Timeless White Wedding Planning/Craig & Eva Sanders Photography
“If you can bear the possibility of the dramatic backdrop of the misty mountains in exchange for a wedding experience that you and your guests will never forget, then Scotland is so for you!”
Emma Matthews, director and founder of Timeless White Wedding Planning, knows the natural beauty of Scotland, from the Highlands to the Borders, pairs perfectly with historic castles and lodges. She also touts how straightforward it is to be legally married in Scotland for couples of all faiths and sexual orientations.
“You can be married literally anywhere you choose provided the Officiant deems it a respectful location. And there are no laws binding you or your future spouse to time in the country,” said Matthews.
Couples need to apply to the United Kingdom for a “marriage visitors visa” no sooner than three months before arrival and then submit that visa to the local district office to process the paperwork. Timeless White Weddings helps guide couples through this process in addition to choosing a venue, vendors, arrival activities, and every detail from start to finish.
6. Consider the famous beaches of Seychelles for the ultimate beach destination wedding
For those wanting a beach wedding that goes beyond the ordinary, look to Seychelles’ world-famous beaches in the Indian Ocean off the coast of eastern Africa.
This balmy-all-year-long tropical destination is as easy and relaxed as they come once you get off that long flight. “Travelers soak in this vibe once they arrive. It’s visa-free, easy to reach, and only a few documents are required to get legally married,” says Mireille Haas, director of Seychelles Wedding.
“We assist with all of the planning, booking, transfers, excursions. We offer full-service wedding planning. Basically, there is not much left for the couple, except to show up at the wedding date with the rings,” said Haas.
Haas recommends the beaches on the main island of Mahe with over sixty choices and infrastructure to host larger events. For those wanting an intimate, “small island vibe,” she suggests looking to islands like Praslin and La Digue.
7. Take the marital plunge in the hot springs of a Costa Rican rainforest
Costa Rica delivers the “Pura Vida” for couples with barely a time zone change. The legal process is simple with an officiant. All you’ll need is your passports, a few forms, and at least two witnesses for it to be certified by the consulate. The hardest part will be picking the venue.
While Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is known for its beach resorts, it’s possible to get destination wedding packages in the mountainous cloud rainforest in the hills of a currently inactive volcano. The Springs Resort and Spa host weddings at their award-winning, five-star setting. Couples can choose between Arenal Volcano as a backdrop or the cascading hot springs and river flowing out from the resort’s open plan. The resort has a recommended officiant and guides couples through the process.
Outside of the ceremony, guests can enjoy river tubing, rappelling, rock climbing, nature walks, and some of the world’s longest ziplines in the nearby tropical rainforests of Arenal and Monteverde.
December 14, 2021
4 unique desert experiences near the Las Vegas Strip
LAS VEGAS might not be the first city that comes to find for an outdoorsy vacation. It should be, however. The city known for bright lights, bars, and casinos, is the perfect basecamp for desert discovery and wide-open spaces. As a first-time visitor to the area this past summer, it was shocking to discover what there was to see beyond the strip — out in the desert is where the real action is. Here’s how to see the best
1. Valley of Fire State Park
Photo: Jessica Kelly
It may not be worth it to rent a car if you stay on the strip, but it sure is if you plan to get out and explore the desert. Many of the resort hotels have car rentals available on-site. I stayed at the Bellagio, which has Avis available at the hotel. Renting a car for 24 hours cost $75, but the ability to visit Valley of Fire State Park more than justified the cost. Pack water and head out in the morning for the one-hour drive to the park entrance.
Entering the park about feels as though you’re entering Mars. Allow at least half a day to cruise the 40,000 acres of engraved Aztec sandstone, swirls of limestone, and stunning red rock along the winding roads through the park. Temperatures here at times exceed 115°, so you’ll be thankful for the air conditioning in your rental car. The rocks are bright red and when the sun hits them as it traverses above the desert, making each appear to be on fire at various points throughout the day. Throughout the park explorers will spot natural stones and arches, some in the shape of recognizable natural objects and animals like beehives or elephants, among other Native American art. Many rock formations are visible right off the road including the Seven Sisters at Valley of Fire State Park. This formation consists of seven bright red boulders amid the desert. Others require hiking further into the park, inlucing the 1.2-mile trek to Elephant Rock. If you plan to hike, head to the park early to avoid the extreme heat.
2. Nellis Dunes
Photo: ImagesByBen/Shutterstock
Nellis Dunes lies about 20 miles northeast of the strip at the Apex Exit of Interstate 15. The Nellis Dunes are primarily used by off-road vehicles (OHVs) to tear through the sand dunes on a variety of trails and obstacles, along with various terrains to practice on before reaching the soft sand. Visitors can shred in their own vehicles or rent a dune buggy from SunBuggy Fun Rentals at 6925 Speedway Blvd c106. You’ll meet at the company’s main office first, located a couple of miles from the sand dunes, to be fitted for a helmet, a dust mask, and to watch a safety video of the animals you may encounter and what you can expect on your excursion. SunBuggy does what they call a Baja Case Tour. It can be difficult to communicate while you’re actually riding, so the guide will give the rider ways to get their attention — just be sure to keep an eye on the rearview mirror. The Baja Chase is essentially the rider mimicking the tour guide’s moves on the path throughout the sand dunes. That being said, it’s easily tailored to what the rider is comfortable with. Some people want to rip through the steep dunes and others are leery of flipping the vehicle and would rather play it safe while still getting a feel of the experience.
3. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Photo: Shackleford Photography /Shutterstock
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is frequented by a legion of diehard climbers and recreators that claim this jaw-dropping expanse of rock faces and the canyon they surround is a better experience than Valley of Fire. I suggest seeing both if you have time. Drive west from the strip about 17 miles, and you’ll hit Red Rock Canyon, the state’s first national conservation area.
Like Valley of Fire, there are hiking trails and scenic drives, about 13 miles in total. Visitors come from all over to explore the trails by car, bike, horse, and even to try rock climbing for a birds-eye view of the landscape. Be sure to research ahead of time if you have to reserve a spot for your vehicle during their busy travel season. This generally begins around October and goes through May.
4. Seven Magic Mountains
Photo: Kelli Hayden/Shutterstock
Ten miles south of the strip is the Seven Magic Mountains art installation in the middle of the desert. The piece consists of seven brightly colored, massive towers of stacked totem limestone boulders up to 35 feet high. The creator of this large-scale artwork, Switzerland-born and New York-based artist Ugo Rondinone, is known internationally for his beautiful — iff oddball — works of art. If you can, visit at dusk. As the sun sets, the light reflects on the rocks, making the colors even more vivid. Rondinone created the outdoor installation near Jean Dry Lake off Interstate 15 on the Ivanpah Valley across from the Sheep Mountain Range.
Salt Lake City’s best Airbnbs for an urban ski gateawy
Salt Lake City is the gateway to Utah’s ski country. Contrary to what you may have heard, the city itself is vibrant and lively — yes, you can drink craft beer and yes, there is live music and even nightclubs. SLC is the perfect base for your next ski trip — and these are the top Salt Lake City Airbnbs to host your stay.
We hope you love the Salt Lake City Airbnbs 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. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
Luxury designer home in the Capitol Hill historic district
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This luxury mid-century modern home in the Marmalade district is one of the cities finest homes. The home’s bright and airy living room has heated floors, a sound system, and has access to the patio. The kitchen also has heated floors, a gas stove, and the dining room has gorgeous mountain views. You’ll dine under a beautiful sleek chandelier. The home also features a family room, study room, a back patio with a mountain view, and a BBQ grill.
Six guests, one bedroom
Price: $421 per night
Modern condo in converted warehouse near downtown
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Located inside a beautiful 100-year old converted warehouse is this modern condo. The unit has a full-sized kitchen equipped with all appliances, and it features an open and airy living room with a couch that turns into a queen-sized bed. The master bedroom has a queen-sized bed with a full-sized bathroom. It’s located right downtown and within walking distance to Gateway Mall and a ten-minute drive from the airport.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $169 per night
Quaint cottage near University of Utah and Little Cottonwood Canyon
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Experience this cottage-like home just five minutes from downtown. The cabin is located in a quiet, safe neighborhood, and there is a fully equipped kitchen, open living room plan, and dining area for guests. The master bedroom and guest bedroom are furnished with queen-sized beds and there’s a sleeper sofa in the living room for extra guests. Here you can experience the best of downtown SLC (try Beer Bar) and the ski hills are less than an hour away.
Six guests, two-bedroom
Price: $209 per night
Contemporary home in Cottonwood Heights with mountain views
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Welcome to a true escape from reality. This home is tucked away in Cottonwood Heights, the gateway to Little Cottonwood Canyon and all the epicness therewithin. The living space features a fireplace and seating area with a patio view and access, and there is a full kitchen with an island and two dining areas. Two bedrooms are equipped with king-sized beds, one has a queen-sized bed, and two full bathrooms and one-half bathroom. Guests can also see beautiful mountain views on the back patio and lounge in the hot tub.
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $450 per night
Swanky downtown condo near convention center
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This modern downtown condo is perfect for a relaxing trip to Salt Lake City. There is a full kitchen with a bar stocked with wine (because not all ski days need to involve PBR). The living room and dining area are connected, and there is also an outdoor patio where you can sit and relax. You can also enjoy the shared gym, common area, and rooftop BBQ area.
Five guests, one bedroom
Price: $105 per night
The Hammock House with sauna and hot tub
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This spacious contemporary home, more commonly known as The Hammock House, sits at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Hammock House has a spacious living room with three conveniently-placed hammocks for apres-lounging and the industrial sleek style kitchen comes equipped with all appliances. The home also has a game room and a backyard sauna and hot tub if you want to loosen up after a long day of skiing.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $399 per night
Pet-friendly family retreat
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Contemporary meets chic at this fully renovated four-bedroom two-bath home. This one is ideal for families and groups, or couples trips. The house has a full kitchen with an island and dining area for guests to sit and have dinner. Two rooms have full king-sized beds, and one room has a queen bed while the other has two bunk beds. There is also a fully fenced-in backyard for the kids to play around or your small dog to run around in.
10 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $152 per night
Remodeled basement space near Park City and ski resorts
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Centrally located between SLC and Park City, this remodeled basement space has a kitchenette with a full fridge and oven and an island bar area for seating. There is also a full bedroom and bathroom with a sliding door for more privacy. This Salt Lake City Airbnb is located in the basement of a home, but the room has been remolded with additional insulation to eliminate sound and keep you warm on those chilly winter evenings.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $92 per night
Stylish apartment in 100 year old historical building
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This 100-year-old industrial-style apartment boasts a full kitchen and living room with a view. Its couch has a queen-size memory foam sofa bed (because you know your buddy wants to come on the ski trip but can’t afford that full bedroom), a 55″ 4k Roku smart tv, and a fireplace. The bedroom has a king-sized bed with a full bathroom attached and a walk-in closet with a roll-away bed for even more sleeping space. This home is kid-friendly, and if needed, the host will provide a complimentary Pack-N-Play, high chair, or booster seat & toys.
Five guests, one bedroom
Price: $126 per night
Artistic bright and airy townhouse in downtown
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Who doesn’t love a bright Bohoemiam townhouse conveniently located next to coffee shops, local bars, and restaurants? This townhouse has a smart garage, kitchen, and complete living room with a couch that can be converted into a bed. There is also an outdoor patio where guests can sit and enjoy a morning coffee.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $120 per night
Matador Network Creators Choice Awards: Favorite outdoor adventure brand
There’s an abundance of options when it comes to outdoor outfitters. Making a decision on which company to buy from has a built in list of factors to consider: longevity of the clothes and equipment, checking if what’s available matches your interests, the ethos of the brand itself, and so on. So we turned to the tens of thousands of writers, photographers, and travel experts in Matador Network’s Creators Community to find the best of the best.
Among the many great brands that creators listed as top adventure gear brands, one stood out as a fan favorite: Patagonia. It’s easy to understand why, and the brand is also a favorite with Matador Network editors. Decades of experience fine-tuning outdoor gear, a wide selection, and a commitment to sustainability all factor into reasons why. To that last point, as we’ve noted before, sustainability is always fashionable, which is a big reason why Patagonia frequently tops lists.
Founder Yvon Chouinard started Patagonia as we know it in 1973 after years of climbing experience and a stint starting and running what became the largest climbing hardware supplier in the United States, Chouinard Equipment. Insulating clothes, innovative water-resistant climbing and hiking wear, and a slew of purpose-driven outdoor clothing for all types of adventures (in vivid colors, no less) followed.
The brand bolstered its reputation for quality gear with a commitment to the environment. Patagonia started donating 10 percent of yearly profits to small groups that restore the habitat in 1986. Yearly environmental education campaigns began a few years later, starting with Yosemite, which led to work on dams, wildlands projects, and wildlife corridors.
Patagonia’s sustainability work has continued through the past decade as the brand continued to bolster its outfitter reputation. The Certified B Corporation went so far as to change its mission statement in 2018 to, “We’re in business to save our home planet.” In 2021, Patagonia won the US State Department’s Award for Corporate Excellence in the Climate Innovation category.
That’s something Matador Network can get behind, and it’s clearly something that those in our Creators Community equally value.
Instantly elevate your home cooking with these Asian kitchen tools
Setting up the proper home kitchenis practically a rite of passage when entering adulthood. For many people in America, that means stocking our shelves with the classics, like a quality knife set and skillet, and trendy appliances, like a dutch oven, Instant Pot, and air fryer. Cuisines from all over Asia are wildly popular in North America — from sushi to pho to soup dumplings — but there are probably more than a few amateur home cooks who may not have considered implementing Asian kitchen tools in their own kitchens.
The executive chef of Morimoto Asia, Chef Yuhi Fujinaga, thinks more Americans should experiment with Asian kitchen tools. Many of these appliances, like a rice cooker for instance, are found in kitchens across Asia, where they are just as popular as the Instant Pot is in America. But there is a good reason that tools like a delicate grater and an ultra-sharp mandolin enjoy ubiquitous status in Asia: These tools are versatile, precise, and make your food look good and taste better.
Though Chef Fujinaga is Japanese, he received his culinary training in Western kitchens. During his training, he discovered that the quality of the ingredients is just as important as the techniques and tools used to prepare them. Still, there are a few appliances he highly recommends that every home cook should own to make their process in the kitchen smooth and seamless.
Here are five Asian kitchen tools Chef Yuhi Fujinaga considers essential, and how to use each one.
A long-lasting knife set
Piti Tan/Shutterstock
Knives are an important part of the kitchen and usually one of the first investments we make in our own spaces. Before making a financially binding decision, Chef Fujinaga let us in on a little secret.
“Most top chefs in the world all use Japanese knives. Their thinner blades make sharpening easier and they are easy to handle,” he says.
Japanese knives are created using traditional Japanese blacksmithing techniques. Unlike the stainless steel we are accustomed to in America, these are traditionally made from a type of steel called Hagane, the same material used to make Samurai swords. The handles on Japanese knives are typically easier to handle and the single-bevel blade is marked by an extremely sharp edge. They inherently require more care and maintenance — as chipping is not uncommon— than American knives but are more adept at basic cooking tasks like chopping vegetables, garlic, ginger, and other essential ingredients.
Agile cooking chopsticks
Boontoom Sae-Kor/Shutterstock
America has its forks, but in East Asia, the utensil resting in your hand is a chopstick — and it’s not just used as a tool for eating: A longer set of chopsticks can also be for cooking dishes like meat and stir fries.
“It’s an essential tool in Japanese cooking,” Chef Fujinaga explains, “We use them for everything. It’s like the Americans using tongs. It’s much more delicate so the items you’re picking up don’t get ruined.”
Chopsticks can also be used in instances where a spoon won’t suffice — like when preparing dumplings, noodles, or soups. However, they are an extremely versatile kitchen tool that can be used for even the most menial kitchen tasks, from gently scrambling eggs to stirring soup or stock.
An efficient and fast mandolin
Fluid Frame/Shutterstock
Most people with busy schedules are looking for ways to streamline our process in the kitchen. Enter the Japanese mandolin. This all-in-one device uses steel blades to ribbon, round or matchstick cut everything from carrots to beets effortlessly and quickly in seconds (just be careful. Even the most amateur home cook can fake professional skills using this tool. The mandolin produces uniform cuts that will cook more evenly.
“It’s the secret if your knife skills aren’t at the professional level,” adds Fujinaga. “This one equipment will get you slicing like the pros.”
A versatile rice cooker
Jimmy Vong/Shutterstock
Rice cookers are ubiquitous appliances across Asia, about as common as say, a microwave is in America — and for that matter, they are becoming more and more common in Western households, too. Rice cookers do exactly what the label says, cooking rice for all sorts of tastes including fluffy rice for side dishes and rice with a sticky texture that you might use for sushi.
“The rice cooker is one of the most versatile kitchen appliances and a very vital piece of equipment in the kitchen,” proclaims Fujinaga. “Every Japanese household has one. Nowadays these rice cookers are much more than rice cookers.”
A rice cooker goes far beyond cooking rice. It can also serve as an all-purpose steamer and can braise chicken and pork dishes. Entire meals — including hearty stew or fall-off-the-bone ribs — can be fully prepared in one.
A precision grater
kazoka/Shutterstock
A bulky cheese grater may be a common staple of the American household, but the more compact, precise Japanese version is just as useful. Often made from copper, it’s typically used to finely grate ginger and garlic, but can also be used on ingredients like nutmeg and carrots.
“Sometimes we use this so much that we forget about the small things as it’s used to grate a lot of vegetables and fruits,” Fujinaga explains.
Unlike the cheese grater, the Japanese grater lies flat offering a level of stability and ease to the user. Fine slivers of raw vegetables can freshen up a dish, and the grater eliminates the need for a food processor or hand slicing. Even what seems to be the most basic tool can be a total gamechanger for the kitchen.
Zurich’s pop-up holiday hotel rooms are festooned with nipple cushions and lava lamps
Across Zurich this month, you can stay in hotel rooms with a unique artistic touch. Ten rooms in ten different hotels have been decorated by different local artists as a tribute to the holiday season — and each has earned the name Hotel Noël.
In the Hotel Sedartis, you can sleep in a “snow cave” made of layer upon layer of draped, white lacy fabric, while the Hotel Noël walls at the Glockenhof feature glow-in-the-dark celestial bodies drawn from international flags. Minimalists may prefer the subdued black-and-white photographs hung by a graphic designer at the Hotel Storchen, or geometric tiles installed at the Sorell Hotel St. Peter.
Photo: Zürich Tourism
The options are as varied as the hotels themselves, and few have more than a subtle connection to Christmas-time. It’s the work of established artists, after all, not your holiday-loving grandma.
“We did choose the artists from their broad spectrum and the diversity of their work because we wanted the rooms as diverse as possible from each other,” says Sabrina Bründler, communications manager at Zürich Tourism, which conceived the Hotel Noël idea.
A night at the Hotel Noël comes with a 24-hour Zürich Card for each guest, granting them free train, bus, and boat transport throughout Zurich, free access to dozens of museums, and discounts on many tours, restaurants, and shops — making the card one of the best ways to save money in Zurich. The Hotel Noël packages also come with breakfast included, in many cases at rates that are below the hotels’ rates for rooms without breakfast.
The most eye-popping Hotel Noël room may be at the Hotel Restaurant Bar Helvetia, where designer and stager Myriam Gämperi has plastered the guestroom with gold foil and festooned it with round, nipple-topped cushions. The blazing symbols of fertility and rebirth may be intended to mix Christmas’s pagan and Christian origins.
Photo: Zürich Tourism
I thought that was also the aim of illustrator Yehteh when I first entered his Hotel Noël rendition at the sleek Marktgasse Hotel in Zurich’s old town. I guessed that his hanging ghosts and spectral candles were a nod to Switzerland’s November turnip-carving tradition, which bridges the space between Halloween and Christmas. It turns out, though, that Yehteh just likes ghosts.
Along with the hanging phantoms, Yehteh painted ethereal figures onto the entryway walls and the showerglass. Likewise, at the Greulich Hotel, artist Corso Bertozzi covered the guest room’s outside and inside walls with graffiti-like art. But at least Bertozzi spray-painted huge, specifically sized canvases — not the walls themselves.
Photo: Zürich Tourism
Matching the hotel’s specifications and the artist’s intentions had some impact on which artist worked where, Bründler tells me. But more important was the match in style.
“Our main reason to put them together is that the hotel and the artist understand each other and respect each other and accept each other’s content,” says Bründler.
That may be why the design firm schoenstaub was paired with the 25 Hours Hotel Langstrasse, the city’s funkiest hotel, whose bar scene buzzes nightly. The hip travelers who check into its Hotel Noël guestroom will be greeted by the coppery red carpet, curtains, and bedding chosen by schoenstaub’s designer Nadja Stäubli. Most travelers, though, seem enamored by the two retro toys placed next to the mini Christman tree.
“The feedback has been quite good. Guests really like the lava lamps,” says front manager Jiulian Correll.
It’s fine if the lava lamps garner the most attention. The point of the Hotel Noëls isn’t really to spend all your time in the room admiring the particular artist’s work.
In fact, the Hotel Noël concept is meant to remind travelers that Zurich is already a great place to visit in December. It’s intended to provide “an ideal starting point for exploring the city, and at the same time we can offer local artists a showcase and communicate Zurich’s diverse offerings in the pre-Christmas season,” says Zürich Tourism’s Bründler. “Zurich offers a huge amount of Christmas experiences within a very small area.”
Among those experiences are fondue restaurants and cozy bars in tented or wooden structures, dazzling lights and sounds shows, and several seasonal markets. This year, even the outdoor Christmas markets require a COVID-19 certificate to enter, so you can feel at ease when you try a cheesy raclette or a fondue, some of Switzerland’s coziest winter foods. Wash these down with a mug of gluhwein, a hot, boozy beverage that is a must at this time of year and the first purchase for many market visitors.
Photo: Zürich Tourism
Holiday markets like the one at Sechseläutenplatz next to the Opera House also carry hand-crafted gifts, from fine gold jewelry to folksy woodwork, much of which is quite affordable — relative to Switzerland’s high cost of living, anyway. At the Christmas market inside Zurich’s main train station, the massive tree decorated with 7,000 Swarovski crystals is an imposing sight.
Across the street from the main train station is Zurich’s Landesmuseum, a formidable gallery of Swiss history and art. In its courtyard, the Illuminarium offers dazzling light shows. There are light shows for kids and some specifically for adults, even young adults on their way to the nearby nightclubs — each of them designed by local or international artists.
Photo: Zürich Tourism
Among the pop-up restaurants and tent bars are the fondue train that rolls through the city; the canal-side beer garden turned “Christmas Island” lit up in brilliant crimson; and the pop-up fondue restaurant at the Dolder Hotel, themed this year like a retro St. Moritz ski lodge. Zurich in December is packed with pop-ups, but the best-loved one may be Rudolph’s Holy Moly, an irresistibly kitschy collection of Christmas decor under a tent that still somehow leaves room for plenty of holiday imbibers.
And let’s not forget the overall holiday vibe. It is Switzerland, after all, so the gentle mountains framing Lake Zurich and the jagged Alps beyond them will be snow-topped. In fact, the whole city may be coated in white, as it was the snowy day I visited the Hotel Noëls. Add in vibrant holiday lights draped across narrow, pedestrian-only lanes or reflected across the canal and there’s hardly a better place to savor the end-of-year vibe.
Since the Hotel Noël rooms are scattered across Zurich and each at different price points, it might still be possible to squeeze in a last-minute stay in this winter-perfect city without busting your budget. Or you could make a mental note and be sure to come next year — with or without the Hotel Noëls.
Zürich Tourism hasn’t decided whether they’ll be offering the Hotel Noël concept next year, but Bründler hopes so. She said that the opening event at the end of November, which was open to everyone and featured each artist in their room, was a hit with locals.
“I really hope we can do it again,” she says. “Of course, if we do, there will be other hotels, there will be other artists.”
Even if they don’t do the Hotel Noëls again next year, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Zurich in December.
7 excellent reasons to snowshoe this winter (and not just because it’s fun)
IF YOU’RE LOOKING for something different and a bit quirky to adopt as this winter’s outdoor activity, consider taking up snowshoeing.
Mellower than snowshoeing and less painful than snowboarding (especially falling on a snowboard), snowshoeing is an ideal way to get outside and enjoy the crisp air of the winter months. You won’t have to deal with lift lines, fight the crowds while skiing down, or pay for a lift ticket. The best way to convince yourself of how amazing it can be is just to try it, but if you’re still not convinced, here are seven reasons to snowshoe this winter.
1. See your favorite nature spots in all their wintry gloryThere’s nothing like rediscovering your favorite trail from a winter perspective. The surroundings are calm and blanketed in snow, and snowshoes enable you to hike off-trail and into densely wooded terrain you wouldn’t reach otherwise. You’ll be able to move across the top of the snow, instead of through it, opening up a whole new place to play when hikers have to stay home.
2. It’s a great workoutFeeling a bit on the heavy side after all that delicious holiday food? According to Calorie Counter, snowshoeing can burn up to 330 calories in 30 minutes. That’s all the calories in a Burger King Whopper Jr. (or one sip of Grandma’s eggnog). Need another health-related reason to snowshoe? Snowshoeing is also better on your body’s joints than walking or running, since the snow cushions the impact. It’s a gentle cardio workout and a great muscle-building tool for your legs and glutes.
3. It’s tough to get lostJust follow your tracks back to the car. Of course, that won’t work on heavy snow days when your steps are covered with fresh snow by the time you turn around. But just like with hiking, you should have a map and know how to find your way back. You should also be properly prepared for a winter outing with map, compass (and/or GPS), extra food, clothing, and an emergency shelter.
4. It’s far cheaper than skiing or snowboardingWith average lift ticket prices at ski resorts creeping past $150 a day, plus the cost of equipment and lessons, you’ve got to be prepared to spend a pretty penny to get on the mountain. But since renting snowshoes for a full day usually only costs around $20, you can’t beat snowshoeing for getting the most bang out of your buck. You can also buy a pair of snowshoes for between $100 and $200, which is far less than the cost of skis or a snowboard.
5. If you can walk, you can snowshoeIt might feel a bit funny at first, but just put one foot in front of the other, and voilà: you’re snowshoeing, baby! Snowshoeing’s simplicity makes it an ideal family sport as everyone from little Bobby to weird old Aunt Esther can probably learn it. And since you have poles, it’s okay if it takes you a few sessions to figure out your balance and stride (though you’ll probably figure it out in around 10 minutes).
6. Snowshoeing is gentle on the environmentIn the same way that snowshoeing is kinder on your joints, it’s also less detrimental to the environment. The snow acts as a buffer against the impact of hikers and campers, cutting back on trail erosion and other effects of heavy use. It also will help you get into areas with fewer people, and dispersing where people are recreating across any environment is always better for the planet.
7. It just sounds cool“What did you do today, Mick?” “Oh, you know, I went snowshoeing.” Snowshoeing is fun, quirky, and peaceful — especially peaceful. Being in a snow-covered wood is quiet and a great chance to meditate, forest bathe, or otherwise just appreciate being by yourself in an amazing environment. Many people choose to snowshoe with headphones, and listening to your favorite music or podcast can be a great soundtrack if you don’t want to listen to just the sounds of silence.
Snowshoe gear deals
Photo: Debbie Galbraith/Shutterstock
We hope you love the snowshoe gear deals 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. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
Snowshoes
Snowshoes have come a long way since the tennis racquet-looking contraptions of yore (though those options are still available). For kiddos, we recommend the MSR Tyker Showshoes, available to REI members for $59.95. These snowshoes are 17 inches long and come with adjustable straps so your kids feet will continue to fit in the bindings even when they outgrow their boots. Children up to 80 pounds can trek as deep into the woods on these snowshoes as their imagination (and parents) can take them.
Beginner-level adults will take well to Yukon Charlie’s Sherpa Snowshoes. Running $89.95 to $109.95 depending on size, this option is an affordable way to get out on local trails this winter and find your footing on the snow, quite literally. Snowshoe sizes run from 21 inches to 36 inches and hold between 150 and 300 pounds of load weight (total weight of the snowshoer plus their pack). These beginner snowshoes make it easy to get comfortable on the trail and with the process of strapping in and out.
More experienced snowshoers should try the MSR Lightning Explore Snowshoes. The cushioned cradle makes these snowshoes comfortable for most boots and foot types. Users also say that they like the easy latch system, which makes it more convenient to take breaks or stretch your legs. The longer frame adds buoyancy and MSR offers an optional add-on flotation tail for carrying heavy loads. They also have a heel lift bar, so they’re useful if you’re carrying your snowboard on your back in the backcountry.
Snowshoe poles
Much like hiking is made easier by having poles, so too is walking in the snow. More contact points with the ground make you more balanced and help distribute your weight. We love the MSR DynaLock Trail Backcountry Poles. They collapse quickly and have an external lever lock to keep them set at exactly the right length. These are the industry standard both for beginner and experienced snowshoers.
Boots for snowshoeing
Most waterproof hiking boots will suffice for snowshoeing. After all, the number one demand of your footwear is that it keeps your feet dry and warm. Remember to prioritize comfort, though, because having achey feet a half-mile down the trail is a surefire way to ruin an otherwise fun day. For women, we recommend the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof Boots. Merrell’s boots are long-lasting and warm, and after a couple of wears, will fit your feet like your favorite pair of slippers. They usually retail around $109.95.
On the men’s side, Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus Omni-Heat Infinity Boot is both warm and versatile. The high-rise cuff keeps snow from getting inside, and the grippy outsole ensures you can wear them on icy and snowy surfaces even without your snowshoes. They’re usually available around $150, or sometimes a bit less when they’re on sale.
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