Matador Network's Blog, page 567
October 6, 2021
What is Fat Bear Week
The infamous 480 Otis was officially named the winner of Fat Bear Week, for the fourth time. Fat Bear Week is the online competition that documents the bears’ pre-hibernation weight gain in Alaska’s Katmai National Park & Preserve. Almost 800,000 votes were cast in the weeklong contest with Otis’ 51,230 votes beating bear 151 Walker’s 44,834 votes in the final round. At 25 years old, Otis is one of the oldest bears in the park.
Photo: Katmai National Park & Preserve/Facebook
For the seventh year in a row, Katmai National Park & Preserve held its tribute to chunky, healthy bears with this weeklong celebration. The competition itself is organized in a bracket system, where bears commonly spotted on the park’s Bear Cam face off for votes. In the single-elimination bracket-style tournament, voters decided who took home the coveted title. Now that it’s over, the bears can go and hibernate until spring. 
A version of this article was previously published on October 9, 2020, and was updated on October 6, 2021, with more information.
More like thisWildlifeThe 7 best places to see a polar bear in the wildThe post Bear 480 takes the crown in Alaska’s Fat Bear Week appeared first on Matador Network.
What it’s like to drink at Ozone, the world’s highest bar
The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong is where you’ll find the world’s highest bar. Hong Kong is known for its bustling streets and iconic food culture, and it’s a global commerce hub that’s often the first landing point for Westerners arriving in Asia. Located about 1,600 feet above the ground on the 118th floor, The Ozone is the best place to check out the city’s stunning skyline across Kowloon Bay and toward the hills beyond.
The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong is one of the world’s tallest hotels, and Ozone is on just about every list of iconic hotel bars and sights to see in Hong Kong. It’s a prime destination in a city full of them, the type of place that you look back on later and think, “I can’t believe I was there, that I actually did that.”
Upon arriving, you enter the hotel’s main lobby. A staffer will point you toward the proper elevator to ascend to the 118th floor. You’ll likely share the elevator with others going up to the bar, and odds are high they’ll be tourists like you. Expect a jovial, if slightly jittery, mood — you’re about to drink at the world’s highest bar and you never know who might be among the clientele. You’ve got to figure that people like Leonardo DiCaprio or Barack Obama would want to see this place should they happen to be in Hong Kong.
Photo: Tim Wenger
Arriving inside, the atmosphere is refined and classy, but the mood is surprisingly nonchalant. A neon-lit bar sits in the center, surrounded by lounge seating on a few high-tops. Behind the bar, a room with open seating surrounds the reason everyone is here: aerial views of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
The hotel is easy to get to via taxi or rideshare, but the best way to get there is to take the city’s MTR transit and get off at Kowloon Station. Or go on foot if you happen to be in the neighborhood already.
The bar has an enforced, but not super strict, dress code. Men are required to wear a collared shirt, and no open-toed shoes or shorts are allowed. A specific dress code is not listed for women, however most women at Ozone when I was there wore a dress or blouse. Regardless of your gender identity, you’ll feel most comfortable in cocktail attire. I arrived in the early evening and wore a collared button-down with beige pants and loafers. I felt on-par with the bar’s clientele (save for the fact that I had a hat on and most didn’t), most of whom appeared to be tourists or suit-and-tie business travelers.
I found Ozone to be formal in dress but easy-going in attitude. The view of Hong Kong immediately drew me in. The sun had begun to set over the country park behind the city, casting a purple glow across the water that reflected off the high-rise buildings on both sides. I ordered a negroni and gravitated toward the back room.
Photo: Tim Wenger
Incredibly, I knew someone in the bar — at least I thought I did. I believed it was a woman I’d met briefly a few years prior, across the world in Austin, Texas. I recognized the way she played with her straight blonde hair as she gazed out the window at the skyscrapers down below, and the contours of her face looked similar to the person I remembered.
“Kim!” I called to her.
No response. The one-way convo played out again as I approached, and then backed away realizing I must have been mistaken. But a few minutes later, she appeared at my table and asked for a photo of her with the skyline view behind. I took a few, and she returned the favor. She then walked away. I remain partially convinced it was the person I knew, and can’t help but wonder if what drove her to ask me for a photo was her thinking the same thing but concluding there’s no way she knows someone here, randomly, on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong.
Why I didn’t introduce myself then remains a mystery. I can only think that this is what happens when you’re in a situation that is so surreal you can hardly comprehend the fact that you’re there in the first place. Ozone is not only the highest establishment in which I’ve raised a glass, but it’s also among the most posh. It’s some 7,500 miles from my home in Colorado. Perhaps I instinctively sought something familiar among the conversations playing out in multiple languages around me, and this woman was the closest I could muster. Regardless, I came away from the awkward encounter with a photo of myself that remains one of my favorites. The fact that this mystery woman took it only adds to its significance.
Photo courtesy of the mysterious woman who I maybe knew
Looking at photos of Ozone hardly captures the effervescent feeling of actually being there. Drinking in classy digs in a high-end hotel 1,588 feet above Hong Kong isn’t something you do every day. That’s why you absolutely must have a drink at Ozone when visiting Hong Kong. What’s in your glass isn’t any different, but it’s a drink you’ll always remember.
The post What it’s like to drink at Ozone, the world’s highest bar appeared first on Matador Network.
This villa in Costa Rica might be the most amazing jungle property on the planet
Who’s ready to escape from reality for a while? This quiet, spacious villa in Costa Rica has you covered. The Art Villa in Costa Rica has all your needs for a relaxing getaway from the rest of the world — and it’s among the most architecturally and aesthetically pleasing properties in a country full of beautiful spaces.
This Art Villa sits right on top of a rainforest in the lush Costa Rican jungle along the Pacific coastline, south of Platanillo. This villa gives impressive views of the ocean and access to pristine beaches. It’s also become quite famous on TikTok —
@meirschonThe Art Villa ✨ #costarica♬ #3 – Aphex Twin
When staying, guests will have this entire villa to themselves. The property is fit for any type of stay, whether with friends or a family vacation with the kids. This modern and contemporary villa has five bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, a grand terrace, open living space, a jungle playroom for the kids, a gym, a well-appointed kitchen, and an infinity pool. Guests will also have access to a Spa, 100 ft water slide, massive trampoline in the boutique resort.
Photo: Airbnb
Who wouldn’t want to stay at this dream villa nestled in the rainforest, where you’ll have beautiful views of the ocean and even see some regular whale sightings. If you want to book this dream villa and escape the reality of the real world you can visit Airbnb’s website.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
More like thisWhere to StayAirbnb’s most wish-listed properties in all 50 statesThe post This villa in Costa Rica might be the most amazing jungle property on the planet appeared first on Matador Network.
10 upstate New York cabins perfect for your next winter escape
Christmas in New York is a magical time, but you don’t need to brave the bustle of the city to experience the magic. Whether you’re a city-dweller looking to get away from the mayhem, a family looking to meet up somewhere special, or just someone looking for a little peace, upstate New York is one of the most beautiful places to escape to in the winter. Hit the slopes or hunker down in a lodge with a good book, but nothing gets you into the holiday spirit quite like waking up in a cabin. Here are some of the best upstate New York cabins.
We hope you love the upstate New York cabins 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.
Luxurious log cabin on Lake Otsego
Photo: Airbnb
If you looked up “log cabin” in the dictionary, you’d probably find something like this. Even though the decor is entirely classic, it has amenities that set it apart. These include lakefront access, a game room, and a fire pit right on the water. With plenty of space for the whole family, it’s a great place to meet up for some winter fun.
Sixteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $1,240 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This property is so special, even among the most pristine of upstate New York cabins. Both the interior and exterior are immaculately designed with murals, exposed wood, and incredible natural light. This house also offers some spectacular amenities like a hot tub, outdoor sauna, game room, and firepit. It’s a short drive to the shops and restaurants of Ellicottville. You can actually see the slopes from your backyard, so this is a skier’s paradise.
Fourteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $774 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This rental is described as “cozy yet modern” which is very fitting. It has a classic cabin exterior and a sleek and modern interior with unique amenities. These include a cocktail cart, yoga mats, and a cozy reading nook stocked with books. It is located in Plain Pines which offers restaurants and shopping within a short drive. As an added bonus for those looking to get away from the city, it’s only a two-hour train ride.
Seven guests, four bedrooms
Price: $579 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Lake Placid is known for two things; its beauty and its winter sports. After a full day of enjoying both, guests can return to this serene spot, one of the most beautiful upstate New York cabins, on the water to rest and enjoy the views. If they still have any energy left, they can head down to the game room, if not, they can curl up by the fire with hot cocoa for a movie night. Either way, it’s a great place to come home to.
Fourteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,603 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This cabin sits on five acres of land with mountain views. Just minutes from Whiteface and Lake Placid, it’s ideal for skiers and snowboarders. But if that isn’t your cup of tea, there is plenty more to enjoy in both towns. If that fails, this property has a hot tub, game room, and spacious kitchen for cooking up your holiday meals.
Sixteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,198 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This charming A-frame looks like something straight out of a Jane Austen novel. It sits on two and a half acres of gardens, complete with raised beds, walking paths, verandas, and sitting areas. One can only imagine how magical this property would look blanketed in snow. The interior is just as lovely and inviting as the property with its exposed beams, natural wood accents, and large windows. It would be the perfect spot to bundle up and hunker down with a good book.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $337 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Kids and adults alike will feel right at home in this luxury cabin. With a game room, spa, and breathtaking views, there’s something for everyone. The decor is on theme, but slightly more minimalistic than the typical Catskill rental. It is just a five-minute drive from the village of Catskill which is full of quaint shops and restaurants to enjoy, even in the coldest weather.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $837 per night
Photo: Airbnb
On the secluded banks of a roaring river, guests can enjoy mountain views and classic Adirondack decor. This is a great spot for outdoorsy families with cross country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing right outside your door. The host will even provide you with five pairs of snowshoes for your adventures. The town of Northville is only a short drive away from all of your dining and shopping needs.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $271 per night
Photo: Airbnb
It’s hard to believe that a property like this exists outside of the pages of a magazine. The Cabin is beautifully appointed with a lot of character. Guests can start a fire in the wood-burning stove, put on a record and share a meal in the stunning main room. Skiing is available nearby, as is the town of Maplecrest, but you may never want to leave the house.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $516 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This may not technically be among the upstate New York cabins, but it was too fabulous not to include in this list. This nineteenth-century barn has been converted to a vacation house unlike any you have seen before. Every detail of this home has been carefully considered from the rustic farmhouse decor to the stunning exposed beams. It’s massive, so be sure to bring the whole family along, even the pets. It might as well be called “Christmas Barn,” because it would be the perfect place to pass the holidays.
Sixteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $816 per night
The post 10 upstate New York cabins perfect for your next winter escape appeared first on Matador Network.
World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking puts spotlight on one of Hong Kong’s top spots
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking came back in 2021 after taking a one-year pause during the pandemic. As always (and as to be expected with any sort of highly publicized ranking), there was controversy over some of the winners. But look past the top winning spot further down to number 10 and you’ll spot a restaurant deserving of some special recognition.
The Chairman in Hong Kong went from number 41 in the World’s 50 Best 2019 ranking to number 10 in 2021. For this, it earned the Highest Climber Award.
The Cantonese restaurant is located in what the World’s 50 Best team describes as “a non-descript two-floor townhouse in Central” where “some of the city’s best cooking has been coming out of” for the last decade. The menu is seasonal and produce-focused. Diners can either order á la carte or have the restaurant staff make a custom menu that they’ll decide based on the ingredients available and what a diner has had at the restaurant in the past. The Chairman is BYO friendly for those who have a special occasion bottle they want to enjoy with some of the best cuisine Hong Kong has to offer.
World’s 50 Best highlights in popular dish in particular from The Chairman: The much-photographed flower crab served in Shaoxing wine with flat rice noodles. It’s an “umami-rich version” that other places have attempted, the description page notes, but The Chairman’s flower crab “remains unbeatable.”
Three other Hong Kong restaurants made it onto the 51-100 list: VEA (71), Belon (88), and Amber (100). All three have French-influenced menus.
While there has never been a restaurant from Asia in the top spot (or South America for that matter), The Chairman does top the list of the continent-specific Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants run by the same World’s 50 Best organization. In all, 11 Hong Kong restaurants made it on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list:
Seventh Son (48)Lung King Heen (47)Mono (44)Ta Vie (38)Amber (37)8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana (33)Caprice (28)Belon (25)Neighborhood (17)VEA (16)The Chairman (1)Awards or not, there’s no denying Hong Kong is a great place for anyone who travels to eat.
The post World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking puts spotlight on one of Hong Kong’s top spots appeared first on Matador Network.
Videos from Hong Kong’s first rabbit cafe will make you want to book a flight ASAP
If you were someone who used the internet in the 2010s, then there’s a good chance you’ve at least heard of a cat cafe. Maybe you didn’t go to one because you’re more of a dog person, or maybe you wanted to sip your coffee with warm furry animals but you’re allergic. In the latter case, Hong Kong has the place for you: Rabbitland Cafe.
Rabbitland Cafe opened in 2016 as Hong Kong’s first place to grab coffee and some food while rabbits bounce around you. There are open pens you can go into, as well as cages with rabbits inside (and don’t be surprised if there are some rabbits running around the cafe to play with). You can pet and feed them, but you can’t pick them up.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 香港首間兔cafe 🐰Rabbit Cafe in HK🇭🇰 (@rabbitlandcafe)
The rabbits are rescues from people who adopted and then surrendered them. As noted on the blog Travelling With Nikki, the cages have info cards with their name, birthday, and likes and dislikes.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 香港首間兔cafe 🐰Rabbit Cafe in HK🇭🇰 (@rabbitlandcafe)
There are a few rules before heading over to Rabbitland. First, only kids 6 and older can go, and kids under 12 require adult supervision. Anyone who goes must take off their shoes but be wearing socks. Opportunities for hand sanitizing are frequent. As far as cleanliness for the animals goes, take some comfort in the fact that rabbits are on the tidier side — they can even be litter-box trained.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 香港首間兔cafe 🐰Rabbit Cafe in HK🇭🇰 (@rabbitlandcafe)
It only takes watching a couple of videos to see the appeal, but if that doesn’t do it for you then maybe the adoring reviews on Facebook will. One person raved about the “fresh chips” and “reasonable price with nice menu.” Another from Australia said going to Rabbitland “was a dream come true” and that “the rabbits are very friendly and love to interact with the visitors, that can can feed them and pat them, all while having a light meal and coffee.”
Then there was the person who confirmed what anyone with a bunny loving child may be thinking: “We will return as my daughter was super sad to leave.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 香港首間兔cafe 🐰Rabbit Cafe in HK🇭🇰 (@rabbitlandcafe)
For reservations and additional information, call 5281-0280.
Where: Hong Kong, Causeway Bay, Jaffe Rd, 530 Jaffe Road, 3樓
The post Videos from Hong Kong’s first rabbit cafe will make you want to book a flight ASAP appeared first on Matador Network.
The perfect James Bond London tour to experience the city like 007
Not even James Bond was a match for a global pandemic.
Sure, if the virus were a superweapon dreamed up by a nefarious supervillain ensconced deep in a mountain hideout, 007 would have undoubtedly foiled his world-ruining plan and then run off with his girlfriend. But as it was, COVID-19 made James Bond wait. And a year and a half after his latest chapter, No Time to Die, was slated to hit screens, it’s finally opening in theaters.
Coincidentally, the release of Daniel Craig’s last movie as Bond coincides with the UK (the country that gave us 007) opening its borders to vaccinated United States travelers without even so much as a COVID test.
You don’t have to be Le Chiffre to deduce these two events make for a perfect season to Bond-cation in the UK. With everything from legendary filming locales to Bond-themed dinners and the birthplace of the Bond Martini to see, London and its surroundings are a 007 fan’s dream trip. With open borders and airfares lower than usual, here’s how to see the city like the world’s greatest spy.
Golf like GoldfingerFrom Heathrow airport, the first stop on any Bond tour should be Stoke Park about 20 minutes away. It stood in for Royal St. Mark’s, where Bond played the most legendary golf match in movie history against arch nemesis Goldfinger. You’ll recognize the golden facades of the clubhouse, where you can enjoy a hearty lunch and a martini before hitting the fairways — though you could probably get away with just posing on the 18th green, Penfold Heart ball in hand.
Stoke Park’s ballroom made another appearance in 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies. It was done up to be Bond’s hotel suite, where Bond, played by Pierce Brosnan, and Paris Carver, played by Teri Hatcher, rekindle their old flame. Unlike on the golf course, don’t try recreating this scene.
This is one Bond experience that you may have to wait a little bit for, however. Stoke Park is currently under renovation, and isn’t slated to open until 2023.
Where: Stoke Park, Country Club, Spa and Hotel, Park Rd, Stoke Poges SL2 4PG, United Kingdom
Sleep above secret tunnels, and see where the Bond books were born
Photo: Corinthia Hotel
Once in London, post up at the Corinthia Hotel. Though the hotel doesn’t have a great deal of Bond film history (other than hosting the SkyfallWhere: Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD, UK
Just down the street you’ll find the Old War Office, a former home of British Naval Intelligence and a former workplace of Ian Fleming. It’s where he was said to have found his inspiration for the Bond books, and the buildings served as the exterior for M16 headquarters in Octopussy, License to Kill, and A View to a Kill.
Where: Whitehall, London SW1A 2EU, UK
Tour James Bond film locales in London and rent the boat from SpectreThough a sightseeing tour might seem like the most un-Bond thing one could do (unless he were posing as a camera-toting tourist to find the location of the Lektor in the Holy Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque) it’s also the best way to get pictures of all the Bond sites you’ve seen in movies. Brit Movie Tours offers a lovely, 2.5-hour trip through London’s drizzly streets, with fun facts and little-known behind-the-scenes anecdotes thrown in.
If your Bond trip has to be all-badass, all-the-time, though, consider taking the Thames RIB Experience. You’ll speed down London’s largest river, Bond music blaring, as you pass current M16 HQ, London Bridge, and the 02 Arena. You can even rent the Exterminator boat used in Spectre, which will have you boating like Bond on a budget for a mere hundred pounds.
Learn the extent of Bond’s drinking at a private distillery dinner
Photo: Visit Britain
According to hosts of The Distillery’s five-course James Bond dinner, 007 downed a drink about every 11 minutes over the course of his filmography. That’s as much as 12 cocktails a movie, which explains why he had absolutely no qualms jumping into a moving helicopter in Mexico City.
This factoid, among many others regarding Bond and Fleming’s vices, pepper this decadent experience at The Distillery in Notting Hill. The craft gin maker has an upstairs private dining room, where the special feast is filled with Bond-inspired food and drinks, alongside trivia, movie clips, and audio recordings. If the five cocktails served during dinner don’t put you enough in the 007 mindset, the downstairs bar is a fun, local hangout with predictably delicious drinks.
Where: 186 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LA, UK
Have a drink at London’s real-life spy hotelSt. Ermin’s Hotel in Westminster wasn’t just where Britain’s famous Special Operations Executive was formed. Its bar was also a notorious meeting place for international spies. Here, the Cambridge Five colluded during the Cold War and Guy Burgess and Kim Philby dished intel to their Russian co-conspirators. The hotel is filled with spy history, including silk tapestries marked in secret code. Urban legend holds that St. Ermin’s also houses secret tunnels going directly into parliament, so placed because MPs would while away their off time at the hotel’s bar.
Where: 2 Caxton St, London SW1H 0QW, UK
See the cars that made Bond famous
Photo: Cedric WeberShutterstock
Bond-mobiles have been everything from a BMW Z3 to a Ford Fairlane. But no brand of car is synonymous with Bond quite like Aston Martin, and the global headquarters and factory is a couple hours outside London. While you won’t be able to take a spin in a sports car equipped with a gun turret, you can hop on one of the production facility tours. Inside, you’ll learn how the cars became so associated with 007, and see how Aston Martin’s style has evolved along with its most famous driver.
Visit the hotel with James Bond and Sherlock Holmes’ historyBefore Bond, London was home to another of the world’s great literary crime fighters, Sir Sherlock Holmes. And years before Pierce Brosnan stood in its grand entry, Holmes paid the The Langham Hotel several (fictional) visits. The Langham was a favorite hangout for Arthur Conan Doyle, and served as a setting in stories like The Sign of Four and A Scandal in Bohemia. Nearly 100 years later, the fabled West London Victorian structure stood in as St. Petersburg’s Grand Hotel Europe in GoldenEye.
Where: 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA, UK
Savor a game meat feast at Rules
Photo: cktravels.comShutterstock
Because evading a man-eating shark is a lot harder on a full stomach than it is after a few martinis, Bond’s eating isn’t nearly as legendary as his drinking. The only restaurant in London you might say is linked to the films is also its oldest: Rules in Covent Garden. The place dates back to 1798 and serves old English fare like game birds and boar. More importantly, it was the restaurant of choice in Spectre when M, Q, and Moneypenny decide whether to help 007 out again.
Where: 34-35 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LB, UK
Mull the end of your career while gazing at “The Fighting Temeraire”Perhaps the most poignant scene from Skyfall involved Daniel Craig staring intently at a painting of an old naval ship meeting its end — a not-so-subtle metaphor for the sundown of his career. As he’s meditating on its meaning, Q – played by Ben Wishaw – takes a seat next to Bond and sends him on his way to Shanghai. The film’s iconic painting hangs in Room 34 of the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, and while “The Fighting Temeraire” is certainly the most notable work of Bond-related art, the gallery is one of the world’s great art museums. It’s worth hanging around after you get your requisite picture on the bench.
Where: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
Drink the original Vesper martini, then go home with Bond’s look…and smell
Photo: GimasShutterstock
Iam Fleming liked to drink and he liked to write, and he often did both at the bar inside Duke’s Hotel in St. James’s Mayfair. Bond’s affinity for the martini is said to have been inspired by the Duke’s world-famous martinis, most notably the Vesper.
Known as the James Bond martini in other places, the Vesper at Duke’s has two ounces of gin, two ounces of vodka, two tablespoons of Lillet Blanc, bitters, and an orange peel. Do the math, and you understand where Bond got the bravado to bungee jump off the Contra Dam in the Swiss Verzasca Valley. You also understand why Duke’s limits you to two of these things in a sitting, even if you didn’t drive.
Where: 35 St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NY, United Kingdom
Just down the road in St. James you’ll find Turnbull & Asser, the clothier for nearly every Bond from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig. The bespoke shirts and suits aren’t cheap, but after a couple of Vesper martinis you’ll stop converting prices from pounds to dollars. The shop also has an entire collection of recreated wardrobe items from the movies, if you want that exact Casino Royale swag.
Where: 71-72 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6PF, UK
Next door is Floris, the unofficial fragrance maker for James Bond. You might ask how one could know what James Bond smells like, other than maybe popcorn and stale soda. But Fleming mentioned the shop in a number of Bond novels, most notably Diamonds are Forever and Dr. No. It’s special No. 89 is the Bond fan favorite as well as the Ian Fleming’s selection. Stopping by for a purchase is a perfect cap to a day of shopping on Jermyn Street and a chance to pick up a souvenir from your Bond vacation that you can talk about for years. Or at least until the bottle runs out.
Where: 89 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6JH, UK
The post The perfect James Bond London tour to experience the city like 007 appeared first on Matador Network.
Deepak Chopra announces wellness retreats across North America
Deepak Chopra, the CEO, and founder of The Chopra Foundation and wellness company Chopra Global, announced that they will be launching a multiple wellness retreats across North America.
The pandemic has led many people to struggle with their physical and mental health leaving us searching for wellbeing practices that offer guidance during uncertain times. Dr. Deepak Chopra, a pioneer in integrative medicine, is coming to the rescue with his highly anticipated retreats addressing common concerns and issues we are all facing around the world.
The retreats will offer immersive experiences for guests that will bring ancient practices into modern life. Each retreat will focus on mind, body, and spirit experiences lead by Dr. Chopra himself and other wellness, yoga, and meditation experts.
“Each of these retreats is expertly curated to give attendees an opportunity to create a wellness movement within each individual,” said Mallika Chopra, CEO of Chopra Global, said in a statement. “Wellness begins when we sleep deeply, eat food that nourishes, move our bodies, practice meditation, love ourselves and those around us, live with nature and truly understand how to create our collective reality. We are confident these retreats will inspire what’s possible in terms of physical, mental, and spiritual health.”
Here are the five retreats in the US:
Well Within: Rancho Palos Verde, CA – October 29-31, 20217 Spiritual Laws: Riviera Maya, Mexico – December 8-12, 2021Meditation Immersion: Maui, Hawaii – May 13-17, 2022Infinite Possibilities: Mont Tremblant, Canada – July 7-11, 2022Silent Awakenings: Austin, Texas – September 9 – 15, 2022Packages start at $2,935 for a two-night stay. To book a retreat, you can visit the website. All attendees must be fully vaccinated.
The post Deepak Chopra announces wellness retreats across North America appeared first on Matador Network.
October 5, 2021
Japan’s famous “robot hotels” are coming to New York
A “robot hotel” sounds like the setting of a really bad science fiction movie that somehow becomes a cult classic. It doesn’t exactly evoke the futuristic luxury of Japanese hospitality. Alas, Japan’s Hen na Hotel Group is famous for their hotel designs that feature innovative design, technology, and animatronics. The company’s 20 “robot hotels” are found throughout Japan, and now they have opened overseas for the first time — in New York City.
Henn na Hotel’s first international property, Henn na New York opened on October 1st at 235 West 35th St. Like the company’s other properties, it’s defined by its stylish, tech-centric accommodations and amenities, including the Henn na’s signature animatronic T-Rex in the lobby. The hospitality robots that the Japanese properties are known for are not yet available in the US, and staff will provide all hospitality functions.
Photo: Henn na Hotel New York/Facebook
The hotel’s 92 rooms come with kimono robes, deep-soaking tubs, smart TVs, and Toto Washlets, with Executive Rooms and Suites featuring LG Style closets that steam and refresh clothing. The hotel’s Gosuke restaurant offers traditional Japanese breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including fresh sushi and sashimi, sake, and Japanese beer.
Is it a little strange? You bet. But it’s the kind of strange you have to check out for yourself.
The post Japan’s famous “robot hotels” are coming to New York appeared first on Matador Network.
Watch what happens when a wind storm throws dozens of tents into the sky
It’s safe to say that most people wouldn’t expect to see a group of tents flying through the sky on their camping trip. But that’s exactly what’s depicted in a TikTok as a large campsite’s worth of tents are thrown into the air due to what appears to be a wind storm.
@yaseigenshiroDear the fxxking wind😤Off there goes my tent #campingideas #campingtrip #campingtent #campfire #tornado #tornado2021 #rvlifestyle #vanlifetravel
You can see many different color tents in the air flying around like a kite in the wind. Most campers are either standing in awe or filming (and, presumably, wondering if they’re ever going to get their tent back).
The video inspired a number of jokes in the comment section. User wildmanmike commented, “Tent company having a blowout sale,” while user littlebowcreep commented, “There’s so many of them it almost feels in*tent*ional.” User jonnywaldes chimed in with “That storm is category tent.”
Others were confused why proper measures weren’t put in place so the tents didn’t fly away in the first place. User jstclmesir commented, “I count 44 people who were today years old when they learned about the importance of staking your tent.”
If you’re planning your next camping trip in a windy locale and don’t want your tent to end up in the sky, follow the basic instructions on how to pitch the perfect tent, and then take note of these wind-friendly tips from Camping Valley:
Choose your location wiselyErect the tent properlyUse extra pegs and guy ropes to anchor your tentRemove the sidewallsHandle repairs immediatelyPoint the tent towards the windMore like thisCampingThe best places to camp in all 50 statesThe post Watch what happens when a wind storm throws dozens of tents into the sky appeared first on Matador Network.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
