Matador Network's Blog, page 62
February 5, 2025
The Most Beautiful Airbnbs for Scuba Diving Around the United States
The canyons and mountains ranges of the United States may hog the glory but the underwater world is equally enthralling. In fact, with tropical islands such as the Florida Keys and Caribbean islands where a passport isn’t even needed, there’s little reason to splurge on tickets to the Maldives for diving and snorkeling adventures. Dive into these best Airbnbs for scuba diving on the islands of the United States.
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We hope you love these scuba diving Airbnbs! 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.
Oceanfront Airbnb in Key Largo
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This family-friendly villa in Florida Keys has a private beach and a boat slip. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is minutes away, with a host of scuba diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom cruises to choose between. There’s plenty of space indoors as well as a large terrace overlooking the sea which is ideal for breakfast. The master bathroom has a jacuzzi tub with sea views.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $739 per night
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Maroon yourself away to this Californian island with a medley of scuba diving experiences for beginners through to experts. Casino Point Dive Park, one of the few undersea parks in the world, has kelp forests and wrecks to explore amid the marine life. The apartment is lavishly furnished and has elevated Pacific views from the balcony. The host provides a complimentary golf cart for getting around Avalon.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $543 per night
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This Airbnb in Maui is convenient for scuba diving excursions to the Molokini Crater. It’s a modern unit with contemporary furniture, spotless bathrooms, and a beautiful panoramic lanai with nature views. This is furnished with seating for grabbing a hearty breakfast before rushing out to make the boat. The closest beaches are within walking distance and the complex has two pools.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $299 per night
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Wake up to the sound and sight of the ocean at this Guest Favorite Airbnb in Hawaii. The apartment is located far from the busy resorts on a calm stretch of coast where dolphins and whales are frequently spotted. The condo is part of a gated resort with a pool, hot tub, and sports amenities. It’s a great base for a mix of relaxation and active pursuits.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $328 per night
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Who needs a dive shop down the road when you have a private eco-hideaway? This romantic vacation cottage is buried in the depths of the Puerto Rican rainforest with its own swimming hole, waterfall, and wood-fired hot tub. It’s close enough to the west and southern coast to take your pick of scuba trips and venture out to Mona Island. Remember to bring your mask and you can warm up in the natural pool.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $299 per night
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This recently renovated condo on the island of St. Thomas has a private balcony with privileged views of the boats passing to and from the marina. The decor is modern yet slightly retro for a cozier, more casual accommodation experience on the peninsula. You’ll find a cluster of dive shops in downtown Red Hook while appreciating the feeling of being on a desert island.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $205 per night
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Formerly a cigar maker’s cottage, this lovely little shack has been transformed into a retreat for couples in Florida. It has its own kitchen and bathroom plus you’ll have use of the external washroom facilities – which is handy for keeping sand away from the bed! The Airbnb has a private hot tub and grilling deck plus access to two shared community pools. There are two dive centers within walking distance.
Four guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $586 per night
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This huge villa rental in the USVI is a top contender for scuba diving families and groups. It has a pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea and a sheltered patio for dining in all types of weather. The island-inspired decor is comfortable and all rooms come with a view or direct access to the backyard. Cane Bay Beach is the best place to scuba dive on Saint Croix.
Fourteen guests, four bedrooms
Price: $415 per night
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After a day spent diving around the local islands and estuary, come and unwind in this stylish six-bedroom Airbnb with a private jacuzzi. Located in Puerto Rico’s capital, the rental is convenient for scuba tours as well as exploring the city sights. Each bedroom is individually styled and communal areas are strewn with lush vines. The overall aesthetic is sumptuously boho.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $329 per night
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Nestled amid the Poipu Crater, this top-rated Airbnb in Hawaii is close to dive shops and beautiful surfing beaches. The rental is appointed with hotel-standard beds, chic tiled bathrooms, and a quartz-topped kitchen overlooking the verdant backyard. There’s a shaded lanai for siestas and dining. A stroll through the fruit tree grove brings you to the shared pool or the golden sand of Brennecke Beach.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $558 per night
The Wall Street Journal Calls Truckee the ‘Coolest Place to Ski.’ It’s…not.
In late January, the Wall Street Journal published an article entitled “The Tiny Western Town That’s Quietly Become the Coolest Place to Ski,” pointing to the “small” town of Truckee, California. I live here and have for quite some time, and I have two words for this article: um, no.
Truckee is just a few minutes north of Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s well known within the ski and outdoor sports world, though may not have the name recognition to average people of some place like Vail. It’s population is about 17,000 year-round, though there can easily be four to five times that many people (honestly, maybe more) on busy weekends, especially as it’s only a few miles from other popular north Lake Tahoe towns like Kings Beach, Tahoe City, and Incline Village. Other ski resort towns have much smaller populations, including Vail, CO (4,500); Breckenridge, CO (4,900); Ketchum, ID (3,600); and even Jackson, WY (10,600). So trying to position Truckee as a “small” town, as if to imply it’s somehow under-the-radar, already threw up some red flags.
An aerial of Truckee’s historical downtown area. Photo: Matt Gush /Shutterstock
I’ll get something out of the way early: Truckee, mostly, is a great place to live. Aside from being surrounded by natural beauty, we have world-class outdoor recreation minutes from our homes, generally pleasant weather, a young and creative population, and reasonable enough access to most of what you’d need from a “big city” in nearby Reno, Nevada. I’m not saying it isn’t great. But I am saying it isn’t exactly “cool” anymore (at least not by mountain town standards; I’d argue it’s cooler than living in a suburb anywhere).
Did Truckee used to be cool? Yup, back when you could get a $1 shifter in the ski resort parking lot (Truckee’s worst-kept secret) and one of the local coffee shops randomly turned into a silent disco at night and you could climb on the roof of one of the local dive bars the writer described as a “cozy pub.” (Ha.)
But this article makes it feel like the Wall Street Journal is 10-15 years behind on what’s actually cool. In its defense, it has an older, East Coast-based readership, and to them, perhaps seeing a town that sells “artisanal soaps” and has an excess of coffee shops seems cool. That may have been cool….in 1999, in Brooklyn. Now, Truckee’s stereotypical visitor (and resident, to a degree), is a Tesla-driving, Arc’teryx-clad tech bro who comes up a few times a year and doesn’t mind paying $25 extra to add truffles to their $36 plate of pasta. (At Great Gold, the delicious but very expensive “hip eatery” the writer referenced).
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In the last 10 years or so, visitors have come to Truckee en masse, and fewer and fewer are the die-hard skiers and outdoorsy types coming up to have a semi-affordable epic ski trip. This had led to the usual issues facing ski towns around the country: rising costs of living that outpace local incomes, a massive lack of affordable (or any) housing, and ongoing environmental and community problems stemming from overtourism. In 2024, Lake Tahoe was the most-Instagrammed lake in North America.
Those concerns are mentioned in the article — multiple times, in fact, by both the writer and interviewees — but seem to have been glossed over by whomever wrote the headline (which is often not the article’s author). However, the author did write “Even if the hardcore set grumble about losing their best-kept ski secret, most agree that increased attention makes for a more pleasant ski town, for residents and visitors alike.” This, I would argue, is wrong.
Locals aren’t grumbling about the fact that Truckee is no longer a secret; it hasn’t been since the Winter Olympics put it on the national stage back in 1960. What we’re grumbling about is that the increase in attention means ski traffic is so bad parents can’t get their kids to school on time, that Tahoe’s gorgeous beaches are getting trashed by overtourism, and that our friends and neighbors can’t afford their rent anymore and are moving out of town.
Truckee’s popularity as a ski town skyrocketed in the years after Palisades Tahoe Resort hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, the first televised Olympic Games in the US. The ceremonies and pageantry were planned by Walt Disney. Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock
I also take issue with the assumption that overall, “this makes for a more pleasant ski town, for residents and visitors alike.” Respectfully, no. It’s become a less pleasant place to live in the last decade or so, thanks to the rising costs of everything, increased traffic and road delays, and so many visitors that our grocery stores often have empty shelves. I would happily give up several of our overpriced coffee shops and the controversial expansion of already huge ski resort village in exchange for making Truckee more livable.
At this point, readers may be thinking, “she’s a jaded local who thinks she’s allowed to be in Truckee, but other people should stay away.” Fair point, but wrong, as that’s actually not what I think at all. Do I wish Truckee (and other towns around Lake Tahoe) were still hip, underground, and not suffering from overtourism issues? Yes, of course. Who wouldn’t? But it’s natural for towns to change and grow, and I don’t blame anyone who found themselves with the ability to work remotely during COVID and decided they’d rather be in beautiful Truckee than a small San Francisco apartment.
Donner Lake in Truckee, as seen from Old Highway 40 toward Sugar Bowl Ski resort. Photo: bluestork/Shutterstock
The only real claim to being a Truckee “local” belongs to the Indigenous Washoe and Paiute people of the region. Everyone else came here from somewhere else, just as I did many years ago and just as the Tesla-driving tech bros did recently. So it’s not anyone’s fault that Truckee’s popularity has changed the town. But that doesn’t mean we can’t acknowledge that it’s happened. And I’m sure people who moved here 10 or 20 years before I did would say the same about their early years.
I still live in Truckee, and love living here. But to say that Truckee is “cool” today, given both its popularity and the increased gentrification (a.k.a., Vail-ification, something that has long been happening in mountain towns across the West), feels about 20 years too late.
VisitBritain and a Star-Studded Cast Are Inspiring People to ‘Visit the Real Star of the Show’
What do Tom Cruise (as Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible), Zendaya (as MJ in the Spider Man movies), Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant (in Notting Hill), Paddington, and Daniel Radcliffe (as Harry Potter) have in common? Each is connected to movies filmed in the UK. These actors and more are typically considered the stars, but a new video from VisitBritain called “Starring GREAT Britain” shows that the country is more than just a backdrop — it’s the “real star of the show.”
Launched in January, the video is part of an initiative to draw travelers to the UK who love movies and shows that feature real-world places in the country. It incorporates footage of tourists visiting iconic landmarks with clips from some of the biggest cinema filmed in the UK in the last couple of decades (and the star power associated with that cinema). Essentially, Britain is one expansive film set where the line between the real world and the on-screen world are blurred.
According to VisitBritain, more than 90 percent of potential visitors to the UK want to go to a filming location on their trip. It aligns with the trend of “set jetting” (traveling to see film locations) in a big way. Hollywood isn’t the only place people are traveling to immerse in movies and shows, after all.
The project was led on the creative side by Tom Hooper, the filmmaker behind Academy Award winner The King’s Speech. A wide range of partners were involved, including major studios (like Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros) and the tourism boards of VisitEngland, VisitScotland, Visit Wales, and London & Partners.
The short video is a very British, tongue-in-cheek take on some of the cinema Americans love most. It’s reminiscent of how iconic magazine editor Tina Brown (New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Daily Beast) described the differences between New York and London — “Tansatlantica,” as she puts it — in a recent newsletter: America has earnestness and organization, but lacks a proper British sense of irony. (“Shoot, not him again,” a bird watcher says as Tom Cruise parachutes through the frame. “Bloody Tom Cruise. He gets everywhere.”) Here, the humorous British approach to set jetting very much works as an inspiration engine for film lovers to hop on a plane to the UK.
Movies and shows featured in “Starring GREAT Britain”Mary Poppins ReturnsMission Impossible: FalloutNotting HillThe House of the DragonSpider-Man: Far From HomeHarry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanPaddingtonThe King’s SpeechLes MisérablesBridget JonesSuccessionJurassic World: Fallen KingdomFast & Furious 9The WitcherDownton AbbeyBraveheartOutlanderShetlandSherlock HolmesFilm locations highlighted in “Starring GREAT Britain”St. Paul’s Cathedral (London) in Mission Impossible: FalloutLoch Shiel (Scotland) in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanPortobello Road (London) in PaddingtonAnglesey (Wales) in House of the DragonVictoria Street (Edinburgh) in Fast & FuriousWest Wycombe Park (Buckinghamshire) in BridgertonLondon Bridge in Spider-Man: Far From Home
In New Orleans, Look to These 2 Hotels for the French Quarter Experience
There are a lot of reasons to visit New Orleans — the food, the music, the celebrations, you name it. For me, it was the city’s rich history that beckoned. My husband and I recently spent three days in New Orleans, choosing the French Quarter as our base.
The city’s oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter of today is filled with boutique hotels that blend past and present. We spent two nights getting pampered at Hotel Monteleone in the heart of the district before moving to the neighborhood’s quieter side with a stay at the stately Bienville House — two of three hotels in New Orleans that are all owned by the same family.
And after experiencing the city from inside the iconic French Quarter, I couldn’t imagine seeing The Big Easy any other way.
Hotel Monteleone:A hotel fit for the literary greats
Photo: Hotel Monteleone
It was 10 AM, and music from a two-piece jazz band was already drifting across the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone. The French Quarter was waking up, and I could see tourists hurrying past the windows, most likely heading to brunch.
I was sitting in one of the bar’s 24 prized rotating seats along with eight others, thanks to the Carousel Bar Experience, which hotel patrons can book before the bar officially opens at 11 AM. Securing a seat during regular hours is no small feat. For $100, the hour-long experience not only guarantees you a spot but also includes a talk from a tour guide and a complimentary drink.
My group’s guide, Mike Dupree, the food and beverage manager at Hotel Monteleone and a certified NOLA tour guide, told us, “We probably have to have two seats a month fixed by our engineering department because when people see an empty seat, they run in like they’re playing for the Saints. You’re knocking that seat out.”
Photo: Abigail Singrey
Just before the carousel grinds to a start, the woman next to me says, “You won’t know you’re moving until you look up and you’re in a different part of the bar.” She’s right. The motion is very gentle, making a full revolution every 15 minutes. The hotel’s mixologist makes the rounds, taking drink orders. Given the morning hour, Bloody Marys were the most popular choice with the group, but my husband and I opted for a refreshing Pimm’s cup instead.
The spinning carousel is an experience, but what really drew me to Hotel Monteleone’s bar is its storied history. Liberace was the very first performer at the Carousel Bar in 1949 while Truman Capote often entertained friends with the claim that he was born there. (In reality, he was born in a nearby hospital, but with his mother living at the hotel at the time, the story wasn’t entirely far-fetched.) And there I was, sitting in the same seats that countless writers, musicians, and artists have before me — a taste of history served with a perfectly crafted cocktail.
Elegant digs and four-star hospitality
Photo: Hotel Monteleone
The valet greeted my husband and me when we pulled up to Hotel Monteleone in our car. Music, laughter, and conversation spilled out from the lobby when he opened the front doors. Walking into the hotel, I felt I was in the beating heart of the French Quarter.
The hotel has been owned by the Monteleone family — which also owns the Bienville House in the French Quarter and the Pontchartrain Hotel in the city’s Garden District — since 1886. Additional towers have been added to the original structure over time. They all rise to the same height (think giant row houses) and are mostly connected, but not all elevators go to all floors. It’s somewhat complex once you’re inside, but there’s signage to help you navigate.
Photo: Hotel Monteleone
With 522 guest rooms, the hotel has lodging options ranging from traditional rooms to suites named after literary figures. The Royal Salon provides spacious accommodations, featuring a wardrobe and desk, while the Literary Suites offer an elegantly situated living room and a separate bedroom. Interview with a Vampire author Anne Rice used to rent a suite to help her focus each time she had a deadline for a new book.
My husband and I were placed in a superior king room on the 14th floor in the hotel’s newest section, the Iberville Tower, which was remodeled in 2023. Despite the lobby’s liveliness, the rooms are a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. Decorated in soothing grays and whites, our room provided soft, luxurious bathrobes and slippers, comfortable beds, and a waterfall shower. Small touches like a courtesy umbrella were much appreciated, as it rained one morning during our trip. I can see why literary greats — a list that also includes Ernest Hemingway — chose to write here.
A rooftop pool and a dinner to rememberPhoto: Hotel Monteleone
After checking into the hotel, my husband and I went up to the 15th floor to check out the rooftop pool. It was unseasonably cold during my visit to New Orleans, so I didn’t slip into the heated pool, but I did take in the views of the skyline from the pool deck. The spacious exercise room next door provided a wide range of equipment.
Beyond the amenities, some of my favorite moments at Hotel Monteleone were spent dining at Criollo Restaurant. We enjoyed breakfast there both mornings, seated at a sunlit table by the window with a charming view of the French Quarter shops. I savored the eggs Benedict and the house-cured Faroe Island salmon tartine, elevated by candied orange, green onion gremolata, and a honey-beet drizzle. Meanwhile, my husband stuck with the Monteleone Breakfast both days, indulging in a hearty spread of eggs, breakfast potatoes, sausage, and a flaky biscuit.
Photo: Abigail Singrey
We kicked off our trip with a truly enchanting experience on our first night at Criollo — the Le Petit Chef immersive dinner, a reserve-in-advance five-course meal held inside a private room. A whimsical animated character, Le Petit Chef, appeared on our table, playfully preparing each of the meal’s five courses through a projection. With every dish, something went amusingly awry — like a lobster pulling him into the ocean — eliciting giggles from all around. The meal itself was the best we had in New Orleans.
The feast began with creamy burrata on a bed of fresh lettuce, followed by a flavorful bouillabaisse brimming with octopus, clams, shrimp, and snapper. The standout dishes were the decadently creamy lobster tail served in a citrus beurre blanc sauce and the melt-in-your-mouth beef short ribs. By the time dessert arrived, I wasn’t sure I could take another bite, but I couldn’t resist sampling the warm Valrhona chocolate brownie — its rich chocolate flavor was perfectly complemented by the subtle smokiness of the smoked semifredo.
The Le Petit Chef dinner experience costs $130 per person compared to $95 per person for a five-course dinner served at other tables in the restaurant.
Stepping out onto Bourbon Street
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When you’re not on the property, Hotel Monteleone is just a block from Bourbon Street, promising plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in New Orleans’ vibrancy. You can stroll down Bourbon Street each evening, stopping by lively spots like the Old Absinthe House and the Cat’s Meow karaoke bar to enjoy live music and sip on a classic New Orleans cocktail like the Sazerac. Stroll down Royal Street to browse shops like Keil’s Antiques and Royal Antiques for a glimpse into the past — or stay in a literary mood by exploring nearby used bookstores like Crescent City Books and Beckham’s Books.
Bienville House:A piece of living history
Photo: Bienville House
For my first visit to New Orleans, I knew that I wanted to experience a historic hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. I got to do just that Bienville House, a property that offers all the charm of a bygone era while keeping you just steps from the city’s modern excitement.
Originally built in 1835 as the Planter’s Rice Mill, the hotel’s building has served many purposes over the years, including as a fire station and an apartment complex. In 1972, the Monteleone family acquired the property and transformed it into a luxurious retreat, with classic revival architecture inspired by Greek and Roman temples.
In 2006, the hotel became a member of the Historic Hotels of America, which recognizes time-honored properties as part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
A room with a view
Photo: Bienville House
Bienville House has just 83 rooms, making it feel like a home away from home. Room types range from a standard suite to a sundeck suite or penthouse suite, which features one- or two-bedroom floor plans and a generous balcony with soaring views.
My husband and I stayed in a spacious deluxe king room. The carved four-poster bed, together with floor-length floral curtains, evoked the charm of an English country home, complete with 300-thread-count triple cotton sheets. The marble bathroom was spotless and stocked with complimentary Gilchrist and Soames toiletries. The highlight, however, was our second-floor wrought-iron balcony, complete with a table and chairs, overlooking Decatur Street. Other rooms have balconies facing the serene inner courtyard.
The courtyard has numerous wrought-iron tables and chairs, plus a view of the heated saltwater pool, which is inviting for dips in the water if not a place for swimming laps. Lush potted plants provide a vibrant contrast to the cool blue water, while classical statuary lends a timeless Greco-Roman charm. It’s the perfect spot to savor your morning coffee, freshly brewed from your in-room Keurig, as I saw many guests do in the morning.
Morning bites and tiki nights
Photo: Abigail Singrey
Bienville House doesn’t offer breakfast, but there’s a ton of options within walking distance of the hotel. We strolled a block down Decatur Street to Ruby Slipper, a New Orleans original since 2008 that’s famed for its brunch. I enjoyed a New Orleans twist on avocado toast — complete with herbed creme fraiche — while my husband chose the heartier biscuits and gravy. The Ruby mimosa provides a perfectly refreshing complement, but those feeling more adventurous also have the option to order a mimosa flight.
As the afternoon faded into evening, I found the perfect spot at a table overlooking the courtyard pool at Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29, the hotel’s attached tiki bar. Flameless candles flickered on each table, and overhead lanterns cast shadows on the bar. The design hit all the notes of tiki decor — dark woods, bamboo, and a hint of nautical, along with custom displays celebrating its legendary founder, Jeff Berry, an author and tiki historian. The atmosphere created a laid-back vibe, complemented by the scent of tropical fruit and rum.
I opted for a blended drink, Brad’s Banana Banshee, which combines a whole banana with coconut milk and dark Jamaican rum, to complement the tropical vibes. The drink was served with an umbrella, banana leaf, and a tiki-mask-shaped ice cube. For food, my husband and I split an order of muu ping bao and coconut shrimp, while my husband had the L29 burger. The standout was the muu ping bao — the bold kick of pandan-marinated pork balanced perfectly with crisp cucumber, fresh cilantro, and pickled chili, all enhanced by a drizzle of caramel fish sauce.
Exploring Jackson Square
Photo: Abigail Singrey
A short walk from the Mississippi River, Bienville House offers a prime location for taking in the waterfront views. It’s only three blocks from Jackson Square where artists create and sell their work amid lively shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. At the heart of the square, the towering gothic spires of the St. Louis Cathedral draw in both worshippers and tourists. One of the oldest continuously operating cathedrals in the US, the current structure was completed in 1851 and hosted Pope John Paul II during his 1987 visit. It’s worth venturing inside to see how the Renaissance-style frescoes meld with ornate classical moldings and Greek columns.
Next, my husband and I explored the museum inside The Presbytère museum next door. The lower floor presents a sobering look at the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, providing a powerful reminder of New Orleans’ resilience, while the upper floor delights with the glitz and glamour of Mardi Gras. One of my favorite exhibits featured the dazzling jewels worn by Queens of Carnival from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Getting to Hotel Monteleone and Bienville HouseBoth Hotel Monteleone and Bienville House are just about an hour’s taxi ride from the airport (and have valet parking for guests who are driving in). At Hotel Montelone, a nearby trolley stop provides easy access to explore New Orleans, while Bienville House is close to both a trolley stop and ferry port, which makes getting around a breeze.
These Yellowstone Airbnbs Near Each Entrance Make for the Perfect Gateways to the Park
Yellowstone National Park is home to over 2.2 million acres of adventure. Here, you can visit the springs and thermal pools, hike, fish, or bike, and of course, spot wildlife en route. The time to hit Yellowstone is nigh — and these are the top Airbnb Yellowstone area rentals that will set the tone for whatever adventure or relaxation time you have in mind.
West Yellowstone Airbnb rentals near Yellowstone National ParkJackson Hole Airbnb rentals near Yellowstone National ParkCody, Wyoming Airbnb rentals near Yellowstone National ParkWe hope you love the Airbnb Yellowstone properties 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.
West Yellowstone Airbnb rentals near Yellowstone National ParkLakefront cabin a short drive from Yellowstone
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This rustic, relaxing Airbnb Yellowstone rental is the perfect retreat for someone looking to bask in all that nature has to offer. The home is nestled on Henry’s lake, presenting beautiful waterfront views and gorgeous mountain views. Guests can experience much more here than just sitting out on the front porch watching the sunrise and sunset. There is kayaking, fly fishing, hiking, and more outdoor activities to enjoy. With just a short drive to Yellowstone, this home has everyone one would need for a convenient gateway to the park.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $406 per night
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Experience Yellowstone in a whole different way with this unique glamping experience. Here’s the perfect way to take yourself on an entire new adventure in northwestern Wyoming. This unique boutique hotel experience is just 20 minutes outside of West Yellowstone. This boutique hotel immerses guests in an outdoor environment and includes more amenities than your traditional camping experience, all while still operating off-grid. There are luxury beds with high thread count sheets, comfortable pillows, blankets, and rugs that give that “home away from home” feel.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $143 per night
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This gorgeous, sleek mountain haven can be an ideal home base for spending time outside of skiing down Jackson Hole’s famous slopes, mountain biking its rocky peaks, or exploring the area. It’s an elegant, top-floor residence located in the contemporary, recently constructed Arts District West building.
Admire its spacious, sunny and open living areas adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing light to its full kitchen and living room area. There are also three cozy bedrooms — and it’s all in an unmatched location just steps from the main town square.
Outside, there’s a hot tub for relaxing with the ultimate view, and inside, the whitewashed walls and snug decor, including a gas fireplace make the setting feel like quintessential winter with a sophisticated flair.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,770 per night
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This quaint, creekside, two-bedroom cottage can be a great spot to set as a home base for adventures in the area, as it is the only cottage that sits right off the banks of Flat Creek. Guests feel like they’re immersed inside a real-life storybook setting at this cottage, which offers shared access to a communal grill and hot tub of the cottage’s neighborhood, as well as to the stately row of Adirondack chairs perched right on the bank of Flat Creek.
It’s a two-bedroom, 750-square-foot cottage with a primary bedroom that’s appointed with a comfortable king bed (it can be converted into two twins upon request) and a guest bedroom featuring a queen bed. The couch in the living room can even pull out to serve extra guests.
The charming, traditional cabin decor feels authentic but modern, with light wood accents and yellow walls making the space feel sunny and bright.
This cottage is in a unique location that’s nestled into nature with the peacefulness of Flat Creek but offers easy access to the urban happenings of downtown Jackson and its world-class restaurants and entertainment.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $241 per night
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This upscale, 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence feels chic and modern, with an open floor plan between the living, dining and kitchen areas (great for entertaining guests) and a kitchen well-equipped with luxury appliances to create a tasty meal.
Get some fresh air on the patio outside, or get comfortable inside, snuggled up next to the relaxing fireplace. The primary suite has a king bed, and two twin beds are in the guest bedroom (which can be converted to a king upon request). There’s also a sleeper sofa to accommodate additional guests. Cook in the full kitchen with its stainless steel appliances and contrasting, natural, colorful design, or relax on the cozy sofa adjacent to the enormous windows, washing the room in bright light.
The property itself sits in the heart of Jackson Hole at the base of Snow King Mountain, fourteen miles from the Moose entrance to Grand Teton National Park, thirteen miles from the iconic Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and close to downtown Jackson — but also right at the base of the mountain and in nature.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $304 per night
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Jackson Hole Airbnbs rentals near Yellowstone National ParkModern bungalow in the heart of downtown Jackson
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Check out this luxury cabin in the heart of downtown Jackson Hole. This lush cabin offers the perfect mixture of comfort and luxury simultaneously. In the cabin is a fully equipped kitchen and spacious living room with a pull-out sleeper sofa for extra guests. If guests want to seize the day outside and enjoy some nature, there’s even a lavish large deck on the outside of the home with stunning views taken in from comfortable and cozy seating areas. The deluxe cabin is just two blocks from Jackson Town Square.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $603 per night
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This new lush lodging is one of Jackson’s latest luxury properties. The Pearl at Jackson Penthouse gives guests a mixture of luxury living and the conveniences of being right near the town square. This modern lush living has floor-to-ceiling windows and other large windows, a spacious living room, and a dining room with a fully equipped kitchen and other resort-like amenities. There is also an expansive third-floor wrap-around deck with a hot tub that offers beautiful views of Jackson.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $949 per night
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Here is a mountain escape with perfect views that make for the ideal home base for a Yellowstone excursion. This two-bedroom, three-bath home has rustic features, and the interior has a spacious living room with large windows, a full kitchen, an outdoor space with a full front deck, and a back deck with a charcoal grill.
Seven guests, two bedrooms
Price: $322 per night
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This basecamp for exploring Yellowstone is just minutes from the North Entrance and can be a perfect home base for a couple, a family with kids, or a group of friends.
This peaceful apartment is located on the second floor. There’s a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances and white furniture, making the space feel welcoming and bright, adjacent to a small dining area. There’s a comfortable bedroom with a large bed for sleeping and a pull-out couch in the living room space. There’s also an office nook for getting work done — and a game room for playing outside of work. Don’t miss the private outdoor patio space out back.
This property is just a short walk to downtown Gardiner and access to its activities and attractions like shopping, restaurants, and wildlife spotting.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $149 per night
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This new, custom-designed cabin sits tucked away in an incredible location right on the Yellowstone River — and boasts awesome, unobstructed views of the scenery and local wildlife.
Cook in the well-equipped kitchen, relax in the living room space, sleep in the lofted bedroom space, and freshen up in the modern bathroom space.
It feels like a peaceful and remote, rustic escape with everything needed to enjoy an authentic, relaxing stay. And it’s just minutes from the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, with easy access to local shops and restaurants.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $226 per night
Cody, Wyoming Airbnb rentals near Yellowstone National ParkSpacious ranch lodge on the outskirts of Cody
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Just on the outskirt of the historic city of Cody is this stunning serene lodge that is just five minutes from town. Enjoy this 2,112-square-foot lodge with Wyoming-made log walls, a spacious living room with views of the mountains and rustic interior, and an open, fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Guests can also explore the property and visit the ranch animals along with the privately-owned covered bridge with a large pod and island to enjoy the beautiful views and other native wildlife.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $243 per night
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Come out and enjoy one of east Yellowstone’s best cabins for solo travelers or couples on your next national park gateway. This charming cottage has one bedroom with a full-sized queen bed, a full bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen. The comfortable seating area has a fireplace with a custom window seat.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $200 per night
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This dreamy property is just a few minutes from Yellowstone National Park. It feels like an elegant blend of contemporary and country living — sitting in an untouched area of the countryside close to the awe-inspiring geography of Yellowstone.
This property is enormous. The living room features large windows letting in plentiful natural light into the space. It is decorated with a leather couch and cozy fireplace, attached to the kitchen and dining room areas with its open floor plan desi.
The large kitchen features a breakfast bar that seats four, with stainless steel appliances and chic bright white countertops. The primary bedroom features a walk-in closet and ample sleeping space, and there’s another guest room with a large bed and a third with adult-sized bunk beds. The compact office space allows guests to be productive while on-site — but the covered porch outside, with its relaxing hot tub, beckons guests to forget about work while they’re visiting and boasts views of the Yellowstone River and local wildlife.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $545 per night
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This newly built, futuristic home located on 11 acres is everything you could want and more for your Yellowstone vacation. This contemporary home gives guests a mixture of mid-century modern with a hint of a country feel. The home features an open floor plan with a living room and a spacious kitchen with a dining area. There are two bedrooms, an office, and an extended patio where guests can BBQ and sit next to the fire pit at night, look up at the beautiful night sky, and have 360-degree views of the mountains.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $229 per night
February 4, 2025
Everything You Need to Know (and Bring) for Your First Heli-Ski Trip, According to a Guide
Few moments in action sports get the adrenaline going like the whirring blade of a helicopter. A successful day of heli-skiing requires adhering to the six “Ps” – prior preparation prevents piss-poor performance. To this degree, I spoke with Jesse Seguin, my guide on a recent heli-ski trip with CMH Heli-Skiing about how to prepare for a day in the field, and what you need in order to have the best experience possible.
CMH, short for Canadian Mountain Holidays, operates 11 lodges throughout British Columbia, on the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, Syilx, Sinixt, Carrier, and Stoney Nakoda Nations. Some specialize in expert only terrain and require access via helicopter to reach the lodge, while others, such as the Purcell lodge that I visited, are accessible via road from a nearby town. Most heli-ski trips run four to seven days, though the CMH Purcell lodge offers only single-day trips starting at $2,115 CAD, about $1,475.
First-timers can sign up for the Powder Intro program, available at the Revelstoke, Bugaboos, and Cariboos lodges. Here, you’ll learn the ins and outs of skiing high-alpine terrain in a supportive environment that is focused on learning and progression. It’s possible to sign up yourself with a group or come with your own group.
How to prepare for your first day of heli-skiing
En route to the first run of the day. Photo: Tim Wenger
If, like me, you came of age watching pros like Shane McConkey, Jeremy Jones, and Travis Rice ripping down huge lines in the backcountry, you’ve likely dreamed of standing atop a craggy peak staring down at a steep line, preparing to drop in. In addition to cat skiing and backcountry touring, heli-skiing is the primary way to reach big, high-alpine backcountry lines. Contrary to what you may have seen in ski films, however, commercial heli-skiing doesn’t involve landing a chopper on sketchy ridges or strapping into your board and jumping from an open helicopter door (unless you’re Mike Basich).
“There is a misnomer that at the top of each run guests are required to jump out of the helicopter to disembark,” Seguin says. “False! CMH has been in this business for 60 years now – over the years we have established many standard operating procedures and employ professional guides that will be with you every step of the way. Our guides have an average of 14 years of experience, and an unparalleled level of expertise and experience in their field.”
A walk-through of the helicopter and its safety measures is provided before boarding. Entering and exiting the chopper is an organized procession that involves ducking into a huddle while it lands, boarding one by one via the step on the side, and buckling into the seats before departure. Upon landing at the top of the run, the procession happens again in reverse.
Photo: Tim Wenger
Heli-ski operators like CMH run a well-oiled machine with established landing points atop and below a tenure of named runs that the guides ski regularly and evaluate daily. Those runs are wild, untamed, and as far from skiing a lazy groomer as you can get – but factors such as weather, snow and avalanche conditions, and the ability of the group dictate where you’ll ski on a given day.
“Each day, the team of guides in each of our areas monitor and continually evaluate the evolution of mountain conditions and hazards, collectively determining daily ski and flight programs,” Seguin says. “With safety being our top priority, all landings and ski runs are all established ahead of bringing guests to them, and each guest is trained in the use of safety equipment.”
This safety equipment includes a beacon, shovel, and probe that can be used in case of an avalanche burial. Prior to boarding the helicopter for the first run of the trip, guides walk all guests through a rescue scenario to familiarize each with use of the equipment. At CMH and most major operators, guests can bring their own skis or snowboard or rent a setup from the lodge. While it’s generally more comfortable on your own gear, keep in mind that renting from the lodge ensures you’ll be skiing or riding on freshly tuned equipment that is designed for the exact terrain you’ll be skiing.
A sample itinerary for a day of heli-skiingGetting ready to load up. Photo: Tim Wenger
Each CMH lodge, like those of other licensed heli-ski operators, has a tenured region of terrain that includes established runs with varying degrees of difficulty. Some lodges and tenures are geared more for expert skiers, while others, including Purcell, have a wider variety of terrain and are more suitable for first-timers and those not as comfortable on big-mountain terrain.
We arrived at the Purcell lodge around 7 AM on our day of heli-skiing. A light breakfast along with coffee and tea was served in the lodge, and a backcountry safety video was shown. After intros to the guides and staff, we headed outside for a safety training exercise that involved using our beacons to locate a buried beacon (simulating rescuing a skier buried in an avalanche). Then, around 9 am, it was time to depart.
A typical day of heli-skiing involves six to nine runs totalling about 10,000 feet of vertical descent. The number of runs you’ll do depends on the ability and stamina of the group along with weather and snow conditions. After our fourth run, we ate lunch of sandwiches and hot soup before loading back into the chopper for the next run. We returned to the lodge around 4 PM for apres-ski snacks and a rundown of the day.
Any skiers that become tired or struggle to enjoy the experience can ride in the helicopter, even if that’s only to skip a run to let the legs rest for a few minutes. There’s no shame in doing so.
On multi-day trips, meals are included at the lodge, where you’ll also sleep. These trips are all-inclusive, though typically sans-alcohol, which must be paid for a-la-carte. Sleeping in a heli-lodge is akin to staying in a high-end, catered backcountry lodge – you can expect chef-prepared food, great coffee, and evenings to be filled with games and revelry.
Staying safe (and remaining calm) in the backcountry
CMH Guide Jesse Seguin discusses terrain in the CMH Purcell tenure. Photo: Tim Wenger
While much of the terrain is in the high alpine and remaining with eyesight of others is simple, CMH employs the “buddy system” when skiing in trees or other areas where it’s possible to be separated from the group. At the top of each run, the lead guide drops in first and sets the course for others to follow. On steep pitches and anywhere that is designated “avalanche terrain,” skiers will follow one at a time while a tail guide maintains eyesight on the person skiing.
“The backcountry is an uncontrolled, unmarked environment,” Jesse says. “While despite our best efforts there are inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated, with our ACMG certified guides at your side, you’re in the safest hands possible.
In advance of the trip, encourages skiers and riders to “challenge themselves on terrain that isn’t manicured” – such as tree runs and bowls at their local resort.
“In terms of technique, skiing within your ability allows you the opportunity to make some adjustments to your line and speed to avoid certain things such as changing snow conditions, creek holes, and rough terrain,” says. “Always keep a little in reserve to contend with the conditions and situations you may encounter out there. Look ahead while you’re skiing and try to anticipate what might be coming up next. Be comfortable adjusting your turn shape and speed when you may need to react quickly. Focus on finding the balance between exhilaration and thoughtful, controlled skiing.”
Part of staying in control means paying attention to where the lead guide is posted at the bottom of the run, and adhering to their instructions about areas to avoid on the way down. During our day skiing with CMH, Seguin frequently instructed our group to stay to the right or the left of his line due to out-of-view hazards like rocks or seracs. At other points he was keen for us to let it rip, these runs being filled with hoots, hollers, and the occasional tumble – but that’s all part of the fun.
“My pet peeve as a guide is when people are distracted in the field,” Seguin says. “We want you to focus on the task at hand, in particular when the guide is giving instructions. Stay engaged in the day and yourself, and the group will have more success and do more skiing.”
My group did at times get distracted taking photos or chatting about the line we’d just ridden when we should have been listening to instructions, and the guides were quick to whip us into shape.
“One additional note – make sure you slow down well above the guides’ regroup,” Seguin says. “I need my legs to do my job, and I don’t appreciate guests coming in full speed to the group thinking they are in perfect control and slamming on the brakes right at my ski tips – respect the guides and other group member’s welfare.”
That said, Seguin notes that the entire experience is designed to be life-changing and inspirational, and that notions of intimidation surrounding heli-skiing are often unfounded.
“The idea is to come home with a smile on your face and some experiences to share,” Seguin says. “Your role as a guest is to place your trust in us and ask questions you may need in order to feel comfortable. On top of that I would suggest focusing on good breathing, trying to relax as much as possible, and soak it all up!”
Gear to bring with you on your heli-ski trip
An open cabin ready to board. Photo: Tim Wenger
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Heli-skiing generally guarantees you’ll be riding powder – meaning a pair of skis or a board designed for riding in the terrain park isn’t going to cut it. Generally, most ski gear you bring to your local resort will do the trick — goggles, boots, a helmet, and underlayers. However, you’ll want powder skis or a directional snowboard with wide nose and tail, a tapered shape, and for snowboarders, a rocker camber. These features are designed to keep you afloat in deep powder without having to lean back the entire time, preventing unnecessary burning of energy. After three heli-ski trips I’ve come to trust mittens and bibs as my go-tos, along with a good shell jacket. Myself or fellow Matador editors use and recommend the following equipment for heli-skiing.
Black Crows Atris (men’s) or Atris Birdie (women’s) skis
Photo courtesy Black Crows
The Black Crows Atris is a popular all-mountain ski renowned for its versatility. With a 105mm waist width, it offers a good balance of powder float that translates well in steep terrain. Its playful nature makes it agile in tight trees and the rocker profile and wide tip provide excellent floatation in deep snow, making it a strong choice for powder enthusiasts. However, its all-mountain capabilities extend beyond powder, allowing it to confidently handle groomed runs and diverse snow conditions. Bonus because these skis are currently 50 percent off at EVO (links below), saving you nearly $500.
Price: On sale at EVO for $464.99
Weston Japow (men’s) or Revel (women’s) snowboards
Photo courtesy Weston
Weston started in Minturn, Colorado, as a powder and touring snowboard manufacturer focused on one thing – riding big lines. The brand designed and shaped these boards based on extensive testing in the deep powder of Hokkaido, meaning you’ll have a dependable board no matter how deep the snow is on your heli-ski trip.
Price: $624-$649
Outdoor Research Hemispheres II Shell
Photo courtesy Tim Wenger
Heli-skiing requires being prepared for varying conditions including wind, snow, sun, and extremely cold temps. Having a good shell jacket that is wind- and water-resistant with GORE-TEX C-Knit Technology fabric while also being easy to roll up and put in your backpack is key, and I’ve fallen in love with the Outdoor Research Hemispheres II Shell this season for exactly this reason. I keep it rolled in my pack at all times, and it has now replaced the bulky ski jacket I’d worn for years even on resort days.
Price: $648.95
Outdoor Research Hemispheres bibs
Photo courtesy backcountry.com
Bibs at first seem awkward but they’re actually super flexible and comfy for long powder days. Heli-skiing requires a lot of maneuvering in and out of the chopper, ducking down while it takes off or lands, and of course, the skiing itself, and the chunky rigidity of traditional ski pants just don’t cut it in these circumstances. The Outdoor Research Hemispheres bibs fit and look great underneath the OR shell, to boot.
Price: $648.95
Oyuki Sencho GORE-TEX mittens
A well-used pair of mittens. Photo courtesy Tim Wenger
I prefer mittens for heli-skiing and resort days because they allow my fingers to warm each other and provide added flexibility. The Oyuki Sencho mitts are easy to slide on and off, and will stay on your arm while you adjust goggles or other gear. They’re warm but maneuverable and after a coating of waterproof wax I’ve never had issues with wetness or cold.
Price: $95.97
More like thisTravelShaun White Discusses WHITESPACE and Why the World Needed Another Snowboard BrandThis Jamaican Resort’s All-Inclusive Promise Could Include a Butler Team
Mere hours after leaving behind befuddled robins pecking at the frozen birdbath in my Carolina backyard, I was spying leggy tropical waterfowl fishing in the mangroves at the tropical oasis I’d be calling home for the next five days.
My mid-winter break found me at one of Jamaica’s newest (and largest) all-inclusive resorts: the adults-only Princess Senses The Mangrove. There, at Green Island in Jamaica’s Hanover Parish, the resort is perched along a toast-colored beachfront adjacent to its sister property, the family-friendly Princess Grand Jamaica.
The resorts opened simultaneously in the fall of 2024 and bookend nearly a mile of the crescent-shaped beach where they’re conjoined by a long stretch of (mostly) shared restaurants, bars, lounges, clubs, retail shops, and amenities.
Combined, the expansive resort playground rests on 180 acres of carefully developed land fringed by dense red mangroves, an adaptive hardwood species that can thrive in salty waters. In addition to the thin-legged great egret I admired on my initial walk along the beach, brown pelicans, tiny Jamaican vireos, and rufous-tailed flycatchers dart about. It’s a birder’s paradise, and I was adding to my spotted list by the minute.
The Platinum Club at Princess Senses The Mangrove: Butlers included
Photo: Princess Senses The Mangrove
There’s a resort within the resort at Princess Senses The Mangrove in the form of the Platinum Club. This premium amenity level means I got my own private check-in and check-out; had access to an exclusive rooftop lounge with premium drinks, a restaurant, a pool, and its own concierge; and, best of all, got dedicated butler service.
At check-in, I was greeted by Richardo who, together with his colleague Davel, would be my butler during my stay. Richardo quickly established a WhatsApp connection with me and urged me to take advantage of his service. Coffee daily at 6 AM with hot milk and rolls? Check. A private cabana at the Euphoria pool at 2 PM? Consider it done. Dinner reservations at The Pearl, the resort’s elegant international seafood restaurant? Of course.
Beyond the navigation of small favors and helpful requests, my butler team showed its stuff by anticipating my desires and sharing recommendations for the best the resort has to offer. They were like twin sons of different mothers, playing off each other to see who could impress me more (spoiler: it’s a tie).
When Davel learned I’d be on the pickleball courts taking lessons one morning, he came by in a golf cart with cold sparkling water, juice, and some good-natured ribbing about my form on the court. After check-in, Richardo insisted on giving me his personal tour of the resort by golf cart to share his favored quiet shady spots for escaping the sun and chilling with the paperback he observed on my bed. Each sent morning and afternoon texts with tips on activities and dining recommendations for the day.
The accommodations at Princess Senses The Mangrove: All suites, all the time
Photo: Princess Senses The Mangrove
“Get there fast and take it slow” is more than a lyric from a fabled Beach Boys song when you stay at Princess Senses The Mangrove, especially when it comes to the accommodations.
The resort broadly splits its accommodations into two categories: luxurious suites (401 of them) and ultra-luxury suites (14 of them). Rooms range from the 603-square-foot Deluxe Junior Suites (with 140 square foot balconies) to the 3,068-square-foot Presidential Suite (with a sweeping sky terrace and an infinity pool that alone measures 862 square feet).
I was hooked up with a Platinum Junior Suite with a private balcony and a Hydromassage hot tub. The whole scene — the cloud-colored room design scheme, the cozy couches, the contemporary wall art, the accent pieces, and the balcony delivering ocean views for miles — put me in meditative mode and held the promise for midday naps over the next few days.
There was ample room for me to spread out on my third-floor suite. The studio-apartment-sized digs featured a great workspace, a 55-inch recessed big-screen TV, a luxe bath with twin vanities, a giant soaking tub, a double rain shower, a loaded mini-bar (Red Stripe and El Presidente are the brews of choice here), and a luxe balcony overlooking the drink.
There, viewing the comings and goings of slightly sun kissed couples navigating the beach was a much better diversion than anything offered on the tube. There was a pair of cushy chairs for reading, a table to hold the golden amber beverage I was seldom without, and a roomy hot tub (big enough for two) delivering more bubbles than an over-Champagned Aperol spritz.
Dining at Princess Senses The Mangrove: A buffet of options
Photo: Princess Senses The Mangrove
If you’re anything like me, beach days make you hungry — and in search of a tasty cocktail. The resort has a variety of dining and drinking options for guests: 10 themed restaurants, three buffets, a food truck area, 14 bars, and two exclusive Platinum venues (the Platinum Club and Platinum Beach Club, both of which have à la carte restaurants). I tried my best to sample each of the restaurants and bars available to Platinum Club guests but ultimately decided to save a few for a repeat visit. Nonetheless, I found several highlights, starting with Ka Teppanyaki.
Dinner is the show at Ka Teppanyaki, a giddy (sometimes raucous) Japanese-cutlery-swinging group favorite. Somehow, even without a karaoke player, my group was singing ‘80s and ‘90s hits led in great chorus by our tableside chef. I started with spring rolls, edamame, and sushi apps and worked my way up to the main event: stir-fried chicken, beef, shrimp, veg, and egg fried rice. The fresh sauteed pineapple with house-made ice cream was a standout.
At Fusion 360, I participated in a cooking class one afternoon and enjoyed Caribbean lobster with a ginger, miso, and garlic butter sauce that left me in a bliss-like state. More island flavors awaited a Jamrock, a Jamaican-Caribbean hideaway that hit a high note for me with oxtail, jerk chicken, and seasoned grilled grouper — a simple dish that honored this beautiful fish.
Photo: Michael J. Solender
I never quite got my fill of Jamaican beef patties (spiced beef in a buttery pasty shell, fried golden brown and delicious). Luckly, there was a special Jamaican food truck near the resort’s outdoor theater and plaza that churned out these beauties all day long. The truck’s hot-off-the grill jerk chicken was addictive, as well.
For breakfast — one meal I never sleep on — Chef Johnoy at the Platinum Club restaurant had me covered daily with traditional Jamaican favorites like jerk sausage and eggs and akee and saltfish with Jamaican sweet potatoes. Silky scrambled eggs played nicely with the salty whitefish and were a great day brightener when served with a cup of steaming Blue Mountain coffee.
Amenities at Princess Senses The Mangrove: From spa days to club nights
Photo: Michael J. Solender
Activities and amenities at Princess Senses The Mangrove range from sporty (fitness center, sports courts, and water sports) to wellness-centric (spa and beauty salon) to exclusive (dance and mixology classes, themed parties, and more via the O’Club Experience).
Taking advantage of the resort’s spa was an easy choice for me. Deep tissue kneading was just what the doctor ordered, and body technician Kadian put her 19 years of experience to good use with me. There was also a cold plunge pool at the spa (I chickened out) and a circuit of hydro-spas at more tropical temps for soaking.
Water aerobics and volleyball called me on consecutive days, as did pickleball, a poolside group Patois (Jamaican creole language) lesson, and more than one visit to the MVP sports bar. At MVP, my beverage of choice was an homage to Jamaican reggae legend Bob Marley. His eponymous cocktail sported the colors of the Jamaican flag and more than a hint of rum.
Photo: Michael J. Solender
One night, I stepped into the resort’s Illusion Night Club, which rocked with live music playing pop faves and a crowded and swaying dance floor. There was also an outdoor theater for musical reviews nightly. I caught a Jamaican review one evening featuring bright costumes, traditional dance, and a steel band that let me know I was in the islands.
Getting to Princess Senses The MangrovePrincess Senses The Mangrove and Princess Grand Jamaica are a 75-minute drive from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) on the northwest corner of the island. The resort will make transfer arrangements upon request. I flew American Airlines nonstop from Charlotte, NC. MBJ is also serviced by Delta, Air Canada, JetBlue, and several other airlines.
Inside the Private Astronomy Village Hidden in the Darkest Part of Georgia
Deerlick Astronomy Village in the East Central Piedmont region of Georgia seems a long way from everywhere, even if you live only 30 miles away from it like I do. The drive from my town of 3,300 people passes even smaller towns along unlit two-lane roads, going through a wide expanse of towering pine forests; it feels akin to going through a time vortex where the developed world fades away. And that’s exactly how the stargazing residents of Deerlick Astronomy Village want it: No lights, minimal sound, and very few people.
Deerlick, named after the Deer Lick grouping of galaxies visible in the Pegasus constellation, was founded in the mid-aughts by members of the Atlanta Astronomy Club. They were looking for the best place near Atlanta to view the nighttime sky under true dark sky conditions, and found it in Taliaferro County, about 90 miles away. Taliaferro (pronounced like “Oliver,” but with a “T” in front) is one of the least-populous counties east of the Mississippi River.
The road to Deerlick Astronomy Village. Photo: Blake Guthrie
“We wanted a safe place with permanent set ups and dark sky rules,” co-founder and part-time resident Erik Benner told me when I visited his Deerlick home. “This is one of the darkest spots on the East Coast outside of being in a swamp, and no serious astronomer wants to set up their high-end equipment in the middle of a humid swamp.” Benner’s home includes a private observatory with a retractable roof, though it’s not unique to him: Most of the village’s residents can push a button and roll their roof back to reveal the night sky.
Deerlick Astronomy Village’s dark sky rules are strict. After dark, no white lights are allowed anywhere on the property, including headlights. Guests and residents must drive slowly with headlights off, using only the parking lights to navigate lanes marked by tiny red lights. This slow speed limit also keeps dust from billowing up from the gravel roads around the viewing areas. Even the windows on all structures must have blackout curtains, so no inside light gets out.
Deerlick is surreal after dark with its blackout conditions, like being in an abandoned place – yet there are people all around in the quiet darkness looking at planets, stars, galaxies, and more. The star party goes on most nights until just before sunrise. But it’s not an actual party in the standard sense, as the greatest sin one can commit is shining a light or doing any actual partying after the roof comes off. “We’re very serious about what we do,” says Benner. “This isn’t a place for college students to come drink and see some stars.”
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Grier’s Field is the 10-acre, main viewing area for Deerlick members who don’t have homes there, but come to camp in tents, RVs and cars. While there, I met a young man from Peachtree Corners, Georgia, two hours away. He had come to car camp for the night and do some imaging with his telescopes. On the chilly January night, he had the field all to himself. It was hard to tell he was even there after the sun went down, as no light emanated from his campsite (campfires, naturally, are verboten).
The Andromeda Galaxy as seen in a long exposure shot from Deerlick Astronomy Village. Photo: Erik Benner
While standing in the middle of the field as twilight turned to darkness, the star show slowly unfolded in a way I never see at home, where I have limited horizon views and the slow creep of light pollution from the Atlanta metro area. Things seemed brighter at Deerlick, like someone had turned the dimmer switch on the heavens to the brightest of illuminations. While there, the International Space Station passed into the field of view among all the planets and constellations. It’s a common occurrence that’s perhaps not a big deal for avid sky watchers, but pretty cool to see for a novice such as myself, especially coming from a suburb.
Grier’s Field has concrete pads for telescopes, bathroom facilities, a picnic pavilion with a gas grill, a small community building (with blackout curtains, of course) that serves as a warming hut on chilly evenings. As Benner pointed out, it also has very good Wi-Fi – something uncommon in such a remote location.
Grier’s Field at Deerlick Astronomy Village. Photo: Blake Guthrie
During the daytime hours, visitors hike on miles of nature trails and spot plenty of wildlife. I was greeted at one point by a large group of deer who let me get within a few feet of them before they darted a few yards away to continue staring intently at me while grazing.
Though Deerlick is a private community, it offers a few public events throughout the year. Event details are available on the Deerlick and Atlanta Astronomy Club event webpages. One of the biggest annual events is the week-long Peach State Star Gaze, held each fall.
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However, visitors that want to visit outside of public events can do so. They’ll need to pay the annual membership fee ($60-$85) in advance, plus a nominal nightly camping fee for Grier’s Field ($5-$20). Membership is required, even if you’re only coming for one night.
“It’s cheaper than staying at a KOA,” says Benner. “We do this at cost. We’re not doing it to become independently wealthy.” He recommends that sky-curious novices with no equipment of their own come to one of the public events first, when they can view the stars through telescopes set up for guests, before becoming dues-paying members.
For those interested in becoming members but who aren’t so into camping, the closest lodging are the two-bedroom cottages ($150 per night) about 20 minutes away at A.H. Stephens State Park in Crawfordville, GA. The closest hotel is The Fitzpatrick Hotel ($109 and up) in the town of Washington, a 25-minute drive north of Grier’s Field. Crawfordville and Washington are the closest towns with stores and restaurants, but the options are limited. Crawfordville doesn’t even have a grocery store — only a Dollar General.
Photo: Blake Guthrie
Remote as it is, there’s a lot of history in this area. Within a mile of Deerlick are three roadside historical markers. The lack of people in this area is so evident that when the shoulder was too muddy, I flicked on my hazard lights and parked my car in the middle of the highway to read one of the signs. Not a single vehicle passed as I spent a couple of minutes reading and taking photos of the marker. It tells the story of a pioneering astronomer born there in 1782, even mentioning the specific boulders he stood on to make his astronomical calculations. The man’s name was Robert Grier, and yes, those same boulders are still there on Grier’s Field inside Deerlick Astronomy Village – how apropos.
He’d likely be glad to know that centuries later, this place is still revealing moments of awe to passionate nighttime sky watchers.
February 3, 2025
Things We Love: The Matador Team’s 5 Favorite Pieces of Travel Gear This Month
In January, Matador editors traveled from the high peaks of British Columbia to the trails of California, and to cities across North America and Europe. This is the gear the team loved the most this month, including a new supplement to aid in sleeping at high altitudes, a jacket for frigid weather and another for milder temps, and because outdoors editor Suzie Dundas is already deep in the coming summer’s mountain bike season (mentally, at least), a hip bike jersey.
Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase
Fjallraven’s Kiruna Padded Parka
Photo: Amazon
During my 15 years of living in British Columbia, Canada, I tested many winter coats in a desperate search for the perfect combination of warmth, practicality, and style. And, let me tell you, it’s not an easy task to find one coat that’s suitable for the variations of temperature and weather during the long winter, and that also works for a wide range of activities. While I’m not a skier or snowboarder, and therefore don’t need a ski jacket, I enjoy spending time outdoors during the cold season, whether that’s a simple hike in the snow or a snowshoeing adventure. I’m also a little vain and like to look stylish when I meet friends for a cup of coffee or go for a meal at a restaurant with my partner. After much searching, I can confidently say that I found the one jacket that works for my lifestyle: Fjallraven’s Kiruna Padded Parka.
Fjallraven managed to create a warm winter coat that is wind resistant, water resistant, and figure flattering, a feat that many other outdoors brands have yet to achieve. Thanks to light but effective padding and an adjustable waist at the back, the coat is not bulky and very feminine. The parka is also long enough to keep your thighs and rear warm, but not long enough to make it challenging to move with ease. But if, like me, the length of the coast gets in the way of you putting your boots on without difficulty, the two-way zipper in the front helps.
There are many things I love about this jacket, including the fact that it is mostly made of recyclable materials, and that the multiple pockets are all secured with either zippers, buttons, or both to keep your belongings safe, but my favorite feature has to be the color. I opted for the terracotta brown model, and it’s the perfect shade to match my red hair. Fjallraven offers the Kiruna Padded Parka in eight different colors, all of which are subdued and elegant, including a lovely shade of yellow that they call “acorn”, and two shades of pink and purple. – Morgane Croissant, deputy editor
Price: $349.95
ALTISNOOZE Sleep Aid for High Altitude
Photo: Amazon
I live at elevation in Colorado, and the bulk of traveling I do is to mountainous destinations around the globe. I have for many years struggled with sleep, at home and especially on the road. I’ve tried pills, supplements, joints, all kinds of stuff in an attempt to put my mind at ease and settle into bed. While melatonin gummies have been the most effective, I worry about the side effects of using them too often in terms of ruining my ability to sleep without them. On a recent snowboard excursion to the Powder Highway of British Columbia, I brought along ALTISNOOZE, a new formula free of melatonin that is designed specifically for falling asleep at elevations above 9,000 feet. It’s made to aid hydration and contains ample electrolytes for recovery after a day in the hills, and I fell asleep in about 20 minutes each of the three nights I used it.
ALTISNOOZE is similar to Emergen-C in that you empty a packet into a small glass of water, stir, and drink. The taste is labeled as “berry” and that’s not inaccurate, though I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what berry it tasted like – but it was slightly fruity. The formula includes magnesium to relax the muscles along with Cordyceps and Holy Basil to assist in deep sleep and fight altitude sickness. I felt no residual effect in the mornings, which had always been the one thing I didn’t like about melatonin gummies. A cup of coffee and I was ready to hit the hill. – Tim Wenger, transactional content editor
Price: $51.99 for a pack of 10 packets
Black Crows ski touring “capsule” and new filmPhoto courtesy Black Crows
If you’ve been in a lift line or on a skin track over the past three years, you’ve likely seen an increased presence of Black Crows skis. The French ski brand has blown up in the United States recently for two reasons. First, because it crafts high-performance resort and touring skis that can actually survive more than a few seasons of heavy use. Second, because the brand is freakin’ hip. Its gear looks as good as it performs, typically featuring artsy, minimalist graphics that are distinct but don’t scream “I’m a douche!” To celebrate the launch of its latest “Ghost Resorts” film chronicling the history of the nearly-forgotten Super Saint-Bernard ski area in Switzerland, the brand launched on February 4 a new backcountry touring capsule that includes a touring pack, poles, skins, Navis Freebird skis, and ATK bindings.
Impressively, the most innovative inclusion here is the Dorsa pack. It’s 27 liters and opens duffel-style at the top, like a backpacking pack, so you fit all your touring gear in there alongside outer layers and lunch and actually be able to access it without ripping a zipper off or having to unpack everything you brought. There’s a zipped pouch in front for beacon, shovel, and probe, and because of the amount of space, you could easily take this pack on a hut trip with food for two to three days and not have to worry about leaving something important at home.
For a bit of extra stoke, check out the new Ghost Resorts film, which chronicles the story of an abandoned Swiss ski resort.
Buy the Capsule (or watch the film)
Buy the Dorsa 27 pack separately
The North Face Dragline Jacket
Photo: Suzie Dundas
Most people who live in ski towns, such as myself, have a decent amount of ski jackets. That means it takes a lot to get me excited about new gear – but the Dragline Jacket from The North Face blew me away. With a loose fit and cut that hits the sweet spot between “boxy” and “tight,” plus an awesome purple-and-black design, it’s just plain cool looking. But it’s also practical as hell. When I underestimated the temperatures while skiing last week and had to switch gloves, I was able to fit the giant leather mittens I switched out of into the huge front pockets. And that was when I was already carrying sunglasses, a beanie, a phone, and a snack bar. There are also two giant inside pockets, two zippered chest pockets, and a removable goggle wipe (smart).
Obviously, none of those features matter on a jacket if it doesn’t keep you dry and warm above all else. Fortunately, the Dragline does. I wore it to ski in Tahoe in the same wind that was so strong it started the fires in LA. I was getting blown nearly backwards when trying to go downhill in whipping winds – but reader, believe me when I say I literally didn’t get cold. At all. And I’m one of those people who is always cold.
Unfortunately, strong winds also caused icy and windblown conditions, and I’m willing to admit I caught an edge a few times on some icy traverses. Despite some slides on icy slopes (and the strong wind actively blowing snow into my face), there was absolutely no moisture permeability through the Dragline Jacket. I also wore it recently in unseasonably heavy, extended rain showers, and stayed dry, even with water dripping off the hood. Better still, it’s made with recycled (and recyclable) materials.
I could go on and on, but if you’re in the market for a ski shell you get super excited about, I’d take a peek at the Dragline Jacket first thing. — Suzie Dundas, outdoors editor
Price:
Buy Now: Women DHarCO Mountain Bike Gravity Jersey
Photo: Suzie Dundas
As much as I love winter sports, I’m truly obsessed with mountain biking. I mountain biked more than 1,000 miles this past year (really, check my Strava) and climbed nearly 200,000 feet on my bikes. And considering I mostly wear sweatpants when I’m working from home, I’d say the majority of my time outside the house is spent wearing mountain bike clothing.
I bought a DHarCO Mountain bike Gravity Jersey on a whim in Whistler last year and it’s the best spur-of-the-moment decision I’ve made in a long time. Aside from being a perfect cut for biking (with a dropped back hem, high crew neck, and slightly tapered cuffs), it’s also extremely useful in a variety of temperatures and conditions. I’ve worn it alone on rainy days biking in British Columbia where the temps never got above 55, and rocked it fairly comfortably home in Tahoe when I needed the protection of a long sleeve but had to contend with 80-degree-plus temps.
I now have three of these, all in super fun patterns and colors. DHarCO makes just as much gear for women as it does for men and despite how much I’ve worn all my jerseys (often days in a row without washing, let’s be real), they’re as bright, warm, and rip-free as possible. Note that both the men’s and women’s sizes run pretty small by US sizing standards, so I’d definitely say size up. — Suzie Dundas, outdoors editor
Price: $44
Buy NowMore like thisTravelAll the Travel and Outdoor Gear You Need From the Patagonia Winter SaleThe Most Breathtaking Airbnbs on Maui for a Perfect Vacation
Long beach days and hot lanai nights are what you come to Maui for. To get the most from your time here, a beachside rental that’s near to dining, Haleakala National Park, and the island’s best wave breaks is essential — whether you prefer the bustling scene of Kihei or Lahaina or the tranquility of Hana. Maui is among the most beautiful spots on Earth, and these nine Airbnb rentals in Maui perfectly capture the island’s natural wonder.
Traveling to Hawaii? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay on each island: 9 of the most breathtaking Airbnbs on Maui The coolest Airbnbs on Oahu The best Airbnbs on Hawaii’s Big Island 13 stunning yet affordable Airbnbs on Kaui These Hotels on Hawaii’s Big Island Showcase the State’s Best Beaches Experience the Best of Honolulu at These Luxury Resort Hotels Kauai’s coolest hotels offer a truly relaxing beach escape
We hope you love the Airbnb Maui properties 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.
Luxury Mahana property overlooking ocean
Photo: Airbnb
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This spacious one-bedroom condo is among the nicest in Mahana. Fifty feet from the ocean with a lanai and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the entire unit to be overtaken by the ocean breeze. If renting a car for your stay, this is a great apartment because not only do you enjoy free parking but the complex has administrative assistance that can set you up with tours and provide maps and directions to activities across the island. Though with the oceanside pool and perfect waves, you may be tempted to stay on site.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $515 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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If you’ve never seen a rainbow over the ocean, this apartment needs to be on the top of your list. From the lanai, the passing currents and swells often cause this surreal phenomenon, complementing the bright and colorful internal decor for an amalgamation of colors like you’ve never seen. The sunsets over the ocean here offer an equally stirring experience. And once you actually leave the apartment, you’ll find the Pacific just below the cafes and dining of the island’s northwest coast right nearby.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $318 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Should you prefer an expansive oceanside townhome with room for six and the sounds of waves crashing near your deck beckoning your crew back home for a tranquil happy hour after a day spent exploring the nearby coast, this is your spot. The trimmings of luxury outfit the interior, with a modern kitchen designed for preparing large meals and quiet bedrooms sealing a true escape from life back on the mainland. Surfing, paddle boarding, beach activities, and the dining of Puamana are all within a stroll from the lanai.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $787 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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This epic cliff house, 300 feet above the ocean, encapsulates everything great about a stay on Maui. The ocean is right there, you have a private pool and hot tub, and you can relax over cocktails while gazing at Hanehoe Falls. Hana is visible from the home, as is the north coast of Maui. Relax over a book next to the 10-foot marble fireplace, though focusing on the pages may prove to be a struggle with the scenery of paradise in the background. You’ll never have a better view from a hot tub, this we can guarantee.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $481 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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The surf loft is a staple of surf culture worldwide. This property puts you steps from the waves in the heart of Hana — with two beds, a comfortable living room and kitchen, and a plenty of outdoor chilling space. The apartment is airy and spacious, highlighting the “outdoor living” culture of island life, surrounded by fruit trees and a flowing creek carved by lava. The unit comes with beach towels and equipment to use, and coffee/tea to fuel up on beforehand. Enjoy the sunroom on the lanai after catching waves.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $271 per night
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This two-story condo has an epic lanai looking out across palms, sand, ocean, and mountains. Because the unit is part of a vacation rental community, you’ll have access to two pools, hot tubs, fitness amenities, and many spots from which to take in the legendary sunsets of Kihei. With two bedrooms, the unit can sleep up to six guests, placing you in the center of Maui’s cultural action at an affordable rate.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $395 per night
Photo: Airbnb
See more photosThe name says it all. Located at A’apali Ocean Outlook, Waterfall House is the perfect spot to post up with views of Hanehoi Falls and the entire northern coast of Maui. If you plan to catch sunrise atop Haleakala, this rental is in an ideal location to give you a headstart on the drive up, and a place from which to look back at your memory after you’ve lived it — kind of like taking a 360-degree photo. The home’s cliffside lanais look out over the ocean, and you’ll also have access to an emerald tile pool and outdoor shower.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $485 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Looking out over the lush landscapes of Maui’s North Shore, the Rainbow Lookout offers a serene retreat for those seeking a blend of luxury and nature. This stunning hideaway is surrounded by vibrant fruit and flower gardens, coconut palms, and banana trees, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation. The cabin has a private hot tub, perfect for unwinding under the stars, and guests also have access to a refreshing pool, enhancing the overall experience. The interior is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort while harmonizing with the natural beauty that envelops the property.
Beyond the immediate comforts, the Rainbow Lookout’s location on Maui’s North Shore offers guests the opportunity to explore the island’s renowned beaches, hiking trails, and local culture. Whether you’re savoring fresh fruit from the garden, taking a dip in the pool, or venturing out to nearby attractions, this Airbnb provides a perfect base for an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway. The combination of private amenities and proximity to nature makes it an ideal choice for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility and adventure that Maui has to offer.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $655 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Perched in the serene landscapes of Makawao, Hawaii, the “Luxury Upcountry Retreat” offers an unparalleled escape for those seeking tranquility and breathtaking vistas. This charming cottage is designed to accommodate two guests, making it an ideal choice for couples or solo travelers yearning for a peaceful getaway. The property is a licensed bed and breakfast, with the owners residing on-site, ensuring personalized hospitality throughout your stay – including an epic fresh meal.
The cottage’s prime location provides guests with stunning panoramic views of Maui’s upcountry, allowing for a truly immersive Hawaiian experience. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee on the private lanai or stargazing in the clear night sky, the natural beauty surrounding this retreat is bound to captivate. The interior is thoughtfully appointed, blending modern comforts with island charm. For those looking to explore, the retreat’s central location offers convenient access to Maui’s hiking and biking trails, and isn’t too far from the coast.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $485 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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The Hamoa Bay House offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking to unwind amidst nature’s beauty. Surrounded by graceful bamboo trees, vibrant tropical flowers, and abundant fruit trees, this peaceful oasis provides an ideal setting for relaxation. The property’s lush greenery and secluded ambiance make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
This spot, the perfect overnight at the end of the Road to Hana, is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, offering guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquil environment of Hana. Whether you’re enjoying the gentle sway of bamboo in the breeze or exploring the vibrant flora that adorns the property, this retreat promises a rejuvenating experience. Its proximity to Hamoa Bay allows for easy access to pristine beaches, making it an excellent choice for those looking to combine relaxation with coastal adventures.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $442 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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If the Haleakalā sunrise is on your agenda, the Kula Jacaranda Studio will save you a long drive in. Accessible via a private treehouse walkway, this guest suite features a covered deck, providing an ideal spot to dine and soak in the breathtaking surroundings. The studio’s elevated position ensures guests are treated to panoramic views of Maui’s lush landscapes, making it a perfect getaway for those looking to immerse themselves in the island’s serene ambiance.
Inside, the studio is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and convenience.
The space is well-appointed, offering modern amenities that cater to the needs of contemporary travelers. Its location in Kula provides a peaceful setting while still being within reach of Maui’s attractions, allowing guests to explore the island’s diverse offerings before returning to their secluded haven. Whether you’re savoring a meal on the deck or unwinding after a day of adventure, the Kula Jacaranda Studio promises a memorable Hawaiian experience.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $247 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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Malu Manu is a historic 1920s log cabin that offers guests a tranquil retreat. Perched at an elevation of 3,800 feet on the slopes of Haleakalā, this private cabin provides breathtaking ocean and mountain vistas, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful getaway. The surrounding yard is lush with a variety of native and non-native plants, attracting a diverse array of birdlife, which enhances the property’s natural charm.
The cabin’s interior seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern comforts, ensuring a cozy stay for its guests. Its secluded location offers a sense of solitude, allowing visitors to unwind and connect with nature. Enjoy a morning coffee on the porch while watching the sunrise over the ocean or stargaze in the clear night sky. Your proximity to local attractions in Kula also makes this a convenient base.
Two guests, studio
Price: $309 per night
Photo: Airbnb
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This charming cottage is beautifully decorated, setting the mood for a romantic getaway. Guests often praise the sanctuary-like atmosphere, where the gentle sounds of the nearby Wailuku River provide a soothing backdrop, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
The property features a private gazebo, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or an evening glass of wine amidst the lush Hawaiian landscape. Its secluded setting offers unparalleled privacy, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty surrounding them.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $420 per night
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