Matador Network's Blog, page 63
February 3, 2025
8 Ways to Spend Your Vacation Outside in Sunny Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida is like one big open-air playground. Just look at the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers, where you can hunt for seashells on a secluded shore one day and roam through a nature preserve flush with wildlife the next. Then there are the water-based activities, like cruising to white-sand Sanibel Island or kayaking through mangroves at Lovers Key State Park.
After a full day of fresh air, waterfront restaurants keep it going with local specialties like stone crab served against the backdrop of a boat-filled marina. Even the region’s art scene comes with al fresco options — downtown Fort Myers hosts an electric roster of monthly music and art festivals, and the area welcomes an acclaimed songwriter festival each year that’s reason to book a trip all on its own.
With year-round blue skies, the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers are ripe for forging memories under the sun. Start with these eight outdoor activities, and let the rest of your open-air itinerary unfold as you go.
1. Take a Mindfulness Walk at the Wonder Gardens
Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
Home to over 300 rescued and rehabilitated animals, the Wonder Gardens is a botanical refuge and wildlife sanctuary in Bonita Springs that invites you to explore its lush surroundings. You’ll spot kaleidoscopic peacocks and flamingos roaming the 3.5-acre property as you flit between exhibits like the Gator Hole and the Magnificent Macaw habitat. Wonder Gardens also hosts a 45-minute guided Mindfulness Walk that encourages you to connect with the flora and fauna by practicing silent reflection. It’s said to leave guests feeling “refreshed, balanced, and inspired by nature.”
2. See why Cape Coral is the “Waterfront Wonderland”Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
Ever dreamed of cruising Venice’s famed waterways? In Cape Coral, you can experience the same excitement on an even larger scale thanks to the 400-plus miles of saltwater and freshwater canals that wind through the city — and you won’t need your passport to do it.
Lean into the waterfront lifestyle with a vacation rental from CoralVilla or Waterside Villas with Boats that has direct access to the water and a boat slip at your fingertips. (As the name suggests, many properties come with their own motorboat.) Keep the vibe going when hunger strikes by grabbing a seat at one of the many restaurants in Cape Coral with enviable river and Gulf views — shoutout to Gather in the Tarpon Point Marina and Fathoms Restaurant & Bar in the Cape Harbour Marina.
3. Get arty with the Fort Myers Mural Society
Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
For a taste of art and historical charm, head to downtown Fort Myers. On a stroll through the River District, you can admire a 57-piece mural project created by 39 different artists, each showcasing facets of the area’s history. Nearby, don’t miss the new augmented-reality mural inside Grand Illusion that brings artwork to life via a QR code.
Keep your phone handy for a self-guided public art tour of downtown Fort Myers using the Otocast app. Or, if your visit falls on the first Friday of the month, check out the Art Walk that takes over the River District, with vendors selling jewelry, clothing, and paintings. When you’re ready for some downtime, grab afternoon tea at the nearby Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe or a beer at 10 Twenty Five.
4. Sunbathe and hunt for seashells at Fort Myers Beach
Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
With seven miles of powder-soft sands, warm Gulf waters, and gentle waves, Fort Myers Beach is a popular stretch of paradise that’s ideal for families, shore loungers, and anyone who likes a mellow beach day (although there’s plenty of opportunity for water sports, too). For the best seashell hunting, visit in the morning during low tide. If you’re not a shell enthusiast, take advantage of the beachfront restaurants and volleyball courts on land, or opt for something wetter like jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or parasailing.
5. Cruise to Sanibel and Captiva Islands
Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
Embark on a boating adventure to Sanibel Island (named one of Travel + Leisure’s “50 Places to Travel” in 2025). Sit back and relax aboard Captiva Cruises as you sail through the crystalline waters of the Gulf Coast. Once you land, take time to explore the 6,400-acre J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country, or grab lunch at beloved mainstays like Cheeburger Cheeburger and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. Stick around for dinner on Captiva Island across Blind Pass Bridge. Load up on shareables at tiki-themed Mainstay North Captiva or take your time with a special meal at the Old Captiva House — enjoy either with a side of sunset.
6. Catch a vibe with the outdoor music scene
Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
Make your trip to Southwest Florida a melody-filled getaway with one of the Fort Myers area’s impressive music events. Every third Friday of the month, downtown Fort Myers buzzes with a Music Walk that’s free to the public. Over a dozen venues welcome you to enjoy the sounds of local and regional talent, from jazz and blues to rock and roll.
At the Sugarshack live music venue in Bonita Springs, you can score a front-row seat to a band’s acoustic sound session. For a major concert event without the stress of sold-out tickets, mark your calendar for the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest in September, featuring over 100 free performances across intimate island venues.
7. Take a guided kayak tour at Lovers Key State Park
Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
One surefire way to immerse yourself in the region’s outdoor beauty is to rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Better yet, let Lovers Key Adventures arrange a guided tour of Lovers Key State Park. Paddle through the 2.5-mile estuary, lagoon, and mangrove forest with a friendly guide who’ll regale you with the history of the Estero River. If luck is on your side, you might spot a manatee or pod of dolphins.
8. Bike and hike through Caloosahatchee Regional Park
Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
Located in Alva, just 30 minutes northeast of Fort Myers, Caloosahatchee Regional Park has 20 miles of biking and hiking trails. The park’s diverse landscapes include oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and cypress swamps, providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. The trails are well-marked and cater to various skill levels, including hilly terrain offering excitement for serious mountain bikers. The park is also home to campgrounds, which are very popular with families.
Does all this talk of trails, cultural tours, island excursions, and water sports have you ready to step outside? Start planning your getaway to Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and neighborhoods to get in on the action (and all that sunshine). 
February 2, 2025
The Most Stunning Airbnbs in Polanco, Mexico City’s Most International Neighborhood
Polanco is the most sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and international neighborhood of Mexico City. Centrally located, it hosts important museums including the National Museum of Anthropology, Museo Tamayo, Museo Soumaya, and the Museo Nacional de Historia, among others. There are ample art galleries and incredible dining options. the Avenida Presidente Masaryk is often called “the Fifth Avenue of Mexico City.” Part of the legendary Bosque de Chapultepec (the oldest and largest urban park in Latin America, and one of the oldest urban parks in the world) is in Polanco. Now that you’ve decided this is the perfect place for your stay, we’ll help you find the right place to stay. These are the best Airbnbs in Polanco.
We hope you love the Airbnbs in Polanco 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.
3-floor penthouse loft with park views
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosYou really can’t beat the location of this three-floor family home. It’s a short stroll from the National Museum of Anthropology, restaurants, supermarkets and the Chapultepec Park. The three-bedroom is a top ten percent listing on Airbnb. It was awarded the prestigious status for exceptional guest reviews and hospitality from the host. It’s described as a loft, and from its penthouse position, you can take in city (and park) views from the ample terrace.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $555 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosIf you’re looking for an elegant stay, this is one to bookmark. It’s minutes from beautiful green spaces like Parque América and Parque Lincoln, which dog walkers and joggers frequent in the mornings and market sellers trade in the afternoons. This townhouse apartment sleeps six with air-conditioned bedrooms and premium furnishings and fixtures throughout. There’s a complimentary parking spot and bikes, a stunning rooftop, and an optional weekly cleaning service if you stay for more than a few nights. And if you’re traveling to CDMX with your dog, not only will they love being so close to multiple parks, but the rental has a pet-friendly policy.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $423 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosIn the heart of the district is Parque Lincoln, and it’s where you want to go for people-watching. Established in the early 20th century, the park’s origins are intertwined with the development of Polanco itself. As the area transformed from agricultural land into a desirable residential and commercial zone, there was a push for more public green spaces. Today, the park is a stage for everyday life, and if you want to experience Mexico City like a local, it’s a great place to hang out in the afternoons. This chic two-bedroom apartment has breathtaking views over the park, and although it’s centrally located, it’s a haven.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $360 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosA block away from Parque Lincoln is this elegantly designed three-bedroom duplex apartment. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, and the living and dining areas are open-planned — perfect for entertaining. Within the apartment’s building, there’s a gym for guest use, too. This listing is perhaps not the best for those traveling with young children; the decor of soft brushed velvet furnishings, marble countertops, and countless pieces of modern art make it more suitable for a group of professionals visiting on business or friends who want a luxe stay in Polanco.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $543 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis bright and spacious Airbnb has been featured in many other publications for its unbeatable location and views. The professionally-designed interior has pops of color with Mexican art and antique furnishings. There are three bedrooms and an abundance of open-planned space for entertaining.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $288 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosAs with all Airbnbs in Mexico City, you’ll need to provide proof of identification for all guests staying in the property. Many offer the option to send a copy before arrival to speed up the process. This fantastic penthouse’s hosts have this service, so you can self-check in, offering more flexibility for your arrival time. The rental has shared access to a rooftop with a grill and a private terrace with a shaded outdoor dining area for four and comfortable lounge chairs. It’s minutes from Lincoln Park and Chapultepec.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $231 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosAnother nearby penthouse is this three-story property with a private rooftop. It’s well-kitted out with workstations for those coming to CDMX on a workcation. The spaciousness of the split-level penthouse makes it perfect for groups who would prefer privacy. The main level has floor-to-ceiling windows, a stylish living area, an open-plan kitchen, and a dining table for eight. The lower level is where you’ll find the office and bedrooms. The rooftop is on the upper level and offers panoramic city views, hanging chairs, a second dining table, and a grill.
Four guests, three bedrooms
Price: $225 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosIf you are coming to the city with a larger group, check out this modern apartment catering for up to 10 guests. It’s meters from Campos Eliseos Steet and Lincoln Park, where you can find some of the city’s best restaurants and shopping experiences. Expect tech-savvy amenities: futuristic light fixtures, sleek bathrooms, glass walls, and marble. If you are design-minded and want a contemporary stay, this is one to bookmark.
10 guests, three bedrooms
Price: $372 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis penthouse is well set up for families who want a chic stay in a secure building. It offers four bedrooms: two kings, one with two single beds, and the fourth with two queens. If you need a cot, this can be arranged before your arrival. There’s air conditioning throughout and a spectacular terrace surrounded by trees. It’s been described as “flawless” by previous guests who rave about how safe the building is and the intricate details of the elegant furnishings.
10 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $626 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosClean, spacious, safe, modern, and centrally located apartment with amazing views of one of the most populated cities in the world. Honestly, we don’t think you’ll need anything else to have a wonderful stay. Except for the incredible taqueria located up the street, and if you really feel like optimizing your “penthouse” experience, a dinner reservation at the acclaimed Pujol.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $511 for two-night minimum stay
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosIf you’re looking for a super clean, fully equipped place (think washer and dryer if you’re traveling with kids), with amazing amenities (pool, roof garden), private security, and great comfort (high-quality mattresses and bedding), you’ve found it with this apartment. Surrounded by malls, restaurants, and coffee shops, the highlight is probably the balcony where one can enjoy the depth of Mexico City’s sunsets.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $189 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis high-end penthouse is everything you come to Polanco for. Convenient, luxurious, and with expansive views of Mexico’s iconic capital, the accommodations are glitzy and deserved. There’s lots of space to lounge, and plenty of reasons to raise a toast to your stay in one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $1,306 for two-night minimum stay
February 1, 2025
Finding the Beauty of Wabi-Sabi on Japan’s Kii Peninsula
“The teacup in your hands is 400 years old,” the tea master told me. The ceramic vessel, glazed in soft yellow, bore a tiny crack snaking up one side. “Take a moment to contemplate the hands that have held it in the past — those of monks, poets, and samurai,” he said. Bald as a polished stone in a Zen garden and dressed in an immaculate black kimono, the tea master had spent decades studying wabi-cha, the traditional tea ceremony from Nara.
He whisked matcha in a ceramic bowl, and the emerald-green powder released a briny perfume into the small room adorned with wall scrolls and hinoki wood paneling. Before serving the brew, he asked me to examine my teacup again: “Every teacup has a face, where you place your lips.” My teacup’s face was directly opposite the thin crack, allowing me to admire the zig-zag-shaped fracture while savoring the matcha.
My teacup, the tea master explained, epitomized the ideal of wabi-sabi, a cornerstone of Japanese spirituality and aesthetics. The term loosely means “beauty in imperfection,” but it carries more nuanced meanings, like the bittersweetness of impermanence, pleasure in rustic design, and reverence for anything artfully weathered, aged, or imperfect. It’s one of the most notoriously tricky Japanese terms to translate, and a concept I was struggling to wrap my mind around even after weeks in Japan.
Tea ceremonies are an ancient art throughout Japan. Photo: Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten
As I studied my teacup and the matcha’s generous hit of caffeine kicked in, it finally clicked. I began to understand why the Japanese see profound beauty in lopsided stones, frayed vintage t-shirts, and ancient teacups. Like the creases etched into an elder’s face from a lifetime of joy and sorrow or a temple staircase polished from centuries of footsteps, imperfections allude to the stories and emotions intertwined with the passage of time. Wabi-sabi conveys a more poignant pathos than perfect symmetry ever could.
Many such insights into Japanese spirituality unfolded during my trip through the Kii Peninsula, a region south of Osaka that includes the Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures. It’s sometimes known as the “Prayer Room of Japan” and is home to Ise Jingu (the most sacred Shinto shrine), as well as Todai-ji, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan.
Coastline in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Photo: JinFujiwara/Shutterstock
While the peninsula is most famous for its holy sites, it’s growing in popularity with outdoorsy travelers who come to explore the region’s famous hiking trails, cliff-framed beaches, and renowned hot springs. Nara has long been one of Japan’s most popular destinations, but the Kii Peninsula’s smaller towns, most within a quick drive of a Shinkansen station, are almost free of tourists and offer a window into Japan’s rural culture. And with regional delicacies like spiny lobster, matsusaka beef, and multi-course kaiseki feasts in luxurious ryokans, the Kii Peninsula is as appealing to epicureans as spiritual seekers.
The Tori Gate at Ise Jingu. Photo: iamlukyeee/Shutterstock
Mie is blessed with dazzling coastlines, verdant mountains, grassy plains, and cedar forests. It’s three hours by bullet train from Tokyo and home to large sections of the Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage route connecting various Buddhist and Shinto holy sites. In past centuries, emperors and samurai traveled the sacred trails alongside monks, farmers, and fishermen. Today, much of the Kumano Kodo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And just as the Camino de Santiago, Spain’s famous pilgrimage trail, has one site more important than all others (Santiago de Compostela), so too does the Kumano Kodo Trail: Ise Jingu.
Dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the Shinto sun goddess and mythical ancestor of the Japanese imperial family, Ise Jingu is the most hallowed ground on earth for Shinto practitioners. The shrine sits within Ise-Shima National Park, a 230-square-mile preserve in Mie encompassing forests and coastlines and laced with hiking trails.
The inner shrine of Ise Jingu, called the Naiku, allegedly houses the mirror Amaterasu used to see herself at the dawn of creation. Similar to how Muslims’ aspire to visit the Kaaba in Mecca, Shinto devotees (which includes a large majority of Japanese people in some fashion) aim to visit Ise Jingu at least once in their lifetimes.
The sacred forest around Ise Jingu. Photo: freedom-man3/Shutterstock
Note that the Naiku, where the Sacred Mirror is held, is strictly off limits to the public. Visitors can, however, come to the wall around the Naiku and tour the various minor shrines around the Isuzu River and its surrounding cypress forests.
With an M.A. from the Divinity School at Harvard University and a deep interest in global religions, I’ve long been drawn to Japan. And the former religious studies teacher in me couldn’t help but spend the hours following my visit thinking about Ise Jingu’s metaphysical mysteries. What’s the symbolism behind the story of Amaterasu gazing at herself in a mirror? It’s a Shinto story, but one reflected across cultures in tales of gods admiring themselves; similar stories are found in Sufi poetry and Hindu mysticism.
A section of the Kumano Kodo, and the author at Isekado Brewery. Photos: Johnny Motley
My mind started to reel, and without having Carl Jung nearby to explain psycho-mythic symbolism, I figured it was time to come back down to Earth with a beer. Fortunately, Isekado Brewery, one of my bucket-list Japanese breweries, was just a quick drive from Ise Jingu.
Founded in 1575, Isekado was originally a soy sauce kura (storehouse), but centuries of shoyu fermentation expertise proved just as useful for crafting masterful beer. Isekado has garnered craft beer awards in Japan and around the globe, and during my visit, seemed to embody the spirit of monozukuri: meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering pursuit of perfection. Isekado’s current head brewer moved to Mie from Belgium, and the brewery’s offerings include Trappist, Japanese, and hybrid styles. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, you won’t find a tastier citrus lager in Japan, no matter how many cycles of birth and rebirth you experience.
A kaiseki dinner at Umi-no-Chou. Photo: Johnny Motley
Lodging options in Mie range from tranquil ryokans to grand, Western-style hotels. Umi-no-Chou is a hotel as renowned for fine dining as it is for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, situated on the easternmost part of the peninsula.
After donning silk yukata from their rooms, guests can settle in for a sumptuous kaiseki (multi-course) feast with Mie’s most famous proteins: spiny lobster and matsusaka beef. Like Kobe beef, matsusaka gyu (beef) comes from tajima cattle, but many connoisseurs and chefs claim it’s even better than its more famous counterpart from Kobe. Umi-no-Chou also has an impressive library of Japanese whiskies to pair with marbled slices of beef, and I was delighted to find rare whiskeys from beloved Japanese distillery Suntory, including Yamazaki and The Hakushu.
Resort Kumano Club is a compound of luxury cottages tucked in the mountains in the southern part of Mie Prefecture. Thoughtful touches include fine incense in each room and fridges stocked with local beers and sakes. Each cottage has its own kitchen and living room, and guests sleep on tatami floor mattresses – traditional bedding in Japan. The head chef at Kumano Club cut his teeth in kitchens in Italy and France, and his menu blends Japanese and continental specialties.
A woman in historical dress in Wakayama Prefecture. Photo: Mirko Kuzmanovic/Shutterstock
Blanketed with forests and laced with rivers, the mountainous prefecture of Wakayama is one of most sparsely populated pockets of Honshu, the main island of Japan. In addition to containing large sections of the Kumano Kodo, Wakayama is known for excellent soy sauce, persimmons, and sesame tofu, considered a rustic delicacy.
Denizens of Tokyo will tell you that Wakayama Prefecture is synonymous with inaka, the Japanese word for countryside. While it requires some effort to visit Wakayama as the prefecture lacks a bullet train station, visitors who make the trip are treated to quaint villages, stunning mountain drives, and the serene charm of Japan’s rural culture. I think of Wakayama as the South Dakota of Japan: an under-the-radar region that steals the hearts of travelers seeking natural splendor and authenticity instead of the sensory overload of places like Tokyo or Osaka.
Buddhism arrived in Japan in successive waves starting in the sixth century CE, with monks from Korea and China bringing varying interpretations of the religion across the Sea of Japan. In the early ninth century, a Japanese monk named Kūkai returned from China after studying an esoteric form of Buddhism with roots in Tibet. Kūkai championed a form of Buddhism that incorporated Shinto and mystical Japanese ideas, which became known as Shingon Buddhism. Around this time, nearby practitioners of an earlier Buddhism called Shugendō, which included Taoist principles and nature worship, embraced the teachings of Kūkai. While the two sects are still distinct today, both are present in temples and sacred sites around Koyasan and the Kumano Mountains.
Shegundo practitioners in Wayakama Prefecture, Japan. Photo: Johnny Motley
Many Shugendō and Shingon temples in Wakayama offer room and board to travelers, providing vegetarian meals and tatami mats. In these temple lodges, called shukubo, visitors may encounter yamabushi: Shugendō monks and nuns who live as hermits in the mountains. Traditional yamabushi garb includes a small box strapped to the forehead, somewhat similar to the prayer boxes (tefillin) worn by some Orthodox Jews.
The center of Shingon Buddhism is Koyasan, a temple complex deep in Wakayama’s misty mountains. Koyasan houses the earthly remains of Kūkai, who Shugendō devotees claim never died, but instead, rests in an eternal state of meditation. Today, the faithful pay their respects at Kūkai’s tomb in the Okunoin Mausoleum in the Koyasan temple complex.
A temple in the Kumano Nachi Taisha complex. Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
A three-hour drive from Koyasan is the temple complex of Kumano Nachi Taisha, which illustrates the mingling of Shinto and Buddhism so characteristic of Shegundō. In the temple complex, you’ll find statues of the Buddha and bodhisattvas (people who have reached enlightenment), but also images of Shinto nature deities. A large hollow tree stands in the temple’s courtyard, through which the faithful climb in a symbolic act of rebirth. After marveling at the temple halls and enjoying spiritual rebirth through the arboreal cervix, most visitors make the short walk to the majestic Nachi Falls. It’s the highest waterfall in Japan and a sacred site for both Buddhists and Shinto devotees.
Photo: Ryokan
It would be easy to conclude that Wakayama is a land of self-denying monks and hermits, but its high-end ryokans, rich cuisine, and inviting onsen will convince you otherwise. At Ryoken Adumaya at Kawayu Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs town in the world, guests can soak in both indoor and outdoor onsen (or day-trippers can use the baths between 1 and 3 PM). Before a nocturnal soak, enjoy a dinner of masterfully prepared jellyfish, sesame tofu, or even whale meat sashimi — three iconic delicacies from Wakayama.
Nara
Photo: ESB Professional/Shutterstock
Nara refers both to the prefecture and its largest city, which was Japan’s first permanent capital, established in 710 CE. Many visitors to Tokyo or Osaka make day trips to Nara to visit the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, but Nara is so saturated with history (as well as traditional artisan shops, charming towns, and excellent cuisine) that it’s best to try to spend at least two or three days there.
The most iconic image of Nara is the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple, one of the largest Buddhas in Japan. It was constructed in the eighth century from bronze, stands 15 meters high, and weighs approximately 500 tons. Look carefully at the statue’s pedestal to find etchings illustrating the various heavens and hells of Buddhist cosmology, including animals, angels, demons, and humans whirling through cycles of birth, death, and rebirth. Todai-ji is a skyscraper of cedar and hinoki wood, with much of its architecture — including the curved eaves, multi-tiered roofs, and large courtyards — inspired by Tang Dynasty China.
Deer in front of the Nandai-mon, or Great South Gate, leading to Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Photo: Florian Augustin/Shutterstock
Within walking distance of Todai-ji is Nara Park, encompassing a large swath of forest, a clutch of shrines, and more than 1,200 roaming deer. The deer are tame enough to pet and feed, and tradition holds that they’re messengers between humans and the Kami (Shinto gods). While it’s always best not to pet wild animals, many people do.
After visiting the temples, visitors with extra time should spend time wandering through narrow streets, charming craft shops, and the enticing restaurants of Naramachi, Nara’s old town. Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten is a two-story store selling artisan and local crafts, garments, and gourmet specialties; it’s an excellent shop for souvenirs and gifts. Visitors can also take part in a traditional wabi-cha tea ceremony at Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten. It lasts about an hour, leaving plenty of time to savor the ceremonial-grade matcha and gaze out onto the immaculate surrounding Zen gardens.
A private Onsen at FUFU Nara. Photo: FUFU Nara
Yukawa is a 300-year-old ryokan that could have been replicated from a Victorian-era British painter’s fantasy of Japan. Yukawa’s geothermal baths overlook unbroken stretches of forest, and the hotel’s interior is graced with priceless wall scrolls, ornately painted screens, and elegant flower displays following the strict rules of ikebana flower arranging. After deep post-onsen slumber, I spent the morning strolling through the town of Yoshino, a historical village renowned for its exceptionally beautiful cherry blossoms. Basho, one of Japan’s most celebrated poets, was so enamored with Yoshino that he returned to the town several times during his solitary wanderings across Japan.
FUFU Nara, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, epitomizes omotenashi, traditional Japanese hospitality. Every detail of the property seemed meticulously considered, from the coveted whiskeys in the lobby bar to the herbal satchets to infuse in your private onsen to the yukata hanging in the closets.
FUFU Nara houses several upscale restaurants, and my favorite was the teppanyaki counter. Seated in front of a grill, you choose from locally sourced delicacies, the likes of wagyu, spiny lobster, or abalone, for the chef to cook á la minute. The menu includes French wine, rare whiskey, and Japanese craft beer to pair with charred beef and seafood. Imagine the Benihana of your childhood, but with Michelin-level glamour.
January 31, 2025
Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line’s One-and-Only Private Island in the Bahamas
See the full list of islands and beaches owned by cruise lines
The 268-acre Bahamian island of Great Stirrup Cay is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and is exclusive to NCL guests sailing on Bahamian itineraries, as well as guests on some MSC voyages. Great Stirrup Cay was purchased by NCL from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and was the first-ever private island owned by a cruise line.
Great Stirrup Cay’s main attraction is its gorgeous, 1,500-foot-long, white-sand beach furnished with 3,000 sun loungers to accommodate guests. Around the beach is a multitude of bars and restaurants, beachfront cabanas, a spa with ocean views, and attractions to entertain cruisers, including a zip line, an overwater swing, and even an underwater sculpture garden. The island is also home to luxurious, air-conditioned, beachfront villas that cruisers can rent for the day. Shore excursions are available and include kayak and Jet Ski tours, and a visit to nearby Treasure Island where visitors can swim with pigs and stingrays. At the time of writing, ships cannot dock directly at Great Stirrup Cay and guests must be transported from the ship to the island via tender boats. However, a multi-ship pier will be completed by the end of 2025.
Disney Cruises Owns an Island and a Beach Resort in the Bahamas
See the full list of islands and beaches owned by cruise lines
Disney Cruises owns one private island, Castaway Cay, and one private resort, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, both of which are located in the Bahamas.
Castaway Cay is a 1,000-acre, shipwreck-themed private island located off Great Abaco Island. This Island has been leased from the Bahamian government since the mid-90s, and most Disney cruise ships on Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries visit it. Disney Cruises ships dock directly at Castaway Cay and a system of trams helps guests get from the pier to the three main beaches and the attractions, such as slides and the game pavilion among many others. Guests can rent snorkel gear, tubes, floats, SUPS, kayaks, etc. to have an exciting afternoon in the sun, or they can walk the many paved trails and enjoy the island in a more peaceful way. Cabanas are available for rent, and guests who prefer to be guided during their time on the island can book excursions. Three food venues serve complimentary BBQ fare, soft drinks, and ice cream.
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which opened in June 2024, is a private resort located on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island, just a few miles away from Princess Cruises’ Princess Cays. Disney Cruise ships can dock directly at the pier in Lookout Cay and, like at Castaway Cay, a tram takes guests to the heart of the action. A long stretch of beach furnished with loungers and colorful umbrellas are at the guests’ disposal, along with a slew of amenities, including waterparks, several food-and-drink venues, and even an adult-only beach, bars, and cabanas.
All the Islands and Beaches Owned by Cruise Lines
Tagged
Cruises
Beaches and Islands
All the Islands and Beaches Owned by Cruise Lines
By Morgane Croissant
Photo: MSC CruisesVacationing on a remote, private island or an exclusive beach is the stuff of dreams. But unless you’re a lucky multi-millionaire, or a not-so-lucky castaway, that particular fantasy isn’t likely to become a reality. Or is it?
Eight major cruise lines own or lease islands and beaches whose access is reserved to their guests, and becoming one of their guests is neither difficult, nor expensive — all your have to do is book the right sailing. Of course, you have to share the island or beach with the rest of the passengers, but still, it’s a great way to while away the hours in a paradisiacal setting with your toes in the sand and a lovely cocktail in the hand. You can even go swimming with sting rays, zipline, take a balloon ride, or even snorkel among corals if you prefer a more adventurous experience.
While most of the private islands and beaches owned by cruise lines are located in the Bahamas, there are also some in Belize, Honduras, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and even French Polynesia — so take your pick.
Harvest Cay in Belize
Visit
Harvest Cay in Belize
Read more
Labadee in Haiti
Visit
Labadee in Haiti
Read more
Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic
Visit
Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic
Read moreWhat Does a Private Cruise Line Island or Beach Even Mean?
Cruise lines have been purchasing, leasing, and co-owning islands and beaches for decades, starting in 1977, when Norwegian Cruise Line purchase Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Since then, more than eight cruise lines have acuired 13 private destinations, seven of which are in the Bahamas, a country whose economy predominantly rely on tourism. And the numbers keep growing. Carnival’s 65-acre day resort Celebration Key is set to open in summer 2025, and Royal Caribbean has another three private destinations in the works that will open in the next two years.
The cruise lines’ goals in getting their hands on little slices of paradise for the exclusive use of their guests, is not just to give passengers a good time. Their objective is to profit from their spendings even when they are on land, as well as to make their own operations a lot easier.
By building their own piers, cruise lines know that there won’t be a size problem for their ships to dock, they won’t have to compete for a docking spot with other companies, and they won’t have to pay a docking fee. By running their own day resorts filled with restaurants, bars, and activities, they know that the destination can cater to the exact number of people who are disembarking. Also, when thousands of guests arrive at cruise lines’ private destinations, the companies don’t have to deal with the ever-louder accusations regarding overtourism.
BahamasPhoto: Carnival Corporation & prPerfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas
Visit
Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas
Read more
Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas
Visit
Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas
Read more
Beach club at Bimini in the Bahamas
Visit
Beach club at Bimini in the Bahamas
Read more
Princess Cays in the Bahamas
Visit
Princess Cays in the Bahamas
Read more
Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas
Visit
Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas
Read more
Relax Away, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas
Visit
Relax Away, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas
Read more
What Cruise Lines Own Islands and Beaches?Royal Caribbean
Carnival Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Disney Cruises
MSC
Princess Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Motu Mahana in French Polynesia
Visit
Motu Mahana in French Polynesia
Read more
Ocean Cay MSC Reserve in the Bahamas
Visit
Ocean Cay MSC Reserve in the Bahamas
Read more
Mahogany Bay in Honduras
Visit
Mahogany Bay in Honduras
Read more
Amber Cove: Carnival Cruise Line’s Private Day Resort in the Dominican Republic
See the full list of islands and beaches owned by cruise lines
The 25-acre Amber Cove Cruise Center, located on the north coast of The Dominical Republic, is owned by the Carnival Corporation & plc. Cruise lines owned and operated by the Carnival Corporation visit Amber Cove during Caribbean itineraries, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line, Holland America Cruise Line, Costa Cruise Line, and more, but a small number of Norwegian Cruise Lines also dock there.
Photos: MeaowgiPhotography/Shutterstock and Munteanu Silviu Nicusor/Shutterstock
The Amber Cove Cruise Centre is the gateway to the rest of the region, but it’s also a destination in its own right. Similar to a day resort, the cruise center has shops, restaurants, and an Aqua Zone with a pool, sun loungers, waterslides, beach bars, overwater cabanas available for rent for the day, and even a zip line. Multiple shore excursions are available in Amber Cove, including canyoning, swimming with dolphins, and sailing, all of which depart from the cruise center.
Harvest Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Private Island in Belize
See the full list of islands and beaches owned by cruise lines
Harvest Cay is a 75-acre Belizean island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) for the exclusive use of NCL guests and guests on some Oceania sailings. The seven-acre beach furnished with comfy loungers is the main appeal, but there’s also a lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar and a waterfall, poolside and beachside cabanas for rent, several food and drink venues, and a salt water lagoon where guests can partake in watersports. There’s also a nature center where visitors can admire local wildlife such as butterflies, toucans, and scarlet macaws. Shore excursions on Harvest Cay include ziplining across the island and snorkeling in the world’s second-largest coral reef.
Photos: PQK/Shutterstock and tantzi13/Shutterstock
Learn MoreMSC’s Private Island in the Bahamas Used to Be a Sand Mine
See the full list of islands and beaches owned by cruise lines
Ocean Cay MSC Reserve, located in the Bahamas, is MSC’s private island. Open since 2019, the island offers MSC guests the opportunity to enjoy 95 acres of Bahamian paradise, including two miles of white-sand beach. Beyond sunbathing on one of the seven beaches, guests can also take part in a variety of fee-based activities and experiences, including massages at the island’s spa, yoga classes, watersports, and more. Live music and a light show are scheduled during every Ocean Cay visit to entertain guests on land. Food trucks and beach bars provide all the snacks and refreshments guests need, and there’s even a shop for those who want to buy souvenirs.
Photos: MSC Cruises
Before it became Ocean Cay MSC Reserve, the island was a sand excavation site in desperate need of a clean-up. MSC got rid of all the industrial waste on the islands and the waters around it, and hired experts to bring it back to health. 85,000 native plants and shrubs were planted and a coral nursery was established as part of MSC Super Coral Programme which is dedicated to restoring coral reefs in the Bahamas.
All MSC ships sailing a Bahamas or Western Caribbean itinerary and departing from Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando), and New York stop at Ocean Cay MSC Reserve. MSC ships dock directly at Ocean Cay.
Labadee: Royal Caribbean’s Private Beach in Haiti
See the full list of islands and beaches owned by cruise lines
Labadee, located on a peninsula on the north coast of Haiti, is a private day resort that’s been leased to Royal Caribbean since 1985. While there’s no pool on this particular Royal Caribbean private destination, there are five beautiful beaches where to relax and swim; overwater, beach, and waterfront cabanas to rent; various restaurants and bars; as well as a wealth of adrenaline-pumping activities to take part in. In between sunbathing sessions, the bravest of visitors can ride a 300-foot-long waterslide, a half-mile zipline above the ocean, or even an incredibly fast alpine-style coaster.
While Labadee is exclusive to Royal Caribbean guests, passengers from some Celebrity Cruises voyages also have access to the resort.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
